Los Javis storm global cinema with 'La Bola Negra.' It might mean Oscar glory for Netflix

NEW YORK (AP) — “La Bola Negra,” a $15 million Spanish queer epic, is expected to challenge “The Odyssey” for best picture. Netflix is giving “La Bola Negra” a 46-day exclusive run in cinemas, the longest ever for the streamer, and is pushing the movie for the Academy Awards. For its glamorous directors, Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo -- the writing-directing duo known as “Los Javis” -- it’s been a head-spinning rise. Their film, about the interconnected lives of three gay men across a century of history, has been widely acclaimed since its rapturous response at the Cannes Film Festival. It opens in theaters Friday before streaming next month on Netflix.

Lena Dunham to bring back 'Girls' for a 5-episode run on HBO 10 years after its finale

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Girls” will return for a limited five-episode run a decade after its finale. HBO announced Tuesday that creator and star Lena Dunham will return along with key cast members Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet and Andrew Rannells. Judd Apatow will return as executive producer. The announcement makes no mention of Adam Driver returning to the cast. The show will begin production in 2027, 10 years after the finale of the generational series that ran for six seasons from 2012-2017. Dunham said in a statement that she would only bring the show back if there were a specific story that had to be told.

Greta Gerwig debuts first look at an epic, full-hearted 'Narnia' for Netflix — and the big screen

NEW YORK (AP) — Greta Gerwig has debuted a first look at “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew" that offers a full-hearted adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ allegorical adventure. Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” scores the trailer. Both were released online Tuesday. Gerwig unveiled the trailer at an IMAX event in New York where she discussed her “Barbie” follow-up with Stephen Colbert. Netflix is giving the film a wide theatrical release starting Feb. 12 and streaming available on April 2. It’s one of Netflix’s most ambitious films with its $280 million budget. Meryl Streep voicing the lion Aslan also sparks some debate. Gerwig describes the story as a spiritual quest.

Selma Blair accused of attacking 2 flight attendants and assaulting a police officer and nurse

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Selma Blair has been arrested after she was accused of injuring two flight attendants on a trip from Los Angeles to New York. She has also been charged with two counts of assault for allegedly kicking a police officer and a nurse after the flight. She has pleaded not guilty to those two charges, and faces more for the events of the flight. Authorities said Monday that Blair was detained late Sunday after the Delta Air Lines jet landed in New York. A Blair representative told The Associated Press that the actor had a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct.

Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis gets 40 years to life in prison for orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur. Jurors convicted Davis of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in late August. A Nevada judge handed down the sentence Tuesday. Shakur was struck in a drive-by shooting off the Las Vegas Strip in September 1996. The case went unsolved for decades. It was revived as Davis gave interviews and wrote a tell-all memoir about his role in the shooting. He later denied playing a part in it.

Alex Gibney’s ‘Musk’ has already gotten under Elon Musk’s skin. It goes nationwide this week

VENICE, Italy (AP) — Elon Musk has been vocal against Alex Gibney's documentary “Musk,” calling the filmmaker names like “idiot” and “horrible human.” The film opened in select theaters this weekend and goes nationwide on Friday. Despite Musk's criticism, he reportedly hasn't seen the film. The documentary's distributor, Bleecker Street, is facing challenges in advertising on platforms like X and TikTok. Gibney, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker who spent nearly four years making the film, explores Musk's rise and influence. The film includes interviews with Musk's family and associates and uses artificial intelligence to create a computer-generated Musk.

RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' actor and disability rights champion, dies at 34

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Breaking Bad” actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte has died at age 34. According to authorities and his representatives, Mitte was declared dead Monday in Brownsville, Texas. His representatives said that he died by suicide. Mitte was known for his role as Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed AMC show. He drew from his own experience living with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to the role. His representatives said he used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities. “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston said he is in “deep despair” for the loss of his TV son.

'Wildwood' premieres at the London Film Festival. Here's what to know

LONDON (AP) — Stop-motion animation ‘Wildwood’ had its world premiere at the 70th London Film Festival Sunday, part of this year’s star-studded lineup. The festival runs from October 7 to 18 and features actors like Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Pattinson. Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman appear in Simon Stone’s “Elsinore” which opened the festival, while Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut” closes it. Other highlights include animation “Ray Gunn,” and Luca Guadagnino’s “Artificial” about OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The festival also includes an international competition and extends beyond London with partner venues across the UK.

Quentin Tarantino's first stage play will debut in London with Sacha Baron Cohen as star

LONDON (AP) — Quentin Tarantino is bringing a swashbuckling stage comedy to London's West End. Producers announced Sunday that "The Popinjay Cavalier" will open in March and stars Sacha Baron Cohen. Set in 1830s Europe. It’s described as a rambunctious comedy inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen. It marks the West End debut of Baron Cohen, creator of the comic characters Ali G and Borat. Tarantino, whose movies include “Reservoir Dogs” and "Pulp Fiction," hasn't directed a feature film since 2019. He wrote the screenplay for “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,” a sequel to "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" that is directed by David Fincher and is released in November.

Russell Brand appears in a London court for trial on rape and sexual assault charges

LONDON (AP) — Comedian Russell Brand has appeared in a London court for the opening of his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault. Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The offenses relate to six women and are alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2009. Prosecutors have detailed accusations including rape at a hotel and assault on a TV worker. Known for his risque comedy and past battles with addiction, Brand was a major star in the early 2000s. In recent years he has recently focused on online content mixing wellness and conspiracy theories.