Daniel Radcliffe, Peter Dinklage join cast of ‘Steps’ – Netflix’s animated reimagining of Cinderella

London^ United Kingdom - March 31^ 2022: Daniel Radcliffe attends the UK screening of "The Lost City" at Cineworld Leicester Square in London^ England.

Netflix has expanded the voice cast of its upcoming animated feature Steps, adding Daniel Radcliffe, Peter Dinklage and Young Mazino to the reimagining of the classic Cinderella story.

The film shifts the spotlight away from the traditional heroine, instead following Cinderella’s often-maligned stepsisters as they become the central figures in an adventure that overturns the familiar fairy tale. The newly announced actors join an ensemble that already includes Amanda Seyfried as Cinderella, Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu as the stepsisters Lilith and Margot, Nikki Glaser as Priscilla and Bette Midler as the Fairy Godmother.

Radcliffe will voice the Prince, while Dinklage has been cast as the villainous Roderick and Mazino will portray Gef, a charismatic troll. According to Netflix, the story begins when Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand, setting off a chain of events that derails the royal ball and inadvertently allows Priscilla to seize control of the kingdom. Forced to confront the consequences of their actions, the stepsisters must join forces with Cinderella on a quest involving trolls, dangerous enemies and a race to restore the kingdom.

The project is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, who have said they wanted to rethink the classic fairy tale by giving each character greater depth rather than relying on familiar archetypes. In announcing the latest casting additions, Ripa said, “We feel incredibly lucky to have all three of these massive talents on our film. Our goal was to break the fairy-tale mold by making every single character three-dimensional and worthy of a happily ever after, and we couldn’t have done it without Daniel, Peter, and Young.”

Steps is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on Nov. 20 and marks the first animated feature to be produced entirely in-house by Netflix Animation Studios.

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HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ series renewed for Season 2 ahead of Season 1 premiere this Christmas

John Lithgow arriving at the 2025 Palm Springs Film Festival Awards. PALM SPRINGS^ CA. January 03^ 2025

HBO is moving full speed ahead with its upcoming “Harry Potter” television adaptation, confirming a second season months before the first even airs. The debut season—titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”—is set to premiere on Dec. 25, production on Season 2 began this fall.

Season 1 introduces viewers to Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin) as he turns 11 and discovers his place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—an awakening that brings both wonder and danger tied to his past. The cast also features Arabella Stanton as Hermione, Alastair Stout as Ron, and John Lithgow as Dumbledore.

The long-term plan remains ambitious: one season per book from J.K. Rowling’s seven-part series, stretching across roughly a decade. The second installment is expected to follow the events of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

Behind the scenes, writer Jon Brown has been elevated to co-showrunner, joining Francesca Gardiner. Explaining the decision, Gardiner said, “As we have laid out our plans for the overlapping production schedules to finish Season 1 by Christmas and to return to production for Season 2 this autumn, it has become clear that bringing on a co-showrunner is the key to maintaining our momentum. I’ve loved working with Jon from the very first day we met on ‘Succession’ through to these recent times together on ‘Harry Potter.’ Not only do I have huge admiration for his writing, but he’s also a brilliant collaborator and a lovely person. We are lucky to have him.” Brown echoed the excitement, saying, “It has been a joy to write on ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ and I’d like to thank Francesca and HBO for putting their faith in me to continue this remarkable journey. Seems you’re never too old to get your invitation to Hogwarts.”

The series is executive produced by Gardiner, director Mark Mylod, Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, with Warner Bros. Television producing.

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Jonas Brothers return with the song ‘Listen When Sad’

Nick Jonas^ Kevin Jonas^ Joe Jonas at Jonas Brothers Hand And Footprint In Cement Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX on December 3^ 2025 in Los Angeles^ CA

The Jonas Brothers have released “Listen When Sad,” their first new single following last year’s Greetings From Your Hometown and their holiday soundtrack A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas officially released the track after first introducing it during the opening night of their Burning Up Tour All Over Again at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The song marks a reunion with producer John Fields, who worked with the brothers on several of their early albums, including the 2008 hit “Burnin’ Up.” Fields is returning to the studio with the trio for the first time since 2009, joined by musicians and engineers from the group’s earlier recording sessions. The brothers also co-wrote “Listen When Sad” with Fields, JP Saxe, Tommy English, Paris Carney and longtime drummer Jack Lawless.

Musically, the track draws from the emo, alternative and pop-punk sounds that influenced the Jonas Brothers when they were coming of age. Its lyrics look back on adolescence, relationships and the now-nostalgic practice of making personalized CDs for friends or romantic interests. The band previously described the song as a reflection on memories that gain significance over time and a connection between their younger selves and who they are today.

The release follows a major stretch for the Jonas Brothers, who performed three consecutive sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden as they launched their Burning Up Tour All Over Again. The 45-city North American tour continues with dates scheduled across the United States and Canada through December.

Stream ‘Listen When Sad’ – HERE.

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Dasha drops the video for her pop-country single, “Memo”

Dasha at Warner Music Group Grammy Awards Party. LOS ANGELES^ USA. January 29^ 2026

Dasha has dropped her latest pop-country single, “Memo,” through Warner Records.

Co-written alongside country music songwriting veterans Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson, and Ashley Gorley, the track showcases the breakout artist embracing self-assurance as she moves forward from a failed romance rather than dwelling on past regrets.

The composition delivers sharp narrative storytelling wrapped in Dasha’s signature vocal delivery, capturing the pivotal moment a woman decides to walk away from an unattentive partner. Lyrically detailing an evening spent drinking whiskey and dancing while ignoring an ex-partner’s belated calls, the track turns the emotional transition of a breakup into a definitive departure strategy.

Speaking on the release of ‘Memo,’ Dasha highlighted both the collaborative process and the empowering message behind the music. “I love that this song lets the female perspective take up space without apologizing for it. It was written with three of the most successful and prolific songwriters of all time, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, and Ben Johnson,” Dasha said. “Getting to write with people on that level is so exciting for me, and I walked into that room knowing exactly who I am as an artist. We all brought something different to the table, and I think that’s what made this song feel so authentic.”

The single marks another key progression in the singer’s career following the global success of her breakout hit, “Austin (Boots Stopped Workin’),” which earned Female Song of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards and joined Spotify’s Billions Club.

See the music video for ‘Memo’ – HERE.

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See Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Miles Teller in teaser trailer for ‘Paper Tiger’

Scarlett Johansson attends the Jurassic World Rebirth World Premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London^ England. London^ United Kingdom - June 17^ 2025

The first teaser trailer for “Paper Tiger,” James Gray’s crime drama starring Adam Driver, Miles Teller and Scarlett Johansson, has been released, offering a first look at the tense family story set in 1980s New York. Driver and Teller play brothers Gary and Irwin Pearl, whose pursuit of a better life draws them into a dangerous arrangement involving the Russian mafia.

Driver portrays Gary, a former police officer who presents an opportunity to his more cautious younger brother, Irwin, an engineer and family man. What initially appears to be a chance at financial success quickly exposes the brothers and their families to corruption and violence. Johansson plays Hester, Irwin’s wife, whose family becomes increasingly vulnerable as the situation spirals.

The film marks Gray’s return to the crime-and-family territory explored in several of his earlier New York-set movies. Critics who saw “Paper Tiger” at the Cannes Film Festival highlighted its performances and its examination of brotherhood, ambition and the darker side of the American dream. The movie received a 10-minute standing ovation following its Cannes premiere.

“Paper Tiger” also reunites Driver and Johansson for the first time since their acclaimed work in 2019’s “Marriage Story.” Neon acquired the film’s North American distribution rights ahead of its Cannes debut. The movie is scheduled to open the 2026 New York Film Festival and is set for a limited theatrical release Nov. 13, followed by a wider rollout Nov. 20.

See the teaser trailer for ‘Paper Tiger’ – HERE.

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HBO officially renews ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ for Season 2

Bill Skarsgard wearing suit by Prada attends 'The Crow' by Lionsgate world premiere at The Village East by Angelika in New York on August 20^ 2024

HBO has officially renewed “IT: Welcome to Derry” for a second season, ending months of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Stephen King-inspired horror series.

The new season will move the story back 27 years from the events of Season 1, shifting the action from 1962 to 1935 during the Great Depression. According to reports, the next chapter will center on the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers whose arrival in Derry leads to a deadly encounter. The Bradley Gang storyline draws from an interlude in King’s 1986 novel “It” and has already been woven into the television series through references and visual clues. Andy Muschietti previously explained that the group, modeled in part on the real-life Brady Gang, stops in Derry to obtain ammunition before becoming caught up in a horrific massacre. The Depression-era setting will also give the series a markedly different backdrop, with the creative team previously describing a community struggling with poverty rather than the more familiar suburban environment of the first season.

Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti and Brad Caleb Kane are expected to continue their work on the series, with Kane taking over as sole showrunner, according to reports surrounding the renewal. Casting details have not been fully announced, although Barbara Muschietti has indicated that Bill Skarsgård could return as Pennywise. The series is expected to further explore the origins and mythology surrounding the shape-shifting entity and his human identity, Bob Gray.

The series premiered in October 2025 as a prequel to Muschietti’s “IT” films and became one of HBO Max’s strongest original-series launches. The renewal follows a lengthy period in which HBO repeatedly indicated that the series remained a priority. HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys said earlier this year that the show had been a major success and that the Muschiettis were developing the story, while noting that the lack of a direct novel-based storyline made the creative process more complicated.

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Aerosmith returning with two Hollywood Bowl shows featuring Run-D.M.C., Eric Church and more

Rock band Aerosmith performs on stage during their Global Warming World Tour concert on May 17^ 2014 in Vilnius^ Siemens Arena^ Lithuania.

Aerosmith will return to the stage for two special concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Oct. 29 and Nov. 1, marking a major live-performance milestone for the veteran rock band after its 2024 touring retirement.

Billed as “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends,” the shows will feature an all-star roster of guest performers, including Eric Church, Run-DMC, Heart and Billy Idol. The lineup also includes The Black Crowes, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Jerry Cantrell, Marcus King, Mike Inez, Nuno Bettencourt, Pat Monahan, Sammy Hagar, Slash, Steve Stevens, Sully Erna and Tom Morello, among others. Additional guest announcements are expected.

The reveal of the Hollywood Bowl dates follows a series of social media teasers featuring frontman Steven Tyler and rock photographer Ross Halfin at the Hollywood Bowl marquee. The clips initially sparked speculation about the band’s plans before the group revealed more information about the upcoming performances. The events are being presented as special concerts rather than a confirmed return to regular touring.

Aerosmith’s touring career came to an abrupt halt in September 2023 after Tyler suffered a serious vocal injury during the band’s Peace Out farewell tour. The remaining dates were postponed, and in August 2024, the group announced it would no longer tour because of concerns surrounding the singer’s recovery.

The upcoming concerts represent a significant return for the band, whose catalog includes such enduring hits as “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way.” Aerosmith has continued to make occasional appearances since stepping away from touring, including a 2025 collaboration with British rocker Yungblud on the EP “One More Time.” The Hollywood Bowl shows will bring the band together with several prominent artists from across rock and hip-hop, although further details about the performances may still emerge.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. Pacific time.  Head to www.aerosmithandfriends.com for info.

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Hilary Duff drops ‘CATastrophe’ from ‘The Cat in the Hat’ soundtrack; extends ‘Lucky Me Tour’ through 2027

Hilary Duff at the 52nd American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25^ 2026 in Las Vegas^ NV

Hilary Duff is continuing her music comeback with the release of “CATastrophe,” an original song written for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s upcoming The Cat in the Hat. The animated film, which stars Bill Hader as the voice of the Cat, is scheduled to arrive in theaters and IMAX Nov. 6. The soundtrack will also include a score by Grammy Award-winning composer Lorne Balfe and a new theme song written by Tim Minchin.

CATastrophe arrives with a whimsical music video directed by Dano Cerny and will be featured on The Cat in the Hat (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), set for release Oct. 30,. Duff co-wrote the song with her husband, Matthew Koma, Madison Love and Brian Phillips, with Koma and Phillips also handling production.

Duff said that CATastrophe draws on the feeling of having your life suddenly disrupted, while still maintaining an upbeat quality. “Dr. Seuss was on repeat in our house for years, so when this came around I didn’t have to think about it,” Duff said. “CATastrophe” is about that feeling when your whole world gets picked up and moved somewhere else and nobody asks you first. I wanted it to be honest about those feelings, and still be something you’d turn all the way up in the car.”

The release comes during a particularly active period for Duff, who returned to full-length music this year with luck… or something, her first studio album in more than a decade. Her comeback has also expanded to the stage through ‘the lucky me tour,’ with Duff just announcing 32 additional tour dates across Europe, Latin America and the United States, extending the run well into 2027.

The newly added dates begin May 7 in Madrid, followed by stops in cities including Milan, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Latin American performances are scheduled for August, while the additional U.S. leg begins Oct. 1 in Sunrise, Florida, and concludes Nov. 20 in Anaheim, California.  Several artists will join Duff on select portions of the expanded tour. Rebecca Black will support the European dates, while Dashboard Confessional will appear on the October U.S. shows and Tegan and Sara will join the November leg. Lauren Spencer Smith is scheduled to support Duff on the previously announced Canadian dates in January and February 2027, while La Roux remains attached to select 2026 international and North American shows.  For ticket info, head HERE.

See the video for CATastrophe – HERE.

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Netflix’s ‘Myron Bolitar’ adaptation expands cast with the addition of Bebe Neuwirth, Griffin Dunne and more

Bebe Neuwirth attends the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards at NYU Skirball Center in New York on May 20^ 2024

Netflix has added several high-profile actors to the growing ensemble for its adaptation of Harlan Coben’s bestselling Myron Bolitar novels, with Bebe Neuwirth and Griffin Dunne among the latest cast members announced. The latest additions further round out the central cast as production continues on the drama, which is being developed by David E. Kelley and Kyle Long.

Based on Coben’s 12-book series, Myron Bolitar follows a former college basketball standout whose NBA aspirations are cut short by injury. Reinventing himself as a sports agent, Myron becomes entangled in dangerous investigations while protecting his clients, blending crime, suspense and sports drama.

Neuwirth and Dunne joins a series led by Colin Woodell as former basketball star-turned-sports agent Myron Bolitar, alongside KJ Apa as his wealthy and formidable friend Win Lockwood and Diane Guerrero as trusted associate Esperanza Diaz.  Neuwirth will portray Ellen Bolitar, Myron’s mother, a former public defender whose family remained close after her son’s professional basketball career ended prematurely because of injury. Dunne has been cast as Alan Bolitar, Myron’s supportive father and a trusted source of advice. Netflix also confirmed Amanda Warren as Dwayne Richmond’s mother, Deanna; Quincy Isaiah as NBA player Rodney Keys; Isaiah Hill as top basketball prospect Jayden Elder; and Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens as Wanda Green, the fiancée of tennis standout Dwayne Richmond.

The announcement follows an earlier wave of casting that brought Jabari Banks aboard as rising tennis star Dwayne Richmond, Chloe Fineman as sports reporter Parker Quinn, Jamie McShane as NYPD homicide detective Ray Dimonte and Ben McKenzie in a recurring role as rival sports agent Gavin Pierce.

The series marks the latest collaboration between Netflix and Coben, whose novels have inspired multiple successful adaptations for the streaming service. A premiere date has not yet been announced.

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Netflix cancels ‘Ransom Canyon’ after two seasons

Josh Duhamel attends the premiere of London Calling Los Angeles^ CA USA - September 15^ 2025

Netflix has canceled the romantic Western drama “Ransom Canyon” after two seasons, ending the series starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.

Kelly addressed the cancellation in a social media post, thanking the cast, crew and viewers who supported the series, writing: “Appreciating this little trip down memory lane as we say farewell. All good things must come to an end. And so it is. Thank you all for giving us two beautiful seasons! I love you forever my Ransom Canyon family!! 🤠♥”

The cancellation comes less than two months after Season 2 premiered July 23. According to reports, the second season opened with 4.1 million views during its first week, a 43% decline from the 7.2 million views recorded for the first season’s debut. Season 2 also spent three weeks in Netflix’s Top 10, compared with four weeks for its predecessor. The second season had eight episodes, down from 10 in Season 1, and underwent changes to its supporting cast and story.

Created by April Blair and based on Jodi Thomas’ book series, the drama, which premiered in April 2025, followed three ranching families in a small Texas community, with Duhamel playing rancher Staten Kirkland and Kelly portraying Quinn O’Grady, a longtime friend whose relationship with Staten developed into the series’ central romance.  Series creator Blair had envisioned additional stories for the characters, as Season 2 concluded with Quinn rejecting a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Oliver, leaving the door open for a future with Staten. Blair had also discussed continuing the couple’s story and expanding other character arcs in a potential third season. She previously told Entertainment Weekly that “the end of Season 2 isn’t the end of [Staten and Quinn’s] story. It’s actually just the beginning.”

Both seasons of “Ransom Canyon” remain available to stream on Netflix.

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