Entertainment
The Cure’s Robert Smith Slams World Cup Final Halftime Show
The Cure’s lead singer Robert Smith blasted FIFA’s World Cup Final Halftime Show, set to feature music from Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and more.
“The point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show,” Smith, 67, vented via Instagram on Thursday, July 16.
Ahead of the heavily-anticipated Sunday, July 9, match between Argentina and Spain at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, the musician mocked a FIFA press statement that described the Halftime Show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
Smith added his own unique caption, writing, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH…”
Robert Smith of The Cure SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
The singer hashtagged his post with references to “bread and circuses” — a political metaphor for superficially appealing to the masses — along with “#MUGWANK” “#pleasejustf***off” to make his contempt undeniable.
In a second post, Smith clarified he was not upset with the performers who signed on to perform during the show — he simply opposed the idea of a ceremony involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump handing the World Cup trophy to the winning team.
“Sadly, there are not enough A’s left for the ‘ARGH’ that should follow,” he quipped.
FIFA announced in May that Coldplay’s Chris Martin was curating a World Cup Final Halftime Show featuring Madonna, 67, BTS and Shakira to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to provide education opportunities and access to football training for children across the world.
“Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me,” Madonna said at the time. “Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to a quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change.”
Earlier this month, FIFA expanded its all-star lineup by adding Bieber, 32, Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy, L.A. Philharmonic director Gustavo Dudamel and viral sensation PS 22 Chorus.
Since releasing her debut album in 1983, Madonna has rarely been out of the public eye — and she’s never stopped delivering floor-filling pop hits. Born in Bay City, Michigan, in 1958, Madonna — whose full name is Madonna Louise Ciccone — started dancing as a kid after convincing her dad to let her study […]
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber, 32, said on July 8. “I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Burna Boy added, “The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together. To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m honored to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world.”
FIFA has also confirmed that its Halftime Show will feature appearances from The Muppets and characters from Sesame Street.
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NFL player Dalton Risner and wife, Whitney, have suffered two pregnancy losses in just a few months.
“At 16 weeks, Dalton and I found out we lost our sweet baby boy. I wish I was writing any other post than this right now, “ Whitney, 28, shared via a joint Instagram post with her husband, 31, on Friday, July 17. “I never imagined our journey to starting a family would begin like this. This is our second loss in just a couple of months.”
Whitney, who married the Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard in June 2022, went on to thank her husband for his support amid the couple’s heartbreak. “More than ever, I’ve realized how important it is who you marry and choose to walk through life with. Life is hard in so many different ways. I truly can’t imagine getting through this without my rock and best friend, @dalton_risner66,” she wrote before discussing how her most recent miscarriage has impacted her.
“This loss has introduced me to a depth of pain and heartbreak that I never knew existed. It feels like I’ve lost so much … our precious baby boy, pieces of myself, and the future I had planned out for the past 4 months,” she wrote. “To everyone who has prayed for us, checked in on us, and loved us through this journey to starting a family, thank you. We are so grateful for your kindness.”
Influencer India Batson is opening up about suffering a third pregnancy loss. “My third pregnancy loss 💔,” Batson, 31, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 7. “I can’t believe I’m sharing this news this way. Daniel and I were so excited and honestly shocked to find out I was pregnant the very first cycle I […]
The jewelry designer concluded, “If you’re walking this same painful road, I want you to know that you are not alone.”
During a June interview for The Enquirer‘s “Beyond Sunday” podcast, Whitney talked about a collection she had crafted, titled “The Forever Collection,” in light of her pregnancy losses. “My husband and I experienced pregnancy loss this past season, and I was sitting there thinking about having something to show for it,” she told host Kelsey Conway of the pieces designed with a pear-shaped diamond to represent a mother and a round diamond to represent a child. “You go through this really hard, extensive process of not only losing your baby, but things that follow that you have to go through and grasp. And then you’re kind of left with nothing.”
Five months after her miscarriage, Whitney Port gave an update on how she’s healing. “Crazy to think I would have had a newborn within this week too,” the Hills alum captioned a Saturday, June 26, Instagram Story photo of herself holding her newborn nephew. “[My sister] Jade [Port] and I got pregnant at the exact […]
The Risners’ social media announcement of their losses also included photos taken from a pregnancy shoot that was intended to reveal Whitney’s most recent pregnancy.
In the snaps, the couple smiled on a beach with their dog as their furry pet licked at a white celebratory cake.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA borrowed a page from the Super Bowl playbook by introducing its first ever World Cup final halftime show.
On paper, the combination of Madonna, Justin Bieber, soccer legends, and surprise celebrity appearances promised an unforgettable spectacle.
Instead, the ambitious production sparked wildly divided reactions, with many viewers questioning whether the historic experiment lived up to the hype as Argentina and Spain battled for the trophy.
Although the World Cup final halftime show featured multiple stars, Bieber quickly found himself at the center of the online debate.
After a playful introduction from Jason Sudeikis in character as Ted Lasso, the singer walked onto the field carrying only a guitar before performing a World Cup-inspired version of his song “Everything Hallelujah.”
Rather than delivering a stadium-sized spectacle, Bieber opted for a stripped-back performance that ended with the lyric, “it’s the World Cup, Hallelujah.”
The understated approach immediately divided viewers. One critic blasted the set, noting per the Daily Mail, “Buzz killer. Totally sucked. Why choose that song that nobody knows. Beyond me.”
Another wrote, “Justin Bieber Hallelujah but this was not the right song choice for the half time show,” while a third simply called it a “terrible song choice.”
Others, however, appreciated Bieber’s decision to slow the pace amid the larger production. “Justin Bieber looked and sounded great at the World Cup halftime show today! Glad he’s cleaned up his act!” one supporter posted.
Another praised the performance by writing, “Best performance. He knows how to switch people’s moods in a second. That’s extremely difficult to do, most performers couldn’t.”
Madonna Helped FIFA Launch A Historic New Tradition
Before Justin Bieber took the stage, Madonna was tasked with opening the World Cup final halftime show.
The pop icon emerged to perform her 2000 hit “Music,” making an entrance alongside Brazilian football legends Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho.
The trio embraced before stepping onto the pitch together, creating one of the evening’s most unexpected crossovers between global music and soccer stars.
Madonna also delivered one of the night’s biggest fashion moments, wearing a Saint Laurent look that featured a pink satin teddy jacket layered over a corset, matching mini shorts, lace-up boots, and stockings.
Cameras later captured the three posing together on the field as thousands inside MetLife Stadium welcomed the tournament’s newest tradition.
While individual performances earned praise, many viewers questioned whether FIFA’s ambitious concept matched the months of anticipation surrounding it.
One disappointed fan wrote, “What a disaster this halftime show was. Pre-recorded stuff, no collaborations or surprising moments. Where was Madonna at the end? She could have sung a few lines with Shakira… everything was so weird. So much hype for nothing.”
Another took aim at the show’s creative direction, joking, “Who was behind the concept for that halftime show? Chat GPT?”
Others found themselves somewhere in the middle, with one viewer commenting, “Madonna’s performance was the strangest thing ever, especially followed by the Muppets. The rest of the show was decent. I thought JB’s performance was the best of them all.”
Not Everyone Thought FIFA’s Gamble Fell Flat
Despite the criticism, many viewers applauded FIFA for trying something different.
One fan admitted, “I dislike a lot of things that FIFA does… but THAT halftime show was pretty spectacular,” while another praised the event’s uplifting tone, writing, “Light, bright, positive energy. We needed that. Really tired of dark and angry performances.”
Another celebrated the international spirit of the show, writing, “It was great! International and diverse, a positive message, family friendly, and soccer legends hanging with Madonna! Ronaldinho and Ronaldo probably couldn’t believe it!”
Wayne Rooney Calls World Cup Final Halftime Show ‘Crap’
While fans continued debating whether FIFA’s first-ever World Cup final halftime show was a success or a flop, Wayne Rooney made it clear which side he was on.
Appearing on the BBC’s post-halftime coverage after the former England captain delivered a brutally honest review when asked for his favorite moment.
“I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished,” Rooney quipped per ESPN, before doubling down with, “I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly.”
Explaining why the star-studded spectacle failed to impress him, Rooney added, “It just didn’t get me going. I like Bieber. I like Shakira. It was too flat.”
His candid remarks immediately went viral, with many football fans applauding the Manchester United legend for voicing what they felt about FIFA’s ambitious Super Bowl-style halftime experiment.
Long before Disney built stars through High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and Camp Rock, it had a recurring talent pipeline built around young performers who could sing, dance, act, handle comedy sketches, and grow in public. The most famous 1989–1996 generation included Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell, and JC Chasez, but the format dates back to Walt Disney’s original 1955 ABC series, which was previously revived in 1977. It’s now reportedly being revived again, and although it’s just one episode for now, the news is still substantial.
At the same time, the performers being pulled now aren’t exactly mainstream actors. Disney’s new attempt is now arriving in a completely different youth-media market, and most of the performers are being pulled from animated movies, shows, and social media footprints from the likes of YouTube and TikTok. The pilot appears designed to reconnect all those fragmented routes and consolidate their audiences. Three cast members — Hudson Stone, Casey Trotter, and Brooklynn Pitts — are already attached to the upcoming Camp Rock 3, while the group also includes Yonas Kibreab from Elio, Erianthe Akaata from Young Rock, Scarlett London Diviney from The Lion King, and Michael Cash from Black Rabbit.
The project is a new Mickey Mouse Club for Disney+, although, as per a new report, it has only received a pilot order for now. Production begins in Los Angeles this month through Fulwell Entertainment, which is the same company behind Hulu’s The Kardashians. The 11-person group is rounded out with Varonica Mitchell, Kauani, Scarlett Grace Petty, and Carter Barnes.
‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ Was Also Revived on Instagram and Facebook in 2017
Although it was short-lived, the franchise had its most recent substantial screen revival for social media audiences on Facebook and Instagram in 2017. That Club Mickey Mouse had a somewhat similar approach in terms of pulling its young performers, but it was a relatively small-sized outing and starred Sean Oliu, Jenna Z. Alvarez, and Brianna Mazzola, among others.
Disney describes the new concept as a showcase where music, innovation, and self-expression take priority. So it’s probably going to be the 2017 approach but in a bigger packet. Ben Winston, Ashley Edens, Emma Conway, and Dave Piendak are all set to executive produce. And if the pilot advances, it would become the franchise’s first substantial screen revival since the short-lived, social-media-focused Club Mickey Mouse of 2017.
There is no expected release window for The Mickey Mouse Club for now. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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1989 – 1996-00-00
- Network
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Disney Channel
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Chase Hampton
Self – Host
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Justin Timberlake
Uncredited
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Another science fiction franchise has once again captured audiences, proving there’s still love for the genre. As fantasy and horror now take over the cinema space — with the release of the live-action Moana, The Odyssey, Obsession, and Backrooms — audiences are using streaming services not only as a palate cleanser, but also to revisit some of the genre’s older yet iconic works.
Recently, a variety of science fiction titles have appeared on various streaming charts. Films like 2025’s The Running Man and Pacific Rim have made a streaming resurgence, while Project Hail Mary continues to dominate the Prime Video charts following its theatrical box office success, as well as the new The Ghost in the Shell anime series. But there’s another sci-fi franchise that’s capturing audiences, so much so that all of its entries have landed on the charts.
Men in Black is a sci-fi action comedy trilogy starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Agents J and K, two agents of the Men in Black organization who investigate criminal cases involving aliens. Recently, all three films landed on Peacock’s Top 10 Movies in the United States, with Men in Black II at #5, Men in Black III at #6, and Men in Black at #10. All three Men in Black entries grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide and led to a stand-alone sequel in 2019, called Men in Black: International, featuring a new cast.
Is the ‘Men in Black’ Trilogy Worth Watching?
Since its release, the Men in Black trilogy has performed well at the box office, but only the first and third films have been praised by fans and critics alike. Men in Black II received a low 38% critics’ score and a 45% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it “forgettable” and “joyless.” In contrast, audiences debated whether it was underrated or simply unenjoyable. The first Men in Black film earned a high 91% critics’ score and an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising it as comedic, entertaining, and playful. In agreement, audiences called it “rewatchable.” Men In Black 3 was able to redeem itself nearly 10 years later, with a 67% critics’ score and 70% audience score, with critics claiming it was better than the 2002 sequel, that it was close to capturing the spirit of the first movie, and a good summer flick. Audiences said that the third installment brought new life to the franchise and agreed that it was better than the sequel.
The Men in Black trilogy is available to stream on Peacock. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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July 2, 1997
- Runtime
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98 minutes
- Writers
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Ed Solomon, Lowell Cunningham
- Producers
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Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes
Jason Statham is among the most credible action stars around. From features like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to high-octane franchises like The Fast franchise, The Transporter, The Expendables, to solo adventures like A Working Man, The Mechanic, and more, all are a testament to his immaculate action skills. And when you add a menacing creature to the action spectacle, the mix gets even better.
Among such features is Meg 2: The Trench, a sequel to the iconic The Meg movie that brings him face to face with a prehistoric shark. In the sequel, directed by Ben Wheatley, Statham returns as Jonas Taylor to lead a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage turns into chaos when a mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Stuck between colossal, prehistoric sharks and environmental plunderers, the group must outrun and outswim their predators. Meg 2 garnered mixed reviews and couldn’t compare commercially with its predecessor, earning $397.8 million worldwide in contrast to The Meg’s $529 million box office haul. But the film polarized the critics and the audience, garnering 27% and 72% Rotten Tomatoes scores, respectively. And fans’ love for the feature is showing.
‘Meg 2: The Trench’ Finds Redemption on Streaming
As is the case with many movies nowadays that do not find their audience in the theaters but are a big hit when they drop on streaming, Meg 2 has found its audience on streaming. Meg 2: The Trench has found a spot on Netflix’s global Top 10 charts, as per FlixPatrol. It stands tall among features like the Spanish drama Desire, Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, Robert Downey Jr.’s Due Date, and Netflix original Heartstopper Forever, among others.
While the movie’s pacing and tonal inconsistencies were heavily criticized, check out Meg 2 for its slick action sequences, Statham’s charismatic performance, and the new prehistoric creatures. The feature has some compelling performances from Wu Jing as Jiuming Zhang, Sophia Cai as Meiying, Cliff Curtis as Mac, Page Kennedy as DJ, Sergio Peris Mencheta as Montes, and Skyler Samuels as Jess. Also rounding off the cast are Melissanthi Mahut as Rigas, Whoopie Van Raam as Curtis, Kiran Sonia Sawar as Sal, Felix Mayr as Lance, and Sienna Guillory as Hilary Driscoll.
Check out Meg 2: The Trench on Netflix. Stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.
- Runtime
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116 minutes
- Writers
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Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
- Producers
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Belle Avery, E. Bennett Walsh, Gerald R. Molen, Jason Statham, Wu Jing, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Erik Howsam, Randy Greenberg, Cate Adams, Ying Xujun
Who doesn’t love a good Letterboxd franchise ranking? Taking a look at the average Letterboxd reviews for movie franchises is a ton of fun, given the fact that the social media platform has some of the more accurate general thoughts from fans and audiences alike. Letterboxd isn’t like Rotten Tomatoes, where there are critic reviews, but it is a platform for the people.
When it comes to rating franchises, it doesn’t get more interesting and divisive than the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s one of the longest-running franchises in cinema and has one of the largest numbers of films in a movie series. So, there are a lot of movies to rank, and many that are fan favorites for different people. This makes the MCU a specifically difficult one to put against itself, but Letterboxd should be helpful in discovering the consensus among audiences.
20
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.3/5.0
After the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman, it was up in the air whether Marvel Studios could continue to produce the Black Panther franchise. Thanks to the ever-beloved director, Ryan Coogler, though, the sequel managed to work out very well. They didn’t recast T’Challa, but rather had him pass in-universe, which incites a phenomenal character arc for his surviving sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright).
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is one of the most underrated post-Avengers: Endgame MCU films. The character arcs that Shuri, her mother, Ramonda (Angela Bassett), and Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) go through are extremely well-written. This movie is character-first, and that serves it so well, especially given the fact that this is a huge tribute to Boseman and everything he did for not just the MCU, but cinema as a whole.
19
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.3/5.0
The Fantastic Four has needed a win in cinema for quite some time. Always seeming to pull the short end of the superhero movie stick, Marvel’s first family, they finally got a huge win in 2025 with the release of Marvel Studios’ first bout with the team, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While it’s not some perfect film, no, it’s still super entertaining and keeps the audience on their toes.
Set in the 1960s, with a retro-futuristic backdrop, this movie takes so much inspiration from the classic era of Marvel Comics, and it serves it very well. This movie is so inherently The Fantastic Four in every way, and with that, it found a lot of love from fans and, honestly, people simply hoping the movie would turn out alright. Not to mention, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) totally owns the screen and is the highlight of the film, with a Letterboxd user saying, “invisible woman ALWAYS serves.”
18
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.4/5.0
While the consensus of Phase 4 of Marvel Studios’ MCU doesn’t have as good a reputation as the previous three, one film that absolutely stands out is the likes of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. A huge thanks goes to Andy Cheng from Jackie Chan‘s stunt team, who brought some amazing martial arts to this movie and gave it some of the greatest fight sequences in a Marvel movie.
“[From] me to marvel — don’t forget that you have Shang-Chi,” is an opinion given by one fan on Letterboxd that is often shared by many, with people hoping that the general performance of Phase 4 MCU doesn’t land Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) in a place like the likes of Moon Knight—being discarded for seemingly the rest of time. Thanks to the fact that Simu Liu has been cast in Avengers: Doomsday, it seems like Marvel Studios understands what they had here… Good.
17
‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.4/5.0
Captain America: The First Avenger may very well be one of the most underrated Marvel Studios films ever made. Being a period piece, it finds itself being unlike anything found in Phases 1, 2, or 3 (aside from Captain Marvel). It’s a movie about a character that defines what America could and should be, put best by one user: “every unpatriotic cell in my body leaves when I watch this movie.”
While the third act isn’t absolutely perfect, one could argue that the first two are pretty dang close to perfect as one could get. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is easily one of the most well-written characters in the MCU, and it all begins here in his origin film. Captain America: The First Avenger sets the standard for how the character should be brought to life.
16
‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (2019)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.4/5.0
Spider-Man: Far From Home has plenty of issues with it that many will gladly note—being more of an Avengers: Endgame sequel rather than a Spider-Man: Homecoming one—the movie is still phenomenally entertaining all around. While it struggles in Act Two, Acts One and Three are both genuinely amazing.
Jake Gyllenhaal stands out here as giving one of the best Spider-Man movie performances of all time, solidifying himself as one of the best Spider-Man villains out there. While Spidey fans knew that Mysterio had nefarious things up his sleeve, they didn’t know what exactly it was, and it paid off very well. Hilariously, one Letterboxd user describes the character of Mysterio very well when he said, “Working for Mysterio is what I imagine being friends with a D-List actor is like”. Not to mention, this project features one of the best visual sequences in a modern superhero film as the Wall-Crawler steps up against Mysterio in his “illusion world”.
15
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.4/5.0
The Deadpool franchise has been beloved by people ever since the first film’s release in 2016, thanks to how little it holds its punches, while still having a plethora of heart and soul at the core. While some have complaints about Deadpool 2, the franchise returned to its former glory in the third film, and the first time the 20th Century Fox characters made an appearance in the MCU, Deadpool & Wolverine. One Letterboxd review reads: “It made me laugh quite a bit, and the emotional aspects were much weightier than I had hoped for.”
It was a bold move making Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) of all characters the first X-Men-related character to be introduced in the MCU. While he’s tagged along by Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in this adventure, it’s safe to say that having it be an R-rated title for the X-Men universe of characters’ first debut was risky. However, it paid off extremely well and even went on to be one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. If that isn’t a testament to its quality, there’s not much that is.
14
‘Doctor Strange’ (2016)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.5/5.0
Doctor Strange is an incredibly underrated superhero origin film, and the people of Letterboxd seem to really recognize that. It’s been pretty forgotten over the years, but the first movie following the Sorcerer Supreme is not bad in the slightest. One Letterboxd user expresses the charm of Doctor Strange in comparison to others when he says, “Doctor Strange is bonkers. It goes to so many weird places.”
That’s right, the world of the Mystic Arts that this movie introduces to the MCU is so funky and unique, which makes what would be seen as a standard and basic origin film into a trippy ride. This flows into the visuals, making Doctor Strange one of the more visually electric MCU movies, as well.
13
‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.5/5.0
In what world does a Spider-Man movie not find itself being successful in one way or another? Not this one, because while there was some anxiety and nervousness surrounding the MCU Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) first solo outing, people ended up loving it (for the most part — looking at you, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).
Iron Man complaints aside, though, Spider-Man: Homecoming finds itself being adored by many — even being a favorite Spider-Man movie for some, with one user saying, “My favorite Spider-Man.” The decision to bring Spider-Man back to high school and keep him there for the entire first trilogy was abundantly smart on Marvel Studios’ part, and the entire charm of it was established first here.
12
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.6/5.0
One of the most beloved superhero trilogies out there is also one of the most beloved space opera trilogies, too. The second film of said trilogy may not be the best of the trilogy, but there’s no denying that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is still amazing. It has so much heart and soul as it explores the newer corners of the cosmic side of the MCU.
One fan emphasizes one of the best parts of the sequel when they write, “… loved Ego and Peter’s dynamic and story,” in their review of the film. The father-son plot here is one of the beating hearts of the film and serves to be pretty dang relatable to a lot of audience members, keeping this sequel still very adored despite not hitting the same highs as the first and third movies.
11
‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.6/5.0
Also considered by many fans as “Avengers 2.5,” Captain America: Civil War brings the MCU together once more, but this time, they’re facing each other (for the most part). Adapting one of the most famous comic book storylines of all time, of the same name, this second Joe Russo and Anthony Russo-directed Marvel Studios project is unforgettable for multiple reasons. It also cements the Steve Rogers trilogy as one of the best, similarly claimed by a user when they said, “This film solidified for me that Cap had one of the best trilogies in Marvel, rivaled only by Guardians.”
Not only did this project split the Avengers up in a terrible way before Thanos arrived in the third and fourth The Avengers movies, but it also introduced none other than the MCU’s iteration of the web-slinging wall crawler himself, Spider-Man. This makes Captain America: Civil War not only significant for its quality, performances, and action sequences, but also because of how much it changed the cinematic landscape between studios with the Disney and Sony Pictures Entertainment deal to bring Spidey into the MCU.
Summary
- Collider’s Steven Weintraub talks with Tom Holland, Jon Berthal, and Jacob Batalon for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
- Holland discusses how director Destin Daniel Cretton elevates the franchise and his first reaction to the finished film.
- Bernthal discusses how Punisher fits into Spider-Man’s PG-13 without sacrificing the character’s core identity.
It’s been a long time since Tom Holland’s Peter Parker has had that youthful glint in his eye we first saw nearly a decade ago. A lot has transpired in the MCU, from Avengers: Endgame to Spider-Man: No Way Home, but as long as the world keeps spinning, so too does your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man’s web — even if everyone he’s ever known and loved has completely forgotten he exists. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter isn’t just facing formidable new adversaries but also a startling new change within himself.
Gone are the days of Stark Industries’ advanced tech and the support of his superpowered friends. Spider-Man is at his lowest, fighting crime full-time, while watching everyone, including his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and even MJ (Zendaya), move on with their lives without him. The isolation has left Peter in unfamiliar territory, and he finds guidance in the last place he’d expect, with Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher. But to make matters worse, this lonely new life has triggered a mutation in Peter’s transformation as he’s trying to fight an enemy he can’t see. Brand New Day also features Sadie Sink in her MCU debut and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk.
In this interview with Collider’s Steven Weintraub, Holland, Bernthal, and Batalon discuss what it was like to work alongside director Destin Daniel Cretton and Marvel’s elite team of creatives, how Cretton’s vision has helped the franchise grow, and Holland’s reaction to seeing the finished film for the first time. Bernthal also talks about the Punisher joining Spider-Man’s PG-13 world, his initial concerns, and why fans of The Punisher: One Last Kill won’t be disappointed.
Tom Holland Was Extremely Impressed With Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Level of Talent” on ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
“He has found a way to grow this franchise and to make the movie feel bigger.”
COLLIDER: How did the finished film compare to what you thought it was going to be when you started filming?
TOM HOLLAND: To be perfectly honest with you, it is above and beyond what I thought it was going to be. I think Destin [Daniel Cretton] is a filmmaker with a level of talent that you rarely come by. I think that he has found a way to grow this franchise and to make the movie feel bigger, and to make the action feel more dangerous, and to make the stakes feel higher without sacrificing the emotion and the heart of what makes these characters tick.
When I watch a movie for the first time, I always ask if I can watch it twice right in a row, because the first time I watch it, it’s so overwhelming. I finished it the first time, and I ran upstairs in Burbank at Marvel Studios, and I was literally jumping up and down with the editing team and Destin.
JACOB BATALON: I was just pleasantly surprised that they let me watch it. [Laughs] No, it was definitely way more than I expected. The script itself was already so great that just seeing it put together was very beautiful. It put a big smile on my face.
JON BERNTHAL: I’ve not seen it, but what he said about Destin and this entire team is how I feel. It felt enormously human. I was very surprised, in the making of it, how much attention to character and, like Tom said, to emotion and just to the fractured human connection between these characters, and how important it is. In the world of something of this size and scope, that that was so vital is beautiful.
How Jon Bernthal Brought Punisher’s R-Rated World Into ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s PG-13 Setting
“I think we explored it fully.”
I was very surprised when Punisher was added to this movie, because Punisher is famously R-rated and Spider-Man is famously PG-13. Talk a little bit about figuring out how far Frank can go in this universe. Is it more about the debate between the two characters about one person saying, “You can’t kill,” and one person saying, “It’s the only way?”
BERNTHAL: Look, I think that’s certainly part of it, but that was an issue, and what I saw was the issue for all of us. I think the goal was, going in, would we buy that he could walk off of One Last Kill and walk into this world, and go back and forth? Would we buy it? And I think we dug into the issue. I think we explored it fully.
Colton Hill, a Green Beret who worked with me on One Last Kill, worked with me also on this and was there every day, and I was really blown away by how open these guys were to really exploring that issue and to diving into it, and not to run away from it or try to avoid it, or just to say it doesn’t matter, because it did. I believe that we were successful.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31.
- Release Date
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July 31, 2026
- Runtime
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150 Minutes
- Director
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Destin Daniel Cretton
With Hollywood continuing to revive films decades after their original releases, more movies are getting long-awaited sequels than ever before. While some would welcome a follow-up to “Matilda,” Mara Wilson isn’t convinced the 1996 cult film should follow the trend. The actress recently shared why she has reservations about revisiting the beloved family movie.
“Matilda” was released in 1996, based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same title written by Roald Dahl. It starred Mara Wilson as the titular character and also featured Danny DeVito as her father, Rhea Perlman as her mother, Embeth Davidtz as Matilda’s kind and sweet teacher Ms. Honey, and Pam Ferris as ruthless principal Ms. Trunchbull.
At a Fanboy Expo panel, Wilson shared that she’s often asked about the possibility of a “Matilda” sequel. One of the plots often pushed is about Matilda’s daughter. However, the actress doesn’t think that would work.
Wilson said Matilda overcame adversity in the movie and “found power in educating herself,” adding, “I don’t think Matilda would raise her daughter to be in a position where she developed those powers to protect herself,” per PEOPLE.
The Actress Thinks No One Is Good Enough For Matilda To Marry
Furthermore, Wilson thinks it would be difficult to create a narrative in which Matilda is married and has a family of her own.
“This is a tricky question, but who would Matilda marry? Who’s good enough for Matilda? Matilda’s such an awesome character that I can’t imagine who she would marry and have kids with, you know,” the actress asked the audience.
She continued to say that she used to be bothered by her association with the character. The former child actress appeared in several movies, including “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “A Time to Heal,” but for some reason, many identify her with Matilda and even call her by her character’s name.
Wilson came to appreciate it over the years, saying, “You know, Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, she said, ‘I feel like me and Princess Leia have kind of merged over the years.’ And I sort of feel like that too,” she said.
Danny DeVito Expressed His Desire For A Sequel
DeVito, who produced, directed, and co-starred in “Matilda,” voiced his desire to do a sequel in 2019. “I always wanted to do Matilda 2, but when the kid was still a kid,” the actor said. However, he noted that the idea was about 20 to 25 years old. “Maybe Matilda has a kid and we can do something that, I don’t know,” he said, per Comicbook.
In 2025, DeVito shared why he decided to bring Dahl’s story to the big screen. “I wanted to capture that Roald Dahl magic… that balance of dark and light, where even in the bleakest moments, there’s hope and humor,” he explained.
The actor was able to revisit “Matilda” through “Matilda in Concert,” an orchestral screening of the movie. DeVito was heavily involved in the production and said it was a way of introducing new audiences to the decades-old movie. “It brings the story to life in a way that’s both fresh and deeply nostalgic,” he told The Globe and Mail.
Mara Wilson And Danny DeVito Share A Deep Bond
Wilson has fond memories of working on “Matilda,” especially the support she received from DeVito, whom she calls her “favorite uncle.”
During the Fanboy Expo panel, the actress debunked a long-running rumor that the veteran actor legally adopted her. “Danny DeVito did not literally adopt me. That’s a myth. But he did take very good care of my family,” she shared.
Wilson was 8 years old at the time of filming, and her mother was battling breast cancer. She died before the movie’s theatrical release, and the director dedicated the film in her honor. The actress sought comfort in DeVito and Perlman, sharing that they’ve become her “lifelong friends.”
“There were hard days, but there were also days where it felt like summer camp, and I am still friends with the people that I worked on it today,” said Wilson.
‘Matilda’ Grew Into A Beloved Cult Favorite
“Matilda” was released in August 1996 and competed with other big movies such as “Mission: Impossible,” “Independence Day,” and “Twister.” The family film was not a box office success, grossing only $47 million worldwide on a budget of $36 million.
However, it found its audience through home videos and was heavily on rotation on cable TV. Over the years, “Matilda” developed a devoted cult following, with audiences embracing the heartfelt story and memorable characters. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most beloved family films of the ’90s and continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers.
General Hospital alum Kirsten Storms has issued a public statement about her daughter amid an ongoing custody battle with ex-husband Brandon Barash.
“Please remember that we are people who are divorced and have a child,” Storms, 42, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 19. “I appreciate the supportive comments, but now that my daughter is of the age where she will Google her name while riding the bus to school, I’m asking that the speculation on this issue please stop.”
The actress, who split from former costar Barash, 46, in 2016, attracted headlines in April after her ex filed an emergency restraining order against her, per legal documents obtained by Us at the time. The documents showed that Barash also filed for custody of their daughter, Harper Rose, 12, in December 2025. (Prior to the filing, the former couple coparented their child, relocating from California to Tennessee in 2025.)
Storms’ Instagram post also discussed the profound impact that Harper has had on her life. “I had Harper, and how I viewed every single thing in life shifted. I swear I’m not going to continue to bring up my medical situation (I’ll make jokes and it will be awkward), but until I began to understand how precious time is and how what we prioritize becomes ALL we have, there was never a thought that my life would ever change,” she continued, referencing the 2021 brain cyst, 2025 brain aneurysm and subsequent treatments she’s undergone over the years.
Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash met on the set of General Hospital, eventually sparking a real-life romance. Storms began playing Maxie Jones on and off in 2005, while Barash brought Johnny Zacchara to life from 2007 to 2013. The pair kept their offscreen romance private until August 2013, when news broke that they had secretly […]
The actress also took the opportunity to comment on her current relationship with Barash. “I will briefly acknowledge that there is an ongoing situation with Brandon that will be getting sorted out (soon hopefully),” Storms wrote. “I would appreciate (and encourage) for people … not to worry about me, or think there is something larger going on, other than 2 ex-spouses dealing with a “disagreement” that WILL be resolved.”
Storms and Barash tied the knot in 2013 after falling in love while working together on General Hospital — Storms portrayed Maxie Jones while Barash played Johnny Zacchara.
General Hospital star Kirsten Storms‘ ex-husband, Brandon Barash, was granted a restraining order amid concerns for her mental health. Barash, 46, recently filed for an emergency restraining order, according to TMZ. The request was approved after Barash claimed that his ex-wife is exhibiting concerning behavior and he fears for their 12-year-old daughter’s well-being. In his […]
After welcoming their daughter the following year, Barash told Soap Opera Digest in April 2016 that the pair’s marriage was over. “We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we’re splitting amicably,” the actor said at the time. “We have every intention of remaining a family through this and coparenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment.”
In Barash’s recent legal filing, he requested a change to his and Storms’ initial agreement due to multiple issues that had risen since their cross country move.
Anne Hathaway confirmed her return as Mia Thermopolis in October 2024, and since then, fans have eagerly been awaiting more details about “Princess Diaries 3.” The film’s lengthy development stems from years of reworking the story, assembling the right team, and ensuring the movie meets fans’ expectations before moving into production.
Now, Hathaway is sharing a promising development that may signal the long-awaited sequel is finally moving forward.
It has been more than two decades since “The Princess Diaries” introduced audiences to Mia Thermopolis, an awkward teenager who discovers she is heir to the throne of Genovia. The franchise returned with “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” in 2004, leaving fans wondering what happened after Mia embraced her royal destiny.
Many changes have happened in the development of the third movie, and while details are scarce, Anne Hathaway shared that the current script may be the one they are moving forward with.
The actress sat down with Andy Cohen on “Radio Andy” and said, “I can say I think we had a story breakthrough. I think we are moving in the right direction,” noted Hathaway, adding that the previous script had to be scrapped and writers started over.
“We all feel really good that this is gonna be the one,” she said.
Adele Lim Teased The Direction The Third Film Is Going
“Crazy Rich Asians” co-writer Adele Lim was announced as the director for “Princess Diaries 3” in 2024. In May, she shared a glimpse of what’s to come in the upcoming movie, and rather than focusing on Mia as a princess, she wants to present a “wish-fulfillment” for the character as a queen.
“The girls who grew up believing in princesses, we want to grow up believing that there is a world in which you can be a queen and be fabulous and kicking a-s and also find a way to mentor the young women coming up after us,” Lim told E! News.
The second movie ended with Mia calling off her wedding and convincing the Parliament to abolish the archaic law that required a queen to be married before ascending the throne. She was then crowned as the ruling queen of Genovia.
‘The Princess Diaries’ Author Has Read The Latest Script
“The Princess Diaries” movies are based on the young adult series penned by Meg Cabot. In late June, the author revealed that she has read different versions of the script since its development, but she is most excited about the latest one.
“I read a script, and it was amazing. I told them not to send anymore, because I love it so much,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. Cabot admitted that she has trouble holding her tongue, and since the filmmakers don’t want any details leaked, she jokingly told them not to send her more scripts.
The author refused to share other information about the project, only saying that some details in her books made it to the screenplay. It may be difficult to narrow down what exactly she’s referring to, as the series has more than 10 books in total, in addition to spin-off novels.
The Director Posted A Casting Call
In 2025, Lim took to social media and posted a casting call for “Princess Diaries 3.” The role was for Olivia Robinson and was described as: “15 years old, Mixed Race (Black/White). Smart, sarcastic armored and observant, Olivia Robinson wants to be left alone.”
The books introduce Olivia as Mia’s younger half-sister, born from a secret relationship between Mia’s father, Philippe, and Olivia’s mother. Mia looks for her sister after learning that her mother passed away and fights the teen’s extended family for custody.
‘The Princess Diaries’ Was Anne Hathaway’s Breakout Role
“The Princes Diaries” marked Hathaway’s breakout role, launching her career as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars. Prior to her casting, she starred in the short-lived TV series “Get Real.” The film was a commercial success and established the actress as a rising talent, paving the way for future roles.
In April, Hathaway looked back at her debut movie with fond memories, noting that playing the role changed her life. The actress has since appeared in many roles spanning different genres. Some of her works include “Ella Enchanted,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Les Misérables,” and “The Odyssey,” just to name a few.
Production for “Princess Diaries 3” has yet to be announced, and since Hathaway is expecting her third child, filming is unlikely to begin soon.
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