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Gold Derby’s top news stories for April 24, 2025.
Sunrise on the Reaping, the forthcoming Hunger Games prequel, has officially announced its casting for Haymitch Abernathy, a character famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the previous films. The younger version of Haymitch will be played by Joseph Zada, who is anticipated to appear in upcoming series We Were Liars and East of Eden. Additionally, Emmy nominee McKenna Grace (The Handmaid’s Tale) is set to portray Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow tribute from District 12, while Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl) will take on the role of Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend. Sunrise on the Reaping unfolds during the 50th Hunger Games, taking place 24 years prior to Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) first foray into the games, an event Haymitch himself won. This eagerly awaited film is based on a new novel from Suzanne Collins and is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet sets release date
Focus Features has confirmed the U.S. release date for Hamnet, a highly anticipated drama directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. This film offers a poignant portrayal of William and Agnes Shakespeare following the tragic loss of their 11-year-old son. Hamnet is set for a limited theatrical release on Thanksgiving, November 27, with a wider release commencing on December 12. Zhao, known for her work on Nomadland, collaborated with Maggie O’Farrell, the author of the source novel, on the screenplay. An accomplished cast features Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn.
In other news, Apple TV+ has unveiled a second trailer for Fountain of Youth, an adventure comedy directed by Guy Ritchie, reminiscent of National Treasure. Featuring siblings played by John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, the film chronicles their quest for the fabled fountain of youth, a search their father dedicated his life to. The supporting cast includes Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Carmen Ejogo, Arian Moayed, and Stanley Tucci. This film is set to stream starting May 23.
Harvey Fierstein to receive lifetime achievement Tony
In a significant announcement, the Tony Awards Administration Committee revealed that four-time Tony Award recipient Harvey Fierstein will be honored with the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Renowned for his influential work in theatre, Fierstein is celebrated for his iconic Torch Song Trilogy, which distinguished him as the first openly gay actor to win the Tony for Best Actor in a Play. His impressive career also includes writing the book for La Cage aux Folles and performances in landmark productions like Hairspray and Fiddler on the Roof.
60th Academy of Country Music Awards adds legends to its lineup
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards aims to honor six decades of country music history by featuring a lineup of legendary artists, many of whom have received multiple ACM Awards. The following performers have been confirmed, along with their ACM Award tallies:
- Alan Jackson (21)
- Brooks & Dunn (33)
- Chris Stapleton (20)
- Clint Black (7)
- Cody Johnson
- Kelsea Ballerini (2)
- LeAnn Rimes (4)
- Miranda Lambert (38)
- Rascal Flatts (13)
- Wynonna Judd (10)
The event will also feature performers Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Lainey Wilson, with Reba McEntire serving as host. The awards ceremony will stream live on Prime Video from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 8 at 8 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. CDT / 5 p.m. PDT.
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to be honored at Gotham TV Awards
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creative mind behind Netflix’s record-breaking series Squid Game, will receive the Creator Tribute at the Second Annual Gotham Television Awards on June 2. This accolade celebrates creators who have left a significant mark on television. Also being honored this year are Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, known for their work on Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Paddington the Musical, a stage adaptation featuring the beloved character from literature and film, is set to debut at London’s Savoy Theatre on November 1. Directed by Luke Sheppard, the musical will feature a book by Jessica Swale and music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher. Casting details will be revealed later.
In a recent development, Netflix released a trailer for She the People, the first comedy series from Tyler Perry for the streaming platform. Centering on Mississippi Lieutenant Governor candidate Antoinette Dunkerson (Terri J. Vaughn), the series explores her journey navigating politics and family life amidst a sexist environment. Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is among the executive producers. The first part of the inaugural season is set to premiere on May 22, with the second part to follow on August 14.
Silicon Valley drama The Audacity starts production, adds Randall Park to cast
The Audacity, a contemporary drama examining the tech industry created by Emmy-winning writer-producer Jonathan Glatzer (Succession, Better Call Saul), has commenced filming in Vancouver. New cast members include Thailey Roberge and Ava Marie, while Randall Park will guest star as Gabe, the uncomplicated CFO of a data mining firm. The previously announced ensemble also includes Billy Magnussen, Sarah Goldberg, Zach Galifianakis, Lucy Punch, and Simon Helberg. The show is described as a darkly comedic exploration of modern issues related to privacy and reality.
Additionally, a cozy mystery film titled The Thursday Murder Club is set for release on Netflix on August 28, with a sneak peek already shared. The film features a stellar cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as a group of retirees who engage in solving cold case murders for amusement. Their activities escalate when a mysterious death occurs nearby, throwing them into a gripping investigation. The film is directed by Chris Columbus, who reunites with Brosnan from their collaboration on Mrs. Doubtfire.
Watch a sneak peek clip from Apple TV+’s espionage drama Carême
Apple TV+ has provided a sneak peek of the premiere episode of Carême, a French historical drama centered around Antonin Carême (played by César winner Benjamin Voisin), acknowledged as the first celebrity chef during the Napoleonic period. The clip features Carême showcasing an impressive baking skill that averts a potential international conflict. The series combines elements of culinary arts and espionage, debuting on April 30.
Get a hilarious first look at Friendship
A24 has unveiled a humorous promotional video for Friendship, a comedy featuring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson as two middle-aged men embarking on a new friendship. The fun clip features Rudd, Robinson, and writer-director Andrew DeYoung discussing male camaraderie in a dark comedic setting that mimics a podcast format. Friendship is scheduled to hit theaters on May 23.
Rob Lowe and Crispin Glover horror movie The Third Parent to sell at Cannes
HanWay Films is spearheading international sales at the Cannes Film Festival for The Third Parent, an upcoming horror film featuring Rob Lowe, Crispin Glover, and Roselyn Sanchez. Bleecker Street has already committed to U.S. distribution. The film, which has been completed, is inspired by a “creepypasta” narrative, focusing on a suburban family’s harrowing encounter with a malevolent entity named Tommy Taffy (played by Glover), who invades their home and imparts brutal life lessons.David Michaels serves as writer and director.
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