Entertainment
10 Worst Movie Couples With No Chemistry, Ranked
When you watch a movie, the most important part about it is believing the actors. You could have a brilliant script and stunning cinematography, but if you don’t believe the people on screen, chances are something’s off. Now, when two characters are meant to be two characters in love, it is a must that the actors have chemistry. Nothing can kill a film, especially those in the romance genre, like actors with zero chemistry. While there could be 100 people in a room, and if 99 of them don’t believe in the characters, that one person likely has no taste or wasn’t paying attention.
The ten on-screen couples are prime examples of bad chemistry. Focusing on films where the two characters engage in a romantic entanglement, these examples nearly killed the film for good. Some just couldn’t tackle the material, others couldn’t put aside their ego to give their scene partner space, and then there are those whose off-screen woes made it to the big screen. Some of these actors could be on here multiple times; we’re keeping it to one entry per actor. We love love, but not when it turns out like these pairs.
10
Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes
‘Maid in Manhattan’ (2002)
Because of the one-film rule made for this list, we couldn’t put two Jennifer Lopez projects here. Sorry, Brett Goldstein. Rather, you’re welcome? While Netflix’s latest romcom, Office Romance, nearly stole this spot, there is no J.Lo romcom in which she had worse on-screen chemistry than in Maid in Manhattan. Lopez and Ralph Fiennes are great at what they do, respectively— Lopez in music and Fiennes in dramas— but as a romantic pair? Not so much. Based on a story by John Hughes under the pseudonym Edmond Dantés, the Wayne Wang-directed film follows Marisa Ventura (Lopez), a hardworking single mother and hotel maid in New York City. Her life changes when a handsome senatorial candidate, Christopher Marshall (Fiennes), mistakes her for a wealthy socialite after she is caught trying on a guest’s designer coat. A charade in class, Maid in Manhattan is a story about two people who are meant to form a genuine relationship, but everything on screen was all a facade.
There must be something about British men that Lopez has difficulty acting across from. The premise of the film stems from two individuals coming together from two different worlds. And Maid in Manhattan went full throttle on the premise. It was a mismatch of acting styles. Lopez was intended to play a woman of a considerably lower social class, yet the superstar pop star still shone through. As Marisa, she’s meant to present a pristine polish, but it was still J.Lo. Then, Fiennes, who is classically trained, brought that aura to the screen. While he’s notorious for playing romantic leads, such as in The English Patient, romcoms are a different beast. Another major hiccup in the filming was the off-camera drama. At the time of filming, Lopez was in the process of divorcing her former dancer, Cris Judd, while also having a secret romance with Ben Affleck. Acting is all about playing a part, but from those two to opposite Fiennes? It was never going to work. That said, Maid in Manhattan is a delightful guilty pleasure movie.
9
William Baldwin and Sharon Stone
‘Silver’ (1993)
The 1993 film Silver might be notorious for everything but the film itself. Based on Ira Levin‘s novel of the same name, Silver is an erotic thriller about a book editor, Carly Norris (Sharon Stone), who moves into a high-tech Manhattan apartment building only to discover it has a dark history of suspicious tenant deaths. She soon becomes entangled in a dangerous web of voyeurism and romance involving her mysterious neighbors: Zeke Hawkins (William Baldwin), a shy, handsome video game designer who is secretly the building’s owner and a hidden voyeur; and Jack Landsford (Tom Berenger), a burned-out, cynical crime novelist. Meant to be Stone’s highly anticipated follow-up to Basic Instinct, the film, amid significant rewrites, battled with the ratings board and a toxic off-screen dynamic, suffered greatly in its on-screen chemistry.
Erotic thrillers were truly all the rage in the ’90s. Once Basic Instinct flourished, every studio wanted the next best thing. Levin’s source material was there for it to happen, but the production of Silver was anything but clean. The MPAA originally gave the film an NC-17 rating, which forced the filmmakers to make extensive reshoots. The original killer was changed from Zeke to Jack because, if Zeke were the killer, it would have led to an immoral revelation from Carly, which did not screen well. But the most egregious part of production was the allegations that producer Robert Evans pressured Stone into having sex with Baldwin, arguing it would improve his acting and “save the movie.” Baldwin has refuted this, claiming Stone came on to him and he rejected her advances. Nevertheless, the two actors quickly developed mutual animosity, which affected their performance. The result was a painfully uncomfortable result that lacked any sexual intrigue. The tension was forced by two underdeveloped characters trying to find any semblance of connection. If there is anything going for the film, it lost every category it was nominated in at the Razzies. Something had to be worse: Indecent Proposal, another erotic drama.
8
Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey
‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ (2003)
What’s funny is that nearly twenty years later, Matthew McConaughey recalled “easy chemistry” with Kate Hudson, having bonded on the set of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Unfortunately, what he may have perceived as chemistry was far from what he saw on screen. Seen as one of the go-to romantic leads of the early aughts, McConaughey shared the screen with everyone, including Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker, but his least convincing scene partner was the daughter of Goldie Hawn. The guilty pleasure chick flick based o Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long’s picture book, advice columnist Andie Anderson (Hudson) is tasked with writing a first-hand article about the classic mistakes women make that drive men away. In order to enact the experiment, she needs to find a guy, date him, and get him to dump her in exactly 10 days. Meanwhile, her target, Benjamin Barry, is an ambitious advertising executive who bets his boss, Phillip Warren (Robert Klein), that he can make any woman fall in love with him within 10 days to win a highly coveted diamond account. Chaos ensues through two opposing objectives, only for the pair to realize they had feelings for one another all along. The epitome of a classic romcom, Hudson did extraordinarily well in driving McConaughey away, so that when the contrived conclusion arrived, it became laughable.
Don’t get me wrong, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a delight. It’s a comfort watch when you need something mindless and nostalgic. With so much of their chemistry built on push-and-pull secret agendas and comical friction, the immediate, seamless romance was forced. They may have had an on-screen spark because of their natural charisma, but it didn’t mean it translated into the romance department. Both actors leaned into extremes for their characters to be triumphant. In the real world, chaotic and exaggerated behaviors would be massive red flags that would raise major concern. In a way, their easy, breezy demeanor to their agendas played out more as competitive siblings than swooning young lovers. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days triumphs as a comedy, but falters as a genuine romance. Hudson and McConaughey forgot to make us believe in Andie and Ben.
7
Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore
‘Fever Pitch’ (2005)
The pipeline from Saturday Night Live fan-favorite to Hollywood star is every cast member’s dream. There are some individuals who make that transition seamless— Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell. Then there are those like Jimmy Fallon, who was never going to make it as an actor, proving through Weekend Update that he was always better suited for hosting. So, in regard to 2005’s Fever Pitch, the blame is not going to be on Drew Barrymore, who we know is a wonderful romantic lead. This one all falls on the shoulders of the future Tonight Show host. Now, to preface, I’m not knocking on Fever Pitch as a New York Yankees fan— Fallon’s love for the Boston Red Sox was greater than that of Barrymore’s character. Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Fever Pitch follows Ben Wrightman (Fallon), an obsessive Red Sox fan, whose life revolves around baseball. In the winter, he is the perfect, attentive boyfriend, but once spring training arrives, he’s all consumed by the Red Sox. Lindsey Meeks (Barrymore), a dedicated executive, is up for a career promotion and tries to understand Ben’s sports rituals. He refuses to miss a game to accommodate her professional and personal schedule. Friction and fracture emerge, but they eventually learn what it means to be “present” and how a die-hard superfan can make mutual sacrifices for their other love.
Originally based on the Nick Hornby book, which swapped out baseball for soccer, the love letter to sports. The film is best remembered for being filmed at Fenway Park in 2004, when the team broke their 86-year World Series drought. But as far as the product itself, Fallon really forgot he had a human scene partner. Perhaps taking too much inspiration from his Boston-loving SNL character, Fallon’s big-screen transition was weak. Especially compared to the famous child star who had made a name for herself in the romance genre. Fallon played affably well, but his goofy demeanor didn’t match what Barrymore was providing. The Farrelly Brothers had a history of dumb comedies, but this was a far stretch from Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and Shallow Hal. Fever Pitch was not a film for a silly guy to play opposite a steadfast romantic lead. Fever Pitch was mismanaged from all directions.
6
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart (and Taylor Lautner)
The ‘Twilight’ Saga (2008-2012)
This one is going to be divisive. If you’re on a team that debates a team, you most certainly will take offense to this entry. For those who were not completely taken by the book-to-film adaptations, you likely could see through the poor performances. The chemistry in The Twilight Saga may be weak, but the box office numbers greatly disagree. Based on Stephanie Meyer‘s beloved novels, the film series chronicles teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a 108-year-old vampire. Their forbidden romance draws Bella into a supernatural world of vampires and werewolves, one of whom she finds comfort in, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). The frenzy of Team Edward vs. Team Jacob got pop culture flustered because the vampire and werewolf were deemed peak fantasy boyfriend material. But the material the actors were forced to perform proved that clunky dialogue and dry execution from its leads is simply awkward.
The Twilight Saga was built upon the moody tone. It was an emo’s guide to love and loss. But for an on-screen performance, it was completely restrictive. There was an intentional awkwardness in Stewart’s performance meant to reflect teenage emotions, but when it’s paired with the stoic nature of Pattinson’s Edward, they both come across as stiff and emotionless. How are we supposed to champion these two as a couple without a genuine semblance of human passion? OK, yes, one as technically a vampire, but even so. There is a fire coming out of Lautner as the werewolf, but when he’s up against Stewart, it’s as if he hits a brick wall, cowering like a puppy in order to reach her level. Unfortunately, this was all by design. They played what was on the page. Edward was a sullen, tragic individual. Bella was detached and guarded. Lautner was the best of the three, but he was meant to be the third wheel. Remember when Pattinson and Stewart were romantically linked? At least they found the chemistry we all continue to look for.
5
Katie Holmes and Christian Bale
‘Batman Begins’ (2005)
The resurgence of Batman through the vision of Christopher Nolan was not necessarily known for its romance. In fact, if there was one fatal flaw from the trilogy, it’s what audiences saw in Batman Begins between Christian Bale‘s Bruce Wayne and Katie Holmes‘ Rachel Dawes. In the trilogy’s first film, Bruce Wayne begins his transition into the notorious masked vigilante as he overcomes the trauma of his parents’ murder. Training in martial arts with the League of Shadows, Wayne returns as Batman to save a corrupt Gotham City from destruction. While the bad guys try to thwart his plans, his childhood friend and love interest stalls all character development. So much so that when she was recast for The Dark Knight, audiences noticed a genuine acting upgrade in Maggie Gyllenhaal. Now, to note, Holmes was not replaced because of her performance. It was strictly business on her end. But with another actress spending any time in the part, it was evident that something was amiss between her and Bale.
The script tried to prioritize a more platonic dynamic between Wayne and the assistant district attorney, but it caused a rigid character dynamic that felt forced. Rachel was meant to anchor Wayne’s moral compass, so as much as anyone tried to push for something romantic, it read as professional and friendly. What also didn’t help was Nolan’s narrative priorities, which were not romance. Viewing them more as a structural necessity, Dawes was original to the story, but given Batman’s history of romantic interests, fans were waiting for the shoe to drop. Oh, and we cannot forgive Bale as he wasn’t innocent either. He brought such an intense performance, it was a far cry from Holme’s more reserved and grounded acting choices. Bale’s brooding ultimately became the winning formula by the end of the trilogy; it was not entirely understood in Batman Begins.
4
Jason Momoa and Amber Heard
‘Aquaman’ (2018)
Casting Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman, was certainly a choice. No longer did the DCEU want a blonde-haired, blue-eyed all-American boy like the ones previously portrayed by Justin Hartley and Alan Ritchson. Instead, they opted for a darker, brooding iteration for Zack Snyder‘s Justice League. By the time the solo film arrived, the cinematic universe had made its choice, and Momoa was their guy. Now, the story needed to revolve around him, which meant the ensemble had to work for Momoa more than the character. And yet, Amber Heard as Mera just simply could not connect. Perhaps the fantasy element as a fantasy warrior was too hard to play. Aquaman follows the half-human, half-Atlantean who must journey to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis to stop his power-hungry half-brother, King Orm (Patrick Wilson), from uniting the seven oceanic kingdoms to wage war on the surface world. Perhaps Arthur was already too ingratiated with the people, but beneath the surface, Heard and Momoa were in two different films.
There was always going to be a tonal difference between Momoa’s Aquaman and every other character under the sea. There was a brightness to the Atlanteans that Momoa completely lacked. And yet, rather than making Mera a weak princess, Heard brought a more stoic, regal warrior to match the boisterous, rough-around-the-edges Momoa. Still, their styles contrasted far too much, making their romance forced. There was immense drama surrounding Heard and her involvement in the sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Many of her scenes were cut, with some believing it was due to the negative press surrounding the defamation trial controversy she had with Johnny Depp. But the studio stood strong on the allegations of a lack of chemistry. It was said that there was a lot of behind-the-scenes work in order to manufacture their romantic connection. Even still, it wasn’t right. It was an easy excuse to blame Heard rather than the actor in the titular role. But that’s where the blame may actually have fallen.
3
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson
‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015)
There have been countless books that fans have anxiously awaited the film adaptation. The hype surrounding the erotic romantic drama Fifty Shades of Grey was astronomical, but for a story that required perfect chemistry, it was anything but. Based on E.L. James‘ novel, the Sam Taylor-Johnson-directed film follows Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), an inexperienced college student, whose life changes drastically after she interviews enigmatic billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). What begins as a simple journalistic meeting quickly devolves into a passionate but unconventional romance as Ana discovers Christian’s secret BDSM lifestyle. The favorite book of housewives who pretended they never read it, the film had everything going for it, except a lead who couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag.
The thing with book adaptations is you can easily interpret a character, so tasking an actor to lift a character from the page to screen will likely be different than how you envisioned it. Dornan took an intentionally cold approach to portray Christian. Though some felt it was too empty, veering into the creepy, it was a logical direction he could go. Then there was Johnson. Anastasia Steele is meant to be naive, but Johnson took that to mean unresponsive. In turn, you had two walls of drying paint attempting to find a sexual dynamic that would get the audience feeling naughty about watching. There was no passion. It was not anywhere near close to how James envisioned her work.
Though both actors had their naysayers, it was Johnson who received the brunt of the pushback. Some tried to give credence to her work, blaming the script’s specificity, but if you saw Madame Web, that theory was out the window. Dornan and Johnson returned for both sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, because, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And by that, the audience was making it worthwhile at the box office. And by filming back-to-back, there was no off-ramp to reverse course. Fifty Shades of Grey was an important film for pop culture because we all needed the parodies to laugh at to make ourselves better for even watching it in the first place.
2
Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie
‘The Tourist’ (2010)
In the early aughts, there were no two bigger stars in Hollywood than Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Combining the two powerhouses should have resulted in a cinematic masterpiece. Instead, they delivered The Tourist. The romantic thriller co-written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, a remake of the 2005 French film Anthony Zimmer, tells the story of Elise (Jolie), the girlfriend of an elusive international fugitive, who uses an unassuming American math teacher, Frank Tupelo (Depp), as a decoy on a train to Venice. This accidental romance soon entangles them with both the police and a ruthless mobster, who mistakenly believe Frank is Alexander Pearce, the fugitive in question. The Tourist watches a vacation turn into a life-or-death chase as the pair evade authorities and criminals across the canals of Venice. What should have worked, based on star power, became a flop because the duo simply could not get on the same page, both as characters and as actors.
The premise of The Tourist was already a difficult one for any actor to play. Because Elise used Frank as a decoy to evade the predators, Jolie deliberately kept Elise secret, leaving both Frank and the audience at arm’s length. Add in the script’s lack of emotional depth, as the director preferred the stunning Venice backdrop over an actual romantic connection. Then, with Jolie playing up the ultra-glamorous femme fatale against the clueless and coy character Depp brought, there was no way for them to be at the same level. There was an innate disconnect. Of course, for a story about deceit and a twist that was even more deceptive, it just came off as unbelievable given the lead-up. As good as they were before The Tourist, there was no hope for them to bring any chemistry to the screen. But to make matters worse, the duo reportedly showed some behind-the-scenes indifference. Some sources claimed that Jolie had difficulty working with her co-star. With so much going against them, the crime caper became a sad example that not every great movie star can act well with one another.
1
Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen
‘Star Wars: Episode II— Attack of the Clones’ (2002)
Nearly two decades after the original Star Wars was released, George Lucas returned to the well and gave fans what they always wished for: a prequel trilogy. Taking the established narrative of the Skywalker Saga and providing new light into how we got to Star Wars: Episode IV— A New Hope was every fan’s dream. Finally, the origin story of Darth Vader! The first film introduced Anakin Skywalker as an adorable, hopeful kid through Jake Lloyd’s strong performance. But when Anakin needed to grow up for Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones, his replacement, Hayden Christensen, made us instantly hate the character nearly as much as we despised Jar Jar Binks. Why did we loathe Christensen’s take on the great villain? He could not compare to the divine Natalie Portman.
The second part of the space opera follows Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Padawan Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) as they protect Senator Padmé Amidala (Portman) from assassination. While investigating the threat, Obi-Wan discovers a clone army, as Anakin falls in love with Padmé, ultimately triggering the devastating Clone Wars. Perhaps the most important love story in Star Wars history, it was one of the most mismatched actor pairings, making some of us wish she could have found someone better. A major reason why fans turned on Christensen’s performance is that he was the new kid in town. We already had a film to get to know and love Portman. Christensen had great difficulty navigating the highly stylized script, unnatural dialogue, and the experimental directorial approach that isolated the pair. Yes, they filmed some of their crucial romantic scenes against green screens.
In retrospect, having the events of Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith to enlighten where the character was heading may give him some freedom for his initial choices. But even emo Anni was painful to get through. Prior to the second film, the only love story in the galaxy we watched was the ultimately forbidden burgeoning romance between Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher)—who we learned were siblings. Anakin and Padmé’s to be specific. We needed this to be our redemption. Christensen portrayed Anakin as far too socially isolated and deeply repressed. Padmé, though reserved, had some warmth inside, but against her scene partner, you had to wonder what she even saw in him. Star Wars‘ first six films were never known as emotionally rich. Perhaps if there was some nuance to play, we wouldn’t have knocked the chemistry-less duo.
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Hogwarts Legacy is a role-playing game released for PC and consoles in 2023. The game is based on the universe established in the wildly popular Harry Potter novels, which became a multi-billion-dollar movie series and a massive cultural phenomenon. It’s also due to become an HBO series at the end of this year. Many know the story already: an orphaned boy is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn how to use magic. That’s the really short version of it, anyway. However, the game isn’t based on any direct writings, but is rather a wholly original story set in the same world, just at a very different time.
The game received excellent reviews, especially from the fans. There are so many hidden references and Easter eggs that show just how much genuine love was poured into the project. The game can easily consume dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of your time with how much there is to see and do, and it allows players to explore their favourite wizarding school in a way that no other video game adaptation has allowed them to. Beyond being an enjoyable experience, the game also patched a massive hole in the original franchise, one that was sorely in need of mending.
What is ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ about?
Hogwarts Legacy lets players control a custom character, a new student beginning their fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the early sequences of the game, players will customize their name and looks, be sorted into their house, and will even receive their very own wand, courtesy of Ollivander’s wand shop. The game is set in the Victorian Era, roughly a century before the main events of Harry Potter. Throughout the narrative, players attend classes, make friends, enroll in clubs, learn spells, and try to save the world from a new rising threat. The goblin Ranrok is leading a vicious rebellion against wizardkind, and it’s up to you to stop him and his nefarious allies.
Being an RPG, the game has loads of side quests tacked onto it, as well. Many of these involve learning the Dark Arts, delving into forgotten tombs, protecting magical wildlife from poachers, brewing potions, and creating a personal space via the Room of Requirement. The story isn’t only set in Hogwarts; rather, it is set throughout the entire Hogsmeade valley, including the town of Hogsmeade, and various other small hamlets and landmarks in the region. Some people didn’t like how the game felt a bit sparse and unpopulated with how huge the map was, but on the other hand, many fans appreciated how it encouraged exploration and discovery, and how there’s never a shortage of things to do. The vastness of its map is just one example of how the game improved on the setting of the original books and films, and how it only bettered the overall brand.
The Harry Potter Franchise Previously Felt Too Contained, Despite Extensive Lore
The main problem with Harry Potter is that everything felt much smaller-scale than it should have; simply, the worldbuilding is not that great. For one, the books and movies feature a conflict called the Second Wizarding War, which is too broad a statement that implies there had never been wizarding wars in the world before, even though the lore details magical individuals existing for thousands of years. It also seems to imply a larger, more global conflict, when the reality is that it was almost entirely confined to the UK and Ireland. The books frequently reference other places and feature international monsters and beasts, but don’t physically take the reader to any of these settings. The lore also talks about legendary figures like Merlin or the dark wizard Ekrizdis, yet only in passing mentions. Lastly, it details extensive family lines from respected magical clans, including the Blacks, yet few of these people actually make an appearance.
Later on, the saga does introduce other magical schools like Durmstrang of Northern and Eastern Europe and Beauxbatons of Western and Central Europe, but these places never make a physical appearance. The Fantastic Beasts movies go to New York City and reference the North American magic school, Ilvermorny, which does help the world feel broader. Still, this Wizarding World feels much smaller than it should, almost like New York and the UK are two completely separate universes. There is very little overlap between them, save for maybe a couple of characters and references. The Fantastic Beasts movies also added to the universe’s backstory, being set in the roaring ’20s, but much of the world that isn’t mentioned, to the point that it almost feels nonexistent. The books also have a habit of mentioning a lot of magical creatures without actually showing them, something Fantastic Beasts tried to fix, with decidedly uneven results.
‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Makes the Wizarding World Live Up to Its Name
Hogwarts Legacy makes the Wizarding World feel expansive for the first time in the franchise. There aren’t just British students in Hogwarts, but exchange students, too. For example, one of the primary allies is Natsai Onai, a student who previously attended Ouagadou, the African wizarding academy in Uganda. Natsai, or “Natty” as players come to know her, talks a bit about life at Ouagadou, where students don’t use traditional wands, but rather their hands or bodies to conjure magic. There are also students and professors from South and East Asia, making Hogwarts feel like it’s actually connected to the broader Wizarding World.
The game also enriches the world’s history and lore. Through a series of flashbacks and vision sequences, players see how Hogwarts used to be and speak to some of its previous professors, some of them dating back to the Middle Ages. There are also hundreds of collectible book pages to find, many of them detailing the history of the items and landmarks within the castle and the valley. These fill a gap in Hogwarts’ history, which, save for its original founders, is almost entirely unknown. Now, players can at least get an idea of what the school used to be like and who used to run the place after the founders.
Moreover, many of the characters are actually ancestors or distant relations of memorable characters from the novels and movies. The headmaster of the castle is Phineas Nigellus Black, a distant relation of Sirius Black. Phineas is actually glimpsed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, as a painting in Dumbledore’s office. He doesn’t speak, so it’s great that this game allowed players to see what kind of headmaster Phineaa actually was. Aside from Professor Black, Hogwarts’ headmistress is the red-headed and good-natured Matilda Weasley, an ancestor of the modern Weasley family that many know from the books and films.
There’s also Ominis Gaunt, a surprisingly well-intentioned Slytherin student who many will recognize as the ancestor of Lord Voldemort himself. Ominis even talks about his family history and how he is directly related to an original co-founder of Hogwarts, Salazar Slytherin. The presence of all these characters only deepens the lore, making family history more coherent and interesting. The game also added to what Fantastic Beasts started by including a ton of magical wildlife, so players can see how they interact with the world and how they behave, making the universe feel vibrant and alive.
‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Makes What the Books and Movies Couldn’t
At the end of the day, Hogwarts Legacy contributes so much to the Wizarding World in many ways. From its lore to its connections to its wildlife, the game makes the established universe much, much deeper and more compelling. Finally, it feels like a proper universe, with a deep, rich history, with wide-reaching influence, and with actual life populating it, all hidden away from the non-magic folk.
More importantly, it finally fulfils the Wizarding World’s potential. Hogwarts Legacy isn’t just a fun game; it feels like a unique story rather than just an extension of an already existing one. It makes the player feel like the Wizarding World is just that, and that the main sequence of Harry Potter is just a small part of it. This detail goes a long way in making both the main series and this stellar RPG feel that much more engrossing. Especially now, with a somewhat unnecessary remake coming, it’s easy to see Hogwarts Legacy as the path forward for the Potter saga.
Tom Sandoval‘s ex-girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson’s father filed a counter restraining order against the Vanderpump Rules alum following an alleged scuffle earlier this month.
Victoria’s father, J. Will Robinson, countered Sandoval’s petition for a restraining order by seeking one of his own, per court documents obtained by Us Weekly on June 26. Will contended that he received multiple injuries in his scuffle with Sandoval on June 3, where he was allegedly pushed into a lit fire pit by the reality star.
Will alleged that he suffered a ruptured disc in his back, as well as a broken thumb and elbow and a wound on his heel.
Per Will’s version of events, an argument erupted between the now-former couple over “Tom lying” and he only intervened when Sandoval “overpowered” Victoria by allegedly swiping at her phone. He accused Sandoval of talking about “having a gun” — though the reality star allegedly did not necessarily threaten to use it — before police arrived at the property.
Fresh off his run on season 3 of The Traitors, Tom Sandoval has settled back into normal life. That means he’s spending plenty of time with his girlfriend, Victoria Lee Robinson. After his split from Ariana Madix, Sandoval, 42, is happy to “grow together” with Robinson, 32. “Victoria is a very strong and supportive woman […]
Will subsequently asked a court to block Sandoval from coming within 100 yards of himself or Victoria. He also wants to keep four cats who live at the Los Angeles residence he shared with Sandoval and Victoria.
Sandoval initially took legal action against the Robinsons on Thursday, June 25, when he asked a court to grant him a domestic violence order of protection against them. He accused Victoria and Will of “verbal and physical abuse” during a June 3 confrontation.
In a lengthy declaration to the court, Sandoval alleged that an argument over whether Victoria was secretly recording him turned physical when Will lunged at him.
“[Will] chased me into the bedroom and punched a 12-inch hole in my spare bedroom door where I was barricading myself,” Sandoval wrote in an impact statement. “I am afraid of [Will] and his daughter and request the Court’s protection.”
He alleged that Will “put his face in the hole in the door and smiled, telling me he will ‘f***’ me up, ‘destroy’ me and called me a ‘motherf***er.’” Per Sandoval, Victoria confronted him as he hid and struck him in the face “so forceful[ly] that it caused my vision to blur.”
Tom Sandoval and Victoria Lee Robinson. Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Thirst Project
Police eventually arrived and took Victoria into custody, though Sandoval acknowledged that he eventually provided financial support to bond her out of custody.
“Ms. Robinson was arrested when it became clear that she had attacked me. As I saw her being arrested, in the heat of the moment, I asked the police officers the process by which she could be bailed out,” he wrote to the court. “I even foolishly accepted Ms. Robinson’s phone call from jail and lent her mother financial assistance for the bail. In hindsight, I deeply regret that decision.”
Sandoval submitted photographic evidence of his injuries, including bruising and scrapes on his neck and inner ear. He accused both Robinsons of past physical abuse, as well as alleging that Victoria tampered with his personal devices and used a GPS tracker on his car.
In the wake of his court filing, video footage of the night in question emerged, appearing to show Sandoval angrily confronting both Will and Victoria as they sat around his outdoor fire pit. Sandoval could be seen getting increasingly agitated while questioning Victoria for allegedly recording him without permission.
The footage showed Sandoval approaching Victoria, demanding to know, “Are you recording me right now?” He appeared to try to wrestle her phone away before shoving her father into a lit fire pit when Will tried to intervene.
“What the f***?” Sandoval shouted as he seemingly pushed Will.
Tom Sandoval‘s girlfriend, Victoria Lee Robinson, is walking back her claims that he cheated with her best friend. “I would like to sincerely apologize for my previous post. I had a true misjudgment in a situation. Tom did not do anything,” Robinson, 32, wrote via Instagram Story on Monday, December 16. “From my own personal […]
The footage then documented Sandoval moving back into his home, with Will following. The action moved off-camera, though sounds of the continuing confrontation could be heard.
Us reached out to representatives for both parties and the LAPD for comment.
An insider exclusively told Us that Tom and Victoria have definitively split up in the wake of the June 3 incident.
“They are broken up,” an insider said. “Tom has endured this abuse for many months. For the most part, Tom has been supporting Victoria and her dad as Tom has been paying the rent and utilities. Victoria’s dad has been living in the house for free. He put up with far too much for too long.”
Sandoval and Victoria went public as a couple in 2024, after he famously cheated on now-ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix with their Vanderpump Rules costar Rachel “Raquel” Leviss.
As part of a March 2025 Us cover story, Sandoval said he saw a long-term future with Victoria, praising her as a “strong and supportive” partner.
“I’ve been extremely happy in [our] relationship. We work very well, we have similar goals, and it feels like we could really grow together,” he told Us at the time. “I feel so fortunate and lucky to have her in my life. She’s been my rock and stuck by me.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
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It’s only right to celebrate the Fourth of July in the great outdoors. And by great outdoors, we really mean the comfort of your backyard. All you need are a few festive essentials to get the party going, and Walmart is the main spot to get everything on sale ahead of the holiday weekend.
Your summer shindig needs a grilling station, comfortable seating and a great ambiance to create the coolest backyard on your block. Thankfully, we found seriously stellar Fourth of July sales that appeal to all of the above. You’ll find legendary Charbroil grills, Ashley Furniture outdoor sofas and even pool floaties that are ideal for both kids and adults. Now, brace yourself — our picks are extremely marked down with the steepest discount listed at a little over $650 off. The Fourth of July is a week away, so don’t wait to shop!
Walmart Fourth of July Sales on Outdoor Home Essentials
1. Our Favorite: For whatever reason, outdoor string lights have a way of making a space feel lively and inviting, which means you need some before sending out those invites. This 100-foot option emits a warm hue and has a vintage-looking appearance that’s so trendy — was $60, now $26!
2. Problem Solver: If you hide inside when the sun is at its peak, this chic outdoor gazebo is for you. It shields you from harmful UV rays while creating a designated spot for outdoor seating. Trust Us, all the rich moms in Nantucket have one of these — was $300, now $125!
3. Low-Key Genius: It’s hard to discern what this Coca-Cola style ‘box’ is at first glance, but after looking closer, we think we hit the jackpot. It’s really a steam cooker that can make up to 20 hot dogs at the same time. Talk about a time saver! The top portion also warms hotdog buns while the sausages are cooking, so you can set your apron down for a few — was $70, now $50!
4. Game Changer: Those who are actually outdoorsy might want to take the camper for a spin. If you do, don’t forget to pack the Coleman propane grill, which is designed specifically for camping trips. It’s compact yet provides a 285-square inch cooking area to grill up fish, burgers, veggies and more — was $260, now $195!
5. Bestseller Alert: With over 8,400 five-star ratings, it’s clear that shoppers adore this Ninja slushie machine. All you have to do is pour in your favorite juice concoction and it magically turns the liquid into a slushie drink. Psst, there’s no ice or blending involved either, giving you the same great results each time — was $299, now $179!
We love the fireworks, hot dogs and all the patriotism associated with the Fourth of July. But if we’re being honest, there’s one thing we would undeniably change about the holiday: the fashion. Most Fourth of July-themed clothes can skew tacky with ‘punny’ phrases and purposeful yet cheesy distressing, and that’s why we went on […]
6. Laid-Back Luxe: Lounge around in style with this pool float lounger that comes with a built-in canopy and a backrest for hours of relaxing fun — was $40, now $23!
7. Year-Round Staple: An outdoor conversation set is a must for anyone who loves to host. This furniture set comes with three pieces, including a lounge-worthy chaise and a little side table for appetizers. We also love the wrap-around wicker paneling that gives the set a bohemian look — was $510, now $236!
8. Popular Pick: Ask any master griller and they’ll tell you that Charbroil is one of the best in the game. This classic 6-burner grill lets you cook burgers, hotdogs, skewers and more like a pro. You can thank the stainless steel grates, gas grilling precision, dual cooking surfaces and prep table — was $600, now $556!
9. Top Seller: Not into slushies? Cuisinart’s ice cream maker might be calling your name instead. The 2-quart ice cream maker does all the mixing and churning for you — no ice needed. Oh, and you’ll ice cream shop-quality results in about 20 minutes — was $101, now $61!
10. Summer Staple: Now you can enjoy the luxury of a pool day, even if you don’t have an actual pool. This inflatable lounger blows up into an outdoor pool, complete with a headrest and two cup holders. Honestly, this thing is kind of genius — was $63, now $33!
11. Rich Mom: You simply can’t go wrong with outdoor pieces from Ashley Furniture. This outdoor sofa exudes elegance and chic style, just like the kinds of furniture displayed in a high-end hotel or the rich mom on your block — was $1,704, now $1,506!
12. Total Reset: Ninja is making our list for the second time with this outdoor grill and smoker. It does the hard work of a large propane grill combo, but just in a compact, more manageable size. The electric grill uses wood pellets and a smoke box to give meats that wood-smoked flavor everyone loves — was $350, now $280!
13. Everyday Ease: Kick your feet up and relax while sitting in this outdoor rocking chair. Unlike your grandpa’s go-to, this one is made with durable high-density polyethylene that won’t fade, rot or chip. Plus, we love the fun color options, like this blue one — was $170, now $81!
14. No Brainer: We always appreciate a versatile item that makes life easier, which is where this patio umbrella comes in. The large 10-foot umbrella will give you some shade while lounging by the pool, and illuminates the area come dusk with the built-in LED lights — was $190, now $70!
15. Last But Not Least: Dining alfresco is easy when you have this seven-piece dining set in your midst. The iron-style dining set comes with cushioned seating and a long table that can house main plates, cutlery, cups and serving platters with ease — was $1,447, now $790!
There’s something about finding versatile summer staples that look cute, flattering and high-end. What’s even sweeter is nabbing those same items at a discount. Yes, we love a good markdown at Us Weekly, which is why we can’t gatekeep Walmart’s Deals & More sale that’s happening now through June 28. We were curious to see […]
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to fuel fascination about their future together, with everything from family plans to wedding rumors dominating headlines.
A recent exchange on the Chiefs star’s podcast reignited conversations about children, while his fiancée’s own lyrics have offered fans a glimpse into her vision of love and family life.
As speculation around a possible wedding intensifies, bettors are wagering millions on everything from the venue to the guest list, despite Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce confirming very little themselves.
A recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast sparked fresh conversation about Swift and Kelce’s future together after a playful exchange between Travis and his brother, Jason Kelce.
During a sponsored segment for WhatsApp, Jason joked about the prospect of expanding the Kelce family, teasing that future reunions might become more lively once there are more children in the family.
Referencing a lyric from Swift’s music, he teased the idea of a neighborhood full of children who resemble Travis, turning it into a running joke about a “look-alike” family line.
“Do I sense a Kelce family reunion in the works? We really don’t have a big family,” Jason said. “It might be nice to meet some of the Kelce relatives that we don’t know.”
Travis laughed along, replying that he sees it “in our future.” He then noted that he would put it on his “wish list,” though the exchange was clearly lighthearted and not intended as any kind of announcement.
“There you go,” the Chiefs tight end said while laughing, per Us Weekly. “I’ll add it to my wish list.”
Taylor Swift’s ‘Dreamy’ Song Offers Glimpse Into Her Hopes For The Future
The conversation also circled back to Swift’s recent music. On her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” she has a track that explores idealized visions of love, stability, and building a future together.
In the song, Swift sang: “I just want you, huh / Have a couple kids, got the whole block lookin’ like you / We tell the world to leave us the f-ck alone, and they do. Got me dreamin’ ’bout a driveway with a basketball hoop / Boss up, settle down, got a wish.”
Swift has previously described the track as one of her favorites on the album, calling it both “dreamy” and “romantic.” Reflecting on the writing process, she said it felt like the final piece that completed the project.
According to the singer, the song “details all these different things that people aspire to have in their lives and all the wishes that people are making all over the world.”
Taylor Swift Pregnancy Rumors Draw Millions In Bets As Wedding Speculation Grows
The themes in Swift’s song have only fueled public fascination when it comes to her relationship with Travis. Since the pair were first linked in 2023, engagement and wedding rumors have become a constant topic of discussion, inspiring millions of dollars in wagers on prediction markets.
One of the biggest talking points among bettors is whether the mega popstar is expecting a child. Despite persistent online rumors, prediction market data suggests very few people believe that to be the case.
According to Fox News Digital, on Polymarket, where more than $2 million has reportedly been wagered on the question, only 2% of participants are betting that the singer is currently pregnant.
Wedding-location speculation has generated even more interest. According to betting trends tracked by Kalshi, New York is viewed as the most likely destination for the ceremony.
Many participants have singled out Madison Square Garden as a possible venue, while others believe the couple could opt for a more private celebration at Swift’s Rhode Island property.
The Couple’s Wedding Venue Has Become A Subject Of Heavy Speculation
Rumors intensified after reports emerged that Madison Square Garden had been reserved for a multi-day private event beginning July 2.
According to reports, the gathering could start with a smaller event for close friends and family before expanding into a larger celebration for roughly 1,000 guests the following day.
Sources have suggested live performances may be part of the festivities, though no official confirmation has been provided.
The couple seems to be planning something major as they have also requested permits to shut down streets around the garden from July 2 to July 4.
Who Will Be Attending Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding?
The guessing game extends beyond the venue itself. Fans and bettors have also been speculating about who could be included in the wedding party.
Longtime friend Abigail Anderson is widely considered a leading candidate for a bridesmaid role, while names such as Ashley Avignone, Gigi Hadid, Este Haim, and Kylie Kelce have also been frequently mentioned.
On Travis’s side, many expect his brother Jason to play a prominent role, alongside close friends including Patrick Mahomes and Swift’s brother, Austin.
Whitney Houston‘s hairstylist is clapping back at Oprah after the renowned talk show host claimed the award-winning singer fell off her soundstage because she was high. Oprah’s remarks ignited backlash, prompting Houston’s estate and veteran entertainment journalist Roger Friedman to push back.
According to Page Six, Houston’s former hairstylist, Tiffanie Dixon, said Oprah’s comments about the singer being high during her 2009 appearance on her talk show are flat-out false.
“It’s not true. She fell because they did not rope off the stage… I was standing right there,” Dixon said.
Dixon continued, claiming Oprah made people sign NDAs after the incident and even threatened to fire her staff if the story was leaked to the press.
Despite the precautions Oprah allegedly took, Dixon insisted Houston was “not high.”
Dixon Says Oprah Has ‘A Lot Of Nerve’ To Allegedly Lie About Whitney Houston
Dixon said that she spoke out about Oprah’s comments because they “disturbed” her, adding, “It’s not true. There’s no truth and no validity… It’s a lie… She’s got a lot of nerve.”
Oprah sent a portion of her Cannes Lions press tour talking about the alleged incident, claiming that Houston relapsed on drugs when she arrived at her “Oprah” show set to promote her final studio album in 2009.
“The first interview I did with her when we’d gone behind stage and I asked her about her intention, she was clean, but the day she came to my show then to perform in front of the audience, she was not, and she fell off of the stage,” she said, per Variety.
Opah said she “begged” the audience to keep quiet about the incident, stating that she knew it would ruin Houston’s career if it became public.
Whitney Houston’s Estate Claps Back At Oprah’s Claims About The Singer
Houston’s former hairstylist isn’t the only one to deny the claims that the singer was high during her appearance. Houston’s estate executor, Pat Houston, fired back as well, denying the claims and saying that Houston fell “due to the darkness of the area and unfamiliarity with the stage.”
Elsewhere in the statement, Houston’s estate confirmed that the singer struggled with addiction earlier in her career; however, they said Oprah’s claims about her 2009 mishap were “inaccurate and unfair.” They added, “What the studio audience witnessed on stage was the result of discipline, talent, and commitment—not the assumptions others project.”
Esteemed Journalist Defends Houston Against Oprah’s Claims
Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411 also commented on the headlines and said that Oprah’s claims today were much different than her words in 2021. Friedman went on to say that he was on a Zoom call with Oprah and the late Clive Davis 5 years ago, and during that call, Oprah allegedly said that Houston’s fall was not due to drugs.
Friedman reported on the call live back then, writing that Oprah allegedly said, “It was not drugs.”
In Friedman’s 2026 report, the writer said that they could “produce” the past Zoom call of Oprah’s alleged confession if needed, adding that the TV executive was stretching the truth today “to make headlines.”
Oprah’s comments were met with backlash from Houston fans, many of whom questioned why the talk show host would speak about the story almost 20 years later.
“I feel like we could respect her memory better than talking about this publicly a decade plus after she passed,” someone wrote. Another user added, “Oh, wow, and you thought this was a perfect time to mention this?”
“Oprah would say anything to protect that nasty man and take the attention away from Clives,” said a third, while a fourth wrote, “This is one lady I do not like.”
“Whitney gone haunt tf outta her,” someone else added. “Oprah contradicted herself saying she didn’t want the puctures to be released to the public but here she is talking about it in detail.”
According to History.com, Houston was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton in California on February 11, 2012. She was 48. PEOPLE reported that the singer’s death was ruled as an “accidental drowning with contributing factors of heart disease and cocaine use.”
It’s difficult enough to write an excellent book, but it’s an entirely different art unto itself to craft an equally excellent trilogy of them. As long as each book offers a feeling of self-contained satisfaction, and the author also manages to make the whole trilogy feel like an escalating, meaningful, satisfying progression, any trilogy has the potential to be deemed great.
Throughout the 21st century in particular, there have been a few noteworthy book trilogies that haven’t just been great, they’ve been the absolute best of the last 26 years. From YA classics like the Hunger Games series to period pieces like the Wolf Hall trilogy, these have been some truly exceptional sets of novels that have demonstrated why the art of the book trilogy is still alive and well in modern times.
7
The Wolf Hall Trilogy
British writer Hilary Mantel was a great master of the historical fiction genre, and she demonstrated that greatly with the last three novels she ever wrote: Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, and The Mirror & the Light. Set during the 16th century, this trilogy is a sweeping saga chronicling the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell (which is why this is also known as the Thomas Cromwell trilogy), the son of a blacksmith who became the chief minister to King Henry VIII.
Anchored by Mantel’s beautifully vivid prose and a brilliantly creative reinvention of the Tudor era.
Before it became one of the best miniseries worth watching over and over, Wolf Hall was the greatest historical fiction trilogy of the 21st century. Anchored by Mantel’s beautifully vivid prose and a brilliantly creative reinvention of the Tudor era, the trilogy masterfully strikes the perfect balance between mythologizing Cromwell and also humanizing him with unexpected depth. It’s an entirely unique approach to the genre that makes court politics feel like the most gripping, modern-feeling source of drama imaginable.
6
The MaddAddam Trilogy
Saying that novelist, poet, and literary critic Margaret Atwood is one of the greatest and most important Canadian writers of the 20th and 21st centuries would be quite an understatement. But it’s not all The Handmaid’s Tale with Atwood; there’s also the MaddAddam trilogy, a speculative fiction and adventure romance trilogy (which technically also counts as sci-fi, even if Atwood rejects the label) about a dystopian near-future Earth that’s been decimated by climate collapse.
From Oryx and Crake to The Year of the Flood to the eponymous MaddAddam, the trilogy is a wonderfully human yet bitingly satirical critique of genetic engineering and unchecked capitalist greed. We’re talking about three of the greatest climate-fiction novels of the 21st century, a trio of books bolstered by some exceptional worldbuilding, which present a sense of hope readers don’t often find in the dystopian genre.
5
The Infernal Devices Trilogy
With the unprecedented success of J. K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter series, the 21st century saw an unprecedented boom in the Young Adult genre across all media, including literature. From this boom came Cassandra Clare‘s The Mortal Instruments series, six of the most widely beloved YA fantasy novels of the last two decades. Before she finished the series, though, Clare wrote the Infernal Devices trilogy, a prequel series to the Mortal Instruments saga.
To this day, many fantasy fans still deem the Infernal Devices series as not just considerably superior to the original saga, but also three of the best YA books of their era. With its tremendous emotional depth, richly atmospheric Victorian setting, and one of the best love triangles in the history of the YA fantasy genre, Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess are worth reading even for adult readers. With a more mature writing style than The Mortal Instruments, as well as an emotionally stirring exploration of themes of grief and sacrifice that should resonate with anyone, every reader should love this trilogy, no matter their age.
4
The Hunger Games Trilogy
At this point, with it being such a tremendously successful multimedia franchise, there’s barely any need to even introduce Suzanne Collins‘ Hunger Games trilogy. It should hardly be surprising that the series, which originated and spearheaded the YA dystopia fad of the 2010s, consistently remained the best of the bunch. Still, all that fame and popularity can, at times, make people forget that this is actually a legitimately exceptionally written trilogy.
There’s an argument to be made that the trilogy got slightly weaker as it went on, but Catching Fire and Mockingjay are both still a pair of incredible sequels. There are only a handful of dystopian books better than The Hunger Games, and when it comes to dystopian book trilogies? It doesn’t get much more iconic than this one. With its high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping action, chillingly relevant critiques of authoritarian power and the media’s exploitation of the public, and the profoundly compelling character writing, these three books are essential reading for all those who love the dystopian genre.
3
The Remembrance of Earth’s Past Trilogy
It’s not only the English-speaking world that has produced exceptional book trilogies throughout the last 26 years. Case in point: Cixin Liu‘s Chinese series Remembrance of Earth’s Past, consisting of The Three-Body Problem, The Dark Forest, and Death’s End. It was the inspiration for one of the most near-perfect hard sci-fi shows on Netflix, and itself fittingly consists of three books that wonderfully blend hard and soft science fiction elements. Sometimes read as an allegory for China-United States relations, the series is about humanity’s preparation for the invasion of an alien threat.
Alien invasion stories are aplenty, but few reach the awe-inspiring, downright epic cosmic scale that the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy benefits from. Mind-bending, sharply political, and boldly philosophical, it’s a series that perfectly lends itself to some of the most profound analyses that one will get from any 21st-century book trilogy. It’s a must-read for all those who enjoy literary science fiction, and even though its characters may sometimes feel like somewhat shallow vessels for the plot, the plot itself is so deliriously entertaining and emotionally compelling that it’s easy to forgive that as a feature, not necessarily a bug.
2
The Broken Earth Trilogy
When science fiction meets fantasy in a way that blurs the line between both genres, along the same vein of the kind of magic that Star Wars achieves, it becomes a genre known as science fantasy—and N. K. Jemisin‘s The Broken Earth is one of the best science fantasy book trilogies in history, let alone of the 21st century. It’s an epic post-apocalyptic tale set on a supercontinent called the Stillness, where humanity struggles to survive cataclysmic natural disasters that occur periodically.
The Fifth Season won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, as did its first sequel, The Obelisk Gate. The Stone Sky may not have achieved the same honor, but it is the highest-rated book of the trilogy on Goodreads, and isn’t the favor of the court of public opinion the ultimate award? In any case, these are three of the best sci-fi books of the last 10 years. With Jemisin’s unique eye for breathtaking world-building, instantly captivating imagination, and ambitious narrative structure, it’s no wonder that the Broken Earth series has received so much praise. Jemisin is well-known for her bold artistic choices, and there are plenty of those here (including a particular POV being narrated in second person), making this essential reading for sci-fi fans.
1
Era One of Mistborn
Those who have grown tired of the likes of George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss seeming unable to finish the book series that they’ve been promising for well over a decade ought to take a look at Brandon Sanderson. He is easily one of the greatest fantasy authors of modern times, and few of his works demonstrate that better than the Mistborn series. The books are organized into four eras (only two of which have been completed up to this point) with large time jumps between each other, making it so that each era feels entirely like its own series. Era One of Mistborn is composed of The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages, and it feels like a completely self-contained story as high-quality as any of Sanderson’s previous and future masterpieces.
It’s one of the few fantasy book series better than Harry Potter, the kind that must be read in order to be truly believed. It’s a masterpiece of modern fantasy unlike any other, with one of the best hard magic systems ever written, a powerful subversion of the “Dark Lord” trope, and a mind-blowing ending that recontextualizes the whole thing and makes a re-read instantly tempting. It’s an exquisitely creative work of genre literature that always takes full advantage of its fascinatingly original premise, full of the same kind of slow-building tension and airtight structure that all fans of Sanderson have come to expect. Some have called Sanderson’s prose here overly simplistic, but those who appreciate highly accessible and functional language over unnecessarily flowery styles are bound to find Mistborn irresistible.
Doubling Down With the Derricos alum Deon Derrico is opening up about the aftermath of his split from ex-wife Karen Derrico.
“There was a breakdown at the point that I just told her that I didn’t want a relationship between [her] and I any longer,” Deon, 55, exclusively tells Us Weekly of his dynamic with Karen, 46, after their 2024 split, adding that they chose to coparent their 14 children under the same roof for two years following their divorce.
“We were trying to make it work for the children,” he recalls. “I know I was very dedicated and devoted to that. She appeared to be as well. But we were just having issues and, you know, financial issues, you could name it.”
Though Karen suggested that they try couples therapy to make their coparenting dynamic work, they continued to grow apart. Karen also allegedly pressed Deon on whether he was seeing another woman, which led to a transparent conversation between them.
“[She] just kept asking me that, saying, ‘I can handle it, tell me. I can handle it if it is.’ And I then just said, ‘Yes, my love interest does lie somewhere else, but I don’t want that to factor on you and I with the children,’” he recalls, noting that he’s had a “special friend” in his life for about a year. “And, of course, you know, she had her crying moment. It felt like a kumbaya moment. We were just really transparent. I told her it wasn’t her. We just grew apart. I’m not faulting anyone.”
Karen ultimately decided it was best for her to move out, according to Deon.
“I helped her move out, and that was on April 3, [2026],” he continues. “The very next day, I had discovered a series of untruths that she had been taking part in, and I addressed those issues with her. And everything rapidly declined.”
Though Deon thought he and Karen had been in a good spot, he says he could see “anger and hatred” in his ex after she moved out with seven of their kids.
“I just kept telling her, ‘Hey, look, I want peace.’ I’m a peaceful person by nature,” he explains, recalling a day where Karen allegedly wouldn’t let him visit with one of their sons in her care.
“I went by the house to pick up three boys that were in her care to cut their hair, and then when I brought them back to drop them off, I asked to see one of my sons. She declined me being able to see him, and I then said, ‘Don’t do this, don’t play this game. We’ve never done this before,’ which we hadn’t,” he recalls, adding that they had “always been supportive” of each other as parents despite calling it quits romantically.
Karen Derrico is known for her role as a TLC star, but she’s also been making headlines for a recent arrest. Karen made her TLC debut in 2020 when Doubling Down With the Derricos premiered. The reality show followed Karen and her then-husband, Deon Derrico, along with their 14 children. Doubling Down With the Derricos […]
The exes share kids Darian, 18, Derrick, 13, twins Denver and Dallas, 12, quintuplets Deniko, Dariz, Deonee, Daician and Daiten, 10, Diez and Dior, 6, and triplets Dawsyn, De’Aren and Dyver, 4.
“When she did that, I knew something was up,” he says of her alleged behavior, adding that Karen filed a temporary protective order against Deon the following day.
“After that happened, I couldn’t believe it, ’cause she had done threatening things to me and things that made me question even my life. I had even told my mother, on a couple occasions, maybe back in January, that if something happens to me, look at Karen, because that’s the level of anger and hatred I was feeling from her,” he claims, adding that as far as he was concerned, they were “on the same page” about their relationship.
“My daughters, they saw it too. They started sleeping in the room with me. So she and I were sleeping in separate rooms, and my daughter started staying in my room with me and locking the door,” Deon notes.
Us reached out to reps for Karen and TLC for comment.
TLC personality Karen Derrico seemingly threatened her child while on a contentious phone call amid her recent arrest and legal drama. According to audio obtained by TMZ on Thursday, June 25, the Doubling Down With the Derricos alum, 46, was on the phone with some of the 14 children she shares with ex-husband Deon Derrico. […]
Karen was recently arrested in Las Vegas and charged with harassment, violating a restraining order, preventing a witness from testifying through threat of violence and aggravated stalking, according to online records viewed by Us on Wednesday, June 24. Prosecutors accused her of sending emails to Deon in which she threatened to kill him and their children. She also allegedly tried to prevent Deon from attending a court hearing about a temporary protection order he requested.
Karen was arraigned on the felony charges on Tuesday, June 23, and pleaded not guilty.
“The allegations are completely false,”. “And we will prove they were completely fabricated by Mr. Derrico.”
“We are in the process of proving that these emails are crude forgeries by the supposed victim and never sent by my client,” her attorney Jess Marchese said in a statement to Us. “We have retained a forensic expert who is uncovering vast inconsistencies in the his story.”
Karen was released from custody on a $2,000 bond and outfitted with an ankle monitor. Her next hearing is scheduled for August 6.
Karen and Deon rose to fame on the TLC reality series Doubling Down With the Derricos, which documented the former couple’s life raising their 14 kids. The show ran for five seasons from 2020 to 2024.
As speculation surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s upcoming wedding continues to build, new details have emerged about what is reportedly shaping up to be a multi-day celebration in New York City. Just days before the pair are rumored to tie the knot, a fresh report claims Swift and Kelce have planned an intimate rehearsal dinner for their closest friends and family ahead of what could be one of the most star-studded celebrity weddings in recent memory.
According to a new report from Page Six, the superstar couple is planning an intimate rehearsal dinner ahead of their rumored July 3 wedding, giving close friends and family a chance to celebrate before the main event.
Neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed wedding plans.
Swift And Kelce Reportedly Hosting Rehearsal Dinner For 100 Guests
The latest report claims the couple will host a rehearsal dinner at Madison Square Garden on July 2, one day before their reported wedding celebration.
Sources told the outlet that approximately 100 guests are expected to attend the more intimate gathering, which will reportedly be reserved for close family members and friends. The event is said to serve as a kickoff to a larger wedding weekend celebration expected to draw a significantly bigger crowd the following day.
Reports suggest the main wedding festivities could welcome between 1,000 and 2,000 guests. The New York Times was the first to report details surrounding the alleged Madison Square Garden venue, while Page Six later reported that the pair had opted for a larger New York City celebration after previously considering other locations.
Earlier rumors suggested Swift and Kelce might marry in Rhode Island, where the singer owns a sprawling waterfront estate. However, sources now claim the couple ultimately decided on a venue capable of accommodating a much larger guest list.
If the reports prove accurate, the event would rank among the most high-profile celebrity weddings in recent memory.
Celebrity Wedding Planner Reportedly Helping Coordinate The Event
The couple has also been linked to celebrity wedding planner Mark Seed, who is known for overseeing large-scale, high-profile events. According to Page Six, Seed’s reputation for discretion was a major factor in his reported involvement.
An insider described him as someone capable of creating spectacular events while maintaining strict privacy for celebrity clients. That secrecy has reportedly extended to the guest list as well.
A-List Guests Are Rumored To Be Attending
While no official guest list has been released, reports suggest several of Swift’s closest celebrity friends have secured invitations to the highly anticipated celebration. Among the rumored attendees are Gigi Hadid, Ed Sheeran, Zoë Kravitz, Suki Waterhouse, and the Haim sisters, as well as Selena Gomez, whose recent wedding to Benny Blanco included Swift as one of her bridesmaids.
Meanwhile, Kelce’s NFL friends are also expected to play a major role in the festivities. San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle recently joked that even invited guests remain largely in the dark about the wedding details.
Speaking earlier this week, Kittle revealed that he attempted to get more information directly from Kelce but came away empty-handed. “I actually asked Travis last night and he laughed at me,” Kittle said.
The tight end jokingly added that he’s preparing for a surprise destination wedding. “I’m half expecting there to just be a jumbo jet on a runway and they put us on a plane somewhere,” he said.
Wedding Rumors Have Been Building For Months
Rumors about Swift and Kelce’s future intensified after reports surfaced that the Kansas City Chiefs star proposed in August 2025 following two years of dating. In recent weeks, fans have closely analyzed the couple’s separate celebrations and public appearances for clues about a possible wedding.
Just last week, a woman believed by some fans to be Swift was photographed at her Rhode Island estate alongside a group of friends, while Kelce spent time celebrating with family and friends in Los Angeles. For now, neither star has publicly addressed the wedding reports, leaving fans to piece together the growing number of details emerging from sources close to the alleged event.
By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated
Adventure Time became a pop culture phenomenon, finding a storytelling sweet spot that appealed to children and adults alike. Kids enjoyed the silly humor and larger-than-life characters; adults, meanwhile, enjoyed the show’s brilliant deconstruction of fantasy themes and its surprisingly in-depth character relationships. Arguably, none of those relationships was more complex than the one between Princess Bubblegum and Marceline, the Vampire Queen. Early on, the show teased that they might have once been a gay couple, which freaked out Cartoon Network and the show’s production company. As queer relationships became more mainstream, however, these two characters became a canonical couple and even shared a same-screen kiss in the series finale “Come Along With Me.”
That finale was bittersweet because fans worried they wouldn’t be getting any new Adventure Time stories. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case, and HBO Max became the exclusive home of two popular spinoff series: Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake and Adventure Time: Distant Lands. Now, it looks like everyone’s favorite lesbian couple is about to come back in a big way. At the Annecy Animation Film Festival, HBO announced that we’ll be getting Adventure Time: Bubblegum and Marceline, a 10-episode series.
A Little More Than Friends
Right now, the official description for this new spinoff is pretty short on details. The logline for Adventure Time: Bubblegum and Marceline reads as follows: “Princess Bubblegum and Marceline the Vampire Queen journey across the farthest reaches of Ooo, encountering familiar faces and new dangers.” That description makes it sound like the spinoff is very episodic in nature; however, it’s designed (like Fionna and Cake before it) to tell a story across multiple seasons. The spinoff should have the classic feel to it: the showrunner is Adam Muto, the Emmy-winning creator who started out as a storyboard artist for Adventure Time before rising up the ranks and becoming showrunner in Season 5.
Right now, it’s fair to say that fans of this franchise are eating quite well. While news of Adventure Time: Bubblegum and Marceline is currently electrifying the fandom, a new show is about to premiere: Adventure Time: Side Quests, which hits Disney+ and Hulu on June 29. On top of that, while Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, Fionna and Cake showrunner Muto has told fans there’s always a chance we’ll get more episodes. All of this and a new Bubbline show? That’s great news for old-school fans who can remember when Bubblegum and Marceline had the most controversial relationship on television!
Making Things Official
Now, Bubblegum and Marceline are a canonical couple, which took a long time to develop. Originally, they were written as two gals with a mysterious, bitter past. The episode “What Was Missing” implied the two women used to be a couple: Marceline’s song makes her sound like a jilted lover, and the end of the episode reveals the most important thing to Bubblegum is a sweater Marceline once gave her. However, this was back in 2011, and Cartoon Network was very nervous about having openly queer characters. They downplayed any fan suggestions about “Bubbline” (their couple name), and we didn’t get a new episode featuring the pair for two years.
Eventually, Cartoon Network relented: in the wake of queer relationships popping up in other popular cartoons like Legend of Korra and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, they leaned in with episodes like “Varmints,” which followed up on “What Was Calling” while adding more hints about a complex romantic relationship between these two. Still, fans worried the show would be afraid to go beyond giving us some very heavy subtext about this ‘ship. But, not unlike Adora and Catra in the final episode of She-Ra, Marceline and Princess Bubblegum locked lips in the Adventure Time series finale.
Sadly, Adventure Time: Bubblegum and Marceline does not yet have a definitive release date. Therefore, fans of these two will have to content themselves the usual way: by mainlining all their favorite Bubbline episodes, comics, merchandise, and fan content. When the show does drop, it will be interesting to see if it deepens the relationship between these characters while otherwise expanding the crazy world of Ooo. No matter the plot, though, it will be great to see the most fascinating couple in animated history back together again!
By Robert Scucci
| Published
As a movie lover, I always feel like I’m playing catch-up with some genuinely great art because there just aren’t enough hours in the day to consume it all. One blind spot for me involves all the movies from 2020 that never got a proper theatrical release, meaning the marketing was light as so many titles silently made their way to streaming with little fanfare. One such film, 2020’s The Lovebirds, currently resides on Netflix, and I’ve never heard anybody talk about how great it is. It’s part rom-com, part action thriller, and one of the most laugh-out-loud funny movies I’ve seen in a while.
Even better, you’re in and out in 87 minutes. Not only does the humor in The Lovebirds never wear out its welcome, it leaves you wanting more thanks to its stars, Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae.
The. Escalations. Never. Stop.
The Lovebirds kicks off with a murder, and things only get worse for Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae). The two have been dating and living together for about four years, but only really seem to communicate through petty insults while strongly suggesting their relationship has run its course. While breaking up on the way to a friend’s dinner party, Jibran accidentally runs over a bicycle courier (Nicholas X. Parsons), who seems more concerned with fleeing the scene than tending to his injuries.
A panicked Jibran and Leilani, trying to figure out their next move, are then confronted by a man known only as Mustache (Paul Sparks), who informs them that the man on the bike is actually a criminal, but only after repeatedly running him over with their car to make sure he’s dead. They grab his phone and flee the scene, immediately arousing the suspicion of Detective Martin (Andrene Ward-Hammond).
While I don’t want to spoil the entire course of events in The Lovebirds, let’s just say things escalate fast, and never stop escalating. It doesn’t take long before they’re caught in the middle of an insane blackmail conspiracy, where they’re shot at, tied to chairs and threatened with boiling bacon grease or whatever’s behind the mystery door, chased by cops and the courier’s cohorts alike, all while trying to clear their names with Detective Martin, who, in their minds, has them pegged as the primary suspects in the courier’s brutal murder.
The Situational Humor Is Simply The Springboard
Here’s what makes The Lovebirds such an effective comedy thriller, or at least that’s what I’m calling it: Jibran and Leilani seem like a real couple working through their issues. Their banter and insults are always scathing, but they’re the kind you can only dish out and take if you know somebody well enough to really hit them where it hurts. It’s like trading burns with your oldest friends, knowing that nothing is off limits.
When you take this kind of character dynamic and let it rip alongside a crazy murder plot, you get to hang out with these people while they’re on the adventure of a lifetime, all while trying to figure out if they even want to stay together and realizing that maybe this whole situation is the ultimate test.
Some of the best scenes aren’t even the escalations, but the quieter moments, like when Jibran and Leilani sneak into a discount pharmacy for a wardrobe change, settling for the most ridiculous getups they can find before laying low at the dinner party while being wildly underdressed. Then again, they also end up at an Eyes Wide Shut-style gala, and the escalations just keep coming.
I genuinely can’t remember the last time I actually laughed out loud at a comedy while sitting by myself, but I woke my kids up twice last night while watching The Lovebirds. And the thing is, it’s not trying that hard to be funny. It doesn’t feel like a couple of comedians trying to get their yuks out or recycle old schtick. These characters feel lived in, and they’re simply chewing the scenery being thrust upon them, one escalating incident at a time.
The Lovebirds quietly arrived on Netflix back in 2020 in lieu of a theatrical release. I strongly recommend this to anybody who wants a rom com that’s as dangerous as it is hilarious.
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