The Casey Crew is back with book number 2 "Real Life Real Family"

Book Number 2 for the Casey Crew written by Raashaun "DJ Envy" and Gia Casey just came out April 16th 2025  

 

Their first book Real Life Real Love debuted and is a national best seller in April 2023. 

The Casey Crew is back with their second book “Real Life, Real Family” I am such a big fan of their books and their podcast. Their investment into their family, their children, the goals, and dreams as well. They have elevated into a whole different world. They know how to invest in their children and family’s goals, their dreams, and they value their family. They set traditions and the patriarch and matriarch of their family, Raashaun “DJ Envy” Casey and Gia Casey have put together structure, loyalty, bonding, and balance for all 6 of their children. The Caseys are high school sweethearts they met at 15 and 16 years old in Queens where they are originally from and fell in love with each other. There love, relationship, and marriage has grown expanding now into a business partnership.

 I like to say Gia and DJ Envy both represent Pragma Love (Enduring Love), Eros Love (Lust & Romantic), Agape (Unconditional love) , Ludus (Playful, Excitement Love), and Philia Love (Friendship). 30 years of them meeting and their connection, 24 years of marriage they celebrate their 24th anniversary next month May 13th (Early congratulations to the two of them and their family). They have shown all of their fans that you can have it all. You have to put God first, faith first, counseling first, and your commitment to each other. You have to zone in and tune out all of the noise. 

To focus on your relationship. The two of them together have shown their podcast , "The Casey Crew" fans what a relationship union can bring and become while they are married and are supportive to one another. 

 Their new book will go in further depth not just about the two of them as a couple, individual stories, but now we get to meet the entire Casey Crew their six children Madison 23, Logan 21, London 11, Jackson 9, Brooklyn 7, and Peyton 3. 

 

The Casey Crew Madison, Logan, London, Jackson, Brooklyn, and Peyton

Their extended family, the lessons they have learned with all of their children. The lessons they have learned while growing up, and they also worked with psychologists and therapists to directly address further topics and perspectives. They made sure to have all bases covered and to also include activities for all of you to do too while you are reading along with your families and friends too.

 I am so proud as a “YouTube family member” call me their younger sister or niece I have been following their podcast now for 8 years since Summer 2017. Their podcast came to me at a great time when I needed to figure out what I wanted to build in my relationships romantically, what I needed to improve on, work on in relationships, more communication, working on saying what I really want, and saying no if this person and I don’t agree don’t settle for less or settle at all. Or if we don’t mix or chemistry is not flowing well. They taught me no go get what you want. Keep moving to get what you deserve and want for yourself. I love how important communicating with all 6 children, their other family members, playing games, going on vacations, and connecting even with themselves. They know how important it is to make sure their families feel love, supported, safe, heard, and most of all exposed to all opportunities life and the world has to offer. Go get your book today and pre-order it just came out this week on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and your local bookstores.

Throwbacks of these two multimedia personalities taking love, family, and dreams to new heights, Raashaun and Gia Casey.

E-mail them at theecaseycrew@gmail.com and follow them on their podcast. 

Sinners starring Michael B Jordan debuts this weekend

I included all 3 movie posters love the first one because it's true we are all sinners but we try to save our souls everyday and do the right thing honoring goodness. Go see Sinners April 18, 2025-Friday 

 

Are you a sinner? Would you consider yourself to be a sinner? Do you have that battle between your conscience the
“devil” and “angel” on your shoulder fighting you. Your morals, your customs, traditions, your values, everything you have been taught. What you have seen, heard, and experienced from childhood to adulthood? So I ask you again “Are you a sinner?” I believe we all have the battle of good and evil within ourselves. That’s a part of life and living on Earth the battle of who you choose to be. A good guy, the helpful person, a good girl, always kind and looking out for others. Or do you choose to be a villain? I believe this is one of those films that’s going to challenge and open our eyes. This film has been getting major promotion since last year actually. Which is a fantastic sign right now for the film and entertainment industry. We are diving deeper with our themes in films. The film isn’t just about something wicked that
comes upon the residents in this neighborhood. They actually become and turn into modern day (well set in the 1930s Jim Crow South). 

 This film is set in the 1930s in the South where Michael B. Jordan’s characters yes I said that correctly characters he’s playing twins, “Smoke” and “Stack” who are gangsters returning back home to have a fresh start. The two encounter something far more sinister than what they anticipated. When they return home they end up in a dark world where they are not just gangsters anymore they morph into something far more different transforming into vampires out to get the entire town even turning against their own. This film comes from the mind and genius of Ryan Coogler who lead star actor, Michael B. Jordan has been teaming up with since “Fruitvale Station” in 2013. This dynamic film duo has transformed the scope of films along with “Black Panther”, “Wakanda Forever: Black Panther II” , “Creed”, “Creed 2”, and “Creed 3” together they continue breaking grounds with their lives and making film hits. This is a bit more original for the duo they’re going from drama, action, to horror genre taking films to a different place. Typically for African Americans and Hispanics we do not do well in horror films we last maybe 4-5 scenes and then we are out. I am joking but now this takes our people into a different direction when we are not just the sidekick, the token minority girl or guy. No now we are breaking ground in horror films in the 21st century in lead roles. 

This is taking us into a different dimension as entertainers now. This film is getting tons of buzz. For all of the actors and actresses which includes

 1. Michael B. Jordan (starred and performed in Black Panther, Fruitvale Station, Creed 1, 2, and 3, That Awkward Moment) as twin brothers, “Smoke” and “Stack”.

 2. Hailee Steinfeld ( starred in Bum

blebee, True Grit, Pitch Perfect 2, Pitch Perfect 3, Dickinson), as Mary 

 3. Miles Caton as Sammie (debut role for Sinners he is a R&B performer and star who has been touring with Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, H.E.R) 

 4. Jack O’ Connell as Remmick (“Unbroken”, “Lady Chatterley’s Lover”, “Rogue Heroes”, ‘’71”, “Starred Up”, “Back to Black”) 

5. Wunmi Mosaku as Annie (has performed and starred in “Passenger”, “His House”, “Alice Darling”, “Lovecraft Country”, “We Own this City”) 

6. Jayme Lawson as Pearline (performed and starred in “Farewell Amor”, “Woman King”, “How to Blow Up A Pipeline”, “Running Man”, “TILL”, and “The Batman”). 

 7. Omar Benson Miller as Cornbread (starred and performed in “Ballers”, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”, “8 Mile”, “Naples to New York”, “Last Days of Ptolemy Grey”, “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle”, “Shall We Dance”) 

 8. Li Jun Li as Grace Chow (performed and starred in “Babylon”, “Wu Assassins”, “Billy & Billie”, “The Exorcist”, “Sex/Life”, “Modern Persuasion”, “Minority Report”) 

9. Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim (performed and starred in “Da 5 Bloods”, “Unprisoned”, “Crooklyn”, “Romeo Must Die”, “Get Shorty”, “The Good Fight”, “Blade”) 

10. Yao as Bo Chow (“More, More, More”, “Tiong Bahru Social Club”, “Look At Me”) This amazing film is coming out this weekend on Friday, April 18th go see it immediately.

Look what films have hit the "Dirty 30" mark 1995 was a great year for movies

 

The cast of Clueless (1995)

My number one pic for movies from 1995 it represents my childhood as a 90s kid I was 8 1/2 when the movie came out July 19, 1995. I am still watching it. Love this one. Here pictured are Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, and Stacey Dash on the set of Clueless. 

1. “Clueless”-yes that Clueless I loved this movie growing up the fashion, the dialogue, the slang, the script, the characters, and most of all the hilarious moments in this movie still make me laugh like when Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone) drives into a STOP sign. Or when Murray (Donald Faison) is giving Dionne (Stacey Dash) driving lessons, or a purple clog goes flying that hits Tai (the late, Brittany Murphy) in the face at a Malibu party. A lot of hilarious moments in the film. The movie was so well written they ended up doing a short television series for a couple of years based

on the film. I remember my mom took me to see this when I was 9 I fell in love with this movie instantly. 1995 was a huge year for some classic films in all genres. I keep wo

ndering wait a minute what happened? What happened to original scripts? Is it me or have we lost our sense of originality when it comes to producing funny content in films. I know we love nostalgia it’s a beautiful thing to be sentimental and reflect on better days. However, I think sometimes we don’t want to keep repeating the same concept too. It’s important films like this stay alive, stay fresh, stay current, and keep generations loving great original work by writers, producers, and artists. I remember hearing how Clueless was actually based on Jane Austen’s “Emma” genius idea! Who would think of fitting a beautiful, blonde 16-year-old in Beverly Hills as the lead then squeeze into the 1990s and have it focus around a high schooler who schmoozes her way into the love life of her teachers and peers.

 2. “FRIDAY”- Who doesn’t love Friday? written and produced by the one the only Ice Cube (O’shea Jackson) about an unemployed 20-something who just got fired and accused of stealing at his job. So to take his mind off his job his best friend gets him into all kinds of shenanigans in their South Central, LA neighborhood fit with colorful, memorable, and hilarious characters. I don’t want to give too much away but this film is a cult classic you need a box of tissues from crying laughing so hard. You will start quoting all of the dialogue verbatim. I have to hand it to Ice Cube he opened a door for every single actor in this film including himself along with (Meagan Good, Apollo, John Witherspoon, Nia Long, Faison Love, Chris Tucker, Regina King, Anna Marie Horsford, Paula Jai Parker, John Lister, and the list goes on). Friday went on to make 2 more films “Next Friday”, and “Friday After Next” continuing to open doors with its successful franchise. People still want to know what happened to a reunion? May be coming soon I hope because a story this good can’t be forgotten. 

 3. “ The Brady Bunch Film” “There’s a story of a lovely lady… if anyone grew up during the seventies, eighties, or watched Nick and Nite reruns growing up on Nickelodeon in the nineties and 2000s you will appreciate this movie. How you cannot adore the ultra-innocent, sweet, wholesome Brady Bunch family. The blended family which consists of 3 boys and 3 girls both from previous marriages joining their parent’s new marriage together. Brady Bunch was actually a bit ahead of its time with the blended family concept I love that because we don’t realize how Carol and Mike had to bring six pre-teens and teenagers all together to live under one roof. Then join them all together. Kind of a fascinating concept and they were all well behaved. The remake of this film was such a great love letter to the original cast and crew of this hit television series that lasted 5 years and 5 seasons (1969-1974) with Sherwood Schwartz the creator.  The Brady Bunch film cast stars Shelley Long, Gary Cole as Carol and Mike Brady. Also Christine Taylor, Henriette Mantel, Paul Sutera, Jennifer Elise Cox, Christopher Daniel Barnes, and Olivia Hack.  You also may have seen a few surprise faces in the film and including RuPaul appeared in a cameo as well.

 4. “The Quick and the Dead” I actually forgot about this film but when I looked up films celebrating their anniversaries this year this was one that was on the list too. I remember watching this movie thinking I want to be like Sharon Stone she plays a cowgirl who comes to town on a revenge trip after her father was killed when she was a child. My great-grandmother had a huge collection of films. When I stayed with her and her husband. I watched probably every movie when I had downtime or wasn’t playing with my cousins and family. There are some interesting plot twists and has an all-star cast a younger, Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and many familiar faces you will see in this film set in “The Wild Wild West”. 

 5. “Braveheart” I remember this film because my father when he watched his movies they always had to be on surround sound dad had to feel, see, and hear the movie. It was like a feast for the senses. My father had two huge 3-feet surround sound speakers in his living room. When I lived with him he's a big movie and history buff. If dad was playing his music and movies you had to feel it in your heart when you watched or listened. Braveheart I remember was one of those packed with action, historical figures, drama, and stunning visuals. The film starring and featuring Mel Gibson as a Scottish patriot, William Wallace leading his army into battle to threaten King Edward before he becomes a symbol to Scotland for freedom 

 6. “Dangerous Minds”- This is a classic as well about a substitute teacher who is teaching at an inner city public high school starring Michelle Pfeiffer. This film is one of those you won’t forget plus who can forget the soundtrack? Michelle stars an ex-marine who comes into teach her students how to become the next future air pilots and train them. She ends up giving the teens more than just school lessons in class. She takes inner city kids and comes in with toughness to mold and shape them into something more substantial in society. 

 7. “Seven” two words- “Brad Pitt” need I say more? And starring of course the living legend, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey. This film it can be a bit hard to watch because of the intensity surrounded around a serial killer who has plotted and out to commit a crime using the 7 deadly sins as his trademark when the detectives and police are out hunting down the murder. The genius of using religion, violence, drama in this film plays a major roll in this film. It’s a bit of a witch hunt for the killer in this film and will keep everyone on edge as they get to the end of the film. The film will take you on a mystery to find out who is this person using religion and committing a serious serial killer crime at the same time. 

 

 

 8. “Bad Boys-The Franchise” will celebrate 30 years this summer. This classic has already gone on to make a few films after the 1995 blockbuster summer hit. This dynamic duo of the 1990s has now gone into the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s with four massive blockbuster hit movies and they still are not done yet. The film featured Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Theresa Randle, Tea Leoni, Joe Pontliano. The Bad Boys films always had a phenomenal soundtrack to all of their films featuring unknowns and well known stars. The Bad Boys franchise is still expanding more to be told from Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. 

 9. “Higher Learning” a film set on a Los Angeles public university in 1995 starring another all star cast and a few unknowns. Directed by the late, great, and multitalented, John Singleton. This film gave Hollywood some edge because it really transformed the scope of schools being filmed. It took it to another level especially the dramatic scenes. We have never seen a movie where actors/actresses were dealing with crises in an educational setting. Not caused by the students maybe protests, perhaps racial, gender issues, political issues during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, or even the 80s. We never saw it heightened on this level. The 1990s took the educational realm in films to a different level. This was one of those movies that broke the rules. It covered political topics, historical, college campus issues, integration the affects of it in a post-integration generation. The cast was phenomenal starring Laurence Fishburne, Omar Epps, Tyra Banks, Kristy Swanson, Ice Cube, Michael Rapaport, Cole Hauser, Jennifer Connelly, and Busta Rhymes. I believe this was actually Busta Rhymes his first debut film outside of hip-hop/rap career. This is another one of those movies that have lessons in them for every one especially those in college right now the Generation Y & Z, Millennials can all take some lessons and notes from this film. 

The writer/screenplay, Terry McMillan who wrote, "Waiting to Exhale" the film was brought to life with these four ladies on screen in December of 1995. Loretta Devine, Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, and Lela Rochon featured with Terry

 10. “Waiting to Exhale”- This film is a classic! This film came out around Christmas 1995 Another one I can watch over and over again. People still talk about the phenomenal musical soundtrack produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis so many people were featured behind the scenes and the front lines of the film you were getting a whole wave of amazing singers and artists from Whitney Houston, Brandy, TLC, Cece Winans, SWV, Toni Braxton, Chante Moore, and many more. The music made you appreciate the book, the film, and the characters too. There is supposed to be a sequel reports have brewed about a possible part two to the film. I hope it would happen soon with all of these characters perhaps a new story can unfold with their friendship and lives of “S

avannah” (the amazing the late, great, Whitney Houston(August 9, 1964-February 11, 2012), “Gloria” (Loretta Devine), “Bernadine” (Angela Bassett) , and “Robin” (Lela Rochon). The film was directed by fellow actor, Forest Whitaker. 

 11. “Goldeneye” The 30th anniversary is coming up this fall this another film with a stellar soundtrack featuring the incredible Tina Turner (November 26, 1939-May 24, 2023) who sung the theme song of the film. The film is a nod to the James Bond films that featured Sean Connery and all of the other stars who had a chance to play him. This was a chance to bring a new generation of fans to the film. Goldeneye takes James Bond into a new generation where he is out to stop Double 06 and save the world in this film starring Pierce Brosnan. 

 12. Jumanji- This film will take you and your children on a rollercoaster ride. I remember my father took my stepsister and I as children to see it we loved the movie so much I went to Toys R Us and bought the board game just to play with my other classmates as well. The film stars the late comedic legend, Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde, Bebe Neuwirth, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, and more notable stars in a film that takes live action to a whole different level. The game literally comes to life for the main characters. This is one you do not want to miss. Buckle up and hold on tight. Jumanji is going to take on a live safari in your home!

 BONUS FILMS-“ It takes Two” I love this little movie there is something about it that is heartwarming two little girls who have never met before end up crossing paths. One is a little girl who is up for adoption but will be adopted by parents who just uses kids as employees. The other is a well-kept, privileged, child prodigy on her way to becoming a future pianist and musician whose father is the owner of a successful children’s camp and philanthropist. The two girls cross paths and all of the while play matchmaker to two of the people closest to them. I also love the film because it stars two of our biggest 1990s child stars who became extremely successful, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen “The Olsen Twins” star along with Kirstie Alley, Steve Guttenberg, Jane Sibbett, and Phillip Bosco. I wanted to close with something heartwarming and since I hope one day to have twins of my own this is one of those films I hope to show my mischievous, funny, and sassy dynamic duo if they are little girls too (Fingers crossed). 

Last Bonus-"My Family/ Mi Familia" (1995) 

The story is generational discussing a Latin American family who escapes immigration for a better life style and to give their future children a better life. It takes you on a ride from the 50s into the early 1990s. I loved the movie had a great story line and really focuses what matters most following your heart, family connections, and fighting for your family no matter what the obstacles you may be facing in your life.

Congratulations to all of the cast members featured in these films on 30 years of their lives in the business whether it was their first role on set or another featured film. For actors and actresses we all just want one hit to be a part of one great hit whether in theater, television, or film. So that’s why its so important to celebrate a work anniversary you have accomplished greatness and will accomplish more to come.

Women's History Month- Women's impact on music-Selena celebrating her life, career, fashion, & legacy 30 years later.

Selena Quintanilla Perez (April 16, 1971-March 31, 1995)

 

As a pop culture writer we have to be timely, everything is about making sure it comes out at the right exact moment when it needs to be released. This I wanted to make sure it was the right moment. It has been thirty years since Selena Quintanilla Perez passed on March 31st, 1995 in Corpus Christi, Texas at the Corpus Christi hospital but her musical impact, dance moves, fashion sense, her style, beauty still continues to inspire women and men all over the world. Especially young singers all across the world and entertainment stars. She was an accomplished woman who did a  crossover with pop music, Tejano Mexican music that was dominated by men mostly. 

As a female artist, ‘Selena y los Dinos” her, her family, and her band transformed the music industry breaking barriers. Her family continues to honor her legacy and produced both the film, “Selena” (1997) they will celebrate the 30th anniversary in 2027, and her Netflix series  that was released and streamed in December 2020. I wanted to celebrate her music since it was released in the late eighties and early nineties. 

The celebration of Women’s History Month, her impact in music, and her birthday as well which falls on April 16h she would have been 54 years old this year  she would probably  be a judge on music television shows featured on international networks everywhere, probably movie deals, fashion line still evolving, and so much more. Her family continues to rebrand her fashion line and will continue to share her story. 

 Selena’s story is not one of tragedy, yes it was devastating for her family, friends, her fashion design team, the music industry, and yes the billions of fans she adored and loved. It was one of hope, one of learning how to protect yourself with people who will always have your back, have your best intentions professionally, personally, who will believe in you. I think her story is about believing in yourself, family taking risks, overcoming challenges, following your passions, you must invest your time and your love into as well to see your dreams come true.  Selena’s life will be celebrated this weekend and with the documentary featured on Hulu, her movie, and her Netflix special her tremendous talent, her loving spirit, creativity, style will continue to live on for all of us who come to know her music and story Watch Selena's documentary is on Hulu now debuted today March 28th, 2025 and Nightline teamed up to go into updates and depth on her story. You can watch at home on your television, mobile, and laptop devices. 

To her family, friends, and the billions of fans justice has been served, Yolanda Saldivar (the former fan club president will not be released, will continue to serve her life sentence in jail). We will all continue to celebrate this beautiful life and person who deserved so much more to witness and experience too. 

For more information on Selena's music, fashion, her story, and more please visit

Visit http://www.selena-official.com, www.hulu.com, and www.netflix.com 

Kendrick Lamar will headline for the 49th Superbowl NFL games halftime show with Surprise Guests

SZA and others will join Kendrick on stage. 

Kendrick Lamar, 37 will take over "The Crescent City" at the Superdome for the 49th NFL games for the Philadelphia Eagles vs the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9th, 2025

The Crescent City or New Orleans Louisiana known for their cuisine, food, jazz music, masquerade masks, the beads being thrown at the Mardi Gras parade, and the deep mystery’s of what happens beneath the swamps or down by the rivers and streams of Lake Pontchartrain and watching that hot humid sun rise and the gorgeous sunset down on the bayou will give you many memories. New Orleans is a city of resiliency, strength, transformation, passionate, fiery, and colorful. From the exotic seafood dishes, their delicious delectable desserts, and transformative cocktail drinks. New Orleans will have you swept up in a tizzy wanting to come. back more and more. 

 So how can we celebrate a city that has seen some trouble waters, they have found ways to bounce back and reinvent themselves again and again. A city where people are charmed and inspired by it as well. We need to celebrate them for the amazing historical accomplishments they have achieved for themselves. On January 1st 2025 this year on New Years Eve evening/early morning hours. The city of New Orleans was attacked with a targeted and planned terrorist attack by an attacker who is part of a terrorist group and methodically planned it for months to run his car through the streets of Bourbon street and harm and kill the lives of innocent Americans and tourists. 

Who were in town to celebrate the holidays and their time in New Orleans. This attack was senseless and malicious which caused unbearable pain to the families, friends, and those who lives were touched by the innocent victims. So how do we honor a great city. We push on and continue I think this Super bowl and the halftime show is so much more important because we need to continue to celebrate the joys of human life, instead of tragedies, we need to treasure the triumphs, and continue to enjoy all of the greatness that comes with life. Focus on the music, the parties you have attended, the great food, the drinks you have shared with friends, and family. The accomplishments small or big you have achieved in your life, the achievements of others who inspire you, and more. 

These malicious attackers they want to take away everything that we have worked hard for and want to believe in, want to be excited and hopeful for too. They want to take away the people that matter to us. So since “They not like us” they don’t believe in real life, real love, real joy, fight, and passion. Just like these football players they believe in fight & determination. They have put time and effort into all of their goals & dreams to be at this game coming. That’s what we want to focus on as humans, as a race of people who are always excited to see our heroes make it to the top. We believe that we can get to our goals through fight, even in obstacles, we keep our motivation going. So I hope we can take that away from this experience if it affects one of us on Earth it affects all of us. So let’s get into who is performing he’s not a stranger to the Superbowl stage , Roc Nation has decided to pick Kendrick Lamar this year for the 49th Apple Music Superbowl halftime show. Lamar has performed in 2023 with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg. Now he is back with new surprise guests. 

I know one who has been added  is Grammy award winner, singer, songwriter SZA she will join Kendrick Lamar on stage. Which will be incredible both multi-talented artists have an incredible catalog of music that has touched all of us from slow jams, anthems, conscious music, and songs that make you want to get up and party too. So I hope wherever you are celebrating the NFL game at home, out with friends & family, in person with the fans live, or somewhere special. Enjoy don’t feel bad about having fun because you deserve it, you own that joy, you own that passion, and you treasure the memories. For more information visit http://www.nfl.com, www.interscoperecords.com and www.applemusic.com

Prequel "Mufasa" comes to theaters this holiday season in December 2024

Mufasa comes to theaters on December 20, 2024 

The Ensemble Cast of Mufasa (2024) 

 

Who remembers the Lion King film?, the Disney classic story debuted 30 years ago in 1994. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary this past June. I remember fans of all ages were so excited to see this incredible musical and story of life, love, royalty in the animal kingdom, music, and family. Mufasa is the prequel to the Lion King franchise a generational Disney story of the Lion King family. It will focus on the journey of Mufasa (Simba’s father) how he came to be the king, his bond with his brother, “Scar”, and his eventual journey to become the “Lion King”. The film will star an ensemble cast again but with a few new additional replacements this time. We will miss the great, admirable, renaissance man on stage, television, and film, James Earl Jones who just passed late summer on September 9, 2024 he lent his voice to the original character, Mufasa in the film. His legacy has impacted all great actors and actresses now and will continue to aspire more for generations to come. 

Replacing the lead and younger Mufasa will be breakout star and new heartthrob, Aaron Stone Pierre. He has been passed the torch and will play the lead and you have seen Aaron in “Genius’s: MLK/X (2024” , “Netflix’s Rebel Ridge” (2024), “Old” (2021), “Foe” , “Brother” (2022), “The Little Mermaid” (2023), and “The Gaze”. Grammy award winner Donald Glover will reprise his role as the adult Simba. Beyonce Knowles-Carter will reprise her role as the adult Nala. Now this little surprise I was not expecting but Beyonce’s oldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter will star as Kiara, Simba and Nala’s little lion cub in her first film role with her mom and her cast. Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros (“Hannibal”, “Another Round”, “Casino Royale”, and “Fantastic Beasts”), John Kani as Rafiki has been featured in ("Murder Mystery", " Seal Team", "What If", and "The Lion King"), Seth Rogen ("Knocked Up", "Superbad", "Sausage Party","Neighbors", "The Fabelmans") as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon ("Billy on the Street", "Bros", "Lion King", "Parks and Recreation"), " , Tiffany Boone as Sarabi ("Big Cigar","The Chi", "The Midnight Sky", "Nine Perfect Strangers"), Braelyn Rankins ("Doom Patrol", "Take Note", "8-BIT Christmas") as " "The Young Cub Mufasa", Keith David ("Hazbin Hotel", "Rick & Morty", "Greenleaf",  "The Princess and the Frog", " Grey's Anatomy")as Masego, Preston Nyman ("Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, "Spooked House", "Crooked House", and "Penelope")  as Zazu, Thandiwe “Thandie” Newton ( "Good Deeds”, “Norbit”, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, “Westworld”, “Mission Impossible 2”, “all the Old Knives”) Thandie will play Eshe, Anika Noni Rose (“Dreamgirls”, “Princess and the Frog”, “Everything Everything”, “Outlaw Johnny Black”, “Injustice”, “Caroline”, “Raisin in the Sun” the Musical” )Anika will play “Afia”, Kelvin Harrison, Jr. ("Chevalier", "Genius: MLK/X", ) as Scar. The remaining cast members also include Lennie James ( “Walking Dead”, “Line of Duty”, “Critical”, “Low Winter Sun”), Thuso Mbedu (“The Underground Railroad” television series, “The Woman King”, “Is Thunzi”, “Castlevania: Nocturne”), Shiela Atim (“The Woman King”, “The Underground Railroad”, “Bruised”, “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt”, “Pale Horse”), Folake Olowfuyeku (“Bob Hearts Abishola”, “Female Fight Club”, “Death Race 2050”, “Hellbenders”), Abdul Salis (“Love Actually”, “Flyboys”, “Animal”, “Sahara”. “National Theater Live: Present laughter”), Dominique Jennings ("Spawn 2", "Sunset Beach", "Low down dirty shame", "Ice Age 2", "Die Hard 2") , and Kagiso Lediga (“Catching Feelings”, “Wizard”,and “Sono”).

Another all-star cast for a new generation of fans to see this new twist on this story of the Lion King, Mufasa this a prequel that will focus on the original journey of becoming the Lion King. I think this glimpse into the beginning of how this came to be is great for fans. Every great film has a backstory and it gives people a chance to see how things fall into place. All of the Disney fans will enjoy knowing how everything came to exist for the Lion King and their kingdom. There was a story in place for the characters to get to before Simba eventually became king and the story of his father is fitting and appropriate for fans of all ages. I hope you all take your loved ones and friends to this film for the holidays. For more information on Disney, the Lion King franchise visit http://www.disney.com , www.lionking.com.

Bringing Wickedly Goodness-Wicked the Musical comes to theaters Thanksgiving 2024

I have not seen this fabulous Broadway play yet and I am glad because as a New Yorker sometimes wehave to save really good things in the city for a special day and moment. I cannot wait to get a chance to see both the Broadway musical and movie coming out this Fall. Wicked a story or spin off based off the fairy tale and movie, “Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. The movie was made into a live adaptation in 1939 and then later went on to have multiple renditions and variations like “The Wiz” which is also on Broadway and became a film in 1978. Wicked is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz a story focused on the Wicked Witch of the West and the Witch of the North. Wicked which debuted on Broadway on October 30, 2003 in New York at Gershwin theater and previews began in early October. Now fast forward 21 years later the musical gets quite the makeover and a new update. This movie has been getting so much promotion and will not be surprised that children and adults of all ages will be excited to see this story. 

If you grew up watching “The Wizard of Oz” you will appreciate the musical, the movie, and this epic story of these characters. I just watched the Wizard of Oz again as an adult last week and it really did take me back to my childhood the magic, the mystery, the friendship of the characters, and the hope it gives to people watching it. It gives you a new found sense of hope, the possibility of dreams coming true, and of course the reminder of family, community, and friends support. 

I believe the Wicked will do the same for their viewers. The cast of “Wicked” this two part series stars, Ariana Grande international pop star, Disney child star as Glinda the Good Witch and Broadway, film, and television actress, Cynthia Erivo you may know Cynthia from “Harriet”(2019), “Genius: Aretha Franklin the television series”, “Pinocchio”, “Bad Times at the El Royale” “The Outsiders”and “The Color Purple” (2005) the musical. Cynthia stars as Elphaba the younger version of “The Wicked Witch of the West”. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar ( “Bridgerton”, “Heartstopper”, “Jurassic World Rebirth”, “Broadchurch” ), Ethan Slater as Boq (“Wicked Part 2”(2025), Spongebob Musical Live, Redheads Anonymous, and Fosse Verdon), Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as “Madame Morrible” ( “Crazy Rich Asians”, “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”, “Everything Everywhere”, “Tomorrow Never Dies” ), Jeff Goldblum ( Independence Day, “Jurassic World Dominion”) as The Wizard, Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamand (“Game of Thrones”, “Pixels”, “The Hunger Games”) , Marissa Bode (“Little Shops of Horrors”, “Peter Pan”, “Mary Poppins”), Keala Settle (“The Greatest Showman”, “Murder in Provence”, “Rent”, “All My Life”) , Bowen Yang (“Fire Island”, “Saturday Night Live”, “Dicks: the Musical”, “The Monkey King”). 

 This film is going to make all of the Broadway and theater attendees feel nostalgia, and make them want to belt out in the movie theater I believe everyone who has seen it in person will be very much excited to see this film. Wicked has been getting so much attention even Ulta Beauty, AMC Theaters, and Starbucks has been up on their game excited about the products. With that being said many of you will have plenty of souvenirs and mementos to carry on with this incredible film. 

 Visit http://www.wickedthemusical.com for more information.