Entertainment
10 Best Depictions of Childhood in Movies
The nature, experiences, and allure of childhood have, for many decades, been one of the most pointed and powerful ideas cinema has explored. It is no surprise that many of the films that have explored youth the best exude an arresting sense of nostalgic yearning, hearkening to the ideal of childhood’s unburdened freedom to capture an air of wonder, possibility, and fun. However, many of the best movies to examine the theme also come with meditations on the loss of innocence, the pressures of family, and the numbing nature in which a child’s naivety clashes with the harshness of reality.
Ranging from underrated classics of the 21st century to iconic blockbusters of the 1980s, these tales of youth are the best depictions of childhood cinema has ever seen. Furthermore, with films from France, Japan, Ireland, Iran, and Sweden as well as America featuring prominently, this collection of movies also showcases the universality of the appeal of childhood as a time of excitement, wonder, and discovery.
Marking one of the most iconic titles in Hollywood history, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial shines not only as a stunning sci-fi blockbuster, but as one of the most mesmerizing and immersive portrayals of childhood to have ever graced mainstream cinema. Entwined in the magical tale of alien companionship and the efforts to elude government agents, it epitomizes the sheer wonder and adventure of youth with a magnetism that makes everyone who views it feel like a child again.
Steven Spielberg is obviously a master of conjuring such a sense of imaginative awe, but one thing he does brilliantly in E.T. is grounding the movie in moments of heartbreaking drama and, at times, even confronting terror. It captures the full array of experiences and emotions children go through, rather than just romanticizing feelings of glee and excitement. Further supported by the exquisite, characterful puppetry of E.T. and Spielberg’s use of perspective that plants the audience in young Elliott’s (Henry Thomas) view of the world, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the finest display of childhood awe that blockbuster cinema has ever seen.
‘The Quiet Girl’ (2022)
While it received widespread critical acclaim and even netted an Academy Award nomination, The Quiet Girl has gone largely unnoticed despite delivering a beautifully poignant exploration of childhood fragility. As one of many siblings living in an impoverished and bitterly dysfunctional household in rural Ireland, Cáit (Catherine Clinch) has grown withdrawn and reclusive. To unburden the stress her family is enduring as her mother manages another pregnancy, she is sent to live with aging distant relatives Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley) and Seán Kinsella (Andrew Bennett) on their farm, where she begins to blossom in their care.
Understated, restrained, and deftly delicate, The Quiet Girl uses its subdued realism to weave an emotionally enrapturing story of neglect, love, and discovery. It marks a masterful directorial debut from Colm Bairéad, who lingers on moments of nuance, connection, and secluded beauty with complete control, conjuring moving sequences where muted gestures and unspoken words become profoundly powerful. It is thematically confronting in how it explores turmoil and mistreatment through the eyes of a child, but it soars with its touching found-family dynamic that finds the warmth and love of childhood even within difficult circumstances.
‘Au revoir les enfants’ (1987)
With its title translating to “Goodbye Children,” Au revoir les enfants is a somber and sobering descent into the fragility of childhood in the midst of sweeping turmoil and political tension. Set in a French boarding school during WWII, it follows the strained bond that develops between Julien (Gaspard Manesse) and Jean (Raphaël Fejtő), a socially awkward student new to the school who Julien discovers to be a Jew in hiding.
Rather than drifting on sentiment, Au revoir les enfants depicts boyhood in its reality, portraying the students as bawdy, mischievous, and cheekily troublesome youths striving to prove their masculinity to one another. The way director Louis Malle captures this gallivanting while still illustrating the innocence of the characters is astonishing, as is the devastating climax, which shows how innocence doesn’t fade gradually, but often shatters against accountability and brutality.
‘Boyhood’ (2014)
A masterful encapsulation of childhood and coming-of-age that was ambitiously filmed over 12 years, following the same actors from grade school to young adulthood, Boyhood offers a fluid and grounded depiction of the life of a child. Told through a series of vignettes that capture family gatherings, road trips, birthday parties, and schooling milestones, it follows Mason’s (Ellar Coltrane) formative experiences as he and his sister grow up from being little kids to teenagers on the brink of college.
The stunning scope of the film, presented over the course of a 165-minute runtime, unfolds like a memory of childhood, a blurry yet beautiful procession of important moments that emphasize the quaint details of life. True to director Richard Linklater’s style, Boyhood is a feat of naturalism in cinema, an exploration of the highs and lows of an upbringing under divorced parents that wrestles with the flawed humanity of all its characters through a lens of arresting authenticity.
‘Fanny and Alexander’ (1982)
Initially released as a five-hour miniseries by Swedish maestro Ingmar Bergman, Fanny and Alexander was trimmed down to a stunning three-hour realization of childhood that contrasts the wondrous freedom of youth against the intimidating vulnerability of helplessness in a world ruled by adults. Set in the early 20th century, it follows siblings Alexander (Bertil Guve) and Fanny Ekdahl (Pernilla Allwin) as they navigate the tumultuous shifts in their peaceful family life in the aftermath of their father’s death and their mother’s marriage to a strict bishop.
Bergman’s ability to explore dichotomy is on full display. The movie dissects both an adult’s vision of the world against a child’s and explores the stark difference between the warmth and tenderness of motherhood and the cold, masculine sterility of fatherhood. Further strengthened by its ability to weave together fantasy and reality, Fanny and Alexander is a masterclass in childhood wonder and a masterpiece of international cinema.
‘I Was Born, But…’ (1932)
Through its reliance on visual storytelling, particularly in performance, silent comedy cinema often holds a striking sense of sincerity that is emotionally captivating. That is certainly the case with I Was Born, But…, an underrated masterpiece from Japanese filmmaking genius Yasujirō Ozu that unfolds as two young brothers move to Tokyo with their father when he is transferred. As they navigate issues of bullying and social cliques, they must also reckon with a soul-shattering reality when they discover their father, whom they idolize, is routinely ridiculed in his workplace.
Amongst their peers, the boys strive for masculinity. Acts of truancy and aspirations of strength display their desire for power in their naïve vision of the world. But their innocence is inescapable when they are exposed to the true callousness of the world through their father’s mistreatment and their complex feelings of shame, anger, and reluctant acceptance. The fact that the story transpires with such elegance and resonance despite not having dialogue is incredible, making I Was Born, But… a monumental achievement of cinema and a powerful exploration of childhood.
‘Children of Heaven’ (1997)
While it has perhaps gone unnoticed by the masses, Iranian cinema has been a beacon of excellence in the form on the international stage for many years now. One of the country’s defining masterpieces is Children of Heaven, a poignant and ensnaring family picture of profound humanism. When Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) loses his sister’s shoes while running errands, the two siblings concoct a scheme to keep the accident hidden from their parents. When it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the ruse going, Ali enters a running race to win new shoes.
Anchored by the captivating performances of the two young stars, Children of Heaven enthralls viewers in the adorable yet visceral stakes of the lost shoes, using the issue to explore childhood morality, sibling bonds, and the fine balance between innocence and accountability. Exuding an air of wonder, charm, and joyous adventure with sublime tenderness, the Iranian film is an emotionally gripping immersion into the ideals and troubles of childhood.
‘Stand By Me’ (1986)
Directed by Rob Reiner and based on the Stephen King novella The Body, Stand by Me explores a fascinating stage of a child’s development, the fleeting moment on the cusp of adolescence as youthful curiosity clashes with teenage recklessness. Following four friends as they venture into the woods to see a dead body, its premise is laced with an interest in violence that so many young boys think makes them manly, but its execution is defined by the boys’ underlying innocence and their beautiful friendship.
Reiner’s direction makes the film a masterful immersion in the emotions of youth that is nostalgic and piercing without relying on sentiment. Its tragic finale, punctuated by the beautifully worded observation, “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” which embodies the perfection of Stand by Me and the precision with which it captures the essence of boyhood in all its bittersweet glory.
‘Cinema Paradiso’ (1988)
An ode to cinema and the influences in childhood that shape our lives, Cinema Paradiso is a gorgeous and soulful drama of human connection, community, and the uniting force of art. After hearing about the death of the projectionist from his hometown, an Italian director reflects on his childhood and his formative relationship with Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), who cultivated his passion for cinema and helped him in his adolescence as he struggled with the agony of first love.
Complemented by Ennio Morricone’s beautiful score, Cinema Paradiso relishes the journey of life and the way the memories of youth, infused with an idealized air of mischief, magic, and wonder, last a lifetime. Its final act, following the director as he returns to his hometown to attend Guido’s funeral, becomes a bittersweet meditation on the fragility of childhood recollections against the brutality of the passage of time. Made truly unforgettable by its astonishing final moments that encapsulate the glory of cinema and memory, Cinema Paradiso is a heartwarming depiction of childhood at its most wondrous and pure.
‘The 400 Blows’ (1959)
Authentic and compassionate in its examination of childhood innocence in the harshness of the real world, The 400 Blows is viewed by many as being the ultimate exploration of youth in cinema. Directed by French filmmaking legend François Truffaut, it follows young Antoine (Jean-Pierre Léaud), a neglected boy misunderstood by his parents and tormented by his teacher due to his rebellious behavior, as he abandons his schooling and embarks on a life of petty crime that leads him to a juvenile detention center.
Under Truffaut’s sympathetic lens, Antoine’s story isn’t presented as a nihilistic tragedy, but as a complex and sincere examination of troubled youth where reckless decisions and inevitable consequences are offset by beats of friendship, camaraderie, and innocent joy. The 400 Blows holds strong criticisms of the world, but it places them at the feet of adults rather than at the whims of a child’s struggles. In doing this, it balances misbehavior with vulnerability, and emerges as the most piercing, powerful, and essential depiction of childhood.
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Love Island USA‘s KC Chandler overshared about his “vanilla” preferences in bed.
During a conversation with Sydney Eugene on the Tuesday, June 23, episode of the Peacock series, KC was asked if he is dominant in bed, to which he replied, “I am very free for all. I am laid-back.”
KC made it clear that he preferred a simple experience.
“When it comes to bedroom s*** and sex, I like to control the tempo, music and the ambiance,” he noted. “I could do it to no music. I could put Family Guy on.”
He continued: “I don’t need that extra stuff. I am very vanilla. I don’t do all that s***. … I have done whipped cream. I love whipped cream. It is cold, sweet and something different. But that is the most I have done.”
Love Island USA follows a group of singles who have to pair off in order to stay in a luxury villa in Fiji. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation under constant video surveillance.
Hosted by Vanderpump Rules alum Ariana Madix, Love Island USA requires the group to be coupled up in order to have a chance at receiving the $100,000 prize. While the Islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes — and even get to cast votes that affect couples and the fate of the contestants who are facing temptation as sexy new singles make their debut.
The popular dating show returned in June with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Kenzie, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum and Zach.
As each couple faced obstacles in Sunday’s episode, production sprung the Casa Amor reveal on the villa.
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
Casa Amor will divide the couples into two different villas — one for the men and one for the women. During their separation, the Islanders are encouraged to test the stability and longevity of their connections with the arrival of a group of brand new bombshells.
The villa test will end with everyone deciding whether they want to recouple with a bombshell or remain in their existing couple.
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
Taylor Swift treated attendees of fiancé Travis Kelce’s Tight End University (TEU) to a surprise performance.
Swift, 36, took to the stage at the summit’s “Tight Ends & Friends” benefit concert at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, June 23, where she performed “Love Story” with fellow musical guest Lainey Wilson. Rocking a strapless black dress with a silver fringed asymmetrical hemline, Swift gave Wilson, 34, a hug before she addressed the crowd.
“[“Love Story”] was a very special request from a very special tight end,” Swift told fans, per social media footage captured by a USA Today reporter. “He wanted to hear this particular song and that tight end … is named George Kittle.”
TEU was founded by Kelce, 36, and fellow NFL stars Kittle, 32, and Greg Olsen in 2021. The annual three-day program is dedicated to helping tight ends “bond, collaborate with, and learn among their peers.” TEU also raises money for organizations selected by its founders.
Taylor Swift doesn’t need a blank space to fit into a photo. The singer keeps finding a way to force herself into pictures of her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, at his Tight End University program — and the results are hilarious. A pair of photos surfaced on Wednesday, June 25, of Kelce, 35, posing for photos […]
Swift and Kelce were photographed with Kittle and Olsen, 41, at a party ahead of the 2026 TEU season on Monday, June 22. The pop star sported a yellow floral jacquard mini dress from Simkhai and matching Aquazzura stilettos for the occasion, while the Kansas City Chiefs tight end opted for a white and red polo, tan shorts and dark brown loafers.
“TEU Yearbook cover worthy ✨,” the organization captioned the photo via Instagram on Monday.
Kittle’s wife, Claire, and Olsen’s daughter, Talbot, were also featured in the snap.
Swift’s performance at TEU 2026 marked her second year participating in the “Tight Ends & Friends” concert. Last year, she hit the stage to sing her 2014 hit “Shake It Off.”
“We would like to dedicate this to our favorite players who are going to play, and these are the tight ends,” Swift said before her performance at the time.
This year’s TEU summit is likely to be Swift and Kelce’s last as an engaged couple, as the two are expected to tie the knot later this summer. While the location and date of the nuptials are not yet confirmed, rumors have swirled that the couple plans to wed at Madison Square Garden in New York City over the July 4 holiday weekend.
Last week, Travis celebrated what fans speculated was his bachelor party with brother Jason Kelce, teammate Ross Travis, comedian Druski and others at invite-only hotspot Bird Streets Club on Wednesday, June 17. The group was also spotted at a Dave Chappelle comedy show and a Chris Lake concert.
Meanwhile, a small group of women was spotted arriving at Swift’s mansion in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, including the singer’s close friend Abigail Anderson Berard and her toddler.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani fueled speculation that the couple’s wedding would take place in the city during a June 15 press conference.
“I am fully confident in the work of the NYPD, as well as our state partners, in delivering that safe experience,” he told reporters. “We are the biggest city in the country. We are used to big events, and we are incredibly excited for the [World Cup]. We know it coincides with the Knicks’ [NBA] Finals run. We know it coincides with July 4, America 250, Taylor Swift’s wedding — all happening at the same time — and we are so excited to welcome the world here.”
“Jackass” is coming to a close with the fifth and final film in the franchise, marking the end of an era for the stunt-driven series that defined a generation. As anticipation builds for the upcoming movie, the cast is being honored with a fitting tribute that reflects the humor and chaotic energy of its cast members. Now etched into the night sky, their legacy is set to remain visible for generations to come.
On June 24, days before the release of “Jackass: Best and Last,” the show’s official social media accounts shared a final tribute to the cast who helped bring the franchise to life.
“While this is indeed the last jackass movie, you can always look up to the night sky and see their legacy in the stars. yes, that’s right, they’ve got their very own c-ckstellation,” the message read.
The post was accompanied by photos of Star Name Deeds for cast members, including Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Jasper Dolphin, Sean “Poopies” McInerney, Zach “Zachass” Holmes, Compston “Dark Shark” Wilson, Rachel Wolfson, and producers Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze.
The deeds from Star Name Registry were registered on June 9 and show each star’s position on the night sky.
Fans Can View The Constellation Online
The post also provided a website where fans could view the stars, which form a p-nis-shaped constellation aptly named The Little D-cker.
As information on the site notes, “14 unique gaseous stars” make up The Little D-cker. “When you next look up into the night sky, gaze past Ursa Major, Draco, and Camelopardalis to see the greatest astrological erection our galaxy has ever known,” the blurb read.
Many fans were amused by the send-off, while others commended the “Jackass” family for including Ryan Dunn, who died in a car crash in 2011, and Bam Margera, who had a falling out with Knoxville and Tremaine after being let go from the fourth “Jackass” film.
Steve-O Confirms Upcoming ‘Jackass’ Movie Is The Last
In 2022, before the release of the fourth movie, “Jackass Forever,” Knoxville implied in interviews that it would be the last film. However, he ultimately changed his mind. This time, the fifth movie will definitely be the final one, as confirmed by both Knoxville and Steve-O.
In an interview with Playboy, the stunt performer said, “One hundred percent it’s the end. Really, the end of ‘Jackass’ was when Knoxville got hit by that bull in the last movie. That was the f-cking final hit for Knoxville’s head. Had to be. If Knoxville is no longer willing to get hit in the head, you really can’t do ‘Jackass’,” Steve-O said.
Knoxville has suffered many injuries in the past, including multiple concussions. The worst injury, however, was from “Jackass Forever,” when he was thrown into the air after being rammed by a bull. He later revealed that he had a brain hemorrhage, which led to a cognitive decline and mental health struggles. It took several months for him to recover, and his doctors warned him that he could no longer take any injuries to his head.
Johnny Knoxville Got Emotional While Filming
In a February interview with Rolling Stone, emotions got the best of Knoxville as he talked about the final film, noting that he would no longer get to “play” with bulls, which he revealed was his favorite animal to “f-ck with.” While doing a press interview, Knoxville said the last movie “was a very emotional film to make. It’s the first time I cried in a ‘Jackass’ film.”
As Steve-O shared, “Jackass: Best and Last” consists of never-before-seen footage they filmed over the years that was never allowed to be shown. “I genuinely don’t know why it’s allowed now, but it’s in there. That’s what this movie is: finding a home for such f-cked-up sh-t that never had a home, and one last hurrah of all of us getting together and doing whatever we have in us to do,” he said, adding that he was “beyond moved” while watching footage.
Johnny Knoxville And Jeff Tremaine Launched A ‘Jackass’ Podcast
On June 18, Knoxville and Tremaine launched “Jackass the Podcast.” The show delves into the franchise’s history, including the most memorable pranks, outrageous stunts, and painful injuries, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the cultural phenomenon came together. The hosts will be joined by special guests from the cast and crew.
“Jackass: The Best and Last” features unseen footage from the past two decades, along with new stunts and cast interviews. It will be released in theaters on June 26.
Following the success of Taylor Sheridan‘s shows, Paramount+ dedicated itself to producing and procuring more shows targeted at the same audience demographic. Sheridan’s magnum opus, Yellowstone, was infamously passed on by several networks and streamers, nearly all of which tried to create their own replacements once it became a sensation. Sheridan himself went on to create several other hit shows for the streamer he called home for nearly a decade. He has chosen to strike a new deal with NBCUniversal, leaving his legacy in the hands of a new group of leaders at Paramount. The streamer has attempted to expand the Yellowstone franchise without Sheridan’s direct creative involvement and has released similar series such as MobLand, which is due to return for a second season this year.
Now, a third show aimed at the same demographic has been moved from Showtime to Paramount+ for its second season, which was released recently. The show in question premiered in 2024 and received mostly positive reviews from critics. It was headlined by the Oscar-nominated Michael Fassbender, with Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere, Katherine Waterston, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Hugh Bonneville in supporting roles. The show was created and executive-produced by the brothers John-Henry Butterworth and Jez Butterworth, the latter of whom also worked on MobLand.
Paramount+ Has the Perfect Alternative to ‘MobLand’
We’re talking, of course, about the gripping spy drama The Agency. The series features Fassbender as a CIA agent who returns to his home base after being in the field for a number of years, during which he made personal decisions that his bosses would have preferred he hadn’t. The first season of The Agency holds a 66% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Emphasizing spycraft’s heavy toll to both intriguing and tiresome effect, The Agency situates its all-star cast in a sumptuously-shot world of espionage.” The second season, which was released on June 21, holds a perfect 100% score on the aggregator.
The Agency returned with a bang; according to FlixPatrol, it’s already the number two show on Paramount+, both domestically and worldwide. It’s trailing the latest installment of Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, Dutton Ranch. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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December 1, 2024
- Network
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Paramount+ with Showtime
- Showrunner
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Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth
- Directors
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Joe Wright, Zetna Fuentes, Neil Burger
The end of Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll’s nearly decade-long marriage has sparked plenty of headlines, but now, attention is shifting to a chapter of her life long before the country star entered the picture.
As Jelly Roll publicly insists their split remains amicable, one of Bunnie’s former husbands is sharing deeply personal memories about their relationship, their struggles, and the heartbreak that followed.
While fans were stunned by news of their divorce, both Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll have made it clear that there is no public war unfolding between them.
During a concert in Saratoga Springs, the Grammy Award winner paused to address speculation surrounding the end of their marriage. The singer told fans that despite filing for divorce in May, he and Bunnie remain close.
According to the musician, they are still “best friends” and “will always be best friends.”
Bunnie echoed a similar sentiment on a recent episode of her podcast, “Dumb Blonde,” where she described the breakup as ending “on the best possible terms.”
Their split came as a surprise to many followers who had watched the pair overcome addiction struggles, public scrutiny, and even an admitted affair during their years together.
Yet insiders have suggested that the couple’s increasingly different public identities may have contributed to the decision.
One source previously claimed that Jelly Roll’s highly visible embrace of Christianity clashed with Bunnie’s candid discussions about sex and relationships on her podcast and social media platforms.
Bunnie’s Ex-Husband Recalls Their Unusual Beginning
As Bunnie XO navigates life after Jelly Roll, her former husband Francisco “Frankie” Lombardo is shedding light on the relationship they shared years earlier.
Lombardo told the Daily Mail that meeting the podcast host in 2009 changed his life. At the time, he was confiding in her about problems with another relationship while she was married to Christopher Gilbert and working as a dancer in Las Vegas.
According to Lombardo, Bunnie was hustling to make ends meet and had financial support from several “sugar daddies.” Their connection developed quickly. He recalled meeting both Bunnie and Gilbert together before she unexpectedly whispered, “I want to make out with you.”
Within a week, Lombardo had moved in with her. Although the circumstances appeared complicated, Lombardo insisted there was no cheating involved and maintained that Bunnie and Gilbert had already separated before their romance began.
After Gilbert’s marriage officially ended, Bunnie and Lombardo tied the knot in Maui on Valentine’s Day 2010. “We were like, ‘Hey, let’s go to Hawaii and let’s get married.’ And we did it,” Lombardo recalled.
He described their marriage as adventurous and intensely close, comparing their dynamic to Bonnie and Clyde. “We’re f*****g best friends,” he said while reflecting on that period of their lives.
Bunnie XO’s Lifestyle Became A Major Source Of Tension
Despite their strong bond, Lombardo said one issue repeatedly created friction in their marriage.
“When I met her, she said to me right out of the gate, ‘I just want to let you know that I have a couple sugar daddies,’” he recalled.
The arrangement became difficult for him to accept. “I was super jealous,” Lombardo admitted, explaining that he wanted Bunnie entirely to himself. The situation reportedly led to arguments throughout their relationship.
Bunnie has openly discussed her history with wealthy benefactors in the past, previously revealing that she received “half a million dollars” from sugar daddies who showered her with luxury gifts.
She has also acknowledged that she was still financially relying on clients during the early stages of her relationship with Jelly Roll.
“I literally went on tour with him and was seeing clients just to fund our life at the time,” she revealed on her podcast.
According to Bunnie, she was working as a high-end escort in Las Vegas and earning significant sums while helping support their lifestyle.
Lombardo said the reality of that world was often difficult for him, even though he understood it was part of who she was when they met.
Bunnie And Lombardo Faced Heartbreak Before Their Divorce
Beyond relationship tensions, the former couple also faced serious personal challenges. Lombardo revealed that his family’s legal troubles placed enormous strain on their marriage.
After his parents lost their home following criminal proceedings, they moved in with them. The arrangement proved overwhelming.
“With everything crashing down,” Lombardo said he reached the “lowest point” of his life. He believes those circumstances played a major role in the collapse of the marriage.
Another painful issue involved the couple’s efforts to start a family. Lombardo said both he and Bunnie XO desperately wanted children and pursued fertility treatments together.
“I really wanted a baby with her. She wanted to have a baby,” he explained. The experience mirrors fertility struggles Bunnie later discussed while married to Jelly Roll. On “Dumb Blonde,” she described IVF as “one of the loneliest, darkest journeys.”
She revealed that the process had left her emotionally drained and that Jelly Roll’s own treatment for a low sperm count created additional challenges.
Even so, she recently insisted that they still plan to become parents despite their divorce.
Bunnie XO’s Former Husband Thinks Her Next Chapter Is Just Beginning
Although Lombardo admitted their breakup devastated him, he maintained a friendship with Bunnie over the years.
One of the most painful periods came when she entered a relationship with another man after their split. Lombardo said watching her endure alleged abuse was “a nightmare.”
Referencing a figure identified as “Karma” in Bunnie’s memoir, he recalled seeing her arrive at his home seriously injured and said he preferred not to revisit those memories.
Lombardo’s own life has not been without controversy. He faced domestic battery allegations in 2023, though the case was dismissed in 2024. He has denied wrongdoing, stating: “I would never put my hands on a woman.”
Despite everything that has happened, he believes Bunnie is entering a transformative period. “I think we’re going to witness her really kind of blossom now and kind of step into herself a little bit more as an individual and not really be in the Jelly shadow,” he said.
Still, he could not resist offering one final piece of advice to the woman he once thought he would spend forever with. “I was like, ‘Just do me a favor. Don’t get f*****g married.’ It’d be the fourth time. It makes no sense,” he shared.
Entertainment
“Suits” turns 15! See what Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, and the rest of the cast are doing today
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The show’s stars are still shining in Hollywood and beyond.
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The spotlight can be suffocating for some celebrities.
This year, Christmas will come early with Avengers: Doomsday and Robert Downey Jr’s return to the MCU. While Downey Jr picked up an Oscar for Oppenheimer in recent years and has a huge filmography, for most fans around the world, he’s best known for his embodiment of Tony Stark. His portrayal of Marvel’s playboy, billionaire, philanthropist is so iconic that it’s hard to separate the art from the artist.
So, when he decided to return to the MCU in a different role, fans were blown away. But good things take time, and so does Doomsday. The original SDCC announcement reintroduced the fan-favorite actor with the catchphrase, “new mask, same task,” which could mean many different things. Among them is the fact that Iron Man kick-started the entire universe and pulled Marvel Studios from financial struggles at the time. Now, with his return, fans are expecting the MCU might get a soft reboot, which makes space for better stories than what we’ve been getting since Avengers: Endgame.
The original Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau, establishes Stark’s origin story after being held hostage in a cave. In those days, Marvel didn’t have Disney’s backing, so the movie was made with independent sensibilities and more practical effects, while Downey Jr brought a panache and overconfidence to Tony Stark that had not been seen before in a superhero. The movie was a big hit, earning $585 million at the box office and saving Marvel from bankruptcy.
Originally an underrated comic book character, Iron Man instantly got everyone’s attention on the big screen, becoming a cornerstone of the MCU, setting a template for years to come. Its success was followed by Iron Man 2, with Favreau and Downey Jr. returning to entertain fans once again. Though the movie’s portrayal of Mickey Rourke’s antagonist Whiplash remains controversial, the sequel introduced many characters that play a huge role in the larger MCU, like Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow and Don Cheadle’s Rhodey.
The Iron Man Movies Head to a New Streamer in 1 Week
For fans who’d like to start their MCU binge now for Doomsday or simply want to revisit their favorite movies, you’re in luck. Iron Man and Iron Man 2 are coming to Hulu, per CBR. Check them out for some great practical effects, improv moments that have become pop culture moments now, quotable dialogues, and compelling performances. The cast also includes Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer, and everyone’s favorite Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury.
Iron Man and Iron Man 2 are coming to Hulu on July 1. Avengers: Doomsday will come out on December 18. Stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.
- Release Date
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May 2, 2008
- Runtime
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126 minutes
- Writers
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Matt Holloway, Art Marcum, Hawk Ostby, Mark Fergus
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