The music world is mourning the loss of Peabo Bryson after the legendary singer died at the age of 75. 

Known for his unforgettable soul ballads and timeless duets, Bryson left behind a catalog that shaped generations of music lovers. From Disney classics to Grammy-winning collaborations, his voice became synonymous with romance and emotional storytelling. 

Following news of his death, some of the biggest names in the music industry trooped to social media to share emotional tributes honoring both the artist and the man they knew personally.

Peabo Bryson died Tuesday, June 2, at the age of 75 after suffering a stroke just days earlier. The singer’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family said.

“While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit.”

The family added, “His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.” Bryson was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

The legendary vocalist became one of the defining voices behind Disney’s most iconic songs, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.

The latter became the first song from an animated film to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Bryson Remembered By Celine Dion After Disney Duet Success

Celine Dion was among the first major stars to publicly mourn Peabo Bryson following news of his death. 

Taking to X, the songstress reflected on their experience recording “Beauty and the Beast” together in 1991.

“I’m heartbroken to hear that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,” she wrote.

Dion also shared how Bryson supported her while she was still learning to sing in English. According to her, “He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded Beauty and the Beast. He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English.”

The singer added that Bryson would forever represent music’s impact on her life, noting, “He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed… My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo.”

Dion included a throwback photo alongside Bryson, showing the pair smiling together during their younger years.

Peabo Bryson’s Fellow Soul Stars Share Emotional Messages

Singer Jody Watley also honored Bryson with a lengthy emotional tribute on social media. “Rest in Peace Peabo Bryson @PeaboBryson2,” Watley tweeted.

She continued, describing the late singer as “one of the greatest male soul vocalists of a generation” and noting that it was an honor to sing with and get to know him over the years.

Watley said Bryson’s support and kindness had a lasting impact on her life and career. “Peabo leaves an indelible everlasting legacy. I’m glad to have been able to tell him every time we toured and sang duets together on The Colors of Christmas-how much he meant to my journey, and thank him for his support, kindness and encouragement,” she revealed. 

The 67-year-old also reflected on introducing Bryson to her mother after a 2017 concert. She described it as a cherished memory, adding that her mom loved the musician too. 

“Beyond the legendary voice, Peabo is the definition of class, intelligence, and authenticity—a genuine gentleman whose artistry and character continue to inspire,” she finished. 

Bryson’s Legacy Celebrated By Fellow Performers

Freddie Jackson wasn’t left out as he also took to Facebook to honor Peabo Bryson’s memory and legacy. “We have lost yet one of the most phenomenal voices of all times — Mr. Peabo Bryson,” Jackson wrote.

The R&B singer continued his tribute by reflecting on the years he spent performing alongside Bryson. “We shared the stage, the road, and the love for Soul and R&B. I send my prayers to his family, friends, and fans,” he wrote. 

Jackson also praised Bryson’s emotional connection to music. According to him, the 75-year-old sang from his heart. “There ain’t nothing like the real thing… and Peabo was the real thing,” he shared. 

Saxophonist Dave Koz also remembered Bryson with an emotional Instagram post featuring photos from some of their onstage performances together.

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“We lost a true icon today-someone who changed the game; a man whose angelic voice captivated the world for decades…and most importantly, a dear friend for years,” Koz wrote.

He also sent love to Bryson’s wife, Tanya, and their son, Kitt, while honoring the icon’s fans worldwide.

“We’re all in mourning today, but yet so grateful for the love and joy Peabo shared with his music. He will be SO missed, but never forgotten,” Koz added.

Peabo Bryson’s Impact Continues Through His Timeless Music

The Maze Band also joined the growing list of tributes honoring Bryson’s lasting influence on music.

In a statement shared on Instagram, they wrote, “The Maze Family joins the countless fans, friends, and fellow musicians around the world in mourning the passing of the legendary Peabo Bryson.”

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The group praised Bryson’s voice, songs, and artistry for shaping generations of listeners. “Peabo’s extraordinary voice, timeless songs, and unmatched artistry touched generations and helped define the soundtrack of our lives,” they stated. 

According to the tribute, Bryson’s music brought love, hope, and beauty to the world. The statement continued, “His legacy will continue to inspire artists and audiences for years to come.”

Fans across social media also continued sharing memories of Bryson’s music following news of his death. 

Many pointed specifically to “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World” as songs that became deeply connected to childhood memories and major life moments.

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Family movies sometimes get unfairly dismissed as simple kid’s entertainment, but the very best examples prove that appealing to all ages is one of filmmaking’s hardest tricks of all. A great family film needs adventure, humor, and memorable characters, at least for younger viewers, while still offering enough emotional depth and thematic richness to resonate with the adults sitting beside them.

What’s great is that the last decade has produced an impressive collection of films that have done exactly that. Some have reimagined beloved fairy-tales, with others exploring deeply human themes through fantastical worlds. So, whether they be animated or live-action, these are the films that understand how family audiences deserve heartwarming stories, all made perfect for a unifying leisurely watch.

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‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

After burning through eight of his nine lives, the fearless feline outlaw Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) discovers that his confidence may not be enough to save him anymore. Now, faced with his own mortality for the first time, Puss sets out on a quest to find the mythical Wishing Star, hoping to restore his lost lives. Unfortunately, along the way, he soon finds himself competing against a colorful set of rivals pursing the same prize.

While Puss in Boots: The Last Wish could’ve easily become a fun (but disposable) Shrek spin-off, it instead became one of the decade’s most emotionally resonant animated films. Beneath its vibrant fairy-tale adventure lies a surprisingly mature story about fear, aging, and learning to appreciate the life one lives. With Death itself placed as a standout animated villain, Puss’ journey transforms into something genuinely affecting—a feat that’s only made better by its stunning animation style that livens every action sequence.

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‘Klaus’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) is a spoiled and self-centered postal academy graduate who is sent to a remote artic town, divided by generations of feuding families. Desperate to fulfill a mail quota and return home, he discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons) living alone in the woods. Soon enough, their unlikely friendship sparks a chain reaction that slowly transforms the town and eventually gives rise to the legend of Santa Claus.

Few modern holiday films have achieved the instant classic status of Klaus. And while it reimagines a familiar myth, the movie’s true strength lies in its sincerity and emotional intelligence. The relationship between Jesper and Klaus evolves beautifully, grounding the story in themes of compassion, forgiveness, and community. Plus, when combined with breathtaking animation and a script that balances humor with genuine heart, Klaus feels like a true Christmas classic that many strive for but rarely achieve.

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‘Coco’ (2017)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), despite his family’s generations-long ban on music. Cut to Día de los Muertios, and Miguel not only discovers that de la Cruz might just be his great-great-grandfather, but he also accidentally transports himself to the Land of the Dead. Needing to return to the land of the living, Miguel runs to secure his ancestor’s blessing—a quest that ultimately uncovers a dark truth behind his family’s history.

While its stunning vibrant visuals and songs are unforgettable, Coco endures mostly because of the emotional power behind them. By exploring memory, family legacy, and the fear of being forgotten, the film builds toward one of Pixar’s most moving and tender endings. Every revelation deepens Miguel’s understanding of where he comes from, transforming what begins as a colorful adventure into a deeply personal story about honoring the people who shaped us. Remember to grab your tissues with this one. That last song is a doozy.

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‘Wonder’ (2017)

Image via Lionsgate

Based on R.J. Palacio‘s bestselling novel, Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) is a young boy born with facial differences who’s attending mainstream school for the first time in his life. Needing to confront his fears, Auggie navigates his coming-of-age journey of friendships, bullying, and the challenges of fitting into a judgmental world (no matter how hard it may be).

What elevates Wonder beyond a typical inspirational drama is its empathy. Rather than focusing solely on Auggie’s perspective, the film examines how kindness, insecurity, and acceptance affect those around him. Tremblay delivers a deeply endearing performance, while the supporting cast helps create a perfectly nuanced portrait of family life. The result is a movie that never feels manipulative, despite its emotional subject matter, offering a genuinely heartfelt reminder of the power of compassion—one that will leave you desperately reaching for the tissues again.

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‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

Set in fascist Italy between the World Wars, a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) who, in his despair over losing his son, magically brings a wooden puppet to life. Now, a young Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) must navigate a complicated world filled with political unrest, exploitation, and difficult questions about mortality—all of which allow him to learn what it truly means to be human.

Rather than retelling the familiar tale beat-for-beat, del Toro transforms Pinocchio into something deeply personal and profound. For one, the stop-motion animation is breathtaking. However, it’s the film’s exploration of grief and impermanence that lingers longest. By positioning death as a natural part of life rather than something to fear, the movie finds emotional depth rarely seen in family animations. In this way, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio proves how children’s stories can tackle complex ideas without losing their sense of wonder.

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‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)

Image via Universal Pictures

After being shipwrecked during a storm, a service robot named Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself stranded on a remote island populated entirely by animals. Initially viewed as an outsider, Roz learns to adapt and survive the wilderness, allowing her to form connections that challenge her original programming. In particular, she unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor).

At its core, The Wild Robot is a beautiful story about parenthood, belonging, and the bonds that form between unlikely individuals. The relationship between Roz and Brightbill gives the film its emotional foundation, while its picturesque animation captures both the beauty and harshness of the natural world. Better still, it balances adventure and humor with thoughtful reflections on identity and community. So, like the best family films, it speaks to audiences of all ages without ever talking down to them.

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‘The Sheep Detectives’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

When a seemingly ordinary shepherd (Hugh Jackman) is found dead under mysterious circumstances, his loyal flock of sheep—led by the clever Lily (Julia Louis Dreyfus)—decide to investigate the case themselves. Determined to uncover the truth before humans can ruin everything, the sheep begin piecing together clues from their unique perspective, leading them through a mystery filled with eccentric small town suspects and unexpected revelations.

Who would’ve thought a bunch of sheep would make grown adults leave the cinemas in tears? Part murder mystery, part charming animal adventure, The Sheep Detectives shines because it fully commits to its delightfully absurd premise. And yet, it has surprised audiences with its emotional depth, poignantly exploring themes of grief, loneliness, and belonging. Sure, the whodunnit might be a little predictable in the end, but this is a movie that perfectly balances warmth, humor, and heartache with remarkable grace. Personally, that’s far more important than a clever mystery (at least when it comes to family films).

1

‘Paddington 2’ (2017)

Image via StudioCanal

Having settled happily into life with the Brown family in London, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) sets out to earn enough money to buy a special pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton) birthday. But when the book is suddenly stolen, Paddington is wrongly accused of the crime and is sent to prison, forcing both him and the Browns to uncover the real culprit before it’s too late.

There is a reason Paddington 2 is often considered one of the best films of all time. For one, it completely radiates kindness without ever feeling naive, thanks to Paddington’s unwavering optimism bringing out the best in everyone around him. Making matters more fun, Hugh Grant‘s delightfully theatrical villain adds a layer of comedic brilliance, while the story itself quietly champions empathy, decency, and community spirit. Funny, poignant, and meticulously crafted, it’s practically impossible to dislike (and should frankly still have its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes).

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Paddington 2

Release Date

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November 10, 2017

Runtime

104 minutes

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Director

Paul King

Writers

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Simon Farnaby, Paul King, Michael Bond, Jon Croker

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Next: The 10 Greatest Live-Action Family Films of the 21st Century, Ranked

The fantasy genre continues to reign supreme on television, and no network has a better track record than HBO. Whether it’s established franchises like Game of Thrones, or underrated gems like Carnivale, HBO delivers shows that keep people talking. That didn’t change once it entered the 2020’s, with one original series that put a fantasy-style spin on the idea of superpowered beings. That series is none other than The Nevers, which perfectly blends the Victorian-era trappings of His Dark Materials with the subversive storytelling of The Magicians. That doesn’t sound like a combo that would work, and yet it makes for the perfect weekend binge.

Created by Joss Whedon, The Nevers takes place in an alternate timeline in which a group of Londoners discovers they have superhuman abilities. Dubbed “The Touched”, these people struggle to survive in a world that hates and fears them (sound familiar?) while also uncovering the true nature behind their abilities. Among the Touched is Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), who runs an orphanage for Touched children and can see the future. Though The Nevers only lasted a single season, it’s packed with enough unique elements that make it worth a watch.

‘The Nevers’ Perfectly Blends Superhuman Stakes With Period Piece Trappings

Image via HBO

It’s not hard to look at The Nevers and think of “Victorian-era X-Men.” Most of the Touched are women or people of color, and their greatest obstacle is the prejudices of the time, which aligns with the allegory that’s fueled Marvel’s mighty mutants for years. On top of that, The Nevers introduces a cast of characters that wouldn’t feel out of place in a comic book series. There’s the criminal mastermind known as the Beggar King (Nick Frost), the mad scientist Hague (Denis O’Hare), and the serial killer Maladie (Amy Manson). Even Whedon’s explanation of The Nevers‘ title feels like it wouldn’t be out of place in a comic book universe.

“It’s a phrase that’s meant to evoke a sort of reaction to their oddity, to what is considered unnatural. The idea that you should never be like this, you should never have existed. Something is not the way it should be, and you don’t have the right to have whatever weird power or ability that you have…But to me, it’s one of those things where you take something negative, and you wear it as a badge of honor, basically. Certain things could never happen – they’re happening. And the people they’re happening to are taking their place in the world.”

As if superpowers weren’t enough, The Nevers throws a massive curveball at its audience in its mid-season finale “True”, which reveals that the Touched came into being via aliens visiting the Earth, who also have the ability to time travel into the past. It was a wild swing, but one that made the series that much more interesting. Amalia’s visions made more sense, and the idea of fighting to save the future made The Nevers less of an X-Men clone and more in line with iconic sci-fi movies such as The Terminator. Yet behind the scenes, The Nevers was facing issues that no superpower could save it from.

Despite A Promising Start, ‘The Nevers’ Was Cut Down in its Prime

HBO clearly saw The Nevers as the next Game of Thrones, engaging in a bidding war with Netflix and others to secure the rights to the series. Yet halfway through the series, Whedon departed as showrunner and executive producer, citing the stress of producing during the COVID-19 pandemic as taking a toll on him. Some couldn’t help but notice that this announcement also coincided with Ray Fisher and other figures accusing Whedon of misconduct on the set of various projects, though HBO chief Casey Bloys denied it. While The Nevers found a new showrunner in Philippa Gossett, it wasn’t enough to save the series from cancellation.

To add insult to injury, The Nevers was one of several series pulled from HBO Max’s library in 2022. It eventually found a new home on Tubi…but on Warner Bros.’s FAST channel, and airing at times that no one would be sitting down to watch the series. Despite being cut down in its prime, The Nevers is still worth a watch as it evolved from a mere superhero show into the beginnings of a unique fantasy saga.

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Release Date

2021 – 2022

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Network

HBO Max

Showrunner

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Philippa Goslett

Directors

Joss Whedon

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Writers

Joss Whedon

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• 
• 

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Action hype can usually be determined through a trailer and is relatively fussier. Action fans are not just asking whether the movie is big. We are asking what kind of velocity it promises. Is it built around star charisma, physical jeopardy, giant myth, kinetic wit, revenge grammar, or that very old-fashioned pleasure of watching one determined person move through impossible space while everything around them catches fire?

That is why an upcoming action ranking can look a little strange. It’s not going to be spot-on either because a trailer can be made to look flashy and the movie can just suck. A movie can be huge and still not feel charged in the right way. Another can look a little less colossal and still feel like it has genuine motion in its bones. These 6 upcoming action movies? This is how they’re looking so far.

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‘Mutiny’ (2026)

Image via Lionsgate

Mutiny being built around Jason Statham framed for the murder of his billionaire boss and forced to punch his way through an international conspiracy is such a sturdy piece of action architecture that I barely need more than the sentence. The film is set for August 21, 2026, Jean-François Richet is directing, and the official site is already live, which gives the whole thing a satisfying “this is coming, not just developing” solidity.

And yet this is exactly the sort of Statham vehicle where my excitement is confident rather than feverish. I know the baseline will probably work. He will carry the frame, the threat map will stay readable, someone will badly underestimate how angry he is, and there will be at least one sequence where professionalism turns into annihilation. That is a nice floor. It is not automatically a sky-high ceiling. I am ready. I am just not vibrating. Statham has to change something here.

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‘Masters of the Universe’ (2026)

Image via MGM

Masters of the Universe is much easier to get emotional about because the risk is part of the thrill. He-Man (Nicholas Galitzine), Skeletor (Jared Leto), Teela (Camila Mendes), and Duncan (Idris Elba) already suggest a movie that at least understands it needs physicality, pulp myth, and a little weird old toy-box grandeur to survive. The film opens June 5, 2026.

What excites me is the possibility of full-bodied fantasy action, swords, transformations, cosmic villainy, the kind of heroic scale modern franchise movies sometimes flatten into gray sludge. He-Man should not feel tasteful. He should feel like a primal action-fantasy image with absurd sincerity behind him. If the movie really leans into Eternia as a place of muscle, tragedy, and theatrical evil rather than bland CG sprawl, this could jump much higher by release. For now, the anticipation is real because the movie could either become a delirious win or a spectacular wreck. Both are energizing in their own way.

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‘Supergirl’ (2026)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Supergirl is where the ranking starts getting genuinely hot for me. Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) leads, Craig Gillespie directs, and the early reporting around the project has stressed the rougher, harsher texture of this version of Kara. That matters. Supergirl works best for me when she is not just female Superman, but a more bruised, more displaced, more emotionally scorched figure carrying cosmic power with a different kind of wound.

What makes it especially promising as action is that the film does not sound soft-edged. The early descriptions of pirate attacks, rougher space-travel texture, and a less polished heroic surface suggest a movie that wants the action to feel dangerous rather than merely pretty. That is exactly the right instinct for Kara. If this movie really gives her rage, loneliness, and momentum instead of just iconography, it could be one of the year’s biggest action surprises.

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‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026)

Image via Marvel Studios

Avengers: Doomsday is anticipation powered by pressure. Joe Russo and Anthony Russo are back, and Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) gives the whole project a kind of unstable voltage. It is not just another ensemble movie now. It is an explicit attempt to make Marvel feel dangerous, event-sized, and globally discussable again. Would it happen the same way Infinity Wars and Endgame did? I’m not sure.

As an action fan though, the appeal is obvious. Avengers movies work well when they stop feeling like adjacent solo-brand maintenance and start feeling like large-scale impact design. Convergences. Clashes. Giant movement across multiple fronts. Characters meeting each other’s action grammar in ways we have not seen before. Doom adds another layer because he promises authoritarian force and theatrical intelligence rather than just another sky-beam problem. If the Russos can reintroduce that Infinity War–Endgame sense of converging momentum, this could be huge in exactly the sweaty, communal way blockbuster action is supposed to be.

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‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the one that makes me grin because the setup is so clean. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) was left, by the end of No Way Home, stripped down, isolated, and forced to rebuild from the pavement up. That is where Spider-Man action gets springy again. Smaller rooms, harder landings, more improvisation, less multiversal fireworks covering for the absence of personal jeopardy.

And Holland is perfectly positioned for that kind of comeback. The ending of No Way Home left Peter in a version of the character’s loneliest lane, and that loneliness is fantastic action fuel. It changes how every swing feels. Every fight. Every escape. Every decision about whether he can afford to be heroic when no larger safety net is waiting behind the mask. It’s like the perfect yin-and-yang balance. This is why I have it above Avengers: Doomsday in pure action anticipation: I can already see the physical language. Rainy alleys, scrappier combat, momentum with bruises in it. That gets me every time.

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‘The Odyssey’ (2026)

Image via Universal Pictures

The Odyssey had to be number one. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Odysseus (Matt Damon) already make this feel like a studio flex from a healthier era. The cast around him is absurdly stacked. But even before the cast, the material itself makes this the most exciting action prospect on the board. This is not just a prestige epic. It is one of the foundational action stories in Western storytelling: shipwrecks, monsters, sieges, archery, disguises, rage, endurance, fathers and sons, men trying to come home through a world that keeps refusing to let them.

And Nolan, when he is really locked in, is a war architect of momentum. He understands ordeal. He understands scale as movement rather than wallpaper. He understands how to turn one man’s objective into a sequence of giant physical trials without losing the obsession at the center. That is why The Odyssey is the most anticipated action movie here for me. It has the chance to be huge without feeling synthetic, mythic without feeling dead, and action-heavy in a way that still hurts. That is the dream.

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The Odyssey

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Release Date

July 17, 2026

Runtime

172 Minutes

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Anna Faris is opening up about her return to the “Scary Movie” franchise, describing it as a meaningful moment in her career. The actress rose to fame following her portrayal of Cindy Campbell in 2000’s “Scary Movie,” which paved the way for her Hollywood career.

In 2020, the actress stepped back from work to focus on her family, but she is now grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with the Wayans brothers and to once again reprise the role that helped define her career.

Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Wayans have reclaimed control of the “Scary Movie” franchise, two decades after they were allegedly pushed out of their own creation. The upcoming instalment, the sixth in the franchise, has the original cast members reuniting to parody horror movies and pop culture.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Anna Faris, who reprises her role as “final girl” Cindy Campbell, shared how meaningful the opportunity was, both professionally and personally. “I had been coming around to the idea of Hollywood sort of putting me out to pasture. And that was okay,” Faris said, describing her career trajectory before she got the offer for “Scary Movie 6.”

The Actress Lost Touch With The Wayans Brothers

Faris lost her home during the devastating Palisades Fire in 2025. Just a month later, however, she received a call from Marlon about the movie. “With the house burning down, there was a lot of taking stock. So to have this opportunity to thank them — I got to thank them every day. They were probably really annoyed with me,” Faris shared.

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Admittedly, Faris said the call was the first time she had spoken to any of the Wayans brothers since they worked together on “Scary Movie 2,” the last movie in the franchise they were involved in. As previously reported by The Blast, Marlon claims the Weinstein brothers “stripped” the franchise from them, and they were in no way involved in the third, fourth, and fifth films.

Faris returned for “Scary Movie 3” and “Scary Movie 4,” and despite wanting to reach out to the Wayans brothers, she had reservations. “I had always wanted to. But honestly, I didn’t know if they were mad at me,” Faris confessed.

In an interview, Marlon said he didn’t take Faris’ involvement in the other films personally, adding that he was simply glad she was part of the sixth instalment.

‘Scary Movie’ Launched Anna Faris’ Career

Faris was an aspiring novelist who completed her degree in literature in 1999. While studying, she did acting gigs for extra income. After graduating, however, she gave professional acting a shot, and “Scary Movie” was her first audition in Hollywood.

The first movie was a critical and commercial success, and it skyrocketed Faris’ career. Apart from being in four “Scary Movie” films, the actress also starred in several movies, including “The House Bunny,” “What’s Your Number?” “Overboard,” “Just Friends,” and “The Dictator.” She also lent her voice to animated movies, such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “The Emoji Movie.”

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The Actress Took An Unintentional Sabbatical

In 2013, Faris was cast as one of the lead characters in the Chuck Lorre sitcom “Mom,” alongside Allison Janney. After Season 7, however, Faris announced her sudden departure from the show, citing a desire “to pursue other opportunities.” The show continued for one more season without Faris before ending in 2020.

The actress didn’t entirely exit from acting, but she became more selective of her projects. In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Faris said she stepped back from work to spend more quality time with her son. “I kind of took my foot off the gas and I spent a lot of time with my son. It felt really good. It wasn’t conscious, but sort of a sabbatical, I guess,” she explained.

Anna Faris Said Returning To ‘Scary Movie’ Was ‘Healing’

Faris was not part of “Scary Movie 5” because the studio opted for a younger cast, choosing Ashley Tisdale as the lead instead. In April, Faris shared how shocked she was to learn that there would be a sixth movie in the “Scary Movie” franchise, and, more importantly, that she would be reunited with her former castmates.

“I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that there was a world where I would be feeling so good about doing ‘Scary Movies’… It’s a little, I wish I had a better word, but healing. We got back together again. And that in and of itself is, for me, a personal celebration,” Faris said.

The sixth instalment in the franchise, titled “Scary Movie,” will be released in theatres on June 5.

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Morgan Wallen has issued his first public remark after upturning a piano while performing on stage in Denver, Colorado.

Wallen, 33, took to TikTok four days after the Empower Field at Mile High concert to share a sarcastic response to the Friday, May 29, incident. “Hey, I just want you guys to know that right now this piano is working,” he told fans while tapping the keys of a piano. After seemingly filming the clip in his dressing room one night after the incident occurred, Wallen added, “That’s what they told me last night, too.”

The country music star also captioned the video, “Can’t you tell I’m so distraught over my piano?”

Wallen, who is currently touring his 23-stadium Still The Problem Tour across the U.S., had appeared frustrated on Friday night just ahead of performing his hit song “Sand In My Boots.” In footage shared via social media and multiple news outlets, the musician seemed to be unable to hear his piano through ear pieces.

Related: Morgan Wallen’s Ups and Downs Through the Years

Morgan Wallen has become the bad boy of country music after facing a series of scandals throughout his career. The “Whiskey Glasses” singer got his start on season 6 of The Voice in 2014, where he was a member of Adam Levine’s team but got knocked out during the playoffs. Two years after his appearance […]

The technical mishap led to him pushing the instrument along the stage before flipping it over completely. He then performed the track a cappella.

Us Weekly reached out to representatives for Wallen at the time but did not hear back.

Fans took to Wallen’s TikTok video to comment on his cheeky response, with one person writing in the comments section, “I love seeing you clap back,” and another writing, “Hah! I was there … great concert!”

The praise follows criticism of Wallen’s piano flip, with fans expressing their disapproval across social media in light of the video circulating online. “Grown professional if you can believe it,” wrote one Instagram user, while another wrote, “From chairs in the streets of Nashville to flipping pianos. Wow, anger management may help. What a baby.”

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Related: Morgan Wallen Arrested After Allegedly Throwing Chair at Bar: See Mugshot

While some of country music’s biggest names gathered at the CMT Awards on Sunday, April 7, Morgan Wallen was reportedly getting into some trouble in Nashville. Footage of Wallen, 30, sitting in a police car outside of fellow musician Eric Church’s Chief’s Bar in downtown Music City went viral in the early hours of Monday, […]

The incident comes after a long run of controversial headlines sparked by Wallen since he rose to fame on season 6 of The Voice in 2014. He was arrested in May 2020 for public intoxication and disorderly conduct while partying at Kid Rock’s Nashville bar, Big Honky Tonk. Wallen was later cleared of both charges and apologized for his actions via X, then known as Twitter.

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He also claimed that year to have lost a Saturday Night Live hosting gig after he was seen out without a face mask and kissing multiple women at college bars. (COVID-19 pandemic mask mandates were in force at the time.)

When he did make his SNL debut as a musical guest in March 2025, he ruffled feathers again by abruptly walking off the stage prior to the show’s end credits rolling — a rare move by any cast member, let alone guest.

Wallen was also the subject of 2021 headlines after TMZ published footage of him using the N-word publicly amid widespread racial tension following the murder of George Floyd. He later apologized for using the word before promising to “do better.”

Amid his many musical honors and long-standing reputation as an LGBTQ+ advocate, Sir Elton John has opened up about what he truly wants his legacy to be, and it is not centered on music.

The “Rocket Man” singer also urged queer people to keep standing against political hostility, lamenting the setbacks the community has faced in recent years.

Elsewhere, John recently shared that he has finished another album at 79, and explained why the project feels different from anything he has made before.

Sir Elton John has built a career filled with global hits, sold-out shows, major honors, and film work, including “The Lion King.” But as he reflects on his legacy and mortality, the music icon says he does not want his greatest mark to be his entertainment career.

In a new interview with Out, John and his husband, David Furnish, discussed legacy and the importance of family.

Asked how he wants to be remembered, John said, “If my children are happy and know I gave everything I had to support and love them, that is enough for me.”

He added that while he has been honored for his music and tries to support rising artists, “being a father and building a family with David” will always matter most.

John Launches Impact Awards

John and Furnish are also marking Pride Month with a new initiative celebrating LGBTQ+ figures who have made a visible impact.

The couple partnered with iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble for the Elton John Impact Awards, which will recognize names including Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Orville Peck, and Chappell Roan.

Explaining the reason behind the awards, John said he has watched people get punished simply for wanting to live openly. He said the initiative is meant to honor those who have remained courageous while also making clear that the work is not over.

“The awards exist because that courage deserves to be named and celebrated, not just assumed,” he said.

Elton John Speaks Out Against Political Hostility

Elsewhere in the interview, John addressed the political hostility facing the LGBTQ+ community in recent years.

The “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” singer urged queer people to keep standing together and speaking up, noting that visibility has long been central to the community’s survival.

“The hostility is real, and it is growing,” he said. “We are seeing rights rolled back, funding cuts, and communities that were already vulnerable being made more so. This is not a moment for silence or looking away.”

He added that the Elton John Impact Awards are one way of declaring that the community is “here,” “proud,” and “not going away.”

John Says Vision Loss Shifted His Songwriting

Although John has stopped touring, he has not stopped creating music.

While receiving the prestigious Glenn Gould Prize in Toronto last month, the “Tiny Dancer” singer revealed that he had completed a new album. He also explained how losing vision in his right eye forced him to rethink his songwriting process.

“I’ve had eye trouble recently, and I always make records by looking at lyrics and writing to lyrics, and so I’m kind of f-cked at the moment,” he said, per fan-captured footage.

John explained that the setback pushed him into a new method, which involves writing melodies first and letting the lyrics come afterward.

“I’ve never done that. And I’ve just done it,” he said.

Elton John Says His New Album Feels ‘Different’

John said the new album feels unlike anything else he has made, especially because of its joyful tone.

“It’s so happy,” he said. “I’m so thrilled with it because it’s given me another chance to make music.”

During a 2024 interview on “Good Morning America,” John revealed that he had lost vision in his right eye after getting an infection while spending the summer in France.

“It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he said at the time.

Blockbuster anticipation is not just about size. Size is easy. A release date, a logo, a giant cast photo, a CinemaCon sizzle reel, none of that automatically means a movie has real heat in it. The blockbusters people go feral for usually promise something more specific. A return. A collision. A risk. A long-awaited payoff. A director getting too much money and enough trust to do something gloriously overcommitted. That is the difference between big movie and “I need opening night.”

And 2026 is packed with exactly that kind of argument. Legacy animation coming back for one more emotional swing, MCU stepping back in for a take over, Christopher Nolan probably at his post-production magic right now, there’s a lot at play. Here’s my take on these upcoming blockbuster movies by anticipation.

8

‘Supergirl’ (2026)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Supergirl is exciting, but it lands eighth for me because the anticipation is still a little more curious than feverish. Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) is strong casting, Craig Gillespie is a very smart pick if DC wants this thing to feel rougher and stranger than standard cosmic-hero polish, and the early footage sounded pleasingly dirty, less pristine cape iconography, more interplanetary bus grime, pirates, spider droids, and bruised momentum. That is a good sign. It means the film might actually understand that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow should feel harsher and sadder than people casually expect from the character. Warner Bros. has it set for June 26, 2026.

What keeps it here is simple: I still need the emotional lock. The best superhero anticipation has one image or one dramatic line that suddenly makes the whole film feel inevitable. Supergirl sounds promising, and the rougher space-western texture is exactly the right instinct, but I am not yet in that irrational clear zone for it. I can see it becoming one of the year’s nicest surprises but there’s also a chance for it to swivel toward that Madame Web zone.

7

‘Moana’ (2026)

Image via Disney

Moana sits here because the commercial confidence is obvious, though the emotional anticipation is a little more cautious. Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) plays the title role, and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) is back, which gives the project instant familiarity and star power. The trailer and CinemaCon material have leaned hard into the ocean, the songs, the broad family-adventure warmth, and the “we know this world already works” comfort play. From a pure blockbuster standpoint, that is smart. It is probably going to hit big.

But anticipation is not the same as confidence. With live-action Disney remakes, the question is always whether the film is uncovering something newly cinematic or just restaging inherited feeling at a larger budget level. Moana at least has a story strong enough to survive translation, identity, oceanic calling, cultural rootedness, self-doubt becoming purpose, but right now the pitch still feels more like a polished re-entry into familiar waters than a genuine leap. I am interested. I am not electrified.

6

‘Toy Story 5’ (2026)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Toy Story 5 is where anticipation starts becoming emotional risk. Pixar has the film dated for June 19, 2026, and the early material has already teased a “toys versus tech” angle, with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the gang confronting the fact that kids now have glowing screens competing with old imaginative play. That is a very smart hook, maybe almost too smart, since it gives the film an automatic generational ache before the plot has even properly started. Pixar has also previewed that Jessie will matter heavily, which is another reason fans are leaning in rather than just dutifully showing up.

Toy Story 3 already felt like the most emotionally complete ending imaginable, and even Toy Story 4 had to fight its way into legitimacy through pure execution. So every new installment carries suspicion alongside excitement. And that’s why I’m not too stoked for Toy Story 5. Still, the premise here has real juice. If the movie uses technology not as a boomer joke but as a way of asking what happens to old forms of companionship when attention itself has changed shape, this could really land.

5

4

‘Dune: Part Three’ (2026)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune: Part Three is where anticipation starts feeling almost religious. Denis Villeneuve has the film set for December 18, 2026, and the reporting around it has made clear that the film is adapting Dune Messiah territory while bringing back Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), Chani (Zendaya), Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), Stilgar (Javier Bardem), Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), and others, with Anya Taylor-Joy moving from tease to major presence and additional casting widening the next phase of the saga. Even before release, Warner Bros. was reporting major IMAX demand, which tells you how much faith audiences already have in Villeneuve’s control over this world.

And the reason the anticipation is so high is that Messiah material is where the triumph starts turning poisonous. The first two films built awe. The third one, if Villeneuve really goes for it, gets to build consequence. Paul as messiah-emperor is not simple blockbuster victory architecture. It is political dread, religious corrosion, intimacy damaged by destiny, charisma curdling into catastrophe. That makes this more exciting to me than a standard Part Three gets bigger situation. It has a chance to become the chapter where the franchise stops being merely majestic and becomes haunting.

3

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one of the easiest top-three placements on the list since the emotional setup is so clean. No Way Home ended with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) stripped down to almost nothing, no public identity, no Avengers-status cushioning, no MJ (Zendaya), no Ned (Jacob Batalon), no social safety net, just the character in his loneliest and most stripped-back form in years. Sony announced the title Spider-Man: Brand New Day and has it set for July 31, 2026, and the early trade messaging has already leaned into the idea that this is a more grown-up Peter story. That is exactly the right pitch.

What makes me so excited is that Spider-Man is often best when his world gets smaller before it gets larger again. Not smaller in stakes, smaller in belonging. He is more vulnerable when he has something to lose and nobody to call. Holland coming back after that ending gives this movie immediate emotional leverage. You can feel the possibility of reset without erasure, of a bruised, more adult Peter trying to rebuild identity from scratch while the larger Marvel machine circles in the background. If they keep it street-level enough to hurt and expansive enough to feel cinematic, this could absolutely be one of the year’s most crowd-pleasing blockbusters.

2

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026)

Image via Marvel Studios

Avengers: Doomsday is one of the year’s major pressure points. Marvel and Disney pushed the film to December 18, 2026, Joe Russo and Anthony Russo are back, and Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) gives the whole project an enormous amount of theatrical voltage even before you get into the sprawling cast configuration. The official cast rollout and the subsequent trade coverage made it crystal clear that Marvel is treating this as one of its major re-consolidation plays, not just another phase installment.

The pressure itself is exciting. Marvel is at its most interesting when the project feels slightly too big to control. That is when the anticipation turns nervous in the best way. Can they make the MCU feel like a true event machine again? Can they turn Doom into something more than stunt casting? Can the Russos recapture the disciplined escalation that made earlier Avengers finales feel like mass-viewing rituals rather than noisy obligations? I am not calm about this movie, and that is part of why it ranks so high.

1

‘The Odyssey’ (2026)

Image via Universal Pictures

The Odyssey had to be number one. Christopher Nolan adapting The Odyssey with Odysseus (Matt Damon) and one of the most intimidatingly stacked blockbuster casts in years, including Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, and others, already sounds like a studio flex from a healthier era. Universal has it opening July 17, 2026, and the trade coverage plus trailer rollout have only reinforced the scale of the thing. This is not being sold as a modest literary prestige adaptation. It is being sold as an event epic, a giant myth-machine in the hands of a director who already treats time, ordeal, and masculine obsession like sacred cinematic fuel.

And emotionally, this is the easiest number one on the page. The Odyssey is one of the foundational adventure stories for a reason: monsters, gods, shipwrecks, seductions, war aftershock, homecoming as trauma, identity proved through endurance. In Nolan’s hands, that material could become overwhelming in the best possible way, stern, huge, mournful, ecstatic, physically punishing. More than any other title here, this is the one that feels like it could give blockbuster cinema something it has been missing: grandeur without plasticity. Not just scale, but scale with blood in it. That is the dream. That is why it sits at the top.

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The Odyssey

Release Date

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July 17, 2026

Runtime

172 Minutes

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