Entertainment
10 Greatest Plot Twists in Video Game History
Warning: This article contains heavy spoilers!
The plot twist is a narrative device in which an established storyline is completely upended. It often involves death, betrayal, or sudden revelations that change the whole course of the narrative and take things in an entirely new direction. When done right, it adds so much to the story, although it’s a really hard thing to nail.
The plot twist isn’t exclusive to one specific form of media, and it has appeared in movies, books, TV shows, and yes, video games. Basically, if there’s a medium in which a story can be told, creators will try to sneak in a plot twist or two. Some of them, especially in the gaming world, are notoriously awful, but some have gone on to make history for just how good they are. These are the best video game plot twists of all time.
10
The Player Is Revan – ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ (2003)
In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, players take on the role of a nameless individual who can be a Jedi, Sith, or even a non-Force user depending on player choices. The galaxy is currently under threat from Darth Malak, a Sith Lord who was once a Jedi but turned to the Sith along with his master, Darth Revan. However, Malak later betrayed Revan, causing a schism amongst the Sith and even more turmoil in the galaxy.
On their quest to stop Darth Malak, gamers eventually learn that they have been playing as Darth Revan this whole time. It turns out Revan was captured by the Jedi Council, and his memory was wiped so that the Jedi could use him as a weapon against his former apprentice. It’s honestly a shame this twist isn’t canon, because it adds so much to the lore of Star Wars. While Revan himself is confirmed to be canon, this whole plotline isn’t, so fans can only hope that it is reimplemented at some point or another.
9
Cloud Is No Hero – ‘Final Fantasy VII’ (1997)
There are a couple of different plot twists in Final Fantasy VII and its recent remakes; for example, there isn’t a single player who forgets the moment Aerith was horrifically impaled by Sephiroth, arguably the most memorable twist but not necessarily the best. For that, it’ll have to be the big reveal at the end about Cloud’s true origins. Cloud is the main character, who passes himself off as this great hero who is attempting to save the world.
At the end of the game, it turns out that Cloud is actually just a nobody. He is not a legendary SOLDIER as he claims, but rather an ordinary grunt who was attacked and captured by Sephiroth. Cloud was experimented on, and in the process, suffered a psychological break, adopting the personality of Zack Fair, the man who actually fought Sephiroth. In short, Cloud’s entire persona was just a façade meant to cover up his profound trauma. Worse still, Sephiroth has been controlling Cloud like a puppet this entire time. This twist is great because it doesn’t feel like someone else is betraying you; it feels like you’re betraying yourself. It’s an early example of a plot twist done right, which makes great use of the “unreliable narrator” trope.
8
“The Numbers, Mason” – ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ (2010)
In Call of Duty: Black Ops, players assume the role of CIA operative Alex Mason during the Cold War. With the help of Victor Reznov, a Soviet sergeant from a previous entry in the series, Mason is able to break out of a Soviet gulag and escape back to the United States. Later, he reunites with Reznov, who begins leading Mason on a crusade against three leaders of a splinter faction intent on attacking the US. Every time Reznov is seen in the game, Mason hears and sees a string of numbers, not knowing what they mean.
At the end of the game, it turns out that Reznov was never there; he actually died at the gulag and existed only as a figment of Mason’s imagination. As for the numbers? Those are a set of encrypted orders that were embedded in Mason’s brain during his detainment, as a way of making him a sleeper agent for the USSR. The process was similar to MKUltra. However, Reznov was able to alter that process somehow, making it so Mason’s only purpose is to hunt down those responsible. Once this revelation happens, it all makes sense. Nobody aside from Mason actually acknowledges or talks to Reznov, and when Mason does talk to Reznov, others sometimes act like Mason is losing it. Call of Duty isn’t exactly known for its deep and moving stories, but this game absolutely nailed it in that department. It’s one of the reasons it became one of the best FPS games of all time.
7
There Never Was a Konrad – ‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)
Spec Ops: The Line is based on the 1899 novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, the same book that was adapted into the film Apocalypse Now. Like the movie, the game completely changed the setting: instead of being about Belgian colonialism in the Congo region, this game is about American intervention in the Middle East. In the aftermath of a natural disaster in Dubai, US military official John Konrad (note the name similarity to the original author) was assigned to a relief operation. Instead, Konrad implemented martial law, turning the city into a war zone. Sent in to stop Konrad is Delta Force operator Martin Walker.
Walker experiences severe trauma and witnesses Hell on Earth during his quest to kill Konrad, which eventually leads to PTSD-fuelled hallucinations. It turns out the hallucinations go even deeper than you initially think, though. Upon reaching the end, Walker discovers Konrad’s rotting corpse and is forced to confront the reality: every nightmarish thing that Walker thought Konrad did was all Walker’s fault, from slaughtering civilians to creating anarchy in Dubai. Konrad was just someone to put the blame on. This twist is so great because it paints a horrifying picture of what war is really like, and shows how trauma can manifest in soldiers. It’s also an example of how soldiers of any army can commit serious crimes, but will often find someone else to blame.
6
Geppetto Caused the Puppet Frenzy – ‘Lies of P’ (2023)
Lies of P is a Soulslike RPG based on The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, only this video game presents a much darker, more mature version of the story. The setting is the city of Krat, which resembles Belle Époque Paris and is almost devoid of human life following an apocalyptic event known as the Puppet Frenzy. Automatons called puppets, who were all made by Geppetto, formerly worked as labourers and servants in the city before abruptly slaughtering their human masters en masse. In the game, you play as P (obviously short for Pinocchio), a near-perfect puppet who is almost human. P is awoken by the Blue Fairy, Sophia, who wants to rescue Geppetto from danger and save Krat.
Once he is saved for the second time, Geppetto reveals that he intentionally caused the Puppet Frenzy because he lost his son, Carlo, whom P was built to resemble. Out of grief, Geppetto orchestrated the Puppet Frenzy as a means of harvesting a magical force called Ergo from Krat’s deceased citizens. He also constructed P as a killing machine to slay bosses and collect their Ergo, planning to use it to bring Carlo back to life, killing P in the process. You can actually do it, as the game gives you a choice. The twist is great because any parent will likely understand Geppetto’s grief, even if his actions are completely unjustified. It’s also a real stab in the back since Geppetto treats P like a son and is a fatherly mentor throughout the game.
5
The Joker Is an Impostor – ‘Batman: Arkham City’ (2011)
In Batman: Arkham City, the Joker is revealed to be seriously ill due to a blood illness; a side effect of the chemical compound known as Titan that he used in the previous installment. He also infuses his blood into Batman to force Batman to find a cure. But before he can do that, Joker reveals that he is feeling much better. His sickly blemishes and ragged cough are gone, and he looks as good as new. At the end, though, it turns out that this version of Joker was actually Clayface in disguise. The real Joker is still very much under the weather.
This clever ploy is alluded to at a few other points in the game, which keen players will spot if they’re clever enough. From overhearing a conversation between Joker and Harley Quinn to using detective vision to see that the fake Joker has no bones, the game does let it slip that Joker might not be telling the truth here. The plan does allow Joker to get the drop on Batman not once, but twice, and serves as a boost in the morale of Joker’s gang and a way to break Batman’s spirit after going through all that bloody effort to find a cure. It’s a great twist because it makes sense, and it doesn’t come out of nowhere just for the sake of having a twist. It’s established itself as a legendary piece of the Batman: Arkham series, and of video game history in general.
4
Josh Is the Masked Maniac – ‘Until Dawn’ (2015)
Until Dawn opens with the deaths of Hannah and Beth, two sisters, at their parents’ ski lodge in Alberta, Canada. A year later, their group of friends reconvenes at the lodge for their annual ski trip, only this time, the friends find themselves pursued by a masked killer who kidnaps friends Chris, Josh, and Ashley, with the latter two being locked in a death trap. The killer’s voice, speaking on an intercom, forces Chris to make a choice: does he save Ashley, his crush, or Josh, his best friend? Frankly, no matter what you choose, Josh dies in gruesome fashion.
Later, it is revealed that not only is Josh alive, but he’s the masked killer. He orchestrated the whole thing as revenge for the deaths of his two sisters a year prior. He faked his death by using his dad’s film props that he left at the lodge. On top of that, he only did the whole thing to scare his friends, and never actually kills anybody. Unfortunately, Josh is completely unaware that the Wendigo, a cannibalistic being from Indigenous folklore, is also present at the lodge and is a much bigger threat, so the game still continues for several more hours. It’s a bombshell of a twist, to the point that when the game first came out, you could almost hear jaws hitting the floor at the same time from all around the world.
3
Dormin Unleashed – ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005)
Shadow of the Colossus follows Wander, a young man who journeys into the Forbidden Land to seek the slumbering god, Dormin. Wander’s hope is that Dormin will be able to bring back his girlfriend, the Princess, from the dead. Dormin agrees, but only if Wander kills the 16 roaming colossi scattered around the Forbidden Land. You kill these 16 creatures, but the game treats each death like a great tragedy, with sad music and all.
Once all 16 are dead, Dormin reveals that they duped you the whole time. The colossi acted as seals for Dormin’s prison, and killing them has released the dark god in his physical form. Another thing Dormin “forgot” to tell was that Wander’s body would be used as a new vessel, effectively killing Wander when the Princess’ father arrives and puts Dormin back into his prison. Wander is reincarnated as a horned baby, and his girlfriend is brought back to life in the end. Dormin technically did keep their word; it’s just that they chose to leave out some of the more important details. It’s such a great twist because it adds to the tragic ending and emphasizes the importance of not meddling with forces that humanity cannot understand.
The beginning of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater sees Naked Snake go on a mission to rescue Soviet scientist Sokolov, who was forced to develop a nuclear-equipped superweapon called the Shagohod. Snake is assisted by “The Boss,” a woman who was his former mentor. After Sokolov is rescued, The Boss betrays Snake, breaking his bones and throwing him into a river before recapturing Sokolov. At the same time, Soviet commander Volgin executes a nuclear strike on US soil, with the intent of blaming the United States. Since this game is set during the Cold War, one can imagine the catastrophic consequences this might have.
Eventually, Snake is tasked with killing The Boss. You have no choice — you have to kill her at the end, and the game actually forces you to press the button/pull the trigger, or it won’t progress. This tragic scene is made worse with the reveal that The Boss was never a traitor in the first place, but rather a deeply embedded agent who was also trying to stop nuclear escalation; once that strike happened, her mission was to serve as a scapegoat. The US government needed her dead to blame the nuclear strike solely on her, and she knew it the whole time. Plus, they needed Snake specifically to do it, meaning the game played you like a damn fiddle. This twist makes for an extremely tragic yet legendary ending that many players are rediscovering thanks to the recently-released remake.
1
“Would You Kindly?” – ‘BioShock’ (2007)
BioShock opens with the player, named Jack, getting in a nasty plane crash over the ocean. Swimming to a lighthouse, Jack discovers the underwater city of Rapture, a former utopia that eventually fell into chaos due to the unregulated use of the substance known as ADAM, and the selfish philosophy of Andrew Ryan, the city’s co-founder. Upon arrival, Jack makes contact with a man named Atlas, who begins guiding Jack through the city from afar, telling him he needs to do certain things, kill certain individuals… that sort of thing. He’s pretty polite about it, too, always beginning his requests by saying “would you kindly?”
Eventually, Andrew Ryan reveals that Jack is a sleeper agent who intentionally caused the plane crash on Atlas’ (secretly criminal mastermind Frank Fontaine) orders. On top of that, “would you kindly” acts as a trigger phrase for Jack, compelling him to obey no matter what. Moreover, Jack is actually Ryan’s biological son, and possesses the necessary biometrics to enter Rapture. The whole thing is an elaborate ploy for Fontaine to seize control of what remains of Rapture. It’s easily the most well-known plot twist in all of gaming, to the point where many don’t even need to have played the game to know it. It absolutely floored people, and continues to do so to this day, largely because it exploits the very concept of playing a game. Every gamer has been told their objectives before, but did anyone bother to ask why? It is this built-in blind obedience that makes this twist so effective.
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Few sci-fi franchises have successfully reinvented themselves as dramatically as this acclaimed military space opera did back in the early 2000s. Reimagining a cult classic that had long divided fans and whose production company was sued by Star Wars‘ 20th Century Fox over alleged similarities, the reboot abandoned the original’s light-hearted space adventure in favor of a darker, post-apocalyptic drama. The result was a groundbreaking series that reshaped audiences’ expectations of sci-fi television through its exploration of religion, artificial intelligence, politics, and humanity’s fight for survival.
From Star Trek veteran Ronald D. Moore, the 95%-rated Battlestar Galactica premiered as a three-hour miniseries on the Sci Fi Channel in December 2003 before expanding into a four-season series that concluded on March 20, 2009. In the years following its dramatic 2009 finale, the genre-defining political drama has bounced between streaming services, making it difficult for new viewers to watch the complete saga in one place. However, now, fans have another opportunity to own the entire series.
According to MovieWeb, Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series returns on Blu-ray from Universal on August 11, 2026. The 21-disc collection includes the complete four-season series along with the original miniseries, totaling 4,171 minutes of content. While this is not a new 4K restoration, the set presents the series in 1080p high definition with its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles.
How Does ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Hold Up?
Starring Edward James Olmos as Commander (later Admiral) William Adama and Mary McDonnell as President Laura Roslin, Battlestar Galactica follows the last survivors of humanity after the robotic Cylons launch a devastating genocidal attack on the Twelve Colonies. Forced into exile aboard a ragtag fleet led by the older titular ship, apparently the only military capital ship that survived the Cylons’ attack, the survivors set out in search of the mythical Thirteenth Colony: Earth.
Unlike most space operas, Battlestar Galactica features no alien civilizations. Instead, its central conflict revolves around humanity’s war against the Cylons, human-made sentient machines. The series also distinguishes itself with a grounded approach to combat, favoring ballistic weapons, rail guns, and missiles over the energy weapons commonly associated with the genre, like lasers. Beyond its military action, the space opera examines the moral choices survivors must make as they deal with the decline of the human race and their war with the Cylons.
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series arrives on August 11. Preorder yours here.
- Release Date
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2004 – 2009-00-00
- Directors
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Wayne Rose, Michael Nankin, Rod Hardy, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Edward James Olmos, Robert M. Young, Jeff Woolnough, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Jonas Pate, Allan Kroeker, Anthony Hemingway, Jean de Segonzac, Marita Grabiak, James Head, Paul A. Edwards, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Brad Turner, Ronald D. Moore, Bill Eagles
- Writers
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Carla Robinson, Michael Taylor, Bradley Thompson, David Weddle, Jane Espenson, Mark Verheiden, Michael Angeli, Anne Cofell Saunders, Jeff Vlaming, Michael Rymer, Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin, Seamus Kevin Fahey
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Whoopi Goldberg said it best: “I don’t want somebody in my house.”
Following one of the strongest debut seasons in Marvel Animation history, X-Men ’97 faced enormous expectations entering Season 2. Fortunately, the first three episodes prove the series hasn’t lost any momentum, delivering another thrilling blend of superhero action, emotional storytelling, and deep comic book lore.
Rather than easing viewers back into the world of the X-Men, Season 2 immediately picks up after the explosive finale of Season 1. With the team scattered across three different time periods, the opening episodes follow multiple storylines simultaneously while laying the groundwork for Apocalypse‘s rise.
It’s an ambitious approach, but one that largely succeeds.
Episode 1 centers on Cyclops, Jean Grey, and the future timeline, adapting elements from The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix. Their reunion with Nathan, better known as Cable, provides some of the strongest emotional moments of the season so far. The episode reminds viewers that beneath all of the time travel and mutant battles, X-Men ’97 continues to thrive because of its characters.
X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]
Episode 2 shifts gears with a fun, action-packed adventure featuring Cable, Jubilee, Sunspot, and the formation of a new X-Force. While the episode embraces the over-the-top style of the classic ’90s comics, it also explores the moral differences between Cable’s hardened worldview and Jubilee’s optimism. Their dynamic creates one of the season’s most entertaining character pairings.
The third episode may be the strongest of the bunch, taking audiences thousands of years into the past as Magnetoencounters a young En Sabah Nur, the mutant destined to become Apocalypse. Rather than presenting the iconic villain as a one-dimensional conqueror, the episode explores his origins in a surprisingly thoughtful way. The conversations between Magneto and En Sabah Nur are among the most compelling scenes in the series, adding emotional complexity to a character fans thought they already knew.
Visually, X-Men ’97 remains one of Marvel’s most impressive productions. The animation captures the spirit of the original 1990s series while elevating every action sequence with fluid movement, vibrant colors, and cinematic direction. Whether it’s mutant powers colliding on the battlefield or quieter emotional moments between teammates, every frame feels carefully crafted.
The voice cast also continues to shine, bringing authenticity and heart to these beloved characters. Even with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, each episode finds time for meaningful character moments that remind viewers why the X-Men have endured for generations.
The biggest criticism of these opening episodes is pacing. Episode 1 in particular moves through a significant amount of story in a short amount of time, and several of the timelines could have benefited from an extra episode to further develop their characters and emotional beats. It’s less a flaw in storytelling than a reminder that there’s simply so much happening at once.
X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]
Even so, those concerns do little to diminish what has been an outstanding start to Season 2. Marvel Animation has once again found the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, honoring classic comic arcs while keeping longtime fans guessing about what’s coming next.
Three episodes in, X-Men ’97 is already shaping up to be one of the year’s best animated series. If the remaining episodes maintain this level of quality, Season 2 has every chance of surpassing its already exceptional predecessor.
Verdict
X-Men ’97 wastes no time reminding fans why it became one of Marvel’s biggest success stories. While the opening episodes occasionally move too quickly through their ambitious storylines, the outstanding animation, emotional character work, and faithful adaptation of beloved comic arcs make for an exceptional return. After three episodes, Season 2 is firing on all cylinders.
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Since Mia Thermopolis became a princess 25 years ago, Anne Hathaway has gone on to become the queen of Ithaca.
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You’d think after staring at chic summer clothes all day — and successfully restraining ourselves — we’d be strong enough to resist Zara’s magnetic pull. Well, we’re not. But this time is different; after discovering Amazon’s late-summer selection, we’re ditching our Zara carts (well, for now at least). These summer-to-fall staples are just as polished, and start at only $6!
If you ask Us, you can’t tell the difference between the two elevated styles. These dresses, blouses, pants and more have all the signature signs of the cool-girl label. We’re talking about crisp fabrics, clean lines and billowy silhouettes. Boho and sophisticated, our favorites whisper ‘old money’ from across the room. Scroll on to see the 17 lookalike pieces that’ll make you do a double take!
17 Zara-Style Amazon Pieces — From $6
Zara-Style Dresses
1. Our Favorite: Nothing says ‘put together’ like a striped shirtdress. This midi number is a complete outfit with simple white sneakers and a tote.
2. Runner-Up: Polka dots are everywhere this season, and this mock-neck maxi dress nails the aesthetic.
3. Flattering Find: By balancing loose and structured elements, this button-front midi creates the illusion of an hourglass figure. No shapewear required!
4. Cottagecore Cute: Let this be your sign to snag a trendy gingham-print sundress. This Amazon Essentials find pairs equally well with summer flip-flops and fall booties.
5. Everyday Outfit: Calling comfort connoisseurs! This tank-style midi dress is made with stretchy fabric that truly feels like loungewear.
Jennifer Lawrence sure loves to wear airport-friendly loungewear, but the style can feel more relaxed than put together. At least, that’s what we thought until we saw the actress carrying around a luxe bag style while wearing a tee and sweatpants. The whole travel look appeared elevated and chic, so we went on a hunt […]
Zara-Style Tops
7. Our Favorite: Ruffles, pleats, crochet! This flowy babydoll top looks much more expensive than it is.
8. Runner-Up: This sleeveless sweater, otherwise known as a knit tank top, bridges the gap between warm and brisk weather like a champ.
6. Mock-Neck Maven: Sassy, stunning and secretly airy, this dressy mock-neck blouse checks every box and more.
9. Elevated Tee: Ribbed-knit material takes this comfy tee from casual to polished, so you can wear it with jeans, skirts and dress pants alike.
Zara-Style Pants and Skirts
10. Our Favorite: Silky satin fabric and polka dots come together in one epic skirt. This classy pick is a number one bestseller for a reason.
11. Runner-Up: Wide-leg pants has its merits, but rich moms reach for these straight-leg jeans for a more tailored look. We love that they come in petite sizes, too.
12. Secretly Stretchy: An elasticized back waistband makes these wide-leg dress pants as comfortable as they are professional.
13. Corporate Queen: Something between a skirt and trousers, this office-friendly pick belongs in any workwear rotation. It just dropped and is destined to sell out!
14. Trendy Trousers: When buttons feel like too much, opt for these breezy palazzo pants that deliver all of the style and none of the squeeze.
Zara-Style Cardigans and Layers
15. Our Favorite: Cool nights and chilly mornings call for this cropped utility jacket. It keeps you temperate without adding bulk.
16. Runner-Up: Swap your go-to cardigan for this classy blazer and feel like a CEO without even trying. According to shoppers, the fabric is exceptionally silky.
17. Nearly Half Off: This refined, ultra-lightweight cardigan is essential for grocery runs and in-office days. At only $20, we’re grabbing two colors.
As a fashion writer, this isn’t the first time I’ve covered the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. However, it is the first time my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw these dresses from Reformation, Farm Rio, Treasure & Bond and more marked down to Black Friday-level lows. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going strong with […]
Samantha Morton‘s journey to the top was not smooth sailing!
The actress recently recalled the rough paths she went through from her younger days, with experiences that shaped the strong woman she is today. Her journey, leading up to landing the hit role on “The Odyssey,” has been an experience of a lifetime.
Samantha Morton was not born with a silver spoon, but through hard work, dedication, and experience, she has made a name for herself despite her background.
Morton revealed that her childhood was far from a bed of roses. The actress got candid about her parents’ struggles with different vices, which in turn affected her life as a child. The entertainer’s mother, Pamela, who died in 2017 from lung cancer, struggled with mental health issues.
Her father, Peter, who, on the other hand, passed away last year, battled with alcoholism. The combined effect of her parents’ issues landed Morton in the system. “I went pillar to post with foster families, homeless hostels, sleeping by the bins at the back of the Co-op,” she disclosed.
The state of affairs also had a personal effect on the English actress, shaping how she viewed life. “I have made choices that have always been about survival, because I watched my mum trying to survive and I watched my dad trying to survive,” Morton told The Sunday Times.
The 49-year-old movie star shared that she was described as “resilient” when she was younger, an attribute she gained from her life. To Morton, it was a no-brainer: you had to be resilient “because if you are not, you’re dead.”
The Actress Spent Her Teenage Years Being The Life Of The Party
Over a decade ago, the actress who plays the sorceress Circe in “The Odyssey” got candid about her upbringing, sharing that she lived between her parents’ separate homes until the age of eight, when she was placed as a “ward of court.” Her mom was a factory worker while her dad was a coal miner.
Being a ward of court means that a person is placed under the legal guardianship of the U.K. Court of Protection. Morton shared that she was abused as a child “by various people,” which made her form the view that “violence is irrational.”
The TV personality told The Guardian at the time that she moved between several foster parents and care homes before leaving school at the age of 13 to lead a different lifestyle.
The actress disclosed that she spent most of her early teenage years “raving, taking ecstasy and hallucinogenics with older children and young adults, lawless and lost.”
Morton revealed that she was homeless for almost a year as a young teen. She got by spending nights in bus shelters or at friends’ houses.
Samantha Morton Said Landing Circe In ‘The Odyssey’ Was A ‘Dream Job’
Morton is no newbie to screens and acting, but she has rarely been offered projects on the scale of the 2026 action-fantasy hit. She previously disclosed the surge of emotions she experienced when Christopher Nolan reached out to her about the part. “I got a phone call saying that Sir Christopher Nolan wanted to meet and I actually wept,” she shared.
After landing the role, the English actress decided not to research what Homer scholars have written about Circe over the years, but rather to get into character by living in the moment on set. Morton drew inspiration from the filming location and her Scottish roots.
Another key aspect of her personal life that seeped into the role was her experience with magic. Raised in the English foster-care system, Morton joined a drama group for working-class teens and even spent a summer as a magician’s assistant.
According to the Central Oregon Daily News, she was excited when she learned that Nolan would use practical effects such as puppetry and prosthetics during Circe’s spellbinding sequence. “It’s proper movie magic. It’s all in camera; what you see is real. So this was a dream job for me; I got to do all the things that I love,” Morton explained.
The TV Personality Continues To Work On Her Craft
Morton, in a recent interview with PEOPLE, shared that the opportunity to work with one of Hollywood’s giants changed her life. She praised Nolan for being a master of his craft, adding that even at her age, she feels privileged to learn from him and improve at her job.
“It was incredible, and for Christopher to give me that opportunity; I’m 49, and you don’t know that those roles are ever going to come your way again,” she said, expressing gratitude to the director for giving her the part. The iconic actress also added that the whole experience has become one stamped in her mind, which she would hold on to for the rest of her life.
For Nolan, Morton was not a choice but the choice. It was a classic case of opportunity meeting talent. The Oscar-winning filmmaker previously disclosed that he wanted Morton because of her talents and limitless performance. To ensure she was part of the project, he even built a filming schedule around her availability.
Inside Samantha Morton’s Trail To ‘The Odyssey’
The mom of three joined the Central Junior Television Workshop at 13 and made her first TV appearance in the 1991 series “Soldier Soldier”. She continued acting in a number of television series, such as “Band of Gold,” in which she starred as Tracy Richards from 1995 to 1996, and the miniseries “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling.”
Morton voiced Ruby on the series “Max and Ruby” for over a decade, from 2002 to 2013, and has starred in several movies. She played the leading role, Iris, in the independent drama “Under the Skin,” which was on the list of British Best Films from 1984 to 2009.
The actress made her directorial debut in 2009 with “The Unloved” and won a BAFTA TV Award. She won a Golden Globe Award in 2008 and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Having started as a young homeless teenager, Morton has risen to success and now has a net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially cemented its place in the history books.
After a record-breaking opening day, the latest Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration has delivered an astonishing $355 million domestic opening weekend, making it the second biggest opening weekend of all time, trailing only Avengers: Endgame‘s $357 million debut. Worldwide, the film has already soared to an incredible $927 million, instantly becoming the biggest launch of 2026.
The film’s massive debut is another milestone for Tom Holland, whose fourth solo Spider-Man outing has exceeded even the phenomenal opening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It also reinforces Spider-Man’s status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office franchises during a time when many recent superhero films have struggled to attract audiences.
Credit : Brianna Bryson/WireImage
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Brand New Day picks up after the events of No Way Home, following Peter Parker as he embraces life as a truly anonymous, street-level Spider-Man. The film also stars Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman.
Internationally, the film has proven just as dominant. It earned $572 million overseas, including an impressive $121 million in China, where it posted the country’s biggest superhero opening in years.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day [credit: Marvel Studios]
The historic opening is especially significant given recent questions surrounding the superhero genre’s staying power. While several comic book films have underperformed over the past few years, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has demonstrated that audiences will still turn out in massive numbers when excitement, strong word of mouth, and a beloved character come together.
With overwhelmingly positive audience reactions and one of the strongest starts in cinematic history, the film is now positioned to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time if it maintains momentum over the coming weeks.
Ethan Slater’s breakup with Ariana Grande will not lead him back to his ex-wife, Lilly Jay, despite recent speculation surrounding their relationship. A source close to Jay has shut down rumors that the former spouses could be heading toward a romantic reconciliation following Slater’s split from his “Wicked” co-star. While Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay remain connected through their child, the insider emphasized that their current relationship is focused entirely on raising their family.
A source close to Jay told TMZ that she and Slater are “absolutely not” getting back together. The insider also denied that Slater is attempting to revive his marriage to the clinical psychologist following the end of his nearly three-year relationship with Grande. Instead, the former couple’s relationship is reportedly “strictly about coparenting.”
Slater and Jay were together for 11 years and married for nearly five before their relationship ended. Their divorce attracted considerable public attention after news of his romance with Grande emerged. The Broadway actor and pop star met while working together on the movie adaptation of “Wicked” in 2022.
Their relationship became public in July 2023, shortly after both stars separated from their respective spouses. Grande had previously been married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez.
Ariana Grande Reportedly Reconciles With Ricky Alvarez
The denial surrounding Slater and Jay comes shortly after reports that Grande has rekindled her romance with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez.
Grande and Alvarez initially began dating after meeting in 2015, when he was working as a backup dancer during her Honeymoon Tour. Their original relationship lasted approximately one year.
The singer reportedly revealed that they had reconnected by changing lyrics and giving Alvarez affectionate shoutouts during performances of “Thank U, Next” on her current concert tour.
Ariana Grande Has Pushed Back Against Public Scrutiny
Grande’s relationships have remained the subject of intense interest throughout her career, something she directly confronted through her 2024 single “Yes, And?” In the song, the former Nickelodeon star pushed back against strangers commenting on her body and questioning her private relationships.
Grande has repeatedly made it clear that she does not believe the public is entitled to speculate about her appearance, health, or romantic choices simply because she has spent much of her life in the spotlight. That scrutiny intensified following the July 31 release of “Petal” and its accompanying music video.
Although the project generated attention for Grande’s music, some of the online conversation shifted toward her appearance and prompted unsupported speculation about her health. No diagnosis or medical information supporting those theories has been publicly disclosed.
Some social media users made extreme comparisons between Grande and deceased musicians Amy Winehouse and Karen Carpenter.
Meghan McCain joined the discussion on X by comparing the public reaction surrounding Grande to the scrutiny Winehouse received before her death in 2011. Another user shared an image of Carpenter alongside Grande and wrote, “This is singer Karen Carpenter, a month before she DIED of anorexia at only 32 years old.”
Carpenter died in 1983 at age 32 following complications associated with anorexia nervosa. However, comparing Grande’s appearance to Carpenter’s does not establish anything about Grande’s health.
Ariana Grande Plans To Step Away From The Spotlight
As the comments continue, one of Grande’s representatives told PEOPLE that the singer intends to reduce her public presence after completing her “Eternal Sunshine Tour.” Grande’s team framed the decision as a response to years of relentless attention surrounding her appearance and personal life. The “Wicked” star will be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” her representative said.
“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the rep added. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
The statement did not disclose any health diagnosis or indicate that Grande’s planned break was caused by a medical issue.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially cemented its place in the history books.
After a record-breaking opening day, the latest Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration has delivered an astonishing $355 million domestic opening weekend, making it the second biggest opening weekend of all time, trailing only Avengers: Endgame‘s $357 million debut. Worldwide, the film has already soared to an incredible $927 million, instantly becoming the biggest launch of 2026.
The film’s massive debut is another milestone for Tom Holland, whose fourth solo Spider-Man outing has exceeded even the phenomenal opening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It also reinforces Spider-Man’s status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office franchises during a time when many recent superhero films have struggled to attract audiences.
Credit : Brianna Bryson/WireImage
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Brand New Day picks up after the events of No Way Home, following Peter Parker as he embraces life as a truly anonymous, street-level Spider-Man. The film also stars Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman.
Internationally, the film has proven just as dominant. It earned $572 million overseas, including an impressive $121 million in China, where it posted the country’s biggest superhero opening in years.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day [credit: Marvel Studios]
The historic opening is especially significant given recent questions surrounding the superhero genre’s staying power. While several comic book films have underperformed over the past few years, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has demonstrated that audiences will still turn out in massive numbers when excitement, strong word of mouth, and a beloved character come together.
With overwhelmingly positive audience reactions and one of the strongest starts in cinematic history, the film is now positioned to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time if it maintains momentum over the coming weeks.
It’s hard for many people to remember that, before he was Tom Cruise, the President of Movies and Action Icon, he was actually Tom Cruise, character actor. Yes, it’s true, Cruise often took roles because of their depth and complexity, similar to those taken on by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio or Timothée Chalamet and one of those roles is proving to be as immortal as the haunting vampire Lestat de Lioncourt himself, with a return to that world imminent.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced that Interview with the Vampire will receive a brand-new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release on September 22, complete with a standard edition and a limited-edition SteelBook. The release features a new 4K restoration, Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, and a collection of brand-new bonus features celebrating the beloved gothic horror classic.
The film, which was directed by Neil Jordan and adapted from the bestselling novel by Anne Rice, follows a wealthy plantation owner, Louis de Pointe du Lac, in 18th century Louisiana who is transformed into a vampire by Lestat but, unable to come to terms with the fact he now has to feast on humans to survive, spends centuries dealing with his guilt while Lestat… doesn’t. So to keep Louis from bailing, Lestat turns a dying young girl named Claudia into a vampire and, although she remains physically a child forever, her mind grows up, which creates a truly horrific dynamic.
The new 4K edition includes two newly produced featurettes, Eternal Night and Deadly Light and Interview with the Vampire: Creating the World, alongside Neil Jordan’s audio commentary, the In the Shadow of the Vampire documentary, deleted scenes, and more.
Who Stars in ‘Interview With The Vampire’?
Alongside Cruise, the movie stars Brad Pitt (F1) as Louis de Pointe du Lac, Christian Slater (Mr. Robot) as Daniel Molloy, a scene stealing and immensely precocious Kirsten Dunst (Civil War) as Claudia, Antonio Banderas (Babygirl) as Armand and Stephen Rea (The Crying Game) as Santiago.
The film was an immense commercial success, grossing $223.7 million worldwide against a budget of around $60 million. It became one of Warner Bros.’ biggest hits of 1994 and was among the highest-grossing horror films of its era. Critically, the response was more mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes listing a score of 63% from critics, while audience satisfaction was somewhat higher at 86%. Over the years, however, its reputation has grown considerably, as it’s now widely regarded as one of the defining vampire films of the modern era and one of the strongest literary adaptations of Anne Rice’s work.
Interview with the Vampire arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and limited-edition SteelBook on September 22.
- Release Date
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November 11, 1994
- Runtime
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123 minutes
- Director
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Neil Jordan
- Writers
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Anne Rice
- Producers
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David Geffen
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