Entertainment

Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon Crash Dakota Johnson’s ‘SNL’ Monologue on January 28, 2024 at 2:17 pm Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2024

Justin Timberlake returned to the Saturday Night Live stage for the first time in a decade, crashing host Dakota Johnson’s monologue.

“I’m so excited to be back at SNL. It’s sort of a reunion for me and Justin Timberlake [because] we were actually in a movie together called The Social Network,” Johnson, 34, said during the opening of the Saturday, January 27, episode, referring to the 2010 film after the invention of Facebook.

Before the actress could continue with her monologue, Timberlake, 42, walked onstage and surprised her.

“I remember those days, Dakota,” Timberlake mused before the Madame Web star asked why he was on the Studio 8H stage since he was tapped as Saturday’s musical guest. “I heard my name. I thought that was my cue,” he continued. “Well, if you want me to be in sketches, I have hosted before.”

Timberlake then mouthed that he’s previously hosted the show five times, to which Johnson pointed out that it was “10 years ago,” gushing that she was so excited for the singer to make his comeback on “my show.” While Johnson asserted that she didn’t need any help to complete her monologue, another surprise guest walked onto the stage.

Rosalind O’Connor/NBC

Jimmy Fallon, a former SNL cast member and a friend of Timberlake’s, then strutted on stage dressed in a 1970s-inspired white suit.

“Are we doing this?” Fallon, 49, asked before Timberlake pantomimed for the duo to leave the soundstage. Fallon added, “I’m here to say break a leg. These are my normal clothes!”

Timberlake and Fallon did get their wish for a cameo, appearing in the “Barry Gibb Talk Show” sketch in matching white suits and wigs to discuss the 2024 presidential election.

As the episode’s musical guest, Timberlake performed “Selfish” and “Sanctified,” both of which are tracks from his upcoming album, Everything I Thought It Was.

Timberlake is an SNL veteran, having been tapped as host and musical guest multiple times. He made his debut in 2000 with his ‘NSync bandmates Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chasez. Timberlake later hosted episodes in 2003, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2013, playing double duty as host and musical guest three of those times.

Timberlake has also made many now-viral cameos on SNL, including several musical numbers with former cast member Andy Samberg and his The Lonely Island collaborators, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. Timberlake and the comedy trio joined forces for several music videos, including “D–k in a Box.”

“Jorma [said], ‘What if we do the old popcorn in the movies prank?’ He was like, ‘You know the whole d–k in the popcorn,’” Timberlake recalled of the sketch pitch during a “Hot Ones” interview in 2020. “I was like, ‘That sounds super creepy, bro!’ To which we then said, ‘Yeah, that’s totally appropriate for two guys who are completely misled about what’s appropriate.’”

While Timberlake was game to try the concept, he was worried that the FCC would fine SNL if they said the word “d–k” on live television. By the time rehearsals started, the FCC informed them that the skit would need to be censored.

“I think the irony of that is, I think the funnier version of that is the bleeped-out version,” Timberlake added at the time. “I fully believe that that idea wouldn’t have been seen all the way through if the big wigs had known what we were doing.”

Schaffer, 46, previously told NPR in 2013 that Timberlake helped them find the sketch’s musical sound.

“When he came and did that song with us, he taught us, like, 10 things, I would say, that we still use to this day about just proper recording and kind of little tricks about using the left speaker vs. the right speaker and stuff like that,” Schaffer told the outlet.

Saturday’s episode also featured cameos from Shark Tank mentors Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban, who played themselves in an entrepreneurial sketch.

Saturday Night Live airs on NBC Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET.

Justin Timberlake returned to the Saturday Night Live stage for the first time in a decade, crashing host Dakota Johnson’s monologue. “I’m so excited to be back at SNL. It’s sort of a reunion for me and Justin Timberlake [because] we were actually in a movie together called The Social Network,” Johnson, 34, said during

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Entertainment

Zendaya Earns $1 Million Per Episode: A New Milestone in TV History

Published

8 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Zendaya, the 28-year-old star of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria,” has made television history by securing a groundbreaking contract for the show’s upcoming third season. The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress will now earn an impressive $1 million per episode, cementing her status as one of the highest-paid actors on television.

This monumental pay raise comes after Zendaya’s critically acclaimed performances in the first two seasons of “Euphoria,” where she portrays the complex character of Rue Bennett, a high school student grappling with substance abuse issues. Her powerful portrayal has not only captivated audiences but also earned her numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

A Record-Breaking Achievement

Zendaya’s new salary puts her in an elite group of television actors who have reached the million-dollar-per-episode milestone. This exclusive club includes the cast of “Friends” in their final season and the lead actors of “Game of Thrones”. At 28, Zendaya is now believed to be the youngest actor to achieve this feat, as well as the highest-paid Black female actor on television.

Impact on the Industry

This landmark deal reflects the changing landscape of television salaries, particularly in the era of streaming and premium cable networks. It also highlights the industry’s recognition of Zendaya’s immense talent and star power. As an executive producer on “Euphoria” since its second season, Zendaya has demonstrated her value both in front of and behind the camera.

What This Means for “Euphoria”

With Zendaya’s new contract, HBO has shown its commitment to the future of “Euphoria.” The series, known for its raw and unflinching portrayal of teenage life, has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Zendaya’s increased salary suggests that the network is invested in maintaining the show’s quality and retaining its star talent.

Looking Ahead

As fans eagerly await the third season of “Euphoria,” questions arise about potential production timelines and how Zendaya’s other high-profile projects, such as “Dune: Part Two,” might affect scheduling. However, HBO’s willingness to negotiate such a substantial contract indicates their flexibility and determination to keep Zendaya on board.

Zendaya’s historic achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also sets a new standard in the television industry. It underscores the value of exceptional talent and the evolving nature of actor compensation in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Entertainment

Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1

Published

10 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is set to rev up the silver screen in his latest high-octane adventure, “Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1.” This eagerly anticipated film promises to deliver a perfect blend of star power and the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing.

A Star-Studded Ride

Pitt, known for his versatility and charisma, takes on the role of a seasoned F1 driver making a daring comeback to the sport. The actor, now in his early 60s, has reportedly undergone rigorous training to convincingly portray a professional racing driver. His dedication to the role has already generated buzz among both film enthusiasts and F1 fans alike.

Behind the Wheel

The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, aims to capture the intense, high-speed world of F1 with unprecedented authenticity. Kosinski’s expertise in action sequences and cutting-edge visual effects promises to deliver a visceral racing experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

More Than Just Racing

While the film showcases the thrilling aspects of F1, it also delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of Pitt’s character. The story explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of passion, adding depth to the high-speed narrative.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Joining Pitt is a talented ensemble cast, including Damson Idris as a promising young driver and Kerry Condon in a key supporting role. The film also boasts the involvement of legendary F1 driver Lewis Hamilton as a producer, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the sport.

Racing to Theaters

“Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1″ is slated for a worldwide release in the summer of 2025. With its combination of star power, intense racing action, and compelling storytelling, the film is poised to be a major contender in both the box office and the upcoming awards season.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that will take audiences from the pit lane to the podium in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

Entertainment

Fun Size Cinema Showcases Chicago’s Comedic Talent

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Chicago, known for its rich comedy heritage, is set to celebrate its local comedic talent with the launch of Fun Size Cinema, a new screening series dedicated to showcasing short films, sketches, and other digital comedic works. The event, spearheaded by filmmaker Joelle Velez and her production company Sparkly Productions, will debut on Thursday, March 20th at 6 PM at The Revival theater in Chicago’s South Loop.

Sock it To Me- Short Film directed by Joelle Velez

A Platform for Local Comedy

Fun Size Cinema is designed as a platform for Chicago’s comedians, filmmakers, and improvisers to share their creative work with a broader audience. The series highlights the city’s comedic spirit through curated screenings of diverse content, including short films, sketch comedy, music videos, and comedic documentaries. By fostering connections and collaboration among local creatives, the event aims to build a supportive community for comedy and filmmaking in Chicago.

Joelle Velez explained her inspiration for the series during an interview with WGN News: “Chicago has such a strong comedy legacy—think Harold Ramis and Ghostbusters. We wanted to create a space where local talent could thrive without needing to move to New York or Los Angeles.” She emphasized that Fun Size Cinema offers filmmakers and performers the opportunity to showcase their work while staying rooted in Chicago’s vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Joelle Velez: A Driving Force Behind the Initiative

Joelle Velez, an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of The Second City Film School, brings her extensive experience in comedy and filmmaking to this project. Her production company Sparkly Productions partnered with The Revival theater to bring this vision to life. Velez’s own film Sock It To Me, which has garnered awards like Best Art Comedy at the Katra Film Series Comedy Film Festival, will be featured at the inaugural screening.

Velez’s career reflects her commitment to storytelling and comedy. Her previous works have been selected for over 20 film festivals worldwide, earning multiple awards. With training in improvisation, stand-up comedy, and acting, she is well-equipped to lead this initiative that celebrates Chicago’s comedic talent.

What Audiences Can Expect

The debut screening of Fun Size Cinema will feature nine short films from local creators. Unlike traditional film festivals that often prioritize dramatic or experimental works, this series focuses entirely on comedy—providing a unique space for sketch comedy and other humorous formats that are often overlooked.

Attendees can expect a movie-going experience filled with laughter and creativity. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to network or simply a comedy enthusiast, Fun Size Cinema promises an evening of entertainment that highlights the exceptional talent within Chicago’s comedy scene.

Continuing Chicago’s Comedy Legacy

By creating opportunities for local comedians and filmmakers to showcase their work, Fun Size Cinema aims to continue Chicago’s legacy as a hub for groundbreaking comedy. As Velez stated during her interview: “There’s so much amazing stuff being made here that people don’t always get the chance to see. We want to create that stage for them.” This initiative not only celebrates Chicago’s comedic roots but also paves the way for future stars in the industry3.

For those interested in attending or learning more about Fun Size Cinema, visit The Revival theater on March 20th at 906 S. Wabash Avenue. Prepare for an evening of laughter, creativity, and community as Chicago’s comedic talent takes center stage.