This article contains spoilers for Season 5, Episode 3 of ‘The Boys’.

Season 5, Episode 3 of The Boys marks the moment the final season truly locks in place. What starts as a potential solution quickly becomes the most dangerous asset in the series, as V1 turns into the central object every major player is chasing. The fallout reshapes Homelander’s trajectory, raises the stakes for The Boys, and pushes characters like Mother’s Milk into entirely new territory.

Following Episode 3, Collider’s Joe Schmidt spoke with showrunner Eric Kripke and star Laz Alonso about how the latest episode ignites the series’ endgame, what V1 really means for Homelander, and why M.M. is approaching the homestretch of The Boys with nothing left to lose.

V1 Becomes The Most Dangerous Prize in ‘The Boys’ Final Season

“And I just wish he’d quit marketing the show.”

COLLIDER: In this episode, V1 is the match that lights the powder keg that explodes and changes everything. Can you talk a little bit about that?

ERIC KRIPKE: I mean, this notion that there’s this magic bullet to this virus and that it makes you immune to the virus. That’s the main thing. And so it becomes the loose football that everyone is chasing. Homelander, so then not just will he be immune, but he’ll be immortal. And this news is the news that completely sends him over the edge into thinking that he has an opportunity to become literally God, which I would have said was totally fucking insane that any leader would actually publicly proclaim themselves to be God. And then Trump released that image of himself last night. And I just wish he’d quit marketing the show. Like enough already. Like we don’t… Anyway, it would make Homelander immortal.

But then The Boys are trying to get it for a couple of reasons. One, so Homelander doesn’t. But two, they think it’s an opportunity to save Kimiko and Annie. So the rest of the season becomes the hunt for this V1.

When ‘The Boys’ Feels Too Close To Reality

“It’s upsetting.”

Image via Amazon Prime Video

I interviewed Jack [Quaid] … and one of the things I asked Jack is, do you ever watch the news? And I’m going to ask you the same thing. Do you ever watch the news and just think, “Oh, shit, we just filmed something like this last year and now I’m seeing it happen in real life”?

KRIPKE: It happens all the time. And, you know, tomorrow’s episode is a perfect example. The talk about attacking the pope and presenting yourself as a God as we’re about to release an episode where Homelander thinks he’s God. I don’t know what to say about it. It’s upsetting. You know, I was sending a text, and someone last night who works on the show sent me the image. And my reply is about how I feel, which is like I just texted back: Sigh. Hard, sad, sigh. And I say that’s what I’ll say to you: hard, sad, sigh.

Karl Urban Sets the Tone for ‘The Boys’ Cast and Crew

Urban is the best “number one” Kripke has worked with.

Totally, totally understood. So Karl’s character, Butcher, who is the lovable bastard of the show, has a really good moment with Ryan. Actually, kind of… I shouldn’t say lovable.

KRIPKE: Yeah, he is convincing him to kill himself.

A very mixed series of moments with Ryan. But Jack also said this about Karl, how he is really a good presence on set. How would you describe him going through this final season, especially knowing that this is the last time with this set of actors and this crew and this family that has been created. And also, if you can speak a little bit about his love of driving any sort of car or boat that he can, I would love that too.

KRIPKE: Yeah, that’s funny. Yeah, and I’ve told Karl this many times. So there’s a thing… Just to pull back the curtain a little bit. There’s this expectation that when you’re… The term is “number one on the call sheet,” which means that you’re the lead of the show.

You’re setting an example.

KRIPKE: In effect, right. And with number one, like I always say, number one isn’t a privilege. It’s a responsibility. Yeah, exactly. You set the tone. The crew follows your lead. The rest of the cast follows your lead. And I can say that Karl is the best number one I’ve ever worked with in that regard. Like he takes his role as a leader. So seriously in that, when the crew is down, it’s Karl who’s clapping his hands and saying, “All right, guys, come on, we can do this.” When the actors are upset, he’ll go to them and work it out. He’s remarkable and such an incredible partner beyond the fact that, obviously, he’s wildly charismatic and talented and so good at action and drama. But just from a producer standpoint, he’s a remarkable partner to have on that set because I’m in Los Angeles a lot of the time. I think one of the reasons that that set is such a loving place is because of the tone he sets. So I give him all the credit in the world for that.

And yeah, he really loves to drive shit. But he lives on the water in Australia, so he is very, very comfortable with speed boats. And so he really wanted to drive the boat into the whale, which he did and drove it in a way that I think almost murdered Jack Quaid. And every time there’s a car or a spin out or something, he’s always the first to volunteer to get behind the wheel. Even more so than Laz [Alonso], who’s also an excellent driver, like Laz was in Fast and the Furious. Laz knows how to spin out a car, but there’s something about it that Karl just loves.

Balancing Homelander’s Power and Fragility

“I think it’s honestly the partnership with Ant most of all that makes it take off.”

Image via Prime Video

That’s funny. I wanted to ask you how on Homelander, you thread that line between narcissism and his desire for approval. And I have to ask how difficult that is to balance those two for a character like that.

KRIPKE: It takes a lot of conversation in the writer’s room. You’re balancing and counterbalancing things all the time and talking them through and talking them through again. But I have to tell you, Antony makes it easy. He’s so hyper aware of where Homelander is at that moment. And so he and I, once he gets the script, will have, I think, a really productive exchange of ideas. It’s never like, “I have notes.” It’s always, “Okay, cool. I see what you’re trying to do for Homelander here in the writing. But, could I play it like this?” Or, “This line feels off base for me,” and we’ll go through it line by line and really figure out how we stay on the tight wire that we’re trying to stay on to get them to that place so that he’s always carrying the balance between this autocratic, bullying, dictatorial, dangerous character and then just how desperate and weak and needy and small he is. And so, I think it’s honestly the partnership with Ant most of all that makes it take off. Just give that guy an Emmy already, for Christ’s sake.

Mother’s Milk is Fighting With Nothing Left to Lose

“I love that the juxtaposition is that M.M. is the most carefree he’s ever been.”

Let’s start off by talking about how this is the episode where it kind of blows everything open and changes the trajectory for where the show is going towards the final episodes. I want to ask you, V1 changes everything and Mother’s Milk is already in a dark place. What’s his goal now heading into these final episodes?

LAZ ALONSO: I think that M.M.’s goal now is to finish what we started. Regardless of whether or not he will live to see the end of it. There’s a freedom that M.M. has this season that he’s never had before. And that’s not having the will or the need to make it home to his family. He’s accepted that his fate will probably keep him from doing that. And while it sounds like a dark fate, he’s living life, man. This is probably the most fun he’s ever had fighting the superheroes. He’s smoking. He’s drinking. He’s hanging out with Butcher. And there’s just a freedom and a lack of needing to control every situation that I think allows him to meet the moment. With the stakes being so high this season, more than any other season, I love that the juxtaposition is that M.M. is the most carefree he’s ever been.

M.M. Inevitable Collision in ‘The Boys’ Final Season

“I think that he knows where this is going to lead.”

Image via Prime Video

There’s a really cool scene between you and Giancarlo Esposito in [Episode 3]. And M.M. really just has this… I wouldn’t say laissez-faire, but a whole, “Well, if you’re gonna do this, I’m gonna be the one to kill you.” I really enjoyed that scene. Do you see M.M. forgiving, if it’s possible, or is he too far gone to forgive someone like Soldier Boy or even Edgar?

ALONSO: I don’t think he’ll ever be able to do that. I think that he is willing to die on his shield. And regardless of whether or not he gets to that point, that is his goal. Right now, there are two soldiers on opposite sides of the battlefield and, sure, they can meet in the middle for a cigar. But as we see at the end of that scene, they both know where they belong. Once they can make it out of this, this bunker. And that’s not teaming up and fighting together. That’s, “You go your way. I go mine. And if I see you again, one of us ain’t gonna live to tell the story.” And they accept that, and I think that that was a fair way to end that scene, considering the history that Giancarlo’s character, Stan Edgar, had with M.M.’s whole family, with his dad, this is generational. While he can play nice for the moment, I think that he knows where this is going to lead. And he’s okay with it.

‘The Boys’ Fans Finally Got The Moment They’ve Been Asking For

People have been requesting it for at least three seasons, and it’s finally a reality.

Jasper Savage / ©Amazon / Courtesy Everett Collection

People have spoken about Eric Kripke, that he’s a very collaborative storyteller with the actors. Is there something specific that you requested for M.M. in this season going into these final episodes?

ALONSO: Yeah, man, I did. I requested… People always wanted to see Homelander and M.M. cross paths at some point because they never do, and considering M.M.’s name, they were like, “How does Homelander never come across Mother’s Milk of all people?” And so I made that request. And sure enough, he put it in there for Episode 1. So that was definitely something that we enjoyed shooting just because, literally, for at least three seasons, people have been requesting and asking for “When’s M.M. and Homelander gonna meet up?” And it lasted for a couple seconds, but it was just funny.

Does Anyone Deserve a Happy Ending in ‘The Boys’?

“But I do think that the audience would like to see somebody make it out…”

Do you think it’s possible for anyone on this team to have what looks like a happy ending? What does winning look like now?

ALONSO: I think that everyone would like a happy ending. I think that everyone on the Boys… That’s tough… That’s loaded. I don’t know if we deserve a happy ending because there is an element to having to become that which you despise in order to defeat them that we have all pretty much adopted. And there’s a level of violence that we’ve participated in that can’t just go swept under the rug. We’ve been violent too. But I do think that the audience would like to see somebody make it out, but who that’ll be is yet to be yet to be yet to be seen.

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2019 – 2026-00-00

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Eric Kripke

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Eric Kripke

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The Boys

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The Pitt fans are divided over Supriya Ganesh‘s exit from the show ahead of season 3.

Ganesh, 28, originally joined the HBO Max series as Samira Mohan in season 1 alongside Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell and Shabana Azeez. By the time the show returned for season 2 in January, viewers saw Mohan questioning her future while looking for a residency.

It was later confirmed in March that Ganesh wouldn’t be coming back to The Pitt, with Ayesha Harris‘ role as Dr. Parker Ellis being elevated. Variety reported at the time that the decision was “story-driven” due to the nature of a show set in a teaching hospital.

The reasoning sounded familiar for those who remembered Ifeachor’s shocking exit in July 2025. Us Weekly confirmed at the time that Ifeachor would not return as Heather Collins in season 2, with a source revealing that it was always the plan for Ifeachor’s character — who was a fourth-year resident in the first season — to move on as a doctor.

Related: Most Shocking TV Exits of 2026: From ‘Grey‘s Anatomy‘ to ‘Virgin River‘

It is never easy to unexpectedly say goodbye to your favorite characters — and 2026 has featured an influx of shocking departures on our TV screens from Grey’s Anatomy to Virgin River. Virgin River fans were surprised when showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed multiple characters were written off the show after season 7. Marco Grazzini addressed […]

The insider noted that Ifeachor “didn’t choose to leave the show” and isn’t aware of “any doors being closed” on a possible return. Ifeachor, for her part, addressed her experience on the show months later.

“It was just such a joy and a pleasure to play Dr. Heather Collins and to know that my character has been so phenomenally well-received. It just blew me away,” Ifeachor told Us in September 2025. “I don’t know where she will be on the weekend of next season, but I know where I’m going to be, which is on my next project, which is just so amazing. But I take the lessons that I’ve learned from playing Dr. Heather Collins — playing this character who goes through such a traumatic event and still shows up every day for other people.”

She continued: “[No one] stops to ask if she’s OK, if she needs time out, if she needs to run away. I think as a woman, sometimes we carry a lot of emotional labor without even knowing it. I’ve learned that through this character, so I wouldn’t change that. This experience has been so life-changing, really.”

Ifeachor admitted she didn’t know where her character would be after the events of season 1.

“These are the tough stories. Do I think she will get out of this? Maybe. Again, if she is able to be safe, she’ll have fun. Where would she go next?” she added. “The thing about playing a character that’s so wonderfully nuanced and well-written — there was so much to mine — is that it’s a story that could go anywhere. At the same time, I will leave it up to the viewer to decide where she would be.”

Ganesh, for her part, spoke to Us shortly before her departure was announced. The actress hinted she was “curious” where her character would end up while teasing season 3 of the medical drama.

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“It’s up to the writers,” Ganesh shared in February about where she would like to see Mohan in season 3. “Let’s see where they end up taking her.”

Ganesh continued: “I think we left her in a really interesting spot. I’m really curious where she ends up going.”

New episodes of The Pitt air Thursdays on HBO Max.

Lindsay Hubbard is over comparisons between her past with Southern Charm star Austen Kroll and the current drama surrounding Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s budding romance.

Instagram account Unhinged and on Camera got her attention this week by suggesting that “Lindsay kind of did the same” to Ciara Miller when they were both interested in Austen, 38, during the filming of Winter House in 2021. In this case, Lindsay had history with Austen before Winter House and the drama erupted when Ciara also developed feelings for him.

Lindsay, 39, later accused Ciara of holding a grudge over how things turned out with Austen when they returned to shoot Summer House.

Flash forward nearly six years, and Lindsay had no patience for her past with Ciara being brought up for debate in light of a new love triangle with Amanda, 34, confirming her relationship with West, 31, so soon after her split from estranged husband Kyle Cooke.

Related: Lindsay Hubbard Responds to Claim West Reached Out Amid Amanda Romance

Summer House’s Lindsay Hubbard is setting the record straight amid claims West Wilson has reached out to her after confirming his relationship with Amanda Batula. “I am very triggered by liars at the moment,” Hubbard, 39, shared via Instagram on Monday, April 6, responding to a Deuxmoi post claiming she was “just at Zero Bond […]

“No no no … let’s stop right there,” Lindsay replied to an Instagram account referencing Austen on Thursday, April 16. “If you remember correctly, I’m the one who had history with Austen. And then I came into Winter House late, not knowing what I was walking into. Get your facts straight before you start reporting how things went down.”

The Summer House star added that “nothing bothers [her] more than bad reporting.” Unhinged and On Camera responded that they were “not reporters but they do know the facts.”

“It was just an observation of another time in Summer House where there was a love triangle and Ciara felt ‘unseen,’” the social media account’s response read. “It wasn’t that deep or meant to be a direct comparison to Amanda. Appreciate that this is your real life and if you don’t think the situations are at all similar, that’s fair! All love.”

Lindsay wasn’t ready to drop the issue yet, firing back, “The situations are not similar in any way. And, in fact, I was the one with history with Austen, not the other way around. You don’t have to be ‘reporters’ to report the facts straight, so thank you for acknowledging that you have no ethical standards in this statement where you are attacking character (from 6 years ago) without factual information.”

The drama with West and Amanda will certainly be a main topic of discussion at the Summer House season 10 reunion. Ahead of the showdown, Lindsay opened up exclusively to Us Weekly about what she’s expecting when the Summer House cast reconvenes.

“I don’t know if I have anything to be nervous about. I thought it was a really good season so far for me,” Lindsay declared. “I know we still have half of a season left to go on Summer House and then a whole other show [In the City] after that, so there’s still a lot to come.”

Us reported on Thursday that the Summer House cast is coming into the reunion with a game plan on how to approach Amanda and West’s relationship.

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Related: Austen Kroll Thought Lindsay Hubbard Wanted to Hook Up at BravoCon

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Southern Charm star Austen Kroll thought BravoCon 2025 would turn over a new leaf with former flame Lindsay Hubbard. During his Wednesday, February 4, appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Austen, 38, was asked about the “last time” he hooked up with Lindsay, 39. “I thought it was going to be at […]

“They are all going [to the reunion],” a source told Us. “The plan is they will be talking about everything and the timeline of Amanda and West hooking up.”

The insider teased, “Everyone on the cast wants [Amanda and West] to admit on camera when this all started and how serious it is.”

Summer House airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. The season 10 finale air date has not been announced.

When it comes to the action genre on the small screen, it was often regulated to a tier below the police procedurals and Westerns that often dominated the airwaves. But, as TV evolved over time, action shows evolved with it. The stakes were higher, the protagonists were more complexed, and, instead of focusing on the “case of the week” formula that had been the genre’s bread-and-butter for years, action shows now closely follow their big screen counterparts, where the action is the heartbeat of the narrative, not just a set piece to move the plot along.

Action shows are now in a much better place than they were, and it is all thanks to the shows that dared to rewrite the playbook of what an action show could be. From the neon-soaked streets of Miami to the real-time pressure of modern counterterrorism, the following action shows have made their impression on the genre as shows that traded in safe formulas for high-octane risks, and they showed that action shows could deliver the same big thrills as their big-screen counterparts. So, without further ado, here are the most important action shows that disrupted and defined the genre.

‘Miami Vice’ (1984–1989)

Image via NBC

Before Miami Vice premiered on NBC in 1984, action shows followed a format that didn’t do anything spectacular, and the action was seen more as a set piece than central to the storyline. That all changed when Anthony Yerkovich created a crime drama that fitted the times and pushed the boundaries of what an action cop drama could be. In essence, Yerkovich, along with executive producer Michael Mann, made the cop show look cool.

Miami Vice centers on James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas), two vice detectives who work undercover to disrupt drug trafficking and prostitution in Miami. Right off the bat, Mann set forth to bring a new dynamic to Miami Vice, bringing film-quality and dynamic, colorful visuals that would set the bar high for action shows going forward.

Miami Vice was still a police procedural that worked on the “case of the week” format the genre worked with at the time, but the series was extremely fast-paced and full of energy, thanks to the music and aesthetic that were ingrained in the show’s DNA, which made Miami Vice feel more like a high-octane action music video than a traditional cop show. This was a show that was made for and defined pop culture in the 1980s, and introduced tropes that would become a staple of the action genre in subsequent years, from looking at the futility of the “war on drugs” to the moral ambiguity of the protagonist. Miami Vice remains one of the genre’s most popular cop shows, and it’s also one of its most important.

‘Starsky & Hutch’ (1975–1979)

Image via ABC

Today, it seems like buddy-cop shows and movies are a dime-a-dozen, but not enough praise is heaped on the show that launched the formula: Starsky & Hutch. Created by William Blinn, the series follows detectives David Michael Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and Kenneth Richard “Hutch” Hutchinson (David Soul), two cops who are different in personality, but find out they work well together in solving cases in fictional Bay City, California, defining the modern-day “buddy cop” formula as the two cops had a deep level of camaraderie that made viewers fall in love with the characters.

Starsky & Hutch were the pioneers of the “us against the world” partnership, with the show focusing a lot on the two’s banter and chemistry. Today, it’s normal for audiences to see two male leads show emotional vulnerability and a “bromance” toward one another, but in the 1970s, masculinity on television was often restrained.

That changed with Starsky & Hutch, as it was common to see the two showing emotional growth within their partnership, which shattered the restraints on male bonding on television and gave the show an emotional depth not really seen in cop shows. But, as emotional as the show was, make no mistake, this was an action show through-and-through, and the action was intense and fast-paced. Starsky & Hutch would become legendary with its spectacular car chases, which rivaled its film counterparts at times. All in all, Starsky & Hutch shifted the police drama from focusing just on cases, to a more character-driven style that would become the influence of countless cop shows and movies.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

If you laid eyes on Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) for the first time, vampire hunter would probably not be the first thing that comes to mind. That, however, is what makes Buffy the Vampire Slayer such a groundbreaking action horror series. The TV adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, subverted the “blonde girl in an alley” trope, while, instead of making Buffy a character that would constantly need to be rescued, made her a feared hunter of monsters.

Buffy is the epitome of female empowerment. She was powerful and witty while retaining her femininity, showing that women were just as strong and powerful as men without resorting to making her more “masculine.” But, above all else, what makes Buffy the Vampire Slayer such an important action show is the way it used it. The action within this genre-bending series was there just to keep the audience entertained, but was used as metaphors for the challenges and societal pressures that teens faced then (and now). The supernatural threats Buffy encountered on a weekly basis were a representation of real-life anxieties, which gave the show more depth than one would find in a show such as this. Buffy the Vampire Slayer had a major impact on the supernatural action genre, and it redefined how strong female leads were portrayed within the action genre.

‘NCIS’ (2003–Present)

Image via CBS

It is quite a rarity that a parent series is overshadowed by its spin-off, but that’s exactly what happened to JAG, the action drama that has been upstaged by NCIS, which took the military action series to new heights. The creation of Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, the show follows the Major Case Response Team within the NCIS as they work to investigate high-visible crimes within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. While other procedurals treat its main protagonists as equal-but-separate members, the team within NCIS is looked at as more of a “family” than a group of agents.

This makes the viewer more invested in the protagonists, as the office in which the NCIS agents operate is mostly composed of lighthearted office humor, a far cry from the typically serious nature of police offices in other crime procedurals. When you watch NCIS, you get the sense that the show follows more of a “sitcom” narrative, with intense and complex cases often solved within its time slot. This makes the show not only high-octane, but also more comfortable to watch. In short, NCIS is the pioneer of the “situation drama” that has given birth to other “comfort” procedurals such as ABC’s The Rookie; but, what makes NCIS so important to the action genre is its longevity. In over 20+ seasons and a cast shake-up, the show has, remarkably, kept its core identity and popularity, showing that an action show can enjoy the same longevity as comedy and dramas.

’24’ (2001–2014)

Image via FOX

While the theme of this piece is each show’s importance to the action genre, Fox’s 24 is in another tier entirely. The show wasn’t just important to the genre, it was revolutionary, as it gave the genre a necessary refresh and brought movie-like quality to the small screen in ways we hadn’t seen on television at the time. Created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, 24 follows Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), a counterterrorism agent with the FBI who takes an “end justify the means” approach to defuse terrorist attacks within 24 hours.

As the title implies, each episode within a season is one hour ticked off the clock, leading to a season ending where the clock ticks to zero and often ends on a cliffhanger. This method of storytelling is called “real-time,” and, as you probably surmised by now, 24 was the pioneer of this format. By using “real-time” storytelling, it made the plot incredibly tense, and the pace made it hard for viewers to come up for air. Add in the “ticking clock” and split screens, and 24 had a sense of urgency that was rarely seen in action shows prior to the series premiere. It made 24 feel more like an action-movie blockbuster than a regular television show, and, today, the series feels like it was made for bingewatching, with its relentless action supercharging the crises that Bauer had to solve before the clock struck zero. 24 was a revolutionary action show that influenced modern-day thrillers such as Homeland and The Night Agent, and helped usher in a new era in storytelling within the action genre. While the other shows listed here are extremely important in creating the genre we have today, 24 was a show that put them all together to bring the genre into the platinum age of television.

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Robert Cochran

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Robert Cochran

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After years of speculation, “Top Gun 3″ is finally gaining real momentum, and fans are starting to see the bigger picture take shape.

While the sequel is still in its early stages, recent updates have revealed key behind-the-scenes decisions, including how Tom Cruise is shaping the film’s direction in ways that could define its legacy.

Tom Cruise Set To Reunite As ‘Top Gun 3’ Takes Shape

The long-awaited third installment in the “Top Gun” franchise is officially moving forward, with Paramount confirming that development is actively underway.

During CinemaCon, Paramount film co-head Josh Greenstein revealed per The Hollywood Reporter, “Top Gun 3 officially in development with a script underway, reuniting Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer.”

The update instantly reignited excitement around the franchise, especially after the massive success of “Top Gun: Maverick.”

While no director has been announced yet, the confirmation of Cruise’s involvement signals continuity for a series that has thrived on his presence.

Behind the scenes, the script has been in development for some time, with “Maverick” co-writer Ehren Kruger reportedly working on it for the past two years.

Though details remain under wraps, the groundwork for another high-stakes aviation story is clearly being laid.

Tom Cruise Legacy Looms Large After ‘Maverick’ Success

The pressure surrounding “Top Gun 3” is immense, largely because of what came before it.

“Top Gun: Maverick” was more than just a sequel. It became a global phenomenon, earning $1.5 billion at the box office and reigniting enthusiasm for theatrical releases.

The film’s success even drew praise from industry legends. Steven Spielberg famously credited Tom Cruise with helping to revive cinema attendance during a challenging period for theaters.

That legacy now hangs over the third installment, raising expectations for both storytelling and spectacle.

Paramount’s leadership appears fully aware of this, with producer David Ellison previously naming “Top Gun 3” as a top priority for the studio’s future.

Ellison also made it clear that Cruise remains central to those plans, emphasizing his long-standing collaboration with the actor and the importance of continuing to build stories around him.

Tom Cruise Steals Spotlight With Surprise CinemaCon Moment

Although Tom Cruise did not appear on stage for the official “Top Gun 3” announcement, he still made a powerful impression during Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation.

In a pre-recorded segment filmed atop the studio’s iconic Melrose Avenue water tower, Cruise delivered a voiceover celebrating Paramount’s history while hinting at its future.

The video featured appearances from numerous major stars and highlighted the studio’s biggest cinematic achievements.

The moment concluded with Cruise delivering a simple but optimistic message, declaring, “The future looks pretty great from here.”

It was a fitting statement, not just for Paramount, but for the “Top Gun” franchise itself, which continues to evolve decades after its original debut in 1986.

AI Debate Surrounding Val Kilmer Sparks Strong Reaction

While excitement builds for the sequel, one behind-the-scenes debate has already drawn attention and revealed just how strongly Tom Cruise feels about certain creative decisions.

Following the passing of Val Kilmer in April 2025, early discussions reportedly explored the idea of bringing his iconic character Iceman back using artificial intelligence. The suggestion, however, was quickly shut down.

“Someone suggested bringing Val Kilmer back via AI,” one insider told the Daily Mail. “Tom jumped to his feet and let rip, leaving the entire room silent for literally minutes. You could almost hear a pin drop and see steam coming out of his ears.”

Cruise’s reaction reportedly stemmed from a deep respect for Kilmer, both as an actor and as a friend.

Insiders claim he strongly opposed any attempt to digitally recreate the late star, viewing it as crossing an ethical line.

Cruise Draws Firm Line On Honoring Val Kilmer

For Tom Cruise, preserving the integrity of Kilmer’s legacy appears to be non-negotiable.

Sources suggested he believes artificial intelligence could undermine the emotional weight of Kilmer’s final appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick.”

“Val only managed to make a brief appearance in Maverick due to his long battle with cancer,” one source explained. “Tom knew it would be Val’s screen farewell and wanted to give him the honorable send-off he deserved.”

Another insider reinforced this perspective, saying, “The moment he shared with Val in Maverick was such a beautiful experience, that when an AI Val was brought up, he wasn’t happy and quickly killed it because that would just bastardize everything.”

As a result, any future references to Iceman will remain respectful and grounded in reality.

“Will the movie reference Val? Yes, but Maverick is the last time we’ll see him,” the source confirmed.

With development still ongoing, Top Gun 3 is shaping up to be more than just another sequel. It is becoming a carefully crafted continuation of a beloved story—one that balances innovation with respect for the past, guided by a star determined to get it right.

“Real Housewives of Miami” star Lisa Hochstein was all smiles in the first video of her after being released from the Miami-Dade County Jail. The reality star and her boyfriend, Jody Glidden, are facing one felony charge of interception of communication after her ex-husband, Lenny Hochstein, accused them of planting listening devices in his car in 2023. The pair were engaged in a contentious divorce battle when Lenny claimed he spotted a recording device in the floorboard of his Mercedes Benz. Now, things are getting even worse.

Lisa Hochstein All Smiles In First Video Since Being Released From The Miami-Dade County Jail

For those unfamiliar, Lisa turned herself in to the Miami-Dade County Jail in April 2026 after being hit with one felony charge, stemming from her allegedly spying on her ex-husband.

In the first video of her after her release, the TV personality is all smiles as she hugs friends, including her fellow “Real Housewives of Miami” co-star Adrianna de Moura.

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The reality star was blasted with questions about the criminal charges; however, the mother of two failed to comment on them specifically.

She did, however, share a message for her fans. “I love them all. I love all my fans. Thanks for your support,” she said.

Lisa Hochstein Accused Of Planting Listening Device In Ex’s Car In March 2023

According to a previous report from The Blast, Lisa and her boyfriend, Glidden, were accused of planting listening devices in Lenny’s Mercedes Benz GLS 600 Maybach after loaning it to her to test drive.

Legal documents state that after Lenny received his vehicle back, he noticed a “suspicious device” taped to the driver’s-side floorboard.

“It was covered in tape which, upon learning the nature of the device, the victim suspected was used to secure it under the seat and out of view,” the warrant read.

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Elsewhere in the legal documents, Lenny’s lawyers claimed the recordings uncovered from the device “depicts Lisa Hochstein and Glidden holding a discussion and the distinct sound of a device such as the hidden recorder being wrestled into place.”

The most dramatic part? Once Lenny turned the reported listening device in to the police, they recovered deleted recordings, one of which allegedly depicted Lisa “engaged in intimate activities.”

Lenny Hochstein Filed For Divorce From Lisa In May 2022, Allegedly Leaving The Reality Star ‘Blindsided’

The legal documents claim Lisa allegedly placed these devices in Lenny’s car to “unlawfully and intentionally” gain access to information about their divorce.

Lenny, who married Lisa in October 2009, filed for divorce from the Bravolebrity in May 2022, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Shortly after, Lenny was spotted with a new girl, Katharina Mazepa, prompting Lisa to release her own statement, saying she was “blindsided” by the news.

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“With two young children involved, as a mom I’m going to focus all of my energy and time on them,” she said.

The pair finalized their divorce in November 2024, but during an episode of the “Two T’s In A Pod” show, Lisa said she and Lenny would always need to maintain some level of communication.

“… the divorce is never really over when you have kids,” she said before saying they weren’t in a “great” place.

“I don’t know if we will ever be friends,” she added. “My goal is to just be a good co-parent with him because ultimately, that’s all I care about.”

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Lisa Sees No Future With Her Boyfriend, Glidden, Without A Ring

Regarding her relationship with Glidden, Hochstein said during a “Real Housewives of Miami” after show that she could see a future with him only if he proposed.

“If I don’t have a ring eventually, then there’s no future,” she said.

Does Glidden See A Future With Lisa?

However, Glidden told Lisa that, in order to visualize their future together, he would “need some of the drama to go down.”

“It used to be that almost all of the drama came from the divorce. And, lately, it’s been maybe half divorce and half the friends. And that’s just overwhelming,” Glidden told her on camera.

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Not only was Glidden speaking about Lisa’s relationship with Lenny, but he was also referring to her beef with Larsa Pippen.

“Being in any relationship is tough, but being in this relationship is really, really tough,” he said, citing Pippen’s personal “attacks.”

“The latest one with Larsa was targeted at me. And it causes us to fight to the point where I have to sleep in another room sometimes because we’re fighting so bad,” he added.

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After winning season 29 of The Voice, Alexia Jayy can finally enjoy the fruits of her labor and decide what she’s going to do with her $100,000 prize money.

“We haven’t really thought about it, but I think we want to buy a house,” Alexia, 31, exclusively shared with Us Weekly on Thursday, April 16, while celebrating her big win. “I think that’s where we’re going. We’ve been working really, really hard since I was a kid, and I just want something really special for my family.”

Alexia — who is a mother of two children — lives in Mobile, Alabama, and doesn’t plan on moving straight to a major city. Instead, she envisions a “little” relocation.

“We might move down the road,” she said, “but still in the south.”

Related: ‘The Voice’ Winners Through the Years: Where Are They Now?

The Voice has been stunning viewers for years with amazing talent from across the United States, crowning 28 winners since it premiered in 2011. During season 19 of the NBC singing competition series, New York native Carter Rubin blew audiences away with his singing abilities and saw coach Gwen Stefani secure her first win. Just […]

For now, it’s all about celebrating a historic victory. Alexia became the first Black woman to win the NBC singing competition series on Tuesday, April 14.

While all three coaches — Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend — turned their chairs for Alexia in the Blind Auditions, it was the Maroon 5 singer who landed the soulful songstress and helped her advance to the finals.

“Being from a small town in Irvington, Alabama, and being able to make history for them is amazing,” Alexia shared about her win. “I’ve been singing since I was 2 years old, and so I never in a million years thought I would make history. But I’m glad that it’s me, and I’m glad I’m in the number.”

Since her win on The Voice, Alexia has already released a new single called “Rent Free.”

In the future, she hopes fans will be able to hear an inspiring album with more than a few hits.

“We’re gonna keep working. We’re gonna put an album out, and I hope y’all love it,” she shared. “I’m all about empowerment. I want to focus there, and I’m just gonna keep trying to get on these big stages and keep recording, keep working.”

Thank You!

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Related: 10 Must-See Tours This Summer: Ariana Grande, Harry Styles and More

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From nostalgic reunions to buzzy new headliners and possible farewells, this summer’s concert calendar is stacked with what are sure to be must-see tours. Below, Us Weekly rounds up 10 superstar acts — including pop princess Ariana Grande, global heartthrob Harry Styles and generation-defying party starter Bruno Mars — who are hitting the road with […]

One person she remains extra grateful for is her coach. For all the fans who ask her what it’s really like working with Adam, 47, behind the scenes, Alexia is happy to sing her praises for the rockstar.

“He’s really cool, calm and collected, because I’m really cool, calm and collected,” she told Us. “Our personalities match really well, and I like that. He doesn’t like too much, and I don’t do too much. So we really, really worked well together.”

The Voice season 30, which will include Adam as one of the celebrity coaches, is expected to premiere in fall 2026 on NBC. Catch up on old episodes via Peacock.

A new arrival has overtaken the Netflix movie charts, as the survival thriller Thrash defies poor reviews to hold the top spot. Starring Bridgerton‘s Phoebe Dynevor as you’ve never seen her before, this sharksploitation flick channels the likes of Steven Spielberg‘s iconic Jaws and Jai Courtney‘s underrated hit Dangerous Animals, although to a much worse reception. With the movie earning just 41% from critics and 27% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, those who have yet to catch Thrash may want to give it a miss. With that in mind, what else should you be watching? To help you decide, here’s a look at three movies you should stream this weekend on Netflix.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

1

‘Roommates’ (2026)

The must-watch movie on Netflix this weekend for comedy fans is a brand-new arrival, sure to brighten up your April. Filmmaker Chandler Levack‘s latest project, Roommates, debuted on Netflix this past Friday and follows college freshman Devon (Sadie Sandler) as her unlikely friendship with new roommate Celeste (Chloe East) spirals into all-out war.

Get ready to laugh yourself to the floor with this exciting new Netflix comedy, ready to tap into the anxiety and joy of the first year of college. Alongside Sandler and East, Roommates features an eye-catching cast, including Billy Bryk, Sarah Sherman, Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll, Aidan Langford, Josh Segarra, Martin Herlihy, Janeane Garofalo, Carol Kane, and more.

2

‘Beast’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 68% | IMDb: 5.6/10

After taking over Apple TV with the second season of his thriller series Hijack, Idris Elba turned his attention to the Netflix top 10 as this 2022 action flick became an unlikely chart topper. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, Beast follows a widowed father, Nate (Elba), who takes his two daughters to a South African big game reserve, only for chaos to ensue when they are attacked by a man-eating lion.

Sure, Beast doesn’t reinvent the wheel in the action thriller genre, but nor is it trying to. Instead, it succeeds in bringing tension and thrills aplenty throughout a tight 93-minute runtime. Also featuring Sharlto Copley, the movie failed to make much of a mark in theaters during its run in 2022 but marks the perfect appetizer before Elba eventually returns to action in Extraction 3 alongside franchise star Chris Hemsworth.

3

‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 6.9/10

If you’re looking for an adventure for the whole family this weekend, look no further than Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. A long-awaited sequel to the 1995 favorite starring Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst, the film follows four teenagers who are sucked into the magical world of a video game. However, with their lives quickly endangered, they must learn to work together to escape.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has a classic adventure movie feel that acts as a perfect ode to the beloved 1995 original. Charming and hilarious, the film was followed by Jumanji: The Next Level in 2019, with a third installment set to debut in theaters on Christmas Day 2026.

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Release Date

December 9, 2017

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Runtime

119 minutes

Director

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Jake Kasdan

Writers

Chris McKenna, Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, Erik Sommers

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Producers

Matt Tolmach, William Teitler

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• 
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  Kevin Hart

  Franklin ‘Mouse’ Finbar

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