Entertainment
10 Fantasy Movies That Are Perfect From the First Scene to the Last
Fantasy cinema has a unique allure. With its otherworldly appeal and transfixing high-concept nature, it can truly captivate an audience from the opening scene and keep them immersed right up until the credits roll. However, having the ability to do something and actually doing it are two entirely different things. Showcasing the mesmerizing majesty of fantasy cinema in all its glory, these films are all perfect examples of the genre from start to finish.
As another testament to the brilliance of fantasy filmmaking, they also encompass everything from sweeping epics set in mystic realms to grounded dramas that illuminate the sense of magic, adventure, and imaginative awe present in our very own world. From modern masterpieces to Old Hollywood classics, from triumphs of animation to thought-provoking and cerebral drama, these fantasy movies are truly faultless from beginning to end.
‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy (2001-2003)
Entirely entrancing throughout every single second of its extensive 9-hour runtime (over 11 hours in the case of the extended editions), The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the defining masterpiece of high fantasy cinema. Based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic novel, it follows the members of the Fellowship of the Ring as they set out to take a ring of terrible power to the fires of Mount Doom to be destroyed.
Every single aspect of the trilogy is an achievement to behold: the gorgeous cinematography and meticulous integration of visual and practical effects to the scale of the battle sequences, the detail of the set design and costuming, and even the ensnaring atmospheric allure of Howard Shore’s impeccable score. From Galadriel’s (Cate Blanchett) opening monologue detailing the history of Middle-earth and the quiet charm of The Shire, through all the kingdoms and characters of the world, right up until the heartbreakingly beautiful final moments, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a stunning feat of fantasy filmmaking.
‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)
Ingmar Bergman produced several medium-defining masterpieces throughout his illustrious career, renowned for their meditative style and his philosophical depth; The Seventh Seal is perhaps the best example. The historical fantasy drama follows a knight of the Crusades as he returns to his homeland to find it decimated by plague. As he explores the ruins of his native land, Antonius (Max von Sydow) is also visited by Death (Bengt Ekerot), challenging him to a game of chess for his life.
Bergman’s ability to juxtapose piercing contemplations on mortality and faith with life-affirming celebrations of humanity makes The Seventh Seal a compelling viewing from start to finish. The moody atmospheric pull of its striking black-and-white imagery ensnares from the outset. Beautiful, thought-provoking, and rich with intriguing insights into the human condition, it is a timeless triumph of fantasy cinema that oozes perfection in everything it does.
‘Harvey’ (1950)
Fantasy cinema has rarely been as touching and tender as it is in Harvey. Based on Mary Chase’s play of the same name, it follows Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) as his family tries to admit him to a psychiatric hospital due to his friendship with Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall talking rabbit. As one misadventure leads to another in delightful fashion, it starts to become clear that Harvey might be far more than a figment of Elwood’s imagination.
Gentle, charming, and deftly wise, Harvey is a beautiful yet often melancholic observation of humanity at its best. Stewart is at his heartwarming best from the opening moments, championing the essence of curiosity, empathy, and unassuming acceptance as strengths of character in a world of cynics who all think they know everything that can and cannot exist. Not only a gorgeous, grounded fantasy that suggests magic exists in the world around us, but a razor-sharp social satire as well, Harvey is a masterpiece of family drama that flaunts a timeless message of the importance of being pleasant.
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)
Combining infectious adventure, swashbuckling action, sweeping romance, and slapstick comedy all under the guise of a period fantasy epic, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl epitomizes fantasy cinema and blockbuster spectacle at its most energized and entertaining. It holds a magical mystique from the opening prologue, enthralling viewers in a pirate age laced with dark magic and evil curses, and only builds momentum throughout the rest of its 143-minute runtime.
Here, we have a mesmerizing medley of richly designed and memorable characters, seafaring adventure, a deceptively intricate story, and some of the most audacious and awe-inspiring action sequences blockbuster cinema has seen. The 2003 fantasy presents a treat of high-concept creativity and endlessly intoxicating fun. Defined by Johnny Depp’s iconic and brilliantly chaotic turn as the gleefully eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow, The Curse of the Black Pearl is fantasy adventure in its purest and most pleasurable form.
‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
More than 60 years later, Mary Poppins remains a staple of family entertainment courtesy of Julie Andrews’s iconic performance and its graceful balancing of whimsical fairy tale fun and the grounded evolution of the Banks family. Perhaps the perfect example of a flat arc narrative—a story where the protagonist doesn’t change or develop, but rather sees their innate qualities change the world and characters around them—it is an ageless gem of cinema bolstered by its ravishing musical allure and enduring visual splendor.
Inviting, charming, and ceaselessly feel-good, Mary Poppins follows the titular nanny as she uses her magical talents to mend the mischievous nature of the Banks children while creating a sense of harmony and happiness in the family environment. For decades, the film has transcended generations, touched the hearts of viewers of all ages, and stood as a defining pillar of fantasy cinema at its most enrapturing and universally accessible.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)
The opening of It’s a Wonderful Life is simple yet deceptively brilliant. It features a montage of prayers for the struggling George Bailey (James Stewart) that melt away into a charming conversation between God, Joseph, and the wingless angel Clarence (Henry Travers) depicted in glistening stars. It may seem rudimentary by modern standards, but it is infectiously endearing, immersing viewers in the gentle optimism and heartwarming idealism that punctuates every beat of the story.
The journey through George’s life is laced with sweet sincerity. The twist of him seeing how Bedford Falls would have turned out had he never been born is steeped in heartbreaking despair, and the grand climax is as powerful an ode to the beauty of life and humanity as cinema has ever seen. Grounded in Stewart’s sublime performance as an ordinary community hero who seldom grasps the influence his good nature has on those around him, It’s a Wonderful Life is a life-affirming triumph that, even after 80 years, remains one of fantasy cinema’s greatest offerings.
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
One of the most beloved international movies ever made, Pan’s Labyrinth exhibits Guillermo del Toro’s astonishing Gothic dark fantasy allure at its absolute best. Excelling as both a twisted fairy tale and a violent depiction of the evil of war, it follows young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) as she and her heavily pregnant mother are whisked away to be with the vile Captain Vidal (Sergi López), the father of the unborn child. Amid the chaos of Francoist Spain and the savagery of the civil war, Ofelia is told by a mystical faun that she can retake her place as the princess of the Underworld if she completes three trying tasks.
Nightmarish and beautiful, Pan’s Labyrinth captivates from its opening moments. It uses both wonder and brutality to conjure an endlessly enthralling spectacle of the complex morality of mankind, the power of disobedience and resistance, and, of course, the otherworldly awe of the Underworld and its creatures, be they marvelous or monstrous. A sublime visual treat, an emotionally enriching adventure, and a masterclass in dark fairy tale splendor, Pan’s Labyrinth stands tall among the greatest fantasy movies of all time.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Even with its gentle and relaxed opening, Spirited Away exudes an engulfing majesty from its first frames. It’s a testament to the divine majesty of its animation and atmospheric richness, but it also serves as a masterstroke from Hayao Miyazaki in immersing viewers in grounded, real-world simplicity before stepping into a realm of unbridled fantasy spectacle. When Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi/Davleigh Chase) does step into the magical world, audiences are transfixed by its colorful allure, imaginative brilliance, and its deft mixture of sheer wonder and underlying eeriness.
Utterly hypnotic, Spirited Away has become a defining masterpiece of animated cinema as well as a flagship icon of Studio Ghibli’s excellence. It blends family adventure and fantasy wonder with a rich thematic journey of self-discovery, humanity, compassion, and even environmentalism with immaculate delicacy and precision. Ceaselessly transfixing and only growing in splendor and impact as it unfolds, Spirited Away is a highlight of modern fantasy and a true masterpiece of 21st-century cinema.
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
The 1980s mark one of the strongest eras of fantasy cinema in the medium’s history. That The Princess Bride has become such a definitive icon of the decade and the genre is a testament to its enduring perfection. Directed with such precision and tonal conviction by Rob Reiner, it blends soaring fantasy adventure and romantic passion with inflections of gleefully ridiculous comedy. It follows Wesley’s (Cary Elwes) conquest to rescue his true love from the clutches of a cruel and power-hungry prince.
Even the film’s side characters and their journeys are steeped in perfection, with Inigo Montoya’s (Mandy Patinkin) drive to avenge his father becoming one of the most famous B-plots in cinematic history. The beautiful touch of bookending the movie with the story of the sick child being told a story by his grandfather imbues the movie with a sense of meta-commentary on the value of narratives. Entertaining, exciting, and entirely heartwarming, The Princess Bride is the pinnacle of fantasy adventure fun from beginning to end.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
Not only an ageless masterpiece of fantasy cinema, but also one of the most important movies in history, The Wizard of Oz is a beacon of Old Hollywood brilliance that continues to appeal to new generations. Following Dorothy (Judy Garland) as she navigates the magical realm of Oz hoping to find a way to return to her home in Kansas, the 1939 classic is a majestic triumph of family entertainment. Everything, from its groundbreaking visual wonder to its unforgettable musical numbers, touching characters, and enrapturing production design, transfixes viewers of all ages.
Even the movies of today struggle to rival the piercing beauty of its Technicolor vibrancy and ravishing set design. The heartfelt story of friendship, self-discovery, and facing adversity with grace and compassion has proven to be timelessly captivating. Its influence has been felt in thousands of movies over the decades since its release, and yet it has never been surpassed. The Wizard of Oz still stands as one of cinema’s greatest achievements some 86 years after it first released.
Entertainment
Richie Sambora performs Bon Jovi hit at daughter's wedding 13 years after abruptly leaving band
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/richie-sambora-jon-bon-jovi-042724-e7507b56d12f44ba83a0288314e6d015.jpg)
“I don’t regret leaving the situation, but I regret how I did it,” Sambora admitted over a decade after his exit.
Entertainment
The 10 best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video, from classic favorites to modern gems
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/DONNIE-DARKO-Jake-Gyllenhaal-INVASION-OF-THE-BODY-SNATCHERS-Donald-Sutherland-Lupita-Nyongo-A-Quiet-Place-Day-One-060226-44dbd8e44c454cb7b738ff0fe484ae34.jpg)
The streaming service features many options for your sci-fi needs.
Entertainment
Ashlyn Harris on Coparenting With Sophia Bush, Ex Ali Krieger
Nearly three years after Ashlyn Harris filed for divorce from her ex-wife, Ali Krieger, the soccer star explained why her former partner is still “a big part of my life.”
“She’s the mother of my children,” Harris, 40, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her new documentary, Gamechangers: The Ashlyn Harris Story. “I respect her as a mom, I respect her as a player, I respect what she’s done for the game. I don’t ever want to speak poorly about the mother of my children.”
Harris filed for divorce from Krieger, 41, in September 2023 and the couple share two children: daughter Sloane, 5, and son Ocean, 3. Their divorce was finalized in January 2025.
“When all of this news was going crazy, it was really important for me to be intentional that I was a good human during a really hard season that became very public,” Harris recalled of their split. “I never wanted to speak ill about the mother of my children in front of them, with other friends. It was really important to me.”
Harris started dating actress Sophia Bush in October 2023, which has found the trio of women in a new era of “coparenting.”
“I respect her and I’m proud of what we did,” Harris said of her relationship with Krieger. “I don’t resent or regret anything about the life that I built with her; it just wasn’t for me.”
Harris explained that her relationship with Bush, 43, finds her in a blissful “season of love and tenderness and care and companionship.”
“She is home,” Harris gushed. “She is a feeling that I’ve been yearning and longing for for so long. I just feel my shoulders relax. I move differently.”
The couple began dating during a period of change for Bush, as well. The One Tree Hill star filed for divorce from her ex-husband, Grant Hughes, after 13 months of marriage in August 2023. The couple finalized their divorce in January 2025.
“I think what people see is two people who have kind of had it really hard and they found each other,” Harris said of her relationship with Bush. “It took a long time. We’ve been chasing and trying and doing all of the work.”
She continued, “Now we just get to be at ease and happy and in love and raise these kids in this family. We’re just so grateful and lucky.”
Gamechangers: The Ashlyn Harris Story premieres June 8 on The Roku Channel.
Entertainment
Kennedy Center Staffers Told to Remove References to Trump
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts staffers have reportedly received a memo asking them to remove all references to President Donald Trump on signage and official communications due to a recent court ruling.
“You must immediately change email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to reflect the name as ‘The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,’ or ‘Kennedy Center,’” staff were instructed in a memo obtained by Politico on Thursday, June 4. “Other changes, such as to templates and forms, signage, brochures, and website pages, must be completed no later than Friday, June 12, 2026.”
A Kennedy Center spokesperson subsequently told Us Weekly, “We are complying with the court’s order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump’s leadership.”
A lawsuit was filed by Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio — a member of the Kennedy Center board of trustees through Congress — in December 2025 to block widespread changes that Trump intended to implement to the Center, including renaming the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
Judge Christopher Cooper subsequently ruled on Friday, May 29, that Trump, 79, and his allies did not have the proper authority to officially change the name of the event space to the “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Per Cooper’s ruling, only Congress has the ability to make such changes to the institution since they dedicated the building to the late JFK in 1964.
“The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so,” Cooper wrote. “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it.”
As a result of the ruling, the cultural organization officially instructed its employees to delete any references to the “Trump-Kennedy Center” or “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” and revert to using “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “the Kennedy Center” or “the Center” on all official communications.
Another aspect of Trump’s overhaul of the Kennedy Center involved a planned two-year closure beginning in July to undergo extensive renovations.
Judge Cooper temporarily halted those plans because “none of the board members had sufficient information in advance of the March 16 meeting to make a well-considered decision to close the center.” The judge left the door open for renovations to move forward if the board was provided more concrete information. (Trump was appointed chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees in February 2025.)
In its memo to staff, Kennedy Center management acknowledged the uncertainty over whether renovations would move forward this summer.

A person takes pictures of the signage of the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center. Getty Images/Kent Nishimura / AFP
“While the Court ruled that renovations can proceed at this time, it determined that the Board did not have sufficient information to make an informed decision to shut down the Center when it voted in March,” the memo read. “The Court did not rule that the Center must stay open during the renovations, and did not require that the Center present any particular programming on-site during the renovations. Instead, the Court ruled that the specific Board vote in March was inappropriate, and that any subsequent vote regarding closure must take more information into account. The Center is considering its options and will provide further guidance shortly.”
In the aftermath of the ruling, Kennedy Center vice president of public relations, Roma Daravi, told Us in a statement on Friday that the center is “confident that on appeal the court will uphold the Board’s will to recognize President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural center.”
“We will review the decision carefully though the reality remains — the Center requires an urgent and significant restoration – a truth that even the plaintiff acknowledges,” Daravi added. “With $257 million secured by President Trump and approved by Congress, the resources are in place and we remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy.”
However, President Trump later threatened to cancel his renovation plans for the Kennedy Center unless he is given full decision-making authority.
“Shockingly, a Judge appointed by Barack Hussein Obama, Christopher Cooper, ruled that The Kennedy Center, which was going to close in early July for large-scale renovations and construction due to years of neglect, decay, and poor maintenance, and which was to be transformed by the Trump Administration into the Finest Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World, is not allowed to close for these renovations,” Trump wrote via Truth Social on May 29. “Which would not be possible to properly do without such a closure.”
Trump complained that the Kennedy Center had “lost, over the years, prior to our getting involved a short while ago, Hundreds of Millions of Dollars — In some cases, including ridiculous construction jobs that were done, over 100 Million Dollars a year.”
The president then threatened to force Congress to take control of any and all renovations of the Kennedy Center moving forward.
“Based on the fact that the Radical Left Democrats care more about opposing your favorite President, ME, than saving a dying Performing Arts Center, almost all of which lose large amounts of money throughout the Country, we are going to be working with Congress to transfer this failing Institution back to them so they can make a determination as to what to do with it,” he vowed.
Multiple members of the Kennedy family publicly opposed Trump adding his name to the venue. Maria Shriver — who is the late JFK’s niece — openly celebrated that Trump’s plans for the Kennedy Center were blocked on her uncle’s birthday.
“An appropriate birthday present on my uncle’s birthday today. A federal judge ruled that President Trump and the Kennedy Center Board acted unlawfully in renaming the Kennedy Center after him,” Shriver, 70, wrote via Threads on May 29. “The judge held that only Congress can change the Center’s name and blocked the planned two-year closure for now. I know they’ll probably appeal and the story isn’t over, but for today, let’s celebrate a great birthday gift.”
Entertainment
Top Gun Actor James Handy Dead at 81 After Stabbing
James Handy, the actor known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji has been fatally stabbed. He was 81.
According to a police statement, the veteran died at a home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 3, after being stabbed by his girlfriend’s son Michael Gledhill. The incident is currently under investigation.
“On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. The 911 caller stated, ‘I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.’ Upon their arrival, officers discovered 81-year-old James Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest. The victim was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced deceased,” the LAPD’s statement read.
Police claimed via the statement that Gledhill “flagged down nearby responding officers” and told them that “he was the one they were looking for.”
“The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend,” the LAPD statement continued. “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.”
Gledhill, 44, was arrested and taken to Van Nuys Jail, where he was booked on one count of murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

James Handy. (Photo by Universal Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection)
Handy’s representatives confirmed the actor’s death to Us Weekly on Thursday, June 4.
During his acting career, Handy played a bartender in the 2022 film, Top Gun: Maverick. He also portrayed an exterminator in the 1995 classic, Jumanji.
In 2017, Handy portrayed a doctor in Logan opposite Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.
Also among his 150 acting credits are roles in movies like Arachnophobia (1990) and The Rocketeer (1991) as well as appearances in TV shows such as NYPD Blue, Beverly Hills, 90210, Law & Order; Profiler, The Young and the Restless and 9-1-1.
Handy was born in New York and his first foray into acting was in 1977’s Taps.
The police are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Dets. Simonyan or Lopez, at (818) 374-9550.
Entertainment
Teyana Taylor Keeps This Luxe Deodorant in Her Bag ‘At All Times’
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
The sweatiest season is well underway, and sometimes perfume isn’t enough to mask (or eradicate) your stench. Teyana Taylor knows this, which is why, along with always carrying perfume, she keeps one luxe deodorant in her purse “at all times.”
The actress sat down with GQ to share the 10 things she can’t live without, and we almost didn’t get any details on her scent routine. “This is the part of the essentials I’m most mad about sharing because I do gatekeep my smells,” the One Battle After Another star admitted. “I love smelling good, people be like ‘oh my god, she smells so good.’” Still, she let Us in on her ultimate sweat-busting secret: the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Stick.
Get the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Stick for $32 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
“Donna Karan Deodorant — she smells fire. It’s good,” Taylor shared. She’s not wrong. Run-of-the-mill deodorants tend to smell like powder or wispy florals, but not this luxe pick. Consider this anti-perspirant the ultimate quiet luxury. On top of controlling body odor and preventing sweat stains, this also leaves you smelling delicately rich thanks to the indulgent yet light combination of lily of the valley, Moroccan jasmine and sandalwood.
Don’t be surprised if you end up wanting to catch whiffs of your armpits once you swipe on the smooth-gliding solid — some Amazon shoppers shamelessly admit that they do. “[This] deodorant is sublime. The only bad thing about it is, it’s embarrassing to walk around smelling my own armpits!” one reviewer writes.
Thousands of other customers have called this the “best deodorant” they’ve ever used. “The scent is soft, clean, and long-lasting, and it keeps me feeling fresh all day,” another one says. It glides on smoothly and does a great job controlling odor and sweat. A little goes a long way, so the stick lasts a long time and feels like it never runs out. Definitely a high-quality product that feels like a small everyday luxury.”
It really is the smallest products that can make the biggest impact on your life. Just like Taylor, once you switch to the little luxury that is the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Stick, no drugstore deodorant will ever cut it.
Get the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Stick for $32 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Donna Karan here and more antiperspirants for women here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Entertainment
Anna Faris Teases The Possibility Of A ‘House Bunny’ Sequel
Anna Faris is sparking excitement among fans after revealing the possibility of a sequel to “The House Bunny,” the 2008 comedy movie, in which she starred as Playboy Bunny-turned-sorority mom, Shelly Darlington. While nothing has been confirmed, the idea of a follow-up has already generated buzz among fans, and Faris has expressed her desire to step into the role of Shelly once again.
At the “Scary Movie” premiere, Entertainment Tonight caught up with Anna Faris, who had something to say about another movie she starred in. Talking to a reporter, she said, “I would love to talk to you about ‘House Bunny’ stuff.”
Faris said there’s “interest” in a sequel, and while it’s too early to tell whether one is possible, she knows the original film, as well as her character in the movie, Shelly Darlington, has a following. “I never thought that dream would ever be realized either… It’s too soon to say anything but it turns out, that movie is beloved, and that character too,” she said.
Fans Want A Zeta House Reunion
“The House Bunny” was released in 2008, and it follows Shelly Darlington, a Playboy Bunny aspiring to be on the centerfold of the magazine, but gets kicked out of the Playboy Mansion instead. She ends up serving as a house mother for the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority, helping its socially awkward members reach their full potential and also learning a few lessons along the way.
The movie starred Colin Hanks, Emma Stone, Kat Dennings, Katherine McPhee, and Rumer Willis, with cameo appearances from Hugh Hefner, Shaquille O’Neal, and Bunnies Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson, and Bridget Marquardt.
Faris’ statements fired up the movie’s fanbase, with many expressing their excitement over the possibility of a sequel. “No I’m cryinnnggg cause I’ve been dreaming about this since I was in middle school!!!” one fan commented. “I would DIE if they brought it back for a sequel,” another added.
Anna Faris Said Adam Sandler Saved ‘The House Bunny’

Faris came up with the concept of a Playboy Bunny getting dismissed from the mansion and approached screenwriters Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah. However, Faris had a darker plot in mind. The writers instead injected comedic elements into the story and came up with the final script.
On the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Faris told host Josh Horowitz that they pitched “The House Bunny” more than 20 times to different companies and got rejected. Their 24th attempt, and the last one, was to Happy Madison Productions, Adam Sandler’s company. Faris said they didn’t even have to pitch to Sandler.
Sandler saw the actress in the waiting room and asked what she was doing there, to which she replied, “I said, ‘I’m here to pitch you a movie,’ and he said, ‘What’s it about?’ And I said, ‘A Playboy Bunny who gets kicked out of the mansion,’ And he was like, ‘Okay, all right. That’s pretty funny.’”
Several weeks later, Faris was on set filming the movie.
The Actress Got Tired Of Waiting For Roles

Faris’ breakout role was in “Scary Movie,” released in 2000. In the years following, she appeared in three more installments of “Scary Movie” and nabbed supporting roles in other films, such as “The Hot Chick,” “Lost in Translation,” and “Just Friends,” among others.
In an interview in 2008, Faris shared what pushed her to come up with the concept of “The House Bunny.” “I got a little tired of waiting for men to cast me in their comedies. I decided to do like Hollywood’s comic boys club does,” she told the Boston Herald.
Apart from taking on the lead role, Faris also served as one of the executive producers of “The House Bunny.” Three years later, she also executive-produced and starred in the romantic comedy “What’s Your Number?”
Anna Faris Said ‘The House Bunny’ Was Life-Changing
“The House Bunny” proved to be a formative experience for Faris in more ways than one. In 2022, she shared how uncomfortable she was for two weeks while filming, saying she wasn’t used to wearing skimpy outfits. Despite being out of her comfort zone, she pushed forward and, in the end, felt more empowered.
In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, Faris shared that Shelley was a “life-changing role,” not only for her career but for her personal growth. “I loved playing a character who was not competitive with other people, and who was really wonderful. That made me want to lead my life with compliments… I loved playing a character who was so generous with her love,” she explained.
At that time, Faris also shared ideas for a sequel, saying that Shelley could be a bad country singer, but she was leaning more toward the former Playboy Bunny working as a CIA interrogator. “Let’s write a script. I would love that,” Faris said.
Entertainment
Love Island USA’s Gabriel Reveals He Had Sex With 52-Year-Old
Love Island USA‘s newest challenge revealed an interesting fact about how an Islander slept with someone nearly three decades older than him.
During the Thursday, June 4, episode of the Peacock show, the Islanders had to read out sex facts and figure out which of them it was about. One of the revelations was that an Islander slept with someone in their 50s.
“I was out and I was having a good time with my friends. She started talking to me and she was hot as f*** for her age,” Gabriel, who is 26 years old, said about his encounter with the 52-year-old. “We had a good night together. She had a lot of experience.”
Love Island USA follows a group of singles who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa in Fiji. The contestants — who are referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and to stand a chance to receive the prize of $100,000.
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.
Before season 8 premiered, Love Island USA released a statement directed at the audience, which read, “The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.”
The statement continued: “This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
In addition to Gabriel, season 8 of Love Island USA features Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum, Kayda Bosse and Zach Georgiou.
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Entertainment
Forget Alien, Michael Fassbender’s New Sci-Fi Movie Finally Sets U.S. Release Date
Michael Fassbender is taking a brief break from the world of espionage and returning to another familiar territory. Last year, the German-Irish actor’s only feature release was Steven Soderbergh‘s Black Bag, the acclaimed star-studded spy thriller that paired him with Cate Blanchett and Pierce Brosnan, but somehow struggled to perform at the box office. He is set to reprise his role in Season 2 of Paramount+’s breakout thriller series The Agency, which premieres later this summer. After that, the actor will return to a genre he has stayed away from in recent years. The project has quietly generated buzz of its own and even broken records along the way. Now, it has officially secured a theatrical release date in the United States.
Fassbender will next star in Hope, a South Korean sci-fi thriller described as an alien monster mash-up. The film premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it earned strong reviews and a seven-minute standing ovation following its screening. Hope also marks Fassbender’s return to the alien sci-fi genre for the first time since Ridley Scott‘s Alien: Covenant in 2017. This time, however, the actor trades heroics for villainy, starring as the film’s primary antagonist alongside his wife, Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina). The project marks the couple’s first on-screen reunion since 2016’s The Light Between Oceans.
Set in the remote village of Hope Harbour near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Hope follows a community terrorized by a mysterious creature initially believed to be a tiger. As the local authorities investigate, they uncover a far more terrifying truth: the village is under attack by alien predators, portrayed by Fassbender and Vikander. The film has already made history, becoming the highest-grossing overseas pre-sales title ever for a Korean film. After securing sales in more than 200 territories, Hope was acquired by NEON for U.S. distribution, per Deadline, and is now set to arrive in theaters this fall on September 9.
Who Is Behind ‘Hope’?
Hope was written and directed by Na Hong-jin, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the cult horror hit, The Wailing. The film appears well-positioned for commercial success, with international sales already recouping roughly half of its production budget. Hong-jin has also revealed that he has a sequel concept ready should the opportunity arise. The film currently holds an 82% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. In her review, Collider’s Theresa Lacson praised Hope as one of the most exciting films to emerge from this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
In addition to Fassbender and Vikander, Hope boasts a star-studded cast that includes Hwang Jung-min (Deliver Us from Evil), Zo In-sung (Moving), Hoyeon (Squid Game), Taylor Russell (Bones and All), and Cameron Britton (The Umbrella Academy).
Hope arrives in theaters on September 9.
- Release Date
-
May 17, 2026
- Runtime
-
160 minutes
- Director
-
Na Hong-jin
- Producers
-
Saemi Kim
Cast
Entertainment
Diane Kruger’s Just Wore These Exact Vans Sneakers on Amazon
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Diane Kruger just made a convincing case for retiring bulky sneakers — at least for the summer. While oversized dad shoes have dominated street style for years, the actress is proving that a slimmer, more streamlined sneaker can look just as cool while feeling infinitely more versatile.
On May 29, Kruger was spotted in New York City after a workout, wearing a white tank top, black leggings, a baseball cap and a slouchy cream shoulder bag. Finishing the look was a pair of checkerboard Vans slip-ons, a classic sneaker choice that felt refreshingly simple compared to the chunky styles we’ve been seeing everywhere.
Get the Vans Teva Hurricane Xlt3 Low-Top Sneaker for $60 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The exact pair Kruger wore was the Vans Classic Slip-On Checkerboard Sneaker, a timeless style that’s remained popular for decades. Featuring the brand’s signature black-and-pewter checkerboard print, the low-profile silhouette delivers a laid-back look that works with everything from activewear to jeans, shorts and casual dresses.
Part of the appeal is comfort. The slip-on design makes them easy to throw on and head out the door, while Vans’ padded footbed and durable rubber outsole help provide support for all-day wear. Unlike bulky sneakers that can sometimes overwhelm an outfit, these keep the look sleek and balanced while still feeling practical enough for everyday errands, walks and weekend plans.
At $60 on Amazon, they’re also one of the more affordable celebrity-approved sneakers we’ve spotted lately. The checkerboard print functions almost like a neutral, pairing effortlessly with black, white, denim and even brighter summer colors.
There’s a reason Vans never really go out of style. They’re comfortable, versatile and instantly recognizable without feeling trendy. Whether you wear them with leggings like Kruger, denim cutoffs or a breezy sundress, they’re the kind of sneaker you’ll reach for again and again all season long.
Get the Vans Teva Hurricane Xlt3 Low-Top Sneaker for $60 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Vans here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
-
News Videos7 days agoThis is BROKEN! INSANE 5x MONEY CAR WASH WEEK! The NEW GTA Online UPDATE Today! (GTA5 New Update)
-
Business4 days agoJade Biosciences, Inc. (JBIO) Discusses Positive Interim Results From JADE101 Phase I Healthy Volunteer Study and Development Plans Transcript
-
Tech6 days agoSpaceX just won a second Golden Dome contract. This one is $4.16 billion.
-
News Videos7 days agoSHE IS KILLING XRP!!! WATCH URGENT AND ACT FAST
-
Sports3 days agoFrench Open 2026 results: Alexander Zverev beats Rafael Jodar and will play Jakub Mensik in semi-finals
-
NewsBeat6 days agoFIRST NIGHT REVIEW: Take That bring the Circus back to life in spectacular sun-soaked style
-
Business6 days agoIs the Spurs Phenom Already Better Than Prime Diesel?
-
Tech3 days agoCryZENx Releases Fresh Playable Content Deep Inside Jabu-Jabu for His Ocarina of Time Remake
-
NewsBeat7 days ago
Novak Djokovic v Joao Fonseca LIVE: French Open latest scores and results after Jannik Sinner’s shocking collapse
-
Crypto World7 days agoCFTC Has Approved the First Regulated Bitcoin Perpetual Contract in the U.S.
-
Politics6 days agoThe House | Inside Andy Burnham’s Makerfield Campaign: “Nobody Thinks This Is In The Bag”
-
Entertainment7 days agoMaddox Jolie-Pitt Legally Requests to Drop Brad’s Surname
-
Entertainment7 days agoBruce Willis’ Generosity Resurfaces Amid His Dementia
-
Entertainment6 days agoWeak ‘Supergirl’ Box Office Tracking Amid Milly Alcock Backlash
-
Crypto World7 days ago
Snowflake (SNOW) Stock Rallies on Strong Q1 Results and AI Product Growth
-
Entertainment6 days agoOne of the Greatest Sitcoms of All Time Shoots Up Apple TV’s Charts 11 Years Later
-
Business6 days agoDemand Conditions Improve In Chemicals Sector In April 2026
-
Tech7 days agoThis Week In Security: Ubiquiti Fixes, And FreeBSD Joins The Club You Don’t Want To Join
-
Crypto World7 days agoMicroStrategy Moves $30 Million in BTC to Coinbase Prime: Is the Bitcoin Sell-Off Already Here?
-
Business2 days agoTrump Taps Housing Chief Bill Pulte as Acting Intelligence Director After Gabbard Exit












You must be logged in to post a comment Login