The 20th century as a whole was far and away one of the most transformative eras in the history of literature. The art form was reshaped in innumerable ways between 1901 and 2000 by groundbreaking fiction novels like The Lord of the Rings and non-fiction masterpieces like The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. But while there are hundreds—if not thousands—of books that had a particularly noteworthy level of influence throughout the 20th century, those two are among ten books from the era whose impact was particularly huge.

There are numerous ways in which a book’s level of influence can be measured, often greatly depending on what kind of book it is. It can be a speculative fiction masterpiece that completely revolutionized the way future authors approached the genre, while an environmental science non-fiction book’s influence is perhaps better measured by its level of real-world impact. Regardless, the 20th century’s most influential books are still essential reading today.

10

‘The Structure of Scientific Revolutions’ (1962)

Image via University of Chicago Press

While many of the 20th century’s most hugely influential books were fiction, there were also plenty of non-fiction books that left an indelible mark on the era’s literary output. Case in point: historian and philosopher Thomas S. Kuhn‘s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, where the author challenged the then-dominant view of scientific progress as a cumulative bundle of accepted theories, instead arguing in favor of an episodic model of alternating phases.

Nowadays, the ideas introduced by Kuhn here may not seem quite as novel anymore, but The Structure of Scientific Revolutions still reads as an absolutely brilliant cultural blueprint, one of those non-fiction books that are still a must-read in 2026. Its most influential contribution was the concept of paradigm shifts, one of the many reasons why this is essential reading not just for scholars, but for anyone interested in the history of modern science.

9

‘Things Fall Apart’ (1958)

Image via Random House

Throughout literature’s Victorian era and well into the first half of the 20th century, African texts were mostly dismissed by Western institutions as mere folklore, and English-language authors mostly wrote about Africa through an intensely colonial lens. Nigerian author Chinua Achebe‘s debut novel, Things Fall Apart, helped shift that narrative toward a far more authentic and less stereotype-heavy perspective hailing directly from Africa.

African literature as a whole was never the same again, nor was its reception on the international scene. Things Fall Apart, the first chapter in Achebe’s African Trilogy, is one of the most translated works of African literature in history. From pushing postcolonial studies forward to inspiring countless African authors to reclaim their native perspective, Things Fall Apart can’t be ignored as an essential piece of 20th-century literature.

8

‘The Great Gatsby’ (1925)

Image via Scribner

What is The Great American Novel? It’s a debate that has been going on since the mid-19th century, and with the United States having produced so many internationally influential masterpieces over the years, it’s a debate that will never have any one definitive answer. One of the books most often brought up in that conversation, however, is F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s The Great Gatsby, a tragedy novel inspired by a romance Fitzgerald shared with socialite Ginevra King in his youth.

Fitzgerald was only 29 years old when the book was published, and even though it was a commercial disappointment (leading Fitzgerald to die believing himself to be a failure), the years have been nothing but kind to both it and Fitzgerald’s whole legacy. It was after the Council on Books in Wartime distributed over 150,000 free copies to American soldiers overseas during World War II that the novel’s readership was catapulted into the stratosphere. With that, by the late 20th century, The Great Gatsby had already become entrenched in international literary pop culture, one of the most defining masterworks ever written about wealth, class, and the American Dream.

7

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ (1960)

Image via J. B. Lippincott & Co.

Harper Lee was an immensely important figure for 20th-century American literature, mostly thanks to the Pulitzer-winning To Kill a Mockingbird. This Southern Gothic masterpiece was an instant hit, and as the years have passed, it still continues to be widely remembered as one of the best American books of the last 100 years.

To Kill a Mockingbird is generally regarded as one of those books that everyone should read before they die, and for good reason. Published right as the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, the novel proved the level of depth and nuance with which American books could study topics like racial prejudice, injustice, and empathy. Though there are definitely elements of the novel that haven’t aged the best by modern standards, they only add further nuance to the conversation on why To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most influential books of the 20th century.

6

‘Silent Spring’ (1962)

Image via Mariners Books Classics

In the late 1950s, Rachel Carson started working on environmental conservation, and from that long period of research came Silent Spring. This unprecedented masterpiece of environmental science literature is mainly focused on the environmental harm caused by the indiscriminate use of DDT, a pesticide that soldiers used during WWII. Due to its critiques of the chemical industry, plenty of companies spoke out fiercely against Carson’s work upon Silent Spring‘s publication, but their complaints were for naught.

Silent Spring was nothing if not hugely successful in bringing issues of environmentalism to the public. Its immediate impact was most strongly felt in the United States, where it led to widespread legislative change. Even around the world, however, the book has proven massively influential, helping spark public awareness around the use of pesticides and boosting the global fight for protecting the environment.

5

‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (1967)

Image via Harper & Row

Sometime between the 1960s and 1970s, Latin America became the epicenter of world literature, benefiting from a literary explosion that catapulted the masterpieces of authors like Gabriel García Márquez into international prominence. There’s really no question as to which one of this legendary Colombian author’s works is most foundational, though: it has to be One Hundred Years of Solitude, arguably the most important Spanish-language book since Don Quixote—and certainly the most influential.

It was mainly magical realism that made Latin American literature so universally acclaimed throughout the late 20th century, so it’s no wonder that One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the best magical realism books of all time. The book further enshrined this fantasy subgenre as a major literary force and helped shape generations of global talent. Márquez was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, and One Hundred Years of Solitude was a major reason why.

4

‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ (1947)

Image via Contact Publishing

Commonly known as The Diary of Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl is a book collecting the diary entries that German-born Jewish girl Anne Frank wrote while hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Though Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, her diaries were retrieved and delivered to her father, Otto Frank, who edited the text himself and ensured that her writing was shared with the world.

It’s one of the most heartbreaking books of all time, and though it proved hugely influential for the memoir genre as a whole, much of its influence came outside of the realm of literature. On top of helping to humanize the victims of the Holocaust, the book has become absolutely vital in understanding the psychological effects and the pure human cost of genocide. Across literature, education, international human rights, and the world’s understanding of the Holocaust, Diary of a Young Girl has proven to be one of the most influential non-fiction works of modern times.

3

‘The Lord of the Rings’ (1954–1955)

Image via Allen & Unwin

There are remarkably few fantasy books that rival The Lord of the Rings, and that’s because J. R. R. Tolkien‘s magnum opus completely changed the course of not just fantasy literature, but speculative fiction as a whole. Originally published in three volumes, this Hero’s Journey epic was actually not as much of a critical darling back in the ’50s as The Hobbit had been back in the ’30s. It was over the years that Lord of the Rings kept establishing itself not just as an undisputed masterpiece, but as the single most important fantasy novel of the 20th century.

It’s not just that Tolkien reshaped the way authors approached fantasy, establishing the blueprint for countless tropes in ways whose influence can still be felt today. The Lord of the Rings completely transformed pop culture itself, from tabletop RPGs to cinema, helping popularize speculative fiction within the mainstream like the world had never seen before. For several decades following the ’50s, pretty much any high fantasy epic that was published was either intentionally similar to Lord of the Rings or an intentional subversion of the rules it laid down.

2

‘Ulysses’ (1922)

Image via Penguin Modern Classics

Advertisement

If there is any one book from the 20th century that’s most often labeled as the era’s single greatest work of fiction, it’s James Joyce‘s Ulysses, one of those books that are an absolute masterclass in prose. Originally serialized in the American journal The Little Review between 1918 and 1920, the book was finally published in book form in Paris in 1922. Modernist literature saw writers reject traditional styles to reflect a world transformed by war and industrialization, and Ulysses is typically praised as the best and most important modernist novel ever.

This is a truly monumental paragon of 20th-century literature, written and structured like a stream of consciousness. Never before had the world read a novel so psychologically complex, so stylistically daring, and so gleefully transgressive. By mapping the mundane events of a single day in a character’s life in Dublin onto Homer‘s The Odyssey, Joyce not only proved that 20th-century folks’ ordinary lives could be as mythical as any ancient epic, but also that literature was readying itself for more dramatic transformations than it had ever seen.

1

‘1984’ (1949)

Image via Secker & Warburg

Advertisement

The debate on what the most influential book of the 20th century is is one where no singular answer could possibly satisfy everyone, but it’s quite likely that the most universally accepted response would be George Orwell‘s 1984. It was definitely not Orwell who invented dystopian literature, nor was 1984 even the first mega-influential dystopian masterpiece from the 20th century, but it sure was—and still is—the most culturally significant.

On the one hand, there’s the book’s impact purely on literature, having influenced countless artists who over the years have spoken out against totalitarianism, repression, and mass surveillance. Then, there’s the book’s overarching cultural impact, so large that it’s difficult to put into words. From introducing terms like “Big Brother” and “thoughtcrime” to the global lexicon, to the book’s timeless (and often referenced) warnings against fascism and oppression, to the birth of the also-often-referenced term “Orwellian,” 1984 has had a level of widespread influence that can’t be overstated.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes extended his sympathy to a Kansas City media member after the “unexpected” death of his father. 

“Praying for your family man,” Mahomes, 30, wrote via direct message to reporter Tucker Franklin, who shared the interaction via X on Sunday, September 6. “Chiefs and chiefskingdom is with you! 🙏🏽”

In response to the DM, Franklin, 28, told his followers, “I think it’s easy to wonder if the quarterback of your favorite team is actually a good guy.” 

“We don’t have to wonder about that in KC ❤️,” he added. 

Tucker, who covers the Chiefs for KC Sports Network, announced the death of his father, Doug, on August 31. He was 55. 

“My dad, Doug Franklin, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away,” Tucker shared via X. “He was a great father, phenomenal husband, and an amazing man. The only thing he loved more than the Kansas City Royals was his family. He will be greatly missed.”

The journalist added, “It’s easy in times like these to be upset by all the things you didn’t get to experience. I’m crushed and devastated. Life is not fair but in these unfair moments, I’m choosing to be thankful for the 28 years I had with a man I was honored to call my father. Though, it should’ve been more. Thank you, Dad.”

Tucker was responsible for authoring his late father’s obituary, which he called “the hardest writing assignment of my life.”

“He was an advocate for teachers, having served on the Trenton R-IX School Board for six years, including the last three as president,” Tucker wrote about his dad. “On top of that, Doug worked as an adjunct professor for North Central Missouri College, teaching world religion and fire science.”

The obituary added, “He loved doing life together. He believed the church was the people. He gathered to camp, sit down at a table, and celebrate regardless of any inconvenience to himself. He showed up for people. He was not perfect and wasn’t afraid of it. His selfless nature was evident to everyone he came across.”

Tucker said he was “blown away by all the responses” after revealing his father’s death.

Advertisement

Related: Ohio High School Football Coach Joe Pierro Dead After Lightning Strike

Joe Pierro, a beloved high school and basketball coach in Ohio, has died after being struck by lightning. He was 60. Pierro was killed while mowing the lawn at his home in Steubenville, Ohio on Friday, September 4, according to local reports.  The incident happened just three weeks after Pierro retired following 30-plus years as […]

“I can never thank each and every one of you for reaching out, no matter our relationship,” he shared via X on September 1. “I’m overwhelmed. Thank you ❤️.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Tucker returned to work on Monday, September 7, cohosting KC Sports Network’s “That Football Show,” which opened with a message about his late dad. 

“In these times, it’s good to be together,” he said. “It’s great to see all the support … that I have had, that my family has had, from people that I’ve never met.”

Tucker continued, “That’s been really touching, really moving. I just want to say thank you.”

Emma Roberts has paid tribute to her “Scream 4” co-star and close friend Hayden Panettiere following the actress’ sudden death at 36. Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16, and pronounced dead at the scene. Her official cause of death has not been disclosed, though authorities said the preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

4

As Hollywood continues mourning the “Heroes” and “Nashville” star, Roberts shared an intimate throwback photograph from their friendship alongside an emotional message. “Rest in peace, my sweet friend. You are so loved, and you will be forever missed [red heart emoji],” Roberts wrote.

Roberts selected a candid photograph capturing an affectionate moment between the two actresses. In the image, Panettiere sits in a wicker chair while wearing a bright pink dress with a square neckline and statement sleeves. Her hair is pulled back as she beams directly at the camera.

Roberts leans over from beside her and plants a kiss near Panettiere’s temple. The “American Horror Story” actress wears her hair in a sleek ponytail and appears dressed in a dark blue and black outfit.

The Actresses Starred Together In ‘Scream 4’

Roberts and Panettiere joined the “Scream” franchise together in its fourth installment, released in 2011. The film introduced a new group of Woodsboro characters alongside returning franchise stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette.

Panettiere played horror movie expert Kirby Reed, while Roberts portrayed Jill Roberts, the cousin of Campbell’s Sidney Prescott. Both characters became central to the latest Ghostface killing spree, placing the young actresses at the center of the movie’s biggest twists and confrontations.

The project arrived during an important period in both of their careers. Panettiere had already found widespread fame through her role as Claire Bennet on “Heroes.” Roberts, meanwhile, was transitioning from younger projects into more mature film and television roles.

Kirby Reed Became A ‘Scream’ Fan Favorite

4

Although Emma Roberts did not return to the franchise following “Scream 4,” Hayden Panettiere eventually reprised her role as Kirby Reed. Kirby stood out as a horror-obsessed Woodsboro teenager who could match the franchise’s resident movie experts with her knowledge of genre rules and slasher history.

In “Scream 4,” Kirby was attacked and left bleeding after being betrayed by Charlie Walker, one of the people behind the latest Ghostface murders. The film never explicitly showed her dying, leaving her fate unresolved and prompting years of speculation about whether she had survived.

The franchise quietly answered that question in 2022’s “Scream.” During one scene, a video thumbnail visible on a computer referenced an interview with “Woodsboro survivor Kirby Reed,” confirming that the character had lived through the attack.

Advertisement

Panettiere then made her official onscreen return in 2023’s “Scream VI,” more than a decade after her original appearance. By that point, Kirby had transformed from a teenage horror fan into an FBI agent investigating Ghostface-related attacks. She traveled to New York City after another series of murders placed the surviving Woodsboro characters in danger.

Hayden Panettiere Remembered Bonding With Her Co-Stars

4

Panettiere later reflected on the friendships she developed during production in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” The actress wrote that she “quickly bonded with most of the young people on set,” a group that included Roberts.

Panettiere remembered filming “Scream 4” as an especially joyful period in her career. “I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much or so hard as I did in those few months,” she wrote.

Hayden Panettiere’s Death Remains Under Investigation

4

Panettiere was found unresponsive in Greenville on August 16 after an acquaintance contacted emergency services. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities said their preliminary investigation had not uncovered signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An autopsy also reportedly found no trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s passing.

Her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined.

Advertisement

It’s been nine years since Ridley Scott’s last sci-fi movie, Alien: Covenant, and Collider is thrilled to celebrate the filmmaker’s return to the genre with The Dog Stars, starring Josh Brolin and Jacob Elordi. We’re proud to announce that we’re partnering with 20th Century Studios and IMAX to offer our readers in Los Angeles the opportunity to see an advanced screening of the film on the biggest screen before it’s officially released in theaters. After the movie, we invite you to stick around for an exclusive prerecorded Q&A conversation with Scott about the film.

If you’re in the L.A. area, or have the means to get there, don’t miss out on this early IMAX screening of The Dog Stars. Join us on Tuesday, August 25th. The screening will take place near LAX and will begin at 7:00 p.m. The prerecorded Q&A, moderated by our own Steve Weintraub, will take place after the movie. Read on for more information on how you can enter for your chance to win free tickets to this advanced screening.

How to Get ‘The Dog Stars’ IMAX Screening and Q&A Tickets

We guarantee this screening will fill up quickly, so don’t wait to claim your tickets! Join us for this advanced opportunity to see Scott’s new sci-fi movie on the biggest screen ahead of the crowds. For your chance to win free tickets to see The Dog Stars in IMAX early, plus our exclusive Q&A conversation with Scott, hit this link to provide us with your email address. This special fan screening and Q&A will go fast, so grab your seats before they’re gone. Be sure to let us know if you’d like to bring a guest with you, and RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot. All confirmed guests will receive an email confirmation. Please note that seating will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

What Is ‘The Dog Stars’ About?

The world as we know it has ended. Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars is a riveting, epic thriller set in a world where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice. Based on Peter Heller’s bestselling book, Elordi plays a young pilot named Hig who’s built a homestead alongside a military survivalist, Bangley (Brolin). Here, they secure themselves against a brutal existence, isolated from kill-or-be-killed survivors. When Hig receives a mysterious radio transmission, he sets out into the unknown in search of the hope of a future he believes still exists. In addition to Brolin and Elordi, The Dog Stars’ acclaimed cast also features Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney.

Keep an eye out for an email from us. Only confirmed RSVP’s will gain admittance to the screening.

The Dog Stars debuts in theaters and IMAX on August 28. Check with Collider for more special event screenings.

Image via IMAX

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

August 28, 2026

Runtime

100 Minutes

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

New York Yankees fans were shocked when ace pitcher CC Sabathia checked into rehab for alcohol addiction right before the 2015 MLB Postseason began.

Sabathia, 46, opened up to Us exclusively about his journey while in Iowa for Netflix’s exclusive broadcast of the 2026 Field of Dreams game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins. He said that while he was putting together a career that eventually landed him in the Hall of Fame, Sabathia wasn’t addressing issues affecting him off the field.

“My dad passed away in December of 2003. My uncle passed away in April of 2004, and then my cousin passed away in June of 2004. I never dealt with those deaths and those three are the closest people to me in my life,” he said.

Sabathia continued, “When my parents split up, my uncle was the one that stepped in and took me everywhere. He was my coach. He took me to every football practice. His son was the one that passed away. So three huge deaths in my life that I never dealt with, never thought about, and had no problem out on the field. It was everything else after that, trying to deal with that. I guess it all kind of worked out, but it made for some tough years in between with the drinking and stuff.”

Related: Oscar De La Hoya on Coping With Alcohol Use, Depression: ‘It’s All Balance’

Launched in 2013, the harris project is a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of co-occurring disorders (COD) — the combination of mental health challenges and substance use issues. Us Weekly has partnered with the harris project to bring you The Missing Issue, a special edition focusing on the stories of celebrities who struggled […]

The result was years of alcohol slowly taking over his off-field life until a road trip to Baltimore at the end of the 2015 season. After a drinking binge in his hotel room that rolled into the next day, he came to the stunning realization that he was about to throw a bullpen session while drunk.

As Sabathia put it, the deaths he had refused to deal with in the early 2000s “fueled” him on the field, masking their effects. He became a known workhorse through his years with the Cleveland Indians and turned into a highly sought-after free agent that eventually landed with the Yankees on the biggest free agent contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history at the time.

But the money almost wasn’t enough to put Sabathia in pinstripes. The Yankees are the most popular baseball team in the world and he still hadn’t reckoned with losing his baseball mentor, his dad.

“That was the reason why it took me so long to end up signing there because my dad had passed away, and if I showed up in New York and failed? He wasn’t gonna be able to be there to tell me that it was okay,” Sabathia said. “So I think I was a little nervous about taking on that challenge.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Breaking Down the Biggest MLB Scandals and Controversies Over the Years

The MLB has experienced its fair share of public scandals over the years, some of which involved more than one player — and in some cases, an entire team. After years of speculation, The Athletic published an exposé in November 2019, revealing that the Houston Astros had been stealing signs from opposing teams. This quickly […]

Advertisement

Sabathia quickly learned that it would, in fact, work out. The Yankees won the World Series in 2009, his first season with the club, and he was named MVP of the American League Championship Series after a pair of dominant starts against the Los Angeles Angels.

He went on to pitch 11 seasons in New York and in September, the franchise will retire his No. 52. When it happens, Sabathia will be thinking of his dad.

“He’s the first person that always comes to my mind when I get these accomplishments because he made me believe that it was going to be true,” he said. “So, when I think about myself going into Monument Park or my number going up there, I think his face should be up there.”

Days of Our Lives new spoilers for the next two weeks starting August 17th stun with Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews) completely enraged by somebody in the family who lied right to his face. Plus, Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) gets a very tempting offer, but it might be from someone he despises.

Also, the two weeks of August 17th through the 28th, there’s Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowels) in labor with things going wrong as she starts to bleed out. Plus, Lexie has her last moments and Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) plays a dangerous game as her bestie returns. Let’s start on Monday, August 17th’s episode of Days.

We’re going to pick up from Friday with Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and Theo horrified to see Lexie in the room below the DiMera Mansion. And Abe and Theo are going to get Lexie moved ASAP over to Salem University Hospital. While they are there, they are going to get devastating news from Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans) about Lexie’s prognosis. Her time is definitely almost up.

This week, we’ve got Abe and Theo creeping quietly into Lexie’s hospital room, and Theo saying, “Hey, mom.” And Lexie looks really bad. Meanwhile, also picking back up from Friday’s cliffhanger, Chanel goes into labor at the apartment. Lonnie, Paulina Price (Jackee Harry), and Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) hurry to get Chanel over to the hospital as well.

And they get Ari and baby Aaron to watch little Trey. Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) is urging Gwen to cooperate with Jada up at the SPD cop shop. They need Gwen to testify against EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and may try threats, but Gwen’s more the kind of girl that responds to a carrot, not a stick.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Theo Rages

Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) finds out Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) sacrificed his freedom to save Gwen from Dimitri’s clutches and he’s impressed. Then on Tuesday, August 18th, Theo is laying into his cousin Johnny DiMera who knew Lexie was down in the tunnel room but didn’t tell Theo. So they’re up at the hospital and he’s ranting at Johnny asking, “What other heinous things have you been covering up?” Well, a lot actually. Arsenic, corosil, kidnapping, attempted murder.

JJ goes looking for his sister Gwen this week. And I’m wondering if JJ is going to ask Gwen to help take down EJ. Also this week, we have JJ talking to Theo up at the hospital. And I’m guessing JJ is there to offer comfort to his former bestie. Holly and Tate are playing Cupid for Aaron and Ari. We know Aaron already kissed Ariana. And things may spark soon with a little help from Tate and Holly, especially while Aaron and Ari are on babysitting duty with baby Trey. And of course, Aaron seems to be enjoying some time with his and Sophia’s baby. Foster makes a move on his date with Julie. And Foster kisses a stunned Julie.

Wednesday, August 19th on Days of Our Lives. Still in Alamania. Leo’s pushing back hard, telling Dimitri, “If you really love me, you’ll let me go.” But he’s shaking his head at Leo. In the end, though, Dimitri is going to let him go back to Salem. Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) tries one more time to convince Gabi to bankroll him $5 million for the high stakes poker game in Monte Carlo. Seems insane to think Philip could win $200 million gambling to save Titan. Also, Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) hears about an offer on the mansion. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s EJ, but maybe it’s Gabi. She can’t afford to bail out Titan and pay off the whole loan, but I’m sure that she could afford the mansion.

Kate comforts Philip over at the Kiriakis home and I’m sure that he’s distraught about them losing Victor’s place. Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and Sarah’s relationship takes a leap forward. Brady soon tells Sarah, “I love you.” And she says the same with a sweet kiss, but it’s not going to last. Marlena gets pulled into the chessboard mystery against her will.

Days of Our Lives: Gwen is Excited to see Leo

Then on Thursday, August 20th episode of Days of Our Lives, we’ve got Gus saying some things to Javi. I suspect Gus is going to snap over Javi’s concern for Leo. But the bottom line is they’re just not compatible. Theo cannot forgive Johnny. As far as Theo’s concerned, Johnny’s a liar, and Theo thinks that Johnny was going to let Lexie die alone in that Dement. So Theo may never want to see Johnny again. Too bad they’re family.

Gwen is thrilled to see Leo back in Salem. Question is, did Dimitri come along for the ride? Also, Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) is there for Joy when she gets scary news from Kayla, who tells Joy that worst case scenario is she’ll be paralyzed from this spinal stenosis. Alex hugs a devastated Joy and Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) is spying and sees it. And then we’re going to have her turning to Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) for comfort and maybe some advice. But if Stephanie lashes out about Alex hugging Joy, I expect Alex will call out Stephanie for being petty when Joy is facing a horrible fate.

Days of Our Lives: Lexie’s Final Hours and Chanel’s Labor Crisis

Then on Friday, August 21st on Days of Our Lives, we’ve got Jada confronting EJ with questions. So Jada may grill EJ about why Lexie was in his basement. Plus, Jada may have questions about Kristen DiMera’s (Stacy Haiduk) disappearance, things from Gwen’s letter, lots of things. Abe and Theo are really hoping Lexie’s time hasn’t run out, but sadly that is not the case. This week, Theo and Abe are at Lexie’s bedside. Abe’s holding her hand. Lexie has tears in her eyes. Abe’s hand is shaking. Her time’s almost gone.

Also, we should see that summer promo moment in Lexie’s hospital room where EJ comes in to check on his sister, and Abe explodes, yelling at EJ, “Get the hell out of here.” But Lexie may speak up and tell Abe and Theo that EJ was respecting her wishes. Chanel’s labor takes a frightening turn. Paulina, Lani, and Johnny are there this week as Kayla’s checking on Chanel. Then Johnny says she’s bleeding. Kayla tells Lonnie and Paulina they got to clear out and Chanel is terrified and tells Johnny they go on with labor and delivery. And then Kayla tells Chanel that we’re in the home stretch. She’s screaming in horrible pain. Johnny’s there holding her hand. We hear a baby cry at the end of the promo, but Chanel may be in trouble.

Lonnie and Eli sit outside pacing and waiting for an update. Lonnie talks to Eli about the baby they lost because of her child birth complications. Of course, Lonnie had a ruptured placenta years back. I think it was like seven years ago, maybe. It was really bad. So, this is obviously traumatic for Lonnie as she’s worried about her sister Chanel. Hopefully, Johnny will get to see Chanel make a full recovery and the healthy birth of little Quattro despite these complications. We’ll see several families experience the circle of life as Lexie passes away just as Chanel’s baby is born. It’s going to be a bittersweet day in Salem.

Days of Our Lives Spoilers: It’s Baby Time

Then the week of August 24th through the 28th, we got Chanel and Johnny’s baby born, but may have got to be in NICU since the kid’s a few weeks early, but just three. So, it’s not a terribly early birth, but there are complications. Abe and Theo lean on each other in their grief. Losing Lexie for a second time is more than devastating. Abe is likely to remain furious with EJ, even if Lexie tries to smooth things over before she dies. I’m interested to see if Theo quits his job at DiMera to get away from EJ and Johnny or if Theo collapsed back at them and kicks out Johnny.

Stephanie and Alex face a rougher road now that Joy’s got this tragic prognosis. If Stephanie’s not sympathetic, I think Alex will be annoyed with her, but this may have Joy rethinking her stance on Stephanie so that Alex isn’t stuck single parenting if Joy is paralyzed or doesn’t survive this. Leo and Javi reunite soon because he realizes it is Leo who’s his soulmate and that he’s still in love with him and not Gus.

Dimitri may not stop chasing Leo, though, and Gwen may need witness protection if she cooperates with the FBI and SPD because EJ will want revenge against his former co-conspirator. So, Gwen may wind up with a tropical island permanent vacation of her own very soon. And of course, Dimitri would think it’s karma. We may see Belle and Chad packing off to Italy soon and we’ll find out if Philip got the money to gamble on the high stakes poker game and how that went or if somebody else is going to bail out Xander, Philip, and Titan.

Zendaya won’t rock certain designers on the red carpet, and Law Roach is sharing why.

The celebrity stylist has spilled the tea on the reasons behind the former Nickelodeon child star’s decision never to be seen at star-studded events in outfits from major fashion houses. 

Zendaya’s name rings on the lips of many for her iconic red carpet looks. The praise extends to Law Roach for his creativity and for being the brains behind her stunning outfits.

5

Roach previously disclosed that Zendaya will not be seen rocking outfits from designers like Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and Saint Laurent at any red carpets. However, with the actress majorly stealing the spotlight at most events, is there a chance the stylist may change his mind anytime soon?

The fashion stylist, during an appearance on Ziwe Fumudoh’s “You’d Be an Iconic Guest” podcast, opened up about his decision to exclude those big-name brands from dressing Zendaya on the red carpet because they had previously turned down the opportunity to dress the actress earlier in her career.

Roach admitted that the extent of his grudges had died down, telling Fumudoh that he was rocking a Saint Laurent fit during their conversation.

“I think that there is an importance of being petty, but I’ve outgrown my pettiness. I think that holding grudges makes you ugly,” Roach explained. “So in my quest to become more beautiful, I’ve released some of the grudges that I held.” 

When asked during the podcast if Zendaya, on the other hand, would be wearing any of the brands he previously soured on, Roach gave a definitive “no.” 

Inside The ‘Spider-Man’ Star’s Unofficial Red Carpet Boycott 

5

Back in 2024, Roach revealed during a podcast appearance that Zendaya has not worn any looks from the Big Five fashion houses after they refused to dress her early in her career. He disclosed that he reached out to them; however, all he got were excuses.

“I would write the Big Five. I would write Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, and they would all say, ‘No, try again next year. She’s too green. She’s not on our calendar,’” he said. Roach continued, stating that he had receipts of his conversations with the designer brands.

The celebrity stylist clarified that the Emmy winner had worn designs from those fashion houses on editorial shoots but never in public or at red-carpet events.

He noted, while speaking on “The Cutting Room Floor” podcast, that the first time Zendaya stepped out in a Valentino fit was when she had a contract. For Roach and the “Euphoria” star, “If you say no, it’ll be a no forever,” and she is sticking to it.

Zendaya And Law Roach Have A Special Bond

5

Roach has been styling Zendaya ever since she was 14 years old. Their working relationship has grown so deep over the years that they refer to each other as “fashion soulmates.” He explained that they both ride the ship to come up with her stunning outfits. Amid arguments and disagreements, the pair has respect and love for each other.

In an interview with The New York Times two years ago, the topic of Roach’s retirement came up. The stylist had announced that he was stepping away from his professional career as the demands of the job were taking a toll on his mental health and personal lifestyle.

Despite his decision to retire, Roach continued to work as Zendaya’s stylist. He shared that he turned down several potential clients, except for the Nickelodeon alum, and disclosed that he cannot say no to her.

The Image Architect Says Tom Holland’s Wife Is Like ‘Family’

5

Roach recently doubled down on the rules he has for his professional settings. He shared that he tries to draw a firm line and set clear boundaries with the people he works for, with Zendaya as the obvious exception.

“I always had a rule not to become friends with clients,” he said while speaking on SiriusXM on Saturday, August 15. Speaking further, he explained that mixing friendship with business blurs the line, and maintaining a professional boundary is important for business.

Roach previously addressed this topic in a 2015 interview, stating that he avoids hanging out with his clients because they are paying him to do a job. Building a connection with them comes easily because he sees them at their most vulnerable; hence, it takes discipline to keep things strictly professional.

The fashionista said that the rule cannot apply to his relationship with the 29-year-old actress because they had “grown up together” and had become like “family.”

Law Roach And Zendaya Tag Team With Method Dressing Theme

5

The “Challengers” star has had one of the busiest years of her career, with red carpets and movie premieres back-to-back. One thing that remains iconic is the fashion statement she makes at every event, stepping out in not only gasp-worthy outfits but ones that match the theme.

For “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” she stepped out repping the movie in outfits with intricate cobweb and spider detailing. For “The Odyssey” press tour, Zendaya embodied her character, Athena, in her red-carpet outfits.

The Blast reported that fans were left stunned, singing her praises as well as those of her stylist who put the elegant look together. She donned a bold Schiaparelli couture gown from Paris Couture Week designed by Daniel Roseberry for the movie premiere.

Zendaya looked like a Greek goddess personified in the outfit, which featured a sculpted white breastplate with a lace-up back. The other mind-blowing part was the work of art debuted at Paris Couture Week just hours before the world saw it on Zendaya.

Will Zendaya let the grudge go with time like Law Roach?

It’s a new dawn for X-Men. 63 years into the franchise, spanning everything from its first comic book to the latest X-Men ’97, the series is entering a new generation with its upcoming 2028 X-Men film. It will be the first major X-Men movie since the third installment of the original 20th Century Fox series, 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand. Since then, multiple X-Men-adjacent movies have been released, with some, like X-Men: Apocalypse, receiving a lukewarm reception, while others, such as Logan, were widely celebrated.

This time around, the franchise is going back to square one with a fresh cast of actors taking on some of the most iconic X-Men characters, alongside a surprising villain. From an actor best known for a popular Netflix romance series to a Broadway actress making her film debut, here is every X-Men actor announced at D23 2026.

Kit Connor as Scott Summers/Cyclops

Image via Netflix

Scott Summers/Cyclops (Kit Connor) is the no-nonsense leader of the X-Men. Best known for his optic blasts, he’s instantly recognizable by his trademark ruby-quartz glasses. He neither has the strongest physique nor the most powerful abilities on the team, but he’s the go-to guy for strategy. However, his constant need to make plans and ensure that both their missions and the school run smoothly stems from a traumatic past that left him needing a certain degree of control over his life.

Connor got his start in television as a child actor and even had the opportunity to play a teenage Elton John in Rocketman. However, the actor truly had his breakthrough as the level-headed and equally reliable pillar of support for Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) in Heartstopper. On the action front, he’s also dabbled in an ensemble team setting with his fellow comrades in Warfare, giving him an all-around edge that mirrors Summers.

Sadie Sink as Jean Grey/Phoenix

Jean Grey/Phoenix (Sadie Sink) is the more emotional counterpart to the stiff Summers, with her feelings deeply intertwined with her telepathic and telekinetic abilities. In X-Men lore, her powers are often a source of conflict because they’re connected to the cosmic, godlike Phoenix Force, which can emerge when Grey loses control and unleashes enough power to potentially destroy the universe. Yet, despite her tremendous abilities, Grey is the first to ground the team when necessary—always willing to listen, understand, and calm others down.

Sink is no stranger to playing empathetic characters, with her most famous role being Max Mayfield in Stranger Things. Like Max, Grey tends to keep her emotions bottled up, but under pressure, she breaks down those walls to protect her friends. Sink has also delivered intense performances as Ellie in The Whale, portraying her complicated feelings toward her estranged father, and in Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well: The Short Film,” further showcasing her versatility.

Samara Weaving as Emma Frost/White Queen

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Advertisement

Emma Frost/White Queen (Samara Weaving) is the team’s resident baddie, keeping the X-Men in check with her sharp tongue and even sharper attitude. Historically, Frost wasn’t originally part of the team. Born into a wealthy but abusive family, she left home after discovering her telepathic abilities and later joined the Hellfire Club, where she also developed her signature diamond form. Initially an antagonist, Frost ultimately joined the X-Men and became the team’s brutally honest anti-heroine.

Weaving has appeared in plenty of projects, gaining traction with her sweet-but-deadly role as a murderous nanny in The Babysitter. However, she truly made Grace Le Domas her own in Ready or Not, battling her murderous in-laws through a series of intense action sequences and stunts. Although her appearance as Constance Moore in Babylon is brief, Weaving shows off her ability to deliver a blunt, snappy attitude, which bodes well for her portrayal of Frost’s icy personality.

Inde Navarrette as Anne Marie/Rogue

Image via Focus Features

Advertisement

Anne Marie/Rogue (Inde Navarrette) has powers that rival Grey’s in intensity. Through skin-to-skin contact, she can absorb memories, personality traits, and physical abilities, making her powers dangerous not only to others but also to herself. Without proper training, everything she absorbs can become overwhelming, which makes intimacy difficult for her. She’s afraid that the closer someone gets, the more likely she is to hurt them, whether she means to or not.

Navarrette made her television debut in 2020 with Season 4 of 13 Reasons Why before landing a starring role as Sarah Cortez in Superman & Lois. Her most recent breakthrough came with the horror film Obsession, where she played Nikki Freeman, a physically and emotionally demanding role that required her to portray both intense violence and the trauma of being possessed against her will. That experience could translate well to Rogue, whose powers often leave her feeling similarly powerless over herself.

Maya Boyd as Ororo Munroe/Storm

Image via MediaPunch/INSTARimages

Advertisement

Ororo Munroe/Storm (Maya Boyd) is the authoritative voice of the X-Men. While Summers still struggles with self-doubt as a leader, Storm commands respect naturally, balancing confidence with enough compassion to listen to her team’s concerns. But cross her, and she’ll make her temper known. Much like her weather manipulation, her leadership requires precision and control; she knows when to assert herself and when to let others speak.

Unlike the rest of the announced cast, X-Men will mark Boyd’s transition from Broadway to the screen. It’s a significant challenge, especially with only three theatrical credits, including & Juliet. However, Storm’s commanding voice has long been one of her defining traits, popularized by Alison Sealy-Smith in the original animated series. Coincidentally, Sealy-Smith also has a Shakespearean theater background, making Boyd’s musical theater training and Broadway experience a promising fit for the role.

Christopher Abbott as Charles Xavier/Professor X

Image via Mubi

Advertisement

Charles Xavier/Professor X (Christopher Abbott) is the all-wise, calm leader of the Xavier Institute, which has long housed and trained mutants to reach their potential while teaching them to use their abilities ethically. As the founder of the X-Men, Charles has always advocated for peace. Despite governments and rebellious mutants constantly clashing over who should dominate the world, Charles believes in human-mutant coexistence, where both sides can understand and benefit from one another.

Abbott might be best known for his role in the coming-of-age Girls, where he played the gentle and earnest Charlie Dattolo. However, he also explored complex emotions in James White, where his character struggles with bottled-up feelings in private, much like Charles. As a leader, Charles carries enormous responsibility, and Abbott’s role as John Yossarian in Catch-22 offers another fitting reference point, portraying an unconventional hero who doesn’t budge his moral compass and refuses to blindly accept authority.

Adam Driver as Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister

Image via Lucasfilm

Advertisement

Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister (Adam Driver) is obsessed with creating the “perfect” mutant. Originally a 19th-century British scientist, Milbury’s research combines evolution with eugenics, leading him down an increasingly disturbing path. He develops a particular interest in the Summers and Grey bloodlines, explaining his fixation on these two mutants. In between being an intelligent and ruthless scientist, Milbury has also genetically modified himself, allowing him to manipulate his own DNA and alter his abilities as he sees fit.

Driver’s casting announcement was easily one of the biggest surprises at D23, but his cold and calculating demeanor makes him a surprisingly fitting choice. After all, Driver is no stranger to playing intimidating characters, having portrayed Kylo Ren in Star Wars, whose mere presence can make audiences uneasy. For Milbury’s intellectual arrogance, however, Marriage Story offers another strong reference point, with Driver’s character often convinced that his perspective is fundamentally correct.

Advertisement

X-Men

Advertisement

Release Date

May 5, 2028

Director

Jake Schreier

Advertisement

Writers

Joanna Calo, Lee Sung Jin, Michael Lesslie

Advertisement

• 
• 

  Inde Navarrette

  Advertisement

  Rogue / Anna Marie

• 

  Kit Connor

  Scott Summers / Cyclops

  Advertisement
• 

  Samara Weaving

  Emma Frost

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement