Need a quick recap on the past week in movie news? Here are the highlights:

BIG NEWS

Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy Are Still X-Men: If you were worried the core trio of Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were quitting the X-Men franchise, you’ll be happy to learn they’ve signed on for X-Men: Dark Phoenix, due next year. Also, Jessica Chastain is in talks to play the villain. Read more here.

GREAT NEWS

Ethan Hunt’s Wife Returns: If you were worried the Mission: Impossible movies forgot Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt was married in part three, since she wasn’t in Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation, then you’ll be happy to learn Michelle Monaghan is back for the next installment, due next summer. Read more here.

STRANGE NEWS

It Comes At Night Has a Connection to The Witch: Besides sharing a distributor in A24, the new horror movie It Comes At Night has been revealed to have another cool connection to The Witch: a certain increasingly iconic goat. Read more here.

EXCLUSIVE SCOOP

Colin Trevorrow On How Personal His Star Wars Sequel Will Be: We talked to filmmaker Colin Trevorrow about his new movie The Book of Henry and his next one, a little something called Star Wars IX. Read more here.

COOL CULTURE

Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn Play More Dodgeball: In support of Ben Stiller’s charity, the actor was joined by Vince Vaughn, Justin Long and others from the comedy Dodgeball for a sort of in-character follow-up. See what might be the closest thing we get to a Dodgeball 2 below via Omaze.

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MUST-WATCH TRAILERS

Flatliners is Going to Be Very Timely: Not only did we get our first look at the new Flatliners, we also talked to producer Michael Douglas and actress Nina Dobrev about how this one is going to be different and modern it is. Read more here, and watch the trailer here:

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Daddy’s Home 2 Promises to Be Funnier Than the First One: Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are back for a sequel to their hit comedy Daddy’s Home, and this time John Lithgow and Mel Gibson are on board for the paternal fun. Check out more info on the movie here and watch the first full trailer below.

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Detroit Has Us Gearing Up: The new historical drama from Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) looks intense and is probably another contender for Best Picture. Check out the new trailer for the movie here:

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Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture:

Character Parody of the Day:

Mr. Sunday Movies makes us question why The Avengers would recruit Doctor Strange in this animated parody:

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Movie Karaoke Cover of the Day:

Watch characters from 132 movies dance and sing the lyrics to Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel”:

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Studio History of the Day:

In anticipation of the release of Cars 3, Burger Fiction compiled a look at the evolution of Pixar through their shorts and features:

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Animation Celebration of the Day:

Speaking of animated movies, Vox presents a short documentary about how fan films inspired the look of The Lego Movie:

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Franchise Recap of the Day:

In anticipation of Transformers: The Last Knight, Screen Junkies recap the first four movies so you don’t have to watch the again:

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Vintage Image of the Day:

Ice Cube, who turns 48 today, and Cuba Gooding Jr. receive direction from John Singleton on the set of Boyz N the Hood in 1990:

Filmmaker in Focus:

Channel Criswell focuses his latest video essay on Denis Villeneuve and how he crafts “morality through mystery”:

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Film Studies Lesson of the Day:

This video essay from Cue the Music explains what a fugue is in music and why none are really found in film scores:

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Cosplay of the Day:

See fans dressed as Jareth and others at last fall’s Labyrinth-themed masquerade ball at the Center for Puppetry Arts:

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Classic Trailer of the Day:

Today is the 50th anniversary of the release of The Dirty Dozen. Watch the original trailer for the classic action movie below.

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Charity Campaign of the Day:

Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Justin Long, Christine Taylor and others reunite for a Dodgeball follow-up for a good cause in this funny video for Omaze:

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Movie Comparison of the Day:

Everyone knows how Cars is like a remake of Doc Hollywood, but Couch Tomato shows it’s also the same movie as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby:

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Franchise Recap of the Day:

It’s been a while since the Harry Potter movies were released and you might be hazy about what happens in them, so here’s a rapped recap of the whole series:

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Cosplay of the Day:

Among the movies represented wonderfully in this best cosplay of Colossalcon 2017 video are Moana, Baywatch and Star Wars:

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Vintage Poster of the Day:

Today is the 50th anniversary of the release of To Sir, With Love starring Sidney Poitier. Here’s the original poster for the movie:

Actors in the Spotlight:

Blank on Blank celebrates the “court jester” actors Gene Wilder, Bill Murray and Robin Williams with animated adaptations of interviews:

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Remixed Movie of the Day:

Eclectic Method has turned another movie — this time The Fifth Element — into an awesome dance track:

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Movie Trivia of the Day:

There’s a new shark thriller in theaters this weekend, so here’s Fandor with a Jaws trivia lesson:

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Supercut of the Day:

In honor of Flag Day, here’s a supercut of people singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the movies:

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Classic Trailer of the Day:

Today is the 60th anniversary of the release of Tammy and the Bachelor. Watch the original trailer for the Debbie Reynolds classic below.

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In the fall of 1974, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali met in the country of Zaire, now called the Democratic Republic of Congo, for the legendary boxing match known as “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Although the Rumble had to be postponed until later that autumn, a related promotional event went on as scheduled and turned out to be similarly momentous: Zaire 74, a music festival where some of America’s greatest black artists played alongside Africa’s leading talent to an audience of tens of thousands.

Documentaries and albums chronicling that festival have concentrated on the American performers, such as James Brown and B.B. King. The African artists have not received the same shine — and disputes over money and control, which kept a tight lid on concert footage, have not helped. Except for the South African legend Miriam Makeba, these musicians were all Congolese, including rumba maestros Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau.

But now their performances can be heard, many of them in full, on a new live album titled Zaire 74: The African Artists. It was produced by South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and American record producer Stewart Levine — the same men who organized that festival in Kinshasa more than 40 years ago with the aim of making the world more conscious of African music.

Read on for highlights from Ari Shapiro’s interview with Masekela and Levine, and listen at the audio link to hear the full conversation and snippets of music from Zaire 74: The African Artists.

Interview Highlights

On what organizing the festival was like

Hugh Masekela: From the time we started to organize the festival, until after the festival, it was very hard work. I think we both lost about 20 pounds each. … It was the first thing of its kind and it was very exciting, the artists were excited. The Congolese audience had never been to anything like it. And actually nobody had ever been to anything like it.

Stewart Levine: You must remember one thing: The African artists had never played in front of such a large audience. So they were incredibly inspired. And the audience knew them better than they did James Brown, and they were out to cut James Brown. [Laughter.]

On rediscovering the recordings that would become Zaire 74: The African Artists

Levine: I refer to it as musical archaeology because we in fact had never heard these performances. They were recorded while, like Hugh says, we were running around trying to help get this thing organized and put up onstage. So when we opened these tapes up about a year and a half ago, we were stunned. We were mesmerized. Because with all due respect to the American artists, who were great, these guys were out to do it in front of their own people. You have to realize this was a big moment for this country, and a big moment for these performers. So you really do have this music being played at its highest level. We were lucky to have had these tapes. When we opened them, we just decided maybe after 42 years, we should remember the plot, which was to introduce this music to the world. So it’s never too late, I guess.

On the poignancy of these performances seeing the light of day only after the musicians’ deaths

Masekela:Louis Armstrong has been dead for a long time, but people still listen to his music. One thing that is great about the music is that you can be dead and [it can] become popular. You can get known whether you are alive or not. Music lasts forever.

Levine: If we didn’t think that these things were relevant and vibrant, then we wouldn’t have released it, period. If they sounded like field recordings from the ’20s, we wouldn’t go near it. But they’re hot! They’re energized. We caught it. It was the golden age of multi-track recording, it was 16-track recording. They hold up, and besides just being a piece of history, it’s a great piece of recording. I don’t mean technically, I mean the recording is great when it captures the moment, and there you have it. These artists become alive when you put the needle down. Here they are!

Web intern Karen Gwee contributed to this story.

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Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture:

Alternate Timeline Movie Trailer of the Day:

Wonder what Blade Runner 2049 might have looked like had it come out soon after the original? ScreenCrush created a retro trailer to show us:

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Alternate Poster of the Day:

Since Black Panther is sure to be our new favorite African prince movie, here’s a fake poster by BossLogic inspired by Coming to America:

Can’t wait for @theblackpanther@chadwickbosemanpic.twitter.com/zj7v62c1ja

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) June 11, 2017

Movie Takedown of the Day:

In honor of its home video release, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast gets chopped apart by Honest Trailers:

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Misunderstood Movie of the Day:

Learn the “hidden meaning” of Get Out from an alien in the future in the latest Earthling Cinema:

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Vintage Image of the Day:

Ally Sheedy, who turns 55 today, poses with Emilio Estevez for a publicity photo for 1985’s The Breakfast Club:

Video Essay of the Day:

Speaking of movies from 1985, Kyle at Frame by Frame highlights the brilliant blocking of Back to the Future:

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Cosplay of the Day:

Also speaking of 1985 movies, Josh Brolin cosplayed as his own character from The Goonies at a friend’s ’80s-themed birthday party over the weekend:

Supercut of the Day:

Back to Back to the Future, that’s one of the movies featured in IMDb’s supercut of made up words:

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Movie Trivia of the Day:

In honor of yesterday’s 30th anniversary of the release of Predator, here’s CineFix with some trivia you might not know about the movie:

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Classic Trailer of the Day:

Today is the 60th anniversary of the release of The Prince and the Showgirl. Watch the original trailer for the classic movie, which stars Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier below.

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Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture:

Easter Eggs of the Day:

You’ve seen the new Black Panther trailer, now see all the Easter eggs and other references care of the amusing Mr. Sunday Movies:

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Mashup of the Day:

Speaking of Black Panther, artist BossLogic made this special version of the logo of hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, who can be heard in the trailer:

???? @theblackpanther@runjewelspic.twitter.com/7F4es1l1mE

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) June 10, 2017

Alternate Ending of the Day:

How could The Lego Batman Movie have been better? If Lego Superman and other Lego DC heroes showed up and helped save the day:

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Movie Trivia of the Day:

Speaking of The Lego Batman Movie, which arrives on home video tomorrow, here’s ScreenCrush with a bunch of trivia about the movie:

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Cosplay of the Day:

While we’re still excited about Wonder Woman, here’s a cosplayer who dressed up for a good cause:

I volunteered @ @AlexsLemonade as #WonderWoman 2 support kids w/ cancer! The event raised 1 million dollars! @WonderWomanFilm@PattyJenkspic.twitter.com/rG6JKFwHXy

— Victoria (@Victoria_Avalor) June 11, 2017

Custom Prop Replica of the Day:

If you ever want to slice through things a la X-23 in Logan, you’ll want some custom claws like those forged by the blacksmiths and craftsman of Baltimore Knife and Sword in this video:

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Vintage Image of the Day:

Priscilla Lane, who was born on this day in 1915, and Cary Grant receive direction from Frank Capra on the set of Arsenic and Old Lace in 1941:

Film Studies Lesson of the Day:

Speaking of classic Golden Age movies, and inspired by the start of the Dark Universe franchise, here’s Mr. Nerdista on how lighting affects mood in 1931’s Frankenstein:

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Supercut of the Day:

Need another movie dance supercut? Yes, because this one is from IMDb in anticipation of the new season of So You Think You Can Dance:

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Classic Trailer of the Day:

Today is the 30th anniversary of the release of Predator. Watch the original trailer for the sci-fi action classic below.

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Adam West, whose acting career began in the 1950s and remained busy right up to the present day, has died afer a short battle with leukemia, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 88 years old.

Before he landed the role that would define his career, the actor began appearing on television in 1959 as a contract player for Warner Bros., making guest appearances on a variety of shows. He also started to score supporting roles in movies, such as the sci-fi adventure Robinson Crusue on Mars.

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Reportedly, it was West’s appearance in a series of TV spots that prompted producer William Dozier to offer him the role of Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman.

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The series debuted in January 1966, with each one-hour show split into two episodes for broadcast on Wednesday and Thursday nights. It quickly became a smash hit, standing out for its witty humor, campy tone and colorful visuals. To promote the TV show, a feature-length movie was produced, which was released two months after the first season concluded.

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The show introduced the villainous Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, King Tut, Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter and other villains to the world in general. The ratings began to drop, however, and the show was cancelled after the third season.

Typecast as Batman, West found himself limited to making guest appearances on TV shows again. He contributed his deep, smoky voice as Batman in the animated shows The New Adventures of Batman, SuperFriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show and Batman: The Animated Series; he also began appearing as himself on a variety of shows.

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In 2000, Seth MacFarlane invited West to join the voice cast of Family Guy as Mayor Adam West; he appeared in more than 100 episodes.

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The 2014 documentary Starring Adam West celebrated the actor’s life and career.

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Adam West’s voice will be heard for one final time as Bruce Wayne in the upcoming animated Batman vs. Two-Face.

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It’s still almost a year away, but Black Panther has just debuted its first teaser trailer well in advance. Just in case we were going to forget about one of the most anticipated installments of the MCU so far? Hey, we can’t complain. This movie is going to be great, and different. We wish it was here now, but it’s not even the next Marvel movie. Or the next next one. Watch the new spot below.

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When it comes out: February 16, 2018

Who is in it: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Basset, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whitaker, Sterling K. Brown, Phylicia Rashad, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis

What it’s about: Black Panther, who made his big screen debut in Captain America: Civil War gets a new kind of origin story in his own solo piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Boseman reprises his role as the superhero, also known as T’Challa, newly crowned king of Wakanda. He faces challengers to his throne and villains including Man-Ape (Duke), teams up with a CIA agent (Freeman) and defends his country and his position as its leader.

How is the trailer: For such a short spot, there’s a lot packed in here, more than was expected this early. Of course, the CG is probably what is most unfinished, and that’s fine. It’s still fascinating that that’s what Wakanda looks like. Who knew this movie was going to be so sci-fi? This doesn’t look like any other MCU movie, and that’s very exciting, as is the fact that this is a black superhero done right and respectably, surrounded mostly by other people of color. The only bad thing is the long wait we have until it arrives.

In addition to the new trailer, Marvel release this new poster for the movie:

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Nearly three years ago, the twin artists Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz burst onto the music scene with their haunting songs “Oya” and “River,” which were soon followed by remarkable eponymous debut. That first album was lovely, aching, and suffused with a melancholy spirit and Afro-Cuban plays of shade and light.

However, for the first single from the 22-year-old sisters’ highly anticipated sophomore album, expected later this year on XL, the duo has spun away from brooding into unbridled happiness.

“Away Away” still bears the hallmarks of their sound: Lisa-Kaindé’s sweet vocals laid atop Naomi’s deeper voice and percussion; haunting electronics; and English lyrics eventually giving way to Yoruba chant.

But “Away Away” is a song about joy, through and through. The audio version of the song begins with the sound of wailing sirens — a tragically commonplace harbinger of chaos in 2017 — before the buoyant beats kick in; it’s a conscious turn away from grief and worry. By contrast, those warning notes are barely audible in the video; instead, it’s all sweetness and sunshine.

Directed by Christian Beuchet, the “Away Away” video has a loose, spontaneous and intimate feel, with the artists simply dancing and goofing around in the studio; it’s like the best selfie footage ever. (It doesn’t hurt that the Díaz women are absolutely stunning — a fact that has not escaped the notice of Beyoncé, who had them appear on Lemonade, or the house of Chanel, who cast them in the 2016/17 cruise show.)

And yet, Ibeyi acknowledges that happiness has its own, inverted twin of sorts. As the song concludes, they shift into the Yoruba language of their Afro-Cuban heritage to sing a chant to the orisha Aggayu. Aggayu is often depicted as a ferryman, the strength-giving figure who provides support in life’s hard moments. In nature, Agayu is also the volcano — and the seething, destructive fiery lava that also provides incredibly fertile soil. And Ibeyi’s recognition of life’s dualities is part of what makes their music such a pleasure.

Ibeyi goes on a European tour starting this fall.

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Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture:

Alternative Universe Movie of the Day:

Here’s a recut trailer for Wonder Woman to make it look like it was made by To the Wonder and Tree of Life director Terrence Malick:

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Movie Science of the Day:

Kyle Hill scientifically discusses how Mary Poppins explains the power of Yondu’s arrow in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies:

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Mashup of the Day:

Speaking of Yondu and Mary Poppins, ya’ll, here’s another mashup of them from BossLogic parodying the latest Entertainment Weekly cover:

Had to do it XD @Guardians@JamesGunnpic.twitter.com/q6UKE6t9sr

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) June 7, 2017

Cosplay of the Day:

While we’re talking MCU, here’s a video on how to make your own cheap Spider-Man: Homecoming-inspired Spidey suit:

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Vintage Image of the Day:

Jerry Stiller, who turns 90 today, poses for a photos on the set of the original 1974 version of The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three:

Character Celebration of the Day:

In this video essay, Pop Culture Detective explores the “fantastic masculinity” of Newt Scamander from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:

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Kill Count of the Day:

See all 128 of John Wick’s kills in John Wick: Chapter 2 in this very violent supercut:

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Movie Trivia of the Day:

Celebrate the existence of The Usual Suspects with this bunch of trivia from ScreenCrush:

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Supercut of the Day:

Today is National Best Friends Day, so IMDb made a supercut for the occasion featuring clips from Thelma and Louise and more:

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Classic Trailer of the Day:

This weekend is the 35th anniversary of the release of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Watch the original trailer for the sci-fi classic below.

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