Author: Abraham Doctor

Willow Q&A: The Stars of the Disney+ Sequel Series Talk About Returning to the Fantastic Fantasy World of Willow Ufgood

This November 30, we get to return to the magical world of Willow in the new Disney+ original series.

A sequel to the 1988 film of the same name that was executive produced by Star Wars creator George Lucas, Willow takes place many years after the events of the movie. It will follow Willow Ufgood as he leads a group of misfits on a dangerous quest to save the world.

Warwick Davis reprises his role as Willow Ufgood, and he is joined by Erin Kellyman (“Jade”), Amar Chadha-Patel (“Boorman”), Ellie Bamber (“Dove”), Tony Revolori (“Graydon”), Dempsey Bryk (“Arik”), and Ruby Cruz (“Kit”).

In a recent press conference for the series, Willow executive producer and writer Jon Kasdan joined the cast in answering questions about the new Disney+ series from the press. Check out the highlights of the press conference below:

Did you ever imagine, thirty- five years ago, that you’d be sitting where you are today, talking about this new ‘Willow’?

Warwick Davis: Certainly not, no, absolutely not. For years it’s been talked about, not by anyone official but by the fans. They’ve constantly pestered me, saying “When are we going to see a sequel to that movie?” And it’s a question that I could never answer. Until I met Jon Kasdan, who I understood was also a fan. And I wondered on the set of Solo who had let him onto set. You know, no fans allowed here, because he was obsessed, talking about Willow. And surely we should be concentrating on making this Star Wars story here, shouldn’t we?

[So we got to] talk about ‘Willow,’ and it was decided that there should indeed be more ‘Willow,’ and so that was the catalyst for this project to happen, really, and it happened very quickly in Hollywood terms. You know, it wasn’t years and years of development. Before I knew it I was sat on set in Wales for the very first day of filming. Once again looking just like Willow, but a slightly older, more mature, better-looking version.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Was it as simple as Warwick makes out?

Jon Kasdan: It was… it was in a lot of ways. I mean, there was the impulse certainly between Ron and Warwick and myself to continue this story, and return to this world. And I came at it as a fan, and they came at it both as the creators, and they found a champion in me, and I kept fighting and sort of hoping that we’d get a chance to go back here, and my ace was always that Warwick would be back and that he would look so attractive and America would – and the world – would really fall on their knees. I think everyone got that, and everyone appreciated that, that there was something really special in the opportunity to bring this character back to the screen.

To the younger cast, how familiar were you with the film before you got cast in this project?

Amar Chadha-Patel: I’m not as young as some of our younger cast, so I have to hold my hand up and say I was alive when it came out. So I first watched it about seven or eight years old, and it sort of fit neatly into my upbringing, in the sense that I grew up on escapism and fantasy, and ‘NeverEnding Story’ and ‘The Princess Bride,’ that’s my childhood. So by osmosis, I’d sort of imbibed the quality of that kind of film. So it was always a part of me, I think. And then I rewatched it again when I got cast, because I figured, you know, research is probably useful.

Tony Revolori: I actually watched it with my parents, and my brother, and yeah, I love the film, I fell in love with the magic of the world and you know when this opportunity came around, I was excited and honored.

Photo courtesy of Disney

The show has this epic fantasy side, but it’s also quite contemporary at the same time. How difficult was it to get that balance right?

Jon Kasdan: You know, that… it’s the challenge. With every episode, you’re sort of walking the line between making it familiar and satisfying, what fans expect from the brand ‘Willow,’ and then trying to push it forward and tell a story that’s surprising and unexpected. And you know, the great weapon we had with us was Warwick, who just lent the whole universe of ‘Willow’ credibility, and the moment you see him on screen, you suddenly believe these six other foolish kids could somehow fit into that world, and really inhabit it. And they did so so beautifully and with such gusto and enthusiasm and authenticity, that it was sort of an amazing thing to watch all these things come together, and become something that feels like a progression from the movie as much as a love letter to it.

How was it going back thirty-five years later, and seeing these locations again from the movie?

Warwick Davis: Yeah, certainly for me, one of the most enjoyable things about the series was really those callbacks to events that had happened in the film. You know, times that when I as a character talk about those events, and that was a really fun way of looking back at those things, and certainly I think fans will get a kick out of it. But also, as you say, we went back to locations, and environments that we’d already been to in the film. In particular, Nockmaar was one of those particular places, that for me really kind of gave me the shivers. You know, there I am kind of standing or sitting somewhere that Bavmorda would have sat, and you know, still kind of felt her presence in that area. That just shows you how powerful the film was, and those settings, and also Jean Marsh’s performance.

Jon Kasdan: There was an incredible thing that happened where we got our friend Kevin Pollak out to reprise his role as Rool. And he told me when he arrived that he and Warwick had never actually done any scenes together because all of the brownie bits in the movie had been filmed at Skywalker in Northern California. And Warwick and he got to actually riff off each other, and Tony got to be a part of that, and it was quite an amazing thing to kind of watch them actually interact, these old friends who didn’t know each other.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Did Warwick give you any wisdom or advice when you guys started out on this journey?

Ruby Cruz: Wisdom and advice from Warwick Davis? I think honestly, just being in his presence was like… I was going to say a lesson in its own right, but not in that way. But I think getting to just be around someone who’s so good at what he does, and someone who’s such a professional in what they do… Watching you be able to just switch it on and off, which is something I really struggle with, was a huge– honestly, I really admire you for that. Coming in, you’d just waltz on set, and then suddenly you’d be like in the most emotional state. Or you’d be like cracking one-liners the entire time, while everything is [a] disaster. So I think it was just being around you, and getting to witness you in your element, that was really cool.

This is your second project with Lucasfilm, and your second series on Disney Plus. What has kept you coming back to this company, and what appeals to you about these roles, such as Karli and Jade?

Erin Kellyman: I feel like I don’t ever want to stop playing these badass women. I think they’re all so multi-layered, and I love trying to pick them apart and understand them. I think Karli was super hard to understand because she does a lot of messed up stuff. But Jade, I think has been the person that I’ve put the most work into. I think me and Jon had the time to like really go back into her past and created that space where we could make time and I could understand her a bit more. Yeah, I really can’t wait for people to see her.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan is not in this new ‘Willow.’ How did you address his absence?

Jon Kasdan: Not tricky at all. It was always sort of going to be, right at the core of the story we were telling. And it really had to be… but because we were telling a story that had so many young characters, and they were all sort of searching for their identity, the search for Madmartigan, and the question of what had happened to him was right at the heart of the story we were telling. And we knew that it would be woven into this quest in a fundamental way, really, to see where he was and what had become of him, and what he’d given up. Particularly for Ruby’s character, Kit, and for Dempsey’s character, Airk, in order to do good.

And that question sort of follows the whole season. And we always knew that we sort of wanted to pay it off in one way or another, and we had a lot of ideas about ways to pay it off and ways to leave it open. And one thing that happened, because Val himself wasn’t able to come out to Wales and work with us, was that we added this texture of a friend of Madmartigan’s, who could give us some clues about his whereabouts.

How much input did George Lucas have, and did he have any advice at least for the project?

Jon Kasdan: You know, it’s funny actually, I’ve been getting this question a lot today, and Warwick was actually there, present on the day that I had my one and only conversation with George about this project. He came and visited the set of Solo because he is devoted to Ron, and they are dear, dear friends in real life. And they told us that he was going to come for just a moment, and we shouldn’t make direct eye contact or ask him any direct questions, and instead, he ended up staying for six hours and answering all our questions and being nothing but lovely.

And I sort of said to him in this moment when I found myself sitting next to this god of my childhood, “You know, the one thing I thought that Lucasfilm really had an opportunity to do was to tell more Willow stories.” And he kind of smiled wryly and said he couldn’t agree more, and had been trying to make that happen for quite a while, and was a supporter and an advocate for any of that that we could get off the ground. And that sort of faith and excitement and genuine boyish enthusiasm was really critical to feeling like, this was something we could go off and do.

Photo courtesy of Disney

What is it that fans love so much about this world, these characters, and this story?

Jon Kasdan: Oh I mean, you know, George entering the universe of fantasy, working in that genre is such an exciting thing. And I remember the feeling of being eight years old and hearing that George Lucas was giving us a new franchise. And this one would have magic and wizards and sword fights, and it wasn’t called Star Wars. That was a pretty unbelievable concept to an eight-year-old kid. And for me, it’s sort of a miraculous thing that it hasn’t been developed more and that it sort of remains as this artifact from a certain time in my life, with all this potential for more stories and more adventures.

What do you think is the one thing that you hope fans will take away from this series as a whole?

Tony Revolori: I think it’s the relatability of the characters, you know? Credit to Jon Kasdan, our writer, of Dawson’s Creek fame and Californication. He wrote every single character to have multiple layers, and we all got to play and have fun with them, and they’re very unique, and I think beyond it just being a family-friendly thing, that you can sit around with your family and watch, and point and go, ‘you’re like him, you’re like him, or her,’ or whatever it may be. I think that relatability, and the idea that these are flawed characters, and we grow through it, and maybe they can empathize through it a little bit. At least, that’s what I hope they take…

Amar Chadha-Patel: One of my favourite things about the show is that no character has it figured out at all. And that is so true to life. The entire quest is not just a physical one, to rescue someone. It’s also about us figuring out what the hell we’re doing. And some of us thinking that we know, and not knowing, and that couldn’t be more true to my own feelings. And I think seeing that reflected back in a big magical world is going to be real charming.

Dempsey Bryk: I feel like, another thing Jon Kasdan does so well is, he really presents different philosophies and ideas, and Jon, you can just Venmo me or whatever after this [laughs]… But so it’s really presenting different philosophies and ideologies that are all sort of equally valid, and sometimes there’s just no right answer. And I feel like today for like, you know, a younger generation, that’s a really confusing thing. To be like, ‘well I feel this,’ and then, ‘but you feel that,’ and maybe nobody’s right. Maybe it’s just okay to have different opinions.

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Willow starts streaming on Disney+ this November 30.

November 23, 2022
Interview with the Filipino Artists Behind Disney’s ‘Strange World’

Disney has yet to take us into another adventure with their new animated feature film, Strange World!

Promising to be another fun family flick, Strange World follows the Clades, a family of legendary explorers who sets foot on an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures reside. But as they embark on this journey, the Clades’ differences will threaten their most crucial mission yet.

Before the release of the movie in cinemas, we got to chat with two Filipino artists who worked from behind the scenes of Strange World: Mikee Sevilla (Raya and the Last Dragon, Encanto) who served as an animator for the movie, and Virgilio John Aquino (Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon) who served as a modeler. In a virtual roundtable interview, the two artists talked about their processes in working on the film, how they relate to its characters, and more!

Check out the highlights of the interview below:

What has it been like to witness that shift of diversity and representation in these animated films from Disney?

Mikee Sevilla (MS): I think it’s very important obviously, to have representation in films. That’s something that we’re always trying to strive for. Hopefully, this film inspires young kids to be themselves, be who they are, and allow them to be more comfortable.

Virgilio John Aquino (VJA) : I totally agree. Disney always strives to tell different stories and we always deal with different themes. In this case, we have three generations of the Clades, and they’re trying to get along and trying to figure each other out because everyone has their own dream. When kids see themselves, they’re gonna relate to young Ethan– all the kids who aspire to be themselves and just be accepted to be who they are, and just be allowed to be humans.

Photo: Disney website

In Strange World, did you have a favorite model to work on?

VJA: Yes actually. I worked on the Venture, which is the big exploration ship that they used to go on this fantastic journey into this unknown space. It’s a big task because it has to be a functioning, kind of ship, and it’s always great to see it on the big screen and on the small screen whenever we do testing and stuff.

How was it working on Disney films, before and during the pandemic, and now that we’re almost back to normal?

MS: I started with Disney when the pandemic happened. Even up to now, I’m still working from home, but they’re starting to bring people back in. Actually, in two weeks, I’ll be working onsite at Disney which I’m very excited about!

VJA: For me, it’s been a learning experience, especially during the pandemic. We’re always used to having our fellow artists in the next room, we’re always collaborating. But when the pandemic hit and we had to revert to working from home, it was a little disconcerting but you know, we worked it out and we were able to get our work done. Because we would be concerned that, ‘Oh my gosh, how are we gonna make films now? How are we gonna tell these fantastic stories?’ but when there’s a will there’s a way, and we were able to work from home and as Mikee said, we’re starting to get back into the building… It’s great that Disney is allowing us to have that flexibility to work from home, work hybrid, or just go in [and work full-time].

Photo: Disney website

To which character were you able to relate to the most?

VJA: I think for me, it was more with Ethan, because we’re talking about three generations in the film that are coming together. They’re trying to figure out how to relate to each other and stuff. For me, I’m always relating [them] to my father and my grandfather. You’re always gonna be the young one, you’re always gonna relate, because you grew up being a kid under their eyes, and then you grew up a little, and all of a sudden you have your own thoughts and your own ideas.

So I think that what’s interesting in the film, for me, is how they explore those relationships. And with Ethan, to me, he’s my point of view as far as how he deals with the generational gap and the communication gaps when you talk to your father and grandfather. Sometimes they cannot relate, and that’s fine. At some point you have to work things out.

Photo: Disney website

Is there a particular sequence that you worked on that was most memorable for you?

MS: I was cast on a few family shots where Ethan is talking with his mom in the Venture. That was a very meaningful sequence to work on, mainly because you could see Ethan just longing for something, and his mom being super supportive of it. And working on Ethan, in general, was very meaningful for me, because I got to be involved in pre-production for the character so that’s really figuring out who this character is and how this character moves and behaves. So one of the things I enjoyed doing was, sort of incorporating– although Ethan was I would say generally masculine, you know everyone has both feminine and masculine sides to them– and I think being playful, creating this character, and showing his softer side, that was really fun to do.

How different was it working on an animated film that has a sci-fi adventure genre?

MS: I think for this particular film, since we didn’t really do any research trips on this film, it was really just from your imagination, so I feel like the director was really responding to just strange, weird things. So it’s really just, go crazy, and we’ll sort of pull back if it gets too far. That’s a little different than the films that I had to work on because for films like Raya and Encanto, those are very cultural-specific things, so certain gestures are from that culture. So yeah, this one’s different, I would say, for sure.

Photo: ‘Strange World’ on Twitter

VJA: I think that for this film, there was a pandemic going on and stuff. You know, what I had to do was really find that adventurous part of myself and inventive part in myself as well. And when I was tasked to model the Venture, there were a lot of mechanical things that I wasn’t privy to, because I’m not a mechanic. So I had to research online just how things work, how certain mechanisms would work if it was a real ship.

Then just before the pandemic, we actually had a team that took pictures of going into a real ship and just taking pictures of the interior of that ship. I was able to draw from that as well. But you know, I would like to have gone onto a real ship and looked at it myself, being a modeler and stuff. But a lot of it was like, 80% of it was research online, and 20% of it was pure imagination and just making stuff up, that’s very unique to the film, and I think that we pulled it off.

With the arrival of Disney+ in the Philippines, what are your top three recommendations from the streaming platform while we wait for Strange World to come out in cinemas?

MS: Well, Raya and The Last Dragon, Encanto, [laughs], and John, you give the third recommendation. What else would you recommend?

VJA: Zootopia, yeah, that’s a good one. For me, it would be Raya and The Last Dragon [laughs]. I always liked the classics, I always say, “Watch Beauty and The Beast.” That’s one of my favorite animated films of all time. And if I might be a little self-appreciating– self-promotion I mean– here, go see Lightning in a Bottle at the Short Circuit, there are a lot of great short stories there, but yeah, see mine too.

Photo: ‘Strange World’ on Twitter

ALSO READ
WATCH: Pinoy Animator Mikee Sevilla on Working for Disney’s ‘Encanto: A Magical World’

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Strange World opens in cinemas today! Buy your tickets here.

November 23, 2022
Randy’s Donuts, El Pollo Loco, & TGIFridays All in One Place at Okada Manila

From the mouthwatering western fare of TGIFridays to the famed fire-grilled chicken of El Pollo Loco, to the talk-of-the-town Randy’s Donuts– The Bistro Group has now made all these available at the Okada Manila!

The three concepts have recently opened at the posh hotel’s eye-popping Crystal Corridor, and The Bistro Group invites everyone to get their fix from these restos the next time they stay at Okada.

We recently got the chance to have a gastronomic tour across these three concepts. Here’s a glimpse of our filling and satisfying adventure.

El Pollo Loco’s Elevated Lineup of L.A.-Mex Dishes

On one corner of Crystal Corridor sits El Pollo Loco, an inviting sight for a restaurant with a vibrant, Mexican cantina-inspired interior and a seating capacity of 122, ready to cater to groups both big and small.

When at El Pollo Loco, a no-brainer pick from the menu is their famous fire-grilled chicken that has flavorful, tender meat under a texture-rich, smoky charred skin. For a complete meal, grab their Loco Bundles (P715 to P1,895) which already includes their famous chicken, sides, fruit salad, tortillas, and iced tea. You can also avail more must-try dishes from their menu such as their topping-rich tacos, crave-worthy quesadillas, and burritos that are bursting with flavor.

Cap off your meal with their crepas that come in Hazelnut and Cream Cheese, or their luscious leche flan. Since they’ve become part of The Bistro Group, El Pollo Loco further spread its wings serving its sumptuous dishes across more locations in the metro.

Follow El Pollo Loco on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

TGIFridays is More Fun at Okada This Holiday Season

It’s really like a fun Friday every day at TGIFridays. But the mini-festivities at the American-style restaurant are even livelier this holiday season with their new offerings!

Stretched out on one side of the Crystal Corridor is the extensive restaurant that could seat up to 170 guests, and offers a view of the stunning Fountain Show. In addition to this, the bartenders of TGIFridays can also put up a show of their own, displaying their awe-inspiring skills of tossing and catching bottles and glasses as they prepare your drinks.

And just in time for the holidays, TGIFridays has unveiled new cocktails to pair with your favorite dishes: the vodka-based Mango Habanero with monin pomegranate; the Disco Mule with vodka and swirling blue and silver sparkles; and the eye-catching vodka-infused Dazzling Combo with cotton candy, edible glitter, and gummy bear skewer. Also joining the lineup are the Negroni with Campari, vermouth, and premium gin; Teqtonic with tequila and tonic water; and the white-rum cocktail Guabana with a touch of Guyabano syrup and mint leaves.

TGIFridays also kicks off their Make It a Double promo, comprised of shareable platters for 2 to 3 persons! You can avail the Catch of The Season (P945) with whiskey-glazed salmon and whiskey-glazed shrimps; Sweet Savory Combo (P845) with teriyaki chop and leg quarter; the Top Shelf Pairing (P960) with whiskey-glazed baby back rib and whiskey-glazed grilled chicken breast; and the Seared + Frizzled (P795) with teriyaki chop and cajun shrimps. All are served with seasonal vegetables and your choice of mashed potato or garlic rice.

So whether you’re a pair seeking to sink your teeth into indulgent Western dishes, or want to grab a glass or two (or more!) of some new cocktails, then a trip to Okada Manila’s TGIFridays is sure to cover all that.

Follow TGIFridays on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.

A Sweet Stop at Randy’s Donuts

The Bistro Group just brought the world-famous Randy’s Donuts to the Philippines this year and continues to expand the brand’s reach in the country. The donut shop from LA has truly become iconic, having appeared in movies like The Avengers, The Kissing Booth, Get Shorty, and more.

Months after opening its first store at the Uptown Parade in BGC, one can now enjoy their fluffier, airier, and larger donuts at the Okada Manila. Located at the hotel’s Coral Wing, the donut shop offers a chic space for visitors wanting to get their hands on Randy’s desirable donuts on the spot or on the go.

Upon entrance, their packed display of donuts is already a treat to the eyes. Some of the all-time favorites from the brand that you could try are the Classic Glazed Raised, S’mores, Fruit Loops Raised, Apple Fritter, Butter Crumb, Jelly Raspberry, and Cake Sprinkles.

Randy’s Donuts also rolled out their Holiday Donuts, with flavors and decorations that suit this season’s celebrations! Check them out the next time you pass by Randy’s Donuts at Okada Manila. For the latest updates, follow Randy’s Donuts on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information and the latest updates on The Bistro Group’s concepts, visit www.bistro.com.ph.

November 18, 2022
‘Disenchanted’: Q&A with Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, & More About Disney’s Fantastical Film Sequel

We’re just a few days away from finally getting Disney+ here in the Philippines! And one of the first Disney+ original films that will be dropping on the platform is Disenchanted, the magical sequel to the 2007 movie Enchanted.

Releasing on November 18, just a day after the Disney+ launch in the country, Disenchanted resumes the story of Giselle who left the Disney-esque world of Andalasia and decided to live in New York with Robert and his daughter Morgan. Struggling to keep her ‘Happily Ever After’, Giselle and her family move to the quiet suburbs of Monroeville, but after wishing for a fairy tale life, she accidentally transforms Monroeville into a magical place. While it seems like everything she wished for, the magic slowly consumes Giselle and she soon finds herself becoming the wicked stepmother in her own fairy tale.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Before the release of the movie, we got to join the virtual press conference for the upcoming movie. The event was joined by the film’s stars Amy Adams (Giselle), Patrick Dempsey (Robert), Maya Rudolph (Malvina Monroe), Idina Menzel (Nancy), Gabriella Baldacchino (Morgan), Yvette Nicole Brown (Rosaleen), Jayma Mays (Ruby), Oscar Nunez (Edgar). The movie’s director Adam Shankman, producer Barry Josephson, and music composer Alan Menken also participated in the press conference.

Check out the highlights of the event below:

On returning to the magical story of Giselle and her family.

During the press conference, producer Barry Josephson shared that it was such a joy to resume Giselle’s story in the sequel. According to the producer, it was Amy Adams wanting to play her character again that started off the creation of Disenchanted.

As for the story, they jumped off director Adam Shankman’s initial idea for the sequel: “I was talking to Sean Bailey, the president of Disney, and he was talking about how the project was sitting there, and as we discussed it, I said, ‘Well, basically,’ I was like, ‘you know Giselle’s the stepmother. She’s Morgan’s stepmother.’

“And that for me became the absolute jumping-off point. I was like, ‘That’s low-hanging fruit.’ This is perfect in terms of a continuation of that because she has this now-developed daughter who probably doesn’t believe in magic anymore. And then I was like, “Let’s go from there,” and it was just sort of a thrill ride from there,” explained Shankman.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Josephson also added regarding Brigitte Hales’ script for the movie: “It was just such a joy to see the script come together and become something really joyous and a musical with comedy, and, you know, the right amount of drama. And sort of like all pivoting around what is Giselle’s new character? What is her dilemma? How do we progress from the original movie? And yet, make something that was definitively a new movie, a fresh new start for her character and the other characters that everybody loved from the first movie.”

The Disenchanted cast on reprising their roles from the first movie.

Many characters from the first movie are back in this next chapter in Giselle’s life. Aside from Morgan, the stars from the first film have returned to reprise their roles, including Patrick Dempsey as Giselle’s loving husband Robert; Idina Menzel as Nancy who became queen of Andalasia; and her king, James Marsden.

Referring to her character Giselle, Amy Adams says, “There’s been an evolution from the beginning of the movie Enchanted to who Giselle is at the end of the movie. So [we took] that evolution of who she might be after spending 10 years, but also [made] sure we keep her grounded in sort of the truth of her feelings, but without losing that joy and that naiveite and innocence and purity that makes Giselle so special.”

As for Idina Menzel, she talked with director Shankman to figure out the balance in her character for the sequel. “Adam and I would talk, and I’d say, ‘How much of my New York accent do I still have [laughs] coming from Andalasia, and how much is this idyllic,’ you know, ‘how much has this idyllic, romantic, beautiful perfect place rubbed off on me?’ And then, you know, putting on the corset and all that, it was an easy journey for me.”

Photo courtesy of Disney

Meanwhile, Patrick Dempsey talked about Robert’s place in the sequel, having to juggle his work, his new child and Morgan, and her daughter’s conflict with Giselle. But he adds that he had fun finally participating in the musical aspect of the film.

“That whole process of finding your voice, working with the coach on that, learning the lyrics and the dance was an extraordinary experience and something I’d never done before. I really appreciate the talent, with the voices and the singing of Idina and Amy and Maya and everyone. You know, it’s an extraordinary feeling you get when you sing. The vibration, there’s something very intoxicating about it. So it’s nice to get a taste of that,” said the actor.

The new cast members on joining the magical sequel.

There are also new actors joining the cast of Enchanted, such as Gabriella Baldacchino who now plays the teenage stepdaughter of Giselle.

“This has been a dream of mine to get to be a part of something like this,” said Baldacchino. “It just completely changed my life. And I’m so, so grateful to sing music written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. Like, I grew up performing. I love musical theater and singing, so that wasn’t new for me. But to get to originate something that they wrote, it’s an honor… And working with this incredible cast is like a master class in acting every single day, so I’m just really grateful.”

Photo courtesy of Disney

Meanwhile, Maya Rudolph who stars as the villain Malvina Monroe calls the experience a “dream come true,” adding that “Even though I’ve had a chance to sing in things before, it was nothing like this experience. [It was like] I was training for the marathon I’d been training for my whole life. And that’s what it was every day.”

Yvette Nicole Brown also adds, “And we all had the best time in Ireland. It was just a lovely gathering, a little troupe of us coming together to make this love letter to everyone who loved the original film. And I’m just so honored to get to be a part.”

On the Disney nods and Easter eggs within the film.

Director Adam Shankman also talked about the many Disney tropes that are present in Disenchanted, just like how the first film had a lot of such tropes.

Photo courtesy of Disney

“It’s one of my favorite things about the movie and about participating in it because, to my knowledge, it’s the first time Disney ever winked at itself,” said Shankman. “I mean, I don’t think Disney ever allowed winking at itself. And so, this was such an incredible opportunity. So honestly, if you look around, when the town turns into a fairy tale town, every sign of every shop has something Disney winking involved in it.”

He also points out that in Morgan’s solo song, there are nods to other “I want” songs; the magic mirror is a replica from Snow White; and the ball dresses of Malvina’s minions, Rosaleen and Ruby, are literally the stepsisters’ dresses from Cinderella.

Photo courtesy of Disney

As the press conference comes to a close, director Adam Shankman shared some parting words about the new movie and answered what would be his happily ever after.

“Things were getting really complicated out in the world when we started all of this. And, you know, there was just a lot of conflict going on. And it felt like it was a good time. The stars definitely aligned. Like, the movie came out as coming out at the right time. To address your thing about what happily ever after is. Obviously, happily ever after is a lot of people watching this movie,” said Shankman.

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Catch Disenchanted when it premieres on Disney+ this November 18.

November 17, 2022
‘Wednesday’ Interview: Jenna Ortega on Playing the Iconic Role in Netflix’s Modern-Day Mystery Series

Pale in black with a deadpan expression, morbid tastes, and cold comebacks, Wednesday Addams is back on the screen and this time, she’s out to solve a dark mystery revolving around her new school, the Nevermore Academy.

In Netflix’s upcoming series Wednesday, the young lady of the Addams Family is sent to her parents’ alma mater after she causes another trouble in her latest school (piranhas and swimming pools don’t really go together). In Nevermore Academy– a school for outcasts, freaks, and monsters– Morticia and Gomez Addams expect their daughter to fit right in. But as Wednesday tries to prove them wrong, her psychic abilities and her parents’ own past would get her embroiled in a school mystery involving a dangerous monster that attacks Nevermore students.

Watch the trailer for Wednesday below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q73UhUTs6y0

Before this new series from director Tim Burton drops on Netflix this November 23, we got the chance to virtually chat with its lead star in a roundtable interview. In this interview, Jenna Ortega talks about bringing the iconic character back, what she would do if she meets Wednesday, and more! Check out the highlights of the interview below:

Wednesday is such an iconic character, how did it feel playing her character?

Jenna Ortega: Terrifying, especially working with someone like Tim Burton for the first time, who is a legend. You never really know what to expect and you want to do a good job. I respect this character so much that I just wanted to do her right.

It’s definitely nerve-racking especially when you’re trying to figure out what the tone of the show is, and you just got into a foreign country, and you’re trying to pick up all of these skills. It was very easy to get overwhelmed, but sometimes you just have to put that stuff aside and realize it’s go-time, and I think I just tried to put my head down and put in as much work as possible and I hope that it’s received well.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

What did you work on the hardest in playing the modern-day Wednesday Addams?

Jenna Ortega: I feel like personality-wise, I focused a lot on trying to protect her emotional arc, and making sure that anytime she was vulnerable it was well-deserved. And I think for any hobby or additional thing that I learned, I feel like I was pretty hard on myself about the cello. I really wanted to get that right.

Did you get guidance from Christina Ricci who played Wednesday before and also stars in this series as Ms. Thornhill?

Jenna Ortega: None at all. We didn’t talk about Wednesday once. And it’s funny, I think [that’s the] assumption, but there’s a part of me that really didn’t want to and we met each other and I think it was very clear that she didn’t want to either.

You know our Wednesdays are very different, and if anything I was more interested in where she was from, what her deal was, and what her experiences were. I think we relate a lot, and I think we got along really well. When you don’t talk about the fact that she’s been in the same exact getup as you before, it makes it a lot easier to do your scenes and treat each other like regular people and not somebody you looked up to your entire life.

Wednesday has a lot of witty lines and clapbacks in the show. Do you have a favorite line from her?

Jenna Ortega: One of my favorites is when she has to go to a school dance, and she has to go get this dress and Enid says, “Oh, do you know what you need?” and [Wednesday] says, “A bullet to the head.” That’s one of my favorite lines because it’s so true and it also sounds like something I’ve said before so I felt that one pretty intensely.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

How did filming go for all of Wednesday’s scenes with the dismembered hand, Thing?

Jenna Ortega: It actually wasn’t too difficult. I feel like a lot of times, I act all the time even though maybe I shouldn’t be. I take any opportunity that I can, like if I’m home alone doing the dishes. So I think talking to nothing was actually pretty easy.

But fortunately, a lot of the time, I did have an actor. It was hard because he couldn’t necessarily fit in all of the shots. His name is Victor, he was a magician, he wore a full blue suit and I was followed around by a blue man. So he would walk behind me and we had these things called wild desks or wild beds, and there were cutouts in the mattress, so he could lay in there and crawl on the bed, or there were holes missing on the side of drawers so that he could stick his hand through. I’ve never done something like that before, but he was really really great and it felt like acting with another actor especially when he’s communicating with you like that so I feel very lucky to have had that experience as well.

Having starred in slashers Scream and X, and now in the supernatural comedy Wednesday, do you think you have certain expectations when working on horror titles?

Jenna Ortega: I think it’s a little bit different every time because, with different characters, you kind of want to approach [them] differently. I think I’m fortunate enough to play teen girls that don’t always necessarily resemble one another and I like to approach all of my characters with the same level of respect and care. I’m really lucky though because horror is so much fun, it’s really easy to kind of take risks, and explore, and do new things. Fortunately, in any of the horror sets that I’ve been on, I’ve been encouraged to do that which has been really really nice.

How challenging was it to keep Wednesday’s deadpan expressions while still evoking emotions in certain scenes?

Jenna Ortega: Yeah, I feel like the challenging part was more of the emotions. I think it’s pretty easy for me to be deadpan, especially because I think that naturally, I kind of have that face. I feel like a lot of people think that I don’t like them instantly because of my expression. The emotion more than anything was difficult just because you wanted to know when was the right time to do it, and why she was doing it, and how much was too much and how little was too little. You could never really tell with that one.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

What’s your main takeaway and what do you want the viewers to pick up from the show?

Jenna Ortega: I hope that the audiences learn that maybe the best way to confront anything in life is just by being yourself and not changing anything about you for the satisfaction or comfort of others. Because it’s unnecessary, it gets you nowhere, and it’s a lot cooler when you don’t do that. So I think that’s something to learn, and also maybe make a couple of friends if you’re going to fight a serial killer monster.

Also, I think my biggest takeaway from this role is I spent so much time with this character I learned how to use my voice and fight for characters in a way that I hadn’t before, and as an actress that’s kind of everything and I’m excited to be able to have that tool now and use it in other sets in the future.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

If you were to meet Wednesday Addams in real life, how do you think would you react towards her, and do you think you would befriend her?

Jenna Ortega: Yes, but I think I would know that it would be very difficult to become friends with her. So I think I would just stalk her from a distance and then maybe start sending her things and getting involved. I think that would be a more interesting approach, I feel like then she would like me. I’d be very intimidated though, I think, but I kinda like that, I like it when people are a little scary.

—

Wednesday also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie, and Emma Myers. The series drops on Netflix this November 23.

November 10, 2022
Interview with Jason Momoa & Marlow Barkley of Netflix’s ‘Slumberland’

Aquaman star Jason Momoa and young actress Marlow Barkley are headlining Netflix’s next magical film Slumberland! The film will take viewers to the world of dreams and nightmares, where the girl Nemo who just lost her father in a storm, joins forces with the rough-around-the-edges but lovable outlaw Flip to hunt for a treasure that can make dreams come true.

Watch the trailer for Slumberland below:

Before the film drops on Netflix this November 18, we got to chat with Jason Momoa and Marlow Barkley in virtual roundtable interview where they talked about the new fantasy adventure film. Check out highlights from the interview below:

For Jason Momoa, would you say that you enjoy playing fun characters like Flip more than the serious and intimidating characters you’ve played in the past?

Jason Momoa: Yeah, it’s better for the soul, better for your well-being to be laughing and having fun over being grumpy and fighting all the time. So it’s nice to have some levity.

For Marlow Barkley, do you have any tips for the younger people who might be experiencing the same hardships as Nemo?

Marlow Barkley: I think that making sure to keep the things that make you happy and bring you joy very close to you, and if you can to block out any negative thoughts or ideas I think is very important. And specifically, keep friends close because I find that friends can be very very helpful and inspiring at difficult times. And just remember that any fear, no matter how big, can be overcome as long as you are brave and strong, and I hope they can use Nemo as an inspiration to do that.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

What’s an adventure you’ve had in the past that’s beyond your wildest dreams?

Jason Momoa: When I was around 19, one of my biggest dreams was to go to Tibet. I wanted to go backpacking and live with nomads and visit different temples out there. I went to Tibet, and whatever I thought it was gonna be, it was beyond my wildest dreams. And it was truly the only place, it felt like a dream world when I was there.

Marlow Barkley: I’d say, I think I’m living the life– I think I’m going on an adventure beyond my wildest dreams right now. I think that I’m very lucky to be able to do that at such a very young age, and I have Jason and my family and my friends to guide me through that. I think that right now, it’s pretty crazy. I could have never imagined that I would be here right now.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Can you tell us more about your casting, what made you say yes to the project and what was reaction being cast in the film?

Marlow Barkley: I read the script and I definitely knew that I would watch it even though I wasn’t in it. Secretly I was hoping that [I get to do this movie] because it was amazing and it was everything that I wanted in a script and more. It has emotions, and it was funny, and action. And so I really put my all into that audition and it paid off and I think that the time filming it was even better than I could ever imagine.

Jason Momoa: This was pitched to me by director Francis Lawrence who I love and trust, and I just thought it was wonderful, the idea of it. Then I got the script, read it, and you know I cried, I laughed… And then we cast this beautiful lady and it’s a dream job, and it just doesn’t happen very often so I feel very lucky to be part of the film.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Do you have any memorable moments during filming you’d like to share?

Jason Momoa: We have a lot.

Marlow Barkley: Any blooper is really fun, but there’s this one… We’re filming this very emotional scene, and in between takes we thought it would be a good idea to play tag– but not the kind of tag where you’re running around, chasing each other, and yelling tag. It’s the kind where you stand still, look over at someone, touch them and say tag. That’s it.

And Jason was it, and he did not like to be it. So in the middle of the scene, very emotional, right before the big climax he goes, “And I just want to say tag you’re it, well that didn’t work” and I was like “Dude, why did you think that you can incorporate tag into this emotional scene?” [Laughs] and Francis was like “Uhh, cut? Let’s go back to one.”

Jason Momoa: Yes, we did all kinds of fun stuff. Not long enough for this interview, you’ll see it all in the bloopers.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

What do you think are the lessons that both the young audiences and parents can pick up from the film?

Marlow Barkley: I think that kids can learn that they can overcome their fears, no matter how great they are. And that if you have something that’s special to you, and everybody else stops you or underestimates you, hold on to that dream and keep people that you love in your life, and you’ll be able to accomplish even greater dreams, one you could never imagine.

Jason Momoa: I say to reconnect with your inner child. Doesn’t matter how old you are, just have fun and keep that little sparkle alive. Otherwise, what’s the point?

—
Directed by Francis Lawrence from a script by David Guion and Michael Handelman, Slumberland also stars Chris O’Dowd, Kyle Chandler, Weruche Opia, India de Beaufort, and Humberly González. Stream it exclusively on Netflix starting this November 18.

November 7, 2022
10 of the Best Japanese Mystery & Thriller Novels Out There

The Japanese have a lot of interesting stories to tell that truly appeal to audiences worldwide, as anime and manga fans know very well. But Japan also has some very fascinating novels a bookworm could read, and there are Japanese authors who really thrive with mystery and thriller genres– keeping their readers at the edge of their seats at every turn of the page.

If you enjoy such stories filled with intrigue and mysteries, and if you admire how the Japanese weave such tales with hints of the bizarre and the macabre, then we’ve got you covered with this list. Here are ten mystery and thriller novels from Japan that are worth checking out when you need a good read!

Confessions by Kanae Minato

Confessions presents itself as a collection of perspectives detailing the events that surround one shocking incident in a school. The novel opens with the point of view of Yuko Moriguchi, a teacher telling her homeroom class that she is about to resign from her job, after her four-year-old child Manami accidentally drowned in the school’s swimming pool. During this address to her students, however, she reveals that her daughter’s drowning was not really an accident and that some of the students in the class murdered Manami. Knowing that she cannot rely on the justice system to punish minors, Moriguchi takes the matter into her own hands, plotting her own way of revenge towards the guilty party.

Buy Confessions by Kanae Minato

Out by Natsuo Kirino

Set in the late ’90s in Tokyo, the plot of Out kicks off with Yayoi, a young woman making boxed lunches for a living, who finally snaps after multiple beatings from her husband. When Yayoi strangles and kills her husband, she seeks help from her work group to escape punishment. With the cunning Masako as their ringleader, the group of inexperienced criminals gets embroiled in a cat-and-mouse game with seasoned detectives.

Buy Out by Natsuo Kirino

In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

A brutal and gory novel by the author of Audition, In The Miso Soup tells the story of Kenji, a Japanese tour guide for “sex tourism” in Japan. Kenji has had a lot of experience with foreign tourists, but his latest client, an American named Frank, is unlike any other. As he spends more time with Frank, Kenji gets more and more unsettled by the man’s odd behavior. It doesn’t help that a brutal murder and dismemberment of a student has just been reported, and Kenji can’t help but imagine that his client was somehow involved.

Buy In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

This novel from a mystery book series is considered the most acclaimed title from author Keigo Higashino. The Devotion of Suspect X begins with Yasuko, a divorced single mother trying to make ends meet by working at a bento shop. One day, her ex-husband visits her to extort her money, a confrontation that led to violence and in Yasuko killing the man. With the help of a neighbor– a brilliant Math teacher who is secretly attracted to Yasuko– the single mother tries to cover up the crime. When Detective Kusanagi takes on the case, he soon realizes that it also requires a genius to corner this genius co-conspirator whose talents in problem-solving have been used to make a seemingly flawless murder cover-up.

Buy The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

Inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, this novel also highlights an isolated setting in its mystery. It follows seven Japanese students who are part of a university mystery club. To find inspiration for their own mystery stories, these students decide to stay at the Decagon House, a structure located on a remote island that had been witness to the horrific deaths of the owner of the house, his wife, and his servants. Unbeknownst to these students, somebody outside of their group also lurks in the seemingly empty house, and that this mysterious figure plans to harm them one by one.

Buy The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

Battle Royale is a classic action thriller that begins innocently enough, with a class of high school students on a field trip. However, the bus takes a detour and the students find themselves on a deserted island, where it was revealed that they had been chosen to participate in the government’s Battle Royale program, and they must kill each other until only one student remains. Shuya Nanahara is part of this class, and as the game becomes bloody right off the bat, he tries to save his classmate Noriko, the crush of his best friend who was killed even before the program began. But can he save her in this dystopian game where only one winner can come out alive?

Buy Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

Malice by Keigo Higashino

Another novel from the author of The Devotion of Suspect X, this book features the locked room murder case of a bestselling novelist. The mystery revolves around the murder of the acclaimed writer Kunihiko Hidaka, who was killed from inside his locked office within his locked home, and was discovered by his wife and best friend who seem to have pretty solid alibis. Detective Kyoichiro Kaga investigates the case, who has known Hidaka’s best friend from his own past, and tries to piece the clues together in a game of cat and mouse between the murderer and the detective.

Buy Malice by Keigo Higashino

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

A Japanese mystery classic from the 1940s, The Honjin Murders kicked off the famous series of detective stories featuring detective Kosuke Kindaichi. In Kindaichi’s debut, he gets summoned to investigate a shocking murder in the rural village of Okamura. The wedding of a son of the wealthy and powerful Ichiyanagi family prompts a huge celebration, but the night of the wedding turns into nightmare when a scream is heard from the room of the newly-wed couple, followed by an eerie music. The household would then discover that the husband and wife were brutally murdered inside their locked room, with no trace from the assailant except for a bloodied samurai thrust into the snow outside of the house.

Buy The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

Murder in the Crooked House by Soji Shimada

This novel from Soji Shimada features yet another locked room mystery, and dares the reader to solve the case as they follow detective Kiyoshi Mitarai sift through the clues. The story is set in the Crooked House, a home built by the billionaire Kozaburo Hamamoto which, interestingly enough, is placed on a snowbound cliff overlooking icy seas. Even more curious is the interior of the mansion, which feels like a monolithic maze filled with creepy masks and life-sized dolls. After a man is killed inside one of the rooms under baffling circumstances, a string of bizarre deaths begins, and it’s up to Mitarai to solve the case.

Buy Murder in the Crooked House by Soji Shimada

Puppet Master by Miyuki Miyabi

Puppet Master is a five-volume mystery saga that goes outside the confines of a singular murder case. The novel opens with a gruesome discovery in a Tokyo park, followed by an anonymous call to a TV station. As more surprising events unravel, the authorities begin to suspect that they may be against a group of serial killers who can manipulate their victims, the media, and even the police just for the sake of the public’s entertainment.

Buy Puppet Master by Miyuki Miyabi (Ebook)

ALSO READ
15 of the Best Psychological Thriller Manga & Manhwa Series Out There
7 Books & Manga to Read If You Loved ‘Alice in Borderland’

—
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November 3, 2022
Interview: Henry Cavill of ‘Enola Holmes 2’ Talks Sherlock’s Growth, Millie Bobby Brown on Set, & More

The game is afoot once again with the return of the young detective Enola Holmes!

The much-awaited sequel film, Enola Holmes 2, is dropping on Netflix this November 4. This time around, Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola is on her first official case as a detective after a young matchstick girl asks for her help on a missing person case. Little does Enola know, the case is much bigger than she thinks, leading her to a web of conspiracy that ties to her brother Sherlock’s latest baffling case.

Check out the trailer for Enola Holmes 2 below:

Over two years since the release of the first flick, we once again got to participate in a virtual roundtable interview with Henry Cavill who plays Enola’s big brother and the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. In this interview, Cavill talks about the growth of his character in the sequel, working with Millie Bobby Brown again, and more!

Check out the highlights of the interview below:

Was it an easy yes, doing the sequel?

Henry Cavill: It was an easy yes doing the sequel, because I had such a wonderful time on the first movie. It was all the same faces coming back. For me, there was no doubt that it was a wonderful thing to do and a fun thing to do. I enjoy playing support to Millie’s Enola, I think there’s some important messaging there, and I love being part of that, and it’s great being next to Millie as I see her talent and her experience and her career evolve as it is. It’s such an incredible right.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Was it a conscious choice for you to make this Sherlock more fallible and grounded?

Henry Cavill: I think the important thing with this Sherlock, is that he exists in the Enola universe as a supporting character. So that is the role of Sherlock, to help sell the journey, the story, and the message of what it is that Enola is going through.

While other Sherlocks are definitely fallible, they’re fallible in different ways, maybe not as focused on it in some way. Whereas we find in Enola 2, Sherlock is struggling with a case, he has turned to drink, and he is breaking down. That’s not necessarily something that the other Sherlocks don’t do, it’s just, less of a focus in some mediums. With this, it’s just fun to play Sherlock as a supporting character to Enola’s character.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

There’s a lot of growth in Enola’s character in this sequel. How about Sherlock, was there a certain growth in his character that you wanted to showcase in this film?

Henry Cavill: Yes, there’s definitely some growth in Sherlock’s character. Sherlock is the kind of person who thinks he’s the only person who can do anything so he must do it by himself. And when it comes to his relationship with Enola, we see him fighting against that– Enola helping and Enola’s advice, he doesn’t take it.

In time, we see the growth of Sherlock in realizing that there’s more than just doing things by one’s self. And with that, not only things can be done better but maybe it’s better for you.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

How was it returning to the character of Sherlock and to the world of Enola Holmes in this sequel?

Henry Cavill: When it comes to this, I think it’s a lot of fun to continue to tell the story, and that I think is something that any actor relishes. To revisit a character and get deeper into a character, especially in the world of TV where you might have eight to ten hours to explore a character, in a film you have less time. So to return to a character is a lot of fun.

Has it been fun playing the exasperated older brother in Enola Holmes 2?

Henry Cavill: Yes it has. Certainly, the relationship Millie and I have offset is very similar to a sibling relationship. It’s fun to bring that to the screen, it’s honestly not that much different from how we are in real life. There may have been a bit of language differences but yeah, it’s enormous fun. I enjoy it, it’s a natural place.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

You mentioned during the promotion of the first film how Millie Bobby Brown would try to get you to join Tiktok videos. Can you give us an update on how was it working with her in this sequel?

Henry Cavill: Very much the same. She would try, but I think at this stage, she knows I’m never gonna do it so she teases me about it. She tries to get me to panic by suggesting that we all do Tiktok dances or something, and at this stage, she knows that I’m just gonna sit there and very deadpan say, “No, I’m not doing it Millie,” and I think she gets a kick out of that.

Enola Holmes 2 will start streaming on Netflix this November 4. Based on the book series of the same name by Nancy Springer, the film is directed by Harry Bradbeer from a script by Jack Thorne. It also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Susie Wokoma, and David Thewlis.

ALSO READ
Interview: Henry Cavill Talks About Being the Sherlock of Netflix’s ‘Enola Holmes’
Q&A: Millie Bobby Brown on Being ‘Enola Holmes’ and Producing a Netflix Film

October 28, 2022
‘The School for Good and Evil’: Q&A with Stars Sofia Wylie and Sophia Anne Caruso

Get whisked away into a world of fairy tales when The School for Good and Evil drops on Netflix tomorrow!

Based on the bestselling book series of the same name by Soman Chainani, The School for Good and Evil tells the story of the best friends Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) and Agatha (Sofia Wylie). While Sophie has always dreamt of becoming a princess, Agatha has always had the makings of a witch, but when the two are taken to the School for Good and Evil, they seem to have been sorted into the wrong schools: Agatha in the School for Good and Sophie in the School for Evil. As the duo tries to correct this mistake, a mysterious figure tied to Sophie surfaces, threatening to destroy the school and the world beyond entirely.

Watch the trailer for The School for Good and Evil below:

Before the film drops on Netflix this October 19, we got to chat with its lead stars Sofia Wylie who plays Agatha, and Sophia Anne Caruso who plays Sophie, through a virtual roundtable interview. Check out the highlights of the interview below:

What life lessons from the film did you pick up when shooting?

Sofia Wylie (SW): I think there are so many wonderful lessons in this movie. Something that I think I learned, was how beauty comes from within. Even though that’s so cheesy, it’s really so true. Growing up in this industry, I didn’t necessarily feel like I was the standard for beauty in a lot of my life, and I kind of struggled with accepting myself for what I am and what I look like, but as Agatha has this journey of self-love and self-discovery, I feel like I was also mirroring that journey while we were filming too.

Sophia Anne Caruso (SC): I think that the film has a lot of lessons in it. It was a long shooting process, and it was a difficult shoot in all the best ways. But a big theme in the movie is friendship and how powerful that is, so to have an awesome co-star by my side who also became a friend really proved that message to be true!

Photo courtesy of Netflix

What were your personal favorites when it comes to fairytales, and how did they resonate with you growing up?

SW: I think my favorite fairytale had to be The Little Mermaid. I was such a big fan of mermaids growing up. I would pray to God every night to make me a mermaid and wake up in the morning and I would place my finger in my sink with some water, and I would wait for about 5 minutes. Did I ever turn into a mermaid? That’s a secret I can’t tell, but I just wish I could be something more than just human. That’s always been a big dream of mine, to be this out-of-this-world thing.

SC: I always liked Alice in Wonderland growing up… I liked the idea of her, jumping down the rabbit hole and exploring a whole different world.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

How was the casting process for the film?

SW: My journey in booking the role of Agatha for this movie was long. I had a meeting with some of the producers of the film, I was really interested in being a part of it. I did, I think maybe two or three self-tapes? Before I got the call to have a chemistry test with Sophia Anne and Paul Feig.

After that, I think I waited for… I don’t really know how long, I felt like an eternity. But then I finally got the call that I had booked the role of Agatha and we were still in quarantine during that time so we didn’t know when the filming process would actually begin, but it ended up beginning about a year after I found out that I was going to play Agatha. So it was a really long process because of that but once I started filming, it felt like no time had passed at all and I was really ready to go. I had a really wonderful co-star to work with every single day, so it was a really wonderful process.

SC: My journey of getting this job started with meeting with Paul Feig. He and I were talking about the different work that we want to do, and I asked him if he had anything that we could work on together. He mentioned this project, then I made a tape for him then I tested with Sofia.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Director Paul Feig encouraged you to have your own input on your characters’ looks. What were the elements that you added to your character?

SW: Renee [Ehrlich Kalfus], who was our wardrobe was so incredibly collaborative, as well as Paul Feig, he was really wonderful in allowing us to have a say in what we wanted to look like, how we wanted to act, what we wanted the environment to feel like and be– which was not something that I have ever experienced before, a very different environment to be a part of.

I think for me, as Agatha, I was able to incorporate my dream princess desires into her princess transition regarding hairstyles, as well as not allowing her curly hair to become straight. I did not want that to be a representation of what a princess should be, that her hair becomes straight if it’s curly. Her hair can still be curly and untamed and be out there, and that doesn’t take away from any form of princess-ness. The gowns are beautiful and I’m glad I got to send a lot of my personal aspirations.

SA: Everything was super collaborative, and I think we’re all on the same page anyway for the looks. Renee, the costume designer, we shared a lot of mood boards and we have a lot of the same imagery on there, so it was really great.

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The School for Good and Evil is directed by Paul Feig, and it also stars Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron, Laurence Fishburne, Jamie Flatters, Kit Young, and Rob Delaney. The film starts streaming on Netflix this October 19.

October 18, 2022
Meat Up with Gabbi & Khalil Offers Quality Steak Dishes Below P500 via CloudEats

CloudEats has launched another brand that’s created in collaboration with two of today’s biggest Filipino celebrities– real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos.

Meat Up with Gabbi & Khalil is the latest celebrity-owned CloudEats brand that focuses on steaks, with the aim of making the fancy dish more affordable and accessible to everyone in the city, without compromising its expected quality.

CloudEats, the restaurant group of cloud kitchens has already collaborated with the likes of Pia Wurtzbach, Rhian Ramos, and more, offering food delivery options with the preservation of the elevated dining experience in mind.

Sumptuous Steak & Roast Beef Offerings

The highlights of Meat Up’s current menu are three steak dishes that can cover your different cravings throughout the day– a menu created by CloudEats’ Chef Carlo Miguel with dishes handpicked by Gabbi and Khalil themselves.

Their Steak Salad is perfect for one’s light but meat-seeking cravings. It’s a delish Bolzico beef steak smacked on top of a bed of vegetables, fusing both the goodness of meat and leafy greens.

For a fancy meal at home, their Roast Beef with Rice is the way to go! Enjoy a sumptuous roast beef steak with creamy gravy, garnished with corn, carrots, and string beans, and served with some hot rice to complete a perfect match.

Solve your snack time musings with their BBQ Roast Beef Sandwich! Revel in a BBQ-infused roast beef with caramelized onions and wasabi mayo, packed between soft brioche buns.

“It’s like food bowls with steak for every occasion, so you can make everyday special with Meat Up,” explains Gabbi Garcia. “We both love going on date nights, and one of our favorite foods to eat is steak. Who doesn’t love steak? Meat Up is exactly that,” adds Khalil Ramos.

Give in to Your Cravings via GrabFood

Ready to have a Meat Up with Gabbi and Khalil’s curated lineup of savory and meaty offerings? You can now order from Meat Up hassle-free and available 24/7, exclusively via GrabFood. For more information, visit Meat Up with Gabbi & Khalil’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit the CloudEats website.

October 11, 2022