Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on July 30, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Kylie Kelce shut down pregnancy speculation sparked by photos from her recent Paris trip, telling listeners on the July 30 episode of her “Not Gonna Lie” podcast that commenting on women’s bodies is unacceptable. She reminded fans she and husband Jason Kelce already have four kids and said her body will never fully return to its pre-baby state.

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• Jonathan Taylor Thomas made a rare public appearance to reunite with his Home Improvement costars Patricia Richardson and Taran Noah Smith more than two decades after the sitcom’s finale. Richardson shared the new photo of the trio on Instagram on July 29, captioning it “My other boys.”

• Kate Cassidy explained that she is lasering off some of the tattoos she got in honor of late boyfriend Liam Payne because the ink is too thick, not because her feelings have changed, she shared on TikTok on July 29. Cassidy said she plans to have the tributes — including a “444” angel number for Payne — redone by an artist experienced in fine line work.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Collider’s Perri Nemiroff had the opportunity to sit down with the showrunners, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, and cast members of Prime Video’s hit prequel series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, to find out what fans can expect from the upcoming Season 3.

On November 11, we return to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth at the height of the War of the Elves, when Sauron (Charlie Vickers), as the Dark Lord, is ready and determined to craft the One Ring. The sprawling fantasy series welcomes back many returning cast members, and introduces Jamie Campbell Bower as Celeborn, Eddie Marsan as Thráin, Simon Pegg as the voice of the Balrog, and Andrew Richardson as Anárion — plus a couple of others the cast will tease, including a wholly original character.

Check out our two interviews with the cast and showrunners below, in which stars Benjamin Walker, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniel Weyman, Vickers, Owain Arthur, and Ismael Cruz Córdova, along with Payne and McKay, prepare us for what’s to come, and share what it’s like behind the scenes, seeing masters of their craft bring Rings of Power to life, from the actors to the unsung heroes.

Sauron Faces a New Challenge in ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3

The stars share their characters’ journeys this season.

Image via Prime Video

First up, Payne hints at Sauron’s creative struggles this season, and why what he did to Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) will come back to haunt him. Vickers, Addai-Robinson, who plays Míriel, Weyman, who plays Gandalf, and Walker, who plays Gil-galad, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their characters at the beginning of Season 3, and highlight the performances of their new co-stars, Bower, who plays Celeborn this season, and Zubin Varla, who will play Khamûl the Easterling.

For all this and more on what’s to come, check out the video above, with a time index provided below.

• 00:54 – J.D. Payne discusses how Season 3 centers on Sauron’s growing self-doubt and the struggles he faces to forge the One Ring.
• 02:12 – The cast discuss each character’s greatest strength and greatest weakness for Season 3.
• 06:26 – Which cast members delivered impressive and inspiring performances?
• 12:50 – The crew highlight the behind-the-scenes artists who raised the bar with their craftsmanship.

‘Rings of Power’ Season 3’s Biggest Wild Card Is an Orc You Might Actually Root For

Eddie Marsan and Adam Young join the Season 3 cast in exciting new roles!

Finally, Nemiroff spoke with McKay, Córdova, who plays Arondir, and Arthur, who plays Prince Durin IV. During their chat, McKay expands on Sauron’s role this season, explaining how he becomes “full-metal” Sauron, the legendary villain LOTR fans are familiar with. Plus, Córdova and Arthur share details about Rings of Power’s newest characters — Durin’s questionable older brother, Thráin, played by Marsan, and an original character, an Orc named Marnûkh, played by Adam Young, who Córdova calls “an icon in the making.”

You can catch the full interview in the video above, with a time index below.

• 00:33 – Patrick McKay on why Season 3 centers on a darker, “full-metal” Sauron.
• 02:25 – Ismael Cruz Córdova praises Adam Young’s performance as Marnûkh.
• 04:29 – McKay previews the reluctant alliance between Arondir, Galadriel, and Marnûkh.
• 07:17 – Owain Arthur reflects on reuniting with Eddie Marsan as Durin and Thráin.
• 10:37 – The trio spotlight behind-the-scenes crew members who make Rings of Power a cinematic feat.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 premieres on Prime Video on November 11.

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Release Date

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September 1, 2022

Network

Amazon Prime Video

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Showrunner

John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip

Writers

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Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, J.R.R. Tolkien, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Stephany Folsom, Nicholas Adams

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The late influencer Sara Gilson’s ex-husband, Lyle Landers, has offered to pay for her funeral in the wake of her death in an alleged murder-suicide plot carried out by her estranged second husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey.

Landers told TMZ on Thursday, July 30, that he promised Gilson’s parents that he would give her the funeral she deserved since he is in a stable financial position. (Gilson and Landers shared two children before divorcing.)

Following Gilson’s death, Landers confirmed to the outlet that he spent his birthday on Tuesday, July 28, picking out a funeral plot for the late TikTok personality. A private ceremony is expected to be held in her honor later this week.

A GoFundMe page that was recently set up to benefit Gilson’s two children has already raised more than $33,000. (Per the fundraising page, donations will go to the children’s “immediate needs, counseling, education, funeral expenses, and other costs that arise as they begin this unimaginable journey without their mother.”)

Related: Sara Gilson Filed 3 Protective Orders Against Jeremiah Duffey Before Murder

Influencer Sara Gilson filed three protective orders against Jeremiah Duffey — the first and second were filed five years ago and the third was filed one month before he allegedly killed her in an apparent murder-suicide. According to court documents obtained by Us, Gilson filed her first request in August 2021, claiming she was the […]

Gilson and Duffey were found dead at ages 43 and 48, respectively, by law enforcement officials in their Owasso, Oklahoma, home on July 23. Owasso police officers responded to the residence after receiving a 911 call from “a juvenile caller advising his step-father had shot his mother.” (Police suspect the case was a murder-suicide plot orchestrated by Duffey though the investigation is ongoing.)

The shocking crime was preceded by Gilson taking out an order of protection against Duffey on the same day in June as a local mother asked for her own restraining order on behalf of her teenage daughter. The mother’s petition alleged that Duffey sexually abused her daughter while coaching her basketball team. (Duffey was being investigated for the alleged sexual abuse by Oklahoma police at the time of his death.)

Weeks after she was granted an order of protection, Gilson publicly accused Duffey of pedophilia in a July 11 TikTok video. The hairstylist took part in a TikTik trend where she pretended to be interviewed for a true-crime documentary.

“Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon-to-be ex-husband, who I just found out is a pedophile,” she wrote over the clip, while captioning the video, “I wish I was joking.”

@mrsgilson

I wish I was joking. #plottwist #netflix #documentary

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♬ original sound – Sara 🌸🐚🌺

While the clip has now gone viral with more than 2.3 million “likes,” Landers told TMZ on Thursday that he hopes the video is not how Gilson is remembered.

“The world sees her TikTok video and they assume that’s who she is. That’s not her. She was a mom. That’s the real her,” he insisted.

As for Duffey, his ex-wife, Stephanie Ramsay, revealed earlier this week that the alleged killer will not have a funeral because his family do not want to honor his memory. Instead, Ramsay and Duffey’s five children have chosen to have him cremated so his remains can be put in a private family funeral plot.

Details are emerging about Gilson and Duffey’s troubled marriage, including information about alleged financial and legal issues. Per The Oklahoman, Gilson previously filed a restraining order against Duffey in 2021 but it was dismissed when she did not attend a hearing.

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Us obtained court documents showing that Duffey filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2024 and listed a Glock 19 pistol, valued at $450, as one of his assets at the time. He listed Sara as a codebtor and specified her monthly income as a hairstylist and influencer at just over $3,000.

However, Duffey allegedly told the Owasso Police Department in Oklahoma in March 2024 that his semi-automatic handgun was allegedly stolen from his car. According to a police report obtained by Us, he claimed that his “vehicle had been broken into and items [were] stolen,” including a handgun he valued at $800.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

The term “action film” has been around since the 1910s, but the action genre we know and love today was originally established during the New Hollywood Movement by classics such as Goldfinger, Dirty Harry, and Enter the Dragon, and hit its peak of popularity in the 1980s with iconic hits including The Terminator, Die Hard, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Since then, action movies have entered a new age that has redefined the genre with intense action sequences, compelling stories, and memorable characters, proving that the genre is more than just a spectacle of explosions and fight scenes.

While there have been an abundance of stellar action movies released since 2000, there are a few exceptional entries, such as John Wick, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Casino Royale, that transcend the genre with unwavering thrills and intriguing players, making them some of the greatest action movies of the 21st century. From Mission: Impossible — Fallout starring Tom Cruise as the legendary Ethan Hunt to Quentin Tarantino‘s Kill Bill: Volume 1, these are the six best action movies released since 2000, ranked!

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‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Tom Cruise reprises one of his famous roles as IMF agent Ethan Hunt in Christopher McQuarrie‘s Mission: Impossible — Fallout, marking the sixth installment in the hit action film franchise. Set two years after the events of Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, Hunt and his team, Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), work with a CIA agent, August Walker (Henry Cavill), to track down a dangerous arms dealer and a group of terrorists who have three plutonium cores, but when the weapons go missing, the mission intensifies into a desperate race against time to stop a potential nuclear attack.

Mission: Impossible — Fallout features some of the most ambitious practical stunts ever filmed, including Cruise’s HALO jump, helicopter chase, and brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes, which were all performed with little to no CGI. Its expertly choreographed action, memorable villains, and stunning cinematography not only set a new standard for modern action films, but it also showcases how to maintain the nostalgia of a popular franchise while still forging a fresh and original path. By blending thrilling spectacle with genuine suspense and emotional depth, Mission: Impossible – Fallout has become a benchmark against which many contemporary action movies are measured.

5

‘Man on Fire’ (2004)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Denzel Washington stars in Ridley Scott‘s 2004 action thriller, Man on Fire, as a former CIA operative turned personal bodyguard, John Creasy, who is employed by a wealthy businessman in Mexico City, Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony), to protect his nine-year-old daughter, Lupita “Pita” Ramos (Dakota Fanning). When Pita is kidnapped by a notorious gunman, Creasy goes on the warpath to find her before it’s too late, leaving a path of bloodshed, vengeance, and destruction behind him every step of the way.

Unlike many action films, Man on Fire gives equal weight to character development and explosive action, which makes Creasy’s journey both compelling and emotionally impactful, setting it apart from other modern action thrillers. Washington delivers a powerhouse performance, conveying the genuine danger of a man who has nothing else to lose with a blend of unpredictable menace and surprising vulnerability. Between Washington’s unforgettable performance, Scott’s sharp direction, and its timeless tale of revenge, Man on Fire continues to endure decades after its original release and is, hands down, one of the best action movies of the 21st century.

4

‘John Wick’ (2014)

Image via Lionsgate

John Wick is a top-tier action thriller that ultimately reinvented the modern action movie with its innovative fight choreography, stylish world-building, and relentless pacing, and has since grown into one of the most popular action film franchises to date. Keanu Reeves stars as the titular character, a retired assassin and grieving widow, who, after his dog is killed by a sadistic mobster (Alfie Allen) and his crew, comes out of retirement to track down those who are responsible, ultimately serving up his own form of street justice and merciless revenge.

What begins as a simple revenge story evolves into a thrilling showcase of expertly choreographed gunplay, martial arts, and tactical combat, often referred to as “gun-fu,” essentially cementing John Wick as one of the best action movies in recent years. Director Chad Stahelski‘s emphasis on practical stunts, long takes, and realistic action sequences gives the film a distinctive style and undeniable edge that has influenced countless action movies since its release. Combined with Reeves’ committed and emotionally fueled performance, a richly imagined underworld of assassins, and jaw-dropping action scenes, John Wick set a new standard for the genre and launched one of the most successful action franchises of the 21st century.

3

‘Casino Royale’ (2006)

Casino Royale is the second adaptation of Ian Fleming‘s spy novel of the same name and revitalized the legendary James Bond franchise with a grittier, more realistic approach, essentially appealing to both original fans of 007 and newcomers to Fleming’s iconic MIF agent. Daniel Craig makes his grand debut as Bond, who, after earning his license to kill, is tasked with taking down a private banker and terrorist financier, Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), by playing him in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro.

The movie explores Bond’s early career while blending high-stakes espionage with intense action and emotional depth, making Casino Royale a modern standout in the action genre. Despite being a remake, Casino Royale leaves its own distinct mark on the franchise with a career-defining performance by Craig and memorable action-packed sequences, notably the opening black-and-white chase and the tense finale in Venice, which is a masterclass in practical stunt work and expertly choreographed action. By combining thrilling action, sophisticated storytelling, and a standout performance from Craig, Casino Royale successfully reinvented one of cinema’s most iconic heroes and set a new benchmark for modern spy and action films.

2

‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ (2007)

Image via Universal Pictures

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The Bourne Ultimatum is loosely based on the third novel in the Bourne Trilogy series written by Robert Ludlum and masterfully combines fast-paced action with intelligent storytelling and emotional depth. The movie picks up after the events of The Bourne Supremacy and follows Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a CIA assassin with dissociative amnesia, as he continues to search for information about his past before joining the top-secret black ops program, Treadstone, while evading the relentless pursuit of the CIA and a similar program known as Blackbriar.

The film’s intense foot chases, intense hand-to-hand combat, and realistic car pursuits are filmed with a kinetic style that creates a constant sense of urgency without sacrificing clarity, ultimately solidifying the film’s place among the best of the best modern action thrillers. Damon’s understated performance adds depth to Bourne’s struggle for identity, which makes the action feel more personal and meaningful. The Bourne Ultimatum was a major success and went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. With its gripping plot, relentless pacing, and groundbreaking approach to realistic espionage action, The Bourne Ultimatum raised the standard for modern spy thrillers and influenced countless action films that followed.

1

‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ (2003)

Image via Miramax

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Quentin Tarantino’s iconic action thriller Kill Bill: Volume 1 combines breathtaking action and unwavering suspense with the director’s distinctive style of storytelling and distinct visual spectacle, and is regarded by many as one of the greatest modern action movies to ever grace the silver screen. The movie stars Uma Thurman as a former mercenary known as the Bride, who becomes hellbent on tracking down and exacting her revenge on a group of assassins and their leader, Bill (David Carradine), after they tried to kill her and her unborn baby.

Kill Bill: Volume 1 features some of the most iconic action sequences of the 21st century, including the unforgettable showdown with the Crazy 88 and the climactic duel against O-Ren Ishii. Drawing inspiration from martial arts films, spaghetti westerns, and anime, Tarantino creates a visually striking and uniquely stylized experience that only a filmmaker of his caliber could achieve with such precision and passion. With its expertly choreographed sword fights, memorable characters, dynamic soundtrack, and bold cinematography, Kill Bill: Volume 1 redefined the revenge action genre and remains one of the most influential and celebrated action films of the modern era.

Shania Twain is refusing to let critics dictate how she feels about growing older.

After years of battling insecurities over her changing appearance, the country music icon says she has finally reached a place of acceptance, embracing menopause, rejecting unrealistic beauty standards, and refusing to let body shamers steal her confidence.

The 60-year-old singer’s latest comments also shed new light on a painful health setback that forced her offstage during her Las Vegas residency, revealing how menopause played a bigger role than fans ever realized.

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Speaking candidly to PEOPLE, Twain reflected on the difficult transition into menopause and how it contributed to a frightening injury she suffered while performing in Las Vegas in 2019.

The singer explained that dehydration, poor nutrition, and hormonal changes combined to create what she described as the “perfect storm.”

“I ripped two muscles in my thigh,” Twain recalled, explaining that she had not yet adjusted to the Nevada climate and wasn’t consuming enough water, salt, or protein while experiencing severe menopausal symptoms.

The injury forced her to reevaluate how she cared for herself, especially as she struggled with physical changes she didn’t fully understand at the time.

Twain Says Aging Changed How She Sees Herself

4

Shania Twain admitted that seeing her body change was emotionally difficult.

“I go from being this young, stunning figure, beautiful skin, everything’s in the right place,” she said, admitting she eventually reached a point where she “couldn’t look in the mirror” because all she noticed were what she considered imperfections.

Instead of continuing to fight the natural aging process, however, the Grammy winner said she gradually realized that prioritizing her well-being mattered far more than chasing youth.

Shania Twain Reveals Why She Stopped Looking In The Mirror

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Twain’s latest remarks build on admissions she has made over the past year about her complicated relationship with body image.

Earlier this year, she revealed that there was a period during her Las Vegas residency when she “hated” her body and became consumed by every perceived flaw she saw in the mirror. Rather than feeling empowered by her appearance, she admitted she often focused on what had changed instead of appreciating where she was in life.

Those feelings eventually gave way to a healthier outlook. Today, Twain says she no longer feels pressure to recreate the body she had decades ago.

“I’m not trying to be 30. I’m not trying to be 25, and I won’t be ever again,” she told PEOPLE, encouraging others to enjoy themselves in the present instead of constantly wishing they looked younger.

She added another message that has become central to her outlook on aging, noting, “Vanity is not worth torture.”

The singer also acknowledged that aging has required adjustments in other parts of her life, joking that she can no longer play tennis the way she did in her 30s and has instead adapted her game rather than trying to push her body beyond its limits.

Shania Twain Has A New Message For Body Shamers

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While Twain has faced criticism about her appearance throughout her career, especially as she continues wearing bold stage outfits in her late 50s and early 60s, she says she has reached a point where outside opinions simply don’t carry the same weight.

Instead of allowing online criticism to influence how she dresses or performs, the singer has embraced a philosophy centered on confidence rather than perfection.

She declared that her body “is not shameable,” making it clear that she refuses to let strangers determine how she should feel about herself.

That mindset remains unchanged. Rather than trying to erase every sign of aging, Twain said she’s learning to embrace each stage of life as it comes.

“I just have to get over this because every day that goes by, I’m getting older,” she explained, adding that the physical changes that once bothered her no longer define how she sees herself.

For Twain, accepting those changes has become liberating instead of discouraging.

Twain Has Spoken Honestly About Her Body Before

This isn’t the first time Shania Twain has spoken openly about her relationship with her appearance.

The country superstar has repeatedly explained that confidence didn’t always come naturally, despite being widely regarded as one of music’s biggest sex symbols during the 1990s and early 2000s.

As previously reported by The Blast, Twain recently admitted she spent years criticizing her body behind the scenes, even while fans viewed her as one of the entertainment industry’s most glamorous performers.

She acknowledged that she often overlooked the confidence she possessed when she was younger because she was too busy searching for flaws.

Looking back now, Twain says she wishes she had appreciated herself more during those years instead of allowing insecurities to overshadow them.

That realization has become one of the biggest lessons she hopes others can learn from her own experience.

In the world of television, very few shows get the chance to continue past their first or second season. This is especially true in the modern era, where streaming platforms and on-demand viewing dominate over cable or network television. As a result, many platforms produce several of their own original series of many genres, in an effort to get people to buy a subscription.

This is getting more and more common in the fantasy genre since it’s experiencing a massive surge right now. A lot of good, enjoyable series are being made, but many aren’t getting the opportunity to make it past their second season. However, there are also some that are brand new, so they only have a few seasons in the first place. In any event, these are the most perfect fantasy shows that have fewer than 20 episodes.

10

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

Over the Garden Wall is a Cartoon Network animated miniseries that was something of a passion project for its creator; one with a lot of star power to back it up. The premise follows two half-brothers living in a fairy tale world, who become hopelessly lost in a dark, gloomy forest called “The Unknown.” Desperate to find their way home, they encounter many strange and wondrous things.

Even though it’s only a miniseries with a handful of episodes, it gets way deeper than anyone ever expected it to, especially for a kids’ show. For that reason, it’s become a bit of a cult classic, popular among both kids and adults. Things get much darker than its whimsical introduction, exhibiting how even TV shows and cartoons can be a form of art. Over the Garden Wall might be short, but it’s exactly the length it needs to be to make its point.

9

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)

Image via Steffan Hill/HBO

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the second prequel series to the earth-shattering HBO original, Game of Thrones, which was originally based on the unfinished novel series by George R. R. Martin. This show is set roughly 100 years prior to the events of the main show, and is much smaller but more intimate in scale. The premise follows a traveling knight and his misfit squire as they make their way around Westeros accepting local contracts.

While it lacks the epic scale of Game of Thrones, this show has much more adventure in it, as well as a lot more comedy. Since the cast is substantially smaller, there is also a better level of character development and chemistry between the principal actors, so it’s a decent departure from the formula fans of the original are used to. As of right now, there’s only one season, which makes it a short but sweet binge.

8

‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix

Arcane is based on the immensely popular MOBA video game, League of Legends. The 3D animated series follows two of the game’s playable champions in a tale of love, sacrifice, friendship, and individuality. The world of League of Legends is quite an interesting place, featuring elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and even steampunk. Normally, video game adaptations are terrible, but Arcane successfully breaks the mold here, thanks to direct intervention from the game developers.

This animated series bears a really unique art style that isn’t seen anywhere else. It actually resembles the game graphics, which is a nice touch. Even though the show only lasted two seasons before ending its story, it was critically acclaimed, earning high review scores and even an Emmy or two. Very rarely, if ever, is an Emmy given to a video game adaptation, much less an animated video game adaptation. The short length of this show means it doesn’t take long to watch, but it makes for an unforgettable experience.

7

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Film director Guillermo del Toro is known for his dark fantasy and horror films, and has received a lot of critical praise for the way he builds tension and atmosphere. Almost every one of his films is eerie, but fun to rewatch multiple times. Being a modern master of the fantasy genre, Netflix offered him a deal for an anthology miniseries, which he took. The result is Cabinet of Curiosities, which is underrated, but truly special.

Since it’s an anthology series, all the episodes are independent of each other and function as mini-movies ranging from 40 to 60 minutes long. Part fantasy and part horror, each episode is loaded with del Toro’s signature style, to the point that the show feels like a playground for his imagination. It’s a passionate love letter to filmmaking and a dark fantasy experience that will make you really think. There are actually fewer than 10 episodes, never mind 20, so it’s another one of those shows that you could easily finish in a day if you really wanted to.

6

‘One Piece’ (2023–Present)

Image via ©Netflix / courtesy Everett Collection

One Piece is a live-action remake of the 1999 anime series of the same name, which is actually still ongoing. The main character is Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy), an aspiring young pirate who has swallowed a Devil Fruit, granting him the ability to stretch himself like rubber at will. The series is set on a vast ocean world where pirates rule the waves and treasure lies hidden beneath the sand.

One treasure in particular is said to contain more wealth than any other, which causes most pirates to vigorously search for the final piece of the broken map that can lead to the treasure’s whereabouts. Filled with comedy, ridiculousness, but also high seas adventure, the live-action version of One Piece is much more palatable to non-anime fans and does a fantastic job of bringing a beloved series to life in a new way. There are only 16 episodes so far, so it’s easy to binge, too.

5

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Image via Netflix

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Shadow and Bone is a high fantasy series based on the novels of the same name by Leigh Bardugo. The series is set in Bardugo’s Grishaverse, which is a setting vastly different from any other fantasy world. A lot of fantasy stories tend to favour settings akin to Medieval Europe, which makes the Victorian London-esque world of Shadow and Bone a breath of fresh air.

This show has a really intricate magic system, hilarious punchlines, and some highly memorable characters, none of which got nearly the amount of attention they so desperately deserved. The show was unfortunately axed after just two seasons due to low viewership, in spite of audiences loving it. The experience of Shadow and Bone might be short, but it’s one heck of a ride.

4

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

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The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is the prequel series to the 1982 Jim Henson film. This means it’s created with puppets, all meticulously detailed and fascinating to watch. All sets are, for the most part, hand-crafted as well, meaning a tremendous artistic effort went into this show. It’s honestly despicable that Netflix gave it the axe after only one season, despite critical acclaim.

The Dark Crystal‘s story takes audiences back to the world of Thra, where no humans exist, only strange and mysterious creatures. The show is set just after the Dark Crystal splinters, releasing the vulture-like Skeksis into the world, who intend to enslave the native life forms of Thra and forge an immortal empire. It’s a beautiful and family-friendly show that you could realistically knock back in a day if you really wanted to since it was only given a handful of episodes.

3

‘The Mighty Nein’ (2025–Present)

Image via Prime Video

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The Mighty Nein began as a custom campaign from a tabletop role-playing game that was recorded and uploaded as a podcast. This is actually the second series from this background, the first being The Legend of Vox Machina. Set in the same universe, The Mighty Nein is an animated series about a group of misfit thieves, low-lives, and ne’er-do-wells who unexpectedly come into the possession of a magical artifact that could determine the fate of the world.

Like Vox Machina, the show is voiced by the original podcast members, so it feels nice and familiar to returning fans. For non-fans, it adds an extra layer of authenticity and rawness to their performance. While slightly more underrated than its predecessor, The Mighty Nein has done well for itself so far, and is a great introduction into the vast world created by the podcast.

2

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2021)

Credit: Netflix

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Kingdom is a South Korean fantasy horror set in the historical kingdom of Joseon at the turn of the 17th century. Amidst royal feuds, the scheming Haewon Cho clan makes a dangerous attempt at seizing the throne, using a mythical resurrection plant. This accidentally unleashes a zombie horde, although these undead don’t behave anything like the typical zombies you’ve seen in fiction.

Unfortunately, this show got soft-cancelled by Netflix after two seasons and one special feature-length episode. Based on a web comic turned graphic novel, Kingdom has political intrigue, family drama, feuding nobles, gruesome violence, and strong elements of horror, all of which were received very well by critics and fans alike. There’s no indication that it will ever come back (which is infuriating, considering it ended on a cliffhanger), but the 13 episodes that do exist are phenomenal all around.

1

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–Present)

Image via Disney+

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Based on the beloved YA novels of the same name by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is about the titular Percy (Walker Scobell), a troubled boy who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. To learn how to hone his powers, he is sent to Camp Half-blood, along with other demigods. Here, he is exposed to a hidden world where Greek mythology comes to life.

This series of books saw a disastrous attempt at movie adaptations in the 2010s, but the show is, thus far, much more faithful and miles more entertaining. This is largely because Riordan himself has a much heavier hand in the show’s production than he did for the movies. In any event, the show is great for teens, tweens. and adults, is filled with wonder, and is just plain fun. So far, there are only 16 episodes, most of which are only 30-40 minutes long, so it’s easy to binge in one short weekend.

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Percy Jackson & the Olympians

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Release Date

December 19, 2023

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Network

Disney+

Showrunner

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Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz

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  Walker Scobell

  Percy Jackson

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  Leah Sava Jeffries

  Annabeth Chase

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Netflix is facing a $105 million lawsuit after a master copy of an unreleased Nicolas Cage thriller was allegedly stolen from the streaming company’s Hollywood offices. Swiss billionaire Simon Afram, who personally financed and produced the $45 million film “Fortitude,” is accusing Netflix of breach of contract after its digital cinema package disappeared nine days after being delivered. Netflix disputes that it is financially responsible for the loss and has accused Afram’s attorneys of engaging in “hostile attempts to extort money” from the company.

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An unencrypted master copy of “Fortitude” was hand-delivered to Netflix’s Hollywood headquarters on June 15 at the streamer’s request. The transfer was reportedly part of the movie’s ongoing sales process. Studios reviewing potential acquisitions commonly request a digital cinema package, or DCP, that can be projected inside a commercial theater.

Netflix executives screened “Fortitude” the following day. However, Netflix Original Film director Sean Berney informed parties connected to the production on June 25 that the drive containing the film had been stolen, according to an email included as an exhibit in the lawsuit.

“This is a first for us. Unfortunately, someone stole a good amount of drives from our office desks this past week. We’ve been working through this with our security teams to no luck,” Berney wrote, per Page Six. “Our piracy teams are on high alert with the breach and will monitor, but they are likely just selling the drives for scrap given they would require a [key delivery message].”

Berney continued, “We will of course create a new DCP or reimburse you for this missing drive. Apologies again and here to answer anything further and/or connect you with our security teams.”

A source at Netflix claimed the other missing drives were empty and did not contain additional projects. The complaint does not clarify whether the stolen DCP was the only existing master copy of “Fortitude.”

Lawsuit Claims Netflix Waited To Disclose The Theft

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Afram’s lawsuit alleges Netflix may have known about the missing drive for as long as one week before informing the filmmakers.

“Netflix’s email indicated that Netflix had known about the theft of the DCP for potentially a full week without ever advising plaintiffs that Netflix had allowed” Fortitude’s DCP “to be stolen right off a Netflix desk,” the complaint states.

The producer’s attorneys argue that Netflix’s proposed response failed to account for the film’s production cost and potential market value. Creating a replacement DCP would reportedly cost approximately $800, while Afram invested more than $45 million into developing and producing the project over seven years.

The case was filed in federal court in California’s Central District. Afram is represented by Caroline Mankey and Christopher McAndrew of Akerman, along with Neville Johnson and Hyura Choi of Johnson and Johnson.

‘Fortitude’ Was Inspired By A Real-Life World War II Spy

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“Fortitude” centers on Dusko Popov, a real-life World War II double agent and playboy who reportedly helped inspire Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels. At an earlier stage in the project’s development, Martin Scorsese was considering directing Simon Afram’s screenplay as a potential Leonardo DiCaprio vehicle. The final version instead reunited Cage with filmmaker Simon West, who previously directed him in the 1997 action movie “Con Air.”

The movie also stars Ben Kingsley and Ron Perlman, with a supporting ensemble that includes Matthew Goode, Michael Sheen, Art Malik, Jordi Mollà, Lukas Haas, Ed Skrein, Alice Eve, Paul Anderson and Emilio Sakraya. Court documents describe the film as “tonally in the vein of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ meets ‘Inglorious Basterds.’”

“The resulting damage to Plaintiffs is profound,” the lawsuit states. “Through its mishandling of the Film and subsequent dismissiveness, Netflix has jeopardized Plaintiffs’ investment of over $45 million and the significant value of the Film itself. Netflix has also deprived the Film, its cast, and its creators of the opportunity to bring their work to market and receive recognition that a properly marketed worldwide release likely would have generated.”

Netflix Denies It Bears The Risk Of Loss

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Netflix pushed back against Afram’s allegations in a statement, arguing that the film was delivered without sufficient industry safeguards.

“Netflix disputes any claim that it bears the risk of loss for a film delivered without the proper industry-standard safeguards. While we do not own the rights to ‘Fortitude,’ we take content security seriously and have taken extra measures to support the filmmaker and his team. This includes conducting a thorough investigation and offering to monitor known piracy sites for any unauthorized distribution or sale,” the streamer stated.

Netflix also addressed why it has not provided Afram’s legal team with details about its investigation. “We have declined to share anything about our ongoing investigation with the law firm representing Simon Afram, given their hostile attempts to extort money from Netflix over this situation, including immediately demanding $165 million for the film rather than work with us in good faith,” the company added.

Although Afram is now seeking $105 million, Netflix claimed his attorneys initially demanded $165 million.

Producer Explains Film’s Alleged $112.5M Value

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Afram’s attorneys based their damages calculation partly on what they believe the film could have earned through a properly handled worldwide release. According to the complaint, the estimate considers early interest from studios and distributors, audience test scores, feedback from sales agents and the commercial potential of the genre.

The lawsuit claims “the film can be conservatively estimated to at least break even, which in the motion picture industry translates to revenues of at least 2.5 times the production budget, or $112,500,000.”

Afram also emphasized that his concern extends beyond recovering his personal investment. “I spent seven years of my life bringing this incredible true story to the screen. But this film was never mine alone. It belongs to the extraordinary cast and their performances of a lifetime that deserve to be seen and recognized. It represents the moment these artists have earned,” he said.

The lawsuit now leaves a federal court to determine whether Netflix can be held responsible for the missing DCP and whether its disappearance caused the nine-figure damages Afram claims.