While we’re still only a few months into the new year, the 2026 movie schedule has already graced cinephiles with some intriguing titles. Among them is In the Blink of an Eye, a science fiction drama from Oscar-winning director Andrew Stanton. Co-leading the film are Rashida Jones and Daveed Diggs, who play a couple who experiences major life changes over a period of years. CinemaBlend recently spoke to both Diggs and Jones, who opened up about portraying a mixed-race couple and family dynamic in a sci-fi film like this one.

Stanton’s latest feature sees Jones and Diggs play Claire and Greg, respectively, who meet as grad students at a university and start up a relationship. The film then details the evolution of their bond, which soon transforms into a long-distance relationship and, in time, the pair marry and start a family. When I spoke to the previously mentioned actors, I noted the novelty of them being actors of color and playing top-billed roles in a sci-fi film. Diggs then proceeded to share an enthusiastic and thoughtful take:

The Hamilton alum also makes a great point in that Greg and Claire also represent modern love in the film, which also features two other storylines set in the past (which WALL-E influenced) and the distant future. While there are indeed great-Black led science fiction films, it still feels as though this is a genre that could use a tad more diversification. Like her co-star Rashida Jones also relished the chance to work on In the Blink of an Eye, and she got candid about what her state of mind was amidst filming:

Claire is portrayed as a very precise person, who prefers to have every detail of her life planned out. That desire for order, however, is challenged when she receives tragic news. In terms of her character’s reluctance to start a relationship with Greg, the Social Network alum explained why she found that so relatable:

Many of the best romantic comedies of all time have tackled the complex aspects of romantic relationships, though said dynamics can, of course, also be examined through the lenses of other genres. Regardless of where it crops up, it’s sweet to see a film tackle Black love and by extension, modern romance. Check out Daveed Diggs and Rashida Jones’ work In the Blink of an Eye now using a Hulu subscription.

Ahead of The Boys Season 5 arriving on the 2025 TV schedule (hopefully), most fans are probably anticipating what’ll likely be a brutal, world-shattering showdown between Butcher and Homelander, but I’m over here desperately hoping showrunner Eric Kripke and the show’s creative team deliver more musical magic before it’s all said and done. And what do you know, the first big casting news for the final season involves a hugely popular musician.

Joining the hyper-violent fray of an expanding streaming universe is Snowpiercer star Daveed Diggs, who has absolutely been known to make a memorable music moment or two happen across his multi-hyphenate career thus far. And not just as part of the award-winning cast of the musical Hamilton, though that obviously casts a wide shadow thanks to its massive success both on the stage and on Disney+. (Though Diggs himself previously stated he wouldn’t watch that recorded version.)

As far as delving into further details about who Diggs will be portraying, we're all in the same boat zooming towards a giant whale carcass of ignorance. Which is to say, there's no word yet whether the actor will be taking on a hero, government agent or otherwise from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic book series, or if he'll be taking on a brand new character.

The Boys' X page shared the news in a way that seemed to offer no clues for the eventual role, with a caption that stated:

I would hardly call Daveed Diggs' casting "crumbs," but I'm sure it was meant in the kindest way. Well, the kindest way might have dropped a fooking detail or two, but we'll let it slide.

In any case, I'm sure i"m not alone in hoping for Diggs to take part in a brand new musical monstrosity for Season 5, assuming he's not playing a character who's missing his vocal cords or something so extreme. Hell, even if he just helped out in crafting a song or lyrics without actually performing them, that would be just fine as well. He was a musician before Broadway knew his name, even if he maybe isn't best known for the cornball ballads that Kripke excels with.

The Boys has definitely showcased some musical whoppers in the first four seasons, including Starlight's barn-burner "You'll Never Truly Vanish" that was sung for Translucent's public funeral, as well as everything involved with Vought's ice-skating event themed to The Seven, featuring the banger "Let's Put the Christ Back in Christmas."

But there's precedence for rap music in the world of The Boys as well — A-Train's "Faster" still hits — in case there was room for Diggs to spit some bars while slamming an iron bar through someone's face. All that said, he talked about how he wasn't into making his Snowpiercer character sing for the sake of it, and might have the same idea for his newest character.

All five seasons of The Boys are available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription, while AMC+ is where fans can find Diggs in the recently concluded final season of Snowpiercer.

There has been a lot of buzz around the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, which is just one of a number of big family-friendly movies coming out this summer. Unfortunately a lot of the chatter has been racist backlash against Halle Bailey being cast as Ariel. Audiences will soon be able to draw their own conclusions about the portrayal – and that of the other actors, including Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Daveed Diggs putting his own mark on Sebastian – when the director Rob Marshall's film hits theaters on May 26. While we wait, let’s take a look at the reviews.

The latter two actors also faced some trolling – or at least their meme-worthy characters did – after movie posters were released showing the animated versions of Ariel’s crab and fish friends. Despite some apparent wariness from fans loyal to the 1989 movie, the first reactions to the remake were positive, with moviegoers lauding Halle Bailey, saying she proves herself, both with her singing voice and in the way she embodies the classic Disney character. In CinemaBlend’s review of The Little Mermaid, Corey Chichizola agrees, rating the movie 4 out of 5 stars and calling the actress a “bonafide superstar” in one of Disney’s best live-action adaptations. He continues: 

Alyssa Mora of IGN rates The Little Mermaid a “Good” 7 out of 10, saying Halle Bailey gives a star-making performance in a movie that is an acceptable, if not always successful, adaptation of the animated original. The critic concludes: 

Brian Truitt of USA TODAY rates the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, warning skeptical viewers that Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid is a different animal than the 1989 classic – and nearly an hour longer. This critic joins the others in saying Halle Bailey is the selling point of this remake, but says the original music from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda stick out against the beloved originals: 

Caryn James of BBC rates it 3 stars out of 5, calling the lead actress “captivating” as Ariel, while Daveed Diggs is the perfect comic voice for her crab companion. James says it’s a “spectacle with an allure and vitality of its own,” but like the critic above, she says the new songs don’t measure up to the original soundtrack offerings. The review states: 

Leigh Monson of AV Club grades the movie a C+, admitting that this Disney live-action remake is better than others that have come before, but that doesn’t mean that it’s good. The critic continues: 

It seems like the critics are all praising Halle Bailey, with plenty of love for Melissa McCarthy, as well. However, the skepticism that surrounds the movie, which follows several highly criticized live-action remakes from the House of Mouse, seems to center around the new music written for the movie and the additions that extend its runtime by 52 minutes, compared to the 1989 original.

These reviews shouldn’t and won’t keep audiences from checking The Little Mermaid out in theaters, though, after its release Friday, May 26. Be sure to also take a peek at our 2023 Movie Release Schedule to see what else is coming soon, and see what other upcoming Disney movies you can look forward to. 

Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is (finally) almost here, which means audiences will finally get to see the all-star cast led by Halle Bailey bring their own takes to the iconic animated characters that we’ve loved for over 30 years. As many of the first reactions to The Little Mermaid tour Daveed Diggs as a standout with his version of Sebastian, CinemaBlend sat down with the Hamilton icon about playing the role. 

Sebastian is such a key character to Disney’s The Little Mermaid, especially considering the crab sings two major musical numbers with “Under the Sea” and “Kiss The Girl.” During our interview with Daveed Diggs (in the video above), the talented singer and actor spoke about making his own mark on the beloved character. In his words: 

The original voice of Sebastian, the late Samuel E. Wright, certainly didn’t make Diggs an easy act to follow considering how absolutely iconic those original tunes are to our pop culture. As the original Hamilton cast member has spoken about before, he ended up working harder on Sebastian than any other role in his life due to the nerves to bring The Little Mermaid justice. 

Now that the movie is finished and soon ready to reach wide audiences, Diggs shared that he is proud of the work he did on the film especially in terms of how he could inject more calypso, which is a style of Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 17th century. Check out a segment of “Under The Sea” via Walt Disney Studios’ YouTube: 

In anticipation for the role, Diggs went to Jamaica to research the role of Sebastian and worked with voice coaches to get the Caribbean accent right. As the Hamilton star shared with us, he was “terrified” to take on the Disney character, but he certainly worked very hard behind the scenes to bring him to life in photo-realistic live action. 

Daveed Diggs re-teamed with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and original The Little Mermaid composer Alan Menken on the music for the latest of upcoming Disney movies. Diggs’ Sebastian even gets an additional song with “Scuttlebutt,” which he joins Awkwafina’s Scuttle on. The new number brings Miranda’s classic rap stylings to The Little Mermaid. Additionally, Menken and Miranda worked together on a new solo for Ariel called “For The First Time” and Prince Eric’s own song called “Wild Uncharted Waters.” 

The Little Mermaid is heading to theaters on May 26 with box office predictions set to rival the billion dollar success of 2019’s Aladdin.  

For years now, Disney has made a habit out of adapting their beloved animated blockbusters into live-action movies. This largely started with Maleficent, and then inspired the release of projects like Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, The Jungle Book, and The Lion King. That tradition continues with the upcoming live-action Disney flick The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as the title character and directed by the great Rob Marshall. That movie musical has screened, see what fans are saying about the new version of The Little Mermaid. 

There's been a ton of chatter online about The Little Mermaid, especially regarding the racist backlash received by Halle Bailey herself. But the movie is nearly upon us, and the early screenings have resulted in plenty of rave reviews. That includes my very own tweet, which reads:

I said what I said. The new Little Mermaid delivers plenty of iconic moments from the original, but it also brought new songs and lines of dialogue to the table. And many of the funniest new lines came from Sebastian, voiced by Hamilton icon Daveed Diggs. And there's a ton of praise coming to both him and Halle Bailey.

Indeed, Bailey seems to be receiving universal acclaim from those lucky enough to see early screenings of The Little Mermaid. Despite the hate that Halle Bailey got online, her performance speaks for itself. Check out another tweet below: 

Points were made. Apart from her outstanding singing voice which was on display in the Little Mermaid trailer, she's also been getting props for the way she embodied Ariel as a character. Some folks who saw early screenings went so far as to call her "flawless."

Of course, there are plenty of other A-list talent involved in Disney's latest live-action flick. Chief among them is Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, who had big shoes after the voice performance of late actress Pat Carroll. A tweet from journalist Perri Nemiroff gave her props, saying:

Two others actors getting a ton of early acclaimed for their work in The Little Mermaid are Daveed Diggs and Jonah Hauer-King. The latter actor plays Prince Eric, after Harry Styles passed on the opportunity. One tweet praised both actors for their work on the movie musical, as you can see:

Another sentiment that seems to be shared on the internet by those who have seen The Little Mermaid ahead of its wide theatrical release is that it ranks high among the rest of the live-action adaptions. Although it was recently announced that Moana is getting it's own live-action movie. But previously there was some criticism thrown at projects like Mulan and The Lion King, with the latter being an almost shot-for-shot recreation of the animated blockbuster. A tweet compared this new underwater spectacle to its predecessors, reading:

Rob Marshall assembled a great cast for The Little Mermaid, and it certainly seems like the A-list actors are delivering for the latest Disney flick. Other well-known talent that gets in on the fun include Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, and Javier Bardem. And they all had big shoes (or fins) to fill in order to play their beloved characters. 

The Little Mermaid will hit theaters on May 26th. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Updated with video.

Look people, I tried to warn you. Back in the summer of 2019 I told everybody that the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid was going to have a serious problem that nobody had considered. Specifically, the fact that making photo-realisitic versions of the animal characters from the animated movie was going to mean creating versions of Flounder of Sebastian that were not nearly as adorable as the ones we already had. And now here we are.

The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid will be hitting theaters at the end of the month, and while the buzz around this one is absolutely off the charts, not everybody is completely excited by all aspects of it. First, the internet took aim at Scuttle, now it’s been getting a look at what Sebastian and Flounder are going to look like in the new movie that has fans scratching their heads.

It can’t really be argued that Sebastian and Flounder look pretty realistic, which is fitting for a movie that is otherwise live-action. But not everybody is on board with this. These characters actually look more than a little creepy and fans on Twitter are not on board with these designs. 

But then what was the digital effects team supposed to do? The Little Mermaid is a live-action adaptation so all the human and mermaid characters are played by people. What exactly are the animal characters supposed to look like? As one response points out, the digital effects people did their job, and honestly did it well, but the expectation of realistic characters was only ever going to create this. 

If the characters didn't need to talk and were just animals, that would be fine. But they also need to have the human characteristics that make the audience connect with them and allow them to do some human-like things, like speak. We saw this problem with The Lion King remake. The technology to make the animals look real was amazing, but it sacrificed the ability of the characters to properly emote. When you bring the need for "realistic" and "speaking like people" together you get some Island of Dr. Moreau-looking monster… 

It’s legitimately hard to find anybody who really loves these designs. Even a Texas Department of Public Safety decided to get in on the Twitter dogpile and call this one a literal crime. 

Maybe, once we actually sit down and watch The Little Mermaid, we’ll all get used to these looks and they’ll be ok. It’s possible that we’ll get over our initial hesitation. However, there’s also the possibility that we will spend the entire movie just wondering what in the hell it is we are staring at. Anybody who had the misfortune to watch Cats understands what that is like.

Maybe Flounder and Sebastian aren’t actually in that much of the movie, so it won’t bother us that much. Or maybe the voice performances from Daveed Diggs and Jacob Trembley and the rest of The Little Mermaid cast are so good we’ll overlook the look. We can only hope. 

When it comes to Apple TV+, they’ve been coming out with hit after hit, whether it be the famous Ted Lasso, or the award-winning Severance, there’s plenty on the streaming service to love. And now, they’re back with the latest ensemble series, Extrapolations. 

The TV show is an anthology drama series that shows the effects of climate change across the world, from different characters that are somehow all connected. In any show like this, there are many stars that you have probably seen somewhere before. Here is where you might have spotted the Extrapolations cast. 

Kit Harington (Nicholas Bilton)

First up on the list is Kit Harington, who plays Nicholas Bilton in Extrapolations. Harington is primarily known for his role as Jon Snow in the Game of Thrones cast, but he’s also had roles in shows such as Gunpowder, and was in movies like Pompeii as well as Eternals. 

Daveed Diggs (Rabbi Marshall Zucker)

Daveed Diggs portrays Rabbi Marshall Zucker in Extrapolations, and the actor has been on a grind recently with his shows and movies. While Diggs is primarily known for his role in the Hamilton cast, he’s the star of Snowpiercer, and was also in big movies such as Soul and Blindspotting. 

Sienna Miller (Rebecca) 

Next up is Sienna Miller, who plays Rebecca. Miller has been in films such as The Lost City of Z, Foxcatcher, American Woman, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. She was also in the TV film, The Girl. 

Meryl Streep (Eve)

Portraying Eve in Extrapolations is Meryl Streep, a name that I’m sure we are all very familiar with. Streep has been in so many movies that it’s hard to even keep track sometimes. I’m sure that somehow, someway, you have heard of her, so let’s go over some of her best roles and where you’ve seen her before.  

Streep got started back in the 1970s on the stage, but later on moved into movies and TV with films such as Julia, Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, Out of Africa, Death Becomes Her, The Bridges of Madison Country, The Post, Little Women, The Devil Wears Prada, Into the Woods, The Hours, and more. If you want to hear something crazy, she holds the record for the most nominations by an actress for the Academy Awards – 21. 

Besides movies, Streep has done a lot in television, as well. She had a lead role in the miniseries, Holocaust, as well as a starring part in the second season of Big Little Lies. She was also a part of the miniseries, Angels in America, which won her a Primetime Emmy award. 

Michael Gandolfini (Rowan)

The son of James Gandolfini, Michael Gandolfini portrays Rowan in the series. He’s been in films such as Ocean’s 8, and portrayed the younger version of Tony Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark on HBO Max. He is also going to be in Beau is Afraid, coming out later in 2023.

Heather Graham (Hannah)

Moving on, we take a look at Heather Graham, who plays Hannah. She’s been in many films that you might recognize her from, such as Six Degrees of Separation, Boogie Nights, Bowfinger, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Horns and more. She also had a supporting role in Twin Peaks, and was in the shows Scrubs and Californication. 

Tahar Rahim (Omar) 

Tahar Rahim portrays Omar in Extrapolations, and this actor has already been all over in movies and television. Rahim is mainly known for his role as Judas in the film Mary Magdalene, as well as his big part in The Looming Tower, but he’s also been in movies such as The French Prophet, and the miniseries, The Serpent.

Matthew Rhys (Junior) 

Moving on, we take a look at Matthew Rhys, who plays Junior. Rhys is primarily known for his starring role in the famed drama, The Americans, but he’s also been in films such as The Edge of Love, The Post, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and more. He’s also the titular character in Perry Mason, and has done voice work in the underrated animated show, The Owl House. 

David Schwimmer (Harris Goldblatt) 

Harris Goldblatt is played by David Schwimmer, and I’m pretty sure most of us are aware of Schwimmer from his time as part of the Friends cast. However, he has plenty of movie work under his belt, including the Madagascar series, Nothing But the Truth, The Pallbearer and more. He was also a part of Band of Brothers, and was one of the stars of The People vs. O.J. Simpson. 

Diane Lane (Martha)

Next up is Diane Lane, who plays Martha and has been in many, many movies. Some of her biggest hits have been Man of Steel, The Cotton Club, Streets of Fire, The Lady Beware, and Hollywoodland. 

Edward Norton (Jonathan) 

Edward Norton plays Jonathan, and he has been around in the film industry for some time. Recently, he was a part of the Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery cast, and was also the lead in The Incredible Hulk, but has starred in many other movies, like Fight Club, Bourne Legacy, and The Grand Budapest Hotel, among others. 

Mia Maestro (Mariama)

Moving on, we have Mia Maestro, who plays Mariama in Extrapolations. Maestro is primarily known for her role in shows such as The Strain and Alias, as well as her parts in The Twilight Saga, and her role in Frida.

Indira Varma (Gita) 

Indira Varma plays Gita and was also a part of the Game of Thrones cast, but has been in other television roles such as on Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Amazon original, Carnival Row, Luther, Human Target and more. She was also in movies like Silent Hours and the Disney+ original movie, The One and Only Ivan. 

Adarsh Gourav (Guarav)

Next up on the list is Adarsh Gourav, who plays Guarav in Extrapolations. The actor is primarily known for his work in Bollywood, as he’s appeared in many Hindi films, but he was also in the American film, The White Tiger in 2020. He was also a part of the online web series, Hostel Daze. 

Keri Russell (Olivia Drew)

Another big name here is Keri Russell, who plays Olivia Drew. Russell is also known from her starring role in The Americans (alongside her real-life partner, Matthew Rhys), as well as her breakout starring role on the college show, Felicity, but has since appeared in many other shows and movies. Most recently, she starred in Cocaine Bear, but has also appeared in films such as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, We Were Soldiers, and more. 

Gemma Chan (Natasha)

Moving on, we take a look at Gemma Chan, who plays Natasha. Chan was also a part of the Eternals cast, but has appeared in many other movies, such as Don’t Worry Darling, Crazy Rich Asians, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and more. She was also a part of the Humans television series. 

Marion Cotillard (Sylvie)

Marion Cotillard is a French actress who plays Sylvie on Extrapolations. Cotillard is primarily known for her Academy Award-winning role in La Vie en Rose, but has been in many other movies such as Taxi, Inception, The Immigrant, Midnight in Paris, The Dark Knight Rises and others. 

Eiza Gonzalez (Elodie)

Next up on the list is Eiza Gonzalez, who plays Elodie in Extrapolations. The young actress was primarily known for her role in Spanish telenovelas for many years, but has since started to break into Hollywood with many roles in movies such as Baby Driver, I Care A Lot, Godzilla vs. Kong, and 2022’s Ambulance. 

Tobey Maguire (Nicolas) 

You’d really have to be living under a rock to not know who Tobey Maguire is, and thankfully, he’s back in action in Extrapolations, where he plays Nicolas. Maguire is primarily known for his years as Spider-Man, where he played Peter Parker for three films and reprised the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, but he’s done plenty in the acting industry besides that. 

His biggest roles besides Spider-Man include those in The Great Gatsby, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Pleasantville, The Cider House Rules, Brothers, and many more. He was also recently in 2022’s Babylon, which was nominated for an Academy Award. 

Forest Whitaker (Augustin)

Last but not least, we take a look at Forest Whitaker, who has been in the industry for some time and appeared in many, many big-time movies. He plays Augustin in Extrapolations. Some of Whitaker’s biggest roles thus far have included parts in movies like Platoon, The Great Debaters, The Butler, Respect, The Crying Game, Good Morning Vietnam, and The Last King of Scotland. 

Whitaker has also appeared in such big films like Rogue One: A Star Wars Series, and was also in Black Panther. Currently, he stars in the series, Godfather of Harlem. 

Keep in mind that this isn’t even the complete cast, so if you’re at all interested in seeing anyone else that might not be on this list, be sure to check it out at Apple TV+. Either way, Extrapolations is looking to be an intense show – and with an even more intense cast list. It’ll still be fun, that’s for sure.  

When it comes to animated films, it’s never a big surprise that a ton of stars tend to join those casts, and now, DC’s League of Super Pets has added to that with their list of stars, from action heroes such as Dwayne Johnson to comedians like Kevin Hart. But with so many characters and so many amazing cast members, you might be wondering where you’ve seen - or heard - them before. 

If you’re like me and trying to see exactly where these famous faces were from, check out where you might have seen the DC’s League of Super Pets voice cast before. 

Dwayne Johnson (Krypto The Super-Dog) 

Starting off with the main hero in DC’s League of Super Pets, we have Krypto, a character I’m pretty familiar with from the Krypto the Super-Dog TV show from a long time ago - but now, he’s in a movie and is voiced by the fabulous Dwayne Johnson. If you don’t know that name, surely you have been living under a rock (pun intended). While he started off his career in the WWE, Johnson continues to prove how talented he is as a movie star. 

He played Maui in Moana, and has appeared in films such as the comedy, The Game Plan, the Jumanji series, Central Intelligence, Rampage, the Fast and Furious series, Skyscraper, Jungle Cruise, and more. He also had a pretty big year in 2021 with the release of Red Notice on Netflix.

Johnson has also had some experience with television as well, producing (and appearing) in the NBC series, Young Rock, as well leading the series, Ballers. 

Kevin Hart (Ace The Hound)

Next up on this list, we have everyone’s favorite hilarious comedian, Kevin Hart, who plays Ace in DC’s League of Super Pets. Hart has been in many movies and produced some hilarious comedy specials, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve seen him before. 

Some of his biggest roles thus far have included Night School, Think Like A Man, Ride Along, The Man From Toronto, About Last Night, and the drama, Fatherhood, alongside many others. This is also the fourth time that Hart and Johnson have collaborated together on a film, with the first being Central Intelligence, and the next two being the Jumanji series. Since these two are always ripping on each other, it’ll be fun to watch the press tour for DC’s League of Super Pets. 

Kate McKinnon (Lulu The Guinea Pig)

Moving on, we now have Kate McKinnon, who voices Lulu the Guinea Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s because McKinnon was a huge star on NBC’s Saturday Night Live before she left in 2022, but besides her big role on the sketch series, this actress has done plenty. 

Some of her biggest roles this far was being a part of the Bombshell cast, starring in 2016’s Ghostbusters, and the films The Spy Who Dumped Me and Yesteryear, among others. She also had a starring role in the Peacock original series, Joe vs. Carole, playing Carole Baskin. 

John Krasinski (Superman)

Next up on this list we have John Krasinski, who voiced Superman in DC’s League of Super Pets. As someone who has followed Krasinski for a long time, I can’t think of anyone better to voice the superhero in this film. One of his most famous roles was portraying Jim Halpert as part of The Office cast, and becoming the second half to one of the cutest relationships on television, but Krasinski has done plenty of other fun roles. 

Krasinski directed both A Quiet Place movies, while starring in the first one, and has appeared in other films such as Away We Go, It’s Complicated, Big Miracle, and more, and had voice roles in the Pixar film Monsters University, as well as the Hayao Miyazaki film, The Wind Rises. 

The actor has also dived back into television, starring as Jack Ryan in the titular series on Amazon Prime, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. In 2022, he appeared as Reed Richards in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. 

Vanessa Bayer (PB The Potbelly Pig)

Moving on, we take a look at Vanessa Bayer, who voiced PB the Potbelly Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. Bayer is another Saturday Night Live alumni and is funny as all heck, but she has also been in plenty of other movies and TV shows as well. 

Some of her biggest movies have been Trainwreck, Office Christmas Party, Ibiza, Barb and Star Go To Vista del Mar, and more. She also has the lead role in the Showtime comedy, I Love That For You, and has guest starred on many other TV shows as well. 

Natasha Lyonne (Merton The Turtle)

Natasha Lyonne voices Merton the Turtle in DC’s League of Super Pets, and has had quite the career in both movies and TV. For the last couple of years, she’s starred in Russian Doll on Netflix, but prior to that, she was a big part of the Orange is the New Black cast, where she played Nicky. However, Lyonne has done much more in the film and television industry than just her roles on TV. 

Some of her biggest roles have been in the American Pie cast, Ad Astra, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Scary Movie 2, But I’m A Cheerleader, Sleeping With Other People, and many others. 

Diego Luna (Chip The Squirrel)

Moving on, we now take a look at Diego Luna, who voices Chip the Squirrel in DC’s League of Super Pets. Luna has been an even bigger star in Hollywood lately, mainly thanks to his huge role in the popular Star Wars film, Rouge One: A Star Wars Story, where he played Cassian Andor - a role he is set to reprise in the upcoming Disney+ series, Andor, following the character before the film. 

However, Luna has done plenty of other projects you might recognize. He had a big role on the Netflix series, Narcos: Mexico, where he played Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo. He also has appeared in a variety of movie roles, including several Spanish films, Berlin, I Love You, A Rainy Day In New York, Wander Darkly, If Beale Street Could Talk, and more. 

Marc Maron (Lex Luthor)

Marc Maron voices the legendary villain, Lex Luthor, in DC’s League of Super Pets, and he has done plenty in the movie and TV business. Maron is mainly known for his comedy, and has had several guest appearances on late night talk shows, such as the Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, but he’s done plenty on his own. He hosted his own talk show, The Marc Maron Show, and co-hosted both Morning Sedition and Breakroom Live. 

Maron has also acted plenty before, doing movies such as Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Stardust, Joker, Respect, and more. He’s also appeared in many TV shows, including having his own series, Maron, and appearing in shows such as Easy, The Simpsons, and Roadies among others. He also had a co-starring role in the cancelled-too-soon Netflix series, GLOW. 

Keanu Reeves (Batman)

I don’t think I could have pictured a better casting for the role of Batman in DC’s League of Super Pets than Keanu Reeves himself, and it’s so cool to see him voicing this awesome role. Reeves has been in Hollywood for decades, and is one our our most enduring action stars. 

Reeves’ biggest roles have definitely been the Bill & Ted film series, his starring part in The Matrix Series, as well as his titular role in the John Wick movie saga, which is getting a fourth movie in 2023. However, Reeves has plenty of other major films, such as Constantine, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Street Kings, The Lake House, Already Gone, and more. He even had a voice role in Pixar’s Toy Story 4 as Duke Caboom.

Thomas Middleditch (Keith a.k.a. Ice Guinea Pig) 

Moving on, we now take a look at Thomas Middleditch, who voices Keith, known as the Ice Guinea Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. Middleditch is primarily known for his role on the hit HBO series, Silicon Valley, but has done plenty of other roles that you might recognize him from. 

He has done voice roles in shows such as Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero, and the Hulu original series, Solar Opposites, and had a main role in the TV series, B Positive. He also had a voice role in the movie Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, and has done live-action roles in movies such as Someone Marry Barry, The Bronze, Once Upon A Time in Venice, Tag, Zombieland: Double Tap, and more. 

Ben Schwartz  (Mark a.k.a. Fire Guinea Pig) 

Next up, we have Ben Schwartz, who voices Mark, known as the Fire Guinea Pig in DC’s League of Super Pets. Schwartz was primarily known for his role in the Parks and Recreation cast, but has since gone on to do plenty of other fun parts. 

Some of his biggest film roles have included voicing the titular character in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, and appearing in Peep World, This Is Where I Leave You, Flora & Ulysses, Falling Down, The Walk, and more. Schwartz has also had a prominent TV career besides Parks and Recreation, having roles in TV shows like Netflix’s Space Force, the comedy series The Afterparty on Apple TV+, House of Lies, Ducktales, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more. 

Additional Voices

Lastly, there are plenty of other additional voices in DC’s League of Super Pets that we should take the time to mention. 

These include Olivia Wilde as Lois Lane, Yvette Nicole Brown as Patty, Jameela Jamil as Wonder Woman, Jemaine Clement as Aquaman, Daveed Diggs as Cyborg, Alfred Molina as Jor-El, Lena Headey as Lara, Keith David as Dog-El, Busy Philipps as Foofy Dog, Maya Erskine as Mercy Graves, and Dan Folger in the additional roles of Carl, Pilot, and Radio. 

Goodness, with so many names on here, you might think we were going to an awards show of some kind, but this is just the talent that DC’s League of Super Pets has, and it’ll be a super time wondering where these actors go next after suiting up in their fluffy suits.  

Starting off his career in big-time musicals and moving on into blockbusters and popular TV shows, Daveed Diggs has truly become such a shining light in Hollywood, not only as an actor but as a producer, a singer, and more. 

From his time in Hamilton to his own TV series to his voice roles, Daveed Diggs has taken over and popped up in more things than you may have seen. If you’re looking for some of his best work, be sure to check out some of these picks, as these are the best Daveed Diggs movies and TV shows that you can stream (or rent) right now.  

Hamilton (Disney+)

Are you going to throw away your shot? Dive into the world of Hamilton, a high-stakes musical adventure mixed in with some awesome choreography and songs all about the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of America, all created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

Hamilton is truly a work of art, as someone who loves musicals, and Daveed Diggs is a part of that. Playing Thomas Jefferson in the original Hamilton cast opened so many doors for Diggs, as it showed just how much talent this man had not only musically-wise but with his acting ability. I swear, I could sing “What’d I Miss?” for hours on end. The musical itself is so much fun, with a catchy soundtrack you’ll never be able to get out of your head. And soon enough after your millionth viewing, you’ll be up and dancing just as much as everyone else. 

Stream Hamilton on Disney+. 

Velvet Buzzsaw (Netflix)

Velvet Buzzsaw is a satirical horror movie that not only has the scares, but the laughs as well. In this fun film, Velvet Buzzsaw shows what the art world does when there are paintings left unclaimed from a dead body after they are discovered. But as you would predict, these paintings aren’t exactly normal - and because of that, these collectors begin to see what happens when greed takes over.

This horror film is honestly so underrated and I wish it got more hype than it did. Daveed Diggs stars as Damrish, an up and coming artist who gets tangled up in all of the madness, and honestly, people should put Diggs in more thrillers! He was so good in this and, with it mixed in with some comedy, it really shines a light on his acting ability. Plus, the rest of the cast is a lot of fun as well. 

Stream Velvet Buzzsaw on Netflix. 

The Get-Down (Netflix)

Get transported back to the '70s and '80s with this awesome Netflix original show that was cancelled far too soon. The Get-Down bounces back and forth between the 1990s and the past, telling the story of Ezekiel, a young Black man living in the Bronx who wants to make a name for himself and create music. This is his story, from the beginning to where he is now, and how he got there. 

The Get-Down is so good, and was honestly such a great place for Daveed Diggs to show his talent. Diggs actually portrayed the adult Ezekiel in many of the flash forward scenes at his concerts, and it really showed off his rapping skills in each of his moments. The show itself is also just a trip too for those who love music and period pieces. You really do feel like you are back in the seventies and eighties with the way the music is, how the people speak, and the outfits they wear. It’s truly one of a kind.

Stream The Get-Down on Netflix. 

Undone (Amazon Prime)

If you want to watch a brilliantly animated show for adults, check out Undone. This Amazon original series follows Alma, a young woman who has been down on her luck for some time after her father has passed, when suddenly, she gets into a car crash. Upon waking up, she discovers that she is able to somehow use time to her advantage - meaning she's able to time travel. How? She doesn’t know. But what she does know is that she’s going to use this strange ability she has been gifted to find out the truth behind what happened to her father. 

Undone is a fantastic show. Daveed Diggs voices Tunde, Alma’s boss, and provides just that extra amount of fun voice work that he does to make his character the perfect addition to this already stellar production. However, the story of Undone is really what carries it. It’s provoking and enriching and keeps you hooked from episode one. It’s also just brilliantly animated. The animation almost feels lifelike, in a way. 

Stream Undone on Amazon Prime. 

Soul (Disney+)

Pixar has certainly been bringing in the stars for their films for so long, and Soul was not an exception to this case. In this Academy Award-winning movie, Soul follows Joe, a seemingly ordinary man with a dream to become a professional jazz musician and travel the world, but when it looks like he finally has his shot, his life is possibly cut short after an accident. Now, it’s up to him to try and make it back to his world so he can fulfill his life’s purpose. 

Soul isn’t just a movie - it’s an experience. Every person, whether it be a child or an adult, needs to watch Soul at least once. Daveed Diggs has a great voice role in it - playing Joe’s neighbor frenemy for a little bit in the film, creating a fun interaction between the two only Diggs could really do, but the Soul cast in general is full of stars and the story is phenomenal. It shows that you really don’t need to have a purpose in life as long as you’re just living - and that’s the beauty of it all. Seriously, watch this movie if you haven’t. 

Stream Soul on Disney+. 

Black-ish (Hulu)

When you think of some of the most recent sitcoms that have really exploded in popularity, I bet black-ish is one of them that pops up. In this popular TV show, black-ish follows an upper-class family of African Americans, living their lives day to day and learning to move on past issues that arise, whether that be personal, social, or more. But through and through, they’re a family. 

Daveed Diggs played Johan Johnson, who was the younger brother of Rainbow Johnson, one of the main characters, appearing for several episodes, and some of his interactions not only with his sister but everyone else are some of the best. Diggs just has this great comedic timing that makes me want to watch him in shows like this and he does such a great job. black-ish itself is worth the hype just to watch the whole series. With two spinoffs, you can see that it was super good, so give it a shot if you haven’t already. 

Stream Black-ish on Hulu. 

Central Park (Apple TV+)

Daveed Diggs has that awesome voice, which means he is literally the perfect choice for a show like Central Park. In this Apple TV+ original series, Central Park is centered around the legendary park of the same name, and how a group of people are trying to come together to save it from investors who are trying to take away its greenery and replace it with shopping stores and other investments. 

I know that the premise might not sound like anything crazy interesting on its own, but trust me, Central Park is such a fantastic series. Daveed Diggs plays Helen, an older woman who has dreams of being rich and honestly, his voice is perfect for this and he has some of the funniest one-liners. The music in this is also so damn catchy. I can’t tell you how often I have found myself humming along to it and wishing I was in the animation. It’s so good. It hails from the creators of Bob’s Burgers, so you know it’ll be good. 

Stream Central Park on Apple TV+. 

Snowpiercer (HBO Max)

If you want a seriously cool post-apocalyptic series, watch Snowpiercer. This series based off the movie of the same name follows the remaining members of humanity when a huge, globally massive ice age blew through Earth. Now, they ride around the planet in a seemingly never-ending train so they aren’t killed by the temperatures that are outside. 

Y'all, Snowpiercer is so good. Daveed Diggs stars in this TNT series alongside Jennifer Connelly and oh my God, I don’t think I’ve been this entertained by television since The Witcher came out on Netflix. As someone who really adores this type of TV, they knock it out of the park, mainly with the two leads, as they have such compelling chemistry and amazing moments that it makes you want to keep watching. With a Season 3 already ordered and on the way, watch Snowpiercer as soon as possible, as you won’t want to miss this. 

Stream Snowpiercer on HBO Max. 

Blindspotting (Amazon Rental)

If you’re looking for a more serious piece that Daveed Diggs stars in, check out Blindspotting. In this drama movie, an African-American man who is trying to get through the rest of his probation ends up becoming a witness in a murder, watching someone else get shot. As the scene he witnessed starts to weigh in on his mind, he starts to re-examine his life - including his friendships. 

Don’t get me wrong, Blindspotting isn’t all drama. There are moments of comedy that really only Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal could pull off that make this movie feel a little lighter. However, Blindspotting is an excellent movie that discusses not only the implications of race relations in the workforce but in everyday life. The movie actually ended up getting a spinoff on Starz which is also really good, and you should definitely check out, even if Daveed Diggs doesn't star in that one. However, he does produce it. 

Rent Blindspotting on Amazon. 

Wonder (Amazon Rental)

Last but not least, we have Wonder. If you want a heartwarming story that’ll probably make you cry, this is the one. Born with facial deformities and home-schooled for some time, Wonder is all about August, a young boy with big dreams who wishes to see the world. But first, he has to tackle the biggest challenge yet - actually going to public school, specifically, the fifth grade, for the first time ever. 

Wonder is one of those movies where I know that if I need something to make me happy, I’m going to watch it. Daveed Diggs plays Mr. Browne, one of the many teachers at the school that is trying to make sure that Auggie (August) is treated correctly, and he’s absolutely wonderful in this movie, especially his interactions with Jacob Tremblay’s character, Auggie. Truly, this film is one of a kind and deserves the love it has gotten, and if you haven’t seen it, check it out now. 

Rent Wonder on Amazon. 

With Daveed Diggs already signed on for so much, including being a part of The Little Mermaid live-action production, I’m sure it’ll only be a matter of time before we see him again in something that’s truly outstanding. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to go and sing “What’d I Miss?” again. 

Have you heard about Tony Award-winning multi-talented performer Daveed Diggs’ hip hop drama that is being compared to Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2? That might sound like some far-fetched idea from a writer’s notebook of odd, yet potentially great, ideas, but this is real and it is already getting a lot of traction.

Titled We All Die Young, the Jake Schreier-directed picture starring Justice Smith, Idris Elba, and Taylour Paige, will be coming your way at some point in the not-so-distant future, telling a story about a rapper at the crossroads of fame who is faced with a decision that not only could change his life, but also that of everyone else in his ecosystem. There’s not a whole lot of information at this point in time, but we do have some key details that you should know about We All Die Young.

The We All Die Young Cast Includes Justice Smith, Idris Elba And Taylour Paige

In the lead-up to the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2021, Deadline got the scoop on We All Die Young and its small (for now, at least), yet extremely talented cast, consisting of a diverse group of actors at various stages of their respective careers.

First is Justice Smith, the Pokémon: Detective Pikachu star who most recently appeared on the HBO Max original series Generation, and will soon return to action in Jurassic World: Dominion. In the upcoming hip hop drama, Smith will portray Marcus, a 25-year-old rapper who finds himself in a rather difficult position in terms of his career and life. Idris Elba, coming off The Suicide Squad, will play Marcus’ long-time mentor and father figure who also happens to own the record label that releases his albums. Taylour Paige, who made waves with her electric performance as the titular character in the 2021 based-on-true-events drama, Zola, will play a woman who comes into Marcus’ life and forces him to reevaluate his situation.

We All Die Young Centers On A Successful Rapper Experiencing A Midlife Crisis

When discussing We All Die Young with Deadline in September 2021, Daveed Diggs explained that the movie will center on Marcus, as the 25-year-old rapper who is right on the cusp of going from a successful hip hop artist to international superstar, and the impact this newfound status has on him as a person and performer. But, just as he’s reaching new heights in his career, Marcus falls into a creative funk that is preventing him from writing new material. Then, when Marcus begins to think about so many rappers who didn’t live to see the age of 30, he falls into the depths of a midlife crisis.

The We All Die Young Script Was Written By Daveed Diggs And Chinaka Hodge

Although not stepping in to direct We All Die Young, Daveed Diggs, per Deadline, wrote the film’s script alongside Chinaka Hodge, who happens to be one of the founding members of Digg’s collaborative hip hop collective known as The Getback. This is just the latest high-profile production to be written in part by Chinaka Hodge, who was hired in April 2021 to serve as the head writer on the upcoming Marvel Disney+ series Ironheart, per Variety. Hodge recently wrote material for shows like Apple TV’s Amazing Stories and TNT’s Snowpiercer adaptation, which features Diggs in its cast. Diggs' previous writing credits include the 2018 drama Blindspotting, a film in which he also starred.

Jake Schreier Is Set To Direct We All Die Young

Stepping in to handle the directing duties for We All Die Young will be Jake Schreier, whose film work includes the 2012 sci-fi comedy Robot and Frank and 2015’s Paper Towns. And, even though Schreier only has only directed two feature-length films, he brings with him years of experience as a music video director. Throughout his career, Scherier has directed videos for Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Chance the Rapper, and multiple other pop and hip hop stars. When talking about the film with Deadline, Daveed Diggs revealed that he and Schreier have known each other since their days at Berkeley High School, where they were even in a band together.

Daveed Diggs Described We All Die Young As Being Fellini's 8 ½ But Set In The Rap World

When speaking with Deadline about We All Die Young, Daveed Diggs turned to Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 as a way in which to describe the upcoming film. In that 1963 fantasy drama, filmmaker Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni) begins to experience a midlife crisis brought on by creative impotency while working on his latest film. As he slips into his fragile mental state, Guido becomes almost trapped in a fantastical world of memories. In addition to dealing with a creative crisis, the film will also touch on the fragility of life for young rappers, as Diggs put it:

The idea of going through a midlife crisis at such a young is just as fascinating as it is sobering, which should help We All Die Young explore new ground with its approach to the subject.

Production On We All Die Young Is Set To Get Underway In March 2022

Production on We All Die Young should start in March 2022, and as far as director Jason Scheier is concerned, he will be more than ready to get the cameras rolling. When speaking with Deadline, the filmmaker explained that he has already drawn the storyboards for every shot of the film and went even further by creating an animatic of the more complicated moments, though he did not reveal the nature of that scene.

There is still a lot about We All Die Young that we don’t quite know, especially a tentative release window for this intriguing film set in the rap world. In meantime, check out CinemaBlend’s updated schedule of 2021 movie releases.

Though the Covid-19 pandemic continues, Melissa McCarthy has already had a film release this year, Thunder Force (for which the reviews were… not so positive). Now she’s back on the big screen, this time for the comedy-drama The Starling, before the movie eventually lands on Netflix. In it she co-stars with Chris O’Dowd, Kevin Kline, Timothy Olyphant, Daveed Diggs, Skyler Gisondo, Laura Harrier, and Loretta Devine. The drama features McCarthy and O’Dowd as Lilly and Jack, a married couple who lose their baby, which leads Jack to head off to deal with his grief while Lilly remains in the "real" world, dealing with her own guilt. As if Lilly's troubles weren't bad enough, a starling begins to harass her and she becomes comically obsessed with trying to kill it. The movie was directed by Theodore Melif (Hidden Figures) and written by Matt Harris.

The comedy-drama flick will have a limited theatrical release tomorrow, September 17, and will be available to stream on Netflix next Friday, September 24. But The Starling just had its world premiere at TIFF, and the response from critics so far has been… unfavorable, to say the least. Why don’t we take a look?

While our own review hasn't been released yet, the critical response is looking pretty brutal so far. Caryn James from The Hollywood Reporter thought McCarthy, O’Dowd, and Kline deserve way better than this “misfire.” James criticized everything from the horrible script, the trite and predictable storyline, to the abundance of cliches. She also noted that there are too many underused actors, giving Diggs and Olyphant as examples. Overall, James noted:

Elizabeth Weitzman of The Wrap also criticized the “shallow” script by Harris. She thought O’Dowd was best at actually bringing emotion to his character when the dialogue was so constricting, but she noted that the rest of the characters did the best they could, as they had more terrible writing to trudge through. Weitzman also commented on the terrible metaphors and the too-familiar aspect of The Starling, noting overall:

See, I told you critics were picking this movie apart. Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian considers The Starling a complete waste of everyone’s time. He criticized the under-utilized side characters like Olyphant, a comment we saw above. He was also disappointed with the clunkily obvious metaphors and the lack of common sense in the plot, noting overall:

While Guy Lodge from Variety complemented McCarthy’s always “reliably buoyant charisma” in her role, he argued that it’s not enough to make The Starling a good movie. Like previous critics, he considered the dramedy too predictable and full of overqualified actors who are too under-utilized. Lodge also commented on the corny and cringe-worthy dialogue that didn’t demand much from the great cast, noting:

While Lodge thought McCarthy had charisma, Carla Meyer from The San Francisco Chronicle thought the actress was actually pretty out of touch with her character, noting that each moment of physical comedy is cringey and tortured. Meyer did comment that the third act of the movie was a little more enjoyable, but not enough to make it a good film. She also criticized the uneven acting and the soundtrack, while also arguing that while O’Dowd wasn’t given enough to work with, McCarthy was given too much at once. Meyer was pretty disappointed with the flick, noting:

Well, that was... bleak. While the critical response of the Melissa McCarthy-led flick has been pretty brutal so far, you might actually enjoy the comedy-drama. You'll be able to form your own opinion soon enough, as the film releases in select theaters tomorrow, September 17, and on Netflix next Friday, September 24. You can also check out what else is coming to Netflix this year with our release guide.

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For any theater performer, it can be hard to see a film adaptation of a project they spent years cultivating and performing weekly. This has been the scenario Hamilton alum Daveed Diggs felt upon the musical arriving on Disney+. Unlike some other Hamilton stars, Diggs still hasn’t made the film appointment television even a year after its release. The Tony Award winner finally broke down why he hasn’t watched the Disney+ version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical.

Daveed Diggs playing both Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson was a major highlight for Hamilton during its heyday. He spent years perfecting those roles so seeing the filmed version may be reductive to him. But there’s more to skipping the theatrical version than not wanting to see himself as those characters again. The Little Mermaid star revealed how his journey with the Tony Award-winning musical fueled his apprehension to watch the Disney+ version.

Given the actor’s experience with Hamilton, his stance about the Disney+ adaptation seemed understandable. Daveed Diggs was there when Lin-Manuel Miranda birthed the idea, so he saw the show evolve from its early beginnings to becoming a celebrated Broadway hit. As Diggs mentioned, he lived with a version informed by playing two characters over multiple years. So, seeing the film version might ruin the memories cultivated over his time with the hit musical.

Hamilton is currently available to watch on Disney+. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

But Daveed Diggs wasn’t done breaking down his resistance toward Disney+’s Hamilton. He revealed to The Wrap that he wanted to preserve his version over the film version. The Snowpiercer star explained why it may take him some time before he can finally watch the theatrical version.

Living the experience can be quite different from watching it back at a different time. Daveed Diggs wouldn’t be the first Hamilton alum wanting to leave the show in the past. Despite not seeing the film adaptation, Diggs and the production received multiple Emmy nominations. Hopefully, the actor will finally watch the film version someday to see what all the fuss is about. Diggs as well as Hamilton fans can stream the musical film on Disney+.

Over 20 years after the original Twister was released into theaters, there’s been talk from all over about bringing the Helen Hunt/Bill Paxton starring franchise back in one way or another. But apparently, one huge possibility that no one had heard a thing about would have seen Hunt returning. What's more, it could've featured Hamilton star Daveed Diggs along for the ride in a remake of that first film. Unfortunately, as Helen Hunt herself recently discussed, that movie isn’t happening as it’s apparently been shot down by the studio involved.

During an appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live!, Hunt revealed that she was apparently involved in a Twister reboot project of her own. With a story that would have seen “a rocket science club” at a historically Black college looking to “shoot the rockets into the tornado,” Helen Hunt had a concept she was really excited about. But what makes this supposedly stalled version of Twister all the more exciting is that she had Daveed Diggs and another Blindspotting collaborator on board in the following capacity:

As Helen Hunt went on to describe her Twister reboot and its failure to launch, it looks like this variant was separate from the one Universal apparently had in the works last summer. Judging by Hunt’s June 2020 time frame she provided for the story she told, it feels like this was a competing concept that was growing around the same time that Universal announced a reboot looking to hire Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski was in the works. Ultimately, it sounds like Helen Hunt’s new spin on Twister’s beloved story is the one that ended up in the dust.

With this newly discovered pitch for a Twister reboot/remake, one has to wonder if the property is still in development at all in Universal’s halls, or if they’ve called it quits on the project entirely? As the prospect of a sequel without the late Bill Paxton or Phillip Seymour Hoffmandoesn’t sound like a popular idea to move ahead, it ultimately comes down to whether or not there’s a good enough idea to rechristen this Michael Crichton created idea for a new generation to enjoy. So far, that doesn’t sound like it’s the case just yet, at least according to the powers that be.

Hearing that the concept Helen Hunt described for a Twister remake is dead is something that’s ultimately disheartening. Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal’s story, along with Hunt’s directing and knowledge of the original film, sounds like the absolute pinnacle of what should be done when remaking a blockbuster classic. Maybe Universal will change its mind if there’s enough of a public outcry, but only time will tell on that front.

At least there’s the bright side of audiences who are into this rejected pitch can console themselves with the Blindspotting series, which sees Diggs and Casal’s feature film of the same name expanded, with Helen Hunt in the cast. You can catch that show on Sunday nights, only on Starz. And don’t forget to check out our 2021 release schedule, to see what awaits at a theater near you.

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Unfortunately, the passing of Samuel E. Wright rocked many Little Mermaid fans to their core. His role of Sebastian left an impression on many generations, including Snowpiercer star Daveed Diggs. The connection between Wright and Diggs goes beyond memories, as the Hamilton star will take on the popular character for the live-action version. After the unexpected news, Diggs penned a thoughtful tribute to the original Little Mermaid actor.

Daveed Diggs took to Twitter to eulogize the original voice behind Ariel’s cantankerous crab in the 1989 Disney classic. The Hamilton star referred to Samuel E. Wright as “the originator.” To show his gratitude for Wright’s iconic Little Mermaid performance, he mentioned standing on the Disney legend’s shoulders. Check out the multihyphenate’s heartfelt tribute to the late actor below:

Daveed Digg’s touching Twitter tribute showed just how important Samuel E. Wright’s role was to generations of children. For millennials, it’s a major blow considering how integral Wright’s performance as Sebastian was to their childhood. So, Wright’s passing left some big shoes for Diggs to fill.

This isn’t the first time Samuel E. Wright’s legacy has crossed Daveed Diggs’ path. The actor admitted to feeling pressure from Wright’s performance as he prepared for the live-action Little Mermaid. Diggs is more than capable of fulfilling the role given his previous and upcoming work.

As the Hamilton star mentioned, his role in the Little Mermaid live-action remake wouldn’t have been possible without Samuel E. Wright’s amazing turn as Sebastian in the original animated film. When you think of the 1989 film, Sebastian’s accent and his overbearing ways with Ariel made the movie more compelling. But it was Sebastian’s signature songs “Under the Seas” and “Kiss the Girl” that made the original Little Mermaid memorable. All that Jamaican flavor was courtesy of Wright’s brilliant voice work.

Samuel E. Wright’s contribution to The Little Mermaid was important to a generation of Disney fans. The 1989 Disney classic revived the House of Mouse’s image as the premier animation studio and led to the Disney Renaissance in the 1990s. That film’s commercial and critical success helped to build the foundation of the live-action adaptation. The much-debate live-action film has a legacy to live up to, even with the star-studded cast.

Samuel E. Wright’s passing came out at an awkward time, as the live-action Little Mermaid film is currently filming with Daveed Diggs, Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy and other cast-mates. The live-action adaptation currently has no release date after considerable delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Daveed Diggs pointed out, Samuel E. Wright is a giant amongst the pantheon of Disney Renaissance films. Knowing Diggs will be the next Sebastian made the Wright tribute a full-circle moment. Hopefully, the Hamilton star’s performance will be much in the same breath as Wright’s.

The stars of Hamilton may be known to many for their work in the now-iconic play, but many have, of course, moved on to new productions. This includes Daveed Diggs and Jasmine Cephas Jones, who starred alongside each other in the 2018 film Blindspotting, which Diggs wrote and produced. It was eventually announced that the two would continue the story in a TV series, and the first trailer has finally arrived. And fans of the film will be happy to learn that the show appears to be just as surreal and sharp.

Starz has officially released the first trailer for Blindspotting, which now puts Jasmine Cephas Jones’ Ashley in the lead role. The show picks up six months after the events of the film and sees Ashley reeling from the unexpected arrest of longtime boyfriend -- and baby daddy -- Miles (played by the returning Rafael Casal. With this, Ashley and young son Sean must move in with Miles’ mother (Helen Hunt) and half-sister.

Unfortunately, fans hoping to see Daveed Diggs reprise his role as Collin Hoskins will be out of luck because, as of right now, it doesn’t look like Diggs will appear on the show. However, he is serving as a writer and executive producer on the series.

2018’s Blindspotting was praised by critics when it first released, with many lauding the film for its comedy and poignant social commentary. With the TV follow-up, Daveed Diggs and Rafel Casal will look to continue to examine certain aspects of our society. In a statement previously released to Variety, Diggs discussed what he and Casal, who also serves as showrunner, want to accomplish with the new show:

The world-building that’s at play in Blindspotting is also going to be interesting to see. One can only imagine what else we’re going to learn about Ashley, and it seems like a given that we’ll learn a lot about MIles’ background and family history, which is bound to be messy.

The debut trailer for Blindspotting displays just how closely the show has managed to maintain the motif of the film. While the movie had a very grounded feel, it was also filled with plenty of surreal moments. The existential crisis Ashley goes through, as a result of her current situation, is sure to be both compelling and hilarious.

It’ll be fun to see how things pan out for her when Blindspotting premieres June 13 on Starz.

Who do you call when you’re in need? Lafayette! Or is it Thomas Jefferson?

Ah, I don’t know, but what I do know is that Daveed Diggs is the man responsible for those two iconic roles from the mega-hit Broadway show, Hamilton. If you for some reason haven’t heard of Hamilton in the last couple of years, it’s a musical journey that tells the story of the founding fathers of America, more specifically about Alexander Hamilton, and Daveed Digs became a big star from the success of this musical. The play, which was released as a film on Disney+ back in July of 2020, showed just how talented these performers are, especially Daveed Diggs.

But what movies and TV shows does Daveed Diggs have coming up in the next couple of years? How busy is this Tony-award-winning actor? We take a look at the upcoming Daveed Diggs movies and shows that are making appearances on our TV and movie screens, starting out with some awesome animation.

Central Park, Season 2 And 3 - 2021 (Completed)

If you haven’t heard of Central Park, now’s the time to get an Apple TV+ subscription and binge-watch the whole thing. Central Park is a musical adult animation show made by the creators of Bob’s Burgers, which revolves around a family who lives in New York City's Central Park, with the goal in mind of saving it from greedy land developers.

According to Collider, Season 3 has already been ordered ahead of Central Park’s Season 2 release date. Daveed Diggs, who has a main role on the show as Helen, offers his talents up to this amazing cast filled with stars like Frozen’s Josh Gad, WandaVision’s Kathryn Hahn, Hamilton co-star Leslie Odom Jr., and the iconic Stanley Tucci.

Trust me, if musicals and comedy are some of your favorite genres, this is most certainly the show for you. With Diggs in a lead role, he shines and shows off his musical pipes. According to Variety, Season 2 of the Emmy-nominated show will premiere on June 25 on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes, and new episodes will premiere weekly after that.

The Starling - 2021 (Post-Production)

Stepping away from TV for a moment, we move into The Starling, an upcoming comedy-drama film on Netflix. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this film follows the story of a married couple who ends up suffering some sort of hardship, which begins to tear the two apart. What makes matters worse is that a starling ends up building a nest in the wife’s backyard, who begins to harass her, and she becomes “comically obsessed” with wanting to kill it.

It’s certainly a unique premise, that is for sure, but that’s what makes it so interesting in the first place. According to Deadline, many stage veterans besides Diggs will be joining this film as well, including Kevin Kline from Present Laughter, and Loretta Devine from the Broadway hit Dreamgirls. Diggs himself will be co-starring alongside this big cast, in an unknown role, but hopefully still just as entertaining as normal.

Another big-time star who will be starring alongside Daveed Diggs in this fascinating comedy is one of the queens of comedy herself, Melissa McCarthy, according to Deadline. Melissa McCarthy is known for plenty of her roles in some of the funniest comedies out there, such as Bridesmaids (for which she was nominated for an Academy Award) and one of the many 2021 film releases, Thunder Force. So, I can already imagine what kind of hilarious antics actors like Daveed Diggs and Melissa McCarthy will bring to the table.

There hasn’t been a set release date yet, but keep an eye out on Netflix for something to pop up. It’s slated to debut in 2021, so hopefully, we’ll get some news soon enough.

Snowpiercer, Season 3 - 2022/TBA (Pre-Production)

For those who don’t know what Snowpiercer is, this fantastic TV show is based on the movie of the same name by Bong Joon-ho, of Parasite fame. Snowpiercer tells the tale of a post-apocalyptic world, and follows the passengers of the Snowpiercer, a gigantic moving train that circles the globe, and carries the remnants of human society after the world had frozen over and became a wasteland.

Daveed Diggs stars in this thriller alongside Jennifer Connelly, known for her roles in films like Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind. The show, which has been popular on TNT, was recently renewed for Season 3 ahead of its Season 2 launch date, according to Variety.

Recently, the second season just came to a close, and Deadline did an interview with one of the executive producers of Snowpiercer, Becky Clements, who warned that Season 3 would dig even deeper into some interesting character developments and introduce major characters into the ever-expanding plotline of this fascinating show.

It’s extremely refreshing to see Daveed Diggs in a role that’s not comedy or musicals, as awesome as he is in those, as this gives him a different line of work to do. He rocks it as Andre Layton in Snowpiercer, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for Season 3. There hasn’t been a premiere date announced yet, since the second season only just ended, but I’m excited to see where they take this show from here.

The Little Mermaid - 2022 (Filming)

We all knew it was a matter of time, with all these live-action remakes from Disney, that The Little Mermaid would become one of them. Luckily, they have picked out a stellar cast to go along with it, and Daveed Diggs is an excellent addition to that. The Little Mermaid follows the narrative of Ariel, a young mermaid who is infatuated with the human world, and ends up giving away her voice so that she can spend three days on land to try and make Prince Eric fall in love with her, and remain a human forever.

I mean, if you haven’t heard of The Little Mermaid before, you have no one else to blame but yourself, considering this was the birth of the Disney Renaissance. However, this upcoming adaptation is going to knock your socks off. According to Collider, Daveed Diggs has been cast as Sebastian the crab from the iconic Disney movie, and did “more research” than any other role in his career for this job.

For someone who had already gone through voice training for Central Park, it sounds like Diggs cares so much for this character. Alongside him, Insider reported many other celebrities working on the film, such as Grown-ish’s Halle Bailey as Ariel, Thunder Force's Melissa McCarthy as the sea witch, Ursula, Raya and the Last Dragon’s Awkwafina as the birdbrained Scuttle, and several others.

Insider also reported that the soundtrack, which is famous in so many ways, will include main tracks from the original, along with new songs developed by EGOT-winner Alan Menken and Hamilton star and creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s certainly looking to be an awesome adaptation, and I, for one, cannot wait.

Blindspotting - 2021 (Post-Production)

While Diggs will not be starring in this, it’s worth putting on this list to showcase his talent. Daveed Diggs actually starred in the movie Blindspotting back in 2018, a film that follows a parolee with only three days left on his sentence, only to witness a police shooting that will threaten to ruin a lifelong friendship. The new series continues that story, this time focusing on a different character.

The new series will air on Starz, according to Variety. Jasmine Cephas-Jones, a former co-star of Diggs' from Hamilton and who also starred in Blindspotting, will reprise her role, while Daveed Diggs will serve as an executive producer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, actress Helen Hunt, known for her roles in As Good as It Gets and The Sessions, will star alongside Cephas-Jones as her mother.

Even if Diggs won’t be appearing physically in this spinoff, he most certainly put his heart into it as an executive producer and has shown his love for the new series several times on his social media. If this sounds interesting to you, Blindspotting will be premiering on Starz this summer.

Dang, that is a lot of projects for one man to carry, but for a performer as multi-faceted as Daveed Diggs, I’m not surprised. It’s going to be a fun couple of years, that is for sure.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Snowpiercer Season 2 episode "The Eternal Engineer." Read at your own risk!

Snowpiercer's Andre Layton prepared for a war with Mr. Wilford, but the latest episode proved it was all over before it even started. Wilford orchestrated a train crisis that only he could save, and in the process, won the support of the Snowpiercer train occupants. The revolution is seemingly over, and unfortunately, few seemed to notice or care.

Daveed Diggs' character noticed, of course, and audiences may have noticed he got as much screentime with Sean Bean's Wilford as he's had all season in the process. I spoke to Diggs about those scenes and asked what it was like to work with Bean in Season 2 and got a taste of what it's like to share a scene with one of television and film's greatest talents.

Sean Bean has had some wonderful scenes with whomever he's working with on Snowpiercer, and it seems that's not a coincidence based on what Daveed Diggs said. That's a great thing, considering the big bad looked poised to take control of Snowpiercer for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, a defeated Layton was forced to relinquish command and surrender himself, with an uncertainty of what comes next for his character.

Obviously, any Snowpiercer fan can assume Layton's situation won't be good, especially given the episode's end. If Roche and his entire family were sent to the drawers just because he was Layton's enforcer, then the odds of Daveed Diggs' character getting simply locked away feel slim. It'll be interesting to see what other members of Snowpiercer's inner circle are punished under Wilford's rule or how aware he was of the vast conspiracy by the train to unseat him. I'm assuming so considering Miss Audrey's betrayal, though I'm not wholly convinced she's turned her back on the Snowpiercer crew just yet.

Snowpiercer's Season 2 finale airs Monday, March 29, in a special 2-hour event. Will the season end with Andre in shackles and Wilford running the show? I hope not, but with him arrested and Melanie still off train, I can't imagine what other option there may be.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Snowpiercer episode "Smolder To Life." Read at your own risk!

Snowpiercer just delivered just about the biggest surprise of the series, as fans learned that Josie Wellstead, who heroically went down swinging trying to take out Melanie Cavill in Season 1, wasn't as dead as the characters and viewers may have thought. The character was horrifically frostbitten over her entire body, and while she was unable to be recognized by a bulk of the train and labeled a Jane Doe, Zarah Ferami spotted her almost instantly.

After a shocking and somewhat twisted series of events, Andre Layton was informed of Josie's survival and rushed to see her. I spoke to Daveed Diggs about the massive reveal and how Josie's return may affect Layton throughout Season 2.

People do "do" that, as Daveed Diggs said above, though I'm sure few people in real life have as complicated of circumstances as Andre does with Josie in this reunion. The two had a growing romance in Season 1, and both played parent to Miles when they were living in the Tail. When it seemed the two peaked from a romantic standpoint, Snowpiercer "killed" Josie, and Andre began to find what he had lost with Zarah when she first left the Tail.

Now Zarah is pregnant with Andre's child and knows the return of Josie could complicate her relationship with Andre. This is likely why Zarah originally tried to kill Josie when she discovered her survival but ultimately backed out at the last minute. The situation is messy, and obviously, we have no idea where Josie and Andre stand after this episode, but it's great drama. Specifically, it's a type of drama that Daveed Diggs revealed isn't one a viewer may typically associate with Snowpiercer.

Josie's back, and I'm sure we'll see what that means as Snowpiercer Season 2 continues, but I only have one question for now. Was Josie conscious when Zarah tried to kill her? If so, I would have to expect Josie would attempt to exact some revenge if she's able, and that moment could come back to haunt Zarah down the stretch. It'll obviously affect Layton too, and I can't imagine what his reaction would be if he heard what Zarah tried to do.

Were you surprised by Josie's return? Let us know in the poll below, and continue to catch Snowpiercer on TNT Mondays at 9:00 p.m. ET.

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Ever since the release of Maleficent in 2014 (or, if you want to go back a little earlier, 2010’s Alice in Wonderland), Disney’s been on a roll with live-action remakes/adaptations of its classic animated movies. Considering that it launched the Disney Renaissance in 1989, it’s unsurprising that The Little Mermaid is part of this lineup, and among the actors starring in the upcoming live-action movie is Hamilton star Daveed Diggs as Sebastian the crab. While Diggs is no stranger to voice work, he recently admitted that he was especially nervous to take on the Little Mermaid role.

While plugging the second season of his TNT series Snowpiercer, Daveed Diggs’ conversation with Collider turned to The Little Mermaid, with the actor saying it’s “pretty cool” to work on this project and the animation space in general (Diggs’ other Disney vocal work includes Zootopia and Pixar’s Soul). When asked how cool it is getting to bring his “own thing” to Sebastian, Diggs responded:

Daveed Diggs clearly didn’t skimp on the research when preparing to play Sebastian, who was voiced in the original Little Mermaid by Samuel E. Wright. It would have been easy enough for Diggs to just put a simple twist on what Wright did over three decades ago, but he was determined to bring authenticity and make sure that his version of Sebastian sounded like someone actually from Jamaica rather than just a caricature or stereotype. Diggs continued:

So when the day comes that you watch the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, whether it be in a theater or when it arrives on home media and Disney+, remember how much work Daveed Diggs poured into voicing an anthropomorphic crab who advises the king of Atlantica. I’ll be curious to hear the final product when it’s paired with the realistic-looking Sebastian… which, as I think about it, could look rather frightening if Disney is taking a Lion King-like approach with designing its creatures. On the other hand, maybe Digg’s Sebastian will still have a cartoonish quality about him.

In any case, along with Daveed Diggs, The Little Mermaid’s voice cast includes Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Awkwafina as Scuttle, while the live-action performers include Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton, along with Noma Dumezweni and Emily Coates in undisclosed roles. Mary Poppins Returns’ Rob Marshall is directing the Little Mermaid remake off a script by Jane Goldman and David Magee. Filming was initially supposed to begin in April 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cameras didn’t start rolling until towards the end of the year.

Disney hasn’t announced yet when The Little Mermaid remake will swim into theaters, so keep checking back for that information and more updates on the movie’s development. You can also plan what movies you’ll hopefully get to watch on the big screen later this year with our 2021 release schedule.

Daveed Diggs is a versatile actor with many other roles besides his breakout performances in Hamilton. However, the actor has admittedly struggled to shake the shadow of Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette in the years since he put the roles behind him. This isn't the case on Snowpiercer, where he plays post-apocalyptic revolutionary Andre Layton, who has not sang or danced one step since the series' beginning.

Ahead of Snowpiercer Season 2, I had the opportunity to speak with Daveed Diggs and, during the conversation, i asked if he was grateful to play a character who doesn't sing or dance. Diggs then revealed that his lack of song and dance is not for lack of trying. The actor assured me he was grateful and gave a great reason why he shouldn't be the one singing or dancing on the show now or in the future:

For anyone who may not know, Lena Hall is the Tony award-winning actress who plays Miss Audrey in Snowpiercer. As Daveed Diggs mentioned, she's the one the show should and has tapped for singing so far. Hall's Miss Audrey had a standout singing scene in Season 1, in which she sang Frank Ocean's "Bad Religion" for passengers in the train car.

And for anyone wondering whether the stance on Andre Layton singing or dancing will change for future seasons, showrunner Graeme Manson backed up Daveed Diggs' wishes when I spoke to him ahead of the Season 1 finale. Manson spoke about why he wasn't interested in showing that side of Diggs on the show and, like the actor, pointed out he's not the only person on the show something like that can be written for:

It's hard to imagine there will be much singing or dancing in Season 2 of Snowpiercer, as the revolution subsided just in time for Sean Bean's Mr. Wilford to commandeer Snowpiercer with Big Alice. With all the things Melanie warned Layton about regarding Mr. Wiilford, he may be more focused on maintaining his new position of power and hierarchy of the train than anything. Andre Layton's skills as a leader have yet to be shown in full but, given what he's said to be up against in Wilford, Diggs can hope his character is as strong a leader as he is at acting and rapping.

Snowpiercer Season 2 airs on TNT Mondays at 9:00 p.m. ET. Be sure to follow CinemaBlend for more interviews with the cast all season long and for a look at what other television is headed to your screen in 2021.

While it is exciting to see actors who have never voiced a Pixar character pop up in a new film, it is especially a treat when they bring back a few veterans (i.e., A Bug’s Life’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Onward, for instance). Yet, as far as I can tell, it seems that the Soul cast (specifically the main players) are all newcomers to the acclaimed animation studio.

That being said, I do guarantee you will be able to recognize most of the voices, including that of Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, when the latest Pixar release becomes available to stream from Disney+ on Christmas Day. In fact, Soul, which follows a prematurely deceased music teacher’s journey back into his earthly body, boasts a pretty top-notch ensemble of A-listers, for the most part. However, I cannot seem to find any information on John Ratzenberger’s character or any real confirmation that Pixar’s good luck charm is in the cast at all.

Of course, that may not be any reason to panic, as his cameo might just be kept under wraps to prevent any crucial spoilers (I hope). As for the actors who we know for sure are in the film, we break down 12 of the biggest names from the cast of Soul, who they are, and who their character is, starting with the “lively” central role.

Jamie Foxx (Joe Gardner)

While he has never played a man seeking a way back to the land of the living before (excluding his titular role in the upcoming Spawn reboot, that is), Jamie Foxx certainly has the experience to play the musically inclined central character of Soul, having played piano since childhood, led a Grammy-winning singing career, and earned an Oscar for portraying Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic, Ray. Joe Gardner is the first major voice acting role for Foxx (who will reportedly reprise Spider-Man villain Electro in an upcoming MCU sequel) since starring as Nico in Blue Sky’s Rio franchise.

Tina Fey (22)

Joining Joe on his quest to be reborn is the yet-to-be-born 22, played by Tina Fey, who voiced a burrito in Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, foster mother to a magical fish in Ponyo, and a Lois Lane parody in Megamind before starring in Soul. The former Saturday Night Live star and 30 Rock creator also recently appeared in her friend (and Pixar vet) Amy Poehler’s directorial debut Wine Country in 2019, and the Ted Danson-led sitcom Mr. Mayor, which she created, will premiere on NBC in January.

Graham Norton (Moonwind)

Outside of his popular BBC talk show, as an actor, Graham Norton is best known (in the States, at least) for playing for himself in films such as the 2016 feature-length spin-off of Absolutely Fabulous, or the more recent Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga on Netflix. The Irish comedian makes his voice acting debut in a major motion picture with Soul as Moonwind, a very enthusiastic sign twirler whom Joe ends up meeting later on in the afterlife.

Rachel House (Terry)

While Terry, a soul counter looking to make her quota by hunting down Joe Gardner in Soul, is the Pixar debut of actress Rachel House, it is her third voice acting role for Disney after playing Gramma Tala in Moana and Mama Binturong in The Lion Guard - a Lion King spin-off series on Disney Junior. You may also recognize the New Zealander as the Grandmaster’s personal guard, Topaz, in Thor: Ragnarok, which was her fourth collaboration with director Taika Waititi, so far.

Richard Ayoade (Counselor Jerry)

Speaking of Taika Waititi, if you struggle to remember where you heard Richard Ayoade’s voice before hearing him in Soul, it may have been as bug-eyed protocol droid “Zero” on The Mandalorian, an easily frightened tribal giant in Early Man, or Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi's servant Ice Cream Cone in The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. For his first Pixar film, the English comedian, filmmaker, and TV presenter (best known as Maurice Moss on the hit BBC sitcom The IT Crowd) plays one of several counselors tasked with explaining the afterlife to Joe Gardner who, for some reason, are each named Jerry.

Alice Braga (Counselor Jerry)

Also billed as “Counselor Jerry” in Soul is Alice Braga, whose only other voice acting credit is as her Predators character in a motion comic prequel to the 2010 sci-fi action flick - a genre the actress is well-versed in. After making her film debut in City of God (set in her home country, Brazil), Braga became more well-known in the U.S. as an apocalypse survivor in I Am Legend, an indebted artificial organ recipient in Repo Men, and an impoverished mother in Elysium, but she will tackle the superhero genre a second time (following a role in The New Mutants) as a rebel soldier in The Suicide Squad in 2021.

Wes Studi (Counselor Jerry)

Also well-versed in sci-fi, action, and comic book movies is Wes Studi - the third actor to play “Counselor Jerry” in Soul who is also known for playing The Sphinx in underrated superhero satire Mystery Men, Casals in Heat, and countless roles that represent his Native American heritage, including Dances with Wolves, The Last of the Mohicans, Hostiles, and Avatar (which I would say counts, in a way). Previously, the 73-year-old actor also voiced a helicopter in Disney Animation’s Planes: Fire & Rescue - which, while not a Pixar production, was intended to be a spin-off from Cars.

Angela Bassett (Dorothea Williams)

Years after her Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It, Angela Bassett takes the stage again as saxophonist Dorothea Williams, leader of the jazz band Joe Gardner aspires to join right before his sudden “departure.” Before Soul, the most notable voice acting credits for the star of Black Panther, Boyz n the Hood, and American Horror Story were as Mildred in Disney’s Meet the Robinsons, and a recurring role on Netflix’s Bojack Horseman as the titular equestrian actor’s publicist turned lover.

Questlove (Curly)

Playing Curly, drummer for the Dorothea Williams Quartet, in Soul is Questlove, drummer for The Roots, whom you can see every weeknight in Jimmy Fallon’s house band on The Tonight Show. Since the musician, born Ahmir Khalib Thompson, typically plays himself in more dramatic work, such as in Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping or the music industry drama series Empire, it is pretty cool to see Pixar give him an original role that still reflects his real-life expertise.

Esther Chae (Miho)

Much of Ester Chae’s previous voice acting work, such as in Netlifx’s Over the Moon or providing ADR on a few Marvel films, has gone uncredited. In fact, she has been left uncredited for many notable live action appearances, including 2004’s Collateral, and Sisters from 2015 - which each actually star her Soul co-stars Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, respectively. Hopefully, the Dorothea Williams Quartet’s bass player Miho is the first of more roles that audiences remember the 49-year-old Korean-American from by name.

Phylicia Rashad (Libba Gardner)

The name many audiences remember Phylicia Rashad by is Clair Huxtable - the lawyer and mother of five she played on The Cosby Show for eight seasons - but, lately, she has become known as the adoptive mother of Michael B. Jordan’s aspiring boxer in Creed and its sequel. In Soul, the Emmy-nominated actress is the voice of Joe Gardner’s mother, Libba.

Daveed Diggs (Paul)

Showing off his impeccable skill in rapping at unusually high speeds in two roles from the original cast of Hamilton earned Daveed Diggs a Tony, a Grammy, and household name status as one of the most exciting stars working today. Personally, I am hoping we get to see the star of TNT’s series adaptation of Snowpiercer and Ferdinand exhibit more of his unique talent in Soul, in which he plays Joe Gardner’s neighborhood nemesis, Paul.

What do you think? Do we have a good chance of seeing Daveed Diggs play another a rap master in Soul, or do you think he might debut another talent of his for this character? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for additional information and updates on the cast of Soul, as well as even more inside looks into who is voicing who in the most anticipated animated films, here on CinemaBlend.

In the past few years, Hollywood has been making a significant effort to provide more diverse stories, told and performed by artists from a range of backgrounds. We still have a long way to go, especially in terms of the people in gatekeeper positions in the industry, but there’s a lot that can be celebrated for minorities, including people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. And the theater industry is also making moves, namely with Hamilton.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap musical stars people of color across the board and tells the story of the Founding Fathers through a modern lens. But overall, the theater community has only seen a “modest improvement” in the hiring of actors and stage managers from diverse backgrounds in the past three years. Contracts signed by people of color increased by only 8% from 15 to 23%, according to the new Actors’ Equity diversity and inclusion report (via Deadline).

The study noted that the improvement since the previous study from 2017 is “extremely gradual, inconsistent and not enough to change longtime problems in the industry.” Hamilton is noted on its own as promoting change among actors and stage managers in theater.

There’s just not enough happening outside the Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning phenomenon to account for substantial change. For context, Hamilton opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre back in 2015 and has continued to reign there since.

The report also shares that Black men and women represent about half (45.7%) of the increase in people of color hires. Contracts going to women went up only a little over one percent, from 43.5 to 44.9%, with the gender pay gap still largely prominent in the theater community. Non-binary, gender non-conforming individuals and transgender people were also noted in the pay disparity. Only about 1% of contracts were issued to people with disabilities, even though roughly one in four Americans live with one. And less people over the age of 65 were issued contracts in comparison to 2017’s report.

The presence of Hamilton moved the needle, but it cannot exist on its own as theater goes forward. It will inspire more creators and open the door for more diverse stories to be told on the stage, though. There’s clearly a demand for it, considering that since the musical dropped on Disney+ over the summer, it has remained the most-watched new release of the year. It's been in high demand in internationally in places like Brazil, which recently received access without subtitles.

The theater industry is, of course, at a standstill right now with the ongoing pandemic. Theater does, however, continue to live on through streaming for the moment, next with a Netflix adaptation of The Prom coming on December 11. There's also Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, which is set for theatrical over summer.

Anyone who’s experienced a sudden rise to fame will probably tell you it has its upsides and downsides. Hamilton’s Daveed Diggs went from being an up-and-coming actor and musician to being one of the most famous people to ever grace a Broadway stage. In retrospect, it sounds like it was a lot to take in all at once -- but he’s now finding it’s a bit easier to manage all the hype surrounding Hamilton.

Before Daveed Diggs booked Hamilton, he focused much of his creative energy into being a hip hop artist. That eventually led him to Tommy Kail and Lin-Manuel Miranda, two of the primary creative forces behind the soon-to-be world famous musical. The rest is, not to put too fine a point on it, history.

He may not have envisioned himself becoming part of such a huge phenomenon when he signed on to play Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. In a conversation with NME, Daveed Diggs admitted that he’s coming to terms with the hype that helped catapult his career:

There’s no denying that Hamilton served as a high-profile stepping stone for Daveed Diggs’ career (if winning a Tony Award and starring in the most talked-about musical of the 21st century doesn’t get your foot in the door, what will?). He’s spoken before about struggling with the attention and the impact that Hamilton had on his life and career choices, and it’s easy to understand how it might be difficult to focus on your whole career when you keep being asked to comment on just one part of it.

The actor has made the most of his newfound fame, though. He’s channeled his talent for acting and writing through several successful projects. He contributed an original song to Zootopia and wrote, produced and starred in the indie drama Blindspotting. He continues to create music and perform with two of his pre-Hamilton collaborations, clipping. and Freestyle Love Supreme.

He’s also continued to show his strengths as an actor, from supporting roles in films like Wonder to starring roles in Velvet Buzzsaw and the television adaptation of Snowpiercer. He’s also been cast as the voice of Sebastian the Crab in Disney’s highly anticipated remake of The Little Mermaid.

TNT's Snowpiercer showed some pretty crazy things on its train in Season 1, but apparently, the fun is only just getting started. Fans may remember the train was breached and boarded by Big Alice, a vessel run by none other than the man who developed the entire idea for everlasting trains as a means to save humanity: Mr. Wilford. Wilford was presumed dead for most of Season 1, but now he's back, and that could be a very good or bad thing depending on who you believe.

Melanie and the engineers teased that a train led by Mr. Wilford could be in very dire straits upon connection with Snowpiercer, and while the cast didn't speak much about that during their panel for New York Comic-Con, series lead Daveed Diggs did tease a bit about the crew aboard the second train. Diggs equated the crew with people from an alternate dimension, and it seems like he kind of digs it. He said:

While I'm not sure exactly what that means to the state of the Big Alice and Snowpiercer Season 2, it does seem that the engineering team's instincts were spot on when they said Mr. Wilford's train would likely cultivate a different type of society than one they knew. This was mostly due to Melanie's revelation that Wilford is more of a con man than anything, and it was the hard work she and others did that ensured his Eternal Engine project was actually a viable means of survival.

According to Melanie Cavill, Mr. Wilford was merely about living as well as he could for as long as it lasted. It was her fear that his reason for connecting was because the 40-car Big Alice was no longer self-sustaining, and that they were coming on to more or less commandeer an already struggling Snowpiercer after the revolution sparked all-out class warfare. Mr. Wilford may only make matters worse, according to Melanie, though it's worth noting that she's had a spotty track record of truth-telling since Snowpiercer's start.

As far as what other things Snowpiercer fans can expect from the addition of Big Alice, showrunner Graeme Manson teased even more exciting interiors on the way. He also hinted a bit about the world inside Big Alice:

I can only speculate as to what that means, but I have a feeling that Andre Layton's successful revolution is about to face another struggle. He may be able to overcome it provided he and Melanie Cavill can stay on the same page, which may be a big ask considering he overthrew her rule and exposed that she had been posing as Mr. Wilford for the past 7 years. Sometimes the best alliances form under a common enemy, however, so if Mr. Wilford is as bad as Melanie says he is, I'd expect the two will be working together before too long.

Snowpiercer Season 2 premieres on TNT Sunday, January 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the franchise in the meantime, and for the latest news happening in television and movies.

Since his breakout role in Hamilton, Daveed Diggs has built up a remarkable filmography of great variety, from playing a cyclist in HBO sports mockumentary Tour de Pharmacy, voicing a hedgehog in Ferdinand (the first of a few animated animal characters) and, most recently, appearing as a Chicago detective stuck on a self-sustaining bullet train with the last of humanity in Snowpiercer. Interestingly enough, an actor of his magnitude would normally have a Marvel superhero movie role under their belt by now, but what’d we miss?

Well, it turns we have not missed anything, and the 38-year-old actor, writer, producer, and musician still has yet to play a superhero. While it is no secret that the man is busy with several projects, including his casting as the new voice of Sebastian in the forthcoming live action update of The Little Mermaid, his cred with Disney alone should be enough to get Kevin Feige give him a call.

Furthermore, the amount of amazing characters who have yet to be introduced into the MCU is sizable. The following six of those heroic or villainous names are the ones I believe Daveed Diggs would blow us all away as if cast.

Black Marvel

Among the numerous iterations of this masked vigilante (most recognizably the wealthy Daniel Lyons' alter ego, a more intriguing origin, in my opinion, comes from the '90s Spider-Man cartoon. Spidey teams up with a group of veteran superheroes called the Six American Warriors who discover their super soldier serum enhanced member, the Black Marvel, was not Dan Lyons as they assumed, but a black man named Omar Mosely. While this socially conscious twist predated a similar reveal in HBO's Watchmen, to avoid seemingly copying the 2019 miniseries, perhaps it would be best to just change the origin altogether if Daveed Diggs were cast.

Bishop

Since the merger between Disney and Fox, fans have been curious if Marvel Studios' plan to bring the X-Men into the MCU will involve a full-scale recasting or perhaps binding the alternate realities together in some classic dimension-spanning fashion. One character who could help make that possible is Lucas Bishop, who originated from the timeline in which the deadly Sentinels drive all mutants into hiding, and was played by Omar Sy in X-Men: Days of Future Past. If the French actor were to turn down a reprisal of the multi-powerful mutant for an MCU debut that could connect the universes together, Daveed Diggs has already been rocking a similar look on Snowpiercer.

Night Thrasher

Daveed Diggs' astonishing athleticism, which he has displayed by literally leaping on the stage in Hamilton performances, would come in handy if he were cast as the acrobatic Night Thrasher. The alter ego of Dwayne Michael Taylor, who was supposed to debut in the cancelled Freeform series The New Warriors, has a similar origin to Batman, as he's also a wealthy businessman whose parents' murder inspired his self-training in expert martial arts, weapons design, etc. If those similarities mean that Diggs would fill the role of MCU's equivalent to Batman (especially after Avengers: Endgame sealed Tony Stark's fate), then so be it.

Doctor Voodoo

His name and spooky attire may give off a bit off a bit of a menacing impression, but Doctor Voodoo has actually been very helpful whenever the Avengers would require assistance from the magic of his namesake. The Haitian-born Jericho Drumm is, essentially, the Sorcerer Supreme in the realm of voodoo, and actually held that title prior to Stephen Strange, whom it's rumored he'll fight alongside in Sam Raimi's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness under his former alias of Brother Voodoo. The role has yet to be cast, so assuming this character is indeed showing up, Daveed Diggs still has a chance to work his magic in the audition room.

Patriot

Another character who has been teased to make a live action debut in the MCU at some point is Patriot, who is not to be confused with Super-Patriot, whom Wyatt Russell's character in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was once known as in the comics. Coincidentally, the upcoming Disney+ exclusive series is where we may expect to see the Captain America-esque alter ego of Elijah Bradley, as his Captain America-esque grandfather Isaiah is reportedly said to play a role of some sort in Sam Wilson's (Anthony Mackie) evolution to take the place of Cap. That news strongly suggests that Elijah could, and honestly should, be involved, and even if Daveed Diggs is a bit older than the traditional depiction of the Young Avengers member, he could totally pass as, at least, 21.

Nova

One character whose MCU introduction has been much-anticipated and often teased, especially by Guardians of the Galaxy helmer James Gunn, is Nova, the cosmic warrior alter ego of Richard Rider. The sole surviving officer of the Nova Corps has yet to be make a transition from the pages of Marvel into a screen adaptation of any kind, which I interpret as a golden opportunity to take a few creative liberties. That being said, Daveed Diggs could be the perfect choice to portray a reimagining of Nova, having had experience in playing a victim of tragic circumstances in Blindspotting.

What do you think? Does Daveed Diggs deserve at shot at bringing these comic book characters to the MCU, or does he seem more like a DC guy to you? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for additional information and updates on the multi-talented artist, as well as even more hypothetical superhero movies casting calls, here on CinemaBlend.

2020 has certainly been a notable year for Daveed Diggs. On top of being one of the main voices in the Apple TV+ series Central Park and a lead cast member on TNT’s Snowpiercer series, a lot of folks are seeing his performances as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton for the first time thanks to Disney+. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if Marvel decided to recruit Diggs for one of its movies, and some fans already have him in mind for a role in the next Doctor Strange movie.

It’s been rumored that Brother Voodoo, a powerful practitioner of the mystic arts and longtime ally of Stephen Strange in the comics, will appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While they has yet to be officially confirmed, over on Reddit, Daveed Diggs was suggested as a worthy actor to bring Voodoo to life, and clearly plenty of users like this fan-casting.

For those unfamiliar with Brother Voodoo, his real name is Jericho Drumm and he was originally an esteemed psychologist in the United States. However, upon returning to his native Haiti after learning his brother, Daniel Drumm, was dying, Jericho studied voodoo practices and eventually became skilled enough in this kind of magic to avenge his brother’s death. There was also a period where Voodoo inherited the Eye of Agamotto and served as the Sorcerer Supreme when Doctor Strange renounced the mantle.

Of course, suggesting Daveed Diggs for the Brother Voodoo role led to a lot of Hamilton references and jokes on that Reddit thread. For instance, adjusting one of the lyrics in “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” results in the following:

You can also adjust a line from “The Reynolds Pamphlet” to get:

And then, of course, with Brother Voodoo having not been present for the first three phases of the MCU, he can channel the same kind of attitude that Thomas Jefferson had in the beginning of Hamilton’s second act. Coming to the Sanctum Sanctorum after Avengers: Endgame, Voodoo can say:

Again, it’s worth remembering that Brother Voodoo’s inclusion in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is far from a sure thing right now, although groundwork has already been laid for him to come in. In 2016’s Doctor Strange, Daniel Drumm was the protector of the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York, but he was killed by Kaecilius. If Jericho Drumm appeared in The Multiverse of Madness, he could aid Strange on his crazy journey, and maybe we’d even see him channel Daniel’s spirit.

Along with Benedict Cumberbatch obviously reprising Stephe Strange, the only MCU characters who are confirmed to appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness are Benedict Wong’s Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Mordo and Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch. Although he’s still involved as an executive producer, Scott Derrickson won’t direct the sequel, with Sam Raimi inheriting those duties.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now set to hit theaters on March 25, 2022, so keep checking back with CinemaBlend for updates on its development, including if Daveed Diggs does indeed get cast as Brother Voodoo. Be sure to also look through our comprehensive guide detailing what other MCU movies are on the way.

Because the composer of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, was already quite well known for his Tony-winning musical In the Heights, the historical lesson in rhyme’s breakout star is, undoubtedly, Daveed Diggs. Himself a Tony and Grammy-winner for his dual roles as Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette, the actor has since garnered a reputation that is worth taking a lesson in.

The 38-year-old native of Oakland, California, has gone from a career in substitute teaching to playing a teacher in the 2017 drama Wonder, from pain a rebel spy in the animated Star Wars: Resistance to a rebellious former detective in the dystopian series Snowpiercer, and lending his voice to Pixar’s Soul as well as Sebastian in Disney’s upcoming live action update of The Little Mermaid. In addition to acting, Daveed Diggs also made his writing debut co-creating Blindspotting and has a career that dates back long before his star-making turn on Broadway.

Care to hear all about what you missed in the life of Daveed Diggs? Here are six intriguing facts about the enduringly popular super-fast rapper and living Broadway legend.

Daveed Diggs Was A Record-Breaking Track Star In College

A dazzling performance with the rest of the cast of Hamilton at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards saw Daveed Diggs exhibiting his astonishing physicality by literally leaping off the stage, a skill he attributed, while having a talk with Boston.com, to his experience while attending Brown University. That is not a reference to his degree in theatre arts, but to his athletic career as one of the Ivy League school's most accomplished track runners, breaking the Rhode Island college's all-time record at 110-meter hurdles in 14.21 seconds during his sophomore year. It seems to have been fate that Lin-Manuel Miranda would envision Diggs' role as French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette as a man of acrobatic talent.

Daveed Diggs Has Been Rapping Since Long Before Hamilton

While his talent for dropping sick, high-speed rhymes did not make him a mainstream sensation until the Broadway debut of Hamilton, rapping has been Daveed Diggs' specialty since high school. It became more of a professional gig when he and his longtime friend Rafael Casal collaborated on a mixtape released in 2010 before joining the experimental hip-hop group clipping. as their vocalist soon after. Diggs has even released his own solo work and has contributed to the soundtracks for various film and TV projects, including the 2016 animated Disney hit Zootopia and the Netflix original series The Get Down.

Daveed Diggs’ Vocals Were Dubbed By Nas In The Get Down

Speaking of the period piece tracing the roots of hip-hop, when The Get Down's narrator, Daveed Diggs, makes his official appearance as the adult Ezekiel Figuero (otherwise known as "Books" and played as a teen by Justice Smith) you might have noticed that his voice is distinctly different from its natural sound. That is because his raps are dubbed over with the vocals of Nas, the legendary, Grammy-nominated artist who also serves as executive producer on the series co-created by Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby director Baz Luhrmann.

The Concept For Blindspotting Came From Daveed Diggs' Poetry Collaborations With Rafael Casal

In Blindspotting, Daveed Diggs plays a man whose nearly ended parole is threatened by tragic circumstances and the problematic actions of his best friend (Rafael Casal). The 2018 comedy-drama is rich in themes of racial tension, gentrification, and other deeply pressing topics for its time, which makes the realization that Diggs and Casal, known best for his spoken word performances, had been working on the screenplay for the better part of a decade all the more surprising.

The real-life friends, pals since they met at Berkeley High School, spoke to Rolling Stone about how the development came from an idea to translate their poetic collaborations into a feature film offering an honest depiction of their hometown of Oakland, only to see their vision become all the more relevant by the time the critically acclaimed story was realized.

Daveed Diggs Met His Childhood Idol, MC Hammer, At A Hamilton Performance

In another interview for Rolling Stone, this time a video about "first times," Daveed Diggs cites MC Hammer as one of his greatest influences as a child, as the Grammy-winning mastermind behind "U Can't Touch This" and the most striking fashion sense of the 1990s was one to prove that an Oakland like himself could hit the big time. He even mentions occasionally spotting the man himself walking down his home street as he was growing up, despite having gone "international" by then. He was finally able to call his hero a friend after Hammer came to see a performance of Hamilton on Broadway, which left Diggs "maybe the most starstruck I have ever been, actually," until texting each other became a regular occurrence between the two artists.

Researching Chicago Helped Daveed Diggs Develop His Performance In Snowpiercer

For his lead TV role, Daveed Diggs stars in Snowpiercer, a series inspired by the 2014 film of the same name from director Bong Joon-ho in which a global cataclysmic snowstorm forces the rest of humanity's sole survivors to develop a class system on the titular self-sustaining bullet train. An interview with the actor for the Los Angeles Times reports that, while developing his performance on the TNT original, instead of looking into visions of dystopia and Orwellian concepts, he set his sight on the Windy City. "Most of my research involved trying to feel a certain Chicago-ness," Diggs said about his Illinois-native character, former homicide detective Andre Layton, adding that he wanted to achieve "a somewhat colder-than-me way of living and zero in on the qualities a good detective would have."

Be sure to check back for additional information and updates on the Hamilton star, other members of the stage sensation’s brilliant cast, and more inside looks into the lives of your favorite celebrities here on CinemaBlend.

Daveed's Diggs' respective characters in Hamilton and Snowpiercer have one similarity: they're all about starting a revolution. Andre Layton goes about things a bit differently than Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, especially in regards to Hamilton, in that he talks with his fists and sharp mind as opposed to song lyrics.

Layton does have a sharp tongue, to be sure, but he only used it for cutting remarks and inspiring people in Season 1 of Snowpiercer. He's not much of a rapper that we've seen so far, and per my recent conversation with showrunner Graeme Manson, audiences shouldn't expect to see Daveed Diggs' character laying out any hip-hop verses anytime soon. In Manson's words:

It's an answer I was expecting, though there's no denying that Snowpiercer offers some narrative avenues for Andre Layton to be a less-serious version of himself, such as dream sequences, Kronole-induced nightmares, or that trippy mirrored car. All it would take is a train car with a karaoke machine in it for the Snowpiercer character to reveal his lighter side. Unfortunately, Graeme Manson has confirmed nothing like that is on the table for what has been completed for Season 2, so expect Layton to keep things on a serious tip going forward.

With that being said, Graeme Manson did say Snowpiercer has some singing-related surprises for audiences up ahead. Similar to the performance of Frank Ocean's "Bad Religion" in Season 1, it sounds like there may be more stuff in that vein on the way in the already green-lit (and mostly filmed) Season 2. According to the showrunner:

Sad to hear Snowpiercer won't utilize the singing abilities of Daveed Diggs, who has seen renewed popularity after Hamilton recently debuted on Disney+. It's completely understandable, howeve, given the actor's past comments on being typecast as his Hamilton characters. Andre Layton is very far removed from those stage iterations of historical figures, minus the whole part about being a revolutionary that's integral to sparking change within their respective communities. The role of Layton provides an opportunity for audiences to see Diggs further expanding his range as an actor outside of the uber-famous Broadway musical.

It is definitely cool to know that Snowpiercer will continue to showcase musical moments with other actors throughout the series. It's also a bit surprising, considering there weren't a lot of reasons for song-and-dance sequences throughout Season 1. With things possibly getting even darker with Mr. Wilford's arrival ahead of Season 2, will Sean Bean's character give the Tail and Third something to sing about, or will it be Ruth and First singing his praises?

Snowpiercer Season 2 is currently in development, and Season 1 is available via TNT's website and on-demand services. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the show, and more news happening in the world of television and movies.

Warning! The following will contain spoilers for the Season 1 finale of Snowpiercer. Read at your own risk!

Snowpiercer Season 1 came to quite an exciting ending on TNT, and in what feels like par for the course, the finale left us with some questions to ponder. Some might even say they're just about the biggest questions of the season, since Layton's short rule over the titular train may be in jeopardy thanks to an unexpected arrival that sets up Season 2.

The emergence and alleged return of Mr. Wilford (played by Sean Bean) was crazy enough, but what's even crazier are all the potential implications that his arrival sets up. I'll get into all that below, of course, as well as some of the other plot points that inspired our final batch of questions going into the possibly long wait for Season 2.

Was The Revolution All For Nothing?

The biggest casualty of Mr. Wilford's return may be Layton's new order for the train, which had only just gotten put into place. Wilford will arrive on a train that's operating differently from the way he attended, and he's presumably coming from a train that had maintained the familiar First-Third Class hierarchy. But did Wilford have Tailees on his train, and were they allowed to stay? Will he allow Layton (who isn't based on Thomas Jefferson to the best of our knowledge) to interfere with the state of the train he's been on? If that's the case, it's hard not to think the entire revolution was all for naught.

Is There Any Real Future Between Layton And Zarah?

Layton and Zarah momentarily bonded after agreeing to provide a good future for their child, but it seemed like a romantic relationship was actually far removed from the equation. It may be that Layton still hasn't let go of the fact Zarah left him for Third, or that she sold Josie out to Melanie after the child was threatened. In either case, this seems like one pairing that is shouldn't inspire any romantically hopeful hashtags, though that could change in Season 2.

Is Wilford A True Genius Or A Con Man?

A couple of episodes ago, Melanie and Ruth shared their thoughts about who Mr. Wilford was, and their viewpoints varied drastically. I was inclined to believe Melanie saw Wilford as something of a fraud and con man, because Ruth seemed out of the loop on so many things, but that capture of the train gave me pause. If Wilford was merely an incapable idiot, how did he manage to run a completely separate train that has survived just as long as the one run by Melanie and the engineers? Is it possible both of the women were partially right, with the truth about Wilford lying somewhere in between?

Will Melanie Be Reunited With Her Daughter?

Season 1 ended with Melanie outside the Snowpiercer after she failed to stop Mr. Wilford from attaching his newly revealed train. Because of that, she missed meeting her daughter, who'd fallen into Mr. Wilford's care since the trains departed. I'm not wholly convinced Melanie is done trying to uncouple the trains, mind you, and after seeing what she's been capable of in the past, think she could be successful. My question is, will she break the trains up without ever realizing she missed a chance to see the daughter she thought was dead? How tragic would that be?

Okay, So Is That Melanie's Daughter?

The Season 2 teaser had me relatively certain that Sean Bean is playing Mr. Wilford, but is that girl claiming to be Melanie's child really who she says she is? Melanie said her daughter and parents weren't at the platform like they were supposed to be, so maybe Wilford found them to get leverage on Melanie. On the flip side, Snowpiercer has taught me that the apocalypse can make people desperate and eager to do whatever it takes to survive, so who's to say that a conniving Wilford didn't coach some random girl to pose as Melanie's daughter? It would be the perfect way to manipulate her after his shocking arrival, and if Wilford is the man Melanie has teased, such a ploy sounds like it would be in his wheelhouse.

Will Ruth Turn On The Snowpiercer?

When it was first thought that Mr. Wilford was on his way, no one was more excited than Ruth. She's going to be his greatest ally on Snowpiercer if he wants it, and is likely more than willing to do his bidding, provided it's not too extreme. Ruth does have a moral compass, though I question how much it has been affected by recent events and the change in the train's hierarchy. I mean, she pulled a gun on Layton in front of children, so it's not like she's in the most stable of moods at the moment.

How Many More Trains Are There?

The appearance of a second train was pretty mindblowing, and now I'm questioning just how many trains might be in rotation. I know the graphic novel Le Transperceneige detailed several trains were running, so can we assume several more trains are still operating seven years after departure? And if those trains are fully independent of the Snowpiercer, what might their bottled-up societies be like in comparison?

Does Anybody Feel Bad For LJ?

I'm sorry, but are we really supposed to feel bad for LJ? She was a key part of this revolution, yet didn't take a moment to foresee that she would lose her parents in the Tail and Third's coup of the train? I don't feel bad, especially considering she was chopping off penises not that long ago. She deserved to get put out of her car and lost within the train, though that may make her all the more dangerous whenever she seeks to be in the spotlight again.

Am I Supposed To Know How The Mirrored Train Car Works?

I've seen it a few times now, and I'm still in the dark about the mirrored train car works, along with Miss Audrey's whole schtick. I understand that she does some spiritual healing, but those spiritual sequences are a real trip. Are those moments just Snowpiercer showing us what's happening in character's heads, or is that train car stocked with high-budget special effects? I'm fine with either answer, but I feel like I need that insight to effectively gauge the character of Miss Audrey as a whole.

Snowpiercer Season 1 is complete, and Season 2 is on the way to TNT at some point in the future. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more details on the series, and the latest news happening in television and movies.

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One of the most lasting presences among the talented original Hamilton cast is Daveed Diggs, who has since moved on to work in movies such as Blindspotting, and his new television series based on Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer on TNT. During his time in the Broadway phenomenon, he played two characters (Marquis de Lafayette in the first act and Thomas Jefferson in the second) and, apparently, at one time he was self conscious about spewing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrics on stage.

Something to keep in mind is that Hamilton was Daveed Digg’s big break. He nabbed the role after working with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Chris Jackson in an improv hip-hop crew called Freestyle Love Supreme, so when he found himself in the big leagues so soon it took time for him to find his confidence. The actor revealed how he got over his fear when answering a question from WIRED about whether he sang in a French accent during the Broadway run. In his words:

When he plays Marquis de Lafayette the character has a French accent when he is speaking, but, as it turns out, the actor decided to use the accent to the best of his ability for the hip-hop numbers, too, in order to help get over the uncomfortableness he had with singing. He used it as a way to kind of trick his brain into getting into character and imagining he was still acting rather than performing a song. It was a smart move because he’s one of the most powerful parts of the musical.

Although the actor is proud of his time in Hamilton, he has also expressed how “terrified” he is for his performance to be available on streaming because he doesn’t enjoy watching himself back. Daveed Diggs has also recently been candid about how troubling it is for the role of Thomas Jefferson, a known “slave master” to define his career so far and often have an affect on what he is cast in.

Diggs finds himself constantly trying to push back against being only remembered for his role as the Founding Father. Even Lin-Manuel Miranda has grappled with recent criticism Hamilton has received regarding the ongoing conversation of systemic racism in the United States. Coming up, Diggs will play Sebastian in the live-action Little Mermaid movie and have a role in Pixar’s Soul hitting theaters on November 20. If you haven’t checked out his Lafayette and Jefferson in Hamilton, you can sign up for Disney+ subscription here.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway show Hamilton has become a pop culture phenomenon since opening back in 2015. The principal cast, Tony Awards in hand, have gone on to a variety of TV and film projects, including Daveed Diggs. This performance has been immortalized thanks to the Hamilton movie on Disney+, which captures his dual role as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson. Although he seems to believe Jefferson in particular has led to some typecasting.

Daveed Diggs was involved in Hamilton since its original workshop in 2014, staying on through Off-Broadway run and eventually the Broadway cast. Diggs won a Tony for his dual roles in the show, and has taken on an variety of film roles in the years since. Still, Diggs admits that the shadow of his Thomas Jefferson looms above his career. As he put it,

Typecasting is a common occurrence in the entertainment world, especially if you're known for a particularly iconic performance. Daveed Diggs' name will likely always be associated with Hamilton, with the actor having to selectively choose roles that aren't too similar to his rapping antagonist. And he's been busy since departing that role on the great white way.

Daveed Diggs' comments to THR's drama actor round table peel back the curtain on the specifics of his successful career as an actor. Because while the exposure and awards that came with Hamilton gave him bigger platform, it also came with plenty of offers for Jefferson-esque roles. On top of this being professionally frustration, Diggs also has mixed feelings about this association due to the Founding Father's history with slavery.

Hamilton is available exclusively on Disney+. You can use this link to sign up for the new streaming service.

Since departing his role as Lafayette/Jefferson in Hamilton back in July of 2016, Daveed Diggs has been very busy working on various film projects. After taking home the Tony for Best Featured Actor, he went to streaming in Baz Luhrmann's The Get Down and Tina Fey's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He then started booking film roles like Blindspotting and Wonder, before landing his role in TNT's Snowpiercer. He's also set to appear as Sebastian in the upcoming Little Mermaid movie, which is perhaps the closest gig to his Hamilton role given the need for his musicality and high energy performance.

We'll just have to see what comes next for Daveed Diggs, and which roles he'll have to pass on for being too close to Hamilton's Jefferson. You can check out Diggs' outstanding performance in the musical on Disney+. Be sure to check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

There are only a few Broadways shows in its historic history that have reached the towering heights Hamilton has seen. In fact, Hamilton's success around the world might truly be unprecedented. The multi-award-winning musical smash hit from Lin-Manuel Miranda is a highly-acclaimed, incredibly high-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical smash. While the production has toured nationwide, people are finally able to get to a chance to see the musical for themselves now that Disney has released a filmed version of the original 2015-2016 Broadway production onto their streaming platform Disney+ on July 3, 2020. 

Though in the years since this hit musical's original Broadway run, the show's talented original Broadway cast has moved on to several exciting projects. Let's take a look at what they've done since their final bow.

Lin-Manuel Miranda (Alexander Hamilton)

As the writer of the book, music and lyrics, as well as the title star, of Hamilton, this incredibly successful musical is undoubtedly Lin-Manuel Miranda's baby. Having previously won the Tony Award for Best Musical with In the Heights, Miranda was already one of the most promising young music talents on Broadway, but Hamilton proved to be an unbelievable triumph, propelling the actor/writer into worldwide stardom. Miranda holds a Pulitzer Prize, an Emmy Award, three Tonys, three Grammys, a MacArthur Fellowship, and a Kennedy Center Honor to his name. If he gets an Oscar (and he already has a nomination), he'll officially be an EGOT. That's undeniably impressive for the 40-year-old superstar, and he's continuing his ongoing career ascension. Since stepping away from performing Hamilton regularly on Broadway, Miranda has kept himself busy with a wide variety of new and exciting projects.

As an actor, Lin-Manuel Miranda starred in Mary Poppins Returns, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe award, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Curb Your Enthusiasm (as a variation of himself), Speech & Debate, His Dark Materials, Fosse/Verdon (which he helped executive produce), BoJack Horseman, and DuckTales. He also made an uncredited cameo in last year's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. He appeared as a guest and host on Saturday Night Live a couple times in the last few years. Additionally, Miranda provided music for 2016's Moana, for which he received his aforementioned Oscar nomination. 

Miranda has also been working hard to provide relief for those suffering in Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. In 2018, the performer did a three-week run of his award-winning show in Puerto Rico to provide relief funds. The engagement was sold out in a matter of hours.

Outside of his acting work, Lin-Manuel Miranda published Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks For Me & You in 2018, featuring illustrations from Jonny Sun. Additionally, Miranda produced In the Heights, a movie adaptation of his musical of the same name, which was expected to be released this year, but was moved to June 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Miranda admits he's continuing to work on it. Additionally, Miranda will jump into the director's chair soon to make a Netflix adaptation of Jonathan Larson's autobiographical musical, Tick, Tick... Boom. He previously played the lead role when it appeared on stage.

Miranda will produce Disney's The Little Mermaid live-action remake, and he'll make new music with Alan Menken. He'll also executive produce and compose The Kingkiller Chronicle and will provide songs for Sony Pictures Animation's Vivo. He's also making a documentary with Norman Lear about actress Rita Moreno.

Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton)

As Eliza Hamilton, Phillipa Soo played a prominent role as the female lead in Hamilton. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Tonys in 2016, and she continues to work hard on the stage and screen. As an actress, Soo starred in the CBS series, The Code, which aired for only one season. Shortly after Hamilton, Soo moved on to another Broadway production. Specifically, she appeared in Amelie, which played off and on Broadway in 2017, and The Parisian Woman, written by Beau Willimon (the creator of Netflix's House of Cards), which ran from 2017-2018. Recently, Soo appeared in Tumacho, which appeared for about a month off-broadway this year. She also provided voices for Moana and starred in Here and Now.

She'll next be seen in The Broken Heart Gallery. Soo also married actor Steven Pasquale (Rescue Me) in 2017.

Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr)

As Aaron Burr, the former Vice President who'd fatefully kill Alexander Hamilton (spoilers for those who fell asleep in history class!), Leslie Odom Jr. played a pivotal role in Hamilton. Sure enough, the accomplished theater actor found more fame since Hamilton's enormous success. He won Grammy and Tony Awards for his work in the sensational musical, and he's appeared in a number of movies and TV shows following his Broadway run, including The Good Wife, One Dollar, and Murder on the Orient Express. Most recently, Odom Jr. played another famous historical figure, William Still, in last year's Harriet, and he played a role in the post-apocalyptic romance movie, Only. As a musician, Odom Jr. released his second album in late 2016 with Simply Christmas. Also, this past November, he released his third album, titled Mr.

As a musician, Leslie Odom Jr. sang "America the Beautiful" during 2018's Super Bowl LII. In 2018, Odom Jr. released his first book, titled Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning. He also became a father with the birth of his daughter, Lucille Ruby, in 2017.

As an actor, Odom Jr. will star in The Many Saints of Newark, Regina King's One Night in Miami, Sia's Music, and Needle in the Timestack. Odom Jr. also lends his voice to the AppleTV animated series, Central Park, and he starred in a comedy pilot alongside Kerry Washington.

Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler)

As Angelica Schuyler, Renee Elise Goldsberry played one of the main characters in Hamilton. She won a Grammy for her work in the musical and as well as the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. An accomplished actress who appeared on the stage and screen in several noteworthy projects, including the original Broadway run of The Color Purple, as well as Rent and The Lion King, Goldsberry established herself before Hamilton's famous run. 

Prior to Hamilton, Goldsberry was seen in The Good Wife and One Life to Live, for which she received two Emmy nominations. Since Hamilton, she starred in the title role of HBO's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. She's also a series regular on Altered Carbon and starred in The House with a Clock on Its Walls and A24's Waves.

Christopher Jackson (George Washington)

As George Washington, the first president of these United States of America, Christopher Jackson had an important role in Hamilton. An accomplished actor and musician, notably taking over the role of Simba during The Lion King's extended run on Broadway, while also playing parts in After Midnight and In the Heights' original run, it was his Tony-nominated role in Hamilton that became his biggest claim to fame — even with The Lion King's lead role on his resume. While he previously appeared in Oz, Gossip Girl, and The Good Wife prior to Hamilton, while also composing for Sesame Street, the Broadway sensation continued to open doors. Following Hamilton, Jackson notably starred in a lead role on CBS' Bull and he appeared in Netflix's When They See Us. He also starred and sang in Moana.

Daveed Diggs (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson)

In the dual role of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Daveed Diggs gave an electrifying pair of performances during Hamilton's original run. The stage/screen actor walked away with Grammy and Tony Awards for his work in the acclaimed musical, and Diggs became one of the award-winning show's biggest successes. Outside of Hamilton, Diggs appeared in The Great Down, Black-ish and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He also played parts in Wonder, Velvet Buzzsaw and Ferdinand. Most notably, Diggs co-wrote, produced and played the lead in the indie dramedy, Blindspotting. He was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for this passion project. He also provided music for Zootopia and the short-lived series, The Mayor, the latter of which he also produced. As a musician, he worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Thomas Kail in the freestyle rap group, Freestyle Love Supreme, a.k.a. FLS.

Soon, Daveed Diggs lends his voice to the upcoming Pixar movie, Soul, and he'll be seen in The Starling, with Melissa McCarthy and Timothy Olyphant. He also plays a character in the AppleTV+ animated show, Central Park, and he did voice work for animated shows like Green Eggs & Ham, Bob's Burgers, and Star Wars Resistance. Additionally, Diggs plays one of the lead roles in the TNT series, Snowpiercer, based on the 2013 film of the same name. He's also set to voice Sebastian in Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

Okieriete Onaodowan (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison)

In the dual role of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, Okieriete Onaodowan played a key pair of roles in Hamilton. Having established himself as an actor of the stage and screen, Onaodowan continued to expand his resume after the show's incredible success. On TV, Onaodowan appeared in Girls, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Get Down. He currently plays a main role in Station 19, a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy. Furthermore, on Broadway, Onaodowan appeared in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.

Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton)

In the dual role of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Anthony Ramos is a young actor with lots of talent who boosted his acting/music career tremendously through Hamilton. Since then, Ramos has appeared in A Star is Born, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Will & Grace, Patti Cake$, Netflix's She's Gotta Have It, and, most recently, Trolls World Tour. He'll soon be seen in the Sundance film, Summertime, and he'll star in Honest Thief and in the lead role of In the Heights, which reconnects him with Lin-Manuel Miranda. He's also engaged to fellow Hamilton star Jasmine Cephas Jones.

Jonathan Groff (King George III)

As King George III, Jonathan Groff played one of the central antagonists in Hamilton during its original Broadway run. While several actors played the role during its off-broadway run, and several more took over during its continued presence on Broadway, Groff might be the actor people most commonly associate to this deliciously nasty role. Prior to Hamilton, Groff played the lead in Spring Awakening, and he received a Tony nomination for this performance. He was also known for voicing Kristoff in Frozen and he played the lead in HBO's underrated Looking, as well as roles in Boss and Glee. Since Hamilton, Groff starred in Netflix's Mindhunter and reprised his role as Kristoff in Frozen II. Additionally, in 2017, Groff appeared in 36 Questions, one of the first musical podcasts. Coming up, he's starring in The Matrix 4.

Jasmine Cephas Jones (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds)

In the dual roles of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds, Jasmine Cephas Jones played in the Grammy-winning cast of Hamilton. Since the show's incredibly successful run, she continues to work on the stage and screen. In theater, Jones recently appeared in the off-broadway production of Cyrano last year. On television, she was seen on HBO's Girls and in a reoccurring role on Mrs. Fletcher. She has also appeared in movies like Marriage Story, Blindspotting, and, most recently, The Photograph, and she's set to be seen in Honest Thief and One Night in Miami. She's also star in the TV series #Freerayshawn. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, Jones is engaged to fellow Hamilton star Anthony Ramos.

Who is your favorite Hamilton performer? Tell us in the comments.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Snowpiercer episode "These Are His Revolutions." Read at your own risk!

The revolution has arrived on Snowpiercer, and it seems like now was about as good a time as ever for Andre Layton, the Tail, and Third to wage their war against the First Class denizens. Of course, that was largely by design thanks to Layton revealing Melanie's secret to LJ, and making sure the upper crust was well into a power struggle of their own that kept their attention held.

The start of the revolution certainly looked strong, but can that pace be maintained through the rest of the season? I'm not entirely sure that it can, especially after that final scene showing Pike in First eating cake. I have a couple of questions based on that scene alone, as well as some regarding some other big events of tonight's episode. So let's get down to business.

Why The Hell Is Pike Working With First Class?

While I'm familiar with the type of characters that actor Steven Ogg is generally cast as, I have to admit I did not expect Pike's supposed heel turn. While Layton was unwilling to bury the Tail for a better life for himself, it's looking like Pike may be willing to do that and more if First Class is giving him a good enough offer. I could be wrong, and I'm hoping I am, but he was really loving that cake.

How Did Pike Recover From The Drawers So Soon?

Considering the state of everyone who has come from the drawers, I'm rather amazed that Pike looked to be doing as decently as he was, health-wise. Had he been out of the drawers a long time? And if so, exactly how long? Has Pike been primed to work for First Class since the beginning? I wouldn't be surprised at this stage, given how the Folgers seem to be pushing so hard for power. If so, though, things may get worse for Layton real soon.

Would Ruth Really Let Melanie Die?

Speaking of surprises, Ruth has really shown a different side since it was confirmed that Melanie had been acting as Mr. Wilford all along. She wants blood and told Melanie as such by saying she would be executed for her crimes. That sounds rather extreme, especially considering Ruth has to understand that Melanie has been the main reason this train has avoided chaos for 7 years. Did the Mr. Wilford concept really mean that much to Ruth, or is she just riding the thought of being  someone with a real say in how the train operates?

Is Miles Ok Being Holed Up In That Room?

Bennett was forced to lock down the engine room to prevent Grey and his Jackboots from storming the area, and shut off himself and Miles from the rest of the train. Bennett isn't dumb; he's going to know that Miles had something to do with the revolution, and I don't like the kid's chances of holding on in a confined space with a full-grown man. Though with Javi captured, Miles is the only backup Bennett has, so perhaps being a second-in-command will keep Miles from suffering any wrath from Bennett.

Are Jinju And Bess Done?

The line has been drawn for the revolution, and as the previous episodes have foreshadowed, Jinju and Bess are on opposing sides. It's disappointing, since they were certainly in contention for the most likable couple on the train, but I just don't see them getting back together now that Bess has officially joined in with Third and the Tail. This may make for an uncomfortable reunion later should one of them be captured by the other side, and I have to wonder if either one of them still has enough feelings to speak up and/or spare the other's life if it came to that.

Why Did People Think So Highly Of Wilford?

Melanie's opinion of Wilford and Ruth's opinion seem to vary wildly, and I'm not quite sure who to believe. Melanie, of course, has kept the train running for seven years, and Ruth... Well, she's good at expressing the needs of First Class. Still, Ruth seems to believe that Wilford was this brilliant man with a vision, and Melanie tried her best this episode to express how untrue that was. Did this mystery man run a massive PR campaign ahead of the train's departure? Did he have a noted track record for success? If he figured out a running train could keep people from freezing to death, surely he can't be quite as thick as Melanie suggested.

Is Melanie Telling The Truth About Wilford?

If it hasn't been evident by now, I do not trust Melanie Cavill. She's been so consistent about showing that she's willing to say whatever she needs to say to survive. She knows that making it past the next obstacle means she has a good chance at escaping the next opportunity she gets. The whole story about Wilford feels accurate enough, because we know Melanie understands just about everything about the train. Was Wilford really going to run it into the ground though? I'm not so sure on that and am just naturally skeptical of everything she says at this stage.

Where Do The Brakemen Stand?

Roche and the Brakemen stood aside and let Layton and the revolution pass in tonight's Snowpiercer, but to what end do they support the revolution at large? Staying out of It is help enough, though I think having them join in to help to Third and the Tail would give the rebellion a big advantage. My instinct is that Roche will stick with Layton's side just based on his character, and that the Brakemen will follow suit. I'm sure First won't be happy about that, but they have Grey and the Jackboots to protect them, so it's not a major loss.

Why Was Strongboy Speaking Mandarin?

In one of the weirder scenes so far from Snowpiercer Season 1, the formerly nonspeaking Strongboy emerged from his Kronole sleep apparently fluent in Mandarin. It doesn't seem like something he knew prior to his trip to the drawers, so is this a side effect of his time in stasis? Kronole is a hell of a drug apparently, and if crazy stuff like that is happening to Strongboy, I'm wondering what long-term effects the Kronole will have on others who have been under for longer stretches.

Snowpiercer airs on TNT Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for all the latest on what's happening with the series, and to stay up to date on the latest news happening in television and movies.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Snowpiercer episode "The Universe Is Indifferent." Read at your own risk!

Shit is getting real on Snowpiercer and, if I'm being entirely honest, I didn't quite expect it. The revolution seems to be right around the corner, and there are still three episodes to go in Season 1. I'm grateful this show has not once taken its foot off the gas since the premiere, but I have more questions now than ever before in light of all Snowpiercer's unpredictable moments.

There's just so much that happened on "The Universe Is Indifferent" that is worthy of discussions and speculations, and I've covered a lot of it below. Here's what I'm thinking about after Episode 7, and why I'm a little mad at Josie even though she's likely dead.

Would Ruth Really Take Over For Melanie?

Right now, I think all viewers are aware that the Snowpiercer's inner workings would be a real shitshow if it wasn't for Melanie Cavill. As the real Mr. Wilford, she's the problem solver and master engineer, even if the residents of the train think she's just Wilford's mouthpiece. Judging by the cold exchange between Melanie and Ruth at the end, I believe the show is indicating that Ruth is having thoughts about taking her coworker's job if the Folgers can swing it, though I think she'd balk at subbing for Melanie if she actually knew the whole story.

Why Didn't Josie Use The Freezing Device On Melanie?

Snowpiercer seemed to show the death of Josie tonight, and while I would normally be leery of buying into an off-screen death, Melanie exiting that frozen room appeared seemingly made things as open and closed as it gets. It was a devastating death, though I can't help but feel some anger over Josie's failed opportunity to freeze Melanie's head off when choking her with the device's tube. The switch was right there, and Josie could've taken Melanie out with ease! I obviously understand why it didn't happen for the sake of the narrative, but maybe the scene could've been handled just a bit differently, so that it wasn't so obvious that Josie missed such a golden opportunity.

Will Zarah Feel The Wrath Of The Tail?

With Josie supposedly dead, and Layton rallying the tail and third class for revolution, one has to wonder what will happen to Zarah. She sold out Josie to Melanie in front of the whole back car, and while she was basically threatened to go through with it, the Tailees were furious to see one of their former comrades become a traitor. I would think she'll be in some danger if she happens to cross paths with any of the Tailees soon, so hopefully Layton will be there to intervene and keep her out of harm's way.

Has Melanie Lost Control Of The Train?

Melanie is still running things at the end of Snowpiercer's seventh episode, but I think it's more than fair to add "only barely" to that. Unrest is now coming from all classes within the train, and she just had to murder Layton's love interest in a life-or- death situation. Melanie looked cold and calm at the end, but what she should really be feeling is fear and anxiety. Everything is spiraling out of control, and given all her insiders, I find it hard to believe she doesn't already know that a revolt is coming.

Melanie's Secret Has To Come Out Soon, Right?

If Layton was hoping Melanie's secret would stay under wraps until he had more time to prepare, he probably shouldn't have confided in LJ Folger. I think Layton probably knows she'll drop that knowledge the first chance she gets, however, which is precisely why he chose to tell her, despite their past together. Plus, other characters are in on the news by now, so I can't imagine Melanie will make it through another episode without being exposed as the actual Mr. Wilford.

Can LJ Be Trusted?

Even if the overarching goal is to let the train know the Mr. Wilford secret as soon as possible, I'm still pretty nervous about Layton letting LJ in on Melanie's alter ego. LJ is the real wildcard of Snowpiercer, and while she would probably love a revolution to mix things up, she's just a fan of chaos in general. I could see her playing along with the tail and third class, only to stir the pot even further in unexpected way down the line. Bringing LJ into all this was a bad move if you ask me, but no one did, so I'll just sit on this thought until I'm right.

Who Will Control The Train If There's A Revolution?

A potential team-up between the tail and third class would make for a solid revolution aboard the Snowpiercer, but is that a better bet for victory than the first class with the power of Commander Grey and the Jackboots? It's hard to say, especially with the second class still up in the air on where they'd fall in a conflict. Given the tension between Bess and Jinju, I'd wager the second class would skew mostly in favor of maintaining class hierarchy, which would pair them with the first. I also keep wondering how this train will keep moving if everyone is fighting and no one is actually working, which has me pondering if anyone will be in charge of the train by the time this is over.

Can The Train Survive Without Melanie?

Everyone seems intent on bringing down Melanie Cavill, though not one person has stopped to audibly consider the impact of doing so. Even Layton, who sussed out she's been operating as Mr. Wilford, doesn't fully realize how integral she is to keeping this train running, not to mention the day-to-day decisions she has to make to keep everyone alive. I think it's clear that neither side of this upcoming revolution can handle a train crisis nearly as well as she can, and major problems will surface if either side gets rid of her entirely.

Can Layton Be The Leader He Needs To Be?

Andre Layton is the incredibly clever hero of this show, and he often gets results. I should remind everyone, though, that even when he was in the tail, he wasn't considered a definitive leader.  so I find it hard to believe he's up for the challenge of running the entire train if he comes out on top. Leading a revolution is one thing, but maintaining order afterward and starting the new normal will be something else entirely.

Snowpiercer airs on TNT Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the series and for the latest happening in the world of television and movies.

This isn’t a revolutionary statement, but Hollywood lacks a bit of diversity. Composing this list of films written by people of color was extremely hard. It was hard because people of color is a term hard to define. For some, people of color means anyone who is part of a marginalized group, for others, the term means anyone whose skin color is a certain hue. It was also not an easy list to make because a lot of groups that fall in the general term people of color don’t have many options available nor are they easy to access. I hope with the changing climate that we’ll see an increase in Hollywood of people of color being hired behind the scenes as well as on the screen.

With that aside, for this list, I selected ten movies that I really enjoyed and think others might as well--mainly because of the writing in these films. Many of these flicks are lesser known, but available online, either through a streaming service or on a VOD platform where they can be purchased or rented. I tried to include as many different groups that fall under the umbrella of "people of color" and to encompass many different film genres.

Columbus (Kogonada)

Columbus is a film that acts as tribute to architecture and the city of Columbus, Indiana. The film follows Jin Lee (John Cho) who comes to Columbus because his father is sick. He strikes up a friendship with Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), who loves Columbus and helps Jin see the beauty of it. While learning to love the city, he’s also trying to reconcile his complicated relationship with his father. Columbus is beautiful to look at for the amazing architecture of Columbus, and for its quiet approach to topics like familial loyalty, growing up, and heritage.

Columbus was Kogonada’s first time directing a feature film. He is mostly known for his video essays. He’s done video essays and documentaries on various subjects, including filmmakers, like Wes Anderson and Stanley Kubrick. Currently, Kogonada has a film set for a 2021 release that he directed and wrote called After Yang. Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Justin H. Min are set to star.

Monsoon Wedding (Sabrina Dhawan)

Monsoon Wedding follows two different families as they prepare to unite through the arranged marriage of Aditi (Vasundhara Das) and Hemant Rai (Parvin Dabas). Leading up to the wedding, there are various romantic entanglements and secrets on the brink of being exposed, including Aditi’s affair with her married boss.

Sabrina Dhawan's screenwriting credits include nearly a dozen films, including her most recent movie, Rangoon, which is a film set during World War II, and about a Bollywood stunt woman, who is based on real life Bollywood stunt woman Mary Ann Evans aka Fearless Nadia.

Ana E Vitoria (Matheus Souza)

Ana E Vitoria follows real life music duo Anavitoria. It starts with a party, and shows how they connect to become a music act. The film also explores their various relationships as two bisexual women just trying to find true love. Ana E Vitoria heavily showcases the power of social media in today’s culture, and especially in these two characters' lives. The film is also partly a musical, which uses songs to show moments of reflection.

Matheus Souza has written for various Brazilian television series and movies, including Confissões de Adolescente, Apenas o Fim, and Eduardo e Mônica.

The Farewell (Lulu Wang)

In The Farewell, Billi (Awkwafina) travels to China to see her grandmother Nai Nai (Shuzhen Zhao), but under false pretenses. Billi and her family tell Nai Nai that they’re all coming to China for the wedding of a cousin, but it’s really because Nai Nai is dying of a terminal illness. The movie is based on Lulu Wang’s real life experience, and Awkwafina’s portrayal as Billi won her a 2020 Golden Globe.

Most of Lulu Wang’s screenwriting credits include documentaries, short films, web series, and music videos. A film called Posthumous was her directorial debut. It starred Brit Marling and Jack Huston, and it’s about a man who fakes his death because his art is worth more as a dead man than as an alive one. Wang is also a writer on the upcoming Amazon Prime Nicole Kidman produced series The Expatriates.

Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler)

Fruitvale Station follows the days leading up to the tragic death of Oscar Grant, a 22-year old man shot on New Year's Day in 2009 by the Oakland, California police. The event was filmed on a cellphone camera, which helped lead to the arrest and conviction of the officer who shot Grant. Michael B. Jordan plays the lead role, and Melonie Diaz, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray, and Octavia Spencer have supporting roles.

After Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler developed a collaborative partnership with Michael B. Jordan, working with him on Creed and Black Panther. Coogler co-wrote Space Jam II and Black Panther II, which are scheduled for a 2021 and 2022 release.

The Sapphires (Co-wrote By Tony Briggs)

The Sapphires is an Australian musical dramedy loosely based on true events surrounding an indigenous Australian women’s group in the 60s. Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, and Miranda Tapsell play The Sapphires and Chris O’Dowd plays the talent scout who discovers them.

Tony Briggs is the son and nephew of real life Sapphires members. He also wrote the play for which the film is based. Briggs wrote for a show called The Warriors. Besides writing, he also acts himself. He appeared in projects like Rake, Cleverman and Nowhere Boys.

Middle Of Nowhere (Ava DuVernay)

Middle of Nowhere is a film about Ruby (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a woman who tries to be a faithful, devoted wife to her husband Derek (Omari Hardwick) while he serves his time in prison. However, she must decide if he’s worth giving up her life for. David Oyelowo and Lorraine Toussaint also star.

Middle of Nowhere is one of Ava DuVernay’s first films. She later went on to direct and write Selma, A Wrinkle in Time, Queen Sugar, When They See Us, and upcoming DC Universe film A New Gods.

Blindspotting (Co-written By Daveed Diggs)

Real life best friends Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal co-wrote and star in Blindspotting, a movie about a man who only has a few days left on his sentence. He then witnesses a police officer shoot an unarmed black man. The incident haunts him and sends him spiraling.

Of course, Diggs is most known for his acting roles in projects like Hamilton, Wonder, Black-ish, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and The Snowpiercer TV series. Currently, he doesn't have any other screenwriting credits.

Top End Wedding (Co-written By Miranda Tapsell)

Top End Wedding is about Lauren (Miranda Tapsell), who flies home to Darwin to marry her fiance Ned (Gwilym Lee). Once back in Darwin, Lauren and Ned discover that Lauren’s mother has run away. The film is about two women reconnecting with their heritage and homeland.

Miranda Tapsell is an Australian actress most known for her roles in The Sapphires, Love Child, Wolf Creek, and Little J & Big Cuz. Tapsell also wrote a few episodes for the comedy series Get Krackin.

Pariah (Dee Rees)

Pariah is about a 17-year old named Alike (Adepero Oduye) who is just discovering herself and her identity as a lesbian, but her mother refuses to accept Alike’s identity, even forcing her to be more feminine.

Dee Rees’s most famous work includes Bessie, Mudbound, When We Rise, Electric Dreams, The Last Thing He Wanted, and Space Force.

The world of indie films is vast and wide, so if none of these films spark your interest, I encourage you to go hunting for more films written by people of color. It may take awhile to find them, but they’re worth the effort.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Snowpiercer episode "Trouble Comes Sideways." Read at your own risk!

A near-disaster saved the day on the latest Snowpiercer, at least for anyone named Melanie Cavill. The Thirdies were about to kick off the first step of their uprising, but a well-timed train emergency seemed to restore train's faith in Mr. Wilford, as well as a non-mutinous status quo.

Whether that will actually last is another conversation entirely – it won't last, obviously – and this conversation is centered on the many other questions I had after watching this episode. Some admittedly come out of frustration over the way these characters can drive me bananas sometimes, but others are born from genuine curiosity about other elements that I hope will be explained in the coming weeks.

Is Melanie's Interest In Miles Genuine?

Miles and Melanie shared a couple of scenes in "Trouble Comes Sideways," and I'm genuinely curious what her intentions are in building that relationship. Snowpiercer has shown Miles to be a gifted and intelligent boy, so yes, it does track that she would keep him in mind to be a future engineer. Still, after everything that's happened with Layton, I think she's going to keep Miles as close as possible, knowing she can protect herself from him, and possibly use him to coerce Layton into working for her once again.

Was Melanie Telling The Truth To Layton?

Layton learned that certain people on the Snowpiercer have files designated with an "X," and while he already seemed bent on taking down Melanie, those discoveries gave him extra motivation. When he confronted her, Melanie explained these names were not targets, but rather valued passengers because they were considered vital for returning to life once the world becomes safe for life again. Layton believed her, but I'm not really sure why; he should be well aware by now that Melanie thrives by any means necessary. This episode showed she has prevented disaster by thinking on her toes, and I'm thinking she did the same in that situation.

Did Osweiller Let Bess Off The Hook?

After it looked like Osweiller was going to make Bess' life a living hell by holding that secret over her head, the brakeman appeared to mellow out after surviving the train turbulence. I got the sense he may not snitch after all, though I'm having trouble working out a reason exactly why. Osweiller had no particular interest in Layton or the Tailees, and I certainly feel like he wouldn't sacrifice anything to see them move up in the world. Perhaps he just realized Bess is the closest thing he has to family, and in some weird way, feels an obligation to protect her after that realization. I'm honestly stumped by this one if he doesn't tattle.

Will Bess Tell Jinju The Truth?

The biggest moment of this episode of Snowpiercer for me was when Bess returned to second class and Jinju. It looked like Bess was about to tell her lover everything that happened in the past episode, and I feel like that would be a huge mistake. We've seen how close Jinju is with Melanie, and while I do think she cares for Bess, I'm not sure Jinju is willing to risk the overall safety of the train solely for her. If Osweiller won't be the one to blow the whistle on Bess freeing Layton, I have a sneaking suspicion Jinju will.

LJ Is Already Chilling In Public Like It's Nothing?

Fresh off her murder pardon, LJ Folger was seen chilling amidst the chaos of the train looking as cool as a cucumber. I'm not surprised by that, but I am surprised that she's publicly back out in first class so soon after her trial. Remember, LJ was found guilty, and she only escaped being sent to the drawers because Melanie suspected LJ knew her Mr. Wilford secret. The fact that she's hanging out in society again so soon makes question the morality of those in first class even more than I already had been.

Will The Train's Close Call Keep Away Unrest?

The third class strike was seemingly cancelled at the end of Snowpiercer, as it seemed everyone was simply happy to be alive after the train nearly derailed. As mentioned, it was good news for Melanie, but there's the question of how long that peace will be maintained. Eventually, people will forget the near-death experience, and something will happen on the train for which the first class will suffer far less for than everyone else. If and when rebellious feelings return, I now question if the uprising will still come from third class, who were cheering for the mechanics at the episode's end.

Is Boscovic A True Friend Or Foe?

The first time I saw Bojan Boscovic back in Episode 2, I felt he was for sure a future villain. This episode made me think I judged him far too harshly. He's legitimately good with children, and was quick to congratulate Melanie on her saving the train, beyond  just seeming like a good-time friend to all. I feel like I'm the villain for those initial assumptions, and honestly, hope that Boscovic works his way into the story in a greater capacity as the series goes on. And if he does turn to villainy, it would be that much more of a twist.

Why Didn't Melanie Take The Glory?

I know Melanie is always one for keeping a low profile, but seriously, if there was ever a time to reveal that she was Mr. Wilford, that was it. Instead, she passed off the win to her alter ego, and in the process, continued her charade for the masses as Wilford's mouthpiece and nothing more. I can't help but feel she would've won some people over with that admission, and could have shaken up the train population's opinions about her decisions. Maybe if the murder wasn't so recent, she would have confessed, and the train could've gotten used to saying "Ms. Cavill" instead.

Can We Get More Stories From The Tail?

This episode featured the most emotional and touching scene from the Tail, which is crazy because none of the major characters were involved. I won't lie, that little girl's reaction to seeing the reflection of the outdoors was a tearjerker. I'd love to see more personal subplots like that going forward, since small detours like that keep the story from dragging in episodes like these. Especially when the majority of viewers clearly know the train is going to be still be around and working by each episode's end.

Snowpiercer airs on TNT Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on Season 1, and for the latest news happening in television and movies.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Snowpiercer Season 1 episode "Justice Never Boarded." Read at your own risk!

Snowpiercer's murder trial is done, although justice wasn't served, and unrest continues to build inside the train. The TNT drama upped the ante once again with another whirlwind episode that featured a lot of moving pieces in those final minutes that some viewers may have overlooked.

Actress Annalise Basso hinted to CinemaBlend last week that LJ wouldn't not locked up for long, and is now a free person thanks to "Mr. Wilford's" late-game intervention. That decision sent ripples through the train, and the trial seemingly distracted everyone enough that major changes could be introduced once everyone gets back to work and realizes everything that has happened. Here are all the big questions on my mind following "Justice Never Boarded."

What Happened to Osweiller?

Bess was forced to make a bad decision by the episode's end, and she clubbed her corrupt partner Osweiller in the back of the head in order to help Josie save Layton from his stasis. Osweiller was gone when Bess returned, though some of his blood was still on the wall. So did Osweiller get up on his own? I'm thinking someone collected and hid him, perhaps someone hoping to either blackmail Bess or protect her from any repercussions that her betrayal may bring about.

How Long Can Layton Stay Hidden?

I mentioned last week how difficult it would be to save Layton from his perilous situation, especially given Melanie's interest in stopping him from revealing her secret. It won't be long before it's discovered he again went missing, and Melanie will turn that train upside-down looking for the homicide detective who, according to Bess, was already supposed to be back in the tail. Layton may not have long to stay hidden, which isn't ideal considering it looks like his forced slumber really did a number on him.

Which Class Will Start The Revolt?

With the small First Class group discussing a coup in this Snowpiercer episode, I'm beginning to wonder if every class of the train is experiencing their own levels of unrest. The Tailees are looking to make a move but are still more or less powerless, and the third class seems well-organized and building towards something, but who knows what second class is up to. Perhaps they'll be the ones to incite everything, but I'm only saying that because it seems like that train section is the main one not getting much attention in the story so far.

Does LJ Know Melanie's Secret?

The Folgers were ready to keep LJ away from punishment by any means necessary, but it was the psychopath herself that seemed to save herself in the eleventh hour. It was clear Melanie thought LJ may have known she was actually Mr. Wilford, but did LJ actually know that? I'm suspicious, if only because I'd have to think LJ would've already tried to leverage Melanie before now, similar to what she attempted with Layton. If she does know, I can't help but think things will only get worse for Melanie going forward.

How Many Other Weirdos Live In First Class?

Was I the only one who couldn't stop shuddering during all the scenes between LJ and her father? That scene with the eye was somehow more uncomfortable than all the love scenes between Game of Thrones' Cersei and Jaime Lannister combined. If those are the type of people hanging out in first class, I can't imagine what other depravity could be happening up there with the others. Seriously, did she have to SNIFF her dad's glass eye before popping it in her mouth?

Does Melanie Have An Informant In The Tail?

With Snowpiercer's latest reveal that Melanie has an informant in first class, I now suspect that she has somebody in the tail as well. If she did, I'd think it would have to be one of the workers in sanitation, seeing as they're the only ones that viewers have seen who exit the tail and return frequently. It wouldn't make much sense for anyone else, nor would it make sense for Melanie to journey back there herself unnoticed.

So Everything Layton Told Others About The Tail Was True?

When Layton started talking about the tail to other people on the train in past episodes, I assumed his anecdotes were basically glorified scare tactics. After his dream sequence, however, it does seem like he was being honest with his stories about the cannibals and how they murdered the leader and ate his heart. I guess if nothing else, I now know to believe just about everything Layton says. (Unless he's just always had weird cannnibal dreams, and those are what influenced his tall tales.)

Does Anyone At The Head Of These Potential Revolts Seem Better?

With a few potential revolts now brewing on Snowpiercer, I can't imagine any other group leaders being a better commander than Melanie. The tail has been lost since its failed attempt, the first class is consulting that scarred security head who just screams major villain, and the Thirdies have the increasingly shifty Terrence. None of these people seem capable of running the Snowpiercer, so I don't know how any of these revolts will succeed even if they do overthrow the train's powers-that-be.

Will Josie Make It Back To The Tail Unnoticed?

Josie switched places with her Thirdie friend earlier in the episode, and has been traveling the train ever since. It looked like she was heading back after dropping Layton with Zarah, though she was witnessed by a guard as she left the tail, which has me wondering if she'll even be able to make it back. If anyone discovers that Josie left, she'll lose an arm for sure, so I have to think she won't risk going back to her spot on the train for a while if there's even the slightest hint of danger.

What Are The Aftereffects Of Layton's Time In Stasis?

Layton seemed to be feeling better than before by the very end of Snowpiercer, but I highly doubt that means he's 100%. At the very least, I could see him developing a Kronole habit as some sort of drug dependence, though I don't know who would want to willingly experience those nightmares he seemed to be having. Does that kind of thing happen with everyone, and if so, what's it going to be like when the Tailees are brought back after being put under? Assuming it happens of course, since there are no guarantees.

What kinds of questions do you have about the show? Let us know in the comments, and don't for get that Snowpiercer airs on TNT Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the series, and for the latest news happening in television and movies.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for Snowpiercer's "Without Their Maker." Read at your own risk!

The murder has been solved, but the drama feels like it's only just begun on TNT's Snowpiercer. A lot of details that viewers weren't privy to last week are now out in the open, but to be expected, there's an entirely new set of mysteries for audiences to try and unravel while waiting for the next episode to arrive.

Snowpiercer dropped some reveals that other dramas may stretched across a whole season. Apparently, this long-gestating series has bigger fish to fry, and is looking to hit its audience with more twists and turns than you'd expect from a train on a predetermined track. Here's some of the major questions I have on the heels of this latest episode "Without Their Maker," from worries about Layton to the future of the Snowpiercer in general.

How Long Will Layton Be Under?

In Episode 4, Layton figured out what would be quite an enormous reveal for the train's inhabitants, and it looks like the Snowpiercer protagonist will pay for his detective skills. He confirmed to Melanie that he knows that she's actually Mr. Wilford, and she reacted by drugging him with an anesthetic to keep him in an unconscious state, which didn't seem like that wise of a move given all he'd learned prior.

Layton is now out for the count until further notice, and while it might get resolved immediately, I'm wondering if he could indeed be down for at least one or two full episodes in order for the story to shift elsewhere in the train for a bit. Hopefully not too long, since Daveed Diggs is one of the highlights of this show!

Will LJ's Actions Affect The Folger Family?

Snowpiercer already set up that no one in First Class has ever been arrested of a crime. That changed when LJ Folger had the (dis)honor of being the first after her failed attempt to convince Layton to cut her a break.

Whether or not LJ will actually see a long-lasting penalty for her heinous crimes remains to be seen, though I'm sure it could all be spun as her being coerced mainly by her bodyguard Erik. Even so, one has to think that the Folger's pristine image in First Class will be damaged once word potentially spreads that their daughter is a murderous psychopath, right?

What Will The Tail Do About Layton's Disappearance?

The Tail was thrilled to have successfully gotten a former Tailee to sneak them a message from Third Class, but the news that got delivered was bittersweet, and not just because it was in a bug bar. The freeloaders in the back learned that Layton was missing, which puts a dent into things.

Layton was supposed to be their guide to the ins and outs of the Snowpiercer, and now they've lost their most valuable resource. Is it even possible for them to still be able to coordinate a rescue during his time away? Honestly, this message seems to just be super unhelpful, since I don't know what any of the Tailees can do about it.

What's Melanie's Endgame Here?

I can understand in the short-term why Melanie thought she'd found an easy solution. LJ wasn't some agent looking specifically to discover Mr. Wilford's actual identity, and Layton actually figured it out. So it was obvious that she'd direct her attention to him once the murder was solved.

But for the bigger picture, I think that even those who don't care about Layton would question why he was taken out of commission for his investigatory services. Melanie certainly doesn't want more attention brought in her direction, but may have just invited a lot of it putting the train's only homicide detective in a sleep-induced state. Seems like a stupid plan for someone so smart and decisive, but we'll see!

Will News Of The First Class Murderer Spread Throughout The Train?

Another issue I can see Snowpiercer dealing with is the rest of the train reacting badly to the news that the recent murders were the actions of a First Class train member. That's especially true if LJ escapes any meaningful prosecution, which is a possibility, considering those in the front don't seem to follow the same judiciary rules as everyone else.

This could create real unrest on the train, thus sowing even deeper seeds for a revolution. All this tension has to be building towards something, and I can only imagine when this powder keg explodes, the aftermath will be epic.

Can Layton Be Rescued?

I don't think there's any denying people will notice Layton's absence, though I struggle to wonder what anyone but Melanie can do about it. Even if someone breaks in the holding room and saves him from his slumber, they can only hide him for so long.

Snowpiercer is a big train, but the security protocols have shown it isn't hard to track someone down when necessary. I don't see someone taking the risk given the consequence will be far greater once whoever rescued Layton is found. Personally, I think he's going to be out until Melanie herself brings him back, which may be sooner than later.

Will Josie's Infiltration Continue To Work?

Josie successfully got a job in sanitation and was able to use her break-time to escape into other parts of the train in order to make contact with a former Tailee. With her biometric key, Josie should be able to go on additional missions of this nature, though the risk is rather large, considering her capture would assuredly take away the Tail's most valuable gift that it could hope for.

I'm hopeful that Josie can continue to advance the interests of the Tail with more data-based missions, but not sure she can maintain the charade indefinitely. There are too many variables at play for this not to go wrong at one point or another.

When Will The House/Train Of Cards Crumble?

One thing that seems abundantly clear on Snowpiercer is that the situation on the train is getting worse with every episode. It certainly feels like things will continue to deteriorate until some big event changes up the status quo, at which time I have to assume that complete chaos will ensue.

We already know there is growing unrest in the Third and Tail, and I have to believe one or the other will act soon to try and enact major changes for the train's class structure. As for what that means for those sitting pretty in the front of the train, I'm sure it won't be good, though perhaps Melanie will pull it all together and regain control and order before Season 1 is over.

Do you have any burning questions about this episode of Snowpiercer? Throw them into the comments below, and catch the series on TNT Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET. As always, continue to stick with CinemaBlend for all the latest goings on in the world of television and movies.

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As far as modern Broadway blockbusters go, there is no show quite as popular as Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical tells American history through a modern lens, including a hip-hop infused score and diverse cast of actors. Hamilton became a worldwide sensation following its opening in 2015, with the original cast booking plenty of jobs following its success. Disney+ is going to release a filmed performance Hamilton in July, although it turns out that Daveed Diggs is actually "terrified" of seeing himself in the Hamilton movie.

The Hamilton movie features the original cast, filmed shortly before the principal actors began departing the Broadway musical. Daveed Diggs is one of the cast members whose career was greatly boosted by his duel performance as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson, which ultimately earned him a Tony Award for

Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Diggs spoke about why he's so nervous about the movie's release on Disney+, saying:

This actually makes a great deal of sense. Plenty of actors don't like to watch their own performances, including the likes of Adam Driver and Joaquin Phoenix. Daveed Diggs is another actor of this nature, especially considering the Hamilton movie is a filmed theater performance. After all, people will be able to dissect every movement and line Diggs does without the luxury of multiple takes.

Daveed Diggs' performance in Hamilton made him an instant star, signing on for a ton of TV and film projects after departing the Broadway show after a year of performances. While other actors have taken on the roles of Lafayette/Washington, Diggs will always be the OG. And now people all over the world will get to see him spit bars, sing, dance, and portray two very different figures in American history.

Hamilton will be released on Disney+ on July 3rd. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Did you hear the news? Hamilton is coming to the big screen in 2021. And to widespread cheer of die-hard fans of the musical, it will be a filmed performance of the original Broadway cast captured, as by Tommy Kail back in 2016. What many wouldn’t have given to see Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs and company throw the raps and rhymes of the production when the first cast assembled. They are the voices behind the bestselling cast album fans have played over and over in their cars. It’s just about the best version of a Hamilton movie that could happen.

Sure, Hamilton was a pop-culture phenomenon and 11-time Tony winner, but you may have skipped over it back when it became big. I get it. Without witnessing the magic of Hamilton on Broadway, it may have been difficult to understand the vision behind Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical about the Founding Fathers of America. Five years later, it’s still the hottest ticket in musical theater. If you’re curious about all the hype, the talent of Hamilton’s original cast will get you on the bandwagon for Disney’s latest acquisition.

For many of these actors, they were unknowns before Hamilton. Since they starred in the show, tons of incredible opportunities have flung their way. You know them better than you might realize. Check out the original cast of Hamilton and the roles they play in the upcoming theatrical experience:

Lin-Miranda Miranda (Alexander Hamilton)

If you’ve heard of Hamilton, you’ve heard the name Lin-Manuel Miranda. He is not only the star of the Broadway musical, Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the visionary production as well. The musical is inspired by a 2004 biography of Alexander Hamilton, written by Ron Chernow. The playwright had previously found success on the stage with In the Heights – a more traditional live-action musical from Crazy Rich Asians’ director Jon M. Chu is coming this summer. But when Hamilton exploded, so did Miranda.

The best introduction to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is through the time he decided to go to the White House Poetry Jam back in 2009 and experiment with his early work on the project after being asked to perform something from In the Heights. Check it out:

What’s crazy about this video is the audience laughed at his concept, not knowing it would become a well-respected piece of music. But hey, the Obamas dug it! His first performance gives a peek into the unique enchantment of his storytelling. Years later Hamilton would become a fully realized musical. Miranda’s portrayal of Alexander Hamilton follows his life, as he journeys to New York, falls in love and butts heads with other American founders.

Miranda left Hamilton as its main star in July 2016 and has since gained a continuing relationship with Disney on various projects. He wrote original songs for Moana – scoring him an Oscar nomination, and he’s working with Alan Menken on additional songs for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. He also composed the new cantina song in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and played Jack the Lamplighter in 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns.

Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr)

Also in the Hamilton original cast is Leslie Odom Jr, who plays Aaron Burr in the production, a.k.a the man who shot Alexander Hamilton. He was the third vice president of the United States during Thomas Jefferson’s first term. He meets Hamilton in the musical’s second song “Aaron Burr, Sir”, when a young Hamilton looks up, approaches him as his hero and asks for advice. Since starring in Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr has found success as a solo artist with three albums under his belt and a Christmas-themed one. His first movie was in 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express and he played William Still in the Oscar-nominated Harriet.

Daveed Diggs (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson)

Daveed Diggs’ career certainly has Hamilton to thank for his skyrocketing career. In the last few years alone, the actor has found roles in The Get Down, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Black-ish and Star Wars Resistance on television, with a starring role in TNT’s television adaptation of Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer coming this summer. He’s done some voice work for Ferdinand, Netflix’s Green Eggs and Ham and soon for Pixar’s Soul, and he’ll reportedly be Sebastian in the live-action The Little Mermaid. Perhaps his most memorable role is in the critically-acclaimed Blindspotting. He plays President Jefferson and French aristocrat and military leader Marquis de Lafayette in the musical.

Jonathan Groff (King George III)

Playing the hilarious and villainous King George in Hamilton is none-other-than Jonathan Groff. The star is a well-known Broadway actor, known for being in the original cast for Spring Awakening, but he can count Hamilton too. Glee fans will remember his role as Jesse St. James on the music-themed series. And in Frozen, Groff is the voice of Princess Anna’s love-interest, Kristoff. His Disney character recently nabbed his own song in Frozen II with “Lost in the Woods”. Additionally, you’ve seen him in two seasons of Netflix’s gritty psychological thriller from David Fincher, Mindhunter and HBO’s Looking. King George has a small role in Hamilton but it's a memorable one.

Chris Jackson (George Washington)

Portraying the first President of the United States in the hip-hop musical is Chris Jackson, who actually filmed CBS court drama series Bull in between playing shows on Broadway at one point. In Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s character becomes an associate of Washington as detailed in “Right Hand Man”. He’s a central character in the musical and the actor continued to collaborate with Miranda in Moana as the singing voice of Moana’s father Chief Tui in his original song, “Where You Are”. He also has a voice role in The Lion Guard as a gorilla named Shujaa.

Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton)

Anthony Ramos will do the honors of being in two big screen adaptations of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s plays. This summer he’ll play the lead Usnavi de la Vega in In the Heights. Prior to landing this massive Hollywood role, Anthony Ramos played two roles in Hamilton that will be showcased in the upcoming movie. Ramos plays John Laurens, one of the statesman and soldiers of the time and Alexander Hamilton’s first son, Philip. You’ve also seen the actor in the Will & Grace reboot, She’s Gotta Have It television series, Lady Gaga’s friend Ramon in A Star is Born and as Corporal Martinez in Godzilla: King of Monsters.

Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler)

The emotional core of Hamilton is Renée Elise Goldsberry’s Angelica Schuyler. She is the oldest of three wealthy sisters in the musical who are seeking husbands. Hamilton falls in love with her sister Eliza, when Angelica too has feelings for Miranda’s character. Her big song “Satisfied” is a standout moment in the musical. Along with her work in this play, she played the role of an African-American pioneer in Oprah’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, House with a Clock in its Walls and is a regular character of Quellcrist Falconer in Altered Carbon.

Phillipa Soo (Eliza Schuyler Hamilton)

Phillipa Soo plays the role of Eliza, who notably sings “Helpless” and “Burn” in Hamilton, marries the titular character and has a key arc in the musical. After leaving Hamilton in 2016 like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr, Soo went on to take on more roles on Broadway including playing the lead role in new musical Amelie and in The Parisian Woman. Right now, Soo plays Lieutenant Harper Li on the CBS series about members of the military in The Code.

Jasmine Cephas Jones (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds)

The Hamilton cast really sticks together! Jasmine Cephas Jones most notable role outside the musical is a role in Blindspotting with Daveed Diggs. She plays Ashley in the comedy and social commentary about two old best friends. The actress has the small role of the youngest Schuyler sister in the musical and Maria Reynolds, who Hamilton has a love affair with in the production. Jones has also guest-starred on Girls and can be spotted in the background in Marriage Story. She’s also in The Photograph with Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield.

Okieriete Onaodowan (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison)

To round out the talented Hamilton cast is Okieriete Onaodowan, who has dabbled in television acting. He has guest starred on Grey’s Anatomy as Dean Miller – his regular firefighter role on Station 19 that he has played for three seasons so far. He was once a complete unknown before Hamilton came around. After Hamilton he also followed Josh Groban’s role in Pierre in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Hercules Mulligan is one of the first characters that Hamilton meets and James Madison is the fourth President of the United States and Founding Father.

Now that’s an impressive cast! Hamilton hits theaters on October 15, 2021. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first big-screen musical In the Heights is coming first on June 26, 2020.

Considering it was the movie to launch the Disney Renaissance era, it was only a matter of time that The Little Mermaid would get the live action treatment under the current Mouse House regime. Over the last five months or so, the Little Mermaid remake has slowly been assembling its cast, and the latest word is that Hamilton star Daveed Diggs being looked at to bring Sebastian the Crab to life.

This update comes from Variety, which reports that Daveed Diggs is in talks to play Sebastian in this new version of The Little Mermaid. This is the first piece of casting news to come out concerning Sebastian in this remake, and while it remains to be seen if Diggs will take the role, it was to be expected the crab would be included in the story.

Daveed Diggs rose to stardom for his dual turn as Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette in the hit musical Hamilton, and you can be sure that his extensive musical background will come in handy when belting out Sebastian’s tunes in The Little Mermaid. Diggs’ movie and TV appearances include Zootpoia, Wonder, Blindspotting, Velvet Buzzsaw, Black-ish and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He’s also set to star as Layton Well in TNT’s upcoming Snowpiercer series.

Since all signs so far point to The Little Mermaid being a straightforward remake of the original rather than take major creative liberties akin to something like Maleficent or Mulan, we can presumably count on this new Sebastian, whether he’s played by Daveed Diggs or someone else, serving as King Triton’s adviser and court composer like his animated predecessor. Whether he’ll be Jamaican is another matter.

Thus far, the only actor Disney has officially announced for The Little Mermaid is Grown-ish’s Halle Bailey, who will play Ariel. However, per the various reports that have come out, we’ve learned that Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina have been cast to play Flounder and Scuttle, respectively. Variety’s report also stated that Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem are definitely on board to play Ursula and King Triton, respectively.

And then there’s Prince Eric, Ariel’s love interest. Originally Harry Styles was being lined up for that role, but he bowed out to focus on his music career. It was reported late last month that Cameron Cuffe and Jonah Huaer-King are among the new finalists to play the character.

Behind the camera, Mary Poppins Returns’ Rob Marshall is directing based off a script written by David Magee, who also penned the Mary Poppins sequel. The Little Mermaid doesn’t have an assigned release date yet, but production is scheduled to begin early next year.

Keep checking back with CinemaBlend for more news on how The Little Mermaid is coming along, but now, you can keep track of what’s heading to movie theaters for the rest of the year with our 2019 release schedule.

Everyone gets their start somewhere. Especially famous people. With the incredible success of Hamilton both on and Off-Broadway, as well as touring around the country, including Puerto Rico, Lin-Manuel Miranda has created one of the most beloved musicals of the 2010s. Its legacy continues to shine. When it comes to the stars of the show, many of them are moving on to different projects, continuing to prove themselves — including Daveed Diggs, who played Hamilton's Marquis de Lafayette.

Both an actor and a musician, Daveed Diggs has forged a path for himself as man of a multitude of talents. While he has been working consistently as a performer and rapper throughout the years, he's only been recognized in full for his talents, and we're watching a major league talent on the rise now.

But there are some who don't know where Daveed Diggs got his start before Hamilton. In this article, we'll talk about Diggs' early career as a rapper, and how his music helped the talented performer play the role of Marquis De Lafayette in Lin-Manuel Miranda's acclaimed, award-winning musical.

Hurtling Past Hurdles

Daveed Diggs was born in Oakland, California, which is where he also grew up. His mother is Jewish and his father is African-American, and these two ethnic and racial identities helped shaped the actor's self-identification, notably as he got older. His parents gave him the hebrew pronunciation of the name Daveed because his father liked the look of two E's. After graduating from Berkeley High School, Daveed Diggs studied at Brown University.

While Daveed Diggs is best known for his fast lyrics, he was recruited to Brown University on account of his tracks skills. Specifically, the young athlete broke the school's school record during the 110 meter hurdles when he was a sophomore. His time was 14.21 seconds, which is definitely impressive. He later graduated from Brown University in 2004, although he was also pursuing acting ambitions. Diggs was in experimental theater early in his career, and while his skills in school were often related to his athletic prowess, it was ultimately his passion for the arts that would propel him into stardom.

Before "Guns And Ships," There Was "Body & Blood"

A few years after his college years, Daveed Diggs became a vocalist and writer for clipping., an experimental hip-hop and rap group based on L.A. The musical team was initially formed in 2009 by William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes, then Diggs joined one year later. The group's first mixtape was titled midcity and it was released in 2013. One year later, they released their follow-up album, CLPPNG, which included tracks like "Work Work" and "Body & Blood," to name a couple. In 2016, they released the EP Wriggle, followed by the album Splendor & Misery. In 2017, clipping. released The Deep, which was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (Short Form). They also released the single "Stab Him in the Throat" in 2018.

In addition to his work with clipping., Daveed Diggs is also a member of True Neutral Crew alongside Margot Padilla, Brian Kinsman and Signor Benedick the Moor. They released their debut album, soft rules, in 2016. Before that, they released two EPs, #MONSANTO and #POPPUNK in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Furthermore, before his work with either music group, Daveed Diggs made an album called The BAY BOY Mixtape with Rafael Casal in 2010. Casal and Diggs would later work together on the acclaimed 2018 film Blindspotting, but that will be discussed in more detail later on.

Daveed Diggs also founded a hip hop triumvirate The Getback alongside Chinaka Hodge and Casal. In 2012, Daveed Diggs also released his first solo rap album, Small Things to a Giant. If that weren't enough, Diggs is also a member of the freestyle rap group called Freestyle Love Supreme, or FLS, with Thomas Kail and Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda. Daveed Diggs helped with the music for Zootopia, as he made a rap number for the Disney film.

Becoming The Fighting Frenchman

While Daveed Diggs was becoming a prolific rapper in niche circles, it wasn't until he performed in Hamilton that he became a very big deal. The actor appeared in the national tour for Word Becomes Flesh around 2016, and he had frequently performed in regional Shakespeare productions. But in 2012, while Lin-Manuel Miranda was in the early stages of creating Hamilton, the In The Heights actor/writer asked Diggs to read some of the material.

Even during these early stages, Daveed Diggs was reportedly impressed by what Lin-Manuel Miranda had put together. He was inspired by Miranda's passion for the project, as well as the early demos he was sent. But even beyond that, Diggs was impressed by Lin-Manuel Miranda's desire to turn this production into a rap-musical, and it didn't take long before he agreed to become a member of the show.

During the play's initial Off-Broadway production in 2015, Daveed Diggs played both Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette, and he also became a member of the show when the production moved to Broadway later that year. His role was wide-acclaimed in an already well-celebrated show, and the actor took home the 2016 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor In A Musical. Furthermore, Daveed Diggs was honored with a Grammy Award, along with the rest of the cast of Hamilton, in 2016.

The actor continued to play the part for a good run, but he stepped down in the summer of 2016 in order to pursue other creative ambitions. His final curtain call took place on July 15th, 2016. From there, Daveed Diggs went on to become an even bigger name than he was already.

Off The Stage, On The Screen

Beyond his stage work, Daveed Diggs has also proven himself as an actor on the screen, both big and small. On television, Daveed Diggs extended his acting talents to Netflix's The Get Down and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, as well as ABC's Black-ish. He had recurring roles on all of these shows. In addition to these television programs, Diggs also worked on the short-lived sitcom The Mayor, where he wrote original music and made a guest star appearance. And this isn't the end of his television career. Diggs is set to make an appearance or two on the upcoming TV adaptation of Snowpiercer.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the movies, Daveed Diggs made his Hollywood debut with a very high-profile film, Zootopia. As mentioned earlier, he helped with the music, specifically the track "Parlez Vous Rap," which he wrote and performed. Diggs then made his first live-action appearance in the 2017 weepy drama, Wonder. He once again returned to the voice booth for a role in Ferdinand, voicing the character of Dos. But his biggest film role would be a very meaningful one for the rising actor. Specifically, because Diggs wrote it with his co-star and past music collaborator, Rafael Casal.

That film, titled Blindspotting, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to wide acclaim. The musical comedy-drama would find Daved Diggs playing his first lead role in a motion picture, and the actor was celebrated for his scripting duties in addition to his performance. A work of love from the actors and writers, Blindspotting was a personal and heartfelt story about a gentrifying town they lived in. The writing process took over nine years in total.

Daveed Diggs' most recent film performance was in Netflix's Velvet Buzzsaw, which premiered earlier this year to mixed reviews. And that's merely the beginning. At the moment, Daveed Diggs is working on the upcoming Dr. Seuss adaptation, Green Eggs And Ham, where he'll be providing his voice to the role of Mouse. Additionally, Diggs has also lent his voice to other animated projects, including Netflix's BoJack Horseman and Fox's Bob's Burgers.

The future is looking bright for Daveed Diggs, and it's clear that he has been working hard in order to earn his success. It's never easy to make a name for yourself, especially in the entertainment business. But it's clear that Diggs has been an exceptionally talented and versatile performer, and one who has excelled in a number of different mediums, including music, theater, movies and more. We should only expect him to do more great work later on.

For now, however, he's keeping busy with a variety of different things, and we'll continue to keep you posted on his developments right here at CinemaBlend. Because there's no doubt that Daveed Diggs has the potential to expand himself in a major way, both in front and behind the camera. And we should hopefully expect him to do more music work in the future, particularly with his outstanding popularity arriving from Hamilton's success.

I wonder if Daveed Diggs will reprise his roles in the inevitable Hamilton film adaptation that we'll get one day? Even if he doesn't, it's clear he has a lot of different projects in the work, which should keep him very busy and active in a variety of different ways — no matter where his career will go next.