Hollywood

Before Arnold Schwarzenegger was “The Terminator,” and before Lou Ferrigno was the “Incredible Hulk,” there was Charles Gaines. The Alabama native and author whose book and documentary “Pumping Iron” helped bring professional bodybuilding into the mainstream and introduce Schwarzenegger to the world, has died. He was 84.

Days before “Obsession” opened in theaters, its 26-year-old director, Curry Barker, made a bet with his manager and agent. They said if the movie opened above $20 million, they would all get tattoos.“Obsession” fell just short. It debuted with $17 million. They were still thrilled. Barker made the horror film with just $750,000. It was enormously successful. It was also just for starters.

Some of the most promising young filmmakers in the movie business are arriving in Hollywood already experts at entertaining audiences and going viral. The twin sensations of “Obsession” and “Backrooms” — both by 20-something YouTubers-turned-filmmakers — has put a new spotlight on an increasingly well-trod path to the director's chair. One name is a film maker from Mobile.

The Alabama prison system has moved three well-known inmate activists who supported a 2022 prison strike and were featured in an Oscar-nominated documentary about the troubled system to isolated cells with little contact with others, family members and attorneys said.

Birmingham actor Walton Goggins is having quite a moment, earning back-to-back Emmy nominations. Last year it was for playing a ghoul on “Fallout” and this year it is for his “White Lotus” portrayal of the troubled Rick Hatchett.

Alabama Public Radio newsroom student intern Barry Carmichael recently reported on a bill before the state legislature that would widen the incentives to bring entertainment projects to Alabama. That list of films also feature “The Life of Chuck,” based on a novel by Stephen King, which was shot along the Alabama Gulf coast. That includes a tie-in to “Star Wars” and the observance of Sunday's “May the 4th Be With You” Day, which is followed by Monday's "Revenge of the 5th." Both are a play on words related to the Sci Fi film classic series.

The world continues mourning the loss of two time Oscar winner Gene Hackman. Rolling Stone magazine is out with its list of his twenty most memorable films. Along with the French Connection and Superman, fans of University of Alabama sports may see one movie with a familiar name.

The City of Mobile’s Spring Movies in the Park gets underway tomorrow with some heroes in a half shell. The Figures Community Center will feature the film Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles to start off the series.

Actor Matthew McConaughey is spending the summer in Birmingham for his new movie. Filming for “The Rivals of Amziah King” kicked off in the Magic City this month. The Oscar-winning actor is the lead role in the crime thriller put on by the independent studio Black Bear Pictures.

Two Alabama brothers are working to make their mark in faith-based films. Jon and Andy Erwin’s latest movie takes audiences to the sixties.