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Entertainment

10 Greatest Action Movie Villains of All Time, Ranked

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Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, glowering in 'Casino Royale'

A major reason we continue to adore action films is the heroes who lead the crusade and save the day. But the truth is, every great hero needs an equally great villain. The day couldn’t be saved if the villain didn’t do something nefarious! With such a rich catalog of action flicks, determining who the greatest villain is is no easy feat, but we’re here to save your day and give you 10 iconic baddies whose impact has gone beyond the screen.

The 10 villains on this list are simply iconic. Their work on screen is notorious. Some are known for their despicable and dastardly deeds. Others have been a thorn in our protagonists’ side for ages. No matter what, they have also influenced the genre and the bad guys who followed. Some villains have appeared across multiple films, while others were one-and-done. Together, they made evil look cool.

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10

Le Chiffre

‘Casino Royale’

Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, glowering in 'Casino Royale'
Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, glowering in ‘Casino Royale’
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The truth is, we could make this list an entire best-of James Bond villains, but we’ve been there, done that. Instead, the ones that do appear here are crucial players in the franchise and villains at large. We begin with Le Chiffre. Though the character did appear in the 1967 satire iteration of Casino Royale, as played by Orson Welles, the predominant version of the Bond villain came in the 2006 film. Kicking off the Daniel Craig tenure as 007, he faced off against the terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game at a casino in Montenegro. An associate of SPECTRE, Le Chiffre’s genius proved to be a great threat to Bond. Not a mastermind like other villains, Le Chiffre was a snake in a tuxedo. Best known for the infamous torture scene, Le Chiffre served as a perfect sparring partner for Bond.

Played by Mads Mikkelsen, Le Chiffre is a chilling presence, instilling fear with just one look. One of the more intellectual minds Bond faced off against, Le Chiffre is a desperate, flawed survivor rather than a world-dominating mastermind. Driven by fear, Le Chiffre goes to great lengths for success, and cool under pressure, he provided the perfect psychological counter for the agent. Grounded in his menacing presence, Mikkelsen’s performance elevates Le Chiffre as a top-tier villain. Anyone who can come close to defeating Bond gets bonus points.

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9

Tony Montana

‘Scarface’

Al Pacino as Tony Montana firing a gun during the ending of Scarface (1983)
Al Pacino as Tony Montana firing a gun during the ending of Scarface (1983)
Image via Universal Pictures

Being the protagonist in a story doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a hero. Though you may be the hero of your own destiny, Tony Montana is known as a villain for his actions in the film Scarface. Played by Al Pacino, Tony is a ruthless Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami and rises from poverty to become a powerful, wealthy drug kingpin before his violent empire crumbles. Driven by desperate ambition, Tony’s takeover of a cocaine cartel comes at a cost. Loosely based on the Al Capone-era mobsters, Tony is all bravado. Known for the nickname “Scarface” after being slashed in the face as a young man, his rise to villain, not hero, comes through his unapologetic ruthlessness.

Tony is a man who rules by sheer willpower, street intelligence, and fearlessness. He is loud and fiercely proud of his identity. The truth is, Tony Montana’s cultural footprint is vast. Pacino’s portrayal is not only iconic but also one of his best. He completely transforms into the role. With a thick Cuban accent and signature white suit, Tony’s violent paranoia and fatal disregard for limits make him a fascinating anti-hero. His larger-than-life arrogance has made him a pop culture icon. As a fictional character, Tony serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of money and power and how they reveal one’s true nature. Though we fondly remember this villain for the catchphrase “Say hello to my little friend,” the man we call Scarface is a rich character study of how villains can lead a story just as well as heroes.

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8

Bill

‘Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2’

David Carradine in Kill Bill Vol. 2
David Carradine in Kill Bill Vol. 2
Image via Miramax Films

Like our previous entry, being the titular character comes with some great perks. But unlike Scarface, Bill is not the main character. Instead, he’s the catalyst of the hero’s journey in Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece films Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2. Portrayed by David Carradine, Bill is the former leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, the Bride’s (Uma Thurman) former lover, and the father of her daughter. Known by name in the first film before being seen in the second, Bill is a deliciously complex and deeply layered mastermind. Bill leads by sheer reputation. The utterance of his name brings both fear and respect. He engages in mind games in which intellectual and emotional actions serve as weapons in their own right.

He may be able to wield a weapon and disarm any enemy with his martial arts prowess, but what makes Bill a brilliant villain is how real he is to the hero. He’s not a mysterious mastermind the Bride must defeat. Their personal connection makes him a unique film villain. He’s a lethally arrogant foil whose psychological warfare leads to the infamous bloodbaths, and he’s more of an emotional obstacle than a physical one. He’s the architect of The Bride’s trauma who made her the ruthless protagonist we champion in both films. There have certainly been dominating villains who don’t need to fill the screen to assert their dominance, but none like the Snake Charmer. Bill proves the greatest threats are the ones that are closest to home.













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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt
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Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

🔧John McClane

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🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

Rambo

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Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

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Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

Ethan Hunt

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Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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7

Agent Smith

‘The Matrix’

Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) in a room aiming a pistol as water sprays everywhere in 'The Matrix' (1999).
Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) in a room aiming a pistol as water sprays everywhere in ‘The Matrix’ (1999).
Image via Warner Bros.

The world of science fiction action movies was forever changed when the Wachowskis gave the world The Matrix. Not only one of the greatest films in terms of craft, but The Matrix is also renowned for its world-building. To create a dangerous simulated reality for Neo (Keanu Reeves), he needed an adversary to defeat. His name was Agent Smith. Played by Hugo Weaving in the original trilogy, Agent Smith is a sentient computer program and enforcer for the Machines designed to police the virtual world. He evolves into a rogue computer virus capable of replicating itself. Agent Smith is driven by a nihilistic outlook with a mission of destroying the Matrix, the Machine world, Zion, and humanity as a whole.

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Known for his signature sunglasses, sharp black suit, and always referring to the protagonist, Neo, as “Mr. Anderson,” Agent Smith is just plain cool. Agent Smith is a premier action villain because he serves as the perfect foil to the hero. The action sequences they engage in are top-tier. Whether as an authoritative enforcer or reality-threatening virus, Agent Smith is a menace to Neo, exactly as a villain should. Weaving brought an exceptional performance to the screen through his commanding, dry, and relentless pursuit. Add in his hauntingly chilling monologues, and Agent Smith is a fascinating character study. The character evolves in The Matrix Resurrections, in which Jonathan Groff and Yahya Abdul-Mateen play interactions of the character, but they’re still rooted in Weaving’s take.

6

Blofeld

James Bond

Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'
Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’
Image via United Artists

There is no more iconic Bond villain than Ernst Stavro Blofeld. A criminal mastermind with aspirations of world domination, Blofeld has been the face of the Bond baddies for decades. Codenamed Number 1, Blofeld became the architect of the evil villain archetype. Focused on a tour of terrorism, extortion, and revenge, Blofeld appeared in an array of films in various capacities. His first two film appearances were never via name or face; all viewers saw was his lower body, which was visible as he stroked his trademark white cat. Much like Bond himself, there have been a variety of actors who have tackled the part in the various Bond eras. From Telly Savalas and Donald Pleasance to Max von Sydow and Christoph Waltz, every actor has brought new insight to the infamous villain. Only Waltz, who also had a new backstory, didn’t take on the bald Blofeld, who notoriously inspired Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers franchise.

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Blofeld is a brilliant, calculating tactician aiming for complete and total domination. By creating SPECTRE, Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion, Blofeld’s utter control spans beyond his on-screen appearances. Like a good action villain, Blofeld’s psychology is rooted in vendettas. It’s deeply twisted and personal, but wonderful for the plot. Blofeld is the epitome of an action villain because he has no tolerance for failure. And failure only means coming back harder the next time. Because he’s not on the ground running the mission, Blofeld’s character also set the blueprint for how henchmen operate. Blofeld has a resume of devastating actions, including assassinating Bond’s new wife, Tracy, right after their wedding in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. In the history of James Bond, Blofeld is a shape-shifting threat, yet no matter the version, he remains an incredible antagonist.

5

The Joker

‘The Dark Knight’

A close-up of Heath Ledger as The Joker as he looks menacingly to the side in The Dark Knight.
A close-up of Heath Ledger as The Joker as he looks menacingly to the side in The Dark Knight.
Image via Warner Bros.

When it comes to the best Batman villain, hands down, the answer is The Joker. The character has been played multiple times in various forms in a variety of projects, but for the sake of this list, we are going to focus on Heath Ledger’s Academy Award-winning iteration of The Dark Knight. Even though we generalized other entries, this one is necessary. Let’s discuss. The grinning, clown-makeup villain has always served as a major foil for Batman, but up against Christian Bale’s version, a nuanced monster emerged. In The Dark Knight, Joker is a psychopathic, anarchist mastermind. Thematically, he is the ultimate opposition to Batman. The Caped Crusader stands for law, order, and the belief that humanity can be saved. That’s not the case for Joker. He believes that civilization is a fragile illusion and that everyone is inherently corruptible under the right pressure. And there lies the inciting event.

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Instead of serving up typical superhero film tropes, Joker embodies pure, unpredictable chaos, testing the psychological limits of both Gotham’s citizens and Batman himself. Through Ledger’s legendary performance, the villain was seen as more than a gimmick. He operates without an overly sympathetic, tragic backstory. By giving the character a rich history to play with, the objectives are more tangible, realistic, and most importantly, believable. Joker manipulates the environment, both physically and psychologically. He pushed Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to utter madness. He forces Batman to break his strict moral code. Joker did what no other iteration could do. The Dark Knight version of the Joker goes beyond the comics, becoming a key figure in cinema history.

4

Scorpio

‘Dirty Harry’

Scorpio (Andy Robinson) takes aim with his gun in 'Dirty Harry'
Scorpio (Andy Robinson) takes aim with his gun in ‘Dirty Harry’
Image via Warner Bros.

Sometimes, the greatest villains in cinema are the ones that are inspired by the world around us. Such is the case for Charles “Scorpio” Davis, the main antagonist in the original Dirty Harry. loosely inspired by the real-life Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area, the psychopathic serial killer is a former stadium groundskeeper who extorts the city by going on a sniping spree, kidnapping a young girl, and holding a bus full of children for ransom. Though Inspector Harry Callahan’s (Clint Eastwood) morality is grey, making him a fascinating antihero without certainty, the villain of this story is Scorpio. Played by Andy Robinson, Scorpio acts as the perfect dark foil for Harry. He is completely remorseless, unhinged, and calculating. Because he knows that Harry will use dirty tactics, he pushes the legal system to its absolute breaking point.

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Scorpio is based on real-world terror, which makes him a fervently horrific presence. He takes sheer pleasure in his actions, which involve the safety and lives of the innocent. His willingness to go to extremes and derive pure joy from it makes him despicable. It’s purely sadistic and outwardly cowardly. His utter disregard for human life sets him up as one of the worst individuals, but he is a masterfully crafted character. Robinson’s chilling performance helped make the film a massive cultural phenomenon, cementing Scorpio as the quintessential antagonist in gritty crime cinema. Many have tried to replicate Scorpio’s reign of terror; very few have come close.

3

Raoul Silva

‘Skyfall’

Closeup of Javier Bardem's Raoul Silva and his malformed face in 'Skyfall'
Closeup of Javier Bardem’s Raoul Silva and his malformed face in ‘Skyfall’
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Being the greatest Bond villain and the greatest action movie villain is slightly different, as the criteria change. Raoul Silva may not have the top slot in the former, but he certainly soars to the top in the latter because of Javier Bardem’s career-best performance. The main antagonist of Skyfall, Silva is a former MI6 agent-turned cyberterrorist with a personal vendetta unlike any the Bond universe has seen. Silva has a thirst for revenge upon being betrayed and left to die by M (Judi Dench). Having the insight and ability to maneuver as a prestigious MI6 agent, Silva can infiltrate the organization that essentially told him his life was meaningless. Silva’s homicidal resentment stems from a mother-son relationship gone sour.

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Known for his bleached-blonde hair, eccentric wardrobe, and calculated, eerie demeanor, Silva serves as a dark mirror image. And when he reveals the aftermath of the hydrogen cyanide capsule, nightmares are officially born. Using the fears of modern tech anxieties, Silva was a foe of the digital age. A villain filled with bitter rage, Silva was driven to the brink of insanity and lacked all semblance of morality. There’s a pathos to him that no other villain has had. It may be a shock that the villain actually succeeds in his mission to kill M, but it ultimately propels Bond. Vengeance can be similar yet different depending on perspective. Bardem’s visceral performance makes him a formidable villain that you love to watch in action. There’s a quiet demeanor to him in his pristine form, but bubbling inside is a monster. His iconic monologue while holding Bond prisoner is how a great actor portraying a villain should deliver such material. Silva is the blueprint for the modern bad guy.

2

The T-1000

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’

Robert Patrick as the T-1000 in 'T2-3D: Battle Across Time.'
Robert Patrick as the T-1000 in ‘T2-3D: Battle Across Time.’
Image via Universal Studios

The Terminator was a good sci-fi action film. Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an extraordinary sci-fi action film. A key cog in that assessment is the brilliance of its villain, the T-1000. After meeting the original Terminator and seeing how near-indestructible he was, the sequel had to find an even better foe. Played by Robert Patrick, the upgraded android assassin was sent back in time to kill a young John Connor (Edward Furlong). The villain is most notorious for its make-up: the T-1000 is made of a liquid metal called mimetic polyalloy. This composite allows it to regenerate from damage, form its limbs into stabbing blades, and mimic others’ appearances. The T-1000 serves as a genius evolution of the franchise’s villains, solidifying it as a long-running pop culture series.

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The T-1000 masterfully combines the relentless, unstoppable nature of a slasher villain with terrifyingly sleek sci-fi technology. Opposed to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s brute force as T-800, the T-1000 is a mimetic polyalloy nightmare. Because he can serve as a chameleon out in the world, he stalks his prey by disguising himself through voice and appearance. Then, he could literally slip through the cracks and get in or out of places with ease. The T-1000 is a fervent threat because you simply cannot predict its next moves. Whether posing as a Los Angeles police officer or in total liquid form, the T-1000 was a great threat. Patrick’s chilling performance allowed the film to supersede its predecessor — not a simple task.

1

Hans Gruber

‘Die Hard’

Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) on a walkie talkie in 'Die Hard'
Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) on a walkie talkie in ‘Die Hard’
Image via 20th Century Studios

Controversial to some and praised by others, Hans Gruber is the GOAT. Bruce Willis was phenomenal as John McClane, but Die Hard would never have launched a franchise without its seminal villain, Hans Gruber. Brought to life by the late, great Alan Rickman, Hans Gruber looked the part of a premier supervillain in an average Joe world. The iconic, calculated German terrorist and master thief orchestrates the takeover of the Nakatomi Plaza skyscraper in Los Angeles to steal $649 million in bearer bonds. Setting up a hostage situation that pits hero versus villain, Hans Gruber is always five steps ahead and pivots brilliantly when things go wrong. Establishing the gold standard of villains post-Die Hard, Hans Gruber replaced one-dimensional Cold War-era villains with an intellectual threat who forces the hero into a psychological chess match.

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Hans Gruber can morph into anything to stay ahead of McClane. When they have their first face-to-face encounter, his ability to play a frightened, escaped partygoer keeps his ploy moving, requiring McClane to catch up. By then, Hans Gruber had established a new alias. There are no henchmen needed, as Hans Gruber is a credible, hands-on threat. Whether manipulating the FBI or having his men shoot the glass to stall a barefoot McClane, this villain knows how to win. But, of course, the moment we all discuss this unofficial Christmas film is his literal fall from grace. It’s so iconic that it’s still imitated in action thrillers today. Rickman’s performance is perfectly raw and wonderfully camp. For that, Hans Gruber is simply scrumptious. Christmas doesn’t start until the villain drops!


01102562_poster_w780.jpg
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Release Date
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July 15, 1988

Runtime

132 minutes

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Writers

Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza, Roderick Thorp

Producers
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Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver

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Prince Harry Crashes Meghan Markle’s MasterChef Appearance

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With Love Meghan 3 Meghan Markle Netflix

Prince Harry adorably stole the show during Meghan Markle’s special guest judge appearance on MasterChef Australia.

While doling out criticism to one of the contestants on the Sunday, July 26, episode, Meghan, 44, was unexpectedly handed a smartphone and told she had a call on the line.

“Hi, my love,” Meghan answered after seeing Harry, 41, pop up onscreen, subsequently telling the cast, “My husband’s here.”

After greeting the crew, Harry asked his wife if he missed any important events during the taping.

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With Love Meghan 3 Meghan Markle Netflix


Related: We’ve Already Watched Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show: Everything We Learned

The time has come to journey to Montecito. After much anticipation, speculation and fleeting sneak peeks, Meghan Markle‘s With Love, Meghan, drops on Netflix on Tuesday, March 4, at 3 a.m. ET — but before that, Us Weekly nabbed and watched advance screeners of all eight episodes. Here’s everything we learned from binging the Duchess […]

“What’s going on?” the Duke of Sussex quipped. “Have I interrupted something important?”

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Meghan quickly gave Harry the low-down on the episode.

“Well, we are actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes. We have four incredible cooks here. It’s amazing, they’re so talented. We wish you were here,” Meghan gushed, adding to the judges, “He’s in Canberra [in Australia] right now with the veterans.”

She continued to Harry, “I wish you could try this. These dishes are fantastic. It’s really delicious, and there’s a hot sauce that, well, you know me … it is so good. I think it might be too much for you though.”

After laughing off Meghan’s joke about the prince’s spice tolerance — or apparent lack thereof — Harry offered his better half a sweet message.

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry


Related: Meghan Markle Sweetly Nods to Prince Harry in Reflective Instagram Video

Meghan Markle referenced her husband, Prince Harry, in a sweet Instagram video. Meghan, 43, took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, March 23, to share a video of a large group of birds flying together, also known as a murmuration. Posting text atop the footage and beneath it, Meghan wrote, “Flying into the week with my […]

“Well, go and enjoy it. I’m very sorry to disturb you,” he added. “All is well here. I’ll see you later.”

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Harry and Meghan traveled to Australia in April, during which they undertook a handful of public engagements. One of Meghan’s outings was a visit to the MasterChef set to film a then-upcoming episode.

“I was keen to hear the goss. She was so great!” an anonymous show producer sent former colleague Alexandria Funnell in a text message shared with Marie Claire. “She was so nice to all the crew, had a good sense of humor, and was just a normal human. Her entourage was only 2 people and they were so great, too.”

The producer further told Funnell that Meghan was also “really good at judging” compared to other guests who can tend to speak for an extended period.

“That’s the thing about the judges, as a post-producer, you have to cut them down a lot,” Funnell told the outlet. “The waffle is waffling, they waffle like you would not believe. Apparently she was awesome. … Haters gonna hate!”

Meghan and Harry stepped down from their duties as senior working royals in 2020, subsequently settling across the pond in the United States with their two children: Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. In that time, Meghan launched her own lifestyle brand, As Ever, and detailed her DIY and cooking passions on Netflix’s two-season series With Love, Meghan.

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Landen Austin Moore Charged After Daryl Martinez Lowry’s Death

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Lil Scrappy & King Harris React To Phone Tussle

Roomies, what started a started temporary foster placement at a South Carolina county council chairman’s home ended in tragedy. Investigators say 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore now faces a murder charge after allegedly drowning 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry. Authorities alleged Moore and another unidentified teen held Lowry underwater until he died.

RELATED: Ben Crump Says Nolan Wells Was A Strong Swimmer While Noting Texts Appear To Have Been Deleted From His Phone (VIDEO) 

Investigators Detail The Alleged Drowning Of 13-Year-Old

Fox News reports that Daryl Martinez Lowry recently moved into McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby’s home while he waited for another foster placement. Landen Austin Moore and another teen already lived at the home at the time. Authorities say Moore and the unidentified teen got into a physical altercation with Lowry at a boat dock in Modoc, South Carolina during the early morning hours of July 20. Investigators allege the teens attacked Lowry with a knife and reportedly held his head underwater until he died. The South Caroline Law Enforcement Division said officers found Daryl’s body at Clark Hill Lake on July 20. Investigators later arrested Moore and the unidentified teen in connection with Lowry’s death.

What’s Next For Landen Austin Moore?

Authorities charged Landen Austin Moore with murder and booked him into the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. Officials transferred the other teen involved to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, though authorities have not confirmed any charges against him. At this time it remains unclear whether Landen entered a plea or retained an attorney.

Daryl Martinez Lowry’s Death Sparks A Wave Of Emotions Online

Once The Shade Room shared the details surrounding Daryl Martinez Lowry’s tragic death, Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Many people said they felt heartbroken to hear another story like this, especially so soon after Nolan Xavier Wells’ tragic passing.

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Instagram user @moreniita___ wrote, 35 years please & thank you.” 

Instagram user @therealprincesstiuana wrote, Y’all don’t see what’s going on?” 

While Instagram user @flvckor_ wrote, What bout Nolan? We need justice.” 

Then Instagram user @shantaai_ wrote, Chile here we go again.” 

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Instagram user @ _heydez_ wrote, “This is why we scream FreeKarmelo!! Smh.” 

Another Instagram user @seventhcoach wrote, Notice how we got the pics of this IMMEDIATELY. Wake up.” 

Then another Instagram user @mrxclusive205 wrote, But can’t do nothing about Nolan case 🤦🏾‍♂️” 

Finally, Instagram user @ashleyello wrote,This won’t distract us from Nolan. Smh RIP young man.” 

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RELATED: Ben Crump Shares Preliminary Findings Of Indep. Autopsy As Teen Who Traveled To Horn Island With Nolan Wells Breaks Silence

What Do You Think Roomies?

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‘Black Mirror’s Greatest Episode Nearly Became a Robert Downey Jr. Movie

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Toby Kebbell as Liam Foxwell with cloudy eyes in the Black Mirror episode The Entire History of You.

“The Entire History of You” is often cited as amongst the greatest episodes of Black Mirror, and for good reason. It’s a somber depiction of a near-future world where memories are no longer a finite concept thanks to an implant that records everything its user sees and hears — thereby allowing them to relive any event from their life, for good or for ill. It was a milestone for the series, and it didn’t take long for it to leave an indelible impact on popular culture.

While previous episodes of Black Mirror’s debut season had taken a sledgehammer approach to their social commentary, “The Entire History of You” opted for a gentler touch — easing up on the overtly satirical elements and instead filtering its thesis through a small group of relatable characters, ensuring that the focus was always kept on how humans use and misuse such technology rather than the technology itself. It’s a template many future episodes would replicate, guaranteeing “The Entire History of You” a permanent place in all discussions about Black Mirror’s finest moments.

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Robert Downey Jr. Once Planned a Movie Adaptation of “The Entire History of You”

Curiously, “The Entire History of You” also holds the distinction as the only episode not written by Charlie Brooker, with that honor instead going to future Succession creator Jesse Armstrong. At the time, Armstrong was mostly known for his work on British comedy shows like Peep Show and The Thick of It, making his transition to dystopian sci-fi rather unexpected. However, it was a risk that paid off — not just because of the episode’s glowing reception, but also because it allowed Armstrong to retain the rights for a potential big-screen adaptation.























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Collider Exclusive · Marvel Personality Quiz
Which MCU Hero Are You?
Spider-Man · Daredevil · Iron Man · Punisher · Thor · Cap

Six heroes. One destiny. Answer 10 questions to discover which Marvel Cinematic Universe hero shares your personality, values, and fighting spirit. Will you swing, fly, or thunder your way to glory?

🕷️Spider-Man

😈Daredevil

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🤖Iron Man

💀Punisher

Thor

🛡️Cap

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01

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What drives you to do what’s right?
Choose the answer that feels most like you.






02

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It’s 2 AM. Where are you?
Your answer says more about you than you’d think.






03

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How do you handle a villain who keeps escaping justice?
Every hero has a method. What’s yours?






04

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How do you feel about keeping a secret identity?
The mask — or the lack of one — says everything.






05

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You’ve lost someone important because of your heroism. How do you carry that?
Every hero pays a price. The question is how they pay it.






06

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What’s your role when working with a team?
Who you are under pressure is who you actually are.






07

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Where do you draw the line between justice and revenge?
The answer defines what kind of hero you really are.






08

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When you’re not saving the world, what does life look like?
The person behind the mask is always the more interesting story.






09

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What keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.






10

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The battle is lost. You’re outnumbered, outgunned, and exhausted. What do you do?
This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully.






Your Hero Has Been Identified
Your MCU Hero Is…
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Based on your answers, the Marvel hero who matches your spirit, values, and instincts has been revealed.


Queens, New York

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🕷️ Spider-Man

You carry the weight of the world on shoulders that are younger than they should have to be — funny, loyal, and endlessly self-sacrificing.

  • You do the right thing not because it’s easy, but because no one else will.
  • You understand that responsibility isn’t a burden you choose — it’s one that finds you.
  • Whether it’s a neighbourhood mugging or a multiverse crisis, you show up.
  • Peter Parker’s lesson — that great power demands great responsibility — isn’t a slogan to you. It’s the code you live by, even when it costs you everything.


Hell’s Kitchen, New York

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😈 Daredevil

You fight in the shadows between law and chaos, guided by a fierce moral compass that refuses to let the guilty walk free.

  • You use every tool available — your mind, your body, your faith — to protect those the system overlooks.
  • You’ve looked into the darkness and chosen not to become it, though the line has never been easy.
  • Matt Murdock’s duality — champion in the courtroom, devil in the alley — mirrors your own.
  • Relentless, conflicted, and unwilling to stop. That is exactly you.


Stark Industries, Malibu

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🤖 Iron Man

Brilliant, driven, and occasionally insufferable — but always the person who solves the unsolvable problem.

  • You lead with your mind and back it up with resources, innovation, and a stubbornness that borders on heroic.
  • You started out looking out for yourself, but somewhere along the way the world became your responsibility.
  • Tony Stark’s arc — from ego to sacrifice — is your arc too.
  • You build, you plan, and when the moment comes, you’re willing to give everything. Because in the end, you’re Iron Man.


New York City

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💀 The Punisher

You’ve been through fire that would break most people — and it did change you, completely. What’s left is unyielding, relentless, and operating by a code forged in grief.

  • You don’t ask for forgiveness, and you don’t expect gratitude.
  • You see a corrupt, broken world and you’ve decided to do something about it, consequences be damned.
  • Frank Castle’s war is born from love twisted by loss — and so is yours.
  • Uncompromising and unflinching — the world may not agree with your methods, but your conviction is absolute.


Asgard · Protector of the Nine Realms

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⚡ Thor

Powerful, proud, and on a lifelong journey to become worthy of the legend you carry.

  • You lead with strength but have learned — sometimes painfully — that true greatness comes from humility and growth.
  • You’re larger than life, yet more vulnerable than you let on.
  • Thor’s story is one of transformation: from arrogant prince to worthy king, from isolated warrior to beloved protector.
  • You bring the storm when it’s needed — and the warmth when it matters just as much.


Brooklyn, New York · The Avengers

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🛡️ Captain America

You believe in something bigger than yourself — and you fight for it even when the world has moved on and nobody else will.

  • You don’t bully the small guy, and you never stop when it gets hard.
  • Steve Rogers didn’t become a hero when he got the serum — he was always one. So were you.
  • Your strength isn’t in your fists; it’s in your refusal to compromise what’s right, no matter the cost.
  • In a world full of people taking the easy road, you’re the one who picks up the shield and stands up — every single time.

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Armstrong wasted no time exercising this privilege, and in 2013, it was confirmed that “The Entire History of You” would be migrating to Hollywood, with none other than Robert Downey Jr. serving as its producer. Sadly, nothing has ever come of this announcement, leaving it as a curious piece of Black Mirror history.

What Is “The Entire History of You” About?

Toby Kebbell as Liam Foxwell with cloudy eyes in the Black Mirror episode The Entire History of You.
Toby Kebbell as Liam Foxwell with cloudy eyes in the Black Mirror episode The Entire History of You.
Image via Netflix
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“The Entire History of You” — the closing episode of the show’s excellent first season — centers on the (supposedly) happy couple Liam (Toby Kebbell) and Ffion Foxwell (Jodie Whittaker), who have recently welcomed a baby daughter, Jody. So far so normal, but Armstrong wastes little time introducing the twist for this latest adventure into speculative fiction. The world of “The Entire History of You” is one where a miraculous piece of technology known as a “grain” thrives, and its ability to record memories has made it as essential to daily life as phones and computers.

It’s a tool that, in many ways, poses many benefits to humanity, and Armstrong does highlight some of these uses (such as Liam replaying a performance review to bolster his skills at work). But this is still an episode of Black Mirror, and it doesn’t take an expert to predict that things won’t stay pleasant forever. To paraphrase The Doctor (appropriate given one of the episode’s main actors), the combination of amazing technology plus human stupidity is truly unbeatable, and soon the threads in this macabre tale start unraveling.

A dinner party with Ffion’s friends quickly threatens their marriage when Liam becomes suspicious of her behavior around the charming Jonas (Tom Cullen), resulting in an Inception-style descent through a mosaic of fractured memories as he seeks to uncover the truth about their relationship. This understandable desire eventually turns obsessive, revealing a darker side to Liam’s character that disrupts the established black-and-white narrative.

By the time the episode reaches its conclusion (a contender for the saddest in the entire show), this supposedly wondrous implant has cost him everything — his wife, his child, his morality… all because of his own misguided actions. It’s a terrific piece of sci-fi storytelling, and the way it takes an often-explored theme (in this case, the fear of infidelity) and reconfigures it for the digital revolution — allowing for a fresh take on an age-old story that will provide some much-needed warnings to its target audience — ensures it as the benchmark for future Black Mirror episodes.

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Downey Jr. Beat George Clooney for the Film Rights

It was no secret that Armstrong had ambitions for “The Entire History of You” beyond its television roots. In an interview a year after its broadcast, he revealed that “I always thought this idea could be a film,” with Brooker also describing his initial pitch as more akin to a conspiracy thriller movie. When Armstrong began shipping a feature-film adaptation around is unclear, but the information we have available hints that it occurred sometime during 2012, indicating that he wanted to seal a deal before memories of the recently aired episode started to fade (ironic given its plot). Rather than developing the project in his native UK, Armstrong crossed the pond to America instead, hoping that such a move would allow it to escape the budgetary restrictions that Black Mirror’s house style had imposed upon it. This doesn’t mean that he disliked his work on Black Mirror — often the best creativity comes from the toughest restrictions — but it’s clear that he had ideas for “The Entire History of You” that its original home on Channel 4 would have lacked the capability to realize.

Upon his arrival in Hollywood, Armstrong’s script caught the attention of two high-profile individuals — Robert Downey Jr. and George Clooney. Both are among the most recognizable actors of their generation, and both have also demonstrated an interest in working behind the camera as well as in front of it (to varying degrees of success). A bidding war soon followed, and in February 2013, the Hollywood Reporter announced Downey as the victor, with the film rights to “The Entire History of You” being acquired by his production company, Team Downey. Warner Bros. — the studio that Team Downey was currently partnered with — was also confirmed to be handling distribution, while Armstrong would once again be handling scriptwriting duties. Interestingly, despite having spent the previous decade reasserting himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Downey was not scheduled to appear in the film (although it’s likely that Warner Bros. would have sought to change that).

Perhaps the project’s most intriguing aspect was its plot. Instead of retelling “The Entire History of You” with a bigger budget and then calling it a day, Armstrong intended to use the narrative foundation of a broken marriage in a near future setting as a jumping-off point to explore new ideas and themes. This time around, the plot would focus on a grieving husband who uses the grain technology to relive his time with his deceased wife, in the process uncovering a dark secret that ruptures his idyllic memories of her. It was a welcome announcement that Armstrong would be taking full advantage of his influx of creative freedom to tell a story that wasn’t shackled by what had come before and that he refused to take the safer (and blander) alternative speaks to his passion for this concept. The pieces were in place for something special, and Black Mirror fans everywhere waited with baited breaths for its next move.

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When Will We See Downey Jr.’s “Entire History of You”?

Robert Downey Jr on the red carpet
Robert Downey Jr on the red carpet
Jennifer Bloc/Future Image/Cover Images

And then, nothing. Years passed with nary a word, and when Armstrong did comment on it in 2018, he did so while turning said interview into one giant advertisement proclaiming that, yes, he did still want to make the film and anyone else who did should really get in touch with him about it. Seemingly, Team Downey’s option had lapsed, leaving the film under the dreaded blanket term of “development hell.” Such an outcome is not uncommon for options, or even for Team Downey — arguably the company’s most anticipated release, Sherlock Holmes 3, has also spent most of its existence in limbo — but it did result in the film languishing in the background while it was at its most identifiable, potentially hampering future attempts. There have been no announcements one way or the other since 2018, making it unknown if the project is still moving forward (something Charlie Brooker has also commented on, although it’s worth noting that there’s no indication he was ever involved with the film).

It’s been over a decade since the announcement that “The Entire History of You” would be transitioning from television to cinema, and in that time, Black Mirror has undergone a hefty realignment. The show’s move to Netflix in 2016 eradicated many of the restrictions that it had previously faced, allowing for episodes of increased scope and ambition. Some episodes — like “Beyond the Sea” and “Hated in the Nation” — have boasted runtimes longer than some feature films, while the 2018 interactive special Bandersnatch saw Brooker making the leap across mediums himself (in a typically unconventional way). Combined with the show’s exploration of data privacy and the importance of memory in other episodes like “Playtest” and “Crocodile” — all of which were released after Black Mirror had transitioned from a niche television program to a major cultural phenomenon — it’s possible that a feature-length version of “The Entire History of You” no longer has the appeal it once did.

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Of course, this is just speculation, and Downey’s attachment to the most successful franchise of the 2010s will have stalled anything he had in the pipeline. Similarly, it’s unclear if Armstrong would have been able to commit past a certain point due to his showrunning obligations to Succession (which premiered the same year he confirmed that the film was trapped in development hell), leaving the film without its key figures. With Succession having recently come to a conclusion in one of the most masterful finales of all time, maybe Armstrong can now find the time to resurrect this often speculated-upon project. You might be tempted to dismiss it as a pointless remake given how excellent the original episode already is, but it’s hard to deny that Armstrong’s stellar track record wouldn’t pique the interest of even the most ardent of detractors.

Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

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The Biggest Hall H Announcements from San Diego Comic-Con 2026

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5 Actors Who Could Play Freddy Krueger in the New Movie

The nightmare is officially returning.

Earlier this month, Paramount Pictures announced that a brand new A Nightmare on Elm Street film is in development through its new horror label, Paramount Primal. The project is being produced in partnership with the Wes Craven estate and will be based on Craven’s original 1984 screenplay, marking the franchise’s first new theatrical chapter in more than 15 years.

With no director or cast announced, fans have already begun asking the biggest question of all:

Who should become the next Freddy Krueger?

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No one will ever replace Robert Englund, whose performance helped make Freddy one of the most recognizable horror icons of all time. Instead, Paramount has an opportunity to introduce a fresh interpretation of the dream demon while honoring the legacy that made the character legendary.

Here are five actors we’d love to see take on the role.

1. Bill Skarsgård

If there’s one actor who has already proven he can reinvent an iconic horror villain, it’s Bill Skarsgård.

His unforgettable performance as Pennywise in IT showcased his ability to transform through subtle facial expressions, unsettling body language, and an eerie sense of unpredictability. Rather than trying to imitate Robert Englund, Skarsgård could create a completely new version of Freddy that feels terrifying for an entirely new generation.

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Bill Skarsgård

2. Jack O’Connell

Jack O’Connell may not be the first name fans think of, but that’s exactly why he’d be such an interesting choice.

Whether playing violent criminals or emotionally damaged antiheroes, O’Connell brings an intensity that feels authentic. He could portray Freddy as less of a wisecracking slasher and more of a psychologically disturbing nightmare that haunts victims long before the killing begins.

Jack O’Connell

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3. David Dastmalchian

Few actors have become as respected within the horror community as David Dastmalchian.

His performances in films like Late Night with the Devil have shown that he can balance charm, vulnerability, and unsettling menace all at once. Dastmalchian’s unique voice and naturally eerie screen presence could make for one of the most unsettling interpretations of Freddy Krueger yet.

David Dastmalchian

4. Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins might be the wildcard on this list, but he possesses one quality that’s essential to Freddy Krueger: charisma.

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Freddy doesn’t simply kill his victims he enjoys tormenting them. Goggins has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to mix dark humor, intimidation, and unpredictability into every performance. That combination could make for a Freddy who is equal parts entertaining and terrifying.

Walton Goggins

5. Andy Serkis (Motion Capture)

Andy Serkis has built an incredible career bringing unforgettable characters to life through motion capture. From Gollumin The Lord of the Rings to Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy and Supreme Leader Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Serkis has repeatedly shown that digital performances can be just as emotionally powerful as traditional acting.

Rather than relying solely on practical makeup, Paramount could use motion-capture technology to create a Freddy Krueger whose movements feel unnaturally fluid, distorted, and dreamlike. Serkis’ mastery of performance capture could allow Freddy to move in impossible ways that perfectly fit the surreal nature of nightmares, creating one of the most visually unique versions of the character ever seen on screen.

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Andy Serkis

Final Thoughts

Paramount’s newly announced A Nightmare on Elm Street film is still in the early stages of development, meaning fans may be waiting a while before an actor is officially cast as Freddy Krueger.

Whoever lands the role will have enormous shoes or rather, a burned fedora and bladed glove to fill. Robert Englund’s portrayal defined the character for decades, but every horror icon eventually finds a new generation.

Whether it’s Bill Skarsgård’s haunting presence, Jack O’Connell’s intensity, David Dastmalchian’s psychological edge, Walton Goggins’ sinister charisma, or Andy Serkis’ groundbreaking motion capture performance, each actor brings something unique that could help Freddy Krueger haunt audiences once again.

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Ridley Scott’s Biblical Epic Finds a New Streaming Home

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Ridley Scott on the set of Exodus: Gods and Kings.

Besides Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott is perhaps the only other filmmaker working at the highest level of Hollywood who can switch seamlessly between sci-fi thrillers and historical epics. Nolan has expressed his love for some of Scott’s movies, which the older filmmaker has accepted in his own inimitable manner. Scott is returning to sci-fi shortly after a gap that lasted nearly a decade. Over this decade, the filmmaker focused primarily on historical movies such as Gladiator II, Napoleon, and The Last Duel. Nolan has been on a similar trajectory, having made several sci-fi movies before leaning into period epics. The Odyssey, his latest release, is touted as his most ambitious project yet. Over a decade ago, Scott explored the mythological genre with a big-budget epic that was headlined by Nolan’s frequent collaborator Christian Bale.

That film is now heading to Peacock. Audiences who enjoyed The Odyssey in theaters can check it out as a companion piece. Both films are based on legends that have been adapted numerous times over the years, across media. Both legends have also formed the backbone of modern storytelling as we know it. Nolan himself has mined The Odyssey for inspiration in his earlier movies, such as Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises, and even Oppenheimer. Scott, on the other hand, doubled down on large-scale epics after Gladiator; he went on to make Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood before turning to the Bible for his 2014 release.

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Collider Exclusive · Middle-earth Quiz
Which Lord of the Rings
Character Are You?

One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed

The road goes ever on. From the green hills of the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, every soul in Middle-earth carries a destiny. Ten questions stand between you and the truth of who you are. Answer honestly — the One Ring has a way of revealing what we most want to hide.

💍Frodo

🌿Samwise

👑Aragorn

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🔥Gandalf

🏹Legolas

⚒️Gimli

👁️Sauron

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🪨Gollum

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01

You are handed a responsibility that could destroy you. What do you do?
The weight of the world falls on unlikely shoulders.




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02

Your closest companion is heading into terrible danger. You:
True loyalty is revealed not in comfort, but in crisis.




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03

Enormous power is within your reach. Your instinct is:
Power corrupts — but only those who reach for it.




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04

What does “home” mean to you?
Where we long to return reveals who we truly are.




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05

When a battle is upon you, your approach is:
War reveals what we are made of — whether we like it or not.




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06

Someone comes to you for advice in their darkest hour. You:
Wisdom is not knowing all the answers — it’s knowing which questions to ask.




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07

How do you see yourself, honestly?
Self-knowledge is the most dangerous kind.




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08

Which of these best describes your relationship with the natural world?
Middle-earth speaks to those who know how to listen.




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09

You encounter a wretched, pitiable creature who has done terrible things. You:
How we treat the fallen reveals the height of our character.




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10

When the quest is over and the songs are sung, what do you hope they say about you?
In the end, we are all just stories.




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The Fellowship Has Spoken
Your Place in Middle-earth

The scores below reveal your true character. Your highest number is your match. Even a tie tells a story — the Fellowship was never made of simple people.

💍
Frodo

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🌿
Samwise

👑
Aragorn

🔥
Gandalf

🏹
Legolas

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⚒️
Gimli

👁️
Sauron

🪨
Gollum

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You carry something heavy — and you carry it alone, even when you don’t have to. You were not born for greatness, and that is precisely why greatness chose you. Your courage is not the roaring, sword-swinging kind; it is quiet, stubborn, and terrifying in its refusal to quit. The Ring weighs on you more than anyone can see, and still you walk toward the fire. That is not weakness. That is the rarest kind of strength there is.

You are, without question, the best of them. Not the most powerful, not the most celebrated — but the most essential. Your loyalty is not a trait; it is a force of nature. You would carry the person you love up the slopes of Mount Doom if it came to that, and we both know you’d do it without being asked. The world needs more people like you, and the world is lucky it has even one.

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You were born to lead, and you have spent years running from it. The crown is yours by right, but you know better than anyone that right means nothing without the will and the worthiness to back it up. You are tempered by loss, shaped by long roads, and defined by a code of honour you hold to even when no one is watching. When you finally step forward, the world shifts. Because it was always waiting for you.

You have seen more than you let on, and you say less than you know — which is exactly as it should be. You are a catalyst: you do not fight the battles yourself, you ignite the people who can. Your wisdom comes not from books but from an age of watching what happens when it is ignored. You arrive precisely when you mean to, and your presence alone changes what is possible. A wizard is never late.

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Graceful, perceptive, and almost preternaturally calm under pressure — you see things others miss and act before others react. You do not need to make a scene to be remarkable; your presence speaks for itself. You are loyal to those you choose to stand beside, and that choice is not made lightly. You have lived long enough to know that the most beautiful things in this world are also the most fragile, and that is why you fight to protect them.

You are loud, proud, and absolutely formidable — and beneath all of that is one of the most fiercely loyal hearts in Middle-earth. You don’t do anything by half measures. Your friendships are forged like iron, your grudges run as deep as mines, and your courage in battle is the kind that makes legends. You came into this fellowship suspicious of everyone and ended it willing to die for an elf. That is not a small thing. That is everything.

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You think in centuries and act in absolutes. Order, dominion, control — not because you are cruel by nature, but because you have decided that the world left to itself always falls apart, and you are the only one with the vision and the will to hold it together. You were not always this. Something was lost, or taken, or betrayed, and the version of you that stands now is the answer to that wound. The tragedy is that you’re not entirely wrong — just entirely too far gone to course-correct.

You are a study in contradiction — pitiable and dangerous, cunning and broken, capable of both cruelty and something that once resembled love. You are defined by loss: of innocence, of self, of the one thing that gave your existence meaning. Two voices war inside you constantly, and the tragedy is that the better one sometimes wins, just not often enough, and never at the right moment. You are a warning, yes — but also a mirror. We are all a little Gollum, given the right ring and enough time.

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Here’s When You Can Watch Ridley Scott’s Epic on Peacock

The movie in question is Exodus: Gods and Kings. The movie features Bale as Moses and Joel Edgerton as Ramses II, with Aaron Paul, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Mendelsohn, and Ben Kingsley in supporting roles. Produced on a reported budget of $200 million, Exodus grossed around $268 million worldwide, falling short of its fellow 2014 biblical epic Noah. The Odyssey was able to eclipse Exodus‘ lifetime haul in four days flat. Nolan’s movie has also been infinitely better received than Scott’s epic, holding a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the 29% score of Exodus. The aggregator website’s consensus reads, “While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions, Exodus: Gods and Kings can’t quite live up to its classic source material.” You can watch the movie on Peacock starting August 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.


exodus-gods-and-kings-poster-bale-and-edgerton.jpg
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Release Date
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December 12, 2014

Runtime

150minutes

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Sumner Stroh Addresses ‘Traumatic’ Adam Levine Sexting Scandal

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Maroon 5 Perform On Today August 2025

Nearly four years after Sumner Stroh became embroiled in Adam Levine’s sexting scandal, the model-turned-singer is confronting the damage caused by the controversy while attempting to reclaim her identity. Stroh now acknowledges that her actions hurt multiple people, including Levine’s wife, Behati Prinsloo, and their family. However, she also believes that her worst mistake should not determine the direction of her entire life.

As she launches a new chapter in music, Stroh is opening up about the intense public scrutiny she endured, the effect it had on her loved ones, and why she is no longer allowing fear of criticism to keep her from pursuing her ambitions.

In 2022, Stroh publicly alleged that she and Levine had engaged in a year-long affair involving intimate messages while Prinsloo was pregnant with the couple’s third child. Levine denied having an affair but acknowledged that he had “crossed a line.” Stroh subsequently claimed that she felt “manipulated” by the Maroon 5 frontman.

Looking back on the controversy, Stroh admitted it was an incredibly turbulent chapter of her life. “It was an absolute sh-tstorm, that period of my life,” she told the Daily Mail. However, the 26-year-old stressed that she does not want to portray herself as the victim of a scandal that affected several other people.

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“I don’t want to sound like a victim,” Stroh said. “I hurt a lot of people, so I don’t want to by any means say like, ‘Oh, woe is me.’ I know it’s a conversation that is stuck with me and I have to live with that, but I believe that people are more than their mistakes and more than their past.”

Stroh also publicly apologized to Prinsloo and the couple’s children in a 2022 TikTok video. “I’m not the one getting hurt in this,” she said at the time. “It’s Behati and her children. And for that, I’m so, so sorry.”

The Public Scrutiny Sent Her To A ‘Dark Place’

Maroon 5 Perform On Today August 2025
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Stroh said the scandal erupted while she was already dealing with other problems in her personal life, leaving her in an emotionally difficult place. “It was traumatic, just the level of public scrutiny,” she recalled. “The bandwagon effect and the whole cancellation of it all, it really gave me time to look inward and process that shame, process that guilt, process even childhood traumas.”

The fallout allegedly extended beyond online criticism and began affecting her family’s sense of security. “The drones flying over my family’s house … that affected my entire family,” she told the outlet. “So that physical safety aspect, for not myself, but for my family was something that was really hard, not for just me, but also my family.”

Stroh grew up in a traditional Texas household and said her family encouraged her to pursue a law degree rather than relocate to Los Angeles. She moved to the West Coast anyway while hoping to join a girl group, but those ambitions were soon eclipsed by the Levine scandal.

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Sumner Stroh Is Turning Her Pain Into Music

Stroh is now pursuing the musical career she originally envisioned, even though she knows some critics may accuse her of attempting to capitalize on the controversy. “I’ve already heard all of that,” she said.

The former model explained that she has had to stop trying to control how others perceive her. “I think that I’ve had to relinquish control of what other people think and what they’re going to say,” Stroh shared. “Because at the end of the day, I can’t control that. All I can control is showing up authentically as myself.”

“I just realized I’m either going to do what I love and people are going to say what they’ve always said about women for hundreds and hundreds of years or I can live forever in fear and never have pursued what I love, and I think that is a much more miserable existence for me,” she added.

Her new single, “Miss America,” reflects her determination to continue despite the setbacks. On the song, Stroh sings, “I don’t even need to wear a crown / Can’t wear me out.”

“‘You can’t wear me out’ as I’m actively getting worn the f-ck down and facing setback after setback,” Stroh said of the lyrics.

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She then admitted that hearing her own music can still trigger a deeply emotional response. “It makes me cry when I listen to my own music, which is ridiculous,” she confessed.

The Singer Refuses To Deny What Happened

Although Stroh wants to separate her future from the scandal, she does not intend to erase or minimize her involvement. “I have f-cking put blood, sweat, and tears into choosing myself and that’s okay because we’re all inherently flawed,” she said.

“I’ve been working my a-s off to separate myself from that and grow and learn,” Stroh continued. “But also, I’m not going to sit here and say that nothing ever happened and that’s just part of my story and that’s something I have to live with.”

She now considers the painful period pivotal to the artist she has become and no longer measures success according to public approval. “My definition of success is what I’m doing every day and that’s creating,” Stroh explained. The experience also taught her a blunt lesson: “Don’t kiss and tell.”

Although Stroh acknowledged that she still dates people in entertainment, she has changed how much she shares publicly. “I continue to date people in my industry and in Los Angeles,” she admitted, “but I like to keep that private.”

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Adam Levine And Behati Prinsloo Remain Together

Maroon 5 Perform On Today August 2025
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Levine and Prinsloo have remained married since the scandal. The couple was recently photographed enjoying time aboard a yacht in St. Tropez shortly before their 12th wedding anniversary. Prinsloo has never publicly discussed Stroh’s allegations or explained why she decided to stay with Levine.

An insider recently claimed, however, that the couple’s marriage is now in a better position than it was immediately following the controversy. “Their relationship is in a much healthier place than it was in the immediate aftermath of the scandal,” the source told the Daily Mail.

“That doesn’t mean everything is perfect… but Adam has made enough changes to keep the marriage intact and avoid repeating the mistakes that nearly cost him everything,” the insider added.

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Styling Shorts? 9 Flattering, Loose Blouses That Instantly Elevate

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Anrabess Amazon tee

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Styling shorts can feel surprisingly tricky. It’s easy to default to a basic tee or tank, but sometimes the finished look ends up feeling a little too casual for brunch plans, date nights or even the office. As a shopping editor, my solution is a blouse that strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and tailored, adding instant polish without making your outfit feel overdressed.

As someone who’s covered fashion and shopping for years, I’ve learned that the right top can completely transform a pair of shorts. Amazon has become one of my favorite places to find breezy blouses with thoughtful details like peplum hems, puff sleeves, smocking and crisp cotton-inspired fabrics that elevate denim, linen and tailored shorts alike. Below are the styles I’d reach for whenever I want my summer outfits to look a little more refined with very little effort.

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9 Flattering Loose Blouses That Instantly Elevate Shorts

1. Our Favorite: Structured necklines and voluminous sleeves continue to dominate celebrity street style for good reason. This blouse delivers that elevated look while balancing the relaxed feel of your favorite summer shorts.

2. Runner-up: Elegant puff sleeves and a sculptural peplum hem give this top an expensive-looking finish. It’s the kind of blouse that makes simple white or black shorts feel worthy of dinner reservations.

3. Editor-Approved: A softly structured peplum silhouette instantly makes even cutoff denim shorts feel more intentional. The lightweight fabric and flattering shape create definition without clinging, making it an easy piece to dress up or down.

4. Designer-Looking: Between the smocked bodice and flowy peplum hem, this blouse creates a polished silhouette while staying comfortable in the heat. Pair it with tailored shorts and simple sandals for an outfit that looks effortlessly put together.

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5. Everyday Essential: The relaxed fit of this floral V-neck top keeps things comfortable while subtle texture adds visual interest without overwhelming your outfit. It works just as well with denim shorts as it does tucked into tailored pairs.

Anrabess Amazon tee


Related: Over 2,500 Shoppers Love This $9 Top That Makes Tummies ‘Disappear‘

Finding a top that’s comfortable, flattering and easy to wear can feel surprisingly difficult, especially when you want a little extra coverage through the midsection. Luckily, this budget-friendly blouse has earned a loyal following for exactly that reason, with shoppers saying it offers a relaxed fit that skims the body without looking boxy. The bestselling […]

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6. Vacation MVP: Airy fabric and delicate Swiss dot detailing make this blouse ideal for warm-weather getaways. It instantly softens linen shorts while keeping the overall outfit feeling light and breezy.

7. Office-to-Weekend Pick: Clean pleats and a structured drape help this blouse transition seamlessly from work meetings to weekend lunches. Add polished shorts and loafers for an outfit that’s equal parts professional and relaxed.

8. Closet Staple: Soft ruffle sleeves add just enough femininity without overpowering the rest of your outfit. It’s an easy way to elevate classic denim shorts for everything from errands to outdoor dinners.

9. Most Versatile: An oversized button-down is one of the hardest-working pieces in any summer wardrobe. Wear it tucked, tied at the waist or open over a tank with shorts for multiple polished looks using one versatile staple.

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Sam Asghari Is Making Peace With The ‘Mr. Britney Spears’ Tag

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Sam Asghari and Britney Spears

Some people confront things head-on, while others run away from them altogether, but Sam Asghari is accepting his interesting fate!

The model has moved on from his relationship with Britney Spears, but the shadows of the past still haunt his present, with his hands tied and a loud acceptance that they are forever attached at the hip.

Sam Asghari and Britney Spears were involved in a seven-year relationship that began after meeting on a music video set in 2016, until their divorce in 2024 after a 14-month marriage.

Sam Asghari and Britney Spears
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The media personality admitted that when it comes to expecting the public interest in his relationship with the pop star to fade or escaping the tag “Mr. Britney Spears,” even though they parted ways years ago, it is “never going to happen.”

He noted that he has reached a point in his life where sitting down to discuss the years spent with her no longer has the emotional impact it once did.  One of the highlights of Asghari and Spears’ marriage is him being by her side while she battled to be let go from her 13-year conservatorship.

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The duo had gotten married in 2022, in a star-studded ceremony attended by Madonna and Drew Barrymore. Asghari has since moved on with girlfriend Brooke Irvine and has lived together in Los Angeles for two years now as he continued to explore his acting career.

On the career side, Page Six shared that the model previously appeared on the NBC hit show “The Traitors” and the public will get to see him play Victor in “The Gentleman Thief,” due to be released on July 31.

Sam Asghari at the Jackpot! Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX
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Asghari walked away from his marriage to the pop star amicably without spousal support, a decision he proudly stands by. In his latest conversation with the publication, the dancer reiterated that the past stays in the past and reflection has become a pleasant reminder of what could have been.

In his words, “You can’t change the past. The things that happened happened. And like I said, I would never complain about one thing that changed my life for the better or for the worse.” The actor also broke his silence on Spears’ latest controversy, from her DUI arrest to rehab visit, opting to say nothing and rather focus on the ongoing situation in Iran.

He revealed that his focus has stayed on that situation in his home country, and all his projects have gone towards that. Asghari also registered that he does not immerse himself in clickbait and entertainment news because he does not exactly believe everything he sees.

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Sam Asghari Previously Spoke About The Plus Side Of Marriage To Britney Spears

(FILE) Britney Spears Is Engaged to Sam Asghari After Nearly 5 Years Together
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The singer’s blinding star power rubbed off on Asghari during and even after their union, a privilege he is not shy to admit. As stated by The Blast, the model stated in an interview that being in such a public relationship provided him with a platform to build his career and make vital connections towards making a life for himself.

From moving to America at 12 years old from Iran and watching John Travolta films to help him learn English, Asghari has now found himself working alongside big names in the industry, including John Cena, Jean Smart, and Don Cheadle.

Although Spears had once referred to her marriage to Asghari as a distraction to help her deal with the pain of being away from her children and the conservatorship, the model saw their union from a different angle.

Asghari explained that his time with the pop singer remained as real as ever to him, although the timing was short. He referenced the lengthy timeline of their romance, which spanned for nearly a decade, and how he was in love with her the entire time.

The 32-Year-Old Addressed Britney Spears’ Conservatorship In Recent Interview

Britney Spears wearing a Julien MacDonald dress, H Stern jewels, and Christian Louboutin shoes arrives at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Back in March, the actor hopped on Piers Morgan’s show “Piers Morgan Uncensored” for a lengthy discussion about his life and career. When he was asked to share his thoughts on Spears’ DUI arrest, Asghari declared that the actress has had a tough life in the past and experienced oppression by several people in her life.

Referencing the situation of women being oppressed in Iran, Asghari established that it broke him to witness Spears’ struggles during their short-lived marriage. He had earlier shared his experience watching Spears fight her way through the program and finally breaking free after 13 years.

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In the 2023 interview, the model revealed that he found it terrible that people in her life at the time had told her story like it was theirs, silenced her voice, and used her as a money-making machine while limiting her freedom.

Sam Asghari And Britney Spears’ Relationship Was Fiction Brought To Life

Britney Spears Raps ‘Back Got Back’ In British Accent To Fiancé’s Dance Moves!
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One year after he played her love interest in Spears’ music video shoot for “Slumber Party” in 2016, the duo came out as lovers. Their relationship involved attendance at high society events and displaying affection in front of the ever-flashing cameras.

In 2022, they exchanged vows at their home in Thousand Oaks in the presence of friends and family, but unfortunately parted ways over a year later, citing irreconcilable differences. 

Asghari and Spears were seemingly married during a period the singer described as one of the hardest in her life, when she was being cut off from her two kids, James and Preston. In 2023, the boys moved to Hawaii to live with her ex, Kevin Federline, with a reunion happening a year later in 2024.

Spears and Federline were married for two years between 2004 and 2006 after meeting in a Hollywood club where Federline was a backup dancer.

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Tom Cruise Eyes New Romance After Past Dating Struggles

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Tom Cruise at the 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning' Mexico Premiere

Tom Cruise has reportedly set his sights on wooing A-list star Charlize Theron to be his new woman after his romance with Ana de Armas ended last year and left him crushed.

The actor has been looking to work with her for some time now, and his close circle reportedly encouraged him to text her after she called for him to join the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

Tom Cruise is understood to have a checklist that his next woman must fulfill, with previous reports claiming that he has enlisted an A-list pal to help find his next partner.

Tom Cruise at the 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning' Mexico Premiere
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Tom Cruise is seemingly ready to begin a new chapter in his love life and would be keeping it within the film industry.

According to industry insiders, the “Top Gun: Maverick” star has set his sights on a high-profile romance with Charlize Theron, with reports claiming she’s been eyed for an undisclosed role in “The Edge of Tomorrow 2.”

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“Charlize has been on Tom’s radar for a long time, and he’s incredibly impressed by her,” a source told Globe Magazine. “The timing is right for him and Charlize to get together and do something big and interesting.”

Cruise and Theron have been acting for decades but have yet to share the screen, with their 2008 lineup in “The Tourist” eventually going to Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

“Putting them in a film together, be it ‘Edge of Tomorrow 2’ or something else, makes a ton of sense. In fact, it’s long overdue,” the insider continued. “She has that same ‘no guts, no glory’ risk-taking attitude that made Tom an international superstar in the first place, and like Tom, she sees moviemaking not as just a job but a calling.”

However, for the action star, their partnership on screen is said to be “more than just business.”

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The Actor Noticed When Charlize Theron Made A Warm Gesture Toward Him

Charlize Theron on the red carpet
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Cruise has been with a slew of Hollywood actresses, including Mimi Roger, Nicole Kidman, Katie Holmes, and has been linked with stars like Cher and Penelope Cruz. Most recently, he was in a whirlwind romance with Ana De Armas, but has long been a silent admirer of Theron.

Several years ago, Theron called for him to join the “Fast and Furious” franchise, but her wish never materialized. However, reports suggest he took notice of that, and she remained in his soft spot with the warm gesture.

“He would love to work with her, and of course, it didn’t go unnoticed when she publicly called for him to join the Fast and Furious franchise alongside her a couple of years ago,” a source said, per reports.

“People in Tom’s world have been telling him to reach out to her ever since, and he’s now saying he’s going to do it,” they added.

Tom Cruise Has Some Preferences For His Next Woman

Tom Cruise
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The “Mission: Impossible” star is said to have a checklist of requirements for his next lady. However, it doesn’t appear that Theron meets a few of them.

A source previously told a news outlet that he’s looking for an English “Mrs. Right,” especially if she came recommended by his pal, ex-football star David Beckham.

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The insider went further to add that he was “ready to be set up” at the time, and would ideally love to get with a “woman that is part of the British High Society.”

“The ideal candidate must come from good stock [and] be in her late 20s or early 30s,” a source told the news outlet, adding that “ties to the royals” are also important, as the actor is determined to keep building on his friendship with Prince William and Princess Kate.

Not only is Theron a South African-American actress and producer, but it’s also not known that she has any ties to the British monarchy, save for when she was seen chatting with Prince Harry in 2011, per People Magazine.

The Actor Is Said To Be His Own Greatest Enemy When It Comes To Love

World Premiere Of Paramount Pictures' 'Top Gun: Maverick' held at the USS Midway Museum on May 4, 2022 in San Diego, California, United States. 05 May 2022 Pictured: Tom Cruise.
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Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting the “Jack Reacher” actor was “lonely,” especially after his romance with De Armas came crashing down last October after nearly a year.

Apparently, the actor is said to be his own greatest enemy when it comes to love, due to his strict work ethic, which makes it hard for him to stay put in one place for a long time.

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“Tom’s work will always come first, regardless of who he’s dating,” a source told Star Magazine about the actor’s chaotic love life.

“That’s been a major issue over the years. He puts on a brave face, but he’s clearly lonely right now,” the insider added.

Tom Cruise’s ‘Hyper-Intense’ Ways Have Made Dating Him Hard, Source Says

Tom Cruise at
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Cruise is said to be intense when he’s in love, which sometimes comes off as overwhelming. He reportedly blew more than $11,000 to impress De Armas on a trip to the U.K., complete with helicopter rides and luxury gifts.

“He’s so hyper-intense with the women he’s dating,” the insider explained, per Star. “The way he jumps into everything can be a turn-off.”

“Tom’s the master of grand gestures; he loves to whisk women away in his private jet and treat them like princesses,” the source noted, likening his behavior to “high-end love bombing.”

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Country Star Says Suicide Attempt Became A ‘Turning Point’

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Orville Peck performing at Roundhouse in London

Orville Peck has revealed the devastating circumstances that led him to abruptly halt his “Bronco Tour” in 2023. The country singer, whose real name is Daniel Pitout, said he was struggling with addiction and alcoholism before attempting suicide during what he described as “one of the worst places” of his life.

Orville Peck performing at Roundhouse in London
MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA

The 38-year-old musician said the harrowing experience forced him to confront what was happening in his life. “I was a bad addict, a coping alcoholic,” Peck told Rolling Stone. “And I had this spiral moment, where I went back to my hotel and tried to take my life … It was a big turning point for me, with a lot of realizations to come. It was something that needed to happen.”

The difficult period reportedly also included the end of a relationship and a stint in rehab. Peck has now turned those experiences into his fourth studio album, “Mule,” which is scheduled to arrive on September 18.

The country star announced the project on Instagram, describing it as an intensely personal and chronological retelling of the year in which his life unraveled. “’Mule’ – my fourth studio album arrives 9/18/2026,” he wrote. “This record is a chronological account of the year I lost my way. You can pre-save it tonight at midnight EST, and listen to the first single, ‘Too Little, Too Late’ on all platforms.”

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The Country Singer Initially Resisted Rehab

Orville Peck performing at Roundhouse in London
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Peck also spoke candidly about his initial reluctance to accept treatment, admitting that he did not believe he belonged in rehab. “I didn’t want to be there. I thought it was a waste of time, that I’m unique and didn’t have a problem,” he said.

The singer attempted to cope with the experience through humor and songwriting. “So I was like, I’m going to write the funniest song about this experience, because at the time I was just like, ‘F-ck this. I want to leave,’” Peck recalled. That period ultimately inspired “Rehab Blues,” one of the songs created from his experience.

Orville Peck Previously Cited His Mental And Physical Health

Orville Peck performing at Roundhouse in London
MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA

When Peck postponed the remaining dates on his “Bronco Tour” in 2023, he did not disclose the full extent of what he had been facing. As The Blast reported at the time, the masked country singer instead told fans that his mental and physical health had made it impossible for him to continue performing at his best.

“I am completely heartbroken as I share this news, but I have made the incredibly difficult decision to postpone all of my upcoming shows effective immediately,” Peck wrote. “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I’ve come to realize that my current mental and physical health won’t allow me to bring you my best.”

He emphasized how much he valued his audience and the opportunity to perform. “My fans mean the absolute world to me and I am so incredibly thankful to every single person who has bought a ticket to come and see us play, I do not take it for granted,” he continued. “Being on stage is my favorite thing in the world.”

Peck explained that stepping away was necessary if he wanted to return healthier and continue making music. “But I have to take this time to replenish my mind and body so that I can come back stronger and healthier than before, to do what I love for many years to come,” he added. “I truly hope you can understand.”

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‘Mule’ Will Not Gloss Over His Difficult Year

Orville Peck performing at Roundhouse in London
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Peck said honesty became essential while translating the painful chapter of his life into music. “What I was really trying to capture in terms of the concept, there was no way to gloss over or sugarcoat it,” he told Rolling Stone.

“Mule” follows his third album, “Stampede,” which was released in August 2024. Peck later made his Broadway debut in “Cabaret” during the summer of 2025, telling People at the time that he was “having the best time of my life.”

His upcoming album appears to offer a far more vulnerable account of the struggles that preceded those professional highs.

Orville Peck Is Returning To The Road

Orville Peck performing at Roundhouse in London
MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Peck will release “Mule” on September 18, the same day he is scheduled to headline the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and launch his “Man Turned Mule Tour.”

“Just Announced! Country crooner Orville Peck to headline the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, September 18th,” read a joint Instagram announcement from Peck and the venue. “Fresh off his Broadway debut in ‘Cabaret’ and musical collaborations with the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, Kylie Minogue & Beck – you won’t want to miss this very special performance in the city Orville calls home. Tickets info and more in bio.”

Peck later shared his excitement while announcing the tour’s opening dates. “Yeeeeehaw. I’m so excited to announce the first leg of the Man Turned Mule Tour,” he wrote. “Sign up for early access now at orvillepeck.com/tour.”

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Presale opens next Tuesday, July 28, at 10 am, and general on sale next Friday, July 31, at 10 am.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health concerns, emotional distress, or substance use, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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