By Robert Scucci
| Updated 20 seconds ago

If you think about it, the Jurassic Park films are a lot like The Simpsons. There was a clear golden era, and then a bunch of crap continued to come out in subsequent decades. I can quote most episodes from the early seasons verbatim without any refreshers because they’re part of my DNA, but I couldn’t ever call myself a superfan because I tapped out around Season 12, and my relationship with the show never fully recovered.

The Jurassic Park franchise feels the same. While there was an immediate falloff after the original 1993 film, it really started grinding my gears when they rebooted with 2015’s Jurassic World and followed it up with a string of equally unmemorable sequels. I saw all of them at the drive-in because my kids love dinosaurs. I honestly don’t remember a single minute of those movies because they’re a bunch of budget-bloated nothing burgers. They made billions at the box office, but I’ve never met a person in the wild who thinks any of them are better than Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic.

My running theory is that as long as kids keep begging for dinosaur toys with the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World logos emblazoned on them, we’re going to keep getting mediocre movies. The franchise is making more money than ever, and I can only imagine how much merch they’re moving on the back end, which means they probably aren’t letting up anytime soon.

Having just taken the wife and kids to the drive-in on retro night to catch Jurassic Park, it’s clear why the first film remains undefeated. It’s a perfect movie. The animatronic dinosaurs still look better than much of the CGI slop we’re getting in the present day, and, most importantly, it’s the adventure of a lifetime where everybody does their part not only reliably, but exceptionally.

I’m Not Going To Explain The Entire Plot To Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park has been around for more than 30 years now, so I’m not going to bog you down with plot details. Instead, I’d rather talk about the one thing Jurassic Park has that none of the Jurassic World movies do: relatable, charismatic characters.

Literally every person who gets screen time in Jurassic Park chews the scenery, has something clever to say, is fully immersed in their surroundings, and every action properly escalates whatever conflict is waiting around the corner.

It’s beautiful, bordering on awe-inspiring.

What do the Jurassic World movies have aside from the willingness to remind everybody that Mercedes paid for a brand tie-in and Chris Pratt? I can’t think of any catchphrases or moments of levity that make me feel anything other than an underwhelmed, slow-simmering rage that makes me weep for the days when a movie felt like a cultural event rather than a line item on some studio executive’s spreadsheet.

In Jurassic Park, Ray Arnold (Samuel L. Jackson) says “hold onto your butts” after realizing Dennis’s (Wayne Knight) computer chastises him for not saying the magic word. The reason the computer acts up is because Dennis wants to shut down Jurassic Park’s security systems so he can smuggle dinosaur embryos onto the black market for a cool million dollars.

John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) is repeatedly told by Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) that he’s focusing on what his scientists could do rather than what they should do. Hammond’s grandchildren, Tim (Joseph Mazzello) and Lex (Ariana Richards), get caught in the middle of an ill-equipped and extremely dangerous dinosaur-themed amusement park at the exact moment lawyer Donald Gennaro (Martin Ferrero) is visiting to determine whether any of the investors should feel confident about this whole operation.

Caught in the middle of it all are our heroes, Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), who are initially thrilled by the potential of Hammond’s research but soon realize that resident cynic and chaos theory expert Ian Malcolm is right when he says “life finds a way.” His warning foreshadows the unsanctioned breeding problem that would allow the creatures inhabiting the park to quickly overrun their human counterparts.

Every moving part in Jurassic Park has a satisfying payoff. A cup of water rippling on a dashboard is the stuff of nightmares, and nobody’s safe when they go to the bathroom. The computer systems running the park are sophisticated but stretched to their limits, creating vulnerabilities. Hammond spared no expense bringing his vision to life, but Dennis ruins everything because he thinks he’s being underpaid. Every action has a consequence, and we’re drip-fed conflict after conflict with such great pacing that nothing ever feels overwhelming, yet nothing feels unresolved.

Jurassic Park Is A Perfect Movie

After watching Fallen Kingdom in 2018, my wife asked what I thought, and I responded, “That is one big pile of sh*t.” She agreed. Yet somehow, we ended up going to the other two sequels anyway. The kids were happy, but I think I actually had a better time watching The Garfield Movie.

While Jurassic Park was a big-budget blockbuster for its time, you can tell how much care went into its production that the newer films don’t have despite pumping even more money into the franchise. Everything feels lived in, from Dennis’s messy desk to the labs where scientists are toiling away on their latest affront to God through ethically questionable research.

Every personality clashes in either subtle or egregious ways, but everybody fits perfectly into their place. Alan Grant, who intimidates a little boy with a raptor claw early on, suddenly becomes a de facto father figure, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Ellie, who knows he’s good with kids but needs to figure that out for himself.

A commercial kitchen becomes the stuff of nightmares as two kids try to hide from velociraptors that would love nothing more than to eat them alive. Cars crash into trees. And Newman (say it in your Jerry Seinfeld voice) gets what’s coming to him when he gets blasted in the face by a Dilophosaurus. It’s a volatile chain of events that ultimately leads to disaster, but everything is so intentional that you can’t help but love it.

If you’re wondering whether Jurassic Park still holds up in 2026, especially after the most recent films have been incredibly underwhelming despite all the fanfare and financial success, you owe it to yourself to revisit the OG. It looks better, sounds better, and every character acts like they actually want to be there. There’s no time for moping, and all the rules are laid out plainly so we can sit back and watch a collection of vibrant personalities get thrust into an extraordinary situation that has no reasonable instruction manual.

Don’t believe me? See for yourself. As of this writing, Jurassic Park is currently streaming on Peacock, AMC+, and Philo.

Harlan Coben‘s I Will Find You featured a multitude of twists — but the most surprising had to do with Milo Ventimiglia.

After spending the entire season building up to the reveal of who had kidnapped David’s (Sam Worthington) son, it was revealed to be none other than Hayden (Ventimiglia). Executive producers Robert Hull and Coben weighed in on the intentionality.

“When you hear somebody like Milo, you usually think what about somebody like him. You don’t think he’s actually going to do it and be third on the call sheet,” Hull exclusively told Us Weekly.

The writing team was grateful for Ventimiglia. “Luckily for Milo, he doesn’t care. He just wants to play a great role,” Hull noted. “And we absolutely wanted to bring all the baggage of This Is Us. Not only that but Milo as a person is such a sweet, gentle, incredible soul.”

Related: 5 Best Harlan Coben Netflix Shows, Ranked: From ‘Safe’ to ‘The Innocent’

Best-selling author Harlan Coben has provided ample material for Netflix’s original series library. The crime and thriller novelist has written 35 novels, with 12 having been adapted for film and television. Currently, Coben has a deal with Netflix to pump out these heaters for years to come. With his latest adaptation, Harlan Coben’s Lazarus, already […]

He continued: “That’s why people fall in love with him. And to use that to our advantage of what we’re going to do here was absolutely a gift and absolutely intentional.”

Coben also confirmed that it was “so intentional.”

“Milo is one of the loveliest human beings besides a lovely actor and you immediately think of him and This Is Us and Gilmore Girls and Heroes,” the author added. “He’s such a likable presence that we were able to sort of exploit that. Let’s just say that.”

I Will Find You, which is streaming now, follows David Burroughs (Worthington), who is wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his son then receives information that his son may still be alive.

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“The biggest challenge for us was also our biggest asset,” Hull recalled about the experience. “Which is that very early on Harlan and I wanted to really shoot in the real world. We didn’t build a lot of sets.”

He added: “We were out on real streets, relocations, real stunts, real wirework, because even with vis effects, there’s nothing that can replace putting an incredible actor in a real location and just letting them bring it to life. Once you do that, your job’s kind of done.”

I Will Find You is streaming on Netflix now.

Get a rundown of Us Weekly‘s top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on June 18, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Hailee Steinfeld revealed her and husband Josh Allen‘s baby girl’s name as Harper Haize Allen in a heartfelt letter published in her Beau Society newsletter. The actress reflected on how motherhood has transformed her, allowing her to meet softer, stronger and more present versions of herself.

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• Paulina Porizkova pushed back on unsolicited weight loss advice after opening up about a 20-pound weight gain, telling fans she’s more comfortable in her body than ever. The supermodel said resisting aging takes too much time and money, and she’d rather spend hers elsewhere.

• Love Island USA host Ariana Madix shut down rigged voting accusations after Caleb McDaniel and Sol Dean were not announced as a top couple on the June 18 episode. Madix noted that production legally cannot tamper with results and urged fans to vote if they want their favorites to stay.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

The following contains spoilers for the finale of Every Year After.Prime Video‘s latest romance series, Every Year After, has captured the attention of romance lovers. Developed by Amy B. Harris and Leila Gerstein, the series is based on Carley Fortune‘s novel Every Summer After. Over eight episodes, the series chronicled the past and present relationship between childhood friends who became first loves, Sam Florek (Matt Cornett) and Percy Fraser (Sadie Soverall). As we await whether a second season of Every Year After will come to fruition, the final episode set up a huge direction for the next chapter of the story.

While Sam and Percy had a happy conclusion, it was not the same for Charlie Florek (Michael Bradway). Heavily dedicated to work, while at work, he suffers a heart attack. But his shocking medical emergency isn’t what caught book fans’ attention: just before the cliffhanger moment, as Charlie stood in his boss’ office, he recognized a photo on the wall that was of himself, Charlie, and Percy on the lake in a yellow boat. This image may be a major clue to Season 2’s newest upcoming romance: Charlie and Alice, provided Prime Video actually renews the show.

Charlie’s Love Life Might Be in the Spotlight for Season 2

Charlie’s shocking Season 1 ending is a significant plot point on many levels. From what viewers learned during Season 1, the dramatic moment is a parallel for the Floreks: Sam and Charlie’s father died at a young age from a heart attack. Then, should the series return for more, the photo is a major clue that hints at the direction of the next major romance on the show. The first season of Every Year After focuses on Fortune’s first book in the story, Every Summer After. Her follow-up, One Golden Summer, returns to Barry’s Bay and follows a photographer named Alice, who took said photo and returns to the lake to find romance with Charlie.

As showrunner Harris revealed to Collider, “Well, in One Golden Summer, his heart is an issue, so we wanted to approach that in an impactful way for the finale, and then I think his heart is broken, and he’s really struggling.” She continued to reveal, “That is a heartbreak to look at that picture of his happier times in his life, and realize he’s as far away from that as he’s ever been.” The key moment was meant to serve as an emotional and physical clue into the next chapter of his story. It’s an exciting prospect to consider, knowing where the journey ultimately heads.

‘Every Year After’ Season 2 Will Change Charlie As a Character

The plot of the sequel story will serve as a huge opportunity to flesh out Charlie. Based on the actions in the past and present from Season 1, Charlie wasn’t the most alluring of gentlemen. Using One Golden Summer, Harris will have the chance to show audiences a softened side of Charlie. The first season made some major changes to the characters, especially Charlie. He’s not the most likable individual, given the extramarital affair, the scheme to get Delilah (Abigail Cowen) the Tavern, and the long-held secret between himself and Percy. With the blueprint set out in One Golden Summer, audiences will see a different side of him. While he does have charisma, in the novel, he is a shameless flirt and adept at coaxing Alice out of her quiet shell. Something he showcased a bit during Season 1 with Percy. But here, the result won’t be catastrophic. It serves as a catalyst for an enduring connection.

It may come as a shock to some, but the novel reveals that Charlie has a romantic side. He and Alice share a deep emotional connection and intense romantic chemistry through their summer activities, though he views it as a summer fling. Now, back to the heart attack that got us to this moment. In the novel, Alice is the one who breaks through about his family’s health history and his true fears. With One Golden Summer taking place after the events of the original book, Charlie’s growth arc could be a complete game-changer. The twist heart attack may have been the best thing to happen to the character. Fortune knows there is something great in Charlie. Now, the TV fans will get to see that.

As Harris and Fortuned noted, there is more room for Sam and Percy’s story to evolve; going back in time to give Charlie a chance to shine will not only open up the series’ storytelling ability but also push the romance focus to new characters, a pattern also seen in shows like Bridgerton and Off Campus. As the creatives revealed to Collider, Harris has a five-year plan for the series, which means other characters, both already introduced and soon to come, will flesh out the next steps. As Harris revealed, “I think we did intentionally build out our other characters and make this a real ensemble piece with the idea that we can be exploring their lives in lots of different ways from season to season.” She shared that she hopes people will fall in love with the characters, and fortunately, we have.

Every Year After is available to stream on Prime Video.

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Release Date

June 10, 2026

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Prime Video

Showrunner

Amy Harris, Leila Gerstein

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Directors

Gillian Robespierre, Tara Nicole Weyr, Jeffrey W. Byrd

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Writers

Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky

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Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen kept their romance quiet to start before getting engaged in November 2024 and tying the knot the following spring.

Allen was linked to Steinfeld just weeks after eagle-eyed fans noticed in April 2023 that his longtime girlfriend Brittany Williams unfollowed him on social media.Although the Buffalo Bills quarterback was spotted with Steinfeld the following month, he didn’t publicly address their romance until August 2023.

Allen confessed during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast that “the fact that anybody cares about that still blows my mind,” while referring to stories about him “making out” with Steinfeld.

Over the next year, the couple became more public about their relationship. After getting married in May 2025, the lovebirds expanded their family in spring 2026 with the birth of their first baby.

Related: Josh Allen Reacts to Hailee Steinfeld’s Pregnancy News After NFL Game

Josh Allen is looking forward to fatherhood. Following the Buffalo Bills’ 35-31 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, December 14, Allen, 29, briefly spoke to reporters about the news that he and wife Hailee Steinfeld are expecting their first child together. “I’ve known for a long time, right? So it’s not that crazy […]

Scroll down to see Steinfeld and Allen’s relationship from the beginning:

May 2023

Steinfeld was spotted in New York City with Allen weeks after the athlete and Williams sparked split speculation. (Allen and Williams dated for eight years before calling it quits.) Steinfeld and Allen were photographed on May 25 wandering through the Big Apple and Allen was even seen putting his arm around the True Grit actress before a night on the town.

Later that month, Steinfeld and Allen went on a sushi date with a few friends, which was documented via social media. The twosome continued to fuel romance speculation when they were seen exploring the city over Memorial Day weekend.

June 2023

“Hailee and Josh have been together for about a month and it’s going really great,” an insider exclusively told Us at the time, noting that when Steinfeld and Allen are together they “laugh a ton” and are “always smiling.”

The source added: “Josh is the first guy in a while she’s been really interested in.”

August 2023

Allen tried to side-step talking about his relationship with Steinfeld during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. However, when cohost Dan “Big Cat” Katz not-so-subtly brought up her name, Allen gave in a little bit.

Big Cat asked Allen during the show whether he watched Seinfeld before purposely saying, “Are you a fan of Steinfeld?” to get a reaction from the quarterback. Allen said he was “a big fan” of the sitcom but avoided directly using his girlfriend’s name. Allen later told Big Cat that he “did a good job” trying to use Steinfeld in a sentence. “Respect. It was good,” Allen conceded.

Elsewhere in the interview, Allen confessed that when photographers try and capture a private date moment between him and Steinfeld he gets a “gross feeling.” He specifically took issue with photographers who hid on a boat during a recent getaway with Steinfeld and snapped them kissing. “[I was] like, ‘What is wrong with people,’” the athlete recalled thinking, noting there was “no privacy” during the trip.

October 2023

Steinfeld was spotted supporting Allen at the Bills game in London on October 8. When the cameras at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium panned through the stands, the actress was caught on screen.

January 2024

Despite sporting a flashy ring at the 2024 Golden Globes, Steinfeld shut down online speculation that Allen had popped the question. “I do got a cute little doe happening,” she told E! News of her ring, which was shaped like the head of a deer. “No particular reason other than I just thought it was real cute.”

Steinfeld attended the awards solo as Allen had a Bills game that evening. On the red carpet, she told USA Today she felt “real good” about her boyfriend’s team’s chances of winning that night. She also jokingly called out a reporter for holding up a jersey with the “wrong number” after she spotted them with a No. 14 jersey for Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, as opposed to Allen’s No. 17.

July 2024

After one year of dating, Allen hard launched his relationship with Steinfeld via Instagram on July 23.

“Onward 🤘🏼,” the quarterback captioned a series of photos from his summer, several of which included Steinfeld.

October 2024

The couple were spotted cuddling puppies at the first annual Shakir Family Pet Adoption Event in Buffalo, New York. In footage shared via social media, Steinfeld snapped a pic of Allen holding one of the dogs available for adoption.

Later that month, Steinfeld and Allen cohosted a Halloween bash for the Bills players and their significant others. The party, which took place on October 28, was a circus theme and both Steinfeld and Allen were dressed up as ring masters.

November 2024

Allen and Steinfeld announced their engagement on November 29 after the athlete proposed at sunset on November 22.

February 2025

Steinfeld and Allen made their red carpet debut at the 2025 NFL Honors, where the athlete ultimately won the MVP trophy.

When Allen accepted the accolade, he thanked Steinfeld in a speech after they shared a kiss.

“You’ve been my rock. You are my best friend [and] I would not be standing on this stage if it weren’t for you,” he said. “So, with that being said, be good, do good, God bless and Go Bills.”

April 2025

Allen couldn’t help but gush about how proud he was of Steinfeld’s role in Sinners.

“I’m so excited for her,” he shared at a press conference on April 22. “I’m so proud of her. It’s getting some great reviews. It’s a fantastic movie, so just go watch it. I’m just there trying to support her in whatever way that I can.”

May 2025

Steinfeld and Allen tied the knot on May 31. The actress wore a custom Tamara Ralph gown as she said “I do” in Santa Barbara, California.

“We had the amazing [wedding photographer] Jose Villa and his team with us from Thursday through Sunday to capture all the love. We had a no-phone wedding — we wanted everyone to come and be present,” Steinfeld wrote in her “Beau Society” newsletter a few weeks later. “Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made. But that meant Jose had his work cut out for him, capturing all the magic for us.”

June 2025

The newlyweds went on a tropical honeymoon less than two weeks after they got married. “Wifey,” Allen captioned a collage of Polaroids on June 17 from the romantic getaway.

August 2025

“Yeah, that was the best night of my life honestly,” Allen gushed of their nuptials in the all-new season of HBO’s Hard Knocks. “And my wife’s life, I think. That’s what she says.”

November 2025

Steinfeld gushed about Allen and hinted that the couple have plans to expand their family.

“I literally thank God every day that I found my person, and it’s the greatest thing in the world,” she told Bustle. “Life makes sense. Everything makes sense. I feel like I am stepping into the version that I’ve always dreamed of being, having so much to do with being with him.”

When asked if she wants kids, Steinfeld said, “Of course.”

Related: Josh Allen Hints Becoming a Dad Is More ‘Important’ Than Football

Josh Allen can’t wait for the newest member of Bills Mafia to arrive. “I’ve got siblings that have kids, I’ve got a lot of friends that have kids and I don’t know if you can plan too far in advance,” Allen, 29, said in a press conference on Thursday, January 29, when asked about balancing […]

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December 2025

After hinting at the expansion of their family one month prior, Steinfeld announced on December 12 that she and Allen were expecting their first baby. The couple shared a video of Steinfeld’s baby bump via her newsletter. Allen kissed his wife’s belly in the video as they both smiled from ear to ear.

April 2026

Steinfeld confirmed in her “Beau Society” newsletter that she recently gave birth to baby No. 1.

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“Our baby girl has arrived!! We’re feeling incredibly grateful and blessed and savouring these early moments,” a statement read. “Thank you so much for the love and well wishes.”

June 2026

Steinfeld revealed the name of her and Allen’s daughter in a heartfelt letter to her baby girl. She addressed her Beau Society newsletter to Harper, gushing, “I’m in awe of you.”

The actress shared that her firstborn’s full name is Harper Haize Allen, writing, “You’ve been here for only a short while now, and somehow it feels as though you’ve always been ours.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated 48 seconds ago

A few days ago, we got a deeply unexpected blast from the past. Mike Myers reprised his role as Dr. Evil, the Austin Powers villain, for a Verizon commercial. The commercial was relatively entertaining as far as corporate slop goes, with fun appearances by fellow Austin alumni like Seth Green. While the ad did a great job for advertising a phone company, it also made many people yearn for the cinematic return of Austin Powers. After all, we’re living in a golden age of reboots and revivals, so it does feel downright strange that Myers’ superspy hasn’t been on the big screen in nearly a quarter of a century.

Myers himself stoked that speculation when he made an appearance on Trevor Noah’s World Cup Watch Party. There, a fan who had recently seen the Verizon commercial asked the obvious question: “Are we ever going to see an Austin Powers 4?” To this, Myers surprisingly said “yes,” but gave no other details. This has caused a tizzy among fans and even franchise actors like Clint Howard, all of whom would love to see the franchise continue. However, as someone who absolutely mainlined this series back in the day, I can confidently say that Myers needs to do what Dr. Evil never could: kill Austin Powers off and let this beloved franchise die.

Somehow, Dr. Evil Returned

Looking at this Verizon commercial, it’s not hard to see why many people want an Austin Powers 4. For one thing, Mike Myers hasn’t lost a step with his Dr. Evil character. In fact, he’s easily the most energetic actor onscreen, which is more apparent when he acts alongside a nearly sedated Seth Green. And, of course, the over-the-top evil lair thing is particularly amusing to those of us who grew up watching Superfriends. Of course, that’s a big part of the problem: to be perfectly blunt, the main people who would enjoy another Austin Powers movie were the ones enjoying these films decades ago and all have one foot firmly in the grave.

For an Austin Powers 4 to be very successful (like The Spy Who Shagged Me, which earned $312 million against a $33 million budget), it would need to appeal to a younger demographic. This worked in the ‘90s, when teens were happy to watch movies making fun of James Bond, their dad’s favorite Boomer action franchise. Now, studios are lucky if younger audiences show up to a movie at all, and if they do, it’s because it came from someone with a pre-established YouTube presence like Curry Barker and Kane Parsons. Does anyone think they’ll turn out for a movie making fun of Bond, who hasn’t had a new movie in half a decade?

The Jokes Got Stale

Another reason the Austin Powers franchise needs to die is that, even back in the day, the jokes were getting stale. It didn’t take the movies long to run out of gags that took the piss out of 007, so they just started throwing weird stuff at the wall to see what stuck. This included giving Dr. Evil a weird midget twin (played by the late, great Verne Troyer) and coming up with increasingly bizarre stuff for Mike Myers to do. Like, the whole joke with Fat Bastard is that he’s fat and nasty. A real laugh riot, right? If this was Austin Powers at its prime, I shudder to think what a decades-too-late fourth movie would look like.

Plus, the whole strength of Austin Powers’ humor comes from the fact that it’s a parody. But good parodies are hard to make, and good parody revivals are nearly impossible (just look at the latest Scary Movie). On top of that, the parody doesn’t work anymore because Austin Powers was designed to make fun of the lighter-hearted 007 movies, like the ones starring Roger Moore. Starting with Casino Royale, the Bond franchise pivoted to being deadly serious specifically because Austin Powers had made all the super spy stuff so silly. Arguably, it’s now that much harder to make a parody of a Bond franchise that only sneers and never smiles.

Even Nostalgia Goes Bad Over Time

Again, I’m not writing this as a hater. Back in the day, I quoted the Austin Powers movies religiously and enjoyed them for the spot-on Bond parodies and over-the-top performances. But a revival would be completely doomed: it will turn off younger audiences who don’t care about its geriatric cast or its 007 jokes, and it will turn off older audiences who expect something other than recycled humor that hasn’t been funny since Bill Clinton was in office. Sure, the diehard superfans will show up, but here’s a bleak truth: like Disney found out with The Mandalorian and Grogu, a handful of diehards aren’t enough to make your movie a success.

Right now, the Austin Powers movies can stay safely ensconced in the warm embrace of our collective nostalgia. Were many of the jokes dated, problematic, and even outright unfunny? Sure, but that’s not what we remember. We remember the funny lines, the hilarious reveals, and the spot-on parodies of James Bond, and we should keep it that way. The movies are a record of what was funny back in the late ‘90s, but a fourth film would be a disaster for one final reason: they’d remind us of exactly how stupid our sense of humor was back when the World Wide Web was young!

It’s not unusual for franchises to switch formats; Jack Ryan fans are very familiar with this concept, as the action story began as a popular book series before sprawling between movies and a TV show. While the films were compact, high-octane adrenaline shots, the series stretched out the protagonist’s development using a more serialized structure, making for a vastly different yet memorable experience. If the conclusion of Prime Video’s Jack Ryan has left a certain void behind, then you need to check out Netflix’s newest action series, which also adapts a popular novel into a TV format. Man on Fire is the perfect mix of ludicrous action sequences and a complicated action hero on a relentless pursuit of vengeance.

‘Man on Fire’ Is a Dark, Action-Packed Revenge Story

Netflix’s 2026 adaptation is the fourth iteration of the story that began as a 1980 novel by AJ Quinnell, which was famously adapted into two different films of the same name, one in 1987 starring Scott Glenn and one in 2004 starring Denzel Washington. For the Netflix series, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes on the lead role of John Creasy, a man with a specialized set of skills stemming from a violent past. In the original book, Creasy is hired to protect the daughter of a rich family, only to go on a revenge spree after the mafia kidnaps and kills her. The newest adaptation pushes the story further as the series’ version of Creasy reluctantly teams up with the girl, Poe (Billie Boullet), after the death of her father, who was also one of his closest friends.

The one thing that stays consistent throughout Man on Fire adaptations is the violence. Creasy may be more complicated than the typical action hero, especially since he deals with PTSD, but viewers can rely on him to dramatically dominate fistfights and jump out of a moving vehicle without breaking a sweat. The series’ seven episodes are jam-packed with ludicrous action sequences and an exhilarating amount of blood, but beyond the choreography and flow, some of the scenes have a sharp, vicious edge, like the uncomfortably creative use of a car battery on a tied-up soldier.

Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ Delves Into John Creasy’s Complexities as an Action Hero

Unlike Jack Ryan and your typical walking-away-from-an-explosion action hero, Creasy is much more of an anti-hero who operates on his own moral compass. Creasy may be hardened, but he is relentlessly haunted by his past, and we get glimpses into the utter psychological turmoil in his head. On one hand, there is a genuine darkness in him that Abdul-Mateen II captures masterfully, as the stern lines in his face and his unwavering gaze can easily slip into something far more malicious. His performance allows us to believe that Creasy is capable of awful things, especially when he sometimes goes way beyond the line of necessity when interrogating people or simply dispatching enemies; it becomes less of a necessary evil and more of a borderline compulsion.

On the other hand, the Netflix adaptation hones in on Creasy’s father-daughter-like relationship with Poe more so than the previous films, showcasing another side of his mindset. The serialized structure and Poe’s extended presence allow viewers to delve deeper into Creasy’s psychology than ever before, where Poe oscillates between being the light that drags Creasy back from being consumed by total darkness and the uncomfortable mirror that reflects Creasy’s own insatiable thirst for vengeance back at him. Due to forced proximity, he reluctantly contemplates how his actions impact Poe, and if crossing the line is worth it if it taints the only remnant of his closest friend. Abdul-Mateen II and Boullet find an easy rhythm on screen that conveys the wrought tension and unexpected bond that blooms between the characters, anchoring the show’s unfettered violence in something unnervingly human.

Action fans need to flock to this Netflix series as it blends explosive action sequences with a gloomier, sharper edge. John Creasy has been a Man on Fire for over four decades, but this show proves why new adaptations can still offer unique value with an iteration of the character that feels more disturbingly human than ever before.

Although tricky to pull off, fantasy is one of the most enjoyable genres when done right. It can transport readers to sprawling kingdoms, haunted cities, magical universities, and forgotten worlds filled with wonder and danger, keeping you flicking through hundreds of pages, desperate to find out what happens next.

With that in mind, this list looks at the fantasy books that keep readers invested from the very first page to the last. These triumphs of literature offer colorful characters, immersive settings, smooth prose, and compelling plots. In the process, they achieve what so few books do: ensuring that our attention basically never wavers.

‘The Way of Kings’ (2010)

Image via Tor Fantasy

“Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.” The Way of Kings is the first installment in Brandon Sanderson‘s gargantuan Stormlight Archive series (with 5 books published already, all door-stoppers). Set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar, the book follows several interconnected protagonists, including slave-turned-soldier Kaladin, noble scholar Shallan Davar, and war leader Dalinar Kholin.

It’s classic fantasy stuff, confidently executed: political intrigue, ancient mysteries, devastating wars, and the gradual return of powers long thought lost. The plot moves quickly and serves up a lot of action, including people doing battle with obscenely powerful magic swords. Admittedly, some characters are a little underwritten, more like archetypes than real people, but the novel compensates with rich worldbuilding, juicy mysteries, and a likable protagonist in Kaladin. His efforts to protect his comrades on the battlefield provide much of the story’s emotional weight.

‘Empire of the Vampire’ (2021)

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“Too much hate will burn a man to cinders.” This one is a fun riff on dark fantasy and vampire tropes. In Empire of the Vampire, the sun has not risen properly in decades, vampires have conquered much of the world, and humanity survives only in isolated strongholds. In this bleak world, our protagonist Gabriel de León, the last of the legendary Silver Saints, recounts the events that led to civilization’s collapse. The plot shifts Gabriel between timelines, gradually revealing more about the character and his enemies.

Author Jay Kristoff clearly put a lot of effort into the vampire mythology here, creating several different bloodlines with different leaders, all vying for power. He draws on many classic ideas from vampire stories but manages to make them feel fresh with cool twists or by pushing them to the extreme. There’s also killer action and witty one-liners aplenty.

‘Beyond the Deepwoods’ (1998)

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“Never stray from the path.” This is the first book in the marvelous Edge Chronicles series, written by Paul Stewart and illustrated by Chris Riddell. It’s more straightforward and breezy than some of the more ambitious later installments, but that’s also part of its charm. In it, a young boy named Twig leaves home and ventures into the dangerous Deepwoods, a vast wilderness filled with bizarre creatures, strange landscapes, and countless dangers, including banderbears, sky pirates, and ferocious critters known as wig-wigs.

The world feels unpredictable in the best possible way, and Beyond the Deepwoods succeeds through exploration. Readers become invested because they genuinely want to know what lies beyond the next hill, river, or forest. Riddell’s illustrations further enhance the experience. The detailed black-and-white artwork brings the strange inhabitants of the Edge to life and gives readers visual rewards throughout the story.

‘The Mystery Knight’ (2010)

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“Every hedge knight has a bit of dragon in him.” This novella is the third entry in The Tales of Dunk and Egg. Set roughly a century before the events of A Game of Thrones, The Mystery Knight follows hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg as they travel through Westeros. What begins as a seemingly simple visit to a wedding tournament gradually evolves into a dangerous political conspiracy involving rebellious factions and hidden identities.

The recent GoT spinoff show A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is great, and viewers hungry for more can check out the source material, which is just as charming. The smaller scale and lighter tone make them more straightforwardly enjoyable than some of the weightier tomes in the Westeros universe. That said, there’s still political complexity at play, particularly the lingering consequences of the Blackfyre Rebellions.

‘La Belle Sauvage’ (2017)

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“We are all subject to the fates.” The first entry in the Book of Dust saga, La Belle Sauvage returns readers to the world of Philip Pullman‘s landmark His Dark Materials series. Set before the events of Northern Lights, it focuses on Malcolm Polstead, a resourceful boy who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving the baby Lyra Belacqua. When catastrophic floods engulf much of England, Malcolm embarks on a perilous journey aboard his canoe in an effort to protect Lyra from powerful forces seeking to control her future.

Expectations were sky-high for this book, but, if anything, Pullman exceeded them. La Belle Sauvage is intelligent, immersive, thought-provoking, and entertaining to boot, adding new layers to an already richly realized world. The narrative momentum is impressive: mysteries deepen, dangers escalate, and the emotional stakes rise alongside the floodwaters.

‘The Wee Free Men’ (2003)

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“Crivens!” Written by the late, great Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men is the Discworld novel that introduces the protagonist Tiffany Aching, a sharp and practical girl living on a sheep farm who discovers that she possesses unusual magical abilities. When her little brother is kidnapped by the Queen of Fairyland, Tiffany sets out on a rescue mission with the help of the Nac Mac Feegle, tiny blue warriors who are equal parts brave, chaotic, and ridiculous.

Pretty much every Discworld book is a banger, loaded with jokes and colorful details, and the Aching saga boasts some of the author’s very best work. The fantasy elements feel fresh and inventive, blending folklore, fairy tales, and Discworld’s trademark absurdity. Familiar fantasy concepts are often turned upside down in unexpected ways. That said, there’s also a lot of heart to the story. It has a lot to say about courage, responsibility, and growing up.

‘Perdido Street Station’ (2000)

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“The city was a machine too complex to understand.” Perdido Street Station is another endlessly creative book, gleefully serving up a seemingly endless stream of weird ideas. It unfolds in the sprawling city of New Crobuzon, where scientist Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin is approached by a bird-like Garuda who has lost the ability to fly. Isaac’s attempts to solve the problem accidentally unleash a horrifying threat capable of devastating the city.

The book hooks readers through sheer imagination. The plot is fantasy meets sci-fi meets social commentary meets creature feature meets horror meets dark comedy, and New Crobuzon itself feels unlike any fantasy setting ever created. It’s crowded, dirty, industrial, politically unstable, and populated by an astonishing variety of species and cultures, including the insectoid Khepri, the destructive slake-moths, literal demons, and a god-like being known as the Weaver.

‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ (2006)

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“Someday, Locke Lamora, someday, you’re going to f—k up so magnificently…” This one is basically a fantasy spin on a crime caper, with a rich setting inspired by Renaissance Italy. The title character is the leader of a crew of thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards, who orchestrate elaborate scams targeting the city’s elite. Locke is a fantastic protagonist: intelligent, reckless, sarcastic, and perpetually convinced he can outwit everyone around him. Watching him improvise solutions to increasingly disastrous situations provides much of the book’s entertainment.

In addition to the criminal hijinks, the book also charms with its twisty plot and awesome magic systems, all while hinting at deeper mysteries. The relationships among the Gentleman Bastards provide another powerful hook. There’s real camaraderie between Locke, Jean, and the rest of the gang. Their friendships feel genuine, leading to more than a few tear-jerking moments.

‘The Name of the Wind’ (2007)

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“I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings.” Patrick Rothfuss‘s Kingkiller Chronicle is arguably one of the greatest fantasy series of all time, though frustratingly, the third and final volume is not yet finished. It’s a character study about Kvothe, a legendary figure whose exploits have become the stuff of myth. Now living in obscurity, he begins recounting the true story of his life, from his childhood among traveling performers to his years at a prestigious university devoted to magic.

Kvothe is one of the most intriguing characters in 21st-century fantasy, approaching every challenge with a mixture of confidence and vulnerability that makes him endlessly engaging. We know from the get-go that his life will be defined by greatness, but also great tragedy. Along the way, he discovers intricate magic systems, colorful companions, and the looming shadow of the Chandrian, mythical beings associated with death and destruction.

‘King Sorrow’ (2025)

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“The crown remembers every wound.” King Sorrow is the latest novel by Joe Hill (son of horror master Stephen King), and it’s one of his best. It’s about a group of young friends who, in a dire situation, make a deal with an evil dragon. It grants them protection and scorches their enemies, but demands that they feed it a fresh victim every year. It’s a great setup, one that Hill builds on perfectly, bringing in betrayals, shadowy government agencies, and humans who are almost as bad as the dragon itself.

The book is loaded with frights and action and monsters of all kinds, and its plot spans multiple decades, yet it always keeps the main characters front and center. They’re three-dimensional, providing some much-needed emotional realism to a very fantastical story. All in all, King Sorrow is a great combination of dark academia, horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age fiction.

News of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s divorce has continued to dominate headlines, but a surprising voice has now entered the conversation.

Frankie Lombardo, Bunnie’s former husband, is speaking publicly about their relationship and making it clear he still has strong feelings for her.

His comments have sparked fresh discussion as fans try to understand the fallout from one of country music’s most talked-about splits.

Not long after reports surfaced that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce, Frankie Lombardo began sharing his thoughts online.

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The California native, who was married to Bunnie XO from 2009 to 2015, revealed that the pair still maintain regular contact despite ending their marriage years ago.

Speaking to Page Six, Lombardo claimed their connection remains unusually close.

“We talk every day,” he said, before admitting he “wouldn’t say no” to the possibility of rekindling their relationship if she ever wanted to.

He then offered an emotional explanation for why he still feels connected to his former wife.

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“She was the only woman who ever broke my heart. I feel like there’s a lot of unfinished business between us, but I might be the only one who feels that way. I love her very much. I will never do anything to hurt her. I don’t think that’s ever going to go away,” he said.

The comments immediately drew attention as they arrived just days after news of Bunnie XO’s split from Jelly Roll became public.

Bunnie XO’s Friendship With Frankie Lombardo

Lombardo has spent the past week posting several TikTok videos discussing Bunnie XO and defending her amid growing public scrutiny.

In one clip, he shared another candid admission about his feelings.

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“I will always love that girl. I can’t get away if I tried,” he said.

He also hinted that he may know more about the divorce than he is willing to reveal publicly, writing, “I know too much lol.”

During his conversation with Page Six, Lombardo described the dynamic between himself and Bunnie as unconventional but meaningful.

“We have an interesting friendship. Sometimes she still talks to me like she’s my wife and reprimands me,” he shared.

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He went on to add, “Bunnie is my best friend.”

The podcast host has previously spoken positively about Lombardo on her own platforms, and the pair’s ongoing friendship has been visible on social media for years.

Jelly Roll Addresses The End Of The Marriage

While Lombardo’s remarks generated headlines, Jelly Roll also addressed the divorce during a recent concert appearance in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The country star sought to reassure fans that the breakup was not driven by betrayal or scandal.

“Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends,” Jelly Roll told the crowd.

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He also reportedly said that Bunnie would “probably be the only woman I will ever love the way I loved her” and stressed that “nobody cheated on nobody.”

Lombardo echoed a similarly respectful tone when discussing the Grammy-winning performer.

Although he admitted that he has never met Jelly Roll personally, he said he has “heard he’s a nice fella.”

The public statements from both men have painted a picture of mutual respect despite the emotional circumstances surrounding the divorce.

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Controversy Surrounds Bunnie XO’s Former Husband

Lombardo’s reappearance in the spotlight has also revived discussion about his own past controversies.

According to reports, a former partner accused him of repeated violence during their relationship. One alleged incident in December 2023 resulted in police involvement after both the woman and a neighbor contacted emergency services.

A police report stated, “It should be noted that while en route to the jail, Frankie stated that he should’ve beat her ass, beat the s–t out of her, and beat the dog s–t out of her.”

Lombardo was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation. However, the case was later dismissed in 2024.

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He has strongly denied the allegations.

“I would never put my hands on a woman,” Lombardo told Page Six.

The allegations have led some observers to question his recent public comments regarding Bunnie and her divorce.

Questions Continue To Surround The Divorce Fallout

As Lombardo’s social media activity increased, some insiders questioned his motives.

One source familiar with the situation suggested he was attempting to benefit from the attention surrounding Bunnie XO’s high-profile separation.

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“He’s the kind of person who uses women … until they can’t take anymore,” the insider claimed.

Lombardo dismissed the criticism outright, responding that “that’s all bulls–t”.

For now, many questions remain unanswered regarding the end of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s marriage.

Court records show the country star filed for divorce on May 18, while the couple reportedly separated on May 9.

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As fans continue searching for answers, Lombardo’s unexpected declarations have added another more intrigue to a story that was already generating intense public interest.

Sharon Osbourne recently gave fans an unexpected health update after missing a significant event honoring her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne.

The television personality revealed she had been hospitalized earlier in the week, preventing her from attending the unveiling of Ozzy’s statue at France’s Hellfest festival.

While she offered few details about the incident, the announcement sparked concern among supporters already familiar with her long and often challenging health journey.

The unveiling of a statue dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne was meant to be a memorable occasion for fans celebrating the legendary rocker’s legacy. However, one notable absence quickly caught attention.

Sharon Osbourne addressed the situation on social media, explaining why she could not attend the ceremony.

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“I’m sorry I couldn’t be at Hellfest for the unveiling of Ozzy’s statue. Unfortunately I had an unexpected trip to the hospital earlier in the week,” Sharon wrote.

Although she did not reveal the nature of the medical issue, she took the time to acknowledge those who made the tribute possible.

“A big thank you Olivier Garnier, Ben Barbaud and everyone at Hellfest. Special thank you to @philippe_pasqua_officiel for the absolutely stunning statue!” she continued.

Her message left fans relieved to hear from her directly, but many remained concerned about her wellbeing due to the lack of additional information.

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Fans Rally Around Sharon Osbourne

Supporters quickly flooded Sharon’s social media pages with messages of encouragement and recovery wishes.

Many expressed concern after learning she had required hospital treatment, while others focused on sending positive thoughts during what has already been an emotional period for the Osbourne family following Ozzy’s passing.

One fan wrote, “Get better Sharon we love you.”

Another added, “Sending lots of positive vibes … get well soon.”

A third supporter shared a longer message of encouragement, writing, “HEY SHARON! I hope you’re feeling better. And that’s an awesome statue. I wish i could see it in person! Ozzy would have loved that along with all the other outpouring of love from millions of others. Much love to you and your family!”

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The responses reflected the deep connection many fans have developed with Sharon over decades in the public eye.

Sharon Osbourne Has Faced Health Challenges Before

This is not the first time Sharon Osbourne has dealt with a serious health scare.

In late 2022, she was hospitalized following a sudden medical emergency that left many wondering about her condition. Months later, she discussed the frightening incident during an appearance on the U.K. talk show The Talk.

“It was the weirdest thing,” Sharon said. “I was doing some filming and suddenly they told me that I [passed out] for 20 minutes. And I was in hospital, I went to one hospital, they took me to another hospital, and I did every test over two days, and nobody knows why.”

The mystery surrounding that episode remained unresolved even after extensive testing.

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Earlier health battles have included a COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020 that briefly required hospitalization. Sharon has also openly discussed her past battle with colon cancer, a disease she successfully overcame and remains in remission from today.

Her willingness to speak publicly about difficult health experiences has often resonated with fans facing similar challenges.

Preserving Ozzy’s Legacy Through Technology

Despite her recent hospital visit, Sharon Osbourne has remained focused on projects designed to preserve Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy for future generations.

As The Blast reported, earlier this month, she and her son, Jack Osbourne, discussed plans to create an artificial intelligence version of the late music icon. The project is being developed with Hyperreal, a company specializing in highly realistic digital human performances.

Responding to criticism surrounding the idea, Sharon defended the decision and explained why she believes the project aligns with Ozzy’s wishes.

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“Technology moves on,” she said. “For somebody to turn around to me and say I’m doing a cash grab, no. You don’t know my husband. I know my husband. And my husband would say to me over and over: ‘How long do you think I’ll be remembered?’”

She also emphasized the family-focused purpose behind the initiative.

“[It’s something] that will pass on through our family, and it’s for our grandkids,” she concluded.

Family United Behind Future Plans

While Sharon sees the AI project as a way to preserve Ozzy’s memory, Jack Osbourne believes it also serves another purpose.

During the discussion about the initiative, he argued that technology makes such projects inevitable and that the family should be the ones guiding how Ozzy’s image is used moving forward.

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“Either we do it, or someone else is gonna do it,” he said. “And for me, it’s not about pretending he’s still alive. It’s making sure he’s never forgotten.”

For now, fans continue to await more information about Sharon’s health.

Until then, supporters remain hopeful that her recent hospital visit was only a temporary setback as she continues honoring Ozzy’s legacy and supporting her family through a period of major change.

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