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Madonna set to direct movie about her life

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Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Billboard Magazine(LOS ANGELES) — Who better to direct a Madonna biopic than Madonna herself? The Hollywood Reporter confirms the Queen of Pop is not only co-writing the screenplay for the movie with Diablo Cody, she’ll be directing as well.

“I want to convey the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, a musician, a dancer – a human being, trying to make her way in this world,” Madonna tells THR.

“The focus of this film will always be music,” she adds. “Music has kept me going and art has kept me alive.  There are so many untold and inspiring stories and who better to tell it than me.  It’s essential to share the roller coaster ride of my life with my voice and vision.”

The as-yet-untitled film will be produced by Amy Pascal at Universal. No word on who’ll star as Madonna, but there were rumors earlier this month that Madonna was eyeing Ozark actress Julia Garner for the role.

Madonna revealed in an Instagram Live last week that she and Cody have written more than 100 pages of the screenplay and expect the film to have a two-hour run time.

This film won’t be the first time Madonna has gotten behind the camera. Her last big screen directing effort was 2011’s period drama W.E.

By Andrea Tuccillo
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Behind-the-scenes series on 'The Godfather' to be featured on Paramount+

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Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — When CBS All Access becomes Paramount+ next year, a new series surrounding the making of The Godfather is coming along with it. 

The upcoming streaming platform serviced through ViacomCBS will include a new scripted, 10-episode series called The Offer that presents a behind-the-scenes look at The Godfather producer Al Ruddy’s experience making the iconic film franchise. 

Film writer, director and producer Michael Tolkin is the creator and executive producer behind The Offer, with Ruddy also serving as executive producer, according to Deadline. 

CBS All Access began offering all three Godfather films on the platform this summer.

Other original series that will be featured on Paramount+ include Lioness, which follows the real-life journey of a Marine who is tasked by the CIA to become friends with the daughter of a terrorist in order to dismantle the terror group, and true crime docuseries The Real Criminal Minds.  

A reboot of BET’s The Game is also in the works, along with VH1’s series focusing on the behind-the-curtain lifestyle of popular artists, Behind the Music. 

Paramount+ is expected to launch in early 2021.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Lee Brice isn’t sure exactly how many ACM trophies he’s got, but winning is always “something to be proud of”

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Jason Davis/Getty Images for ACM“One of Them Girls” hitmaker Lee Brice admits he’s a little fuzzy on exactly how many times he’s won an ACM Award — for the record, it’s four — but he definitely thinks it would be pretty cool to win Single of the Year again in 2020 with “Rumor.”

He previously won that accolade in 2014 with his hit, “I Don’t Dance.” It’s especially gratifying to be considered for that trophy, Lee explains, because it means recognition for how much he cares about his craft.

“Obviously, to be in the category at all, it’s something — I take pride in what I write. I take pride in what I produce, and play on guitar,” he reflects. “That’s a big part of who I am, and so it’s something to be really, just, proud of.”

It’s not so much about the trophy itself as what the trophy represents, the singer adds.

“It’s not necessarily changing my world, but it sure says a big ‘Thank you,’ and makes you feel good that people notice, you know? And that they like your stuff,” he adds.

As for the trophies he already has, Lee says he might have trouble counting them because his wife Sara prefers to store them in a tucked-away part of the house.

“They start to turn color. Because they’re, like, copper or silver,” he laughs. “I need to get them cleaned.”

You can find out if Lee takes home a fifth trophy in 2020 by tuning into the ACM Awards on Wednesday night at 8PM ET on CBS.

By Carena Liptak and Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Dolly Parton embraces her inner child with the playful “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

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Butterfly Records/12Tone MusicDolly Parton’s upcoming holiday project, A Holly Dolly Christmas, celebrates every aspect of the season, from cozy classics to spiritual ballads.

But of course Dolly had to leave a little room for whimsical, child-like fun, and that’s exactly what the singer does with her take on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”

The festive traditional embraces all the magic of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child, and Dolly says she’s always found it easy to connect with a child-like sense of wonder.

“I have always loved ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ because it’s a song I heard growing up,” the singer explains. “I wanted to do something for the kids and I think it’s a real cute little song. I have a child-like spirit and I love everything about Christmas!”

In keeping with her playful new release, Dolly is also offering a special line of holiday apparel, including “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” sweatshirts and pajama bundles.

A Holly Dolly Christmas will be out in full on October 2.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Disney+ unveils trailer for 'The Mandalorian' season 2

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Disney+(LOS ANGELES) — A trailer for the second season of The Mandalorian has been revealed.

In the first teaser clip for the highly anticipated new season of the Disney+ series, a mysterious voice instructs The Mandalorian in the opening sequence that he must return The Child, a.k.a. Baby Yoda, back to the Jedi.

“You expect me to search the galaxy and return this creature to a race of enemy sorcerers?” Mando questions.  “This is the way,” the voice beckons. 

As Mando and Yoda board a ship, a mysterious woman in a black robe and hood appears, the two passing curious glances to one another just as she disappears.

Based on the action-packed trailer, Mando and Yoda will embark on a quest that includes space battles, storm troopers and a journey through snow covered mountains. 

“You know this is no place for a child,” another voice instructs Mando, to which he replies, “wherever I go, he goes.” 

Pedro Pascal returns as The Mandalorian, as does Giancarlo Esposito as the antagonist, Moff Gideon. Joining the cast in season two are Rosario Dawson and Michael Biehn.   

The Mandalorian season two premieres on Disney+ on October 30. 

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.