Entertainment
‘Black Mirror’s Greatest Episode Nearly Became a Robert Downey Jr. Movie
“The Entire History of You” is often cited as amongst the greatest episodes of Black Mirror, and for good reason. It’s a somber depiction of a near-future world where memories are no longer a finite concept thanks to an implant that records everything its user sees and hears — thereby allowing them to relive any event from their life, for good or for ill. It was a milestone for the series, and it didn’t take long for it to leave an indelible impact on popular culture.
While previous episodes of Black Mirror’s debut season had taken a sledgehammer approach to their social commentary, “The Entire History of You” opted for a gentler touch — easing up on the overtly satirical elements and instead filtering its thesis through a small group of relatable characters, ensuring that the focus was always kept on how humans use and misuse such technology rather than the technology itself. It’s a template many future episodes would replicate, guaranteeing “The Entire History of You” a permanent place in all discussions about Black Mirror’s finest moments.
Robert Downey Jr. Once Planned a Movie Adaptation of “The Entire History of You”
Curiously, “The Entire History of You” also holds the distinction as the only episode not written by Charlie Brooker, with that honor instead going to future Succession creator Jesse Armstrong. At the time, Armstrong was mostly known for his work on British comedy shows like Peep Show and The Thick of It, making his transition to dystopian sci-fi rather unexpected. However, it was a risk that paid off — not just because of the episode’s glowing reception, but also because it allowed Armstrong to retain the rights for a potential big-screen adaptation.
Armstrong wasted no time exercising this privilege, and in 2013, it was confirmed that “The Entire History of You” would be migrating to Hollywood, with none other than Robert Downey Jr. serving as its producer. Sadly, nothing has ever come of this announcement, leaving it as a curious piece of Black Mirror history.
What Is “The Entire History of You” About?
“The Entire History of You” — the closing episode of the show’s excellent first season — centers on the (supposedly) happy couple Liam (Toby Kebbell) and Ffion Foxwell (Jodie Whittaker), who have recently welcomed a baby daughter, Jody. So far so normal, but Armstrong wastes little time introducing the twist for this latest adventure into speculative fiction. The world of “The Entire History of You” is one where a miraculous piece of technology known as a “grain” thrives, and its ability to record memories has made it as essential to daily life as phones and computers.
It’s a tool that, in many ways, poses many benefits to humanity, and Armstrong does highlight some of these uses (such as Liam replaying a performance review to bolster his skills at work). But this is still an episode of Black Mirror, and it doesn’t take an expert to predict that things won’t stay pleasant forever. To paraphrase The Doctor (appropriate given one of the episode’s main actors), the combination of amazing technology plus human stupidity is truly unbeatable, and soon the threads in this macabre tale start unraveling.
A dinner party with Ffion’s friends quickly threatens their marriage when Liam becomes suspicious of her behavior around the charming Jonas (Tom Cullen), resulting in an Inception-style descent through a mosaic of fractured memories as he seeks to uncover the truth about their relationship. This understandable desire eventually turns obsessive, revealing a darker side to Liam’s character that disrupts the established black-and-white narrative.
By the time the episode reaches its conclusion (a contender for the saddest in the entire show), this supposedly wondrous implant has cost him everything — his wife, his child, his morality… all because of his own misguided actions. It’s a terrific piece of sci-fi storytelling, and the way it takes an often-explored theme (in this case, the fear of infidelity) and reconfigures it for the digital revolution — allowing for a fresh take on an age-old story that will provide some much-needed warnings to its target audience — ensures it as the benchmark for future Black Mirror episodes.
Downey Jr. Beat George Clooney for the Film Rights
It was no secret that Armstrong had ambitions for “The Entire History of You” beyond its television roots. In an interview a year after its broadcast, he revealed that “I always thought this idea could be a film,” with Brooker also describing his initial pitch as more akin to a conspiracy thriller movie. When Armstrong began shipping a feature-film adaptation around is unclear, but the information we have available hints that it occurred sometime during 2012, indicating that he wanted to seal a deal before memories of the recently aired episode started to fade (ironic given its plot). Rather than developing the project in his native UK, Armstrong crossed the pond to America instead, hoping that such a move would allow it to escape the budgetary restrictions that Black Mirror’s house style had imposed upon it. This doesn’t mean that he disliked his work on Black Mirror — often the best creativity comes from the toughest restrictions — but it’s clear that he had ideas for “The Entire History of You” that its original home on Channel 4 would have lacked the capability to realize.
Upon his arrival in Hollywood, Armstrong’s script caught the attention of two high-profile individuals — Robert Downey Jr. and George Clooney. Both are among the most recognizable actors of their generation, and both have also demonstrated an interest in working behind the camera as well as in front of it (to varying degrees of success). A bidding war soon followed, and in February 2013, the Hollywood Reporter announced Downey as the victor, with the film rights to “The Entire History of You” being acquired by his production company, Team Downey. Warner Bros. — the studio that Team Downey was currently partnered with — was also confirmed to be handling distribution, while Armstrong would once again be handling scriptwriting duties. Interestingly, despite having spent the previous decade reasserting himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Downey was not scheduled to appear in the film (although it’s likely that Warner Bros. would have sought to change that).
Perhaps the project’s most intriguing aspect was its plot. Instead of retelling “The Entire History of You” with a bigger budget and then calling it a day, Armstrong intended to use the narrative foundation of a broken marriage in a near future setting as a jumping-off point to explore new ideas and themes. This time around, the plot would focus on a grieving husband who uses the grain technology to relive his time with his deceased wife, in the process uncovering a dark secret that ruptures his idyllic memories of her. It was a welcome announcement that Armstrong would be taking full advantage of his influx of creative freedom to tell a story that wasn’t shackled by what had come before and that he refused to take the safer (and blander) alternative speaks to his passion for this concept. The pieces were in place for something special, and Black Mirror fans everywhere waited with baited breaths for its next move.
When Will We See Downey Jr.’s “Entire History of You”?
And then, nothing. Years passed with nary a word, and when Armstrong did comment on it in 2018, he did so while turning said interview into one giant advertisement proclaiming that, yes, he did still want to make the film and anyone else who did should really get in touch with him about it. Seemingly, Team Downey’s option had lapsed, leaving the film under the dreaded blanket term of “development hell.” Such an outcome is not uncommon for options, or even for Team Downey — arguably the company’s most anticipated release, Sherlock Holmes 3, has also spent most of its existence in limbo — but it did result in the film languishing in the background while it was at its most identifiable, potentially hampering future attempts. There have been no announcements one way or the other since 2018, making it unknown if the project is still moving forward (something Charlie Brooker has also commented on, although it’s worth noting that there’s no indication he was ever involved with the film).
It’s been over a decade since the announcement that “The Entire History of You” would be transitioning from television to cinema, and in that time, Black Mirror has undergone a hefty realignment. The show’s move to Netflix in 2016 eradicated many of the restrictions that it had previously faced, allowing for episodes of increased scope and ambition. Some episodes — like “Beyond the Sea” and “Hated in the Nation” — have boasted runtimes longer than some feature films, while the 2018 interactive special Bandersnatch saw Brooker making the leap across mediums himself (in a typically unconventional way). Combined with the show’s exploration of data privacy and the importance of memory in other episodes like “Playtest” and “Crocodile” — all of which were released after Black Mirror had transitioned from a niche television program to a major cultural phenomenon — it’s possible that a feature-length version of “The Entire History of You” no longer has the appeal it once did.
Of course, this is just speculation, and Downey’s attachment to the most successful franchise of the 2010s will have stalled anything he had in the pipeline. Similarly, it’s unclear if Armstrong would have been able to commit past a certain point due to his showrunning obligations to Succession (which premiered the same year he confirmed that the film was trapped in development hell), leaving the film without its key figures. With Succession having recently come to a conclusion in one of the most masterful finales of all time, maybe Armstrong can now find the time to resurrect this often speculated-upon project. You might be tempted to dismiss it as a pointless remake given how excellent the original episode already is, but it’s hard to deny that Armstrong’s stellar track record wouldn’t pique the interest of even the most ardent of detractors.
Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
Tom Holland has recalled a failed attempt by Jon Bernthal to get him to embrace method acting.
The story dates back to the duo’s time filming “Pilgrimage,” where Bernthal’s character was mute, and Holland tried to help him stay in character while they were off-set.
The pair have since reunited on two major projects, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”
Appearing on “Hot Ones,” Holland recalled his time filming “Pilgrimage” with Bernthal, who fully committed to method acting by refusing to speak off camera because his character was mute.
Before production began, the “Punisher” star told Holland, “I’m going to go full method… I’m going to need your help.” Holland agreed, but the experiment soon became awkward, especially whenever they went out to eat.
“For like two weeks, not a peep out of him,” Holland recalled. “And we all know Jon Bernthal. We all love Jon Bernthal. My man loves to talk. So, we’re sat at restaurants, and he’s writing down his food, and these are regular restaurants in Ireland.”
According to Holland, the awkwardness of the situation forced him to explain Bernthal’s unusual behavior to confused staff, joking, “I’m sorry about my friend. He’s just a pretentious actor.”
A Salmon Order Ended Bernthal’s Method Acting Streak
Bernthal’s commitment to method acting came to an abrupt end during one of their restaurant visits in Ireland.
After weeks of communicating only through written notes, he asked Holland to request some lemon for his salmon. However, the waitress misunderstood and dropped the lemon into Bernthal’s glass of water instead.
The mix-up proved too much for the actor to endure in silence. Recalling the moment, Holland said Bernthal immediately blurted out, “All right, f-ck it. I’m talking again,” bringing his self-imposed vow of silence to an end.
Tom Holland And Jon Bernthal Reunited For Two Major Projects
After starring together in “Pilgrimage” in 2017, Holland and Bernthal did not share the screen again until recently, when they reunited on two back-to-back projects.
In “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the duo plays superheroes, with Holland reprising his role as Spider-Man while the film marks Bernthal’s big-screen MCU debut as the Punisher after years of portraying the character on television.
The two also appear together in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which debuted in cinemas on July 17. Holland plays the more prominent role of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon. Meanwhile, Bernthal stars as Menelaus, the King of Sparta, who appears in only a few key scenes.
Tom Holland Is ‘Absolutely Loving’ His Latest Press Tour
Holland’s appearance alongside Bernthal is just one of several promotional stops he has made while supporting the release of his latest films.
Although balancing both projects has kept his schedule packed, the actor said he is relishing the busy period because he is immensely proud of both productions.
“I’m absolutely loving it. When you’re doing press for movies you’re really proud of, it’s really easy,” the actor said during an appearance on the “Dish” podcast.
He added, “Because when they ask you questions about why people should go and watch this movie, you’re not lying to anyone. You really think people should go see it. I’ve had experiences before when people say, ‘Why should you see this movie?’ And in the back of your mind, you’re like, ‘You shouldn’t, because it’s sh-t.’”
‘The Odyssey’ And ‘Spider-Man’ Chase Major Box Office Milestones
Despite facing early criticism before its release, “The Odyssey” has enjoyed a strong start at the box office.
The film grossed more than $264 million during its opening weekend, with ticket sales split almost evenly between domestic and international markets. Now in its second week, “The Odyssey” is on course to surpass the $500 million mark worldwide, putting it on track to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Meanwhile, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is set to arrive in cinemas on July 31 and is already predicted to post record-breaking box office numbers, given the success of Holland’s previous Spider-Man films. Two of the earlier installments surpassed $1 billion at the global box office, while the third still earned an impressive $880 million worldwide.
The superhero genre witnessed a major tonal shift with Christopher Nolan‘s epic The Dark Knight trilogy. After decades of colorful adventures, superheroes were presented in a grounded reality that captured the mood of the times. Similarly, Nolan put his stamp on the fantasy genre with his latest film, The Odyssey, based on Homer‘s Greek epic. Earlier, movies based on the Greek myths featured plenty of monsters and mayhem, but Nolan’s version revolved around themes such as post-traumatic stress, guilt, and human agency. That said, Nolan admitted that he was inspired by Ray Harryhausen‘s cult classic 1981 movie, Clash of the Titans, which was remade in 2010 by Louis Leterrier.
The Clash of the Titans remake starred Sam Worthington, fresh off the success of Avatar, in the role of Perseus. The movie defied poor reviews to gross more than $490 million worldwide against a reported budget of $125 million. It nearly outgrossed the genre’s biggest hit, Troy, which made $497 million worldwide against a reported budget of $185 million in 2004. Incidentally, Nolan nearly directed Troy as his first large-scale project, but was replaced by Wolfgang Petersen and was handed the reins to the Batman franchise instead. Clash of the Titans was successful enough to spawn a sequel, which was released in 2012 to equally poor reviews and a lower box-office haul.
Watch the Critically Panned Greek Mythological Movie on Peacock
The movie in question, of course, is Wrath of the Titans. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the movie features a returning Worthington alongside Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as Hades, and Danny Huston as Poseidon. New cast members included Bill Nighy, Rosamund Pike, Toby Kebbell, and Édgar Ramirez. Wrath of the Titans grossed just over $300 million worldwide against a reported budget of $150 million, falling short of its predecessor’s haul despite a larger budget. It is now sitting at a 26% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Its 3D effects are an improvement over its predecessor’s, but in nearly every other respect, Wrath of the Titans fails to improve upon the stilted acting, wooden dialogue, and chaos-driven plot of the franchise’s first installment.” Because of the film’s underperformance, a third installment, tentatively titled Revenge of the Titans, was shelved. You can watch Clash of the Titans and Wrath of the Titans on Peacock starting August 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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March 29, 2012
- Runtime
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99 minutes
- Director
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Jonathan Liebesman
Actor Ryan Gosling is ready to join another blockbuster franchise. Shortly after joining Shawn Levy‘s “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which hits theaters in May 2027, Marvel boss Kevin Feige announced that the “Project Hail Mary” actor will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider at the San Diego Comic Con panel held on Saturday night. It’s a role the actor has always wanted to play, but it also has a surprising connection to his partner, Eva Mendes.
On Saturday, July 25, fans gathered at Marvel’s Hall H panel at San Diego Comic Con to see who would be the next actor to portray Ghost Rider. Marvel boss Kevin Feige announced that Ryan Gosling, fresh off the success of “Project Hail Mary,” would take over the role in an upcoming standalone movie.
The announcement was met with cheers from the audience. “As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” Gosling told the crowd.
How Eva Mendes Is Connected To His Ghost Rider Role
Ghost Rider was previously portrayed by “National Treasure” actor Nicolas Cage in the 2007 film. The movie also featured Gosling’s longtime partner Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson. Although Cage reprised his role in the 2011 sequel, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” Mendes did not return for that movie.
The 2007 film was not well received and has only a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Scott Huver of Hollywood.com called it “the worst adaptation of a Marvel Comics hero yet,” while Mike Barnard of Future Movies UK said that “Cage needs to produce something special next to make up for crimes against cinema.”
However, not all critics hated the movie. Megan Basham of WORLD said, “This strange amalgamation of Texas Ranger lore, NASCAR bravado, and the-Devil-and-Daniel-Webster trickery keeps the campy fun revving just enough that you can’t completely hate it.”
This New Ghost Rider Will Be Directed By Shawn Levy
Shawn Levy, who directed the 2024 Marvel movie “Deadpool and Wolverine,” will be directing the new Ghost Rider film. He previously worked with Gosling in “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which will be released in theaters in May 2027.
During the Marvel panel at SDCC, Levy took the stage alongside Gosling and Feige. “I’m having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed Deadpool & Wolverine,” he told the crowd.
“I’ll never forget that night, because I was introduced to the greatest fans. Gosling is the absolute sh-t. I say that with tremendous respect,” he continued. “We spent a lot of time last year making Starfighter, and the opportunity as Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, ‘Bro, let’s ride.’ We’ll see you in 2028!”
No release date has been scheduled for the new Ghost Rider movie.
Eva Mendes May Be Looking To Return To Acting
Although she starred in films such as 2003’s “2 Fast 2 Furious” and 2005’s “Hitch,” Eva Mendes has remained largely out of the public eye for quite some time. However, as The Blast previously reported, that may all be about to change.
One insider told Star Magazine that she is eager to explore new opportunities in the entertainment industry and let Gosling stay at home with the kids for a change. “She’s leaning on Ryan to pick up the slack at home and slow down his usually packed schedule,” the source shared. “Eva needs the free time to meet with filmmakers and studio executives and really see what is out there for her.”
Will She Appear In ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’?
There are rumors that she may be making an appearance in “Star Wars: Starfighter,” alongside her husband. There is also speculation that she might appear in “Fast Forever,” the next installment in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Even though her appearance in “Starfighter” has not been confirmed, the source said that working on the movie has reignited her love of acting. “Eva rediscovered her taste for acting while making ‘Starfighter’ last year,” the insider divulged. “Now she wants to be in more films that her kids and their friends will actually enjoy and talk about.”
Mendes and Gosling met while filming “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2012. They share two daughters together, but have remained fairly private about their relationship and their family life.
Roomies, Lira Galore has the internet doing double takes after she popped out for Miracle Watts and Tyler Lepley’s pre-wedding celebration with her mom. Fans couldn’t stop saying Lira definitely “gets it from her mama,” while others said her mom is aging like fine wine!
RELATED: Get It From Her Mama?! Yaya Mayweather Responds After Fan Jokes About Her Loyalty To Men
Lira Galore’s Pop Out With Her Mom Has Fans Doing Doubles Takes
Recently, Lira Galore and her mom had timelines buzzing this weekend after sharing videos from Miracle Watts and Tyler Lepley’s pre-wedding celebration. Lira took to her Instagram Story to show off Momma Galora, and chile, the internet immediately started joking and saying that her mom is the real baby because of her youthful glow. Lira shared clips from Miracle and Tyler’s all-white boat party, where her mom stunned in a white mini dress and Lira turned heads in an off-the-shoulder look.
The Internet Is Calling Lira’s Mom The REAL Showstopper
Once The Shade Room shared the clips of Lira and her mom, the comment section instantly filed up with heart-eyes and fire emojis. Fans couldn’t stop saying that Lira and her mom are twins, while others reminded everyone that Momma Galora has always been tea and her face card never declined!
Instagram user @candisgrace wrote, “Such a gorgeous Mommy & Daughter Duo 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Like Beyond !!”
Instagram user @carolinetania wrote, “Her mom always been Her ❤️”
While Instagram user @rell09 wrote, “Oh she definitely get it from her mama! 🔥”
Then Instagram user @saygrac3 wrote, “MUVA GALORE IS FINE FINE‼️🥰”
Another Instagram user @kea.wunofakind wrote, “Mz. Galore Been HER 🥵 IYKYK 💖”
Instagram user @triviamonroe wrote, “😍😍😍😍 How my daughters and I will be. (this gym going to get me right 🦾)”
Then another Instagram user @iambrooklyn_1 wrote, “The mama is the baby 😍”
While another Instagram user @ms._toya2u wrote, “Baby listen the 40 plus crew ain’t playing none!”
Finally, Instagram user @viewsfromindia_ wrote, “& her mommy BEEN fine since back in the dayssssssss. She not aging 😍😍😍😍😍”
Miracle Watts & Tyler Lepley Tie The Knot With Beautiful Wedding Ceremony
Lira Galore and her mom kept the looks coming after popping out for Miracle Watts and Tyler Lepley’s wedding celebration and ceremony. Lira gave fans a glimpse of the beautiful day on her Instagram Story, which reportedly went down in Los Cabos, Mexico on Saturday, July 25. Miracle and Tyler celebrated their love surrounded by their closest family and friends. Videos also showed the newlyweds sharing their first dance.
RELATED: Get It From Her Mama! Yung Miami & Her Mom Bring The Heat In New Clip & Fans Are Loving It (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Video games are the most successful medium in the world, and that is because they evoke a range of emotions and offer a variety of escapist fantasies. From the immersive Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2 to the grand sense of adventure and wonder in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, video games are versatile and engaging.
However, one feeling video games capture perfectly is dread, with some of the darkest stories coming from this medium. That is why this list will rank the ten darkest video games of all time based on aspects such as mature content, themes, imagery, narrative, originality, fan opinion, and overall quality. A good game is said to change someone, but these games will only do that in a bad way, traumatizing the players forever.
10
‘Inside’ (2016)
Playdead is an iconic game studio, but fans are still waiting for their next entry, especially since their last one, Inside, is one of the best indie games. When players escape a mysterious facility, they must make their way through the dark laboratory that seems to be experimenting on people. But more dangers await players the further they go into the facility.
Indie companies are usually the ones delivering the darkest games since major companies don’t want something so polarizing attached to their name. But Inside doesn’t care. This game is a masterclass in design, using its lighting as a tool to facilitate guidance. However, it proves to be a dark and eerie masterpiece through its eerie vibe and environmental storytelling.
9
‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)
Shooter games are some of the most popular, but in the FPS genre lives Spec Ops: The Line, which doesn’t glorify war unlike many other games. Gamers play as Captain Martin Walker, the leader of a Delta Force trio who makes their way to Dubai to find a missing unit. However, what starts as a standard rescue mission devolves into a hallucinatory battle.
This anti-war video game uses its mechanics against the players, admonishing them for blindly following orders and getting themselves into trouble. Spec Ops: The Line has players committing a handful of war crimes and battle atrocities, bringing it to a profound discussion on PTSD and cognitive dissonance, proving why it is one of the best shooter video games.
8
‘This War of Mine’ (2014)
A lot of games use fictionalized historical events to accentuate the darkness, and one game that did this was This War of Mine. Inspired by the Siege of Sarajevo, players control a group of characters who must navigate the crossfire and scavenge for supplies in order to survive the depressing state of the city.
Sometimes the dark reality of the world is worse than what games can achieve, and This War of Mine played into that by making the real-life atrocities even bleaker. Gamers are forced to make tough survival decisions where they weigh the balance between survival and ethics. This forceful design makes players question themselves about what many people actually had to go through.
7
‘SOMA’ (2015)
Frictional Games is an incredible gaming studio with multiple classics, such as SOMA. After suffering a severe injury in a car crash, the protagonist, Simon Jarrett, decides to undergo an experimental brain scan. However, he wakes up a hundred years later in an underwater facility. Only he and biomechanical monstrosities are left, with him needing to descend deeper to find a digital utopia.
The biomechanical monsters are terrifying, and their tragic concept only adds to the overall sense of gloom. However, the true darkness of SOMA reveals itself through the suffocating sense of dread in the narrative and philosophical themes. This game takes a psychological toll on the players, building into a heavy weight of darkness when the credits roll, proving to be one of the scariest modern video games.
6
‘Pathologic’ (2005)
While there are a couple of sequels, nothing beats the original Pathologic and the darkness that players experienced. When a mysterious airborne plague ravages a small town, players take on the role of a doctor. Within 12 days, players must survive, learn about the town’s mysterious history, and find a cure for the plague; otherwise, everyone dies.
Pathologic is designed to intentionally be frustrating, creating a nearly impossible challenge that highlights the gravity of the situation. Gamers can’t save everyone, and those choices will weigh on their souls as they must decide what and who to prioritize. Pathologic emphasizes its darkness with its rigid rules and bleak world.
5
‘Silent Hill 2’ (2001)
The remake is just as good as the original, but it is hard to beat the classic in terms of darkness since it established the story. Silent Hill 2 follows James Sunderland, who travels to the titular town in order to learn the mystery behind a letter he got from his deceased wife. Desperate for answers, he continuously searches the decaying town while avoiding its monstrous inhabitants, including the horror icon, Pyramid Head.
Silent Hill 2 is arguably the best horror game of all time, focusing on an internal fright that possesses the most brilliant narrative in horror history. The environment and monsters are all manifestations of the protagonist’s subconscious and all his problems, proving the story is just as compelling as the gameplay. Silent Hill 2 is a masterpiece and has a bleak ending to boot. Known for delving into psychological terror and human trauma through its challenging gameplay, emotional worldbuilding, and heavy tone, it is no surprise that this is a dark game.
4
‘Manhunt’ (2003)
Rockstar Games is a prolific game studio best known for its works like Grand Theft Auto, which is violent, but is nothing compared to its darkest and least-known video game, Manhunt. While death row inmate James Earl Cash avoids the death penalty, he suddenly wakes up in a decaying city where he is forced to participate in snuff films by hunting down gang members.
It has mostly been debunked that video games cause violence, but if there was one game where that isn’t true, it might just be Manhunt. This game gets players as close to the gore as possible, creating a disturbingly intimate view of murder that will make anyone feel uneasy. By designing it so players are rewarded for more graphic kills, Manhunt is obscenely unsettling.
3
‘LISA: The Painful’ (2014)
2D games are often very expressive, but LISA: The Painful takes that to a very different place. When an apocalyptic event kills all the women in the world, a drug addict named Brad finds a baby girl. But when she is kidnapped, he fights through a world of desperate lunatics to get her back and save her.
Fans shouldn’t let the innocent 2D aesthetic fool them; this game is bleak beyond belief. LISA: The Painful forces players to make dark decisions that have serious repercussions. Whether they choose to sacrifice a party member or lose their own limbs, players are permanently affected, and that is just the beginning of a long and winding road of misery.
2
‘Fear & Hunger’ (2018)
Most of the games on this list are rather unknown, but one of the biggest cult classics featured is Fear & Hunger, which is critically acclaimed and has a dedicated fanbase. But that doesn’t mean anything for its quality, as players consider it one of the best survival horror RPGs. Players choose one of four characters who travel through an anachronistic dungeon in search of the mercenary leader.
Fear & Hunger doesn’t follow a dedicated story, but that allows players to experience the emergent darkness on their own, not knowing what awaits them in the depths. Each descent into the unknown is a new tale for players to craft as their decisions slowly build a messed-up scenario with worldbuilding implications and twisted discoveries. The eerie art style perfectly fits the vibe and tone of the game, not to mention the character designs and moments are next-level gruesome and dark.
1
‘I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream’ (1995)
Based on Harlan Ellison‘s short story of the same name, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream expands on the story through a point-and-click adventure. Set during the Cold War, a sentient supercomputer wipes out all of humanity, only leaving a handful of survivors alive. He keeps them immortal to torment them out of his own spite for humanity.
It may not be the most influential video game ever, but I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is a cult classic that many fans love for its terrifying villain. This game features pretty much every dark theme fans can think of, combining them to create a game where survival is hopeless. Forced to confront their flaws, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is a dark game that thrives on existential dread and powerlessness.
Entertainment
James Norton’s Netflix Crime Thriller Is So Good, It’s Already Been Renewed for Season 2
Steven Knight is renowned for his work on Peaky Blinders, but it’s not the only crime epic he has worked on. Knight has written several other shows and films that look at gangster enterprises throughout history, and in many ways House of Guinness is the culmination of his entire career. House of Guinness is based on the remarkable true story of the Guinness brewery, a family business that became a powerful empire in the 19th century, expanding throughout Ireland and into New York City. While it’s hard not to think about Peaky Blinders when seeing another dynamic historical thriller about a closely-knit family of morally dubious characters, House of Guinness also shares a lot in common with Succession because of its sharp, ruthless sibling dynamics. Given that the series has been renewed for Season 2, there’s no better time to watch one of the most purely entertaining shows Netflix has made in years.
House of Guinness takes place in the aftermath of the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, who left his fortune to his children on the stipulation that they work together to maintain it. The Guinness siblings, consisting of Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anna (Emily Fairn), and Benjamin II (Fionn O’Shea), are reluctant to take on their father’s legacy, but they’re aided in the transition by the family’s most loyal foreman, Sean Rafferty (James Norton). Even if a brewery might seem like a low-stakes MacGuffin compared to the life-and-death stakes in Peaky Blinders, it’s representative of generational wealth fiercely protected by a family targeted by enemies from across Europe. House of Guinness doesn’t sanitize a family history filled with debauchery, but it does put it into context during a dark period in European politics.
‘House of Guinness’ Is a Rousing Historical Epic
Peaky Blinders grew more epic in scale over time, but House of Guinness takes place on a massive stage, speeding through years of history to encapsulate the gravity of the Guinness company and its sphere of influence. While this could have been too overwhelming for a show to tackle so much material to begin with, that’s also part of the point that Knight is trying to make. The four Guinness children don’t understand the extent to which their decisions will impact the economy and society, and the process of handling their father’s duties is far more complicated than they initially imagined. While the feuds between the siblings are frequent and often quite funny, House of Guinness shows the importance of family loyalty to retain a legacy. The Guinness family name isn’t just one that represents business interests, but something that embodies a level of power that not even governments can topple.
House of Guinness has a fantastic ensemble cast, and the characters immediately feel like an actual family. Boyle is a fascinating actor whose performance as Arthur makes for a unique depiction of a gay character, especially for a historical drama; there are far too many instances of the outdated repressed gay man trope in media, but Arthur is a charismatic, intelligent leader within the family. On the flipside, O’Shea gives a remarkable breakthrough performance as Benjamin, who struggles with severe mental health issues that make him a target for rivals. The stigma against those who deal with anxiety and depression is heightened, given the lack of understanding within this era in history, and O’Shea delivers a truly heartbreaking performance that doesn’t reduce Benjamin to the totality of his symptoms.
‘House of Guinness’ Is Everything a Crime Drama Should Be
As is the case with his role on House of the Dragon, Norton is an absolute scene-stealer in House of Guinness because Rafferty is a commanding character who serves as the bridge between the lower class and the wealthy. Although he isn’t of noble birth and doesn’t seek power for himself, Rafferty is such a master of deception that he becomes an important ally to the family, one who represents a connection to their departed father. While Norton crafts an impenetrable persona, as Rafferty is both hilarious and quite intimidating, he offers a few hints about subtextual issues that will likely be explored further in Season 2. He’s not the only Westeros veteran who has a standout performance in House of Guinness; Jack Gleeson, best known for playing Prince Joffrey, has a great part as the much more likable character Byron Hedges, a distant cousin of the Guinness siblings who strategizes the brewery’s expansion into America.
House of Guinness is an old-fashioned, thrilling crime drama, but it doesn’t feel derivative of Knight’s previous work because the stylized, energetic approach is far different than that of Peaky Blinders. Rarely has a show been able to tackle such important issues as labor disputes, familial conflict, and economic suppression while also being so entertaining, using history to tell an engaging fictionalized account. There’s a tremendous amount of potential for the future of what House of Guinness could become, but the eight episodes that have already aired are nothing short of tremendous.
Paramount+ is known for being the home of Taylor Sheridan‘s Yellowstone universe, as well as many of his other best shows. Most recently, the tale of Rip (Cole Hauser) and Beth’s (Kelly Reilly) new life in South Texas in Dutton Ranch has dominated the Paramount+ charts, even scoring as high as third almost 20 days after its July 3 finale. The likes of Lioness and Landman also currently occupy the top ten, with other favorites finishing just outside in the latest ranks.
The most surprising current competition for Sheridan’s army of streaming favorites is a series most commonly associated with Prime Video, as one of the streamer’s most popular shows. Cross, the Aldis Hodge-led detective series, quickly became a favorite on Prime following its 2024 debut, reaching 40 million viewers globally in its first 20 days of release. That paved the way for a hotly anticipated second season, with the addition of Matthew Lillard in a key role, helping the show garner 613 million viewing minutes in its Season 2 premiere week.
Collider’s Nate Richard called Season 2 “entertainingly paced” in his official review and was particularly pleased with Hodge’s lead performance, commending his “unmatched charisma, vulnerabilities, and, of course, kick-ass stunt abilities” in every episode. Prime Video subscribers have known about the best of Cross for some time, and now it seems Paramount+ subscribers do too. According to FlixPatrol, Cross is one of the ten most-streamed shows on Prime Video in the U.S., at the time of writing, a list topped by UFC Fight Night, Criminal Minds, and Dutton Ranch.
When Does ‘Cross’ Return?
Expected to premiere on Prime Video in spring or early summer 2027, Cross Season 3 is sure to be even more unmissable than the previous two installments. Production on Season 3 began in April in Toronto, Canada, with eight episodes ordered. The cast is expanding once again, with the great Ron Perlman joining the cast as Herschel Zamora, a police officer who is referred to Dr. Cross for therapy. Isaiah Mustafa as John Sampson, Samantha Walkes as Elle Monteiro, Alona Tal as Kayla Craig, Johnny Ray Gill as Bobby Trey, and Juanita Jennings as Regina “Nana Mama” Cross are all also expected to return.
Cross is one of the ten most-streamed shows on Prime Video in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.
- Release Date
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November 14, 2024
- Network
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Prime Video
- Directors
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Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart
- Writers
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Ben Watkins
- Franchise(s)
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Alex Cross
Roommates, Baby Blue has folks online scratching their heads after dropping a message for Justin Combs and Christian Combs while Diddy continues to serve time in prison. Blue hasn’t shared what prompted the post, but the message has fans working overtime trying to connect the dots.
RELATED: Whew! Diddy Reportedly Placed In Solitary Confinement Following Alleged Fight With Inmate
Baby Blue Leaves Fans Curious After Sharing Message For Justin & Christian Combs
On Sunday, July 26, Baby Blue showed love to Justin Combs and Christian Combs with a heartfelt message. Blue shared a throwback clip on Instagram of Justin seemingly singing along to a Pretty Ricky song and said he wanted to send prayers to him and Christian while Diddy continues serving his prison sentence.
“This Sunday I wanna send a prayer up for @princejdc@kingcombs and the rest of Puff’s kids, family and friends. They’ve had to endure the trauma of separation from their father and learn how to cope without his physical presence,” Baby Blue wrote.
Blue added that he knows it can’t be easy for them to deal with their dad being away and wrapped up his message with “#FreeDiddy,” and said he hopes they will all be reunited soon. “I pray they’ll be reunited with him sooner than later. We all make mistakes. Forgiveness is apart of human nature. #FreeDiddy! We love you all and appreciate what you’ve done for the culture.”
Social Media Has Questions After Baby Blue Checks In On Diddy’s Sons
Once The Shade Room shared Baby Blue’s message, the Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Plenty of fans said the post caught them off guard, while others admitted the throwback clip of Justin had them confused.
Instagram user @detroit.kavi wrote, “Can we all collectively log off the internet for just one day?”
Instagram user @kaliyahrayeofficial wrote, “The song + the video + the message = 🥴 I’m confused Lool (let me continue to mind my business)”
While Instagram user @booniebookmark wrote, “This is weird energy 🥴”
Then Instagram user @kingjavintoyou wrote, “Now they about to cancel him .. bless his heart.”
Another Instagram user @tiiinkbookie wrote, “I mean well respectfully they daddy should’ve thought about them and all of that before hand……Diddy mind set was he thought he was never gone get caught….”
Instagram user @_toyamontana wrote, “What is happening 😂😂”
Then another Instagram user @kariastiara wrote, “I understand the message losing both parents but it’s the video taking it away for me.”
Instagram user @jusdaze wrote, “Forgiveness doesn’t erase accountability. Two things can be true at the same time.”
The Latest Update On Diddy
Speaking of Diddy, fans previously got a wild update about the music mogul while he continues serving time behind bars. As The Shade Room previously reported, officials recently placed the 56-year-old in solitary confinement at FCI Fort Dix in Trenton, New Jersey. Per TMZ, an inmate allegedly “dissed” Diddy, which reportedly sparked the altercation. The two men allegedly pushed each other before prison staff stepped in and broke up the fight, with sources claiming Diddy “held his own.”
RELATED: Spill It, Sis! Baby Blue’s Girlfriend Speaks Out After Fans Clock Her Ankle Monitor At Verzuz (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt recently revealed she’s returning to Broadway.
The reality star and mother of three recently concluded her run in “Chicago” on Broadway in early May 2026.
Whitney Leavitt’s announcement that she’s making a comeback to the Broadway stage comes amid the TV personality’s ongoing feud with her “SLOMW” co-star, Taylor Frankie Paul.
Leavitt has been rewarded with several opportunities since joining the cast of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
In addition to “Dancing With the Stars,” the 33-year-old landed the lead role of Roxie Hart in the long-running Broadway musical “Chicago.”
Her limited run concluded in early May 2026, and just like that, her next role is right around the corner.
In a new Instagram Stories post, the Utah native informed her followers that she was making a comeback sooner rather than later.
“Your girl is gunna be back on Broadway soon,” she captioned a picture of her appearing to either sing or rehearse lines.
Whitney Leavitt Recalls Landing The Role Of Roxie Hart In ‘Chicago’
While Leavitt didn’t share details about which show she’ll be joining next, it’s certainly another major accomplishment in her ongoing list of career milestones.
Back in December 2025, Leavitt opened up about landing the role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” calling it a “surreal” moment.
According to Leavitt, she was thrilled after learning she’d been cast in the show, saying it was “everything that I’ve been manifesting” for some time. “Like, I can see it, and it’s there, and I’m reaching it, and I’m going after, and I’m just so grateful.”
She continued, “It just feels surreal. That’s the best word I can think of; just surreal.”
Whitney Leavitt Announced Her Departure From ‘The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ While On Broadway
During her final show in “Chicago,” Leavitt also announced her departure from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
At the time, Leavitt changed one of the lines her character was supposed to say during the show to reveal the big news.
“Oh, erm, what is that? Let me see. Whitney Leavitt announces she’s leaving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” her character said on stage.
Leavitt, who had come and gone throughout “SLOMW’s” first five seasons, spoke about her departure in different interviews and said she felt “content” with walking away.
“It’s honestly so crazy to me looking back on this journey because I had been trying to get into theater and film way before Secret Lives even came into my life,” she said. “We have been through so much together, even more than what you’ve seen. We’ve had really big highs, really big lows and no matter what happens with our relationships like that is something that will always be a part of our life, will always be a part of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Leavitt Will Be Part Of ‘SLOMW’ Season 5
Leavitt said she was full of “gratitude” regarding her “SLOMW” exit and thanked the series for essentially changing her life overnight.
“I feel like this is a chapter that’s closing in my life and honestly, I believe that’s how it was always meant to be. I’m so grateful for ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.’ It’s got me where I am today. It’s given me the opportunities that you all have seen but I’m ready. I’m ready for the next chapter and I cannot wait to share with you guys what’s next,” she continued.
Despite her exit, Leavitt will be part of season 5, according to Us Weekly. “Just to be very clear, I am finishing season 5. So yes, I will be in that season. But also yes, it will be my last. It’s honestly so crazy to me looking back on this journey because I had been trying to get into theater and film way before Secret Lives even came into my life,” Leavitt clarified in a social media video.
Leavitt Is Feuding With Taylor Frankie Paul
While the storylines for season 5 haven’t been revealed yet, it appears Leavitt’s contentious relationship with Paul will be one of them. A previous report from The Blast reveals that the two reality stars may have bumped heads while filming after eagle-eyed fans spotted Leavitt unfollowed Paul on Instagram.
Paul clapped back at Leavitt, saying, “Good. Since she is ‘leaving’ for the 100th time, I’ll give my last words about her. I stuck up for her since the hospital video. I bet she doesn’t even recall that. The show I gave her grace against a whole cast MULTIPLE times.”
Roommates, new details surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are coming to light, and the latest development has people talking. As investigators continue searching for answers, a newly revealed message allegedly sent to her family is shedding more insight into the frightening moments following her reported disappearance.
RELATED: Search Efforts Reportedly Underway As Anonymous Tip Poses Possible Location Of Nancy Guthrie
First Ransom Note Reveals Alleged Message To Savannah Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Jan. 31 after authorities say she was taken from her Tucson, Arizona home in the early morning hours. Investigators believe a masked individual seen in surveillance footage may have been involved, with the person appearing to tamper with her doorbell camera before she vanished.
According to crime journalist Briana Whitney, who discussed the case on the ‘Crime Junkie’ podcast with Ashley Flowers, the first ransom note allegedly sent to the Guthrie family was addressed directly to Savannah Guthrie. Whitney said the message began by telling Savannah, “We have your mother, Nancy,” and claimed that Nancy was “safe but scared” while being held for ransom.
“Hello Savannah. We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of 7 days,” the note said.
Chilling Alleged Ransom Note Reveals Payment Demands
The alleged note reportedly stated that Nancy would be held for a maximum of seven days and demanded payment in U.S. currency through bitcoin. According to Whitney, the sender requested $4 million in bitcoin by Thursday, Feb. 5, and warned that the amount would increase to $6 million by Monday, Feb. 9 if the first deadline was missed.
Whitney said the message also included a warning that Nancy’s life depended on the payment being made. The note allegedly stated, “Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands.” Moreover, it instructed the family not to contact law enforcement, negotiate, or “play games.” The sender reportedly claimed that Nancy would be released within 12 hours after payment was received at a safe drop-off location in Tucson.
“Once payment is received to the Bitcoin address below, she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson,” the note claimed. “If the payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5:00 p.m., she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out. There will be no negotiation. Do not play games. Law enforcement will not be able to help you.”
Reported Home Details Raise More Questions
The alleged note also included details about Nancy’s home. Whitney added that the sender mentioned a white smartwatch near the foot of her bed. Additionally, it reportedly also mentioned a backyard floodlight that had been destroyed. However, Whitney noted that the FBI is still investigating whether the ransom note is legitimate. Authorities have not released additional information about the investigation. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the case, said it had no further updates at this time.
The report comes after a second ransom note was sent to the Guthrie family and media outlets. The details of such letter claimed that Nancy had died. Savannah Guthrie previously made an emotional plea for information, urging anyone who knows something about her mother’s disappearance to come forward. The search for answers continues as her family awaits more information.
RELATED: Savannah Guthrie Announces $1M Reward As Search For Missing Mom Nancy Guthrie Reaches 24 Days (VIDEO UPDATE)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Tom Holland Recalls Jon Bernthal’s Hilarious Method Acting Fail
XRP Repricing Loading + Tether Delisting + Clarity WARNING!
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