New George RR Martin book planned
NEW YORK (AP) — As the world awaits his next “A Song of Ice and Fire,” George RR Martin has begun a new project.
Random House announced Wednesday that a prequel to the “Ice and Fire” series is coming out November 20. The book is called “Fire and Blood” and it’s the first of two planned works the publisher is calling “the definitive history of the Targaryens in Westeros.”
Meanwhile, about that other book, Martin says don’t expect anything in 2018. Fans for years have been seeking news about when Martin will complete “The Winds of Winter,” the sixth book in his fantasy series. His response on Wednesday: “You’ll have to keep waiting.”
The “Ice and Fire” novels have sold millions of copies and are the basis for HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
Azaria willing to stop voicing Apu
NEW YORK (AP) — Hank Azaria is ready to stop voicing Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on “The Simpsons” in the wake of criticism that it’s a stereotype.
Azaria said on Tuesday’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that he hopes the Fox animated show makes a change, and he’s willing to step aside if necessary.
Azaria said: “I’m perfectly willing and happy to step aside or help transition it into something new. I really hope that’s what ‘The Simpsons’ does.”
He added: “It just feels like the right thing to do.”
People of South Asian heritage have criticized the heavily accented Apu for reinforcing stereotypes they say lead to bullying and self-loathing. Azaria said it makes him sad if anyone was bullied because of Apu. He said he “wanted to spread laughter and joy with this character.”
Cena says he still loves ex-fiancee
LAS VEGAS (AP) — John Cena says he still loves Nikki Bella after their sudden split earlier this month.
“I love Nicole with all my heart, and the split is very tough,” the wrestler-turned-actor told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “But that’s life. We all go through highs, we all go through lows. I’m going to get through it. I love her. I’ll always love her. The fact that my heart hurts for her — I know I was in love. So I’ll always have that.”
The 41-year-old performer was promoting the “Transformers” spinoff movie “BumbleBee” at CinemaCon, the Las Vegas convention for theatre owners.
The couple had been together for six years and got engaged a year ago on live TV during the WWE’s Wrestlemania. They often took their relationship public, canoodling on red carpets and talking about each other in interviews.
Cena has made a successful transition from the WWE to acting, appearing in movies like “Trainwreck” and the recent R-rated comedy “Blockers.” Bella stars in a reality TV show on E! called “Total Bellas” with her twin sister, Brie.
