By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 30 seconds ago

Forgotten in the shadow of Star Trek is Gene Roddenberry’s other sci-fi show, Earth: Final Conflict, a syndicated 90s series that started strong and finished with a whimper. Brought to life after Roddenberry’s passing in 1991, it was his wife, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, who helped develop the series off of his notes and outlines in a partnership with Tribune Entertainment.

Originally developed by Gene after Star Trek: The Original Series was canceled, bringing the show to life was considered a miracle by sci-fi fans. While the first season of Earth: Final Conflict filled with promise, it all fell apart over backstage disputes, budget issues, and Kevin Sorbo.

Bringing Alien Politics To Earth

Earth: Final Conflict forgoes the vastness of space for an Earthbound story set years after the Taelons arrived, calling themselves “Companions” and elevated Earth with the gift of advanced technology. But not everyone trusts the new arrivals have good intentions. A resistance movement is stirring against the Taelons, led by Jonathan Doors.

William Boone, a police officer who saves a Taelon from an assassination attempt, becomes a Protector and is secretly a member of the Resistance. There are betrayals, double-crosses, multiple conspiracies, and an ever-increasing cast of Taelons, Earthlings, and even other aliens. All of this should have set up a fascinating series focused on political intrigue similar to Babylon 5.

The Inconsistency Of Earth: Final Conflict

Or it would have except that following Season 1, Kevin Kilner, who led Earth: Final Conflict as Boone, left the series over a contract dispute. Then Majel Barrett-Roddenberry stepped down as a producer.

This was the start of the rotating cast issues, which persisted until the very end of Season 5 and made it impossible for fans to remain attached to any of the characters. Replacing Boone as the ostensible lead of the show was Liam Kincaid, played by Robert Leeshock, a human/kimerean hybrid who aged rapidly into a middle-aged man in a version of the worst sci-fi trope writers need to stop using.

Needless to say, this change went over like a lead balloon. Even Majel Barret-Roddenberry commented on how poor the writing became in Season 2. Viewers left the series in droves, pushing Earth: Final Conflict towards cancellation when it was retooled again for the launch of Season 3. More cast members were let go over contract disputes, unhappy over each season coming with a progressively smaller budget, and Tribune Entertainment rapidly lost patience with the production, choosing instead to focus on their new show, Andromeda.

Abandoned For The Shiny New Toy

Starring Kevin Sorbo in his first post-Hercules role, Andromeda had the attention of the media, and so Tribune Entertainment pulled writers and crew off of Earth: Final Conflict to their new syndicated crown jewel. The result was that Season 4 ended with a cliffhanger, in which it wasn’t clear who lived or who died, just in case any of the cast decided not to return for Season 5.

The budget for the next season was less than a quarter of the first season. The Taelon conspiracy was eliminated, the leads changed again, and the focus was on fighting a covert war against the Atavus, essentially a race of “energy vampires” that were a precursor to the Taelons.

The show, which started out so strong in Season 1, ended with a whimper after abandoning the original story outline from Gene Roddenberry and, not coincidentally, a tiny fraction of its original fanbase.

Earth: Final Conflict is streaming for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube, among others, and if nothing else, Season 1 is a fascinating sci-fi tale of politics and mysteries, and the truly unknowable Taelons are a standout of the genre. It’s also a reminder of what could have been, if not for corporate cost-cutting and a desire to rush results instead of letting a show develop organically and take the time to tell its story the right way.

Sydney Sweeney has left fans talking after dropping sizzling new snaps rocking her brand Syrn’s bralette and boyshorts.

The photos swiftly went viral on social media and even led to some wild fan castings, with some fans pushing a major “X-Men” role for the star actress.

The images come after Sydney Sweeney’s controversial final appearance in the hit TV series, “Euphoria,” which saw her come under fire for her risque performance as Cassie.

Sweeney turned the heat up on her official Instagram page, opting to promote her lingerie line directly to her 26 million followers instead of on her usual brand account.

Unsurprisingly, the images sent her fans into a frenzy, with many noting her incredible figure and how good she looked in the images, particularly the photos of the star in boyshorts and a bralette.

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In the images, Sweeney donned a $39 First Base Scoop Neck Bralette alongside the $16 Back For More High-Rise Boyshorts, completing the look with a pair of $79 Better On You Unisex Wide-Leg Pants, per Page Six.

She could be seen leaning against a countertop in the first snap, rocking the boyshorts, while bending over in another snap to open a mini-fridge.

Captioning the image, Sweeney wrote, “Are you a small town girl? New drop out now,” along with two heart emojis.

Fans And Critics React To Star’s Sizzling New Snaps And Wild Emma Frost Casting Hype

Sweeney’s new images drew a wide range of reactions, with some fans even using them as an opportunity to call for her casting in a Marvel role, specifically as the mutant Emma Frost from the X-Men.

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Reacting to the post, an individual noted, “Sydney, you’ll always be beautiful to me. Dont listen to those haters,” while another said, “A movie star who is comfortable in her sexuality and open about it.”

“Sydney Sweeney, the perfect Emma Frost,” another fan wrote in a post on X that reshared snaps of the star.

However, this prompted fierce pushback from critics of Sweeney, with some arguing that she wasn’t fit for the role of the icy X-Men character.

One individual wrote, “All people see is big t-ts and blonde hair, then think ‘OOOO EMMA.’ What is wrong with y’all?”

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“Body yes, acting and personality, no, “another critic commented, while a third noted, “Margot Robbie is who I would pick for Emma Frost. She feels more like the character to me.”

Sydney Sweeney Fought To Keep Her Role In ‘Euphoria’ Racy

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Besides promoting her lingerie brand, Sweeney put her physique to good use in the third and last season of her hit show, “Euphoria.”

The actress’s character, Cassie, had a major arc that involved the adult platform OnlyFans, which led to Sweeney appearing in very steamy scenes in barely-there clothing.

It also caused her to face backlash on social media at he time, with many calling out the show’s director, Sam Levinson, for sexualizing the character, and others slamming Sweeney for accepting the part.

However, Levinson recently revealed that Sweeney was the one who fought for raunchy scenes of her character to remain in the series, despite his initial concerns.

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During an appearance on an episode of the New York Times’ “Popcast” podcast, the director appeared to address claims that Sweeney was being forced to do the racy scenes, noting that the actress herself didn’t want her scenes to be censored due to Cassie’s storyline.

“When I first wrote it … I thought, ‘Well, maybe, we shoot all of this, and we don’t have any nudity,’” Levinson said. “I was talking to her about, maybe, there’s ways to shoot around certain [things] — and she looked at me, and she’s like, ‘Are you kidding? I’m playing an OnlyFans model.’”

The Actress Was Labeled ‘Fearless’ By Sam Levinson

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Levinson went on to shower Sweeney with praise, stating that he works closely with his cast to discover the most authentic direction for each character.

When it came to shooting the bolder, more provocative scenes, he noted that Sweeney approached the challenge without hesitation.

Praising her artistic courage and work ethic, the filmmaker described her as a “fearless” performer who brings a high level of professionalism and dedication to the set daily.

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“I think she’s a totally fearless actor,” he said. “She’s also just wonderfully professional, and shows up just game every day. I adore working with her, because there’s such a flexibility in terms of the performance.”

Sydney Sweeney Deliberately Chooses Paunchy Roles, Expert Claims

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Following Sweeney’s controversial “Euphoria” season 3 performances, several brand and PR experts warned that being overly sexual in so many roles could hurt her career in the long run.

However, in a chat with the Irish Star, PR expert Lisa K. Sass disagreed, noting that the star had gotten too big to be affected by a few racy scenes.

“If this were her debut role, then I think it would be a different story. But her career spans nearly two decades and includes a wide range of roles, so she’s already established herself beyond Euphoria,” Sass stated.

The expert also noted Sweeney may be deliberately choosing her steam roles as it all indirectly helps push her brand and lingerie business.

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“I really believe she’s leaning into her image deliberately. She has her own lingerie collection and is publicly comfortable in her body,” Sass said. “We’re in 2026 – nude scenes no longer impact future roles like they used to.”

The fallout from the frightening security breach at NBC’s “TODAY” show continues to grow.

Just one day after an alleged intruder confronted Craig Melvin inside a restricted area of Studio 1A, a judge has reportedly issued protective orders for both Melvin and Al Roker, while NBC has terminated a security guard accused of allowing the suspect to enter the building.

The latest developments highlight just how seriously authorities and NBC are treating the incident, which has sparked renewed scrutiny of security measures at one of television’s most recognizable morning shows.

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According to TMZ, a judge has ordered alleged intruder Andrew Truelove to stay away from both Melvin and Roker.

The court order reportedly bars Truelove from approaching the NBC personalities at work or at their homes. For now, however, the restriction may be largely symbolic, as Truelove remains incarcerated on $20,000 bail while facing multiple hate crime-related charges.

Authorities allege Truelove entered the studio looking for Roker before turning his attention to Melvin when he could not locate the longtime weather anchor.

Craig Melvin Speaks Out After The Scary Encounter

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Melvin briefly addressed the incident during Friday’s broadcast, thanking law enforcement for their swift response. “We are just very happy everyone is safe,” he said, noting that the suspect was quickly apprehended and that NBC employees are cooperating with investigators.

The broadcaster’s comments came after authorities alleged Truelove confronted him in a restricted area and lunged toward him while shouting a racial slur. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, no injuries were reported.

Al Roker Says ‘We Are Both OK’ After Frightening Studio Incident

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Roker also addressed the alarming situation on social media, reassuring fans that both he and Melvin were safe following the alleged confrontation. “A really heartfelt thank you to all who reached out over the last 24 hours to check in on my brother, @craigmelvinnbc,” Roker wrote on Instagram. “We are both OK.”

The longtime “Today” meteorologist went on to thank viewers for their support, suggesting the incident had only strengthened the bond among the show’s staff and audience. “It’s moments like these that serve to pull us together,” Roker continued. “You all, like Craig, said, ‘You come after one of us, you come after all of us.’”

NBC Fires Security Guard Following Studio Breach

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The incident has also had immediate consequences behind the scenes. As The Blast reported, NBC terminated a security guard who allegedly failed to prevent Truelove from entering the restricted area.

Page Six reported that surveillance footage showed two guards stationed at the entrance when the breach occurred. One guard allegedly stepped away from the post while the other failed to notice the suspect entering Studio 1A.

The reported firing suggests NBC is already taking disciplinary action as questions continue about how an unauthorized individual was able to gain access to one of the network’s most visible television sets.

NBC Says It Is Reviewing Security Protocols After Studio Breach

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In the wake of the incident, the “TODAY” show released a statement emphasizing that the network is taking a close look at how the alleged intruder was able to gain access to a restricted area.

“‘TODAY’ is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter,” the statement read. “NBC and ‘TODAY’ take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously.”

The program also revealed that it is conducting an internal review of the situation, including its existing security procedures.

According to the statement, NBC is “reviewing the incident and our security protocols” and remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone who works at or visits the network’s studios.

Suspect Has Extensive Criminal History

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Court records reviewed by TMZ indicate Truelove has a significant criminal record that predates the alleged confrontation at NBC.

The suspect recently pleaded guilty to felony criminal mischief in a case involving damage to multiple vehicles and was sentenced last month to six months in jail, five years of probation, and financial penalties. Records also show he currently faces several other pending criminal cases, including charges related to assault, reckless endangerment, and trespassing. He has pleaded not guilty in those matters.

Now, prosecutors have added a series of hate crime charges tied to the alleged confrontation at the “TODAY” show, further escalating what began as a shocking security breach into a potentially serious criminal case.

Brenda Fricker, the Oscar-winning actress beloved by generations of movie fans for her role as the Pigeon Lady in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” has died at the age of 81.

Fricker passed away peacefully Thursday night in Dublin following a period of ill health, her agent, Phil Belfield, confirmed. While many fans remember her for memorable roles in “Home Alone 2” and “Angels in the Outfield,” Fricker’s legacy stretches far beyond family films, encompassing a groundbreaking Oscar win, decades of acclaimed performances, and a life marked by remarkable resilience.

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Long before she became a beloved figure to ’90s moviegoers, Fricker made history in Hollywood. In 1990, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Christy Brown’s mother in “My Left Foot,” starring opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. The victory made her the first Irish actress to win an Oscar and cemented her place among Ireland’s most celebrated performers.

Following news of her death, Irish deputy prime minister Simon Harris called Fricker a “national treasure.”

“She was a consummate performer who graced our screens and stages with remarkable talent and authenticity,” Harris told TMZ. “She truly was among the greatest exports this country has ever produced and an ambassador for Irish talent on the world stage.”

The Actress Opened Up About Years Of Personal Trauma

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In the final years of her life, Fricker spoke candidly about the hardships she endured long before finding fame. In her memoir, published last year, the actress detailed a turbulent childhood that included physical abuse and troubling experiences that left lasting emotional scars. She also revealed she spent two years in the hospital following a serious bicycle accident as a teenager.

Fricker further shared that she survived sexual assaults in her youth, experiences she said left her feeling “broken.” Despite those painful chapters, she remained reflective rather than bitter about her life. “When I was growing up, you could be wild, and God bless the wild days,” she wrote.

Looking back on her remarkable career, Fricker often insisted that success came less from planning than from unexpected opportunities. “It’s all been luck… happy accidents,” she told The Times.

Former Co-Star Remembers Brenda Fricker’s Wit And Authenticity

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Tributes also poured in from colleagues who worked alongside Fricker throughout her career. Her former “Casualty” co-star Cathy Shipton described her as “one of the most authentic people I’ve ever met.”

“She lived her life courageously warts and all,” Shipton told BBC News. “I loved her for her wit, her intelligence and her brilliant sense of humor.”

Shipton added that life was never dull around Fricker, remembering their shared love of dogs and the lasting friendship they built over the years. “I love her and miss her and am so glad I knew her,” she said.

Fans Remember Brenda Fricker’s Beloved ‘Pigeon Lady’ Role

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For millions of fans, however, Fricker will forever be remembered as the kind-hearted Pigeon Lady who befriended Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone 2,” a role that helped make her one of the most beloved character actresses of her generation.

“Rest in peace, Pigeon Lady. Thank you for making my little days feel special on Christmas,” one fan wrote on X. Another shared, “NOT THE PIGEON LADY PLEASE NOO,” while a third reflected on losing another beloved childhood star, writing, “My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”

Others praised Fricker’s broader body of work, including her Oscar-winning performance in “My Left Foot.” “Rest in peace, Brenda Fricker. Her performance in ‘My Left Foot’ was unforgettable, and the Pigeon Lady in ‘Home Alone 2’ became a Christmas icon for generations,” one tribute read.

Many fans also highlighted the kindness and warmth Fricker brought to the Pigeon Lady character, with one person writing, “Pigeon lady was an icon, one of the most beautiful characters.”

Brenda Fricker’s Pigeon Lady Legacy Lives On Through Generations Of Fans

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As tributes continued to pour in, a common theme emerged: while Fricker’s career spanned decades and earned some of the entertainment industry’s highest honors, many fans will forever remember her as the compassionate Central Park outcast who helped Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, find the true meaning of friendship during the holidays.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated 28 seconds ago

Stephen King and “light-hearted sci-fi procedural” don’t sound like they go together, and honestly, Haven, a SyFy original series, is only loosely based on a King novella, The Colorado Kid. The book is about a mysterious death in a small town in Maine investigated by two local newspaper reporters, while the series includes a mysterious death but surrounds it with a town full of supernatural events that defy explanation.

If Buffy and NCIS got together and had a kid, it would be this show, which is impossible to take seriously but is one of the lightest, breeziest binge-watches available today.

The Troubles

The town of Haven has been beset by what the residents refer to as “The Troubles,” a sudden burst of paranormal activity that manifested in strange powers taking hold of citizens. A typical “Case of the Week” format centers around something strange, from mysterious murders in the dead of night to an earthquake or a pyrokinetic on the loose. Investigating these cases is the new-in-town Audrey Parker (played by Emily Rose), joined by local officer Nathan Wournos (Lucas Bryant), and starting in Season 2, WWE Hall of Famer Edge aka Adam Copeland, and what starts simple (for a strange outburst of superpowers) quickly spirals into a generations-spanning mystery.

It takes a while for the big picture to become clear, and by then, the show has gone wildly off the rails into secret organizations, different dimensions, and the same people playing their own evil twins in the most soap opera twist possible. Yet even The X-Files and Battlestar Galactica ended up losing the plot in their final seasons, and at least with Haven, it’s a fun ride to get to the end.

The Last Of Its Generation

And there is an ending. Haven aired for five seasons on SyFy, telling a complete story between all of the “Case of the Week” episodes, bottle episodes (an early one paying homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is a standout), and a parade of guest stars. Among the familiar faces that pass through the town are Colin Ferguson (from the SyFy series Eureka), William Shatner, Edge’s best friend forever and world’s greatest Dad, Christian, aka William Reso, 90s heartthrob Jason Priestly, and Battlestar Galactica’s Michael Hogan.

I was a sucker for this generation of SyFy originals, from Eureka and Warehouse 13 to Sanctuary and Haven, for being light, easy watches that don’t demand much of the viewer. The equivalent of a bag of potato chips, none of these shows will fill you up or have deep, philosophical messages to get across, but what they are is incredibly entertaining from start to finish. Of course, as SyFy originals, the crew had to get creative with their budgets, and the shows can look a little … cheap … compared to the million-dollar streaming shows of today, but that’s part of the charm.

You can’t compare Haven to a straight Stephen King series adaptation like Rose Red, Castle Rock, or The Stand, even though it is filled with small references to his vast catalog of work, but it’s also still better than The Langoliers and Under the Dome. If you’re in the mood for a new sci-fi show to binge, you can stream it for free on several platforms, including YouTube, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and The CW. It’s also streaming ad-free on Peacock if you have a subscription.

Y’all! Jessie James and D’Lila Star Combs are opening up about their bond with their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, as the family navigates a major new chapter. In their first interview since Diddy’s conviction and sentencing, the twins shared insight into their relationship with the music mogul and how they continue leaning on family during difficult moments.

RELATED: Whew! Social Media Sounds OFF After Diddy’s Name Pops Up Amid Reports Of Trump’s Latest Pardons

Combs Twins Say Diddy Is Focused On Growth

During an exclusive interview with ET’s Nischelle Turner, Jessie and D’Lila Combs revealed that their father is focused on “becoming a better man for his family” following his legal troubles. A source also told ET that Diddy has apologized to his daughters for his behavior shown in the Cassie assault video.

When asked about their current relationship with their father, the twins said they remain very close, sharing that he continues to give them advice they value. Jessie and D’Lila also explained that as they build their new clothing brand, they often turn to Diddy for guidance because they believe his advice is always right.

Combs Twins Share Thoughts On Diddy As A Father

During the conversation, Jessie and D’Lila said their father’s focus has been on personal growth and being there for his family. When asked what kind of dad Sean “Diddy” Combs is, the twins described him as “an amazing dad” and “the best dad,” while also saying he is not a strict parent.

The sisters shared that their siblings and family have helped them get through challenging moments, emphasizing the importance of staying connected as they move forward. They also said Diddy has continued to be present in their lives and offer support as they pursue their own goals.

Social Media Sounds Off On Interview

Folks quickly flooded Entertainment Tonight’s Instagram comment section with reactions to Jessie and D’Lila Combs’ interview about their father, Diddy. Some commenters praised the twins as “sweet girls” and said they should not face judgment for their father’s actions, while others questioned their statements about their relationship with Diddy. Some users also challenged the idea that Diddy “gives the best advice,” saying the comment felt like a stretch given the circumstances surrounding his legal case.

One Instagram user @muvi_starr said, “They are not their father! Let these babies live and make their own mark! Would you want to be judged bc of your parents..ijs lol ..😂”

This Instagram user @alicewonderland9797 claimed, “After all what Diddy did to sit there and praise him feels weird. And wrong.”

And, Instagram user @maryamimraheal wrote, “I was all supportive until she said their relationship is GREAT”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @viva_signature_studio added, “At the end of the day he might be a bad man outside but to them he’s the best dad ever so we can’t take that away from them.”

While Instagram user @drbdermatology shared, “They are kind sweet mature young women who are paving their own path”

Lastly, Instagram user @martinseempa commented, “‘He gives best advice’😂😂😂😂😂”

RELATED: Whew! Christian & Justin Combs Spark Strong Reactions With Father’s Day Messages For Diddy (VIDEO)

Straight from the horse’s mouth! Run Fast Racing founder Adam Kluger sat down with ET ahead of his horse racing event in Del Mar, California, on Saturday, July 25, to share how people can buy into a racehorse ownership group alongside Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, and more.

Kluger launched the venture after discovering horse racing as a teenager.

“I started to love it when I was around 16 years old. I used to sneak into the track in Tampa with my best friend to bet on the races. Once I got a bit older and learned all that goes into it, the beauty of it all was very evident,” he shares.

“I’m a huge sports guy, and I can confidently say no live sporting event is more fun than horse racing as an owner. It’s an unreal experience,” the entrepreneur adds.

Memberships start at $100 a month and include owners box privileges, behind-the-scenes barn visits, voting rights on key stable decisions, and Direct Pay.

“Del Mar is an amazing experience. The entire meet is a party. … There is nothing better. … All Run Fast Racing users get free entry and access into the Run Fast Racing owners lounge on the 3rd floor. Not to mention hopefully a few trips into the winners’ circle,” he says.

Bringing A-list talent into the fold was a natural fit for Kluger, who previously worked in artist management and partnerships with Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé.

“Anyone that isn’t a multi-millionaire has historically been boxed out. We decided we didn’t like that and wanted to make it accessible to everyone,” the CEO explains.

“Celebrities, much like anyone else, go to the racetrack once, experience it, and immediately fall in love. Not to mention the fact that the paydays are very good,” Kluger quips.

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“Every movie has a hero. This one has them all,” brags the tagline for The Expendables, star and writer-director Sylvester Stallone‘s action-packed ass-kicker. Boasting an all-star cast — and featuring cameos from Bruce Willis (Die Hard, The Fifth Element) and Stallone’s longtime rival Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator, Predator), his first on-screen collaboration with the Rocky and Rambo star — Lionsgate’s 2010 franchise launcher assembles some of the biggest action heroes of the ’80s and ’90s alongside genre fan favorite Jason Statham (The Transporter, the Fast & Furious movies).

Stallone and Statham lead a cast of Hollywood he-men that includes actual He-Man Dolph Lundgren (Masters of the Universe, The Punisher), Terry Crews (Gamer, Deadpool 2), former UFC fighter Randy Couture, and legendary martial artist Jet Li (Once Upon a Time in China, War), with WWE superstar Stone Cold Steve Austin as wrestler-turned-henchman Dan Paine and Mickey Rourke (Get Carter, Iron Man 2) as Tool, the Expendables’ cowboy hat-clad tattoo artist.

The R-rated action movie follows the titular team of elite mercenaries — group leader Barney Ross (Stallone), knife-throwing Lee Christmas (Statham), martial artist Yin Yang (Li), weapons specialist Hale Caesar (Crews), and demolition man Toll Road (Couture) — on a clandestine mission to the Gulf island of Vilena, where they must take out rogue CIA agent James Munroe (Eric Roberts).

Where to Watch The Expendables Streaming Free

Image via Lionsgate

You can stream The Expendables for free without a subscription here on Pluto TV. If you’re looking for a series you can binge-watch right now, all four Expendables movies — including 2012’s Expendables 2, 2014’s Expendables 3, and 2023’s Expend4bles — are available to watch on Pluto TV and Paramount+ (subscription required).

The Stallone and Statham-led sequels added such names as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Glen Powell, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Ronda Rousey, Megan Foxx, Liam Hemsworth, 50 Cent, Kelsey Grammer, Mel Gibson, Andy Garcia, Antonio Banderas, Wesley Snipes, and Harrison Ford.

Will There Be an Expendables 5?

Image via Lionsgate

Expendables 4 was the end of an era for Stallone: the actor, who also co-wrote the first three films in the series, stepped away from the franchise as he handed the reins over to Statham after playing a smaller role in Expend4bles. (Spoiler alert: Barney appeared to die in a fiery crash — presumably so that Stallone didn’t have to lead a movie titled “Expend4bles,” maybe the worst-named movie since Fant4stic — only to reveal he faked his death.) As Jacob Scipio‘s Galan puts it: “Only you could walk away from a blazing inferno with not a scratch on you.”

Just as the first Expendables ended with the cigar-chomping, motorcycle-riding group of mercs riding off to the tune of the Thin Lizzy song “The Boys Are Back in Town,” Expend4bles brought Stallone’s time with the series to an end with the very same song. To borrow a phrase from Schwarzenegger: Stallone won’t be back. In a 2021 Instagram post, Stallone announced he was “moving on” from The Expendables after wrapping the fourth movie.

“It’s always bittersweet when something you’ve been so attached to, I guess, now it’s been about 12 years,” Stallone said in the video, adding he was “ready to pass the baton on to [Statham] and his capable hands.” Stallone’s last directorial effort was the 2010 original, which launched the franchise that has grossed a collective $840 million at the global box office. Stallone’s Expendables opened at #1 with $34.8 million in 2010, but the Scott Waugh-directed Expend4bles flopped after an $8 million opening weekend in 2023; the film proved to be expendable at the box office with a final tally of just $51.1 million worldwide.

The Expendabelles, a “female-driven expansion” of the franchise, is in the works from Eclectic Pictures (2025’s Red Sonja) and Hollywood Ventures Group. Producer Heidi Jo Markel has described the Expendables spinoff as “a stylized, action-driven cinematic event designed to expand the mythology of the franchise while standing firmly on its own,” one that will “introduce a bold new generation of elite operatives into this universe.”

The Expendables is streaming now on Pluto TV and Paramount+.

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Release Date

August 13, 2010

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103 minutes

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Y’all! Jim Jones is officially entering a new chapter, and the milestone came with plenty of love from those closest to him. The rapper recently celebrated his 50th birthday surrounded by family and friends, with his longtime partner, Chrissy Lampkin, helping make the occasion one to remember.

RELATED: Whew! Jim Jones’ Reaction To Chrissy Lampkin’s SPICY Swimsuit Photos Has Fans Debating About An Engagement Ring

Jim Jones Gets Emotional During Birthday Surprise

Videos circulating on social media show Jim Jones walking into what appeared to be a surprise birthday party, where his loved ones welcomed him with cheers while recording the special moment on their phones. Looking visibly caught off guard, Jones made his way through the room before embracing Chrissy and thanking everyone for coming out to celebrate him.

Jim Jones Reflects On Reaching 50

For the celebration, the Dipset rapper rocked white pants, a red-and-white shirt, a matching red headband, and several layered chains as festive balloons filled the room behind him. During a brief speech, Jones reflected on reaching the milestone, telling guests that for someone like him to “make it to 50” was an “accomplishment.” He also credited his family and “his woman” for helping him reach the moment, saying he couldn’t have done it without them. The celebration continued with guests singing “Happy Birthday” as a cake topped with glowing “50” candles was brought out to mark the occasion.

Social Media Has Plenty To Say

Folks quickly flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with reactions to Jim Jones’ birthday celebration. While plenty of users showed Chrissy love and praised how good she looked, others agreed with Jones’ remarks that reaching 50 is truly an accomplishment. Meanwhile, a few commenters couldn’t help but joke about the laid-back kickback, poking fun at the intimate vibe of the celebration.

One Instagram user @mbrenee said, “Has he married that girl yet ? Cuz if not gtfoh grandpa 👴🏾”

This Instagram user @thewashfam added, “I thought this was a young lady walking in with her grandfather 😂😂😂😂 HBD JIM😂”

And, Instagram user @heyjohneaaa commented, “Chrissy looks tf good 😍😍😍”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @yeaaaloso joked, “D*mn bro had kickback for his 50th lmao”

While Instagram user @mokkkkkablakk shared, “One thing his family do is celebrate each other😍😍😍”

Finally, Instagram user @blaqbuety wrote, “Making it to 50 is a huge blessing…. Keep it cute. 🎊🎯”

RELATED: Sheesh! Fans Say Chrissy Lampkin Is “Aging Backwards” After Slaying In Curve-Hugging Look (VIDEO)