Most science fiction franchises tend to try to reinvent themselves over the years, with mixed results. Some, like Star Wars, return with new installments that often spark divisive discourse. Others, like Blade Runner or Tron, have extremely lengthy gaps between sequels. One sci-fi franchise not only reinvented itself in the early 2010s but also delivered a truly epic scale that very few blockbusters have matched. This honor goes to the Planet of the Apes reboot series, which is available to stream on Hulu.

Starting with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the new films focus on the birth of the titular Planet of the Apes, especially how the apes evolve into the dominant species on the planet. It’s not the first time someone has tried to reboot the series; Tim Burton launched his own version of Planet of the Apes in 2001, and James Cameron was even approached to revive the series on film before he eventually made Titanic. The new Planet of the Apes succeeds because it takes the time to show how its world is constantly evolving, offering a sense of growth that other sci-fi franchises lack. It also doesn’t hurt that one of Hollywood’s best directors helped take the series to a new level.

The ‘Planet of the Apes’ Reboot Revamps a Major Element of the Original Series

In the original Planet of the Apes, humanity has devolved into a mute class of workers while the apes lord over them. This led to arguably one of the greatest twists in science fiction history, in which George Taylor (Charlton Heston) discovers that the “planet” he’s landed on is actually Earth, ravaged by nuclear war. Rise of the Planet of the Apes shifts from a nuclear threat to a viral one, as scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) creates a drug called ALZ-112 to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

While ALZ-112 increases the intelligence of the chimpanzee Caesar (Andy Serkis), it proves to be deadly to humans, triggering a global pandemic. Director Rupert Wyatt also said that future films would explore the conflict between man and ape:

“We’ve incorporated elements from Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, in terms of how the apes begin to revolt, but this is primarily a prequel to the 1968 film… Caesar is a revolutionary figure who will be talked about by his fellow apes for centuries… This is just the first step in the evolution of the apes, and there’s a lot more stories to tell after this. I imagine the next film will be about the all-out war between the apes and humans.”

True to Wyatt’s words, the next two films, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, focused on how humanity and apes came to battle. It also brought a new director into the fold, as Matt Reeves stepped up to helm both sequels. Reeves brought a truly epic scale to the Planet of the Apes reboot, showcasing just how much the world changed in the wake of humanity’s decimation. Rain-soaked forests, snow-covered terrain, and a massive military fortress are given plenty of sweeping shots, with cinematographer Michael Seresin taking time to close in on both human and apes’ facial expressions — letting their eyes say much more than words could. Reeves’ vision led to critical and commercial success for both Apes sequels, and paved the way for his work on The Batman.

Thanks to Andy Serkis, the New ‘Planet of the Apes’ Blends Pathos with Blockbuster Thrills

There’s one person who helped make the Planet of the Apes reboot a bona fide success, and it’s Andy Serkis. Serkis delivers a career-best performance as Caesar, thanks to a blend of motion capture and a truly magnetic performance. Every time Caesar is on-screen, the camera gravitates toward him, showcasing his transformation from a mere ape to a leader to a messianic figure. Even in death, Caesar continues to cast a large shadow as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes shows how apes have taken up his words, for good and ill. It’s also led the Planet of the Apes reboot to continue topping the streaming charts, showing that the new films have just as strong a hold on modern audiences as the original Planet of the Apes did on its audience.

The Planet of the Apes reboot proves that not every reboot of a popular franchise needs to rely on nostalgia or simply rehash the original story. It also showcases that there’s still room for sweeping epics in the sci-fi landscape, especially as Dune: Part Three gears up to hit theaters.

90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way alum Armando Niedermeier-Rubio and husband Kenny Niedermeier certainly have another reason to celebrate following their long-awaited reunion amid daughter Hannah’s hospitalization.

“My heart is so full to let you guys know that Hannah has been released from the hospital,” Armando revealed in a video shared via Instagram on Monday, July 20. “Which is the best news we could have right now.”

Kenny added the pair are “over the moon” now that the trio can finally go home together, adding that Hannah, 13, is “happy to be leaving the hospital.”

“Ever since Armando got here, oh my god, she has gotten better and better and [grown] leaps and bounds,” he explained. “The doctors were so happy with her progress.”

Related: 90 Day’s Armando Breaks Down in Tears Over Daughter’s Health Battle

90 Day Fiancé’s Armando Niedermeier-Rubio broke down in tears as he discussed his daughter Hannah’s mysterious medical issue. “I don’t want to lose her,” Armando, 37, said while fighting back tears via an Instagram vlog on Thursday, July 16. “Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, guys. Thank you all that supported [us] … […]

Hannah airlifted to a local Arizona hospital from her home in Mexico after she experienced a loss of strength in half of her body and facial drooping. Doctors determined that Hannah had a blood bleed in her brain.

According to Kenny, doctors told the couple that they believed Hannah would recover best “in a home setting.”

“She’s gonna be under a lot of supervision over the next month where she has to stay in the Phoenix area,” he explained. “So she has to do a lot of scans, she’s on anti-seizure medication among other things to keep this in check and make sure nothing is going wrong. But right now, they have everything under control.”

While the couple are thrilled to be welcoming their daughter home, questions regarding Hannah’s health continue as doctors have been unable to provide an explanation for the teen’s condition.

“Unfortunately there’s not a diagnosis. And that is a little unsettling. Just not knowing what the future can hold [or] not knowing what it is and if it could happen again. It’s scary,” Armando reflected. “But we take what we can, and Hannah is better. She’s getting better every day.’

The pair added Hannah has been struggling with her vision, even reporting instances of blindness. However, doctors told the pair that Hannah’s vision could improve as the blood — and the pressure it puts on the brain — dissipates.

According to the proud fathers, Hannah is also experiencing some drooping and “minor weakness.” After she recovers, the 13-year-old will have to attend rehab in order to rebuild the strength she has lost in her facial muscles.

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Related: 90 Day Fiance’s Kenny Niedermeier Supports Hannah Amid Hospitalization

90 Day Fiancé star Armando Niedermeier-Rubio is receiving support from his husband, Kenny Niedermeier, amid his daughter Hannah’s hospitalization. “Hannah told me to tell you all, thank you for all the love she is receiving from all of you,” Kenny, 63, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 16, with a photo of Hannah in bed […]

“We are obviously praying and for you guys to continue those prayers for her to continue healing to be 100 percent herself again and just be healthier than she was before,” Armando added.

Armando and Kenny met during season 2 of 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way which aired in 2019. The couple tied the knot in 2021. Armando previously welcomed his daughter with his late wife and Kenny is her stepfather. Kenny, for his part, four grown children — Bricen and triplets Madison, Cassidy and Taylor — from a previous relationship.

Before Armando and Hannah’s reunion, Armando, who lives in Mexico, was denied entrance at the United States border due to visa issues. After working with an immigration attorney, Armando — whose mother is a legal U.S. resident — received a visa and traveled to the U.S. on July 17, where he reunited with Hannah at her bedside.

Jim Parsons has opened up about the “miserable” experience of playing Sheldon Cooper on CBS’s megahit sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.“

The actor revealed that the role came at a personal cost, taking a negative toll on his mental health. He even admitted that, if given the chance again, he wouldn’t do it.

Parsons, who later stepped back into Sheldon Cooper’s shoes in Young Sheldon, previously shared that the prequel gave him a “second closure” he didn’t know he needed.

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Jim Parsons played the quirky Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” for 12 seasons, earning four Emmy Awards and becoming one of television’s highest-paid actors at the peak of the show’s success.

However, it appears not everything was well behind the scenes, as Parsons has now revealed that he felt “miserable” and depressed during his time on the sitcom.

In a recent interview on All Out with Jon Dean, the 53-year-old actor reflected on his decade-long run, revealing that his success on the show was accompanied by severe personal exhaustion.

“I look back now and realize that there were many ways, at some of the best moments of my life, I was miserable,” he said. “I was not happy. I was stressed.”

“I felt that there were so many plates I was supposed to be keeping in the air and that the success and the good things of life that were happening were only due to this overworking… discipline and whatever,” he added. “Maybe to a degree that was true. I don’t know. I can’t say because that’s how I was.”

Why Parsons Walked Away From A $50 Million Payday

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At its peak, The Big Bang Theory averaged more than 18 million viewers per episode before its 279th and final episode attracted 23.44 million viewers, cementing its place as a broadcast television powerhouse, according to Deadline.

Parsons and his co-stars reportedly earned millions per episode during the final seasons, but the demanding filming schedule took its toll.

His decision to leave the series in 2018, despite a reported $50 million offer to continue, ultimately led to the show’s conclusion the following year, as the creators felt the ensemble couldn’t continue without its central character.

At the time, rumors swirled about why Parsons chose to walk away, but his latest comments appear to shed new light on that decision.

Jim Parsons Says He’d Never Do It Again

Parsons went on to describe just how difficult the experience had been, admitting that, given the choice, he wouldn’t sign up for it again regardless of the fame and success it brought.

“I wouldn’t do that again and for any amount of money … it was stressful and miserable at times. I made myself miserable,” he stated bluntly.

Host Jon Dean then asked whether it came down to his work ethic, but Parsons explained that was only part of the story.

“It translated in part into a work ethic, but it was really just obsessive behavior basically,” he admitted. “Yes, I was disciplined. Yes, I had a good work ethic, but a lot of it was because it was kind of OCD in nature.”

“I had a list of things basically in my head that I had to get done in order to be comfortable and know that I could do my job right, which I don’t think was true,” Parsons explained.

He added that the result was missing “tons of life.”

Parsons Says His Relationship With Fame Has Changed

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Elsewhere in the interview, Dean asked whether there was a way for young actors to strike a healthier balance, but Parsons admitted he doesn’t have the answer.

“In the same way, I can’t go back. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I hadn’t had that time of life, and that somewhat self-tortured nature was part of it,” he said.

Still, Parsons acknowledged that the series brought positives, including worldwide fame, although he believes his relationship with it has evolved over time.

“It’s evolving, and it gets better all the time. What I feel is better, what I feel is healthier. It’s not something that I think probably anybody, but I was certainly not equipped to, looking back,” Parsons shared.

‘Young Sheldon’ Gave Jim Parsons The Closure He Needed

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Parsons also explained that fame is “a very odd psychological thing” and admitted it still feels strange to him.

“This is not a complaint. This is just me having the grace to myself to admit it and look at it cleanly, or as clearly as I can,” he said.

“It is a weird feeling to know people know you when you walk into a room, but you don’t know them,” he added.

Back in 2024, Parsons reflected on how reprising Sheldon in “Young Sheldon” gave him “a second closure with that character in such a different format,” according to PEOPLE.

He added that there was “something very intimate” about the prequel’s single-camera format, something The Big Bang Theory couldn’t offer with its traditional multicamera sitcom style.

“Even the lighting’s different,” he added of the prequel.

By Robert Scucci
| Updated 14 seconds ago

Films set almost entirely at shady, run down motels are a dime a dozen, and once you’ve seen about a dozen of them, you’re pretty much set for life. I keep looking for them, however, because every so often I stumble upon hidden gems like Identity (2003), Looking Glass (2018), or Strange Darling (2023). I’m now adding 2007’s Vacancy to the list because, despite some clear logistical issues I have with the film, it remains a fun, tight survival thriller about a broken-down couple who just need to make it through the night after checking into the worst possible place to rest before getting back on the road.

If you’re hypercritical about continuity or the use of plot armor that allows a story to move toward its logical conclusion, there will most certainly be moments where you roll your eyes at Vacancy. But I say to heck with it, because it’s acted well, shot well, has a unique enough premise to keep you interested, and delivers enough close calls to make you forget about most of the logical shortcomings you’ll run into.

Couple Breaks Down In Both A Literal And Figurative Sense

When we’re first introduced to Amy (Kate Beckinsale) and David Fox (Luke Wilson), Vacancy makes it very clear that their marriage is on the rocks. They’re on the way back from a family gathering, and Amy doesn’t mince words when she talks about how unhappy she is with how everything went, mostly due to David’s attitude (author’s note: she’s not a joy to be around either). David is preoccupied with using a map he doesn’t know how to read while navigating the backroads because the interstate is jammed up due to a car wreck.

Familiar setup aside, we’re brought to our central conflict when the car breaks down (after seeing a mechanic, no less), forcing David and Amy to stay at a motel run by Mason (Frank Whaley), a man who looks like he only experiences two emotions: menacing rage, and sometimes not. Their introduction to him involves hearing what sounds like somebody being brutally murdered in the back office, only for Mason to casually explain that he likes listening to snuff films when he gets lonely.

Figuring they’re only going to be laying low until they can get their car into an auto shop the next day, they vow to sleep with their clothes on, with David even suggesting they keep their shoes on so they don’t contract any diseases from the bedding. While flipping through a stack of unlabeled VHS tapes provided in the room as a form of entertainment, or something, David and Amy are horrified to learn that the screaming they heard probably came from the kind of videos they’re now watching: footage of people being murdered in the exact room they’re staying in.

From this point forward, Vacancy goes into straight-up survival mode as Amy and David learn what Mason is really up to, which is made worse by the fact that he’s clearly not working alone. Masked men are also on the premises, surveying the other, allegedly vacant rooms. Knowing this may be their last night alive if they don’t act fast, Amy and David have to set aside their differences, hatch an escape plan, and outsmart the violent men waiting on the other side of the door.

Some Of This Makes Zero Sense, But It’s Fine

When you see the lengths Mason and his goons take to terrorize Amy and David, certain things about Vacancy stop making sense. For one thing, Mason has a key to every room, so what’s stopping him from entering theirs whenever he feels like it? It’s even suggested that he already did before things got crazy (but I won’t reveal any spoilers here). What’s more, this is a cheap motel that likely doesn’t have bulletproof glass, so it makes little sense that Mason wouldn’t simply drive his truck through the front of the building if he truly wanted to murder his new guests before they escaped and contacted the authorities.

On one hand, I fully understand why a repeat offender who’s likely been operating as a serial killer for years doesn’t want to damage his base of operations or draw attention to himself. But the night depicted in Vacancy is different because his would-be victims aren’t sticking to the script. At some point, the idea of doing whatever it takes to keep his operation intact, structural damage included, should have at least crossed his mind, but it never really does.

At the end of the day, though, this minor nitpick doesn’t really matter because the acting is on point across the board. Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale are believable as David and Amy because they look genuinely terrified, and they grow through that terror together, realizing they need to join forces despite their initial animosity toward one another. David steps up, and Amy is either receptive to his plans or offers constructive input that benefits both of them when they run out of options.

Frank Whaley as Mason is the real deal maker if you’re on the fence about giving Vacancy a chance. He’s got this Norman Bates energy, sans mommy issues, and he’s generally just creepy all around. But he’s creepy in that “Ned Flanders has finally snapped” kind of way that makes for an entertaining watch because you don’t know if he’s simply an eccentric loner. He’s clearly a bad guy from the moment you meet him, but he’s also set in his ways and seems generally nonthreatening until there’s a compelling reason to believe he’s about to cause some serious problems.

Vacancy, currently streaming for free on Tubi, is in many ways a by-the-numbers creepy motel thriller, but it stands on its own thanks to its small but reliable cast, setting, and tight runtime that keeps it from wearing out its welcome. If I had to call it anything, I’d call it reliable, and if you’re simply looking for a passive watch that burns through the usual tropes you’re familiar with, you’ll feel right at home here.

By Robert Scucci
| Updated 31 seconds ago

I’m thoroughly convinced that film critics in the ’90s simply didn’t know how to have fun, because why else would National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (there is no sequel) only have a 21 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes? I know I’m extremely immature for my age and entertainment choices, but Loaded Weapon 1 is such a fun movie because it so reliably and effortlessly parodies every single buddy cop movie of its time. Throw in an incredibly talented cast willing to play everything straight while navigating the most ridiculous conspiracy involving smuggling copious amounts of drugs through a Wilderness Girl troop, and you’re going to have a great time.

If you watch a lot of these movies that fall into the Naked Gun, Fatal Instinct, and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka wheelhouse, you’ll notice they all have one thing in common: they only care about shtick. That’s all to say you definitely have to be in a silly, non-critical mood to enjoy movies like Loaded Weapon 1. If you’re looking for something thought-provoking and mind-bending, you won’t find it here. If you are, however, looking for as many jokes per minute as humanly possible in the form of puns, sight gags, miscommunications, and sometimes all of the above happening at the same time, then there’s still hope for you.

A Grand Wilderness Girl Conspiracy

In Loaded Weapon 1, every obvious murder is ruled a suicide until more evidence falls into place. This is what happens to Billie York (Whoopi Goldberg), a woman who was shot several times by Mr. Jigsaw (Tim Curry dressed as a Wilderness Girl), who’s searching for a microfilm containing a recipe that can turn cocaine into cookies. Mr. Jigsaw works with the evil General Curtis Mortars (William Shatner wearing a fake mustache) and Mike McCracken (Denis Leary), who have the Wilderness Girls, run by Miss Destiny Demeanor (portrayed by Kathy Ireland and Allyce Beasley, depending on the scene), unknowingly trafficking drugs under their watch.

This setup brings Sgt. Wes Luger (Samuel L. Jackson), a by-the-books officer on the verge of retirement who used to be partners with Billie York, together with the trigger-happy Sgt. Jack Colt (Emilio Estevez), who lives in what appears to be a trailer on the beach even though the interior shots of his home are clearly from the inside of a mansion. Going through the usual buddy cop getting-to-know-each-other sequences as they become acclimated to each other’s policing styles, Wes and Jack find themselves caught in the middle of a grand conspiracy involving a hapless and seemingly invincible informant, Rick Becker (Jon Lovitz), a drug trafficking ring masquerading as a Grand Wilderness Girl Troop, and Jack’s lost dog, Claire.

While Wes is hellbent on avenging his partner by following strict police protocol, Jack prefers to play things fast and loose, more often than not shooting first and asking questions later. A budding romance takes the forefront as well when Jack becomes quite smitten with Miss Destiny Demeanor, who’s portrayed by Allyce Beasley when her hair’s up and she’s dressed modestly, and Kathy Ireland when her hair’s down and she’s dressed like a total bombshell.

Do You Like Buddy Cop Movies? Good!

The one glaring issue I can think of with Loaded Weapon 1 is that it does one thing other buddy crime flicks don’t necessarily lean into: it’s making fun of a genre that’s already meant to be kind of funny, so the jokes had better be good. The Die Hard (speaking of which, Bruce Willis makes a brief, uncredited appearance as John McClane) and Lethal Weapon films are already comedy adjacent, with most of their laughs coming from charismatic leads chewing the scenery in an action thriller context. The Rush Hour franchise, which kicked off a few years later, leaned fully into comedy, with audiences expecting exactly what they got.

Loaded Weapon 1 falls into the unique trap of trying to make light of a genre that already knows how to make light of itself. The only way to stay one step ahead is to crank everything to absurd levels. Of course the explosions are over the top, and the fight sequences are choreographed with getting a good laugh in mind. Chalk outlines don’t always line up with body placement, Jack drinks a tall glass filled to the brim with hard liquor with just a splash of chocolate syrup to take the edge off, and Wes’ tragic story about that one fateful day working as a crossing guard absolutely lands. 

As an added bonus, William Shatner, who’s having far too much fun as a literal mustache-twirling villain, turns every interaction into unhinged crime lord comedy gold. At one point, he jams his entire face into a fish tank, resurfaces with a menacing look in his eyes, and has a fish flapping between his lips.

My assessment is that Loaded Weapon 1 works on all fronts. It knows it has the impossible task of making light of a genre that’s already well known for its levity, so it goes disproportionately hard with the shtick as if to remind us that we’re not supposed to be taking any of this seriously. And you’re not supposed to take everything seriously all the time, or you’ll end up missing out on everything cool and dying angry.

As of this writing, you can stream National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 for free on Tubi. If you need a good laugh, or a reminder that not all crime movies need deeper meaning or layers upon layers of subtext, this should be your next watch.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S LOADED WEAPON 1 SCORE

When it comes to buddy comedies in TV and film, chances are male duos are the ones to come to mind first. From Bad Boys and Men in Black, to Rush Hour and 21 Jump Street, these are all movies that follow two main characters who rely on each other for everything, even as things begin to spiral downhill. In recent years, however, some female duos have joined the genre, like in The Heat or Peacock’s newly canceled Ponies, but no show has been as revered as Prime Video’s latest comedy series, Ride or Die.

Starring Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, the eight-episode series sees both actresses in a whole new light. While already established as beloved, award-winning actresses in their own way, Ride or Die sees Waddingham and Spencer blossom into bona fide action stars, and helps establish the series as one of Prime Video’s best new shows of the year. Just five days since its release on July 15, 2026, and Ride or Die is already a Prime Video must-watch.

What Is ‘Ride or Die’ About?

Ride or Die follows Debbie Claybourne (Spencer) and Judith Burton (Waddingham), two best friends who have been each other’s confidantes for over two decades. Despite years of book clubs, vacations, and antique shopping they’ve done together, Judith has been hiding a few secrets from Debbie — mainly, her job as a highly skilled assassin, not as a forensic accountant like she had pretended. One night, when one of Judith’s mission backfires at the same event where Debbie and her husband, David (Jamie Parker), are in attendance, Judith’s left with no choice but to come clean, and flee with her across Europe.

Also crucial to the series is the enigmatic man known only as The Director (Bill Nighy), Judith’s employer, who works under a mysterious shadow agency. Throughout the action-packed episodes, Debbie and Judith are pursued by not only Interpol law enforcement, the Albanian mob, but also by a bubbly yet ruthless killer named Ana (Sylvia Hoeks). “Series executive producer Ant-Man‘s Peyton Reed, who also directs the first two episodes, immediately sets the tone with high-octane action that keeps the pace moving,” Meredith Loftus wrote in her review for the show for Collider. “Car chases, kinetic fight scenes, and inventive fight choreography — it’s all there — and Waddingham is who makes many of those thrills work.”

‘Ride or Die’ Is One of Prime Video’s Biggest Wins of 2026

Image via Prime Video

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has scored an impressive 96% percent from critics, overperforming many of the platform’s recent releases, including Off Campus, Elle and Every Year After. From the numbers alone, it’s clear that Ride or Die is a force to be reckoned with for the streaming giant. After all, by standing out in the already crowded streaming landscape, where new releases can disappear in a matter of days, Ride or Die has distinguished itself through overwhelmingly positive reviews, outperforming many of Prime Video’s recent originals and giving viewers all the more reason to add it to their watchlist.

The secret to the show, of course, lies in Spencer and Waddingham’s lived-in and effortless chemistry together onscreen. After all, while Ride or Die delivers globe-trotting action, high-stakes assassin missions, and plenty of comedic set pieces, its greatest strength is their buddy duo. Their believable friendship provides an emotional anchor that keeps the series grounded even as the story escalates into increasingly outrageous situations. Rather than relying solely on action, the series succeeds because it invests in the bond between its two leads, making every dangerous mission feel like a test of a relationship audiences genuinely want to see succeed. “The overall success of Ride or Die lives and ‘dies’ by its two leads (pun intended), and Debbie and Judith’s friendship is ultimately why it sticks the landing,” Loftus wrote in her review. “It’s an exhilarating ride with plenty of action thrills, but it’s primarily about the rare people in your life who will stick with you through thick and thin, have your back when life throws you for a loop, and even jump off a moving train with you while evading assassins.”

With that said, as Ride or Die continues to find its viewers with just a few days since its release, the series is proving that it has the perfect combination of action, humor, and heartfelt character dynamics. By balancing entertaining storylines with a friendship that feels authentic, the show offers something more memorable than a standard spy thriller, or a silly comedy for that matter, and proves that strong character relationships can be just as important, and binge-worthy, as explosive action.

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Release Date

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2026 – 2026-00-00

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Matt Miller

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Directors

Peyton Reed, Lauren Wolkstein, DeMane Davis, Allison Liddi-Brown

Writers

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Tessa Coates

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Jelly Roll‘s daughter, Bailee Ann, made it clear that the public doesn’t know the full story behind her parents’ divorce. The country superstar filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo in May after almost 10 years of marriage. Many have speculated about the reason for their split, and while they didn’t share details, both confirmed that it wasn’t because of infidelity.

Now, Bailee Ann is sharing that the public may be surprised to know the real cause of the separation, hinting that the full story will come to light in time.

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It’s been a little over a month since Jelly Roll’s divorce from Bunnie Xo made headlines. In recent weeks, more information has come to light, but the real reason for the couple’s shocking split has not been revealed, as the singer’s daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, revealed.

The 18-year-old went live on TikTok on Sunday, July 19, and defended her father against online haters. “Don’t y’all ever come for my father’s name like that again. I’m so done,” she said, telling the public to stop messaging her and leaving comments about the divorce. “I don’t want to talk about it,” Bailee Ann added.

She also reiterated what Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo have said, confirming that infidelity had nothing to do with the demise of the marriage. Bailee Ann did say, however, that the real reason would surprise fans, as reported by Page Six.

Bailee Ann Says The Internet Will ‘Crumble’ When They Find Out What Really Happened

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Jelly Roll’s daughter continued to say that the public has absolutely no idea what really happened, despite many speculations about the divorce.

“I promise y’all, the view of what y’all have of not only the situation, but their relationship and internet in totality is about to f-cking crumble the day that I open my mouth,” the teen said, adding that it wasn’t about a “difference in f-cking opinion.”

Bunnie Xo shared some details about the divorce in an episode of her “Dumb Blonde” podcast, which has since been deleted. As The Blast previously reported, the couple had an explosive fight on Mother’s Day that led Bunnie Xo to tell Jelly Roll to “file the f-cking divorce papers” in the heat of the moment. She didn’t disclose what the argument was about.

“Wait ’til y’all find out. Just f-cking wait,” Bailee Ann said on TikTok.

Bunnie Xo Has A Close Relationship With Jelly Roll’s Daughter

Bailee Ann is Jelly Roll’s daughter from a previous relationship, but the singer and podcast host has had primary custody of her since she was 8 years old. The teen has a close relationship with Bunnie Xo, describing her as her idol and mentor.

In her podcast, Bunnie Xo shared that Bailee Anne had been upset to learn about the divorce, and admitted that the teen was “mad” about the situation. Bunnie Xo said that she understands what Bailee is going through and will give her space to process her feelings.

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“The only woman she has had consistently in her life, she feels, is being taken from her, and it’s a weird transition that we’re gonna have to navigate,” she said.

Jelly Roll And Bunnie Xo Remain Best Friends

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Despite their divorce, both Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo said they will remain in each other’s lives as best friends. The latter admitted that the decision to split was not mutual, and she told him to file the divorce papers due to frustration at that time. As time passed, however, she has learned to accept that they’re better off as best friends.

“We will always be best friends. I will love her. She will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her,” the country singer said at one of his concerts soon after their divorce was revealed to the public.

Both have started to move on from each other. Bunnie Xo said that her ex-husband is back in the dating scene, and she fully supports him. She, on the other hand, was spotted making out with Dylan Wolf over the Fourth of July weekend. She later clarified that they were not dating and she was simply having fun.

Jelly Roll And Bunnie Xo’s Divorce Has Been Finalized

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The ex-couple’s divorce was finalized in July. According to documents, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo are splitting their assets, including houses, vehicles, and intellectual properties. The country singer will also be making an undisclosed amount of lump sum payment to the podcaster.

While the exact details of the settlement remain private, an insider told PEOPLE that both parties didn’t want to prolong the process and remained respectful of the other. “He’s a very generous person by nature and wanted to make sure the divorce was handled fairly and respectfully,” the source noted.

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Marvel boss Kevin Feige is addressing rumors that Adam Driver is ready to join the MCU. The actor is no stranger to Disney or blockbuster franchises, as he played the main antagonist Kylo Ren in all three movies in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy: 2015’s “The Force Awakens,” 2017’s “The Last Jedi,” and 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” Recently, social media has been buzzing with rumors that Driver is getting ready to join the “X-Men” reboot as the primary antagonist. In a recent interview, Feige admitted that it’s “no secret” that he’d like to work with Driver, but there’s a catch.

During a recent interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz, Feige revealed that Driver has turned down joining the MCU so many times that it has become a “tradition.”

Feige said, “It’s no secret we’d like to” work with the “Star Wars” alum. However, he went on to say that it’s a “tradition to Zoom with him and then he passes. That’s a long-lived tradition.”

However, he noted that Driver “couldn’t be more cordial” with his rejection and “is usually upfront about how he is feeling.”

He did not reveal which roles Driver has rejected or why Driver declined to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Fans Are Optimistic About His Marvel Future

@happysadconfused

Kevin Feige says Adam Driver turning down Marvel has become a tradition

♬ original sound – joshuahorowitz

Even though Driver has yet to join the MCU, fans took it as a good sign. “So we will see Adam Driver in Marvel just as his timing when they present the right character,” one fan commented.

“Driver would be a good Mysterio or some villain in that nature,” another follower wrote. “Can’t really see him as a hero.”

“Adam Driver might be Magneto,” a third fan ventured, but another user replied, “I’m really hoping there’s something to the talk of him not being Magneto, but Mister Sinister… cuz I can see him being a good Mags, but MAN he would be a positively EXCELLENT Sinister!!!”

Another fan agreed, writing, “I think it’s turning into Mister Sinister now, but who knows. The leakers are probably covering all their bases.”

Where Adam Driver’s ‘X-Men’ Casting Rumors Came From

The rumors that the “House of Gucci” actor was about to join the MCU actually appeared on July 13. The X (formerly Twitter) account My Time To Shine Hello, claimed that Driver had been “cast as the villain” in the MCU X-Men reboot.

Apocalyptic Horseman, a former Nexus Point News Reporter with several successful scoops in the past, backed the claims, writing, “I can actually corroborate this. He’s playing Magneto.”

A few days later, on July 16, he posted another tweet with a correction, writing, “So sorry guys. Big mistake from my end but hearing Adam Driver is Sinister.”

It is unclear if Magneto will actually be in the film. When one fan asked, “You got any idea on Magneto then?” the scooper replied, “I was only saying he was in it because I heard Driver but if Driver isn’t him then not sure he’s in the film.”

Fans Have Mixed Feelings Over This Potential Casting

Interestingly enough, most users who commented seemed opposed to Driver’s casting. “Bruh… all of that sucks. Adam didn’t fit Magneto, and he doesn’t fit Sinister. They need to bring back Fassbender and McAvoy as Magneto and Xavier,” one user wrote.

“Are all the possible actors white men? Wow, so original. Nothing problematic about that at all,” another follower commented.

“Adam Driver: Magneto > Sinister > Stryker > Nobody! (Not in the Movie),” a third user chimed in.

Even though no one has been cast in the “X-Men” reboot at this time, many fans have their fingers crossed that casting will be announced at San Diego Comic Con.

Who Is Mister Sinister?

Makes sense. pic.twitter.com/LfJc1hvvvF

— Shirt Rip Assemble (@ShirtRip) July 16, 2026

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Dr. Nathaniel Essex is best-known as Mister Sinister in the “X-Men” comics. He is a geneticist who is known for his incredible intellect as he attempts to engineer the ultimate mutant. After he allied with Apocalypse, he augmented his body and developed a host of skills, including telepathy, shape-shifting, and the ability to clone or alter mutants, such as Jean Grey.

Apocalypse was played by Oscar Isaac in 2016’s “X-Men: Apocalypse,” but it remains to be seen if he would return to the MCU, as he also became the face of Moon Knight in the Disney+ series. If he does return, it wouldn’t be the first time that Isaac and Driver have shared the screen together.

They first worked together in 2013’s “Inside Llewyn Davis.” Isaac then played Resistance pilot Poe Dameron for all three movies in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy; however, he only shared scenes with Driver in “The Force Awakens.”

A great movie has the ability to transport you to a place beyond our present. Sometimes it’s to places beyond our wildest imaginations. A great movie should make you feel something. Maybe it’s a powerful monologue or a visceral image. Or, perhaps the perfect song at the perfect moment. It’s these songs that, when you hear them outside the film, transport you back. It’s a mark of something special.

Throughout Hollywood history, we have been inundated by some of the greatest songs from movie soundtracks. Thematically perfect or perfectly situated within a moment, these songs have stuck with us for generations. There are certainly countless songs that could join this list, but these 20 represent a wide spectrum of styles, eras, and film genres. Though your favorite may have missed the list, let’s celebrate these other monumental hits.

20

“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin

‘Top Gun’ (1986)

Very few pop songs operate as a recurring musical theme in a film. Oftentimes, you hear them once at the top of the movie, during the closing credits, or within the film itself. Then there was “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin. Not only did you hear it within the film, but it then served as the romantic anchor for the story. It was such a powerful song that producers actually went back and reshot a steamy bedroom scene in silhouette between Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) just to provide a visual worthy of the song’s emotional weight. The iconic 1986 film Top Gun, Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Cruise), a reckless, cocky Navy fighter pilot who attends the elite TOPGUN school. He must compete to be the best, overcome personal tragedy, and learn the value of teamwork in a celebration of military aviation. Top Gun was a high-octane action film, and the song provided a much-needed emotional balance.

“Take My Breath Away” is a dreamy synthesizer-driven track with aching vocals by Terri Nunn, providing an anthem that went well beyond the film. It helped represent the decade. There’s a calming sense of intimacy innate to the track. The song has a weightlessness to it that counterbalances some of the bigger, more bombastic tracks from the film, including “Danger Zone.” Nunn’s breathy, restrained delivery evokes a deep yearning that, when the song is underscored, four times, in fact, it alerts the audience to the importance of the intimacy. The track transcended the film to become a massive cultural phenomenon. Written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, it went on to win both the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1986. From a pop perspective, “Take My Breath Away” helped propel the Top Gun soundtrack to sell over 9 million copies, firmly cementing the film’s legacy in the MTV-era history.

19

“Let the River Run” by Carly Simon

‘Working Girl’ (1988)

If you were to pinpoint a singular decade of the best soundtrack songs, it very well might be the 1980s. Many filmmakers sought out surefire hits to help define their films; “Let the River Run” by Carly Simon not only set the tone for Working Girl, it was a pure anthem. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, tells the story of Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith), a sharp Staten Island secretary, who takes revenge on her conniving boss, Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver), by impersonating her. After pitching a major corporate merger to an investment broker using her boss’s stolen ideas, she falls in love with Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford), saves the deal, and exposes her boss’s fraud. “Let the River Run” opens the film as a triumphant anchor, with the song playing over the opening credits while the Staten Island Ferry approaches the Manhattan skyline.

The opening sequence, with its accompanying song, serves as an integral opus. It sets a heroic, bustling tone that frames New York City as a place of endless possibility for our protagonist. If Tess had a Walkman, she would be playing the song on her way into the office, determined to tackle the day with confidence. The lyrics are an anthem for empowerment. It champions the film’s feminist themes. Working Girl is truly about a dreamer who sets out to “wake the nation.” The song comes two more times, including a choral version that is equally empowering. The track won the Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy for Best Original Song. It was the first time in history that a single artist wrote, composed, and performed a song that won all three awards. Simon has had a plethora of hits and other movie songs, but “Let the River Run” is the most definitive.

18

“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

‘9 to 5’ (1980)

It all begins with the shuffling of the nails for an iconic track to be born. When Dolly Parton is a part of your project, it’s inevitable that she’d contribute music to it. In the case of 9 to 5, the title not only reflected the film, but it also stood proudly on its own as a pop country crossover. In the classic workplace comedy, three female office workers, Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), and Doralee Rhodes (Parton), who plot revenge against their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot boss, Franklin Hart (Dabney Coleman). “9 to 5” pairs perfectly with the film an upbeat, irresistible melody with deeply relatable, working-class lyrics. The moment it plays alongside the street’s bustle, the mood is set.

The song captures the daily grind of horrible bosses, lack of appreciation, and being “just a step on the boss man’s ladder”. Yet, pouring a “cup of ambition” and taking care of business give workers a sense of dignity and ownership, as the trio so triumphantly do. Dealing with serious themes, the tune provides a fusion of a joyful, toe-tapping rhythm with empowering sentiments, just like the film. The anthem reflects what were once radical themes— systemic office reforms like flexible hours, job sharing, and on-site daycare. Thanks to the film and the song, these revolutionary ideas became the norm. It also helped prove that female-led films had massive commercial appeal. “9 to 5” remains a steadfast Parton hit that’s synonymous with the film.

17

“Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey

‘Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971)

Now, before the James Bond loyalists come for this list, this slot could have gone a plethora of ways, as many Bond anthems are great. We could have gone to the modern era, but those songs ran because of the classics. Then there are a handful of great artists who sang the tracks in the heyday, but no one did it quite like Shirley Bassey, the only artist to have multiple Bond songs. As infamous as “Goldfinger” is, her biggest and best is “Diamonds Are Forever.” In the film Diamonds Are Forever, James Bond (Sean Connery) goes undercover as a diamond smuggler to uncover a ring controlled by his nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Charles Gray). He discovers Blofeld is stockpiling the gems in Las Vegas to build a space-based laser weapon, which he plans to use to blackmail the world’s nuclear superpowers. The titular track explores themes of emotional detachment, materialism, and cynical romanticism.

“Diamonds Are Forever” remains the standout Bond single thanks to powerhouse vocals, John Barry’s dramatic orchestration, and Don Black’s sly, sultry lyrics. The song perfectly balances seductive innuendo with the sleek, high-stakes glamour of the 007 franchise. The song evokes a sexy jazz feel that’s perfectly dangerous and seductive. The central theme with the lyric “Diamonds are forever, but men are mere mortals who are not worth going to your grave for” offers a cold, material, and unapologetically atmospheric edge. While the song may be big, brassy, and dramatic, with Bassey at the helm of the risqué, sexual innuendos, it’s pure camp, matching the shift in the direction of the franchise. The song has left a lasting legacy, as artists like Sabrina Carpenter have reimagined it as a new metaphor. It’s a transcendent song that links the necessity of a theme song to the franchise.

16

“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

‘Beaches’ (1988)

Very few power ballads pack such an emotional gut punch as “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Especially in the context of the film Beaches. The 1988 film follows the decades-long, tumultuous friendship between brassy Bronx performer C.C. Bloom (Bette Midler) and wealthy San Francisco lawyer Hillary Whitney (Barbara Hershey). Despite clashing personalities and jealousies, they remain deeply bonded through life, love, and tragedy, culminating in a poignant final summer at the beach as Hillary faces a terminal illness. Directed by Garry Marshall, Beaches is a tearjerker, made more emotional when you hear the star belt out the infamous track. While the ballad serves as the primary musical theme for CC and Hillary’s lifelong friendship, it is used purposefully rather than being played repeatedly.

The song is played during the montage in the final act as the two main characters spend meaningful time together. It’s when you completely empty your tissue box. The song serves as the emotional anchor that reframes their relationship by acknowledging that Hillary was the one who enabled CC to shine, acting as the “wind” beneath her wings so she could “fly higher than an eagle.” The song has been a touchstone for emotional support between friends, family, and everyone in between. When it comes back for the closing credits, you’re left with a lasting impression, tears still flowing. Though the song had been previously written and was not for the film, it won Grammy Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1990.

15

“Rainbow Connection” by Jim Henson

‘The Muppet Movie’ (1979)

“Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what’s on the other side?” Very few songs begin so simply and profoundly. And it comes from one of the most iconic characters: Kermit the Frog. In The Muppet Movie, Kermit leaves his Florida swamp for Hollywood after a talent agent spots his potential. Along the way, he meets other aspiring performers, including Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo. Together, they are chased by Doc Hopper (Charles Durning), a ruthless restaurateur wanting Kermit as a mascot for his fried frog legs. “Rainbow Connection” serves as the ultimate “I want” song. The song emotionally establishes Kermit as an optimistic dreamer, driving his motivation to leave the swamp and seek a larger purpose in Hollywood.

Co-written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, “Rainbow Connection” effortlessly encapsulates the movie’s overarching message: the power of believing in yourself, following your dreams, and embracing a creative, welcoming community. It’s why the song has resonated with so many individuals across generations. “Rainbow Connection” is a masterpiece of lyricism, brilliantly evoking childlike wonder with profound philosophical depth. The song uses a stripped-down musical arrangement, relying heavily on a sweet, comforting banjo and gentle, sweeping strings that enhance its emotional intimacy. It earned The Muppets their first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and has since been covered by everyone from Willie Nelson and Kacey Musgraves to Gwen Stefani.

14

“The Man That Got Away” by Judy Garland

‘A Star Is Born’ (1954)

It takes a very special individual to be deemed the voice of a generation, but when it comes to Hollywood actresses, that honor is deservingly bestowed upon Judy Garland. In one of two entries on this list comes the Garland classic “The Man That Got Away” from A Star Is Born. In the second iteration of the film, a fading alcoholic movie star, Norman Maine (James Mason), discovers and promotes a talented young singer, Esther Blodgett (Garland). As Esther’s career skyrockets under the stage name “Vicki Lester” and they fall in love, Norman’s self-destruction and career downfall drive a wedge between their lives. The song arrives early in the film when Norman tracks down Esther at an after-hours jazz club. He stands out of sight in the shadows and watches her sing informally with her musicians. As a storytelling device, it showcases the raw talent of a star that’s born.

The song, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, serves as a micro-adaptation that mirrors the impending tragedy of the lovers’ relationship and officially establishes music as a driving force in the franchise’s narrative. It operates as a narrative turning point while providing one of the most infamous sequences in Hollywood history. Director George Cukor pushed for an agonizingly complex setup to achieve perfection, shooting it in numerous takes, and ultimately relying on an iconic, single-take sequence that ends with Garland singing directly to the camera. The song became Garland’s monumental career comeback that cemented her connection with her raw, vulnerable power. The visceral pain of heartbreak through a striking mix of moody, conversational lyrics and dramatic, swinging jazz melodies became a truly defining moment.

13

“Beauty and the Beast” by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

This list could be filled with Disney tracks after Disney tracks. For fairness, we’re limiting it to one classic annd one from the Disney Animation Renaissance. The latter honor goes to “Beauty and the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast. In the film, a selfish prince (Robby Benson) is cursed by an enchantress into a hideous monster. To break the spell before an enchanted rose wilts, he must learn to love and be loved. He imprisons the inventor’s daughter, Belle (Paige O’Hara), who eventually teaches him compassion, ultimately transforming him and his servants back. But for that moment to arise, it needed a “tale as old as time.” In the story, Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) sings the central love theme as the titular duo shares their iconic ballroom dance.

Beauty and the Beast is one of the greatest romantic fantasy films of all time, live action or animated. It’s this scene and this song that are pointed to. Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the lyrics explicitly describe how the couple learns to overlook differences and change one another for the better through a thoroughly timeless myth of inner beauty. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and helped make the movie the first animated film in history to be nominated for Best Picture. During this period in Disney animation history, the film’s pinnacle songs would receive a pop single release. The titular track was given to Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson, who made it a radio hit, earning chart success and Grammy wins and nominations in the process. Had it not been written and composed in the manner it had, it could have been just another cartoon song. Instead, it’s one of the most beloved Disney classics.

12

“Flashdance…What a Feeling” by Irene Cara

‘Flashdance’ (1983)

What a feeling indeed! The titular track from Flashdance is strategically placed twice in the film, and both times it evokes the spirit of the story. The ‘80s classic tells the story of Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals), an 18-year-old working-class woman in Pittsburgh who spends her days as a steel mill welder and her nights dancing at a local club. Alex pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballerina while navigating a romantic relationship with her boss, Nick Hurley (Michael Nouri). Serving as a soaring anthem for the protagonist, “Flashdance…What a Feeling” represents the liberating feeling of being in control of one’s destiny. In turn, it operates as an anthemic theme of, against all odds, chasing one’s dreams. The film and song blew up so much that they became a pop culture phenomenon, launching fashion trends like leg warmers and leotards to replicate the moment.

A song for a genuine heroine, co-writer and singer Irene Cara ensured the lyrics came from Alex’s perspective, so when it plays at the beginning of the film, you’re engulfed in Alex’s journey immediately. When it returns during Alex’s famous, climactic dance audition in front of the repertory dance company board, it serves as the perfect bookend. It’s not only evocative of the film, but it also defines the era. The film used the song to set the pace for its fast-cut, music video-style sequences, which changed how Hollywood marketed youth-oriented movies in the 1980s. The song became a massive success on its own, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks. It was universally celebrated, ultimately winning the 1984 Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

11

“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees

‘Saturday Night Fever’ (1977)

There are some film soundtracks dedicated to a single artist. For Saturday Night Fever, that honor belongs to the Bee Gees. If there’s one song from the film that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the story, it’s none other than “Stayin’ Alive.” In the 1977 classic, Tony Manero (John Travolta) is a restless 19-year-old Italian-American in working-class Brooklyn. By day, he is trapped in a dead-end job at a paint store; on weekends, he escapes to a local disco where he reigns as the undisputed “king of the dance floor.” Beneath the iconic Bee Gees soundtrack and vibrant disco lights, the film is a coming-of-age urban tragedy. Played over the opening credits, “Stayin’ Alive” captures Tony as he struts through the streets of Brooklyn. And at that moment, a classic scene was born. The importance of the song and the scene stems from masking working-class hardship and urban struggle with swagger, survival, and disco escapism.

Despite being a dance anthem, the lyrics deal with the gritty reality of trying to stay afloat. It operates as an emotional undercurrent as to the importance of dance to the protagonist. The Bee Gees specifically designed the vocal harmonies and driving bassline to propel the groove. Not only did it energize the film, but it reshaped the disco genre on the real-life dance floors. The song comes in again during the venue’s loudspeaker when Tony and Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney) are officially announced as the winners of the 2001 Odyssey disco dance competition. Its inclusion serves as Tony’s triumph tune. The pulse of the song has moved beyond the film, becoming the CPR song, as its tempo perfectly aligns with the life-saving rhythm required. It’s an undeniable masterpiece.

A college basketball player who dreamed of one day playing professionally has died after she was involved in a rollover crash in southern California’s Cajon Pass.

Jhenéy Wallace, a rising sophomore at Victor Valley College, was pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday, July 15, when authorities found the Hyundai Veloster she was traveling in had overturned and traveled down a steep, 80-foot embankment. She was 20.

“She was a great daughter,” Jhenéy’s mom, Tamara Wallace, told KTLA. “She was my best friend, my first-born. Always kept me smiling and encouraged me to do things. She was the best sister to her little sister and brother, very bubbly, always happy and loving.”

Tamara added, “She wanted so much out of life. I thank everyone who has reached out to me and for all their prayers and support. I just want to keep my daughter’s name alive.”

Related: College Basketball Player Emily Smith, 20, Dead After Hit-and-Run Accident

SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball guard Emily Smith died on Saturday, May 16, after she was struck by a vehicle in an alleged hit-and-run near campus, the school announced on Sunday, May 17. She was 20. Potsdam police arrested the alleged driver, Jakob Krise, Saturday morning, according to North Country Now. Krise, 18, was reportedly driving […]

Tamara told the outlet that she had been calling Jhenéy in the time after the accident, but her daughter was not picking up. Eventually, an officer on the scene answered the phone and told her what had happened.

Jhenéy was one of three people found inside the car, which was smoking after the crash, eyewitnesses told Victor Valley Newsgroup. The other two individuals, identified as a friend of Jhenéy’s and the friend’s mother, were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Though details around the crash have not been released, it is not believed that Jhenéy was driving the car.

Jhenéy was also a member of her school’s volleyball team and she aspired to one day play in the WNBA, her mom told KTLA.

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Related: College Basketball Player Andre Bell Killed in Nashville Highway Shooting

Fisk University basketball player Andre Bell died on Sunday, January 11, in a shooting that erupted on a Tennessee highway. Bell, 20, was a sophomore at the school and studied business administration, the Nashville university said in a statement. Bell, originally from Jackson, Tennessee, died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Monday, January 12, Metropolitan […]

“Our Victor Valley College Women’s Basketball family continues to mourn the loss of one of our own, Jhenéy Wallace,” her team said in a statement via Instagram on Thursday, July 16. “Jhenéy was more than a teammate — she was a friend, a daughter, a sister, cousin, granddaughter, and a cherished member of our Ram family whose impact will never be forgotten.”

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Jhenéy started one game for the Rams in 2025-26, averaging 2.5 points and 4.1 minutes per game.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Jhenéy’s family “ease the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time,” according to the description. The page has raised more than $16,000 as of Monday, July 20, as it sought to give her “the beautiful homegoing service she deserves.”

The 15 Freeway that runs through the Cajon Pass is a notoriously dangerous stretch due to its blind spots and steep grades. In 2022, officials reported 48 traffic deaths along the roadway, according to the Daily Mail.