Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, the two pillars of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, are set to make their return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday — and it’s going to be a tremendous mistake. As the sprawling cinematic universe moves forward into uncharted territory, the instinct to rely on familiar faces for stability makes sense, but it lacks the spirit that the characters, or the franchise as a whole, always represented. Among the expansive roster of performers in the MCU, Downey and Evans stood out as the two figureheads of the cinematic franchise.

Both actors had the most prominent roles in the entire cinematic universe; as Iron Man and Captain America, they not only starred in completed standalone trilogies but came together to lead the Avengers whenever they would assemble for their shared films. Among a cast full of stars, they were the two brightest. However, returning to Evans and Downey so soon after their intended finale exemplifies the current lack of trust between fans and the MCU, representing a lack of faith in the new actors, characters, and storylines in favor of maximizing nostalgia and familiarity.

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. Represented the Underdog Spirit of the MCU

Image via Marvel Studios

The importance of Downey and Evans to the MCU is supported by how the actors’ own professional journeys ideologically represented what the studio was trying to accomplish. The MCU was a crazy experiment— such a large and interconnected film franchise had never been made before— and so, it needed actors that were capable of fulfilling those lofty ambitions. Downey, now considered the godfather of the MCU, was just returning to Hollywood stardom after years of personal issues kept him from working at his true potential. Downey was in search of a second chance— just like Tony Stark. While it’s important to separate the art from the artist, it’s hard to fully untangle RDJ from Stark when the narrative parallels are so apparent, and the results are so effective. When audiences first saw Iron Man, they didn’t see a controversial actor or a B-list comic book hero; they saw Downey at his most captivating, embodying Tony Stark with such charm and vitality that no other actor could dare encroach on the character. Downey’s performance was so charismatic that it launched an entire cinematic universe.

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Avengers, disassemble.

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While Chris Evans had an altogether distinct path to becoming Captain America, he, too, seemed to represent a similar story to his fictional role. Evans wasn’t new to Hollywood, nor was he new to playing a superhero, but the actor had yet to truly establish himself as a leading man. Better known for more classic jock roles, like the Human Torch or Lucas Lee from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Evans clearly displayed the potential to be super, but did he have the heart to be a leader? The answer was a resounding yes, as Evans’ performance as Steve Rogers proved to be exactly what the MCU needed. Serving as the perfect accompaniment to Tony Stark’s sass and snark, Evans highlighted Captain America’s resilience and loyalty, the exact traits that made him the necessary leader of the superhero team. Both Evan and Downey had feel-good stories that reflected the underdog nature of the MCU and its characters, making the entire experience exciting for audiences on multiple fronts. We weren’t just watching characters overcome the odds, we were seeing artists and performers defy expectations. However, their return to the MCU, especially under these circumstances, dismantles everything.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ Concluded their Narrative Journeys

A common criticism of comic book storytelling is the lack of sufficient stakes. Between fake deaths, resurrections, and other narrative hijinks, characters in comic books often get stuck in revolving journeys with little actual progress. Just think about how many Spider-Man stories still see the web-slinger stuck in high school and with no money? However, that issue is directly what Avengers: Endgame successfuly overcame. Endgame was a love letter to the original Avengers cast; it was a farewell tour that gave their characters conclusive narrative endings that thematically aligned with their arcs that spanned several films.

In this chapter, the MCU gave these comic book characters bittersweet but earned endings to their stories. Tony Stark, once a selfish and cavalier weapons manufacturer, proved that his humanity and selflessness were essential to the world’s survival. His destined path of becoming Iron Man wasn’t just to save his own life, but for the entire universe. In complementary juxtaposition, Steve Rogers, the man who couldn’t help but volunteer his own life at every opportunity, finally chooses to prioritize himself after years of fighting. To get to this point in their journeys, both characters went through entire trilogies and four Avengers movies, each with character development and growth to get to this point. Unlike in comic books, the MCU built off each installment and made sure that each addition had lasting influence and consequences. It’s that accumulation of audience time and commitment, one that spanned an entire decade that made Endgame such a unique movie, complete with one of cinema’s most satisfying endings.

The New Avengers Roster Deserves the Spotlight

Marvel / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

It’s no secret that the MCU has been going through a rough patch in the past few years, as reception to Phase Four paled in comparison to the near-universal positive hype surrounding the franchise during the previous two Avengers movies. The return of Downey and Evans in Avengers: Doomsday feels like a response to this waning interest, but it also feels like waving the white flag. Kevin Feige‘s ingenious marketing strategy of outlining different phases in the MCU was one of the premier reasons why fans kept returning to the franchise, as each year brought new movies and new excitement. But it was that daring and experimentation that made this cycle feel innovative rather than repetitive. Back in 2019, Endgame was meant to serve as a closing chapter to the first three phases, but rather than end the MCU as a whole, it was also meant to be the symbolic passing of the torch from one Avengers cast to the next. Steve Rogers passed down his shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Tony Stark’s sacrifice ensured that future generations of heroes would live on. Yelena Belova found her own team to lead in Thunderbolts* and they’ve taken on the moniker of the New Avengers.

The following few movies even introduced new characters poised to take the spotlight, such as Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), but the MCU has failed to maximize these fresh faces. In reality, Shang-Chi hasn’t been seen in years, and he’s supposed to be one of the main members of the new Avengers roster. The MCU did something no other movie franchise could have accomplished, but its own fear is now leading to its self-imposed implosion. After years of anticipation and narrative development, the return of Evans and Downey is emblematic of how the MCU might have lost the audacious spirit that made it so beloved in the first place.

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Avengers: Doomsday

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Release Date

December 18, 2026

Writers

Stephen McFeely, Michael Waldron, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee

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Team USA’s Ilia Malinin had a sweet moment with Tara Lipinski’s daughter.

Lipinski, 43, took to Instagram on Tuesday, February 17, with a wholesome moment between Malinin, 21, and her 2-year-old daughter, Georgie, whom she shares with husband Todd Kapostasy. In the pic, Malinin beamed for the camera while placing his gold medal, which he won in the figure skating team event, over Georgie’s head. He then picked her up and placed her on his lap.

“This moment 🥺,” Lipinski captioned the post. “You can tell Ilia is a great big brother; he was just so sweet with Georgie. 🥇.” (Malinin is the older brother of Elli Beatrice, 10, and son of Olympian figure skaters Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov.)

More Olympic athletes and celebrities gushed over the moment in the comments section. “🥹🥹🥹,” ice dancer Madison Chock wrote. Lisa Rinna, who Lipinski competed against on The Traitors season 4, also commented, “Cutest!❤️.” A fan praised, “Eeeek!!! So so special.”

Related: Figure Skating Community Reacts to Ilia Malinin’s 8th Place Olympics Finish

Team USA figure skater Ilia Malinin’s peers rallied behind him after the gold-medal hopeful finished in a disappointing eighth place during the men’s singles competition. “I was not expecting that,” Malinin, 21, told NBC Sports on Friday, February 13, after his final 2026 Winter Olympics performance. “I felt so ready getting on that ice. Maybe […]

After taking home gold for Team USA, Malinin also competed in the men’s single short program and free skate. He was predicted to win an individual gold medal, as he’s been undefeated for two consecutive years, but he came in eighth place on Friday, February 13, after falling twice on the ice. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov won the gold medal and Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato took home silver and bronze, respectively.

Following his performance, Malinin told NBC that he “blew it.”

“That’s honestly the first thing that came into my mind — there’s no way that just happened,” he shared. “I was preparing the whole season. I felt so confident with my program. To go out and have that happen … there’s no words, honestly.”

Malinin, a.k.a. the “Quad God,” told Today on Tuesday that the pressure going into the Olympics was “not a pleasant feeling.”

“The most honest way to say it is just a lot on you, so many eyes, so much attention not only from people, or fans, media, it’s just so much and it really can get to you if you’re not ready to fully embrace it,” he explained.

“I think that might be one of the mistakes I made going into that free skate,” Malinin added. “I was not ready to handle that to a full extent, so I think looking back at that, now I’ll be able to kind of understand how that feels so I’ll be able to take a full approach leading up to the next games hopefully.”

Malinin also revealed that he’s received “so much love” and “support” from fans and other athletes, including Tom Brady and Simone Biles.

Biles, who withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after experiencing the twisties, told NBC on Tuesday, “I’ve definitely had a chance to bump into him. I’ve sent him messages on Instagram as well, obviously, it’s all been private because I know what he’s going through and I know most athletes might not be able to relate, and it’s really, really hard to watch.”

Biles added, “I see him coming out on top after this. We’re all just cheering for him.”

By Robert Scucci
| Published 20 seconds ago

Whenever an older movie on streaming starts with a disclaimer stating, “The content you are about to view features depictions that are objectionable,” you know they’re trying to save face for something. 1962’s Invasion of the Star Creatures has this disclaimer, and it took me a minute to figure out why. It’s a movie about an invasion of very tall, sexy alien women who plan to take over planet Earth. Accompanying them are their male, plant-based counterparts who possess superhuman strength. Caught in the middle are two military privates who fall in love with the women while carrying themselves in slapstick fashion like Laurel and Hardy or the Marx Brothers.

It’s all pretty standard stuff, and my initial notes on this shlocky sci-fi adventure stated, “Anybody offended by this in 2026 needs therapy.” In my mind, that was a solid take. The alien women in Invasion of the Star Creatures are powerful and completely in control. Privates Philbrick (Robert Ball) and Penn (Frank Ray Perilli) are bumbling idiots who just so happen to be attracted to them. Their Sergeant (Trustin Howard) is a walking caricature who loves barking orders. It’s broad. It’s silly. It’s what you’d expect.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, everybody’s smoking a peace pipe with a Native American tribe, and I began to understand why this film had a disclaimer at the beginning. I can’t say it’s grossly offensive by any stretch of the imagination, because Invasion of the Star Creatures is very much a product of its time. Its disclaimer even concludes with, “We present this material for its historical value. We strongly believe that awareness of yesterday’s prejudice and its lasting effects can be enhanced when that prejudice is seen through the lens of the entertainment it informed at the time.”

In other words, Invasion of the Star Creatures is objectionable to some in spots, but with the early 60s context in mind, it’s still a fun watch if you’re willing to look past your modern bias.

It’s Just Goofy Slapstick With An Alien Plot

Invasion of the Star Creatures tells a painfully simple story about Privates Philbrick and Penn, two military idiots so useless they’re relegated to trash duty and other humiliating tasks around the barracks. Despite their buffoonery, they’re summoned by their Sergeant to investigate a cavern that suddenly appears on the military’s radar.

They enter the cavern and are immediately accosted and kidnapped by giant vegetable creatures. These creatures lead Philbrick and Penn to their female alien overlords, Dr. Puna (Joanne Arnold) and Professor Tanga (Dolores Reed). Initially overpowered, Philbrick accidentally learns that kissing the aliens incapacitates them briefly after trying to make out with Dr. Puna.

Realizing they can’t handle an impending alien invasion alone despite knowing their weakness, the privates head back to base, explain everything to the Sergeant, and return to the cavern. Along the way, they have a run-in with friendly Native Americans who love to smoke their peace pipe, sing nonsense syllables, and dance the day away.

Now, I could be way off base here, but I’m fairly certain this is why Invasion of the Star Creatures opens with a disclaimer. It’s not misogynistic. It’s not even casually demeaning toward women, who in this case overpower their human counterparts with ease and speak with confident authority. If there were no disclaimer in front of this B movie from the 1960s, I wouldn’t even think twice about it because this is more or less what you sign up for when watching movies of this caliber from this era.

Streaming Invasion Of The Star Creatures

While the Native Americans may be depicted in objectionable ways, they’re also depicted as helpful and self-sufficient, and their presence drives the story forward. On the flip side, literally anybody else could have helped Philbrick, Penn, and Sergeant along on their trip to the cavern, so in that regard, it is a pretty wild creative choice, but one that ranks low on my personal offenso-meter. 

Invasion of the Star Creatures is a solid B movie, and that’s all it ever needs to be. It’s the kind of slapstick that makes you want to say “yuk, yuk, yuk,” and slap your knee, and there’s really no need to overthink this one. It’s fun. It’s fine. Choices were made. You don’t have to watch it if you don’t want to. 

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, though, Invasion of the Star Creatures is currently streaming for free on Tubi. 

Whew, Roommates! The internet is coming at Cam Newton’s neck yet again thanks to his latest podcast comments. Recently, the NFL star joined Sarah Fontenot on her ‘It’s Giving Podcast’ and shared his thoughts on women with kids. Folks online were not here for his claims at all, the reactions came in HOT with social media users throwing shade and major side-eye.

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Cam Newton Sparks Reactions With His Comments About Women & Kids

During a sit-down with Sarah Fontenot, Cam Newton talked about whether a woman’s value drops if she has kids with multiple men. He said he thinks a woman’s worth goes down the more kids she has overall whether she has them with one person or multiple partners. Cam even mentioned chatting about this with one of the mother’s of his children. The ‘Funky Friday’ host said he told her that her future partner might not be ready to deal with all her kids, but he was. He said he was open to accepting her and everything she came with, while another man walk away instead of stepping up to take responsibility for kids that aren’t his.

“The guy that you’re dating or will date […] if he ain’t willing to love on these five children that you have that ain’t the guy for you, because when I came into your life… I was willing to accept you and whatever you had.” He continued, “There’s guys out there that’s going to say ‘them ain’t my kids, I want you.’ But that’s not to say that she can’t find nobody.”

Social Media Explodes Over Cam’s Controversial Take

Once TSR reposted the clip of Cam, the comment section went OFF! Some folks called him hypocritical for talking like that when he has nine kids. He recently welcomed his second, a baby boy, with Jasmin Brown in October 2025. Then a few other Roomies were left asking why is only women’s value that drops what about men?

Instagram user @iamcalisodope wrote, “Coming from a man with 10, it’s literally the same 😭😭😭😭” 

Instagram user @danidmc wrote, “Pls take these mics away from men🤦🏼‍♀️” 

While Instagram user @relltheremedy wrote, “I think it’s common sense that dating someone with kids requires a lot more responsibility. But do y’all think “value” is the right word to use? Because that’s where the arguments start.” 

Then Instagram user @the_nik_g wrote, “So he’s admitting he’s out here lowering women’s value by creating a bunch of baby mommas. Got it.” 

Another Instagram user @andrearpennycooke wrote, “Why do we care what Cam Newton or anyone else for that matter has to say?! Live your life according to your own rules.” 

Instagram user @920_lucci wrote, “That’s vice versa majority of women not gotta deal with a man with 1 child let alone multiple just my opinion.” 

While another Instagram user @joshuatdickerson wrote, “I wish Cam was still in the NFL, he got toopooo much time to “think”, but don’t be making sense. He lost me when he said, I was just talking to “one” of my baby mamas about this. He doesn’t even see the irony 🤣” 

Finally, Instagram user @therrealmea wrote, “I really dislike when he speaks 😒” 

‘Pour Minds’ Host Put Cam On The Spot About Jasmin Brown

Cam’s comments about women with kids comes after he went viral for his podcast interview with ‘Pour Minds’ host Lex P and Drea Nicole. The interview ending up going viral after Lex told Cam she thinks it’s time for him to put a ring on Jasmin Brown. She said, from what she’s seen, Jasmin seems like a great woman and mom, so she wants to know why they haven’t tied the knot. Meanwhile, Drea wasn’t totally feeling her bestie’s take. She said marriage should happen when both people are ready and that having two kids doesn’t mean you to have rush to the altar. But Lex doubled down arguing that in her opinion a baby is a bigger commitment than kids. As for where Cam stands, he’s all about chasing happiness. He didn’t spill any tea on when he’s planning to propose, but for now, he’s loving life.

RELATED: What Happened?! Cam Newton Throws Hands In Tussle With Alabama A&M Mascot: “Stop Playing With Me” (VIDEO)

A North Carolina woman who stands accused of killing one of her young children and trying to kill her other child is facing murder charges, according to authorities.

Andrea Morgan Faust, 41, of Durham, was arrested on Friday, February 13, on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, court records viewed by Us Weekly show.

According to Faust’s arrest warrant, she “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder” her one child and “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did with malice aforethought attempt to kill and murder” her other child.

Her release from custody was denied on Tuesday, February 17, according to a court order.

The order states that Faust’s husband “spoke in court and requested she work on her mental health” and “alleges she was a tremendous mother.”

Faust’s court-appointed public defender, Nicole Galinsky, said in a statement to Us on Wednesday, February 18, that “Overwhelmed mothers rarely receive the help and support that they need and often feel as though they are a burden if they ask for help.”

Galinsky added that friends, family, neighbors and her child’s teachers “have all shown up for Andrea in the aftermath of what happened and have all portrayed her as the world’s best mom, wife, daughter, and friend.”

The evening of Thursday, February 12, at about 5:25 p.m., Durham police discovered Faust’s two “unresponsive small children” in the neighborhood of Grove Park, according to a police news release, the News & Observer reported.

One of her children, believed to be 3 or 4, “went into cardiac arrest” while the other child, believed to be 2, was found “with a slight pulse,” according to the newspaper, which cited police radio traffic stemming from the incident.

“We have a suspect that ran from us,” an officer said over the radio, referring to Faust, the News & Observer reported. “I didn’t know if she was involved. She ran behind the house when I pulled up, so, probably going towards the lake.”

It is unclear how Faust allegedly harmed her two children or why, as police have not shared a potential motive.

The children were taken to the hospital, where one died, WRAL reported.

Faust made her initial appearance in court on February 17, from a hospital bed, according to WNCN.

The hearing was initially scheduled for Monday, February 16, when prosecutors said Faust made a suicide attempt, the outlet reported. Prosecutors sought for Faust to be put on suicide watch as a result.

Faust’s husband, Eric, told the court that their child who survived the alleged murder attempt is expected to fully recover, WNCN reported.

Eric also addressed Faust in court and said that she had been experiencing a mental health crisis on February 13, when she was accused of harming her children.

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“Andrea, I’m begging you, please no more attempts to harm yourself,” Eric said, according to WNCN. “Work with your doctors. Work with anything you can. And I promise you, if you do that, I will let you know how [their child] is doing as often as I can.”

“I just want to let the court know this was a complete mental health crisis,” Eric also said, the news outlet reported. “Anyone will tell you what a tremendous mother Andrea was. These were not the actions of my wife.

Galinsky motioned for Faust to be transferred to the Safekeeping Unit at North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, court records show.

The motion was granted on Wednesday.

Galinsky told Us that “We need to stop telling stressed out, struggling, isolated mothers that they are ‘doing great.’”

“We need to recognize when they are deteriorating before our eyes,” Galinsky added. “We need to do better. As a country and as a people.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.