Olivia Rodrigo turned a lyric into a show-stopping visual during the opening night of her “The Unraveled Tour.” While performing “The Cure” in Hartford, Connecticut, on September 25, the 23-year-old singer stood beneath pouring artificial rain as her white dress appeared to dissolve before the audience’s eyes. The dramatic transformation exposed a bold red look underneath, bringing the song’s “I’m unraveled” lyric to life and delivering one of the concert’s most memorable moments.

Olivia Rodrigo’s White Dress ‘Melts’ Beneath The Rain

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Rodrigo did not disappear backstage for a traditional costume change when it came time to perform “The Cure.” Instead, she remained in full view as rain began falling across the stage. The white material covering her red costume gradually came apart, leaving strips of fabric hanging from the outfit as the transformation unfolded.

The striking effect made it appear as though Rodrigo’s dress was melting directly onto the stage. With her hair soaked and the artificial rain pouring around her, Rodrigo stretched out her arms and allowed the theatrical reveal to become part of the performance.

The moment was especially fitting because “The Cure” features the lyric “I’m unraveled,” a line that connects directly to the tour’s title and its broader visual concept.

‘The Unraveled Tour’ Moves Through Four Seasons

Rodrigo’s opening-night wardrobe was designed around the four-season concept that shapes the production. The singer reportedly wore six distinct looks and completed five costume changes throughout the concert, with each outfit helping introduce a different chapter of the show.

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The performance began in Spring, placing Rodrigo inside a colorful, garden-inspired environment filled with flowers, bright imagery, and vibrant lighting. The Spring scene kicked things off on a high before Rodrigo cranked up the heat and pushed the show into Summer.

The Spring colors gave way to sun-soaked Summer visuals as Rodrigo slipped into another look and kept the party going. But the bright mood did not last, with the stage eventually fading into a purple twilight that signaled a darker emotional turn.

Rodrigo then emerged in a purple leather dress and moved into a more intimate acoustic portion of the show. The quieter section allowed her to slow down and connect more directly with the Hartford audience.

‘The Cure’ Delivers The Show’s Winter Climax

The mood grew darker when the concert entered its Autumn chapter. The stage’s brighter colors disappeared as the production adopted a more melancholic atmosphere, preparing the audience for Winter and the night’s biggest costume reveal. That was when the rain began falling during “The Cure.”

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Rodrigo’s white dress slowly fell apart under the rain, revealing a bold red look hiding underneath. Against the dark stage, the jaw-dropping switch gave Winter its biggest visual moment and cranked up the song’s emotional drama. The reveal also allowed Rodrigo to complete a wardrobe transformation without interrupting the performance or breaking the audience’s immersion.

Once the rain-soaked climax ended, the production began moving toward Spring again, completing the concert’s seasonal circle. The return to Spring suggested renewal after the darker Autumn and Winter sections, allowing the show to finish its visual journey where it began.

Fans Praise Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Genius’ Dress Transformation

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Rodrigo’s dramatic costume reveal quickly earned praise from viewers, who applauded the way she brought the tour’s central theme to life onstage. One fan compared the transformation to something out of “The Hunger Games,” writing, “Oh wow, she is giving real-time ‘Hunger Games.’ A genius move by her stylist! Mother.”

Another viewer celebrated the imperfect, rain-soaked look of the dissolving dress, writing, “I love the way it turned out. I think it’s very raw and cool and punk rock of her.” Others were particularly impressed by how the costume change connected to the meaning of “The Cure” and the name of “The Unraveled Tour.” “She did not just perform the visual concept. She turned ‘unraveled’ into a live special effect,” the user said.

Olivia Rodrigo Launches A Massive 65-Date Tour

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“The Unraveled Tour” will take Rodrigo across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom over 65 scheduled dates. The tour supports her third studio album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” which was released through Geffen Records on June 12.

The project reportedly reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries and received praise for its confessional songwriting and Rodrigo’s continued artistic growth. “Drop Dead,” the album’s lead single, was released on April 17 and serves as the tour’s opening number.

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The tour is currently scheduled to conclude on May 10, 2027, at London’s O2 Arena. With dozens of performances still ahead, the ambitious production will give audiences around the world a chance to experience its elaborate staging and transformative costumes.

The Hartford show marked the first time Rodrigo performed the full production in front of a live audience, making the dissolving dress reveal one of the tour’s earliest viral-ready moments.

If you’re already knee-deep in your latest re-read of Bram Stoker‘s famed horror novel (speaking from experience here), you may be craving some extra Dracula as the weather changes and “spooky season” commences. If that sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of films out there that highlight the vampiric count, and for those looking for some traditional and out-of-the-box entries in his vast filmography, welcome.

No matter if your favorite incarnation comes from the Classic Universal Monsters franchise, the Hammer horror films, or a more modern depiction, fans of Count Dracula will find that there is something out there for everyone. From live-action to animated, stories for mature audiences or for all ages, spooky season is the time to revisit Dracula in earnest. So, without further ado, get those crucifixes and wooden stakes ready, because these are the Dracula movies you ought to revisit this fall.

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‘Dracula: Prince of Darkness’ (1966)

Image via Warner-Pathé Distributors

The third entry in the Hammer Dracula series and often cited as one of the genre’s best, Dracula: Prince of Darkness is Christopher Lee at his finest. A decade after he was last defeated, the titular Prince of Darkness is revived to find that his castle is now occupied by two sets of English couples on holiday in the Carpathian Mountains. Unsurprisingly, this does not go well for the outsiders, whose only hope is Father Sandor (Andrew Keir).

Prince of Darkness is unique among all these Dracula entries in that the titular villain doesn’t speak a single line of dialogue. Reports vary as to why Lee never spoke in the film, but it certainly adds to the menacing effect of this monster. As one of the best Christopher Lee-led Dracula pictures, Dracula: Prince of Darkness is a must-see for fans.

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‘Renfield’ (2023)

Image via Universal Pictures

One of the strangest modern takes on the villainous count, Renfield is a gore-filled take on Dracula’s relationship to his human thrall (played by Nicholas Hoult) that is not for the faint of heart. Indeed, the toxic relationship between Renfield and Dracula (played perfectly by Nicolas Cage) is an inspired take on the sinister dynamic that emphasizes the true evil of the “Prince of Darkness” beyond the usual blood-sucking. It’s also wildly entertaining, though you’d have to excuse the overuse of blood and Awkwafina.

Renfield is all about the titular character’s hopes for a new life beyond the horrors he’s committed in aid of Dracula. With clever references to previous Dracula pictures and plenty of irreverent humor, Renfield is a stylistic take on the vampire that succeeds due to Cage’s boisterous (but committed) performance. Just be warned, it’s perhaps the most violent entry on this list.

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‘The Batman vs. Dracula’ (2005)

Image via Warner Bros. 

If your kids are interested in discovering Count Dracula for themselves, one of the most original takes on the story comes in the form of The Batman vs. Dracula. A feature film spin-off of the animated The Batman series, this one-and-done tale brings the Prince of Darkness (Peter Stormare) to Gotham City as he plans to turn every citizen he can into a member of his undead posse while resurrecting the lost soul of his former bride. With Batman (Rino Romano) between him and Gotham, the Count doesn’t stand a chance.

The Batman vs. Dracula is one of those forgotten vampire action movies that deserves some love. Sure, it’s made for younger viewers (though not too young, because vampire Joker is terrifying), but it still feels like a Dracula film with Batman added in for good measure. As one of the most original DC Comics-inspired animated movies out there, it will make you wish that they made a sequel where Dracula returns from the dust.

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‘Hotel Transylvania’ (2012)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

For a Dracula tale even more kid-friendly, Hotel Transylvania is a great pick. As one of Adam Sandler‘s best-rated movies on IMDb, this animated monster flick deals with mature themes of prejudice and fear of “the other” while doubling as a heartfelt fantastical adventure. No, Sandler’s Count Dracula may not be the blood-sucking villain we’re used to, but there are still plenty of monster antics to be had.

Hotel Transylvania ended up spawning several sequels, each further challenging old “Drac” to better embrace humanity — and not in a hungry way. Of course, this all-ages take isn’t what most Dracula fans will likely be in search of, but if you’re hankering for some monsters but have little ones in the room, it’s a great middle ground. It’s also just really funny.

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‘The Monster Squad’ (1987)

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

Another comedic take on Dracula (Duncan Regehr) and his supporting cast of monster fiends, The Monster Squad is an ’80s horror-comedy that’s essentially what happens if you mash The Goonies or Stand By Me with the Universal Monsters franchise. When a group of monster-obsessed pre-teens search for an amulet left behind by Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, Dracula gets wind of its location and brings a host of ghouls with him. Unsurprisingly, chaos ensues.

Easily one of the best monster comedy movies out there, The Monster Squad is perfect for fans of ’80s horror, monster icons, and the sorts of “kids on bikes” movies popular at the time. Dracula is quite devilish here, but the whole film works because of the inclusion of the rest of his monstrous counterparts. If you haven’t given The Monster Squad a try, it’s a bit different as far as Dracula interpretations are concerned, but if you like monster movies already, there’s no better place to start.

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‘Van Helsing’ (2004)

Image via Universal Pictures

Our last mash-up of iconic movie monsters in an attempt to honor the classic Universal villains that came before, Van Helsing came about after director Stephen Sommers had previous success rebooting The Mummy. Hoping to lean further into the on-screen monsters that informed him, he re-imagined Van Helsing as a Hugh Jackman-looking action hero who is hired by the Catholic Church to take down creatures like Wolf Man (Will Kemp), Frankenstein’s Monster (Shuler Hensley), and, yes, Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) himself. And it’s a blast.

Sure, it’s probably one of the bigger departures from Dracula on this list, but the way that Sommers creatively takes what made many of the old Universal Monsters flicks great and reworks it into an action-adventure comparable to The Mummy is an underrated delight worth sinking your teeth into. Van Helsing, if taken at face value, is loads of fun. The way Sommers combines several monster plots together into one cohesive world almost makes us wish there had been a sequel…

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‘Nosferatu’ (1922)

Image via Film Arts Guild

Sometimes known as Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, the original Nosferatu is a cinematic masterpiece of German expressionism that has become foundational to modern horror. Directed by F. W. Murnau, the production was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel that changed many of the names and plot details to bring the vampire to the screen. Count Dracula is now Count Orlok (Max Schreck), and his horrible, grotesque appearance is perhaps the most well-known thing about this depiction.

Although there are several versions of Nosferatu specifically, the original is undoubtedly the best of them all. With Murnau’s dark creative vision and striking visuals that still stick with us over a century later, there are few Dracula adaptations that will make your skin crawl quite like this one. Schreck’s Count Orlok is the stuff of nightmares, and although not technically Dracula, he has become one of the defining depictions of the vampire for a reason.

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‘Horror of Dracula’ (1958)

Image via Hammer Film Productions

Perhaps the most famous of all of Christopher Lee’s Dracula films, Horror of Dracula (or simply Dracula in non-U.S. markets) was the first vampire movie to be made in color — and what a feature to start with. Lee first mesmerized audiences with his powerfully seductive take on the Count, as the film loosely adapts the novel with plenty of changes to the source material (most Dracula adaptations get things wrong though, so what else is new?). Horror of Dracula is only his first outing, but it’s among the most memorable.

As far as Christopher Lee Dracula films are concerned, some will cite the aforementioned sequel, Prince of Darkness, or even Dracula Has Risen From His Grave as the best of the Hammer-made pictures. Even still, others consider Lee’s Count Dracula to be the most accurate to the book (at least at first). But Horror of Dracula boasts the first (and most epic) confrontation between the Count and Abraham Van Helsing (Peter Cushing), which is enough of a reason to choose this entry over some of the others.

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‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (1992)

Image via Columbia Pictures

“Love never dies” — that’s the famous tagline for director Francis Ford Coppola‘s distinct Gothic horror flick, Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A romantic and at times explicit adaptation with Gary Oldman front-and-center as the titular vampire. Despite the name, the film takes some serious liberties with the source material, but it also delivers riveting performances from its leading stars. Considered by some to be the definitive Dracula work, it certainly deserves its place here.

Of course, of all the Dracula films listed here, this is probably the most “hard R” take on the character, so be warned. Coppola leaves little to the imagination with this overly sensual take that rewrites the Count’s historical origins. Considered one of Coppola’s cinematic masterpieces, Bram Stoker’s Dracula elevated the character for ’90s viewers hoping for something a bit more psychologically diverse.

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‘Dracula’ (1931)

Image via Universal Pictures

The most iconic on-screen depiction of Count Dracula has always been the part played by Bela Lugosi in the 1931 Dracula film. One of the flagship entries in the Universal Monsters franchise, the film is a direct adaptation of the stage play that was inspired by the novel, and so it, too, is quite different from the novel. However, Lugosi’s haunting eyes and distinct vocal range, combined with the iconic look crafted by director Tod Browning, have always been most synonymous with the character.

As the first sound adaptation of the Dracula book, the 1931 flick is a wonderful horror film that speaks to all our fears and highlights that sometimes less is more. Lugosi is striking on the screen, and opposite his nemesis Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan), he’s the sort of cinematic antagonist that you can’t help but be drawn to. If you haven’t seen the original Dracula, there’s no better time than “spooky season!”

Singer/songwriter Todd Rundgren has made his feelings about Taylor Swift clear, sharing his blunt opinion of the pop star in a new feature. The interview was published the same day Swift released encore tracks from “The Life of a Showgirl,” which has her fanbase divided. Rundgren’s latest remarks also echo comments he made about Swift’s music in 2022.

Todd Rundgren Thinks Taylor Swift ‘Ruined Music’

Todd Rundgren has made his mark as a singer, songwriter, and producer in his decades-long career, working both on his own music and behind the scenes on other artists’ records. In an interview published on September 25, the 78-year-old was asked which music artist he would choose to make fun of in an album.

For context, Rundgren agreed to produce Meat Loaf‘s 1977 album “Bat Out of Hell” thinking it was a hilarious satire of Bruce Springsteen‘s “Born To Run.” Songwriter Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, however, vehemently denied the record had anything to do with Springsteen.

In response to Vulture‘s question, Rundgren said, “Taylor Swift, of course.”

“There’s an argument to be made that she ruined music. It’s an understandable phenomenon. It’s just that, to me, Taylor Swift is the apotheosis of mediocrity,” the singer said.

The Producer Also Singled Out The Singer In 2022

Rundgren went on to claim Swift doesn’t do anything impressive “except grow hair,” opining she isn’t a great singer, songwriter, or dancer. He compared the pop star to Lady Gaga, whom he thinks is a “real musician.”

The “Hello It’s Me” singer’s comments about Swift are not new. He has been publicly critical of her since 2022, when he shared his thoughts on her music during a conversation with Rick Rubin on the “Broken Record” podcast.

Rubin said that there’s some songs that resonate with people even when they don’t know exactly why. “It’s like sometimes you can’t put your finger on why something’s good,” he said. Rundgren agreed, but countered with, “Well, it isn’t even why it’s good. It’s why it sticks.”

Rundgren went on to say that there are some songs that people “want out of [their] head,” adding “That’s why I hit the mute button anytime I see Taylor Swift.”

Todd Rundgren Was Critical Of Another Big Music Artist

Rudgren took aim at another well-known musician in the past.

In the early ’70s, Rundgren voiced his dislike of John Lennon in an interview, calling him a “f-cking idiot.” The comment stemmed from the musician slamming the Beatle for his peace advocacy, saying, “Shouting about revolution and acting like an a-s. It just makes people feel uncomfortable,” per Far Out Magazine.

In response, Lennon wrote an open letter to Rundgren, referring to him as “Sodd Runtlestuntle” and “Turd Runtgreen.” “I have never claimed to be a revolutionary. But I am allowed to sing about anything I want! Right?” Lennon wrote, in part.

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The feud didn’t last, and the two musicians patched things up in a phone call.

Taylor Swift’s Encore Divides The Swifties

Rundgren’s interview was published the same day Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” which includes four new tracks.

The songs have received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the new additions while others finding them underwhelming. Even Swifties appear to be divided with the new releases.

Longtime fans argue that “The Encore” features some of Swift’s “weakest writing,” particularly on the track “Cleveland!” in which she sings about her relationship with her new husband.

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Despite mixed reviews, Swift’s new tracks are dominating streaming channels. “The Encore” set the record for the biggest deluxe album debut on Spotify, garnering more than 40 million streams on its first day.

Whether or not they are fans of Taylor Swift, some people have criticized Rundgren for the way he spoke about the singer.

One user said statements like the one Rundgren made are “exhausting,” questioning “why can’t legends just let people enjoy music.”

“I don’t listen to her music but I don’t get why people need to say sh-t like this… She didn’t ruin music cuz music is for everyone,” one commenter wrote.

Another user noted that Rundgren has the right to dislike Swift’s music. However, they said describing her as “talentless” was over the top.

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Zara’s clothes have a way of making even the simplest outfit look polished. From tailored trousers and structured denim to pretty blouses and polished knitwear, the retailer has a knack for elevated pieces that make a wardrobe feel more expensive. But if your fall shopping budget doesn’t quite have room for a full Zara haul, don’t worry. Walmart has plenty of finds that deliver a similar rich-mom fashion feel — and they start at just $7.

We rounded up 13 Walmart fashion finds that look far pricier than their tags suggest, including a denim corset top, a cropped sweater jacket and a faux suede midi skirt. There are also plenty of easy-to-style pieces for building that effortlessly put-together look, whether you’re dressing for the office, a weekend brunch or simply want your everyday wardrobe to feel a little more luxe.

13 Zara-Inspired Walmart Fashion Finds

1. Denim Darling: Denim gets a little dressed-up in this structured corset top. The square neckline, button front and notched hem give it a polished feel, and the seams create a sleek hourglass silhouette, no matter your body type. With a hint of stretch from the cotton-spandex blend, it’s an easy way to elevate your favorite jeans.

2. Tailored Taper: These high-rise pants have that tailored look we’re always trying to recreate, minus the stiff feel that comes with traditional trousers. The soft, stretchy cotton-blend pick offers more room through the thigh before narrowing into a neat tapered leg. Add a button-down and loafers for an office-ready outfit, or dress them down with a fitted tee.

3. Preppy Perfection: Can’t decide between a cardigan and a jacket? You don’t have to with this polished sweater jacket. The soft ribbed knit comes with contrast stripes, gold-tone buttons, a spread collar and front pockets for plenty of elevated details. The cropped length also gives the classic silhouette a fresh feel.

4. Tie-Neck Chic: A tie-neck detail has a way of making even the simplest button-up feel fancy, and this cotton blouse is proof. It’s soft and breathable, so you’ll be comfortable wearing it all day — but the sophisticated neckline is also plenty polished for the office or dinner plans.

5. Plaid, Please: Consider this plaid mini dress your shortcut to a polished fall outfit. The fitted bodice features princess seams for a more defined shape, then flares out into a flowier skirt. Add tights and loafers when temperatures drop for an easy, classic seasonal look.

6. Barrel of Fun: Barrel-leg jeans are having a major fashion moment, and this pair makes the trend feel so easy to wear. The mid-rise, ankle-length silhouette has a modern curved shape, while classic five-pocket styling keeps things grounded in denim territory. Look closely, and you’ll spot floral embroidery along the sides for a little extra personality!

7. Volume Up: Big sleeves, breezy cotton and a relaxed silhouette? We’re sold. This 100% cotton blouse brings the drama with billowy bishop sleeves, a notch neckline and a beautifully flowy shape. Buttoned cuffs and a shirred back add thoughtful finishing touches.

8. Cable-Knit Cutie: At just $7 on sale, this cable-knit cardigan is practically begging to come home with you. The soft, lightweight rayon blend features a classic cable-knit pattern, ribbed trim and a slightly cropped fit that feels current. Wear it open over a tee, button it up or leave it undone for an effortlessly styled look.

9. Denim Dress-Up: This isn’t your average denim dress. It has a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette with a banded waist, classic point collar and button front. Wear it to weekday plans and weekend outings; it’s always a win.

10. Suede Statement: Faux suede and gold-tone hardware instantly give this crossbody handbag that expensive-looking fall finish. The flap closure and adjustable strap are super practical — and it even has a dedicated phone pocket inside the spacious interior. You’ll reach for it daily!

11. Tie the Look Together: A classic striped button-down is so much more fashionable with a removable satin tie. The slightly cropped shirt features menswear-inspired tailoring, with a point collar and button cuffs, but still feels soft thanks to the curved hem. Wear the tie traditionally or get creative with how you knot it.

12. Suede Season: Faux suede and a calf-length hemline? This skirt is practically autumn in clothing form. The high-waisted A-line silhouette has that polished, sophisticated feel that pairs beautifully with everything from fitted sweaters to crisp button-downs. It’s an easy way to make a simple fall outfit feel a lot more luxe.

13. Peplum Polish: This cotton top brings several pretty details together in one polished package. A smocked body and sweetheart seaming create a curve-skimming fit before the silhouette flares into a feminine peplum hem. Puff sleeves add even more charm, making this a fun alternative to your everyday tee.

Related: Steal the Upper East Side Look With These 13 Rich-Looking Styles

If one New York neighborhood has mastered the art of looking polished and timeless without chasing fleeting trends, it’s Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Women’s wardrobes are filled with classic tailoring, elegant textures and refined silhouettes that are as well suited to weekend brunch as a gallery opening. Fortunately, you don’t need a Madison Avenue budget […]

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Director Guy Ritchie is having a phenomenal September, and it looks like the positive momentum he has gained will continue into October. One of his biggest box-office misfires is heading to a free streaming platform, hoping to redeem itself like so many other movies directed by Ritchie have. Ritchie hasn’t delivered a hit movie since 2021’s Wrath of Man, starring Jason Statham. This hasn’t, however, stopped him from entering a particularly prolific era. In addition to making new movies every year, he has also established himself as something of a television mogul with three hit shows on three different streamers. This month, he delivered the latest seasons of his Netflix series The Gentlemen and his Paramount+ hit MobLand. He’s also working on the second season of Prime Video’s Young Sherlock.

Both The Gentlemen and MobLand continue to chart on their respective platforms, while Ritchie’s most recent theatrical release, In the Grey, remains the number-one title on Starz. Starring Eiza González, Henry Cavill, and Jake Gyllenhaal, In the Grey continued Ritchie’s disappointing box-office streak, grossing around $28 million against a reported budget of $70 million. It received mixed reviews, but found massive success after hitting streaming. It was recently joined by The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the World War II spy thriller Ritchie directed in 2023. Also featuring Cavill and González, among others, the movie flopped at the box office, grossing around $30 million against a reported budget of $60 million. It recently found success on Netflix.

Here’s When Guy Ritchie’s Biggest Bomb Lands on Free Streaming

Ritchie will hope that his 2017 bomb, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, also finds its audience when it lands on Tubi this October. Designed as the first installment of a five-film franchise, the movie remains Ritchie’s biggest bomb, reportedly losing Warner Bros. as much as $150 million. Starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law, the film grossed around $145 million worldwide against a reported budget of $175 million. It now holds a 31% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword piles mounds of modern action flash on an age-old tale — and wipes out much of what made it a classic story in the first place.” You can watch the film on Tubi beginning October. Meanwhile, Ritchie’s upcoming theatrical film Wife & Dog is slated for release in February 2027. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

May 12, 2017

Runtime

126 Minutes

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Producers

Akiva Goldsman, Lionel Wigram, Steve Clark-Hall, Tory Tunnell, Guy Ritchie, Joby Harold

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Marvel Studios has already assembled one of the biggest superhero casts ever for Avengers: Doomsday, but apparently, we still don’t know everyone who will appear.

During a Q&A following a screening of Avengers: Endgame Encore, co-director Anthony Russo revealed that Marvel has yet to announce the complete cast for the upcoming Avengers film.

“The cast is so large, and we’ve announced some of the cast, and we haven’t announced some of the cast,” Russo said. “I get confused myself over who we’ve announced and not announced, so I have to just slow down.”

That’s an interesting tease considering just how enormous the confirmed lineup already is.

Robert Downey Jr. will lead the film as Victor Von Doom, alongside returning MCU stars including Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd, Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh and Simu Liu.

The Fantastic Four are also joining the fight, with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach appearing as Marvel’s First Family.

Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom [Marvel Studios]

Then there are the returning X-Men.

Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming and Kelsey Grammer are among the veteran Marvel stars confirmed to appear, while Channing Tatum will return as Gambit.

Hayley Atwell has also been confirmed to return as Peggy Carter.

Despite that massive lineup, several major Marvel names remain noticeably absent from the announced cast. Tom Holland, Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch are among the characters fans have speculated could potentially appear, although Russo’s comments don’t confirm any of them.

For now, Marvel appears to be keeping at least a few surprises under wraps.

With Avengers: Doomsday bringing together the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and other corners of the MCU against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, there may still be some significant names waiting to join the battle.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters December 18, 2026.

TV fans today complaining about slow burns must have missed out on The X-Files craze of the 1990s and early-2000s. The series was infamous for teasing a romance between its two protagonists — Agent Fox Moulder (David Duchovny) and Dr. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) — without ever defining their relationship. In fairness, the agents had other things to worry about. In fact, they were right in the middle of the show’s biggest serialized storyline when the producers finally allowed them to share a kiss on screen. This should have been a relief to fans, but many found it maddening. For one thing, the kiss came without much fanfare or commentary, and for another, it happened at the end of the show’s most ambitious installment to date.

Mulder and Scully’s first kiss on screen came in Season 7, Episode 4, “Millennium,” which first aired on November 28, 1999. At the time, the status of the X-Files as an official FBI assignment was unclear, but the duo were definitely supposed to be working on other issues for the bureau. While they continued trying to uncover conspiracies, this episode shoehorned them into a crossover with the series Millennium, which had recently been canceled. The result was a massive TV event that felt slightly out of place, and has left fans scratching their heads for over two decades.

‘Millennium’ Was Not Where Fans Expected the Mulder-Scully Kiss

Image via FOX

The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson made it inevitable that fans would interpret Mulder and Scully as a romantic pairing, and The X-Files writers definitely encouraged that over the years. Still, by Season 7 many were beginning to doubt that the show would ever take a romantic turn and make their relationship canonical. “Millennium” was the 143rd episode of the series overall, and it seemed like too great a change to introduce at this point. The timing was also unexpected — a long-awaited kiss would most likely come in a season premiere or finale, or even in a movie, since the series had just gone to the big screen for the first time.

On top of that, “Millennium” was an episode where Mulder and Scully had to share their screen time with former FBI agent Frank Black (Lance Henriksen) for a crossover with the series Millennium. The X-Files and Millennium were both created and executive produced by Chris Carter, and both aired on Fox. Millennium was canceled abruptly in 1999, so Carter intended to use this X-Files episode to wrap up the show after the fact.

All in all, the episode was regarded as a failure by fans of both shows. It didn’t do much to tidy up the ending of Millennium, and Henriksen himself later admitted he was disappointed in it. It also pulled The X-Files off of its serialized story arc for a monster-of-the-week style episode, which felt like an interruption. To top it off, the Mulder-Scully kiss caught fans completely off-guard. It happened in a hospital in the aftermath of their adventure, with Millennium characters and other FBI agents all around them. The story took place on New Year’s Eve, and the two were watching the ball drop on TV in silence when they leaned in for a kiss.

“World didn’t end,” Mulder remarked in a reference to the episode and the Y2K panic. The kiss was not chaste or unromantic by any means, yet the lack of commentary here made some fans furious. They could no longer say that Mulder and Scully had never kissed, but this could also be dismissed as a New Year’s Eve moment with no real meaning. For those that wanted the show to resolve this relationship into a true on-screen romance, this was worse than nothing.

‘The X-Files’ Kept Its Romance Mysterious

Image via Fox

The fans who felt let down by this episode had a lot more heartache coming. Later in this same season, the episode “All Things” opened on Mulder and Scully in bed, having apparently spent the night together. Even worse — once again the hook-up went uncommented-upon, indicating this wasn’t their first dalliance. Their relationship continued in this manner through the rest of the series and the revival as well. The series matter-of-factly showed us where Mulder and Scully were at from moment to moment, without ever lingering on their relationship or stopping to talk about it very much.

Love it or hate it, this phenomenon likely has a lot to do with the behind-the-scenes drama impacting the show in Season 7. The X-Files was a massive hit at this time, and its cast commanded massive influence. Starting in Season 6, the production moved from British Columbia, Canada to Los Angeles at Duchovny’s request. The actor wanted to stay closer to his home and his wife during the filming season, and he also wanted the chance to pursue other work when timing permitted. Anderson and others on the cast and crew agreed with him, but Carter opposed the move.

It turned out that there was bad blood brewing between Duchovny and Carter in Season 7. The actor sued 20th Century Fox during this time, claiming that the studio had undersold the rights to The X-Files, severely impacting his pay. This lawsuit was settled in Duchovny’s favor. According to the book Examinations: An Unauthorized Look at Seasons 6-9 of The X-Files by Tom Kessenich, the lawsuit revealed that Carter had known what Fox was doing all along, and chose not to warn Duchovny. Duchovny announced his intention to leave the show after Season 7, though he ended up taking a recurring role and eventually returned to the series full-time.

The X-Files was never a straightforward show in any way — including the romance between its protagonists, which was a central part for so many viewers. However, in the years since the original series ended, many online fandom communities have celebrated the show’s unique approach to romance and have relished the hunt for subtext and clues throughout its 200+ episodes. The X-Files is streaming now on Hulu in the U.S., and is also available on PlutoTV for free with ads.

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Release Date

June 19, 1998

Runtime

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121 minutes

Director

Rob Bowman

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  Mitch Pileggi

  Assistant Director Walter Skinner

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  William B. Davis

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  The Cigarette-Smoking Man

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Britney Spears is facing renewed criticism after a revealing dance video showed an apparent worker in the room while she performed for the camera. The clip, which was originally uploaded earlier this month before resurfacing across X, showed the pop star dancing in a revealing outfit as a man worked from a ladder behind her. At several points, Spears appeared to expose herself, with emojis strategically placed over parts of her body.
The unusual scene prompted some viewers to question whether the man was comfortable being present, while others went further and accused Spears of behaving inappropriately toward an employee.

Britney Spears Dances As Worker Stands In The Room

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In the 45-second video, Spears, 44, danced around what appeared to be a room inside her home while wearing a sparkling silver dress with mesh details. A man could be seen standing on a ladder near the windows as the singer moved around the room and occasionally approached the chair positioned beneath him. The man briefly looked back at Spears while she continued dancing. News.com.au described him as an apparent worker but could not confirm his identity or employment status. Spears disabled comments on the original Instagram post, but that did not prevent the footage from spreading elsewhere. A repost from Pop Fusion HQ attracted more than 1.4 million views as users debated whether the interaction was merely awkward or crossed a professional boundary.

Britney Spears Told She ‘Desperately Needs Help’

The video quickly generated concern about Spears’ behavior, with one particularly harsh commenter claiming that she “desperately needs help.” Another viewer asked why Spears continues posting similar dance videos and wondered what she is attempting to communicate through them.

“What’s she sick with? Because it’s not normal to do that,” a third user wrote. Others pushed back against the crueler reactions and argued that mocking Spears or attempting to diagnose her from a social-media clip was not helpful.

“Of course she needs help. She’s seriously unwell. But your disgusting comments aren’t helpful at all,” one supporter wrote, criticizing the degrading language used against the singer. Another user argued that placing Spears under another restrictive conservatorship would not constitute appropriate help. The conflicting reactions turned the discussion into a broader argument about where concern ends and online cruelty begins.

Viewers Debate Harassment Accusation

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Some users characterized Spears’ behavior as possible harassment because the apparent worker remained in the room while she exposed herself and performed suggestively. One Reddit commenter argued that an employer behaving that way around a staff member could create an uncomfortable power imbalance. Another noted that confidentiality agreements would not excuse illegal workplace behavior. However, other users rejected the accusation as an overreaction.

“How is this harassment?” one commenter asked.

Another pointed out that no one knows what arrangements may have existed before the video was filmed or whether the man was bothered by Spears’ behavior.

Fans Question What The Worker Was Doing

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Beyond the more serious accusations, viewers were also curious about why the man appeared to be covering or working near the windows while Spears filmed. One Reddit user wondered whether he had been completing legitimate work at the property or whether Spears wanted the windows covered for privacy. The same person speculated that he might be a housekeeper who had previously appeared in the background of her videos.

Some commenters attempted to make light of the uncomfortable-looking situation, joking about what the worker might have told his family when he returned home. The man largely appeared focused on the task in front of him, although he occasionally seemed to glance toward Spears as she moved around behind him.

Britney Spears Has Faced Similar Claims Before

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The resurfaced video also prompted users to revisit earlier allegations involving Spears and members of her staff. In 2010, former bodyguard Fernando Flores filed a lawsuit accusing the singer of repeatedly exposing herself and behaving inappropriately around him. Spears’ representatives denied his allegations at the time, and the case was later reportedly settled. In 2022, Spears sparked debate after sharing nude pool photos in which her assistant, Vicky T, held her “like a baby.” The Blast reported that fans joked about wanting Vicky’s job and its “employee benefits,” although Vicky never suggested that she felt uncomfortable.

The latest video has revived that discussion, but the apparent worker at the center of the footage has not spoken publicly. For now, the backlash is based entirely on what viewers believe they witnessed. Some saw a celebrity behaving inappropriately around someone working inside her home, while others saw another example of strangers making serious assumptions about Spears from a brief and context-free Instagram video.