Entertainment
7 Greatest Spaghetti Western Heroes, Ranked
Spaghetti Westerns can best be defined as Westerns that were made in Europe, rather than America, often (but not exclusively) in Italy. So, the term was a bit of a derogatory one, since the sentiment at the time, according to some, was that Westerns made outside the U.S. just weren’t as good, or couldn’t be as good, even though some spaghetti Westerns genuinely could rival American classics like The Searchers, High Noon, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance in terms of quality. Actually, those ones aren’t ideal to bring up if you want to contrast American Westerns with spaghetti ones, since those three can be considered at least a little revisionist or subversive.
Maybe it’s accurate to say spaghetti Westerns just pushed things further, and got a little darker (and more realistic) than most American Westerns made around the middle of the 20th century. With that, you get fewer traditional heroes in spaghetti Westerns, so a ranking like the following does have to include some anti-heroes and at least a couple of characters who are kind of rogue-ish, but endearing – or sympathetic – compared to the villains they’re up against. There’s a limit of one character per movie, and also, only traditional spaghetti Westerns will be considered below (it was tempting to have Django Unchained here, since both the title character and Dr. King Schultz qualify as memorable heroes, but that’s more of a homage to spaghetti Westerns than an actual spaghetti Western).
7
Keoma
‘Keoma’ (1976)
Maybe Keoma is a little underrated, as far as spaghetti Westerns go, and there’s another starring Franco Nero, from a decade earlier, that’s certainly more popular (more on that one in a bit), but this one’s still quite good overall. It’s about the titular character coming home, after fighting in the Civil War, and finding his town is under the control of various nefarious people, so he has to go about resuming fighting, only it’s more personal and everything.
He also has some half-brothers on the other side of the conflict, which makes things a bit dicier and overall darker, befitting the spaghetti Western sub-genre… though they’re also not exactly good people, by any means. Keoma builds to an inevitably violent final act that is the highlight of the movie overall, though it’s still fairly good and generally reliable before then, too, and Nero was undeniably strong in this kind of role.
6
Tuco
‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)
Just as you can recommend Singin’ in the Rain to people who hate musicals, or The Shawshank Redemption to people who usually stay away from prison movies, you can quite confidently recommend The Good, the Bad and the Ugly to those who usually swear off older Westerns. It’s not one that feels old, by any means, which helps, though 1966 was… (*checks notes*) oh, wow, 60 years ago now. At the time of writing. Could be even longer, depending on the time of reading.
There is a character played by Clint Eastwood who’s technically “the Good,” but he’s not all that good, or at least he’s not the easiest to root for. Also, he’s in the other two movies in the Dollars trilogy, so his time will come. It’s Tuco who’s getting a shout-out here. It might even be a stretch to call him an antihero, since he’s not a very good guy by most standards (his worst misdeeds are said to have happened before the events of the film), but it’s also hard not to like him in a weird sort of way. He’s the underdog, of the three characters referred to in the title, and gets played the most often during the whole chaotic race toward a hidden fortune, so yeah, he’s getting counted as a spaghetti Western sort of hero here. Deal with it.
5
Django
‘Django’ (1966)
So, there’s a limit of one character per movie here, but Franco Nero is going to show up in this ranking twice, because 10 years before Keoma, he also played the titular character in Django. You can’t really go past Django, and not just because it was (obviously) a reference point for Django Unchained. The premise here is similar to another spaghetti Western made a couple of years earlier, and that’s also going to be mentioned right below.
Django might not seem like a real hero in a non-spaghetti Western, but he comes into a town with some pretty bad people in it, in this movie, and so he’s worthy of being considered a hero by comparison.
The titular Django might not seem like a real hero in a non-spaghetti Western, but he comes into a town with some pretty bad people in it, in this movie, and so he’s worthy of being considered a hero by comparison. That can be said about a fair few spaghetti Westerns when it comes to the main characters, though Django is admittedly closer to traditional hero territory than Tuco from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
4
The Man with No Name
‘A Fistful of Dollars’ (1964)
Hey, there he is. There’s Clint Eastwood. His first movie as the Man with No Name was A Fistful of Dollars, and it was also something of a star-making role for Eastwood, as far as big-screen appearances were concerned. A Fistful of Dollars was the first movie in the Dollars trilogy, and it’s the one that lets Eastwood be the most outwardly heroic, or at least he’s not kind of upstaged by someone like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’s Tuco, nor the “real” hero of the second movie in the trilogy.
In A Fistful of Dollars, the Man with No Name comes into a town and cleans it up in his own distinct way, a little like Django in Django. Okay, he does clean up the town a little like the main character in Yojimbo, perhaps notoriously so, but judged as an unofficial remake, A Fistful of Dollars is about as good as they get. Eastwood was instantly iconic here, and it was essential in making him forever associated with the Western genre (well, that and his earlier role on the Western TV series, Rawhide).
3
Col. Mortimer
‘For a Few Dollars More’ (1965)
As previously alluded to, the Man with No Name is sort of outshone in the second of the Dollars trilogy movies, For a Few Dollars More. Eastwood’s character is going after a bandit, and then he crosses paths with someone else who’s after the same individual. His name is Col. Mortimer, and he’s played by Lee Van Cleef, who was also “the Bad” in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, with the two characters being remarkably different.
Mortimer has more of a personal reason for pursuing the main villain in For a Few Dollars More, to say the least, and it’s revealed slowly, making the eventual showdown all the more enthralling. It’s also funny to think about how in Sergio Leone’s version of the Old West, there are two men stomping around who both look exactly the same, albeit with almost opposite personalities, and the Man with No Name rather nonchalantly gets involved with both of them.
2
Jill
‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ (1968)
Once Upon a Time in the West slowed things down a little, compared to the Westerns Sergio Leone directed before 1968. There’s still tons to like here if you also enjoyed the Dollars trilogy movies, but no Eastwood here, and things are probably a bit more somber than that trilogy ever got. That being said, you do get perhaps the most clear-cut hero of any Sergio Leone movie: Jill, who’s made a widow early on and finds herself targeted by the man responsible for (nearly) making her lose everything. His name’s Frank, and he wants her land.
Henry Fonda might well come the closest to stealing the show, as the villain here, but Claudia Cardinale is also amazing as Jill, and stands out for being a Western female protagonist; something that’s even rarer for spaghetti Westerns than Westerns generally. Also, an honorable mention does have to go out to Harmonica (Charles Bronson), who’s far more mysterious and perhaps ruthless enough to be more of an anti-hero, but he’s still heroic compared to Frank (who he’s targeting for his own vengeance-fueled reasons).
1
Silence
‘The Great Silence’ (1968)
Released the same year as Once Upon a Time in the West, The Great Silence is probably the best spaghetti Western not directed by Sergio Leone, instead being helmed by Sergio Corbucci, who was also behind the aforementioned Django. The main character of The Great Silence is mute, so he’s only really known as “Silence,” and he has a tragic past, not to mention a potentially tragic future, seeing as he goes up against remarkably cruel bounty hunters who are all targeting more sympathetic individuals.
There’s more that can be said about The Great Silence for sure, and to say too much would be undermining a good deal of what the film’s most famous for (if it counts as famous; The Great Silence still feels pretty underrated, even with people re-evaluating it decades on from its release). There’s a real savageness to this film that still hits quite hard, but its central character is undeniably heroic, even if you could see him as reckless for being so frequently outgunned.
The Great Silence
- Release Date
-
January 27, 1969
- Runtime
-
105 Minutes
- Director
-
Sergio Corbucci
- Writers
-
Sergio Corbucci, Vittoriano Petrilli, Mario Amendola, Bruno Corbucci, John Davis Hart, Lewis E. Ciannelli
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Meghan Markle has come under renewed online mockery after her lifestyle brand As Ever added luxury matchboxes to its growing lineup of premium products.
The reaction comes as old comments criticizing expensive candles have resurfaced, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from critics.
Meanwhile, reports claim tensions have flared behind the scenes between Meghan and Prince Harry over a possible summer trip to the UK, where a reunion with King Charles has reportedly been discussed.
Meghan has sparked a fresh wave of social media frenzy after her As Ever lifestyle brand launched luxury matchboxes as part of its high-end offerings.
The new product line, which comes in blue packaging featuring the As Ever logo, is presented as part of curated bundles that also include her $64 signature candles and premium herbal teas priced at $110.
Asked during a live interview whether the matches are available separately, royal commentator and host of the “Kinsley Schofield Unfiltered” podcast, Kinsley Schofield, said shoppers would need to spend more than $200 to purchase either the “Morning Ritual” or “Evening Ritual” set.
When host Rita Panahi suggested a new nickname for the former “Suits” actress, Schofield dubbed her “Matchstick Meghan,” prompting Panahi to joke, “She does have those skinny legs.”
The online mood was no different, as social media users piled on with jokes and criticism about the new luxury item.
“The odds that I would pay $256 for some candles I’ve never smelled from a website are less than zero,” one X user wrote. “No one is buying this garbage.”
Another user mocked the pricing, writing, “256 dollars?!? Once the business collapses, that customer list will be its most valuable asset — these are the kind of people you could probably sell the Eiffel Tower to.”
Others focused on timing, with one person arguing, “Launching matches in Montecito in summer is in such bad taste. We’ve had several deadly fires and a deadly mudslide, and pushing matches just seems really tone deaf.”
Several critics also joked that the matches were fitting for someone they accused of “burning bridges,” referencing Meghan’s strained relationships with both the royal family and her father, Thomas Markle.
Meghan Markle’s Past Candle Comments Come Back To Haunt Her
The criticism of Meghan intensified after a resurfaced 2016 clip appeared to contradict her current business approach.
Years before launching her own premium candles, the Duchess dismissed high-priced candle brands while promoting her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig.
“There are no $100 candles on my site,” Meghan said at the time, according to Page Six. “That’s so obnoxious.”
“I just want things on there that you can have,” she continued. “And I want people who understand that ethos.”
Meghan also described The Tig as being aspirational while remaining accessible.
“I’ve always crafted [The Tig] as ‘aspirational girl next door,’” she explained. “Like, you can aspire for it but totally attain it too.”
Report Claims Harry And Meghan Had Heated Row
Meanwhile, any suggestions of a possible royal reunion appear to have been overshadowed by claims that Meghan and Harry recently clashed over a potential trip to the UK.
According to reports, Meghan has made it clear she has no intention of accompanying Harry to Balmoral Castle this summer, where discussions about seeing King Charles have reportedly taken place.
“Things boiled over just hours before Meghan flew out to Geneva, and she and Harry didn’t speak for a while afterwards,” a source claimed.
The insider added that Meghan has no desire to expose either herself or the couple’s children to renewed royal tensions.
The source further alleged that Harry is now worried about the consequences of traveling without Meghan, fearing it could leave him spending part of the summer separated from his wife and children while relations with the rest of the royal family remain strained.
Expert Decodes Meghan Markle’s Anniversary Message
The reported disagreement comes shortly after an anniversary post by Meghan sparked speculation about whether she was sending a subtle message to the king.
While celebrating eight years of marriage to Harry, Meghan shared a carousel of personal photos. One image included Charles standing beside her during the couple’s wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward believes the inclusion was intentional.
“Meghan doesn’t do anything without purpose, so she’s sending a message, isn’t she?” Seward told The Mirror.
According to the royal commentator, the image appeared to signal that Harry and Meghan still view themselves as part of the wider royal family despite years of estrangement.
“That’s what Harry and Meghan need because I don’t think they knew when they cut themselves off — with Harry’s book and the Oprah interview — just how alienated they were going to be,” Seward added.
The music world is mourning the loss of Peabo Bryson after the legendary singer died at the age of 75.
Known for his unforgettable soul ballads and timeless duets, Bryson left behind a catalog that shaped generations of music lovers. From Disney classics to Grammy-winning collaborations, his voice became synonymous with romance and emotional storytelling.
Following news of his death, some of the biggest names in the music industry trooped to social media to share emotional tributes honoring both the artist and the man they knew personally.
Peabo Bryson died Tuesday, June 2, at the age of 75 after suffering a stroke just days earlier. The singer’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family said.
“While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit.”
The family added, “His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.” Bryson was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
The legendary vocalist became one of the defining voices behind Disney’s most iconic songs, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.
The latter became the first song from an animated film to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Bryson Remembered By Celine Dion After Disney Duet Success
Celine Dion was among the first major stars to publicly mourn Peabo Bryson following news of his death.
Taking to X, the songstress reflected on their experience recording “Beauty and the Beast” together in 1991.
“I’m heartbroken to hear that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,” she wrote.
Dion also shared how Bryson supported her while she was still learning to sing in English. According to her, “He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded Beauty and the Beast. He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English.”
The singer added that Bryson would forever represent music’s impact on her life, noting, “He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed… My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo.”
Dion included a throwback photo alongside Bryson, showing the pair smiling together during their younger years.
Peabo Bryson’s Fellow Soul Stars Share Emotional Messages
Singer Jody Watley also honored Bryson with a lengthy emotional tribute on social media. “Rest in Peace Peabo Bryson @PeaboBryson2,” Watley tweeted.
She continued, describing the late singer as “one of the greatest male soul vocalists of a generation” and noting that it was an honor to sing with and get to know him over the years.
Watley said Bryson’s support and kindness had a lasting impact on her life and career. “Peabo leaves an indelible everlasting legacy. I’m glad to have been able to tell him every time we toured and sang duets together on The Colors of Christmas-how much he meant to my journey, and thank him for his support, kindness and encouragement,” she revealed.
The 67-year-old also reflected on introducing Bryson to her mother after a 2017 concert. She described it as a cherished memory, adding that her mom loved the musician too.
“Beyond the legendary voice, Peabo is the definition of class, intelligence, and authenticity—a genuine gentleman whose artistry and character continue to inspire,” she finished.
Bryson’s Legacy Celebrated By Fellow Performers
Freddie Jackson wasn’t left out as he also took to Facebook to honor Peabo Bryson’s memory and legacy. “We have lost yet one of the most phenomenal voices of all times — Mr. Peabo Bryson,” Jackson wrote.
The R&B singer continued his tribute by reflecting on the years he spent performing alongside Bryson. “We shared the stage, the road, and the love for Soul and R&B. I send my prayers to his family, friends, and fans,” he wrote.
Jackson also praised Bryson’s emotional connection to music. According to him, the 75-year-old sang from his heart. “There ain’t nothing like the real thing… and Peabo was the real thing,” he shared.
Saxophonist Dave Koz also remembered Bryson with an emotional Instagram post featuring photos from some of their onstage performances together.
“We lost a true icon today-someone who changed the game; a man whose angelic voice captivated the world for decades…and most importantly, a dear friend for years,” Koz wrote.
He also sent love to Bryson’s wife, Tanya, and their son, Kitt, while honoring the icon’s fans worldwide.
“We’re all in mourning today, but yet so grateful for the love and joy Peabo shared with his music. He will be SO missed, but never forgotten,” Koz added.
Peabo Bryson’s Impact Continues Through His Timeless Music
The Maze Band also joined the growing list of tributes honoring Bryson’s lasting influence on music.
In a statement shared on Instagram, they wrote, “The Maze Family joins the countless fans, friends, and fellow musicians around the world in mourning the passing of the legendary Peabo Bryson.”
The group praised Bryson’s voice, songs, and artistry for shaping generations of listeners. “Peabo’s extraordinary voice, timeless songs, and unmatched artistry touched generations and helped define the soundtrack of our lives,” they stated.
According to the tribute, Bryson’s music brought love, hope, and beauty to the world. The statement continued, “His legacy will continue to inspire artists and audiences for years to come.”
Fans across social media also continued sharing memories of Bryson’s music following news of his death.
Many pointed specifically to “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World” as songs that became deeply connected to childhood memories and major life moments.
Family movies sometimes get unfairly dismissed as simple kid’s entertainment, but the very best examples prove that appealing to all ages is one of filmmaking’s hardest tricks of all. A great family film needs adventure, humor, and memorable characters, at least for younger viewers, while still offering enough emotional depth and thematic richness to resonate with the adults sitting beside them.
What’s great is that the last decade has produced an impressive collection of films that have done exactly that. Some have reimagined beloved fairy-tales, with others exploring deeply human themes through fantastical worlds. So, whether they be animated or live-action, these are the films that understand how family audiences deserve heartwarming stories, all made perfect for a unifying leisurely watch.
8
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)
After burning through eight of his nine lives, the fearless feline outlaw Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) discovers that his confidence may not be enough to save him anymore. Now, faced with his own mortality for the first time, Puss sets out on a quest to find the mythical Wishing Star, hoping to restore his lost lives. Unfortunately, along the way, he soon finds himself competing against a colorful set of rivals pursing the same prize.
While Puss in Boots: The Last Wish could’ve easily become a fun (but disposable) Shrek spin-off, it instead became one of the decade’s most emotionally resonant animated films. Beneath its vibrant fairy-tale adventure lies a surprisingly mature story about fear, aging, and learning to appreciate the life one lives. With Death itself placed as a standout animated villain, Puss’ journey transforms into something genuinely affecting—a feat that’s only made better by its stunning animation style that livens every action sequence.
7
‘Klaus’ (2019)
Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) is a spoiled and self-centered postal academy graduate who is sent to a remote artic town, divided by generations of feuding families. Desperate to fulfill a mail quota and return home, he discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons) living alone in the woods. Soon enough, their unlikely friendship sparks a chain reaction that slowly transforms the town and eventually gives rise to the legend of Santa Claus.
Few modern holiday films have achieved the instant classic status of Klaus. And while it reimagines a familiar myth, the movie’s true strength lies in its sincerity and emotional intelligence. The relationship between Jesper and Klaus evolves beautifully, grounding the story in themes of compassion, forgiveness, and community. Plus, when combined with breathtaking animation and a script that balances humor with genuine heart, Klaus feels like a true Christmas classic that many strive for but rarely achieve.
6
‘Coco’ (2017)
Aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), despite his family’s generations-long ban on music. Cut to Día de los Muertios, and Miguel not only discovers that de la Cruz might just be his great-great-grandfather, but he also accidentally transports himself to the Land of the Dead. Needing to return to the land of the living, Miguel runs to secure his ancestor’s blessing—a quest that ultimately uncovers a dark truth behind his family’s history.
While its stunning vibrant visuals and songs are unforgettable, Coco endures mostly because of the emotional power behind them. By exploring memory, family legacy, and the fear of being forgotten, the film builds toward one of Pixar’s most moving and tender endings. Every revelation deepens Miguel’s understanding of where he comes from, transforming what begins as a colorful adventure into a deeply personal story about honoring the people who shaped us. Remember to grab your tissues with this one. That last song is a doozy.
5
‘Wonder’ (2017)
Based on R.J. Palacio‘s bestselling novel, Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) is a young boy born with facial differences who’s attending mainstream school for the first time in his life. Needing to confront his fears, Auggie navigates his coming-of-age journey of friendships, bullying, and the challenges of fitting into a judgmental world (no matter how hard it may be).
What elevates Wonder beyond a typical inspirational drama is its empathy. Rather than focusing solely on Auggie’s perspective, the film examines how kindness, insecurity, and acceptance affect those around him. Tremblay delivers a deeply endearing performance, while the supporting cast helps create a perfectly nuanced portrait of family life. The result is a movie that never feels manipulative, despite its emotional subject matter, offering a genuinely heartfelt reminder of the power of compassion—one that will leave you desperately reaching for the tissues again.
4
‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
Set in fascist Italy between the World Wars, a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) who, in his despair over losing his son, magically brings a wooden puppet to life. Now, a young Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) must navigate a complicated world filled with political unrest, exploitation, and difficult questions about mortality—all of which allow him to learn what it truly means to be human.
Rather than retelling the familiar tale beat-for-beat, del Toro transforms Pinocchio into something deeply personal and profound. For one, the stop-motion animation is breathtaking. However, it’s the film’s exploration of grief and impermanence that lingers longest. By positioning death as a natural part of life rather than something to fear, the movie finds emotional depth rarely seen in family animations. In this way, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio proves how children’s stories can tackle complex ideas without losing their sense of wonder.
3
‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)
After being shipwrecked during a storm, a service robot named Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself stranded on a remote island populated entirely by animals. Initially viewed as an outsider, Roz learns to adapt and survive the wilderness, allowing her to form connections that challenge her original programming. In particular, she unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor).
At its core, The Wild Robot is a beautiful story about parenthood, belonging, and the bonds that form between unlikely individuals. The relationship between Roz and Brightbill gives the film its emotional foundation, while its picturesque animation captures both the beauty and harshness of the natural world. Better still, it balances adventure and humor with thoughtful reflections on identity and community. So, like the best family films, it speaks to audiences of all ages without ever talking down to them.
2
‘The Sheep Detectives’ (2026)
When a seemingly ordinary shepherd (Hugh Jackman) is found dead under mysterious circumstances, his loyal flock of sheep—led by the clever Lily (Julia Louis Dreyfus)—decide to investigate the case themselves. Determined to uncover the truth before humans can ruin everything, the sheep begin piecing together clues from their unique perspective, leading them through a mystery filled with eccentric small town suspects and unexpected revelations.
Who would’ve thought a bunch of sheep would make grown adults leave the cinemas in tears? Part murder mystery, part charming animal adventure, The Sheep Detectives shines because it fully commits to its delightfully absurd premise. And yet, it has surprised audiences with its emotional depth, poignantly exploring themes of grief, loneliness, and belonging. Sure, the whodunnit might be a little predictable in the end, but this is a movie that perfectly balances warmth, humor, and heartache with remarkable grace. Personally, that’s far more important than a clever mystery (at least when it comes to family films).
1
‘Paddington 2’ (2017)
Having settled happily into life with the Brown family in London, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) sets out to earn enough money to buy a special pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton) birthday. But when the book is suddenly stolen, Paddington is wrongly accused of the crime and is sent to prison, forcing both him and the Browns to uncover the real culprit before it’s too late.
There is a reason Paddington 2 is often considered one of the best films of all time. For one, it completely radiates kindness without ever feeling naive, thanks to Paddington’s unwavering optimism bringing out the best in everyone around him. Making matters more fun, Hugh Grant‘s delightfully theatrical villain adds a layer of comedic brilliance, while the story itself quietly champions empathy, decency, and community spirit. Funny, poignant, and meticulously crafted, it’s practically impossible to dislike (and should frankly still have its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes).
Paddington 2
- Release Date
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November 10, 2017
- Runtime
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104 minutes
- Director
-
Paul King
- Writers
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Simon Farnaby, Paul King, Michael Bond, Jon Croker
Next: The 10 Greatest Live-Action Family Films of the 21st Century, Ranked
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HBO Max’s 12-Episode ‘His Dark Materials‘ Meets ‘The Magicians’ Fantasy Series Is the Perfect Weekend Binge
The fantasy genre continues to reign supreme on television, and no network has a better track record than HBO. Whether it’s established franchises like Game of Thrones, or underrated gems like Carnivale, HBO delivers shows that keep people talking. That didn’t change once it entered the 2020’s, with one original series that put a fantasy-style spin on the idea of superpowered beings. That series is none other than The Nevers, which perfectly blends the Victorian-era trappings of His Dark Materials with the subversive storytelling of The Magicians. That doesn’t sound like a combo that would work, and yet it makes for the perfect weekend binge.
Created by Joss Whedon, The Nevers takes place in an alternate timeline in which a group of Londoners discovers they have superhuman abilities. Dubbed “The Touched”, these people struggle to survive in a world that hates and fears them (sound familiar?) while also uncovering the true nature behind their abilities. Among the Touched is Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), who runs an orphanage for Touched children and can see the future. Though The Nevers only lasted a single season, it’s packed with enough unique elements that make it worth a watch.
‘The Nevers’ Perfectly Blends Superhuman Stakes With Period Piece Trappings
It’s not hard to look at The Nevers and think of “Victorian-era X-Men.” Most of the Touched are women or people of color, and their greatest obstacle is the prejudices of the time, which aligns with the allegory that’s fueled Marvel’s mighty mutants for years. On top of that, The Nevers introduces a cast of characters that wouldn’t feel out of place in a comic book series. There’s the criminal mastermind known as the Beggar King (Nick Frost), the mad scientist Hague (Denis O’Hare), and the serial killer Maladie (Amy Manson). Even Whedon’s explanation of The Nevers‘ title feels like it wouldn’t be out of place in a comic book universe.
“It’s a phrase that’s meant to evoke a sort of reaction to their oddity, to what is considered unnatural. The idea that you should never be like this, you should never have existed. Something is not the way it should be, and you don’t have the right to have whatever weird power or ability that you have…But to me, it’s one of those things where you take something negative, and you wear it as a badge of honor, basically. Certain things could never happen – they’re happening. And the people they’re happening to are taking their place in the world.”
As if superpowers weren’t enough, The Nevers throws a massive curveball at its audience in its mid-season finale “True”, which reveals that the Touched came into being via aliens visiting the Earth, who also have the ability to time travel into the past. It was a wild swing, but one that made the series that much more interesting. Amalia’s visions made more sense, and the idea of fighting to save the future made The Nevers less of an X-Men clone and more in line with iconic sci-fi movies such as The Terminator. Yet behind the scenes, The Nevers was facing issues that no superpower could save it from.
The 16-Book Fantasy Epic That Inspired ‘Game of Thrones’ Is Impossible to Adapt
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Despite A Promising Start, ‘The Nevers’ Was Cut Down in its Prime
HBO clearly saw The Nevers as the next Game of Thrones, engaging in a bidding war with Netflix and others to secure the rights to the series. Yet halfway through the series, Whedon departed as showrunner and executive producer, citing the stress of producing during the COVID-19 pandemic as taking a toll on him. Some couldn’t help but notice that this announcement also coincided with Ray Fisher and other figures accusing Whedon of misconduct on the set of various projects, though HBO chief Casey Bloys denied it. While The Nevers found a new showrunner in Philippa Gossett, it wasn’t enough to save the series from cancellation.
To add insult to injury, The Nevers was one of several series pulled from HBO Max’s library in 2022. It eventually found a new home on Tubi…but on Warner Bros.’s FAST channel, and airing at times that no one would be sitting down to watch the series. Despite being cut down in its prime, The Nevers is still worth a watch as it evolved from a mere superhero show into the beginnings of a unique fantasy saga.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2022
- Network
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HBO Max
- Showrunner
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Philippa Goslett
- Directors
-
Joss Whedon
- Writers
-
Joss Whedon
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Whoopi Goldberg throws cue cards at “The View ”table after cohosts interrupt her 6 times in a row: 'Hush up!'
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Cohost Ana Navarro correctly predicted that the moment would make “headlines.”
Action hype can usually be determined through a trailer and is relatively fussier. Action fans are not just asking whether the movie is big. We are asking what kind of velocity it promises. Is it built around star charisma, physical jeopardy, giant myth, kinetic wit, revenge grammar, or that very old-fashioned pleasure of watching one determined person move through impossible space while everything around them catches fire?
That is why an upcoming action ranking can look a little strange. It’s not going to be spot-on either because a trailer can be made to look flashy and the movie can just suck. A movie can be huge and still not feel charged in the right way. Another can look a little less colossal and still feel like it has genuine motion in its bones. These 6 upcoming action movies? This is how they’re looking so far.
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6
‘Mutiny’ (2026)
Mutiny being built around Jason Statham framed for the murder of his billionaire boss and forced to punch his way through an international conspiracy is such a sturdy piece of action architecture that I barely need more than the sentence. The film is set for August 21, 2026, Jean-François Richet is directing, and the official site is already live, which gives the whole thing a satisfying “this is coming, not just developing” solidity.
And yet this is exactly the sort of Statham vehicle where my excitement is confident rather than feverish. I know the baseline will probably work. He will carry the frame, the threat map will stay readable, someone will badly underestimate how angry he is, and there will be at least one sequence where professionalism turns into annihilation. That is a nice floor. It is not automatically a sky-high ceiling. I am ready. I am just not vibrating. Statham has to change something here.
5
‘Masters of the Universe’ (2026)
Masters of the Universe is much easier to get emotional about because the risk is part of the thrill. He-Man (Nicholas Galitzine), Skeletor (Jared Leto), Teela (Camila Mendes), and Duncan (Idris Elba) already suggest a movie that at least understands it needs physicality, pulp myth, and a little weird old toy-box grandeur to survive. The film opens June 5, 2026.
What excites me is the possibility of full-bodied fantasy action, swords, transformations, cosmic villainy, the kind of heroic scale modern franchise movies sometimes flatten into gray sludge. He-Man should not feel tasteful. He should feel like a primal action-fantasy image with absurd sincerity behind him. If the movie really leans into Eternia as a place of muscle, tragedy, and theatrical evil rather than bland CG sprawl, this could jump much higher by release. For now, the anticipation is real because the movie could either become a delirious win or a spectacular wreck. Both are energizing in their own way.
4
‘Supergirl’ (2026)
Supergirl is where the ranking starts getting genuinely hot for me. Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) leads, Craig Gillespie directs, and the early reporting around the project has stressed the rougher, harsher texture of this version of Kara. That matters. Supergirl works best for me when she is not just female Superman, but a more bruised, more displaced, more emotionally scorched figure carrying cosmic power with a different kind of wound.
What makes it especially promising as action is that the film does not sound soft-edged. The early descriptions of pirate attacks, rougher space-travel texture, and a less polished heroic surface suggest a movie that wants the action to feel dangerous rather than merely pretty. That is exactly the right instinct for Kara. If this movie really gives her rage, loneliness, and momentum instead of just iconography, it could be one of the year’s biggest action surprises.
3
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026)
Avengers: Doomsday is anticipation powered by pressure. Joe Russo and Anthony Russo are back, and Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) gives the whole project a kind of unstable voltage. It is not just another ensemble movie now. It is an explicit attempt to make Marvel feel dangerous, event-sized, and globally discussable again. Would it happen the same way Infinity Wars and Endgame did? I’m not sure.
As an action fan though, the appeal is obvious. Avengers movies work well when they stop feeling like adjacent solo-brand maintenance and start feeling like large-scale impact design. Convergences. Clashes. Giant movement across multiple fronts. Characters meeting each other’s action grammar in ways we have not seen before. Doom adds another layer because he promises authoritarian force and theatrical intelligence rather than just another sky-beam problem. If the Russos can reintroduce that Infinity War–Endgame sense of converging momentum, this could be huge in exactly the sweaty, communal way blockbuster action is supposed to be.
2
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the one that makes me grin because the setup is so clean. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) was left, by the end of No Way Home, stripped down, isolated, and forced to rebuild from the pavement up. That is where Spider-Man action gets springy again. Smaller rooms, harder landings, more improvisation, less multiversal fireworks covering for the absence of personal jeopardy.
And Holland is perfectly positioned for that kind of comeback. The ending of No Way Home left Peter in a version of the character’s loneliest lane, and that loneliness is fantastic action fuel. It changes how every swing feels. Every fight. Every escape. Every decision about whether he can afford to be heroic when no larger safety net is waiting behind the mask. It’s like the perfect yin-and-yang balance. This is why I have it above Avengers: Doomsday in pure action anticipation: I can already see the physical language. Rainy alleys, scrappier combat, momentum with bruises in it. That gets me every time.
1
‘The Odyssey’ (2026)
The Odyssey had to be number one. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Odysseus (Matt Damon) already make this feel like a studio flex from a healthier era. The cast around him is absurdly stacked. But even before the cast, the material itself makes this the most exciting action prospect on the board. This is not just a prestige epic. It is one of the foundational action stories in Western storytelling: shipwrecks, monsters, sieges, archery, disguises, rage, endurance, fathers and sons, men trying to come home through a world that keeps refusing to let them.
And Nolan, when he is really locked in, is a war architect of momentum. He understands ordeal. He understands scale as movement rather than wallpaper. He understands how to turn one man’s objective into a sequence of giant physical trials without losing the obsession at the center. That is why The Odyssey is the most anticipated action movie here for me. It has the chance to be huge without feeling synthetic, mythic without feeling dead, and action-heavy in a way that still hurts. That is the dream.
Anna Faris is opening up about her return to the “Scary Movie” franchise, describing it as a meaningful moment in her career. The actress rose to fame following her portrayal of Cindy Campbell in 2000’s “Scary Movie,” which paved the way for her Hollywood career.
In 2020, the actress stepped back from work to focus on her family, but she is now grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with the Wayans brothers and to once again reprise the role that helped define her career.
Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Wayans have reclaimed control of the “Scary Movie” franchise, two decades after they were allegedly pushed out of their own creation. The upcoming instalment, the sixth in the franchise, has the original cast members reuniting to parody horror movies and pop culture.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Anna Faris, who reprises her role as “final girl” Cindy Campbell, shared how meaningful the opportunity was, both professionally and personally. “I had been coming around to the idea of Hollywood sort of putting me out to pasture. And that was okay,” Faris said, describing her career trajectory before she got the offer for “Scary Movie 6.”
The Actress Lost Touch With The Wayans Brothers
Faris lost her home during the devastating Palisades Fire in 2025. Just a month later, however, she received a call from Marlon about the movie. “With the house burning down, there was a lot of taking stock. So to have this opportunity to thank them — I got to thank them every day. They were probably really annoyed with me,” Faris shared.
Admittedly, Faris said the call was the first time she had spoken to any of the Wayans brothers since they worked together on “Scary Movie 2,” the last movie in the franchise they were involved in. As previously reported by The Blast, Marlon claims the Weinstein brothers “stripped” the franchise from them, and they were in no way involved in the third, fourth, and fifth films.
Faris returned for “Scary Movie 3” and “Scary Movie 4,” and despite wanting to reach out to the Wayans brothers, she had reservations. “I had always wanted to. But honestly, I didn’t know if they were mad at me,” Faris confessed.
In an interview, Marlon said he didn’t take Faris’ involvement in the other films personally, adding that he was simply glad she was part of the sixth instalment.
‘Scary Movie’ Launched Anna Faris’ Career
Faris was an aspiring novelist who completed her degree in literature in 1999. While studying, she did acting gigs for extra income. After graduating, however, she gave professional acting a shot, and “Scary Movie” was her first audition in Hollywood.
The first movie was a critical and commercial success, and it skyrocketed Faris’ career. Apart from being in four “Scary Movie” films, the actress also starred in several movies, including “The House Bunny,” “What’s Your Number?” “Overboard,” “Just Friends,” and “The Dictator.” She also lent her voice to animated movies, such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “The Emoji Movie.”
The Actress Took An Unintentional Sabbatical
In 2013, Faris was cast as one of the lead characters in the Chuck Lorre sitcom “Mom,” alongside Allison Janney. After Season 7, however, Faris announced her sudden departure from the show, citing a desire “to pursue other opportunities.” The show continued for one more season without Faris before ending in 2020.
The actress didn’t entirely exit from acting, but she became more selective of her projects. In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Faris said she stepped back from work to spend more quality time with her son. “I kind of took my foot off the gas and I spent a lot of time with my son. It felt really good. It wasn’t conscious, but sort of a sabbatical, I guess,” she explained.
Anna Faris Said Returning To ‘Scary Movie’ Was ‘Healing’
Faris was not part of “Scary Movie 5” because the studio opted for a younger cast, choosing Ashley Tisdale as the lead instead. In April, Faris shared how shocked she was to learn that there would be a sixth movie in the “Scary Movie” franchise, and, more importantly, that she would be reunited with her former castmates.
“I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that there was a world where I would be feeling so good about doing ‘Scary Movies’… It’s a little, I wish I had a better word, but healing. We got back together again. And that in and of itself is, for me, a personal celebration,” Faris said.
The sixth instalment in the franchise, titled “Scary Movie,” will be released in theatres on June 5.
Morgan Wallen has issued his first public remark after upturning a piano while performing on stage in Denver, Colorado.
Wallen, 33, took to TikTok four days after the Empower Field at Mile High concert to share a sarcastic response to the Friday, May 29, incident. “Hey, I just want you guys to know that right now this piano is working,” he told fans while tapping the keys of a piano. After seemingly filming the clip in his dressing room one night after the incident occurred, Wallen added, “That’s what they told me last night, too.”
The country music star also captioned the video, “Can’t you tell I’m so distraught over my piano?”
Wallen, who is currently touring his 23-stadium Still The Problem Tour across the U.S., had appeared frustrated on Friday night just ahead of performing his hit song “Sand In My Boots.” In footage shared via social media and multiple news outlets, the musician seemed to be unable to hear his piano through ear pieces.
Morgan Wallen has become the bad boy of country music after facing a series of scandals throughout his career. The “Whiskey Glasses” singer got his start on season 6 of The Voice in 2014, where he was a member of Adam Levine’s team but got knocked out during the playoffs. Two years after his appearance […]
The technical mishap led to him pushing the instrument along the stage before flipping it over completely. He then performed the track a cappella.
Us Weekly reached out to representatives for Wallen at the time but did not hear back.
Fans took to Wallen’s TikTok video to comment on his cheeky response, with one person writing in the comments section, “I love seeing you clap back,” and another writing, “Hah! I was there … great concert!”
The praise follows criticism of Wallen’s piano flip, with fans expressing their disapproval across social media in light of the video circulating online. “Grown professional if you can believe it,” wrote one Instagram user, while another wrote, “From chairs in the streets of Nashville to flipping pianos. Wow, anger management may help. What a baby.”
While some of country music’s biggest names gathered at the CMT Awards on Sunday, April 7, Morgan Wallen was reportedly getting into some trouble in Nashville. Footage of Wallen, 30, sitting in a police car outside of fellow musician Eric Church’s Chief’s Bar in downtown Music City went viral in the early hours of Monday, […]
The incident comes after a long run of controversial headlines sparked by Wallen since he rose to fame on season 6 of The Voice in 2014. He was arrested in May 2020 for public intoxication and disorderly conduct while partying at Kid Rock’s Nashville bar, Big Honky Tonk. Wallen was later cleared of both charges and apologized for his actions via X, then known as Twitter.
He also claimed that year to have lost a Saturday Night Live hosting gig after he was seen out without a face mask and kissing multiple women at college bars. (COVID-19 pandemic mask mandates were in force at the time.)
When he did make his SNL debut as a musical guest in March 2025, he ruffled feathers again by abruptly walking off the stage prior to the show’s end credits rolling — a rare move by any cast member, let alone guest.
Wallen was also the subject of 2021 headlines after TMZ published footage of him using the N-word publicly amid widespread racial tension following the murder of George Floyd. He later apologized for using the word before promising to “do better.”
Meghan Markle has often shared glimpses of family life on social media, but one detail consistently stands out.
The mother of two rarely shows her children’s faces in photos and videos, despite freely appearing alongside her husband, Prince Harry.
Now, one royal observer believes the reason could be linked to a legal “loophole” that may allow the Duchess to feature her children online without triggering certain California child-protection requirements.
In recent months, attentive fans have noticed Meghan occasionally featuring her children in social media posts and even promotional content for her lifestyle brand.
However, their faces have remained largely hidden. Princess Lilibet’s face has never been publicly shown, while it has been years since Prince Archie’s face was prominently seen, most notably in the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary.
Amid continued speculation, one royal observer suggested that Meghan may be seeking to avoid running afoul of a little-known California law designed to protect the children of content creators and public figures.
“It turns out that California has a law, the ‘Child Vlogger Bill of Rights,’ that requires parents to put money into a trust fund for kids shown on social media for monetization purposes,” the commenter claimed, per Sky News.
“However, there is a loophole that if you don’t show the kids’ faces, you are exempt from this law,” the individual added.
Meghan Markle Shares More Glimpses Of Her Children
Last month, Meghan made several posts involving her children, beginning with a personal tribute to Archie on his seventh birthday.
She shared a carousel of images on Instagram that included throwback baby photos and a picture of Archie walking along a beach with Lilibet.
Days later, Meghan posted a rare mirror selfie showing Lilibet in a red dress with a matching scrunchie as the youngster helped her prepare for an appearance at a World Health Organization event.
In April, the Duchess also shared footage of her children taking part in an Easter egg hunt, though only their backs were visible. The video additionally featured clips of the children decorating the eggs they had collected.
Duchess Offers Rare Peek Into Family Life
Meghan recently offered another glimpse into family life by revealing the nicknames she uses for her children at home.
The former actress shared the details in a Memorial Day weekend video that appeared to double as a promotion for her lifestyle brand.
“My husband loves the raspberry, Lil loves the strawberry, and Arch likes both. And I like the marmalade,” Meghan said in the clip, which was filmed in a white kitchen.
In the accompanying caption, she promoted her fruit spread trio as being “inspired by the jams [she] has created in her own kitchen and shared over the years.”
“These spreads are crafted to highlight each fruit’s natural essence without overpowering it,” the caption further read.
Meghan Calls For Stronger Child Safety Protections
Meghan’s decision to occasionally feature her children on social media has drawn criticism from some quarters, with detractors accusing her of using them for commercial purposes.
Despite those complaints, the Duchess recently addressed children’s online safety during a speech at the Lost Screen Memorial in Geneva, Switzerland.
During her remarks, Meghan urged audiences to “speak up” against harmful online behavior and to “demand better from the platforms shaping our children’s lives.”
“Be an example in your own social media use of how to be intentional in every like, comment, post, and share. Hold your community to the same standard,” she added.
Meghan further encouraged listeners to “support laws and leaders committed to child safety by design, transparency, and accountability online.”
Meghan Markle’s Remarks Draw Mixed Reactions
While many supporters praised Meghan’s speech, it also drew criticism from political commentator Megyn Kelly.
“Would you take a look at the crowd that showed up… or didn’t? Literally nobody is on the side,” Kelly said during an episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show” on YouTube.
The commentator also referenced footage from the event, claiming that one attendee behind Meghan appeared disengaged.
“No one is listening to her. We have video of a woman behind her who basically is like putting the jacket on… yawning, stretching,” Kelly added.
The former Fox News broadcaster went on to argue that Meghan should stop bothering the public with her “fake profundities and fake title” and instead focus on living her life.
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