Tia Mowry and her ex-husband, Cory Hardrict, have adjusted the terms of their custody agreement for their two children.

Mowry, 48, and Hardrict, 46, agreed that they will not enter one another’s home except upon invitation or for a scheduled custody exchange, according to new court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, July 17. (TMZ was first to report the news.)

Per the docs, Mowry will allow Hardrict to spend time with son Cree, 15, and daughter Cairo, 8, during her custodial time as long as he spends time “with both minor children.” Hardrict, for his part, agreed to drop off the kids to Mowry by 9 p.m. when they switch custody. (Mowry and Hardrict have not addressed the custody modification. Us has reached out for comment.)

Mowry and Hardrict separated in 2022 after 18 years of marriage. They finalized their divorce in April 2023, agreeing to share joint physical and legal custody of Cree and Cairo.

Related: Tia Mowry Says Cory Hardrict Divorce Was a ‘Great Lesson’ for Her Kids

Tia Mowry is finding a silver lining in her divorce from Cory Hardrict — especially when it comes to her children. “A part of my decision was also for them,” the 44-year-old Sister, Sister alum explained in her June/July 2023 cover story for HelloBeautiful, referring to son Cree, 11, and daughter Cairo, 5. “For them […]

In the years since their split, the two actors have frequently stressed the importance of amicably coparenting their kids.

“It’s all about thinking about everything from not just your perspective, but the kids’ perspective as well,” Mowry exclusively told Us in November 2023. “I feel like that’s where kids definitely become a priority and focus on their peace, their joy, their happiness and what makes them feel at ease and feel comfortable and love.”

She continued at the time, “I’m really leaning on love and compassion. If you move through life, no matter what it is that you’re doing, through love and compassion, I truly believe that everything will fall into place the way that it’s supposed to.”

As Mowry navigated coparenting, she further told Us that she was in a “new chapter” of her own.

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“I’m here, and that’s the other thing that I’ve learned too is I’m just more present. I’m not really thinking too much in the past. I’m not thinking too much [about] the future,” she said. “I’m just all about now, which has given me joy.”

Hardrict, for his part, has made it clear that Cree and Cairo are his No. 1 priority.

“f you really love your children, you won’t get involved in the noise or the mess,” he said during an April 2025 appearance on Sherri. “I make sure I always think about them first. I put myself last. So, if you do that, you’re gonna avoid the mess, right? It’s not mess in regards to the situation, it’s just what people create, like narratives. Because no one knows nothing.”

Tom Cruise has shared his thoughts after watching “The Odyssey,” suggesting he enjoyed the experience so much he is already prepared to do it all over again.

In a social media post, the veteran actor paid heartfelt tribute to the film’s director, Christopher Nolan, while also praising the cast and crew for their work.

Cruise has a history of supporting fellow filmmakers and has previously promoted several of Nolan’s projects, despite never having collaborated with the acclaimed director.

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After catching Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” on the big screen, Cruise wasted no time sharing his thoughts about the project on his Instagram page.

The veteran actor said the movie wowed him and expressed gratitude to the filmmaker and everyone else who contributed to its creation.

“To Chris, Emma, and ALL of your brilliant cast and crew. Thank you for an amazing night in a movie theater,” Cruise wrote alongside a picture of himself pointing to what appeared to be his ticket to the screening.

The actor also wrote, “I can’t wait to see it again,” implying that he already intends to return for another viewing.

Fans Call For Cruise And Nolan To Finally Collaborate

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Both Cruise and Nolan are industry veterans, yet they have never worked together, despite each having built a career filled with blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed films.

It came as no surprise that fans flooded the comments section of Cruise’s post to express their desire for the two to collaborate and urged the actor to make it happen.

“I think it’s time for you to collaborate with Mr. Nolan,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “Waiting for Nolan-Cruise Collab!!”

Some fans also joined Cruise in hyping the movie, which officially opened in theaters on Friday.

“I saw it in theatres yesterday too, and it’s so amazing! Can’t go wrong with a Nolan film,” one person wrote.

“Don’t believe the forced hate from people who haven’t seen it. This movie was epic,” another individual said.

Tom Cruise Has A History Of Championing Nolan’s Work

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Cruise’s recent visit to a cinema to watch the Nolan film and leave a message for the director is not the first time he has shown his support.

When the director released “Oppenheimer” in 2023, Cruise went to the theaters to watch the film and also shared a photo of himself holding his movie ticket on X.

Interestingly, he also promoted “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Barbie,” further showcasing his passion for celebrating the theatrical experience, even when he was not involved in the films. More recently, he attended a screening of Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” which was released in June.

Cruise Previously Battled Nolan’s Film For IMAX Screens

Despite Cruise’s public show of support for Nolan, the two reportedly had some behind-the-scenes differences.

The tension stemmed from Cruise’s desire to secure enough IMAX screens for the release of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” in 2023 amid stiff competition from Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”

At the time, “Oppenheimer” had secured exclusive access to IMAX screens across North America for three weeks, beginning just over a week after Cruise’s film debuted.

As a result, the latest installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise had to rely largely on standard cinema screens during that period.

Reports suggested that Cruise sought additional IMAX screen time, but those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Tom Cruise Transforms For Upcoming Film ‘Digger’

A trailer for the movie was released on July 13, with Cruise looking almost unrecognizable in extensive prosthetics while portraying the character.

Cruise has also been heavily promoting the project across his social media platforms, including sharing photos of himself fully dressed as Digger.

Karrueche Tran and Deion Sanders recently had the internet talking after a casual kitchen moment turned into a conversation about one of Karrueche’s personal lifestyle choices. While the two shared a lighthearted exchange, viewers quickly picked up on the surprising habit that sparked a little back-and-forth between them.

RELATED: Baby Talk? Karrueche Tran & Deion Sanders Fuel Speculation About Having Kids Together (PHOTO)

Karrueche Tran Sparks Debate While Cooking With Deion Sanders

Standing in a luxury kitchen, Karrueche Tran was seen cooking while rocking a brownish-red biking top, white pants decorated with sunflowers, and her hair styled in a middle-part updo. As she leaned over the stove and stirred a pot containing what appeared to be yellow rice inside a glass bowl, Deion Sanders recorded the moment and questioned whether she should just use a microwave instead.

Karrueche Tran Says She’s “One Of Those People”

Karrueche responded with a look at the camera and appeared to shake her head before explaining that she avoids microwaves because she has concerns about radiation. Deion then jokingly asked if she was “one of those people,” and Karrueche agreed, standing by her decision and sharing her perspective on why she chooses not to use one.

Internet Divided Over Lil’ Grandma’s Microwave Stance

Folks quickly made their way to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section to share their two cents on Karrueche Tran’s microwave stance. While some commenters agreed with her concerns and said she may have a point, others pushed back, joking that the sun gives off more radiation and questioning the level of concern. Meanwhile, a few people admitted they’re shook by how it feels like nothing is seemingly safe nowadays.

One Instagram user @amazing_.t said, “Threw my Microwave out 2015!💯 Bought a Convection oven with built in Air Fryer. The food is always crispy never soggy!”

This Instagram user @mfalme_93 commented, “I used microwave everyday for 40yrs and I don’t have radiation issues 🤷🏽‍♂️”

Likewise, Instagram user @xogialove added, “She’s completely right I haven’t owned a microwave in years lol”

And, Instagram user @essieland shared, “She’s right I warm up my food in the oven or steam it on the stove top”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @pocholicious claimed, “Nothing is safe nowadays😂😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @armcandiru looked, “I’m the same way 😂”

RELATED: Naw, Dawg! Deion Sanders’ Response To Karrueche Tran’s Hair Disaster Has The Internet In Tears (PHOTO)

Kim Kardashian seemingly revealed some of the final text messages that her family sent to grandmother Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon days before her death at age 91.

Kardashian, 45, posted a screenshot on Friday, July 17, showing messages from her “Entire OG Family” group chat where she and mom Kris Jenner recently exchanged inspirational Bible passages with Shannon.

Jenner initially paraphrased Psalm 90:17, writing, “Lord our God, may your blessings be with us. Give us success in all we do.”

“Amen,” Shannon replied.

Jenner, 70, texted a verse from Psalm 91:1 on Sunday, July 12, writing, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find protection in the shadow of the Almighty.”

This time, Shannon replied with a “prayer hands” emoji.

The final exchange was sent by Jenner on Monday, July 13, quoting Isaiah 63:9, “In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them through all of the years.”

Once again, Shannon responded, “Amen.”

Shannon’s death was initially announced by Jenner via Instagram on Thursday, July 16, weeks before the matriarch’s 92nd birthday.

“Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. 😞💔,” Jenner wrote in her emotional tribute. “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye. My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that truly matters … to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted. She taught us that family is everything.”

Kardashian broke her silence on Shannon’s death later that day, affectionately referring to her late grandmother as her “best friend, [her] gossip buddy [and her] forever twin.”

“You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever!!!!! You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman,” she added.

However, Kardashian’s social media activity drew some criticism from her followers in the wake of Shannon’s death. Some called her out for posting a carousel of photos from her and boyfriend Lewis Hamilton’s lake vacation a few minutes after Shannon’s death was announced.

Related: Kim Kardashian Pays Tribute to Late Aunt Karen Houghton

Kim Kardashian is saying goodbye to her late aunt Karen Houghton. Kardashian, 43, shared a series of throwback photos of Houghton via Instagram on Thursday, March 21. “🕊️I love you so much auntie Karen🕊,” the reality star captioned her post. One snap showed a young Kim and older sister Kourtney Kardashian sitting with Houghton, while […]

“This post was scheduled a few days ago before we lost MJ, so its timing came right alongside her passing,” she clarified. “I’ve been by my mom and grandma’s side this past week, and my heart is completely with my family right now. We love and miss her so deeply, and in the days ahead, we’ll be focusing on celebrating her beautiful life 🕊️🤍.”

Some fans were equally critical of the reality star’s decision to post a photo of her and Shannon’s bare feet — alongside Khloé Kardashian, Kris and Kylie Jenner — as a tribute to her grandma.

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“And for anyone that knows my grandma knows she had the most beautiful feet in the world and she would want everyone to know lol,” Kim clapped back.

Before her death, Shannon was married three times, first to her high school sweetheart for only two months at age 18. She later wed Robert “Bob” Houghton, with whom she shared daughters Kris and Karen Houghton. (Karen died in March 2024 at age 65.)

After divorcing Bob in 1962, MJ was married to third husband Harry Shannon for 40 years until his death in 2003.

A 75-Year-Old Georgia woman was shot while distributing food in an Atlanta community on Wednesday, July 15. The woman was found lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound in East Point by a local gas station.

RELATED: Resource Officer Reportedly Removed From Active Duty After Allegedly Tasing 18-Year-Old Student On School Bus In Atlanta (VIDEO)

Woman Hospitalized After Being Shot While Distributing Food In Atlanta Community

According to 11Alive News, the shooting happened near a Chevron gas station on Washington Road off Camp Creek Parkway. The 75-year-old Georgia woman shot was later identified as Dorothy Gordon.

FOX5 Atlanta reports Gordon was distributing food to people in need when gunshots rang out around 9:00 a.m. Gordon was shot and later rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Her son, Justin Gordon, told WSBTV that his mother is recovering, but she is in pain.

“She’s still in pain, but she is not as much pain as she was yesterday,” he said, later adding, “Nobody sane would shoot at nine o’clock in the morning. So it’s gotta be somebody way out just shooting at somebody.”

The Bullet Just Missed Gordon’s Spine

The bullet reportedly just missed Gordon’s spine, and on Thursday, Justin said that the bullet still needed to be removed. He added that surgeons wanted her pain to subside before operating on her.

“They still got to get the bullet out,” Justin Gordon said. “When I talked to her yesterday, she said it’s a good thing it didn’t hit her in the chest because it would have been fatal.”

“People who she was trying to help, they was mad too because all she was trying to do is help people,” he added.

Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta Offering A Reward

At this time, detectives do not know who shot Gordon and they have reported no suspects. However, the police say that several people were nearby when the shooting occurred and could have seen the shooting.

The authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. In addition, 11Alive reporter Cody Alcorn noted on X and Facebook that an up to $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

“Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta offering a reward of up to $5,000 for info leading to an arrest in shooting 75-year-old Dorothy Gordon, a woman who was wounded while distributing food to people in need in East Point. Senseless!”

Tips may be anonymous, and people with information are encouraged to call 404-577-TIPS (8477) or texting CSGA to 738477.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Teen Couple Arrested After Allegedly Killing 5 Of Girlfriend’s Family Members In Shooting Spree In Illinois

Latto might be in her Big Mama, one-kid era, but that’s not stopping her from clocking the shade — especially when it comes to her daughter. When a social media user tried to come for her baby girl’s lifestyle, the rapper didn’t waste any time checking them for speaking on her child.

RELATED: Beach Babes! Latto & Her Daughter Melt Hearts With Tropical Twinning Vibes In Matching Burberry ‘Fits (PHOTOS) 

Latto Gives Troll Quick Reminder About Her Baby Girl

Recently, Latto hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and shared a video of her pushing her daughter in a stroller as they seemingly prepared to hop on a private jet. While some fans loved seeing Latto fully embracing mom life, other folks had something to say about her parenting choices. When one troll commented, “No amount of money would allow me to put my newborn on a plane. I struggle with ear pops as a grown man.” Big Mama didn’t miss the comment at all, she quickly slid in with “Good thing this not yo child b***h boy.”  

Fans Applaud Latto’s Response After Troll Questions Her Parenting Choices

After The Shade Room shared Latto’s response, plenty of fans flooded the comment section to defend her. Plenty of folks said people need to stay out of celebrities business and leave Big Mama alone.

Instagram user @jordynchristel wrote, “Mind you regular people fly with their babies everyday😂😂😂” 

Instagram user @lexizjinx wrote, “Cause why did he need to say that.” 

While Instagram user @silesoy_ wrote, “Y’all get on here saying anything omg lol.” 

Then Instagram user @emilycandylillian_morgan wrote, “Cause why was that his business 🙄🫣” 

Another Instagram user @queen_kaylou wrote, “How does he know she didn’t have noise canceling headphones on the baby?” 

Instagram user @makaelaspencer wrote, “She’s always attacked on the internet, and I never see her let it really get to her the way it does most people. I love her. True Capricorn energy ♑️” 

Then another Instagram user @nolimitchamberlain wrote, “She right. Mind your own business.” 

While another Instagram user @makyamade_ wrote, “i want ya to leave these celebrities alone 😂” 

Finally, Instagram user @trezellragas wrote, “She said what she said.” 

Big Mama & Lil Mama Previously Went Viral For Their Sweet Moments

Even though a little shade tried to enter Big Mama and Lil’ Mama’s mommy-daughter moment, Latto and her baby girl still had the internet melting. Latto had fans gushing after she shared adorable flicks on Instagram showing them twinning in Burberry swimsuits while soaking up some beach time. Swipe below to see the cute photos.

RELATED: Latto Reveals Who Her Daughter Looks Like & The One Thing That Surprised Her About Motherhood (VIDEO) 

By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated 16 seconds ago

Jason Statham managed to carve out a niche for himself in Hollywood as the king of the B-movie. His action movies have been reliable hits for over 20 years, and yet, two of his largest successes have come when he’s left behind the martial arts action of everyday guy who is secretly a world-renowned assassin. Turns out, Statham versus a giant shark is where the real money’s been this whole time. 2023’s Meg 2: The Trench which features not only a multiple giant prehistoric monster sharks but a massive octopus is now a streaming hit on Netflix.

New Meg, Same Chum

The first film, 2018’s The Meg, was our introduction to Statham’s greatest character yet, Jonas Taylor, rescue diver. He doesn’t get to roundhouse kick a bunch of hapless goons, instead opting for stabbing a giant shark in the eyeball. Meg 2: The Trench fixes that problem by giving plenty of evil mercenaries for Statham to karate chop. It also includes gigantic prehistoric shark mating rituals. 

Set five years after the first film, Meg 2 now has Taylor helping to combat eco-terrorists and criminals, while back at the Mana One base, the team is studying Haiqi, a juvenile Meg who has grown up in captivity. From the beginning, you can’t think too hard about the plot. When Taylor leads the team back down through the thermocline at the bottom of the Mariana Trench from the original and there’s an entire illegal mining operation complete, don’t ask yourself “How did they build this?” It’s not that kind of movie. 

As with the first film, Meg 2 comes down to the gigantic shark terrorizing unsuspecting vacationers and only Jason Statham can stop it. If you’re wondering, “how is that water deep enough for a 75-foot shark” then you’re still thinking too hard. Stop that. 

Mo’ Meg Mo’ Problems

What you will notice between both films is there’s a lot of Chinese actors on camera. Both movies were co-financed by China, and as a result, were megahits in the country. Meg was during the tailend of the period where Hollywood was shoehorning in scenes for Chinese edits as a way to appeal more to the country. Meg 2 came long after the trend died, but it was still a success, with over $300 million of its total $397 million coming from overseas markets. 

The Meg and Meg 2 are both adaptations of novels by Steve Alten, though they make some significant changes from the source material. For starters, Meg 2 spends a lot more time out of the Trench, there’s fewer sharks, and since Li Bingbing didn’t come back for the sequel, everything meant for Jonas’ wife went to her brother, Jiuming (Wu Jing) instead. One new villain, the gigantic crocodile-like reptiles the kronosaurs, were written out completely, likely for inclusion in the third movie. 

A third Meg movie, adapting the next novel, seems like a no-brainer.  Warner Bros. hasn’t given it the greenlight and Statham has been busy on a sequel to The Beekeeper. Not only have both of the “Jason Statham asserts dominance over giant prehistoric shark” movies been box office successes, but even on stream, both have become perennial hits always lurking right outside of the top ten, if not on it, no matter the streaming platform. 

Meg 2: The Trench is now available on Netflix.

Queen Naija, Clarence NYC, and DreamDoll have the timeline buzzing following a situation at Kai Cenat’s Streamer University. The chatter started after Queen confronted Clarence about being in DreamDoll’s room. As clips spread across social media, viewers quickly shared their opinions, causing even more discussion surrounding the viral moment. As the criticism continued, Queen later sat down with Clarence before meeting with DreamDoll to officially clear the air.

RELATED: Whew! Queen Naija Reacts After Fans Peep Clarence In DreamDoll’s Dorm At Streamer University (VIDEOS)

Queen Naija & Clarence Speak On The The Viral DreamDoll Moment

Clarence and Queen sat down in their own dorm after a viral clip showed her confronting him about being in DreamDoll and Jordyn Lucas’ room. Clarence pointed out that he’s encouraged Queen to network with male creators, including doing a song with PlaqueBoyMax. He admitted he understands the influence the chat has on Queen but said her reaction also affected how the situation was perceived.

“You know damn well you didn’t care. But they don’t know, so the clip is just taken out of context. You get to run around here, shoot water guns, doing what you want. But when I want to do what I want to do. It’s disturbing. They be on my d***,” Clarence said.

Clarence admitted the moment left him discouraged from collaborating with other creators and argued there’s a double standard surrounding his interactions. He stressed that, despite knowing moments would get clipped online, he came to Streamer University to network and collaborate with fellow creators.

The pair also discussed another situation when Clarence helped a female student find directions around campus during a stream. In the moment, Queen’s chat alerted her about the interaction, and she reacted by saying the young woman was standing too close. That reaction led many viewers to flood Clarence’s chat, making the situation awkward. Clarence later reassured Queen, “I’m still going home after these five days of Streamer U. I’m going home to you.” Queen stood by her reactions, explaining it’s difficult not to respond when her chat constantly brings situations to her attention.

DreamDoll & Queen Naija Clear The Air During Streamer University Bible Study

Following Queen Naija’s sit-down with Clarence, she headed to Bible study at Streamer University. Fellow students gathered as they spoke about their faith and their spiritual journeys. Queen also took the opportunity to clear the air with DreamDoll following the discussion surrounding Clarence being in her dorm. DreamDoll admitted she initially felt Queen may have been “clip farming” during the viral moment when she confronted Clarence. Queen explained her reaction was genuine and made it clear she has no issues with DreamDoll or Jordyn Lucas. She revealed that, before the incident, she and DreamDoll had already shared a heartfelt moment together and felt the enemy was trying to create chaos and division between them. The two ended the conversation with a hug, reassuring everyone there is no beef between them.

Social Media Reacts 

Folks across the timeline reacted to the viral clips involving Queen Naija over in The Shade Room Teens comment section. While some felt her reaction was justified, others believed Clarence didn’t do anything wrong. Some viewers felt the couple should’ve discussed boundaries before attending Streamer University.

Instagram user @thatss.she wrote, “He too nonchalant for me. He could’ve apologized to her for not communicating he was going to be somewhere that would’ve made her a lil uncomfortable and that would’ve ended all that talking he did to defend the situation. 🤦🏾‍♀️ “

Instagram user @luvluvnani added, “”He should know by now what makes her uncomfortable and what doesn’t and it’s not always abt your intentions it’s abt perception and just having that awareness”

While Instagram user @bye.demi wrote, “Her reaction was normal ME PERSONALLY I WOULD’VE BEEN WORSE 😂😂😂😂”

Instagram user @alyssa_sq wrote, “Unless y’all been watching the whole stream…. Don’t even say anything bc tbh i love queen but Clarence wasn’t wrong for his feelings… this thing got blown way out of proportion. Give them grace it’s not easy them putting the business on the front line”

Instagram user @mswest2u_ added. “I’m sorry but Queen is the problem. I’ve been on stream since they started and Clarence wasn’t doing nothing at all. And bffr…. Dream don’t want no Clarence. Streamer U is for them to collab with others and build their communities. Queen knew what was up before she step on the campus”

While Instagram user @ameretirek wrote, “And just like that SU looking like Love & HipHop” 

Instagram user @siidnneyym wrote, “She gives mean girl. And I don’t think Queen bugging she’s so genuine and nice and everybody don’t deserve that she ain’t have to explain nothing to her.”

Instagram user @_naturalafrolatina added, “Y’all doing too much DreamDoll didn’t do nothing wrong SHE WAS IN HER ROOM TF STREAMING! Queen should go home with her man”

While Instagram user @kiyahbaby_ wrote, “Finally y’all posted this! I loved Queen approach to this but absolutely hated Dreamdoll response… like after that very great bible study/fellowship, I just thought she would’ve been way more receptive to this smh 🤦🏾‍♀️ but i guess some ppl just don’t understand how/when to give grace, unfortunately.”

RELATED: Queen Naija & ClarenceNYC’s Son Legend Shows Off His Math Skills During Kai Cenat’s Streamer University Auditions (WATCH)

Known for making audiences laugh on screen, actress Ellie Kemper is bringing that same playful energy to families this summer through a recent partnership with Pirate’s Booty. 

The mom of two recently sat down with The Blast to share a little about the partnership, as well as to reminisce about some fan-favorite shows, balancing set life with motherhood, and what favorite summer tradition her family looks forward to year after year. She even told The Blast she would love to do a few more seasons of one of her hit shows (no spoiler alerts here)!

Kemper, a mom of two boys ages 6 and 9, said the partnership with Pirate’s Booty for their Captain Bob’s Summer Quest guide was a perfect fit.

“I love Pirate’s Booty. First and foremost, I as an individual love Pirate’s Booty. As a mom, I also love Pirate’s Booty. It’s really easy to pack, it’s easy to put in a lunch bag and my kids love it. It’s a treat they look forward to, and I become a favorite mom,” Kemper told The Blast exclusively. “I was very interested in this partnership.” 

After Kemper learned more about Captain Bob’s Summer Quest, she said it was a “no brainer to join forces.” 

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“The whole kind of premise behind this project is to get kids off screens as much as they can this summer and to fuel imaginative play, which is something I personally like as an adult,” she said. “It’s really nice to share with my own kids.”

Families can join Captain Bob and his parrot sidekick Crunchy on summer adventures through easy-to-follow prompts and imaginative activities designed to spark creativity, encourage exploration, and create memorable moments together.

“Pirate’s Booty’s Summer Quest, inspired by our own Captain Bob, was built around a simple idea: helping families find easy ways to connect through play,” said Eric Bowers, VP of Salty Marketing, The Hershey Company. “We know that meaningful moments don’t require elaborate plans – just opportunities to explore, create, and spend time together.”

The Summer Tradition That Brings Ellie Kemper Back To Childhood

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Kemper and her family have a summer tradition that they look forward to each year – visiting the grandparents in San Diego and St. Louis.

“We go to visit both sets every summer and it’s a lot of fun. We usually spend a longer time in St. Louis, and I have family there so the kids get to see their cousins. It’s always unbearably hot but that’s part of the experience. It’s what I grew up with,” she told The Blast. “It’s nice to share that with the kids.”

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Finding That Work-Life Balance Can Be Tougher In The Summer Months

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When asked how she finds a balance between set life and mom life, especially in the summer months when the kids are out of school, Kemper responded, “tell me because I am constantly asking that question of other moms too.”

“Any job that you have, I think once summer hits, it’s really crazy because your schedule doesn’t necessarily shift, but the kids don’t have school,” she said. “So that I find to be a constant balancing act. I certainly haven’t figured it out, and I am often very stressed out trying to fill in those gaps.”

Kemper said that the Pirate’s Booty guide has been a “breath of fresh air” for her because the activities are easy and fun and only require items around the house. 

“You don’t have to go out and get anything. And those have been moments to take deep breaths for me and the kids,” she shared. “So those have been real nice moments of respite.”

What Hit Series Would Ellie Kemper Love To Do Another Season Or Two?

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For fans of the hit Netflix original series, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” four seasons wasn’t enough. It’s such a fan-favorite that many rewatch it over and over. When asked what the best part about filming the show was, Kemper said she has “very tender memories of all of it.” 

“At first, it was working with Robert Carlock and Tina Fey because I admired their work for years and years, and they’re just icons,” she said. “And then, once I got to meet the other actors on the show, that was like the blessings just kept coming. What a gift to be able to work with all of my castmates.” 

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She added that it was a bonus that filming took place in New York City, and said “every part of that worked out.” 

When the chat moved in the direction of wishing there was another season, Kemper said she would do it in a heartbeat.

Ellie Kemper Loved ‘The Office’ Before She Was Even On It

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When talking about beloved television series, “The Office” is sure to pop into any chat. Many fans still binge it to this day, years after it ended production. 

“I loved the show before I got a job on it, because my character didn’t make an appearance until season 5,” Kemper told The Blast. “I understand why people love it. It’s so relatable and so comforting. The characters are jus like you know one of those characters in every part of your life. You could say, ‘oh that’s a Dwight,’ or ‘that’s a Phyllis.’”

She also added that the fact that people are still watching the show “speaks to the writing on the show, the heart of the show.” Kemper said she was “blessed to have had any part in any of it.”

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Blumhouse has built plenty of franchises from opening-weekend success, but this sequel (in development) exists because a modest 2019 thriller became much larger after leaving theaters. The original film was made for roughly $5 million and went on to rake in $61.2 million worldwide, already making it highly profitable, then found a second audience during the pandemic through repeated streaming-chart appearances.

The first film appeared to close its story decisively. Sue Ann Ellington’s (Octavia Spencer) revenge campaign ends with the house burning around her, so bringing the character back in the sequel requires more than simply repeating another group of teenagers, another basement, and the same manipulation. The sequel’s challenge is to preserve the mix of psychological damage, social humiliation, camp, and sudden violence that made the original so replayable while explaining how Sue Ann returns and what could push her into a second campaign.

The movie is Ma 2, and Spencer, in an interview with ScreenRant, says the team is “working very diligently” on the screenplay because they want to “do it right.” Spencer is officially returning as Sue Ann, while Ashley Nicole Black is writing the sequel. Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum previously confirmed that the company viewed the original’s streaming success and meme-driven popularity as proof that the character had become a genuine cultural phenomenon.

‘Ma’ Became a Meme Through Poster Parodies, Quotes, and Octavia Spencer Herself

The meme culture around Ma was built from the film’s unusually adaptable title and Sue Ann’s most theatrical moments. Fans began editing her into awards-season posters and famous movie titles, producing jokes such as Ma Ma Land, Roma, Ma Star Is Born, The Irishma, The Greatest Show Ma, and Mad Ma: Fury Road. Other posts reused Spencer peering through a car window, her strict basement rules, and the instantly recognizable line, “Don’t make me drink alone.” The trend became large enough that Spencer herself reposted fan creations, promoted the #MaMemes tag, and launched a contest for the best entry.

It appears all that has synergized toward this sequel that’s now in development. There are no further updates or a release date for Ma 2 for now. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

May 31, 2019

Runtime

102 minutes

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