Ben McKenzie
By Cindy Elavsky
Q: Can you tell me what I can see Ben McKenzie in next? I loved him on “Southland,” and I really miss that series. — Hallie F., via email
A: Ben returns to series television this fall when he stars in Fox’s “Gotham,” which is a prequel series to the “Batman” movies. Ben plays a young James Gordon — the police official whom “Batman” fans know as an eventual ally to Bruce Wayne/Batman. The cast also includes Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Mazouz, Robin Lord Taylor, Camren Bicondova, Erin Richards, Sean Pertwee, Zabryna Guevara and Cory Michael Smith. Executive producers are Bruno Heller (“The Mentalist”), Danny Cannon (the “CSI” franchise and “Nikita”) and John Stephens (“Gossip Girl” and “The O.C.”). Judging by the teaser trailer online, this definitely is something I’m going to watch.
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Q: I keep hearing rumors that a new “Star Wars” will be coming to theaters. Is that true, or is it going to be a TV series? — Freddie T., Omaha, Neb.
A: The worst-kept secret in Hollywood was verified April 29 when director J.J. Abrams posted a picture on starwars.com of the first table read for the feature film “Star Wars: Episode VII.” Cast members include Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega and Adam Driver.
Of the movie, J.J. said in a statement: “It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. Everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.” Fans won’t have to wait too long to see the much-anticipated film: Its scheduled premiere date is Dec. 18, 2015.
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Q: Can you tell me if “Almost Human” will be back for another season? — John J., via email
A: Fox opted not to renew the sci-fi crime drama set in 2048, which centered on John Kennex (played by Karl Urban) and his android police partner, Dorian (played by Michael Ealy). The show had been gaining in the ratings race in recent weeks; however, there are too many new powerhouse drama series (like the aforementioned “Gotham”) that Fox has ordered, and there just wasn’t room for “Almost Human.”
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Q: Years ago, I used to watch “Project Greenlight” on HBO, and I really enjoyed it. Is it true that HBO is bringing the series back? — George S. in Kentucky
A: After being off the air for more than a decade, HBO has opted to bring back Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s filmmaker competition series for a third season. Ben revealed of the 2001-2003 series in a press statement: “‘Project Greenlight’ was ahead of its time. Now that technology has caught up to the concept, we thought it was a perfect time to bring it back.”
Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at [email protected].
© 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.