Author: Conor O’Brien

The Masked Singer Season 2: Who Has Been Unmasked? Who Is Left? (Spoilers)

Season two of Fox’s The Masked Singer has thus far aired eight episodes, with nine of the disguised celebrities being revealed. This leaves seven of the original line-up of sixteen still in play.

Here, we will go through who has already left the singing competition as well as popular guesses to who the remaining seven performers truly are.

egg – johnny weir

In the first episode, Egg was revealed to be Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir.

Ice cream – ninja

Also departing in the first episode was Ice Cream.

He was unveiled as then-Twitch, now Mixer streamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins.

panda – laila ali

Laila Ali, daughter of the late, legendary Muhammad Ali and a boxing champion in her own right, was revealed to be the Panda in episode two.

eagle – dr drew pinsky

Qualified physician, former Loveline co-host and longtime friend of judges Ken and Jenny, Dr Drew was unmasked as the Eagle in episode three.

skeleton – paul shaffer

Longtime bandleader on Letterman, Paul Shaffer was revealed as Skeleton in episode four.

penguin – sherri shepherd

Actress, comedian and television personality Sherri Shepherd was revealed to be under the Penguin mask in episode five.

Black Widow – raven symone

Longtime Disney star and former co-host of The View, Raven Symone took off her Black Widow mask in episode six.

Ladybug – kelly osbourne

After impressively fabricating a Southern accent throughout the season, Kelly Osbourne lost her Ladybug mask in episode seven.

flower – patti labelle

In last Wednesday’s episode, as of writing, legendary singer Patti LaBelle was shown to have been behind the Flower mask.

This is who has already been eliminated. Now, we will have a look at those who are still in contention to win.

butterfly

The leading guess for Butterfly has been former Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams.

Some of the more confusing clues; references to London, struggling to succeed on her own apply to Williams, as well as the more obvious examples.

flamingo – adrienne bailon

Without a doubt, Flamingo is Adrienne Bailon, co-host of The Real and former Cheetah Girl (alongside Black Widow/Raven Symone). Although Bailon has denied being behind the mask, too many clues add up for it not to be her.

fox

Fox is Wayne Brady. Not only are the voice and body movements an exact match for the Whose Line star, clues such as having a daughter, being part of a talented pack, three stools that evoke thoughts of Whose Line and struggles with depression and bullying at different times of his life all point to Brady.

leopard

Leopard is Seal. Other popular guesses have included Ru Paul, Billy Porter, Deion Sanders and Dennis Rodman (my initial thought), though I am certain Seal is the man behind the mask.

The London-born singer was born in 1963 (which was shown on a door), has worked in fast food, has young children and there have been references to his famous song, Kiss From A Rose.

Not to mention that the voice sounds like Seal.

rottweiler

Rottweiler is former American Idol contestant and frontman of his namesake band, Chris Daughtry.

After subtle clues such as overnight fame and a blue rose (of which he has a tattoo), a recent hint was Boxing Day, which is Daughtry’s birthday.

thingamajig

I am very confident that Thingamajig is none other than Indiana Pacers star Victor Oladipo.

Alongside this character having an athlete’s physique, specific clues have pointed to Oladipo, including usage of the word ‘feathery’ (his catchphrase), a deliberate rip in the costume that matches Oladipo’s knee injury and an ASL (American Sign Language) book, as his sister is deaf.

tree

Perhaps of all the contestants this season, Tree has been the hardest to figure out. She remains the only competitor whose true identity I am still unsure of.

Some of the popular guesses include Ana Gasteyer, Cassandra Peterson, Candace Cameron Bure, Aisha Tyler, Lacey Chabert, Darlene Love and Beverly D’Angelo.

In my opinion, it still could be anyone.

25th November 2019
Who Voices The Many Characters On Futurama?

Considering that Futurama had such a large, eclectic collection of characters, you may be surprised that these roles were played primarily by only eight core cast members, with various guests over the years.

The eight-strong principal cast was talented to such a level that they could create the illusion that certain characters were played by completely different people, especially when they didn’t sound alike.

Let’s take a look at the faces behind some of the more well-known and beloved characters in the series.

billy west – fry, professor farnsworth, zoidberg, others

Veteran voice actor Billy West, whose voice you may recognise from Space Jam (Bugs Bunny) or Ren and Stimpy (initially Stimpy, then both title characters) played many characters including Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Doctor Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan, Richard Nixon’s head and Leo Wong.

Some of his other roles on the show include Smitty (human police officer), Enos Fry and Lars Fillmore, a central character in Bender’s Big Score.

In fact, West voices so many characters, both primary and peripheral, that he often ends up having conversations with himself (in character) while recording the series.

katey sagal – leela

An on-camera actress by trade who is recognisable for Married With Children (Peggy Bundy) and Sons of Anarchy (Gemma Teller).

Sagal solely voices Leela or characters related to her such as Alternate Leela and Leelabot, due to not having the vocal ability to create different voices.

john dimaggio – bender, elzar, url, others

John DiMaggio is a highly prolific voice actor who has starred in Gears of War (Marcus Fenix), Kim Possible (Doctor Drakken) and Adventure Time (Jake the Dog), to name just a few.

On Futurama, his biggest role is Bender, though he has also played Elzar, Flexo (obviously), Yancy Fry Sr. (Fry’s father), Mr Panucci, Igner, Randy and URL (robot police officer), among others.

maurice lamarche – kif, calculon, others

Maurice LaMarche has lent his voice to The Brain on both Pinky and the Brain and Animaniacs as well as providing various voices for The Simpsons since 1995.

On Futurama, he played Kif Kroker, Calculon, Donbot, Walt, Morbo, Lrr, the Anthology of Interest continuity announcer as well as multiple minor characters.

lauren tom – amy, Jrr, Inez Wong

You may recognise Lauren Tom’s face from live-action appearances on Friends (Julie) or Disney’s Andi Mack (Celia, the title character’s grandmother).

On Futurama, she voiced intern Amy Wong and her mother Inez as well as minor characters such as Jrr, Pramala and Sam.

phil lamarr – hermes, Ethan ‘bubblegum’ tate, others

Phil LaMarr has played the title character on Samurai Jack, appeared on MadTV and voices both Ollie Williams and the African-American judge on Family Guy.

On Futurama, he voices Jamaican bureaucrat Hermes Conrad, with supporting characters including Ethan ‘Bubblegum’ Tate, Hermes’ son Dwight, and multiple Heads in Jars such as Carl Weathers, Billy Crystal and Kurt Russell.

tress macneille – mom, Linda, turanga munda, others

MacNeille has voiced multiple Simpsons characters such as Agnes Skinner as well as Crazy Cat Lady.

Her many Futurama voices consist of but are not limited to; Mom, newsreader Linda, Dr Cahill, Turanga Munda and Fry’s mother.

david herman – scruffy, ogden wernstrom

Herman is probably best known for his live action role as Michael Bolton in Office Space and has worked prolifically in animation on King of the Hill, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers despite Futurama, on which he became a regular after guest appearances.

His roles on the show include janitor Scruffy, rival scientist Ogden Wernstrom, “Sweet” Clyde Dixon, Larry, Turanga Morris and scammer Nudar.

Other actors on Futurama include Frank Welker (Fred Jones/Scooby Doo) as Nibbler, Tom Kenny (SpongeBob Squarepants) as Fry’s brother Yancy, Mark Hamill, Stephen Hawking and most of the original cast of Star Trek.

24th November 2019
What Are The Supporting Cast Of Harry Potter Doing Now?

You remember Harry Potter, right? Anyone who read children’s literature and watched films during the late 90s to early 2010s will surely recall the thrilling adventures of the Boy Who Lived and his friends in the Wizarding World.

After seven books and eight movies, Harry and his friends bid farewell (at least cinematically) in 2011, after a decade-long run of near annual run of a new Harry Potter film being released.

The three lead actors; Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) have all had continued success in their acting careers. Likewise, the movements of other cast members such as Tom Felton, Domhnall Gleeson or Robert Pattinson are widely known.

Let us step out of the spotlight for a second and think about some of the other characters and the actors who played them. Not necessarily the centre of attention but still have sizeable roles in the story.

They have a direct connection to the protagonist, Harry in this case, and help him in his journey.

bonnie wright – ginny weasley

Then: Wright played Ginny Weasley, younger sister to Ron and – Spoiler Alert – eventual wife to Harry, in all eight films, with varying screen time in each appearance. Some of her most notable work in the series is in Chamber of Secrets and Half Blood Prince, the second and sixth movies.

Now: Wright graduated with a Bachelor’s from London College of Communication in 2012 and has since moved into directing. Her work in this field includes Separate We Come, Separate We Go which starred Potter co-star David Thewlis (Remus Lupin) and Medusa’s Ankles, with another Potter alumnus, Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) making an appearance.

James and oliver phelps – fred and george weasley

Then: Twins James and Oliver Phelps played Fred and George Weasley respectively in all eight films. Fred and George were the resident pranksters and older brothers to Ron as well as close friends of Harry.

Now: Since Potter ended, the Phelps Twins have largely continued to work as duo, in projects such as Danny and The Human Zoo. They also make frequent appearances at Harry Potter related conventions and events.

matthew lewis – neville longbottom

Then: Lewis appeared in all eight films as Neville Longbottom, an endearingly shy and forgetful classmate of the main trio, coming into his own in the later films, especially Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Now: Lewis has starred in multiple television series including The Syndicate, Bluestone 42, Ripper Street and Girlfriends. His film roles include Me Before You and Terminal.

Evanna lynch – luna lovegood

Then: Irish-born Lynch joined Harry Potter in its later years, appearing in the final four films between 2007 and 2011. Lynch had been a superfan of the books, having previously written to JK Rowling.

Now: Lynch appeared alongside the Phelps Twins in Danny and the Human Zoo while also starring in GBF, My Name is Emily and Madness Is The Method.

alfred enoch – dean thomas

Then: Enoch starred in seven of the films (only missing Deathly Hallows Part 1) as Harry’s classmate Dean Thomas, a muggle-born West Ham supporter who later dates Ginny Weasley.

Now: Most notably, Enoch starred in the ABC series How To Get Away With Murder, opposite Viola Davis and produced by Shonda Rhimes. He has also appeared in Sherlock, Broadchurch, Mount Pleasant and Trust Me.

devon murray – seamus finnigan

Then: Murray had an eight-film stint as Seamus Finnigan, an Irish-born half-blood wizard and fellow Gryffindor classmate to Harry and his friends.

Now: Murray has largely stepped away from acting to pursue his interest in rearing animals, though he did appear in Damo and Ivor: The Movie. He has also made appearances at Harry Potter related events.

chris rankin – percy weasley

Then: Rankin played yet another Weasley sibling; third-born, Head Boy Percy, who definitely stood out among his family… not always for the right reasons.

Now: Rankin has worked in production roles on Atlantis, Downton Abbey and Discovery Witches while also attending conventions related to Harry Potter.

joshua herdman – gregory goyle

Then: What you may not know is that Herdman is one of the few cast members to appear in all eight films while portraying the same character throughout. (Dumbledore appeared in all eight played by different actors and Warwick Davis played multiple characters in all the films).

Now: Herdman is still acting, with roles in Marcella and the forthcoming Alex Rider series. He has also embarked on a career as a mixed martial artist.

stanislav ianevski – viktor krum

Then: Ianevski played Bulgarian Seeker and Tri-Wizard champion Viktor Krum in 2005’s Goblet of Fire, making his professional acting debut in the film. He returned for Deathly Hallows Part I, however, his scenes were cut from the final film.

Now: Ianevski has continued acting, starring in films such as Hostel: Part II, directed by Eli Roth.

Clémence poesy – fleur delacour

Then: Poesy played Fleur Delacour, Tri-Wizard Champion from Beauxbatons and later a member of the Weasley family following her marriage to oldest brother Bill (Domhnall Gleeson).

Now: Poesy has starred in films such as 127 Hours and In Bruges while also accruing television credits in War and Peace (2007), Gossip Girl and The Tunnel.

22nd November 2019
Danielle Panabaker’s Killer Career – Acting, Directing, Being Super On-Screen

Danielle Panabaker has had a professional acting career in Hollywood for nearly twenty years. Due to this longevity, viewers likely know Panabaker from any number of roles she has previously played.

There were television guest roles on Malcolm In The Middle, Law and Order Special Victims Unit and Summerland.

Panabaker’s popularity grew after starring in a string of family films, such as Disney’s Stuck in the Suburbs (opposite Brenda Song) and Read It and Weep (along her sister Kay and Jason Dolley) as well as Yours, Mine and Ours.

Panabaker and her younger sister, former actress Kay Panabaker

In 2005, Panabaker appeared in what would be her first (but certainly not her last) foray into the superhero genre, having landed the female lead in Sky High, opposite Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston. Her character’s super power was the ability to control plants and vegetation.

For the next decade or so, Panabaker continued appearing in several films and television shows, Friday the 13th, Grimm, The Glades and Piranha 3DD to name just a few,

In 2014, Panabaker landed what has become her biggest television role to date — series regular Doctor Caitlin Snow on CW’s The Flash. She has starred on all six seasons thus far, being one of three cast members to have appeared in every episode to date.

For anyone familiar with DC Comics, you will recognise Caitlin’s name as the moniker of villainess Killer Frost, whom, spoiler alert, Panabaker has also portrayed in various guises since the second season.

Between the fourth and fifth seasons of The Flash, Panabaker participated in the Warner Bros Directors’ Workshop Program.

Following in the footsteps of co-star Tom Cavanagh (Eobard Thawne/Harrison Wells), Panabaker ended up making her television directorial debut with episode 518 — ‘Godspeed’, centered on Jessica Parker Kennedy’s Nora-West Allen.

Most recently, Panabaker directed ‘Licence to Elongate‘, the sixth episode of season six, largely focused on Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Ralph Dibny (Hartley Sawyer) in a James Bond-style setting.

For those interested in staying in the loop with Danielle Panabaker, The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

21st November 2019
Meet The Flash’s New Season 6 Characters – Who Is Playing Them?

Eric Wallace took over as showrunner for CW’s The Flash beginning in its sixth season and by doing so, the show changes as his vision starts to take shape.

In particular, the audience is introduced to new, supporting characters that are not directly affiliated with Team Flash, an element which has not been seen in a long time.

One of these characters is Chester P Runk, played by Brandon McKnight.

Remember back in June, it was announced that The Flash was in the process of casting a ‘socially awkward African-American scientist’? That would be Chester P. Runk.

The character originates in DC Comics as a supporting character during the Wally West Flash era, as a friend to the titular character.

Thus far in season six, McKnight has played the role in two episodes — “Into The Void” (season premiere) and “Licence to Elongate” (episode 6). His previous credits include ‘Friends With Benefits‘.

Another new character this season is Allegra Garcia, played by Kayla Compton in three episodes thus far. She, along with Chester, show unique ways to introduce the ‘meta of the week’.

Allegra also has her beginnings in DC Comics, specifically Titans which was written by now-showrunner of The Flash, Eric Wallace. It makes sense that he would introduce a character that he created, especially when coming from a comic book background.

Compton’s previous credits include ‘Entourage’, ‘Part Timers’ and ‘Making Moves’.

Finally, we have the villainous Ultraviolet – also known as Allegra’s cousin, Esperanza Garcia, portrayed by Alexa Barajas in two episodes – ‘A Flash Of The Lightning’ and ‘Licence to Elongate’.

In DC Comics, Esperanza is actually Allegra’s adoptive mother, rather than her cousin.

Barajas has also appeared in ‘Wayward Pines’ and ‘Charmed‘.

It remains to be seen how many other new faces will be arriving in The Flash during the coming weeks. Especially with the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover ominously looming in the distance.

21st November 2019
Actors Who Have Pursued Other Career Directions

Out of all the professions that exist, acting is probably among the most temporary. The rate and frequency of booking jobs depends on both an individual’s ability as well as having to prove they are a better fit than the other people auditioning against them.

With that in mind, some of the most well-known and beloved stars have stepped out of the limelight for their own reasons.

What does this mean? Well, first of all, it shows they are not fully reliant on acting to make their way in the world. They may have wanted to pursue other passions between jobs or simply decided acting was not for them anymore.

Either way, here are some examples.

dylan sprouse – Brewmaster

Sprouse is best known for starring as mischievous Zack Martin in Disney’s Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Suite Life on Deck alongside his twin brother Cole, with other appearances including Big Daddy (with Adam Sandler) and roles in upcoming films including Roger Kumble’s After We Collided.

Three years after graduating from New York University, Sprouse opened All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn, which, as you may have surmised, produces and sells the alcoholic beverage known as mead, which is brewed from honey.

frankie muniz – race driver/musician

You may recognise Frankie Muniz from his seven season role on Malcolm In The Middle (as the titular character) or roles in films such as Agent Cody Banks.

Since Malcolm ended in 2006, Muniz has had an eclectic career which has included a stint as a race car driver as well as being the drummer for Kingsfoil.

More recently, Muniz co-hosted Dancing With The Stars Juniors with Jordan Fisher. They had both appeared in Season 25, with Fisher being crowned the winner and Muniz finishing in third place.

reed alexander – journalist

Reed Alexander played the recurring role of Nevel Papperman on iCarly from 2007 to 2012, while returning for an encore appearance on Sam and Cat in 2014.

However, Alexander is now moving towards a career as a journalist.

Per his Twitter, he is studying at Columbia Journalism School while also being an alum of major broadcasters such as BBC and CNN.

jason earles – coach/mentor

Earles was a Disney Channel regular for a decade, playing Jackson Stewart on Hannah Montana and Sensei Rudy on Kickin It. He also appeared in classic DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie), Dadnapped.

It was recently revealed on Instagram that Earles worked as an acting coach and mentor for the young cast of High School Musical – The Musical: The Series, in Utah.

20th November 2019
Meet the Cast of Michael Grant’s ‘GONE’ Teaser

Beginning in 2008, the widely successful GONE series of novels, written by Michael Grant (also known for Animorphs and Front Lines), has spanned nine books over the course of eleven years. Eleven years later, a new GONE teaser has been filmed in the effort to produce the series for television.

For those who are unfamiliar, GONE tells the story of a small Californian town named Perdido Beach (translated as ‘Lost Beach’ in English) which falls victim to a strange anomaly, when everyone aged fifteen or older mysteriously disappears, leaving the younger residents to fend for themselves, now confined by an unusual barrier.

Edilio Escobar (Christian Zamudio), Sam Temple (Brian Gershowitz), Dekka Talent (Charlotte Williams), Albert Hillsborough (Javion Allen) and EZ (Conor Sherry)

Although there have been murmurs over the years regarding a potential GONE screen adaptation, nothing has fully come to fruition as of now. However, a teaser was recently shot to be used as a marketing tool to potentially get a television series based on the novels into production.

Following a casting process, five actors were chosen to portray well-known characters from the books, in order to execute a specific scene. For anyone wondering exactly what was adapted, read the first chapter of Hunger – Book two.

What do we know about these lucky five individuals? Well, regardless of whether a series is picked up, they have played these beloved characters and no one can take that away.

It is unknown at this time whether they would remain in the roles should the project move forward any further.

Let’s find out a little more about the core five cast members.

Brian Gershowitz – Sam

Image courtesy of Twitter

Brian Gershowitz was cast as Sam Temple, the lead character in the novels, for this GONE teaser.

Author Michael Grant revealed on Twitter that Gershowitz was a fan who auditioned successfully for the role.

Javion Allen – Albert

Image courtesy of IMDB

Javion Allen took on the role of Albert Hillsborough, an unpopular African-American student who becomes a ruthless businessman and among the most powerful individuals in The FAYZ.

Per Allen’s IMDB, his previous credits include ‘Langston Tributes‘, ‘Use of Force’ and ‘Chance‘.

Charlotte Williams – Dekka

Image courtesy of IMDB

Charlotte Evelyn Williams landed the part of Dekka, a tomboyish African-American girl from Coates Academy who aligns with Sam Temple. The character is notable in the novels as being openly lesbian.

Williams’ previous credits include ‘Preacher‘ and ‘NCIS‘.

Christian Zamudio – Edilio

Image courtesy of IMDB

In the novels, Edilio Escobar is an intelligent, practical and loyal Honduran boy who is among the first people to step up to the newfound responsibility in The FAYZ. Christian Zamudio portrays him in the teaser.

This appears to be Zamudio’s first major on-screen credit.

Conor Sherry – EZ

Image courtesy of IMDB

Ill-fated EZ (or E. Zellicoe), is played by Conor Sherry, who describes himself as an actor and comedian on Twitter.

Sherry was the first of the cast to be revealed, albeit unidentified, as Michael Grant shared a snippet of the actor in character during a take.

While the teaser has just wrapped, it will, however, be several months until it is available to the viewing public.

For progress on the GONE TV project, follow Michael Grant right here or the production company, Engage, just over here.

20th November 2019
God Friended Me: Who (or What) Is Behind The Mysterious ‘God Account?’

From God Friended Me’s premiere on CBS late last year, at the very centre of its intricate storyline has been the mysterious ‘God Account’, or rather, a Facebook profile using God’s name.

As a storytelling device, this account informs and controls the events of each episode as well as how the lead characters; atheist podcaster Miles Finer (Brandon Micheal Hall, The Mayor), journalist Cara Bloom (The Flash’s Violett Beane) and hacker Rakesh Singh (Life of Pi lead Suraj Sharma) react and make decisions.

Much of the first season’s intrigue was the account’s anonymous aspect. After all, Miles received his friend request seemingly for completely random reasons, so he would want to know who is responsible for taking him and his friends on this crazy journey.

Derek Luke, Adam Goldberg and Parminder Nagra in God Friended Me’s first season

After following several false leads, including incorrectly suspecting tech geniuses Henry Chase (13 Reason Why star Derek Luke) and Simon Hayes (Adam Goldberg; Saving Private Ryan), the ‘who’ has become less of a daily question as opposed to ‘why’.

Nearing the second season’s midway point, the account owner’s identity and motives are as much of a mystery as ever, though Miles did get new insight into his role upon meeting married teacher Gideon (TR Knight of Grey’s Anatomy), his predecessor in the relationship with the God Account, in the November 17 episode.

Violett Beane, Brandon Micheal Hall, TR Knight

In order to get all the answers to the show’s big questions, we will have to keep watching to find out.

God Friended Me airs Sundays on CBS.

19th November 2019
Who Is In Sony’s New ‘Alex Rider’ TV Series? Meet The Cast.

Thirteen years after the previous outing – 2006’s Stormbreaker – there will be another screen adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s successful Alex Rider books, in the form of a television series.

While the film used the story of the first book, the show will instead portray its successor – Point Blanc, set in a mysterious boarding school with questionable intentions.

None of the actors from Stormbreaker will reprise their roles in the new show, so prepare to meet new faces for these beloved characters. Let’s go through some of them.

alex rider – otto farrant

The role of teen spy Alex Rider went to Otto Farrant, who was twenty at the time of his casting. He succeeds Alex Pettyfer in the role.

His previous credits include ‘War and Peace’, ‘Marcella’ and ‘Masterpiece’.

tom harris – brenock o’connor

Best known as Game of Thrones’ Olly, Brenock O’Connor, 19, co-stars as Tom Harris, Alex’s best friend. Tom is a minor supporting character in the novels, but appears to have a larger role in the show.

In addition to Game of Thrones, O’Connor has also appeared in ‘Dickensian’, ‘Casualty’ and ‘Living the Dream’.

alan blunt – stephen dillane

Another former resident of Westeros – Stephen Dillane, who played Stannis Baratheon, takes on the role of spy chief Alan Blunt. This role was portrayed by Bill Nighy in Stormbreaker.

Dillane has been acting professionally for over thirty years, with roles in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘The Crown’ and ‘Darkest Hour’.

mrs jones – vicky mcclure

Known for playing Kate Fleming in Line of Duty, Vicky McClure stars as Mrs Jones, Blunt’s right-hand woman. Sophie Okenedo played the character in Stormbreaker.

Her additional credits include ‘This is England’ and ‘Broadchurch’.

ian rider – andrew buchan

Andrew Buchan — known as Mark Latimer in ‘Broadchurch’, plays Ian Rider, Alex’s uncle whose death sets the plot in motion. He takes over from Ewan McGregor who played the role in Stormbreaker.

Buchan has also appeared in ‘Party Animals, ‘Genius’ and ‘The ABC Murders’.

jack starbright – ronke ADéKOLUEJO

Alex’s American housekeeper Jack is played by Ronke Adekoluejo, succeeding Alicia Silverstone. She has previously starred in ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Sick Note’ and ‘Christopher Robin’.

In addition, the cast also includes Thomas Levin (Yassen Gregorovich), Haluk Bilginer (Dr Greif), Nyasha Hatendi (Smithers), Ana Ularu (Eva Stellenbosch) and Ace Bhatti (John Crawley).

Per IMDB, Harry Potter actor Josh Herdman (Goyle; all eight films) will play a character named Stan.

14th November 2019
YA TV Adaptations – What Does This Mean For The Fans?

It is currently an exciting time for those who read Young Adult (YA) Literature in the past decade and a half. In recent months, it has been announced that three separate though beloved long-running series of novels were adapted for television audiences.

Reading a book is a unique experience that cannot be compared to other forms of entertainment. While most of the work is done by the writer, the ability and power of their words allows the reader to actively participate in the world that has been created.

Otto Farrant and Brenock O’Connor as Alex Rider and Tom Harris

Firstly, we will look at Alex Rider. For those unfamiliar with the story: Alex, a fourteen year old, is pulled into the world of espionage when his uncle/legal guardian is assassinated and his secret life as a spy is revealed.

Unlike the other two series that will be discussed, this one has fully come into fruition with casting, shooting and overall production complete, ready for release.

Of course, most will remember that the Alex Rider novels have been adapted once before – the 2006 film Stormbreaker was based on the first book and starred Alex Pettyfer, Mickey Rourke, Ewan McGregor, Robbie Coltrane, Alicia Silverstone and Bill Nighy.

The film was not a success and the possibility of seeing Alex Rider on-screen again was dead. This changed in 2018 with the series being announced.

It will tell the story of Point Blanc – the second book. Later, there was the revelation of Otto Farrant as the new Alex Rider. He will be supported by Brenock O’Connor (Tom Harris), Vicky McClure (Mrs Jones), Andrew Buchan (Ian Rider) and Stephen Dillane (Alan Blunt).

I am personally very excited to see this new iteration of Alex Rider. While the first outing was not as successful as some hoped, this new show has thirteen years worth of momentum on its side in order to do the books justice.

Author Anthony Horowitz serves as an Executive Producer.

Another prominent Young Adult series on the cusp of television is GONE, written by Michael Grant, which began in 2008 and ended its first cycle in 2013, with spin-offs being released between 2017 and 2019.

GONE depicts the small, fictictious town of Perdido Beach, which falls victim to a strange anomaly when kids start developing superhuman powers and everyone over the age of fifteen mysteriously disappears in plain sight.

A great appeal of the books is its vast, far reaching landscape as well as its widely diverse characters, many of whom we spend a significant amount of time. Although there is a definitive main character (Sam Temple), the stories are not exclusively from his perspective.

In 2013, it was announced that Sony Pictures TV had acquired the rights to make a potential GONE TV series. Sadly, nothing ever developed.

More recently, author Michael Grant has been collaborating with UK production company Engage Productions, led by AJ Riach, after an unbelievable series of events which led to Engage gaining the rights for GONE.

Currently, Grant and Riach are casting for a teaser scene, one that should be very familiar to anyone who has read the opening of book number two — Hunger.

Should the series be made for television, Michael Grant will be penning the scripts.

Finally, we have CHERUB.

Written by Londoner Robert Muchamore, it is well known at this point that he originally wrote the first book (which was published in 2004) for his nephew, who was a reluctant reader.

Since then, there has been a total of sixteen additional books across two series focusing on separate protagonists, as well as a set of prequel books (Henderson’s Boys) that take place during the Second World War.

This series depicts orphaned children working as spies for a secret branch of MI5 – Charles Henderson Espionage Research Unit B.

Although the primary characters are minors under the age of seventeen, the series is very graphic and does not shy away from what someone in this age range would realistically do in the dangerous or personal situations that these characters find themselves in.

The announcement of a Sony Pictures TV-Komixx Entertainment collaboration to make this series came in April 2018, although no major news has been released since then.

Overall, bookworms like myself on both sides of the Atlantic will be rejoicing. These novels were relatively close in publication time and as such, it is exciting that now, having entered adulthood, we get to experience the stories and characters once again in a whole new medium.

10th November 2019