HULU ORIGINALS SUMMER 2021 SLATE
FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES
PLAN B
Premiere Date: May 28, 2021
Genre: Comedy Film
Synopsis: After a regrettable first sexual encounter, a strait-laced high school student (Kuhoo Verma) and her slacker best friend (Victoria Moroles) have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in America's heartland.
Cast: Victoria Moroles, Kuhoo Verma, Michael Provost, Myha'la Herrold, Mason Cook, Timothy Granderos, Edi Patterson, Moses Storm, Jay Chandrasekhar.
Filmmakers: Directed by Natalie Morales and written by Prathi Srinivasan and Joshua Levy. Produced by Ryan Bennett, Jeremy Garelick, Josh Heald, Dina Hillier, Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Matt Lottman. American High serves as the studio.
CHANGING THE GAME
Premiere Date: June 1, 2021
Genre: Documentary Feature
Synopsis: Emmy(R) award-winning filmmaker Michael Barnett's urgent and subsuming sports documentary illuminates what many have called the civil rights issue of our time: transgender inclusion in sports. "Changing The Game" takes us into the lives of three high school athletes - all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. Their stories span across the U.S. - from Sarah, a skier and teen policymaker in New Hampshire, to Andraya, a track star in Connecticut openly competing on the girls track team. The film centers on Mack Beggs, who made headlines when he became the Texas State Champion in girls wrestling - as a boy.
Subjects: Mack Beggs, Andraya Yearwood, Sarah Rose Huckman.
Crew: "Changing the Game" is directed by Michael Barnett and produced by Clare Tucker and Alex Schmider. Chris Mosier serves as executive producer. Music for the film is composed by Tyler Strickland.
THE NEW YORK TIMES PRESENTS: WHO GETS TO BE AN INFLUENCER?
Premiere Date: June 4, 2021
Genre: Documentary Feature
Synopsis: "Who Gets To Be an Influencer?," from The New York Times and producer/director Lora Moftah, chronicles the rise of Collab Crib, one of the first mainstream Black creator mansion, exclusively documenting their whirlwind drive to achieve social media stardom in 90 days. The intimate, character-based film captures the influencers wrestling with a nagging, and profound, challenge: how can they succeed in a nascent industry that seems tilted to their disadvantage? For a growing number of Gen Z'ers, the quest to become a social-media influencer isn't just a passing fad: this is their preferred path to making it big. And for Black creators, the stakes and hurdles are even higher in a social-media ecosystem that has been dominated by white influencers.
FALSE POSITIVE
Premiere Date: June 25, 2021
Genre: Horror/Thriller Film
Synopsis: After months of trying and failing to get pregnant, Lucy (Ilana Glazer) and Adrian (Justin Theroux) finally find their dream fertility doctor in the illustrious Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan). But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notice something sinister through Hindle's gleaming charm, and she sets out to uncover the unsettling truth about him, and her own "birth story." As if getting pregnant weren't complicated enough...
Cast: Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, Pierce Brosnan, Sophia Bush, Gretchen Mol, Josh Hamilton, Lucy Walters, Sabina Gadecki, Kelly AuCoin, Taylor Ortega, Francesca Faridany, Zainab Jah, Sullivan Jones, S.J. Son, Nils Lawton.
Filmmakers: Directed by John Lee and written by Ilana Glazer and John Lee. Produced by Ilana Glazer, John Lee, and Jonathan Wang. A24 serves as the studio.
SUMMER OF SOUL (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Premiere Date: July 2, 2021
Genre: Documentary Feature
Synopsis: In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary - part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Marcus Garvey Park. The footage was never seen and largely forgotten-until now. "Summer of Soul" shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach and more. Summer of Soul premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. Together with Disney's new BIPOC creator initiative Onyx Collective, Searchlight Pictures will release it theatrically and it will also stream on Hulu.
Filmmakers: Directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and produced by Joseph Patel, p.g.a., Robert Fyvolent, p.g.a., David Dinerstein, p.g.a.
MCCARTNEY 3,2,1
Premiere Date: July 16, 2021
Genre: Docuseries
Episodes: 6
Synopsis: Paul McCartney sits down for a rare in-depth one-on-one with legendary producer Rick Rubin to discuss his groundbreaking work with The Beatles, the emblematic 70s arena rock of Wings and his 50 years and counting as a solo artist. In this six-episode series that explores music and creativity in a unique and revelatory manner, join Paul and Rick for an intimate conversation about the songwriting, influences, and personal relationships that informed the iconic songs that have served as the soundtracks of our lives.
Subjects: Paul McCartney and Rick Ruben
Director: Zachary Heinzerling
Crew: Executive produced by Paul McCartney, Rick Rubin, Scott Rodger, Peter Berg, Matthew Goldberg, Brandon Carroll, Jeff Pollack, Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern with Leila Mattimore serving as co-executive producer.
HOMEROOM
Premiere Date: August 12, 2021 (New Announcement)
Genre: Documentary Feature
Synopsis: A Sundance Official Selection, "Homeroom" follows Oakland High School's class of 2020 as they confront an unprecedented year. Anxiety over test scores and college applications gives way to uncertainty springing from a rapidly developing pandemic. Efforts to eliminate the school district's police force unfold against the backdrop of growing nationwide demands for systemic change.
Credits: Directed by Peter Nicks, produced by Nicks and Sean Havey and executive produced by Ryan Coogler. A Concordia Studio, Open'hood production, in association with XTR and Proximity Media. Additional executive producers include Laurene Powell Jobs, Davis Guggenheim, Nicole Stott, Jonathan Silberberg, Jen Rainin, Tony Hsieh, Bryn Mooser, and Kathryn Everett.
SERIES
LOVE, VICTOR
Premiere Date: June 11, 2021
Genre: Young Adult Series
Season: 2
Episodes: 10 (Binge)
Synopsis: The popular teen dramedy returns as season two finds a newly out-of-the-closet Victor entering his junior year at Creekwood High. But being out brings with it new challenges as Victor faces a family struggling with his revelation, a heartbroken ex-girlfriend in Mia, and the difficulties of being an openly gay star athlete -- all while navigating the excitement of his relationship with Benji.
Cast: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, Mason Gooding, George Sear, Isabella Ferreira, Mateo Fernandez, James Martinez, Ana Ortiz.
Filmmakers: The film's original writers Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger serve as executive producers alongside Brian Tanen, Jason Ensler, Isaac Klausner, Marty Bowen, Adam Fishbach, Wyck Godfrey, Pouya Shahbazian and Adam Londy. 20th Century Fox Television serves as the studio.
THE HANDMAID'S TALE
Season Finale: June 16, 2021
Genre: Drama Series
Season: 4
Episodes: 10 (Weekly)
Synopsis: In the fourth season of "The Handmaid's Tale," June (Elisabeth Moss) strikes back against Gilead as a fierce rebel leader, but the risks she takes bring unexpected and dangerous new challenges. Her quest for justice and revenge threatens to consume her and destroy her most cherished relationships.
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel, Ann Dowd, Max Minghella, Madeline Brewer, O-T Fagbenle, Amanda Brugel, Bradley Whitford, Sam Jaeger.
Filmmakers: "The Handmaid's Tale" season four will be executive produced by Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Elisabeth Moss, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, Eric Tuchman, John Weber, Frank Siracusa, Sheila Hockin, Kira Snyder and Yahlin Chang. The series is produced by MGM Television and internationally distributed by MGM.
THIS WAY UP
Premiere Date: Summer 2021 (TBC)
Genre: Comedy Series
Season: 2
Episodes: 6 (Binge)
Synopsis: Season two of the BAFTA award-winning series is set after the events of the season one finale, with things in flux for Aine (Aisling Bea, "Living With Yourself;" "Quiz") and her sister, Shona (Sharon Horgan, "Catastrophe;" "Military Wives"). Aine's starting to leave her time in rehab behind and live less cautiously, which may not be entirely wise. Will she and Richard (Tobias Menzies, "The Crown;" "Game of Thrones") make a go of it? Or continue to exist in the odd tension of the employer and employee? How will Shona and Charlotte (Indira Varma, "Game of Thrones;" "Luther") manage running a new business together and having feelings for each other? Will Shona be able to go through with marrying Vish (Aasif Mandvi, "Evil;" "The Brink")? Planning a wedding? Can she tell him what happened? Is there anything more to tell?
Cast: Aisling Bea, Sharon Horgan, Tobias Menzies, Aasif Mandvi, Indira Varma, Kadiff Kirwan.
Filmmakers: "This Way Up" is written by Aisling Bea, produced by Merman and distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios. The series is directed by Alex Winckler and produced by Gavin O'Grady. Executive Producers are Clelia Mountford, Sharon Horgan and Aisling Bea.
NINE PERFECT STRANGERS
Premiere Date: August 18, 2021
Genre: Limited Series
Episodes: 8 (First three episodes drop on August 18, then weekly release)
Synopsis: Based on The New York Times bestselling book by author Liane Moriarty, "Nine Perfect Strangers" takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation as nine stressed city dwellers try to get on a path to a better way of living. Watching over them during this 10-day retreat is the resort's director, Masha, a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. However, these nine "perfect" strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Bobby Cannavale, Regina Hall, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg, Asher Keddie, Grace Van Patten, Tiffany Boone, Manny Jacinto.
Filmmakers: "Nine Perfect Strangers" is from David E. Kelley, Bruna Papandrea's Made Up Stories, Nicole Kidman's Blossom Films, and Endeavor Content. Jonathan Levine directs all eight episodes of the series and serves as executive producer alongside Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Jodi Matterson for Made Up Stories, Nicole Kidman and Per Saari for Blossom Films, Liane Moriarty, David E. Kelley, John Henry Butterworth, Molly Allen, Samantha Strauss and Melissa McCarthy. The series is co-written by David E. Kelley, John Henry Butterworth and Samantha Strauss, and co-showrun by David E. Kelley and John Henry Butterworth.
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
Premiere Date: August 31, 2021
Genre: Comedy Series
Season: 1
Episodes: 10 (First two episodes drop on August 31, then weekly release)
Synopsis: From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman comes a comedic murder-mystery series for the ages. "Only Murders In The Building" follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it's too late.
Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Aaron Dominguez, Amy Ryan.
Filmmakers: "Only Murders in the Building" hails from co-creators and writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman ("Grace & Frankie," "Looking"). Martin and Hoffman will executive produce along with Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Jamie Babbitt, "This Is Us" creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.
THE D'AMELIO SHOW
Premiere Date: Late Summer 2021 (TBC)
Genre: Unscripted Series
Season: 1
Episodes: 8
Synopsis: From relative obscurity and a seemingly normal life, to overnight success and thrust into the Hollywood limelight overnight, the D'Amelios are faced with new challenges and opportunities they could not have imagined. Charli, who at 16 became one of the biggest celebrities with over 150 million followers combined and #1 on the TikTok platform in less than a year, has the world at her fingertips and is working to balance fame and family life with dancing, running a budding empire, making new friends in LA and battling the naysayers online. Her sister Dixie, is now 19 and experiencing her own overnight rise to fame with over 78 million followers combined, one of the fastest growing YouTube channels and ranked within the Top 10 Most Followed Creators on TikTok. Dixie is now pursuing a music career in LA. For mom Heidi and dad Marc, raising teenagers is hard enough before adding in a cross-country move, supporting their daughters' dreams and doing the best they can to stay close as a family and protect their girls from the dark side of fame, while also trying to adjust to life in Hollywood.
Subjects: Marc D'Amelio, Heidi D'Amelio, Dixie D'Amelio, Charli D'Amelio.
Filmmakers: Executive produced by Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman on behalf of The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), an Industrial Media Company, with showrunner Sara Reddy executive producing along with Esther Frank.
KIDS PROGRAMING
TROLLS: TROLLSTOPIA
Premiere Date: June 10, 2021
Genre: Animated Series
Season: 3
Episodes: 7 (Binge)
Synopsis: The Trolls are back with nonstop fun and new friends joining the hair-raising adventures! As the Troll tribes strengthen their friendships through games like wormhole scavenger hunts and massive piƱata battles, they also learn about each others' culinary traditions in an epic Trolls-style potluck.
Cast:Skylar Astin, Amanda Leighton, David Fynn, Ron Funches, Kenan Thompson, Megan Hilty, Jeanine Mason, Kevin Michael Richardson, Sam Haft.
Filmmakers: Executive produced by Matthew Beans ("Trolls: The Beat Goes On!")
THE MIGHTY ONES
Premiere Date: July 1, 2021
Genre: Animated Series
Season: 2
Episodes: 10 (Binge)
Synopsis: The misadventures of "The Mighty Ones" continue as they explore their backyard wonderland and learn more about the strange creatures they share it with. A flood forces the Mighty Ones to live as pirates searching for dry land, Rocksy dabbles in a home makeover, and Very Berry makes a new feathery "friend" who may or may not see her as food. These mighty little beings are relatively fearless, a little misguided and always have each others' backs come snow, wind or any atmospheric phenomenon that threatens the yard they call home.
Cast: Josh Brener, Alex Cazares, Jessica McKenna and Jimmy Tatro, with guest stars Fortune Feimster as "Vibez," Manila Luzon as "Firefly," Stephen Root as "Bernard."
Filmmakers: The series is executive produced by Sunil Hall ("Pickle and Peanut") and Lynne Naylor ("Samurai Jack").
MADAGASCAR: A LITTLE WILD
Premiere Date: August 6, 2021
Genre: Animated Series
Season: 4
Episodes: 6 (Binge)
Synopsis: Fearless pals Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria are back with even bigger adventures in their concrete jungle of New York City. Melman loses his first tooth, Gloria plans a flashy production for a shy hermit crab with a secret talent, and a snowstorm hits the city and blocks Kate from the habitat.
Cast:Shaylin Becton, Tucker Chandler, Jasmine Gatewood, Luke Lowe, Amir O'Neil, Eric Petersen.
Filmmakers: Executive produced by Johanna Stein and co-executive produced by Dana Starfield.
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