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Christian J. Simon Talks ‘Under Wraps,’ Comedy and Disney Legacy

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Best known for his role as Max’s best friend Leo in family comedy Sydney to the Max, Christian J. Simon is now starring in a reboot of Disney Channel’s first original movie, Under Wraps. Just in time for Halloween!

The story follows small-town teen friends Gilbert (Simon), Marshall (Malachi Barton), and Amy (Sophia Hammons), who accidentally revive and release a 4000-year old mummy in the days leading up to Halloween.

At first terrified, the friends quickly learn that the Mummy, who they affectionately name ‘Harold,’ is actually nice and in dire need of assistance. A group of criminals captures and intends to sell the mummy. To save the life of their friend, the trio has to come together, face their fears, and rush to return Harold to his sarcophagus before midnight.

Christian J. Simon, Malachi Barton, Sophia Hammons in 'Under Wraps'

We chatted with Christian, a rising comedic star, and talked about the movie, the legacy of Disney, and what it means to be a part of it.


HM: Tell us about your character, Gilbert.

CS: Gilbert loves to have a good time. He is smart, funny, gets scared very easily; he doesn’t like horror movies, which is funny because he is the total opposite of his best friend Marshall, who’s always pushing him to face his fears.

HM: What was the scene you enjoyed filming the most?

CS: Every scene was fun to shoot. There was something in every scene. But I remember how fun the car scenes were, and I say the last scene. I’m not gonna say too much cause y’all gotta tune in.

HM: How familiar were you with the original movie?

CS: No, I didn’t know what Under Wraps was when I got the audition. And I actually ended up watching it after I booked the job with my castmates in Vancouver, Canada. Which I think was great cause it was after we already put our own spin on the characters and what we thought they would be.

HM: With Disney as a brand known for creating a lot of original movies and you are a part of this legacy, which has a lot of significance to generations coming after you. How does it feel to be a part of this legacy?

CS: It feels amazing. I grew up watching Disney Channel, so to be on a network like this and [do] not just one but two things. Oh gosh, God is so good! I say to all kids out there, keep working hard and don’t give up. If you believe in something and have something that you wanna do, don’t stop. You gonna face a lot of rejection [for] whatever you choose to do. But you gotta let it be fuel for your fire and keep going and know that you can do it.

Watch our full interview above, and make sure to check out Under Wraps on Disney+ on Friday, October 8.

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‘Unstoppable’ Starring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez (Trailer)

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Unstoppable

Prime Video has released the trailer for “Unstoppable” starring Emmy award winner Jharrel Jerome (“When They See Us”) and Jennifer Lopez. The film, which is based on the inspiring true story about wrestling champion Anthony Robles is set hit select theaters Dec. 6 and will launch on the streamer on January 16, 2025.

“Unstoppable” official poster

“Unstoppable” tells the inspiring true story of Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who defies all odds to become a NCAA Division 1 champion. Jerome takes on the role of Robles, while Lopez plays the part of his mother, Judy Robles.

The film explores the challenges Robles faced growing up, including being born with one leg and facing rejection from his dream school, Iowa. However, with the support of his mother and his own determination, Robles rises to become a champion wrestler, ultimately winning a national championship against the school that rejected him.

The drama features an all-star ensemble cast including Jerome, Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.

Robles himself can be spotted in the film and is credited as ‘Anthony Robles Double’, performing the complex wrestling moves and stunts. He is also a producer on the film.

On October 27, the “Unstoppable” cast as well as Anthony and Judy Robles attended the special screening of the film at AFI Fest special. You can see the pics below.

According to the press release, Jharrel Jerome trained for months and worked very closely with Anthony to establish the physicality and determination required for the role.

“Unstoppable” is produced by Artists Equity, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company.

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Idris Elba Plans A Move To Africa To “Bolster” Their Film Industry

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Idris Elba

Idris Elba made a major announcement that could very well shift the Global narrative lens to Africa. The British star is planning an intercontinental move!

Known for his commanding presence on screens worldwide, from the gritty streets of Baltimore in “The Wire” to the crime-ridden alleys of London in “Luther,” Elba is now turning his sights to a much grander stage – the entire African continent.

“Much of the imagery about Africa isn’t even generated from Africa,” Elba stated at the Stellar Development Foundation’s Meridian conference earlier this month. This simple yet profound observation underscores his mission to transform the film industry in Africa, aiming to give the continent’s young, dynamic population a platform to tell their own stories.

Idris Elba meets with President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo 

Elba’s initiative is not just about building studios; it’s about building an ecosystem where African narratives can thrive globally. He’s not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk, literally, by planning to relocate to Africa within the next decade. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider—it’s going to happen,” he affirmed to the BBC, showcasing his commitment to being on the ground, fostering this new era of African cinema.

The actor’s vision includes the establishment of film studios in Zanzibar, where the government has pledged nearly 200 acres for development. This move, Elba believes, could be “the first building block of a global entertainment hub.” His ambition doesn’t stop at construction; he’s tackling the financial backbone of the creative industry, too. By partnering with Stellar, a blockchain-based platform, Elba is introducing the Akuna Wallet, designed to streamline payments for local creatives, especially in economies with limited banking infrastructures. “It’s all been a puzzle,” Elba admits, referring to the logistical challenges, but he remains optimistic: “It will grow, and it can grow.”

Elba’s deep roots in Africa, with his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, lend authenticity and passion to his endeavor. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonized, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he passionately explained. This sentiment is not just about correcting a narrative but about enriching global cinema with stories of resilience, culture, beauty, and innovation.

Idris Elba and wife Sabrina Dhowre in Rwanda

His involvement extends beyond infrastructure. Elba is set to star and executive produce a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic “Things Fall Apart,” signaling his intent to not only support but actively participate in the storytelling from the continent. This project alone underscores his belief in the power of African literature and its potential for adaptation into visual media, which could inspire a renaissance of African storytelling.

However, this grand vision comes with its challenges. The African film industry, while burgeoning, faces hurdles like inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and a need for more local cinema spaces. Yet, Elba sees these not as barriers but as “opportunities in the waiting.” His strategy involves not just building but also fostering education, partnerships, and economic models that support sustainable growth in the creative sector.

As Idris Elba strides into this new chapter, his actions speak louder than his words. His commitment to Africa’s cinematic future isn’t just about adding another successful venture to his résumé; it’s about igniting a cultural revolution that could see African stories told by Africans, influencing global audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine. Here’s to hoping that Elba’s vision will indeed turn into reality, proving once again that the universe isn’t just full of stars but also of dreamers who dare to make those stars align.

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“One Of Them Days”: Keke Palmer and SZA’s R-Rated Comedy Drops First Trailer

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One of Them Days

“One of Them Days” is a hilarious buddy comedy set to premiere in theaters on January 24, 2025. Starring the dynamic duo Keke Palmer and SZA, the film promises a rollercoaster of laughter, mishaps, and the quintessential quest for rent money, all wrapped in the vibrant energy of Los Angeles.

Imagine waking up to discover your rent money has vanished, courtesy of a less-than-responsible boyfriend. This is where we find Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), best friends whose day spirals into a series of comedic attempts to salvage their living situation.

"One Of Them Days" official poster starring Keke Palmer and SZA
“One Of Them Days” official poster starring Keke Palmer and SZA

The newly released trailer follows their day-long adventure filled with desperate, laugh-out-loud strategies, from donating blood to scaling utility poles for a pair of coveted Jordans. It’s a modern take on the ‘one crazy day’ trope, infused with the spirit of classic comedies but with a contemporary twist.

Palmer, known for her versatility across acting, singing, and hosting, brings her infectious energy and comedic timing to the role of Dreux. SZA, on the other hand, is making her acting debut with this pic, bringing her unique vibe to her character, Alyssa.

The film is helmed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, both of whom previously collaborated with Rae on “Rap Sh!t.”

Watch the hilarious trailer below.

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