Days of Our Lives leaves fans hanging with no closure on Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) fate, because her body hasn’t been found, dead or alive. And now, we’ve got Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) and Arianna Horton (Vico Escorcia) heading out to the family cabin for some vacay time.

Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) offered the girls the cabin after Amy Choi (Shi Ne Nielson) had just terrorized Holly again. So, we’re going to talk about whether Holly and Ari along with Tate Black (Leo Howard) and Aaron Green (Louis Tomeo) will find Sophia at the cabin one way or another in one form or another.

Days of Our Lives: Holly & Ari’s Cabin Vacation & Sophia’s Mystery

Now, let’s get into it. So, Sarah knows how stressful it’s been on Holly with the accusations that Amy is making about Holly’s role in Sophia’s alleged suicide. But Ari and Holly’s fun in the sun trip to the cabin with the guys could turn into a nightmare if they find Sophia Choi while they’re out at the family cabin together.

You know, 2026 has been a rough year so far for Holly and for Ari, especially when it comes to their former best friend Sophia. And yes, she targeted Holly and nearly burned down her and Ari’s dorm room. But nothing compares to losing their ex bestie Sophia to this apparent suicide.

Their backstory is that Ari, Sophia and Holly were thick as thieves growing up, but then at the time of Sophia’s alleged death, she was on the outs with both Holly and Ari because of how Sophia tried to ruin Holly’s life. It was all about Sophia’s ongoing obsession with Tate. And because Ari and Holly said unkind but accurate things about Sophia on social media, Amy blames them both, but Holly more so, for Sophia’s death because of that.

Amy Choi Furious on DOOL

Now, Amy didn’t even back down when Belle Black (Martha Madison) told Amy there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest Holly for manslaughter. And then Amy got even angrier when Belle pointed out that her investigators found out it was Sophia herself who started that post on social media inviting people to say hateful things about her. That wasn’t something that Amy would accept or believe and is clear she remains in denial about her daughter.

Days of Our Lives: Amy’s Civil Lawsuit and EJ’s Vow

And this week, Sophia’s mom had a heart-to-heart talk with Melinda Trask (Tina Huang). And with criminal charges off the table, Amy now wants to bring a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Holly. But after Amy confronted Holly and EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) found his ex-stepdaughter crying in the square, he made a vow. So EJ told Holly he would take care of Amy himself. And that was before Xander Cook Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) inserted himself into the conversation uninvited and was trying to chase EJ away from Holly.

Then when Ari and Holly were at Brady Pub, that’s when Sarah heard about the nasty confrontation with Amy Choi. And then Holly also told Sarah about EJ saying that he would take care of Amy for her. Also that Xander jumped in being all protective as well. Sarah knows that Holly needs some time to just have fun and not think about all this extra trauma drama that Amy is trying to inflict on Holly.

So, for right now, Ari and Holly are super eager to head out to the Horton cabin for a little R&R. I also suspect that Tate and Aaron are going to go along for a little mini teen scene vacation. You know, teen scene, young 20s. But when Ari and Holly head up there, they may find an unexpected and unwanted guest lurking. And we have to wonder, will the girls find Sophia Choi there?

Days of Our Lives: Is Sophia Alive or Dead?

Now, we still don’t know if Amy’s daughter’s dead or alive. After Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) gaslighted Sophia into trying to kill Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) and promised her that fresh start and that she could leave town, things went sideways really fast because Kristen got Sophia to meet her in that remote spot out by the river.

And then, of course, Kristen smashed a rock into Sophia’s skull. And then Kristen had her goons throw Sophia over the edge into the water. and the Salem PD have searched. They also sent out search and rescue divers, but nobody has yet found Sophia’s body in the Salem River or found her alive somewhere.

Sophia Alive on Days of our Lives?

So, this could mean Amy’s daughter somehow survived or, you know, Sophia may have floated away downstream from where Kristen had her thrown into the chilly water. And we have seen a glimpse of Sophia a couple of times since then, but that was basically Kristen hallucinating her. And I think she was seeing Sophia because of Kristen’s guilty conscience.

But we also know that Sophia’s portrayer, Rachel Boyd, was taken off contract in late April and her name was removed from the closing credits. However, that’s common practice for soaps to do that. Even if a character is not gone for good and they’re just gone for now, sometimes they do that.

Plus, as you know, Days of Our Lives is a revolving door of characters in and out. And at the Peacock soap, like with Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) and EJ and Will Horton (Chandler Massey) and many others, even death is not an obstacle to returning back to the soap. So even if Sophia is dead, she could still come back, but she may actually be alive.

Days of Our Lives: The Cabin Discovery and EJ’s Discovery of Kristen’s Plan

It would be nice to have some closure, though, and Holly and Ari may find her at the cabin. I would not be surprised if Sophia somehow survived the ordeal that Kristen put her through and she’s been hiding out and just biding her time to strike when the time is right. Plus, Sophia would have needed time to recover from being bashed in the head with a big old rock.

We also have more coming on this from the summer promo because if you think about it, only a couple of people know that Kristen made a deal with Sophia for her to take out Johnny. There was the two of them and there was the henchman, you know, but in the long promo, we’ve got EJ going ballistic on Kristen and you’ll see EJ blasting his sister for trying to kill his son Johnny.

And you got to wonder, how does EJ find out what Kristen was up to? You know, it could be that Holly and Ari’s little vacation out to the Horton cabin either turns up Sophia or turns up her body. I don’t know the geography around Salem for where the river is versus the cabin, but if it’s downstream, it would make sense.

Proof of Foul Play Rules Out Suicide on Days

After Kristen cracked her in the head and her goons tossed Sophia into the water, the Salem River should have slowed the bleeding from the head wound and she might have just floated right down and bobbed up on shore and then Sophia might have crawled to the cabin if she survived. Or Sophia might have gotten stuck downstream and Holly, Ari, and the guys might stumble upon her corpse while out hiking or boating near the cabin, which would be disturbing.

But an autopsy would show that Sophia was the victim of homicide, not suicide, because of the crack on the back of the skull. So, they might realize it was foul play and circle back to the gun that a girl like Sophia shouldn’t have access to. And if she died from head trauma instead of drowning, that’s another red flag. There may be some text or some calls between Kristen and Sophia on that burner phone she had. And bottom line is there could be evidence that links Kristen to Sophia. Or maybe she somehow survived and she rats out Kristen.

It kind of feels way too random for Sarah to just up and send Ari and Holly to the Horton cabin for nothing to happen. So, I feel like that’s out of left field. We haven’t seen that cabin in a good long while. And especially since we know that EJ finds out soon that Kristen tried to have Johnny killed. I feel like this is what sets us on that path. Hopefully, they’ll find Sophia alive because if she’s a corpse, it’s going to be a whole horror show at that point and you’d hate for the kids to stumble upon that.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 15 seconds ago

I can’t think of anybody other than Stephen King when it comes to creators who go all in at times when they probably shouldn’t. I guess Nicolas Cage comes close, but it’s apples and oranges comparing an actor getting hired to bring somebody else’s vision to life and a novelist deciding he could direct a feature-length film like 1986’s Maximum Overdrive. While I don’t celebrate Stephen King’s entire catalog for no other reason than he’s more prolific than I’m willing to keep up with, I know his output is a mixed bag.

Then again, that’s the point of being prolific. For every cinematic adaptation of his work that lands, like Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining or Rob Reiner’s Misery, there’s a clunker like Maximum Overdrive.

Then again, again … Maximum Overdrive is such a tone-deaf and occasionally visually enthralling effort on King’s part that I can’t help but kind of love it. Make no mistake, this is a terrible movie based on a short story called “Trucks,” and the entire premise is basically “trucks go smash and so do vending machines, and stuff.” There’s really not much to latch onto here, but it’s so much fun. Heck, it’s even fun imagining how this movie was made.

While those who worked closely with Kubrick have gone on record about his process while making The Shining, which involved photographing scale replicas of the Overlook Hotel in his attempts to get the lighting just right, I’m imagining Stephen King on his hands and knees hovering over a scale replica of the Dixie Boy Truck Stop with a bunch of Micro Machines and Hot Wheels, making motor and explosion noises with his mouth. Probably in matching truck pajamas.

It’s actually beautiful.

Trucks Go Smash, And Emilio Estevez Is There Too

Here’s the entire plot to Maximum Overdrive, and it’s probably the most concise rundown I’ll ever run on this site: “Trucks go kablam.”

That’s literally it.

There’s all this stuff about rogue comet Rhea-M and how machines become violent when Earth crosses its tail. But the only reason that explanation exists is because the idea of sentient trucks, vending machines, pinball machines, cash registers, gas pumps, and so on, wouldn’t otherwise make sense. What I don’t think Stephen King considered going into production for Maximum Overdrive is that none of this makes sense, and it isn’t supposed to.

“Trucks,” depending on the page format you’re reading, is somewhere between 16 and 25 pages long. There’s no comet. Machines just start going hog-wild, and a bunch of people in a diner have to deal with being surrounded by murderous motor vehicles. On its own, it’s an insane story, but its brevity works in its favor. You get the conflict without needing to think about the source of it because it’s just happening, and then it’s over. You get in and out quickly, saying to yourself, “Well, that was an ordeal!”

Maximum Overdrive suffers from the worst kind of bloat because Stephen King had to stretch the premise to a 98-minute runtime. We’re given too many characters, led by Emilio Estevez’s Bill Robinson, in an all-out war between man and machine. But The Terminator came out just two years earlier and set the bar far higher than Maximum Overdrive could ever hope to reach.

It’s Still Supremely Fun

As much as it sounds like I’m dunking on Maximum Overdrive, a movie with a 14% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, I kind of love it. None of it makes sense. Everybody is acting super seriously because this is an official Stephen King joint, and he by then had serious clout as a writer whose work had been successfully adapted to film when in more competent hands. It’s meant to be terrifying and thought provoking. Instead, it plays like a grown man spinning in circles on his living room floor, throwing his Hess Truck through a Lego fuel station and pantomiming fireballs erupting from the field of play, like a child.

One of the earliest scenes in this movie involves a Little League coach suffering a fatal head wound after a vending machine launches rogue cans of cola at him. It’s bonkers. It’s gonzo. It’s a bunch of humans hiding inside a gas station while a convoy of trucks waits outside, hungry to kill.

Come to think of it, if we could get a version of this in 2026 with Nicolas Cage in it, I’d pay for D-Box seats. Still, you can watch 1986’s Maximum Overdrive for free on Tubi. Or you can do something else. Those are your options.

A new lawsuit has placed Kiefer Sutherland at the center of serious allegations months after his January arrest in Los Angeles.

An Uber driver claims the actor became violent during a late-night ride, leaving him injured and fearing for his safety.

The legal filing paints a troubling picture of an encounter that allegedly escalated from confusion and frustration into threats, physical violence, and police involvement.

According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Uber driver Rafael Manvelyan has filed a lawsuit against Sutherland, accusing him of assault and battery following an incident that allegedly occurred on January 12.

The actor, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the hit series “24,” was detained by police that same day on suspicion of making criminal threats.

The lawsuit claims Sutherland entered Manvelyan’s vehicle near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue before the situation deteriorated during the ride.

Manvelyan alleges that he suffered injuries to his head, face, neck, spine, and shoulder as a result of the confrontation.

He is seeking damages for the physical and emotional harm he claims to have experienced.

Driver Details Disturbing Encounter

The lawsuit contains a series of allegations describing Kiefer Sutherland’s behavior before and during the ride.

According to Manvelyan, the actor appeared “visibly intoxicated” when he entered the vehicle and allegedly needed assistance from another person to get inside.

The driver, whose primary languages are Russian and Armenian, claims communication difficulties quickly created tension between them. Court documents allege Sutherland became “agitated” when he struggled to understand him.

The filing further states that Sutherland allegedly grew “increasingly hostile, aggressive, confrontational” during the trip while “yelling and being verbally abusive.”

Claims Of Physical Violence And Death Threats

Manvelyan claims the confrontation became physical while he was still behind the wheel. According to the lawsuit, Sutherland allegedly “intentionally attacked” him and “repeatedly struck” him in the “head, face, neck and upper body with closed fists.”

The lawsuit also alleges that the actor placed the driver in a “chokehold” and made threats against his life.

After exiting the vehicle, Manvelyan claims Sutherland followed him down the street while yelling, “I’m going to kill you.”

The driver further alleges that his dashcam captured portions of the incident and that witnesses were present during at least part of the confrontation.

He also claims officers who arrived at the scene observed bruising and swelling on his forehead.

Kiefer Sutherland’s Accuser Speaks Through Attorney

While Manvelyan has not spoken publicly about the allegations himself, his attorney, Mitra Sabouri, issued a statement explaining why the lawsuit was filed.

Sabouri told the Daily Mail, “Mr. Manvelyan is a private citizen who did not seek public attention. He filed this action to pursue legal remedies for the injuries and damages he alleges he suffered.”

She also addressed the existence of alleged video evidence, saying, “Out of respect for his privacy, we are not releasing the dashcam footage, and we will allow the facts and evidence to be addressed through the court process.”

The attorney’s comments suggest that any footage or additional evidence connected to the case may emerge through legal proceedings rather than through the media.

As of now, the allegations remain claims made in a civil lawsuit and have not been proven in court.

Kiefer Sutherland’s Past Legal Troubles Return To The Spotlight

The lawsuit has renewed attention on several previous legal incidents involving Sutherland.

In 2007, the actor pleaded no contest to driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test. Because he had already been convicted of DUI in 2004, he was sentenced to 48 days in jail.

Two years later, Sutherland was arrested after an altercation involving fashion designer Jack McCollough following a fundraising event at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Those charges were eventually dropped after the actor publicly apologized.

His history with alcohol has also been a topic he previously addressed himself.

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2016, Sutherland reflected on his relationship with drinking and the consequences that sometimes followed.

“I was never the guy, if something was wrong in my life or something wasn’t right, I didn’t go drown my sorrows,” he said.

The actor continued, “One of the things I love to do is go out with my friends and tell stories and have a bunch of drinks…”

He later offered an even more candid assessment of his past experiences.

“I can also look back on my life and tell you very squarely that the only bad things that have ever happened to me in my life have been because I like to go to bars and have drinks with my friends,” Sutherland said.

He added, “I would be lying if I told you that there weren’t moments where I felt I let it get away from me.”

Whew! Sean Reifel is speaking out after his early exit from ‘Love Island USA,’ reflecting on his short but memorable time in the villa. The 29-year-old became the first islander eliminated from Season 8 after being left single during the opening recoupling, ending his run in Fiji just days into the competition. And fans want him right back on their screens ASAP.

RELATED: Yikes! Sean Reifel’s Mom Claps Back After Mayor Calls Him Out For Leaving Police Job To Join ‘Love Island USA’ Season 8

Sean Reifel Reacts To Love Island USA Exit

Taking to Instagram on June 12, Sean Reifel showed love to fans who supported him throughout his journey. “I can’t thank you all enough for the love you showed me,” he wrote. “From all the videos to the funny a** pictures that became the background to my group chats. All of it was more than appreciated.” During his time in the villa, Sean initially formed a connection with Beatriz Hatz, but she ultimately coupled up with bombshell Gabriel Vasconcelos, which left him vulnerable at the first dumping.

Sean Reifel’s Sister Speaks On Emotional Villa Exit

While Sean has now addressed his exit, his sister Brice Marie was already sharing behind-the-scenes insight during the season. After his departure aired on June 7, she revealed on TikTok that the family had been notified ahead of time. “I did find out earlier today that Sean would be the one being dumped or sent home…because the family was told,” she said, later adding, “I still cried watching it,” while praising his character and saying it was clear he made strong connections in the villa.

Brice also suggested that Sean’s stage in life may have influenced his experience, noting that as a single father he may have been at a different point than many of the other islanders. Before joining the show, Sean also drew attention for leaving his job as a police officer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a move that sparked public conversation ahead of the season premiere.

@briceymarie Thank you all for all of the supportive and kind messages about Sean. I can’t wait for him to see them when he gets home. ❤️ Follow Sean on socials: ✨Instagram: parm3_sean ✨TikTok: seanathan96 #LoveIsland #loveislandusa #seanloveisland #peacock #loveislandseason8 @Love Island USA @Peacock ♬ original sound – Brice Marie

Fans Ain’t Here For Sean Reifel Exit News

One Instagram user @aleace4l said, “They said he quit for nothing but nah he quit a dangerous job to find love…. I hope he gets all the brand deals!“

This Instagram user @loveejasmineee added, “Mannn why did they kick my man offf😭😭😭”

And, Instagram user @ceerob_ claimed, “I feel like Kenzie was gonna pick him, but Corbin sabotaged that. 🥹”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @youfound.leilaa wrote, “I thought for sureeeee they would bring him back 😣”

While Instagram user @mariiplayh0use commented, “We can vote him back in orrrr?????“

Finally, Instagram user @dajuiciestfr shared, “My shaaylaaaa 😩😩😭”

Sean Reifel May Have To Reapply For Old Job

RELATED: Lizzo’s ‘Love Island USA’ Elimination Take Sparks Debate As Fans Rally Behind Melanie (VIDEO)

Digital eye strain is the catch-all term for the burning, blurring and aching that hits after hours on a laptop or phone, and an estimated 60 million people worldwide deal with it. Here is what causes the condition, what the symptoms feel like and how doctors recommend treating it.

What Are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

The most common symptoms of digital eye strain include blurry vision, watery eyes, dry eyes and tired eyes, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Other frequent complaints from people with computer vision syndrome are red eyes, a foreign body sensation, sensitivity to light and double vision. Around 60 million people worldwide are estimated to have CVS, and one million new cases are reported annually, according to a study published in BMC Public Health. The symptoms also extend beyond your eyes. A 2022 review in the European Journal of Ophthalmology noted that “extraocular symptoms include musculoskeletal symptoms which can result in inconvenience in daily routine activities. These may include body discomfort like headache, neck or shoulder pain, and back pain.”

Advertisement

Related: Quitting Ozempic Triggers a Gut Chain Reaction, so What Happens Next?

Maybe the cost of Ozempic finally got to you. Maybe the nausea never really went away, or you hit your goal weight and figured it was time to discontinue use. Whatever pushed you toward your last dose, one question tends to follow close behind: what happens now? Going off Ozempic isn’t as simple as just […]

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome From Screen Use?

Computer vision syndrome develops when you use digital devices for several hours without taking a break, according to Cleveland Clinic. Computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones can all trigger it.

Warby Parker lists three main culprits. People unconsciously blink less often when viewing a digital device, they look at screens with glare or improper lighting and they hold devices too close to their face. Each of those habits forces your eyes to work harder than they would during normal vision tasks, which is why a long workday in front of a monitor often ends with headaches, blurred sight and that gritty, tired feeling.

How Can You Prevent Digital Eye Strain at Your Desk?

The most effective fix is adjusting your workspace, and the American Optometric Association says screen positioning matters most.

“Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes,” the association notes.

The group also recommends positioning the screen to avoid glare from overhead lighting or windows, using blinds or drapes and replacing desk lamp bulbs with lower-wattage options. Keeping your monitor about an arm’s length away and at a neutral angle reduces neck and back strain too. Cedars-Sinai also advises seeing your eye care provider at least once a year for a checkup if you wear corrective lenses.

How Is Digital Eye Strain Treated by Doctors?

For most people, symptoms are temporary and fade once computer work stops, according to the American Diabetes Association. Anyone with lingering discomfort should schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Cleveland Clinic recommends making a conscious effort to blink more often, since blinking encourages tears that moisten your eyes. Providers may also suggest over-the-counter or prescription eye drops. The American Diabetes Association notes that “90 percent of patients do not talk with their eye care provider about computer vision syndrome symptoms,” so raising the issue at your next appointment is a simple but underused step. If your eyes stay red, blurry or painful for days at a time, see a professional rather than waiting it out.

Contact lens users often find dry eye to be an ongoing problem when they spend long stretches in front of digital devices, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The academy suggests giving your eyes a break by wearing glasses instead on heavy computer days, never sleeping in your contacts even if they are labeled “extended wear” and sticking to good cleaning practices to avoid irritation. Some symptoms warrant professional attention rather than another round of drops. If your eyes are consistently red, blurry or watery, or if they become sensitive to light or painful, see your ophthalmologist. Pairing those habits with the workspace adjustments recommended by the American Optometric Association can keep digital eye strain from turning into a daily nuisance.

Clayton Howard, one of the male escorts involved in Cassie and Diddy’s freak-offs, isn’t backing down after previously filing a lawsuit against the pair. Cassie isn’t letting up either, though; she’s now accusing Howard of harassment, claiming he made threats towards her on social media.

RELATED: UPDATE: Cassie Reportedly Reveals She’s Moved Out Of United States As She Responds To Lawsuit Filed Against Her By Male Escort 

Cassie Accuses Former Male Escort Of Making Threats

According to TMZ, Cassie’s lawyers sent a letter on Thursday, June 11, to help respond to Clayton Howard’s lawsuit against her. TMZ obtained the note, which reportedly says Clayton posted a video on social media where he allegedly said, “B***h, I’m going to burn you out with fire. You want to play stupid games, you can win stupid prizes.”

The singer’s legal team also claims Clayton called her a “wh**e” on social media, which they argue amounts to victim-blaming language. They further allege that Clayton has carried out a public campaign to harass and intimidate her. Although Cassie now reportedly lives outside the United States, she has asked the court to schedule a hearing where she plans to seek an order that would prohibit Clayton from publicly attacking her.

Here’s What Clayton Previously Said About Cassie

Clayton Howard previously filed a lawsuit against Diddy and Cassie, formerly known as Cassandra Ventura. In July 2025, Howard filed a bombshell complaint claiming he contracted an STD from Ventura. He also alleged that he impregnated her, which led her to get an abortion.

“Ventura was not merely a victim forced into sexual encounters with male escorts, but rather an active and engaged participant who willingly manipulated and exploited others, including Plaintiff, to satisfy the sexually depraved desires of Defendant Combs and herself,” Clayton Howard reportedly stated in his lawsuit.

Additionally, Howard accused Ventura of manipulating him into taking drugs and engaging in unprotected sex. However, TMZ’s latest report states that Howard previously reached out to Cassie’s husband, Alex Fine over previous years. Per Cassie’s legal, he allegedly expressed happiness that she was finally getting justice amid Diddy’s explosive trial.

However, Howard says he “never stated [Cassie] was an innocent victim.” Instead, he believes she was a victim of Diddy’s, but her actions still harmed him.

Ventura Responds To Male Escort’s Lawsuit While Giving Update On Her Whereabouts

Per TMZ’s exclusive report from June 2, Cassie filed a declaration on May 1, 2026, in response to the lawsuit Clayton Howard filed against her and Diddy. In the filing, she reportedly stated that she now lives outside of the United States.“I do not intend to move back to the United States. I am a citizen of the United States […] I am not a resident of the State of California,” Ventura reportedly wrote.

However, Cassie also noted that she can attend court proceedings in New York since her attorneys are based there. While she confirmed that she resides abroad, she did not disclose her current location in the declaration.

RELATED: Awww! Did Cassie Share Glimpse Of Baby Number Three With Her Sweet Birthday Message To Alex Fine? (PHOTO) 

The King of Pop has reclaimed the crown.

After months of dominating the global box office, Michael has officially surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing music biopic ever released. The milestone marks a historic achievement for the film and adds another chapter to what has already been one of the biggest theatrical success stories of 2026.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his legendary uncle, Michael has captivated audiences around the world since its release. The film opened to record-breaking numbers and has continued to demonstrate impressive staying power throughout its theatrical run, ultimately pushing past the worldwide total achieved by Bohemian Rhapsody.

Released in 2018, Bohemian Rhapsody became a global phenomenon, earning more than $900 million worldwide while introducing a new generation of fans to the music of Queen. The film’s remarkable success helped reignite interest in music biopics across Hollywood and established a box office benchmark that many believed would stand for years.

Eight years later, Michael has managed to do what no other music biopic could.

A Global Event For Audiences

Part of the film’s success can be attributed to the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson himself. Widely regarded as one of the most influential entertainers in history, Jackson’s music continues to resonate across multiple generations and international markets.

That global appeal translated directly into ticket sales. From North America to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, audiences turned out in massive numbers to experience Jackson’s story on the big screen. The film’s combination of iconic musical performances, elaborate production design, and emotional storytelling helped create an event that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

While critical reactions were more mixed, audience enthusiasm remained consistently strong throughout the film’s run. Positive word-of-mouth helped sustain momentum well beyond opening weekend, allowing Michael to maintain impressive box office legs as it climbed toward the record.

Jafaar Jackson, Michael [credit: Universal Pictures]

The Latest Win For Music Biopics

The success of Michael also reinforces the continued popularity of music biopics in Hollywood. Over the past decade, films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, Elvis, and A Complete Unknown have demonstrated that audiences remain eager to learn more about the artists behind some of the world’s most beloved songs.

However, Michael has now established a new standard for the genre.

Its record-breaking performance proves that compelling stories centered around legendary musicians can still attract massive theatrical audiences in an era increasingly dominated by franchises, superheroes, and established intellectual properties.

What’s Next?

With its newest box office milestone secured, Michael has cemented its place in cinematic history. Surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody is more than just another record—it represents a defining moment for both the film and the music biopic genre as a whole.

Whether the record stands for years or eventually falls to another musical icon’s story remains to be seen. For now, however, Michael sits alone at the top of the mountain as the highest-grossing music biopic ever released.

And judging by the film’s incredible run so far, that achievement feels like a fitting tribute to one of the most successful entertainers the world has ever known.

Jennifer Garner is reportedly concerned about her ex-husband Ben Affleck as he navigates single life following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez.

According to a new report, Garner feels the actor should take a break and not rush into any new relationship.

This comes after Ben Affleck made a striking move to completely cut ties with Jennifer Lopez by gifting the singer his share of their marital home, which they have been struggling to sell.

Insiders close to Garner have revealed her concern over her ex-husband’s love life after his marriage to Lopez ended in divorce.

Garner reportedly believes Affleck should be focused on taking care of himself as he seems “happier” in his current single state.

“Jen thinks it might actually be good for Ben to take a break from dating for a while. She cares about him a lot and only wants what’s best for him at the end of the day,” a source said, per Page Six.

“From her perspective, he’s happier than he’s been in a long time, and she feels like it could be healthy for him to keep putting that energy into himself, his work, and his family instead of jumping into a relationship,” the source added.

Despite her concerns, the source noted that Garner has no interest in influencing her ex-husband’s love life and respects whatever decision he ultimately makes when it comes to romantic relationships.

“That said, she trusts Ben to make his own decisions and supports him either way,” the insider stated.

Ben Affleck Isn’t ‘Ruling Out Dating’ As Friends Offer To Set Him Up With A New Partner

While Garner might want Affleck to relax and focus more on himself, a second source told the news outlet that the “Good Will Hunting” star is open to returning to the dating scene.

Affleck also reportedly has friends who are looking to play matchmaker for him following his publicized split from Lopez.

“Ben isn’t ruling out dating and would be open to putting himself out there again,” the source noted.

They continued, “He has friends who have offered to set him up, but he’s also incredibly busy right now and isn’t sure he has the time for a serious, committed relationship.”

Away from relationships, the source shared that Affleck’s primary focus “at the moment” is his family and work-related projects, adding that “that’s where most of his energy is going.”

Jennifer Garner And Ben Affleck Have A Great Co-Parenting Relationship

Garner’s concern for Affleck’s love life is no surprise, as the former couple has a great co-parenting relationship despite their divorce.

The duo are regularly seen together on outings with their children, Violet, 20, Seraphina (Finn), 17, and Sam, 14, and even faced now-dispelled rumors that they were considering dating again after Affleck’s split from Lopez.

Despite how well they work together as co-parents, Garner recently admitted that there were some downsides to their kids having divorced parents.

While appearing on Bustle’s “One Nightstand” YouTube series, she opened up about raising her kids alongside Affleck.

“I think that I do a bit of both,” Garner stated. “And I think my kids’ dad does too. Especially when your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad, and he becomes dad and mom.”

“You kind of can’t help it, right?” she continued. “Because you don’t have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house.”

“There’s a little bit of loss in that, but there’s also something gained in that,” the actress added. “You also just learn. It’s made me let go and not focus so much on bringing up.”

Ben Affleck Gifted Jennifer Lopez His Share Of Their Marital Home

While Affleck seems to love spending time with his ex-wife Garner, the actor is reportedly doing everything he can to cut ties with his other ex-spouse, Lopez.

Although it has been over a year since the former couple settled their divorce, Affleck and Lopez were still linked due to their marital Beverly Hills mansion, for which they have been struggling to find a buyer.

With the house being the only property left for them to split in their divorce, the “Gone Girl” star made the surprising move to gift his share of the mansion to Lopez, making her the sole owner.

This left many shocked, with insiders claiming it was Affleck’s way of severing ties with the singer and moving on from their failed marriage.

A source also told Star Magazine that the move has left Lopez reconsidering their separation as she “can’t help but see it as proof he’s the good guy she fell in love with, and she’s back to hoping that somehow, they might be able to work it out.”

Ben Affleck And Jennifer Lopez’s Kids Remain Close

Despite their parents’ split, sources claim Affleck and Lopez’s kids have no plans to stop hanging out, with the actor’s son, Sam, recently supporting his former step-mom’s child, Emme, at their high school graduation.

According to a report, Affleck’s three kids, Violet, Seraphina, and Sam, and Lopez’s twins, Max and Emme, made a “pact” to remain in each other’s lives no matter what happens after the divorce.

“They hang out all the time and are even closer now than they were when their folks were still together,” an insider said. “Seeing how maturely their kids have behaved has been a real wake-up call for Ben, Jen, and J.Lo. That’s definitely rubbed off in terms of how they all interact with each other.”

Billy Corgan is still soaking up becoming a father of three in his late 50s.

“I’m 59, so there’s a bit of an age gap there,” the Smashing Pumpkins frontman exclusively told Us Weekly on the red carpet at the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York City on Thursday, June 11.

Corgan and his wife, Chloe Mendel Corgan, welcomed their first child, son Augustus, in November 2015 when the “1979” singer was 48. Their daughter Philomena arrived in October 2018 followed by another baby girl, Juno, in March 2025 when Corgan was 58.

“She’s a titanic force,” he told Us of his 14-month-old daughter. “We’re very excited. She’s just started talking.”

The musician joked that all three of his kids “have the Corgan insanity running through” them.

“Watching it emerge in real time is kind of like, ‘Oh, wow, OK. Now I understand why people have always had a problem with me!’” he added.

Corgan was infamously one of the most outspoken and mercurial rock stars of the 1990s, but he believes fatherhood has changed him for the better.

“I appreciate my life and music so much more since I’ve been a father because I have to really think hard,” he explained to Us. “‘OK, if I’m going to go away from my family, why am I going away?’ And I really celebrate my time in music now, where before when my life was only about music, it kind of drove me crazy because it was too obsessive. It’s like being too focused on something. It’s not helpful.”

Corgan attended Thursday’s Songwriters Hall of Fame event to perform a tribute to Kiss alongside Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik. In addition to Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, this year’s inductees included Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Billy Corgan Defends Taylor Swift and Length of Her ‘Tortured Poets‘ Album

Timothy Norris/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan is defending Taylor Swift and the length of her two-hour, 31-track album, The Tortured Poets Department. “Taylor Swift is one of the most gifted pop artists of all time,” Corgan, 57, told Irish Times in a new interview published Monday, June 3. “How […]

Advertisement

“I think [Swift] is a master with her lyrics and her melodies,” Rzeznik, 60, told Us on the red carpet. “Every single song she writes sounds like a hit — and the ones that aren’t hits sound like they could be. If they were in anybody else’s catalog, they would be hits.”

During her emotional acceptance speech, Swift — who at 36 became the youngest woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame — reflected on her journey in the industry.

“If I look back at my entire 23-year career in music,” she said, “the ups and downs, the industry battles, the trials and tribulations, the tears and the cheers and the dogpiling of doubt, the criticism, both fair and unfair, the complete loss of privacy, the world tours and the ego wars and the twists of fate, the absolute magical chaos of this path that I chose when I was too young to remember it ever being a choice at all, songwriting was the easiest thing I ever did.”

Disney+ has officially entered the short-form video game. After first teasing the feature during its CES Tech & Data Showcase earlier this year, Disney has now rolled out “Verts,” a TikTok-style vertical video feed designed to help subscribers discover content through swipeable clips on mobile devices.

Available directly within the Disney+ app, the feature allows users to scroll through memorable scenes and moments from movies and television shows, save titles to their Watchlist, share recommendations with friends, or jump directly into the full movie or episode when something catches their attention. Disney describes Verts as a “try-before-you-stream” experience that transforms browsing into a more interactive discovery tool. Rather than endlessly scrolling through rows of thumbnails, subscribers can swipe through bite-sized clips from across the Disney+ library to find their next watch.

The feature is currently exclusive to mobile devices and can be accessed through a dedicated Verts icon in the app’s navigation bar. Disney says the experience was specifically designed for on-the-go viewing, whether users are killing time during a commute, waiting in line, or simply looking for something new to watch before bed. Bundle subscribers will also see content from Hulu on Disney+ mixed into the feed, giving users an even broader selection of clips to browse. According to Disney, Verts currently focuses on showcasing memorable scenes from existing movies and series, though the company has indicated the experience will continue evolving with additional content formats in the future.

The launch isn’t happening in a vacuum. Verts represents another step in Disney’s growing push toward creator-driven and short-form content, areas that have traditionally been dominated by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The timing is particularly notable given Disney’s broader corporate direction. New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has made it clear that artificial intelligence will play a major role in the company’s future, building on initiatives already underway across Disney’s streaming, advertising, and consumer-facing products. While Disney executives have emphasized that AI is intended to enhance — not replace — human creativity, the company appears increasingly willing to embrace emerging technologies as it competes for audience attention in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Disney+ Continues to Expand What “Streaming” Looks Like

In recent years, Disney+ has quietly expanded its creator offerings through initiatives like the Creators Collection, which features family-friendly content from digital creators and production partners. Popular online personalities and brands have increasingly found a home on the service, with content ranging from educational programming and toy-focused videos to trick-shot entertainment and viral children’s programming like Gracie’s Corner.

Disney has also signaled broader ambitions in the user-generated content space. Alongside Verts, the company has been developing generative AI tools that could eventually allow subscribers to create and interact with their own Disney-inspired stories and experiences, further blurring the line between traditional streaming and participatory entertainment.

For Disney, the goal is clear: meet audiences where they already spend their time. While the company insists Verts is simply a discovery tool designed to help subscribers navigate its massive content library, the move also reflects a broader industry reality. Viewers, particularly younger audiences, increasingly consume entertainment in short-form, mobile-first formats before deciding what deserves their full attention.

Whether subscribers embrace the feature or see it as another sign that every platform is becoming a social media app remains to be seen. What is certain is that Disney+ no longer looks quite like the streaming service it launched as in 2019.