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*In casting news, Russell Hornsby has joined Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in MGM-Warner Bros.’ “Creed II,” which began shooting Monday (April 2) in Philadelphia.
Hornsby will play Buddy Marcelle in the continuation of the “Rocky” franchise and sequel to 2015’s “Creed,” with Jordan returning as Adonis Creed and Stallone as Rocky Balboa. Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris and Andre Ward are also reprising their roles. Florian Munteanu is playing Viktor Drago, the son of Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago character from “Rocky IV.”
Replacing director Ryan Coogler is Steven Caple Jr., helming an original screenplay written by Stallone based on characters from the franchise. Coogler, who went on to direct behemoth “Black Panther,” will serve as an executive producer.
“Creed II” will hit theaters on Nov. 21.
“Atlanta” breakout star Zazie Beetz is currently in negotiations to join Jon Hamm and Natalie Portman in the Fox Searchlight astronaut drama “Pale Blue Dot.”
The story centers on a married astronaut (Portman) who returns to Earth after a mission and begins an affair with a fellow astronaut (Hamm). She heads into a downward spiral as she loses her connection to her family — a condition that can afflict those who spend a long time in space — and when her lover begins another affair with an astronaut trainee, the bottom drops out.
If a deal is made and scheduling falls into place, Beetz will play the trainee, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Brian C. Brown and Elliott DiGuiseppi wrote the script. Reese Witherspoon, who was previously attached to star in Portman’s role, will produce with Bruna Papandrea.
After breaking out on Donald Glover’s FX series “Atlanta,” Beetz booked a major role in the “Deadpool” sequel and is in talks to star opposite Kristen Stewart in the Jean Seberg biopic “Against All Enemies.” Additionally, she recently wrapped Steven Soderbergh’s latest project, “High Flying Bird,” from “Moonlight” screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney.
