TV
Cinedigm Rebooting Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network For Streaming!
Robert Rodriguez‘s El Rey Network has done a ton of cool horror-related events over the years, but the best thing they achieved was a full-blown “From Dusk Till Dawn” series that ran for three seasons from 2014-2016.
Now, Rodriguez has taken the once linear cable TV channel and reformatted the Latino-focused brand for the streaming era in partnership with Cinedigm, the latter of which just saw the zombie horror Brain Freeze have its World Premiere at Fantasia.
“In partnership with Cinedigm, El Rey Network will relaunch as an over-the-top streaming service available on platforms including connected TVs, digital set-top boxes, media-streaming devices and the web,” reports Variety. “In addition, Cinedigm will work with El Rey to ink deals with advertisers on custom content. Cinedigm also will distribute Rodriguez’s feature film Red 11 and the companion docuseries, Rebel Without a Crew: The Robert Rodriguez Film School, exclusively to OTT platforms.”
“El Rey has always been a network for the people — a mainstream outlet where we discover diverse, independent voices,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “The fact that we can also now make our catalogue of kick-ass programming available for free to all gives me enormous joy.”
He added: “As audiences move deliberately to streaming, it was important for me to democratize our platform so that the masses have the opportunity to see themselves in our lineup of curated, inclusive and entertaining content. This is a huge win in every way, and I want to thank Cinedigm for putting fans first with this new alliance.”
Cinedigm’s partnership with El Rey allows the channel to broaden its digital footprint, as well as expand the access of its programming to audiences, said Erick Opeka, Cinedigm’s president and chief strategy officer. “We’re excited to be stepping in at this important moment alongside the passion, dedication and forward-thinking vision that Robert Rodriguez brings to the table,” Opeka said.
Bloody Disgusting TV is also in partnership with Cinedigm.
TV
‘God of War’ – Ryan Hurst Suffers On-Set Injury and Will Be Replaced as Kratos in Prime Video Series
After four episodes have already been shot of Prime Video’s hotly anticipated “God of War” television series, we’ve learned that an on-set injury will send the team back to square one.
Deadline reports that actor Ryan Hurst, who had been cast to play Kratos in the series, tore his bicep during a stunt-gone-wrong on set, and rather than wait until Hurst has healed up and can get back into action, the streaming series will instead recast the role of Kratos.
Additionally, all four episodes they’ve already shot will have to be fully re-shot with the new actor they bring in to play Kratos. At this time, no replacement actor has been announced.
Deadline notes that the decision was made by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, the producers of the upcoming Prime Video adaptation of the video game franchise.
Hurst tore his bicep while doing a stunt on set back in late June. “This is a heartbreaking development for Hurst who underwent a physical transformation after getting the role, putting on 40 lbs of muscle, and worked hard for months on the Vancouver set filming the physically demanding role until getting hurt performing his duties,” Deadline notes in their report.
The outlet explains, “Hurst’s recovery time is unclear but for a serious bicep tear requiring surgery, it is typically 4-6 months, with a return to full strength taking up to a year. Given the physicality of the role, it will likely not have been safe for Hurst to resume filming until 2027. According to sources, while Hurst’s full recovery is a priority, the period required was longer than the production shooting schedule could accommodate, leading to the difficult decision.”
The “God of War” production is currently on hiatus. Stay tuned for more.
Callum Vinson (“Crystal Lake”) is playing Atreus in Prime Video’s “God of War.”
The live-action adaptation of PlayStation’s massively popular ancient mythology-themed video game franchise has received a two-season order from the streamer.
The tale follows father and son Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.
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