Survival thrillers set in vast, isolated places aren’t anything new. We usually follow solo survivors who battle against the elements of the unique biome they are stranded in while also often being threatened by another entity. But French director Sébastien Drouin‘s Cold Meat sets off on its own rugged path in the first act, which renders it a fresh take on the genre — fresh and chilly. Set in the Colorado Rockies during an all-consuming blizzard, the film meticulously crafts a deep chill that creeps into our bones, not only because of the cold, but because of the two survivors who are forced to work together despite the fact that one has abducted the other. From the unexpected twists in its premise to the ever-changing dynamics between the two leads, Cold Meat weaves subversion into each of its elements, while battering us with the pitiless, icy fringes of morality. And now it is free to watch on YouTube.

‘Cold Meat’ Is a Subversive Survival Thriller

Opening up with a cozy diner scene, Allen Leech’s David seems like an ordinary albeit brave chap who good-heartedly intervenes in an altercation between Nina Bergman’s Ana and her violent ex-husband Vincent (Yan Tual). Opting for words rather than violence, he threatens to pursue a lawsuit against him to ensure he will not get custody of his daughter. Leech’s performance is graced with simplicity and a calm demeanor, as he reasonably talks to the menacing man but has a steely backbone we immediately admire. Once the ex-husband leaves, Bergman plays the relieved yet shaky Ana and also deftly garners our sympathy — it is a sharp and effective way to draw us into these characters.

Later, when the redneck ex decides to try and ram David down during a snowstorm on the highway, we think we know where the plot is going until it pulls the rug out from under us. We are thrown into the wilderness alongside two characters, one of whom has just been kidnapped by the other, yet both are trapped in the car with the raging icy winds outside. The plot continues in this same subversive manner, as their cat-and-mouse game of survival against each other and the elements concoct an enticing relationship. Cold Meat then further stuns us with its third act, wafting over an effortless supernatural twist that fits in seamlessly with the surreal white landscapes and haunting howls of the blizzard.

The Kidnapper and Their Victim Survive Together in ‘Cold Meat’

Cold Meat doesn’t only subvert the genre conventions of a typically solo survival thriller, but is also subversive in the way it presents the strange dynamic between captor and captive. The two are instinctively against each other, but have the overarching issue of survival to confront at the same time. Trapped in the car with limited heat, water and food, hypothermia becomes the most pressing issue, leading to a distinctly uncomfortable scene of them reluctantly yet greedily feeding off each other’s body warmth. This scene essentially encapsulates their symbiotic yet conflicting relationship, keeping us hooked on their unwilling reliance on each other while anticipating the twist of the knife at any second.

With nothing to do except wait out the storm, it tentatively becomes a two-people-in-a-room-talking kind of film as they hash out their differences, taking turns overpowering and threatening each other while meditating on the value of life. Much of the camerawork is restricted to the confines of the car, entrapping us in the setting and the equally claustrophobic relationship, starkly contrasting the deadly expanse outside. With close-ups of mouths moving and eyes darting, there is an inescapable quality to the corruption that shrouds them, especially as the kidnapper begins recounting tales of his previous victims. As such, the actors’ micro-expressions really come into play here, as each movement conveys some capacity for frustration, fear or loathing.

‘Cold Meat’ Explores Crossing Moral Lines to Survive

Their interactions lead into commentary about crossing lines of morality. It’s most obviously seen in the serial kidnapper’s and killer’s nostalgic musings on his past victims, particularly his first one, where he made “many mistakes.” But this also provides a point of contrast, where the captive slowly begins closing the distance, being pushed to extremes to survive. As the peril of the supernatural entity derived from the local legend forewarned by the narrator in the opening sequence increases, the necessity for extreme measures also becomes more demanding. Even the “evil” kidnapper who relishes crossing moral boundaries has never really had the same threat held against him, making his actions under that pressure gripping to watch.

As the title suggests, the two leads slowly devolve into Cold Meat, stripping away what makes them intrinsically human and turning them into fodder for the third act, simply capable of terror and nothing more. Flipping our expectations multiple times throughout the film, Cold Meat is certainly not like any survival thriller you have seen. The lines of humanity become murky in more ways than one, all through a compelling central relationship that is as vividly chilling and sharp as the ice around them.

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Cold Meat

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Release Date

February 23, 2024

Runtime

89 minutes

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Director

Sébastien Drouin

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Writers

Andrew Desmond

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  James Barton-Steel

  Miller

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Former Boy Meets World producer David Kendall has died. He was 68.

“To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement,” a statement shared via the official “Pod Meets World” Instagram account read on Saturday, May 2. “He directed, wrote and executive produced our show, but also helped mold some of TV’s most memorable sitcoms, from Growing Pains to Hannah Montana.”

The statement noted that Kendall helped “develop” the “young creative voices” of the “Pod Meets World” cohosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, both as a co-worker and later as a mentor, while also working with stars like Austin Butler, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas brothers “in the early stages of their careers.”

“We are devastated to lose such an important person in our lives, both professionally and personally,” the statement read. “We all kept in touch with David over the past 30 years, and are honored that we were able to share his incredible personality with our ‘Pod Meets World’ listeners. We have lost a vital piece of our family — but we ask that the next time you watch the show, especially Seasons 2 & 3 (when he served as Showrunner), you think of our beloved Kendall.”

Related: ‘Boy Meets World’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Boy Meets World became a family sitcom phenomenon during its seven-season run on ABC from 1993 to 2000. Created by Michael Jacobs, the show followed the life and life lessons of Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) from home with parents Alan (William Russ) and mother Amy (Betsy Randle) to school with neighbor and forever-teacher George Feeny […]

The post, which included a photo of Kendall smiling, concluded, “We love you, David. Rest in peace. No notes.”

A cause of death was yet to be publicly shared at the time of publication. Users paid tribute to Kendall in the comments section of the post.

“Oh my gosh guys…I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. I’m so happy you got to have him on the show and be able to keep in contact over the years with him,” one user wrote, while another added, “Hearing you talk of him and seeing his impact on the episodes he directed, it makes this loss feel more personal to me. Condolences to everyone who actually worked with him.”

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A third wrote, “Thank you, @podmeetsworldshow, for putting a spotlight on the many other wonderful and talented people who make BMW possible. Such a pleasure to feel like we knew a piece of him. We’re so sorry for your loss – thank you for sharing him with us. 💔.”

Related: ‘Boy Meets World’ Cast: Who the Stars Have Dated in Real Life

The Boy Meets World cast found their respective matches after appearing in the hit sitcom. William Daniels, who took on the role of Mr. Feeny, set an example of a lasting Hollywood romance when he married Bonnie Bartlett in 1951. After meeting as students at Northwestern University, the couple took the next step and eventually […]

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Kendall joined Boy Meets World as an executive producer in season 2, a role which he held until the 2000 series finale. After writing an episode of Boy Meets World in 1994, Kendall directed 13 episodes of the series from 1995 to 1999.

Boy Meets World centered around Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) navigating adulthood while crossing paths with older brother Eric (Friedle), best friend Shawn Hunter (Strong), love interest Topanga Lawrence (Fishel) and more.

Princess Eugenie took to social media to celebrate husband Jack Brooksbank’s 40th birthday, sharing rare photos of her family amid her father, former Prince Andrew’s, scandal related to his relationship with the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

“Happy 40th my love,” the royal, 36, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, May 3, over a photo of her other half laying out on a nondescript beach. In a subsequent photo, she shared a snap of her husband playing with one of the pair’s two sons. (Princess Eugenie and Brooksbank, 40, share sons August Philip and Ernest George.)

Princess Eugenie then shared a throwback pic of the pair, featuring Brooksbank wearing a sombrero.

“Here’s to another 16… xx,” she wrote over the image, followed by “xx” over a more recent photo of the happy couple at a beach.

Related: Princess Eugenie Is All Smiles in 1st Appearance After Dad Andrew’s Arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s daughter Princess Eugenie made her first public appearance following her father’s arrest. Eugenie, 35, stepped out for coffee with husband Jack Brooksbank in London on Tuesday, February 24, according to photos obtained by People. She kept a low profile in a T-shirt, leggings, jacket, sneakers and a baseball cap. While spotted out and […]

The royal’s post comes as her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been embattled in a scandal related to his former relationship with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial in New York City on child sex trafficking charges.

After the former prince was accused of sexually assaulting Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre when she was a minor, was heavily featured in the so-called Epstein files recently released by the U.S. Justice Department and accused of misconduct while in office, his brother, King Charles, announced he was beginning the formal process of stripping his brother of his royal titles. (Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied the claims against him, settling a sexual assault lawsuit out of court with Giuffre prior to her untimely death.)

“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” a statement shared with Us Weekly from the royal read in October 2025. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”

In February of this year, the disgraced royal was arrested on his 66th birthday on charges he allegedly shared classified information with Epstein during his time in office. The United Kingdom’s Thames Valley Police confirmed they had “arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” King Charles later confirmed the man was his brother via a public statement.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” he said according to the statement obtained by Us read at the time. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”

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When the scandal hit one of many fever pitches in 2019, Us learned that Princess Eugenie and her sister, Princess Beatrice, were being supported — and distracted — by their respective spouses. (Former Prince Andrew shares Beatrice and Eugenie with his ex wife, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson.)

Related: Prince William and Kate Middleton Break Silence on Epstein Files

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Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton are addressing the revelations related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as more documents are uncovered. “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims,” a spokesperson for the couple said on Monday, February 9, as […]

“Eugenie’s husband and Beatrice’s [husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi] are standing by them and are doing everything they can to distract the girls from the situation and calm them down,” a source told Us at the time. “There have been scandals surrounding Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in the past, and while this is the worst yet, they know that marrying into the royal family comes with its ups and downs.”

During his recent visit to the United States and historic Congressional address, King Charles declined to mention Epstein, the Epstein files or acknowledge the disgraced billionaire’s many victims.

Shawn Johnson is giving fans a glimpse into her and Andrew East’s eldest son Jett’s passion with dirt biking — even if it’s aging her far quicker than she’d like.

“I just lost 3 years of my life watching Jett ride a real track for the first time. Thank you to @fastfarmsmx for the INSANE amount of guidance and grace you gave us! We were a literal circus out there doing everything wrong we possible could hahaha and still left with Jett saying, ‘I want to do that forever and ever,’” Johnson, 34, wrote via her Instagram Story on Sunday, May 3.

She continued, “Also, to every single parent and person out there that helped us … Thank you! The community was unmatched! We have no idea what we are doing haha just trying to help this little man live out a dream.”

Alongside the message, Johnson shared an image of Jett standing in the back of a pick up truck while looking at a miniature dirt bike. In a separate Instagram Story, Johnson uploaded a video of the track.

Related: Shawn Johnson and Andrew East’s Family Album With Kids

Shawn Johnson East became a parent in November 2019 and has been sharing sweet family photos ever since. The Olympian wed Andrew East in April 2016 in Tennessee, and they announced the following year that they had suffered a miscarriage. They announced their rainbow baby’s conception in April 2019. “You are our everything,” Johnson captioned […]

“First got at it. What you didn’t see … 1: First 30 seconds … We accidentally sent Jett out on the track with the big bikes. Not kids. EVERYONE panicked. 2: Second attempt … in the right group … Jett goes over his handle bars and gets pinned by bike,” she wrote.

She continued, “3: Next attempt … Andrew is now following on an E bike. Jett gets going the WRONG direction on a LIVE track. Andrew goes after him. Fast. Andrew falls. Jett falls. Parents everywhere panicking trying to help. 4: Jett and Andrew both get struck in the mud. Need help to get out. Lawwwwwwwdddd.”

Johnson noted in a separate video that her and East’s son rode a bike without training wheels when he was 1 year old and has had an electric bike that he was “fluent” at riding. She explained that Jett has since had a few birthday parties at various BMX tracks. (Johnson and East are also parents to daughter Drew and son Bear, whom they welcomed in 2019 and 2023, respectively.)

“Now, you guys are like, ‘This is too much. It’s too soon.’ Guys, if athletics has taught us anything, it’s how to gauge when your kid is ready — or when a kid is ready — for the next step. He’s surpassing the milestones and bars that we are putting and implementing for him,” she said, defending her decision to allow her son to pursue motocross sports.

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Related: Why Shawn Johnson’s 2-Year-Old Son Jett Went to Emergency Room

After a girls night, Shawn Johnson ended her evening in the emergency room with her 2-year-old son Jett. “Well… Not the night we had envisioned ha but we are doing good. Going to have a good little scar from our stitches tonight. Got our eyebrow good,” Johnson, 32, wrote via her Instagram Story on Saturday, […]

Johnson explained that she had a passion for riding when she was a child, noting that Jett’s timing is not “abnormal” for a child to begin racing.

“Today, on the other hand, was just a little bit of a crazy start because we just got thrown in. And that’s how you do it. Trial by fire, pretty much,” she said, adding that Jett has “all the precautionary stuff” and is “very good” at riding. “He’s just never been on a track before.”

Johnson gushed that Jett did a “phenomenal job” racing, but noted that he gave “his mom a heart attack.” As Johnson’s daughter entered the video, the Olympian asked whether she would be interested in racing like her brother. “No,” Drew replied.

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“Let me just say, something that Andrew and I both value as parents is they write a lot of rule books about when your kid is this age, then they can start doing X, Y and Z. Because of our athletic background, we don’t believe in that. We believe that the kid drives it. If the kid is ready, the kid is ready. Some of them move slower, some of them move faster,” she explained. “So with Jett, it’s truly been, he’s been setting the bar. He gets fluent in something, we move onto the next thing.”

Johnson shared that it “all makes [her] nervous” with Jett.

“It doesn’t make sense, his age with the dirt bike and everything, but yet he’s fluent at it and he’s good at it,” she said. “And I really think it was a little treasure put in his little body.”

If gingham represented one season, it would be spring. It’s only appropriate that the pretty print makes its way into your wardrobe this time of year. From easy-going tops and bottoms to relaxed sundresses and matching sets, the classic checkered pattern adds a lovely feminine touch to an otherwise simple look.

The tablecloth-like pattern (we mean that in the best way possible!) comes in a range of neutral and colorful pastel options, making it ideal for spring. To get you started on some stylish picks, we rounded up 21 warm-weather options on Amazon that give you a fun, elevated appearance for baby showers, outdoor brunches and everything in between. So step outside of your comfort zone and try one of these trendy picks below that start as low as $13.

21 Gingham Clothing Finds on Amazon

Dresses

1. Our Favorite: This gingham maxi dress has a ruffled neckline that continues to the straps. Made of 100% cotton, this option has an elastic bodice to fit your bust nicely.

2. Short and Sweet: With three-quarter sleeves and a not-too-short length, this button-up, tiered dress is a throw-on-and-go option. You just have to decide which of the five colors to go with.

3. Must-Have Midi: It’s all about the waist on this A-line midi dress. The smocked feature cinches you in to give your body some serious shape.

4. Perfectly Puffed: This will be your go-to dress for bridal and baby showers, as the puffed, ruffled short sleeves are absolutely darling. This square-neck midi comes in neutrals and fun hues to really make a statement.

5. Timeless Tiers: With a modest neckline, this sleeveless midi dress is super elegant. The A-line silhouette skims your curves for a flattering fit on everyone.

6. Collared Candidate: Throw on your favorite flats, sneakers or sandals, and that’s all you need to complete this short-sleeve midi dress look. The collar, buttons and waist tie are thoughtful details to elevate it.

Related: 17 Resort-Ready Staples From Amazon That Are *Actually* Worth It

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You’ve booked the trip, blocked the calendar and now you’re staring at a closet full of clothes that feel wrong for poolside lunches and sunset dinners. The pieces from a few seasons back don’t quite fit the vibe, but you’re not about to drop a paycheck on a vacation wardrobe you’ll wear for one week. […]

Tops

7. Our Favorite: There’s so much to love about this flowy short-sleeve top, but the kicker is that it starts at just $15. The square neckline is more unique, so you probably don’t have a shirt like it.

8. Sleeveless Selection: For warmer days, this collared sleeveless shirt will be your go-to. The top has a longer length, but it’s easy enough to tuck in for a more refined look.

9. Buttoned Babe: Your typical button-up top just got more fun with this gingham long-sleeve shirt. You can even style it under a cardigan or blazer for the office.

10. Real Ruffles: It doesn’t get much cuter than this sleeveless smocked top that flares at the bottom. The ruffled straps and square neckline are just the cherry on top.

11. Pretty Peplum: A flowy peplum top is super comfortable for the spring and summer. It’s made of 100% cotton, too, so it’s soft and breathable.

Bottoms

12. Our Favorite: No, these aren’t pajama pants, but they can be your new favorite loungewear. These high-waisted gingham pants have a thick elastic waistband for serious comfort.

13. Modest Maxi: Pair this flowy maxi skirt with a tight top for an attractive balance. Amazon shoppers are very happy with the thick, comfortable material.

14. Stylish Shorts: These gingham pull-on shorts are easy to throw on and head out the door. They’re made of 100% cotton and have front pockets, so what’s not to like?

15. Lounge-Worthy: We really like the fit of these cropped gingham pants, as they look less loungewear like. The straight-leg silhouette makes them super versatile, though.

16. Comfortable Capris: These $20 capri pants are just what springtime calls for. The high, drawstring waist is bound to give you a flattering fit.

Matching Sets

17. Our Favorite: If you like ruffle detailing, this long-sleeve top and shorts set will win you over. The fit is super flowy and lightweight, so you won’t get overheated during the warmer months.

18. Flowy Find: For a more casual shorts set, the crewneck top is simple yet flowy. Still, the scallop detail at the hems makes them look more complete.

19. Cropped Cutie: You’ll be the ultimate cool girl in this cropped tank and pants set. The cotton and linen pieces make getting dressed in the morning a breeze.

20. Skirt Set: We can’t get over this 100% cotton set that features a button-up design, collared shirt and skirt. Better yet, each piece is easy enough to pair with others in your closet.

21. Bowed Beauty: Wear it as a swimsuit cover-up or out to lunch, this two-piece set is flowy and fun. The top closes via two ties you can make into bows for an adorable touch.

For fantasy fans, the news that Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time was cancelled after just three seasons was a bitter blow — and now, a whole year later, that loss still stings. The series had only begun to scratch the surface of Robert Jordan’s sprawling saga, and its abrupt end left audiences without one of the genre’s rare large-scale TV adaptations. If you’re still looking to scratch that itch and fill that sweeping fantasy void, though, there’s an underrated series that might just surprise you. It’s bloody, trippy, and bold enough to stand apart from the crowd — and it also boasts a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

That show is Britannia. First debuting in 2018 on Sky Atlantic before later making its way to Prime Video, Britannia is unlike any other fantasy drama on television. It’s a sprawling epic that mixes brutal history with myth and mysticism, anchored by an ensemble of emotionally complex characters all searching for something — power, survival, faith, or redemption. The result is a series that feels both vast in scope and deeply personal, blending brutal battles with hallucinatory visions to create a fantasy world that’s as strange as it is compelling.

What Is ‘Britannia’ About?

On the surface, Britannia begins as a historical drama. Set in 43 A.D., it follows the Roman Empire’s invasion of the British Isles, but what could have been a straightforward war story quickly unravels into something stranger. The Celtic tribes, led by figures like Princess Kerra (Kelly Reilly), torn between family and survival, and Queen Antedia (Zoë Wanamaker), a ruthless rival with ambitions of her own, must decide whether to unite against the Romans. Across the battlefield looms General Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey), a calculating commander whose obsession with conquest hints at motives beyond simple empire-building.

At the heart of the series is Cait (Eleanor Worthington-Cox), a young girl who survives a Roman raid and reluctantly falls under the guidance of the Druids. Through her, audiences witness both the brutality of occupation and the disorienting pull of prophecy. While the world around her is gruesome and otherworldly, Cait’s arc is a coming-of-age story at its core, giving the series an emotional anchor as she struggles toward an uncertain destiny.

The Druids are what give Britannia its wild reputation. Characters like Veran, played with a spectacularly eerie and unrecognizable intensity by Mackenzie Crook, make their rituals feel like fever dreams. Unlike the rule-bound magic systems of shows like The Wheel of Time, the Druids’ power is chaotic and deliberately terrifying. The show never fully explains the source of their power, which only heightens their mystique and the surrounding danger.

Similar to shows like The Wheel of Time and even Game of Thrones, the series juggles sprawling factions and competing agendas, but it handles that scope in a uniquely surreal way. Created by brothers Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth, Britannia thrives precisely because it doesn’t try to be the next Game of Thrones. Instead, it embraces the strange, blending raw history with pagan mysticism and psychedelic horror to create a fantasy epic that’s as unsettling as it is compelling. And while its world is strange and unpredictable, what keeps it grounded is the ensemble cast, whose performances ensure the chaos always feels human.

Like ‘The Wheel of Time’, ‘Britannia’ is Led By a Stellar Ensemble Cast

As trippy and surreal as Britannia often becomes, its cast keeps the story firmly grounded. David Morrissey brings gravitas to General Aulus Plautius, never playing him as a one-note villain. Instead, he’s a manipulative strategist whose hunger for power is complicated by his unsettling connection to the Druids, making him both terrifying and strangely charismatic. Mackenzie Crook is equally unforgettable, channeling the show’s eerie energy and eventually taking on dual roles as two of its most disturbing Druids. And Kelly Reilly, before she became a household name in Yellowstone, delivers a fiery, vulnerable turn as Princess Kerra, embodying both the fierce determination of a leader and the emotional depth of someone caught between protecting her people and obeying her family.

Later seasons deepen the ensemble further with the addition of the incredible Sophie Okonedo, who Wheel of Time fans know as the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche. In Britannia, she channels that same commanding presence into Hemple, a high priestess with a hypnotic aura and a chilling hunger for power. Okonedo layers authority with nuance, enriching the show’s expanding mythology and raising the stakes with every scene she’s in. If you’re captivated by Okonedo’s performance in The Wheel of Time, her turn in Britannia is another must-see showcase of her talent.

Together, this ensemble prevents Britannia from feeling like just a surreal experiment. For all its surrealism, the show never loses sight of the fact that fantasy is at its best when it’s grounded in people struggling to survive extraordinary circumstances. That balance is what makes Britannia stand out, and why it deserves to be remembered as one of the boldest, most unconventional shows in modern fantasy television. If you’re a fan of The Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, or any fantasy series that mixes high-stakes drama with supernatural intrigue, the three seasons of Britannia should be at the top of your watch list.

Britannia is now available to stream on Prime Video.

It’s been over ten years since the sequel trilogy kicked off with 2015’s “The Force Awakens.” It was immediately followed by 2017’s controversial “The Last Jedi” and 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” the last “Star Wars” film released in theaters. That’s about to change when “The Mandalorian & Grogu” hits theaters on May 22, but it takes place years before the events of the sequel trilogy. In honor of May the 4th, or Star Wars Day, let’s take a look back at some of the major stars from the sequel trilogy and where they’re at now.

After becoming a household name for her role as Rey, Daisy Ridley went on to star in “Cleaner,” “Young Woman and the Sea,” and the zombie movie “We Bury The Dead,” which was released earlier this year.

She’ll next appear in “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol” alongside Johnny Depp, who plays the titular Scrooge. The feature has a star-studded cast, including Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, Ian McKellen, and Tramell Tillman.

Although there was supposed to be a Rey movie directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, there has been little news about the project since its initial announcement. Some fans believe that her standalone movie will now be folded into Simon Kinberg’s new trilogy. It might be a while before she returns to the screen with her lightsaber, but Ridley recently reassured her followers that her return to a galaxy far, far away will be “worth the wait.”

John Boyega’s Return As Finn Is Unclear

John Boyega starred as Finn, a Stormtrooper-turned-Resistance fighter. Since leaving the galaxy far, far away, he won a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Leroy Logan in Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology. He also appeared in 2022’s “The Woman King” and 2023’s “They Cloned Tyrone.”

Boyega has been vocal about his mixed feelings about the franchise, as his character was sidelined after 2015’s “The Force Awakens.” In 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” he spends most of the movie trying, and failing, to tell Rey that his character is Force-sensitive. The reveal never actually happens, leaving many fans disappointed.

In March 2026, during a panel at Megacon Orlando, a fan told him to “Get Dave [Filoni] on the phone.” Boyega replied, “I actually have, actually,” leading to speculation that he was working with Lucasfilm to reprise the character. However, some in the audience have since taken to social media to say that it sounded like he was joking, so it looks like fans will just have to wait and see.

Oscar Isaac Will ‘Maybe’ Return To ‘Star Wars’

Oscar Isaac is currently starring in season 2 of Netflix’s “Beef,” although the actor has been pretty busy since leaving the galaxy far, far away, where he played Resistance pilot-turned-general, Poe Dameron. He went on to join another Disney franchise, Marvel, where he played the titular “Moon Knight” on the Disney+ series. He also recently starred in Netflix’s “Frankenstein.”

In November 2025, he said that he would be “open” to returning to “Star Wars.” However, he admitted that he was “not so open to working with Disney” after Jimmy Kimmel was pulled from the air following a comment he made about Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

In April 2026, he once again said that he was “maybe” interested in returning to “Star Wars” and revealed that the “Somehow, Palpatine returned,” line that has been widely mocked across social media was a “new addition” during reshoots.

Kelly Marie Tran Is Open To Returning As Rose Tico

Kelly Marie Tran is probably one of the most controversial characters added to the sequel trilogy. Her character, Resistance technician Rose Tico, didn’t appear in 2015’s “The Force Awakens,” and was subject to the divisive Canto Bight subplot in 2017’s “The Last Jedi.”

Regardless of her character’s live-action reception, she has continued to voice Rose Tico in 2020’s “The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” and 2022’s “LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation.” In addition to narrating “The Last Jedi: Cobalt Squadron” audiobook, she also voiced Darth Rose Tico in “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy,” which premiered on Disney+ in 2024.

In April 2025, she told CBR that she had conversations about a possible return for Rose Tico, stating that she is still a “Star Wars” fan and that she still has “such a warm place in my heart, just that whole universe, and that entire experience.”

Adam Driver Wanted To Return To ‘Star Wars’ Before Disney Shut It Down

Since leaving a galaxy far, far away, Adam Driver has received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in 2018’s “BlacKkKlansman” and Best Actor in 2019’s “Marriage Story,” but he’s also gone on to star in 2021’s “The Last Duel,” 2021’s “House of Gucci,” 2023’s “Ferrari,” and 2024’s “Megalopolis,” to name a few.

He has also been tapped to star in a new Netflix series called “Rabbit, Rabbit,” an Apple TV art-world drama called “The Dealer,” and the military drama “Alone At Dawn,” which tells the true story of Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman’s fight to save his fellow soldiers and the investigation to prove his valor that earned him a Medal of Honor. 

Despite his busy schedule, the actor revealed in October 2025 that he and director Steven Soderbergh had been working on their own movie called “The Hunt For Ben Solo.” Although he played the villainous Kylo Ren for the first two films, he returned to his identity as Ben Solo and was seemingly redeemed at the end of “The Rise of Skywalker” while fighting Emperor Palpatine, and appeared to have died after he faded into the Force.

However, it seems that Driver felt that the character had unfinished business. He and Soderbergh spent a few years developing a script with Scott Z. Burns that received approval from Lucasfilm. However, Driver told AP News that the film was shot down by Bob Iger.

“We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it,” Driver explained. “We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.”

Since then, there have been several fan campaigns attempting to revive the project, but Soderbergh has shut down any hope that the film will ever be made. That being said, it is clear that there is still interest in Ben Solo’s character, and it’s possible that he might make a return, even as a Force ghost, in Simon Kinberg’s new trilogy.

It remains to be seen whether any of these characters will appear in “Star Wars: Starfighter,” the first movie set after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.” The film, starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for a May 2027 theatrical release.

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet looked loved up while out and about in New York City ahead of the 2026 Met Gala.

In a video obtained by Us Weekly on Sunday, May 3, Chalamet, 30, was seen standing beside a car door as Jenner, 28, stepped out of the vehicle. The pair then grabbed each other’s hands before walking across the sidewalk.

Chalamet donned a blue Adidas zip-up jacket with gray pants and a black baseball cap, while Jenner stunned in black capri pants and a black shirt underneath her trenchcoat. The Kardashians star styled her hair in a sleek slick-back pony tail and topped off her look with a pair of black sunglasses.

Chalamet and Jenner stepped out to see a weekend performance of Broadway’s The Fear of 13, which her sister Kim Kardashian produces. Kardashian, 45, and mom Kris Jenner were also seen exiting vehicles to attend the show.

Days prior, Chalamet and Kylie were spotted inside Madison Square Garden while watching the New York Knicks compete against the Atlanta Hawks. During the Tuesday, April 28, outing, Kylie was seen clutching Chalamet’s arm as they cheered from their seats.

Chalamet and Kylie have been going strong for three years after they were first romantically linked in April 2023. While the pair have remained private about their relationship, Chalamet gave a sweet shout-out to Kylie on the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards stage in January after winning Best Actor.

“Thank you to my partner of three years,” he told Kylie while accepting the award for his role in Marty Supreme. “Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Chalamet, for his part, has also formed a bond with Kylie’s two kids. (Kylie and ex Travis Scott welcomed daughter Stormi and son Aire in 2018 and 2022, respectively. The on-again, off-again exes separated for good in 2023.)

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“Timothee has also become a part of her kids’ lives and is really great with them,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in March. “They think he’s super fun, and they love being around him.”

The insider shared that Kylie waited for the right moment to introduce Chalamet to her two kids.

“They kept that part of life separate for a while, but Kylie slowly let him in, and now he’s spent a good amount of time with them,” the source said, adding that Kylie and Chalamet have a “genuine bond.”

Television has always had an affinity for mystery shows, but that fascination has only escalated in the prestige era. Traditional procedurals may have dominated ratings for generations, but thanks to the rise of more ambitious dramas, there have been more expansive miniseries and multi-season shows that attempt to keep their audiences guessing the entire time. While it’s always entertaining to get wrapped up in a good case, shows don’t always take the time to fully flesh out the detectives who are themselves solving the mystery. HBO’s Bored to Death is a hilariously absurd look at the lives of private investigators, but it also says something deeper about the motivations that propel crime obsessives. It was a show that was ahead of its time, because the explosion of interest in true crime content in the streaming era has made Bored to Death feel more prophetic.

Created by novelist Jonathan Ames, Bored to Death examines the lives of three friends living in New York City who inadvertently become involved with a series of mysteries. Jason Schwartzman stars as a fictional version of Ames, who decides to become a private investigator after experiencing several setbacks in his career as a writer. Zach Galifianakis co-stars as Jonathan’s best friend, Ray Hueston, who is both intrigued and skeptical of his pal’s newfound obsession. Ted Danson also has a primary role as George Christopher, the editor of a prestigious New York magazine who reveals himself to be just as vulnerable and confused as Jonathan, whom he has always viewed as a surrogate son. Although Bored to Death has one of the funniest pilots in HBO history, it’s extraordinary how quickly the series escalates into a new level of absurdity.

‘Bored to Death’ Is a Perfect Satire of Mystery Fiction

Comedy shows live and die based on whether their leads have chemistry, and Bored to Death finds interesting ways to play to each of its actors’ strengths. Given that Schwartzman already had a reputation for playing smug, confident young people in the early films of Wes Anderson, it was a natural evolution for him to appear as a self-loathing man-child who has become depressed by his disappearing career opportunities. Although it is a breakup that initially inspires Jonathan to make a blind Craigslist post about being a private investigator, beginning to look into crimes actually ends up making him a better writer. Jonathan’s issues as a writer come from the fact that he has become so obsessed with literature that he doesn’t have any experience in the real world. It’s obviously a self-deprecating aspect of the character that was inserted by Ames, and not just because he shares a name with the protagonist; the various jokes that Bored to Death has about the pretensions of literary high society in New York could have only come from someone who had personal experience.

Bored to Death skillfully uses both Galifianakis and Danson by casting both actors slightly against type. Although Galifianakis was in the midst of becoming a movie star thanks to the blockbuster success of The Hangover, where he played the weirdest character in the group, Bored to Death cast him as an unusual guy, who is nonetheless far more reasonable and self-sufficient than any of his friends; even though Ray’s marriage unravels due to a series of infidelities, his career is far more stable than that of Jonathan, who seems to risk it all on every assignment. Danson is expertly cast as a character who appears to be an “elder statesman,” but in reality does not have much valuable wisdom to pass on to his acolytes. This became an essential aspect of his comedic persona going forward, leading to his resurgence on television in Fargo, The Good Place, and A Man on the Inside.

‘Bored to Death’ Was Cancelled Too Soon

Bored to Death splits the difference between two different aspects of crime thriller shows, as it embraces both procedural mysteries and ongoing storylines. Given that Jonathan is game to tackle any case that he finds interesting, it makes sense that each episode could introduce a new mystery, even if the show makes a joke out of how many of them end up either answered far too quickly or left unresolved. At the same time, the series also finds a way to tie in larger issues within the lives of the characters, including a third-season storyline that involves a rival organization.

Although Bored to Death is designed for resolute crime junkies, the show is layered with homages to classic cinema, and even has a title sequence that directly embodies the style of noir films of the ‘50s and ‘50s. The show’s cancellation wasn’t just a disappointment because of the unresolved storyline of Jonathan reconnecting with his biological father (Stacey Keach), but because the series had managed to change directions so frequently that it had significant potential going forward. Given that Ames went on to make Blunt Talk for Starz, and that the three leads have only continued to peak in success since the show was canceled, it’s safe to say that Bored to Death was at least considered an underground success by television insiders. However, it’s also a show that deserves to be revisited, since there’s an entire audience who either weren’t aware or around to watch Bored to Death when it was initially airing.

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Bored to Death

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Release Date

2009 – 2011-00-00

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Directors

Michael Lehmann, Adam Bernstein

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An interview featuring Olivia Wilde spread rapidly across social media after some online users compared the actress to a “corpse” and Gollum, the pale, emaciated creature from “The Lord of the Rings.” Rather than taking offense to the harsh remarks, Wilde appeared to respond with humor, sharing a laugh with her brother over the online reactions and showing that she was largely unfazed by the commentary.

On May 3, Olivia Wilde posted an Instagram Stories video sharing her reaction to online comments about her looks from an April 24 interview promoting her movie, “The Invite.” “Leave it to your little brother to give you the maximum amount of sh-t,” the 42-year-old actress wrote.

The actress, bundled up in a blanket and wearing a hoodie, is seen giggling as her brother asks, “Olivia Wilde, do you care to address recent rumors that you’re a ‘resurrected corpse’?” Still laughing, Wilde said the interviewer used a fisheye lens, admitting it didn’t give her the best look. Moreover, she stood too close to the camera. “It’s startling. It’s a startling image,” she added.

“That’s not the truth. Do you have any more questions?” she asked. Her brother then burst into laughter before Wilde added, “I’m not… I’m not dead,” before covering her face.

Inside The Actress’s Viral Interview

On April 24, Wilde attended the San Francisco International Film Festival to promote her comedy movie, “The Invite.” In a red carpet interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, the actress appeared bug-eyed and gaunt, prompting online users to make side-by-side comparisons showing what the actress looked like in the past.

As The Blast previously reported, some speculated that Wilde was taking Ozempic for weight loss. Many commented that she looked like a cadaver, while others simply added photos comparing her to other characters, such as Golem and the Crypt-Keeper from “Tales of the Crypt.” Another commented, “She can play the live-action Corpse Bride,” referring to the character in Tim Burton’s stop-motion animated movie.

Many Online Users Defended Olivia Wilde

While some comments about Wilde’s appearance were harsh, others came to the actress’s defense, arguing that she was simply aging. “She had always been thin; she’s just aging,” one commented.

Another commenter added, “This is the fault of the camera lens and lighting. She’s still gorgeous. Don’t believe everything you see.” One user replied with a photo of the actress from a couple of weeks before the interview, speculating that the viral clip just used “horrible filters.”

“People just age, bro. I know this may be news to you, but it is a thing. Collagen goes down over time,” another person added. “Wasn’t she already rail thin? Why are they ghoul maxxing?” said another.

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The Actress’s Viral Interview Sparked Ozempic Rumors

Some online users attributed Wilde’s appearance to Ozempic, saying that she might have succumbed to the pressures of Hollywood. Many pointed out that the actress doesn’t need the medication, as she’s always had a slim body type.

Others compared Wilde’s viral look to Kelly Osbourne, who has also faced criticism in recent years for her frail appearance. Osbourne, however, has denied using Ozempic, attributing her weight loss to a strict diet and gastric sleeve surgery.

One user said Wilde’s look is a combination of aging and veganism. Wilde has been a vegan since she was 12 years old and has switched between veganism and vegetarianism over the years.

Olivia Wilde On Facing Criticism

Being in the public eye comes with facing intense scrutiny, with celebrities frequently subjected to criticism about their appearance and personal lives. In January 2021, the actress made headlines when she started dating former One Direction member Harry Styles, who was 10 years her junior.

In a December 2021 interview with Vogue, Wilde said it was “tempting” to clarify misconceptions about her relationship. However, she refuses to let public judgment affect her. “I think what you realize is that when you’re really happy, it doesn’t matter what strangers think about you. All that matters to you is what’s real, and what you love, and who you love,” she said, adding that she was “happier” and “healthier” than she’d ever been.

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