A NEW SHAFT REBOOT IS IN THE WORKS

Richard Roundtree as Shaft

A new Shaft movie is in the works at New Line. BLEEDING COOL reports that Tim Story, who directed Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Ride Along, and Ride Along 2 has been chosen to direct this new version of Shaft. 

The character of Shaft was created by Ernest Tidyman who wrote 7 books throughout the 1970's about the black private detective. Shaft became popular in the mainstream culture when he was portrayed by Richard Roundtree in 1970. Roundtree would go on to play Shaft in 2 sequels. Samuel L. Jackson would go on to play John Shaft, the nephew of Roundtree's character in a 2000 movie. 

The plot for this new movie is not known as of yet, but I think that Shaft does not need to be a period piece stuck in the 1970's. Many of the elements that worked for the character in the 1970's are still present today if not more so. I would love to see how John Shaft would work in today's society. 

Only time will tell how audiences will react but if done correctly, this new Shaft movie could be a big hit for New Line.

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

KURT ANGLE TO BE INDUCTED INTO WWE HALL OF FAME 2017

Kurt Angle as TNA and IWGP Champion

On Monday Night Raw last night, it was announced that Kurt Angle will be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year. Angle who won an Olympic gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta wrestled for WWE from 2000-2006. Angle had a quick rise to the top and had various feuds with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

In 2006, Kurt Angle left WWE and went to TNA (Total Non-Stop Action) Wrestling. He spent 10 years there and was one of the top stars there for a long time as well as Sting. Kurt Angle had memorable feuds with Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Sting, Jeff Jarrett, Matt Morgan, Drew Galloway, and Bobby Lashley. 

In pro wrestling, Angle has won 21 championships in multiple organizations including WWE, WCW, TNA, and IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix). Kurt Angle is considered one of the best athletes to ever compete in wrestling. He brought credibility to the sport with his Olympic background and he is one of the best all-around performers to ever wrestle in the business. 

Congratulations on your Hall of Fame Induction Mr. Angle, you're the greatest. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

DICK VAN DYKE TO STAR IN SEQUEL TO MARY POPPINS

Dick Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke will appear in the sequel to Mary Poppins according to the NEW YORK TIMES. Mr. Van Dyke will appear alongside Emily Blunt who will play Mary Poppins and Lin Manuel Miranda from Broadway's Hamilton. 

Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins" in 1964

Mr. Van Dyke says that the film will be set 20 years after the original movie with the children all grown up. He will play the son of Mr. Dawes' son  who was a greedy banker in the original movie. In the original movie Mr. Van Dyke played Bert, the chimney sweep and Mr. Dawes Senior, one of the greedy bankers in the original film. 

This new Mary Poppins movie will come out in 2018. Hopefully, it will bring back memories of the original film and create new memories for all the fans of Mary Poppins.

Class Dismissed, 

THE PROFESSOR

THE ROCK IS THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

THE ROCK

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has a new award to add to his resume. This week PEOPLE MAGAZINE named him the "Sexiest Man Alive". This is just another accomplishment that The Rock has gained in 2016. In April of this year, FORBES named Johnson as the highest paid actor in Hollywood. With his appearances in the "Fast and Furious" franchise The Rock has become the biggest action star in Hollywood. Along with hits like Central Intelligence with Kevin Hart, Johnson has also cemented his place as an action-comedy star. 

Next year is shaping up to be another banner year for The Rock as he will star in three big movies. In April of 2017, Fast 8, comes out. In the Summer, the Baywatch movie, based on the 90's TV show will debut and around December of 2017, he and Kevin Hart will star in a reboot of Jumanji which starred the late Robin Williams. 

During his wrestling career Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson  always referred to himself as "The Most Electrifying Man in Sports and Entertainment" and I say Amen to that. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

CONOR MCGREGOR IS THE MAN

Conor McGregor as UFC Champion

Last night at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden, Conor McGregor defeated Eddie Alvarez and became the Lightweight champion. McGregor won by KO in the second round.  Now McGregor holds two titles as the Featherweight champion and Lightweight champion. McGregor became the first MMA fighter to hold championships in two different weight classes at the same time. 

McGregor is the UFC's biggest star since Ronda Rousey. MMA Fighting reports that McGregor wants a stake in UFC now that its owned by WME-IMG. With his brash attitude and his willingness to talk trash to any opponent, he has become their biggest attraction. McGregor has four of the five biggest Pay-Per-View buys in UFC history. WRESTLEZONE reports that UFC garnered a live gate at MSG of over 17 million dollars at UFC 205 with McGregor in the main event. That is the highest gate that MSG has ever had at a live event. 

Conor McGregor is now the King of MMA. How long he remains on top in both divisions remains to be seen. Right now he is the biggest mainstream attraction in combat sports whether it's MMA or boxing. Long live the King. 

Class Dismissed, 

THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. ROBERT VAUGHN

Robert Vaughn

Robert Vaughn, one of the most prolific actors in film and television died on November 11th at his home in Connecticut. He was 83 years old. Mr. Vaughn is probably most well known as Napoleon Solo, the main character in the TV show, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. which aired from 1964-1968. He also had a great career in movies. 

As a fan, I first became aware of Robert Vaughn when he starred with Christopher Reeve and Richard Pryor in Superman III as Ross Webster. In 1960, Mr. Vaughn came to prominence in The Magnificent Seven alongside Yul Brenner and Steve McQueen. McQueen and Vaughn would work together again in 1968 in Bullitt. 

Mr. Vaughn had a very lengthy career in television airing in many classic TV shows over the last 60 years. During his career he starred in shows like Bonanza, The A-Team, Hunter, Murder She Wrote, The Rifleman, and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. In recent years Mr. Vaughn made guest appearances in Law and Order: SVU and Coronation Street which is the U.K.'s longest running soap opera. 

Thank you Mr. Vaughn for giving me so many great memories. Your presence and talent will never be forgotten. 

THE PROFESSOR