CAN YOU believe it’s almost June? We’ve now reached the chilly, puffer-jacket time of year — which sees some flock to Europe for sun-drenched Aperols or embrace goblin mode at home. But whether you’re travelling abroad or desperately trying to find a new binge post Succession blues, you can still go an adventure with a stack of new releases.

Ditch the weekend social plans for some quality cozy time with Abel Tesfaye’s (The Weeknd) The Idol, which just recently made its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, as well as the much-anticipated And Just Like That… season two — which sees Carrie and Aidan reunite! —  and the wickedly funny whodunnit series Deadloch by Melbourne comediennes Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney. See all BAZAAR’s recommendations below.

Related: May Streaming: From the Bridgerton prequel to Hannah Gadsby’s comedy special

Netflix

Black Mirror: Season 6, Limited Series — June TBC

Black Mirror is back. It’s been a hot minute since the series to haunt your dreams, or least give you all the late night thoughts, has aired on Netflix. But the psych-drama returns some time this June following a four-year hiatus. Naturally, Black Mirror is keeping us guessing on its release with no word yet on its premiere. Nonetheless, Netflix slates this twisted venture as its “most unpredictable season yet” with the typical element of the unexpected permeating through its dark, satirical anthology.

While plot details are sparing, creator Charlie Brooker has revealed the titles for the five-brand new episodes of the Emmy-winning series with ‘Joan is Awful,’ ‘Loch Henry,’ ‘Beyond the Sea,’ ‘Mazey Day’ and ‘Demon 79.’ Unsurprisingly, they all sound wickedly grim — and you bet we’re all be binging them — but we’re most captivated by ‘Joan Is Awful.’ In a nutshell, Netflix describes the episode as: “An average woman is stunned to discover a global streaming platform has launched a prestige TV drama adaptation of her life — in which she is portrayed by Hollywood A-lister Salma Hayek Pinault. Other A-Listers starring in the series includes Aaron Paul and Zazie Beetz.

Arnold, Documentary — June 7
Never Have I Ever: Season 4, Series — June 8
Extraction 2, Film — June 8
Break Point: Part 2, Documentary — June 21
Run Rabbit Run, Film — June 28
The Witcher: Season 3 Volume 1, Series — June 29

Stan

Year Of, New Series —  June 9

If you’re missing your Heartbreak High fix, Stan’s new teen series Year Of is sure to tide you over. From the creators of Offspring and the Stan Original Series Romper Stomper, the brand-new 10 episode show is a spin-off from the critically acclaimed Stan comedy-drama Bump. Set at the Sydney harbour-front school Jubilee High, featured in the original series, the multi-generational story follows a diverse social circle of city slicking teens — and their protective parents — as they navigate the senior years of high school.

As they slowly, yet curiously, venture into adulthood, the group go on a journey of self-discovery — ranging from personal identity to sexuality and the pertinent theme of belonging. But they soon realise that every action and emotion comes with consequences — yet it’s the mistakes which truly make them. “Bold, quirky, raw and brave, Year Of fearlessly delves into the dark underbelly of the supposed best years of your life,” Stan writes.

The Whale, Oscar-winning movie — June 2
Son of a Critch, New Series — June 2
From, Season 2 — June 5

Prime Video

Deadloch, New Series — June 2

It’s the feminist noir crime thriller created by two Melburnian comediennes. The two Kates, Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney, have traded stand-up gigs for Prime Video projects, with their new crudely cool new series Deadloch. Spending Melbourne’s harsh lockdown penning the show in their local park, Deadloch is inspired by their shared love of Scandinavian noir crime series’. BAZAAR chatted with the pair about the series filmed over six months around Tasmania, which they described as “an orchestral piece of writing.”

“From the cerebral wordy humour to fart jokes or someone falling over, we cover a few bases. There is the use of swearing as well — it is blue and crude and we got to do something interesting and different by fusing this all together. The formula is very Australian,” McCartney said.

Set in a fictitious sleepy seaside town, two female detectives Kate Box and Madeleine Sami (the latter, Ladyhawke’s life partner) try to solve a murder — after a male body is found washed up on the beach. But rather than being a classic whodunnit featuring hysterical weeping women, Deadloch is full of clumsy blokes, those too tapped into their emotions and paints a picture on small town stereotypes. 

“We wanted to do the genre justice and make sure it was a thrilling whodunit,” McLennan said. 

Related: It Takes Two: Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, Documentary — June 2
With Love, Season 2 — June 2
I’m a Virgo, New Series — June 23
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, June 30 — June 30

BINGE

The Idol, New Series — June 5

Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye’s visuals and music videos have always been somewhat of a cinematic experience, especially during his conceptual After Hours era. Now, he’s taking his onscreen storytelling to the next level, with the help of some of his A-list peers. Tesfaye has developed, co-written, and stars in The Idol, a new and scandalous (more on that here) series for HBO. Made in partnership with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, the drama chronicles female pop singer Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp) who starts a romance with an enigmatic L.A. club owner and self-help guru (Tesfaye) — who is also the leader of a secret cult. Naturally.

 The six-episode season, dubbed a darker more provocative Euphoria, focusses on the entertainment biz — following Jocelyn’s comeback after undergoing a nervous breakdown. Now before you think Britney Spears (although, there are plenty of parallels) — Depp recently revealed she gained inspiration from Sharon Stone’s character in Basic Instinct. The Idol, which went through an almost complete re-shoot, was also largely filmed at Tesfaye’s own home. So even if the sadistic celeb plot isn’t your thing, at least you can somewhat check out The Weeknd’s digs?

Aside from The Idol — must we recommend BINGE’S other excellent June streaming option, And Just Like That… season two. More information here.

A Good Person, Film — June 4
Funny Woman, New Series — June 6
The Swarm, New Series — June 7
Based on a True Story, New Series — June 8
Smile, Film — June 13
And Just Like That …, Season 2 — June 22
Guilt, Season 3 — June 25

Disney+

Avatar: The Way of the Water, Film —  June 7

Released in cinemas in December 2022, Avatar: The Way of Water now joins Disney+. The Oscar-winner sees director James Cameron return to the world of Pandora in yet another emotionally-packed action adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, the Avatar sequel follows the struggles, triumphs and tragedies of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids). Once a familiar threat, Jake returns to finish what was previously started by working with his wife Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their home.

All of this against the breathtaking backdrop of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures that populate the majestic oceans, make for a visually-stunning watch. Avatar: The Way of Water stars many of the original cast-members such as Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang as well as A-List addition including Kate Winslet. Talented newcomers include Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass and Jack Champion.

Saint X: Season 1, New Series — June 7
Flamin’ Hot, Film — June 9
The Full Monty, New Series — June 14
Secret Invasion, New Series — June 21
FX’s Class of ’09, Limited Series — June 21

Apple TV+

The Crowded Room , New Series — June 9

Tom Holland like you’ve never seen him before. The Spiderman actor stars in — and executive produces — a new limited series about a young man in arrested for a shocking crime during the summer of ’79. The psych-thriller is set in Manhattan and sees Danny Sullivan (Holland) being investigated for his involvement in a shooting by an unlikely and curious investigator Rya Goodwin (played by Amanda Seyfried).

The Crowded Room, inspired by the 1981 non-fiction novel The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes, is told through a series of interviews between Rya and Danny. The gripping 10-episode series recounts Danny’s life story, revealing elements of the mysterious past that shaped him, and the twists and turns that’ll lead him to a life-altering revelation — which assume him as the true culprit. This one will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.

Swagger, Season 2 — June 23
Hijack, Film — June 28

SOPHIE TURNER is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most exciting young actors.

While her filmography has been relatively limited since the finale of Game of Thrones — she became a mum after all — she often chooses unique and diverse characters. From playing Colin Firth and Toni Colette’s distressed daughter in the critically-acclaimed series The Staircase to her wickedly hilarious scenes in Netflix’s Do Revenge, Turner always keeps us cinematically guessing.

And her next screen presence definitely caught us by surprise (in the best way, of course!). Turner will be embodying Britain’s most notorious jewel thief during a new mini-series set in the ’80s — and she couldn’t look more the part. Slick blonde bob, crease-cut eyeshadow, icocnic red lip and all.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming British crime-drama titled Joan below.

Related: Sophie Turner is reportedly expecting her second child with Joe Jonas

What is Joan about?

The new British ITV-produced mini-series follows the real-life diamond thief Joan Hannington’s — otherwise known as “The Godmother” — rags-to-riches life. Based on Hannington’s shocking 2004 memoir, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief — the six-part show was also conceptualised with the “criminal mastermind” herself. Screenwriter Anna Symon (The Essex Serpent) met with Hannington on a number occasions in order to accurately pen her unbelievable life and avoid characterising her as a thoughtless villain.

Set in the criminal underworld of 1980s London, the series will first introduce Hannington as a loving mother to four-year-old Debbie. But after a disastrous first marriage to professional crook Boisie Hannington, she embarks on a journey to leave her old life behind and create a safe home for her daughter. However, her misadventures lead to her becoming Britain’s most successful jewel thief — with millions of pounds worth of “priceless” items stolen.

“Making full use of her sharp intelligence, charm, and her talent for impersonation and performance, we follow the twists and turns in Joan’s life, the ups and downs, the heartache and the joy, which makes her story a compelling television drama,” an official description reads.

Expect some sweeping heist scenes in the British capital, an energising ’80s soundtrack — and naturally, lots of dopamine-inducing shoulder pads and power suits.

Who stars in Joan?

Sophie Turner plays the eponymous anti-hero, with a British A-list supporting cast including Frank Dillane as Boisie, Hannington’s husband, and Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (who you’ll know from I May Destroy You and Top Boy).

On the role, the wife of Joe Jonas said she was “excited” to bring Joan Hannington’s life from page to screen.

“I’m so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington’s fascinating life story to screen in Joan. She is one of the most notorious figures in the criminal underworld of London, earning her the nickname ‘The Godmother,'” Turner began.

“A woman who goes between her thriving and daring career as a jewel thief, all whilst trying to get her daughter back from social services, we see a mother in despair swept up in the exhilarating world of crime.”

Series writer Anne Symons also said: “From penniless single parent to accomplished diamond thief, Joan Hannington’s life story is a thrilling, rags-to-riches rollercoaster. I couldn’t be more excited to watch the stellar talent Sophie Turner step into Joan’s shoes.”

Meanwhile, Joan director Richard Laxton said: “I am so excited to bring this story and Anna’s astounding script to life. With Sophie Turner in the title role and the 1980s as a rich and vibrant backdrop, Joan is sure to be an exhilarating and compelling ride.”

Who is Joan Hannington?

Joan takes its inspiration from the real-life tale of notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington, who operated in the 1980s – an era known for its music, cultural shifts and bold style (Turner’s red lipstick and crease-cut eyeshadow in the first photographs of the series are enough to make us want to tune in).

The series is written by the acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon and directed by the BAFTA award-winning Richard Laxton, who brings the emotional and exhilarating story to life. Symon has adapted the story from Hannington’s 2004 memoir, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief.

The youngest of six children, Hannington left school at 13 with no qualifications and married her first husband, Ray Pavey, a convicted armed robber 10 years her senior, when she was 17. Seven months later, she gave birth to a daughter, Debbie; by the time Debbie was four, Pavey was in jail. In desperation, Hannington asked social services to place Debbie in foster care.

Shortly after Debbie was placed into care, Hannington stole a car to visit her – the first time she had committed a crime – and was caught by the police. When she and Pavey eventually separated, custody of Debbie was awarded to wealthy foster parents, leaving Hannington devastated.

When did she meet Boisie, her husband and partner in crime?

Hannington worked in sales, using fake references to get a job at an exclusive jewellery store in London’s West End. One day, she was sent to the safe at the back of the shop, where the CCTV cameras didn’t operate, to collect some loose diamonds. She grabbed a handful worth £800,000 and swallowed them whole, eventually selling them on through dealers. After leaving the store a few weeks later, she met Boisie Hannington, an antiques dealer who made his money as a high-class thief.

Overnight, Hannington recalls her bare council flat filling up with priceless antiques, Chippendale chaise longues and oil paintings. Boisie took her to auctions and taught her how to differentiate between fakes and genuine antiques, while she honed her skills at cheque fraud, changing her appearance and accent so that she wouldn’t be recognised. Her real love, however, was always diamonds, which she would swipe from shops by swallowing them.

Boisie and Hannington accumulated thousands of pounds a week in stolen gems, which were stored at a bank in private deed boxes. Hannington claims she had no idea of the total value of their cash and assets, but guessed that it must have run into millions. None of Hannington’s friends knew about her double life, and she and Boisie continued to live in a modest council house, that was filled with priceless pieces.

What was her downfall?

Though Hannington lived the high life – she claimed to go to the hairdresser every day to have her white-blonde hair touched up, and maintained that she had 11 fur coats and 2,000 pairs of shoes – she could not regain custody of Debbie. When she was 24, she was arrested for using a stolen cheque book, then remanded on bail, during which time she married Boisie. Two weeks later, she was sentenced to 30 months in Holloway women’s prison.

When she was released, Hannington successfully applied to manage a top jewellery store, which never checked her references. She swallowed as many as 20 diamond rings while working there, and switched about £400,000 worth of diamond bracelets for fakes.

After Hannington had her son, Benny, her husband went out on a job – and never returned. Four days later, she found he had been killed as he tried to set fire to a house to claim insurance money, leaving her a 33-year-old widow determined to overhaul her life. She sold Boisie’s antique shops and started afresh, moving to Islington in north London. Hannington is still alive today, and has worked closely with screenwriter Symon on the script for Joan. It’s sure to be an edge-of-the-seat portrait of her risky and fascinating life.

When is Joan being released?

The drama began shooting in London in May 2023, therefore it’s likely hit screens at the end of the year. It’s unclear what network or streaming platform will obtain the screening rights in Australia.

With plenty of time until Joan’s release, true-crime fans can take a deep dive into Joan Hannington’s life by reading her explosive memoir.

BACK IN 1985, a then dwindling Nike released a now cultural icon. The Air Jordan. What was once a huge business risk became the cross-generational footwear staple, sported by everyone from yes the inspiration himself, Michael Jordan, to Rihanna and even stiletto-loving Kim Kardashian.

And now the world’s most famous trainers have scored itself a biopic, courtesy of Amazon Studios. Aptly titled, Air chronicles Nike’s rise from the ashes upon appointing rookie NBA player, Jordan, to be their shoe muse. With an all-star cast led by the real-life friends and Hollywood veterans, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Air breathes new life into the fashion film genre with a sportswear giant first.

Here’s everything we know about Air, including the incredible cast behind some of the legendary people in the fashion … and ball game.

Related: 13 best white sneakers for women, to go with every outfit in your wardrobe

What’s Air about?

Air recounts Nike’s rise to the top of the sneaker hierarchy in the mid-80s through its partnership with Michael Jordan. In a desperate bid to improve profitability and generational ‘coolness’ — “There’s nothing cool about Nike,” legendary basketball coach, George Raveling (Marlon Wayans) says in the trailer — Nike cofounder Phil Knight and Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro go all out to secure a deal with Jordan for their basketball division. In turn, this leads to the birth of one of the most popular shoes of all time, the Air Jordan.

“A shoe is just a shoe,” Vaccaro warns Deloris, Jordan’s mother, during the freshly-released trailer. “Until my son steps into it,” she credulously declares.

Who stars in Air?

Some of the best in the biz star in what outlets are already dubbing as a future Oscar contender. Ben Affleck plays Nike cofounder Phil Knight, curly ’80s-style hair and all, and Matt Damon takes on Nike marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro. The actors, who most recently starred together in 2021’s The Last Duel, are also behind Air’s production with their newly-formed company Artists Equity. Back in 1998, the pair won the Oscar for best original screenplay for their Good Will Hunting script.

Also starring in the biopic is EGOT Viola Davis, who stars as Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris. Wonderfully, her real-life husband Julius Tennon also joins her as Michael’s father, the late James Jordan. Rounding out the rest of the cast includes Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Chris Messina as David Falk, Chris Tucker as Howard White, Matthew Maher as Peter Moore, and Gustaf Skarsgård as Horst Dassler.

Feel like you’re missing a pivotal character? Well, yes — it oddly appears that Jordan himself isn’t portrayed. According to an earlier report by Deadline, the NBA legend is portrayed as a “giant mythic figure” hovering above the movie and never actually seen.

When is Air out?

Air premiered in cinemas on April 5, with Prime Video just announcing its global streaming release on May 12.

Related: Rihanna reveals details about her 2023 Super Bowl performance

IF YOU’RE IMPATIENTLY waiting for your Succession fix each week, don’t worry there’s a slew of exciting new shows being released next month. May sees the debut of the much-anticipated Bridgerton sequel Queen Charlotte, the on-screen reunion of Rose Byrne and Seth Rogan with Platonic and a new Australian-made thriller, The Clearing hitting streaming platforms. There’s even a plethora of comedy specials guaranteed to make you laugh-out-loud including Hannah Gadsby’s Something Special and Tommy Little’s Pretty Fly For A Dickhead.

If there’s ever an excuse to ditch weekend social plans for some quality cozy time, May is the perfect month to do so. Simply prepare your charcuterie board, pop open a bottle of Pinot and you’re good to streaming go. See all our film and TV show recommendations below.

Netflix

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Limited Series — May 4

A May must-watch fit for a lord or lady. We were lucky enough to watch the Bridgerton prequel in advance — and it certainly lived up to expectations. The spin-off focuses on the very real Queen Charlotte, played by actor Golda Rosheuvel in the original series, as she transforms from young German princess to empowered Queen of England after marrying King George III. British actor India Amarteifio, 21, leads the cast as the title role; meanwhile Corey Mylchreest (from Sandman) plays the “handsome, charismatic,” and somewhat mysterious monarch.

“Betrothed to the mysterious King of England against her will, Charlotte arrives in London only to realise she was not exactly what the royals were expecting. As she learns to navigate the palace, the ‘ton and her unpredictable husband, she grows into one of Europe’s most unforgettable monarchs,” young Charlotte’s character description reads on Netflix.

Queen Charlotte, as a fictionalised series, also recounts the origin stories of young Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, who hope the Queen’s arrival could mark a shift in society. “Under the thumb of a much older husband, Agatha uses Charlotte’s arrival to find her own way into society. With keen knowledge of the once divided social scene and the intricacies of marriage, Agatha becomes a guiding light for the new Queen, all while finding her own voice and power we’ll soon recognise as ‘Bridgerton’s‘ iconic Lady Danbury,” Agatha’s character description reads.

Related: Bridgerton is getting a prequel series about a young Queen Charlotte

Hannah Gadsby: Something Special, Comedy Special — May 9
The Mother, Film — May 12
Black Knight, New Series — May 12
XO Kitty, New Series — May 18
Selling Sunset, Season 6 — May 19
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, Season 3 — May 30

Stan

Ten Pound Poms, New Series —  May TBC

If you’re after a little Australian history, Ten Pound Poms reimagines the post-war experience for immigrants moving to Australia. The series follows a group of Brits in 1956, who leave Britain for only a tenner (hence the title) to embark on a life-altering adventure on the other side of the world. But despite being promised a better house, more job prospects and an improved quality of life in sun-soaked Australia, reality doesn’t measure up. Struggling with their new identity as immigrants, we follow their rollercoaster journey as they adapt to a new life in a country far from home and familiarity.

From the optimistic Roberts family who experience hostility from locals to Bill who hopes to achieve the Australian dream after losing his family business in Britain, among other emotional characters, Ten Pound Poms will no doubt tear at the heartstrings.

The Great, Season 3 — May 13
Nacho, Film — May 27

Prime Video

Tommy Little: Pretty Fly For A Dickhead, Comedy Special — May 5

He’s the king of Australian comedy … but did you know Tommy Little is also pilot? While most of us baked, binged shows and went on a million walks in lockdown, Little took flying lessons. In a new comedy special, the comedian opens up about his first solo flight and many other adventures in Tommy Little: Pretty Fly For A Dickhead film during his 2022 Australian tour. Prime Video have been honing on the Aussie stand-up specials recently, with Little’s performance offering fans across the nation the hour-long opportunity to laugh out loud to him.

Jimmy O. Yang: Guess How Much?, Comedy Special — May 2
Zarna Garg’s: One In A Billion, Comedy Special — May 16
Plane, Film — May 19
James May: Oh Cook, Season 2 — May 24

BINGE

Succession, Season 4 — Remaining Episodes

Succession wraps up this month for good, so a final reminder to binge it if you’re behind. So far, there’s been plenty of surprises, dreamy “quiet luxury” scenes — the fifth episode in Norway, a highlight — and hilarious one liners, cue “ludicrously capacious bag” … but we won’t share any spoilers. In a nutshell, the finale 10-episode season sees Logan Roy’s (Brian Cox) media conglomerate Waystar Royco move closer to a possible sale with Sweidsh tech visionary Lukas Matsson. In a red-carpet interview from last year’s Emmy Awards, Sarah Snook told NBC season four has “more drama. What else can the Roys provide? [And] super-high stakes.”

“The prospect of this seismic sale provokes existential angst and familial division among the Roys as they anticipate what their lives will look like once the deal is completed. A power struggle ensues as the family weighs up a future where their cultural and political weight is severely curtailed,” HBO writes.

Related: How that $4,600 Burberry tote became the breakout star of Succession Season 4

White House Plumbers, Limited Series — May 2
A Town Called Malice, New Series — May 3
Slip, New Series — May 4
Bupkis, New Series — May 4
The Triangle of Sadness, Oscar-Nominated New Movie — May 30

Disney+

The Clearing, New Series —  May 24

If you’re after a new psych-thriller, The Clearing will no doubt appease those fascinated by twisted minds. Based on the crime thriller In the Clearing by J.P. Pomare, the Australian-made series follows the nightmares of a cult called The Kindred, inspired by the real-life The Family, led by Anne Hamilton-Byrne. When a local girl goes missing, it triggers a single mother’s memories from her childhood as a member of the female-led cult. While facing the demons of her past, she tries to stop the kidnapping and coercion of innocent children in the future. Anticipate plenty of twists and turns, sure to burrow under the skin and inside the mind.

Teresa Palmer, Miranda Otto and Guy Pearce lead a stellar line-up of Australian talent including Hazem Shammas, Mark Coles-Smith, Kate Mulvany and rising star Julia Savage.

Ed Sheeran: The Sum Of It All, Documentary — May 3
American Born Chinese, New Series — May 24
The Kardashians, Season 3 — May 25

Apple TV+

Platonic, Limited Series — May 24

Platonic is all about what happens when you reconnect with an old friend during midlife. The dynamic duo of Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne reunite on-screen, following their hilarious run on the Bad Neighbours movies, in a laugh-out-loud eight-part, half-hour comedy series. Also written and directed by Bad Neighbours’ Nick Stoller, Rogen and Byrne’s polar opposite characters reunite in their forties after a long rift. Quickly they become inseparable with their friendship verging in unknown territory. Little surprise as to how things could change.

Silo, New Series — May 5
STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Documentary — May 12
City on Fire, New Series — May 12
High Desert, New Series — May 17

Ghosted, Film — April 21

EUPHORIA’S Hunter Schafer, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blythe and more are starring in the much anticipated Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Much like the original Lionsgate films, the Hunger Games prequel is being adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2020 book of the same name. Unfortunately as a prequel, Jennifer Lawrence — who perhaps owes her Oscar-winning career to her casting in the franchise — won’t be appearing in the new production. However, fans of the original series shouldn’t be dismayed as the prequel is stays true to the thrilling book and previous films.

Lionsgate debuted the official trailer at the CinemaCon 2023 on April 27, 2023 and it certainly got our hearts racing. See the new trailer below and learn more about the new film — which saw Zegler handpicked from thousands of hopefuls as the lead role of Lucy Gray.

What is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes about?

Set in the Hunger Games universe, 64 years before Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes chronicles the life of a young Coriolanus Snow. An ambitious 18-year-old boy who eventually becomes known as the tyrannical and infamous, President Snow — played by Donald Sutherland. The young Snow, however, gets tasked as a mentor to a Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12, where Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and her family helm from.

Those familiar with the series will remember the Hunger Games’ barbaric — and televised — fight to the death premise, which sees two teenagers randomly chosen to represent their district and attempt to survive against all odds. In the novel, Gray gains the attention of Panem when she defiantly sings at the initial reaping ceremony — which Coriolanus, as her mentor, hopes to use to gain favour.

The official synopsis reads: “Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Blyth) is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird and a snake.”

Who stars in the Hunger Games prequel?

Euphoria‘s Hunter Schafer has most recently been announced as Tigris Snow, cousin and mentor to Coriolanus Snow, played by British actor Tom Blyth. Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler, holds the lead role of Lucy Gray, the female tribute from District 12. In May 2022, Lionsgate confirmed after an “exhaustive search,” they found their Lucy in Zegler. Little surprise given Zegler’s vocal prowess — and the character’s singing ability.

“When you read Suzanne’s book, Lucy Gray’s emotional intelligence, physical agility, and fiercely powerful, determined singing voice shine through. Rachel embodies all of those skills – she is the perfect choice for our Lucy Gray,” said Nathan Kahane, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

Francis Lawrence, who has returned to direct the Hunger Games prequel, called Zegler the “perfect match” for Lucy Gray. “Like everybody, I first saw Rachel Zegler in West Side Story, and like everybody, I knew I was watching a star who would command the screen for a generation,” Lawrence began.

“Lucy Gray is a perfect match for her as an actress: the character is bold, independent, and defiant, but also vulnerable, emotional, and loving. Rachel will make this character unforgettable.”

Zegler’s boyfriend Josh Andrés Rivera, whom she met on set of West Side Story, is also featuring in the film as a close friend of young Coriolanus. Never been prouder of someone in my life lemme tell you,” Zegler captioned an Instagram Story of his casting on the official Hunger Games account. In a cryptic post, The Hunger Games wrote: “Loyalties will be tested. Josh Andrés Rivera has been cast as Sejanus Plinth in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – arriving in theatres November 2023.”

Other cast-members have also recently been announced including Jerome Lance, Ashley Liao, Knox Gibson, Mackenzie Lansing and Aamer Husain.

When will the Hunger Games be released?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set to hit cinemas on Nov. 17, 2023.

It’s been over 30 years since The Little Mermaid graced the big screen with anthems like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” The Disney classic is beloved by many late-’80s and early-’90s kids, who watched and sang along with Ariel’s journey to dry land—and falling in love with a human prince. The live-action remake has been in the works for a few years, but it became a hot topic in July 2019, when Disney announced Halle Bailey would be taking on the role of Ariel.

The 20-year-old singer is one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, a protégé of Beyoncé, and a star on Freeform’s Grown-ish. Fans of The Princess and the Frog and the Brandy-starring Cinderella know another Black Disney princess is long overdue. Though the film’s release date has yet to be announced, I’m ready to buy my tickets now.

As we wait, here’s everything else we know about the forthcoming movie — including the new trailer and stills.

Related: Children in awe of Black Disney Princess during The Little Mermaid trailer

Who plays Ariel?

Rob Marshall, the film’s director, released a statement on July 3, 2019, saying, “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance—plus a glorious singing voice—all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”

Bailey shared her excitement on Twitter, calling the casting a “dream come true.”

dream come true… pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO

— chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) July 3, 2019

Who plays Prince Eric?

After Harry Styles reportedly turned down the role, Disney casted Jonah Hauer-King as The Little Mermaid‘s Prince Eric, according to Deadline. The outlet also reported that Hauer-King auditioned for the role in September 2019, along with actor Cameron Cuffe.

British-born actor Hauer-King has been on West End and starred in BBC miniseries, including Howards End and Little Women, according to his IMDb page. Other acting credits include lead roles in A Dog’s Way Home and Once Upon a Time in Staten Island.

Who else stars in The Little Mermaid?

Disney has confirmed the full cast: Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) will play Ariel’s father King Triton; Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) will play sea witch Ursula; Awkwafina (The Farewell) will play Ariel’s seagull friend Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (Room) will play the mermaid’s finned BFF, Flounder; and Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) will play the famous musical crab, Sebastian.

Will The Little Mermaid feature new music?

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will work alongside Alan Menken, who wrote the original movie’s music with the late lyricist Howard Ashman, to craft additional music for the remake. Miranda most recently worked with Disney to write music for 2016’s Moana, and is also a producer on this movie.

He told Vulture in 2016 that he’s “intimidated” about the project. “This came out of a conversation with Disney, and basically they were like, ‘There’s no bigger fan of this movie than you, and no bigger public supporter,'” Miranda recalled. Talk about pressure.

Miranda will reunite with his Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall for the film, penned by Jane Goldman (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children). Marshall also directed Into the Woods, Nine, and the Oscar-nominated Chicago.

Marshall will direct the film from a script written by Jane Goldman (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children). He and Miranda are fresh off a successful collaboration for the Disney sequel Mary Poppins Returns, but Marshall’s experience with musicals goes far beyond that. He also directed Into the Woods, Nine, and the Oscar-nominated Chicago.

How have fans reacted to The Little Mermaid remake?

After Bailey’s role was announced, the hashtag #NotMyAriel began circulating around Twitter. Many people argued that the singer was completely wrong for the role because the Ariel made popular from the 1989 animated film was Danish and had red hair.

Freeform defended its network star in an open letter addressed to the “Poor, Unfortunate Souls.” The post explained that “Danish mermaids can be Black because Danish people can be Black” and that “the character of Ariel is a work of fiction.”

Even actress Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the 1989 movie, defended Bailey’s casting. “The most important thing is to tell the story. And we have, as a family, we have raised our children, and for ourselves, that we don’t see anything that’s different on the outside,” Benson said during a July 2019 fan convention, according to ComicBook.com. “And no matter what we look like on the outside, no matter our race, our nation, the color of our skin, our dialect, whether I’m tall or thin, whether I’m overweight or underweight, or my hair is whatever color, we really need to tell the story.”

Bailey addressed the controversy for the first time in a cover story for Variety expressing how the backlash initially affected her.

“It’s important to have a strong support system around you. It’s hard to carry the weight of the world on your own,” said the actress in the interview. “[But] it was an inspiring and beautiful thing to hear [my grandparents’s] words of encouragement, telling me, ‘You don’t understand what this is doing for us, for our community, for all the little Black and brown girls who are going to see themselves in you.’”

She also acknowledged how seeing an Ariel that looked like her decades prior would have changed not just her outlook on the world but of herself. “What that would have done for me, how that would have changed my confidence, my belief in myself, everything,” she said. “Things that seem so small to everyone else, it’s so big to us.”

When does The Little Mermaid premiere?

Disney announced in September 2021 that its live-action remake will hit cinemas on May 26 2023, per The Hollywood Reporter. Halle Bailey revealed that production had wrapped on the film in an Instagram post the previous June, where she also shared a first look of our live-action Ariel. “I cannot wait for time to speed up so you all can watch this film because it was made with so much love (plus blood sweat and tears),” she wrote. See the full official trailer, below.

After a year’s worth of anticipation, Disney released its second trailer yesterday as well as a series of character posters that are incredibly realistic. Titled, ‘Choices,’ it the new clip features a scene from the movie where Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) tells Ariel (Halle Bailey): “You can’t live in that world unless you become a human yourself.” See it below.

JUST WHEN you might have thought the Paul Mescal hysteria may have calmed post Normal People (and after more muted though equally impressive performances in the Lost Daughter and Aftersun), be prepared for a new legion of fans thanks to his upcoming role in Carmen.

Directed by Natalie Portman’s husband, Benjamin Millepied, who choreographed 2010’s Black Swan, and starring Mescal and Elsa Pataky, Carmen charts a woman’s desperate journey to escape a murderous cartel into America.

What is Carmen about?

An adaptation of the 1875-released George Bizet opera of the same name, Carmen is played by Melissa Barrera, star of Scream VI, who flees her home in Mexico to attempt an illegal crossing into America following the brutal slaying of her mother. However, her plans are derailed by a violent volunteer border guard, whose comrade, Aidan (Mescal), a former Marine with PTSD, she eventually escapes with.

They manage to make their way to Los Angeles in search of her mother’s best friend, Masilda (played by Rossy de Palma), who owns a nightclub, La Sombra, with Gabrielle (Pataky) as the bartender. The late night venue becomes a haven of sorts for the damaged Carmen and Aiden.

Here, they fall for each other, but a dark cloud hangs over their burgeoning romance with police hot on their trail.

With music from Academy-Awards nominated composer Nicholas Britell, who worked on 12 Years A Slave, Don’t Look Up, Succession and The Big Short, the film is set to deliver big on passion and emotion.

“Towards the beginning of the film, where there is violence, the men’s choir provides a dark setting,” Britell told Variety. “In contrast, the women’s choir provides the heart of the score.

“I felt it would be something that had a classical nature to it,” he says. “We wanted it to have a level of sonic aggressiveness. There are synthesisers, audio experiments and a string orchestra.”

As for what it was like working with Mescal? Unsurprisingly, his co-star Barrera called him “so supportive and comforting” on set. During Carmen’s Los Angeles premiere, Barrera told PEOPLE that Mescal was not only the “best partner,” but someone she felt extremely safe with.

“It’s so easy to connect with him. And it was beautiful to get to share this with him,” she shared.

The 32-year-old also noted that Mescal is multi-talented — and certainly delivers the moves.

“He can move, and he’s strong and very graceful,” she began. “So even though he had never danced in this capacity before, he’s a natural. And he’s one of those actors that are just good at everything. Probably he could do anything.”

Does Paul Mescal sing in Carmen?

He certainly does. The internet’s boyfriend is adding ‘recording artist’ to the resume as he makes his singing debut for the Carmen adaptation. In a new clip from the Benjamin Millepied film, Paul Mescal dreamily sings a rendition of the original Carmen song ‘Slip Away’ while playing an acoustic guitar. The entire film soundtrack has also been released on Spotify, with Mescal also lending his vocals to ‘Lullaby/Beyond/.’

Is there a trailer for Paul Mescal’s Carmen?

Watch the teaser trailer below.

When will Carmen be released?

Carmen opens in New York and LA on April 21, with Australian opening dates yet to be announced.

Watch this space for updates.

HARRY STYLES has been making his mark on Hollywood in recent years. From Don’t Worry Darling to My Policeman, the British musician is landing leading roles left right and centre — but there’s one iconic character he decided against playing.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rob Marshall, director of Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, revealed that Styles was in the running to play Prince Eric. “We met with him. He was lovely. What a wonderful guy,” Marshall told the publication. However, there was a surprising reason the singer wasn’t cast.

Marshall began, “At the end of the day, he really felt like he wanted to go off and do the movies that he ended up doing, which were sort of darker,” explaining that Styles really wanted to go down a different path with his career. Namely, he was put off by the iconic tale’s musical content.

“For a lot of young musical people like Harry, you’re trying to carve your way and you don’t wanna be seen as a singer, necessarily,” he explained. “That’s why he was really looking to do something not in the musical genre, to really stretch himself.”

He added, “It was really a fun idea to play with, but in the end, I always think things happen for a reason.”

Marshall also went on to note that he is excited to be welcoming two younger talents to the cast. Ariel will be played by 23-year-old Halle Bailey, and English actor Jonah Hauer-King is taking on the role of Prince Eric.

In absence of Styles playing the prince, it seems that for now, we’ll have to make do with the visuals from the time he played a merman in his Music For a Sushi Restaurant music video.

Related: Baz Luhrmann says Harry Styles was “too iconic” to play Elvis Presley

BACK IN THE OLD days of the early ‘2000s, film buffs and fans had to actually go to the cinema to watch critically-acclaimed films. And if they missed out on its theatrical release, it was a long 4-5 month wait until the film was released on DVD or Blu-ray (remember that?), which would require a $30 purchase.

Fortunately, our time-poor and too-easily-distracted selves were given more excuses to embrace “goblin mode” — when streaming services launched. Frankly, we’ve never looked back. While some of the more traditional directors initially turned their nose up at the small-screen for devaluing the cinema experience — namely, Martin Scorcese and Steven Spielberg — streaming giants are now behind some of the most respected films of today. CODA, last year’s Best Picture winner at the 2021 Oscars, was an Apple TV+ original production after all.

But even if it’s not streaming-led, many of the top films are available to watch at home now — including 2023 Oscar winners and nominees, like Everything, Everywhere All At Once. Here’s where to watch some of those nominated from the very comfort of your own couch before the big day.

For more information on the 2023 Oscars, including the full winners list click here.

Related: Lucas Bravo trades aprons for Dior suits and ’50s specs in Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Everything, Everywhere All At Once

Synopsis: A Chinese immigrant gets unwillingly embroiled in an epic adventure where she must connect different versions of herself in the parallel universe to stop someone who intends to harm the multiverse.

2023 Oscar nominations: 11

• Best Picture
• Best Director Best Original Screenplay
• Best Actress, Michelle Yeoh
• Best Supporting Actress, Stephanie Hsu
• Best Supporting Actress, Jamie Lee Curtis
• Best Supporting Actor, Ke Huy Quan
• Best Costume Design
• Best Editing
• Best Original Score
• Best Original Song

Where to watch it: Available on Prime Video or can be rented from YouTube and Apple TV+.

The Banshees of Inisherin

Synopsis: Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.

2023 Oscar nominations: 9

• Best Picture
• Best Director
• Best Actor, Colin Farrell
• Best Supporting Actor, Brendan Gleeson
• Best Supporting Actor, Barry Keoghan
• Best Supporting Actress, Kerry Condon
• Best Original Screenplay
• Best Original Score
• Best Film Editing

Where to watch it: Disney+

Elvis

Synopsis: The life of American music icon Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

2023 Oscar nominations: 8

• Best Picture
• Best Actor, Austin Butler
• Best Cinematography
• Best Costume Design
• Best Editing
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling
• Best Production Design
• Best Sound

Where to watch it: It can be rented from Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.

Related: Sydney was ‘all shook up’ as Hollywood came to the State Theatre for Elvis

TÁR

Synopsis: Set in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra.

2023 Oscar nominations: 6

• Best Picture
• Best Director
• Best Original Screenplay
• Best Actress, Cate Blanchett
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing

Where to watch it: Available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube and Apple TV+

All Quiet on the Western Front

Synopsis: A young German soldier’s terrifying experiences and distress on the western front during World War I.

2023 Oscar nominations: 9

• Best Picture
• Best Adapted Screenplay
• Best International Feature Film
• Best Cinematography
• Best Production Design
• Best Original Score
• Best Sound
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Where to watch it: Netflix

Blonde

Synopsis: The story of American actress Marilyn Monroe, covering her love and professional lives.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best actress, Ana de Armas

Where to watch it: Netflix

The Batman

Synopsis: When a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement.

2023 Oscar nominations: 3

• Best Sound
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Make-up and Hairstyling.

Where to watch it: On Netflix and available for rent on Google Play, Apple TV+ and Foxtel and BINGE and Prime Video.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 

Synopsis: The people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of King T’Challa.

2023 Oscar nominations: 4

• Best Supporting Actress, Angela Bassett 
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Costume Design
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Where to watch it: Disney+

Top Gun: Maverick

Synopsis: After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

2023 Oscar nominations: 6

• Best Picture
• Best Adapted Screenplay
• Best Original Song
• Best Editing
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Sound

Where to watch it: Paramount+

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William attend Top Gun: Maverick premiere with Tom Cruise

Causeaway

Synopsis: A US soldier suffers a traumatic brain injury while fighting in Afghanistan and struggles to adjust to life back home.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best Supporting Actor, Brian Tyree Henry

Where to watch it: Apple TV+

Triangle Of Sadness

Synopsis: A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.

2023 Oscar nominations: 3

• Best Picture
• Best Director
• Original Screenplay

Where to watch it: Available for rent on Apple TV+

Turning Red

Synopsis: A 13-year-old girl named Meilin turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best Animated Feature

Where to watch it: Disney+

To Leslie

Synopsis: Inspired by true events. A West Texas single mother wins the lottery and squanders it just as fast, leaving behind a world of heartbreak. Years later, with her charm running out and nowhere to go, she fights to rebuild her life and find redemption.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best Actress, Andrea Riseborough.

Where to watch it: It can be rented from Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Synopsis: A father’s wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, giving him a chance to care for the child.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best Animated Feature

Where to watch it: Netflix

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Synopsis: A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best Costume Design

Where to watch it: Available to rent on Google Play, Apple TV and Prime Video.

Related: Lucas Bravo trades aprons for Dior suits and ’50s specs in Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Fire of Love

Synopsis: Intrepid scientists and lovers Katia and Maurice Krafft died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of volcanoes by capturing the most explosive imagery ever recorded.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best documentary

Where to watch it: Disney+

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Synopsis: Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.

2023 Oscar nominations: 1

• Best Adapted Screenplay

Where to watch it: Netflix

COACHELLA IS BACK in just over a week and while there’s plenty of exciting headliners this year such as Blackpink, Bad Bunny, Frank Ocean and more — fans think there could be a secret, last-minute addition to the lineup.

The latest rumour in the social media sphere is that Daisy Jones & the Six might be taking to the world’s biggest music festival stage. Yes, the fictional Fleetwood Mac inspired band of the hit Prime Video series of the same name.

Fans have speculated the actors turned ‘musicians,’ including Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, Sebastian Chacon, Will Harrison, Josh Whitehouse and Suki Waterhouse (Waterhouse, in fact, is a real life singer/performer) could either make an appearance at Coachella and/or go on tour following the series’ success.

“If Daisy Jones and the six play Coachella, I’ll be in a mood for the rest of 2023,” one person tweeted. While another said: “petition for daisy jones and the six to play a surprise set at coachella this year.”

On March 30, Whitehouse (who plays bassist Eddie Roundtree in the Prime Video show) teased on TikTok the Daisy Jones & the Six gang were having band practice. “Wait was this today or was this a year ago … I dunno,” he captioned the video.

Related: If you love Almost Famous, you’ll lust over Daisy Jones & the Six

@joshwhitehouseart

Wait was this today or was this a year ago, I dunno…. #daisyjonesandthesix

♬ original sound – Josh Whitehouse

Despite Whitehouse’s enigmatic reference (just tell us already?!), there could be some truth to fan theories that the band could be musically reuniting. Celeb gossip account Deux Moi shared an anonymous tip-off to their Instagram account on April 1, which read: “Those rumours swirling about Daisy Jones & the Six playing live shows are not wrong. Have it on very good authority that an announcement is coming soon.”

And in early March, Daisy Jones & the Six executive producer Lauren Neustadter shared with an SXSW panel she was all for a live performance down the line.

“The cast can’t make TikToks forever,” she began to a crowd. “Well, our Amazon friends are here, so… let’s start whatever the equivalent of a petition is. We’d love to tour because that would be so fun, but right now the first thing to do is watch all the episodes.”

This follows Waterhouse’s comments last November, where she told Insider about the intensity of the crew’s band camp in preparation for production — which Neustadter later revealed included a live performance element to 40-odd cast members and crew.

“That was basically the goal,” Waterhouse said during the interview, “To be like, ‘We could go on tour.’”

While Chacon (who played drummer Warren Rojas) told Vulture earlier this month he thinks: “We could never tour,” he did admit that: “We’d love to do a one-off gig.” Perhaps, Coachella truly is that special first (and only) performance — which honestly, couldn’t be more on brand for the California dreaming fictional band.

Related: The ultimate guide to all the differences in the Daisy Jones & The Six book and TV show

ACTIVATE COZY MODE. With the weather getting cooler and the Easter long weekend just a few days away, now is the perfect time to commit to being a shameless homebody. Seriously, you won’t think twice about leaving home when you see the stack of seriously sweet shows and films being released this month.

While indulging in chocolate, hot cross buns, vino and more — viewers can take pleasure in Netflix’s exciting new spy series Citadel, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden; the fifth and sadly final season of the high stakes media mogul drama Succession, with that internet-breaking Burberry bag; as well as the second season of our favourite Australian comedy-drama, Love Me.

See all our Easter long weekend watch recommendations, which’ll also see you through most of the month.

Netflix

The Diplomat, New Series — April 20

If you’re a fan of Homeland and The West Wing, you’ll love The Diplomat also by the same writer/producer, Debora Cahn. Set in London, career diplomat Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) lands a high-profile job as ambassador to the UK — a job she neither wants nor believes she’s appropriate for. While en route to Afghanistan, she gets enlisted as ambassador by the United States government to assist with an international crisis. However, the high-stakes role proves challenging not only for Kate’s political career but also in her turbulent marriage to a political star.

“The Diplomat is a show about the transcendence and torture of long-term relationships,” Debora Cahn said. “It’s hard to keep a relationship going, be it a marriage or a military alliance. We change, the world changes, and yet we want these relationships to go on forever. It’s a show about a bunch of good people doing their best to keep their global and personal partnerships intact without killing each other. In the world of diplomacy, you’re dealing with a lot of rule-bound, protocol-driven behavior, but underneath all that, these are people who sweat, and spill coffee on their clothes, and forget the name of the person they’re talking to. All of that is always bubbling under the grandeur and majesty of working with heads of state.”

Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now, Documentary — April 5
BEEF, New Series — April 6
Ticket to Paradise, Film — April 7
Hunger, Film — April 8
CELESTE BARBER Fine, thanks, Comedy Special — April 12
Sweet Tooth, Season 2 — April 27

Stan

Totally Completely Fine, New Series —  April 20

Starring stellar New Zealand actor Thomasin McKenzie (JoJo Rabbit, Last Night in Soho), Totally Completely Fine is a dark comedy about the unimaginable new life twenty-something-year-old Vivian Cunningham. While grappling with unemployment, accidentally destroying her brother’s business, alcohol and vaping dependancy and general quarter-life-crisis concerns, Vivian inherits her grandfather’s coastal clifftop mansion in Sydney. While assuming she hit the jackpot, Vivian later discovers her new home is actually a known suicide site.

While piecing together her own life, Vivian tries to save those who get too close to the edge. While never much of a personal success — strangely enough, they’re responding to her chaotic, nihilistic brand of psychology. Maybe, just maybe, in saving these people, Vivian will slowly start to save herself?

The Portable Door, Film — April 7
Blindspotting, Season 2 — April 14
From, Season 2 — April 24

Prime Video

Citadel, New Series — April 28

James, who? With a new Bond film seemingly years away, fans can gain a thrilling dose of international spy antics with Netflix’s new series, Citadel. Starring notable stars in the action genre, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, as well as Stanley Tucci, Lesley Manville and Australia’s Ashleigh Cummings; the Russo Brothers latest venture follows the fallen independent global spy agency of Citadel. Eight years ago, Citadel — tasked to uphold the security and safety of all people — was destroyed by operatives Manticore, a powerful syndicate manipulating the world from the shadows.

Following its collapse, elite agents Mason Kane (Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) had their memories wiped as they narrowly escaped with their lives. Unaware of their intense past, the pair remained hidden ever since — building new lives under new identities. But when Mason is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Tucci) on evening, he makes a desperate plea for him to help prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order. This leads Mason to seek out his former partner, Nadia, with the two spies embarking on a dangerous yet passionate mission that takes them around the world in an effort to stop Manticore.

Lizzy Hoo: Hoo Cares!?, Comedy Special — April 6
On a Wing and a Prayer, Film — April 7
Gangs of Lagos, Film — April 7
Jury Duty, New Series — April 7
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Season 5 — April 14
Dead Ringers, New Series — April 21
Judy Blume Forever, Documentary — April 21

BINGE

Love Me, Season 2 — April 6

The critically-acclaimed Australian drama is back for season two, following AACTA and Logie nominations. Love Me follows the Melbourne-based Mathieson family (Hugo Weaving, Bojana Novakovic and William Lodder), who each unexpectedly find love while dealing with intense grief. Season two picks up nine months later as the Mathieson’s endeavour to nurture and hold onto love amid their personal challenges. Glenn (Weaving), the patriarch, navigates love after loss in his 60s; the no-time-for-dating doctor, Clara, endeavours to hold onto a relationship, and young adult Aaron (Lodder) juggles studies, a new romance with an old friend and fatherhood. The new series also presents some new characters including Julia (Eryn Jean Norvill), the ex wife of Clara Mathieson (Novakovic).

Succession, Season 5 — Available now
Dreamland, Season 1 — April 6
The Diplomat, Season 1 — April 14
Vengeance, Film — April 14
Mrs Davis, Season 1 — April 21
Love & Death, Season 1 — April 27

Disney+

Matildas: The World at Our Feet, Documentary Series — April 26

It’s no secret that the Matildas dominate women’s soccer. But what happens behind-the-scenes may be less known globally. Disney+ hopes to uncover the inspirational and intimate story of the Australian women’s national football team.

The Matildas (including Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Mary Fowler and more) reveal the personal sacrifices they’ve made and struggles they’ve endured to become number one in the world’s most popular sport. But despite all their hardships, one goal follows them throughout – to leave a lasting legacy and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams in sport no matter their gender or race. Across six episodes, the limited-series documentary follow the players on and off the field as they work towards their biggest challenge yet — the 2023 World Cup on home soil.

The Crossover, Season 1 — April 5
Tiny Beautiful Things, Season 1 — April 7
Rennervations, Season 1 — April 12
Peter Pan & Wendy, Film — April 28

Apple TV+

The Last Thing He Told Me, Film — April 14

Jennifer Garner stars in the movie based on the bestselling book by Laura Dave of the same name. Following 44 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, Reese Witherspoon unsurprisingly picked up The Last Thing He Told Me as her latest page-to-screen production. Garner also told Vanity Fair she “devoured” the book, having read it out loud with one her kids. “We were so compelled to keep reading and bedtime was just flying out the window every single night because it was just one more chapter, one more chapter, one more chapter.”

The Last Thing He Told Me follows Hannah (Garner) who must forge a relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter Bailey (played by Australia’s Angourie Rice) in order to find the truth about why her husband mysteriously disappeared from their Sausalito, San Francisco home, leaving behind just a note reading: “protect her.” Hannah quickly realises, however, that her husband isn’t who he said he was — and that Bailey might just hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity — and why he really left.

Ghosted, Film — April 21

LADY GAGA will star as the Harley Quinn to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker in Folie à Deux, it has been confirmed. The film will make her the latest in a long list of actresses who have played Quinn in the 30 years since she was introduced in 1992’s Batman: The Animated Series.

The revelation that Gaga was onboard for the Joker sequel was speculated for some time before the singer officially announced her involvement via a video uploaded to Instagram on August 4, 2022. While it has always been unclear whether Gaga was, in fact, playing Harley Quinn, the news was confirmed this March after viral paparazzi photos showed her in costume filming in New York. In one snap, an extra is seen holding a prop newspaper with a mock mug shot of Gaga as Harley on the front. In the shot, she holds a criminal identifier with the name ‘Harleen Frances Quinzel’ — which any fan of the comics will know is Harley Quinn’s birth name.

On April 6, she officially confirmed the news, captioning an Instagram post of herself in costume, “That’s a wrap X, Harleen.”

In addition to the paparazzi shots of her on set, Gaga has shared a peek at the film on Instagram, uploading a snap of herself and Phoenix, in costume.

“Folie à Deux ,” she captioned the image.

Like director, Todd Philips’ take on the Joker, this would likely be a Harley Quinn unlike any we’ve seen before. She’ll exist in a separate universe to the more recent Suicide Squad films. But knowing Gaga, she’d certainly be memorable — one need only consider her iconic performances in House of Gucci or A Star Is Born (which was produced by Philips).

Has Margot Robbie commented on Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn?

Taking on the role of one of pop culture’s most iconic villains is no small feat, but luckily for Gaga, Robbie — who played Quinn in the 2016’s Suicide Squad, as well as the 2021 sequel and the 2020 spinoff Birds of Prey — has offered her support.

“It makes me so happy because I said from the very beginning is all I want is for Harley Quinn to be one of those characters, the way, like, Macbeth or Batman always gets passed, you know, from great actor to great actor,” Robbie expressed in a recent interview with MTV.

“It’s such an honour to have built a foundation strong enough that Harley can now be one of those characters that other actors get to have a go at playing,” Robbie added. “I think she’ll do something incredible with it.”

What does Folie à Deux mean?

Director and screenwriter Todd Phillips initially revealed the title of his Joker sequel back in June 2022, and only a week after, we scored two more major details about the project: Firstly, that it would potentially star none other than Gaga (confirmed); and secondly (and even more absurdly), it may be a musical (we can only hope).

The original film, starring Phoenix, was not free of controversy and criticism, but nevertheless garnered box office and critical success; grossing USD$1 billion and nabbing 12 Oscar nominations (including Best Actor, which Phoenix won). The sequel, as Philips revealed with a post to his Instagram of the blood-red screenplay, is titled Joker: Folie à Deux, which refers to a medical term for shared psychosis or delusional disorder.

Rumours soon emerged, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, that Gaga was tapped to play Harley Quinn in the sequel. As the DC Comics go, Quinn is the Arkham Asylum psychiatrist who falls in love with her patient, the Joker, and becomes his sidekick and partner in crime. A folie à deux, if we’ve ever seen one.

Related: Sydney Sweeney is set to star alongside Dakota Johnson in Madame Web

Is Joker: Folie à Deux a musical?

And if The Hollywood Reporter‘s claims that the sequel will be a musical are true, then it looks like we’ll be seeing Folie à Deux, Gaga, and Phoenix sweeping the awards season circuit once more.

To go from an intensely masculine film with a fanbase to match; to a singing-and-dancing spectacular starring the campiest of contemporary performers would be a bold move — but it’s one we’re sure we won’t be able to tear our eyes away from.

When will the Joker sequel be released

As Gaga revealed in her April 6 Instagram post, the project has wrapped filming. The movie is slated to hit screens on October 4, 2024 — so mark your calendars.