Entertainment
10 Greatest Epistolary Books, Ranked
“Epistolary” refers to a work of fiction told through documents, primarily letters, diary entries, emails, or newspaper clippings. When handled well, this structure can add a lot to a book. There’s an immediacy and an intimacy to it, a sense that you’re reading private thoughts never meant for you, piecing together truth from incomplete perspectives.
Epistolary books thrive on subjectivity: unreliable voices, shifting timelines, broken memories, and gaps in the record that force us to read between the lines. In this unique sense, the best epistolary novels simulate the act of remembering, with all the messiness and bias that entails.
10
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (1985)
“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.” The Handmaid’s Tale presents itself as a reconstructed narrative, pieced together from tapes and partial records of a woman’s life under the totalitarian regime of Gilead. Offred, stripped of her identity and reduced to her reproductive function, recounts her existence in a society built on surveillance and control. She’s leaving behind her story for someone to find in the future.
Gaps in her story become as important as what is revealed, forcing the reader to draw some of their own conclusions. Plus, because everything is filtered through Offred’s perspective, the reader is drawn into her interior life in a way that feels confessional. Finally, the novel’s “Historical Notes” section reframes Offred’s account as a recovered document. That shift highlights one of the book’s central concerns: how stories survive, and how they are interpreted once they’re removed from the context in which they were created.
9
‘The Sufferings of Young Werther’ (1774)
“What is the human heart!” This one’s a classic by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German literature’s preeminent figure. The Sufferings of Young Werther unfolds entirely through letters written by the title character, a young man consumed by unrequited love. Addressed to his friend Wilhelm, the letters trace his emotional descent, really capturing the intensity of his feelings. His despair eventually becomes overwhelming, and the epistolary format is crucial to conveying it.
There’s no external perspective or calm counterbalance, only Werther’s voice, growing increasingly unstable. His perception becomes reality, his emotions shaping the narrative itself. As his situation worsens, the letters begin to feel less like correspondence and more like a private outlet, an attempt to impose order on feelings that are slipping beyond his control. This structure was revolutionary in its time, and hugely influenced practically every epistolary book that has followed.
8
‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (1999)
“I feel infinite.” The Perks of Being a Wallflower started as a novel, published more than a decade before writer Stephen Chbosky adapted it into a movie. In it, Charlie, an introverted high school student, writes to an anonymous recipient, documenting his experiences with friendship, love, trauma, and self-discovery. His observations are direct, often naive, but gradually deepen as he becomes more aware of himself and the world around him.
Key aspects of Charlie’s past emerge slowly, often indirectly, allowing the reader to piece together the truth alongside him. This format also gives us a front-row seat into the character’s personality quirks, thought processes, and interests; he brings up references to other coming-of-age stories like This Side of Paradise and Catcher in the Rye. On top of being a solid character study, the book also makes for an interesting snapshot of the early ’90s.
7
‘The Color Purple’ (1982)
“Dear God.” Told through letters written by Celie, first to God and later to her sister, The Color Purple traces the protagonist’s journey from abuse and silence to self-assertion and connection. The epistolary form allows Celie’s voice to evolve over time. Early letters are fragmented, tentative, reflecting her limited sense of self. The writing is simple, sometimes almost broken. But as the narrative progresses, her language becomes more confident and expressive.
The act of writing becomes a way for Celie to reclaim her voice, to define herself outside of the constraints imposed on her. In other words, the letters aren’t just a narrative device but a key part of the character’s survival. In the second half, the dual correspondence between Celie and Nettie expands the scope of the story further, touching on larger historical and cultural forces.
6
‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2003)
“I used to think I preferred the quiet of my own company.” Another powerful book that served as the basis for a strong film. We Need to Talk About Kevin unfolds through a series of letters written by Eva to her absent husband, attempting to make sense of their son Kevin’s actions. As we read on, it becomes clear that Kevin has committed a horrific act, and Eva is left to reconstruct the path that led there.
Indeed, the main themes here are guilt and the possibility of redemption. The epistolary format creates a sense of unease. Eva’s account is detailed, reflective, yet clearly shaped by guilt and self-justification. The reader is constantly questioning her perspective, trying to discern truth from interpretation. Each letter adds a new layer, gradually reshaping the reader’s understanding of Kevin and his relationship with his mother.
5
‘What We Can Know’ (2025)
“I am writing this down so that it cannot disappear.” While the epistolary elements in this one are more limited than those of the other books on this list, this new novel from Atonement‘s Ian McEwan is just so good that it deserves a shout-out. The story takes place in the year 2119 in a UK that has been partially flooded due to rising sea levels. It’s presented as the academic research of a scholar searching for a missing poem that was once recited at a dinner party back in 2014.
While the narrator writes from the future, the focus is really on the present. The book is a sharp portrait of the 2010s and 2020s, touching on everything from climate change and political polarization to A.I. and even nuclear war. Along the way, the mysterious poem becomes a potent symbol for cultural loss.
4
‘House of Leaves’ (2000)
“This is not for you.” House of Leaves pushes the epistolary form to its absolute limits. Structurally, it’s one of the most ambitious horror stories ever. Presented as a collection of manuscripts, footnotes, transcripts, and annotations, the novel follows the story of a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, a space that defies logic and grows increasingly dangerous. Layers of narration overlap and contradict one another, creating a sense of instability that mirrors the building itself.
The reader is constantly navigating between voices, trying to determine what is real. The physical layout of the text becomes part of the experience, with pages shifting in form and direction, forcing the reader to engage with the story in a non-linear way. Ultimately, while the book is strange and challenging, it rewards those who get on its wavelength.
3
‘Frankenstein’ (1818)
“I am malicious because I am miserable.” Frankenstein is world-famous for its simple, striking premise: a scientist creates life, only to be horrified by it. However, the structure was also very bold and innovative in its day. The book unfolds through nested narratives: letters from an explorer, Victor Frankenstein’s account, and the creature’s own perspective. This nesting of perspectives turns the book into a chain of testimonies, each one shaped by its teller.
The creature’s voice, in particular, adds depth, transforming him from a simple antagonist into something far more complex. The epistolary form resists simple answers, allowing each account to challenge the others. Is Victor a tragic overreacher or a reckless creator? Is the Creature a monster or a victim of abandonment? This structure also complements the themes around the limits of knowledge and the responsibilities that come with it.
2
‘Carrie’ (1974)
“They’re all going to laugh at you!” Stephen King‘s debut horror novel is lean and punchy, clocking in at just 199 pages. Carrie White, a socially isolated teenager with telekinetic abilities, becomes the center of a story that escalates from bullying to catastrophe. Structurally, Carrie combines traditional narrative with a collage of documents, including news reports, interviews, and excerpts from books about a high school tragedy.
The epistolary elements were added later, as the original version of the manuscript was too short, but they create an interesting tension, as we know that something awful will happen; we’re just not yet sure what. They also reinforce the novel’s themes of misunderstanding and marginalization. Carrie is never fully understood by the people around her, and even after the fact, the documents struggle to capture the reality of her experience.
1
‘Dracula’ (1897)
“The blood is the life.” Dracula is perhaps the definitive epistolary novel. The plot follows Count Dracula’s attempt to spread his influence beyond Transylvania, and the group of individuals who come together to stop him. Bram Stoker constructs this dark tale from multiple viewpoints, cobbled together from letters (particularly those by Jonathan Harker and Mina), diary entries, ship logs, and newspaper clippings. Early entries hint at danger without fully revealing it; later ones confirm fears and escalate the stakes.
This structure significantly adds to the realism, too. By presenting the story through “documents,” Stoker creates the illusion that these events have been recorded and preserved. The inclusion of mundane details like dates, locations, and daily routines grounds the supernatural elements in a recognizable world. This approach is perfect for a story about the clash between modernity and the shadowy past.
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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
One of the most weirdly persistent debates of the modern world is over whether AI can create art. Sure, you can type a prompt into ChatGPT or any number of AI platforms and have a unique image within seconds. But while the image is technically unique, it’s not exactly original. The AI was trained on every image it could get its grubby little gears on, so you never get a truly one-of-a-kind image. Instead, you get a mishmash of one or more artists’ styles that the AI bot helpfully masses off as completely original art.
The debate over the matter is so fierce because the two sides are so diametrically opposed. AI bros claim that this technology effectively democratizes art, making it possible for anyone to share their vision with the world. Traditional artists, meanwhile, claim that art has always been democratic and that AI is just a soulless alternative to learning how to draw. While ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms are relatively new, this debate stretches back decades, and in two forgotten episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the android officer Data reminds us of the limits of AI art.
To Prompt Or Not To Prompt
One such example came from the episode “The Defector,” which begins with Data and Captain Picard acting out Shakespeare’s Henry V on the holodeck. After Data gives a surprisingly solid performance, Picard compliments the android’s acting. However, Data demurs and basically admits that his acting was an amalgamation of other performers who have played this role. He tells Picard, “I plan to study the performances of Olivier, Branagh, Shapiro, [and] Kullnark.” The captain replies that while Shakespeare is perfect “to learn about the human condition…you must discover it through your own performance, not by imitating others.”
This episode first aired in 1990, but Picard’s dialogue fits right in with our modern AI debate. Data, fittingly enough, is doing what artificial intelligence always does: mashing together the work of several different artists. It looks like an original performance at first, which is why Picard applauds. But after finding out what Data did, he chides the android for just mashing a few other performances together and calling it a day. After all, he will never develop as an artist if he doesn’t take the time to develop his own style instead of copying everyone’s homework.
Picard Has Entered The Chat
This obviously reflects our modern discourse about generative AI. As an avid Shakespeare fan, Picard understands that what made those earlier actors so great was that they found ways to put their own spin on Henry V. If those performers hadn’t, in turn, just tried to copy others, then acting becomes functionally meaningless.
The conversation about Data creating art actually echoes another conversation in the earlier episode “The Ensigns of Command.” When Picard tells the android that his recent violin performance “shows feeling,” Data corrects him. “Strictly speaking, sir, it is not my playing. It is a precise imitation of the techniques of Jascha Heifetz and Trenka Bronken.” Picard insists that Data created something original because he successfully combined two very different performances. Reluctantly, Data takes the compliment, telling his commanding officer that “I have learned to be creative…when necessary.”
At this point, AI bros might think that Captain Picard is on their side. After all, he argues that by choosing to combine two wildly different musicians, Data is actually synthesizing something new, which is akin to “prompt engineers” feeding a bunch of contrary ideas into ChatGPT and hoping for the best. The key difference, though, is that Data still had to bust out the violin and successfully perform this composition himself. Picard considers Data an artist because the android actually makes art. So-called prompt engineers aren’t even doing that; they are simply asking the computer to make something cool and then taking the credit.
Computer: End Program
To keep our Star Trek framing, think of it this way: simply telling a computer to draw a picture is a bit like an Enterprise crewman telling the holodeck to create an exotic vista. Obviously, it takes some level of thought to generate an idea and tell it to the ship’s computer. But the crew doesn’t have to program anything or render anything because the Enterprise does all of the hard work for them. That’s why, in the far-flung future of the 24th century, nobody calls themselves an artist for barking a sentence or two at the computer when they get bored.
Unfortunately, the world is far less enlightened here in the 21st century. The laziest people in the world are typing one sentence into a glorified search engine and treating the resulting aesthetic abomination as a startlingly brilliant and original piece of art. Even wilder, they get grumpy when you don’t treat them like serious artists who spent a lifetime perfecting their craft. As it turns out, both now and in the future, there’s one thing that AI can’t generate: the approval from others that these tech bros so desperately need!
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is supporting his head coach, Mike Vrabel, amid the latter’s ongoing scandal.
“We aren’t going to speak on what we talked about inside the building, but I mean, that’s my coach,” Gonzalez, 23, told reporters in a Saturday, May 2, press conference. “That’s who I go out and play for, and he’s proven what he can do as a coach.”
The pro athlete continued, “That’s my guy, and I’m right behind Vrabes any time of day.”
Vrabel, 50, has been spotted with sports journalist Dianna Russini on multiple occasions between 2020 and earlier this year despite their respective marriages to other people. Both Vrabel and Russini, 43, have categorically denied speculation about their relationship status.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel refused to directly discuss Dianna Russini in his first public comments since the pair were photographed together at a hotel in Arizona. During a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, Vrabel, 50, was asked to comment on Russini, 43, resigning from her job as an NFL reporter for […]
“That’s a personal and private matter,” Vrabel stated during a press conference last month. “I think that was an attempt to protect your family and I would never be dismissive. I think my family and this football team are the most important thing … I’m excited about the challenge with both of those things.”
Days later, Vrabel underwent counseling sessions.
“I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” he said in another statement. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.”
Mike Vrabel. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The coach added, “I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person.”
Mike Vrabel apparently has the overwhelming support of New England Patriots fans amid his ongoing photo scandal with sports journalist Dianna Russini. Vrabel, 50, attended a ticketholder fan event on Wednesday, April 29, where he was greeted with a rousing standing ovation, per social media footage. Vrabel returned to work earlier this week after seeking […]
Vrabel, who even sat out the 2026 NFL Draft amid his therapy sessions, has since returned to work.
As for Russini, she resigned from her duties covering football for The Athletic.
“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” she wrote in an April resignation letter. “It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
Russini continued at the time, “Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Neither Vrabel nor Russini addressed one another by name in their respective statements.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez kicked off Met Gala 2026 weekend in style, hosting an ultra-exclusive pre-party that quickly became one of the most talked-about gatherings ahead of fashion’s biggest night. The couple opened the doors to their New York City residence on Saturday, May 2, welcoming a curated guest list of A-listers just days before the main event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As honorary co-chairs and primary donors behind this year’s Met Gala, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are already at the center of the action, and their pre-party set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a headline-making weekend.
The intimate gathering drew some major names across fashion, entertainment, and media. Among those spotted were Kris Jenner and Kendall Jenner, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Kris is known to have a friendly relationship with Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. In fact, she has previously spent time with the couple at high-profile events, including celebrating her milestone birthday at their home, further cementing their connection within elite social circles.
Others who were spotted at the pre-Met party include Sam Smith, Nicole Kidman, Gayle King, and Nicky Hilton. Also in attendance were fashion heavyweights like Donatella Versace and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann.
Date Night Moments Take Over The Party
The pre-Gala event also doubled as a stylish date night for several celebrity couples. Serena Williams attended alongside Alexis Ohanian, while Venus Williams, who is also serving as a Met Gala co-chair, arrived with Andrea Preti.
Anna Wintour was also among the guests, continuing her long-standing presence at the center of Met Gala festivities. While she has stepped back from her role as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue after 37 years, she remains deeply involved with Condé Nast and the Met Gala itself. Meanwhile, Chloe Malle has stepped into a leadership position within Vogue.
Inside The Ultra-Secretive Pre-Met Gala Invite
The buzz around Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s pre-party started long before guests even arrived, thanks to a mysterious, eye-catching invitation. According to Variety, the subject line of the emailed invite read, “INVITE: Jeff and Lauren Bezos Invite You.” Inside, the design leaned into a bold, disco-inspired aesthetic, featuring a close-up profile of a face with glittering red lipstick and a slightly open mouth.
The message kept things intentionally vague, teasing just enough to build anticipation. “Pre-Met celebration on May 2 at 8 p.m.,” it read, with the location notably withheld. “Address: to come upon confirmation.”
The secrecy only added to the appeal, signaling that this wasn’t just any party but one of the most exclusive invites of Met Gala weekend.
Jeff Bezos’ Met Gala Role Sparks Protests Across NYC
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s expanded involvement in the Met Gala 2026 has quickly become one of the most controversial storylines leading into fashion’s biggest night. Fresh off their headline-making wedding in Venice, the couple was announced in November 2025 as the primary sponsors of the 2026 Met Gala.
By March 2026, organizers confirmed they would also serve as honorary co-chairs for the fundraiser at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a role previously held by high-profile names like LeBron James, Beyoncé, Tom Ford, Salma Hayek, and Caroline Kennedy.
However, the announcement didn’t exactly come with a splash. Instead, their involvement was quietly referenced in Vogue’s dress code rollout, where they were briefly mentioned as honorary chairs, a move that only seemed to fuel speculation and criticism.
Since then, backlash has grown in New York City, with critics calling out the couple’s influence over such a high-profile cultural event. Protesters have taken to the streets, launching a guerrilla-style campaign that includes posters reading “Boycott the Bezos Met Gala” plastered across the city.
Bezos And Sánchez’s Met Gala Roles Spark Debate Over Influence, Power And Amazon Ties
Much of the criticism has centered on Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s role at the Met Gala 2026, focusing on questions of influence and perception. With the couple serving as both primary sponsors and honorary co-chairs, some critics are raising concerns about the power they may wield over one of fashion’s most prestigious fundraisers.
Complicating matters further are ongoing conversations surrounding Amazon, including its reported ties to Donald Trump’s administration, an issue that continues to spark debate across both the fashion world and the broader public.
BritBox’s The Other Bennet Sister is already taking the internet but storm but who makes up the Regency show’s steamy love triangle?
Based on the novel by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister follows the events from Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet’s (Ella Bruccoleri) point of view. The story then departs from that to follow Mary as she travels to London and the Lake District and the overlooked sister from the big Bennet family has a romantic adventure in Regency England.
In addition to Bruccoleri, The Other Bennet Sister stars Ruth Jones, Richard E. Grant, Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Róisín Bhalla, Reggie Absolom and Jasmine Sharp. Laurie Davidson, Dónal Finn, Varada Sethu, Aaron Gill and Maddie Close also appear on the show.
Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Tanya Reynolds, Anna Fenton-Garvey, Ryan Sampson and Lucy Briers round out the cast. The series premiered in the U.K. in March, which viewers can check out on BBC iPlayer.
In the U.S., period drama fans can watch The Other Bennet Sister on May 6. The series will be available on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada but Amazon Prime offers a weeklong free trial as well. BritBox has since released the official trailer before the show’s premiere in the U.S. where romance fans can start to get invested in the fictional love story.
Keep scrolling to meet the cast who are bringing the fictional love triangle to life:
Ella Bruccoleri
Before taking on the role of Mary, Bruccoleri appeared in BBC One’s Call the Midwife, Bridgerton, Ludwig, Down Cemetery Road and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. She has also appeared in all The Strangers movies as Dollface.
Dónal Finn
Finn won our hearts over as Mr. Hayward after previously appearing on Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, The Wheel of Time and Young Sherlock. He has also had a prolific theater career with roles in Sing Street, Hadestown and John Proctor is the Villain in London.
Who doesn’t love a good love story? Girl falls in love with boy, then falls in love with his best friend too, for example. The love triangle has been a frequent plot point in TV and film for years, but there is maybe no more iconic angsty trio than the one between Dawson (James Van […]
Laurie Davidson
The Other Bennet Sister‘s Davidson has a scene-stealing performance as Mr. Ryder after Cats, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, Will, Guilty Party, Masters of the Air and The Girlfriend.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco-friendly business portfolio appears to have taken a hit, as one of his vegan sneaker investments is reportedly facing serious financial trouble.
The Hollywood star, known for his environmental activism, is said to be linked to a sustainable footwear brand that has been bleeding cash, with losses reportedly nearing $4 million.
The financial setback comes as DiCaprio continues to make headlines away from business, including renewed chatter about his relationship with model Vittoria Ceretti and recent jokes about his dating history.
DiCaprio’s vegan sneaker brand LØCI has reportedly found itself in a troubling financial position despite its celebrity-backed profile.
The eco-friendly footwear company has attracted support from several Hollywood names, including Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, and Eva Longoria, while Nicki Minaj once floated her own line with the brand.
However, according to The U.S. Sun, records show the British footwear brand has accumulated losses of £2.9 million, or roughly $4 million, while owing £931,130 to various creditors.
Perhaps more alarming is the brand’s limited cash reserve, with filings reportedly showing just £7,355 listed as “cash at bank and in hand.”
The company has also reportedly remained reliant on wealthy investors to stay afloat. Filings show LØCI received £5,170,947 in investor funding, helping prop up the struggling venture and leaving it with equity of nearly £2.3 million despite the heavy losses.
LØCI Risks Trouble With U.K. Authorities
According to the outlet, LØCI has now resorted to offering dozens of its products at half price in a bid to boost sales.
Even Minaj’s range with the vegan shoe brand, including the “Barbie Dangerous” and “Itty Bitty Piggy” sneakers, has reportedly been heavily discounted.
Beyond its financial struggles, the company may also be courting trouble with U.K. authorities after allegedly filing its accounts late for two consecutive years. It was also reportedly late in submitting its annual “confirmation statement,” a legal requirement for companies in the country.
The U.K. government’s website warns that failing to file confirmation statements, annual returns, or accounts is a criminal offense, and that directors or designated LLP members could be personally fined in criminal courts.
Leonardo DiCaprio Said He Was ‘Proud’ To Back The Brand
DiCaprio, who has long championed environmental causes and directed significant portions of his fortune toward conservation, has been one of LØCI’s key financial backers.
At the time of his investment, the Oscar-winning actor released a statement explaining why he chose to support the brand.
“I am proud to be an investor in LØCI, a brand dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and centered around creating cruelty-free, ethical footwear,” the “Inception” actor said.
LØCI founder Emmanuel Eribo also spoke glowingly about DiCaprio’s involvement at the time.
“He’s an absolute star and sees the world the same way we see it,” Eribo said. “It’s been an absolute blessing having him on the team. You can’t ignore it’s a British brand, and he’s betting on it.”
DiCaprio ‘Open To A Serious Future’ With Girlfriend
Amid reports of his business setbacks, Leonardo DiCaprio appears to be winning in other areas of his life, particularly with his Hollywood career and his relationship with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti.
Although the actor lost out on the Best Actor Oscar to Michael B. Jordan, his film, “One Battle After Another,” still had a major night, taking home six awards.
The 51-year-old attended the ceremony with his 27-year-old girlfriend, and while they did not pose together on the red carpet, their appearance still marked a major step in their relationship.
It was reportedly the first time DiCaprio and Ceretti had attended a major awards show together since they began dating in 2023.
Leonardo DiCaprio Is ‘Showing A Different Side’ With Vittoria Ceretti
DiCaprio has been linked to several high-profile women over the years, including Gisele Bündchen, Blake Lively, and Camila Morrone. However, his romance with Vittoria Ceretti may be taking a more serious turn.
An insider who spoke with PEOPLE claimed DiCaprio is drawn to Ceretti’s independence and the fact that she has her own life outside their relationship.
“Vittoria also has her own life, and she’s very independent, which is appealing to him, especially when he’s away for filming and has long days on set,” the insider said.
The source also claimed DiCaprio has been “much more openly affectionate” with Ceretti than his friends have seen him be with any of his previous girlfriends.
Entertainment
Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones’ 10/10 Action Thriller Has a Forgotten Sequel No One Asked For
In 1993, Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones teamed up for The Fugitive, one of the year’s biggest and best movies. The story about doctor Richard Kimble searching for the one-armed man who killed his wife earned several Oscar nominations, and Jones won a Best Supporting Actor trophy for his work. Three decades later, The Fugitive is regarded as one of the best action thrillers ever made. However, its forgotten sequel is not viewed the same way today. 1998’s U.S. Marshals brought back Jones, now starring alongside Wesley Snipes, which was a box office and critical dud. So why was one movie so perfect and the other so not?
‘The Fugitive’ Is Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones’ Best Movie
In 1993, Harrison Ford was perhaps the most famous actor on the planet. He’d already played Han Solo in three Star Wars movies, and thrice had donned the fedora as Indiana Jones. Throw in other films like Blade Runner, Witness, Presumed Innocent, and Patriot Games, and Ford could seemingly do no wrong. That’s what made The Fugitive such a huge risk. It was based on the popular 1960s television series of the same name, an idea that was rare at the time. How do you reimagine a story that enthralled millions without coming across like a clone?
Just as risky was the role. Harrison Ford had made a career of either being the action hero chasing down bad guys with his gun, or the cocky smart ass with the funny one-liners who’s having a little too much fun during precarious situations. Often, he played both simultaneously. In The Fugitive, Ford had to hold back. Richard Kimble is a doctor who is sentenced to death for a murder he didn’t commit, the killing of his own wife. When he escapes, he has to find the real killer, but Kimble isn’t the calm and cool hero. He’s an everyman, a guy in over his head. In each scene, Ford portrays a nervous energy and terror. Richard Kimble is scared and anxious, but he can’t stop. He doesn’t have weapons or car chases to help him either. All he’s got going for him is his intelligence and a dedication to not giving up.
The Fugitive is a ticking clock movie. No one else but us knows that Kimble is innocent. We’re immediately put on his side, and it’s a tense countdown, because Kimble must prove his innocence before the authorities can catch up to him. What puts The Fugitive into all-time classic territory is that Ford’s talent is put next to another acting phenom in Tommy Lee Jones. The gripping script from Jeb Stuart and David Twohy is crucial, and Andrew Davis‘ direction is spot-on, but The Fugitive doesn’t work without the perfect counter to Kimble. It’s found in Sam Gerard, the Deputy U.S. Marshal tasked with bringing in Kimble. We don’t want him to succeed, of course, but this gruff man of the law becomes so likable because of his serious, by-the-book personality that we’re desperate for Gerard to believe Kimble and help save the day. How The Fugitive gets there is filmmaking magic.
Tommy Lee Jones and Wesley Snipes Couldn’t Recapture the Magic in ‘U.S. Marshals’
Next to the behemoth that was Jurassic Park, The Fugitive was the biggest movie of 1993, pulling in $177 million domestically. Critics loved it just as much as audiences. It has a stellar 96% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes (what’s wrong with 4% of you?!), and Roger Ebert gave it a perfect four stars. At the 1994 Academy Awards, The Fugitive was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture, with Tommy Lee Jones taking home the lone win.
Five years later, The Fugitive got an unnecessary sequel. It was also an impossible one. There was no logical way to bring Harrison Ford back. Poor Richard Kimble surely couldn’t be falsely accused of a second murder! The only possible avenue was to follow Samuel Gerard on another case. That’s what U.S. Marshals did, now with a plot that sees Gerard and his returning team, which includes Joe Pantoliano, after another suspected murder. This time, it’s Wesley Snipes’ Mark Roberts who is on the run, with a bus and train collision escape upped to a crashed plane. Gerard is given a partner as well in Robert Downey Jr.‘s Special Agent John Royce. That doesn’t sound bad on paper, and although U.S. Marshals has plenty of action and a few big twists, it was dead on arrival. At the domestic box office, the sequel only took in $57 million. That’s not much of a surprise in a movie without Harrison Ford, but there was something bigger weighing it down.
U.S. Marshals flopped simply because it wasn’t very good. Snipes tries his best, and no offense to him, he’s simply not Ford. There was no way to step out of that enormous shadow. U.S. Marshals was also hurt by losing director Andrew Davis to Stuart Baird, who was making only his second feature. Everything that worked the first time wasn’t followed the second time around. It’s a lazy film that’s more basic action movie than smart thriller. You’ve seen this cookie-cutter type of genre film many times before, and outside of Jones giving his all, the thrill is gone. Critics turned their noses up at it, and today it has a paltry 31% Tomatometer score. Roger Ebert summed U.S. Marshals up succinctly, writing, “I hoped it would approach the taut tension of the 1993 film, and it doesn’t. It has extra scenes, needless characters, an aimless plot, and a solution that the hero seems to keep learning and then forgetting.” The characters of U.S. Marshals weren’t the only ones forgetting. Audiences forgot it, too. It’s not a horrible movie by any means, but when you’re following a classic, doing a standard, repetitive thriller isn’t going to cut it.
Andrew Walker is all for more Curious Caterer Mysteries — but has Hallmark greenlit the next installment?
“I wish there were updates on the Curious Caterer,” Walker, 46, exclusively told Us Weekly in April while promoting his latest Hallmark rom-com Kentucky Roses, which premiered on Saturday, May 2.
The actor told Us that fans of the mystery franchise need to “message Hallmark and go to the chat groups and tell them how much you’re missing Curious Caterer.”
Walker then teased that he and costar Nikki DeLoach are just waiting for the network to sign off on shooting the next chapter in Detective Tom Shultz and caterer-turned-ameatur-sleuth Goldy Berry’s story.
Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach in ‘Grilling Season: A Curious Caterer Mystery.’ Allister Foster/Hallmark Movie Channel/Everett Collection
“I’ve been told that we might get some more episodes back. So we’re ready to go,” Walker said, revealing that the “scripts are written.”
He also confirmed that he’s “here” with “nothing planned on my schedule,” so he would happily start shooting whenever the team is ready.
Witchy woman! Andrew Walker gushed over his Curious Caterer costar Nikki DeLoach for manifesting their Hallmark Movies & Mysteries franchise. DeLoach, 43, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 1, that she had a “vision” for her and Walker, also 43, to collaborate on a Hallmark mystery film series. “I think I said [to] you, […]
The Curious Caterer Mysteries franchise premiered in 2022 with Dying for Chocolate. The movie series — which is now up to five total films — centers around caterer Goldy (DeLoach) as she stumbles upon murder cases and has to team up with local detective Tom (Walker) to solve them.
During the 2024 film, Foiled Plans, Tom and Goldy shared their first kiss and they have since become a couple — but fans haven’t gotten to see much of their love story just yet.
Nikki DeLoach, Andrew Walker in ‘Fatal Vows: A Curious Caterer Mystery.’ Syd Wong/Hallmark Movie Channel/Everett Collection
Walker told Us that while he “can’t really tease much” about what’s to come, he assured fans that they will “obviously dive into more of what Goldy and Tom’s relationship looks like” in the next movie.
He also shared that if the next film gets greenlit viewers will get more information on the “peripheral characters,” including Goldy’s assistant and best friend, Marla Maguire (Jaycie Dotin), and Tom’s right hand deputy Mason (Riley Davis).
“It really is now about what are the individual characters around [Goldy and Tom] and their peripheral doing? And where do they come from, and what are their hobbies and fun things they like to do?” Walker explained. “Because they’re so developed, those characters, even though they’re not in it as much as Tom and Goldy are. But I think there’s just a lot of fun opportunities there.”
As fans wait to see what’s next for Curious Caterer’s Tom and Goldy, they can catch Walker in his latest rom-com, Kentucky Roses. The movie, which centers around the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, premiered on Saturday and is now streaming on Hallmark+.
Andrew Walker in ‘Kentucky Roses.’ Hallmark Media
“I play Ash Taylor. And Ash is a guy that goes after what he wants,” Walker told Us about his character. “He swore he’d never come back and work for his dad. He moved away to Cincinnati and he’s kind of living his dream, and his dad calls him back because he needs a favor.”
The actor explained that when a spire at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby horse races, gets damaged two weeks before the big race, Ash is called in to fix it.
Andrew Walker has cemented himself as one of Hallmark Media’s biggest stars after making his network debut in 2012. The Canadian actor first left his mark on viewers that year with A Bride for Christmas alongside Arielle Kebbel. The twosome reunited on camera for 2015’s Bridal Wave, which launched Walker into an even bigger name […]
While in town, Ash meets Sadie Moore (Odette Annable), who “comes from a long lineage of greenhouse workers” that has a history with Churchill Downs herself.
“Love was not at the forefront of her mind,” Annable, 40, exclusively told Us in April. “Of course, she meets Ash Taylor … and their love story unfolds in this really fun, beautiful, organic [way].”
Kentucky Roses is now streaming on Hallmark+.
Entertainment
“Brady Bunch ”star Eve Plumb reveals how she was connected to the Monkees' Davy Jones before his cameo on the show
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Finally, a win for Jan.
Chris Brown is speaking out following reports of a shooting near his home. TMZ previously reported that an incident went down near the singer’s Los Angeles residence on Friday, May 2, but now Breezy has stepped in to set the record straight.
RELATED: Suspect Reportedly Arrested After Shots Fired Outside Of Chris Brown’s Los Angeles Home
Chris Brown Speaks Out Following Reports Of Shooting Near His Home
On Saturday, May 3, Chris Brown dropped a message on his Instagram Story after reports claimed shots were fired near his house. The singer told fans he was confused since he was home and never heard police cars or gunfire. Breezy also said he’s tired of the narratives that pop up, but still he’s unfazed because he’s focused on getting to the bag.
“AT THIS POINT THIS PATTERN IS OLD. I’m looking at the news like the rest of yall wondering when and where the hell this happened. I been in my crib this whole time.” He continued, “Ain’t heard a gunshot, police car, or anything. DONT ATTACH MY NAME TO NONE OF THE BULLS**T. I got s**t to do!”
Social Media Continues To Stick Beside Breezy
After The Shade Room dropped a screenshot of Chris’ post, fans hopped straight into the comment section tor react. Plenty of folks agreed people need to fall back off him, while others said things always seem to pop up when he’s about to get to work.
Instagram user @mi.shelly16 wrote, “He’s absolutely correct!!”
Instagram user @amberlatiara wrote, “IKTR😭”
While Instagram user @tonyaterelle wrote, “He’s RIGHT! WE BEEN INSIDE, SLEEP ALL DAY ! I WAS RIGHT THERE BESIDE HIM!…. Signed, 🖊️ Ms Delulu😂”
Then Instagram user @natasha_nubian wrote, “Y’all can never make me hate this man !!!!”
Another Instagram user @003curley wrote, “Leave my man alone it’s our birthday month. We tryna be the birthday, cake & the candles🥳✌🏽‼️💨”
Then another Instagram user @brown_bombshelll wrote, “Before he starts a tour EVERY TIME!”
Finally, Instagram user @lashonda.denise wrote, “Pls leave that man alone. I’m trying to go on this tour. Ion need nothing to be canceled 🙄🤣”
Here’s What Allegedly Went Down Near CB’s Home
Previously, TMZ reported that an incident involving a man and a woman went down near Chris’ home on Friday, May 2. The outlet stated that officers pulled up to the scene after the incident and spoke with both people involved. Further details explained that the pair allegedly got into an argument, and things escalated when the woman drove over the man’s foot, which led him to purportedly fire shots at her vehicle.
RELATED: Not The Lean Back! Chris Brown’s New Album Cover Has Fans Convinced He’s Tapping Into Classic R&B Vibes (PHOTO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
CBS has cut the episode count for several TV shows ahead of the fall 2026 season.
The network confirmed that Ghosts, Matlock and NCIS: Sydney received a shakeup by having their premieres moved to 2027 for midseason. They will join the new show Einstein, which is finally premiering in 2027 as well.
Matlock’s timeslot will be given to Elsbeth to allow Cupertino to premiere on the same night. NCIS: Sydney, meanwhile, is moving to midseason as NCIS: Origins — which received a shorter episode order — takes over to pair off with NCIS: New York.
In addition to NCIS: Origins, other shows such as Fire Country will see a significantly receded amount of episodes.
The fall 2026 lineup is going to look a little different for CBS after some shows went through surprising changes. CBS announced its schedule on Wednesday, April 15, with viewers noticing some substantial changes. Ghosts, Matlock and NCIS: Sydney received a shakeup by having their premieres moved to 2027 for midseason. They will join the […]
CBS also found success with new additions such as Yellowstone spinoff Marshals, which was picked up for season 2 after its premiere was watched by 20.6 million viewers within seven days. It marked the most-watched network original series premiere without a football lead-in since 2017.
“Marshals delivered a breakout performance, capturing a massive audience across platforms and quickly establishing itself as one of TV’s most powerful new series,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement. “The overwhelming viewer response speaks to the strength of the Yellowstone world, the bold, character-driven storytelling from the creative team and the dynamic cast performances led by Luke Grimes.”
According to a press release, CBS had several wins with Marshals and Justin Hartley‘s Tracker. Both shows came out as the top two most‑watched during their premiere week. The debut of Luke Grimes‘ spinoff, meanwhile, ranked as CBS’ most-streamed episode ever on Paramount+.
Boston Blue and Sheriff Country also scored quick season 2 pickups, with Sheriff Country averaging 7.6 million viewers and Blue Bloods bringing in 8 million viewers and winning “every Friday night in total viewers.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of which shows are getting their episode counts cut — and by how much:
‘Fire Country’
The first responder series will air 13 episodes in season 5, which is down from its usual 20.
‘NCIS: Origins’
The prequel will air 10 episodes are after 20 in prior seasons.
‘NCIS: Sydney’
NCIS’ other spinoff, meanwhile, will roll out 10 episodes instead of 18.
‘Matlock’
The legal drama will air 13 episodes in season 3 after airing 16 this season.
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