“It’s probably going to be the hardest work I’ve ever done,” he told The New York Times in 2015, “and that’s good.” Today, “Ozark” has not only reshaped the preexisting perception of the actor as a comedy star, but the Netflix drama has broadened his reach as an artist — especially when it comes to directing. Originally, Bateman planned to direct every episode of Season 1, in addition to performing his duties as lead actor and executive producer....

Ray wrote “The Comey Rule” as a story about how heartbreaking it can be to be a public servant. It was because of that take that Comey finally agreed, after months of resisting, to give him the rights to adapt his “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership.” The resulting two-part limited series launched Sunday on Showtime. On a certain level, Comey’s hesitation was understandable. “Start with the fact that the guy to play him was in ‘Dumb and Dumber,’” said Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom”), who, in fact, brings his trademark decency and gravitas to the role....

The “Marry Me” star reportedly donned an encrusted, Cinderella-esque wedding dress for her onscreen nuptials to Maluma in Universal’s “Marry Me.” The film now in theaters and streaming on Peacock, follows global superstar Kat (Lopez) as she plans to tie the knot onstage to singer fiancé Bastian (Maluma) while performing their hit duet. For the big moment, “Marry Me” costume designer Caroline Duncan selected the stunning rose-gold metallic Zuhair Murad bridal gown off the runway....

Multiple times throughout the second half of “Rothaniel,” as Carmichael gets deep and personal about the challenges his sexuality have caused for his closest relatives, the audience chimes in, and Carmichael plays along. The results add a revelatory component to the special that plays like a portrait of Carmichael’s anguish, and the attitude that carries him through it. Much more than a pileup of jokes, “Rothaniel” travels from amusing anecdotes to therapeutic confession, with the audience as the glue that holds those two components together....

“I like watching my movies. I can watch the films I direct [but] watching me perform just feels like… a bad kind of masturbatory,” Peele said after Whitford asked if acting was behind him. “It’s masturbation you don’t enjoy. I feel like I got to do so much and it is a great feeling. When I think about those great moments when you’re basking in something you said that feels funny....

The “Dear White People” creator is set to adapt and direct a modern retelling of 1983 Paramount Pictures film “Flashdance,” which originally starred Jennifer Beals as a steel mill worker with ballerina dreams. “Bad Hair” director Simien signed an overall deal with Paramount Television Studios in August 2021 after adapting his own Lionsgate film “Dear White People” for Netflix. The TV series concluded last September after four seasons. The Paramount+ series was announced on February 1, following the project’s first stab at development at CBS All Access in October 2020 with Tracy McMillan writing and Angela Robinson directing, as Deadline reported....

“The Power of the Dog” director Jane Campion revealed who she’s rooting for the Best Actress category at the Oscars — plus who she wishes was included. Campion told The Hollywood Reporter that she’s surprised Lady Gaga was snubbed by the Academy. “One of the actors that I thought — in the lead female actress category — who I missed being there was Lady Gaga. I thought she was extraordinary,” Campion said....