Chris Hemsworth‘s wife, Elsa Pataky, is reportedly looking to take her Hollywood career to the next level after putting it on the back burner to support her husband and their family.

According to a report, the talented actress is done being just “Mrs. Hemsworth” to fans and some of her Hollywood colleagues, and is now trying to get on major film projects and score leading roles.

This comes after Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky got candid about their relationship dynamic, stating that the key to their strong marriage is unfiltered “honesty.”

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Although the couple’s bond is reportedly stronger than ever, insiders suggest that Elsa Pataky struggles with public perception.

Sources shared with Star Magazine that she is frustrated by the narrative that casts her as merely existing in the shadow of her famous husband, Chris Hemsworth, despite her own established career.

A source noted that she is “more known as a super beautiful super mom these days than an actress,” adding that “now that her kids are becoming teens, she’s ready to get back in the game and she does have the wind at her back.”

“People want to see her do Nicole Kidman-style projects, juicy streaming dramas where she can lean into her natural, age-defying sex appeal,” the insider continued. “This has always been the long-term goal, even after she settled down with Chris and had a family.”

Elsa Pataky Wants To Be Known As More Than Just ‘Mrs. Hemsworth’

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Pataky already seems to be making major career moves, as Deadline recently announced that she has been cast alongside Jessica Alba in the upcoming spy thriller, “The Mark.”

Fortunately for the “Fast & Furious” actress, she has the full backing of Hemsworth, who is reportedly leveraging his industry influence to help her secure more prominent roles in major projects.

“She and Chris are scouting out projects for her and working the phones,” the source told Star, noting that the pair have “very famous friends who are fans and dying to work with Elsa.”

“Elsa finally realizes what she has and how to use it, and she knows loads of people who are ready to help her,” the insider stated about the actress.

They concluded, “She’s chomping at the bit to show how worthy she is and not just Mrs. Hemsworth in the eyes of some fans and certain Hollywood types who undoubtedly see her in that bracket.”

Chris Hemsworth And Elsa Pataky Were Reportedly Struggling To ‘Stay Connected’ Due To Their Busy Schedules

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With Pataky’s reported interest in focusing more on her career, it’s unclear how that would affect home life for her and Hemsworth.

Behind the scenes, the duo is said to be finding it tough to “stay connected.” A previous report indicated that their conflicting itineraries are directly eating into their personal time.

Hemsworth is heavily booked with projects like “Subversion” and “Extraction 3,” while Pataky is looking to get bigger movie roles.

This overwhelming load means rare quality time for the married couple, leading insiders to question why the actor is taking on so much extra work.

An insider noted, “In a lot of ways, they really are the couple that has it all, but it does not come easy, and the more time they spend apart for work, the tougher it gets.”

“It’s a bit of a shock to see Chris ramping up his work schedule like this because the last few years he’s been saying his plan was to slow things down so he could have more time for his wife and kids,” the source added.

The Marvel Star Shared How His Wife ‘Put Aside Her Own Dreams’ To Support Their Family

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The reality of Pataky’s professional sacrifice was laid bare during Hemsworth’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in May 2024.

Standing at the podium, the Marvel star delivered a deeply emotional tribute acknowledging that his stardom was built on his wife’s selflessness.

Expressing his gratitude, Hemsworth admitted to the crowd that Pataky had shelved her own Hollywood ambitions to anchor their family and fuel his career.

“I want to say thank you to my beautiful wife, who has been here for my entire career basically by my side, endlessly encouraging and supportive,” the actor said, per People Magazine. “And it doesn’t get lost on me that she put aside her own dreams in order to support mine and, again, [I am] forever in your debt.”

He then emphasized that his professional milestones lacked true meaning without her partnership, closing with a heartfelt declaration of love.

“The fact [is] that nothing that I do, any of these moments, these special occasions and events, none of it is special without you by my side. I love you,” Hemsworth stated.

Chris Hemsworth Reveals The Key To His Long-Lasting Marriage To Elsa Pataky

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Despite the alleged career demands stretching their time apart, the foundational pillar of their relationship remains rooted in transparency.

Since their initial meeting in 2010 and their subsequent marriage in Australia that same year, the couple has relied on being open and honest with each other to maintain a strong bond.

This shared commitment to brutal honesty has only deepened as they raise their three children: daughter India Rose and twin sons Sasha and Tristan.

“There’s an honesty, the north star of truth, that you’re going to get with Elsa,” Hemsworth explained during a chat with People. “I can show something to a bunch of other people, and they might be like, ‘Oh, great work,’ but Elsa will tell me if it sucks.”

Pataky openly embraces this candid role, admitting, “I’ll tell him, ‘That’s actually not funny. It doesn’t work.’”

Ultimately, the “Avengers” star believes this objective “critical sort of assessment” works for him perfectly because Pataky understands his true character and capabilities better than anyone else.

General Hospital fans may recall we leaked this a while back and now other sources are cropping up to confirm what we already revealed here that Chris McKenna is leaving General Hospital and his character Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) will be killed off to facilitate the actor’s exit. We’re going to talk about how the WSB station chief’s death might go down.

General Hospital Replaces Charles Mesure with Chris McKenna

I really liked the character of Jack Brennan from the start when Charles Mesure was in the role. I thought he was so fantastic. And as a result, I was kind of hesitant when he left and they recast Jack in February of 2025 with Chris McKenna playing the part. But he grew on me and I like his dynamic as Jack, so I’m sorry to see him go.

Soap Opera Network said their sources confirmed what we leaked months back, although there is no official air date yet for Chris McKenna. But word is Jack’s death comes this Fall. That aligns with what I’ve heard. ABC and General Hospital itself and the actor have not confirmed it. But that’s also pretty standard.

We leaked here from the same source that Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco) was going to die before she did, and we leaked that Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) was the killer well before it came out. So, if you watch here regularly, you might recall we first leaked Jack’s death seven months ago. Because that’s when it was supposedly first written.

GH Pivots Due to Actor Breaks

We reported it and then when our leaker updated us, we updated you guys that what happened was Steve Burton and Finola Hughes very long breaks messed with everything. So, General Hospital writers were scrambling and they were shifting things and stretching things out.

So, that’s why General Hospital expanded the Sidwell stuff. They introduced more little filler side plots. They basically drag stuff out like Drew’s storyline which went on for a ridiculously long time. That is also why Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) was eleven months pregnant before she gave birth.

Everything got pushed back to keep Anna and Jason Morgan off the screen and write extra stuff around their exits to justify it. But you heard it here first quite a while back and now there’s another source confirming that Jack Brennan will indeed be killed off. So, our leakers got a great track record.

These new sources also seem solid. So, I am confident that Chris McKenna is out this fall unless General Hospital comes out and officially denies it. With that in mind, let’s talk about how they’re going to write Jack’s death and what circumstances set up his death and who actually takes his life as Chris McKenna exits.

General Hospital: Jack’s Potential Death Scenarios

So, first of all, Jack’s death may be fallout over what’s hidden in his black box. For one thing, he’s got the evidence against Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) in there. And Jack holding that leverage is preventing Drew from getting the revenge that he desperately wants on his about to be ex-wife Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) and mother-in-law Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros).

And of course, we know Drew’s killed people before, plenty of them, in the line of duty as a Navy Seal, also as a brainwashed assassin, taking out targets for Peter August (Wes Ramsey) and Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaugnessy). So, I could see Drew deciding he has got to get that information so he can’t be blackmailed. Then Brennan might walk in on Drew trying to destroy the black box and the files it contains.

And Brennan and Drew might get into a physical fight. And while he may not have gone there intending to kill Jack, maybe things get out of hand and Drew accidentally kills Jack. Drew is certainly capable of killing. And from there, I’m sure he tried to cover his tracks so he’s not caught for killing Jack, even if it was an accident. But I’m sure Drew would take the black box with him when he runs and that could leave a trail right to his door. And that could be a fun way to go.

GH Twist – Carly Kills Jack?

Another person to consider as Jack’s killer is Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright). We all know she still hates him and she wants revenge on Jack. She’s still mad that he recruited Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) into the WSB. And it bothers Carly that Joss doesn’t want to step away from it. She likes working for the WSB.

So, Carly’s also upset that Joss has taken multiple lives. Because of Jack. He goaded her into killing Cyrus, then recruited her. Most recently, she killed Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and some other henchmen on Spoon Island. And of course, Joss shot and killed other bad guys in Croatia in the line of duty.

So, I could see Carly setting up some kind of revenge plot, maybe with Valentin Cassadine‘s (James Patrick Stuart) help. And Jack is killed accidentally when Carly was only looking for revenge, not death. So maybe Jack goes off the parapet at Wyndemere when Carly lures him there to mess with him and then Joss might have to cover up what Carly did. And I think that would be a really soapy way to go.

General Hospital: Jack Saves Britt from Anna

Another way for Jack Brennan to be killed off could tie into some WSB awfulness. He was pressuring Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) for answers about Cullum and Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and the secret project.

And of course Cullum tormented Britt and also Anna who now has pathetic Peter living rent-free in her head.  And he keeps telling Anna she won’t be safe until all of Cesar Faison’s (Anders Hove) kids are dead and Britt’s the last one left. So, I feel like Peter keeps saying it until Anna cracks and goes after Britt.

General Hospital spoilers say Anna returned with deadly intentions and we know they’re aimed at Peter’s sister Britt. So, Jack may get between Anna and Britt with Jack trying to save Britt’s life and of course also trying to save Anna from herself and that could cost Jack his life.

GH Shock: Sidwell Connection and Willow’s Plot

Another way that he might die is because of Sidwell. Our leaker told us that Brennan may break Sidwell out of prison to keep him from implicating Willow and destroying her life. Jack would definitely do that for Nina. And our leaker said that Sidwell may be why Jack dies.

So, if Sidwell doesn’t trust that Jack will let him get away, for instance, if Sidwell thinks Jack will just pluck him out of jail and kill him, then Sidwell might take Nina hostage to ensure that Jack keeps his promise. So he may die protecting Nina from horrible Sidwell.

And last but not least, Jack might die because he gets too involved in Willow’s plot to target Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) for Drew’s shooting. And again, Jack does all this for Nina. But she knows, she knows, Jack knows that Willow’s being foolish.

So, Jack may try to get Willow to find another way to get what she wants. He already told her reopening the shooting case is a bad idea. Jack said, “We both know why.” And that’s because, of course, Willow did it.

But she knows she can’t be charged again, and she thinks the evidence all points to Michael. But Drew might intervene, even if that’s a risk to his freedom. Because he would like to see her destroyed. That may be enough to go for mutually assured destruction.

Bottom line is Jack is getting in deeper trying to help Willow and that’s a bad idea, maybe a dangerous idea. She is like quicksand for anybody who gets too close. They get sucked into her awfulness and her drama and it could literally be the death of Jack.

Jack Dies Because of Willow on General Hospital?

So, Willow’s determined. Jack is against it. Because Anna might actually dig up the missing footage. And Jack told Willow that will be bad for them both since she did the crime and he stole the evidence. But Willow won’t be deterred and Jack may keep trying to talk her out of it for Nina’s sake.

And of course, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) or Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) might actually spill the beans to save Michael from being arrested. But in the end, if Willow doesn’t get what she wants, she might actually turn on Jack and attack him.

After all, Willow shot her husband in the back twice and then she kept Drew paralyzed and was basically tormenting him for what, like six or seven months. So, who’s to say what Willow is capable of?

We’ve also heard that actress Katelyn MacMullen wants a lengthy break herself after all this front burner stuff and that Willow might wind up in Ferncliff, the Criminal Psychiatric Hospital to facilitate her short-term exit.

So, if she kills Jack, that would be a perfect way to exit them both. Chris McKenna permanently with Jack dead and Katelyn MacMullen in the short run as Willow being sent off for killing Jack, even if it’s accidentally.

​​When Martha Reeves took the stage at the Women’s Professional Baseball League’s inaugural game in Illinois, little did she know she would join the hall of fame of national anthem fails.

The Motown legend’s rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” gave the Internet major cringe thanks to its screeching pitch, off-key tunes, and utter chaos.

Although Reeves has since addressed the vocal mishap, she isn’t the first celebrity to fumble the tune. With talents like Ingrid Andress and Fergie falling victim to the national anthem curse, the question remains: why does this keep happening?

On Saturday, August 1, Reeves and her band of two other singers delivered an off-key rendition of the anthem to a filled stadium at the Women’s Pro Baseball League’s first game.

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Dressed in a bedazzled navy blue suit, the veteran led the chaotic performance as members of the audience and the players tried hard to stifle their reactions.

Shortly after, the performance went viral on X in a clip that has since garnered over 17 million views. 

“Absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the national anthem at the first Women’s Pro Baseball League tonight,” the accompanying caption read.

The Internet soon went wild with memes and reactions. “I never thought Fergie would get beat out for the worst rendition, but here we are,” one fan quipped.

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Another hilarious comment read, “I admire her ability to pick a key and just ignore it.”

This third user observed, “If singing the national anthem while riding a roller coaster was a thing, this is exactly how it would sound.”

Martha Reeves Blames ‘Windy’ Conditions And Backup Singers

Following the reactions to her appearance, Reeves broke her silence about what went wrong in a statement to TMZ Sports.

“Having just celebrated my 85th birthday, I’ve learned a great deal over more than 60 years of performing live,” she said.

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The elder musician explained that her invitation to sing at the baseball event was an “incredible honor” she wouldn’t have missed for the world. Nevertheless, conditions beyond her control hampered her performance. In her words:

“The field conditions were wet and windy, and without stage monitors I wasn’t able to hear myself as I normally would. While it wasn’t the performance I had hoped for, I’m grateful to have been there in support of these remarkable athletes.”

The blame also seemingly extended to her backup singers, as seen in another piece of footage obtained by TMZ from the rehearsal.

While practicing, Reeves was heard snapping at the singers, “That’s out of tune,” before asking who was singing the same note as her. At one point, the Martha and the Vandellas performer declared, “Backup singers. I don’t think I need them.”

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Just like the performance, it was quite the wreck. 

Ingrid Andress Labeled ‘Francis Scott-Off Key’ After 2024 Flop

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While Reeves might have taken the crown, her anthem fail brings to mind Ingrid Andress’ off-key moment at the MLB’s Home Run Derby in Arlington, Texas.

After The Blast‘s former editor-in-chief watched the botched performance and couldn’t help but chat about it with a family member, it was agreed that Andress should be called “Francis Scott Off-Key.”

Many of the players and attendees were visibly struggling to hold back their laughter as Andress sang.

The Country Singer Turned To Rehab After Drunk Performance

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Andress wasted no time addressing the bungled performance in a statement, admitting she was far from sober when she took the stage.

According to The Blast, the four-time Grammy winner took to social media to write, “I’m not gonna bullsh-t y’all, I was drunk last night. I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night.”

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She announced her decision and apologized to her fans and the country at large for her mishap. “I’ll let y’all know how rehab is. I hear it’s super fun,” she concluded.

Fergie Took A Special Risk, But It Flopped

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Another Hall of Fame moment has to be none other than Fergie’s attempt at turning the National Anthem into a jazz rendition.

It was a major fail, but the Black Eyed Peas alum remained proud of herself for trying something different.

“I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem, and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” she said in a statement. “I’m a risk-taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone.”

As reported by The Blast, Fergie also had the backing of her ex-partner Josh Duhamel, who noted she was great at what she does despite not giving her best performance.

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“But the girl’s crazy talented, she really is. And she’s an amazing woman, an amazing human being,” Duhamel declared.

Tori Spelling isn’t ready to talk about her exit from iHeartRadio’s “9021OMG” podcast with cohost Jennie Garth just yet.

“I think you need a little time on that,” Brian Austin Green told his longtime friend and Beverly Hills, 90210 costar, 53, on the Wednesday, August 5 episode of Hump Day Live. “[You need] time to, sort of, gather thoughts.”

Spelling agreed by adding, “You wanna really take the time, really assess, really reflect and then be able to speak your truth in a thoughtful way rather than being reactive in life.”

Last month, Spelling announced in an Instagram Live captured by Entertainment Weekly that she would no longer be part of the “9021OMG” podcast.

Related: Tori Spelling and Brian Austin Green’s Quotes About Each Other

Tori Spelling and Brian Austin Green’s friendship goes way back. The pair, who starred on Beverly Hills, 90210 together from 1990 to 2000, famously portrayed love interests Donna and David, respectively, on the long-running Fox drama, and they dated in real life at the start of the series’ run. Though they have a close friendship […]

When a fan asked on Hump Day Live if the actress would ever go back at a later date, Spelling reiterated she’s not ready to discuss that just yet.

“Please, please please keep watching. Jennie and [producer] Amy [Sugarman] are doing it. They’re bringing on tons of fun hosts, so please keep watching it,” she said. “iHeart. Jennie Garth, Amy Sugarman. Please. We love you.”

Green, 53, added, “You never want to say never. …. As of right now, she’s not doing the podcast. But that’s just today. It could change tomorrow, who knows.”

Spelling and Garth, 54, first launched the rewatch podcast in 2020 with a promise to share behind-the-scenes details and recaps of episodes from the beloved show.

In the July 31 episode of the “9021OMG” podcast, Garth expressed a commitment to continue rewatching the show up until the final episode.

“I’m sad that she’s not finishing this out with us,” Garth shared. “We started this together. I’m sad about that, if I’m honest.”

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Sugarman added, “About two weeks ago, [Tori] made the decision, which I’m sure was a very tough decision for her, but she let us know about two weeks ago that she had decided she wasn’t going to continue with the podcast. This was 100 percent her decision.”

The podcast producer went on to explain that the team “can be really bummed and disappointed” that Spelling is not going to do seasons 9 and 10 while also “wanting her to be happy and to be excited about the things she’s working on and does want to do.”

In addition to her “9021OMG” podcast, Garth also has a separate show called “I Choose Me,” where she encourages listeners to be the stars of their own lives and watch the world around them improve.

For nearly two decades, the words Dragon Ball and “live action” have carried a bit of baggage. Ever since Dragonball Evolution hit theaters in 2009, fans have largely pretended it never happened, and honestly, who could blame them? The film was panned by critics, rejected by longtime fans, and even Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama later expressed disappointment with the adaptation. Years later, screenwriter Ben Ramsey publicly apologized, admitting he wasn’t approaching the project as a fan but simply as another writing assignment.

The good news? Hollywood looks a lot different than it did in 2009.

When Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, it also inherited Fox’s live action Dragon Ball film rights. While Shueisha, Toei Animation, and Bird Studio continue to oversee the franchise itself, Disney controls the live action movie rights that Fox originally secured more than two decades ago. As of today, no new live action Dragon Ballfilm has been officially announced, but the possibility is always there.

If Disney ever decides to revisit the franchise, it would be walking into a completely different landscape. Anime adaptations have come a long way over the past several years. Projects like One Piece have shown that audiences will embrace live action anime when the people behind it genuinely respect the source material. Studios have also become much more willing to work alongside original creators instead of trying to reinvent beloved franchises for mainstream audiences.

Technology has also caught up. In 2009, convincing audiences that people could fly through the sky while launching planet-shattering energy blasts was a much taller task. Today, visual effects have reached the point where a live action Kamehameha or Super Saiyan transformation could look spectacular in the hands of the right filmmakers. Disney certainly has access to the talent and resources needed to make that happen.

It may also already have the right director within its own family of studios. Destin Daniel Cretton, who is currently directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day for Marvel Studios, has been open about his love for Dragon Ball Z. During the development of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cretton cited the anime as one of his inspirations for the film’s martial arts action, and fans even spotted a playful Kamehameha homage in the movie. More importantly, Cretton has shown that he can balance heartfelt character moments with fast-paced, visually stunning action. If Disney ever moves forward with another live action Dragon Ball, he’d certainly deserve to be part of the conversation.

Of course, none of that matters if the story misses the heart of what made Dragon Ball special in the first place. Fans aren’t asking for a grounded reboot or a complete reimagining of Goku’s journey. They want colorful characters, incredible martial arts, outrageous power levels, and the sense of adventure that has made the franchise one of the biggest in the world for more than 40 years. 

Perhaps the biggest obstacle isn’t visual effects or casting. It’s trust. Dragonball Evolution burned so much goodwill that many fans would immediately be skeptical of another live action attempt. Disney would have one chance to prove that the franchise deserves another shot, and it would need to earn that trust from day one by staying true to the spirit of Akira Toriyama’s legendary series.

Then again, maybe that’s exactly why now is the right time.

Dragonball Evolution proved that simply owning the rights isn’t enough. But with today’s filmmaking technology, a greater appreciation for anime, and directors like Destin Daniel Cretton who genuinely understand the material, Disney has a real opportunity to do something fans never thought possible: make a live action Dragon Ball movie people actually want to watch.

Your heartbeat races, your palms start to sweat, and right when you are sitting on the edge of your seat, the episode ends. A good thriller TV series knows how to keep its viewers engaged and coming back for more. From heart-pounding suspense to shocking plot twists, thrillers are some of the most addictive TV shows of any genre.

The past decade has been no exception when it comes to producing some truly memorable and magnificent thrillers. From subgenres that offer everything from comedy to drama, a thriller TV show knows how to get and hold an audience’s attention. These titles are the best of the best and prove that the past 10 years have been more than successful when it comes to creating remarkable thrillers for the small screen.

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‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

A sci-fi thriller set in Germany, Dark is a deep dive into the interconnected drama of four families. When two children go missing in a small town, it sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever. The characters and the viewers at home share in the confusion, and Dark will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Dark excels at creating plot twists and serpentine storylines. It leaves viewers guessing at every turn and becomes a bingeworthy compulsion as you simply have to see what happens next. Time travel, parallel universes, and more intertwine in this highly cerebral mystery.

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‘The ‘Burbs’ (2026–Present)

Image via Peacock

When young married couple Samira (Keke Palmer) and Rob (Jack Whitehall) relocate with their infant son to Rob’s old neighborhood and family home, everything is not quite as it seems in The ‘Burbs. A creepy Victorian house across the street is the source of many rumors and speculations, and it turns out that the “safest town in America” has a few deadly secrets. Murder, mystery, and malarkey are all on the table in this Peacock original series.

The ‘Burbs is absolutely packed with talent. Palmer and Whitehall are both veterans of the small and silver screen, and TV titans Mark Proksch, Julia Duffy, and Paula Pell round out the infinitely talented core cast. The ‘Burbs is an ideal introduction to the thriller genre. It has enough suspense to keep heartbeats aflutter, but it also adds a good dose of joviality to keep the overall tone lighter and steer the series away from being too dark. In a streaming war that competes fast and viciously for viewership, The ‘Burbs has already been renewed for a second season. The ‘Burbs has proven its potential, and its inaugural season has no bad episodes.

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‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ (2026–Present)

Image via Christopher Barr / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

From Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee comes an unhinged mystery like none other. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast blends McGee’s witty writing with a secretive and intriguing premise. The show follows three lifelong friends, Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), who travel back to attend the wake of their mutual friend Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe), whom they haven’t talked to in several years.

When the trio arrives, they start to get suspicious about Greta’s life and death, and a much larger conspiracy soon unfolds. Haunted by a tragic secret in their past, the protagonists are both chasing ghosts and running away from them. At one season long, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is the perfect weekend binge. It is a must-watch for fans of McGee’s and makes for a crazy, comedic, and cryptic experience.

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‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

Reeling with grief after the loss of her son, author Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes) tries to mentally distract herself by writing a new book. Unable to write her newest novel and given to distraction, she becomes obsessed with her enigmatic neighbor, Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), a man who is suspected of killing his first wife. As Aggie digs herself deeper and deeper into a hole filled with suspicion and manipulation, The Beast in Me leaves no character unexamined and everyone’s morality is called into question.

The Beast in Me is aptly described by Collider‘s Michael Block as “an unrelenting cat-and-mouse game that forces its audience to question everything and everyone.” It toys with themes of privilege, power, and perception. At eight episodes, it makes a perfect capsule thriller, and it never stops delivering on high-stakes twists and growing tension.

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‘The Boroughs’ (2026)

Image via Netflix

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Aging is inevitable. Some fight against it, some accept it, but either way, it happens. The sci-fi thriller The Boroughs features both approaches and is a fascinating exploration of the subject. The Boroughs is a masterclass in tension from the very start. It simultaneously involves an exciting creature feature premise and a human, relational drama about getting older, independence, grief, and mortality.

The story revolves around the residents of a retirement community who witness strange creatures and other unusual circumstances in their picturesque cul-de-sac. The Boroughs is brimming with talent and includes Hollywood icons such as Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis. As with all meaningful science fiction premises, The Boroughs uses the setting of sci-fi to examine some of the most profound human conditions. It has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is perfect from the first episode to the last.

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‘Dark Winds’ (2022–Present)

Image via AMC

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When your series has George R. R. Martin as an executive producer, there is a good chance it’s going to be something epic, and Dark Winds has been exactly that. The western-themed thriller is set in the 1970s and follows Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), two police officers who protect and serve the local Navajo people. In Dark Winds, Joe and Jim must deal with their own personal struggles while trying to ensure the safety of those they are charged with protecting, including solving a murder case and tracking down a professional killer.

Dark Winds has ranked high with critics and fans alike and is enjoying a renaissance of streaming success as all four seasons are currently streaming on Netflix. Being available on the streaming giant has been a great one for the series, and it continues to be a favorite. New audiences are finally able to discover why this AMC series has stood out among the rest, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

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‘Slow Horses’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV

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Gary Oldman is a chameleon. His ability to morph into a character and completely disappear into a role is well known in the industry, and it made him a perfect cast for the Apple TV series Slow Horses. Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, a jaded MI5 agent who is rough around the edges. Thrown together with a motley crew of other MI5 less-than-desirables, the team at Slough House does what they do best and takes an unorthodox approach to espionage.

The exciting plotlines and biting wit of Slow Horses make it an absolute hit. Oldman is irreplaceable as the unpolished veteran who has a rough exterior but ultimately cares about the people he works with. Like an onion slowly peeling back layers, devotees are rewarded for following his character’s journey as he is given more emotional depth and pathos as the series goes on. Slow Horses Season 6 premieres this September, and it will undoubtedly be as stellar as the rest of the show’s tenure.

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‘Paradise’ (2025–Present)

Image via Hulu

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It is difficult to describe Paradise without giving too much away. This gripping drama has so many reveals and twists and turns that it feels like an enigma wrapped in a riddle. The series features Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nicholson in key roles, and they give phenomenal performances. Brown and Nicholson play consummate career professionals on two flip sides of a situation that are given opportunities for their vulnerability to sneak through.

Nothing in Paradise is as it seems, and audiences are waiting on the edge of their seats to see what happens in the upcoming third and final season. It is rare to find thriller TV shows where it is almost impossible to predict what happens next, but Paradise is refreshingly one of them. Fans of post-apocalyptic, political, and survivalist series should definitely check it out and get caught up to speed before the finale.

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‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)

Image via Netflix

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Netflix is known for its robust selection of award-winning South Korean TV shows and movies, and one of the best is Squid Game. In this high-stakes thriller, contestants who are under immense financial pressure agree to participate in a contest that involves children’s games. With a multi-million dollar prize and seemingly infantile obstacles, the allure of the games is irresistible. However, contestants soon find out that elimination means exactly that, and they pay for a loss with their lives.

Squid Game is one of Netflix’s most successful TV series ever. It became a worldwide phenomenon and has inspired countless other projects. Although there are some shady characters in the show, most of the contestants are honest, ordinary people simply trying to make their lives a little better. This everyman setting tugs at the heartstrings of viewers and allows Squid Game to have a greater impact than most thriller shows. Every audience member can identify with the struggle of those who participate and imagine what they would do in a contestant’s place. Squid Game has won six Primetime Emmys and continues to be one of the best thriller TV shows of the past decade.

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‘Severance (2022–Present)

In only two seasons, Severance has delivered more twists and turns and psychological mayhem than most TV series do in their entire run. Starring an impeccable cast that includes Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, and Tramell Tillman, Severance is a workplace drama like no other. The core premise is that employees of the secretive Lumon Industries agree to have a procedure done that allows their minds to separate into two personas, one for work and one for personal life.

Severance is brilliantly designed to create an uneasy tension and unsettling feeling that lingers in the back of viewers’ minds. The cinematography and mise en scène are stylized and gorgeous, all the while staying inside an intentionally melancholy and monotonous theme. Most people have to deal with a work/life balance, and Severance tugs at that string like a violinist playing a concerto. Severance has won 10 Primetime Emmys over its two seasons thus far, and only greatness is expected in the future for this perfect TV thriller masterpiece.

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Severance

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Release Date

February 17, 2022

Network

Apple TV

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Showrunner

Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman

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Plenty of Stephen King stories are ubiquitous, and not just if you’re a reader, and find yourself strolling past a good many horror sections at any number of book stores, but also if you watch a lot of movies and/or TV. So many books of the author’s have been popular, and then some of them have reached further popularity thanks to TV productions or movies (or, as was the case with IT, both, since that one had a miniseries adaptation and then a two-part movie adaptation much later).

And there are Stephen King stories that are more popular in their adapted form than their written one, because you might still be able to find people you can surprise by telling them Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption were based on works written by King. Still, with him being so prolific, there are a few books he’s written that only the truly die-hard Stephen King fans will probably know about, including the ones below. And hey, if you’ve heard of them all, and read each and every one, then congrats: you’re probably a big fan and stuff. Join the club.

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‘Elevation’ (2018)

Image via Charles Scribner’s Sons

There have been good Stephen King books written in the 21st century for sure, and a few are even quite popular and worthy of being compared to his classics (like 11/22/63 for sure, and probably Revival and Under the Dome, too). Then you’ve also got Elevation, which is a bit too odd and slight to really leave much of a mark, and it’s most interesting if you approach it as something of a spiritual sequel to Thinner.

Now, Thinner is lesser King, by his early standards, so is probably on the less-known side of things as far as his 1980s books go. But it’s still had more of an impact than Elevation, with weight loss being played for horror in Thinner, and then a man losing mass somehow (to the point where he begins to reckon with the idea that he might eventually float away) being played for… it’s hard to tell. Played for emotion? Played for tears? Elevation is quite sappy and almost silly, but any die-hard (well, semi-die-hard) fans who’ve not read it yet might still get a little out of it.

7

‘Danse Macabre’ (1981)

Image via Hodder & Stoughton

In Danse Macabre, Stephen King spends a lot of time writing about horror books that other people have written. Some are classics that inspired him, while others were written by his contemporaries, and were relatively recent at the time Danse Macabre was published. King also spends parts of the book talking about horror on television, and cinematic horror, exploring – and commenting on – the genre in a few other ways, too.

Yes, it’s a non-fiction book, and so it’s one that’s lacking genuine horror elements (supernatural or otherwise), instead being concerned with talking about horror. It’s one of the least scary Stephen King books, for that reason, though it’s not quite as strong a work of non-fiction as his more personal On Writing, which is justifiably a little more well-known – and held in higher regard critically – than Danse Macabre. But if you like the way King writes non-fiction, and you’re particularly interested in reading his quite conversational run-through of the horror genre and some of its history, it can make for a fairly fun read.

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‘Rage’ (1977)

Image via Signet Books/Stephen King

It’s easy to put Rage here on the basis that it’s been pulled from publication, so you have to look outside traditional bookstores if you really want to read it, and if you need a physical copy, it’s going to have to be a second-hand one, basically. Rage is about a young boy who brings a gun to school, using it to shoot one of his teachers before holding some of his classmates at gunpoint, which kicks off a tense hostage situation.

King wrote it early on in his writing career, and it was one of his Richard Bachman books (as was the previously-mentioned Thinner), but he’s soured on it more recently, and doesn’t feel it’s responsible to continue selling it with the rise in school incidents comparable to the one in Rage, in the years since Rage first came out. All that’s why Rage is easy to put here. It’s simply not as accessible as King’s other books, and there’s an extra level of dedication required on the part of a reader to get one’s hands on it.

5

‘Black House’ (2001)

Image via Hodder Paperbacks

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There’s a world of horror books out there not written by Stephen King, and Black House is almost one of them. Okay, he co-wrote it, so there is King to be found here, but it’s definitely got some differences from his usual style, thanks to Peter Straub being a tremendously interesting co-author, as was also the case with The Talisman. Black House, published nearly two decades later, continues the story that kicked off in that epic-length novel.

Black House is a little more abstract, though, with things being a bit less recognizably Stephen King, compared to The Talisman, until you get to the parts of Black House that go all-in with The Dark Tower references. That’s where Black House starts to feel surprisingly important for Stephen King’s whole multiverse, a little like how Insomnia also is, despite not being an official entry in The Dark Tower series. Still, there are some barriers to overcome if you want to get into Black House, including the need to have read (and remember) The Talisman, an appreciation (or at least tolerance) for Peter Straub’s style, and some knowledge of The Dark Tower, so you know the significance of the bits of Black House that cross over.

4

‘Rose Madder’ (1995)

Image via Viking

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The subject matter of Rose Madder is certainly heavy-going, since it’s about a woman going on the run from her abusive husband. While she is the central character, her husband does remain in the story fairly often as he chases her, which does a lot in keeping things tense, and like they are continually moving somewhere, but Stephen King does not hold back at all when it comes to making this man truly evil… occasionally even cartoonishly so.

And then Rose Madder dips into fantasy and mild supernatural horror in its final act, all in ways that are messy, but still fairly interesting. It’s more the intensity of the fairly realistic horror before the truly fantastical stuff that makes Rose Madder a bit of a hard sell. It’s also not had any movie or TV adaptation to date, and it’s not one you hear a ton of people talking about or really loving (for what it’s worth, it’s not nearly mishandled enough to rank anywhere near the bottom if you’re talking about King’s worst books to date).

3

‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ (1984)

Image via Viking Press

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It’s a possibly bold claim, but The Eyes of the Dragon is a genuinely strong fantasy novel, and one of King’s better attempts at writing something firmly within that genre. And he has tackled fantasy fairly often, blending it with Western and sci-fi conventions in The Dark Tower, most noticeably, though The Eyes of the Dragon has him doing what might still be called dark fantasy, but not as dark as usual.

The thing’s probably suitable for young adult audiences, or kids who’ve read and enjoyed/appreciated something on the level of His Dark Materials. The Eyes of the Dragon continues to feel a bit underappreciated, though, or maybe just overshadowed by various other iconic Stephen King novels from the 1980s. If a big fan of the author’s hasn’t read it, telling them it’s one of the more significant Stephen King stories featuring Randall Flagg will probably pique their interest, seeing as he’s a prominent villain here just as he is in The Stand and throughout a decent chunk of The Dark Tower series, too.

2

‘Cycle of the Werewolf’ (1983)

Image via Land of Enchantment

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Cycle of the Werewolf has a bit of a gimmick, but it’s a cool one. The book’s probably more of a novella than a novel, which could also be said about Elevation, though this is a good deal more compelling. It has one chapter per month, spanning a year, and some of the chapters feel like short stories about a town dealing with possible werewolf attacks, but there is still enough by way of continuity to eventually tie things together.

It’s an easy read, because there aren’t many pages all up, and then there are a high number of illustrations spread out across quite a few of those pages, done by Bernie Wrightson. They add a lot to the simple but engaging story, and Cycle of the Werewolf does indeed do the werewolf sub-genre justice… perhaps not to the same extent that Stephen King did vampires justice in ‘Salem’s Lot, or anything, but he did werewolves here better than he did zombies in Cell, for whatever that might be worth.

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‘Faithful’ (2004)

Image via Orion

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Imagine someone writing about Stephen King almost constantly, and then bragging about having read all his novels, novellas, and short stories, only to have one white whale out there that remains unconquered. It’s called Faithful. It is a bridge too far for this die-hard Stephen King you were just told to imagine. Imagine further that this person cannot bring themselves to read Faithful, even if some others might argue you have to read Faithful if you want to “truly” complete King’s body of work.

But this imagined person would find that too arduous. Assume this person does not care for baseball, and found that one Stephen King baseball-related story (more of a non-fiction essay) in Nightmares and Dreamscapes, called “Head Down,” exceptionally hard to get through. This hypothetical person cannot subject themselves to a book that’s just Stephen King talking about the 2004 Boston Red Sox season. This feels like the most niche thing ever. And also, it was co-written with novelist Stewart O’Nan, so technically, you can be a completionist while just sticking to the books that only King wrote (you’d be missing out on The Talisman and Black House then, of course, but still).

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Birthdate

September 21, 1947

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Stephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father’s family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support.(Biographical information from Goodreads)

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For nearly two decades, the words Dragon Ball and “live action” have carried a bit of baggage. Ever since Dragonball Evolution hit theaters in 2009, fans have largely pretended it never happened, and honestly, who could blame them? The film was panned by critics, rejected by longtime fans, and even Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama later expressed disappointment with the adaptation. Years later, screenwriter Ben Ramsey publicly apologized, admitting he wasn’t approaching the project as a fan but simply as another writing assignment.

The good news? Hollywood looks a lot different than it did in 2009.

When Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, it also inherited Fox’s live action Dragon Ball film rights. While Shueisha, Toei Animation, and Bird Studio continue to oversee the franchise itself, Disney controls the live action movie rights that Fox originally secured more than two decades ago. As of today, no new live action Dragon Ballfilm has been officially announced, but the possibility is always there.

If Disney ever decides to revisit the franchise, it would be walking into a completely different landscape. Anime adaptations have come a long way over the past several years. Projects like One Piece have shown that audiences will embrace live action anime when the people behind it genuinely respect the source material. Studios have also become much more willing to work alongside original creators instead of trying to reinvent beloved franchises for mainstream audiences.

Technology has also caught up. In 2009, convincing audiences that people could fly through the sky while launching planet-shattering energy blasts was a much taller task. Today, visual effects have reached the point where a live action Kamehameha or Super Saiyan transformation could look spectacular in the hands of the right filmmakers. Disney certainly has access to the talent and resources needed to make that happen.

It may also already have the right director within its own family of studios. Destin Daniel Cretton, who is currently directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day for Marvel Studios, has been open about his love for Dragon Ball Z. During the development of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cretton cited the anime as one of his inspirations for the film’s martial arts action, and fans even spotted a playful Kamehameha homage in the movie. More importantly, Cretton has shown that he can balance heartfelt character moments with fast-paced, visually stunning action. If Disney ever moves forward with another live action Dragon Ball, he’d certainly deserve to be part of the conversation.

Of course, none of that matters if the story misses the heart of what made Dragon Ball special in the first place. Fans aren’t asking for a grounded reboot or a complete reimagining of Goku’s journey. They want colorful characters, incredible martial arts, outrageous power levels, and the sense of adventure that has made the franchise one of the biggest in the world for more than 40 years. 

Perhaps the biggest obstacle isn’t visual effects or casting. It’s trust. Dragonball Evolution burned so much goodwill that many fans would immediately be skeptical of another live action attempt. Disney would have one chance to prove that the franchise deserves another shot, and it would need to earn that trust from day one by staying true to the spirit of Akira Toriyama’s legendary series.

Then again, maybe that’s exactly why now is the right time.

Dragonball Evolution proved that simply owning the rights isn’t enough. But with today’s filmmaking technology, a greater appreciation for anime, and directors like Destin Daniel Cretton who genuinely understand the material, Disney has a real opportunity to do something fans never thought possible: make a live action Dragon Ball movie people actually want to watch.

Home shopping is getting wild on QVC after wig designer Toni Brattin experienced an unforgettable blooper on live TV.

“This texture and wave pattern,” Brattin said on Tuesday, August 4, when describing her salon select wig. “Again, it looks like you went and got a b*** job — blowout — at your salon, and it looks beautiful.”

While the designer tried her best not to burst out laughing after realizing her incorrect words, host Terri Conn swept in like a total pro.

“All right, here’s what’s happening today. We’re having a huge beauty sale,” Conn, 51, said while keeping a straight face. “Everything ships to you for free, but that goes away at the end of the day. I will remind you that this is a one time only price where the price goes up at the end of the show.”

Related: QVC Host Rick Domeier Announces His Retirement Plans After 30 Years

QVC host Rick Domeier is ready to begin a new chapter away from the shopping network. “At the end of the year, I’ll be going down a very different road — a road I’ve never been on before. It’s called retirement road,” Domeier, 65, exclusively shared with Us on Wednesday, July 29. “I heard it’s […]

The moment quickly grabbed the attention of the internet, with Jimmy Fallon poking fun at the moment during his monologue.

“During a recent QVC segment on wigs, one of the hosts had a bit of a slip-up,” Fallon, 51, shared on the Wednesday, August 5, episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon before playing the clip. “By the way, the wigs are totally sold out. Note to all the married men out there: The wig is only available on your birthday.”

The QVC family appeared to have a great sense of humor over the live TV moment while sharing their own unique takes on social media.

“Talk about EASY PAYS…” fashion designer Lawrence Zarian commented. Fellow designer Mally Roncal added, “And I love that you’re wearing my dress! 👗 🥹🥹🥹🥹 SO. FREAKING. GOOD!!!”

Even celebrities chimed in on the viral moment, with former Queer Eye star Karamo Brown writing, “I’m buying one just because 😂😂😂.”

For those curious about Brattin’s wig, the item is still available in 11 colors. The wig “features a fresh, sophisticated style with layers of softly curled hair at the front and sides and a collar-length back,” according to QVC’s website.

This isn’t the first time QVC has gone viral for a hilarious live TV moment. In March, fashion designer Kim Gravel couldn’t believe a testimony from a viewer.

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Related: QVC’s Most Memorable Hosts: Where Are They Now?

Some QVC shoppers can’t help but make a connection with some of the network’s products — and hosts. Over the years, viewers have developed close bonds with longtime program hosts who have a gift of selling everything from fashion and beauty products to food and electronics. Every so often, some of the program hosts decide […]

“I wanted to tell you that I got that blouse with the tassels, and I used to wear the tassels on my pasties,” the caller said. “Do you know what pasties are? Well, I had tassels on my pasties.”

Gravel, 55 — who is celebrating her 10-year anniversary at QVC this month — called the caller her “emotional support diva.”

“That’s the fun of live TV,” she later exclusively told Us. “You never know what a caller is going to say. Moments like that are exactly why I love taking calls during shows. It reminds me that we’re all just women having a good time talking about clothes — and apparently tassels!”

Marvel fans have had no shortage of content to enjoy so far this year, especially on the small screen, where the MCU has delivered several hit TV shows. After new seasons of Wonder Man and Daredevil: Born Again dazzled fans around the world, Marvel shifted gears to animation for its latest release, X-Men ‘97. There is only one episode remaining in the second season of X-Men ‘97, but there is no cause to be concerned about the future of the show. Not only has X-Men ‘97 already been picked up for Season 3, but the show has also been officially renewed for Season 4. Marvel Studios Head of TV and Streaming Brad Winderbaum has expressed a strong desire for the show to be around for years, too, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see future seasons of the show beyond 2028.

One of the stars from the first two seasons of X-Men ‘97 is Gui Agustini, who voices Roberto Da Costa, aka Sunspot. Collider’s Maggie Lovitt recently caught up with Agustini for a quick chat after an event for X-Men ‘97 Season 2, and when asked if there was any particular comic story he wanted to see adapted into the show going forward, he told Collider: “So, I think I would love to have Cannonball come in and be part of this world somehow, and show a little bit of the bromance that they have in the comics with the New Mutants.”

He continued, also revealing another Season 1 character he would like to see back in the future: “Also, one of my favorite scenes is with Sunspot and Deathbird. In the first season, she makes an appearance, and I’m hoping she can come back, and maybe we can have a little something like in the comics and create a little drama between the three of us with Jubilee.”

Is Marvel Working on an ‘X-Men’ Movie?

Marvel Studios is actively developing an X-Men reboot movie featuring an entirely new cast, which is likely going to be released after Avengers: Secret Wars. It’s been confirmed that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is directing the film with a script from Lee Sung Jin (Beef) and Joanna Calo (The Bear), but plot specifics are being kept under wraps at this time. However, the first casting announcements for Marvel’s X-Men reboot movie have begun to roll in, as it was reported that Samara Weaving had joined the cast as Emma Frost, with Sadie Sink playing Jean Grey, and Kit Connor cast as Scott Summers. Future casting, plot, and release details are expected to be announced as the project reaches a more advanced stage of development.

Check out the first two seasons of X-Men ‘97 on Disney+ and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the show.

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Release Date

March 20, 2024

Network

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Disney+

Directors

Jake Castorena, Emi Yonemura, Chase Conley

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Writers

Charlie Feldman, Anthony Sellitti, Beau DeMayo, JB Ballard

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