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Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle are set to make their Broadway debuts in the first New York revival of David Auburn’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning play Proof.
Previews kick off March 31, 2026, ahead of an official opening night on April 16 at a Shubert Theatre.
Directed by Tony-winning powerhouse Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!), this revival promises to blend sharp storytelling with powerhouse performances. The story follows Catherine, a mathematical genius haunted by the fear that she might inherit her father’s mental illness, as she navigates grief, love, and the authenticity of a potentially groundbreaking proof left behind in his papers. It’s a drama that’s equal parts brainy and heartbreaking.
Edebiri has been dominating screens as Sydney on FX’s The Bear, earning three Emmy nominations for her layered, chaotic, hilarious, and heartbreaking performance. She’s now taking that same magnetic energy to the Broadway stage and also has Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt on her upcoming slate. Meanwhile, Don Cheadle, a Hollywood icon and Oscar nominee for 2005’s Hotel Rwanda, and best known for us Marvel fans as Rhodey aka War Machine in the Avengers franchise. Now, the legendary actor makes his official Broadway debut alongside one of the buzziest rising stars of the moment.
Originally premiering Off Broadway in 2000 before its Broadway transfer, Proof swept the Tonys, taking home three awards including Best Play and Best Actress for Mary-Louise Parker. Now, audiences will see Edebiri and Cheadle step into this iconic story, bringing their own energy, nuance, and charisma to the stage.
The production is in powerhouse hands: Tony-winning director Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!) is at the helm, promising a revival that balances the play’s intellectual rigor with emotional resonance. The creative team reads like Broadway goals: Oscar-winning composer Kris Bowers (original music), scenic designer Teresa L. Williams, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Amanda Zieve, and casting director Daniel Swee. More announcements are expected, but this roster already screams excellence.
Whether you’re a theater nerd, a fan of The Bear, or just love seeing Black excellence shine across mediums, this revival is shaping up to be unmissable. Broadway just got a little wilder, a lot smarter, and absolutely star-studded.
The post Broadway Revival of ‘Proof’ to Feature Debuts from Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle are set to make their Broadway debuts in the first New York revival of David Auburn’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning play Proof.
Previews kick off March 31, 2026, ahead of an official opening night on April 16 at a Shubert Theatre.
Directed by Tony-winning powerhouse Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!), this revival promises to blend sharp storytelling with powerhouse performances. The story follows Catherine, a mathematical genius haunted by the fear that she might inherit her father’s mental illness, as she navigates grief, love, and the authenticity of a potentially groundbreaking proof left behind in his papers. It’s a drama that’s equal parts brainy and heartbreaking.
Edebiri has been dominating screens as Sydney on FX’s The Bear, earning three Emmy nominations for her layered, chaotic, hilarious, and heartbreaking performance. She’s now taking that same magnetic energy to the Broadway stage and also has Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt on her upcoming slate. Meanwhile, Don Cheadle, a Hollywood icon and Oscar nominee for 2005’s Hotel Rwanda, and best known for us Marvel fans as Rhodey aka War Machine in the Avengers franchise. Now, the legendary actor makes his official Broadway debut alongside one of the buzziest rising stars of the moment.
Originally premiering Off Broadway in 2000 before its Broadway transfer, Proof swept the Tonys, taking home three awards including Best Play and Best Actress for Mary-Louise Parker. Now, audiences will see Edebiri and Cheadle step into this iconic story, bringing their own energy, nuance, and charisma to the stage.
The production is in powerhouse hands: Tony-winning director Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!) is at the helm, promising a revival that balances the play’s intellectual rigor with emotional resonance. The creative team reads like Broadway goals: Oscar-winning composer Kris Bowers (original music), scenic designer Teresa L. Williams, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Amanda Zieve, and casting director Daniel Swee. More announcements are expected, but this roster already screams excellence.
Whether you’re a theater nerd, a fan of The Bear, or just love seeing Black excellence shine across mediums, this revival is shaping up to be unmissable. Broadway just got a little wilder, a lot smarter, and absolutely star-studded.
The post Broadway Revival of ‘Proof’ to Feature Debuts from Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
“There can be only one,” unless we’re talking about Highlander. In that case Hollywood will just keep making new versions again and again. Now we know for sure it will very soon. A big screen reboot, starring Henry Cavill as its titular Immortal, will be John Wick director Chad Stahelski‘s next film.. But that’s not the only job he’s taking on. Lionsgate has also tasked him with overseeing both the John Wick franchise and the new Highlander franchise he’s launching.
Cavill will go up against Dave Bautista, who will play the immortal villain known as The Kurgen in the Highlander reboot. It’s a fan-casting dream come true for many folks. Conversely, Karen Gillan will join the fray as Heather, “MacLeod’s mortal wife and the love of his life.” We can’t wait to see this dynamic romance come to life.
In late 2023 Stahelski said his Highlander reboot was still in development. Not long after, Deadline reported Lionsgate was definitely “moving forward” with the project. Now we know it will be Stahelski’s next feature film.
That first feature will only be the start. This news comes as part of a larger deal with Lionsgate. The studio has also put the John Wick director in charge of the assassin franchise. He will have “creative oversight” of the popular series. Stahelski will also fill the same role for his budding new Highlander franchise. He will lead both properties across film, television, and other mediums. (Yup, it might not be long before Highlander returns to TV.)
“I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion,” said Stahelski in a statement. “John Wick is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”
Previous reports said his first Highlander film will also have a big-time budget topping $100 million. These new films will also touch upon elements long-time fans know and love about the franchise. During an interview last year Stahelski told Josh Horowitz, “Our story engages a lot of the same characters and stuff like that. But we’ve also brought in elements of all the TV shows, and we’re trying to do a bit of a prequel, a setup to The Gathering. So we have room to grow the property.”
Star Cavill additionally noted to the Happy Sad and Confused podcast, “Obviously, I watched [Highlander movies] when I was a lot younger, and have since rewatched. But also the TV show. I really enjoyed the lore behind it. That sense of a tragic warrior, with more of a story to tell than just a cool guy with a cool sword doing cool things. And this goes even deeper into that.”
Exactly how much the new rebooted franchise will connect to the previous Christopher Lambert Highlander show and movies is still unknown. The exact nature of Cavill’s role on the show, which we first reported on in 2021, is also unclear. Although, most likely, he’ll be playing the rebooted Immortal Connor MacLeod. What we do know, for now, is that Russell Crowe has come aboard the reboot. He’ll play the role of Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, made famous by Sean Connery in the original 1986 movie. Additionally, Industry star Marisa Abela has joined the cast as well.
As for the rest, we bet it won’t be that much longer until we find out more about the Highlander reboot.
Originally published on August 29, 2023.
The post Karen Gillan Joins HIGHLANDER Reboot as the Love of Henry Cavill’s Life appeared first on Nerdist.
Nearly three decades after Martin Lawrence’s hit sitcom Martin left the airwaves, one of its most unforgettable guest stars is stepping into the spotlight. BET+ has officially greenlit Varnell Hill, a spinoff centered on Tommy Davidson’s hilariously flamboyant talk show host who first appeared in the ’90s classic. The new workplace comedy will take viewers behind the curtain of The Varnell Hill Show, blending celebrity cameos, industry satire, and the over-the-top charm that made Davidson’s character a fan favorite.
Now, let’s dive into everything we know so far about Varnell Hill, the upcoming Martin spinoff heading to BET+:
The show has an 8-episode series order
Greenlit by BET+, the workplace comedy is set behind the scenes of the fictional late-night talk show, The Varnell Hill Show, exploring the chaotic world of television production. There will be a lively mix of satire, cutaways, fourth-wall breaks, and celebrity cameos, blending humor with sharp industry satire.
The Named Cast and Creative Team
Tommy Davidson returns as the flamboyant Varnell Hill—his original two-episode stint on Martin left a lasting cultural impact. Deadline confirmed Comedy veteran Kym Whitley has been cast as a series regular opposite Davidson.
Martin Lawrence (co-creator of Martin) will executive produce the spinoff and Bentley Kyle Evans, longtime collaborator and original Martin showrunner, will write, direct the pilot, and serve as showrunner and executive producer. Jesse Collins joins as executive producer, with additional EP credits including Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor. Deadline has also confirmed Lawrence is poised to reprise his Martin Payne role in multiple episodes of the series, which has started production in Los Angeles.
The Nostalgia Factor
The spinoff was announced on the 35th anniversary of In Living Color — highlighting Tommy Davidson’s roots and the show’s nostalgic pull. It also follows a recent Martin reunion, including original cast members appearing together at the Emmys, demonstrating renewed interest in the franchise.
Release Date Information
No release date has been announced. And no trailers or official clips are available at this time.
Original Cast Returning?
Aside from Lawrence, it’s unclear if any Martin alums (like Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, or Carl Anthony Payne II) will appear, though celebrity cameos are promised.
Varnell Hill will be a BET+ exclusive. Meanwhile, the original Martin series is available to stream on Peacock, Netflix, and BET+
The post What We Know So Far About the ‘Martin’ Spinoff Series ‘Varnell Hill’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Leasing has taken the lead in how Americans are choosing to drive electric. According to Experian’s Q4 2024 State of the Automotive Finance Market Report, more than half of new electric vehicle transactions in early 2024 were leases, a big shift from past years, when most buyers either paid in cash or financed their vehicles with traditional loans. So what’s behind this trend?
The General digs into the key drivers: tax incentives, upfront cost differences, and policy uncertainty. These factors are reshaping how consumers approach EV ownership and are likely to continue doing so well into 2025.
Rethinking ownership: How EVs are shifting the car financing equation
For decades, most Americans bought cars the traditional way—through loans. This offered long-term value: Drivers built equity, avoided mileage caps, and eventually owned the car outright. It was ideal for those planning to keep a vehicle for years.
Leasing offered lower payments and newer models but came with trade-offs: mileage limits, wear-and-tear fees, and no ownership. It rarely made sense for long-term use.
Electric vehicles are flipping that script. With fast-evolving tech and uncertain battery repair costs, owning an EV long-term feels riskier. Leasing offers a flexible way to try EVs, especially now that tax credits and lease-specific perks make it more appealing.
The electric vehicle market transformation: Why leasing is surging
Electric vehicles have surged in popularity. In Q3 2024, Experian reports EVs made up 10.06% of all new vehicle financing, marking a 30% year-over-year jump. As EV options grow and charging infrastructure expands, more buyers are choosing electric, but they’re also rethinking how they pay.
For years, most new EVs were bought outright or financed with loans. That changed in 2024. For the first time, leasing surpassed loans, with 46.6% of EVs leased versus 36.8% financed. By early 2025, leasing had reached 50.1%, while loans had lagged at 38.9%.
The shift toward leasing is apparent in the chart. From 2019 to 2022, loan financing ruled. Leasing fell to a low of 14.1% in 2022, but then it surged more than 36 percentage points in just two years. Loan usage, on the other hand, peaked at 62.8% in 2022 before falling sharply. Cash and unknown purchase methods held steady, bouncing between 16% and 27%.
This reversal highlights a bigger trend. As battery costs, resale uncertainty, and rapidly changing technology raise questions about long-term EV ownership, more Americans are opting for the flexibility and lower upfront costs of leasing. Tax credits sweeten the deal even further, making leasing not just an alternative, but the preferred way to go electric.
Financial benefits fueling the EV leasing boom
Leasing is gaining ground not just because it’s flexible, but because it saves people money. From lower monthly payments to reduced risk and maintenance costs, leasing offers a cost-effective way to enter the EV market without the financial weight of ownership.
Lower monthly payments
The monthly cost gap between leasing and financing is wide and growing. In Q3 2024, Experian reported that the average EV lease payment was $198 less per month than the average EV loan. For nonluxury EVs, that difference jumped to $205 in Q4 2024, with average lease payments at $504 versus $709 for loans. In a high-interest-rate market, that kind of monthly relief matters.
Less risk, lower upfront cost
EVs still come with a higher price tag. The average EV in 2024 cost $56,328, nearly $8,000 more than the average price of all vehicles. Leasing reduces the sting; it often requires a smaller down payment, skips the risk of long-term depreciation, and gives drivers the option to walk away at the end of the term if prices or technology shift.
Reduced maintenance costs
EV maintenance is cheaper than gas-powered vehicles, and lessees benefit the most. Consumer Reports found that EVs cost about half as much to service, averaging just $0.031 per mile, compared to $0.061 for conventional vehicles. The National Automotive Dealers Association estimates $300 in savings over five years, even for drivers who don’t keep the vehicle long-term.
Overall, leasing offers a cheaper, lower-risk entry into EVs; it is ideal for first-time or cost-conscious drivers.
The tax credit advantage: How leasing unlocks EV incentives
Tax incentives have always played a big role in driving EV adoption, but in 2024, whether you leased or bought can determine whether you actually get those savings. For many drivers, leasing is the key to unlocking benefits that might otherwise be out of reach.
Fewer EVs qualify for the full credit when purchased
Strict eligibility rules under the Inflation Reduction Act have narrowed the list of vehicles that qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. As of mid-2024, only 15 EVs make the cut. Battery sourcing, final assembly, and vehicle price all factor in, leaving many popular models excluded from the incentive.
Leasing loophole widens access
Leasing gets around these restrictions. Because leased EVs are classified as “commercial vehicles” under federal rules, they qualify for the full $7,500 credit, regardless of the battery’s origin or where the car was assembled. This loophole reopens eligibility for high-demand and imported models that wouldn’t qualify if purchased outright.
Dealers pass savings to consumers
The dealership claims the credit and often passes some or all of that value to the customer. Dealers often apply these savings as reduced lease payments, lower down payments, or added incentives, thereby boosting affordability without requiring the buyer to file a tax form.
State and local incentives sweeten the deal
In addition to federal incentives, many states offer their own EV incentives, including rebates, tax exemptions, or utility bill credits. Kelley Blue Book highlights that these programs can knock thousands more off the cost, especially when combined with federal leasing benefits.
For buyers who want access to incentives but don’t meet purchase requirements, leasing offers a smarter — and often more rewarding — path to going electric.
Why leasing is winning in today’s EV market
Tax credits may be boosting EV leases, but they’re not the only driver. Broader market forces — from high prices to tech turnover — are nudging more consumers toward leasing. In an uncertain economy, the flexibility of a lease feels less risky than long-term ownership.
EV sticker shock and limited supply
EVs cost more than gas models, and supply chain issues have kept inventory tight. To stay competitive, automakers use lease offers to ease the upfront burden, without requiring a long-term financial commitment.
Tariffs threaten more price hikes
Vehicle costs could climb further. Tariffs on imported autos could add 4%-7% to vehicle prices, roughly $2,000 to $3,500 more per car. The addition of steel and aluminum tariffs may also drive production costs even higher. With these unknowns on the horizon, leasing helps buyers avoid being locked into a depreciating asset that’s getting more expensive to build.
Fast-changing tech and resale risks
EV tech evolves fast. Better batteries and software roll out constantly, making it risky to commit long-term. Leasing also lets consumers upgrade regularly without stressing over resale value.
With prices rising and technology changing rapidly, leasing offers drivers financial flexibility and a way to stay current without getting stuck.
Consumer trends and the rise of EV leasing
Leasing’s growth isn’t just a response to financial incentives or supply chain issues; it’s about how buyers want to experience EVs. They’re choosing leases to try new tech, stick with trusted brands, and keep their options open in a fast-changing market.
Top leased EVs
Experian data reveals a clear pattern: consumers tend to opt for familiar brands and models when leasing. The Tesla Model 3 is the top leased EV, making up 12.2% of EV leases, followed by the Tesla Model Y at 9.3%, and the new Honda Prologue at 8.84%. These cars are ideal for drivers who want the EV experience without a full commitment, offering a strong mix of performance, price, and prestige.
Financing is still in the mix
Leasing may be trending up, but it’s not the only option. Credit unions and nontraditional lenders are stepping up to attract EV buyers with competitive loan rates, especially as big banks pull back or raise interest rates. These institutions are trying to undercut leasing deals with flexible loan packages, pushing financing back into the spotlight for well-qualified borrowers.
Leasing as a trial run
Most importantly, consumers see leasing as a way to ease into EVs. Battery performance, resale value, and charging availability still raise concerns. Leasing a car for three years gives drivers time to test the technology, understand the range and maintenance needs, and evaluate the lifestyle fit without worrying about long-term depreciation or being stuck with outdated hardware.
Buyers aren’t just following the money; they’re making calculated decisions in a space that’s still evolving. Leasing gives them room to adjust, upgrade, or walk away.
What’s next for EV leasing? Policy, pricing, and the shifting market
Leasing has fueled the EV boom, but its future depends on decisions far beyond the dealership. As policymakers weigh changes and the used EV market gains steam, the next phase of growth might look very different.
Federal tax credits face uncertainty
The leasing boom stems largely from a loophole: Leased EVs count as commercial vehicles and qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit. But if Congress tightens the rules, demand could drop fast. The EV market reacts quickly to policy shifts, and 2025 may bring change.
Dealers and automakers adjust
To sustain demand, automakers stack federal, state, and local incentives. States like Kansas show how these deals slash monthly lease costs and keep EVs accessible despite high sticker prices.
Used EVs could shake things up
Early leases are ending, flooding the market with used EVs. This could lower new car prices and provide buyers with a more affordable alternative to leasing, especially as battery technology improves and resale values stabilize.
Leasing may stay relevant, but its dominance isn’t guaranteed. What comes next — whether it’s more used sales, better loans, or new incentives — will define the next phase of EVs.
Should you lease your next EV? What to know before deciding
Leasing makes it easier to dip a toe into the EV world, but it’s not the right move for everyone. Understanding how leasing aligns with your budget, driving habits, and long-term goals can save you money and hassle down the road.
Who benefits most from leasing?
Leasing an EV tends to work well for people who:
- Want lower monthly payments.
- Drive fewer than 15,000 miles per year.
- Prefer new tech and updated models every few years.
- Don’t want to deal with battery repairs, depreciation, or resale.
High-income drivers, urban commuters, and those with consistent driving routines often get the most value from leasing, especially when dealers pass through the federal tax credit.
Questions to ask before you sign
Before locking into a lease, it’s smart to ask:
- Does the lease reflect the $7,500 federal tax credit in the pricing?
- What’s the mileage limit, and what are the penalties for going over?
- What’s the car’s residual value, and are early termination fees reasonable?
- How does the total cost compare to a loan over the same period?
Use a cost comparison calculator that includes fees, down payments, and interest, not just monthly payments.
Choosing what fits your needs
Leasing offers predictability, convenience, and tech upgrades, but limits flexibility. Buying gives you ownership, customization, and long-term value, but requires more upfront commitment.
There’s no universal answer. The best choice depends on your lifestyle and how you want to experience your EV.
The road ahead for EV leasing and ownership
Leasing EVs has gone from fringe to mainstream, driven by high prices, tax breaks, and the appeal of trying before buying. Leases now outpace loans for new EVs, marking a clear shift in consumer behavior.
This trend is reshaping more than sales. Automakers are reevaluating their inventory, dealers are adjusting incentives, and policymakers are considering credit changes. Buyers have more options and more decisions.
Whether you lease or finance, choose the option that best fits your needs. Think about how you drive, what you can afford, and how long you’ll keep the car. The EV market is moving fast; make a choice that fits now and flexes for later.
This story was produced by The General and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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