'Dear White People' Showrunner Talks Netflix Boycott Over Chappelle Special

►"It's not about feelings." Dear White People showrunner Jaclyn Moore talks to THR's Chris Gardner about cutting ties with Netflix after Dave Chappelle's new special, The Closer, as well as the conversation she had with a staffer at the streamer after the decision. The story. 

—Big hire. Veteran Warner Bros. executive Niija Kuykendall has left the Burbank-based studio and joined Netflix in the streamer’s film division. Kuykendall will act as vp film, reporting to head of film Scott Stuber, and oversee a new features group focusing on midsized films. The story. 

—Clinton era obsession continues. Netflix is spinning off the Fox sitcom That ’70s Show. The new comedy, cleverly titled That ’90s Show, has the original series creators Bonnie and Terry Turner on board. Kurtwood Smith (Red Forman) and Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty Forman) have signed on to reprise their roles, with producers hopeful that other familiar names will join in guest appearances. The story.

—Family business. The Office creator Greg Daniels is making his first foray into unscripted series, with an assist from his daughter Haley. The Daniels are behind a dating show for single parents called My Mom, Your Dad that has landed a series order at HBO Max. Insecure’s Yvonne Orji will host the series. The story. 

Cillian Murphy Signs Up for Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' 

►Familiar face. Cillian Murphy is reteaming with Christopher Nolan for the director's latest project, now officially titled Oppenheimer, with the Irish actor playing nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Universal, which landed the project in September (sozza Warner Bros.), announced Friday that the film is set for a North America release date of July 21, 2023, in keeping with Nolan's (and formerly WB's, ouch) summer release tradition. Nolan and Murphy have previously worked together on five films. The story.  

—"Dominating. Defeating." Kumail Nanjiani says after getting “jacked” for his role in the upcoming Marvel film Eternals, he’s questioned the kinds of messages his transformation sends about masculinity, saying other men have started reacting to him more aggressively. The story. 

—Free speech rights. Nearly 35 years ago, CBS Records prevailed against a family alleging that Ozzy Osbourne’s music caused a teenager to kill himself. This week, Netflix evoked that now famous case (McCollum v. CBS) in an attempt to similarly beat a lawsuit over 13 Reasons Why, which one grieving family blames for the suicide of their teen daughter “Bella.” The case.

McConaughey’s Big Risk (and Opportunity) If He Runs for Office

►"People will start to hate him." As Matthew McConaughey vaguely embraces the idea of seeking higher office in Texas, and leads a hypothetical statewide poll, THR's James Hibberd spoke to political insiders about the perils of politics that await the Oscar-winning actor. The story. 

—"Hideous superficial crap." Madonna says she’s fought several studio attempts to do a movie about her life in part because the projects have always been written and directed by men, including one unnamed “misogynist.” The singer confirmed that she’s helming her own visual autobiography — not “a biopic,” per the artist — because past attempts at doing so have all come from the male gaze. The story. 

—Major expansion. Apple has revealed plans for a major investment in Culver City. The tech giant is building two new connected facilities along National and Venice Boulevards in what will be a more than 550,000-square-foot headquarters for its teams across the region. The story. 

—Casting news. Paramount Players has rounded out the cast for horror Something’s Wrong with Rose. Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner and Kal Penn will join the previously announced Mare of Easttown actress Sosie Bacon. Rob Morgan, Judy Reyes, Caitlin Stasey and Gillian Zinser will also star in the movie from writer-director Parker Finn. The story. 

Abortion in Film: THR Critics Recommend 12 Movies to Revisit

►Exploring the reality. At a moment when Roe v. Wade is under direct challenge, THR critics look at 12 films that explore reproductive choice as a crucial aspect of women’s lives. Whether they’re downbeat, melodramatic, harrowing or tinged with comedy, these movies’ intelligence and sensitivity deepen our understanding of women’s experience. The selection. 

—Exploring humanity. HBO Max has ordered an unscripted series from professor and best-selling author Dr. Brené Brown. The eight-episode series Atlas of the Heart focuses on Brown’s research into the experiences that define humanity. The series is set to begin production later this month in Austin. The story. 

—Exploring media ownership. Alicia Bell, co-creator of Media 2070, and Joseph Torres pen a guest column on why the Federal Communications Commission must open a public inquiry that examines how racism has shaped its policy and licensing decisions, and how prospective audit must guide the agency’s steps toward repair. The column.

In other news...

—TV ratings: Ghosts scares up solid premiere numbers.

—Daniel Craig and James Corden re-create Back to the Future, Thelma & Louise on Late Late Show. 

—Hot real estate market Culver City is now "one of the content capitals of the globe."

—Why the ultra-wealthy are paying $150k a year for this luxury concierge service. 

—Charlotte Rampling dark comedy Juniper lands key global sales.

—CAA signs NFT collector behind “0xb1” persona.

—Step inside the world of Star Trek at L.A.'s Skirball Center.

—Lamb star Noomi Rapace on delivering real baby lambs and sleepless nights in Iceland.

—Laurence Fishburne, Sam Rockwell, Darren Criss to star in Broadway revival of American Buffalo.

What else we're reading...

—"Bonding With Léa Seydoux" [New York Times]

—"Salesforce Gets Into the Streaming Wars in a Very Salesforce Way" [Bloomberg]

—"Why on earth is Angelina Jolie in Marvel’s Eternals?" [The Guardian]

—"Why Does Squid Game Resonate So Well In The U.s.? It May Be Its Portrayal Of Economic Despair" [Washington Post]

—"We Need to Talk About Nate" [Vulture]

Today...  

...in 1992, Warner Bros. released Under Siege starring Steven Seagal. Set on the USS Missouri, an actual battleship that was decommissioned six months before the film’s release, the film revolved around a terrorist plot to take control of the ship and sell off its nuclear arsenal. The original review. 

Today's birthdays: Steve McQueen (52), Chris O'Dowd (42), Sheila Kelley (60), Spencer Grammer (38), Guillermo del Toro (57), Brian Blessed (85), Pete Docter (53), Bella Hadid (25), Robert Wuhl (70), Jharrel Jerome (24), Jason Butler Harner (51), Tyler James Williams (29), Nick Swardson (45), Shera Danese (72), Jacob Batalon (25), Scott Bakula (67), Brandon Routh (42), Tony Shalhoub (68), Jodelle Ferland (27)