Disney CEO: It Will Be 'Difficult' To Continue Filming In Georgia If Abortion Law Takes Effect

Bob Iger, Disney Chief Executive

Georgia's new abortion ban could cost the state dearly as Bob Iger, Disney's chief executive, told Reuters that continuing to film in the Peach State would be "very difficult" were the law to go into effect.

“I rather doubt we will,” Iger said during an interview at Disneyland. “I think many people who work for us will not want to work there, and we will have to heed their wishes in that regard. Right now we are watching it very carefully.”

Should the law takes effect, “I don’t see how it’s practical for us to continue to shoot there,” he added.

Reuters notes that, thanks to a lucrative tax credit offered by the state, the film and television industry has created 92,000 jobs in Georgia, and at least 455 productions were shot there in 2018.

And these aren't just small indie projects.

Disney’s billion-dollar blockbusters Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame were filmed in Georgia.

Netflix has also announced they are re-thinking their production schedule in Georgia.

EXCLUSIVE: Disney CEO says it will be 'difficult' to film in Georgia if abortion law takes effect. More here https://t.co/Xx9gr07vcw pic.twitter.com/NapxdwAm3T

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) May 30, 2019

Podcast: Trolls Bungle Fake Buttigieg Smear, Mormon Valedictorian Comes Out At Graduation; 2019 Tony Award Nominations

In this week's podcast:

• GOP trolls attempt to smear Mayor Pete Buttigieg

• A valedictorian at Brigham Young University comes out during his graduation speech

• The president of Brazil told gays not to come to his country

• Disney cancelled its award-winning LGBTQ-inclusive series Andi Mack

• The 2019 Tony Awards nominations are out including a Special Tony Award for Judith Light for her LGBTQ advocacy

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report podcast.

Disney Releases Official Trailer For Live-Action 'The Lion King'

Young Simba in the upcoming live-action film 'The Lion King'

Hakuna Matata!

Disney has released the first full-length trailer for the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King, due in theaters this summer.

Jon Favreau, who helmed the successful live-action The Jungle Book, is once again on directing duties.

Practically every Lion King character fans have come to love since the animated film was released in 1994 make an appearance in the trailer. Zazu (John Oliver), Simba (Donald Glover), Nala (Beyoncé), Rafiki (John Kani), and Sarabi (Alfre Woodard) all show up on the savannah.

First glimpse of Beyoncé in 'The Lion King'

“While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give,” we hear James Earl Jones (reprising his role as Mufasa) tell young Simba as father and son look out over their animal kingdom from Pride Rock.

The new live-action film not only includes dialogue and songs from the award-winning animated feature, but Favreau also recreates some of the most famous scenes from the original shot by shot.

Side-by-side of the famous clip of Simba growing up in the 2019 'The Lion King' vs. the original 1994 movie. #TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/nMY0fCm6Li

— Lights, Camera, Pod (@LightsCameraPod) April 10, 2019

The official synopsis reads:

Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own.

The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

One of the highlights of the trailer is a few moments near the end as Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner) offer up the first few notes of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

Disney’s The Lion King roars into theaters July 19, 2019.

News Round-Up: February 15, 2019

Backstage with Mariah Carey in Las Vegas

Some news items you might have missed:

• Took our friends to see Mariah Carey this week at Caesar's Colosseum this week. Michael and I took the outside positions (above) just in case folks wanted to crop us out for a more 'intimate' photographic Mariah moment :)

• Police in Venezuela have raided and confiscated lifesaving medications from an HIV service organization.

• Disney is on a winning streak when it comes to the LGBTQ community. A character on the Disney Channel recently said "I'm gay;" Disneyland Paris is hosting an official Pride event this year; the upcoming film Jungle Cruise will have an openly gay character; and now Disney's Instagram account posted a pic of a gay couple getting married at Disney World as part of its Fairy Tale Weddings package.

View this post on Instagram

So this is love. | 📷: Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings

A post shared by Disney (@disney) on Feb 14, 2019 at 11:38am PST

• Out football player Michael Sam told an audience in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he regrets coming out before the NFL draft in 2014. “The NFL gave me a raw deal,” said Sam. “It was tough to forgive them. I love football. Football gave me an education and gave me the opportunity I so desperately needed at the time.”

• Special counsel Robert Mueller said in a new court filing that search warrants have uncovered communications that connect longtime GOP operative Roger Stone to “Guccifer 2.0 and with Organization 1,” which is widely believed to be WikiLeaks.

• Handsome classical crossover singer, Daniel Emmet, released the music video for his latest single “Passerà.”

You may remember Emmet as a finalist on Season 13 of America’s Got Talent who was challenged by Simon Cowell to learn a new song in one hour, in Italian, and then perform it on national television - which he did.

This is a voice, kids... Hit play below.

Podcast: Children Of Gay Parents, Trump On HIV, West Virginia & Wyoming

In this week's podcast:

• Donald Trump says he wants to eliminate the HIV epidemic within 10 years

• A state senator in Wyoming compared being gay to bestiality when she met with LGBTQ youth

• A new study indicates children raised by same-sex parents do better in school

• And, for the first time ever, a Disney character ever says the words “I’m gay”

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

News Round-Up: January 30, 2019

Matthew Camp (via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunk Matthew Camp (above) is giving you 'polar vortex/winter tones' on this Hump Day.

• Inspired by the unofficial Gay Days events at Disneyland and Disney World in the US, Disneyland Paris will host its first official Pride event, titled Magical Pride, on June 1.

• Lawyers for Kentucky GOP Gov. Matt Bevin say that former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis must pay the $225,000 in legal fees owed to the gay couples who sued her for refusing to issue marriage licenses.

Kim Davis

• White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network today that she believes God wanted Donald Trump to become president.

• Four middle school kids in North Carolina face felony charges after plans were discovered to attempt a 'Columbine-style' attack on fellow students and a teacher.

• I got the most delightful surprise when the fabulous Leslie Ellis called me up just to say 'hi' last night.

She and her uber-talented hubby, Casey Kelly, had watched the RENT Live event on Sunday night and it reminded her of her own Broadway days (we did the national company of CATS together in the 80s when she stopped the show every night with her performance of "Memory").

Long story short: old-friends, chatting, laughs, sharing, long call - it was great :)

In any case, it made me long to her her gorgeous voice, so I'm sharing this with you, one of my favorite recordings of hers, "We Came Close."

Click here for more info about the talented duo.

News Round-Up: May 16, 2018

Some news stories you might have missed:

• InstaCouple Justin and Nick (above) seem about as excited about Hump Day as I am. But they be cuuuuuuute!

• This NFL star got a $3 million judgement in court for NOT being openly gay.

• 21-year-old Bobby Rodriguez was told by security guards that he couldn’t enter Whiskey River, a nightlife hotspot in the Texas city of Corpus Christi, unless he removed his makeup.

• In only one week, two transgender women have been found dead in Dallas, Texas.

• This queen loves his Louis Vuitton bag so much he dodged bullets and fought off an armed robber to keep his cherished accessory.

• Disney has launched new merchandise inspired by the Pride rainbow. And a portion of the proceeds go to GLSEN, a non-profit that helps make schools more LGBTQ inclusive.

• Comic guy Michael Henry got to thinking about his drinking habits, which made him think about his friends' drinking habits, which led him to making this light-hearted (but thought-provoking) short video about substances we may or may not imbibe.

Disney Channel Series "Andi Mack" Will Feature It's First LGBTQ Storyline

(Courtesy: Disney Channel. Left to right: Buffy (Sofia Wylie), Cyrus (Joshua Rush),
Andi (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), Jonah (Asher Angel)

GLAAD shares the news that the Disney Channel show Andi Mack will feature it's first LGBTQ storyline this season.

Season 2 of the series premieres this Friday, October 27 at 8PM ET.

For anyone not yet familiar with the show, "Andi Mack" is a contemporary coming-of-age story about a relatable girl (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) who's trying to determine where she fits in and the many amazing ways she can live her life. On the eve of her 13th birthday, Andi learns that her older sister, Bex (Lilan Bowden), is actually her mother. This revelation puts Andi on an unfamiliar path of self-discovery which she navigates with the help of her loving, albeit complicated, family; her two best friends, Cyrus (Joshua Rush) and Buffy (Sofia Wylie); and her middle school crush, Jonah Beck (Asher Angel). Along the way, Andi learns that sometimes the unexpected is what makes life great.

And in this season’s premiere episode, Cyrus begins to realize something about himself. Andi is hoping for her parents Bex and Bowie (Trent Garrett) to get married, all while awkwardly sorting out her feelings for classmate Jonah. Meanwhile, a second storyline depicts one of Andi's two best friends, 13-year-old Cyrus, as he's beginning to realize that he too has feelings for Jonah. This realization begins an important part of his journey to self-discovery as a gay teen and ultimately, his self-acceptance.

In the episode, Cyrus confides in Buffy. The scene, and what Buffy says to Cyrus, makes for positive role models both for kids and adult viewers. In subsequent episodes, Cyrus begins to understand himself, and can count on his supportive friends Buffy and Andi who, as teenagers, are also on a journey to self-discovery. He also grapples with how to tell his new girlfriend, Iris, about his new understanding of himself.

This story arc is a first for Disney Channel; it's the first time the channel has depicted a character's journey to self-discovery as an LGBTQ individual. However, it won’t be the first time an LGBTQ character has appeared on Disney Channel. Back in 2014, a lesbian couple appeared on an episode of “Good Luck Charlie.”

The series is the channel's number one show for girls this year. The median age of the viewers is ten.

Expect the howling to begin any time now from the anti-LGBTQ "One Million Moms."

"Beauty And The Beast" To Feature Disney's First Ever "Exclusively Gay Moment"

Josh Gad as "LeFou"

"My, what a guy, that Gaston!"

According to a new interview in Attitude Magazine with Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon, the upcoming live-action film will feature a subplot revealing a long hidden romance in the fairy tale.

Condon describes the surprise as "Disney’s first ever 'exclusively gay moment' on film."

LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston. He’s confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realising that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that’s what has its payoff at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.

Also, in related LGBT news, it seems Howard Ashman, the lyricist for the songs for the animated film, had just been diagnosed with AIDS when he was approached to do the film. It was his idea, apparently, to make the character of "The Beast" one of the two main characters, which was a departure for the traditional story. Ashman saw a parallel to his own situation.

“He (The Beast) was cursed and this curse had brought sorrow on all those people who loved him and maybe there was a chance for a miracle and a way for the curse to be lifted,” says the filmmaker. “It was a very, very concrete thing that he was doing.”

Watch the new clip from Beauty and the Beast featuring Luke Evans as "Gaston" and Book of Mormon's Josh Gad as "LeFou."

New Trailer For Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Gorgeous new trailer for live action Beauty and the Beast from Disney.

In theaters March 17.

Trailer: Disney's "Beauty And The Beast"

Now seems a good time to take a mid-day brain break and check out the new trailer for the upcoming live-action incarnation of Beauty and the Beast from Disney, starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens.

The clip also includes our first peek at many of the talking objects that inhabit the castle, from Lumiere (Ewan McGregor) to Cogsworth (Ian McKellen).

The film hits theaters March 17.

Watch the brand new trailer for #BeautyAndTheBeast, starring @EmmaWatson & @ThatDanStevens 🌹 #BeOurGuest 3.17.17 pic.twitter.com/bkuqNQdIvP

— Beauty and the Beast (@beourguest) November 14, 2016

Disney Star Gregg Sulkin Covers Gay Times Magazine

First Trailer: Disney's Live-Action "Beauty And The Beast"

From Disney:

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.

The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Oscar® winner Bill Condon. Eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice.

“Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

Viacom, Disney, NFL Speak Out On Georgia's Anti-LGBT Law

As Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal comtemplates whether or not to sign into law a divisive bill which formally legalizes anti-gay discrimination, major businesses like Viacom and Disney are saying they will take their businesses elsewhere should the legislation become law.

Additionally, the NFL has categorically told Georgia the law will deeply affect the state's chances to host the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowls.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Disney and its Marvel Studios film unit will not shoot future movies in Georgia if a controversial bill that critics contend would legalize anti-gay discrimination is signed by that state's governor. Viacom as well as the AMC Networks, which films The Walking Dead in the state, has called on Gov. Nathan Deal to veto the legislation.

"Disney and Marvel are inclusive companies, and although we have had great experiences filming in Georgia, we will plan to take our business elsewhere should any legislation allowing discriminatory practices be signed into state law," a company spokesman said Wednesday.

Marvel has filmed such movies as Ant-Man and the upcoming Captain America: Civil War and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 in Atlanta, taking advantage of Georgia's attractive tax incentives. While Disney's statement specifically mentioned Marvel, other Disney units like ABC Studios and Disney Studios would also take part in the boycott.

Trailer: "The Jungle Book"

Wow. Check the new trailer Disney just dropped for the upcoming THE JUNGLE BOOK.

From the official description:

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves.

But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray).

“The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.
The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016.

Original Voices Of Disney's ALADDIN Sing "A Whole New World"

WATCH: Original cast voices of Aladdin, Brad Kane and Lea Solanga, perform "A Whole New World" 23 years after the release of the hit film on GMA: http://abcn.ws/1LlMK1k
Posted by Good Morning America on Friday, October 9, 2015

Trailer: Disney's New Live Action "Jungle Book"

Trailer for the new live-action adaptation of Disney's The Jungle Book swinging into theaters April 15, 2016.

Via press release:

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves.

But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray).

Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela.

“The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

Dean Jones, Disney & Broadway Star, Passes Away At 84

Dean Jones, the affable actor who starred in such classic Disney family comedies as That Darn Cat!, The Love Bug and The Shaggy D.A., has died. He was 84.

Jones died Tuesday of complications from Parkinson’s disease in Los Angeles, publicist Richard Hoffman announced.

Jones also created the role of "Bobby" in the legendary Sondheim musical COMPANY on Broadway.

(Via Hollywood Reporter)

Sunday Showtune: "Part Of Your World"

Check out the beautiful wirework used to simulate swimming from the Japanese production of The Little Mermaid at the Shiki Theatre Company. Beautiful and convincing, although I'm not sure about Ariel's floating hair...?

The Broadway production of the stage show utilized wheelie sneakers to give the illusion the performers were swimming. I've posted a clip from the Broadway show also, just so you can compare.

Added bonus: Broadway featured the fantastic Sierra Boggess as "Ariel" and Norm Lewis as "King Triton."

(h/t TRR reader Glenn)

Trailer: George Clooney in "Tomorrowland"

Spectacular new trailer for the upcoming Tomorrowland from Disney starring George Clooney.

"Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory."

Directed by Brad Bird - In theaters May 22nd.