Promotional art for Franklin of The Peanuts Movie

The Peanuts Movie Celebrates Franklin's Birthday

On July 31, 1968, Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz broke down barriers by introducing the strip's first African American character, Franklin. Now, 47 years later, The Peanuts Movie is celebrating his first appearance with a social media campaign illustrating the character's background.

Following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a teacher by the name of Harriet Glickman wrote a letter to Schulz expressing the importance of adding an African American character to Peanuts, the country's most popular comic strip at the time. As stated earlier, Franklin Armstrong made his debut on July 31st, 1968, and represented the importance of desegregation and equality.

Nearly 50 years later, America still struggles with racism and racial inequality, especially in light of the rampant reports of police brutality and hate crimes recently, something fun like #FranklinDay is a way to celebrate and promote something positive. And hey, it works as a very smart and creative marketing tool for The Peanuts Movie.

Re-live Franklin's first appearance in Peanuts below, and Happy #FranklinDay!

Franklin's first appearance in The Peanuts


Art for Lollapalooza Live Stream 2015

Watch the Lollapalooza 2015 Livestream Performances

Did you want to make it out to Grant Park this weekend to catch your favorite artists performing at Lollapalooza, but for whatever reason, you can't? Well, you're in luck! You can livestream some of Lollapalooza's best performances throughout the weekend thanks to Red Bull TV! Now, you can see artists like Metallica, Paul McCartney, Florence + the Machine, Twin Peaks, Mick Jenkins, Dillon Francis, and more from the comfort of your own house!

This year, Lollapalooza and Red Bull TV are offering three different channels for your music viewing needs! Channel 1 will be hosted by Sal Masekela, Ted Stryker, and Julie Garcia featuring headliner performances, behind-the-scenes access, artist interviews, festival highlights, and more. Channels 2 and 3 will be strictly about the music, offering viewers front-row access to their favorite artists. You can find the full Lollapalooza 2015 Livestream schedule here.

 


Film still of the Ghostbusters cast

Ivan Reitman Shoots Down All-Male Ghostbusters Reboot Rumors

Around the same time the Paul Feig Ghostbusters reboot was announced, there were rumors that another Ghostbusters film would be produced, directed by Captain America: The Winter Soldier's Joe and Anthony Russo with Channing Tatum and Chris Pratt rumored to star. The rumors were further perpetrated by claims that original Ghostbusters director made in regards to the "other" Ghostbusters film:

The second film has a wonderful idea that builds on that. Drew will start writing and the hope is to be ready for the Russo Brothers’ next window next summer to shoot, with the movie coming out the following year. It’s just the beginning of what I hope will be a lot of wonderful movies.

However, Reitman has recently come out to shoot down any and all rumors of the project with a statement:

There has been a lot of excitement recently about what is happening with the Ghostbusters franchise. As the producer of the new Ghostbusters film, I feel the need to clarify. There is only one new Ghostbusters movie and that is the Paul Feig directed version coming next July, presently filming and going fantastically. The rest is just noise.

It's unfortunate that Reitman mentioned any talk of a second Ghostbusters reboot film, especially after the mixed reception of the all-female Ghostbusters reboot. At the same time, this is a good vote of confidence for Feig's project and everybody involved with it. Does this mean we won't ever see a Tatum and Pratt Ghostbusters film? Of course not, but it would most likely depend on how Feig's film performs.

We'll see how the quest for more Ghostbusters plays out over time.

[via /Film]


Still of Channing Tatum in Jupiter Ascending

Channing Tatum Might Leave Gambit Solo Film

All seemed well for Fox and their X-Men film properties out of San Diego Comic Con '15. After all, they cemented their status at the comic book convention with a great panel showcasing all of their upcoming films (DeadpoolX-Men: Apocalypse, et al) and an epic on-stage selfie. All seemed well and good coming out of the successful panel, but rumor has it that everything might not be as it seems.

Despite lobbying to play Gambit, it appears that Channing Tatum (Magic Mike XXL) might be dropping out of the Gambit solo film due to discrepancies related to his deal. Tatum is also co-producing the film, but there's no word if he'll continue to produce the film if he drops out (though, I'd think it's safe to say he would have no involvement whatsoever if he does, indeed, leave). The news comes just a short month after director Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) was announced as director of the film and rumors that Lea Seydoux (SPECTREBlue is the Warmest Color) might be cast in the lead actress role.

It'll be a huge blow to Fox and the X-Men film franchise if Tatum exits. While X-Men: Apocalypse and Deadpool are sure to be bonafide box office successes, a Tatum-led Gambit just could have been the gambit Fox needed to overtake the proper Marvel Studios films. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

[via The Wrap]


Still of Jordan Peele in an episode of Key & Peele

Key & Peele to End After This Season

After Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key started their Key & Peele sketch show on Comedy Central back in 2012, their comedy was finally noticed by the world. The two have been working together for a long time (since their time on MadTV, and long before that too) and now it's time for their work to hit the next level. After five successful seasons, their show is coming to an end. The duo told The Wrap:

This is our final season – and it’s not because of Comedy Central, it’s us. It was just time for us to explore other things, together and apart. I compare it to Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. We might make a movie and then do our own thing for three years and then come back and do another movie.

I’m thinking we could do that every three years – take a year, go bang out a movie. That’s the plan right now.

It makes sense given how much they've got on their plate. There's Keanu, the film about two guys posing as gangsters to save a cat, there's a Police Academy reboot, their "Substitute Teacher" sketch is getting a full movie treatment, Key has been popping up in a lot more films, and Jordan has plans to direct a film soon. If the show is any indication of where their career is going, we're in for some great comedy. It's a good thing the show's ending now, too, since a lot of sketches aren't hitting as hard as they used to. There is a sense that the show is losing steam. It's better to go out on top before it runs itself into the ground. Season 5 has already been filmed in full, and it's final episode will air sometime in September. Just for fun, here's my favorite sketch.

[youtube id="GbPeFs7uDLM" autoplay="no"]

[via The Wrap]


Photo of LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James Signs Deal with Warner Bros., Sparks Space Jam 2 Rumors

Space Jam may be a flawed film, but it's strengthened by the nostalgia of people in their mid-to-late 20s, an amazing soundtrack, and came directly in the middle of the Chicago Bulls' '90s dynasty. Of course, the Looney Tunes were at an all-time high in popularity, and who didn't love Michael Jordan back then (outside of Detroit)?

Nobody since has been able to capture Jordan's popularity, but many have come close. One such basketball player, LeBron James, may be the closest to Jordan that we've had since he arrived in the NBA. However, he also has faced a ton of criticism, something that Jordan didn't experience at the same level. Nevertheless, if there were to ever be a Space Jam sequel, LeBron James would be the de facto star... for better or worse.

Yesterday, word came out that Warner Bros. inked a deal with LeBron James for the basketball star to appear in various WB projects spanning film, TV, and online digital content. Warner Bros. released a statement with the announcement that reads:

“LeBron James has one of the most powerful, well-known brands in the world and we are excited to be in business with him and his partner, Maverick Carter, and SpringHill Entertainment,” Warner Bros. CEO and Chairman Kevin Tsujihara said. “The combination of LeBron’s global media presence and Warner Bros.’ unmatched production and distribution expertise is a big win for fans everywhere.”

Last month, it was reported that Warner Bros. filed a new trademark on Space Jam, re-sparking rumors from 2014 that also had LBJ attached to star in the sequel. There's nothing concrete, but the new deal could pave the way for LBJ to lace up against the Monstars. Would you be interested in seeing King James team up with Bugs, Daffy, and the other Looney Tunes?

[via /Film]


Still from The Muppets pilot pitch

Here's the Reason Why The Muppets Are Coming Back to TV

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The Muppets have made quite the comeback over the last few years. After Disney put out two very successful films, it's time to branch out the Muppets to other properties. First being a new show on ABC that riffs on famous mockumentary style shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and ABC's own Modern Family. Thanks to ABC, we finally get a look at something that's never been seen before, the ten minute pilot pitch that convinced them to turn it into a series.

Directed by The Office's Randall Einhorn and written by The Big Bang Theory's Bill Prady and The Simpsons' Bob Kushnell, the clip is full of adult tinged meta humor (like Gonzo pointed out how overused the "mockumentary" format is) and the direction for the overall series. If you pay attention, you'll realize a lot of the jokes here are for an adult audience but with enough silly bits to keep kids' attention. Since it's most likely going to run during ABC's primetime (which includes great shows like The Goldbergs, The Middle, and Fresh Off the Boat), this is exactly the type of show it needs to be. If you're a fan of The Muppets, definitely check this out. It'll be the best ten minutes of your day.

The Muppets premieres on ABC later this fall.


Day lineups for Riot Fest Chicago 2015

Riot Fest Chicago 2015 Day Lineups Available

The day lineup for Riot Fest Chicago 2015 is now available! You can find out which artists are playing on which day so you can begin to tentatively prepare your schedules. In addition, Riot Fest will be releasing single day passes, VIP passes, and 2-day passes on Thursday, July 23rd at 10am CT here. In addition, Groupon is currently running a special pre-sale on single day passes for $69.98 here.

Check out the day lineups below!

FRIDAY
No Doubt, Faith No More, Motörhead, Ice Cube & Special Guests (performing Straight Outta Compton Remix), Alkaline Trio, Coheed and Cambria, Flogging Molly, Slightly Stoopid, Thrice, Dirty Heads, Anthrax, Eagles of Death Metal, Against Me!, Bayside, MEST, Atreyu, Lee Scratch Perry, The Expendables, Living Colour, Fishbone, Death, Mariachi El Bronx, Civ, Every Time I Die, Real Friends, 88 Fingers Louie, Mustard Plug, Into It. Over It., Post Malone with FKI, Chef’Special, Marmozets, Barb Wire Dolls, The Coathangers, Prayers, Speedy Ortiz, White Mystery, Main Attrakionz, Ground Up, Skinny Lister, Alex Wiley, Heems, Psalm One, Dreamers, Faulkner

SATURDAY
System of a Down, Iggy Pop, Rancid (performing …And Out Come The Wolves), Billy Idol, Taking Back Sunday, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Drive Like Jehu, Merle Haggard, Alexisonfire, The Academy Is… (performing Almost Here), The Lawrence Arms, Echo & the Bunnymen, Bootsy Collins’ Rubber Band, The Damned, Pennywise, The Devil Wears Prada, Mayday Parade, Babes in Toyland, Desaparecidos, The Joy Formidable, The Dead Milkmen, FIDLAR, Millencolin, American Nightmare, Swervedriver, GWAR, Lifetime, Joyce Manor, The Movielife, Steve Ignorant and Paranoid Visions, The Dear Hunter, The Ataris, Modern Life Is War (performing Witness), Fit For Rivals, Flatfoot 56, Teenage Bottlerocket, Chon, Counterpunch, Direct Hit!, Dirty Fences, Sleep On It, The Brokedowns, Meat Wave, Elway, Indian Handcrafts, PEARS, Gateway Drugs, Clowns

SUNDAY
Modest Mouse, The Prodigy, Snoop Dogg (performing Doggystyle), Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Tenacious D, L7, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Kongos, Cypress Hill, Yelawolf, The Airborne Toxic Event, Manchester Orchestra, De La Soul, Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, New Politics, Jimmy Cliff, Andrew W.K., Less Than Jake, The Thurston Moore Band, Morgan Heritage, Doomtree, Hum, Tarrus Riley, The Dwarves, Tommy Stinson, Kevin Devine, Jo Mersa, Alvvays, The White Buffalo, Black-Am-I, Skip Marley, Knuckle Puck, Jazz Cartier, Have Mercy, Superheaven, Foxing, Beach Slang, Cayetana, Blis, Northern Faces, Souvenirs, Skating Polly, Signals Midwest, Modern Chemistry, Tasha The Amazon, Foxtrott, Twin River, Indian School