Sorry for the misdirection, but I was told Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” is NOT going to Venice. Scratch it off from your predictions. Not happening. I got it confirmed from the most reliable source you can find. Shocking, I know, but it continues Studio Ghibli’s intentions not to promote this film anywhere — not in Japan and, clearly, not in the West. We‘ll have to wait for its, potential, fall theatrical release (although I’m still hoping for a TIFF bow).
The ‘Smile’ franchise has a new director. David Bruckner, who made “The Night House” and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been hired to direct “Smile 3” for Paramount.