‘The Dog Stars’ Opens With $3 Million

The Friday result came from 3,330 theaters across North America, putting the picture’s opening weekend on a relatively measured trajectory. Rival estimates currently project a $7.2 million total through Sunday, according to Variety.

The weekend figure would put the movie below the broader $10 million to $14 million opening range it had previously been projected to reach.

Scott’s latest film adapts Peter Heller‘s 2012 novel and follows Hig, a former mechanic and pilot trying to survive after a pandemic devastates humanity. Elordi plays Hig, while Brolin portrays Bangley, his former Marine companion.

The movie arrived in theaters following its London premiere on August 20. Its U.S. release came yesterday, after previously being scheduled for March 27 earlier this year.

Its theatrical performance comes as the film has received mixed critical reactions. “The Dog Stars” currently holds a 41% positive score from 160 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while Metacritic has assigned it a 49 out of 100 based on 46 reviews. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it a C+ grade.

Kudrow discussed her enduring connection to the sitcom during a recent appearance on Fresh Air with Terry Gross & Tonya Mosley, according to People.

Lisa Kudrow Still Has Plenty of Love for Phoebe

Phoebe was one of the six central characters on “Friends,” portrayed by Kudrow throughout all 236 episodes of the sitcom’s 10-season run. The character became known for her eccentric worldview, unconventional personality, acoustic guitar performances and a collection of deliberately odd songs.

Among those songs, “Smelly Cat” became Phoebe’s signature musical moment. She first performs it at Central Perk, and the song eventually receives its own music video storyline after a record producer takes an interest in it.

Kudrow, however, does not appear interested in turning that particular piece of the character into a real-life performance on demand. “Sometimes people will stop me and say, ‘Oh, sing ‘Smelly Cat.’ I don’t want to do that. I really don’t want to do that,” she said.

The refusal comes alongside an otherwise warm assessment of her “Friends” experience. Kudrow highlighted the relationship among the cast members, recalling that they genuinely enjoyed spending time together. “That is so rare. And real honest respect, mutual respect.”

The actress also made a point of emphasizing that her positive memories extend beyond the series’ enormous success. For Kudrow, the experience included the effort the cast put into maintaining their bonds while working long shooting days, including spending downtime together and playing poker. “It was a really good relationship that took some work, and we did the work,” she stated.

Phoebe remains one of Kudrow’s defining roles, earning her major recognition during the show’s run, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and several other honors, along with a Golden Globe nomination. Yet when it comes to bringing one of Phoebe’s most famous songs back to life, Kudrow’s answer is simple: she would rather not.

Anne Hathaway Takes on a New Role in the Racing Sequel

The original “Days of Thunder” arrived in theaters in 1990, with Cruise starring as Cole Trickle, a young driver trying to establish himself in NASCAR. Directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, the picture followed Cole’s rise through the sport, his rivalry with Rowdy Burns, and his relationship with Dr. Claire Lewicki, played by Nicole Kidman.

The film was released by Paramount Pictures on June 27, 1990, and ultimately earned $157.9 million worldwide against a reported $60 million production budget. While its initial critical response was mixed, the movie developed a lasting following among NASCAR fans in the years that followed.

Cruise’s return as Cole Trickle had been in development for some time. In November 2024, reports indicated that the actor was in final negotiations to star in and produce a sequel. By July 2026, Jonathan Levine was reportedly in talks to direct from a screenplay by Will Staples, with production expected to begin in early 2027.

Hathaway’s character brings a new element to the story. While plot details for the sequel remain under wraps, she is expected to portray a team owner and engineer.

The sequel is now scheduled to arrive on June 2, 2028, with IMAX photography planned for the production. Cruise previously confirmed that the next chapter would arrive in summer 2028, making the latest announcement the most substantial casting update yet.

Dave Green Celebrates ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Finally Reaching Audiences

Green opened his message by acknowledging the significance of seeing the movie in theaters at last. “COYOTE VS. ACME IS FINALLY, GLORIOUSLY, IN THEATERS NOW,” he wrote, before adding the simple declaration, “WE WON.” The director then encouraged audiences to experience the film as it was intended, on the big screen and alongside other moviegoers.

The celebration comes after years of uncertainty surrounding the project. Warner Bros. Discovery initially shelved the completed picture in 2023 as part of a planned tax write-off, a decision that triggered substantial backlash and eventually led to the filmmakers being allowed to pursue another distributor. The movie’s supporters also rallied behind campaigns including #ReleaseCoyoteVsAcme and #SaveCoyoteVsAcme as its fate remained unresolved.

Green’s message specifically recognized the people who spent years bringing the project to life. He described the accomplishment as belonging to the cast, crew and the various post-production and animation teams who invested their time and passion into the picture. He also turned his attention toward the audience, writing, “Your fight is the reason this film finally made it to the big screen.”

The director also offered a direct thank you to Ketchup Entertainment for taking on the movie after its complicated studio history. The distributor acquired the rights for approximately $50 million in 2025, ultimately giving the finished title a path to a theatrical release. Green’s message made clear that the audience’s persistence remained an important part of that journey.

By the end of his letter, Green returned to the broader idea behind the celebration. “This is a celebration, it’s proof that movies don’t just go away,” he wrote. He closed by urging viewers to enjoy the picture “on the big screen,” where he believes it was always meant to be seen.

Zara Larsson Wants Her Career to Count

Larsson’s music career began long before her recent surge in popularity. She first became known in Sweden after winning Talang in 2008 at age 10, and she signed with TEN Music Group in 2012. Her debut EP, Introducing, followed in 2013, establishing her as a recording artist well before her international breakthrough.

That early start eventually led to a major international career. Her 2017 album So Good produced global hits including “Lush Life,” “Never Forget You” and “Symphony,” while her subsequent releases continued to keep her among pop’s established names. The scale of that career is part of why Larsson takes issue with the idea of being classified as a new artist.

The conversation came up when Larsson’s former label discussed a possible Grammy campaign in the Best New Artist category. Her response was unequivocal: “I don’t even want that.” She added, “That would downplay the 13 years of me being an artist. I’m not a new artist.”

Larsson’s recent success has nevertheless brought a fresh wave of attention to her music. Her 2025 album Midnight Sun received critical acclaim, with its title track becoming her highest-charting solo song on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earning her first Grammy nomination, for Best Dance Pop Recording.

The renewed momentum has also reached beyond her solo work. Her collaboration with PinkPantheress on “Stateside” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, while “Lush Life” experienced another surge after a viral moment during Larsson’s Midnight Sun Tour.

Jake Reiner Opens Up About His Family’s Loss

Rob, the acclaimed filmmaker and actor behind “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally…” and “A Few Good Men,” was found dead alongside Michele at their Brentwood home on Dec. 14, 2025. Both died from multiple sharp-force injuries, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled their deaths homicides. Their daughter Romy discovered her father’s body and called for help.

Nick Reiner was arrested later that day near the University of Southern California. He was eventually charged with two counts of first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty. A Los Angeles County grand jury indicted him in July, with the indictment including special circumstance allegations involving multiple murders and lying in wait, as well as an allegation that he personally used a knife.

Jake described the passage of time since his parents’ deaths as difficult to comprehend. “It’s been 8 months. It feels like 8 years at the same time. And it also feels like 8 minutes,” he said. “Because every moment that I wake up, I’m reminded of my reality.”

The arrest of Nick added another painful dimension to the family’s loss. When asked about the reality of his brother being incarcerated, Jake struggled to articulate what the past eight months have meant. “I physically lost my parents. And then Nick was arrested. And now it’s me and Romy.” Nick remains in custody as the case proceeds, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for Sept. 15.

Amid everything that has happened, Jake also returned to the bond he remembers his parents sharing with their children. “My parents had unconditional love for all three of us,” he said.

Josh Brolin Reflects on Ridley Scott’s Approach to ‘The Dog Stars’

For Brolin, Scott’s age is part of what makes his continued work on “The Dog Stars” so striking. The performer pointed to the different paths legendary directors can take as their careers progress, noting that some eventually lose their edge while others manage to keep evolving.

“Great directors either lose it or they stay fresh like him at 88 years old,” Brolin said.

The actor also expressed genuine disbelief at the pace and precision Scott continues to bring to his productions. “I don’t know how he’s doing what he’s doing or is as sharp as he is,” he said, highlighting the director’s ability to remain fully engaged with the demands of filmmaking.

Brolin’s comments come as “The Dog Stars” marks his second collaboration with Scott. The two previously worked together on “American Gangster” in 2007, with Brolin playing Detective Inspector Nick Trupo in the crime drama. Their reunion comes nearly 20 years later, this time with Brolin portraying Bangley, a hardened former Marine living alongside Jacob Elordi‘s Hig in a world devastated by a flu pandemic.

The new picture finds Scott returning to science fiction with an adaptation of Peter Heller‘s 2012 novel. Written by Mark L. Smith, “The Dog Stars” also stars Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce. The film was released in France and Italy yesterday and is scheduled to reach U.S. theaters on August 28 through 20th Century Studios.

Brolin also highlighted Scott’s appetite for changing directions rather than settling into a familiar formula. “He challenges himself in playing with different genres,” the actor said.

Will Forte Had Already Given Up on ‘Coyote vs. Acme’

When Warner Bros. Discovery initially shelved “Coyote vs. Acme” in November 2023, the decision came after the picture had already been completed. The studio intended to take a tax write-off, leaving the cast and crew with no clear path toward seeing their work released.

Forte recalled the period as “an emotional roller coaster,” particularly because supporters of the title continued pushing for its release online. At first, however, he did not believe the campaign would have an impact. “I didn’t think it would do anything,” the actor admitted.

That changed as the public pressure continued. “I was just like, ‘They’re not hearing you, it’s not going to make a difference.’ And then they just kept going and it’s because of them the movie’s out,” Forte stated.

The production eventually got another chance after Ketchup Entertainment acquired it in 2025. The distributor secured the rights for approximately $50 million, paving the way for a theatrical release after the project had spent years caught between cancellation and a possible sale,

For Forte, the experience became even more surreal once the film began receiving positive reviews. “I had given up on it and I can’t thank these people enough,” he said. “I always thought this movie was super special and the support from the community has meant so much.”

Forte also described the psychological toll of spending so long unsure whether audiences would ever see the finished project. “It’s made me feel sane; I felt gaslit for a while and their support, now the positive reviews coming out — [they] just make it feel like you’re not crazy.”

Now, “Coyote vs. Acme” is no longer a movie that exists only in stories about what might have been.

Billy Idol’s Injury Opened the Door for Robert Patrick

Directed by James Cameron, “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” arrived in 1991 as the highly anticipated follow-up to 1984’s “The Terminator.” The sequel brought back Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, but reversed his role by making him John Connor’s protector while introducing the T-1000 as a new and more advanced threat.

Idol was initially considered for the part of the liquid-metal assassin. However, a 1990 motorcycle accident left the singer with a leg injury, making the physically demanding role, which required extensive running, impossible for him to perform as planned.

The change eventually led Cameron to search for an actor who was not already strongly associated with a particular screen persona. Patrick was relatively unknown at the time, which made him a fit for the director’s approach to the character. “Once the Billy Idol thing wasn’t gonna work out, [Cameron] decided to look for an unknown,” Patrick told PEOPLE.

That decision would introduce audiences to a completely different kind of movie villain. Patrick’s T-1000 could mimic people and objects while pursuing John Connor, played by 13-year-old Edward Furlong, and the actor’s performance became one of the defining elements of the sequel.

Looking back on landing the part 35 years later, Patrick still seems struck by how improbable the opportunity was. “It was just a thrill of a lifetime,” he recalled. “I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it, to be honest with you, even though I did it. I don’t know how everything lined up.”

Jack Black’s Mother Played a Role in the Apollo 13 Mission

Born in Santa Monica in 1969, Black was the son of aerospace engineers Thomas William Black and Judith Love Cohen. While his father worked in the field of satellite engineering, his mother developed a remarkable career of her own. Cohen worked on several major aerospace projects during a period when women remained a small minority in engineering.

Cohen’s work included the guidance system for the Minuteman missile and the Apollo Lunar Module, as well as projects connected to the Hubble Space Telescope. Her work on the Apollo Abort-Guidance System became particularly significant during Apollo 13, when an oxygen tank explosion severely damaged the spacecraft’s Service Module and forced astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise to rely on the Lunar Module to help them get home.

The Abort-Guidance System became an important part of that emergency return. With the Lunar Module’s resources limited and its primary guidance system requiring more water for cooling, the AGS was used during much of the journey back to Earth, including crucial course corrections. Cohen’s son Neil Siegel later described her Apollo work as the highlight of her engineering career and recalled that she was present when the Apollo 13 astronauts visited the TRW facility to thank the people involved.

That extraordinary professional background was part of the family environment in which Black grew up. His parents divorced when he was 10, and he later pursued acting at the Crossroads School before attending UCLA. He eventually left college to pursue entertainment, developing the career that would make him famous in films including “School of Rock”, “High Fidelity”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”. His mother’s legacy, however, remains tied to an entirely different kind of Hollywood story, one that began millions of miles away from a movie set.

What Inspired ‘The Whisper Man’?

North’s first idea for the book had nothing to do with a real criminal case. “When I first started working on The Whisper Man, all I really knew was that I wanted to write about fathers and sons,” he wrote. “I had in mind a grieving, widowed man struggling to care for his little boy, and that the book should be a thriller, but I didn’t know much about what my main characters would be like.”

One of the experiences that stayed with him happened while he was in his 30s, when he attended a music festival with friends. After having breakfast at their hotel, North was unexpectedly told that someone had already checked out under his name and paid for the meal. The situation was eventually explained as a simple mix-up, but the stranger involved left an impression. “I asked her what the man had looked like. She couldn’t tell me. He had been in a hurry, she said, but there was nothing else about him that had stuck in her mind at all,” North recalled. “He had been so average and unremarkable that he could have been anybody — or nobody.”

The strange encounter immediately triggered his instincts as a writer. “I was unnerved,” North wrote, “but also excited.” His conclusion was simple: “The writer part of my brain was thinking, ‘Wow. This is a story.'” Years later, another moment at home would give him an idea that became much more closely tied to the novel’s unsettling atmosphere.

After moving houses, North heard his son apparently speaking to someone in another room. When he asked who was there, his son replied, “Oh, I’m just playing with the boy in the floor.” North recalled his reaction clearly: “A chill went through me. But there was excitement, too, because this was a story.” He then decided, “Right then, I decided that the little boy in my book would have imaginary friends, and that some of them would become increasingly sinister over the course of the story.”

There was another experience involving his son after North’s mother-in-law died. The child said that a woman came into his room at night and hugged him. North wrote that he is “a rational person” and believed that his son was “simply doing what all of us do to some degree: creating a narrative to make sense of his grief and to comfort himself.” Still, he admitted that “a part of me was still asking that question: ‘What if?’”

Such moments ultimately became pieces of the fictional world North created in “The Whisper Man,” rather than evidence of an actual case behind the story.

The Ozzy Osbourne Movie Already Has Its Leading Man in Mind

The film appears to have moved well beyond the early development phase. Jack described the project as “gung-ho” and confirmed that the family already has a particular actor in mind for the central role. He stopped short of revealing the name, but indicated that discussions have already taken place.

“We do. I’m not allowed to say, but conversations have been had, and if it all works out, it’s gonna be awesome,” Jack revealed. For now, that leaves the identity of Ozzy’s potential onscreen counterpart as one of the movie’s biggest unanswered questions.

The script itself is also finished, putting the biopic in a position to begin assembling the creative team behind it. Jack said the family is “currently going out to directors,” meaning the next major decision will be determining who takes the helm of the story.

Jack has also made clear what he wants the finished film to feel like. In conversations surrounding the family business, he said he repeatedly returns to one guiding principle: “give the fans what they want.” That philosophy extends directly to the movie, which is being developed with Sony.

That approach also explains what Jack does not want the project to become. “We can’t make this artsy, esoteric biopic,” he said, adding, “No, we’re not doing that—for many reasons—but it’s not what the fans want.”

How ‘Six’ Became a Broadway Hit

Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, “Six” reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as performers competing in a pop concert. Rather than treating the queens as supporting figures in Henry’s story, the musical gives each woman her own voice and perspective before ultimately bringing them together as a group.

The show’s journey began at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, where it was developed by students from Cambridge University. Its early success led to productions in London’s West End and a North American production before the musical reached Broadway.

“Six” began Broadway previews in February 2020, but its planned opening was interrupted by the COVID-19 shutdown that closed theaters across New York. The production eventually resumed previews in September 2021 and officially opened at the Lena Horne Theatre on October 3 of that year.

The musical has since expanded far beyond its original Broadway production, with touring and international productions in countries including South Korea, Japan, Spain and China. A filmed stage production featuring the original West End cast also reached cinemas in the UK and Ireland in 2025 before its U.S. theatrical release in August 2026.

The Broadway production’s closing date arrives shortly after “Six” marked its 2,000th performance on August 17. That milestone made it the longest-running production in the history of the Lena Horne Theatre and placed it among Broadway’s longest-running shows overall.

‘Endgame’ Will Connect Directly to ‘Doomsday’

The upcoming “Avengers: Endgame Encore” will bring the 2019 blockbuster back to theaters with additional material ahead of “Avengers: Doomsday.” For Joe Russo, the re-release is more than an opportunity to revisit one of Marvel’s biggest hits.

The director revealed that the added material is designed to bridge the two titles. “It’s going to connect the story of the two movies,” Russo said, adding that there is “a natural progression from Endgame into Doomsday.”

That connection appears to be significant enough that Russo believes fans should see the earlier film again before the new one. “I think it’s required viewing for following the story in Doomsday,” he said.

The theatrical return will give audiences another chance to experience “Endgame” on the big screen before “Doomsday” arrives on December 18. The upcoming picture will bring together characters from multiple corners of the MCU, including the Avengers, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men.

Anthony Russo also teased that the connection between the two films could lead audiences somewhere they are not expecting. “If you saw Endgame when it was originally released, you couldn’t see this coming.”

“Avengers: Endgame Encore” is scheduled to return to cinemas globally on September 25, giving Marvel fans a chance to revisit the movie before the next Avengers installment.

From ‘Kally’s Mashup’ to ‘The Last Sunrise’: Who is Maia Reficco?

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 14, 2000, Reficco spent most of her childhood in Buenos Aires after moving to Argentina with her family when she was four. Music was an important part of her upbringing. She learned to play several instruments, including guitar, piano, saxophone and ukulele, and trained in singing from an early age. She also practiced acrobatics for 11 years.

Her professional breakthrough came with “Kally’s Mashup,” the Nickelodeon Latin America series in which she played Kally Ponce. Reficco landed the role after her vocal covers on Instagram caught the attention of the production team. For her audition, she performed Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman,” eventually becoming the face of the series and recording music for its soundtrack.

Music remained an important part of her career as she moved beyond the Nickelodeon project. Reficco performed at events including the Kids’ Choice Awards Argentina and Mexico, while also developing material as a solo artist. Her early musical work was expected to explore pop and R&B, reflecting the vocal training she had pursued both in Argentina and the United States.

Reficco later expanded her screen career with roles aimed at an older audience. In 2022, she appeared in Netflix’s “Do Revenge” and joined the cast of HBO Max’s “Pretty Little Liars,” where she played Noa Olivar. The role placed her within one of television’s most recognizable teen franchises and marked another step away from the musical series that first introduced her to audiences.

Her work has also extended to the stage. In 2024, Reficco made her Broadway debut in “Hadestown,” taking on the role of Eurydice opposite Jordan Fisher. Now, with “The Last Sunrise” available on Amazon Prime Video, she is stepping into another leading role.

Princess Diana Was a Huge Fan of Tim Curry’s ‘Rocky Horror’ Performance

One of Curry’s most unexpected celebrity encounters involved Princess Diana, who had a surprising connection to the actor’s most famous role. According to IMDb trivia, Curry discussed the meeting during a 2005 appearance on NPR’s Fresh Air, recalling that he met Diana and then-Prince Charles backstage after a performance of “Love for Love.“

Diana recognized Curry and brought up “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the 1975 movie in which he played Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Curry was apparently surprised that she had seen the hit and told her that he did not think she had watched it. Diana’s response made clear that she was very familiar with the cult musical, telling him, “Thank you for completing my education.”

Curry’s performance as Frank-N-Furter had become inseparable from the enduring popularity of “Rocky Horror,” which began as a stage production in 1973 before becoming a film two years later. Curry played the character onstage in London, Los Angeles and New York before reprising the role for the movie.

By then, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” had grown into a cultural phenomenon that extended far beyond its original theatrical run. Curry himself later described the movie as a kind of rite of passage, reflecting its role in allowing audiences to experiment with identity and self-expression. He eventually returned to the franchise in the 2016 television remake, this time playing the Criminologist rather than Frank-N-Furter.

The Princess Diana anecdote remains one of the more unusual stories attached to Curry’s career, particularly because it connects one of Britain’s most famous public figures with a film that became a landmark of counterculture. For Curry, however, it was just one chapter in a career that moved effortlessly between cult cinema, prestige theater, mainstream Hollywood and voice acting. He earned three Tony Award nominations and became a familiar presence in projects ranging from “Legend” and “Home Alone 2” to “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

Miley Cyrus remembers Dolly Parton as her “Aunt Dolly”

“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” Cyrus wrote. “Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”

Their connection began before Cyrus was born, after Parton became close with Billy Ray Cyrus in the early 1990s and agreed to become Miley’s godmother. “I have an angel by my side. I always have,” Cyrus stated in her tribute, reflecting on the place Parton held in her life.

Parton’s presence became part of Cyrus’ childhood and career, particularly through “Hannah Montana,” where she appeared as Aunt Dolly. Their musical relationship continued for years, including performances of “Jolene” and collaborations on Cyrus’ Younger Now and Parton’s A Holly Dolly Christmas. “One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis,” Cyrus revealed.

Cyrus also shared what she believes Parton would have wanted her to do with the pain of losing her. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong.” She added, “I will always love her and want to make her proud.”

The singer closed by widening the tribute beyond their own relationship. “My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply,” Cyrus wrote. “We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”

How ‘Home Alone’ Changed Macaulay Culkin’s Career

Released in 1990, “Home Alone” was made for approximately $18 million and became a major worldwide box-office success, earning more than $476 million globally. Culkin, who played eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, quickly became an international star and a recognizable presence well beyond the film itself. The role also earned him a Golden Globe nomination, further establishing his standing among the era’s leading young performers.

The success of “Home Alone” had a direct effect on Culkin’s earning power. His next major title was “My Girl,” a coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Howard Zieff and written by Laurice Elehwany. Culkin played Thomas J. Sennett alongside Anna Chlumsky, who made her major motion-picture debut as Vada Sultenfuss. The hit was released by Columbia Pictures on November 27, 1991, and ultimately grossed more than $121 million worldwide.

Culkin’s reported $1 million salary for “My Girl” represented an extraordinary figure for a child performer, particularly because his role was not the film’s sole lead. The deal reflected the commercial value he had acquired so quickly after “Home Alone.” Rather than simply being a young actor attached to a successful production, Culkin had become a major selling point in his own right.

“My Girl” also demonstrated that Culkin’s appeal could extend beyond the broad family comedy that had made him famous. The movie centered on Vada, an 11-year-old girl growing up in a funeral home, and explored childhood friendship, family changes and grief. Culkin’s Thomas J. served as Vada’s closest friend.

The financial milestone was followed by an even larger paycheck for Culkin when he returned as Kevin in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” in 1992. The biographical source lists his salary for the sequel at approximately $4.5 million, illustrating just how quickly his market value had increased during the early 1990s. By then, Culkin had moved from being a successful child performer to one of the most highly compensated young stars in Hollywood.

The ‘Home Alone’ Moment Macaulay Culkin Still Carries With Him

The injury happened while Culkin and Joe Pesci were rehearsing one of Harry’s confrontations with Kevin. Pesci’s character threatens to bite Kevin’s fingers off one by one, and during the rehearsal, the actor bit Culkin’s finger. The incident left Culkin with a small, permanent scar.

Culkin was only nine years old when the accident happened. Years later, he recalled the moment and described seeing a look of genuine panic on Pesci’s face immediately after the bite, thathad not been planned as part of the scene.

The sequence was part of the film’s many physical confrontations between Kevin and the two burglars. Harry and Marv spend much of the movie falling victim to Kevin’s elaborate traps, with the production relying on stunt performers for some of the more dangerous gags.

The incident also became one of the more unusual behind-the-scenes stories attached to the Christmas classic. Culkin’s finger injury never appears as part of Kevin’s story, but the scar has remained with the actor as a permanent connection to one of his most famous roles.

Billy Ray Cyrus Recalls His Friendship With Dolly Parton

“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” Cyrus wrote, before remembering just how early Parton became part of his life. “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”

Cyrus then returned to 1992, when he was dealing with tabloid reports claiming he was having an affair with Parton. “I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her,” he wrote. Parton’s reaction was characteristically playful. “In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’”

Their relationship went far beyond that brief tabloid episode. After touring with Cyrus during his early success, Parton became the godmother of his daughter Miley Cyrus, later appearing alongside the family during the “Hannah Montana” years. Looking back on those decades, Cyrus described Parton as someone who remained a constant presence in his life.

The singer also shared that his most recent exchange with Parton had been especially meaningful. “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” Cyrus wrote. He then returned that sentiment directly, adding, “I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”

Cyrus’s tribute now joins the many remembrances of a country music icon whose connection to his family lasted for more than three decades.

‘Dolly’ Brought Together Music, Comedy and Major Guest Stars

Parton had already fronted a syndicated variety show called “Dolly” in 1976, but she left that program after one season following disagreements over its direction and the demands of production. When ABC developed the 1987 series, Parton was given substantially more control over the title’s creative direction. The format was built around the traditional variety-show model, an increasingly uncommon approach on American television at the time.

The guest list reflected the breadth of Parton’s appeal. The premiere featured Dudley Moore, Hulk Hogan, Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman, Oprah Winfrey and New York City Mayor Ed Koch. The second episode brought Burt Reynolds, Whoopi Goldberg and country group Alabama into the mix. Bruce Willis, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt appeared in the third chapter.

The show was also designed to move between different styles of entertainment rather than rely exclusively on Parton’s music. Episodes included scripted comedy, audience questions, celebrity conversations, musical collaborations and segments that took Parton outside the studio.

The scale of the premiere demonstrated the level of interest surrounding Parton’s return to television. The opening episode drew 39.47 million viewers, a figure identified as the largest audience for a television series premiere at the time. The program initially performed strongly in the ratings, but its audience declined as the season progressed.

Parton subsequently adjusted the program, moving away from some of its more elaborate segments and toward a more intimate, country-oriented presentation. The changes did not reverse the ratings decline, however, and ABC ultimately canceled “Dolly” in May 1988, shortly after the final episode had aired. The show later received a home-video release in 2020, when selected episodes were included in “Dolly: The Ultimate Collection – Deluxe Edition.”

From YouTube Phenomenon to Theatrical Success

The road to the big screen began with Kane Parsons’ YouTube series, which launched in January 2022 under the Kane Pixels name. Inspired by the internet-born Backrooms mythos, the project quickly attracted attention and eventually led to several studios expressing interest in turning the concept into a feature. The picture was formally announced in 2023, with Parsons directing his first feature.

The finished movie centers on Clark, a furniture store owner and former architect played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who discovers an impossible passage inside his store. The opening leads into a seemingly endless dimension of liminal spaces, where Clark becomes trapped. When he disappears, his therapist, Dr. Mary Kline, played by Renate Reinsve, eventually enters the strange environment herself. Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett and Lukita Maxwell also star.

‘Backrooms’ arrived in U.S. theaters through A24 on May 29 after premiering earlier that month in Santa Monica. Its theatrical performance quickly exceeded expectations. The title opened with $81.5 million domestically and $118 million worldwide, giving A24 its biggest opening weekend ever.

That momentum continued well beyond opening weekend. The film has now grossed $396.5 million worldwide, making it A24’s highest-grossing picture to date. It also ranks as the second-highest-grossing horror movie of 2026 and has established Parsons as the youngest filmmaker to have a No. 1 at the U.S. box office.

The HBO Max release comes after the hit’s digital debut on July 14, as well as the July release of an extended cut titled “Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition” which added 15 minutes of footage.

‘Spider Man: Brand New Day’ Continues Its Record-Breaking Run

The achievement comes as the franchise takes Peter Parker in a more self-contained direction. Set four years after the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the film finds Parker living almost entirely through his identity as Spider-Man while struggling with the consequences of neglecting his life outside the suit.

That approach also brings the character closer to his traditional street-level roots. Rather than another world-ending threat, Parker is primarily focused on protecting New York City, while his increasingly demanding life as Spider-Man pushes his powers in new directions.

“Brand New Day” had already made history with its $932 million worldwide opening weekend, the second-biggest ever behind “Avengers: Endgame.” Its latest domestic milestone adds another record to an unusually strong theatrical run for the MCU’s current “Spider-Man” era.

The domestic record may not stand for long, however. “Avengers: Doomsday” is positioned to become the next major Marvel box office contender, with its ensemble of returning MCU stars and legacy characters giving it the potential to challenge the heights reached by “Brand New Day,” “Avengers: Endgame” and other recent franchise blockbusters.

Dave Franco Recalls the First Day of ‘Now You See Me’

The franchise follows the Four Horsemen, a team of illusionists who combine elaborate magic performances with increasingly ambitious heists. Franco plays Jack Wilder, a skilled magician and pickpocket who joins Jesse Eisenberg’s Daniel Atlas, Woody Harrelson’s Merritt McKinney and Isla Fisher’s Henley Reeves as one of the group’s original members.

According to People, Franco said the production immediately felt difficult to navigate. Rather than projecting confidence about what they were making, the cast apparently reached a much darker conclusion after their first day on set. “I remember at the end of the first day it was such chaos trying to figure it out, that we all went out to dinner and we literally cheersed to the end of our careers,” he recalled.

The joke became particularly memorable in hindsight. Released in 2013, “Now You See Me” went on to earn more than $350 million worldwide and established an audience strong enough to support a sequel in 2016. The franchise eventually expanded with “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” with the first three movies collectively earning more than $933 million worldwide.

Franco has now had enough distance from that first production to see just how dramatically things changed. “Cut to 15 years later, we’ve done three of these things with a forthcoming,” he told Evans.

Despite the cast’s early doubts, “Now You See Me” became one of those pictures whose commercial appeal proved stronger than its initial reception suggested. The series has continued to bring back familiar faces while introducing new members to its ensemble. What began with a cast joking about the end of their careers ultimately became a long-running studio franchise.

The Album That Changed Dua Lipa’s Trajectory

The transformation began well before Future Nostalgia reached listeners. Lipa started working on the album in August 2018 and spent more than a year developing its direction. Rather than simply extending the sound of her debut, she set out to create something that could connect the music she grew up hearing with a more contemporary production style. The concept eventually became clear through the title itself, which was chosen to represent the meeting point between memories of the past and possibilities for the future.

That idea shaped the album’s music. Lipa drew from several decades of pop, disco and dance music while incorporating electronic production and contemporary pop structures. The result was not a straightforward throwback record. Tracks such as “Don’t Start Now,” “Physical,” “Break My Heart” and “Levitating” used familiar elements from earlier eras while giving them a polished modern framework. The album’s consistency also helped distinguish it from a collection built around individual singles, with its songs sharing a recognizable musical identity.

“Don’t Start Now” became the crucial first step in that transition. Released in October 2019, months before the album itself, the song introduced the new direction with its disco-influenced production and became Lipa’s first top-three entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 2 in the UK and U.S., establishing momentum for the album before its release.

The album’s arrival could hardly have happened under more complicated circumstances. After the complete record leaked in March 2020, its release was moved forward by one week to March 27. That meant Future Nostalgia reached the public just as the COVID-19 pandemic was disrupting everyday life around the world. Its planned touring campaign was also postponed, eventually becoming the Future Nostalgia Tour, which began in February 2022.

Despite that difficult timing, the album continued to grow. Future Nostalgia topped charts across multiple countries and eventually became a major award-season success. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and earned a nomination for Album of the Year, while Lipa also received recognition for “Don’t Start Now.” In the UK, the album earned her first Mercury Prize nomination and won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year.

The album’s legacy also extended beyond its initial release. Lipa continued expanding the project through Club Future Nostalgia, the Moonlight Edition and the Studio 2054 livestream before eventually taking the record on the road. By then, Future Nostalgia had done more than produce a run of successful singles. It had established a clear musical and visual identity for Lipa and marked the point when her career moved from promising pop newcomer to established global star.

The Career That Turned Dua Lipa Into a Global Icon

Lipa’s first major breakthrough came with “New Rules,” the song that changed the scale of her career. Released as part of her 2017 debut album, it became her first UK No. 1 and helped introduce her to a much larger international audience. By the end of that year, she had also become the most-streamed woman in the UK on Spotify, giving her momentum that would carry into the next stage of her career.

She quickly followed that success with even bigger moments. In 2018, Lipa received five Brit Award nominations and won two, while her collaboration with Calvin Harris, “One Kiss,” became the UK’s best-selling song of the year. The track spent eight weeks at No. 1, further establishing Lipa as an artist who could dominate the charts well beyond her initial breakthrough.

Then came Future Nostalgia, the album that pushed her career into another league. Released in 2020, it leaned heavily into disco, dance-pop and house influences while delivering songs such as “Don’t Start Now,” “Physical,” “Break My Heart” and “Levitating.” The album reached No. 1 in the UK, earned Lipa a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and produced a run of songs that kept her at the center of pop culture well after its release.

Lipa has since made a point of expanding beyond the recording studio. She stepped into acting with “Barbie” and “Argylle,” while her third album, Radical Optimism, debuted at No. 1 in the UK and included “Houdini,” “Training Season” and “Illusion.” Her reach has also extended into fashion through partnerships with brands including Versace, Puma, Yves Saint Laurent and Adidas.

That combination of music, fashion and film has helped make Lipa much more than a chart success. Time named her one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2024, and Billboard placed her at No. 25 on its ranking of the Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century in 2025. At 31, she enters the next chapter of her career with a track record that already places her among the defining pop stars of her generation.

Andrew Garfield Has an Unexpected Instagram Habit

Garfield’s relationship with Instagram is not quite what fans might expect from an actor who has largely stayed away from the public-facing side of social media. He revealed that he does have a private account, giving him a way to browse the platform without turning his own life into content.

The actor also acknowledged that he can get pulled into the same endless scrolling that affects millions of other users. “I’m as addicted as anybody,” Garfield admitted, before revealing that his own screen-time reports are difficult to look at.

For Garfield, the problem goes beyond simply spending too much time on his phone. “My screen time notifications are horrific to me. It’s like, I’ve given all of those hours to nothing,” he said. He also described the design behind those habits as “pretty dark when you look at it.”

Despite his concerns about Instagram, Garfield has found some particularly niche corners of the platform. His browsing can lead him into “weird ceramics” and “lots of Japanese kind of craftspeople.”

The confession comes as Garfield promotes “The Magic Faraway Tree,” the fantasy adventure directed by Ben Gregor. The film stars Garfield alongside Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders and Rebecca Ferguson, and follows a family whose move to the countryside leads their children to a magical world hidden beyond the titular tree.

Anthony Michael Hall Explains Why He Turned Down John Hughes

Hall was already concerned about being typecast when Hughes approached him about “Pretty in Pink.” After starring in “Sixteen Candles,” the actor felt the new project was too close to territory he had already explored. “It kind of felt like a redo in a way,” Hall recalled.

The decision to reject “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” carried greater consequences because Hughes had written the title role with Hall in mind before Matthew Broderick ultimately took over. Hall said he was focused on expanding his career rather than remaining attached to the same kind of teenage character.

“Unfortunately, you know, what happened was he wanted me to do both films at the time, and I just felt it was important that I kind of move forward, you know?” Hall said. He acknowledged that Hughes was hurt by the decision, something he did not fully anticipate when he made it.

According to Hall, the fallout created a “rupture” between them that lasted for years. He also described Hughes as a sensitive person who took the rejection personally. “I think that that, um, hurt his feelings in a way that I didn’t anticipate,” Hall said.

Despite the distance that followed, Hall remains appreciative of the filmmaker’s role in his early success. He also has no hard feelings toward the stars who ultimately appeared in the movies he declined, emphasizing that he still sees those films as successful projects. “But, listen…we’ve lived long enough to know you have to wish everyone success in life, and you can’t harbor resentment,” he said.

Looking back, Hall maintains that his decision came from a desire to develop professionally rather than dismiss Hughes or the opportunities he had given him. “I was really just trying to move forward professionally. But at the same time, with full acknowledgement of what he’d given me, you know?” he said.

‘Sicario 3’ Finally Has a Clearer Path Forward

“Sicario 3” has spent years caught in development. The third movie, reportedly titled “Sicario: Capos,” was announced before “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” reached theaters, but the project remained in development for years. Producer Molly Smith said in 2021 that the picture was still being worked on, while later reports pointed to continued progress on the script.

Brolin’s involvement also connects the potential sequel directly to the two entries that came before it. He plays Matt Graver, the CIA officer who works alongside Benicio del Toro‘s Alejandro Gillick in the franchise. Brolin appeared in both “Sicario” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” with the latter continuing Graver and Alejandro’s covert operations against Mexican cartels.

The first “Sicario,” released in 2015, established the series as a dark crime thriller centered on the U.S.-Mexico border, with Taylor Sheridan writing the screenplay and Denis Villeneuve directing. The film starred Emily Blunt, del Toro and Brolin, earning three Academy Award nominations and strong reviews for its performances, direction, cinematography and score.

“Sicario: Day of the Soldado”, released in 2018, shifted the focus toward Graver and Alejandro while retaining the morally murky world created by Sheridan. The sequel was also commercially successful, earning $75.8 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $35 million.

‘National Treasure 3’ Has Been a Long Time Coming

A third installment has spent years trapped in development. The franchise began with the 2004 film, which introduced Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter obsessed with solving clues hidden throughout American history. The sequel followed in 2007, expanding the story with another international hunt and returning characters including Riley Poole and Abigail Chase.

Since then, the idea of a third movie has repeatedly surfaced without reaching the screen. A sequel was officially put into development in 2008, and multiple scripts were written or revised over the years. Even when the project appeared to be making progress, Disney’s approval remained a hurdle. By 2020, “National Treasure 3” was officially back in development, with Chris Bremner hired to write a new script. Even then, the picture remained far from becoming a reality.

That makes Turteltaub’s latest comments different from the usual update attached to this project. Speaking to fans at the podcast event, the director simply declared, “it’s happening.” He also revealed that the audience in Philadelphia was the first group he had told about the development publicly, adding, “you deserve to have the scoop.”

The biggest question has always been whether the original cast could be part of the comeback. Turteltaub said Disney has a script the studio likes and indicated that, “to whatever extent we can, everyone’s back,” including Cage. It remains to be seen whether the A-lister will ultimately confirm his return.

‘Sterling Point’ Finds an Audience on Prime Video

Created by Megan Park, “Sterling Point” follows 17-year-old Annie Jacobson, played by Ella Rubin, whose life changes after she learns that she and her twin brother Connor, portrayed by Keen Ruffalo, have inherited their grandfather’s remote island in Muskoka, Canada. The unexpected inheritance sends Annie into an unfamiliar environment where she begins uncovering secrets connected to her family.

The series combines its coming-of-age story with romance, friendship and a family mystery. Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie plays Ellis Anderson, a local boat-builder who becomes close to Annie, while Amélie Hoeferle, Daniel Quinn-Toye and Bo Bragason round out the central young cast. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jay Duplass also appear in the hit alongside Missi Pyle and other recurring performers.

Its early reception has also helped establish the show’s profile. “Sterling Point” currently holds a 90% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 41 reviews, while Metacritic has awarded the production a score of 76 out of 100 from 17 critics. Reviews have highlighted the performances and its deliberate pacing, with comparisons to teen dramas from the 1990s and early 2000s.

The series has also drawn attention for combining familiar young adult elements with a broader story about grief, identity and complicated family relationships. Rather than relying exclusively on romantic storylines, “Sterling Point” uses Annie’s arrival in Muskoka to explore unresolved questions surrounding her family and her mother’s past.

Jonathan Tropper Says ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Will Be Different

Tropper said the goal from the beginning was to avoid making a story that depended heavily on established franchise lore. “What we wanted to do was to tell a story that was free of (Star Wars) mythology,” the writer said.

He also pointed to the film’s place in the chronology as an important part of that approach. “We were out ahead in the timeline,” Tropper added, allowing the filmmakers to move beyond the events that have dominated the saga so far.

That decision also opened the door to audiences who might not have followed every chapter of the franchise. According to Tropper, the team wanted “something with as few barriers of entry as possible for new fans and viewers.” He described the goal in straightforward terms: “It’s a simpler movie.”

Tropper was even more direct when describing what the picture will not be. “This isn’t a Skywalker saga movie,” he said. The writer continued by listing several of the franchise’s defining factions: “we’re not dealing with the history of the Rebellion, the First Order, the Resistance or the Empire.” Instead, “we’re kind of beyond all that.”

Directed by Shawn Levy, “Star Wars: Starfighter” stars Gosling as Kade Auberon, with Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings and Amy Adams also appearing.

Wladimir Klitschko Remembers Hayden Panettiere on Her Birthday

Klitschko began his message by acknowledging the painful timing. “Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.”

The former heavyweight boxing champion then thanked the people who had reached out following Panettiere’s death. “I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support,” he wrote. “At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.”

Panettiere and Klitschko began dating in 2009 and eventually became engaged in 2013. They welcomed their daughter in 2014 and remained connected after ending their romantic relationship. In his message, Klitschko asked those mourning Panettiere to turn their attention toward the people around them. “If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind.”

He closed the tribute with a short message that summed up the way he wanted Panettiere to be remembered. “Love is a superpower. Use it.” He then addressed the actress directly: “Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”

Panettiere died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36, five days before her 37th birthday. She was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there were no initial signs of foul play, while an autopsy found no signs of trauma.

The actress began working as a child and went on to become best known for roles including Claire Bennet on “Heroes,” Kirby Reed in the “Scream” franchise and Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” She also voiced characters in the “Kingdom Hearts” games and appeared in projects including “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess” and “Until Dawn.”

‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Connects the Infinity Saga to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

“Avengers: Endgame Encore” is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 25, three months before “Avengers: Doomsday.” The re-release is intended to revisit the conclusion of the Infinity Saga while adding material that leads audiences toward Marvel’s next “Avengers” story. The new presentation will include a pre-recorded introduction from directors Anthony and Joe Russo.

“Avengers: Doomsday” is positioned as a continuation of the story left behind by “Endgame.” The upcoming film is scheduled for December 18, and brings together characters from different corners of the MCU as well as heroes from other Marvel universes.

Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU in “Doomsday,” but not as Tony Stark. He is playing Victor von Doom, the picture’s central villain, while the Russo brothers are back in the director’s chairs. The connection to “Endgame” also extends to Chris Evans. Steve Rogers finished the 2019 title by traveling back to the 1940s to live with Peggy Carter, but he is also coming back.

The upcoming crossover will unite several groups of heroes against Doctor Doom, including the Avengers, Wakandans, New Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men from different universes. Marvel has also assembled a particularly large ensemble around Downey’s villain, with the film bringing back characters played by Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, Patrick Stewart and several others.

Jacob Elordi Keeps His James Bond Cards Close to His Chest

Elordi’s appearance at “The Dog Stars” premiere came at an important moment for the Bond franchise. Amazon MGM Studios is developing the next installment with Denis Villeneuve directing, Steven Knight writing the screenplay, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman overseeing the new era of 007.

The casting process is already generating plenty of speculation, with Jack Lowden and Callum Turner among the names frequently mentioned as leading contenders. Elordi has also remained part of the wider conversation despite being Australian, with reports previously indicating that he had met with the creative team.

That made the question at the London premiere particularly difficult to avoid. When Variety asked whether he had been involved in the auditions, Elordi offered a deliberately brief response: “I’m here on holiday.”

The answer did not confirm or deny anything about his potential involvement. It also allowed Elordi to redirect the conversation toward his actual reason for being in London, the premiere of “The Dog Stars,” where he stars alongside Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce.

The Ridley Scott picture follows Hig, a former civilian pilot living in a world devastated by a flu pandemic that has nearly wiped out humanity. Elordi leads the cast as the character, who lives with his dog while trying to survive alongside Brolin’s hardened former Marine. “The Dog Stars” is scheduled to arrive in U.S. theaters on August 28.

While Elordi avoided giving the Bond casting process any new information, his presence in the conversation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Amazon MGM is reportedly moving through auditions as it searches for a younger actor capable of carrying the franchise across multiple films, with an official announcement expected before the end of 2026.

Why Patrick Swayze Turned Down the ‘Dirty Dancing’ Sequel

“Dirty Dancing” had become far more successful than its modest production suggested. The film followed Frances “Baby” Houseman as she fell for Johnny, a dance instructor at a Catskills resort, while navigating the class divisions and social expectations surrounding her. It went on to earn $214 million worldwide and became a major cultural phenomenon.

For Swayze, however, the success did not automatically make another movie necessary. In a 2002 appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, he discussed the possibility of a follow-up and explained that he did not want Hollywood to turn the original’s success into a formula. Smooth Radio reports that Swayze recalled having been offered as much as $10 million for a sequel, although IMDb’s trivia entry lists the offer at $6 million.

His reluctance was also tied to the way he viewed the original picture. Swayze felt that “Dirty Dancing” worked because its story and emotional elements came together organically, rather than because it was designed to become a continuing franchise. He was concerned that repeatedly returning to the same characters could diminish what made the first film distinctive.

Lisa Niemi, Swayze’s widow, later offered a similar explanation for his position. She said that he believed the original ending was already right and that he was not interested in compromising his standards simply for the money. That perspective has remained part of the conversation around the franchise, particularly as Jennifer Grey prepares to return to the world of “Dirty Dancing” without Swayze.

The original picture has continued to grow in stature long after its theatrical run. Its soundtrack became a major commercial success, while the movie itself eventually earned a place in the National Film Registry in 2024 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Its legacy has also expanded through television, stage productions, “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” and a forthcoming sequel starring Grey.

Now, however, the duo has offered a more hopeful update on the possibility of returning to the series.

The Creators Already Have Season 4 Material

Cusack revealed that the pair had already begun developing material for a potential fourth season before deciding to walk away. The scripts are not necessarily finished episodes ready for production, but enough work exists that the creators could revisit it if they eventually decide to bring the series back.

“We had scripts ready for season four, even if it was draft-y,” Cusack explained. He added that, if he and Hadel eventually feel like making “Smiling Friends” again, they could return to that material and determine whether it is worth developing or whether they would rather start over.

When asked to put a number on the likelihood of more episodes, Hadel initially suggested that the chances were somewhere around 25% or 30%. His answer quickly became less definitive, however, as he acknowledged that his feelings about the possibility can change considerably.

“Some days, it’s 60. Some days, it’s 80. Some days, it’s 20,” Hadel said. “It really does change day to day. But it’s not zero.”

There is no confirmed Season 4 in production, but the possibility of a return remains open. For now, “Smiling Friends” has ended with its third part, while the creators have left themselves the option of revisiting the material they already developed if they eventually decide the time is right.

‘The Odyssey’ Continues Its Record-Breaking Run

Released in theaters on July 17, “The Odyssey” brings Homer’s ancient Greek epic to the big screen through Nolan’s large-scale interpretation. The story follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he attempts to make his way home to Ithaca following the Trojan War, encountering mythical creatures and supernatural forces along the way.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya as Athena, Lupita Nyong’o in dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, and Charlize Theron as Calypso. The cast also includes Samantha Morton, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Elliot Page and Benny Safdie.

Nolan approached the project as a grounded interpretation of Greek mythology, drawing from several translations of Homer’s poem as well as pictures such as “Andrei Rublev” and “Ran.” The production had an estimated $250 million budget and was filmed across several countries, including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland and Scotland.

With its latest box office milestone, “The Odyssey” has also become Nolan’s highest-grossing movie and the second-highest-grossing movie released in 2026 so far.

Jaafar Jackson Wants the Sequel to Explore Michael Jackson’s Point of View

Jaafar does not have control over how the sequel will ultimately handle Jackson’s later years, and the screenplay is still being developed. Still, he made clear that he would like the next picture to move beyond the way Jackson’s story has traditionally been presented through the accounts and interpretations of other people.

“I think the second film will give even more insight from his point of view, because at the end of the day, [the allegations] are always from someone else’s,” Jaafar told GQ.

The subject is significant because the first “Michael” does not cover the allegations that emerged later in Jackson’s life. The production originally included material dealing with that period, but those elements were ultimately removed after a legal settlement affecting what could be depicted. The finished title instead concludes with Jackson embarking on the Bad World Tour.

For Jaafar, the absence of Jackson’s perspective remains an important issue. “It’s someone else’s story. It’s someone else’s idea of what it is, and it’s mainly driven by an agenda,” he said.

Jaafar also emphasized why he believes that perspective matters as the story moves forward. “And that’s really the issue we’ve been having as a family – not having Michael’s voice being heard. I think that’s very, very important, especially in the late years.” The project is expected to arrive in late 2027 or early 2028.

What to Know About ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 4

Created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, “Yellowjackets” follows a high school girls’ soccer team whose flight crashes in the wilderness in 1996. The survivors spend 19 months stranded, while the title also tracks their lives 25 years later and the lasting effects of what happened during their time in the wilderness.

The show’s structure has been central to its story from the beginning. By moving between the teenagers’ struggle to survive and the adult survivors’ lives decades later, the hit has explored how the events of the crash continue to shape the characters. The series has also used its mystery-driven narrative to gradually reveal what happened during those missing months.

The program debuted in November 2021 before returning for a second season in March 2023. Its third season arrived in February 2025, following production delays connected to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. The fourth season is now set to bring the story to its planned conclusion.

“Yellowjackets” has also established itself as one of Showtime’s notable recent successes. The series has earned 10 Primetime Emmy nominations, along with recognition from the Writers Guild of America, Television Critics Association, Peabody Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards. Its third season also recorded the hit’s highest viewership to date.

The final season has been in production since March. Its arrival on Nov. 20 will therefore begin the show’s last stretch after three seasons centered on survival, trauma and the complicated bond between the younger and older versions of its characters.

Why Did Niu Lai Become a Viral Phenomenon?

The story behind “Niu Lai” starts with a movie that seemed destined to disappear. It opened in China on August 5, with almost no conventional promotion. There was no trailer campaign or major publicity tour, and the film’s main advertisement was an ink-wash-style poster. Some theaters reportedly did not even receive proper promotional artwork and had to create their own. The lack of visibility was reflected at the box office, where the production earned only ¥7,169 from 236 viewers during its first nine days.

Then viewers began posting about the picture online, particularly its unconventional animation and character designs. The visuals became the subject of widespread mockery on Chinese social media, but the jokes generated something far more valuable than negative attention: curiosity. As more people encountered screenshots and clips, “Niu Lai” became a flick that audiences wanted to see for themselves. What had initially been a theatrical failure suddenly had an audience.

The change was dramatic. After the social media attention intensified, “Niu Lai” recorded more than ¥100,000 in presales, including ¥46,000 on August 15. Its daily screenings jumped from just 21 on August 14 to 359 the following day. The film eventually reached ¥31.54 million at the box office, placing it among the ten highest-grossing animated titles in China in 2026. The movie’s distributor had originally reduced its theatrical presence to just four theaters, making the subsequent turnaround even more striking.

There is a real plot underneath the viral conversation. “Niu Lai” follows a timid young calf who lives under the protection of his mother and herd. After following a skylark, he enters an extended dream where he encounters a mysterious serpent and learns that the world cannot always keep him safe.

The movie’s unusual production history has also helped fuel interest. Xin Yumeng and Sun Lifang, a son-and-mother team, were the picture’s director, writer, soundtrack creators and only voice performers. Xin was making his first film, while Sun taught herself screenwriting.

Their production company had originally been an interior design and decoration business before becoming a media company, and the pair worked on the project for more than five years. Because professional equipment was too expensive, they used second-hand hardware purchased online.

“Niu Lai” is now scheduled to reach Singapore on September 1, extending the story of a movie that began with almost no attention and unexpectedly became one of China’s most talked-about animated films of the year.

Lisa Kudrow Recalls the Comments That Shaped Her Early Career

Before “Friends” made her internationally famous, Kudrow was building her comedy career through improv and television roles. She had already worked with “The Groundlings” and appeared as Ursula Buffay on “Mad About You,” a character that eventually helped connect her to the world of “Friends.”

The performer remembers that the sitcom landscape had a fairly specific idea of what its female stars were supposed to look like. “I didn’t look like women who were getting cast as series regulars on sitcoms,” she recalled, describing an environment where actresses were expected to be conventionally attractive and appealing.

The feedback she received could be considerably more direct. “I was told, ‘It’s very hard because you’re not gorgeous, and they want gorgeous,’” Kudrow recalled. Rather than describing the comment as something she could not understand, she responded to it with a matter-of-fact attitude: “And I’m like, ‘Okay’… I don’t think that’s ridiculous. I got it.”

Her experience eventually led to one of television’s most enduring comedy performances. The A-lister joined “Friends” as Phoebe Buffay, the eccentric musician and masseuse whose unusual worldview became one of the show’s defining sources of humor. She appeared in all 236 episodes and won a Primetime Emmy Award for the role.

Kudrow also made clear that she never viewed being “cute” as the goal she was chasing. “I’m not ‘cute.’ And God, I didn’t want to be cute.” For an actress who would go on to spend a decade playing one of the most beloved sitcom characters of her generation, that distinction became an especially memorable part of her story.

‘Scary Movie 6’ Brings the Franchise Back to Streaming

Directed by Michael Tiddes, the title reunites Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans with Anna Faris and Regina Hall. The four actors return to roles they first played in the earlier installments, with the new story bringing their characters back together as another masked killer emerges.

The movie premiered in Los Angeles on June 3 before opening nationwide on June 5. Its theatrical run also proved commercially successful, with the picture earning $231.4 million worldwide against a reported $30 million production budget. That performance makes it the second-highest-grossing entry in the franchise.

The sixth part also represents a significant return for the Wayans family. Marlon, Shawn and Keenen Ivory Wayans were involved with the first two films before leaving the franchise, and they now come back as writers and producers.

The new installment continues the franchise’s tradition of spoofing recognizable horror movies and contemporary pop culture. Its story centers on Cindy Campbell and her returning friends as they confront the same masked killer associated with the original hit, while a new generation of characters becomes caught up in the chaos.

Matthew Perry Chose to Leave the Emmy Race After a Submission Error

By 2000, “Friends” was already an established television phenomenon. The series had premiered in 1994 and centered on Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross, with the six actors sharing the spotlight throughout its run. The ensemble structure was important enough that the cast made efforts to prevent any one performer from becoming the show’s sole focus.

According to IMDb trivia, that philosophy extended to awards season. Rather than separately positioning themselves as lead performers, the cast members entered themselves in the same acting categories. The arrangement reflected the hit’s central idea that its six characters worked collectively, rather than having a single star carry the title.

In 2000, however, Perry’s name was mistakenly submitted for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The error put him in a category that did not match the approach the “Friends” cast had established for awards consideration. Once Perry learned what had happened, he asked his publicist to contact the Television Academy and withdraw his name.

There was a complication. By that point, Emmy ballots had already been sent out, meaning the Academy could not simply move Perry’s submission into the supporting category. So, the actor chose to remain out of the competition altogether that year. The decision meant that Perry gave up the opportunity to compete individually rather than break with the arrangement he shared with his co-stars.

Bruce Lee’s Accident With Jackie Chan Became a Treasured Memory

At the time, Chan was still an uncredited performer and stuntman, appearing among the henchmen who fight Lee’s character in the film. The production also featured other future martial arts stars in uncredited roles, including Sammo Hung and Yuen Wah.

The accident happened while the fight choreography was being filmed. Lee swung a prop stick and unintentionally caught Chan in the face. Chan later acknowledged that he had failed to position himself exactly where the choreography required, meaning the mishap was not something the A-lister had intended to cause.

Lee’s reaction reportedly made the incident especially memorable. He immediately stopped, dropped the weapon and went over to check on Chan, apologizing repeatedly after realizing that he had hurt the young performer.

Chan later recalled that he deliberately played up his pain after the accident. Rather than rushing to reassure Lee that he was fine, he continued acting as though he was badly hurt because he wanted the martial arts legend to keep paying attention to him.

The encounter reportedly left such a strong impression on Chan that he remembered it as one of the most meaningful moments of his career. Lee also told him that he could work on his future films, although he died in July 1973, before that promise could become a reality. “Enter the Dragon” was released shortly afterward and became the martial artist’s final completed picture.

Chan would eventually become one of the world’s biggest action stars, while “Enter the Dragon” became a landmark of martial arts cinema. The film was made on an $850,000 budget and ultimately earned more than $400 million worldwide, while its influence extended far beyond cinema.

Matthew Perry Turned an Old Criticism Into a Full-Circle Moment

During his high school years, Perry reportedly had a reputation for being the kind of student who could not resist making jokes. One of his teachers, identified in accounts as Dr. Webb or Mr. Webb, eventually took issue with his behavior and warned him about where that attitude could lead.

Perry was reportedly told that he would never amount to anything if he continued treating everything as a joke. At the time, there was no way to know how far the young actor’s career would eventually take him, but the comment remained with him long after his school years were over.

Perry went on to build a trajectory that changed dramatically after he was cast as Chandler Bing on “Friends.” The character became known for his sarcastic humor and quick wit, qualities that became central to Perry’s performance throughout the series. Chandler was also written as one of the group’s more humorous characters, while remaining a source of reason for his friends.

By the time Perry reached the height of his “Friends” fame, he had a very different kind of evidence that his career had worked out. His first cover of People magazine gave him an opportunity to revisit that old prediction, and according to the widely circulated anecdote, he mailed a copy of the issue to Dr. Webb.

Perry had taken the joking personality that had once drawn criticism from a teacher and turned it into a defining part of his professional identity. His work on “Friends” ultimately became part of a television phenomenon that remained one of the most successful sitcoms of its era. All 10 seasons ranked among the top 10 television seasons in their respective years, while the 2004 finale attracted around 52.5 million U.S. viewers.

According to reports about his life after Queen, Deacon remains retired and lives privately in Putney, southwest London, where he has long maintained a home with his family. While he has largely removed himself from the public-facing side of Queen, he has not severed every connection with the band and continues to be consulted on its financial affairs.

John Deacon Has Remained Out of the Spotlight for Nearly 30 Years

Deacon’s withdrawal from music followed Freddie Mercury’s death in November 1991. He subsequently made only a handful of appearances with his Queen bandmates, including the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992. His final live performance with them came in Paris in January 1997, when Queen performed “The Show Must Go On” with Elton John on vocals.

Later that year, Deacon reunited with May and Taylor in the studio to record “No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young),” Queen’s tribute to Mercury and others who had died young. It became Deacon’s final recording with the group. He retired from the music industry in 1997 and has not joined the touring incarnations of Queen that followed, including the band’s collaborations with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert.

His absence has extended beyond the stage. Deacon did not attend Queen’s 2001 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and rarely makes public appearances. May and Taylor have previously explained that their contact with him is limited, although Deacon remains involved when financial decisions concerning Queen require his approval. He also approved the making of the 2018 biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” in which Joseph Mazzello portrayed him.

Deacon has repeatedly declined opportunities to return to performing. In 2022, May told Rock FM Spain that the former bassist had continued to turn down requests to rejoin Queen, although he suggested that a private reunion in a low-stress setting was more conceivable than a return to public performance. There has been no indication that Deacon intends to reverse his retirement.

At 75, Deacon continues to live away from the celebrity circuit in London. His public profile may have largely disappeared, but his work remains central to Queen’s catalog. Beyond playing bass, he contributed guitar, keyboards and piano in the studio and wrote several of the group’s biggest songs, including the U.S. chart-topper “Another One Bites the Dust.” His retirement has now lasted longer than his time as a member of Queen.

The record is another sign of the picture’s extraordinary performance since arriving in theaters. “Brand New Day” premiered on July 27 and opened in the United States on July 31 as part of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The title has also become the highest-grossing Spider-Man movie and has surpassed $2 billion worldwide.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Continues Its Record-Breaking Box Office Run

The film follows Peter Parker after the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” with the world having forgotten his identity. Parker has spent the years since protecting New York City alone, focusing almost entirely on his responsibilities as Spider-Man. His isolation and relentless work begin to affect him as his powers evolve, while a new telepathic threat emerges.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, with Zendaya reprising her role as MJ and Jacob Batalon returning as Ned Leeds. The cast also includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. Sink’s Jean Grey serves as a central figure in the picture’s conflict, while Bernthal and Ruffalo bring established MCU characters into Parker’s latest story.

The story also represents a shift for Holland’s version of Spider-Man. After the multiverse-heavy events of “No Way Home,” the filmmakers developed a more grounded story centered on Parker’s life as an independent hero. The production notes describe the goal as presenting Holland’s Peter as a more traditional Spider-Man, operating on his own and dealing with street-level crime while confronting the consequences of his personal isolation.

According to Variety, Diesel said during the 25th anniversary screening of “The Fast and the Furious” that filming is expected to begin in December, provided he can meet a request from the studio.

Vin Diesel Says ‘Fast Forever’ Could Finally Start Filming in December

The next installment has taken an unusually long road to the screen. Development began as a sequel to “Fast X,” but the project went through multiple creative changes before becoming the standalone finale to the franchise. The production was initially expected to arrive much sooner, with earlier plans placing the film in 2025 before subsequent delays pushed it further into the future.

Now, Diesel has provided a more concrete production update. “We start shooting in December, if I can make good on the request from the studio,” the actor told Variety at the anniversary event.

The actor also addressed the amount of work that went into reaching the current version of the story. “I had to go through four sets of writers, four years of development, to get to something that I felt would be worthy of a finale,” Diesel said. The screenplay has continued to evolve throughout that period, with Michael Lesslie becoming the latest writer attached to the project in March 2026.

Diesel was even more candid about his reaction to the finished script during the anniversary screening. “When I read the script a couple of weeks ago, [I cried],” he told Variety. He later told the audience that he struggled to hold back his emotions while reading the screenplay, adding, “sometimes, even the toughest guys in the world need to cry.”

“Fast Forever” is currently scheduled for March 17, 2028, and is positioned as the eleventh and final picture in the main franchise. The series has grown far beyond its original street-racing premise since the first film arrived in 2001, evolving into an action franchise that has earned more than $7 billion worldwide.

Gotham City Is Getting a Christmas Makeover for ‘The Batman: Part II’

Preparations for filming have been particularly visible across Glasgow, where production crews have been recreating the look of Gotham. The Batmobile was spotted in the city on Monday, with footage showing the iconic vehicle being taken into an underground car park believed to be on St. Vincent Street.

The transformation continued on Tuesday, when photographs showed elements of the city being redesigned to fit the fictional metropolis. Bus timetables were reportedly changed to display Gotham City destinations, while New York-style awnings were added to buildings and Gotham Police vehicles appeared around the filming locations.

Among the most notable details were Christmas decorations being transported for the production. A large Christmas tree was reportedly among the items spotted, adding a new clue to the film’s seasonal setting. While the decorations alone do not establish exactly how prominently Christmas will feature in the story, they are consistent with the previously reported winter timeframe.

That setting would place the sequel in a very different phase of Bruce Wayne’s journey. Following the events of “The Batman,” Gotham is dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding, while Bruce is entering what Matt Reeves has described as a more difficult period for the character. The sequel is also expected to focus more heavily on Bruce Wayne as the mystery surrounding Gotham develops.

Production is taking place primarily at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, with location work in England and Scotland. “The Batman: Part II” is currently scheduled to reach theaters on February 18, 2028, after several delays.