Director Francis Lawrence’s exclusive interview featured in DEN OF GEEK’s New York Comic Con Special Edition issue in support of THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES. He talks about the unique opportunity of telling a villain’s origin story and goes into detail about the tone of production design. He also shares Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler’s undeniable chemistry during the casting process. Please note, there is a minor misspelling of "Coryo's" nickname in the print version, however it has been corrected online.

Nearly two decades since Jigsaw Killer John Kramer sent his first set of victims on a bloody, sadistic thrill-ride which made you want to puke with both excitement and revulsion, we’re due the tenth Saw film, Saw X, in a matter of weeks. Finding ever more inventive ways to make you go “Oh, God, no” is a tricky task – and in the new issue of Empire, Saw X director and franchise veteran Kevin Greutert says this time they’ve looked back to the future. Tobin Bell’s Kramer hasn’t been around the franchise for a little while, but for Saw X the original Jigsaw, with his inventive approach to life-coaching, is back, big-time.

“Kramer is the centre of the story,” confirms Greutert in Empire’s epic Horror Preview in the Dune: Part Two issue. As longtime Saw stans will know, John Kramer died at the end of Saw III and the franchise has managed to work around that fact with evermore gymnastic ideas: there have been secret Kramer fanboys and successors anointed by the Napoleon of really grim murder conceits, in the trickiest timeline this side of a Christopher Nolan movie (or a Fast & Furious sequel). Saw X is getting around that, though, with a simple time jump back to a period between Saw I and Saw II when Kramer traveled to Mexico in hopes of a treatment for his terminal cancer. “They tried to make the last Saw without Tobin,” Greutert says, “and to me, that was a pretty gutsy move.” (That’s a very tactful euphemism for ‘definitely not what I would have done’ there.)

Indeed, Greutert says his Saw X will feature Kramer “more than in any other Saw,” and after a more expansive detective-thriller conceit last time around, and the escalating flesh-shredding carnage of previous sequels, Greutert teases a return to a grittier tone. “This one has pulled back to a somewhat more realistic level,” explains Greutert. “Not maybe Saw I-level simplicity, but close. The more that the audience can get the sense that a smart engineer – which he is – could figure out what to do with these parts and make it work, the better.” The other big change is a perspective shift from the terrified subjects of Kramer’s games to Kramer himself. “[Saw X] is an emotional journey that you go on with John Kramer, and less a slaughterhouse that you experience from the point of view of the victims. Obviously there will be people that can’t handle it, but I think it has a good chance of appealing to people beyond gore freaks.”

Don’t worry though, gore freaks: we’re willing to bet you’ll be more than catered to as well.

Read Empire’s full Saw X feature in the Dune: Part Two issue – part of our major Horror Preview, also featuring The Exorcist: Believer and Five Nights At Freddy’s – on newsstands from 31 August. Pre-order a print copy of Cover 1 or Cover 2, or become an Empire member to access the digital edition on launch day. Saw X comes to UK cinemas from 29 September.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/saw-x-tobin-bell-jigsaw-exclusive/

BY SOPHIE BUTCHER |

POSTED2 HOURS AGO

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Tom Blyth

Rachel Zegler

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Ready to head back to Panem? Eight years after the last instalment graced the big screen – Mockingjay, Part Two in 2015 – a brand new The Hunger Games movie is on the way. This one is based on Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel, The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, which is set over 60 years before Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, and entered the arena to fight for her life. This new story focuses on the dictator who was enforcing those brutal Hunger Games, President Coriolanus Snow (played previously by Donald Sutherland, and now by Tom Blyth), back when he was a young man in the Capitol.

The franchise, both in book and movie form, was a huge success, but returning director Francis Lawrence (who helmed sequels Catching Fire and both _Mockingjay_s) still had a big concern at the front of his mind going into making the prequel. “Will people go see a new Hunger Games movie without Katniss?” he asks Empire, speaking to us exclusively for our brand new Dune: Part Two issue. It’s a good question, but one the new film has an answer for. Enter Rachel Zegler’s Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12 chosen to compete in the tenth annual Hunger Games, and to whom young Snow is assigned as a mentor. She is the ‘anti-Katniss’, as Lawrence puts it. “Katniss was an introvert and a survivor,” he says. “She was quite quiet and stoic, you could almost say [she was] asexual. Lucy Gray is the opposite. She wears her sexuality on her sleeve, [and] she really is
a performer.”

Where Katniss was a reluctant face of the rebellion, who had to be forced to put on a smile on camera, and keep her fake-turned-real love story with Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) convincing so as to get the public on her side, Lucy Gray relishes the spotlight. Where Katniss was deadly with a bow, Lucy Gray uses her wiles as a weapon. “She loves crowds,” says Lawrence. “She knows how to play crowds and manipulate people.” May the odds be ever in her favour.

Read Empire’s exclusive The Hunger Games story, speaking to director Francis Lawrence, in full in the new Dune: Part Two issue, on sale Thursday 31 August. Pre-order a print copy of Cover 1 or Cover 2, or become an Empire member to access the digital edition on launch day. The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes is in cinemas from 17 November.

The explosive world of The Expendables is set to expand once more in its fourth installment, promising a lineup of characters that reek of action-packed prowess. As fans eagerly anticipate the adrenaline-fueled mayhem, one question sparks fiery debates: who among the elite cast will emerge as the ultimate powerhouse? In a saga where brawn collides with brains, ranking these larger-than-life characters by their sheer power becomes a tantalizing endeavor. Picture a battleground where Sylvester Stallone's indomitable Barney Ross clashes with Jason Statham's cunning Lee Christmas – a duel between unyielding strength and calculated strategy.

The allure deepens when mysterious newcomers portrayed by legendary action icons enter, throwing uncertainty into the mix. However, strength doesn't just reside within physical force and weapons. The way intriguing characters clash and team up creates a tangled mix of forces that adds depth to how power is built. This list isn't just raw strength, but a dive into how each character's special qualities shape the team's harmony and mission triumph. Here's a rundown of the top 10 characters from Expendables 4, arranged according to their levels of might.

While not wielding the same fame as some legendary action stars, Randy Couture's portrayal of Toll Road in Expendables 4 promises a different kind of power. A former UFC champion, Couture's real-life fighting skills infuse authenticity into his character's brawls. In the previous Expendables films, he totally rocked his roles, fitting right in with the crew and owning his unique space. Also, think about The Scorpion King 2: Embrace of the Warrior, where he totally flaunted his brawn and displayed his talent for nailing those hardcore roles. In Expendables 4, expect Couture to channel his fighting spirit into Toll Road, proving that power comes in various forms on the silver screen.

Megan Fox taking on the role of Gina in Expendables 4 brings a thrilling new dynamic to the crew. With her captivating charisma and combat prowess showcased in hits like Transformers and Jennifer's Body, get ready for a fresh and exhilarating energy injected into the heart of the Expendables saga. She's no stranger to action-packed roles, having been cast in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Rogue. Gina, a skilled covert operative, could seamlessly blend Fox's seductive allure with lethal prowess. While entering the Expendables universe might be her first time, Fox's previous characters really highlight how skilled she is at blending power with a captivating allure.

RELATED:Megan Fox’s Expendables 4 Role Replaces A Forgotten Franchise Character

In the upcoming Expendables 4, Jacob Scipio is all set to make a powerful impact as Galan. There's this magnetic charm he carries, so enchanting and irresistible. Plus, toss in his incredible combat abilities, and you've got a whole different kind of thrill injected into his character. Remember when he played that determined Armando Armas in Bad Boys for Life? He absolutely aced it, flaunting his knack for truly stepping into those intricate roles. Now, he's stepping into the Expendables world for the first time, even though he's rocked it in action-packed movies like The Outpost before.

50 Cent's geared up to jump into the mix for Expendables 4, putting his mind-blowing skills on display in those adrenaline-pumping movies. Think about his performances in Den of Thieves and Daring Escape - he completely aced those fight scenes, proving he's more than ready for this thrilling role. Despite not being part of the earlier Expendables movies, his explosive charisma perfectly aligns with the franchise's electrifying style.

Renowned for his awe-inspiring martial arts prowess, Uwais is expected to inject a surge of adrenaline into the Expendables team. With reflexes that rival a striking snake and combat skills that stand unmatched, he elegantly navigates through perilous predicaments. Watching Iko Uwais in action in movies like The Raid and Triple Threat is like witnessing a whirlwind of energy and explosive excitement – he truly embodies unbridled strength and adrenaline-fueled dynamism. When he joins in, get ready for a whirlwind of dynamic fight scenes and an undeniable charisma that you can feel with every intense punch. Brace for Uwais to redefine action once again.

Prepare for an electrifying addition to the Expendables universe as martial arts virtuoso Tony Jaa joins the cast of Expendables 4. Surrounded by his astonishing prowess on the battlefield and awe-inspiring mastery of martial arts, Jaa is getting ready to infuse a whole new dose of thrill into the cinematic experience. You could probably recall seeing him in those unforgettable movie characters from works such as Ong-Bak and The Protector. Interestingly, he wasn't part of the previous Expendables movies, but now he's on board, hinting at a burst of fresh energy.

Prepare for a seismic shift in Expendables 4 as Andy Garcia steps into the fray as Marsh, a character poised to redefine the very essence of power. Garcia's gravitas, honed through roles in The Godfather Part III and Ocean's Eleven, primes him for a formidable presence. His mastery of intense, nuanced roles, witnessed in Internal Affairs and The Untouchables, portends a character who navigates shadows with strategic finesse. While Garcia didn't grace previous Expendables films, his indelible mark in the movies above solidifies his potential as Marsh. Brace for his charismatic prowess and relish in the prospect of Garcia reshaping action's landscape.

RELATED:Every Actor Who Left The Expendables Franchise (& Why)

In the upcoming Expendables 4, the return of Gunner Jensen portrayed by Dolph Lundgren doesn't fail to stir up excitement. The return of the franchise's vigor is on the horizon with his comeback. His expertise in combat was vividly showcased in earlier Expendables films, where he confidently stood alongside celebrated action legends. Rocky IV and Universal Soldier blew minds with how insanely strong he was, and then came Masters of the Universe, where he totally aced taking on these huge, epic roles. When Lundgren appears on screen, he naturally commands attention, establishing his dominance and becoming an essential part of the Expendables world – a beloved aspect that's sure to intensify the heart-pounding action to unprecedented levels.

Jason Statham, renowned for his explosive charisma and gritty performances, is set to reprise his iconic role as Lee Christmas in Expendables 4. Looking back at the heart-pounding moments he's delivered in movies like The Transporter, Crank, and those high-speed Fast & Furious films, Statham steps into Christmas' shoes with a deadly mix of power and cleverness. Once more, the well-known countenance from the Expendables' earlier films reemerges, cementing his lasting stay in the action realm. Statham's consistent fervor and impressive finesse in combat, as showcased in his portrayals, hint at the heart-pounding resurgence of the persona, Lee Christmas.

Sylvester Stallone totally owns the role of Barney Ross in the Expendables installments, making him the ultimate symbol of sheer might. Heading up the crew with unwavering resolve, his battle-scarred attitude and knack for smart tactics transform him into an unstoppable powerhouse. Having helmed the Expendables since its inception, Stallone's Ross epitomizes loyalty, determination, and tactical prowess. Expendables 4 becomes this big moment where he's back, totally sealing his place in the franchise's history. Stallone's legendary parts in classics like Rambo and Rocky highlight how incredibly tough and unyielding he is, really showing off his skill at taking over the screen.

https://screenrant.com/expendables-4-characters-ranked-power/#sylvester-stallone-as-barney-ross

It's been 15 years since The Hunger Games first hit bookshelves, and eight years since The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 concluded the franchise adaptation of Suzanne Collins' hit YA series, about a society in which kids are forced to kill each other for sport on live TV. Now, it's time to return to Panem.

The original Hunger Games book and movie took place during the 74th year of the Games, as Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen began her battle against the Capitol and its tyrannical president, Coriolanus Snow (played by Donald Sutherland). The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will tell the story of the 10th annual Hunger Games.

"It's an origin story not just of a character that we all know from the other series, but the origin of Panem and the origin of the Games," director Francis Lawrence said during CinemaCon. "To be able to go back and kind of revisit what the capital might look like not long after a war in this sort of reconstruction era... It felt fresh, and it felt new, and the tone is a little different. I think the tone is a little grittier and I would even say a little more somehow authentic."

Based on Collins' 2020 prequel novel of the same name, the story takes place 64 years before the events of The Hunger Games series and serves as an origin story for Snow as a villain. (Think of it as The Phantom Menace of the franchise.) Here is everything to know about The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

When audiences met Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games, he was President of Panem, the dystopian nation in which two children — one boy and one girl — are drafted from each District to compete in the annual Hunger Games. The original series centered on Katniss, a girl from the impoverished District 12 who volunteers to fight to the death. This follows a young Snow and a different District 12 tribute.

Here is the official synopsis:

Producer Nina Jacobson teased the movie's themes during CinemaCon, asking, "Are we worthy of freedom? Are we unable to handle freedom? What is the allure of authoritarianism? Why are people drawn to surrendering control to the government? And what makes a person want to have that kind of control?"

Yes, and you can watch it now:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is slated to hit theaters on Nov. 17, 2023.

Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow: Best known for his work on The Gilded Age and Billy the Kid, Blyth will star as Snow decades before he took power in Panem. Here, Snow is living with his grandmother and cousin, Tigris, in near ruin and hoping he will be able to capitalize on a mentor position in the forthcoming Games to reclaim his good name.

Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird: The District 12 tribute is a songstress who grew up with a traveling band of musicians called the Covey. Charming and clever, she unwittingly helps turn the Games into a television spectacle when she sings during the reaping ceremony. Considering Zegler broke out playing Maria in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, the singing shouldn't be an issue.

"Lucy Gray is the anti-Katniss," Lawrence told Vanity Fair. "She's a musician, she's a performer, she's a charmer…. Snow has never met a girl like this before. He is a shape-shifter who craves control but is drawn to a woman who threatens everything he thought he wanted."

Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul: The Oscar winner has been cast as the villainous Head Gamemaker. Upon Davis' casting, it was teased that, "Dr. Gaul is as cruel as she is creative and as fearsome as she is formidable. Snow’s savvy as a political operator develops in no small part due to his experiences with her as the Games’ most commanding figure."

Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow: Having broken out on HBO's Euphoria, the actress assumes the role of Snow's trusted cousin and confidante, Tigris. Fans of the original movies will remember a brief appearance by Tigris, in all her striped glory, in Mockingjay - Part 2, when she provided Katniss' squad shelter in the Capitol.

Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom: From Game of Thrones to The Hunger Games, Dinklage plays the dean of the Capitol's university, known simply as the Academy, and the original architect of the Hunger Games. He will be "the austere and vindictive face of the Games" who "sets the rules that will determine every aspect of Coriolanus' fate."

Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius "Lucky" Flickerman: Before there was Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci in the original films), there was Lucky Flickerman, who serves as host and emcee for the 10th Hunger Games.

Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus Plinth: Zegler's West Side Story co-star plays an Academy friendof Snow's who is recruited as a mentor for the Games. Born in District 2 and new to the Capitol lifestyle, Sejanus disapproves of the cruel experiment and serves as a moral compass, of sorts, in the film.

See the cast in character in the promo below:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will also introduce all-new tributes and their mentors: Flora Li Thiemann as mentor Livia Carden, from District 1; Jerome Lance as tribute Marcus, from District 2; Max Raphael and Athena Strates as Festus Creed and Persephone Price, mentors to District 4 tributes Coral (Mackenzie Lansing) and Mizzen (Cooper Dillon); Amélie Hoeferle and Ayomide Adegun as Vipsania Sickle and Pliny "Pup" Harrington, mentors to District 7 tributes Treech (Hiroki Berrecloth) and Lamina (Irene Boehm); Knox Gibson and Sofia Sanchez as tributes Bobbin and Wovey, from District 8; Lilly Cooper and Kaitlyn Akinpelumi as Arachne Crane and Whimsiwick, mentors to District 10 tributes Tanner (Kjell Brutscheidt) and Brandy (Luna Kuse); Aamer Husain and Ashley Liao as Felix Ravinstill and Clemensia Dovecote, mentors to District 11 tribute Dill (Luna Steeples) and Reaper (Dimitri Abold); and Zoe Renee as Lysistrata Vickers, mentor to Lucy's fellow District 12 tribute, Jessup (Nick Benson).

Lawrence (who directed Catching Fire and both installments of Mockingjay) returns to the franchise to helm The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, working from a screenplay by Oscar winner Michael Arndt (who previously adapted Catching Fire), Michael Lesslie, and Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins.

Longtime franchise shepherd Nina Jacobson is producing with Brad Simpson, with Collins and Lawrence serving as executive producers. Meanwhile, nine-time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard, who scored all of The Hunger Games movies, will be back as composer for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/everything-to-know-about-the-hunger-games-the-ballad-of-songbirds-and-snakes

One of the most iconic horror movie villains of the 21st century is back on screens again. Paramount has released the first trailer for “Orphan: First Kill,” the long awaited follow-up to the cult-classic horror original. The movie will release in theaters and stream on Paramount+ starting August 19.

Released in 2009, the original “Orphan” starred Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther, a 9-year-old Russian girl adopted by the Coleman family (Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard) after their third child is stillborn. Esther begins to demonstrate bizarre adult-like and violent behavior, putting her at odds with her adopted mother. In a famous twist ending, the first film revealed that Esther is actually a 33-year-old woman with a hormonal disorder that causes her to look like a child, who has spent her life posing as a little girl and killing the families that adopt her.

Although the first film ended with Esther being killed by the Colemans, “First Kill” is set to turn back the clock to focus on the story of Esther’s (whose real name is Leena Klammer) first victims. The film follows Leena as she impersonates Esther Mauerova, the missing daughter of the couple Katie and Richard (Julia Stiles and Rossif Sutherland), and sows discord between the two as Katie grows suspicious of the “child.”

Fuhrman, who was 12 years old when the original “Orphan” was released, reprises her role despite now being 25. The trailer reveals how the film pulls off the trick, with Kennedy Irwin serving as a body double for the actor. “Orphan: First Kill” is directed by William Brent Bell, taking over from original film director Jaume Collet-Serra. David Coggeshall wrote the screenplay for the film, which is produced by Ethan Erwin, Alex Mace, Hal Sadoff and James Tomlinson. The film is a co-production between Paramount Players, Dark Castle Entertainment, Entertainment One, Sierra/Affinity, Eagle Vision and Signature Entertainment, with Paramount Pictures distributing.

https://variety.com/2022/film/news/orphan-first-kill-trailer-isabelle-fuhrman-1235313511/