Entertainment
How Hollywood Sells Kids Stories Parents Don’t Want
By Joshua Tyler
| Published
In a world gone mad, we could all use a little simple, silly, innocent fun. You take your kids to the theater to relax and create a memory you’ll share together. You put on a streaming show to make them giggle while you make dinner. You buy a ticket with your friends to a big-budget blockbuster to watch guys battle with swords, forget how much you hate your boss, and stop worrying about whether AI is going to take away your job.
That’s how most people view entertainment’s place in their life. For it to keep filling that need, they have to be able to trust it.
Unfortunately, entertainment can’t be trusted. The entertainment you watch has never been less interested in giving you what you want. It has other plans, and this has never been truer than it is right now, in 2026.
This is the story of how The Muppets and The Odyssey intersected in 2026 to destroy the last shred of trust audiences had left.
Making Muppets Hate Kids
On the surface, 2026 seems like a perfect time for a revival of The Muppet Show. The original was a family classic that spawned a generation of wholesome, non-controversial entertainment. Exactly the kind of thing that’s been missing from the usual streaming offerings.
So Disney hired legit Muppet fan Seth Rogen to revive the iconic show and released it to the world.
Rogen’s new version of the classic variety series was immediately praised for the way it looks, sounds, and feels exactly like the iconic Jim Henson series from the 1970s and 1980s. On that front, it was a triumph. A perfect production. Except there’s one big difference: Jim Henson’s version was the ultimate in wholesome, family-friendly entertainment. Seth Rogen’s version only pretends to be.
It’s normal for family-targeted shows to work in a couple of edgy jokes that’ll go over the heads of little kids who might be watching with them. That’s part of the fun for parents.
However, what would you think if instead of one or two sly adult references in your Pixar movie, there were twenty? Or thirty? What if all those sly adult references were only about one specific inappropriate thing? At what point would you start thinking, “Hey, is this Pixar movie trying to tell my kids something?”
That’s exactly what Seth Rogen’s The Muppet Show starts doing in its very first episode.
That episode number one is only thirty minutes long, but if you watch and keep track, you’ll discover at least ten sex references in those thirty minutes. Actually, not just references; most of them seemed to specifically revolve around celebrating full-on, willful hedonism and adulterous cheating.
There’s a joke where Sabrina Carpenter tells Kermit she likes kink. There’s an entire sketch that revolves around Piggy cheating on her lover. After that, it’s back to Sabrina Carpenter so she can brag to Kermit about banging a married man. Then there’s a segment with guest actress Maya Rudolph, who seems to be engaged in heavy petting with a grumpy Muppet in the audience.
Two of the musical numbers, one of which is sung entirely by rats, are popular songs about sex. The third song has Piggy replace Kermit as the object of Sabrina Carpenter’s sexual desire, just to make sure the sex references weren’t all heterosexual.
Defenders might argue these gags are structured so that little kids won’t realize what’s going on. But it’s a significant portion of the first episode, which is a very weird thing to do for your debut episode of The Muppet Show. It’s not the jokes themselves so much as the volume of them, crammed into a short thirty minutes of otherwise perfect Muppet silliness.
Seth Rogen doesn’t have any children, and he’s been loud about how happy he is to be childless. He doesn’t like them, doesn’t care about them, so even though he was supposed to make a show for kids of all ages, it’s clear that he decided to make one for adults and lie about it.
Sexualizing children has become common in family-friendly entertainment, and the people making that entertainment never warn parents about any of it before they see it. They do that because no one would buy a ticket if they knew Zootopia 2 featured a weird predator-prey orgy scene for no apparent reason.
Trojan Horse Messaging
None of this is an accident; it’s Trojan Horse Messaging.
Trojan Horse Messaging is a persuasion technique in which a message is packaged inside a trusted, harmless, or ideologically acceptable frame so that a different, contradictory, or more objectionable idea can be introduced without triggering the audience’s normal resistance.
It doesn’t only apply to family films slipping in sexual content to groom children into adult behavior. Sometimes it’s ideological dishonesty.
Angel Films recently released a new animated version of the famous George Orwell novel Animal Farm. The original Orwell book is infamous for being entirely anti-communist, and Angel Films, which is theoretically a conservative movie studio, was happy to tout its movie as being equally anti-communist to its conservative, Karl Marx-hating audience.
Except their movie isn’t really anti-communist. This new version of Animal Farm twists Orwell’s story into a parable about the dangers of capitalism, effectively Trojan-horsing parents into taking their children to learn one thing, while intentionally teaching them exactly the opposite.
Trojan Horse Messaging isn’t limited to children; it’s being used on you, too.
It’s why, ironically, director Christopher Nolan’s 2026 version of The Odyssey race-swapped Helen of Troy, despite the story being a Greek myth about Greek people and the iconic, foundational story explicitly describing Helen as being pale-skinned and Greek.
Loving Hats In A Fedora Hating World
Replacing the most beautiful Greek woman who ever lived with an African woman isn’t an innocent act of creative casting. This is Iconic Reconditioning.
Iconic Reconditioning is the deliberate alteration of a beloved character’s defining symbol, trait, or image to shift audience attachment from the original meaning to a new, preferred one.
It’s hard to see what’s really happening with The Odyssey through the race angle of the situation, so let’s put a different frame on it.
Imagine a new Indiana Jones where Indy throws away his Fedora in favor of wearing baseball caps. Then imagine the movie was made only because the filmmakers behind it hate Fedoras and want to make other people hate them, too.
Maybe the new baseball-cap-wearing version of Indiana Jones is well-acted and has amazing special effects. It wouldn’t matter; nobody would support it because it’s not Indiana Jones anymore. It’s some other guy in a different hat. People would hate it. No one would defend it, and the same people who made excuses for The Odyssey would be the ones leading boycotts against Indiana Jones and his baseball cap.
Christopher Nolan’s motives are no different from those of our hypothetical, fedora-hating Indiana Jones director. Only, instead of targeting your feelings on hats, he’s out to change your standards of beauty by stealing the most beautiful woman who ever lived label and applying it to someone totally different. He’s out to change your view of Western culture by rewriting its foundational stories and then pretending nothing happened. He’s using the story of the Trojan Horse, as an actual Trojan Horse, to screenwash you into sharing his worldview.
This isn’t a guess; it’s a fact. The movie’s cast went out and promoted the film by talking about how much they hate the source material because it’s too male or too white, or whatever, and Christopher Nolan himself admitted that the movie isn’t even based on Homer’s classic story but instead on a politically motivated, feminist reinterpretation of it, written in the modern era. Nolan says one of his primary goals in making the movie was to persuade his audience into abandoning what he deems as “cultural prejudice.” He wants to “do away with some of those assumptions.”
Imprisoning Your Audience With Betrayal
That might seem like at least they’re being honest about what kind of movie The Odyssey is, but most of these comments are being buried and hidden by its marketing campaign, which tells the potential audience that this movie is exactly the opposite of what it really is. There’s a reason the movie’s definitely not blonde Helen of Troy is only shown in a one-second flash in The Odyssey’s trailers, and it’s the same reason Seth Rogen pretended he was making a family-friendly version of The Muppet Show, while doing the exact opposite.
Because Seth Rogen’s version looks and feels so much like The Muppet Show, it’s likely many parents didn’t watch close enough to realize their kids are being fed a steady stream of sexualization. In the same way those parents saw Muppets and hit play on streaming, most people who buy tickets for The Odyssey will only see the trailers touting it as the next movie from the guy who made Inception and Oppenheimer, before making their decision. They’ll have no idea they’re wheeling Chris Nolan’s Trojan Horse directly into their brain.
It doesn’t matter if The Odyssey is good. It doesn’t matter if The Muppet Show is good. It doesn’t matter if you think the creatives did a good job making Star Trek’s message-heavy Starfleet Academy or the latest, diverse take on Lord of the Rings. The debate over the morality of this kind of screenwashing is not a question of storytelling. It’s a question of honesty.
At issue is something much, much bigger than opinions on joke quality or petty debates about skin color. What matters is whether filmmakers have the right to use screens to surreptitiously change or manipulate minds in ways their viewers would not consciously approve of.
Audiences have expectations. Bill your film as a comedy, and they expect to laugh. Position it as a horror movie, and they’ll rightfully be looking forward to a few scares. That doesn’t mean anyone expects to know the details of your story before they’ve watched. But it does mean people expect your intent in making your product to match their reasons for consuming it.
It’s like filling Pepsi cans with lemonade and then excusing it by telling consumers to stop complaining because it’s really good lemonade. It’s the dishonesty that’s the problem, not the quality of the liquid in the can.
When you lie to your audience about what you’re doing, you aren’t just manipulating them. You make them into the worst kind of slave: people who think they’re choosing freely, while you’re quietly stealing their free will.
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Roommates, it looks like the tension between Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis has reached another level, with both sides airing out their frustrations publicly. The former couple found themselves going back and forth online as serious accusations surfaced involving their children, their past, and the way they each view the other’s actions.
RELATED: Karlissa Saffold Apologizes To NBA YoungBoy After Seemingly Calling Him Dumb During Livestream With Blueface (VIDEOS)
Blueface And Jaidyn Exchange Serious Allegations Online
During a livestream, Blueface accused Jaidyn of being a “bad mother” following an alleged car crash involving their children. While sitting in his gamer chair wearing a white tank top, the rapper claimed Jaidyn was “drunk driving with her kids in the car” and questioned why she was presenting herself as “mother of the year.” Blueface also alleged that she left the scene of the incident before sarcastically saying, “What a good person you are.”
Jaidyn Alexis later responded during a separate livestream, where she pushed back against Blueface’s claims and accused him of being a jailhouse “snitch.” While sitting in a pink chair alongside two other people, Jaidyn alleged that Blueface provided information to authorities and claimed he “turned 6 months into 2 years” because of it, while also referencing alleged retaliation he faced from fellow inmates during his incarceration. Neither side has publicly provided additional details or evidence regarding the allegations made during their livestreams, leaving fans to debate the claims circulating online.
The Comments Section Has Mixed Reactions
After the livestream clips circulated, folks quickly ran to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section to debate the latest back-and-forth between Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis. Some commenters argued that the situation could have ended much differently if Jaidyn was actually driving under the influence, while others pointed out that Chrisean Rock previously made similar claims.
One Instagram user, @jay.sonborne, said, “If he snitched it wouldn’t go from 6 months to 2 years sweethart 😂 it would be the other way around 😂”
This Instagram user @here.igo2019 claimed, “The police came to the accident if she was drunk trust they would have took her Cali don’t play”
And, Instagram user @keeba1234 commented, “It’s getting ugly and I’m here for it 😂😂😂😂😂”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @shandahunter73 added, “Y’all didn’t want to believe chrisean, when chrisean said it first smh , chrisean was never wrong 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️”
While Instagram user @2blesscarter shared, “He definitely got 💩 on based on how he came out”
Lastly, Instagram user @courtneykathleeen wrote, “Sheeeesh lol”
So, What Car Accident Is Blueface Seemingly Referring To?
As Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis continue exchanging accusations online, many Roommates are wondering what incident sparked the latest drama. The situation appears to address a reported car accident involving Jaidyn and her children back in December 2025.
At the time, Jaidyn Alexis confirmed to The Shade Room that everyone involved is okay and that there were no major injuries. While the details surrounding the cause of the accident remain unclear, Jaidyn denied claims that she was under the influence of alcohol, pushing back against allegations that she was drinking and driving. In circulating footage, her black truck appears behind another vehicle involved in the collision.
RELATED: Fans React After Blueface Claims Karlissa Saffold Harvey Traumatized Him & She Defends Herself During Heated Exchange
What Do You Think Roomies?
Given how brainy and compelling the science fiction genre is — often depicting future scientific and technological advancements and serving as sharp satires — it is no wonder that it is among the most beloved in the film industry. Movies like Interstellar have cemented an indestructible legacy through the years and gathered high spots among the best movies of all time. But where do these rank against other films in the genre in the judgment of Letterboxd users?
The platform was created by and for cinephiles all over the globe, often playing the role of the helping hand whenever moviegoers feel like they’re stuck in a crisis of “don’t know what to watch next.” Their top-rated movies provide audiences with a solid number of must-see flicks where the sci-fi genre is quite present. These are the best science fiction movies of all time, according to Letterboxd.
10
‘Children of Men’ (2006)
Letterboxd Score: 4.3/5
Set in a bleak future where humanity has become infertile, and society teeters on the brink of collapse, Alfonso Cuarón‘s Children of Men follows former activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) as he is tasked with protecting the first pregnant woman in nearly two decades. As political unrest and violence engulf Britain, Theo must escort her to safety.
The 2006 masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the greatest dystopian films ever made. Children of Men features Cuarón’s breathtaking direction and immersive long takes, made all the better by grounded performances from its cast. The film’s striking vision of a world stripped of hope feels remarkably believable. It’s a gripping thriller as much as it is an unforgettable science fiction masterpiece.
9
‘Project Hail Mary’ (2025)
Letterboxd Score: 4.3/5
Based on Andy Weir‘s bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who awakens aboard a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. As his memories gradually return, he discovers he has been sent on a mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. Just as all hope seems lost, an unlikely friendship pops up and affects his gargantuan task.
Project Hail Mary quickly earned praise for translating Weir’s novel into an engaging cinematic adventure with heart and humor. The film’s optimism is infectious, and its inventive problem-solving makes it stand out among modern science fiction. Of course, it’s Gosling’s charismatic performance that truly keeps the high-stakes story grounded and hard to look away from.
8
‘The Thing’ (1982)
Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5
Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David, among other talented actors, John Carpenter‘s highly-rated The Thing follows a research team in Antarctica who find themselves being hunted by a terrifying shape-shifting creature that assumes the appearance of its victims. Not only is the film one of the best science fiction flicks ever, but it is also among the top horror films of all time.
The suspenseful narrative and believable acting performances are two of The Thing‘s strongest aspects, but the masterful execution elevates it to higher ground; Carpenter’s talents in the horror genre are unmatched. When combined with sci-fi, the results are even more mind-bending and tense, sticking with audiences even after the credits roll. The Thing is a nail-biting thriller that is guaranteed to have viewers hooked from the start.
7
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5
Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune: Part Two continues Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) journey as he joins the Fremen in their fight against House Harkonnen. After being put in an increasingly complex position, Paul must decide whether to embrace the role of a messianic leader while preparing for a war that will reshape the known universe.
Dune: Part Two effectively expands on the foundation laid by its predecessor. With breathtaking visuals and spectacular action, it continues the epic storytelling fans expect. The result is a movie that rewards both longtime fans of Frank Herbert‘s novel and newcomers alike — it’s one of the defining science fiction films of the decade.
6
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5
Though it may be hard for some readers to grasp that an animated film is considered, by general Letterboxd users, better than several other iconic features, it is one of the platform’s highest-rated in the category. The movie follows teen Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, as he becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and joins forces with other spider-powered people from other dimensions to stop a huge threat.
It is not exactly hard to understand why Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is such a universally beloved film; its stunning visuals and likable main character, who has captured the attention of even non-Spider-Man enthusiasts, play a part in that. Into the Spider-Verse is a compelling film featuring phenomenal world-building, an inventive premise, and a handful of humorous scenes that will have audiences invested throughout. It is a game changer for superhero films, especially animated ones, quickly becoming one of the best in the genre.
5
‘Stalker’ (1979)
Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5
This really well-accomplished film by Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky is an iconic philosophical, existentialist film — and a masterpiece at that. Stalker tells the story of an expedition led by a figure known as “Stalker” (Alexander Kaidanovsky), who guides his clients through a wasteland to find a room that grants wishes.
Captivating and puzzling are two words that describe this metaphysical slow-burn film, which benefits greatly from its stylish arthouse elements. Stalker is perhaps the most influential sci-fi movie of all time — although slow-paced and definitely not for everyone, Tarkovsky’s film has raised the bar in the genre by providing audiences with a surrealistic and incredibly atmospheric film with beautiful black-and-white visuals and an intriguing premise.
4
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)
Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5
Despite being relatively recent, Across the Spider-Verse is among the best science fiction films of all time, according to Letterboxd users. Though it arguably fits best in the superhero category (just like its predecessor), it is still classified as a sci-fi movie.
Miles catapults across the multiverse in this engaging but painful journey of self-discovery, once again encountering a team of Spider-People (a much larger one this time), but ultimately clashing over how to handle a new threat. It is safe to say that Across the Spider-Verse surpassed the incredibly high expectations that the first entry set, earning an even higher score on the platform. While it is equally entertaining, the 2023 film is a tad more moving and just as visually absorbing, emphasizing once more that it is nearly impossible not to sympathize with and care for its lead character.
3
‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5
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Empire Strikes Back is widely considered one of the best Star Wars movies among general audiences and fans (and also one of the best-reviewed). It sees Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) carry on his journey after the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire. He then begins his Jedi training, and his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and Boba Fett.
This incredible 1980s movie has it all: adventure, romance, action, and science fiction. It is a timeless classic with incredible storytelling that still stands the test of time, as is evident on the platform. While the special effects in this George Lucas feature may seem outdated to some, there is no doubt that they were incredible when the film was released; in fact, it even took home the award for Best Special Effects (Johnson and Edlund) at the 8th Saturn Awards. Overall, Empire Strikes Back is a great sequel that sets up the final chapter well.
2
‘Interstellar’ (2014)
Letterboxd Score: 4.5/5
A Christopher Nolan essential that is among the filmmaker’s best, Interstellar is set in a future where Earth is falling apart, and humanity faces extinction. It is up to a team of NASA scientists and a former NASA pilot (Matthew McConaughey) to find a new habitable planet through interstellar travel.
With a truly touching father-daughter relationship at its center and an astounding Hans Zimmer score that complements its mind-bending narrative, Interstellar is undoubtedly a top-notch science fiction movie. It is also well-acted, with Jessica Chastain and McConaughey’s performances often taking the spotlight. These elements help cement Nolan’s movie as one of the best science fiction movies of all time (also per Collider’s official sci-fi films ranking). The way Interstellar tackles moving themes of family and how love transcends space and time will keep audiences invested and possibly be a pleasant surprise even to those who don’t usually enjoy the genre.
1
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion’ (1997)
Letterboxd Score: 4.5/5
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion is a theatrical ending for the TV series of the same name that illustrates Shinji (Megumi Ogata) and Auska’s (Yûko Miyamura) attempt at stopping the occurrence of Third Impact.
This anime feature coming out on top of sci-fi movies may come as a surprise to some readers. Still, there is no doubt that The End of Evangelion is astonishing to look at and is considered a masterwork in the animation genre (specifically, an incredible accomplishment in the anime field). Serving as a conclusion to the series of the same name 20 years after its original release, The End of Evangelion is a perfect avant-garde pick for open-minded and curious viewers looking to watch something different. It deals with nihilistic topics, including depression and fear.
The End of Evangelion
- Release Date
-
July 19, 1997
- Runtime
-
87 Minutes
- Director
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Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki
- Writers
-
Hideaki Anno
-
Megumi Ogata
Shinji Ikari
-
Megumi Hayashibara
Rei Ayanami / Yui Ikari
The fall TV season is approaching fast, and Fox just released its schedule for the upcoming year. The TV industry is changing fast these days, but perhaps the biggest surprise is Fox moving the live-action sitcom Animal Control to Sunday nights, right after The Simpsons. This effectively ends the era of “Animation Domination” on the network — at least for fall. It’s also clear that the ground is shrinking under all scripted comedy in general, as Fox is trying to consolidate its most successful shows into one night. Ultimately, this will probably be good news for Animal Control, while The Simpsons is already counting on viewers in other venues.
Taylor Frankie Paul was granted a restraining order against ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen‘s friend Cru Eaton.
Court documents obtained by Us Weekly indicate that Paul, 32, filed for a temporary order of protection for “civil stalking” against Eaton in Salt Lake City — with a judge formally signing off on a three-year order on Wednesday, July 15.
“An Order has been signed and issued on the statewide Domestic Violence Network,” the court motion read.
Us has reached out to Paul’s legal team and Eaton for comment.
Per TMZ, Eaton allegedly posted private footage via TikTok showing the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star allegedly getting upset during a heated argument with Mortensen, 33.
Eaton reportedly captioned the footage, “Everyone is so concerned and so focused on what must have been happening before the videos started. You guys do understand that Dakota doesn’t start these fights, so he has no way of knowing when he needs to be recording them, correct?”
Monday’s court ruling is the latest development in a contentious legal dispute between Paul and Mortensen.
Following a previous domestic violence incident that led to Paul’s arrest in 2023, the former couple were involved in a new investigation by Utah’s Draper City Police Department in February. Both publicly denied the allegations of domestic violence made by the other. (Paul’s season of The Bachelorette was pulled from ABC’s schedule due to the criminal investigation.)
In April, Utah prosecutors closed the case by declining to press criminal charges against either Paul or Mortensen over the alleged incident.
Paul reacted to the news on April 15 by writing via Instagram, “Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have tried to coparent son Ever since their fall 2024 split. Paul and Mortensen welcomed their first baby together, the MomTok content creator’s third, in March 2024, months before they called it quits. As Paul and Mortensen navigated jointly raising their son, […]
That same day, Mortensen said in his own statement that he was focusing strictly on the wellbeing of his and Paul’s 2-year-old son, Ever. (Taylor also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6, with ex-husband Tate Paul.)
“That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” Mortensen said. “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”
Mortensen was awarded temporary custody of Ever in April, with Taylor allowed eight-hour weekly supervised visitation. A Utah judge issued mutual protective orders for both Mortensen and Paul later that month, ordering them to stay 100 feet away from each other for a period of three years.
Last week, Taylor and Mortensen were once again in a Utah court as their custody agreement was modified to allow Taylor to have more unsupervised time with Ever. (Mortensen was also granted longer weekends due to this new ruling.)
Taylor has also been involved in a custody dispute with ex-husband Tate over whether she can have unsupervised visits with Indy and Ocean. Tate asked a court to change his and Taylor’s custody agreement when news broke that she recently attended rehab. (Us reported on July 1 that Taylor voluntarily entered a rehab facility and has since returned home.)
A judge rejected Tate’s initial motion. Taylor has since agreed to take a sobriety test in order to regain more “unsupervised parent time” with her and Tate’s two children.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Madonna’s absence from a London Pride event left expectant fans disappointed, but days later, the Queen of Pop delivered the kind of performance they had been hoping to see in New York.
The superstar had been rumored to be one of the London occasion’s surprise headliners, but organizers eventually confirmed that she would not be appearing.
Many fans accused Pride organizers of allowing the speculation to build and waiting until the last minute to address the rumors.
Madonna disappointed expectant London Pride fans after organizers confirmed at the last minute that she would not appear, despite mounting speculation that she was a surprise headliner.
Attendees accused organizers of allowing the rumors to spread unchecked and misleading people who had planned their day around the expected performance.
Days later, Madonna returned to the dance floor in New York to celebrate her new album, “Confessions II,” alongside longtime collaborator Stuart Price at the Knockdown Center in Queens.
She performed new tracks including “I Feel So Free,” “School,” and “Bring Your Love,” as well as classics “Hung Up” and “Get Together.”
The energetic Club Confessions set offered a sharp contrast to the disappointment in London.
“Tbh you need to apologise for not stating this HOURS ago, the hosts were literally teasing her appearance earlier on,” one fan wrote, while others said an earlier clarification would have prevented people from feeling “misled and disappointed.”
Pride Statement Left Fans Wanting Answers
Given the organizers’ statement, fans’ reaction wasn’t surprising. It did not clarify whether Madonna had ever been considered for the event or whether the rumor was entirely false. Instead, it simply stated that she “will not be appearing or performing at Pride in London.”
The statement also didn’t explain how or why the speculation arose, leaving supporters wondering whether it stemmed from misinformation, media reports, or unofficial sources.
It also failed to mention the two confirmed headliners, missing an opportunity to redirect fans’ attention to the official lineup.
Inside Madonna’s Long History With NYC Pride
Madonna has performed at several major Pride events in New York City over the years.
She famously headlined Pride Island in 2019, delivering a surprise 20-minute performance that served as the grand finale of WorldPride, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
In 2022, Madonna also delivered a surprise performance at New York City’s Terminal 5 to kick off Pride Weekend. The sold-out concert featured a star-studded lineup of drag performers, including Bob the Drag Queen and Violet Chachki.
Madonna Explains Her Bond With LGBTQ+ Fans
Beyond her Pride performances, Madonna has long been one of the entertainment industry’s most outspoken supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.
In a sit-down with the “Today” show after receiving the Advocate for Change honor at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2019, she explained why the community remains so close to her heart.
“When I moved to New York, it was the gay community that embraced everything that I did and embraced the concept and idea of a strong independent female, which I didn’t really experience when I was growing up,” she said.
The singer added, “So, we kind of just forged a bond in a way, and I felt compelled to come to the rescue of the LGBTQ community back in the very beginning because they were always there for me.”
The Singer Previously Teased Her New Album With Short Film At Tribeca
Earlier, in June, Madonna debuted her new short film, “Confessions II,” at the Tribeca Festival, giving fans an early look at the first six songs from her then-upcoming album of the same name.
The ten-minute visual project, helmed by directing duo Torso, comprising David Toro and Solomon Chase, features a string of celebrity cameos, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate Moss, Julia Garner, Sabrina Carpenter, Debi Mazar, and Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes Leon.
During a Q&A after the screening, Madonna revealed that the film was inspired by manager Guy Oseary’s idea to connect the album’s opening tracks into one cinematic experience, per The New York Times.
She also lamented the growing influence of smartphones, telling the audience, “I came to this earth to be a doer, not a watcher,” while urging fans to put their phones away, dance, and connect with one another.
There’s more drama surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. According to a new report, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star was granted a restraining order against one of Mortensen’s friends, Cru Eaton, for “civil stalking.” This marks the latest development in Paul’s ongoing legal battles and comes months after production on season 5 of her hit Hulu reality series was halted amid allegations of domestic violence involving her and Mortensen.
Court documents show that Paul filed for a temporary restraining order for “civil stalking” against Eaton in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was granted one for three years on July 15, according to Us Weekly. “An Order has been signed and issued on the statewide Domestic Violence Network,” a statement from the legal papers read.
The filing comes after Eaton allegedly shared a private video of Paul and Mortensen having an alleged explosive argument. Eaton allegedly posted the video and captioned it, “Everyone is so concerned and so focused on what must have been happening before the videos started. You guys do understand that Dakota doesn’t start these fights, so he has no way of knowing when he needs to be recording them, correct?”
Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen Both Have Protective Orders Against Each Other
Per The Blast, Paul and Mortensen have mutual protective orders against each other lasting three years. The legal decision was made by a Utah court official in April 2026 after both reality stars filed competing custody documents for their one child, Ever.
The court official also commented on Paul and Mortensen’s alleged history of domestic violence and said both of them were at fault for things that have transpired. “I’m finding that there’s been violence both ways between these parties,” Commissioner Russell Minas said.
Continuing, Minas said that Paul and Mortensen should not be near each other in the future because things often turn violent before them. Minas also said that, moving forward, both parties must focus on their son’s well-being.
“I’m hoping you’re not just people who thrive on the drama and conflict. You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as co-parents,” Minas said.
Taylor Frankie Paul Allegedly Seen Assaulting Mortensen In A Shocking Video
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.
Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026
Before Minas granted both Paul and Mortensen protective orders, Paul made headlines after a shocking video showing her allegedly assaulting Mortensen came to light.
In the video, reported by The Blast, Paul is seemingly seen hitting Mortensen, pulling his hair, and even throwing metal chairs at him, one of which hit her younger daughter.
Also in the video, viewers can hear Mortensen pleading with Paul to stop the alleged attacks. “This is called physical abuse. This is all you do,” Mortensen cries out in the video. “It’s the only thing you know how to do is hurt me. You think this is OK? It’s not OK. Holy sh-t.”
Mortensen Admits He Has Regrets About His Relationship With Paul
Shortly after the video came to light, Mortensen posted an update of his own, saying he needed to focus on himself so he could be a better parent to his son.
Elsewhere in his statement, the TV personality opened up about the demise of his relationship with Paul and admitted he regretted not leaving the MomTok star sooner.
I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt,” he wrote. He continued, “I’m closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead.”
Production Paused Season 5 Of ‘SLOMW’ Due To The Alleged Domestic Violence Claims
The alleged domestic violence between Paul and Mortensen was so severe that it forced producers to halt production on season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” in March 2026.
According to PEOPLE, a source close to the show said that none of the women was willing to film with Paul, leaving the production company at a crossroads.
“The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together and they don’t want to come back right now,” the insider claimed. “They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly.”
In late May, another source confirmed that cameras went back up; however, the cast wouldn’t finish filming the rest of season 5. Instead, the women would film confessionals and head straight into season 6.
While it’s unclear what the new batch of episodes will look like, the new season should be coming to Hulu very soon.
Sam Neill‘s official cause of death has been revealed.
“Since Sam Neill’s passing, several stories have appeared in the media which contain inaccuracies and outright falsehoods,” his spokesperson Philip Grenz told Us Weekly in a Wednesday, July 15, statement. “As Sam Neill’s longtime rep, I spoke with his family and wish to clarify some details for his fans. Sam passed away from pneumonia. Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy.”
Grenz went on, “As Sam was an intensely private man who loathed a fuss, his family will honor him with a private family memorial at his farm in New Zealand at a still-undetermined later date. I’d like to thank those who were truly close to Sam for considering his privacy with the respect he earned and his loved ones need and deserve during this immeasurably difficult time.”
His family asked that donations be made to the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, blood cancer research group the Snowdome Foundation or organizations dedicated to the preservation of New Zealand’s wildlife — such as the NZ Nature Fund and Sustainable Tarras — in lieu of flowers.
Celebrities are mourning the loss of Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill. Neill’s family announced on Monday, July 13, that he died unexpectedly at age 78. They promised “more details will be shared later,” asking for privacy as they navigate the loss. “It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill […]
The actor, best known for his roles as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise and Chester Campbell on the hit show Peaky Blinders, died suddenly on Monday, July 13.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” a family statement shared via the actor’s official Instagram account read at the time. (“Whānau” is the Māori word for “family.”)
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” the statement continued. “The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care. More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
News of Neill’s death came just three months after the star announced he was cancer-free. (He had been diagnosed with stage III angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2022.)
Doctors shared the update with Neill after he underwent a clinical trial in Australia, which involved CAR T-cell therapy, to treat his rare form of blood cancer.
He spoke out about his trials and tribulations in a 2023 interview, revealing he was determined to forge ahead and remain grateful for each and every day amid his ongoing health struggles.
“I can’t pretend that the last year hasn’t had its dark moments,” he told The Guardian at the time. “But those dark moments throw the light into sharp relief, you know, and have made me grateful for every day and immensely grateful for all my friends. Just pleased to be alive.”
He continued, while enjoying a beautiful day in New Zealand’s Central Otago, “I’m not afraid to die. But it would annoy me. Because I’d really like another decade or two, you know? We’ve built all these lovely terraces, we’ve got these olive trees and cypresses, and I want to be around to see it all mature. And I’ve got my lovely little grandchildren. I want to see them get big.”
Neill is survived by his four kids, sons Andrew and Tim, and daughters Maiko and Elena, and eight grandchildren. (Andrew was put up for adoption while the Tudors star was in his early 20s.)
“I didn’t see him for 25 years and then we went looking for each other,” Neill later revealed to The Times back in 2014. “These reunions are portrayed as sentimental and grisly, but there is nothing sentimental about it. No one sobs in anyone’s arms; it’s much more grown up.”
Late Top Gun: Maverick actor James Handy’s accused killer, Michael Gledhill, has been committed to a treatment center after being deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial for murder.
Court documents obtained by Us Weekly following a placement recommendation hearing on Tuesday, July 14, confirmed that Gledhill was moved from his previous place of custody to a mental health facility. A progress hearing in his case will be held in Hollywood on October 14.
Us has reached out to Gledhill’s attorney for comment.
On June 23, Us reported that Gledhill, 44, was ruled to be incompetent to face a murder charge after undergoing a mental health evaluation. Judge Maria Cavalluzzi determined at the time that Gledhill did not understand the case brought against him and thus could not assist his attorneys in his defense, nor could he make responsible medical decisions for himself.
Top Gun: Maverick actor James Handy’s suspected killer was reportedly seen on security footage after the alleged murder. After Handy was killed on Wednesday, June 3, at the age of 81, local California police identified Michael Gledhill as a suspect after he was seen on Ring footage outside the actor’s house, according to footage obtained […]
The judge’s June ruling stipulated that Gledhill would be involuntarily medicated for a period of one year to determine whether his condition can be improved through treatment. (Michael’s mother and Handy’s girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill, previously told TMZ that her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia but had stopped taking his medication.)
Michael was initially arrested and booked on one count of murder in June. He has not entered a plea.
Following Judge Cavalluzzi’s ruling, Michael’s defense attorneys, LA County Deputy Public Defenders Donna Tryfman and Robert Krauss, told Us on June 23, “The constitutional guarantee of due process demands that criminal cases proceed only when a defendant is competent to participate. The court’s finding that Michael Gledhill is presently incompetent to assist counsel in his criminal proceedings is not a determination of guilt or innocence. The court’s ruling means that treatment and restoration efforts will now take priority before the criminal case can move forward.”
“While the allegations in this matter remain extremely serious, the legal process must continue in a manner that is both just and consistent with constitutional protections,” the attorneys went on. “Nothing about the court’s finding regarding competency diminishes the seriousness of the loss or the pain experienced by those who knew and loved Mr. Handy.”
James Handy in “K-9” Universal Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection
Police confirmed on June 3 that the Alias and Profiler star was found dead at age 81 at his Los Angeles home after allegedly being fatally stabbed by his girlfriend’s son, Michael.
“On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. The 911 caller stated, ‘I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.’ Upon their arrival, officers discovered 81-year-old James Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest,” an LAPD statement read. “The victim was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced deceased.”
Handy was publicly confirmed as the victim by his longtime representative.
“With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy,” his spokesperson told Us at the time.
An autopsy from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner, which was obtained by Us on July 14, clarified that Handy had been involved in a “verbal altercation” with Michael that turned physical.
“The subject dragged him to the side of the house,” the report read. “9-1-1 was called and paramedics responded to the scene, initiated life-saving efforts, and transported him to the hospital, where, despite these efforts, death was pronounced on the same date.”
Actor James Handy died at age 81 after being stabbed by his girlfriend’s son. “On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street,” Los Angeles police confirmed in a June 2026 statement. “The 911 caller stated, […]
The L.A. Medical Examiner touched on the fatal injuries that Handy sustained, noting that “it is possible [a] neck compression occurred prior to the infliction of the stab wound and may have incapacitated the decedent prior to the stabbing.” (His official cause of death was determined to be multiple traumatic injuries, including a stab wound to the torso and neck compression inflicted by another.)
Handy had a near 50-year career as a character actor in Hollywood, with memorable roles in the hit films Jumanji, Unbreakable and K-9. His notable TV credits included appearances on Matlock, Melrose Place, NCIS: Los Angeles and Criminal Minds.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
For all the attention The Lord of the Rings continues to receive, it’s easy to forget that none of it would exist without The Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins’ adventure laid the foundation for Middle-earth decades before Frodo ever set foot outside the Shire, but despite its importance, Tolkien’s original fantasy novel rarely gets the spotlight to itself.
Peter Jackson adapted the story into a blockbuster trilogy, and is even producing several new projects, including the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Outside those movies, The Hobbit has largely shared the stage with its more famous successor. Most Middle-earth games, collectibles, and tabletop releases have centered on the War of the Ring, leaving Bilbo’s “there and back again” journey surprisingly underserved by comparison. That’s finally about to change.
‘The Hobbit’ Becomes Its Own ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Adventure This August
Wizards of the Coast has officially unveiled Magic: The Gathering – The Hobbit, a standalone Standard-legal expansion arriving worldwide on August 14. Following the success of 2023’s The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, the new Universes Beyond release shifts its attention entirely to Bilbo Baggins’ legendary “there and back again” journey. Rather than revisiting the events of The Lord of the Rings, the expansion faithfully recreates the complete story of The Hobbit through Magic cards, featuring Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Smaug, Elrond, and the rest of Thorin’s Company alongside iconic locations, memorable encounters, and scenes drawn directly from Tolkien’s novel.
Collectors will have no shortage of treasures to chase. Wizards is introducing Dragon Hoard showcase cards inspired by Erebor’s legendary riches, while Collector Boosters include exclusive Surge Foils, Dwarvish-language cards, and the set’s headline collectible: the ultra-rare Gleaming Gold Smaug the Magnificent. Full-art basic lands follow Bilbo’s expedition across Middle-earth, while seasonal Shire Plains depicting spring, summer, autumn, and winter will be available through select products including Prerelease Packs, Bundles, and Gift Bundles. Beyond booster packs, the release also includes a variety of themed products. Two collectible Scene Boxes, Crack the Plates and Treasures of Smaug, each contain six mechanically unique foil cards that combine to recreate memorable moments from Bilbo’s adventure. Wizards is also offering Draft Night boxes designed for four-player draft experiences, alongside Bundles, Gift Bundles, and Collector Boosters.
More than eight decades after Bilbo first stepped out of Bag End, Magic: The Gathering – The Hobbit is giving fans another chance to go “there and back again” when the expansion arrives on August 14. Between faithful adaptations of Tolkien’s story, premium collector treatments, and some of the most striking Middle-earth artwork ever produced for the game, it looks poised to become another standout chapter in Magic’s growing partnership with one of fantasy’s greatest worlds.
By Jennifer Asencio
| Updated
It is another sad day for those who follow the entertainment industry: prolific and beloved actor Sam Neill died on July 13th, 2026. He was 79.
The actor was born in 1946 in Omagh, Country Tyrone, Northern Ireland. His mother is English, and his father is from New Zealand and was in the military in that country; this tie would bring Neill fame in the Land of the Kiwi as his acting career took off. He graduated from New Zealand’s Victoria University of Wellington in 1970 with a degree in English Literature, after also studying at the University of Canterbury in the UK.
Sam Neill’s Life And Legacy
Neill has been in many iconic roles, with perhaps the most famous being Alan Grant of the Jurassic Park franchise. Alan Grant only appeared in three of the movies, but his starring role in the first film was so legendary that, in the wake of his passing, a popular social media meme has asked users to name their favorite role of his besides Jurassic Park. Alan Grant has also been spoofed in other movies, TV shows, and commercials, including one that starred Neill himself.
But Neill has had a lot of other very famous roles that shouldn’t be overshadowed by the Jurassic Park franchise. He got his start in New Zealand and Australia, starring on television and in movies. Then, 1989’s Dead Calm, co-starring Australian star Nicole Kidman and the versatile Billy Zane, brought all three to the attention of American audiences. Neill’s turn the following year in the film adaptation of the popular Tom Clancy novel The Hunt for Red October saw him playing tragic Russian defector and submariner Captain Borodin, and cemented his status in American film. Jurassic Park merely elevated that talent and energy to leading man status.
Neill also made a name for himself in many horror movies in popular franchises and subgenres. He played an adult Damien in the Omen franchise. He led the H.P. Lovecraft-inspired movie In the Mouth of Madness, in which he works for a publishing company and is in pursuit of a popular novelist. His character begins to question his reality as his sanity collapses around him. The stand-alone movie Event Horizon, where his character accompanies a rescue ship after it spent years trapped in a horrific other dimension, also delved into the realms of cosmic horror.
Neill was also noted for Bicentennial Man (1999), the TV miniseries Merlin and Merlin’s Apprentice, prestige shows The Tudors and Peaky Blinders, and even an appearance in Thor: Ragnarok. Tragically, he had three films coming up, only two of which may see the big screen, as Freedom Flight has not yet begun filming. His other two projects were a rom-com called The Last Resort, alongside Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich; and the monster sequel Godzilla vs. Kong: Supernova. Both of these have finished filming, but aren’t due out until at least 2027.
Gone But Not Forgotten
In 2022, Neill was diagnosed with a blood disorder known as angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), which was unfortunately a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After traditional chemotherapy failed, he underwent an experimental treatment CAR T-cell therapy trial, which put the disease into complete remission. His death was sudden and unexpected; his family has yet to announce the cause of his death, though they said that he had remained cancer-free at the time of his death. The actor had announced his recovery himself earlier this year.
Movies and the entertainment industry will miss the legendary icon, Sam Neill. He carried himself with humility and respect for directors, peers, and fans. Co-stars Laura Dern and Nicole Kidman had nothing but kind words for their male co-star, calling him a noble gentleman. He was considered kind, funny, charming, and intelligent. His memory will endure so long as his movies continue to be respected and beloved by fans. With two more performances to look forward to, there are still chances to see Neill on screen, but it will be bittersweet knowing it will be the last time.
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