The devastating news came as the young actor was trying to buy his first home
Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson in 1996. Photo: "KENAN & KEL", from left: Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson, 1996-2000.
Kenan Thompson had little to show for his Nickelodeon fame at the end of his years of work.
The actor appears in Demi Lovato's new documentary, Child Star. There, he talks to the fellow performer (who uses she/they pronouns) about the earliest years of their fame.
Speaking of the start of his career, Thompson, who starred in Nickelodeon shows such as All That and Kenan & Kel, along as in the Nickelodeon Movie Good Burger, explained, “That first commercial when they paid me, it was like $800. I was 12 and it might as well have been a million dollars."
Landing and keeping continuous work wasn't easy, however. As the two discussed rejection, Thompson admitted, "I really considered not wanting to act anymore if these are the kinds of things I had to go through."
"It was almost like I was forced to stay humble, if you will, because when I could have been at my most boisterous, ‘everybody knows my name’ kind of years, I didn’t want that because I didn’t want people to know I was struggling. It’s kind of the beautiful conundrum, the irony of life."
Kenan Thompson, Coolio and Kel Mitchell film "Kenan and Kel" intro. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
When the subject of finances came up, Thompson explained how due to a lack of laws protecting child performers in Florida, where he filmed with Nickelodeon, he was scammed out of a significant portion of his early earnings.
“My mom met this dude somewhere through the community — either like church or neighborhood s---, through a book club or something, who claimed to be a good kind of tax accountant, will get you out of your tax problems for the cheap," he recalled.
"He was basically a con artist and like ran away with my entire, my biggest earnings up until that point," Thompson revealed. "By the time that was discovered, that was toward the end of that Nickelodeon tenure and the end of the job-to-job existence I had up until that point, and it was devastating because I discovered it in front of others."
Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson at "Good Burger" premiere in 1997. Ron Galella, Ltd/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Thompson explained he was in the process of buying his first home in Atlanta when he discovered his accountant wasn't who he thought he was.
"He didn’t show up with the f------ check. I’m with the real estate people at the office waiting to sign this paperwork, and he doesn’t bring the check."
"It’s crazy going from rags to riches and back to rags," he added. "It’s a mother------.”
Thompson, now 46 and a father of two, has since gone on to continued success on Saturday Night Live, where he is currently the longest serving cast member, in addition to extensive acting work in TV and movies.
Child Star is now streaming on Hulu.
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The Star Trek Universe will warp back into New York Comic-Con as part of Paramount+’s lineup for the annual fan convention, which runs from Oct. 17–20 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. The streamer will hold a fan activation for the upcoming series Dexter: Original Sin on the convention floor, and bring the cast and creators of the supernatural high school drama School Spirits to discuss Season 2.
The School Spirits panel will take place on Friday, Oct. 18 (5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Room 409), and will focus on filling in fans on how teenage ghost Maddie Nears (Peyton List) moves forward in her quest to return to the world of the living now that she’s learned how she joined the afterlife in the first place. Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud created and executive produce the show and Oliver Goldstick is executive producer and showrunner. The cast includes Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, Spencer MacPherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, Rainbow Wedell and Josh Zuckerman. Season 2 is set to debut later this year.
The next day, on Oct. 19 (2.30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Empire Stage), the “Star Trek Universe” panel will feature the cast and producers of the animated comedy Star Trek: Lower Decks previewing the show’s fifth and final season, which premieres five days later on Oct. 24. The show, created and executive produced by Mike McMahan, stars Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells and Eugene Cordero as four low-ranking officers on the USS Cerritos, who were all promoted in Season 4 from ensigns to lieutenant (junior grade).
The Star Trek panel will also feature the cast and producers of Star Trek: Section 31, the first TV movie in the franchise’s history. Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi (Star Trek: Discovery), the film stars Michelle Yeoh reprising her Discovery role as Philippa Georgiou, a ruthless dictator from the alternative reality the Mirror Universe displaced into the main Trek universe. In the film, she’s conscripted to join a division of Starfleet’s titular black ops division, which includes characters played by Omari Hardwick, Sam Richardson and Kacey Rohl.
“The movie is a lot of things,” Richardson told Variety in July at San Diego Comic-Con. “It’s action, drama, comedy — it’s equal parts all of that.”
Paramount+ teases that fans can expect even more surprises during the "Star Trek Universe" panel.
"The fan-favorite Star Trek universe panel returns to New York Comic Con, featuring exclusive sneak peeks and conversations with cast members and producers from Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Section 31, and more. Plus, more exciting reveals and surprises for fans in attendance that you won't want to miss!," said StarTrek.com.
Finally, to promote the inaugural season of the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin — which chronicles how a young Dexter Morgan became a serial killer of serial killers — Paramount+ is bringing the character’s “kill room” to its booth on the convention floor. According to the streamer, fans “will have the opportunity to enter a fully immersive activation for a photo opportunity and a first look at where it all began.” The series will premiere Friday, December 13 on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® plan, before making its on-air US debut on Sunday, December 15.
Nickelodeon will also be at NYCC 2024, and they continue to celebrate the landmark 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants with an immersive experience at its booth that pays homage to the iconic first episode of the world’s most famous yellow sea sponge. During the four-day convention, Nick’s booth on the convention center floor (#1523) will re-create and transport fans into the “Help Wanted” pilot episode with 3D-animation, augmented reality (AR) and replicas of SpongeBob’s pineapple home and The Krusty Krab.
Nickelodeon and Paramount will also invite fans to three panels during the convention: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Video Games and Virtual Worlds,” showcasing the popular video game world; “Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants 25th Anniversary Celebration,” a dive into the undersea world of Bikini Bottom and “Nickelodeon’s brand-new fantasy series, Max & the Midknights!,” a behind-the-scenes look at the all-new animated series.
Nickelodeon's full New York Comic Con 2024 highlights can be found here.
Paramount+'s New York Comic Con 2024 highlights were originally reported by Variety.
David Graham, the actor who provided the voice for characters in TV series including Peppa Pig, Thunderbirds and Doctor Who, has sadly passed away, aged 99.
David Graham appeared at a Thunderbirds event at WonderCon in 2016 in Los Angeles | Image source: Getty Images
As the voice behind the evil Daleks in Doctor Who, Graham terrified successive generations of children between the 1960s and late 70s.
He was also well known as the voice of Aloysius Parker, the butler and chauffeur in 1960s TV series Thunderbirds and its film sequels.
But to today's generation of children, he will be most familiar as the voice of Grandpa Pig in the animated preschool series Peppa Pig.
Nick Jr./Channel 5's Grandpa Pig, Peppa and Mummy Pig with a giant pumpkin | Image source: Alamy
The character, married to Granny Pig and the father of Mummy Pig and Aunt Dottie, was referred to as "Papa Ig" by his young grandson George.
On-screen, Graham appeared in two episodes of the first series of Doctor Who as an actor, but became much better known as the unemotional, harsh voice of the Daleks.
In an interview with the Mirror in 2015, external about voicing the Daleks, Graham recalled: “I created it with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor.
“We adopted this staccato style then they fed it through a synthesiser to make it more sinister.”
William Hartnell as Dr Who and Carole Ann Ford as Susan Foreman were surrounded by Daleks in a 1963 BBC TV episode
As well as voicing Parker for the futuristic children's puppet series Thunderbirds, he also played the show's pilot Gordon Tracy, and Brains the engineer, between 1965 and 1966.
He reprised the role of Parker for an ITV remake of the show in 2015, called Thunderbirds Are Go! and was the only original cast member to return.
Parker, famous for saying "Yes m'lady", worked for Lady Penelope, who was played in the more recent version by Saltburn star and ex-Bond actor Rosamund Pike.
Graham said at the time: "I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series... and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast.
"My driving skills are in good nick and I am delighted to be behind the wheel again with m'lady."
He told The Mirror that the show's creator, Gerry Anderson, had helped with the inspiration for Parker's voice back in the 1960s.
“Gerry took me to lunch because he wanted me to hear the voice of somebody, a wine waiter,” the actor said.
“He had been a butler to the former Prince of Wales.
“He said, ‘Would you like to see the wine list sir?’ and that was the birth of Parker.
"I just made him a bit more villainous. I’m not sure the guy ever knew – he might have demanded a royalty!”
Anderson's son, the TV producer Jamie Anderson, said Graham was "always kind and generous with his time and talent".
He said in a statement: "Just a few weeks ago, I was with 2,000 Anderson fans at a Gerry Anderson concert in Birmingham where we sang him happy birthday - such a joyous occasion.
"And now, just a few weeks later, he's left us."
He added: "From the Daleks to Grandpa Pig and numerous voices for Anderson shows including Brains, Gordon Tracy and the iconic Parker. He will be sorely missed."
The official account of Gerry Anderson, who died aged 83 in 2012, said on X: "David was always a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment.
"We will miss you dearly, David. Our thoughts are with David's friends and family."
Parker worked for the glamorous Lady Penelope in 'Thunderbirds' | Image source: PA
The actor, who was born in London, told The Mirror he knew early on which career he wanted to pursue.
“At school I always wanted to say the poem or read the story. I always wanted to act,” he told the newspaper.
He had to postpone his acting interests when World War Two happened, however, and worked as a radar mechanic.
But afterwards, having not enjoyed his post-war work as an office clerk, he joined his sister and her American GI husband in New York, where he attended a theatre school.
After returning home, he worked in repertory theatre before getting work the first Doctor Who series.
Graham was also a member of Lawrence Olivier’s company at the National Theatre.
His long career also included providing the voice for Wise Old Elf and Mr Gnome for Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, shown in the UK on Nick Jr. and Channel 5's Milkshake!. He also provided voices for characters for ITV's Stingray, also created by Gerry Anderson, and The Tomorrow People.
He also had brief appearances in ITV's Coronation Street, The Bill and London's Burning and BBC dramas Doctors and Casualty.
R.I,P. David Graham, 11th July 1925 - 20th September 2024.
Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for September 20, 2024 | Nickelodeon
Stream the classic Rugrats series on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Rugrats, provided to Creators Syndicate by Nickelodeon, based off the popular animated television series has been created for children and family's to laugh and enjoy together.
Follow these comics and their take on real episodes of the show and their own spin on hilarious adventures.
From Yellowstone Co-Creator Taylor Sheridan, the Espionage Thriller Series
Premieres Sunday, October 27 Exclusively on Paramount+
and is Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios
LIONESS Stars Series Lead and Executive Producer Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Genesis Rodriguez and Michael Kelly, with Oscar® Winner Morgan Freeman and Oscar and Emmy® Winner Nicole Kidman, Who Also Serves as Executive Producer
Photo: Lynsey Addario/Paramount+
September 19, 2024 - Paramount+ today debuted the trailer for the highly anticipated second season of LIONESS, the espionage thriller from Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan. The eight-episode second season will premiere Sunday, October 27, with two episodes, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and international markets where the service is available.
LIONESS features a star-studded cast, including series lead and executive producer Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Genesis Rodriguez and Emmy Award nominee Michael Kelly, with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, and Oscar and Emmy winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman. The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+.
In season two, as the CIA’s fight against terror moves closer to home, Joe (Saldaña), Kaitlyn (Kidman), and Byron (Kelly) enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program. The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill and Hannah Love Lanier.
The series is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, David Lemanowicz, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Keith Cox, and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Season one of LIONESS set a new record as the most-watched worldwide series premiere on the service, at that time.
LIONESS is part of Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+, which includes TULSA KING, 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, the upcoming series LANDMAN, as well as the second season of 1923.
Paramount+, part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment and news brands, is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combining live sports, breaking news and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, the service's cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME® content, including scripted hits and critically acclaimed nonfiction projects and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.
For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.
About Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios
SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks is a global network of media assets that reaches over one billion people in more than 180 countries featuring some of the most iconic brands in entertainment including SHOWTIME, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Network among others – and, its Studios arm which produces 120+ series annually, including some of today’s biggest hits such as Yellowstone, Yellowjackets, Emily in Paris, 1883, 1923, George & Tammy, South Park, Tulsa King, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Challenge and Jersey Shore, to name a few.
About 101 Studios
101 Studios is a global entertainment company dedicated to the acquisition, financing, development, production and distribution of high-caliber, creator-driven content. With an unmatched television slate partnered with outstanding filmmakers and talent, 101 Studios productions include the award-winning series “Yellowstone,” “George & Tammy,” 1883 and 1923. We also produce some of the most critically acclaimed shows, such as LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, TULSA KING and LIONESS. Upcoming projects include LANDMAN, starring Billy Bob Thornton.
Building upon this success, 101 Studios’ Unscripted Division works with talented storytellers in bringing their vision to life. Some of these projects include Amazon Prime documentary “Kickback” which is an expose on the corruption inside the largest sport’s organization in the world: FIFA; “The Last Cowboy” a documentary on the high stakes world of professional horse reining and the upcoming HBO docuseries about the sexual abuse and cover-up at Ohio State University, co-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov's Smokehouse Pictures. On the scripted film side, past releases include the Sundance Audience award winner "Burden," as well as the family comedy “The War With Grandpa”, the historical drama "The Current War: Director's Cut," and FINESTKIND. 101 Studios advocates for first-class collaboration and innovation. As an example we are partnered with iHeartRadio and Sports Illustrated Studios on the Ambie nominated podcast “Choosing Sides: F1”. 101 Studios also produces high-profile sports content under its own label, 101 Sports. Additionally, 101 Studios' Brand Division increases the exposure for the properties of our partners to millions across the world.
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Avatar: The Last Airbender has shared our first look at Toph Beifong.
Nickelodeon
Avatar: The Last Airbender knows what the fans want and that is Toph Beifong. When Netflix brought its live-action adaptation of the series to life, fans were ready by the end of book one to meet the fabled bender. With the announcement of Avatar: The Last Airbender season two and three, casting for Toph got underway, and now we have been given our first look at the girl. Netflix has found its own Toph, and you can see her in action thanks to a special clip.
As you can see below, Avatar: The Last Airbender season two has posted a special teaser in honor of Geeked Week. The event, which culminated with a live event in Atlanta tonight (Sept. 19), kickstarted with its reveal of Toph. While our first look at the earth bender is short, we can see Toph using her iconic moves in a forested area. As usual, her shoes are off so Toph can better feel the earth, and the strikes she takes to the ground is nothing short of intense.
The Geeked Week event also included special appearances by Avatar: The Last Airbender cast members Dallas Liu and Ian Ousley.
Who is Playing Toph Beifong?
If you are not familiar with Toph Beifong, well – you are missing the greatest piece of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The character was teased in Book One as Aang began tapping into the Spirit World, but we do not meet Toph in full until Book Two begins. The earth bender is one of the strongest in the land, and Toph's personality is just as gruff. Her dry wit and levelheaded strategies made Toph a favorite with fans years ago. And though she is blind, Toph uses her lack of sight as a gift in battle.
Oh, and who is playing Toph? It is none other than actor Miya Cech who has starred in the first season of Nickelodeon's Are You Afraid of the Dark? revival, "The Carnival of Doom", and The Astronauts, as well as The Darkest Mind and Rim of the World.
(Photo: Netflix)
In Nickelodeon's original animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender positioned Toph as a teacher for Aang, and her tough love transformed the air bender into a stronger fighter. Her difficult relationship with Sokka and Katara blossoms into something genuine. Plus, no one gives better zingers to Zuko than the blind earth bender. Netflix has its work cut out in bringing the girl to life, but this teaser is rather promising.
When Does Avatar: The Last Bender Season 2 Premiere?
Clearly, the team behind Avatar: The Last Airbender is gearing up for season two, and this new footage proves as much. We know the show is back in production, so Netflix will hopefully have more updates on hand for the series. The first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender covered a lot of ground in introducing its leads and complex world, but book two is where things get serious.
While Aang trains harder than ever, Avatar: The Last Airbender season two will pit his growth against the Earth Kingdom. The nation is in the midst of war, and cities like Ba Sing Se will take our heroes for a loop. With Zuko still on Aang's trail, tensions will flare in season two. So while we don't know when Avatar: The Last Airbender will return with its new episodes, this teaser has fans more eager than ever for its comeback.
Today during the Geeked Week Live event in Atlanta, Netflix announced the start of production of Season 2 for Avatar: The Last Airbender and Revealed Miya Cech Will Portray Fan-Favorite 'Toph'
Tudum.com Quotes from Executive Producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani On the start of production: "We're looking forward to working with all of our actors again and digging into the deeper, more complicated relationships that develop as their journey continues in Season 2. We are going to show the real-world versions of iconic scenes from the original, and explore some of the stories that the animation didn't. Mainly - we're looking forward to seeing our gang all together again." "We're going to challenge our characters with more complex and nuanced obstacles as they navigate a more tactile world. Just as the animated series matured and progressed, the live-action will also take these characters and worlds and grow them."
On Miya Cech's casting: "We make a point of reviewing submissions separately and after countless tapes, we both had the same reaction ... Miya is our Toph! Miya is a brilliant performer who knows how to precisely balance the sarcastic sense of humor, stubbornness, and vulnerability that is Toph Beifong. Her physicality and emotional dexterity really put her in a class of one."
Tudum.com Gets to Know New Cast Member Miya Cech
Miya Cech will star in Season 2 as Toph, a master earthbender who was born blind and trained to feel and sense the world around her.
Cech is already training for the role of Toph. "I've been in boot camp for about a week and a half now and still have a lot of work to do, but it's super fun. I have some martial arts experience. I have a great instructor who I take private classes with back home in Northern California, and he keeps me in shape when I'm not working. I also have some dance experience from when I was younger that has been very helpful as I learn about Toph's movements." Cech will also work with a producer and consultant who is blind and a professional from the blindness community, to make sure the blindness community is represented appropriately.
For Cech, playing Toph is a chance to honor her heritage. "I personally am of Chinese and Japanese American descent and I'm so excited to represent my Chinese heritage in Toph Beifong," she says. "One of the most incredible aspects of this show is the diversity of the Asian cultures in the ATLA world. Even though the universe is fantasy, it feels like every culture is represented in some way and tied to the history and traditions of that culture or country. Just a few years ago, you might have seen one or two of these actors in a show or movie, but on this show we are all able to represent this world together and work together and collaborate. It's really amazing and a gift as an actor."
About Avatar: The Last Airbender
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads, the first step taken by the firebenders towards conquering the world. With the current incarnation of the Avatar yet to emerge, the world has lost hope. But like a light in the darkness, hope springs forth when Aang (Gordon Cormier), a young Air Nomad - and the last of his kind - reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar. Alongside his newfound friends Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio), siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang embarks on a fantastical, action-packed quest to save the world and fight back against the fearsome onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). But with a driven Crown Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) determined to capture them, it won't be an easy task. They'll need the help of the many allies and colorful characters they meet along the way.
Meet Toph! Miya Cech Will Star in Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2
A powerful earthbender enters the fray.
There’s groundbreaking — or rather earthbending — news from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender: One of the franchise’s most beloved characters has been cast.
Miya Cech will star in Season 2 as Toph, a master earthbender who was born blind and trained to feel and sense the world around her. Executive producers Jabbar Raisani and Christine Boylan tell Tudum there were “thousands upon thousands” of auditions submitted for Toph, but they both immediately knew that Cech was a perfect fit.
“We make a point of reviewing submissions separately and after countless tapes, we both had the same reaction ... Miya is our Toph!” they explain. “Miya is a brilliant performer who knows how to precisely balance the sarcastic sense of humor, stubbornness, and vulnerability that is Toph Beifong. Her physicality and emotional dexterity really put her in a class of one.”
Who is Toph?
Boylan and Raisani consider Toph one of their favorite characters from the animated series. “We love how her abrasively hilarious energy complements and clashes with the rest of the Gaang and can’t wait to see that dynamic come to life on set. She’s funny, she’s very smart about the world around her, and a very accomplished earthbender. Underneath all that, she’s got emotional layers we can’t wait to explore.”
Who is Miya Cech?
Cech, whose full first name is Miyako, is an actor who has appeared in Beef, Young Rock, and The Santa Clauses, as well as in the movie You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. While Cech has portrayed characters who share Toph’s dry humor and sarcasm, this role feels particularly special because “Toph is a completely unique character,” she tells Tudum. “No one is like her.”
For Cech, portraying Toph is also an opportunity to honor her heritage. “I personally am of Chinese and Japanese American descent and I’m so excited to represent my Chinese heritage in Toph Beifong,” she says. “One of the most incredible aspects of this show is the diversity of the Asian cultures in the Avatar: The Last Airbender world. Even though the universe is fantasy, it feels like every culture is represented in some way and tied to the history and traditions of that culture or country. Just a few years ago, you might have seen one or two of these actors in a show or movie, but on this show we are all able to represent this world together and work together and collaborate. It’s really amazing and a gift as an actor.”
So, what else should you know about Cech as Season 2 begins production? Here are five behind-the-scenes details you should know about Avatar: The Last Airbender’s newest cast member.
1. Cech is already training for the role of Toph. “I’ve been in boot camp for about a week and a half now and still have a lot of work to do, but it’s super fun. I have some martial arts experience,” she tells Tudum, adding, “I have a great instructor who I take private classes with back home in Northern California, and he keeps me in shape when I’m not working. I also have some dance experience from when I was younger that has been very helpful as I learn about Toph’s movements.” She will also be working with a producer and consultant, who is blind and a professional from the blindness community, to make sure the blindness community is represented appropriately.
2. Cech is a longtime fan of the animated series. “I grew up watching the animated series. I’ve always been such a big fan and probably watched it 10 times all the way through. Toph was always my favorite character, so as soon as the casting notice came out, I begged my team to please get me an audition,” she says, adding that she also loved Season 1 of the live-action series. “I have to admit that Gordon’s Aang made me cry several times. Now it’s completely unbelievable that I get to be part of this world too!”
3. Speaking of auditions, Cech had a slightly different experience than some of Season 1’s cast, who weren’t told which role they were auditioning for. “Unlike some of the actors in Season 1, I did know that I was auditioning for Toph, even though the audition material had dummy sides with different names and storylines. I had two taped auditions, a taped callback, and two in-person auditions with the casting team and producers, including a chemistry read with Gordon.”
4. As is becoming tradition with this series, Cech was tricked when she found out she was cast in the series. “A couple of days after the chemistry read with Gordon, casting asked me to do ‘one last’ Zoom callback with the stunt coordinator. I had never had a stunt callback before, so I actually asked my martial arts instructor to do Zoom with me the night before to get in shape. It turned out that there was no callback. They called to say I had booked it. I was in such shock that I think I just started crying.”
5. Even Cech doesn’t know what Toph’s full aesthetic will look like just yet. “I haven’t actually seen Toph’s costume yet. I truly can’t wait to see it and wear it for the first time. However, we have tested some looks for her iconic hairstyle. Just seeing my ‘Toph do’ was surreal.”
Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 Officially Kicks Off Production
Aang’s journey continues.
The war against the Fire Nation is far from over. Back in March, Netflix announced that Avatar: The Last Airbender has been renewed for Seasons 2 and 3, which will conclude this epic story. Now that process commences: production has begun on Season 2 — and Toph has been cast.
“We’re looking forward to working with all of our actors again and digging into the deeper, more complicated relationships that develop as their journey continues in Season 2,” executive producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani tell Tudum. “We are going to show the real-world versions of iconic scenes from the original, and explore some of the stories that the animation didn’t. Mainly — we’re looking forward to seeing our gang all together again.”
Keep reading below to find out everything you need to know about the second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
What is Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 about?
The EPs are keeping details about Season 2 close to the vest, but they did tease that we will see more of the Earth Kingdom.
“There’s no war in Ba Sing Se,” they explain, referencing a line from the original animated series. “For the Gaang, fans can expect more brilliant plans from Sokka [Ian Ousley], even more masterful bending from Katara [Kiawentiio], Appa and Momo to be as fluffy as ever, and Aang [Gordon Cormier] to learn a new bending form (or two).”
In general, Raisani and Boylan are excited about building on the strong foundation of Season 1. “We’re going to challenge our characters with more complex and nuanced obstacles as they navigate a more tactile world,” they continue. say Boylan and Raisani. “Just as the animated series matured and progressed, the live- action will also take these characters and worlds and grow them.”
But with a new season comes the opportunity for fresh faces.
What new characters will be introduced in Season 2?
At Netflix’s Geeked Week 2024, it was announced that Miya Cech will join the cast as Toph, a master earthbender.
What happened in Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1?
A live-action reimagining of the acclaimed Nickelodeon animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender follows Aang, a young boy who’s the titular Avatar –– which means he’s the only one capable of mastering all four elements (air, water, fire, and earth). In Season 1, Aang wakes up after a 100-year slumber to discover he’s the only surviving Aairbender. The world is being threatened by the imperialistic Fire Nation, which wiped out every other airbender and is working to subjugate the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes. With the help of his newfound friends Katara, a waterbender, and her brother Sokka, Aang sets off on a journey to restore balance to this fractured world.
Aang and his companions achieve a Pyrrhic victory in the Season 1 finale. Sure, they were able to stop the Fire Nation — led by Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu), his uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), and Commander Zhao (Ken Leung) — from destroying the Northern Water Tribe, but it was merely a distraction from the larger war. Miles away, Zuko’s sister, Princess Azula (Elizabeth Yu), conquered Omashu, one of the two Earth Kingdom cities that had managed to stave off the Fire Nation until now, and took King Bumi (Utkarsh Ambudkar) prisoner. As if that wasn’t devastating enough, a mid-credit scene reveals that Sozin’s Comet, a rare cosmic event, is on the horizon, which can’t mean anything good for our heroes.
“I thought it was really clever of the writers to end Season 1 in that way, because you want to get a sense that the universe of the show is expanding with every season,” Daniel Dae Kim, who plays Zuko and Azula’s ruthless father, Fire Lord Ozai, told Tudum in February. “And they really did a good job of that with that cliff-hanger and also created a sense of urgency and time.”
“Always leave the audience wanting more,” Lee added. “I just had chills seeing Lizzy as Azula. You’ve got King Bumi in shackles, and it’s just like, ‘Oh, there’s so many cliff-hangers.’ I was like, ‘Oh, I want to shoot Season 2, 3 right now.’ ”
Thankfully, he’s getting his wish.
Keep checking back here for more information about what’s to come for the Aang gang. In the meantime, you can watch the cast’s adorable audition tapes [here].
Nickelodeon Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל) will premiere the brand new live-action series United High (יונייטד היי) on TeenNick Israel on Sunday 22nd September 2024!
Created by Shahar Segal and Oren Jacobi, and starring Alin Golan, the series follows the lives of children of ambassadors who study at the same school.
ברוכים הבאים ליונייטד היי | ברוכים הבאים לתיכון הכי יוקרתי בארץ ובעולם שלא כל אחד יכול להתקבל אליו. אז איך זה יכול להיות שבת של נהג ובן של נסיך יצליחו להסתיר את זהותם האמיתית, לעבוד על כולם ולהתחיל את שנת הלימודים ביחד?
מתוך יונייטד היי | סדרה חדשה בטין ניק ו- HOT VOD Young
מילים ולחן: רון ביטון, איתי שמעוני, ינון יהל
עיבוד והפקה מוזיקלית: ינון יהל
קלידים ותיכנותים: ינון יהל, רון ביטון
עורך וידאו: ירון רודה
און ליין: רן אביטל
מילים:
זה לא אפשרי
אולי זה רק בסיפורים אמיתי
ומבפנים כבר משתגעת
הם חיים מבלי לדעת מי אני
מי אתה מי אתה מי אני
זה לא הגיוני
אולי הכל בכלל זה רק דמיוני
מכל מקום אני שומעת
הם רוצים ממש לדעת מי אני
מי אתה מי אתה מי אני
אולי נסיך זה רק באגדה
אז מה לי ולעולם הזה,
מה לי ולעולם הזה
אולי אני בכלל לא מבינה
איך למצוא מה ששלי
לא חיפשתי מלכותי
סך הכל רציתי משהו אמיתי
הכל משוגע
ומסביבי עדיין כלום לא נרגע
אנשים עם חליפות
חנוקים בעניבות
מה איתי מה איתך
מה איתי מה איתך
וזה קצת מוזר
להרגיש פתאום שגם לי מותר
לעוף גבוה לשמיים
בלי לחשוב פעמיים
מה איתי מה איתך
מי אני מי אתה
אולי נסיך זה רק באגדה
אז מה לי ולעולם הזה,
מה לי ולעולם הזה
אולי אני בכלל לא מבינה
איך למצוא מה ששלי
לא חיפשתי מלכותי
סך הכל רציתי משהו אמיתי
#יונייטדהיי
Itay Regev, who was a prisoner in Gaza and was released as part of a hostage deal in November last year, was photographed for the new series in April. Regev's salary for the days of photography are being donated to support the families of other abductees.
Itay Regev
Regev, 19, was abducted along with his sister Maya, 21, from the Supernova music festival on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel in an assault, and was released after 54 days in Hamas captivity. Since being released, he has been trying to get back to normal, and recently starred in a campaign for the fashion brand TFU-TFU.
BURBANK, Calif.–Sept. 17, 2024–Nickelodeon continues to celebrate the landmark 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants with an immersive experience at its booth that pays homage to the iconic first episode of the world’s most famous yellow sea sponge at New York Comic Con 2024. During the four-day convention, Nick’s booth on the convention center floor (#1523) will re-create and transport fans into the “Help Wanted” pilot episode with 3D-animation, augmented reality (AR) and replicas of SpongeBob’s pineapple home and The Krusty Krab.
Nickelodeon and Paramount invite fans to three panels during the convention: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Video Games and Virtual Worlds,” showcasing the popular video game world; “Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants 25th Anniversary Celebration,” a dive into the undersea world of Bikini Bottom and “Nickelodeon’s brand-new fantasy series, Max & the Midknights!,” a behind-the-scenes look at the all-new animated series.
The following is a rundown of Nickelodeon’s activities:
PANELS
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Video Games and Virtual Worlds
Thursday, 10/17 from 8 – 9pm (Room 408)
From PC and console to mobile and virtual worlds, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have brought Turtle Power to countless original video games over the past few decades – and there’s more on the horizon. Join Doug Rosen, Paramount’s SVP of Games & Emerging Media, as well as representatives from Outright Games, Super Evil Megacorp and more to learn about the latest TMNT releases and get exclusive sneak peeks into these tubular titles.
Jumping Jellyfish! Grab a spatula and get ready to celebrate 25 years of one of the most popular characters and beloved animated series of all time - SpongeBob SquarePants. Join the legendary voice cast Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), along with executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller as they pay tribute to the popular origins and reveal what’s happening next in Bikini Bottom. It’s going to be F.U.N.
Join creator and executive producer Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), showrunners and co-executive producers Sharon Flynn and David Skelly, and a host of other exciting panelists as they reveal how this cinematic and groundbreaking new TV series was transformed from the best-selling book series to the screen! Dragons! Monsters! Swords and sorcery!
DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY
SpongeBob’s Interview Prep Experience
Help wanted! Step inside SpongeBob's pineapple home to prepare for the big job interview at The Krusty Krab. Fans will complete exercises in SpongeBob’s weight room to ensure they are in top fry cook shape. Once finished, guests can scan their personal QR code to collect their shareable video file on their device.
SpongeBob’s Hungry Anchovy Frenzy
Grab a spatula and step up to the virtual grill to feed those hungry, hungry anchovies! In this one-of-a-kind digital whack-a-mole game, players have one minute to fling out as many virtual Krabby Patties as possible to feed the hungry lunch crowd. It’s a mad dash to the end of the shift, where players can earn their rightful spot as The Krusty Krab’s newest and greatest fry cook!
The Krusty Krab Mast Photo Moment
Ascend from SpongeBob's pineapple and enter the vibrant world of The Krusty Krab, but watch out for the anchovies! Snap a photo by the iconic Krusty Krab mast just like Mr. Krabs and Squidward in the pilot episode.
Costumed Character Appearances: SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.
Giveaways: Special giveaways and posters will be handed out throughout the convention.
Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the most-watched animated series for 22 consecutive years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount history, seen in more than 180 markets, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 90 million total viewers every quarter. SpongeBob SquarePants was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.
Paramount+ is the streaming home for SpongeBob fans with more Bikini Bottom content than any other streaming service. For a FREE trial, visit ParamountPlus.com.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 45th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.
About Paramount+
Paramount+, part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment and news brands, is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combining live sports, breaking news and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, the service's cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME® content, including scripted hits and critically acclaimed nonfiction projects and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.
For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.
A mysterious figure lurking at a Kamp Koral reunion and Patrick Star learning about his spooky fortune lies ahead in two-all new Halloween specials as Nickelodeon and Paramount+ continue the landmark 25th anniversary celebration of SpongeBob SquarePants! Today, we are thrilled to share the trailer for SpongeBob SquarePants– “Kreepaway Kamp” and first-look images for The Patrick Star Show – “Something Stupid This Way Comes” — check them out if you dare!
In SpongeBob SquarePants – “Kreepaway Kamp,” while at Kamp Koral for a reunion, SpongeBob and the gang are stalked by a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows as campers start disappearing one by one. Premiering Thurs., October 10, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ in the U.S., and in additional territories later in the year, the one-hour special shows fan-favorite characters reuniting at Kamp Koral — including SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Pearl, Bubble Bass, Kevin C. Cucumber, Larry the Lobster, Mrs. Puff and more.
Then in, The Patrick Star Show – “Something Stupid This Way Comes,” — a nod to Ray Bradbury’s dark carnival classic, Something Wicked This Way Comes — Madame Hagfish shares tales of Pat-Tron, Pat the Hapless and Patgor. The half-hour special features 2D and stop-motion animation. Premiering Mon., October 14, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon in the U.S. and in additional territories later in the year.
Nickelodeon once again teamed up with the stop-motion pros at Screen Novelties in Los Angeles for “Something Stupid,” having previously collaborated on the spooky specials The Patrick Star Show – “Terror at 20,000 Leagues” and SpongeBob SquarePants – “The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom,” as well as “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” First-look images below!
All new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants and The Patrick Star Show will continue to air across Nickelodeon and Paramount+. Paramount+ is the streaming home for SpongeBob fans with more Bikini Bottom content than any other streaming service. Soak up a FREE trial at ParamountPlus.com.
Patgor – The Patrick Star Show – “Something Stupid This Way Comes”
Madame Hagfish & Patrick - The Patrick Star Show - "Something Stupid This Way Comes"
Pat the Hapless - The Patrick Star Show - "Something Stupid This Way Comes"
Gruesome Goober - The Patrick Star Show - "Something Stupid This Way Comes"
CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!
.jpg "Max & the Midknights")
.jpg "Max & the Midknights")
