Entertainment
How Jen Aniston’s Relationship With BF Jim Curtis Has Evolved
Jennifer Aniston and boyfriend Jim Curtis have gotten “serious” since their relationship began last year, multiple sources exclusively tell Us.
“They’ve moved beyond the excitement of a new relationship and are developing a genuine partnership,” one source explains. “There’s an ease about them that’s infectious. It comes from feeling accepted rather than needing to impress each other.”
The source adds that Aniston, 57, and Curtis, 50, are “definitely making decisions with the other person in mind.”
“[Their connection has] become deeper. They are more trusting and less guarded,” the source continues. “They are just as comfortable discussing difficult subjects as they are being vulnerable with each other. It’s grown from an exciting connection to a dependable partnership.”
The source notes that friends have been “surprised about how naturally their lives have blended together despite coming from totally different worlds.” (While Aniston became a household name with her role as Rachel Green on Friends in the ‘90s and has since earned Emmy and Golden Globe awards, Curtis works as a wellness expert, life coach and hypnotherapist.)
“Those close to them have been surprised about how quickly they developed a strong emotional connection as well,” the source says. “Those close to her really think their success is because he is not part of the industry. He’s been doing his own thing.”
As for the key to their successful relationship, the source also notes that Aniston and Curtis do not put “unnecessary pressure” on each other and have communicated clearly with each other. They have also “given each other room to maintain their own identities.”
Aniston and Curtis were first romantically linked in July 2025 and went Instagram official two months later. In November, she gushed over her beau with a sweet birthday shout-out, writing, “Happy birthday my love. Cherished ❤️.”
“They are both different people, but they celebrate each other’s individualities, and that’s a big reason they are doing so well,” the source shares about their bond. “Jen has learned how thoughtful and emotionally intuitive Jim is in private, and Jim has seen that Jen is more introspective than her public image suggests.”
Jennifer Aniston and her boyfriend, Jim Curtis, are continuing to check off important relationship milestones. Aniston, 57, offered a glimpse into the couple’s Valentine’s Day celebrations via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 14. In the snapshot, the Morning Show star held up a box of candy hearts as she and Curtis, 50, sat at […]
“They have discovered they share a similar need for peace and humor and emotional honesty, and that is truly why they work,” the source continues. “They have been able to navigate distance, demanding schedules and public curiosity. The last year has proven their bond can withstand all that.”
The source also reveals that Aniston and Curtis have not “rushed into a conventional living arrangement.”
“They have their own individual properties, but they stay with one another whenever they are in L.A. or New York,” the source concludes.
A second insider tells Us, “They’re basically living together at this point and split their time between their places in L.A. and New York. They haven’t decided that they need to pick one coast and are happy going back and forth for now.”
The insider also says that Aniston and Curtis are “in a really great place” and are “spending most of their time together now.” And though the two come from different industries, Aniston has been fully supportive of Curtis’ career and vice versa.
Jennifer Aniston offered a rare look into her life with boyfriend Jim Curtis one year after they were spotted together. The Friends alum, 57, shared a “summer dumper” carousel via Instagram on Wednesday, July 1, which included multiple photos of her beau. One picture showed them strolling down the street, while another offered a cheeky […]
“Jen loves that Jim has his own career and ambitions,” the insider notes. “She’s really supportive of his work and believes in what he does. She’s read his work, and they talk a lot about [his] book and the ideas behind it. She’s been there for his events and is really proud of everything he has going on right now. She likes being able to support him and show up for the things that are important to him.”
The second insider concludes, “Jen is really happy. She feels supported by Jim and likes that they can have their own careers and interests but also have so much that they enjoy doing together. The relationship feels very easy for her right now.”
Us reached out to reps for Aniston and Curtis for comment.
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TLC’s latest tour stop took on a different tone when fans realized one of the group’s most recognizable voices was missing from the stage.
As the legendary trio’s legacy continues to draw packed crowds across the country, concern quickly spread after Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins was forced to step away from performances due to a medical emergency.
While the show continued, the focus shifted from nostalgia and hit songs to messages of support for the singer’s recovery.
T-Boz has been sidelined from TLC’s ongoing “It’s Iconic” Tour after suffering a health setback connected to her long battle with Sickle cell disease.
The 56-year-old had been touring alongside bandmate Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, as well as fellow iconic acts Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, when the medical issue interrupted her schedule.
Fans first learned more about the situation during TLC’s August 28 performance at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
According to a video posted on TikTok by a fan, Chilli addressed the crowd, explaining that her longtime groupmate was unable to perform after experiencing what she described as an “episode” related to Sickle cell disease.
Turning the moment into a show of solidarity, she told concertgoers, “I’m going to ask each and every one of you to help me hold her down tonight.”
Days later, TLC representative Christal Jordan confirmed the seriousness of the situation in a statement to USA TODAY, revealing that Watkins had “recently experienced a Sickle cell crisis that required hospitalization.”
Jordan added that the singer was “currently recovering and regaining her strength” as she focuses on her health offstage.
T-Boz’s Hospitalization Forces TLC To Rethink Tour Plans
Rather than pause the tour entirely, TLC made the decision to move forward with Chilli handling performances while receiving assistance from the tour’s other acts.
According to Jordan, the choice was made because of the production’s highly interactive nature and the desire to keep delivering the experience fans had come to expect.
“Because the It’s Iconic Tour is such an interactive show, we made the decision to continue, with Chilli performing and receiving incredible support from Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, and most importantly, the fans,” Jordan said.
Audience response has reportedly become one of the most emotional aspects of the tour. Jordan shared that “the love shown for T-Boz has been overwhelming,” noting that crowds have continued honoring the singer even in her absence.
“Hearing audiences sing her parts, lift her up in prayer, and surround TLC with so much love has meant more than we can express,” she said.
T-Boz Receives Wave Of Support From Fans Amid Health Crisis
Amid the health scare, fans have taken to social media to rally around T-Boz while also praising Chilli for carrying on with the It’s Iconic Tour during her bandmate’s absence.
Many concertgoers who recently attended TLC shows shared messages of encouragement, revealing that while they were disappointed not to see T-Boz on stage, their primary concern was her recovery.
One concertgoer wrote, “Me and my bestie were there last night and had the best time! It was unfortunate that T-boz wasn’t feeling well, but we felt it was still a great show!”
Others pointed to Chilli’s efforts to keep the show going under difficult circumstances, with one fan commenting, “For her do this by herself gotta be hard.. but like they say the show must go on. Prayers for her !”
The discussion also drew responses from people who could relate to T-Boz’s health struggles. One supporter shared, “I went to their show a couple days ago and unfortunately T-boz was also not there. I feel for her I have ITP another blood disorder but my girl Chili held shit down we love tlc.”
More From The Blast
T-Boz Reveals How Sickle Cell Nearly Derailed Her Life And Career
As fans continue to rally around T-Boz following her latest hospitalization, the health scare has also renewed attention on the extraordinary battle she has been fighting for decades.
Long before TLC became one of the biggest girl groups in music history, T-Boz was confronting grim predictions about her future after being diagnosed with sickle cell disease as a child.
In interviews promoting her memoir “A Sick Life,” the singer revealed that doctors gave her little reason to be optimistic.
“It’s a strong word, ‘a sick life,’ ‘cause I’ve had it all. I was told I would never live past 30; I would be disabled my whole life and never have kids,” she revealed in 2017 per ABC News.
Those predictions ultimately proved wrong. Despite spending years in and out of hospitals, enduring painful crises, and even being hospitalized for months during TLC’s peak years, T-Boz continued touring, recording, and building a family.
She has frequently spoken about how sickle cell remained an invisible struggle while TLC dominated the charts in the 1990s, with fans often unaware of the physical pain she was managing behind the scenes.
T-Boz Shuts Down Rumors After Medical Emergency
Years before her current sickle cell crisis sidelined her from TLC’s tour, T-Boz found herself battling another health emergency and an avalanche of online speculation.
In August 2024, TLC was forced to cancel multiple performances after the singer was hospitalized with what doctors later identified as a severe abdominal blockage. The medical issue triggered widespread concern among fans and sparked rumors that quickly spread across social media.
After recovering, T-Boz addressed claims that her hospitalization was linked to Ozempic use. Frustrated by the speculation, she pushed back directly against the narrative.
“Everybody and every celeb ain’t on Ozempic,” she noted in an Instagram video, adding, “The ignorance is disheartening to me because I would just pray for people, or if I have nothing to say, I would just shut the hell up and say nothing at all.”
She went on to explain that the blockage was actually caused by scar tissue from a surgery she underwent 24 years earlier. She stressed that the condition had “nothing to do with constipation,” “nothing to do with [sickle cell anemia],” and “no, I’m not on Ozempic.”
At the time, T-Boz also reminded fans that serious medical conditions should not immediately become subjects for internet theories.
Raven-Symoné has fans letting their Twitter fingers fly across multiple platforms! The Disney Channel icon is facing swift backlash after a resurfaced clip from the podcast she hosts with her wife, Miranda Maday, went viral. In the video, she, comedian Kalen Allen and Miranda discuss whether her Disney character, Raven Baxter, was Black. While he insisted Baxter was “Black AF,” Symoné and Maday appeared to disagree. Now, amid the intensifying backlash to the clip, Allen says he’s been receiving death threats.
RELATED: Get It, Rae! Fans Bring Up Raven-Symoné’s “Black Side” & Wife After She Dances To ‘Spend Dat’ (VIDEO)
Which Resurfaced Video Is The Internet Popping Off About?
On April 10, 2026, Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday released an episode of ‘Tea Time’ via YouTube. Kalen Allen was their special guest. While there, he discussed his journey from viral content creator to working for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. However, the trio also chatted about other topics, eventually landing on Raven’s Blackness, the Disney show ‘That’s So Raven’ and her character Raven Baxter.
The clipped video that’s been going viral this week is about 39 seconds long. It starts with Raven explaining that her Blackness “can look so many different ways.” At that point, Kalen Allen hopped in, saying that Raven-Symoné was set up because “Raven Baxter was so f**king Black…” Rae pushed back, asking, “Was she Black?” and Allen immediately clarified that the character “felt Black as hell” to him. After he was asked to explain, Raven-Symoné said Allen saw “color.” Then, she challenged him to take the color out of it and listen to the words. At that point, Miranda chimed in, bringing in the demographics of the show’s writers.
Girl…… no pic.twitter.com/dUl5oyVN59
— Annie 💋ミ☆ (@mochagrandeeee) September 1, 2026
Kalen Allen Says He’s Getting Death Threats
On Wednesday (September 2), Kalen Allen addressed the backlash he’s personally received from the viral podcast clip. Allen began his posts on Threads by revealing he’s been receiving death threats. He did not include any screenshots of said threats. Also, he clarified his stance on whether Raven Baxter was a Black character and admitted that he could’ve followed up on Rae’s comments.
“Sending me death threats for something I didn’t say is taking it too far. Be fucking for real. I SAID RAVEN BAXTER WAS BLACK AF. Literally. Those were my words. ‘Raven Baxter was Black as f*ck.’ ‘She was Black to me.’ So critique me for not asking another question. Critique me for not pushing back harder. I’ve watched it back, sat with it, and I actually think that criticism is fair. I initiated the conversation. I could have followed up. I should have. I can own that.”
In continued posts, six total, Kalen Allen denied that he agreed with Raven-Symoné’s take on Raven Baxter. He also clarified that the clipped podcast video is missing the context about how ‘Absolutely Psychic’ developed into ‘That’s So Raven.’
“Understanding someone’s reasoning is not the same as agreeing with their conclusion. Could I have made that clearer? Yes. Could I have said, “Okay, but let’s unpack that”? Yes. And honestly, after watching it back, I expected another question from me too. That’s accountability.”
Allen added, “What is NOT accountability is assigning someone else’s words to me and then threatening me over words I NEVER SAID.” He added that he believes in giving people grace and hearing perspectives, even when he doesn’t agree. Furthermore, he outlined how he might handle such a situation next time, regardless of who he’s speaking to. Then, he ultimately asked to be left alone, saying that threats over a Disney conversation is “insane.”
“Do not invent a position for me and then punish me for having it. And please learn the difference between accountability and abuse. Because sending somebody death threats over a Disney Channel discourse is f**king insane. Be f**king for real. LEAVE ME ALONE!”
Meanwhile, Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday have not publicly addressed the backlash.
RELATED: Raven-Symoné Speaks Out After Her Wife Miranda Allegedly Received Death Threats (WATCH)
How Fiery Is The Internet Backlash?
It’s blazing, to say the least. Hot as the sun, chile! The clip from Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday appears to be trending on multiple platforms, including Instagram, X and Threads. Some internet users are expressing disappointment in the Hollywood icon’s stance. Others are sharing their takes on why Raven Baxter IS Black and always has been — even citing episodes like ‘True Colors’ from S3, which tackles racial discrimination against the character. Another pocket of critics are taking aim at Miranda Maday, calling her out for weighing in on a topic she racially doesn’t relate to. Additionally, another conversation taking place is Raven-Symoné’s history of making controversial comments about her own Blackness.
Keep scrolling to see a mix of reactions from X.
every time i see an interview with raven & she talks race, i get disappointed. what do you mean that’s so raven wasn’t black? it had so much black history… & it was an entire episode based on raven not getting hired because she’s black … hello https://t.co/Bbd3bwReAx
— Le Kid (@ItsLeKid) September 1, 2026
Raven Symone: Why did Raven feel Black to you?
Raven Baxter in That’s So Raven pic.twitter.com/BQubKv1GIj— Amunet (@VintageSitcoms) September 1, 2026
That’s So Raven & The Proud Family was two of the ONLY shows in the early 2000s on Disney Channel that touched on black topics because they were for US . These topics couldn’t be on “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” or “Hannah Montana” or “Wizards of Waverly Place” cause it…
— 3/12 🎈 (@Isaiah_Jaay) September 2, 2026
Raven Symone has been telling y’all she’s not with that pro-black shit for over a decade but y’all won’t believe her because y’all want her to be Raven Baxter. pic.twitter.com/7zSaKjY3Xm
— Sisa (@TheTitanBaddie) September 2, 2026
i fear raven symone is exactly where she wants to be and she has always been this way… yall just keep confusing her with raven BAXTER… and that’s the problem lmao when people show and tell you who they are, believe them. move on.
— oracle 𝟙𝟛🐺 (@StormEllimac) September 1, 2026
Raven, do not piss me off……. https://t.co/4UF3xaQpng pic.twitter.com/39KL0mVNnc
— New Phone Who Dis (@Swaggsocali) September 1, 2026
Actually That’s So Raven was OVERLY black lmfaooo! They got racially profiled & Eddy was trynna join a frat 😭 like PLEASE
— Jamila 🔔 (@_iamjamila) September 2, 2026
People think Raven is like that because of her white wife, but she was already like that, which is why her wife is white. pic.twitter.com/I2SxKgGA7v
— Rod Tidwell (@FreshWithDepth) September 2, 2026
Raven: “Take away the color, Make them green”
Me: OK ✅ https://t.co/av3974tZr0 pic.twitter.com/s8neAsheNO— Mela Yela (@_melayela_) September 2, 2026
Raven been in racial psychosis for 15 years. There is nothing we can do
— FUCKJIGGYJAYY2 (@jiggyjayy2) September 1, 2026
What the FUCK is Raven Symone talking about in 2026? Had the nerve to ask, “Why did you think Raven Baxter was Black?”
Uh, because she was.
Her mama was Black, her daddy was Black, her brother was Black.Chile, Raven needs to abandon that white heaux immediately.
— ᴍᴀɢɴᴇᴛᴏ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀɪɢʜᴛ. (@griotDAMONE) September 1, 2026
Raven Symone: Why did Raven feel Black to you?
Raven Baxter in That’s So Raven pic.twitter.com/bn4CJEJnjW https://t.co/adWTnfHySZ
— ᴺBri | daughter of Aphrodite💖🪽 (@bribricutie3) September 2, 2026
Why on earth would she try to convince us that That’s So Raven was a colorless show?
The same show where she had Della Reese scatting and doowappin’?!
I want Raven and that wife of hers to leave us alone. 😭
— noah’s arch (@gooonicorn) September 1, 2026
Raven-Symoné saying “why did you think Raven Baxter was Black” is so deathly unserious cause That’s So Raven literally has a whole episode where Raven sees into the future and faces antiBlack discrimination from a white employer
— 4quest.❤️🔱🖤 (@thinkpiecetribe) September 2, 2026
If Ray Charles watched “Thats so Raven” he’d know it was a black family. Like please and Raven know damn well it had black writers, she was being so disingenuous about that question too
— FUCKJIGGYJAYY2 (@jiggyjayy2) September 2, 2026
Raven has been white washed with an identity crisis for a while and because Black people have a nostalgia to her impact in Black television it’s a heavy disconnect that she doesn’t like the audience who pedestalizes her https://t.co/vGCxrj00Eb
— Paris The Icon (@_ParadiseParis1) September 2, 2026
The wife is a symptom. Raven is resentful of being seen as a “Black actress” similar to the way the R&B girls do that “Why do I have to be R&B just because I’m Black” thing. They see being a “Black Artist” as limiting. She’s been like this for years. Mind you, the filmography… https://t.co/NsG7JTnxvP
— B (@Breliloquy) September 1, 2026
Raven Symone: Why did That’s So Raven feel Black to you?
Me: you literally had THE Della Reese SCATTTTING on stage. pic.twitter.com/KA2HvVKeVH
— Andre 3004 (@Blackkout__) September 2, 2026
That’s So Raven was Black as hell.
Raven Symone will NOT gaslight me lmao
— Andre 3004 (@Blackkout__) September 2, 2026
Raven Baxter was BLACK. pic.twitter.com/6lYQZCgUN2
— Taylor Gray (@offtaylorgray) September 1, 2026
RELATED: Wayment! Raven-Symoné Reveals The Real Inspiration Behind Her “Ya Nasty” Catchphrase From ‘That’s So Raven’ (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
‘Black Widow’ Meets ‘Ballerina’ in New Action Epic Officially Taking Over Netflix Globally
With several recent movies from international territories finding success on Netflix, it is the turn of a large-scale action-adventure from India to keep the streak going. The movie in question found spots on the streamer’s global and domestic viewership charts following its debut on Netflix at the end of August. This comes after the stunning success of the Spanish-language crime movie Facing El Chapo, which emerged as Netflix’s most-watched hit globally a week ago. Before that, the Thai-language action film The Debt Collector emerged as a global hit as well.
The new Indian film was originally released in theaters on July 3; it underperformed at the box office and received poor reviews. It is a part of the sprawling Spy Universe franchise, which also includes the blockbuster films Pathaan and War. The series has been on shaky ground of late, however, with recent entries such as Tiger 3 and War 2 both falling short of expectations. The latest installment stars Alia Bhatt in the lead role of a genetically modified soldier who goes rogue and seeks revenge against the man who turned her into what she is. The film’s plot is set against geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, much like several previous installments of the series. But it also clearly owes a creative debt to movies such as Black Widow and From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.
Here’s the New Action Epic Taking Over Netflix Globally
Bhatt will be best known to Western audiences for playing the villain in the Netflix movie Heart of Stone, starring Gal Gadot. Her new movie is titled Alpha. She is joined in the cast by the relative newcomer Sharvari, and the ’90s Bollywood icon Bobby Deol, whose career was given a shot in the arm thanks to the blockbuster film Animal. Alpha also features the veteran star Anil Kapoor, who appeared in Slumdog Millionaire, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol, and 24. According to FlixPatrol, Alpha is currently among the most-watched movies on Netflix across the world and in the United States and the United Kingdom. It’s also the number-one movie in India and Pakistan, among other countries with large South Asian populations.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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July 9, 2021
- Runtime
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134 minutes
- Director
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Cate Shortland
- Writers
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Eric Pearson
For Jennifer Aniston, what began as a conversation celebrating Jim Curtis’ new book turned into something far more personal.
The actress stepped onto a New York stage this week not only as a moderator but as someone willing to share a vulnerable side of herself in front of a packed audience.
As the couple’s romance continues to attract attention, the evening offered a rare glimpse into the challenges, fears, and personal growth both Aniston and Curtis say have shaped their lives.
The event at Kaufmann Concert Hall at 92NY Residence was intended to spotlight Jim Curtis’ new book, “The Book of Possibility,” but Jennifer Aniston ended up making headlines herself.
During a fan Q&A following their onstage discussion, the actress was asked to share “one possibility” she was choosing in her own life. Her answer surprised many in attendance.
According to the Daily Mail, Aniston revealed that she was “choosing to overcome a very deep, deep fear of public speaking.”
The confession carried added significance given that she had just spent the evening interviewing Curtis before a full theater audience.
The 57-year-old also opened up about how she managed pressure when stressful situations arose. Asked about her approach, she replied, “I think I’m doing really well. Deep breaths and meditation.”
She later elaborated on the technique that helped keep her grounded, adding, “Truly. It is five deep, deep breaths. Focus. Take a moment.”
Aniston’s Boyfriend Opens Up About Life-Changing Diagnosis
While Jennifer Aniston spoke about fear, Curtis used the conversation to reflect on a battle that dramatically altered the course of his own life.
The author recalled being in his early twenties when doctors discovered lesions on his spinal cord, a diagnosis that resulted in partial paralysis and chronic nerve damage.
Rather than focusing solely on the medical setback, Curtis discussed the mindset he developed while learning to live with the condition.
“I’m not saying here that if the doctor tells you to do something, you should get up and leave,” he explained, adding, “What I’m saying is you don’t have to live as the victim. You don’t have to live in your suffering. It can become your power.”
He said his philosophy for navigating hardship centers on one principle: learning to “accept it and love it.”
Jennifer Aniston Watches As Jim Curtis Shares Personal Insecurities
One of the evening’s most candid moments came when Curtis discussed the emotional toll his condition had on his self-image.
The wellness coach admitted that for years he struggled to tell people the truth about why he walked with a limp. Instead, he often created an alternative explanation.
“I would say I got into a motorcycle accident,” Curtis admitted. He explained that the story stemmed from feelings of embarrassment about his diagnosis.
“I was so shameful that I had a medical condition. I was broken in some way. I thought the motorcycle accident was at least a little macho,” the 50-year-old shared.
According to Curtis, it took more than two decades of self-work to change that mindset. Over 25 years, he said he learned to “overcome” those insecurities through “self-acceptance and self-love.”
More From The Blast
Aniston’s Boyfriend Shares Rare Details About Their Relationship
Before Jennifer Aniston stepped onstage with Curtis to discuss “The Book of Possibility” and reveal her fear of public speaking, Curtis had already begun pulling back the curtain on their relationship.
Just days before the New York event, he appeared on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” where he gave one of his most candid interviews yet about dating the actress.
As The Blast shared, Curtis didn’t hesitate to praise her when asked about Aniston. “My experience of her is so grounded and so open and caring and kind and loving,” he said.
He also spoke warmly about the actress’s famously tight-knit circle of friends, describing them as “this group of best friends that are like family.”
One of the interview’s most notable moments came when Curtis admitted how welcomed he feels within that circle.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of and welcomed into that family,” he noted, later calling it “such a beautiful community and group of people.”
Jennifer Aniston’s Romance Was Already Becoming More Public
Even before Jim Curtis’ podcast appearance, signs were emerging that Aniston was entering a new chapter in her relationship.
Page Six reported that the actress was becoming noticeably more open about her romance with Curtis, a significant shift for someone who has historically kept her relationships out of the spotlight.
According to sources who spoke with the outlet, Aniston and Curtis were “still very, very happy” after more than a year together.
Insiders pointed to a level of emotional security that Aniston had reportedly struggled to find in previous relationships.
One source claimed, “This relationship is succeeding on so many levels because it’s got things that Jen’s never had before.” Another added that “she never ever questions where she stands with him — he has zero hesitation about letting her know that he is crazy about her and is totally devoted.”
Theo James is reacting to the rumors that Meghan Markle could potentially be his costar on The Gentlemen.
“Yes, Fergie is joining. She’ll be playing my love interest,” the actor, 41, joked about the casting rumors, referring to royal family member Sarah Ferguson in an interview with Town & Country published on Wednesday, September 2.
Jokes aside, James added that he believes that the rumors about the Duchess of Sussex, 45, being cast in The Gentlemen season 3 were “mainly a lot of hot air.”
“At the moment, we’re just trying to get as many eyes on season two, and then season three will happen soon,” he told the outlet. “But in terms of story, we have the overarching ambition of where we’re going to go. We’re going to expand the world, go to different countries. But in terms of the minutiae, I mean, it’s still very much up in the air.”
Rumors swirled last month that Meghan was in talks to join the cast of the Guy Ritchie series amid news of her and Prince Harry’s return to the United Kingdom. The Gentlemen appeared to be a perfect fit for Meghan to make her return to acting as the Netflix series films in the U.K.
However, it has since been reported by Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, that the former royal’s offer had been withdrawn due to backlash.
Days later, a Netflix executive cryptically responded to the rumors about Meghan’s involvement in the show.
“All bets are off,” Manda Levin, Netflix’s scripted chief in the U.K., said at the Edinburgh TV Festival on August 26, when asked about the rumors about Suits alum joining the series.
News of Meghan’s potential involvement came before The Gentlemen season 2 premiere on Netflix. Ahead of its premiere, the streamer revealed the show was renewed for season 3.
Meghan Markle quit acting ahead of her 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry and before the pair relocated to the United States. Now that the couple are preparing to return to England, is an acting comeback in Meghan’s future? After securing a handful of TV and film roles, Meghan notably starred as paralegal-turned-attorney Rachel Zane […]
“Ambition can’t be tamed. The Gentlemen Season 2, starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, premieres NEXT THURSDAY,” Netflix wrote via its official X account in August. “As for Season 3? Consider it official.”
The Gentlemen follows James’ character Eddie as he makes the unexpected transition from duke to drug baron after inheriting a weed empire. Eddie ultimately partners with a criminal dynasty that has its own agenda. After establishing his criminal enterprise in the inaugural season, season 2 will follow Eddie as he expands on an international level. The Gentlemen season 2 will premiere on Thursday, September 3.
“You still want the humor, but this season we wanted to take some of the wins of season one, but also learn from some of the things that we didn’t quite get to do on season one, which was push the characters into a bit more depth, give them moral quandaries that they can have regrets about and that can have lasting ramifications upon them,” James said of what to expect in season 2. “And also with my character, soften him, see him make mistakes and fall in love and be betrayed and everything in between, to evolve the show as much as we can.”
The Shards put effort into carefully — but accurately — portraying the fictionalized version of Bret Easton Ellis‘ sexual assault on screen.
During the Wednesday, September 2, episode of the FX show, Bret (Igby Rigney) is blackmailed with a tape that reveals he previously met up with girlfriend Debbie’s (Hayes Warner) dad, Terry (Wes Bentley), in a hotel room. As Bret narrated the memory, he acknowledged that his view of the situation has changed as he has gotten older.
“Wes was very specific and very active in the conversation,” Rigney, 23, exclusively told Us about how the cast and creative team approached the sensitive scene. “And I knew [cocreator] Ryan [Murphy] wanted that scene specifically to be treated with respect because it is unfortunately a situation that can and has happened and is very terrible for a young person to be placed in that particular situation.”
He continued: “We wanted to be really careful and just make sure that it wasn’t gratuitous or sexualized in any manner.”
Executive producer Brad Simpson offered more insight into the conversations that took place.
“It’s a big part of the book. It’s a big part of the character Bret’s experience, and I think it was a big part of an experience especially [for] gay men of a certain generation,” he told Us. “[In many cases] their first sexual experiences were either forced on them or were available to them were older men.”
Simpson pointed out how the show followed the troubling dynamic between Bret and Terry, adding, “Bret has been groomed all season by Terry — clearly — even though he doesn’t see it as grooming. People at that time looked at it differently. Like, if it happened to you, you looked at it differently. There wasn’t the sort of language of, ‘You’ve been assaulted’ for teen boys with older gay men. But it was important to Ryan that we depict it and we depict it with sensitivity but also with accuracy to remain true to the book.”
He added: “What he came up with I think hopefully threads the line in a way that works. We see Bret enter the Beverly Hills Hotel and we see him enter Terry’s room and we see what led up to it. Then we were in the bathroom with him making a decision to go in and also in the aftermath of that.”
The series pulled heavily from real-life author Ellis’ book of the same name.
“We really used a lot of the words from the book. A lot of the words he uses describe what happened instead of showing. It’s pretty graphic in the book, and we stayed pretty graphic because we thought that was important,” Simpson continued. “We adjusted some language to give the future Bret — the narrator — more self awareness over what this really was. Because I think the character in real time back in the 1980s, our character in the show is not seeing it as an assault. He’s seeing it as something he has to endure.”
The writing team wanted to balance how past Bret saw the incident with the way his adult self would describe the traumatic moment.
“Put your most intense stuff up-front, but we wanted the audience to be able to be prepared and be on Bret’s side. So hopefully, we handled it in the right way,” Simpson shared with Us. “There was never a conversation about not having it in. It was about knowing how to do it correctly, and nobody felt like we could actually show the sex act between this older man and this teenage boy on screen. We knew we couldn’t do that, but how do we get the graphicness of what happened to this character? And we decided going back to Bret’s words was the most effective way.”
The Shards, which airs Wednesdays, is an adaptation based on Ellis’ fictionalized memoir about his high school years. The 2023 release was Ellis’ first in 13 years and has a disclaimer stating that all the major players in The Shards are fictional — apart from the narrator.
Ellis, 62, previously addressed how he wrote about an incident where the book version of him was taken advantage of by a Hollywood producer.
“Gay men are different. Sorry, the gay world is different,” he said on a 2023 episode of his podcast when asked about the mentions of the dynamic in the book. “I didn’t really want to do it, but no negative feelings about it except that I didn’t get an agent and I didn’t get my script made.”
The Shards airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FX.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
There’s a fallacy that anything recognized by the Academy Awards is the equivalent of “eating your vegetables.” Over the Oscars’ nearly 100-year history, this has never been true. Sure, the crop of Best Picture winners features its fair share of banal, forgettable historical biopics and turgid dramas, and the term “Oscar bait” exists for a reason. However, some of the most crowd-pleasing and entertaining movies of all time have been rightfully crowned Best Picture by the Academy. Voters understand that making the viewer feel alive and actively involved is a film’s most powerful trait, and these 8 honorees of the Oscars’ top prize are the finest examples of appealing to the masses while retaining their artistic merit.
8
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
Find another Best Picture winner that features the multiverse, butt plugs, hot dog fingers, and a conversation between rocks. Spoiler alert: you can’t. Everything Everywhere All at Once remains an anomaly among the crop of previous BP winners, and it set the trend for future unconventional movies to be taken seriously as awards contenders. The directing pair of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert being Oscar darlings was shocking, but when you look at the final product they produced in 2022, it’s understandable why voters flooded them with awards. It’s just so fun to watch, after all.
A film that won a whopping three acting awards, including for Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, and Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once sneaks up on you in surprising ways. Sincere at its most archaic, touching at its most silly, and expertly crafted at its most amateurish, the Daniels’ action/sci-fi/comedy/family drama captured the world by storm upon release, unlike any other strange and exotic arthouse experience churned out by A24. With the directors throwing everything and the kitchen sink at you, it’s easy to grasp on to something invigorating or rollicking.
Between its martial arts-inspired action and the romantic yearning of Wong Kar-wai, EEAAO is an active moviegoing extravaganza that makes the screen feel alive. With all its easter eggs, minor details, and other bells and whistles on the screen, the film rewards frequent re-watches. It doesn’t take a lot of encouragement to get a viewer to strap along for the Daniels’ multiversal odyssey. When watching EEAAO, you get the feeling of being transported not only to a new world, but to a whole new language of expressing cinematic ideas. That sure is exciting.
7
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
A movie like The Silence of the Lambs, an adaptation of Thomas Harris‘ same-named horror-thriller about abductions and serial murders, not only winning Best Picture but also sweeping all five major categories, seemed impossible. However, Jonathan Demme‘s box office smash-hit and critical darling defied the odds in 1991, winning Oscars for its director and two stars, Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. The film’s craft was so undeniable that the Oscars had to get over their bias against genre movies.
Demme, a versatile, journeyman director with a personal touch, unlocked his full potential with The Silence of the Lambs. Despite its lurid source material, the film is shockingly tender and understated as an intimate melodrama about the perverse human dynamics between opposite sides of the law. Demme’s signature close-up shots lend sympathy to these psychologically warped serial killers and imbue terror into Clarice, one of modern cinema’s most iconic female protagonists. With just roughly 15 minutes of screen time, Hopkins permanently shaped culture’s vision of cunning, slick, and fiendish serial killers.
The film’s craft was so undeniable that the Oscars had to get over their bias against genre movies.
While its artful nature is a thing of beauty, The Silence of the Lambs certainly doesn’t sell short as a genre film. A quintessential case of a “B-movie with A-movie ideas,” Demme unleashes his chops from working under the Roger Corman school with his execution of chilling suspense sequences and shocking horror flourishes. The emotional dread and palpable terror shared by all parties in the movie explain how such a grisly film could win Best Picture, as the film is just as interested in breaking down the psychology of sociopaths as it is in exploiting their danger. The Silence of the Lambs offers everything you want in a movie.
6
‘West Side Story’ (1961)
When you think of Hollywood musicals, West Side Story is one of the first things that is likely to pop into your head. Every song, number, studio backlot set, and image is seared into the heart of American culture. While it began as a stage musical by Arthur Laurents, West Side Story became firmly cemented in the lexicon with Robert Wise‘s big-screen adaptation in 1961, which earned a whopping 10 Oscars and has endured as a landmark of movie musicals. Despite its age, the film hasn’t lost an ounce of its joyous entertainment value.
On the stage, West Side Story was already special, so it was a no-brainer for United Artists to re-use and reunite the previous collaborators, such as choreographer Jerome Robbins (who also co-directed the film), composer Leonard Bernstein, and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. As a result, the movie adaptation of the stage play was perhaps even more magical, giving this modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet a revamped energy thanks to the wonderful display of Technicolor and old-school romanticism. While Steven Spielberg‘s 2021 remake gives it a run for its money, there is still nothing as striking as Wise’s foundational film.
Ripe with flashy showbiz vigor, whimsical tonality, and aching heartbreak, West Side Story works on you in multiple ways, hitting every nerve simultaneously. Wise, whose origins as an editor made for some of the most seamless choreography ever portrayed in film, conducts a dazzling symphony that turns harsh subjects such as race and class divides into popular grandeur. Capturing the essence of New York City through a theatrical re-creation of the gritty streets, West Side Story upends the masculine urges of gang warfare with this exhilarating song-and-dance show. Most impressive of all, the film remains an unimpeachable work despite the less-than-stellar lead performances by Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, both of whom are outmatched by their all-star supporting co-stars, notably Oscar winners George Chakiris and Rita Moreno.
5
‘Titanic’ (1997)
James Cameron shouting, “I’m the king of the world!” after receiving Best Director at the Oscars was understandably met with some groans, but it’s hard to deny that self-proclamation. Everyone doubted him, but he came out of Titanic as the king of the box office in 1997, and the monumental romantic epic went on to win a record-tying 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Nitpick and sneer at it all you want, but Titanic is an undisputed masterpiece of major blockbuster filmmaking that wins over the most cynical viewers.
For months, extending past its 1997 release and awards run in 1998, the world had Titanic fever. From the swooning romance between Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Jack Dawson and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater to the grand sinking sequence, everyone had to have an opinion on the film. No one will argue that Cameron’s writing isn’t hokey and broad, or that its characters aren’t confined to rigid cultural stereotypes, but anyone who does argue that the film’s emotional impact and narrative construction doesn’t pay out like a slot machine is delusional.
Although the film is about a tragic disaster where over 1,000 passengers and crew members died, Titanic became a cultural juggernaut thanks to Cameron’s humanity, operatic romance, and personal strokes of triumph, most prominently seen with the redemption arc of the present-day Rose (Gloria Stuart). Its three-hour runtime flies by as fast as the titular ship’s propellers, and the film is filled to the brim with enough iconic quotes, scenes, and images to keep your imagination flowing constantly. Cited as the finest example of a four-quadrant movie, Titanic offers everything. Whether you’re looking for a fateful romance, period costume drama, historical epic, or action extravaganza, Cameron sampled all genres to create something truly indelible.
4
‘Casablanca’ (1942)
Arguably the most quotable movie in Hollywood history, Casablanca may seem like a staid relic of the classic studio system for younger audiences. However, anyone who thinks they can skip this towering achievement in filmmaking will regret ever holding that thought after watching it. Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Casablanca embodies the wonder, imagination, and breathless entertainment value of old Hollywood, and it’s time for modern viewers to embrace its enduring power over 80 years since its release.
While many iconic classics have been snubbed for the Best Picture prize, Casablanca was perhaps the ultimate “no-brainer” decision for the Academy in 1943. Set on the periphery of World War II at a titular nightclub, run by a cynical expat and former political activist, the film established the arc of the misanthrope-turned-saint. Bogart’s screen persona was born the minute we first see Rick Blaine’s hangdog, downbeat expression, and his relationship with his lost lover, Ilsa Lund, played by the luminous and transcendent Bergman. A story about an estranged romance and the stakes of WWII, Casablanca is a miraculous stroke of filmmaking.
On paper, something as dialogue-heavy and restricted as Casablanca shouldn’t be such an enthralling viewing experience, but what it lacks in traditional thrills is made up for by its scintillating writing. From a narrative construction perspective, the film flows with incredible ease, taking the viewer along the ride as we come to learn the emotional backdrop of Rick’s disillusionment and Ilsa’s agonizing conflict. Of course, the film’s script is famous for its vast array of legendary line readings, from “Here’s looking at you, kid” to “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” While not a traditional noir, Casablanca‘s moody atmosphere and gorgeous visual language create a sense of endless intrigue surrounding this lavish but bleak world.
3
‘The Departed’ (2006)
Yes, this is a make-up award, and it’s ridiculous that it took this long for Martin Scorsese to win an Oscar, but these facts do not call for any disrespect thrown at The Departed‘s name. The film, which earned the renowned director his long-awaited Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture, acted as a “greatest hits” album for his entire career while also pushing his relentless energy and dramatic propulsion to new heights. For what it’s worth, it’s also one of his most addictively entertaining efforts to date, and that says a lot by Scorsese’s standards.
During the casting process, Scorsese wasn’t kidding around, as he assembled an all-star lineup featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, and Jack Nicholson. The flashiness of his cast is matched by the operatic and maximalist scope of The Departed, a frantic, vulgar, and deliriously manic Boston-set gangster saga based on the Hong Kong crime drama Infernal Affairs. Tackling the American Dream, Irish guilt, family heritage, loyalty, and the blurred lines between cop and criminal, The Departed didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it excited critics and audiences to profound degrees.
Despite its grit and bloodshed, The Departed is undoubtedly one of the funniest movies not just in Scorsese’s career, but of any movie in the last 20 years. The film is just as much a tribute to classic Warner Bros. gangster pictures as it is to the Boston accent and loudmouthed, hard-nosed Irish-American culture. Every crass insult and passionate interjection will leave you howling, even when the comedy is pitch-black and relates to gruesome acts of violence. Along with the humor, The Departed moves at such a relentless pace, jumping from one wild scene to another without hesitation. One hour will zip past you, and it will feel like 10 minutes as this gripping story unfolds and characters flirt with death.
2
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)
The rare Best Picture winner in the modern age to be both a blockbuster and a triumphant critical success, Oppenheimer was the culmination of everything Christopher Nolan was building towards. After years of industry-changing milestones with hits like The Dark Knight and Inception, our greatest living blockbuster auteur was officially crowned as the Steven Spielberg of his time with Oppenheimer, a film that turns what should’ve been a “homework” movie into a visceral, propulsive, and devastating feat of cinema.
With Nolan’s The Odyssey currently dominating the culture, it’s clear that Nolan is losing relevance any time soon, but until this year’s Oscars, Oppenheimer, which won seven Academy Awards, including wins for Nolan, Robert Downey Jr., and Cillian Murphy, is his defining magnum opus. The film is a historical biopic on the surface, but Nolan’s probing examination of the titular physicist’s complex mind and deconstruction of his notorious legacy in American history make it a fervent psychological voyage unlike any other cradle-to-grave saga.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the film’s focal point, the development and weaponization of a nuclear bomb that was eventually dropped on Japan to end World War II, Oppenheimer has become an instant re-watchable classic. This is all thanks to Nolan’s effortless skills as a director of escalating suspense and tension, best displayed in the showstopping Trinity Test. Oppenheimer is Nolan’s most extraordinary directorial and screenwriting effort simply due to the fact that most of the “action” consists of people talking in rooms, but these security clearance hearings and Senate confirmation trials burst off the screen, aided by the staggering visual opulence of the IMAX cinematography.
1
‘Parasite’ (2019)
The film that defied all the odds. Not only did an international/foreign language film win the coveted Best Picture prize in 2020 (perhaps the world’s last piece of good news before the pandemic), but Parasite proved to be a sensation that birthed an entire generation of cinephiles. The social satire/psychological thriller was the culmination of Bong Joon-ho‘s entire career. If Memories of Murder and The Host didn’t do so already, Parasite showed that Bong operates at an entertainment level unmatched by his contemporaries. Once and for all, the film got all skeptics to realize that subtitles weren’t a hindrance to fun.
In keeping with Bong’s house style, Parasite is a mishmash of tones and genres, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they laugh at the vanity of the rich Park family, ponder the fate of the parasitic Kim family, and watch in awe as this social clash unfolds to shocking degrees in this film about South Korean culture and economics. Despite seeming like an insular subject for Western audiences, Parasite‘s infectious narrative construction and deft tonal balance were transfixing for mainstream audiences with little experience engaging with international cinema.
Bong’s control of the frame is legendary, and we’re hard-pressed to find a director with more precise control of their own movie than the South Korean auteur, who walked away from the Oscar ceremony with additional awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. This sense of complete artistic virtuosity was palpable to any viewer without a Letterboxd, as the director’s use of expert blocking, camera shifting, and music cues captures the feeling of a third act in a comic book movie. Not to mention, Parasite is simply hilarious and invigorating, and its genre exceptionalism complements its deep thematic commentary.
Jennifer Aniston honored the late Dolly Parton during a rare public appearance with her boyfriend, Jim Curtis.
The death of the late country music icon at 80 came up during Aniston, 57, and her beau’s panel at The 92nd Street Y in New York City on Wednesday, September 2, to promote Curtis’ new book, The Book of Possibility. While the format of the panel revolved around Aniston interviewing Curtis, 50, on stage, she also answered a few questions from the audience.
When a fan asked for the “best advice” she could give, Aniston shared some wisdom from a “dear friend of all of ours, Miss Dolly Parton.”
“It’s real. … We’re all in post-Parton, aren’t we?” she declared. “One of her many, many, many, many incredible quotes, and they’re endless, endless, endless, she would say, ‘I chased a few rainbows and I caught some.’ I would say, go chase your dreams and go catch some rainbows. You’ll catch a few. [Dolly] did that, for sure.”
Hollywood is in mourning following the death of country music icon and actress Dolly Parton. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel […]
The world has spent the last week in mourning following an announcement on August 25 that the legendary singer had died.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” a statement from Parton’s rep read. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Dolly Parton Rick Diamond/Getty Images
While a cause of death was not initially made public, Parton’s representative later confirmed that she’d had a “brief battle with cancer.”
Tributes from Parton’s family and friends — including 9 to 5 costar Jane Fonda, goddaughter Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift — have poured in from across the world.
On Friday, August 28, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee introduced plans to rename Nashville International Airport in Parton’s honor. The renaming proposal has the support of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority while Parton’s family has agreed to continue conversations about the tribute, per the governor’s office.
Dolly Parton’s loved ones gathered at her burial site in Nashville three days after the singer’s death. Parton’s closest relatives, including her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, were spotted arriving at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville on Friday, August 28, as seen in photos obtained by Page Six. Seaver reportedly coordinated […]
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Gov. Lee, 66, said in a statement on Friday, August 28. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Parton’s team has also confirmed that she was working on numerous projects — Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum and the SongTeller Hotel— prior to her death, thus ensuring that her legacy will continue far into the future.
It’s been two years since Guy Ritchie‘s Netflix series, The Gentlemen, first hit our streaming screens, and its sophomore return is making an even bigger splash than Season 1. Based on his 2019 film of the same title, The Gentlemen follows the story of Edward Horniman (Theo James), 13th Duke of Halstead, former Army captain and newly minted gangster, as he navigates the world of drugs and crime upon returning to his family estate. While Season 1 focused on bringing Eddie into this new world as an aristocrat-turned-criminal, Season 2 pushes the character into deeper and darker waters. The new season brings in the Italian mafia, Peruvian cartels, the British House of Lords, and a sprinkling of mysticism and myth we’ve never seen before. It’s a tonal shift away from the comedy that was so evident in Season 1, but the move is for the better as The Gentlemen transforms and evolves into something completely new.
‘The Gentlemen’ Expands Its World of Crime in Season 2
If Season 1 of The Gentlemen was about easing us into the world of crime alongside Eddie, then Season 2 is about his quiet rise into becoming a kingpin in his own right. The season starts with the reveal that Eddie is trying to secure a seat in the House of Lords in an attempt to derail a bill set to decriminalize marijuana. At the same time, he’s expanded Bobby Glass’ (Ray Winstone) empire into Italy, bringing in more money and creating more weed farms. Of course, any criminal expansion into Italy will inevitably bring its own baggage, and both Eddie and Susie (Kaya Scodelario) have to face off against the mafia’s El Capo dei Capi (the boss of bosses), Marco Moretti (Sergio Castellitto).
While Season 1 of The Gentlemen stuck to the blueprint of Ritchie’s film, Season 2 expands in all directions in the vein of his more sober crime drama, MobLand. Expanding into the international world of criminals means that whatever equilibrium was found after Season 1 has been undone. It’s clear that while Susie and Eddie might be able to keep their cool in London, leaving the safe confines of England means they are navigating more dangerous territory. While some shows struggle when the cast expands and the story with it, Ritchie has rooted The Gentlemen in a way that makes its evolution feel organic. This is still a story about class differences, about crime and morality, about power and ownership. We’re just seeing it on a grander scale. New players are added to the game and the season itself has bigger action scenes, more explosions, and devastating betrayals that will keep viewers on their toes.
‘The Gentlemen’s Season 2 Cast Shines, but Eddie and Susie’s Relationship Is Peak
At the core of The Gentlemen Season 2 is the partnership between Eddie and Susie. Although both characters get their own love interests in the season — Eddie falls for Bella (Benedetta Porcaroli), an Italian countess, and Susie reconnects with an old flame named Joe (Tyler Conti) — the chemistry between James and Scodelario still sizzles. Amidst tragedy and backstabbings, their palpable connection is the beating heart of the show and one of the few authentic relationships in a world full of dodgy characters. They still quip back and forth as old married couples do, but they also share rare moments of vulnerability that add extra spice to their charged conversations. It helps that everyone else seems to think that Susie and Eddie are destined for each other, even if they continue to insist it’s all professional.
Season 2 also gives returning characters a chance to shine, specifically Winstone’s Bobby, whose character takes a curiously superstitious turn that adds an element of whimsy and mystery to the story. Vinnie Jones‘ Geoff is once again one of the best parts of the show, and Jones gets a fantastic action sequence in the latter part of the season that shows the man can be deadly as well as considerate. His quiet romance with Joely Richardson‘s Lady Sabrina is something that I can never get enough of, and we can only hope that at the end of all of this they’ll just get to spend some quiet time in an English garden together.
Among Season 2’s new additions, Porcaroli’s Bella is a veritable angel. She is sweet and beautiful, and her passionate and empathetic performance plays well off of James’ more stoic and restrained Eddie. Hugh Bonneville, as the complicated Lord Hawthorne, is a perfect fit to balance the series’ comedy elements alongside its more serious dramatic moments. Castellitto nearly falls into the realm of stereotype as a literal Italian godfather to Bella and a mobster, but his scenes with James give him the type of depth that saves him from being a caricature. Similarly, Benjamin Clementine‘s Nanny, husband to Charlotte (Jasmine Blackborow) and new father to their son Tarquin, nearly slots into the mold of clueless in-law who has no idea about the Horniman family’s illicit dealings. Yet Season 2 delivers just enough twists to show that there’s more beneath the surface than just an honorable soldier who happens to be the king’s equerry.
Season 2 of ‘The Gentlemen’ Delivers a More Evolved Guy Ritchie Story
One of the most surprising things about The Gentlemen‘s sophomore season is the fact that the show is fully leaning into a side of Ritchie that we rarely get to see in his gangster stories. There’s a new introduction of mythology and mysticism that adds just the right notes of weirdness. Both Bobby and Stanley Johnston (Giancarlo Esposito) lean into this, with Bobby seeing a mythical Bannick (a spirit who lives in a sauna) and Mr. Johnston being linked to the mysticism of the origin of England and its ties to Eddie. On the surface, it’s a little bizarre and out of left field, especially considering how grounded Season 1 is, but as the show digs deeper into the themes of power, class, and Eddie’s obsession with taking back his family’s land, these elements help to crystallize Ritchie’s overall vision.
This quirky new element comes in place of the comedy that was far more apparent in Season 1. There are no travelers camping out at the duke’s estate, no men in chicken suits dancing for their lives. Although Ritchie directs three of the eight episodes, his typical slick and fast-paced style is far more subdued and slots in comfortably alongside Eran Creevy‘s four episodes and Nick Rowland‘s solo contribution. Comedic relief characters like Freddy (Daniel Ings) and Jimmy (Michael Vu) take more of a backseat this go around, which is unfortunate because they were both highlights in Season 1. Ultimately, it seems like Ritchie, who co-wrote every episode of Season 2 alongside Matthew Read, is dialing into something darker and even sinister for Eddie. As The Gentlemen sheds some of its flash, it’s replaced with a far more thoughtful and philosophical story, one that will carry it through to what is sure to be another outstanding season.
The Gentlemen Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
- Release Date
-
2024 – 2026-00-00
- Network
-
Netflix
- Directors
-
David Caffrey, Guy Ritchie, Eran Creevy, Nima Nourizadeh
- Writers
-
Stuart Carolan, Guy Ritchie, Matthew Read, Billy Mason Wood, Haleema Mirza
Pros & Cons
- The Gentlemen delves deeper into the core themes of the series in a philosophical way.
- Theo James and Kaya Scodelario have palpable chemistry that drives the season.
- The grander scale of Season 2 allows for a natural expansion of the story that feels organic.
Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial went home without a verdict on Wednesday (September 2), following a fifth day of deliberations. Twice, the jury said they couldn’t agree whether the Massachusetts mother is criminally responsible for killing her three young children.
RELATED: Massachusetts Mother Posted About Postpartum Depression Before Reportedly Killing Her Kids
Clancy, a 36-year-old former labor and delivery nurse, doesn’t deny strangling her three children in their home in 2023. But her attorney argues that postpartum psychosis led to her actions, while prosecutors say she knew what she was doing.
Before The Lindsay Clancy Jury Went Home & What Happens Next
As reported by The Associated Press, Judge William Sullivan told the jury to keep deliberating on Wednesday when they said for a second straight day that they couldn’t agree on a verdict. Clancy, meanwhile, stared at the jury without expression as Judge Sullivan informed the courtroom that the jurors were at an impasse. Sullivan told the jurors not to abandon their own convictions just to reach a verdict. Instead, he urged them to seriously consider opposing views and, if appropriate, reassess their positions.
No one knows, the judge said, that another jury would be “more intelligent, more impartial or more competent to decide it than you are.”
Afterward, Judge Sullivan sent them back out. The jury first said they were struggling to reach a unanimous decision Tuesday morning. They had resumed deliberations Wednesday after the judge questioned jurors one by one following the arrest of a woman on Tuesday who was accused of filming them as they left the courthouse. Judge Sullivan opened Wednesday’s proceedings with a warning to the courtroom about following his orders against filming, following, contacting, or tampering with jurors. Lindsay Clancy’s lawyer told The Associated Press that the judge called jurors up one by one to ask them if there was anything they saw that would affect their ability to be impartial.
This continued impasse indicates there’s a growing chance of a hung jury and the trial ending without a resolution. That said, the jury will return again on Thursday for a sixth day of deliberations.
Mental Health Has Been A MAJOR Focus In The Trial
Lindsay Clancy’s livestreamed trial has generated intense interest, with reporters and spectators packing the courtroom. The case has also sparked deep public divisions over her culpability and the issues around maternal mental health after childbirth.
Jurors have heard testimony from relatives and doctors about how Clancy’s mental health declined in the months before the killings. Also, they’ve heard how her treatment included several medications and a short stay in a psychiatric hospital. However, medical experts hired by the prosecution and the defense reached sharply different conclusions about her psychiatric state when she killed Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy, ages 5, 3 and 8 months.
What Happens If There’s A Mistrial?
If jurors ultimately can’t agree on a verdict, the judge could declare a mistrial. Prosecutors would then have to decide whether to put Clancy on trial again, drop the charges or try to negotiate a plea deal with her lawyer.
If the jury decides Clancy was criminally responsible for her actions, it could convict her of either murder or manslaughter. If she is acquitted, a judge could still order her confined to a mental health facility if an evaluation determines that she poses a danger to the public.
After court ended Tuesday, Clancy’s attorney said it was a good sign that the jury kept working.
“The fact that they have not said that they’re done is very, very heartening,” Kevin Reddington said. “Obviously, they’re working very hard.”
What To Know About The Day Lindsay Clancy Killed Her 3 Kids
Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children with exercise bands in their home’s basement, then jumped from a second-floor window. She remains paralyzed from the waist down. Her lawyers say she heard a voice telling her to kill the children so she could end her own life. Additionally, they’ve argued the mother had bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness that can follow childbirth.
But, the prosecution argues she deliberately sent her then-husband on errands to get him out of the house that day. Also, prosecutors have questioned the seriousness of her suicide attempt.
Lindsay’s husband, Patrick Clancy, has said in interviews that he forgives his ex-wife, whom he views as ill rather than evil.
Associated Press writers Michael Casey and Dave Collins contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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