Amanda Seyfried is opening up about one of the more unexpected behind-the-scenes details from her recent film, and it’s definitely turning heads. During a recent radio appearance, the Oscar-nominated actress shared that she wore a prosthetic body piece while filming “The Testament of Ann Lee,” explaining that the historical drama required an unusually raw and vulnerable level of realism. Her candid comments offered fans a glimpse into just how far Amanda Seyfried was willing to go to fully commit to the role.
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Amanda Seyfried Says The Film Required Graphic Realism
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While appearing on “The Scott Mills Breakfast Show,” Seyfried explained that the nature of the film called for scenes that pushed her comfort zone. “This movie … needed to be graphic,” she said, describing how the production approached authenticity. The actress, who portrays real-life Shakers founder Ann Lee, added that although audiences might assume she was completely exposed during filming, that wasn’t actually the case.
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Seyfried also revealed she was pregnant during filming, which added another layer to the experience. “I was pregnant and naked, but I wasn’t naked at all. And at the end of the movie, I’m standing in front of a burning building with just a merkin,” she recalled. Despite the vulnerability of the moment, the “Mamma Mia!” star said the scene left her feeling empowered rather than uncomfortable, explaining that she “felt so free” while wearing only the artificial hair covering during the dramatic sequence.
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Seyfried Says Shocking Movie Detail Was Precautionary
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Toward the end of the interview, Seyfried clarified the surprising detail that has since gone viral. “You cannot see my butthole in [the scene], but I swear there is a prosthetic butthole there,” she stressed.
When host Scott Mills questioned why the production would include it if it wasn’t visible, Seyfried explained it was simply a precaution. The exchange ended on a humorous note, with Mills calling the revelation a “great way to end an interview,” prompting Seyfried to laugh and respond, “Gotta get people to the theater!”
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Amanda Seyfried Explains Why She Chooses Roles That Terrify Her
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The actress has previously spoken about how intimidating the project felt. In a prior interview, she described the film as “f-cking daunting,” explaining her motivation for choosing challenging roles. “I feel like I have to keep choosing things that terrify me, within reason,” she noted. “I’m not gonna jump off a cliff or jump out of an airplane.”
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However, Seyfried emphasized that artistic growth comes from fear. “I need to sink my teeth into something that is really scary because I know I can do it, and I know I’ll be better for it,” she said, and her performance clearly resonated with audiences. The film reportedly received a 15-minute standing ovation when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2025, and Seyfried later earned both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for the role.
While awaiting the 2026 Academy Awards, she reflected on the idea of winning, telling The New Yorker, “I’ve gotten this far. … Would [an Oscar] be great? Of course it would, for every reason. But it isn’t necessary.”
Seyfried And Sydney Sweeney Bonded Quickly On ‘The Housemaid’ Set
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Outside of the historical drama, Seyfried is also generating buzz for her recent thriller “The Housemaid,” where she stars opposite Sydney Sweeney. Based on the bestselling novel, the film follows Sweeney’s character Millie, a newly hired live-in maid who discovers that her wealthy employers, played by Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, are far from perfect.
The actresses revealed they formed a close bond while filming. “We related over people experiences,” Seyfried said, who explained she came to “care about” her 28-year-old co-star during production. “It’s easy to support you. I also probably give way too much unsolicited advice, ‘This is what I would do,’ ” she added.
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Sweeney responded warmly, saying, “No, but I appreciate it,” to which Seyfried joked, “I knew she appreciated it, but I was also like, ‘Take it with a grain of salt!’”
Sydney Sweeney Shares Sweet Photo Tribute To Amanda Seyfried
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The “Euphoria” star even carries a personal reminder of their friendship, pulling out her phone to reveal a Polaroid photo tucked inside the case. “This is how much you have changed my life this year and I love you,” Sweeney told her. “This is from set. I put it in my phone and I haven’t taken it out.”
“Oh, I love that. That makes me so happy,” Seyfried replied, adding, “That’s very nice. I’ve got to get you a four-leaf clover now to put back there. There’s so many on my farm.”
“The Testament of Ann Lee” and “The Housemaid” are both currently streaming.
Sukihana and Bobbi Althoff have turned into the duo the internet didn’t know it needed! The girlies have folks cuttin’ UP online after their latest YouTube link-up. Suki pretty much stole the show, but it wasn’t her personality that locked down fan love; it was actually her reaction to Bobbi’s tea about her new bae that got it!
Sukihana Shook UP Timelines With Her Unfiltered Comments About Bobbi Althoff’s NEW Man
Bobbi Althoff has taken over YouTube again after dropping a new chit-chat video with Sukihana. The duo unpacked everything from makeup to loyalty to whether their vibe is real or just for clicks. Even though they covered it all, the internet can’t stop replaying the moment when Bobbi started filling Suki in on her relationship. Bobbi straight up said she has a boyfriend, and Suki wasted no time asking about their intimacy, which Bobbi told her “is great.” But Suki didn’t stop pressing. The rapper wanted DETAILS and asked, “What makes it great?”
Bobbi immediately got shy and made a lil’ nervous face, and then clocked that her man had literally walked in mid-interview. The minute Suki peeped him, she just smiled and said she already knew what time it was. “I know what makes it great.” She continued, “I’m happy for you. I support jungle fever. You give me that.” Bobbi was shook and couldn’t believe Suki would really try to put her on blast. But Suki didn’t let up, she doubled down and added, “Always the ones that act like they scared to talk about sex and stuff.”
Suki Leaves The Internet Gagged With Her Spicy Remarks
After Bobbi dropped the clip on TikTok, the comment section went wild! Folks immediately crowned them as their favorite duo, while others said one thing about Suki: she will always tell you about yourself.
TikTok user @Netta wrote, “I love Suki and Bobbi together lol.”
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TikTok user @b r e n d a 🌷 wrote, “I will never skip a Suki + Bobbi video.”
While TikTok user @ms.trendsetter😖 wrote, “Suki always gonna tell you about yourself 😂”
Then TikTok user @JaKaria wrote, “When she saw him she knew immediately 😭😭”
Another TikTok user @UrghSeriously wrote, “This is a similar vibe to Snoop and Martha 😂”
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Then another TikTok user @Treasure wrote, “‘I know what’s making it great’ im crying😂😂”
Finally, TikTok user @tashiaa28 wrote, “Bobbi’s reaction to ‘what makes it great?‘ told me immediately 😭😂😂”
The “Magician” Mix-up That Fans Can’t Stop Replaying
Sukihana and Bobbi Althoff have been making the internet crack up over their convos for a minute now. Their friendship kicked off after their first interview, when Suki kept popping off, accusing Bobbi of calling her a “magician” when she said “musician” the whole time. The joke actually stuck, and fans still call Suki a magician to this day. Peep the funny clip below.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper will make her debut under the bright lights as Zidler in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”
Megan Thee Stallion is set to make history in the Tony Award-winning musical, as she’s the first female-identifying performer to put her spin on the role.
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Megan Thee Stallion Will Join The Cast Of ‘Moulin Rouge: The Musical,’ In March 2026
According to several sources, including Billboard and PEOPLE, Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete, will join the production as the over-the-top Zidler, described as the “impresario of the titular nightclub.”
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Pete will take the stage in an eight-week limited run, beginning March 24 and concluding on May 17.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honor,” Pete said. “I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace. Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me.”
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The Producers Of ‘Moulin Rouge: The Musical’ Are Excited To Welcome Megan Thee Stallion To Broadway!
Pete is doing her Broadway debut big! The Houston native will be the first female-identifying star to breathe life into Zidler.
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The production’s producers are also excited about the global superstar’s upcoming performance in “Moulin Rouge!”
“Welcoming Megan Thee Stallion into the Moulin Rouge! The Musical community is a thrilling moment for us,” producer Carmen Pavlovic said. “Megan is a true global superstar. She is one of the most influential artists of her generation and her impact on music and culture is undeniable. This historic casting is a major part of our closing celebrations: our farewell gift to Broadway audiences and one of our biggest announcements in the history of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”
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“Moulin Rouge: The Musical!” will close in June 2026, making Pete’s involvement with the show especially meaningful to the team behind the scenes.
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“We want our show to go out with a spectacular bang, and Megan is the force of nature to lead us there. And yes, there will be a hint of music from her own iconic catalogue. It’s an unmissable moment for both Megan’s fans and ours,” Pavlovic continued.
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Megan Thee Stallion Teases Her Stint On Broadway, Sends A Hilariously Petty Message To Her Haters, And Gets Mixed Reaction
On X, Pete teased her upcoming role in “Moulin Rouge,” writing, “It’s a very bad time to be my hater lol I’m EVERYWHERE.”
In a later post, the “HISS” rapper said she is “Thee hottest news on Broadway.”
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Over on Instagram, users were sending the 31-year-old even more love. Celebrities even chimed in, including HER, who said, “WOWWWW,” and Chloe Bailey, who wrote, “I love this!!!!”
Bob the Drag Queen said, “Hey Meg. Let’s goooo,” and Nicolette Monroe added, “Who working harder than Meg!?”
The comments weren’t all pleasant, though, as others voiced their displeasure with the casting stunt on @Playbill’s Instagram.
“Checks the calendar to make sure we didn’t jump forward to April 1st without me noticing,” someone shared, while another called the move “so unhinged.”
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Megan Is Living Her Best Life With NBA Star And Four-Time Champion Klay Thompson
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Pete has been on top of the world over the last several months. In addition to releasing her latest single, “LOVER GIRL,” she’s also been making headlines with her high-profile relationship with NBA star and 4x NBA champion Klay Thompson.
The pair first broke the internet in the summer of 2025, when the former Golden State Warriors star was spotted in the background of Pete’s pictures. Later, the pair hard-launched their relationship on the red carpet, and now, they take fans behind the scenes with videos and pictures.
Megan Thinks ‘God’ Opened The Door For Her To Find Love With Thompson After Heartbreak
Instagram | Klay Thompson
In an interview with PEOPLE, Pete said that her relationship with Thompson surprised her, especially because she wasn’t looking for love. However, after working on herself by going to therapy after her highly-publicized court trial with rapper Tory Lanez, Pete said things just fell into place.
“I had a bunch of activities that I started doing for myself; maybe God just opened up that space for me to have somebody that loved me right,” she said. “This is one of the first times that I’ve ever been just overly comfortable,” she added before sharing, “I’m comfy, babe!”
There aren’t too many adult-animated series that get off-the-wall crazy and as self-assured as Smiling Friends. Since its early, unsuspecting success on the Adult Swim programming block, Smiling Friends has created an enthusiastic audience thanks to its fast-paced comedic timing, unusual characters living in highly uncomfortable situations, and a distinct visual style that’s constantly in motion throughout its run. The type of show that you find accidentally one night, while you happen to be awake, and will rapidly begin sending the link to friends you want to show it to.
Now, the window to experience it fresh is starting to close. Creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel have confirmed the series will conclude after Season 3 (with two additional episodes still on the way), making this the ideal moment to catch up on one of Adult Swim’s most distinctive modern comedies.
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What Is ‘Smiling Friends’ About?
Image via Adult Swim
On paper, the premise sounds almost wholesome. Pim (Cusack) and Charlie (Hadel) work at a small charity whose entire mission is to make people smile. In practice, their assignments spiral into chaotic, often deeply strange misadventures that push the pair into increasingly uncomfortable corners of their world.
The cast dynamic is an easy yet efficient one; Pim is excited to take on every job he’s given and approaches each one with wide-eyed sincerity. He believes it will go off without a hitch! Charlie is grounded, quietly exasperated, and appears to be the only realist on the team. The opposing dynamics of their personalities create the emotional center of the show, but as everything around them slips into the absurd.
Episodes are between 10 and 12 minutes long, and every moment counts. Humor is prompt, scenes escalate rapidly, and the series never allows a scene to go on too long for an audience to settle into. This show features a wide range of animation styles. During its run, Smiling Friends has used a combination of classic 2D animation, computer-generated imagery, rotoscoped animation, stop-motion, Flash-style segments, and live-action sequences. The overall effect is to be confusing yet have direction.
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The animation styles’ flexibility can be compared to writing, as the humor shifts from dry, awkward exchanges to full-blown grotesqueries within the same scene. In particular, the second season really demonstrated the creative team trying to branch out by using retro video game styles, horror influences, and increasingly elaborate background gags.
How ‘Smiling Friends’ Built Its Cult Following
The characters of Smiling FriendsImage via Adult Swim
Part of the series’ rapid word-of-mouth success comes down to commitment. Rather than smoothing out its rough edges for broader appeal, Smiling Friends doubles down on its awkward rhythms, off-putting character designs, and hyper-specific joke construction.
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That approach has paid off. The show quickly earned strong critical marks — including a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes — and became one of Adult Swim’s most buzzed-about originals in recent years. Fans gravitated toward its meme-ready moments, dense visual callbacks, and the strange sincerity hiding underneath the chaos.
Its short, largely self-contained episodes also make it incredibly easy to sample. You can watch one in under 15 minutes — but the show’s layered background jokes and blink-and-you-miss-it details make rewatches especially rewarding.
Why the ‘Smiling Friends’ Is Ending After Season 3
Despite its popularity, Cusack and Hadel made the call to step away from themselves. After years of nonstop production, both creators described feeling creatively satisfied but also deeply burnt out. Rather than risk the show losing its edge, they chose to end things while the energy was still there.
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Importantly, the series isn’t disappearing overnight. Two additional Season 3 episodes are scheduled to arrive on April 12, described by the creators as standalone “stragglers” rather than a formal finale. That distinction leaves the door cracked open for a possible return someday, even if nothing is currently planned. Still, for all practical purposes, Smiling Friends is entering its closing chapter — and that makes the timing of a first watch (or a full rewatch) especially appealing.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Get Into ‘Smiling Friends’
A scene from the adult swim Smiling FriendsImage via Adult Swim
There’s something refreshing about a show that knows when to stop. In an era where many animated hits stretch well past their creative peak, Smiling Friends appears poised to exit while still feeling sharp, strange, and fully itself.
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For newcomers, the barrier to entry is low: short episodes, fast pacing, and a premise that reveals itself quickly. For longtime fans, the impending end gives the series a natural rewatch window, especially with those final episodes still on the horizon.
Either way, the math is simple. One of Adult Swim’s most distinctive comedies is wrapping up — and the weirder it gets, the more worth the ride becomes.
Not even couples therapy can make Mercedeh “MJ” Javid and Tommy Feight’s marriage troubles go away.
In Us Weekly’s exclusive sneak peek of the Thursday, February 26, season finale of The Valley: Persian Style, Tommy, 54, invites MJ, 53, to couples therapy where their marital issues are put under the microscope.
“You know, whatever couples fight about, usually it’s downstream of something deeper that propels the criticism,” the doctor shares with the couple. “In your case [MJ], I think it’s unmet needs and disappointment and longing for something more.”
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Viewers are shown previous scenes from throughout season 1 of the Bravo reality show where MJ and Tommy disagree over a wide variety of issues.
While sitting down with his wife, Tommy pushes back on the doctor’s assessment before he begins to raise his voice.
“I’m not perfect, but there’s a lot of critiques,” he says. “To me … I don’t do any of that.”
Another concern MJ presents in the therapy session is Tommy’s unwillingness to hang out with her friend circle. Throughout season 1 of The Valley: Persian Style, Tommy opted out of attending cast events, including dinner parties and a trip to Palm Springs, California.
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“Sometimes I feel like I’m on a solo mission socially where I’m going to a lot of events without my husband,” she says.
Mercedeh ‘MJ’ Javid and Tommy FeightCourtesy of Bravo/YouTube
The doctor chimes in to add, “Part of being a couple is having friends together and social events together. That is something I would really work on.”
Ultimately, Tommy finds the conversation “ridiculous” and starts to feel like his wife is right about everything and doesn’t have to change a thing.
“The only parties I went to are where she abandoned me the second that we walked in there, and I especially don’t like being around people who I have nothing in common with,” he says. “This is nonsense. It feels like you got it all figured out and I got to work on my anger. I’m the one that’s got the issues and the problem.”
In a separate confessional interview, MJ expresses her disappointment in how Tommy is handling what could be a calm and honest conversation.
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“Being this extra about not hanging out with my friends, I just feel emotionally so neglected,” she shares. “My feelings aren’t being counted.”
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MJ ultimately filed for divorce from Tommy in October 2025 after seven years of marriage. In December 2025, Us Weekly exclusively confirmed that the exes worked out a custody deal with their 6-year-old son, Shams.
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“Shams gets the best of both of us. He sees us both all the time,” MJ explained to Us in January when The Valley: Persian Style kicked off. “By design, we are still one family. What I’m trying to do with Shams is just to explain that we’re still very together in every way that matters to our son — games, holidays, dinners, multiple times a week, hanging out at each other’s house — just so that he can see in our actions that we just shouldn’t be married, but we’re still together.”
The Valley: Persian Style airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET with new episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.
One year after devastating wildfires reduced their Los Angeles home to ashes, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are still grappling with the fallout.
The reality TV couple admits they cannot afford to rebuild and remain displaced, facing financial strain, emotional aftershocks for their children, and an uncertain future that has reshaped both their family life and ambitions.
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Spencer Pratt And Heidi Montag Face Financial Reality
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Twelve months after the flames tore through their neighborhood, the couple is confronting a hard truth. In an interview with Gold Derby, Montag revealed they simply do not have the means to reconstruct what was lost.
“Unfortunately for rebuilding, we just don’t have the finances. We barely could pay the mortgage on that house,” Montag said.
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The admission showed just how fragile their situation was even before disaster struck. The home represented years of hustle and sacrifice.
“We spent our whole careers to put a down payment on it. So we’re unfortunately in a place where we aren’t looking to rebuild and we’re not really sure where to go. We’re kind of displaced at the moment,” she continued.
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Montag also pointed out that they are far from alone, noting, “A lot of the community is in the same position, and that’s just unfortunate. People don’t realize that a lot of people can’t rebuild. A lot of families bought their houses 40 or 50 years ago when it was a much cheaper part of LA.”
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She added context about how dramatically the area has changed over time. “It’s only recently become this enclave of luxury housing. It was never Beverly Hills before. A lot of these were generational homes that were passed down, and they can’t rebuild,” she said.
For her own family, the outlook feels bleak. Montag shared, “Unfortunately, for us right now, it’s just not looking hopeful.”
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The Emotional Toll On The Couple’s Young Son
While finances weigh heavily, the emotional impact has been just as profound, especially for Pratt and Montag’s youngest child.
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“The family is doing well. I think it’s really hard for my 3-year-old. He keeps asking to go home and I’m like, it’s not there. He says, ‘I’ll push it back up. I’m strong,’” Montag shared.
The innocence of a child trying to “push” a house back into place captures the heartbreak of the situation. According to Montag, reminders of the fire are constant.
She shared, “Every animal he sees, he says, their house burned down. So it’s really continuing to affect him a lot.”
Even as the adults try to move forward, the disaster lives on in small, painful moments.
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Heidi Montag Recalls The Night They Fled
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The couple has also spoken about the chaos of evacuating as the wildfires advanced. Appearing on “Good Morning America,” Montag described the panic and impossible choices they faced.
“Spencer was like, ‘Grab anything you wanna keep,’ and I was like, ‘How do you choose?’ My brain actually stopped working because I was so overwhelmed with so many things you can’t replace. So I grabbed my kids’ teddy bears,” she said per the Daily Mail.
In the end, survival mattered more than belongings. Still, the loss of a sanctuary lingers.
She said, “It’s a place that you love, that you live. That’s a refuge from the world and to have that be gone is a really difficult concept to continue dealing with.”
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Before the fire, they were already struggling to maintain their lifestyle. Montag explained, “We were house poor, as they call it, we have a house and everything else is a hustle, it’s a grind. So, yeah, we’re definitely counting every dollar that we make. We’re working really hard. We take one trip a year.”
The flames may have destroyed walls and furniture, but they also exposed just how tight things had been behind the scenes.
Spencer Pratt Announces Run For Mayor After Wildfires
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Out of the devastation, Pratt has found a new purpose. On the one-year anniversary of the fires, he announced his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles at a Palisades protest tagged “They Let Us Burn!”
“The system in Los Angeles isn’t struggling, it’s fundamentally broken. It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash,” Pratt said.
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His frustration with city leadership was unmistakable. He said, “Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I’m done waiting for someone to take real action.”
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Pratt framed his candidacy as something bigger than politics, stating, “That’s why I am running for mayor. And let me be clear, this just isn’t a campaign, this is a mission, and we’re gonna expose the system.”
Spencer Pratt Blames Officials For Fire Response Failures
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Pratt also placed direct blame on officials for the wildfire response. He said, “They intentionally let us burn before, during and after. There was no accountability. It was gross negligence. They let this happen.”
In his view, the tragedy was preventable. “It wasn’t a natural disaster or something that was unavoidable. It was their fault, and we need the accountability we deserve,” he said.
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Pratt has not revealed which political party he will align with, but his message is clear.
For now, the couple remains displaced, navigating loss, parenthood, and an uncertain path forward while trying to rebuild their lives without the home they once called their refuge.
In addition to being a die-hard fan of filmmaking, television, video gaming, and anything else with a gripping narrative, Aidan Kelley is also a passionate and detail-oriented writer and journalist at Collider.com. In addition to his work as a Senior Resource Writer, Aidan has also contributed to Collider’s features and news reporting sections. He has covered major industry events, such as San Diego Comic-Con and the D23 Expo, and has had the privelege of interviewing industry stars like Bruce Campbell, Maggie Q, Chad Stahelski, and more. This sincere love for the art of storytelling began at a young age, with Aidan making video movie reviews for the news program at his local high school. That love only increased over the years, with an ongoing career in independent filmmaking and screenwriting after graduating with a degree in Film and television from DePaul University.
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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
In an absolutely shocking upset, Netflix will no longer be purchasing Warner Bros. Discovery. This comes in the brutal aftermath of a hostile takeover bid from Paramount, which put forth an offer that WBD branded as “superior.” Despite being given four business days from Warner Bros. to outbid Paramount’s new offer, Netflix has already officially declined.
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This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Collider as the updates come in.
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Release Date
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July 11, 2025
Runtime
130 minutes
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Director
James Gunn
Producers
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Peter Safran
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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
In the Heart of the Sea, starring Chris Hemsworthand Cillian Murphy, is set to leave Prime Video at the end of February — meaning there’s just a short window left to stream this ambitious seafaring drama before it disappears from the platform. Directed by Ron Howard and based on the true story that inspired Moby-Dick, the film charts the harrowing ordeal of the whaling ship Essex after it’s sunk by a massive sperm whale.
Collider’s review stated thatIn the Heart of the Sea squanders the rich dramatic depth of Nathaniel Philbrick’s book in favor of a glossy, surface-level retelling that never quite finds its emotional anchor. The review noted that while the film doesn’t fail outright, it rarely rises above competence, which is about as damning with faint praise as one could muster. Ultimately, the review concluded that In the Heart of the Sea is visually impressive but dramatically adrift.
“The film doesn’t need to be a history lesson, but there are times when it goes out of its way to avoid rich dramatic material presented in Philbrick’s book. Like his characters after their boat is smashed, Howard doesn’t seem to have much idea of where to go. He just wants to make sure he makes a comment about energy dependence (something dropped in so clumsily you can almost hear him talking about it at the press junket) and then sets the audience on its way. In the Heart of the Sea may not be completely heartless, but Howard should have been able to bring more verve and energy to this tale.”
In The Heart of The Sea leaves Prime Video at the end of the month.
There are comedies that make you laugh. There are thrillers that keep you guessing. And then there are movies that somehow do both — while also quietly roasting everyone involved. Few filmmakers have mastered that tonal tightrope quite like the Coen Brothers. Across decades, they’ve built a filmography filled with morally questionable characters, absurd misunderstandings, and endings that hit you sideways. And the one with the funniest ending of all is about to vanish from streaming.
Burn After Reading, written and directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, is set to leave Prime Video at the end of February. Released in 2008, the film follows a group of deeply unserious people who believe they’ve stumbled upon explosive CIA secrets — when in reality, they have absolutely no idea what they’re holding. The all-star cast includes Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, John Malkovich, and Tilda Swinton — each delivering performances that range from unhinged to hilariously pathetic, as well as featuring the most demented “pleasure device” ever conceived for film.
While Burn After Reading wasn’t as universally praised as some of the Coens’ heavier hitters like No Country for Old Men or Fargo, it’s grown into a cult favorite thanks to its satire and endlessly quotable absurdity.
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How Good Is ‘Burn After Reading’?
Collider’s review stated thatBurn After Reading proves the Coen Brothers can bend any genre to their will — even if this particular outing doesn’t visually sparkle the way some of their previous films have. The review praised the razor-sharp screenplay and the cast’s commitment. Pitt’s gleefully dim personal trainer is a highlight, delivering broad comedy with precision, but the technical side doesn’t quite match the script’s bite.
“Finally, I think the editing of the film is a bit lacking. It’s not that the film feels too fat or too lean, but like the cinematography, it rarely pops. ‘Reading’ doesn’t need to be a loud film, but there doesn’t seem to be a total embrace of the film’s wonderful tone. ‘Burn After Reading’ is as smart and sharply acted as any other of the Coen Brothers’ great films. It’s a shame that the other aspects of the film aren’t as good, but they certainly don’t hurt the film and shouldn’t dissuade you from seeing how once again, the Brothers Coen are the masters of any genre they set their sights on.”
Burn After Reading leaves Prime Video at the end of February.
Lupita Nyong’o recently revealed that she continues to face severe fibroid complications more than a decade after her initial diagnosis.
The actress was first diagnosed with uterine fibroids in 2014, the same year she won an Academy Award for her performance in “12 Years A Slave.”
In a recent interview, Nyong’o said her Christian sex education taught her to expect monthly pain. As a result, symptoms like heavy bleeding didn’t sound an alarm when they first appeared.
The Oscar winner is now channeling her personal struggle into advocacy by launching a campaign to raise funds for fibroids research and expand treatment options.
Nyong’o has also stressed the importance of speaking up about a condition that affects millions of women.
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Lupita Nyong’o On Her Fibroids Being Back ‘With A Vengeance’
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Nyong’o opened up about the recurrence of her fibroids during an interview with TODAY.com.
The Kenyan-born actress was first diagnosed after doctors discovered multiple uterine fibroids during a routine gynecological ultrasound in 2014.
At the time, she reportedly had around 30 of the noncancerous muscle-and-tissue growths in her uterus, which were later removed through surgery.
More than a decade later, however, Nyong’o says she was devastated to learn they had returned.
“When I found out two years ago that my fibroids were back, back with a vengeance, and I was so upset because I feel powerless,” she said. “It’s a ticking bomb. They’re going haywire in my body, and nobody is helping. Nobody knows what to do to mitigate them.”
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The Actress ‘Thought Severe Period Pain Was Normal’ After Christian Sex Ed
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Despite how debilitating fibroid symptoms can be, Nyong’o says that, for years, she believed what she was experiencing was simply part of being a woman.
The “Black Panther” star said her Christian sex education shaped that mindset, as she was taught to expect monthly pain once her period began.
“They taught me that once my period started, that I should expect to be in pain every month,” Nyong’o explained. “So, when I was experiencing the heavy bleeding, it didn’t sound an alarm.”
Even when she noticed clotting, the actress said she didn’t perceive it as a warning sign.
“The clotting was not anything remarkable to me,” she continued. “I didn’t understand my body. I didn’t know what was going on, and I didn’t know to be worried.”
As part of her effort to expand funding for fibroids research, Nyong’o has launched the #MakeFibroidsCount campaign, a GoFundMe initiative with a $200,000 fundraising goal.
The Broadway star shared the announcement on her Instagram page, revealing that the drive will run through March 31.
According to the official campaign page, the initiative aims to support the development of new treatment options that are more dignified, less invasive, and accessible to the millions of women affected.
“The challenge with fibroids is that they are invisible to the naked eye,” the campaign description states. “Treatment options remain limited and are often extremely invasive, and education about how they impact quality of life and fertility is shockingly sparse.”
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Nyong’o Takes Fibroid Fight To Capitol Hill
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Nyong’o’s determination to push for better fibroid treatment options has taken her all the way to Washington, D.C.
In 2025, the actress joined “This Is Us” star Mandy Moore for meetings with lawmakers as part of a lobbying effort to secure funding for fibroids research and other women’s health initiatives.
Speaking during a joint appearance on ABC News Live Prime, Moore reflected on the responsibility she believes comes with their public platforms.
“It’s such a no-brainer to be able to use this crazy platform that a job I love has sort of given me,” Moore said, according to PEOPLE.
Lupita Nyong’o Inspires Women To Share Their Journeys
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In an Instagram post shared in July 2025, Nyong’o urged women to speak openly about their experiences with fibroids, arguing that silence has helped normalize female suffering.
“We must reject the normalization of female pain,” she wrote. “No more suffering in silence!”
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Her message appears to have resonated across social media.
Under a YouTube clip of Nyong’o’s TODAY appearance, one user shared their own painful experience with the condition.
“I had fibroids, and they really disrupted my life,” the commenter wrote. “Mine were the size of an orange. Dealing with the pain for over 10 years, I ultimately opted to go with surgery. I’ve had surgery twice so far.”
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