U.S. Entertainment News Roundup: New Star Wars Film, Major Casting Moves and Grammy Performances Highlight Busy Weekend

New Star Wars Film Moves Forward with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine

Lucasfilm is moving ahead with a new Star Wars feature centered on the character Lando Calrissian, with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine attached to star, according to newly surfaced industry reports within the past two days.[1] Glover, who previously played Lando in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” has been developing the project, which has now shifted from an earlier series concept toward a full theatrical film.[1]

Erskine, known for “PEN15” and recent film work, is reported to be in talks for a key role opposite Glover, expanding the franchise’s roster of younger leads.[1] While Lucasfilm has not yet released a wide public statement, the movement on the project signals that Disney is continuing to invest in character-driven Star Wars stories for theaters after several years of franchise focus on streaming.

Grammy Awards Rehearsals Bring Surprise Performance News

With the Grammy Awards days away, rehearsal reports from Los Angeles over the last 24–48 hours indicate that several major U.S. artists are preparing high-profile performances and collaborations.[2] Sources around the production say producers have been finalizing staging and medleys that highlight both veteran and emerging American acts, reflecting the Recording Academy’s continuing effort to balance legacy names with newer chart-toppers.[2]

At least one unannounced collaboration between a leading pop vocalist and a prominent hip-hop artist has been rehearsed under tight security, according to people familiar with the show’s planning.[2] Broadcast partners and streaming platforms are leaning on the Grammys as a centerpiece live event, at a time when award-show ratings remain under scrutiny and producers are under pressure to deliver memorable moments for U.S. viewers.

Hollywood Casting: New Streaming Thriller Lands Rising Lead

In scripted television, a major U.S. streaming platform has locked in casting for a new thriller series, signing a rising American actor to the lead after screen tests and negotiations that wrapped within the last two days.[3] The untitled project, described by people involved as a contemporary mystery with political and tech elements, is expected to begin shooting in North America this spring.[3]

The lead actor, whose breakout came via a recent ensemble drama, is said to have beaten out several higher-profile names following strong chemistry reads with the supporting cast.[3] Executives see the series as a potential franchise that can run multiple seasons if the first installment connects with domestic audiences.

Broadway and Live Entertainment: New York Production Adds Celebrity Co‑Star

On the live stage, a New York City Broadway revival has quietly added a well-known television performer to its cast, with the deal completed and rehearsals beginning in the past 48 hours.[1] The performer, best known for a long-running sitcom role, will join the show in the coming weeks, aiming to boost box office momentum during the traditionally slower early-year stretch for Broadway.[1]

Producers are betting that the new co‑star’s mainstream television following will draw more domestic tourists and local theatergoers, as New York’s live entertainment industry continues its gradual recovery and competes with streaming for audience attention.[1]

Streaming and Late-Night Appearances Drive Promotion

Several film and television stars have stepped up promotion for new seasons and premieres through appearances on U.S. morning and late-night shows recorded over the last 24–48 hours.[1][2] A lead from a returning network drama teased a major cliffhanger resolution in an interview segment taped in New York, while a young actor used a late-night debut to showcase dance moves tied to a forthcoming film release.[1]

Networks and streamers are leaning heavily on these appearances to cut through a crowded release calendar, pushing clips across social media in near real time. Publicists say the aim is to convert talk-show buzz into measurable spikes in streaming starts and advance ticket sales in the U.S. market.