The Lord of the Rings is borderline untouchable, as a movie trilogy. That should be stressed right out of the gate. The three movies adapted J.R.R. Tolkien’s massive novel of the same name, with that novel sometimes being called a trilogy, owing to how it was released in three parts. And it was the same deal with the movie adaptation, or adaptations. You sort of have to take them all as one whole, and they were filmed as one huge production, but then there are also, technically, three movies, one released every year between 2001 and 2003 (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King). But since they’re all available now, you’re more than welcome to treat all three as one huge movie, and watch them as such, should you have about nine hours to spare for the theatrical versions, or more like 11 hours to spare for the extended versions. The trilogy (yeah, sorry, it’s going to be called that, for present purposes) is largely centered on an increasingly desperate battle to prevent a dark lord from re-emerging and re-conquering Middle-earth, with a Hobbit entrusted with the task of destroying an all-powerful ring, which is what said dark lord wants no matter what.

To cut a long story short (even though The Lord of the Rings is a long story, but oh well), The Lord of the Rings is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to adapting books to the big screen. There are parts of Tolkien’s work that didn’t get fully translated, and some things that had to be streamlined for the sake of the new medium, but the trilogy really does the vast majority of things right. As such, it’s hard (albeit probably not impossible) to argue that there are genuinely superior trilogies overall, but ever so slightly less difficult to argue that there might be some trilogies from cinema history that are even more entertaining. Some of this comes down to the time commitment, with the following trilogies being debatably easier to watch and enjoy because they don’t require nine to 11 hours, and also, you get variety with these trilogies, to a greater extent than with The Lord of the Rings, so that helps with entertainment value, to some extent. And again, it’s not even that these trilogies are better when you take into account everything… since everything, you know, includes more than just a trilogy’s entertainment value.

3

The ‘Star Wars’ Original Trilogy (1977–1983)

Easy pick here, with the first three Star Wars movies, but it does have to be emphasized that it’s the original trilogy being singled out here (so, the three released between 1977 and 1983). There are two more trilogies within the Star Wars series: the prequel trilogy (1999–2005) and the ever-divisive sequel trilogy (2015–2019). The original three, though, are phenomenal, and chronologically come between the prequel trilogy and sequel trilogy. Star Wars, later called Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, gets things off to a phenomenal start, while middle chapter The Empire Strikes Back is pretty much perfect in just about every way, and then Return of the Jedi is admittedly a little more flawed, yet still a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy as a whole. A New Hope might’ve felt like the freshest at the time, and it can still be recognized and appreciated for what it kicked off nowadays, but The Empire Strikes Back is the film that really showcases Star Wars at its best, and its success is a huge reason why Star Wars, as a whole, is now such a monumental franchise.

The Empire Strikes Back has the best pacing of the three original films, and it succeeds in making the conflict first explored in A New Hope feel a little deeper and more personal to some of the central people involved. It also ups the stakes in a big (and nowadays very well-known) way, and Return of the Jedi is at its best when exploring the fallout from the single biggest revelation that comes near the end of The Empire Strikes Back. Assessing the trilogy as a whole, it’s quite easy to watch all three movies in a very short span of time, given they’re all a little over two hours each, and there is a definite progression and upping of the stakes from film to film. Well, okay, if Return of the Jedi feels a little less intense than The Empire Strikes Back, it at least makes up for it, to some extent, with the spectacle it offers, since the whole final act of that movie offers a great deal of action in three distinct settings, cutting between them all in a rather thrilling way. These three movies are all quintessential blockbusters in their own ways, and watching them all back-to-back-to-back proves tremendously entertaining.

2

The ‘Cornetto’ Trilogy (2004–2013)

Image via Rogue Pictures

Advertisement

Call it a loose or thematic trilogy if you want, but the Cornetto trilogy is still a trilogy. Sometimes, it’s referred to as Three Flavours Cornetto, which is a parody of the title of the Three Colours trilogy, and those films are also great, albeit not as entertaining in the traditional sense. But to stick to the Cornetto movies, they’re united by a few things, including the director (Edgar Wright), the two leads in each movie (played by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, albeit they’re different characters in each film), and a series of recurring jokes and beats that are hit from film to film. Also, each movie serves as a parody of a different genre, though it’s also worth noting that all these movies go beyond your average parody, and all of them function as genuinely pretty good films if you’re to judge them within those genres they’re parodying.

That’s not the neatest way to put it, but let’s break it down with a little more clarity. You’ve got 2004’s Shaun of the Dead, which more or less puts a comedic spin on zombie movies, and parodies certain conventions of this particular horror sub-genre. At the same time, there is an increasing sense of tension throughout Shaun of the Dead, and its final act, in particular, ends up being a good deal more intense than a fair few actual (more serious) zombie movies out there. Hot Fuzz (2007) does a similar thing, but with buddy cop/action movies, and it also functions as a surprisingly engaging murder-mystery sort of thing, at the same time. Then there’s 2013’s The World’s End, which some people might like to tell you isn’t as good as either Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, but those people are wrong, and time will be kind to The World’s End. It’s the most mature and downbeat of the bunch, exploring a tragic sort of middle-aged angst while parodying – and then also belonging within – the sci-fi genre, more specifically something like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The variety here is what really makes the Cornetto trilogy soar, thanks to all the movies belonging to different genres (and it also helps, of course, that all three films are very funny in their own ways).

1

The Original ‘Evil Dead’ Trilogy (1981–1992)

Image via New Line Cinema

Those first three Evil Dead movies are so, so good. Admittedly, the two most recent ones (at the time of writing, from 2013 and 2023) are also pretty good, in their own ways, but here, things are specifically centered on the first three, all of them directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell. It’s the Evil Dead original trilogy, so to speak, and they make up what’s probably the easiest trilogy to watch in one sitting. That does come down to all three movies only being about 80 minutes each, so you can get through all three in just over four hours (and hell, there are some movies that are about four hours long, including the extended edition of The Return of the King). Within those four hours, you will be subject to a lot. Maybe even too much. But it’s a trip to go from the straightforward horror of The Evil Dead to the all-out farce that is Army of Darkness.

To be a little more specific, The Evil Dead (1981) is one of those quintessential “evil cabin in the woods” sorts of movies, and it’s genuinely still quite frightening and intense, with very little in the way of intentional comedy. Evil Dead II (1987), on the other hand, sees the series getting a little more comedic, with it having a similar premise to the first movie, but with a combination of horror and comedy elements. And then Army of Darkness (1992) has the protagonist of the trilogy, Ash, getting transported back to medieval times (well, it technically happens at the end of Evil Dead II, but Army of Darkness fully commits to the cliffhanger/bit). In those medieval times, he becomes something of an unlikely action hero and quip machine, and almost nothing is taken seriously. It’s all played for comedy, and it’s all very over-the-top. But if you watch all these movies from start to finish, it makes sense, somehow. You go from grisly horror to glorious camp, and it works. There might be movie trilogies better than the first three Evil Dead films, but there probably aren’t any trilogies that stand as genuinely more entertaining.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 8 seconds ago

Just last week I watched Gerald’s Game for the first time and was blown away by its psychological depth. The Stephen King adaptation uses a simple story in which a woman is handcuffed to a bed after her husband dies during a sexual role playing game, leaving her to face a ravenously hungry stray dog and a potential intruder waiting for the right moment to strike. 2021’s Till Death has a similar setup, but it’s a completely different movie with its own identity. I’m not framing this as a ripoff or a carbon copy because it’s anything but, but if you’re looking for a double feature on Netflix, I’d strongly recommend watching both films back to back and seeing how differently they play out.

Gerald’s Game is a near-perfect psychological thriller about trauma, trust, and identity. Till Death is a straight-up home invasion thriller that starts out completely bonkers and only continues to escalate. The handcuff setup I’m about to get into is really the only parallel the film has with Gerald’s Game, but thanks to recency bias it’s all I can think about. Gerald’s Game is heavy. Till Death, while I don’t necessarily think it’s intended to be, is way more fun than it has any right to be.

That’s One Way To Split Up …

Megan Fox is Emma Davenport, and we’re introduced to her as she breaks up with her lover, Tom (Aml Ameen). Tom is a partner at her husband Mark’s (Eoin Macken) criminal defense firm, so no matter who she’s sleeping with, it’s happening at a five-star hotel or in a vacation home. It’s a great setup because we meet our protagonist in the middle of an affair, suggesting she’s not exactly sympathetic. It just so happens that Emma and Mark are about to celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary, and Mark, who knows their marriage is on the rocks due to his own misdoings, thinks it would be a great idea to bring her to the lake house they used to enjoy during happier times.

The place is decked out with roses, romantic music, and the dark room Emma used to use for her photography business is filled with pictures of their happy marriage. It’s all very sweet until Emma wakes up the next day handcuffed to Mark, who then shoots himself in the face.

Rightfully traumatized, Emma needs to figure out how to get home, but there’s a series of problems she has to address. The first and most obvious obstacle is the fact that she’s half naked and handcuffed to her dead husband. She has to lug his corpse from room to room, floor to floor, in search of an escape. To make matters worse, Mark destroyed her phone, removed every single tool from the basement, siphoned the gas from all of the vehicles, and his entire plan in death was to make her spend her last moments in life suffering immeasurably.

Not only did Mark know about Emma’s affair with Tom, he also sent two men named Jimmy and Bobby to the house, who need access to a safe that only she knows the combination to. It’s also worth noting that Bobby just finished serving a 10-year sentence for assaulting Emma, and Mark summoned him specifically to antagonize her under these exact circumstances.

This Isn’t A Comedy, But You’ll Laugh

From this point forward in Till Death, the chase is on. Megan Fox is an absolute beast in this movie because she’s in total fight or flight mode for most of its runtime. She has the homefield advantage in the sense that she knows the lake house well. She can move around and evade capture, but that’s made all the more difficult by the fact that she’s handcuffed to Mark’s dead body and has to factor in how much of a drag, pun intended, that is. Still, she perseveres, outsmarts the bad guys, and stays one step ahead of certain death because she doesn’t want to go out like this.

I say that this movie is funny, but it’s far from a comedy. It’s dead serious and by all measures a balls to the wall thriller. But how else am I supposed to react when Emma uses Mark’s body as a sled to get from the top floor of her lake house to the bottom? It’s not funny in the slapstick sense, but it elicits laughter because that’s exactly how I’d approach the situation, and it’s also badass to watch in a “Oh no, she didn’t!” kind of way. 

It’s also worth noting that for most of this movie, Emma is absolutely drenched in blood from the inciting incident that kicks Till Death into high gear, but she’s so determined to survive that she just rolls with it.

Till Death is a brutal watch, but Megan Fox commands every single scene she’s in, making it impossible to resist her charm and charisma. Not only does she take control of a miserable situation, she looks like a total boss while doing it. Everything about this movie is wild, and if you’re looking for a thriller that’s equal parts sexy and violent, you can stream it on Netflix right now.

Influencer Dan Bilzerian is entering the world of politics.

Bilzerian, 45, filed paperwork to challenge Representative Randy Fine’s seat in Florida’s 6th congressional district on Tuesday, April 7, per Federal Election Commission records. Bilzerian is running as a Republican.

The social media star, whose Instagram boasts nearly 30 million followers, announced his intentions to seek office earlier this month.

“Yes, I’m running,” he told The Daytona Beach News-Journal in an April 1 statement. “Getting everything in order now.”

Related: Influencer Bran Flakezz Details How He Grossed Nearly $800k in 1 Year

Social media influencer Bran Flakezz, real name Brandon Edelman, detailed how he made almost $800,000 in one year. Speaking on the Wednesday, March 5, episode of the “Networth and Chill” podcast, hosted by Vivian Tu, Flakezz said, “I grossed $768,000 in 2024,” before detailing how much was left in his pocket as a result of […]

Bilzerian further told the outlet that he would be “happy” to talk about the election “as soon as [he is] officially registered, which should be within a week at the latest.”

Bilzerian is known for his shirtless Instagram snaps, often depicting a partying lifestyle. He started sharing political commentary in 2024.

“I realized the whole hedonism thing wasn’t really my bag and wasn’t making me happy,” Bilzerian said on the “Modern Wisdom” podcast in August 2024. “I came to the realization, much like I came to the realization that money didn’t make me happy and then still chased money for a long time. I wanted to get off the hedonistic treadmill.”

The influencer added that he “went to the edge of the Earth” trying to chase wealth and lust.

“There was a point — I mean, there’s definitely a point, I was on a 300-foot yacht [with] 30 girls and I was like, ‘I should be stoked,’ and I wasn’t,” he said. “My energy was being sucked in a bunch of different directions. I just remember being way happier surfing with my buddies, doing a couple vacations [and] all the stuff that I had, kind of, done before.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Related: Reality Star of the Year Ariana Madix on Bouncing Back From Heartbreak

Advertisement

In early March, Ariana Madix’s world turned upside down when it was revealed that her boyfriend of nine years, Tom Sandoval, was cheating on her with her close friend and fellow Vanderpump Rules costar Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. What followed was a surreal chain of events for Madix as “Scandoval” gripped the nation, setting social media […]

While Bilzerian acknowledged that he had “fun” going on million-dollar global trips and attending blowout parties, he eventually found less joy in going out.

“I was already kind of over it from the realization that I was happier having a girlfriend than doing the harem thing,” he added. “Then, I felt kind of trapped because now I had a brand and now I kind of had to do it. It was almost like COVID saved me a little bit. … It’s a lot more fun when it’s your choice.”

Bilzerian continued, “I was a slave to my own creation for a while … because then I took the two years and wrote [my book The Setup] and zoomed out, looked at my life and things that made me happy and things that didn’t make me happy. That was pretty eye-opening.”

Nikki Glaser is getting candid about money, beauty and aging, as well as her views on modern relationships. During a recent podcast appearance, the comedian described plastic surgery as more of a rich-person flex in Hollywood than a tool for enhancing natural beauty.

Glaser previously revealed that she plans to get a facelift in August this year, saying that she views the cosmetic procedure as “a wise investment.”

The outspoken star also teased that she may be in an open relationship with long-term boyfriend Chris Convy, as she revealed she doesn’t really care if he hooks up with other women.

Nikki Glaser Thinks Plastic Surgery Is More ‘A Wealth Flex’ Than Beauty

In a recent episode of “Call Her Daddy,” Glaser peeled back the curtain on her thoughts about plastic surgery, claiming that most cosmetic procedures had little to do with beauty.

“Having a face that’s manicured in that way is just a status symbol of ‘I’m wealthy,’” she said. “It’s not a way to show people you’re beautiful or f-ckable, it’s to show people ‘I have money.’”

Despite her blunt take, the comedian acknowledged the physical toll of such procedures, adding that anyone who undergoes one is “brave” due to the pain involved.

Glaser also got personal, noting that she “never felt pretty” when she was young before opening up about her own plans to get a facelift in the next couple of years.

Glaser Said Plastic Surgery Is A ‘Wise Investment’

Glaser has never shied away from admitting that she intends to get work done on her face sometime soon. During a previous appearance on “The Tonight Show,” she told host Jimmy Fallon that a facelift is definitely in the cards for her.

“Wait till the facelift,” she joked when Fallon complimented her on her looks, per PEOPLE. “That’s coming. August 2026. I’m gonna do it. I have no problem with that.”

The “Dancing with the Stars” alum went on to explain that she sees the procedure as more than just cosmetic, calling it “a wise investment” despite the stigma often attached to plastic surgery.

“People treat you better when you’re hotter. It’s just a fact,” she added. “It’s a sad fact of life.”

Nikki Glaser ‘Doesn’t Care’ If Her Boyfriend Sleeps With Other Women

Glaser also raised eyebrows when she opened up about her unconventional views on relationships.

Speaking on “Call Her Daddy,” the “FBoy Island” star claimed that she doesn’t really care if boyfriend Convy sleeps with other women.

“In a relationship, I don’t really care if my boyfriend were to hook up [with others],” Glaser told Cooper, per PEOPLE.

However, she made it clear the dynamic isn’t mutual.

“But that is not a two-way street. I’m not someone who likes to hook up when I’m in a relationship. I don’t really care about that,” she added. “But I don’t care if someone else were to. In fact, I kind of like it.”

The Actress Also ‘Doesn’t Believe In Soulmates’

Glaser continued to unpack her views on relationship dynamics, revealing she doesn’t subscribe to the idea of soulmates. She explained that although Convy is her first serious boyfriend, she has, at times, encouraged him to explore other options.

“Innately, it is settling,” she said of long-term partnerships. “You do not know that the person you are with is the best person for you. There’s too many people on this planet; you haven’t met any of them. You never will. So you have to settle.”

The award show host noted that the odds of anyone finding someone who’s best for them are “kind of low,” adding that she ultimately doesn’t believe in soulmates.

Nikki Glaser Says She Can Be ‘Too Busy To Be Sexy’

On “Call Her Daddy,” Glaser was asked how Convy feels about her unconventional views.

The Ohio-born star said he fully understands there could be someone better suited for both of them, disclosing that she does not consider herself the love of his life. She even revealed that she encourages him to seek attention elsewhere.

“I want a guy who other girls want,” Glaser explained, noting that she has urged him to “go out there and just have a flirty moment with someone.”

The Emmy-nominated actress pointed to her demanding schedule as part of the reason for her approach.

“Sometimes I’m too busy to be really sexy, so I’m like, ‘Go out and get some attention,’” Glaser said.

Internet users are sharing support for Safaree after he said he feels like he doesn’t want to be here anymore following the passing of his mom.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Safaree Samuels Confirms The Passing Of His Mother In Heartbreaking Tribute (PHOTOS)

Safaree Says He Feels Like He Doesn’t Want To Be Here Anymore Following The Passing Of His Mom

On Wednesday, April 8, Safaree took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a few messages with his followers. Furthermore, in the first message, he wrote, “Life don’t hit the same anymore.. it don’t mean the same.. life without momma doesn’t feel like life… I’m numb and don’t feel anything. I miss you mommy so much..”

Then, he shared another tweet, which read, “I feel like I don’t wanna be here anymore”

Furthermore, over on Instagram, Safaree shared a clip of him and his mom with a caption reflecting on their morning walks.

Internet Users Share Support

Internet users entered TSR’s comment section, sharing heavy support for Safaree.

More On The Passing Of Safaree’s Mom

As The Shade Room previously reported, last month, Safaree revealed that his life was “shattered” due to the passing of his mom.

As fans sent condolences his way, his ex-wife, Erica Mena, turned heads and sparked strong reactions by sharing a clip of her and Safaree’s daughter alongside her new romantic partner.

RELATED: Internet Reacts After Erica Mena Reportedly Shares Clip Of Antonio Bibbs Interacting With Her Daughter Safire Following Passing Of Safaree’s Mom

A seemingly casual romance has quickly spiraled into a headline-grabbing controversy after Shia LaBeouf was recently spotted with a mystery woman.

However, what began as curiosity has turned into scrutiny.

As more details surface about his new partner’s past, the story has taken a darker, more complicated turn that few saw coming.

Shia LaBeouf’s Public Outburst Raises Eyebrows

The first signs that something was off came during a tense public moment in Rome.

Shia LaBeouf was seen sitting at an outdoor table when he suddenly lashed out at the woman beside him, reportedly telling her to “f-ck off” in a heated exchange.

The confrontation shocked onlookers and quickly made waves online.

Just weeks earlier, the pair had been seen together during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, where LaBeouf was also arrested twice for battery.

Advertisement

Despite the chaos surrounding those moments, the relationship appeared to stabilize shortly afterward.

Days later, the two were photographed in Los Angeles, looking relaxed and affectionate, walking arm in arm as if nothing had happened.

Identity Of Shia LaBeouf’s Girlfriend Revealed

The woman at the center of the story has now been identified as Nicole Mumphrey, a 33-year-old from Louisiana.

Described as a “free-spirited” individual, she studied Urban, Community and Regional Planning at the University of New Orleans.

However, as her identity became public, so did details about her past.

Advertisement

Like LaBeouf, Mumphrey has reportedly had previous encounters with law enforcement and has been linked to what insiders describe as a “toxic” relationship history.

An insider did not mince words about the current romance when speaking to the Daily Mail, warning that it “is not going to end well.”

That claim has only intensified speculation surrounding the pair’s future.

Troubling Allegations From Past Relationship

Court records and police reports paint a troubling picture of an incident involving Mumphrey and her former partner.

She was charged with serious offenses, including domestic abuse, aggravated assault, and false imprisonment with a weapon.

Advertisement

According to a police report, tensions escalated during an argument.

“Her boyfriend attempted to put on a shirt and leave, and Ms Mumphrey grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the shirt that was in her boyfriend’s hand to prevent him from leaving,” the report stated.

It continued, “Her boyfriend then grabbed Ms. Mumphrey’s bag, and a physical altercation ensued. Her boyfriend then left the location.”

The situation reportedly intensified further. Authorities claimed Mumphrey “started to punch him in the face,” leaving visible marks though no serious physical penetration was recorded. During questioning, her ex described a pattern of fear, recalling, “A month ago, she was on pills and attacked [me] with a knife.”

Advertisement

He also expressed concern about the escalation of events, saying he feared “she [would] seriously injure” him and that it was “getting worse” over time.

Despite the severity of the allegations, the case ultimately did not proceed to trial. Charges were dropped after the district attorney declined to file formal charges, though a protective order had been put in place during the process.

Insider Claims Paint A Chaotic Picture

Beyond official reports, insiders have made even more explosive claims about Mumphrey’s past relationship. According to one source, the issues went far beyond a single incident.

The insider alleged that “wasn’t a one-time thing,” suggesting a pattern of behavior. They recounted one particularly alarming episode, claiming, “One time she cracked him over the head with the candle with the glass. He was bleeding out, eventually passed out and should have been in the hospital.”

They also described an environment filled with volatility and unpredictability. “It was a lot of her screaming, yelling, blaming him for the situation she’s gotten herself in and blaming him for her ‘life sucking,’” the source said.

Advertisement

Additional allegations included destructive outbursts and invasive behavior, with claims that “she would go through his phone every night and anything incriminating like a photo of another woman or any females’ name, she would punch him in the face.”

The relationship, which reportedly lasted seven years on and off, was described as a “dangerously toxic relationship.” According to the insider, communication between the former couple continued even after their breakup.

“They last were in touch at the end of February,” the source claimed. “She said stuff like, ‘I love you’ and ‘I miss you,’ and asked when he was coming back to town.”

The situation took another turn when Mumphrey’s new relationship became public. The insider revealed, “But then she disappeared and a few weeks later, the photos of her with Shia came out, and he was completely shocked to see she had quickly moved on to another guy. He’s still processing everything and it’s hard for him to see photos of them together.”

Advertisement

Shia LaBeouf’s Own Controversial History

While the focus has shifted to Mumphrey’s past, LaBeouf’s own history has also resurfaced in discussions.

The actor has faced multiple controversies over the years, including legal issues and high-profile relationship disputes.

In 2020, his former partner, FKA Twigs, filed a lawsuit accusing him of abuse and emotional distress. The case was eventually settled in 2025 under undisclosed terms, though legal tensions appear to have continued.

Her legal team previously claimed, “Shia LaBeouf has tried to control Tahliah Barnett for the better part of a decade,” adding another layer to the narrative surrounding the actor’s personal life.

Insiders now suggest that the pairing of LaBeouf and Mumphrey could be volatile.

Advertisement

One source described the situation bluntly, warning, “This is a rebound situation… You put them together and that’s a perfect storm for destruction. This is not going to end well.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading to Australia for an unofficial tour, but early signs suggest a lack of interest in the royal couple’s appearances.

The Duke of Sussex is set to speak at a mental health summit in Melbourne, while his wife will host a retreat in Sydney.

Now, reports claim that discounted tickets and lingering availability have raised questions about demand, while public criticism and scrutiny over their visit continue to build ahead of their arrival.

Sussexes’ Australia Trip Faces Challenges As Harry’s Melbourne Event And Meghan’s $3K Retreat Struggle To Sell

Harry and Meghan Markle are set to arrive in Australia this week, but according to Sky News Australia, the couple’s trip is already in “peril” as early signs suggest their planned appearances may not be drawing the expected level of interest.

The couple will begin their visit in Melbourne on Thursday, kicking off an unofficial tour that includes separate speaking engagements. Harry, 41, is scheduled to headline a workplace mental health summit, while Meghan, 44, will host a live discussion event at a high-end retreat in Sydney.

In the lead-up to the Melbourne event, organizers of the InterEdge Summit have reduced ticket prices significantly, with passes now selling for roughly half of their original cost.

The two-day conference, held at Melbourne Park, will feature Harry alongside former tennis star Jelena Dokic and other speakers who will focus on mental health conversations.

Reports suggest Harry is expected to earn around $50,000 for the appearance, notably less than the reported seven-figure fee he received to attend a JP Morgan event in February 2020.

Meghan Markle’s Sydney Retreat Is Also Reportedly Facing Low Sales

Meanwhile, Meghan is due to appear at the “Her Best Life” retreat in Sydney, an exclusive weekend experience hosted by Jackie’ O’ Henderson and her manager Gemma O’Neill.

Guests are being charged about $3,000 each for the event, which is taking place at a luxury hotel in Coogee. Although it was initially described as fully booked, recent updates hint that additional spots may still be available.

Beyond ticket sales, the Sussexes may also face public scrutiny during their visit. An online petition has received tens of thousands of signatures from Australians opposing any use of public funds to support the couple’s trip, arguing that, as private individuals, they should cover their own expenses.

Despite the mixed reception, royal commentator Richard Palmer believes the visit could be a strategic moment for Meghan in particular, offering an opportunity to reshape public perception and respond to ongoing criticism if the tour proves successful.

“They want to prove their critics wrong, so they will be hoping it is a huge success. If it is, it will be Meghan’s revenge,” Palmer said.

Prince Harry And Meghan Insider Slammed ‘Misinformation’ Surrounding Their Australia Trip

Following reports of a petition against Harry and Meghan’s trip, a source close to the royal couple hit back at “misinformation” surrounding their Australian tour.

“There is a lot of misinformation being spread about this trip – all designed to whip up hate,” the insider told The Mirror. “The truth is, you have a couple heading down under for work. While they’re in town, they’re going to check in on some charitable causes that they have long supported and – in the duke’s case, with the Invictus Games – he set up.”

The source added, “The couple [is] critically aware that by just visiting a charity, they can help shine a light on its work – bringing media attention that wouldn’t otherwise exist. They don’t have to do that.”

The Sussex Source Called The Public Backlash’ Irrational’

In their chat with The Mirror, the Sussex source fiercely defended Harry and Meghan, as they branded negative reactions to their Australian tour as “irrational.”

The insider called out royal Commentators who make “hate bait” comments about the royal couple, stressing that the duke and duchess just want to do “good” in the world.

“They could just as easily get paid and head straight back to California,” the source claimed. “It’s an irrational reaction to sh-t-can a couple who just want to support some [of] the charitable causes close to them.”

“God forbid they try to do any good in a world that could, frankly, use a little more Harry and Meghan, and a little less sniping from ‘Royal Commentators’ who make a living by proving hate bait for anyone willing to platform them. It’s sad. What a way to make a living,” the Sussex source concluded.

Claims Mount Over Sussex High Staff Turnover

At the same time, scrutiny around the Sussexes extends beyond their public appearances. The pair have long faced criticism over staff turnover, and some insiders claim the issue goes deeper than their professional team.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield has alleged that turnover among household staff has been even more frequent, at one point describing the rate of departures as unusually high.

“It actually became kind of comical because during a certain period, it felt like every week there was … someone new who left,” Schofield told NewsNation.

Although representatives for Harry and Meghan have pushed back against such claims, Schofield says she has heard troubling accounts from former employees.

She recalled one alleged former nanny describing the experience as “dehumanizing,” claiming that the working environment became challenging after an initial adjustment period.

According to these reports, the couple is said to have gone through three childcare providers early on, including before their move to the United States.

However, at least one nanny is believed to have remained with the family for five years, alongside additional caregivers and support staff who assist with daily responsibilities.

Frankie Muniz got candid about how being booked and busy has affected his personal life — including how he shows up as a husband and father.

“It is very hard, I won’t lie,” Muniz, 40, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Tuesday, April 7, red carpet premiere for Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. “Honestly, my wife [Paige Price] is a saint. She’s sacrificing so much for me to live my dream.”

Muniz, who shares a 5-year-old son with Price, is pursuing professional race car driving along with acting. He admitted he has a “hard time” being on the road 300 days out of the year.

“My family comes to a few of the races. They’re here this week [while I promote the show], obviously. But it’s hard to uproot them and take them all over the place,” the former child star explained. “I want my son to have a routine and his school and his friends and go to church. I’m not going to lie, it’s been very, very, very tough.”

Despite the setbacks, Muniz is “constantly trying to be better at” being present for his loved ones. “I know I need to be better,” he told Us. “I know it’s not easy for her to be basically a single mother a lot of the time, if I’m being honest.”

He continued: “But I started racing again because I said I wanted to be an inspiration to my son — and I wanted to do it for him and for my family. There’s that fine line of, ‘Wait, I’m doing it for them, but it’s taking me away from them.’ It’s something that I wrestle with all the time. But I also know that when you have an opportunity, I want to take it because I’ve had times where I don’t have opportunity and you’re going, ‘What am I going to do? I don’t know what I’m doing with my life and I’ve got an amazing opportunity.’ I want to feel like I tried my best at it before I stop it.”

Muniz is hoping to find ways to be more present.

“There’s so much. I want to spend time with my son. But I’ve got to do banking, I got to catch up on the bills, right? There’s so many things that people don’t think of that you have to do when you’re gone,” he noted to Us. “I’m going to say this right now, I have to be better than I currently am. I know that 100 percent [my family] deserves it.”

Muniz and Price started dating in 2016, getting married in 2019. The couple welcomed their son in 2021.

Related: ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Malcolm in the Middle’s plucky attitude made it one of the most iconic TV shows of the early 2000s — and fans are still trying to keep up with the cast. The comedy, which was a faux memoir of middle child Malcolm Wilkerson (Frankie Muniz), detailed the Wilkerson family’s low-income, dysfunctional life and all the […]

Advertisement

Two decades after the original Malcolm in the Middle series ended, Muniz is returning to his roots as Malcolm on Hulu’s revival, which premieres Friday, April 10.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“I couldn’t believe how comfortable and at home I felt in minute one of being Malcolm again. I was obviously a little nervous having stepped away from him for so long,” Muniz, who played the titular role from 2000 to 2006, told Us. “Getting to work with everybody, you want to have that same dynamic that people know from the show. But literally on the first day, I felt right at home in these four episodes.”

He continued: “What I was surprised about was how much fun I had getting to be Malcolm and getting to do all that. I remember being really — if I can talk about myself this way — just proud every day when we finished filming what we were making and what we were accomplishing each day on set. That felt really good because I hadn’t had that many times in my life as an actor where I genuinely felt like I got everything out of what I was trying to portray. I was really, really surprised and happy about that.”

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair premieres on Hulu Friday, April 10.

Meghan Trainor and her husband, Daryl Sabara, welcomed their third baby earlier this year, but deciding to use a surrogate wasn’t an easy process.

The pop star, 32, opened up about the decision during an interview on the Thursday, April 9, episode of Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast and shared some of the complicated emotions she felt about the situation.

“It was crazy. There’s a lot of heartbreak and big decision-making to do, and I was struggling with my health and almost towards an autoimmune disease, so there were so many conversations back and forth, and then we were like, ‘The safest way is to do it through a surrogate,’ because also my babies are always sideways,” she explained, noting that her doctors warned her she’d probably need another C-section. “And I was just like, ‘My body’s still not recovered from the other ones.’”

Trainor further explained that “so many factors” led her and Sabara, 33, to choose surrogacy.

“And I was scared and I was jealous that I wasn’t having my baby,” she added. “My husband’s a control freak too, so every day when we knew she was alive in someone else, we were like, ‘Is she OK?’ You go cuckoo, you go crazy.”

The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, share sons Riley, 5, and Bruce, 2. They welcomed their daughter, Mikey, on January 18.

While Trainor had complicated feelings about surrogacy, she ultimately had a great relationship with the woman who carried Mikey.

“There’s so much that goes into it, but we had an amazing surrogate who was so good to us and texted us everything, and we got to talk all the time,” the “All About That Bass” singer explained. “I was worried I was bugging her too much … and she was just a champ.”

Related: Meghan Trainor’s Best Quotes About Motherhood, Parenting With Daryl Sabara

Meghan Trainor has opened up about her and husband Daryl Sabara‘s journey to become parents — and she’s offered sweet glimpses at their special moments. The singer and Sabara, who tied the knot in 2018, welcomed son Riley in February 2021. After watching her son reach his many milestones, the Trainor was eager to give the little […]

Trainor said that she has since stayed in touch with the surrogate, who recently texted her that her postpartum recovery had been going well. The Grammy winner, for her part, has been texting the surrogate pictures of Mikey.

While Trainor admitted that the experience of surrogacy was “wild,” she has no regrets about her choice to expand her family that way.

“It was scary, we cried a lot, but it was the best thing for our family,” she explained. “I’ll tell you what’s different is not healing from a C-section with a newborn. That was different. I could be so present with her and with my other kids. I don’t have to worry that they’re jumping on me or I can’t pick them up and be fully present, so that was the good parts, but there were a lot of scary parts.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Meghan Trainor and Daryl Sabara Secretly Welcome Baby No. 3 Via Surrogate

January is already full of surprises as Meghan Trainor and husband Daryl Sabara announced the birth of their third baby. “Our baby girl Mikey Moon Trainor has finally made it to the world thanks to our incredible, superwoman surrogate,” Trainor, 32, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, January 20. “We are forever grateful to all the […]

As for her response to social media comments criticizing her decision to use a surrogate, Trainor had a succinct response: “They can suck my ass.”

Trainor previously opened up about why she opted for surrogacy, saying it wasn’t her “first choice” for welcoming her third baby but was the “safest” option for her family.

“I want people to know that surrogacy is just another beautiful way to build a family,” she told People in January. “It’s not something to whisper about or judge. It’s rooted in trust, science, love and teamwork. Every family’s journey looks different, and all of them are extremely valid.”