MGM+ ORDERS SCI-FI SERIES EARTH ABIDES BASED ON LEGENDARY CULT CLASSIC NOVEL AND STARRING ALEXANDER LUDWIG

The six-episode limited series from creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully) is based on the novel of the same name by George R. Stewart and will star Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) 

 Earth Abides begins production in Vancouver on April 8 and will debut on MGM+ in late 2024

Download book art and headshot HERE

 

LOS ANGELES—March 26, 2024— Premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ announced today a six-episode limited series order for Earth Abides, a wildly imaginative new take on George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel of the same name. Created by showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully), the series comes from MGM+ Studios and executive producers Kearie Peak and Lighthouse Productions’ Michael Phillips and Juliana Maio. The series will star Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) as “Ish” and begin production in Vancouver on April 8. Earth Abides is slated to premiere on MGM+ in late 2024.

When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into extinction.

The leading character of “Ish,” played by Ludwig, is a brilliant but solitary young geologist living a semi-isolated life who awakens from a coma only to find that there is no one left alive but him. A plague of unprecedented virulence has swept the globe, and yes, there are a few scattered survivors, but there are no rules. His journey is to learn the difference between sanctuary and survival and to open his heart to love if he is to find meaning in his life after the great machine of civilization has broken down.

“It’s very special to reintroduce Earth Abides to fans of George Stewart’s seminal work of science fiction, as well as to a new generation,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “The story’s messages of humanity, hope, and compassion are as relevant today as they were nearly a century ago.”

“It has been an unmitigated thrill to adapt such a seminal sci-fi work, and the themes illuminated by George Stewart 75 years ago could not be more meaningful and timelier for the world we are living in today,” said creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki. “Despite the chaos and division that greets us every morning in the news, the truth remains that the way forward for society is through unity, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and grace.”

The series is based on the novel by George R. Stewart, which is published by Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Oscar®-winner Michael Phillips (The Sting), along with Juliana Maio and Kearie Peak, serve as executive producers. Komarnicki serves as writer and showrunner. Additional writers include Karen Janszen, Tony Spiridakis, Evan Hart, and Kyle Stephen. Bronwen Hughes is set to direct the pilot and Episode Two. Rachel Leiterman will direct Episodes Three and Four, and Stephen Campanelli will direct Episodes Five and Six.

Alexander Ludwig – “Ish”

Alexander Ludwig is a versatile and talented actor, producer and musician who has captivated audiences worldwide. He is known for his roles in box office hits and critical acclaimed films such as Guy Richie’s The Covenant alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Ric Roman Waugh’s National Champions alongside Uzo Aduba, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons, and Sony’s Bad Boys for Life alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. His leading roles in television series such as Bjorn in globally recognized Vikings, and Ace in Peter Segal’s Heels, have continued his success with global recognition. Upcoming, Ludwig is set to reprise his role as Dorn in Bad Boys 4 scheduled to release in theaters on June 7th. He joined the franchise in the latest film Boys for Life which broke box office records and became the most successful film in the franchise. Ludwig recently finished shooting the upcoming feature film Marked Men directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on Jay Crownover’s book series. He also wrapped production on the feature film Killing Castro directed by Eif Rivera, alongside Al Pacino. Additional previous credits include Emmerich’s film Midway opposite Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid, Lone Survivor directed by Peter Berg, Grown Ups 2, and the box-office smash-hit The Hunger Games.

Alexander Ludwig is represented by Untitled Entertainment and WME. Todd Komarnicki is represented by Gotham and attorney Darren Trattner. The rights to the book Earth Abides are represented by David Wienir and Matthew Spindler at HarperCollins Publishers.

About Lighthouse Productions 

Lighthouse Productions is a film and television company founded by Michael Phillips (Oscar-winning producer) and Juliana Maio (Best-selling author and producer). Their new production of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead will be released in theatres this April.

About MGM+

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a

broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid, the anticipated new series Hotel Cocaine and Emperor of Ocean Park, the limited series A Spy Among Friends, and cinematic dramatic series Rogue HeroesWar of the Worlds, and Beacon 23. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel CanyonMy Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons,. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: MaverickBeekeeper, Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls 2.

MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, digital distribution channels and the MGM+ app. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow us on X,  InstagramFacebookTikTok, and YouTube.

 

Press contacts:

Eileen Quast, MGM+

equast@amazon.com

 

Lauren Dundee, MGM+

ldundee@vendor.mgm.com

MGM+ GREENLIGHTS NINE BODIES IN A MEXICAN MORGUE, A NEW ORIGINAL MYSTERY THRILLER FROM ANTHONY HOROWITZ AND ELEVENTH HOUR FILMS

Eric McCormack is the first star announced from the ensemble cast   

 

LOS ANGELES—March 06, 2024— MGM+, the premium linear channel and streaming service, have today announced it has greenlit the mystery thriller Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue. The series will also have a British broadcast partner to be announced later. 

The six-episode original limited mystery series is written, created, and executive produced by Anthony Horowitz CBE (Alex Rider, Magpie Murders), and is produced by Eleventh Hour Films, a Sony Pictures Television (SPT)-backed company. SPT will distribute the series worldwide.  

Filming will commence this May in the Canary Islands.  

The series follows the tale of nine strangers who find themselves lost in a remote Mexican jungle after their small plane travelling from Guatemala to the U.S. crashes. One by one, the survivors are murdered, leaving the remaining passengers to solve the terrifying mystery before they too fall victim to the killer.  

The first star announced from the ensemble cast is Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, Perception), who is set to appear as Kevin, a former doctor who has been purchasing medical supplies in Guatemala. 

Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue is a clever and wildly entertaining addition to MGM+’s growing slate of edge-of-your-seat thrillers,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “Anthony Horowitz has spun a masterfully inventive web of deception and intrigue that keeps audiences guessing until the very last ax falls.”  

Anthony Horowitz said, “I loved writing Nine Bodies in A Mexican Morgue, which I think may be the twistiest story I’ve ever come up with. It’s not just a question of who is committing all these murders — it’s why and I hope audiences will enjoy the truly ‘killer’ ending.” 

“This highly distinctive, cinematic drama will feature a wide cast of international characters stretching from Mexican soldiers stationed at a morgue close to the U.S. border to the international collection of passengers and staff on the plane — all of whom are hiding secrets from each other. We are assembling a fantastic ensemble cast, and Anthony Horowitz will lead them, and the audience, on a twisted journey deep inside a dangerous Mexican jungle,” said Jill Green and Eve Gutierrez, Eleventh Hour Films. 

In addition to Anthony Horowitz, the series is also executive produced by Jill Green and Eve Gutierrez for Eleventh Hour Films.  

 

Eric McCormack – “Kevin”  

McCormack starred in The Cottage, which recently wrapped its Broadway run at the Hayes Theater. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated 2001 production of The Music Man. He also starred in the Tony-nominated production of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, as well as Neil LaBute’s off-Broadway play Some Girl(s) opposite Fran Drescher and Maura Tierney. 

On the TV side, McCormack can be seen starring in the Hulu series The Other Black Girl, based on the best-selling novel by the same name. Best known as Will Truman on NBC’s Will & Grace, McCormack has been nominated for multiple awards, and won the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy in 2001. The recipient of a star on both Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, McCormack has played lead roles in dozens of films and TV series, including three seasons of Netflix hit Travelers, where he also served as a director and producer. Additionally, McCormack starred in Trust Me and three seasons of the crime thriller, Perception on TNT. 

McCormack is repped by Gersh, and Harris Hartman at Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern.   

 

About Eleventh Hour Films 

Established in 2010, Eleventh Hour Films is an independent scripted production company that focuses on producing drama of the highest quality, both in the UK and internationally. EHF is currently in post-production on Moonflower Murders starring Lesley Manville for PBS Masterpiece and the BBC, a follow-up to EHF’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s best-selling novel Magpie Murders as well as a major reimagining of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels starring Richard Rankin from writer Gregory Burke. The company has also recently produced twisted thriller The Killing Kind for Paramount+ UK and Sony Pictures Television, starring Emma Appleton and Colin Morgan and based on the best-selling novel by Jane Casey, which launched in the UK in September 2023.  

EHF produces the globally successful spy series Alex Rider, which launched in 2020 and has sold in over 100 territories worldwide with a third series launching this April. The company’s other productions include Foyle’s War, Safe House and Collision. 

 

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.  

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. 

 

About Sony Pictures Television 

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing, and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly-owned and joint-venture production companies across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world. SPT is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. 

 

Press contacts: 

Eileen Quast, MGM+ 

equast@amazon.com 

 

Edward Brody, Sony Pictures Television 

Edward_Brody@spe.sony.com 

 

 

 

MGM+’s ‘EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK’ ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CASTING

Henry Simmons, Bryan Greenberg, Torrey Hanson, Ora Jones, and Jasmine Batchelor are set to recur, joining previously announced series regulars in series from Warner Bros. Television and John Wells Production

Download cast headshots here

 

Los Angeles, CA – February 6 – Today, premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ announced new casting for Emperor of Ocean Park, a thrilling, suspenseful take on author and law professor Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel, from executive producer/writer Sherman Payne (Charm City Kings, Shameless), John Wells Productions (JWP), and Warner Bros. Television. Henry Simmons, Bryan Greenberg, Torrey Hanson, Ora Jones, and Jasmine Batchelor are set to recur, joining previously announced series regulars Forest Whitaker (“Godfather of Harlem”), Grantham Coleman (“Lawman: Bass Reeves”), Tiffany Mack (“Jessica Jones”), and Paulina Lule (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”).

Set in the worlds of politics, elite academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an esteemed law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland (Forest Whitaker), dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by JWP in association with Warner Bros. Television, where JWP is under an overall deal.

Henry Simmons – “Addison Garland”

Bio: Henry Simmons most recently starred in season two of the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s and Ava DuVernay’s anthology drama series Cherish the Day, from WBTV.  Previously, he starred in six seasons of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for ABC, and in the final six seasons of the landmark ABC drama NYPD Blue, created by Steven Bochco and David Milch. He was also a series regular on the CBS legal drama Shark and ABC comedy Man Up. Simmons starred in the feature film No Good Deed, opposite Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson, for Screen Gems. He also starred opposite Henson and Michael Clarke Duncan in From the Rough, and opposite Robin Williams in the independent feature World’s Greatest Dad. He was named Best Actor at the 2007 American Black Film Festival for his performance in South of Pico. Additional film acting credits include Madea’s Family Reunion, Something New, Taxi, Are We There Yet?, The Insurgents, A Gentleman’s Game, and Above the Rim.

Simmons is repped by Emery Entertainment, Independent Artist Group, and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang.

Bryan Greenberg – “Howard Denton”

Bio: Bryan Greenberg has been a beloved staple in film and television for over 2 decades. Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Jake Jagielski in The CW’s ONE TREE HILL, Greenberg also starred in the HBO series HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA from the creative team behind ENTOURAGE, as well as FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS for Screen Gems, opposite Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake. Additionally, Bryan starred in the fifth and sixth seasons of Mindy Kaling’s THE MINDY PROJECT for Hulu.

His other varied film and television works include THE KITCHEN, PRIME, A SHORT HISTORY OF DECAY, BRIDE WARS, THE PERFECT SCORE, OCTOBER ROAD, HBO’S UNSCRIPTED, THE TICK, BESSIE, and Brian A Miller’s VICE.  Bryan Greenberg recently made his directorial debut with JUNCTION, starring Sophia Bush, Jamie Chung, Josh Peck, Ryan Eggold and Griffin Dunne. In addition to acting, Bryan is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and musician.  Bryan’s songs have been placed on UNSCRIPTED, NOBEL SON, and OCTOBER ROAD.  Additionally, he performed two original songs, as well as a cover song in tribute to the deceased indie musician Elliot Smith on ONE TREE HILL.

Greenberg is repped by Gersh and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum & Morris.

Torrey Hanson – “Jack Ziegler”

Torrey Hanson is a Chicago-based actor. He’s had guest, recurring and co-star roles in episodes of Fargo, The Exorcist, Shining Girls, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, South Side, Empire, Crisis, Cheers and Wings. He played Jack Hyde in Jordan Peele’s remake of Candyman. He’s performed in over 160 theater productions, most recently at Steppenwolf, Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare and Writer’s Theaters in Chicago. He was a company member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for five seasons and at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for 17 seasons. He has an AB with distinction in Rhetoric, History and French from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Theater from UW-Milwaukee, where he was a graduate fellow. He’s practiced SGI Nichiren Buddhism for 35 years.

Torrey Hanson is represented by Gray Talent Group.

Ora Jones – “Claire Garland”

Bio: Ora Jones’ Broadway roles include Madame de Volanges in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the Booth, and Mrs. Phelps in Matilda the Musical, both at the Shubert and in the first national tour. She has worked at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; the Goodman Theatre;  Rivendell Theatre;  Timeline Theatre; Writers Theatre and About Face Theatre. Regional and other New York credits include performances at Long Wharf Theatre, Yale Repertory, Manhattan Theatre Club, Public Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory, Next Act, and The Weston Playhouse in Weston, VT. Ms. Jones is an Ensemble Member of the Internationally acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre. She has appeared in over 18 productions for the theatre. Some film and television appearances include We Grown Now, Consumed, Were the World Mine, Stranger than Fiction, The Weatherman, Chicago Cab,

and Kubuku Rides (This is It). Television: Somebody, Somewhere (HBO), Chicago Fire (NBC), Betrayal (ABC) and the upcoming 61st Street (AMC).”

Jones is repped by Innovative Artists.

Jasmine Batchelor – “Maxine”

Bio: Jasmine is just coming off a season as “Detective Churlish” on Law & Order: SVU.  Other television credits include New Amsterdam, NCIS New Orleans and The Good Fight. For her work as the lead in the indie favorite The Surrogate, Jasmine was nominated for a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor. She appeared in Journal for Jordan, directed by Denzel Washington, and has two new films coming up, Three Birthdays and I’ll Be There, which won awards at both Austin Film Festival and Santa Clarita International Film Festival, where Jasmine also won Best Actress. In New York, she has appeared at Lincoln Center Theatre, The Public Theatre, Playwrights Realm, Theatre for a New Audience and Manhattan Theatre Club. She is an alumnus of The Juilliard School and Wright State University.

Batchelor is repped by Liberman Zerman Management.

About John Wells Productions

John Wells Productions is the production company of writer, producer, and director John Wells. Most recently, Wells executive produced and directed the Emmy-nominated Maid for Netflix; Showtime’s Emmy-nominated Shameless; and the TNT drama series Animal Kingdom. Past television projects include NBC’s hit series ER, The West Wing, and Third Watch; the critically acclaimed Southland for TNT; the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning Mildred Pierce for HBO; and the Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated China Beach.

JWP’s current slate of television projects includes The Accident, with Wells writing and directing; the action workplace drama Rescue: HI-Surf, written by Matt Kester; the psychological thriller series Doll, with renowned theatre and opera director Ivo van Hove; and an adaptation of the critically acclaimed suspense thriller Notes on an Execution, by Danya Kukafka, with Kate Fodor writing.

The company currently has an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.

Films produced by Wells include The Company Men, which was his feature directorial debut; Todd Haynes’ Far from Heaven and I’m Not There; Mark Romanek’s One Hour Photo; Todd Graff’s Camp; Fenton Bailey’s Party Monster; Robert Altman’s The Company; John Waters’ A Dirty Shame; Mary Harron’s The Notorious Bettie Page; Phyllis Nagy’s Mrs. Harris; Tom Kalin’s Savage Grace; Douglas McGrath’s Infamous; Jordan Scott’s Cracks; Andrew Neel’s Goat; Burnt, which he also directed; Bill Pohlad’s Love & Mercy; Carroll Ballard’s Duma; Peter Kominsky’s White Oleander; Neil Jordan’s The Good Thief; Andrzej Bartkowiak’s Doom; Tony Giglio’s Doom: Annihilation; Michael Mayer’s A Home at the End of the World; and Oscar-nominated August: Osage County, which Wells also directed, based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name.

About Warner Bros. Television

One of the entertainment industry’s most-respected providers of original programming since its founding in 1955, Warner Bros. Television delivers scripted dramas, comedies, limited series, and original movies for multiple platforms. As of Feburary 2024, WBTV is producing nearly 40 scripted series for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, external streaming platforms, cable, and the five U.S. broadcast networks.

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Press Contacts:
MGM+:
Eileen Quast, PR, equast@amazon.com

Lauren Dundee, PR, ldundee@vendor.mgm.com

John Well Productions:
Guido Gotz, GG@slatepr.com

Warner Bros. Television:
Rebecca Marks, Rebecca.Marks@wbd.com

Robert Pietranton, Robert.Pietranton@wbd.com

Brittany Rodgers, Brittany.Rodgers@wbd.com

MGM+ Announces Forest Whitaker to Star in Suspense Thriller Emperor of Ocean Park

Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker joins previously announced cast members

Grantham Coleman (Lawman: Bass Reeves), Tiffany Mack (Jessica Jones), and

Paulina Lule (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) in series from Warner Bros. Television 

and John Wells Productions

 

LOS ANGELES, CA —January 17, 2024— Today, premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ announced that Forest Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem) will star in Emperor of Ocean Park, a thrilling, suspenseful take on author and law professor Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel, from executive producer/writer Sherman Payne (Charm City Kings, Shameless), John Wells Productions (JWP), and Warner Bros. Television. The series begins production in Chicago this month and is scheduled to premiere on MGM+ this summer.

Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Whitaker will pay Judge Oliver Garland, the patriarch of his family and a formidable figure in national politics and the judicial system. He is stern, intelligent, calculating, and proud. As a Black man in America, navigating unwelcoming and often hostile environments, he has formed a hard exterior—that he’s come to rely on as a shield. He is a devoted father whose commitment to his family simultaneously bolsters and undercuts his deeply and rigidly held conservative principles.

“Forest Whitaker brings his unique gravitas and grace to every role he plays,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “We are beyond fortunate that Forest will inhabit the complex and layered role of Judge Oliver Garland, and once again put his unparalleled stamp on an MGM+ Original Series.”

“I’m incredibly excited for the legendary Forest Whitaker to join Emperor of Ocean Park,” said Payne. “Portraying the patriarch of our onscreen family, Forest brings thoughtfulness, leadership, and unimpeachable talent to an already incredible cast. Since the very first draft, Forest has been my dream candidate for this role, and it is truly humbling that we are now working together to bring this story to life.”

We are delighted and honored to have Forest Whitaker joining the cast of Emperor of Ocean Park,” said Wells. “He’s who we always hoped would agree to play Judge Garland and his addition to our talented cast is very exciting.”

“I’m excited to be playing Judge Oliver Garland, and thank John Wells, Sherman Payne, and Michael Wright for this opportunity to join the cast and crew of Emperor of Ocean Park, as we bring Stephen L. Carter’s extraordinary novel to life,” said Whitaker.

Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by JWP in association with Warner Bros. Television, where JWP is under an overall deal. Damian Marcano (Lawman: Bass Reeves) is set to direct multiple episodes. John Wells, Sherman Payne, Damian Marcano, Shukree Tilghman, and JWP’s Erin Jontow will serve as executive producers. Payne, who also serves as showrunner, wrote the first episode, which will be directed by Marcano. Payne is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead. Carter and the novel are represented by Lynn Nesbit from Janklow & Nesbit, and Bob Bookman. Marcano is represented by Rothman Brecher Ehrich Livingston and Joel VanderKloot.

Whitaker is represented by Linden Entertainment and WME.

About John Wells Productions

John Wells Productions is the production company of writer, producer, and director John Wells. Most recently, Wells executive produced and directed the Emmy-nominated Maid for Netflix; Showtime’s Emmy-nominated Shameless; and the TNT drama series Animal Kingdom. Past television projects include NBC’s hit series ER, The West Wing, and Third Watch; the critically acclaimed Southland for TNT; the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning Mildred Pierce for HBO; and the Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated China Beach.

JWP’s current slate of television projects includes The Accident, with Wells writing and directing; the action workplace drama Rescue: HI-Surf, written by Matt Kester; the psychological thriller series Doll, with renowned theatre and opera director Ivo van Hove; and an adaptation of the critically acclaimed suspense thriller Notes on an Execution, by Danya Kukafka, with Kate Fodor writing.

The company currently has an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.

Films produced by Wells include The Company Men, which was his feature directorial debut; Todd Haynes’ Far from Heaven and I’m Not There; Mark Romanek’s One Hour Photo; Todd Graff’s Camp; Fenton Bailey’s Party Monster; Robert Altman’s The Company; John Waters’ A Dirty Shame; Mary Harron’s The Notorious Bettie Page; Phyllis Nagy’s Mrs. Harris; Tom Kalin’s Savage Grace; Douglas McGrath’s Infamous; Jordan Scott’s Cracks; Andrew Neel’s Goat; Burnt, which he also directed; Bill Pohlad’s Love & Mercy; Carroll Ballard’s Duma; Peter Kominsky’s White Oleander; Neil Jordan’s The Good Thief; Andrzej Bartkowiak’s Doom; Tony Giglio’s Doom: Annihilation; Michael Mayer’s A Home at the End of the World; and Oscar-nominated August: Osage County, which Wells also directed, based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name.

About Warner Bros. Television

One of the entertainment industry’s most-respected providers of original programming since its founding in 1955, Warner Bros. Television delivers scripted dramas, comedies, limited series, and original movies for multiple platforms. As of January 2024, WBTV is producing nearly 40 scripted series for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, external streaming platforms, cable, and the five U.S. broadcast networks.

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

 

Press Contacts:

MGM+:Eileen Quast, PR, equast@amazon.com

Lauren Dundee, PR, ldundee@vendor.mgm.com

John Well Productions:Guido Gotz, GG@slatepr.com

Warner Bros. Television:

Rebecca Marks, rebecca.marks@wbd.com

Robert Pietranton, robert.pietranton@wbd.com

Brittany Rodgers, brittany.rodgers@wbd.com

MGM+ Announces Start of Production and Additional Casting for 1970s Crime Thriller ‘Hotel Cocaine’

New cast members join previously announced stars Danny Pino, Michael Chiklis, Mark Feuerstein, and Yul Vazquez

 

New Cast Headshots Available HERE

LOS ANGELES—January 4, 2024—Today, premium network MGM+ revealed additional casting for crime thriller Hotel Cocaine, executive produced by Chris Brancato (Godfather of Harlem, Narcos) and Guillermo Navarro (Pan’s Labyrinth). The eight-episode series from MGM+ Studios, in partnership with MGM Television, resumes production this month in the Dominican Republic, and is slated to premiere this summer. The series will be internationally distributed by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution.

 Hotel Cocaine is the story of Roman Compte, Cuban exile and general manager of the the Mutiny Hotel, the glamorous epicenter of the Miami cocaine scene of late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The Mutiny Hotel was Casablanca on cocaine; a glitzy nightclub, restaurant, and hotel frequented by Florida businessmen and politicians, international narcos, CIA and FBI agents, models, sports stars, and musicians. At the center of it all was Compte, who was doing his best to keep it all going and fulfill his own American Dream.

New series regulars announced today are Tania Watson (The Head), Corina Bradley (Star-Crossed Romance), and Laura Gordon (Late Night with the Devil), joining the previously announced Danny Pino (Mayans M.C., Law & Order: SVU), Michael Chiklis (The Shield, Winning Time), Mark Feuerstein (Power, The Baby-Sitters Club), and Yul Vazquez (Severance, Godfather of Harlem).

New recurring and guest casting includes Mayra Hermosillo (Narcos: Mexico), Juan Pablo Raba (Narcos, Six), Erniel Baez (Reacher), Nick Barkla (Blind Company, Em 4 Jay), Cale Ambrozic, Camila Valero (Pacto de Silencio, Mala Fortuna), Maggie Lacey (Julia, American Animals, New Amsterdam), John Ventimiglia (Gaslit, Jessica Jones), and Larry Powell (White Men Can’t Jump, The Browsing Effect).

Chris Brancato created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. Guillermo Navarro directed the pilot and executive produces the series alongside Brancato, with Michael Panes and Alfredo Barrios Jr. also serving as executive producers.

New series regular casting below:

Tania Watson – “Marisol”

SERIES REGULAR

Character Bio: Marisol is Roman’s girlfriend and de facto stepmother to his daughter Valeria. She watches with growing fear as he becomes enmeshed in his drug-dealing brother’s life.

Bio: Tania Watson most recently played Erika Fisher in The Head Season Two, directed by Jorge Dorado for Mediapro, and Blanca Martínez in the German Series Balko Tenerife, directed by Felix Koch for RTL+ and UFA Fiction. She also appeared in the feature film Control Room for Nostromo, directed by Luiso Berdejo; Pioneras, for Movistar Plus+; and Now and Then, for Apple TV+.  She won an award for best actress in the Heart of England Film Festival for the short film Carga, which won several awards and recognitions around the world.

Tania Watson is represented by Lucia Del Rio Management.

Corina Bradley – “Valeria”

SERIES REGULAR

Character bio: Valeria is Roman Compte’s 16-year-old daughter. She watches her father get pulled into the middle of the Miami drug wars and begins her own investigation into her father and uncle’s activities.

Bio: Corina Bradley, the dynamic artist from Venezuela now making waves in Toronto, effortlessly commands attention in both Spanish and on the screen. With a dazzling start at age 5 in TV, print, and musicals, she’s now a rising star in film, notably as a supporting lead in Star-Crossed Romance. Beyond acting, Corina boasts a massive TikTok following of 303,000 with 13.8 million likes, where she showcases her musical talents through covers. Bradley is a captivating force destined for greatness in the entertainment industry. Get ready to witness the ascent of a true multitalented sensation.

Corina Bradley is represented by Sarah Davis at Premiere Talent Management.

Laura Gordon – “Janice Nichols”

SERIES REGULAR

Character Bio: Janice is the head of the Mutiny girls, the fun-loving, charming, and vivacious women who populate the Mutiny Club.

Bio: Laura Gordon will next be seen in Cameron and Colin Cairnes’ horror feature Late Night with the Devil alongside David Dastmalchian, which had its world premiere at SXSW in 2023, and the Seven Network miniseries The Claremont Murders. Gordon’s recent performance in Miranda Nation’s debut feature Undertow earned her a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a feature film at the 2020 AACTA Awards.

Laura Gordon is represented by RGM Artists, Mosaic and TalentWorks.

The additional guest and recurring cast announced today includes:

RECURRING

Mayra Hermosillo (Narcos: Mexico) as “Yolanda,” a a ruthless Colombian drug smuggler and girlfriend of Gilberto Henao. Hermosillo is represented by Spellbound Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Juan Pablo Raba (Narcos, Six) as “Gilberto ‘La Cobra’ Henao,” a powerful Colombian drug lord who’s come to take over the Miami cocaine market. Raba is represented by Impression Entertainment and The Gersh Agency.

Erniel Baez (Reacher, Alex Cross) as “Ray Dorado,” an untrustworthy banker with criminal ties. Baez is represented by Josh Kimmel at TBT Management.

Nick Barkla (Blind Company, Em 4 Jay) as “Congressman Landon,” a corrupt-to-the-bone civil servant who works with criminals in order to further his own political agenda. Barkla is represented by Linsten Management (Sarah Linsten-Agent) and Gallant Management (Lisa Gallant-Manager).

Cale Ambrozic as “Andrew Landon,” Congressman Landon’s son and a potential love interest for Roman’s daughter Valeria. Ambrozic is represented by Samantha Jewell at PLAY Management.

Camila Valero (Pacto de Silencio; Mala Fortuna) as “Alejandra,” Nestor’s fourth wife. Valero is represented by COLOÜRS.

Maggie Lacey (Julia, American Animals, New Amsterdam) as “Constance,” the uptight sister of Burton Greenberg. Lacey is represented by Paradigm.

GUEST

John Ventimiglia (Gaslit, Jessica Jones) as “Hunter Thompson,” the prolific writer who’s come to publish a piece about Burton’s family. Ventimiglia is represented by Global Artists Agency and Abrams Entertainment.

Larry Powell (White Men Can’t Jump, The Browsing Effect) as “Rick James,” the renowned singer who’s come to the Mutiny in search of inspiration for his new album. Powell is represented by by WME and Grandview.

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

MGM Television

Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), an Amazon Company, is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network MGM+, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite, telco and digital distributors.  In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels, digital platforms and interactive ventures and is producing premium short-form content for distribution. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

Contact:

MGM+

Eileen Quast

Equast@amazon.com

Liz Isenberg

iseeliza@amazon.com

Christina Lee

christina.lee@amazonstudios.com

Amazon Announces MGM+ Will Continue Its International Expansion Through Content Licensing Deal With Lionsgate in Latin America

The partnership will deliver premium LIONSGATE and STARZ television series and movies to MGM+ international subscribers in Latin America.

LONDON—December 18, 2023—Today, Amazon announced that MGM+ has struck a content licensing deal with Lionsgate, delivering premium Lionsgate and STARZ programming to MGM+ in Latin America. Under this arrangement, MGM+ will offer leading series and movies from Lionsgate and STARZ across Latin America, giving customers access to more hit series and movies at no extra cost to their current MGM+ subscription.

Current legacy [LIONSGATE+] subscribers who joined via Prime Video Channels in Brazil and Mexico will now get access to the MGM service beginning in January. In early 2024, the MGM service will be rebranded to MGM+ across Latin America to align with the recent rebrand that occurred in the European Union and United States. Currently, MGM+ is the second highest ranking Prime Video Channel in the European Union.

MGM+ in Latin America will become the exclusive home to some of Lionsgate and STARZ’s most popular TV series, including Power, Power Book I-IV, Black Mafia Family, The Serpent Queen, and Spartacus.  Additionally, the MGM+ service will become the home to blockbuster movie franchises The Hunger Games, Kill Bill, Saw, Twilight, and the films of Tyler Perry, and the legacy hit series Mad Men, Nashville, Weeds, and many more fan favorites.

“The expansion of MGM+ in the Latin American market further cements Amazon’s commitment to invest in and grow the MGM+ brand, and to enhance the subscriber experience,” said Chris Brearton, vice president, Prime Video Studios corporate strategy. “We look forward to expanding our reach by introducing an extensive library of hit TV series from the popular Power and Black Mafia Family franchies to a rich catalogue of films, including The Hunger Games and John Wick to additional audiences worldwide.”

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with MGM+ to bring beloved films and television series to the service in Latin America,” said Agapy Kapouranis, Lionsgate president of international television and digital distribution. “With the addition of the Latin American market, Lionsgate and STARZ content will now be available to MGM+ viewers in 24 countries around the world.”

###

About MGM+ international:

MGM+ international delivers the best of MGM’s rich catalogue of movies and series to an international audience, and is available in 31 countries across Europe, Australasia, Latin America, and Canada. The on-demand service offers a wide selection of Hollywood movie franchises, such as Legally Blonde, Robocop, and The Magnificent Seven, as well as action blockbusters including Death Wish, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, and 21 Jump Street, alongside talk-about TV series including The Handmaid’s Tale, Get Shorty, and Condor.

*Titles vary depending on availability per territory

Prime members can sign-up to MGM+ via Prime Video Channels, which offers customers a selection of premium and specialty channel subscriptions to watch TV, movies, and more, all in one place.

Customers can pay only for the channels they want and cancel anytime. For a complete list of available channels, go to Channels via https://www.primevideo.com. Additionally, customers can sign-up for MGM+ via Apple and Claro in Latin America.

About MGM+ U.S.

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series, including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The channel is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, Helter Skelter, Slow Burn, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About Prime Video

Prime Video offers customers a vast collection of movies, series, and sports—all available to watch on hundreds of compatible devices.

Included with Prime Video: Watch movies, series, and sports, including Thursday Night Football. Enjoy Emmy winner The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Emmy-nominated satirical superhero drama The Boys, Emmy-nominated fan-favorite miniseries Daisy Jones & The Six, and the smash hits AIR, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Citadel, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Creed III, Shotgun Wedding, The Tomorrow War, Reacher, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Coming 2 America. Prime members also get access to licensed content.

Prime Video Channels: Prime members can add channels like Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, BET+, MGM+, ViX+, Crunchyroll, PBS KIDS, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, BritBox, STARZ, and discovery+ —no extra apps to download, and no cable required. Only pay for the ones you want, and cancel anytime. View the full list of channels available at amazon.com/channels.

Rent or Buy: Enjoy new-release movies to rent or buy, entire seasons of current TV shows available to buy, and special deals just for Prime members.

Instant access: Watch at home or on the go with your choice of hundreds of compatible devices. Stream from the web or using the Prime Video app on your smartphone, tablet, set-top box, game console, or select smart TV.

Enhanced experiences: Make the most of every viewing with 4K Ultra HD- and High Dynamic Range (HDR)-compatible content. Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows with exclusive X-Ray access, powered by IMDb. Save it for later with select mobile downloads for offline viewing.

Prime Video is just one of the savings, convenience, and entertainment benefits included in a Prime membership. More than 200 million Prime members in 25 countries around the world enjoy access to Amazon’s enormous selection, exceptional value, and fast delivery. In the U.S., anyone can join Prime for $14.99 per month or $139 per year, or start a free 30-day trial if eligible at amazon.com/prime. For more information about Prime, including discounted memberships, visit aboutamazon.com/prime.

MGM+ Renews Beacon 23 for Season Two

Produced by Boat Rocker and based on the best-selling bookby Hugh Howey,

the series stars Golden Globe nominee Stephan James (Homecoming)

The series is set to premiere on MGM+ in April 2024

Watch Teaser HERE

Download images HERE

Credit: Rafy Winterfeld/Boat Rocker/MGM+

LOS ANGELES—December 18, 2023—MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced it has picked up the second season of the science-fiction mystery thriller Beacon 23, based on the best-selling book by Hugh Howey. Produced by Boat Rocker, the new season will premiere on MGM+ in April 2024 with eight new episodes. Zak Penn (Ready Player OneFree Guy) created the series and executive produces. Glen Mazzara (The Walking DeadThe Shield) and Joy Blake (The Passage, Ghost Whisperer) serve as co-showrunners and executive producers on Season Two.

Beacon 23 takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way and Season One followed Aster (Lena Headey), a government agent, and Halan (Stephan James), a stoic ex-military man, whose fates became entangled after they found themselves trapped together inside one of many Beacons that served as a lighthouse for intergalactic travelers. In Season Two, Beacon 23 is now little more than a prison with Aleph onboard, and The Artifact provides more questions than answers. Without a clear path forward, the inhabitants of Beacon 23 must rely on each other, but their conflicting agendas may get in the way.

“The creative team behind Beacon 23 has masterfully brought Hugh Howey’s best-selling book to life, and we’re excited for fans to continue this journey into Beacon 23’s universe of suspense, emotion, and unforeseen twists,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+.

“We’re thrilled that Beacon 23 has found a loyal audience on MGM+ and look forward to sharing more episodes with fans in 2024,” said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, Co-Executive Chairmen, Boat Rocker Media and Co-Chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios. “Thank you to our dedicated creative partners, the wonderful team at MGM+, and the talented cast and crew for helping deliver what is sure to be an unforgettable season of television.”

Beacon 23’s Season Two ups the game: more action, more mysteries, more twists, and exciting new characters,” said Glen Mazzara. “It’s a thrill ride. I can’t wait for the audience to see it.”

“I’m so grateful to MGM+ for continuing the story of Beacon 23. What an incredible opportunity for us to tell the stories of such unexpected characters whose lives are inextricably linked by a place that few understand, and none can ever leave,” said Joy Blake.

This season will feature Stephan James (Homecoming), Natasha Mumba (The Last of Us), and Ellen Wong (GLOW).

Produced by Boat Rocker, Glen Mazzara and Joy Blake serve as the executive producers alongside Zak Penn, David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, James Middleton, Nick Nantell, Katie O’Connell Marsh, Liz Varner, and Stephan James.

About Boat Rocker

Boat Rocker is the home for creative visionaries. An independent, integrated global entertainment company, our purpose is to tell stories and build iconic brands across all genres and mediums. With offices around the world, Boat Rocker’s creative and commercial capabilities include Scripted, Unscripted, and Kids and Family television production, distribution, brand & franchise management, a world-class animation studio, and talent management through Untitled Entertainment. A selection of Boat Rocker’s projects include: Invasion (Apple TV+), Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu), Slip (Roku), Downey’s Dream Cars (Max), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, CTV Sci-Fi Channel), Dear(Apple TV+), Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (Apple TV+), The Next Step (BBC, Corus, CBC), Daniel Spellbound (Netflix), and Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Junior, CBC). For more information, please visit www.boatrocker.com.

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Press contacts:

Eileen Quast, MGM+

equast@amazon.com

Liz Isenberg, MGM+

iseeliza@amazon.com

MGM+ Acquires ‘In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon’

This critically acclaimed examination of the illustrious artist, from Oscar winner Alex Gibney, will air as a two-part docuseries on March 17 and March 24, 2024 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT

Download image HERE

Paul Simon Graceland Tour Milano 1987

Photo credit: Guido Harari

LOS ANGELES—December 6, 2023—MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced it has acquired the two-part docuseries In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, which will premiere on the platform on March 17 and March 24, 2024 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT. Directed by Oscar winner Alex Gibney (Going Clear, The Inventor), this is the definitive musical biography of Paul Simon, one of the greatest songwriters (and performers) in the history of rock ‘n roll. Granted unprecedented access to the making of a new album, the filmmakers also show never-before-seen footage of Simon’s extraordinary career, from Simon & Garfunkel to the phenomenal global success of Simon’s solo album Graceland.

The docuseries juxtaposes Simon’s process of making a new album during the COVID-19 pandemic against archival material tracing Simon’s career and creative journey, including revelatory, previously unseen footage from such historic moments as the recording of Bridge Over Troubled Water and Graceland, Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable reunion concert in Central Park, and, 10 years later, Simon’s solo concert there, where he performed before 750,000 people.

In Restless Dreams is a meeting of two masters of their craft, a deep look into the miracle and wonder of songwriting, and an exploration of a life of singular creativity that has lost none of its curiosity, ambition, and mystery. Gibney and Simon’s conversations are enhanced by insights from such friends and creative collaborators as jazz titan Wynton Marsalis, Saturday Night Live’s Lorne Michaels, and Simon’s wife, singer Edie Brickell.

“Alex Gibney is one of the most gifted documentary filmmakers of our time, and he has brought his incredible storytelling eye to the fascinating and worthy subject of Paul Simon’s iconic career. Simon’s  generational talent and incomparable body of work is expertly presented by Alex and his team,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “We’re thrilled that this stunning deep dive into Simon’s career and creative process has landed at MGM+.”

“Through my company, Jigsaw Productions, I have had the great pleasure of working with Michael Wright, Jill Burkhart, and the team at MGM+ on a number of music documentaries, including Alison Ellwood’s sumptuous Laurel Canyon,” said Gibney. “So I am delighted to partner with MGM+ on In Restless Dreams—a film that has been a labor of love of mine for three years.”

Produced by Jigsaw, Closer Media, and Anonymous Content, the docuseries is produced by Alex Gibney, David Rahtz, Erin Edeiken and Svetlana Zill and edited by Andy Grieve. It is executive produced by Jeff Kramer, Jigsaw Productions’ Richard Perello; alongside Stacey Offman; Closer Media’s Zhang Xin, William Horberg, and Joey Marra; Bob Xu, Anonymous Content’s Nick Shumaker and Jessica Grimshaw, David Levine, and Kristen Vaurio.  The deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group and AC Independent.

 

About Anonymous Content

Anonymous Content is a global media company that produces multi-platform premium content and boasts an exceptional client roster which includes many of the world’s most renowned and innovative directors, writers, and actors. The company’s award-winning Film & TV division encompasses many commercially successful and critically acclaimed works including three-time Academy Award winning film The Revenant, Best Picture Academy Award winning film Spotlight, Academy Award winning film for Best Original Screenplay, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and three-time Primetime Emmy award-winning Mr. Robot. On the film side, they are behind the highlight anticipated upcoming films FOE starring Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal and Aaron Pierre, The Marsh King’s Daughterstarring Daisy Ridley, and the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Nickel Boys.” Upcoming series include season four of True Detective starring Jodie Foster, Time Bandits from Taika Waititi, Disclaimer from Alfonso Cuarón starring Cate Blanchett, limited series East of Eden starring Florence Pugh with Zoe Kazan set to adapt, and Savant starring Jessica Chastain. The company also has a robust documentary division, boasting a burgeoning slate of premium features including Alex Gibney’s Elon Musk documentary Musk, 5 Seasons of Revolution, Raoul Peck’s Orwell, and In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon. Through its Commercial work, Anonymous Content is also the driving creative force behind countless leading global brands. As part of Anonymous Content’s continued global expansion, the company has established multiple joint ventures with international partners including Spain-based Morena Films, AC Federation, AC Nordic, AC Brazil, and AC Chapter One. For more information, visit www.anonymouscontent.com.

 

About Jigsaw

Jigsaw Productions is helmed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, considered one of the most prolific and provocative documentary filmmakers of our time. Jigsaw has produced a long list of high-profile documentary films, including the Emmy-winning Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, the Oscar-winning Taxi to the Dark Side, the Oscar-nominated Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, as well as Zero Days, Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger AilesThe Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon ValleyThe Crime of the Century, Totally Under Control released theatrically by Neon, a two-part documentary Agents of Chaos; and the Emmy-winning feature The Forever Prisoner. Jigsaw’s slate of highly visible TV series includes: on Netflix, an investigative series Dirty Money, two highly acclaimed food series, Cooked, with Michael Pollan, and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, based on the book by Samin Nosrat; and top-rated How to Change your Mind, based on Michael Pollen’s book of the same name; on Discovery, in association with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, Why We Hate; on AMC, Hip Hop: Songs That Shook America; on EPIX, the Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon; on Hulu, the scripted series The Looming Tower, based on Lawrence Wright’s 2006 book of the same name; and most recently on HBO, exploring the horrifying yet relatively unknown story of the Christian church La Luz del Mundo and the sexual abuse to scores of its members, Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo. Jigsaw also produced the duPont-Columbia Award-winning podcast, The Line, on Apple TV+. Alex Gibney’s 2-part feature documentary, Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker, premiered in the Berlin International Film Festival in 2022, and is now available on Apple TV+. Jigsaw’s most recent feature documentary, directed by Alex Gibney, In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival. In June of 2020, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine made a substantial investment in Jigsaw Productions making it a subsidiary of Imagine Entertainment.

 

About Closer Media

Closer Media is a New York-based production company and financier whose mission is to create meaningful stories that bring people closer together. Founded by Zhang Xin in 2022 and under the leadership of Emmy-award winning veteran producer William Horberg, Closer Media is developing and producing scripted and unscripted films and series, with a diverse group of domestic and international filmmakers, for a global audience. Upcoming projects include Alex Gibney’s highly anticipated documentaries Musk which HBO acquired, Raoul Peck’s documentary Orwell acquired by Neon, and Tony Goldwyn’s Ezra, Closer Media’s first narrative feature, starring Bobby Cannavale, Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne and newcomer William Fitzgerald which was recently picked up by Bleecker Street.

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Press contacts:

Eileen Quast, MGM+

equast@amazon.com

Donna Daniels

Jigsaw Productions

Donnadaniels9@gmail.com

MGM+ Renews Critically Acclaimed ‘Godfather of Harlem’ for Fourth Season

Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker to return as star and executive producer

Download Season One-Three Photos HERE

LOS ANGELES—November 29, 2023—MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced it has greenlit a 10-episode order for the fourth season of Emmy-winning drama series Godfather of Harlem, starring Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker and co-created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos). The new season will begin production next year in New York. The series is produced by ABC Signature, which is a part of Disney Television Studios.

Godfather of Harlem is MGM+’s No. 1 all time acquisition-driver for subscribers and one of the platform’s top performing original series. It’s also the platform’s most popular series for African American audiences —Season Three’s linear audience composition is 54% AA.

In Season Four, Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker) continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the emergence of a potential rival in newly arrived Black gangster Frank Lucas. After Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic death, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers.

“Forest Whitaker’s inspired performance as Bumpy Johnson has introduced an iconic, archetypal television antihero to the premium television landscape,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “The cast and creative team exceed expectations every single season, both creatively and cinematically. We couldn’t be more delighted to embark on a fourth season with this incredibly talented group of people.”

“I’m so gratified to continue my creative partnership with Michael Wright, his MGM+ team, and ABC Signature,” said Chris Brancato, co-creator. “This show has been a labor of love, and we dedicate this season to Paul Eckstein, my friend and co-creator, who passed unexpectedly this summer.”

“After such a long time away, I’m so excited to be returning to set alongside such an incredible cast, crew, and creative team, under the powerful leadership of Chris Brancato. We’re so appreciative of Michael Wright’s support at MGM+, and thrilled that Godfather of Harlem has resonated with fans around the world. We can’t wait to get to work on season four!” said Forest Whitaker.

In addition to Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) as star and executive producer, Season Four will see the return of Ilfenesh Hadera (She’s Gotta Have It, Baywatch), Lucy Fry (Bright, Vampire Academy), Antoinette Crowe-Legacy (Geechee, Passing), and Erik LaRay Harvey (Boardwalk Empire, Luke Cage), among others.

Produced by ABC Signature, the series is executive produced by Chris Brancato, Paul Eckstein, Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, and Markuann Smith. Swizz Beatz serves as executive music producer.

About ABC Signature
One of the Disney Television Studios, ABC Signature produces many of ABC Entertainment’s most significant hits, including Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19; co-productions The Good Doctor, The Rookie and late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! ABC Signature’s series include grown-ish for Freeform; Godfather of Harlem for MGM+; Bad Sisters and Five Days at Memorial for Apple TV+; Fleishman Is in Trouble for FX; Criminal Minds: Evolution for Paramount+; Reasonable Doubt, This Fool, Tiny Beautiful Things, UnPrisoned and the upcoming Death and Other Details, for Hulu; as well as A Small Light for Nat Geo.

About MGM+
MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile.

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Press contacts:
Eileen Quast, MGM+
Equast@amazon.com

Liz Isenberg, MGM+
iseeliza@amazon.com

Lauren Dundee, MGM+
ldundee@vendor.mgm.com

‘Belgravia: The Next Chapter’ Unveils New Trailer and Key Art

From the teams behind Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age,

Belgravia: The Next Chapter premieres on MGM+ January 14, 2024 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT 

Check out the trailer HERE

Download first look images for Belgravia: The Next Chapter HERE 

View captions and photo credits HERE

Catch up on Belgravia, the original limited series, for free on the MGM+ app and across participating partner platforms from Dec 31, 2023 – February 29, 2024. 

 

Belgravia: The Next Chapter is a continuation of the hit historical drama named for—and set in—the affluent London district that became synonymous with the upper echelons of London society in the 19th century. From the team behind Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, this series follows the next generation of Belgravia’s residents alongside a few familiar faces.

Belgravia: The Next Chapter is a Carnival Films production and will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution. Carnival Films is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Belgravia: The Next Chapter picks up in 1871, three decades after the events depicted in the 2020 limited series, which was written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age)  and based on his novel of the same name. Developed and written by critically acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Helen Edmundson, the series tells the love story of Frederick Trenchard (Benjamin Wainwright), the third Lord Trenchard, and his new love interest, Clara Dunn (Harriet Slater), who is a newcomer to London society. Unaware that his birth was the product of an affair between his mother Susan (Alice Eve) and the scoundrel John Bellasis (Adam James), a troubled childhood has left Frederick deeply insecure, which challenges his courtship of, and marriage to, Clara.

“I’m so proud of everything this dedicated team accomplished with the original Belgravia series. I cannot wait for the world to return to Belgravia for this new iteration, expertly crafted by Helen Edmundson,” said Julian Fellowes, Executive Producer. “Old and new fans alike will be swept off their feet with an emotionally engaging story, memorable characters, and brilliant production and costume design.”

The series stars Harriet Slater as “Clara Trenchard (née Dunn)”, Benjamin Wainwright as “Frederick Trenchard”, Edward Bluemel as “Dr. Stephen Ellerby”, Toby Regbo as “Rev. James Trenchard”, Hannah Onslow as “Emily Dunn”, Sophie Thompson as “Mrs. Dunn”, Claude Perron as “The Marquise D’Etagnac”, Sophie Winkleman as “the Duchess of Rochester”, and Elaine Cassidy as “Davison”. Alice Eve as “Susan Trenchard” and Richard Goulding as “Oliver Trenchard” also return from the original series. 

The series reunites Carnival’s award-winning creative team behind the original series. Led by Gareth Neame, he and Nigel Marchant serve as executive producers with Julian Fellowes and Joanna Strevens. Helen Edmundson serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is directed by John Alexander, Paul Wilmshurst, Marisol Adler, and Roger Goldby. Colin Wratten, who produced the original series, returns as producer.

 

​​About Carnival Films

Carnival Films is a London-based television and feature film production company, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Led by producers, Executive Chairman Gareth Neame and Managing Director Nigel Marchant, the company is one of the UK’s leading drama producers, having made hundreds of hours of compelling content viewed by millions across the globe. Carnival Films produced all six seasons of the award-winning and beloved TV phenomenon Downton Abbey, which aired in over 250 territories worldwide and set a Guinness World Record for being the most critically well-received show in the world. The company produced the hit feature film of the same name, which earned more than $200 million at the worldwide box office in 2019, making it the highest grossing film of all time for distributor Focus Features. The movie sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era was released in 2022. Other Carnival Films productions include Belgravia for ITV and EPIX, of which the spin-off series Belgravia: The Next Chapter is coming soon to MGM+, and smash-hit series The Last Kingdom for Netflix which captivated viewers for five seasons, and the  film Seven Kings Must Die, which ranked as the global #1 film on Netflix upon its release in April 2023. A contemporary TV remake of The Day of the Jackal and a five-part drama about the tragic Lockerbie bombing are also in production, both for Sky and Peacock. The company has also produced landmark series such as Poirot, Hotel Babylon, Whitechapel, and Dracula, along with the award-winning mini-series Traffik, Any Human Heart, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies and The Hollow Crown anthology. Carnival has received a host of national and international awards including Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, and has been recognised as the UK’s best production company at both the Bulldog Awards and Broadcast Awards.

 

About MGM+ 

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic and limited series including The Winter King, Beacon 23, A Spy Among Friends, War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon,  My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Creed 3, House of Gucci, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Till, and Smile

With thousands of titles available for streaming, MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, emerging digital distribution channels, its MGM+ app, and all new Fire TV device purchases come with a six-month MGM+ subscription courtesy of Amazon. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

 

For Further Information, please contact ID:

mgm+@id-pr.com