The daily gossip: Oscars won't require proof of vaccination, original Jurassic Park trio reunites in new trailer, and more

1. The 2022 Oscars won't require proof of vaccination

Don't be surprised if the Oscars end up being hosted by Letitia Wright. The 2022 Academy Awards will have no COVID-19 vaccine requirement, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline. A negative COVID-19 test result will be required, but Variety says the Academy merely plans to "suggest" attendees be vaccinated and won't ask for proof. This is in contrast to the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Critics Choice Awards, both of which will require proof of vaccination, meaning if any stars skip those events but attend the Oscars, well, it'll look a bit suspicious. In fact, the Reporter suggests the Academy is being "less stringent" with its COVID-19 protocols "because more than a few high-profile industry figures," allegedly including some nominated this year, wouldn't be able to come otherwise — so feel free to peruse the list of nominees and speculate wildly. For everyone else, it's an honor just to be vaccinated.

The Hollywood Reporter Deadline

2. 'Jurassic World Dominion' trailer teases reunion of original trio

Well, there it is. Universal Pictures on Thursday dropped the trailer for Jurassic World Dominion, the franchise's first installment since the original 1993 Jurassic Park in which Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum will all return. They've each come back in Jurassic sequels at least once, but never have we seen Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler, and Dr. Ian Malcolm all on screen together since the first film. The footage includes the three characters at several different points throughout, suggesting they could be fairly involved — as opposed to Goldblum appearing for about a minute in a single room in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The trailer markets this as the "epic conclusion of the Jurassic era," though considering the last two movies each grossed over $1 billion, we have to assume it won't be the last one. After all, Hollywood always finds a way. Check out the trailer here.

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3. 'Futurama' revival might be recasting Bender

Good news and bad news, everyone! The good news: Futurama, the classic animated series that just won't die, is being revived once again, this time at Hulu. Most of the voice cast is returning, including Billy West and Katey Sagal. But the bad news? John DiMaggio might not be back to voice Bender, arguably the most iconic character of the series. According to Deadline, negotiations with DiMaggio "came to a standstill," and while producers still hope to get him involved, it's really coming down to the wire, and "the role is currently being recast ahead of the first table read on Monday." DiMaggio spoke out on Twitter by promising fans "I'll keep you posted" — and later, he tweeted an article about people threatening to boycott the series if he doesn't play Bender. We'll see if they can work out the issues and get DiMaggio back, but if not, don't be surprised if fans tell Hulu, "Bite my shiny metal a--."

Deadline

4. Bob Saget died from head trauma, family says

Weeks after he was tragically found dead in his hotel room, comedian Bob Saget's cause of death has been revealed. Authorities have determined the Full House star died from head trauma after he "accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep," Saget's family said. The comedian was found dead at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida, after he had performed stand-up. On Thursday, Saget's autopsy showed he likely fell backward and hit the back of his head, suffering a fracture, and it also revealed he had COVID-19 when he died, according to People. Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany said Saget's "injuries were most likely incurred from an unwitnessed fall," and the "manner of death is accident." Saget's family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received, saying it has "been a great comfort to us and for which we are eternally grateful."

People Yahoo

5. 'Lord of the Rings' show won't have 'Game of Thrones' levels of sex and violence

The folks behind the new Lord of the Rings show have heard fans' complaints and promise it won't be as wildly horny as some feared. Vanity Fair previewed Amazon's insanely expensive The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and discusses that when it was revealed the show had hired an intimacy coordinator, "some fans feared that the production might have lost sight of what makes Tolkien Tolkien," namely by going full Game of Thrones with tons of sex and violence. So when Vanity Fair asked if Lord of the Rings would have "Westerosi levels of violence and sex," showrunner ​​Patrick McKay said no, as the goal was to "make a show for everyone, for kids who are 11, 12, and 13, even though sometimes they might have to pull the blanket up over their eyes if it's a little too scary." Previously, more than 50,000 fans signed a petition demanding that producers "keep nudity out of Amazon's LOTR series," but it sounds like they can keep their shirts on.

Vanity Fair Variety