The world of entertainment and media is abuzz with new developments, from film adaptations to TV casting announcements and changes in leadership at major companies. Here's a rundown of the latest news:
In film, Apple Original Films has acquired the rights to adapt Rebecca Serle's forthcoming romance novel, "Once and Again". The project is in early development, with Liz Tigelaar set to adapt the novel. Tigelaar has previously worked on prominent literary adaptations such as "Tiny Beautiful Things" and "Little Fires Everywhere". According to Variety, the film is still in its early stages, but with Tigelaar on board, fans of Serle's work can expect a thoughtful and well-crafted adaptation.
Meanwhile, in TV news, Jake Johnson has been cast in a new NBC comedy pilot from the creators of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine". The show, which is currently untitled, follows a private investigator in Los Angeles. Johnson will star in the lead role, with Akiva Schaffer set to direct. This is not the first time Johnson has worked on a TV pilot, having previously starred in Fox's "New Girl". The news comes as part of a larger trend of actors from Fox series in the 2010s leading NBC pilots this year.
In other TV news, a judge has prohibited the Justice Department from searching through the phone and devices of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The investigation is related to a leak of national security information, but attorneys for the Post argued that the DOJ had obtained Natanson's sources and materials unrelated to the leak investigation. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter ruled that the court will review the devices itself to ensure that the DOJ does not overstep its bounds.
In publishing news, Disney's incoming CEO Josh D'Amaro is facing challenges ahead as he takes the helm of the company next month. According to Variety's "Daily Variety" podcast, D'Amaro, a veteran of the company's parks and experiences division, will need to navigate the changing media landscape and address issues such as declining theme park attendance. The podcast explores D'Amaro's background and what he might bring to the role.
Finally, in sad news, Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby, has passed away. According to TMZ, Cosby Jr. died after police responded to a call for a "full arrest/medical emergency" following a possible overdose. The news has been met with an outpouring of support from the reality TV community, with executive producer Andy Cohen expressing his condolences on social media.