By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 21 seconds ago

Part of why The X-Files got so popular is that it had some of the coolest characters on television. Obviously, Mulder and Scully were awesome, and their engrossing chemistry made this one of the most popular shows of the ‘90s. However, the show had a small army of supporting characters that were equally compelling, including everyone from the quirky Lone Gunmen to the fearsome Cigarette Smoking Man. Arguably, though, nobody had a more fascinating role than Mulder’s informants. In Season 1, Deep Throat provided crucial information about aliens and government conspiracies, but even after he was murdered, it was unclear whose side he was truly on.

After Deep Throat’s death, fans shared Mulder’s concern that he’d never have another informant with juicy insider knowledge. Eventually, however, Deep Throat was replaced by a character known as X (sometimes referred to as “Mr. X”). He quickly became a fan-favorite character thanks to actor Steven Williams, who gave Mulder’s latest insider a volatile and sometimes violent intensity. Looking back, it’s understandably difficult to imagine anybody else playing such an important role. However, the role of this hypermasculine character almost went to a woman named Natalia Nogulich, and you can even watch her acting as X in a deleted scene!

You’re A Mean One, Mr. X

By design, there’s only so much we know about the informant characters in The X-Files. After all, they are supposed to have risen through some very shadowy governmental ranks and know how to hide their secrets from some of the most powerful men in the world. What do we actually know about X? He was one of the men in black (no, really!) and worked for the Cigarette Smoking Man. However, he wasn’t loyal to the evil Syndicate and offered some of their secret information to Mulder. Eventually, they found out he was helping the enemy, and the Syndicate sent the Grey-Haired Man to eliminate him.

The X was technically introduced in the Season 2 episode “The Host,” but he didn’t appear onscreen until two episodes later. In “Sleepless,” he has the first of what would be many clandestine meetings with Agent Mulder. The original script for that episode referred to X as a woman, and Natalia Nogulich was cast in the role and filmed a scene alongside David Duchovny. However, once director Rob Bowman, prolific X-Files writer James Wong, and others sat down to watch the dailies, they decided she was wrong for the role. Interestingly, though, the original scene with Nogulich was included as a bonus feature on the Season 2 DVD set.

See What This Gender Swap Would Look Like

X was recast, and the role was given to veteran character actor Steven Williams. Williams added some welcome intensity to the role, and he had some solid inspiration. He later stated that he modeled his performance after Avery Brooks’ iconic role in Spenser: For Hire. While the actor ended up being a great addition to the show (writer Glen Morgan thought he’d be perfect as a series regular), putting him into “Sleepless” proved to be difficult. Rather than reshooting the entire scene with David Duchovny, Bowman simply filmed Williams’ scenes and edited them into the existing footage. Thanks to some creative close-ups, his addition to the scene was relatively seamless.

Why, though, was X originally written as a woman? X-Files creator Chris Carter thought that he could play with fan expectations by introducing a new female character that Mulder could potentially hook up with. While Nogulich didn’t work out as X, Carter still liked the idea of Mulder having a female informant. Therefore, after X died in Season 3, he was replaced by Marita Covarrubias, a character played by Laurie Holden. Unfortunately, her character was poorly written and often poorly acted, and she is almost universally considered the worst of Mulder’s informants.

Personally, I’ve always thought that X was the greatest informant on The X-Files. This is mostly due to the performance of Steven Williams, an accomplished actor who can supercharge any scene simply by walking in the room. While Natalija Nogulich is a great actor (sci-fi fans will know her best as Admiral Nechayev from Star Trek: The Next Generation), it’s impossible to imagine anyone other than Williams playing Mulder’s second informant. However, the fact that Chris Carter wanted Nogulich to play the role of a potential hook-up while looking like a multiversal variant of Scully is absolutely wild. Forget the truth, Mulder; the Freud is what’s really out there! 

NHL legend Claude Lemieux’s death certificate has been released, shedding more light on the aftermath of his death by suicide at age 60.

A document obtained by TMZ from Florida’s Bureau of Vital Statistics confirmed that Lemieux was found dead at a “place of business” on Thursday, May 28, in Lake Park, Florida. (Prior reporting clarified that one of Lemieux’s adult sons found him dead in a rear warehouse at the Andros Home showroom in West Palm Beach County.)

Lemieux’s body was initially taken to a Stuart, Florida, funeral home before it was transferred to Henson Chapel Cemetery in Vilas, North Carolina.

A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed to Us Weekly at the time that officers on the scene at the warehouse determined that Lemieux died by suicide.

“The business was secured for evidence preservation/investigation by VCD Homicide,” a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed. “The victim is believed to be Claude Lemieux.”

The news of Lemieux’s death shocked the sports world, as he’d served as a torchbearer at the NHL’s Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in Montreal on Monday, May 25.

In the wake of Claude’s death, his four adult children —sons Christopher, Michael and Brendan as well as daughter Claudia — released a collective statement to celebrate their father’s life and incredible legacy in the NHL. (Claude was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and won the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995.)

The Lemieux children and their mother, Deborah Lemieux, confirmed on Saturday, May 30, that they plan to donate the athlete’s brain “as a gift to science” for research into the neurodegenerative disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). (Per the Mayo Clinic, CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. It is most commonly linked to athletes and combat veterans.)

The family shared that Claude’s brain would go to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for a study of “the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury.”

“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” his family said on Saturday. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”

The Lemieux family also cautioned the public to avoid speculating about the “circumstances of Claude’s death.”

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Related: NHL Honors Late Claude Lemieux and Jessi Pierce Before Stanley Cup Finals

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman met with the media before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Tuesday, June 2, using the time to pay tribute to former player Claude Lemieux and reporter Jessi Pierce. “It’s appropriate to reflect on the people we’ve lost — those who thrilled us, and those who contributed to building […]

“Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who lost him,” they asked.

In his final years, Claude worked as a sports agent to NHL stars such as Timo Meier, Frederik Andersen, Moritz Seider, Hampus Lindholm and Rasmus Andersson. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun indicated via a tweet on Sunday, May 31, that Claude hoped to become more active in professional hockey again, including potentially “run[ning] a team one day” as a general manager.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Love Island USA‘s Vasana Montgomery is speaking out for the first time since being removed from the villa amid a racism scandal.

“I want to address a couple videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced,” she wrote via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, June 3. “In those videos, I used a racial slur. I am embarrassed and disappointed by my words.”

Vasana noted that she wanted to take accountability for her actions.

“I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people,” she continued. “Since then, I have grown a lot as a person and taken the time to educate myself, listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have.”

Related: Did Love Island USA’s Vasana Appear in Season 8 Premiere Before Her Exit?

Love Island USA returned for season 8 — minus one contestant — but did Vasana Montgomery appear in the premiere before her exit? The popular dating show returned on Tuesday, June 2, with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, Gabriel Vasconcelos, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity […]

She added: “That growth does not erase my mistake, and 1am not asking anyone to excuse it. I believe people should be held accountable for their actions, but I also believe in growth, learning, and becoming better. To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry.”

Vasana was cut from season 8 of Love Island USA after resurfaced social media posts showed her using a slur. Vasana was removed from the show before she got a chance to enter the villa. Both clips were leaked from her private social media, which meant producers weren’t privy to the posts while casting the season.

The Peacock dating show has previously weathered similar issues with Islanders when Yulissa Escobar left days into the experience in season 7 after clips of her using racial slurs on a podcast circulated online.

Cierra Ortega also faced backlash when a resurfaced social media post showed her using a slur. She was pulled from the villa and later issued an apology for her posts.

“Now that I’ve been back in the U.S. for about 48 hours and I’ve had the chance to process, I now feel like I’m at a space where I can speak about this without being highly emotional because I am not the victim in the situation,” Cierra said in an Instagram video in July 2025. “While I was in the villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. I want to first start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended — but most importantly — the entire Asian community. 
I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry.”

Cierra admitted she didn’t know she was using a slur at the time.

“I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it but that’s absolutely no excuse because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance. 
It just doesn’t,” she noted. “I just need you to know that I am so sorry — but this is not an apology video. This is an accountability video. I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur. I had no idea of its meaning.”

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After leaving the villa, Cierra said she found the online backlash “very hard to deal with,” adding, “I can do my best to drown out the noise and pay attention to the truth. But what’s been extremely, extremely difficult is the way people are approaching my family and my loved ones. They have had ICE called on them. My family doesn’t feel safe in their own home. 
I’m receiving death threats and there’s no need to fight hate with hate. I don’t think that that’s justice. If you want to know that you are heard and that I’m sorry and that I will move differently, I promise you that’s what will happen.”

Cierra promised to take the necessary steps to grow from the experience.

“I know that no apology could ever be enough for the harm that I’ve caused and the offense that’s taken place. I know that moving forward my actions and how I decide to live my life from here on out is going to speak louder than any apology ever could,” she said. “But I do need it to be known that I am sorry and I did mean no harm. Hopefully there are people out there that can use my mistake as a learning moment and to just be better because that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna take today and tomorrow and I’m gonna take strides to be better.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 2 minutes ago

What do you think are the most iconic images related to The X-Files? Honestly, my vote would probably go to that old Rolling Stone cover where Mulder and Scully are in bed together (yes, I had the poster in my childhood bedroom and no, I won’t be answering any questions). If I had to pick images from the show, though, I’d probably go with the countless shots of these plucky FBI agents shining their flashlights down dark corridors. The X-Files was basically a horror show already, and whenever the flashlights came out, I’d sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for some creepy critter to pop out of the shadows.

While Mulder and Scully were always tracking down weird, paranormal phenomena, the flashlights themselves sometimes seemed supernatural. After all, those things were far brighter than anything you can buy at a local store. In fact, they often seemed brighter than the brightest car headlights. The lights were so bright that you might be forgiven for thinking they were a special effect. They weren’t CGI or anything, but they were so expensive that they might as well have been. You see, starting in the Season 2 episode “Sleepless,” The X-Files began using specialized flashlights that cost a small fortune, but the visual effect on the screen is absolutely priceless.  

Lights, Camera, Aliens

So, some of you are likely reading this right now and asking a very straightforward question: “what’s so special about the flashlights in The X-Files?” To best understand the answer, try turning off all the lights and record yourself shining a flashlight in the room. For most flashlights, you don’t really see the actual beam of light. Instead, you just see the area you are pointing at lighting up. However, The X-Files famously has scene after scene where Mulder and Scully are shining their flashlights, and we see very distinct beams of light that stretch into the ominous darkness, creating some of the series’ most iconic shots.

How did the X-Files crew achieve this effect? By throwing money at the problem, of course! Starting with the Season 2 episode “Sleepless,” the crew began using special Xenon flashlights. They were purchased at the insistence of episode director Rob Bowman, who (according to the special features on the Season 2 DVD set) wanted to “have plenty of exposure in absolute blackness.” It worked better than the director could have dreamed of, with each device creating its own very distinct tunnel of light. The result was a beautiful visual effect, but it didn’t come cheap. These flashlights cost a cool $7500, and they could very easily be broken.

Mulder, Scully, And…Tin Foil?

This was money well spent, as the sight of Mulder and Scully regularly shining those tunnels of light into the darkness became one of The X-Files’ signature images. However, there was just one problem: the lights were so bright that they transformed the actors into silhouettes. For the climax of “Sleepless,” Bowman found a solution: he’d crumple up pieces of tinfoil and put them around the darkened set. The crumpling diffused the reflection, allowing the director to softly light the actors’ faces as needed. “The actors were able to, while they’re searching around, just hit that piece of foil and get a little exposure on their face,” Bowman said.

Mulder always insisted that “the truth is out there.” Now, you X-Philes have the truth of exactly how the show created its most iconic visual effect. Those Xenon flashlights cost a small fortune. To put this in ‘90s terms, they cost as much as 2.5 of the spiffiest uniforms on Star Trek: The Next Generation. But the investment was worth it because these lights transformed even the simplest scenes into something dramatic and foreboding. Onscreen, Mulder was always hoping that his own flashlight would reveal an alien. Offscreen, though, we now know another truth: that David Duchovny spent most of these scenes lighting up crumpled pieces of tinfoil!

Tensions have escalated at CBS in the wake of 60 Minutes reporter Scott Pelley’s firing.

“Morale is terrible throughout the company,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “No one knows what to believe or who is working against them. It has never been like this before. The staff in the newsroom all feel like they cannot trust anyone. How can you work like that?”

News broke on Tuesday, June 2, that Pelley, 68, was fired from CBS and 60 Minutes after an alleged verbal altercation with the show’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton.

Bilton, 49, reportedly stormed out of a staff meeting after Pelley told him he has “slender” qualifications for his role, also questioning the network’s future plans for the program.

Related: Scott Pelley Reacts to CBS Editor-in-Chief’s Comments After His Firing

Scott Pelley has responded to CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss’ comments about his recent departure from the network. “I am saddened to see the transcript of the CBS News morning editorial meeting,” Pelley, 68, said in a statement shared with The New York Times on Wednesday, June 3. “Bari Weiss knows what she said is not […]

According to the New York Times, Pelley also privately accused Bari Weiss, the network’s editor-in-chief, of “murdering” 60 Minutes during the explosive meeting.

“You should hear this from me first. We have parted ways with Scott Pelley,” a memo sent to staffers and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter read on Tuesday. “I know how much Scott meant to many of you, and I don’t say this lightly. I made repeated attempts to have direct conversations with him over the weekend, and this afternoon I tried to find common ground. That was not the path Scott chose.”

In an email to Pelley obtained by NBC News, Bilton told the correspondent that he “hijacked my first meeting with staff to disparage me, my qualifications, and my intentions with remarkable incivility and contempt.”

Pelley broke his silence on his firing on Wednesday, June 3.

“There has never been anything in America like 60 Minutes,” he said in a statement. “60 has been the number-one program in America for decades because our beloved audience finds integrity, quality and humanity in our stories.”

Pelley then accused CBS’ new owners of bowing to President Donald Trump. (Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, the son of billionaire Larry Ellison, bought CBS parent company Paramount in a merger last year.)

“The new owner of our network is casting this legend aside, apparently to curry a moment of favor with the Trump administration,” Pelley alleged in his statement. “The waste is heartbreaking.”

Related: Who Is Nick Bilton? What to Know About the ’60 Minutes’ EP After Shakeup

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Scott Pelley was fired from CBS’ 60 Minutes after an allegedly tense standoff with executive producer Nick Bilton. “You should hear this from me first. We have parted ways with Scott Pelley,” a note distributed to CBS staffers and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter in June 2026 read. “I know how much Scott meant to […]

Pelley wrote in conclusion, “I depart after 37 years at CBS with one emotion — a heart brimming with gratitude for the men and women of CBS News who encouraged and enriched my work, very often at the risk of their own lives. I pray for a day when those people and their ideals are honored again — a day when sanity, competence and courage return.”

According to Us’ insider, CBS staffers have felt uneasy ever since the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global.

“From the beginning, the general belief has been that the intent is to destroy the news [division] from the inside,” the source says. “Instead of cancelling or dismantling the programs, they want to humiliate them. That’s truly how the staff feels. And they 200 percent believe the same will happen at CNN.” (Paramount Skydance has been working towards merging with CNN’s parent company Warner Brothers Discovery in a landmark $110 billion deal.)

The insider adds that the alleged narrative that Pelley was “problematic and disliked” by others at the network is “BS.”

“These are not fragile people, they can deal with tough personalities,” the source says. “That is not the issue. They are demanding honest communication about the changes that are occurring, and that’s the least they deserve.”

The insider concludes, “This is happening throughout the company, but especially in the news division.”

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An additional insider exclusively tells Us that despite the backlash, some staffers are looking on the bright side of the network’s new diction.

“Some are happy and supportive about the changes,” the CBS insider shares. “And there’s recognition throughout the newsroom that these changes are necessary.”

Us reached out to CBS for comment.

There’s only one place where America’s sexiest singles could travel to possibly find The One — but where exactly is Love Island USA actually filmed?

Love Island USA follows a group of singles who must pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and earn a shot at the $100,000 prize.

While the islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes and casting votes that affect the couples and the fate of the contestants.

The backdrop for Peacock’s hit reality series is in Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.

Past seasons of Love Island USA, meanwhile, were set in Villa Takali in Fiji and Las Vegas’ The Cromwell. Waterfalling Estate in Hawaii and Santa Barbara’s Dos Pueblos Ranch were also featured in past seasons before the series ultimately settled on Fiji.

The popular dating show returned on in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, Gabriel Vasconcelos, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum and Zach Georgiou.

Love Island USA is coming off a record-breaking moment with season 7 bringing in 18.4 billion streaming minutes, making it the most-watched original season of television on the platform.

“[This season] there’s a lot more emphasis put on the journey as opposed to the result,” narrator Ian Stirling told Us Weekly in July 2025. ”I think it’s about the journey of finding someone and how you grow as a person by doing that. Whereas five or six years ago, you had like proper millennials in there. There was that more traditional approach to dating.”

While some fans questioned the love journeys, Stirling was on board with the Islanders taking a different approach.

“The end goal [was] to be with someone and you have this contract with someone you’re in a relationship with to honor that person and to honor that relationship,” he noted. “I think now there’s a lot more people who make contracts with themselves to have the journey that they want and the experience they’re after.”

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He added, “These people are predominantly speaking in their early 20s. If you can’t be selfish dating then — then when can you? Especially people from my generation, they weren’t selfish in their 20s and maybe did not want to upset people. Then they get to sort of 30 to 40 and get divorced and go insane. Maybe it’s the healthier way to do it.”

New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.

Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!

President Donald Trump teased that the UFC arena placed on the White House lawn has the potential to become a permanent fixture.

“Many don’t know that in Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower — 1889 it was built — was supposed to be taken down immediately after the World’s Fair,” Trump, 79, said in a TikTok video on Tuesday, June 2. “And then they said, ‘You know, we sort of like it, let’s leave it up a little bit longer.’”

Trump explained that Paris “never took” down the Eiffel Tower and hinted that his UFC arena could have the same fate.

“We’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people,” he continued. “It’s going to have a big UFC fight on June 14, and I’m looking at it, and maybe we’ll never ever take it down.”

The president is hosting a UFC fight scheduled on June 14, which also happens to be Trump’s 80th birthday. Six matches will be held on the White House’s lawn. The event, which has been titled UFC Freedom 250, is part of the multiple celebrations for the United States of America’s 250th anniversary.

The arena itself holds about 5,000 guests. Fans can watch the match on screens at the Ellipse, which is a 52-acre park between the White House and the National Mall.

Construction on the arena began last month. It includes a fighting cage and towering stage lights adorned with the American flag’s iconic stars and stripes on the side.

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Trump has not been able to contain his excitement to bring the octagon to the White House. Last summer, he shared his idea for the big celebration.

Related: UFC Reveals Main Card For White House Show: See Who’s Tapped To Fight

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The UFC released the long-awaited fight card for the upcoming event at the White House on Saturday, March 8. The card features six fights, including two title bouts. The event — dubbed “UFC Freedom Fights 250” — is part of the 250th anniversary celebrations for the United States. Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje will compete […]

“Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight. We’re going to have a UFC fight — think of this — on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there,” Trump told a crowd at an event in July 2025. “We’re going to build a little [octogon]. We’re not, Dana is going to do it. Dana is great, one of a kind. [There’s] going to be a UFC fight, championship fight, full fight, like 20,000 to 25,000 people, and we’re going to do that as part of 250 also.”

Not only will there be a UFC match at the White House, but Freedom 250 also includes a series of concerts for the Great American State Fair. However, Several artists, including Bret Michaels and Martina McBride, claimed they were told the concerts were part of a nonpartisan celebration and have since dropped out of the event.

It’s been mentioned a million times before, but it’s worth mentioning a million times more: The Lord of the Rings is the apex of fantasy cinema. Peter Jackson‘s trilogy adapted J. R. R. Tolkien‘s massive literary magnus opus, turning it into a generation-defining epic that almost single-handedly revitalized the fantasy genre on the big screen. At the time, it was a genuine phenomenon, surpassing the big screen to become a cultural event that united everyone, even those who generally didn’t enjoy fantasy. A commercial and critical success, Jackson’s trilogy became one of the franchises that defined the 2000s, influencing most of the subsequent fantasy movies released over the next decade or so.

Now, it would be easy to declare any of the three Lord of the Rings movies the best fantasy effort ever made, and you might be inclined to agree. Why wouldn’t you, considering all we’ve already said? However, there’s a strong argument to be made that this trilogy is not the crowning achievement of the genre. In fact, three movie masterpieces surpass The Lord of the Rings when it comes to capturing the true essence of the fantasy genre. Indeed, you could say Jackson’s movies are equal parts epics and action-adventures, whereas the movies on this list are unabashed representations of pure, undiluted fantasy, making them better representatives of the beloved and seminal genre.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

Image via Warner Bros.

Directed by several men but mostly credited to Victor Fleming, The Wizard of Oz remains the gold standard for cinematic fantasy. Based on Frank L. Baum‘s works, specifically the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas who is transported alongside her dog, Toto, to the magical land of Oz via a tornado. There, she follows the yellow brick road accompanied by a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), a Tin Man (Jack Haley), and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) to reach the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, who has the power to send her home. Along the way, the group is pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton).

Released during the so-called golden year of Hollywood, The Wizard of Oz was a success but not an instant classic per se. Indeed, it wasn’t until the advent of television that the film became the fantasy mainstay it is today. However, by now, its reputation is all but ensured as a giant of the silver screen and one of the pillars upon which modern fantasy rises. In fact, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say every single post-1939 fantasy movie is directly indebted to The Wizard of Oz; we simply wouldn’t have The Lord of the Rings without Fleming’s masterwork. It proved that fantasy could not only be done in live-action but that it could be a genuine hook for audiences. Garland turned Dorothy into arguably the ultimate fantasy hero, while Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West lives on in the pantheon of great movie villains. In terms of depicting the fantasy genre honestly and faithfully, few movies surpass The Wizard of Oz.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Although many great fantasy movies came out in the nearly fifty years between The Wizard of Oz and The Princess Bride, few represented fantasy so charmingly and unabashedly as Rob Reiner‘s masterpiece. Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, who also adapted it for the silver screen, the film begins with the setup of a grandfather (Peter Falk) telling the story to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). The tale itself concerns farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes), who goes on a quest to rescue his love, Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the odious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).

Equal parts thrilling, charming, hilarious, and romantic, The Princess Bride is nothing short of a genuine cinematic miracle. Endlessly quotable and featuring unforgettable set piece after unforgettable set piece, the film lives and breathes magic. It’s possibly the ultimate movie fairy tale, which is no easy task considering it has many a Disney movie to compete with. Yet, there’s just no flaw here; the central love story between Westley and Buttercup is enchanting, the villains — Sarandon is perfectly loathsome, but it’s Christopher Guest‘s Count Rugen who is far more effective and memorable — are incredible, and the supporting cast is comprised of consummate scene-stealers. Mandy Patinkin‘s Inigo Montoya is cinema’s best swashbuckler, and his noble quest to avenge his father’s death represents the genre’s ideals of courage, honor, and righteous justice. In short, The Princess Bride is fantasy at its purest, most unabashedly honest.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Image via Studio Ghibli

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In the pantheon of brilliant fantasy auteurs, Hayao Miyazaki reigns supreme. In a career spanning over sixty years, Miyazaki has made some of the genre’s most timeless gems through his work in Studio Ghibli. Among his many masterpieces are the likes of My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Boy and the Heron, but his best arguably remains 2001’s Spirited Away. The plot follows Chihiro (Daveigh Chase), a young girl whose parents are turned into pigs after accidentally entering the spirit world. To rescue them, Chihiro agrees to work for the witch Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette) at her bathhouse, tending exclusively to spirits. There, she loses her name and must work hard to reclaim it and save her parents from a cruel destiny.

Spirited Away is perhaps Studio Ghibli’s magnum opus. An ambitious fantasy tale in the guise of a classic coming-of-age story, it’s a fascinating and immersive journey rich in food for thought. Like other Miyazaki efforts, it features a considerable environmental message alongside other themes of self-discovery, purpose, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. Visually, it’s a treat for the eyes: the animation is striking, fluid, slightly off-putting, and vibrant, creating one of cinema’s most whimsical yet eerie realms. The tone is melancholy throughout, capturing the distinct sensation of growing up and leaving behind the carefree, enchanting days of childhood and facing a more uncertain future. Spirited Away is as surreal as it is delightful, offering a more insightful and thought-provoking take on fantasy that’s no less impactful or rewarding. Twenty-five years after its initial release, the film has aged beautifully, ensuring its legacy as one of the animated medium’s greatest triumphs.

Danny Ramirez‘s rise in Hollywood continues to gather momentum. Known for his appearances in several high-profile film and television projects, the actor has also begun expanding his creative ambitions beyond acting. With a directorial debut on the horizon and a growing presence in the fashion world, Ramirez is quickly establishing himself as one of entertainment’s most versatile emerging talents.

Danny Ramirez aspired to become a professional soccer or football player, but an injury sidetracked his ambitions. At 19 years old, he was offered to be an extra on the 2012 film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” starring Riz Ahmed, and he agreed.

“I was a young Latino who believed Hollywood only had space for white leads,” Ramirez, who was born to a Mexican mother and Colombian father, said. However, seeing Ahmed in the lead role opened his eyes to the possibilities.

Ramirez moved to New York and pursued modeling and acting, later studying drama at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. In 2015, he landed his first professional acting role as Moving Van Kid #1 on the series “The Affair.”

The Actor’s Breakout Role

Ramirez nabbed several roles following his on-screen debut, appearing in shows such as “Blindspot” and “Orange is the New Black.” In 2018, the actor was cast as Diamond in the black comedy thriller, “Assassination Nation,” a role he described as a “life-changing experience.”

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In 2021, he played the role of Joaquin Torres in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” further cementing his place in Hollywood. What propelled his career’s upward trajectory, however, was his breakout role as Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia in the hit movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” released in 2022.

In an interview with WWD in 2021, Ramirez shared his experience working on the movie, comparing it to a film school with “Tom [Cruise] teaching you everything.” “It’s been really sweet how they’ve carried us all along and pushed us to want to also be behind the camera as much as being in front and being storytellers,” Ramirez explained.

Danny Ramirez In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres was introduced as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” series, in which his character struck a friendship with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson.

In the Marvel movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” released in 2025, Torres continues his journey as Wilson’s trusted ally and further steps into the role of the Falcon, solidifying his place in the next generation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Discussing his new role, Ramirez said he has received many messages that highlight the significance of being the first Latino Avenger. “Seeing these kids that feel represented, or even the DMs or the people tweeting about the importance of seeing themselves. Or seeing people fully dressed up in cosplay, and someone’s like, ‘yeah, I’ve never cosplayed someone ever, but you’re one of us, bro,’” Ramirez said.

The Actor’s Upcoming Directorial Debut

Ramirez is also stepping behind the camera, making his directorial debut as he expands his creative reach beyond acting. His first foray into directing is on the upcoming film “Baton,” in which he also stars.

“Baton” focuses on a soccer player determined to pursue a professional career, but is kicked off his team and sent back to Miami, where he battles with his sister over their mother’s legacy. The movie also stars Maia Reficco, Camila Mendes, Becky G, Diego Calva, and Lewis Pullman.

“‘Baton’ came from a very personal place. It’s a film about relentless ambition and the pursuit of greatness in the midst of tragedy,” Ramirez said, adding that he feels “privileged” to be able to share the story on screen.

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Danny Ramirez’s Foray Into Fashion

Apart from acting and filmmaking, Ramirez is also making waves in the world of fashion. In February, the actor was named a Michael Kors brand ambassador, and he appeared in the Spring 2026 ad campaign looking sharp and dapper. In addition, he also appeared in a campaign for AMIRI’s 2026 Spring-Summer collection.

In May, Ramirez made his Met Gala debut, turning heads as he walked the red carpet in a custom Michael Kors suntan crepe double-breasted tuxedo.

The actor has a slew of upcoming projects, including movies “De Noche,” “Samo Lives,” and “Avengers: Doomsday.” Ramirez is also busy developing features for his production company, Pinstripes, which he launched in 2024.

With increasing industry attention, Danny Ramirez continues to establish himself as one of Hollywood’s most promising stars.

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