The Man Who Fell to Earth, which features David Bowie in his first starring role (and really his first “proper” film), came out 50 years ago. While it is a sci-fi flick, one you can check out if you have a Kanopy subscription, that was pretty typical of 1976, it is a stark example of just how much the genre changed in short order. It was, after all, released just about 13 months before another little cult classic you might be more familiar with, Star Wars. The Man Who Fell to Earth is a really “cool” movie, but it’s not really a great example of ‘70s sci-fi because so much changed, so quickly.

I Understand Why This Movie Is A Cult Classic

I’ve been a huge David Bowie fan for decades. I first saw him in concert in the mid-'90s, and I’ve been listening to his music for even longer. He is a legend, which is not, like, a hot take. Even before I was old enough to really appreciate his music, I was a fan of another movie he starred in, Labyrinth. However, as I work through a list I’ve made of movies that came out in 1976 and watch them in honor of them turning 50 this year, this was my first real exposure to The Man Who Fell to Earth.

I really liked the surreal nature of the movie, about an alien who has come to Earth on a mission to save his home planet. David Bowie, especially in the mid-’70s, was perfect for the role of the alien. Not only was he just coming out of his Ziggy Stardust phase, but he was also at the precipice of another creative high as “The Thin White Duke,” and about to embark on his now-legendary “Berlin Trilogy” of the late ‘70s. His artistry was alien-like to fans, as no mere mortal could do what he was doing. His performance in The Man Who Fell to Earth fits right in. It’s not a movie that holds up in a traditional way, but it’s beautifully shot and filled with really cool moments. Two key ingredients in a great cult classic.

It Doesn’t Hold A Candle To What Came Next

First, I’ll say that it’s not really fair to compare The Man Who Fell to Earth to movies that came out in ‘77 and beyond. It’s not exactly groundbreaking to emphasize how massive a sea change Star Wars caused when it was released in May of ‘77. This Bowie movie feels more like ‘60s sci-fi than ‘80s sci-fi, and much of that can be attributed to just how much Star Wars changed everything.

Outside of the simple-looking sets and almost campy feel of the science fiction parts of The Man Who Fell to Earth, it is very much a ‘70s movie, however. It’s full of wild sex and nudity, and the stories of the production, by Bowie’s own accounts, are legendary for the star’s drug use at the time. He insisted that he hardly remembered even filming the movie, and it is a movie that is dripping with that ‘70s cocaine vibe. If you’re into that kind of drug-fueled, really “out there” kind of movie, like I sometimes am, this is still a movie worth checking out, even if just once, and even as dated as it seems now.

Through rock and roll history, there have been few stars bigger and more important than David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Imagine being a young exec at an upstart cable TV channel called MTV and finding yourself in nothing but a towel, chilling in a sauna in Gstaad, Switzerland, with both of them at the same time! That’s exactly what happened to MTV co-founder Tom Freston. The story is as wild as it sounds.

In The Beginning, MTV Wasn’t A Sure-Fire Hit

In his new memoir, Unplugged: Adventures From MTV to Timbuktu, which Vanity Fair has published an excerpt from, Freston recalled a crazy adventure in the early days of the fledgling cable network. It had been decided that MTV needed an ad campaign with the biggest stars in the business. They set their sights on the then-seemingly impossible task of landing maybe two of the biggest: Mick Jagger and David Bowie. A former Beatle, Paul McCartney, also plays a role in the incredible story.

According to Freston, that’s when the “I Want My MTV” campaign was born. His colleague Les Garland was charged with snagging Jagger, who once lobbied for the role of Frank in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for a commercial. Freston went out to get Bowie. Bold moves for a couple of guys in their early 20s from a cable station that was still a ways off from becoming the cultural icon it would one day be. Garland quickly got Jagger to do the ad, paying him one dollar. Freston explains:

Boom, one megastar was in. For Freston, things were a little trickier and a lot more exotic.

Freston Went Where The Stars Were

With Jagger on board, wanting his MTV, Freston contacted one of Bowie’s inner circle, writing in his book:

Soon, Freston and another colleague, Dale Pon, made their way to the Alps with their small camera crew and heavy equipment. When they arrived, Bowie, who was no stranger to film shoots, and his associates took over, as Freston describes:

Then they got what they wanted:

The story doesn’t end with the now-famous commercial, though.

Bowie Invited Freston To His Hotel For A Sauna Session

After the shoot, Bowie asked Freston if he’d be interested in meeting up at the star’s hotel for a sauna. Here’s where the FOMO comes into play, for me, and everyone else reading, I’m sure. Freston describes the scene:

That’s right, not only did Freston find himself having a schvitz with David Bowie, but they were joined by Paul McCartney (who will soon be the subject of a Beatles biopic) of all people! Freston couldn’t believe it, either, as he notes:

Gratitude is one way to put it! I don’t get starstruck very easily, but it would be impossible not to in this situation! Chilling with two of the biggest and best rock and rollers of all time in any situation would be mindblowing. Naked in a sauna, talking about a brand new MTV, which would soon take over the world? It’s just too much!

Soon after, “I Want My MTV” became one of the catchiest and most effective advertising slogans of all time, with dozens of stars doing spots for the campaign. It’s incredible to read how it basically started on a ski slope in the Alps, followed by some sauna time with Bowie and a Beatle.

Music and the movies are two worlds that cross over often, and to great effect. Sometimes the greatest overlap between those segments of entertainment comes from performances through figures we primarily know for carrying a tune over a scene. But believe it or not, these 32 movies featuring professional musicians are noteworthy for providing talent that can do both. 

Janelle Monáe - Hidden Figures

Playing Mary Jackson, an African-American mathematician crucial to the early days of NASA’s space race, Janelle Monáe showed off her dramatic chops in the historical drama Hidden Figures. One of the earliest cinematic roles in her career, Monáe would go on to become a more prolific actor and singer, adding films like Glass Onion: a Knives Out mystery to her resume along the way. 

David Bowie - The Prestige

As he continues to build amazing ensemble casts to carry out his cinematic visions, director Christopher Nolan has a knack for choosing talent. Which leads to that time Nolan begged David Bowie to be in The Prestige, as the helmer felt that the actor/singer would be a perfect Nicola Tesla. That instinct was as well played as the film it served to bolster.

Lady Gaga - A Star Is Born

Lady Gaga is such a natural entertainer that when she was announced as a lead in Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born remake, it didn’t feel like that much of a surprise. With previous films and shows to her acting credit, this role could be considered her cinematic breakout, as it landed her many raves, awards and nominations during the 2018-2019 awards cycle.

Frank Sinatra - The Manchurian Candidate

By the time Frank Sinatra made The Manchurian Candidate, his career had seen him make musicals, comedies, and intense dramas alike. The 1962 neo-noir thriller became one of his best received films, as Sinatra’s Captain Bennett Marco and his quest to prevent a clandestine assassination attempt distinguished itself as a contemporary hit, as well as an all-time classic. 

Queen Latifah - Set It Off

A landmark ‘90s drama that’s still fondly remembered to this day, Set It Off told a story of four women looking to live better lives through thievery. Queen Latifah’s Cleo Sims made up a part of that team, offering a complex performance that was both tragic and empowering. 

Gene Simmons - Runaway

Kiss frontman Gene Simmons knew what it was like to surprise the world when he and his bandmates took off their makeup for a period between the ‘80s and ‘90s. That was as good a time as any for Simmons to break into acting, as the villainous Dr. Charles Luther in Michael Crichton’s Runaway. 

Whitney Houston - The Bodyguard

If The Bodyguard had been made when it was first written, we might have seen Ryan O’Neal and Diana Ross playing the leads. But, as anyone in Hollywood could tell you, delays can sometimes gum up the works. Which is how, by time the ‘90s rolled around, Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston landed the iconic leads in this romantic-drama; with Houston making her historic cinematic debut.

Tim McGraw - The Blind Side

A year after Tim McGraw starred in Four Christmases, the country singer experienced two life changing moments. Not only did McGraw’s weight loss journey start to take off, but his acting career saw him co-starring with Sandra Bullock in the sports drama The Blind Side.

Beyoncé - Dreamgirls

2006 was a banner year for Beyoncé’s film acting resume, thanks to Deena Jones, part of the central trio in the musical drama Dreamgirls. The Renaissance woman helped boost director Bill Condon’s musical to awards glory, alongside co-stars Anika Noni Rose and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson. 

Lenny Kravitz - The Hunger Games

Lenny Kravitz jumped into the acting game in a pretty big way, after playing himself in several film appearances. Perhaps his most iconic role yet is that of portrayal of Cinna, stylist to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in The Hunger Games. Inspiring everyone’s favorite tribute into subtle acts of rebellion, Kravitz’s warmth helps solidify the guidance that helped turn Katniss into a hero for the ages. 

Cher - Moonstruck

“Snap out of it!” With four words, Cher became a romantic-comedy legend, as she tried to deal with Nicolas Cage’s amorous advances in Moonstruck. Not only did that impress audiences overall, it landed her the award for Best Actress at 1988’s Academy Awards as well.

Flea - The Big Lebowski

If you thought “Nihilist #2” in The Coen Bros’ legendary comedy The Big Lebowski looked or sounded familiar, you have a good ear. Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Flea is the actor credited for that role, providing some comedic menace in Jeff Bridges’ neo-noir classic about blackmail, death, and bowling. 

Dolly Parton - 9 To 5

With a balance of commanding wisdom and unlimited sweetness, Dolly Parton is a country star that will always be an icon. However, watching 9 to 5 just might shock you, as the dark comedy shows her teaming with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda to teach Dabney Coleman how to treat a woman in the workplace. Let’s just say that lesson goes beyond a catchy theme song.

Dean Martin - The Sons Of Katie Elder

Rat Pack icon of cool Dean Martin is mostly known for either his comedies alongside musical pals Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., or his long running partnership with Jerry Lewis. But outside of either of those canons is Martin’s parts in westerns like The Sons of Katie Elder, which saw the crooner playing brother to genre legend John Wayne. So you can see how this was a pretty big deal back in 1965. 

Madonna - A League of Their Own

A League of Their Own's Mae Mordabito is quite possibly Madonna's most memorable part. As center fielder for the Rockland Peaches, she plays the entire cast with comedic precision with her free spirited character. 

Eminem - 8 Mile

Playing a fictionalized version of your own experiences isn’t a guaranteed success. And yet, Eminem took 8 Mile’s aspiring rapper Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith and made believers of fans and critics with his acting abilities. It was enough of a success that, decades after he has yet to take on another major film role, people are still curious if Marshall Mathers will ever lose himself in a movie again. 

Mandy Moore - A Walk To Remember

Pro-tip: if you’re a pop star that wants to become an actor, a Nicholas Sparks movie just might be the surest way to test those waters. Mandy Moore can attest to that fact, as her role in 2002’s A Walk To Remember was probably a good warm up for her future success as part of NBC’s drama series This Is Us. If you’re a fan of that meteoric network hit, and you haven’t watched this movie, you owe yourself a moment to correct that. 

Isaac Hayes - Escape From New York

A certain generation of Isaac Hayes fans will know him best as a soulful singer, while others would recall his velvety pipes from the romantically obscene Chef from South Park. And right in between those groups are the die hard fans of the best action movies ever who would remember Hayes as the menacing Duke in John Carpenter’s Escape from New York. 

Brandy - Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Everyone has their favorite Cinderella, and for Disney growing up in the ‘90s, Brandy is a prime candidate for those honors. Which is totally valid, as the singer’s leading portrayal in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a magical glass slipper that ties the entire cast of notables together. To imagine this movie without her is, quite frankly, impossible.

Sammy Davis Jr. - The Cannonball Run

The entire Rat Pack of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. were all actors, as well as singers, at the height of their powers. One of Davis’ best gigs, besides the original Ocean’s 11, came out of The Cannonball Run, which reunited him with fellow pally Martin for two films of vehicular madness. 

Janet Jackson - Poetic Justice

Writer/director John Singleton’s Poetic Justice could very easily be counted as an acting win for either Tupac Shakur or Janet Jackson. However, Ms. Jackson wins out no question, as her dynamic performance as Justice anchors both the dramatic, and the romantic halves of this picture. Not to mention, this project marking Janet’s debut as a feature film actor is still a powerful statement felt by her fans.

Andre Benjamin - Four Brothers

While Four Brothers isn’t an exact, on-brand remake of the western The Sons of Katie Elder, it’s pretty close. The similarities between the two Paramount movies are even eerier when you think about how Dean Martin’s acting career was enriched by the 1965 western, and Andre “3000” Benjamin saw the same sort of fortune come from his part in the 2005 action-drama.

Diana Ross - Lady Sings The Blues

Upon its release in 1972, Lady Sings The Blues sparked critical debate over how good of a biopic it really was. What wasn’t up for question was the excellence of Diana Ross’ performance as Billie Holiday; a feat that not only won her raves from critics, but also scored her a Best Actress nomination at 1973’s Academy Awards.

Usher - Light It Up

Not long after Usher made his movie debut in Robert Rodriguez's The Faculty, he graduated to being a lead player in the ensemble for writer/director Craig Bolotin's Light It Up. Going back to high school with Rosario Dawson and Sara Gilbert as classmates, Usher took part in a teenage rebellion with a cause more serious than any alien invasion.

Alicia Keys - Smokin’ Aces

The words “professional assassin” aren’t exactly what come to mind when talking about singer/songwriter Alicia Keys. That perception is part of how 2006’s Smokin’ Aces was such an explosive surprise upon its initial theatrical release. Keys and Taraji P. Henson’s double act as hired killers with a job to do helped keep this ensemble action dramedy spinning with chemistry to spare.

John Legend - La La Land

Is John Legend’s La La Land character a villain? It depends on who you ask, with his part in splitting up Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s on-screen romance acting as a defining factor. Unsurprisingly, the piano man’s charm and musical prowess added some extra star power to Damian Chazelle’s colorful musical.

Mariah Carey - Precious

People like Mariah Carey and Charlize Theron “deglamming” for performances in powerful dramas only helped amplify their performances. In Theron’s case, that led to her first Academy Award nomination in Monster. Meanwhile for Carey, director Lee Daniels’ heartbreaker provided her with a credit that wowed the critics to an impressive degree.

Alice Cooper - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Decades before Across the Universe turned the Beatles songbook into a jukebox musical, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band used that premise to a campier extent. This is, after all, the movie where you can see Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees “fighting” villains like Aerosmith and Steve Martin. And a part of that collection of baddies is an equally creepy and intriguing Alice Cooper, playing the role of cult leader Father Sun. 

Björk - Dancer In The Dark

Writer/director Lars Von Trier’s Dancer in the Dark was only singer Bjòrk’s second motion picture. You’d never know it, as this beautiful but tragic mashup of drama and music saw the Icelandic singer-songwriter land a heartbreaking blow with her character Selma. Trust us, you need the right headspace, and a lot of tissues, to take on this experience.

Common - Run All Night

While Common eventually got to hunt down Keanu Reeves’ titular assassin in John Wick: Chapter 2, he practiced his killer skills with another action vet: Liam Neeson. Run All Night pitted the rapping/acting talent against Mr. Neeson, and the war waged between the two men is something truly impressive to behold. 

Britney Spears - Crossroads

Not a girl, not yet a woman, and because of Britney Spears’ intense “method acting” in Crossroads, there was one more thing she wasn’t at the time: an actor. Though she’d eventually play a couple other roles here and there, preparing to star in this teenage drama road trip was enough to make Spears question how much she really wanted to act. 

Prince - Purple Rain

The world knows the many sides of Prince through his mythic career as a guitar god and musical boundary pusher. Purple Rain made that image all the stronger, as the man is basically playing himself, with some dramatic and comedic embellishment. The result is a movie that was a white hot success, and a powerful calling card in Prince's future endeavors on both sides of this fence.

While it’s not for everyone, actor/musician crossovers are always interesting to keep an eye out for. Both commanding successes and curious one-off scenarios are equally intriguing, as one never knows where the next success story will come from. Aspiring singers and actors alike take note: these cases we’ve just discussed are good studies to keep in mind when plotting your own course to stardom! 

Making a movie tends to require an entire team of people. You've got your director, producer, writer, editor, on-screen talent, and more. Now imagine taking on the task of making a documentary entirely on your own. Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck filmmaker Brett Morgen took on that challenge for the David Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream, but he flatlined during the making of it.

Moonage Daydream explores the creative and musical journey of musical legend, David Bowie. In an interview at Deadline’s Cannes Studio, Brett Morgen shares how he not only had a heart attack while making his music documentary but actually flatlined for a couple of minutes and went comatose.

Stress has a way of getting to you when you feel overwhelmed. Especially when you are trying to create a remarkable tribute to one of the best musicians we’ve had the privilege to see and hear. This is the first film about David Bowie that was authorized by his estate with a ton of footage given to Morgen. With the film's trailer revealing a variety of David Bowie footage from his concerts, music videos, and behind-the-scenes footage, we’re sure to get a tribute that fans will love compared to his last tribute that was roasted. 

Brett Morgen continued to speak to Deadline about his near-death experience and why it happened.

Luckily, Brett Morgen was back in good health in enough time to finish making his movie. He continued to talk to Deadline about how his brush with death taught him to appreciate every day and moment. He felt like the Ziggy Stardust musician served as a guide to him about how to survive and live the most fulfilling life you can. That even though this documentarian did not get to know David Bowie personally before his death in 2016, he felt like the spirit of Bowie guided him towards the message of his documentary which is about life and celebrating each moment. For all we know, maybe David Bowie did spiritually visit him during those moments of unconsciousness.

A couple of years ago, David Bowie had his own musical biopic called Stardust about the music icon discovering his Ziggy Stardust persona during a road trip in 1971. Unfortunately, this film was not a favorite of the critics. While they praised its star Johnny Flynn, critics like The Guardian felt like the film didn’t do its subject justice and NME wasn’t happy with the film’s lack of David Bowie music. Well, we can expect Brett Morgen to service fans not only with David Bowie’s chart-topping hits, but an exploration into the brilliant mystique David Bowie shadowed upon us when he was alive.

Let’s all feel the spirit of David Bowie in the upcoming film Moonage Daydream coming to theaters worldwide this September.

That Labyrinth role, the decades of music, and a million other reasons besides made David Bowie into an irrefutable icon (and Doctor Who inspiration). He unfortunately passed away in 2016 but was spared the sight of our current pandemic era. One thing he also won't see are up-and-comers like Willow Smith, Zendaya and Kiernan Shipka do a tribute video for him on what would have been his 75th birthday. And perhaps it's for the best – because fans are absolutely roasting the three twenty-somethings’ efforts, even going so far as to compare it to the Gal Gadot “Imagine” snafu.

To be fair, W Magazine has been doing this sort of thing on its “Casting Call” series for some time. Willem Dafoe deadpanning Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” and Adam Driver’s chaotic impression of Cher in Clueless for the series still send me over a cliff. All of which is to say that Willow Smith, Zendaya and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s Kiernan Shipka probably didn't expect to get such a backlash for doing a half-read, half-sing interpretation of David Bowie’s (again) iconic song “Changes” for the outlet. See their rendition here:

The comparisons to Gal Gadot’s attempt to bring us together during the beginning of the pandemic are all over the above-mentioned David Bowie homage. Gadot had recruited several of her fellow celebs in 2020 to sing-along to John Lennon's “Imagine,” and they were met with harsh reactions about how they essentially messed up the song and misread the room. Likewise, the young actresses' performance here was met with a lot of jokes. One Instagram user even remarked:

The roast continued to pile on the singers/actresses, with commentators writing that the tribute video was “blasphemous.” One fan even leveled at jab at Willow Smith/Zendaya/Kiernan Shipka’s collective age group by saying that it was “The Gen Z version of ‘Imagine’ … but make it fashion.” (A different fan put it as, “If Bowie shopped at Forever21.”) Another wrote:

Beyond the allusions to the failed attempt, fans took issue with the actresses’ level of commitment to his profound legacy. It was deemed by many as insulting “on his birthday of all days,” as well as “painful” and “demented.” One person even insinuated that Will Smith’s daughter, the Disney Channel alum and Netflix star were not true fans, saying:

The rest of the tribute video commentary ricocheted a lot between confusion and glee. Fans questioned, “Why are they reading these iconic lyrics off a page!!???” and “What on earth is this?” Some said it was too “cringe” to watch, whereas another hilariously wrote:

Clearly, you can't please everyone where icons are concerned. Future tributes to David Bowie, though, might want to be handled with white gloves in the future.

Playing the titular character on Doctor Who seems like a long-term gig, as it sometimes feels like the actors who've played the Time Lord can never go a full interview without at least one question about the current state of the series or their run on it. Peter Capaldi knows this quite well, as fans learned a bit about the David Bowie inspiration behind his costume during an interview.

The Twelfth Doctor recently released a solo album titled St. Christopher and in an interview with The Guardian, fielded a question about the reports that claim his Doctor Who look was inspired by the late rocker. The actor confirmed that is is indeed the case and gave some reasoning behind the decision. He also mentioned a famous director as another source of inspiration for his TV attire:

Peter Capaldi was a musician in his early years as well, so that element The Doctor’s style was likely very personal for him. As a matter of fact, Capaldi recalled that in his younger years, he and his band dressed like Neil Young, as well as the Sex Pistols, for gigs. The Suicide Squad alum's a deep-seated love for music may be why he requested that his version of the character wield an electric guitar during his run. In the same interview, Capaldi talked about his reaction after he was granted the instrument as well as some other ideas he had that didn’t make the cut:

It’s cool to hear his thoughts, especially knowing the love he has for both the storied franchise and rock music. It’d be great to see all of those sweet elements come together again in a future episode, perhaps in the upcoming 60th-anniversary celebration? It seems unlikely given his other career obligations and his thoughts on multi-Doctor crossovers, but perhaps he could change his mind.

Peter Capaldi hasn’t been a part of Doctor Who for some time, but fans can check out his run by streaming past seasons on HBO Max. And as always, continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on Doctor Who and for the reveal of the new Doctor, as we await the finale of Jodie Whittaker’s run. 

Moulin Rouge! just turned 20 years old, but even after two decades, the film's cultural impact is still being felt. Case in point, Moulin Rouge! The Musical swept the Tony Awards in September, taking home 10 trophies, including Best Musical. Well, as it turns out, the iconic tracks heard throughout the film were almost very different until a slew of rock music legends, including Elton John, swept in and helped writer/director Baz Luhrmann maintain his original vision for the jukebox musical.

I recently sat down with Baz Luhrmann to congratulate him on the film’s 20th anniversary and the musical’s Tony wins when he launched into an impassioned display of gratitude toward those who helped the film get made. This includes Paul McCartney, David Bowie and the man who “led the charge,” Elton John. He explained that the music publishers wanted nothing to do with mash-ups or musical adaptations, so he had no choice but to go to the artists themselves. Luhrmann recalled:

Elton John’s “Your Song” is featured prominently in Moulin Rouge! as Ewan McGregor’s Christian serenades his star-crossed lover, Nicole Kidman’s Satine. It’s become such an iconic moment that the idea of any other track being used in its place is nearly unthinkable. If you haven’t seen the film in a while, here is a quick refresher:

But Elton John isn’t the only knighted, rock music superstar to have taken a role in pushing the project forward. The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” is also prominently featured in the film, and Paul McCartney “swung in” to push publishers in the right direction. David Bowie took it up a notch by not only supporting the film’s use of his song “Heroes,” but also working with Baz Luhrmann directly to provide vocals for the film’s cover of “Nature Boy.” As Luhrmann explained:

Perhaps the most charming part of this story is that after working with his heroes, Baz Luhrmann managed to develop meaningful relationships with them. The rock icons were right to put their faith in Luhrmann, as the film became a cultural phenomenon (despite its mixed critical reception) and ended up winning two Oscars. 

As for Baz Luhrmann’s future, he has plenty of projects in the works. Moulin Rouge! The Musical just opened in Melbourne, will open in London in a few weeks, and then will be touring on American soil before making its way to Tokyo. He’s also writing and directing 2022’s Elvis Presley biopic. It stars Austin Butler as the icon himself and features performances from Tom Hanks and Dacre Montgomery. If you’re wondering what to watch while you anxiously await Luhrmann’s next feature, we’ve got you covered. 

Minor spoilers ahead for the Dancing with the Stars Season 29 episode “Icon Night.”

Dancing with the Stars is barreling toward its semi-final rounds, and the competitors upped the ante with their latest dances, which wowed (and sometimes disappointed) the judges throughout the episode. Considering it was “Icon Night,” everyone was decked out in elaborate costumes and makeup. However, Derek Hough’s critiques and comments were overshadowed by his intense eyeliner, and it’s a look that fans have been talking about with glee on social media.

Derek Hough has been a staple of Dancing with the Stars since Season 5 when he first competed as a pro dancer alongside Jennie Garth. Now in Season 29, Hough replaced longtime judge Len Goodman, who wasn’t able to travel back to L.A. from the UK due to the global pandemic, and he’s been doing a pretty good job so far by offering fairly balanced critiques. During “Icon Night,” Hough channeled David Bowie and threw on a heavy dose of eyeliner, which had viewers getting quite distracted on Twitter (including our very own Laura Hurley).

I think Derek Hough wore the eyeliner pretty well and it made his eyes really pop, in my humble opinion. It isn’t the first time Hough has ever worn eyeliner on Dancing with the Stars (he put it on during Season 7), but it is the longest we’ve probably seen him wear it in such abundance. One fan in particular was very enthusiastic about the new look.

Suffice it to say that not every Dancing with the Stars fan appreciated Derek Hough’s eyeliner, and the one below didn’t feel the need to over-indulge with words about their distaste.

Some fans were actually confused as to why Derek Hough was wearing eyeliner at all. I guess they missed the memo, but others were quick to explain that Hough was indeed supposed to be the late David Bowie. Meanwhile, another fan revealed the eyeliner distraction was definitely real.

The general consensus on Derek Hough’s eyeliner is pretty mixed. Some thought it was great, while others believed the eyeliner pulled focus from what he was saying. (I was more distracted by his very yellow suit.) One fan, however, admitted that Hough’s eyeliner game is something even they couldn’t pull off.

All that said, it’s clear that Derek Hough’s eyeliner drove a lot of the conversation for “Icon Night,” be it for better or worse. Elsewhere in the Dancing with the Stars episode, the Backstreet Boys’ AJ McClean and figure skater Johnny Weir landed in the bottom two and the judges made the tough call to save Weir ahead of next week’s semi-finals.

The Dancing with the Stars semi-finals air next Monday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. For more on what to watch, be sure to check out our 2020 fall TV premiere guide.

Since the smash success of 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, music biopics have been continuing to tour to more popular musicians including Taron Egerton’s incredible Elton John in Rocketman, Timotheé Chalamet’s upcoming take on Bob Dylan and Madonna now getting involved in directing her own story. Before we see these high-profile projects take the stage, David Bowie is getting his moment with Stardust. We finally have a trailer for the Bowie biopic and it's... quiet.

Ground control to Major Tom? As you will undoubtedly notice in the Stardust trailer debut, there is not a single note of David Bowie’s music, not even a guitar riff. We’ll get into why in a moment, but the first look does tease an exciting transformation for the groundbreaking artist that would go down in history as his Ziggy Stardust era.

As the trailer sets up, Stardust will follow David Bowie when he was 24 years old and not yet the breakout star that he’s now remembered for. He’d released “Space Oddity,” but as a whole his 1971 album Hunky Dory was not connecting with people, especially in the United States. Johnny Flynn, who recently played Mr. Knightley in Emma embodies this Bowie.

Stardust sees Bowie go on a three-week promotional tour in America with this more folk-rock look. The movie will track the star’s decision to turn to the theatrics of adopting a persona, which he did throughout his career also with Thin White Duke and Halloween Jack. When Bowie decided to don the red mullet and metallics of Ziggy Stardust, that’s when his fame really blew up.

Sadly, Stardust does not have the rights to David Bowie’s music. In a trailer like this, you would expect some callbacks to his famous tracks like “Starman” or “Life on Mars?” to remind us of the singer’s incredible early work, but the trailer only mentions them. Stardust does implement the key visual aspects of Bowie’s Ziggy era, but without the music there is a vital element of his Bowie’s legacy missing here.

Since Stardust has been in development, Bowie’s son Duncan Jones has been vocal about not supporting the film. Back in 2019, he confirmed that the independent film was not granted music rights. Jones also made this public jab about the movie on Twitter:

Stardust also stars Jena Malone of The Hunger Games films and GLOW’s Marc Maron. It was co-written and directed by documentary filmmaker Gabriel Range. The David Bowie biopic is coming to theaters and VOD on November 25. Check out what other films are rounding out the year with CinemaBlend's 2020 release schedule.

Along with the boom of superhero movies and the horror genre among the masses, interest and blockbuster potential of music biopics was made apparent in 2018 with the release of Bohemian Rhapsody. The movie, based on Freddie Mercury’s life with his band Queen, soared to $903 million globally and won four Oscars, including Rami Malek scoring one for his portrayal of the “Killer Queen” frontman. Following its success, plenty more movies about famous musicians are on their way.

In 2019, we had Rocketman tracking Elton John’s life in the form of a musical. What’s next and will any of them top Bohemian Rhapsody’s status as the highest-grossing music biopic of all time? Here are the subjects whose lives are being primed for cinematic study:

Motörhead

The latest news on the music biopic front is a closer look into a defining band for the heavy metal/punk scene with a biopic about Motörhead called Lemmy. The title takes after the band's frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, who had a notable life, starting off as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix and as a member ofpsychedelic rock band Hawkwing before forming the influential Motörhead with Eddie Clarke and Phil Taylor, who will also be focused on in the film. Lemmy will be directed by Greg Daniels, who previously made a 2010 Motörhead documentary with the same name. He told Deadline he's been developing the project since 2013 with Motörhead’s manager Todd Singerman. Here's what Olliver said about the upcoming biopic:

Lemmy is looking at an early 2021 production start date and is sure to give fans of bands such as Megadeath, Metallica and Anthrax context to key history into heavy metal.

Bob Dylan

James Mangold is directing a movie about Bob Dylan starring Little Women’s Timothée Chalamet. The 24-year-old actor has made a name for himself in the past couple years for his roles in Call Me By Your Name, Beautiful Boy and Lady Bird. According to Deadline, the young actor will portray Bob Dylan at the time when he decided to embrace Rock and ditch his Folk roots. The working title is Going Electric, and it will be directed by the filmmaker behind Logan, Ford v Ferrari and Oscar-nominated Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line.

Michael Jackson

Graham King, the producer of Bohemian Rhapsody, is keeping busy with music biopics with two on the way. The first is a biopic about “Thriller” icon Michael Jackson. The movie is said to span his entire life, including the sexual abuse allegations that recently were explored in HBO’s Leaving Neverland. The movie reportedly “won’t be sanitized.” King obtained access to all of Jackson’s music from his family’s estate and the movie is set to be written by John Logan, who is behind the Oscar-nominated scripts for Gladiator and Hugo, along with Sweeney Todd, Skyfall, Spectre and The Aviator.

Bee Gees

The second music biopic in the works from Graham King is one for the Bee Gees! The ‘70s group consisted of three brothers, who are most famously known for their songs on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack including “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever.” The Disco-era movie about the group seems to be not as far along than the one featuring Michael Jackson, but Paramount has purchased the life rights to the Gibb family – therefore leaving the ability for their music library to be featured in the upcoming movie about them.

David Bowie

This one’s expected to come in May of this year. Stardust is a small independent film about a 24-year-old David Bowie’s first tour across the United States back in 1971. Johnny Flynn of Netflix’s Lovesick is playing Bowie, with Jena Malone and Marc Maron also part of the cast This was the time when Bowie was donning a folk-rock aesthetic and he was contemplating the persona of Ziggy Stardust, which would later propel him to later mega-stardom in the ‘70s and ‘80s. However, Bowie’s son Duncan Jones has made it clear he’s not supporting this project, and Stardust doesn’t have the rights to Bowie's music.

Aretha Franklin

Another music biopic coming out in 2020 is Respect, which is about the legendary R&B vocalist, Aretha Franklin. The late singer picked Jennifer Hudson to play her years prior, and the movie has finally gotten off the ground and is coming on August 14. Along with Hudson, Forest Whitaker is playing her civil rights activist preacher father; Marlon Wayans will portray her first husband, Ted White; and Mary J. Blige will be Dinah Washington. Respect is directed by Liesl Tommy, who previously helmed episodes of Insecure and Jessica Jones.

Elvis Presley

Baz Luhrmann, the famed director of Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Romeo + Juliet, is finally returning to the director’s chair for the first time in over five years to make a film on the life of Elvis Presley. Television actor (and recently seen in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) Austin Butler is portraying “The King,” beating out Harry Styles, Ansel Elgort and Miles Teller for the role. Tom Hanks has been rumored to be playing Elvis’ manager “Colonel Tom” Parker, who had a controlling hold on the singer’s life. The movie is expected to start shooting soon in Queensland, Australia.

Amy Winehouse

In late 2018, the family of the late Amy Winehouse announced a biopic about their daughter was in works over at Monumental Pictures – which has ties to Anne with an E, Harlots and How to Build a Girl. Eight years after the “Back to Black” singer’s death at 27, her family feel the “time was right” to now tell her story on the big screen. Proceeds from the film will reportedly benefit the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which works to prevent the effects of drugs and alcohol on young people, something she famously struggled with and ultimately died from alcohol poisoning. The movie will be written by Kinky Boots’ Geoff Deane.

Boy George

Back in May 2019, it was announced that a biopic about Boy George was in the works to be written and directed by Sacha Gervasi, who previously worked on Hitchcock, November Criminals and The Terminal. On a radio show, Boy George said he’d like Sophie Turner to play him for the movie. The two do have a serious resemblance! Turner tweeted out “I’m SO down” following his interview, but not much else has been reported about the Boy George movie. The ‘80s icon first became prominent for his hit “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” with his band Culture Club and has since become a LGBTQ icon.

There’s a lot of music biopics on the way! There's also been brief mentions for movies centered on Bob Marley, Carole King, Celine Dion, Gucci Mane, Madonna, John Lennon and Yoko One. Considering the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, it seems like the interest in the production of these movies are at an all-time high!

Which of these are you most excited to see? Sound off in the comments below and vote in the poll below! Check out five great music biopics to check out if you liked Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman!

Within the past year, audiences have watched Rami Malek channel Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in his Oscar-winning performance Bohemian Rhapsody, Taron Egerton’s Elton John in glittery musical Rocketman and Himesh Patel havea Beatles fantasy down Penny Lane in Yesterday. Bruce Springsteen’s music is being highlighted in the recently released Blinded By the Light. Another one of the all-time greats is coming to the big screen. Check out Johnny Flynn’s David Bowie below:

Anyone else just do a double take? The Lovesick actor will be playing a 24-year-old David Bowie in the upcoming indie Stardust. Johnny Flynn’s Bowie follows the music icon during his first road trip to America in 1971 as he discovers his upcoming persona Ziggy Stardust he’d famously debut on stage a year later. He is donning a lesser-known early look for Bowie that he had when he made his fourth album “Hunky Dory”.

At the time, he had not been signed by a record label and his first three albums had not been successful. He journeyed to America for a three-week promotional tour where he traveled by bus from D.C. to California while sporting a more folk-rock look and writing songs such as “Song for Bob Dylan” and “Queen Bitch”. When Bowie became Ziggy Stardust, it began his rise to fame that would have his music dominate the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Stardust reportedly began production in June with documentary director Gabriel Range directing the project written by newcomer Christopher Bell. The film’s star Johnny Flynn is best known for playing young Albert Einstein in the National Geographic series Genius and he is the frontman in his own folk rock group, Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit, since 2008.

Flynn will be joined by GLOW’s Marc Maron who will be playing Bowie’s publicist Ron Oberman and the Hunger Games’ Jena Malone as David Bowie’s wife Angie. Stardust is an independently produced by Salon Pictures, being sold by Film Constellation and co-financed by Christopher Figg of Piccadilly Pictures. The biopic may make its way into a film festival in hopes of being picked up by a major studio.

Considering Johnny Flynn has music chops, one would expect that he’d try his hand at covering some of David Bowie’s early songs such as “Changes”, “Life on Mars” and “Space Oddity”, now considered classics among the late musicians massive discography? However, Bowie’s son Duncan Jones has criticized the project and previously announced the film would not receive music rights or his family’s blessing. In his words on Twitter back in January:

David Bowie passed away in 2016 at 69 years old of liver cancer. There’s certainly an interest in seeing more biopics about musicians with giant fanbases. However, this project differs from recent ones of its kind because it’s a smaller production and receiving pushback from Bowie’s family.

What do you think of this early look at Stardust? Sound off in the comments below!

One notable omission from the smash hit Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody was David Bowie, whom Queen collaborated with on the incredible 1981 song “Under Pressure.” The song does play in the film, but the iconic singer does not appear. But fear not, because a David Bowie biopic is on the way. The film has now found its star in the form of actor Johnny Flynn.

Johnny Flynn will have the difficult task of playing the man behind Ziggy Stardust in Salon Pictures’ David Bowie biopic that is appropriately titled Stardust. The actor is perhaps best known for his work in the Netflix series Lovesick or for playing a young Albert Einstein in NatGeo’s Genius. Johnny Flynn also starred in last year’s dark indie Beast.

In addition to being a screen actor, Johnny Flynn also has stage experience and is currently starring in True West on London’s West End, opposite Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington. Beyond his acting experience, Johnny Flynn also brings musical chops to the role of the legendary singer who passed away in 2016. Flynn is the lead singer and songwriter of the band Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit.

In Stardust, Johnny Flynn will be joining a cast that includes The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’s Jena Malone, as well as comedian Marc Maron, whose acting career has really taken off lately with his role on Netflix’s GLOW and the upcoming Joker. Stardust will be directed by Gabriel Range, whose previous feature work includes I Am Slave and Death of A President. He will direct based on a script from Christopher Bell.

Stardust will chronicle David Bowie’s rise to superstardom and the eventual creation of his Ziggy Stardust persona, starting with his first visit to America in 1971. Principal photography for Stardust is set to begin in June of this year according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Johnny Flynn isn't exactly a household name, so most fans won't see his work until the upcoming biopic is released. Rami Malek perhaps wasn’t peoples’ first choice for Freddie Mercury, and he might end up winning an Oscar for it. Given David Bowie’s talents as a singer, songwriter and actor, it is encouraging that Stardust has cast someone with musical chops who is also an artist in multiple mediums.

In Beast, Johnny Flynn played a quiet and brooding character whose intense magnetism was in part due to the impermeable darkness beneath the surface. He played it well but David Bowie will give Johnny Flynn to an opportunity to showcase his range and other talents.

Now certainly seems like the right time for a David Bowie biopic (Sarah called it). Last year was a banner one for music films with A Star is Born and the phenomenon Bohemian Rhapsody and this year brings the Elton John biopic Rocketman. A David Bowie biopic can certainly capitalize on the singer’s popularity and his catalog of hits.

We’ll keep you updated about Stardust as we hear more. In the meantime check out our 2019 Release Schedule for the movies heading to theaters this year and stay tuned to CinemaBlend for all your movie news.

Bohemian Rhapsody reminded audiences that seeing our favorite musical legends on the big screen can be a captivating experience. Rami Malek's transformation as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury reminded fans of his position in rock and roll royalty and brought those unfamiliar with the band up to speed on its history.

The Queen biopic is now not only the most-successful music biopic to date, with over $774 million in earnings at the worldwide box office, but it also took home the Golden Globe for Best Picture in the drama category. It's not the only music biopic in the works either.

Coming this May, Elton John will be the subject of a "musical fantasy" film starring Taron Egerton, titled Rocketman too, which will hopefully pique the interest of his fans as Bohemian Rhapsody did. Successful music biopics breed more music biopics and there are a ton of icons whose stories have yet to grace the screen.

So, come along with me through the most legendary contemporary musicians of our time as we imagine what a biopic starring their stardom could look like... because these phenomena deserve a cinematic approach. Let's go:

Madonna

She's the certified "queen of pop" and has paved the way for so many female artists of today, will she live to tell the story behind her rise to groundbreaking to mega fame? Madonna's career is defined by the colorful, vibrant MTV age of the '80s music scene.

I'd imagine a musical biopic based on her early days should be just as energetic and fun as her career started as, radiantly strutting the streets of NYC in her trendsetting fashion as she set out to "rule the world," define '80s pop and became a sex symbol.

A script called Blonde Ambition is reportedly in the works by Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) assistant to director, Elyse Hollander but Madonna has made it clear that telling her story without her involvement doesn't have her approval. So, Blonde Ambition may never see the light of day. Still, seeing the pop icon's beginnings on screen would be a blast. It needs to happen at some point.

David Bowie

He spent his career constantly going through an evolution of distinct characters, such as Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke. He also explored eclectic realms of music stylings and was all over the map. With the right vision, a biopic about David Bowie could be absolutely epic.

It would also be one that would demand some peculiar artistic take and bend the rules of typical "based on a true story" formatting to reflect the "Space Oddity" of its subject. Some fans have pitched that a different actor should play Bowie in each of his eras. This would give each of his personas time to shine, potentially more as he saw them -- as completely different parts of himself.

The glam rocker's life seems to be begging to be told for the millions of fans who mourned his untimely 2016 death and the many who are intrigued but did not witness his story when he rose to prominence in the '70s.

Aretha Franklin

We've just recently lost the Queen of Soul, so now is the perfect time to turn back the clock and remember just who she was in her heyday. Her most famous song "Respect" wasn't just her greatest hit, it was an anthem for the civil rights movement of the '60s. Aretha voiced her activism through song and with a tour alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

While the Civil Rights Movement has been tackled on film many times over, taking the opportunity to highlight it through this iconic vocalist who defined it through art would be important, moving -- not to mention music to our ears.

A biopic for Franklin is currently in motion starring Jennifer Hudson and to be written and directed by Liesl Tommy. It's been in the works for quite a while now, so let's hope this version is the one that sticks and gets off the ground -- especially since Hudson should be a perfect fit for the role.

George Michael

While Bohemian Rhapsody's Freddie Mercury opens the conversation of an icon hiding his sexuality and struggle with AIDS at a time when the world wasn't ready for it, George Michael's story could push it forward from his career's interesting perspective.

George Michael of Wham! came out publicly in 1998, lost a lover to AIDS and wrote an anthem for the LGBT community titled "FREEDOM! '90." He embodied a generation of the community in the '90s when some of the fear and pushback was starting to fade a bit.

He's a mainstream pop star who started making hits such as "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" with his duo and then later moved on to a solo career. His music defines a specific age of pop music in the '80s (one Madonna was also a part of), but his story would stand out among many of the others who also came from that era.

Amy Winehouse

Long have musicians' stories been characterized by drug usage and downward spirals associated with fame. While Amy Winehouse's struggle may have seemed to be just another one of these stories, it's rooted in a resilient struggle with a lifetime of mental illness.

In her short 27 years, she dealt with eating disorders, a troubling relationship with her father, drug and alcohol abuse, even depression -- and at the same time was able to become a pop icon known for "Back to Black" and "Rehab."

2015's critically-acclaimed documentary on the singer Amy highlighted her incredible life; regardless, giving a talented actress a shot to play her and the events of her life could be beautiful, emotional and essential viewing if handled delicately and with love.

Prince

As his name implies, he's music royalty who deserves a place on the big screen just as one "Killer Queen" Freddie Mercury got his shot at with Rami Malek's portrayal. He's an incredible pioneer for a variety of genres including rock, funk and pop -- and not to mention how effortless cool he was.

He experimented, dazzled and notably helped give artists their own creative power of their music with his resistance to how things were in the music industry upon arrival. He pushed boundaries, challenged gender norms, all while being exactly himself.

From his film Purple Rain, to his time on MTV's hottest music video and so on, Prince is groundbreaking and deserves a biopic that is just as he was.

As Bohemian Rhapsody continues to celebrate its massive success and Rocketman's doesn't seem too far away -- there are many more musical legends' stories to be told that could tell some interesting, fun, impactful and musically-packed stories of the greatest hits of their lives.

Warning: minor spoilers ahead for the upcoming movie Justice League! Really minor, though, really.

Remember when Tim Burton's Batman used the late Prince's "Trust" in its climactic scene? What about when a recent trailer for Justice League used Gang of Youths' cover of the David Bowie's "Heroes?" The DC universe has a history of paying homage to these music titans, and it looks like Justice League will do it again by memorializing them alongside Henry Cavill's Superman. Check out the following picture from a Justice League event in London to see how the upcoming film paid its respect.

If you look closely at the image in the top left corner, it looks like one of The Daily Planet's competitors has run with the idea that David Bowie and Prince, like Superman, were not from this world. Who knows? Maybe David Bowie really was an alien, and he merely returned to Oa as a member of the Green Lantern Corps when he died. I can dream, can't I? In a very meta piece of storytelling, it shows how the death of two real icons and one fictional icon have very much rocked everyone on the planet (especially Lois Lane) to the core.

Beyond the fact that is simply a great way to pay homage to some beloved musicians who have left us in recent years, this picture taken by Syfy Wire at a Justice League event also shines some extra light into how the world has changed in the wake of Superman's death at the end of Batman v Superman. We already know that the world mourned the Man of Steel after his sacrifice during the battle with Doomsday, and we also know that his death eventually spurred Amanda Waller to create Task Force X in Suicide Squad. Even a full year after the death of the Last Son of Krypton, it looks like everyone in this DC movie universe will still be feeling the impact of his untimely passing.

Alas, it looks like Superman may not remain among the ranks of these dearly departed musicians for much longer. Although the marketing material for Justice League has not shown him alongside the other members of the League, the House of El symbol in the promo campaign (plus the fact that Henry Cavill is in the movie) has led many fans to conclude that Supes will return and round out the ranks of the team. With Steppenwolf, his Parademons, and the forces of Apokolips set to strike on Earth, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the League will need all of the help they can get.

Make sure to get your tickets for Justice League ahead of its November 17 theatrical release, and be sure to take a look at all the stuff we currently know about the long-awaited DC superhero team-up before it finally hits the silver screen.

Playing the enigmatic millionaire who revived the Nexus line of Replicants, as well as what remained of the Tyrell Corporation, Jared Leto's Niander Wallace is the new heavy hitter in the world of Blade Runner 2049. But if director Denis Villeneuve's original plans had panned out, a different musician/actor would have inhabited that role. And it would have been none other than the late, great David Bowie. Villeneuve admitted as much when he shared the following statement:

Even in its current incarnation, the chracter of Niander Wallace definitely looks like someone that Bowie would have aced in a heartbeat. With an air of chilled authority, yet underlying menace, you can practically see the qualities that would draw Villeneuve to want to cast the Thin White Duke as his central power player. But unfortunately, with his passing in early 2016, the Blade Runner 2049 role is one of the mysterious "what ifs" that David Bowie left behind, on top of his entertainment legacy.

While this was reported earlier in the year, Denis Villeneuve emphasized the validity of the story to the UK publication Metro, which puts this role in the same pile as the potential cameo that director James Gunn was hoping the legendary singer could play in this summer's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. While David Bowie never got to take either role personally, in a sense, his legacy is continuing to inspire the world of Blade Runner 2049, and you can see it in Jared Leto.

One has to wonder if Leto took some method inspiration from the way that Bowie carried himself, as the more we think about it, Blade Runner 2049's Wallace still feels very much in the realm of the characteristics described above. And knowing how much Suicide Squad's Joker loves to dig into and prepare for a role, it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that he'd sit in his trailer wearing his blinding contacts, listening to choice David Bowie tunes. Keep that in mind as you watch the short "Nexus Dawn," which highlights Niander Wallace years before the central conflict of Blade Runner 2049.

Blade Runner 2049 unravels the mysteries of the future's past on October 6, which leaves you plenty of time to go through the rest of our 2017 schedule to see what's coming down the road.

2016 was a rough year in regards to celebrity deaths, as a ton of legends unfortunately passed too soon. One of of these devastating losses was the passing of the iconic singer/actor David Bowie. And before his passing, James Gunn originally planned to bring Ziggy Stardust into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Bowie's planned role has been a mystery for quite some time, although the director/writer Gunn only recently revealed what role he would have had. When asked by a fan, James Gunn revealed:

Well, it was either that or covering the guy in gold as a member of the Sovereign. Although a golden Bowie is something that his fanbase would have likely drooled over.

James Gunn shared the news of David Bowie's original role via Facebook. Gunn is probably the most active member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on social media, constantly communicating with fans through Facebook lives and responding to tweets. It was through this dedication to the fans that Bowie's planned role was revealed, so big ups to the fandom.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Yondu's original Ravenger crew appeared toward the end of the film. After Michael Rooker's character tragically dies to save Star-Lord, it was revealed how fondly the two really thought of each other. Yondu kept Peter as his "prisoner" to save him from Ego's clutches, and the character is given a redemption in his final moments. Eventually the Ravengers reunite for Yondu's funeral, including his old leader Stakar. And now it looks like Sylvester Stallone wasn't going to be the only big cameo in this moment, as David Bowie likely would have been one of the many strange creatures that helped to memorialize Yondu.

David Bowie had an interesting life as an actor, both on screen and on the stage. He was perhaps best known for his role in Jim Henson's Labyrinth, playing Jareth the Goblin King. He also had a notable role in the Twin Peaks prequel film Fire Walk With Me, playing FBI agent Phillip Jeffries. And with Twin Peaks currently returning to TV on Showtime, it is possible that he might have returned to the role, if he were still with us. Jeffries' fate was left ambiguous at the end of the film, and it would have been awesome to see him return to the canon.

While it would have been great to see David Bowie as a member of Yondu's crew in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the film wasn't without its celebrity cameos. Seth Green once again voiced Howard the Duck, Ving Rhames, Michelle Yeoh, and even Miley Cyrus has small roles in the acclaimed sequel. But everything is better with Bowie.

The next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. In the meantime, check out our 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

2016 really felt like it was taking away every great, beloved celebrity we have, didn't it? Right when you're finally coming to terms with your favorite actor going on permanent hiatus, you wake up to find that the musician that shaped so much of your life has died as well. Now that this garbage year is finally nearly over, let's take a look back at all the great stars that we had to say goodbye to in 2016.

David Bowie

Died: January 10, 2016

David Bowie wasn't just a musician --- his ferocious adherence to his own individuality and uniqueness in regard to fashion, art, and societal norms helped shape the landscape of pop culture into a more colorful and explosive place. He's churned out countless pop and rock hits over the past half century, and even stepped into acting with memorable turns in movies like Labyrinth and Basquiat. He died of liver cancer just days after releasing his final album, Blackstar, at the beginning of the year.

Alan Rickman

Died: January 14, 2016

Severus Snape had one of the most emotional death scenes in recent memory on the big screen, and actor Alan Rickman's death left just as many Harry Potter fans sad and shaken at the very beginning of 2016. And Rickman wasn't only beloved by hordes of Harry Potter fans --- he was a beloved actor known for bringing depth and snark to iconic roles in movies like Die Hard, Love Actually, and Galaxy Quest. Sadly, the accomplished thespian died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.

Harper Lee

Died: February 19, 2016

Harper Lee became one of the most well-regarded American authors after publishing only one book in half a century. Her iconic novel about racial inequality, family, and growing up, To Kill a Mockingbird is still taught in schools to this day. Her second novel Go Set a Watchman was published a year before she died in her sleep at the age of 89 this past February.

Garry Shandling

Died: March 24, 2016

Many comedians today list Garry Shandling as an inspiration to their craft. The television mainstay kept audiences laughing throughout the '80s and '90s with his pair of successful comedy talk shows: It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show. Sadly, Shandling died of a blood clot in late March of 2016.

Patty Duke

Died: March 29, 2016

An icon of the 1960s, Patty Duke was the "it" girl of the decade after delivering phenomenal performances in stage plays like The Miracle Worker and movies like Valley of the Dolls. Duke also hosted her own talk show throughout the decade, and additionally released a pair of top 40 hit songs. Sadly, Duke died earlier this year of a ruptured intestine.

Doris Roberts

Died: April 17, 2016

Legendary actress Doris Roberts was known for a number of prominent film roles throughout the '70s and '80s, but most TV viewers know her as the pushy but lovable Marie Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond. Roberts brought unmatched humor and professionalism to every role that she took on, which made her death from a stroke earlier this year all the more upsetting.

Prince

Died: April 21, 2016

One of the most shocking deaths of the year was that of Prince, the iconic musician behind an entire era of funk music. His biggest hits like "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry," "Little Red Corvette," and so many others defined a generation of music fans, and went on to influence countless R&B and pop artists today. News of his death due to accidental opioid overdose earlier this year shocked the world.

Muhammad Ali

Died: June 3, 2016

The devastating power of 2016 hit us in full force when it bested even "The Greatest." One of the most decorated and inspiring figures in professional sports, boxing legend Muhammad Ali died at age 74 after years of struggling with Parkinson's syndrome.

Gordie Howe

Died: June 10, 2016

One of the most famous hockey players of all time, Gordie Howe set the standard for how the sport was meant to be played when he first put skate to ice back in the 1940s. Decades later, he still holds many of the NHL's records, and was the inaugural recipient of the league's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Sadly, Howe couldn't outskate fate, and died at age 88 this summer.

Anton Yelchin

Died: June 19, 2016

Anton Yelchin's death this summer may be one of the most upsetting of the year, given that the actor was still so young. The Russian actor gained some popularity as the title character in the high school pharmaceutical dramedy Charlie Bartlett in 2007, and then made it big when he was cast as Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek movie series. Tragically, Yelchin was killed when he was pinned between his car and a brick mailbox.

Gene Wilder

Died: August 29, 2016

The world lost a bit of magic this past August when Gene Wilder was pronounced dead. His comedic talents have kept audiences laughing for centuries, with iconic films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein. And he found his way into the hearts of a whole new generation when he injected zany, silly life into Willy Wonka.

Arnold Palmer

Died: September 25, 2016

Known as one of the best golfers to ever play the game, Arnold Palmer had to hang up his clubs for good this fall when he died awaiting heart surgery at age 87. Palmer won over 60 PGA tour titles throughout the '50s, '60s, and '70s, but non-golfers will also remember him for the signature half-lemonade, half-tea drink named after him.

Jose Fernandez

Died: September 25, 2016

September 25 took another major athlete along with Arnold Palmer. Florida Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident at the young age of 24, after creating a viable future for himself in the Major League by winning Rookie of the Year just three years prior. Even more tragically, Fernandez had just announced that his girlfriend was pregnant with his first child five days before the lethal accident.

Leonard Cohen

Died: November 7, 2016

One of the most prolific songwriters in history --- Leonard Cohen --- also died this year. Along with non-musical writings in the form of poetry and novels, Cohen provided the world with some of the most highly praised songs ever, including his stirring, emotional masterpiece "Hallelujah." Sadly, Cohen's song ended this fall after Cohen died in his sleep at age 82.

Florence Henderson

Died: November 24, 2016

All of America felt like it was saying goodbye to its mom this fall when news broke that Florence Henderson had died. The veteran actress was best known for her role as The Brady Bunch mother Carol Brady throughout the late '60s and '70s. She continued to work in the entertainment industry until dying of heart failure at the end of November.

Ron Glass

Died: November 25, 2016

Ron Glass' death was one of the very few times that both young sci-fi fans and nostalgic baby boomers mourned the same actor, who had a profound impact on the lives of both cultures. Barney Miller fans remember Glass as the ambitious sergeant Ron Harris, whereas fans of the cult favorite space-Western Firefly looked to Glass as the charismatic spiritual leader Shepherd Book.

John Glenn

Died: December 8, 2016

John Glenn is flying higher than ever before now. The legendary pilot became the first man to orbit the Earth in the 1960s, going on to become one of the most famous astronauts ever. Later in life, Glenn transitioned into politics, becoming the senator for Ohio for a couple of decades. Glenn died in early December at age 95.

Alan Thicke

Died: December 13, 2016

Just weeks after losing an iconic TV mom in Florence Henderson, America was hit with another blow when iconic TV father Alan Thicke passed away in December. The Growing Pains patriarch helped raise a generation, and Thicke himself never stopped being a beloved television mainstay, working up until the day of his death at age 69.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Died: December 18, 2016

Zsa Zsa Gabor had survived more eras of filmmaking than just about anyone, but 2016 finally got to her and she unfortunately died of a heart attack just a couple months shy of her 100th birthday. Gabor became a movie star in the golden age of Hollywood, and lived an insanely glamorous lifestyle to match it. In all, Gabor had nine husbands throughout her life.

George Michael

Died: December 25, 2016

The holiday classic "Last Christmas" took on a whole new meaning in 2016, and not a good one. Pop star George Michael died in his sleep during the holidays, 32 years after his band Wham! released their modern Christmas anthem. Along with his work with Wham!, Michael also had an incredibly successful solo career and was a vocal activist for LGBT rights.

Carrie Fisher

Died: December 27, 2016

2016's final blow is one that hit most movie fans the hardest. Before the holidays, people all over the world worried about Carrie Fisher's health after it was reported that she had a serious heart attack on an airplane. Things appeared to clear up, but unfortunately, Fisher passed away a few days later. Of course, Fisher gained iconic film status for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, and she went on to become an incredibly accomplished author and beloved personality in her own right later in life.

Debbie Reynolds

Died: December 28, 2016

Of course 2016 had to end with one of the most heartbreaking deaths of all. The day after her daughter Carrie Fisher died, acting legend Debbie Reynolds died as well. Known for her iconic roles in Singin' in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and so many other hugely influential films, Reynolds' last words were reportedly that she wanted to be with daughter.

As a villain who often has little to no backstory, The Joker can take a variety of different forms when portrayed by a variety of different performers. With such a blank slate to work with, actors have often looked to real life personalities to inform their portrayal of the legendary bad guy. With Suicide Squad debuting this weekend, Jared Leto revealed the unlikely rockstar that served as a major inspiration for his take on the white-skinned, green haired gangster. He said:

Jared Leto spoke to NME during the Suicide Squad press tour to explain how the late, great David Bowie served as a major inspiration for the latest incarnation of the Clown Prince of Crime. Obviously this version of The Joker doesn't go around singing "Space Oddity" at any point during the run of Suicide Squad, but Bowie still provided a fantastic persona to inspire and craft this take on Mr. J. Leto brought a sense of gravitas, theatricality, and flamboyance to the character, all of which seems to clearly share the same DNA as Bowie's own stage presence.

Those of you who have seen Suicide Squad might not have picked up on that inspiration, as Jared Leto does not even have that large of a part in the film. Numerous Joker scenes from Suicide Squad ended up on the cutting room floor, and as such our hopes remain high that the home release of the film will feature a ton of deleted content that further shows off this new Joker's rockstar persona.

Of course, Jared Leto is far from the only actor to ever apply a famous musician to a take on The Joker. Heath Ledger similarly looked to the world of music for inspiration when crafting his own version of the Clown Prince of Crime, even if the artist used was far different from David Bowie. One look at Ledger's performance in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight will instantly invoke the unique personality of singer-songwriter Tom Waits. We're not quite sure what it is about The Joker, but he clearly lends himself to the rockstar treatment.

Now that Jared Leto has come out and explained his inspiration for The Joker, it's going to be hard to watch the film without thinking about David Bowie's influence on the character. Of all the icons one could use to inform a character, we can think of few better choices than Ziggy Stardust himself. Suicide Squad is in theaters now; make sure to check it out.

We can all agree that 2016 has already proven itself as a pretty depressing year in regards to celebrity deaths. Over the last few months, we have had to contend with the deaths of some fairly iconic entertainers and performers. From Alan Rickman to Prince, it seems that the universe is playing some sort of cruel joke on people with a deep-seated passion for pop culture. One such passing that has taken the entertainment world by storm came with the untimely death of David Bowie. A genuine talent in every sense of the word, the iconic singer also maintained a hefty acting resume, and almost managed to return to the small screen for a beloved TV revival before he passed away in January.

Speaking with The Dallas Morning News recently about the revival of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, actor Harry Goaz revealed that David Bowie had planned to make an appearance on the series revival, but passed away before the role could materialize. Bowie had a minor part in the 1992 Twin Peaks spinoff film titled Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and had reportedly agreed to return to the Showtime revival of the series in the coming season.

Those who know about David Bowie’s career are aware that he was far from a stranger to the screen. Over the years he took on many unique acting roles in addition to his well-known music career, making appearances in everything from Labyrinth, to Zoolander, to Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. Even up to the time of his death David Bowie remained a very active performer. He had numerous acting appearances set up that never took place, and his passing, the culmination of an 18 month battle with liver cancer, came only two days after the release of his final album, Blackstar.

It’s safe to say that anyone who loves Twin Peaks will be disappointed to learn about this revelation. David Bowie’s appearance in the show’s universe in 1992 became instantly iconic, and the thought of him returning surely would have been enough to get any fans excited. Although we will never get to see this cameo on the Twin Peaks revival, it still feels good to know that David Bowie enjoyed his time on the project and had an earnest interest in returning to the world created by David Lynch.

Five months later, and we hope you're still resting in peace, Mr. Bowie.

Last night, CBS aired the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. It was a memorable night for fans of music everywhere, but this year’s airing hit a high note when Lady Gaga stepped onstage for a tribute to the late, great David Bowie. You can catch her epic performance of “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Ziggy Stardust,” “Suffragette City,” and quite a few other David Bowie hits, below.

Lady Gaga actually teamed up with Intel to create this iconic tribute to David Bowie's career, and while she’s onstage singing “Space Oddity,” Intel actually projects artwork onto Lady Gaga’s face as she performs, including a recreation of the Ziggy Stardust look for the Aladdin Sane album cover. The artwork is really exceptional, but what makes this performance top notch is Lady Gaga herself. The singer hops from song to song seamlessly, introducing a few fun set props as well as an outlandish costume that’s just as in keeping with the singer’s taste as it was in keeping with David Bowie’s taste many years ago. This Intel trick is pretty sweet though:

The singer has been more into acting than her musical career over the past year, having appeared in American Horror Story: Hotel. The gig has served Lady Gaga well, as she’s appeared at both musical awards shows and acting awards shows this year. At the 2016 Golden Globes, for instance, she even won the award for Best Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Limited Series, beating out Fargo’s Kirsten Dunst and American Crime’s Felicity Huffman, among others. She’s Ryan Murphy’s new actress darling, but it’s obvious that music is where her real talents lie, and I hope she gets back to producing more music very soon.

Lady Gaga’s big David Bowie tribute comes just a few weeks after the “Rebel, Rebel” singer died at the age of 69. Although he had kept quiet about it, he had been battling cancer for the 18 months prior to his death, and died “peacefully” surrounded by his family. His final album Blackstar, was released on January 8, 2016, just two days before his death.

Obviously, David Bowie was a talent who was ultimately taken from us far to early, and obviously, the Grammys wanted to find a way to pay tribute to the musical legend with the flair for the dramatic. Lady Gaga might not be everyone’s choice for who should have taken on the tribute, but we here at CinemaBlend feel she did a helluva job.

You can catch more video footage from last night’s Grammy Awards over at the Grammy’s site.

Peter Jackson’s sprawling adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is damn near the dictionary definition of epic. It has battles and quests and elves and orcs and all manner of cool fantasy shit—not to mention it’s like nine hours long in total. It also features a ton of fantastic actors, some well known at the time, others less so, but as a whole the casting is just about perfect across the board. But as it turns out, there’s one iconic figure that could have been involved, as the late, great David Bowie apparently auditioned for a role.

Dominic Monaghan was a young actor with a few parts under his belt when he went into Hubbard’s, a sizeable casting agency, to audition for The Lord of the Rings. As he told the Huffington Post, it must have gone well as John Hubbard, the dude the agency derives its name from, told him to hang around for a few minutes for some additional feedback—and there’s the fact that he wound up playing Merry, one of the hobbits, in the trilogy. It was during this wait, however, that Monaghan saw the legendary rock star. He said:

That must have been one hell of a surreal experience. You’re just sitting there, idling thumbing through a magazine, running over your audition in your mind (I’d be second guessing every last choice I made, because that’s how I roll), and then you look up and, oh, there’s David Bowie. Even if you’re an actor and used to being around famous people, he was on a whole different level, and it’s hard to imaging not being star struck.

After 15 years and three movies, plus Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, it’s hard to picture any other actor in these roles. But damn, you have to be curious about which part David Bowie auditioned for—the fact that he had to audition at all is a bit of a head scratcher. Like Monaghan posits, Gandalf is a good bet, and how cool would it have been to see David Bowie roaming around the countryside with a pointy hat, a staff, and a bunch of hobbits, dwarves, elves, and woodsman in tow?

I could also see him reading for Saruman. In my mind that actually seems like a better fit. Christopher Lee totally kills that role, but David Bowie could have pulled of that sinister vibe, hanging out in his white robes in his tower at Isengard, getting into a magic fight with Gandalf. That could have been amazing.

Those are the two main roles I can envision him playing, though, come to think of it, he could have made a pretty sweet Elrond. What part do you think David Bowie was up for in Lord of the Rings? And would you have liked to see that, or would someone of his stature been a distraction?

Last week news hit the web of a deal that had been struck to reboot the cult classic Labyrinth. The report stated that Guardians of the Galaxy screenwriter Nicole Perlman was on board to write the script for the new project. Now Perlman has taken to Twitter to refute the claims; it turns out there are no plans to remake the film after all.

We covered the news last week, based on news that came out of The Hollywood Reporter. Far from simply being a concept, the original report stated that Tri-Star and the Jim Henson Company had closed a deal to produce the film. Now, as Nicole Perlman tweeted above, it turns out that’s not the case after all. The timing of the report seemed awfully coincidental to some fans who thought that the report, coming so closely after the death of David Bowie, one of the original film’s stars, was more than a little tasteless. This idea of timing was something Perlman wanted to clear up herself.

While the timing of the report does seem coincidental, it’s because the news is only coming out now about conversations that happened a couple of years ago. In addition, whatever conversations Nicole Perlman did have with the Henson Company were not about remaking Labyrinth because she thinks there’s no need to do that.

She also shares the concerns of fans that any plans to revisit the world of Labyrinth would need to come from the right place, especially now.

In an era where nearly every existing property is being revisited, it’s more likely than not that we’ll see a studio look at Labyrinth at some point down the road. Hopefully, they’ll do so with the same respect that Nicole Perlman obviously has for the movie. We’re not saying they can’t ever touch it, but if you’re going to do it, do it right.

The world of music, film, and entertainment in general lost a giant just a few weeks ago as David Bowie passed away at the age of 69-years-old after a battle with liver cancer. His acting resume isn’t the most extensive, though it includes more than 40 roles dating all the way back to 1967, but now it looks like one of his most memorable characters is coming back to the big screen, as there’s a Labyrinth remake in the works.

David Bowie stars as the Goblin King in the beloved 1986 classic, one of those movies that is ostensibly aimed at kids, but features far more adult themes and content than you realized at the time. Hell, many of my generation were scarred by watching Labyrinth, and I mean that in the best possible way. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Jim Henson-directed film, which featured some of the genius puppeteer’s best work, had a script by the great Terry Jones, and was executive produced by George Lucas, is being developed.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe should pay close attention, as Nicole Perlman, who worked on the Guardians of the Galaxy script and who has been tapped to bring Captain Marvel to the screen down the line, will tackle the writing duties. Even though the Labyrinth remake is housed at Sony arm Tri-Star, it’s not entirely leaving the family, as Jim Henson’s daughter, Lisa Henson, CEO of the Jim Henson Company, will produce.

Bratty teen Sarah, played by a young Jennifer Connelly, runs into problems when she selfishly wishes her baby brother would be taken away by the Goblin King, and then that’s exactly what happens. Racing against ticking clock, she must enter the mysterious Labyrinth, deal with all manner of obstacles and peril, and rescue her brother from the clutches of the Goblin King, who also happens to be named Jareth.

Through Labyrinth was a box office bomb upon its initial release, and met with some brutal critical reviews at the time, over the years it has grown into a bonafide cult classic. The intricate costumes, fantastic creature effects, and a fanciful setting all add up to one hell of a time. And David Bowie’s eccentric turn helps tie it all together. There are even musical numbers where David Bowie dances with puppets, what’s not to love?

What’s not entirely clear right now is what exactly this movie will be. It sounds like it will be a reboot of the original, but THR also notes that it could wind up being a sequel of sorts. There was talk of such a move years back, but the Jim Henson Company ultimately decided not to proceed—though the Neil Gaiman-penned MirrorMask was apparently a result of wanting to produce a movie in the spirit of Labyrinth.

This is obviously in the very early stages, but we’ll keep you informed as we know more. For now, who do you think should play Jareth the Goblin King? Sound off below.

We lost one of the greats in the history of entertainment when David Bowie passed away on January 10. Since then, a number of his collaborators have spoken about what it was like to work with the singer and actor. The man had a number of film roles but one of his last was as the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan’s 2006 film The Prestige. Now, the director has opened up about working with the icon, and why he had to have Bowie in his movie.

According to Christopher Nolan, casting the small, but vital role of Nikola Tesla in The Prestige was one of the most difficult actions in the film. As the one character in the movie who was based on a real person, it was important that the man playing him be right for the role. Like all right-thinking people in the world, Nolan is a huge fan of David Bowie. At some point, the director made a connection between the two creative and unique individuals, and realized Bowie was the only one who could play the part. He explained to Entertainment Weekly that he did everything he could to get the man on board.

Nolan says that he "begged" Bowie to take the part, telling him that he no idea where to go with it if Bowie didn’t take it. The director doesn’t go into detail regarding what he said to convince The Goblin King to take the role but Nolan was apparently able to convince David Bowie that he should do it.

The Prestige tells the story of competing illusionists, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale who repeatedly try to outdo each other. Jackman’s character, who has a personal vendetta against Bale’s, has an idea for the ultimate illusion and ends up going to a man with a reputation for the impossible in order to make the idea a reality. Check out a scene below.

Just from that brief glimpse, it’s nearly impossible to consider anybody else in the part. David Bowie was unlike any performer who came before him. While Bowie’s film career was only a footnote in his life, it’s unfortunate we’ll never be able to see him onscreen again. He was one of a kind.

The world was devastated when news of rock legend David Bowie’s death rang through social media this past Sunday night. What many didn’t know is that David Bowie had actually participated in the video game world as a composer for the classic RPG adventure, Omikron: The Nomad Soul. To honor David Bowie’s life and to grieve in the wake of his passing, publisher Square Enix has announced that Omikron will be free for a limited time.

Originally developed by Quantic Dream, Omikron: The Nomad Soul was an early game released on Windows and Sega Dreamcast. There were rumors of a PlayStation 2 release, but the plans never fully came together.

During the game, the players can experience in-game concerts put on by the fantasy band, “The Dreamers,” headed by none other than Bowie himself. One of the songs created by David Bowie, “Survive,” can be viewed below.

In the style of David Bowie, the song blares a gritty edge that only he could pull off. With its guitar-heavy, grimy melodies and solemn tone, it makes you reminisce the singer and his early hits like “Space Oddity” and “Ziggy Stardust.” It’s a truly fantastic song by David Bowie. And it’s a little unnerving how much the singer looks like Bowie in-game.

Omikron: The Nomad Soul is set in a futuristic city called Omikron where you are called on by a local police officer to look into a trail of murders after he was forced to stop investigating. Omikron is a very complicated futuristic space world with multiple dimensions, creatures of space and a stereotypical anal and controlling government run by the notorious supercomputer, Ix. Coming from the mind of Quantic Dream’s David Cage, who put out the narrative-heavy Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls, it’s not surprising that there are so many intricate pieces to the story in Omikron: The Nomad Soul. You can check out the trailer below to get a better idea.

Releasing onto Windows first in 1999, the game was well ahead of its time with its highly-developed storyline and graphics, believe it or not. But the biggest surprise is David Bowie didn’t just compose for the game. He also appeared in the gameplay. He played a leader by the name of Boz whose spirit was trapped inside of a computer. But he also played one of the band members from the underground band, “The Dreamers.” You can get a look at his character, Boz, in the video below.

It’s almost eerie watching Bowie portray Boz since his passing. It’s hard for us to see Boz and not Bowie, now with Bowie’s passing. But even through his video game contributions, David Bowie’s spirit lives on. And he will forever be immortalized in the world of Omikron: The Nomad Soul through his music and his appearance in the game. You can pick up the game for free at Square Enix’s online store using the promo code “omikron” until January 22.

This week, legendary musician, songwriter and sometimes actor David Bowie died following a battle with cancer. He was 69. His ex-wife, Angela Bowie, is actually filming Celebrity Big Brother in the UK right now, and people were concerned she may not be told about David Bowie’s death. As it turns out, she was told and then shared the news with Tiffany “New York” Pollard who mistakenly believed she was discussing Celebrity Big Brother player David Guest. You can watch the comedy of errors unfold, below.

In the clip, Bowie walked up to New York and asked her to keep a secret, revealing that “David” had died. New York then had one of the most over-the-top reactions we’ve ever seen, and we’ve seen a lot of reality TV shows. Obviously, David Bowie’s death was sad and it touched a lot of people, but New York was seriously freaking out. She asked Angela Bowie how it happened, and Bowie replied promptly that it was cancer that ended up causing the singer’s death. At that point Tiffany “New York” Pollard panicked to the point where she went outside and explained to the other houseguests that she was told Big Brother player David Guest died.

This was the face of the average houseguest, confused and completely bewildered:

Eventually some of the other cast members confronted a confused Angela Bowie who explained that her ex-husband was dead and not David Guest. As Bowie herself then noted, Big Brother was “a mess.”

Honestly, the whole thing reminds me of those Geico commercials when the one guy is talking about “frog” protection and the insurance agent is obviously talking about “fraud” protection. Only, in this case, instead of going off blithely unaware of the difference in words, this time the cast told New York that she meant David Bowie. And instead of apologizing and comforting the woman, New York got self righteous and lies, stating that Bowie specifically said David Guest. We all understand that there was major miscommunication going on in this video, but why cause more drama?

Thankfully, New York finally does get called out after six minutes of this, concluding the story on a much calmer note. But again I feel I have to iterate that this is one of the most wild miscommunications we’ve ever seen on TV. If you haven’t watched the clip, or even an episode of Celebrity Big Brother at any point, this is probably the time to check in. There are so many highs and lows to the video it’s difficult to even keep up.

We should note that Angela Bowie was told off-camera by producers that her husband had passed away. She ultimately opted to keep filming, after having stated that she hadn’t seen her ex-husband in a long, long time, although she still felt an “era had ended.” Perhaps that wasn’t ultimately the best decision, considering what happened after. But our thoughts go out to the former wife of David Bowie as well as to anyone else who may have been touched by his passing.

The world lost one hell of an icon over the weekend as rock star, actor, and all around cultural impresario David Bowie lost his battle with cancer and passed away at the age of 69. There are countless reasons to lament this loss (and just as many to celebrate his brilliant life), but there’s one could-have-been that will now never come to pass that would have been just about perfect. As it turns out, Marvel wanted David Bowie to have a cameo in their deep space adventure Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

David Bowie’s 1971 song "Moonage Daydream" was featured on the soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, and when he took to Facebook to lament the rock star’s passing, director James Gunn revealed that there could have been even more Bowie in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, saying:

How perfect would that have been? It doesn’t sound like it was ever a real possibility, but goddamn, that would have been amazing.

In the early 1970s, David Bowie cultivated the otherworldly alter ego Ziggy Stardust, and made a nice second career in the movies putting his particular stylistic stamp on characters like the Goblin King in Labyrinth, an alien in The Man Who Fell To Earth, and even brought inventor Nikola Tesla to life in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. In the deepest reaches of the galaxy where Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians ply their trade, seeing a decked out David Bowie wandering around amidst the strange creatures would have been a natural addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We still might get some more David Bowie in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, at least on the soundtrack. James Gunn also revealed that he is trying to work another song from the 1972 album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars into the sequel—though he also shared that the scene where he intended to use the track was cut from the script. He didn’t share what song he has in mind, but did say they still have the rights, so it could very well pop us somewhere else, which would make Bowie the only artist to have a song on the soundtrack for both movies. Again, that seems entirely appropriate.

It’s always sad to lose an artist who had such an impact on so many people around the world, but at least we have decade’s worth of music and movies to remember David Bowie by. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters May 5, 2017, though we’ll have to wait and see if it includes another track from Ziggy Stardust.

When we think of actors, we often put them in many different categories of performance. It makes sense considering these men and women make a career out of encapsulating a slew of different characters. It’s common to see many actors go on to perform in the musical variety whether it be on stage or in recording. But, it is particularly special when we see the move from the other direction, and a successful move at that.

There are a number of musicians who have taken a stab at acting, whether it be in playing themselves on screen, or a different role. But there are few that do so successfully. Here we pay tribute to those musicians-turned-actors. While many of them could have stuck with the music industry entirely, these 11 musicians-turned-actors showed off an entirely new set of skills, and left us all immensely impressed.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake began acting with a pretty boy role in a Disney Channel Original movie around the same time his boy band NSYNC had taken off. But within time, the musician-turned-actor began taking more interesting and unexpected roles that would set him apart as an actual actor. The move towards actor came after the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction, when Timberlake was gaining a lot of negative media attention for his role in the incident. Afterwards, he began landing bigger roles in a few feature films including the direct-to-video movie Edison Force as well as a few appearances in popular films such as Alpha Dog and Southland Tales.

While Timberlake continued to produce music, especially in collaboration with other artists, his acting career started to take off when he settled down with his music career. Going from starring roles in Mike Myers’ The Love Guru and the Mike Meredith drama The Open Road, Timberlake soon landed the role of Sean Parker in the critically acclaimed Facebook-drama The Social Network. His acting chops truly began to shine, and on top of the continuing roles in comedy pictures the musician-turned-actor continues to shine in dramatic roles such as his character in Inside Llewyn Davis.

Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby still stands as one of the most popular musical acts of the 20th Century, but that even seems small compared to his popularity as an actor. Crosby is measured as the third most popular actor of all time based on ticket sales, behind Clark Gable and John Wayne. His most popular film White Christmas in 1954 was a monumental success commercially, but it wasn’t just Crosby’s popularity as a musician that was filling seats at the theater. The musician-turned-actor was a performer at heart, and it translated on screen just as much as it had off. Crosby made his film debut in The King of Jazz in 1930 and by 1945 he won an Academy Award for Best Actor in Going My Way.

Crosby would go on to gain even further critical acclaim, with Academy Award nominations for The Bells of St. Mary’s and The Country Girl, and a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Here Comes the Groom. He starred in seven Road to musical comedies with Bob Hope and actress Dorothy Lamour between 1940 and 1962, which made the trio an unstoppable commercially successful team. Crosby would appear in everything from cameos to Disney animated films to comedies. His acting career probably takes top as the most successful on this current list.

Will Smith

Though Will Smith is universally known for his acting resume, the star began his career as the MC of hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The trio quickly rose to critical acclaim and won the first Grammy awarded in the Rap category in 1988. But, by 1990, Smith was nearly bankrupt, so he decided to sign on with NBC to build a sitcom around him. From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the young star’s acting career took off.

Will Smith bounced from blockbuster to blockbuster, with films ranging from Bad Boys to Men in Black to Wild, Wild West. Smith soon became a blockbuster draw, and fans flocked to theaters to see his films. But the actor continued to hold critical acclaim as well, and was even nominated for Best Actor for his roles in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness. He continues to spit out hit after hit, and though some of his movie choices as of late have been rocky, the actor is already set up for his big comic book debut as Deadshot in Suicide Squad.

David Bowie

David Bowie pretty much invented the idea of playing a character in pop music. But the beginnings of his acting career come before his music made an real commercial success. The musician started his acting career studying avant-garde theater and mime with his first landed role in a 1967 theatrical production of Pierrot in Turquoise. He followed up his theatrical debut with a brief film appearance and short, but his first major role portraying Thomas Jerome Newton in The Man Who Fell to Earth immediately generated critical acclaim. Bowie would then take the lead role in Just a Gigolo and the 1980 Broadway production of The Elephant Man. He was noted for his expressive performances, a quality often defining his musical performances as well.

Bowie’s acting career continued on with great strength, as his music career skyrocketed ahead as well. He would go on to play major roles in a number of genres ranging from supernatural to biopics. He is often most remembered for his role as the king of goblins in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, but has also scored roles in Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, and even Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige.

Mark Wahlberg

It’s easy to forget that Mark Wahlberg started out as the frontman for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. It seems that his acting career has been what takes center stage. But the musician-turned-actor made his mark in the early ‘90s with his debut album Music for the People. A couple years later, Wahlberg made his acting debut in the TV film The Substitute, and subsequently dropped the name Marky Mark. His big screen debut followed with Renaissance Man, and started gaining critical attention after his appearance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in The Basketball Diaries.

His acting career blew up, with much critical praise from successful movies such as Boogie Nights, The Perfect Storm, Three Kings, The Italian Job and Four Brothers. His critical praise wouldn’t end there though, as the actor started to hone in on choice roles such as his Academy Award nominated supporting role in Martin Scorsese’s The Departed and The Fighter. There have been a few odd choices here and there for Wahlberg as of late, as he has been featured in a few comedies as well as a Transformers film, but overall, the successful actor is far from done filling in his already lengthy resume.

Queen Latifah

Another musician turned actor that’s acting career seems to now take center stage is Queen Latifah. Beginning her artistic career with beat boxing in the hip-hop group Ladies Fresh, Queen Latifah went on to make an important mark in the hip-hop industry by covering feminist topics. A few years after her first album, Latifah scored a starring role on a FOX sitcom which she also wrote and performed the music for. She began her film career with with many supporting roles, and would break out with the 1999 role of Thelma alongside Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie in The Bone Collector.

While The Bone Collector gained Queen Latifah critical acclaim, her commercial acclaim would come a few years later in the Academy Award-winning musical film Chicago. Latifah was even nominated for best supporting actress for the film. That then began her truly extensive acting career. Ranging from her role alongside Steve Martin in Bringing Down the House to her Golden Globe award-winning role in Life Support, Latifah has been the center of both critical and commercial hits.

Tom Waits

Tom Waits is predominately known for his work as a singer-songwriter and composer, but his performances on the big screen are nothing to scoff at. The man has talent. And whether or not he is at starring capacity in many of these features, his performance tends to shine through. First appearing in the 1978 film Paradise Alley, Waits had already been deep into his music career. But soon after, Waits married his screenwriter wife Kathleen Brennan, and began appearing in more movies in minor roles. He had also begun a relationship with Francis Ford Coppola after providing music for One from the Heart and the two continued collaboration with a number of Tom Waits cameos.

Waits spent some time on stage as well, but also continued to cameo in a number of large films. The musician turned actor continued to split his time between both the world of film and music, but his acting was increasingly becoming more impressive. Waits is best known for his supporting roles in Paradise Alley and Bram Stoker’s Dracula and my personal favorite, Wristcutters: A Love Story. He’s worked aside a slew of critically acclaimed actors ranging from Denzel Washington to Colin Farrell and Christopher Walken, and with every performance is distinctively impressive.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra saw a full and successful music career before he got into the acting game. His music career had taken a stall by the early 1950s, but was completely reborn when the musician-turned-actor won an Academy Award for his supporting role in From Here to Eternity. In his earlier filmography, he often appeared as himself, such as in the 1944 film Higher and Higher, 1945’s The House I Live In, and 1946’s Till the Clouds Roll By. After his Oscar win though, the legend took on more interesting and in depth roles, following up with another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in The Man With The Golden Arm.

Sinatra’s film career didn’t let up either. The actor was filming a tiresome amount of movies, but continuing to gain more and more critical acclaim as the years went on. The Manchurian Candidate gained particular critical attention for his performance. Then, in 1963, Sinatra took home a Golden Globe for Best Actor for the comedy Come Blow Your Horn and continued to appear in a number of movies up through the ‘80s. His musical career didn’t stop either, as many of the films he worked on also featured many of his original songs, many of which won Academy Awards for Best Original Songs.

Jennifer Hudson

With a voice like Jennifer Hudson’s it almost doesn’t make sense that she’d go on to become such a successful actress as well. After rising to musical fame from her time spent on American Idol, Hudson quickly followed up with her film debut in the musical drama Dreamgirls. The film gave Hudson the opportunity to not only show off her insane musical chops, but also featured a critically acclaimed performance from the actress that won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe. Hudson’s acting career is probably one of the youngest on this list, but the actress resonates impressive talent.

Hudson followed Dreamgirls with another impressive performance in The Secret Life of Bees alongside other musicians turned actors, Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys. She’d go on to boast another outstanding performance in Winnie Mandela, all while continuing to top the charts with her singing career. Hudson continues to stack up her acting resume with Black Nativity, Lullaby and is currently filming the upcoming Spike Lee film Chiraq.

Elvis Presley

The King of Rock and Roll was no stranger to the big screen. Just a couple years after his musical career began, Elvis Presley made his film debut in the 1956 Western Love Me Tender. A couple years later, Presley was drafted, and upon his return, dedicated his time to producing some of his most commercially recognized music. But, for the majority of the 60s, Presley decided to devote his time to making Hollywood movies. His musical comedies were commercial successes, and though Presley tried to move toward more serious roles with Flaming Star and Wild in the Country which saw more dramatic performances from the musician-turned-actor, he tended to stick with his successful formula.

The King started off strong with impressive performances in Jailhouse Rock and King Creole, but as his films started to gain easy commercial success, many started to be made more cheaply to increase overall profit. Presley starred alongside a number of established actors at the time including Walter Matthau, Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara Stanwyck, Charles Bronson and more. He also worked with young Kurt Russell in the actor’s screen debut in 1963’s It Happened at the World’s Fair. Though Presley’s commercially successful films were critically panned throughout, his early debuts featured notable performances.

Madonna

One of the biggest pop stars of all-time also happens to be an incredibly impressive actor. Madonna, is, and always will be, predominately known for her music career as the Queen of Pop, but the performer skill-set is anything but limited to that category. Madonna started her artistic career as a modern dancer, and soon went on to release her debut album and commercially successful hits. Madonna’s filmography begins in the early 80s with the oddball indie film A Certain Sacrifice which the singer was not particularly happy with the turnout. But from there Madonna went on to be featured in a variety of different films that were more often than not panned by critics, but by the ‘90s her acting saw a huge improvement.

Madonna’s starring role in Warren Beatty’s 1990 film Dick Tracy took in positive reviews, as well as her role in A League of Their Own. She took on roles in a range of smaller films as well including Blue in the Face, Four Rooms and Spike Lee’s Girl 6. But it was Eva Peron’s Evita adaptation that would show how truly talented Madonna had become as an actress. The performance gained the major pop star a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Madonna definitely had her up-and-downs, with arguably more negative reviews than positive, but for her few strong performances, they shone extra bright.

Last night, American Horror Story: Freak Show made its boisterously calamitous debut on FX, and it was a doozy on every level. No sequence better distills the surreality of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s anthology series than the one you’ll see below, in which Jessica Lange’s German carnival owner Elsa Mars belts out a David Bowie hit dressed as David Bowie, 19 years before the song was released.

The mind says, “Fantastic,” while the heart says, “Terrible.” She’s performing “Life on Mars,” a song that doesn’t even exist in the mind of its creator, but that’s also kind of the point, as the scene is an embellished fantasy born of Elsa’s decaying sense of pride. The main Cabinet of Curiosities tent has been rented out by Gloria Mott (Frances Conroy) and her son Dandy (Finn Wittrock), and Elsa performs for the two of them as if she was centerstage for a nightly Vegas show. In her mind, she is the alluring performer she was in years past.

She rides in on a prop rocket ship – already a sign that things are amiss, as the rocket is far more clean and pristine than anything else we’ve seen in this place – and she is soon accompanied by many of the other carnival acts. Some are playing instruments, such as real-life drummer Mat Fraser’s Paul the Illustrated Seal, and there are spotlights moving and other big stage props and tons of glitter and shit. Elsa is also watching herself sing from offstage while wearing her old performance garb. Though the two Jessica Langes might frighten me at first, this is a stage show worth going to see, especially in the bowels of Jupiter, Florida in 1952. Just look at those wooden wave effects!

That is, if this were happening in real life. But no, it’s soon shown to be a detailed trick of Elsa’s mind, and one that she also appears taken aback by. This leaves audiences to wonder if she really belted that song out there like that without any music at all – which would seem to be the case given Gloria’s reaction in the show. So all in all, the fact that we’ve just heard a song from the future makes complete sense in this context. (FYI, it’s not the only time something like that will happen this season.)

American Horror Story is known for some oddball sequences, the most notable of which before Freak Show was from Asylum’s ”The Name Game,” which was also a tempo-switching musical number. Well, my friends, I believe German-accented David Bowie takes the cake. The glitter-topped cake.

Read my thoughts on last night’s episode here and find American Horror Story: Freak Show every Wednesday night on FX.

For many who grew up in the 1980s, Jim Henson's works were an indelible part of childhood. The visionary writer, director and puppeteer created lushly realized worlds populated with fascinating characters that have an awe-striking tangibility as they mix it up with their human co-stars. Henson's preference for pushing the boundaries of practical effects and his extraordinary puppetry skills make features from The Dark Crystal to The Great Muppet Caper and Labyrinth timeless films that are still enchanting kids today. And as an adult, it's a joy to sit back bewildered, wondering how his wondrous worlds were constructed.

Well, we have a little insight on Labyrinth thanks to io9's uncovering of a vintage behind-the-scenes clip that focuses on the mesmerizing juggling skills of Jareth the Goblin King, played memorably by David Bowie. With his sly smile, feathered locks and preference for codpieces and plenty of eye shadow, he became a confusing crush object for countless audience members. But—not to detract from the glory of Bowie—not all of Jareth's intoxicating performance came from the sexy British rocker. In fact, the role of Jareth's crystal ball-juggling right arm was played by master juggler Michael Moschen. See how that worked below:

One of the many things about Henson I have long admired is his willingness to show the secrets of his productions, sharing his ingenuity in a way that inspires. His generosity opens the doors to so many would-be puppeteers, special effects artists and filmmakers, and it's wonderful that the Henson Company is continuing his legacy by offering a wide array of behind-the-scenes videos that are easily accessible on their You Tube page. Say goodbye to productivity today and give in to the urge to geek out.