Ariana Grande is taking legal action after years of allegedly battling the spread of her unreleased music online.

The singer has reportedly filed a lawsuit against individuals accused of hacking into her private files and distributing songs without permission, marking her strongest response yet to the long-running leak controversy.

The legal action follows years of frustration after Ariana Grande’s unreleased songs repeatedly surfaced online through alleged hacks and leaks, allowing unfinished material to spread across the internet without her approval.

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Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit against several unidentified individuals, accusing them of hacking into the digital accounts of photographers and producers she worked with to steal unreleased songs, private photos, videos, and audio recordings.

It was reported that the singer claims cyberattacks have repeatedly targeted her throughout her career. The suit identifies up to 100 John Does, including alleged hackers and anyone involved in distributing, selling, or buying the material.

The content was sold for large amounts of money on the dark web, says Grande, who states that it caused “substantial and irreparable harm.” The singer is seeking relief from the court to end the alleged theft and distribution, and send a warning to all those involved in leaking stolen material.

Grande believes that artists deserve the final say on the timing and nature of their work’s release, and believes that releasing something that an artist has not yet released is an infringement of their creative and privacy rights, per TMZ.

Hackers Turned Unreleased Song Into Viral Hit

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The leak incident wasn’t the first time the singer has faced a leak scandal. In an interview on the “Zach Sang Show” in 2024, Grande admitted that a handful of tracks from her sessions with producer Max Martin have leaked onto the internet without her consent, including the unreleased song “Fantasize.

The song was reported to have been written for an unnamed TV project and not one of her albums. The pop star did not hide her frustration, joking that those responsible would eventually face the consequences. “I’ll see you in jail, literally,” she said, before describing the people behind the leaks as “thieves, pirates, crooks.”

She also admitted she would “pay you more to put it away” after the unfinished song spread across social media. Despite the setback, Grande said some of those early ideas were eventually reworked into new material, although in very different forms.

Ariana Grande Turned Her Frustration Into New Music

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Rather than letting the leaks define the project, Grande said the unexpected reaction from fans influenced her creative process. Although “Fantasize” was never intended for release, she acknowledged that listeners embraced it, prompting her to reshape some of its ideas for her “Eternal Sunshine” album.

The singer explained that the versions fans eventually heard were far removed from the leaked recordings, adding that some tracks had even been stolen again before they were officially released.

She also criticized AI-generated songs using her voice, asking, “What are we doing? Why? I hate it.” The experience highlighted the challenges artists face in protecting unfinished work while continuing to create.

Past Copyright Battle Put Another Hit Under Scrutiny

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Long before the latest lawsuit over alleged hackers, Grande faced a separate legal challenge involving one of her biggest hits. In 2020, hip-hop artist Josh Stone, who performs as DOT, sued the singer over “7 Rings,” alleging that its chorus copied elements of his 2017 song “You Need It, I Got It” without authorization.

Stone claimed the songs shared striking similarities in their lyrics, rhythm, and note placement, arguing that musicology experts found the hooks nearly identical. He also alleged that he had previously pitched the track to producer Tommy Brown before it was later repurposed into “7 Rings.”

According to PEOPLE, the lawsuit sought monetary damages and the destruction of copies of the song held by the defendants. Although the allegations centered on a very different dispute, the case highlighted how questions over ownership and creative rights have followed some of the singer’s biggest releases.

Ariana Grande Has Navigated Music Disputes Before

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Long before the current hacking lawsuit, Grande had already faced legal challenges tied to her music. The Hollywood Reporter shared that in 2013, UK-based Minder Music sued the singer and several music companies, alleging that “The Way” borrowed a recognizable phrase from The Jimmy Castor Bunch’s 1972 hit “Troglodyte” without authorization, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The publisher claimed that the line was sufficiently original to be protected by copyright and wanted damages as well as legal costs and an injunction. As one of the first cases to involve Grande’s catalog in a copyright dispute, the case is part of a pattern of copyright claims that have emerged over her career.

A decade later, the situation has changed, and the singer is now going to court to defend her own songs, which are still unpublished, instead of a released hit.

With the newest case coming to light, can Ariana Grande put an end to the alleged hackers?

Tuskegee University has a new dress code that bans bonnets and durags, and the move has sparked an online debate. The dress code is part of a new policy banning sleepwear at the college outside of dorms.

RELATED: Big Latto Steps Out To The Airport In Her Bonnet Amid Cultural Conversations About It

HBCU Bans Sleepwear Including Durags and Bonnets

Tuskegee President Dr. Mark A. Brown noted the new dress code in a memo to new students’ parents, per HBCU Game Day.

The memo noted that students aren’t allowed to wear revealing clothing in official university settings, including classrooms, dining spaces, Convocation, or the cafeteria. Additionally, the university banned students from wearing sleepwear outside of the residence halls.

“Dress standards at Tuskegee University require that students are dressed in good taste at all times,” reads the Tuskegee Student Handbook. “Students are not permitted to wear sleepwear outside of the residence halls. Men are not permitted to wear headwear that includes ‘do rags’, stocking caps, bandanas, baseball caps, and/or any other head paraphernalia inside the buildings. Women are not permitted to wear baseball caps inside buildings. Men are required to wear their pants on their waists (no sagging pants) in academic facilities. Any style of dress that distracts or takes away from the teaching/learning process in the classroom will not be permitted. Students are expected to dress in a neat manner and make the appropriate selections for the time, occasion and place.”

Dress Code Sparks Online Debate

After news of the new dress code made the rounds on social media, people weighed in on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. An online debate quickly ensued in one comment section, as some folks praised the ban while others reacted less enthusiastically.

Instagram user @shaarapickless wrote, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize school was a fashion show. I came to learn…. //:.”

@cl_e_o_ added, “😮Slippers ain never did nothin to nobody!!”

On Threads, @zakiyakyles wrote, “Kudos to Tuskegee!!!”

TikTok user @for_real_imreallyunique shared a video where she noted that many students may not take the ban too well. She said that while she understood the need for a dress code, college costs money, and students won’t like the bonnet-and-durag portion of the ban.

“College is not free…. It ain’t free at all, and there’s gonna be a lot of students telling you ‘f*ck outta here’.”

After someone noted in the comments that enforcing the dress code may be a challenge, she joked, “I get in certain circumstances to enforce dress code no you shouldn’t be dressing like a lady of the night but do rags and bonnets is what sending a rage….I guess.”

@for_real_imreallyunique

#tuskegeeuniversity just be a college where a uniform is required but yall won’t do that because enrollment will go down.. pick your battles especially since the students are paying to be there #hbcu #dresscode #tedtalk #fypシ゚viral @Tuskegee University

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RELATED: Mo’Nique Speaks On Representing Yourself With Pride After Seeing Women Wear Bonnets & Head Scarves In The Airport 

Olivia Rodrigo appears to have firmly moved on from Louis Partridge after sharing her most affectionate public outing yet with reported new boyfriend Julian Croonenberghs.

The 23-year-old singer was photographed cuddling the private-equity professional during a relaxed park date in New York City, weeks after repeated sightings first sparked speculation that she had found love outside the entertainment industry.

The latest photographs reportedly show Rodrigo and Croonenberghs enjoying a laid-back date in a Brooklyn park on Sunday, July 26.

The “Drivers License” singer rested in his arms, smiled as they spoke and kissed his hand during the outing. Croonenberghs was also seen kissing her hand before pulling her close.

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According to E! News, Rodrigo kept a relatively low profile in sunglasses and a baseball cap, pairing a cropped vest with denim shorts.

Although the outfit and setting were understated, the couple’s affectionate behaviour made their relationship considerably more difficult to dismiss as a friendship.

The date represents the clearest public display between them since reports of the romance emerged earlier in July.

Neither Rodrigo nor Croonenberghs has personally announced that they are together, and her representatives have not publicly commented on the photographs. The PDA nevertheless appears to confirm weeks of speculation surrounding the pair.

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Olivia Rodrigo’s Reported Romance Had Been Building Quietly

olivia rodrigo and her mystery man, julian croonenberghs, at the airport with her team, leaving iceland and returning to new york pic.twitter.com/vI6HL8HHfH

— luna 🌞 (@lunarayijph) July 21, 2026

Rodrigo and Croonenberghs did not emerge as a reported couple overnight. They were first linked in June after being spotted together at a wine bar in Brooklyn.

Further sightings followed around the borough, allowing fans to identify Rodrigo’s previously unnamed companion as Croonenberghs. Their relationship appeared to be more established when they were subsequently photographed at an airport after reportedly travelling from Iceland to New York.

The overseas sighting gave the speculation more weight, but the pair remained physically reserved in the available photographs. Their latest park date therefore marks a visible change, offering the first widely published images of them openly cuddling and exchanging affectionate gestures.

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The emerging timeline suggests that the two had been spending time together privately for several weeks before their romance became a public talking point.

However, while Rodrigo is one of the world’s most recognisable young singers, the man attracting her attention has built his career far away from Hollywood.

Who Is Olivia Rodrigo’s New Man?

i just got the tea on olivia rodrigo’s mystery man she’s dating 👀 his name is julian croonenberghs. he’s a brown university grad, private equity associate in nyc, previously worked in investment banking, and was also a field hockey player for the usa team *thread* pic.twitter.com/5ph8XjZHN0

— luna 🌞 (@lunarayijph) July 14, 2026

Croonenberghs works in private equity as a member of Hg’s Mercury team in New York. According to his official company biography, he joined the investment firm in 2024 after working in Goldman Sachs’ Financial Institutions Investment Banking division.

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He graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics and computer science. His professional background makes him a departure from the actors, producers, musicians and entertainment executives previously linked to Rodrigo.

Croonenberghs also has a notable sporting history. Published reports identify him as a former member of the United States men’s national field hockey team, representing the country between 2018 and 2020. He also played the sport during his time at Brown.

Although some reports have referred to him broadly as a banker or Wall Street figure, “private-equity professional” is the most accurate description of his current occupation. Unlike Rodrigo, he has no established career in entertainment and maintained a low public profile before their reported relationship became news.

The Singer Recently Revealed Her New Outlook On Love

Rodrigo’s apparent new relationship comes months after she discussed how her approach to romance had changed following earlier heartbreak.

During an April interview with Cosmopolitan, conducted by her longtime friend and former “Bizaardvark” co-star Madison Hu, Rodrigo said patience was one of the most important lessons she had learned about love.

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“Things happen the way that they’re supposed to happen,” she said, adding that romance should not feel “white-knuckle.”

The Grammy winner also suggested that dating no longer occupied the centre of her emotional life. She described romantic love as a “cherry on top” while emphasising the importance of friendships and the community she had built around herself.

Her comments were made before Croonenberghs was publicly identified as her reported partner, but they now offer relevant context for a romance that appears to have developed without a formal announcement or highly choreographed debut.

Rodrigo’s New Chapter Follows Louis Partridge Split

Olivia Rodrigo’s romance with Croonenberghs is her first widely reported relationship since her split from English actor Louis Partridge.

The former couple began dating in late 2023 and were seen together repeatedly during their nearly two-year romance. They made a prominent public appearance at the 2024 Venice Film Festival before reportedly ending their relationship in December 2025.

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Their breakup became closely linked to Rodrigo’s third album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” released in June 2026. The project has widely been interpreted as tracing the arc of their relationship, from early infatuation and plans for a future together to disappointment and acceptance after the split.

Reports indicate that Rodrigo initially conceived portions of the project while she was still with Partridge before revising its emotional direction following their breakup. However, she has not confirmed that every lyric or song concerns him.

Croonenberghs’ arrival therefore coincides with a significant transition in both Rodrigo’s personal life and her music.

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Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios has been ordered to pay The New York Times’ legal fees after its lawsuit against the publication was dismissed.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Wayfarer Studios LLC has been ordered to pay $171,616 to the news outlet.

Us has reached out to Baldoni’s team for comment.

In December 2024, The New York Times initially reported on Blake Lively’s complaint against Baldoni, her It Ends With Us costar and director.

Lively, 38, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment and orchestrating an alleged smear campaign against her.

Baldoni, 42, denied all allegations and subsequently filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times.

Baldoni and his associates alleged that The New York Times “cherry-picked” information to mislead readers about his dispute with Lively in its December 2024 article titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.”

In June 2025, however, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit against The New York Times and Lively.

“We are grateful to the court for seeing the lawsuit for what it was: a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting,” a spokesperson for The New York Times said in a statement to Us at the time. “Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognized that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism.”

The statement continued: “We will continue to stand up in court for our journalism and for our journalists when their work comes under attack.”

In May, Baldoni and Lively reached a settlement in their own It Ends With Us legal battle, just weeks before they were set to go to trial. A source told Us at the time that money was not exchanged between Lively and Baldoni.

“The end product — the movie It Ends With Us — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind,” Lively and Baldoni said in a statement to Us via their attorneys on May 4. “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.”

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Related: Blake Lively Reacts After Most of Her Claims Against Baldoni Are Dismissed

Blake Lively’s team has reacted after a U.S. District Court judge ruled to throw out 10 of 13 claims against her It Ends With Us director and costar Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle. “This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took […]

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The statement continued, “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

Settlement aside, the It Ends With Us drama doesn’t appear to be officially over. In June, Lively requested that Baldoni pay approximately $8 million in legal fees.

Baldoni’s lawyers, however, slammed the request, claiming via court documents, “Lively fails to meet her burden to present credible evidence showing that the fees and costs she seeks to recover are reasonable and, accordingly, her fee motion should be denied in its entirety.”

New details have been released about former child star Blake Garrett’s death.

Garrett, 33, was found unresponsive next to his bed in a sober living house on February 8 and pronounced dead at the scene, according to documents from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, obtained by Us on Monday, July 27.

Drug paraphernalia, including rolled dollar bills, a lighter and foil with burnt residue, were present at the scene, per the docs, which noted that his body was received on February 9 for an autopsy examination. Identifying marks included a “1992” tattoo on his neck and a tattoo honoring his mom on his foot.

Autopsy findings showed his alcohol testing came back negative. Us previously exclusively reported Garrett’s cause of death as acute fentanyl toxicity. His death was ruled an accident.

Related: Friends Share Look Inside Daveigh Chase’s Tragic Downward Spiral

On June 17, Cathy Chase learned that her daughter Daveigh Chase had died the previous day at age 35. “I let out this guttural scream,” Cathy told The Daily Mail in an interview, “and I went out into the backyard, and I was screaming, ‘No, no, no, no!’” At the time, Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, […]

Garrett’s mother, Carol, confirmed the actor’s death to TMZ in February. She told the outlet that her son visited an emergency room in Tulsa one week before his death due to “intense pain.” He was later diagnosed with shingles, the outlet reported.

Carol also noted that Garrett moved to Tulsa three years before his death to focus on his sobriety, adding that she believed he had “truly turned things around.”

Garrett began his acting career as a child in local productions, including Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute. He began touring at age 10 for the arena show Barney’s Colorful World International Tour.

Garrett made his video debut at age 11 in 2004’s Barney’s Colorful World, Live! He later starred in his first and only feature film, How to Eat Fried Worms, playing Plug, a friend of classroom bully Joe (Adam Hicks), in 2006.

Related: Melissa Gilbert Mourns Daveigh Chase After Her Death: ‘Truly Heartbroken’

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Melissa Gilbert is paying tribute to former costar Daveigh Chase after her death. “This is the @daveighchase.official I knew,” Gilbert, 62, wrote via Instagram on Monday, June 29, sharing a photo of Chase as a child. “I shot a pilot for a series with her 20+ years ago. Two wonderful humans @thejackcoleman and @kevinzegers1984 played […]

“I play the bully’s henchman,” Garrett, who was 13 years old at the time, told The Oklahoman. “But everybody got along on the set.”

Garrett also recalled getting the “first pick” out of a row of bicycles on set.

“There was one scene where we were riding on a gravel road and got to slide to a stop. The guys who could ride worked on that scene. They had a camera on the ground, and in one scene I slid and gravel hit the camera,” he told the outlet. “They really liked that shot, and that’s the one they used in the movie.”

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Garrett’s role in How to Eat Fried Worms earned him a 2007 Young Artist Award. He and the rest of his cast won Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film that year.

After the movie’s success, Garrett went home to Edmond, Oklahoma, where he finished his time at Summit Middle School. He lived the rest of his life out of the spotlight.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Jon Bon Jovi is a man who keeps his word!

The founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi returned to the stage at Madison Square Garden as part of his “Forever Tour” on Sunday, July 26.

The concert came days after Jon Bon Jovi was forced to cut a show short due to health issues. He is no stranger to canceling shows because of his well-being, with similar incidents occurring in 2017 and 2018.

A fake song using the voice of D4vd, professing his love for Celeste Rivas Hernandez, recently appeared on a streaming platform. The was single titled ‘I DID IT’ and has since been removed. The recording artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering Hernandez.

RELATED: Prosecutors Reveal Alleged Texts Showing D4vd & Celeste Rivas Hernandez Discussed Pregnancy & Abortion Before Her Death (UPDATE)

Fake Single ‘I Did It’ Shared On D4vd’s Hacked Apple Music Account

The fake single was shared on D4vd’s hacked Apple Music account on Saturday, July 25, according to TMZ. Not only that, it included a photograph of his Tesla where Hernandez’s dismembered body was found in a tow yard. The track was later removed by Apple.

The track’s chorus references Hernandez repeatedly and has lyrics such as “the girl with my name tattooed on her chest.” According to PEOPLE, the 14-year-old had the artist’s name tattooed on one of her fingers, two of which were severed. D4vd also has “Celeste” tattooed on one of his fingers.

The fake song also features the man singing about hearing Hernandez when he breathes, as well as being afraid she will only love him after he’s dead. The ‘Romantic Homicide’ singer is being held without bail amid preliminary hearings for a murder trial. Burke pleaded not guilty to continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, murder and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Graphic Photographs Shown Of Hernandez’s Injuries

Prosecutors Claim Burke Cut Off Hernandez’s Fingers

Prosecutors claim that the singer cut off Hernandez’s fingers in an attempt to “distance himself from the victim.” They also allege that he cut her up with a chainsaw, put her body parts into two bags and left them in his trunk. The teen’s right index finger reportedly had a tattoo reading “Shhh…,” and prosecutors claim that Burke began having sex with Hernandez when she was 13, per ABC7.

Burke was arrested in April 2026, a year after he allegedly killed Celeste and released his debut album, ‘Withered,’ per PEOPLE. Recently, prosecutors pointed to explicit photographs found on D4vd’s phone, as well as numerous text messages about pregnancy and abortion. The authorities claim Burke stabbed the teen to death after she threatened to expose him.

RELATED: Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Family Shares Statement As Gruesome Details About Her Final Moments Emerge (VIDEO)

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be laying the foundation for life beyond football with a major move into scripted entertainment. The soccer icon is reportedly backing a star-studded drama through the production company he launched with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn.

The series is also expected to feature Vaughn, fellow footballing legend Thierry Henry, rapper Dave, and several other high-profile guest stars.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to make his first foray into scripted television with “Day 1s,” a drama that would also become the first TV series produced by his joint venture with “Kingsman” filmmaker Matthew Vaughn. The series reportedly follows fictional football agent Stanley Dalton, played by “Billions” star Damian Lewis, as he navigates the high-stakes world of professional soccer transfers and negotiations.

Ronaldo is said to be attached as both an executive producer and cast member, while Vaughn is reportedly directing the project. The show is also expected to feature guest appearances from several well-known figures, including Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and British rapper Dave.

If the reported project comes to fruition, it would mark another milestone in Ronaldo’s growing entertainment portfolio through UR•Marv Studios, the production company he launched with Vaughn last year after announcing they had already completed two action films together.

How Agents Shape Soccer Careers

“Day 1s” is the brainchild of Darren Dein, the real-life football agent who represents Henry, with both also serving as executive producers.

Rather than following players on the pitch, the show shines a light on the powerful figures working behind the scenes. In European soccer, agents negotiate player transfers, contract extensions, endorsement deals, and image-rights agreements while helping shape their clients’ careers. Top agents often work across multiple countries and can have a major influence over where some of the game’s biggest stars end up.

That makes the profession a natural backdrop for a drama, with the sport’s biggest transfer sagas often unfolding in boardrooms and private meetings long before a player ever pulls on a new jersey. The series is expected to blend fictional storylines with authentic industry experiences, with cameos from Ronaldo and Henry adding another layer of realism.

Inside Ronaldo’s Growing Business Portfolio

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Ronaldo’s reported television venture is just the latest addition to a business portfolio that has steadily expanded beyond football. According to The Guardian, the Portugal captain earlier this year purchased a 25% stake in Spanish club UD Almería through CR7 Sports Investments, giving him his first ownership position in professional football.

He has also branched further into health and technology, with Herbalife announcing that Ronaldo invested $7.5 million for a 10% stake in its Pro2col wellness platform.

Those additions join a business network that already includes the Pestana CR7 hotel chain, CR7 Fitness by Crunch gyms, CR7 fashion, fragrances, and footwear, as well as multiple real estate holdings.

Streaming Embraces Soccer Stories

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Football stories are increasingly becoming a staple on streaming. For instance, Apple TV+’s Emmy-winning “Ted Lasso” helped introduce millions of viewers to soccer through comedy.

At the same time, “Welcome to Wrexham” turned Welsh club Wrexham AFC into a global phenomenon after chronicling Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership journey. According to the BBC, the documentary has grown into FX’s most-watched docuseries and played a major role in expanding the club’s worldwide profile.

Meanwhile, Netflix’s “Sunderland ‘Til I Die” earned praise for its raw look at the emotional toll of relegation, while Amazon’s “All or Nothing” franchise gives fans unprecedented access inside elite clubs like Arsenal, Juventus, and the Manchester giants.

Together, these shows have demonstrated that compelling soccer television is being increasingly driven by communities and behind-the-scenes drama as much as what happens during the 90 minutes of a match.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s International Future Remains Uncertain

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While Ronaldo is clearly laying the groundwork for life after his playing career, the 41-year-old has shown no signs of walking away from football just yet.

The decorated icon signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr in June that will keep him with the Saudi Pro League side until 2027.

His Portugal career, however, appears less certain. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo said he would wait until the tournament concluded before deciding whether to continue representing his country, insisting he would not make a rushed decision.

Since Portugal’s exit, several British outlets have reported that the veteran forward is expected to retire from international football following Portugal’s September UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales. Neither Ronaldo nor the Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed those reports, leaving his plans with the national team unresolved for now.

Marvel Studios has managed to pull off something that feels almost impossible in today’s internet age: keeping one of the biggest casting secrets completely under wraps.

As Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters this week, fans are still asking the same question they’ve been debating for more than a year:

Who is Sadie Sink actually playing?

The speculation reached another level after Sony released a new promotional clip featuring Sink, where her answer about her character is intentionally bleeped out, instantly sending social media into detective mode once again. While the clip offers no definitive answers, it is the latest example of Marvel leaning into one of the film’s biggest mysteries.

Marvel Isn’t Hiding It by Accident

Director Destin Daniel Cretton recently explained that the secrecy is completely intentional and for good reason.

“There is a very real reason” the role hasn’t been revealed, Cretton said, adding that audiences will understand why once they have seen the movie. He also noted that while some fans enjoy knowing every detail ahead of release, preserving surprises is part of the experience.

That comment alone has convinced many fans that Sink’s character is not simply another supporting role, but someone whose identity could reshape the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Biggest Fan Theories

Gwen Stacy

Perhaps the safest prediction is Gwen Stacy.

Peter Parker is beginning a brand new chapter following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, making this an ideal opportunity to introduce one of Spider Man’s most iconic comic book characters.

With MJ and Ned moving on with their lives and no longer remembering Peter, a new relationship could naturally fit into this next phase of the franchise.

Jean Grey

For months, the internet was convinced Sink would make her MCU debut as Jean Grey, finally bringing one of Marvel’s most powerful mutants into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The theory made sense on paper. Sink has the look, the acting range, and Marvel is steadily building toward introducing the X Men.

However, Tom Holland recently appeared to pour cold water on that idea, saying, “Well, she’s not in this movie, but it would be pretty cool.” Whether fans believe Holland, or think he is simply protecting another Marvel secret, is another story entirely.

Jean Grey [Marvel Comics]

Mayday Parker

Another increasingly popular theory suggests Sink could be playing Mayday Parker, Peter Parker’s daughter from an alternate universe.

Given Marvel’s continued use of multiverse storytelling, introducing Mayday now could open the door for future Spider Man stories while expanding the Parker family legacy beyond Peter himself.

Rachel Summers

Some fans have gone even deeper into Marvel lore by predicting Rachel Summers, the daughter of Jean Grey and Cyclops from an alternate timeline.

If Marvel plans to merge Spider Man’s street level adventures with the arrival of mutants, Rachel could serve as an unexpected bridge between those worlds.

Rachel Summers [Marvel Comics]

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Why the Secret Matters

Marvel has spent years trying to preserve genuine surprises in an era dominated by leaks and spoilers.

The studio has kept Sadie Sink largely absent from trailers, TV spots, and promotional materials, making her one of the few major MCU characters whose identity has remained completely unknown leading up to release.

With Brand New Day positioned as a fresh beginning for Peter Parker after the world forgot his identity, introducing a significant new character makes perfect narrative sense.

Whether that character is Gwen Stacy, an X Men icon, or someone fans have not even considered yet, Marvel clearly believes the reveal is worth protecting.

The Wait Is Almost Over

Fortunately, fans will not have to speculate much longer.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters July 31, meaning the internet’s biggest MCU mystery is only days away from being solved. Until then, every new promotional clip, including the latest bleeped out interview with Sadie Sink, is only fueling the excitement.

One thing is certain: if Marvel has gone to these lengths to keep her character secret, the reveal is likely to be one of the film’s biggest moments.

The Russo brothers are about to have a very busy schedule. As the filmmakers put the finishing touches on Avengers: Doomsday, they’re already preparing to shift their attention to Avengers: Secret Wars, and it sounds like that transition is happening sooner rather than later. During an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub at San Diego Comic-Con following Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel, Joe and Anthony Russo reflected on where both Avengers movies currently stand. While Doomsday remains their immediate focus, Anthony Russo revealed that work on Secret Wars is already well underway behind the scenes.

Asked what the next several months look like as they balance finishing Avengers: Doomsday with launching Secret Wars, Anthony Russo explained that post-production on the first movie is now consuming most of their attention. From working with legendary composer Alan Silvestri to polishing the final sound mix, the directors are deep into the final stretch. At the same time, however, they’re already laying the groundwork for the MCU’s next massive crossover event. He told Collider:

“We’re deep into finishing the movie, into finishing Doomsday. All of the grace notes, the music, working with Alan Silvestri, sound mix, creating Alan’s incredible original music. Wait until you experience what he’s cooked up for Doom. That, and then we’re prepping. We’re prepping Secret Wars. So, it’s a complicated time in our lives, but thrilling.”

The Russo Brothers Are Already Preparing for ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

Image via Marvel Studios

While Russo stopped short of revealing exactly how far along those preparations are, he made it clear the gap between the two productions will be remarkably short. When Weintraub followed up by asking whether he wanted to reveal when Avengers: Secret Wars would begin filming, Anthony Russo had a fairly candid response:

“Soon. So soon it makes us sweat a little bit.”

Although the studio has yet to announce an official start date for Secret Wars, the Russos’ remarks indicate cameras should begin rolling fairly soon. That’s hardly surprising given the scale of Marvel’s current plans and Secret Wars‘ planned release date of next year. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to set the stage for the Multiverse Saga’s grand finale, with Secret Wars poised to pay off years of storytelling across the MCU and beyond.

Marvel has kept nearly every major plot detail under wraps, but anticipation has only continued to grow as more legacy characters and multiversal heroes join the franchise. For the Russo brothers, that means little time to catch their breath. Even as they race to complete Avengers: Doomsday, preparations for its follow-up are already accelerating. If Anthony Russo’s latest tease is any indication, the next chapter of Marvel’s biggest production ever is almost ready to begin.

Avengers: Doomsday premieres in theaters on December 18 later this year, with Secret Wars following a year later on December 17, 2027.

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Release Date

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December 17, 2027

Writers

Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Stephen McFeely

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Franchise(s)

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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