Entertainment
Kelly Ripa absent from “Live” after surgery, Mark Consuelos reveals painful details: ‘I know it’s bad’
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“She’s not allowed to talk,” Consuelos said on the air, as Kevin Jonas filled in for his wife and cohost.
Entertainment
Ryan Murphy teases revisiting “Glee ”as a ‘new incarnation’: ‘It’s come back around’
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The jukebox musical dramedy series aired on Fox from 2009 to 2015.
Entertainment
“Moulin Rouge” actor says he was embarrassed to costar with Boy George: ‘He was a terrible performer’
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“I used to defend his performance in our show, but f— it,” Patrick Clanton wrote on Instagram.
Entertainment
Kendra Wilkinson Celebrates ‘Results’ Of GLP-1 Journey
Kendra Wilkinson is choosing to celebrate progress instead of setbacks.
The reality star proudly shared the latest results of her GLP-1 journey, shifting the focus to a personal victory after recently facing disappointment in her professional life.
The milestone comes after Kendra Wilkinson was dealt a major career blow when her real estate series failed to secure another season. Even so, she appears determined to keep moving forward, embracing the wins she can control while leaving recent setbacks behind.

Three months into her GLP-1 journey, Kendra Wilkinson proudly celebrated the results with a new Instagram video, confidently posing in a maroon bikini. The reality star told fans she “couldn’t feel more amazing” or “more confident,” adding that she was thrilled the results were finally showing.
Wilkinson also encouraged others who had been curious about GLP-1 treatments to give Effecty a try, saying in her caption that she now feels “actual summer ready, not the fake kind.” She explained that reaching this point had left her feeling better than ever in her own body.
Fans quickly filled the comments with support, with one writing, “[Fire emoji] love this!!” Another commented, “Crushing it girl…,” while a third added, “So happy for you queen! [clapping emojis and heart emoji].” The encouraging reactions matched Wilkinson’s excitement as she celebrated another milestone in her health journey.
Honesty Became Part Of The Journey

Earlier, Wilkinson admitted she was going to be honest about her weight-loss journey, stating that she didn’t want fans to be blinded to the process and see only the natural results. She was also very clear that she believed that the best reason for her to join Effecty was her drive for improving her health, not weight loss.
The television personality also made it clear that the decision was carefully considered. The Blast noted that Wilkinson said she wanted a program that felt supportive, realistic, and suited to her lifestyle, adding that she planned to keep followers updated as her journey continued instead of hiding the process.
Her openness caused a stir on the Internet. Many spoke well of her candor, urging her to continue, but some wondered about her need for the medicine at all. The conversation then turned into a wide-ranging conversation around body image, health, and personal choice.
Kendra Wilkinson Previously Defended Her Changing Appearance

Wilkinson had preemptively responded to criticism about her appearance prior to starting her GLP-1 journey. She had been the target of comments regarding her weight and aging, but she has said that she felt good about herself and didn’t let the negativity on the Internet get the better of her.
The former reality star also stood up for her personal style, saying that it showed her life as it is now, not how she presented herself on TV. Instead of going for a dreamy look, she said she was more concerned with living a happy life around positive energy than anything else.
While she went on to say that she wanted to start GLP-1 treatment, Wilkinson said it was never about being skinny. She said her objective was to get healthier, to get balance back into her life, to be able to put on her clothes without discomfort, and that her decision was not a reaction to public opinion, but one of her own.
Critics Did Not Change The Reality Star’s Mind

Wilkinson has faced criticism about her appearance before, particularly after fans began commenting on her weight gain and changing looks. Rather than retreat from the spotlight, she made it clear that she was comfortable in her own skin and no longer interested in meeting other people’s expectations.
The Blast reported that the former reality star previously addressed claims that she had “aged poorly,” explaining that she had learned to embrace her natural appearance after years of trying to impress others.
Wilkinson stressed that she was happier than she had been in a long time and no longer measured her worth through public approval or male attention.
That mindset appears to have carried over into her latest health journey. While she remains open about wanting to improve her fitness and energy levels, Wilkinson has repeatedly emphasized that the goal is not perfection but feeling comfortable, confident, and healthy in her own body.
Kendra Wilkinson Broke Down After Career Setback

Wilkinson recently shared one of her most vulnerable moments after revealing she lost a client despite weeks of work. Posting a tearful selfie on Instagram Stories, the former reality star admitted she was struggling, writing, “When a client fires you… after all the work you put in,” before adding, “Ya, I’m struggling today guys.”
Wilkinson later explained how deeply the setback had affected her. She admitted that balancing motherhood with a demanding real estate career has left her emotionally drained at times, saying rejection can be difficult even when she knows she’s given her best.
Despite breaking down, she later thanked fans for their support and vowed to keep moving forward. After rebuilding her life following divorce, mental health struggles, and a career change, Wilkinson continues to face setbacks with honesty.
As Kendra Wilkinson pushes forward through every challenge, will this difficult chapter become another step in her comeback?
Entertainment
Kevin Feige Says Marvel Is Slowing Down to Focus on Quality Over Quantity : Coastal House Media
Marvel Studios has managed to pull off something that feels almost impossible in today’s internet age: keeping one of the biggest casting secrets completely under wraps.
As Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters this week, fans are still asking the same question they’ve been debating for more than a year:
Who is Sadie Sink actually playing?
The speculation reached another level after Sony released a new promotional clip featuring Sink, where her answer about her character is intentionally bleeped out, instantly sending social media into detective mode once again. While the clip offers no definitive answers, it is the latest example of Marvel leaning into one of the film’s biggest mysteries.
Marvel Isn’t Hiding It by Accident
Director Destin Daniel Cretton recently explained that the secrecy is completely intentional and for good reason.
“There is a very real reason” the role hasn’t been revealed, Cretton said, adding that audiences will understand why once they have seen the movie. He also noted that while some fans enjoy knowing every detail ahead of release, preserving surprises is part of the experience.
That comment alone has convinced many fans that Sink’s character is not simply another supporting role, but someone whose identity could reshape the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Biggest Fan Theories
Gwen Stacy
Perhaps the safest prediction is Gwen Stacy.
Peter Parker is beginning a brand new chapter following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, making this an ideal opportunity to introduce one of Spider Man’s most iconic comic book characters.
With MJ and Ned moving on with their lives and no longer remembering Peter, a new relationship could naturally fit into this next phase of the franchise.
Jean Grey
For months, the internet was convinced Sink would make her MCU debut as Jean Grey, finally bringing one of Marvel’s most powerful mutants into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The theory made sense on paper. Sink has the look, the acting range, and Marvel is steadily building toward introducing the X Men.
However, Tom Holland recently appeared to pour cold water on that idea, saying, “Well, she’s not in this movie, but it would be pretty cool.” Whether fans believe Holland, or think he is simply protecting another Marvel secret, is another story entirely.
Jean Grey [Marvel Comics]
Mayday Parker
Another increasingly popular theory suggests Sink could be playing Mayday Parker, Peter Parker’s daughter from an alternate universe.
Given Marvel’s continued use of multiverse storytelling, introducing Mayday now could open the door for future Spider Man stories while expanding the Parker family legacy beyond Peter himself.
Rachel Summers
Some fans have gone even deeper into Marvel lore by predicting Rachel Summers, the daughter of Jean Grey and Cyclops from an alternate timeline.
If Marvel plans to merge Spider Man’s street level adventures with the arrival of mutants, Rachel could serve as an unexpected bridge between those worlds.
Rachel Summers [Marvel Comics]
Why the Secret Matters
Marvel has spent years trying to preserve genuine surprises in an era dominated by leaks and spoilers.
The studio has kept Sadie Sink largely absent from trailers, TV spots, and promotional materials, making her one of the few major MCU characters whose identity has remained completely unknown leading up to release.
With Brand New Day positioned as a fresh beginning for Peter Parker after the world forgot his identity, introducing a significant new character makes perfect narrative sense.
Whether that character is Gwen Stacy, an X Men icon, or someone fans have not even considered yet, Marvel clearly believes the reveal is worth protecting.
The Wait Is Almost Over
Fortunately, fans will not have to speculate much longer.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters July 31, meaning the internet’s biggest MCU mystery is only days away from being solved. Until then, every new promotional clip, including the latest bleeped out interview with Sadie Sink, is only fueling the excitement.
One thing is certain: if Marvel has gone to these lengths to keep her character secret, the reveal is likely to be one of the film’s biggest moments.
Entertainment
Weill Cornell to Pay $1 Billion to Darius Paduch’s Patients
Weill Cornell Medicine agreed to pay more than $1 billion in civil settlements after former urologist Darius Paduch was convicted of sexual abuse.
It was revealed how much the hospital was paying in an official admission that the group was aware of Paduch’s troubling behavior for several years, according to Newsday. Despite the hospital group’s knowledge of Paduch’s crimes, they continued to allow him to treat young men and boys suffering from infertility and sexual dysfunction.
Weill Cornell officials have not yet publicly explained how the medical group plans to pay for the settlements.
The agreement stated that Cornell “acknowledges that the policies and programs that WCM had in place at the time of Paduch’s offenses to detect, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse of patients were not adequate and failed to detect and sufficiently respond to Paduch’s conduct.”
In addition to the $1 billion for the civil settlements, the medical group explained their plan to set aside $30 million in order to establish the WCM Institute for Safe Patient Care and Patient Empowerment so that they can improve collaboration between hospitals, patient advocates, law enforcement and regulators.
The hospital group agreed to the settlement after prosecutors argued that Paduch, 59, abused more than 50 patients while working at Weill Cornell beginning in 2009.
Paduch, who previously had Jeffrey Epstein as a patient, had a history of issues within the hospital group before he was arrested in April 2023. An internal review in 2006 referred to Paduch as a “volatile” doctor who “makes a poor work environment.” The problems continued when staffers reported that he used inappropriate sexual language and behavior between 2012 to 2014, according to the settlement.
Meanwhile, another doctor told the head of the hospital’s urology department that a patient accused Paduch of sexually manipulating them under the guise of treatment in 2015. However, prosecutors said that the administrator did not do anything regarding the allegations.
Another patient complained to the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct that he was sexually molested in 2018. Prosecutors said that the hospital’s administrators responded by assigning inexperienced staffers to investigate the claims and they didn’t mention previous complaints.
Weill Cornell’s head of urology eventually denied Paduch’s renewal to the faculty in 2019 after an internal investigation revealed he waived $50,000 in medical bills of one patient who accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior.
Paduch later started working at Northwell, and prosecutors argued that the Weill Cornell administrators did not disclose any of the allegations made against him.
Following years of allegations, Paduch was convicted in 2024 on six counts of sexual abuse of patients. He was then sentenced to life in prison.
Approximately 800 lawsuits have been filed against Weill Cornell and Northwell for Paduch’s behavior, with patients accusing him of assault and battery, negligence and intentional infliction of severe emotional distress.
“Our clients have said all along that Weill Cornell administrators knew about Darius Paduch’s crimes — instead of protecting patients, they protected Paduch,” attorney Anthony DiPietro said while announcing the settlement, per the outlet. “Today’s announcement sends a clear message to medical institutions across the country that they will be held accountable for criminal cover-ups.”
As part of the settlement, Weill Cornell also agreed to set up a panel to continuously monitor sexual misconduct and risks, while they must also conduct periodic reviews until 2031.
“This resolution is a significant step forward for us in addressing our former faculty member’s misconduct,” hospital spokeswoman Sarah Smith said, per the outlet. “Today, Weill Cornell Medicine is a safer organization. Under new executive leadership, we have enacted significant reforms in patient safety and reporting protocols to ensure we provide the very best care to all those who place their trust in us.”
Meanwhile, Northwell spokeswoman Barbara Osborn said that “protecting the patients who place their trust in us remains our highest priority, and we fully supported [the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office] in its criminal investigation of Dr. Darius Paduch’s reprehensible conduct.”
Entertainment
10 Greatest Sci-Fi Movies of the Last Decade
Science fiction continues to be one of the most dominant genres of feature-length films in the 21st Century. The industry has delivered not only box office smashes that have captured the imagination of the nation, but nuanced, artistic triumphs that swept the podium in awards season. From smaller, independent gems to big studio epics, sci-fi continues to be king.
The past decade has been an embarrassment of riches when it comes to sci-fi hits. From movies filled with action and excitement to slow burns with a growing sense of dread and tension, these movies crafted their stories and executed them with excellence. No two of these movies are exactly alike, highlighting the kaleidoscopic array of artistic expression available in this diverse and rewarding milieu.
10
‘Annihilation’ (2018)
In a movie that Collider’s Lade Omotade aptly describes as “Arrival meets John Carpenter’s The Thing,” Annihilation blends body horror with psychological suspense. Unlike other invasion movies where the takeover of the planet is overtly hostile and swift, Annihilation takes a more subtle and subverted approach. In the movie, a strange new structure known as the “shimmer” appears, and a team of biologists is sent in to investigate. What they find is a sort of experiment taking place by an unknown force. It is unmaking and remaking Earth’s flora and fauna like a maniacal child who has just found a dissection kit.
Annihilation is purposefully disturbing, and it is unlike the vast majority of extinction movies. Instead of using a shock and awe campaign to invoke terror, it begins on a very basic, biological level and explores what could happen if an outside force were to remake the planet and everything that lived on it to its own preferences. Annihilation gets under your skin and arouses morbid curiosity. Its impact is undeniable, easily making it one of the most memorable sci-fi movies of the decade.
9
‘The Vast of Night’ (2019)
Not every sci-fi movie has to have visible aliens or loud explosions to erupt with drama. The Vast of Night is a slow-burn movie that takes a while to ramp up the tension, but when it does, the audience is fully enthralled, having been invested since the very beginning. Set in the 1950s, The Vast of Night follows two people as they try to make sense of the odd phone calls and circumstances that start happening around their small town in New Mexico.
The Vast of Night is a must-watch for classic science fiction fans. It is simultaneously a love letter to the older sci-fi movies of the past while still feeling fresh and interesting for a new generation. The Vast of Night is unlike most science fiction films in that it does not spoon-feed information to the viewer and instead demands participation. As Collider’s Jasneet Singh writes, The Vast of Night is “[…] a film that refuses to invite the audience into its world and instead stands alone, forcing us to pay attention and close the distance to keep up with the surreal conversations.” It is a unique low-budget and independent triumph of the past decade and stands out among its peers.
8
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2023)
One of the most groundbreaking animated films in recent history, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse reinvented what an illustrated movie could be. The stunning visuals are fresh, captivating, and unlike anything seen on the screen before. They pay homage to the comic book artistry that birthed the character, while keeping the movement and dimensional rendering fluid and ambulatory.
Of course, having great graphics is only half of having a great movie. Luckily, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’s story is interesting, candid, and engaging. The movie focuses on young Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he becomes the Spider-Man of his universe. Miles is a fantastic protagonist to follow, and his vulnerability and relatable qualities embody everything that made the original Peter Parker and Spider-Man of the comics so endearing. He isn’t a billionaire, he isn’t influential, he doesn’t belong to any elite squad. He’s just a teenager trying to make the world a better place. Watching Miles team up with other Spider heroes from alternate dimensions is genius, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse executes a multiverse concept far better than several other movies in multiple genres.
7
‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)
Written, directed, and starring John Krasinski, A Quiet Place was a family fight for survival like none other. Although the plot of A Quiet Place is fairly straightforward — blind aliens with super hearing invade Earth — the movie adds layers of relational drama and interesting circumstances that make the story captivating to follow. The main family that the movie focuses on has a daughter named Regan (Millicent Simmonds) who is deaf, giving them a unique advantage in that they already know how to communicate with each other using American Sign Language instead of talking.
A Quiet Place is a refreshing twist on the alien invasion trope. Most incursion movies have been about spectacle and out-maneuvering the foes. In A Quiet Place, the outsmarting of the enemy finds a new and interesting path, and the movie explores one of the other major human senses instead of everything being about visual grandiose. The creature design is creepy and menacing, and the interpersonal drama is moving, making A Quiet Place one of the more original sci-fi movies of the era. It has opened up an entirely new avenue for alien design and launched a successful film franchise.
6
‘Arrival’ (2016)
What would happen if aliens came in peace? That is the intriguing premise behind Arrival. Amy Adams stars as Louise Banks, a linguist who is tasked with developing a way to communicate with visitors from another planet. Arrival is a fascinating look into the importance of dialogue and the free exchange of thoughts and feelings. The story takes the outsider or “other” perspective and views it from a unique angle that resonates on several levels.
One of the greatest things science fiction can do is encourage humanity to explore its own self. Arrival achieves this goal through multiple tactics. There is the base layer of us versus them, and then there are the added layers of connection, time, understanding, and loss. Arrival is one of the best hard sci-fi movies of the century and is a boon to the already robust and introspective genre.
5
‘Bugonia’ (2025)
Science fiction has always been the marriage of what is generally known and what could possibly be. This relationship has never been more volatile and fraught with tension than in Bugonia. Directed by the prescient Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia follows two young men who hold a highly influential female CEO hostage in their basement. Jesse Plemons gives a tour-de-force performance as Teddy, a person with a troubled past and intensely held belief about the future. Emma Stone is equally exemplary as Michelle, and it is one of the best roles of her career.
Bugonia is a brilliant, unsettling dissection of paranoia. It has vivid themes of truth versus perceived reality, power dynamics, delusional mindsets, and a balance of control. Stone was nominated for an Oscar for her role, and why Plemons was unfairly snubbed is still a hot topic of debate. Bugonia is one of the most interesting and thrilling sci-fi movies of the decade, and it keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
4
‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)
Making a sequel to an iconic 1980s sci-fi staple is daunting, but director Denis Villeneuve made it look easy. Blade Runner 2049 not only justified its existence, but enriched the worldbuilding of the original. In the sequel, Ryan Gosling is K, a cop who learns information he was never supposed to know, and he enlists the help of a retired Blade Runner named Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) who has been hiding for decades.
Blade Runner 2049 takes its place among the esteemed ranks of movies like The Dark Knight and Aliens to be regarded as one of the best sequels of all time. It was nominated for five Oscars and took home trophies for visual effects and cinematography. Blade Runner 2049 revived classic debates from the original like free will, independent agency, and ethics. It endeavors to explore a not-so-unfathomable future where existence is traded like a commodity and life is treated like a commercial product.
3
‘Dune: Part One’ (2021)
Another movie on this list directed by Villeneuve, Dune: Part One translates a vast, multi-layered worldbuilding system from a novel series onto the screen. The celebrated books written by Frank Herbert have seen more than one adaptation already, and each iteration brings a new viewpoint to the lore. Villeneuve’s version of Dune has been hailed as one of the best, and the first installment of the trilogy won six Oscars.
Dune: Part One is full of intrigue, fantastic dialogue, and exciting action. It revived interest in Herbert’s work in the most wonderful of ways and delivered on every front. Dune: Part One is everything a sci-fi epic should be, and its cinematography and production value are bar-none.
2
‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)
A movie that upended the box office and multiple genres was 2022’s Everything Everywhere All At Once. Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the cerebral sci-fi/fantasy mashup grossed $145 million against its $25 million budget. Everything Everywhere All At Once cleaned house at the Oscars. It was nominated a whopping 11 times and took home the Academy Award in seven categories. The story follows a wife and mother named Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) as she experiences multiple versions of reality.
Everything Everywhere All At Once represents not only what sci-fi is, but also what it could be. With its frantic felicity, nuanced performances, and eccentric concepts, it pushed the envelope of what would be accepted by general audiences as pop sci-fi. Everything Everywhere All At Once opened the doors for movies like Bugonia to thrive. By blending high sci-fi concepts with chaotic and unhinged foundations, it created a new presentation all its own that will undoubtedly be emulated for years to come.
1
‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)
Certain movies stand out in history as becoming more than the sum of their parts. They are so accessible and communicative that they spill out of the boundaries of their given genre and find audiences across all spectrums. One such movie that has recently achieved this phenomenon is Project Hail Mary. A second movie on this list to feature Ryan Gosling in a lead role, Project Hail Mary is more than a stunt-filled spectacle; it is a universally appealing achievement that has resonated deeply with critics and fans.
While Earth is the main focus of the drama, and the attempt to save it is protagonist Ryland Grace’s (Gosling) main task, a lot of the action is set in space. Reminding audiences of the vastness of space and how very fragile and small this planet is remains one of the most profound themes of science fiction. Gosling is perfect in the role, and Project Hail Mary is one of the biggest crowd pleasers of the genre ever. Project Hail Mary is a movie that anyone can love, not just sci-fi aficionados. As it continues to dominate on streaming, there are ample new opportunities for even more viewers to check out this 10/10 winner. While the past decade has had a plethora of triumphs, Project Hail Mary plays a tune that almost every moviegoer can dance to, and it is undoubtedly the best of the best.
Project Hail Mary
- Release Date
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March 15, 2026
- Runtime
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157 minutes
- Director
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Christopher Miller, Phil Lord
- Writers
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Drew Goddard, Andy Weir
Entertainment
Commanders Fire Ben Steele After Shocking Blood-Alcohol Levels
The Washington Commanders have fired tight ends coach Ben Steele following a June arrest in which he was charged for driving while intoxicated.
“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the Commanders wrote in a statement shared via X on Monday, July 27. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”
Steele, 48, was pulled over in the early morning hours of June 7, near the Commanders’ facility, for allegedly “changing course after a signal,” according to court documents obtained by The Athletic.
The Commanders were in the midst of spring practices at the time, and following Steele’s arrest, he missed the team’s final two OTA workouts and minicamp the next week.
At the time of his arrest, Steele reportedly refused a breathalyzer test at the scene, but a blood test later showed that he had a 0.214 blood alcohol content, more than 2.5 times the legal limit.
The officer who stopped him reported that Steele allegedly had “glassy/red eyes, slurred speech, confused speech” and had a “strong and distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage.” Steele then allegedly refused to exit his vehicle when asked multiple times and when the officer entered the car to attempt to remove him, Steele “pulled back” against the officer, according to the court documents.

Ben Steele Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
In addition to his DWI charge, Steele was also charged with refusing a breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force.
Steele was later released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Loudoun County General District Court on August 13.
The Commanders placed Steele on leave after learning of his arrest, according to The Athletic, and subsequently fired him for a violation of team policy. His bio on the Commanders’ website has already been removed and offensive assistant Wes Welker has been coaching the team’s tight ends while Steele was on leave.
This would have been Steele’s first season on the Commanders’ staff after he spent three years in the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. He has been in the NFL coaching ranks since 2014, and before that spent five years as an assistant and positions coach at the college level.
After going undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft, Steele spent time with six NFL teams as a tight end between 2001 and 2006, but only appeared in regular season games for the Green Bay Packers, where he spent 2004 and 2005.
Washington opens training camp on Wednesday, July 29, and head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce Steele’s replacement before then, according to CBS Sports.
Entertainment
Forget ‘Blade Runner,’ Netflix’s 2-Season Sci-Fi Masterpiece Changed the Genre Forever
No one knows better than Blade Runner fans how well sci-fi and film noir go together. That world is set to expand again with Blade Runner 2099, which was described during its SDCC interview with Collider as a limited, one-and-done series rather than the beginning of a multi-season story. The beloved Philip K. Dick story yielded one of the most celebrated sci-fi films of all time, and yet another adaptation utilizes social commentary even further.
Altered Carbon was a 2002 book penned by Richard K. Morgan, and in 2018, it made its way to Netflix. Starring Joel Kinnaman, the short-lived series follows a soldier by the name of Takeshi Kovacs who, after fighting for the freedom of his people, is killed. However, he has another chance at life when, centuries after his death, his consciousness is put into another body, known as a sleeve.
Kovacs is offered the option to live again if he solves the murder of Laurens Bancroft (James Purefoy). In an interesting twist, Bancroft hires Kovacs himself because his murderer did not know he had a backup of his cortical stack, which allowed him to put on a new sleeve. Only the extremely rich can remotely back up their consciousness, but Kovacs would be rewarded with such an operation if he were successful in his quest. Throughout the first season, Kovacs pieces together what happened to his family as he is confronted with the brutalities of this new world.
‘Altered Carbon’ Is a More Visceral Version of ‘Blade Runner’
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner considers the ramifications of viewing people’s bodies as nothing more than property. Harrison Ford stars as Deckard in the film, an investigator tasked with decommissioning rogue replicants. These robots were designed for manual labor and are not supposed to surpass their four-year expiration date. The film raises questions about what it means to be human in a universal story.
Altered Carbon weaves a similar tale, except one that features human bodies put through the wringer instead of synthetic ones. The series particularly shows female bodies abused, and though this was a divisive part of the series, it is largely the point. Altered Carbon shows how human rights are still an issue in a futuristic world where such things should be solved. Women are still treated as meat in many ways, which is what enraged Richard K. Morgan about the real world. In one sequence in his book, Kovacs was sleeved inside a female body that was brutally tortured. This wasn’t meant to exploit the female body, but to do the opposite.
“To me, it was a kind of allegiance — that Kovacs is going to suffer what women in this situation suffer,” Richard told The Guardian. “And then, of course, he comes back later and slaughters everybody in sight.” In the series, Kovacs is tortured in his Joel Kinnaman form, but the brutality is still the same. Richard’s work is to hold a mirror up to society, not celebrate it.
These themes, combined with the film noir tropes present, make Altered Carbon an underrated feat. Season 1 covers the events of the book, while Season 2 gets revitalized, casting Anthony Mackie in the role of Kovacs. Though only two seasons, Altered Carbon triumphs with its social commentary and compelling detective story. Viewers can catch both seasons of the series streaming on Netflix.
- Release Date
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2018 – 2020-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Alex Graves, Ciaran Donnelly, M.J. Bassett, Nick Hurran, Peter Hoar, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Uta Briesewitz, Jeremy Webb, Andy Goddard, Miguel Sapochnik
- Writers
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Brian Nelson, Garrett Lerner, Russel Friend, Steve Blackman, Adam Lash, Laeta Kalogridis, Nevin Densham, Alison Schapker
Entertainment
New Star Trek Directors Officially Reveal Plan to “Subvert With Respect” [Exclusive]
Don’t worry about when Game Night directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley will get to make their dream project… because they’re already making it. The duo has recently begun talking about the new Star Trek movie they’re working on, and how they’ll approach the long-lived franchise, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Collider’s Perri Nemiroff caught up with Goldstein and Daley at San Diego Comic Con, where they were promoting their new Apple TV movie, Mayday.
When asked about their dream project, they revealed that it’s already in the works: it’s their new Star Trek movie, which was first announced late last year. Daley made it clear that their new take on the franchise will not be a continuation of the “Kelvin Timeline” Star Trek movies that kicked off with J.J. Abrams‘ big-screen reboot of the franchise in 2009; a fourth film in that series was in the works for nearly a decade, and went through multiple directors and screenwriters before finally being scrapped. What Daley and Goldstein’s movie will be is a totally new take on Trek that won’t be a continuation of any of the franchise’s various TV series. They told Nemiroff:
“We’re very fortunate to already be in the process of this with the Star Trek movie that we’re developing. I think, if we get to make it, it would be very surprising for people because it is a version of Star Trek that no one’s ever seen before. We are subverting it in a way that I think would be very exciting and also set itself apart from the television versions of the IP, but also the J.J. movies. It’s just a matter of if we get to actually get it done.”
Goldstein clarifies that they aren’t looking to denigrate Star Trek; they’ll be treating it much as they did another long-established IP they worked on, in the form of the well-received Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. “I’d say ‘subvert with respect.’ It’s kind of like that old Reagan quote, ‘Trust but verify.’ That’s how we approached D&D,” he explained. “We want to do something that is different, that will surprise people, but also respects the DNA of what Star Trek is in this case.” Daley made it clear that while the film will respect its source material, it won’t be solely for the fans, and that the film will be focused on its characters, not the franchise at large: “You don’t have to be a Star Trek fan to like what we’re doing because it’s a very character-based film that we’re putting together.” The film is currently in development and does not yet have a release date.
What Is ‘Mayday’?
In this homage to 1980s actioners, Ryan Reynolds stars as Troy “Assassin” Kelly, a Navy pilot whose SR-71 Blackbird gets shot down over the Soviet Union in 1987. He’s discovered and nursed back to health by Nikolai Ustinov (Kenneth Branagh), an ex-KGB agent and admirer of America’s freedoms (and action movies). Now, with the Red Army closing in, Ustinov teams with Kelly to escape from the country to friendly soil before he can cause an international incident. The movie will premiere on September 4, exclusively on Apple TV.
Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley’s Star Trek movie is in development. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
- Release Date
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December 6, 1979
- Runtime
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2 hours, 16 minutes
- Director
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Robert Wise
Entertainment
‘King Of Drag’ Unveils Surprise New Host For Season 2
Cameron Esposito is stepping into the spotlight as the new host of Revry’s groundbreaking drag king competition series, “King of Drag.” The comedian, actor, bestselling author, and LGBTQ+ advocate will lead the show’s eight-episode second season when it premieres on September 20. Esposito will be joined by a newly assembled Kings’ Court featuring regular judges Gottmik, Vico Ortiz, and series co-creator Damian Pelliccione. The forthcoming season will also welcome a rotating roster of celebrity guest judges and bring back several memorable performers from Season 1.

Esposito arrives at “King of Drag” with experience spanning stand-up comedy, television, acting, writing, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The new host is known for the comedy specials “Four Pills” and “9 Months,” along with appearances across Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Peacock.
“We are bringing an extraordinary host and group of guest judges to the Kings’ Court,” Christopher J. Rodriguez, the show’s co-creator and Revry’s co-founder and chief creative officer, said in a press release sent to The Blast. “Cameron Esposito brings bold new energy and razor-sharp wit to the series, while guest judges Dustin Lance Black, Yvie Oddly, and Ginger Minj turn Season 2 into must-watch television.”
Gottmik And Vico Ortiz Join The Kings’ Court
Season 2’s regular judging panel brings together several prominent figures from across drag, television, and LGBTQ+ media. Gottmik, who competed on Season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “All Stars 9,” will join the Kings’ Court as a trailblazing transmasculine drag artist.
Actor, drag king, and LGBTQ+ advocate Vico Ortiz will also serve as a regular judge. Ortiz is widely recognized for their role in “Our Flag Means Death.” Rounding out the main panel is Pelliccione, the co-creator and executive producer of “King of Drag.” He is also the co-founder and CEO of Revry and the host of the “Mic Drop” podcast.
‘King Of Drag’ Season 2 Unveils Celebrity Guest Judges

A wide-ranging list of celebrity guests will join the Kings’ Court throughout the season. The lineup includes Dustin Lance Black, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter behind “Milk” and the director, writer, and star of Revry’s four-part documentary series “Rock Out.”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly will also appear alongside “All Stars 10” winner Ginger Minj, whose screen credits include Netflix’s “Dumplin’” and Disney’s “Hocus Pocus 2.” Additional guest judges include comedian and “The Daily Beans” podcast host Dana Goldberg, singer-songwriter Frankie Simone, trans model and actor Laith Ashley, and several competitors from the show’s first season.
Season 1 finalist Henlo Bullfrog will return after becoming known for theatrical stagecraft incorporating airbrush, special effects, and extensive character lore. “Mr. Congeniality” winner King Perk and former contestant Big D will also take seats on the panel.
The involvement of former contestants will extend beyond the judging panel. Tuna Melt, Charles Galin King, Pressure K, Alexander the Great, and Buck Wylde are scheduled to make cameo appearances during the second season.
“The return of Season 1 standout kings signals more than nostalgia; it’s a direct reinvestment in the drag king community that the show set out to elevate,” Pelliccione said. “These are artists, activists, and entertainers who understand the power of performance and the importance of uplifting underrepresented voices. We are honored to have them join us again.”
The series was created to spotlight the talent, artistry, and cultural influence of drag kings, many of whom come from lesbian, transmasculine, nonbinary, and other queer communities that have historically received less visibility within mainstream drag entertainment.
Through its performances and challenges, Season 2 will continue examining masculinity while encouraging contestants to reinterpret what it can look like.
‘King Of Drag’ Returns After A Successful First Season
Revry is expanding the series following strong engagement with its first season. According to the network, Season 1 generated more than 33 million minutes watched and attracted 2.2 million viewers.
The competition also reportedly earned 3.8 billion media impressions across broadcast and digital platforms while inspiring more than 200 watch parties around the world. The show’s inaugural season additionally received two nominations at the 2026 Queerty Awards.
With Esposito taking over as host, a new Kings’ Court in place, and former contestants returning, Revry is positioning Season 2 as an even larger celebration of drag king artistry. E.l.f. Cosmetics will return as the presenting sponsor, with its products incorporated into the season’s broader exploration of how masculinity can be reclaimed, reshaped, and expressed through performance.
“King of Drag” Season 2 premieres September 20 at 9 p.m. ET exclusively on Revry. The streaming network is available for free through the Revry app and across supported platforms and devices worldwide.
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