Chadwick Boseman Signed 'Black Panther' Comic Could Fetch Up to $25k!!!

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The late Chadwick Boseman put his John Hancock on a copy of the first "Black Panther" comic -- which has skyrocketed in value, and is primed to fetch a pretty penny at auction.

Nate D. Sanders Auctions is putting the rare autographed book up for grabs on Oct. 29, with the opening bid starting at $8,000 -- but it's expected, we're told, to reach anywhere in the ballpark of $25k when it's all said and done.

The reason ... other than Chadwick's signature, Stan Lee himself signed this variant of 'BP' #1, not to mention 'Black Panther' director Ryan Coogler. So, yeah, there's a trifecta thing happening here -- and with Chadwick's recent passing, and Stan's in 2018 ... the comic is worth even more now.

You might notice the cover is different from the OG cover of the first stand-alone "Black Panther" comic from 1976 -- from which this iteration is derived, but with a modern cover. It's also vastly changed from Black Panther's first appearance ever in Fantastic Four #52 ('66).

The one for sale is the Middle East Comic-Con variant -- which got its own art whipped up and featured Stan next to T'Challa. For those of you in the know ... It's been certified a 9.8 rating with the CGC Signature Series rating system. That means it's REALLY valuable.

As you might imagine, the folks hawking this rarity are banking on demand to be way high ... and considering the impact Chadwick had on people -- especially kids -- we think they'll be right.

Rudy Giuliani I Was Just Tucking In My Shirt!!! In Questionable 'Borat' Scene

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3:00 PM PT -- Giuliani calls the hand-in-his-pants scene in question in the 'Borat' movie a "complete fabrication," and claims he was just tucking in his shirt after taking off recording gear.

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Rudy says ... "At no time before, during, or after the interview was I ever inappropriate. If Sacha Baron Cohen implies otherwise he is a stone-cold liar."

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He goes on to say he called the cops when he realized it was a set-up, and suggests this is all part of an effort to smear him because he's trying to expose "the criminality and depravity of Joe Biden and his entire family."

Rudy Giuliani might have some 'splaining to do about an apparently compromising scene in Sacha Baron Cohen's new 'Borat' installment.

President Trump's adviser admits he got duped into shooting the scene back in July -- he'd agreed to be interviewed in NYC by a conservative news outlet, which was really just a setup for "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm." Well, now we know what happened in the scene and it's jaw-dropping.

According to Vanity Fair -- which has seen the movie in advance -- Giuliani meets up with Borat's daughter, who's posing as a journalist, for an interview in a hotel room. At one point, he holds her hands, compliments her looks and she suggests they go to the bedroom for a drink.

Then she "elaborately" takes off their microphones, Rudy lies down on the bed, and puts his hand in his pants ... according to VF.

That's when Cohen, as Borat, busts in to the room to interrupt. To be clear, Giuliani's not seen doing anything illegal -- but the report about the scene sounds embarrassing, at the least.

We knew Rudy was in the movie because he made a big deal about it when it was filmed. You might recall, he called NYPD on Cohen at the time ... claiming the actor busted in the room wearing "a pink transgender outfit."

Rudy boasted to reporters afterward, "I thought about all the people he previously fooled, and I felt good about myself because he didn’t get me." He also stated he was a fan of Borat and didn't hold a grudge over the prank.

Let's see if that holds up when Amazon Prime releases 'Borat 2' on Friday.

Originally Published -- 11:26 AM PT

Jussie Smollett I'm Back at Work ... As a Director!!!

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It's lights, camera, action for Jussie Smollett ... he's back to work after the alleged attack in Chicago, but this time he's behind the camera.

The former "Empire" star has a new showbiz gig after allegedly staging a hate crime last year ... and in what could be the future for Jussie, he's taking a shot at directing instead of acting.

Jussie's got a full cast and crew behind him in New York City, where he's directing the film adaptation of "B-Boy Blues."

As you can see, Jussie looks super focused ... getting hands-on with the cast, which stars Ledisi, Brandon Evans and Broderick Hunter.

Jussie pulled down his face-covering to give a few directions and watched intently behind the camera with a huge pair of headphones and some Starbucks to keep the creative juices flowing. Seems he's taking a liking to directing.

While many in the industry assumed he would never work again after the "attack," Jussie's proving a comeback's almost always possible ... it just requires some evolving, and a hit doesn't hurt either.

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I'M STILL INNOCENT

For his part, Jussie still insists the "attack" was not a hoax, and says he has new evidence to back it up. He'll get a chance to present because he's still facing criminal charges and a civil lawsuit from the City of Chicago.

Check out the gallery ... Jussie's also seemingly sending a message with his jacket. Looks like he's saying he's "Born to Win."

Michael Blackson Wish 'Coming 2 America' Was In Theaters ... But Shout-out Jeff Bezos!!!

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FROM BIG DREAMS TO SMALL SCREENS

Michael Blackson's bummed the "Coming To America" sequel won't premiere on the big screen this holiday season ... but he thinks Amazon is making a savvy business move.

We got the comedian outside Catch in WeHo and our camera guy asked about Amazon Studios cutting a $125 million deal to stream "Coming 2 America."

Michael, who stars in the sequel, tells us he would prefer a big-screen premiere ... but he knows it just couldn't happen in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The movie's slated for its streaming debut the week before Christmas, and Michael says that's perfect timing ... theaters will likely remain shuttered, and folks will be home for the holidays and ready to watch something new.

Michael thinks Jeff Bezos' company just put Netflix on notice with this massive deal ... he says it's definitely going to bring extra eyeballs Amazon's way and it's all part of a bigger showdown with Netflix.

We also ask Michael if he thinks the deal signals the end of going to the movies as we know it ... and his answer might make you feel better about the future.

'Halloweentown' Star KJB Recreates OG Witch 'Fit on TikTok ... Cali Swag District Helps

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It's that time of the year again -- Halloween, of course -- which means the Pipers are dusting off their witch hats to ring in the holiday ... with a 2020 twist, of course.

'Halloweentown' star Kimberly J. Brown -- who played Marnie Piper in the Disney franchise -- posted a cool TikTok video of herself, now at age 35, busting out a witch hat and plopping it on her head ... reminiscent of the hat and costume she wore in the first film.

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She writes, "Just wanted to see if it still fits...😏." As Kim finally makes the hat touch her noggin, the video cuts to her in the full "Halloweentown" witch costume, and the song changes too, of course.

The movie music turns into Cali Swag District's "Teach Me How to Dougie" ... with KJB dancing to the beat for a bit before walking off camera. That's where the video ends.

Definitely the light nostalgia fans of the films might've been looking for in these real-life dark times -- "Halloweentown" is a childhood favorite for many, and spurred three entries in total. And yes, Marnie -- the female version of Harry Potter, if you will -- is pretty badass.

Simpler days ... come back.

'The Batman' Stuntman Atop UK's Liver Building ... In Hefty-Bag-Like Bat Suit

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The reboot of the Batman film franchise definitely has a new look ... because it looks like The Dark Knight's utilizing a Hefty bag.

We kid, sort of, but filming for "The Batman" Thursday in Liverpool, England provided an odd sight -- a stuntman made to look like the superhero perched on high atop the city's Royal Liver Building ... in some sort of black zipper suit.

The stuntman's obviously stepping in for the reboot's star, Robert Pattinson, for the dangerous shot above the iconic building's clock ... safely attached to a cable as a helicopter crew filmed nearby.

Despite the strange outfit, the guy's still rocking the legendary Batman mask.

Shooting for "The Batman" just started back up in the UK days ago following a COVID-19 shutdown after Pattinson tested positive for the virus.

The actor's recovered and has returned to set as well, but apparently ... only his stand-in is allowed to stand in the Bat bag.

'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' Brad & Stacy Hamilton Pad Hits Market

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The house where Linda Barrett caught Brad Hamilton, uh, enjoying himself in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is now up for sale ... but don't f***ing knock if ya ain't got a fat check.

The San Fernando Valley crib with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms has hit the market for the first time in 20 years. It's listed at a cool $739,999. Pretty modest for the L.A. market. It's also, obviously, famous for the classic, 'Fast Times' film ... including the famous backyard pool scene that was recently recreated -- via Zoom, of course -- by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

The 1,250-square-foot home -- in a neighborhood which is part of a prestigious school district -- recently underwent renovations that include a new roof, water heater, dual pane windows and French doors that lead to the backyard. The house also features hardwood floors, a secluded backyard with a private patio, 2 wooden decks and a newly plastered swimming pool ... Phoebe Cates in a red swimsuit not included.

Olga Safonoff of Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. holds the listing.

'Goldfinger' Model & Bond Girl Margaret Nolan Dead at 76

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Margaret Nolan -- who served as the iconic golden-plated babe portrayed in the opening sequence of "Goldfinger" -- has died.

The legendary British artist and glamour model passed away last week, according to her son, Oscar Deeks. The news wasn't broken, however, until Sunday when director Edgar Wright -- who'd cast Margaret in a film of his set to be released next year -- posted on Twitter.

He writes, "It's my sad duty to report that actress and artist, the magnificent Margaret Nolan has passed away. She was the middle of Venn diagram of everything cool in the 60's; having appeared with the Beatles, been beyond iconic in Bond and been part of the Carry On cast too." Edgar went on to attach several photos of Margaret from her different gigs, and detailed different on-camera projects she'd been a part of over her six-decade-plus career.

Margaret led a pretty storied life ... besides being the model featured in the opening to 'Goldfinger' -- not to mention all the merch from the film that followed -- she was actually in the movie as one of the Bond girls, albeit in a smaller (but still memorable) capacity.

She played Bond's poolside masseuse, Dink, who was rubbing him up before Sean Connery introduced her to a colleague and then quickly shooed her away with a nice swat on the tush ... telling it was time for "man talk." Pretty sexist when you look back, but it is what it is.

Margaret also starred in another mega '60s-era flick -- the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" ... which they made after their hit song of the same name. She played an unnamed woman at a casino, and while her time on camera was relatively brief ... it too was everlasting.

She has a long list of acting credits ... having made appearances in shows like "Crossroads," "Secret Agent," "199 Park Lane," "Hugh and I," "Take a Pair of Private Eyes," "The Newcomers," "The World of Beachcomber," "Brian Rix Presents ...," "Budgie," "Fox," "Crown Court" and countless others. Margaret also starred in several films throughout her career, including recurring and also alternating roles in the 1970's 'Carry On' comedy franchise.

Her modeling career was second to none, and she even tried her hand as a graphic visual artist -- to which she sometimes received criticism for her photo montages and displays. Nonetheless, the woman was a dynamo in showbiz and entertainment.

Margaret is survived by her two sons. She was 76.

RIP

Jeff Goldblum Recreates Sexy 'Jurassic Park' Pose ... All to GOTV

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Dr. Ian Malcolm is back to grace our screens with a partially-open shirt almost 30 years after he made 'Jurassic Park' nice and steamy ... and it's all a way of encouraging folks to vote.

We're talking, of course, about Jeff Goldblum's character from the OG Spielberg dinosaur flick, who at one point was laid out on a table after being injured by a T-Rex and striking quite the provocative pose ... with his bare chest half exposed and sweat dripping down his torso.

You've probably seen it a million times now as the iconic scene has gone on to become a meme since its 1993 debut -- now, JG has recreated it at the ripe old age of 67.

He says it's a gift to fans who followed his instructions and registered to vote through HeadCount for the upcoming election. Jeff writes, "WOW! Thank you to everyone who used my @HeadCount page to make sure that you’re #GoodToVote! Nearly 3,000 of you are ready for this November’s election. Here’s your reward…how time flies. @jurassicworld 🌋🦖🇺🇸."

Jeff still looks great by the way -- but we did notice he kept more of the shirt on this time around. All good though -- Dr. Malcolm will get another opportunity to shine in the supposed last 'Jurassic' installment in the franchise, 'Dominion,' which now won't come out 'til 2022.

He and some of the original cast members are reprising their roles -- and will fight dinosaurs alongside Chris Pratt and a new set of heroes. On this latest rendition, however ... rawr.

'Jurassic World: Dominion' Halts Production Again ... Fresh Crop of COVID Cases On Set

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The latest 'Jurassic World' flick just got hit with a viral meteor, of sorts, and it's putting things on ice behind and in front of the camera, yet again.

Director Colin Trevorrow made the announcement Wednesday, saying a new batch of COVID-19 cases were discovered on the set of "Jurassic World: Dominion" ... and, as a result, production is going on a brief hiatus.

He writes, "Woke up to the news we had a few positive Coronavirus tests on Jurassic World: Dominion. All tested negative shortly after, but due to our safety protocols we’re going to pause for two weeks. Back soon." So in other words, potential false positives here.

In any case, it's enough to give Universal Studios pause. The studio says its rigid protocols don't allow for them to resume, even if the cast/crew tested negative right afterward -- emphasizing they'd rather be safe than sorry. Those affected have gone into self-isolation.

It's unclear who within the production -- cast or crew -- might've contracted coronavirus. Chris Pratt is the lead and Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill are all reprising their role from the original "Jurassic Park."

None of them are discussing their health ... but all have been plugging the movie over the past 24 hours.

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This 'rona development is the most recent setback for the film. It also shut down back in March due to the pandemic -- and earlier this week, Universal pushed its release date a full year to June 2022!

Tough year for cinephiles, man. Dinosaur fans, too.

Netflix Indicted in Texas for 'Cuties' ... Lewd Depiction of Kids Alleged

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Netflix is being dragged into a criminal courtroom in Texas over the controversial film, "Cuties" ... a film a grand jury believes shows young kids in sexual situations.

The grand jury in Tyler County, TX just handed up the indictment ... and according to the docs, Netflix is being charged with promotion of lewd visual material depicting children. By streaming "Cuties," Netflix allegedly promoted the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child younger than 18, appealing to the prurient interest in sex.

The criminal indictment -- a rare move against a company -- also says the movie offers no serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value, and alleges the head honchos at Netflix recklessly authorized and/or tolerated its dissemination through its platform ... and, therefore, should be held accountable.

Critics have been very vocal about the controversial film -- some feel it encourages the sexual exploitation of pre-teens ... some have even used the word "pedophilia" to describe "Cuties."

The film is about a group of prepubescent girls who form a dance squad and practice moves they see in music videos. At one point, they even dress in revealing outfits and carry themselves like adults.

Ironically, the film's creators have said they intended the film to be a critique of the hypersexualization of kids ... but that message has been lost on many viewers.

There was a whole #CancelNetflix movement in the wake of the film's release. Netflix picked up the distribution rights after "Cuties" debuted at Sundance earlier this year.

If convicted, Netflix isn't going to prison. Most likely, the company would be forced to pay criminal fines, and possibly pull the movie from the platform.

A Netflix spokesperson tells us, "'Cuties' is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children. This charge is without merit and we stand by the film."

Thomas Jefferson Byrd Spike Lee Films Actor Murdered ... Multiple Gunshot Wounds to the Back

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12:27 PM PT -- Atlanta PD tells TMZ ... cops responded to a call of a person injured at 1:45 AM Saturday. Byrd was found unresponsive, and emergency medical workers pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.

UPDATE

We're told homicide detectives are investigating.

Thomas Jefferson Byrd -- who appeared in several Spike Lee joints -- has been murdered in Atlanta ... according to Spike himself.

Lee says ... "I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia." Spike shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, "Clockers."

Along with "Clockers," Byrd also appeared in "Get on the Bus," "Bamboozled," "He Got Game," "Red Hook Summer," "Chi-Raq" and more.

He was also a successful theater actor, nominated for Broadway's 2003 Tony Award as Best Actor for a revival of August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

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He has starred in numerous regional stage productions including the San Diego Repertory Theater's award-winning performance of "Spunk".

Story developing ...

Originally published -- 12:13 PM PT

Tom Cruise I Trained Hard for This!!!

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@tomaspangelo / TikTok, @fotokjerring76 / Instagram

Tom Cruise could be a little strapped for cash these days, because we're thinkin' he had issues paying for a train ticket, so he just rode from the top!!!

Tom was in Norway filming the 7th installment of the "Mission Impossible" franchise, and he was true to form, riding on the top of a speeding train as some very impressed Norwegians followed the train in their car.

The guys actually got Tom's attention. The 58-year-old waved to the guys as he was riding high above the tracks, but that will pale by comparison to his latest plan -- getting hurled into space courtesy of Elon Musk and SpaceX to shoot scenes for an undisclosed movie project.

Tom's expected to blast off in October 2021.

Pretty cool.

Harry Potter 'Hogwarts Express' Rare View Ruined ... By Passing Commuter Train

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Harry Potter fans in Scotland waited at a train station for hours just to catch a glimpse of the rare "Hogwarts Express" ... and when it came by, another train blocked the view!!!

The hilarious moment was captured on video ... and you see the "Hogwarts Express" for a split second before a passing ScotRail train completely steals the show.

The famous train from the Harry Potter books and movies was traveling south through Scotland en route to its winter base, with tons of families camping out at train stations across the country for the rare sighting.

This unlucky lot, though, waited in vain at Drumry station. Talk about the wrong side of the tracks!

Too bad no one knew any magic spells to make the commuter train disappear. Oh well, there's always next year, kids!

Chadwick Boseman Powerful Mural Unveiled ... Wakanda Forever in Downtown Disney

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Now this is cool -- a moving Chadwick Boseman mural, showing the late Marvel star giving the Wakanda salute to an adoring young fan wearing a "Black Panther" mask.

The powerful artwork by Nikkolas Smith was unveiled Thursday in Downtown Disney outside Disneyland in Anaheim ... and it's a fitting tribute to Chadwick's legacy in a number of ways.

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Nikkolas calls the mural his "King Chad" tribute and says ... "It is a full circle moment for me: my final two projects as a Disney Imagineer last summer were working on the Children’s Hospital project and the Avengers Campus."

The child in the mural appears to be wearing a hospital gown. As you know, Chadwick spent a lot of time visiting young cancer patients, even as he silently battled colon cancer.

Nikkolas adds, "To millions of kids, T'Challa was a legend larger than life, and there was no one more worthy to fill those shoes than Chadwick Boseman."

Since his death last month, Chadwick's continued to inspire fans ... especially kids who've been moved to create their own tributes to their hero, and this new mural captures that spirit.

Like Nikkolas says ... "This one is special."

Tom Cruise Cleared for Liftoff to Space Station ... Gets Launch Date!!!

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Most Hollywood types say, "Let's do lunch" ... but for Tom Cruise, it's "Let's do LAUNCH" -- and now he knows when he'll make his virgin voyage to space to film a movie.

Tom's hitching a ride on a SpaceX Crew Dragon rocket and capsule to the International Space Station in October 2021 to start filming in orbit ... according to the 2020-2023 ISS official manifest.

Mr. "Mission Impossible" will be joined by "Edge of Tomorrow" director Doug Liman as the pioneering film project gets underway.

As we reported ... Tom is working hand in hand with SpaceX honcho Elon Musk and NASA to film an action-adventure flick aboard the ISS. The film, which will become the first shot in outer space, is reportedly NOT a "Mission Impossible" flick.

Hopefully, Tom takes some sage advice from retired astronauts Scott Kelly and Roy Bridges Jr. ahead of his big adventure ... remember, the famous astronauts say boning up on toilet science is extremely important!!!