Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 18, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Hayden Panettiere‘s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, broke her silence following the actress’ shocking death, criticizing her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson, who was with Hayden when she was declared dead. Vogel said she takes comfort in knowing Hayden has been reunited with her late brother, Jansen Panettiere.

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• Sister Wives star Janelle Brown revealed her new boyfriend Pete in an Instagram post, calling the romance “pretty wonderful” after previously saying she had no interest in dating post-divorce from Kody Brown. Former sister wife Christine Brown gave her stamp of approval in the comments, noting Pete is a construction worker like her own husband, David.

• Remember the Titans actor Ethan Suplee recalled smoking heroin at the film’s 2000 premiere in a Substack tribute to his late costar Hayden Panettiere. Suplee wrote that finding the courage to accept help was “the miracle” of his life.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Be warned. There will be spoilers for Game of Thrones.

Fans are a wild breed. We are passionate. We have opinions, and we love to make them heard. One of the greatest and most proud fanbases is Game of Thrones. During the initial run of the adaptation of George R.R. Martin‘s series, the fans had some fervent feelings. There was shock and awe seeing the major battles, dragons take flight, and their favorite book characters come to life. They were also adamant about how furious they were about the final two seasons. Some of us would love a do-over. While we simply cannot recreate the original run, there is always a chance of a new vision.

Similarly to how HBO is bringing Harry Potter back, in series form this time, if Game of Thrones were to get the same treatment, this is how the casting might break down. Now, this is a dream list of only 10 characters within a vast universe. We can always revisit this with new characters and suggestions later on. For this list, we’re looking at how the character was crafted on the page as well as how they were portrayed on screen. We will not be considering those actors who are part of House of the Dragon or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The names on this list include both major Hollywood players and rising stars. Though there are a plethora of other brilliant individuals who could be here, this is simply a wish list from one fan.

1

Catelyn Stark

Ruth Wilson

Image via Showtime

It’s safe to say that on Game of Thrones, making it far in the story is a rarity. Game of Thrones adores killing off characters for the sake of important storytelling. So, whether faithful readers or simply show-only fans, losing Catelyn Stark during the Red Wedding was a devastating blow. If there is one thing we adored about Catelyn, it was how she would go to the end of the earth for her children. Torn by duty and grief, Catelyn was played remarkably by Michelle Fairley. Coincidentally, Fairley was actually the result of a recast when Jennifer Ehle stepped away from the part. Ultimately, it was a monumental decision that was for the best of the show. She commanded the screen with rich emotional intensity and ferocity. Her frantic shift to pure terror during “The Rains of Castamere” remains an iconic television moment because you could feel the pure heartbreak through the screen.

To take on a character of that emotional depth, an actress needs an equal emotional range. That woman is Ruth Wilson. With an extraordinary career ranging from The Affair to Luther, Wilson has the perfect intensity and maternal instinct to bring Catelyn to the next level. Serving as the Lady of Winterfell, Wilson’s ability to play uncompromised, intense women who make harsh choices would play well into the moral gravity of Catelyn. Wilson could ease into the dangerous desperation of a mother as the deep pain and heavy dramatic beats play out. Fighting the burden of political survival, just imagine the acting masterclass that would come in her turn during the Red Wedding. Wilson has played vengeful before as Alice Morgan in Luther, so should the book-only plotline of Lady Stoneheart emerge, she could capture the silent outlaw leader who hunts down anyone connected to the betrayal of her family with ease.

2

Cersei Lannister

Vanessa Kirby

Image via Netflix

There are some deliciously chilling and vicious villains in the Game of Thrones universe, but none are as brilliantly dynamic as Cersei Lannister. Originally brought to life by the exceptional Lena Headey, there was no character you loved to hate more than Cersei. You hated to see her succeed, but you admired her for her cunning, ruthless sensibility. When she got her comeuppance, you were thrilled, but it was Game of Thrones; it was always going to be short-lived. The merciless Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and ruler of the Iron Throne, Cersei’s highlight reel of massive moments ranged from fiercely protecting her children to plotting and executing political maneuvers against her rivals. Oh, and keeping a secret incestuous relationship mum. She was more than fine watching a young boy be shoved out of a window in order to keep her affairs quiet. Headey brought a masterclass of micro-expressions to the role. Whether conveying immense menace, profound grief, or strategic calculations, she made the morally complex tyrant utterly magnetic.

There might never be someone who could play the part in the manner that Headey did, so through today’s lens, you need someone who can play aristocratic elegance while masking deep emotional volatility with an outward coldness. That actress is Vanessa Kirby. It would be a stylistically different direction, but Kirby has a resume of playing dastardly, devious women, a grieving mother, and literal royalty. Through her role as Princess Margaret in The Crown, she has an ease in which to play a high-born figure chafing against restriction with biting wit and poise. Kirby has the power to bring a simmering bitterness with unpredictable inner turmoil, which could snap and burn an entire kingdom to the ground. Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sue Storm, Kirby is now well-versed in handling mega franchises, though she did have a brush with it prior when she took on arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis in Mission: Impossible. From the White Woman and Invisible Woman to the infamous Queen Whore, Cersei Lannister would be a delicious part for the Oscar nominee to sink her teeth into.

3

Daenerys Targaryen

Anya Taylor-Joy

Image via Apple TV+

As seen with the two prequel series, fans are utterly fascinated with the Targaryen lineage and story in Westeros. Those stories depict a prosperous time for the surname. Game of Thrones was the opposite. Perhaps the most iconic character in all of Game of Thrones is Daenerys Targaryen. Played by Emilia Clarke, Dany had quite a journey across the show’s eight seasons. The Mother of Dragons rose from exiled princess to a powerful queen. Clarke was grounded with deep emotional vulnerability and steely resolve as Daenerys, yet completely commanded the screen through intense gaze, posture, and vocal authority. Though we may have some feelings on the final story arc, Dany was the anchor of the franchise, and Clarke is much to thank.

Dany’s complex transition requires an actress who can capture you with their charm and posture early on, so that by the time her hardened, ruthless mindset arrives, you’ve already been taken by her. To take on one of the greatest roles in television requires one of Hollywood’s most prominent superstars, Anya Taylor-Joy. Dany needs to be physically striking, and that’s exactly who she is. Taylor-Joy evokes an ethereal image that would fit the Valyrian aesthetic. Taylor-Joy has proven herself as a formidable performer, showing different shades of power and strength in projects like The Queen’s Gambit, Peaky Blinders, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. If there’s one part that proves she can take on the depth of Daenerys, it’s 2015’s The Witch. There is ferocity needed to play the Mother of Dragons, which Taylor-Joy has. She can convey cold determination and passionate fire with the flip of a switch. Oh, and she loves dragons!

4

Jaime Lannister

Leo Suter

Image via BritBox

In a brilliant world of fantasy, someone needed the moniker of “Kingslayer.” That honor was bestowed upon Jaime Lannister. The eldest son of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), Jaime was a brilliant swordsman, a member of the Kingsguard, and the complex twin of Cersei, who notoriously set in motion the action of the story by pushing Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) out the window. He started his journey in the series as a ruthless and arrogant man, only to find a path toward redemption upon losing his sword hand. His arrogance gave way to humility and reflection, making him a morally gray character. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau brought a brooding charm to Jaime. Perpetually torn between love for his family and a desire to do what is right, Coster-Waldau’s magnanimity plucked at the heartstrings. He balanced tragic loyalty with growth, with a masterful relationship with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) to ground him in a wonderfully complex arc.

Jaime requires an actor who has the same charisma and ability to play the moral middle. He must also be striking in stature and have an instant evocation that he is a brave Kingslayer. Who better than an individual who played a Nordic prince and warrior? Enter: Leo Suter. Best known for playing Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla, Suter has proven himself with heavy swordplay, armor, and intense medieval battle sequences with ease. He has the classic handsome features and physical stature that define Jaime. Like Coster-Waldau, the blonde-adjacent aesthetic would match the visual archetype of House Lannister. Suter’s resume features many parts, both modern and period, that exude the dramatic range that matches Jaime’s. Suter shines when he plays a passionate, devoted figure torn between grand ambitions and deep personal loyalties. There is an ease about him when taking on a layered, sympathetic figure facing moral pressures. Should you need more proof of Suter’s perfection for the part, check him out in Victoria and Lynley.

5

Jon Snow

Louis Partridge

There are very few characters more beloved than Jon Snow. Raised as the bastard son of Ned Stark (Sean Bean), he served as the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, later to be revealed as the true-born Targaryen heir. His arc during the full run of the series was a major reason it was one of the biggest hits of all time. The cliffhanger when he was killed by mutineers rocked pop culture, though book readers knew the truth. That is, until the show exceeded Martin’s novels, and the remainder of Jon’s journey was highly anticipated. Between his beautiful companionship with his direwolf Ghost and the most romantic relationship of all with Ygritte (Rose Leslie), Jon Snow was iconic thanks in part to Kit Harington‘s performance. Harington’s natural brooding look and ability to communicate emotion without heavy dialogue matched the character on the page. Harington took on Jon with ease, making him one of the strongest characters in all of Westeros.

Jon must be played by someone who can evoke quiet intensity before launching into profound heroism. He may be rugged, but he also must have nobility hidden within. He needs to be played by someone who seems morally perfect. That perfect performer is perpetually rising star Louis Partridge. Taking on a more book-accurate version of a younger Jon Snow, Partridge brings out a moody, romantic aesthetic that can capture the young commander. Partridge possesses the dark hair, expressive dark eyes, and slender melancholy face associated with the northern lineage. As far as playing in a period-type universe, Partridge is no stranger to wearing a historically inspired costume, notably in Enola Holmes and House of Guinness. Partridge would seamlessly fit into House Stark, offering great range in the part, excelling as an outsider and romantic soul struggling as an outcast.

6

Margaery Tyrell

Florence Pugh

Image via AMC

There are many profound and dominating houses within Westeros, but one of the most fascinating and secretly influential lineages was House Tyrell. While one of the greatest quotes in Game of Thrones history came from the sharp-witted Oleanna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), the true master of manipulation was Margaery Tyrell. Clever and ambitious, the queen from Highgarden was unafraid to marry for power. In fact, she did it via three different kings, including Joffrey and Tommen Baratheon (Jack Gleeson and Dean-Charles Chapman). What made her such a brilliantly deceptive queen was her ability to strike with a smile — a stark contrast to her mother-in-law, Cersei. Bringing sharp intelligence, sublime charm, and subtle control to the part was Natalie Dormer. She played Margaery without being a loud or mean antagonist, though calling her a villain seeking to take down the Lannisters may not be fair. Dormer’s Margaery proved that a smart woman can earn power through kindness and public grace.

Margaery, by choice, found herself having to fend off some dangerous men. She did so by figuring out what they wanted and using it to her advantage. She is of a decisive, brilliant mind and requires a powerhouse to play her. Look no further than Florence Pugh. Though some fans may want to see her in a more dominating part like Cersei or Daenerys, Margaery is a stronger fit based on the character and her resume. Pugh has established a career playing sharp, ambitious, and politically savvy women who mask a fierce, calculating intellect behind a warm, outward-facing smile. Whether it’s as Amy March in Little Women, Dani Ardor in Midsommar, or Yelena Belova in the MCU, Pugh’s strength is her versatility. Just like Margaery, with each scenario, a different shade of her range can be utilized to reach the top. The Oscar-nominated actress has a handle on period-tinged dialogue, corsets, and class hierarchy. As much as you’d love to see her on dragon-back, her strength lies in high-stakes dramatic showdowns within the walls of the realm.

7

Ned Stark

Karl Urban

Image via Prime Video

When Game of Thrones began, one of the more prominent families in the story was the Starks, led by Lord “Eddard” Ned Stark. The Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and paragon of duty and honor, Ned was the ultimate face of morality. — so much so that it led to his ultimate and untimely demise. His investigation into the royal family led to his arrest and execution, triggering the massive conflict better known as the War of the Five Kingdoms. Taking on the role was the seasoned vet Sean Bean. He brought a natural grit, lived-in authenticity, and rich emotional gravitas to the part. He anchored the first season with a rare, believable sense of old-school morality and tragic humanity. Bean helped subvert expectations of where the series could head, as fans were devastated to lose him since they deeply cared for his character.

One of the very first and most shocking moments in Game of Thrones for series-watchers was the death of Ned Stark. A major character and presence, killing him off in Season 1 was proof that even top-billing actors were not safe on this show. So, to keep the tradition alive, an equally prominent name needs to take on that part. No one has the grit needed other than The Boys‘ star Karl Urban. Ned was the ultimate family man, as was Billy Butcher. Urban has a proven ability to play stern, rugged, and intensely principled warriors with quiet authority, which made his turn in The Boys a bit of a shock. Yet, true to his core, Urban always brings a grim, no-nonsense protector who can communicate with a scowl. Urban carries a commanding presence in armor and with a blade, famously as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings. Knowing the trajectory of the story, watching Urban’s Ned be executed at the hands of Joffrey would be as much of a blow as it was seeing Bean’s run conclude.

8

Petyr Baelish

David Tennant

Amazon / Courtesy Everett Collection

Sometimes, the most important characters of a story operate in the shadow, using their power of influence and persuasion to succeed. One of those brilliant side characters in Westeros is Petyr Baelish, best known as “Littlefinger.” He rises from a minor, poor noble background player to become the royal Master of Coin and a master manipulator who uses lies and chaos to gain power. Rather than fighting with a sword, Littlefinger uses trickery, bribes, and secrets to turn noble houses against one another. He famously noted that “chaos is a ladder,” using political messiness to climb each and every rung. Of course, after attempting to turn the Stark sisters against one another, his double-dealing finally caught up to him. Littlefinger was such a striking character because Aiden Gillen ensured he was a quiet, charming danger. Through soft speech and a sly smile, he made Littlefinger feel smarter than everyone he ever faced.

Gillen’s Lord Baelish was not a cartoon villain, but a man driven by old humiliations and a rich appetite for control. Using shifting accents and tones depending on who he was speaking to, he was able to trick people and keep them off balance. Littlefinger needs to be a chameleon, and thus there’s no one better to take on the part than the masterful David Tennant. The Scottish actor has exceptional range playing intensely charismatic, fast-talking, and richly menacing characters. Though many will always see him as a hero playing the Doctor, some of his most dynamic parts are when he plays cold, threatening human monsters, like Killgrave in Jessica Jones and Dennis Nilsen in Des. For this iteration of Littlefinger, rather than operating with subtlety, this version would be played more openly vocal. Tennant’s take might appear outwardly sneaky, but his prowess in persuasion would still make him a threat you don’t want to take on. Tennant excels at delivering sudden shifts from warm and polite to ice-cold and threatening. With an innate ability to take on William Shakespeare’s great texts, Tennant could dominate the complex, manipulative monologues with sharp, calculating precision. Tennant would be utterly chilling as Littlefinger.

9

Robb Stark

Leo Woodall

Image via AppleTV+

A hero among heroes, Robb Stark emerged as a fan-favorite character because he was so good. The eldest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark, Robb was known as “Young Wolf” and became King of the North. Following the execution of his father, Robb went after the Lannisters with great fervor. His battle skills were profound, winning every major battle he fought and capturing Jaime Lannister. Perhaps his one true fatal flaw was love. Upon breaking a marriage promise to House Frey by marrying for love, his ultimate downfall came at the Red Wedding thanks to the wheeling and dealing of Walder Frey (David Bradley) and Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton). Richard Madden excelled at bringing Robb to life. He expertly mastered the fierce, commanding presence of a battlefield leader with a warm, vulnerable, conflicted young man prematurely thrust into war. Madden captured the inner turmoil of a man forced to make fatal political and romantic mistakes under immense pressure. He had the physical courage and tactical mindset of his father, allowing Madden to make you believe him to be the next true leader. Madden’s Robb was accessible, grounding the grand fantasy politics with genuine human heartbreak. His loss was just as heavy as Bean’s departure.

To play Robb Stark, one must possess a balance of boyish charm, intense emotional gravity, and a burden of sudden leadership. One actor who has broken through Hollywood recently and could bring the charisma needed for Robb is Leo Woodall. Making a name for himself after his deceptively charming role in Season 2 of The White Lotus, every role he’s played since has exuded a combination of romance and allure. In One Day, Woodall proved he could be the romantic anchor of a sweeping, years-long narrative, striking the perfect balance of dramatic prowess and heart. His expressive screen presence allows him to convey Robb’s heavy inner thoughts, a young man forced to grow up too fast. He’s become a scene-stealer in every project he’s been in simply for his kinetic magnetism with his co-star. Though his Robb might be more of a mystery, it’s clear that Woodall is no mystery in Hollywood. He was born to be a leading man.

10

Tyrion Lannister

Peter Dinklage

Image via HBO

There were some extraordinary performances across the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, but at the very top was Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. Referred to as “The Imp,” Tyrion was a witty, highly intelligent dwarf born into the wealthy and powerful House Lannister. With the odds always stacked against him, Tyrion proved himself more than capable thanks to his sharp intellect, strategic political planning, and biting humor, which he used to survive. His journey through the series was quite remarkable. He served as the Hand of the King during the War of the Five Kings, successfully defending King’s Landing during the Battle of Blackwater. After being accused of murdering his nephew, he underwent a dramatic trial, killed his abusive father, and fled Westeros. Only then did he cross the Narrow Sea to become the advisor and Hand to Queen Daenerys. He attempted to steer her toward a just rule, but we all know how that turned out.

Dinklage was utterly perfect in the part. He brought a mix of sharp wit, deep sadness, and profound intelligence, making Tyrion a strong, complex man. His delivery of funny lines was more than just comic relief and levity. The dry, cynical edge made him a well-rounded individual. He resonated as a man cast out by his family, bringing a deep pain. And when he had to command the screen through his big, dramatic moments, namely his infamous trial, he did it with exceptional ease. With that, there is simply no other actor who could play Tyrion like Dinklage; thus, he would get the part again. When the show was initially casting, Martin and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss knew it was always only Dinklage. No other actor was auditioned for the role. Though skeptical at first, as he did not want to fall into flat, stereotypical dwarf tropes, Dinklage instead crafted a fully realized, multidimensional human character far from a caricature. His unique blend of sardonic humor, vulnerability, and masterful performance earned him four Emmys for the part. He’s simply the best.

When it comes to the genre of spy thrillers, viewers have a lot to choose from. From Netflix’s The Night Agent to Slow Horses on Apple TV, these are all shows that promise and expertly deliver on action, intrigue and their fair share of life-threatening, or even world-ending storylines. Among the best recent additions to the genre is Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal, which first premiered on November 14, 2024, and received a solid 84% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. But as the series aims for a 2027 window for the release of Season 2, a Paramount+ show with the same high-stakes thrill is becoming a must-watch for its fans.

The Agency, which first premiered on November 29, 2024, is a spy thriller that’s the perfect example of why a TV show sometimes needs a moment to find its grove. After a lukewarm reception following Season 1, the show’s second season, which was released all at once on Jun 21, 2026, is becoming a true force to be reckoned with. Season 2 boasts an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, a massive 26% higher than its freshman season. With an impressive cast, and a storyline that only gets better with time, The Agency is slowly becoming one of the most compelling spy thrillers out there.

What Is ‘The Agency’ About?

Based on the acclaimed French series Le Bureau des Légendes, The Agency follows CIA operative Brandon Colby, codename “Martian” (Michael Fassbender), as he returns to London after spending six years deep undercover in Ethiopia. There, he broke one of the fundamental rules of undercover work when he fell in love with university professor Sami Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith). By the time he had to leave, Martian found himself at an emotional crossroads, having no option but to leave abruptly and cut ties with Sami altogether.

Now in England, Martian attempts to settle back into the routine rhythms of CIA desk life, but the transition is anything but smooth. He struggles to rebuild his identity beyond his deep cover, especially when it comes to reconnecting with his teenage daughter. As hesuffers from these growing pains, the department’s trust in him also wavers. Director Henry (Jeffrey Wright) and Chief Bosko (Richard Gere) oversee London Station with sharply different philosophies, and both men quietly question Martian’s reliability even as they juggle their own covert operations. That already-fragile balance collapses when Sami unexpectedly re-enters Martian’s orbit, and he’s pulled back into a new mission to rescue an undercover field agent.

‘The Agency’ Is the Perfect ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Replacement

From the synopsis alone, it’s safe to say that while both shows are certainly distinct, viewers can attest that The Day of the Jackal and The Agency have the same sleek, modern feel of an espionage thriller while blending high-stakes international intrigue with personal, heartfelt stories. By both honing in on their central characters, played by Fassbender and Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, both shows use them to portray the psychological toll of living under false identities and constantly operating in secret.

With that said, they differ on the type of spy story they depict. While Redmayne’s character is often in a heart-racing cat-and-mouse chase around the world in elaborate assassinations, The Agency is quieter and more stationary, forcing Martian to confront a relationship with Sami and his daughter, while also navigating the CIA bureaucracy and the consequences of his undercover work. The charm of The Agency comes less from elaborate action sequences and more from uncertainty, manipulation and the question of who he can actually trust. “It’s a chillingly negative view of human nature going rotten at the core, but weirdly compelling nonetheless,” writes one review on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ultimately, while The Day of the Jackal and The Agency are distinct in many ways, both shows present interesting alternatives to a traditional spy thriller and make for equally compelling watches. While The Day of the Jackal is perfect for viewers who love fast-paced action, while The Agency is built for those who prefer slow-burn espionage and morally complicated characters, they tackle similar themes of secret identities, international conspiracies and deadly missions. Most importantly, they tell stories that are just as much about isolation and human connection as they are about espionage.

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Release Date

December 1, 2024

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Network

Paramount+ with Showtime

Showrunner

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Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth

Directors

Joe Wright, Zetna Fuentes, Neil Burger

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For decades, popular comedian Ricky Gervais has maintained that legal marriage is entirely unnecessary.

However, after being in a relationship with author Jane Fallon for over 40 years, he has finally discovered a serious tax-related reason that could force him to get married.

The revelation by Ricky Gervais has been met with mostly positive reactions, with many praising him for the move, while some were left stunned that he wasn’t already married to Fallon.

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Famous comedian Gervais, whose personal fortune sits at an estimated £141 million [$191 million], recently opened up to Saga Magazine regarding his intentions to marry his longtime partner, best-selling author Jane Fallon.

When questioned directly if tax benefits were the primary motivation for marrying Fallon, who holds an independent net worth of £1.3 million [$1.8 million], Gervais candidly admitted to the financial move.

He said, “It is. And that will be the reason I marry. We haven’t done it yet. But if it wasn’t for [tax]… why?…”

Under current estate laws in the UK, unmarried cohabiting couples are excluded from the automatic spouse exemption rule.

This specific legal provision permits a married individual or civil partner to inherit their deceased partner’s entire estate completely free from inheritance tax liabilities, a protective benefit that even long-term unmarried couples like Gervais and Fallon can not receive.

Instead, they face an inheritance tax rate of up to 40 percent on any estate assets that exceed the standard tax-free allowance. This presents a massive financial exposure for someone like Gervais who has an extensive, multi-million-pound property portfolio.

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Included in Gervais’ real estate portfolio is a sprawling, nine-bedroom mansion in North London’s Hampstead neighborhood valued at £14.75 million [$19.97 million], alongside a pair of apartments in New York City.

Additionally, Gervais owns a riverside home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where local officials recently approved his plans to build a custom £5 million [$6.77 million] neo-Georgian mansion.

According to the Daily Mail, the comedian’s mansion will include a grand entrance hall, a galleried landing, an internal elevator, a home gym, a private drawing room, and a master suite complete with an outdoor terrace that offers sweeping views of a tennis court and pond.

Regarding his latest marriage comments, fans of Gervais seemed excited about it, with one individual on X writing, “A sensible decision. Good publicity for those not aware of this. I guess he’s hoping he pops his clogs first.”

Another stated, “He better have gotten her a huge rock for making her wait that long.”

Ricky Gervais And Jane Fallon Appear To Have Always Been On The Same Page About Marriage

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Gervais and Fallon initially crossed paths during their student years at University College London in 1982, eventually relocating two years later into an apartment situated directly above an establishment the comedian reportedly described as a “seedy sauna” in King’s Cross.

From early on, the long-term partners mutually agreed not to get married or ever have kids, with Fallon later reflecting that, since she was a child, she had never been interested in weddings or motherhood.

During an appearance on the “Second Act podcast” with host Ateh Jewel, she said: “When I was little, you know the cliche of a little girl is they imagine their wedding day and their wedding dress… it was none of that, ever.

“I would think about getting a dog or something,” the author continued, per the Daily Mail. “It was always about work and my life. I would think about the flat that I would live in and stuff like that. But I was never into that kind of romance stuff.”

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During his chat with Saga Magazine, Gervais stressed how long he and Fallon have stayed together, noting that while not legally married, they have been able to stay committed to each other, unlike a lot of married couples.

“It’s mad,” he noted about the tax issue forcing him to tie the knot. “How more married can you be? We share all our money; we’ve been living together for 40 years. Some marriages don’t last a year.”

Acknowledging that they might need to make their partnership legal sooner rather than later, the comedian remarked, “It’s horrible, isn’t it? ‘I’ve got to get around to marrying before I die.’”

Gervais has long maintained that he and Fallon are already married “for all intents and purposes,” telling The Sunday Times in 2010 that their “fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one.”

Ricky Gervais’ Longtime Partner Faced A Cancer Battle

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Gervais’ recent remarks about marriage and tax come after a significant health scare for his long-term partner.

Fallon was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram caught the illness in its earliest, most treatable stages.

By April, she was able to offer fans a reassuring update on her treatment plan. After completing an initial surgical procedure to remove the tumor and a necessary margin of healthy tissue, she happily announced that her surgeons had “basically got it all.”

Showing immense resilience, Fallon then moved forward with a successful follow-up operation to finalize her surgical care, keeping a remarkably optimistic outlook throughout her recovery.

The roots of the thriller genre go back hundreds and hundreds of years, but it didn’t start becoming a fully-formed genre with a style all of its own until the late-19th and early-20th centuries—part of that evolution coming in the form of some of the most suspenseful movies the world has ever seen. Over the course of the last century, thriller filmmakers around the world have offered some of the most nail-biting movies one can ever possibly find.

Tension, sky-high stakes, and the mystery of what will happen next are all at the heart of what makes suspense work as well as it does on the big screen. From 1926 until the present, there have been a few key cinematic masterpieces, from classics like M to modern hits like Uncut Gems, which have completely re-defined the way thrills and suspense work in the Seventh Art.

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‘M’ (1931)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Fritz Lang is one of the most important and groundbreaking European filmmakers in history, which should make it entirely unsurprising that he directed and co-wrote (with his wife, Thea von Harbou) one of the most foundational thrillers in cinema’s history: M, which also happens to be one of the most important films made during cinema’s transition to sound.

M is an undisputed masterpiece, one of those psychological thrillers that helped define the genre. Bolstered by Peter Lorre‘s powerhouse lead performance and some of the best camerawork of the 1930s, this classic built an atmosphere of urban paranoia and psychological dread that was unlike anything cinema had ever seen before. Over 90 years later, it’s still awfully effective, making the movie a must-see for all those interested in learning about the genre’s evolution.

7

‘The Departed’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

A remake of the 2002 Hong Kong masterpiece Infernal Affairs, The Departed was the movie that finally earned Martin Scorsese his long-overdue Best Director Academy Award, as well as his first film ever to win Best Picture. Whether it’s superior to the original or not is beside the point; the fact of the matter is that it’s one of the most perfect gangster movies since 2000, a modern classic that has only gotten better with age.

By this point in the 21st century, Scorsese had already become such a master of the crime thriller genre that it’s no surprise that he made in The Departed his most suspenseful movie to date. Full of delicious dramatic irony and jaw-dropping plot twists, this relentlessly-paced gem is one of the most foundational crime thrillers of the 21st century as a whole. Scorsese mafia movies are always immensely entertaining, but never had they been more tension-filled than this—and they never have since then.

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‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

Jonathan Demme‘s The Silence of the Lambs is the latest film to have won all Big Five Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actress, Actor, and Screenplay), and very deservedly so. There are some thrillers so terrifyingly suspenseful and darkly atmospheric that some go so far as to consider them horror thrillers, and Silence of the Lambs is perhaps the quintessential example of that.

Several R-rated psychological thrillers can be called masterpieces, but few more clearly so than Demme’s magnum opus. Adapted from Thomas Harris‘ massively influential novel, this essential ’90s classic is a masterclass in filmmaking so suspenseful that it’s downright horrifying. Violent, twisty, and psychologically complex, Silence of the Lambs is made all the more powerful by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins‘ powerhouse performances.

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‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Image via The Weinstein Company

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Quentin Tarantino proved admirably soon into his career that he was a voice to look out for going forward; and indeed, by this point, one could confidently call him one of the most acclaimed filmmakers currently working in Hollywood. The question of what his greatest movie ever is can elicit many responses, but it’s likelier than not that Inglourious Basterds will come up more than most.

It’s one of the most intense World War II movies of all time for a wide variety of reasons. There’s the presence of Christoph Waltz‘s Hans Landa, one of the most intimidating villains in the genre’s history; there’s the pure entertainment value of Tarantino’s historical revisionism; and, of course, there’s also the pure suspense of the whole thing. From the opening scene to the infamous bar sequence, Inglourious Basterds basically consists of two-and-a-half hours of Tarantino delivering masterclasses in how to build high-stakes tension and suspense.

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‘Misery’ (1990)

Misery is one of the greatest horror thriller movies of all time, based on one of the best horror thriller books ever written. One of the best Stephen King adaptations the big screen has ever seen, this Rob Reiner classic is one of the most suspenseful single-location movies of all time, bolstered by James Caan and Kathy Bates‘ downright-flawless performances. Movies with premises as minimalistic as this are tough to truly nail, but Reiner had such a spotless understanding of the bare essentials of suspense that he did as marvelous a job as anyone possibly could have.

Like all the most exciting movies based on great books, Misery seems to perfectly understand how to best lift the tension from King’s printed page right to the screen. It’s character-driven suspense through and through, permeated by an atmosphere of pure dread and survival that’s fueled mostly by Bates’ performance, arguably the best Oscar-winning horror movie performance of all time.

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‘Psycho’ (1960)

Image via William Creamer – © MPTV

Alfred Hitchcock is often given the moniker of the Master of Suspense, and that’s for good reason. Since his early days in British silent cinema, the director began to revolutionize suspense and the thriller genre as a whole, completely changing the way movies create tension and deliver twists and surprises. Even though he made several of the most suspenseful thrillers of the last 100 years, there’s one that stands tall above all the others: the chilling horror thriller Psycho.

One of the best psychological thriller movies in history, Psycho is packed with twists and turns that broke new ground in the thriller genre, bridging the gap between its Golden-Age-Hollywood form and the experimental years right after its conclusion. Though the years have made it so that some of Psycho‘s surprises aren’t all that shocking anymore, the whole film’s atmosphere of fear and suspense is still entirely effective.

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‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

There’s a solid number of filmmakers worthy of being considered today’s Masters of Suspense, worthy spiritual successors to Alfred Hitchcock. One of those filmmakers is undoubtedly David Fincher, and there’s no better way to understand why than watching Se7en. All in all, it’s arguably the darkest and most cynical movie ever to make over $300 million dollars at the worldwide box office.

It’s one of the most perfect cat-and-mouse thrillers ever made, one so unapologetically pessimistic and grim that it can also be counted as psychological horror. In any case, one thing is certain, and that is that it’s the sort of hyper-suspenseful big-budget studio film so dark that it could only possibly come from post-’90s Hollywood. There are those who would argue that it’s Fincher’s most suspenseful film, and talking about a director who’s such a master of cinematic tension, that’s high praise.

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‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)

Image via A24

Josh and Benny Safdie are masters of anxiety-inducing cinema, and never have either of them made a film more anxiety-inducing than what some may rightfully call the single most suspenseful feature film ever shot: Uncut Gems. Anchored by the most admirable acting performance of Adam Sandler‘s career, it’s one of the best thriller movies since 2010, a masterpiece that makes it easy to run out of nails to bite if you’re not paying attention.

Every single element of Uncut Gems works in perfect conjunction with all the others to generate an atmosphere of suspense as stressful as humanly possible. Sandler’s performance, the Safdies’ perfect sense of pacing, the overlapping naturalistic dialogue, Daniel Lopatin‘s score—it’s all meant to keep the audience at the edge of their seats for 135 straight minutes, and it works flawlessly. Uncut Gems is by no means an easy film to get through, since it definitely demands a strong stomach from its viewers; but no thriller movie fans’ bucket list can be complete without it.

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Uncut Gems

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Release Date

December 25, 2019

Runtime

136 minutes

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Director

Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie

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Emma Thompson’s mom Phyllida Law has died. She was 94.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce that Phyllida Law died supremely peacefully at home, surrounded by all of her family, on Monday 27th July,” Law’s manager Jacky Leggo said in a statement to BBC News on Tuesday, August 18. “We had worked together for over fifty years and she was a beautiful person inside and out.”

Law was the mother of daughters Emma, 67, and Sophie Thompson, whom she shared with late husband Eric Thompson. (Law and Eric tied the knot in 1957 and the couple were together until his death in 1982 at age 53.)

Emma previously shared that she and her mom formed a strong bond after the death of her father. (Emma was 21 at the time of her father’s death.)

Related: Emma Thompson’s Daughter Shades Mom’s Ex Kenneth Branagh Over Past Affair

Did Emma Thompson’s daughter, Gaia Wise, subtly shade her mom’s ex-husband, Kenneth Branagh? Gaia, 24, shared a meme via her Instagram Story on Monday, July 29, that showed Thompson, 65, next to a photo of Branagh, 63, from the 1993 movie adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. (Thompson played Beatrice and Branagh played Benedick in […]

“Now I think if my father was still alive, it would be very different,” the Love Actually actress told the Hollywood Foreign Press in May 2021. “I mean, we know mum so much better because we spent so much time together, we started going on holidays and traveling together, and we all live on the same street, within three doors of each other.”

The Oscar winner continued, “We’re far closer-knit because of that event in our lives, also we’re three actresses who always had to earn our own living, we’ve never been supported by anyone. My mum always worked, I always worked when I was married, and my sister works. So that’s created quite a strong kind of triumvirate. It’s a little alarming, actually.”

Both Emma and Sophie, 64, followed in their mother’s footsteps, who was a formidable actress in the 1960s. She appeared in multiple TV series, including Play School, A Picture of Katherine Mansfield, That’s Love, Kingdom and more. Law made her film debut in 1968’s Otley.

Related: Emma Thompson Reiterates Claims Donald Trump Once Asked Her on a Date

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Emma Thompson recently recalled an unexpected exchange she claims she had with Donald Trump. While speaking during a masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on Friday, August 8, Thompson alleged that Trump once asked her on a date. “A phone rang in my trailer, and it was Donald Trump. I thought it was […]

Law shared the screens with her daughters multiple times. She and Emma appeared in 1992’s Peter’s Friends, 1993’s Much Ado About Nothing and 1997’s The Winter’s Guest. Emma and Law also worked together on 2005’s Nanny McPhee. Emma wrote and starred in the project while Law lent her voice to the character Mrs. Partridge.

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Meanwhile, Law and Sophie played mother and daughter in 1996’s Emma, which starred Gwyneth Paltrow.

Law previously gushed about working with her daughters over the years.

“They are both my colleagues in a way,” Law said of her daughters in a 2017 interview with The Telegraph. “They didn’t follow in our footsteps, they rushed past us, trampling on us.”

It’s good to be the President of the United States — or, at least, it’s good to be President Andre Curtis (Keith David), the protagonist of Rick and Morty‘s new spin-off. Last month at San Diego Comic-Con, before President Curtis‘ premiere, David announced that the series had already been renewed for a second season, which is currently in production. It’s fantastic news because President Curtis is the best thing to happen to the Rick and Morty universe in years, embracing the original show’s premise by refreshingly parodying sci-fi and pop culture.

What Is ‘President Curtis’ About?

Whereas Rick and Morty focuses on parodying sci-fi concepts with elements like its own multiverse, President Curtis parodies history and real-life events. Case in point: in the series premiere, Curtis and his team discover that the CIA is trying to hide that a genetic superhuman baby was dropped on the moon in the 1960s. The baby is still alive, and the CIA wants to cover up the child’s existence because multiple countries are planning new missions to the moon.

The second episode, “Triangle,” reveals that monsters and creatures from folklore are being kept in a high-tech floating supermax prison conveniently located in the Bermuda Triangle. On top of that, Amelia Earhart (Kristen Schaal) crucially aids President Curtis’ mission to investigate said prison. The famed pilot had previously been discovered by President Franklin Roosevelt and put in charge of “Bermuda Transit.” These hysterical references not only elevate the show’s comedy but also provide President Curtis with an identity that stands apart from Rick and Morty.

‘President Curtis’ Moves Away From ‘Rick and Morty’s Repetitive Family Drama

President Curtis uses a similar playbook as Rick and Morty, through its parody of sci-fi and various pop-cultural references. However, it avoids most of the family drama that has come to dominate the flagship show’s later seasons, instead mixing in more political and historical satire. While Rick and Morty’s family dynamics arguably add an interesting layer of realism to the show’s sometimes bizarre and outlandish storylines, it’s frustrating to watch the characters make the same mistakes over and over. President Curtis marks a fresh start for the franchise, embracing the fun of similar concepts without all the emotional baggage.

Aside from President Curtis himself, most of the cast are brand-new characters, such as Curtis’ new chief of staff, the part-human, part-cyborg Rho Banks (Stephanie Beatriz), and the overly serious half-leprechaun Secret Service agent, Francis O’Doyle (Jim Rash). The series has already hinted at Rho’s harrowing backstory, which involves a traumatic accident as a child that led to her gaining high-tech cybernetic implants. It’s also been teased that she could override her systems, causing her to become wildly chaotic and amoral. By contrast, O’Doyle takes his job guarding the president as seriously as a heart attack, but his complicated relationship with his mother has led him to resent his leprechaun heritage.

Although the main characters of President Curtis are flawed, their foibles only make them more charming and likable. Additionally, the trio’s bonds are only poised to grow as the season progresses, making the series incredibly rewarding to watch overall. With the knowledge that the Rick and Morty spin-off is set to receive at least two seasons, hopefully, it’s only the beginning of more to come for President Curtis on Adult Swim.

Brooks Nader had a hilarious reaction to the commotion surrounding her topless moment while on a boat with her family.

Brooks, 29, took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, August 18, to clap back at the comments she received after ditching her top in front of her dad, Breaux Nader, her mom, Holland Nader, and her sister Sarah Jane Nader during a trip to Europe.

In the pic, which was shared via Page Six’s social media, Brooks was seen jumping off a boat and into the water fully clothed and covered up.

She rocked a semi-sheer Gucci black dress featuring a scoop neckline, halter straps and an open back. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model even kept her black heels on while swimming, as well as her oversized sunglasses.

Related: Brooks Nader Goes Topless During Family Trip, Dad Looks Unfazed

​​The Naders are a tight knit family. Brooks Nader was recently seen ditching her bikini top while spending time with her sister Sarah Jane Nader and their parents, dad Breaux Nader and mom Holland Nader. In a viral clip shared via TMZ’s TikTok, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model was spotted wearing nothing but white crochet […]

“Are we happy now?” the Love Thy Nader star playfully captioned the post.

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Her spontaneous swim moment comes after she went viral for wearing nothing but white crochet bottoms while sailing through Sardinia earlier this month. Fans were in an uproar over the moment, writing via social media, “It’s definitely not a normal thing in Europe to get naked in front of your dad.” Another commented, “This is not typical in Europe. We do NOT show our boobs to our father.” A third commented, “Absolutely not! That’s past weird.”

While some thought it was a strange encounter, others didn’t see a problem with it. “Am I the only crazy one who thinks this isn’t weird?” one wrote. A second agreed, “Who cares, it’s just a body part.”

Brooks is no stranger to showing some skin. Brooks had a number of nip slips through the years while wearing risque dresses, including plunging necklines and barely-there cutout looks. At The Daily Front Row‘s 10th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards, she exclusively told Us, “This is true. I have been known to have a nip slip every now and then. That’s why it’s so shocking I’m getting this award, but I’m honored.”

Blake Lively is remembering Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg with a poignant reminder about the private struggles people may be carrying. Following Panettiere’s sudden death at 36, the “It Ends with Us” actress shared a montage of scenes from “Ice Princess,” the 2005 Disney movie that brought Panettiere and Trachtenberg together onscreen.

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The tribute also connected two losses that occurred only 18 months apart. Trachtenberg died at 39 in February 2025, while Panettiere was found dead in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. “Be. Kind. You never know what others are going through,” Lively wrote over the montage. “Thank you to both these women for all the joy you brought so many.”

Lively’s message arrived one day after news broke of Panettiere’s death. Although Lively did not work with Panettiere on “Ice Princess,” she shared a close professional connection with Trachtenberg through “Gossip Girl.” Lively starred as Serena van der Woodsen on the hit series, while Trachtenberg played the calculating and unpredictable Georgina Sparks.

Panettiere and Trachtenberg, meanwhile, were already established child stars when they appeared together in “Ice Princess,” which became a memorable part of Disney’s early-2000s movie catalog.

Blake Lively Previously Called Michelle Trachtenberg ‘Electricity’

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Lively also honored Trachtenberg shortly after her death in 2025. At the time, the actress shared a photograph from the first day she met her future “Gossip Girl” co-star and reflected on Trachtenberg’s commanding presence. “This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed,” Lively wrote in her lengthy tribute.

She remembered Trachtenberg as someone who approached her life, friendships and professional responsibilities with an unmistakable intensity. “Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work,” Lively continued.

The actress also described Trachtenberg as “fiercely loyal,” “kind,” and “deeply sensitive.” According to Lively, the late star “was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes” and “was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved.”

Hayden Panettiere And Michelle Trachtenberg Shared The Screen In ‘Ice Princess’

Released in 2005, “Ice Princess” followed Casey Carlyle, a high school student played by Trachtenberg, who discovers a passion for competitive figure skating while researching a physics project. Panettiere portrayed Gen Harwood, an accomplished skater and the daughter of rink manager and coach Tina Harwood, played by Kim Cattrall.

Casey and Gen initially found themselves on opposing sides as Casey attempted to develop her talent and enter the competitive skating world. Tina schemed to protect her daughter’s chances, placing another obstacle in Casey’s path.

Despite beginning as rivals, Casey and Gen eventually developed a bond. Gen helped Casey regain her confidence and pursue the opportunity she had worked toward. The movie earned $25.7 million during its theatrical run, but its cultural life extended far beyond the box office.

Hayden Panettiere Reunited Years Later

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Panettiere and Trachtenberg crossed paths publicly again six years after “Ice Princess” reached theaters. In 2011, the actresses attended the unveiling of Stuart Weitzman’s Young Hollywood Cares Collection in New York City.

The charity shoe line was co-created by young stars to raise money for ovarian cancer research, bringing Panettiere and Trachtenberg back together for a cause away from the movie set.

Both women continued building careers after their Disney collaboration. Trachtenberg became a memorable recurring presence on “Gossip Girl” as Georgina, while Panettiere went on to lead “Heroes” and “Nashville.”

Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause Of Death Was Confirmed

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Trachtenberg was found dead inside her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle in February 2025. Her death was later attributed to complications from diabetes mellitus.

Panettiere’s cause of death, however, has not yet been determined. Narcan was reportedly discovered inside the apartment where she was found. It remains unclear whether the medication, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered in an attempt to revive her.

911 audio indicated that the actress experienced cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose. However, authorities have not confirmed that an overdose caused her death.

“Summer House” star Carl Radke is reflecting on what he’s learned about business after one year of managing his bar and café, Soft Bar. The non-alcoholic bar opened up a year ago, and Radke showcased everything leading up to that moment during the last season of the hit Bravo reality show.

While speaking with Us Weekly, Radke said he was “proud” of the brand he’s built over the last year. One reason is that he and his team were able to trademark the name Soft Bar.

“Something I was really excited about with building Soft Bar is I wanted to go brand first and community first, and being able to wrap our arms around the ‘soft’ terminology in Soft Bar, soft drink, soft cocktail — these are all terms that were in our vocabulary, but no one really had wrapped their arms around it. My goal was to really elevate the non-alcoholic industry, and the way I believe in doing that was to build a brand that [has] a mission and a strong foundation,” he said.

Carl Radke Is Grateful He’s Been Able To See His Business Come To Life

Since opening his Brooklyn bar a year ago, Radke said things have been going well for him and his business. And while business is booming, Radke admitted he couldn’t do it alone, leading him to praise his incredible staff and thank everyone involved for helping him build an amazing community.

“It’s been really cool to see my vision come to life. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve learned. We’ve had to adjust. We’ve had to evolve. But any new business is going to do that. But we are really listening to our customers. We’re trying to understand what they like, take all the feedback and become a better operation as a result. So I’m really happy and proud, but there’s still some work to do for sure,” he stated.

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Carl Radke Said It’s Important To Build ‘Thick Skin’ In Business

When asked what advice Radke, who’s been on “Summer House” since 2017, would have for those wanting to start a business, the reality star said people should be highly adaptable and resilient.

“You’ve got to be willing to have a thick skin and be really patient. I would start small, and what I mean by that is if you want to open up, in theory, a lemonade drink café, I would say, start a little lemonade stand in your front yard first. Get your product or service in people’s hands before you make that bigger commitment,” he said.

He added, “Start organically small, locally, get it in front of your close friends and family, and get it in front of other people that don’t know you would be my advice. I think some people get big ideas and you can overwhelm yourself. Be balanced and try to find slow and steady.”

Radke Struggled With Addiction

Before opening Soft Bar, Radke struggled with drug and alcohol addiction following the death of his brother, Curtis. In a previous interview with Nick Viall, the reality star said the loss led him to develop a habit of overindulging.

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“As I would joke, it was like my f—boy pad, and I went right back into doing drugs and drinking all the time, but I was doing it alone. I would drink all day by myself and do cocaine by myself in my apartment, and, like, call people, text people, say crazy sh-t. It just was on this downward spiral,” he said.

What Led Radke To Seek Help?

On “Summer House,” Radke appeared to be handling his brother’s death well, but behind closed doors, he admitted to living a double life. Everything changed for him, though, when a Bravo executive spoke with him about his substance abuse in 2019.

“For the first time, I actually had someone call me out and say, ‘I know it’s not just alcohol. It’s coke. All the other sh-t as a result,” he said. “I would take Xanax to kinda come down. I would take Ambien to help sleep, all the things. But it still wasn’t right away, like, I’m gonna go to get my help. I did it in my own.”