Entertainment
Disney’s Forgotten 1960s Adventure Film Is Still One of the Best — and Most Surprising — World War II Movies
When you think of Disney‘s 1960s output, technicolor fairy tales, cartoon animals, and whimsical coming-of-age stories likely come to mind. Meanwhile, bombed-out Europe probably doesn’t ring a bell as one of the studio’s specialties that decade. Yet Disney’s 1963 World War II film, Miracle of the White Stallions, makes for a surprising entry in the studio’s canon. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the film sidesteps gunfire and life-altering grand deeds of war in favor of a tale about defiance, tradition, and the preservation of culture. Miracle of the White Stallions is based on Alois Podhajsky’s memoir The Dancing White Horses of Vienna, and it tells the real story of how Austria’s treasured Lipizzaner horses were rescued with the help of American soldiers during World War II.
From its very first frame, you can tell Miracle of the White Stallions is a different kind of war movie. It opens in a remote village in Austria, where we are introduced to the beauty and cultural significance of the Lipizzaner horses juxtaposed with the prevailing war chaos threatening them. In place of bombers and tanks, Hiller paints a romanticized portrait of the horses. He shows us how graceful they are, whether in their dance performances or in their intimate relationships within their handlers and each other. Hiller truly makes the horses co-stars alongside his human leads.
‘Miracle of the White Stallions’ Breaks the War-Movie Mold
The film follows Colonel Podhajsky (Robert Taylor in a striking performance), head of the Spanish Riding School, who is keen on protecting the Lipizzaner stallions from destruction and, thus, preserving centuries-old symbols of Austrian culture. With war drawing closer to Vienna, Colonel Podhajsky’s first hurdle is convincing the Nazi army superiors to allow him to evacuate the horses. But even as he navigates one obstacle, several new ones spring up in its place. The film stands out for how it breaks the mold of war pictures in its era, stripping away combat spectacle that was a common element among movies in the genre, like The Longest Day and The Guns of Navarone. The film replaces spectacle with a narrative that builds tension from Colonel Podhajsky’s negotiation with the Nazis and the trust he commands from some soldiers within the ranks. His willingness to explore a collaboration with the supposed enemy — the American army led by Gen. George S. Patton (John Larch) — shows not only his determination, but also his unique courage.
‘Miracle of the White Stallions’ Showcases One of Robert Taylor’s Best Performances
An uncharacteristic part of Disney’s canon in the early 1960s, Miracle of the White Stallions was released at a time when the studio was turning out whimsical musicals and sunny adventures. So it was surprising when Arthur Hiller’s vision steered the war film into sterner waters. His direction is controlled, with pacing that is unhurried. He builds slowly from the historical context of the origin of the horses before delving into the grim state of current affairs and the danger it poses to that rich history. Hiller is less concerned with thrills than with tone and atmosphere. He shows us his characters — human and animal — in their natural habitat as the war looms. The animals are oblivious of the rising temperatures, while the human beings guarding them are worried that their conflict could destroy the stallions. Despite the film’s slow pace, Hiller’s choice to show these events taking place as if they are happening in real time makes you appreciate the film’s urgent call, particularly Colonel Podhajsky’s sense of responsibility to preserve history and tradition.
Taylor plays Podhajsky as if commanding a special operation. He is brisk, precise, and highly devoted. He desperately approaches any office that can accord him help, even when he knows it’s unlikely to bear fruit. Taylor is joined by an impressive cast, including Lilli Palmer as his wife Vedena, who brings tenderness to her role. She’s Podhajsky’s pillar in moments when everything seems to go awry, keeping him grounded and focused. Curd Jürgens (The Spy Who Loved Me) and Eddie Albert take their supporting roles with the seriousness they deserve.
In its look and feel, Miracle of the White Stallions is worlds away from the usual gloss of Disney escapism. But that is not to say that the film is lacking in mojo. Filmed partially in Vienna, including at the Spanish Riding School and the Hermesvilla estate where the real event happened, the movie’s authentic locations give it an emotional touch that leaves a lasting impression. The cinematography by Günther Anders and editing by Alfred Srp move with purpose, making use of long shots of horses in open courtyards juxtaposed with the shrinking spaces of wartime Vienna. The result is a film that lets you feel both grandeur and danger.
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The score, too, underlines the stakes. Music by Paul J. Smith, with moments punctuated by Franz Schubert’s ingenuity of “Marche Militaire” and Felix Mendelssohn’s pieces, marries tradition with mounting tension. But Miracle of the White Stallions trusts silence as much as sound and horses as much as humans, giving the genre a refreshing look that asks questions about the culture of war and lost heritage as collateral damage.
While it isn’t difficult to identify the film as a ’60s release, the questions asked in its thought-provoking premise and central idea are as relevant in the conflicts of today as they were back then. Sixty-two years since its unique protagonists hoofed onto the screen, Miracle of the White Stallions deserves more light — not for what’s missing, but for what survives.
Miracle of the White Stallions
- Release Date
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March 29, 1963
- Runtime
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118 minutes
- Director
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Arthur Hiller
- Writers
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AJ Carothers
Cast
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Lilli Palmer
Vedena Podhajsky
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Robert Taylor
Col. Podhajsky
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This summer of cinema is packed with exciting blockbusters, with one of the most hotly anticipated marking the final stop on the road to Doomsday. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to swing into theaters on July 31, and many are anticipating big things for Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker now that he lives in a world where no one remembers him. A couple of weeks ago, Sony’s release of a pulse-racing trailer officially generated 718.6 million views globally within its first 24 hours, making it the most-watched trailer launch of all time and cementing Brand New Day‘s position among the upper echelons of the must-watch list for 2026.
But way before he was starring in record-breaking trailers and headlining summer blockbusters, Holland made his debut in a movie that arguably features his best performance to date. The Impossible, released in 2012 and produced when Holland was just 14 years old, is a survival thriller based on the terrifying true story of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Replacing the real Belón-Alvarez family in the film are the Bennett family, comprised of Maria (Naomi Watts) and Henry (Ewan McGregor), their eldest child, Lucas (Holland), and two other sons, Thomas (Samuel Joslin) and Simon (Oaklee Pendergast).
Following his success on the stage at just 13 years old in Billy Elliot: The Musical, Holland was the perfect pick for young Lucas, as he used his acrobatic balance and clear emotional maturity to hold his own against veteran performers like Watts and McGregor. If you’d like to check out Holland’s breakout performance for yourself before the release of Brand New Day, you’re in luck, as The Impossible will be available to stream for free on Plex this April.
Solve the Whodunnit in TV’s Best Mystery Show Today With Collider’s TV Quiz
Do you know Only Murders like the back of your Arconia? We’re about to find out, as you piece together the facts of this quizzical case.
How Did Critics Respond to ‘The Impossible’?
With Watts earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, it’s fair to say that critics enjoyed The Impossible. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is rated a “certified fresh” 81%, with the consensus on the site reading, “The screenplay isn’t quite as powerful as the direction or the acting, but with such an astonishing real-life story at its center, The Impossible is never less than compelling.”
The Impossible will stream on Plex this April. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
- Release Date
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September 9, 2012
- Runtime
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114 Minutes
- Director
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J.A. Baynona
- Writers
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Sergio G. Sánchez, María Belón
John Cena isn’t here for surprise performances, especially without a proper introduction. The actor and former WWE star found himself in an awkward viral moment after TikTok personality Harry Daniels approached him inside a cafe and immediately launched into a song. Harry Daniels, known for serenading celebrities in public, didn’t ease into the interaction, jumping straight into Taylor Swift’s “Invisible String” without saying hello.
John Cena Stops TikToker Mid-Song With Polite Clapback
It didn’t take long for Cena to step in and redirect the situation. Only seconds into the performance, the 48-year-old stood up and made it clear he preferred a more respectful approach.
“Let’s start with a hello. How are you doing? Nice to meet you, I’m John,” he said, extending his hand.
After Daniels introduced himself, Cena continued the conversation with a question that caught viewers’ attention, asking, “Would you like to sing now?”
Cena Ends Awkward Moment With Brutal Honesty
The interaction only grew more uncomfortable as Cena pressed for clarity. When Daniels explained his reasoning, “Because I sing to everyone. It’s my job,” Cena didn’t hold back his response.
“And for what purpose?” he asked before ultimately shutting it down. “Well, I’m not buying what you’re selling. Thanks, though.”
Daniels replied, “Okay, thank you,” before quickly walking away from the situation.
TikToker Admits Fault After Awkward John Cena Moment Goes Viral
@harry.daniels Ok this ones on me cuz i had no decorum my bad sorry john cena #johncena #taylorswift ♬ original sound – harry daniels
Following the exchange, Daniels took to social media to reflect on what went wrong. “I saw John Cena at a cafe, and I tried singing for him, but my approach was so bad that the whole thing went haywire,” he wrote over the video.
In the caption, he added, “Ok this one’s on me cuz I had no decorum, my bad, sorry John Cena.”
The clip quickly gained traction online, with viewers praising Cena for how he handled the situation, while others attacked the TikToker. One user commented, “Let’s start with hello.” LMAOOO he was not playing omg,” while another added, “You didn’t know John Cena, the king of boundaries and respect.”
Someone else chimed in, “I’m on John Cena’s side. This stunt is annoying lol,” while one user bluntly told the TikToker to “lay low for a while.”
This Isn’t The First Time The TikToker Has Put Celebs On The Spot
This isn’t Daniels’ first time putting celebrities on the spot. The influencer, who has built a following of over 2.2 million on TikTok, is known for approaching stars like Jennifer Lopez, Austin Butler, and Cyndi Lauper with impromptu performances.
Just last week, he shared another viral moment involving John Stamos at the “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” premiere. During that encounter, Daniels began singing the “Full House” theme song before Stamos surprised him by introducing him to the song’s co-writer. “This kid’s a good singer,” Stamos said, before adding, “He wrote that song.”
Daniels later reflected on the moment in his own caption, writing, “I tried to gag John Stamos with my beautiful singing but then he gagged me by introducing me to the ‘Full House’ creator.”
John Cena Previously Went Viral For Calling Out Consent
Meanwhile, last June, a clip made the rounds online after John Cena had a tense backstage moment with a fan who crossed a line. The interaction started off politely, with the fan asking for a photo, something Cena agreed to, even shaking hands before the picture. But things quickly shifted when the fan began recording him without permission and asked, “What are you wearing?”
Cena didn’t let it slide. “I’m a big fan of consent, right? So if you would like to take a video. I’m a big fan of consent,” he said, making his stance crystal clear.
The fan apologized shortly after, as Cena walked away, but later returned and told the fan, “I’m sorry for walking away from you. I just took a deep breath and I feel like I’m in a tough situation.”
The two quickly cleared the air, apologizing to each other and confirming there were no hard feelings. “I just know it’s kind of chaos back here,” Cena said, as the fan responded, “Listen, it’s all good.”
Cena then added, “I’ll give you whatever you want as long as you ask,” before the two shared another handshake.
Vertigo star Kim Novak is revealing the real reason why she doesn’t approve of Sydney Sweeney starring in the upcoming biopic Scandalous!.
“[Sydney] sticks out so much above the waist,” Novak, 93, told London’s The Times in an interview published on Saturday, March 28, adding that she “would never have approved” of the casting.
“There’s no way it wouldn’t be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time,” she added. “She was totally wrong to play me.”
Colman Domingo is set to direct and costar with his Euphoria castmate Sweeney, 28, in a romantic drama based on Novak’s real relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. in the late 1950s. Scandalous! will juxtapose the passion of Novak and the late Davis’ interracial romance with a time when segregation was still prevalent throughout the U.S. (Davis died at age 64 from complications from throat cancer in May 1990.)
Sydney Sweeney is embracing her inner femme fatale. Sweeney, 28, opened up about the acting roles she accepts and being cast as one of Hollywood’s leading bombshells while chatting with Variety in an interview published on Monday, October 27. “I play a lot of very divisive characters, and I think that a lot of people […]
The Golden Globe Award winner’s issues with Sweeney’s casting go beyond the Anyone but You actress’s physical presence on screen. Novak went public with her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2012, and is now questioning whether Sweeney can accurately capture that experience on screen.
“You can’t learn to be vulnerable,” Novak insisted. “It’s a big asset to be a bipolar actor. No one feels joy or pain as much as someone who’s bipolar. The feelings are unstoppable.”
Novak has been vocally opposed to Scandalous! since the project was picked up by production company Miramax in October 2024. Last September, Novak even took issue with the title of Domingo’s movie.
“I don’t think the relationship was scandalous,” Novak told The Guardian at the time. “He’s somebody I really cared about. We had so much in common, including that need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look. But I’m concerned they’re going to make it all sexual reasons.”
Kim Novak in September 2025. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
For her part, Sweeney told People in October 2025 that she was hoping to meet Novak before shooting Scandalous!.
“I’m incredibly honored to be bringing Kim to life. I mean, she is such an amazing actress,” Sweeney said at AFI Fest. “I think her story is still very relevant today in that she dealt with Hollywood and scrutiny with her relationships and her own private life and the control of her image. And I think that for me, I relate to it in a lot of different ways.”
She went on, “Once I finish Euphoria, I switch into Scandalous! gear and I’m going to turn my brain into Kim. I’m so excited. I’m like, ‘Oh my God. I’m going to meet Kim Novak.’”
Scandalous! is expected to shoot this year but does not yet have a release date.
Tyler Perry is back in the headlines after distributing $250,000 in gift cards to TSA officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The move has drawn attention from both fans and critics, with some pointing to the moment as a reflection of what they describe as increasingly “dystopian” conditions in the United States.
Perry’s contribution comes amid an ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has left many federal workers without pay for weeks.
According to reports, some TSA officers at the Atlanta airport had resorted to sleeping in their cars or selling plasma to try to get by.
After becoming aware of their plight, Perry stepped in to help, but the gesture has reignited questions about the role of government in supporting its own workers.
Tyler Perry Handed Out $250K To Unpaid TSA Officers
As the DHS shutdown dragged on, airport workers in Atlanta became one of the most visible examples of the crisis.
At Hartsfield-Jackson, widely recognized as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, TSA officers were still required to report for duty despite going weeks without pay.
Many workers were said to be struggling to cover basic expenses such as rent, food, and transportation.
According to PEOPLE, Perry initially arrived at the airport intending to hand out cash directly to the workers, but the plan was blocked.
An alternative approach was eventually worked out with input from TSA’s legal team and union leadership in Georgia. Instead of cash, the filmmaker distributed $1,000 Visa gift cards to 250 TSA officers.
Internet Calls Out ‘Dystopian’ Reality After Perry’s Gesture
Perry’s donation likely came as a welcome relief to the TSA officers who received it.
The conversation was different on social media, however, with some arguing that private individuals are being forced to step in to fill gaps typically handled by government institutions.
“F-cking Hunger Games out here,” one user wrote on Reddit. “Celebrities tossing gift cards like it’s some magical, life-changing gift. GTFO.”
Others took an even more skeptical tone, with some pointing to recent allegations against him.
“That’s a really nice thing of Tyler Perry to do out of the sincere kindness of his heart,” a cynical comment within the same thread reads. “Nearly made me forget all about his sexual assault allegations.”
Madea Jokes Also Take Over After Tyler Perry’s Donation
While many of the reactions to Perry’s giveaway carried a more reflective tone, others couldn’t resist turning the moment into a running joke centered on the director’s most iconic character.
“But the gift cards are only good at the Madea gift shop,” one user wrote.
Others joked about Madea-branded merchandise. “That’s the best-selling T-shirt at the gift shop. Sizes up to six XL,” a commenter said, in response to a post referencing Madea’s signature “HELLLURRRRRRR!!!!”
Perry, meanwhile, appears to be in no rush to step away from the role of Madea, having most recently reprised the character in “Joe’s College Road Trip” on Netflix.
Why The Filmmaker Gave TSA Workers Gift Cards Instead Of Cash
Still on the same Reddit thread, one user raised a question many were likely thinking: “Why not just give them actual dollars that they can use? I can’t use $500 worth of Chipotle.”
As it turns out, the answer lies in federal ethics rules governing gifts to government employees.
The U.S. government’s Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch imposes a general gift limit of $20 per occasion and $50 per year from a single source.
Perry’s giveaway obviously far exceeded this limit. Instead, the media mogul found a workaround involving the distribution of prepaid Visa gift cards.
Tyler Perry’s Love Life Also Back In The Spotlight
As social media debates his philanthropic act, Perry’s personal life has also returned to the spotlight.
The producer was recently spotted alongside “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Marlo Hampton at a gospel brunch in Atlanta.
Footage of the pair appearing relaxed and engaged in conversation quickly sparked dating speculation online.
Although the two reportedly arrived separately, they were later seen seated together, laughing and appearing comfortable in each other’s company. However, the rumors were swiftly shut down. Media personality Loren LoRosa clarified in a post on X that the two had only just met at the event.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Chase McWhorter has poked fun at drama in the MomTok world caused by his kiss with ex-wife Miranda Hope’s costar Jessi Draper.
Chase, 30, shared a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video on Saturday, March 28, set to ZoHendrix’ song “Seasons,” in which the reality star stares at his own hands as the lyric “I’ve got the magic in me” plays. The Mormon Wives star tagged the video by writing, “IYKYK [if you know, you know].”
His attempt to laugh off the MomTok controversy didn’t go over well with everyone, as his former flame Layla Taylor replied, “girl shut your mouth.”
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Bronwyn Newport seemingly wasn’t laughing either, as she responded, “Boy, you better stop playing with those girls I love before I bring myself down past point of the mountain.”
Miranda McWhorter is addressing the drama surrounding her ex-husband Chase McWhorter and her Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costar Jessi Draper. After an insider told Us Weekly that Jessi and Chase got cozy at a recent party, Miranda took to her TikTok account on Thursday, March 26, to react. “[Get ready with me] while I process […]
Us Weekly exclusively reported on Thursday, March 26, that Chase and Jessi recently kissed at a party. (Jessi is currently going through a contentious divorce from Jordan Ngatikaura.)
“They were having fun at a party and it’s not serious between them,” an insider told Us.
Miranda and Chase were married from 2017 to 2024 and share two children, son Brooks, 6, and daughter Cohen, 4. Chase later briefly dated fellow Mormon Wives star Layla.
In the wake of the latest bombshell, Miranda, 27, revealed that she’d received a bouquet of flowers from Jessi, 33, seemingly as a peace offering.
“I completely understand you being upset with me,” Jessi wrote. “But wanted to send you a little something to let you know I’m thinking about you and I am so so sorry.”
Miranda broke her silence in a statement to Entertainment Tonight on Thursday, clarifying that she was aware that there was “communication between Chase and Jessi but not to what extent.”
“Chase was upfront and told me that they were talking and that they kissed. Jessi reached out only after she knew Chase had told me something was going on with them,” Miranda said.
She added, “What I never want to get misconstrued is that there is not any emotional attachment to Chase. He is my coparent. Although I do feel disrespected by Chase, I feel slighted by my friend. Chase and I are no longer partners and while I have a high expectation of him as a coparent, I also hold my friends to a high standard and believe in girl code.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews is sharing her reaction to MomTok’s drama-filled week. The stars of the hit Hulu reality show have scarcely been out of the headlines in the past week. To recap: First, there was the alleged domestic violence incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen that put a […]
Jessi’s estranged husband Jordan, 31, weighed in when Miranda invited fans to “[get ready with me] while I process my friend group being a waiting room for my ex-husband” in a TikTok video.
“Looks like she can’t even be faithful or loyal even in a friendship… too bad,” Jordan replied in a since-deleted comment.
Chase then fired back at Jordan, writing, “Back to LinkedIn u go.”
Amid the total chaos in the MomTok world, Chase’s sister, Aysia McWhorter, joked that “every day there’s something new” in their friend group.
“[Jessi’s] type is my brother? First question, how has he pulled all of the Mormon Wives?” Aysia teased. “Why are they all in line for him? I love you Chase, but it’s getting a little bit hard to defend you.”
She quipped in a caption, “Utah can’t be this small @chase! What are they feeding you?”
Shanica Knowles, known for her role as Amber Addison in “Hannah Montana,” is embracing the nostalgia surrounding the show’s 20th anniversary. In a heartfelt social media post, the actress and singer praised Miley Cyrus for her talent and looked back on their friendship. Knowles’ tribute comes just days after Disney marked the major milestone with a television special, featuring performances of the series’ most iconic songs and sentimental trips down memory lane.
Shanica Knowles Shares Photos From ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th Anniversary Special
“Hannah Montana” alums, including Knowles, have been recounting some of their favorite memories from filming the show in the early 2000s amid the program’s 20th anniversary.
After appearing on the red carpet at the Los Angeles El Capitan Theatre on March 23, Knowles shared some of the snaps with moving captions on her Instagram.
One photo clearly moved Knowles. It featured the show’s main cast, including her fellow fictional mean girl Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Cody Linley, Jason Earles, Moises Arias, and, of course, Cyrus.
In the caption, she shared a special message for them all, calling Earles’ character, Jackson, the funniest on the show and praising Linley, saying he still has his character’s signature “swag and charm.”
‘Hannah Montana’ Alum Shanica Knowles Calls Miley Cyrus The Most ‘Down To Earth Home Girl’ In Sentimental Tribute
When it was time for Cyrus’ tribute, Knowles poured her heart out, noting that Cyrus moved to Hollywood from Tennessee with no formal acting experience.
“Like, how does that happen right? But when I worked with her it made sense,” Knowles wrote. “She just had the “IT” factor.”
Knowles boasted about Cyrus’ “natural charm and charisma,” calling the Grammy winner one of the most “down to earth home girl[s]” she’s ever met.
As she continued, Knowles acknowledged the success Cyrus has had since working on “Hannah Montana,” but said that wouldn’t change the way she viewed her.
“The world may see you as Miley Cyrus, but I’ll always see you as the girl I had fun slumber parties with, wrote songs together with, talked about boys together with, and stayed up all night laughing on the phone with. I’ll always see you as just…Miley,” she wrote.
Miley Cyrus Celebrated 20 Years Of ‘Hannah Montana’ With An Epic Hannahversary
The cast of “Hannah Montana” gathered for the show’s 20th-anniversary premiere. The special, hosted by “Call Her Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper, featured Cyrus revisiting the show’s most iconic sets and reconnecting with Disney executives and former characters.
Cyrus sang re-recorded versions of “The Best of Both Worlds,” “This Is The Life,” and “The Climb.” She also premiered a new song, “Younger You.”
“Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection,” Cyrus said about the special. “The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”
Miley Cyrus Spills The Tea On Taylor Swift’s Surprise Appearance In The ‘Hannah Montana’ Movie
According to a previous report from The Blast, Cyrus shared some behind-the-scenes information about “Hannah Montana” that fans had never heard before during the special. One admission was about Taylor Swift‘s surprise appearance in the movie.
According to Cyrus, Disney cast Swift in the film because, at the time, she fit the character’s bill perfectly.
“For that scene, get the tea kettle,” Cyrus said. “So the way that Taylor Swift ended up in the ‘Hannah Montana’ movie was because this was kind of the beginning of her career, and they were looking for someone that would authentically, no shade, I guess, be performing in a barn. We both performed in the barn.”
Swift Had Another Role In The Movie
In another interview, Cyrus also spilled the beans about how Swift’s song “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” made its way into the movie.
“Taylor had pitched that song along with a lot of other writers and songs, and we were just kind of curating the thing that would most kind of bring the story of the film to life,” Cyrus said.
For those unfamiliar with the movie’s plot, by the end of the film, Cyrus’ character, Miley Stewart, tells her hometown that she’s Hannah Montana.
“So we wanted a really big song for the finale of that,” she continued. “It needed to feel celebratory because, you know, obviously Miley had just told the biggest secret.”
She added, “And so we needed something that felt like the kind of balloon that drops all the way down, you get grounded, you get still, but then it needs to go all the way back up, and so I love that song.”
Mila Kunis‘ continued contact with a former co-star is reportedly testing her marriage with husband, Ashton Kutcher.
The actress is said to still be in touch and “flirty” with actor Josh O’Connor, whom she starred alongside in the movie “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis’ marriage previously came under heavy spotlight after they publicly showed support for their former “That ’70s Show” co-star Danny Masterson.
Mila Kunis’ Closeness To Josh O’Connor Is Reportedly ‘Testing’ Ashton Kutcher’s Patience
According to In Touch, a source revealed that Kunis, her former co-star, O’Connor, got very close while filming the 2025 Netflix movie and has stayed in contact ever since.
“They have real chemistry, the kind you can’t fake,” the source stated. “You don’t really see it in the movie, but you totally see it whenever they’re in the same room, and during the entire press tour.”
The actress once branded O’Connor “a wonderful human being … a great human,” whom she loves on a “personal level.”
While the duo’s connection seems friendly, Kutcher is said not to be too happy about their closeness, with a source noting that it is “testing” his patience.
“Mila working in big Hollywood movies is important to him and something he wants to model for their kids,” the source said about the actor.
They continued, “But Ashton needs to be realistic. Of course, you’re going to make new friends and hit it off with new co-stars.”
The source further noted that O’Connor is a “safe guy” for Kunis to “flirt with,” adding that he is in a “serious long-term relationship” with Irish actress Alison Oliver.
The Couple’s Marriage Is ‘Going To Last’ As It Has Survived Serious Public Scrutiny, Source Reveals
For Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, showing support for Danny Masterson dealt a major blow to their public image.
Masterson was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, and prior to his 30-year prison sentence, Kutcher and Kunis had sent letters of support to the court in a bid to convince the judge to be lenient with the judgment.
While they later apologized for their actions in an emotional video in 2023, it did little to dial back the intensity of the backlash against the couple, and they were forced to step away from the public spotlight for a while.
Speculation then followed about the couple possibly calling it quits on their marriage. However, an insider has now revealed that their love for each other was largely unaffected by the scandal.
“They’ve been through so much,” the source informed US Weekly about the couple. “Their marriage is going to last.”
Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis ‘Leaned On Each Other’ Amid The Scandal
A key factor in the couple remaining together amid the scandal was their decision to weather the storm as a unit.
According to the source, the duo “leaned on each other” heavily and chose to focus on their immediate family, which includes their two children, daughter, Wyatt, 11, and son, Dimitri, 9.
“They are on the same page about all the important things, especially when it comes to their kids,” the insider further remarked. “Mila was so happy when they found their way back to each other.”
The Couple Turned Heads When They Returned To The Golden Globes In January
After their long hiatus, the couple is now trying to make their way back into Hollywood. As part of that move, they made an appearance at the Golden Globe Awards in January.
The appearance was their first awards show together since 2022, when they last attended the Academy Awards as a couple.
For the event, Mila Kunis chose a classic style that featured a light-colored strapless gown with a floral design, a structured corseted bodice, and a voluminous skirt.
She opted not to wear any jewelry on her neck but did accessorize her look with diamond spray earrings. The actress also styled her brunette hair in a sleek all-back getup with a side part.
As for Ashton Kutcher, he opted for a typically tailored black tuxedo, with a matching inner shirt and bow tie.
At the event, they spent some time posing on the red carpet, and both looked to be in high spirits to be there.
Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Have Appeared In New Movie Roles
Besides their public appearance, the couple has also returned to acting in new roles. On her part, Kunis recently appeared in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” the latest installment in the Knives Out franchise.
She starred alongside Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington, and the movie went on to receive rave reviews following its debut in December 2025.
Meanwhile, Kutcher recently returned to the small screen in Ryan Murphy’s FX television series, “The Beauty.”
Prior to the series debut, sources claimed that the actor is “pinning all his hopes on his new series to put him back in the spotlight,” per the Daily Mail.
“He hopes people can forgive and forget the shameful things he’s been involved in over the years,” they added.
The insider also claimed that Kutcher is well aware that some netizens are yet to forget about the Masterson scandal, and how he was recently linked to disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“[Kutcher] knows the Masterson and Diddy episodes are still fresh in people’s minds. He’s so nervous that he’s literally asking his buddies if they think he’ll ever be accepted again. He’s desperate to salvage his image,” the source mentioned.
BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister is captivating audiences — but how can Jane Austen fans watch the series?
Based on the novel by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister follows the events from Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet’s (Ella Bruccoleri) point of view. The story then departs from that to follow Mary as she travels to London and the Lake District and the overlooked sister from the big Bennet family has a romantic adventure in Regency England.
In addition to Bruccoleri, The Other Bennet Sister stars Ruth Jones, Richard E. Grant, Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Róisín Bhalla, Reggie Absolom and Jasmine Sharp. Laurie Davidson, Dónal Finn, Varada Sethu, Aaron Gill and Maddie Close also appear on the show.
Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Tanya Reynolds, Anna Fenton-Garvey, Ryan Sampson and Lucy Briers round out the cast. The series premiered in the U.K. in March, which viewers can check out on BBC iPlayer.
Never enough steam! Bridgerton is full of smoldering looks and stolen embraces, but the Netflix series is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sexy period dramas. No one knows this better than Outlander fans or the show’s two leads, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. The Belfast actress and the Scotland native […]
In the U.S., period drama fans can watch The Other Bennet Sister on May 6. The series will be available on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada but Amazon Prime offers a weeklong free trial as well.
Bruccoleri previously teased what fans can expect.
“From a young age, she’s seen as not having the same desirable qualities as her sisters,” Bruccoleri told The Hollywood Reporter. “She comes to believe that she’s innately unlovable. And then the minute that she steps away from her family, she begins to see things differently. I mean, she has setbacks all the time, but it’s a story about the transformative power of kindness, really.”
The winter TV schedule is overflowing with highly anticipated premieres and returns including Marshals, Bridgerton, Best Medicine and more. Based on Julia Quinn‘s book series, each season of Bridgerton focuses on a different member of the titular family as they attempt to find love in 19th-century London. The hit Netflix show is expected to have […]
She continued: “It’s disguised as a love story. I personally just don’t see it that way. I think it’s a love story between Mary and herself.”
Bruccoleri was excited to unpack the role, adding, “With Mary, she doesn’t understand the rules of the game. She tries incredibly hard to be something that is pleasing to other people. And she does that through study — really extensive study, because that’s what she knows. That’s how her brain works.”
She added: “She studies how to be as appealing as her sisters, [and] to her mother, mainly. But just goes about it completely the wrong way. It still doesn’t work. I think I really related to that in Mary, the industriousness of her. That’s the way I approach my job as well as — I do it through study rather than instinct. And I can be quite obsessive with the amount that I prepare for something.”
On their own, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe have both shown they’re more than capable of carrying powerful blockbuster films and awards contenders alike. The former has a pair of Oscars to his name in a supporting role for Glory and a leading turn in Training Day, with further acclaimed performances in Fences, Malcolm X, Gladiator 2, and last year’s Highest 2 Lowest that show off his versatility. Crowe, meanwhile, has been a similarly enduring presence in Hollywood, with a particularly impressive stretch of work from 2000 to 2002, where he earned two Academy Award nominations for The Insider and A Beautiful Mind and a win for his landmark performance as Maximus in the original Gladiator. Putting them together at their heights, then, seems like a recipe for success.
However, only twice have the two stars shared the screen in the same project. The first came in 1995 with director Brett Leonard‘s out-there sci-fi thriller Virtuosity, which cast a young Washington as a former cop, and a young Crowe as a soulless AI trained on the worst serial killers in history. Despite the talent involved, it was a disaster panned by critics and ignored by audiences at the box office, but 12 years later, they came back together for something much more favorable in a reunion between Crowe and director Ridley Scott. American Gangster was released in 2007 and was met with far more acclaim, including a Certified Fresh 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a pair of Oscar nominations, and now it’s heading to a new streamer.
Starting on April 1, Netflix will add the historical crime drama to its catalog, bringing two of Washington and Crowe’s best performances to the platform. Washington played the titular gangster, Frank Lucas, who grew a criminal empire in Harlem by smuggling drugs into the U.S. in the coffins of soldiers brought home from the Vietnam War, while Crowe starred as strait-laced detective Richie Roberts, who aimed to bring Frank to justice amid the city’s changing power dynamics. The script by Steve Zaillian was criticized for its lack of historical accuracy, but that didn’t stop it from making a cool $269.8 million at the box office and being appreciated for the work of its stars. Ted Levine, John Ortiz, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Lymari Nadal, and Cuba Gooding Jr. rounded out the cast.
Test Your Knowledge of These Cult Classics and Hidden Gems With Collider’s Movie Quiz
Period Pieces are such a staple of movies, they might as well be their own genre. Dust off your history books to pass this test on Historical Dramas.
What’s Next for Washington and Crowe?
Washington’s next high-profile feature is just around the corner, teaming him with Robert Pattinson and Daisy Edgar-Jones instead of Crowe. The trio is set to star in Netflix’s Here Comes the Flood, directed by Fernando Meirelles, penned by Simon Kinberg, and expected to be released as early as the end of 2026. Finer details have been kept under wraps, but it’s billed as a heist thriller centered on “a bank guard, a teller, and a master thief” who become entangled in a web of double-crosses and cheats. Crowe, meanwhile, is currently hard at work on the set of Chad Stahelski‘s Highlander remake, but his next film, Beast, is also just around the corner. Premiering on April 10, it casts him as the trainer of an ex-MMA champion (Daniel McPherson) who has to enter the ring one last time to fight the current title-holder, protect his brother, and save everything he built during his reign.
American Gangster brings Washington and Crowe together on Netflix on April 1. Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the biggest titles coming to and leaving streaming throughout the year.
- Release Date
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November 2, 2007
- Runtime
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157 minutes
- Writers
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Steven Zaillian
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby was reportedly interviewed by police about her son, Robert Cosby Jr.’s, alleged physical abuse weeks before his sudden death. According to a new report, Utah police officers allegedly spoke with Mary after Robert’s ex-wife, Alexiana, claimed Robert choked and spat on her during a domestic dispute in 2024.
Mary Cosby’s Son Accused Of Physical Abuse Weeks Before His Sudden Death
TMZ obtained a copy of a Salt Lake City Police Department report filed by Robert’s ex-wife in November 2025. At the time, Robert was behind bars, but the report says that Alexiana wanted to document an alleged dispute from May 2024.
The paperwork claims Robert became irate with his ex-wife after she allegedly flushed his drugs down the toilet. The report says that Robert allegedly “grabbed her by the throat with his hand and strangled her.”
Alexiana also claimed Robert spat on her during the alleged dispute; however, she said she couldn’t remember the specifics of the altercation because she lost consciousness.
Mary Cosby Interviewed By Police Regarding Her Son’s Alleged Physical Abuse
Robert’s ex-wife claimed the incident happened at Mary’s Salt Lake City home, and per the document, police interviewed Mary on January 9, 2026.
Mary reportedly told police that while she knew her son and his then-wife had verbal arguments, she was unaware of any physical disputes.
Mary allegedly told police that she raised her son to keep his hands to himself and also denied seeing any physical injuries to either of them.
Utah police also spoke with Robert while he was behind bars before his death, and according to the police report, he claimed he had told Mary about his alleged physical abuse.
He also reportedly told police that he believed he was in a “psychosis” and was “acting erratic and irrational.”
Mary Cosby’s Son, Robert, Died In February 2026
According to a previous report from The Blast, Mary’s son, Robert, died in February 2026. He was 23.
A police report said Robert was found dead at a Utah residence after a call about a potential overdose.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” Mary said about his death. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
Mary spoke with Robert about his drug use in previous episodes of the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”
During one emotional conversation, Robert admitted to taking Xanax and other drugs to help “chill me out.”
“Then, I started doing Xanax with Acid, and then Molly with Xanax. I really like Xanax so I mix it with everything. Xanax and cocaine. You know the regular 30mg Oxys? I noticed … this was, like, a turning point for me. I was taking 10 at once, and I couldn’t even feel it,” he said.
Following the conversation, Mary was praised by Bravo figureheads, including Andy Cohen, for her handling of the intense details.
“I don’t believe in judging people. I’m just not a judger. I don’t like judging people, and I don’t like to do it. … If he’s opening up enough to tell me something this crucial, then why would I judge? I have no choice but to sit there and receive it and accept it and hope that I can help him,” she said.
‘Real Housewives’ Attend Robert’s Funeral
Mary stepped away from filming the Bravo series for a few weeks following Robert’s death. While his funeral was not filmed for the show, several “Real Housewives” stars attended, including Cynthia Bailey, Shereé Whitfield, and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” OG Kyle Richards.
“I don’t know her well, but she’s somebody who’s always been kind when I have met her, and as a mother and a fellow Housewife, I just felt I needed to be there and show up and support her,” Richards said, per The Blast. “I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to be there and support her and experience something like that. Like I said, I will never forget that day ever in my life.”
Salt Lake City Alum Speaks Out, Sends Condolences To Mary Cosby
Brooks Marks from “RHOSLC” and “Next Gen: NYC” also shared a statement, revealing he was deeply saddened by the news.
“My heart goes out to the Cosby family,” Marks said. “He really was such an incredible person. It’s really a devastating, devastating situation.”
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