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Bob Marley’s “Perfect Purpose” Drives New ‘One Love’ Sneak Peek


The Big Picture

  • Ziggy Marley reflects on his father’s legacy, acknowledging that Bob Marley wasn’t perfect but had a perfect purpose. #BobMarleyMovie
  • The upcoming biopic aims to highlight both the music and the message of Bob Marley, showcasing his influence during times of political upheaval. #OneLoveMovie
  • The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, and involves Marley’s family to ensure an authentic portrayal. Don’t miss it in theaters on February 14.


Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley, is here to remind the historical and musical legend’s fans that the late performer was so much more than just an artist. In a featurette for the upcoming biopic, Bob Marley: One Love, Marley, who serves as a producer on the film, celebrates his father’s legacy and message of spreading hope and peace to the world. In a one-on-one interview, Marley acknowledges that his father wasn’t “a perfect person” but that “his purpose was a perfect purpose.”

Beyond being memorialized for composing recognizable songs like “One Love” and “No Woman, No Cry,” Marley says that he wants people to remember that his dad was a source of guidance for many during years of political upheaval. As Marley puts it,You can’t separate the music and the message,” alluding to the feature-length production’s goal of tying both together to give a well-rounded picture of who Marley was.

Arriving in theaters on February 14, Bob Marley: One Love is the perfect movie to screen in cinemas on the holiday that’s meant to celebrate love. An all-encompassing biopic, the film will start with the early years of Marley’s life in Jamaica, depicting his tight-knit bond with his family and the infectious bite from the music bug that came to him at a young age. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green will take special care to cover the years of Marley’s life that saw him self-exiled to England after a failed assassination attempt shook up both him and his family. It was while he was living abroad that Marley penned and recorded his famous albums Exodus and Kaya, with Green spending a good chunk of time on the formation of Exodus and what it meant to Marley and his devoted fandom.


Who Stars In ‘Bob Marley: One Love’?

Starring as the man behind the music, Kingsley Ben-Adir (Secret Invasion) will appear as Marley with fellow Marvel-alum, Lashana Lynch (The Marvels), starring as his wife, Rita Marley. Filling out the rest of the main ensemble are James Norton (Little Women), musician Naomi Cowan, Anna-Sharé Blake a.k.a Sevana, Umi Myers (Silent Witness), Michael Gandolfini (The Many Saints of Newark), Sheldon Shepherd (Yardie), Aston Barrett Jr., Gewaine “J-Summa” Campbell, and more. When it comes to biopics, there’s an added pressure put on the shoulders of producers and directors to ensure that the person at the focal point is given the chance to appear as human as possible while also portraying their larger-than-life aura. For this, Bob Marley: One Love, brought on not only Marley’s son, but also his wife, Rita Marley, and daughter Cedella Marley to guarantee audiences would get the full picture.

Check out Ziggy Marley’s reflections on his late father’s life in the featurette below and catch Bob Marley: One Love when it takes center stage in theaters on February 14. In the meantime, read up on everything we know about the feature-length production here

Bob Marley One Love Film Poster

Bob Marley: One Love

A look at the life of legendary reggae musician Bob Marley.

Release Date
February 14, 2024

Main Genre
Drama

Genres
Drama , Biography , Music

Writers
Terence Winter , Frank E. Flowers , Zach Baylin

New Bestselling Book Redefines Sales as an Act of Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Kormac Group, an international management consulting firm, today announced the publication of ‘Karmic Selling: Earning Business by Earning Trust’ (ISBN: 978-1642258608) in partnership with Advantage Media. In his first book, entrepreneur and Kormac CEO Stan Gwizdak reveals how he’s built his career by helping others.

Entrepreneur and CEO Stan Gwizdak
Caption: In ‘Karmic Selling,’ entrepreneur and CEO Stan Gwizdak reveals how he’s built his career by helping others.

“Forget rainmakers, growth gurus, and secret sauce – sales is about trust,” asserts Gwizdak. “Emphasizing connection, kindness, and authenticity, my book gives readers practical tools to achieve lasting personal and professional fulfillment.”

Five-star rated by Readers’ Favorite and a #1 New Release in Amazon’s Business Ethics, Management, and Sales & Selling Management categories, ‘Karmic Selling’ was welcomed by top editorial reviewers:

  • “Practical and inspiring tips to forge rewarding ‘business friend’ relationships.” Our verdict: GET IT – Kirkus Reviews
  • Editor’s Pick: “Insightful guide to authentic connections and building trust in sales.” – Booklife by Publishers Weekly
  • “A fresh, authentic approach to sales … down to earth and straightforward … an uplifting business book.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews

Advance reviews from top business executives were equally enthusiastic:

  • “A timely reminder about the power of authentic human connection.” – Paul J. Tudor, CEO, Private Equity
  • “Fabulous insights on being a great human, building success, and enriching your life.” –Richard Ward, Former Senior Vice President, Baker Hughes
  • “Concise, practical, and absolutely the right way to sell.” – Bruce Hoechner, Board Member/Former CEO, Rogers Corporation
  • “Thoughtful guidance to make all the relationships in your life more rewarding.” – Steve Henderson, Executive Vice President, Leggett & Platt
  • “A must read for everyone.” – R. Kevin Wells, Lecturer, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
  • “Lays the foundation for how to be truly genuine and achieve success.” – Stephen Lazar, Jr., Fortune 1000 Operations Director

Inspired by the kindness he’s given and received throughout his career, Gwizdak wrote the book for sales executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for a better way to do business. Readers will learn how to serve others with a clean heart, bring their most authentic self to work, and cultivate lifelong business relationships. As CEO, consultant, and coach, Gwizdak provides the tools readers need to lead a more authentic, prosperous, and happier life. The journey begins with one simple question: “How can I help you?”

Early in his career, Gwizdak spent decades in the corporate trenches and saw the dangers of environments where everyone takes, takes, takes – instead of giving. A life-threatening car accident spurred him to escape the toxicity and start his own consulting firm, which adheres to a strict “No a–holes” policy. With clarity and honesty, Gwizdak shares the successes and failures that helped him grow his business – and shows that when we do good, even more good will come our way.

Gwizdak describes his authorship journey as a revelation. “When I started this book, it was meant to be about my sales approach. Then I came to realize that ‘Karmic Selling’ isn’t even about selling. It’s simply about doing good. I hope this book can help others see the value in living authentically and with a clean heart.” He isn’t trying to sell a million copies. “If I can help my readers, that’s good enough for me. This book reflects my lifelong approach to business, and Kormac brings that same spirit of kindness to consulting.”

Karmic Selling by Stan Gwizdak
Caption: Emphasizing connection, kindness, and authenticity, ‘Karmic Selling’ gives readers practical tools to achieve lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

An instant Amazon bestseller, ‘Karmic Selling’ is now available for purchase wherever books are sold, and readers can find related resources at https://karmicselling.com/, where Gwizdak offers helpful worksheets and checklists. He is also available for select speaking and coaching engagements.

About the Author, Stan Gwizdak

Stan Gwizdak is CEO of The Kormac Group, a results-driven management consulting firm that embodies his clean heart and commitment to serving others. As a chief executive and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Gwizdak has spent 28 years leading operational transformations at General Electric, Honeywell, Textron, and more. He lives a life rooted in authenticity and seeking to help – not sell – every person he meets. Gwizdak believes in karma: doing good for others comes back to us. In his first book, ‘Karmic Selling,’ Gwizdak explains how to apply his clean-heart approach to the business world, giving readers practical tools to achieve lasting personal and professional success. Gwizdak lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, please visit https://karmicselling.com/.

About The Kormac Group

Founded in 2014, The Kormac Group is an international management consulting firm committed to helping clients achieve real improvements in profitability and shareholder value. Kormac’s small, expert teams deliver focused projects that meet client needs with exceptional speed and precision. The firm offers operational improvement, process enhancement, and value creation services in manufacturing environments of all kinds, including aerospace, automotive, oilfield services, chemicals, food, and medtech. Kormac helps leaders to address challenges in integrated supply chain and logistics, sales and operations planning, throughput, inventory management, labor and footprint optimization, safety, M&A, and more. The firm’s Surgical Strike Methodology empowers them to serve clients with no minimum project size. For more information, please visit https://kormacgroup.com/.

About Advantage Media Group

Advantage Media Group ( https://advantagemedia.com/ ) helps business leaders and professionals become the authority in their field through book publishing and marketing. Through the Forbes Books and Advantage Books imprints, the company has worked with more than 2,000 CEOs, business leaders and professionals to publish a book that helps them establish their authority and grow their business. The Charleston, SC-based Advantage was founded in 2005 and in 2016 launched a partnership with Forbes to create ForbesBooks.

Media kit: https://karmicselling.com/media-kit

MULTIMEDIA:

Image links for media:

[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0116-s2p-stan-gwizdak-300dpi.jpg

Caption: In ‘Karmic Selling,’ entrepreneur and CEO Stan Gwizdak reveals how he’s built his career by helping others.

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0116-s2p-karmic-selling-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Emphasizing connection, kindness, and authenticity, ‘Karmic Selling’ gives readers practical tools to achieve lasting personal and professional fulfillment.

News Source: The Kormac Group

Beterbiev Vs. Bivol: Rahman Predicts Victory For Artur, But Will Skills Prevail?

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Former two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman predicts that Dmitry Bivol “will lose” when he faces Artur Beterbiev for the light heavyweight undisputed championship this summer in Saudi Arabia.

Rahman has seen what IBF, WBC & WBO 175-lb champion Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) can do in the ring, watching him dismantle Callum Smith last Saturday night in seven rounds and seeing his other fights.

Rahman’s Doomsday Prophecy

Hasim feels that WBA light heavyweight champion Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) won’t be able to handle Beterbiev’s firepower, pressure, or boxing skills when they meet up.

Beterbiev and Bivol will reportedly fight in Saudi Arabia in June or July. According to Matchroom, Bivol has already signed his contract for the fight, and Beterbiev needs to make his deal.

Rahman says the undisputed fight should have already happened between the two champions a long time ago, which is how Beterbiev feels, but it hasn’t happened. Some believe Bivol is behind the fight not happening, trying to drag it out for as long as possible to age Beterbiev, who will turn 39 on January 21st.

Beterbiev’s Skills Underrated

“It was a lovely performance. He did what he had to do; he kept his knockout steak alive. I don’t even want to single out Bivol. I’m telling you that anybody that gets in the ring with that man, Beterbiev, they’re going to sleep. If they don’t go to sleep, they’re going to get a mercy stoppage or their corner stops it or something,” said former two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman to Fighthype when asked about a fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

“They’re going to get hit harder than they’ve ever been hit. They’re going to be hurt worse than they’ve ever been hurt, and they’re going to lose the fight. They find excuses not to get in with Beterbiev. The unification should have been happened, but if it happens, Bivol will lose.

“Artur Beterbiev has excellent boxing skills, a tremendous amateur background, and went to two Olympics. He has excellent skills, but no one has brought it out yet because his power is do devastating that it rules everything,” said Hasim.

YouTube video

Why Dricus Du Plessis shouldn’t dismiss Khamzat Chimaev

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Michael Bisping argues that Khamzat Chimaev should be the next No. 1 contender at middleweight.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) said if he dethrones middleweight champion Sean Strickland in Saturday’s UFC 297 headliner, a fight with Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) wouldn’t make sense.

Du Plessis questioned Chimaev’s resume at middleweight give he’s fought just three times at 185 pounds in the UFC, defeating John Phillips, Gerald Meerschaert, and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. His resume might not be the strongest, but Bisping made a case for him being next in line.

“Sean Strickland’s a welterweight. Sean Strickland started his career as a welterweight,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “Of course he came up to 185, and the man’s become a champion. Robert Whitaker, the last guy that Dricus beat, was a welterweight before he came up to 185. Khamzat Chimaev? Yes, fought the bulk of his career at welterweight, but he has fought at 185 on two occasions – Gerald Meerschaert one-punch knockout and then a back-and-forth, very close fight with Kamaru Usman, and he was pretty much guaranteed a title fight by Dana White if I’m not mistaken, so that is the next fight.

“He’s talking about fighting Israel Adesanya, and that does make sense. I feel like I talked about this recently: Dricus Du Plessis, if he does become the champion, there’s a lot of options for him right, but No. 1 option is probably Khamzat Chimaev. Yes, Israel Adesanya, there is beef there. They’ve squared off in the octagon, they’ve went back and forth, they’re both claiming to be the real African and all this type of stuff. There’s a lot of hype and promo material for that fight. However, Israel just came out, he’s injured, he’s actually attending rehab as we speak.”

Bisping also thinks Chimaev’s popularity should be an added incentive. Although his win over Usman came over a former welterweight standout, Bisping says it’s still a pivotal one.

“Chimaev is ranked No. 9, OK? And that’s probably another reason why Dricus says that he doesn’t deserve it,” Bisping said. “OK, fair enough. He’s ranked No. 9, but he’s got a ton of hype. He just beat Kamaru Usman, who yes, was a welterweight, but he was the pound-for-pound No. 1.

“He was a longtime welterweight champion for many defenses and on top of that Dana said whoever wins, Kamaru or Khamzat, they get to fight for the belt, so there it is there. Khamzat Chimaev is also undefeated, he’s (7-0) in the UFC, and he’s a big star right. Khamzat Chimaev gets numbers.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

Chad Stahelski Will Now Oversee New ‘Highlander’ Franchise


The Big Picture

  • Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick series, will now be in charge of the entire creative future of the Highlander franchise.
  • Stahelski’s company, 87Eleven Entertainment, will oversee the expansion of Highlander across various mediums, including film, television, and multimedia.
  • Stahelski’s passion for the project has paid off, as he will have creative oversight for both Highlander and John Wick, launching another franchise.


Over seven years after he was first linked with the project, Chad Stahelski has now officially signed a deal with Lionsgate to not just direct a new incarnation of the iconic Highlander franchise, but to take charge of the entire creative future of the series from this point forward. While unconfirmed, Henry Cavill has been heavily linked with the lead role for a number of years now.

Stahelski will reimagine the Highlander series as his next project, while overseeing the expansion of the franchise across various mediums, including film, television, and multimedia. His company, 87Eleven Entertainment, is spearheading a comprehensive multi-platform content strategy for these franchises, cementing an already strong partnership. Stahelski has further inked a deal which will give him the same creative oversight for the John Wick series, which he has been the driving force behind.

Through the years, Stahelski has routinely provided updates on his vision for Highlander, including building a trilogy, crafting a television series or a film, and his passion for the project has now paid off handsomely. Lionsgate has entrusted Stahelski, a lifelong fan of Highlander, who has spoken at length about his love for the Scottish series, with the responsibility of steering both the immediate and long-term creative vision, franchise development, and strategic expansion of both iconic franchises. He will continue to work alongside regular collaborators Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road for the Wick series, and Neal H. Moritz along with the estate of the late Peter S. Davis for Highlander. Stahelski commented on the announcement, saying:

“I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion. John Wick is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”


What Is ‘Highlander’ About?

The Highlander series revolves around a group of immortal beings, known as Highlanders, with our main focal point being Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), a Scottish Highlander born in the 16th century. He discovers his immortality after surviving a fatal wound in battle. Throughout the series, Connor, like other immortals, must fight against others of his kind. When an immortal is beheaded, the victor absorbs their power through a process called “the Quickening.” The series also famously cast Frenchman Lambert as a native Scot, while also casting actual Scot Sean Connery as an Egyptian named Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez. And it still worked.

Chad Stahelski Will Oversee Every Aspect of ‘John Wick’

“This deal expands on the great creative relationship we already have in place on John Wick and extends it to our Highlander franchise,” Joe Drake, the outgoing chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Adam Fogelson, chair of the MPG, said. “From the outset, Chad has been the creative force defining the world of Wick; as we continue to think about the future for that world, we want Chad, working together with Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, as our stewards guiding us and strategizing together at every step. This deal makes it official, and we look forward to his steady hand and creative input not just on the film he is making, but other stories that arise from it. He is a true visionary, and we are thrilled to have him in our corner.”

The John Wick franchise has already been a stunning success, with four critically acclaimed films, and hundreds of millions of dollars in box office revenue to show for it. Additionally, Stahelski will serve as an executive producer on this year’s spin-off, Ballerina, which stars Ana de Armas and will feature Wick originals Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane and Lance Reddick. There was also the successful launch of The Continental, a prequel series set in the 1970s based around McShane’s character, Winston Scott, which debuted in 2023 on Peacock.

highlander-poster

Highlander

An immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponents, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled “Prize”.

Release Date
March 7, 1986

Director
Russell Mulcahy

Rating
R

Runtime
116 minutes

Tagline
There can be only one.

Slovak Prime Minister supports Orbán blocking €50 billion for Ukraine

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After meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he supported blocking €50 billion of aid for Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Regarding Hungary’s stance against the EU budget being revised to establish a four-year program of support for Ukraine, Fico stated that nothing would change even if these funds were allocated “in two or three years.”

Quote: “On each side, there are a hundred thousand dead soldiers, and no one will move forward. The Russians will continue their military control over Donetsk and Luhansk. Of course, they will not leave Crimea, but Russia’s position in the negotiations will improve,” he added.

The Slovak Prime Minister once again repeated his previously voiced thesis that the war “has no military solution.”

“Let’s find some other way to solve this problem, but if someone thinks that we will invest €50 billion, send hundreds of new weapons and solve something – then we will not solve anything, we simply guarantee the death of 200,000 more people who are there,” Fico said.

Then he turned to straight-up repeating Russian propaganda’s claims that the West “forbade the Ukrainian political leadership to conclude a truce” with Russia at the start of the full-scale invasion because “they relied on the fact that by pouring billions and weapons into Ukraine, Ukraine would bring them a wounded Russian bear on a plate.”

“Ukraine needs help, but I would argue that it is being helped in a way that has no effect. We are now paying [Ukraine] €1.5 billion per month from the European Union. We impose sanctions on the Russians… How long should this last?” said the Prime Minister of Slovakia.

Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán once again expressed his opposition to the European Union’s plan to commit €50 billion to four years of macro financial aid for Ukraine, saying that help for Ukraine should not “harm the EU’s budget”.

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‘Bleeding Love’ Trailer — Ewan and Clara McGregor Lead Father-Daughter Drama


The ‘Star Wars’ alum is teaming up with his real-life daughter for a heart-wrenching father-daughter drama.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Ewan McGregor is going on the road trip of a lifetime with Clara McGregor in the first trailer for Bleeding Love, formerly titled You Sing Loud, I Sing Louder. The father-daughter duo unite on-screen for an emotional adventure all about reconnecting and healing emotional wounds through spending time together en route to Santa Fe. Following a life-changing incident, years of familial trauma, and struggles with drug addiction, they have a lot to work out on the miles-long journey, but they’re helped by a cast of eccentric and colorful characters along the way who help the two forge memories and overcome the barriers between them.


Watch Ewan and Clara McGregor in the trailer for Bleeding Love below. The heart-wrenching drama is due out in theaters and On Demand on February 16.

Orange balloons, teddy bear cake & desperate prayers…Solemn 1st birthday held for Kfir Bibas 101 days after Hamas kidnap

AN SOMBER birthday ceremony was held for Hamas’s youngest hostage Kfir Bibas, who will turn one while held captive in Gaza.

Orange balloons – a nod to Kfir’s ginger hair – a teddy bear cake and his pictures stood in the abandoned Nir Oz kindergarten, 101 days after terrorists kidnapped him on October 7.

Baby Kfir Bibas will turn one on January 18, 2024

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Baby Kfir Bibas will turn one on January 18, 2024Credit: Reuters
Orange balloons, a teddy bear cake and pictures of him painted a somber image as the baby will spend his first birthday in captivity

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Orange balloons, a teddy bear cake and pictures of him painted a somber image as the baby will spend his first birthday in captivityCredit: Reuters
Kfir was only eight months old when Hamas terrorists kidnapped him alongside his mum and brother on October 7

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Kfir was only eight months old when Hamas terrorists kidnapped him alongside his mum and brother on October 7Credit: Reuters

Kfir’s first birthday is on Thursday, at which point the baby would have spent a third of his life as a hostage.

He was only eight months old when Hamas terrorists stormed stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 in their cross-border bloodbath in Israel.

Kfir has since become Hamas’s youngest of 240 people kidnapped by the terror group and taken back to Gaza as captives.

Hamas has said that Kfir, his four-year-old brother Ariel and their mother Shiri were killed in the Israeli offensive that ensued, while their father, Yarden, survived.

But relatives and friends back home have refused to let hope die for the whole family’s safe recovery.

“We’re marking a birthday to a kid who’s not here,” Shiri’s cousin, Yosi Shnaider, told Reuters ahead of baby Kfir’s birthday.

“We make him a cake, we put balloons, pictures, and blessings and everything and he’s not here. It’s crazy.”

In December, baby Kfir was meant to be released alongside his mum and brother before terrorists “decided not to do this”, the IDF said.

Meanwhile, Nir Oz has been frozen in time and trauma, with more than a quarter of residents either killed or taken captive, and survivors fleeing.

Nir Oz resident Sharon Alony Cunio and her three-year-old twin daughters Emma and Julie were freed last year.

Cunio’s husband remains incommunicado in Gaza, however, with 131 other hostages.

Worry for their fate grips a country that, after the worst attack in its history, has settled into the grim resolve of war – especially as Israeli officials, based on various sources of information, say at least 25 hostages have died in captivity.

“I can’t sleep. I suffer from nightmares. The girls ask about their father constantly,” said Cunio, who visited her now-burned out home in the formerly placid agricultural collective.

“I wake up in the morning with one purpose only – David made me promise him that I will fight for him. That I will scream his despair to the world as he is unable to do so.”

Israel recovered around half of the hostages in a November truce, among them Irish-Israeli Emily Hand, who also spent her birthday while held captive by Hamas before she was set free.

Cakes were laid out on a table on what should have been one of the happiest days of the nine-year-old’s child’s life.

By the time she was released, the bubbly Disney fan, who had loved to sing and dance, was rail-thin, glassy-eyed, frightened of loud noises and too scared to speak.

She spent 50 harrowing days dodging bullets as Hamas terrorists herded her between houses in Gaza.

Kfir most likely won't be home by his first birthday, meaning he would have spend a third of his life as a hostage

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Kfir most likely won’t be home by his first birthday, meaning he would have spend a third of his life as a hostageCredit: Reuters
Kfir, Ariel, Shiri, and father Yarden, 34, were all snatched by Hamas monsters from Kibbutz Nir Oz during their bloody attack on southern Israel

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Kfir, Ariel, Shiri, and father Yarden, 34, were all snatched by Hamas monsters from Kibbutz Nir Oz during their bloody attack on southern IsraelCredit: Pixel8000
Mum Shiri Bibas, 32, and her young children were meant to be released by Hamas before they 'decided not to do this', the IDF said

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Mum Shiri Bibas, 32, and her young children were meant to be released by Hamas before they ‘decided not to do this’, the IDF saidCredit: Ian Whittaker
A man carries a birthday cake for Kfir

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A man carries a birthday cake for KfirCredit: Reuters
People across the world are demanding the release of dozens of hostages still in Hamas captivity

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People across the world are demanding the release of dozens of hostages still in Hamas captivityCredit: AFP

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ Interview: Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell

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The new series ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ which is set in the MonsterVerse universe that includes the movies ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Kong: Skull Island,’ began its first season on Apple TV+ November 17th.

The show is executive produced by director Matt Shakman (‘Fantastic Four’), written and developed by executive producers Chris Black (‘Severance’) and Matt Fraction (‘Hawkeye’), and features real-life father and son actors Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell both playing new character, Lee Shaw.

Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell star in Apple TV+'s 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.'

(L to R) Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell star in Apple TV+’s ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.’

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kurt and Wyatt Russell about their work on ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ having the opportunity to work together playing the same role, Kurt’s memories of working with his own father, and what it’s like to be on a TV series set in the cinematic MonsterVerse.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Kurt and Wyatt, director Matt Shakman, VFX Supervisor Sean Konrad, and actors Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski.

Kurt Russell in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' coming soon to Apple TV+.

Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.

Moviefone: To begin with, Kurt, can you talk about having the opportunity to work with Wyatt on this series, not on screen, but behind the scenes, to create one seamless performance as the same character? What was that experience like for you?

Kurt Russell: It was a bit daunting. We investigated it and realized that two known actors had done a lot of stuff, but the father-son had never been done, and we were excited about it. We were never really, I don’t think, intimidated by it. It was just like we were wanting to get out there and get after it. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of collaboration to figure out who Lee Shaw is going to be and what he’s going to do to help pull these two time periods together. That’s where I had the most fun with Wyatt, and ever since doing some of these interviews and stuff, we were just saying the other day, we haven’t spent this much time since he was playing hockey in Vancouver. It’s been great.

Wyatt Russell in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' coming soon to Apple TV+.

Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.

MF: Wyatt what has this experience like for you working with your dad to create the same character?

Wyatt Russell: Same kind of thing. I wouldn’t say it was daunting or I was intimidated, but there was some nervousness on my part because I’d never worked with my dad. There are all the comparisons, they can be kryptonite, they could also be great. So, it was like, “Well, if we’re going to do this, then it’s got to be really good.” The bar in my head, you set even higher than you normally do, and that’s probably a double-edged sword, a good thing and a bad thing. But I was excited by the opportunity to do something big and nervous. I remember my mom (Goldie Hawn) coming into my room one day and talking about something else, but she was like, and my grandfather on my mom’s side said this, “If you’re in the water and your toes just can’t touch the ground, that’s probably right where you’re supposed to be,” and that’s how I felt. It was a good thing, but that’s how I felt.

Related Article: Director and Producer Matt Shakman Talks ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’

Kurt Russell in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

MF: Kurt, you worked with your father Bing Russell on a few projects, did working with Wyatt on this show bring back any of those memories?

KR: My dad and I worked together five or six times. We were father and son in ‘Elvis.’ He played Vernon Presley. But this is just completely different on its own, being the same person. We have slightly different energies or rhythms, but we have a lot of idiosyncratic similarities. So, we wanted to find the character, find the one that worked, that would be entertaining for the audience, tell the story, complete the mystery, and pull the two time periods together. At the same time, we created that blending thing to have the audience stop thinking about that and just at the end of it say, “We’re so happy they got those two guys to do it. That was actually a good idea.” It wasn’t a stupid trick. It was a good idea.

Wyatt Russell in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

MF: Finally, Wyatt, the show is huge in scale and scope, and is very cinematic. Did it feel at times like you were making a movie rather than a TV show?

WR: Yes. That was what was really the backstop for any of my anxieties, quite honestly, was then you’d look at where you were. You’d look at the scope of what it was. You’d look at what, in the first two episodes, Matt Shakman was trying to capture with the camera. You’d look at the costumes and what they were putting into it, and it was like, “Okay, well if I suck, this is all going to look awesome.” So, it did feel good and hopefully I didn’t suck. It was awesome. It was on a huge scale.

Kurt Russell in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

What is the plot of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?

Following the epic battle between Godzilla and the MUTOs that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, two siblings (Anna Sawai and Ren Watabe), following in their father’s footsteps, uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues introduce them to the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows. The dramatic saga, spanning three generations, reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.

Who is in the cast of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?

'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' coming soon to Apple TV+.

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.

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Ukraine’s Zelenskyy urges Western allies to step up pressure on Russia | Russia-Ukraine war News

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The Ukrainian leader says Western hesitation in backing Kyiv is costing time and lives and could prolong the fighting for years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the West to tighten sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and step up its support for Kyiv to ensure that Moscow does not succeed in its war.

Western hesitation in supporting Ukraine and fears of an escalation in the war with Russia are costing time and lives and could prolong the fighting by years, Zelenskyy said on Tuesday in an emotional speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

With the West’s once-staunch wartime support for Kyiv now wavering amid political wrangling in Washington and Brussels, Zelenskyy said Europeans need to understand that Putin’s plans go beyond the war in Ukraine.

“In fact, Putin embodies war. … He will not change. … We must change. We all must change to the extent that the madness that resides in this man’s head or any other aggressor’s head will not prevail,” the president said.

Nearly two years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy said he strongly opposes freezing the conflict along its current lines.

“Putin is a predator who is not satisfied with frozen products,” he said.

He said sanctions on Moscow need to be enforced properly and the lack of sanctions on Russia’s nuclear sector are an illustration of the West’s weakness.

European Union and NATO leaders echoed Zelenskyy’s concerns, telling the forum the West could not let up supplying  Ukraine with weapons and money if it wants Kyiv to prevail.

“Ukrainians need predictable financing throughout 2024 and beyond. They need a sufficient and sustained supply of weapons to defend Ukraine and regain its rightful territory,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen advised.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, also speaking at Davos, said support for Ukraine was not charity but an investment in the alliance’s own security.

“We just have to stand by Ukraine. At some stage, Russia will understand that they are paying too high a price and sit down and agree to some kind of just peace – but we need to stand by Ukraine,” he stated.

The forum is being held as Kyiv’s troops are going onto a more defensive footing after a major counteroffensive last year was unable to break through Russian defensive lines in Ukraine’s occupied south and east.

Speaking hours after the Ukrainian president, Putin insisted his forces have the upper hand.

“Not only has their counteroffensive failed, but the initiative is entirely in the hands of the Russian armed forces,” the Russian leader said in televised remarks.

“If this continues, Ukraine’s statehood could be dealt an irreparable, very serious blow,” he added.

Putin also shot down the possibility of peace talks with Ukraine, saying the country had advanced “prohibitive formulas for the peace process”.

Kyiv is now focused on trying to secure Western assistance held up in the United States Congress and Brussels as it reforms its conscription effort to replenish manpower and addresses artillery shortages at the front.

In a question-and-answer session after his speech, Zelenskyy said he had received “positive signals” about the unlocking of financial support from the EU.

He said he hoped that the US would approve further aid within weeks.

To drive home his point about the need to support Kyiv, he asked rhetorically what other European nation could provide a combat-ready army that could hold back Russian forces.

“If anyone thinks this is only about Ukraine, they’re fundamentally mistaken. Possible directions and even timeline of a new Russian aggression beyond Ukraine become more and more obvious.”

Zelenskyy met senior officials on the sidelines of the forum, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Stoltenberg and international investors, such as executives from JPMorgan Chase.