Entertainment
George R.R. Martin’s Newest ‘Game of Thrones’ Story Finally Fills in the Blanks HBO Missed
Walking into one of the most iconic theaters in the world, to be greeted by characters you have known for years yet never seen up close or met, is inherently strange. Rhaegar Targaryen, Lyanna Stark, Elia Martell, and the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen, himself have existed largely as ghosts throughout A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, with the choices, the decisions and the mistakes they made almost entirely shaping the bloodshed that would follow throughout every word we read and every scene we saw in decades of books and eight seasons of epic television. George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King gives those ghosts flesh and fire and blood, transforming one of the most important pieces of Westerosi history into an enormously ambitious four-hour theatrical epic that doesn’t always justify the Balerion-sized run time, even if it’s quite magical when all the pieces fall together.
‘The Mad King’ Is Not HBO’s Westeros
Perhaps the smartest decision director Dominic Cooke and adapter Duncan Macmillan make is refusing to treat The Mad King as a theatrical prequel to HBO’s Game of Thrones. After all, what we see on stage is recognizably Westeros, but the visual language is distinct. Even the banners and sigils have been redesigned. The Targaryen dragon, for example, has a longer, more serpentine appearance than the wyvern-like creature familiar from television, which immediately establishes that this is not a prequel to the television series, but rather its own piece of lore.
Those details help because ensuring it’s clear this is not a prequel to the show will make it easier for those diehard fans rushing to see the play to process the fact that some of your heroes will not resemble those you see on television. We have spent years associating characters such as Robert Baratheon, Ned Stark, and Jaime Lannister with the actors who played them on television, and seeing someone else wearing those names can initially be distracting. Curiously, characters who never really existed on screen have an advantage. There is no definitive live-action Rhaegar or Aerys lodged in the imagination that Noah Ritter or Michael Shaeffer must displace in your mind’s eye. Once you get your head around that, The Mad King becomes something much more interesting than a nostalgic exercise.
‘The Mad King’ Chronicles the Fall of the Targaryen Dynasty
The first half takes place around the legendary Tourney at Harrenhal, where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen (Ritter) hopes to gather support against his increasingly unstable father, King Aerys II (Shaeffer). What follows brings together an extraordinary collection of characters whose relationships will eventually tear the Seven Kingdoms apart: Lyanna Stark (Harmony Rose-Bremner), Eddard Stark (Michael Abubakar), Robert Baratheon (Callum Woodhouse), Elia Martell (Elizabeth Ayodele), Ashara Dayne (Tanisha Spring) and Brandon Stark (Luke Brady), among many others.
This is where the play is at its strongest, because Harrenhal gives the huge company the chance to breathe and allows relationships to develop — you see the political chessboard in action as various factions attempt to make their moves, and get a glimpse of what might have been. Particularly key is the fact that, following a vile moment where Aerys performs a dreadful act of cruelty upon a grieving Robert, the Starks pledge their banners to Rhaegar. The world would look extremely different had Rhaegar not been so impetuous.
The play is also considerably funnier than you might expect. Robert’s utterings get plenty of laughs, such is the way that character was always depicted across all forms of media. A big lad with a short temper is always funny when he’s had a drink, and he meets a pretty girl. The supporting characters help to steal the show. Hughie O’Donnell’s hilariously poisonous Varys and Richard Hansell’s simpering, mewling Grand Maester Pycelle threaten to steal scenes by leaning into heightened versions of the characters audiences already know. The performances are exaggerated without becoming outright impersonations, and the humor rarely diminishes the threat lurking beneath everything.
Noah Ritter and Michael Shaeffer Shine as Rhaegar and Aerys II
Ritter’s Rhaegar is particularly fascinating because The Mad King resists turning him into the perfect lost prince that decades of Westerosi mythology have created. He is intelligent, romantic, and well-intentioned, that’s true, but what hasn’t previously been depicted is how politically immature, dangerously obsessive, and reckless he is. There’s an air of Hamlet to him; he’s overwhelmed by expectation but he’s utterly incapable of turning that conviction into effective action. You also suspect that, were he placed amongst the Targaryens of House of the Dragon, he would be eaten alive by the likes of Rhaenyra, Daemon, and especially Aemond.
There is a wonderful irony in Aerys and Rhaegar’s relationship, too. Despite his self-admitted madness, Aerys is the only person capable of seeing through Rhaegar’s folly. The king is unquestionably insane, yet even he possesses enough clarity to recognize how foolish it is for Rhaegar to convince himself that he must be the answer to an ancient prophecy. Shaeffer’s performance finds shadows of humanity within Aerys but never asks us to side with him, and his memories of both the tragedy at Summerhall and Rhaegar’s birth are particularly effective because it allows us to see who he was before the monster. But make no mistake, Aerys is a monster. This is a man who visibly laughs at death, at suffering and sorrow, and he relishes in the twisted glee of being the one who causes it.
Rhaegar’s relationship with Rose-Bremner’s Lyanna ultimately becomes our focus as the play continues. They have a sincere romance, and an entirely joyful meet-cute, but the production never endorses their decisions. In fact, one of the benefits of the four-sided stage is that we’re able to get better looks at the reactions of those around them as their obsession with each other and their poor decision-making causes more damage. They never understand that the consequences of their actions spread far beyond the little world they’ve created together, and the whole thing becomes much stranger and sadder for it.
The Performances in ‘The Mad King’ Bring Characters Out of the Shadows
One of the production’s biggest treats is Woodhouse’s Robert Baratheon. This isn’t yet the drunken, exhausted, and very fat king played by Mark Addy that audiences met at the beginning of Game of Thrones. This is a man who, despite his grief, could inspire people to follow him and to depose a king. Woodhouse is imperious, and his Robert is charming, very funny, and surprisingly vulnerable, particularly when discussing the death of his parents, but when the fighting begins, he is terrifying. For perhaps the first time outside Martin’s prose, it becomes immediately obvious why Abubakar’s Ned Stark would follow this man into a rebellion and why soldiers would rally around him.
And of course, we’ve been cursed with the knowledge of what victory will eventually do to Robert. Here, he still has something to fight for, because he hasn’t yet won the crown, hasn’t yet lost the woman he believes he loves, and hasn’t yet discovered that achieving everything he wanted is going to leave him purposeless and a soft man at the end of it all.
The ensemble surrounding these characters is strong and sturdy, too. Ayodele gives Elia far more agency than the tragic footnote she could easily have become, while Spring’s charismatic Ashara is enormously entertaining. You can see why, with that level of energy, people would have suspected she was the mother of Jon Snow as Catelyn once accused of Ned. Mariah Gale makes an extraordinary impression with relatively little material as both Queen Rhaella and Lady Shella Whent, and while Jaime is only a supporting presence, Maxim Ays may be the most immediately convincing piece of visual casting in the entire production. He is perfectly pompous, and he looks entirely the part in his white Kingsguard attire, all swagger, smugness and self-confidence. Meanwhile, Abubakar, who brings the requisite heart and stoicism to Ned, commands a different sort of physicality from that of Sean Bean, who, for many, was the original face of Westeros.
Westeros Looks Incredible on Stage
The technical achievement is frequently jaw-dropping. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre has been transformed around a four-sided, cross-shaped stage, with an imposing arch across it, that brings the action remarkably close to the audience. Director Dominic Cooke uses every side of it, creating the sensation that you’re sitting within Harrenhal rather than watching it from a safe distance. An enormous weirwood and the Iron Throne emerge dramatically from the stage. The opening Targaryen procession will live long in the memory, as they cross the stage on their horses with ominous music playing. It makes them seem ethereal, or alien, but then the Targaryens and Valyrians have always been considered different even in a world as foreign as Westeros.
And then there’s the puppetry, which is extraordinary, particularly when viewed at close range. Horses thunder through Harrenhal at the hands puppets, while Gregor Clegane becomes an enormous, largely voiceless construction, a genuine mountain of engineering. A gigantic dragon appearing during a vision is one of the production’s most magical images, as Rhaegar witnesses the future that will bring Daenerys Targaryen to power with her three dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion.
But the puppetry isn’t perfect, as they occasionally substitute for performers during combat, and while technically impressive, the Battle of the Trident loses some of the personality that comes from watching two human beings physically confront each other and try to bash each other’s skulls in. That’s a very minor quibble because, while you lament that on one front, you marvel at the technical wizardry. The production also repeatedly freezes the surrounding company while important conversations continue. When your attention remains exactly where Cooke wants it, the effect is excellent, but there is a downside to this, and that’s the unintended humor that you may find when you end up spotting a reveler in mid-dance with a frozen face of ecstasy and glee while a morbid conversation about fate is going on in the background. This may need some refinement, but it’s a clever idea.
Four Hours Is Simply Too Long for ‘The Mad King’
If the Tourney at Harrenhal demonstrates everything The Mad King can be, the second half is where the stage limits the story that it’s trying to tell. The first half is set over a couple of days, at one location (for the most part), and at one event. This is probably what the whole play should have been like, but attempting to tell the story of Robert’s Rebellion in full across roughly two hours is an almost impossible task. The production races between locations, deaths, battles, and political upheavals, occasionally reducing enormous events to mere moments and, as a result, relationships that deserve more time — particularly Ned and Robert’s — inevitably get shortened. It’s not that any of this isn’t interesting, far from it; it’s just that there is too much to say and too little time in which to say it.
It’s an odd, paradoxical conundrum because, at approximately four hours, including an interval, The Mad King is too long and yet it feels rushed in that second half. Cutting 30 or even 40 minutes would not seriously damage the story, particularly if the material were streamlined around its strongest characters rather than attempting to touch so many pieces of Robert’s Rebellion.
The final image, with Ned returning to Catelyn (Marty Breen) and introducing the infant Jon Snow, certainly provides recognition for Game of Thrones fans, but that feels more like a nod to fans, particularly those who flew the R+L=J flag for so many years, rather than focusing on the inevitable conclusion of the tragedy we’ve just watched, and tragedy is probably the thing the play does the best.
These aren’t historical figures moving towards predetermined positions on a Westerosi timeline; they’re all young, impulsive, and foolhardy people making decisions we can sympathize with and understand, even if we know they’re making the worst mistakes they could ever make, without knowing they will be vilified or canonized in later years. Rhaegar isn’t yet the melancholy prince remembered in songs, admired even by those he fought against for his nobility and honor. Robert isn’t the fat king drinking himself into an early grave. Ned isn’t the legendary honorable Lord of Winterfell. Lyanna isn’t a statue in a crypt. They’re just people, young people, not realizing they’re pawns in a greater game being played from the bowels of Casterly Rock.
That is where Game of Thrones: The Mad King works best, because it doesn’t need to imitate HBO’s Westeros. Martin’s world existed long before television gave it a face, and Cooke and Macmillan have instead created their own version of it: theatrical, strange, funny, a bit too much at times, but it will also knock your socks off. There is probably a tighter, even better version of The Mad King hiding somewhere inside these four hours, but what is already on stage is a very worthy addition to George R.R. Martin’s world, and it gives life to those ghosts about whom we’ve only heard songs of ice and fire.
- Author
-
Written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke
- Genre
-
Drama, Fantasy
- Publication Date
-
First performance August 8, 2026 in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
Pros & Cons
- The staging, puppetry and atmosphere is utterly exceptional.
- Strong performances bring previously forgotten characters to life.
- Characters like Robert Baratheon, Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen are superbly fleshed out.
- Long-time fans may have difficulty with some casting choices.
- The second half of the play tries to do too much.
- The play feels too long at almost four hours.
Continue Reading
It’s been a great year for horror in theaters, with the likes of Obsession and Backrooms proving big favorites. This past weekend, Insidious: Out of the Further became the latest horror flick to find quick success, turning its $18 million budget into $60 million in just three days. However, it is the latest in a line of films to fall victim to the all-conquering Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which now ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time. With Brand New Day continuing to dominate the box office, you might need to look elsewhere for something fresh to watch. With that in mind, here’s a list of three movies you should stream on Netflix this week.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
1
‘M3GAN’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 6.3/10
With September just around the corner, it isn’t long before sepia leaves fall, and spooky season is upon us. To get in the mood early, why not catch one of the most inventive slashers of the decade so far? The brilliantly original M3GAN follows robotics engineer Gemma (Allison Williams), who introduces a groundbreaking robotic AI into the life of her orphaned niece, unaware of the bloody consequences that would follow.
A film arguably ahead of its time with an anti-AI message that hits harder today than four years ago, M3GAN is, at its heart, a thoroughly enjoyable slasher. Absurd and prescient in perfect measure, M3GAN successfully blends comedy into its shocking thrills for a viewing experience that will have you laughing whilst watching through your fingers.
2
‘The Great Wall’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 36% | IMDb: 5.9/10
One of the biggest hits of the summer, Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey puts Matt Damon center stage as the King of Ithaca in one of his best roles in years. If you are one of the many millions to have watched and enjoyed Nolan’s highest-grossing film yet, then you might be interested in this arguably underrated Damon historical performance from 10 years ago.
The Great Wall, directed by Yimou Zhang, follows Damon’s European mercenary William Garin as he discovers the titular Great Wall of China, learns that it is built to keep away dangerous monsters, and joins the disciplined armies of the Nameless Order in its defense. Also starring Andy Lau, Pedro Pascal, and Willem Dafoe, this gritty, ambitious epic marked the Hollywood feature debut of Chinese director Yimou and, despite facing mixed reviews from critics, still enjoys streaming success to this day.
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.6/10
There have been many great new movies debuting on Netflix this year so far, with Remarkably Bright Creatures being one of the best. An adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt‘s debut novel of the same name, the movie stars Sally Field as a grieving widow whose life-changing discovery during night shifts at an aquarium leads to bonds being formed and a new joie de vivre emerging.
Field is one of the best actors of her generation, and she brings her customary warmth, heart, and emotional nuance to her latest performance. She is joined by both Lewis Pullman, ahead of his performance in Avengers: Doomsday, and the great Alfred Molina in a true streaming gem that is sure to have you beaming from ear to ear.
- Release Date
-
May 8, 2026
- Runtime
-
111 Minutes
- Director
-
Olivia Newman
Music legend Chaka Khan is gearing up to release her 13th solo album, “Chakzilla,” in September, following the lead single of the same name. Recently, while promoting her new music, the “I Feel For You” singer issued an impassioned response to those who believe she and Prince had been intimate in the past.
Khan has a long history with Prince, having first met the late musician in 1977 while he was working on his debut album. Of course, she later covered his song “I Feel for You” in 1984, and the single reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, earning her a Grammy.
In August 2026, the “Chakzilla” singer spoke to The Observer. During the conversation, the reporter mentioned her friendship with Prince, who passed away in 2016, and wondered if she’s often asked about the dynamics of their relationship.
She responded, “Hell yeah I do! It’s sad that they just assume I’m either a whore or a singer. Make up your mind! What do you want me to be?”
Regarding many music fans wanting the rumors of romance between her and Prince to be true, Khan added, “I’m not going to lie to you and add to your fantasy. This ain’t Disneyland. I’m living for real.” She then said, “If I’d slept with all the guys I’ve done tours with, I don’t know what I’d be right now. I’d probably be dead.”
Chaka Khan Discusses The Impact Prince Had On Her Career
During the Observer interview, Khan discussed not only the impact of covering Prince’s song on her career but also his artistry. According to her, “He plucked me out of a place where I was trying to survive. My record company [was] in my ass, being the meanest people on the planet.”
She continued, “I felt like I was being pimped. I cried a lot, because I was falling out of love with music. I was ready to throw in the towel, and then Prince came along.”
Regarding how she sees the music icon as an artist, she stated, “He was a really deep and beautiful thinker. Prince just grabbed ideas out of the air and left you wondering: where did you get that?”
Chaka Previously Opened Up About Meeting Prince
Khan spoke to The Guardian in 2019 and opened up about her first encounter with Prince, which came after they were both in San Francisco, and he called her hotel room pretending to be Sly Stone.
According to her, “I could have sworn it was Sly; Sly and I were very close. He said: ‘I’m at a studio in Marin County doing this album, do you want to come?’ So I drove for 100 years and get in there, and it’s like dark and sterile and very eerie. There’s this little guy with a guitar. I said, ‘Excuse me, where’s Sly?’ and he put his guitar down and said, ‘I’m sorry, that was me.’”
She continued, recalling having said, “Well, who the f-ck are you? I was truly pissed about this. He told me who he was; I said, ‘OK, nice meeting you, but I’m really pissed now, so goodbye,’ and I left.”
The Songstress Had No Idea Prince Was Battling Addiction To Painkillers
Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, after an accidental fentanyl overdose. During her interview with The Guardian, she opened up about his passing and revealed that she was unaware that the music legend had been struggling with painkillers.
She stated, “I never, ever got any indication that he was on pills. I knew he was doing certain things; I knew he had a couple of bouts with acid and all that. That’s OK. A one-off here and there, you got the money, you ain’t working. You like acid – go do it.”
After that, she shared that Prince was “totally against drinking” beyond the occasional glass of red wine. Khan then said, “Secrets kill. Secrets kill, and if he hid from me for so many years where he was really at, and I was like his confidante in many ways, you know … It’s hard to keep a secret like that from me.”
Khan went on to reveal how Prince’s untimely death may have saved her. She said, “So I learned a lot, you know. I just said: ‘I better go check myself.’ And I’m alive maybe because he’s dead. I went to a doctor, and I said, ‘Here’s the deal,’ and he told me there are certain pains you’ve just got to live with; that’s part of life.”
Chaka’s New Album Is On The Horizon
Khan’s new album, “Chakzilla,” is set for release on September 18 and features contributions from Sia, Lenny Kravitz, and Snoop Dogg. She unveiled the title track from the album in May 2026 before releasing another song, “Curious Subject,” in August.
In shedding light on the album title, she told PEOPLE, “When I was a kid, I really liked the ‘Godzilla’ movies. When we came up with [‘Chakzilla’] as a title, lots of things just ran through my head and made a lot of sense.”
She went on to say, in reference to the title track’s music video, “Instead of becoming a monster and just tearing up things, I became sort of a monster of a person who does good things.”
The last few years have been the definition of booked and busy for Morena Baccarin, who is soon to have a key figure in her life join her in her hit CBS series. Best known for her role as Vanessa in the Deadpool movies, Baccarin recently teamed up with another MCU veteran in Anthony Mackie for the 2024 sci-fi thriller, Elevation. The film has found a home streaming on Hulu this year after an underwhelming performance at the box office. Baccarin also played a key role in another massive box office bomb, Amazon’s Masters of the Universe movie, but the film is well on its way to completing its redemption arc. News broke over the weekend that Masters of the Universe has been one of the most-watched movies of the year on Prime Video.
While the success of movies and TV may come and go, Baccarin has one of the most popular shows on CBS to fall back on in Sheriff Country. The first season of Sheriff Country wrapped up earlier this year on CBS, and after picking up a Season 2 renewal, the network has already confirmed that the Baccarin-led procedural is coming back for Season 2 starting October 9. The premiere is getting an extra-special dose of love, also, as it was announced this afternoon on Instagram that Ben McKenzie, Baccarin’s real-life husband, will also play a key role in the first episode of Sheriff Country Season 2. This will be something of an on-screen reunion for Baccarin and McKenzie, who previously starred together in several episodes of the DC series, Gotham, which ran for five seasons between 2014 and 2019.
What Is ‘Sheriff Country’ About?
-
-
-
-
-
- Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS
-
Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS -
Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS -
Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS -
Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS -
- Image via Darren Goldstein/CBS
The first season of Sheriff Country follows Mickey Fox, a straight-shooting sheriff, as she runs the small rural town of Edgewater, California. Together, Mickey and her stepsister, Cal Fire’s division chief Sharon Leone, must balance the demands of law enforcement with the complexities of motherhood, community politics and a past that won’t stay buried. Sheriff Country is a spin-off of another enormously popular CBS show, Fire Country, which was written and created for TV by Max Thieriot, who also stars as Bode. Matt Lauria and W. Earl Brown also star in Sheriff Country as Nathan Boone and Wes Fox.
Check out the first season of Sheriff Country on Paramount Plus and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Season 2, which is coming soon to CBS.
- Release Date
-
October 17, 2025
- Showrunner
-
Matt Lopez
Las Vegas welcomed a different kind of competition this past weekend when Mister USA brought some of the country’s most charismatic contenders to Sin City to compete for the coveted title. The event put male pageantry, style, and confidence center stage, with contestants representing their states and showcasing their personalities and talents behind the sashes.
Mister USA Finals were held on Sunday evening at The Portal at AREA15, just a few minutes off the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Not only was The Blast in attendance for the event, but we were also one of the judges.
During an exclusive chat with Jino Cabrera, CEO & President of Mister USA & Mister Universe Organization, he explained why they decided to bring this year’s Finals to Las Vegas.
“We’ve hosted it in LA the last two years, so this is actually our third year for Mister USA. Mister USA has become bigger, more exciting, more diverse, and truly entertainment driven. [Las Vegas] is one of the entertainment capitals of the world and people come here expecting to experience something memorable,” he told The Blast exclusively.
“So for Mister USA, we’re building more than a traditional pageant, we’re creating a national entertainment platform that celebrates the modern man from across the country, their stories, ambitions, confidence, individuality, and purpose and bringing that vision to Las Vegas felt like the perfect next chapter for us.”
The First Two Years Were Held In Los Angeles
Cabrera felt The Portal was the perfect venue for the Finals because it has a different feel than a traditional pageant venue. The space gives the event the ability to combine many facets, such as fashion, competition, and visual production” into one experience.
“We want audiences to walk in and feel like they’re attending a major entertainment event, not simply sitting in a ballroom watching a pageant,” Cabrera said. “So the venue really reflects where we believe men’s pageantry is heading.”
The Blast Was Asked To Judge The Mister USA Finals
When Mister USA organizers asked if I would consider being a judge, I thought it could be a fun experience. I was planning to be there to cover it for The Blast, so why not get a little more involved?
While they couldn’t possibly know, I have a past that included pageants. I was a contestant in a Miss Arizona pageant in the early ’90s, I judged a children’s pageant that was run by one of the moms from the show “Toddlers and Tiaras” over a decade ago, and I had done some modeling and walked in fashion shows in my early 20s. So, this opportunity wasn’t just fun, but it was nostalgic for me on so many levels.
Judging is not easy; at least for me. I’ve judged a few competitions in my time, and it doesn’t ever get easier in my eyes. Listening to everyone’s stories, because they all have a story of what led them to this moment, makes this process even more difficult. But I will say this…listening to so many stories that include how they got to this point is inspiring.
Mister USA 2026!
The competition was tough, but the judges were able to narrow it down from 23 contestants to 12 before ultimately crowning the winner. After scoring them all in three categories — personal interview, swimwear, and formal wear — it was time to tally the votes.
Drumroll please…introducing Mister USA 2026 – Mister Tennessee (Jaydon Kanipe) in first place and Mister Nevada (Colin Walling) in second place!
Mister USA 2025 (Michael Chadwick) will be competing in this year’s Mister Universe competition in Los Angeles in November, and this year’s winner will be doing the same next year.
If there was any doubt about just how massive Grand Theft Auto VI is going to be, the latest pre order data may have put it to rest.
According to a new report from digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower, an incredible 89% of GTA 6 pre orders are reportedly for the $99.99 Ultimate Edition, compared to just 11% for the $79.99 Standard Edition.
The numbers are particularly surprising considering premium editions traditionally account for a much smaller percentage of early game sales. Sensor Tower’s data reportedly shows the trend is nearly identical across both major console platforms, with approximately 88.5% of PlayStation pre orders and 90% of Xbox pre orders going toward the Ultimate Edition.
That means players aren’t simply lining up for GTA 6. They’re overwhelmingly choosing the most expensive version available.
Take Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick recently acknowledged that the Ultimate Edition was outselling the Standard Edition, attributing the early trend to the franchise’s most dedicated fans.
“The most avid consumers are the ones who are pre-ordering now,”
Zelnick said.
The $99.99 Ultimate Edition includes additional premium content, including vehicles, weapons and apparel integrated throughout Jason and Lucia’s story. Rockstar has priced the Standard Edition at $79.99.
The staggering 89% figure also arrives shortly after Take Two described overall demand for GTA 6 as “unprecedented.” Zelnick called the response to pre orders both “unprecedented and astonishing,” although the publisher has stopped short of revealing exactly how many copies have been reserved.
Pre orders officially opened on June 25, and the response further illustrates the enormous anticipation surrounding Rockstar’s first new Grand Theft Auto installment in more than a decade. Grand Theft Auto V has sold more than 230 million copies since its original 2013 release, creating an almost unprecedented built in audience for its successor.
GTA VI [rockstar games]
The Ultimate Edition’s dominance could also be an important indicator for the broader gaming industry. Publishers have increasingly experimented with higher prices and premium editions, but convincing nearly nine out of every ten early buyers to spend an additional $20 would be an extraordinary achievement for any franchise.
Of course, the percentage could change significantly as launch approaches. Early adopters are typically among a franchise’s most dedicated fans, while more casual players may ultimately gravitate toward the cheaper Standard Edition.
Still, an 89% premium edition share this early is another indication that GTA 6 isn’t behaving like a normal video game release.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Hayden Panettiere‘s mom, Lesley Vogel, opened up about the sudden deaths of her two children in an emotional sit-down interview.
“It’s a process. And I think it will probably hit me later on,” she told ABC News reporter Rhiannon Ally on the Monday, August 24, episode of Good Morning America.
The interview aired eight days after news broke of the actress’ death at the age of 36. Hayden’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, previously died in 2023 at the age of 28.
“I would say to the haters out there, you don’t have a right to tell me how I mourn the loss of my second child,” Vogel, 70, said during Monday’s interview. “That’s my domain.”
Vogel choked up as she recalled the moment she learned about Hayden’s death. “I was numb. I was just numb,” she admitted. “I just couldn’t feel anything. I still [am] not grasping this is real. It doesn’t feel real. My mind tells me it’s not at times. It’s going to be a process.”
When asked how she moves forward after losing her two children, Vogel was once again overcome with emotion. “I think you just have to find that inner strength,” she said. “I have been knocked down throughout my life and I’m not complaining, because I have the strength to get back up. … It’s how we get back up that defines who we are.”
(L-R) Hayden Panettiere, Jansen Panettiere and Lesley Vogel Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Vogel, who was estranged from the Heroes alum prior to her death, also told the outlet how she hoped her daughter would be remembered.
“I want Hayden to be remembered for the talented, beautiful, outgoing, intelligent woman she really was,” she said. “But I also want people to understand that it is my belief that she was suffering. Now, that doesn’t make sense. Because when you look at a beautiful career who’s got an incredible career, even though it had its ups and downs, but you look at that big picture and you go, ‘Why would you be suffering?’ People don’t understand that you can have all of this, but that doesn’t mean that’s what’s going on [inside] matches.”
She noted that Hayden “had a very happy life” until she was cast as Claire Bennett on Heroes at 16. “So here she was, the star of a major TV series. But I would say at about 17, I started seeing her going downhill,” Vogel claimed. “As she got older, it wasn’t my voice anymore. I wasn’t in charge of her choices. I tried to give her the best advice I could. But again, you know, any young person, teen, they want to be liberated. And I get that. I did get that.”
Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has revealed what she claims she told authorities at the scene of her daughter’s death after the late actress was found unresponsive from an apparent drug overdose. “[The officer] said to me, ‘Well, what do you think about Brian Hickerson?’ And I said, ‘I think he’s culpable,’” Vogel, 70, […]
Vogel previously opened up to The New York Times about spending time with Hayden one year prior in Los Angeles. “She was in pain,” she told the outlet. “She was afraid. She couldn’t physically function properly.”
Following news of Hayden’s death, Gayle King publicly criticized Vogel’s public statement the loss, which claimed her daughter had “lost her way” amid not staying “true to herself.” Vogel reacted while speaking to the Daily Mail on Saturday, August 22.
The mom, who served as Hayden’s manager when she was a child actor and model, told the outlet that she was “very, very hurt and deeply disappointed” about the criticism’s “lack of professionalism” and compassion. “No one reached out to me before. It’s shameful. It’s unconscionable to me,” Vogel told the outlet on Saturday.
Hadyen’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed his daughter’s death in a statement to Us on August 16 after she was found unresponsive in a South Carolina apartment. The late star is survived by her parents and her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
A cause of death has not been confirmed, however, an autopsy showed “no signs of trauma” contributed to her passing. A local police report claimed that Hayden’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were both in attendance at the scene of her death.
Brian’s attorney told Us in a statement that there were “no signs of foul play” amid an ongoing investigation into Panettiere’s death. Zach later told TMZ that he and Brian had attempted to save Hayden’s life.
“When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious,” Zach alleged to the outlet on Friday, August 21. “I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”
Narcan is a nasal spray “designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency,” according to the brand’s website.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Kacey Musgraves is not just talented; she is also extremely generous!
The musical powerhouse took some time out of her busy tour schedule to solicit assistance, both monetary and in other ways, for children whose parents were affected by the current wave of deportation in the United States.
Kacey Musgraves’ reputation for giving so freely over the years has been widely written about, including a financial apology for a sarcastic joke targeted at her roots in Texas.
The talented songwriter opened her “Middle of Nowhere” tour with a bang on Friday, August 21 evening at Chicago’s United Center, asking her eager audience to help. She asked fans to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights as part of her upcoming birthday celebrations.
She explained that the non-profit organization helped children whose parents were deported by giving them legal aid and money. Musgraves clarified that her plea for help had nothing to do with politics and stemmed from genuine concern for the affected children.
Musgraves’ public appeal on Friday doubled down on an initial move she made in April, when resale platform Depop announced that 20 pieces from her wardrobe, including clothing from music videos and tours, would be sold in capsule drops.
As Page Six reported, Women’s Wear Daily said all proceeds from the sale would benefit the Young Center. Musgraves’ North American tour will run through the rest of October.
The Grammy Winner Made A Major Impact With Six-Figure Charity Fundraiser
In 2019, The Recorder reported that Musgraves headlined the “Sing Out Loud Festival Benefit” concert, which raised $225,392.50 for two local charities. The organizations were identified as HorsePlay Therapy Center and the Green Hands Initiative for St. Johns County Public Schools, which the singer personally selected.
Tickets for the benefit concert saw sales surge within an hour of their release in March for the September show. Before taking the stage, she presented each organization with a check for $112,696.25.
Horseplay Therapy Center provides horseback-based physical, occupational and speech therapy for kids with special needs. The organization planned to use its share for therapy scholarships and a covered arena that would allow services to continue year-round.
As for the Green Hands Initiative, its donation would fund filtered water refill stations in St. Johns County schools, encouraging reusable bottles while teaching students to reduce waste and protect the environment.
In 2024, TMZ noted that the singer tried to smooth over drama with her hometown of Texas after a remark during one of her concerts upset locals.
To bolster her apology, the country singer doled out a whopping $10,000 to the Alba-Golden Seniors Scholarship Fund after a clip surfaced of her saying Golden, Texas, was not exactly something to celebrate while performing in Canada.
The singer explained that her comment was meant as playful sarcasm, not a criticism of the community, emphasizing her affection for her Texas roots and apologizing to anyone who took offense. Musgraves reportedly also contacted organizers in Golden privately to express her regret, as locals turned the viral moment into a fundraiser of their own.
The Golden Sweet Potato Festival began selling “Something to Cheer For” shirts inspired by Musgraves’ remark, generating about $8,000 for the same scholarship fund before her $10,000 contribution. Festival organizers welcomed Musgraves’ apology and donation, saying they appreciated her continued connection to Golden.
The ‘Slow Burn’ Singer Previously Shelved Her Opening Concert
Musgraves’ ongoing tour experienced an unexpected shake-up shortly before the North American leg kicked off. Musgraves struck out three concerts, including the Chicago show, which was billed to kick off the tour.
As stated by The Blast, fans were informed via Ticketmaster that the Chicago date slated for August 20, the Boston show slated for August 29, and the September 2 Brooklyn performance would no longer take place.
The Grammy winner had planned over 20 performances across 25 North American cities, with a show in Seattle wrapping things up in October. The country singer is also scheduled to take the tour train to Australia in January 2027 before heading to the United Kingdom the months after.
Musgraves’ musical career began in the early 2000s when she was still a teenager and independently released her first album “Movin’ On” in 2002, at just 13. The star has 8 Grammy Awards to her name from 15 nominations, with her album “Golden Hour” winning Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Kacey Musgraves Faced Outburst Over Collaboration With Walmart
The singer’s wardrobe collab with the retail giant faced a different kind of criticism over the sizing of her Kacey Lee collection at Walmart. Musgraves created the denim brand, which carried a series of western-inspired lines, including 100 pieces across clothing, swimwear, and pet accessories.
The collection was made affordable through pricing and offered a broad selection, but it left some shoppers disappointed with its limited size range. Many of their tops reportedly ended at XXL, while most bottoms went up to size 18, failing to tend to the plus-size community.
Several content creators, including Megan Ixim, called out the collab for the sizing issues and for not extending larger sizes across all lines. Walmart listings showed that 2X and 3X sizes were mainly available for certain swimsuits, including bikinis and one-pieces, but not for the rest of Musgraves’ collection.
Hayden Panettiere reportedly instructed her private security team to keep Brian Hickerson away from her as she promoted a memoir detailing their tumultuous relationship. The security directive was allegedly issued before the actress began her book tour in May, approximately three months before Hickerson was present at the South Carolina residence where she died. The revelation offers new insight into where the “Heroes” star reportedly stood with her on-again, off-again boyfriend before they reconnected.
Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in May and began promoting the book with an appearance in New York City on May 19. According to The New York Times, the actress’ private security team received “clear instructions” to prevent Hickerson from approaching her during the tour. Barnes & Noble in Union Square, which hosted the first stop, was reportedly given a “specific instruction” to “not let in a man named Brian Hickerson.”
The report does not indicate that Hickerson attempted to enter the event. However, the alleged security measure suggests Panettiere wanted distance from him while publicly discussing their relationship and the domestic violence she said she experienced.
Brian Hickerson Was Present When The Actress Died
Despite the security directive, Hickerson was with Panettiere when she died on August 16 at age 36. A police report confirmed that Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the Greenville residence when emergency personnel attempted to save the actress.
Brian showed officers a “bag of medication” that Panettiere was reportedly taking. The responding officer described Zach as “very emotional” while first responders worked on Panettiere. Brian reportedly did not become visibly emotional until she was pronounced dead.
The heavily redacted police report does not provide a complete account of the hours preceding her death. Hickerson has not been accused of causing or contributing to Panettiere’s death.
Hickerson Breaks His Silence Through His Attorney
Hickerson addressed Panettiere’s death in a statement released by his attorney, Sloan Ellis. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” he said. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
The statement did not address the report that Panettiere’s security team had been instructed to keep him away during her book tour. The investigation remains active while authorities await toxicology results and additional studies.
Hayden Panettiere Previously Spoke Out About Abuse
Panettiere and Hickerson began their on-and-off relationship in 2018. He was later arrested on multiple domestic violence charges. After his 2020 arrest on eight domestic violence charges, Panettiere publicly addressed her experience.
“I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she said at the time. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”
Hickerson pleaded no contest in April 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes and a $500 fee. He also received a five-year restraining order barring him from going near Panettiere.
Actress Later Reconnected With Hickerson
During a 2022 interview with PEOPLE Magazine, Panettiere described her relationship with Hickerson as “a very dark and complicated time in my life.” “I wanted to party, I wanted to do everything I wasn’t supposed to do. Acting was my life, but I felt so bad about myself that I lost trust in myself. And that is very detrimental. The idea of not having a responsibility was very appealing at the time,” she explained.
Panettiere had reconnected with Hickerson as a friend by the time of that interview. “I think [Brian] has done his time and was willing to get help. I think about the things I have done in my life that people forgave me for. Making amends is a really important thing that you learn in treatment,” she said. “And it gives you a lot of inner peace.”
The police report from the day of her death identified Panettiere as Hickerson’s girlfriend, indicating their relationship had reportedly become romantic again.
Lesley Vogel Calls Their Bond ‘Codependent’
Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, claimed her daughter and Hickerson shared a toxic “codependent bond” that was “much more powerful than people realized.” Vogel has repeatedly expressed concern about Hickerson’s influence and said her daughter once recognized that she needed to remove him from her life.
Hickerson has not publicly responded to Vogel’s latest allegations.
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Chances are that you have a good amount of dresses hanging in your closet — after all, they’re a go-to piece for wearing to a range of occasions. However, not all of them are going to be suited for work, which is why it might be time for a wardrobe refresh. For fall, we curated flattering styles that women over 40 will feel confident wearing each day.
The best office-ready dresses make you feel your best, so we looked for slimming details that’ll make you happy to get ready in the morning. From clever waist ties to vertical pleating, all of these dresses on Amazon get a thumbs up for looking and feeling good. Shop the fall-forward options to prepare for the season ahead.
17 Slimming Office-Friendly Dresses for Women Over 40
1. Our Favorite: There’s no need for a belt, because this cap-sleeve midi dress cinches in the waist all on its own. There are 10 colors to choose from, including classic neutrals and more fun hues.
2. Wondrous Waist: If you’re looking to hide your midsection, this short-sleeve midi dress has a dramatic waist tie that covers the area. The fabric is very stretchy, too, so it works with your body.
3. Not a Skirt: Putting a top and skirt together can even feel like too much in the morning, but this casual midi dress does the work for you. The top half is a solid color, and the bottom half provides a not-too-loud pattern.
4. Collared Cutie: Hitting just below the knee, this sleeveless collared dress is ready for the boardroom. It can be worn on its own or with a cardigan on chilly days.
5. Must-Have Midi: With longer sleeves that nearly hit the elbow, this lightweight sweater dress is ideal for the summer-to-fall transition. And the included belt can be tied as loose or as tight as you’d like.
Summer workwear isn’t always as effortless as it looks. Between hot commutes, freezing office air conditioning and packed calendars, finding dresses that are both flattering and practical can be surprisingly difficult. That’s exactly why a great office dress earns its spot in your wardrobe. These Amazon finds are designed to make getting dressed feel simple. […]
6. Pretty Pleats: You can’t go wrong with a long pleated dress, and this sleeveless option can be topped with a sweater or blazer. There’s also smart ruching at the waist, making the choice between the 20 colors even more important.
7. Affordable Find: The three-quarter sleeves and to-the-knee length make this an office-ready A-line dress. But the $9 price tag might be the best part of all.
8. Cozy Choice: It’s hard to imagine cold days now, but they’ll soon be here, and you’ll be glad you have this long-sleeve maxi sweater dress. Plus, it has pockets!
9. Belted Beauty: With so many patterns to choose from, including polka dots and florals, this short-sleeve, to-the-knee dress is a fun option to shop. The built-in belt gives a slimming effect, as the dress flares out to skim your curves.
10. Welcomed Wrap: There’s something so flattering about a wrap-style dress (even if it’s faux). This three-quarter-sleeve pick has a V-neck that’s more on the modest side.
11. Pretty Polka Dots: Office outfits don’t have to be so stuffy, and this sleeveless polka-dot number is a winner all around. The boatneck silhouette is a nice change from the typical crewneck, too.
12. Real Ribbing: This long-sleeve midi dress is a complete outfit, thanks to the sweater-like material and adorable collar detail. Just pair it with your favorite shoes and accessories, and you’re ready to go.
13. Short-Sleeve Sweater: With short sleeves and thicker fabric, this flowy maxi dress nails transitional style. And the vertical pleating elongates the body for a flattering fit.
14. Gorgeous Gingham: Another pattern worth trying is gingham, and it looks elevated on this collared midi dress. We like the breezy sleeves and cinched-in waist, too.
15. A+ Accessory: This long-sleeve, chiffon-like dress comes with a belt, but you can easily remove it so you can style it your way. The smart collar and pleating make it look like you mean business.
16. Mindful Mockneck: Once the temperatures drop, this midi sweater dress is what you’ll regularly find us in. And the waist tie will disguise anything we’d rather keep hidden.
17. Striking Stripes: This pleated midi dress makes it look like you’re wearing a striped cardigan on top, so it’s a unique addition to your fall wardrobe. The gold button detailing is also an elevated touch.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Entertainment
Coree Moreno Reveals How He Gets Zendaya and Chase Infiniti’s Hair to ‘Perform’ All Day Long
Politics45 seconds ago
British Army brags about new radar made by genocide-linked arms firm
Tech2 minutes ago
BeanBot Robot Moves Like a Jumping Bean by Bumping Into the World
News Videos3 minutes ago
XRP: “YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH LONGER” Popular Analyst Insists -Report
Fashion1 month ago
Weekend Open Thread – Corporette.com
Fashion1 month ago
Weekend Open Thread: Brooks Brothers
NewsBeat1 month ago
London Mayor Sadiq Khan handed a peerage by Keir Starmer alongside 15 other Labour figures… just days before the PM leaves No10
News Videos3 minutes ago
XRP: “YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH LONGER” Popular Analyst Insists -Report
News Videos10 minutes ago
The True Origin of the 2008 Financial Crisis: What Historians Get Wrong
News Videos18 minutes ago
Crypto Trading LIVE: BTC Live Trading Bitcoin Analysis | 18 AUG #crypto #bitcoin #btc
-
Fashion3 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Madewell – Corporette.com
-
Business6 days agoSMA Solar Technology AG (SMTGY) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
-
Crypto World3 days agoanatomy of crypto’s biggest liquidation event since 2021
-
Business2 days agoMusk’s Tesla, SpaceX Confirm $16.8 Billion ‘Terafab’ Chip Plant as World’s Largest Building in Texas
-
Tech7 days agoQwen3.8-27B runs frontier-class coding agents and reasoning locally, no cloud API required
-
Crypto World7 days agoOCC Greenlights Trump Family Crypto Firm for Trust Charter
-
Politics2 days ago6 months on, Irish renters crushed by effects of government housing bill
-
NewsBeat2 days agoThe ‘Lucky Dip Gang’ causing carnage for clicks: After five thugs were killed speeding in the wrong direction on a motorway, GUY ADAMS investigates a sick new trend… and why police aren’t even allowed to pursue them
-
Crypto World7 days agoNAVI Prime launches institutional lending framework on Sui
-
Tech5 days agoGLM-5.3 hits the API at $1.4/$4.4 per million tokens
-
News Videos5 days agoDon’t Leave Your Financial Future To Chance | August 19, 2026
-
Tech7 days ago
5 Of The Most Reliable Car Brands To Consider If You’re Buying A Used SUV
-
Crypto World7 days agoDow’s 3-Year Winning Run Isn’t a Crash Signal, Still 49% Odds of Double-Digit Gains
-
Tech7 days agoKeychron K8 Ultra 8K review: a great value keyboard with comfort issues
-
Tech7 days agoNvidia discloses $21B stake in SpaceX
-
Business6 days agoStock Market Today: Tech Futures Slide As Treasury Yields Jump; Nvidia, Micron, Sandisk Sell Off
-
Business5 days agoMarvell Shares Jump 7% as Google Chip Deal Confirms Custom AI Silicon Partnership, Analysts
-
Business4 days agoFive Below: Kids Discount Retailer Reaps Rich Rewards
-
Business1 day agoMystery AI Model ‘Ox Alpha’ Draws Developers With Free Access as Chinese Lab Origins Remain Debated
-
Business7 days ago
Fabrinet (FN) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
You must be logged in to post a comment Login