Hello, and welcome to another edition of The Monitor, WIRED’s breakdown of the week’s big entertainment news. Today on the roundup, we actually have some news that’s not related to the coronavirus, which is a nice change of pace. We also have some news that’s very much related to Covid-19. But first, let’s go to outer space.
Netflix’s Space Force Looks Cool, and Now Has Lisa Kudrow
Ever since it was announced well over a year ago, Netflix’s Space Force has sounded like a TV lover’s dream. Based on President Trump’s recently launched military branch of the same name, the show stars Steve Carell and was created with his Office collaborator Greg Daniels with the intention of bringing their workplace comedy vibe to a whole new part of the universe. Now, it seems like those TV-lover dreams are coming true. Yesterday, Netflix released a series of images (above) from the show and announced that the series has both a release date—May 29—and a new, previously unannounced cast member: Lisa Kudrow.
According to Netflix, Space Force will focus on Mark R. Naird (Carell), a “decorated pilot with dreams of running the Air Force.” That plan, though, gets shifted when he is chosen to run the military’s new sixth branch. “Skeptical but dedicated, Mark uproots his family and moves to a remote base in Colorado where he and a colorful team of scientists and ‘Spacemen’ are tasked by the White House with getting American boots on the moon (again) in a hurry and achieving total dominance,” the streaming service said in a statement. Kudrow will be playing Carell’s wife, someone who “has sublimated parts of herself to her husband’s career for two decades. But as he takes on his biggest challenge, she is growing in a different direction.” Sounds like a blast.
Broadway Will Remain Closed Until June 7
Now to the coronavirus news. The Broadway League, the trade group that represents theater owners and producers, announced this week that shows will remain closed until June 7 due to concerns over Covid-19. That’s a two-month extension beyond the original closure timeline, and some show closures could extend through the summer, according to Deadline.
The First Trailer for Homecoming Season 2
Guess what? Homecoming is (almost) back! Amazon’s adaptation of the popular podcast is returning for a second season on May 22, and this time it’s got a new star: Janelle Monáe. In Season 2, her character comes to on a rowboat with no memory and must piece together her identity—a quest that will lead her to the mysterious wellness group behind the Homecoming Initiative. Stephan James will also return in the new season as Walter Cruz, a former soldier now looking to get his life back in order after his experiences with the Homecoming Initiative. Watch the new teaser for Homecoming below.
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