Sony PlayStation’s mega-popular God of War video game franchise jumps into the live-action world with a new television show in the works for Prime Video. The series is currently undergoing some casting changes. Sadly, The Odyssey star Ryan Hurst, who previously portrayed Thor in the God of War: Ragnarök video game, will no longer portray Kratos in the series as originally planned, after suffering an injury during production. Deadline recently reported that former MCU star and WWE World Champion Dave Bautista is currently in negotiations to take over the role, but the recasting has not yet been made official. With the series undergoing production delays due to the recasting situation, it’s now a good time to reinforce the most important aspect of the series that showrunner Ronald D. Moore must get right to make this series work: Kratos’ Greek origins.

The ‘God of War’ Series Picks Up Much Later in Kratos’ Story

It’s important to note that the new live-action God of War show is not starting at the beginning of Kratos’ story, but instead, much later. The new show adapts the franchise’s Norse saga, which began with the 2018 video game God of War, which was a direct sequel to God of War III that concluded Kratos’ saga in the Greek pantheon. God of War in 2018 picks up years after Kratos arrived in Midgard, married Faye, who has recently departed, and had a son, Atreus. In both the 2018 game and the new series, Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey together to fulfill Faye’s last wishes and spread her ashes.

It’s easy to see why Sony PlayStation Productions and Amazon MGM Studios opted to base the new series on Kratos’ Norse adventures. In addition to recency bias and its undoubted popularity, the newer God of War games depict a Kratos who is very different from his earlier Greek adventures. In the Norse saga, Kratos has become far more tempered since arriving in Midgard, his relationship with Faye, and becoming a father to Atreus. Kratos regrets his past transgressions and no longer seeks violence and war, merely wanting to raise his son in peace and tranquility. Kratos in the Norse saga resembles Clint Eastwood‘s William Munny in Unforgiven, making him a much more well-rounded, introspective character. However, Kratos’ newfound introspection will mean nothing if the series avoids his tormented, blood-soaked past by ignoring his Spartan backstory and only embraces his Norse adventures.

Kratos’ Past in Greece Defines His Present

Although God of War is adapting the Norse chapter of the saga, the television series needs to nail Kratos’ backstory as a Spartan warrior, a demigod son of Zeus, the eventual new Greek God of War, and his connection to the rest of the Greek pantheon. Kratos’ origins define his character in the present, explaining why Kratos has become less violent and seeks to become a “better” man and example for his son. The shame of Kratos’ past is literally engraved on his skin, as his pale complexion is the result of how he once mistakenly slaughtered his own wife and daughter while in a blind rage. Their ashes were literally fused to his skin, a permanent reminder of the unforgivable atrocities he previously committed.

The concerning aspect of the television series is how it picks up in the middle of Kratos’ story. The original gamers who have been playing as Kratos since the first game came out in 2005 know the narrative from start to finish. They experienced every major milestone and event with the eponymous protagonist. However, the new television series basically picks up in the middle, without showing the audience the proper sequence of events and how Kratos arrived at this point. Essentially, the series could potentially rob viewers of Kratos’ most formative events and moments of character development. Imagine watching Dragon Ball Z, and Vegeta is introduced as a grumpy good guy from the beginning, rather than an outright detestable villain.

The ‘God of War’ Series Must Embrace and Depict Kratos’ Dark Past

Image via Prime Video

The upcoming television show cannot downplay or avoid Kratos’ past sins; otherwise, it will come off like Ronald D. Moore and the writers are trying to make Kratos more traditionally heroic or likable. Part of what makes Kratos such an interesting character is that in the early games, he was not traditionally heroic or virtuous, but an antihero. Kratos frequently committed unforgivable acts, slaughtered innocents, and would kill anyone who stood in his way, whether they were deserving of his rage or not.

Although the original games leaned heavily into the catharsis of bloody vengeance and Kratos’ sometimes hedonistic ways, they also showed the hollow comfort of Kratos’ path for retribution. Kratos must eventually learn that he is his own worst enemy and the cause of his own torment, regardless of whether he was manipulated and tricked by the Gods of Mount Olympus. If Moore does not handle Kratos’ Greek backstory with care, it will prove detrimental to his new series. Showcasing Kratos’ origins in flashbacks remains crucial to the show’s success because it will highlight the character’s progression from a bloodthirsty demigod who is willing to kill innocent bystanders into a penitent father who wants to do right by his son and teach him a better path than senseless violence. Hopefully, Moore and the writers will find the right balance in God of War.

Influencer Michiel Vandeweert, who had a rare disorder, has died. He was 28.

His death was shared by Flemish news broadcast VRT NEWS, who shared a statement by production company Boundbreakers. The production company had previously featured Vandeweert on the documentary series How to Be Alive.

“Michiel leaves a deep impression and an indelible memory with everyone who knew him or followed his story,” a statement, which was translated to English, read. “We wish the parents, sister, family, and friends much strength during these difficult times.”

Vandeweert was diagnosed with the rare progressive genetic disorder progeria at a young age. The disorder causes children to rapidly age and has a life expectancy of about 15 years, per Mayo Clinic. There is no known cure.

Related: TikTok Star Beandri Booysen Dies at 19 From Rare Aging Disease

Social media personality Beandri Booysen has died at age 19. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspiring young women,” Booysen’s mother, Bea, shared via Facebook on Wednesday, December 18. “Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh […]

Vandeweert, who was a big fan of soccer team KRC Genk, was also honored by the organization after his death.

“With deep sadness, KRC Genk bids farewell to Michiel Vandeweert,” a statement, translated to English, read via Instagram on Monday, August 10. “Michiel was a true bon vivant and a loyal Genkie. His courage and positivity were a source of inspiration to many. Our thoughts are with Amber, his parents, family, and friends. Rest in peace, Michiel. 💙.”

Vandeweert’s funeral is reportedly set to take place inside the stadium.

“We have had funerals in our stadium before, but until now they were always in the business seats section,” Erik Gerits, Head of Community at KRC Genk, said in a statement translated to English. “This will be the first time we organize the funeral on the field itself. The plan is to place Michiel somewhere near the center circle and seat the spectators in the stands. Everyone who wishes to come is welcome to say goodbye.”

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Columbian influencer Alejo Little has died. He was 33. Fellow influencer Carlos Feria confirmed Little’s (real name David Alejandro Peláez Marín) death via Instagram on Friday, March 13. “Today I woke up to some bad news, and it’s that a friend of mine passed away,” he said in Spanish. Feria captioned the heartfelt post, “Wasted […]

“It is very difficult to estimate how many people will turn up,” Gerits continued. “Fortunately, we are quite flexible and are ready for a small group, but also for a large group of people. We also have screens that we can work with.”

In a separate statement, Rik Kriekels — the mayor of Diepenbeek, where Michiel lived — paid tribute to the content creator.

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“People sometimes complain and nag a lot about small things,” a statement, which was translated to English, read. “When you look at how Michiel lived his life, you can only have admiration for that.”

The creator documented his life on his social media accounts, where he amassed more than 90,000 followers online. At age 15, Vandeweert published the memoir Ik Ben Michiel, which translated to I Am Michiel, and detailed how he navigated his life with the disorder.

Michiel and sister Amber, who also has progeria, were also featured in the documentary series How to Be Alive, which was released earlier this year. The pair chronicled their lives with the condition in the series, which followed them for several months.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97 Season 2, Episode 9.

X-Men ’97 left no stone unturned in its Season 2 finale, “Survival of the Fittest.” Not only does this finale feature a free-for-all between the X-Men, X-Factor, and X-Force, but it also finally resolves the fate of Gambit (AJ LoCascio) after he was resurrected and possessed by Apocalypse (Ross Marquand). In true X-Men fashion, it’s a victory that’s both hard-earned and bittersweet, and will leave some fans heartbroken by the end. Yet it’s the mid-credits scene that’s truly shocking, as it pays off a long-running fan theory about one character.

The scene involves Val Cooper (Catherine Disher) going over files at her desk until the door opens…and reveals another Cooper, who’s shocked to see someone who looks like her. The Cooper at the desk shoots her duplicate through the stomach and then transforms into Mystique, who reveals that she intends to take Cooper’s place and destabilize the United States. Fans had long speculated that Mystique would show up at the end of the season or was secretly masquerading as Cooper, and this scene brings those theories to life. It also gives more context to the events that will play out in X-Men ’97 Season 3.

Mystique’s Presence Means The X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants Will Clash in ‘X-Men ’97’

Image via Disney+

The first look at X-Men ’97 Season 3 was revealed during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con this year, which features the Brotherhood of Mutants wreaking havoc before being chased off by red, white, and blue-themed Sentinels. It hints that Mystique will be stoking chaos by pitting the Brotherhood against the X-Men, while also using her newfound disguise as Cooper to command X-Factor to round up any mutants who might oppose her. Further complicating matters is the fact that Mystique’s son, Graydon Creed, is now the President of the United States; Creed’s made no secret of how much he hates mutants due to his upbringing, which introduces more of the personal dynamics that drive the best X-Men stories.Ironically, X-Men ’97 is actually tapping into a long-forgotten part of Mystique’s comic book history with its big plot twist. In Uncanny X-Men #199 by Chris Claremont and John Romita Jr, the shape-shifting villainess offers her services to Val Cooper, alongside the rest of the Brotherhood. Rechristened “Freedom Force,” they’re tasked with arresting threats to American citizens — starting with their former leader, Magneto. It remains to be seen how the Brotherhood plays into X-Men ’97, but an episode could see them donning their Freedom Force moniker and hunting down the X-Men, especially as Season 2 established the mutant heroes were outlawed from operating on American soil.

‘X-Men ’97’ Continues To Be Marvel’s Biggest Show

The Mystique plot twist all but ensures that audiences who’ve been tuning into X-Men ’97 will return for Season 3, and continue to make the series one of Marvel’s biggest hits. Not only has X-Men ’97 constantly stayed in the Top 10 charts for Disney+ during its run, but it also remains one of Marvel’s highest-rated television series. Marvel Animation head Brad Winderbaum also told Collider that Season 3 will mark the beginning of a yearly release for X-Men ’97, which will no doubt continue the series’ rapid momentum.

“Season 3 is going to come out next year and Season 4 the year after that…X-Men was a constant element of my life growing up, and I just want to make as many [seasons] as fast as possible for people to see.”

What makes X-Men ’97 such a hit is that it continues the story of X-Men: The Animated Series while also tackling deeper themes and staying true to all the elements that make the X-Men some of Marvel’s most popular characters. Introducing Mystique continues that trend, especially considering her own dynamic with the X-Men; it also adds an element of suspense to the mix. This is a character who can be anyone and everyone she wants, and like Val Cooper, you’d never know until it was too late.

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Release Date

March 20, 2024

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Disney+

Directors

Jake Castorena, Emi Yonemura, Chase Conley

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Writers

Charlie Feldman, Anthony Sellitti, Beau DeMayo, JB Ballard

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A tragic incident has left a mother holding onto the few belongings her son left behind. ABC News reports that Patrice Thompson is clinging to the final memories of her son, Sir Audley Sykes, after he drowned at Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. Sykes reportedly urged lifeguards to save his friend first.

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Details On 17-Year-Old’s Tragic Death At Rockaway Beach

Sir Audley Sykes tragically died at Rockaway Beach in Queens on Sunday, August 9. Sykes reportedly drowned after a rip current caught him. Around 7:30 p.m. local time, lifeguards rushed into the water after spotting two swimmers struggling. Sykes and his best friend had got caught in the rip current together along the notoriously dangerous stretch of the shoreline. The incident happened after swimming hours, when lifeguards had reportedly already left their chairs. However, they remained nearby and had stayed late since were temperatures were hot that day. As the lifeguards moved in to help, Patrice said Sykes urged them to save his friend first.

“His best friend said he got tired and when he got tired […] that’s when the lifeguard got to him and he told the lifeguard to go to his friend and my son said, ‘no, go and pull my best friend out of the water,’” Thompson continued, “He would save someone else before he thought about himself and that’s the thing I appreciated about him the most.”

Teen’s Mother Is Clinging To His Memory After Tragic Swimming Incident

Sir Audley Sykes reportedly became the first person to drown at Rockaway Beach this summer. As his mother reflected on his final moments, she said she had to announce his passing just two days after celebrating her birthday. “I saw my baby on a stretcher, unresponsive, his heart beating on a machine,” Thompson said. Now, she’s holding onto the memories and the good times they shared. Thompson said those memories with her baby boy help her feel like everything “wasn’t just ripped away.” Patrice also shared that Sir was a great football player, adding that his teammates were “a great family to her and Sir.” 

Sir’s Mom Says His Selfless Act Will Be A Part Of His Legacy

Funeral arrangements for Sir Audley Sykes remains private. However, an alleged GoFundMe page says he was his mother’s eldest son and he leaves behind six brothers. While speaking with ABC News, Patrice Thompson said losing Sir feels unimaginable, but she believes his desire to save his friend first shows the kind of person he was. “They always say the good die young,” Thompson said. “It’s gotta be for a reason.”

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Russell Westbrook, the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles and the 2017 MVP, is hanging up his jersey for good. He announced on Wednesday that he’s retiring after 18 seasons.

RELATED: WNBA Commissioner Sends Out Memo About Inclusion After Two Former NBA Players Declare Themselves Eligible For 2027 Draft (VIDEOS)

The two-time scoring champion shared his decision on social media in a post featuring a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan where the guard never says a word.
“Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook wrote. “You had to be there. And now it’s over.”
Westbrook was the No. 4 pick in 2008 out of UCLA by the Seattle SuperSonics, just before they moved to Oklahoma City. He played his first 11 seasons with the Thunder and spent this past season with the Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook led the NBA in assists three times and was a two-time MVP of the All-Star Game. He won an Olympic gold medal in the 2012 London Games.
Westbrook leaves with 209 triple-doubles, the last on March 15. Nikola Jokic ranks second in that category with 198 going into this season. Westbrook also holds the NBA mark for most triple-doubles in a season with 42 in 2016-17, when he earned his only MVP award.
He averaged double figures for points and assists in five of six seasons starting in the 2015-16 season.
Westbrook also played for Houston, Washington, the Lakers and Clippers — splitting the 2022-23 season between the Los Angeles teams and Denver.
Last season, Westbrook started 58 of the 64 games he played for Sacramento. He averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists.
In 2021, the NBA selected him for the league’s 75th-anniversary team.

RELATED: Pour Minds’ Lex P. And Drea Nicole On Outgrowing Friends, Interracial Dating, & Retiring In 6 Years | SITSR (Exclusive)

UPDATE — 8/12/26, 12:55 p.m. ET: Chelsea Freeman, the wife of Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman, explained why she was admitted to the hospital with a “health scare” earlier this month. 

“Woke up in the middle of the night with really sharp, intense chest and back pain,” she shared via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, August 11. “Thought I was having a heart attack so I called 911. It was honestly really scary, especially because Freddie was on the road.”

Chelsea, 35, said her troponin levels were elevated, so she underwent “a heart CT, chest X-rays and an echo.” Troponin is a group of proteins found in heart and skeletal muscle cells that help control muscle contraction.

“I saw a cardiologist for a follow up today and he thinks it may have been pericarditis or myocarditis,” she said. 

Pericarditis is the swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered sac surrounding the heart, while myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection.

“He’s having me do another echo next week to follow up,” Chelsea added. “Thankfully I’m feeling much better now 🤍.”

Original story below:

Chelsea Freeman, the wife of Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman, shared a photo after suddenly being admitted to the hospital. 

“Had a little health scare yesterday…” Chelsea, 35, wrote via her Instagram Story on Thursday, August 6. “But thankfully I’m home & doing okay. So grateful for the amazing EMTs, nurses, doctors & my family who took such good care of me.”

She added, “A good reminder that health really is everything & if something feels off, getting checked out is always the right choice. Taking it easy for a few days 🤍.”

While Chelsea did not go into detail about what she was dealing with, she shared a picture of her arm hooked up to an IV. 

Earlier this year, Chelsea updated her followers about another trip to the hospital. 

“Real life today,” she wrote via her Instagram Story on April 9. “Had a colonoscopy this morning. Was so nervous…but the actual procedure was really easy. The prep was my least favorite part. Worth it for the peace of mind. If you’ve been putting something off…this is your sign to get checked.”

Less than two weeks later, Chelsea and Freddie, 36, welcomed their fourth baby via surrogate. 

“London Rosemary Joy Freeman 💕,” the couple wrote via Instagram on April 21, with the first photo of the newborn. “April 19, 2026.”

The pair announced in February that they were expecting their fourth child. 

“Worth the wait. Baby No. 4 is on the way and our hearts are already so full,” the Freemans wrote in a joint Instagram post. “We are incredibly grateful for the amazing woman helping bring our baby into our lives, and we’re choosing to honor her privacy as we walk this chapter.”

Chelsea and Freddie, who got married in November 2014, also share three sons: Charlie, 9, Brandon, 5, and Maximus, 5. 

After experiencing fertility issues, Chelsea and Freddie decided to use a surrogate for their second child. However, just days after undergoing the embryo transfer, Chelsea found out she was pregnant. Thus, Brandon and Maximus were born within less than two months of each other. 

Related: Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s Dad Shares Message for Sons’ Killer

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Guy Gaudreau, the father of late hockey stars Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, shared a message for his sons’ accused killer near the two-year anniversary of their deaths.  “Everyone’s life goes on but mine,” Guy, 69, told TMZ on Tuesday, August 4. “I will never get my sons back.” Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were struck […]

In 2024, Chelsea and Freddie revealed that Maximus had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare nerve condition that left him temporarily unable to stand, walk or talk. 

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Chelsea spoke exclusively with Us in March 2025 about his “miracle” recovery. 

“He’s been so resilient,” she said. “It’s been amazing to see. He’s still in [physical therapy] two times a week. It will be a full one-year recovery before he’s back to complete normal.”

Chelsea added, “It was very, very, very intense. It obviously taught us that health is everything. It was awful. He was fully paralyzed on a ventilator. Seeing him able to play outside, it’s really a miracle for how sick he was.”

Tom Segura is finally letting fans in on his feelings about his bombshell divorce.

The comedian opened up about coming to terms with the end of his marriage to Christina Pazsitzky after being together for about two decades. This comes after she addressed the elephant in the room, highlighting their dedication to their kids despite the split.

Tom Segura met his estranged wife in the late 90s while they were building careers in the same niche. The pair became friends before love came into the picture. They tied the knot in 2008 and welcomed two sons before their eventual split.

Segura finally addressed the surprising news of his split from Pazsitzky on a recent episode of their joint “Your Mom’s House” podcast. During the Wednesday episode, titled “Your Dad’s House,” the comedian described the breakup as a “horrible experience.”

He told listeners that the “awful” split happened “many months” ago before it became public knowledge, and the whole situation has been an emotional “rollercoaster” for him. “Your emotions change many times a day,” Segura explained, adding, “You don’t feel the same all the time. It’s really tough on you.”

The news of their split after 18 years of marriage broke the internet last month; however, insiders noted that the former couple has remained “completely amicable” and would continue to co-host their successful comedy podcast.

Viewers noticed that the pair had been releasing individually hosted podcast episodes rather than featuring each other, as they had previously. Segura claims that his absence is not due to the split but rather because he has been out of town recently.

His estranged wife backed up the claim on a July 15 episode of the show, telling viewers that “Tom Segura is in L.A.” and later explained that the episodes were pre-recorded and not released in real time.

Segura, while speaking on the recent episode of the podcast, noted that he has been “bothered” by comments bashing his absence and raising claims that he made her “address this alone.”

He explained that they have been “recording episodes separately for a long time,” and since “her episode was first, she addressed it first.”  

The Former Couple Still ‘Talk Every Day’

A relationship that lasted nearly two decades is not one to fizzle out so quickly. According to Segura, they still maintain a cordial relationship despite their breakup and are focusing on co-parenting their sons, Ellis and Julian.

When news of their split first made waves last month, a source told news outlets, “They had a special and productive relationship, creating one of the most successful comedy podcast networks in the industry and, more importantly, two kids.”

Segura stressed that they continue to support each other’s endeavors while trying to give their sons the best life they can. “We talk every day. Just so people know, I support Christina in everything she does. She supports me,” the 47-year-old author shared with his podcast listeners.

The entertainer further clarified that he does not wish to keep talking about the terrible experience; hence, he will not do any interviews, podcast episodes, or talk to the press about his divorce from Pazsitzky.

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Inside Christina Pazsitzky’s Narrative On The ‘Very Sad’ Split

Pazsitzky addressed her breakup from her husband of almost 20 years last week on the divorce episode of their comedy podcast. She chatted with guest host Duncan Trussell, saying she wanted to voice their latest reality formally.

The businesswoman was brought to tears as she said, “Yes, Tom and I are divorcing, and it is extremely sad,” before revealing that the divorce came as a last resort. She shared that they had tried to make things work for several years for the sake of their kids and family to no avail.

Pazsitzky then reflected on their journey as a couple, recalling how they built their comedy careers, a successful comedy podcasting empire, and a family in the years they spent together. They saw the highs and lows yet remained at each other’s sides through tragic accidents, births, deaths, cancer, and COVID.

The mom of two also recalled how they started from nothing, navigating the wild ride of being poor together, and disclosed that they tied the knot with just $200 to their names. She assured listeners that it was not an “ugly divorce,” urging them not to take sides.

A Glimpse At Tom Segura And Christina Pazsitzky’s Love Story

The pair met as young comedians in the late 1990s and became friends. They started performing stand-up comedy at open nights together. Segura had taken a liking to Pazsitzky, who was in a long-term relationship at the time, so he remained in the friend zone until she broke up with her then-partner.

When he confirmed that her relationship had ended, the author made his move and asked her out on a date, which she declined. Pazsitzky later asked Segura out, and they became official. Their relationship faced phases of long-distance due to their respective careers, but their commitment and love for each other trumped all hiccups.

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PEOPLE shared that the pair said their vows on November 8, 2008, and continued to work together chasing their goals. In 2016, they welcomed their first child, Ellis, and in 2018, they became a family of four after Julian was born.

Hoping Tom Segura heals from the hurt of his “horrible” yet “amicable” divorce.