Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Grammy winning-vocalist and fashion icon, Rihanna will star in the upcoming sci-fi drama, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The film’s director, Luc Besson announced the news Wednesday via social media with a photo of the singer and the caption: “RIHANNA is in VALERIAN!!!!! ….and she has a big part!! I’m Sooo excited!!!” Rih Rih joins Clive Owen, Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan in the film adaptation of Valerian and Laureline. Shooting begins in January with a 2017 release. [SHADOW AND ACT]
Oscar winning-hip-hop star, Common has secured a role in the upcoming feature, John Wick 2. The project is a sequel the 2014 film, John Wick and features the Chi-Town rapper as the nemesis of the film’s main character played by Keanu Reeves. In other related news, Common has also signed a two-year deal with HBO. According to reports, he is responsible for developing and producing new projects for the cable network through his Freedom Road Productions. He will also be producing a new untitled “Chicago-set drama” for Showtime. Way to go Common! [DEADLINE)
Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique and acclaimed actress Kimberly Elise have been added to David E. Talbert’s A Meyers Thanksgiving. As previously reported, the film focuses on what happens to an estranged family when they come together for the first time after the death of the family matriarch. It also stars Jessie T. Usher, Gabrielle Union, Alkoya Brunson and Danny Glover. CONGRATS ladies! [THR]