Entertainment
Prime Video’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Replacement Is the Greatest Fantasy Show of All Time
Out of all the fantasy series out there, Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time is a game-changer, bringing Robert Jordan‘s epic novels to life. The saga takes the audience on an unbelievable journey to a world where magic and destiny collide, providing an immersive and unforgettable time on-screen. At the beginning of this epic tale, we meet Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), a strong and powerful Aes Sedai who sets out on a dangerous adventure to discover the Dragon Reborn, a person who is believed to have the power to either save or bring doom upon humanity. What makes The Wheel of Time stand out most above other fantasy series on Prime Video are also the aspects that make it a true masterpiece of the genre.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Unravels the Threads of Gender
The biggest thing that sets The Wheel of Time apart from other fantasy series is how it approaches gender, exploring the dynamics within its established world. From the first scene, we learn that only women are able to channel the One Power, meaning that they are the only ones who can use magic. In a world where magic is predominantly wielded by women, The Wheel of Time challenges traditional gender roles and explores the multifaceted nature of power and influence.
This divide exists because, long ago, the Dark One poisoned the half of the One Power that men use. This corruption ended up causing all men who use the One Power to lose a part of their sanity each time they use it. As the many men who could use the One Power at the time of the corruption went mad, they destroyed almost everything in their path. As a reaction to this destruction, the female Aes Sedai cut off their access to the One Power. This process is referred to as gentling — and when the last man was finally gentled, almost every civilization, with almost all its knowledge, was lost.
Despite these powers, gender-based violence continues to exist. In this world where women are often marginalized and their power is feared or misunderstood, the Aes Sedai stand as a beacon of female empowerment. These highly trained women wield the One Power, the source of all magic, and hold positions of authority and influence. Yet, even within their ranks, they face challenges and prejudices, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of gender in a society that is still patriarchal. The Wheel of Time doesn’t just touch on gender issues for relevancy’s sake; they’re actually a big part of the story, shaping the characters’ journeys and determining the fate of the world. As a result, it encourages viewers to ponder their own thoughts on gender and consider the intricacies of humanity in a world where magic and destiny are intertwined.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Has a Fresh Perspective on the Chosen One Trope
In the realm of fantasy fiction, the trope of the “Chosen One” is a familiar and often overused narrative device. The idea of an individual destined for greatness, possessing extraordinary powers, and tasked with saving the world, has been explored countless times. However, The Wheel of Time offers a refreshing and nuanced take on this trope. While the series follows the traditional arc of a Chosen One’s journey, it deviates from the conventional portrayal of an all-powerful and infallible protagonist.
Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), the Dragon Reborn, is not an infallible hero immune to flaws and struggles. Instead, Rand is a complex but relatable character who’s constantly struggling with the heavy burden of his destiny and the constant threat of going insane. The series skillfully delves into the psychological toll of being the Dragon Reborn, showing us the intense inner conflict and doubt that Rand deals with. Rand is definitely not some passive boy just going with the flow of fate; he fights to remain in control of his own destiny, making some tough decisions and having to deal with the fallout afterward. His journey is not one of unbridled power and unwavering certainty.
Rand is constantly burdened by the knowledge that he could potentially destroy the world if he loses control of his abilities. His constant fear of insanity hangs over him, making him seem more complex and vulnerable. The Wheel of Time also fights against the idea that only the Chosen One can save humanity. While Rand’s role is undeniably significant, the fate of the world rests not solely on his shoulders but on the collective actions of those around him. The Aes Sedai, the friends he picks up on his journey, the friends he grew up with in the Two Rivers, and the different groups fighting for power all have important parts in shaping the future.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Explores Many Different Cultures
From a worldbuilding perspective, The Wheel of Time delves into the complexities of societal norms, power structures, and the ways in which different cultures approach similar situations, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. One striking example of this cultural exploration is the contrasting treatment of female magic wielders in two distinct societies: the Aes Sedai and the Seanchan. The Aes Sedai, highly trained women who wield the One Power, are revered and respected in their society. They hold powerful positions and often have a major impact on politics and society. In contrast, the damane, also female magic wielders, are enslaved and treated as property in the Seanchan Empire. Their power is considered to be a threat; therefore, they must be controlled and are most often used as weapons of war.
The Wheel of Time also considers how different cultures view prophecy and the concept of fate. In the Two Rivers, where the story begins, the people there are skeptical of prophecies. They distrust everyone who claims to know the future because they worry about being manipulated or taken advantage of. On the other hand, the Aes Sedai place more trust in prophecies, with many dedicated to studying them, and believe they are crucial for guiding their actions and shaping events.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Develops Complex Villains
In the world of fantasy fiction, villains are often portrayed as straightforward bad guys who are only after power or destruction — but The Wheel of Time breaks that mold by creating villains who are complex and fascinating, with motivations that make them relatable and even sympathetic. Their evil deeds aren’t just because they’re inherently wicked, but are instead linked to personal trauma, misguided ideas, or a yearning for redemption.
For Ishamael (Fares Fares), a powerful sorcerer who feels an intense sense of emptiness and wants to end the world’s suffering, his motivations come from having seen the endless cycles of creation and destruction. While he presents a major threat to the heroes of the world, he has become disillusioned with the constant struggle and believes oblivion is the only way to escape pain. Similarly, Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) is consumed by jealousy, anger, and a longing for the love she’s lost. Lanfear’s journey to the dark side is a sad story, with betrayal, abandonment, and the downsides of ambition.
These Forsaken all have their own reasons for their allegiance to the Dark One; some just want revenge, others have a twisted sense of justice, and still others are all about getting back their old glory. In The Wheel of Time, the villains become more than just obstacles for the heroes to beat. They’re not just flat-out clichés; they remind us that darkness can be found in anyone, and even the most misguided individuals might have a chance at redemption hidden beneath layers of pain and disappointment.
This series breathes new life into familiar fantasy themes and even introduces entirely fresh ideas. Even after its sudden cancellation, The Wheel of Time is still one of the best high fantasy series out there and the best on Prime Video by far. With three seasons to enjoy, the acclaimed fantasy series is still worth your time.
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
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2021 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Rafe Judkins
- Directors
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Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip
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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
A few years ago, I caved in and became a Spotify junkie. Once I realized I could jam tunes while badly playing hero shooters like Overwatch and Marvel Rivals, it was so Joever. While the ability to play the newest albums was cool, what really drew me to the streaming service was the playlists. Not the soulless, AI-generated lists they use now, but the ones carefully curated by human beings. Being just a click away from so many perfectly customized musical journeys held a major appeal for me, a guy from the original mixtape generation. What really stoked my Spotify addiction, though, was the discovery of public playlists from my favorite creators.
These playlists often took on many different forms. Some of them were simply a big list of music that a creator jammed out to while writing a comic, movie, or episode. My favorite thing, though, is when they release character-centric playlists to the public. For example, have you ever wondered what Clark Kent and Lois Lane like to listen to when they’re racing a deadline? James Gunn has you covered. Over the years, listening to these kinds of playlists has become my favorite way to immerse myself in my entertainment like never before. So, at the risk of sounding like a shill (seriously, y’all have no idea how quickly I’d sell out), here’s my guide to the best immersive playlists on Spotify.
From Lit Hits To Crit Hits
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, nobody embraced Spotify playlists like professional authors. It takes many long hours to bring our favorite stories to life, and they spend much of that time jamming out to their favorite tunes. Curious fans will be happy to learn that some of their favorite authors have released playlists online, revealing exactly which songs helped them craft their latest tale.
One of the biggest authors to do so is horror legend Stephen King. He collaborated with Far Out Magazine to release an official playlist of his favorite music on Spotify. It’s impressively eclectic, including songs from AC/DC, Sam Cooke, Shawn Mullins, and many more. According to the magazine, the maestro of the macabre declared this his “ultimate playlist,” so listening to it is a great way to get inside King’s head. If you want to go beyond the author’s official playlist, you’ll also find plenty of user-generated lists featuring music explicitly referenced in his books, allowing you to create the most immersive possible reading.
A more recent author to embrace Spotify is Matt Dinniman, writer of the hit Dungeon Crawler Carl books. He has several playlists that are more personal in nature, including Day Songs, Night Songs, and compilations of favorite metal songs and favorite instrumental songs. What fans of his LitRPG will be most interested in is the official playlist he made for the first Dungeon Crawler Carl book. While he sadly didn’t release playlists for subsequent books, he did give fans the next best thing. In the DCC books, there are alarm traps that blare popular Earth music whenever they are tripped. Dinniman has released an official playlist compiling all of these songs, immersing fans in his hit books while redefining (ahem) “trap music.”
You’re Listening To Evil Ex Radio
It’s an open secret that music is near and dear to Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley. Always a trendsetter, he was doing the Spotify playlist trend well before Spotify was even a thing. In the original Scott Pilgrim comic book volumes, O’Malley often included details about the songs he had been listening to while writing and drawing his indie masterpiece. Eventually, he took to Spotify and compiled all of these songs and more into a playlist playfully labeled “Scott Pilgrim 64.” This banger of a list includes songs from Plumtree (who inspired Scott Pilgrim’s name), Metric (whom Brie Larson memorably covers in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), and Millennial staples like David Bowie and Tom Petty.
Those who like Scott Pilgrim often like gaming. If that includes tabletop games, you might enjoy the fact that the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons podcast, Critical Role, has multiple official playlists on Spotify. Are you a fan who would like to better understand what makes your favorite characters tick? The podcast has numerous official playlists for characters, campaigns, and DMs. All of this is awesome if you want to learn more about your favorite heroes, roll your own character, or get in the right mindset to create your own sprawling campaign.
Flying Up That Hill
While it had a killer, synth-heavy opening theme, Stranger Things didn’t start out as a series known for its killer music or epic needle drops. That changed around Season 3, when we all jammed out to Dustin’s hilariously bad rendition of “The NeverEnding Story.” The next season upped the ante with Sadie Sink’s character escaping the Upside Down while listening to Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Given how popular that moment became, it may not surprise you to learn that Stranger Things has a number of official playlists on Spotify, each one detailing what specific characters like to listen to when they aren’t running from Demogorgons or saving the world from Vecna.
Arguably, nobody in this article likes music quite as much as James Gunn, the director who made sweet needle drops a staple of his Guardians of the Galaxy films. He ensured that Superman was similarly musical, including the Teddybears song “Punk Rocker” as a callback to Lois declaring herself as “punk rock.” If you want to know what else she listens to, you’re in luck: he’s uploaded official character playlists for Lois, Clark, Lex, and plenty of other characters. If you’re a Gunn superfan, be sure to check out his other playlists, which include everything from his favorite wedding day songs to various GOTG-style mixtapes. Also, be sure to check out his Wrapped playlist to see just how quirky the man running the DCU really is!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown into one of the biggest film franchises in history, but that doesn’t mean that it’s covered every single major Marvel hero there is to cover. In fact, a lot of heroes, Avengers specifically, have yet to make their way to the MCU and join the iconic team.
Whether they’ve been part of the main Avengers, the Secret Avengers, the West Coast Avengers, the Mighty Avengers, or any of the many other Avengers teams, dozens upon dozens of heroes have been part of Marvel’s flagship team. With the MCU seemingly moving forward with a soft reboot soon, and the inevitability that there will be more heroes introduced as the cinematic universe continues, these Marvel heroes will hopefully make their way to the live-action team soon.
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Darkhawk (Christopher “Chris” Powell): The West Coast Avengers
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Never heard of Darkhawk? That’s not unlikely. Being a much smaller Marvel Comics superhero, Darkhawk has flown under the radar for quite some time. However, people who grew up in the 90s and knew of him then have become quite the cult following for the hero. He has a very unique and distinct design that makes him unmistakable in a room. Darkhawk found himself joining the West Coast iteration of the team in Avengers West Coast #94 (1993), which also happens to be the issue in which James “Rhodey” Rhodes rejoins the team and officially takes up the mantle of War Machine.
So, he’s getting a little overshadowed in his own big “joined the team” issue, but Darkhawk has suffered from conditions like this throughout his whole career. Nothing’s new there. The small group of fans who still remember him fondly think he’d be a super fun addition to the MCU. He has major roles in crucial Marvel stories like the big “Annihilation” crossover, and his transformation mechanic is very interesting and makes for fun combat and action.
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Brawn (Amadeus Cho): The Mighty Avengers
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Amadeus Cho is one of the closest heroes here to be making his way to the MCU. Not only was his mother, Helen Cho (Claudia Kim), in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but he was featured in the alternate timeline series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Also known as Brawn, Cho can turn into a figure that looks very much like Hulk in visuals, with a similar power set.
He’s more arrogant than Bruce Banner, though, and, unlike most adaptations of Hulk, he maintains his mind when he transforms. This has given the Avengers team he’s been on, The Mighty Avengers, an edge in the sense that he has brains and strength in unison, kind of like how the MCU currently portrays Hulk. However, with Hulk returning to his “savage” form in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Cho could be perfect for not only joining the Young Avengers in the future, but filling that space that “Smart Hulk” is leaving.
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The “Irredeemable” Ant-Man (Eric O’Grady): The Secret Avengers
Oh boy… Eric O’Grady. Also known as Black Ant, this Avenger has had a very infamous history in Marvel Comics. He’s a brash, unapologetically rude, chaotic, and all-around mess of a superhero in all of his appearances. This doesn’t mean that people don’t like him, though. In fact, a lot of people enjoy the chaos he brings, because it often adds a very fresh dynamic, like it did when he was on The Secret Avengers, joining in the first issue of the 2010 run, Secret Avengers #1 (2010).
Paul Rudd won’t play Scott Lang forever, meaning eventually, the world of the MCU will need a new Ant-Man-like figure. Lang is already a flawed hero, so who better to replace him than someone who is exponentially more flawed and could have a genuinely groundbreaking redemption arc on his path to earning a spot on The Avengers?
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Storm (Ororo Munroe): The Avengers
Storm—real name Ororo Munroe—may commonly be known for being a pillar of the X-Men team, but she also has spent some time on The Avengers in her tenure as a hero. After the fall of the island of Krakoa, Storm decided to join the popular Marvel team as the “mutant representative” to provide a voice for the species in The Avengers.
In addition to that, it was Thor that personally requested she join the team, as a fellow thunder-based hero. Storm’s time on the team was refreshing, given she was a voice for mutants and helped The Avengers better accommodate to mutant-based threats and needs, something they weren’t as equipped to handle before her.
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Firestar (Angelica Jones): The Avengers and The West Coast Avengers
Spider-Man fans will remember Angelica Jones, Firestar, for her famous protagonist role in the classic superhero television series, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. Firestar may seem just like a girl version of Johnny Storm, but that couldn’t be more incorrect. She’s seen as a very underrated and not utilized enough character that deserves more time in the spotlight.
Not only could she be a great addition to The Avengers in the MCU—who could use a fire-based hero of their own—but giving Spider-Man (Tom Holland) some pals to hang out with now that he’s, well, no one, would be super fun to see. Firestar is a great hero who, when written by the right writer, has a great story and characterization.
10
Agent Venom (Flash Thompson): The Secret Avengers
With the MCU Spider-Man films being some of the most financially successful superhero efforts of all time, it’s no secret that Marvel Studios is going to continue to invest in the character and his corner of the universe. Should they bring the Symbiote into the franchise via Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, or Avengers: Secret Wars, there’s a potential future where audiences get to see Agent Venom, aka Flash Thompson, come to life.
Despite this universe’s Flash Thompson mostly being a joke in the Holland films, there’s actually a ton of opportunity to make him into a more serious character who becomes a hero. Sending him to war and having him lose mobility in his legs, like in the comics, is the perfect way to do so. Then, give him the Symbiote, and Marvel has their next Spider-hero to use. Also, the MCU’s Flash, Tony Revolori, is actually a phenomenal actor and could most certainly pull this off.
9
Blade (Eric Cross Brooks): The Mighty Avengers and The Avengers
Blade, aka Eric Cross Brooks, is an incredibly popular Marvel hero, especially thanks to his classic films starring Wesley Snipes. With there being so much drama and delays behind the Blade movie set to take place in the MCU, fans have most likely lost the chance to see the vampire hunter on the big screen and team up with the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars.
Wesley Snipes’ cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t necessarily count, and neither does the character’s involvement in Marvel Zombies, as he’s from a completely different universe in both. Fans have been waiting for a Blade movie for such a long time, with the last one coming out all the way back in 2004 with the less-than-beloved Blade: Trinity. Eric Brooks deserves his redemption, and if Marvel Studios would just lock in, he could get it.
8
Nova (Richard Rider): The Secret Avengers
Of all the Marvel characters that fans have been asking for to be in the MCU, Nova is one of the most requested. This cosmic hero may not seem like he’d be a member of the Avengers due to being, well, a cosmic hero, but he actually was part of the mysterious Secret Avengers in the Secret Avengers comic run.
Having Nova join up with the Avengers for a world-ending threat after being in space for a bit—maybe even teaming up with the Guardians of the Galaxy—would be such a fun idea. It would also help fill the void currently left in the cosmic side of the MCU now that the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy has ended. Nova genuinely feels like a no-brainer at this point.
7
Hercules Panhellenios: The Avengers and the Avengers Emergency Response Squad
While most well-known for his role in Greek mythology and the Disney animated movie Hercules, the character of Hercules Panhellenios is actually an Avenger in the comic books. The folks over at Marvel Comics changed his backstory so that, rather than dying, he was given godhood and, therefore, immortality.
Because he’s one of the greatest heroes of all time, he, of course, joined the Avengers. The hero of heroes has helped the Avengers on countless occasions and served as a tank/muscle for the team. Hercules has taken on and defeated the Hulk, Spider-Man, Quicksilver, The Destroyer, Thor, and even Sentry. If the Avengers are going to take on massive foes like Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) in the MCU, they’re going to need more firepower.
6
Captain Britain (Kelsey Leigh and Brian Braddock): The Avengers and the Secret Avengers
One of the most underrated Marvel characters is Captain Britain, a hero from the UK who is actually super awesome. His most known iteration is the Earth-833 variant, where he became Spider-Man as his superhero identity, but his canonical Earth-616 variant is even cooler. He also wields a sword and has a badass costume that would look amazing on screen.
If Marvel Studios is looking for a new super soldier-type to introduce to the new MCU, Captain Britain is a great choice for the cinematic universe. He would add a fun dynamic to the modern Avengers, which the MCU could really use. Adding a new international feeling to the team would also help them feel more of a worldwide force than they did before. Captain Britain’s origin is also somewhat magical, which would mean more of the mystical side of the MCU.
It looks like Taylor Swift’s wedding bouquet was caught by one lucky lady who hopes for her own “lifetime of love.”
“Celebrated an Enchanting Love S(T&T)ory,” wrote Ashley Smith, sister of Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith, via Instagram on Sunday, July 5. “And somehow … I ended up catching Tay Tay’s bouquet.”
In an Instagram carousel that accompanied the news, Ashley included a photo of herself carrying a posy of blush pink and cream-toned sweet pea blooms, according to an X fan account, amid what appeared to be Queen Anne’s Lace wildflowers, all securely clustered via white ribbon.
An additional selfie in Ashley’s post showed her lying on a fluffy white bed as she smiled for the camera while holding the bouquet in her hand. The shot showed her still dressed in the strapless jewelled black gown that she wore to the New York City nuptials of Swift, 36, and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3.
The Kansas City Chiefs are embracing Taylor Swift as one of their own after her engagement to Travis Kelce. “Today is a fairytale ❤️💍,” the official Chiefs Instagram account wrote on Tuesday, August 26. “Congrats to Travis and Taylor — we’re excited to have you as a permanent member of the Chiefs Kingdom family!” The […]
Ashley reflected further on catching Swift’s bouquet via her Instagram caption. “Here’s to believing it’s bringing a lifetime of love, luck, and laughter my way,” she continued. “Congratulations, Taylor & Travis! Cheers to forever T&T!”
Kelce, also 36, and Trey, 27, are close friends as well as team mates, with Trey appearing on his podcast, “New Heights,” in June 2025. Ashley also works for the NFL as a manager across Player Engagement, per her LinkedIn profile.
Ashley Smith Courtesy of Ashley Smith/Instagram
Ashley’s post also included a photo of one of the couple’s gifted white lace wedding handkerchiefs that was embroidered with the line, “So it’s gonna be forever” from Swift’s “Blank Space.” The linen also included the date of the wedding, and city, stitched into the fabric, plus the same ‘TT’ monogram intertwined by hearts that was seen on the pair’s rehearsal dinner gift boxes.
Additional photos in Ashley’s post captured her smiling for the camera alongside her brother ahead of departing for the event.
Taylor Swift Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
While no official photos from Swift and Kelce’s wedding have been publicly shared yet, a string of celebrity guests gushed over the ceremony and how wonderful a time was had by all. Kelsea Ballerini wrote via Instagram, “Congrats on the most beautiful wedding @taylorswift @killatrav I’m still crying and dancing,” while Swift’s Aunt Robin told LBC News, “They cried and they laughed and they danced and they hugged and they kissed.”
Right after Swift and Kelce said “I do,” digital billboards outside the venue flashed up text that read, “JustT&T Married.”
Entertainment
Taylor Sheridan Star’s New War Thriller Is Officially “One of the Best Action Movies of the Year”
Action thrillers have the ability to become spectacular successes or desperately disappointing failures. The genre is hinged heavily on momentum, with lots of the required balance for success needing a perfect blend of tension, pacing, charisma, and escalation. It is equally important for action thrillers to nail their main characters as it is to hit us with expertly choreographed action sequences. Here is why some of the most entertaining action thrillers in movie history — the likes of Matt Damon‘s 2007 spectacle, The Bourne Ultimatum, and John McTiernan’s masterpiece, Die Hard (1988), starring Bruce Willis — have all gone on to succeed.
Stepping into somewhat familiar territory, as far as thrilling gun fights and action sequences, a Taylor Sheridan favorite is poised to make his way into the action thriller genre. In what can be described as the meshing of Liam Neeson‘s Taken alongside its family dynamics with the war backdrop of Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo comes an all-new explosive war epic. Special Ops: Lioness star LaMonica Garrett takes the lead as an elite soldier who is forced back into the fray in the eagerly anticipated action thriller, Man of War. The actor, who has also featured in Prime Video The Terminal List, leads the title, which is directed by William Kaufman. Kaufman’s credits include the action thrillers Sinners and Saints, Shrapnel, and The Channel. More recently, Kaufman took the reins in the 2025 sci-fi action film, Osiris, which starred Terminator icon Linda Hamilton and Garrett as well.
Man of War has arrived on digital streaming on July 3, 2026, and it seems the captivating new action thriller has impressed many. Reviewing the upcoming film, Man of War was given a near-perfect 4/5 from theactionelite, who praised the film as “all-out carnage” while applauding Garrett’s “badass lead.” Furthermore, the film earned a perfect 5/5 score, awarded by action-flix, who described Kaufman as “the master of cinematic tactical action.” Highlighting the film’s war backdrop, actionreloaded was impressed by how Man of War utilized the setup, writing that “Man of War...delivers the kind of hard-hitting action fans expect” on one hand, yet “never losing sight of the innocent lives caught in the middle of the conflict.”
What Is ‘Man of War’ About?
Man of War follows Connor, an elite American Special Forces veteran who suddenly finds that his assignment just got a lot more personal when his adopted daughter is taken hostage by Russian mercenaries. The film is set against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where Connor is forced to move quickly through fire, backstabbing, and overwhelming odds to try and get her home safely.
Besides the aforementioned lead, Man of War‘s cast includes Linds Edwards (Osiris), Andrew Howard (Limitless), Rosmary Yaneva (The Bouncer), Jason Patric (The Lost Boys), and Daniel Bernhardt (John Wick). It certainly seems like Man of War will deliver a must-see action thriller, as one reaction has even hailed it as nothing less than “One of the Best Action Movies of the Year!” Given that 2026 has already seen films like the tense ’90s-style cop thriller The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and War Machine, featuring Alan Ritchson leading the alien-invasion survival flick, that is incredibly high praise.
Man of War is available for digital streaming.
- Release Date
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July 23, 2023
- Network
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Paramount+
- Directors
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John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan
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Laysla De Oliveira
Cruz Manuelos
X-Men ’97 is back for Season 2 and that means we’re learning a lot about the X-Men team. Right now, they are separated by many years; there is a team with Cable (Chris Potter) and another with his younger self (Nathan Summers, voiced by Obsession star Michael Johnston). In the mature Cable storyline, we get to see some of our favorite heroes, including Psylocke. While not new to the series as a whole, this take on Psylocke is exciting because she is voiced by Naoko Mori.
Mori is known for her work in shows like the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and, more recently, the Prime Video series The Boys, where she played Golden Geisha in the final season of the hit series. In Torchwood, Mori played Toshiko Sato, who worked with Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) after she found herself in trouble. But she kept to herself, used her computer skills to prove useful, and even tried to hide her feelings for Owen (Burn Gorman). It all made Mori a fan-favorite of the series.
But Mori has also had a career that spans many genres, like her work as Mrs. Thistlewaite in the 2022 film Mr. Malcom’s List. She’s even done voiceover work before in Big Hero 6: The Series, so Mori is no stranger to dedicated fanbases and the superhero genre. But her joining the impressive ranks of the X-Men ’97 cast is just the icing on the cake for fans of her work. Especially for a character like this, who has been one fans have loved for quite some time. Playing Psylocke (aka, Betsy Braddock) puts Mori in a long lineup of iconic adaptations of the beloved X-Men.
It’s About Time We Get More Psylocke
Psylocke is a character that fans have loved for years; she was originally introduced in 1976 by Chris Claremont and artist Herb Trimpe. In X-Men: Apocalypse, actress Olivia Munn played the character that was more accurate to the comics than Meiling Melançon‘s take on Psylocke in X-Men: The Last Stand. We’ve had other animated adaptations of the character as well, including the original run of X-Men: The Animated Series when she was voiced by Tasha Simms. It is nice to have so many takes on Betsy Braddock in our lives, especially with legends like Mori taking on the beloved character.
Watch Psylocke in action in Season 2 of X-Men ’97.
- Release Date
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March 20, 2024
- Network
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Disney+
- Directors
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Jake Castorena, Emi Yonemura, Chase Conley
- Writers
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Charlie Feldman, Anthony Sellitti, Beau DeMayo, JB Ballard
Brooke Shields is representing workers at Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Mexican restaurant who claim the Colorado venue is riddled with safety concerns amid poor wages.
“It doesn’t take long to feel how disparaging it is when you visit a place and you see young people excited to perform at the top of their game doing these crazy stunts, or entertaining people … (and) you go personally see them not being cared for,” Shields, 61, told CNN in a report published on Sunday, July 5.
The actress leads a labor union called Actors’ Equity that is currently representing “about 80” of Casa Bonita’s performers who unionized in April 2024 against the South Park creators’ venture, per the outlet.
Us Weekly has reached out to Casa Bonita as well as representatives for Parker, Stone and Shields.
The report also stated that Shields has gone public with Actors’ Equity’s claims after negotiations with restaurant management, including Parker, 56, and Stone, 55, over “not just pay, but fundamental safety issues” haven’t gotten anywhere.
Casa Bonita, located in Lakewood, is renowned for its entertainment, which runs alongside meals from breakfast to dinner. The venue, which was represented during a South Park season 7 episode in 2003, features a 30-foot waterfall, caves and puppet shows that demand artistic performers to partake in shows and stunts including cliff diving and costumed interactions.
Brooke Shields Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Per CNN, Actors’ Equity, on behalf of performers, has been negotiating with Casa Bonita management for improved protection amid claims of “hypothermia and chlorine toxicity from the diving pool” and groping by restaurant patrons.
Performers are also asking for “a raise to bring them more in line with the servers, who they say make more.” The outlet noted that the union says Casa Bonita has so far “made concessions at the bargaining table but with little offered in return to improve current conditions and wages.”
Shields visited the venue herself in March. “The place is so big it took a while for management to realize we were there,” she told the outlet of her experience. “And then word got out because, you know, I didn’t have a hat on and mustache or anything.”
(l-r) Matt Stone and Trey Parker Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Paramount+
She added that her visit saw her hand-deliver a letter “asking for better wages” for the performers her organization represents. “It was slightly an ambush … you try doing things respectfully, and then you’re not met with equal respect … so you have to resort to other tactics,” Shields told the outlet.
Casa Bonita shared a statement with the outlet in light of its reporting, writing that the restaurant values “all of our team members and their well-being.”
Opening up. Brooke Shields looks back at her life in the documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields and, for the first time, discusses being sexually assaulted. “I did not know if or when or if at all I was ever going to bring this up,” the model, 57, explained to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, January […]
The statement continued, “As a policy we do not comment on ongoing labor negotiations.”
Parker and Stone, who both grew up in Denver, were longtime fans of the hospitality establishment before they purchased it five years ago. Per Shields via CNN, the pair “have frequented the restaurant recently but have not attended one of the 14 bargaining sessions with Actors’ Equity.”
Love Island USA hinges on Islanders living together in a villa separate from the outside world — but what does that mean when it comes to phone usage?
Season 8, which premiered in summer 2026, showed phones on multiple occasions as Islanders received texts, participated in group votes and even took photos of each other. Viewers might be surprised to know, however, that the phones are provided to everyone once they arrive in Fiji.
The participants have to give away their real phones once they join the season. Their replacement devices are modified so they don’t have access to the internet, social media and can’t call anyone. They are able to use the devices only for photos and texts that they receive from producers
Love Island USA follows a group of singles who must pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and earn a shot at the $100,000 prize.
While the islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes and casting votes that affect the couples and the fate of the contestants.
Before viewers tuned in, Peacock issued a message to remind the audience to be kind.
“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” read their statement. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
Host Ariana Madix has also had to previously issue a message for those Love Island USA viewers who are taking things too far when expressing their frustrations with the show.
“I do want to say something to some of those people who are online,” she said during a June 2025 episode of Aftersun. “Don’t be contacting people’s families. Don’t be doxxing people.”
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
Ariana questioned the behavior she saw on social media.
“Don’t be going on islanders’ pages and saying rude things. You still have time to delete all of that because the islanders don’t have their phones,” she noted. “So we are giving you a chance because this is a fun, amazing and beautiful show. We should be thanking each one of these islanders every single day for giving us themselves.”
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Many casual Star Trek fans think that Vulcans don’t feel any emotions. That’s actually not true at all: in reality, these aliens experience the same tempest of emotional torment as human beings. They simply choose to suppress these emotions, ordering their lives around logic instead of passion. Nonetheless, those feelings are always there, just waiting to bubble to the surface. This was clear as early as the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “The Naked Time.” In this story, a trippy space virus makes everyone act drunk; for example, Sulu goes topless and starts carrying a sword around. Spock, meanwhile, has an emotional breakdown, crying over his inability to express how he feels.
It’s arguably the most emotional scene in Star Trek history, all thanks to the one character that almost never expresses emotions. However, in a truly shocking twist, this emotional scene almost didn’t appear in the episode. Originally, this was just going to be a joke scene where somebody painted a mustache on Spock. The only reason it was changed is that Leonard Nimoy spoke up, demanding a deeper scene for his character. The result is an unforgettable moment with the franchise’s most (to use his preferred terminology) fascinating character!
Spock Loses His Cool
The plot of “The Naked Time” is that members of the Starship Enterprise keep getting infected with this weird virus. It basically simulates the effects of intoxication, causing the crew to act out in wildly unpredictable ways. The most memorable is Sulu showing off his hot moves and hotter pecs as he drunkenly slashes his sword throughout the ship. Oh, and Kirk babbles like a wife guy, only he’s married to the Enterprise. In the midst of all this, Spock has a more unconventional reaction: an emotional breakdown. When Kirk finds him, the Vulcan is crying and lamenting everything from his friendship with the captain to his relationship with his mother.
With Kirk’s help, Spock snaps out of it and helps to save the day. Still, the scene is a powerful example that still waters run quite deep with this pointy-eared alien. Sure, he may act cool and logical and badmouth everyone else’s emotional reactions, but Spock has feelings just as intense (if not more so) than his human colleagues. In Leonard Nimoy’s autobiography, I Am Spock, he revealed that “The Naked Time” writer John D. F. Black originally wrote a goofy scene where someone paints a mustache on Spock. The actor didn’t like this scene, preferring something that preserved Spock’s dignity.
He Knows Why The Caged ‘Stache Cries
According to Nimoy, when he went to speak with Black, the writer blew him off because he was already working on a different script. So, the actor went over the writer’s head and spoke to franchise creator Gene Roddenberry. Roddenberry agreed with Nimoy and asked Black to write a new scene. When the writer asked what Nimoy wanted, the actor replied, “It’s about emotion versus logic, love versus mathematics, grief versus pi-r-squared.” While beautiful, this description is fairly vague. Fortunately, it was enough for Black, who went on to write the most emotional scene in Star Trek history.
There was just one problem: given the tight production schedule of this Star Trek: The Original Series episode, there was only time for one take. Fortunately, Leonard Nimoy only needed one take to bring this scene to wrenching, heartbreaking life. It was a scene that forever changed our understanding of the character and the franchise as a whole, one that made us consider the relationship between our own emotions and our sense of humanity. Now, though, you know the hilarious secret behind Trek’s most emotional scene: it only exists because Nimoy didn’t want Spock to have a wacky little mustache, even for just one scene!
Jessie James Decker’s kids looked toned while soaking up the sun on vacation.
“American summers,” Jessie, 38, captioned a Sunday, July 5, Instagram carousel that included a photo of Vivianne, 12, Eric Jr., 10, and Forrest, 8, flashing their abs in swimwear. (Jessie and her former NFL star husband, Eric Decker, also share Denver, 2.)
The snap captured the trio wrapping their arms around each other as crashing waves and a blue sky painted a perfect backdrop. Additional images in the post also showed Jessie and her children goofing around with friends and showing off red, blue and white 4th of July costumes which included a second flash of Forrest’s abs as he lifted a basketball singlet up over his belly.
Eric, 39, also featured in several shots and a video, including one family portrait taken at sunset with the entire clan smiling for the camera while standing on a footpath.
Fans were quick to share praise for Jessie’s post, taking to the comments section with supportive messages. “I need their workout plan,” wrote one fan, while another wrote, “ABSSS-solutely beautiful!!!!!”
It’s not the first time Jessie has shared photos of her children’s washboard stomachs via social media. In January, the country singer marked the start of a new year with Instagram snaps shared from a tropical destination. “2026 here we come baby!! Here’s to fresh starts, full hearts, happy babies and beautiful memories to come,” she wrote on January 1. “My resolution is always health, happiness, and time well spent with the people who matter the most!!!”
Forrest, Eric Jr. and Vivianne Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
The images included one of Vivianne, Eric Jr. and Forrest on yet another beach rocking their swimsuits while revealing their abs. Additional shots at the time captured the whole family enjoying time outdoors.
Again, fans commented on the kids’ impressive physiques. “Abs on Abs on Abs, God bless! Also, your family is beautiful. All the best for 2026!!” one follower wrote before another replied, “The abs on the Decker fam is CRAZYYYYY 😂💪.”
In 2022, after receiving backlash for sharing photos of her children’s abs, Jessie hit back at the haters during an interview with Fox News. “I feel like I know what a great mom I am, and I know my truth. So, it doesn’t bother me,” she told the outlet on December 30 that year, adding that she doesn’t “think too deep” about criticism and knows that it “comes with the territory [of being famous].”
While having sex in the communal bedroom has become commonplace on this season of Love Island USA, there was still one couple who just reached that milestone for the first time.
During the Sunday, July 5, episode of the show, Trinity Tatum whispered to Kayda Bosse that she slept with Bryce Alakai Dettloff. She called it “good” after the couple previously made their relationship official in the villa.
Season 8 of Love Island USA has featured multiple moments where Islanders took things to the next level. Last month, Trinity said she heard someone performing “French fries,” which sounded “too wet” to just be a kiss. In a confessional, Kenzie Annis confirmed she shared a heated exchange with Corbin Mims.
“I was definitely getting some French fries. Feeling good,” she gushed. “We were probably doing a bit much honestly but I feel a strong connection with Corbin. We probably got a little bit carried away.”
Based on the footage, French fries hinted at manual sex acts such as a hand job. Viewers, meanwhile, pointed out that it likely meant an appetizer ahead of a full meal.
Love Island USA originally premiered in the U.K. in 2002 before it expanded worldwide with various spinoffs, including Love Island USA on Peacock. The series follows a different group of singles every season who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa.
The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and stand a chance at receiving the $100,000 prize.
While finding a connection that you want to explore more intimately isn’t out of the question, season 7 of Love Island USA seemed to set some sort of record with the number of times Islanders were caught hooking up — until season 8.
From Hannah Fields and Pepe Garcia to Huda Mustafa and Jeremiah Brown, the reality stars found ways around having to address their sexual encounters for all of America to hear.
“We had a code name for intimacy,” Hannah exclusively told Us Weekly in June 2025. “We would say, ‘How was your journey? What was this journey like?’ Huda [started it when she] said something like, ‘Oh, I had a journey. My journey went all the way.’”
Season 8 escalated the sex that took place in the villa with multiple couples going all the way while sharing a bedroom in the villa. The potential has only escalated with Casa Amor being introduced halfway into Sunday’s episode.
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
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