Prime Video has released the first official image of Ryan Hurst as the brooding Spartan warrior Kratos and young actor Callum Vinson as his son Atreus, marking the start of production on its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Sony’s blockbuster “God of War” video game franchise.

The photo, shared Feb. 27, 2026, by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television, shows the father-son duo in costume against a rugged, snowy backdrop, evoking the Norse mythology setting of the 2018 game and its sequel. Hurst, known for roles in “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Walking Dead,” appears as the ash-covered, battle-scarred Kratos, complete with his signature red tattoo and imposing physique. Vinson, who has appeared in series like “Chucky,” “Long Bright River” and “Poker Face,” portrays a youthful Atreus, standing slightly ahead with a determined expression.

The image is accompanied by the caption: “Father and Son. Behold your first look at Kratos and Atreus in the God of War series now in production for Prime Video. Their journey to the highest peak begins.”

Production is underway in Vancouver, Canada, on the series, which has already secured a two-season order. Ronald D. Moore, the acclaimed showrunner behind “Battlestar Galactica” and “Outlander,” serves as writer, executive producer and showrunner under his Tall Ship Productions banner. Frederick E.O. Toye, an Emmy-winning director whose credits include “Shōgun,” “The Boys” and “Fallout,” is helming the first two episodes.

The adaptation draws primarily from the 2018 “God of War” game and its 2022 sequel “Ragnarök,” following Kratos and Atreus on a poignant quest to scatter the ashes of Kratos’ late wife and Atreus’ mother, Faye, from the highest peak in the realms. Their journey unfolds amid a harsh Norse world filled with gods, monsters and family revelations, shifting from the Greek mythology of earlier games to a more introspective father-son narrative.

The full cast features a mix of established stars and character actors. Mandy Patinkin portrays the cunning Allfather Odin, while Ed Skrein takes on the vengeful god Baldur. Max Parker plays Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson embodies the thunder god Thor, and Teresa Palmer appears as Sif. Alastair Duncan voices and portrays the severed head Mimir, with Danny Woodburn as the gruff dwarf Brok and Jeff Gulka as his brother Sindri.

The project is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, in association with PlayStation Productions and Tall Ship Productions. Executive producers include Moore, Maril Davis of Tall Ship, original game director Cory Barlog, Naren Shankar, Matthew Graham, Asad Qizilbash, Jeff Ketcham, Hermen Hulst, Roy Lee and Brad Van Arragon. Co-executive producers are Joe Menosky, Marc Bernardin, Tania Lotia and Ben McGinnis.

Fan reactions to the first-look image have been mixed since its release early Feb. 27. Some praised the fidelity to the game’s aesthetic, noting Hurst’s transformation into the stoic anti-hero and the accurate costuming details like Kratos’ Leviathan Axe (though not visible in the initial photo). Others expressed reservations, with online commentary describing the shot as “strange” or “off,” citing the angle, lighting or youthful portrayal of Atreus compared to the teenage version in the games. Social media discussions on platforms like Instagram, Reddit and X highlighted both excitement for the ambitious adaptation and caution after previous video game-to-screen efforts.

The “God of War” franchise, developed by Santa Monica Studio, has sold tens of millions of copies and earned widespread acclaim for its storytelling, combat and emotional depth. The 2018 reboot shifted the series to a more mature, cinematic style, earning Game of the Year honors and setting high expectations for any live-action version.

Amazon’s push into video game adaptations follows successes like “Fallout” and ongoing projects tied to other properties. The streamer aims to capture the game’s blend of visceral action, mythological spectacle and heartfelt drama, with Moore’s involvement signaling a focus on character-driven narrative over pure spectacle.

No release date has been announced for the series, but with production just beginning in early 2026, a premiere is unlikely before late 2027 at the earliest, depending on post-production timelines and episode count. The two-season commitment suggests confidence in covering the Norse saga arc comprehensively.

As filming progresses, additional images, trailers and casting details are expected to fuel anticipation among the dedicated fanbase. For now, the first look offers a tangible glimpse into bringing one of gaming’s most iconic duos to the small screen.

The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered its fourth week with authorities shifting resources and releasing new surveillance footage that may offer clues in what officials describe as a possible abduction.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on the evening of January 31, 2026. She was reported missing the following day after family members could not reach her. Authorities believe she was taken from her bed against her will sometime in the early morning hours of February 1, when her pacemaker stopped transmitting signals around 2:28 a.m.

As of February 27, 2026, marking day 27 since her vanishing, the FBI has amassed thousands of hours of video evidence, including newly surfaced Ring camera footage from neighbors showing multiple vehicles in the vicinity during the overnight hours surrounding her disappearance. One clip captured at least a dozen cars passing near her home, and another depicted a vehicle driving past a residence about 2.5 miles away around 2:30 a.m. Investigators have reviewed the material but stated it does not appear directly related to the case, though it continues to inform the timeline.

The FBI, working alongside local Pima County authorities, has received more than 23,000 tips overall, with over 1,500 coming in after Savannah Guthrie announced a family-offered reward of up to $1 million for information leading to her mother’s safe return. In a recent Instagram video, Savannah Guthrie urged the public to “keep praying without ceasing,” adding, “We still believe. We still believe in a miracle.”

Key developments in recent days include the FBI’s decision to relocate its primary command post from Tucson to Phoenix. A law enforcement source told CBS News that the move will allow for more efficient long-term operations, as most agents involved are based in Phoenix. Investigative squads, evidence recovery teams and SWAT units will remain active in Tucson through the local FBI satellite office.

Additionally, authorities are preparing to return Nancy Guthrie’s home to her family after nearly a month of serving as the main crime scene. Federal sources told NBC News that the property will no longer be sealed off, allowing family members—including Savannah Guthrie—to access it. The transition follows exhaustive searches and forensic processing. Savannah Guthrie has indicated she plans to return to her duties on the “Today” show soon, though the emotional toll remains evident.

The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. She has spoken publicly about the family’s anguish, emphasizing their hope amid uncertainty. Experts on missing persons cases note that the prolonged absence, combined with the lack of a clear vehicle of interest or named suspects, complicates efforts. Former FBI agents have described the challenge of achieving a “clean” disappearance in an era of widespread surveillance, digital tracking and forensic tools, yet this case has so far defied quick resolution.

Nancy Guthrie, a resident of the Tucson area, is known to many beyond her daughter’s celebrity for her work as a Bible teacher, author and conference speaker. She has written numerous books on Christian theology, including studies on tracing Jesus through the Old Testament and series such as “Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.” She hosts the “Help Me Teach the Bible” podcast for The Gospel Coalition and leads workshops on biblical theology. Her personal website highlights upcoming speaking engagements, including events planned for March 2026 at Redeemer Lincoln Square in New York and the Katoomba Easter Convention in Australia from April 3-6, 2026. However, these appearances remain uncertain amid the ongoing search.

The family has maintained a low public profile regarding Nancy Guthrie’s personal life, focusing instead on appeals for information. No arrests have been made, and no motive has been publicly identified. Investigators continue to analyze DNA evidence, including from a glove found about two miles from the home, though recent reports indicate it yielded no matches in national databases.

The shift in operational focus to Phoenix signals a transition to a more sustained investigative phase, with emphasis on digital forensics, tip follow-up and broader coordination. Officials have not ruled out any scenarios, but the belief in foul play persists.

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from the public. As the search stretches into late February, the family clings to hope for a positive outcome while grappling with the daily reality of uncertainty—a sentiment echoed by advocates for missing persons who stress the psychological strain on loved ones in prolonged cases.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line or local authorities. The $1 million reward remains active for credible leads leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery.

Depositing £50 into an online casino takes seconds. Withdrawing £50 can take hours, and sometimes even days. For many UK players, that gap feels suspicious and frustrating, but it usually isn’t a scam; it’s part of the process.

Withdrawal speeds depend on three things: the casino’s approval system, UK gambling regulation, and the payment method you choose to use. Some options can pay out within minutes, others will never be fast, no matter which fast payout casinos in the UK you play at.

Let’s look at what controls payout speed and which methods actually work.

How Casino Withdrawals Work

Before looking at the different payment methods, you need to understand what happens after you click “withdraw”. Every withdrawal follows the same process.

You choose an amount to withdraw and a payment method. At this point, the money is still in your casino account.

• Casino Review and Approval (Pending)

This is the step that most players don’t realise exists. The casino needs to check:

• Identity verification (KYC)
• Bonus conditions
• Fraud screening
• Payment method ownership

If your account is already verified, this step can take a few minutes. If it is not, it can take 24 to 48 hours, regardless of the payment method you use.

• Payment Provider Processing

Only after approval will the payment network move the money.

• E-wallets process transfers internally
• Banks use interbank systems
• Card networks use clearing cycles

So, when you see an operator advertising as one of the top instant withdrawal casinos in the UK, it usually means instant approval, not instant arrival in your bank account.

Fastest Payment Methods

Not all payment systems move money in the same way. The closer the system sits to the gambling ecosystem, the faster the withdrawal will be.

E-wallets

E-wallets are consistently among the fastest payment methods for UK casinos. They are digital wallet services widely accepted at UK casinos, and payout times typically range from a few minutes to a few hours after approval.

This is a fast option because the funds don’t first enter traditional banking rails. The casino sends money to your e-wallet within a closed financial network, thereby avoiding card clearing and interbank settlement days.

Generally, a verified account withdrawing to an e-wallet receives funds within 5 to 30 minutes, though it may take up to a few hours depending on the operator and provider. Casinos like them because they offer lower reversal risk, strong identity matching, and are compatible with automated processing.

For players who value speed above anything else, this is the most reliable option available. MuchBetter casinos are a great choice, but other examples include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.

According to guidance from the UK Gambling Commission, licensed operators must verify player identity before processing withdrawals, which is why e-wallet payouts are often faster once verification is complete.

Open Banking/Instant Bank Transfer Systems

UK casinos are increasingly using real-time banking connections rather than traditional transfers. The typical payout time is minutes to under 2 hours. These systems, such as Trustly, connect directly to your bank via secure authentication rather than card networks.

They use real-time payment rails, so funds can arrive almost immediately once approved. These systems are the fastest method for receiving funds directly into your bank account.

Debit Cards

Debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, typically have a payout time of 4 to 24 hours after approval. Deposits with debit cards are instant, so you would expect withdrawals to be as well, but it is a completely different infrastructure.

Deposits are authorisation – a promise of funds – while withdrawals are settlement – the actual transfer of funds. Card networks batch and clear payments on schedules set partly by the bank, which is why two players at the same casino can experience different payout speeds.

Bank Transfer

The typical payout time for a bank transfer is 1 to 3 business days. A standard bank transfer remains the most predictable option, but it is rarely the fastest. It passes through interbank clearing cycles and may pause overnight and on weekends. Bank transfers are still used for large withdrawals because of high limits and stability, but they prioritise reliability over speed.

Casino Factors that Matter More Than the Payment Method

Players generally blame the payment provider when, in fact, the delay actually happens on the casino’s end.

Verification Speed

A pre-verified account significantly reduces withdrawal time. The first withdrawal is usually the longest you will experience because identity checks need to be completed. Once your account is verified, this step is a lot quicker.

Withdrawal Limits

An operator may have daily limits in place, and larger wins may need to be paid in instalments as a result. Even the fast payment methods can’t bypass the operator limits.

Internal Processing Policies

Some casinos run automatic approvals 24/7. Others still process withdrawals manually during business hours. Weekends alone can add up to two days to the processing time.

Tips for Using Fast Payout Casinos in the UK

1. Verify your account before making a deposit.
2. Use the same payment method for both deposits and withdrawals.
3. Avoid withdrawing active bonus funds.
4. Withdraw on weekdays during business hours.
5. Choose instant withdrawal casinos in the UK known for automatic approvals.

The Myth of “Instant Withdrawal Casinos”

This phrase sounds simple but hides two distinct speeds: the approval speed, which the casino controls, and the transfer speed, which the payment system controls.

Whether you are a celebrity dominating a poker table or a casual player having some fun, you always want to get your winnings paid to you as fast as possible.

Many casinos approve withdrawals instantly, but the funds still need to travel through financial networks afterwards. So, a casino can truthfully advertise “instant withdrawals” while your bank still shows your funds only an hour later for some methods/banks.

The experience feels inconsistent because players measure the second stage, while casinos promote the first.

Conclusion

There is no universally instant payment method, but there are some reliably fast ones. E-wallets remain the quickest overall option, while open banking systems are the fastest way to receive money directly to your bank account. Debit cards are great for everyday play, and traditional bank transfers prioritise safety over speed.

Preparation is key. A verified account using a compatible payment method at an automated casino can receive winnings within minutes. The same withdrawal on an unverified account can take days. Fast payouts aren’t about finding a magical casino; they are about understanding how the system actually works.

Stuart Dickinson
Chief Executive Officer

Good morning, everybody, and thank you for joining us for Vista Group’s Full 2025 results presentation. We’ll begin in just a moment. While we wait for the last few participants to join the call, we’ll play our latest Vista Group video, which we unveiled earlier this month at our VistaCon conference. Hopefully, it helps illustrate the many different parts of our Cinema operations that our products touch.

[Presentation]

Stuart Dickinson
Chief Executive Officer

Good morning, again, everyone. I’m Stu Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer of Vista Group. With me today is our Chief Financial Officer, Matt Thompson. I really appreciate your time as we review our 2025 performance and outlook.

Before we begin, please note our standard disclaimer details are available in the presentation deck. We’ll be taking questions at the end of the presentation today. [Operator Instructions]

Today, I will start with the highlights of 2025 and an update on our strategic progress. I’ll then pass on to Matt to take you through the financials before coming back to talk through why we believe Vista Group will be an AI winner. Finally, I’ll then discuss our outlook and guidance for ’26 and beyond, and then we’ll open up for questions.

With that, let’s get started with our highlights and strategic progress. Vista Group empowers mission-critical infrastructure. We sit at the operational center of the global film ecosystem. We

Conference Call Participants

Wayne Lam – TD Cowen, Research Division
Heiko Ihle – H.C. Wainwright & Co, LLC, Research Division
Soundarya Iyer – B. Riley Securities, Inc., Research Division
Cosmos Chiu – CIBC Capital Markets, Research Division
Alexander Terentiew – National Bank Financial, Inc., Research Division

Presentation

A new analysis of the 10 most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S. finds that California continues to be home to a significant portion of the nation’s most luxurious properties.

Economists at Realtor.com sought to find the 10 most expensive communities in the U.S. by focusing on areas with at least 30 active listings in January to identify qualified ZIP codes. From there, they ranked markets by median listing price. And, in cases when that was tied in two markets, the median square footage of the listed properties was used as a tiebreaker.

“The latest data analysis shows that entry into this exclusive top 10 now starts at $5.5 million, placing these communities in a category entirely distinct from even the broader luxury market,” said Realtor.com senior economist Anthony Smith.

That $5.5 million figure is roughly five times the current luxury threshold of $1.2 million, though that entry point to ultra-luxury properties has declined from a peak of $5.9 million in July 2025. Just 12% of listings nationwide are priced above $1 million, but Smith noted that share is nearly 100% within the country’s most expensive ZIP codes.

Newport Beach, California, claimed the top spot on the Realtor.com list of most expensive ZIP codes. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images / Getty Images)

MCMANSIONS BECOME FINANCIAL ‘LIABILITY’ AS BUYERS DITCH OVERSIZED HOMES

California claimed six of the top 10 spots in the Realtor.com analysis despite Malibu slipping out of the rankings into 11th place. 

Smith noted that the 2025 wildfires affected demand for housing in that area, saying the area’s decline “reflects wildfire-driven shifts in inventory, with more listings representing land value or rebuild opportunities rather than turnkey luxury estates.”

WALL STREET CASH FUELS HAMPTONS HOUSING BOOM TO RECORD MEDIAN PRICE AMID TIGHT INVENTORY

Malibu, California, dropped out of the top 10 list due to last year’s wildfires affecting the housing market. (Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Here’s a look at the 10 ZIP codes with the most expensive real estate based on Realtor.com’s analysis:

1. — Newport Coast, California (92657 ZIP code)

• $12.5 million median list price
• 5,552 median square feet

2. — Fisher Island, Florida (33109 ZIP code)

• $11.98 million median list price
• 3,790 median square feet

3. — Beverly Hills, California (90210 ZIP code)

• $10.495 million median list price
• 5,500 median square feet

A view of mansions in Beverly Hills, Calif. (iStock)

RYAN SERHANT EXPOSES AMERICA’S NEW REAL ESTATE REALITY AND THE BIGGEST HOUSING SHIFT IN 50 YEARS

4. — Bridgehampton, New York (11932 ZIP code)

• $8.8 million median list price
• 4,874 median square feet

5. — Bel Air, California (90077 ZIP code)

• $7.947 million median list price
• 5,094 median square feet

Two ZIP codes located in the Hamptons of New York cracked Realtor.com’s top 10 most expensive list. (Getty Images)

6. — Water Mill, New York (11976 ZIP code)

• $6.995 million median list price
• 5,821 median square feet

7. — Montecito-Santa Barbara, California (93108 ZIP code)

• $6.495 million median list price
• 3,611 median square feet

AMERICA’S MOST EXPENSIVE HOME LISTING DROPS TO $99.9M AFTER MASSIVE $40M PRICE CUT FROM ORIGINAL ASK

One ZIP code in Arizona made the top 10 list. (iStock)

8. — Rancho Santa Fe, California (92067 zip code)

• $5.995 million median list price
• 6,000 median square feet

9. — Newport Beach, California (92663 ZIP code)

• $4.995 million median list price
• 3,058 median square feet

10. — Paradise Valley, Arizona (85253 ZIP code)

• $5.5 million median list price
• 5,784 median square feet

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Apple has begun late-stage production validation testing for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, signaling strong progress toward a September 2026 launch for the company’s premium flagship smartphones. The move comes amid a flurry of leaks and analyst reports detailing significant upgrades in battery life, display design, camera technology and processing power for the anticipated models.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to remain Apple’s largest and most capable non-foldable iPhone, is shaping up as a major evolution rather than an incremental refresh. Supply chain sources indicate test production is underway, a standard milestone that typically precedes mass manufacturing by several months. Leakers on platforms like Weibo, including Fixed Focus Digital, have reported the devices are now in “mass production testing,” reinforcing expectations for an on-schedule fall unveiling.

One of the most talked-about improvements centers on battery endurance. Rumors consistently point to the iPhone 18 Pro Max featuring a capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh — potentially the largest ever in an iPhone. This would surpass the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 5,088 mAh battery, which already delivers up to 39 hours of video playback. To accommodate the larger cell, the device may adopt a slightly thicker chassis, possibly increasing weight to around 243 grams, making it one of Apple’s heaviest models yet.

Efficiency gains are expected to amplify these hardware changes. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is slated to debut Apple’s custom A20 Pro chip, fabricated on a cutting-edge 2-nanometer process from TSMC. This node promises better power efficiency, higher performance and improved thermal management compared to the 3nm chips in current models. Paired with Apple’s second-generation in-house C2 5G modem — an upgrade over the C1 series — the combination could deliver unprecedented battery life, with some speculation reaching beyond 40 hours under mixed use.

Display refinements are also in focus. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a redesigned, smaller Dynamic Island. Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, the pill-shaped cutout houses the front camera and Face ID sensors. To shrink it, Apple is reportedly moving the Face ID dot illuminator under the display while miniaturizing the front-facing camera. This maintains the Dynamic Island functionality without fully eliminating it, addressing mixed earlier rumors about a complete under-display Face ID transition.

Camera systems remain a highlight for Pro models. Leaks suggest the main 48-megapixel Fusion sensor will incorporate a mechanical variable aperture, allowing users to adjust light intake (potentially from f/1.4 to f/2.0 or similar ranges). This DSLR-like feature would enhance low-light performance, reduce overexposure in bright conditions and provide greater control over depth of field for natural bokeh effects. Some reports indicate a shift to Samsung sensors for this implementation. Additional upgrades may include a wider-aperture telephoto lens and an improved 18-megapixel selfie camera with enhanced Center Stage capabilities.

Color options could introduce fresh appeal. Gurman noted Apple is testing a “deep red” finish as a potential flagship hue for the iPhone 18 Pro series, possibly replacing or complementing existing tones like Cosmic Orange. This bolder palette would leverage the aluminum unibody design adopted in recent Pro models for greater color variety.

The broader iPhone 18 lineup reflects Apple’s evolving strategy. The premium tier — including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the debut iPhone Fold — is expected in September 2026. More affordable variants, such as the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, may shift to spring 2027, creating a staggered release cadence. This approach prioritizes high-end innovation while managing production complexities for new form factors like the foldable.

Pricing rumors suggest Apple aims to hold starting prices steady. Analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo have indicated efforts to avoid increases despite rising component costs, potentially keeping the iPhone 18 Pro Max at or near its predecessor’s $1,199 entry point for the base configuration. Higher-storage options could see modest adjustments.

Other anticipated features include up to 2TB of storage, faster 40W wired charging, LTPO+ display technology for smoother refresh rates with better efficiency, and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence via iOS 20 (or iOS 27, depending on naming). The A20 Pro’s capabilities are expected to supercharge on-device AI processing for tasks like advanced photo editing and Siri enhancements.

As testing advances, attention turns to how these upgrades position the iPhone 18 Pro Max against competitors amid lengthening smartphone replacement cycles and fluctuating global demand. Apple’s focus on meaningful hardware leaps — particularly in battery, camera versatility and display cleanliness — could drive strong upgrade interest among Pro users.

The company has not commented on the rumors, and final specifications remain subject to change. Apple typically unveils new iPhones in early September, with pre-orders following shortly after and retail availability within weeks.