Christy Carlson Romano is comparing child stardom to the deadly brain disease CTE while reflecting on the death of former child star Hayden Panettiere.

“The former child actor exists in a category the world does not know how to hold. We are children when the public wants to feel protective of us, professionals when the industry wants to profit from us, and spoiled celebrities when we eventually show symptoms of having been both,” former child actor Romano, 42, wrote in an essay for Elle published on Tuesday, August 18, revealing her candid reaction to Panettiere’s untimely and shocking death at age 36.

“Early fame is like CTE,” she continued. “Not as a diagnosis. As a way of thinking about repeated impact.”

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE,  is a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries that kills nerve cells in the brain, according to Mayo Clinic. It is often associated with professional athletes who endured repeated concussions.

Romano’s essay comes two days after Panettiere, who launched her acting career after starring in various TV commercials at the age of 11 months, died suddenly in Greenville, South Carolina. The cause and manner of her death are the subjects of further investigation, per a statement issued by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office on Monday, August 17, though authorities responding to the scene discussed an “unresponsive female” who was experiencing “cardiac arrest” and a suspected “drug overdose.”

Detailing her CTE comparison, Romano — who rose to fame through acclaimed theater work from the age of 6 —  continued, “We now have language for youth sports: protocols, helmets, parents worried about concussions. But we have almost no language for what happens when stress, scrutiny, rejection, adult pressure, and the collapse of privacy become the architecture of a childhood.”

She further noted that child actors are treated as “lucky,” “cute,” and “talented” exceptions “whose labor powers one of the most profitable storytelling machines in the world, while their mental needs are treated as inconvenient or irrelevant.”

Romano, who has gone on to star in multiple Disney Channel projects including 2002’s Cadet Kelly opposite Hilary Duff, also argued that if child actors don’t “climb to A-list [status] fast enough, we’re torn down as if we’ve committed some unspeakable mortal sin.”

The essay also referenced Panettiere directly. “[I’m] crushed. Another performer I grew up with, gone too soon,” Romano wrote.

An autopsy into Panettiere’s death was completed and detailed by the Coroner’s Office on Monday.

“On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1:51 PM, a 911 call was received regarding a reported cardiac arrest,” its statement read. “First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest. EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.”

The report noted that “at autopsy, no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.”

According to a friend who spoke to Page Six on Monday, the Heroes alum experienced severe back pain before her death due to a paralyzing injury she sustained earlier this year.

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“I know she suffered earlier this year with her back,” hairdresser Erick Orellana told the outlet. “At one point, it was even hard for her to move her legs.”

Related: Amanda Bynes Reacts to Hayden Panettiere’s Death: ‘Life Can Hit You Hard’

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Amanda Bynes reacted to Hayden Panettiere‘s death after facing her own challenges in the public eye. Bynes, 40, took to LinkedIn on Monday, August 17, to share screen grabs of an interview Panettiere gave in which she reflected on childhood stardom. “Life can hit you hard, and fast,” Bynes wrote. “What a horrible situation. 🙏🏼🕯️🕊️.” […]

Panettiere’s father, Skip, said in a statement shared with Us on Monday that his daughter was an “incredible light” who was “beloved” by her family. “A force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” his statement continued at the time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Summer is winding down, which means one thing: it’s time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe. Before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important to remember that this hot weather is going to hang on for a while. It’s tempting to stock up on cozy essentials, but we also need pieces that can work during both chilly mornings and steamy afternoons.

Luckily, Walmart is overflowing with stylish summer-to-fall pieces. The best part? They’re all under $15 right now! From casual T-shirts to cute dresses, give your wardrobe a little mini update with our favorite finds listed below.

15 Under-$15 Fashion Finds at Walmart

1. Our Favorite: Track pants are having a moment, and these are a budget-friendly way to get in on the trend. With a relaxed straight-leg fit and classic design, these pants can be kept casual and simple or dressed up a bit with the right top and accessories.

2. Runner-Up: It’s hard to go wrong with a crisp white button-down shirt. The slightly relaxed fit makes this work for a breezy summer day with denim shorts, but you can easily make it office-friendly with trousers.

3. Comfy Go-To: This pullover fleece top is cozy enough to keep you warm on a particularly chilly night or morning, but not so overwhelming that you’ll want to pull it off immediately. We love the button-down detailing that makes it feel more elevated.

4. Sporty Chic: Whether you’re headed to the tennis courts, the gym or just running errands, this stretchy skort is so cute and functional, thanks to the built-in shorts.

5. Basic Essential: For under $5, you really can’t pass up this ribbed tank top. It’s a staple you’ll wear again and again under cardigans or on its own depending on the temps.

Related: 17 Polished, Tailored Cardigans That Hide Tummy Pooch

A great cardigan does so much more than keep you cozy. The right one creates a polished, pulled-together silhouette while giving you a little extra coverage through the midsection — without awkward tugging, clinging or strategic posing. The key is in the details: structured shoulders, flattering necklines, strategic buttons and gently draped fabrics that turn […]

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6. Effortlessly Stylish: This cotton swing dress is the best transitional dress. The ruffled skirt feels feminine and flouncy, while the soft and breathable 100% cotton material keeps it lightweight and comfy.

7. Pretty Prints: Snag this smocked peasant midi dress in one of the autumn-friendly prints, like burgundy florals. It looks chic on its own, but it also layers beautifully under a cardigan.

8. For Chilly Days: Everyone needs a ribbed long-sleeve top in their wardrobe as the weather gets cooler. This pick has a stretchy, lightweight feel and is such a simple, versatile piece.

9. Low Profile Look: Slim, low-profile sneakers have taken over, and you can’t beat the $10 price point here. These look more elevated than running shoes but feel just as comfy and functional.

10. Autumn Classic: Stock up on everyone’s favorite fall piece while it’s under $15: the flannel button-down. This pick has a slightly oversized fit that makes it work as the perfect soft layer.

11. Cozy Feels: With its oversized fit and longer style, this waffle knit sweatshirt is soft and perfect for wearing while at home, but it’s also cute enough to pair with jeans when you’re on the go.

12. Goes With Everything: Snag a few of these crew neck T-shirts for under $10 and you’ll wear them all season long (and probably beyond that). They’re soft, slightly stretchy and lightweight, and they come in a ton of color options.

13. Elevated Tee: This knit T-shirt looks a little more stylish and elevated thanks to a subtle striped design and soft fabric. Keep it simple with jeans or shorts, or dress it up with trousers.

14. Made for Lounging: Need a cute matching set for hanging at home or running errands? Look no further. This t-shirt and shorts set is cozy enough for sleeping, but cute with sneakers and jewelry for wearing out of the house.

15. Easy Breezy: Sandals are definitely still a footwear option for the summer-to-fall transition, and these buckle slides are a great pick. They’re stylish and comfortable, with plenty of cushioning and just a little bit of height.

Related: Walmart’s New Arrivals Look Like They Cost 3x the Price

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Still shopping for your go-to summer wardrobe? Skip the fancy boutiques and big-name designers. Walmart’s latest arrivals include on-trend styles, looks that are ready for a night out and luxe basics, all of which are so stylish that they can easily be mistaken for something a lot more pricey. The best part? They start at […]

HBO Max’s The Last of Us is one of the channel’s most critically acclaimed vehicles and is arguably the series that gave respect to the medium of video game adaptations. The series was championed by Craig Mazin in collaboration with the creative director of the game, Neil Druckmann. Even throughout the changes made to Season 1, The Last of Us largely remained thematically and spiritually close to its source material.

Pedro Pascal became beloved in the role of grizzled Joel Miller, a survivor ferrying a teenage girl through the dystopian landscape of an Infected America. Fans were understandably devastated during his Season 2 demise, but this allowed the series to grow and change with the times. The storyline neatly follows Joel’s journey in the second game and makes way for the big Season 3 change that everyone has been waiting for.

‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Will Finally Show Abby’s Perspective

The Last of Us Part II pulled off one of the most ambitious stories, and not just in video game form. The narrative shows the path of violence and how it turns into a cycle. It does this by posing Ellie as a potential hero who turns into a monster. On the flip side of the coin is Abby Anderson, the person responsible for Joel’s traumatizing and brutal death.

Played by Kaitlyn Dever in the HBO Max series, Abby seems like an easy villain. She is unrelenting in her pursuit of Joel, but it isn’t so easy as that. When Ellie embarks on her revenge against Abby, it becomes clear that the two aren’t that different. Season 3 will ensure that Abby isn’t the villain, and it will do this by making a significant change from the second season.

The Last of Us Season 3 will be primarily from Abby’s point of view as she suffers indignities and trauma just as Ellie has. Abby’s path towards revenge perfectly mirrors Ellie’s, but while Joel’s surrogate daughter becomes more monstrous, his killer becomes more understanding and empathetic.

The success of this is more or less dependent on how Ellie is perceived. The yin and yang of Abby and Ellie doesn’t necessarily work if the protagonist doesn’t turn into a bloodthirsty villain. Ellie’s character left a lot to be desired, but the final season will change so significantly that viewers may forget about that. It will be Abby’s show in Season 3 and will change to something unexpected.

‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Will Turn Into a High-Octane War Thriller

Ellie’s world is considerably small, all things considered. She lives a generally cushy life when compared to others in this dystopian world. While Jackson acts like a commune, Abby’s home in Seattle is run like a military dictatorship. Viewers have already seen the evils that Isaac (Jeffrey Wright) is capable of, but Season 3 will likely turn into a war drama, if the storyline of the games is any indication.

The WLF doesn’t just worry about the Infected, but a decades-long battle with fellow survivors, known derogatorily as the Scars. This group is a fundamentalist religious group, who prefer the term Seraphites. They mark their faces when they come of age and adhere to strict gender roles. The conflict between the Wolves and the Scars is largely over territory, but battles have been fought for less.

The sophomore season of The Last of Us gave viewers a taste of what is to come, but Season 3 will throw audiences full tilt into a world of war, violence, and ethical quandaries. Abby’s arc revolves around her prejudice against the Seraphites until she meets a brother and sister on the run from them.

Yara and Lev were born into the community but became pariahs because of their beliefs. Abby rejects any sort of camaraderie with them before slowly becoming more educated and understanding their plight. The blood fued between the Seraphites and the Wolves maintains that there are no winners in war.

Season 3 will demonstrate another cycle of violence, but on a greater scale. Even at the end of the world, with Clickers and Bloaters to worry about, people will still kill people for no real reason at all. This type of storytelling is what puts The Last of Us ahead of any other modern series. It delivers on its promise and is incredibly ambitious in doing so. While the beginning of the show was closer to a relatively quiet character drama, the final showdown will be a high-octane tragedy where everyone involved becomes the walking wounded.

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Release Date

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January 15, 2023

Network

HBO

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Showrunner

Craig Mazin

Directors

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Craig Mazin, Peter Hoar, Jeremy Webb, Ali Abbasi, Mark Mylod, Stephen Williams, Jasmila Žbanić, Liza Johnson, Nina Lopez-Corrado

Writers

Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Halley Wegryn Gross

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Be warned. There will be spoilers for Game of Thrones.

Fans are a wild breed. We are passionate. We have opinions, and we love to make them heard. One of the greatest and most proud fanbases is Game of Thrones. During the initial run of the adaptation of George R.R. Martin‘s series, the fans had some fervent feelings. There was shock and awe seeing the major battles, dragons take flight, and their favorite book characters come to life. They were also adamant about how furious they were about the final two seasons. Some of us would love a do-over. While we simply cannot recreate the original run, there is always a chance of a new vision.

Similarly to how HBO is bringing Harry Potter back, in series form this time, if Game of Thrones were to get the same treatment, this is how the casting might break down. Now, this is a dream list of only 10 characters within a vast universe. We can always revisit this with new characters and suggestions later on. For this list, we’re looking at how the character was crafted on the page as well as how they were portrayed on screen. We will not be considering those actors who are part of House of the Dragon or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The names on this list include both major Hollywood players and rising stars. Though there are a plethora of other brilliant individuals who could be here, this is simply a wish list from one fan.

1

Catelyn Stark

Ruth Wilson

Image via Showtime

It’s safe to say that on Game of Thrones, making it far in the story is a rarity. Game of Thrones adores killing off characters for the sake of important storytelling. So, whether faithful readers or simply show-only fans, losing Catelyn Stark during the Red Wedding was a devastating blow. If there is one thing we adored about Catelyn, it was how she would go to the end of the earth for her children. Torn by duty and grief, Catelyn was played remarkably by Michelle Fairley. Coincidentally, Fairley was actually the result of a recast when Jennifer Ehle stepped away from the part. Ultimately, it was a monumental decision that was for the best of the show. She commanded the screen with rich emotional intensity and ferocity. Her frantic shift to pure terror during “The Rains of Castamere” remains an iconic television moment because you could feel the pure heartbreak through the screen.

To take on a character of that emotional depth, an actress needs an equal emotional range. That woman is Ruth Wilson. With an extraordinary career ranging from The Affair to Luther, Wilson has the perfect intensity and maternal instinct to bring Catelyn to the next level. Serving as the Lady of Winterfell, Wilson’s ability to play uncompromised, intense women who make harsh choices would play well into the moral gravity of Catelyn. Wilson could ease into the dangerous desperation of a mother as the deep pain and heavy dramatic beats play out. Fighting the burden of political survival, just imagine the acting masterclass that would come in her turn during the Red Wedding. Wilson has played vengeful before as Alice Morgan in Luther, so should the book-only plotline of Lady Stoneheart emerge, she could capture the silent outlaw leader who hunts down anyone connected to the betrayal of her family with ease.

2

Cersei Lannister

Vanessa Kirby

Image via Netflix

There are some deliciously chilling and vicious villains in the Game of Thrones universe, but none are as brilliantly dynamic as Cersei Lannister. Originally brought to life by the exceptional Lena Headey, there was no character you loved to hate more than Cersei. You hated to see her succeed, but you admired her for her cunning, ruthless sensibility. When she got her comeuppance, you were thrilled, but it was Game of Thrones; it was always going to be short-lived. The merciless Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and ruler of the Iron Throne, Cersei’s highlight reel of massive moments ranged from fiercely protecting her children to plotting and executing political maneuvers against her rivals. Oh, and keeping a secret incestuous relationship mum. She was more than fine watching a young boy be shoved out of a window in order to keep her affairs quiet. Headey brought a masterclass of micro-expressions to the role. Whether conveying immense menace, profound grief, or strategic calculations, she made the morally complex tyrant utterly magnetic.

There might never be someone who could play the part in the manner that Headey did, so through today’s lens, you need someone who can play aristocratic elegance while masking deep emotional volatility with an outward coldness. That actress is Vanessa Kirby. It would be a stylistically different direction, but Kirby has a resume of playing dastardly, devious women, a grieving mother, and literal royalty. Through her role as Princess Margaret in The Crown, she has an ease in which to play a high-born figure chafing against restriction with biting wit and poise. Kirby has the power to bring a simmering bitterness with unpredictable inner turmoil, which could snap and burn an entire kingdom to the ground. Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sue Storm, Kirby is now well-versed in handling mega franchises, though she did have a brush with it prior when she took on arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis in Mission: Impossible. From the White Woman and Invisible Woman to the infamous Queen Whore, Cersei Lannister would be a delicious part for the Oscar nominee to sink her teeth into.

3

Daenerys Targaryen

Anya Taylor-Joy

Image via Apple TV+

As seen with the two prequel series, fans are utterly fascinated with the Targaryen lineage and story in Westeros. Those stories depict a prosperous time for the surname. Game of Thrones was the opposite. Perhaps the most iconic character in all of Game of Thrones is Daenerys Targaryen. Played by Emilia Clarke, Dany had quite a journey across the show’s eight seasons. The Mother of Dragons rose from exiled princess to a powerful queen. Clarke was grounded with deep emotional vulnerability and steely resolve as Daenerys, yet completely commanded the screen through intense gaze, posture, and vocal authority. Though we may have some feelings on the final story arc, Dany was the anchor of the franchise, and Clarke is much to thank.

Dany’s complex transition requires an actress who can capture you with their charm and posture early on, so that by the time her hardened, ruthless mindset arrives, you’ve already been taken by her. To take on one of the greatest roles in television requires one of Hollywood’s most prominent superstars, Anya Taylor-Joy. Dany needs to be physically striking, and that’s exactly who she is. Taylor-Joy evokes an ethereal image that would fit the Valyrian aesthetic. Taylor-Joy has proven herself as a formidable performer, showing different shades of power and strength in projects like The Queen’s Gambit, Peaky Blinders, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. If there’s one part that proves she can take on the depth of Daenerys, it’s 2015’s The Witch. There is ferocity needed to play the Mother of Dragons, which Taylor-Joy has. She can convey cold determination and passionate fire with the flip of a switch. Oh, and she loves dragons!

4

Jaime Lannister

Leo Suter

Image via BritBox

In a brilliant world of fantasy, someone needed the moniker of “Kingslayer.” That honor was bestowed upon Jaime Lannister. The eldest son of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), Jaime was a brilliant swordsman, a member of the Kingsguard, and the complex twin of Cersei, who notoriously set in motion the action of the story by pushing Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) out the window. He started his journey in the series as a ruthless and arrogant man, only to find a path toward redemption upon losing his sword hand. His arrogance gave way to humility and reflection, making him a morally gray character. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau brought a brooding charm to Jaime. Perpetually torn between love for his family and a desire to do what is right, Coster-Waldau’s magnanimity plucked at the heartstrings. He balanced tragic loyalty with growth, with a masterful relationship with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) to ground him in a wonderfully complex arc.

Jaime requires an actor who has the same charisma and ability to play the moral middle. He must also be striking in stature and have an instant evocation that he is a brave Kingslayer. Who better than an individual who played a Nordic prince and warrior? Enter: Leo Suter. Best known for playing Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla, Suter has proven himself with heavy swordplay, armor, and intense medieval battle sequences with ease. He has the classic handsome features and physical stature that define Jaime. Like Coster-Waldau, the blonde-adjacent aesthetic would match the visual archetype of House Lannister. Suter’s resume features many parts, both modern and period, that exude the dramatic range that matches Jaime’s. Suter shines when he plays a passionate, devoted figure torn between grand ambitions and deep personal loyalties. There is an ease about him when taking on a layered, sympathetic figure facing moral pressures. Should you need more proof of Suter’s perfection for the part, check him out in Victoria and Lynley.

5

Jon Snow

Louis Partridge

There are very few characters more beloved than Jon Snow. Raised as the bastard son of Ned Stark (Sean Bean), he served as the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, later to be revealed as the true-born Targaryen heir. His arc during the full run of the series was a major reason it was one of the biggest hits of all time. The cliffhanger when he was killed by mutineers rocked pop culture, though book readers knew the truth. That is, until the show exceeded Martin’s novels, and the remainder of Jon’s journey was highly anticipated. Between his beautiful companionship with his direwolf Ghost and the most romantic relationship of all with Ygritte (Rose Leslie), Jon Snow was iconic thanks in part to Kit Harington‘s performance. Harington’s natural brooding look and ability to communicate emotion without heavy dialogue matched the character on the page. Harington took on Jon with ease, making him one of the strongest characters in all of Westeros.

Jon must be played by someone who can evoke quiet intensity before launching into profound heroism. He may be rugged, but he also must have nobility hidden within. He needs to be played by someone who seems morally perfect. That perfect performer is perpetually rising star Louis Partridge. Taking on a more book-accurate version of a younger Jon Snow, Partridge brings out a moody, romantic aesthetic that can capture the young commander. Partridge possesses the dark hair, expressive dark eyes, and slender melancholy face associated with the northern lineage. As far as playing in a period-type universe, Partridge is no stranger to wearing a historically inspired costume, notably in Enola Holmes and House of Guinness. Partridge would seamlessly fit into House Stark, offering great range in the part, excelling as an outsider and romantic soul struggling as an outcast.

6

Margaery Tyrell

Florence Pugh

Image via AMC

There are many profound and dominating houses within Westeros, but one of the most fascinating and secretly influential lineages was House Tyrell. While one of the greatest quotes in Game of Thrones history came from the sharp-witted Oleanna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), the true master of manipulation was Margaery Tyrell. Clever and ambitious, the queen from Highgarden was unafraid to marry for power. In fact, she did it via three different kings, including Joffrey and Tommen Baratheon (Jack Gleeson and Dean-Charles Chapman). What made her such a brilliantly deceptive queen was her ability to strike with a smile — a stark contrast to her mother-in-law, Cersei. Bringing sharp intelligence, sublime charm, and subtle control to the part was Natalie Dormer. She played Margaery without being a loud or mean antagonist, though calling her a villain seeking to take down the Lannisters may not be fair. Dormer’s Margaery proved that a smart woman can earn power through kindness and public grace.

Margaery, by choice, found herself having to fend off some dangerous men. She did so by figuring out what they wanted and using it to her advantage. She is of a decisive, brilliant mind and requires a powerhouse to play her. Look no further than Florence Pugh. Though some fans may want to see her in a more dominating part like Cersei or Daenerys, Margaery is a stronger fit based on the character and her resume. Pugh has established a career playing sharp, ambitious, and politically savvy women who mask a fierce, calculating intellect behind a warm, outward-facing smile. Whether it’s as Amy March in Little Women, Dani Ardor in Midsommar, or Yelena Belova in the MCU, Pugh’s strength is her versatility. Just like Margaery, with each scenario, a different shade of her range can be utilized to reach the top. The Oscar-nominated actress has a handle on period-tinged dialogue, corsets, and class hierarchy. As much as you’d love to see her on dragon-back, her strength lies in high-stakes dramatic showdowns within the walls of the realm.

7

Ned Stark

Karl Urban

Image via Prime Video

When Game of Thrones began, one of the more prominent families in the story was the Starks, led by Lord “Eddard” Ned Stark. The Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and paragon of duty and honor, Ned was the ultimate face of morality. — so much so that it led to his ultimate and untimely demise. His investigation into the royal family led to his arrest and execution, triggering the massive conflict better known as the War of the Five Kingdoms. Taking on the role was the seasoned vet Sean Bean. He brought a natural grit, lived-in authenticity, and rich emotional gravitas to the part. He anchored the first season with a rare, believable sense of old-school morality and tragic humanity. Bean helped subvert expectations of where the series could head, as fans were devastated to lose him since they deeply cared for his character.

One of the very first and most shocking moments in Game of Thrones for series-watchers was the death of Ned Stark. A major character and presence, killing him off in Season 1 was proof that even top-billing actors were not safe on this show. So, to keep the tradition alive, an equally prominent name needs to take on that part. No one has the grit needed other than The Boys‘ star Karl Urban. Ned was the ultimate family man, as was Billy Butcher. Urban has a proven ability to play stern, rugged, and intensely principled warriors with quiet authority, which made his turn in The Boys a bit of a shock. Yet, true to his core, Urban always brings a grim, no-nonsense protector who can communicate with a scowl. Urban carries a commanding presence in armor and with a blade, famously as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings. Knowing the trajectory of the story, watching Urban’s Ned be executed at the hands of Joffrey would be as much of a blow as it was seeing Bean’s run conclude.

8

Petyr Baelish

David Tennant

Amazon / Courtesy Everett Collection

Sometimes, the most important characters of a story operate in the shadow, using their power of influence and persuasion to succeed. One of those brilliant side characters in Westeros is Petyr Baelish, best known as “Littlefinger.” He rises from a minor, poor noble background player to become the royal Master of Coin and a master manipulator who uses lies and chaos to gain power. Rather than fighting with a sword, Littlefinger uses trickery, bribes, and secrets to turn noble houses against one another. He famously noted that “chaos is a ladder,” using political messiness to climb each and every rung. Of course, after attempting to turn the Stark sisters against one another, his double-dealing finally caught up to him. Littlefinger was such a striking character because Aiden Gillen ensured he was a quiet, charming danger. Through soft speech and a sly smile, he made Littlefinger feel smarter than everyone he ever faced.

Gillen’s Lord Baelish was not a cartoon villain, but a man driven by old humiliations and a rich appetite for control. Using shifting accents and tones depending on who he was speaking to, he was able to trick people and keep them off balance. Littlefinger needs to be a chameleon, and thus there’s no one better to take on the part than the masterful David Tennant. The Scottish actor has exceptional range playing intensely charismatic, fast-talking, and richly menacing characters. Though many will always see him as a hero playing the Doctor, some of his most dynamic parts are when he plays cold, threatening human monsters, like Killgrave in Jessica Jones and Dennis Nilsen in Des. For this iteration of Littlefinger, rather than operating with subtlety, this version would be played more openly vocal. Tennant’s take might appear outwardly sneaky, but his prowess in persuasion would still make him a threat you don’t want to take on. Tennant excels at delivering sudden shifts from warm and polite to ice-cold and threatening. With an innate ability to take on William Shakespeare’s great texts, Tennant could dominate the complex, manipulative monologues with sharp, calculating precision. Tennant would be utterly chilling as Littlefinger.

9

Robb Stark

Leo Woodall

Image via AppleTV+

A hero among heroes, Robb Stark emerged as a fan-favorite character because he was so good. The eldest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark, Robb was known as “Young Wolf” and became King of the North. Following the execution of his father, Robb went after the Lannisters with great fervor. His battle skills were profound, winning every major battle he fought and capturing Jaime Lannister. Perhaps his one true fatal flaw was love. Upon breaking a marriage promise to House Frey by marrying for love, his ultimate downfall came at the Red Wedding thanks to the wheeling and dealing of Walder Frey (David Bradley) and Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton). Richard Madden excelled at bringing Robb to life. He expertly mastered the fierce, commanding presence of a battlefield leader with a warm, vulnerable, conflicted young man prematurely thrust into war. Madden captured the inner turmoil of a man forced to make fatal political and romantic mistakes under immense pressure. He had the physical courage and tactical mindset of his father, allowing Madden to make you believe him to be the next true leader. Madden’s Robb was accessible, grounding the grand fantasy politics with genuine human heartbreak. His loss was just as heavy as Bean’s departure.

To play Robb Stark, one must possess a balance of boyish charm, intense emotional gravity, and a burden of sudden leadership. One actor who has broken through Hollywood recently and could bring the charisma needed for Robb is Leo Woodall. Making a name for himself after his deceptively charming role in Season 2 of The White Lotus, every role he’s played since has exuded a combination of romance and allure. In One Day, Woodall proved he could be the romantic anchor of a sweeping, years-long narrative, striking the perfect balance of dramatic prowess and heart. His expressive screen presence allows him to convey Robb’s heavy inner thoughts, a young man forced to grow up too fast. He’s become a scene-stealer in every project he’s been in simply for his kinetic magnetism with his co-star. Though his Robb might be more of a mystery, it’s clear that Woodall is no mystery in Hollywood. He was born to be a leading man.

10

Tyrion Lannister

Peter Dinklage

Image via HBO

There were some extraordinary performances across the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, but at the very top was Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. Referred to as “The Imp,” Tyrion was a witty, highly intelligent dwarf born into the wealthy and powerful House Lannister. With the odds always stacked against him, Tyrion proved himself more than capable thanks to his sharp intellect, strategic political planning, and biting humor, which he used to survive. His journey through the series was quite remarkable. He served as the Hand of the King during the War of the Five Kings, successfully defending King’s Landing during the Battle of Blackwater. After being accused of murdering his nephew, he underwent a dramatic trial, killed his abusive father, and fled Westeros. Only then did he cross the Narrow Sea to become the advisor and Hand to Queen Daenerys. He attempted to steer her toward a just rule, but we all know how that turned out.

Dinklage was utterly perfect in the part. He brought a mix of sharp wit, deep sadness, and profound intelligence, making Tyrion a strong, complex man. His delivery of funny lines was more than just comic relief and levity. The dry, cynical edge made him a well-rounded individual. He resonated as a man cast out by his family, bringing a deep pain. And when he had to command the screen through his big, dramatic moments, namely his infamous trial, he did it with exceptional ease. With that, there is simply no other actor who could play Tyrion like Dinklage; thus, he would get the part again. When the show was initially casting, Martin and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss knew it was always only Dinklage. No other actor was auditioned for the role. Though skeptical at first, as he did not want to fall into flat, stereotypical dwarf tropes, Dinklage instead crafted a fully realized, multidimensional human character far from a caricature. His unique blend of sardonic humor, vulnerability, and masterful performance earned him four Emmys for the part. He’s simply the best.

When it comes to the genre of spy thrillers, viewers have a lot to choose from. From Netflix’s The Night Agent to Slow Horses on Apple TV, these are all shows that promise and expertly deliver on action, intrigue and their fair share of life-threatening, or even world-ending storylines. Among the best recent additions to the genre is Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal, which first premiered on November 14, 2024, and received a solid 84% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. But as the series aims for a 2027 window for the release of Season 2, a Paramount+ show with the same high-stakes thrill is becoming a must-watch for its fans.

The Agency, which first premiered on November 29, 2024, is a spy thriller that’s the perfect example of why a TV show sometimes needs a moment to find its grove. After a lukewarm reception following Season 1, the show’s second season, which was released all at once on Jun 21, 2026, is becoming a true force to be reckoned with. Season 2 boasts an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, a massive 26% higher than its freshman season. With an impressive cast, and a storyline that only gets better with time, The Agency is slowly becoming one of the most compelling spy thrillers out there.

What Is ‘The Agency’ About?

Based on the acclaimed French series Le Bureau des Légendes, The Agency follows CIA operative Brandon Colby, codename “Martian” (Michael Fassbender), as he returns to London after spending six years deep undercover in Ethiopia. There, he broke one of the fundamental rules of undercover work when he fell in love with university professor Sami Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith). By the time he had to leave, Martian found himself at an emotional crossroads, having no option but to leave abruptly and cut ties with Sami altogether.

Now in England, Martian attempts to settle back into the routine rhythms of CIA desk life, but the transition is anything but smooth. He struggles to rebuild his identity beyond his deep cover, especially when it comes to reconnecting with his teenage daughter. As hesuffers from these growing pains, the department’s trust in him also wavers. Director Henry (Jeffrey Wright) and Chief Bosko (Richard Gere) oversee London Station with sharply different philosophies, and both men quietly question Martian’s reliability even as they juggle their own covert operations. That already-fragile balance collapses when Sami unexpectedly re-enters Martian’s orbit, and he’s pulled back into a new mission to rescue an undercover field agent.

‘The Agency’ Is the Perfect ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Replacement

From the synopsis alone, it’s safe to say that while both shows are certainly distinct, viewers can attest that The Day of the Jackal and The Agency have the same sleek, modern feel of an espionage thriller while blending high-stakes international intrigue with personal, heartfelt stories. By both honing in on their central characters, played by Fassbender and Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, both shows use them to portray the psychological toll of living under false identities and constantly operating in secret.

With that said, they differ on the type of spy story they depict. While Redmayne’s character is often in a heart-racing cat-and-mouse chase around the world in elaborate assassinations, The Agency is quieter and more stationary, forcing Martian to confront a relationship with Sami and his daughter, while also navigating the CIA bureaucracy and the consequences of his undercover work. The charm of The Agency comes less from elaborate action sequences and more from uncertainty, manipulation and the question of who he can actually trust. “It’s a chillingly negative view of human nature going rotten at the core, but weirdly compelling nonetheless,” writes one review on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ultimately, while The Day of the Jackal and The Agency are distinct in many ways, both shows present interesting alternatives to a traditional spy thriller and make for equally compelling watches. While The Day of the Jackal is perfect for viewers who love fast-paced action, while The Agency is built for those who prefer slow-burn espionage and morally complicated characters, they tackle similar themes of secret identities, international conspiracies and deadly missions. Most importantly, they tell stories that are just as much about isolation and human connection as they are about espionage.

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Release Date

December 1, 2024

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Network

Paramount+ with Showtime

Showrunner

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Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth

Directors

Joe Wright, Zetna Fuentes, Neil Burger

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For decades, popular comedian Ricky Gervais has maintained that legal marriage is entirely unnecessary.

However, after being in a relationship with author Jane Fallon for over 40 years, he has finally discovered a serious tax-related reason that could force him to get married.

The revelation by Ricky Gervais has been met with mostly positive reactions, with many praising him for the move, while some were left stunned that he wasn’t already married to Fallon.

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Famous comedian Gervais, whose personal fortune sits at an estimated £141 million [$191 million], recently opened up to Saga Magazine regarding his intentions to marry his longtime partner, best-selling author Jane Fallon.

When questioned directly if tax benefits were the primary motivation for marrying Fallon, who holds an independent net worth of £1.3 million [$1.8 million], Gervais candidly admitted to the financial move.

He said, “It is. And that will be the reason I marry. We haven’t done it yet. But if it wasn’t for [tax]… why?…”

Under current estate laws in the UK, unmarried cohabiting couples are excluded from the automatic spouse exemption rule.

This specific legal provision permits a married individual or civil partner to inherit their deceased partner’s entire estate completely free from inheritance tax liabilities, a protective benefit that even long-term unmarried couples like Gervais and Fallon can not receive.

Instead, they face an inheritance tax rate of up to 40 percent on any estate assets that exceed the standard tax-free allowance. This presents a massive financial exposure for someone like Gervais who has an extensive, multi-million-pound property portfolio.

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Included in Gervais’ real estate portfolio is a sprawling, nine-bedroom mansion in North London’s Hampstead neighborhood valued at £14.75 million [$19.97 million], alongside a pair of apartments in New York City.

Additionally, Gervais owns a riverside home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where local officials recently approved his plans to build a custom £5 million [$6.77 million] neo-Georgian mansion.

According to the Daily Mail, the comedian’s mansion will include a grand entrance hall, a galleried landing, an internal elevator, a home gym, a private drawing room, and a master suite complete with an outdoor terrace that offers sweeping views of a tennis court and pond.

Regarding his latest marriage comments, fans of Gervais seemed excited about it, with one individual on X writing, “A sensible decision. Good publicity for those not aware of this. I guess he’s hoping he pops his clogs first.”

Another stated, “He better have gotten her a huge rock for making her wait that long.”

Ricky Gervais And Jane Fallon Appear To Have Always Been On The Same Page About Marriage

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Gervais and Fallon initially crossed paths during their student years at University College London in 1982, eventually relocating two years later into an apartment situated directly above an establishment the comedian reportedly described as a “seedy sauna” in King’s Cross.

From early on, the long-term partners mutually agreed not to get married or ever have kids, with Fallon later reflecting that, since she was a child, she had never been interested in weddings or motherhood.

During an appearance on the “Second Act podcast” with host Ateh Jewel, she said: “When I was little, you know the cliche of a little girl is they imagine their wedding day and their wedding dress… it was none of that, ever.

“I would think about getting a dog or something,” the author continued, per the Daily Mail. “It was always about work and my life. I would think about the flat that I would live in and stuff like that. But I was never into that kind of romance stuff.”

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During his chat with Saga Magazine, Gervais stressed how long he and Fallon have stayed together, noting that while not legally married, they have been able to stay committed to each other, unlike a lot of married couples.

“It’s mad,” he noted about the tax issue forcing him to tie the knot. “How more married can you be? We share all our money; we’ve been living together for 40 years. Some marriages don’t last a year.”

Acknowledging that they might need to make their partnership legal sooner rather than later, the comedian remarked, “It’s horrible, isn’t it? ‘I’ve got to get around to marrying before I die.’”

Gervais has long maintained that he and Fallon are already married “for all intents and purposes,” telling The Sunday Times in 2010 that their “fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one.”

Ricky Gervais’ Longtime Partner Faced A Cancer Battle

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Gervais’ recent remarks about marriage and tax come after a significant health scare for his long-term partner.

Fallon was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram caught the illness in its earliest, most treatable stages.

By April, she was able to offer fans a reassuring update on her treatment plan. After completing an initial surgical procedure to remove the tumor and a necessary margin of healthy tissue, she happily announced that her surgeons had “basically got it all.”

Showing immense resilience, Fallon then moved forward with a successful follow-up operation to finalize her surgical care, keeping a remarkably optimistic outlook throughout her recovery.

The roots of the thriller genre go back hundreds and hundreds of years, but it didn’t start becoming a fully-formed genre with a style all of its own until the late-19th and early-20th centuries—part of that evolution coming in the form of some of the most suspenseful movies the world has ever seen. Over the course of the last century, thriller filmmakers around the world have offered some of the most nail-biting movies one can ever possibly find.

Tension, sky-high stakes, and the mystery of what will happen next are all at the heart of what makes suspense work as well as it does on the big screen. From 1926 until the present, there have been a few key cinematic masterpieces, from classics like M to modern hits like Uncut Gems, which have completely re-defined the way thrills and suspense work in the Seventh Art.

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‘M’ (1931)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Fritz Lang is one of the most important and groundbreaking European filmmakers in history, which should make it entirely unsurprising that he directed and co-wrote (with his wife, Thea von Harbou) one of the most foundational thrillers in cinema’s history: M, which also happens to be one of the most important films made during cinema’s transition to sound.

M is an undisputed masterpiece, one of those psychological thrillers that helped define the genre. Bolstered by Peter Lorre‘s powerhouse lead performance and some of the best camerawork of the 1930s, this classic built an atmosphere of urban paranoia and psychological dread that was unlike anything cinema had ever seen before. Over 90 years later, it’s still awfully effective, making the movie a must-see for all those interested in learning about the genre’s evolution.

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‘The Departed’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

A remake of the 2002 Hong Kong masterpiece Infernal Affairs, The Departed was the movie that finally earned Martin Scorsese his long-overdue Best Director Academy Award, as well as his first film ever to win Best Picture. Whether it’s superior to the original or not is beside the point; the fact of the matter is that it’s one of the most perfect gangster movies since 2000, a modern classic that has only gotten better with age.

By this point in the 21st century, Scorsese had already become such a master of the crime thriller genre that it’s no surprise that he made in The Departed his most suspenseful movie to date. Full of delicious dramatic irony and jaw-dropping plot twists, this relentlessly-paced gem is one of the most foundational crime thrillers of the 21st century as a whole. Scorsese mafia movies are always immensely entertaining, but never had they been more tension-filled than this—and they never have since then.

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‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

Jonathan Demme‘s The Silence of the Lambs is the latest film to have won all Big Five Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actress, Actor, and Screenplay), and very deservedly so. There are some thrillers so terrifyingly suspenseful and darkly atmospheric that some go so far as to consider them horror thrillers, and Silence of the Lambs is perhaps the quintessential example of that.

Several R-rated psychological thrillers can be called masterpieces, but few more clearly so than Demme’s magnum opus. Adapted from Thomas Harris‘ massively influential novel, this essential ’90s classic is a masterclass in filmmaking so suspenseful that it’s downright horrifying. Violent, twisty, and psychologically complex, Silence of the Lambs is made all the more powerful by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins‘ powerhouse performances.

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‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Image via The Weinstein Company

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Quentin Tarantino proved admirably soon into his career that he was a voice to look out for going forward; and indeed, by this point, one could confidently call him one of the most acclaimed filmmakers currently working in Hollywood. The question of what his greatest movie ever is can elicit many responses, but it’s likelier than not that Inglourious Basterds will come up more than most.

It’s one of the most intense World War II movies of all time for a wide variety of reasons. There’s the presence of Christoph Waltz‘s Hans Landa, one of the most intimidating villains in the genre’s history; there’s the pure entertainment value of Tarantino’s historical revisionism; and, of course, there’s also the pure suspense of the whole thing. From the opening scene to the infamous bar sequence, Inglourious Basterds basically consists of two-and-a-half hours of Tarantino delivering masterclasses in how to build high-stakes tension and suspense.

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‘Misery’ (1990)

Misery is one of the greatest horror thriller movies of all time, based on one of the best horror thriller books ever written. One of the best Stephen King adaptations the big screen has ever seen, this Rob Reiner classic is one of the most suspenseful single-location movies of all time, bolstered by James Caan and Kathy Bates‘ downright-flawless performances. Movies with premises as minimalistic as this are tough to truly nail, but Reiner had such a spotless understanding of the bare essentials of suspense that he did as marvelous a job as anyone possibly could have.

Like all the most exciting movies based on great books, Misery seems to perfectly understand how to best lift the tension from King’s printed page right to the screen. It’s character-driven suspense through and through, permeated by an atmosphere of pure dread and survival that’s fueled mostly by Bates’ performance, arguably the best Oscar-winning horror movie performance of all time.

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‘Psycho’ (1960)

Image via William Creamer – © MPTV

Alfred Hitchcock is often given the moniker of the Master of Suspense, and that’s for good reason. Since his early days in British silent cinema, the director began to revolutionize suspense and the thriller genre as a whole, completely changing the way movies create tension and deliver twists and surprises. Even though he made several of the most suspenseful thrillers of the last 100 years, there’s one that stands tall above all the others: the chilling horror thriller Psycho.

One of the best psychological thriller movies in history, Psycho is packed with twists and turns that broke new ground in the thriller genre, bridging the gap between its Golden-Age-Hollywood form and the experimental years right after its conclusion. Though the years have made it so that some of Psycho‘s surprises aren’t all that shocking anymore, the whole film’s atmosphere of fear and suspense is still entirely effective.

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‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

There’s a solid number of filmmakers worthy of being considered today’s Masters of Suspense, worthy spiritual successors to Alfred Hitchcock. One of those filmmakers is undoubtedly David Fincher, and there’s no better way to understand why than watching Se7en. All in all, it’s arguably the darkest and most cynical movie ever to make over $300 million dollars at the worldwide box office.

It’s one of the most perfect cat-and-mouse thrillers ever made, one so unapologetically pessimistic and grim that it can also be counted as psychological horror. In any case, one thing is certain, and that is that it’s the sort of hyper-suspenseful big-budget studio film so dark that it could only possibly come from post-’90s Hollywood. There are those who would argue that it’s Fincher’s most suspenseful film, and talking about a director who’s such a master of cinematic tension, that’s high praise.

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‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)

Image via A24

Josh and Benny Safdie are masters of anxiety-inducing cinema, and never have either of them made a film more anxiety-inducing than what some may rightfully call the single most suspenseful feature film ever shot: Uncut Gems. Anchored by the most admirable acting performance of Adam Sandler‘s career, it’s one of the best thriller movies since 2010, a masterpiece that makes it easy to run out of nails to bite if you’re not paying attention.

Every single element of Uncut Gems works in perfect conjunction with all the others to generate an atmosphere of suspense as stressful as humanly possible. Sandler’s performance, the Safdies’ perfect sense of pacing, the overlapping naturalistic dialogue, Daniel Lopatin‘s score—it’s all meant to keep the audience at the edge of their seats for 135 straight minutes, and it works flawlessly. Uncut Gems is by no means an easy film to get through, since it definitely demands a strong stomach from its viewers; but no thriller movie fans’ bucket list can be complete without it.

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Uncut Gems

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Release Date

December 25, 2019

Runtime

136 minutes

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Director

Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie

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The White House doubled down on President Donald Trump’s attack on CNN reporter Kristen Holmes by bringing her children into the equation.

The president, 80, raised eyebrows on Monday, August 17, during a Q&A at the Oval Office when Holmes, 40, questioned him about Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Holmes asked Trump for his response to Ossoff’s recent claim that he would rather “travel with your aide Natalie Harp and build the ballroom than do your job as president.”

Trump asked her to repeat the person’s name who made the initial allegations, responding, “You mean Pee-Wee Herman? Pee-Wee Herman look-alike.”

Related: President Donald Trump Criticizes CNN’s Kaitlan Collins for Not Smiling

President Donald Trump once again criticized CNN’s chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during an Oval Office press conference on Wednesday, June 3. Trump, 79, called CNN “a very corrupt organization” before taking aim at Collins, 34, who was in attendance for the press briefing. Pointing to Collins, he described the journalist as “a corrupt […]

The commander in chief claimed, “No, I would much rather do other things. We’re building a great facility here. We’re fixing a White House that hasn’t been taken care of.”

Later on, Trump reprimanded Holmes, who was off camera, shouting at her to be “quiet” as he felt she was being “disrespectful” in front of a 10-year-old guest being honored at the event.

He called the journalist a “fake reporter” after Holmes asked a follow-up question about Trump’s decision to pull back from joint U.S. and South Korea military drills.

Trump notably turned directly to the child and asked, “Don’t you find her disrespectful?” He also labeled Holmes a “loud, boisterous person.”

After the Q&A session ended, the White House “rapid response” account on X, which claims in its bio that it was set up to support Trump’s “America First agenda and holding the Fake News accountable” slammed Holmes — before mentioning her kids.

The account called Holmes “a disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession.”

“Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question,” read a second X post shared by the White House account on Monday. “They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive. It’s quite troubling.”

Us has reached out to the White House for comment.

CNN issued a statement of support for Holmes shortly after the social media message went viral.

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Related: Candace Owens Defends Jimmy Kimmel After Feud With President Trump

Candace Owens is defending Jimmy Kimmel amid their respective feuds with President Donald Trump. “What I enjoyed most without question was the absolute whiplash from Trump’s Truth Social post about me, followed almost immediately by their administration crying about the left’s rhetoric,” Owens, 37, said on a YouTube live stream on Wednesday, April 29. She continued: […]

“Kristen Holmes is one of the most respected and accomplished journalists covering the White House,” the outlet said in the Monday statement. “This afternoon, she did her job and asked the President of the United States a tough, relevant, and newsworthy question on behalf of the American people.”

CNN added: “Public officials are free to challenge reporting they disagree with, but personal attacks on journalists for asking questions are beneath the office and inconsistent with the principles of a free press. We stand firmly behind Kristen and reject these attacks in the strongest possible terms.”

Holmes, for her part, appeared on The Lead With Jake Tapper and OutFront With Erin Burnett on Monday, where each broadcast replayed Trump’s remarks about her. Holmes, however, did not directly address the scandal.

Holmes’ is not the first female reporter — nor the first at CNN — to become the target of Trump’s controversial remarks over the years.

Last month, Trump came under scrutiny for commenting on CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins’ appearance during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“[Kaitlan is] a young, attractive woman. She never smiles,” Trump said of Collins on July 23, one of many instances in which he has commented on her appearance. “I said, ‘Kaitlan, do you ever smile? Smile. You have a nice position, you’re at CNN fake news, you should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan, just smile.’”

Trump then said he previously mistook Collins, 34, for Dylan Mulvaney after seeing the transgender actress on a beer can in 2023.

When asked to comment on Trump targeting the reporter and her looks, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Us in a statement, “The liberal media can dish it but they can’t take it.”

Related: Donald Trump Storms Out of ‘Meet the Press’ Interview Amid Jan. 6 Questions

President Donald Trump’s seemingly endless war with the media continues after the commander-in-chief abruptly ended an interview on Meet the Press. “Let’s call it quits, because I’ve had enough,” Trump, 79, told Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker on Sunday, January 7, after the reporter questioned the president about the so-called “weaponization” fund meant to […]

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Collins, for her part, addressed Trump’s recent surge in attacks against her during the July 27 episode of The Daily Show.

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“I’ve always felt this, regardless of who’s the president … it’s really not about me, and I don’t want it to be about my reaction. If you let it become about that, then it becomes a back-and-forth between the two of us,” she explained. “Instead, I think it’s more important to remind people in those moments when he is insulting me, he is criticizing me … it’s important to put the reminder back on the work, on the question, and on the non-answers that we get.”

Collins added, “I’ve covered Trump for 10 years so I’ve listened to pretty much all of his speeches with very little exception. I actually think it’s helpful for people to listen to [his speeches] in their entirety, which people really don’t these days. In the room, I was not surprised when he insulted me.”

“That happens pretty regularly inside the Oval Office — this was just a bigger venue where it was happening,” she continued. “What was most surprising to me is that the room was filled with a lot of his staffers, his cabinet, his allies, Republicans in Congress. It was so quiet in the room during the president’s remarks.”

Emma Thompson’s mom Phyllida Law has died. She was 94.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce that Phyllida Law died supremely peacefully at home, surrounded by all of her family, on Monday 27th July,” Law’s manager Jacky Leggo said in a statement to BBC News on Tuesday, August 18. “We had worked together for over fifty years and she was a beautiful person inside and out.”

Law was the mother of daughters Emma, 67, and Sophie Thompson, whom she shared with late husband Eric Thompson. (Law and Eric tied the knot in 1957 and the couple were together until his death in 1982 at age 53.)

Emma previously shared that she and her mom formed a strong bond after the death of her father. (Emma was 21 at the time of her father’s death.)

Related: Emma Thompson’s Daughter Shades Mom’s Ex Kenneth Branagh Over Past Affair

Did Emma Thompson’s daughter, Gaia Wise, subtly shade her mom’s ex-husband, Kenneth Branagh? Gaia, 24, shared a meme via her Instagram Story on Monday, July 29, that showed Thompson, 65, next to a photo of Branagh, 63, from the 1993 movie adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. (Thompson played Beatrice and Branagh played Benedick in […]

“Now I think if my father was still alive, it would be very different,” the Love Actually actress told the Hollywood Foreign Press in May 2021. “I mean, we know mum so much better because we spent so much time together, we started going on holidays and traveling together, and we all live on the same street, within three doors of each other.”

The Oscar winner continued, “We’re far closer-knit because of that event in our lives, also we’re three actresses who always had to earn our own living, we’ve never been supported by anyone. My mum always worked, I always worked when I was married, and my sister works. So that’s created quite a strong kind of triumvirate. It’s a little alarming, actually.”

Both Emma and Sophie, 64, followed in their mother’s footsteps, who was a formidable actress in the 1960s. She appeared in multiple TV series, including Play School, A Picture of Katherine Mansfield, That’s Love, Kingdom and more. Law made her film debut in 1968’s Otley.

Related: Emma Thompson Reiterates Claims Donald Trump Once Asked Her on a Date

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Emma Thompson recently recalled an unexpected exchange she claims she had with Donald Trump. While speaking during a masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on Friday, August 8, Thompson alleged that Trump once asked her on a date. “A phone rang in my trailer, and it was Donald Trump. I thought it was […]

Law shared the screens with her daughters multiple times. She and Emma appeared in 1992’s Peter’s Friends, 1993’s Much Ado About Nothing and 1997’s The Winter’s Guest. Emma and Law also worked together on 2005’s Nanny McPhee. Emma wrote and starred in the project while Law lent her voice to the character Mrs. Partridge.

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Meanwhile, Law and Sophie played mother and daughter in 1996’s Emma, which starred Gwyneth Paltrow.

Law previously gushed about working with her daughters over the years.

“They are both my colleagues in a way,” Law said of her daughters in a 2017 interview with The Telegraph. “They didn’t follow in our footsteps, they rushed past us, trampling on us.”

It’s good to be the President of the United States — or, at least, it’s good to be President Andre Curtis (Keith David), the protagonist of Rick and Morty‘s new spin-off. Last month at San Diego Comic-Con, before President Curtis‘ premiere, David announced that the series had already been renewed for a second season, which is currently in production. It’s fantastic news because President Curtis is the best thing to happen to the Rick and Morty universe in years, embracing the original show’s premise by refreshingly parodying sci-fi and pop culture.

What Is ‘President Curtis’ About?

Whereas Rick and Morty focuses on parodying sci-fi concepts with elements like its own multiverse, President Curtis parodies history and real-life events. Case in point: in the series premiere, Curtis and his team discover that the CIA is trying to hide that a genetic superhuman baby was dropped on the moon in the 1960s. The baby is still alive, and the CIA wants to cover up the child’s existence because multiple countries are planning new missions to the moon.

The second episode, “Triangle,” reveals that monsters and creatures from folklore are being kept in a high-tech floating supermax prison conveniently located in the Bermuda Triangle. On top of that, Amelia Earhart (Kristen Schaal) crucially aids President Curtis’ mission to investigate said prison. The famed pilot had previously been discovered by President Franklin Roosevelt and put in charge of “Bermuda Transit.” These hysterical references not only elevate the show’s comedy but also provide President Curtis with an identity that stands apart from Rick and Morty.

‘President Curtis’ Moves Away From ‘Rick and Morty’s Repetitive Family Drama

President Curtis uses a similar playbook as Rick and Morty, through its parody of sci-fi and various pop-cultural references. However, it avoids most of the family drama that has come to dominate the flagship show’s later seasons, instead mixing in more political and historical satire. While Rick and Morty’s family dynamics arguably add an interesting layer of realism to the show’s sometimes bizarre and outlandish storylines, it’s frustrating to watch the characters make the same mistakes over and over. President Curtis marks a fresh start for the franchise, embracing the fun of similar concepts without all the emotional baggage.

Aside from President Curtis himself, most of the cast are brand-new characters, such as Curtis’ new chief of staff, the part-human, part-cyborg Rho Banks (Stephanie Beatriz), and the overly serious half-leprechaun Secret Service agent, Francis O’Doyle (Jim Rash). The series has already hinted at Rho’s harrowing backstory, which involves a traumatic accident as a child that led to her gaining high-tech cybernetic implants. It’s also been teased that she could override her systems, causing her to become wildly chaotic and amoral. By contrast, O’Doyle takes his job guarding the president as seriously as a heart attack, but his complicated relationship with his mother has led him to resent his leprechaun heritage.

Although the main characters of President Curtis are flawed, their foibles only make them more charming and likable. Additionally, the trio’s bonds are only poised to grow as the season progresses, making the series incredibly rewarding to watch overall. With the knowledge that the Rick and Morty spin-off is set to receive at least two seasons, hopefully, it’s only the beginning of more to come for President Curtis on Adult Swim.