Russo Bros on 'The Gray Man' and Working With Netflix   

►"One for you. One for them." THR's Mia Galuppo spoke to Anthony and Joe Russo at their massive office space in downtown L.A. about their new slick Netflix $200m spy thriller The Gray Man as well as their plans for their fast growing AGBO shingle, as well as Disney's next decade: "You’re going to get all the Star Wars and all the Marvel you can handle." The interview.

—"The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting." Ricky Martin is denying any sort of romantic relationship with his nephew after new developments have arisen in the domestic abuse dispute that led to a restraining order against him earlier this month in Puerto Rico. Martin, through his lawyer Marty Singer, has vehemently denied the allegations. The story. 

—So many levels of great. Lionsgate has unveiled plans for the yacht rock musical comedy Sailing, with Woody Harrelson in talks to star. The film will follow the trials and tribulations of a group of 1970s musicians discovering the smooth sounds and lifestyle from yacht rock. Chris D’Arienzo, creator of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, sold the pitch for Sailing along with Jeremy Plager, who will develop and produce with MegaMix and Harrelson. The story. 

—Heading back to TV. Martin Lawrence has joined AMC’s upcoming series Demascus in a recurring role. He’ll appear in three of the show’s six episodes as the title character’s (Okieriete Onaodowan) Uncle Forty. The part will mark Lawrence’s first TV role since the 2014 sitcom Partners, where he starred with Kelsey Grammer. The story. 

—Ouch. ESPN+ will increase its monthly and annual subscription prices beginning in August, marking the second price hike for the Disney-owned service in the last year. Beginning on Aug. 23, ESPN+ will cost $9.99 a month and $99.99 a year, up from its current price of $6.99 a month and $69.99 a year. The story. 

Jak Knight 1994-2022

►"He was a brilliant comedian, visionary and artist." Jak Knight, a stand-up comedian, actor and writer who recently co-created the Peacock series Bust Down, has died. He was 28. Knight died Thursday night in Los Angeles, his family announced through an agency rep. Additional details, including cause of death, are not being released at this time. “Knight’s loved ones ask that their privacy please be respected during this extremely difficult time,” the rep said. The obituary. 

—"A painful loss to comedy." Jak Knight’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood on Friday as word spread of his untimely passing at age 28. Comedians Kumail Nanjiani, Adam Conover, James Adomian, Max Silvestri, Josh Adam Meyers, Tim Dillon, Blaire Erskine and more paid tribute to Knight on social media. The reaction. 

Diablo Cody Meditates on 'Juno' and Its Critics 15 Years Later

►"I am emphatically pro-choice." THR's Evan Nicole Brown spoke to Diablo Cody, as the award-winning screenwriter reflects on Juno, her story about a teen's unplanned pregnancy, in the wake of anti-abortion legislation and why she "stayed out of the discourse" around its anti-choice interpretation until now. The interview. 

—"We have to rise up. Again. Marching is not enough." In a guest column for THR, movie producer and Women in Film board member Ilene Kahn Power shares a powerful personal abortion story and makes a call to action. The column.

—More women in power could have the raised urgency of the situation. In a guest column for THR, Keli Goff, the writer-producer of Reversing Roe, writes about how her documentary almost didn't get made because none of the male executives and producers she pitched believed abortion rights were in danger. The column.

—“Girls just wanna have rights/ So, why do we have to fight?” Pink has released a protest single, "Irrelevant," with all proceeds going to Michelle Obama’s nonpartisan voting initiative When We All Vote. The new track comes after Pink was criticized for voicing her opinion about the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. The story.

Emmys: What the 'Yellowstone' Snub Really Means

►Hope springs eternal. The shutout of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone was, for many, the most egregious “snub” of the July 12 Emmy nominations announcement. Despite its nuanced messaging on land-use politics and huge viewership — which based on numbers alone is likely ideologically diverse — the series was blanked. However, THR's Tyler Coates writes that future seasons may yet find favor with the TV Academy. The analysis.  

—Two modifications. Hollywood’s COVID-19 safety protocols, agreed to by the entertainment industry’s top studios and guilds, have officially been extended until Sept. 30, with two small modifications. The latest extension reinstates language around buffet-style meals and allows for transport vehicles to operate at full capacity when COVID levels are high. The story. 

—Please don't be the baddie. Adam Scott has joined the cast of Madame Web, the Sony spinoff centered on the Spider-Man character. The Severance star joins lead Dakota Johnson, as well as Emma Roberts and Sydney Sweeney in the film to be directed S.J. Clarkson. No word yet on which character Scott is playing. The story.

—Some claims dismissed. THR's Winston Cho reports that a Rust producer escaped some claims in a lawsuit from the movie’s script supervisor who argued that the producer was at fault over fatal the on-set shooting in October. A Los Angeles judge dismissed claims of assault and infliction of emotional distress against producer Anjul Nigam and his loan-out corporation, Brittany House Pictures, because the discharge of the gun was “unexpected.” The story. 

—"A gripping power struggle, from first moment to last." THR film critic Sheri Linden reviews Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović's Murina. Family friction roils a celebratory gathering beneath the Adriatic sun in this drama from the Croatian filmmaker that was named best debut feature at Cannes. The review.

Odenkirk Reflects on Heart Attack Ahead of 'Saul' Final Season Episode

►“I feel very good. I’m in great shape. I’m gonna go to a workout right now!” THR's Beatrice Verhoeven spoke to Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk on another Emmy nomination for playing Jimmy McGill aka Saul Goodman on the AMC show, as well as recognition, finally, for co-star Rhea Seehorn. Ahead of the final episode, Odenkirk also reflects on the scene where he suffered the heart attack during production. The interview.  

—"I think it was worth it." THR's Brian Davids spoke to Better Call Saul writer and executive producer Gordon Smith on how the team brought a 13-year-old Breaking Bad storyline to a close. Smith, who started on Breaking Bad as a PA before rising through the ranks, dives into the big swings of his final Better Call Saul script. Warning spoilers. The interview. 

—ICYMI. THR's Dan Fienberg spoke to Better Call Saul series co-creator and showrunner Peter Gould about the midseason premiere of the final season, which features several twisty character decisions and another big shocker involving a cast regular. Warning spoilers. The interview

In other news...

—Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan sets benefit show for Highland Park shooting victims

—Mexico captures drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, portrayed on Narcos: Mexico

—Billy Eichner’s LGBTQ comedy Bros to world premiere at Toronto Film Festival

—Director Tony Vainuku signs with M88

What else we're reading...

—Ashley Spencer profiles Where the Crawdads Sing star Daisy Edgar-Jones, the new Hollywood 'It' girl [NYT]

—Chris Lee with an interesting piece on how Sony's decision to zig where other studios zagged during the pandemic has paid off handsomely [Vulture]

—Dana Stevens really really really didn't like Netflix’s Persuasion, ranking it as one of the worst movies in years [Slate]

—Laura Bradley wonders when will Hollywood stop miscasting Dakota Johnson? [Daily Beast]

—Alexandra Marshall interviews Naomi Watts about her new menopause platform. Watts is one of a number of Hollywood stars entering the space [Air Mail]

Today...  

...in 1993, Disney brought the witchcraft feature Hocus Pocus to the big screen, where it earned $39 million stateside during its run. A sequel film hits Disney+ in September. The original review.

Today's birthdays: Will Ferrell (55), Rosa Salazar (37), Phoebe Cates (59), Corey Feldman (51), Scott Derrickson (55), Laura Carmichael (36), Jayma Mays (43), Kate Berlant (35), Mark Indelicato (28), Michelle Morgan (41), Karina Arroyave (53), Daryl Mitchell (57), Katrina Kaif (39), Rubén Blades (74), Leila Kenzle (62), Eleanor Matsuura (39), Denise Faye (59), Apichatpong Weerasethakul (52), Chris Pontius (48), Tony Kushner (66), Michael Flatley (64)