Sabrina Bryan, best known for playing Dorinda in the Disney franchise “The Cheetah Girls,” is opening up about her surprise return to the network for the upcoming fourth film, titled “Next Gen.” In a new interview, the “Dancing with the Stars” alum revealed how everything came together nearly 20 years after the last film and said she was “beyond excited” about the next chapter in the franchise’s history.

Speaking with AP, Bryan expressed her excitement and gratitude to Disney for continuing to tell the “Cheetah Girls” story almost 20 years after the third film aired in 2008.

“Ugh, my goodness, it’s like a long time waiting; always hoping; always hearing the fans’ request and the idea that, you know, it was a slow burn for the answers to come, and Disney finally [is] giving the fans what they want, and I was beyond excited,” she said.

Bryan, who played Dorinda in the first three films, will reprise her role in a guest appearance, and according to her, getting back into character shouldn’t be an issue.

“I have never stopped wearing cheetah shoes, pants, accessories, all of it. So, it’s not that I’m just putting them back on, but I’m definitely excited to be coming back as Dorinda again,” she added.

Bryan Has Always Been Down To Return For A Fourth Movie

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In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Bryan said she was “absolutely” down to return for a fourth movie, noting that she believed it was important to “get more of the Cheetah message out there.”

Throughout the first three films, the “Cheetah Girls” focuses on several core themes about friendship, ambition, and staying humble. The group’s bond is tested in different ways when producers and outsiders try to change their image and control their music. Over time, the girls learn that they’re only strong when they stand together.

Bryan’s co-star, Raven Symoné, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, said that a reason she’s so passionate about the “Cheetah Girls” is everything that came with the characters and franchise.

“Another moment in culture that gave girl power, that gave fashion, that gave songs — [I’m] very blessed to be a part of that,” she said. “And can’t wait to see what the future holds with that. It’s gonna be interesting to see what the future holds in regards to the Cheetah Girls.”

Symoné Teased The ‘Cheetah Girls 4’ In 2024

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And speaking of Symoné, the “That’s So Raven” alum teased a possible fourth movie back in 2024, saying that if something were to happen, the new film would follow a new generation of girls and show how important it is to rely on each other.

“I think now it’s starting to change a little bit. I think girls are more like, ‘I got you, girl,’ and to be able to mirror that back in such an iconic, cool, innovative way that screams Cheetah… I mean, I’d be a part of it,” she said.

Adrienne Bailon Is Returning For The Fourth Film, Too

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According to a previous report from The Blast, Adrienne Bailon, who played Chanel in the first three films, is set to reprise her role alongside Symoné in the next movie.

The next film will reportedly follow their characters and a younger group of Cheetah Girls as they travel to Africa to help save a wildlife sanctuary. Of course, throughout the movie, the group will be tested, but by the end, they’ll realize they’re stronger together.

“The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”

This OG ‘Cheetah Girl’ Cast Member Is Not Part Of The Film

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Another report from The Blast notes that original “Cheetah Girls” cast member, Kiely Williams, is the only one not scheduled to appear in the upcoming film. Her sister, Tse Williams, blasted the main characters in an X post, calling them “hateful b-tches” and “2-faced liars.”

“Kiely was the easy person to villainize since the 3LW, so here we are. I believe in karma. They will get [what’s] due; they will have earned it,” Tse added.

While it’s unclear why Williams wasn’t invited to take part in the next film, there have been reports of unresolved conflict between her and Bailon. In the past, Williams said publicly that she took issue with Bailon skipping her dad’s funeral and allegedly failing to reach out to her after his death.

“She didn’t come to my dad’s funeral or call me when he died,” Kiely said. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be messy. I’m being for real with you, no. You can say what you want about me and how you felt about me, but you can’t ever say that I didn’t f—— ride for Adrienne. You can’t say that.”

Andrew Garfield has enjoyed a quietly successful run on the big screen over the past few years, from his acclaimed romance We Live in Time with Florence Pugh to his team-up with Luca Guadagnino for After the Hunt, and his fantastical book adaptation The Magic Faraway Tree, which hits U.S. theaters next month. In September, however, he’s about to return to the realm of the historical epic. His last foray into the grand, sweeping genre, Mel Gibson‘s World War II Oscar winner Hacksaw Ridge, earned him his first nomination for a golden statuette back in 2017. This time around, he’s joining forces with another big name in Paul Greengrass to lead a revolution that may rival that of Gibson’s classic war drama, Braveheart.

On September 11, Garfield will take on the role of 14th-century farmer-turned-legendary leader of men, Wat Tyler, in The Uprising. Written and directed by Greengrass, who has a penchant for bringing incredible true stories to life with an air of grandiosity as seen in Captain Phillips and his most recent film, The Lost Bus, the film unfolds during the English Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 as Tyler steps up to guide the people against the tyrannical King Richard II. He pulls together an army of commoners to challenge the might of the crown’s forces as war rages across England. What follows is a battle for “justice and survival” that is one of history’s great, relatively untold stories that very nearly changed the course of the country forever.

With less than two months until release, Focus Features has debuted the first trailer for The Uprising, teasing how Garfield’s humble farmer becomes a great revolutionary when push comes to shove. The Peasants’ Revolt was the result of years of socio-economic hardships faced by the lower-class citizens of England, most notably the crushing taxes imposed amid the Hundred Years’ War. In the footage, those frustrations boil over into an explosive result of massive proportions across the country, thanks in part to Tyler’s leadership. Their might would be so great that even the seemingly impenetrable Tower of London could not hold them back, marking the only time the fortress was breached. Opposite Garfield is no shortage of star power, including Jamie Bell, who’s coming off Richard Gadd‘s acclaimed HBO series Half Man, alongside Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, Katherine Waterston, and Sky Yang.

‘The Uprising’ Was a Long Time Coming From Greengrass

Behind the camera, Greengrass is joined by an intriguing production team that includes none other than Jason Blum, the head of horror giant Blumhouse, as well as Gregory Goodman, Joanna Kaye, Joe Neurauter, and Lars Sylvest. Although Blum mostly operates in the realm of the macabre, The Uprising will be the second straight collaboration between him and the United 93 helmer, as he also helped produce The Lost Bus. Bringing the Peasants’ Revolt to theaters took longer than expected, though. Greengrass originally planned his historical epic back in 2022 under the title The Hood, with Benedict Cumberbatch starring. However, years would go by without any updates until 2025, when the name changed to The Rage and The Lost Bus star Matthew McConaughey was swapped in to lead. It took a pair of name and cast changes, but The Uprising is now ready to revolt at last.

The Uprising storms into theaters on September 11. Check out the trailer in the player above.

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Release Date

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September 11, 2026

Director

Paul Greengrass

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Writers

Paul Greengrass

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Gregory Goodman, Jason Blum, Joanna Kaye, Lars Sylvest, Paul Greengrass, Joe Neurauter

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Justin Baldoni may have left Hollywood behind, but the legal and emotional fallout from his battle with Blake Lively continues to follow him. 

Determined to move forward after nearly two years of relentless headlines, the actor has quietly relocated his family to Tennessee and is attempting to reclaim a sense of normalcy. 

Yet even as Baldoni embraces a fresh start, insiders say new courtroom disputes and the lingering impact of the public feud continue to shape the next chapter of his life.

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Long before addressing fans in an emotional social media video, Justin Baldoni made one of the biggest personal decisions of the past two years.

The “It Ends With Us” director and his wife, Emily, packed up their lives in Ojai, California, and relocated to Nashville with their two children, choosing distance from Hollywood over remaining at the center of the public spotlight.

According to an insider, the decision was driven largely by concerns for their family’s privacy after their home address was allegedly “doxxed twice” by Blake Lively’s legal team.

Rather than raising their children amid constant media attention, the couple reportedly believed a fresh environment would give them the chance to move on from the controversy.

“It was just [that] they have kids and wanted to make sure they had some privacy and that they got away from the noise,” the source explained to the Daily Mail.

The insider added that neither Baldoni nor Emily expected the legal battle to consume their lives the way it ultimately did.

According to them, “I don’t think anyone wanted to live through what everyone has had to live through of this public spectacle. It did not need to become this at all.”

Baldoni Finally Explained Why He Chose To Speak Out

After months of remaining largely silent, Justin Baldoni recently appeared alongside Emily in an emotional Instagram video discussing the “pain” and “injustice” they said they experienced throughout the legal battle.

Emily admitted that she was initially reluctant to speak publicly but said the experience had become “traumatic” for their family, while Baldoni credited his faith, loved ones and supporters with helping them endure the ordeal. 

The couple also thanked those who stood by them during the controversy, saying many people “spoke up for us when we couldn’t speak for ourselves.” 

Although Baldoni acknowledged they were “still healing,” he said they were choosing gratitude over bitterness and hoped to gradually return to a sense of normalcy after one of the most challenging chapters of their lives.

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Insider Reveals The Motive Behind The Video

According to someone close to the couple, the emotional message wasn’t created to prolong the controversy but to bring a sense of closure after everything they had endured.

The insider said Baldoni wanted “to get things off his chest so he can go back to posting, just being normal in some shape or form.”

Emily’s participation was equally important because, according to the source, the couple experienced every stage of the ordeal together.

“They’re a strong unit and they’ve navigated it together, so it makes sense for them to speak out together,” the insider said.

The source added that Emily also struggled with watching her husband face the allegations while seeing “this woman have her case dismissed and then she’s still going out and saying she’s advocating for victims,” describing the situation as “tough to watch.”

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Justin Baldoni’s Fresh Start Hasn’t Ended His Court Fight

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Even after relocating to Tennessee in hopes of putting the legal battle behind him, Baldoni’s fight with Lively has continued inside the courtroom. 

This week, the actor and Wayfarer Studios asked a federal judge to deny or “substantially reduce” Lively’s request for more than $8 million in attorney fees and litigation costs, arguing the demand is “anything but a typical fee motion.” 

According to court filings obtained by PEOPLE, Baldoni’s attorneys claimed the request included excessive hourly rates, overstaffing and more than 7,000 billable hours logged by 82 timekeepers, an amount they argued was roughly 20 times higher than what courts had found reasonable in comparable defamation cases. 

They also pointed to The New York Times’ successful defense against the same defamation claim, noting the newspaper sought just $181,622.70 in attorney fees. 

Baldoni’s legal team further argued that the actress failed to “meet her burden to present credible evidence showing that the fees and costs she seeks to recover are reasonable,” urging the court to either reject the request outright or significantly reduce it.  

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Blake Lively First Defended Her $8 Million Legal Fee Request

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Before Justin Baldoni’s legal team asked the court to reject Lively’s multimillion-dollar fee request, the “Gossip Girl” actress’s attorneys argued the motion was never simply about recovering litigation costs. 

In a 15-page memorandum of law, Lively’s lawyers maintained that there should be “consequences” for “retaliation,” describing the request as part of a broader effort to discourage similar lawsuits in the future. 

They argued that the court’s dismissal of Baldoni’s claims established “an important precedent for victims’ rights” and added, “There are consequences for weaponizing retaliation lawsuits against those who speak up.” 

Lively’s legal team also defended the size of the request, saying the litigation required extensive discovery, motion practice and document review because of its extraordinary scope and public profile.

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There are great movies, there are unforgettable movies, and then there are films that redefine what blockbuster filmmaking can be. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey firmly belongs in the latter category. With breathtaking visuals, career-defining performances, and an emotional core that never loses sight of Homer’s timeless story, The Odyssey isn’t simply one of the year’s best films. It stands among the finest achievements of Nolan’s extraordinary career.

Rather than treating Homer’s epic as nothing more than an excuse for massive action sequences and mythical creatures, Nolan crafts a deeply human story about perseverance, family, identity, and the emotional cost of war. Every impossible obstacle Odysseus faces feels meaningful because the journey has always been about one thing: finding his way home.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

Matt Damon delivers one of the most restrained performances of his career. His Odysseus isn’t portrayed as an invincible action hero, but as a weathered man carrying years of physical and emotional scars. The performance perfectly complements Nolan’s vision, showing a legendary warrior whose greatest battle is simply surviving long enough to return to the people he loves.

Anne Hathaway shines as Penelope, bringing remarkable strength and quiet resilience to every scene. Tom Holland delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances as Telemachus, whose own journey becomes just as compelling as his father’s. Robert Pattinson nearly steals every scene he’s in with an unforgettable performance that provides just enough unpredictability to keep audiences on edge.

Visually, The Odyssey is simply astonishing.

Shot entirely for IMAX, Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema create images that demand to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. From towering cliffs and endless oceans to mythical encounters that feel both terrifying and beautiful, every frame reminds viewers why practical filmmaking still matters. There is a tangible scale and realism here that computer-generated spectacle rarely achieves.

Ludwig Göransson’s score deserves equal praise. The music elevates every triumph, every loss, and every quiet moment of reflection, becoming the emotional heartbeat of the entire film.

Perhaps Nolan’s greatest accomplishment is balancing spectacle with intimacy. While audiences will undoubtedly remember the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the film’s massive action sequences, it’s the quieter moments between family members that leave the deepest impression. The relationship between Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus gives the film genuine emotional weight that continues long after the credits roll.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

The film’s nearly three-hour runtime never feels excessive. Every chapter serves a purpose, allowing the audience to fully experience the trials that shaped one of literature’s greatest heroes. Nolan’s signature nonlinear storytelling is present but never distracting, adding depth without sacrificing clarity.

If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s only that some supporting characters deserved more time to breathe. With a cast this talented, a few memorable performances inevitably disappear sooner than audiences might hope. Yet even this feels less like a flaw and more like the unavoidable reality of adapting one of history’s greatest epics into a single film.

Critics have been nearly unanimous in their praise. The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick, calling it “a classic in every sense” and “a transporting affirmation of the art and a work of pure cinema.” The Associated Press similarly praised the film’s emotional depth and breathtaking spectacle, while early reactions have hailed it as one of Nolan’s most ambitious accomplishments.

Christopher Nolan has spent decades pushing the boundaries of blockbuster filmmaking with films like Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer. Somehow, The Odyssey feels like the culmination of everything he has learned along the way. It is visually magnificent, emotionally resonant, intellectually engaging, and endlessly cinematic.

This is exactly why people go to the movies.

Final Verdict

The Odyssey is an extraordinary achievement that honors one of history’s greatest stories while firmly establishing itself as one of the defining films of modern cinema. It is epic in scale, intimate in emotion, and unforgettable from beginning to end. Christopher Nolan has once again reminded audiences why he remains one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation.

Britney Spears briefly gave fans another window into her world before abruptly shutting it again. 

The pop superstar shared an Instagram carousel packed with candid moments, including a playful ride with a mystery companion, a heartfelt message about family and friends, and a rare appearance from her son Jayden James. 

However, just over an hour after it appeared, the entire post disappeared, leaving followers wondering why the singer chose to erase one of her most personal updates in recent weeks.

Britney Spears opened the now-deleted carousel with a selfie video filmed inside what appeared to be the same Mercedes SUV involved in her recent headline-making outing, during which she was photographed halfway out of the vehicle’s sunroof.

The singer sat in the front passenger seat wearing a straw hat, oversized sunglasses and a check-patterned blazer as the unidentified driver smiled toward the camera. 

At one point, the man stuck out his tongue, and Spears mirrored the gesture, turning the brief clip into another playful social media moment.

The appearance immediately fueled fresh speculation that the driver could be the same mystery man who has recently been linked to the Grammy winner.

Spears also included a close-up image showing several turquoise-and-silver rings and bracelets she wore during the outing.

Spears Reflected On Life While Sharing A Rare Family Update

Although much of the attention centered on the mystery driver, Britney Spears used the caption to focus on the people who have been supporting her.

“Crazy how life is,,, so many different moments all rolled into to one! If this is the game of life, there are no rules!!!” she wrote per the Daily Mail before expressing gratitude for being surrounded by “amazing beautiful friends” and the “people I absolutely adore.”

The carousel ended with one of the pop star’s most personal updates in months, a photo of her 19-year-old son, Jayden James, posing alongside his girlfriend.

Spears revealed she had recently spent time with the couple, affectionately writing, “My son’s girlfriend, I made her wear my red hat!!! She’s stunning,,, and spring is here,,, I need to work out.”

Britney Spears Included Another Of Her Signature Dance Videos

In between the family photos and videos from the car ride, Spears also shared one of the dance clips that has become a familiar fixture on her Instagram page.

Dancing in front of her fireplace, the “Toxic” singer wore a white off-the-shoulder top pulled low to reveal a bikini top and a sparkling bra underneath. She completed the look with micro shorts while performing her trademark freestyle routine.

The video blended seamlessly with the rest of the carousel, which mixed personal reflections with snapshots from her day. Just as quickly as the post appeared, it disappeared.

Roughly an hour after uploading the collection of videos and photos, Spears removed the entire post from Instagram without offering any explanation.

The deletion meant followers who hadn’t seen the post in real time were left relying on screenshots and recordings shared elsewhere online.

Spears Raised Eyebrows With Risky Freeway Moment

Just days before posting and then deleting her latest Instagram carousel, Britney Spears found herself at the center of another viral moment after photographers captured her climbing through the sunroof of a moving black Mercedes SUV on Los Angeles’ 101 Freeway near Studio City. 

Wearing a tan mini dress, the 44-year-old stood with the upper half of her body outside the vehicle, throwing her head back, stretching both arms across the roof, and letting her hair blow in the wind as traffic continued to move around the SUV at an estimated 45 mph. 

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According to witnesses, Spears remained through the sunroof for roughly two minutes before the vehicle exited the freeway and stopped at a nearby gas station, where she was later seen laughing with the unidentified driver.

Britney Spears Insisted Fans Didn’t See The Full Story

Just days after the freeway stunt sparked widespread concern, Spears addressed the viral photos in her own unmistakable way. 

Sharing another image of herself stretched through the roof of the SUV on Instagram, the pop star suggested the public had formed opinions based on only a brief snapshot of her day. 

“What people see is two seconds of insanity of me arching me to the lords !!!!! yet the days and hours of my reality !!!!!! Nothing is what it seems,” she wrote. 

Spears ended the post on a defiant note, adding, “Psss I think I need to come out of the roof quite a bit more.” 

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A source also defended the singer, explaining to the Daily Mail that she briefly leaned through the sunroof to check traffic ahead and was simply enjoying herself, adding that she “meant no harm” during the outing.

Harry Bosch is officially returning, but it won’t be in the way many are expecting. Whether that news makes you relieved or not is another story, but for now, Titus Welliver has confirmed when and where you’ll see Bosch on your screen — and for how long.

Speaking to ScreenRant at the Italian Global Series festival, Welliver revealed that Bosch will appear in three episodes of Ballard Season 2. That matches his involvement in the first season and suggests the series will continue using him as an important connection to the wider franchise without shifting the spotlight away from Maggie Q and her title character.

Welliver said he comes into the series to “kind of service the brand,” while also praising the experience of working with Q, and described the spin-off as fun while noting that it doesn’t exactly carry quite the same intensity as the original Bosch series.

Harry Bosch Will Return for New Episodes

Ballard follows LAPD cold-case detective Renée Ballard as she investigates forgotten crimes and corruption inside the department. Season 1 placed Bosch directly in her path when one of her cases connected to murders he had previously investigated. They’d previously met in the finale of Bosch: Legacy, and while they got on well, this did create a bit of contention between them.

Bosch also became involved in uncovering the wider network of corrupt officers surrounding Ballard’s investigation and, by the finale, he was the one who informed her that Robert Olivas would avoid prosecution after striking a deal, despite the allegations against him. Season 2 puts Ballard in a worse position, as she’s already been arrested on suspicion of murdering Olivas, right after she threatened the future of his career and family. So it looks like the timely Bosch return could be vital, even if it’s limited to just three episodes.

And sadly for many fans, the smaller role also makes it clear that showrunners Michael Alaimo and Kendall Sherwood are not planning to turn the second season into another Bosch-led story. Ballard remains the central figure, with Harry appearing as an experienced ally who can step in when the investigation demands it.

Welliver also expressed his happiness that Michael Connelly’s crime universe continues to expand through both Ballard and the upcoming MGM+ prequel Bosch: Start of Watch. The latter stars Cameron Monaghan (Gotham) as a younger Harry during his first year with the LAPD.

Ballard Season 2 does not yet have a release date.

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Release Date

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July 9, 2025

Network

Prime Video

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Directors

Jet Wilkinson

Writers

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Michael Connelly, Brandi Nicole, Galeesa Murph, John Coveny, Julissa Castillo, Kendall Sherwood, Liz Hsiao Lan Alper, Michael Alaimo, Ralph Gifford, Thania St. John

Franchise(s)

Bosch

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• 
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  Courtney Taylor

  Samira Parker

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Roommates, it looks like the tension between Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis has reached another level, with both sides airing out their frustrations publicly. The former couple found themselves going back and forth online as serious accusations surfaced involving their children, their past, and the way they each view the other’s actions.

RELATED: Karlissa Saffold Apologizes To NBA YoungBoy After Seemingly Calling Him Dumb During Livestream With Blueface (VIDEOS)

Blueface And Jaidyn Exchange Serious Allegations Online

During a livestream, Blueface accused Jaidyn of being a “bad mother” following an alleged car crash involving their children. While sitting in his gamer chair wearing a white tank top, the rapper claimed Jaidyn was “drunk driving with her kids in the car” and questioned why she was presenting herself as “mother of the year.” Blueface also alleged that she left the scene of the incident before sarcastically saying, “What a good person you are.”

Jaidyn Alexis later responded during a separate livestream, where she pushed back against Blueface’s claims and accused him of being a jailhouse “snitch.” While sitting in a pink chair alongside two other people, Jaidyn alleged that Blueface provided information to authorities and claimed he “turned 6 months into 2 years” because of it, while also referencing alleged retaliation he faced from fellow inmates during his incarceration. Neither side has publicly provided additional details or evidence regarding the allegations made during their livestreams, leaving fans to debate the claims circulating online.

The Comments Section Has Mixed Reactions

After the livestream clips circulated, folks quickly ran to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section to debate the latest back-and-forth between Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis. Some commenters argued that the situation could have ended much differently if Jaidyn was actually driving under the influence, while others pointed out that Chrisean Rock previously made similar claims.

One Instagram user, @jay.sonborne, said, “If he snitched it wouldn’t go from 6 months to 2 years sweethart 😂 it would be the other way around 😂”

This Instagram user @here.igo2019 claimed, “The police came to the accident if she was drunk trust they would have took her Cali don’t play”

And, Instagram user @keeba1234 commented, “It’s getting ugly and I’m here for it 😂😂😂😂😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @shandahunter73 added, “Y’all didn’t want to believe chrisean, when chrisean said it first smh , chrisean was never wrong 🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️”

While Instagram user @2blesscarter shared, “He definitely got 💩 on based on how he came out”

Lastly, Instagram user @courtneykathleeen wrote, “Sheeeesh lol”

RELATED: Fans React After Blueface Claims Karlissa Saffold Harvey Traumatized Him & She Defends Herself During Heated Exchange

Given how brainy and compelling the science fiction genre is — often depicting future scientific and technological advancements and serving as sharp satires — it is no wonder that it is among the most beloved in the film industry. Movies like Interstellar have cemented an indestructible legacy through the years and gathered high spots among the best movies of all time. But where do these rank against other films in the genre in the judgment of Letterboxd users?

The platform was created by and for cinephiles all over the globe, often playing the role of the helping hand whenever moviegoers feel like they’re stuck in a crisis of “don’t know what to watch next.” Their top-rated movies provide audiences with a solid number of must-see flicks where the sci-fi genre is quite present. These are the best science fiction movies of all time, according to Letterboxd.

10

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Letterboxd Score: 4.3/5

Image via Universal Pictures

Set in a bleak future where humanity has become infertile, and society teeters on the brink of collapse, Alfonso Cuarón‘s Children of Men follows former activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) as he is tasked with protecting the first pregnant woman in nearly two decades. As political unrest and violence engulf Britain, Theo must escort her to safety.

The 2006 masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the greatest dystopian films ever made. Children of Men features Cuarón’s breathtaking direction and immersive long takes, made all the better by grounded performances from its cast. The film’s striking vision of a world stripped of hope feels remarkably believable. It’s a gripping thriller as much as it is an unforgettable science fiction masterpiece.

9

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2025)

Letterboxd Score: 4.3/5

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Based on Andy Weir‘s bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who awakens aboard a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. As his memories gradually return, he discovers he has been sent on a mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. Just as all hope seems lost, an unlikely friendship pops up and affects his gargantuan task.

Project Hail Mary quickly earned praise for translating Weir’s novel into an engaging cinematic adventure with heart and humor. The film’s optimism is infectious, and its inventive problem-solving makes it stand out among modern science fiction. Of course, it’s Gosling’s charismatic performance that truly keeps the high-stakes story grounded and hard to look away from.

8

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Universal Pictures

Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David, among other talented actors, John Carpenter‘s highly-rated The Thing follows a research team in Antarctica who find themselves being hunted by a terrifying shape-shifting creature that assumes the appearance of its victims. Not only is the film one of the best science fiction flicks ever, but it is also among the top horror films of all time.

The suspenseful narrative and believable acting performances are two of The Thing‘s strongest aspects, but the masterful execution elevates it to higher ground; Carpenter’s talents in the horror genre are unmatched. When combined with sci-fi, the results are even more mind-bending and tense, sticking with audiences even after the credits roll. The Thing is a nail-biting thriller that is guaranteed to have viewers hooked from the start.

7

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune: Part Two continues Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) journey as he joins the Fremen in their fight against House Harkonnen. After being put in an increasingly complex position, Paul must decide whether to embrace the role of a messianic leader while preparing for a war that will reshape the known universe.

Dune: Part Two effectively expands on the foundation laid by its predecessor. With breathtaking visuals and spectacular action, it continues the epic storytelling fans expect. The result is a movie that rewards both longtime fans of Frank Herbert‘s novel and newcomers alike — it’s one of the defining science fiction films of the decade.

6

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Though it may be hard for some readers to grasp that an animated film is considered, by general Letterboxd users, better than several other iconic features, it is one of the platform’s highest-rated in the category. The movie follows teen Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, as he becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and joins forces with other spider-powered people from other dimensions to stop a huge threat.

It is not exactly hard to understand why Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is such a universally beloved film; its stunning visuals and likable main character, who has captured the attention of even non-Spider-Man enthusiasts, play a part in that. Into the Spider-Verse is a compelling film featuring phenomenal world-building, an inventive premise, and a handful of humorous scenes that will have audiences invested throughout. It is a game changer for superhero films, especially animated ones, quickly becoming one of the best in the genre.

5

‘Stalker’ (1979)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Goskino

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This really well-accomplished film by Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky is an iconic philosophical, existentialist film — and a masterpiece at that. Stalker tells the story of an expedition led by a figure known as “Stalker” (Alexander Kaidanovsky), who guides his clients through a wasteland to find a room that grants wishes.

Captivating and puzzling are two words that describe this metaphysical slow-burn film, which benefits greatly from its stylish arthouse elements. Stalker is perhaps the most influential sci-fi movie of all time — although slow-paced and definitely not for everyone, Tarkovsky’s film has raised the bar in the genre by providing audiences with a surrealistic and incredibly atmospheric film with beautiful black-and-white visuals and an intriguing premise.

4

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Despite being relatively recent, Across the Spider-Verse is among the best science fiction films of all time, according to Letterboxd users. Though it arguably fits best in the superhero category (just like its predecessor), it is still classified as a sci-fi movie.

Miles catapults across the multiverse in this engaging but painful journey of self-discovery, once again encountering a team of Spider-People (a much larger one this time), but ultimately clashing over how to handle a new threat. It is safe to say that Across the Spider-Verse surpassed the incredibly high expectations that the first entry set, earning an even higher score on the platform. While it is equally entertaining, the 2023 film is a tad more moving and just as visually absorbing, emphasizing once more that it is nearly impossible not to sympathize with and care for its lead character.

3

‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Lucasfilm

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Empire Strikes Back is widely considered one of the best Star Wars movies among general audiences and fans (and also one of the best-reviewed). It sees Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) carry on his journey after the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire. He then begins his Jedi training, and his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and Boba Fett.

This incredible 1980s movie has it all: adventure, romance, action, and science fiction. It is a timeless classic with incredible storytelling that still stands the test of time, as is evident on the platform. While the special effects in this George Lucas feature may seem outdated to some, there is no doubt that they were incredible when the film was released; in fact, it even took home the award for Best Special Effects (Johnson and Edlund) at the 8th Saturn Awards. Overall, Empire Strikes Back is a great sequel that sets up the final chapter well.

2

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Letterboxd Score: 4.5/5

Image via Paramount Pictures

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A Christopher Nolan essential that is among the filmmaker’s best, Interstellar is set in a future where Earth is falling apart, and humanity faces extinction. It is up to a team of NASA scientists and a former NASA pilot (Matthew McConaughey) to find a new habitable planet through interstellar travel.

With a truly touching father-daughter relationship at its center and an astounding Hans Zimmer score that complements its mind-bending narrative, Interstellar is undoubtedly a top-notch science fiction movie. It is also well-acted, with Jessica Chastain and McConaughey’s performances often taking the spotlight. These elements help cement Nolan’s movie as one of the best science fiction movies of all time (also per Collider’s official sci-fi films ranking). The way Interstellar tackles moving themes of family and how love transcends space and time will keep audiences invested and possibly be a pleasant surprise even to those who don’t usually enjoy the genre.

1

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion’ (1997)

Letterboxd Score: 4.5/5

Image via Toei Company

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Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion is a theatrical ending for the TV series of the same name that illustrates Shinji (Megumi Ogata) and Auska’s (Yûko Miyamura) attempt at stopping the occurrence of Third Impact.

This anime feature coming out on top of sci-fi movies may come as a surprise to some readers. Still, there is no doubt that The End of Evangelion is astonishing to look at and is considered a masterwork in the animation genre (specifically, an incredible accomplishment in the anime field). Serving as a conclusion to the series of the same name 20 years after its original release, The End of Evangelion is a perfect avant-garde pick for open-minded and curious viewers looking to watch something different. It deals with nihilistic topics, including depression and fear.

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The End of Evangelion

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Release Date

July 19, 1997

Runtime

87 Minutes

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Director

Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki

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Writers

Hideaki Anno

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  Megumi Ogata

  Shinji Ikari

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  Megumi Hayashibara

  Rei Ayanami / Yui Ikari

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Taylor Frankie Paul was granted a restraining order against ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen‘s friend Cru Eaton.

Court documents obtained by Us Weekly indicate that Paul, 32, filed for a temporary order of protection for “civil stalking” against Eaton in Salt Lake City — with a judge formally signing off on a three-year order on Wednesday, July 15.

“An Order has been signed and issued on the statewide Domestic Violence Network,” the court motion read.

Us has reached out to Paul’s legal team and Eaton for comment.

Per TMZ, Eaton allegedly posted private footage via TikTok showing the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star allegedly getting upset during a heated argument with Mortensen, 33.

Eaton reportedly captioned the footage, “Everyone is so concerned and so focused on what must have been happening before the videos started. You guys do understand that Dakota doesn’t start these fights, so he has no way of knowing when he needs to be recording them, correct?”

Monday’s court ruling is the latest development in a contentious legal dispute between Paul and Mortensen.

Following a previous domestic violence incident that led to Paul’s arrest in 2023, the former couple were involved in a new investigation by Utah’s Draper City Police Department in February. Both publicly denied the allegations of domestic violence made by the other. (Paul’s season of The Bachelorette was pulled from ABC’s schedule due to the criminal investigation.)

In April, Utah prosecutors closed the case by declining to press criminal charges against either Paul or Mortensen over the alleged incident.

Paul reacted to the news on April 15 by writing via Instagram, “Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me.”

Related: What to Know About Taylor Frankie Paul and Ex Dakota’s Custody Battle

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have tried to coparent son Ever since their fall 2024 split. Paul and Mortensen welcomed their first baby together, the MomTok content creator’s third, in March 2024, months before they called it quits. As Paul and Mortensen navigated jointly raising their son, […]

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That same day, Mortensen said in his own statement that he was focusing strictly on the wellbeing of his and Paul’s 2-year-old son, Ever. (Taylor also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6, with ex-husband Tate Paul.)

“That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” Mortensen said. “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”

Mortensen was awarded temporary custody of Ever in April, with Taylor allowed eight-hour weekly supervised visitation. A Utah judge issued mutual protective orders for both Mortensen and Paul later that month, ordering them to stay 100 feet away from each other for a period of three years.

Last week, Taylor and Mortensen were once again in a Utah court as their custody agreement was modified to allow Taylor to have more unsupervised time with Ever. (Mortensen was also granted longer weekends due to this new ruling.)

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Taylor has also been involved in a custody dispute with ex-husband Tate over whether she can have unsupervised visits with Indy and Ocean. Tate asked a court to change his and Taylor’s custody agreement when news broke that she recently attended rehab. (Us reported on July 1 that Taylor voluntarily entered a rehab facility and has since returned home.)

A judge rejected Tate’s initial motion. Taylor has since agreed to take a sobriety test in order to regain more “unsupervised parent time” with her and Tate’s two children.

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.