Category: TV

Intriguing Movies and TV Series on Lionsgate Play that are Inspired by Real Events

Embark on a riveting journey through history with Lionsgate Play’s collection of shows and films, delving into gripping tales inspired by real events. From political scandals to natural disasters, these enthralling narratives provide a unique blend of entertainment and historical accuracy, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience. Join us as we explore the dramatic retellings that will keep you glued to your seats and spark your curiosity to explore more about the past.

Gaslit (2022)

Gaslit is a fresh look into the 1972 Watergate scandal, a major political scandal involving President Richard Nixon, which eventually led to his resignation. It focuses on the untold story of Martha Mitchell (Julia Roberts), the wife of John Mitchell (Sean Penn), Nixon’s Attorney General who played a role in the scandal. Robbie Pickering’s political thriller is also based on the podcast Slow Burn by Leon Neyfakh and is a gripping tale of a brave woman standing her ground amidst political lies. Roberts’ gripping performance got her nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

Watch Gaslit on Lionsgate Play.

The Impossible (2014)

An idyllic vacation takes a nightmarish turn in disaster-drama film The Impossible. Maria Bennett (Naomi Watts) and her husband Henry Bennett (Ewan McGregor) are enjoying a Christmas holiday at a Thai resort when a tsunami sweeps the peaceful resort and breaks their family apart. In the chaos that follows, Maria desperately finds a way to reunite her family. The film is based on the real-life story of the Belon-Alvarez family, miraculous survivors of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Watch The Impossible on Lionsgate Play.

Papillon (2017)

This 2017 drama tells the story of real-life French convict Henri Charrière (Charlie Hunnam), a Parisian safecracker known in the underworld as “Papillon” (butterfly). In 1933, he was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in the notorious Devil’s Island penal colony in French Guiana. There, he forms an alliance with another convict, counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek) as they attempt daring escapes. Papillon is based Charrière’s international best-selling autobiographical books Papillon and Banco.

Watch Papillon on Lionsgate Play.

Hotel Mumbai (2019)

Hotel Mumbai is an action-thriller film inspired by the 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace in India. A storm of terror erupts after the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization launches coordinated attacks across the city, including the hotel. Meanwhile, a humble waiter, Arjun (Dev Patel), rises above his duties and risks everything to guide terrified patrons to safety, especially a British heiress, her husband, and their infant.

Watch Hotel Mumbai on Lionsgate Play.

Green Book (2018)

In 1960s southern America, an Afrian-American pianist (Mahershala Ali) about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South recruits an Italian American bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) to drive him through his venues. Throughout the journey, the pair develop an unlikely bond, confronting racism and prejudice while discovering the value of friendship beyond social barriers.

Watch Green Book on Lionsgate Play.

The Final Score (2022)

Pablo Gonzales’ The Final Score chronicles Colombian soccer defender Andres Esobar’s (Juan Pablo Urrego) illustrious life that tragically ended in 1994. The six-part layered mini-series delves into the complicated relationship of several Colombian national team players, mired with drug trafficking and culminating in the 1994 World Cup goal and Escobar’s murder.

Watch The Final Score on Lionsgate Play.

Immerse yourself in these captivating titles, available only on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home. Experience history coming alive on your screens with stories that resonate with the richness of real events. Lionsgate Play is your gateway to a world of entertainment that educates, entertains, and leaves you craving for more.

January 26, 2024
Journey Beyond Imagination: Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Unveils Official Trailer and Key Art

Netflix reignites the magic of the beloved animated series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender‘ with its highly anticipated live-action adaptation. The official trailer and main key art, released recently, promise an enthralling journey through a world where mastery over Water, Earth, Fire, and Air can shape destinies.

A World Divided, A Hero Awakens

In a realm where four elemental nations once coexisted in harmony, the story unfolds with the Fire Nation’s ruthless ambition to conquer all. The Avatar, a being capable of bending all four elements, is the world’s only hope. After the Fire Nation decimates the Air Nomads, the responsibility falls upon young Aang (Gordon Cormier), the last Airbender and the new Avatar.

A Quest of Elemental Proportions

The trailer showcases Aang’s journey alongside Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio) of the Southern Water Tribe. Together, they embark on an epic quest to master the elements and combat the Fire Nation’s aggression. Threatened by Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) and pursued by Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu), their path is one of adventure and peril.

Behind the Scenes of a Masterpiece

Under the guidance of showrunner, executive producer, and writer Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita), and directors Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space, Stranger Things) and Michael Goi, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is set to be a visual spectacle. The series, produced by Dan Lin (The Lego Movie, Aladdin) and Lindsey Liberatore (Walker) from Rideback, is a tribute to the original animation and a bold new chapter in its legacy.

Embrace the spirit of adventure and witness the rebirth of a legend with Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender‘. Check out the official trailer and key art now! #NewAdventureAwaits #AvatarOnNetflix #ElementalJourney

January 24, 2024
A Galactic Finale: Disney+ Unveils ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ Season 3 Trailer & Poster
Disney+ has just launched the captivating new trailer and teaser poster for the final chapter of Lucasfilm Animation’s “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” a spellbinding series loved by fans worldwide. This culmination of the saga, born from the Emmy® award-winning “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” is set to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Epic Adventures and Trials Ahead: The Batch’s Final Journey

In this gripping finale, the Batch faces their most challenging adventures yet. The quest to reunite with Omega takes them into the heart of a remote Imperial science lab. Surrounded by danger and fragmented, they must find unlikely allies, undertake perilous missions, and harness all they’ve learned to break free from the clutches of the Empire.

A Stellar Voice Cast: Bringing the Galaxy to Life

The series boasts an incredible voice cast, featuring talents like Dee Bradley Baker of “American Dad!” fame, Michelle Ang from “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462,” Keisha Castle-Hughes known for “Whale Rider,” Jimmi Simpson of “Westworld,” Noshir Dalal from “It’s Pony,” and the comedic brilliance of Wanda Sykes in “The Upshaws.”

The Creative Force Behind the Series: A Team of Visionaries

“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” is helmed by an impressive roster of executive producers: Dave Filoni (“Ahsoka,” “The Mandalorian”), Athena Portillo (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”), Brad Rau (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Star Wars Resistance”), Jennifer Corbett (“Star Wars Resistance,” “NCIS”), and Carrie Beck (“Ahsoka,” “The Mandalorian”). With Josh Rimes as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood as the senior producer, Rau also serves as the supervising director, alongside Corbett as the head writer.

Season 3 Episode Schedule:
- 2/21: Episode 301 “Confined,” Episode 302 “Paths Unknown,” Episode 303 “Shadows of Tantiss” (debut)
- 2/28: Episode 304 “A Different Approach”
- 3/6: Episode 305 “The Return”
- 3/13: Episode 306 “Infiltration” & Episode 307 “Extraction”
- 3/20: Episode 308 “Bad Territory”
- 3/27: Episode 309 “The Harbinger”
- 4/3: Episode 310 “Identity Crisis” & Episode 311 “Point of No Return”
- 4/10: Episode 312 “Juggernaut”
- 4/17: Episode 313 “Into the Breach”
- 4/24: Episode 314 “Flash Strike”
- 5/1: Episode 315 “The Cavalry Has Arrived” (finale)
Mark Your Calendars for the Galactic Premiere: Exclusive to Disney+

Embark on this final journey with the first three episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” launching on Wednesday, February 21, only on Disney+.
January 24, 2024
“Light Shop” A New Series from the Mind Behind Super-Powered Drama “Moving” – Coming 2024 Exclusively to Disney+

After entertaining audiences across the world in 2023 with his unmissable super-powered drama Moving, lauded screenwriter Kangfull returns later this year with Light Shop – a mysterious drama that explores life, death, and what makes us human,exclusively on Disney+.

An adaptation of Kangfull’s hit webtoon of the same name, Light Shop follows a group of strangers, each struggling to come to terms with a traumatic event in their past. Going about their daily lives, each individual is mysteriously drawn to a light shop that sits at the end of a seedy alleyway. Guarded by a vigilant shopkeeper, the light shop could hold the key to the strangers’ pasts, presents and futures.

Light Shop will star Ju Jihoon (Kingdom, The Spy Gone North) as Jung Wonyoung, the owner of the light shop; Park Boyung, (Strong Girl Bong-soon, Oh My Ghost) as Kwon Youngji, a nurse with an unusual connection to her patients; Bae Seongwoo (Veteran, The King) as police officer Yang Sungsik; and Lee Jungeun (Parasite) as Jung Yuhee, a distraught mother. The series is adapted for the screen by Kangfull (Moving) and is directed by Kim Hiewon.

Light Shop will join an ever-growing array of award-winning Korean entertainment now available on Disney+ including: Moving, about a group of South Korean special agents working to protect their super-powered children from harm and exploitation at the hands of malicious government agencies, and Big Bet, about the rise and fall of a serial entrepreneur who will do anything to get ahead; as well as The Worst of Evil, Vigilante and an extensive library of other APAC originals and beloved international movies and shows.

Come to terms with your past when Light Shop launches in the second half of 2024, exclusively on Disney+.

January 20, 2024
Paramount+ Branded Area To Launch on Blast Tv in The Philippines

Paramount Global Content Distribution announced a deal today with Philippine-based Tap Digital Media Ventures Corp to create a Paramount+ brand extension for licensed Paramount content on its SVOD service, Blast TV, which is scheduled to launch in June. This agreement reinforces Paramount’s strategy to expand the Paramount+ brand in more ways around the world, including making Paramount+ available as a direct-to-consumer streaming service, through bundled partnerships in key markets as well as through branded hubs in local markets through licensing deals.

Viewers can access their favorite scripted and unscripted series and feature films from CBS, Paramount+ Originals, SHOWTIME®, Paramount Television International Studios, Paramount Pictures, and more, as well as discover the latest Paramount entertainment content from around the globe. Paramount+ branded areas are currently available via Cosmote in Greece and Streamz in Belgium and more to come.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Blast TV and their subscribers in the Philippines to the Paramount family with this landmark deal to be the first partner in South East Asia with Paramount+ branded area on their service,” said Dan Cohen, Chief Content Licensing Officer, Paramount Global and President, Republic Pictures. “With a vast offering of sought-after titles across multiple content pillars, this agreement truly showcases the breadth and strength of the Paramount Global catalog.”

“Blast TV as the exclusive home to Paramount+ branded area is an exciting and key business initiative for our company in 2024 as we expand our streaming content offering,” says Celinda de Guia, President & CEO of Tap Digital Media Ventures. “We are honored that Paramount Global extended us this fantastic opportunity to bring a multiverse of valuable IP such as Star Trek, Taylor Sheridan series, NCIS and Transformers among many others to our subscribers.”

About Paramount Global Content Distribution
Paramount Global Content Distribution is the leading distributor of premium content across multiple media platforms throughout the global marketplace. The division’s portfolio is comprised of some of the world’s most recognized brands, including feature films and television programs from Paramount Pictures, Republic Pictures, Paramount Television Studios, CBS Studios, CBS Media Ventures, CBS News, SHOWTIME Networks, Nickelodeon, MTV Entertainment Studios, Miramax and third-party partners. The division also has the largest distributed library of series and film titles, including global franchises such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “NCIS,” “Star Trek,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Transformers,” “Mission: Impossible,” and more. In addition, the division licenses a diverse lineup of scripted and unscripted formats for local production and international co-productions. Paramount Global Content Distribution is a division of Paramount.

About Tap Digital Media Ventures Corp (TapDMV)
TAPDMV is a leading Philippine media company which partners with globally recognized entertainment content producers and sport properties to deliver branded television services utilizing multiple distribution platforms which include Free To Air, Pay Television and Direct To Consumer through Blast TV. The company content portfolio includes UFC, WTA, NFL, PGA Tour, LPGA, Studio Universal, WWE Raw, WWE Smackdown, Euroleague, Champions League, Bundisliga and Volleyball Nations League.

January 19, 2024
Surprises and Wins: These Shows Grabbed the Spotlight at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards

Following their victories at the 81st Golden Globes and 29th Critics Choice Awards earlier this month, Netflix’s Beef, FX’s The Bear, and HBO’s Succession have scored three-peat wins with yet another remarkable sweep at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. Notably, several personalities also celebrated historic wins, with one individual joining the prestigious EGOT club.

Beef has a big night at the Emmys

The hit dramedy about a road rage incident gone out of control, led by Asian stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, won six of its 13 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor (Yeun), and Outstanding Actress (Wong). Beef showrunner and creator Lee Sung Jin was also awarded Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing.

“You know, a lot of the suicidal ideation in this show was based on stuff that I and some of the folks up here have struggled with over the years,” said Lee in his acceptance speech. “So I’m really grateful and humbled by everyone who watched the show and reached out about their own personal struggles. It’s very life-affirming, so thank you.”

Beef also swept the Limited Series categories for the 81st Golden Globes and the 29th Critics Choice Awards, bagging Best Limited Series plus acting awards for Yeun, Wong, and Maria Bello.

Ali Wong makes history

Wong’s win for Beef served as a huge milestone for the Asian-American community. In winning her first Emmy, she also became the first Asian woman to win a lead acting award at the Emmys.

Wong’s big night didn’t just end with her achievement. She also got to spend time with the extravagant drag queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, where Wong served as a guest judge for one episode. The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program while RuPaul himself won Outstanding Host.

“This is my dream. My dream is coming true,” said the actress while posing for photos.

Succession goes out with a bang

HBO’s Succession, a saga about the prolific Roy family and their media empire, dominated the Emmys with 27 nominations, six of which it successfully took home as wins. For its fourth and final season, the show secured its third Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series plus awards for writing and directing. Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin took home their first Emmys for lead actress and lead actor respectively. Meanwhile, Matthew Macfadyen celebrated his back-to-back win as a supporting actor.

Aside from its awards, the show also set a record with three entries in a lead drama actor for Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, and Jeremy Strong. Succession’s Emmy wins come at the heels of an equally successful run at the 81st Golden Globes and 29th Critics Choice Awards where it took home best drama series and major awards for Culkin, Snook, and Macfayden.

The Bear claims comedy

FX’s The Bear had another epic night, this time ranking a total of 10 wins including four previous wins at the Creative Arts Emmys. Aside from winning Outstanding Comedy Series, cast members Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also bagged their first Emmys. The Bear also won best comedy series as well as acting awards for White and Edebiri, at the 81st Golden Globes and 29th Critics Choice Awards.

More historic wins at the Emmys

After winning an Emmy for his Disney+ special concert film Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium, Elton John became the 19th person in the world to achieve EGOT status (winners of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). He slots in after legendary performers like Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Viola Davis.Meanwhile, Abbot Elementary’s Quinta Brunson also made history as the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy in over 40 years since Isabel Sanford (The Jeffersons) in 1981.

Where to watch awards shows in the Philippines

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards was broadcast live on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home last January 16, 2024. Those who missed it can still watch the awards exclusively on the platform. Lionsgate Play also held live broadcasts for the 81st Golden Globe Awards and the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards earlier this month, both of which can be rewatched on the platform.

Aside from streaming historic events, Lionsgate Play also offers a wide selection of award-winning films and series, featuring diverse stories and talented actors from all over the world.

Don’t miss out and subscribe to Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home now for exclusive access to awards shows and a diverse library of entertainment!

January 19, 2024
HBO Asia Original Series ‘The Accidental Influencer’ Premieres Exclusively on HBO GO February 10

Warner Bros. Discovery today announces the premiere of new HBO Asia Originals Taiwanese comedy drama, The Accidental Influencer. Revolving around the unexpected twists in the life of an ordinary woman following her breakup, the 13-episode series debuts with its first three episodes on Chinese New Year, February 10 exclusively on HBO GO.

Directed by Pei-Ju Hsieh, The Accidental Influencer follows the life of Red Ho, a Taiwanese who dreams of owning an apartment and marrying her boyfriend as she hits a major milestone, her 30^th birthday. However, her hope for a perfect life is dashed when she is suddenly dumped by her boyfriend on her birthday. Things get worse when she discovers who her boyfriend left her for. Heartbroken, Red makes an unconventional emotional decision to resign from her stable job while her friends attempt to distract and encourage her to move on. Now jobless and at a loss, Red turns to social media to air her grievances and is met with a surprising outcome, where she rediscovers her independence and embarks on an unexpected journey.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Each Other Films to bring this new local HBO Asia Originals series to life. Pairing a stellar homegrown cast with modern, relatable storytelling, The Accidental Influencer will resonate not only in Taiwan, but across our Southeast Asia territories and beyond.” said Magdalene Ew, Head of Content, Streaming, APAC at Warner Bros. Discovery.

“Each Other Films are incredibly excited to announce the premiere of The Accidental Influencer on HBO GO with Warner Bros. Discovery. With past successes in local comedies and a fantastic line up of award-winning creatives, cast and an inspiring local Taiwanese story, we believe audiences will fall in love with this series as much as we loved creating it!” said Jacqueline W. Liu, Executive Producer, Each Other Films, Inc.

Inspired by a true story of a Taiwanese blogger, ‘SHOWON’, The Accidental Influencer features Golden Horse Award-winner, Shu-Yao Kuo (Step Back to Glory, Teenage Psychic) as Red Ho, Aviis Zhong (Iron Ladies) as Vivian Lee, Ke-Fang Sun (Little Big Women) as Clara Wang, and Ken Lin (Acting out of Love) as Shucheng Liang and a supporting cast which include Golden Horse Award-winner Ray Chang (Eternal Summer) as Chihming Chou, Golden Bell Award-winner Yao Chun Yao (The Mirror, Copycat Killer) as Jay Luo and Yi-Ti Yao (The Gangs, The Oscars, and The Walking Dead) as JC Yu.

Produced by Each Other Films, Inc., the creative team behind the highly successful award-winning Taiwanese film Little Big Women, The Accidental Influencer is directed by Pei-Ju Hsieh (Hello Ghost!, More Than Blue: The Series) and is executive produced by Jacqueline W. Liu (Little Big Women, End of Summer) and Tiffany Yu-Chia Chen (Little Big Women).

The Accidental Influencer will also be available to stream on Max in the U.S. on February 10.

Stream or download The Accidental Influencer from February 10, exclusively on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

January 16, 2024
Survival of the Fittest: ‘Badland Hunters’ Starring Don Lee – A Post-Apocalyptic Thrill Ride

The cinematic landscape is on the brink of a thrilling evolution with the upcoming release of “Badland Hunters.” This film, a remarkable collaboration between acclaimed director Heo Myeong-haeng and international action icon Don Lee, is set to redefine the standards of action cinema. Known for his dynamic roles in “Train to Busan” and Marvel’s “Eternals,” Don Lee is ready to captivate audiences worldwide.

A Glimpse into the Future: The Setting and Story

“Badland Hunters” plunges viewers into a post-apocalyptic Seoul, a city now a shadow of its former self, ruled by chaos and survival instincts. Don Lee embodies the character of “Nam San,” a formidable hunter in this lawless world. Alongside Lee Hee-jun, Lee Jun-young, Roh Jeong-eui, and An Ji-hye, the film weaves a narrative of resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Trailer: A Promise of Unrelenting Action

The film’s trailer, a masterpiece in its own right, tantalizes viewers with snippets of intense action sequences and a riveting plot. It sets expectations for a cinematic journey that masterfully combines visceral combat with an enthralling storyline, promising a spectacle for action aficionados.

Visuals and Themes: The Heart of ‘Badland Hunters’

“Badland Hunters” isn’t just about the adrenaline-pumping action; it’s a visual odyssey through a world ravaged yet strangely beautiful. The film’s aesthetics paint a picture of desolation and raw nature, encapsulating the essence of a world where survival is a luxury and alliances are fleeting.

Premiere Details and Expectations

Mark your calendars for January 26, 2024, as “Badland Hunters” makes its exclusive global debut on Netflix. This film is more than just a movie; it’s an experience that promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, redefining what it means to be a hunter in a world where the only rule is to survive.

January 15, 2024
Machiavellian Korean Drama ‘The Impossible Heir’ Debuts Exclusively on Disney+ in February

When the illegitimate son of a Korean conglomerate owner partners with his ambitious childhood friend, the duo will stop at nothing to seize their place at the top of the societal food chain in The Impossible Heir – a ruthless revenge drama coming this February exclusively to Disney+.

Born into an impoverished single parent household with nothing but his good looks and charm, Kang Inha is ravenous for success. Determined to make something of himself, no matter the cost, Inha discovers that his father is the chairman of the hugely successful Kangoh Group and leaves his life of poverty behind. Shunned by the rest of his new family, Inha partners with his intellectually gifted friend Han Taeoh, hatching a plan from a young age to take over the company and seize their spots at the top of society. Realizing success early on, the pair steadily begin their ascent until an equally ambitious woman with a similarly troubled past threatens to derail their plans forever.

Starring Lee Jaewook (Alchemy of Souls, Extraordinary You) as Han Taeoh, Inha’s sharp-minded childhood friend; Lee Junyoung (Mask Girl, D.P.) as Kang Inha, the illegitimate son of the chairman of the Kangoh Group, and Hong Suzu (Lovestruck in the City, Be;twin) as Na Hyewon, an ambitious woman with a troubled past and aspirations of a bright future, The Impossible Heir is written by Choi Won (Roman Holiday) and is directed by Min Yunhong (Missing: The Other Side, Insider).

Stream The Impossible Heir starting this February exclusively on Disney+.

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About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star, along with The Simpsons and much more. The service offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on select compatible mobile and connected TV devices.

January 15, 2024
Nicholas Cage Goes Meta in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’, Coming to Lionsgate Play
What happens when Nicholas Cage morphs into a fictionalized, unhinged version of himself? Answer: Tom Gormican’s hilarious action-comedy, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The film by Lionsgate Play portrays the character of “Nick Cage” as a creatively unfulfilled actor on the brink of financial ruin. When Nick gets invited to appear at superfan Javi’s (Pedro Pascal) birthday party in exchange for $1 million, things get intense – just like Cage’s best movies always do. Cue CIA operatives recruiting him to spy on said superfan, shootouts, high-speed car chases, and Mexican standoffs.

Cage lives up to his legend status in Unbearable Weight – channeling his iconic on-screen characters and even going through a “Cagedom” shrine of props and costumes that signify the actor’s storied career. It immerses the audience in nostalgia, precisely what Director Tom Gormican aimed for when he created a movie that’s “an homage to [Cage’s] body of work.”

Talking about why he chose to create a film about Cage, Gormican says, “Nicolas Cage is unbelievably talented and can do any genre. You’ve seen him in romantic comedies like Moonstruck. You’ve seen him in comedies like The Family Man. You’ve seen him in dramas. You’ve seen him in avant-garde films like Mandy and Wild at Heart. You’ve seen him in big tentpole franchises, action movies like Con Air and Face/Off and National Treasure. There are very few actors that can do every genre equally well, who can switch from comedy to drama – sometimes within the same project – and that’s fascinating to me.”

Gormican adds: “Nick has become something that transcends being an actor. He’s become a cultural figure. As culture gets stranger and stranger and fashion choices get more outlandish, you can trace a direct line back to the patron saint of strangeness, Nicolas Cage. Just seeing his face makes people happy. That’s really interesting and made me want to dig in further and find out who he actually is.”

Meanwhile, Cage revealed that he was initially reluctant to participate in the movie since he “had no interest in playing himself.” But when he read the script and understood Gormican’s vision, reluctance turned into excitement.

On what drew him into agreeing to Gormican’s intriguing and off-kilter ideas, Cage says, “I call Tom ‘The Mind’ because the film really is his fantasy, culled from perceptions in the media and on the internet, as well as blips in my personal life that have gone public. It’s mixed with knowledge of interviews I’ve done and things that have always interested me and drew me down this path. Essentially, the film is an imagination based on Tom’s interpretation of what my life might be like.”

Watch Nicholas Cage perform yet another iconic role on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home on January 19.

Credits:
- Directed by: Tom Gormican
- Written by: Tom Gormican & Kevin Etten
- Produced by: Nicolas Cage, Mike Nilon, Kristin Burr p.g.a., Kevin Turen
- Cast: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra
Mastronardi, Jacob Scipio, Lily Sheen, with Neil Patrick Harris, and Tiffany Haddish

Official synopsis: Nicolas Cage stars as… Nick Cage in the action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal). Things take a wildly unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and forced to live up to his legend, channeling his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters to save himself and his loved ones. With a career built for this very moment, the seminal award-winning actor must take on the role of a lifetime: Nick Cage.
January 15, 2024