Behind the Scenes Buzz

LUMINARY MEDIA DIVES INTO PODCASTING WITH STAR-STUDDED CAST OF HOSTS: Luminary Media is deepening its commitment to the booming world of podcasts, with a slate of 40+ creators, including Lena Dunham, Trevor Noah and Conan O’Brien‘s Team Coco. When the company launches later this year, it will offer a streaming app with an ad-free subscription ($8 a month) and a free version with advertising. In 2018, podcasting garnered $514 million. “What sets Luminary apart is our podcasts-we are launching more than 40 shows and over 1,000 hours of ad-free exclusive podcasts on our premium service featuring some of the most recognizable voices in podcasting and entertainment,” Luminary CEO Matt Sacks said.

NETFLIX RESPONDS TO STEVEN SPIELBERG’S OSCAR BAN: Netflix is issuing a response to Steven Spielberg‘s attempts to prevent the streaming giant’s films from being nominated for Oscars. Netflix didn’t name names, but it was clear who they were referencing in a tweet: “We love cinema. Here are some things we also love. Access for people who can’t always afford, or live in towns without, theaters. Letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time. Giving filmmakers more ways to share art. These things are not mutually exclusive.”

ALEC BALDWIN AND ANNE HECHE TO REPRISE TWENTIETH CENTURY: Alec Baldwin and Anne Heche are reprising their highly successful Twentieth Century for one-night to benefit the Roundabout Theatre. The show will take place on Monday, April 29^th at 7:30 p.m. at Broadway’s Studio 54. The director who helmed the 2004 production, Walter Bobbie, will also return.

NETFLIX UNVEILS CAST FOR CURSED: Mega-streamer Netflix is sharing a glimpse of the cast of its forthcoming original, Cursed. Joining the previously announced Katherine Langford are Devon Terrell (Barry), Gustaf Skarsgrd (Westworld, Vikings), Peter Mullan (Ozark), Lily Newmark (Temple, Sex Education), Shalom Brune-Franklin (The State, Our Girl), Daniel Sharman (Fear the Walking Dead, Medici), Sebastian Armesto (Poldark, Broadchurch), Emily Coates (Flack), Catherine Walker (Versailles, The Delinquent Season) and Billy Jenkins (The Crown, Holmes & Watson, Humans). The original drama will be based on Frank Miller and Tom Wheller‘s upcoming illustrated book of the same name, Deadline reports. The book is set to land in the fall of 2019.