Actress Jenna Ortega is opening up about a dark time in her life as a child star. After rising to fame on the sitcom “Rob” and later landing roles in shows like “Jane the Virgin” and “Stuck in the Middle,” the 23-year-old knows the pressures that come with working on high-profile productions. And to keep her position on said shows safe, Ortega admitted that she developed unhealthy habits that she looks back on with a bit of regret.

Ortega, who now stars in the Netflix original “Wednesday,” spoke with Esquire about life in the spotlight and said that while she’s sure she made mistakes when she first broke into the industry, her primary focus was to be on her best behavior while on set.

“Is that a terrible thing to say? I feel like I make mistakes now all the time, but as a child, I was so grateful and so excited to be there that my game face was on,” she reflected.

According to the California native, Ortega didn’t want to be seen as complicated while working with adults and other professional actors. “I wasn’t asking for a sip of water. I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever, because I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody,” she said.

As she looked back, she said that her rookie mistake “was not actually looking after myself.”

What Motivated Jenna Ortega To Be An Actor?

In addition to the above works, Ortega has snagged roles in “Iron Man,” “Insidious,” “Scream,” and “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”

During her chat with Esquire, Ortega revealed that she was only seven when she realized she wanted to be an actor. Her motivation to make it big was only fueled by the conversation she had with her parents when she told them about her dream.

“My parents laughed at me when I told them that I wanted to do it, and then that kind of was the root of everything. The motivation. And I never really stopped, because I’m very stubborn. And then I never questioned it,” she said.

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Jenna Ortega Looked Up To This Child Star

Luckily for Ortega, she had other child stars to look up to for motivation, such as Dakota Fanning, who was in “I Am Sam” and “Uptown Girls.” Fanning’s work inspired Ortega to push forward and reach for the stars.

“As a young girl, to see a young girl with so much, it felt like wisdom, like she had lived and walked this planet many times before … she kind of taught me what an actor even was when I was a kid,” Ortega revealed.

Ortega Previously Talked About Stepping Away From Kid Roles

Before landing the role of Wednesday in the Netflix black comedy series, Ortega was spotted in “You” alongside Penn Badgley. In the series, she played Ellie Alves, a teenager who befriends Joe but is forced to move to another state because of a predatory neighbor.

Her appearance in “You” was her first more mature role, something she previously revealed was intentional on Kid Cudi’s “Big Bro” podcast.

“When I was a teenager, I’d gotten off a children’s show, and I didn’t know what I was going to do,” she said, per The Blast. “I had to prove myself and meet all these new casting directors who didn’t know who I was.”

Ortega even revealed that her time on the set of “You” made her realize how much she loved the craft. “[Before ‘You’] just felt like a good time to call it quits [with acting] if I was going to. I was starting high school, and, ‘It was a good run’ sort of thing. We had talked about it for a few months with my team. And then, I think I booked that show You, and then I went on that set, and I loved it and had the best time. I thought, ‘Yeah, there’s no way I could let this go,’” she said.

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Ortega Showed Her Respects To Catherine O’Hara

In early February 2026, Ortega honored the late Catherine O’Hara with a two-slide post on Instagram. The iconic actress died at age 71.

“Catherine is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the honor of getting to work with and know,” Ortega wrote, according to The Blast. “I’ll forever cherish the time we shared together, and everything she taught me.”

Ortega and O’Hara worked together in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a blockbuster film that grossed $452 million at the box office in 2024.

As she finished, Ortega recognized O’Hara as one of the industry’s greats, calling her a “giant and an inspiration in many ways.”

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Coyote vs. Acme. Batgirl. Scoob! Holiday — What do all of these films have in common? They’re all projects that were shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery for tax write-offs three years ago. Projects that no one thought would ever be released to the public, until Coyote vs. Acme did the impossible when the conglomerate agreed to sell the movie to another distributor, Ketchup Entertainment. It’s been a long road for Dave Green’s comedy, but I’m pleased to report that it was absolutely worth the wait. Whether you’ve been following the film’s tumultuous journey to the big screen for years and participating in the #SaveCoyoteVsAcme campaign, or coming in blind with nothing more than curiosity or some latent Looney Tunes nostalgia, odds are you’re going to be satisfied.

What Is ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ About?

Wile E. Coyote has been trying to capture Road Runner for years through increasingly elaborate traps involving Acme products. Unfortunately for him, all of his schemes have not only proven unsuccessful but dangerous, as he’s suffered countless injuries due to the faulty Acme items. Fed up, he decides to sue the company after seeing a small law firm’s commercial claiming they can help.

There, he meets attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte), who is simply going through the motions after losing his ambition and passion for helping people. While initially reluctant to take on Wile E. Coyote’s case, as it is far bigger than what he’s used to, his perky niece and intern Paige (Lana Condor) tries to convince him that it’s the right thing to do. After ultimately being backed into a corner, Kevin agrees to represent Wile E. Coyote against Acme’s ruthless lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena), with whom he shares a complicated history. Acme may have infinitely more resources at their disposal, but Kevin and his team have grit, integrity, and truth on their side. Will it be enough to get Wile E. Coyote the justice he deserves? Or is it a task as hopeless as his endless quest to capture Road Runner?

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Is Boisterous, Fast-Paced Fun

Image via Ketchup Entertainment

Coyote vs. Acme is one of the funniest comedies of the year. Samy Burch’s clever script is stuffed with a truly impressive number of jokes per minute, and Green’s smart direction has them flying by at a nonstop pace, already presenting you with the next hilarious moment before you’re even done laughing at the previous one. The combination of visual gags and sharp dialogue — often happening simultaneously — means there’s never a dull second. Sure, some of the slapstick shenanigans become a bit redundant toward the end, but they’re never repetitive enough to feel lazy or irritating.

The film is also a visual feast, seamlessly blending animation and live-action. It joins the ranks of beloved upper echelon of movies that have previously employed these techniques, like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Space Jam, while still feeling fresh and unique. Whether intentional or by happy accident, the latest Looney Tunes pic also has some comedic parallels to Better Call Saul, what with the scrappy Albuquerque law firm, its over-the-top advertisements, and dramatic desert showdowns. The cinematography and costume design both serve to immerse the viewer in the setting, giving it a distinctlive New Mexico flair.

The performances are excellent across the board. Everyone has a clear understanding of the tone and commits 100%, though perhaps no one as fully as John Cena. Cena is not afraid to be seriously silly, and his scenes plotting with (and deferring to) Acme CEO Foghorn Leghorn stand out in a film packed with great moments. The other MVP goes to Martha Kelly, who plays one of Kevin’s associates. Her deadpan delivery had me laughing every time she opened her mouth.

Forte and Condor are equally great as the film’s slightly more grounded forces. Forte makes for the perfect straight man navigating the chaos around him, as well as the film’s reluctant hero. Condor is sunshine personified as Paige, with a positive, can-do attitude impossible not to root for. She acts as the moral center of the film — a bubbly Erin Brockovich figure who’s unafraid to face Goliath.

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Is Surprisingly Timely and Heartfelt

Image via Warner Bros.

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Coyote vs. Acme’s message is comedically relevant and meta when you take its road to release into account. No punch is pulled when it declares large corporations often work solely in their own best interests, without consideration if consumers are collateral damage for preserving their profits and reputation. The movie impressively goes a step further when it reveals that harming cartoons was always the intention. There is no shortage of marginalized groups that could be substituted in for cartoons, and there’s no doubt that themes of oppression, a lack of regulations, and cover-ups are more timely than ever. Coyote vs. Acme doesn’t shy away from the clear parallels to what’s happening in real life and, in fact, boldly leans into them.

Not only does Coyote vs. Acme have humor and substance, but it also has heart and soul, particularly when it comes to its depiction of unlikely friendships. Wile E. Coyote and Kevin’s unexpected bond acts as the cornerstone of the movie, and several of their scenes are vaguely reminiscent of another great interspecies friendship of 2026: Grace and Rocky in Project Hail Mary. The surprising direction the film takes Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner’s rivalry is another beautiful high point, with both likely to bring a tear or two to your eye. Other Looney Tunes favorites are savvily integrated into the overarching plot, given beats to shine in a way that makes sense without simply feeling like fan service.

Coyote vs. Acme is a rare movie that will truly prove fun and rewarding for the entire family. From classic slapstick antics to clever dialogue, the comedy fires on all cylinders, but the timely message and genuinely compelling relationships bring it to the next level and make for a memorable watch. Coyote vs. Acme’s journey to the big screen proves that good things come to those who wait, but fantastic things come to those who never give up.

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Release Date

August 28, 2026

Runtime

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101 Minutes

Director

Dave Green

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Writers

Samy Burch, Jeremy Slater, James Gunn

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Producers

Christopher DeFaria, James Gunn

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Pros & Cons

• The comedy is strong, and the pacing is excellent, with an impressive number of jokes per minute.
• The themes of corporate cover-ups and greed feel more timely than ever.
• The film has a surprising amount of heart, highlighting unexpected friendships.

• Some of the physical gags can get repetitive at times.

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Funny Marco recently sat down with NBA YoungBoy as the two discussed his struggles with fame, settling in Korea, and the future of his career.

During the conversation, YoungBoy also got candid about his strained relationship with his mother. Things quickly took a turn following the interview, when YoungBoy’s mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, made it clear she wasn’t here for his comments about their relationship.

RELATED: Prayers For YB! Rakai And Fans Offer Prayers For NBA YoungBoy As He Opens Up About Swelling In His Heart (VIDEOS)

NBA YoungBoy Opens Up About His Strained Relationship With His Mom And How It Played A Role In The Anger He Carried

In the interview, NBA YoungBoy and Funny Marco discussed fatherhood, family, and their relationships with their parents. While discussing their mothers, YoungBoy opened up about how his relationship with his mom contributed to the anger he carried. He accepted they may never have the bond he wanted and said he plans to love his mom from a distance.

YoungBoy also made it clear that he does not plan to speak to his mother again.

He stated, “I think my relationship with my mama used to be a big part of my anger. And so I told myself, like it’s just certain s**t you can’t fix. Like certain people you’re not going to just bond with in the way that you expect or the way that you desire, basically just long for and just hope for. So I just started loving my mom from a distance. Like today I never like speak to her again. Like we’ll never talk again. I know this for a fact. But I love her, like I care.”

YoungBoy continued, explaining that his decision is no longer about money, past trauma, or anger. “I hope she know that too. I want her to know that. Ain’t got nothing to do with no dollar. Uh, it ain’t got nothing to do with my trauma no more or something that I was supposedly angry about. Just love ’em, ’cause that’s my grandmother’s daughter and I love my grandma deeply.”

Sherhonda Gaulden Responds To Her Son’s Comments

As the clip started making its rounds online, Sherhonda Gaulden quickly took to her Instagram Story with a message for her son. She wrote, “Boy, keep my name out yo mouth before I put yo name in my mouth. I was down there when he did this interview.” Sherhonda then followed up with a video message directly addressing YoungBoy and challenging his claims about their relationship.

“Kentrell, you don’t talk to me. Or you don’t talk to your f***king kids? Quit playing with me on this internet. I let you lie on me too many fking times,” she said.

She doubled down by questioning whether she was in the kitchen when YoungBoy filmed the interview.

“I don’t give a f**k if you ever call me. Just quit lying on me, bruh,” she said.

NBA YoungBoy And Sherhonda Gaulden Continue Going At It In A Series Of Posts

Following his mother’s response, NBA YoungBoy took to his Instagram Story to deny that Sherhonda was present during the interview.

“Sherhonda never been to Korea a day in her life. Y’all just believe anything dumb f**ks,” he said.

Funny Marco also stepped into The Shade Room Teens’ comments to back up YoungBoy and clarify what happened during their conversation. He wrote, “He never said anything bad about his mama & nobody was there when we did the interview.”

Sherhonda later admitted she had mixed up the interviews and thought YoungBoy’s conversation with Funny Marco had been filmed in Utah earlier. Despite the mix-up, she stood by her message and again told her son to keep her name out of his mouth.

YoungBoy later joined Funny Marco on live and maintained that he never said anything disrespectful about his mother during the interview. He also questioned why Sherhonda mentioned his children before opening up further about their strained relationship over the years.

YoungBoy explained that one part of her response especially hurt because he felt his mother could not recognize how he looked today. The rapper ended by sharing a message for women as he reflected on the situation and his relationship with his mother.

RELATED: Now, Wait A Minute! NBA YoungBoy’s Mom Reacts To NLE Choppa’s Apparent Shade In New Music Video ‘KO’

A former “Top of the Pops” staffer is sharing what some of music’s biggest stars were allegedly like away from the cameras. Gareth Davies, who worked as an assistant floor manager on the BBC music series from the mid-to-late 1990s into the 2000s, recalled backstage encounters with Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Madonna, and the Spice Girls.

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Speaking to online bingo provider Zingo Bingo, Davies described a surprisingly relaxed environment where international stars spent hours mingling between rehearsals and performances.

Davies said Lopez stood out when it came to backstage requests, particularly because the show’s dressing rooms were relatively modest. “I worked backstage at ‘Top of the Pops’ in the ’90s,” he said. “Jennifer Lopez was a diva but Janet Jackson was down to earth.”

“The dressing rooms were all along this narrow corridor, so nothing special, really, quite old-fashioned. But for that small stretch of space, she made it completely her own,” Davies recalled. “The best way to describe it is that she turned her dressing room entirely white.”

According to the former staffer, the room was not painted for the occasion. Instead, plastic sheeting was reportedly installed throughout the space. “At the time, I’m not sure where the fascination with white came from, but she wanted everything transformed,” he continued.

“The whole room was covered from top to bottom, which was quite unusual,” he added. “She didn’t paint it, she had plastic sheeting put up everywhere instead, so it created this striking, all-white environment.”

Shania Twain’s Entourage Reportedly Made Sure She Never Opened A Door

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Shania Twain allegedly arrived with a memorable system of her own. “Shania Twain has a really large entourage with her, and my lasting memory was watching her walk from the dressing rooms to the studio,” Davies said.

“There was this long line of people moving ahead of her, almost like a relay,” he continued. “Apparently she didn’t open doors, so someone would always be one step ahead holding it open for her. It was like this perfectly choreographed system, all so she could just keep walking.”

Janet Jackson Surprised The Crew With Her Down-To-Earth Behavior

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While some performers made elaborate requests, Davies remembered Jackson for being unexpectedly low-key. The production crew reportedly believed the singer was running late as they waited for her to arrive on the studio floor. However, Jackson and her dancers were already onstage.

“We were all being very casual about it, thinking, well, she’s a major A-lister, of course she’s going to be late,” Davies explained. “So we just waited around. But as it turned out, Janet and all her dancers had been there the whole time, quietly waiting on stage themselves while we were all waiting for her.”

The former assistant floor manager said Jackson wore tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie and did not attempt to separate herself from the dancers. “What really stayed with me was how kind, gentle, and soft she was; everyone was genuinely taken aback,” he shared. “She felt like one of the dancers, really, just keen to be part of the group rather than setting herself apart as the star.”

Madonna’s Missing Wardrobe Reportedly Delayed Production

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Madonna’s appearance became memorable for an entirely different reason after her stylist allegedly left the singer’s outfits behind at a London hotel. Davies said the production schedule was already unusually rushed because the music icon planned to record several songs during the same visit.

“From the moment she arrived, it was straight into the studio, rehearsing, back to get ready, then out on stage,” he explained. “But she and her team had all rushed in from a hotel in central London, and somehow her stylist had left all the outfits behind.”

The mistake reportedly forced the production to pause. “We actually had to delay because Madonna had nothing to wear,” Davies said. “It really felt like she had someone responsible for every tiny detail, so you can imagine whoever was in charge of the wardrobe that day was probably in serious trouble…”

The Spice Girls’ Chemistry Was ‘Not Faked For Cameras’

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Davies also witnessed the Spice Girls early in their rise and said the group’s connection appeared authentic even when cameras were not rolling. “I remember the first time they got on stage for their rehearsals, they were all jumping around and hugging each other,” he shared. “That was a moment where they felt they’d made it.”

According to Davies, the group brought the same lively energy into its dressing room. “The five of them just had this amazing chemistry together,” he continued. “Their personalities worked so well and it wasn’t faked for cameras. You’d go into the dressing room and the energy was electric. They were so fun.”

Another standout moment came while watching the band Texas complete a soundcheck. “It felt quite intimate, almost like a private performance, which made those moments really special,” Davies said.

For Davies, those candid backstage moments remain proof that the real magic of “Top of the Pops” often happened long before the cameras started rolling.

2026 has been a huge year for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who has starred in not one, but two of the biggest projects of his career. Abdul-Mateen II began the year by starring in the Wonder Man Disney Plus series in the MCU, which was met with widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. Marvel Studios initially announced that the show had been renewed for Season 2, but just a few weeks ago, the studio went back on its word and confirmed that the show would not receive another season. Abdul-Mateen II also starred in one of the biggest Netflix shows of the year, Man on Fire, which is a remake of the popular Denzel Washington film directed by the late Tony Scott. The series picked up over 40 million views during its time at the top of streaming charts.

After starring in several big shows so far in 2026, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is making the transition to the big screen soon with the premiere of By Any Means, his new true crime thriller coming to theaters on September 4. This morning, Paramount debuted the final breathtaking trailer for the film, which also stars Mark Wahlberg in a leading role. Additional cast members include Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, Ethan Embry, David Straithairn, and Giancarlo Esposito. Sashca Penn wrote the script for By Any Means and Elegance Bratton directed the film. Bratton recently directed The Inspection, the 2022 R-rated psychological drama starring Gabrielle Union, and he also directed an episode of American Horror Stories, the Hulu series that ran from 2021 to 2024.

What Is ‘By Any Means’ About?

Paramount has also released the official synopsis for By Any Means to go along with the debut of the final trailer, which reads as follows: “Inspired by a true story, a young Black FBI agent (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is sent into 1960s Mississippi to investigate a wave of brutal killings targeting civil rights leaders. Forced to work alongside notorious mafia hitman Greg Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg), he finds himself pulled into a deadly hunt where justice and vengeance begin to blur.” Abdul-Mateen II recently earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the first season of Wonder Man, and with his career on the up and up, By Any Means can safely be considered one of the most exciting movies premiering in the second half of the year.

Check out the new trailer for By Any Means and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s future projects.

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Release Date

September 4, 2026

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Director

Elegance Bratton

Writers

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Elegance Bratton, Sascha Penn, Theodore Witcher

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I spent ten days in Europe, and when I tell you that locals wore rich-looking sneakers everywhere, I really mean everywhere. What struck me most wasn’t the sheer volume — after all, the style is incredibly comfortable — but rather that the coolest gals wore the same four sneaker trends on repeat.

Sure, the trends were distinct, however, they all had one thing in common: old money appeal. Itching to recreate the look, I spent months searching for shoes that fit the aesthetic, and I landed on these 11 chic sneaker pairs. The options that caught my eye include styles from popular brands like Adidas, Veja, Reebok and more. The real kicker? They start at only $10!

4 Major European Sneaker Trends in 2026

Ballerina Styles

1. Ooh La Luxe: Dainty and cute, these adorable satin sneakers give any outfit a feminine flair. They aren’t sporty, which is exactly the point.

2. Miss Mary Jane: The Mary Jane design gets a sporty twist with these classy hybrid shoes. We love that the popular style has all the polish of Mary Janes with the cushioning of sneakers.

3. Boutique Find: Ribbon, lace, suede! These expensive-looking wonders could totally come from a Chelsea boutique.

Big Label

4. Total Classic: If you haven’t jumped on the Adidas Samba OG craze yet, let this be your sign. Jennifer Aniston and Dakota Johnson already have.

5. Low Profile: The Adidas Grand Court Lo kicks are ‘quiet luxury’ in shoe form. Somehow, even the animal-print version is sophisticated.

6. Metallic Maven: Metallics are having a moment, and these silver kicks nail the aesthetic. The brand’s signature Cloudfoam cushioning is just a bonus.

Related: Easily Channel Lake Como Style With These 17 Italian-Inspired Dresses

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It seems like everyone’s in Lake Como right now, and if they’re not, they plan to be this fall. We aren’t part of either group (unfortunately), but with these billowy, European-inspired dresses, we can sure look like we are. Breezy, boutiquey and all sorts of luxe, these 17 expensive-looking dresses radiate ‘old money’ energy from […]

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7. Royal-Approved: Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton both wear Veja Campo sneakers, and select versions are on sale. Run!

8. Retro Twist: Look no further for wear-everywhere trainers that pair well with denim, dresses and everything in between.

9. Total Steal: Over 9,000 fashionistas give these timeless lace-up sneakers five stars, highlighting the trendy design, all-day comfort and versatile style.

Occasional Animal Print

10. Options Galore: Whether you choose leopard or cow print, you’re bound to look like a Kensington socialite in these playful shoes.

11. Quite the Charmer: Not only are these chic Reebok sneakers printed, they’re also textured. Seriously, they should cost hundreds.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.