Disney announces new 'Star Wars' trilogy

THE LAST JEDI. Luke (Mark Hamill) in a scene from 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'. Screengrab from YouTube/Star Wars

SAN FRANCISCO,USA (UPDATED) – Disney on Thursday, November 9, announced plans for a new Star Wars film trilogy and a live-action TV series as it builds on the beloved and profitable science fiction franchise.

"We have big ambitions for the Star Wars franchise," Disney chief executive Robert Iger said during a quarterly earnings call.

Disney just closed a deal with Rian Johnson, director of upcoming film The Last Jedi, to develop a brand new trilogy, according to Iger.

"We're also planning to produce a number of original series for the new service and are already developing a Star Wars live-action series," Iger said of a planned direct-to-consumer pay service offering television and film content.

While there have previously been animated Star Wars series, this will be the franchise's first live-action show for the small screen.

The Star Wars franchise has been "exceeding expectations" since Disney acquired Lucasfilm 5 years ago, according to Iger.

Disney touted the box office success of two new Star Wars films and expressed confidence that The Last Jedi, set to debut in theaters next month, would be a hit.

"The excitement will only intensify as we get closer to the release date," Iger said of the coming instalment.

Going 'Solo'

Production recently wrapped on a film based on the story of Han Solo, who was played by actor Harrison Ford in the original trilogy as well as in 2015's The Force Awakens, according to Disney executives.

Solo is the second movie of a saga that unfolds on the sidelines of the adventures of the Skywalker family, the primary protagonists of the Star Wars universe. The first was Rogue One, which came out in 2016 and raked in more than $1 billion at the box office. (READ:Name of new spinoff will be 'Solo: a Star Wars Story')

"We've got more great Star Wars movies already planned for years to come in addition to the 2019 release of Episode IX," Iger said, referring to the film that will follow The Last Jedi.

Star Wars has grown into the most lucrative and influential movie franchise of all time since the original film was released in 1977. It has become ingrained in a geek culture that gave rise to Silicon Valley and disruptive technologies.

Californian filmmaker George Lucas was 33 years old when he prepared to release his third feature – a far-fetched, slightly corny intergalactic saga of good and evil starring a sulky farm boy with daddy issues.

"I'm running out of hyperbolic adjectives to describe the power of Star Wars, but that's because it is the ultimate standard-bearer," Shawn Robbins, chief analyst for BoxOffice.com, told Agence France-Presse in an earlier interview marking the 40th anniversary of the original film.

"Four decades of record-breaking, genre-defining entertainment across film, television, video games, toys, books and everything else the brand has touched simply speaks for itself."

The Force is strong

Lucasfilm debuted its highly-anticipated second trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi last month, hinting at dark times ahead for the Resistance and possibly even the end of Leia Organa, one of the main characters in the first 3 films who returned along with Han Solo in The Force Awakens.

The clip for the 8th installment in the blockbuster space opera, due for release on December 15, followed a trailer released in April which teased Luke Skywalker, the star of the original trilogy, teaching newcomer Rey the ways of the Force.

This time around more plot was unveiled, with Luke telling Rey he'd only seen power like hers once before – and while it didn't scare him enough then, it does now.

Fans speculated on social media that he could be talking about his nephew and Rey's nemesis Kylo Ren, who is seen in a TIE fighter with his mother General Leia Organa in his sights, his eyes welling up as he prepares to open fire.

Carrie Fisher – who has played the character since she was known simply as Princess Leia in the original 1977-83 trilogy – died in December, having already wrapped her scenes for The Last Jedi.

The Last Jedi" – filmed on the west coast of Ireland and at Pinewood Studios near London – sees the return of the characters introduced in 2015's seventh installment.

Johnson will write and direct the first installment of the new Star Wars trilogy in a collaboration with Ram Bergman, who will produce the film, according to a release posted online.

"We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi," Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement.

"Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can't wait to continue with this new series of films." – Rappler.com

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LISTEN: Miss the 'old' Taylor Swift? Here are 10 songs to remember her by

OLD TAYLOR. Taylor Swift's new album 'Reputation' is a leap from her past persona. Screenshots from Taylor Swift Vevo Channel

MANILA, Philippines – In her opening salvo 3 years since 1989, Taylor Swift proclaimed that her old self is dead.

No, you will no longer witness (no pun intended, Katy) Fearless Taylor nor self-titled album Taylor, whose love for Drew brought forth teardrops on her guitar. Her sappy Speak Now and aggressive Red personas can't come to the phone right now.

Released on Friday, November 10, Reputation is undeniably not her strongest album, especially as a follow-up to the success of her first official pop album 1989. It takes a few listens to get the hang of Taylor's new direction. Fans of the old Taylor can still find a few gems, though they’re reminiscent of her later work – think 1989 but riddled with heavier beats.

Still, she is Taylor Swift, perfectly owning the narrative even if sometimes, she's the one who tends to be the problem. One really can't fault her for taking on this new direction if this is what she felt like doing (and okay, if people really made her do it, fine). It's all about artistic freedom, right?

Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to not like the new Taylor too. And if you’re like me, who will always carry a torch for her pre-Reputation self, we still have her old songs to bring us back.

Here are our top 10 songs for remembering the old (and apparently dead) Taylor Swift.

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Amazon may develop a ‘Lord of the Rings’ series

THE HOBBIT. Martin Freeman stars in 'The Hobbit,' another film adaptation from the Tolkien classic. Screengrab from YouTube/WarnerBrosPictures

MANILA, Philippines – Amazon Studios is reportedly planning to turn JRR Tolkien’s classic Lord of the Rings (LOTR) novels into a series.

According to Variety, the studio is already in talks with Warner Bros. Television and Tolkien’s estate to acquire rights to the fantasy series. Negotiations are still in early stages and no deal has been reached yet, though Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is reported to be part of the talks.

Forbes says that the rights to LOTR are being sold by the author's estate for $200 to $250 million.

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A series adaptation of LOTR is seen as Amazon’s answer to its online streaming competitors, which all have geek-approved, fantasy/ sci-fi series at the helm. HBO has the wildly successful Game of Thrones, while Netflix has Stranger Things, and several shows set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, considering there has already been a LOTR film trilogy, as well as a follow-up trilogy on The Hobbit – both of which are well-loved by fans and critics alike – it remains to be seen whether developing their own adaptation of the high fantasy classic will work in Amazon’s favor.

What do you think of a Lord of the Rings TV series? Sound off in the comments below! – Rappler.com

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Thor,’ swinging his mighty hammer, smashes Hollywood’s slump

LOS ANGELES, United States — After a dismal October for Hollywood, Disney and Marvel Studio’s “Thor: Ragnarok” proved a smashing success this weekend, pulling in $121 million in North American theaters for a global total of $427 million, according to industry estimates.

How big was the film’s three-day opening? Well, the latest “Thor” episode, boosted by strong reviews and the self-mocking humor of Chris Hemsworth as the powerful Norse god (with Cate Blanchett as Hela, goddess of death), netted more than seven times the take of last week’s leader, Lionsgate’s “Jigsaw.”

That movie, which has police investigating a string of horrific murders carried out in the style of supposedly long-dead killer Jigsaw, dropped this weekend to third place at $6.7 million, according to website Exhibitor Relations.

In second was “A Bad Mom’s Christmas,” from STX Entertainment, at $17 million. That comedy stars three women — Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn — whose plans change when their mothers (Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon) drop in unexpectedly for the holidays.

In fourth position was Lionsgate’s “Boo 2! A Madea Halloween” at $4.7 million. The light comedy has actor/director Tyler Perry and buddies heading to a campground which — surprise! — turns out to be haunted.

In fifth spot was “Geostorm” from Warner Bros., at $3 million. The sci-fi disaster thriller follows Gerard Butler as he struggles to save the world from an apocalyptic storm caused by climate-controlling satellites run amok. /cbb

Rounding out the top 10 were:

“Happy Death Day” ($2.8 million)

“Thank You for Your Service” ($2.3 million)

“Blade Runner: 2049” ($2.2 million)

“Let There Be Light” ($2.2 million)

"Only the Brave” ($1.9 million)

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Crazy things Alessandra and Ivan did for love

By: Dolly Anne Carvajal - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:02 AM November 06, 2017

Here’s a thin line between friendship and love. When the best of friends turn into lovers, do they live happily ever after? Or would it be better if they just remain friends? Let Viva Films’ latest offering, “12” (opens Nov. 8), answer that.

It tells the story of Anton (Ivan Padilla) and Erika (Alessandra de Rossi). They started out as friends for five years, then became a couple for seven years, making it a total of 12 years of togetherness—from the “You complete me” to the “You complicate me” stages.

Here’s my chat with Alessandra (A) and Ivan (I):

What’s the biggest love lesson you’ve learned?

A: It’s not true that first love never dies. But it’s true that we will never have the same love twice.

I: Love chooses you and not the other way around. Even if a person checks all my “requirements,” it means nothing, because the heart wants what it wants.

What’s the craziest thing that you’ve done for love?

I: Hire a mariachi band to serenade a girl from outside her window.

After the success of “Kita Kita,” do you feel the pressure for “12” to surpass it?

A: It’s unfair to compare something really incomparable. “Kita Kita” is a rom-com, while “12” is a heavy drama.

Tell us about your Hollywood experience

I:I was the contravida in Season 6 of “Dexter.” I had cameo roles in “CSI” and “Lucifer.”

What did you discover about Alessandra?

I: Her beautiful softness and sweetness. She’s childlike, which I didn’t expect at all.

In what ways are you like the character you portray in “12”?

A: I prefer taking care of my man than being taken care of by him. I’m a martyr to a certain point, but I also know when enough is enough. I also love myself, so I won’t waste my time when I know a relationship is hopeless.

What do you think of girls who make the first move?

I: I find that very attractive. She knows what she wants and she has the guts to go for it.

What are your thoughts on infidelity and jealousy?

I: Both are bad but unavoidable. It’s like a beautiful beach—no matter how beautiful it is, one day a storm will come. But, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying its beauty.

What’s your dream marriage proposal?

A: Somewhere intimate—no friends, no family, no cameras, please. I don’t want to lose the sacredness of the moment meant for just two people. I might faint.

Can you be friends with an ex?

A: Yes. I’m friends with all my exes. They can call me anytime they have problems. But we don’t hang out because that would be awkward, especially if they have new partners already.

I: Depends on what kind the breakup was and if there has been enough time for us to heal.

The Himig ng Panahon Guitar Competition, presented by Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar on Nov. 18 (call 9260556), is open to guitar players aged 13 to 35. Strum-pa-ram-pum!

PERSONAL: Damo gid na salamat to my dear friend Ian Reyno, amigo Allan Tajanlangit for the post birthday treat in Iloilo, amiga Pauline Banusing for the sumptuous lunch at her Farm to Table resto, and pangga Kate Chaves for an epic night at Prisms.

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Mambabatok’ sees warrior in Coco

By: Marinel R. Cruz - Reporter / @InqEnt

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:07 AM November 06, 2017

It was a humbling experience,” said actor Coco Martin of the time he personally met renowned Kalinga-based tattoo artist Whang-od, who paid him a visit in Manila recently.

“At 100 years old, she is still very strong,” recounted Coco. “We offered her food (during the get-together). We prepared fish and vegetables for her because that’s what we thought she would like to eat, but she only ate rice and a little salt, then drank water. I guess that’s her secret to staying strong and healthy. It also helps that she lives in a stress-free environment.”

The actor said he failed to get a tattoo from the legendary mambabatok because “she was already too tired from traveling. She rode the helicopter and experienced terrible traffic when she arrived in Manila.”

As to which tattoo design he would like to get, Coco said: “Whang-od decides what to draw on your skin. She once told me about wanting to draw a warrior of some sort.”

hang-od was the guest of honor in the recently concluded Manila Fame, held at the World Trade Center.

“She told them (organizers) that she would personally attend the event only if she could also meet me,” explained Coco.

To show his appreciation for her visit, Coco said he gifted Whang-od with jewelry pieces.

“I got her matching necklace and earrings. It was hard to think of what to give her,” he shared with the Inquirer. “I also made a promise to visit her (in Kalinga) when I’m done working on ‘Ang Panday.’”

Coco is directing the action-fantasy film, which he also stars in. He said principal photography concluded only last week, and that it is now in the editing stage.

The actor, through his CCM Creatives, developed a game application based on the iconic komiks character created by Carlo J. Caparas, and was first immortalized by the late Fernando Poe Jr. on the big screen.

Coco collaborated with Synergy88 Digital Inc., a Philippine-based development company that has already worked with multinational groups like Microsoft and Dreamworks, and created CoSyn Media Tech.

It all happened when I was looking for an animation company to work on the film. We got to share ideas and decided to make an app,” explained the actor, adding that it would serve as a support to the 2017 remake of the film.

“This is our way of reintroducing ‘Panday’ to millennials,” he added.

Coco claimed to be hands-on with the project.

The character looks and sounds like me. I personally picked what he’d wear and which weapons he’d use in the game. Even the setting is based on the story—it will start in Tondo,” he shared with Inquirer.
He added that players of the game will have a preview of what will be seen in “Ang Panday” when it is finally shown on the big screen in December.

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Karen Ibasco Is the Fourth Filipina to Win Miss Earth 2017

BY TISHA RAMIREZ

Following her win for Miss Earth National Costume, Karen Ibasco has been crowned Miss Earth 2017. The ceremony took place last night at the Mall of Asia Arena. Karen wore a yellow gold dress with a thigh-high slit and beaded details.

Karen is also the fourth Filipina to be crowned Miss Earth. The past Filipina women to win the crown were Karla Henry in 2008, Jamie Herrell in 2014, and Angelia Ong in 2015.

The other winners of the night included Miss Australia Nina Robertson for Miss Air 2017 and Miss Russia Leda Akimova for Miss Fire 2017.

Karen also gave an insightful response during the Q&A portion of the competition. When asked what the biggest enemy of Mother Earth is and why, she said, “I believe that the real problem in this world is not climate change. The real problem is us because of ignorance and apathy. What we have to do is to start changing our ways, to start recalibrating our minds and redirecting our steps because together, as a global community, our micro-efforts will have a macro-affect to save out home, our planet.”

Karen shared her excitement on Instagram Stories, posting a Boomerang thanking God for her win.

Congratulations, Karen! This was definitely a well deserved win!

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Isabel Granada passes away in Qatar

Published November 5, 2017 1:07am 

Isabel Granada passed away on Saturday night after falling into a coma a week ago in Qatar, a relative of the actress confirmed on Saturday night.

"It is with great sadness and grief that my cousin Isabel Granada peacefully joined our creator at 18:00 today with the comfort of the family," Joseph Rivera said in a Facebook post.

In an earlier Facebook post, Granada's former husband Jericho Aguas said "goodbye" to the actress.

Granada fell into a coma due to aneurysm while on a business trip in Qatar with Cowley.

Among Granada's movies were "Magic to Love" (1989), "Lessons in Love" (1990) where she starred with Chuckie Dreyfus, and Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin (1997).

She also starred in the GMA shows "That's Entertainment" and "Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown (2011)." —ALG, GMA News

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Shock claim MI5 agent 'KILLED Princess Diana’ panics Royal fans

By Nicholas Bieber 

She was being driven in a Mercedes S-280 after she left the Hotel Ritz before crashing into a pillar in the Alma Tunnel.

But an article has sensationally quashed this version of events, claiming to have spoken to an 80-year-old retired MI5 agent who has "admitted" he actually assassinated Diana.

The story – now found to be fake – has been shared by hundreds of people online with many fearing the information may be true.

In it, the agent – named John Hopkins – allegedly says her was ordered to kill the Princess as she was "placing the British Crown at risk".

He says: "She knew too many Royal secrets. She had a huge grudge and she was going to go public with all sorts of wild claims. My boss told me she had to die… and we had to make it look like an accident.

"I’d never killed a woman before, much less a princess, but I obeyed orders. I did it for Queen and country."

The story is now going viral, with Royal fans around the world fearing the conspiracy theory may hold some truth.

But the website behind the article, YourNewsWire.com, is in fact a notorious fake news generator. 

Fact check website Snopes also describes the source as "a site known for promoting baseless conspiracy theories".

This has failed, however, to stop Diana's millions of adoring fans from sharing the post.

One wrote on Twitter: "Can we just talk about how this retired MI5 agent who has just a few weeks to live confessed to killing princess Diana… wotttt"

Another said: "An MI5 agent on his death bed just confessed to assassinating Princess Diana....this is insane"

For years conspiracy theories have been spread over Diana's death, with a number of claims made about her final moments.

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