Perez Hilton’s recent hospitalization has drawn renewed attention to the series of personal and professional struggles that had quietly unfolded in the months leading up to the incident. 

Once regarded as one of the internet’s most influential celebrity gossip bloggers, Hilton had reportedly been grappling with financial strain, career setbacks, lingering health complications, and deeply personal challenges before authorities responded to a self-harm emergency at his Miami home.

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Perez Hilton had endured a difficult stretch before he was hospitalized following a self-harm incident that was livestreamed on TikTok. 

As The Blast shared, the footage appeared to show the 48-year-old covered in blood while holding a large knife inside his Miami residence.

Long before the emergency, Hilton was reportedly facing mounting financial pressure while searching for a path back into mainstream entertainment. 

After rising to prominence in the early 2000s through his celebrity gossip website and later expanding into reality television, several recent attempts to revive his TV career reportedly failed to gain momentum.

According to the Daily Mail, multiple reality show concepts stalled before making it to air. One project initially appeared more promising after Hilton reportedly signed a deal with a television production company to host a program focused on cyberbullying. 

However, a source claimed the company had yet to pay him and was still deciding exactly how he would fit into the production.

Hilton Faced Financial Stress Alongside Personal Battles

Perez Hilton’s career frustrations reportedly coincided with challenges in his personal life. 

Sources told the outlet that the blogger had become increasingly discouraged over his dating life and was unhappy about being single while struggling to find a long-term partner.

In addition, Hilton revealed earlier this year that he had spent 21 days in the hospital after developing sepsis. In a YouTube video, the father of three shared that the health scare, which began after taking flu medication on an empty stomach, ultimately required two surgeries. 

During the ordeal, doctors also treated him for fluid in his lungs, deep vein thrombosis, kidney issues, and an irregular heartbeat.

The extended recovery kept him away from work for more than a month, adding to his financial burden. Hoping to offset those losses, Hilton launched a religious-themed clothing line.

“That’s why your boy is now in hustle mode. I have all that, that I had to take care of and I wasn’t able to work for over a month,” he explained.

He also encouraged supporters by saying, “Wear something holy. Praise Him. And support your boy, if you want.”

Perez Hilton Credited Faith With Helping Him Start Over

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Following his battle with sepsis, Hilton described his recovery as nothing short of miraculous, saying he believed God had intervened during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

His renewed faith also shaped another major decision: leaving Las Vegas and returning to his hometown of Miami. 

Hilton explained that life in Las Vegas had left him feeling overwhelmed and unhappy, while moving closer to family offered the sense of security he had been missing.

Still, the transition wasn’t without its own emotional challenges. He admitted that Miami no longer felt like the city he remembered from the early 1990s, describing it as unfamiliar despite being home.

Hilton also acknowledged that the aftermath of sepsis continued to weigh heavily on him. He said the illness placed him under “a tremendous amount of stress,” while the antibiotics prescribed during his recovery left him feeling “run down and depressed.” 

Those lingering physical and emotional effects appeared to persist well beyond his release from the hospital.

Hilton’s Mental Health Emergency Triggered A Major Police Response

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The mounting pressures ultimately culminated in Tuesday night’s emergency.

Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Department responded to Perez Hilton’s home after receiving reports of what dispatch audio described as a “suicide attempt.” 

Officers arrived around 11 p.m. and remained at the residence for several hours after Hilton reportedly barricaded himself inside.

Authorities employed “de-escalation measures” while waiting for a mental health team to arrive. Hilton was eventually transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. 

His three children were not at the residence during the incident and are reportedly being cared for by their grandmother.

Perez Hilton’s Family Says They’re Hopeful As Blogger Receives Medical Care

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Amid the scary incident, Hilton’s family shared an encouraging update as the celebrity blogger remains under medical care, saying there were early signs giving them reason to stay hopeful. 

In a statement released on his blog, his loved ones confirmed that Hilton was “able to communicate,” describing that development as “giving us hope” as they focused entirely on his recovery. 

They thanked fans, friends, and first responders for the overwhelming support they had received, adding that every message of kindness had meant a great deal during an incredibly difficult time. 

While acknowledging there was still a long road ahead, the family said their priority remained Hilton’s health and well-being, asking the public to continue respecting his privacy. 

They also expressed gratitude to the medical team caring for him and said they would share further updates only when appropriate, stressing that their focus remained on supporting him through his recovery.

One year after its untimely conclusion, Netflix‘s acclaimed supernatural fantasy adaptation of a beloved DC comic series is making a comeback, but not in the way fans may have hoped. Co-developed by Neil Gaiman, Foundation creator David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, The Sandman ended its two-season run in July 2025, concluding Dream’s story as he sought to rebuild his fractured kingdom and atone for the mistakes that had shaped his existence.

Starring Tom Sturridge as Morpheus, the King of Dreams, The Sandman was widely praised for its faithful adaptation of Gaiman’s work as well as its stunning visuals, performances, and ambitious world-building. Across two seasons, the series managed to cover the comic’s most important arcs while remaining focused on Dream’s emotional journey. Season 1 primarily adapted Preludes & Nocturnes and The Doll’s House, alongside select stories from Dream Country. Season 2, on the other hand, drew from Season of Mists, Brief Lives, The Kindly Ones, and The Wake, delivering a fitting conclusion to Morpheus’ saga.

Although the series earned strong critical acclaim throughout its run, with an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Netflix announced in January 2025, months before Season 2 premiered, that the second season would be its last. The decision naturally disappointed many fans, who had hoped to see more of Gaiman’s expansive mythology adapted for the screen. Now, The Sandman is returning in physical form, with Amazon confirming that The Sandman: The Complete Series will be released on Blu-ray on October 20, 2026. The box set is currently available for pre-order starting at $48.99, while a DVD edition will also launch the same day, priced at $43.99.

What Happens in ‘The Sandman’ Season 2?

Image via Amazon

Set just weeks after the Season 1 finale, The Sandman Season 2 follows Dream as he returns to the Dreaming and begins restoring his kingdom after more than a century away. As he transforms the palace, he vows to leave the past behind and look to the future. The past, of course, has other ideas, forcing him to confront both friends and enemies from across his immortal life. Furthermore, the season explores Dream’s complex relationships with the Endless, particularly his siblings, as he faces one impossible decision after another while attempting to save himself, his kingdom, and the waking world from the epic fallout of his past misdeeds. Ultimately, his search for redemption comes at a great cost, bringing his story to a bittersweet ending.

The Sandman: The Complete Series will be released on Blu-ray in October. Pre-order yours here and follow Collider for more pop culture updates.

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Release Date

2022 – 2025-00-00

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Network

Netflix

Showrunner

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Allan Heinberg

Directors

Louise Hooper, Andrés Baiz, Hisko Hulsing, Mike Barker, Coralie Fargeat

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Writers

Neil Gaiman, Allan Heinberg, David S. Goyer

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After eighteen years of superhero success, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally ready to introduce the X-Men. Sure, there have been small teases here and there, namely in Disney+’s Ms. Marvel series, but after 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, which confirmed the Fox X-Men universe as a multiverse in the MCU, the powers that be are bringing in the Merry Mutants and moving full steam ahead with a reboot directed by Jake Schreier of Thunderbolts* fame.

But after decades of X-Men films in the Fox universe, the MCU’s new X-Team will have an uphill battle to climb. Since the X-Men are arguably the longest running Marvel live action franchise, having kicked off in the year 2000 with X-Men and churning out sequels and spin-offs year after year, any reset of the franchise will have the unenviable task of introducing the numerous concepts and characters of the world to millions of new fans. With the epic history of the franchise, that could be a problem.

The Fox era laid the groundwork well.

Image via 20th Century Studios

In the year 2000, comic book movies were not as commonplace as they are now and the ones that fans did have were campy and unrealistic. Then along came X-Men, which took the source material seriously and took time to build up the characters, to the point that the film opened with a flashback sequence to a WW2 concentration camp. The concept of mutants living among us and the social divide between them and the human population was explored and treated with respect to the debate inherit in the premise.

The film also succeeded when it came to establishing numerous classic comic book characters. The X-Men are a large and diverse team in the comics- there’s practically a mutant for everybody to identify with- and the film had the task of picking and choosing the very best of them to present to a brand new audience. The filmmakers chose wisely and cast the parts perfectly, namely Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, both of whom have reprised their roles countless times.

The franchise’s evolution will be hard to top.

As the decades went on, the X-Men franchise got bigger and bolder with each successive film, introducing new characters, adapting famous comic book storylines, and upping the ante when it came to their action set pieces. By the time Matthew Vaughn soft rebooted the franchise with 2011’s X-Men: First Class, audiences were familiar enough with the lore that a prequel detailing certain characters’ history was a huge box office success.

And now the MCU is planning on essentially starting from scratch, recasting key iconic characters and planning a fresh take on the concept. With all the groundwork laid by the Fox universe, redoing and disregarding the deep lore of those films will be massive challenge, especially when it comes to introducing the characters that fans are accustomed to from previous films.

Worse, since the MCU has confirmed that the Fox universe is canon, albeit in another multiverse, the comparison between old and new will be fierce and unforgiving. If the MCU was truly doing its own thing and restarting from square one, maybe fans could forgive a reboot. But with Stewart, Ian McKellan and more returning in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, any new cast of X-Men will have to hold a candle to their predecessors, who have played the roles for so long that they’re practically inseparable from the characters.

With a deep cast and long history behind the franchise, the X-Men are ripe for a big screen saga. But since fans have already enjoyed numerous films showcasing these characters, starting over could either be a big win or a massive backfire. Only time will tell which fate will befall the new X-Men.

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July 13, 2000

Runtime

104 minutes

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Director

Bryan Singer

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Avi Arad, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Richard Donner

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Winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 2000, enduring as a classic over 20 years later, and having a sequel that was released in 2024, it’s safe to say that Gladiator is a much-loved film. It’s proven to be one of the most popular films within Ridley Scott‘s vast body of work and tells a gripping revenge story that’s well-paced, emotionally resonant, filled with exciting action, and complemented by strong visuals, performances, and music.

Even if the film had never gotten a sequel, there are still plenty of other action-packed historical movies out there that scratch a similar itch. The following are some of the best of these and are essentially required viewing for fans of Gladiator who want to see other titles with comparable stories, equally exciting action, or deal with characters seeking revenge in the distant past.

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‘The Odyssey’ (2026)

Image via Universal Pictures

As far as historical spectacle in cinema goes, no film has surpassed Gladiator in terms of grandeur and gravitas since it was released in 2000, but has that just changed? A typically enormous achievement from modern blockbuster maestro Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey brings Homer’s epic poem to life in ravishing detail as it follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his men in their arduous voyage back to Ithaca after Greece’s victory in the Trojan War.

Just as Gladiator thrives as a stunning realization of Ancient Rome, The Odyssey immerses viewers in the wonder of Ancient Greece, not only through the palpable authenticity of its fantasy elements, but through the quality, scope, and detail of the production as well. Furthermore, with both movies focusing on battle-hardened heroes seeking to emerge triumphant over overwhelming odds, including political threats from traitorous cowards, The Odyssey holds a similar emotional pull as Gladiator even as it tells a very different story. —Ryan Heffernan

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‘Spartacus’ (1960)

Image via Universal Studios

Gladiator isn’t similar enough to Spartacus to call it a remake by any means, but of all the old-school Hollywood epics from the 1950s and 60s, Spartacus is probably the one Gladiator took the most inspiration from. It’s a huge movie that runs for more than three hours, being set in the first century B.C. and telling the story of Spartacus, a man sold into slavery and forced into gladiatorial combat, only to break free of his captors and inspire a rebellion with his fellow slaves that will allow them to get revenge on those who sold and enslaved them.

With its large-scale narrative about an uprising, it doesn’t spend as much time in the arena as Gladiator. However, it’s still an aspect of it, and the revenge sought by the title character is another point of comparison. The behind-the-scenes story of Spartacus is also interesting and dramatic, from its writing to its production, with Stanley Kubrick ultimately being its director, despite the final product not exactly feeling like a Kubrick film.

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‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ (2003)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Russell Crowe was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, leading not only Gladiator but other noteworthy titles like L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind, and Cinderella Man. One of his best movies of the era comes in the form of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, another gem of historical cinema that combines its loose basis on Patrick O’Brien’s “Aubrey-Maturin” novel series with a stunning realization of naval life during the Napoleonic Wars.

Crowe stars as Jack Aubrey, the captain of the HMS Surprise who bullishly leads his crew in pursuit of a powerful French vessel sailing around the coast of South America, even as they face insurmountable obstacles in their voyage. Complimented by Peter Weir’s outstanding direction, the seafaring epic juggles monumental scope with intimate drama with aplomb, making for an underrated highlight of Crowe’s career as a leading man and a somewhat forgotten gem of historical drama at large. —Ryan Heffernan

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‘Ironclad’ (2011)

Image via ARC Entertainment

There are certainly better movies in the world, but for those who adore the visceral grit and grandeur of Gladiator’s combat sequences, Ironclad is a rewarding dose of swords-and-sandals action. Very loosely based on true events, it unfolds as a small group of barons holds the strategic point of Rochester Castle in defiance of King John (Paul Giamatti), who has gathered a Danish army as he tries to restore his absolute authority and break the vow he made when he signed the Magna Carta.

Ironclad is a procession of grim and bloody violence and knightly stoicism broken up by the evil sneering of Giamatti’s King John, but there is a charm to that. It flaunts a romanticized morality of valor and bravery to a fault, but given it is supported by an ensemble cast that includes James Purefoy, Brian Cox, Charles Dance, and Derek Jacobi as well as Giamatti, it is an easily indulged romp of historical action. —Ryan Heffernan

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‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

Image via Toho

In many respects, Seven Samurai is the true pioneer of the brand of historical epic cinema that Gladiator exists within, along with many other classic titles of the past 70 years. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, the Japanese picture unfolds over a monumental yet ceaselessly enrapturing 202-minute runtime, with Kurosawa using everything from immaculate, inspired cinematography to poignant character beats, natural elements like rain and wind, and intense and realistic combat that was decades ahead of its time to create what is one of the greatest triumphs in cinematic history.

Its spectacle and its emotionally-rousing story work in tandem, with Seven Samurai following seven warriors who agree to help a poor farming village defend their homes from a vicious bandit gang terrorizing their region. While it is stirring, it also invests heavily in the complex cultural issues that sparked rifts between samurai and peasants, imbuing the movie with a dramatic punch that complements its astonishing scale perfectly. With both its marvelous scope and its grounded vigor, Seven Samurai is the perfect classic movie for anyone who loves Gladiator. —Ryan Heffernan

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‘Ran’ (1985)

Image via Toho

Another Kurosawa masterpiece, Ran presents one of the most visually astonishing historical epics of all time with its vibrant array of colors, stunning natural beauty, and Kurosawa’s trademark perfection with shot composition and blocking. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” it unfolds as an aging warlord divides his kingdom between his three sons so they can each rule. When his middle son defies the order he is granted, war erupts within the kingdom as the dynasty crumbles.

Ran’s historical setting, breathtaking ambition, and mesmerizing battle sequences make it an essential watch for all who love Gladiator. While it may not center on one character as Gladiator does with Maximus, Ran also explores such ideas as power, betrayal, and political ambition with an enormity and craft that is nothing short of masterful. —Ryan Heffernan

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‘The Northman’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

An adaptation of the story that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Northman is another great example of a revenge story with plenty of action and a historical setting. It takes place over 1000 years ago and tells the story of a prince who seeks to murder his uncle for killing his father and taking his mother as a prisoner.

It’s an incredibly down-and-dirty movie, with its violence and grittiness giving it a certain amount of intensity and (probable) realism. Its grim story and gruesome action sequences might make it a hard sell for some, but for others, it’s certain to excite and entertain, with it representing another success within the filmography of Robert Eggers.

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‘The Last Samurai’ (2003)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Admittedly, The Last Samurai isn’t set nearly as far back as Gladiator, though it takes place in the late 19th century at a pivotal point in Japanese history. It follows an American man hired to educate the Japanese army about more modern weaponry, though he comes to appreciate their samurai culture and eventually endeavors to join their ranks.

This leads to plenty of conflicts and, eventually, warfare, with the action present throughout The Last Samurai being remarkably visceral and exciting to watch. It’s one of the best samurai-themed films not in Japanese and is another film showing how reliable Tom Cruise is as an action star.

17

‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (2005)

Image via 20th Century Studios

The story behind Kingdom of Heaven‘s release is an unfortunate one. Despite the success of Gladiator just five years earlier, Ridley Scott’s vision for Kingdom of Heaven was compromised during post-production, with an inferior theatrical cut of the film being released to cinemas that ultimately failed to make a big enough splash at the box office.

Thankfully, a director’s cut was eventually released, with the 45 minutes of additional footage making the film’s epic story about Holy War conflicts during the Crusades easier to follow and more compelling. Its director’s cut isn’t far off Gladiator quality-wise, serving as another Ridley Scott historical epic with plenty of stunning visuals, impressive special effects, and satisfying action.

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‘Braveheart’ (1995)

Image Via Paramount

Large-scale historical epics haven’t exactly been in fashion in recent years, but two to three decades ago, they were pretty popular. As mentioned before, Gladiator won Best Picture in 2000, and five years before that, Braveheart did the same, being a success at the Academy Awards while also resonating with audiences worldwide.

Braveheart begins as a personal revenge story about William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who got vengeance for his murdered wife before inspiring a large-scale rebellion against English forces in Scotland over 700 years ago. It’s particularly brutal when it comes to its violence and also has a lengthy runtime of almost three hours, but it mostly works well as a satisfying and bombastic historical drama/action/revenge movie.

Perez Hilton‘s family is sharing an update on the celebrity blogger’s condition following a traumatic livestream and subsequent emergency hospitalization.

“Our family wants to once again thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support for Perez. Your compassionate humanity during this profoundly heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express,” his family said in a statement shared via his website on Wednesday, August 5. “This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family. While we continue to wait for further updates, we remain hopeful.”

Hilton’s family went on to say that the blogger has been “able to communicate” while receiving treatment in a Florida hospital – a good sign, the family said.

“[This] has given our family hope,” the statement continued. “We respectfully ask for your continued prayers, understanding, and grace as Perez continues to recover. We will share additional updates as we receive confirmed information and are able to do so. For now, we’re taking things one step at a time and keeping our focus where it belongs, on Perez and his recovery.”

Related: 911 Audio Released After Perez Hilton’s Apparent ‘Suicide Attempt’: Report

New details regarding Perez Hilton’s hospitalization have come to light. In 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six, first responders were called to Hilton’s Miami home following an apparent “suicide attempt.” Multiple units arrived on the scene late on Tuesday, August 4, and were reportedly present for hours. Police had been notified after Hilton, 48, […]

Hilton, 48, alarmed his TikTok followers on Tuesday, August 4, when he went live on the platform and appeared to perform dangerous acts of self-harm. Miami-Dade police confirmed to Us that officers responded to calls “regarding an individual who was live-streaming acts of self-harm on social media” and were dispatched to Hilton’s home for what they suspected was a “possible suicide” attempt. (Hilton’s TikTok account was later banned for violating the platform’s terms of use.)

“Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside,” a police spokesperson told Us. “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize deescalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication. At this time, deputies have tactfully disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation.”

Hilton was eventually hospitalized. In the wake of the incident, Hilton’s manager, Dante Rusciolelli, told Us that the blogger’s team remains focused on his “health, recovery, and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

His podcast cohost, Chris Booker, spoke out on Wednesday to confirm that their show, “The Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker,” is going on hiatus so Hilton can focus on his recovery.

“It’s all TBD at the moment as our collective focus is on his health. I certainly hope to continue [the podcast and Patreon] with my friend when the time is appropriate,” Booker, 55, wrote via Instagram. “I will give updates there when the time is right. We’ve done these shows for over a decade now and the support from our listeners has been resounding.”

He added, “[Perez] is very loved. I can only hope he feels it. Heal up friend.”

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Hilton’s family initially reacted to the blogger’s hospitalization with a statement asking the public for privacy.

“Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers. We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being,” they said on Wednesday. “We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time. If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can. Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Few actors are having the summer Tom Holland is having currently. He stars in two of the biggest movies of the year, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The latter, in which Holland plays the main character Peter Parker, is the fastest movie ever to hit the $1 billion mark, reaching that milestone in less than a week. Meanwhile, he stars in the former as Telemachus, and the Christopher Nolan epic is also projected to make $1 billion during its theatrical run. Holland continues to set and break cinematic records since he was cast as the webslinger in 2015.

But these high-budget movies are not the only thing the actor has done. His filmography spans movies and television, first rising to prominence in the 2012 disaster thriller, The Impossible. Between his major studio films, Holland has also taken smaller projects in films like Cherry, The Devil All the Time, Chaos Walking, and Uncharted. These movies were not as big as his Marvel output, but they allowed him to showcase his acting range. However, no film he has done has come close to being as demanding as his first-ever leading TV role.

Holland returned to Apple TV, with whom he had made Cherry, for his first acting and executive producing role in a TV series. He played the main character in the 10-episode thriller titled The Crowded Room. Created by Akiva Goldsman, the series focuses on Danny Sullivan, a young man who shoots someone with a gun in New York City in broad daylight. The series dives into his past to understand the motivation for this crime, but as one curious interrogator digs deeper, something unexpected emerges. Holland plays the character with Dissociative Identity Disorder, a role that tests his physical and mental extremes.

‘The Crowded Room’ Is an Engaging Mystery Perfect for a Weekend Binge

The story is shrouded in mystery and takes its time to get into the core issues in Danny’s case. This is the reason why it divided critics so sharply, because they felt like it went in circles. They gave it a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, viewers had a very different outlook on the pacing, praising it for making the story so engaging, in addition to great performances from other cast members like Amanda Seyfried, Emmy Rossum, Sasha Lane, and Lior Raz. Viewers gave the show a 92% score on the same site. Holland gives a performance of a lifetime that is both mesmerizing and hard to watch.

The Crowded Room is streaming on Apple TV. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Release Date

2023 – 2023-00-00

Showrunner

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Akiva Goldsman

Writers

Akiva Goldsman

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Taylor Sheridan has unleashed several massive TV shows into the world this year, and it all started with a pair of neo-Westerns, Marshals and The Madison. The former is a Yellowstone spin-off starring Luke Grimes, but it was the first Sheridan-produced show to air on CBS and not straight to streaming on Paramount Plus. The Madison is a much slower paced, more emotionally charged Western featuring big stars like Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer — despite varying reviews, though, both shows were picked up for Season 2. Sheridan further expanded the Yellowstone story with Dutton Ranch, another spin-off coming back for Season 2 at a currently undisclosed date. The Yellowstone scribe is also returning to his screenwriting roots for his new action movie, F.A.S.T., which was recently delayed to May 2027 after originally being slated to premiere in April.

Just a few days ago, Sheridan finally brought back his black ops CIA thriller, Lioness, for its third season. The show went on hiatus for two years after airing its last season in 2024, but it’s finally back and firing all cylinders after its Season 3 premiere. Led by Zoe Saldaña and featuring other stars like Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, Lioness is like a blend of Zero Dark Thirty and Yellowstone, perfect for fans who love intense espionage thrillers set against a dusty neo-Western backdrop, similar to Sheridan’s original Western hit. After the first episode of Lioness Season 3, “The Spider and the Fly,” premiered on August 2, the show quickly surged into the top spot as the most-watched title on Paramount Plus around the world at the time of writing.

Taylor Sheridan Has Prime Real Estate in the Paramount+ Top 10

Not only is Sheridan’s Lioness the #1 show on Paramount right now, but he’s also taking up the third spot thanks to Yellowstone, the sweeping Western starring Kevin Costner. The show is streaming on Peacock in America. Sitting at #7 in the Paramount Plus top 10 is Tulsa King, Sheridan’s Sylvester Stallone-led crime thriller that’s expected to return later this year with its fourth season. Even Dutton Ranch, which is now over a month removed from its Season 1 finale, is still hanging around in the #8 spot on the Paramount Plus top 10 right now.

Check out the new season of Lioness on Paramount Plus, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the series.

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Release Date

July 23, 2023

Network

Paramount+

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Directors

John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan

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  Laysla De Oliveira

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We all know and love The Silence of the Lambs, one of three films ever to win all five major categories (Best Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay, and Picture) at the Academy Awards. However, Jonathan Demme‘s groundbreaking crime drama/thriller was not the first time the work of author Thomas Harris, creator of the horrifying, cannibalistic Dr. Hannibal Lecter, was adapted for the big screen. Five years earlier, Michael Mann — the hyper-stylized and cinematic poet laureate of men who are incapable of compartmentalizing their professional and personal lives — directed Manhunter, the first Hannibal Lecter movie, adapted from Harris’ most famous novel, Red Dragon. Dismissed upon release in 1986, the film, which starred William Petersen as Will Graham and Brian Cox as Lecter, has become more than a cherished entry in the Mann filmography; it also helped set the template for our current obsession and consumption of serial killer-related media.

Now available in a remastered 4K director’s cut — which will be playing in a limited theatrical run — there’s never been a better time to hop on the Manhunter bandwagon.

‘Manhunter’ is a Quintessential Michael Mann Film

Image via De Laurentiis Entertainment Group

Thanks to its cult reappraisal, the film, which follows FBI profiler Will Graham returning to service to pursue a deranged serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy,” is no longer the overshadowed little sibling of the more widely acclaimed Silence of the Lambs. In certain instances, Mann’s film — his third feature following Thief and The Keep — explores human psychology and the grisly effects of plunging into a murder investigation to a depth that Demme never could have in Lambs.

Red Dragon, or any book by Harris, was practically tailor-made for Mann, a director whose filmography is synonymous with slick, emotionally operatic crime sagas. On one hand, Mann’s visual acumen was responsible for the culturally defining neon-soaked aura of the 1980s with Thief and the Miami Vice series, which he produced. He pushed the envelope even further in the 2000s with his foray into digital filmmaking and high frame rates with Collateral and Public Enemies. But at his core, no matter the formalist direction, Mann loves nothing more than cops and crooks whose obsession with their respective professions compromises their personal relationships — and even their own well-being — from the dueling detective and bank robber in Heat to the determined Big Tobacco whistleblower in The Insider.

Manhunter is a maximized charge of both aspects of Mann, combining the glossy visual euphoria of his ’80s work with the gritty character drama of his most acclaimed ’90s films. Will Graham’s relationship with Dr. Lecter, spelled “Lecktor” in this film, is an intoxicating insight into the perverse bonds between people on opposite sides of the law. Graham’s use of his former nemesis, the one who nearly killed him, as a consultant in his Tooth Fairy investigation makes us question the FBI agent’s motivations and the sacrifice required to fulfill justice. The collision of Mann’s virtuosic style and poignant themes coalesces into a painterly cinematic experience, which enforces the idea that, in the best cases, style is indeed the substance, as the varying color palettes reflect moods of sensual warmth and sheer terror.

Today, audiences can’t get enough of anything related to crime, especially serial killer cases of both the fictional and nonfictional varieties. Between movies, TV, books, and podcasts, true crime reigns supreme in the media landscape. As disturbing as it sounds, diving into the minds of sociopaths, hearing graphic details of a horrific crime, and following a case as mock detectives have become forms of escapist entertainment for many. If you watch any of Michael Mann’s films, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why society has embraced, if not glorified, serial crimes.

Despite being an actual officer of the law, Will Graham resembles the average consumer of a 10-part true crime documentary series more than a venerated detective. His determination borders on an unhealthy obsession with the case, so much so that he begins identifying with Lecktor and Francis Dolarhyde, a.k.a. the Tooth Fairy, played brilliantly by the late Tom Noonan. Graham loses sight of reality and his values, particularly his family (overlooked wives and children are a Mann staple), during a thorough investigation that often sees him entering an inescapable dark void. Manhunter‘s methodical attention to detail and deliberate use of jargon and procedure were highly influential to the future of crime media 40 years later, just as Mann’s calculated writing and directing are fundamental to your average network cop drama today.

When a film is as visually and thematically striking as Manhunter, watching it in the sharpest format is essential. Soon enough, the film will enter its place as a canonical classic among all audiences.

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Manhunter

Release Date

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August 15, 1986

Runtime

119 minutes

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Director

Michael Mann

Writers

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Thomas Harris, Michael Mann

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Rihanna fans may finally have a reason to get excited about new music. During a recent interview, A$AP Rocky teased that the Grammy-winning singer is working in the studio, leading many to believe her ninth studio album is on the horizon. While the rapper stopped short of revealing details, his comments have sparked fresh excitement among fans.

It has been more than a decade since Rihanna released her last studio album, and fans have eagerly been awaiting her next release, dubbed “R9.” As previously noted by The Blast, fans begged the singer to release new music on the ninth anniversary of “Anti,” but so far, nothing has been announced.

It appears there’s cause for celebration, though, as the singer’s longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, shared that Rihanna is busy working in the studio. In an appearance on “The Jason Lee Show,” the rapper was asked whether he was the reason why Rihanna has not released an album in 10 years.

He answered in the negative, adding that Rihanna was currently in the studio. “Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe… Bro, she working. She cooking, no funny sh-t. D-mn, I’mma get in trouble for this. Her fans are going to kill me,” A$AP Rocky said.

Rihanna’s Last Album Was Released More Than 10 Years Ago

Rihanna has released eight studio albums since her 2005 debut, with the gaps between releases ranging from seven months to three years. Her most recent album, “Anti,” arrived on January 28, 2016, meaning fans have now waited more than a decade for its follow-up.

Three singles from the album dominated music charts, including “Work (featuring Drake),” “Love on the Brain,” and “Needed Me.” She also received six Grammy nominations for specific singles and the album.

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While A$AP Rocky’s latest comments sparked excitement among some people, others are proceeding with caution. “She’s been in the studio for 10 years,” one user commented. “We will believe it when the album is on Spotify,” another wrote, followed by a crying emoji. “She been ‘cooking’ since Anti dropped and we still starving,” said another.

The Singer Is Juggling Her Career And Motherhood

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky began a romantic relationship in 2020, and they share three children: 4-year-old RZA, 3-year-old Riot, and 9-month-old Rocki. In previous interviews, Rihanna shared that she balances her career with motherhood.

In 2024, the singer caused a frenzy after she was photographed wearing a shirt that read, “I’m Retired,” leading many to believe she was making a statement. She later clarified that she was not officially retiring from making music, but she had to make some changes to be present in her children’s lives.

Throughout the years, Rihanna has also emphasized her desire to be a hands-on parent and have quality time with her children.

Rihanna Has ‘Cracked’ Her Next Album

Rihanna has been repeatedly asked about her ninth album over the years, but it seems she’s taking her time to figure out what style of music she wants to release.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in 2025, the singer shared why, despite spending time in the studio, she hasn’t come up with a concept. “Every time, I was just like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s not right. It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution,” she said.

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Rihanna also noted that her next album must be worth the time she took away from music, saying, “I have to show them the worth in the wait.” She did, however, reveal that she finally “cracked it,” teasing that her upcoming music is “not anything that anybody expects.”

In February, she sent fans into a frenzy after posting a video of herself working in a recording studio, per The Blast.

Rihanna Released Some Songs Since Her Last Album

Despite not releasing a full album, the singer and entrepreneur dropped some songs over the years. In 2022, two of her songs, “Lift Me Up” and “Born Again,” were included in the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack.

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In 2025, she recorded the song “Friend of Mine” for the animated film “The Smurfs Movie,” in which she also voiced the character of Smurfette.

In addition, she also collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, N.E.R.D., PartyNextDoor, and DJ Khaled.

Joe Jonas thought he was ready to make it on his own after years of chart-topping success with the Jonas Brothers. Instead, his first solo album became a career setback that would ultimately change both his outlook and his life.

In a recent interview, Joe recalled how the experience pushed him to seek professional help and rethink how closely he tied success to his sense of self.

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Joe Jonas is opening up about one of the toughest chapters of his career, revealing that the disappointing performance of his first solo album sent him into a mental health spiral and eventually led him to therapy.

Speaking on the “Hey Jonas” podcast alongside brothers Kevin and Nick Jonas, the singer reflected on the release of his 2011 solo debut, “Fastlife.”

He admitted he expected the project to match the massive success the Jonas Brothers had enjoyed at the height of their fame. Instead, the album peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, while its lead single, “See No More,” reached No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Joe said the results hit him harder than he expected because he had tied the album’s success to his own sense of value. “I had a lot of high expectations of success without you guys,” he said, explaining that deep down he believed proving himself alone would mean “I matter.”

The disappointment soon became physical. Joe revealed he began experiencing panic attacks and recurring pain that prompted repeated doctor visits and extensive medical testing. After confirming there was no underlying physical illness, one doctor urged him to consider therapy, setting him on a path he says ultimately changed his life.

How ‘Fastlife’ Struggled To Match Expectations

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When “Fastlife” arrived in October 2011, Joe wasn’t venturing too far from what dominated pop radio at the time. The album reportedly leaned heavily into EDM and dance-pop, with much of its sound shaped by producer Danja, a longtime Timbaland collaborator.

Ahead of the release, early reactions to lead single “See No More” were largely optimistic, with some fans and critics praising Joe’s move toward an R&B-infused sound. But the promising start did not carry through the rest of the rollout. “Just in Love” and the album’s other releases passed without giving Joe the solo breakthrough he was chasing.

Whatever the reason, “Fastlife” became a short-lived chapter that Joe would later credit with reshaping both his career and his outlook.

DNCE Gave Joe Jonas A Fresh Start

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Joe had to wait a few more years for his next breakthrough, which ultimately came after he hit the reset button with DNCE. The dance-pop band exploded onto the charts with “Cake by the Ocean,” a global hit that spent 19 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multi-platinum success in multiple countries.

Looking back, Joe credited more than timing for the turnaround. He said the music felt closer to his heart and was built around having fun rather than chasing expectations.

The fresh start also brought a different audience. Joe revealed DNCE initially released music online without revealing he was in the band, allowing listeners to discover the songs on their own instead of through his Jonas Brothers fame.

By 2017, Joe described DNCE’s success as especially meaningful because it proved he could build something new outside his family’s band.

Joe Recalled ‘Fastlife’ Setback In Earlier Interview

Joe first opened up about the emotional fallout from “Fastlife” years before revisiting it on the “Hey Jonas” podcast. Speaking with Jay Shetty in 2022, he admitted the album’s reception left him questioning himself after assuming the Jonas Brothers’ success would naturally continue on his own.

“I took it really hard,” Joe said. “I didn’t realize how I actually felt in the moments.” As criticism mounted, he recalled convincing himself he was physically sick before doctors found nothing medically wrong.

Looking back, Joe said he eventually understood how deeply he had internalized the setback. “I saw a headline like, ‘Failure,’ and I took that word, and that was my identity with that album,” he said.

Joe Jonas Couldn’t Listen To ‘Fastlife’

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Joe told Shetty the disappointment surrounding “Fastlife” lingered long after the album cycle ended, so much so that he admitted he couldn’t even bring himself to revisit the record for years after its release.

“I wouldn’t even listen to the songs,” Joe recalled, explaining that it took years of personal work before he could hear the album again with a different perspective.

Before therapy, he searched for another way to cope. Joe said he would spend entire days riding his bike through New York City, leaving home around 8 a.m. and not returning until evening. “It was an escape for me,” he said, adding that being away from his phone helped him avoid thinking about the album and the reaction surrounding it. Looking back, though, Joe realized he wasn’t healing. “I was still running away, avoiding the problems,” he admitted.