Behind the Scenes with Bond and Netflix

NETFLIX WINS BIDDING WAR FOR ALI WONG STAND-UP SPECIALS: Ali Wong has scored a huge deal with Netflix to do two stand-up specials in 2020. Wong broke big on Netflix in 2016’s Baby Cobra. HBO lobbied hard for Wong, according to The Hollywood Reporter, but she ultimately went with Netflix, who shelled out eight figures for the specials. “Ali is electric,” said Robbie Praw, director of original stand-up comedy programming at Netflix. “She offers a completely distinct voice in the culture, and audiences all over the world have responded to her raw, unfiltered humor. We’re so proud to make Netflix the home of her comedy specials for years to come.”

BOND 25 POSTERS DROP: Fans are getting their first look at Rami Malek‘s villain Safin, Daniel Craig‘s Bond, La Seydoux‘s Madeleine Swann, Lashana Lynch‘s Nomi, Ben Whishaw‘s Q and Ana de Armas‘ Paloma in new posters for No Time To Die, the 25^th entry in the James Bond franchise. The film drops April 8^th.

ANTONIO BANDERAS TO RECEIVE PALM SPRINGS FILM FEST AWARD: Antonio Banderas will receive the 31^{s t}annual Palm Springs International Film Festival‘s International Star Award for his performance in Pain and Glory. Banderas will receive the award on January 2^nd at the Palm Springs Convention Center. “Throughout his career Antonio Banderas has garnered international acclaim and world recognition from his memorable performances,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “In his latest film Pain and Glory, Antonio Banderas gives another deeply moving performance as aging film director Salvador Mallo going through a creative crisis as he reflects on the choice’s he’s made throughout his life.”

ENDEMOL SHINE TEAMS UP WITH GAL GADOT ON QUEENS: Endemol Shine is teaming up with Gal Gadot to develop a U.S. version of Israeli crime drama Queens. “Queens is a complex piece about being female in our day in age, and all that goes with that from a family, career and relationship perspective,” said Endemol Shine North America’s president of unscripted and scripted television. “Watching these women make bold decisions, hilarious mistakes and learn to lean on one another set against a thriller backdrop, gives this show such a unique spirit that we all fell in love with it immediately. It’s gratifying to see a series that treats women with a deft complexity, showcasing that our differences are the strengths that unite us.” Next up for Gadot is Wonder Woman 1984, where he will reprise her role and produce as well. Wonder Woman 1984 is set for a June 5^th release.