March 1, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures & © DC Comics(LOS ANGELES) — Rumors are swirling that Amber Heard has been fired from Aquaman 2, but the situation is something like an underwater mission in the Hudson River: murky. 

The 34-year-old actress stars as Mera, the protagonist’s main love interest.

Australian entertainment site SausageRoll was first to report that Heard was quietly dismissed from the movie and that her exit was fueled by health concerns and not by her ongoing legal battles against ex-husband Johnny Depp.

For their part, fans of Depp have been burning up Twitter, with the hashtag #FireAmberHeard trending occasionally since it was revealed in court that she allegedly abused Depp.

The court case, which alleged abuse on both sides of the rocky marriage, led Depp to step away from Warner Bros. Fantastic Beasts threequel. Hannibal and Doctor Strange actor Mads Mikkelsen eventually replaced him.

The abuse allegations against Heard also sparked a petition demanding her removal, of which over 1.8 million people have signed. 

In Heard’s stead, it was reported that Emilia Clarke would take over the role and reunite with her Game of Thrones co-star Jason Momoa, who stars as the King of Atlantis.

However, a journalist for The Hollywood Reporter journalist cast doubt on the report and tweeted out Sunday, “Told by a reliable source that reports of Amber Heard being fired off ‘Aquaman 2’ are inaccurate.”

Aquaman 2 is expected to hit theaters by Christmas 2022.

By Megan Stone and Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

March 1, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures(LOS ANGELES) — With more than half of the nation’s movie theaters closed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the newly released Tom and Jerry performed surprisingly well in the box office this weekend.

The hybrid live action and animated children’s movie raked in $13.7 million in its opening weekend — officially earning the second-best opening weekend behind Wonder Woman 1984 since the onset of the global pandemic.  That movie took in a $16.7 million haul opening weekend.

Tenant and The Croods: A New Age earned roughly $9.5 million on their respective opening weekends — the only other two movies to come close to Tom and Jerry‘s opening number.

Tom and Jerry opened in 2,475 North American theaters — which is 42 percent of the nation’s theaters — in addition to being available now for streaming on HBO Max.

In addition, the children’s movie earned $25.1 million in the international box office, bringing its global haul to $38.8 million.

The movie, which stars Chloë Grace Moretz — could serve as a barometer for next week’s box office, as another major animated movie is expected to hit theaters March 5 — Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon.

Slipping into second place this week was The Croods: A New Age, earning an additional $1.2 million across 1,912 venues.  To date, the movie has raked in $52 million.

In third was The Little Things, starring Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek.  The thriller, now in its fifth week of release, made $925,000 in 1,853 locations.

Wonder Woman 1984 hovered in fourth with a grand total of  $710,000 in 1,538 theaters while Liam Neeson’s The Marksman rounded the top five with $700,000.

Wonder Woman has earned $43.6 million during its box office run while The Marksman has tallied $12.3 million.

By George Costantino
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

March 1, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

NBCUniversal(LOS ANGELES) — Tonight, The Voice returns to NBC for an incredible 20th season, kicking off as usual with the Blind Auditions. Kelly Clarkson, back for another round as a coach, believes the Blinds — where the contestants sing without the coaches seeing them — is the reason the show has lasted for 10 years.

“The Blinds…really does make it about the voice,” says Kelly. “I think sometimes we can’t remember a time before Auto Tune or just listening to really great singers…people that really move you and don’t need help from anything else: It’s just their God-given gift. And the Blinds really supports that.”

Kelly also thinks the fact that the contestants are mentored by the coaches is another unique aspect of the show — and something she wishes she could have had on American Idol.

“It would have been a really cool thing to have someone in the industry, helping me on my way,” she explains. “That would have really…boosted my confidence. So I love that we get to do that for people.”

But Nick Jonas, who’s returned to join Kelly, Blake Shelton and John Legend as a coach, believes the show’s longevity is down to something else.

“It’s really hopeful, it’s incredibly wholesome, and it makes you feel good when you watch it,” he explains, adding, “It’s just one of those shows that means a lot to people, and the longer it’s on TV, the more they love it.”

This season, Nick, who says “I’m here to win,” believes John Legend is his biggest competition. But Kelly Clarkson admits he’s caused her to lose out on some promising contestants.

“It is funny when you turn around and it’s a young girl and you’re up against Nick Jonas,” she laughs. “You’re like, ‘So…I am losing here!'”

By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.