Who doesn’t love The Avengers? Earth’s Mightiest Heroes had been at the forefront of Marvel Comics for decades before making their live-action debut in 2012. The appropriately titled The Avengers not only cemented the Marvel Cinematic Universe as cinema’s juggernaut throughout the 2010s but also sent a shiver down the spine of every major movie studio head, who quickly scrambled to create their own cinematic universe, often with little success.

The movie spawned three sequels, each one bigger than the one before. Each of these celebrated blockbusters also had a significant impact on the movie industry and the cultural space, transcending the boundaries of the big screen to become certified phenomenons of the 2010s. Which of the four Avengers movies had the bigger impact, though, both within the MCU (in-universe consequences, that is) and in the real world (industry-wide effects)? As we wait for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, now’s the time to answer that question.

4

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015)

Image via Marvel Studios

As is the case with most worst-to-best Avengers rankings, let us begin with Avengers: Age of Ultron. The sequel to the first Avengers movie sees the team working to stop Ultron (James Spader), an advanced AI created by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Like many other AIs, Ultron soon concludes that the problems on Earth all trace back to humanity itself, specifically the Avengers. Thus, he goes rogue, recruits the twins Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) Maximoff, and launches a full-scale attack against the team.

Age of Ultron is among the most divisive superhero movies ever. Widely considered a step down from its predecessor, it was widely criticized for its bloated and often needlessly contrived plot, lack of character development, and an overall more uneven tone. Ultron is a fine villain, and the Maximoff twins are solid additions, but it’s not enough to elevate what is effectively a mediocre movie. Age of Ultron didn’t have the same overwhelming acclaim as the 2012 original from either critics or audiences and is the lowest-grossing film in the franchise to date. Today, whenever the Avengers saga is discussed, Age of Ultron is often seen as the ugly fuckling everyone wants to forget about.

3

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Age of Ultron‘s immediate sequel was Avengers: Infinity War, the most ambitious outing in the MCU up to that point. The plot sees the Mad Titan Thanos (James Brolin) begin his plot to wipe out half the life in the universe by reuniting all six Infinity Stones. The Avengers find themselves divided across the galaxy, separated into teams trying to defend the stones, while Thanos and his estranged daughter, Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), embark on a dangerous journey.

Infinity War is arguably the best Avengers movie, offering the best balance between intricate, emotionally charged storytelling and larger-than-life stakes brought to vivid life through undeniable, explosive spectacle. The film is the epitome of the superhero genre and has the best villain in the MCU by a mile. Its impact was significant, too: it broke box office records and took the MCU to the next level, featuring a massive gathering of characters who audiences would’ve never expected to see together. The now-iconic ending, where Thanos succeeds and half the main characters disappear, was also shocking, to say the least, becoming perhaps the most talked-about cinematic moment of 2018. Yet, it’s also fair to say Infinity War‘s overall impact suffered from the fact that it was just half of the story; everyone knew the blipped characters would return the next year. The film was also overshadowed by Black Panther in terms of pure cultural impact.

2

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

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Fans waited a whole year to figure out how the Avengers would bring back all those who disappeared and defeat Thanos; they got their answer once Avengers: Endgame premiered. The film sees the remaining Avengers attempting to pull off a “time heist” by entering the Quantum Realm and traveling back in time to reunite the six Infinity Stones. However, their attempts also bring back a past version of Thanos, more ruthless than the one they already dealt with. As they prepare for the fight of their lives, the Avengers suffer tragic losses that make them question if they have the strength to succeed.

It’s hard to explain just how big a phenomenon Avengers: Endgame was. Showtimes were sold in advance, midnight showing tickets flew as soon as they came out, and audiences camped outside the movie theater—the expectation was that big. The film very much felt like the culmination of an entire decade of continuous, interconnected storytelling, marking a decisive step forward in the way cinematic stories could be told. Simultaneously, it was also a victory lap for the MCU, a way for them to collect their hard-earned praise and even take a bow without needing to actually say goodbye. In retrospect, it was also the end of an era, the climax of the superhero genre as a whole. Arguably, no movie in the genre has been as impactful or universally adored since, although a few have come close.

1

‘The Avengers’ (2012)

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If Endgame was the end of an era, then The Avengers was the beginning. The 2012 film sees the unhinged god Loki (Tom Hiddleston) attempting to conquer Earth by using the Tesseract to open a portal to another world, meaning to launch an alien invasion. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) assembles the initial six Avengers, trying to form a defence against Loki. However, internal conflicts make things difficult, as these six heroes aren’t exactly used to working as a team. It doesn’t help that Loki has the power to control minds with a powerful staff, so there’s that.

Very few movies can claim to have started a genuine revolution in cinema; The Avengers is one. The film was the first to pull off something as ambitious as gathering characters from different movie series and bringing them together as a team while telling a cohesive storyline, easy enough for everyone to understand. It proved that a cinematic universe could not only exist but actually thrive beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. The Avengers broke box office records up to that point and became the defining cinematic event of the year, surpassing Christopher Nolan‘s last Dark Knight movie and the best James Bond effort in years. It inspired every movie studio to imitate its formula, hoping to replicate its success, and cemented the superhero genre as the reigning champ of the 2010s. Many movies built the MCU, but The Avengers is certainly the pillar upon which the entire franchise rises.

One of the great strengths of the thriller genre is its ability to delve more deeply into unsettling subject matter and themes, as the grounded realism of the genre lends itself to these topics better than any other genre. It’s especially the case when these thrillers adopt a grittier, sleazier style to truly emphasize the grime and ruthless nature of their characters, world, or overall message.

Throughout film history, there has been an exceptional craft in creating gritty cinematic experiences within the thriller genre. Whether it be one of the many masterpiece thrillers of the ’70s or prominent icons of the modern age, many overwhelmingly gritty thrillers have become legendary. The films on this list go beyond the basic level of rawness for most thrillers, with many of them being some of the most shocking experiences within the genre.

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‘Sicario’ (2015)

Image via Lionsgate

Often, the grittiest and grimiest thrillers will shed away and not delve into action to not distract from the larger painful themes and messaging. One of the best examples of a thriller that still adheres to action thriller elements is Denis Villeneuve‘s Sicario. This intricate story of revenge, told through the attempts to take down a brutal drug cartel, is complete with twists, overwhelming violence, and painful subject matter, with each of these elements adding to the film’s gritty nature.

It is the absolute apex of this style of dreary, painful action thriller, reveling in the destructive and most painful attributes of modern humanity and showing corruption on all sides and angles. The film also gets a lot of inherent strengths from its exceptional script written by Taylor Sheridan, who cuts to the heart of the moral decay of justice in America and how these tactics used to fight evil can be evil in themselves.

9

‘Good Time’ (2017)

Image via A24

The Safdie Brothers have amassed an exceptional reputation for themselves in the thriller genre, creating many modern-day classics that utilize an ever-growing sense of anxiety and tension to amplify their wild goose chase plots. However, while films like Uncut Gems and Marty Supreme may be more immediately recognizable, their initial foray into this style with Good Time is easily the grittiest and most morally ruthless of the directing duo’s thriller outings.

The inherent sleaziness that permeates throughout derives from several sources, including the abhorrent actions of lead character Connie (Robert Pattinson) and the inherent anxiety of his journey through the criminal underbelly of New York. With each additional layer, Good Time paints a wider picture of pain not just in terms of Connie’s character, but also in the system that allowed him to perpetuate and manipulate to such an absurd degree.

8

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Few singular filmmakers have become as legendary and influential for their work within the thriller genre as David Fincher, whose various thriller masterpieces have helped push the genre forward into the modern age and are still massively celebrated to this day. While many of his thrillers are attributed as classics of their era, Fight Club has achieved a life of its own as one of the absolute darkest films that Fincher has ever released.

The film actively utilizes grittiness as a tool for its characterization and themes, with the tone going hand in hand with its messaging on commercialism and the destructive nature of toxic masculinity. These inherent themes wouldn’t be nearly as impactful or explored without a heaping dose of grittiness to set the stage for the characters and world, with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) himself proving to be one of the absolute grittiest characters in cinema history.

7

‘Thief’ (1981)

Image via United Artists

While not all of his films are thrillers, Michael Mann is still an absolute icon of the genre, creating some of the most exceptional and well-crafted crime movies of all time. Thief is just one such example of his mastery as a filmmaker, with its distinct flavor of atmospheric grit and cool factor making it one of the most compelling masterpieces of the ’80s. The film sees James Caan in an electrifying performance as a professional safe cracker, signing on with a top gangster for a massive score that will set him up for good.

The aesthetic amplifies the gritty energy of the film at large, with its spiteful worldview through the eyes of a no-nonsense criminal who understands the deception taking part in everyday life and chooses to exploit it to its absolute limit. It makes for a highly engaging exploration of the criminal mindset as a whole while tastefully making great use of its grittiest elements for a mixture of depth and entertainment value.

6

‘Falling Down’ (1993)

Image via Warner Bros.

The enragement and anger of perceived injustices enacted on one’s life are at the heart of many gritty, unfeeling worlds and stories in cinema history. However, Falling Down goes steps beyond in terms of its depiction of aggressive anger towards the status quo, following a shocking story of psychotic violence, fueled by a mixture of grittiness and its growth into unhinged madness. The film sees Michael Douglas as an everyday suburban man who, after one too many annoyances in his daily life, goes on a violent rampage as he cracks under the pressure.

It isn’t exactly difficult to imagine how a film where an ordinary man snaps to the point of madness features a lot of bleak elements. The brilliance comes not from its depiction of such a spiral into madness, but from the pieces and economic failures that led to his creation in the first place. The film has achieved cult classic status over the years as one of the most celebrated films in the late great Joel Schumacher‘s filmography.

5

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

Yet another exceptionally bleak thriller from Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners tells a similar story of the failings of morality in a stressful situation. However, while Sicario‘s moral dilemmas come from a place of widespread corruption, Prisoners focuses on spiraling desperation. It makes for a supremely depressing yet infinitely captivating mystery thriller, largely amplified by great performances by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

It follows the various consequences and difficulties that plague a community in the wake of the kidnapping of two six-year-old girls. While everyone is doing their part to search for answers, father Keller Dover (Jackman) decides to take matters into his own hands. His investigation leads him to kidnapping and torturing for the sake of his daughter. It’s an exceptionally bleak and gritty watch that transforms the love that a parent has for a child into a tool for abhorrent, sickening actions.

4

‘Chinatown’ (1974)

Image via Paramount Pictures

The ’70s were one of the absolute best times when it came to thrillers, as many legendary filmmakers delved into the psychological intricacies of this classic genre. No other ’70s thriller quite as effectively taps into this mixture of bleakness and irreverence for filmmaking as Chinatown, a gloriously concocted neo-noir mystery that is still considered one of the bleakest films of the ’70s.

Even the fine, smaller details of Chinatown build toward an essence and energy of contempt in its world and characters, amplifying the grittiness of noir-style archetypes to an astronomical degree. The film is further elevated by two of the most impactful performances of the decade in Jack Nicholson‘s Jake Gittes and Faye Dunaway‘s Evelyn Mulwray, who add even more layers of intrigue and depth to this cesspool of corruption and deception.

3

‘Straw Dogs’ (1971)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Even among the many controversial and gritty thrillers of the ’70s, Sam Peckinpah‘s Straw Dogs stands tall as arguably the most controversial and shocking of this wave of films. In fact, it’s often cited as an important shift in films feeling more violent and perverse, in line with the more distrustful state of culture.

Its gritty tone persists throughout the runtime, but especially comes to a head during two painfully complicated rape sequences and the overwhelming violence that comes in their wake. Straw Dogs is exceptionally miserable, not shying away from the evils of humanity and the justification of these actions in the name of community. It shows exactly how those who perceive themselves as intellectually superior will be quick to abandon their civility in the name of primal rage and revenge.

2

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

Image via Miramax Films

No Country for Old Men is one of those legendary thrillers that it’s difficult to sing new praises for. Indeed, it has been such an icon and dominating force of pop culture for so long that everything that can be said about the film has been said about it. Its reputation largely precedes itself as one of the faces of gritty execution in a crime thriller, emphasized by some incredible performances and its insightful messaging on the dynamics of fate and free will.

This legendary magnum opus of the Coen Brothers has stood at the forefront of gritty cinema ever since its release, with its bleak, almost depressing outlook on life having massive ramifications and influence upon the entire genre in the wake of its release. Still, few modern thrillers influenced by its success come close to the flavor of the raw, unadulterated grit and unforgiving nature of the film.

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‘Funny Games’ (1997)

Image via Concorde-Castle Rock/Turner

Funny Games is an outlier in the realm of bleak, uncomfortable cinema, simultaneously playing into the classic tenets of a shocking, gritty thriller while also satirically commenting on the very nature of such topics being compelling for audiences to watch in the first place. The German masterpiece by Michael Haneke remains one of the most subversive works of art in the thriller genre, being fully aware of its gritty, sadistic nature and gleefully knowing that it’s exactly what audiences want.

The film invites the audience to question how they perceive violence in cinema, showing painful acts of torture and brutal sadism that dare the audience to turn away, all the while knowing they won’t. However, Funny Games goes a step further and becomes a commentary on the popularity of this style of grittiness, with its blurring of fiction and reality forcing the audience to come to terms with how desensitized they are to these stories of dread.

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Funny Games

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Release Date

September 11, 1997

Runtime

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108 Minutes

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Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday (August 14) to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione admitted matter-of-factly that he trailed the executive to an investor conference and shot him on a New York City street in 2024.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Perez Hilton’s Sister Speaks On Finding Him Covered In Blood Amid Recent Hospitalization

Luigi Mangione Admits Guilt In Stalking Charge 

Mangione said he even used a ruse to glean information about the event. The 28-year-old contacted the health insurance company in advance, posing as an investor at a multibillion-dollar firm.

“On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died,” Luigi Mangione told the Manhattan federal court.

He entered the court while he was shackled at the feet but not handcuffed in his beige jail uniform. Listening in the audience, Brian Thompson’s wife, Paulette, took several deep breaths and repeatedly wiped tears from her eyes.

Prosecutors plan to seek a life prison term at Luigi Mangione’s sentencing, set for Dec. 18. When U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett asked whether he understood that he could spend the rest of his life behind bars, Mangione answered neutrally: “Yes.”

In a statement, the late UnitedHealthcare CEO’s family called the plea “an important step toward justice.” The statement also noted that Mangione still faces other cases, including a New York state murder prosecution. It carries the potential for a separate long sentence.

Mangione Attempts To Explain His Actions

Surveillance video of Luigi Mangione ambushing the UnitedHealthcare CEO showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind. Police say “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

Mangione was a University of Pennsylvania graduate from a wealthy Maryland family. He told the court Friday that he pursued Thompson “after years of enduring severe pain from a broken back and navigating the obstacles of the health insurance system.” Attorney Friedman Agnifilo later said her client “believed that the system had failed him and destroyed his life.”

However, it should be noted that Mangione never was a UnitedHealthcare customer, according to police and the company.

“To those who idolize Luigi Mangione, I say this. Violence is not a cause. Murder is not a message. And a killer is certainly not a hero,” New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said outside court Friday.

Also, U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald, whose office handled the federal case, added: “There can be no celebrity in assassination.”

For context, Brian Thompson led one of the United States’ largest health insurers, but he wasn’t well known outside the industry. Trained as an accountant, he worked at parent company UnitedHealth Group Inc. for 20 years. Then, he became CEO of its insurance arm, UnitedHealthcare, in 2021. Brian and his wife had two sons. The kids were in high school when Luigi killed their father.

Thompson’s violent death “devastated everyone who knew and loved him,” the company said in a statement Friday. It thanked law enforcement for bringing Luigi Mangione to justice.

He Still Faces A State Murder Case, But His Defense Wants It Tossed

Federal prosecutors didn’t give Luigi Mangione any deal or incentive to plead guilty, they and his lawyers said. Nor did Mangione plead guilty to avoid a potential death sentence. That possibility was taken off the table when a federal murder charge was tossed out this winter.

But after Mangione entered the plea at Friday’s scheduled hearing, his lawyers quickly sought to have the New York case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds. The state’s double jeopardy protections can kick in if a prior prosecution ends in a guilty plea.

“Mr. Mangione has accepted full responsibility for the death of Brian Thompson,” defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo said outside court. She argued that her client shouldn’t face two prosecutions over a “single tragic event.”

The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which is handling the state prosecution, said it remains committed to its case and would contest the defense’s efforts to shut it down.

His defense had lost some disputes over evidence
Mangione was arrested five days after the shooting, when he was spotted at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of Manhattan. Police had released various images of the suspected shooter, including one showing his face as he checked into a hostel.
Although his lawyers got the federal murder charge dismissed, Garnett also delivered some setbacks to the defense, ruling in January that prosecutors could use items collected from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest as evidence against him. They included a 3D-printed pistol that investigators said matched the one used to kill Thompson and a notebook in which authorities say Mangione described his intent to kill an insurance executive.
Similarly, the judge in the state case threw out terrorism charges against Mangione but agreed to let the gun and notebook be used as evidence. The case has been heading toward a September trial, but his lawyers’ new bid to dismiss it could complicate the timeline.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Minnesota Man Fatally Stabs Wife & 7-Year-Old Daughter At Daycare After Allegedly Killing Another Relative

Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak, Larry Neumeister, Jennifer Peltz, Dave Collins and Alanna Durkin contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

Marvel Studios has become famous for keeping its biggest secrets under wraps, but hiding Chris Evans’ return as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday apparently required more than locked scripts and closed sets. Evans says he had to flat out lie about being involved in the movie.

The former Captain America star has opened up about the secrecy surrounding his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, revealing that Marvel went to some unusual lengths to prevent his involvement from leaking during production.

According to Evans, his character wasn’t even identified as Steve Rogers in the Avengers: Doomsday script. Instead, Marvel gave him the codename “Luke Cage,” a reference to another well-known Marvel superhero.

“Within the script, my character was called Luke Cage,” Evans revealed while discussing the production. The fake name was also reportedly used as an additional layer of protection in case production information found its way outside the studio.

Mike Colter, Luke Cage [credit: Marvel Studios]

But keeping the secret went beyond paperwork.

Evans admitted that he publicly denied being involved with Avengers: Doomsday even after reports began circulating that he would return. With Marvel determined to keep Steve Rogers’ involvement hidden, Evans essentially had no choice but to play along.

“I had to lie,”

Evans said of the situation.

The secrecy makes sense considering how significant Steve Rogers’ return could be. Evans seemingly completed his MCU story in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, when Steve traveled back in time to return the Infinity Stones before choosing to remain in the past with Peggy Carter. An elderly Steve later passed the Captain America shield to Sam Wilson.

Exactly how Steve returns in Doomsday remains one of the movie’s biggest mysteries.

Evans has recently offered another intriguing tease, describing Steve Rogers’ upcoming story as “brutal.” He joked that directors Joe and Anthony Russo have always enjoyed putting Steve through difficult situations because his ability to keep getting back up is what makes the character heroic.

That could be particularly important considering Hayley Atwell is also returning as Peggy Carter. Marvel has yet to reveal whether Doomsday will feature the original Steve Rogers following the events of Endgame, a Multiverse variant, or something considerably more complicated.

Avengers: Doomsday [credit: Marvel Studios]

The movie is already bringing together one of the largest collections of Marvel characters ever assembled. Alongside Evans, the film features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Tom Hiddleston as Loki and several returning members of Fox’s X-Men franchise.

Whatever Marvel has planned for Steve Rogers, the effort that went into hiding Evans’ involvement suggests his return is far more important than a quick nostalgic appearance.

And somewhere out there, Luke Cage probably wants his codename back.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.

Days of Our Lives has poor Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) that can never seem to catch a break when it comes to relationships, but he could still get lucky in love since his sexy ex Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) is working overtime right now to win him back. He still loves Leo. And come on, Dimitri’s so hot.

Let’s get into Leo’s love life and a possible recoupling with Dimitri and where his ex Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) might fit into that. So, let’s dive into what is ahead for Gwen Rizczech’s (Emily O’Brien) best friend while she is on her way back to Salem. Fortunately, a whole lot has changed for Leo over the years.

Days of our Lives: Leo Turned His Life Around

He went from town pariah to a beloved friend and colleague. Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd), Xander Cook Kiriakis (Paul Telfer), and many others that once hated him now count Leo as a friend, or at least somebody they don’t despise anymore. Leo’s come a long way. If you don’t remember, he showed up in Salem in 2018 as a con man, and he was on a mission to blackmail Sonny Kiriakis (Zach Tinker).

Back in the day, Leo had been hired by Vivian Almain (Louise Sorel) to romance Sonny as part of her scheme against Titan. So, Leo and Sonny dated for a hot minute and then later con man Leo blackmailed Sonny by setting it up to look like he’d sexually harassed Leo. And then he tried to force Sonny to marry him, but he and Will fought and Leo fell and hit his head.

And Sonny and Will thought they had killed Leo and the two guys hid his body, but Leo wasn’t dead, not even a little. He showed back up and blackmailed Sonny into marrying him. Although Leo and Sonny’s marriage was later annulled after the truth about Leo’s past life came out, that he had been a prostitute and a schemer. All that came to light. Then, of course, we had Leo’s offscreen marriage to Darius Rose, aka Jackie Cox.

Leo’s Scam Exposed on Days

Their marriage was exposed as a green card sham back in 2022 during Leo’s wedding to Dr. Craig Wesley, who of course was wealthy and so it was all suspicious. Chad brought Jackie to the wedding and blew it up in typical soap trope style. Leo claimed he loved Craig and to be fair, the two had dated for a while. They had a double wedding alongside Leo’s bestie Gwen and her then fiancé Xandra. And Leo had originally been conning Craig for money, but then claimed he developed true feelings for the handsome older doctor. But Leo got dumped at the altar instead. And Craig was grateful because Leo helped him come out of the closet.

Craig Lashed Out on DOOL

But Craig was angry and embarrassed when he learned that his almost husband had been conning him. And not long after his split with Craig, we saw Leo excited to meet Gwen’s new boyfriend, Dimitri. Gwen and Dimitri were on this really fast track to engagement and a wedding because Dimitri had to marry a woman by his 40th birthday to inherit the vaner estate. So, Gwen fell for him and married him, but Leo and Dimitri became lovers behind Gwen’s back after Dimitri confessed that he’s gay and was really into Leo. And there was also an invalid marriage attempt involving Dimitri and Leo. I think it was around 2023.

Anyway, their relationship continued throughout Dimitri’s legal troubles and when he went to prison, even though that all of this cost Leo his best friend Gwen with this sordid affair, she found out the worst way that her best friend was diddling her husband. When Leo showed up on her honeymoon with Dimitri, Leo made up a Madonna concert excuse, but Gwen caught them together. She was devastated. A double betrayal. Her best friend and her husband cheating, which meant Leo lost Gwen, the only friend he’d ever had. And she wanted payback.

Days of Our Lives: Leo’s Love Triangle – Dimitri vs Javi

That was why Gwen forged that Dear John letter. She posed as Dimitri and broke Leo’s heart right into he had been faithfully waiting for Dimitri’s release from prison only to find out from that letter that he had fallen for another prisoner. So, Leo was heartbroken, but eventually with help from Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), Leo was able to love himself and he re-entered the dating pool. That’s when he met Javi. That was late 2024 and he was instantly into the cute EMT.

They hopped into bed together and began a relationship and it was going pretty well until Leo wrongly accused Javi of leaking his body and soul scripts. But true love wins and Javi and Leo reconciled. They moved in together at the Hernandez house. Leo and Javi also really liked fostering little T together and they hoped to start their own family someday. Leo popped the question at Thanksgiving last year and then they planned a romantic New Year’s Eve wedding.

Dimitri Ruined Leo’s Happily Ever After with Javi on DOOL

But Dimitri popped up right after they said I do and ruined everything. And of course, Gwen was behind it all. She released Dimitri from captivity so he could come wreak havoc at the wedding. And now here we are, it’s over half a year later and Javi has rekindled with his ex, Gus (Michael Ocampo). They sparked again when he was in Texas for his dad’s heart surgery. Then Gus moved to Salem and in with Javi right away. However, before Javi came back to Salem, Leo realized he truly loved Javi and wanted nothing more to do with Dimitri, which of course made him furious.

Days of our Lives: Leo to the Rescue

Fast forward to now. Leo chased down Gwen when he realized their mutual ex Dimitri had kidnapped her as revenge. But mostly he took Gwen to bait Leo to get him to Alamania. And then Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) quickly followed Leo and wound up held at gunpoint for all his troubles. Lucky for Javi, he couldn’t get a ticket to go with Rafe to rescue Leo and Gwen. And then Leo cut a deal with Dimitri. He said if you let Gwen and Rafe go, he’ll stay in Alamania with Dimitri. So now Leo is miserable and he’s trying to convince Dimitri that they should just go back to Salem.

Leo told him that he’s got family and friends and community there that he values and that Marina helped him love himself. And Leo feels like he deserves a loving relationship. But Dimitri’s been relentless trying to convince Leo that he really loves him and that they can have something real together. But it seems like Dimitri doesn’t even understand the meaning of real love because he’s dangling shallow things. He offered Leo fancy trips and a designer wardrobe. And of course, yes, Leo loves those things, but he doesn’t love Dimitri.

Days of our Lives: Leo Gives In — Is it Too Late?

But I wonder if Leo will surrender and give Dimitri another shot. Because right now, Leo knows Javi is in love with Gus and Leo’s gotten the cold shoulder from Javi ever since he came back from Texas. And it’s been a bit worse since Gus relocated to Salem and moved in with Javi. So, maybe Dimitri stands a chance with Leo, you know, because in his mind, if he doesn’t have Javi or some other guy waiting in the wings, why not give rich handsome Dimitri a chance to win his heart again?

Javi Wants Leo Back on Days

Problem is, Days of our Lives spoilers say that Javi soon realizes he’s still in love with his ex, Leo, and Javi may come to Alamania for him. So the question is which ex will Leo rekindle with? Will it be Dimitri or Javi? Leo could actually stay with Dimitri to protect Javi because let’s be real, Dimitri is unhinged and could do something cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs and hurt Javi. After all, Dimitri’s mom, Megan Hathaway, is a scary psycho, too, when it comes to relationships.

Remember, she held Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) captive in a human test tube when everybody else thought he was dead because she was insanely infatuated with him. I do think it’d be nice to see Leo settled and happy and starting a family, back to being besties with Gwen without Dimitri between them. I do think Javi’s definitely the better man, but let’s be real, Dimitri sucks on a stick with a big fat bank account, and the old Leo would have definitely chosen him. The new Leo, we’ll have to wait and see.

Nicole Kidman’s dramatic new British Vogue cover has sparked an unexpected debate, with some social media users questioning why the Hollywood star looks so different.

The 59-year-old actress’ highly polished appearance prompted everything from “unrecognizable” claims to comparisons with artificial intelligence.

Now, a plastic surgeon is weighing in on what may be behind the uncanny effect while cautioning against assuming the star has undergone major cosmetic surgery.

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Nicole Kidman appears on the September 2026 cover of British Vogue as part of an extensive feature examining her latest personal and professional reinvention.

However, it wasn’t only Kidman’s candid revelations about life after Keith Urban that got people talking.

Her appearance in the accompanying shoot quickly attracted attention online, where viewers debated whether the actress looked noticeably different from the woman they were accustomed to seeing.

“She looks like AI,” one TikTok commenter declared.

Another admitted, “I would never have recognized her,” while a third similarly wrote, “Looks nothing like her.”

A fourth person wrote, “This looks nothing like Nicole Kidman. This could be an AI model. It’s ridiculous.”

The response was far from universally critical. Other viewers defended Kidman’s transformation, describing the Oscar winner as “stunning,” with one arguing she had “never looked better.”

The contrasting reactions have nevertheless raised an interesting question about celebrity photography in an era when audiences have become increasingly familiar with AI-generated imagery.

Plastic Surgeon Explains Why Nicole Kidman May Look ‘AI-Generated’

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Dr. Omar Tillo, medical director and senior plastic surgeon at CREO Clinic, believes the answer may lie in the unusually polished qualities people now associate with artificial intelligence.

“When people describe a face as looking ‘AI-generated’, they are often responding to a combination of features that feel almost too polished,” Tillo told The Blast via email correspondence.

According to the surgeon, AI imagery frequently produces “extremely smooth skin,” clean contours and significant facial symmetry.

Tillo believes some of those visual characteristics are present in Kidman’s photographs, pointing particularly to the apparent uniformity of her complexion.

“In Nicole’s cover, the complexion appears exceptionally uniform, with very little of the natural skin texture, fine lines, pores and subtle tonal variation that we subconsciously expect to see in a close-up portrait,” he explained.

Removing or minimizing those details, Tillo said, can create a more “synthetic” appearance, particularly when combined with powerful studio lighting.

The contrast between extremely smooth skin and sharply defined facial features may further contribute to the effect.

Expert Warns Against Jumping To Conclusions About Kidman’s Appearance

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While some social media users immediately questioned whether AI or extensive cosmetic work could explain the photographs, Tillo stressed that neither conclusion can be established from simply looking at the finished images.

“None of this means that AI has necessarily been used, and it would be impossible to determine that simply by looking at the finished photograph,” he emphasized.

Instead, the surgeon noted that professional photography provides numerous ways of dramatically altering someone’s appearance.

Lighting, makeup, lens selection, color grading and conventional retouching can all affect how recognizable a person appears in a photograph.

Tillo also pointed to styling around Kidman’s eyes and brows as another potential factor, explaining that seemingly minor alterations can change the perceived proportions of a familiar face.

The reaction, he believes, also says something about audiences themselves.

“We now see AI-generated faces so frequently that people have developed an instinct for the visual cues associated with them,” Tillo explained.

As a result, viewers may notice when photographs lack some of the natural irregularities they subconsciously associate with a human face.

Surgeon Addresses Possibility Of Nicole Kidman Having Cosmetic Work

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Tillo acknowledged that aesthetic treatments could contribute to Kidman’s appearance, although he has not treated or examined the actress and therefore cannot determine whether she has undergone any particular procedure.

He suggested that maintenance treatments such as Botox, subtle dermal fillers or nonsurgical skin treatments could theoretically produce some of the characteristics visible in photographs.

“If aesthetic treatments are contributing to what we’re seeing, subtle injectables and skin-quality or tightening treatments would be more plausible explanations than assuming she has undergone major surgery,” Tillo said.

Even then, he believes the dramatic difference viewers noticed in this particular shoot could have been “amplified considerably” by makeup, lighting and post-production.

Nicole Kidman Is Already Embracing A Very Different Chapter

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The intense discussion surrounding Kidman’s cover comes as the actress herself is talking candidly about transformation of a much more personal kind.

In the accompanying British Vogue interview, Kidman reflected on entering an uncertain chapter following the end of her nearly two-decade marriage to Keith Urban.

As recently covered by The Blast, Kidman admitted there was a period when she felt “very fearful and deeply vulnerable” as the future she once imagined suddenly changed.

Rather than retreat, however, she said she was choosing to move forward with hope, remain open to possibilities and continue “embracing love.”

Kidman has also been experimenting with transformation in less permanent ways. She revealed that she sometimes wears wigs and glasses to disguise herself while going dancing, allowing one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces to temporarily disappear into a crowd.

Ironically, her latest magazine transformation has achieved almost the opposite effect, leaving some viewers wondering whether they recognize Nicole Kidman at all.

It’s going to be time to pack away sandals and flip-flops to make room for more chilly weather-friendly footwear. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to break out the boots and booties just yet, but you’ll need versatile options to stand up to the unpredictable temperatures that the summer-to-fall transition brings. Vionic Shoes is making sure you don’t break the bank while you do so, though, by offering up to 55% off your order.

One no-fail option is ballet flats, as they can go from day to night and won’t leave feet sweaty or cold. They’re ideal for in-between days and just as appropriate for the office as they are for casual weekends. The Caroll 2.0 are made with leather or suede and have a simple style that can be worn daily. Meanwhile, the Willa 2.0 has a breezy design, and the Gracia option has a more modern look.

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For a more polished vibe, Vionic Shoes has loafers and mules that are just as comfortable. The lug sole loafers have a chunky platform that offers height, and you can wear them with or without socks. The suede, leather or wool flannel are ideal for early fall, too. The Sadie loafer, though, has a more everyday look. A shopper said they wore them straight out of the box, and the “softness of the upper was surprisingly delightful.”

One shoe that knows no season is casual sneakers, so you can run errands and work out in serious comfort. We love the fashion-forward Arabelle option and Uptown sneaker, but when we want to get our steps in, the City Walk and The Gabby offer support, cushioning and flexibility. A buyer said The Gabby is “incredibly stable and secure” while another wrote that the “arch support is great.” And just in case you have a fancier occasion on your calendar, the Perris slingback heel is closed in the front and open in the back for a balanced seasonal shoe.

You’re probably in the midst of deciding what summer-to-fall clothing pieces to stock up on, and we appreciate how ballet flats, loafers, mules and sneakers pair well with jeans, trousers, maxi skirts and more for a transition-ready wardrobe. And remember, you can save up to 55% off now!

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General Hospital puts Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) facing 10 years in Pentonville with the possibility of parole in two. And of course, he is stunned.

He was so cocky and so sure that Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) left him and Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) for dead that he assaulted the man and then thought he would get away with it.

Well, karma is coming for Curtis in a big way because he’s packing off to prison. And guess what? Psycho Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) is going to be his cellmate.

General Hospital: Curtis’ Shocking Prison Sentence

So, there was a moment when it looked like Isaiah might not get justice for that assault. Curtis refused the plea deal of two years with eight months till parole. He was so sure, so smug, thought he was going to be acquitted because he had Martin Gray (Michael E. Knight) accuse Isaiah of leaving them for dead.

Curtis thought for sure the jury would believe him with no proof and that that would somehow justify his assault on Isaiah. Instead, the jury found Curtis guilty, and then the judge slapped Jordan’s boyfriend with a 10-year prison sentence with a chance of parole in a couple of years. But Martin talked them into giving Curtis 48 hours so that he can get things in order before heading to Pentonville to start doing time.

And Jordan assured Curtis that everybody’s going to visit, including her and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) and Desmond. And Jordan says she’ll wait for him so they can be together again. And of course, Curtis is crushed because he’s going to miss out on a lot of time with Desmond. And Curtis realizes that Isaiah will indeed be playing daddy to his son while Curtis is locked up in Pentonville. And of course, Curtis still isn’t taking accountability and neither is Jordan.

GH Twist: Curtis Ashford Prison Nightmare with Sidwell

Needless to say, things are not looking good for Curtis. So, he’s heading to Pentonville where Sidwell is, and this is the start of a prison nightmare. That villain just started serving a 31-year sentence with a chance of parole in 26 years. So basically at his age, that’s almost assuredly life in prison.

Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos) recently told Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) she wasn’t prosecuting Sidwell’s case because he took a plea deal and that many years behind bars when you’re that age is hand him out to a death sentence. So, all bets are off on Sidwell’s behavior. He’s got nothing to lose. So, Curtis may be on the receiving end when Sidwell acts out.

And recently Carlo Rota was at a fan event with his wife Nazneen Contractor who plays ADA Justine Turner. And Carlo said that Sidwell is not done. He has more scenes coming up at Pentonville where his storyline’s going to progress. And Carlo said another GH character will be his cellmate. So, of course, that’s Curtis. And he’ll be horrified to find out Sidwell is his cellie. And Jordan may be even more horrified than Curtis because she knows how lethal Sidwell is. Plus, he’s got that grudge against Jordan.

General Hospital: Curtis’ Life at Risk

So, let’s talk about where he goes from here. First of all, Curtis may be in literal danger because Sidwell is ticked that Jordan wouldn’t help him out when he was behind bars. Remember, before he took the plea deal, Sidwell met with Jordan and asked her to help him out with some business and financial transactions, moving stuff around.

She told Sidwell no. And Jordan also admitted she’d been plotting against him all along. So she thought it was okay to talk this way to Sidwell because he couldn’t touch her. He still can’t. But with Curtis in his cell, Sidwell can do something to him.

He’s mad that Jordan spilled about the house, which was how he wound up getting caught in the end. So, Sidwell might have whatever prison minions he’s paying to keep him safe, turn around and attack Curtis. Jordan may show up to visit and be stunned to see Curtis all busted up. And Jordan realizes it’s Sidwell punishing Curtis for her dangerous games.

Although, as we know, Curtis is the one who got himself put in prison. All because he jumped to conclusions, assaulted Isaiah, showed zero remorse, continued to go after Portia Robinson’s (Brook Kerr) partner, and then refused a really sweet plea deal. So, Curtis is likely going to have some serious regrets soon.

BLQ Finally Steps Up on GH?

The next thing that could happen once Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) finds out Curtis got 10 to serve too, she’s going to realize a lot of this is on her. Brook Lynn’s going to feel horrible. Only a really strong appeal will get Curtis out. And Martin’s not optimistic. So, Brook Lynn may try and help out. I could see her going to Isaiah and explaining herself, confessing.

You know, Brook Lynn may tell Isaiah she feels sick over what happened to him and that it’s her fault that Curtis attacked him. And Brook Lynn may ask if Isaiah might consider leniency as the victim if she took her info to the PCPD to help Curtis’ appeal. Would Isaiah back down?

I think he might. If Curtis would back down about trying to block him from Desmond and Portia’s lives, but we all know how stubborn Curtis is. But Isaiah also knows this is hurting Trina, which means it’s hurting Portia. So, if Brook Lynn finally did the right thing, it might actually help.

General Hospital: Sidwell on the Loose

Another thing that might happen is Sidwell might escape. We’ve heard chatter about this from our leaker. And if that manifests, he might take Curtis with him to ruin his life in Jordans. Because if Curtis is part of an escape, he won’t get parole in two years. He would probably serve all 10, maybe more. So, I could absolutely see Sidwell having his minions drag Curtis along for an escape.

And as Sidwell’s cellmate, the warden would assume they were conspiring and he wouldn’t believe Curtis if he denied it. That would be another good way to punish Jordan because she helped take Sidwell’s freedom. Another thing we might see is Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) might come through and do Curtis a solid. Maybe Drew knows the governor and can ask him for a pardon. Drew’s claim that he wants to be friends with Curtis again. And if you recall, Sonny got a governor pardon years ago.

He escaped Pentonville and saved the haunted star from a bomb. So, that’s a total possibility for Curtis. So, Drew might do that because he and Curtis seem to be acting like things are bygones. Especially if Curtis agreed to use Aurora to target Sonny and help Drew run the mobster out of town like he wants. Or should I say ex-mobster, about to be ex-mobster. I absolutely think Curtis would help Drew with that.

General Hospital: Curtis Breaks Out

And last but not least, Curtis might find another way to avoid his full sentence. As far as we’ve heard, Donnell Turner sticking around. So, that means he’ll be out of Pentonville one way or another. So, Curtis may thwart Sidwell’s escape attempt and earn a faster parole. Or Brook Lynn could try and clean up the mess that Jordan made by crashing them.

And that Brook Lynn exacerbated with her lies. And of course Curtis made worse with his attitude. But Brook Lynn might go to Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) and ask her to go to the governor asking for a pardon for him.

Because Curtis is so close to Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson). It could be justified that way. Especially if Brook Lynn tells Tracy, “Find a way to get a governor’s pardon or I’m going to confess, even if it burns down my marriage.”

I expect Curtis to come out of prison, though worse for wear. Remember, Drew came out of Pentonville so much worse and then went downhill from there and morphed into the total jerk we’ve got now. And if Curtis doesn’t learn his lesson, he may come out, try to block Isaiah from being around Desmond.

If so, I’m still hoping there’s another DNA test for some reason, and we find out Curtis isn’t the dad, and Stella Henry (Vernee Watson) rigged the paternity test because Curtis didn’t get the chance to raise Trina.

It would be karmic if Curtis gets his freedom but loses the baby and then Portia, Isaiah, and Des get there happily ever after. And Curtis gets Jordan and a lot of anger and frustration. We’ll see it play how it plays out, but very soon things are going to go from bad to much worse for Curtis.

Katie Holmes is happily embracing a romantic new season. 

The 47-year-old actress has officially taken the next step in her relationship with artist Jason Bard Yarmosky, making their romance social media official following a picturesque summer getaway.

The two reportedly met in June and, since then, have been spotted together at multiple public gatherings.

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Taking to his Instagram Story on Thursday, Yarmosky shared an adorable picture of Holmes, giving followers an intimate look into their thriving relationship. 

In the photo, the actress was captured wearing an ivory two-piece ensemble accessorized with metallic pointed-toe heels. She stood cross-legged while beaming at the camera. 

Yarmosky didn’t attach a caption to the image, but instead tagged the actress.

The two also indulged in a getaway that included art-filled excursions and scenic coastal activities. Yarmosky shared snapshots of them viewing artwork by John Chamberlain alongside footage from a sunset boat ride, as reported by U.S. Weekly.  

Holmes further confirmed their milestone by reposting the photo directly to her Instagram grid, adding a simple smiley face emoji to mark the moment.

The couple’s social media debut comes after weeks of quiet romance since they stepped out together in July. At the time, they sparked relationship rumors when they arrived hand-in-hand for a Hamptons screening of the film “The Invite.”

Katie Holmes & Her Boyfriend Jason Bard Yarmosky Have ‘Similar’ Tastes

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As their summer romance continues to blossom, Holmes and Yarmosky have made it clear that they are on the same page.

In late July, the couple was seen together at a Ferragamo pop-up event hosted by actress Gabrielle Union in Bridgehampton, New York. For the event, she donned a sheer button-down top paired with a fringe skirt. 

Meanwhile, Yarmosky complemented her effortlessly in a dark navy sweater, matching flared trousers, and black dress shoes.

Addressing their complementary fashion choices, Holmes sweetly said, “I think we just have similar taste,” as reported by The Blast.

Furthermore, eyewitnesses noted that the duo appeared thoroughly smitten throughout the night, sharing whispers and giggles as they enjoyed the evening side-by-side.

Katie Holmes & Jason Bard Yarmosky Are Taking Things Slow

While Holmes and Yarmosky have been spotted together in public on multiple occasions, insiders emphasize that the romance remains in its early stages.

To keep their connection comfortable and pressure-free, the “Dawson’s Creek” alum and her partner are intentionally maintaining boundary lines when it comes to their home lives. According to The Blast, sources noted that Holmes’ 18-year-old daughter, Suri, has yet to be introduced to Yarmosky.

“They’re intentionally taking it slow. They haven’t been introduced to others’ families or done any of that yet,” an insider shared regarding their current status.

The couple is reportedly content focusing on one-on-one time without rushing toward major milestones or long-term commitments. 

“There haven’t been any major steps in the relationship yet; they’re still in the dating phase for now,” the source also shared.

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Katie Holmes’ Daughter Adopted A New Identity To Completely Cut Ties With Her Father

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Even as Suri has yet to officially meet her mother’s new partner, the estrangement between her and her father, Tom Cruise, seems to have gotten worse lately. 

According to The Blast, Suri has officially dropped Cruise as her surname and has chosen to embrace her mother Katie Holmes’ middle name and legally change her name to Suri Noelle.

This change appears to be a result of a deeply strained relationship that dates back to the high-profile divorce of Tom and Holmes. Following their split, father and daughter grew increasingly distant.

The official confirmation of her name change surfaced through public records in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where Suri currently attends Carnegie Mellon University. When registering to vote as a freshman, she officially signed up under the moniker Suri Noelle.

Katie Holmes Respects Suri’s Decision To Drop Tom Cruise’s Name 

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Following news of the legal name change, attention naturally turned to how Holmes processed her daughter’s decisive move. Interestingly, insiders close to the family revealed that the “Batman Begins” actress was entirely unfazed by the update.

“Katie wasn’t surprised by Suri’s decision to legally drop ‘Cruise’ from her last name because that’s just who Suri is,“ a source revealed, as reported by The Blast.

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The informant shared that the milestone was far from an abrupt decision, but rather a gradual evolution reflecting Suri’s self-reliance.

“She’s always been incredibly independent and confident in making her own choices,” the source added. 

The insider further emphasized that Holmes respected her daughter’s personal journey every step of the way without influencing or rushing her timing.

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