Star Wars fans have been treated to a few exciting projects this year, starting with the latest animated Disney+ series, Maul — Shadow Lord. The show was a hit with critics and audiences, earning near-perfect review scores and a Season 2 renewal on its way to dominating streaming charts for weeks on end as new episodes came out two at a time. Star Wars fans have since been heading back to the theater to watch the franchise’s first movie on the big screen since 2019 with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Unfortunately, despite mostly positive reviews from audiences, the film is well on its way to being the lowest-grossing Star Wars movie in history, possibly even less than Solo. Plenty of Star Wars fans around the world have their theories about why The Mandalorian and Grogu is struggling to make the jump to hyperspace at the box office, but one of the most popular theories is the over-saturation of content from the franchise in recent years.

There have been plenty of Star Wars shows on Disney+ that have made the franchise more accessible to fans around the world, but one of the most unique entries came back in 2024 with The Acolyte. The show was the first live-action Star Wars project set outside the confines of the Skywalker Saga, even taking place hundreds of years before The Phantom Menace. The Acolyte received strong reviews, and it performed well on streaming, but it was tragically canceled after one season. This hasn’t stopped fans from continuing to demand a revival, though.

One of The Acolyte’s brightest stars was Manny Jacinto, who played the mysterious Dark Side Force user, Qimir aka The Stranger, the apprentice of Darth Plagueis. Collider’s Maggie Lovitt recently attended a panel for Jacinto at the Indiana Comic Convention, where he was asked what he would say if new LucasFilm CEO Dave Filoni asked him to return. “Oh, yeah,” Jacinto responded immediately, before swiftly crediting The Acolyte writer and creator Leslye Headland, “I mean, there is no Stranger without Leslye Headland. Again, it’s the people that helped build this character — it’s not just me. It’s the costume designers, our writers, all that stuff. It took a team to build Qimir, to build the Stranger. I’d love to work with them again as well,” he said, referring to the entire Acolyte team.

What Is ‘The Acolyte’ About?

The Acolyte is set during the golden age of the Jedi during the High Republic, and it follows Osha (played by Amandla Stenberg), a former Jedi padawan who is roped back into her former life when a series of murders tie her back to her twin sister. Part of what made The Acolyte’s cancellation so painful was that there was a clear plan for more seasons. The show briefly introduced the Stranger’s master, Darth Plagueis, who was also the master of Darth Sidious, aka Emperor Palpatine. Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae also had a key role in The Acolyte as Master Sol.

Check out the first season of The Acolyte and stay tuned to Collider for more Star Wars updates and coverage.

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Release Date

2024 – 2024-00-00

Showrunner

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Leslye Headland

Directors

Leslye Headland, Alex Garcia Lopez

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Writers

Leslye Headland, Charmaine De Grate, Kor Adana

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Franchise(s)

Star Wars

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett has spoken out regarding her stance on the sentencing in the case involving Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf. During a recent podcast appearance, she discussed broader issues related to how courts interpret violent incidents. The case has remained in the spotlight as discussions around jury deliberations, sentencing outcomes, and appeals continue to unfold.

RELATED: Karmelo Anthony Supporter Reportedly Arrested For Unlawfully Carrying A Weapon Following Viral Protest Confrontation (WATCH)

Jasmine Crockett Revisits Case & Raises Questions

During the latest episode of ‘Clock It With Crockett,’ Rep. Jasmine Crockett revisited aspects of the April 2025 incident at Memorial High School in Frisco that led to the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. In the discussion, she questioned details surrounding the weapon involved. Additionally, she addressed broader themes of self-defense and sentencing while referencing Anthony, who a jury later convicted of first-degree murder in the case.

During the podcast discussion, Crockett and guests further examined differing accounts of the weapon and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. At one point questioning the description of the weapon used by asking, “Was it a switch? I don’t know what he had,” while a guest described it as “a multi-tool” akin to a Swiss army knife, prompting her response, “Yeah, like with the little scissors and everything and whatever. So it was small.”

Crockett Weighs In On Anthony Sentencing Debate

Crockett also raised broader reflections on how different observers interpreted the confrontation. At points in the episode, the conversation also explored how individuals assess threat, intent, and proportional response during physical altercations. Court records and prior reporting state that Anthony used a 5-inch semi-serrated pocket knife during an altercation at a track meet that resulted in fatal injuries to Metcalf.

She further added, “Well, I would argue the size of it alone, you wouldn’t even think it’s a deadly weapon.” Crockett later broadened the conversation to general self-defense scenarios, stating, “If a 300-pound man is beating me, like on top of me and beating me down, I’m not limited to fists.” Furthermore, the discussion continued around how individuals interpret threat and response during physical confrontations.

Here’s What’s Happening In The Karmelo Anthony Sentencing Case

Reactions continue following the sentencing of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco, Texas. An all-white jury delivered the guilty verdict on June 9, followed by a 35-year prison sentence. As previously reported, officials issued Anthony an updated booking photo after sentencing. And, it showed a change in appearance from his pre-trial image. Additional developments include a notice of appeal filed by the defense. Furthermore, Anthony’s legal team indicating they intend to challenge aspects of the case as post-trial proceedings continue, including his current housing placement while in custody.

RELATED: Karmelo Anthony’s New Mugshot Surfaces As His Alleged Uncle Speaks Out Amid 35-Year Prison Sentence (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)

Tarek El Moussa and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, are speaking out after becoming the victims of an unsettling home burglary.

“Disgusted by some of the cruel heartless people in this world,” Heather, 38, wrote in a Tuesday, June 9, statement shared via Instagram Stories and reposted by her husband, 44, on his social media account. “Tarek and I feel violated and to be honest really sad. Taking a break for a few days and will be back to explain soon. We are safe & the kids are safe.”

The couple was enjoying a getaway to Los Cabos, Mexico, when their $5 million mansion in Newport Beach was targeted. Many “high value” jewelry pieces were reportedly stolen during the burglary, according to TMZ.

Newport Beach Police said suspects shattered a rear sliding glass door in the backyard, allowing them to gain access into the couple’s residence. The burglars ransacked the primary bedroom closet before fleeing the property.

Related: Inside Tarek and Heather El Moussa’s New House: 2 Fridges, More

Tarek El Moussa and wife Heather Rae El Moussa found their dream home — and they are ready to customize it to their exact specifications. “We fell in love with this house because of how open it is,” Heather, 37, said in a Tuesday, June 24, house tour shared via Instagram. “When we walked in, […]

Last summer, Heather and Tarek shared their decision to buy the stunning Orange County home, which has since been seen on their HGTV show, The Flip Off.

“We have some news….We’re moving!!!” they wrote in June 2025. “We are so excited for this new chapter and new adventure for our family.”

The pair are parents to 3-year-old son Tristan, while Tarek shares daughter Taylor, 15, and son Brayden, 10, with ex Christina Haack. (Tarek and Haack, 42, were married from 2009 to 2018 before he and Heather tied the knot in October 2021 and welcomed their first child in January 2023, making up their blended family. Haack, for her part, is also mom to Hudson, 6, shared with ex-husband Ant Anstead. She’s been dating boyfriend Chris Larocca since the fall of 2024.)

Prior to the burglary, Tarek and Heather had been documenting moments from their family trip.

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Related: Tarek and Heather El Moussa Are Moving: 1st Glimpse of Their New House

The El Moussas are moving — and they already found the perfect house. “We have some news. We’re moving!!!” Tarek, 43, and Heather, 37, captioned a joint Instagram post on Thursday, June 19. “We are so excited for this new chapter and new adventure for our family.” They added, “We can’t wait to make this […]

“Passed on the arrival tequila shot but definitely a few margaritas in now… 🏝️🍹” a video was captioned on Sunday, June 7, showing them boarding a plane and enjoying snacks before arriving at the resort.

“Today is Cabo day. We got up super, super early. I was so tired, I couldn’t even take videos this morning. We had to get three kids out the door by 7 a.m. — super fun,” she said in the clip. “I got some snacks from the vending machine with Tristan. We were running around, Daddy was snuggling him and playing with him. And he was so excited to get on the airplane and get to Cabo. He could not wait, it was so cute.”

She revealed it was “super windy” when they arrived but they were ready for a great time.

Oftentimes, loyal readers whine and complain that the adaptations of their favorite novels are never as good as the source material. The truth of the matter is, it’s hard to take such vast material and adapt it into a perfectly crafted single-seated viewing experience. Unless you’re a mammoth franchise, getting a chance to split a book into two parts is rare. That said, every so often, a movie ends up being better than the book it’s based on, leading it to masterpiece status.

Whether faithful adaptations or complete transformations of the product, these ten masterpieces are far superior to their page counterparts. From stories about the ruthless Italian mafia or the mean clique in high school, to tales about taboo love or unlikely friendships, these films are so good, they sometimes live on their own without us remembering where they started from. Though we’re not taking anything away from their source material, we tend to pick the screen over the page.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)

Image via Focus Features

It’s been over two decades, and we still can’t quit Brokeback Mountain. Based on the 1997 short story by Annie Proulx, the Ang Lee-directed romantic drama follows two ranch hands— Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal)— who fall deeply in love. Set in the American West from 1963 to 1983, Brokeback Mountain explores the agonizing challenges of a secret, decades-long romance amid intense societal homophobia.

Brokeback Mountain is a beautifully agonizing tale that highlights the heavy emotional toll of living a taboo life in a society that champions traditional, rugged masculinity and heteronormative expectations. It transcends the gay cowboy trope by delivering a universal, heartbreaking exploration of regret, repressed desire, and the destructive effects of expectations. What was once just a 14-page story was transformed into a sweeping, breathtaking epic. Proulx’s story is crafted from an emotional distance, but writers Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry flesh out the characters, providing an intimate glimpse into Ennis and Jack’s story. From there, Ledger and Gyllenhaal breathed life into their counterparts, presenting one of the greatest love stories cinema has seen.

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Image via 20th Century Studios

The first rule of Fight Club is don’t talk about Fight Club, unless you’re praising it, and that we are. Director David Fincher had an extraordinarily difficult job adapting Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, and yet, he had a world of potential in realizing it; what resulted was a masterpiece. The story follows a depressed, severely insomniac office worker (Edward Norton) who attempts to cure his existential emptiness by starting a secret, underground fighting ring with a charismatic soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt).

A story that tackles the feeling of being trapped in mundane, soulless jobs and the desire for true human connection through the lens of masculinity, Fight Club is a fearless dissection of material consumerism with gripping psychological twists. Fincher and screenwriter Jim Uhls take Palahniuk’s novel and tighten it up. Perhaps the biggest and most important change comes in the conclusion. In the novel, the narrator shoots himself and ends up in a mental institution. The film provides a more definitive and powerful ending as the narrator successfully severs Tyler’s hold on him but is still unable to stop his plan. Further, the film is more straightforward and less stream-of-consciousness, which worked wonders for the novel but would’ve made the movie far more erratic.

‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump follows the life of a kindhearted, intellectually disabled man from Alabama named Forrest (Tom Hanks). Through a series of flashbacks, Forrest narrates his extraordinary life story while sitting on a park bench in Savannah, Georgia, documenting his time in Vietnam, his lifelong, unwavering love for Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), his childhood sweetheart, and his sudden business success.

A tender tale, Forrest Gump is a triumphant underdog story that reaches new heights on screen. The main contrast between the page and the screen is the titular character himself. Seen as a foul-mouthed, cynical savant, Hanks plays him as a lovable innocent man driven by an unwavering heart. While the book does showcase some outlandish plot points, including becoming a professional wrestler, a chess champion, and going to space with a NASA chimp named Sue, screenwriter Eric Roth kept Forrest’s journey as realistic and believable as possible. Thanks to Forrest, we learned that life is like a box of chocolates.

‘Jaws’ (1975)

Image via Universal Pictures

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Believe it or not, audiences back in the day were petrified of a mechanical shark named Bruce because Steven Spielberg made Jaws an authentic horror thriller at sea. Based on Peter Benchley‘s novel, the iconic film tells the tale of the terrifying hunt for a massive, man-eating great white shark that terrorizes the beaches of a New England resort town, pitting local police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and a gruff shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) against the beast.

Brilliantly transcending the typical monster movie, Jaws taps into primal fears while offering a deeply human story. Benchley’s original novel was overstuffed with an array of subplots and unlikable characters. Conversely, Spielberg streamlined the narrative to provide a suspenseful thriller through a less-is-more approach that lifted its source material to great heights. In the book, Chief Brody is brash and easily ignitable, and Hooper is an arrogant, wealthy snob who has an affair with Ellen, Brody’s wife. On the screen, Benchley and co-writer Carl Gottlieb chose suspense over realism, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the story moves into thriller territory by keeping the men at sea rather than letting them sleep each night ashore.

‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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On the surface, you may not even realize that Mean Girls is an adaptation because Tina Fey did an extraordinary job with Rosalind Wiseman‘s 2002 self-help book Queen Bees and Wannabes. The sharply written comedy follows Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a naïve, formerly homeschooled teenager who moves to the U.S. after living in Africa. She gets a crash course in high school social hierarchies when she befriends two outcasts and infiltrates “The Plastics,” an elite yet toxic clique of mean girls that includes queen bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams), Karen Smith (Amanda Seyfried), and Gretchen Wieners (Lacey Chabert).

Transcending the typical teen movie, Mean Girls’ everlasting quotes have made it a masterclass in screenwriting. Fey focuses on the psychological warfare between teenage girls, creating a rich, relatable universe. Of course, a major cog in the film’s success was its quotability. The infamous lines came naturally and packed a comedic punch; there’s a reason why we still use them today. Mean Girls has a biting edge that’s given it timeless durability. It formed its own identity while honoring its source material, cementing itself as a new, flawless masterpiece.

‘Psycho’ (1960)

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Very few movies are complete game changers quite like Psycho. The Alfred Hitchcock classic thriller is most notorious for killing off its main star, Janet Leigh, in the first act; from there, it was simply icing on the cake. Based on Robert Bloch’s original novel, Psycho tells the story of Marion Crane (Leigh), who seeks refuge at the isolated Bates Motel, where she meets the polite yet deeply disturbed proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), and his controlling, unseen mother. Upon Marion’s sudden disappearance, a desperate search by her lover, Sam Loomis (John Gavin), her sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and a private investigator, Milton Arbogast (Martin Balsam), uncovers a horrifying secret about Norman and his mother.

Hitchcock had extraordinary material to work with, but what he did with Bloch’s novel was unfounded, using the template to find a stronger, more enticing story narrative. The book begins with Norman; the film waits twenty minutes before introducing the sinister soul. By keeping Marion as the first focus, her murder comes as a great shock, with added emotional attachment. This approach helped define the newfound trope that literally no one is safe. Another major change came in Norman himself. In the book, he’s an overweight, middle-aged, balding, and overtly unstable man; Perkins couldn’t be further from that, making him unsuspecting. Here, Hitchcock turned the boy next door into the villain, an inspired choice that paid off.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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By far, one of the most beloved films of the early 21st century is The Devil Wears Prada, directed by David Frankel and based on the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger. It follows Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), an aspiring, idealistic journalist who lands a dream job as a personal assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), a tyrannical, world-famous fashion magazine editor. As she survives the cutthroat industry, Andy struggles to balance her soaring career with her personal life and morals.

A timeless classic that’s earned itself cult classic status, The Devil Wears Prada got us all questioning whether Weisberger’s experience with the real-life Miranda, Anna Wintour, was exactly like in the movies.Thanks to Aline Brosh McKenna’s screenplay, the original story was heightened and altered for cinematic purposes. The original characters in the novel were a tad one-dimensional: Andy was self-righteous, and Miranda was simply cruel, but the film softened them both a bit, giving them layers to play with. It’s incredibly quotable and timelessly fashionable, and the sequel is actually a worthy follow-up.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

Ever since Marlon Brando uttered the line, “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse,” cinema has never been the same. The Godfather remains one of the most influential films of all time, all thanks to Francis Ford Coppola’s extraordinary vision. Alongside novelist Mario Puzo, they streamlined Puzo’s novel’s bloated, pulp-heavy narrative into a tight cinematic epic. The mob drama chronicles the Corleone crime family in the 1940s and 1950s in New York, centering on the tragic transformation of Michael (Al Pacino), a decorated war hero and reluctant outsider, who is reluctantly pulled into the mafia’s violent underworld after an attempt on his father’s life.

With an all-star ensemble bringing some of the best performances of all time, The Godfather serves as a dark, tragic reflection of the American Dream. The scope Coppola and Puzo had to draw from was vast, so they cut the fat to hone in on the family drama first and foremost, maintaining the focus on Michael’s corruption. Through the incredible visual storytelling and soundscape, Coppola establishes an essential aura rooted in rich culture. Audiences are granted a chance to witness the authenticity of the Italian-American experience, which simply cannot be replicated on the page.

‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

Image via Paramount Vantage

The combination of Paul Thomas Anderson adapting Upton Sinclair is a surefire winning formula. It’s why There Will Be Blood remains one of the greatest films of the century. Based on Sinclair’s classic novel Oil!, the epic period drama chronicles the ruthless rise of Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), a silver miner-turned-oil tycoon, during the California oil boom at the turn of the 20th century. The story tackles Plainview’s single-minded drive to acquire wealth and power, a pursuit that slowly destroys his humanity and isolates him from everyone.

There Will Be Blood explores the dark intersection of greed, capitalism, and religious fanaticism, turning the American Dream into a nightmare, thanks to Day-Lewis’ utter masterclass in acting. Oil! is dense, but Anderson distills a sprawling, politically focused narrative and twists it into a visceral character study, abandoning the novel’s superfluous subplots about labor unions and socialism, and nixes secondary characters for a tight story. By focusing on Plainview, the narrative tightens the novel’s important themes. Most importantly, Anderson uses Sinclair’s vivid text to create an immersive experience where you can literally see and hear the oil fields.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Image via Columbia Pictures

There have been debates about the execution of nearly every Stephen King adaptation ever made, but there’s one film adaptation that tends to be met with universal acclaim as better than the source material: The Shawshank Redemption. Based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the Frank Darabont-written and directed drama centers on Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced to Shawshank State Penitentiary, he befriends contraband smuggler Red (Morgan Freeman).

A mesmerizing dissertation on hope, friendship, and perseverance, The Shawshank Redemption celebrates the universal message about how the human spirit can endure even in the most confining situations. King’s story is sensational on the page, but Darabont elevates it by giving it emotional context through the masterful performances by Robbins and Freeman. The book also features a cavalcade of wardens and guards that Andy must deal with; by removing those subplots, more time is devoted to a single corrupt antagonist, Warden Samuel Norton (Bob Gunton), thus enhancing Andy’s ultimate triumph and allowing for a more poignant ending.

Whew, roommates! After years of back-and-forth accusations, emotional interviews, courtroom battles, and plenty of headlines, it looks like a major chapter has officially come to a close for Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman. The former couple’s split has played out both on-screen and in the public eye, with fans closely following every twist and turn since their marriage unraveled. New legal documents reveal that a judge has reportedly issued a final decision that could put an end to one of the most talked-about divorces in recent ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ history.

RELATED: Drew Sidora Reveals The Ex-Boyfriend She’d Pick Up The Phone For & Michael B. Jordan’s Name Is In The Mix (VIDEO) 

Chile, The Judge Finally Made It Official

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman’s divorce was officially finalized on June 8 after more than three years of legal proceedings. As part of the final judgment, Drew was ordered to pay Ralph $2,218 per month in child support for their two children after the court determined that her monthly income exceeded his. The ruling also addressed the division of the couple’s assets, including their Atlanta home, which was awarded to Ralph. However, he must pay Drew approximately $145,000 for her share of the property’s equity. The judgment further outlines how the former couple’s vehicles and personal property will be divided, confirms that neither party will receive spousal support, and restores Drew’s legal last name to Jordan.

Roomies Debate Who Really Came Out Ahead

Meanwhile, roommates wasted no time flooding The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions to the ruling. Some men celebrated the outcome, claiming the decision proved that city boys are up. However, others questioned how Ralph could be considered ahead when, as they put it, he’s still “living in the basement.” A few commenters, however, argued that Drew may have come out on top in the long run.

One Instagram user @lilduval claimed, “City boys we up baby!“

This Instagram user @themormonwivesreport shared, “Idk but to me Drew kind of won…!“

And, Instagram user @pinky_the_ceo added, “2k is nothing 🤣 you’re now single but he’s now a single father 😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @shannyn.kregg shared, “I want to know the truth on why he has full custody.“

While Instagram user @_dannibaby_ said, “He’s has primary custody that’s why. But it’s crazy cause he makes more 🤦🏽‍♀️.”

Then, Instagram user @prettyk1206 commented, “I would do prison before I pay a 🥷 a dime. Lock me tf up! 😒”

And, Instagram user @onemilindasmith wrote, “Ralph is 🗣️such a BUM! — a gaslighting BUM!!“

Lastly, Instagram user @d.braids_studio said, “wtf and he still in the basement smh“

Drew Sidora Moves Forward, But Is Michael B. Jordan In The Picture?

The divorce ruling comes as Drew appears focused on turning the page and embracing a new chapter. Earlier this year, after reports surfaced that she had been ordered to vacate the Georgia home she once shared with Ralph, the ‘RHOA’ star addressed the situation by emphasizing her commitment to co-parenting and doing what’s best for their children. She also made it clear that her focus remains on moving forward with grace and showing up as the best mother possible.

As previously reported, Drew has sparked conversation about her romantic future. Furthermore, Drew recently revealed on the ‘Reality Nightcap’ podcast that there is one ex she wouldn’t mind hearing from again. While she stopped short of naming names, she hinted that fans could connect the dots by revisiting an old photo from the NAACP Awards and joked, “Do some Googling.” Many listeners quickly speculated she was referring to actor Michael B. Jordan.

RELATED: Drew Sidora Speaks Out Amid Reports Of Being Ordered To Vacate Shared Home With Ralph Pittman (UPDATE)

After her dramatic 2026 U.S. Women’s Open victory on Sunday, June 7, Nelly Korda received the kind of support that dreams are made of. 

Hilary Duff commented on Korda’s Instagram post celebrating the golfer’s win with three champagne bottle emojis. 

“Growing up, I adored her,” Korda, 27 exclusively told Us Weekly on Tuesday, June 9, of her reaction to learning Duff, 38, is a fan. “I still adore her. But growing up, obviously we had no social media, no computers, my mom would bring home those teen magazines. I would cut out her photos and have a scrapbook. Sounds really creepy, but I love her. I had a scrapbook full of Hilary Duff.”

Not only that, Korda said, “She followed me, too.”

Korda clinched the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open with a putt on the 18th green at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, her first U.S. Women’s Open and second-consecutive major overall after winning the Chevron Championship in April. 

The Bradenton, Florida native has become the face of the LPGA Tour, meaning Duff isn’t the only celebrity to take notice of her dominance. 

LeBron James, an avid golfer himself, commented on Korda’s championship post, “Congrats!!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾.”

“It’s quite amazing to see how much he is not just supporting me, but all of the LPGA,” Korda said of James, 41. “He’s broadcasting a bunch of it on his own channels and that makes a really big difference. When athletes like him come together and support other athletes, it really does raise the bar and it brings in new fans. It’s extremely cool to see what a nut he is now about the game of golf.”

She added, “LeBron actually posting about us and really engaging with the Tour has brought in much more interest. It’s a great talking point.”

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As for her own celebration after the big Sunday win, Korda admitted she was “actually in bed by 10 p.m.”

“My friends would actually be super disappointed in me,” she said with a laugh. “They were really excited to see that I chugged out of a champagne bottle because I actually don’t drink at all. I did media for like two hours after. By the last interview, I couldn’t even put sentences together. I was so tired.”

Korda added, “After I was done, my whole family and friends were waiting for me and the staff at Riviera brought out some sushi for us. So that was a great way to celebrate with them.”

After the recent mixed reception to The Mandalorian and Grogu, it’s clear that Star Wars isn’t the undisputed hit franchise it used to be. While Star Wars continues to thrive in the area of made-for-streaming animation, live-action endeavors have been largely hit or miss, with even the best outings failing to live up to their own hype. However, apart from Rogue One and its television prequel Andor, arguably the most rewatchable Star Wars project of the Disney era is the highly underrated Solo: A Star Wars Story.

‘Solo’ Recaptured the Fun of an Old Fashioned Space Western

From the very beginning, it seemed that Solo had a rough go of it. Between all the behind-the-scenes drama and the controversy surrounding Alden Ehrenreich‘s replacement of Harrison Ford, many were determined to write off this prequel before it ever had the chance to “punch it” to hyperspace. But despite all of these challenges, Solo — which was ultimately completed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by veteran franchise scribe Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan Kasdan — offered an action-packed glimpse into the life of Han Solo long before we met him on Tatooine. Of course, what Solo does best (and what convinced this author to see it three times in theaters) is to recapture the excitement of a traditional space Western, echoing the genre that helped inspire George Lucas‘ original vision for the Star Wars franchise.

To say that Solo is anything less than a Western would be a blatant misreading of the film. This is a movie that follows a plucky on-the-run outlaw who gambles for his next ride, battles a small posse of warriors (who he later becomes sympathetic for), and opposes the encroaching armed forces in the midst of their campaign of “galactic westward expansion.” These genre elements don’t just undergird the entire picture, but they keep the whole plot moving as Han does all he can to earn enough to fly off with Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) into the sunset. It’s from this vantage point that Solo is most enjoyed. Not as just another Star Wars prequel or a simple sci-fi adventure, but as a pulp Western set among the stars that aims high despite its occasional flounders.

Of course, where the “space Western” branding becomes especially clear is in sequences such as its pulse-pounding train heist. At the end of the first act, Han and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) join Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and his crew to steal the shipment of coaxium right out from under the Empire’s nose. What should be a simple job becomes increasingly complicated when Enfys Nest (Erin Kellyman) arrives in search of the same cargo. The whole thing is explosive and anxiety-inducing and appropriately sets the stage for the rest of the picture — perhaps not unlike the series of train robberies at the beginning of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. More than anything, it comes across as being so downright space-and-horse operatic that we’re on the edge of our seat for whatever comes next.

‘Solo’ Deserves More Credit for Recapturing That Star Wars Magic

For as much as Solo works as a space Western, it is also unequivocally a heist movie — one that deserves a second look almost a decade later. Yet, it’s Ehrenreich’s performance as a young Solo that ties it all together. No doubt, Ehrenreich echoes the previous efforts of Ford, but he does so while offering his own unique spin better suited to a younger version of the character. It’s almost a shame we never got a sequel, because his casting alone solidifies the notion that recasting is always better than uneven CGI facial reconfigurations. His version of Han is a bit less cynical than in the years before A New Hope, but we can see how this latest job has jaded him when it comes to trusting others (well, except maybe Chewie).

Admittedly, Solo struggles at times with its eye-rolling droid subplot, an overreliance on fan-service, and some half-baked franchise cameos. There’s no doubt about it. However, the film’s positively nostalgic tone and careful attention to character mix well with the Kasdans’ clear goal of unpacking what makes Han Solo tick. In short, unlike many of the Disney efforts that have since graced the big or small screens, Solo feels like Star Wars — even without the Jedi.

Sydney Sweeney finally points out the culprit behind her highly speculated dynamic with Zendaya.

The “Euphoria” star has clarified on what truly transpired between her and Zendaya on the set of their HBO series and how it has played out in real life, truly amplified by fans.

Sydney Sweeney and her co-star were introduced to the world on the HBO hit series, written by Sam Levinson. The series first premiered in 2019 and launched Sweeney’s career as one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood.

The release of the third season of “Euphoria” came with several speculations about an ongoing feud between Sweeney and Zendaya. According to theories, the stars were not getting along due to Sweeney’s alleged political leanings and an alleged secret affection for Zendaya’s fiancé, Tom Holland.

Viewers had noticed that Sweeney and Zendaya shared little to no screen time from pictures and clips behind the scenes on set. However, Sweeney has pushed back on that narrative, suggesting that social media and all its users have a way of exaggerating normal production interaction into realities.

Sweeney noted that the cast of “Euphoria” practically grew up together on stage, and it has been an out-of-body experience to see several untrue theories being propagated about their relationship.

“It’s honestly crazy to watch how much social media and the press spin things,” she said. “I was in first position to HBO. So the moment they say, ‘Hey, this is the first day of filming,’ I’m legally not allowed to do anything else. So my schedule doesn’t affect the show. And so that was funny to watch everybody spin narratives on it. All of us were in first position, so it wasn’t like any of our schedules were holding it up.”

She made the comment in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, but fans noticed that Sweeney did not directly address rumors about Zendaya specifically. That being said, fans have seen her post behind-the-scenes photos of the series, in which the actress was missing. Instead, cast members such as Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and the late Eric Dane graced the gallery.

Rumors have also been around the block for years, with unverified reports claiming that Sweeney had previously expressed interest in Holland after rummaging through his internet posts.

The Marvel Star’s Absence From ‘Euphoria’ Photoshoot Gets A New Explanation 

Other reports noted that Zendaya did not participate with Sweeney in promotional photoshoots that were connected to Season 3, and the two actresses seemed to stay apart in public photoshoots.

The speculation continued to ramp up in March when Sweeney was conspicuously missing from a Euphoria photoshoot of the cast. 

As shared by The Blast, later reports clarified that Sweeney’s absence was due to filming, not personal conflict. Once again, questions arose after the Season 3 premiere when viewers shared videos online and thought the actresses looked distant from each other.

However, not all people involved in the HBO series endorse the story. Rumors of behind-the-scenes tension were brushed aside by cast member Jessica Blair Herman, who said the atmosphere was very different.

During her television appearance, Herman explained that it was an ideal match for the actresses because they had established a professional relationship with each other. 

When asked about the lack of behind-the-scenes footage of the two together, Herman explained that their characters rarely shared scenes. She added that filming was frequently on different schedules, which meant there were fewer opportunities for interaction than fan expectations may have.

Sydney Sweeney Defended Her Character’s Choices, Insists Her Person Is A Separate Entity

The Blast stated that the media personality drew a clear line between herself and her “Euphoria” viral character, Cassie Howard.

After witnessing serious backlash over Cassie’s storyline on the show’s third season, especially about the OnlyFans gig, Sweeney insisted that portraying a character does not mean endorsing every decision they make.

The actress continued that the show’s creator, Levinson, walked her through Cassie’s arc before filming and made space for conversations about the direction of the storyline.

Sweeney explained that while she may not personally relate to Cassie’s choices or make the same decisions in real life, her responsibility as an actor is to commit to the character’s journey fully.

For her, the goal was not to judge Cassie but to portray her honestly, and this also means completely embracing the character’s emotional extremes and vulnerability while bringing Levinson’s creative vision to screen.

The Actress Was Reportedly Very Interested In Completely Embodying Cassie Howard

In the spirit of true professionalism, Sweeney gave further insights into the journey and story of Cassie, establishing that she never saw her choices as random.

The actress noted that Cassie’s actions, however perceived, were rooted in patterns which were fueled by emotional inadequacies and a constant search for validation.

She added that Cassie only felt seen and worthy when people loved her, and her decision to go into the adult industry was an extension of that mindset.

For Sweeney, it was not just about paying attention to Cassie but being seen as important, understood, and a piece of a larger puzzle than her day-to-day life.

Meanwhile, Levinson revealed his initial thoughts to make the storyline more ambiguous, and he looked at decreasing the nudity on Cassie’s arc. However, Sweeney rejected the notion as it would be cheating on the world of the character to avoid engaging it.

Levinson stated the discussion influenced his method of shooting and the value of remaining honest with the character’s journey. He went on to commend her dedication on set, saying she was bold in her choices and always ready to be in the part.

Sydney Sweeney Cements Her Hollywood Takeover With New Production Company

The actress added another feather to her cap and dipped her feet into the challenging waters of production with the launch of her production company, Honey Trap.

As noted by The Blast, Sweeney stated that the company’s creative vision is the ability to tell bold, emotionally charged stories in film and television, using contrasts and complexity. 

She co-founded it with her longtime collaborator Kaylee McGregor, and the company has begun moving forward with some projects, including an upcoming “Barbella” remake in conjunction with Sony.

Honey Trap also landed its first major feature project with an adaptation of filmmaker and author Lindsey Anderson Beer’s debut novel, “Hollow.” 

Sweeney will reportedly star in and produce the movie, while Beer will direct and adapt the script. Backed by LuckyChap Entertainment and Beer’s Lab Brew, the project marks a major step for Honey Trap, along with its first-look partnership with Sony Pictures.