It’s been a few years since we’ve seen Cathy Yan debut a film project. Back at the beginning of 2020, shortly before COVID took over and shut everything down, Yan’s “Birds of Prey” was released in theaters. Obviously, that film didn’t do as well as many had hoped, but the filmmaker proved she’s one of the best up-and-coming directors working today. Since then, she’s worked on “Succession,” directing an episode of that series.

Continue reading ‘The Freshening’: John Boyega To Star In Cathy Yan’s Sci-Fi Romance Produced By Adam McKay & Ali Wong at The Playlist.

Cathy Yan is at a good place in her career. She’s got the acclaimed indie, “Dead Pigs.” She’s ventured out and directed a superhero film, “Birds of Prey.” And she even has earned herself an Emmy nomination for her work directing on the newest season of “Succession.” Now, it appears she’s found her next big project, a live-action adaptation of the acclaimed novel-turned-anime “Paprika.”

READ MORE: Cathy Yan’s Fandom Of ‘Succession’ Turned Into An Emmy Nod [Interview]

According to Deadline, Cathy Yan is set to executive produce and direct a live-action adaptation of “Paprika.” The source material is the 1993 sci-fi novel of the same name by author Yasutaka Tsutsui.

Continue reading ‘Paprika’: Cathy Yan To Produce & Direct A Live-Action Series Adaptation For Amazon at The Playlist.

Are you’re a writer or director in the industry in love with an established show you’re not working on? Let the journey Cathy Yan went on be a lesson to you. The “Birds of Prey” filmmaker is an Emmy nominee today because she made sure the powers at be were aware she is a massive fan of HBO’s “Succession.” And it was her first television credit. Sure, it helped that she lived in the New York Metro area and was available to helm the third episode (“The Disruption”), but after a sit-down meeting with series creator Jesse Armstrong, she landed the assignment.

Continue reading Cathy Yan’s Fandom Of ‘Succession’ Turned Into An Emmy Nod [Interview] at The Playlist.

For many people, the name Cathy Yan automatically brings to mind “Birds of Prey.” That makes sense, considering for years, that is the only film that the young filmmaker has released. But you see, “Birds of Prey” isn’t her first film. No, that distinction belongs to the Sundance award-winning satire, “Dead Pigs,” which is finally getting distributed three years after its festival debut, courtesy of MUBI.

Continue reading Cathy Yan Talks ‘Dead Pigs’ Hitting Streaming & How Her Journalism Past Is Shaping Her Future In Film [The Playlist Podcast] at The Playlist.

Exceptional and exceptionally confident, Cathy Yan’s “Dead Pigs” is a feature debut that leaves little mystery as to what DC studio execs saw in the filmmaker before tapping her to direct “Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).”

READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2021

Energetically directed and sharply written, this sparkling social satire has in its sights no smaller target than the rapid-onset Westernization of China’s urban sprawl, as embodied by five Shanghai residents searching for their place in a country vacillating between cultural tradition and a more soulless modernity.

Continue reading ‘Dead Pigs’: Cathy Yan’s Exceptional Directorial Debut Is Ambitious And Admirable [Review] at The Playlist.

Before she made “Birds of Prey,” Cathy Yan impressed audiences at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival with her bold social satire “Dead Pigs,” but despite positive reviews, the film never got distributed for American audiences, until now.

READ MORE: Cathy Yan Talks About ‘Dead Pigs’ Finally Coming To The U.S. & The Challenges Working On ‘Birds Of Prey’

The film, which won the Sundance World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Acting, is finally getting released on Friday, February 12 via MUBI, and they just released a brand new trailer for the film.

Continue reading ‘Dead Pigs’ Trailer: Cathy Yan’s Directorial Debut Is Finally Getting Distribution, And A Trailer at The Playlist.

Fresh off the criminally underseen “Birds of Prey,” director Cathy Yan has found her next project: an adaptation of Rachel Khong‘s sci-fi comedy short story, “The Freshening.”

READ MORE: Cathy Yan Talks About ‘Dead Pigs’ Finally Coming To The U.S. & The Challenges Working On ‘Birds Of Prey’

Variety has the scoop on “The Freshening,” reporting that FilmNation acquired the rights to the short story and will finance and produce the film alongside Ali Wong, Hyperobject Industries/Gary Sanchez Productions, and Rewild.

Continue reading ‘The Freshening’: ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Cathy Yan To Write & Direct Sci-Fi Comedy at The Playlist.

Over the course of only two feature films, Cathy Yan has already amassed an interesting journey for any filmmaker. From beginning on a critically acclaimed Sundance award-winning film, “Dead Pigs,” which was sitting on the shelf for three years to then moving to a massive superhero film like “Birds of Prey,” she’s experienced quite a bit of what Hollywood and the film industry has to offer, specifically when it comes to challenges.

Continue reading Cathy Yan Talks About ‘Dead Pigs’ Finally Coming To The U.S. & The Challenges Working On ‘Birds Of Prey’ at The Playlist.

Though certain segments of social media might disagree, it’s always a good thing when there are more inclusivity and diversity in the film industry. This is just a fact. More perspectives mean more stories and more interesting films. And thankfully, as a new study points out, in terms of female representation behind the camera, the film industry continues to gain more inclusivity.

READ MORE: The 25 Best Films Of 2020

A new study from San Diego State University claims that the total number of female directors and female filmmakers (in general) grew in 2020 from previous highs in 2019.

Continue reading Female Directors Helmed More Major Films Than Ever Before In 2020 at The Playlist.

Cinemas are in trouble. And what makes it worse is that this existential problem facing movie theaters, which existed before the pandemic but has only been exacerbated by the virus, comes at a time when people are watching more movies than ever before. Unfortunately, people are preferring to stay at home to enjoy their content instead of paying ticket prices and venturing off into potentially dangerous indoor public spaces. And the problem has gotten so bad, the biggest filmmakers on the planet are joining forces to urge the US government to do something.

Continue reading Scorsese, Nolan & Many More Filmmakers Urge US Congress To Save Cinemas: “We Fear For Their Future” at The Playlist.

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been increased discussion regarding Director’s Cuts of DC superhero films, thanks in no small part to HBO Max’s upcoming 2021 release of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.” We’ve seen the discussion include David Ayer and his much-maligned “Suicide Squad,” and now, Cathy Yan and “Birds of Prey.” However, in the latter’s case, it appears the filmmaker has no interest in hearing rumors regarding what was cut from her version of the superhero film from earlier this year.

Continue reading Cathy Yan Suggests WB Messed With ‘Birds Of Prey’; YouTuber Peddling Related Rumors Caught In Crosshairs at The Playlist.

Every Tuesday, discriminating viewers are confronted with a flurry of choices: new releases on disc and on-demand, vintage, and original movies on any number of streaming platforms, catalog titles making a splash on Blu-ray or 4K. This weekly column sifts through all of those choices to pluck out the movies most worth your time, no matter how you’re watching. 

The 90-ish day theatrical-to-home video window means that two of the last major releases before The Dark Time are finally arriving on disc this week (previously only available as PVOD), and both are at least worth a look.

Continue reading The 7 Best Movies To Buy Or Stream This Week: ‘Birds Of Prey,’ ‘The Photograph’ & More at The Playlist.

Twenty years ago, the general audience wouldn’t really hear or care about box office numbers. But the age of the Internet has turned movie production and box office results into a game of narratives and how opening weekend numbers or re-shoots definitely make or break a movie.

READ MORE: ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Hopes The Film Can “Bring Some Light” To People Right Now On VOD

One film that for its box office results blown out of proportion was the female-led “Birds of Prey” which didn’t exactly break records, but was labeled as a commercial disappointment despite a successful run (before theaters shut down due to a pandemic and all that).

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Cathy Yan Is Disappointed Over Box Office Narratives at The Playlist.

Despite pretty solid reviews, Warner Bros.’ recent superhero film, “Birds of Prey” (or “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey,” if you follow box office news), didn’t have a great theatrical run. The film debuted at #1 but failed to excite the fanbase in a way that superhero films bank on. And before the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic shut down theaters around the world, ‘Birds’ barely was able to cross the $200 million milestone globally, which is a mark many thought the film would achieve in a matter of days.

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Hopes The Film Can “Bring Some Light” To People Right Now On VOD at The Playlist.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has trained audiences to expect a certain amount of consistency between films, even if they’re different franchises. “Doctor Strange” might have a different coat of paint than “Ant-Man,” but the engine underneath is very much Marvel Studios. And while that’s part of the success of the films, the uniformity and quality control, the MCU does get criticized for feeling a bit same-same.

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Says WB’s “Different Strategy” For Its Cinematic Universe Is “Liberating” For Filmmakers at The Playlist.

A deliriously batshit mess of pop-art spectacle—spray paint, glitter, lipstick, neon, and blood, that’s not without some value— including a funhouse mirror third act of cartoonish, murderous pandemonium that’s quite entertaining if you surrender to the mayhem, Warner Bros.’ cheeky, unapologetically brassy “Birds Of Prey” is super overwrought and sometimes exasperating. But at the very least, there’s never a dull moment in the colorful chaos.

Heavily indebted to an adrenalized version of the mix and match, collage-y time structure of “Pulp Fiction”—which the movie feels like it leans on whenever possible—borrowing the smash-and-grab titles sequence ideas and incessant needle drops from “Suicide Squad,” while throwing in a little Joel Schumacher-era “Batman & Robin” absurdity and campy flair in for good measure, “Birds Of Prey” is hyper affected, and a little more than obnoxious in its first half.

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’: Harley Quinn Is Emancipated In A Violent, Messy Pop-Art Spectacle [Review] at The Playlist.

There was a tangible feeling of relief this past week as the first round of reactions poured in for “Birds of Prey.” While early footage for the film seemed promising – and nobody would say no to more time with Margot Robbie‘s Harley Quinn – there’s no denying that the Warner Bros superhero films have been in a bit of a transitional period. Comic book fans were pleased to hear that the film holds together, with the word “fun” appearing in almost every review.

Continue reading ‘Birds’ Of A Feather Flock Together In These First ‘Birds Of Prey’ Clips at The Playlist.

Back in August of last year, a lot of speculation surrounded the report about “John Wick” director Chad Stahelski being brought in to help with some reshoots for the upcoming comic book film, “Birds of Prey.” Was WB unhappy with director Cathy Yan’s work? Did the action need a “John Wick” kick in the ass? Or is Stahelski just more of a consultant that will help Yan with figuring out some issues with the film?

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Explains Why ‘John Wick’s’ Chad Stahelski Was Brought In To Help With Reshoots at The Playlist.

If you’re a long-time reader of this site, you know that when a major blockbuster is on the verge of being released, a studio will begin to show screenings well in advance to critics. That happened last night with “Birds of Prey.” Even though the reviews are being held for a while, these critics are allowed to provide “social media reactions.” And you know how much we love sharing them with you folks.

Continue reading First ‘Birds Of Prey’ Reactions Praise Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Film’s “Insane” Action at The Playlist.

After a lowkey (financially, speaking) release of “Shazam!” and the monster acclaim and box office of “Joker,” 2019 has been a bit of a mixed bag for Warner Bros. and its superhero projects. So, how is WB moving forward? Will the studio continue in the same vein as “Aquaman,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Shazam!,” creating family-friendly fare or will WB embrace the darkness of “Joker?” Well, the answer, at least in the case of the upcoming “Birds of Prey,” the answer seems to be a bit of both.

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’: Margot Robbie Says It Was “Liberating” To Not Worry About A PG-13 Rating After ‘Suicide Squad’ at The Playlist.

It shouldn’t, at all, be surprising that a female-led superhero film that is written and directed by women would have feminist views. However, in the case of “Birds of Prey,” it appears that the film, written by Christina Hodson and directed by Cathy Yan, is going to not just be outspokenly feminist, but also showcase the subtle ways that misogyny infects our society.

Recently, in an interview, “Birds of Prey” star Ewan McGregor spoke about one of the main things that interested him about the upcoming Warner Bros.

Continue reading Ewan McGregor Calls ‘Birds Of Prey’ A “Feminist Film” & Says The Script Offers “A Real Look At Misogyny” at The Playlist.

In the mood for some mayhem? Margot Robbie and Warner Bros. may have you covered with “Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn),” also known as “BOP: Harley Quinn.” WB and DC Films have had a rough couple of years. For every win, critical and financial (“Wonder Woman“) they had another loss (“Justice League“) that added to the negative narrated that started out of the gate with “Batman V.

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’ Trailer: Margot Robbie Leads The Fantabulous Emancipation Of Harley Quinn at The Playlist.

For many of us, the end of summer means the flood of superhero films is over for the year. But we can’t even get out of August before we start talking about these caped crusaders once again. And no, “Joker” doesn’t count, as that appears to be the most anti-comic book, comic book movie of all time. With all that in mind, it’s time to turn our attention to Margot Robbie and her pals in the upcoming “Birds of Prey.”

With “It: Chapter Two” hours away, Warner Bros.

Continue reading First ‘Birds Of Prey’ Teaser To Be Shown Exclusively In Cinemas In Front Of ‘It: Chapter Two’ at The Playlist.

A funny thing happened on the way to everyone trying to own a piece of the “Birds Of Prey” reshoot narrative yesterday. A disliked blogger, rather Fox News-like in their approach tried to say Warner Bros.’ “Birds Of Prey” was facing major reshoots (though didn’t frame them negatively). The Internet, disliking this blogger, and disliking that narrative, shouted in opposition, nothing to see here, this is false, everything is absolutely totally fine.

Continue reading ‘John Wick’ Filmmaker Chad Stahelski To Oversee New Action Scenes For ‘Birds Of Prey’ Reshoots at The Playlist.

We knew that Cathy Yan was going to get some extra shine on her young career thanks to being selected to direct the upcoming “Birds of Prey” superhero team-up film for Warner Bros. But it appears that even without that film hitting theaters, the up-and-coming filmmaker has already lined up her next project with indie studio A24.

According to Variety, Yan is set to direct a coming-of-age drama titled “Sour Heart,” which is based on a short story collection from author Jenny Zhang.

Continue reading ‘Birds Of Prey’ Director Cathy Yan To Direct Immigrant Drama ‘Sour Heart’ For A24 at The Playlist.