Entertainment
The 10 Darkest Video Games of All Time, Ranked
Video games are the most successful medium in the world, and that is because they evoke a range of emotions and offer a variety of escapist fantasies. From the immersive Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2 to the grand sense of adventure and wonder in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, video games are versatile and engaging.
However, one feeling video games capture perfectly is dread, with some of the darkest stories coming from this medium. That is why this list will rank the ten darkest video games of all time based on aspects such as mature content, themes, imagery, narrative, originality, fan opinion, and overall quality. A good game is said to change someone, but these games will only do that in a bad way, traumatizing the players forever.
10
‘Inside’ (2016)
Playdead is an iconic game studio, but fans are still waiting for their next entry, especially since their last one, Inside, is one of the best indie games. When players escape a mysterious facility, they must make their way through the dark laboratory that seems to be experimenting on people. But more dangers await players the further they go into the facility.
Indie companies are usually the ones delivering the darkest games since major companies don’t want something so polarizing attached to their name. But Inside doesn’t care. This game is a masterclass in design, using its lighting as a tool to facilitate guidance. However, it proves to be a dark and eerie masterpiece through its eerie vibe and environmental storytelling.
9
‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)
Shooter games are some of the most popular, but in the FPS genre lives Spec Ops: The Line, which doesn’t glorify war unlike many other games. Gamers play as Captain Martin Walker, the leader of a Delta Force trio who makes their way to Dubai to find a missing unit. However, what starts as a standard rescue mission devolves into a hallucinatory battle.
This anti-war video game uses its mechanics against the players, admonishing them for blindly following orders and getting themselves into trouble. Spec Ops: The Line has players committing a handful of war crimes and battle atrocities, bringing it to a profound discussion on PTSD and cognitive dissonance, proving why it is one of the best shooter video games.
8
‘This War of Mine’ (2014)
A lot of games use fictionalized historical events to accentuate the darkness, and one game that did this was This War of Mine. Inspired by the Siege of Sarajevo, players control a group of characters who must navigate the crossfire and scavenge for supplies in order to survive the depressing state of the city.
Sometimes the dark reality of the world is worse than what games can achieve, and This War of Mine played into that by making the real-life atrocities even bleaker. Gamers are forced to make tough survival decisions where they weigh the balance between survival and ethics. This forceful design makes players question themselves about what many people actually had to go through.
7
‘SOMA’ (2015)
Frictional Games is an incredible gaming studio with multiple classics, such as SOMA. After suffering a severe injury in a car crash, the protagonist, Simon Jarrett, decides to undergo an experimental brain scan. However, he wakes up a hundred years later in an underwater facility. Only he and biomechanical monstrosities are left, with him needing to descend deeper to find a digital utopia.
The biomechanical monsters are terrifying, and their tragic concept only adds to the overall sense of gloom. However, the true darkness of SOMA reveals itself through the suffocating sense of dread in the narrative and philosophical themes. This game takes a psychological toll on the players, building into a heavy weight of darkness when the credits roll, proving to be one of the scariest modern video games.
6
‘Pathologic’ (2005)
While there are a couple of sequels, nothing beats the original Pathologic and the darkness that players experienced. When a mysterious airborne plague ravages a small town, players take on the role of a doctor. Within 12 days, players must survive, learn about the town’s mysterious history, and find a cure for the plague; otherwise, everyone dies.
Pathologic is designed to intentionally be frustrating, creating a nearly impossible challenge that highlights the gravity of the situation. Gamers can’t save everyone, and those choices will weigh on their souls as they must decide what and who to prioritize. Pathologic emphasizes its darkness with its rigid rules and bleak world.
5
‘Silent Hill 2’ (2001)
The remake is just as good as the original, but it is hard to beat the classic in terms of darkness since it established the story. Silent Hill 2 follows James Sunderland, who travels to the titular town in order to learn the mystery behind a letter he got from his deceased wife. Desperate for answers, he continuously searches the decaying town while avoiding its monstrous inhabitants, including the horror icon, Pyramid Head.
Silent Hill 2 is arguably the best horror game of all time, focusing on an internal fright that possesses the most brilliant narrative in horror history. The environment and monsters are all manifestations of the protagonist’s subconscious and all his problems, proving the story is just as compelling as the gameplay. Silent Hill 2 is a masterpiece and has a bleak ending to boot. Known for delving into psychological terror and human trauma through its challenging gameplay, emotional worldbuilding, and heavy tone, it is no surprise that this is a dark game.
4
‘Manhunt’ (2003)
Rockstar Games is a prolific game studio best known for its works like Grand Theft Auto, which is violent, but is nothing compared to its darkest and least-known video game, Manhunt. While death row inmate James Earl Cash avoids the death penalty, he suddenly wakes up in a decaying city where he is forced to participate in snuff films by hunting down gang members.
It has mostly been debunked that video games cause violence, but if there was one game where that isn’t true, it might just be Manhunt. This game gets players as close to the gore as possible, creating a disturbingly intimate view of murder that will make anyone feel uneasy. By designing it so players are rewarded for more graphic kills, Manhunt is obscenely unsettling.
3
‘LISA: The Painful’ (2014)
2D games are often very expressive, but LISA: The Painful takes that to a very different place. When an apocalyptic event kills all the women in the world, a drug addict named Brad finds a baby girl. But when she is kidnapped, he fights through a world of desperate lunatics to get her back and save her.
Fans shouldn’t let the innocent 2D aesthetic fool them; this game is bleak beyond belief. LISA: The Painful forces players to make dark decisions that have serious repercussions. Whether they choose to sacrifice a party member or lose their own limbs, players are permanently affected, and that is just the beginning of a long and winding road of misery.
2
‘Fear & Hunger’ (2018)
Most of the games on this list are rather unknown, but one of the biggest cult classics featured is Fear & Hunger, which is critically acclaimed and has a dedicated fanbase. But that doesn’t mean anything for its quality, as players consider it one of the best survival horror RPGs. Players choose one of four characters who travel through an anachronistic dungeon in search of the mercenary leader.
Fear & Hunger doesn’t follow a dedicated story, but that allows players to experience the emergent darkness on their own, not knowing what awaits them in the depths. Each descent into the unknown is a new tale for players to craft as their decisions slowly build a messed-up scenario with worldbuilding implications and twisted discoveries. The eerie art style perfectly fits the vibe and tone of the game, not to mention the character designs and moments are next-level gruesome and dark.
1
‘I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream’ (1995)
Based on Harlan Ellison‘s short story of the same name, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream expands on the story through a point-and-click adventure. Set during the Cold War, a sentient supercomputer wipes out all of humanity, only leaving a handful of survivors alive. He keeps them immortal to torment them out of his own spite for humanity.
It may not be the most influential video game ever, but I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is a cult classic that many fans love for its terrifying villain. This game features pretty much every dark theme fans can think of, combining them to create a game where survival is hopeless. Forced to confront their flaws, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is a dark game that thrives on existential dread and powerlessness.
Television drama has established itself as the pinnacle of long-form storytelling in the 21st century, but a series doesn’t necessarily need to be that long to be great. While many shows have used upwards of five seasons to present epic, sprawling stories that have enthralled the masses year-after-year, there have also been an abundance of outstanding titles that only graced the screen for half a decade, if that long.
Given that HBO has been the defining brand in small-screen excellence throughout what has come to be known as television’s golden era, it is little surprise that the premium network has produced a number of hit series that were succinct, ceaselessly brilliant, and smart enough to not outstay their welcome. Even with miniseries not being considered, HBO’s catalog of shows that ran for five seasons or fewer flaunts not only the dedication to excellence that has long defined the network, but the incredible variety and boldness it has long exhibited as well.
10
‘Succession’ (2018–2023)
One of HBO’s biggest hits in the past decade, Succession captivated millions the world over with its meticulous marriage of high-octane corporate-world scheming and acidic black comedy that brilliantly lampoons the rich and powerful. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” its four-season run unfolds as three siblings find themselves in a squabble for power, favor, and opportunity when their aging father signals he may soon be stepping down as the CEO of his multimedia conglomerate empire, Waystar RoyCo.
Combining boardroom politics, confronting family drama, and absurd yet precisely targeted comedy all while running at frenetic breakneck speed, Succession is a skewering and ceaselessly entertaining insight into the unbridled chaos that lurks behind the veneer of company professionalism and wealth. Written, performed, and directed with absolute perfection, the series doesn’t present a single bad episode as it marries razor-sharp satire with energized tension and cutting character drama.
9
‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2006)
A sadly overlooked gem of the impeccable catalog of series HBO was producing in the 2000s, Six Feet Under is a masterclass in dark comedy and poignant drama that boldly bolsters its focus on family dysfunction with inflections of surrealism and spirituality. It revolves around the Fishers, a family in Los Angeles that begins managing their late father’s funeral home only to constantly run into issues regarding the logistics of running a business, the continuous clashing of their personalities, and each family member’s own personal dilemmas.
With all the subplots and tangents unfolding in proximity to the series’ central focus on mortality, Six Feet Under excels at combining concise and concentrated drama with an air of grandeur through its thematic exploration of existentialism and death. Its reputation is only bolstered by the HBO series’ exceptional series finale, which brings the five-season run of the show to a rewarding resolution that complements its meticulous attentiveness to character development perfectly.
8
‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)
HBO has always had a penchant for extraordinary crime drama, be it in the form of gangster shows like The Sopranos or riveting cop dramas like the first season of True Detective. With its confronting intensity, captivating characters, and awe-inspiring period production, Boardwalk Empire is entrenched among the network’s finest forays into the genre, even if it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Set in Prohibition-era America, it follows Enoch Thompson (Steve Buscemi), the treasurer of Atlantic City, in his political dealings and criminal endeavors as his prominence attracts the attention of federal agents.
While the series can be cyclical at times, it ultimately overcomes its pitfalls with its stunning and immersive realization of 1920s New Jersey and its litany of sublime performances, particularly from Buscemi in the lead role. Blending its historical intrigue with challenging character studies, Boardwalk Empire is a dazzling triumph of HBO and one of the more impressive television series of its decade.
7
‘Treme’ (2010–2013)
Impressive in its ability to blend cultural celebration, character-driven drama, and scathing critiques of natural disaster relief, Treme presents a vibrant immersion into New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Brought to the screen by David Simon and Eric Overmyer—two of the architects of The Wire—the criminally underrated series begins three months after the devastating disaster, operating with a palpable sense of realism and striking depth as it follows residents trying to rebuild their lives, a community re-capturing its cultural identity, and the systemic, bureaucratic struggles of urban reconstruction.
Methodically paced, Treme subverts the television standard of rapid-fire storytelling to instead deliver a slow-burning and often appropriately frustrating approach that brings visceral depth to the incremental steps of recovery and growth in the wake of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Also finding brilliance in its ensemble cast, grounded writing style, and the way it invests in the music and culinary scenes of the city, Treme shines as a powerful and underappreciated deep-dive into the heart of New Orleans and the unpleasant crux of real issues in modern America.
6
‘Carnivále’ (2003–2005)
Sadly, not all of HBO’s shorter series were intended to be so short. Carnivále was created by Daniel Knauf with a vision of a six-season run, but due to dwindling viewership numbers and the mounting production costs of its period-set production, it was axed after its second season. Still, it offers 24 episodes of rich mythological intrigue as it combines the grimy aesthetic of the Depression-era Dust Bowl with biblical concepts of good and evil and elements of Masonic lore.
Following the converging paths of a young man with healing powers who joins a traveling carnival and a Methodist preacher capable of bending others to his will, Carnivále soars off the back of its strong performances and creative writing to be a forgotten gem of small-screen fantasy entertainment. Even with its premature cancellation, the series still manages to deliver a rewarding conclusion to its major arc, ensuring it endures as a cult gem of the medium that can still be enjoyed when revisited today.
5
‘Rome’ (2005–2007)
Another HBO series that was axed after just two seasons due to production expenses despite intentions of a much longer run, Rome presents one of the most stunning period productions television has ever seen. Exploring historical events from the perspective of everyone from key political figures to ordinary soldiers and their families, it depicts the shifting nature of Ancient Rome as the republic collapses and the grandeur of the Roman Empire is born.
Straying away from mythic and romanticized notions of Ancient Rome, the series revels in its gritty authenticity, with the production embracing a dirty and grimy aesthetic that complements its strong historical basis and gripping human drama quite perfectly. By focusing not only on the bloodthirsty and treacherous nature of Ancient Rome’s political machinations, but on the impact the turmoil had on its citizens, Rome wields a ceaselessly compelling dramatic fervor that endures even as its second season is forced to compact its story significantly.
4
‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)
Westworld is one of the more interesting series HBO has produced, especially in the past decade. A re-iteration of the 1973 movie of the same name, it initially revolves around a Western-themed amusement park in the future that is populated by life-like robots and where wealthy visitors can live out any desire or fantasy they have with impunity. However, when the android “hosts” begin malfunctioning, the balance of power begins to shift.
The first season received rave reviews for its thematic repurposing of the ‘70s movie premise, allowing for it to emphasize such ideas as autonomy, morality, and the nature of humanity. While the ensuing seasons—which pivot away from ‘Westworld’ following a robot uprising that sees the hosts enter the real-world—did garner a more mixed response, Westworld remained a masterclass in thematic pointedness, production value, and philosophical depth. Enhanced by its ceaselessly exceptional performances and narrative dare, the four-season series marks an impressive mixture of sci-fi spectacle and themes, Western allure, and bleak dystopian drama from start to finish.
3
‘Deadwood’ (2004–2006)
While its abrupt ending at the closing of Season 3 may have blemished its legacy somewhat, there is no denying that Deadwood was one of HBO’s flagship series in the 2000s. The gripping Western drama has aged flawlessly too, with its intense tone meshing with its profanity-laden yet Shakespearean dialogue, gritty and morally ambiguous characters, and its immersive period production design to conjure one of the greatest and most enthralling visions of the Old West to have ever graced the small screen.
Set in the titular South Dakotan gold mining town in the 1870s, it unfolds as the lawless encampment evolves into a crime-riddled society as the population booms with masses of people hoping to find a fortune. Adept at capturing the muddy and confined candle-lit grime of the era while presenting a host of characters—both historical and fictional—who embark on intriguing arcs, Deadwood is one of HBO’s finest ever series.
2
‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)
By emphasizing a meditative and emotionally charged exploration of grief and trauma rather than running with traditional, high-stakes post-apocalyptic thrills, The Leftovers delivers one of the greatest and most thought-provoking series HBO has ever produced. It begins three years after the “Sudden Departure,” an inexplicable event in which two percent of the world’s population vanished. In the aftermath, extremist cults have arisen, the masses continue to mourn their loved ones, and many walk a treacherous line between maintaining a sense of normality and dealing with their own unresolved issues.
Written with astonishing depth, and powered by a litany of faultless performances and Max Richter’s richly evocative score, The Leftovers avoids simply wallowing in a world of sorrow by prying into the complex psychology of its characters with nuance, conviction, and remarkable clarity. Across an incredible three-season run that spans from Mapleton, New York to Melbourne, Australia, The Leftovers presents an utterly perfect and poignant exploration of heavy thematic ideas that is always anchored by a potency and realism that makes the series entirely captivating.
1
‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)
The greatest HBO series with five seasons or fewer, and perhaps the finest show the network has ever produced, The Wire thrives as an all-encompassing and palpably realistic descent into the drug trade of Baltimore, the inner workings of the city’s police department, and the bureaucratic issues that befall everything from the public school system to the efficiency of city hall. With each of its five seasons shifting focus to a new aspect of crime and law enforcement, the series brilliantly examines the interconnected landscape from street-level drug dealers to the mayor’s office.
Also buoyed by its invigorating moral ambiguity that refuses to treat any character as an outright hero or villain, The Wire embraces a scope that is more epic and novelistic than many other shows on television even today. It remains one of the greatest and most important series the medium has ever seen, not only as a compelling plunge into the grit of modern-day organized crime, but as a skewering exposé on the deeply flawed nature of America’s most important social institutions.
The Wire
- Release Date
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2002 – 2008-00-00
- Network
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HBO
- Directors
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Ernest R. Dickerson, Ed Bianchi, Steve Shill, Clark Johnson, Daniel Attias, Agnieszka Holland, Tim Van Patten, Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Brad Anderson, Clement Virgo, Elodie Keene, Peter Medak, Rob Bailey, Seith Mann, Christine Moore, David Platt, Dominic West, Gloria Muzio, Jim McKay, Leslie Libman, Milcho Manchevski, Robert F. Colesberry, Thomas J. Wright
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mayci Neeley made a conscientious decision to stop featuring her children on social media.
“I had slowly been taking them offline a year prior to the show coming out,” Mayci, 31, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, July 26, referring to Mormon Wives’ season 1 premiere. “I was just seeing the negative side effect of having kids online that I just didn’t understand before. Kids aren’t content, and I guess I didn’t grasp that when I was first doing social media.”
Mayci, who worked as a social media influencer before landing a spot on Hulu’s hit reality TV series about young Mormon moms, is a mother of three. The MomTok star shares daughters Harlow, 5, and Charli, 12 months, with husband Jacob Neeley, in addition to son Hudson, 10, with late ex Arik Mack, who was killed in a car accident during her pregnancy at age 19.
Before marrying Jacob, 30, Mayci worked as an analyst with Goldman Sachs. She eventually pursued her passion for content creation full-time, well before Mormon Wives was greenlit. Hudson and Harlow would occasionally be featured in Mayci’s early uploads.
“I never forced my kids to do anything, but kids should not be the focal point of the content in my opinion,” Mayci stated on Sunday. “I just thought it was fun and silly, and I loved making videos until I started seeing that there were predators online.”
She continued, “I guess, being naive, I didn’t realize that there were creeps online probably watching the content.”
Mayci further realized that an onslaught of “haters came” in the wake of Mormon Wives’ highly-anticipated 2024 series premiere.
“I got some really nasty DMs about my kids and some weirdos were making fun of the way that they looked, which was absolutely vile and disgusting,” the Told You So author claimed. “In that moment, I was, like, ‘I’m done done.’ I also started seeing more about AI and [pedophiles] using kids’ faces specifically for explicit material, and that freaked me out.”
Overall, Mayci stressed that she opted to keep her kids offline out of “safety and privacy” concerns.
“I don’t want people coming up to my kids or recognizing them,” she said, acknowledging that she “still [needs] to go through” her old Instagram posts and delete the family photos. “I’ll be working on that [in] the next month or so, it just sucks because I LOVE sharing my kids and I kinda wish I could because they bring me the most joy.”
Mayci concluded, “They are my greatest accomplishment, and I just want to share some of the amazing moments. That’s why I still share them in a muted capacity. They are my world and the biggest part of my life, so it would also feel weird not sharing anything about them or sharing photos that they are in that I love.”
Roommates, Usher has performed some of the most memorable moments in R&B history, but one recent concert moment had fans talking for a completely different reason. During a steamy part of his set, the singer noticed something wasn’t quite right with a fan who joined him on stage — and his reaction quickly caught the crowd’s attention.
RELATED: Caught In 4K! Usher And Dave Chappelle’s Unexpected Mid-Concert Moment Leaves Fans In Tears (VIDEO)
Usher Reacts After Fan Gives “Not Interested” Energy
Now, Usher, known for his signature onstage performances during his more sensual records, found himself in an unexpected moment while performing during the ‘R&B’ tour at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. During the show, a fan was brought onstage to participate in one of his iconic concert segments — but the interaction didn’t unfold the way fans may have expected.
While Usher performed shirtless with the fan seated on a bed as part of the segment, she appeared uncomfortable and less engaged than previous audience members during similar performances. The singer seemingly picked up on her reaction and slowly pulled away before telling the crowd, “I don’t think she wants to be on stage.” Usher then waved her off and appeared to signal for security to assist her away from the segment. It remains unclear whether another fan was chosen afterward or if the performance moved on to another song.
The Comments Section Was Ready For Usher
Fans quickly flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with their reactions to the viral moment, and opinions were all over the place. Some people felt the fan shouldn’t have went on stage if she wasn’t going to match the energy. While others joked that’s exactly how they would want their woman acting if Usher ever pulled them on stage. Meanwhile, a few fans gave the singer credit for handling the awkward moment smoothly and keeping the performance moving.
One Instagram user @thecarlosking_ said, “Usher is such a Libra 😂cause we never beg if you don’t wanna be there nie 🤸🏾♂️”
This Instagram user @_droop_ added, “He played it perfectly at the end.”
And, Instagram user @faithdonna.z wrote, “Sis looked like she accidentally accepted the Terms & Conditions. 💀”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @dielit4e joked, “That’s how I need my shi to act at them damn concerts 😒😂😂😂😂😂”
While Instagram user @nessacary claimed, “She couldhv just declined the offer and not took her a** up there lol 🤦🏽♀️”
Lastly, Instagram user @big.don.vito commented, “This is a great example of LIKE WHO LIKES YOU!”
Breezy Didn’t Have To Question The Energy Though
Meanwhile, Breezy is showing fans exactly what they came to see — and unlike some recent viral concert moments, nobody seems to be looking uninterested. Chris Brown previously gave fans a preview of what they can expect from his joint ‘R&B’ tour with Usher, sharing a steamy clip of himself bringing a fan on stage for a performance of ‘Take You Down.’ The singer danced closely with the woman while giving her the full VIP treatment, and she appeared fully locked into the moment as Breezy showed off his signature moves and took his shirt off. Chris captioned the spicy preview, “This what yall wanted?” and fans are making it clear that when it comes to Breezy’s onstage chemistry, they’re not seeing any complaints.
RELATED: Caught Up? Fans Are Popping OFF With Reactions To Chris Brown & Usher’s Opening Tour Night (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Tom Holland has recalled a failed attempt by Jon Bernthal to get him to embrace method acting.
The story dates back to the duo’s time filming “Pilgrimage,” where Bernthal’s character was mute, and Holland tried to help him stay in character while they were off-set.
The pair have since reunited on two major projects, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”
Appearing on “Hot Ones,” Holland recalled his time filming “Pilgrimage” with Bernthal, who fully committed to method acting by refusing to speak off camera because his character was mute.
Before production began, the “Punisher” star told Holland, “I’m going to go full method… I’m going to need your help.” Holland agreed, but the experiment soon became awkward, especially whenever they went out to eat.
“For like two weeks, not a peep out of him,” Holland recalled. “And we all know Jon Bernthal. We all love Jon Bernthal. My man loves to talk. So, we’re sat at restaurants, and he’s writing down his food, and these are regular restaurants in Ireland.”
According to Holland, the awkwardness of the situation forced him to explain Bernthal’s unusual behavior to confused staff, joking, “I’m sorry about my friend. He’s just a pretentious actor.”
A Salmon Order Ended Bernthal’s Method Acting Streak
Bernthal’s commitment to method acting came to an abrupt end during one of their restaurant visits in Ireland.
After weeks of communicating only through written notes, he asked Holland to request some lemon for his salmon. However, the waitress misunderstood and dropped the lemon into Bernthal’s glass of water instead.
The mix-up proved too much for the actor to endure in silence. Recalling the moment, Holland said Bernthal immediately blurted out, “All right, f-ck it. I’m talking again,” bringing his self-imposed vow of silence to an end.
Tom Holland And Jon Bernthal Reunited For Two Major Projects
After starring together in “Pilgrimage” in 2017, Holland and Bernthal did not share the screen again until recently, when they reunited on two back-to-back projects.
In “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the duo plays superheroes, with Holland reprising his role as Spider-Man while the film marks Bernthal’s big-screen MCU debut as the Punisher after years of portraying the character on television.
The two also appear together in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which debuted in cinemas on July 17. Holland plays the more prominent role of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon. Meanwhile, Bernthal stars as Menelaus, the King of Sparta, who appears in only a few key scenes.
Tom Holland Is ‘Absolutely Loving’ His Latest Press Tour
Holland’s appearance alongside Bernthal is just one of several promotional stops he has made while supporting the release of his latest films.
Although balancing both projects has kept his schedule packed, the actor said he is relishing the busy period because he is immensely proud of both productions.
“I’m absolutely loving it. When you’re doing press for movies you’re really proud of, it’s really easy,” the actor said during an appearance on the “Dish” podcast.
He added, “Because when they ask you questions about why people should go and watch this movie, you’re not lying to anyone. You really think people should go see it. I’ve had experiences before when people say, ‘Why should you see this movie?’ And in the back of your mind, you’re like, ‘You shouldn’t, because it’s sh-t.’”
‘The Odyssey’ And ‘Spider-Man’ Chase Major Box Office Milestones
Despite facing early criticism before its release, “The Odyssey” has enjoyed a strong start at the box office.
The film grossed more than $264 million during its opening weekend, with ticket sales split almost evenly between domestic and international markets. Now in its second week, “The Odyssey” is on course to surpass the $500 million mark worldwide, putting it on track to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Meanwhile, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is set to arrive in cinemas on July 31 and is already predicted to post record-breaking box office numbers, given the success of Holland’s previous Spider-Man films. Two of the earlier installments surpassed $1 billion at the global box office, while the third still earned an impressive $880 million worldwide.
The superhero genre witnessed a major tonal shift with Christopher Nolan‘s epic The Dark Knight trilogy. After decades of colorful adventures, superheroes were presented in a grounded reality that captured the mood of the times. Similarly, Nolan put his stamp on the fantasy genre with his latest film, The Odyssey, based on Homer‘s Greek epic. Earlier, movies based on the Greek myths featured plenty of monsters and mayhem, but Nolan’s version revolved around themes such as post-traumatic stress, guilt, and human agency. That said, Nolan admitted that he was inspired by Ray Harryhausen‘s cult classic 1981 movie, Clash of the Titans, which was remade in 2010 by Louis Leterrier.
The Clash of the Titans remake starred Sam Worthington, fresh off the success of Avatar, in the role of Perseus. The movie defied poor reviews to gross more than $490 million worldwide against a reported budget of $125 million. It nearly outgrossed the genre’s biggest hit, Troy, which made $497 million worldwide against a reported budget of $185 million in 2004. Incidentally, Nolan nearly directed Troy as his first large-scale project, but was replaced by Wolfgang Petersen and was handed the reins to the Batman franchise instead. Clash of the Titans was successful enough to spawn a sequel, which was released in 2012 to equally poor reviews and a lower box-office haul.
Watch the Critically Panned Greek Mythological Movie on Peacock
The movie in question, of course, is Wrath of the Titans. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the movie features a returning Worthington alongside Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as Hades, and Danny Huston as Poseidon. New cast members included Bill Nighy, Rosamund Pike, Toby Kebbell, and Édgar Ramirez. Wrath of the Titans grossed just over $300 million worldwide against a reported budget of $150 million, falling short of its predecessor’s haul despite a larger budget. It is now sitting at a 26% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Its 3D effects are an improvement over its predecessor’s, but in nearly every other respect, Wrath of the Titans fails to improve upon the stilted acting, wooden dialogue, and chaos-driven plot of the franchise’s first installment.” Because of the film’s underperformance, a third installment, tentatively titled Revenge of the Titans, was shelved. You can watch Clash of the Titans and Wrath of the Titans on Peacock starting August 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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March 29, 2012
- Runtime
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99 minutes
- Director
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Jonathan Liebesman
Actor Ryan Gosling is ready to join another blockbuster franchise. Shortly after joining Shawn Levy‘s “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which hits theaters in May 2027, Marvel boss Kevin Feige announced that the “Project Hail Mary” actor will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider at the San Diego Comic Con panel held on Saturday night. It’s a role the actor has always wanted to play, but it also has a surprising connection to his partner, Eva Mendes.
On Saturday, July 25, fans gathered at Marvel’s Hall H panel at San Diego Comic Con to see who would be the next actor to portray Ghost Rider. Marvel boss Kevin Feige announced that Ryan Gosling, fresh off the success of “Project Hail Mary,” would take over the role in an upcoming standalone movie.
The announcement was met with cheers from the audience. “As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” Gosling told the crowd.
How Eva Mendes Is Connected To His Ghost Rider Role
Ghost Rider was previously portrayed by “National Treasure” actor Nicolas Cage in the 2007 film. The movie also featured Gosling’s longtime partner Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson. Although Cage reprised his role in the 2011 sequel, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” Mendes did not return for that movie.
The 2007 film was not well received and has only a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Scott Huver of Hollywood.com called it “the worst adaptation of a Marvel Comics hero yet,” while Mike Barnard of Future Movies UK said that “Cage needs to produce something special next to make up for crimes against cinema.”
However, not all critics hated the movie. Megan Basham of WORLD said, “This strange amalgamation of Texas Ranger lore, NASCAR bravado, and the-Devil-and-Daniel-Webster trickery keeps the campy fun revving just enough that you can’t completely hate it.”
This New Ghost Rider Will Be Directed By Shawn Levy
Shawn Levy, who directed the 2024 Marvel movie “Deadpool and Wolverine,” will be directing the new Ghost Rider film. He previously worked with Gosling in “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which will be released in theaters in May 2027.
During the Marvel panel at SDCC, Levy took the stage alongside Gosling and Feige. “I’m having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed Deadpool & Wolverine,” he told the crowd.
“I’ll never forget that night, because I was introduced to the greatest fans. Gosling is the absolute sh-t. I say that with tremendous respect,” he continued. “We spent a lot of time last year making Starfighter, and the opportunity as Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, ‘Bro, let’s ride.’ We’ll see you in 2028!”
No release date has been scheduled for the new Ghost Rider movie.
Eva Mendes May Be Looking To Return To Acting
Although she starred in films such as 2003’s “2 Fast 2 Furious” and 2005’s “Hitch,” Eva Mendes has remained largely out of the public eye for quite some time. However, as The Blast previously reported, that may all be about to change.
One insider told Star Magazine that she is eager to explore new opportunities in the entertainment industry and let Gosling stay at home with the kids for a change. “She’s leaning on Ryan to pick up the slack at home and slow down his usually packed schedule,” the source shared. “Eva needs the free time to meet with filmmakers and studio executives and really see what is out there for her.”
Will She Appear In ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’?
There are rumors that she may be making an appearance in “Star Wars: Starfighter,” alongside her husband. There is also speculation that she might appear in “Fast Forever,” the next installment in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Even though her appearance in “Starfighter” has not been confirmed, the source said that working on the movie has reignited her love of acting. “Eva rediscovered her taste for acting while making ‘Starfighter’ last year,” the insider divulged. “Now she wants to be in more films that her kids and their friends will actually enjoy and talk about.”
Mendes and Gosling met while filming “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2012. They share two daughters together, but have remained fairly private about their relationship and their family life.
Roomies, Lira Galore has the internet doing double takes after she popped out for Miracle Watts and Tyler Lepley’s pre-wedding celebration with her mom. Fans couldn’t stop saying Lira definitely “gets it from her mama,” while others said her mom is aging like fine wine!
RELATED: Get It From Her Mama?! Yaya Mayweather Responds After Fan Jokes About Her Loyalty To Men
Lira Galore’s Pop Out With Her Mom Has Fans Doing Doubles Takes
Recently, Lira Galore and her mom had timelines buzzing this weekend after sharing videos from Miracle Watts and Tyler Lepley’s pre-wedding celebration. Lira took to her Instagram Story to show off Momma Galora, and chile, the internet immediately started joking and saying that her mom is the real baby because of her youthful glow. Lira shared clips from Miracle and Tyler’s all-white boat party, where her mom stunned in a white mini dress and Lira turned heads in an off-the-shoulder look.
The Internet Is Calling Lira’s Mom The REAL Showstopper
Once The Shade Room shared the clips of Lira and her mom, the comment section instantly filed up with heart-eyes and fire emojis. Fans couldn’t stop saying that Lira and her mom are twins, while others reminded everyone that Momma Galora has always been tea and her face card never declined!
Instagram user @candisgrace wrote, “Such a gorgeous Mommy & Daughter Duo 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Like Beyond !!”
Instagram user @carolinetania wrote, “Her mom always been Her ❤️”
While Instagram user @rell09 wrote, “Oh she definitely get it from her mama! 🔥”
Then Instagram user @saygrac3 wrote, “MUVA GALORE IS FINE FINE‼️🥰”
Another Instagram user @kea.wunofakind wrote, “Mz. Galore Been HER 🥵 IYKYK 💖”
Instagram user @triviamonroe wrote, “😍😍😍😍 How my daughters and I will be. (this gym going to get me right 🦾)”
Then another Instagram user @iambrooklyn_1 wrote, “The mama is the baby 😍”
While another Instagram user @ms._toya2u wrote, “Baby listen the 40 plus crew ain’t playing none!”
Finally, Instagram user @viewsfromindia_ wrote, “& her mommy BEEN fine since back in the dayssssssss. She not aging 😍😍😍😍😍”
Miracle Watts & Tyler Lepley Tie The Knot With Beautiful Wedding Ceremony
Lira Galore and her mom kept the looks coming after popping out for Miracle Watts and Tyler Lepley’s wedding celebration and ceremony. Lira gave fans a glimpse of the beautiful day on her Instagram Story, which reportedly went down in Los Cabos, Mexico on Saturday, July 25. Miracle and Tyler celebrated their love surrounded by their closest family and friends. Videos also showed the newlyweds sharing their first dance.
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What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
James Norton’s Netflix Crime Thriller Is So Good, It’s Already Been Renewed for Season 2
Steven Knight is renowned for his work on Peaky Blinders, but it’s not the only crime epic he has worked on. Knight has written several other shows and films that look at gangster enterprises throughout history, and in many ways House of Guinness is the culmination of his entire career. House of Guinness is based on the remarkable true story of the Guinness brewery, a family business that became a powerful empire in the 19th century, expanding throughout Ireland and into New York City. While it’s hard not to think about Peaky Blinders when seeing another dynamic historical thriller about a closely-knit family of morally dubious characters, House of Guinness also shares a lot in common with Succession because of its sharp, ruthless sibling dynamics. Given that the series has been renewed for Season 2, there’s no better time to watch one of the most purely entertaining shows Netflix has made in years.
House of Guinness takes place in the aftermath of the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, who left his fortune to his children on the stipulation that they work together to maintain it. The Guinness siblings, consisting of Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anna (Emily Fairn), and Benjamin II (Fionn O’Shea), are reluctant to take on their father’s legacy, but they’re aided in the transition by the family’s most loyal foreman, Sean Rafferty (James Norton). Even if a brewery might seem like a low-stakes MacGuffin compared to the life-and-death stakes in Peaky Blinders, it’s representative of generational wealth fiercely protected by a family targeted by enemies from across Europe. House of Guinness doesn’t sanitize a family history filled with debauchery, but it does put it into context during a dark period in European politics.
‘House of Guinness’ Is a Rousing Historical Epic
Peaky Blinders grew more epic in scale over time, but House of Guinness takes place on a massive stage, speeding through years of history to encapsulate the gravity of the Guinness company and its sphere of influence. While this could have been too overwhelming for a show to tackle so much material to begin with, that’s also part of the point that Knight is trying to make. The four Guinness children don’t understand the extent to which their decisions will impact the economy and society, and the process of handling their father’s duties is far more complicated than they initially imagined. While the feuds between the siblings are frequent and often quite funny, House of Guinness shows the importance of family loyalty to retain a legacy. The Guinness family name isn’t just one that represents business interests, but something that embodies a level of power that not even governments can topple.
House of Guinness has a fantastic ensemble cast, and the characters immediately feel like an actual family. Boyle is a fascinating actor whose performance as Arthur makes for a unique depiction of a gay character, especially for a historical drama; there are far too many instances of the outdated repressed gay man trope in media, but Arthur is a charismatic, intelligent leader within the family. On the flipside, O’Shea gives a remarkable breakthrough performance as Benjamin, who struggles with severe mental health issues that make him a target for rivals. The stigma against those who deal with anxiety and depression is heightened, given the lack of understanding within this era in history, and O’Shea delivers a truly heartbreaking performance that doesn’t reduce Benjamin to the totality of his symptoms.
‘House of Guinness’ Is Everything a Crime Drama Should Be
As is the case with his role on House of the Dragon, Norton is an absolute scene-stealer in House of Guinness because Rafferty is a commanding character who serves as the bridge between the lower class and the wealthy. Although he isn’t of noble birth and doesn’t seek power for himself, Rafferty is such a master of deception that he becomes an important ally to the family, one who represents a connection to their departed father. While Norton crafts an impenetrable persona, as Rafferty is both hilarious and quite intimidating, he offers a few hints about subtextual issues that will likely be explored further in Season 2. He’s not the only Westeros veteran who has a standout performance in House of Guinness; Jack Gleeson, best known for playing Prince Joffrey, has a great part as the much more likable character Byron Hedges, a distant cousin of the Guinness siblings who strategizes the brewery’s expansion into America.
House of Guinness is an old-fashioned, thrilling crime drama, but it doesn’t feel derivative of Knight’s previous work because the stylized, energetic approach is far different than that of Peaky Blinders. Rarely has a show been able to tackle such important issues as labor disputes, familial conflict, and economic suppression while also being so entertaining, using history to tell an engaging fictionalized account. There’s a tremendous amount of potential for the future of what House of Guinness could become, but the eight episodes that have already aired are nothing short of tremendous.
Paramount+ is known for being the home of Taylor Sheridan‘s Yellowstone universe, as well as many of his other best shows. Most recently, the tale of Rip (Cole Hauser) and Beth’s (Kelly Reilly) new life in South Texas in Dutton Ranch has dominated the Paramount+ charts, even scoring as high as third almost 20 days after its July 3 finale. The likes of Lioness and Landman also currently occupy the top ten, with other favorites finishing just outside in the latest ranks.
The most surprising current competition for Sheridan’s army of streaming favorites is a series most commonly associated with Prime Video, as one of the streamer’s most popular shows. Cross, the Aldis Hodge-led detective series, quickly became a favorite on Prime following its 2024 debut, reaching 40 million viewers globally in its first 20 days of release. That paved the way for a hotly anticipated second season, with the addition of Matthew Lillard in a key role, helping the show garner 613 million viewing minutes in its Season 2 premiere week.
Collider’s Nate Richard called Season 2 “entertainingly paced” in his official review and was particularly pleased with Hodge’s lead performance, commending his “unmatched charisma, vulnerabilities, and, of course, kick-ass stunt abilities” in every episode. Prime Video subscribers have known about the best of Cross for some time, and now it seems Paramount+ subscribers do too. According to FlixPatrol, Cross is one of the ten most-streamed shows on Prime Video in the U.S., at the time of writing, a list topped by UFC Fight Night, Criminal Minds, and Dutton Ranch.
When Does ‘Cross’ Return?
Expected to premiere on Prime Video in spring or early summer 2027, Cross Season 3 is sure to be even more unmissable than the previous two installments. Production on Season 3 began in April in Toronto, Canada, with eight episodes ordered. The cast is expanding once again, with the great Ron Perlman joining the cast as Herschel Zamora, a police officer who is referred to Dr. Cross for therapy. Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson, Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro, Alona Tal as Kayla Craig, Johnny Ray Gill as Bobby Trey, and Juanita Jennings as Regina “Nana Mama” Cross are all also expected to return.
Cross is one of the ten most-streamed shows on Prime Video in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.
- Release Date
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November 14, 2024
- Network
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Prime Video
- Directors
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Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart
- Writers
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Ben Watkins
- Franchise(s)
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Alex Cross
Roommates, Baby Blue has folks online scratching their heads after dropping a message for Justin Combs and Christian Combs while Diddy continues to serve time in prison. Blue hasn’t shared what prompted the post, but the message has fans working overtime trying to connect the dots.
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Baby Blue Leaves Fans Curious After Sharing Message For Justin & Christian Combs
On Sunday, July 26, Baby Blue showed love to Justin Combs and Christian Combs with a heartfelt message. Blue shared a throwback clip on Instagram of Justin seemingly singing along to a Pretty Ricky song and said he wanted to send prayers to him and Christian while Diddy continues serving his prison sentence.
“This Sunday I wanna send a prayer up for @princejdc@kingcombs and the rest of Puff’s kids, family and friends. They’ve had to endure the trauma of separation from their father and learn how to cope without his physical presence,” Baby Blue wrote.
Blue added that he knows it can’t be easy for them to deal with their dad being away and wrapped up his message with “#FreeDiddy,” and said he hopes they will all be reunited soon. “I pray they’ll be reunited with him sooner than later. We all make mistakes. Forgiveness is apart of human nature. #FreeDiddy! We love you all and appreciate what you’ve done for the culture.”
Social Media Has Questions After Baby Blue Checks In On Diddy’s Sons
Once The Shade Room shared Baby Blue’s message, the Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Plenty of fans said the post caught them off guard, while others admitted the throwback clip of Justin had them confused.
Instagram user @detroit.kavi wrote, “Can we all collectively log off the internet for just one day?”
Instagram user @kaliyahrayeofficial wrote, “The song + the video + the message = 🥴 I’m confused Lool (let me continue to mind my business)”
While Instagram user @booniebookmark wrote, “This is weird energy 🥴”
Then Instagram user @kingjavintoyou wrote, “Now they about to cancel him .. bless his heart.”
Another Instagram user @tiiinkbookie wrote, “I mean well respectfully they daddy should’ve thought about them and all of that before hand……Diddy mind set was he thought he was never gone get caught….”
Instagram user @_toyamontana wrote, “What is happening 😂😂”
Then another Instagram user @kariastiara wrote, “I understand the message losing both parents but it’s the video taking it away for me.”
Instagram user @jusdaze wrote, “Forgiveness doesn’t erase accountability. Two things can be true at the same time.”
The Latest Update On Diddy
Speaking of Diddy, fans previously got a wild update about the music mogul while he continues serving time behind bars. As The Shade Room previously reported, officials recently placed the 56-year-old in solitary confinement at FCI Fort Dix in Trenton, New Jersey. Per TMZ, an inmate allegedly “dissed” Diddy, which reportedly sparked the altercation. The two men allegedly pushed each other before prison staff stepped in and broke up the fight, with sources claiming Diddy “held his own.”
RELATED: Spill It, Sis! Baby Blue’s Girlfriend Speaks Out After Fans Clock Her Ankle Monitor At Verzuz (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
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