Entertainment
Taylor Swift Fans Turn On WAG Over Travis Kelce Comment
Travis Kelce found himself at the center of unexpected controversy after a joking comment from model Jena Sims sparked backlash among Taylor Swift’s fans.
The wife of golfer Brooks Koepka recently referred to the Kansas City Chiefs star as her “hall pass” while recalling their meeting earlier this year, a remark that quickly ignited criticism online.
While Sims appeared to be joking, many Swift supporters were unimpressed, with some accusing her of crossing a line by publicly discussing the NFL star in that way.
The controversy stems from comments Sims recently made while reflecting on her interactions with Travis Kelce.
The model first met the NFL star at a pro-am golf event in Scottsdale, Arizona, earlier this year.
Kelce and Koepka were paired together for nine holes during the tournament, giving Sims an opportunity to meet someone she had apparently admired for years.
At the time, she openly shared her excitement on social media. “I’m obsessed with Taylor Swift’s fiance even before Taylor was in the picture,” Sims said in a TikTok post.
She also uploaded a photo of herself standing alongside Koepka and Kelce at the event while supporting her husband on the course.
Months later, Sims revisited that encounter during an interview and made another comment that quickly grabbed attention online.
While speaking about meeting Kelce, Sims jokingly referred to him as her celebrity exception. “I was so excited to meet Travis Kelce, I mean, he’s my hall pass. Brooks knows that,” she said in an interview with PEOPLE.
The actress also admitted she specifically planned her outfit for the occasion because she knew the NFL star would be there. According to her, she decided to go for something a “little more sportier” than usual.
Sims revealed that her husband found the whole thing amusing. “Brooks was like, ‘You’re so ridiculous,’” she recalled.
Elsewhere in the interview, she also shared that Kelce recognized her when they crossed paths again several weeks later at the Masters. According to her, the interaction caught her completely off guard.
“He came straight up to me and was like, ‘Hey, it’s good to see you again,’” she said. The recognition surprised Sims because she never expected Kelce to remember her after their brief meeting in Arizona.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my God. You remember me?’” she recalled.
Although she clearly enjoyed the interaction, Sims joked that she will not be receiving an invitation to Kelce and Swift’s wedding.

Despite making the remarks as a joke, many Taylor Swift fans did not find the comments quite as funny. Several took to social media to criticize the interview, arguing that the remarks were inappropriate considering Travis Kelce’s relationship with the singer.
One user wrote per the Daily Mail, “This is the kinda sh-t you keep to yourself and don’t say in an interview…” Others were equally blunt in their reactions.
The backlash continued as Swift fans dissected various parts of Sims’ interview. Some were particularly surprised by her admission that she intentionally dressed differently because she expected to meet Kelce.
“To admit the outfit you’re wearing is because of Travis ….like wtf who says that in an interview,” one critic commented.
Another user questioned why the topic needed to be discussed publicly at all. “I’ve never heard of this woman but how disrespectful to all involved. Maybe she shouldn’t be publicly sharing her ‘hall pass’ as a joke,” they said.
Others summed up their reactions in simpler terms. “CRINGE,” one person posted.
Swift and Kelce’s Rumored Venue Linked To Attack That Left Five Injured

Amid the drama, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting ready to walk down the aisle this summer.
As the couple gear up for their big day, their wedding venue has been connected to a disturbing crime story.
As The Blast reported, a violent stabbing rampage unfolded just steps away from Madison Square Garden, the New York arena reportedly being considered for their wedding.
According to reports, five people were slashed inside Penn Station on June 7 when an assailant allegedly attacked victims at random inside the busy transit hub located directly beneath Madison Square Garden.
The incident immediately drew attention because Swift and Kelce are rumored to be planning to host between 1,100 and 1,200 guests on July 3.
Now, security concerns have become an even bigger talking point. Reports indicate Madison Square Garden quickly has implemented enhanced security measures for major events in the area, including increased screening procedures, perimeter controls, and stricter entry requirements.
Taylor Swift Reportedly Left Feeling ‘Very Vulnerable’ After Wedding Leaks Force Major Changes

Last month, The Blast reported that Swift and Travis Kelce were forced to overhaul parts of their wedding plans after a series of leaks exposed details about the highly anticipated event.
According to sources, the leaks were “incredibly disheartening” for the couple, with one insider claiming they had already changed venues and dates in an effort to protect their privacy.
“They’ve had to change venues and dates. It’s been such a monstrous headache, but even worse, it has left Taylor feeling very vulnerable. There are a lot of questions about who to trust,” the source said.
The reported breaches allegedly prompted Swift to become even more protective of the guest list, with strict no-plus-one rules implemented for many attendees.
Insiders claimed the singer didn’t want “random faces in the crowd” and was determined to prevent anyone from “spying” on the ceremony.
One source described the planning process as being “orchestrated like a military operation,” adding that Swift was willing to make “hard choices” if it meant preserving the privacy of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched celebrity weddings in recent memory.
Entertainment
The Greatest Black Comedy Of All Time Is Finally Back On Streaming
By Jessica Goudreault
| Published

It’s time to brush up on your sleuthing and detective skills, because the greatest black comedy of all time, Clue, is available to stream for free on YouTube. The classic film from 1985 is based on the board game of the same name, an entertaining whodunit that will keep you guessing until the very end, when three alternate endings reveal who the killers are.
The Ultimate Mystery Comedy

In Clue, six guests with dark secrets are invited to a New England mansion for a mysterious purpose. They are welcomed by Wadsworth, the butler, and Yvette, the maid, who give each guest a pseudonym to try and conceal their identities: Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet. Mr. Boddy, a man who has been blackmailing each of the other guests, arrives at the house as the seventh guest.
The evening really kicks off when Mr. Boddy is found dead, and no one knows who did it. Each guest, armed with a specific weapon (rope, dagger, wrench, pistol, candlestick, and lead pipe), must try and survive. The bodies and lies begin piling up, leading the guests and viewer to try and figure out who the killer is before it’s too late.
A Bona Fide Cult Classic

When Clue first hit theaters back in 1985 it was not very successful, failing to even earn back the $15 million spent on its production. The film offers three alternate endings, and audiences across the country would see different outcomes and killers. While the concept is interesting and unique, it must have made it hard for friends to chat about the movie and compare notes, which is part of the fun of seeing a movie in theaters.
Years later, Clue has become a cult classic that fans can’t get enough of. While some people can’t stand the wacky performances from the eccentric characters, others absolutely love it. Part of what makes the film so great is its ensemble cast that includes Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, and Colleen Camp.

Tim Curry plays Wadsworth, the outlandish butler who is responsible for inviting all the guests to the mansion, and he has a personal vendetta against Mr. Boddy. Eileen Brennan puts on a hilarious and entertaining performance as Mrs. Peacock, the chatty wife of a senator who is accused of bribery. Madeline Kahn portrays Mrs. White (a widow to five different men) who gives a famous “flames” speech that she improvised on set.
The script for Clue was co-written by John Landis and Jonathan Lynn, with the latter going on to direct the movie. Originally, John Landis wrote a fourth alternate ending, but felt that it was not good and that three alternate endings would suffice.
Clue’s Lasting Legacy And Impact

To achieve the 1950s aesthetic of the film, the production used authentic furnishings from the 18th and 19th century and even used the estate of the late President Theodore Roosevelt. Nearly all of the filming took place at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, except for the ballroom scene and shots of the driveway gate which were filmed at a mansion in South Pasadena, California.
Clue has gone on to create quite a legacy, and has been referenced in TV shows like Psych, Family Guy, CSI: NY, and Vagrant Queen. Fans are so fascinated by the film that Who Done It: The Clue Documentary was released in 2022.

There have been talks of a Clue remake since 2011, though the details of the development have changed quite a bit over the past 15 years. The director of the remake has changed hands several times, from Gore Verbinski to Jason Bateman to, most recently, James Bobin.
Supposedly, Ryan Reynolds is on board to star in the remake while Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (who wrote Deadpool, Deadpool 2, and Life) were set to write the script. However, in 2022, Oren Uziel, who is best known for writing Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, took over the script. As of 2024, Hasbro Entertainment sought new rights arrangements, but there’s been no new updates on the project since.

Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth time seeing it, you can watch Clue for free on YouTube or Pluto TV. All of the alternate endings play in succession at the end, so you can enjoy all three.
Entertainment
Sydney Sweeney Breaks Silence On Possibly Joining OnlyFans
Sydney Sweeney is making one thing clear: just because her “Euphoria” character turned to OnlyFans does not mean she would make the same choice herself. The actress recently opened up about Cassie Howard’s controversial season three storyline, which saw the fan-favorite character launch an OF account, sparking intense debate among viewers and backlash online. Some fans even criticized the plotline as a “humiliation ritual,” accusing the HBO series of taking Cassie in an unnecessarily sexualized direction.

Speaking with Vanity Fair, Sweeney explained that while she’s fully committed to Cassie’s storyline, she does not personally agree with many of the character’s decisions.
Discussing conversations with “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson, Sweeney revealed the filmmaker shared the scripts with her ahead of filming and made sure to discuss the direction of Cassie’s arc. “He sent me all the scripts, and it already had all of Cassie’s scenes in it, the OnlyFans scenes, and he called me afterward, and he was talking about it, and we were talking through it all,” Sweeney explained.
Levinson also reportedly checked in to see how she felt about the storyline before moving forward. “He asked me how I felt about it, and I told him, ‘Look, I’m playing a character,’” Sweeney said. “Do I agree with all of Cassie’s decisions? Would I personally make these choices? No, of course not.”
Still, the actress made clear she views the role through the lens of performance. “But I’m an actor and that’s my job and this is Cassie’s life and to be able to do her justice and play her how she’s to be played is to bring Sam’s vision to life and to play Cassie in the most vulnerable and insane way possible,” she added.
Why Sweeney Thinks Cassie Turned To OF

While some viewers questioned the dramatic turn in Cassie’s story, Sweeney said the character’s emotional journey made sense to her. “From the very beginning, you can see that Cassie has this need to be loved,” the actress explained. “She has a need to be validated by other people. She doesn’t know how to love herself unless someone else loves her.”
Sweeney added that she understood how Levinson ultimately brought Cassie to her season three breaking point. “I think she was more excited by the idea of all these people loving her and knowing who she is and feeling like her world isn’t small,” she said.
Sam Levinson Says Sydney Sweeney Pushed Back On Less Nudity

Sweeney’s comments come just days after Levinson addressed backlash surrounding Cassie’s highly sexualized storyline.
During an appearance on The New York Times’ “Popcast,” Levinson revealed he initially considered toning down the nudity in season three and finding ways to shoot around some of Cassie’s more revealing scenes. “Well, it’s funny. When I first wrote it, I thought, ‘Well, maybe we shoot all of this and we don’t have any nudity,’” Levinson recalled. “Maybe there’s ways to shoot around certain things?”
But according to the writer and director, Sweeney was not interested in softening the reality of portraying an OnlyFans creator. “She looked at me, and she was like, ‘Are you kidding? It’s like, I’m playing an OnlyFans model. You’re telling me you’re going to, like, skirt around it?’”
Levinson admitted Sweeney changed his perspective. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, OK, it’s a fair point,’” he said, adding, “So there’s always a discussion of what works best for the character.”
He later praised Sweeney as a “totally fearless actor” who is “wonderfully professional” and always “show[ed] up game every day.”
Sweeney Clapped Back At Critics Of Her Raunchy Scenes

Ahead of the “Euphoria” finale, Sweeney also appeared to respond directly to criticism over the show’s increasingly explicit scenes. The actress shared behind-the-scenes photos from filming, including images from Cassie’s provocative performances, and seemed to shut down critics questioning the storyline.
In one Instagram Stories post, Sweeney shared a snap from a pole-dancing scene and wrote a simple message aimed at critics: “It’s called… acting.”
Experts Warn Sydney Sweeney Could Risk Being Typecast

Despite praise for her performance, some industry experts have warned that Sweeney could face long-term challenges if sexualized roles begin dominating public perception of her career. Speaking to Fox News, crisis and reputation management expert Dave Quast suggested the actress may need to carefully balance future projects.
“’Euphoria’ clearly helped establish Sydney Sweeney as a fearless performer, physically and emotionally, and that’s part of why she broke through,” Quast said. However, he warned that repeated attention on her most provocative scenes could begin overshadowing her work.
“The risk is that when the public conversation focuses more on the sexualized aspects of the role than on the performance, the same work that made her seem daring can start to narrow the brand,” he explained. “Sexuality on screen is not inherently unserious. The problem is when it becomes the dominant shorthand for the actor.”
Entertainment
Khloé Kardashian Says Daughter True Thompson Has an ‘Elevated’ Way of Wearing Her XO Blue Perfume
Like mother, like daughter! Khloé Kardashian’s new XO Blue perfume has already earned the approval of daughter True Thompson.
Ahead of the launch party in Malibu, California on June 16, The Kardashians star shared that Thompson, 8, is already taking after her in one unexpected way.
“She doesn’t wear fragrance on a daily basis, but she has the Squishmallows fragrance, which is so cute and age-appropriate, and then she has all of mine on her counter, and sometimes she sprays herself, and sometimes she doesn’t, but they’re into scents, these kids,” she explained during a virtual press day.
When Kardashian’s daughter does decide to borrow one of the reality television star’s favorites, she has her own way of doing things.
“I do let her use it, but it’s everything in moderation and she’s so great. She sprays her clothes and not herself, which I’m like, ‘Okay, elevated.’ I love when kids are smarter and more creative than we are. So, she doesn’t spray her body, which I’m fine with.”
It’s a far cry from Kardashian’s own spritzing habits growing up.
“When I was younger, it was Bath and Body Works. … I mean, we doused ourselves in the most potent of stuff.”
These days, though, Kardashian is chasing vacation vibes with her signature scent.
“XO Blue is very tropical, in my opinion. I think when you put it on, you immediately get this woody coconut. I feel very transported onto a beach with a piña colada. … It’s still something that you can wear, but I just love where it transports me to.”
And for the Khloé In Wonder Land podcast host, the appeal goes beyond an island getaway.
“I just want you to feel the sexiest at your core, and that doesn’t have to be this aesthetic thing.”
“For me, that’s all energetically. I just want you to feel just super sexy and feminine and that you can manhandle anyone and do whatever you want to do, and you’re just that girl. … You want to be in a summer dress or a tank top. It’s so silly that that’s how I feel when I’m wearing it, but I feel like the less clothes, the better.”
The Khloud founder is just as passionate about what goes into her body as what goes on it.
“I love peptides. I don’t know if that’s a secret. I feel like everyone takes a peptide. … I take injections, which I love, and they just make you feel good and you look good. … I’m also a big vitamin girl and just staying active. There’s not one thing that’s gonna make anything all better.”
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Entertainment
It’s Officially the End of an Era for Ridley Scott’s 10/10 Horror Miniseries [Exclusive]
2025 was a somewhat quiet year for Ridley Scott, but 2026 is going to be anything but quiet as the legendary director finally returns to the world of sci-fi for his new film, The Dog Stars. Scott has recruited an all-time ensemble to star in his first sci-fi film since Alien: Covenant in 2017, with Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and even Josh Brolin all being recruited for key roles in the film, which is coming to theaters on August 28. Scott has been particularly invested in TV shows of late — just last year, he served as an executive producer on Alien: Earth, and he also produced and directed episodes of the Apple TV crime thriller, Dope Thief (starring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura). Scott has also been heavily involved in another horror series, The Terror: Devil in Silver, which is set to come to a close this Thursday.
Scott is one of the head producers on The Terror: Devil in Silver, which was written and created for TV by Chris Cantwell and author Victor LaValle. The first two seasons of The Terror premiered all the way back in 2018 and 2019, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that the anthology series officially returned under a new banner, Devil in Silver. Dan Stevens leads the final season of the show, and before the last episode arrives later this week, Collider is thrilled to partner with AMC+ to exclusively preview a new sneak peek at the series finale. AMC’s official description of the final episode reads as follows:
“A big storm is coming, and the attacks don’t stop. Flashback: Arnold sacrifices everything to save Dorry. The power goes out, everyone is trapped. Pepper must confront the evils here. He and Dr. Walter face off. Miss Chris looks out for Loochie.”
What Is ‘The Terror: Devil in Silver’ About?
Past seasons of The Terror focused on a British naval expedition stuck in the ice while searching for the Northwest Passage, but Devil in Silver turns everything on its head with a gripping new story. In the third and final season, which is also produced by leading star Dan Stevens, Pepper finds himself wrongfully committed to New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital, a place full of people society would rather forget. Pepper quickly realizes that the only path for his escape means going straight through the demon that thrives on the chaos unfolding between the walls of this hellscape.
Check out The Terror: Devil in Silver on AMC+ and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Ridley Scott’s future projects.
- Release Date
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2018 – 2019-00-00
- Network
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AMC, Shudder, AMC+
- Showrunner
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David Kajganich, Soo Hugh, Christopher Cantwell
- Directors
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Tim Mielants, Edward Berger, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Fred Toye, Karyn Kusama, Michael Lehmann, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Lily Mariye, Toa Fraser, Meera Menon
- Writers
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David Kajganich, Shannon Goss, Tony Tost, Steven Hanna, Andres Fischer-Centeno, Benjamin Endsley Klein, Danielle Roderick, Alessandra DiMona, Josh Parkinson
Entertainment
Kathy Griffin explains resurfaced photos of her smiling with Donald Trump: 'Can you f—ing believe it?'
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Griffin has long voiced opposition to Trump, and addressed old photos of herself with him: “Someone I used to know, but now I don’t care to know any longer.”
Entertainment
Amazon’s Summer Fashion Drops Look Like Aritzia — Under $30
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If you dream of having a wardrobe filled with Aritzia clothing pieces, same. But why drop your entire paycheck if you don’t have to? We found 13 Aritzia-style gems hiding in Amazon’s Hot New Releases section, and we seriously can’t tell the difference. Somehow, they’re all under $30!
With clean lines, rich neutral colors and sleek fabrics, these chic dresses, blouses, pants, sets and more nail Aritzia’s minimal-but-expensive aesthetic. Better yet, these new Amazon finds are ready to ship before your next rooftop dinner or Charleston weekend. Scroll on to see what luxe-loving fashionistas are scooping up in droves!
13 Aritzia-Style Summer Drops — Under $30
1. Our Favorite: Skip the wrinkled linen and reach for this polka dot midi dress when you want a coordinated and comfy look. Throw it on, add sandals and you’re out the door in minutes.
2. Could Be Linen: With crochet detailing running down the sides, these wide-leg palazzo pants have a bohemian-like texture that makes a $20 pair look closer to $200. The apricot shade flatters every skin tone.
3. Country Club: A solid white top and blue striped pants give this two-piece set an East Coast yacht club look without the membership fee. Wear the pieces together or separate.
4. Chic Shorts: If denim shorts feel too young and tailored shorts look too business-like, these classy pull-on shorts hit the sweet spot. They bring the comfort of loungewear with look of something intentional.
5. Boutique Find: This boutiquey short-sleeve top is incredibly flattering, thanks to the peplum design that shapes without squeezing. Pair it with white jeans and you’re done.
6. Silky Satin: Skip the delicate silk and grab this sophisticated satin top for the same liquid drape at a tenth of the cost. It tucks cleanly into trousers.
7. Bye, Jeans: An elastic waistband and breezy wide-leg shape make these light blue palazzos the pants you’ll reach for every July. It does away with buttons and zippers for a seamless appearance.
8. Luxe Linen: A cotton-linen blend gives this simple purple shirt a lived-in texture without the deep wrinkles that pure linen pulls. We also like the front buttons, which keep it polished.
9. Easy Outfit: Skip the matching duo and grab this faux two-piece dress for the same layered look in one easy piece. The drawstring waist lets you customize the fit.
10. Long Black Dress: When the invite says ‘cocktail’ and your closet says ‘nothing,’ this black maxi dress rises to the occasion. It’s a wardrobe staple you’ll wear for seasons to come.
11. Rich Mom Alert: If you’re ready for your soft-girl era, this romantic pink skirt is the only piece you need. The high waist creates an effortlessly hourglass silhouette when worn with a fitted tank.
12. Corporate Queen: Stretchy fabric, a pull-on waist and real pockets make these professional trousers the work pants you’ll actually want to wear. The straight leg keeps them current.
13. Elevated Loungewear: Throw on this easy travel outfit for a red-eye flight and step off the plane looking like you actually slept. Add gold hoops and slides at baggage claim and you’re ready for dinner.
Entertainment
Kandi Burruss Sheds Light on Her ‘RHOA’ Exit
It’s been more than two years since Kandi Burruss announced her exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Since then, much has changed in her life, including adding to her Broadway resume and divorcing her longtime husband, Todd Tucker. Now she’s opening up about what led her to leave “RHOA.”

Burruss interview with RNB Philly in June 2026. In a clip from the full interview, the topic of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” arose, with Burruss noting that her name had been mentioned multiple times during the show’s current season. This then led the host to ask when she knew it was time to leave.
She replied, “That season that the whole dungeon, when they said that I was taking people to a dungeon.” The Grammy winner then stated that she was “over it then” but decided to remain on the show for a few seasons afterward.
For context, she was referring to season 9 of “RHOA,” in which Phaedra Parks allegedly made up a rumor about Burruss wanting to take advantage of Porsha Williams sexually. Initially, Williams mentioned the rumor to Burruss but didn’t reveal where she heard it until the show’s dramatic reunion.
Kandi Says She Considered Leaving For Multiple Seasons

The former “RHOA” star continued discussing her exit from the show during her interview with RNB Philly. Specifically, she stated that she spent the next few years after the season 9 incident wondering if she should leave.
Burruss shared, “Probably the last three years of me being on the show, I kept saying to Todd, like, ‘Do you think we need to leave now? What do you think?’”
She continued, “If you do something for so long, it’s almost like a crutch. You’re kind of like scared to walk away from the crutch. It’s like, ‘Should I leave? Should I not?’” After that, Burruss shared her “only fear”: that fans might not support her other endeavors if she left the show.
‘RHOA’ Fans Are Reacting

Following Burruss’ most recent comments about leaving “RHOA,” fans are weighing in, with many noting that she remained on the show for six seasons following the season 9 drama. For context, the “No Scrubs” writer left ahead of season 16 of the show.
One person said, “But she stayed for several more seasons.” Someone else stated, “But filmed six whole seasons after that…” In support of Burruss, a different fan wrote, “Kandi made the right decision, and her fan base has still remained loyal.”
Lastly, another “RHOA” watcher chimed in, writing, “I’m really proud of Kandi! I know it was hard, but it is for the best. Please don’t let Phaketra hook you up with a date again. Listen to your mom and aunties. At the end of the day, your mom and aunts have your best interests at heart.”
The Music Icon Previously Addressed Her Exit From The Show

Burruss announced her exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in February 2024. Following her initial statement, she spoke to Variety about her reasoning. At the time, she, in part, blamed the show’s extended hiatus between seasons 15 and 16 as the reason.
She said, “I already said it, so I’ll tell you. I decided I’m not coming back this year. It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time, I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.”
The mom of three continued, “But it’s not just that. It’s just like, after you really have time to think, and a friend of mine was like, ‘Why do you keep doing it?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I think because I’ve just been doing it for so long, it feels weird to think not to do it?’”
Burruss went on to imply that her exit wasn’t a permanent decision. According to her, “So I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m going to take a break, I’m going to take a moment… I’m not coming back this year.”
Kandi Settled Her Divorce From Todd In March

Burruss announced her separation from Tucker in November 2025 after 11 years of marriage. Following that, the two remained mostly respectful of each other in public, as they continued to co-parent their two young kids.
According to PEOPLE, they then settled their divorce in March 2026. Previously, Burruss stated publicly that she’d decided to divorce Tucker in July 2025.
Entertainment
Gene Roddenberry’s Pre-‘Next Generation’ Android Is the Blueprint for Star Trek’s Data
Everybody remembers Lt. Data. Mention androids in Star Trek, and sooner or later, somebody starts talking about the pale guy trying to figure out why humans insist on making everything so complicated. What most people don’t realize is that Data wasn’t Gene Roddenberry‘s first android searching for answers. In 1974, Roddenberry handed the spotlight to an android named Questor and built an entire television movie around him. The similarities to Data are impossible to miss. The difference is that one character became a legend, while the other became one of science fiction’s most fascinating “What happened there?” stories.
Questor Was Asking Data’s Questions Years Earlier
The movie, The Questor Tapes, gets right to the point. The eponymous Questor (Robert Foxworth) knows a lot, but he doesn’t know himself. Huge pieces of his past are missing, leaving him with plenty of knowledge and very few answers. So he hits the road with scientist Jerry Robinson (Mike Farrell) and starts searching for the person who might finally explain who he is and why he exists.
It’s impossible to watch the pilot today without seeing pieces of what would eventually become Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Lt. Cmdr. Data (Brent Spiner). Not the yellow eyes or the Starfleet uniform, but the curiosity. The constant search for answers. The feeling that Questor is less interested in what he can do than in understanding where he belongs. Even people connected to the production noticed the connection. Director Richard Colla later described Data as a combination of Questor and Spock, which makes a lot of sense once you’ve seen the pilot. Data would eventually spend seven seasons learning about humanity, one awkward interaction at a time.
Questor was taking a similar journey years earlier. Instead of exploring strange new worlds, he was exploring people, hoping that somewhere along the way he might finally learn something about himself as well. The scenery may have changed from American highways to the final frontier, but the appeal was remarkably similar. Both characters were outsiders trying to make sense of the human race. The only real difference is that Data got seven seasons to figure it out, while Questor barely got out of the starting gate.
NBC Never Understood What Roddenberry Was Selling
If The Questor Tapes sounds like the beginning of a successful science-fiction series, that’s because it almost was. NBC reportedly ordered thirteen episodes, and for a brief moment, it looked as though Questor would become Roddenberry’s next major television project. Then the network got involved. That’s usually where these stories start getting interesting.
The executives understood the basic concept of an android. What they struggled with was everything else. Roddenberry had built an elaborate mythology around Questor and a hidden group of advanced artificial beings who had quietly guided humanity for centuries. To Roddenberry, it was just part of the story. To network executives, it raised questions they weren’t comfortable dealing with. Suddenly, there were concerns about religion, metaphysics, and whether audiences would accept a story suggesting that mysterious beings had been influencing human history.
Gene Roddenberry TV Movie ‘The Questor Tapes’ Coming to Blu-ray
The 1974 TV pilot inspired the character of Lt. Data on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation.’
One proposal would have removed Jerry Robinson from the series entirely. Another would have ignored much of the pilot’s ending and turned Questor into a fugitive constantly running from people trying to capture him. Instead of a story about discovery, identity, and human potential, the series started drifting toward a familiar chase formula that executives felt more comfortable selling. Not everyone agreed with the changes though. Mike Farrell couldn’t understand why anyone would want to break apart the partnership between Questor and Jerry. Roddenberry felt the same way. In his mind, the relationship between the android and the human was the entire point. Once that started disappearing, so did his enthusiasm.
Roddenberry had already lived through one long war over creative control. By the time the arguments over The Questor Tapes reached a boiling point, he decided he wasn’t signing up for a sequel. Instead of compromising further, he left the project behind. The funny part is that Roddenberry never really abandoned Questor. He just came back to him later, wearing different clothes. More than a decade after The Questor Tapes fizzled out, he introduced Data to the world, and suddenly millions of viewers were falling in love with an android asking some very familiar questions.
- Release Date
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January 23, 1974
- Runtime
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100 minutes
- Director
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Richard A. Colla
- Writers
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Gene Roddenberry, Gene L. Coon
- Producers
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Howie Horwitz
-
-
Mike Farrell
Jerry Robinson
Entertainment
The Greatest Fantasy Movie of Each of the Last 6 Years
There’s a good reason—plenty of them, in fact—why fantasy has remained one of the most prolific and popular movie genres as the decades have passed. These tales of magic, mythical creatures, and wonderful fictional worlds lend themselves perfectly to enduring the passage of time, remaining beloved classics even over a century after their release. Over the course of the last six years, the world has received several fantasy movies that are bound to be remembered as timeless masterpieces by the time 2126 comes around.
But of course, though every year since 2021 has seen the release of at least a few exceptional fantasy films, every year has had a standout, one particular fantasy masterpiece that stands tall above all the rest. Whether it’s a family movie like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish or a heavy adult drama like All of Us Strangers, these are all films that have helped to define what the fantasy genre is capable of achieving in the modern day. Hailing from all across the world and made by filmmakers with various different kinds of thematic concerns, these films came out in tremendously stacked years for the fantasy genre and yet still managed to come out on top.
6
2021: ‘The Green Knight’
It goes without saying that 2020 was an unprecedented low for the film industry as a whole, and by proxy, for cinephiles around the world. Going into 2021, the world was still right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Hollywood began its slow process of recovery, and from that process rose many excellent fantasy films. Case in point: A24’s The Green Knight, one of the greatest cinematic adaptations of Arthurian legend in history. It’s one of the fantasy movies with the best world-building, and though it underperformed at the box office and doesn’t seem to receive nearly as much praise as it deserves nowadays, it’s nevertheless a 2020s fantasy icon.
From blockbusters like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to indie darlings like Petite Maman, 2021 had some exceptional fantasy movies, but nothing was ever quite able to top the gold bar set by David Lowery in what may just be his best film to date. Wonderfully creative and imaginative, poetically paced, visually gorgeous, and bolstered by one of the best performances of Dev Patel‘s career, it’s proof of just how exceptional indie fantasy has been throughout the entirety of the 2020s. Arthurian movies are aplenty, but few are as powerful and thought-provoking as The Green Knight.
5
2022: ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’
By the time the 2020s rolled in, the Shrek franchise had been lying dormant for years. When it was announced that the film that would bring it back to life would be a sequel to Puss in Boots, fans didn’t exactly have high expectations. Plot twist: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish ended up being not only one of the greatest animated films of the last six years, but even some of the best work that DreamWorks Animation has ever produced. It’s like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Andrei Tarkovsky‘s Stalker had a love child, which is the biggest (and weirdest) compliment one could throw at a film like this.
Indeed, The Last Wish is one of the best fantasy movies of the last 10 years, equally engrossing for kids and for adult animation fans alike. The little ones of the family will be delighted by the eye-popping animation, the surprisingly effective sense of humor, and the many adrenaline-pumping action sequences, while grown-ups will be treated to a character study with shocking amounts of thematic and existentialist depth. Animated fantasy has been on a roll since 2021, and though 2022 also produced gems like The Northman and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, it doesn’t get better than this.
4
2023: ‘All of Us Strangers’
Many fantasy fans love the genre for how whimsical and… well, magical it can get. However, emotionally draining fantasy dramas also exist, and they’re every bit as important to the genre’s history and complexity. For instance, 2023’s All of Us Strangers by Andrew Haigh is one of the heaviest fantasy movies ever made, yet it’s also one of the greatest of modern times. Its fantasy elements are rather understated in every way that matters, allowing it to work equally well on three different levels: as a powerful ghost story, an engrossing romance drama, and a poignant parents-son tale.
It’s one of the greatest British movies of the last six years, and though it’s certainly not ideal for those looking for a fantasy movie that they’ll be able to leave with dry eyes by the time the credits roll, it’s a must-see nonetheless. Anchored by Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, and Claire Foy all delivering some of the best work of their respective careers, it’s an emotionally stirring and beautifully-constructed fantasy story that shows just how well low fantasy can work when done right. As fantastic as 2023 fantasy blockbusters like Barbie were, this indie gem was the year’s best.
3
2024: ‘Wicked’
Back in 1939, The Wizard of Oz revolutionized cinematic fantasy in way that virtually no other Hollywood production ever had before. Almost 90 years later, Jon M. Chu‘s Wicked, based on the cult classic Broadway stage musical of the same name, has done pretty much the same thing for Broadway musical adaptations for the big screen. Much like the ’30s classic, Wicked is one of the best crowd-pleasing fantasy movies of all time, full of catchy tunes and memorable characters. Underwhelming sequel notwithstanding, this first part of a duology is every bit as wonderful and magical as its source material.
From Flow to Nosferatu, 2024 had plenty of excellent fantasy films that showed just how healthy of a state the genre is in the modern day, but there’s a reason why Wicked was the highest-grossing live-action fantasy blockbuster of the year. Wonderful in tone, endlessly charming, packed with delightful humor, and with plenty of irresistibly entertaining characters, it’s a film that truly does defy gravity every chance it gets. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at their very best at the forefront, Wicked is bound to go down in history as one of the best musical films of the 2020s.
2
2025: ‘Ne Zha 2’
The Chinese animated film Ne Zha from 2019 was a surprising box office success, but no one would have expected its sequel, Ne Zha 2, to become the financial juggernaut that it became. One of only seven films ever to make more than $2 billion dollars at the box office, it’s one of the most admirable success stories of 2020s international cinema. Though over 97% of its box office gross came from its domestic market, this animated masterpiece is still proof that the world is ready for more international family movies. It was acquired and released in English in American markets by A24, which should be proof enough of just how much of a pop-cultural phenomenon it became.
Though it still deserves even more praise outside of its native China, Ne Zha 2 is nevertheless one of the highest-rated animated films of all time on Letterboxd. Visually wonderful, endlessly fun and action-packed, and with a delightful sense of humor bound to charm teens and adults alike, and with a delectably dense and complex narrative that heavily borrows elements from traditional Chinese mythology and folklore, it’s perfect for those who love fantasy at its most epic. Some may find its nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime somewhat daunting, but every minute of that runtime is inevitably spent with a huge grin on any fantasy fan’s face. Furthermore, with others of 2025’s best fantasy films (like Thunderbolts* and Frankenstein) heavily involving sci-fi elements, it also happens to be the year’s purest fantasy masterpiece.
1
2026: ‘Swapped’
The year is almost halfway through, and so far, 2026 hasn’t been a particularly prolific year for fantasy, with fantasy releases like The Odyssey still lying in the future. Even still, Swapped nevertheless has the potential to remain one of the best fantasy films of the year come December. Directed by Nathan Greno and produced by Pixar’s John Lasseter, it’s further proof that Netflix has been doing some marvelous work in the animation field throughout the 2020s. Body swap comedies are perhaps a bit too abundant for their own good, but this one’s among the best that Hollywood has delivered in recent years.
Though the plot is rather unremarkable and pretty predictable, Swapped‘s strength comes from its excellent voice cast (featuring stars like Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple) and its beautiful animation. Vibrant, colorful, fun, and as charming as anyone could possibly expect a family fantasy film to be, it’s a delectably simple adventure that checks all the right boxes for a movie of its kind. Will it still be the best fantasy movie of 2026 by the time the year ends? It seems very unlikely. But does it deserve to still be remembered as one of the year’s most endearing family fantasy releases? Absolutely.
Swapped
- Release Date
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May 1, 2026
- Runtime
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98 Minutes
- Director
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Nathan Greno
- Writers
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Christian Magalhaes, Robert Snow, John Whittington, Adam Karp, Nathan Greno
Entertainment
Snooki Lands Major New Gig As ‘Jersey Shore’ Era Nears End
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is entering a new chapter. As longtime fans continue wondering what comes next for the “Jersey Shore” franchise, the reality TV icon has officially announced her latest project alongside longtime best friend and co-host Joey Camasta. The duo is bringing their hit podcast, “It’s Happening with Snooki & Joey,” to The Volume, marking a major expansion for the show as the entertainment and sports media company continues growing its pop culture footprint. The revamped version of the podcast officially launches Wednesday, June 10, with Hard Rock Bet serving as presenting sponsor.

For Snooki and Joey, the move represents more than just a new platform. The pair said joining The Volume offers an opportunity to grow the show while staying true to the chaotic energy listeners have come to expect.
“We are pumped to be partnering with The Volume for a fresh new look to our show!” Snooki shared via a press release sent to The Blast. “We’ve had our podcast for years now with loyal, amazing listeners and have always wanted to give them the best show possible.”
The former “Jersey Shore” star also teased what fans can expect when the show relaunches. “We’re coming back with more chaos, messy moments and new content that we’re super excited to share!” she said.
Joey Camasta Says Podcast Is Getting ‘Bigger’ And ‘More Unhinged’

Joey echoed Snooki’s excitement, hinting that longtime listeners should expect an even bigger version of the podcast they already love. “As we bring ‘It’s Happening with Snooki & Joey’ to The Volume, it feels like stepping into the future of podcasting, and they’re already leading the way,” he said.
Camasta added that despite the changes, the duo plans to keep the same chemistry that built their loyal audience. “It’s the same show at its core, just bigger, louder, and a little more unhinged, which should honestly concern everyone (but in a good way),” he added.
Known for their candid conversations, celebrity gossip, and unfiltered takes on friendship, relationships, and life in the spotlight, Snooki and Joey have built a devoted fanbase through the podcast’s couch-chat vibe.
Snooki’s New Move Comes As ‘Jersey Shore’ Questions Continue

The podcast expansion also arrives at an interesting time for Snooki as fans continue speculating about the future of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” universe. More than 15 years after the original reality series first turned Snooki, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Pauly D, JWoww, Vinny Guadagnino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Deena Cortese, Angelina Pivarnick, and Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola into household names, questions continue to swirl about what comes next for the franchise.
While “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” remains a fan favorite, cast members have increasingly expanded into outside ventures, with Snooki continuing to grow her personal brand through business, live appearances, and now a newly elevated podcast partnership.
For The Volume, Snooki and Joey’s arrival also signals a broader push into entertainment content beyond sports. “We’re all about giving dynamic personalities a real stage to connect with fans – and Nicole and Joey do that effortlessly,” Kelly Martin, The Volume’s Head of Talent, said. “They’re hilarious, honest, and their chemistry is undeniable.”
New Project Comes After Emotional Health Battle

The podcast relaunch also comes just weeks after Snooki candidly opened up about one of the most frightening experiences of her life: her stage 1 cervical cancer diagnosis.
During a May appearance on Kristin Cavallari’s “Let’s Be Honest” podcast, the “Jersey Shore” star admitted she spiraled emotionally after learning the news. “Terrifying. Like, hi, am I dying? What is going on? I definitely had a breakdown,” Polizzi confessed.
The reality star admitted her mind immediately jumped to worst-case scenarios. “Like, ‘Oh, my God, what am I gonna do? Gotta get my will in place. What’s gonna happen?’ Planning my funeral. I was being so dramatic,” she said.
Snooki later explained that researching the diagnosis helped calm some of her fears, especially after learning stage 1 cervical cancer is highly treatable. Still, the diagnosis took an emotional toll on her family.
How Snooki’s Cancer Diagnosis Impacted Her Children

Polizzi, who shares Lorenzo, Giovanna, and Angelo with her husband, Jionni LaValle, revealed that her children struggled to understand what was happening.
“My little one was like ‘mommy, are you going to heaven?’” she recalled. “I’m like, ‘can we stop?’ I like, had a mental breakdown. I was like ‘Everything’s going to be fine, mommy just has to do her tests and stuff and her surgeries.’”
The reality star has since shared that she plans to undergo a hysterectomy this summer and remains “terrified” about the procedure, but said she chose to speak publicly after hearing from other women who shared similar experiences online.
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