Taylor Swift’s years-long battle over her music catalog is back in the spotlight after Scooter Braun made a surprising confession about their infamous fallout. 

During a new podcast appearance, the music mogul admitted he barely knew the pop superstar despite being painted as the villain in one of the music industry’s biggest feuds. 

Braun also reflected on the backlash he faced after purchasing Swift’s masters, while insiders close to the singer insisted that her eventual victory over the catalog was achieved entirely without his help.

Braun opened up this week about the fallout surrounding his feud with Taylor Swift over ownership of her masters. 

Appearing on the “Second Thought With Suzy Weiss” podcast, the music executive admitted that the controversy completely changed how the public viewed him.

He recalled going from being “loved and appreciated for over a decade to literally a villain the next night.” Braun also pushed back on the idea that he and Swift ever shared a close personal relationship.

“I don’t know Taylor Swift,” he said. “I think I’ve met her in my life three times. I have never had a substantial conversation with her in my life.”

According to Braun, one of those rare interactions happened at a party hosted by the singer herself, where they exchanged mutual respect.

The businessman insisted there has long been a misconception surrounding their history.

“But I think there’s this big misconception that, like, we knew each other and we had this feud and I managed her for years,” Braun explained.

“And people are usually shocked to find out that I legitimately don’t know her and didn’t have many interactions with her and never really knew her,” he added.

Swift’s Masters Battle Sparked Industry-Wide Debate

Scooter Braun said the experience ultimately taught him a great deal about the changing music industry. He admitted he still finds the situation bizarre years later. “I’m confused that this is part of my life,” Braun shared.

The former manager of Justin Bieber explained how traditional record deals usually work, noting that labels often retain ownership of master recordings while artists maintain publishing rights.

“Labels make bets on artists, and they own the masters and the artists own their publishing,” he explained. Braun also acknowledged that Taylor Swift’s highly publicized battle may have helped shift conversations throughout the business.

“As confusing as [the situation was] to me, I think what it did bring to light is that artists are going to start wanting to own their masters,” he said.

Last year, Swift officially regained ownership of her catalog after striking a deal with Shamrock Capital. The Grammy winner reportedly spent around $360 million to purchase back the rights to her music after Shamrock acquired them from Braun in 2020.

Taylor Swift Celebrated Regaining ‘Her Entire Life’s Work’

Swift addressed the deal emotionally in a handwritten letter posted on her website after reclaiming the catalog.

The “Cruel Summer” singer explained that proceeds from her massively successful Eras Tour helped finance the purchase. 

“All I’ve ever wanted was the opportunity to work hard enough to be able to one day purchase my music outright with no strings attached, no partnership, with full autonomy,” she shared per the Daily Mail.

Swift then thanked Shamrock Capital for the “honest, fair and respectful” way the company handled the deal. 

The 36-year-old added that she truly felt they understood what the music represented to her, including her memories, hard work, handwriting, and decades of dreams.

Swift Called Scooter Braun A ‘Bully’ During Masters Fight

The controversy first exploded in 2019 when Braun acquired Taylor Swift’s former record label, Big Machine Media, for $300 million.

The songstress later accused Braun and label head Scott Borchetta of trapping her in a deal structure that would have forced her to earn back her masters one album at a time.

The singer also shared an emotional Tumblr post after learning Braun had acquired her catalog. She described leaving behind “Music I wrote on my bedroom floor and videos I dreamed up and paid for from the money I earned playing in bars, then clubs, then arenas, then stadiums.”

Swift admitted the situation devastated her. She also accused Braun of years of “incessant, manipulative bullying.”

Swift specifically referenced incidents involving Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who were two of Braun’s clients at the time.

The singer later began re-recording her first six albums in response to the ownership dispute, eventually reclaiming several major projects, including “Fearless,” “Red,” “Speak Now,” and “1989.”

Taylor Swift’s Team Insisted Braun Played ‘Zero Part’

After Swift officially regained ownership of her music, rumors surfaced suggesting that Scooter Braun quietly helped facilitate the deal between Swift and Shamrock Capital.

However, insiders close to the negotiations strongly denied that claim. “Contrary to a previous false report, there was no outside party who ‘encouraged’ this sale,” one insider told the Daily Mail.

“All rightful credit for this opportunity should go to the partners at Shamrock Capital and Taylor’s Nashville-based management team only,” they added.

The source also made it clear Braun was not involved in Swift reclaiming her catalog. 

“Swift now owns all of her music, and this moment finally happened in spite of Scooter Braun, not because of him,” the insider shared.

Meet the Islanders! The cast for Season 8 of ‘Love Island USA’ has officially been revealed, and social media users already have plenty to say.

Related: Congrats! ‘Love Island USA’ Star Jalen Brown Marries Influencer Joiya Lanae (VIDEOS)

‘Love Island USA’ Introduces Its Season 8 Cast

The villa is getting ready to welcome a brand-new group of Islanders. On Thursday, May 28, Peacock officially revealed the first 12 contestants set to appear on an island in Fiji for Season 8 of ‘Love Island USA.’ The new cast features singles from across the United States and beyond, bringing a variety of careers and backgrounds to the villa. According to The Hollywood Reporter, among them are a former collegiate volleyball player, a Paralympic medalist, a DJ and music producer, a nurse, a police officer, and a beauty salon owner.

The cast reveal comes as anticipation continues to build following the success of previous seasons, which helped launch fan-favorite Islanders and viral friendships. Now, fans are preparing to return to the villa as a brand-new group of Islanders gets ready to begin their search for love.

See the cast below:

Social Media Reacts

Following the cast reveal, social media users flooded The Shade Room Teens’ comment section with their reactions.

Instagram user @yungara wrote, “Melanie & Trinity you have been promoted to my elite employees 😍😍😍😍 my VOTE!!!!!

Another Instagram user @miaadoll wrote, “this the tubi version?”

While Instagram user @softlifewitha wrote, “wait it’s a lot of POC 😍😍😍”

Instagram user @nyyethiiee wrote, “yall should’ve just casted me”

Another Instagram user @koziikhi wrote, “Who tf was in charge?”

While Instagram user @ammour.jass wrote, “Yeahh… ummm I’m not watching it”

Instagram user @nayayah_112 wrote, “Yall wanted regular and normal ppl. They delivered yall request 🏃‍♀️”

Another Instagram user @_laylassb wrote, “Worst line up ever I’m good 😂”

While Instagram user @quitabee_ wrote, “Be nice yall… yall know the cast photos don’t really do justice lmao”

‘Love Island USA’ Shares A Message Ahead Of The New Season

Ahead of the Season 8 cast’s unveiling, the official ‘Love Island USA’ Instagram account shared a message encouraging viewers to keep discussions respectful throughout the season.

“The villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” the statement read. “This is a space for fun, not negativity — so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”

The message arrives as conversations surrounding the show spark strong reactions online during prior seasons.

Related: Issa Wrap! ‘Love Island USA’ Star Chelley Bissainthe Confirms Breakup With Ace Greene (VIDEO)

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s son Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt wants to legally drop “Pitt” from his last name.

Maddox, 24, filed to remove his father’s surname from his own, according to legal documents seen by Us Weekly on Thursday, May 28.

If the request is granted, Maddox will legally be known as “Maddox Chivan Jolie” in future. (Us has reached out to Pitt’s representatives for comment.)

Hours before the filing made headlines, news broke that Pitt, 62, landed a victory in his legal battle with his ex over their Château Miraval winery, with a judge granting in part the actor’s motion to “compel” former Stoli general counsel Todd Culyba for further deposition.

“It’s not a surprise this news was released shortly after Brad had a significant evidentiary victory in the Miraval case,” a source tells Us of Maddox’s request.

Related: Brad Pitt ‘Isn’t Ready to Give Up on His Children’: Source

Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images Brad Pitt remains hopeful about reconnecting with his kids. “After years of legal battles, Brad still isn’t ready to give up on his children,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “But knowing his children are dropping his last name is upsetting.” The update comes on the heels of several of Pitt, […]

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In February, Maddox cut “Pitt” from his name in the credits of Couture, the movie he worked on with his mother.

After working as Couture’s assistant director, Maddox was listed as “Maddox Jolie” in the project’s credits.

Angelina, 50, and Pitt, 62, were married from 2014 to 2016 and have been embroiled in messy legal battles in the years following their split.

During their relationship, the former couple welcomed six kids together: Maddox, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, Pax, 22, and twins Vivienne and Knox, both 17.

While the children all initially used the surname Jolie-Pitt, several of Maddox’s siblings have denounced the Pitt suffix following their parents’ separation.

In June 2024, Zahara appeared to use the moniker “Zahara Marley Jolie” when she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

The previous month, sister Vivenne went by “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill when working on the play, The Outsiders.

Meanwhile, Shiloh distanced herself from the Moneyball actor by legally filing to drop Pitt’s surname from hers on her 18th birthday. The request was granted in 2024.

“[Shiloh] hired her own lawyer and paid for it herself,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in June 2024, adding that Angelina “can’t speak” for the legal proceedings.

A second insider told Us at the time that Pitt was “devastated by this choice.”

Referencing Shiloh’s name change, the source continued, “To him, it was more than a change of name — it was a symbol of a deeper estrangement that has been brewing for years.”

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Pitt previously opened up about his shortcomings as a parent during an interview with GQ in 2017.

“I grew up with a Father-knows-best/war mentality… instead of really knowing the man and his own self-doubt and struggles. And it’s hit me smack in the face with our divorce: I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I haven’t been great at it,” the actor said.

The Fight Club star also spoke to the magazine about his desire to prioritize his family, adding, “People on their deathbeds don’t talk about what they obtained or were awarded. They talk about their loved ones or their regrets.”

The world of horror is a broad one that continues to break the mold on what’s possible. Of all the cinematic genres out there, horror might be the one with the most subgenres, thanks to all the creative minds that have continued to push the boundaries and blend other themes and ideas with what some might think to be a one-trick pony. Leading the charge as a modern contributor to the craft is filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun, who first entered the conversation with their 2021 film We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. A look into loneliness, what it means to be a teenager, and the feeling of being an outsider, the movie sparked plenty of discussions upon its release and paved the way for Schoenbrun to become a booming voice in Hollywood.

Next, they wowed audiences and critics alike with 2024’s neon-soaked fever dream I Saw the TV Glow, which continued to build on the themes of World’s Fair, while also focusing its lens on the experience of coming out as trans. Starring Justice Smith and Jack Haven, the movie is truly a one-of-a-kind journey of nostalgia as it uses fandom as its base to tell a deeply moving story about two outsiders who bond over their favorite TV show. Next, Schoenbrun will work alongside Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson for their highly anticipated third feature-length project, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. Today, we’re thrilled to share a brand new image from the slasher flick as part of Collider’s Exclusive Preview event that sees Anderson’s final girl set the stage for a bit of romance. Surrounded by candles and a bottle of champagne, the one-time final girl spreads a slew of rose petals on a bed.

What Is ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ About?

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With its title alone, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is bound to turn a few heads. In it, Einbinder stars as a young queer filmmaker named Kris, who has just landed the opportunity of a lifetime to helm the next installment in the cult-classic slasher franchise Camp Miasma. In hopes of making this one stand out more than the rest, Kris goes on a mission to track down and win over the reclusive final girl (Anderson), who has faded into the background since stardom hit her in her youth. When their paths cross, the two women embark on a bonkers adventure filled with intrigue, sensuality, and loads of horror.

In addition to Einbinder and Anderson, the film also features the talents of favorites like Zach Cherry (Severance), Amanda Fix (Daisy Jones & the Six), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Scream VI), Arthur Conti (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice), Eva Victor (Billions), Dylan Baker (Road to Perdition), Patrick Fischler (Mad Men), Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live), Quintessa Swindell (Black Adam), and more.

Check out our exclusive image above and see Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma in cinemas on August 7. And stay tuned for more exclusive looks from our summer preview series.

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Release Date

August 6, 2026

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112 minutes

Director

Jane Schoenbrun

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Jane Schoenbrun

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Producers

Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner

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As Zahara Jolie celebrated one of the biggest achievements of her life, another painful chapter reportedly unfolded behind the scenes for Brad Pitt. 

The actor’s already fractured relationship with his children has once again become the focus of public scrutiny after claims surfaced that he never congratulated his daughter following her Spelman College graduation. 

While sources close to Angelina Jolie have continued to criticize Pitt’s role as a father, multiple insiders are now pushing back, insisting the story surrounding the Oscar winner is far more complicated than it appears.

Brad Pitt found himself at the center of renewed criticism following Zahara’s recent college graduation.The 21-year-old proudly walked across the stage at Spelman College in what should have been a joyful family moment. 

However, shortly afterward, reports surfaced claiming Pitt never reached out to congratulate his daughter. 

“Nothing prevented him from showing up for her. Or ever visiting her. The day was about all she accomplished. Not whether he was willing to attend,” TMZ reported on May 18.

The report quickly sparked backlash online against Pitt, whose strained relationship with several of his children has remained a topic of public fascination for years. However, insiders close to the actor strongly disputed the narrative.

“When you’ve made clear that you’re pushing him away from the children, a reasonable person cannot then complain that he’s not close to the children,” a source told the Daily Mail.

The insider insisted Pitt continues to want a relationship with all six of his children, Zahara, Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne.

Pitt’s Family Reportedly Tried To Maintain Connections

According to multiple insiders, Brad Pitt has not been alone in trying to repair the family divide. One source claimed the 62-year-old’s extended family also made repeated attempts over the years to remain connected to the children.

“His family did try to do things and there were, at some points, communication,” the source explained. 

They admitted, however, that communication eventually faded, noting, “I know that there have been attempts with the cousins,” the source shared, adding,. “[Growing up], they did have a good relationship, so that’s been cut off also. Nothing’s really changed.”

A second insider claimed those closest to Pitt have largely respected the boundaries surrounding the family situation while continuing to support him privately.

The source said those closest to him, including friends and family, were not judging him through the situation because they believed he was “genuinely trying his best” while dealing with incredibly difficult circumstances.

The painful divide reportedly became even more emotional last year when Pitt’s mother, Jane Etta, died at age 84. 

Sources alleged at the time that she had not spoken to the children in nearly nine years before her death.

“The most gut-wrenching part is that Angelina kept the kids away from his parents, from their own grandparents,” one insider claimed. “The question Brad has – that we all have – is: Angelina, where is your heart?”

Meanwhile, sources close to Angelina have repeatedly rejected claims that Pitt is being unfairly portrayed. One insider previously insisted that the “F1” actor’s damaged relationship with the children stems from his own actions.

“Brad continues to play the victim. His fractured relationship with his children is a direct result of how he has treated them,” the source said.

Pitt Reportedly Accepted Responsibility After The Plane Incident

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were married from 2014 until 2019, though their relationship reportedly deteriorated long before their divorce became official.

Their split followed the now-infamous 2016 private plane incident and years of allegations involving abuse. 

Pitt has consistently denied allegations of physical abuse and was never charged following the FBI investigation into the incident.

Still, one source insisted the producer acknowledged mistakes from that period of his life. “His behavior wasn’t criminal, but he took responsibility for his actions,” the insider said, further revealing, “He got his act together.”

Another source added that Pitt has reached a painful realization about the limits of what he can currently do. “Brad has come to understand that there is little more he can do beyond continuing to be present and available if his children ever decide they want him back in their lives,” the source continued.

They also described the situation as emotionally surreal for Pitt explaining that he had been hoping for some kind of breakthrough with his children but currently felt it was impossible. 

According to the insider, the situation seemed so unreal to the Hollywood star that it felt more like a bad joke than his actual reality.

Brad Pitt’s Relationship With His Children Changed After The Custody Battle

A third source suggested that Angelina’s extremely close relationship with the children has shaped how they view Brad Pitt today. 

The insider claimed the actress and her children are inseparable. “They are her entire world and she has convinced them Brad isn’t a good person,” the source alleged. 

They further explained that the children were now old enough to make their own decisions, but added that it was difficult to suddenly unlearn beliefs after being taught the same things for so long.

Angelina herself has rarely spoken publicly about the family conflict publicly, but she defended her decision to leave the marriage during a 2020 interview with Vogue. She described her choice as “the right decision,” noting that she was focused on healing. She also added, “Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds.”

Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’s Angelina Pivarnick has revealed she suffered a miscarriage after announcing her pregnancy news on the show.

The reality TV star, 39, discussed the sad update on her fertility journey during the Thursday, May 28, episode as well as confirming the miscarriage in a teaser for next week’s episode.

“I’m just not feeling myself. Some stuff’s happening with me and my pregnancy and I don’t know what’s going on and I don’t even know what to do,” Angelina said in a confessional, as she spoke about her concerns on Thursday’s episode.

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Related: Angelina Pivarnick Almost Just Nearly Quit ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’

Angelina Pivarnick nearly hit her breaking point during Jersey Shore Family Vacation season 7. “I almost quit actually,” Angelina, 38, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 18, noting that she had a revelation “two weeks ago.” “I actually called them and said, ‘I don’t think I can do this’ because I know people are […]

Angelina visited her costar, Sammi Giancola, who was also pregnant at the time, and shared her fears.

“I’m spotting,” Angelina told Sammi. “I’m wearing a pad right now.”

Angelina’s comment worried Sammi, who had previously endured a pregnancy loss during her own fertility journey.

“I’m going to be honest with you, when I miscarried – like a chemical pregnancy – I was spotting right away, and then it, like, just, it happened,” Sammi, 39, said.

She continued, “So to me, I’m getting a little concerned for you. I don’t want to think the worst but for your own peace of mind, go to the ER and just check. They can see what’s going on.”

In another confessional, Angelina admitted she was “definitely scared about what I might find out.”

A promotional clip teasing next week’s episode of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation confirmed Angelina’s worst fears.

“I woke up in the middle of the night,” she said in the short clip. “I’m actively miscarrying.”

Angelina first shared the news of her pregnancy in the May 14 episode, where she was filmed showing Sammi a positive pregnancy test.

“There’s no way that it just happened naturally. There’s no sperm donor now,” said Angelina at the time, referencing her fertility struggles that have been at the center of her storyline this season.

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Related: Angelina Pivarnick Won’t Watch ‘Dark’ New ‘Jersey Shore’ Episodes

Just over a week before part two of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation season 7 premieres, Angelina Pivarnick teased a dark turn for the reality series. “I feel this season, I’m not going to watch it,” Pivarnick, 38, exclusively told Us Weekly while on the red carpet at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in New […]

Angelina further opened up about her surprise and excitement in a confessional during the episode.

“I did not think I was able to get pregnant, but, wow, I’m … pregnant,” she said. “This could be a great thing. This could be my fairy tale, my path, my baby.”

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During the episode, she called the father, who was referred to as “John Doe-Nor” (a play on “donor”) to inform him of her pregnancy.

“So, I have some news for you,” she told him over the phone. “I am officially, definitely pregnant — we’re having a baby!”

The same night the show aired, Angelina wrote, “I’m pregnant !!!! #jsfamilyvacation.” She did not share any further updates via social media after the episode was filmed in March 2025.

There’s a new dominant force on the Netflix charts. After some quieter weeks on the world’s biggest streamer, along came the reliable Duffer Brothers, creators of the smash hit sci-fi series Stranger Things, with their latest project. Produced by the duo and created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, The Boroughs takes viewers on a sci-fi adventure with a host of unlikely heroes, featuring a stellar cast that includes Alfred Molina, Bill Pullman, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, and more. Having lasted a week atop the U.S. Netflix charts, can anything stop this new series? To give you a taste of the competition and to help you decide what to watch over the next couple of days, here’s a list of three shows you should binge-watch on Netflix this weekend.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

1

‘The Four Seasons’ (2025–Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 7.2/10

The biggest challenger to The Boroughs‘ streaming throne comes in the form of the return of a popular 2025 hit for Netflix. The Four Seasons, an adaptation of the 1981 movie of the same name, earned a Primetime Emmy for its indulgent drama about a close-knit group of friends who travel together. However, when Nick (Steve Carell) divorces his wife of 25 years, Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), the dynamic of their friendship is tested, especially after Nick brings his much younger new girlfriend along on a trip.

Also starring the likes of Tina Fey, Will Forte, Marco Clavani, Erika Henningsen, Colman Domingo, Julia Lester, and Ashlyn Maddox, who have all reprised their roles in Season 2, The Four Seasons was one of the gems of Netflix’s 2025. Hilarious and heartwarming, and also packing a shocking twist or two, the series has returned this week with a bang, with Season 2 dubbed “easy to breeze through” in Collider’s review.

2

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022—Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Not to be confused with Matthew McConaughey’s 2011 adaptation of the same name, Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer is an easy way to keep you hooked this weekend, following the show’s fourth season return in February 2026. Based on the books by Michael Connelly, the series follows lawyer Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), who takes on legal cases in Los Angeles out of the back of his trusty Lincoln.

A quirky, gripping series that has only improved during its four-season run to date, The Lincoln Lawyer is a must-watch for fans of legal dramas. Garcia-Rulfo’s lead performance is energetic, as he brings the street-smart Mickey to life, supported by a strong ensemble. Sadly, the upcoming fifth season of the series is confirmed to be the last, making a binge-watch of these first four all the more poignant.

3

‘The Hunting Wives’ (2025—Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.8/10

Need some delightfully over-the-top mystery to help fill your weekend? Look no further than Netflix’s The Hunting Wives. An adaptation of the book of the same name by May Cobb, the series follows Brittany Snow‘s Sophie O’Neil as she uproots from Boston and moves to an affluent suburb of East Texas. Upon arrival, she meets Margot (Malin Akerman), a socialite who tempts her into a world of sultry and often violent chaos.

Prepare to suspend your disbelief and fall headfirst into plenty of twists and turns in one of Netflix’s most shocking 2025 series. Often compared to the HBO series Big Little Lies, shows rarely come as addictive as this. Filming on the second season of this indulgent melodrama ended in March 2026, with it expected to return later this year, so now is the perfect time to catch up.

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Release Date

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July 21, 2025

Network

Netflix

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Directors

Julie Anne Robinson

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For the better part of a century, Superman has been one of the most recognizable fictional characters in any form of media. After Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster brought the Man of Steel to life in the pages of Action Comics #1, it wasn’t long before his popularity skyrocketed. Within a decade, the character had been adapted to live action, headlined a popular radio program, and could be found in not just the pages of comic books, but newspaper strips as well. With all that being said, arguably the best take on DC Comics‘ famed “Champion of the Oppressed” came in the form of an Academy Award-nominated short film that first brought Superman to the big screen.

‘Superman’ Was a Major Hit That Nearly Earned Itself an Oscar

Back in the early 1940s, Superman had already taken America by storm. The character had become a bona fide symbol of truth and justice, soaring far higher than Siegel or Shuster likely imagined. It wouldn’t be long before he would find himself a staple in the movies as well. Just two years after his debut in 1938, Fleischer Studios — an animation house founded by brothers, producer Max Fleischer and director Dave Fleischer — secured the contract to develop the tales of Action Comics and Superman into a series of theatrical cartoon shorts. Paramount Pictures distributed the animated films, but only after convincing the Fleischer brothers to give the project a try. “I didn’t want to make Superman,” Dave Fleischer once admitted, according to RetroFan Magazine. “I couldn’t figure out how to make Superman look right without spending a lot of money.” However, Paramount fit the bill. They, like avid comic readers and radio audiences at the time, believed in the Man of Steel. It took seven months and $50,000, but Superman (though it is sometimes dubbed “The Mad Scientist” by fans) hit theaters on September 26, 1941, marking the character’s first appearance on the big screen.

As an “adult” cartoon, Superman wasn’t like the usual Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny fare. The Man of Steel wasn’t an anthropomorphic cartoon animal, but a serious hero who found himself in the middle of high-stakes action and suspense. It was pulpy, serious, and predated the distinct look of noir pictures. Bud Collyer, who had already been voicing the character in The Adventures of Superman radio series, reprised his role, accompanied by Joan Alexander (another radio holdout) as Lois Lane. With a quick runtime of 10 minutes, Superman distills everything perfect about the Man of Steel’s original adventures into a single high-quality, big-screen romp that more than holds up today. Everything vital about Golden Age Superman stories is present: the Daily Planet rivalry between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, the capture of Lois at the hands of the latest villain, Superman saving countless lives, and the hero’s dual identity are all at play here. Pick up an early issue of Action Comics or an old Superman newspaper strip from the era, and you’ll see that the Fleischers made a 1:1 adaptation of Siegel and Shuster’s otherworldly hero. That original cartoon is simply perfect.

Little did Fleischer or Paramount know, Superman would land them an Academy Award nomination for “Best Short Subject: Cartoons.” This honor was one of only three Superman productions to even be considered at the Oscars, followed by Richard Donner‘s Superman — which won a “Special Achievement Award” for Visual Effects after also being nominated for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Score in the late ’70s — and James Gunn‘s Superman, which was nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound just last year. But despite the Oscar nomination, the original ’40s Superman cartoon ultimately lost to Lend a Paw, a Walt Disney-produced Mickey Mouse short. Sure, Mickey is great and all, but there’s no doubt that Superman was robbed.

The Fleischer Superman Cartoons Honor the Character’s Golden Age Roots

Fortunately, Paramount wasn’t interested in a one-and-done Superman cartoon. Fleischer Studios made eight more Superman shorts over the next year, pitting the Man of Steel against everything from “mechanical monsters” and “arctic giants” to more natural disasters like volcanoes and on-the-loose circus gorillas. However, come 1942, Paramount acquired Fleischer Studios, establishing Famous Studios in the company’s stead. Under this banner, eight more theatrical Superman cartoons were made, extending the superhero’s big-screen run from September 1941 to July 1943. For two years, these 17 short films came to define the character. From inventing phrases like “truth, justice, and the American Way” and “faster than a speeding bullet,” popularizing Superman’s powers of flight, and emphasizing the importance of Lois Lane in each adventure, the original Superman cartoons are everything that the original comic book stories were, full of action, excitement, strange adventures, and romantic American flare.

Indeed, as noted in First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series documentary, the original Oscar-nominated short would influence the visual style of Batman: The Animated Series decades later, and the ’40s costume has since been adapted in live-action for Superman & Lois. While the original Superman short was the only one to be nominated for an Academy Award, the rest of the Fleischer-era cartoons are simply phenomenal, boasting stunningly smooth animation, delightful characters, and a theme by Simon Timburg (and other uncredited musicians) that has come to be a daily staple in this author’s home (I blame my daughters). Even better, these Superman cartoons fell into the public domain in the mid-’60s when the copyright lapsed, making them quite easy to find online. For those hoping to see them in their full glory, Warner Bros. digitally remastered them a few years back. So, if you’re sick of all the modern takes of Superman flying about, revisit these iconic short films that still stun today.

When Led Zeppelin’s founding drummer, John Bonham, died due to an alcohol overdose in 1980, the classic-rock band broke up, and its three surviving members vowed to never reunite. Guitarist Jimmy Page, vocalist Robert Plant, and bassist John Paul Jones did so informally a few times, mostly for tribute events.

But it wasn’t until a 2007 concert celebrating the life of music executive Ahmet Ertegun – who signed Led Zeppelin to his Atlantic Records – that Page, Plant, and Jones played a full set for the first time in almost three decades. The show was so historic, and demand to attend it was so high (with 20 million ticket requests tallied), that Led Zeppelin set a new Guinness World Record.

Led Zeppelin’s 12 Years of Dominance

Image via Atlantic Records

Few rock bands in history boast combined talents that can measure up to those of Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonham — or even enter the debate as to whether they could. Moreover, few music-group lineups that broke through to the mainstream maintained such a strong original lineup for as long as Led Zeppelin did.

The four musicians congealed the band in London in 1968, with Page having already achieved enormous attention for the guitar mastery he strutted in another influential British blues-rock band, the Yardbirds. (That group featured two other guitarists considered to be among the best of all time: Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.) Led Zeppelin eclipsed another band of fellow British blues enthusiasts, Cream, in the hard-rock sphere on the strength of their first two releases, 1969’s Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin II.

Both those releases came out courtesy Atlantic, a record label that President Herb Abramson co-founded in October 1947 with Vice President Ertegun in New York City. Atlantic executives in November 1968 hammered out a five-year recording contract with manager Peter Grant — “the man who led Led Zeppelin,” according to Led Zeppelin biographer Dave Lewis — that gave the band a great deal of artistic control.

Thanks in part to their relationship with Ertegun and Atlantic, the band would go on to become one of the highest-selling music acts ever, with as many as 300 million copies of their albums sold globally.

John Bonham Wilds Out as Led Zeppelin’s Backbone

Image via Bob Gruen 

While Page and Plant took center stage at Led Zeppelin concerts, where the band solidified their fanbase, Bonham — along with the Who’s Keith Moon and Ginger Baker of Cream — broke out as one of the best rock drummers ever. Bonham’s hard-hitting style and extended drum solos during Led Zeppelin concerts garnered him the nickname “The Beast.”

Also similar to Moon, Bonham developed a reputation as a wild man, which helped congeal another nickname for him: “Bonzo.” In October 1980, the heavy-drinking drummer died from alcohol-related health issues. The remaining members of Led Zeppelin made Bonham’s importance clear by breaking up the band instead of tapping another drummer to fill his empty seat.

“We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were,” the surviving Led Zeppelin members said in a press release following Bonham’s death.

Subsequent years saw Led Zeppelin continue to gain popularity, thanks to both reissues and other posthumous releases. Additionally, hard-rock drummers both young and old — ranging from Nirvana’s Dave Grohl to Rush’s Neal Peart — continued to cite Bonham as having a significant influence on their own playing style.

Led Zeppelin Reunited to the Delight of Fans? Not Quite …

Led Zeppelin fans clamored for reunion performances in the band’s aftermath, and the band occasionally regrouped for concert appearances that punctuated those cries with crescendos. The first occurred in July 1985, when Page, Plant, and Jones reconvened to perform at the benefit concerts known as Live Aid organized by British music legends Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.

After failed attempts to record new music, Page, Plant, and Jones came together again in May 1988 for a concert that took place at New York’s Madison Square Garden that celebrated the 40th anniversary of Atlantic’s founding. “[Ertegun] was very keen for Jimmy, Robert, and Jones to appear,” Lewis wrote in his 1991 book Led Zeppelin: A Celebration.

Some non-publicized performances — and, most prominently, Page and Plant re-teaming for a world tour and live album featuring Led Zeppelin covers — ensued. But in December 2007, Led Zeppelin’s surviving members again showed their loyalty to Ertegun by re-forming for a full set paying tribute to the industry executive after his death a year before at age 83.

A Led Zeppelin Celebration Concert Is Held at Long Last

Page, Plant, and Jones’ previous performances during which they reunited as Led Zeppelin were poorly received, thanks to issues ranging from lack of proper rehearsals to inebriation. But the band members rectified their notorious post-breakup get-togethers with the 16-song set in 2007. The show was so widely hailed that it resulted in the release of Celebration Day, a documentary that was critically hailed in its own right, five years later.

Commercial success — which always outshone Led Zeppelin’s reception among critics, especially in their early years — also accompanied Led Zeppelin’s 2007 show. Guinness World Records 2009 said it had the “highest demand for tickets for one music concert when 20 million requests came through for the one-time reunion show in December 2007.”

The Celebration Day documentary saw a global theatrical release in October 2012. Posthumous Led Zeppelin activity continued after that, including 50th anniversary reissues of the band’s albums hitting stores and its music arriving on Spotify. However, Page, Plant, and Jones haven’t regrouped to perform as Led Zeppelin again.