Mark Ruffalo has spent months warning Hollywood that Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery would hand an enormous amount of media power to David Ellison and his billionaire father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Last week, however, that fight took a much uglier turn.

Ruffalo attacked the deal again on August 21, this time drawing a direct line between the Ellisons, Oracle’s technology work with the Israeli military, and Israel’s war in Gaza.

Continue reading Joel Coen, Todd Haynes & 170+ Jewish Figures Defend Mark Ruffalo Against Paramount’s Antisemitism Accusation. at The Playlist.

For every career-altering role an actor lands, others narrowly slip away—and some opportunities unravel before a role is even discussed. Matthew McConaughey experienced both while emerging as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the late 1990s: he auditioned for “Titanic,” and later became so intimidated during dinner with Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, and John Malkovich that he left convinced he had blown his chance to work with the filmmaking brothers.

Continue reading Matthew McConaughey Says He Never Turned Down ‘Titanic’ & Recalls “Blowing” His Chance With The Coen Brothers at The Playlist.

What’s the official story on the Coen Brothers and their split after 2018’s “The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs“? According to Ethan Coen, it wasn’t anything acrimonious at all, but instead him taking a break. And yes, they’ll reteam soon, but there’s no official timetable for that yet.

READ MORE: ‘Honey Don’t!’ Review: Margaret Qualley Sleuths, Seduces & Struts Through Ethan Coen’s Shaggy, Lesbian Noir-Comedy [Cannes]

Ethan clarified why he and his brother Joel have been working separately for the past several years on the latest edition of Deadline’s “Crew Call” podcast, available to stream now.

Continue reading Ethan Coen Says His Temporary Retirement Split Coens, But He’s Written A Script With Joel & Looking For Schedules To Align at The Playlist.

If the word on the Croisette is true, then Josh O’Connor‘s breakout next couple of years just got even more interesting.

READ MORE: ‘Honey Don’t!’: Ethan Coen’s New Comedy Hits Theaters On August 22 After Its 2025 Cannes World Premiere

Deadline reports that the British actor will star in Joel Coen‘s next film, titled “Jack Of Spades.”  Plot details about the project remain under wraps, but Coen plans to shoot the movie this summer in Scotland.  

Continue reading ‘Jack Of Spades’: Josh O’Connor To Star In Joel Coen’s Upcoming Scotland-Set Film at The Playlist.

Alfonso Cuarón is no stranger to well-established franchises, having directed the third installment of the ‘Harry Potter‘ saga, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” but the Mexican director almost became part of another famed establishment: Bond movies. 

Speaking at the Marrakech International Film Festival where he gave a lengthy career talk, Cuarón recalled how he was offered a Bond film “ages ago” and thought it was “cool” until the team told him he was only supposed to shoot the dialogue, with another team coming in to film the action scenes.

Continue reading Alfonso Cuarón Almost Made A James Bond Movie, But Joel Coen Talked Him Out Of It at The Playlist.

It’s apparently time to rejoice for those who thought the Coen Brothers had forsaken them and broken up for good. In a new Associated Press interview promoting “Drive-Away Dolls,” Ethan Coen confirms reports that he’s going to make a horror movie with his brother Joel Coen after he makes his next movie, “Honey Don’t.”

“We talked about it for a long time, but we hadn’t actually written anything,” Coen said, the AP describing it as a horror film that they wrote fresh, not from an old screenplay.

Continue reading The Coen Brothers Will Reteam For A Horror Film After Ethan Coen’s Next Movie’ Honey Don’t!’ at The Playlist.

Last week, Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the co-writer of Coen’s upcoming “Drive-Away Dolls” film, led a Master Class in conversation with critic Kaleem Aftab for the audience at the Tromos International Film Festival in Norway.

And according to the Norwegian site Montages, near the end of the conversation,  Coen revealed that he and Joel have written a new script together (something that Coen already said a week ago).

Continue reading Ethan & Joel Coen Reportedly Working On A “Pure Horror” Film at The Playlist.

Last summer, news broke that the Coen Brothers were reuniting after a five-year hiatus. Granted, the “news” there was Ethan Coen‘s throwaway comment to Empire while discussing his upcoming “Driveaway Dolls” that the brothers planned to work on an upcoming feature together. And now here’s a new, similar throwaway comment to Empire that puts those plans into focus. Ethan told the outlet that he and Joel are “working on writing something” but didn’t disclose what it was.

Continue reading Ethan Coen Confirms He And Joel Are “Working On Writing Something” Together at The Playlist.

After fives years apart, it looks like The Coen Bros. are finally reunited. /Film reports (via Empire magazine) that Ethan Coen confirmed in a new interview that he and brother Joel Coen plan to work on a feature together soon. Will it be their next project? Ethan remained coy on that, instead focusing on his upcoming lesbian road comedy “Drive-Away Dolls,” which he co-wrote (and co-directed) with his wife, Tricia Cooke.

Continue reading Ethan Coen Says He’s Reuniting With His Brother Joel For An Upcoming Project Together at The Playlist.

One of the topics that dominated the “The Tragedy of Macbeth” press circuit was Ethan Coen‘s absence from the film. With Joel Coen going solo, the decades-long partnership between the Coen Brothers seemed to have reached an inglorious conclusion. Granted, the narrative that emerged was less one of familial tension than industry fatigue. Joel indicated in interviews that his brother would have had no interest in making a Shakespeare adaptation, while long-time collaborator Carter Burwell – who scored “The Tragedy of Macbeth” – went so far as to say that Ethan “just didn’t want to make movies anymore.”

READ MORE: Cannes Film Festival 2022 Preview: 25 Must-See Films To Watch

Until he did.

Continue reading Ethan Coen On The Coen Brothers Split: “None Of The Decisions Are Definitive.” at The Playlist.

While the fact that Joel Coen has ventured off by himself to craft the new Apple TV+ film, “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” might be surprising to some, considering he worked the past 40-ish years alongside his brother Ethan, that doesn’t mean there’s any sort of bad blood between the two brothers. That said, Joel Coen does admit that he would have never had the chance to make ‘Macbeth’ if he continued his relationship with Ethan.

Continue reading Joel Coen Wouldn’t Have Made ‘Macbeth’ If He Was Still Working With Ethan Coen at The Playlist.

William Shakespeare, the Bard himself, needs no introduction. Nor, arguably, does Joel Coen, who has been one of American cinema’s great voices for almost forty years with his brother Ethan. A Coen take on a Shakespeare play, though, especially one of his best, deserves to be unpacked.

READ MORE: Joel Coen & ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’ Cast On Adapting Shakespeare, Streaming Services, & More [NYFF]

After its highly successful world premiere at the New York Film Festival in September (read our review of it here), “The Tragedy Of Macbeth” makes its way to theaters later this month.

Continue reading ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’ Trailer: Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand Are Haunted In Joel Coen’s Bleak Shakespearean Take at The Playlist.

The National Board of Review is traditionally the first “awards group” (we use that term lightly with them) to announce their honorees for the season. This year, the organization somewhat surprised by selecting Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” for Best Film and Best Director. And, in a move that will raise some eyebrows, completely snubbed Jane Campion‘s highly lauded “The Power of the Dog.”

READ MORE: ‘Licorice Pizza’ Review: Paul Thomas Anderson Nostalgically Just Vibes In The Summery Cali ’70s Again

It should be noted, however, that NBR has a very spotty record picking Best Picture with only its 2018 winner, “Green Book,” taking Oscar’s top prize in 2019.

Continue reading ‘Licorice Pizza’ Named Best Film Of 2021 By National Board of Review at The Playlist.

One of the most anticipated films of the year was already seen earlier this year: “The Tragedy of Macbeth” by writer/director Joel Coen (going solo for the first time without Ethan Coen), made its world premiere at the New York Film Festival to much acclaim (read our review). Starring Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Corey Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson, and Harry Melling, the film is a stark, but fierce black and white adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous play about murder, ambition, madness, wrathful cunning, greed and guilt; a cautionary tale about the lust for power.

Continue reading ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’ Trailer: Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand Retell Shakespeare’s Darkest Moment For Joel Coen at The Playlist.

Whenever Frances McDormand brought up the notion of her husband and frequent collaborator Joel Coendirecting her in her dream role of Lady Macbeth, he demurred – bluntly. “He said absolutely not,” she recalled; “I had no interested in theater,” he explained, and that was that. 

READ MORE: ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’: Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand Are Fearless In Joel Coen’s Bleak, But Thrilling Adaptation [NYFF Review]

“Doing something on the stage where there’s one sort of visual metaphor for the whole thing, which is a stage set, and that’s what you’re looking at – that’s not the way my brain works,” Coen said.

Continue reading Joel Coen & The ‘Tragedy of Macbeth’ Cast On Adapting Shakespeare, Streaming Services, & More [NYFF] at The Playlist.

The plot for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” adapted from William Shakespeare’s classic play, is almost too familiar to waste space for explanation. Even so, the basic premise sees Lord Macbeth (Denzel Washington), a well-respected soldier, spurred by three witches’ prophecy and the aspirations of his wife, the Machiavellian Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), transfixed by an ambition for the Scottish crown.

Continue reading ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’: Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand Are Fearless In Joel Coen’s Bleak, But Thrilling Adaptation [NYFF Review] at The Playlist.

When it was announced that Joel Coen was going solo to direct his first feature film without his brother Ethan Coen, with “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” people were surprised. Did this mean the end of the Coen Brothers, one of the best filmmaking duos of all time? Or was this just a one-off project that would act as a placeholder until the duo could combine forces once again?

Continue reading ‘Tragedy Of Macbeth’: Joel Coen Talks About The “Weird” Situation Of Making A Film Without His Brother at The Playlist.

“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.” Just as the witches anticipate Macbeth’s arrival at their heath, so too do audiences await the world premiere of Joel Coen‘s “The Tragedy Of Macbeth” at the New York Film Festival later this week. The new film debuts on the opening night of the festival’s 59th iteration; there’s nothing quite like a gloomy tale of murder, madness, and corruption to kick off proceedings.

Continue reading ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’ Trailer: Something Wicked This Way Comes For Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand On Dec 25 at The Playlist.

Inquiring minds have been asking quietly for months: why is only Joel Coen credited for “The Tragedy Of Macbeth,” starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, and what is going on with the Coen Brothers? Well, according to an interview with Coen Brothers composer Carter Burwell — who started his career with the siblings in 1984 with “Blood Simple,” and has worked on every one of their films except for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Continue reading Are The Coen Brothers Done? Longtime Collaborator Carter Burwell Says Ethan Coen Doesn’t “Want To Make Movies Anymore” at The Playlist.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest films coming later this year is the highly-anticipated drama, “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” Not only does it feature the debut of filmmaker Joel Coen as a singular director (Ethan Coen is not attached), but it has one of the strongest casts of 2021, led by Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. This film has Oscar written all over it, right?

Continue reading ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’ First Look: Joel Coen’s Film Starring Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand To Premiere At NYFF at The Playlist.

Apple TV+ is still in its toddler stage of development. The newborn/infant stage was rife with lackluster reviews, not-so-great viewership, and a general feeling of disinterest by the greater public. But recently, thanks to the critically acclaimed TV series “Ted Lasso” and major exclusive films like “Cherry” and “Greyhound,” Apple’s streaming service has become a legit contender in the Streaming Wars.

Continue reading ‘Macbeth’: Apple TV+ Makes An Awards Play With Joel Coen’s Film Starring Frances McDormand & Denzel Washington at The Playlist.

Continue reading Producer Scott Rudin Removed From New Films From Joel Coen, Alex Garland & More After Abuse Allegations at The Playlist.

It’s been quite a while since we last heard any updates on Joel Coen‘s first movie without brother Ethan, “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” but we’re finally getting some news, and it will have cinephiles very excited.

READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2021

In a recent episode of cinematographer Roger Deakins‘ podcast, Team Deakins, costume designer Mary Zophres revealed that cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel shot “The Tragedy of Macbeth” entirely in black and white.

Continue reading Joel Coen Shot ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth,’ Starring Denzel Washington And Frances McDormand, In Black And White at The Playlist.

Yesterday, we discussed a rare pandemic highlight: Team Deakins, the podcast that legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins—started with his wife and digital workflow consultant James Ellis Deakins. It’s cinephile mana with terrific guests and the latest is filmmaker Joel Coen, one half of the Coen Brothers. The previous post chronicled some highlights from the podcast; Coen’s insistence he will never make a Western again, his initial dislike for Orson Welles as a filmmaker, how the Coens have always had final cut in their directing career and a little bit about his next movie, “The Tragedy Of Macbeth,” his first filmmaking endeavor without his brother Ethan Coen.

Continue reading Joel Coen Talks Making TV & Small Screen Films: “Most Streaming Services Want To Buy By The Yard” at The Playlist.

The pandemic is awful, obviously, but there have been some highlights inspired by it. One of those highpoints is Team Deakins, the podcast that legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins—known for his work with the Coen Brothers, Martin Scorsese, and Denis Villeneuve, among many others—started with his wife and digital workflow consultant James Ellis Deakins. Their podcast has included many guests that the Deakins have worked with including Sam Mendes, John Crowley, and Denis Villeneuve.

Continue reading Joel Coen Talks Switch To Digital Filmmaking, Hating Orson Welles & His New Fave Filmmaker: Andrey Zvyagintsev at The Playlist.