Related: Jennifer Garner’s Expensive-Looking Sundress Style Screams ‘Cali Rich Girl’
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Apple TV’s 2-Part Psychological Thriller Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
The amnesiac format in psychological thrillers is always a fun one: an unreliable narrator thrown into a dizzying world where they don’t know who to trust, not even themselves, as secrets are slowly uncovered. In 2022, Apple TV gave us another rendition of this classic trope that was sorely overlooked, even though it had all the thrills and charm of the genre. Surface is a perfect escapist weekend binge, one that’ll have you playing the guessing game right until the end while you are enthralled by the lavish costumes and designs of San Francisco high society. On top of that, with psychological thriller veteran Gugu Mbatha-Raw leading the way, we’re in safe hands as we enter this emotional and paranoid spiral.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw Is a Quietly Fierce Lead in ‘Surface’
The amnesiac in question in Surface is Sophie (Mbatha-Raw), a woman who sustains a head injury after a suicide attempt and returns to her world of luxury without any memories. She lives with her husband James (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), who tries to coax Sophie back into their picturesque life with the help of her best friend Caroline (Ari Graynor). Though we already question if we can trust their claims and motivations. Things become more complicated when Sophie meets undercover cop Baden (Stephan James), who insists that she cannot trust her husband. Soon enough, she also realizes that she has some secrets of her own, deepening the cracks of the perfect picture that everyone claims to be her life. But the most damning piece of evidence that proves not everything is as it seems is voiced by Sophie herself: “If my life was so perfect, why did I try to end it?”
Playing an amnesiac is always a fun challenge for actors: balancing being a blank slate with the hints of the character’s instincts and personality underneath. In Surface, Mbatha-Raw masters the tight-rope act and is reason enough to dive into the depths of deception and betrayal of Sophie’s life. She mixes the effortless charisma we saw in “San Junipero” in Black Mirror, with the deadpanned suspicion in her role from The Girl Before, becoming a compelling lead we enjoy following down the rabbit hole. As Sophie overhears suspicious conversations and goes running around the area to clear her mind, there’s an innate fierceness that simmers beneath her surface of confusion, distrust, and vulnerability. It’s a quiet ferocity that drives the series forward, making the character easy to root for as she peels back the layers of her flashy life.
‘Surface’ Is the Perfect Psychological Thriller for Escapism
Mbatha-Raw’s persevering performance is what guides us through a show that is pure escapism, one that exists for genre thrills wrapped in the facade of luxury. In the vein of Big Little Lies, the sets scream wealth, and the costumes are devastatingly gorgeous, but this is all drenched in dark hues that suggest something sinister is going on, which is undoubtedly true. As such, the escapism stems from the timeless experience of watching rich people be miserable and bored while draped in the sinful fruits of their wealth. Combining extravagance with a distinct sense of paranoia and distrust results in an atmosphere that is charged and palpable, radiating right off the screen to include viewers in the turmoil.
Though the show has been criticized for being a tad too much of a slow-burn, this atmosphere and the visuals that come alongside it make the methodical unraveling worth it. Our amateur sleuth flits between her untrustworthy psyche and the elusive pieces of evidence she comes across, making every revelation feel earned as it arrives with a truckload of emotional weight. It’s especially enthralling when Sophie digs into her own secrets, which is where Mbatha-Raw’s performance excels, as the character is confronted with the aspects of her own identity that she has forgotten. As the plot slowly twists and turns towards the dark truth, we’re submerged in Sophie’s own internal struggles, the genre thrills, and the contrast of the surrounding opulence. Mbatha-Raw guides us through her character’s fractured psychological state, as she dissects the veneer of wealth around her, making for a twisty and escapist thriller that is utterly easy to consume.
Surface
- Release Date
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July 28, 2022
- Network
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Apple TV+
- Directors
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Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Jennifer Morrison
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Entertainment
Where is Bryan Kohberger today? Everything to know before Netflix’s Idaho murders documentary
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Days before the premiere of Netflix’s “The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare,” convicted killer Bryan Kohberger sought to withdraw his guilty pleas and overturn his convictions.
Taylor Swift’s longtime bond with Blake Lively’s family has reportedly become one of the most heartbreaking casualties of the actress’s ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
While the pop superstar was once deeply involved in the lives of Lively’s daughters, insiders now claim she has stepped away from her role as their godmother after deciding there was “no choice” but to distance herself completely.
The reported decision has left one of Hollywood’s closest friendships seemingly beyond repair.
With Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle pulling high-profile names into the spotlight, Taylor Swift ultimately became one of the biggest celebrities linked to the controversy.
According to Daily Mail insiders, the fallout has now reportedly ended not only her decade-long friendship with Lively but also her role as godmother to the actress’ daughters James, Inez, and Betty, 6, whom she shares with Ryan Reynolds.
“It was one of the toughest decisions she’s ever had to make,” a source close to the singer claimed, adding, “It was very emotional because she loves the girls. It hurt her heart, but she had no choice given the circumstances.”
According to the insider, Swift made the decision “a few months ago” after discussing the situation with her new husband, Travis Kelce, and concluding it “was the right thing to do.”
“There was never an agreement in writing about her being the girls’ godmother. It was a verbal one between Taylor and Blake,” the source added.
Swift Built A Close Bond With Lively’s Family
Although the arrangement was reportedly informal, Taylor Swift was said to have embraced the role completely.
Over the years, she frequently spent time with Lively, Reynolds, and their children, hosting the family at her Rhode Island home, celebrating Halloween together, and incorporating the girls into her music.
She famously featured James’ baby voice at the beginning of “Gorgeous” and later even used the names James, Inez, and Betty as characters across songs from her 2020 album “Folklore.”
Then in July 2024, the Grammy Award winner publicly acknowledged the relationship promoting Reynolds’ “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
“Shout out to Wade Wilson, aka my godkids’ sperm donor!” she joked, referencing Reynolds’ Marvel character.
Reynolds later confirmed the title during an interview with Deadline, saying, “I’m going to need that on my gravestone, actually. She is the godparent to my daughters. That was very sweet. Not just sweet, that was, like, you could probably quantify a box office based on Taylor just doing something like that.”
Taylor Swift Even Surprised The Girls By Including Them In Her Music
Swift’s relationship with the children extended well beyond public appearances. Reynolds previously revealed that even the girls had no idea their names would appear on “Folklore” until the album was released.
“We surprised them with it,” the actor said during a SiriusXM “Town Hall” interview in 2021, further noting, “They didn’t know. They had no idea.”
While performing in Madrid during the Eras Tour in May 2024, Swift also acknowledged the sisters in front of thousands of fans.
“I have to say that on Folklore, some of my favorite characters are named James, Inez and Betty,” she said, as the three girls reportedly celebrated from premium seats alongside their mother.
According to insiders, however, moments like those are unlikely to continue following the reported breakdown of Swift’s friendship with Lively.
Swift Reportedly Hopes To Reconnect With The Children Someday
Sources say the reported decision continues to weigh heavily on Taylor Swift, even as she enjoys a new chapter in her personal life following her marriage to Travis Kelce.
“Taylor’s having the time of her life now that she is married, her family is great, her career is great and she’s looking forward to the future,” another insider shared, adding, “The only thing that is causing troubles in her life is Blake’s kids and not having the relationship she would like to have with them as their godmother.”
The source also noted that the 36-year-old believes maintaining a close relationship with the children while having virtually no relationship with their parents would place them in an unfair position.
According to them, “Taylor doesn’t believe it’s fair to anyone involved – especially the kids – to put them in the middle of such a strained situation. She believes stepping away is the most respectful path forward for all parties.”
Despite the painful decision, another source claimed Swift still hopes the relationship can one day be repaired.
“She hopes that once the children are adults, and 18 and able to make their own decisions, they’ll be free to reconnect if they choose,” the source explained.
Source Suggests Blake Lively Knows More About Taylor Swift Than The Public Realizes
While the future of Swift and Lively’s friendship remains uncertain, recent insider claims suggest there’s still plenty the public doesn’t know about their once-close relationship.
According to a new insider, one reason the reported fallout attracted so much attention was because the “Gossip Girl” actress allegedly possessed deeply personal knowledge about Swift that had never been shared publicly.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the source claimed, “Blake knows plenty about Taylor that has never become public,” while insisting there is no expectation that the actress would reveal those details.
The insider further alleged that Swift had no concerns about Lively speaking out, claiming she had “complete faith” that any private conversations would remain confidential despite their reported estrangement.
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Jared Leto accused of raping underage girl, grooming 16-year-old in new sexual assault claims
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“He told me, ‘I would like you to call me daddy’. And it was either pretend to be a little girl or ‘my little girl’,” one woman alleged.
A California woman was reportedly shot dead in front of a police station on Saturday, July 4. Furthermore, her son is accused of the crime.
RELATED: Prayers Up! 75-Year-Old Georgia Woman Shot While Distributing Food To Atlanta Community
California Man, Emmanuel Wesley, Accused Of Shooting Mother In Front Of Police Station
Emmanuel Wesley is accused of shooting his mother, Theresa Jones, in front of a police station on the Fourth of July. According to KTLA, the 61-year-old was shot as she sat behind the wheel of her car at approximately 2:46 p.m. in front of the Fullerton Police Department.
Surveillance video reportedly captured Emmanuel Wesley getting out of the backseat after Jones slumped over. The FPD claims Wesley moved his mother over to the passenger seat before getting in the car and driving off.
Furthermore, Jones was reported missing on July 7. This, reportedly, after she didn’t pick up her grandchild or answer her phone.
Jones’ Body Was Found One Week Later
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office revealed that the 61-year-old’s body was found in a church parking lot on Saturday, July 11.
Furthermore, she’d been shot twice in the back, and the FPD arrested her son for felony murder. In addition, he was charged with felony enhancement, alleging the discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death.
Wesley was denied bail and is currently an inmate at the Orange County Jail. The 23-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Orange County District Attorney Accused Wesley Of “Depravity”
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer subsequently gave a statement, noting the horrifying details of the alleged matricide.
“The death of any human being is a tragedy,” said Spitzer. “For someone to kill their own mother is another level of depravity. We will do everything we can to pursue justice for Ms. Jones and everyone who loved her.”
A GoFundMe was set up by her loved ones, who also shared a statement.
“Tragically, Theresa was taken from us far too soon on the Fourth of July in an unimaginable act of violence,” it read in part. “After she missed picking up her beloved grandchild, an agonizing week-long search led to her discovery on July 11. The shock of her loss has left a profound, empty space in the hearts of everyone who loved her.”
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Polos have been having a moment as of late. Blame it on the return of preppy, 90s style or the rise of quiet luxury fashion, but this classic collared staple is suddenly everywhere again; and no one is rocking the look better than Jennifer Garner.
The 54-year-old actress was recently seen out and about in New York City rocking a pricey Prada polo, and while Prada isn’t exactly in our shopping budget, we did find a luxe lookalike on Amazon from a top-rated brand. Even better: it’s on major sale.
Get the Katie Kasin Short-Sleeve V-Neck Polo for $23 (originally $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to changes.
This Katie Kasin v-neck polo has the same classic navy and white base and refined, polished presentation as Garner’s designer version, but instead of paying thousands, you can snag the incredible lookalike for less than $25. And while the Prada version has a heavier sweater base, this chic polo comes with a breathable-but-durable material that’s perfect for summer outings, long days in the office and layering under blazers and cardigans.
If you’re curious what Los Angeles moms are wearing lately, take a page from Jennifer Garner who wore the ultimate rich-girl sundress style. It should cost triple digits (at least), but we found her dreamy floral look on sale for only $34. Run! Last week, Garner breezed into a SoCal restaurant wearing a billowy maxi sundress, […]
Unlike other affordable polos that hug in weird places, lose their color or shape after washing or look like sad designer dupes, this under-$25 top delivers a surprisingly elevated finish that’s suited for work, weekends and beyond. Garner paired her quiet-luxury top with cropped, dark-wash jeans, brown stilettos and oversized sunnies, but we’re already imagining how well this slightly stretchy polo would look with our tailored trousers, relaxed denim, preppy skirts, white sneakers and other quiet-luxury essentials.
The Katie Kasin polo is also a huge hit with shoppers. In fact, reviewers praise its “polished, professional look” and say it “strikes the right balance between structured and comfortable.” Consider Us sold.
“The fit is very flattering without being too tight, and the lightweight knit fabric is comfortable and breathable,” one verified shopper said. “The V-neck and collared design give it a polished, classic look that works well for both casual wear and the office.”
“A great addition to my summer work wardrobe,” another 5-star reviewer said. “Well made, nice thin knit to keep me cool when the temps spike, but still keeps me looking polished and professional in meetings. Washes really well and has a flattering fit.”
While we would love a pricey Prada polo, the next best thing is snagging a lookalike that delivers the same quiet‑luxury vibe for a fraction of the price. Grab this Amazon find while it’s still majorly on sale.
Get the Katie Kasin Short-Sleeve V-Neck Polo for $23 (originally $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to changes.
Not what you’re looking for? Scope out more V-neck polos here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Jennifer Garner has a way of making even the simplest outfit feel elevated, and her latest look proves you don’t need a designer price tag to get there. The actress stepped out in a little black dress that felt equal parts timeless and practical — and get this: You can recreate the same regal look […]
Rapper and social media star Nia Kay has grown up before our eyes. From making her television debut at just 14 years old on ‘The Rap Game’ to now, nearly 10 years later, she’s officially stepping into motherhood. Alongside her longtime boyfriend, Big Bank Bandz, the couple is sharing the special moment with supporters after welcoming their baby girl,
RELATED: Shade? Supa Peach Sparks Reactions After Sharing A Message Amid Latto And Nia Kay’s Pregnancy News (PICS + VIDEOS)
Nia Kay And Big Bank Bandz Celebrate The Arrival Of Their Baby Girl
Earlier this week, Nia Kay took to Instagram to officially reveal that she had welcomed her baby girl, Nior Kay. In the post, she shared sweet photos alongside Big Bank Bandz, giving supporters their first look at their daughter. Alongside the photos, Nia reflected on becoming a mother, overcoming obstacles during her pregnancy, and beginning this new chapter with Big Bank Bandz.
She wrote, “To @itss_niorkay it’s so much to be grateful for but our biggest accomplishment yet is bringing you into this world and knowing we will raise you to be better than us. Cheers to the best hood there is, parenthood. Cheers to mommy bringing home a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Cheers to mommy giving you an active dad who didn’t miss one doctor’s appointment. Cheers to mommy being able to create life regardless of the obstacles thrown while carrying you. Cheers to raising you in a loving two parent home. Cheers to you making mommy and daddy better in every way. Cheers to you giving us true happiness. YOU ARE LOVED NIOR KAY.”
Social Media Sends Congratulations
Many gathered in The Shade Room Teens’ comment section to congratulate Nia Kay and Big Bank Bandz on welcoming their baby girl. Others celebrated the couple as they began a new chapter together, sharing heartfelt messages and well-wishes for their growing family.
Instagram user @ionfwy.yy wrote, “That baby look just like her😍😍”
Instagram user @theylovemerraa added, “You know what she stay out the way and they been together for a long time a baby is a blessing always 😍”
While Instagram user @lailamaearchives wrote, “why the baby already got an instagram omg”
Instagram user @ kailaasymonee wrote, “After having a surgery during a pregnancy a healthy baby is probably the best reward 🩷🩷 “
Instagram user @ms.thang314 wrote. “Congratulations to the parents of this beautiful baby girl she is set for life2 Welcome to the world Nior she is so beautiful and blessed to have y’all as her parents”
Here’s What Nia Kay Overcame During Her Pregnancy
Throughout Nia Kay’s pregnancy journey, supporters rallied around her with love and prayers after she revealed she underwent two ovarian surgeries while expecting her baby girl. After confirming she was having a daughter, Nia returned online on March 25 and revealed she needed another emergency surgery.
She wrote, “Emergency surgery again. I pray to God this is my last ovary surgery. I love you BabyGirl. Mommy so sorry we going thru this. 2 days after you showing me who you are. My warrior just be strong for me bby.”
She also asked supporters to continue praying, writing, “I just ask for everyone’s prayers not for me but for our girl.”
A day later, her longtime boyfriend, Big Bandz, shared that Nia’s surgery had been scheduled and thanked everyone for keeping them in their prayers. Following the procedure, Nia updated supporters with a positive message, writing, “Thankyou for all the prayers!!!! All I can do is Thank God!!!!”
RELATED: Jania Meshell Breaks Down After DeJounte Murray Allegedly Blocks Her Following Pregnancy Announcement (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Scott Michael Foster has his work cut out for him in Hallmark’s Paris Is Always a Good Idea as he competes with three other guys for Lacey Chabert‘s heart.
“Listen, when you’ve got three tall, strapping, good-looking dudes all vying for the attention of your leading lady, you have got to bring your A game,” Foster, 41, joked during an exclusive interview with Us.
Foster enjoyed the challenge, adding, “They’re all wonderful actors. Everybody was really, really talented, and we all had such a great time. So I think it’s such a good cast, and you couldn’t ask for more than having good players to play along with you.”
Based on Jenn McKinlay’s novel, Paris Is Always a Good Idea follows nonprofit executive Chelsea (Chabert), who goes to Paris with rival Knightly (Foster) to secure a donation. Through a message from her late mother — and support from her family — Chelsea decides to revisit three past loves across Ireland, Paris and Spain.
Over the years, Hallmark Channel has cemented itself as the go-to network for feel-good films, holiday magic and a handsome lineup of leading men. Whether it’s the charmers from When Calls the Heart — including Kevin McGarry and Chris McNally — or the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries franchise heroes, fans always have eye candy to […]
“Usually you have an hour and a half to get to know these characters and learn about them and find out what the story’s about. We got six episodes to do that,” Foster told Us about the limited series. “So we got to really sit in some of these uncomfortable moments and some of these great moments for more times.”
He continued: “You can let the story breathe a little bit, and I think it creates a better connection for the audience. I’m excited to see how people react to this form of storytelling on Hallmark because we’re used to doing movies, but here we got more time to spend with these characters.”
Paris Is Always a Good Idea allowed Foster a special privilege — to finally work with Chabert, 43, a.k.a the queen of Hallmark.
“I hadn’t worked with Lacey before, and I know she’s quite affectionately known as the queen of Hallmark for a good reason,” he explained. “She gets it. She comes super prepared and she knows her stuff. She’s a sweetheart. So I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey.”
Foster said he was “very fortunate” to share the screen with Chabert. Luckily, this wasn’t Foster’s first time stepping up to bring a Hallmark leading man to life — which made it easier as the show teased who Chelsea would end up with.
Lacey Chabert has become one of Hallmark’s biggest stars after making her network debut in 2010 — and she has no plans to stop anytime soon. “These movies mean so much to me. I really am genuine when I say that,” Chabert exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2021. “They’re not just jobs, and I […]
“I was not worried,” he admitted to Us. “They gave me this and said, ‘What do you think?’ I was like, ‘I love the story. I think it’s great where it ends up. No spoilers here.’ But I think the way that they wrote this and the way they wrapped it up is just right.”
Looking ahead, Foster wants to keep working on Hallmark projects. He also opened up about his interest in working behind the camera.
“I proposed to my fiancée [Carson Fagerbakke] about a year and a half ago at Christmastime, and I did it in front of her whole family, and we did it at the house she grew up in — in front of the Christmas tree. Someone told me I had to make that into a Hallmark movie,” he told Us. “Maybe we’ll have to write that down.”
He continued: “Right now I’ve got a short film that is kind of like a thriller that I’m going to direct. Then I’ve got a horror movie that I wrote and I’m trying to get made. So I like to have my hands in all the baskets because I just love to work.”
New episodes of Paris Is Always a Good Idea air Thursdays on Hallmark+.
Entertainment
Forget Dune, This Overlooked Sci-Fi Book Is the Space Opera Streaming Has Been Waiting For
Streaming services are always looking for the “next great thing,” something that will keep their subscribers engaged and, hopefully, bring in new subscribers. It’s where they look to find it that differs from project to project. HBO turned to video games for The Last of Us. Apple TV+ expanded on film’s MonsterVerse franchise for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Prime Video has taken a page from J.R.R. Tolkien for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Long story short, there’s no shortage of places to turn to for any genre. With HBO delivering Dune: Prophecy later this year and Apple TV’s Foundation Season 4 still waiting on a premiere date, the space opera is a genre that never gets old, and a 13-year-old sci-fi book, Ancillary Justice, might just be the answer.
‘Ancillary Justice’ Tells a Tale Over Two Timelines
Ann Leckie‘s Ancillary Justice opens on Nilt, a remote ice planet. It’s on Nilt that the novel’s protagonist, Breq, finds and rescues a drugged and beaten Seivarden Vendaai, who once served as lieutenant aboard Breq’s starship, the Justice of Toren, 1,000 years earlier. Only Breq is, or at least was, the Justice of Toren. Breq is an Artificial Intelligence, and for over 3,000 years she was the spaceship, while concurrently controlling thousands of “ancillaries,” brain-dead human bodies whose sole purpose was to serve as disposable soldiers. But 19 years prior, the Justice of Toren was destroyed, forcing Breq to reside in a single human body, ironically in sole control of only one ancillary.
The rest of the story plays out in a dual timeline: in the present day, where Breq, aka One Esk, is on a quest for revenge; and 19-years ago, in her final days as the Justice of Toren. Both timelines occur within the Radch empire, an expansionist regime aggressively annexing planets, killing or assimilating survivors, prepping the latter to serve as ancillaries. The regime is overlooked by Anaander Mianaai, the Lord of the Radch and AI that occupies thousands of bodies between 13 royal palaces. It’s Mianaai that has earned the ire of Breq, who holds her responsible for the destruction of her spaceship form, which plays out in the flashback timeline around the planet Shis’urna. She is on Nilt in the present to find Arilesperas Strigan, who has a Garsedd alien gun that can be used to assassinate Mianaai. What follows is a broad, expansive tale of class divisions, independent versus collective thought, identity, redemption, and revenge.
‘Ancillary Justice’ Has What It Takes to be the “Next Great Thing”
Ancillary Justice is smart, wide-reaching, and has everything it takes to be the “Next Great Thing” for a streamer looking to fill their space opera niche. Its dual timeline is something that has been proven to work for a streaming series, as evidenced by a show like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The idea of an expansionist empire, one looking to conquer and assimilate, has shades of the infamous Borg of Star Trek. As for the quest for revenge? Take your pick.
But there are two aspects of the novel that would bring something different to television. One is the idea of AI being a protagonist. It’s far too easy to make AI the bad guy, and, let’s face it, it’s a concept that’s been beaten to death. And while AI is both the protagonist and antagonist in the novel, the idea of that AI gaining conscience and breaking off to fight itself is a fascinating perspective. Additionally, exploring that idea of collective versus individual thought is rife with possibilities.
The second is the notion of gender that is presented in the book. In Radchaai culture, gender isn’t used as a distinguishing characteristic, so “she/her” pronouns are applied to all characters, universally. It’s an aspect of the series that makes the universe unique compared to several other space operas. Ancillary Justice has the makings of an epic series that leans toward the introspective, a character-driven project as opposed to senseless spectacle. Yet within Ancillary Justice, and the two follow-up books that make up the Imperial Radch trilogy, there is potential for grand, effects-driven moments as well. Although the series has been optioned in the past, it’s never made it to production, which is a shame, as the award-winning novel would be a sure-fire success for any streamer willing to take a chance on Ancillary Justice.
After a nearly five-year wait, Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man has finally returned to the big screen. Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been making a splash all week, with overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Marvel Studios and Sony collaboration getting fans even more excited in the days leading up to the theatrical debut. Now, at long last, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is playing in theaters everywhere, and fans are not only getting the chance to experience one of Marvel’s best movies in years, but they’re also getting a glimpse into what could become a bright future for at least a corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The closing act of Spider-Man: Brand New Day beautifully brings the story of the film to a close, but it also plants a few seeds for what’s coming next. Unlike many other MCU movies, Brand New Day doesn’t sacrifice its own plot and ending in favor of the grander universe. That said, there are some natural moments that use the closing of one door to subtly open another. There’s a lot to unpack with the ending of Brand New Day, and we’re going to dive deep into all of it here. It should go without saying that the rest of this article will have major spoilers for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. So, if you haven’t seen the movie yet, now is the time to bookmark this page and come back once you leave the theater.
What Happens to Spider-Man at the end of ‘Brand New Day’
Throughout Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter Parker (Holland) is at odds with his own evolution and inner psyche. He’s challenged by a terrifying threat that can seemingly control the minds of others at will, and the governmental agency known as Damage Control tasks him with eliminating said enemy. As many fans expected, that mind-controlling mastermind is none other than Jean Grey (Sadie Sink), who you probably know as one of the most prominent members of the X-Men.
Of course, Jean isn’t really the villain she’s made out to be, as she was only attacking Damage Control to save her sister, who had the same kind of dangerous powers and was ultimately killed by the organization during their rigorous experimentation. Peter, upon realizing he got it wrong, opts to try and save Jean — though she has the saving part handled. Her powers evolve, and she is on the verge of some catastrophic destruction that she could never take back, when Peter finally lets her into his mind, and she gets the classic power and responsibility talk from the late Aunt May (Marisa Tomei).
Spider-Man ultimately takes a bullet to the back to save Jean, but she returns the favor, hopping into his mind and keeping him alive until he can receive care. He recovers and resumes business as Spider-Man, now with MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) once again at his side. Peter and MJ aren’t romantically involved at this point, because she doesn’t remember their history. The final moment ahead of the credits, however, does hint that Ned gets his memories of Peter back after the two share their signature secret handshake.
Jean Grey and the X-Men in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
The arrival of Sink’s Jean Grey marks the MCU’s first real foray into its own version of the X-Men — the only X-Men appearances to this point have been legacy cast from the Fox franchise. She is given an alternative origin story and an evolving set of powers, but she’s still very young, and acting entirely on her own.
At this point, as far as we know, Jean hasn’t met any of the other X-Men characters yet. Some flashback scenes with her sister reveal that their mother “sent them away” after learning about their powers, but there isn’t any indication that they were shipped off to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. It just seems like the two of them are on their own and on the run.
After saving Spider-Man, Jean disappears from New York City. In her final scene in the movie, Jean is riding a bus away from the city, potentially to Upstate New York, or another less populated area in the Northeast. She doesn’t say where she’s going, but it’s safe to assume she’s going to wind up crossing paths with Charles Xavier.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Post-Credits Scene Sets Up the Avengers
The MCU has made post-credits scenes a tradition and, during several minutes of credits, it feels as though Spider-Man: Brand New Day is going to actually buck the trend. When the Sony logo appears after the credits, it does feel as though there isn’t going to be anything else.
That changes when Ned’s Spider-Man tracking app reappears on the screen. There aren’t any characters or any dialogue, but the tracker program shows another Spider-Man sighting, and begins zooming out from New York. The screen takes viewers away from our planet entirely before announcing the presence of a Spider-Man somewhere out in space.
This is, of course, teasing the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars. Based off the Secret Wars comic books, timelines and alternate universes are going to converge in the film, resulting in multiple versions of the same character appearing together. The place known as Battleworld in the comics is ultimately where a lot of these variants duke it out in order to become the lone version of their character. The post-credits scene in Brand New Day is definitely hinting at Secret Wars, and potentially teasing some sort of Spider-Man gathering on a Battleworld. Unlike most MCU characters, though, several Spider-Man variants already know one another and have a solid friendship. There probably won’t be a lot of battling if Peter 1, Peter 2, and Peter 3 get together again.
Following that little animation is the all-important Marvel message: “Spider-Man Will Return.” Not that there was any doubt Spider-Man would appear in Avengers: Secret Wars but this essentially confirms it.
- Release Date
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July 31, 2026
- Runtime
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145 Minutes
- Director
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Destin Daniel Cretton
- Writers
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Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, Stan Lee
- Producers
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Amy Pascal, Kevin Feige, Rachel O’Connor, Avi Arad
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Spider-Man / Peter Parker
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Utah beauty queen Brynn Carnesecca died by suicide at age 21 mere weeks before she was scheduled to compete in her next pageant.
“She took her own precious life, but she is more than what happened to her,” Brynn’s mother, Michele Carnesecca, told mourners at a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, July 28, per KSL News. “We would like to celebrate the amazing life she lived.”
Many of Brynn’s friends and family gathered at the vigil in American Fork, Utah, to celebrate the life and immense legacy of the pageant competitor.
“Oh, how she loved to laugh,” Michele told the local outlet. “What sets Brynn apart is that her life was all about service.”
Former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding has died after expressing struggles with her mental health. She was 26. Spaulding’s body was reportedly found at her apartment by her family on Tuesday, September 23, according to Caribbean National Weekly. Police are investigating her death as a possible suicide, the outlet reported. The Miss Universe Jamaica […]
She added, “Brynn loved her family and friends fiercely and was always there when you needed her. She was so loved.”
Brynn was crowned Miss American Fork in 2024 and later received the Miss Congeniality Award from her fellow competitors at Miss Utah in 2025. She was scheduled to compete next at Miss Provo on August 22, according to her Instagram bio.
Aside from her pageant success, Brynn was an accomplished journalist and activist. She founded Envelopes of Hope in 2024 to foster penpal relationships between her local community and its incarcerated population.
“I’ve seen so many lives change and how much empathy and connection can be built through these letters,” she told KSTU about Envelopes of Hope in September 2025. “As we reach out through this program, our worldview expands, and I’ve seen some amazing friendships take shape.”
Brynn Carnesecca Courtesy Instagram / Brynn Carnesecca
Following her death, the Miss American Fork organization highlighted the “impact” Brynn made on her local pageant scene.
“Our forever Miss American Fork 2024, Brynn Carnesecca has passed away,” the organization wrote via Instagram on Monday, July 27. “She made a great impact on our community and beyond and are grateful for her memory and impression on the Miss American Fork organization. We are deeply touched from her loss.”
Brynn was also associated with Utah Miss Amazing, an organization that promotes self-esteem for young women and girls with disabilities.
“Brynn’s kindness, compassion, and genuine heart made a lasting impact on everyone she met. She had a beautiful way of making our queens feel seen, supported, and loved. Whether she was cheering someone on, sharing a smile, or simply being present, Brynn embodied what Miss Amazing is all about,” a Utah Miss Amazing statement read. “We are so grateful for the time she spent with our Utah Miss Amazing family. Her light will continue to shine through the lives she touched and the memories we will forever cherish.”
Wualys Aquino, who competed to be Miss Universe Tegucigalpa pageant in Honduras, has died. She was 23. “The Miss Universe Tegucigalpa organization deeply mourns the passing of our runner-up, Wualys Aquino,” the organization wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, July 21, originally in Spanish and translated in English by Us. “We wish to express our condolences to […]
Brynn’s cousin, Kassidy Jackman Murdoch, recently set up a GoFundMe page to help the Carnesecca family navigate this difficult time. As of publication, the fundraising appeal has raised more than $28,000.
“Our family is heartbroken by Brynn’s unexpected passing. We want to honor her memory in a way that reflects her spirit and the love she gave to so many. Brynn touched countless lives through her work and her generosity, and we hope to celebrate her legacy with a meaningful memorial,” Jackman Murdoch wrote on the fundraising page.
Her statement went on, “Your support will help the family cover funeral expenses, create a memorial that truly honors Brynn, and provide comfort to her loved ones as we navigate this difficult time. We are grateful for any help you can offer. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help us honor Brynn and support our family.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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