Their long history, unusually close friendship, and deeply intertwined personal lives have fueled endless theories online, but Kaling is now addressing the rumors more directly than ever.

In a recent interview with Bustle, the actress opened up about why public fascination with Novak continues to follow them, even as she insists their relationship is not romantic.

Why Mindy Kaling Understands the Questions About B. J. Novak

Kaling acknowledged that from the outside, their connection can easily be misunderstood. Novak has remained a constant presence in her life since their days working together on “The Office,” and over time he became closely connected to her children as well. “He really is in our family, and I love talking about him because my kids adore him, and he’s such a huge part of our life. But I also know that it gives people a lot of ideas” she said,

The actress did not dismiss the speculation outright as absurd. Instead, she openly recognized why people continue trying to define a relationship that has never followed a conventional path. “If I was just watching it from the outside, I would have the same questions and the same reactions,” she stated.

Interest in the pair has only intensified over the years because Kaling has chosen not to publicly reveal the father of her children, while Novak remains heavily involved in their day to day family life. Internet theories have ranged from secret relationships to marriage rumors, particularly after repeated public appearances together and viral stories shared online. Novak is also the godfather to Kaling’s children, a detail that has kept speculation alive across social media platforms and celebrity gossip circles alike.

At the same time, Kaling made clear that romance is not currently driving her personal life. During the interview, she said she is no longer focused on actively searching for a partner. “I obviously have eyes and ears, and if there was someone that I had a crush on, of course I would react to that, but right now, there is not anyone out there,” she shared.

She also reflected on how different that mindset feels compared to the earlier stages of her career, when romantic pursuit shaped much of her work both on screen and in writing. “It is crazy for someone like me, who only wrote about the pursuit of romance for so much of my life, to be very happy and content without a partner,” Kaling said.

The project will bring Schwarzenegger back to the sword and sorcery world that helped define his early career, this time with an older and battle worn version of the legendary warrior.

A Return That Took Decades to Happen

The road back to Conan has been unusually long, even by Hollywood franchise standards. Plans for a third film date back to the late 1980s, when a movie titled “Conan the Conqueror” was being developed before collapsing amid scheduling conflicts and expiring contracts. Elements of that abandoned script eventually evolved into “Kull the Conqueror,” leaving Schwarzenegger’s Conan story unfinished for nearly four decades.

A second revival effort emerged in 2012 under the title “The Legend of Conan,” envisioned as a direct continuation of the 1982 original while ignoring both “Conan the Destroyer” and the 2011 reboot starring Jason Momoa. Multiple writers took passes at the screenplay before the project quietly dissolved in 2017. Now, with McQuarrie involved after directing “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” the character appears closer than ever to returning to the screen.

Schwarzenegger framed the sequel as something he had been pushing for over the last decade. “Next year, we are going to do King Conan,” he said while speaking with TheArnoldFans. “So that is a reality now, and I am excited about it.” The star added that he had long envisioned the project as a continuation that stayed faithful to the world created by Robert E. Howard and the iconic artwork of Frank Frazetta, while also expressing interest in having original “Conan the Barbarian” director John Milius return in a producing role.

The new film appears to be leaning heavily into the passage of time. Schwarzenegger described a version of Conan who has ruled for decades and is now facing the consequences of age, power, and exhaustion. “He’s the king, and he gets a little bit complacent. He’s tired of the job, and he wants to move on,” the actor said.

That approach could give “King Conan” a very different identity from the muscle driven fantasy spectacles of the 1980s. The original “Conan the Barbarian,” directed by Milius from a screenplay developed with Oliver Stone, became a cult phenomenon despite mixed reviews at release. Shot largely in Spain and built around practical effects, oversized sets, and brutal combat sequences, the picture eventually grossed tens of millions worldwide and transformed Schwarzenegger into one of Hollywood’s defining action stars.

Four decades later, the sequel now has the opportunity to revisit that mythology through a far older, more reflective version of the character who once conquered it all.

Jon Favreau’s latest entry has landed in mixed territory with a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 88 critics ahead of its theatrical release on May 22.

A Familiar Galaxy Returns to the Big Screen

Set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, the picture follows Din Djarin and Grogu as the New Republic recruits them for a mission involving Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White.

The project marks Lucasfilm’s first theatrical “Star Wars” feature since “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and continues the story launched in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” with Pedro Pascal returning as Din Djarin.

For some critics, the transition from streaming to theaters never fully escapes the feeling of expanded television. Writing for Variety, Owen Gleiberman described the title as “fun in a slightly flat way,” arguing that Disney is ultimately delivering “a couple of likable, diverting, semi forgettable episodes jammed together” despite the larger scale and blockbuster action.

That sense of creative hesitation also appeared in The Hollywood Reporter’s review. Frank Scheck questioned whether the picture works as “a worthy theatrical Star Wars movie” or simply “a condensed fourth season of the series,” concluding that it lands somewhere in between. While praising the upgraded visuals, IMAX presentation and Pascal’s performance, he noted that the story still feels “stubbornly small” for a franchise once defined by sweeping mythology and cinematic ambition.

Deadline’s Damon Wise took a broader view of the franchise’s current direction. Although he called the production “pretty entertaining when it’s at its simplest,” he also raised doubts about how long nostalgia alone can sustain audience enthusiasm. Wise suggested longtime fans may be growing restless with stories stuck between the original trilogy and the prequels, especially as younger viewers become less attached to legacy characters and familiar iconography.

Even with the divided reception, most reviews acknowledged that the film succeeds at delivering the elements audiences already associate with the series: fast moving action, recognizable mythology and Grogu’s undeniable appeal. For Lucasfilm, that may be enough to reestablish “Star Wars” as a theatrical event. Whether it represents a bold new era for the franchise, however, remains a much more contested question among critics.

The Film Will Focus on Billy Joel Before ‘Piano Man’

Rather than covering the height of Joel’s chart success, the picture is set to examine the formative years that shaped his career before the release of “Piano Man,” the 1973 song and album that transformed him into a major recording artist. The story will reportedly be told through the perspective of Irwin Mazur, the manager who first discovered Joel in the 1960s and later helped guide him toward his breakthrough deal with Columbia Records.

The project arrives shortly after HBO released the two part documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which explored the musician’s life, songwriting, and personal history through extensive interviews with family members, collaborators, and fellow artists. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the documentary traced Joel’s evolution from a working class upbringing on Long Island to becoming one of the best selling recording artists in music history.

Over the course of his career, Billy Joel has sold more than 160 million records worldwide and produced a catalog that includes songs such as “Uptown Girl,” “Vienna,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Just the Way You Are.” Nicknamed the “Piano Man” after his signature 1973 hit, Joel became one of the most commercially successful solo artists of his era while maintaining a strong connection to New York throughout his work and live performances.

With filming scheduled to begin later this year, “Billy and Me” joins the growing wave of music centered feature films focused on the origins of iconic performers rather than their already established fame.

Director John Ottman is widely recognized in Hollywood for his unusual dual role as both editor and composer on major studio productions, particularly through his longtime collaboration with director Bryan Singer on films such as “The Usual Suspects,” “X2,” and “Superman Returns.” He also won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and his latest endeavor was serving as an underscore producer on “Michael.”

The untitled drama is expected to debut during midseason 2027 and will be executive produced by longtime star Ellen Pompeo alongside Rhimes and Marinis.

A Different Setting for the Grey’s Universe

Unlike previous entries in the franchise, the new series will not take place in Seattle or another major metropolitan area. Instead, the story is set at a rural medical center in West Texas, where doctors and staff serve as a critical lifeline for patients located hours away from larger hospitals.

The project also breaks from another established pattern within the franchise. Earlier spinoffs were built around familiar characters already introduced on the flagship show. “Private Practice” followed Kate Walsh’s Addison Montgomery after she left Seattle Grace Hospital for a private clinic in Los Angeles, while “Station 19” was led by Jason George’s Ben Warren after deciding to leave his surgical residency at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The new drama, however, is reportedly being developed around an original ensemble rather than a direct character transition.

Marinis described the project as an opportunity to expand the emotional core that has defined the franchise since 2005 while introducing a fresh setting and new faces. She also noted the personal significance of placing the story in Texas, her home state. Although the series will focus on a new group of doctors, early reports suggest there may still be links to the existing Grey’s universe through returning characters or institutional connections.

Since its debut, “Grey’s Anatomy” has remained one of ABC’s defining scripted dramas and one of the longest running medical shows in television history. Originally developed by Rhimes as a midseason replacement in 2005, it evolved into a global hit and launched multiple spinoffs, web series, and crossover events over the years. ABC renewed the main production for a 23rd season earlier this year.

The announcement arrives shortly after ABC revealed its 2026 and 2027 programming plans, making the new title one of the network’s highest profile upcoming projects. With a rural Texas setting and an entirely new central cast, the upcoming drama appears designed to broaden the scope of the Grey’s franchise while maintaining the emotional storytelling that helped turn the original series into a television institution.

Fox evolved from blockbuster breakout star to a defining figure of millennial pop culture through a combination of major studio success, internet era rediscovery, and increasingly candid commentary about fame and the entertainment industry.

From Blockbuster Sensation to Internet Era Icon

Fox’s rise happened almost overnight after her appearance as Mikaela Banes in “Transformers.” The massive success of the film turned her into an international celebrity at a time when Hollywood was still dominated by traditional movie stardom rather than influencer culture.

Her scenes in the film became some of the most replayed and discussed moments of late 2000s pop culture, while magazine covers, television appearances, and celebrity rankings quickly elevated her into one of the era’s defining young stars.

That visibility extended beyond film. Fox’s style became deeply associated with the aesthetics of the late 2000s, blending glamorous red carpet appearances with a rebellious image that stood apart from many of her contemporaries. Her dark hair, tattoos, and outspoken personality gave her a distinct public identity during a period when celebrity culture was heavily shaped by tabloids and paparazzi coverage. For many millennials, she became one of the most instantly recognizable celebrities of the decade.

Her cultural standing changed again with the reassessment of “Jennifer’s Body.” Although the film received a mixed reaction upon release, younger audiences later embraced it as a cult horror favorite and a sharp commentary on gender dynamics and exploitation. Fox’s performance gained renewed appreciation in the streaming era, helping introduce her work to Gen Z viewers who rediscovered both the movie and her earlier interviews online.

Those interviews also played a major role in reshaping public perception of the actress. During the height of her fame, Fox frequently spoke about the intense scrutiny and hypersexualization she experienced in Hollywood. Years later, changing conversations around the treatment of women in entertainment led many viewers to revisit those comments with a different perspective. What once generated controversy eventually became part of a broader cultural discussion about celebrity, media pressure, and the industry’s handling of young actresses.

Even as Hollywood trends shifted, Fox remained a constant presence in online culture. Viral clips, nostalgic movie revisits, fashion influence, and high profile relationships helped sustain interest in her career long after her initial blockbuster peak. By the time she reached 40, Fox had become more than a former franchise star. She had become a lasting symbol of millennial celebrity culture and one of the defining entertainment figures of her generation.

The series had struggled to adapt after the end of the Cold War, while the lengthy gap following 1989’s “Licence to Kill” left questions about whether Bond still had a place in modern pop culture. Brosnan’s arrival ultimately changed that narrative, helping restore the series as one of cinema’s defining franchises and cementing his place in Bond history.

How Pierce Brosnan Revitalized James Bond for a New Era

By the mid 1990s, Bond was no longer the untouchable cinematic institution it had once been. Action movies had become darker and faster, audiences were shifting toward new kinds of heroes, and the espionage world that inspired Ian Fleming’s stories had dramatically changed after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Brosnan’s version of Bond arrived at precisely the moment the franchise needed reinvention without abandoning its classic identity.

What distinguished Brosnan’s interpretation was the balance he brought to the role. He combined the polished confidence associated with Sean Connery’s original portrayal with the lighter charm audiences connected to Roger Moore. That mix allowed the series to embrace modern action filmmaking while still preserving the wit and sophistication long associated with 007.

The revival extended beyond Brosnan himself. Judi Dench joined the franchise as the first female M, introducing a more contemporary dynamic inside MI6. Her sharp exchanges with Bond became one of the defining elements of the era and reflected the franchise’s effort to modernize its perspective without fully reinventing the character.

Commercially, the gamble paid off immediately. “GoldenEye” became the most successful Bond film in years and reestablished the series as a major international box office force. The momentum continued with “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “The World Is Not Enough,” proving that Bond could still compete in a blockbuster landscape increasingly dominated by new action franchises.

Brosnan’s impact also expanded far beyond theaters. The Nintendo 64 game “GoldenEye 007” became a cultural phenomenon in its own right, helping redefine multiplayer first person shooters for an entire generation of players. Together, the films and the game turned Bond back into a dominant force across entertainment, ensuring the franchise entered the 21st century stronger than many expected possible only a few years earlier.

During NBC’s broadcast of Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, Jackson unveiled the moonwalk to nearly 50 million viewers, instantly turning the move into a worldwide phenomenon. Although the dance itself existed decades before Jackson adopted it, his performance of “Billie Jean” on May 16, 1983 remains the defining moment most audiences associate with the technique.

The Night the Moonwalk Became a Global Sensation

The performance had actually been filmed weeks earlier on March 25, 1983, inside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. Midway through “Billie Jean,” Jackson paused, spun, and appeared to glide backward across the stage while his upper body suggested forward motion. The live audience erupted immediately, but the full cultural impact arrived when the special aired nationally on television.

Jackson’s appearance became inseparable from the moment itself. Wearing black trousers cropped above sparkling white socks, a sequined jacket, fedora, and rhinestone glove, he presented a carefully constructed image that quickly became part of pop iconography. The moonwalk soon evolved into the signature centerpiece of his live performances and world tours throughout the 1980s and beyond.

Despite its close association with Jackson, the move had a much longer history rooted in Black performance traditions and street dance culture. Variations of the backslide appeared in entertainment decades earlier through performers including Cab Calloway, Charlie Chaplin, Dick Van Dyke, and mime artist Marcel Marceau. By the 1970s and early 1980s, dancers on Soul Train and performers such as Jeffrey Daniel were already incorporating similar movements into popping and locking routines.

Jackson openly acknowledged learning the move from other dancers. Reports over the years connected him to performers including Bobby Brown and dancer Geron “Caszper” Canidate, who reportedly worked privately with the singer before the Motown special. What separated Jackson from earlier performers was not invention, but scale. His televised rendition introduced the move to a global mainstream audience and fused it with the growing power of the music video era.

The influence of that performance spread quickly across film, television, sports, and dance culture throughout the 1980s and beyond. References and variations of the moonwalk appeared in movies, wrestling entrances, hip hop performances, and even professional sports celebrations. Yet four decades later, the image most people still remember is Jackson standing center stage during “Billie Jean,” pausing for a split second before sliding backward into entertainment history.

Trejo’s path into entertainment began almost accidentally in the 1980s, eventually leading to a filmography that now stretches across hundreds of projects and several generations of audiences.

From Real Life Hardship to Hollywood Mainstay

Long before he became associated with machetes, tattoos, and intimidating stares, Trejo’s early life was marked by incarceration and substance abuse. During his years in prison, he became known for his boxing skills and later worked toward sobriety after his release. That experience unexpectedly opened a door into the film industry when he was hired to help train actors for a boxing scene on the set of the 1985 picture “Runaway Train.”

Trejo quickly stood out on screen because he did not resemble the polished action stars dominating Hollywood at the time. Directors often cast him as criminals, enforcers, and hardened survivors, roles shaped by his deeply weathered appearance and natural intensity. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, he appeared in titles such as “Heat,” “Desperado,” “Con Air,” and “From Dusk Till Dawn,” steadily becoming one of the industry’s most recognizable character actors.

His collaboration with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez proved especially important. Rodriguez frequently cast Trejo in memorable supporting roles before eventually giving him center stage in “Machete,” the action picture that transformed the actor into an unlikely leading man. The character became closely tied to Trejo’s public image and cemented his place in modern cult cinema.

Outside film, Trejo expanded his profile through television appearances, voice acting, documentaries, and business ventures. He also became widely known for discussing addiction recovery and prison reform in interviews, often speaking openly about how sobriety changed the direction of his life. That candor helped distinguish him from many action stars whose public personas rarely extend beyond the screen.

More than four decades after his acting career began, Trejo remains a constant presence in entertainment. His longevity is unusual not only because of the sheer number of productions he has appeared in, but because his story continues to resonate far beyond Hollywood.

While she emerged from one of music’s most famous families, Jackson spent much of her career carving out an identity that stood apart from the shadow of the Jackson dynasty, becoming a defining force in her own right.

A Blueprint for the Modern Pop Star

Long before pop artists routinely blended music, fashion, cinematic visuals, and social commentary into one carefully constructed brand, Janet Jackson had already mastered the formula. Albums such as Control and Rhythm Nation 1814 established a model that many future stars would follow, pairing chart success with highly stylized visual identities and tightly choreographed performances.

Jackson’s breakthrough in the mid 1980s also marked a turning point in how female artists could present themselves creatively. Rather than remaining tied to the wholesome image associated with her early television work, she took control of her sound and public persona with music that emphasized independence, ambition, and self determination. That shift became central to her appeal and helped redefine what mainstream pop music could look and sound like for women in the industry.

Her influence extended far beyond radio hits. Jackson’s music videos became cultural events, helping elevate choreography into a central element of pop performance during the MTV era. Precision dance routines, military inspired visuals, and socially conscious themes gave her work a scale and ambition that rivaled major film productions. Many of the visual techniques and performance styles later adopted by artists across pop and R&B trace back to the template Jackson helped popularize.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Jackson continued evolving musically while maintaining commercial success. Records such as janet. and The Velvet Rope explored sexuality, mental health, relationships, and identity with a level of openness that stood out in mainstream pop at the time.

Even decades into her career, Jackson’s legacy remains deeply embedded in contemporary pop culture. Generations of performers have cited her influence on stagecraft, music video production, choreography, and artistic reinvention. As she turns 60, her career continues to stand as a blueprint for the modern multimedia superstar.

According to Deadline, Lionsgate has chosen Sam Raimi to direct a new adaptation of “Magic,” the psychological horror story originally written by William Goldman and adapted into the 1978 film.

Raimi had already been attached as a producer on the project before stepping into the director’s chair, marking another return to horror territory for the filmmaker behind “The Evil Dead.”

A New Version of a Disturbing Psychological Horror Story

The original “Magic,” directed by Richard Attenborough, centered on struggling magician Corky Withers, a ventriloquist whose career changes after introducing a foul mouthed dummy named Fats into his act. As his success grows, Corky’s mental state deteriorates, blurring the line between psychological collapse and supernatural influence. Hopkins played the role years before “The Silence of the Lambs” turned him into one of cinema’s defining faces of psychological terror.

The 1978 film developed a strong cult following over the decades thanks to its restrained atmosphere and Hopkins’ increasingly unstable performance. The story mixed romance, guilt, violence, and fractured identity rather than relying on conventional horror spectacle. Ann-Margret and Burgess Meredith rounded out the cast, while Jerry Goldsmith composed the score.

The road to the original production was unusually complicated. Before Attenborough took over, filmmakers including Norman Jewison and Steven Spielberg were connected to the material at different stages. Spielberg reportedly considered casting Robert De Niro in the lead role before the project ultimately moved in another direction. Goldman later described the picture as a commercial success even if it never became a major blockbuster.

For Raimi, “Magic” continues a recent stretch of darker projects. His latest feature, “Send Help,” saw him direct a survival horror thriller starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. The film performed solidly at the box office earlier this year and received positive reviews, reinforcing Raimi’s continued pull within the horror genre.

Lionsgate has not yet announced casting details or a release window for the new “Magic,” but Raimi’s involvement immediately positions the project as one of the more closely watched horror developments currently in the studio system.

The picture, written and directed by Curry Barker, opens in theaters today through Focus Features after first premiering in the Midnight Madness section at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.

A Horror Film Built Around Romance and Obsession

At the center of “Obsession” is Bear, played by Michael Johnston, a music store employee whose feelings for childhood friend Nikki spiral into something far darker after he uses a supernatural object called the “One Wish Willow.” The wish appears simple at first. He wants Nikki, portrayed by Inde Navarrette, to love him more than anyone else. The consequences quickly become violent.

The film blends supernatural horror with psychological tension, gradually transforming a romantic fantasy into a nightmare fueled by dependency, manipulation, and physical decay. Barker reportedly drew inspiration from the famous “The Simpsons” episode involving a monkey’s paw style wish, then expanded the concept into a feature centered on emotional fixation and escalating terror.

Much of the attention surrounding the picture has focused on Navarrette’s performance, which critics singled out repeatedly following the movie’s festival debut. Her portrayal shifts between vulnerability, instability, menace, and heartbreak as Nikki becomes consumed by the wish’s effects. Johnston’s performance as Bear anchors the story from the opposite direction, portraying a character whose desperation ultimately destroys everyone around him.

The supporting cast includes Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. Behind the scenes, Barker also handled editing duties while collaborating with cinematographer Taylor Clemons to create the film’s deliberately uncomfortable visual framing. Production designer Vivian Gray remodeled a home in Burbank, California, to serve as the primary setting for Bear’s increasingly claustrophobic world.

The movie’s path to release accelerated after its Toronto premiere, where distributor interest reportedly intensified almost immediately. Focus Features eventually secured worldwide rights in a deal said to exceed $15 million, with Universal Pictures handling international distribution in several territories.

By the time the title reached theaters, “Obsession” had already developed strong word of mouth among horror fans, a reaction now reflected in its unusually matched Rotten Tomatoes scores from critics and audiences alike.

The comments arrive as Lucasfilm prepares to bring the TV phenomenon to theaters with “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

Pedro Pascal Sees a Long Future for Din Djarin

Pascal’s connection to the masked bounty hunter has only deepened since the character first appeared on Disney+ in 2019. Reflecting on the possibility of continuing the role indefinitely, the actor said, “Whatever my body can do and however long people want to experience these characters is how long I want it to last.”

The timing of the statement is significant as Lucasfilm shifts the franchise back to theaters after years focused largely on streaming. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” expands the story beyond the series and marks the first “Star Wars” theatrical release since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” Directed by Jon Favreau, the film continues Din Djarin and Grogu’s partnership while placing them in a larger New Republic conflict following the fall of the Empire.

Pascal reprises his role alongside new faces including the iconic Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, who voices Rotta the Hutt. The project also brings back several familiar faces and creatures from the wider “Star Wars” universe, as Lucasfilm leans heavily on the popularity of the Mandalorian era to launch its next wave of pictures.

Behind the scenes, the movie represents a major strategic shift for the studio. A fourth season of “The Mandalorian” had reportedly been written before Lucasfilm decided to prioritize a feature film instead. Favreau later explained that the transition required reshaping the story into something that could stand on its own for theatrical audiences, including viewers who may never have followed the series.

Even with the move to the big screen, Pascal’s latest comments suggest he still views Din Djarin as an ongoing role rather than a short term return. For Lucasfilm, that kind of commitment matters. The Mandalorian remains one of the few recent “Star Wars” characters to achieve instant cross generational popularity, turning Grogu and the helmeted bounty hunter into the franchise’s most recognizable duo of the streaming era.

According to Page Six, FAME Studios president Rodney Hall confirmed the news to Rolling Stone after speaking with the family of singer Candi Staton, Carter’s former wife.

Reports indicated that Carter had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and had also been dealing with pneumonia and sepsis in the period leading up to his death.

A Career That Spanned Multiple Eras of Soul Music

His story began in Montgomery, Alabama, where he was born on January 14, 1936, and was blind from birth. Carter pursued music through both education and performance long before national audiences knew his name. He studied at the Alabama School for the Blind and later earned a music degree from Alabama State University. His professional path began in partnership with Calvin Scott, but a turning point came after Scott suffered serious injuries in an automobile accident, leading Carter toward a solo career.

His rise accelerated after joining the Muscle Shoals music scene and later Atlantic Records, where a run of successful releases established him as one of soul music’s recognizable voices. Songs such as “Slip Away,” “Too Weak to Fight,” and “Snatching It Back” helped him gain momentum on both R&B and pop charts. Carter’s 1970 version of “Patches” became one of the defining records of his career and later earned a Grammy for Best R&B Song.

Even as musical trends shifted during the following decade, Carter remained active. The rise of disco slowed the commercial success many soul performers had enjoyed, but his career took another unexpected turn in the 1980s. “Strokin’,” a playful and provocative track that developed an audience through jukebox play rather than traditional radio exposure, eventually became one of his most recognizable recordings.

His music continued finding audiences long after its original release dates. “Back Door Santa” later gained renewed attention through sampling and holiday playlists, while “Strokin'” appeared in film and popular culture years after its debut. Carter also continued recording and touring throughout later decades, maintaining a presence that stretched far beyond the era that first made him a star.

Across more than half a century in music, Carter moved through changing sounds and audiences while remaining connected to the Southern soul roots that shaped his career. His catalog leaves behind a body of work that reached listeners through chart hits, live performances and songs that continued to circulate across generations.

While the company has not shared names or specific details about the auditions, it has brought in British casting director Nina Gold to help identify the performer who will inherit the role following Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise.

Who Is Nina Gold?

For audiences who may not recognize her name, Gold has spent decades shaping the faces behind many of modern entertainment’s most recognizable productions. Her work stretches across large scale television dramas and major studio films, making her one of the industry’s most established casting directors.

Gold’s television work includes landmark series such as “Game of Thrones,” “The Crown,” “Chernobyl” and “Rome.” More recently, she has also been involved with projects including “Baby Reindeer,” “Slow Horses” and “The Day of the Jackal.” Across those productions, her work has frequently centered on assembling large casts and balancing established names with emerging performers.

Her film résumé reaches across several genres and franchises. Gold has worked on productions including “Les Misérables,” “The Martian,” “The King’s Speech,” “1917” and multiple entries in the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” era of the “Star Wars” franchise. Her credits also extend to more recent titles such as “Conclave” and “Back to Black.”

Gold’s career began long before franchise filmmaking became a dominant force in Hollywood. She initially worked on music videos and commercials before moving into larger productions, eventually collaborating repeatedly with director Mike Leigh after helping cast his movie “Topsy-Turvy.” Over the years, she collected industry recognition including Emmy and Artios honors and recently earned an Academy Award nomination in the newly introduced casting category for “Hamnet.”

For Bond fans, Gold’s appointment does not reveal who the next 007 will be, but it offers a clearer picture of how the process is beginning. The search remains in its early stages, and Amazon MGM has indicated that more information will arrive when the studio is ready to share it. Until then, attention may shift from the actors being discussed to the person helping decide which face ultimately defines Bond’s next chapter.

According to Page Six, Vin Diesel became emotional during a special screening of the original “Fast and Furious” picture marking the series’ 25th anniversary, using the occasion to reflect on his enduring connection with late co star Paul Walker.

A Reunion That Became a Tribute

What began as a celebration of the title that launched one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises gradually shifted into something more intimate inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre. Standing alongside longtime co stars Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, with Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow also present, Diesel addressed the audience while revisiting memories attached to the film that started it all.

For Diesel, revisiting the first movie carries a different emotional weight after Walker’s death in 2013. Through tears, he shared one of the evening’s most personal remarks, saying, “I pray that in your life you have a brother like Paul.” Rather than speaking about a co worker or screen partner, Diesel returned to the language he has used for years when discussing Walker, referring to him as “Pablo,” a nickname closely tied to their friendship.

The actor also described how the original picture now plays differently for him than it does for audiences. “There’s so many moments in this movie that you see, that I see differently,” he told the crowd before recalling one memory in particular. “The scene that you see, I see the moment Pablo told me he had a 1-year-old daughter.”

That daugther became part of the emotional center of the evening. Diesel embraced his goddaughter on stage and spoke about her presence at Cannes, saying, “This is a film where brotherhood was introduced to our millennium, by myself and my brother Pablo. The person that was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood was Meadow Walker.”

The relationship between Walker and Diesel has long stretched beyond “Fast and Furious.” Over the years Diesel has continued honoring his friend in public and private ways, maintaining a close bond with Meadow and keeping Walker’s memory woven into his own family life. Before wrapping up his remarks in Cannes, Diesel shared a comment Meadow made earlier in the day that stayed with him. “She said, ‘I’m 27, and I’m watching this film that my father made at 27,’ and I thought, ‘How profound.'”

Reeves Locks In Gotham’s Returning Players

Reeves used X to confirm a group of cast members set to reprise their roles in “The Batman: Part 2,” beginning with Robert Pattinson’s return as Bruce Wayne and Batman.

Jeffrey Wright is back as Jim Gordon, whose partnership with Batman became one of the key dynamics in the first film, while Andy Serkis returns as Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s closest remaining connection to family.

Colin Farrell is set to return as Oz, better known as the Penguin. The character expanded beyond his original supporting role after becoming the focus of HBO’s “The Penguin,” the hit series that followed his rise in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy after the events of “The Batman.” The confirmed lineup also includes Jayme Lawson returning as Mayor Bella Reál and Gil Perez Abraham reprising his role as GCPD officer Martinez.

Released in 2022, “The Batman” introduced a younger and less experienced version of Bruce Wayne operating early in his vigilante career. Rather than focusing primarily on large scale spectacle, Reeves approached the character through a detective framework, placing Batman inside a murder investigation that gradually revealed links between Gotham’s elite, organized crime and his own family’s history.

The picture ultimately earned more than $772 million worldwide and launched what has become known as the “Batman Epic Crime Saga.”

The sequel is currently scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, with Reeves returning as director and co writer alongside Mattson Tomlin. Reeves has previously indicated that the story will spend more time with Bruce Wayne himself while continuing to examine Gotham’s fractures in the aftermath of the first film and the events that followed.

The Oscar nominated actor reflected on moments that stayed with him long after Boseman’s death in 2020, describing the late star as both a peer and a guiding presence.

Colman Domingo Remembers Chadwick Boseman’s Encouragement

Domingo traced one of his strongest memories of Boseman back to an Oscars weekend gathering around 2018, shortly after “Black Panther” became a cultural and box office phenomenon. Living in New York at the time, Domingo remembered finally receiving an invitation to one of Hollywood’s major pre Academy Awards events and unexpectedly arriving alongside Boseman.

The two actors had crossed paths before through theater circles and staged readings, but Domingo said their relationship had still been developing. Even so, Boseman made a point of publicly praising him in front of industry figures surrounding him that night. Recalling the interaction, Domingo said Boseman stopped his entourage and told them, “Y’all need to know this guy right here. This guy is the truth,” before adding, “Know Colman Domingo’s name. I know this man. Keep your eye on him.”

Their connection later continued onscreen in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which became Boseman’s final film performance. Domingo played Cutler opposite Boseman’s fiery trumpeter Levee in the adaptation of August Wilson’s play. Looking back on the beginning of production, Domingo remembered Boseman greeting him with excitement about sharing scenes together. “I can’t wait to dance with you,” Boseman told him on set. “Oh, we’re gonna dance.”

The Marvel star died in August 2020 at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a career that stretched from early theater work to acclaimed performances in films like “42,” “Get on Up, Marshall” and “Black Panther.”

Now, Domingo says he still feels Boseman’s influence around him, particularly as his own career reaches new heights. “I really feel like [Boseman]’s been lifting people like me and Michael B. Jordan up from the other side,” Domingo said. “I do believe I have a little, beautiful angel in my friend Chadwick.”

Jordan and Boseman famously shared a close friendship that extended far beyond their work together on “Black Panther,” where they played rivals T’Challa and Killmonger. Jordan often described Boseman as both a mentor and an older brother figure, praising the late actor’s leadership and the example he set on and off screen.

In the years since Boseman’s death, Jordan has continued to speak about his influence while building his own producing and directing career, most recently coming off the success of “Sinners” and expanding projects through his company Outlier Society.

James Franco Says Cannes Was Never a Comeback

Appearing at the Cannes Film Festival alongside longtime partner Izabel Pakzad, Franco spoke openly about returning to the studio system with an upcoming large scale feature already completed and expected to arrive sometime between late 2026 and 2027. While he declined to identify the project, he described it as his first true studio production since “The Disaster Artist.”

The actor strongly rejected the idea that his recent presence at Cannes represented a dramatic reemergence after years out of sight. “It’s not true I’ve been hiding out, I’ve been here the last three or four years running, selling things and they treat me well and I get to go and see great movies,” Franco said during the festival. In recent years, he has continued working on smaller productions and international titles while largely remaining outside mainstream Hollywood releases.

The project Franco brought to Cannes this year was “Foster,” an 1980s-set thriller directed by Timothy Woodward Jr. in which he stars and serves as producer. The film centers on a troubled veteran pulled into criminal activity after returning to the United States.

Franco’s career slowed considerably after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in 2018 involving former acting students and collaborators. In 2021, lawsuits connected to his now closed acting school were settled for more than $2 million, while Franco later acknowledged having sexual relationships with students.

Asked whether he believes he was treated unfairly during the fallout, Franco offered a restrained response. “What am I going to do? I just go forward and try to live a positive life,” he said, later adding, “I just try to be the best person I can be… I think I was put on this planet to make movies. I try to make movies the best I can and it’s kinda like all I can do.”

Beyoncé and Jay-Z

For years, rumors surrounded Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s marriage, but the conversation reached a turning point with the release of Lemonade in 2016. The album’s raw lyrics about betrayal sparked widespread speculation about Jay-Z’s infidelity, especially references to the now infamous “Becky with the good hair.” A year later, Jay-Z publicly acknowledged that he had cheated, opening up about his emotional struggles and the damage it caused their relationship.

Instead of separating, the couple chose to confront the situation head-on. They later revealed that their music became the healing process after one of Hollywood’s most talked-about scandals. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding their marriage, the pair remained together and continued building both their family and business empire.

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham

Back in 2004, David and Victoria Beckham found themselves at the center of relentless tabloid coverage after Rebecca Loos, who had worked as David’s assistant, alleged that the two had carried on an affair while he was playing for Real Madrid in Spain. David denied the accusations publicly, calling the reports absurd, but the scandal quickly became one of the most talked-about celebrity controversies of the decade.

Even with the constant media attention, the Beckhams stayed together. Years later, they reflected on that difficult chapter in the Netflix documentary “Beckham,” admitting that the pressure placed enormous strain on their marriage. Victoria described the experience as deeply painful, while both emphasized that they ultimately decided to protect their relationship and family rather than walk away from it.

Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish

Kevin Hart’s marriage to Eniko Parrish faced intense public scrutiny in 2017 after the comedian became embroiled in a cheating scandal while Eniko was pregnant with their son. The controversy escalated when an alleged video connected to the situation became part of an extortion attempt.

Rather than avoiding the topic, Hart later addressed his actions publicly and admitted he had made a serious mistake. In interviews, he described the situation as one of the lowest points of his life and accepted responsibility for hurting his family. Even after the betrayal became widely discussed online and in the media, Eniko decided to remain with him, and the couple continued their relationship while raising their children together.

Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum

In 2024, Dave Grohl shocked fans when he revealed that he had fathered a child outside his marriage to Jordyn Blum. The musician shared the news publicly through a social media statement, acknowledging the damage caused to his family and saying he hoped to regain their trust after the affair became public knowledge.

The revelation reportedly placed enormous strain on the couple’s relationship, with rumors of separation quickly following the announcement. Even so, later reports suggested that Grohl and Blum were trying to move forward rather than end their marriage altogether. Therapy and family counseling reportedly became part of that process as the pair focused on repairing the relationship after one of the biggest celebrity cheating scandals of recent years.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo’s marriage became the subject of intense online attention in 2022 after model Sumner Stroh claimed she had been involved with the Maroon 5 frontman. The allegations exploded across social media when Stroh shared screenshots of messages she said Levine had sent her, prompting several other women to accuse him of sending flirtatious DMs as well.

Levine later responded publicly, insisting he had not had an affair but acknowledging that he had behaved inappropriately during what he described as a regrettable period in his life. Despite the scandal dominating entertainment headlines for weeks, Prinsloo remained with him, and the couple welcomed their third child not long afterward, signaling that they had chosen to stay together and move past the controversy.

Dominic West and Catherine FitzGerald

Tabloids erupted in 2020 after photos surfaced of Dominic West appearing affectionate with actress Lily James during a trip to Rome. The images quickly fueled speculation about the state of his marriage to Catherine FitzGerald, especially since the pair had long maintained a relatively private relationship.

Instead of retreating from the attention, West and FitzGerald responded almost immediately with a united front. The couple posed together outside their home and left a handwritten message for reporters insisting that their marriage remained strong. Although FitzGerald later admitted that the scandal was incredibly painful and stressful, the two stayed together and have continued their marriage in the years since the controversy dominated headlines.

Woody Harrelson and Laura Louie

Long before settling into a quieter family life in Hawaii, Woody Harrelson found himself at the center of a scandal in 2002 after reports emerged about a drunken encounter involving three women during a night out in London. The story became even more public when one of the women involved turned out to be connected to the press, ensuring the incident quickly made headlines.

Harrelson later reflected on the episode with embarrassment, describing it as one of the lowest moments of his life. Even so, Laura Louie chose not to walk away from the relationship. According to Harrelson, her reaction was unexpectedly compassionate despite the public humiliation surrounding the scandal. The couple ultimately stayed together, later marrying in 2008 and continuing to build a long-lasting relationship away from Hollywood’s spotlight.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick

Rumors surrounding Matthew Broderick’s alleged infidelity made headlines in 2008, when reports claimed the actor had been involved with a younger woman while Sarah Jessica Parker was busy filming “Sex and the City: The Movie.” Neither Broderick nor Parker publicly confirmed the allegations, but the tabloid frenzy placed renewed attention on one of Hollywood’s longest-running marriages.

Rather than engage with the speculation directly, Parker largely dismissed the gossip culture surrounding celebrity relationships and continued to keep her private life out of the spotlight. Over the years, she has spoken about marriage as something that naturally comes with challenges and periods of difficulty. Despite the rumors and media scrutiny, the couple remained together and continued presenting a united front centered around their family life.

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley

Unlike some celebrities whose scandals exploded through tabloids, Jon Bon Jovi addressed his past behavior more through candid reflection than public controversy. In 2024, the rock star openly admitted that he had not always been faithful during his decades on the road, acknowledging the temptations and excess that came with fame while discussing his long marriage to Dorothea Hurley.

Even with those confessions, Bon Jovi emphasized that he never wanted to jeopardize his family life completely, crediting Dorothea’s patience and understanding for the strength of their relationship. The couple, who married in 1989 after knowing each other since high school, remained together through the ups and downs of his career and continued celebrating milestones together more than three decades later.

Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus

Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus’ relationship has survived multiple rough patches over the years, including public cheating allegations and even a near divorce. In 2004, Snoop filed to end the marriage before eventually changing course, later admitting that fame and the lifestyle surrounding his career had pulled him away from what mattered most at home.

Their marriage faced renewed scrutiny in 2019 when online personality Celina Powell claimed she had been involved with the rapper, fueling another wave of headlines and speculation. While Shante appeared to hint at emotional strain through social media posts at the time, the couple ultimately stayed together once again.

Marlon Brando

A passionate percussion player, the Oscar winning actor devoted years to redesigning the way conga drums are tuned, hoping to make the process quicker and more reliable for musicians. His idea replaced the usual series of screws around the drumhead with a single lever system positioned at the bottom of the instrument, allowing tension adjustments with far less effort.

Brando ultimately received four U.S. patents connected to the invention, including a posthumous patent in 2004 for a “Drumhead Tensioning Device.” The actor reportedly collaborated with Latin jazz percussionist Poncho Sanchez while refining the concept.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Practical parenting frustrations inspired one of Jamie Lee Curtis’ most unexpected accomplishments. In the late 1980s, the actress patented a redesigned disposable diaper that included a moisture resistant pocket stocked with baby wipes, making diaper changes far more convenient when supplies were not immediately nearby.

Her first patent for the invention was granted in 1988, and decades later she secured another patent for an updated version that incorporated a built in disposal bag. Curtis reportedly chose not to aggressively market the product at the time because she wanted manufacturers to move toward biodegradable materials first.

Walt Disney

Innovation was always central to Walt Disney’s vision, both on screen and behind the scenes. Over the course of nearly three decades, Disney received eight patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, beginning in 1931 with a design patent tied to a Mickey Mouse toy and continuing through the late 1950s.

Some of his most important contributions involved advancing animation technology itself. Disney played a major role in developing the multiplane camera, a groundbreaking system that created the illusion of depth by moving layered artwork at different speeds. The technique gave animated films a richer, more cinematic look and was famously showcased in the 1937 short “The Old Mill.”

Although Disney did not personally invent Technicolor, his studio secured an exclusive agreement to use the revolutionary three strip color process in animation for a limited period, helping transform the visual style of cartoons during the era. His impact on entertainment technology eventually earned him a place in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Michael Jackson

One of Michael Jackson’s most unforgettable stage illusions was not just choreography, it was patented engineering. To pull off the dramatic forward lean seen in the “Smooth Criminal” video and live performances, Jackson helped develop a special shoe mechanism that allowed dancers to tilt far beyond their natural center of gravity without falling.

The patent, officially titled “Method and Means for Creating Anti Gravity Illusion,” was granted in 1993 to Jackson and his collaborators Michael L. Bush and Dennis Tompkins. The design relied on a hidden system where a slot in the heel of the shoe locked into a peg rising from the stage floor, anchoring the performer during the move.

George Lucas

George Lucas did not just revolutionize blockbuster filmmaking. He also helped protect the visual identity of the “Star Wars” universe through a series of patents tied to the franchise’s hugely successful toy line. Many of the designs created for action figures and vehicles were formally patented through Lucasfilm, with Lucas credited as a co inventor on several of them.

Among the best known examples is the original Boba Fett action figure, which received a U.S. design patent in the early 1980s after being filed in 1979. Lucas also collaborated with legendary artists and designers including Ralph McQuarrie, Joe Johnston, and Phil Tippett on patented designs connected to characters and vehicles like the Tauntaun and AT AT walker.

Paula Abdul

After years of performing elaborate dance routines on stage, Paula Abdul came up with an invention aimed at solving a problem many singers face during live shows. In 2008, she filed a patent for a redesigned microphone stand that could move with performers instead of becoming an obstacle during choreography.

Unlike traditional stands with rigid flat bases, Abdul’s concept used a rounded weighted bottom that allowed the stand to tilt in multiple directions before naturally returning upright. The design was intended to reduce accidents, tangled cables, and interruptions while performers sang and danced simultaneously. Her invention was later published as a patent application under the title “Dynamic Microphone Support Apparatus.”

Steve McQueen

Cars and motorcycles were more than a hobby for Steve McQueen. The actor’s obsession with racing eventually led him into the world of invention. In 1970, McQueen received a U.S. design patent for a custom bucket seat created to give drivers greater comfort and stability during high speed racing.

The design featured a wider back and specially shaped contours intended to keep drivers more secure behind the wheel. McQueen reportedly developed the idea after growing frustrated with the uncomfortable seats used during the filming of “Bullitt,” then later incorporated the improved design into his famous off road racing vehicle, the Baja Boot. Known for working on his own machines whenever possible, the patent reflected the same hands on passion that made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable gearheads.

Prince

Prince’s creativity extended far beyond songwriting and performance. In the early 1990s, the music icon patented a custom designed keytar known as the “Purpleaxxe,” a futuristic instrument built to match the theatrical energy of his live shows.

Officially described as a portable electronic keyboard instrument, the design earned Prince a U.S. patent in 1994 under his legal name, Prince R. Nelson. The instrument combined the mobility of a guitar with the functionality of a keyboard, allowing performers to move freely across the stage during concerts.

Hedy Lamarr

Long before wireless technology became part of everyday life, Hedy Lamarr helped develop a system that would eventually influence it. During World War II, the actress teamed with composer George Antheil to create a secure radio communication method designed to prevent enemy forces from jamming guided torpedoes.

Their invention relied on rapidly shifting between radio frequencies in sync, a concept inspired by the 88 keys on a piano. The patent for the “Secret Communication System” was granted in 1942 under Lamarr’s legal name, Hedy Kiesler Markey. Although the U.S. military did not immediately adopt the technology, the frequency hopping principle later became a crucial building block for modern systems such as Wi Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s reputation as a master filmmaker also comes with a lesser known side as an inventor. Over the years, the director has been credited on patents connected to filmmaking technology and production tools designed to make creative work more efficient behind the scenes.

One of his most unusual patents involved a redesigned dolly track switch that allowed camera equipment to move smoothly between tracks without disrupting a shot. Issued in the late 1990s, the invention aimed to eliminate the jolts and pauses that could interrupt complicated camera movements during filming. Spielberg later co invented another patented system focused on collaboration, creating a method that let users attach spoken comments to scripts and documents through computers or phones, streamlining communication during the production process.

Kimberly Brook Shares Emotional Message About Life After James Van Der Beek’s Death

Brook opened her message by acknowledging the difficult milestone. “Yesterday was three months,” she wrote, before admitting, “To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement.” She continued, “Words just don’t capture what grief is.”

The business consultant described how the experience of loss has changed over time. “The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in… and I miss him. We all miss him,” she shared. Later in the post, she added, “Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply.”

Brook also reflected on spirituality and the sense of connection she still carries with her late husband. “My conscious connection to God has deepened,” she wrote. “The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.”

She also addressed the public support that followed Van Der Beek’s death, thanking fans for standing beside the family during the past several months. “The outpouring of support has been tremendous,” Brook wrote. “It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways.” She later added, “You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James.”

Van Der Beek and Brook married in 2010 and shared six children together. The actor became a television star through “Dawson’s Creek” before later earning praise for projects including “Varsity Blues,” “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” “CSI: Cyber,” and “Pose.” Before his death, he had publicly discussed his cancer diagnosis and the financial strain caused by treatment.

Brook concluded her latest message by teasing that she intends to speak more in the future, writing, “There is so much more to share here. And in time, I will.”

Elijah Wood and Peter Jackson Turn Cannes Tribute Into a ‘Lord of the Rings’ Reflection

Wood began by recalling the first time he met Jackson and Fran Walsh, explaining that the filmmakers had tracked him down after watching a homemade VHS tape he had shot with friends in Griffith Park. “They wanted to meet the young man who had sent it,” Wood told the audience while describing his visit to casting director Victoria Burrows’ office.

The actor then reflected on the phone call that changed his future forever. “I sat down on the floor of my bedroom and I understood with the whole of my being my life had just been divided into before and after,” Wood said of learning he had been cast as Frodo Baggins. He closed his tribute by telling the Cannes crowd, “I know I’m far from the only person who has had their life changed by Peter Jackson.”

Jackson responded with disbelief after accepting the Honorary Palme d’Or, admitting the recognition was something he never expected to receive. “Thank you for this very unexpected and miraculous award,” the filmmaker said before adding, “A Palme d’Or is never something I never ever thought I would win, ever.”

The director also reflected on the importance Cannes played in the early days of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” revealing that the trilogy faced heavy skepticism before the first picture’s release in 2001. “The media was talking about the gamble was going to fail,” Jackson recalled while discussing concerns surrounding the ambitious adaptation.

According to Jackson, Bob Shaye, founder of New Line Cinema, decided to screen 20 minutes of unfinished footage at Cannes to shift the narrative around the project. Recalling the gamble, the director said Shaye “rolled the dice” by quickly assembling material for the festival presentation. Looking back on the moment, Jackson credited the Cannes screening with helping create the excitement that surrounded the trilogy before audiences had even seen the finished film.

The comments surfaced while Slater was discussing his latest work on “Mortal Kombat II,” but the conversation eventually returned to one of the most notorious superhero productions of the 2010s.

A Different Movie in Mind

Looking back on the production, Slater described an early creative process that felt surprisingly optimistic. He recalled collaborating extensively with Trank and feeling convinced the reboot was aiming for something more grounded and filmmaker driven than the average comic book adaptation.

For a time, the confidence around the project was strong enough that Slater thought the picture could reshape the franchise’s reputation entirely. “You guys, just wait for Fantastic Four. We’re the next Christopher Nolan. We’ve got the next [Dark Knight] trilogy on the way,” he recalled thinking during development, before the production’s well documented troubles overtook the film.

Slater also said he remained mostly unaware of the behind the scenes conflict that later became associated with the title. According to him, the scale of the changes only became clear once he finally watched the completed movie in a theater years later. “There was nothing in there that remotely resembled what I had set out to do,” he said while describing his reaction to the final cut.

Released in 2015, “Fantastic Four” starred Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, and Jamie Bell as Marvel’s famous superhero team. The picture underwent significant reshoots following reported disagreements between Trank and 20th Century Fox, eventually arriving to negative reviews and disappointing box office results.

Even with the project’s reputation now firmly cemented in comic book movie history, Slater framed the experience as part of the unpredictable reality of studio franchise filmmaking. He noted that writers frequently lose control of a project once multiple creative and corporate interests begin reshaping the material.

A Broadway Musical Built Around Weird Al’s Songbook

The project will be directed by Alex Timbers, whose Broadway credits include “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and “Oh, Hello.” The original story is being developed by writers Scott Brown and Anthony King, the duo known for “Beetlejuice” and “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” with Yankovic also contributing to the show’s creative direction.

The production is expected to draw from Yankovic’s extensive catalog of parody songs and originals, covering material released across several decades. Among the tracks mentioned by the creative team are “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “White & Nerdy,” and “Amish Paradise,” songs that helped transform Yankovic from a cult radio favorite into a mainstream entertainment figure.

Yankovic first gained national attention in the late 1970s after his recordings were played on “The Dr. Demento Show,” eventually turning novelty songs into a career that has included multiple platinum albums and five Grammy Awards. His success also extended beyond music through projects such as the 1989 cult film “UHF” and the 2022 biographical parody film “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”

In a statement announcing the musical, Yankovic leaned into the comedic tone that has defined much of his career, joking that Broadway had long been missing “Weird Al based entertainment.” Timbers also described the upcoming production as unconventional and self aware, suggesting the show will lean heavily into the absurdist humor and meta comedy associated with Yankovic’s work.

From American Television to European Cult Cinema

Born George Brown Randall in Oregon City, Oregon, Taylor began performing as a child before finding small television roles in the United States during the 1950s. Early appearances included parts on shows such as “The Jack Benny Program” and “Sheena, Queen of the Jungle.” His career soon took an international turn when he relocated to Mexico and later Europe, where he gradually became a fixture in genre filmmaking.

Taylor’s breakthrough arrived through his collaboration with Spanish filmmaker Jesús Franco, one of the defining figures of European horror cinema. The actor took leading roles in films such as “Succubus” before appearing in Franco’s version of “Count Dracula” alongside Christopher Lee, Herbert Lom and Klaus Kinski.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Taylor became closely associated with Spanish and Italian horror productions. His filmography included titles such as “Female Vampire,” “Dr. Jekyll vs. The Werewolf,” “The Ghost Galleon” and the cult title “Pieces.”

His later career brought appearances in higher profile international productions. Taylor appeared as a priest in “Conan the Barbarian,” later worked in “1492: Conquest of Paradise” for Ridley Scott, and shared the screen with Johnny Depp in “The Ninth Gate,” directed by Roman Polanski. He continued acting well into the 2010s, adding films such as “Grand Piano” and “Son of Cain” to a career that spanned more than five decades.

Olivia Newman’s adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel is striking a rare balance for streaming audiences: heartfelt without feeling overly sentimental, emotional without losing its sense of warmth.

Sally Field and an Unlikely Octopus Are Fueling Netflix’s Latest Emotional Hit

At the center of the film is Sally Field’s Tova Sullivan, a widowed aquarium cleaner whose late night routines slowly connect her with Cameron, a drifter played by Lewis Pullman, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus voiced by Alfred Molina.

Much of the online conversation surrounding the release has focused on Field’s performance, with audiences praising the actor for grounding the picture’s more unusual premise in something deeply human. Others have zeroed in on Molina’s vocal performance as Marcellus, whose dry observations and emotional intelligence became one of the novel’s defining elements long before the adaptation arrived.

The film is based on Van Pelt’s 2022 novel, which spent months on The New York Times bestseller list and built a loyal readership thanks to its mix of mystery, melancholy, and humor.

One of the movie’s biggest technical challenges involved bringing Marcellus to life. Rather than relying entirely on visual effects, the production used footage of a real giant Pacific octopus named Agnetha from the Vancouver Aquarium, blending practical photography with CGI enhancements.

In a streaming landscape crowded with franchise spectacles and algorithm friendly thrillers, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” appears to have found an audience hungry for something gentler, stranger, and unexpectedly cathartic.

Guillermo del Toro Is Returning to Stop-Motion With a Darker Fantasy Vision

The announcement arrived during a celebratory week for del Toro, who was awarded a BFI Fellowship, the institution’s highest honor recognizing achievement in cinema. While reflecting on his career during an onstage discussion with BFI executive and film historian Jason Wood, the director also opened the door to what comes after last year’s “Frankenstein.”

His next feature will adapt Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed 2015 fantasy novel, a story centered on an elderly couple wandering through a mythic post-Arthurian Britain where memory itself has begun to disappear. Del Toro characterized the production as a “fascinatingly difficult stop-motion movie for adults,” adding that the picture is being made “without any concession to a family audience.”

Del Toro acknowledged the scale of the challenge, stating that the film will likely take years to complete because of the painstaking nature of the medium. Even so, the project arrives at a moment when the director’s standing in the industry is arguably stronger than ever, with restoration work on “Pan’s Labyrinth” set for Cannes and a steady stream of accolades recognizing one of modern fantasy cinema’s most distinctive voices.

The remark arrives as speculation continues to swirl around several major Marvel figures who still have not been officially attached to the film despite its already massive ensemble.

Marvel’s Biggest Multiverse Event May Still Be Keeping Secrets

Cumming, who reprises Kurt Wagner, better known as Nightcrawler, hinted that even actors working on the production were struggling to keep track of who was actually involved. “Sometimes there were secret names in it because they didn’t want to let out this certain character was coming back,” he said, adding that the scripts substituted real identities with placeholders. “It was so confusing.”

The comment immediately reignited speculation around several notable absences from Marvel’s official cast rollout. While “Avengers: Doomsday” already includes returning MCU staples, the Fantastic Four, and multiple actors from Fox’s “X-Men” era, fans continue to question whether Marvel is still hiding appearances from characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, Deadpool, or Wolverine ahead of a full trailer campaign.

Marvel Studios has already leaned heavily into secrecy throughout the film’s marketing strategy. The Russo brothers and Kevin Feige previously teased that additional cast reveals were still coming after the studio’s lengthy livestream unveiling in 2025. Even Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom was kept under wraps until Marvel’s Comic Con presentation, where the actor appeared onstage masked as the villain before revealing himself to the crowd.

“Avengers: Doomsday” marks the Russo brothers’ return to the MCU after “Avengers: Endgame” and reshapes what was originally planned as “The Kang Dynasty.” Following Jonathan Majors’ exit from the franchise, Marvel pivoted toward Doctor Doom as the central antagonist, with Downey stepping back into the universe in a completely different role.

The film brings together heroes from multiple realities, including the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, and Fox era X-Men characters such as Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and Cumming’s Nightcrawler.

The scale of the project has made secrecy part of the spectacle itself. Marvel spent much of the past year rolling out fragmented teaser footage, countdown streams, and staggered character reveals designed to keep audiences guessing well before the picture’s December 18 release.

A Historic International Recognition for Studio Ghibli

The award was officially announced on May 6 in Oviedo, Spain, where the Princess of Asturias Foundation revealed that Studio Ghibli had been chosen from 48 candidates representing 20 countries. The organization highlighted the studio’s role as a cultural bridge through storytelling centered on empathy, humanity and the relationship between people and nature.

Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki, the Tokyo based company emerged after the success of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” Over the next four decades, Studio Ghibli evolved from a respected Japanese animation house into one of the most influential studios in world cinema, with films such as “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “The Boy and the Heron” reaching audiences across generations.

The Princess of Asturias Awards are regarded among Spain’s highest cultural honors and recognize achievements in fields ranging from science and literature to the arts and humanitarian work. Previous recipients in the Communication and Humanities category have included philosophers, academics and international organizations, making Ghibli’s selection particularly notable within the animation industry.

The studio’s body of work has consistently received recognition on the global awards circuit. “Spirited Away” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, while “The Boy and the Heron” earned the same honor more than two decades later. In 2024, Studio Ghibli also became the first production company to receive an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The 2026 Princess of Asturias Award ceremony is scheduled to take place in October, when Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are expected to present the honor. Along with the recognition, recipients traditionally receive a Joan Miró sculpture created specifically for the awards.

The achievement marks another major commercial victory for Lionsgate’s ambitious Michael Jackson drama, which has continued drawing audiences weeks after its April release.

‘Michael’ Pushes Past a Long Standing Box Office Benchmark

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, “Michael” traces Michael Jackson from his childhood years in the Jackson 5 through the global explosion of “Thriller” and the launch of the “Bad” era.

The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature debut as his famous uncle, alongside Colman Domingo, Nia Long and Miles Teller. While critics were sharply divided over the picture’s treatment of Jackson’s controversies, audiences continued to show up in large numbers throughout its theatrical run.

The domestic milestone is especially notable because “Bohemian Rhapsody” spent years as the defining commercial success story for the modern music biopic. The 2018 movie opened to stronger than expected numbers before steadily expanding into a long running theatrical phenomenon, eventually crossing the $200 million mark in North America after weeks of sustained momentum.

Its box office endurance helped reshape studio interest in musician centered dramas and sparked a wave of large scale biographical projects focused on iconic recording artists.

“Michael” arrived under very different circumstances. Long before release, the production drew attention for its ballooning budget, extensive rewrites and reshoots connected to the removal of references to the 1993 abuse allegations against Jackson.

Reports surrounding the restructuring of the film’s third act became part of the public conversation months before audiences saw the finished version. Even so, the picture opened strongly in late April and maintained steady business through repeat viewings and international turnout.

The movie has now grossed $488 million worldwide, making it one of the biggest theatrical releases of 2026 so far. Much of that performance has been fueled by overseas markets, where Jackson’s music has continued to maintain enormous cross generational appeal decades after his peak commercial years.

According to FlixPatrol data, the survival horror film overtook several high profile titles in a matter of hours, including “The Devil Wears Prada,” which had recently surged in popularity following the theatrical rollout of its long awaited sequel.

Rachel McAdams’ Villain Turn Is Driving New Attention to ‘Send Help’

Originally released in theaters in January, “Send Help” earned positive reviews and pulled in $94 million worldwide against a reported $40 million budget. While those numbers marked a respectable performance for an original horror thriller, the film did not dominate the box office conversation for long despite opening at No. 1 during its debut weekend.

The movie stars Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle, a corporate strategist whose work trip turns into a nightmare after a plane crash leaves her stranded on a remote island with her egocentric boss, played by Dylan O’Brien. What begins as a survival story gradually shifts into psychological horror as the relationship between the two characters becomes increasingly violent and manipulative.

Part of the renewed interest is tied to word of mouth surrounding McAdams’ performance, which gave the actress one of the darkest roles of her career. Raimi previously explained that he wanted to cast McAdams against type after working with her on “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” believing audiences would be caught off guard by seeing her play such an unpredictable character.

The film also carries several elements that tend to perform strongly on streaming platforms, including contained suspense, survival themes, and a heavily discussed ending that reframes much of the story’s power dynamic.

“Send Help” was directed by Raimi from a screenplay by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, with Danny Elfman composing the score. Alongside McAdams and O’Brien, the cast includes Dennis Haysbert, Chris Pang, Xavier Samuel, and Edyll Ismail.

Stephen Colbert Opens Up About the Pressure of Writing a ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie

Rather than offering a polished defense of his credentials, Colbert gave a surprisingly blunt response when asked why skeptical fans should trust him with material tied so closely to J.R.R. Tolkien’s legacy. “I mean, there’s no reason to,” he admitted, before dismissing the idea that public reassurance would change anything. “There’s no value in me addressing that.”

The comedian framed the project less as an exercise in fandom and more as an attempt to create meaningful storytelling within Tolkien’s world. Colbert said the goal is “to turn this into something that is not fandom but drama,” adding that the only path forward is to “follow your heart and the craft that you have learned.”

Even so, the project is hardly being developed in isolation. Colbert pointed to longtime “Lord of the Rings” collaborator Philippa Boyens as a guiding force behind the picture, describing her as “a great Sherpa” who shares his passion for Tolkien’s universe. Boyens previously co wrote both Peter Jackson’s original trilogy and “The Hobbit” films, making her one of the most experienced creative figures attached to the franchise.

Colbert’s involvement marks a dramatic shift from enthusiastic celebrity fan to active architect of Middle earth storytelling. Over the years, he built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most knowledgeable Tolkien devotees, frequently discussing Elvish languages and obscure lore on television while even appearing briefly in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” Peter Jackson has previously praised Colbert’s deep understanding of the books, and that admiration eventually evolved into a formal creative partnership.

“The Hunt for Gollum.” is part of Warner Bros. and New Line’s renewed push into live action “Lord of the Rings” filmmaking following the Embracer Group era. The first major project on the slate remains this one, directed by Andy Serkis and currently scheduled for release in December 2027.

The film reunited Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt under returning director David Frankel, with all three actresses reportedly negotiating equal upfront salaries alongside lucrative performance incentives tied to the movie’s box office run, according to Variety.

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt Reportedly Earned Matching Salaries

Meryl Streep was widely considered essential to getting the sequel off the ground, reprising her role as the formidable Runway editor Miranda Priestly. Industry sources cited by Variety said the studio offered the Oscar winner a package reflecting both her stature and the cultural longevity of the character, though insiders noted Streep likely could have commanded an even higher figure had negotiations escalated further.

Instead, the A-lister reportedly entered into a “favored nations” agreement with Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, ensuring all three stars received equal compensation. Each actress is said to have earned $12.5 million upfront to return as Miranda, Andy Sachs and Emily Charlton respectively, marking one of the more high profile pay parity deals attached to a major studio comedy drama in recent years.

The salaries are only part of the financial picture. Sources told Variety that Streep, Hathaway and Blunt also secured backend bonuses linked to ticket sales milestones. With “The Devil Wears Prada 2” already emerging as one of 2026’s biggest theatrical successes, those payouts have reportedly begun kicking in. If the film continues its strong performance worldwide, each actress could ultimately earn more than $20 million from the sequel.

Directed by David Frankel and written by returning screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” brings back Stanley Tucci and Tracie Thoms alongside Lucy Liu, Kenneth Branagh and Justin Theroux. The continuation premiered in New York in April before opening theatrically on May 1 through 20th Century Studios, quickly becoming one of the year’s top grossing releases.

A Global Icon Takes the Pitch

Lalisa Manobal, the Thai powerhouse better known to millions as Lisa, is moving from the hallowed halls of the Met Gala to the expansive turf of the World Cup. After becoming the first K-pop artist to serve on the Met Gala host committee earlier this month, the Lloud founder is set to bring her “Rockstar” energy to FIFA’s international stage.

This recruitment marks another milestone for the artist, who has spent the last years expanding her portfolio from record-breaking solo hits like “Money” to a debut acting turn in “The White Lotus.”

FIFA is not stopping with a single ceremony, instead opting for a rollout of localized star power across the host territories. In Toronto, the Canadian contingent will be represented by a trio of vocal heavyweights, with Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara scheduled to perform on June 12 before Canada faces Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The American festivities are set to center on Los Angeles, where the U.S. Men’s National Team will begin their campaign at SoFi Stadium. Pop veteran Katy Perry is currently slated as the headliner for the California kickoff against Paraguay, joined by a diverse lineup that includes Atlanta rapper Future and DJ Sanjoy.

Beyond the initial opening games, the entertainment schedule is designed to coincide with major historical milestones. FIFA is reportedly planning additional celebratory ceremonies in Houston and Philadelphia on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The franchise has spent the last ten years struggling to replicate the cult-classic energy of its debut, with the three previous installments—released in 1995, 1997, and 2021—all failing to break the 60% threshold required to move past “Rotten” status.

A New Era for Earthrealm’s Champions

Directed once again by Simon McQuoid and penned by Jeremy Slater, the sequel picks up where the 2021 reboot left off, expanding the scope of the tournament while leaning into the more eccentric elements of the source material.

The story follows the recruitment of the fan-favorite Hollywood egoist Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, who joins forces with Earthrealm’s defenders against the looming threat of Emperor Shao Kahn.

The path to this critical success was not without its hurdles, as the production faced significant delays during its Australian shoot. Principal photography began in mid-2023 but was forced into a months-long hiatus due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, eventually wrapping in early 2024.

Despite these interruptions, the creative team focused on refining the tone, with Slater previously noting a desire to embrace the weirdness of the games and respond directly to the mixed reception of the predecessor. While the critical consensus is described as mixed-to-positive, the general feeling among reviewers is that the sequel is a marked upgrade over the 2021 film.

Looking ahead, the momentum for the series shows no signs of slowing down. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have already signaled their confidence in the franchise’s current trajectory, with a third film officially in development. With Jeremy Slater returning to write the next chapter and series co-creator Ed Boon already teasing future logos, the sequel curse that has long plagued video game adaptations seems to have finally been broken by a well-placed fatality.

Life After ‘Aliens’

Born Caroline Marie Henn on May 7, 1976, in Panama City, Henn spent part of her childhood in England because her father served in the United States Air Force. It was while attending school near Lakenheath that she auditioned for James Cameron’s “Aliens,” despite having no previous acting experience. The role would ultimately define her public legacy.

In the 1986 sequel, Henn played Rebecca “Newt” Jorden, the traumatized young survivor discovered by Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley on LV 426. Her emotional performance quickly became one of the film’s most enduring elements, earning her a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in 1987.

Unlike many child actors who pursued long Hollywood careers, Henn stepped away from acting almost immediately after “Aliens.” She later attended California State University and graduated in 2000 before moving into education. Today, she works as a teacher in California and has largely kept her personal life private while raising a family.

Although she never returned to film or television acting, Henn has remained closely connected to the “Alien” fan community. Over the years, she has regularly appeared at comic conventions and science fiction events, where she signs memorabilia and reflects on the making of the picture. She has also maintained a friendship with Weaver decades after the production wrapped.

That connection to fans continues in 2026. Henn is currently scheduled to appear at Comic Con Manchester in July, one of several convention appearances that have kept her linked to one of cinema’s most influential science fiction franchises. For many viewers, Newt remains inseparable from “Aliens,” even if the actress behind the role chose a life far away from the spotlight.

The resurgence has sent classics such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Human Nature” climbing global charts once again.

A Catalog Revival Unlike Anything in Recent Memory

Kworb’s Global Digital Artist Ranking for early May places Jackson at No. 1 with more than 11,000 points, putting him ahead of contemporary streaming powerhouses including Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and BTS. The data reflects performance across services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, and iTunes, where Jackson’s music has seen a dramatic spike since the film’s late April debut.

“Billie Jean” and “Beat It” have surged across international Spotify rankings, while the album Thriller has reentered charts in several countries. Streaming data also shows unusually broad global engagement, with Jackson performing strongly in markets across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East in addition to the United States.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, “Michael” follows Jackson’s rise from his early years with the Jackson 5 through the peak of his solo superstardom. The picture stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, in his feature film debut, with Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller among the supporting cast.

The production itself became one of Hollywood’s most closely watched music biopics in a long time. Development stretched across several years and included rewrites, reshoots, and reported budget increases that pushed costs as high as $200 million. While critics were divided over the title’s approach to Jackson’s life and controversies, audiences turned out in massive numbers.

The movie has already grossed more than $441 million worldwide, making it one of the biggest theatrical hits of 2026.

Sally Field Says Robin Williams Immediately Knew Something Was Wrong

Field remembered being in San Francisco filming the courtroom divorce scene for “Mrs. Doubtfire” when she received a devastating call about her father’s condition. “My real father, who had been ill and I had put him in a nursing home, he had had a massive stroke at one point,” she recalled.

The actress said the moment forced her into an agonizing decision. After asking the doctor whether her father had passed, she was told, “No,” but that “his brain is not really functioning.” Field then asked the doctor to deliver one final message to him. “Please lean down, and tell him that Sally says goodbye,” she remembered saying before returning to work.

What made the experience even harder was the scene being filmed that day. “We are doing the scene about the kids being taken away from the father,” Field said, noting how closely it mirrored emotions from her own childhood. “It was what happened to my father. I was the divorce child.” Despite the shock of the phone call, she stepped back in front of the cameras and tried to continue shooting.

According to Field, Robin Williams quickly sensed that something was wrong. “Robin at one point pulled me over to the side,” she recalled. “He said, ‘Sally… are you alright?’” After she broke down crying and told him, “My father just died,” Williams immediately halted production.

“Robin turned around and said, ‘That’s it for the day, guys. We just wrapped here. We are done for the day. Get a few shots of the kids and maybe one of Mrs. Doubtfire, but Ms. Field is going home,’” the actress recalled. She said Williams personally walked her away from the set afterward. Remembering the moment decades later, she summed it up simply: “That was Robin.”

According to Variety, the long running franchise joins this year’s class alongside “Dragon Quest,” “FIFA International Soccer” and “Silent Hill,” marking another milestone for one of the most commercially successful mobile games ever released.

‘Angry Birds’ Joins Gaming’s Most Influential Titles

Created by Finnish studio Rovio Entertainment and first released in 2009, “Angry Birds” arrived at a moment when smartphones were rapidly reshaping how audiences interacted with games. Its simple touch controls and physics based gameplay helped introduce millions of casual users to mobile gaming.

The World Video Game Hall of Fame considers several factors when selecting inductees, including cultural impact, longevity, international recognition and influence on the gaming industry. Since launching in 2015, the Hall has honored titles viewed as defining works within the medium, with final selections determined through votes from journalists, scholars and industry experts alongside public input.

“Angry Birds” had previously been nominated multiple times before finally securing induction this year. Over time, the franchise evolved into a broader entertainment brand that included merchandise, animated series, theme park attractions and theatrical films. “The Angry Birds Movie” debuted in 2016, followed by a sequel in 2019, while a third installment is scheduled for release later this year.

The original game also played a major role in Rovio’s rise within the gaming industry. Its breakout success transformed the company into a major player in mobile entertainment and helped establish smartphone gaming as a dominant force in mainstream culture during the early 2010s.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Says James Gandolfini’s Death Brought ‘The Sopranos’ to a Real Close

In the memoir, Sigler recalls approaching Gandolfini’s casket at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York and struggling to accept the reality of the moment. The actress, who played Meadow Soprano throughout all six seasons of “The Sopranos,” writes that she knelt beside him and quietly said, “Thank you. Thank you for loving me, thank you for seeing me, for caring for me, and for making me feel safe.”

The funeral reunited much of the show’s inner circle, including Edie Falco, Steve Buscemi, Steve Schirripa and Aida Turturro, while creator David Chase delivered the eulogy. Sigler also remembers HBO arranging transportation for cast members traveling from Los Angeles, writing, “HBO had it locked down. Nobody takes care of their people better than they do.”

One of the memoir’s most vivid memories comes after the service, when friends and family gathered at an Italian restaurant. Sigler describes the atmosphere as strangely familiar. “With the buffet and the drinks flowing and the cigars lit, it felt like a scene we had done many times at Artie Bucco’s,” she writes.

For Sigler, Gandolfini’s death marked more than the loss of a co star. “This was the true ending of ‘The Sopranos,’” she writes in the book. “Jim had been the sun that we all revolved around; he had been the center. With him, the entire experience was now laid to rest.”

The star addressed the rumor in an interview with ScreenRant, where the question was put to him directly. As casting for the franchise’s central villain remains under wraps, Bettany’s response cuts through weeks of fan-driven guesswork.

Paul Bettany Pours Cold Water on Voldemort Casting Buzz

Bettany doesn’t deny hearing the noise. “I have heard that rumor, too,” he said, acknowledging the speculation that has positioned him as a potential successor to Ralph Fiennes. But the idea stops there. “Unfortunately, it’s just a rumor,” he added, making clear there has been no approach from HBO or its producers.

If anything, the actor framed the possibility with a dose of self-aware humor, pointing to the physical demands such a role would entail. “I’m not sure that I could face any more prosthetics in my life. I have had a lot of them,” he remarked.

The punchline lands with a blunt reality check. “Anyway, nobody’s even asking me to do it,” he continued, before undercutting the entire premise with a wry aside: “Like, I’m talking about it as if anybody is interested in hiring me. They’re just not.”

That secrecy has become a defining feature of HBO’s “Harry Potter” series, which has confirmed a sprawling ensemble led by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, alongside established names like John Lithgow and Janet McTeer. Yet Voldemort remains conspicuously absent from official announcements, fueling the kind of speculation Bettany now finds himself batting away.

Set to debut on December 25, the show is envisioned as a decade-long, book-faithful adaptation, with its first installment covering “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” Until HBO chooses to reveal its Dark Lord, the role remains one of the industry’s most closely held secrets, regardless of how many names get attached in the meantime.

HBO Locks In Long-Term Plan for ‘Harry Potter’ Series

Season 2 is set to draw directly from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” with production scheduled to begin this fall. The move suggests that development on later chapters is already underway even as the first season, based on “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” continues filming ahead of its December 25 debut.

The show is led by a new generation of actors, with Dominic McLaughlin stepping into the role of Harry Potter alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. They are joined by a veteran supporting cast that includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

Behind the scenes, the project is overseen by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, with production taking place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location used for the original film series. The scale of the undertaking, both in timeline and resources, underscores HBO’s intention to treat the adaptation as a cornerstone of its future programming slate.

Melissa Barrera Gives Her Take on ‘Scream 7’ and Its Cast

The star was confronted by Variety with a pointed question about the decision to bring back legacy cast members for “Scream 7” after a string of high-profile exits. Referencing those returns in the wake of departures from Barrera herself, Jenna Ortega, and director Christopher Landon, the interviewer asked, “Did that seem scabby to you? Did it feel like those were people basically crossing the picket line?”

Her answer was immediate. “Oh, one hundred percent. I think they all are. And they have to live with that.” She then criticized the sequel’s creative direction, saying “the only way they were able to make that movie after what happened was to nostalgia-bait as much as possible.”

The production of “Scream 7” underwent a significant reset following her removal by Spyglass Media Group in late 2023, a decision tied to social media posts that reflected her political stance and were deemed unacceptable by the studio. The fallout reshaped the project, ultimately leading to the return of franchise mainstay Neve Campbell as the series pivoted back toward its original core.

Before that rupture, Barrera had been a central figure in “Scream VI,” which revitalized the long-running horror series both critically and commercially. Since then, she has shifted her focus toward independent film and theater, including a current stage run in “Titanique,” while continuing to take on new screen roles.

Why ‘The Odyssey’ Is Sparking Debate Before Its Release

Universal’s newest trailer leans heavily into spectacle, showcasing sweeping battle sequences, vast landscapes, and a high-profile ensemble led by Matt Damon as Odysseus. The scale is unmistakable, with the production positioned as Nolan’s most ambitious to date, shot entirely on IMAX 70 mm cameras and backed by a reported $250 million budget.

Early reactions have largely embraced the film’s visual scope and its star-driven appeal, which includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.

Yet much of the discussion has centered on a more unexpected detail: how the characters sound. Instead of the traditionally adopted British inflection often associated with historical epics, Nolan’s cast delivers dialogue in distinctly American accents, paired with contemporary phrasing. In one widely circulated moment, Odysseus rallies troops with a modern-sounding “Let’s go!,” a choice that has prompted debate about tone and immersion.

As explained by The Hollywood Reporter, the decision marks a clear break from long-standing Hollywood convention. Films set in antiquity, from “The Ten Commandments” to “Gladiator,” have typically relied on British accents as a kind of cinematic shorthand for the past.

That approach has extended even to fantasy worlds, where productions like “Game of Thrones” have used similar vocal cues to evoke a sense of distance and gravitas. Nolan’s approach appears to discard that tradition entirely.

Online response has reflected that divide. Some viewers have questioned whether contemporary dialogue undercuts the story’s mythic weight, while others argue that the industry’s reliance on British accents has always been an arbitrary convention. The debate has extended beyond language to broader concerns about historical authenticity, including costume design that appears to draw from later periods of Greek history and ship designs that differ from those associated with the Bronze Age setting.

Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” adapted from Homer’s epic poem, follows the Greek king’s long journey home after the Trojan War, encountering figures such as Polyphemus, Calypso, and the Sirens along the way.

Written and directed by Nolan and produced alongside Emma Thomas under Syncopy, the picture began development in 2024 and filmed across multiple international locations. It is scheduled for release on July 17, arriving with expectations that remain as high as the scrutiny surrounding it.

Cannes Classics Brings ‘The Fast and the Furious’ Back to the Big Screen

“The Fast and the Furious” will screen in a restored version during a midnight slot at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, with cast members Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster expected to attend. The production, directed by Rob Cohen, is part of a broader lineup that highlights both widely recognized titles and lesser-known works from across decades of film history.

Originally released in 2001, “The Fast and the Furious” centers on an undercover police officer who infiltrates a street racing crew in Los Angeles while investigating a string of hijackings. Starring Paul Walker alongside Diesel, Rodriguez and Brewster, the picture marked a turning point for its principal cast and launched a long-running franchise that has since expanded across multiple sequels and formats.

The Cannes screening places the movie alongside a diverse slate of restored works, including “Pan’s Labyrinth” by Guillermo del Toro, “Farewell My Concubine” from Chen Kaige and “Man of Iron” by Andrzej Wajda, among others.

By positioning a mainstream action title within a program traditionally associated with auteur cinema and archival discoveries, Cannes Classics underscores the evolving definition of film heritage and the enduring cultural footprint of early 21st century blockbusters.

A Silence That Spoke Volumes

In And So It Is…A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope, Jamie-Lynn Sigler recounts the confusion she felt when Gandolfini failed to appear on her wedding day. “Jim didn’t show up. No indication, no warning. I can’t say for certain why. He’s not here, so I can’t ask him,” she writes, acknowledging the unanswered questions left behind after his death in 2013.

The absence struck her as out of character for someone she knew as both a mentor and a protector. “The Jim I knew wouldn’t have just skipped my wedding without a word or an excuse,” she continues, before adding a line that hints at lingering doubt: “Part of me wonders if maybe he didn’t want it for me.”

What followed only deepened the unease. Returning to set after her wedding, Sigler expected a celebratory atmosphere among her castmates. Instead, she describes walking into a room devoid of warmth. “It was clear: none of them were happy about this for me,” she recalls.

At the time, Sigler was newly married to AJ DiScala, a relationship she now characterizes in stark terms. In the memoir, she reflects on that period as troubled and isolating, shaped by dynamics she would later come to see more clearly. The reaction from those around her, including Gandolfini, appears in retrospect as part of a broader concern she did not yet recognize.

The revelation adds a complicated layer to a relationship long understood as deeply supportive. Gandolfini, who played her father on screen, was known to be one of Sigler’s closest allies behind the scenes, making his absence from such a milestone feel all the more significant in hindsight.

A Finale Designed as an Event

The fifth and final season of “The Boys” will culminate with a special 4DX presentation across select theaters in the United States and Canada. Screenings are set for May 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET, just one day before the episode becomes available on Prime Video. Participating chains are B&B, Regency, Cinema West, Regal, AMC, Cineplex, and Cinepolis, Marcus

The 4DX format introduces motion seating and environmental effects synchronized with on-screen action. Access to the screenings is tied to the purchase of a concession voucher, which can be redeemed during the event.

Developed by Eric Kripke and based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the show has built its reputation on a mix of satire and graphic spectacle. Its final part continues that trajectory, bringing back a core ensemble led by Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Antony Starr, alongside a wide supporting cast.

Narratively, the installment centers on the last confrontation between Billy Butcher and Homelander, with the stakes escalating around a virus capable of eliminating superpowered individuals and the emergence of an early version of Compound V that could grant immortality.

The season began streaming in April, with episodes released weekly leading up to the finale. By extending that final episode into theaters, the series joins a growing list of streaming titles experimenting with hybrid releases.

A Fast Start for ‘Swapped’

Directed by Nathan Greno, “Swapped” arrives as a fantasy adventure built around transformation and coexistence, with Michael B. Jordan leading the voice cast. He is joined by Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer and Justina Machado, forming an ensemble that spans comedy and drama backgrounds.

The story centers on Ollie, a young creature living in an isolated community, whose curiosity leads him into contact with other species in a divided valley. A chance encounter triggers a chain of events involving body-swapping abilities tied to mysterious pods, forcing characters from opposing groups to navigate each other’s worlds.

The project was developed under Skydance Animation, with Netflix ultimately taking over distribution as part of a broader agreement with the studio. Originally conceived under a different title, the film evolved over several years before arriving in its current form. It debuted yesterday, alongside a limited theatrical rollout.

This is Jordan’s first project following his acclaimed performance in “Sinners,” which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He is currently preparing for several high-profile projects, including “Miami Vice ’85,” “I Am Legend 2,” and “Creed IV.”

‘John Doe’ Expands Statham and Ayer’s Collaboration

The new film marks the latest chapter in a working relationship that has taken shape over the past two years. Ayer and Statham previously teamed on “The Beekeeper,” the 2024 hit that paired revenge-driven storytelling with a strong commercial performance, followed by “A Working Man” in 2025, which continued their focus on grounded, character-led action narratives.

In “John Doe,” Statham is set to portray a man without a defined identity, a figure who lacks both memory and a documented past. The story follows his attempt to piece together fragments of who he is while evading those connected to his former life. At the center of that search is a single emotional anchor, a woman named Eliza, whose significance becomes clearer as the narrative unfolds.

As details of his past begin to resurface, the character discovers that he was trained for a purpose that has not yet concluded. That realization shifts the picture into a pursuit-driven structure, with multiple parties closing in as he navigates the tension between completing a mission and protecting a personal connection that complicates it.

The project is expected to launch in the Cannes market. With a screenplay from Penn, whose credits include large-scale studio productions like “Ready Player One” and “The Avengers,” “John Doe” aligns with a broader trend of mid-to-high budget action films anchored by established talent.