Today's Entertainment

2 • April 12 - 18, 2020 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kyla Brewer TV Media T hese are trying times indeed. While uncertainty looms in the real world, entertainment can serve as a welcome distraction, if only for a short time. One of televi- sion's most popular series is offer- ing fans a reprieve with a new tale of survival and perhaps even hope. Teenagers embark on an epic quest beyond the walls of their safe community in "The Walking Dead: World Beyond," slated to premiere later this year on AMC. The TWD spinoff focuses on the first generation to grow up during the crisis, with a focus on high school student Iris (Aliyah Royale, "The Red Line") and her adoptive sister Hope (Alexa Mansour, "How to Get Away With Murder") as they leave the safety of their com- munity. Nico Tortorella ("Young- er") also stars as Felix, a rule-fol- lowing 30-year-old community se- curity officer. Before the apoca- lypse, Iris and Hope's father saved Felix from a life on the streets, and he feels indebted to serve as the girls' guardian. The series was initially sched- uled to premiere on Sunday, April 12, but in March AMC announced that it was going to push the de- but until "later this year," which came as a surprise since the entire first season of the limited two- season series has finished filming. However, given the current cir- cumstances, it is understandable that AMC would hold off for now. Those looking for their TWD fix can stream the original "The Walking Dead" on Netflix and its pre- quel, "Fear the Walking Dead," on Prime Video. Regardless of when it premieres, "World Beyond" is sure to attract a global audience. It's a good thing that AMC has already lined up a worldwide distribution deal. The show will air on AMC in North America, of course. Prime will carry the series in Asia-Pacific, the Mid- dle East, Africa and most of Eu- rope. AMC Networks International will air the show in Latin America, Spain and Portugal. When the deal was inked, AMC executive Valerie Cabrera lauded the show's world- wide appeal. "A franchise and story that is rooted in our collective humanity, the appeal of 'The Walking Dead' crosses language and cultural barriers," Cabrera said. With so many people sequestered to their homes, a fresh se- ries such as "The Walking Dead: World Beyond" may be a wel- come change. It has all of the hall- marks of a successful TWD spi- noff, including an ominous prem- ise, gruesome special effects and a talented cast. Emmy winner Julia Ormond ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," 2008) leads as charismatic community leader Eliz- abeth. "The Walking Dead: World Beyond" co-creator Scott M. Gim- ple had high praise for the actress when her casting was announced in November. "We are thrilled to have Julia join our merry band," Gimple said in a Variety article. "I'm grateful for the talent, grace, intelligence and humor she has brought to our set, our show and to this role." In 2010, Ormond won an Emmy for her role in HBO's movie "Tem- ple Grandin," and she was nomi- nated for another Emmy two years later for her guest-starring turn on "Mad Men." Her other career highlights include the 1994 silver screen epic "Legends of the Fall" and the 1995 remake of "Sabrina." But while Ormond may be the most famous of the bunch, the show's focus is squarely on its young stars. Royale portrays intelli- gent, strong-willed teenager Iris, who leads the charge into the un- known. After performing in church, school and community plays, Royale landed the leading role of Jira Calder-Brennan on the CBS drama "The Red Line" opposite Noah Wyle ("ER"). Mansour, who plays Iris's disillu- sioned wild-child sister Hope, has appeared in the films "Unfriended: Dark Web" (2018) and "#Squad- Goals" (2018) and will soon be seen in the indie feature "She's in Portland." TV fans may recognize her from her memorable recurring role as Faiza on ABC's hugely popu- lar "How to Get Away With Mur- der." Mansour's other small-screen credits include "SEAL Team," "Bull" and "Madam Secretary." Nicolas Cantu ("Sofia the First") portrays 15-year-old Elton, a thoughtful, intellectually curious orphan of the apocalypse who is eager to continue the work of his scientist parents. Cantu may be young, but he's been acting for years. His voice work credits in- clude "The Amazing World of Gumball" and "Dragons: Rescue Riders" On television, he's ap- peared in such popular shows as "The Unicorn," "The Good Place" and "Raven's Home." An apocalypse story Premiere of AMC's 'The Walking Dead: World Beyond' pushed back Cover Story this week Nico Tortorella in "The Walking Dead: World Beyond" Conan Republicans are now referring to Mitt Romney as Judas. If Romney is Judas, that makes President Trump a Jesus that was married three times and caught with a porn star. Bernie Sanders is now refusing to release his full medical record. The senator defended himself. He said, "It's not my fault no one took records during the bubonic plague! They didn't have much record-keeping at the time." A Little Late With Lilly Singh Now, I don't agree with this, but traditionally you go on a first date with a guy, and he picks up the tab. With two girls, you're both just sitting there forever waiting for the other person to pay. Eventually, it's just two skeletons in nice dresses sitting at the Olive Garden. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon A guy in California who went to jail for pretending to be a doctor got his medical license in the Caribbean and is now an actual doctor here in the U.S. His patient was like, "Not the best story to tell during my prostate exam, but good for you!" President Trump promised that, if he's re-elected, he'll build 500 miles of border wall. And if he's not re-elected, he'll just draw a wall with a Sharpie. I saw one of the hot new trends this year are tiny purses. They're perfect if you only want to carry one Altoid. It's tiny, but somehow it still takes you 10 minutes to find your keys. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert I would say the president is starting to unravel, but that would imply he was "raveled" in the first place. The fact that he's a bad criminal doesn't make it not a crime. If being bad at something makes you not that thing, then Trump is not a business owner or a husband. Late Laughs 218-829-5278 321 South 7th Street Suite 105 • Brainerd, MN 56401 Sunday, June 28, 2020 10 am to 4 pm Located in Gregory Park Brainerd MN 56401 JOIN US! Come See Some Amazing Art Talents At Work! (Artists, Food Vendors, Family Activities, Guitarists & Singer/Song Writers) Truth Lutheran Church 501 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN (Corner of 5th & Kingwood) truthlutheranchurch.com An LCMC Congregation …Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ SUNDAY WORSHIP • 9 AM Fellowship and Sunday school following worship Visit our website for information on when our Services will resume. Downloadthe"VistBrainerd"App intheAppleorGooglePlayStores. Events,lodgingandthingstodo inthepalmofyourhand. VISITBRAINERD PlanningYour VisittoBrainerd JustGotEasier. TheOfficialDMOforBaxterandBrainerd,MN EntertainmentGuide_July_2x4.indd 1 6/26/2019 12:42:53PM

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