Perez Hilton had been publicly reckoning with the cruelty that defined his early career before being hospitalized following a disturbing TikTok livestream. The celebrity gossip blogger, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, rose to fame by turning celebrities’ private struggles and public mistakes into content for millions of readers.

Hilton eventually acknowledged that his approach caused genuine harm, apologizing for everything from targeting celebrity children to outing people without their consent. Earlier this year, he said he felt “deep shame and regret” over his past behavior. Now, amid his hospitalization, that complicated history has influenced how some members of the public are responding to his health crisis.

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Hilton was taken to a hospital late Tuesday after concerned viewers contacted authorities about his TikTok livestream. The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to Hilton’s residence after receiving multiple calls about his well-being. Authorities “spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside,” the sheriff’s office told CNN.

Deputies reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation before Hilton was transported for medical treatment. The department explained that its response to mental health emergencies often involves “creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication.”

A statement posted to Hilton’s website Wednesday evening offered a cautiously hopeful update about his condition. Hilton is “able to communicate, which has given our family hope,” his team and family said, while acknowledging that it had been a “difficult” period because “very little information has been made available to our family.”

An earlier statement confirmed that Hilton was “receiving medical care” and that his “family’s focus right now is on his well-being.”

The Blogger Built His Career On Controversy

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Hilton became one of the internet’s most influential and notorious celebrity bloggers during the 2000s. His website attracted millions of readers, but its success was fueled largely by a confrontational approach to celebrity coverage. Hilton mocked stars, assigned them insulting nicknames and published invasive stories about their personal lives.

Several prominent entertainers publicly condemned his conduct. Demi Lovato accused Hilton of being a “bully,” while Lady Gaga accused him of stalking her in 2013.

Mila Kunis offered a particularly harsh assessment of his impact during a 2018 interview, calling Hilton the “first person that created ugly news, that literally just spread filth.” According to Kunis, his success “allowed people to be mean.”

Perez Hilton Admitted He Had Been ‘Mean Or Cruel’

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As attitudes toward celebrity journalism changed, Hilton began distancing himself from the persona that made him famous. In his 2020 memoir, the blogger acknowledged that the aggressive tone was not necessary for building his career. He wrote that he “never needed to be so mean or cruel.”

Hilton also identified his treatment of celebrity families as one of his greatest regrets. One of the “many things I regret is that I hurt so many people by giving them nasty nicknames, and above all that I was unkind to the children of celebrities,” he wrote.

The blogger additionally reconsidered his history of publicly outing celebrities. Hilton acknowledged that he “no longer” believed the practice was acceptable.

Not Everyone Accepted His Apologies

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Hilton repeatedly apologized for crossing boundaries and acknowledged that some of his celebrity coverage had gone too far. Certain people accepted those efforts, while others remained unwilling to forgive him.

A Daily Mail reporter who has known Hilton for more than 25 years stressed that forgiveness cannot be demanded, particularly when his work caused real emotional damage. The reporter nonetheless rejected suggestions that Hilton’s current suffering should be viewed as deserved punishment.

His past conduct may explain why some people have struggled to extend sympathy, but it does not make his health crisis less serious or eliminate the fear being experienced by his children and family. Accountability for Hilton’s actions and compassion for his current distress do not have to be mutually exclusive.

A Previous Health Crisis Deepened His Remorse

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Hilton’s latest hospitalization comes several months after he spent three weeks receiving treatment for sepsis. In March, Hilton explained that he had developed the flu and failed to take his medication with food as directed. According to the blogger, he subsequently developed an ulcer that perforated and required emergency surgery.

“The day before I was hospitalized, I was in so much stomach pain. I was like, ‘This is weird, but it’ll go away,’” Hilton recalled in a social media video. The following day, he said he “couldn’t walk.”

Hilton later described the life-threatening experience as spiritually transformative. “God presented himself to me and then did something. Something I can only call miraculous,” he said. The father of three added that he would “start taking the kids to church every week.”

In another video shared days later, Hilton said he had started reading the Bible and felt “deep shame and regret” about his conduct throughout his gossip career, per Forbes.

Hilton’s apologies cannot undo the personal damage caused by his reporting, and the people he targeted are under no obligation to forgive him. However, his hospitalization has forced a broader conversation about whether compassion should depend upon a person’s past behavior.

Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon, two Texas customers, are suing Popeyes for over $1.5 million after allegedly finding a “condom-like foreign object” in their chicken.

RELATED: LAWSUIT: Atlanta Mother Alleges Three Popeyes Workers Left Her Partially Bald For Speaking Out About Incorrect Order

Texas Customers Sue Popeyes For Over $1.5M After Allegedly Finding “Condom-Like Foreign Object” In Chicken

According to CHRON, Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon are reportedly seeking more than $1.5 million from Popeye’s parent company, Restaurant Brands International, Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., and franchise operator, AAMANA Businesses, Inc.

Per the outlet, the pair purchased chicken from the Popeyes located at 7416 South Sam Houston Pkwy W. The date of their purchase reportedly was on July 25, 2026. And when Howard bit into a piece of chicken, he allegedly found a “condom-like foreign object embedded within the chicken itself.”

“The meal appeared ordinary. It was not,” they recalled of their experience, per PEOPLE. “The discovery instantly transformed what should have been an ordinary family meal into a deeply disturbing and frightening event. They were horrified by the possibility that they had already ingested contaminated food before discovering the object.”

More On Justin Howard & Danielle McKinnon’s $1.5M Lawsuit

Per the outlet, Howard and McKinnon immediately stopped eating and allegedly became nauseous. Furthermore, when they informed the Popeye’s staff, the employees allegedly “laughed and humiliated them.”

“Instead of promptly investigating the contamination, preserving evidence, or recognizing the seriousness of the complaint, management repeatedly attempted to replace the contaminated chicken rather than issue a refund. But only after persistence by the plaintiffs were they finally refunded,” the lawsuit reportedly reads.

Per the outlet, the pair is seeking over $1.5 million “in damages relating to past and future medical/healthcare expenses, past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and prejudgment and postjudgment interest.”

Popeye’s Reportedly Responds To Discovery Of “Condom-Like Foreign Object”

According to PEOPLE, Popeyes responded to the alleged incident in a statement sent via email.

“We have looked at extensive internal video and saw no evidence to validate this claim. Regardless, it is unacceptable, and the Franchisee immediately issued a refund to the guest and, out of an abundance of caution, closed the restaurant early for re-training,” it reportedly stated.

Lastly, PEOPLE notes that Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon are also demanding a jury by trial.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Louisiana Popeyes Manager Reportedly Arrested For Assaulting Customer With Hot Chicken

Marvel Studios may have found its Scott Summers.

According to a new report from Deadline, Kit Connor has emerged as the studio’s choice to play Cyclops in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot. While Marvel has not officially confirmed the casting, Deadline’s report states that director Jake Schreier and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige selected Connor following months of meetings and screen tests with multiple actors.

If finalized, Connor would become one of the first major members of Marvel’s next generation of X-Men alongside Sadie Sink, who recently made her debut as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Samara Weaving, who was previously reported to have landed the role of Emma Frost.

Connor, best known for his breakout performance in Netflix’s Heartstopper, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising young stars. In recent years, he has expanded his resume with roles in Alex Garland’s Warfare, the upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, and a successful run on Broadway in Romeo + Juliet.

[Getty]

Cyclops has long been considered one of Marvel’s most important mutant characters. Introduced in X-Men #1 in 1963, Scott Summers serves as the field leader of the X-Men, balancing powerful optic blast abilities with the responsibility of leading Charles Xavier’s team through countless battles.

The report also notes that Marvel considered numerous actors for the role before settling on Connor, making him another unexpected casting choice during the studio’s ongoing search for its new X-Men lineup.

Marvel Studios has yet to announce an official cast for the reboot, and, as with previous casting reports, neither the studio nor Connor’s representatives have publicly commented. However, Deadline has correctly reported several recent Marvel castings before they became official, giving this latest report significant credibility.

With Jean Grey and Emma Frost reportedly locked in and Cyclops now seemingly selected, anticipation continues to build for Marvel’s long-awaited mutant era. Fans are also expecting additional casting announcements in the near future, with many speculating Marvel could reveal more of the team during D23.

2026 has been a busy year for Russell Crowe, starring in action features like Beast and The Get Out, but each film was only released in limited theaters in the U.S., so it never quite found a niche in theaters. Both movies are now available to watch at home on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, and each has had short-lived runs into the top 10. Crowe did debut a massively successful movie in 2025 with Nuremberg, his WWII passion project that he spent years trying to get off the ground. While he has released new movies this year, Crowe has primarily been focused on shooting scenes for Henry Cavill’s new Highlander reboot movie — Crowe even shared a new image of himself training for the film earlier this week.

Russell Crowe still has plenty of exciting projects in the works, but that doesn’t mean he’s not always on the hunt for another hit. News broke this afternoon that Crowe is returning to the sci-fi genre for a new thriller, Bluefly, co-starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas from The Bluff and Citadel. Stranger Things director Nimród Antal is directing the sci-fi feature with a script from David Frigerio, William and Carlyle Eubank. Pre-sales for the project are set to launch soon at TIFF, and the official synopsis reads as follows:

“Deep in the Congo, a grieving UN translator is pulled into a black-ops mission to recover a downed aircraft that isn’t supposed to exist. As a Special Operations team pushes upriver through militia-held territory, the recovery becomes a descent — and the closer they get to the craft, the clearer it becomes that they were never meant to bring it home.”

When Will ‘Bluefly’ Come Out?

There’s no word yet on when Bluefly will be released, but production on the film is expected to begin later this year off the coast of Australia. Should it secure distribution at TIFF, it could be as soon as 2027 before it comes out, whether it be in theaters or on streaming. It will speak volumes about the project whether there’s a bidding war for it come time at the Toronto International Film Festival. The premise for the film certainly sounds intriguing, but a movie needs a lot more than a cool premise to make it across the finish line.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the new sci-fi thriller, Bluefly, as well as future coverage of Russell Crowe’s future projects.

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Release Date

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2016 – 2025-00-00

Network

Netflix

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Directors

Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz

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Writers

Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock

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Marvel Studios may have found its Scott Summers.

According to a new report from Deadline, Kit Connor has emerged as the studio’s choice to play Cyclops in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot. While Marvel has not officially confirmed the casting, Deadline’s report states that director Jake Schreier and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige selected Connor following months of meetings and screen tests with multiple actors.

If finalized, Connor would become one of the first major members of Marvel’s next generation of X-Men alongside Sadie Sink, who recently made her debut as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Samara Weaving, who was previously reported to have landed the role of Emma Frost.

Connor, best known for his breakout performance in Netflix’s Heartstopper, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising young stars. In recent years, he has expanded his resume with roles in Alex Garland’s Warfare, the upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, and a successful run on Broadway in Romeo + Juliet.

[Getty]

Cyclops has long been considered one of Marvel’s most important mutant characters. Introduced in X-Men #1 in 1963, Scott Summers serves as the field leader of the X-Men, balancing powerful optic blast abilities with the responsibility of leading Charles Xavier’s team through countless battles.

The report also notes that Marvel considered numerous actors for the role before settling on Connor, making him another unexpected casting choice during the studio’s ongoing search for its new X-Men lineup.

Marvel Studios has yet to announce an official cast for the reboot, and, as with previous casting reports, neither the studio nor Connor’s representatives have publicly commented. However, Deadline has correctly reported several recent Marvel castings before they became official, giving this latest report significant credibility.

With Jean Grey and Emma Frost reportedly locked in and Cyclops now seemingly selected, anticipation continues to build for Marvel’s long-awaited mutant era. Fans are also expecting additional casting announcements in the near future, with many speculating Marvel could reveal more of the team during D23.

If people thought Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” or “SLOMW,” for short, was over after the drama that ensued earlier this year, think again! According to a new report, the streaming giant, which has produced some of the most talked-about reality shows of the last few years, including “The Kardashians,” has renewed the show for a massive 6th season.

“SLOMW” star Layla Taylor recently opened up about the news on an episode of Hulu’s “Get Real” podcast. During the show, Taylor, who recently came out as bisexual during Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, revealed that Hulu greenlit the series for another spin around the block.

According to a source who shared more information about the season with TMZ, the 6th season’s batch of episodes will be unlike any other, considering Hulu reportedly ordered 20 episodes, which is double the amount of any season in the past.

Will Taylor Frankie Paul Be Part Of Season 6 Of ‘SLOMW’?

As for the cast, it’s unclear who all is coming back just yet, but it seems safe to assume Taylor will be back, as she was the one chosen to make the announcement.

Besides her, Taylor Frankie Paul‘s involvement seems to be the one fans will be most eager to learn about, given the immense amount of drama she went through with her ex, Dakota Mortesen, earlier this year.

According to several reports from The Blast, production on the upcoming season 5 of “SLOMW” was put on pause after the cast learned she was involved in an alleged domestic violence situation with Mortensen for the second time.

After that, a damning video was released, showing Paul physically abusing Mortensen and even launching two heavy metal chairs toward him.

Throughout all of that, Paul was in and out of court, speaking with a judge about the custody of her son, Ever, whom she shares with Mortensen.

Paul didn’t share many details about her personal life or the show’s status at the time, but she made several social media posts about her life and implied she was going through a difficult time.

This Cast Member WON’T Appear In Season 6 Of ‘SLOMW’

One cast member who certainly won’t appear in season 6 of the show is OG Whitney Leavitt.

According to The Blast, Leavitt revealed that while she would finish filming season 5, she wouldn’t return for season 6.

Despite her exit, Leavitt thanked the show for the opportunities it provided her with, such as Broadway and “Dancing With the Stars,” in her exit post.

“Every time I left, it wasn’t with gratitude,” she said. “But this time it is. It just feels like a chapter that’s closing in my life. My cup is full, and it just feels like it’s time. So I’m excited.”

What Can Fans Expect From The New Season?

Before season 6 begins, fans have to get through season 5, which currently doesn’t have an air date. Even then, there’s still a lot to look forward to, according to The Blast.

In addition to Paul’s drama with Mortensen, viewers can expect to see her feuds with her co-stars, like Mikayla Matthews and Taylor.

Although the rest has been kept under wraps, it’s sure to be worthwhile, considering Leavitt said she was even excited to watch it back.

“It’s gonna be great. I’m so excited to watch it. It’s a great, great cast,” she said.

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What Else Is Coming To Hulu?

Apart from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a new show is coming to the streamer centered on Khloé Kardashian and her tight-knit circle of girlfriends.

The show, which is dubbed “The Girls,” premieres on August 21 and follows a group of highly successful, ultra-wealthy, fabulous women.

Khloé’s long-time besties, Malika and Khadijah Haqq, will lead the cast and will film with Olivia Pierson, Natalie Halcro, Yris Palmer, and Nicole Williams English, per The Blast.

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“The girls in question here? These are my OG girlfriends. They’re wild and absolutely unhinged. Kinda like me. Like real sisters, we’ve got our issues. With the girls, it’s always something. And honestly, that’s why I’m obsessed,” Khloé said about the new series.

A former colleague of Perez Hilton is urging the public to show compassion after the celebrity blogger was hospitalized following an alarming social media livestream. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, was taken for medical care Tuesday after authorities responded to his Miami-area residence. While acknowledging the pain Hilton caused throughout his controversial career, a Daily Mail reporter who has known him for more than 25 years argued that his current suffering should not be used as another form of entertainment.

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According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to Hilton’s residence following reports of a man “livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.” Hilton was subsequently hospitalized and remains under medical care.

A statement posted on his celebrity news website confirmed the blogger’s hospitalization and requested privacy for the blogger and his loved ones. “We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being. We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time.”

Hilton’s family has since said that he is able to communicate, giving them hope as he continues receiving treatment, according to PEOPLE. Further details about his condition or treatment have not been publicly disclosed.

A Former Colleague Saw The Man Behind The Perez Hilton Persona

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The Daily Mail reporter explained that they had known Hilton for more than 25 years, including working alongside him on VH1’s “The Gossip Table.” When Hilton was hired to co-host the program in 2015, he reportedly called the journalist before relocating to New York and admitted that he desperately needed the opportunity and its accompanying salary.

Despite spending years at the center of celebrity culture, Hilton was allegedly worried that he could not afford to live in Manhattan. The conversation offered the reporter an unexpected glimpse of the person behind the abrasive public personality.

Perez Hilton had become known as a fearless provocateur who seemed to thrive on conflict. Hilton, according to his former colleague, was far more financially insecure and emotionally fragile than his image suggested.

The Reporter Did Not Ignore The Damage Hilton Caused

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The journalist made clear that Hilton’s vulnerability did not erase his destructive influence on celebrity culture. During the height of his website’s popularity, Hilton frequently mocked celebrities’ appearances, sexuality, relationships, addictions and mental health struggles. The Daily Mail reporter previously represented Ashlee Simpson as her publicist and witnessed Hilton’s treatment of the singer firsthand.

According to the journalist, Hilton relentlessly targeted Simpson, magnified her mistakes and transformed vulnerable moments into public spectacles. His coverage often appeared to take pleasure in the humiliation it created. That approach helped build his online empire during an era when cruelty routinely generated traffic and attention.

Hilton’s influence also made him a feared figure in Hollywood. Celebrities and their teams never knew who could become his next target or which private difficulty might be turned into public entertainment.

The Celebrity Gossip Empire Eventually Lost Its Power

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Hilton’s dominance diminished as the entertainment media landscape evolved. Social media allowed celebrities to communicate directly with audiences, reducing their reliance on blogs and traditional gossip outlets. Instagram, TikTok and other platforms gradually displaced the celebrity websites that had once controlled online conversations.

According to a Daily Mail reporter, Hilton struggled as his influence faded and the opportunities that once came with it began to disappear. The former co-host said Hilton enjoyed performing, being recognized, and feeling as though his voice mattered. Losing that position reportedly took an emotional toll.

During their last conversation, Hilton allegedly acknowledged that money had become tight. The admission surprised people who assumed the fortune generated during his blogging peak would sustain him indefinitely. The reporter attributed those difficulties to a changing media industry, unsuccessful television ventures and the expense of raising three children as a single parent.

Hilton moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas before eventually settling in Miami, with each relocation appearing to represent an effort to rebuild his personal and professional life.

His Former Colleague Says Compassion Does Not Erase Accountability

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The reporter argued that extending compassion to Hilton does not require rewriting his history, excusing his treatment of celebrities or dismissing the experiences of those he targeted. Instead, it recognizes that a person can cause harm and still deserve humanity during a moment of profound distress.

Hilton built a career by treating other people’s suffering as public entertainment. His former colleague warned that celebrating his pain would merely repeat the same cruelty for which he has long been condemned.

The blogger is also a father of three whose children and family are now facing uncertainty over his well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Hey now, Hilary Duff and ex Joel Madden’s post-split friendship is precisely what dreams are made of.

Duff, 38, brought her Lucky Me Tour to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, August 5, where she enlisted Madden’s Good Charlotte for a special duet.

In addition to Duff’s setlist of Luck… or Something tracks and throwback hits, the pop star rocked out with Joel, 47, and brother Benji Madden for a rendition of 2002’s “The Anthem,” per social media footage.

Later during the show, per In Style clips, Duff changed into a vintage Good Charlotte T-shirt to perform “Why Not.”

Related: Hilary Duff, Matthew Koma Dress as Madden Twins for Dinner With Her Ex Joel

Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma got in on the Halloween fun by dressing up as her ex Joel Madden and his twin brother, Benji Madden. “Going as @benjaminadden and @joelmadden to a Halloween dinner with @joelmadden and @nicolerichie,” Koma, 37, wrote via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, October 30, alongside a photo of him and Duff, […]

“FAMILY NIGHT @ MSG. CONGRATS @hilaryduff,” Benji, 47, wrote via his Instagram Stories following the concert, sharing a backstage selfie with his brother, Duff and her husband, Matthew Koma. Joel’s wife, Nicole Richie, was also present for the nostalgia-induced evening.

Long before Duff and Madden found love with Koma, 39, and Richie, 44, respectively, they dated from 2004 to 2006. The now-exes have since remained on friendly terms.

“I have a good relationship with their whole family. We actually hang out all the time,” the Younger alum recalled on a 2023 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “I was just in [Nicole’s] driveway, honking for her to come drink wine with us the other day. … Now, we get them to hike together all the time. And you know what? It’s lovely.”

Joel, for his part, had also been candid about staying cordial with Duff long before their MSG duet.

“Every girl I’ve ever dated I have respect for, and I always try to leave them [on] good terms,” Joel told People in 2007. “I don’t see the necessity to be friends with anyone you’ve dated but definitely out of respect of the time, you have to be kind of respectful and that’s what I try to do.”

According to the rocker, he was never one to publicly address the breakup.

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Related: Hilary Duff Confirms New Music Is About Family After Haylie Feud Rumors

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Hilary Duff confirmed that at least some of the music on her upcoming album is about her family after fans speculated that one song in particular is about her sister, Haylie Duff. Hilary, 38, opened up about her new album, Luck … Or Something, in a cover interview with Glamour published Tuesday, February 17. The […]

“I kind of ignored it and tried to just continue to live my life,” he said at the time. “People can say or think whatever they want, so in my reality, it’s kind of irrelevant. I’m always the kind of person that does the right thing and keeps my side of the street clean.”

Joel married Richie in 2010 before they welcomed two children. As for Duff, she shares son Luca, 14, with ex-husband Mike Comrie and three daughters with Koma.

Duff, who kicked off her Lucky Me Tour in June, returns to MSG for a second show on Thursday, August 6.

We love any opportunity to temporarily leave our reality and escape to places beyond our own. It’s why we adore fantasy stories. Many of our favorite tales started on the page before finding a home on the screen. And some new books are so good, we know that day is inevitably arriving. To celebrate the year in fantasy across all media, we have picked 10 titles that you must read this year. Why? A plethora of reasons!

The titles on this list reflect new books that have made waves in the literary world and books that have been adapted into films and series. The new titles are a range of brilliant tales from extraordinary storytellers that deserve to be on your reading list. The novels range from epic classics by Homer to modern classics by Alice Hoffman, all of whom have found their works coming to a screen near you. Reading them will not only prepare you for the adaptation, but it’ll also give you a different perspective when you watch.

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‘Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter’ by Heather Fawcett

Image via Penguin Random House

Some people believe that low-stakes, cozy stories aren’t worthy of praise. If that’s the case, you certainly have yet to read Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. In this 2026 book set in 1920s Montreal, Agnes Aubert, an organized, type-A cat-rescue manager, uses her daily lists to cope with grief after losing her husband. She is forced to move her shelter into an affordable building, only to discover her landlord, Havelock Renard — a disorganized, charmingly grumpy, notorious former Dark Lord — is running an illicit magic shop in his basement lair. As enemies from Havelock’s shadowy past resurface, putting both the magical artifacts and the rescue cats in grave danger, Agnes must team up with him to save her cats from looming threats. And yes, the potential of romance looms along the way. Fawcett’s story has everything and more, giving you a delightful reading experience.

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter is a truly charming book. Fawcett succeeds through her blend of a heartwarming cat rescue, witty banter, and a delightful grumpy-meets-sunshine romance between an unlikely duo. Fawcett crafts a whimsical atmosphere where her characters roam freely. The early 20th-century Montreal setting is filled with potential for magic, artifacts, and more. If you’re a cat person, you’ll adore the fun feline scene-stealers, including His Majesty and Banshee. Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter marries lighthearted magical shenanigans with a comforting, emotional center about healing and second chances. You can’t help but imagine how this cozy story could one day translate to a live-action adaptation.

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‘Death of the Author’ by Nnedi Okorafor

Image via William Morrow

Striking a balance of fantasy and science fiction comes Nnedi Okorafor’s award-winning book, Death of the Author. The book tells the story of Zelu, a disabled Nigerian-American writer in Chicago who gets fired from her teaching job and writes a breakout sci-fi novel called Rusted Robots about a post-human future that becomes a massive blockbuster and movie. Zelu struggles to maintain ownership of her identity and work as a fickle public, media outlets, and an intense fandom consume her life. Meanwhile, she accepts an experimental exoskeleton from an MIT scientist that lets her walk, sparking debate and friction with her judgmental family and disability activists. The metafictional story explores the chaotic nature of sudden fame, disability, family expectations, and how an artist’s identity intertwines with their creation.

Okorafor’s latest is another example of an Africanfuturist masterpiece. It cleverly blends messy human drama with a fantastical post-apocalyptic sci-fi story about robots. Death of the Author serves as a book-within-a-book. It is interspersed with chapters that tell the story of Rusted Robots, tracking machine factions — Humes and NoBodies — and the last human, Ngozi, whose fate eventually mirrors the real-life struggles of Zelu. Okorafor’s twists and turns brilliantly blur the line between reality and fiction. This year, the book was awarded the Locus Award and the NAACP Image Award. Now, she awaits the results of the highly anticipated Hugo Award. If that’s not a good reason to read it this year, I don’t know what is!

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‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ by Suzanne Collins

Image via Scholastic Corporation

One of the most highly anticipated films of the year is The Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. Concluding the massive media franchise, the adaptation lifts Collins’ gripping dystopian thriller, set about 24 years before the events of the first novel. The story centers on the 50th annual Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, following a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 as he is forced into the brutal arena where double the usual number of tributes compete. The novel depicts how a totalitarian government uses the media, narrative control, and public spectacle to manipulate society while providing a raw look at how political systems exploit and destroy the lives of the young and powerless.

Sunrise on the Reaping wonderfully highlights the early, dangerous sparks of defiance against tyranny in Panem, building Collins’ world even further. It answers long-held fan questions by exploring Haymitch Abernathy’s tragic past while deepening the themes that made the original trilogy so profound. The book holds emotional weight by putting Haymitch through devastating trials, making his later survival and trauma feel earned and deeply tragic. Whether you’re a loyal reader of Collins’ series or not, adding Sunrise on the Reaping to the reading list is perfect before the November 20th cinema debut. It will offer you the chance to spot book-only details as you watch the action unfold. The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, as well as Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, and Ralph Fiennes as younger versions of Plutarch Heavensbee, Effie Trinket, Caesar Flickman, and President Coriolanus Snow, respectively.

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‘Tales of Dunk and Egg’ by George R.R. Martin

Image via Radom House

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It’s been quite a few years since the end of Game of Thrones, but the series has lived on in our hearts and on screen. For the first time ever, the calendar year of 2026 featured not one but two Game of Thrones spin-offs, and it all kicked off with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The hit series is based on George R.R. Martin’s novellas Tales of Dunk and Egg, a collection of novellas set in Westeros about 90 years before A Game of Thrones. It follows Ser Duncan the Tall, known as Dunk, a kind and towering hedge knight, and his young bald squire, Egg, who is secretly Prince Aegon Targaryen in disguise. The stories follow the pair as they travel across the Seven Kingdoms, taking odd jobs, entering local tournaments, and protecting common folk. Compared to the massive political scale of A Song of Ice and Fire, these tales are more personal, focusing on friendship, chivalry, and the daily struggles of ordinary people in Westeros.

The draw into the series is the brilliant bond between a towering, lowborn knight and a royal prince hiding his identity. Their connection drives the story, serving as the beating heart. For those diehard fans of Martin’s flagship series, Tales of Dunk and Egg provides a wealth of Westeros history as told through a different perspective. It’s through these tales that Martin offers a closer look at the Targaryen dynasty during a time of peace before their final decline. Martin has written big and bold characters; here, it’s all about the banter. Dunk and Egg’s constant bickering and mutual respect bring genuine heart and humor to the page. It’s the ultimate buddy story Westeros has ever known. The HBO series is everything you could dream of and more. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell do a steadfast job of bringing the iconic characters to life, with the former providing the charm that makes you believe in hope in Westeros. The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms covered The Hedge Knight, so reading ahead lets you explore The Sworn Sword before Season 2 drops.

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‘The Book of Magic’ by Alice Hoffman

Image via Simon & Schuster

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Practical Magic defined the fantasy genre in the ’90s. And now, 28 years later, fans of the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman film are rejoicing as the sequel is set for this fall. The film is based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic. The final book in the spellbinding Practical Magic series follows three generations of Owens women as they use their unusual magical gifts to try and finally break a 300-year-old family curse that causes anyone an Owens loves to die. Aunt Jet Owens foresees her own death in seven days, signaling that the family love curse is actively targeting them. When a young man falls into a coma after a confession of love, teenager Kylie Owens takes up the search for a hidden magical grimoire. The Owens family and a long-lost brother travel across Paris, London, and the English countryside, where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced magic, to seek a way to lift the spell. A wonderful celebration of love between mothers, daughters, sisters, and brothers, The Book of Magic examines how true love requires profound sacrifice and how family history echoes through generations.

The Book of Magic is a wonderfully satisfying piece. Hoffman employs lyrical prose that evokes the spirit of the series. Hoffman’s signature magical realism creates a cozy, bewitching world that pulls readers right into the emotion of the moment. The high-stakes plot digs deep into the roots of the family’s witchcraft and the secrets hidden by older generations. It’s then a story of fate as Hoffman presents the characters with a decision about how far they will go to change their destiny and protect each other. The Book of Magic thoughtfully explores how to face grief and make every day count when time is short. Though this book marks the end of a series, Hoffman’s world extends into Practical Magic 2. In addition to Bullock and Kidman returning, they’ll be joined once again by Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing, as well as newcomers Joey King as Kylie, Maisie Williams as Antonia, and Lee Pace as Ian Wright. The film is destined to tie together all the shimmering narrative threads from the entire Practical Magic universe.

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‘The Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton

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Though it may be meant for a target demographic, there’s no reason not to revisit Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s book The Faraway Tree series as a whimsical companion to the recent film, coming to the United States this August. Comprised of a quartet of books, Blyton tells the story of Joe, Beth, and Frannie, three children who move to the country and discover an enchanted wood containing a giant, magical tree. At the top of the tree are changing magical lands that lead the children and their quirky tree-friends on exciting and dangerous adventures. As a new, different magical land appears at the very top of the tree every week, the children climb up to explore these strange worlds, often having to escape before the cloud moves on and traps them. A series that helped to ignite young imaginations, The Faraway Tree series provides pure joy.

In a highly stressful time in the world, The Faraway Tree offers a low-stakes, enjoyable reading experience. The stories focus on the joy of discovery rather than heavy danger. Blyton offers a wonderful escape into a world only our mind can concoct. She allows you to experience ever-changing magical worlds at the top of the tree, connect with quirky friends like Moonface and Silky, and enjoy a nostalgic, screen-free adventure that complements the major live-action film adaptation. Directed by Ben Gregor from a screenplay written by Simon Farnaby, the 2026 film The Magic Faraway Tree features a star-studded ensemble, including Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlin, Jennifer Saunders, Jessica Gunning, Rebecca Ferguson, Michael Palin, Simon Russell Beale, and Judi Dench. ​​​​​​​

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‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R. Tolkien

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One of the most beloved fantasy series of all time is The Lord of the Rings. After Peter Jackson dreamed up the perfect adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s sweeping epic, devoted fans always wished for more. It came in the Prime Video dark fantasy series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The series chronicles the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the creation of the magic rings, and the history of Middle-earth thousands of years before The Hobbit. But where does the series pull from? It is based on the history of Middle-earth, primarily material from the appendices of the novel. So, now’s the best time to go back and fully engulf yourself in the Tolkien classic. While Tolkien’s posthumous book The Silmarillion covers the era in detail, Amazon acquired the rights specifically for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, including its extensive appendices. As a result, the showrunners use the historical summaries, lore notes, and timelines found in the appendices as the foundation for the series.

The series draws from Tolkien’s exploration of Middle-earth’s Second Age. Because the appendices provide more of an outline than a traditional narrative novel, this read is more of a textual study of the greater myths and lore that serves as a companion to the book you already adore. No matter how deep you go into The Lord of the Rings, the novel is ripe for those with active imaginations. Tolkien forces you to paint the landscapes and creatures in your own mind, creating a deeper personal bond with the story than any film can provide. Though Jackson certainly rivals that sentiment. The Lord of the Rings remains a timeless tale because the themes help us look at our own mundane world with fresh, unclouded eyes. If you’re caught up on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, then prepare yourself for a time jump, as Season 3 will take viewers into the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron.

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‘The Odyssey’ by Homer

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, stranded on a mythical isle, or stuck inside a Trojan horse, chances are you have been inundated by the summer blockbuster epic The Odyssey. While Christopher Nolan is a visionary genius, this is one story that didn’t come from his brain. In fact, you likely had to read it at some point in your schooling. Homer’s epic poem depicts Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. It covers his perils at sea, his son Telemachus’s search for news of him, and his wife Penelope’s struggle against rowdy suitors. Filled with magic and mystery, true grit and determination, it is a journey you must read to believe. Written nearly 2,700 years ago, The Odyssey has served as the basis of many modern stories and archetypes, so it’s important to learn the root of the epic.

The Odyssey combines a thrilling, creature-filled adventure with a deeply moving story about a person trying to get back home. With a plethora of foes, including a one-eyed Cyclops, magical witches, and dangerous sea sirens, you’re left on the edge of your seat with fast pacing, narrow escapes, and high stakes. Odysseus is a relatable hero. He makes mistakes and lets his ego get the better of him, making him feel real and flawed rather than perfect. And yet, his great desire to return to family and safety depicts how people deal with suffering, temptation, and making mistakes. With many easy-to-read adaptations, The Odyssey is quite accessible and perfect to compare and contrast with the Hollywood masterpiece. Reading Homer’s story is a great opportunity to see the changes Nolan implemented to make his piece resonate more with a modern audience. ​​​​​​​

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‘The Pendragon Cycle’ by Stephen R. Lawhead

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There’s no better time than now to read Stephen Lawhead’s seven-novel series, The Pendragon Cycle. The epic historical fantasy book series retells the Arthurian legend. Through each novel, Lawhead blends myth, history, and Christian themes, following the fall of Rome in Britain, the destruction of Atlantis, and the rise of King Arthur. The series begins with Princess Charis escaping the destruction of Atlantis and her romance with the British bard Taliesin, laying the mythological groundwork. It then centers on Myrddin, better known as Merlin, a prophet and warrior, who navigates a fractured, post-Roman Britain threatened by Saxon invaders. It then shifts to the emergence of Arthur as the high king meant to unite the warring tribes of Britain, his reign, battles, and the spiritual quest to protect the Holy Grail.

The Pendragon Cycle remains a well-regarded historical fantasy series thanks to Lawhead’s seamless ability to blend the gritty historical realism of post-Roman Britain with the myth of Atlantis and a profound Christian worldview. Marrying Atlantis to the Arthurian lore served as the hook that kept readers coming back for each subsequent book. It captures the mud, dirt, and tribal conflicts of Britain after the Roman legions leave, straying from standard medieval tropes to present a raw, ancient world. One bold omission is the traditional dark sexual intrigue and adultery, like Lancelot’s affair, found in other Arthurian tales, in exchange for a powerful backdrop where druidic paganism meets the dawn of Christianity.

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‘The Kingdom Will Not Kill Me’ by Ilona Andrews

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The powerhouse author team known as Ilona Andrews has a new series underway that has officially kicked off with the 2026 novel This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me. The epic fantasy novel follows Maggie, who wakes up naked in a gutter inside Kair Toren, a city from an unfinished dark fantasy book she loves. Armed only with her deep encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, character fates, political structures, and the fact that she cannot be killed, Maggie avoids staying on the sidelines as she tries to save the characters and stop a cataclysmic war just as the timeline begins to move off script. A masterpiece in portal-fantasy storytelling, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me combines high-stakes political maneuvering, sharp world-building, and a resourceful heroine you can’t help but love.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is a love letter to the fantasy genre. Ilona Andrews writes a batch of compelling characters that are utilized in expert world-building. The story features a mature, intelligent protagonist alongside a thoughtful yet striking male lead with high emotional maturity, and a memorable supporting crew including a former lady’s maid, an assassin, magical creatures, dukes, villains, and dueling princes. For a casual fantasy reader, be warned: there is some dense world-building and information dumps as Maggie processes her environment, but once the action gets moving, it’s balls to the wall. Yes, there is romance, but unlike traditional romantasy, the romance subplot focuses heavily on slow-burn yearning rather than immediate, explicit focus. Maggie has other priorities. Like many of Ilona Andrews’ novels, the potential for adaptation is ripe. Add This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me to the list.

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Release Date

July 15, 2026

Runtime

173 minutes

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