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Entertainment

Taylor Swift’s Wedding Security Bill Reportedly Tops Six Figures

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Depart Or'esh Restaurant in NYC

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s highly anticipated wedding celebration is reportedly coming with an enormous security bill. As preparations continue at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, new reports claim the superstar couple could spend close to $160,000 on police presence alone during the multi-day wedding festivities. The event is expected to begin just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with trucks, equipment, and event infrastructure already arriving at the famed venue.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Depart Or'esh Restaurant in NYC
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According to TMZ, more than 70 NYPD detectives are expected to be assigned to the event across July 2 and July 3. Sources told the outlet the detectives will work approximately 8.5-hour shifts, with hourly rates reportedly ranging between $80 and $90. The estimated cost for those officers alone could exceed $95,000.

An additional 50 police officers are also reportedly expected to be stationed around Madison Square Garden, working nine-hour shifts at approximately $70 per hour, adding another estimated $63,000 to security expenses.

The report further claims that senior NYPD officials will also be involved, pushing the total cost closer to the six-figure mark. Officials noted that staffing levels could still change before the celebrations begin.

Madison Square Garden Preparations Already Underway

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce engagement
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Photos obtained by the Daily Mail showed significant activity outside Madison Square Garden earlier this week as crews unloaded equipment and prepared the venue. Large trucks were spotted outside the arena, while a red carpet was briefly installed before being removed and replaced.

Among the equipment arriving at the venue were electronics racks and trailers labeled “TAIT 1 – AUD DECK” and “TAIT 2 – VER.” The markings appear to reference TAIT Towers, the company known for developing large-scale staging and transportation systems used for major live productions. Swift famously utilized TAIT’s technology throughout her record-breaking “Eras Tour.”

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Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Are Reportedly Keeping Guests Guessing

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Depart Or'esh Restaurant in NYC
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Despite widespread speculation surrounding the wedding, guests allegedly still don’t know exactly where the ceremony will take place.

A source recently told Us Weekly that invitees have only been instructed to be in New York City during the celebration window. “Taylor and Travis told guests to be in NYC. No other location was provided,” the insider claimed.

According to the report, attendees were informed that they would need to be available on July 2 and July 3, but were not given any additional details about specific venues or event plans.

The source added that the couple is effectively “putting their guests on hold for a couple days” while final arrangements remain under wraps.

Wedding Costs Continue To Climb

Taylor Swift embraces beau Travis Kelce after the Kansas City Chiefs win the super bowl beating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22.
John Angelillo/UPI/Newscom/ MEGA

Reports suggest Swift and Kelce have fully embraced the idea of turning their wedding into a major event. TMZ previously reported that the couple spent approximately $3 million to secure Madison Square Garden for multiple days, covering setup, the ceremony itself, and post-event breakdown.

Meanwhile, The New York Times has reported that the festivities could include a smaller gathering on July 2 before expanding into a much larger celebration the following night with roughly 1,000 guests in attendance.

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An insider previously told the Daily Mail that the couple had embraced the idea of a “spectacle” wedding and ultimately selected Madison Square Garden as the centerpiece of the celebration.

Stevie Nicks And Tim McGraw Could Reportedly Play Special Roles

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend The Knicks Game Against The Cavaliers in The Eastern Conference Finals Game 3
Aaron Josefczyk Newscom/MEGA

Adding even more star power to the festivities, reports have suggested that Swift and Kelce have enlisted two music legends to perform during the wedding celebration. As The Blast previously reported, Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw, both longtime figures in Swift’s career and musical journey, are reportedly expected to take part in the event.

The guest list itself remains largely a mystery, though previous reports have claimed attendees are being required to sign non-disclosure agreements before receiving additional information about the wedding. It is also speculated that Selena Gomez, one of Swift’s BFFs, and Gomez’s beau, Benny Blanco, will be in attendance.

On Travis’ side, it is believed that his brother Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce, as well as their kids, and his parents Donna Kelce and Ed Kelce, will be present and involved in the ceremony.

With security tightening, equipment continuing to arrive, and guests still waiting for final details, anticipation surrounding what could become one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings in recent memory continues to grow.

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10 Classic Action Movies Nobody Wants to See a Remake Of

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Bruce Willis as John McClane looking down through a broken glass window in Die Hard, 1988.

Movie lovers love to toss around the word “classic.” But what actually makes a movie a classic? A classic film must demonstrate enduring cultural impact, exceptional artistic achievement, and the unique ability to resonate with audiences for generations. These films stand the test of time. They possess a rewatchability that draws audiences back again and again. A great classic should be so brilliant that it can never be remade again.

The trouble is, studios love to remake the classics because, well, they know the rewards it could reap should they take the risk. They have a nostalgic appeal that draws audiences in, but they rarely surpass the original. When it comes to action flicks, these 10 classic action films should never be remade. Their original impact deserves to stay intact instead of being potentially tarnished. While some titles have launched beloved franchises, rebooting them with a new face is simply not what audiences want to see.

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1

‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Bruce Willis as John McClane looking down through a broken glass window in Die Hard, 1988.
Bruce Willis as John McClane looking down through a broken glass window in Die Hard, 1988.
Image via 20th Century Studios

When you rewrite the script for how action films can be made, you automatically become an instant classic. That’s what happened with Die Hard. Directed by John McTiernan and based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, the unofficial Christmas movie follows New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he travels to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve in hopes of reconciling with his estranged wife, Holly Gennaro-McClane (Bonnie Bedelia). His plans are interrupted when a gang of heavily armed criminals, led by the ruthless Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), takes over the Nakatomi skyscraper, forcing McClane to take them on alone. Drawing up the blueprint of a singular set action thriller, Die Hard proved that the vulnerable everyman hero is just as alluring as the invincible, muscle-bound ones of the era.

One of the most entertaining films of the ’80s, Die Hard infused itself into pop culture thanks to its iconic quotes and the most brilliant villain in action history. Die Hard had a simple premise, but it was executed to perfection. It brought out the concept of the hero-villain meet-cute that many films have tried to replicate since. So, why would anyone try to replicate perfection? Die Hard launched Willis into elite action-hero status, giving him the opportunity to continue McClane’s story. The truth is, no one will ever be John McClane other than Willis. The film was a lightning-in-a-bottle project that captured the aura of the decade. There was a specificity to the imagery and chemistry. The film launched the “Die Hard on a Blank” subgenre, so trying to redo it and recapture that magic would be nearly impossible. While there are certainly capable actors like Glen Powell who would serve as a logical modern choice, finding a new Rickman to play a perfect Hans Gruber is harder than that infamous fall.

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2

‘Dirty Harry’ (1971)

Clint Eastwood aims a weapon in the San Francisco street as Dirty Harry Image via Warner Bros.

Clint Eastwood has had a storied career, both as an actor and director. One of the most iconic roles is none other than Inspector Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry. In the first film of the franchise, Callahan is a no-nonsense San Francisco police inspector who takes on dirty jobs that no one else wants to do. Callahan hunts down a psychopathic sniper known as the “Scorpio Killer” (Andy Robinson), who is terrorizing the city by murdering innocent people and demanding ransoms. Dirty Harry examines the harsh clash between the strict legal system and street-level justice. A gritty action thriller that defined the ’70s, Dirty Harry defined the loose cannon cop genre by introducing one of cinema’s greatest anti-heroes.

Dirty Harry launched the lone wolf protagonist thanks to Eastwood’s masterful performance. While the character continued throughout the franchise, the first film was released during a time of high social tension and rising crime rates. The film captured the frustrations of society as they felt alienated by rapid societal shifts and the challenging questions about whether the legal system is too lenient on violent criminals. Dirty Harry is a period piece, and thus, trying to rework it as a modern remake would lose steam quite quickly. Callahan is a tough-on-crime character. That approach would simply not resonate with audiences today, given the societal disdain for modern policing. In fact, it might cause Callahan to be the lesser of two evil villains. The truth is, Harry Callahan belongs to Eastwood. No one can match his swagger and delivery.

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3

‘Enter the Dragon’ (1973)

Enter the Dragon - 1973 (4) Image via Warner Bros.

Certain films have a legacy as cinematic touchstones for their impact on their genre and history. For martial arts movies, that film is Enter the Dragon. Perhaps the greatest martial arts film ever made, Enter the Dragon served as Bruce Lee‘s final film appearance before his death. For that reason alone, even thinking about remaking the classic would be disrespectful. The classic martial arts film follows a Shaolin monk named Lee, who is recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate a private martial arts tournament. Lee is tasked with gathering evidence to expose the host, a renegade former monk named Han (Shih Kien), who operates an illegal drug and human trafficking ring. Enter the Dragon‘s massive impact on cinema was felt instantly, single-handedly igniting a worldwide martial arts craze.

Lee was a Hong Kong legend, and thanks to Enter the Dragon, he became the first Asian actor to serve as an undisputed leading man in a major Hollywood-Hong Kong co-production. Lee turned into an immortal global icon thanks to this film. Enter the Dragon found the perfect cross-section of traditional martial arts and James Bond-style espionage thriller. But now, more than 50 years later, Enter the Dragon is untouchable. Enter the Dragon captured a moment in time by breaking barriers and establishing martial arts in Western mainstream culture. Enter the Dragon was Bruce Lee. No one can deliver what he did with such impact.













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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt
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Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

🔧John McClane

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🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

Rambo

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Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

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Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

Ethan Hunt

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Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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4

‘First Blood’ (1982)

Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, standing in the rain, in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, standing in the rain, in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Image via Tri-Star Pictures

Sylvester Stallone is a character maker. In the ’70s, it was Rocky Balboa. In the ’80s, John Rambo. First Blood served as the vehicle that launched the character and an iconic franchise, one that can never be matched today. The action thriller followed John Rambo, a traumatized Vietnam War veteran whose PTSD is triggered when a small-town sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy), wrongfully arrests and abuses him. Rambo escapes to the mountains and uses his elite combat and survival skills to wage a one-man war against the police. Unlike the more bombastic films that followed in the series, First Blood was grounded as a psychological drama rooted in the era. First Blood tapped into themes of systemic neglect, PTSD, and the harsh discrimination Vietnam veterans faced from the divided American public upon returning home.

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First Blood was a direct response to the Vietnam War. While there have been countless Vietnam War-period films, First Blood was a modern Vietnam War film; thus, it would not have the deep impact it originally had. First Blood subverted the high-octane action films of the time with genuine emotional resonance and worked as a wonderful exploration of a vet’s heartbreaking journey with PTSD and his attempt to return to society. There have been films since First Blood that have explored modern wars and their effects on their veterans in a similar vein. That said, should it be remade, it would only be done to capitalize on the film’s original success. The only way to remake First Blood is to stray away from the Ted Kotcheff-directed film and stick strictly to what is prescribed in David Morrell‘s novel, which is significantly bleaker. Oh, and the book ends with Rambo being killed, so that would be quite different than the 1982 film!

5

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones and Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.'
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones and Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’
Image via Paramount Pictures

If you’re sensing a trend, a major reason why audiences may not want to see a remake of a classic action film is that there is simply no way to replace the original. No one will ever come close to having the allure that Harrison Ford brought to Indiana Jones. He may be best remembered for Han Solo, but Indy is his greatest character achievement. Launching a beloved franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark tells the tale of the titular globe-trotting archeologist as he races against Nazi forces to recover the biblical Ark of the Covenant, believed to possess supernatural powers that would make the army invincible. Alongside his old flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy battles through booby traps and enemies to secure the treasure. And snakes. Why did there have to be snakes? Relaunching the adoration for genuine action-adventure flicks, Raiders of the Lost Ark combined George Lucas‘ concept, Steven Spielberg‘s masterful direction, Ford’s charismatic performance, and John Williams‘ iconic score to craft a nostalgia-filled benchmark for cinematic storytelling.

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While the character is so iconic that many actors today could conceivably wear the brown fedora and crack the whip, if you go back to the aforementioned roster — Ford, Lucas, Spielberg, and Williams — never again could that be replicated. Raiders of the Lost Ark brought escapism to the big screen as they journeyed with the ultimate action hero. He was flawed. He got bruised. He made mistakes. But Indy was the face of resilience. He got knocked down and proudly got up again. The film was perfectly made using the practical magic of ’80s filmmaking. As seen in the subsequent 21st-century sequels, once you introduce CGI into the mix, Raiders of the Lost Ark loses its charm. Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure at its finest. As much as Hollywood tried to pass the baton to Shia LaBeouf in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, it’s always going to be Ford. Anyone else would be blasphemy.

6

‘Speed’ (1994)

Keanu Reeves looks worried at what's ahead in 'Speed'
Keanu Reeves looks worried at what’s ahead in ‘Speed’
Image via 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. Courtesy: Everett Collection

We often say we “have the need for speed,” but I can assure you we do not have a need for a Speed remake. While action fans love an adrenaline rush in film form, Speed is a masterpiece as is. Directed by Jan de Bont, the high-octane thrill ride centers on a vengeful extortionist, former bomb squad officer Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), who rigs a Los Angeles city bus with a bomb that is armed once the vehicle hits 50 miles per hour, exploding if it drops below that limit. It’s up to LAPD SWAT Officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) and quick-thinking passenger Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) to take the wheel and save the day. Navigating heavy LA traffic and an unfinished freeway gap, Speed is a brilliant high-concept thriller that made the unthinkable imaginable.

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Often, action movies have moments of levity or time to breathe. Not here. Speed was a relentless film whose momentum was unmatched. The stakes were high. The fear was consistent. And, perhaps, most importantly, it established Reeves as an action star and Bullock as an eventual legend. Though the plot overshadowed them, perhaps making them replaceable, Speed can’t be remade because it would simply be seen as a gimmick today. The film became a masterpiece because of the bus. By the time a sequel arrived, sans Reeves and aboard a cruise liner, it proved that Speed was an enigma. A third film might be more conceivable, but other films and series have stolen the other logical vehicles that might have been used. Speed is a quintessential ’90s movie, and it should stay that way.

7

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Arnold Schwarzenegger riding a motorcycle in 'The Terminator'
Arnold Schwarzenegger riding a motorcycle in ‘The Terminator’
Image via Orion Pictures

Director James Cameron has given Hollywood a lot of historic cinematic moments — a romantic epic set on an infamous, ill-fated cruise and a universe of blue-tinted beings who serve as a PSA for conservation awareness, to name a few. But before those projects were a twinkle in his eye, Cameron introduced the world to the cross-section of science fiction and action with the groundbreaking The Terminator. Now, before we begin, a remake of the film would be a substantial step up from the original because the budget that Cameron was working with was quite measly. And it showed. And yet, it launched a beloved franchise that got better. That said, The Terminator needed to be a bit of a B-film to capture attention. A remake would lose that charm.

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In the iconic film, a time-traveling cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to 1984 from a post-apocalyptic future where a hostile AI defense network known as Skynet wipes out most of human civilization. Facing defeat by a human resistance led by John Connor, the T-800 is on a mission to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) to prevent her from ever giving birth to her eventual child. To counter the attack, the human resistance sends a lone soldier, Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), to protect Sarah and ensure John’s birth. The high-octane thriller explores themes of humanity’s dangerous reliance on technology, the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence, and questions whether our fate is predetermined. Every one of those themes is pertinent today, but to explore them in a remake of The Terminator would be futile.

The original film became a classic because of how it was precisely presented. There would be no way to replicate that lighting in a bottle again. The film has influenced the genre by giving sci-fi action thrillers more slasher-like stories with an iconic final girl. But once again, The Terminator‘s massive success was thanks in part to Schwarzenegger’s performance. He was chilling, terrifying, and perfectly cast. The plot of this film would never be able to be replicated with anyone but the iconic actor. Ask yourself, do you really want to hear anyone else attempt to utter the line, “I’ll be back.” The answer is no. Technology has caught up to the prescribed sci-fi in the original film, making it nearly impossible to capture the same story as anything but a hokey period piece.

8

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, freezes flying bullets with his hand outstretched in The Matrix.
Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, freezes flying bullets with his hand outstretched in The Matrix.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
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To be considered an influential film is a great honor. To be able to earn that distinction across multiple genres is a mark of sheer greatness. For The Matrix, the iconic film by the Wachowskis changed science fiction, action, and martial arts films the moment it dropped in theaters in 1999. The high-concept thriller follows a computer hacker named Neo (Keanu Reeves), who discovers that the everyday world is actually a complex simulated reality. Created by intelligent machines, this illusion keeps humanity docile while their bodies are harvested for energy. Contacted by a mysterious rebel leader named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and his ally Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Neo joins the rebellion to break free and rage against the machines. The Matrix expertly merged mind-bending philosophical concepts with groundbreaking visual effects into a mainstream cyberpunk blockbuster.

The Matrix revolutionized cinema. Perhaps most importantly, the film introduced and popularized bullet time, a visual effect that allowed the camera to pan around a scene at normal speed while the action unfolded in extreme slow-motion. Don’t deny it, after watching Reeves do that infamous backbend, you too tried to replicate it. That moment was just one of many things that became inherent in the pop culture lexicon. From the concept that our reality could be a simulation to the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, The Matrix was a crucial part of the time capsule during the turn of the century. It could never be replicated. Attempting to remake it would feel like an unnecessary copy and paste. The film did launch a franchise, allowing for the story to continue. A clean slate would mean wiping out the entire IP to start over. Fans would rather have the chance to relive the original film once again rather than watch a new take on it.

9

‘The Rock’ (1996)

Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage ducking gunfire in The Rock
Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage ducking gunfire in The Rock.
Image via Hollywood Pictures
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The ’90s were the decade of the blockbuster. Thanks to those big-budget, massively epic films, audiences swarmed to the theater for their chance to see things blow up. Two titans of that concept were director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. One of their great collaborations was 1996’s action thriller The Rock. The film follows rogue U.S. Marine general Frank X. Hummel (Ed Harris), who hijacks Alcatraz Island, holding tourists hostage and threatening to launch deadly nerve gas rockets at San Francisco to secure financial reparations for families of fallen, unacknowledged soldiers. To stop the attack, the government pairs a nervous FBI chemical weapons expert, Dr. Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage), with a notorious, imprisoned ex-spy, Captain John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery) — the only man who has ever successfully broken out of the infamous island prison. Perfecting the blockbuster formula with an escapism story and a top-tier all-star cast, The Rock was the peak of high-concept, stylized action flicks.

The Rock has been why we sought out “Bayhem” ever since. Bay’s signature visual style and direction became the blueprint for future directors of the genre. The stunts, the car chases, the pyrotechnics — it was all real, tactile stunt work. That was a major allure of the film. Certainly, that can be replicated, but it wouldn’t have that Bay touch. The Rock had unmatched star power with its unlikely duo dynamic. It caught both leads at just the right time in their career. Connery channeled a mature, rogue version of James Bond while Cage, fresh off his Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas, proved that action was in his blood. Without The Rock, he may not have had Con Air or Face/Off, two other films that studios should keep their hands off of. The Rock emerged as a cult classic film because the ingredients of this recipe resulted in a perfect feast. Attempting to find those perfect ingredients would be a difficult task. The Rock is a flawless standalone film and deserves that distinct honor.

10

‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ (1985)

To Live and Die in L.A. - 1985 (1) Image via MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
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Perhaps the greatest action film in William Friedkin‘s vast list of classics is To Live and Die in L.A. Based on the 1984 novel by former U.S. Secret Service agent Gerald Petievich, the film uses a neo-noir crime thriller style to tell the story of a reckless, vengeance-driven Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen), who resorts to unethical and illegal methods to catch a brilliant, murderous counterfeiter, Eric “Rick” Masters (Willem Dafoe), who killed his partner, Jimmy Hart (Michael Greene). Consumed by grief and a desire for revenge, Chance abandons the law as he’s paired with a nervous, by-the-book partner, John Vukovich (John Pankow). As Chance crosses the line from lawman to criminal, the line between him and the man he is hunting becomes dangerously blurred. To Live and Die in L.A. recalibrates the typical Hollywood hero cop story as it tackles corruption, moral ambiguity, and the dark paths obsession leads to.

The film was celebrated for its moral gray areas. As the film progressed and the pursuit intensified, the line between hero cop and villain criminal dissipated as the environment of the chase was consumed by their own obsession. By forcing the audience to question the moral ambiguity, the cop genre’s subversion led to a new realm of storytelling. To Live and Die in L.A. is distinctly ’80s. With the sun-soaked Los Angeles giving way to the gritty underbelly of the city, set to the hypnotic Wang Chang atmospheric score, reclaiming that sound and imagery in a remake would be quite difficult. To Live and Die in L.A. wasn’t crafted as a period piece, but a product of its time. A remake would become a period piece, and the story told through a modern lens would resonate entirely differently. At the time, the story ended with a twist ending and virtually no heroes. That was bold then. The truth is, the film’s success came from the Friedkin touch. Is there anyone else who could do what he did? All signs point to no.


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To Live and Die in L.A.

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Release Date

November 1, 1985

Runtime
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116 minutes

Writers

Gerald Petievich

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  • instar54073781.jpg
  • Cast Placeholder Image

    William Petersen

    Richard Chance

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    John Pankow

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    John Vukovich

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Debra Feuer

    Bianca Torres

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Kendall Jenner Takes Jacob Elordi To Meet Caitlyn

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Kendall Jenner at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Finding lasting love is never simple when you’re part of the Kardashian-Jenner family, where every new romance is immediately met with skepticism. 

Kendall Jenner’s relationship with Australian actor Jacob Elordi has already weathered claims that it’s nothing more than another carefully orchestrated publicity move. 

However, behind the scenes, the supermodel has quietly taken a significant step that suggests their romance is becoming far more serious, one that also shines a light on her complicated bond with Caitlyn Jenner.

Kendall Jenner at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA

Ever since Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were first linked earlier this year, the couple has kept much of their romance away from the spotlight. 

While they’ve been photographed enjoying discreet vacations together, many critics dismissed the relationship as another Kardashian-Jenner “showmance” allegedly masterminded by family matriarch Kris Jenner.

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However, new developments suggest Kendall is treating the relationship very differently.

After reportedly being encouraged by sister Kylie Jenner to move Elordi out of the “friend zone,” Kendall introduced the “Wuthering Heights” star to the people closest to her. 

Elordi has already met Kris along with sisters Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as several of the family’s celebrity friends. 

However, the biggest milestone wasn’t introducing him to Kris. Instead, it was bringing him to meet Caitlyn, something insiders describe as both highly unusual and deeply meaningful given Kendall’s long-standing approach to keeping that part of her life separate.

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Kendall Arranges A Private Meeting With Caitlyn

Caitlyn Jenner posing on the red carpet.
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According to a Daily Mail insider, Kendall Jenner quietly introduced Jacob Elordi to Caitlyn in a few months ago during a private visit to the 76-year-old’s $3.5 million Malibu hilltop home.

“Kendall finally introduced Jacob to Caitlyn in May,” the source revealed. The insider emphasized just how significant the meeting was, explaining, “This is a very big deal because Kendall does not introduce a lot of her friends or lovers to Caitlyn.”

While Kris is known for immediately welcoming the people in her children’s lives, Caitlyn’s situation is very different.

“Everyone meets Kris right off the bat because she is so social and involved with her kids, but not Caitlyn, who is more of a recluse these days, so this is very special and unusual,” the source continued.

Rather than making the introduction into a formal family gathering, Kendall kept everything intentionally relaxed. “Kendall brought Jacob over to Caitlyn’s house for a casual meet and greet,” the insider shared, adding, “They hung out for a while one afternoon, it was not a big deal, it was super chill.”

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According to the source, the visit went smoothly as Kendall revealed that it was nice and everyone liked each other.

Kendall Jenner Wanted The Introduction To Stay Drama-Free

Kendall Jenner is seen at the Met Gala in 2017
Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

The intimate meeting wasn’t simply about introducing a boyfriend. It was carefully planned with Kendall’s own comfort in mind.

According to the source, the reality TV star struggles with anxiety and wanted the meeting to be low-key and void of drama. 

The meeting also mattered to Jacob Elordi himself. Family has long been one of the actor’s top priorities, making it important for him to get to know both of Kendall’s parents.

“Jacob is very close to his mother Melissa and has said that family is everything so this was a must for him,” the insider said. 

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They added that Kendall sees her boyfriend’s relationship with his mother as one of his most attractive qualities.

Kendall Has Never Hidden The Challenges In Her Relationship With Caitlyn

Kendall Jenner Bares It All In Risqué Met Gala After-party Outfit Alongside Her Beau Bad Bunny
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Although Kendall and Caitlyn Jenner remain close in many ways, political differences and family tensions have complicated their relationship. Still, the 30-year-old has made it clear she doesn’t want her father to feel isolated. 

In an October 2025 episode of “The Kardashians,” Kendall admitted that she always wanted to “include” the media personality because she didn’t “have a lot outside of her family and I think that she gets lonely.”

She also added, “You don’t ever want someone to be sad, especially your dad and someone you love and care about.” The family’s history helps explain the emotional complexity.

Caitlyn married Kris in 1991 before welcoming Kendall in 1995 and Kylie two years later. She also became stepfather to Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian following the death of their father, Robert Kardashian, in 2003.

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Following the former couple’s 2014 split and Caitlyn’s public transition the following year, relationships within the family shifted. 

In 2023, Caitlyn, however, acknowledged during an appearance on “This Morning” that she and Kris remained cordial but were no longer particularly close.

Kendall Jenner Is Supporting Caitlyn During A Difficult Chapter

Caitlyn Jenner Speaks during the Republican National Convention 2016
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Recent events have given Kendall another reason to reconnect with her father.

Caitlyn has largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight, making only occasional public appearances, including one at the IAC National Summit at The Diplomat Beach Resort earlier this year.

Behind the scenes, she’s also endured a heartbreaking personal loss. Sophia Hutchins, Caitlyn’s longtime manager, business partner, and best friend, died in a tragic ATV accident in Malibu on July 2, 2025, at just 29 years old.

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Since then, Kendall has reportedly made a conscious effort to spend more time with the media personality while navigating her own growing relationship with Elordi.

“Kendall wants to be there for Caitlyn,” a source shared, adding, “She has been sad and lonely since Sophia died a year ago.”

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Alleged Video Of Gucci Mane Robbery Surfaces

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Rihanna Seemingly Addresses Baby Rumors, Talks "Little Pouch"

A surfaced clip and an ongoing federal case have brought Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane back into the spotlight, reigniting questions about what really went down behind the scenes at 1017 Records. What was once viewed as a simple label connection between the two rappers is now being revisited under a much more serious lens.

RELATED: No Way! Prosecutors Reportedly Release Photos Showing Moment Pooh Shiesty & Others Allegedly Robbed Gucci Mane At Gunpoint

Pooh Shiesty & Gucci Mane Situation Takes New Turn

On Wednesday, July 1, social media erupted after an alleged video began circulating online, shared by Livebitez on Instagram. And, it allegedly shows Pooh Shiesty alongside another man confronting an individual dressed in yellow with his face obscured. While many online users speculated the person in the clip could be Gucci Mane, that has not been confirmed. Additionally, the footage itself has not been authenticated by either artist. The dispute between Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty stems from allegations tied to a kidnapping and robbery that prosecutors claim were part of efforts to force Shiesty’s exit from 1017 Records.

Alleged Video Of Robbery Surfaces

In the circulating recording, a voice believed to be Gucci Mane can be heard referencing Pooh Shiesty’s status with 1017, allegedly saying, “I dropped you, Pooh Shiesty’s dropped from 1017… Bro we just did that, that’s done. You dropped. You said you wanted to be dropped, you dropped.”

Another portion of the clip appears to show Pooh Shiesty responding, saying, “Let them know you dropping me… Real n*gga, ain’t never did no police sh*t or none of that. Tell them what’s going on.” Now, questions remain surrounding whether the clip reflects a real exchange or has been taken out of context.

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The footage has also reportedly been referenced in court filings, where prosecutors have cited screenshots while opposing bond requests tied to Pooh Shiesty’s ongoing federal case. Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams, remains charged alongside eight co-defendants. Fellow parties include his father and rapper Big30, with all parties denying the allegations. The case is currently scheduled for trial on February 22, 2027, as continued speculation and online discussion keep the situation in the public eye.

The Internet Is Breaking This Down Frame By Frame

Folks ran straight to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section after the clip surfaced. And, they definitely ran it UP with theories and takes. Some users claim Gucci Mane is plotting as the video plays out in real time. Others say Pooh Shiesty actually appears to be the one in a stressed position. Meanwhile, plenty of people stay confused overall, questioning why someone is even recording in the first place.

One Instagram user @_goddess_virgo commented, “Who tf records a kidnapping 😂😂😂”

This Instagram user @dadadon1998 said, “lol so yall was expecting Gucci to turn up in get kill 😂😂😂 ion think soo

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And, Instagram user @lucci_hushmoney_ added, “Gucci wasn’t even scared 😩🤣Bro look like y’all got it go head but He did step back quick /when was like where U going 🤣”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @solochaching wrote, “Bra with the gun look disappointed like ‘why we gotta do gucci like this’ 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @kingghxst803 shared, “No police shi’ but lemme record the whole crime I’m committing

Then Instagram user @miamibizoe said, “Like they filmin a vlog 😂😂😂 man won the crash out Olympics

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But, Instagram user @risk__taker868 joked, ‘Nah say it nigga’ 😂😂😂😂 Pooh a menace lol

Instagram user @mr.exitfilmz added, “Body language saying wait till I get out of this

Lastly, Instagram user @_britneeyyy_ asked, “i wonder what 2006 gucci mane would do 🤔”

RELATED: Federal Heat! Pooh Shiesty Pleads Not Guilty In Gucci Mane Kidnapping Case As The Timeline Talks (PHOTO)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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New on Paramount+ in July 2026 — Full List of Movies and Shows

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John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

Are you ready to say goodbye in July?

You’ll be saying a lot of fond farewells if you’re watching Paramount+, as the streamer has scheduled a handful of season and series finales.

The acclaimed drama The Chi is wrapping up its five-season run, while the Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch, Tyler Perry’s Zatima and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars are all finishing their latest hit seasons.

It’s not all goodbyes, though; Big Brother returns for another season full of housemate drama, while Star Trek: Strange New Worlds beams up new adventures in season 4.

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Continue reading for our full list of all the new Paramount+ movies and shows streaming in July.

July 1

Clifford the Big Red Dog (Season 1-2)
Clifford’s Puppy Days (Season 1-2)
Garfield and Friends (Season 1-7)
Goosebumps (Season 1-4)
Magic School Bus (Season 1-4)
PAW Patrol: Fire Rescue (new special)
Super Duper Bunny League (Season 1-2)
Aeon Flux
An Officer and a Gentleman
Anthropoid
Bad News Bears
Big Night
Boomerang
Borg vs. McEnroe
Carriers
City of God
City of Men
Critical Condition
Deepwater Horizon
Down to Earth
Everybody Wants Some!!
Extract
Fences
Flight
Focus
Gemini Man
Glory
Good Boys
Good Morning, Vietnam
Grease 2
Hacksaw Ridge
Here and Now
Imagine That
Kiss The Girls
Marathon Man
Men, Women & Children
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
Nightwatch
Out of the Furnace
Overdrive
Rio
Road Trip
Serendipity
She’s All That
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Sleepy Hollow
Steel Magnolias
Super 8
The Commuter
The Dutchman*
The Expendables
The Expendables 2
The Expendables 3
The Expendables 4
The Island
The Kid
The Longest Yard
The Machinist
The Perfect Gamble*
The Ring
The Ring Two
The Sum of All Fears
The Untouchables
Tremors
Vacation
War and Peace
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!
Wuthering Heights
xXx
Young Adult

John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe


Related: New on HBO Max in July 2026 — The Full List of Movies and TV Shows

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HBO Max is bringing it in July 2026 – and by “it,” I mean some pretty amazing new movies and TV shows to watch. At the top of Watch With Us‘ list is the streaming debut of The Drama, the much-talked-about A24 movie starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson about a couple whose upcoming wedding is […]

July 3

Dutton Ranch, Season 1 Finale

July 4

The Great American Block Party 250 (New CBS Concert Special)

July 7

Tyler Perry’s Zatima, Season 4 Finale

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July 8

Wardriver

July 9

Big Brother, Season 28 Premiere

July 14

The Real Wolf of Wall Street

July 17

RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, Season 11 Finale
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked, Season 8 Finale

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July 21

Teen Mom UK: New Generation, Season 4

July 22

All The Queen’s Men, Season 5 Finale

July 23

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 4
Criminal Minds: Evolution, Season 19 Finale

July 24

The Chi, Series Finale

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The Killer Fantasy Epic That Tried To Save Us From Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey

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The Killer Fantasy Epic That Tried To Save Us From Christopher Nolan's Odyssey

By Robert Scucci
| Published

With Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey fast approaching, it’s time to get back into all of the great historical epics that have come out over the years. Gladiator (2000) is always a no-brainer thanks to Russell Crowe’s magnetic performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius, and if you want to channel your inner Spartan while a single tear runs down your cheek because you’re 37 and need to accept the fact that you’re never getting the abs back, you can fire up 300 (2007) to get your fill. Between those two films, though, is a little $185 million historical epic called Troy (2004), which wasn’t exactly a critical darling upon release (53 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), but has remained a fan favorite for decades.

Here’s the thing about historical epics based on Ancient Greek mythology: they almost always lose points for not properly representing the source material. But here’s my counterpoint: this is a movie, everybody speaks American English, and our main hero’s weakness is his heel because his mother dunked him upside down in the River Styx to make him immortal, but the water didn’t touch the spot where she was holding him. In other words, let’s suspend some disbelief, watch some epic battles, and enjoy the show.

Watch our full video to find out Why Troy Failed.

I’m No Scholar, But Troy Is Badass

Troy 2004

I hate long movies that don’t earn their runtime, but Troy is built differently because it fully commits to spectacle. There are plenty of names being said out loud that made me think, “Oh, that’s how you pronounce that; I’ve only ever read it before,” followed immediately by enough cinematic violence to distract me from the fact that I should probably brush up on both my history and my phonics.

Here’s the short and sweet version of what happens in Troy because, if I’m being real, I’m not watching this one for the plot. I’m watching it to see thousands of extras get leveled while armies wage war against each other and burn everything to the ground.

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Troy 2004

After Paris (Orlando Bloom), a prince of Troy, sparks a forbidden romance with Helen (Diane Kruger), the wife of Spartan King Menelaus, tensions between the two kingdoms explode into all-out war. The Greek armies unite under the ambitious Agamemnon (Brian Cox), bringing along their greatest warrior, Achilles (Brad Pitt), whose legendary fighting skills are matched only by his pride and ego. As Troy braces for invasion, noble prince Hector (Eric Bana) struggles to defend his family and city from destruction. What follows is a massive clash driven by love, revenge, ambition, and the pursuit of glory during a time when nothing else really mattered.

Beyond Epic In Scope And Scale

Filmed during that sweet spot in movie history where CGI enhanced a film instead of completely replacing practical filmmaking, Troy never feels like a green screen experience. Sure, digital effects were used to fill out backgrounds with massive armies and sprawling naval fleets, but the production still relied on thousands of extras swinging rubber swords during combat sequences so everybody could safely hack away at each other with reckless, military-sanctioned abandon. It’s even been reported that Brad Pitt and Eric Bana spent days rehearsing their final duel without stunt doubles to make sure audiences got the best fight sequence money could buy.

Troy 2004

Speaking of Brad Pitt, his portrayal of Achilles is second to none. He brings a certain level of nonchalance to the role, like he’s a party guy who just so happens to be exceptionally gifted at war. He’s untouchable and unflappable, and he commands the screen whenever he shows up while channeling serious dude-bro energy anytime somebody asks anything of him. When we’re first introduced to him, he effortlessly kills Boagrius (Nathan Jones), a giant hulk of a man, while violently hungover and not even having eaten breakfast yet. It’s poetry in sandals, and it’s ridiculously fun to watch play out.

For every bit of charisma in Troy, however, there’s also a healthy amount of corn you need to chew through. The most egregious moment, to me, is when Ajax lets out his battle cry in the middle of combat, bellowing, “I am Ajax, breaker of stones! Look upon me in despair!” Don’t get me wrong, that’s an objectively badass thing to say, but Troy is set in 1184 BC and he delivers the line like he knows there’s a camera crew behind him and he wants to sound as cool as humanly possible. Moments like that can take me out of movies like Troy, but it’s also worth mentioning that this is still an incredible quote to casually work into real life whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Troy 2004

In 2026, Troy’s legacy has far exceeded its initial reputation, which is reflected in its much stronger 74 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics may have gone hard on this movie at the time, but it’s also worth remembering that critics don’t always know how to have fun. Troy is fun. It’s pure popcorn spectacle wrapped in armor, and if you’re looking for next-level fight choreography and carnage, it really doesn’t get much better than this.

As of this writing, Troy is not available through standard streaming subscriptions, but it can be rented or purchased on demand through Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV+.


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‘Helluva Boss’ Season 3 Is Going Full Adults-Only on Prime Video [Exclusive]

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If you thought Helluva Boss had already reached peak horniness, Vivienne Medrano has some news for you. The creator recently revealed that one upcoming Season 3 musical sequence pushes the show’s adult humor even further, to the point that even series star Brandon Rogers was caught off guard. Speaking during an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Medrano teased an upcoming sequence arriving in October that she believes is one of the coolest moments in the new season.

While she couldn’t reveal exactly what happens without spoilers, she admitted the reactions from people who have already seen it weren’t quite what she expected. For Medrano, the sequence always felt less like an excuse to shock audiences and more like a slick, stylish music video. She knew it was raunchy, but she viewed it as a creative showcase more than anything else. That changed once she started hearing how other people responded. Medrano told Collider:

“We have a sequence in Season 3, so I can’t reveal what it is, but people will see in October, that I think is cool. It’s so funny because I was like, ‘I know this is raunchy,’ but I just thought, ‘This is a sleek music video. It’s so cool.’ Then seeing people react to it… Brandon Rogers, who is our main character, is known for doing outlandish, crude, he’s-naked-in-the-street comedy, and seeing him be like, ‘That was a lot,’ I was like, ‘Really? It was a lot to you?’ Then, the fact that Prime is letting us put that out on their platform.”



Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?

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Classic Rock Personality Quiz
Who’s Your Perfect
Classic Rock Band?

A Personality Quiz · 10 Questions
Five legendary bands. One perfect match. Answer 10 questions about your personality, attitude, and taste to find out which classic rock icon you truly belong with. Are you raw power, rolling swagger, operatic drama, thunderous riffs, or timeless melody?

AC/DC

👅Rolling Stones

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🤘Metallica

👑Queen

🎸The Beatles

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01

How do you walk into a room?
Choose the answer that feels most like you.





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02

What does your ideal Friday night look like?





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03

What’s your philosophy on keeping things simple vs. complex?





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04

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How would your friends describe your personal style?





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05

How do you want to be remembered?





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06

What kind of crowd do you want around you?





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07

If you were writing a song, what would it be about?





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08

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What’s your secret to staying relevant over time?





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09

You’re playing to 80,000 people. What does your performance look like?





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10

Pick the word that best sums up your relationship with rock music.
This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully.





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Your Result
Your Perfect Band Is Revealed

Based on your personality, energy, and taste, the classic rock band that matches your soul is…

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⚡ AC/DC

You are pure, undiluted rock energy. You don’t need tricks, trends, or theatrical gimmicks — you have something more powerful: a riff that hits like a thunderbolt and an attitude that never wavers. Like AC/DC, you understand that simplicity executed with absolute conviction is its own form of genius. You’re the person in the room who doesn’t overthink it, doesn’t pretend, and never turns the volume down. The highway to hell is a state of mind — and you’ve been on it since day one.

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👅 The Rolling Stones

You’ve got swagger that can’t be taught. Rooted in the blues and soaked in street-level attitude, you move through life with a loose, dangerous elegance that draws people in without ever trying too hard. Like the Stones, you’ve seen it all, done most of it, and somehow look better for it. You’re not chasing perfection — you’re chasing truth, groove, and that electric moment when everything clicks. Can’t always get what you want? You tend to get it anyway.

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👑 Queen

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You are magnificent, and you know it — not from arrogance, but from an unshakeable sense of self that has never needed anyone’s permission. Like Queen, you defy every category people try to place you in. You blend the epic with the intimate, the operatic with the anthemic, the serious with the playful. You live boldly, love fiercely, and perform every aspect of your life as though the whole world is watching. Because sometimes it is. We are the champions — and so are you.

🎸 The Beatles

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You have the rarest of gifts: the ability to make something that feels both deeply personal and universally human. Like The Beatles, you’re a natural connector — someone whose warmth, curiosity, and creative instincts draw people together across every divide. You believe in melody, in craftsmanship, and in the quiet power of a song that says exactly what someone needed to hear. You’ve changed the people around you just by being who you are. All you need is love — and you give it generously.

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Brandon Rogers Has Been Teasing a Steamier Season 3, Too

Medrano isn’t the only member of the Helluva Boss team to hint that Season 3 is dialing up the show’s already unapologetic energy. In an interview last year with Collider, Rogers was asked to describe the upcoming season in just three words, and his answer painted a pretty clear picture.

“More, horny, more horny… Jesus. No, wait, we can’t say Jesus in Hell, that’s a swear. Well… bigger, faster, redder… sexier.”

Those comments line up neatly with Medrano’s latest tease. While she emphasized that the October sequence stands out because of its stylish presentation as much as its explicit content, she also admitted that Helluva Boss is “pushing the boundary on the horny content in Season 3.” Her comments also suggest the move to Prime Video hasn’t changed the series’ creative identity. Rather than toning things down for a larger streaming audience, Medrano admitted she was pleasantly surprised the platform was willing to let the sequence remain exactly as intended.

That should come as welcome news for longtime fans. Helluva Boss has built its audience by balancing outrageous comedy with increasingly emotional storytelling, and Season 3 doesn’t appear interested in sacrificing either side of that equation. If Medrano and Rogers are any indication, the next batch of episodes will be bigger, bolder, sexier, and apparently just shocking enough to make even Blitzø’s voice actor do a double-take.

Helluva Boss Season 3 premieres on October 14, 2026. Stay tuned at Collider for more.

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Release Date

October 31, 2020

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Network

YouTube, Prime Video

Directors
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Vivienne Medrano

Writers

Brandon Rogers

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Brandon Rogers

    Blitzø (voice)

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    Richard Steven Horvitz

    Moxxie (voice)

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Lonzo Ball Adresses His Parents’ Split, Folks Go IN On LaVar Ball

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Not Adding Up? Lonzo Ball Spills Tea On His Parents' Split & The TL Goes IN On LaVar Ball (VIDEO)

Whew! Lonzo Ball is setting the record straight after his family’s personal life became a hot topic online. Following days of speculation, the NBA star is speaking out to clear the air and share his perspective on a situation involving his parents, LaVar and Tina Ball, that has had social media talking.

RELATED: Moving On? LaVar Ball Reveals Near 30-Year Marriage To Wife Tina Is Over, Social Media Sounds OFF (VIDEO)

Lonzo Ball Speaks On LaVar & Tina’s Divorce

During a recent appearance on ‘Ball in the Family Podcast,’ Lonzo Ball addressed his parents’ divorce after LaVar Ball previously revealed that he and Tina Ball had separated during an appearance on N3on’s YouTube channel. While LaVar didn’t explain what led to the split, Lonzo didn’t hold back, saying his mother “didn’t want to leave” and was “d*mn near forced to leave.” He also revealed that he personally helped Tina move out and said he’s glad she did.

Lonzo went on to shut down speculation that Tina left because of LaVar’s health, calling those claims “a myth” and making it clear their separation had nothing to do with him losing his foot. Despite admitting his parents “don’t f*** with each other,” Lonzo said he loves them both and emphasized that they’re both doing well, adding, “It didn’t work out, and it is what it is.

Here’s What Prompted Lonzo To Speak

Lonzo’s comments come just days after LaVar publicly confirmed that he and Tina Ball had ended their nearly 30-year marriage during an appearance on streamer N3on’s YouTube channel. At the time, LaVar shared that Tina chose to “go her own way” and insisted there was no bad blood between them, even revealing that he’s already seeing someone new.

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He also reflected on Tina’s 2017 stroke and said her health never changed how he viewed her, calling her “beautiful” throughout her recovery. However, after online speculation suggested Tina left because of LaVar’s recent leg amputation due to diabetes complications, Lonzo decided to speak out, making it clear that narrative was false and that his parents’ separation stemmed from issues unrelated to his father’s health.

The Comment Section Was In Detective Mode

Fans also flooded the ‘Ball in the Family Podcast’ Instagram comment section after Lonzo’s remarks began making the rounds, and they didn’t hold back. Some praised Zo for speaking up and defending his mom, saying they were glad someone finally addressed the rumors head-on. Others, however, felt there was more to the story, with several commenters insisting that something “fishy” must have happened behind the scenes.

One Instagram user @el_wongies claimed, “You know damn well that as long as dip is in the league, Tina we’ll always be taken care of financially that boy loves his mama as he should

This Instagram user @babyscill444 added, ‘She did not leave him cuz he lost his foot’ 😂😂”

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And, Instagram user @c0rey.st0ry said, “Respect. Bro had his mom back because you can tell by Tina’s character she would’ve never told her side.

Meanwhile, Instagram user @thebenefields wrote, “This is how it should be. [Boys] were raised right. Not picking sides and supporting both parents that helped them get to where they are. Love it

While Instagram user @cooper_chirafisi joked, “Brotha cleared up nothing cmon Zo spill man 😂”

Lastly, Instagram user @anabellababii claimed, “I knew Tina didn’t just leave. Sending love to your whole family for some healing. ❤️‍🩹”

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X Had A LOT To Say About This

Folks wasted no time taking the conversation to X, where they shared plenty of thoughts on the Ball family’s latest headlines. While many accused LaVar Ball of playing the victim, others claimed they noticed the way he treated Tina during the family’s reality show years ago and said the split didn’t completely surprise them. Meanwhile, plenty of users shifted their focus to Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, saying they simply felt for the brothers as they watched their parents’ divorce play out so publicly.

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Apple TV’s Biggest ‘Wheel of Time’ Replacement Confirms Season 1 Episode Count

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Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive books are not exactly small, breezy reads you knock out on a train journey quickly. They’re enormous, dense, character-packed fantasy epics with wars, ancient magic, giant swords, you name it, so the idea of a TV adaptation that plays fast and loose and gives us an on-the-surface adaptation is a concern. Luckily for us, though, Apple TV do not like to do things the easy way.

Sanderson has now officially confirmed that the first season of Stormlight is set to run for 10 episodes, sharing the update while he was discussing his rapidly expanding slate of projects and revealing that he’s going to be taking on a key role in the writing process.

Stormlight, I’ll write a huge chunk of it – which is a 10 episode television show. I am the primary writer on both of those.”

Plenty of folks have understandably been nervous about how the massive Cosmere story will translate to television, so it’s enormously reassuring to hear that Sanderson is not just offering notes from the sidelines, rather he’s one of the main creative voices shaping the series.

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‘The Stormlight Archive’ Has a Huge Story To Adapt

Set in the world of Roshar, The Stormlight Archive follows several characters whose lives collide during a brutal war, as long-buried powers and ancient truths begin to resurface. The saga began with The Way of Kings in 2010 and currently spans five novels, with Wind and Truth closing out the first major arc. The GoodReads synopsis for the book series reads:

Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy cycle tells the story of Roshar, a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. As brutal wars rage over the control of these magical weapons, an ancient text called The Way of Kings tells of ancient times, the Knights Radiant, and perhaps the true cause of the war. The Knights Radiant must stand again.

The Stormlight Archive is in development for Apple TV. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news and updates from Brandon Sanderson and the growing slate at Apple TV. The Wheel of Time streams on Prime Video.


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Release Date

2021 – 2025-00-00

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Network

Prime Video

Showrunner
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Rafe Judkins

Directors

Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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Writers

Amanda Kate Shuman, Dave Hill, Rohit Kumar, Justine Juel Gillmer, Celine Song, Rammy Park, The Clarksons Twins, Katherine B. McKenna

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Modern Classic R-Rated Crime Thriller Belongs In Every Physical Media Collection

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Modern Classic R-Rated Crime Thriller Belongs In Every Physical Media Collection

By TeeJay Small
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If you’re a fan of high-octane action thrillers, you’re probably already aware of Martin Scorsese‘s hit 2006 film The Departed. Doubly so if you’re from the Boston area, since many fans see the film as the most quintessential Boston movie of all time.

Right now, The Departed is streaming on MGM+, but it desperately needs a better streaming home, where a wider selection of viewers can marvel at this masterpiece. With all due respect to the MGM+ subscribers in our midst (all five of you,) I think a Best Picture winner from one of the greatest living filmmakers deserves a little more prestige than a streaming service most people have never heard of.

A Cinematic Masterpiece All Around

The Departed 2006

In case you’re out of the loop on this one, The Departed is a crime thriller loosely based on the real life story of infamous Boston mobster Whitey Bulger. It also serves as a remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film titled Infernal Affairs. The film centers on a Whitey stand-in by the name of Frank Costello, as well as his coterie of criminals, crooks, and dirty cops on the payroll. As one of the most dangerous men in Boston, Costello commands a crew of murderers, thieves, and full-on terrorists, even as undercover police infiltrate his inner circle.

One of the most impressive elements of The Departed, besides Scorsese’s impeccable direction, is the absolutely stacked cast. Costello is portrayed by a scenery-chewing Jack Nicholson, while multiple A-listers including Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin offer some of the best performances of their entire careers. Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, and Kevin Corrigan also appear in highly memorable bit parts.

Gets Better With Each Repeated Viewing

The Departed 2006

As a thoroughbred Bostonian dirtbag myself, I grew up on a steady diet of The Departed, with frequent rewatches each year. At this point, I can practically quote the movie from front to back. While I wouldn’t necessarily put it on the same level as Goodfellas, I think that The Departed is the best modern mob story, showcasing the ways organized crime has evolved in the 21st century and beyond.

The academy certainly seemed receptive to the film as well, since The Departed swept four categories at the Oscars in 2007. Most notably, the film took home the statue for Best Picture, though it also serves as Scorsese’s only win in the Best Director category.

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If you’ve got an MGM+ subscription, be sure to throw The Departed on your watch list before it bounces to yet another streamer. Otherwise, consider renting it on digital stores like Amazon, or do yourself a real favor and pick up a 4k Blu-ray. Watching the movie from the comfort of your couch is guaranteed to bring all the charm of Boston to your personal abode, without the exceptional cost of a visit to the city on the hill.


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North West’s Fame Puts Kim Kardashian Under Pressure

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North West

Kim Kardashian is reportedly feeling the heat after fresh criticism over North West’s growing fame erupted following the teenager’s Paris Fashion Week appearance. 

As celebrities and insiders question whether the 13-year-old is being exposed to too much attention, new claims suggest the reality star feels “insulted” by suggestions she isn’t doing enough to protect her daughter, even as Kanye West’s influence continues to shape North’s rising career.

North West found herself at the center of intense public scrutiny after attending the Vetements show during Paris Fashion Week. 

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Seated in the front row, the teenager appeared uncomfortable as photographers and fans tried to capture her attention while security attempted to create space around her.

The situation escalated when footage showed North interacting with several adults at the event. As The Blast reported, one moment in particular drew widespread attention after internet personality Matteo Sinet embraced her despite what appeared to be North’s attempt to initiate a handshake.

The clip quickly spread online, prompting concern from observers. UK rapper Skepta was among those who reacted publicly, sharing a video and writing, “WOW!! Protect your kids people. Protect your kids!”

North’s Growing Fame Raises Questions Among Industry Insiders

North West
TikTok | Kim and North

According to sources, Skepta is not the only person expressing concerns about North West’s increasing public profile.

One insider claimed that several people connected to Kanye’s circle have reservations about the level of access adults have to the teenager. 

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The source told the Daily Mail, “Skepta won’t be the only artist concerned about how exposed North is to fame-hungry adults who may not all have good intentions.”

The insider added that many artists are especially protective of their children and suggested some celebrities have quietly questioned whether stronger boundaries should be in place.

Concerns reportedly extend to Kanye himself. Another source said the rapper is actively focused on strengthening safeguards around his daughter.

“No child should be placed in a position where adult men feel entitled to crowd her, comment on her, or seek photos with her in a way that treats her as public property,” the source said, adding, “Ye is taking this seriously… This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

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North West Attended The Event Without Kim Kardashian Or Kanye West

Kim Kardashian Stuns in Pearls with Daughter North West leaving the Ritz Hotel on there way to the Met Gala
MEGA

While debate surrounding the Paris appearance intensified, neither Kim nor Kanye was present during the event.

The Yeezy mogul was reportedly celebrating his 49th birthday alongside his wife Bianca Censori at a private gathering near the Château de Versailles. 

Kim, meanwhile, appeared to be in Los Angeles celebrating sister Khloé Kardashian’s birthday.

Instead, North attended under the supervision of Danielle Levi, a longtime stylist for Kim, who has increasingly become a familiar presence during many of the teenager’s public appearances.

Levi has accompanied North throughout the rollout of her debut music project, “N0rth4evr,” and has been seen supporting her at multiple performances and promotional events.

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Her relationship with the family stretches back years. After working under stylist Mel Ottenberg, Levi eventually joined Kanye’s creative circle and previously described him as her “number one” style icon.

North’s Music Ambitions Continue To Grow

Kanye West and Daughter North West Sit Court side At Her Basketball Game In Thousand Oaks, CA.
@CelebCandidly / MEGA

Sources say one of Kim’s biggest challenges has been North West’s determination to forge her own path in entertainment.

The teenager has already released music and is preparing to embark on the Molly x North Kimokawaii Tour alongside rapper Molly Santana. 

The tour is scheduled to visit multiple cities across North America before concluding in Los Angeles later this summer. An insider claimed Kim initially had reservations about how quickly things were moving.

“Kim never wanted North to make music and start a tour so soon because of safety concerns,” the source said. Despite those concerns, North reportedly remains focused on building a career of her own.

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“But North does what she wants, she is determined to become a huge star and have her own fame,” the insider added.

The source also noted that Kanye has strongly encouraged his daughter’s ambitions, explaining that “Kanye backs up North” and takes pride in seeing her follow a creative path similar to his own.

North West’s Success Creates New Parenting Challenges For Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian And North West Going For Lunch At L'AVENUE Restaurant
KCS Presse / MEGA

Balancing North’s ambitions with concerns about privacy has reportedly become increasingly difficult for Kim.

Sources say the reality star has long preferred that her children maintain a lower profile, but recognizes that such a goal may be unrealistic given their family circumstances. 

North’s bold personality and growing interest in music, fashion, and public appearances have only accelerated that challenge.

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The situation is further complicated by Kim’s co-parenting relationship with Kanye. Since their 2022 divorce, both parents have maintained joint custody of their four children while navigating differing views on fame and public exposure.

According to one insider, criticism directed at Kim has been especially frustrating. “Kim feels judged by a lot of other parents but is insulted at the idea that she isn’t doing enough to protect North,” the source said.

The insider added that the mom of four’s friends believe she is facing an extraordinarily difficult situation as she tries to support her daughter.

“He has made it easier for detractors to target Kim because of his past nonsensical anti-Semitic and anti-Black tirades. She is doing the best she can,” they shared.

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