We’re all familiar with the internet boyfriends — you have your Glen Powells, Jacob Elordis, Timothée Chalamets and beyond — but Us Weekly has our eyes on a more underground group of swoon-worthy rising stars.

They may not always have the lead role, be the team captains or have millions of Instagram followers, but something about these individuals catches our attention and has Us googling them shirtless for more.

We’ve always known Zac Efron has it going on, but Dylan Efron’s unexpected rise to prominence on Traitors had Us looking up his Instagram — only to find it’s stock-full of thirst traps. (Thank you, Dylan Efron.)

Sure, Jalen Hurts is all the rage, but the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl championship suddenly had Us drooling over Saquon Barkley’s “Saquads” and tuning into the Big Game.

And yes, John B. (a.k.a. Chase Stokes) is the obvious crush on Outer Banks, but series villain Drew Starkey’s nuanced and erotic performance in Queer had Us looking at the actor in a whole new light.

Keep scrolling for more of Us’ weekly picks for People We Googled Shirtless:

Taylor Swift really does have that good girl faith and a tight little skirt.

Through the years, Swift has blessed Us with a number of fabulous skirt moments, from leather numbers to denim skorts and more. In March 2024, she looked seriously stylish in a pleated tan $695 skort from Sandy Liang while enjoying a Malibu lunch date with boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Swift rocked another fabulous skirt in October 2023 while on another date with Kelce. For the duo’s New York City outing, she wore a $2,100 leather Khaite Keene Leather Mini Skirt backwards.

Most recently, she stunned in a mint Wiederhoeft skirt at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2026. While the price of the velvet piece is not known, her matching corset retails for $3,500 to $6,000.

Keep scrolling to see all of Swift’s best skirt moments — and find out how much they cost:

A war show is not merely about explosions or strategy; it is about how fear is lodged in the bones of a soldier, the pauses between the commands, and the decisions that must be made when all things are uncertain. The goal isn’t to romanticize war, but instead, to bring you to the trenches, submarines, and the front lines, where you can experience what it is like to be living under pressure at all times.

These ten shows below do that, follow soldiers, commanders, and even observers as they try to find their way through the confusion, make impractical choices, and face loss in its purest essence. Whether it is the untold strain of battle on the front line or the inherent burden of moral quandary in occupied cities, every show depicts the human aspect of war. Let’s have a look at how these shows zero in on that pure depiction of war.

10

‘The Liberator’ (2020)

Image via Netflix

War stories often move quickly from one battle to the next, yet The Liberator slows things down to focus on the men who carry those battles with them. The series follows a unit that spends years moving through some of the most difficult campaigns of World War II. From the invasion of Italy to the final push into Germany, the show keeps returning to the same group of soldiers as they face exhaustion, loss, and the pressure of constant combat.

At the center is Felix Sparks (Bradley James), an officer leading a diverse infantry unit made up of soldiers who are often overlooked or underestimated. As the campaign continues, the men face harsh terrain, limited supplies, and repeated encounters with heavy resistance. Each battle leaves visible and emotional damage, and the sense of fatigue begins to shape how they respond to orders and to each other.

9

‘Catch-22’ (2019)

Image via Hulu 

War is sometimes portrayed through clear objectives and heroic victories, but Catch-22 approaches it from a more unsettling angle. The series blends dark humor with the harsh reality of military life and shows how systems can trap soldiers in situations that make little sense. The tone may appear lighter at times, though the underlying frustration and fear remain constant.

The story follows John Yossarian (Christopher Abbott), a U.S. Air Force bombardier stationed in Italy during World War II. His main goal is simple. He wants to survive and go home. However, the rules of the system make that nearly impossible. Officers continue raising the number of required missions, while a bureaucratic rule known as “Catch-22” prevents anyone from being grounded for insanity if they request it. As Yossarian flies more missions, the risk increases with each flight. Around him, fellow soldiers struggle with the same uncertainty, and the absurdity of the situation slowly turns into something far more serious and difficult to escape.

8

‘Das Boot’ (2018– )

Image via Sky One

War at sea carries a different kind of pressure. There is no open ground, no clear escape, and very little room to step away from the situation. Das Boot builds its tension inside a German U-boat during World War II, where every decision affects the entire crew. The series keeps its focus tight, showing how long stretches of waiting can suddenly turn into moments of extreme danger.

The story follows the submarine crew as they move through the Atlantic under constant threat from Allied forces. Captain Klaus Hoffmann (Rick Okon) must guide his men through patrols that often feel unpredictable and isolating. Inside the vessel, space is limited, and the strain begins to show in small interactions between crew members. At the same time, the series shifts to land, where Simone Strasser (Vicky Krieps) becomes involved in resistance activity in occupied France. As both storylines develop, the show connects personal choices with the larger conflict and reveals how war reaches far beyond the battlefield.

7

‘Our World War’ (2014)

Image via BBC

Our World War takes a more immediate approach to war. The show presents its events with a sense of urgency and places viewers directly alongside soldiers during the First World War. The focus remains on individual experiences rather than large-scale strategy, which makes each episode feel grounded and personal.

The story draws from real accounts of soldiers who served on the front lines. It follows young men as they leave civilian life and enter a conflict they do not fully understand. As they move through training, trench warfare, and repeated combat situations, the reality of the war begins to replace any early expectations they may have had. Conditions in the trenches, constant artillery fire, and the fear of sudden attack shape their daily routine. Over time, the series shows how quickly innocence fades and how survival becomes the only clear objective.

6

‘Five Came Back’ (2017)

Image via Netflix

War is often remembered through battles, yet Five Came Back looks at how it was recorded and presented to the public. The series focuses on a group of Hollywood filmmakers who left their careers behind to document World War II. Their work placed them close to real combat, where the line between storytelling and reality became increasingly difficult to manage.

The series follows directors such as John Ford (Himself), William Wyler (Himself), and Frank Capra (Himself) as they join the war effort to create films for the U.S. government. They travel with troops, capture footage from active combat zones, and attempt to shape material that can inform and influence audiences back home. As the war moves forward, the emotional weight of what they witness begins to affect both their work and their lives. Through archival footage and reflection, the series shows how documenting war can become its own form of burden.

5

‘Generation War’ (2013)

Image via ZDF

Generation War takes a broader and more uncomfortable approach to conflict. The series follows a group of young German friends whose lives change completely as World War II unfolds. At the beginning, they share optimism and a belief that the war will end quickly. That confidence fades as reality sets in.

The story centers on Wilhelm Winter (Volker Bruch), his brother Friedhelm (Tom Schilling), nurse Charlotte (Miriam Stein), singer Greta (Katharina Schüttler), and Viktor (Ludwig Trepte), who faces persecution because of his Jewish background. As the war continues, each character moves through different parts of the conflict, including the Eastern Front, military hospitals, and occupied cities. Their paths separate and intersect again under changing circumstances. Over time, the series shows how their early beliefs break down under pressure, and how survival often forces them into decisions they never expected to make.

4

‘The Pacific’ (2010)

Image via HBO

War in the Pacific theater carries a different weight, and The Pacific makes that clear from the beginning. The environment itself feels hostile, with dense jungles, relentless heat, and long stretches of uncertainty between battles. The series does not rush through these conditions. Instead, it stays with the soldiers as they adjust to a setting where danger can appear without warning.

The story follows several Marines as they move through campaigns such as Guadalcanal and Peleliu. Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) records his experiences, trying to make sense of the chaos around him. Eugene “Sledge” Sledge (Joseph Mazzello) enters the war with a sense of purpose, though repeated combat begins to wear that down. John Basilone (Jon Seda) gains recognition for his actions, yet the pressure that follows becomes its own burden. As the fighting continues, the series shows how exhaustion, fear, and isolation slowly change the men, leaving marks that do not disappear once the battles end.

3

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

Image via HBO

Band of Brothers takes a wide view of World War II while keeping its focus on a single company of soldiers. The series begins during training, where the men of Easy Company form bonds that will carry them through the war. That early sense of unity becomes important as they move into increasingly dangerous situations across Europe.

The story follows the company from the Normandy landings through the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany. Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) steps into leadership roles while guiding his men through missions that test both skill and judgment. Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston) remains close to him, offering support while dealing with the emotional strain of the campaign. As the company advances, the series shows how each battle affects the group as a whole. Losses accumulate, responsibilities grow heavier, and the soldiers begin to understand that survival often depends on the strength of the relationships they built before the fighting began.

2

‘Shogun’ (2024)

Image via FX Networks

The first time John Blackthorne (Toby Stephens) sets foot on Japanese soil, it’s clear he has entered a world that operates under rules he does not understand. The series gradually reveals how culture, politics, and military power intersect in ways that shape every choice the characters make. Nothing is simple, and survival depends on more than skill with a sword or knowledge of strategy.

Blackthorne, a ship navigator whose vessel is wrecked off the coast, must navigate language, etiquette, and shifting loyalties to stay alive. Lord Toranaga (Shōta Sometani) sees potential in him but also tests his loyalty at every turn. As the story moves from coastal villages to court intrigue, Blackthorne becomes deeply involved in a power struggle that affects both Japanese leaders and foreign outsiders. Each decision carries weight, showing how war in this context is as much about patience, understanding, and alliances as it is about combat.

1

‘Generation Kill’ (2008)

Image via HBO

The chaos of a military invasion is rarely portrayed with this level of immediacy. Generation Kill drops the viewer directly into the experience of young Marines confronting a conflict that is confusing, dangerous, and unpredictable. From the first scenes, it becomes clear that the series is less about heroics and more about how soldiers manage responsibility under pressure.

Embedded reporter Evan Wright (Harris Dickinson) chronicles the First Recon Battalion as they move into Iraq, showing both the small moments of camaraderie and the intense pressures of combat. Figures like Sergeant Brad Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård) and Sergeant Antonio Espera (James Ransone) must make split-second decisions that carry serious consequences. By the end, the audience sees how survival often depends on teamwork, judgment, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing battlefield.

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Generation Kill

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Release Date

2008 – 2008

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Network

HBO

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Directors

Simon Cellan Jones

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The filmmaking team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller has become among the best in Hollywood. Currently, Project Hail Mary is killing it with critics and at the box office in what’s certain to be one of the best movies of 2026. It should be no surprise. Lord and Miller have had one hit after another for nearly two decades. They’re the team behind Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie, and in one of the best and most surprising comedies of the century, 21 Jump Street, along with its sequel, 22 Jump Street. Fans really wanted a third movie, and although Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill never returned to their roles, they almost did in the wildest of ways: a crossover with Men in Black.

‘Men in Black’ and ’21 Jump Street’ Were Huge Hits

In the mid-90s, Will Smith was arguably the most popular actor on the planet. After his hit NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, combined with a successful musical career on top of it, Smith took Hollywood by storm. Three years in a row he had films that dominated at the box office. In 1995, there was Bad Boys, followed by an even bigger Independence Day in 1996, and Men in Black in 1997. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Smith played James Edwards in Men in Black, a carefree, wisecracking New York City cop who becomes part of a secret organization that tracks down the aliens that live among us. With his ultra-serious, grumpy mentor, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), by his side, Men in Black was a fresh and hilarious action comedy done so well that it led to a franchise.

Fifteen years later, another successful comedy, 21 Jump Street, was a box office hit, although no one expected it. Based on the Fox TV series starring Johnny Depp, another movie based on a show could have failed badly. Instead, thanks to Michael Bacall‘s script, Lord and Miller’s directing talent, and the chemistry shown in laugh-until-you-cry performances from Tatum and Hill, 21 Jump Street surprised everyone and led to an equally funny follow-up, 22 Jump Street. Outside of being entertaining movies, Men in Black and 21 Jump Street seemed to have nothing in common, yet a crossover came so close to happening.

What Would a ‘Men in Black’ and ’21 Jump Street’ Crossover Been About?

Image via MGM

News of a crossover between the two franchises leaked due to a hack of Sony Pictures in 2014. The film, which had the early title of MIB 23, was not going to be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. They would have served as producers, with James Bobin, the director of 2011’s The Muppets, being looked at someone who could potentially bring the idea to life. If this seems like an odd choice, go back and watch the film. He and Jason Segel brought Jim Henson’s beloved characters back and made them fun all over again.

Related

10 Most Essential Channing Tatum Movies, Ranked

“My name is Jeff.”

In a 2022 appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Joshua Horowitz, Lord and Miller talked about what could have been. Miller recalled that the “crossover script that was very funny and very crazy that we really adored,” before going into greater detail about the plot. “It was basically the idea was that Jonah and Channing… a thing happened while they were doing their medical school adventure that got them embroiled into the world of Men in Black, and they ended up teaming up to stop an alien takeover type of thing.”

Lord brought up an additional detail about a hilarious idea from the script. “Like the black suits were like martial arts belts that you had to work your way up to black and that [Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum] were issued powder blue Men in Black suits.” Just that visual alone is enough to sell a movie.

Channing Tatum Revealed Why the Movie Will Never Happen

Unfortunately, the stars of the Men in Black trilogy, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, weren’t set to be part of the crossover with 21 Jump Street, at least not in leading roles. Perhaps a likely scenario would have seen Agents J and K handing off their duties to Morton (Hill) and Greg (Tatum) or coming in to save the day at the end. Either way, there certainly would have been a lot of comedic potential in having one weird cop and one really dense one tracking down aliens.

MIB 23 has yet to happen, and unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that it ever will. In a 2025 interview with Variety, Channing Tatum explained why, telling the outlet

“I don’t think it’ll ever happen. The problem is the overhead. It would cost as much as the actual budget of the film — if not more — because of all the producers involved. It’s just too top-heavy. It falls over every time.”

With all of the talent involved, if anyone could have made MIB 23, it would have been them. Still, it’s probably for the best that it never came to be. The Men in Black franchise was already starting to sputter at the end of the third movie. Meanwhile, the less that is said about 2019’s Men in Black: International, the better. Without Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, the concept doesn’t work. If a third 21 Jump Street movie is going to get made, how about a crossover with another alien movie from Phil Lord and Chris Miller? Project Jump Street anyone?

21 Jump Street is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

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Release Date

March 16, 2012

Runtime

109 minutes

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Director

Christopher Miller, Phil Lord

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A Wisconsin high school teacher arrested on child sexual assault charges is accused of having “multiple victims,” according to law enforcement.

Nadia M. Horn was arrested after Eau Claire Area School District employees told police on Wednesday, March 25, that there was “a potential inappropriate relationship between a staff member and a student,” the Eau Claire Police Department said in a news release issued that same day.

A resource officer at North High School started to investigate and gathered information of alleged criminal activity involving Horn, 22, who teaches at the high school, according to police.

Horn was a part of the school’s special education staff, WQOW reported.

Related: Elementary Teacher Who Sent Teen 35K Texts in 3 Months Cries in Court

A recently engaged Wisconsin woman will spend the next six years in prison after allegedly admitting to kissing an 11-year-old boy in her classroom — and later sending him 35,000 explicit text messages. Madison Bergmann, 26, was working as a fifth grade teacher at River Crest Elementary School in Hudson, Wisconsin, until the victim’s father […]

She is now suspected of preying on multiple minors, according to police.

“Through the course of the investigation, multiple victims have been identified,” police said.

It was not immediately clear whether Horn had retained an attorney who could comment on her behalf as of Friday, March 27.

Horn is facing chargings of sexual assault of a child by a school staff person and second-degree sexual assault of a child, according to police.

“The Eau Claire Police Department is committed to ensuring that the victims receive support and services,” police said.

Additional information on the sexual assault allegations were not provided by law enforcement.

Related: Former Teacher Accused of Having Unlawful Sexual Relations with Student

A former Kansas high school art teacher accused of grooming and having unlawful sexual relations with an underaged student will stand trial on four criminal counts, a judge determined this week. Nicole Hernandez, 30, appeared in court on Tuesday, December 2, after being charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student, KAKE.com […]

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“On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, we learned of alleged inappropriate conduct by a staff member,” Superintendent Mike Johnson said in a statement obtained by WQOW that was sent to families of students attending North High School. “The North High School and District Administration contacted law enforcement immediately upon learning of this allegation. The staff member has been suspended without pay, pending legal resolution.”

“Learning about alleged inappropriate conduct by a staff member is deeply troubling for all of us,” the superintendent also wrote in the statement. “We kindly request that the school community respect the privacy of our students and their families and refrain from spreading rumors or speculation. Our Student Services staff are available to help any child or staff who may be experiencing difficulties with this news.”

Following her arrest, Horn was booked in the Eau Claire County Jail, police said.

The Eau Claire Police Department is asking anyone with information relevant to the ongoing investigation into Horn to call the department’s non-emergency line at (715) 839-4972.

The city of Eau Claire is about a 90-mile drive east from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

The Drama director Kristoffer Borgli is receiving backlash after an essay he wrote in 2012 justifying his relationship with a teenager has resurfaced on Reddit.

In a piece for Norwegian magazine Dagens Naeringsliv written in 2012, Borgli, 40, described his “exotic summer” dating a 16-year-old girl, which is the age of consent in Norway, when he was 10 years her senior, calling it a “May-December” relationship. (The term “May-December” refers to a romantic age difference that society disapproves of.)

“I met a girl ten years younger than me whom I liked very much — a girl who wasn’t old enough to vote — and I had to find something that could recalibrate my moral compass,” Borgli, who was 27 dated the teen, wrote in the essay, translated to English by The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, March 26. “The few friends I confided in about my situation responded that it was not ‘within bounds.’ That confirmed that it was precisely a May-December romance.”

The director, whose latest film The Drama is set to hit theaters in April, recalled the evolution of his romance with the teen girl, including their mostly shut-in lifestyle.

Related: ‘Babygirl’ Director Defends Age Gap Between Nicole Kidman and Costar

Monica Schipper/Getty Images Babygirl director Halina Reijn is defending the 29-year age gap between her lead actors, Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. In an interview with W Magazine published on Wednesday, December 25, Reijn was asked about adding to the pantheon of romantic movies released this year that feature an older woman and a younger […]

“Beside me lay a blonde girl, a high school student enjoying the sporadic holidays in May,” Borgli remembered of their time in his apartment. “I chose to see her that way, to define her by her age, and I chose never to see her again.”

He confessed, “But you can’t choose what the heart wants.”

Borgli explained that in order to sort out his “emotional dilemma” he turned to Lost in Translation, which depicted a May-December romance with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson who were 53 and 18, respectively, while filming.

The filmmaker pointed to Woody Allen’s Manhattan as the biggest influence on whether he would continue to see this girl. He noted the 1979 film featured a 42-year-old man dating a 17-year-old girl, presented in a “positive way” that caused “no controversy.”

“Why shouldn’t my relationship — with a considerably smaller age difference — in 2012 be ‘within bounds’?” Borgli mused, revealing, “I chose to listen to Woody over my friends.”

Borgli shared that he was “fascinated” by the girl’s life, calling her “quite equal” to him as she was into piano, went to gallery openings and felt grown up.

“Suddenly we were together all the time — long days in my apartment, eggs and bacon with Woody Allen films for breakfast (she was also a fan), long walks with her parents’ dog, and late midweek evenings at restaurants and bars (where they didn’t check ID),” he confessed.

Borgli added that when the girl’s parents were away they drank their wine and read their books.

“That summer, I didn’t travel — for the first time as long as I can remember — but the time we spent together that summer in her parents’ apartment was nonetheless the best and most exotic summer I’ve ever had,” he wrote, but once her parents came home “unexpectedly early from vacation” and he had to exit the first floor window the romance came to a halt.

Borgli concluded, “The summer ended, and our weeklong weekends became ordinary weekdays. She was May; I was December.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Borgli and A24, the production company behind The Drama, for comment.

Related: Scarlett Johansson Defends Supporting Woody Allen Amid Abuse Scandal

Scarlett Johansson is standing by her support of Woody Allen, no matter the reaction. Johansson, 41, reflected on her choice to back Allen, 90, in 2019 as he faced accusations of sexual abuse, telling The Telegraph in an interview published Saturday, November 29, that it’s “hard to know” whether she received any consequences for her […]

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After THR translated the essay, it made its rounds on Reddit — and users were quick to slam the director for his past actions.

“Ooooof that’s disappointing. Had no idea about this,” one fan wrote on the forum.

“What a f***ing creep,” another fan replied. “So, instead of accepting that he’s a creep who should not act on his creepiness, he decided everyone else was wrong and fellow creeps’ 1970s fantasies should guide his life?”

A third user confessed they didn’t want to support Borgli’s new film ahead of its Friday, April 3, release.

“Well … guess I won’t be watching The Drama,” the person wrote on Reddit. “I’m usually pretty good at separating art and artist usually but preying on vastly underage girls is where I draw a line 🙅.”

Andrew Garfield isn’t holding back when it comes to his views on J. K. Rowling, as he draws a firm line between the creator and her work.

Over the years, the bestselling author has been outspoken about her “gender-critical” stance, sparking widespread backlash. In response, some cast members have publicly distanced themselves, while others have shown support.

Now, Garfield is praising the brilliance of “Harry Potter” while withholding recognition from the woman behind it.

Andrew Garfield Praises ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise But Snubs Its Famous Author 

In a recent interview, the “Amazing Spider-Man” alum spoke about his introduction to the wizarding world and gushed about the original cast and the crew members. 

“Daniel is so goddamn good. Honestly, I hadn’t watched the Harry Potter movies until recently,” the actor shared on the March 26 episode of “Hits Radio.” “He’s really good in those movies. Those Harry Potter movies are really good.”

However, Garfield blatantly refused to give credit to the brain behind the books, appearing to allude to her stance on societal issues. 

“I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless,” he explained, adding that he couldn’t help but disassociate the message in the project from the maker. 

He said the film carried themes, creativity, and wonderful actors, which he cannot entirely reject solely because of its creator.

“You can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Garfield shared. “There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists.”

Keira Knightley Unaware Of J.K. Rowling Controversy While Joining Audiobook Cast

While Garfield spotlighted the work of the cast and crew, other actors have responded differently to the debate surrounding Rowling.

The Blast reported that Keira Knightley, who voices Dolores Umbridge in the series audiobooks, revealed she had no idea about the backlash tied to the author.

The actress appeared genuinely surprised when asked about the controversy, admitting she was completely unaware before apologizing for her lack of knowledge. She added that people hold different views and stressed the need for society to coexist respectfully despite disagreements.

Pedro Pascal Slammed The Famed Writer’s Opinion As ‘Loser Behavior’

Pedro Pascal has taken a far more critical stance, calling out Rowling on multiple occasions.

According to The Blast, in April last year, after activist Tariq Ra’ouf urged fans to boycott future projects connected to the franchise, Pascal labeled the author a “heinous loser.”

He doubled down in June, comparing the backlash surrounding Rowling to a child repeatedly sent to the principal’s office for behavioral issues, scared, but wondering what he had done wrong.

The “Game of Thrones” actor admitted he contemplated whether speaking out was truly making a difference, stressing that his concern wasn’t about backlash but about real impact. He emphasized the need for thoughtful, effective action that leads to protection for people.

How ‘Harry Potter Cast Members Remained Divided Over J.K. Rowling’s View

As several reactions continued to pour in, Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, made it known that he won’t throw stones at the woman who helped in shaping his career. 

As The Blast reported, when Felton was asked if Rowling’s views on gender had not affected his relationship with the franchise, he replied, “No, I can’t say it does. I’m not really that attuned.”

Instead, he focused on the impact Rowling made, crediting her for creating something that brought people together and benefited his career.

On the other hand, Daniel Radcliffe, playing the title character, has taken a different stance. In a May 2024 interview, Radcliffe remarked, “Just because she made me a star doesn’t mean I have to agree with her.”

Emma Watson Opened Up About The Strain With Rowling

Emma Watson, known for portraying Hermione, has since shown she supports trans rights, publicly opposing Rowling’s views.

Her stance put her at odds with Rowling and created distance between them since 2020, which has only grown over time. Despite the disagreement, Watson refuses to see her love for Rowling negated by it. 

In a past appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast, which The Blast reported, Watson acknowledged the positive experiences and personal connection she once had with Rowling. She insisted that her appreciation for those moments remains, even though their values now differ.

By Kevin C. Neece
| Published 1 hour ago

Johnny Depp’s 1997 mafia film Donnie Brasco tells the story of an FBI agent who infiltrates a crime family in the 1970s, and the emotional conflict within which he finds himself.

That conflict is rooted in the heartbreaking difficulty of betrayal the agent experiences after he befriends and wins the trust of a person who will almost certainly end up dead because of the scheme.

In the film, Johnny Depp plays Joe Pistone, a young FBI agent who poses as jewel thief Donnie Brasco in order to infiltrate the Bonanno crime family in New York. The movie is based on the 1988 book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia by the real Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley.

Creative Liberties Were Taken

While the book relates Pistone’s accounts of his real-life undercover operation, the film fictionalizes the story quite a bit and ends up loosely based on its source material.

Appearing alongside Johnny Depp is Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero, an enforcer for the Bonanno crime family who befriends and vouches for Pistone as Brasco. The story focuses on the relationship between the two men as Pistone becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the looming end result of his goals. The film and its screenplay by Paul Attanasio were widely praised upon its 1997 theatrical release.

Long before he became associated with Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp was riding his career’s first wave of success, following his roles in Edward Scissorhands (1990), Benny & Joon (1993), and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993).

Depp had also won a London Film Critics’ Circle Actor of the Year award for his performance in Ed Wood the previous year. Already showing the diversity of his talent, the actor was moving seamlessly between fantasy, comedy, and drama, with his taste for the weird and wacky on full display.

Johnny Depp showed yet another side to himself in Donnie Brasco, compellingly leading a serious crime drama that nonetheless tells a heart-rending human story. His performance in the film was widely praised by critics who noted the believability and grace in his exploration of the role, but this success followed a rather winding production road for the film.

Development And Casting Were Crucial

Long before Johnny Depp or Al Pacino became involved with the project, the film rights were purchased by Louis DiGiaimo, who had known Joseph D. Pistone since their childhood years. DiGiamo was a casting director for Barry Levinson and brought the property to the attention of producers Gail Mutrux and Mark Johnson, and Levinson’s Baltimore Pictures. Paul Attanasio was brought on to write the script with Stephen Frears set to direct.

In 1990, the year of Johnny Depp’s breakout in Edward Scissorhands, Martin Scorsese also released his now-classic mob movie, Goodfellas, causing the film’s production to be pushed back. As the film languished in development for a few years, Frears eventually left the project, with Mike Newell stepping in as director. In 1996, development finally moved forward with Pacino cast as Lefty, a casting for which Frears had long advocated.

Pistone himself was brought on as a character development consultant for the two leads. Rounding out the primary cast were Michael Madsen as Sonny Black, Bruno Kirby as Nicky Santora, James Russo as Paulie, and Anne Heche as Maggie Pistone. The film premiered in the US in February of 1997 with a UK release that May.

Depp’s Range On Full Display

While Johnny Depp is best known for more cartoonish roles like Captain Jack Sparrow, revisiting his grounded turn in Donnie Brasco shows just how nuanced and engaging his performance can be. Even his broad comedic roles are built on the same thoughtful approach he brings to playing Joe Pistone.

Donnie Brasco serves as a great reminder of why Depp became a star in the first place, and it’s currently available to watch on-demand through YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.