By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 22 seconds ago

Whenever fans talk about the best Bill Murray movies, they always call out the obvious ones: crowd pleasers like Ghostbusters, quirky comedies like Groundhog Day, and even mournful indies like Lost in Translation. Each of those films is a great choice, and they collectively demonstrate Bill Murray’s surprising range of depth as an actor. However, none of those films ever quite match the easygoing charm of Meatballs, the 1979 summer camp comedy from future Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman.

Compared to Murray’s big-budget films, Meatballs has a decidedly lo-fi charm. It’s about a summer camp filled with youngsters trying to discover who they really are. The counselors are doing the same thing, and they form a cozy, found family relationship with the kids they are watching over. It’s a film filled with colorful characters and one amazing line after another, but this ‘70s banger gets a little more forgotten every year. Fortunately, it’s currently streaming for free on Tubi, meaning that you’re just one click away from the discovery of a lifetime (or, at least, the afternoon): Bill Murray’s first big film may be his best!

The premise of Meatballs is that Murray’s character is the leader of some counselors-in-training for a low-rent summer camp in Ontario. He quickly bonds with one of the young camp attendees who’s still reeling from the death of his mother. Meanwhile, the camp is filled with drama of different stripes. For example, several of the counselors (including Murray’s character) are looking for love, but they still find the time to play the most elaborate jokes on the camp director. By the third act, Meatballs becomes the ultimate snobs-vs-slobs film as our down-and-dirty campers must compete against the wealthy elites from a rich, rival summer camp.

As you can probably tell from that description, Meatballs isn’t a movie filled with lots of dramatic events. Instead, it’s very much a vibes-based film where you get to kick back and have fun with the nerdy kids and their horny, somewhat inept counselors. Unsurprisingly, Bill Murray is the most entertaining performer, constantly bouncing off other actors like the hilariously understated Harvey Atkin. While Murray is filled with his signature quirky quips, he gives a very heartfelt performance, especially when he’s acting alongside young Chris Makepeace. The result is a movie that provides plenty of laughs along with a surprisingly large number of warm and fuzzy moments.

The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship

If you’re a major Bill Murray fan, it’s also worth watching Meatballs because it quietly represents a major turning point in his career. After all, it’s not just his first big film; it’s also the first time that he collaborated with the late, great Harold Ramis, one of the film’s writers. The very next year, Ramis would direct Murray in the seminal early ‘80s classic Caddyshack. Over a decade later, Ramis also directed Murray in Groundhog Day, considered one of the cynical actor’s finest films. Notably, Ramis co-wrote those films, and he also co-wrote the two Ghostbusters films that arguably transformed Murray into a household name and bankable superstar.

Speaking of Ghostbusters, Meatballs is also the first breakout film for Ivan Reitman, who would later direct the first two Ghostbusters movies. Meatballs established his close, working relationship with both Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, and the trio soon reunited to create the military comedy Stripes. Arguably, it is these early experiences that helped the three men gel as a creative team, which is a big part of why Ghostbusters was so impossibly good. That’s right, ‘Buster fans, this proton-packing ‘80s icon of a film may have never existed (or simply fizzled out altogether) if not for a largely-forgotten camp counselor comedy starring Bill Murray.

But The Kids Love Him

While Murray later became famous for his ad-libbing on set, it was the immaculately well-written Meatballs that helped establish his particular brand of laconic, wiseacre humor. My absolute favorite part of the movie is when his character is called upon to give an inspirational speech about how their camp could totally beat their wealthy rivals in an upcoming competition. Murray goes into a sarcastic rant about how their improbable victory is meaningless because the cute girls will just go out with the wealthy jerks anyway. He ultimately reassures everyone with a chant that perfectly captures jaded Gen X malaise: “it just doesn’t matter. IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!”

In many ways, that scene is the true essence of Meatballs. Murray’s attempts at reassurance seem cavalier and cynical at first glance, but he’s actually being a good counselor here and imparting a lesson on his young camp enrollees. Focusing entirely on an arbitrary competition with rivals who have beaten them for the last 12 years is foolish. By emphasizing that victory doesn’t really matter, Murray’s character encourages the kids to focus on what does matter: their own accomplishments and their willingness to help each other succeed. Is it sweet and schmaltzy? Sure, but what else were you expecting from a movie that proudly wears its heart on its sleeve?   

All You Can Eat Comedy

Incidentally, that competition with a rival camp helps the final act of this 1979 film transform Meatballs into a staple of ‘80s comedies: a snobs vs. slobs showdown. It’s the same reliable formula that would transform later films like Stripes and Caddyshack into such influential hits. The formula works because it forces us to root for our misfit outsiders against a group of pretty and popular kids. This results in broad comedy that all audiences will get a real kick out of. However, if you were ever a weird outcast kid made to feel weak and small by the beautiful, rich kids, you will likely find the climax of Meatballs particularly resonant.

Do you want your streaming forecast to be cloudy, with a chance of Meatballs? That’s easy enough. Just row, row, row over to your remote control and stream this quirky cult hit for free on Tubi. It’s the movie that properly launched Ivan Reitman’s career, kicking off a collaboration between himself, Harold Ramis, and Bill Murray that absolutely dominated the ‘80s. Therefore, it’s worth watching as a piece of cinematic history or simply as a vehicle for some of Bill Murray’s best lines. Come for the killer quips and stay for the weird earworm that is Rick Dees’ “Meatballs” song!

Ashley Tisdale French is explaining why she won’t allow her daughters to attend sleepovers.

The High School Musical star, 40, who shares two daughters, Jupiter, 5, and Emerson, 20 months, with husband Christpher French, explained her reasoning via a Tuesday, May 26, blog post on By Ashley French.

“I’m just not a fan of sleepovers,” Tisdale French wrote. “As a parent, it comes down to this: You can know someone well and still not really know them. You just don’t always know who people are in their home. You don’t know how parents talk to each other, how they handle conflict, who else has access to the home… the list goes on.”

The post continued, “A family can seem lovely from the outside, and most are. But the risk of getting it wrong isn’t one I’m willing to take.

The actress stated that while her stance may sound “dramatic,” and that plenty of children “have fun” at sleepovers, she stands by the belief that if danger presents itself, “statistically, it’s rarely due to a stranger.”

Tisdale French also recalled a childhood experience of her own that left her feeling far from comfortable about sleepovers. “One time, I was staying over at my best friend’s house at the same time that her older brother had a bunch of friends over. They were probably around 10 years old,” she wrote in the blog. “I thought I’d slept soundly through the night, but the next morning, they all thought it was hilarious that I had gone sleepwalking. I remember feeling really weird and vulnerable about having no memory of that.”

Despite declaring a firm opinion on allowing children to stay overnight at another family’s home, Tisdale French reiterated that she’s determined to help her daughters have fun with friends and has come up with a sleepover alternative. “This is the plan. Some of my friends and I have decided that when our girls are older, we’ll do some group getaways. The moms can get away from the house for a night, bring the kids, and they can have a sleepover in the same space,” she wrote. “Maybe an Airbnb or hotel rooms with a shared door. The kids can have their independence and fun while the parents unwind nearby. That feels different and doable.”

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The “toxic mom group” drama between Ashley Tisdale French, Hilary Duff and Mandy Moore has taken the internet by storm this week. “The root of the issues was that some of the women just became closer friends with each other, and Ashley started to feel left out,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “There were […]

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Tisdale French’s exploration of parenthood will soon extend to her professional life. She revealed in February that she will star in and executive produce a comedy for CBS that will center on coparenting with an ex.

Her parenting views had attracted headlines one month prior when she blasted her mom group as “toxic” in an essay for The Cut. The January piece did not name any moms but online speculation pointed to celebrities including Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore and Meghan Trainor who all enjoyed early motherhood alongside Tisdale French, as documented via social media.

A rep for Tisdale French denied insinuation towards Duff, 38, Moore, 42, and Trainor, 32, at the time, but all three have reacted to the essay in recent months.

Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, opened up about her personal struggles while she suffered from addiction.

“The behavior is really ugly. It’s really ugly behavior in a moral way, because I was raised to be kind — and not nice,” Paris, 28, said during a Tuesday, May 26, appearance on Jack Osbourne’s “Trying Not to Die” podcast. “I could give a s**t about being nice — but being kind and looking people in the eye and asking the waiter their name so you can write it down on the receipt later, just little things of, just like, how do you treat people?”

Paris recalled going through “years and years and years of self-hatred” before achieving sobriety.

“‘Oh, I may be a liar, a cheater, a piece of s**t, a thief, whatever, but I do have a good moral compass, like, I was raised right in that way. What happens when I drink is that goes away,” she said. “That goes right out the window and I become a very vindictive person.”

Paris confessed she had other personal struggles before turning to alcohol and drugs.

“I struggled with self-harm for a really long time before I ever had my first drink or drug. I had weird relationships with overeating and food as a young kid,” she recalled. “There was this overall reachy, graspy energy that I only ever see in other addicts. Reaching for something outside of yourself.”

Paris shared that she went to treatment “several times” before — and after — starting her sobriety journey.

Over the years, Paris has been candid about how she has struggled with addiction since her teen years. Last year, Paris revealed that she achieved a major milestone in her sobriety.

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“Hi, I’m pk, and I’m an alcoholic and a heroin addict,” she wrote via Instagram in January 2025. “Today marks 5 years clean and sober from all drugs and alcohol. To say that I’m thankful would be a poor euphemism. Gratitude hardly scratches the surface.”

Earlier this year, she opened up about how she is still putting in the work to maintain her sobriety,

“Getting sober ain’t always the indication that life is perfect,” Paris wrote via Instagram in January. “A few years in, it all got very very hard for what felt like an eternity. I didn’t have the same survival skills I was used to having to cope. I had to learn to live life on life’s terms.”

Marlon Wayans is standing up for Dave Chappelle no matter what. 

The actor candidly explained how he balances his deep friendship with Chappelle alongside his unconditional love for his transgender child. 

The iconic comedian further addressed the public scrutiny surrounding Chappelle’s controversial humor and defended the comedian’s intentions in the industry. 

The comedy legend opened up about navigating his close bond with Chappelle while having a transgender son, especially following the heavy public backlash directed at Chappelle’s recent Netflix specials. 

The controversial routines previously sparked a walkout by Netflix employees who viewed the material as transphobic, yet Wayans remains steadfast in his support. Defending his longtime friend, Wayans stated, “I wouldn’t hang with Dave if he was full of hate. I don’t hang with people like that.” 

He explained that he truly understands his friend’s character, emphasizing, “I know Dave’s heart, and his intention isn’t to punch down,” per Variety.

Wayans views the situation through multiple lenses, balancing his artistic career with his parental duties. He clarified his approach to both individuals, explaining, “As a comedian, I respect his journey. And as a friend, I respect his journey. And for my child, I respect their journey.”

Interestingly, Wayans even tried to secure a cameo for Chappelle in the upcoming “Scary Movie” film. Although he penned two humorous scenes for the comedian, Chappelle ultimately declined the offer with a dismissive sigh, though Wayans still hopes to collaborate with him down the road.

Marlon Wayans Discussed Personal Acceptance Of His Trans Child

The comedian’s approach to explaining both sides of the comedy and family debate highlights his deep investment in his child’s personal journey.

After first sharing that Kai is transgender and uses they/them pronouns in late 2023, the actor has consistently protected and stood up for them in the public eye, even during a highly publicized online feud with a prominent rapper.

The Blast previously reported that during an appearance on the “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” podcast, the actor shed light on the profound lessons he gained from Kai’s transition. He expressed that the experience taught him what unconditional love entails. 

The entertainer candidly detailed his own emotional adaptation, revealing, “When they went through transition, I actually went through the transition. I went from denial to complete acceptance, and it took me a week to get there.”

Marlon Wayans Vowed To Show Unconditional Protection And Support To His Trans Child

Further speaking on his relationship with Kai, Wayans firmly stressed his unwavering resolve to stand up for him regardless of the public’s opinion or negative feedback surrounding their lifestyle choices.

The proud father made it clear that he will always prioritize his family over public approval, stating, “I’m going to love my baby… I’m a father, and I’m always going to defend them.” 

The media personality also revealed that he harbors absolutely no regrets or concerns about losing fans due to his public decision to support and defend his son. He dismissed critics as being fundamentally “small-minded” individuals who do not understand true familial bonds. 

The unyielding support Wayans maintains for his child comes after Chappelle similarly spoke up about Trans humor.

Notably, Chappelle has publicly pushed back against political figures who have integrated transgender-related humor into their official platforms.

The Blast noted that the prominent comedian criticized members of the Republican Party during an interview with host Michel Martin on NPR’s “Newsmakers.” He accused conservative politicians of turning transgender-related humor into a calculated political tool. 

The performer, who has navigated intense public backlash since his widely criticized 2021 special “The Closer,” further expressed deep frustration over what he described as the “weaponizing” of his distinct style of stand-up comedy.

Dave Chappelle Claimed To Have Been Snubbed By Award Shows

Despite his efforts to clarify his stance on Trans humor, Chappelle claimed that he is being actively shunned by major Hollywood institutions due to his history of controversial humor.

The entertainer asserted that he has been intentionally snubbed by popular award shows because of his past jokes regarding the transgender community. Now, four years after the initial backlash following his 2021 stand-up special, “The Closer,” the comic claims the industry is still punishing him.

This professional fallout also impacted his COVID-era documentary, “Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life.” The film originally premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2021 but struggled to gain traction after its routines came under fire. 

However, the comic was notably honored with the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards, per The Blast.  

It’s the season of book adaptations, and one of the most popular on Netflix, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, returns with an even stronger second season. The TV series brought Holly Jackson‘s popular book trilogy to life, with Season 2 adapting the second installment, Good Girl, Bad Blood, and this time, the adaptation is a lot more faithful to the plot and the story’s darker atmosphere. The question of fidelity to the source material has always been debated, but in this case, mostly sticking to the original book is hugely beneficial for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. The first season added plotlines that didn’t serve a larger purpose, but Season 2 is far more condensed and cleaner, making every scene land effectively.

What Is ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Season 2 About?

Season 2 launches into the fallout of Pip’s (Emma Myers) investigation into the murder of Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies); Becca (Carla Woodcock) is in prison, Sal’s (Rahul Pattni) name is cleared, and Max (Henry Ashton) is on trial for drugging and assaulting several women. However, Pip’s friendship with Cara (Asha Banks) is also fraying at the edges after she uncovered Cara’s father’s secrets, which led to his imprisonment. In the Season 2 premiere, Pip declares on her podcast that she will never investigate a case again. She envisions a normal life with her boyfriend Ravi (Zain Iqbal), filled with murder-mystery parties and a decisive court victory over Max.

However, Pip’s life flips upside-down when her friend Connor (Jude Morgan-Collie) knocks on her door after his brother Jamie (Eden H. Davies) disappears. What makes it worse is that Jamie is a key witness in Max’s trial and is also linked to another anonymous witness dubbed “Woman A,” which means if Pip wants justice to be served, she needs to pull out her detective board once again. The stakes are higher this time, now that Pip understands the cost of uncovering the truth, and she forges deeper into the darkness of Little Kilton, afraid of what she may find.

Emma Myers Continues To Anchor the Emotional Weight and Mystery of ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Image via Netflix

After the first season, it should come as no surprise that Myers is the anchor and driving force of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2. She slips back into the role of Pip with ease, this time playing the character with a fear of rocking the boat again and guilt over how her past actions incited so much destruction. Myers balances Pip’s innate curiosity and determination with self-doubt and hesitation, deepening the character as the show progresses. It was already easy to root for Pip in Season 1, but Season 2 elicits more empathy than ever, with the story’s burgeoning darkness taking a psychological toll. It feels less like a coming-of-age story and more like a reckoning towards the end, where Pip is forced to look in the mirror and dissect the parts of herself she was initially proud of.

Myers’ approach to her character also raises the stakes of the mystery surrounding Jamie’s disappearance, as Pip’s self-worth becomes increasingly tied to the case’s revelations. By the finale, it turns out her self-image isn’t necessarily what needs protecting, and Myers’ performance is downright haunting, with several incredible scenes that land with necessary impact, deepening the show’s complexity. Her performance is still the heart of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and her ability to excavate new layers to Pip is a main reason why Season 2 is wildly stronger than the first.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Season 2 Is Filled With Notable Performances

Surrounding Myers’ Pip in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2 is a cast that handles their roles well and fleshes out the town of Little Kilton. It is a shame that Cara doesn’t get a bigger role this season, especially after Banks has a notable and heartbreaking scene in the beginning, but Morgan-Collie’s Connor fills the best-friend role with enough goofy charm to complement Pip’s motivations. However, what’s a little surprising and disappointing is how stiff Pip and Ravi’s romance is, especially since Season 2 introduces a couple of major developments in their relationship. Compared to the wholesome and light chemistry of the previous season, the air between them is almost dead now that they’ve officially become a couple.

Ashton delivers Season 2’s most compelling performance, as he dives into the pits of Max’s psyche and pulls something spine-tingling out. Ashton strikes the right balance between portraying Max as a monster and humanizing him, even rendering the sight of the character tearing up into something eerie, instead of an effort to detract from his crimes. Every single one of his scenes is chilling, especially when the show affords viewers a glimpse into his family life, where the layers of Max’s psychology are unraveled in a twisted way while still positioning him as an antagonist.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Season 2 Covers Heavy Topics With Sensitivity and Impact

Image via Netflix

Season 2’s investigation unfolds far more smoothly and cohesively than its predecessor, with storylines that tie together into an explosive ending. It is almost reminiscent of 13 Reasons Why, but A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder does a better job of not using crimes to fuel teenage melodrama and actually handles heavier topics with the sensitivity they deserve. There are a handful of scenes that are terrifyingly devastating, lending emotional weight to the overarching mystery while heightening the suspense. With enough moving parts to keep you guessing and a firm storytelling direction, Season 2 is even more immersive than the first.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2 ends on a strong note that sets up anticipation for the final book of the trilogy to be adapted. It’s also far more intentional, nuanced, and precise than the first, leaning into the story’s darker elements until viewers are drowning in it like Pip is. Where the previous season wavered, Season 2 has forged its identity and hit a stride that elicits more excitement for the future of Pip’s story, especially with the promise of Myers carrying her character’s emotional growth and conflicts to the end.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

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Release Date

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July 10, 2024

Network

BBC Three

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Writers

Zia Ahmed, Poppy Cogan, Ruby Thomas, Ajoke Ibironke

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• 

  Adam Astill

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  Toby Hastings

• 

  Annabel Mullion

  Rosie Hastings

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Pros & Cons

• Emma Myers leads the series with a stellar performance that dives into her character’s emotional conflict.
• Henry Ashton makes a chilling antagonist and fleshes out his character this season.
• Season 2’s mystery and storytelling has a stronger direction and level of suspense.

• Some supporting characters are let down this season.

A tense moment outside a Paris hotel has suddenly placed Russell Crowe at the center of another heated online debate.

After footage surfaced showing the actor sternly warning fans waiting for autographs, reactions quickly exploded across social media.

While some accused the Oscar winner of crossing the line, others defended him for trying to keep the crowd under control before things spiraled.

However, the actor has defended in his actions, noting that the uproar was much ado about nothing.

The controversy began when videos captured Russell Crowe speaking firmly to a crowd gathered outside his hotel in Paris earlier this week.

The actor appeared surrounded by autograph seekers as he attempted to establish boundaries before approaching anyone in the crowd. Holding up his hands, the “Gladiator” star first asked, “Are you listening?”

He then made it clear he did not want fans pushing toward him as he prepared to sign posters and memorabilia.

“Stay where you are. Don’t f-cking push in on me. I’ll come to you. Give everyone space,” Crowe warned.

The actor also issued another blunt message while raising his finger toward the crowd. “As soon as somebody is a d-ck, I’m gone. You got me?”

Several people in the crowd responded with “Yes” before the actor calmly stepped forward and began signing autographs one by one.

The tense interaction did not stop there. At one point, a man behind the camera asked Crowe to sign Maximus, his iconic character from the 2000 blockbuster “Gladiator.”

Crowe quickly shut the request down with a simple “No” before continuing through the crowd.

Russell Crowe Responds To Backlash As Video Sparks Fierce Debate

Once the footage hit social media, opinions immediately split online.

Some viewers argued that Crowe had every right to protect his personal space, especially without security nearby. Others felt the language he used toward fans came across unnecessarily aggressive.

As criticism spread, the actor decided to respond publicly through X after TMZ reposted the encounter online.

“Clickbait. Everybody got their autograph and selfie, the passage to the hotel was kept free for guests, and I still got to the airport on time. One man, no security. Handled. What’s your problem?” Crowe wrote.

More Reactions To Crowe’s Video And X Post

The post only intensified debate around the situation.

Supporters praised the actor for staying calm while dealing with a potentially overwhelming crowd.

One person defended Russell Crowe by writing, “I didn’t see a problem here. set a few guidelines, so he don’t get trampled. off he goes to his fans, nobody gets hurt and everyone walks away happy. People need to remember, these are just normal folks too. well done Russell.”

Others strongly disagreed with the actor’s tone during the interaction.

“Sorry, but use of the ‘f’ word was quite rude and totally gratuitous. Likewise for the word ‘d-ck,’” another critic argued online.

The commenter continued, “Simply (& even sternly) saying, “I shall only sign if nobody pushes and stays calm” would have sufficed. None of the members of that crowd seemed aggressive to me. Be grateful.”

Russell Crowe Supporters Defend His Boundaries

The situation became another internet battle over celebrity boundaries and fan expectations.

Some social media users argued that famous actors are often unfairly expected to tolerate overwhelming situations simply because they are public figures.

One supporter bluntly wrote, “I love disagreeing, but I gotta say he owes nothing to any of those people.”

Others pushed back against that perspective, insisting stars should still show patience toward supporters who helped build their careers.

“Without the fans they won’t earn profit and be famous . At least be respectful to those people,” another user argued.

Paris Trip Takes Unexpected Turn For The Actor

Despite the backlash surrounding the viral moment, Russell Crowe has continued enjoying his stay in France.

The actor recently attended the French Open at Stade Roland Garros on Sunday, where he watched Alexander Zverev face Benjamin Bonzi during their match.

Crowe unexpectedly became part of the action when a stray tennis ball flew toward the crowd during the game.

The actor reacted quickly and managed to catch the ball midair, earning cheers from nearby attendees.

He later proudly showed the ball off while one staff member snapped photos of the moment.

Crowe attended the tournament alongside girlfriend Britney Theriot, who has been linked to the actor since 2020.

Brad Pitt‘s son, Knox Jolie-Pitt, has dyed his hair a bright orange days after making an appearance at his sister Zahara Jolie‘s college graduation.

Photos from the ceremony showed Knox looking like a younger version of his father, down to the hairstyle and color, with many people online commenting about their striking resemblance.

However, he seems to have grown bored with the hair as he recently stepped out in a new look amid his continuous estrangement from Brad Pitt.

Knox was recently spotted leaving a Muay Thai class in L.A. on Memorial Day, easily drawing attention to himself due to his hair transformation.

The 17-year-old spotted his most dramatic look yet by dying his hair orange, a huge departure from his seemingly quiet and laid-back style.

In the past, Knox has had various shades of brunette and blonde locks, and at one point dyed his hair a light pink color.

More recently, he was seen at his sister Zahara’s graduation from Spelman College, where he rocked a dark hair color with frosted platinum tips. He was accompanied by his mother, Jolie, along with his elder brothers, Maddox, 24, and Pax, 22.

In his grey suit at the ceremony, Knox bore a strong resemblance to his father, Pitt, who was once known for a similar style during the early 2000s.

See Knox’s orange hair transformation here.

Knox-Jolie Pitt Is Passionate About Muay Thai

Besides his personal style, Knox has become known for actively participating in Muay Thai and has even taken part in competitions where he has secured wins and taken home medals.

In July last year, on his 17th birthday, he enjoyed a major win at the IKF Point Muay Thai Technical competition.

At the event, he was supported by his mother, Jolie, who donned all-black with sunglasses and posed with her son’s trainers.

Unfortunately, Pitt missed out on the event, likely due to his estrangement from Knox since his divorce from Jolie.

Knox Jolie-Pitt Is The Only Sibling Who Has Yet To Publicly Drop Brad Pitt’s Last Name

Brad Pitt’s absence from Knox’s Muay Thai events comes as no surprise due to his ongoing estrangement from six of his children, most of whom have stopped bearing his last name.

His eldest son, Maddox, seems to be the first to ditch the last name, opting to go by his mother’s surname instead. This was then followed by Pax, who once wrote a scathing Father’s Day post, condemning Pitt as a “world-class a-shole.”

Zahara also dropped Pitt as her last name when she got into Spelman College, while Shiloh legally filed to change her name on her 18th birthday, a move said to have deeply hurt her father.

As for Vivienne, she opted not to use Pitt in her name while being credited for a musical adaptation she worked on alongside her mother, Jolie.

So far, Knox is the only child who has yet to publicly distance himself from his father by ditching his last name.

An Alleged Private Jet Incident Fractured The Actor’s Relationship With His Kids

Pitt’s relationship with his children was reportedly doomed after a private jet incident in 2016, where he allegedly got physical with his family.

The actor was accused of blasting Jolie in front of the siblings, branding their mother “crazy” while pouring alcohol on them.

He was also said to have allegedly “choked” one of the kids after shoving Jolie. However, Pitt has denied all the domestic abuse claims made against him.

After his split from Jolie, the rift with his kids grew wider, with his four adult children completely cutting ties. But despite having court-mandated visits for Knox and Vivienne, Pitt still hardly ever sees the twins.

Brad Pitt Still ‘Hopes’ He Can Reunite With His Children After Being ‘Alienated’ From Them

Recently, a source close to Pitt blamed his ex-wife for ruining his relationship with their six children.

They told the Daily Mail that there has been “a campaign of alienation [by Jolie] which has been successful.”

“The antagonism is huge,” the source continued, adding. “He has been alienated from the kids completely. It is devastating to him.”

Despite the strain, a friend of the actor stated that Pitt “continues to hope that one day a reconciliation is possible.”

“There’s a hope that in time they will all find each other,” they added about Pitt’s estrangement from his kids.

Fans have been waiting with bated breath to learn more about West Wilson and Amanda Batula’s romance timeline — and part 1 of the Summer House reunion finally pulled back the curtain.

“When we were out, I kinda looked at Amanda and I was like, ‘Am I f***ing crazy or is there a little something going on here?’” West, 31, told host Andy Cohen on the Tuesday, May 26, episode when asked who made the first move.

West and Amanda, 34, then both confirmed that their first kiss was “end of February after brunch.” (Jesse Solomon confirmed in April that West went to brunch with the boys in February and then dipped out to spend time with Amanda, but never told them that’s where he was going.)

“When did you first sleep together?” Andy, 57, asked the pair, who were seated next to each other.

Related: ‘Summer House’ Reunion Trailer: West and Amanda Kiss, More Shocking Moments

Ciara Miller didn’t mince words in the Summer House season 10 reunion trailer, coming for both Amanda Batula and West Wilson following their bombshell relationship reveal. “Over the past six years, I have been your f***ing champion,” Ciara, 30, tells Amanda, 34, in the Tuesday, May 19, Bravo trailer. “I couldn’t fathom that I would […]

“After the statement,” Amanda responded, referring to their March 31 declaration that they are dating. “I mean, not that night.”

As the reunion went on, West’s ex-girlfriend and Amanda’s one-time BFF Ciara Miller put them both in the hot seat. “Was it all bulls***?” Ciara, 30, asked West about his time with her, before turning to them both.

“You and Amanda feels [sic] like the best type of revenge that you could execute. And honestly, claps to you,” she quipped.

Elsewhere in the reunion, Ciara revealed a series of text messages with Amanda in which she denied her romance with West, only to later be caught in her lies due to their timelines.

Scroll down to see the biggest revelations from part 1 of the Summer House reunion:

Reunion Arrivals

The reunion was taped on April 23, and the arrivals showed the tension between the cast instantly. The boys all shared a dressing room and talked about the drama between Amanda and West before they took the stage.

KJ Dillard revealed that he was “supposed to go” to the New York Yankees game with West on April 17, but after he confirmed his romance with Amanda in late March, he opted not to go. (Amanda went with West instead and they were photographed kissing in the stands.)

“We’re not friends anymore. It hurts. I considered him a brother,” KJ told the guys.

Meanwhile, when West arrived he was sharing a room with Amanda, whom he kissed as soon as they were together. West claimed he felt “zen” and then laid on Amanda’s legs as they waited to get ready.

Ciara and Kyle Cooke, for their part, met up backstage and shared a big hug. Ciara proceeded to apologize to Kyle for not realizing he was “bottoming out” toward the end of summer. (Kyle went off on the group — and fought Carl Radke — during their final house dinner.)

“I’m sorry. I really misunderstood you the whole summer,” she told him, as they agreed to take the high road during the reunion. (Kyle, 43, was married to Amanda four years before their split in January. He has since called out West over his choice to date his estranged wife without being transparent about his actions.)

West’s Nude Pics

After taking the stage, West got a text about his nude photos making their rounds on the internet. When the cast informed him that they already heard the news that morning, Amanda replied, “So weird, I’ve never gotten any.”

Jesse joked, “I’ve got the nude,” confirming three pictures were being sent around. West was surprised but didn’t say much more as the cameras officially began shooting the reunion.

Ciara Details Her Suspicions

During the early moments of the reunion, Andy asked Ciara “when and why” she first suspected something was happening between West and Amanda. She pointed to January 17 as the date she started to wonder if they were hooking up.

“I went to call Amanda to ask her out to drinks with me and Mia [Calabrese] and her location was at West’s house. So I called. Texted. She didn’t answer,” Ciara claimed.

Amanda said she “answered in 30 minutes,” but Ciara noted it was only after Mia reached out as well.

Amanda then claimed that she was at West’s house that day because he was “there for me all summer and was checking in.” Ciara argued that she did the same, but Amanda was allegedly avoiding her.

“How many times have I asked you to hang out … and you act like your f***ing phone doesn’t work?” Ciara quipped.

Mia then accused Amanda of “prioritizing” her friendship with West over Ciara, which she denied.

“I had an awakening. I was living on my own. I separated from my ex. I was trying to prioritize myself,” Amanda alleged. “I was not just hanging out with West.”

After Ciara claimed that Amanda’s new “friends” were all of West friends Amanda told her to “f*** off.”

Ciara then clapped back, saying, “Shut the f*** up Amanda, you don’t want to cross this f***ing bridge with me. I don’t see your man sticking up for you now, huh.”

How Much Did Jesse Know?

“Jesse didn’t know anything,” Amanda vowed after Jesse was accused of hiding the truth from the group as one of West’s closest friends pre-scandal.

Jesse recalled that Amanda “told me that it wasn’t true” when they spent time together, while West would text him and say “it wasn’t true.”

West backed up Jesse’s account, saying, “I 100 percent lied to people here and I take full accountability. No matter the case, lying to people you care about is not OK.”

West’s Alleged Girlfriend

Ciara called out West, claiming he lies “about your life” and about who he is as a person. “I think you are the most fraudulent person sitting on his couch,” she declared. “You live a different f***ing life off camera than you do on camera. We don’t know what you’re doing.”

She then claimed, “Probably the reason it was so confusing is because you had a girlfriend.”

West denied the label, saying, “Not a girlfriend but I was seeing someone.”

Lindsay Hubbard pointed out that the woman in question, Meha, said she was “exclusive” with West and spent the night with him before he appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on March 24. (He confirmed that was true.)

Amanda, for her part, noted that she did know about this other woman and she and West “had a whole conversation about it.”

Related: Summer House’s Amanda Berates West for Kissing Girl Near Ciara Pre-Romance

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Amanda Batula went off on West Wilson for kissing another woman in front of his ex-girlfriend, her friend, Ciara Miller on Summer House — months before she started dating him, seemingly behind her BFF’s back. “You just got too comfortable on probation,” Amanda, 34, told West, 31, on the Tuesday, April 14, episode of the […]

Amanda Is a ‘Snake’

“The statement came out incredibly rushed because of how insane it became,” West told Andy, referring to the March 31 statement that didn’t directly apologize to Ciara or Kyle.

Amanda argued, “Sometimes you can’t help who you like and who you’re attracted to,” but Ciara fired back, “You actually can help it.”

Ciara went off on Amanda, saying that even if she was separated from Kyle, she didn’t need to hook up with West.

“There are a million other f***ing guys in New York City. You know how much that f***ed me up. You chose the one guy [that I dated],” Ciara yelled. “You did it on purpose because you’re a snake. You’re a snake in the f***ing grass. You move silent but you’re f***ing deadly.”

Ciara Has Text Receipts

“Let’s go over our first text. The day that the rumors drop I don’t hear from her until that night,” Ciara recalled of her and Amanda’s past discussions, noting they did text on March 5 about the rumors that she and West were an item.

Ciara said the text read, “Hi, checking in. The internet is fucking on one right now and I feel like everything I do is under a microscope and I cant believe i’m even having to text you this right now but west and I are very much so just friends. I’m sad we’re even having to discuss this.”

Andy interjected, asking, “To be clear, you were hooking up at that time?”

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Related: Summer House’s West Hints at Timeline of Amanda Romance, Denies Overlap

Summer House star West Wilson is setting the record straight on the timeline of his and Amanda Batula‘s romance as the pair continue to take heat after going public. During the Monday, April 20, episode of his and Sophie Cunningham‘s “Show Me Something” podcast, West, 31, shut down the insinuation that he and Amanda, 34, […]

Amanda claimed, “[We] were talking. Everything was PG. Everything that was happening between us was PG and everything started with conversations and emotions.”

Ciara explained that “for clarity” she responded to Amanda on March 5 asking, “You and West haven’t hooked up, made out, held hands under a table or had sex. I just get a ‘correct.’”

Amanda admitted, “And I lied,” but insisted she was “not sleeping” with West at that point.

Two days later, Amanda texted Ciara again and said she hated “the thought of things being weird between us because of West. That’s so silly to me.”

Amanda argued that everyone was acting like she “had an affair” when she just lied to Ciara and Kyle about what was happening between her and West.

Ciara and West Had Sleepovers

“At no point did I say that we would date again,” West alleged after his season 10 finale kiss with Ciara was brought up. “We had a great time together.”

Ciara clapped back, saying, “You’re so full of s***. He told Ben [Waddell] that he had a crush on me. And when we were together it was ‘magic.’”

West insisted that he didn’t “lie” about his relationship with Ciara, explaining that after the summer they got dinner and he said he wasn’t “going to jump down that rabbit hole again” and be in a relationship with her.

“I was very proactive in trying to protect our friendship and not send wrong messages. Not having sex was huge,” he argued.

Ciara then called him out, saying, “You can’t act like we weren’t sending flirty text messages.”

West didn’t deny their exchanges, but claimed, “We slept over one time since summer ended.”

“Twice. I spent the night twice,” Ciara alleged, correcting him.

Why Ciara Thinks West and Ciara Will Stay Together

After Lindsay claimed that West and Amanda won’t last because West will drop her at some point, Ciara took a jab at her former friend one last time during the episode.

“The best woman for West is someone who’s not going to check him on anything and that’s totally Amanda,” Ciara said as tears began to well up in Amanda’s eyes. “She’s very mute. She’s going to be that weak figure he needs and he can always be the star in the relationship. Maybe it could work.”

Kyle whispered to Ciara, “That was a little harsh,” but she didn’t back down. “That’s your wife. She’s not my wife,” she responded.

Mia Is Single

Outside of the West and Amanda drama, fans learned that Mia and boyfriend Scott Robert Williams broke up “shortly after” the summer. “I’m the breaker upper,” she confirmed.

“I’m just looking to pour into myself,” she said of her single girl status. “I think it’s unhealthy to go to one serious relationship into another. Let’s pump the brakes. Let’s celebrate me.”

Ben and Bailey Have It Out

Bailey Taylor faced off against Ben during part 1 of the reunion, after she claimed Ben wanted to “have sex” with Amanda during her birthday dinner.

“It 10,000 percent did not come from jealously,” Bailey recalled of the incident. “I thought I was being silly. I felt like they joked about it.”

When Ben claimed he hadn’t had a “conversation” with Bailey prior to the remark, she lost it on him.

“You like to reprimand women. That is your problem,” she alleged. “I don’t like the way you f***ing talk to Sabrina [Belle] … You talk to Sabrina like s***.” (Ben and Sabrina confirmed their romance mid-way through summer 2025 while filming.)

Are Carl and Bailey an Item?

“We’ve hung out in the fall. I love our friendship,” Carl said of Bailey, whom he flirted with towards the end of the season.

Bailey agreed, saying, “I have spent a lot of time with him. Love and adore him.”

Carl added, “I would [date her]. I feel like where we are right now, I’m enjoying the friendship” and Bailey was OK with that.

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KJ Gets Real About His Mental Health

KJ reflected on one of his harder seasons of life, telling Andy that during fall 2025 he was hospitalized for “self harm.” During that time he said Mia and Ciara were there “almost every day.”

“Then I went to recovery. That solidified it for me. I was there for a few months,” he said, confirming he was doing much better with the “support” of his friends.

Part 2 of the Summer House reunion airs on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m. ET.

Paris Jackson is opening up like never before in a new interview, where she speaks about her relationship with her superstar father, Michael Jackson. Paris, 28, confirmed that over the years she’s stopped listening to what the public has to say regarding her bond with the “Thriller” singer and has instead focused on what she knows to be true.

Speaking with Jack Osbourne on his “Trying Not to Die” podcast, Paris said that in the past, she felt pressured into sharing intimate details about her relationship with her father after his death. (Michael died in 2009 when Paris was 11.)

“There’s definitely a certain element where I felt I had to share everything,” she said. “And that has drastically changed in the last few years, because I don’t really feel like any of us owe anyone anything.”

Paris explained that she used to post lengthy, heartfelt messages about her father on special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. Today, however, the singer-songwriter said she’s in a much different space and is processing things differently.

Paris Jackson Gets Candid About Her ‘Personal Relationship’ With Her Father

“I’m now learning I can have my own personal relationship and I’m allowed to be private about it and I’m now like, my relationship is the most beautiful relationship ever,” Paris said. “I’m in a very beautiful spot with my dad and I love that and it’s no one’s business and I don’t have to share that with anybody. And there’s a lot of freedom in that, which is really cool.”

Continuing, Paris said that she doesn’t want her posts online to come across as “performative,” adding that she chooses to express her love for her father in a way that’s uniquely hers.

“I’m not going to express my love in a copycat way, copying someone that didn’t know him,” she said. “Because I did. That was my best friend.”

Paris Jackson Shoots Back At Critics Who Claim She Grew Up A ‘Spoiled Brat’ Due To Her Father’s Riches

At a later point in the conversation, Paris clapped back at critics who had claimed she was raised a “spoiled brat.” According to her, that claim couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, Paris said that her father raised her and her siblings to value hard work.

“There was a lot about my upbringing that was silver spoon-esque, but there was so much of it that had to be earned. Like there was very much a focus on developing a work ethic,” she said. “And so I did see something recently where it’s like, ‘You don’t have to work,’ and it’s like no, I do. I really do. Because I’m like a shark. If I stop moving, I’ll die. It makes me happy to move and work and be productive.”

Paris Jackson Speaks About Her Roots

In a past interview with Rolling Stone, Paris touched on her biological roots after years of speculation that she could be another man’s child.

“I consider myself black,” she said at the time, explaining that her father, Michael, would “look me in the eyes and he’d point his finger at me and he’d be like, ‘You’re black. Be proud of your roots.’”

Continuing, Paris said that she’s always believed her father’s words to be true. “Cause to my knowledge, he’s never lied to me,” she added.

Paris Criticized The MJ Biopic Recently Released

Michael Jackson’s legacy has been a topic of discussion over the last month following the release of the biopic “Michael.” According to PEOPLE, Paris criticized the film in 2025, saying she took issue with parts of the script.

“They’re gonna make whatever they’re gonna make. The big reason why I haven’t said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it,” she said. “The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in a fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it.”

While “Michael” has grossed nearly $800 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo, that doesn’t change Paris’ take on Hollywood telling certain stories.

“The thing about these biopics is it’s Hollywood. It’s fantasy land — it’s not real,” she said. “But it’s sold to you as real, and a lot of sugar-coated… the narrative is being controlled. There’s a lot of inaccuracy and there’s a lot of full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn’t really fly with me. I don’t really like dishonesty.”

Rachel Zegler has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars. She made a stunning debut in Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story and followed it up with major roles in big-budget franchises. Despite a brief filmography, Zegler’s star power and undeniable vocal talent have always been highlights in all her movies. She recently made a splash with her Oliver Award-winning performance as Evita in the West End musical, which will soon come to Broadway. She also has several projects lined up including the musical Octet, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

In this list, we take a look at how rewatchable her movies are. From her debut film to her blockbuster film, this list does not only look at Zegler’s role in the movies, but the movies as a whole. We’ll take a look at which movies offer the most essential viewing experiences and which ones are less compelling.

6

‘Y2K’ (2024)

Image via A24

Set on New Year’s Eve in 1999, Y2K follows a group of high schoolers who attend a party on the night before the new millennium, only to find themselves fighting for their lives when the Y2K computer bug causes all technology to become sentient and attacks humanity. Rachel Zegler stars as Laura in the film alongside Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison.

Despite its genre-blending nature and fun premise, Y2K is a messy film that does not know what it wants to be. While the film has a specific, nostalgic aesthetic and features a collection of absurdist gags that some viewers may enjoy, the film struggles mix its comedy and horror genres. The film is also unsure how to mix the high school comedy story and the sci-fi aspects of it. So, it naturally ranks the lowest in rewatchability. The film also bombed at the box office and was barely noticed by the audiences. Zegler is still the main draw in this film though.

5

‘Snow White’ (2025)

Image via Disney

Snow White reimagines the classic 1937 animated film. This film follows Snow White (Rachel Zegler), whose beauty threatens and enrages her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). After being forced to flee into the forest, Snow White finds refuge with seven dwarves and must eventually face her stepmother to reclaim the kingdom.

Putting aside all the off-screen controversies surrounding the film, Snow White is objectively a lackluster Disney film. With its flat story and uncanny visuals, it lacks the magic of the animated film and fails to trigger any sense of wonder. Rachel Zegler still shines with the limited amount of material she’s given. She has a showstopper song titled “Waiting on a Wish” that utilizes her beautiful voice. The same cannot be said of her screen partner, Gal Gadot, who constantly fumbles her musical numbers. Its target audience may choose to watch better Disney live-action films or even stick to the 90-year-old original film.

4

‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023)

Shazam! Fury of the Gods follows Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his foster siblings, who transform into adult heroes, led by Batson’s Shazam (Zachary Levi). This time, they face off against the Daughters of Atlas, Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and Anthea (Zegler) as they try to revive the God’s Realm and destroy the Earth in the process.

Depending on your affinity to DCEU or superhero movies in general, this Shazam sequel could be the most irritating film or one of the more entertaining offerings of the genre. Directed by David F. Sandberg, it has a certain degree of visual flair and some fun action sequences. The family aspect of the film remains the film’s biggest strength and Zegler’s character Anthea is probably the most realized one among the ensemble cast. It’s still a fun movie to watch when you don’t think about the bigger picture of the shared DC Universe and that makes it more rewatchable than a couple of Zegler’s films.

3

‘Spellbound’ (2024)

Image via Netflix 

Spellbound follows Princess Ellian of Lumbria (voiced by Rachel Zegler), who must embark on a quest to break the spell that has turned her parents into monsters and divided her kingdom into two opposing halves, the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and John Lithgow.

Featuring a timeless story and music by Alan Menken, Spellbound has all the elements to be a massive hit, but unfortunately the film was only released on Netflix. With its lukewarm reviews, the film failed to make any ripple outside the Netflix charts. The film however has a rich, colorful animation and vibrant original songs. Zegler’s role as the princess leans to her strength: her singing voice. On top of that, she’s able to convey so much through her voice, making her character so appealing. For families and children, this Netflix animated film could be immensely rewatchable, if they finally stopped rewatching KPop Demon Hunters.

2

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ (2023)

Image via Lionsgate

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes follows a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), decades before he becomes the President of Panem. In the 10th Annual Hunger Games, he is selected to mentor one of District 12’s female tribute, Lucy Gray Baird (Zegler). The film shows Snow’s descent into darkness as he strategizes to ensure Lucy Gray’s victory and his ruthless ideas that become staples in the Games.

This Hunger Games prequel is a welcome return to the dystopian world created by Suzanne Collins. The film was met with strong box office performance and a positive reception from audiences and critics. Snow’s compelling arc and Lucy Gray’s fascinating and enigmatic journey make it always entertaining to revisit. The film offers the usual Hunger Games thrills but also ends it in an unexpected, ambiguous note for one of the characters. Once again, Zegler is given a space to flex her singing talent, with several songs in this film. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes won Zegler a People’s Choice Award and is currently her highest grossing film.

1

‘West Side Story’ (2021)

Image via 20th Century Studios

West Side Story centers on the forbidden love between Tony (Ansel Elgort), a member of the Jets gang, and María (Zegler), the sister of the leader of the rival Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. Despite all the warnings from both sides of the gangs, Tony and Maria’s romance blooms until it meets its tragic end. The film is a remake of the 1961 film, and the story itself is inspired by Romeo & Juliet.

Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story is Rachel Zegler’s debut film. She is widely praised for her performance and powerful singing voice, earning her a Golden Globe. The film itself is a vibrant adaptation of the stage musical. The elaborate musical numbers are a constant draw in every viewing. It is filled with stunning visuals courtesy of Spielberg’s longtime collaborator Janusz Kaminski and the director’s masterful direction and long shots. Many audience and critics even deem it superior to the original film. Even though it bombed at the box office, it is still one of the best films released in the past few years.

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West Side Story

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Release Date

December 10, 2021

Runtime

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156 minutes

Writers

Tony Kushner

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