Kirsten Storms‘ claim that her phone has been hacked is reportedly being investigated by police.

According to a TMZ report published on Thursday, April 30, the General Hospital star’s allegation that her device has been compromised will be looked into by authorities.

“I can confirm that there is an active investigation as it pertains to her case,” a rep for the Franklin Police Department in Tennessee told the outlet.

The actress, 42, made the phone hacking claim via an Instagram post shared on April 9.

Related: Kirsten Storms Makes Rare Comment About Coparenting With Ex Brandon Barash

Kirsten Storms made a rare comment about ex-husband Brandon Barash following her surprise break from General Hospital. The 41-year-old actress announced in an Instagram video on Monday, July 7, that she filmed her final scenes (for the year) as Maxie Jones as Storms moves from Los Angeles to Nashville with 11-year-old daughter Harper. Fans were […]

The update comes after Storms’ ex-husband, Brandon Barash, was recently granted a restraining order amid concerns for her mental health.

TMZ previously reported Barash, 46, filed for an emergency restraining order after claiming that Storms was showing concerning behavior. He claimed he was concerned for their 12-year-old daughter, Harper Rose’s well-being.  Barash was married to Storms from 2013 to 2016.

In the legal papers, Barash alleged his concerns started after they moved separately to Tennessee after their divorce. Storms’ landlord went on to sue her for eviction, and “instability with housing” went on to become a “recurring theme” for the actress.

Barash claimed via his filing there were several issues that caused him “great concern of [Kirsten’s] ability to adequately care for the minor child.”  He also claimed Storms has had “repeated episodes of melting down, being triggered, hearing things/voices that weren’t there.”

In his request, Barash asked for the court to order Storms to undergo a mental health evaluation. Storms is currently allowed supervised visitation with their daughter. A judge is scheduled to review the status of the restraining order.

Us Weekly has reached out to Franklin Police Department and Storms for comment.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Related: Kirsten Storms and Ex-Husband Brandon Barash’s Relationship Timeline

Advertisement

Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash met on the set of General Hospital, eventually sparking a real-life romance. Storms began playing Maxie Jones on and off in 2005, while Barash brought Johnny Zacchara to life from 2007 to 2013. The pair kept their offscreen romance private until August 2013, when news broke that they had secretly […]

Storms announced via Instagram in July 2025 that she was stepping back from General Hospital, where she had played Maxie intermittently since 2005, due to health and personal issues.

“I had a procedure done that weekend, where the doctor [threaded] a camera from my leg up to my brain,” she explained, recalling how her doctors discovered an aneurysm on the right side of her brain. “Aneurysms, obviously, can be caused [by] stress. Brain cysts? I believe that is possible too.”

Storms continued: “It was clear I needed [to] change some things in my life ASAP. For my personal reasons, no longer living in Los Angeles was very important to me. The biggest reason for the move was Harper, but a lot of it was for my physical and mental health, and my overall happiness.”

Tubi’s May 2026 lineup is turning into a strong landing spot for big, easy-to-watch action movies, and this one fits the platform almost perfectly. It has recognizable stars, a legacy TV hook, a huge budget, a broad PG-13 spectacle, and the kind of “why didn’t this become bigger?” reputation that often plays better on free streaming than it did in theaters. Tubi lists the film among its May action arrivals, with most May titles beginning free streaming on the first day of the month.

The context is what makes the move more interesting than a routine catalog drop. The remake earned $177.2 million worldwide, including $77.2 million domestically and $100 million internationally, against a reported $110 million budget. Those numbers were respectable for a standalone action movie, but rough for something designed to restart a major 1980s brand. A sequel depended on bigger theatrical momentum, and once the math cooled, the franchise plan stalled.

The movie is The A-Team, the 2010 reimagining starring Liam Neeson as Hannibal Smith, Bradley Cooper as Face, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson as B.A. Baracus, and Sharlto Copley as Murdock. The plot follows elite operatives framed for a crime, breaking out and using oversized tactical chaos to clear their names while Jessica Biel’s Charissa Sosa closes in. Although the film is available to stream on Starz as well, Tubi has given it a cleaner free-streaming runway as of May 1, 2026.

‘The A-Team’ Became Available on Tubi in 2025 as Well

The interesting part is that this is not The A-Team’s first Tubi life. The 2010 remake debuted on Tubi on July 1, 2025, roughly 10 months ago. That repeat placement is worth noting because Tubi’s catalog strategy often rewards familiar, low-friction movies that can be dropped back into rotation when they fit a seasonal action push. No public Tubi performance data is proving it overperformed, but the timing suggests the platform sees renewed value in it. In theory, that makes sense for a movie whose appeal is less prestige and more Saturday-afternoon momentum: big set pieces, loud banter, familiar IP, and a cast that was stronger than the franchise future it received.

The A-Team is available to stream on Tubi for free. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

June 11, 2010

Runtime

117 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Joe Carnahan

Writers

Advertisement

Brian Bloom, Joe Carnahan, Skip Woods, Stephen J. Cannell

Producers

Iain Smith, Jules Daly, Stephen J. Cannell, Tony Scott, Alex Young

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In a tough and competitive business like the entertainment industry, sometimes it takes major swings to find success. And, just a few years ago, that’s exactly what Prime Video did when they hired MCU’s Russo brothers, aka Joe and Anthony Russo, to develop an international, multiseries spy franchise from scratch. Getting started with the six-episode series Citadel, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, the project was coming out with a bang, and had plenty of exciting plans for the future.

With that said, however, Prime Video’s history-making hopes didn’t exactly pan out like they predicted. While the flagship series was plagued with production problems and reshoots, making it one of the most expensive television series ever made at $300 million, the spinoff series, Citadel: Honey Bunny from India and Citadel: Diana from Italy, never reached enough traction and were both cancelled after Season 1. Nevertheless, Prime Video is powering through the bumps, with the second season of Citadel just a few days away.

What ‘Citadel’ Season 2 Means for the Franchise

While the cancellations of Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana, were certainly indicative of a flailing franchise, Prime Video has persisted with its plans and moved on with production for Season 2 of Citadel, which is set to premiere on May 6, 2026. The second installment, of course, is a clear indication that Prime Video is still betting on the franchise, using its upcoming rendition as a last-ditch effort to salvage the flagship. As a reminder, while Citadel: Honey Bunny served as a prequel to the series as it followed Citadel agents Raahi “Bunny” Gambhir (Varun Dhawan) and Hanimandakini “Honey” Raj (Samantha), who turn out to be Nadia’s (Chopra Jonas) parents, Citadel: Diana was a sequel that took place in the near-future of 2030.

But before assuming the decision to continue with Season 2 of Citadel was unfounded, Prime Video has an unique opportunity to learn from their mistakes and better the series for Season 2. After all, the series scored a divisive 51% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, with reviews calling out the series for prioritizing universe-building over compelling storytelling. In other words, when Season 1 of Citadel was underway, so were the other two spinoff series, so world-building and mythology was an integral part of the narrative. Now, however, with both series being shot down, Citadel has the opportunity to reframe and prioritize character investment and emotional stakes, and leave the franchise world-building as a thing of the past.

What Can Viewers Expect From ‘Citadel’ Season 2?

Citadel Season 2 will once again follow Mason Kane (Madden), Nadia Sinh (Chopra Jonas), and Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), as elite operatives after the fall of the legendary Citadel agency at the hands of Manticore, the shadowy network backed by some of the world’s most powerful families. In the new batch of episodes, the trio will be pulled back into action after receiving a terrifying new threat. The official synopsis follows:

When a terrifying new threat emerges, the three are pulled back into action. Now they must recruit an unlikely team of skilled new operatives and launch a globe-spanning mission to stop a conspiracy that could reshape humanity. With blockbuster action, shocking betrayals, and an expanded ensemble of mysterious agents, the stakes have never been higher – and anyone could be friend or foe.

Returning cast members this season include Lesley Manville and Ashleigh Cummings, alongside an expanded ensemble cast featuring Jack Reynor as Hutch, Matt Berry as Franke Sharpe, and Lina El Arabi as Celine. Newcomers to the show include Merle Dandridge, Gabriel Leone, and Rayna Vallandingham.

With all that said, the second season of Citadel has a lot to prove. With two cancelled spinoff series behind it, and a divisive reception from Season 1, the Russos-led thriller is not only trying to prove its place in streaming, but attempting to justify the massive investment Prime Video once made to get the project up and running. Now with no world-building to establish, the series has a real shot of hitting its grove, but only time will tell.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

April 28, 2023

Network

Prime Video

Advertisement

Showrunner

David Weil

Directors

Advertisement

Newton Thomas Sigel

Writers

John Applebaum, Bryan Oh, David Weil

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Emily Blunt seems to have hit a huge miss on this one, courtesy of her fans’ feedback!

The actress seemingly urged people disgruntled at their jobs to pull the plug and find solace in a field where fulfillment comes before the need for any financial compensation.

Emily Blunt made the news in 2023 when she shared that she was taking a break from acting to focus on spending more time with her children.

The media personality hopped on an interview with Betches, as part of her press run for the promo of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” where she sent out rather controversial advice for women who were no longer happy at their jobs.

The actress was asked the question in reference to a memorable scene from the first movie where her character blurted out a sarcastic “I love my job” at a moment she felt so frustrated. Blunt then responded that anyone who is not frustrated like her should quit and find something they deeply want to do.

Blunt described the scene from the first installment of “The Devil Wears Prada” as a tragedy. She then emphasized that people should find something they deeply want to do, even if it does not bring any income, and try to be happy at it because they love it.

Fans Did Not Hold Back On The Clapbacks Against The Actress

Blunt’s golden advice was not taken with a pinch of salt by internet users, who mostly called her out for being out of touch with the reality of ordinary people. This X user declared: “Someone should probably point out to this out-of-touch retard that most people aren’t millionaires and that working for a living isn’t optional for them.”

Another commenter expressed their displeasure at how people love giving women terrible advice, but often forget that everything costs money, and happiness cannot be achieved when necessities go out of reach.

“This is terrible advice because you can’t pay your bills with happiness. Find a job that pays the bills, then while employed, you can find something you enjoy or at least doesn’t make you miserable and change jobs,” this commenter advised. They also urged their fellow internet users to never quit a job without having another job already in place.

Emily Blunt’s Net Worth Referenced By Unimpressed Fans

Another X user reminded the actress that her net worth, which is currently in the tens of millions, has made her address things from a place of privilege. The commenter noted that reality begs to differ and requires one to work as hard as they can for a life they want and support their families, which in turn brings happiness.

“Easy for a f-ckng rich person to say, Goddammit, Emily, I like you. STFU. Come out here and act in Albuquerque for free since you love it so much. Let’s see how happy you are,” another upset commenter declared.

The actress’s background as someone who grew up in a wealthy home and found acting as a calling through her professional acting profession was also reviewed by one more critic in a bid to teach her some restraint.

Another X subscriber slammed famous people as some of the most disconnected people in the world, who had no idea that quitting a job that pays well for one that does not pay a lot, on the basis of finding happiness, was a poor life decision.

Inside The ‘Oppenheimer’ Actress’ Struggle With Work-Life Balance

Blunt appeared on the “Table For Two” podcast in 2023 to discuss how it was difficult to balance the scales when it comes to work and family life. She had announced her decision to step away from acting during the writers’ strike to help her focus on raising her kids.

Blunt confessed that whenever the question of how she is faring comes up, there is an inner voice in her head repeating that she is not finding any balance in the actual sense of it. She mentioned that being away from her children due to work has caused her to miss significant milestones that are important to them as they grow.

She expressed her desire to always be there for school runs, bedtime stories, and early morning wake-ups. Blunt and her husband, John Krasinski, share two daughters after they tied the knot in 2010 and now live in Brooklyn as a happy family.

Emily Blunt Apologized For Insensitive Statement About A Waitress’ Weight

As 2023 prepared to wrap up, the actress was haunted by the ghost of an uncomfortable conversation she had with a waitress in 2012. As stated by The Blast, the actress admitted on “Jonathan Ross Show” in September 2012 that she had called a waitress enormous while she grabbed food at a local Chili’s restaurant. Blunt emphasized on the show that the conversation also included her thoughts on the American eating culture.

However, when it resurfaced about 13 years later, the actress was slammed for body-shaming the waitress, which prompted her to apologize. “I’ve always considered myself someone who wouldn’t dream of upsetting anyone, so whatever possessed me to say anything like this in that moment is unrecognizable to me or anything I stand for,” the actress declared in her apology statement.

She added that such insensitive and hurtful terms were unrelated to whatever story she was trying to tell on the show. The actress apologized for any pain she might have caused, while insisting that she was old enough to know better and stop herself from using those words.

Is an apology on the horizon from Emily Blunt on this one, too?

Blake Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni is drawing wider scrutiny as PR and legal experts warn that comparisons to the Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard case could potentially complicate her position.

Analysts say the reference may shape how audiences interpret the dispute, especially as both sides prepare for trial after key claims were narrowed by the court.

The case also includes allegations involving coordinated PR strategies and has prompted speculation about Blake Lively’s next career and personal moves.

PR Experts Have Raised Concerns About Blake Lively’s Latest Move To Invoke The Amber Heard And Johnny Depp Case

As Lively’s legal dispute with Baldoni continues, public relations experts and legal analysts have cautioned that comparisons to the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case could backfire and reshape public perception in unexpected ways.

Several PR professionals told Fox News Digital that referencing the highly publicized Depp-Heard trial may be a double-edged strategy for Lively, potentially reminding audiences how quickly public opinion can shift once courtroom evidence comes into focus.

Branding expert Doug Eldridge noted that while Lively initially gained an advantage by speaking out early, Baldoni’s response has gradually shifted momentum in his favor by challenging key aspects of her claims and narrative.

Eldridge argued that although “Lively was the first to go on the offensive with the splashy (and inflammatory) feature in The New York Times. Baldoni’s subsequent response not only undercut Lively’s intended ‘emotional high ground’ but began to systematically undercut her position and claims, as well as her character (and Q score) on a personal level.”

He added that if the Depp-Heard case becomes the primary comparison point, it could ultimately work against Lively depending on how the evidence unfolds.

Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Clashed Over PR Tactics

In an April 17 court filing, Lively’s legal team alleged that Baldoni’s representatives hired a crisis PR strategist with ties to Depp’s legal battle with Heard, arguing it reflects a coordinated media strategy rather than a coincidence.

Her attorneys claim the connection is relevant to intent and accuse the PR firm of publicly downplaying the link while privately relying on similar tactics.

Baldoni’s side, however, dismissed the argument as an attempt to sway public perception and inflame potential jurors rather than as evidence of any organized campaign.

Legal Experts Claim That Invoking The Depp-Heard Case Could Damage Vlake Lively’s Position

Both Lively and Baldoni have continued filing extensive motions ahead of a May trial date, with the case now narrowed after a federal judge allowed only the actress’s retaliation claim and a breach of contract allegation to proceed.

Most of her original accusations, including sexual harassment and defamation claims, were dismissed.

Legal analysts remain divided on the strategy. One attorney, Jordan Matthews, warned that linking the case to Heard’s widely publicized loss to Depp could damage Lively’s position, especially in shaping juror perception.

According to Fox News Digital, he argued that while smear campaigns do exist, “they are often used to discredit parties and witnesses, especially those who lack power and resources, which is clearly not the case for Blake Lively.”

Experts Say Depp-Heard Comparison Unlikely To Be Used In Court Despite Blake Lively’s Legal Moves

Another legal expert, Trey Lovell, argued that references to the Depp-Heard case are unlikely to be admitted as evidence, describing them as unrelated to the current dispute and potentially prejudicial in front of a jury.

He added that courts typically avoid material that could unfairly influence judgment rather than clarify the facts of the case.

Public relations professionals, however, say the earlier trial can still serve as a useful context for understanding how celebrity legal battles play out in the media, though they caution it must be framed carefully to avoid shaping the case as a direct comparison.

Crisis and reputation management expert Dave Quast noted that while the Depp-Heard case is widely recognized and often used as a reference point for media-driven litigation, it should only be invoked as background rather than a parallel.

“From a PR standpoint, referencing Depp-Heard is useful only if Lively uses it as context, not as a direct analogy,” Quast said. He explained that the case has become a common example of how public opinion can influence legal narratives, particularly in disputes involving high-profile figures.

However, he warned that leaning too heavily on the comparison could backfire, reducing a complex legal matter to another celebrity-driven media feud.

Instead, he suggested the stronger framing focuses on the specific allegations in Lively’s case, particularly claims that outside professionals may have deliberately shaped online backlash.

Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Reportedly Consider A UK Move Amid Ongoing Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni

Meanwhile, reports have also emerged that Lively and Ryan Reynolds are considering a potential move to the United Kingdom as the case continues to attract attention.

According to the Daily Mail, the couple has discussed spending more time abroad, with Reynolds’ ties to the UK through his ownership stake in Wrexham AFC playing a role in the idea.

One insider suggested the “Gossip Girl” star may also see an opportunity to “rebrand” her career in the UK film industry, where she believes “there are top of the line filmmakers who could give her a second chance.”

However, the report notes that the couple’s decision is far from final, as their primary focus remains their four children’s education and social lives in the United States.

Some unnamed sources allege that industry interest in Lively has cooled amid the controversy, while others say she is focused on her family and future professional opportunities regardless of public speculation.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have emerged stronger after years of relationship struggles, with sources claiming the singer’s Lyme disease diagnosis helped explain many of the issues that plagued their marriage.

Insiders say the revelation changed the actress’s perspective on her husband’s behavior, leading to greater understanding between the couple.

Now said to be “in a good place,” Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are focusing on family, healing, and moving forward together after a difficult period behind the scenes.

The power couple has weathered years of public scrutiny and personal challenges, but sources close to the couple say Timberlake’s Lyme disease diagnosis ultimately brought a new level of understanding to their marriage and strengthened their bond.

According to insiders, the singer had been struggling with unexplained symptoms long before receiving a diagnosis, which reportedly created tension in the relationship.

“Before Justin knew he had Lyme disease, he was suffering from a lot of symptoms, and they were having more serious problems then,” a source told Us Weekly, adding that “There were trust issues and behavior issues,” and only after figuring out what he was going through did things start “making more sense to the both of them.”

Recent reports suggested that “The Better Sisters” actress had grown frustrated with some of Timberlake’s actions and had issued an “ultimatum,” demanding he change or risk losing the marriage.

However, insiders say the couple is currently “in a good place.”

Jessica Biel Started To View Her Husband’s Actions Differently After His Lyme Disease Diagnosis

Over the course of Timberlake’s decades-long career and nearly 14-year marriage to Biel, whom he tied the knot with in 2012 in Puglia, the pair have faced several controversies.

These include fallout from the 2004 Super Bowl incident involving Janet Jackson, allegations tied to Britney Spears’ memoir, and his 2024 DWI arrest in Sag Harbor.

Despite the setbacks, sources say Biel approached the relationship with “patience and compassion” while still holding her husband accountable, helping them slowly rebuild trust over time.

The singer’s Lyme disease diagnosis also gave Biel a deeper understanding of many of the struggles they had faced behind closed doors.

“A lot of their issues had to do with communication, and a lot of it was due to things out of his control,” a source explained. “When Jessica learned more about it, it completely changed how she viewed his actions. Jessica became more understanding.”

The Actress Stopped Being ‘Upset By The Things That Upset Her In The Past’

The shift in Biel’s perspective reportedly eased long-standing tensions in her marriage to Timberlake,

“A lot of stuff that used to be problematic was viewed differently because Jessica was looking at it from a different lens,” the source noted. “Jessica is very understanding of all of that now. She is not upset by the things that upset her in the past.”

Insiders claim the couple has grown closer than ever, with Biel focused on supporting Timberlake as he manages his health.

The source also dismissed speculation about substance abuse issues, saying his struggles were connected to Lyme disease rather than alcohol or drugs.

Timberlake and Biel, who divide their time between Tennessee and Montana, are raising their two sons, Silas, 10, and Phineas, 5, both of whom reportedly became an important source of strength for Timberlake during his recent tour.

What Justin Timberlake Said About His Lyme Disease Diagnosis

The “Mirrors” hitmaker first revealed his Lyme disease diagnosis in July 2025, shortly after wrapping up his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour.”

In an emotional Instagram post, he described the experience as “the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and at times grueling” of his life. Timberlake then emphasized that his post wasn’t meant to elicit sympathy, but to raise awareness about the disease.

“If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” he wrote.

Reflecting on opening up about his health, Timberlake admitted he had been hesitant because of how he was raised, but wanted to be honest so people wouldn’t misunderstand his situation.

He ended his message with a heartfelt note: “To Jess, Silas, and Phin, nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way.”

Justin Timberlake Makes Surprise Coachella Shoutout

Meanwhile, Timberlake recently showed support for Justin Bieber after the pop star performed a rendition of “Cry Me a River” during the second weekend of Coachella.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, April 20, Timberlake reflected on Bieber’s journey by sharing a throwback video from when they first met, which featured a surprise appearance from Biel.

Alongside the clip, he posted a heartfelt message praising Bieber’s growth and resilience over the years.

“I know this has been a long road,” Timberlake wrote. “And I know it’s not always a smooth ride. I’m proud of you — and you should be proud of you too. Sending love @lilbieber.”

Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn haven’t always been on the same wavelength — despite their decades long friendship.

Speaking to Vanity Fair on Thursday, April 30, Streep, 76, admitted she faced a major pet peeve with Hawn when they worked together on 1992’s Death Becomes Her.

“Goldie, she was always late to set,” Streep told the outlet. “But she was so adorable. And I’m always on time, you know, and annoying. But she’s late, and she had a red convertible, I remember, and she’d drive herself to set. So that was probably the problem.”

Streep admitted she struggled with Hawn, 80, due to the actress’ frustrating habit.

“She’d drive herself to set. She had her hair all…’Oh gosh, sorry!’ And everybody thought, ‘Oh, she’s so cute.’ Yeah. So I had a beef with her,” Steep added.

Streep and Hawn were in their 40s when they starred in the supernatural black comedy, which encompassed themes of aging and struggling with mortality.

The film’s plot followed Madeline Ashton (Streep) and Helen Sharp (Hawn) who go head to head over their shared plastic surgeon love interest, Dr. Ernest Menville, who was portrayed by Bruce Willis.

The Devil Wears Prada actress said the pair have laughed about the premise of the film in the years since it was made, and added that their friendship has endured despite Hawn’s on-set lateness at the time.

“I loved her. I love her,” she added. “She’s one of my buddies, and over the years, we’ve had some laughs about that movie because people love it. I thought it was like a documentary on Beverly Hills.”

Streep’s comments about her past grievances with Hawn come after another “beef” with a high-profile star — Travis Kelce.

After Streep playfully dissed the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis’s brother Jason, 38, asked him on Wednesday, April 29, episode of their “New Heights” podcast: “Do we have beef with Meryl Streep?”

Travis was quick to share his adoration for the acclaimed actress in his response to the potential feud.

“That’s a powerful woman right there,” he said. “I am a fan of Meryl Streep. I don’t have any beef with her.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Jason then played a clip of Streep taking aim at Travis while promoting her new movie The Devil Wears Prada 2.

“The hardest thing about shooting in Milan was walking in stilettos on the cobblestones. I’d like to see Travis Kelce do that,” Streep joked.

Seeing the funny side, Travis quipped in response, “Oh Meryl, you have no idea how good I am at walking in heels. OK?”

Westerns can be exciting. Not all of them, and some are kind of old-fashioned in ways that may alienate certain viewers. Not that Westerns are like musicals, but they’re two genres that people sometimes swear off on principle. In either event, such people are missing out. Focusing on Westerns specifically, if you want to convert someone to the genre overall, and say this person might be able to get around Tombstone or No Country for Old Men, but not other Westerns that are significantly older… well, you should make them start with the Dollars trilogy, since they’re some of the most thrilling and entertaining Westerns ever made.

A Fistful of Dollars was the first, though The Good, the Bad and the Ugly seems to take place first chronologically, so you’ve got a bit of a Star Wars situation on your hands in terms of being like, “Hey, where do I start?” Continuity doesn’t really matter, and it’s, like, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly shows where Clint Eastwood’s character got his poncho that he wears in the other two, so that’s about as deep as it gets. Eastwood is in all three as the Man with No Name, but this man has a different nickname each time, and all the films are self-contained while each proves approachable, engaging, and thrilling in its own particular way.

What Happens Throughout the ‘Dollars’ Trilogy

Image via United Artists

As mentioned before, A Fistful of Dollars (1964) was the first, and it comes the closest to being a proper thriller out of the three films in the Dollars trilogy. This is due to it being an unofficial remake of Yojimbo, which was an Akira Kurosawa samurai film that had more of an emphasis on suspense than action. The plot there had a lone warrior coming into a town torn apart by warring gangs, and then he puts himself in the middle of the conflict, claiming to ally himself with both sides so that he can play them against each other.

It being an unofficial remake meant there was a lawsuit (it’s just Yojimbo, but with an Old West setting and, obviously, no samurai), but it was still a net good that the film came about, because it was improved upon immensely by Sergio Leone when he directed For a Few Dollars More one year later. This one wasn’t an unofficial remake, and it also had a more emotionally engaging story that involved the Man with No Name going after a notorious bandit, simultaneously clashing with another man (played by Lee Van Cleef) after the same target, but for very different reasons. Then, in order of release, at least, came The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, which was a full-on epic, not to mention perhaps the most broadly entertaining of the bunch.

What Makes the ‘Dollars’ Trilogy Movies So Thrilling

There’s a tension to A Fistful of Dollars that makes it feel sort of in line with the thriller genre, but The Good, the Bad and the Ugly feels like it’s the most thrilling, if that makes sense. Lee Van Cleef’s also in this one, but in a villainous role, being the titular “Bad.” Eastwood’s the “Good,” though he’s not all that good, he’s just not as bad as the “Bad” is bad. And then in between is the “Ugly,” played by Eli Wallach, who’s probably the most endearing, even if he’s also not a great guy.

He’s more just the underdog, or a wild card, and watching these three men try to play each other as they all pursue the same goal (a buried fortune somewhere in the desert) is exceptionally entertaining. You get a mix of emotions and genres here, compared to the other Dollars movies, because The Good, the Bad and the Ugly successfully balances suspense, comedy, adventuring, and action, all the while being a Western, an epic, and even something of a Civil War movie. It’s got it all, and it’s got the time to do it, since it’s nearly three hours long, all up. The three movies do share in common great finales, which is naturally where things get the most suspenseful and thrilling in each one.

How the ‘Dollars’ Movies Prove Unique as a “Trilogy”

Image via Produzioni Europee Associati

If it weren’t for Clint Eastwood being (probably) the same character across all three movies, the Dollars trilogy would be a thematic one at most. Even if you’re willing to classify it as such, then it still feels like the sort of trilogy where each movie is quite different, though not in a bad way, by any means. There’s something satisfying about seeing the scale grow from film to film, and the progression from the scrappy, brisk, and self-contained A Fistful of Dollars to the more sprawling and sometimes bombastic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly makes a weird amount of sense (For a Few Dollars More is the perfect middle-ground, too, it should be stressed).

Sergio Leone didn’t make any movies with Clint Eastwood after The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, which is something of a shame, but he did make another trilogy of sorts that’s also very much worth checking out. Once Upon a Time in the West begins that thematic trilogy, and it signifies Leone moving away from more thrilling and pulpy territory, since it’s a good deal more restrained and quietly tense. Duck, You Sucker is the most underrated of the bunch, and remarkably bleak, while Once Upon a Time in America jumps forward in time, out of the Western genre entirely, being a gangster movie set across decades (with a good chunk of the story taking place during the Prohibition era). But the Dollars films are where it’s at, if you want exciting Sergio Leone movies, and if you want thrilling Westerns more generally, since they all hold up well and prove truly enthralling in their own unique ways. Few trilogies are as satisfying to binge, truth be told.

The Dollars trilogy movies are available to stream on Tubi.

A tense court hearing between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen has led to a major decision that shows just how serious their situation has become. 

After months of back-and-forth accusations, police investigations, and public attention, the former couple finally appeared in court on April 30 to settle issues around protection orders and custody of their young son. 

During the hearing, the judge spoke openly about their conflict and issued a ruling intended to keep them apart and prevent further problems.

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have both been issued mutual protective orders lasting three years following their April 30 court hearing. 

The decision came after the former couple appeared in court to address both their competing filings and the custody situation involving their two-year-old son, Ever.

The hearing marked their first public appearance together since reports of multiple domestic violence investigations surfaced earlier this year. 

With both sides presenting evidence and accusations, the court ultimately ruled that legal separation between the two was necessary moving forward. 

The judge’s decision ensures that both Paul and Mortensen are legally restricted from certain interactions.

Paul Case Prompts Judge To Address ‘Violence Both Ways’

During the livestreamed hearing, Commissioner Russell Minas made it clear that the situation between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen was not one-sided. 

“I’m finding that there’s been violence both ways between these parties,” he stated per PEOPLE, pointing to evidence presented from both individuals.

Minas also warned that their interactions often escalate quickly, telling the courtroom that the pair cannot remain in the same space for long before “it turns violent.” 

He stressed that their focus must shift away from conflict and toward their responsibilities as parents, urging them to prioritize their child over ongoing disputes.

“I’m hoping you’re not just people who thrive on the drama and conflict. You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as co-parents,” Minas shared.

Taylor Frankie Paul Urged To Focus On Co-Parenting And Child’s Future

The judge repeatedly emphasized the importance of stability for their son, Ever, cautioning both parents about the long-term impact of their behavior. 

“You’re modeling right now how you deal with conflict to a 2-year-old,” Minas said, adding that such dynamics could “affect” the child later in life.

He also addressed the broader implications of their relationship, telling the pair, “You’re linked together for the remainder of your lives. This is your legacy.”  

Most importantly, Minas revealed his job was to keep Paul and Mortensen away from each other as staying together would not be best for Ever.

“Beyond the pale, the toxicity here. I’m really intent on trying to keep the two of you away from each other for now,” he stated. 

Paul Case Tied To Past Allegations And Ongoing Fallout

The court ruling comes after months of legal and public challenges involving Taylor Frankie Paul. 

Earlier this year, both the Draper City Police Department and West Jordan Police Department investigated domestic violence claims made by each party against the other, though prosecutors later declined to file charges against Paul due to insufficient evidence.

The situation is further complicated by a prior 2023 arrest involving the reality TV star, where she was accused of throwing chairs during an altercation. 

She later pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, with other charges dropped. The incident resurfaced in March 2026 after video footage capturing an altercation between her and Mortensen, circulated online, reigniting public attention.

Following the video’s release, ABC canceled her filmed season of “The Bachelorette,” while production on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was temporarily paused after some cast Although production has since resumed, Paul chose not to return at this time. As the legal process continues, the court is expected to issue further recommendations on parenting arrangements ahead of a June 1 hearing.

Taylor Frankie Paul Sparks Romance Rumors With Doug Mason

Amid the court drama, Paul’s love life appears to be shifting again as new reports link her to Doug Mason, the rumored winner of her unaired season of “The Bachelorette.” 

According to The Blast, Paul is reportedly “seeing” Mason despite the controversy surrounding her personal life.  

Additional reporting confirms the connection goes beyond speculation, with insiders saying the two are “seeing each other” and “trying to make it work” after previously parting ways.   

Their history dates back to the reality show, where Mason was believed to have been Paul’s final choice, even proposing during filming before things later fell apart. 

Now, despite setbacks surrounding the canceled season and public scrutiny, the two appear to be reconnecting in real life.members refused to film with her.