Entertainment
10 Sci-Fi Movie Masterpieces You Can Officially Stream for Free
Science fiction is one of the most inspiring and interesting genres in cinema. For decades, the industry has produced some of the most entertaining and thought-provoking works in this rich and varied milieu. When it comes to finding great sci-fi movies to stream, you don’t have to break the bank. For these 10 titles, you don’t even have to pay.
From channels like Roku, Tubi, and YouTube, there are several space-themed winners to choose from. Whether it’s an established classic like The War of the Worlds or a recent triumph like Everything Everywhere All at Once, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to free streaming and sci-fi. So get your watchlist ready and check out these absolute masterpieces.
Please note: these titles are free to stream in the US; other availability may differ.
1
‘Stargate’ (1994)
Free To Stream on Roku
The movie that launched the successful Stargate franchise stars Kurt Russell, James Spader, and Djimon Hounsou. As a team of operatives works together to try to solve the mystery of a giant portal, they get way more than they bargained for. It turns out the portal is a doorway to other planets, and as the crew takes their first, brave steps through the Stargate, they begin a journey like none other.
Stargate is a fan-favorite movie that produced several TV spin-off series. It explores interesting themes like culture, religion, and personal liberty. Stargate is a terrific capsule story on its own, and viewers don’t have to be familiar with the TV series to watch and enjoy this mid-’90s classic.
2
‘Ex Machina’ (2014)
Free To Stream on YouTube and Tubi
Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a young computer programmer who wins a contest at work. The prize? A week spent at the private estate of the company’s CEO, inventor, and innovator Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Once Caleb arrives, he finds out that he will be participating in a rather unique experiment. Nathan’s newest creation is an extremely intelligent and lifelike android named Ava (Alicia Vikander), and it is Caleb’s task to evaluate how human she is.
Ex Machina is a modern masterpiece. As audiences watch the film, they become a participant in the Turing test as well, evaluating and determining what Ava’s true motives and intentions might be. Ex Machina is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi tech movies, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. Fans have been patiently waiting for this absolute gem to be available for free, and now is the time to add it to your list.
3
‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)
Free To Stream on Tubi
When the world is in danger, an ex-special forces agent and now cab driver and a supreme being work together to save it in The Fifth Element. Korben Dallas’ (Bruce Willis) life changes forever when the arcane and determined Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) literally crashes into his life. Directed by Luc Besson, with costumes designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, The Fifth Element is a sci-fi movie like no other. It is playful, stylistic, funny, and poignant.
Growing to massive cult-favorite status over the years, The Fifth Element has aged remarkably well. It is still as entertaining to watch now as it was upon its advent, nearly three decades ago. Aging so well is a marvel within the sci-fi genre, and very few films have achieved it to any degree. Though many movies that have come after The Fifth Element have tried to duplicate its singular magic, they have failed. It is a unique and precious achievement within the genre.
4
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
Free To Stream on YouTube
One of the most Oscar-winning sci-fi movies of all time, Everything Everywhere All at Once cleaned house at the Academy Awards and took home seven trophies. Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Wang, a wife and mother who has a mid-life crisis across multiple dimensions. To save the known existence that she has, she must explore multiple versions of reality that could have been. The journey teaches her more about herself, her family, and life in general.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is phenomenal. It is eccentric, but still enjoyable and understandable for most audiences. It is a form of elevated sci-fi surrealism that features fantastic martial arts sequences and a fascinating multiverse concept. Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu, and the rest of the cast are outstanding, and Yeoh, Curtis, and Quan took home Oscars for their performances.
5
‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ (1989)
Free To Stream on Roku
A movie that no one would have predicted would go on to create a trilogy three decades in the making, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is the first and, for some, the favorite installment of the canon. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter star as Theodore “Ted” Logan and Bill S. Preston, Esq., respectively. The movie follows Bill and Ted and the adventures that follow when they are gifted a time machine by a mysterious stranger. The duo decides to use the device to travel to different eras and ace their history exam.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a delightful sci-fi and time travel mashup. It has fun cameos, amusing takes on historical figures, and some wacky moments. Much like The Fifth Element, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure stands out and became something greater than the sum of its parts. Fans of Reeves will enjoy seeing their favorite John Wick actor years before he became an action superstar. If you enjoy a zany comedy with sci-fi themes, then Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is your next watch.
6
‘The War of the Worlds’ (1953)
Free To Stream on YouTube
From one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time and one of the greatest eras of moviemaking of all time comes The War of the Worlds. Based on H.G. Wells’ gripping tale, humanity must fight to survive when invaders from Mars come to conquer Earth. The War of the Worlds remains one of the best invasion movies of all time and is full of suspense like only a 1950s movie can do.
The War of the Worlds’ practical effects are astounding. The movie features explosions and fireworks, mob scenes with dozens of extras, and more. It was nominated for three Oscars and rightfully won for Best Effects, Special Effects. Retro-looking UFOs aside, The War of the Worlds delivers when it comes to chills and a growing sense of panic. It is easy to see why this movie has long been held as a staple within the genre.
7
‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
Free To Stream on YouTube
Every once in a while, a sequel seems to outshine its original, and director James Cameron has achieved this phenomenon several times. The sequel to the 1984 movie The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, once again featured the deadly T-800 humanoid robot played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. This time, the movie ramped up the stakes when it came to emotional connections and evil foes. Robert Patrick’s liquid metal T-1000 is a force to be reckoned with and still visually captivating on screen.
There is so much packed into Terminator 2: Judgment Day that viewers can take something new from it upon each rewatch. There are the major themes of life versus death and good versus evil, and there are more subtle and nuanced undercurrents about humanity, family, and society’s relationship and dependence upon technology. Even if you have seen this pop culture hit before, it always makes for an excellent watch.
8
‘Idiocracy’ (2006)
Free To Stream on Tubi
Another sci-fi comedy that features time travel, Idiocracy is a movie that starts as a farce and ends up being a prophetic documentary. Joe (Luke Wilson) and Rita (Maya Rudolph) are two people selected for a cryostasis experiment. When the project gets unexpectedly shut down and ignored, Joe and Rita remain in their suspended animation for hundreds of years instead of a handful. Upon emerging, Joe and Rita discover that humans have devolved dramatically and Joe, very average in every way in his day, is now the smartest person on earth.
Like many works of science fiction, Idiocracy seems to have a supernatural ability to predict what could happen in real-life events. As time has moved forward, many of the film’s commentaries about the degradation of human intelligence, social media, commerce, and politics have started to come true. Writer and director Mike Judge joins the esteemed company of science fiction authors such as Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, and Isaac Asimov, who predicted events decades before they were realized.
9
‘I Am Legend’ (2007)
Free To Stream on Tubi
In I Am Legend, Will Smith plays Robert Neville, a man who believes he is the sole human survivor of a virus that killed 90% of the rest of humanity and turned the remainder into flesh-eating mutants. Science fiction has always endeavored to explore some of the most human concepts. In I Am Legend, themes of loneliness, connection, and survival are viewed through a post-apocalyptic lens.
Now is an ideal time to watch I Am Legend as the sequel, I Am Legend 2, is moving forward. Michael B. Jordan and Smith are involved with the movie, and Smith has already denied rumors that Jordan’s character will be Robert’s son. A director for I Am Legend 2 has recently been named, and Steven Caple Jr., known for his direction on The Land and Creed II, will be taking the helm. A release date for I Am Legend 2 has yet to be announced, so stay tuned with Collider for future updates.
10
‘Monsters’ (2010)
Free To Stream on Roku
A vastly underrated sci-fi gem that has flown under the radar for quite some time is Monsters. The plot involves a journalist named Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), who agrees to escort Samantha Wynden (Whitney Able) through Mexico and back to the US border before travel becomes completely impossible. Their journey is an arduous one due to giant creatures that have taken over the continent and driven many humans into hiding.
Monsters is a creature feature that feels unique and distinct. It always emphasizes the human viewpoint first, with the monster elements serving as a catalyst, rather than a singular focus. Monsters was one of director Gareth Edwards’ first films, and he has since gone on to direct blockbusters such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Jurassic World: Rebirth. Edwards’ talent for directing memorable sci-fi films is evident in this low-budget masterpiece, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, this is the perfect opportunity to see why Monsters is a perfect 10/10.
Entertainment
‘House of the Dragon’s Most Shocking Character Return Is a Game Changer for Westeros
Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 7.
As House of the Dragon explores a divided Westeros, each dragon taking part in the civil war has a vital role to play. Yet, in Season 3, the Dance of the Dragons has become more of a one-sided conflict. With Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) holding King’s Landing, the Greens divided, and Vhagar nowhere to be found, there is little hope for Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and his allies. However, Episode 7 drastically alters the situation by bringing one important figure back into play in a fiery twist that will have a major impact on the ongoing conflict.
Both sides have suffered major losses, but Sunfyre’s apparent death in Season 2 was one of the worst. This blow not only cost the Greens a dragon, but put the king out of commission; for much of Season 3, Aegon has been barely surviving and has gained almost no power to oppose Rhaenyra’s rule. However, with the dragon back, this is a turning point for the Greens. Sunfyre’s reappearance puts Aegon back in the game. While Sunfyre’s survival won’t be enough to fully tip the scales of the war, especially when Rhaenyra still controls so many dragons, Aegon once again has a chance, which is an exciting prospect as the series heads into its Season 3 finale.
Sunfyre’s Return Is Vital for ‘House of the Dragon’s Conclusion
Since Aegon and Aemond’s (Ewan Mitchell) fiery clash at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, everyone has believed Sunfyre to be dead. House of the Dragon leans into this, with Season 3’s fourth episode even revealing Sunfyre’s seemingly dead body after Aegon returns to the scene of the battle. Though he stops to mourn his friend, Sunfyre shows no signs of life. However, in the season’s penultimate episode, when Lord Mooton’s army corners Aegon and Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall), the king makes a stand, revealing his identity and expecting to be killed for it. In a shocking twist, Aegon’s loyal dragon suddenly appears and saves him by burning his enemies.
Sunfyre may not be at full strength and will always bear scars from the battle, much like Aegon himself, but the creature’s return is nothing but good news for the Greens. With this, Aegon now holds a new advantage as Sunfyre provides his side of the war with the element of surprise. Of course, the dragon has a continuing role to play, as fans of Fire & Blood already know. But for now, Sunfyre’s seemingly miraculous survival offers new hope to Aegon and his supporters, setting up a major shift in the Dance of the Dragons.
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3’s Biggest Twist Yet Puts Aegon Back in the Fight
While any dragon that turned up would be significant, Sunfyre’s return is especially impactful because of his bond with Aegon, who has spent Season 3 at a low point. Despite firmly believing, along with half of Westeros, that he is the rightful king, he is on the run, penniless, and almost completely without allies, leaving him at the mercy of Larys (Matthew Needham) and anyone he meets on the road. After Larys expressed his candid thoughts on Aegon in Season 3, Episode 5, the king was forced to confront his own failings, ultimately leading to the moment in which he chooses to face his enemies head-on, despite knowing his chances of survival are slim.
While Sunfyre is just one dragon and can’t muster much opposition against Rhaenyra’s six, this moment is game-changing for the Greens, largely because of what it represents for Aegon. Because few know his location or that he once again commands a dragon, Aegon has an advantage over Rhaenyra for the first time in House of the Dragon Season 3. With this twist, Aegon is officially put back into the mix, simultaneously providing a rallying point for the Greens’ divided forces and a chance to challenge Rhaenyra.
Entertainment
Ariana Grande to ‘Step Back’ From Public Amid Scrutiny: Rep
Ariana Grande plans on stepping away from the spotlight after she ends her Eternal Sunshine Tour amid public scrutiny over the singer’s body.
“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” a rep for Grande, 33, told People in a statement on Sunday, August 2. “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily.”
Grande will close out her tour in September with 10 dates at London’s O2 Arena. Her spokesperson told the outlet that the Wicked actress plans to enjoy a “much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances.”
Per the rep, Grande’s recent appearance has allegedly caused “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” (After Grande dropped her “Petal” music video on Friday, July 31, social media users commented on her thin frame, with many voicing concern and alleging the singer is privately battling an eating disorder.)
“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her,” the statement concluded. “She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
The outlet also reported that Grande would no longer appear in the West End revival of Sunday in the Park With George, which she was set to star opposite her Wicked costar Jonathan Bailey.
Grande has not publicly addressed the most recent online commentary regarding her weight or her forthcoming hiatus. Us has reached out for comment.
A source further told People that Grande “performs a very physical show” on tour with “a lot of athleticism involved.”
“She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night,” the outlet’s insider added, pointing to the singer’s performance as a sign she is not unwell.
While Grande has not commented on the most recent wave of public scrutiny and concern, she has previously discussed the toll that certain remarks take on her mental and emotional well-being.
“I don’t do this often. I don’t like it. I’m not good at it,” Grande said in a TikTok video shared back in April 2023. “I just want to address your concerns about my body. There are ways to compliment someone or to ignore something that you don’t like that I think we should help each other work towards.”
She added at the time, “Just to aim towards keeping each other safer. There are many different kinds of beautiful. There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful.”
The Oscar nominee went on to explain that “the body that you’ve been comparing my current body to [what] was the unhealthiest version of my body,” recalling how she was “on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly” at the time.
“I was at the lowest point in my life when I looked the way you consider ‘my healthy,’” she stated. “That in fact wasn’t my healthy.”
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
Entertainment
Phil Collins’ Kids Came to Say ‘Goodbye’ During Hospitalization
Phil Collins is recalling the moment his five children were called to his bedside to say goodbye amid his prior hospitalization.
“Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing,” Collins, 75, explained to The Sunday Times in a profile published on Sunday, August 2. “My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye.”
He continued, “But I don’t remember them coming. I didn’t have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn’t see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong.”
The outlet reported that Phil — who is the father of daughters Lily and Joely and sons Simon, Nicolas and Matthew — was taken to the hospital in November 2023 relating to his alcohol use. Three days before Christmas, Phil was discharged before being taken back into intensive care. He went on to spend seven months in the hospital. Phil’s manager of 50 years had called the musician’s five children to be at this bedside.
“I was very lucky to have come out of that,” Phil said. “Needless to say, I haven’t had a drink since.”
Later that year, Phil and his family reunited at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge for four days. Phil told the outlet that Lily, 37, “was sitting beside me in tears, saying, ‘I never thought I’d get these moments.’”
“We had an incredible time,” he said of the moments he shared with his children. “I can’t overemphasise how fantastic it was.”
Earlier this year, Phil told BBC in an interview that he was two years sober.
“[I had] probably been drinking too much,” he said. “I enjoyed coming off tour. Coming off the road… I thought, right, I’m gonna do all those things that I couldn’t do.”
Phil shared he was day-drinking, but would cut himself off at 6 p.m. each night.
“I guess I had too much of it,” he remembered. “I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times. But it is just one of those things that happened and it all caught up with me, and I spent months in hospital.”
Two months ago, Lily paid tribute to Phil on Father’s Day. “Happy Father’s Day, Dad,” Lily wrote via her Instagram Story. “I’m endlessly grateful for your unconditional love, guidance and support. Now as a parent, I have a newly found understanding and deeper appreciation for everything you’ve done and continue to do.”
“Tove is lucky to call you Grandpa P,” Lily continued, referring to her daughter with husband Charlie McDowell. “Love you to the moon and back.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Entertainment
Jimmy Kimmel’s FCC Fight Could Officially Mark the End of an Era for Late-Night TV
Last year, Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air after remarks he made following the death of podcaster Charlie Kirk. This sparked a heated discussion about censorship, along with furious audiences canceling their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions en masse. Eventually, Kimmel was put back on the air, but it looks like he’s back in the crosshairs again after hosting a faux version of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. This time, ABC as a whole is being targeted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the fallout could radically reshape America’s TV landscape.
The FCC is preparing to initiate early license reviews for eight ABC stations, which is a practice that’s unheard of in the organization’s history. Disney and ABC are fighting back, filing a brief that alleges the FCC is starting these license reviews as retaliation for Kimmel’s jokes about Melania Trump:
“There is no question why the Commission is singling out these eight stations,…Each is owned by ABC, and the Administration has openly and repeatedly called for the revocation of ABC’s licenses, because it dislikes the content and viewpoints expressed on ABC network programs.”
By filing this brief, ABC is drawing a line in the sand and showing how the FCC could potentially use its power to crack down on free speech. It also highlights how Jimmy Kimmel Live won’t be the only show in jeopardy if the FCC goes through with the license renewals.
The FCC-ABC Case Affects More than ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’
Jimmy Kimmel Live isn’t the only show mentioned in ABC and Disney’s brief, as The View is alsoa potential target of the FCC. Many of The View‘s hosts, particularly Whoopi Goldberg, have been critical of President Donald Trump; ABC argues that FCC chair Brendan Carr is trying to carry out Trump’s wishes to silence anyone who criticizes him, and points out that the organization shouldn’t have the ability to police comedy or opinion programming, which Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View both fall under. A single sentence from the brief sums things up: “The retaliation against ABC is a signal to every media company in the country: Accommodate the Administration’s view of what news coverage should look like or pay the price.”
It’s not hard to argue ABC’s point of view, particularly when it comes to Trump’s reaction to other network programming. The president has called for Comcast to be investigated for treason and spent the majority of the White House Correspondents’ dinner insulting the journalists in attendance. Given this unchecked vitriol against the press and shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View for expressing their own opinions, the FCC-ABC case could mean that other shows on other networks could find themselves under scrutiny for merely expressing their opinions. It’s a frightening thought, and it shouldn’t be the norm. Whether you agree or disagree with something that’s being said on television, the hosts of late-night shows, talk shows, and the news should be free to express themselves — just as viewers are free to change the channel.
Jimmy Kimmel and Other Late Night Hosts Have Been The Target of Donald Trump’s Ire
The conflict between the FCC and ABC is another reminder of the shifting landscape of late-night television, as most late-night hosts have found themselves under fire. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was canceled last year after its host called the Paramount-Skydance merger “a big fat bribe,” sparking another debate about censorship. Donald Trump has also targeted Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon, calling for them both to be fired by NBC and saying that Meyers’ jokes about him are “probably illegal“; this is despite the fact that Fallon had him on his show.
Perhaps the strongest verdict on the FCC-ABC conflict has come from former FCC chairs, who are calling Brendan Carr’s actions “an assault on free speech disguised as regulatory process.” It’s a moment that shows that there’s more than the fate of one late-night show on the line, and that ABC isn’t the only entity willing to speak out.
- Release Date
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January 26, 2003
- Writers
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Joel Hodgson, Sal Iacono, Tony Barbieri, Eric Immerman, Jonathan Bines, Rick Rosner, Bryan Paulk, Danny Ricker, Jeff Loveness, Josh Halloway, Bess Kalb
Entertainment
‘House of the Dragon’s Gayle Rankin Teases Alys’ Ultimate Endgame After That “Weird and Freaky” Dinner Scene
Editor’s note: The below interview contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 7.
As much as House of the Dragon has been a show about war, with members of the same family on opposing sides trading brutal blows, it’s also occasionally dipped into the more magical aspects of Westeros — and we’re not necessarily just talking about the majestic and fearsome dragons who are capable of leaving plenty of destruction in their wake. Season 2 introduced Harrenhal, which is revealed to have its own twisted history and eerily affects anyone who stays there for an extended period of time (looking at you, Daemon Targaryen), as well as Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), a mysteriously witchy woman who becomes the haunted castle’s de facto caretaker.
When Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) literally faints at Alys’ feet after slaying Harrenhal’s castellan, Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale), and his sons, it sparks the beginning of an unexpectedly twisted connection, one that has grown to involve a surprise clutch of dragon eggs — but what are Alys’ true intentions in all of this, especially in the wake of Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) attempt to poison her son? Ahead of Episode 7’s premiere, Collider spoke with Rankin about how much her character knows about what’s really going on in Aemond’s head, why she enjoyed playing that “weird and freaky” dinner scene, whether Alys has actually bought into Aemond’s “line of unsullied kings” dream, and more.
COLLIDER: At the beginning of the episode, Aemond has that freaky vision/dream about Alicent. Alys has been playing a certain role with him so far and really, in many ways, leaning into very maternal gestures with him — but how much awareness do you think she has of what he sees before Alicent shows up at Harrenhal?
GAYLE RANKIN: I was just talking to someone about the interchange between Alys and Alicent in the intimacy scene and whether they thought Alys was controlling that. It’s so interesting how people perceive that. Daemon also had an Oedipal dream about his mother. I think it opens something up about Alys, about how much she knows, actually, and how much she’s just reacting like a normal person who cares about someone in a non-manipulative way. I think it’s just an interesting commentary on women in general. We’re so ready to presume. Add the layer of witchcraft, which is just such a rich metaphor for power, and it goes nuts.
To your credit, I didn’t read it as her manipulating Aemond into having the dream, but I always wonder how much she is attuned to because it’s happening in Harrenhal, and how much of it is her having a sort of extrasensory perception.
RANKIN: Yeah, I think she definitely is.
The dinner scene is something that you expect is going to be awkward, and there are really great moments of comedy. The moment when Aemond reaches for Alys’s and then Alicent’s hand — was that in the script, or was that something that Ewan just decided to do?
RANKIN: Ewan just pulled that on the day. [Laughs] Which, we were just like, “You sick, you sick, sick, sick boy.” It was so fun. We all just really wanted it to feel really weird and freaky. In some ways, there was something kind of meta about that because I’m always alone. It’s like me and beautiful Matt Smith or amazing Ewan or beautiful Simon Russell Beale. I never get to have any scenes with any girls. To work with Liv, who’s a dear friend of mine, I was like, “Ooh, this is crazy.” We were giddy about it.
‘House of the Dragon’s Gayle Rankin Explains the State of Aemond and Alys’ Relationship
“They’ve been alone, and I think it’s become a real trauma bonding.”
Time in Harrenhal already feels a little unpredictable and untrustworthy, so it’s hard to know how long they’ve really been alone together, and it feels like Alicent showing up is really harshing the vibes, but there’s also that line reading you have where Alys tells Aemond to get more firewood without explicitly telling him, and he throws down his cutlery. It makes the relationship feel more lived in because they’re having those little moments of snipping at each other.
RANKIN: Yeah. They’ve been alone, and I think it’s become a real trauma bonding. Did you ever see that intense documentary on Netflix [Longest Third Date], about this couple that got stranded together during COVID in Costa Rica after a first date? That’s what it is. It’s really that.
As we see, though, Alys is using the firewood as a pretense to get Aemond alone so that she can talk to him about his mother, and about what she senses around Alicent in terms of her true intentions. Where does that suspicion primarily stem from, for Alys? Is it natural intuition, or her power and what she can pick up that non-magic people can’t, or a bit of both?
RANKIN: I think it’s a bit of both — intentionally, because it does start to blur into that comedic, kind of relatable thing of just like, “I don’t like your mother. Something’s up with your mom.” That’s a very funny trope and stereotype of monster-in-law vibes, which is funny, but there’s also a profundity to it because it’s about her intuiting something much bigger and really sad actually about their dynamic, which is just so fucked, you know?
I really loved the callback to Aemond and Alys’s first meeting when he stumbles in after being poisoned by Alicent and just faceplants on the ground, and she just calls him an idiot under her breath. What did the two of you really enjoy about playing that moment? At this point, Alys has seen Aemond at his lowest moments more than anyone else.
RANKIN: Totally. That response is actually really endearing and really loving because… it feels like marriage. I’m not married, but it feels like a long-term… like they could be 80. Time starts to blur, and it makes you love them. That was one of the first scenes that we shot, actually, and so it was difficult, because it’s such a short moment that you have to capture a lot in. Those are sometimes the hardest to do, but I love that little scene.
‘House of the Dragon’s Gayle Rankin Explains Alys’ Real Plan With Those Dragon Eggs
“I think she’s ready to use them in a really untraditional way because she’s an untraditional girl.”
I have to ask about the dragon eggs. Other characters, like Ormund, especially, really have this deep-seated hatred for dragons and Targaryens. In contrast, Alys is presenting these eggs to Aemond and playing up the idea of a line of unsullied kings and bringing purity back to the Targaryen line. Do you feel like Alys has fully bought into that whole line of thinking, or is she just using this as a stepping stone to get to where she really wants to be?
RANKIN: Yeah. She’s like, “Look at what I have. What do you think we could do with these?” I don’t think she’s going to be following any traditional path, and that’s really cool to explore. Not to get too girly, weird, deep on it, but I do think it’s a bit of a container, or metaphor, for how women can choose different ways of being maternal or not, or using their body in a certain way to have a life. These eggs are eggs for a reason, and they’re representative of fertility, and that is power. I think she’s ready to use them in a really untraditional way because she’s an untraditional girl.
What can you tease about how Alicent’s actions in this episode will impact Aemond and Alys’s relationship? Is this betrayal going to push Aemond even further toward Alys?
RANKIN: I do think they’re going to hit a new level of intimacy, if you can imagine it. Something has been brewing inside of Alys, and I think she’s feeling a bit out of control, and something’s got to give.
New episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 premiere Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
Entertainment
Aaron Rodgers Quotes About Reuniting With Estranged Family
Aaron Rodgers is sharing portions of his long-awaited reconciliation with his family after a decade-long estrangement.
“I have been very closed off about that part of my life and I want to keep it that way, but there’s been a narrative that has gone on for too long that I wanted to kind of shut down,” Rodgers told NFL Network in an August 2026 interview. “And it’s been really beautiful to reconnect with them — all of them.”
Weeks earlier, Rodgers revealed that he visited with mom Darla Rodgers, dad Ed Rodgers and brother Luke Rodgers.
Keep scrolling for more of Aaron’s candid comments about reconciling with his parents and siblings:
Aaron Rodgers Reunites With Parents Ed and Darla After Nearly a Decade
Aaron uploaded an Instagram carousel, captions “Another bonding week,” in July 2026. In the snaps, Aaron posed for pics with his parents and Luke. (Younger sibling Jordan Rodgers did not appear in the photos.)
Their rebuilt relationship appears to be years in the making, according to biographer Ian O’Connor, author of Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, who reported that Rodgers invited his parents to his Pleasant Valley High School Athletics Hall of Fame induction in April 2026.
“They had been working towards reconciliation for a while,” O’Connor wrote on X. “The timing was right last night for the Steelers quarterback to make it public with his photos on Instagram.”
Aaron Rodgers’ Wife Brittani Helped Heal the Family Rift
During an August 2026 interview with the NFL Network, Aaron praised his wife, Brittani, for helping him mend fences between the once-estranged relatives.
“You know, a big part of it was getting married and having those conversations with my wife that allowed me to kind of open up to the possibility of coming together — it’s been a couple-year process now, the conversations with [my family],” Rodgers said at the time. “I’m happy to be reunited and that part of my life is a really beautiful addition, and I got to give my wife a lot of credit — not that she was pushing me, because she never was, but just the way that she loves and supports me.”
Rodgers, who announced his marriage to Brittani in 2025 without sharing further details about their love story, stressed that his spouse never pressured him into the reunion.
“I got to spend a long weekend recently … in Nashville with my parents and his brother and his sweet wife and their incredible two kids,” he added. “I got to be an uncle, so it’s really special.”
The Origins of the Rodgers Family Rift
The quarterback has publicly wrestled with the estrangement for years, opening up about the toll it took on him in his 2024 Netflix docuseries, Enigma.
“It wasn’t like I was super-duper close with everybody in the family. I was close with my little brother. But in actuality, it goes back to stuff from high school that kind of made me feel distant. Stuff in college, stuff post-college,” Rodgers said in the doc, also citing their religious background. “I grew up in a very white, dogmatic church, and that just didn’t really serve me. It was very rigid in structure. I’m not a rigid person. Shame, guilt, judgment.”
Aaron Rodgers Held No Grudges Toward His Family
“Who knows what that future is going to look like, when it’s going to look like, when the time is going to come, but I have no bitterness in my heart, I have no resentment,” Aaron said on the “Aubrey Marcus Podcast” in a 2022 interview. “I just have deep love and appreciation for the lessons that I learned and the fact that if I hadn’t been raised that way, all the good and all the frustrating, there’s no way I’d be sitting here today. So to not have that perspective that because of the things that I experienced I turned out the way I did is looking at the glass as half empty and I just won’t do that.”
He added, “I chose to be in this family and to deal with everything that I dealt with positive and difficult and I have deep love and gratitude for them and their journeys and hope for the future.”
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Entertainment
Bernie Moreno Claims Max Miller Is a ‘Danger’ to His Daughter
After refusing to denounce Rep. Max Miller after his own daughter accused the congressman of domestic violence, Sen. Bernie Moreno is calling the politician a “danger” who is unfit for public office.
“As a father and husband, I can tell you the last two years have been pure hell for my wife Bridget, our daughter Emily, me, and our entire family in the aftermath of Emily’s divorce,” Sen. Moreno, a Republican representing Ohio, said in a statement shared via X on Sunday, August 1. “It has been horrific to watch this play out in full public view, all while knowing an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle.”
He continued, “Our priority has always been protecting our daughter and our granddaughter. Out of concern for the safety of my family, I hoped to keep this matter private but Max Miller’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible.”
Sen. Moreno’s daughter, Emily Moreno, has accused her ex-husband, Rep. Miller, also a Republican from Ohio, of domestic violence and abuse. She has alleged via court records obtained by Mother Jones and The New York Times that the congressman threw hot water on her body, held a gun to her head, pushed her with enough force to cause bodily harm and broke their daughter’s collarbone.
Rep. Miller has vehemently denied the allegations and has sued his ex-wife for defamation, according to The Guardian.
Just one day before denouncing Rep. Miller, Sen. Moreno said he didn’t “know” if the embattled congressman should resign and drop out of a consequential Ohio race that could determine which political party controls the House. (In January, Sen. Moreno publicly endorsed Rep. Miller, despite his daughter filing for divorce from the congressman in 2024.)

It appears the senator has now shifted gears and is calling for his former son-in-law to resign from office.
“As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter,” Sen. Moreno said in the same Sunday written statement. “If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives.”
He continued, “I believe Max Miller needs to seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake. I believe he should not be free to continue endangering others until he does. I ran for office because I wanted to make a difference for our country that gave me every opportunity to succeed, and to leave this nation better for my children and grandchildren. That sacrifice has been especially hard on my wife Bridget, whose big heart and steady support have never wavered. I owe it to her, to Emily, and to my granddaughter to speak the truth now.”
Rep. Miller quickly responded to Moreno’s public statement, denying the senator’s claims.
“If my daughter said the same thing to me, I personally wouldn’t wait two years before holding him accountable,” Miller said via X. “You know this isn’t true and the only reason you are speaking out now is to hide from your own media circus. This is all political.”
Earlier on Sunday, Rep. Miller released his own video statement, denying his ex-wife’s allegations and claiming she suffers from mental health issues.
“Just want to be clear: no court, no agency has ever substantiated any allegation of abuse against me,” Miller claimed in his Sunday livestream. “Every single one of these allegations were already investigated, and I cooperated fully every single time because I had nothing to hide and I have nothing to hide now.”
Emily’s spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, also shared a public statement in response to Rep. Miller’s claims, calling his response “shameful” and a “bizarre and lie-filled rant” made to “desperately try to save his political career.”
“There is a documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behavior and no amount of victim shaming will change that,” Mychajliw said in a statement on X. “It is despicable and abhorrent that Miller lied on an unhinged and humiliating video for their daughter to watch one day.”
He added, “No loving parent would have ever used their daughter as a PR pawn to save their own political career. Miller can lie and spin on X, but he cannot do so under oath in a court of law. We are confident that justice will prevail in court.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Entertainment
DC’s Booster Gold Series No Longer Moving Forward at HBO
One of DC Studios’ most anticipated television projects has officially hit a major roadblock.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, HBO is no longer moving forward with its planned Booster Gold series, which had been in development under Our Flag Means Death creator David Jenkins. The news was confirmed by Jenkins himself in a post on Threads, ending months of speculation surrounding the future of the project.
Jenkins wrote:
“My Booster Gold won’t be moving forward.”
The project was originally announced as part of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s first wave of DC Universe projects in January 2023. The series was expected to follow Michael “Booster” Carter, a fame-seeking athlete from the 25th century who travels back in time and uses advanced technology to become a superhero. Gunn previously described the concept as an “outright comedy,” making it one of the more unique entries in the new DCU slate.
Jenkins was brought aboard in 2025 to write the pilot and serve as showrunner, replacing an earlier creative direction. However, despite development continuing behind the scenes, HBO has decided not to move forward with the series in its current form.
View on Threads
While this version of Booster Gold has been shelved, that does not necessarily mean the character’s future in the DC Universe is over. James Gunn has repeatedly emphasized that DC Studios is committed to only moving projects forward once scripts meet the studio’s standards, leaving the door open for Booster Gold to return in another form down the road.
For now, fans hoping to see the time-traveling hero make his live-action debut in the DCU will have to wait a little longer.
The post DC’s Booster Gold Series No Longer Moving Forward at HBO appeared first on Coastal House Media.
Entertainment
Rebecca Ferguson’s 152-Minute Stephen King Thrill Ride Is Officially Making a Comeback
Rebecca Ferguson is quietly having one of the biggest years of her career in 2026, but it didn’t start with a hit. Earlier this year in January, Ferguson teamed up with Chris Pratt for the sci-fi thriller, Mercy, which bombed at the box office before going on to find success on Prime Video. She also starred in one of the first perfect movies of the year, The Magic Faraway Tree, which is finally coming to theaters in America this August after a limited release overseas. Before she returns as Lady Jessica in Dune: Part Three later this year, Ferguson can be seen reprising her role as Juliette Nichols in the third season of Silo on Apple TV. She will also return in Season 4, which will be released next summer at a currently unspecified date.
Ferguson has starred in plenty of polarizing projects over the years, but few generated the same response as Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining (1980), which was released in 2019. Ferguson stars alongside Star Wars veteran Ewan McGregor in the Stephen King fantasy sequel, which underwhelmed at the box office, grossing only $72 million globally against a $45 million budget and falling short of its break-even point. Written and directed by Mike Flanagan, who has become one of the most frequent Stephen King collaborators in recent years, Doctor Sleep is not currently streaming anywhere in America. However, the film has surged back into the top 10 on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV as Silo and Dune fans continue to check out some of Ferguson’s older work. Cliff Curtis also stars in Doctor Sleep.
What Is ‘Doctor Sleep’ About?
The official synopsis for Doctor Sleep reads as follows: “Danny Torrance, now an adult still haunted by the trauma of the Overlook Hotel, finds a fragile peace — until he encounters Abra Stone, a teenager with powers far beyond his own. Together they must face Rose the Hat and her cult, the True Knot, who feed on children like Abra.” Doctor Sleep earned a solid 79% from critics and a respectable 89% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. The film delivers a perfectly acceptable horror legacy sequel, but it was always going to be tough to escape the shadow of The Shining, which is widely viewed as one of the greatest and most influential horror movies ever made.
Check out Doctor Sleep on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Rebecca Ferguson’s future projects.
- Release Date
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November 8, 2019
- Runtime
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152 minutes
- Producers
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Trevor Macy
Entertainment
Taylor Sheridan’s New Series Officially Crowned a Global Hit With 6 Billion Minutes Watched
If you were to read only about the drama that has unfolded behind the scenes of the Yellowstone franchise’s latest installment, you’d believe that it was a complete trainwreck. However, despite the challenges, the show has emerged as a critical and commercial success. The series’ troubles began even before it premiered this May, when it was revealed that showrunner Chad Feehan had been fired after having disagreements with key creatives. More recently, the legendary Ed Harris said that he wanted to quit the show because he was misled about the length of his role; he was assured that he’d have more to do in future seasons. Around the same time, lead actor Cole Hauser admitted that the creative architect of the Yellowstone franchise, Taylor Sheridan, wasn’t involved in day-to-day operations on set, leaving other veterans of the series in a challenging position.
However, Hauser said that he was proud of what the new team achieved. His confidence wasn’t unfounded; the show in question, Dutton Ranch, debuted to excellent reviews and is now sitting at a “Certified Fresh” 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The aggregator website’s consensus reads, “Dutton Ranch takes what its predecessor perfected and carries the mantle well in a new town with the same well-worn trappings, perfectly dusted and ripe for entertaining.” This was exactly the kind of rebound that the Yellowstone franchise needed after the lukewarm critical reception of its previous installment, the CBS series Marshals.
More Viewership Details for ‘Dutton Ranch’
This week, Nielsen reported streaming viewership for June 29 to July 5, which is when Dutton Ranch concluded its first season. According to the tracking firm, the series accumulated 827 million minutes watched during its finale week — this was only slightly lower than its season-high of 840 million minutes watched a few weeks prior. In total, Dutton Ranch amassed more than 6 billion minutes watched over the course of its eight-week run, emerging as one of the biggest hits on streaming. The show also featured a returning Kelly Reilly, alongside Annette Bening, Jai Courtney, and Natalie Alyn Lind. The Yellowstone franchise is expected to continue with more offshoots, even though Sheridan’s deal with Paramount has now come to an end.
You can check Dutton Ranch out at home and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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May 15, 2026
- Network
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Paramount Network, Paramount+
- Showrunner
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Chad Feehan
- Directors
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Christina Alexandra Voros
- Writers
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Jacob Forman, Hilary Bettis, Chad Feehan, Hayley Tibbenham, J. Todd Scott, K.C. Scott
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