The Big Bang Theory‘s highly anticipated spinoff Stuart Fails to Save the Universe has officially been picked up — but what is there to know about the show so far?

Warner Bros. Television announced in 2023 that executive producer Chuck Lorre would be creating a new comedy series based on The Big Bang Theory universe. No split or casting details were announced at the time — and the studio has preferred to keep it that way.

The Big Bang Theory, which aired from 2007 to 2019, starred Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch as a group of friends made up of scientists and their significant others.

During its run, the CBS comedy won 10 Emmy Awards and spawned the prequel series, Young Sheldon. Parsons, who served as the executive producer and narrator for the Sheldon-centered prequel, previously discussed the decision to end The Big Bang Theory after more than a decade.

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Fans welcomed the cast of The Big Bang Theory into their living rooms for 12 seasons before saying goodbye to the sitcom — and we’re still keeping up with them today. Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper), Kaley Cuoco (Penny Teller), Johnny Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter), Simon Helberg (Howard Wolowitz), Kunal Nayyar (Raj Koothrappali), Mayim Bialik (Amy Farrah Fowler) and Melissa […]

“It’s both as complex and as simple as just feeling innately that it was time,” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2019. “It speaks to a lot of things, none of them bad. There is no negative reason to stop doing Big Bang. It felt like we have been able to do this for so many years now, it doesn’t feel like there is anything left on the table. Not that we couldn’t keep doing it, but it feels like we’ve chewed all the meat off this bone.”

Many of the show’s stars have supported the idea of a reunion since The Big Bang Theory came to an end.

“It does still feel like yesterday that we wrapped. I think everyone is kind of trying out their new paths and seeing what their next project is, and I’m excited to see how everyone flourishes,” Cuoco shared with E! News in 2021. “I think in a few years or whenever anyone’s open to it, I definitely will be down for that. It was a life-changing experience for all of us, and it’d be great to do that for the fans, too, because we had such an amazing fan base that stuck with us for so long.”

Meanwhile, Bialik showed her support for CBS‘ decision to end the series when it did.

“The way that I described the show ending was there are a lot of factors that the public doesn’t get to know about, about what goes into the decisions behind why a show doesn’t continue,” she exclusively told Us Weekly in 2021. “I think, as someone who was grateful to work alongside Jim and eager to see the rest of what all of our lives held for us, I think there was a general feeling like it was time for us to move into something different.”

Bialik praised the legacy that The Big Bang Theory left behind.

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“I would like our show to be remembered as a show that really demonstrated how the other half lives or how most of us live, which is kind of on the outside in some way. I think everyone has a little bit of [an] outsider in them,” she continued. “And I know that Big Bang Theory is often credited with kind of making nerd chic a thing. But for those of us who kind of have those kinds of friends and revolve in those kinds of circles, I guess it just kind of is what it always has been for us. It’s just the way to think and live and play in many cases.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about The Big Bang Theory sequel:

When Does ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff Premiere?

The show was in development, which means it was waiting for Warner Bros. Television to green light it into a series after seeing the pilot. The spinoff will air on Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service, HBO Max, after it was officially picked up in July 2025.

“I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone,” Lorre said in a statement. “Something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about.”

Who Stars in the Spinoff Series?

Brian Posehn, Lauren Lapkus and Kevin Sussman have been tapped to headline the show. They will all reprise their roles from the original series with Posehn returning as a geologist at Caltech who was interested in dating Amy. Sussman, meanwhile, played Stuart a.k.a the owner of a comic book store that Sheldon and his friends often visited on the show. Stuart went on to find love with Denise (Lapkus) and the couple remained together once The Big Bang Theory came to an end.

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Related: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast’s Dating Histories Through the Years


The Big Bang Theory, which ran for 12 seasons, followed the daily adventures of a group of scientists and their significant others until the show’s conclusion in May 2019. The show, which premiered in September 2007, starred Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. While filming the […]

What Is the Show About?

Lorre, who created The Big Bang Theory, is attached as an executive producer on the project alongside Bill Prady, who also worked on the OG show.

According to the synopsis, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe “follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.”

Are There More Shows in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Universe?

The spinoff is the fourth installment in The Big Bang Theory franchise. In addition to the original, CBS picked up a prequel about Sheldon titled Young Sheldon, which ran for seven seasons. Young Sheldon spawned its own sequel — Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage — about Sheldon’s older brother, Georgie (Montana Jordan), and his wife, Mandy (Emily Osment).

Those rascally Minions are invading theaters once more this summer. However, that’s not the only place you’ll be finding the ubiquitous yellow hench-creatures; they’re also coming to a store near you. Collider is proud to present an exclusive first look at the Minions & Monsters merchandise that’s headed your way from Moose Toys this spring.

Parents beware: the signature item in the line is the Fart Blaster Pro ($29.99 USD), which is exactly what it sounds like. It blasts “fog rings” up to six feet with both sound and stink. Odors include “Yum Yum Bubble Gum,” “Garbage Gusher,” and “Nacho Nasty,” and refill packs ($9.99 for a four-pack) are available. For those with more delicate constitutions, the Mini Fart Blaster ($9.99) features pocket-sized sound effects, but no odor. Other offerings include Cast and Crew minifigures ($3.99) of all your favorite Minions; they’re blind-packed in individual boxes, so you’ll want to hunt them all down, including two chase figures that glow in the dark.

To go with the movie’s film-making theme, Moose Toys is also introducing miniature Sound Stage playsets ($9.99); they include minifigures and props, and can connect with each other and the larger Studio Lot ($24.99) to form a whole studio complex. And don’t forget the “Monsters” half of the title, either: in the new Quest for Monsters set ($24.99), you can complete a secret ritual and reveal a hidden monster. Finally, stretchy/goopy/squishy versions of James the Minion and Cthulhu-like monster Goomi will be available in the Goo Jit Zu line ($13.99 each). All this and more will hit store shelves this spring.

What Do We Know About ‘Minions & Monsters’?

Taking place before both Minions and Minions: The Rise of Gru, Minions & Monsters features the titular creatures (all voiced by Pierre Coffin) attempting to make a monster movie in the early days of Hollywood. It features the voices of Trey Parker, Jesse Eisenberg, Zoey Deutch, Allison Janney, Bobby Moynihan, Phil LaMarr, Christoph Waltz, and Jeff Bridges. Coffin, the helmer of the first three Despicable Me movies and the first Minions, will direct, and also co-wrote the script with Brian Lynch (Puss in Boots).

The Despicable Me/Minions franchise has grossed over $12 billion dollars since launching with Despicable Me in 2010. It centers around the mad scientist Gru (Steve Carell), who gradually becomes a family man and a reluctant hero over the course of the series: the Minions spin-offs center around the Minions, a race of Twinkie-shaped creatures that are instinctively driven to serve villainy, with Gru as their latest master.

Minions & Monsters will hit theaters on July 1. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

July 1, 2026

Writers

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Brian Lynch

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Elizabeth Hurley and boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus enjoyed quality time together at Stagecoach, much to the delight of her son, Damian Hurley.

The Bedazzled actress, 60, took to Instagram on Saturday, April 25, to share a PDA-filled carousel of photos that included a snap of her and Cyrus, 64, kissing for a selfie. The carousel drew support from Damian, 24, who wrote, “Aww love you both ❤️,” in the comments section.

Elizabeth, who took her romance with the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer public in April 2025, captioned the loved-up post, “Yeeehaaaaaw. Loved my first trip to Stagecoach watching @billyraycyrus @noahcyrus and @braisonccyrus perform their new single “On Our Way Along” 💗💗💗.”

It wasn’t the first time that Damian shared public praise for his mom and Cyrus’ adoration of one another. In May 2025, Cyrus posted an Instagram photo of himself kissing his lady, which drew a similar reaction from Elizabeth’s model son. “Awwww ❤️,” Damian had written at the time.

Damian isn’t the only celebrity who showed love to the couple over the weekend. Brooke Warne, the daughter of Elizabeth’s ex-boyfriend, the late Australian cricketer Shane Warne, also commented on Elizabeth’s carousel, “Amazing 👏👏👏.”

The kind words from Brooke, 28, drew a response from Elizabeth — “love you” — before Brooke declared “love you more!! I’m coming one year with you guys please!!” and tagged Damian in the response.

Celebrity friend of Elizabeth’s Trinny Woodall also commented “Gorgeous” on the carousel, while Cyrus himself hit “like” on the post.

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Damian, whom Elizabeth shared with her late ex Steve Bing, maintains a loving relationship with his mom, frequently singing her praises via his own Instagram account. One month ago, he shared a tribute to her that included two photos: one that showed a topless Elizabeth hugging a young Damien in a pool, and another that showed the pair standing back to back with an older Damian. “Happy mamas’ day to my best friend since ‘02,” he captioned the March 16 post, which drew “I love you so much” in the comments section from Elizabeth.

Related: Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus Enjoy PDA-Filled Blended Family Outing

Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus are spending some quality time with their kids — together. “What a treat- a perfect way to celebrate the Summer Solstice with @mileycyrus Reborn from Something Beautiful,” Hurley, 60, shared via Instagram on Sunday, June 22, along with a slew of photos and videos showing her and her new […]

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The following month, Damian shared another carousel in celebration of Easter, which included a photo of Cyrus standing beside him as he bottle fed a lamb. “Love da DMan!!” commented Cyrus, who appeared to have hosted the mom-son duo at his Tennessee farm for the holiday.

Cyrus and Elizabeth debuted their romance on April, 20, 2025, one year prior, via a joint Instagram post that captured the couple cuddling up against a wooden fence. While the hard launch shocked many fans, Damian showed his support from as early as then, commenting with both a heart and a celebration emoji at the time.

The way movies have been made has evolved since the dawn of the picture. From silent films to talkies. Black and white to Technicolor. From 2-D animation to computer-animated. As technology advances and new opportunities emerge, cinema has gotten even better. A main reason: computer-generated imagery. Using visual effects to enhance the viewing experience, movies truly bring audiences to a place beyond their wildest imaginations.

CGI is not for amateurs. And yet, even some of the greatest professionals have their off projects. There have been countless big-budget, box office blockbusters that one might have thought would have visuals, but watching them on the big screen, well, they were botched. From distorted faces to the fakest-looking sea creatures meant to scare, these 10 otherwise promising movies were ruined by terrible CGI.

1

‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023)

Image via Marvel Studios

Listen, we have great reverence for the behemoth that is the MCU, but with dozens of films and series under its belt, some projects have fallen by the wayside. Meaning the visual effects helped the movie bomb. One of the biggest recipients of terrible CGI was the third Ant-Man movie, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Best known as the film that helped introduce us to that pesky multiverse, the film follows Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) as they explore the Quantum Realm with their family, encountering strange new creatures and battling the time-traveling villain, Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). Officially launching Phase Five, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania gave us the nightmare that was Corey Stoll as the oversized head known as M.O.D.O.K. And yet, that was only one of the many weak CGI effects.

After critics dumped on the film for its terrible CGI, so did anonymous VFX technicians. Having spoken to Vulture, some artists admitted that certain “shortcuts” were taken, including budget constraints due to diverted funds to other projects. This, in turn, led to poor working conditions for the artists, resulting in an unsatisfactory outcome. Nevertheless, despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the multiverse was awoken and ended up being less than impactful. The previous two films had whimsy and charm with Rudd in the lead, but the plot’s serious tone lost that charm. And yet, when M.OD.O.K. popped up, it was nothing short of a barrel of laughs. It was simply too silly and goofy. To be fair, as a ‘90s Marvel kid who had an action figure, there was an expectation of a CGI conglomerate. Instead, Stoll’s face was stretched like he was Zordon in the ‘90s iteration of the Power Rangers. One might think that by the 31st MCU entry, the CGI would be top-notch, but Phase Five had its litany of woes. And it all started here.

2

‘Cats’ (2019)

Image via Universal Pictures

Every theater kid’s heart sings out when a beloved musical is announced to have a big-screen adaptation. We dreamcast the film, imagine what it might look like, and wait patiently on the message boards for any rumors that swirl. Upon learning that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats would get a silver screen adaptation, there was some fear and hesitation. Never has a community been more right when they stepped inside the cinema to watch Cats. The infamous film lifted the Broadway show in shocking fashion. Gone was a cast of actors donning catsuits and detailed face paint. Instead, it was a CGI nightmare that managed to tarnish any semblance of positivity tied to the film. And yes, that includes the top-tier ensemble of stars who agreed to this mess.

Directed by Tom Hooper, who notoriously made questionable choices when directing the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, Cats turned a book of poetry into a who’s who of felines attempting to get to the Heavy Side Layer. A well-meaning attempt to honor a classic resulted in a disaster. Before we get to the kitties, the first massive mistake came in the set pieces and rules of the world. The proportions were not only inconsistent but incorrect. Simply look at the production number of “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat,” in which the railroad tracks were massive compared to the dancing cats. What’s unfortunate is, you might have given this a pass had you not been distracted by the human-feline fusion.

As much as Hooper tried to defend his choices so as not to lose “facial performances,” they were not well received. The uncanny valley effect is what nightmares are made of. The horrific anthropomorphization of people-cats sparked a wild pre-release frenzy that left many wondering what the actual film would look like. With so much visual promise, the result was downright creepy, especially when you realized the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen were subject to this treatment. The campy nature of the stage production had always been a theatrical joke, but it looked like a work of fine art comparatively! It hurts to know that there was a point in time when Steven Spielberg was going to make an animated version of the musical. Can we return to that timeline? There is, however, one solution to satisfy our needs. Perhaps we would all be satisfied if the rumored “butthole cut” would be shared with the world. Release it, you cowards! If Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber did purchase a puppy as a result of this bomb, we understand why.

3

‘Die Another Day’ (2002)

Image via MGM Distribution Co.

The history of James Bond films has such a wide array of results. Some were brilliant while others were hokey. But what they all had in common was an adoration of the central character. In the early days of the franchise, the practical effects were a product of their time. But when you move into the 21st century, and technical advancements are available, there should be no excuses for poor CGI. And yet Die Another Day, the first film of the new millennium, relied heavily on unconvincing, cartoonish digital effects that felt outdated compared to the brilliant films it was up against. In the 2002 entry, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) is on a mission to identify a mole within British intelligence after he is betrayed, tortured, and released from a North Korean prison, eventually exposing a scheme involving a space weapon. Though Madonna did provide the title track, the film’s imagery is what it’s remembered for.

It’s quite common that green screens are heavily used in film, and one would think for a film of this magnitude, it would be flawless. It was anything but. From a poorly rendered CGI Bond surfing an ice wave to the subpar visuals for the invisible car, Die Another Day felt like a bad cartoon or a bootleg video game. With such dismal effects, any semblance of serious moments was overshadowed by the bad visuals. There was a time when the tones of James Bond films matched their hokiness. Not here. Between Daniel Craig‘s new casting and the CGI disaster, many fans felt that Die Another Day was going to kill the franchise. Instead, it pushed the new era into a much more positive direction. It’s just unfortunate that this is now the end of Brosnan’s reign.

4

‘Jaws 3-D’ (1983)

Image Via Universal Pictures

After Steven Spielberg made us terrified of the ocean with Jaws, it was the second sequel that made us chuckle that we ever had that fear. At a time when 3-D films were all the rage, director Joe Alves opted to give his audience 3-D glasses to create the illusion that elements penetrated the screen. Unfortunately, it turned the horror film into a farce. Jaws 3-D follows as a 35-foot great white shark infiltrates a Florida SeaWorld marine park, terrorizing employees and visitors in a new “Undersea Kingdom”. Mike Brody (Dennis Quaid), son of Chief Brody, tries to save the park guests while a second, larger shark emerges as the true threat. Between the locale and the filming style, Jaws 3-D tarnished the franchise’s legacy.

To the film’s credit, viewers of the first film had to suspend disbelief to realize that the animatronic known as Bruce was actually a deadly, man-eating shark. But then, through a cheaper compositing process that created a “superimposed” look, the shark appeared as a flat, disconnected image that was anything but terrifying. Pair this with a campy script and over-the-top acting, and there was no saving this Spielberg-less flop. Audiences couldn’t wait to toss out their plastic glasses after that infamous, slow-motion glass-breaking finale. There’s never been a worse shark movie made until, well, the next one.

5

‘Sharknado’ (2013)

Image via Syfy Films

This entry could be the entire franchise, but after the first film, Sharknado owned its visual disasters. But on that very first pass, oh, we were in for a monstrous treat. Kicking off the campiest horror franchise of all time comes the made-for-TV sci-fi comedy horror disaster from director Anthony C. Ferrante. The film tells the story of a massive storm that floods Los Angeles and floods the city with man-eating sharks, including tornadoes. Surfer and bar owner Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering) battles flying sharks with chainsaws to rescue his estranged wife and daughter. An absurd so-bad-it ’s-good satire, nothing could get past the ridiculous CGI.

Even with cameos galore, the low-budget execution spawned cheap knockoffs and similarly inspired films that matched its visual effects. Logic was not part of the film’s objective, as a shark could harshly land on a car with nothing but a quiet thud. The sharks did not match the actors’ lighting or motion. While we can give credit to the actors who are used to acting whenever they are not quite there, there was no excuse for what happened in post. The static editing and daft writing just made Sharknado an actual disaster.

6

‘Son of the Mask’ (2005)

Image via New Line Cinema

Many fans of the original film had a strong desire for Jim Carrey to reprise his role in a Mask sequel, but after seeing Son of the Mask, they made the right call. In the horrendous sequel, aspiring cartoonist Tim Avery’s (Jamie Kennedy) dog finds Loki’s magical mask. After Tim wears it and conceives a child, the baby is born with chaotic, reality-bending powers, prompting Loki (Alan Cumming) to try and retrieve his mask. A hokey premise at its core, Son of the Mask relied on poor ‘00s CGI that replaced the charm and wit of the original. The result was a cartoonish, disturbing, and cringeworthy aesthetic.

The original film was notorious for wacky imagery that matched the spirit of the story. That was present here, but when the animated mask was relegated to an infant and a dog, the result was destined to look like a disastrous cartoon. Watching the baby’s head inflate, and the dog’s eyes bulge out, it was more of a horror nightmare than a family-friendly comedy. Son of the Mask was by no means meant to be a serious film, but the execution was everything that can go wrong with a poorly executed sequel.

7

‘Star Wars: Episode 1—The Phantom Menace’ (1999)

Image via LucasFilm

The hype surrounding a new set of Star Wars films was astronomically high. A new generation of fans was about to experience what it would be like seeing George Lucas’ mesmerizing vision on the big screen for the first time. And then Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) arrived, and some fans sought a do-over. No shade to the iconic creature, but what were they thinking?! In Star Wars: Episode 1— The Phantom Menace, the first chapter of the Skywalker Saga, Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) protect Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) of Naboo, aiming to resolve a trade blockade. They discover a young, Force-sensitive boy named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) on Tatooine, while battling the unexpected return of the Sith. Jump-starting a new era of the Star Wars franchise, The Phantom Menace utilized the full range of its digital technology for a less gritty, more sterile aesthetic that seemed like it was in a galaxy far, far away from its own.

There was a major disconnect between the performance and the practicality of its characters’ acting in its world. Forced to work against CGI characters and green screens, many of its stars seemed to have trouble bringing anything but wooden performances. The first three films were beloved for Lucas’ use of practical effects, miniatures, and puppets to create a brilliant product. The new film opted for a CGI-heavy universe that felt fake and, at times, cartoonish. Toss in Jar Jar Binks, and that argument was further exacerbated. We still fondly care about this film and the two that followed. We just wish it were as magical as the first trilogy.

8

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2014)

Image via Paramount Pictures

If you’re a millennial, you likely have a great reverence for the media empire that is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. From the brilliant cartoon to the ‘90s trilogy of films, they hold quite a special place in our hearts. When a reboot film came out in 2007, it felt like the logical reboot version. And then a new iteration came again in 2014, and those creatures were utterly terrifying and nothing like the heroes we once knew. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the reboot follows four mutated turtle brothers—Leonardo (Johnny Knoxville), Raphael (Alan Ritchson), Donatello (Jeremy Howard), and Michelangelo (Noel Fisher)—who emerge from the New York City sewers to save their city. Aided by reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox), they battle the evil Shredder (Tohoru Masamune) and his Foot Clan to stop a plot to release a deadly virus. With all the elements in place to make the film good, the visuals and graphics ruined its long-lasting legacy.

The allure of the original characters was that they looked like cartoon characters. Here, they were becoming something inhuman yet trying to be human. These iconic turtles had features including broad, human-like lips and noses that were simply unsettling. Then, add in the fact that they were so massive and detached from their roots as stealthy, agile ninjas, which made the film far from its source material. Then, moving over to Master Splinter (Tony Shalhoub), you get a gross and ridiculous rat. Overengaged and ultimately soulless, this iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles failed to capture the spirit of the characters we once loved.

9

‘The Lawnmower Man’ (1992)

Image via New Line Cinema

When a product is inspired loosely by your own work, but the execution is so abysmal, you sue to make sure there is no attachment. That’s what Stephen King did after The Lawnmower Man was released. As he said in court documents, it “bore no meaningful resemblance” to his story. Directed by Brett Leonard, the 1992 film tells the story of scientist Dr. Angelo (Pierce Brosnan), who uses virtual reality and drugs to turn a mentally disabled gardener, Jobe (Jeff Fahey), into a genius, only for Jobe to develop dangerous psychic powers and become obsessed with becoming a digital being. A victim of its own making, The Lawnmower Man was meant to represent virtual reality but ended up as a corny visual that overshadowed the plot.

To call The Lawnmower Man groundbreaking is flat-out wrong. But that’s how the film was marketed. With such high expectations, the cyberspace scenes were meant to be awe-inspiring, but they came across as clunky and poorly managed. The Lawnmower Man, which didn’t mean to look like a ‘90s video game, made Tron look like a complete masterpiece. At least that film was intended to be a video game! A film that didn’t look good then and still doesn’t age well, The Lawnmower Man is a film that deserved to be lost to time. Instead, it’s remembered for all the wrong reasons.

10

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

Image via Universal Pictures

We could make this entry solely for The Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson), but the team did learn from their mistakes during The Mummy Returns. The problem is, when that film is a prequel, you can actually find the time to fix the mistakes! In the sequel to the hit action-adventure film, Rick and Evelyn O’Connell (Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz) face the resurrected Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) and a newly awakened Scorpion King. The couple must save their kidnapped son, Alex (Freddie Boath), who has triggered a race to the pyramid of Ahm Shere and control of Anbus’ army. A worthy follow-up, The Mummy Returns was destroyed the second the janky video game iteration of The Rock’s character stumbled on the screen.

All these years removed, Fraser has asked the world to be ‘kind” for the awful CGI. Though there’s always a reason, much of the blame for the wrestler’s characterization fell to time constraints and technological limitations, which resulted in a model of the actor that lacked texture and realism. As good a film as The Mummy Returns was, there’s simply no forgiving the disaster of The Scorpion King. At the end of the day, the overambitious effects fell short of the emerging CGI standards of the era. Luckily, there was enough time to fix the terrible characterization in the prequel, The Scorpion King, since the actor was actually present and able to perform the role.

In the early 2000s, Disney’s strategy included fewer remakes but many more sequels. Yet these were not major theatrical releases; they were direct-to-video sequels that not only continued the more recent Disney Renaissance films, going back to some of the company’s biggest classics. Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, and many other films got a continuation, but one of Disney’s best films did not receive the same treatment: Dumbo. Dumbo had good company in this, with memorable films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and The Aristocats never got an official sequel, but Dumbo is unique in how close it came.

The animation studio promised fans a Dumbo sequel that was never released; however, a lot of work went into it before it was eventually canceled. Back in 2001, Dumbo II was well underway, to the point that for the 60th anniversary of the original film, Disney released a look at the sequel, giving the fans an idea of what they were planning. Though it never came to fruition, this trailer shows fans what they are missing, and while not every direct-to-video sequel from this era is remembered fondly, the brief insight into Dumbo II proves the idea had potential.

‘Dumbo II’ Plot: What Disney Planned for the Cancelled Sequel

The heartwarming tale of a young, outcast circus elephant who learns to fly has managed to stand on its own for 85 years, making a sequel unnecessary. Yet, while the story doesn’t need it, Dumbo II could have provided an interesting opportunity for the characters, especially as the sequel promised to solve the mystery of Dumbo’s father. However, that wasn’t planned as the central storyline. The Dumbo II content Disney released in 2001 is less of a traditional trailer and more of a sneak peek, featuring director Robert Ramirez and other members of the crew discussing the characters and showing off the concept art, but it provides a sense of what they were planning.

Taking place shortly after the original, the story was set to follow Dumbo and other circus children as they are separated from the train and get lost in the big city. In addition to Dumbo and Timothy Mouse, the film would have introduced a zebra named Dot, Penny the ostrich, Godfrey the hippo, and a set of bear cub twins named Claude and Lolly. Interestingly, this would have given Dumbo a group of friends, which he notably didn’t have in the original film, allowing him to grow up slightly, and the idea of growing up would have been central to the film. Each of the new characters was inspired by a phase of childhood development, from the stage of questioning everything to the “I can do it myself” phase, allowing for a wide range of personalities as it explored childhood, and making it relatable to the intended audience. Although we only know so much about the film, this idea certainly holds potential, especially considering the other direct-to-video sequels that Disney pushed forward. Yet Dumbo II never did make it to release.

Why Disney Cancelled ‘Dumbo II’ After Years in Development

Image via Disney

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The story of the Dumbo sequel exemplifies the long process of filmmaking, considering how long Dumbo II was under development before its cancellation. Progress was clearly underway by 2001, when the trailer was released, yet the film faced repeated production delays and wasn’t cancelled until years later. Reportedly, Joe Grant, an animator on the original film, was unimpressed by the test footage, sending them back to the drawing board, literally. The film was still in development until 2007, when DisneyToon Studios was combined with Walt Disney Animation, where John Lasseter served as Chief Creative Officer. Known to dislike the direct-to-video sequel model, Lassester put an end to these films, with The Little Mermaid III: Ariel’s Beginning being the last. While Dumbo II was one of several films cancelled in this process, it represented many years of work, showing the fickle nature of the industry.

Though fans will never see it, Dumbo II remains an interesting concept that had the potential to be one of the better direct-to-video sequels. Admittedly, the charm of the original Dumbo would be difficult to capture, especially after it managed to make such a lovable protagonist who never utters a word. Understandably, the team behind Dumbo II took their time in hopes of making a worthy sequel, but unfortunately, fans can only imagine what it would have looked like.

DUmbo is streaming on Disney+ in the U.S.

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Release Date

October 31, 1941

Runtime

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130 minutes

Director

Samuel Armstrong, Norman Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson

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Writers

Joe Grant, Dick Huemer, Otto Englander

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Batman has evolved over 60 years, with Batman: The Movie released in 1966, but he became a true pop culture force when Michael Keaton first donned the cape in 1989’s Batman. Since then, a distinguished lineup of actors has stepped into the role—but the late Val Kilmer stands out among them. Taking on Batman is daunting enough; following Keaton’s defining performance is an even greater challenge. Yet Kilmer rose to the occasion, exceeding expectations in Batman Forever, where The Dark Knight faces off against Gotham’s chaos in the form of Harvey “Two-Face” Dent (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey).

Director Joel Schumacher trades Tim Burton’s shadowy Gothic world for a neon-drenched Gotham, filled with flamboyant henchmen and larger-than-life villainy. Amid the spectacle, Jones and Carrey deliver wildly theatrical performances—making Kilmer’s restrained, grounded take on Batman not just effective, but essential to keeping the film anchored.

Joel Schumacher’s Gotham Creates the Need for a Grounded Batman

Image via Warner Bros.

When taking on the role of Batman, it’s no secret that Bruce Wayne is a key part of that job description. Val Kilmer’s grasp on the dual identity of the daytime billionaire and nighttime crime-fighter is impressive, as it is underrated. From the opening sequence between The Dark Knight and Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman), it’s clear that Batman has the luxury of being cheeky and almost comical, stating, “Bats aren’t rodents.” Batman has time for jokes, while Bruce Wayne lives in a painful reality.

In Batman Forever, even more so than other Batman films, the script calls for a rivalry-like relationship between Bruce and the bat. Dr. Meridian, on her own volition, tells Bruce Wayne, “I’ve met someone… You could say he just kind of dropped out of the sky and bang!” She’s rejecting Bruce Wayne because she has feelings for Batman. That’s a lot to unpack, but it also goes to show how important the contrast is between the two characters.

Bruce Wayne and Batman’s Dual Identity Drives the Story

Image via Warner Bros.

As if a pink and black, zebra-clad politician wasn’t enough, throw in a mind-manipulating disgruntled employee of Wayne Enterprises, and audiences are given a dynamic duo of villainous proportions. Jones and Carrey swing for the fences, both in their individual performances and in scenes together. From the moment the Riddler infiltrates Two-Face’s lair, it’s a battle of script vs. improvisation. “Harvey, I don’t think it’s me you want to kill. That’s just too easy for someone as powerful as you…and you,” the Riddler quips. With characters this animated and flamboyant, there is no room for Batman to be over-the-top.

The closest that Val Kilmer comes to being outlandish is the infamous smiling Batman scene, which has since turned into a viral meme. Kudos to both Kilmer and Joel Schumacher for never allowing Batman to become a caricature of himself. It’s an underappreciated aspect of the role, and Kilmer deserves mountains of credit for his attention to detail.

Related

The 30 Best DC Animated Movie Universe Films, Ranked

The DCAMU has produced plenty of great movies to rival their live-action counterparts.

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Val Kilmer’s Batman and Robin Dynamic Adds Emotional Depth to ‘Batman Forever’

Image via Warner Bros.

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Batman Forever is one of only a handful of films that feature both Dick Grayson (Chris O’Donnell) and Bruce Wayne working in tandem. Kilmer’s chemistry with O’Donnell is near-perfect. Unlike George Clooney, who plays the mean, overbearing older brother archetype in Batman & Robin, Kilmer is much more relaxed and caring. However, it’s not until Dick confronts Bruce, stating, “You can’t understand. Your family wasn’t killed by a maniac,” that the two realize they have more in common than either thought. Those are important teaching moments throughout the film, where Bruce Wayne must step up to be the father figure he never had. Val Kilmer seizes those lines in the script. “Until one terrible morning, you wake up and realize that revenge has become your whole life,” Wayne preaches to Grayson.

Kilmer’s reserved, tortured, and traumatized performance is as good as it gets when referencing Batman actors. He incorporated a subtle playfulness behind the mask, which Bruce Wayne isn’t capable of. Through both contrast and chemistry with his castmates, Val Kilmer brought a tremendous amount of depth to the character, and is easily the greatest version of Batman that audiences will ever see.

MLB pitcher Kody Funderburk’s wife Alicia was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with the couple’s first child.

In a series of social media posts shared on Saturday, April 25, via X by the Minnesota Twins, of which Kody recently rejoined after taking paternity leave for the April 20 birth of daughter Murphy Jo, Alicia’s health journey was detailed.

“Fundy is back from the Paternity List but we want to take a moment to share more of his and his wife’s story,” the posts began, sharing a photo of Kody, 29, standing beside a pregnant Alicia with a scarf wrapped around her head. A second post shared another snap of pregnant Alicia, this time seated in a hospital chair.

“While pregnant, Alicia, Kody’s wife, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma,” the photo was captioned. “After ongoing chemotherapy treatments, doctors are hopeful that she’ll make a full recovery.”

Related: Ali Fedotowsky Says Husband Had ‘Zero Symptoms’ Before Cancer Diagnosis

Ali Fedotowsky and her husband, Kevin Manno, are opening up about his ongoing cancer battle. “The crazy thing is he had absolutely ZERO symptoms and his blood work came back perfect,” Fedotowsky, 40, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, January 29, referring to her husband’s health before his diagnosis. “So we thought it was important to […]

According to Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin lymphoma “is cancer that affects the lymphatic system” and is “highly treatable and often curable,” with treatments including “chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant … and clinical trials.”

The team’s announcement comes after Alicia shared her diagnosis via her Instagram account on April 15, just five days prior to Murphy’s arrival. “A little photo recap and life update from the last few months…From getting pregnant to being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, life recently has had some surprises,” she captioned a carousel of photos that included those shared by her husband’s MLB team. “While this season of life hasn’t looked how we imagined, Kody and I are beyond grateful for all the love, prayers, and support around us. We have been constantly reminded of how blessed we are every step of the way.”

The post also commented on her excitement over welcoming Murphy into the world. “Baby Fundy is already so loved (and clearly already likes to keep things interesting). We can’t wait to meet them in a few days!❤️,” she wrote at the time.

Related: Ali Fedotowsky Shares ‘Unsettling’ Update on Kevin Manno’s Thyroid Cancer

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The Bachelorette alum Ali Fedotowsky is sharing an update on husband Kevin Manno’s thyroid cancer. “He had a follow-up ultrasound recently because only half his thyroid was taken out when he had the cancer removed,” Fedotowsky, 41, responded to a fan during an Instagram Q&A on Friday, January 23. “That ultrasound did find a spot […]

The Twins had announced the arrival of Murphy via its X upload, sharing in another post, “Baby Fundy arrived on Monday, April 20th – a healthy baby girl, Murphy Jo. Both Alicia and Murphy are doing well!”

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The team continued, “We are inspired by the strength and positivity the Funderburks have shown. We wish them the very best and continue to support them on and off the field.”

Kody, who was drafted from Dallas Baptist University in 2018 and made his MLB debut in 2023, told St. Paul Pioneer Press in an April 19 interview that the cancer was caught “early enough,” sparking an immediate action plan.

“It was just more about, ‘OK, what do we need to do?’” the athlete told the outlet at the time. “Kind of like how baseball is, you kind of get to your process, ‘OK, what’s next? OK, go execute that. What’s next? OK, let’s do that.’”

In an industry built on star power and recognizable faces, it’s interesting how some of the most unforgettable performances come from actors we never fully see. They may be hidden behind masks, suits, or prosthetics, but they still make it work by relying solely on voice, physicality, and sheer presence, proving that acting is much more complex a craft than it often gets credit for. In some cases, those are among the actor’s best works, even.

There are many ways to compile and rank such performances, but all the following performances are by actors playing their characters on set. Granted, in some of them we see the actors’ faces, but it’s always with minimal screen time. In others, parts of their faces will be visible, but not the entirety. So, here are the best performances where we never completely see the actors’ faces.

10

David Prowse as Darth Vader

‘Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope’ (1977)

Image via Lucasfilm

Everyone remembers Darth Vader for his mechanical breathing, dramatic lines, or James Earl Jones‘ voice, but, even without those, he is still terrifying. Inside the armor is David Prowse, the heavyweight weightlifting champion that gives the Sith Lord his towering stature. Prowse makes full use of his size to build Vader’s intimidating stance, balancing cold stillness with deliberate weight.

This makes Vader unreadable beyond his mask, making even the subtlest tilt of his helmet feel both like an approving nod and a warning. If it feels like Vader fills and sucks the light out of every room he’s in in Star Wars, it’s because of Prowse.

9

Gary Oldman as Mason Verger

‘Hannibal’ (2001)

Image via MGM Distribution Co.

It’s strange to think that Mason Verger (Gary Oldman) is worse than Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), but it’s true. In Hannibal, he is the latter’s only surviving victim, a wealthy child molester with a vendetta after he was left disfigured by his encounter with Lecter, bribing and manipulating everyone until he gets what he wants.

Verger is as close to a literal monster as it gets, and the layers of prosthetics worn by Oldman in the movie reinforce this. Oldman himself believed he wouldn’t even be credited for the role, as he was straight-up unrecognizable. Even his voice, modeled after Katharine Hepburn, is unsettling, burying Oldman even deeper into character.

8

John Hurt as John Merrick

‘The Elephant Man’ (1980)

Image via Paramount Pictures

A role like John Merrick in The Elephant Man always risks being defined by prosthetics, unless there’s a capable actor behind it. Thankfully, David Lynch had John Hurt. Born with a skull deformity, Merrick was shunned by pretty much everyone in his life. Alone, he eventually ends up in a circus, until he draws the attention of a doctor who sees in him more than a freak attraction. Hurt’s performance is like an anchor, with his restrained posture and voice conveying Merrick’s vulnerability and surprising intelligence.

7

Tom Hardy as Bane

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Following Heath Ledger‘s take on the Joker was no easy task, but Tom Hardy pulls it off in The Dark Knight Rises. As a villain, Bane is instantly iconic for his mask and voice, but it’s his physicality that’s impressive. Hardy is almost too strong and bulky, excelling in fight scenes, but also knowing how to use all his presence in his favor. In that sense, his voice and calm eyes are as unsettling as his size.

Bane’s “Do you feel in charge?” line to John Dagget (Ben Mendelsohn), for example, is a perfect counterpoint to when he smashes Glen Powell‘s head against a console in the stock exchange scene. These show how Hardy perfectly balances restraint and excess when it comes to Bane’s strength. The mask itself elevates Hardy’s physical acting, giving Bane a chilling sense of unpredictability.

6

Hugh Keays-Byrne as the Immortan Joe

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros.

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One of the greatest villains of the 2010s, we do see a little of the Immortan Joe’s (Hugh Keays-Byrne) face when it’s ripped off his head along with his mask and breathing apparatus in Mad Max: Fury Road, but it’s so brief, it barely counts. Half warlord, half false prophet, he acts, talks, and walks into any room like he owns everything and everyone inside it, and everything about how he looks helps build his mystique.

His mask works as a respirator, so, like Darth Vader or Bane, he simply cannot take it off. Still, Hugh Keays-Byrne says so much with his eyes and body posture, that Joe doesn’t need the rest of his face to look imposing. His mask having a rodent-like mouth that opens whenever he’s angry helps build an inhuman aura about him, but he has enough of that already by simply being himself.

5

Karl Urban as Judge Dredd

‘Dredd’ (2012)

Image via Entertainment Films Distributors

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Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is another character whose face we can only partially see, but, instead of his eyes, it’s his mouth. His helmet is designed to leave it out, so he can pass out sentences and execute them clearly in his job as judge, jury, and executioner in Dredd. Without his eyes, Karl Urban keeps Dredd’s mouth locked in a permanent scowl that almost works as an extension of the costume itself.

In Dredd, Judges are the only thing keeping the world from falling into chaos, so they must embody discipline, order and ruthlessness. Urban’s performance is all about that, giving Dredd rigidly controlled movements and a determined stance of someone who perfectly understands his job’s importance, and knows that overwhelming discipline and compliance are the only way to carry it out.

4

Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach

‘Watchmen’ (2009)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Rorschach appears unmasked a few times in Watchmen, and those are striking moments in his and the film’s story, but they only work because of how Jackie Earle Haley builds the character as an essentially faceless individual the rest of the time — the mask is his face, not what’s behind it, and the fact that it’s always changing contradicts how steadfast Rorschach is in his stances.

It’s this steadfastness that Haley builds so well behind the mask, as Rorschach’s movements and voice always feel determined and in control of his own self. All this makes his final scene, when he removes the mask voluntarily, the ultimate display of vulnerability; he might as well have been nude, because everything that made Walter Kovacs Rorschach is now lost, including his face.

3

Michael Fassbender as Frank

‘Frank’ (2014)

Image via Magnolia Pictures

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A singer in a folk band who is always wearing a cartoon-like papier-mâché head and never allows himself to be seen without it may feel like a weird marketing piece or another eccentric artist who takes themselves too seriously, but, in Frank, it’s actually the premise of one of the most sensible and heartfelt stories of the 2010s. Michael Fassbender plays the title character, who’s exactly as described.

Without access to facial acting, Fassbender builds the character through subtle body language and vocal tone, hinting at a deeper backstory for such a brilliant and likable artist such as Frank. Because of the large head Frank wears, Fassbender’s movements feel slightly unconventional, reflecting Frank’s creative mindset as someone who is a genius struggling to find his footing in the real world.

2

Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV

‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (2005)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (Edward Norton) is one of the few roles where the actor behind it is never seen. Because of his advanced leprosy, he has to completely cover his body and face, wearing a full-body white suit and an adorned silver mask. He can barely stand, but his crown and disease give him experience and wisdom beyond his late-20s, and also earn him the respect of even his adversaries.

Because Baldwin is hidden behind his suit and mask all the time, legend has it that Norton initially refused to be credited for the role, but the truth is that he breathed life into it. His delivery is calm, and his stance is relaxed even in the tensest situations, making Baldwin feel like someone who can deal with any problem and deter any tension, earning him a cult following years after Kingdom of Heaven‘s release.

1

Hugo Weaving as V

‘V for Vendetta’ (2005)

Image via Warner Bros.

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The undisputed champion of faceless acting, Hugo Weaving, is just perfect in V for Vendetta as the protagonist, V. After years of being experimented upon by the fascist regime, he decided to keep his body and face perpetually hidden, using a Guy Fawkes mask and costume. These turn him into more than a man, embodying “an idea” of resistance and rebellion against oppression and tyranny.

V is a delight to watch and hear, be it in a fight scene or lecturing Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) about his ideals. His resolve and flair for the dramatic makes him feel like a Shakespearean character, and Weaving’s measured physicality and vocal work go a long way in this sense, as if V’s every move and line were a proclamation. More than a man, Weaving had to embody an idea — and ideas are bulletproof.

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V For Vendetta

Release Date

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February 23, 2006

Runtime

132 minutes

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Director

James McTeigue

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Megan Thee Stallion is going through it after her dramatic split from her NBA ex-boyfriend, Klay Thompson. Social media videos show the “HISS” rapper crying on Broadway during an April 2026 performance just hours after opening up about Thompson’s alleged cheating.

Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion were first linked in the summer of 2025. Since then, the pair has made frequent red-carpet appearances together while boasting about their immense love for one another. Things have changed since then, however, and it’s just the beginning.

Megan Thee Stallion was seen crying on Broadway during last night’s show, according to a video shared on TikTok. The rapper’s co-stars cheered her on as she turned away from the audience to wipe her tears.

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“How can anyone do any harm to this woman?” the TikTok user wrote in the caption of the short clip, which has garnered over 100,000 likes.

Megan joined the Broadway cast of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” in March 2026, according to PEOPLE. The Grammy winner portrays the character Zidler, an over-the-top promoter of the Parisian nightclub.

“Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honor,” Megan said about her Broadway debut. “I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace. Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me.”

Megan Thee Stallion Slams Klay Thompson In An Explosive Instagram Post, Accusing Him Of Cheating On Her

Just hours before stepping on stage, Megan Thee Stallion shocked the world when she announced her separation from Thompson, who currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks.

On her Instagram Stories, Megan wrote, “Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house… got ‘cold feet,’” according to The Blast.

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The Houston native continued, “Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous’???”

Megan added, “B-tch, I need a REAL break after this one .. bye yall.”

Megan Thee Stallion Releases A Vulnerable Statement After Ending Things With Klay Thompson

In an official statement, Megan, 31, said she ended her relationship with Thompson for several reasons.

“Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward,” she said.

Megan shared, “I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”

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Megan and Thompson first made headlines in the summer of 2025, according to The Blast. At the time, social media users linked them after noticing they were vacationing together in the same location.

Months later, the two A-listers popped out together on red carpets, sparking much conversation about the industry’s next power couple.

At the time, Megan called Thompson the “nicest person” she’d ever been with, per The Blast. “This is my first relationship where I’ve ever been with somebody who’s genuinely a nice person, and he makes me genuinely happy.”

Thompson Once Blasted Former NBA Players For Disrespecting Megan

Before their split, Megan and Thompson were extremely open about their relationship with the public. In addition to calling Thompson extremely “kind,” the latter also spoke positively about Megan and even defended her against his NBA peers.

After learning former NBA players Patrick Beverley and Jason Williams suggested Megan Thee Stallion could be the reason Thompson’s production went down this season, the former Golden State Warriors player clapped back with a direct message.

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“Referring to my GF as a ‘p***y’ is so disgusting and disturbing,” he wrote. “Especially from someone who played in the NBA. How would yall feel if I referred to your wives in such a way? @patbev21.”

tht is so sad for meg but at least people can stop pretending klay is fine

— Your OG 🐩 (@LRNROSE) April 25, 2026

Social media users are beside themselves after learning of Megan and Thompson’s dramatic breakup, and many are sharing their reactions on various forums.

“Klay Thompson just single handedly inspired millions of women to stay in celibacy this summer btw,” someone shared, while another wrote, “Just locked my [man] out the house. Y’all gone pay for what you did to Meg.”

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“Polygamy and you look like barbara streisand in the face, can’t hoop, sloppy bodied, and your knee sum brisket made by the tendernism,” someone else shared.

“Tht is so sad for meg but at least people can stop pretending klay is fine,” another added.