Entertainment
Gleb Savchenko’s Girlfriend Pulled Into Explosive Custody Battle
“Dancing With the Stars” pro Gleb Savchenko’s new relationship has become a flashpoint in his increasingly complicated custody battle with ex-wife Elena Samodanova. Samodanova raised concerns after learning that their teenage daughter, Olivia, was reportedly living in a property connected to Savchenko’s girlfriend, Trujillo. The professional dancer insists Olivia is safe and wants the court to consider the teenager’s wishes. Meanwhile, Samodanova is pursuing international proceedings to have her daughter returned to Hong Kong.
Samodanova claimed Savchenko only disclosed Olivia’s location after being ordered to provide the information. “My greatest concern remains Olivia’s safety and current living environment. Gleb disclosed Olivia’s location only after the Court ordered him to provide her address and contact information,” Samodanova told Us Weekly.
She added, “The address he provided confirmed that our teenage daughter is living in a property owned by his girlfriend, rather than in a permanent home maintained by him.” The outlet reported that it verified the address included in the court documents and found that it matched a residence linked to Trujillo.
Samodanova, who currently resides in Hong Kong, then addressed what she said she had learned about the homeowner’s career. “I subsequently learned that the homeowner works in the adult-entertainment industry. I do not judge her profession. My concern is Gleb’s judgment as a father and whether this is an appropriate and stable environment for our teenage daughter,” she continued.
Savchenko was first romantically linked to Trujillo in January, when they were photographed kissing following his split from Brooks Nader. Samodanova stressed that Olivia’s “safety, stability and future come first,” adding, “I will continue through every legal channel available to bring my daughter safely home.”
Gleb Savchenko Says Olivia Is Safe And Supported
Savchenko pushed back against his former wife’s concerns and argued that Olivia, who turns 16 in November, should have a say in where she lives. “My daughter’s safety, stability and well-being are my absolute priority. Olivia is safe, supported and surrounded by people who love and care for her. Most importantly, she is nearly 16 years old and has expressed her own wishes regarding where she wants to live,” he told Us Weekly.
The dancer said he intends to handle the dispute through the courts instead of continuing the public back-and-forth. “I respect that there are ongoing legal proceedings, and I intend to address those matters through the appropriate legal channels rather than litigating our family situation publicly,” Savchenko added.
He also expressed disappointment that his girlfriend and her personal life had been pulled into the custody disagreement. “I am disappointed to see unrelated personal matters and third parties brought into a deeply private situation involving our daughter. I will not respond by attacking Olivia’s mother or anyone else publicly,” Savchenko said. “My focus remains on supporting Olivia, protecting her well-being, and ensuring that her own voice and wishes are heard through the appropriate legal process.”
Judge Pauses The Los Angeles Custody Case
Savchenko secured a temporary procedural win when a judge stayed the Los Angeles custody case and declined to order Olivia’s immediate return to Hong Kong. The decision was not a final custody ruling. Instead, the California proceedings were paused because Samodanova filed an application under the Hague Convention alleging that Olivia was wrongfully retained in the United States.
“This is no longer simply a custody dispute,” Samodanova said following the hearing. “My daughter’s wrongful retention is now the subject of active Hague Convention proceedings, and the Los Angeles custody case has been stayed while that process moves forward.”
According to the Hague Conference on Private International Law, a ruling under the 1980 Child Abduction Convention concerning a child’s return does not determine the merits of the underlying custody dispute. That means the international proceeding will address the return and jurisdiction questions surrounding Olivia. It will not decide which parent should ultimately receive custody.
Both Parents Have Made Competing Allegations
Savchenko filed an emergency request in Los Angeles in July seeking temporary sole legal and physical custody of Olivia and permission to enroll her in a Los Angeles-area high school, according to Us Weekly. The dancer reportedly claimed the former couple had agreed that Samodanova and their daughters would move to Hong Kong temporarily, then return in 2024. Samodanova disputes his account and maintains that Hong Kong became the children’s established home.
She subsequently requested primary custody and alleged that Savchenko unexpectedly canceled Olivia’s flight back to Hong Kong. Savchenko, however, maintains that Olivia wants to remain in Los Angeles. Samodanova continues to argue that her daughter should return to the life she had been living overseas.
Neither parent’s allegations have resulted in a final custody determination.
Gleb Savchenko And Elena Samodanova Share Two Daughters
Savchenko and Samodanova share Olivia and their younger daughter, Zlata. The former couple ended their relationship in November 2020 after 14 years of marriage. They finalized their divorce in October 2021. Samodanova later moved to Hong Kong with the children and has since welcomed another child with her partner, Vlad Kvartin.
For now, Olivia will remain in the United States while the Hague Convention proceeding moves forward. The stayed Los Angeles case could resume after the international dispute is addressed, leaving the former couple’s larger custody battle unresolved.
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Ryan Reynolds had a playful response after Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” claimed a major box office record previously held by “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The actor celebrated the film’s success with a cheeky video and an equally humorous message to its cast and crew.
“The Odyssey” has emerged as a theatrical phenomenon, fueled by strong demand for IMAX screenings and a strong audience reception.
Ryan Reynolds is taking the loss in stride after Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” knocked “Deadpool & Wolverine” off its perch as the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.
Nolan’s epic has reportedly pulled in about $1.34 billion worldwide, edging past the $1.338 billion earned by Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s Marvel blockbuster during its theatrical run. “The Odyssey” is also now the biggest box office hit of Nolan’s career, with screenings still underway.
Reynolds marked the milestone with a cheeky social media post that mashed together footage from both films. The clip cuts between Matt Damon’s Odysseus moving quietly through the woods and Deadpool battling Wolverine inside a Honda Odyssey minivan.
At one point, an exhausted Deadpool declares, “The Odyssey f-cks hard.”
Reynolds then offered his congratulations while keeping the joke going. “Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Odyssey for becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time,” he wrote, before adding, “That is one helluva car.”
How ‘The Odyssey’ Has Become A Box Office Juggernaut
A major part of “The Odyssey” phenomenon appears to be Nolan’s ability to turn the movie itself into a theatrical event. The epic became the first feature released entirely shot with IMAX film cameras, and audiences responded immediately.
Its opening weekend generated $52 million from IMAX alone, accounting for 20% of its worldwide debut. By August 10, that figure had climbed to $289 million, making it the biggest IMAX release ever.
Demand was especially fierce for the coveted 70mm presentation, available at only 41 IMAX locations worldwide. Those screenings produced weeks of sellouts, while nearly $40 million in future IMAX tickets had already been sold by early August.
Universal has also credited Nolan’s reputation for helping drive the turnout. Distribution chief Jim Orr said the filmmaker has built audience trust by repeatedly delivering movies worth seeing in theaters.
Strong reviews, an A CinemaScore, a 97% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, repeat viewings, and a cast packed with major stars have only added to the momentum.
Christopher Nolan’s Box Office Record Speaks For Itself
As impressive as his latest run is, however, this is not Nolan’s first experience in the billion-dollar territory. His “The Dark Knight” became a global phenomenon with just over $1 billion, while 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises” pushed that figure to roughly $1.085 billion.
Nolan’s biggest successes have not been limited to Batman, either. “Inception” amassed nearly $840 million worldwide, and “Interstellar” brought in more than $642 million. Even the World War II drama “Dunkirk” finished with about $528 million.
Then came “Oppenheimer.” Helped by the “Barbenheimer” craze, the R-rated historical drama collected about $983 million worldwide, an eye-catching result for a three-hour film centered on the physicist behind the atomic bomb. “Tenet,” released amid the pandemic in 2020, managed more than $366 million globally.
Taken together, Nolan’s films have now grossed more than $7 billion worldwide.
Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Had Its Own Historic Box Office Run
Long before giving up its crown, “Deadpool & Wolverine” had rewritten the record books for R-rated movies. The Marvel blockbuster opened to $211 million domestically in July 2024, becoming the first R-rated film ever to crack $200 million in a North American opening weekend. It was also the biggest July debut on record and the sixth-largest domestic opening at the time.
The film was just as formidable overseas. Its global opening eventually reached $445.4 million, setting another record for an R-rated release. Its biggest milestone came weeks later when it overtook 2019’s “Joker,” which had previously held the worldwide record with about $1.036 billion.
By January 2025, Guinness World Records put “Deadpool & Wolverine” at $1,338,071,348 worldwide.
Ryan Reynolds Has Made Friendly Trolling Part Of His Brand
Reynolds has become known over the years for his ability to inject humor into nearly any situation. The actor once gave Lively a birthday tribute that barely showed her at all. For her 30th in 2017, he posted a photo of the couple with more than half of her face cropped out, pairing it with the message, “Happy Birthday to my amazing wife.”
Hugh Jackman has been another frequent target. Their mock feud has spanned birthdays, holidays, fake insults, and social media stunts for years, long before “Deadpool & Wolverine” finally reunited them on screen.
Reynolds has also kept the bit going with Rob McElhenney. According to Variety, the Wrexham co-owners reportedly trade joke videos throughout the day, and Reynolds once made an entire music video showing people how to pronounce McElhenney’s surname.
This weekend, Insidious: Out of the Further makes its box office debut, hoping to follow in the footsteps of both its franchise predecessors and other horror entries from the past eight months in proving financially fruitful. But even the very best possibility for the sixth entry in the franchise won’t come close to the biggest horror success of the year, which is arguably the most impressive of its kind in the past 26 years.
That title goes to Focus Features’ Obsession, director Curry Barker‘s breakout masterpiece that turned him from popular YouTuber into a respected filmmaker overnight. The film boasts a career-defining performance from breakout star Inde Navarrette, who is earning plenty of awards buzz and has even landed herself a role in the new X-Men reboot as a result. The film smashed all expectations and became the highest-grossing film with a sub-million-dollar budget ever, as well as the top-grossing festival acquisition title of all time, with a total haul of $495 million worldwide.
Due to Obsession‘s undeniable dominance of the horror headlines, other quieter box office successes have gone under the radar. One of which is Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, a sequel to the 2019 slasher favorite directed by Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. Modern-day scream queen Samara Weaving returned to her blood-soaked wedding dress, ready to be chased by a new batch of characters, including performances from The Lord of the Rings icon Elijah Wood, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, and even David Cronenberg. At the box office, the movie turned a budget of just $14 million into a small success, scoring a global haul of $43 million.
‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ Is a Streaming Success
Similar to its box office fate, Ready or Not 2 has gone under the radar in its streaming success. At the time of writing, the movie is one of the most-watched on Hulu in the U.S., fighting competition from the likes of The Avengers, the disaster feature 2012, and another 2026 sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2. With its quiet success both in theaters and from home, fans hope that Ready or Not might return for a third installment, but nothing has yet been confirmed.
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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March 20, 2026
- Runtime
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108 Minutes
- Director
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Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
- Writers
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Guy Busick, R. Christopher Murphy
- Producers
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James Vanderbilt, William Sherak, Bradley J. Fischer, Tripp Vinson
It’s been more than two years since Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from prison after serving about eight years for her role in the 2015 killing of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016. Then, a judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison. Gypsy left prison on parole in December 2023 after serving the majority of her sentence. Now, old prison calls involving Gypsy have resurfaced online, sparking backlash over her past racist remarks.
RELATED: Hol’ Up! Gypsy Rose’s TikTok Joke About “Playing Crazy” Has Her Comment Section In Shambles (VIDEO)
Gypsy Rose’s Prison Calls Surface Online
Throughout August, old prison calls involving Gypsy began surfacing across TikTok and YouTube. The calls feature Gypsy discussing her daily life in prison and different topics with family members and people close to her. Some calls include her father, Rod Blanchard, and stepmother, Kristy Blanchard. Other calls reportedly feature her current partner, Ken Urker, and her ex-husband, Ryan Anderson.
Several clips gained attention after Gypsy used the N-word during conversations with Ryan. In one call, Gypsy complained about people being loud in prison before using the N-word. “All these f****ing Black n****rs are so loud,” Gypsy said. While Ryan continued talking, Gypsy asked, “Did you hear me?” before repeating, “I said all these f****ing Black n****rs are so loud.”
Ryan responded with jokes about her remark, telling her, “I swear that hood just came out.” He then asked, “Where you burning the cross at tonight?” The two continued giggling during the exchange before Ryan added, “Oh, baby. My baby is a racist.” Gypsy denied being racist and responded that she was “just saying the obvious.”
In another viral call, Ryan questioned whether Gypsy believed he was racist. “Well, I know I joke about your sister dating a Black guy, but you really think I’m racist?” Ryan asked. Gypsy responded, “That’s so different.”
Ryan acknowledged the difference before continuing to question how Gypsy viewed him. “Well, I know it’s not even in the same ballpark, and I’m not saying it is. I’m saying, do you really think I’m that way?” Ryan said. Gypsy then spoke about her own views, saying, “I’ll be open all day long and say that I am.” Ryan questioned whether she would make those same remarks directly to her sister. “No, to her face, never. No,” Gypsy responded.
Gypsy Rose & Ryan Apologize For Past Racist Conversation
As the clips circulated online, Gypsy Rose took to TikTok on Wednesday with a lengthy statement and caption that read, “I’m sorry.” Gypsy took responsibility for her racist comments and apologized to the Black community. She also addressed her sister, Mia Blanchard, and Mia’s fiancé, Andre and the comments she made on their interracial relationship.
“I used racist language and made cruel, disrespectful comments, including about people I love, my sister Mia and her fiancé Andre. What I said was wrong. The words were racist, and I take full responsibility for saying them. There is no excuse for that language or the pain it’s caused. To the Black community, I’m sorry for using words that are hateful and demeaning. I understand the anger and disappointment those words carry.”
Gypsy then apologized directly to Mia and Andre for her comments and acknowledged the hurt they caused.
“To Mia and Andre, I’m especially sorry. You didn’t deserve that then, and you don’t deserve the hurt now. Since coming home, being able to have a relationship with you both has meant so much, and it’s heartbreaking that my own words have caused this pain and damaged that trust. I’ve apologized privately, and I understand forgiveness or reconciliation is not something I’m owed. I respect whatever boundaries you need and accept that healing happens on your timeline, not mine.”
Gypsy also said the words and attitudes heard in the calls do not reflect who she is today.
“Those words and attitudes don’t reflect who I am or what I believe now. I reject them completely. I know saying that isn’t enough, and that my actions over time have to demonstrate change. I can’t go back and undo what I said. What I can do is acknowledge it fully, learn from it, and continue choosing to be better every single day.”
She added that she does not expect everyone to forgive her immediately and ended her statement with a final apology.
“I’m not asking anyone to forget or to immediately forgive me. Trust is earned through consistent action, and I accept that some people may never see me differently. That is their right.”I wanted to make this statement, not because these calls became public, but because I should never have spoken those words in the first place. To everyone I hurt, especially Mia and Andre, I am truly sorry.”
Additionally, Ryan has spoken out after the prison calls began circulating online. He shared a video apologizing amid backlash over other controversial remarks heard in the calls.
“I make mistakes, because I am human and not perfect. I apologize if I offended you, sincerely. I’m sorry.” Ryan also captioned the video, “I am human, and make mistakes all of the time, but you live and learn from them… #teamryan.”
Social Media Reacts
Many gathered under The Shade Room’s post to react to Gypsy-Rose’s apology to the Black community. Some expressed disappointment, while others said the resurfaced remarks didn’t surprise them.. Several commenters also called for accountability from both Gypsy and Ryan.
Instagram user @jusdaze wrote, “She ain’t sorry. She’s sorry she got caught.”
Instagram user @jayannaa.x added, “Mind you a large portion off people supporting her release were black (¿ They always apologize after there caught tho”
While Instagram user @top_shelf_khe wrote, “Y’all always inviting people to the cookout but when have you ever been invited to the country club?”
Instagram user @ningsaces wrote, “mind you it’s the hard r being said multiple times in manners that are clearly meant to be derogatory and targeted. then she’s laughing about it and repeating it to make sure it’s being heard”
Instagram user @_cambands added, “she only apologizing cause she got exposed. if she was really that sorry she would’ve came out from years ago and acknowledged it.#justicefordeedeeblanchard”
While Instagram @thee____.daddon wrote, “she copied and pasted from chat gpt😂😂😂”
Instagram user lmrs.lorteq23 wrote, “Her apology is only because it came out and now she is back peddling!! And why isn’t anyone saying anything about @ryan_s_anderson_ he is a teacher and a special needs teacher at that”
Instagram user @itzbeautifulgurl wrote, “ Isn’t Ryan a teacher ? Let me find what school he works at”
While Instagram user @thewrightrealtor_ wrote, “I am soo tired of us being attacked….its always about black people….leave us tf alone!”
RELATED: Oop! Gypsy Rose Jokes About Ken Urker Making Her Mad — TikTok User Tells Her Not To Unalive Him & She Reacts (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Actor Michael Wright, best known for his memorable performance as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats, has died. He was 70.
Wright died Wednesday, August 19, in Los Angeles, according to his family. His wife, Susan Wright, confirmed his passing in a statement shared on social media.
Wright’s family said the actor suffered heart failure along with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare neurological disorder.
Susan remembered her husband as an “extraordinary artist whose work touched generations,” while noting that his impact extended far beyond his work on screen. The family has asked for privacy and said additional details about plans to honor Wright’s life and legacy will be announced at a later date.
Born in New York City in 1956, Wright began his screen career in the late 1970s, appearing as Clinton in the 1979 cult film The Wanderers. He later earned acclaim for his performance as Carlyle in Robert Altman’s 1983 drama Streamers, sharing the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival with his fellow cast members.
Michael Wright, Eddie King Jr
Wright went on to build a career spanning nearly five decades across film and television. He appeared as Victor Duncan opposite James Belushi in 1987’s The Principal and played Elias Taylor in the science-fiction franchise V, including V: The Final Battle and V: The Series.
For many fans, however, Wright will forever be associated with Eddie King Jr. in director Robert Townsend’s 1991 musical drama The Five Heartbeats. Wright’s performance as the immensely talented but troubled singer became one of the defining roles of his career and helped the film develop a lasting following in the decades after its release.
His other film credits included Sugar Hill, Money Talks, Point Blank, Piñero and The Interpreter. On television, Wright memorably portrayed Omar White on HBO’s Oz from 2001 to 2003 and later appeared in Black Lightning.
Wright’s final credited screen appearances included the 2025 film Dope King. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchild.
FILM RATING
The post ‘The Five Heartbeats’ Star Michael Wright Dies at 70 appeared first on Coastal House Media.
After nearly two decades together, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman officially separated from Grammy Award winner Keith Urban, bringing their 19-year marriage to a close.
Following the divorce, the country star, who was initially secretive about his romantic life, has allegedly embraced single life and is said to be having a great time as he becomes more active in the dating scene.
Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman has begun turning the page to the next chapter of her life, as she is reportedly embracing love while rumors of a possible romance swirl.
Kidman officially filed for divorce from Urban in September 2025, starting the process that ended their almost two-decade-long marriage, allegedly due to marital difficulties.
The divorce would be finalized in January 2026, but not without tension behind the scenes, particularly surrounding their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.
Before the separation, sources reported that the former couple encountered friction in the divorce proceedings.
“Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s split wasn’t finalized without tension behind the scenes,” an insider told the Enquirer. “Ahead of reaching a divorce settlement, the longtime couple clashed over custody of their teenage daughters.”
Despite the issues early on in the process, through negotiations both parties eventually landed on the same page and came to an agreement on custody before the split became official.
The Singer Is ‘Having A Blast’ On Tour As He Is Now Back In The Dating Scene
According to the publication, the country music singer is having “a blast on the road” and has finally become active in the dating scene months after his separation from Kidman.
A source said, “Keith doesn’t have a whole lot of downtime when he’s on tour, but when he does, he definitely has a good time.”
The singer is often amidst his friends and longtime fans, and his “party” doesn’t stop even after he exits the stage.
“He’s got all sorts of friends who come out to the shows, and then afterward, there is usually a party, and there are always plenty of beautiful women invited,” the publication’s insider explained.
Urban is said to be, as a matter of fact, “absolutely dating” and is actively seeking out romantic entanglements as he’s reportedly offered up his personal contact to women while flirting.
Until the recent insider confirmation, Urban was reported to be going to great lengths to keep his romantic life private.
The “Blue Ain’t Your Color” singer allegedly had “non-negotiable” rules for anyone he was romantically involved with following his split from Kidman.
A source in a report to Globe Magazine described him as being “extra secretive” and said that “any woman who goes out with Keith has to sign a very detailed non-disclosure agreement.”
The country music star would only entertain prospects who were willing to come over as opposed to meeting them in public.
Keith Urban Is Now Ready To ‘Play The Field’
Urban is said to have taken these steps out of respect for Kidman and his two kids.
He “admits that having these sorts of rules for his love life makes things more complicated, but for now at least, that’s the only way this will work for him. He wants to keep things as amicable as he can for the sake of the girls.”
Recent sources now say that Urban is ready to “play the field” without consideration for Kidman, as the actress has “clearly moved on”.
While he was initially romantically linked to a female country music singer, those rumors were quickly shut down. However, there is a possibility he might soon come out with a new significant other as Kidman publicly moves on with her love.
Nicole Kidman Rumored To Be Starting A New Romance
While the Grammy winner explores new romantic adventures, Kidman has also reportedly started her own new chapter.
Earlier reports have suggested that the Oscar-winning actress is taking a break from romance following her high-profile divorce from Urban.
Sources noted the actress was not rushing to date anyone. As noted in a publication by Parade, she was “focused on the things that make her happy, like family and work”.
More recent reports indicate that Kidman’s sentiments surrounding romance post-divorce have since changed, as the actress is “embracing love”.
Rumors surrounding a possible romance with private equity investor Michael Reinstein started surfacing after they were photographed “cozying up” together in Italy in July 2026. The actress has not officially confirmed the rumors.
Shaquille O’Neal has made a name for himself as an NBA legend, businessman, and entertainer, but he has his sights set on another challenge: action movies. The former basketball star has repeatedly expressed interest in landing roles in major franchises, including Marvel. Despite his enthusiasm, however, O’Neal says there’s one “big” obstacle standing in between him and his Hollywood ambitions.
Shaquille O’Neal has proven to be a true multi-hyphenate, building successful careers in sports, music, and business. The former athlete has ventured into acting, appearing in a few roles in the past.
O’Neal wants to add more action roles to his resume, but filmmakers and movie executives have repeatedly rejected him over the years. In an interview with Variety, O’Neal revealed why it has been difficult for him to nab an action role, or any role for that matter.
“I would love to do more action roles, but we were told by top Hollywood executives that I’m too big,” he explained. He stands at just over 7 feet tall, making him an unusual presence on the big screen, where actors of his stature are rarely seen. However, it may not be his height that remains a hindrance.
“What they mean by that is when I pop up on the screen everyone will go, ‘Oh, that’s Shaq!’ So, if I’m trying to play a doctor or anything, my character won’t be believable,” he said.
The Former Basketball Player Faced Rejection From Marvel
O’Neal was eager to appear in the “Avengers” franchise, once jokingly saying that he wanted to “kick Robert Downey Jr.’s a-s.” He decided to shoot his shot at landing a role, but unfortunately, he was rejected.
O’Neal said he talked to someone at Marvel who told him that despite how much they love the sports star and wanted to have him in a movie, they couldn’t do it.
“They were like, ‘Shaq, we f-ckin’ love you, and we’d love to put you in, but if your face pops up on the screen people are going to go, Hey, that’s Shaq!’ He said it truthfully, and I was like, alright… I guess my face is too bigtime,” O’Neal said.
Shaquille O’Neal Portrayed A DC Superhero
Despite being rejected for a role in “Avengers,” O’Neal got the chance to play a DC superhero, taking on the role of Steel in the 1997 film of the same name.
The movie centers on John Henry Irons, a brilliant engineer who creates a high-tech suit of armor and becomes the superhero Steel.
“Steel” bombed at the box office, earning about $1.8 million worldwide on a $16 million budget. Reviewers criticized O’Neal’s acting, while comic book fans slammed the filmmakers for straying from the source material. The film has a 4 percent rating on the Tomatometer and 19 percent on the Popcornmeter.
In 2017, “Steel” writer and director Kenneth Johnson said he was opposed to having O’Neal as the lead from the start, but the studio wanted to proceed. “He was a big persona and great role model for kids and all that, but he’s no movie star,” Johnson told Vice.
The NBA Star Has Several Movies In His Filmography
Before “Steel,” O’Neal appeared in starring roles in two movies, “Blue Chips” and “Kazaam.” In the years that followed, the NBA legend appeared in several other movies in minor roles or as a cameo.
Some of his other movies include “The Wash,” “Grown Ups 2,” “Blended,” and “Hubie Halloween.” He also appeared as himself in movies such as “Good Burger,” “He Got Game,” “Scary Movie 4,” “The House Bunny,” “What Men Want,” and “Hustle.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Recent TV Projects
O’Neal is now setting his sights on appearing on the big screen alongside Dwayne Johnson. “I want to do a movie with The Rock so I can beat him up,” he said.
Meanwhile, he is busy with other projects. He founded a professional dunking league, with the search for the world’s best dunker set to be chronicled in the upcoming series “DUNKMAN,” which premieres August 25. He also executive produced the docuseries “Game Day Murders,” a true crime show that examines crimes in the sports world, which is currently streaming on Max.
Scotty and Lemuel Plummer had social media cracking up. It all started after Lemuel shared a video of Scotty chasing a bird and decided to make a joke that didn’t seem to go over well after the internet chimed in. Scotty wasn’t about to let him get the last laugh, and her response had the internet laughing more.
Related: Lemuel Plummer Responds After ‘Baddies Gone Wild’ Cast Member Files Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault & Wrongful Termination (PHOTOS)
Lemmy Calls Scotty A Bird
In a recent Instagram story, Lemuel uploaded a video of his child’s mother, Scotty, chasing a bird. While laughing behind the camera, he joked, “A bird and a bird, wow,” seemingly comparing Scotty to the bird she was chasing.
Scotty continued after the bird while explaining that she grew up with them. However, once she turned around and realized Lemmy was recording her, she reached toward the camera to stop him.
Lemmy later posted the video to his Instagram Story, doubling down on the joke with the caption, “Birds of a feather flock together lol jk,” followed by a laughing emoji and a red heart.
Scotty Turns The “Bird” Joke Into A Win
After seeing Lemmy’s post, Scotty took to her own Instagram Story with a little response of her own. She shared a video of Lemmy reading comments from people agreeing with the “bird” jokes. She then showed that she was inside a Louis Vuitton store with multiple purses sitting on the counter.
“A bird about to catch its meal,” she joked.
The video was uploaded to her Instagram story, where she followed up with, “Yeah, he plays too much, but I play more!”
Social Media Reacts
The exchange quickly sparked a range of reactions online, with some commenters giving Scotty props for the comeback while others questioned whether there was more to it than the playful banter.
Instagram user @bawselaydee wrote, “Bird bout to catch its meal 😂😂😂 she ATE”
Another Instagram user @ms_hankey_pankey wrote, “Show some property, not them bags, girl cause if he dip you can’t live in them bags 💼”
While Instagram user @chinxx.ii wrote, “Scotty doesn’t care as long as she gets gifts 🤷🏽♀️🥴”
Instagram user @0nly1booboo_ wrote, “She might be a bird with a lil sense”
Another Instagram user @cassidi_da_g wrote, Yall always think money is a flex, a n**** do whatever to y’all but as long as he’s spending it’s cool ig 😭😭😭😭😭 we doomed asf”
While Instagram user @rashonda_the_body wrote, “Just a bird with LV 😂😂🤷🏽♀️”
Instagram user @xohaley__ wrote, “She got the last laugh”
Another Instagram user @up4thegrind wrote, “ok in all seriousness is she really in love or using him”
While Instagram user @essentiallyeric324 wrote, “Idk he reminds me of Blueface the way he constantly tries to put her down and humble her but frames it as a joke”
Related: Zeus’ Lemuel Plummer, Girlfriend Scotty & Ex Janeisha John React To Joseline Hernandez’s Abuse Allegations
What Do You Think Roomies?
Psychological thrillers are a hard deal to pull off for the creators. They have to make complete sense while being eccentric. This is why they’re at times just plain weird to some people. And they’re definitely not for everybody. Usually, psychologically stimulating movies, good or bad, are at their best when the danger starts inside somebody’s interpretation of reality. A locked hospital can become a conspiracy. A missing child can turn desperation into moral collapse. But that’s not all.
The six films on this list reward attention long after the central mystery has been understood. Their strongest ideas live in memory, guilt, desire, obsession, class, identity, and the stories people invent to survive themselves. Some leave the audience disturbed. Others leave you arguing over motives for hours. All six are ridiculously difficult to shake. These are not for the short attention-spanned or weak-hearted. Let’s get started.
6
‘Shutter Island’ (2010)
Shutter Island follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he travels to Ashecliffe Hospital in 1954 to investigate the disappearance of a patient from an institution for dangerous criminals. The hospital sits on an isolated island, a storm cuts off communication, and nearly everyone Teddy questions seems to know more than they are willing to say. His investigation also carries personal weight through memories of his wife and his fixation on Andrew Laeddis, the man he believes destroyed his life. If I tell the name of the person who played Andrew, I’d spoil it for you so let me withhold that information.
Dennis Lehane’s novel gave the film an ideal foundation for paranoia, while the atmosphere turns every corridor, notebook, cigarette, and guarded answer into possible evidence. Teddy is emotionally raw enough that his certainty never feels comfortable, and the hospital’s elaborate architecture mirrors how desperately he needs one version of reality to remain intact. The pleasure of revisiting Shutter Island comes from noticing how openly the movie was communicating all along. So make sure you watch it once for the mystery. Return later for the tragedy sitting underneath it.
5
‘Prisoners’ (2013)
Two young girls disappear during a Thanksgiving gathering in Prisoners, leaving their families with almost nothing beyond an RV that had been parked nearby. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins following the evidence, while Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) becomes convinced that the vehicle’s driver knows where the children are. When the police cannot hold their suspect, Keller decides that waiting for lawful proof is an unacceptable risk and begins pursuing answers through increasingly brutal means.
The film keeps the audience painfully close to Keller’s logic without making his choices easy to defend. That tension is the whole nightmare. Hugh Jackman gives Keller the desperation of a parent who has turned certainty into survival, while Jake Gyllenhaal’s Loki keeps pushing through mazes, old crimes, damaged witnesses, and details that refuse to line up neatly. Roger Deakins’ rain-soaked Pennsylvania imagery makes houses, parking lots, and empty roads feel permanently exhausted. Prisoners is heavy, precise, and deeply involving. Set aside the evening, follow every clue, and prepare to question how far sympathy should really stretch. There’s this one particular scene of Jackman where he improvised his intensity while punching the wall and it literally scared his co-stars.
4
‘Burning’ (2018)
Burning begins with Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in), an aimless young man in South Korea who reconnects with childhood acquaintance Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo) and agrees to care for her cat while she travels to Africa. She returns with Ben (Steven Yeun), a wealthy, calm, and strangely unreadable man whose lifestyle feels completely removed from Jong-su’s own financial uncertainty. Then Hae-mi disappears, and one unsettling conversation leaves Jong-su convinced that Ben may be hiding something far darker than casual arrogance.
Haruki Murakami’s short story Barn Burning provides the seed, though the film expands it into a study of class resentment, loneliness, masculinity, and the terrifying uncertainty of believing something without being able to prove it. Ben is frightening through composure rather than overt menace, while Yoo Ah-in lets Jong-su’s suspicion grow alongside humiliation and envy. Even Hae-mi remains partly unknowable, which is important in a story filled with men assigning meaning to her absence. Burning moves slowly and uses that patience beautifully. Give it room and the unease keeps accumulating long after individual scenes appear to have ended.
3
‘Black Swan’ (2010)
Black Swan centers on Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a technically gifted ballerina chosen to perform both the White Swan and Black Swan in a major production of Swan Lake. The White Swan fits the control and discipline Nina has spent her life perfecting. The Black Swan demands sensuality and freedom that she cannot produce through technique alone. Rehearsals intensify while her mother, artistic director, and fellow dancer Lily (Mila Kunis) each become connected to a different part of the pressure closing around her.
Natalie Portman’s Oscar-winning performance captures how completely Nina has built her identity around perfection. Her body becomes something to discipline, inspect, punish, and eventually distrust. Lily represents an ease Nina cannot manufacture, while the relationship with her mother reveals how little space she has been given to develop outside ballet. It’s honestly a beautiful movie and genuinely nasty in the same breath.
2
‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)
The Handmaiden introduces Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a young pickpocket recruited to help a con man steal the fortune of wealthy heiress Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee) and is set in Korea during Japanese colonial rule. Sook-hee enters Hideko’s secluded estate as her new maid, while the plan requires the two women to become close enough for manipulation to look like trust. The household already contains its own forms of control, and every person inside it seems to be performing a role for someone else.
Park Chan-wook adapted Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith by relocating the story from Victorian England, adding colonial identity, language, architecture, and sexual power to an already intricate deception. The film revisits events from different perspectives, allowing gestures that first seemed innocent to acquire completely different meanings once another person’s knowledge becomes visible. Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri give the relationship emotional force that keeps the elaborate plotting from becoming a puzzle for its own sake. The Handmaiden is sensual, funny, cruel, and enormously clever without losing its heart.
1
‘Gone Girl’ (2014)
Gone Girl is a movie made with mystery and psychological thrill on steroids. It begins when Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) disappears on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary and her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) becomes the center of the investigation. Their marriage has already been damaged by unemployment, infidelity, resentment, and the collapse of the glamorous New York life they once shared. Nick’s lies make him look increasingly suspicious, while Amy’s diary appears to tell the story of a woman becoming afraid of the man she married. Soon the case belongs as much to television audiences and public opinion as it does to the police.
Gillian Flynn adapted her own novel for David Fincher, and preserved the vicious argument about marriage that gives the thriller its staying power. Nick and Amy originally fell in love through idealized versions of themselves, then became furious when ordinary life exposed the performance underneath. Rosamund Pike gives Amy intelligence, rage, and control without reducing her to one easy label, while Ben Affleck’s Nick understands too late that public perception can become another form of evidence. Gone Girl is wickedly entertaining, darkly funny, and uncomfortably recognizable whenever love starts sounding like image management. Few modern thrillers invite this much discussion after the credits.
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Fall fashion is all about warm hues, interesting textures and gold-tone embellishments that make clean, classy outfits look positively rich. The same goes for your footwear, which is why brown flat shoes are expected to be everywhere this fall — and we’re already seeing signs of it ahead of the season.
Ballet flats, Mary Janes, slingbacks and loafers are all projected to be huge in September, giving Us that sleek, cool-girl style that even celebrities are reaching for. In fact, stars like Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldaña have introduced the look into their wardrobes as we transition from summer to fall. Plus, we’ve seen style icon Katie Holmes don brown flats year after year, so it’s no surprise that the trend is back with vengeance. To get ahead of the curve, we’re shopping the style now, and we discovered elevated fall styles from Rothy’s, Adidas, Quince, Vivaia, Franco Sarto and more.
13 Editor-Approved Brown Flat Shoes for Fall
1. Our Favorite: We’re starting strong with a classic ballet flat that can work for office days, errand runs and beyond. These popular shoes have a cushioned insole, giving you the comfort you need for all-day wear.
2. Runner-Up: Not quite ready to give up summer? Same! These mesh Mary Jane flats dabble in summer-to-fall wear, thanks to the woven exterior, gold buckle and trendy autumnal shade.
3. Going Viral: The coolest girls we know are wearing tabi flats like these from Cushionaire. The polarizing trend has a split-toe design that makes a big statement with little effort.
4. Two-in-One: You may have seen ballerina sneakers on celebs and fashion people this summer, and the look isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This brown sporty-chic style gives you the comfort of trainers with a feminine appearance, so you’ll wear them with jeans, maxi dresses and more.
5. Editor-Loved: Us Weekly editors are big Rothy’s fans, with some wearing the classic Mary Janes constantly. This upgraded pick has not one but two instep straps for a major French twist.
It’s not quite fall as yet, but our sights can’t stop gravitating toward autumnal styles . . . and apparently, cool fashion girls aren’t resisting either. The latest trend we’re seeing on NYC streets? Long jean skirts. They’re already everywhere with ‘It’ girls and A-listers like Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lopez all stunning […]
6. On the Wild Side: We can’t say we’re mad that animal-print styles are back in fashion, especially when they look as good as these ballet flats. The cow-like print teeters the line between the fall trend and the popular pattern, so you can nail both styles in one go.
7. Rich Mom: Fall and suede go together like peanut butter and jelly, which is why we’re swooping up these Franco Sarto slingbacks ASAP. The soft exterior, strappy details and saddle tan shade are *chef’s kiss*.
8. CEO Vibes: Everyone needs a fall shoe that goes from the boardroom to after-hours drinks, and these Quince slingbacks are it. The Italian leather base and modern square-toe front feel polished and sleek. Oh, and shoppers confirm they’re comfortable, too!
9. Boho Babe: Everything about these leather flats feels bohemian from the brown hue to the woven details. We can see them styled with cropped linen pants now and a denim maxi skirt come fall.
10. Soft Statement: You’ve seen ballet flats but probably none that look like they belong on a stage. Made with a dainty bow and criss-cross straps, these Sam Edelman flats give off major ballerina vibes. Pair that aesthetic with a maple ginger hue, and you’ve got yourself a trendy shoe that you’ll wear all season.
11. Instant Upgrade: If you want a polished work shoe that stands out, opt for these Marc Fisher slingbacks that have a croc embossed design. The accent alone makes the shoes look ten times the price.
12. Celeb-Approved: This is not a drill: The same Mary Jane flats Holmes wears in the fall are in stock at DSW right now. They have a square toe, suede exterior and a large buckle accent that can be spotted from a mile away.
13. Quite the Charmer: There’s something about wearing loafers that gives off major collegiate vibes, aka the universal fall trend. These Lucky Brand loafers are classic with a saddle strap, semi-pointed front and a minor heel that gives you just a tiny lift.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
We don’t know if you’ve noticed, but celebrities left and right have been spotted wearing breezy summer pieces with delicate lace details. We saw it on Demi Moore while she vacationed in Paris and Sarah Michelle Gellar posing in Bandol — but the style goes beyond Europe. Jennifer Lopez also donned the look while lunching […]
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Bohemian style that’s effortlessly cool is exactly the kind of vibe we’re going for when piecing together an everyday athleisure collection. The only problem? The California-esque style can sometimes come with a hefty price tag, especially when browsing elevated retailers like Free People. Now, that doesn’t mean we have to give up on the carefree look just yet; we did a little outsourcing and found easy breezy styles that’ll make you do a double take, starting at $19.
Everything you love about the Free People style is hiding on our list below, which features two-piece sets as well as individual tops, bottoms and athletic dresses with boho details that look almost identical to the real thing. And because we still love the Philly-based retailer, we also included a few athleisure pieces that are actually on Amazon! Browse our favorite easy-going picks that are perfect for picking up the kiddos, running errands, working out and beyond.
17 Free People-Style Activewear Pieces on Amazon
1. Our Favorite: There’s something about this two-piece matching set that simultaneously feels rich yet easygoing for that classic Free People style. The racerback tank is body-hugging, while the loose drawstring pants are ideal for farmers’ markets or yoga classes.
2. Sporty-Chic: The collegiate Ivy League look is back again for fall, and this quarter-zip top and shorts set leans heavily into the vibe. We’ve seen so many Free People pieces with bold striped patterns and fun color combos, like this.
3. Everyday Ease: Exposed stitching is a Free People tell-tale, which is why we instantly added this athletic top to our cart. It looks like a plain shirt from the front; however, the visible threads and open-back design totally set it apart.
4. Comfort MVP: Cargo pants used to be considered ‘ugly’ but not anymore! Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Blunt are styling the look again, and this athletic pair brings the style to the hiking trail or grocery store aisle.
5. Designer-Looking: We almost gasped when we saw this Free People-inspired set on Amazon. The cropped top overlay and jogger pants look just like the ever-popular Hot Shot Crossover Set (but for much less).
It’s not quite fall as yet, but our sights can’t stop gravitating toward autumnal styles . . . and apparently, cool fashion girls aren’t resisting either. The latest trend we’re seeing on NYC streets? Long jean skirts. They’re already everywhere with ‘It’ girls and A-listers like Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lopez all stunning […]
6. Anything But Basic: Athletic dresses tend to be a little tight, unless you find a loose and comfy option like this one. The easy, breezy dress flows right over your body; however, it has secret shapewear underneath to hold you in while playing pickleball or mini golf.
7. Top Seller: With over 15,800 five-star ratings, it’s clear that Amazon shoppers adore these high-waisted leggings. The crossover waist, flared leg and chocolate brown color are so Free People. Oh, and the flattering details seal the deal.
8. Versatile Find: Travel days, errand runs and meditation sessions can all be done while wearing this ultra-comfy jumpsuit. Read: You’ll wear it constantly. We especially love the layering capabilities, which are ideal for summer and fall.
9. Mix and Match: Surprise! Free People is actually on Amazon, and this long-sleeve staple is one to snap up fast. The soft, breathable fabric, slimming fit and crew neckline make this find the perfect layering top. Wear it under a ’90s-inspired tank dress, denim jacket or ski pullover.
10. Leg-Lengthening Magic: We love a distressed-looking skirt that feels right at home at the high-end retailer. The best part(s) about this skirt is that it has built-in shorts, an asymmetrical leg and a leg-lengthening hem.
11. Winter Must-Have: Celebrities like Martha Stewart love a half-zip sweater, and this Free People option gets you in on the trend. The color-block details and sporty style give it an après-ski moment that we’ll be wearing on and off the slopes.
12. Soft Statement: This is one of the most interesting-looking athletic dresses we’ve seen by far. The exposed bra, ruched accents and loose fit go so well together.
13. Two-in-One: If you’re looking for loungewear that transitions seamlessly to outdoor wear, you have to check out this bohemian-like set. The color, style and silhouette appear so similar to the Hot Shot Relaxed Set.
14. Travel Must-Have: There’s nothing worse than flying internationally on a chilly plane. This top-selling two-piece lounge set is the solution; it’s cozy, soft and effortlessly chic.
15. Everyday Ease: Free People has loose cropped pants, but we actually like this Amazon find better. The wrap hem feels inherently boho, giving the pants a fun, unexpected twist.
16. Same But Different: If you like the skort style featured above, you’ll adore this two-piece set. It has the same lived-in aesthetic with the addition of a muscle tank top. It takes care of the styling, so you can be out the door in minutes.
17. Last But Not Least: Rolled hems and off-the-shoulder designs are part of the Free People blueprint, so people might think you got this athleisure set at the actual retailer. It comes in five solid colors; however, we like the creamy white best.
We love a loose blouse like the next gal, but we’ve actually started to notice cool ‘It’ girls reaching for a single top style that’s a little more elevated, chic and flattering: the wrap shirt. Similar to a wrap dress, the top style also has a relaxed appearance that simultaneously hugs the body in a […]
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