Jessica Alba and boyfriend Danny Ramirez were feeling the love while attending Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded wedding at Madison Square Garden.

“We love love,” Alba, 45, captioned a post shared via Instagram on Saturday, July 4, showcasing some behind-the-scenes moments featuring the actress preparing for the singer and NFL star’s Friday, July 3, nuptials at the iconic New York City venue.

“Congrats to T&T — such a beautiful night celebrating you,” Alba continued.

In the post, Alba shared a before-and-after video featuring the couple preparing for the wedding festivities. Initially, the camera showed alba in an oversized zip-up hoodie, wearing a towel around her head and under-eye treatment masks as her boyfriend, 33, stands behind her in a t-shirt, giving her a kiss.

Related: Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez Get Handsy at US Open, Kiss in New Photos

Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez couldn’t keep their hands off each other at the US Open while enjoying a weekend in the Big Apple. The couple were photographed on Sunday, September 7, watching the Men’s Singles Final at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Alba, 44, was all smiles in […]

The camera pans down, then pans back up to reveal the couple’s wedding attire. The video continues to show Ramirez kissing Alba, first on the cheek before the pair keep kissing until they finally kiss on the lips.

Alba shared additional photos showing her show-stopping look, which featured a black, plunging top and a golden sequenced bottom. Ramirez, for his part, looked dapper in a quintessential black-and-white tax featuring a black tie.

Us Weekly exclusively confirmed back in July 2025 that Alba and Ramirez were dating amid her divorce from Cash Warren.

“They were friends before it turned romantic,” the insider shared at the time, adding that the Marvel actor and Alba have “a lot of mutual friends,” including the Honest Company cofounder’s longtime best friend Eva Longoria.

“Jessica is still keeping things casual,” the source added at the time.

After a trip to Cancun, Mexico, the pair were spotted boarding a flight home to Los Angeles in July 2025 wearing baseball caps and sunglasses.

“She is having a lot of fun in this new era. It’s not serious, but she is enjoying time with him,” the source continued to Us at the time, adding that the Honey star wasn’t “interested” in introducing her and Warren’s three children — Honor, Haven and Hayes — to Ramirez at the time.

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Swift and Kelce, for their part, officially became husband and wife on Friday after exchanging vows in front of a reported 1,000 of their closest friends and family members.

“The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Huate Coutour,” a press released shared by Swift’s rep shortly after the pair wed revealed. “They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior’s Women’s, Men’s and Haute Coutoure Collections, in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom. This is the designer’s fist couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. Their shoes were custom made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”

The release continued, “Taylor and Travis did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead, her brother Austin Swift served as Taylor’s Man of Honor and Jason Kelce was Travis’ Best Man. The ceremony joined both families together and was officiated by friend Adam Sandler.”

Sharon Osbourne is marking the first wedding anniversary without her husband, the late Ozzy Osbourne, following the iconic rocker’s death at age 76.

“Today would have been our 46th wedding anniversary,” she wrote via Instagram on Saturday, July 4, alongside a close-up photo of the couple holding hands. “Instead, it is a celebration of a love that even death could not diminish. I miss your hand in mine, but I carry your love with me every step of the way.”

The widow concluded her heartfelt message, writing, “Forever my husband. Forever my heart.”

Ozzy died on July 22, 2025, following a public battle with Parkinson’s disease. (Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die, causing a severe drop in dopamine that can lead to movement and non-motor issues.)

Related: Sharon Osbourne Reacts to Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at the 2026 Grammys

Sharon Osbourne is sharing her emotional reaction after the 2026 Grammy Awards paid tribute to her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne. During the Sunday, February 1, music awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Post Malone, Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan and Slash, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith and Andrew Watt performed Black Sabbath’s hit song […]

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” the Osbourne family announced at the time via a written statement to Us Weekly. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

The legendary rocker died just weeks after the couple celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary — one day before Ozzy took the stage for the final time alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates on July 5, 2025.

Sharon broke her silence on her husband’s death in September of that same year, detailing how she was navigating the grieving process. (The former couple, who married on July 4, 1982, shared daughters Aimee, Kelly and son Jack. Ozzy was also dad to daughter Jessica and son Louis with ex-wife Thelma Riley.)

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“I’m still having trouble finding the words to express how grateful I am for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown on social media. Your comments, posts and tributes have brought me more comfort than you know,” Sharon wrote via Instagram on September 12, 2025, alongside a video featuring the widow and Kelly spending time with an owl.

Related: Ozzy Osbourne Through the Years: Black Sabbath to Father, Reality Star

Ozzy Osbourne sold more than 100 million records worldwide between his solo career and his days as a member of Black Sabbath prior to his death in 2025. The England native got his start in 1967 when he joined bassist Geezer Butler’s first band, Rare Breed, as a vocalist. Although the group didn’t last long, […]

“Though I’m still finding my footing, I wanted to share some glorious creatures I had the chance to spend an afternoon with,” she continued in the post. “The connection you make with these powerful birds is built entirely on trust and confidence. They’ll choose to perch on you only if they sense you are safe and unafraid of them. It’s a bond I know all too well, and the experience was nothing short of magical.”

Sharon concluded, “I love you all, and I thank you deeply for the otherworldly amount of love you continue to send my way.”

Lionel Richie has returned to the stage and is sharing a hopeful — albeit quick — update on his health after cancelling two shows amid a battle with an unspecified type of illness.

“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” Richie, 77, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, July 4, sharing numerous photos featuring the iconic singer performing on stage. “I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”

He continued, “Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made real memories together. See you in Toronto… let’s party all night long.”

Late last month, Richie postponed two of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour shows in Illinois and Ohio after he was forced to cut the opening night of his tour short due to illness.

Related: Lionel Richie Says He ‘Tried to Bribe’ Pilot to Avoid Canceling Recent Gig

Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images Lionel Richie did everything in his power to make it to a Saturday, August 12, gig at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Richie, 74, who postponed the sold-out Saturday concert due to poor weather conditions, apologized to the audience during the rescheduled performance on Monday, August 14. “I tried to bribe […]

“Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26, in Chicago, IL, and Saturday, June 27, in Columbus, OH,” a statement shared via the Live Nation Chicago and the United Center in Chicago’s official instagram accounts on June 25 read. “He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back to performing for his fans.”

The statement concluded at the time, “We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.”

Richie has yet to publicly release any additional information regarding his illness, including any diagnosis or treatment he received. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the singer was performing on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24 when he started feeling dizzy and stopped the set just under an hour into his tour’s opening night performance.

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Richie was singing “Dancing on the Ceiling” while he was forced to take a seat. According to the local news outlet, Richie then left the stage and, 40 minutes later, the singer’s saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to the stage to give fans an unfortunate update.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” the performer told the crowd at the time. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

Us Weekly reached out to representatives for Richie at the time for comment, but did not hear back.

Simply one of the best shows on streaming, Cross, the Aldis Hodge-led detective series on Prime Video, instantly became one of the streamer’s finest products when it debuted in late 2024. In 2025, the show was absent, and its presence was certainly missing from the streaming rotation, which is why its return earlier this year for a pulsating Season 2 that features Matthew Lillard in a key role proved even more popular. Recently, it was announced that the upcoming third season had added the great Ron Perlman to the cast as Herschel Zamora, a police officer who is referred to Dr. Cross for therapy.

Hodge once again was note perfect in Cross Season 2, with Collider’s Nate Richard praising his performance, commending the actor for “showing off his unmatched charisma, vulnerabilities, and, of course, kick-ass stunt abilities” in every episode. If you love Cross and are waiting patiently for Season 3, then you should definitely check out this other recent gem of a Hodge performance that has just landed on a new streamer.

The film in question is The Dutchman, based on Amiri Baraka‘s 1964 play, Dutchman, which made its theatrical debut on January 2. A thriller that pulls none of its punches, The Dutchman scored positively with critics following its world premiere at SXSW 2025, no doubt thanks to boasting a strong cast that includes Hodge, André Holland, Zazie Beetz, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Fantastic Four‘s Kate Mara. Directed by Andre Gaines (After Jackie), this ambitious thriller is ready and waiting to be discovered on a new platform. As of July 1, The Dutchman is available to stream on Paramount+.

What Is Aldis Hodge Making Next?

Alongside his work on the third season of Cross, Hodge is also joining a star-studded lineup in a streaming sequel to an unlikely successful reboot. Doug Liman‘s reboot of the Patrick Swayze-led 1989 cult classic Road House might’ve been torn apart by critics, but the Jake Gyllenhaal-led movie broke viewership records for Prime Video, leading to a green light on a sequel. Since then, the road to Road House 2 has been rocky to say the least, with the director’s chair being moved from Guy Ritchie to Ilya Naishuller. Hodge will star alongside the likes of Dave Bautista, Iko Uwais, Jay Hieron, Leila George, Andrew Bachelor, and Peter Sarsgaard.

The Dutchman is streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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January 2, 2026

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88 minutes

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Andre Gains

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Qasim Basir, Andre Gaines

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Jonathan Baker, Andre Gaines

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It’s not easy being perfect, but these fantasy shows are about as close as it comes to being a flawless series. Some fantasy TV shows start out really strong but then falter at the end (Game of Thrones). Some get repetitive (Once Upon a Time), lose their momentum (The Witcher), or go off the rails in the last season (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). However, these shows not only started strong but also finished strong, maintaining their level of greatness to the end.

Writing alone does not a perfect fantasy series make. Solid plots and interesting characters can be undone by lackluster performances, poor direction, or special effects that are too hokey to be believed. Luckily, the titles on this list excelled in every category, from acting to visual graphics, and from set design to costumes. Here are examples of fantasy TV shows that pulled off perfect execution.

‘The Storyteller’ (1987–1989)

Image via NBC

Jim Henson was a visionary who used his creative genius and creature creation skills to tell fantastical stories that captured the imagination. A collection of short, episodic tales entitled The Storyteller is one of his best projects. John Hurt stars as the titular main character, and he narrates the nine episodes, each with its own cautionary anecdote to deliver.

The Storyteller has no flaws. It is a 10/10 fantasy show that captures the essence of older folk and fairy tales. The stories range from ominous to spooky, and each one is enthralling in its own way. It is a testament to how well the show was filmed and designed that it can still be watched today without losing any of its impact.

‘Gargoyles’ (1994–1997)

Image via Buena Vista Television

A castle atop a New York City skyscraper, a clan of guardians cursed into stone, and a story centuries in the making, Gargoyles is a perfect fantasy series. The voice cast is packed with talent, featuring Keith David, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Edward Asner, and Bill Fagerbakke in key roles. Gargoyles was ahead of its time, and its foreboding atmosphere and Gothic nature continue to be appreciated by fans both old and new.

Gargoyles does everything right. The animation is exemplary of the ’90s, the chemistry between the cast is undeniable, and the storytelling is on point. Gargoyles feels like an interesting blend between superhero tropes and mythic lore. It is an ideal addition to this list and should be on every fantasy fan’s watchlist.

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

Image via Disney+

After the Marvel Cinematic Universe set the world of blockbuster cinema on fire, the creative powers that be turned their attention to the small screen. One of the best one-season wonders in their television canon is Moon Knight. Oscar Isaac stars as Steven Grant, a mild-mannered man whose world begins to unravel and take dramatic turns. The audience and Steven soon learn that he has multiple personalities and one of his predominant ones, Marc Spector, can summon powers from the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (Karim El Hakim and F. Murray Abraham). Steven must grapple with not only being intertwined with Khonshu but with Marc, who leads a far more adventurous and dangerous life than his own.

In a single season, Moon Knight packs all the drama and excitement of the best of Marvel projects. It has been vastly overlooked in such a prolific canon, but everything done in Moon Knight is done well. The cast is stacked with talent, including May Calamawy, Ethan Hawke, and F. Murray Abraham, who voices Khonshu. The storytelling unravels in a mesmerizing way, and there are no weak spots in this phenomenal series.

‘Wishbone’ (1995–1998)

Image via PBS

Wishbone is a children’s fantasy series starring the aforementioned Jack Russell Terrier (Soccer the Dog) who reenacts classic works of fiction. Voiced by Larry Brantley, Wishbone plays the hero in charming retellings of famous tomes such as Don Quixote, The Phantom of the Opera, and Frankenstein. As Wishbone interacts with his young owner, Joe (Jordan Wall), he can’t help but draw similarities to their current life and the stories he enacts in clever asides.

Watching Wishbone pay homage to some of literature’s greatest hits in tiny dog-sized costumes is delightful. It is a fun series that introduces younger audiences to classic works in a highly engaging format. Wishbone is a masterclass in kids’ TV shows of the ’90s, and there are no bad episodes.

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

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A fantasy miniseries like none other, Over the Garden Wall is a bit spooky, a bit cozy, and a bit of anime in its presentation. All of these factors add up to create a visual storytelling saga that is unique and captivating. The storyline follows a pair of brothers as they venture just beyond their home into a mysterious land that is unknown to them. Each episode operates like a chapter in a book, and many consider Over the Garden Wall a must-watch in the autumn months.

Over the Garden Wall won two Primetime Emmys and remains a favorite choice for fans. At a single season in length and with each episode being around 11 minutes long, Over the Garden Wall can be watched in a single sitting, making it highly rewarding and an interesting, complete narrative to enjoy. If you haven’t seen this incomparable series yet, this is your cue to check out the spectacle that Collider‘s Jiminna Shillingford calls “beautifully strange and skillfully atmospheric.”

‘Locke & Key’ (2020–2022)

After a tragedy befalls the Locke family, the remaining members relocate to a historic family manor in Locke & Key. As siblings Bode (Jackson Robert Scott), Kinsey (Emilia Jones), and Tyler (Connor Jessup) begin to explore their new, old home, they discover mysterious keys hidden throughout the property. These keys are no ordinary pieces of hardware, and each one is imbued with a different, supernatural property.

Being able to control another person’s body or enter their mind are just two examples of the phenomenal abilities the keys give their owners. However, the Lockes aren’t the only ones who know about the keys, and there are several people who want to take them for their own nefarious purposes. Locke & Key has some of the best villains in any fantasy series ever. There are so many twists and turns, it is like going on a thriller/mystery roller coaster ride. With great special effects, acting, and writing, Locke & Key is the whole package.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

Image via BBC One

A fantasy series set in the Middle Ages, Merlin follows the wizard of legend when he is a young man. In this retelling of the tale, magic has been outlawed by King Uther (Anthony Head), so Merlin (Colin Morgan) must keep his abilities a secret as he works as a servant to Prince Arthur (Bradley James). Setting the story earlier in the lives of the characters is an interesting choice, and it makes them feel more relatable to a wider audience.

Merlin will keep you hooked from start to finish. By starting earlier in the timeline, audiences who are familiar with the story anxiously watch each episode to see how events will play out. Katie McGrath is captivating as Morgana, and watching her slow descent into villainy is one of the series’ most intriguing story arcs. While the series made some bold creative choices, they are paid off, and Merlin creates its own type of magic.

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)

Image via FX

Based on the 2014 movie of the same name, What We Do in the Shadows took something that was already awesome and made it even better. In a sort of Real World meets Interview With a Vampire, this dark comedy documents the activities of a group of vampires that share a house together in present-day Staten Island. Horror has never been more hilarious, and WWDITS‘s distinctive blend of special effects and gore with deadpan humor is disarming and brilliant.

Two of the best additions the TV series brings to the table are the addition of a vampiress, Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and an energy vampire, Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). These two character types enhance the overall vampiric lore and make the series rich and interesting. What We Do in the Shadows also includes unique human perspectives on the events that take place, and Harvey Guillen is irreplaceable as Nandor’s (Kayvan Novak) familiar, Guillermo. What We Do in the Shadows has so much going on that you can watch it over and over and get a new joke or take something new away from it each time.

‘SurrealEstate’ (2021–2025)

Image via Albert Camicioli/©SYFY/SE3 Prod./Courtesy Everett Collection

Luke Roman (Tim Rozon) is a real estate agent like no other. While most realtors’ strengths include selling suburban condos or split-levels, Luke Roman’s specialty is specters. At The Roman Agency, the small team of employees led by Luke is adept at clearing any dwelling of deceased property owners who refuse to leave. SurrealEstate is a spooky and interesting series. No two hauntings are alike, and the “monster of the week” format ensures each episode has something new and exciting to entice viewers. There are some longer-running plot points throughout the tenure of the show, and whether the story arc is long or short, they are all interesting.

One of the best episodes is in Season 2, Episode 7, entitled “God & Monsters.” The Roman Agency is hired by a man with a troubled past to sell his childhood home, including the monster who lived under his bed as a kid. There are some fascinating thoughts about strength and fear explored in this episode, and it ends with a surprisingly emotional and poignant resolution. Even though it could have run longer with so many more homes and hauntings to explore, SurrealEstate is lucky to have concluded before it ran out of steam, so it feels complete as it is, and anything extra would be superfluous.

‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017–2019)

Image via Netflix

Another TV show that took what was great about a feature film and then expanded and improved upon it is A Series of Unfortunate Events. The critically acclaimed series stars Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf, a villain who seeks to entrap the three Baudelaire orphans so he can have access to their family’s wealth. The show is full of star-studded celebrity guest appearances with actors such as Nathan Fillion, Will Arnett, Cobie Smulders, Alfre Woodard, Tony Hale, and Joan Cusack being brilliant in their cameos. Harris is inspired as Olaf, and watching him play one character in disguise as other characters throughout the series is amazing.

Before Wednesday reigned supreme as the Gothic queen on Netflix, A Series of Unfortunate Events was the macabre masterpiece to watch. Every episode is better than the last, and A Series of Unfortunate Events has six Primetime Emmy nominations to prove it. There is something for every fantasy fan to take away from this series. It is overflowing with talent in every execution, from cast and crew, and it is without a single flaw.

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A Series of Unfortunate Events

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2017 – 2019-00-00

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Netflix

Directors

Barry Sonnenfeld, Bo Welch, Mark Palansky, Allan Arkush, Loni Peristere, Liza Johnson, Jonathan Teplitzky

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Joe Tracz, Joshua Conkel, Sigrid Gilmer, Emily Fox, Tatiana Suarez-Pico, Daniel Handler

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Mike Vrabel‘s appearance at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding should have been a relatively low-key outing. Instead, a brief interaction between the former NFL coach and his wife, Jen Vrabel, has become a talking point across social media.

The couple was photographed arriving for the star-studded Madison Square Garden wedding, marking one of their first major public appearances together since rumors and controversy surrounding Vrabel dominated headlines earlier this year.

While leaving for the celebration, cameras captured Vrabel and his wife heading toward a waiting vehicle.

In the now-viral clip, Vrabel opened the car door and climbed inside before Jen entered on her own moments later. What may have otherwise been viewed as a completely ordinary interaction quickly became the subject of criticism online, with some viewers arguing that Vrabel should have held the door for his wife.

The moment spread across social media, where users were quick to voice their opinions.

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Many commenters interpreted the interaction as a sign of disrespect, especially given the scrutiny already surrounding Vrabel’s personal life. One user wrote, “This is how you know you’re a piece of man garbage, when you leave your wife on the sidewalk because you entered the car first!”

Another commenter referenced recent controversy involving the coach, writing, “What a f-cking loser! Cheats on his wife, she apparently forgives him, and he doesn’t even open the vehicle door for her while entering the vehicle!” A third person simply questioned, “Didn’t even hold the car door for his wife ???”

Others defended the couple, arguing that a split-second interaction shouldn’t be used to judge an entire relationship. “Well, in all fairness. There WAS a doorman,” one user pointed out. “Kind of tricky. Like an elevator. Proper etiquette requires that a man enter and exit an elevator first, ostensibly to meet any obstacles first. But that is old school.”

Someone else echoed, “The driver was already holding the door open!” as another wrote, “He went first and crawled into the back. Gave the best seat to his wife. That’s what gentlemen do. Leave the guy alone.”

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The Public Scrutiny Comes Amid A Difficult Year For Vrabel

The backlash arrives as Vrabel continues to navigate the fallout from a turbulent offseason that generated significant media attention. In March, photos linking the former NFL coach to sports reporter Dianna Russini sparked widespread speculation and dominated sports media headlines.

The controversy intensified in the months that followed as additional reports and developments emerged, keeping both names in the public conversation. As a result, even seemingly minor public moments involving Vrabel have drawn heightened attention from fans and critics alike.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding Drew An Unbelievable Guest List

While Vrabel’s arrival generated plenty of online chatter, he was just one of hundreds of high-profile guests invited to what has become one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year.

Swift and Kelce reportedly welcomed around 1,000 guests to Madison Square Garden, bringing together some of the biggest names from the worlds of music, sports, television, and film. Among the celebrities spotted at the celebration were Swift’s longtime friends Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, the Haim sisters, Lena Dunham, Jack Antonoff, and Ed Sheeran.

Hollywood was also well represented, with Bradley Cooper, Dakota Johnson, Hugh Grant, Zoë Kravitz, Ethan Hawke, Mariska Hargitay, Jason Sudeikis, Jessica Chastain, and Jennifer Lopez all reportedly attending the festivities.

Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, And Other Sports Icons Turned Out For Travis Kelce’s Big Day

The sports world showed up in force to support Kelce as well. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attended alongside wife Brittany Mahomes, while Kelce’s brother Jason Kelce served as best man. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was also present, along with fellow NFL stars George Kittle, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kareem Hunt, and Cooper Kupp.

Even seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady made an appearance, though he was later spotted quietly leaving the reception before the festivities wrapped up.

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The ceremony itself was officiated by actor Adam Sandler, while music legend Stevie Nicks was among the stars reportedly involved in the wedding celebration.

Fantasy has never been more popular, and no subgenre has benefited more than romantasy. While Game of Thrones was a large contributor to the popularity of fantasy, romantic-style fantasy books such as A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing have jumped on the bandwagon. Readers are flocking to the waifish female protagonist, trapped in a love triangle while trying to save the world. Thankfully, fantasy adaptations aren’t solely beholden to this common trope.

Apple TV is going against the grain with the new fantasy film series that readers have been waiting for. Mistborn contains a fascinating world of magic and heroes, but most importantly, it doesn’t harp on predictable romance tropes to lure in fantasy fans. The romance that does occur in the book is well plotted and may be readers’ next obsession before the adaptation premieres on the streaming platform.

‘Mistborn’ Subverts Familiar Fantasy Tropes

There is arguably only one book love triangle that did service to the love triangle trope, and it wasn’t even in a fantasy setting. The Hunger Games put forward a protagonist who was genuinely too afraid for her life to know who to love, and both her romantic options made sense for the character. In the end, it was the war crimes that helped Katniss make her decision, and choosing Peeta tied into the book’s broader theme. Love triangles have since become a crutch, but are somehow all that romantasy books seem to publish.

Mistborn has an immersive fantasy world with a compelling romance that isn’t written to satisfy algorithms. Like Katniss, Vin is also in life-or-death situations, and the end of the first book allows her to actually process her feelings. One of the most fascinating things at the center of the romantic plot of Mistborn is how it subverts commonalities in the genre.

This fantasy world takes place in a hierarchical society where the working class is subjugated, and the upper echelons practice magic called Allomancy. This magic system consists of consuming types of metals that allow people access to different powers. Only a few have control over all the abilities, and they are dubbed Mistborns. Brandon Sanderson’s best books weave a realistic world of fascism, court intrigue, and rebellion. These elements all come together in the first book, Final Empire, which essentially functions as a heist story.

A wonderful hodgepodge of genre, the most engaging part of the story surrounds Vin, a street rat who discovers she is a Mistborn. Recruited into a ragtag crew of criminals, she is tasked with going undercover with the ruling class and finding a way to bring down the government from within. Of course, this leads to romance as many fantasy books are wont to do today. However, Vin’s potential courtship with Elend Venture is far from predictable.

In this story, Vin fills the archetypal role of the strong hero who saves Elend on many occasions. He is more cerebral and romantic, a role that female characters are often slotted into. While Vin has some competition for Elend’s heart, it isn’t what it first appears to be. Shan is akin to a double agent herself, with no real interest in being with Elend.

The female characters in this royal court are the ones with powers, while Elend is sometimes laughably naive and needs Vin to steer him in the right direction. Vin and Elend’s relationship is a slow-burn romance but extremely gratifying when Mistborn hits its stride. The book offers a believable romance set in a world where the female lead quite literally has no time for this. It isn’t just a plot device to get to the steamy moments; it’s a relationship that is quite worth investing in. When Sanderson’s story finally gets the feature film treatment, it will be well worth it to see these characters come to life.

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Brandon Sanderson

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Mistborn

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David Beckham is celebrating 27 years of marriage to his forever bride Victoria Beckham with a series of sweet throwback pictures amid the family’s ongoing rift with their estranged son, Brooklyn Beckham.

“29 years together, 27 married & you have given me everything I could ever wish for,” the soccer legend, 51, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, July 4, alongside a series of throwback pictures featuring the pair when they first started dating in the late 90s and throughout their over two decades-long relationship.

“Our proudest achievement will always be our family,” David continued in the caption. “I love you & Happy Anniversary.”

The post featured a photo of the couple — then newlyweds — dancing at their wedding, along with various photos of what appeared to be the pair when they first started dating. For the uninitiated, David met the Spice Girls singer, now 52, in 1997, after the former Manchester United player spotted her on television in the players’ lounge and famously told a friend that he was going to marry her.

David and Victoria went on to announce their engagement in January 1998 and officially said “I do” on July 4, 1999. Shortly after, they welcomed son Brooklyn, followed later by sons Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham and daughter Harper Beckham.

The sweet anniversary post comes amid an ongoing and public rift among the Beckham family, primarily between Victoria and David and their son Brooklyn. Issues within the famous family reportedly first started in the lead up to Brooklyn’s April 2022 wedding to his now-wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, the daughter of billionaire businessman Nelson Peltz and former model Claudia Heffner.

Early speculation centered the contentious family rift on Nicola wearing a Valentino gown instead of a dress designed by Victoria’s eponymous label. Nicola initially pushed back on the feud rumors, telling The Times in November 2022 that she “really, really wanted to wear” Victoria’s design but circumstances changed. Brooklyn, for his part, also downplayed the behind-the-scenes drama, telling Variety in August that same year, “They’re always going to try and ptu people down. But everyone gets along, which is good.”

Fast forward to January 2026, when Brooklyn issued a scathing public statement via social media addressing the feud and blaming his parents — in particular his mother — for their inappropriate behavior leading up to and during his wedding.

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Related: Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Renew Their Vows Amid Family Drama

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz proved their commitment to each other by renewing their vows. ‘This is a moment to celebrate their love and commitment and to create a meaningful memory together,” a source close to the couple exclusively shared with Us Weekly on Saturday, August 2, the day of the couple’s vow renewal. Beckham, […]

“I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private,” Brooklyn wrote. “Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.”

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He continued at the time, “I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”

Victoria finally addressed the feud when speaking to The Wall Street Journal in an April 2026 profile, though she did not name Brooklyn directly.

“I think that we’ve always — we love our children so much,” she said at the time. “We’ve always tried to be the best parents that we can be. And you know, we’ve been in the public eye for more than 30 years right now, and all we’ve ever tried to do is protect our children and love our children. And you know, that’s all I really want to say about it.”

Andrew Garfield made a rare public appearance alongside his girlfriend of one year, Monica Barbaro, while attending this year’s iconic Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The Spider-Man star, 42, was seen holding hands with the actress, 36, on Saturday, July 4, as the pair enjoyed the Ralph Lauren suite at the recently debuted Polo Bar at Centre Court in London.

Garfield rocked long hair and a bushy beard during the outing and while appropriately wearing a light blue Ralph Lauren button-up shirt and pants. The A Complete Unknown actress, for her part, sported an equally appropriate all-white Ralph Lauren number, paired with black sunglasses and summer-worthy strappy sandals.

The couple have purposefully kept the majority of their romantic relationship outside the Hollywood spotlight. They were first romantically linked after attending W Magazine’s Best Performances party in Los Angeles in January 2025.

Related: Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro Hold Hands at Wimbledon Amid Dating Report

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro are serving up love (and color-coordinated outfits) at Wimbledon. Garfield, 41, and Barbaro, 35, arrived holding hands at London’s All England Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday, July 6. The actors twinned in all-white Ralph Lauren outfits. While Barbaro stunned in a sleeveless sundress, Garfield opted for a button-down with […]

Their most recent outing comes one year after they made their public debut at a couple during 2025’s Wimbledon tournament. For their inaugural outing, Garfield and Barbaro coordinated with white outfits and were seen walking hand-in-hand to their respective seats.

Garfield has been candid about his unapologetic decision to keep his romantic relationships private, arguing that it’s harder to make a romance work when it is made so public.

“How many of those relationships work out?” he asked while appearing on an October 2024 episode of the hit interview series Chicken Shop Date. “I mean, it’s, like, flash-in-the-pan stuff, usually.”

Still, in February 2025, a source told People that the pair were, in fact, spending quality time together as a couple.

“They’ve been really lowkey and have been spending time together quietly,” the insider told the outlet at the time.

In May of that same year, Garfield and Barbaro were spotted enjoying a night out in New York City as they caught the Broadway show John Proctor Is The Villain.

Days later, Barbaro attended the Met Gala solo days later amid the pair’s budding relationship.

Garfield, however, was seen greeting the actress at The Mark Hotel in New York City in the wake of the iconic fashion event. According to video captured by Cosmopolitan at the time, Garfield smiled at Barbaro after he saw her following a Met Gala afterparty.

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Related: Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro Have Adorable Meetup After Met Gala

Andrew Garfield and rumored girlfriend Monica Barbaro had a sweet moment after the Met Gala. While the British actor, 41, wasn’t in attendance at the annual fashion event, he was on hand to greet Barbaro, 34, as she returned to New York City’s The Mark Hotel in the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, following […]

In a previous 2019 Q&A with IMDB, Garfield opened up about his belief in love at first sight, sharing that while he is a romantic he believes society’s understanding of romantic love is “misguided.”

“Yes, I do believe in lost at first sight, but I also believe that you would love absolutely anybody if you knew their story,” he said at the time. “I believe that the modern notion of romantic love is seriously misguided and it creates a lot of problems in our modern world.”

He continued, “I believe that we need to reevaluate this idea that we have the nuclear family, this idea that we have of two-point-four children, this idea we have that it’s Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve.”