Who doesn’t love a good (murder) mystery? As the summer winds down and the cooler seasons stumble in, nothing beats a good book with a riveting, page-turning conspiracy. No matter the era you pull from, the detective novel has been a part of our Western canon for over a century, and there’s a reason we always find ourselves returning to it. Whether you love shows like Agatha Christie’s Poirot or BBC’s Sherlock, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself enveloped in a good, old-fashioned mystery sooner or later — so why not start with the classics?

Detective fiction is a cerebral experience that pushes the reader to better understand not just the psychology of others, but of oneself. Discerning the deceptions and putting the pieces together requires skill and attentiveness. So, if you want the most essential detective stories to start with, look no further than these five thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While each of these tales has been adapted at some point or another for the screen (either as a major motion picture or a television miniseries), we’d encourage you to give them a read first. If you’ve already seen the movie, you’ll probably still get a kick out of the original too!

‘The Big Sleep’ (1939)

Image via Penguin

When it comes to hard-boiled detective stories, there’s no better place to start than with Philip Marlowe. Raymond Chandler‘s The Big Sleep is not only one of the most famous detective novels, but it produced one of the greatest noir pictures ever made, featuring the stunning duo of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The tale follows the LA-based private eye after he is hired by General Sternwood to deal with a bit of blackmail that’s found its way to his younger daughter. Of course, that’s only the beginning of the mystery, as Marlowe is soon thrust into a strange landscape full of morally bankrupt characters and deceptive femme fatales.

The Big Sleep is full of unforeseen twists and turns that make for a rocky (but enjoyable) read. Marlowe is somehow the most decent person in the narrative, as the wicked actions of all those involved in this budding criminal conspiracy come to a horrid light. Los Angeles itself is depicted almost as a living, breathing entity that pushes its residents to further depths of depravity than the reader might think possible. Like the best mysteries, it’s a study in the complexity of human nature. Just, whatever you do, don’t watch the ’70s adaptation — it may be more faithful to the ending than the iconic ’40s film, but that’s about all it has going for it.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (1934)

Image via William Morrow

Speaking of studies in human nature, perhaps no mystery novel is as famous as Murder on the Orient Express. A Hercule Poirot novel by the “Queen of Crime” herself, Agatha Christie, the tale is about exactly what you would expect. When shady American businessman Samuel Ratchett is suddenly killed, the train is stopped by sudden snowfall, prompting Poirot to do what he does best. The investigation is quite thrilling, with more possible suspects than the detective could have thought all in the same closed compartment. Even if you already know the ending, you’ll find yourself quite enthralled by how Poirot reaches his conclusions.

Plenty of live-action Poirot’s have tackled this case (making some cozy on-screen mysteries for those who love the genre), but nothing quite compares to Christie’s literary classic. Murder on the Orient Express is classic detective fiction that doesn’t hit the brakes. The mystery itself was partially inspired by the Lindbergh kidnapping in 1932, prompting Christie to weave a crime novel the only way she could. Poirot is in rare form too, once again commanding every scene with his keen wit and unusual appearance, solving this case with the dogged determination of a man completely obsessed with putting the puzzle together — and you’ll be just as obsessed with reading it.

‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1902)

Image via George Newnes Ltd

Despite the popularity of Sherlock Holmes himself, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle only wrote four novels starring the character — the rest of your favorite Sherlock stories were all short stories. Of the novels, The Hound of the Baskervilles is arguably the most famous, and for good reason. Although first published as a serial in The Strand Magazine as the protagonist’s first appearance following his supposed death (in “The Final Problem”), the tale was later collected and published in book format in 1902, changing the game forever. It’s no wonder the character’s popularity never waned after his death, since Doyle proved himself a master of his craft again here.

As Holmes and Watson look into a local West Country legend about a devilish hellhound, they must protect the Baskerville family from this supposed curse. Is this a real supernatural force, a folktale that has struck fear into the hearts of men, or something else? That’s exactly what our hero has set out to uncover. With brilliant pacing and suspense that could kill, The Hound of the Baskervilles is often considered a piece of detective fiction that is perfect from the first page to the last. It’s also among the most adapted Doyle stories, having been remade as a major motion picture several times and re-imagined on shows like Sherlock and Elementary.

‘The Moonstone’ (1868)

Image via Tinsley Brothers

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Ironically, it’s the tale often considered the first modern detective novel that is the least recognizable on this list — but that by no means should imply that it’s the least of these mysteries. The Moonstone was published way back in 1986 by Wilkie Collins, who first released it as a serial story in Charles Dickens‘ own All the Year Round magazine (bet you didn’t know he had his own magazine). When a priceless (and supposedly cursed) Indian jewel is stolen from under the nose of its new owner, Rachel Verinder, Sergeant Cuff is on the case. However, it’s Rachel, not Cuff, who is truly the protagonist of this novel, making The Moonstone unique compared to most detective works.

As one of the best crime books of all time, The Moonstone was quite influential in how future authors like Doyle and Christie would construct their fictional detectives. Still, while most of the novels on this list feature either a third-person narrator or a single character recounting the scene, Collins utilizes several. Eventually, Franklin Blake, Rachel’s beloved cousin, pieces the different accounts together, allowing the mystery to come into full view. Having been adapted to the screen — and the stage by Collins himself — The Moonstone remains a classic in mystery literature that is just as suspenseful now as it was 140 years ago.

‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1930)

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You may be more familiar with the different film adaptations of The Maltese Falcon than Dashiell Hammett‘s original novel, but there’s no reason not to take another look at this hard-boiled piece of crime fiction. Initially a serial published in the pulpy Black Mask magazine, the tale follows San Francisco P.I. Sam Spade as he searches for the titular statuette, overturning the entire Bay Area in the process. Spade encounters not only several criminals also looking for the gold centerpiece, but a femme fatale who is not to be trifled with — though trifling is sort of his specialty.

The Maltese Falcon is one of those mystery books that became the blueprint for the genre. Hammett’s unconventional prose — you won’t find any internal monologue here — can’t help but hook you in as the mystery presents itself. Spade’s encounters with Brigid O’Shaughnessy are perhaps the most memorable bits of the novel, though the entire conspiracy itself is quite a fascinating turn of events. If you’re looking for detective fiction that has profoundly impacted all other crime novels (and still packs a mean punch), then The Maltese Falcon is a perfect adventure for you.

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The Maltese Falcon

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Release Date

October 18, 1941

Runtime

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100 minutes

Writers

John Huston

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• 

  Humphrey Bogart

  Samuel Spade

• 

  Mary Astor

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  Brigid O’Shaughnessy

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An unexpected night out has put Paris Ow-Yang back in the orbit of an old flame three years after their brief romance came to an end.

The Australian model and social media star was recently spotted leaving Sussudio in Sydney’s Potts Point, the nightclub run by her ex-boyfriend, Julian Tobias.

While the sighting might have raised questions about whether there was more to the story, Ow-Yang exclusively tells The Blast that her appearance at the venue was not a secret reunion with her former beau.

Ow-Yang and Tobias made headlines in 2023 when their relationship became public, but the romance proved short-lived.

The pair dated for roughly two months before going their separate ways, with Tobias reportedly ending the relationship after they returned from an overseas trip. At the time, neither offered a detailed public explanation for what led to their breakup.

Three years later, Ow-Yang’s appearance at Sussudio has brought that chapter of her life back into focus.

However, the content creator tells The Blast that being at a nightclub associated with her former boyfriend isn’t something she considers particularly unusual.

Paris Ow-Yang Shuts Down Talk Of A ‘Big Planned Reunion’

“I’m not going to avoid places I like just because someone I dated three years ago happens to be involved with them,” Ow-Yang said. “Sydney isn’t that big, especially when you’re going out, so you’re naturally going to end up in some of the same places. There’s no drama from my side and there definitely wasn’t some big planned reunion.”

There is no indication Ow-Yang and Tobias spent time together during her visit to Sussudio.

Tobias remains involved in Sydney’s nightlife scene, with previous coverage identifying him as the operator of Sussudio and Sydney Harbour venue The Island.

Ow-Yang Insists She Has ‘Moved On’ From Her 2023 Romance

For Paris Ow-Yang, the more important point is how much her life has changed since she and Julian Tobias were romantically involved.

The model made it clear that she isn’t approaching nights out based on whether there is a possibility she might cross paths with someone from her past.

“I’ve moved on with my life and I’m in a completely different place now than I was in 2023,” she told The Blast. “I’m traveling, working, meeting new people and having fun. I don’t really think about who owns a club before I decide whether I’m going to go out with my friends.”

Her comments also shut down the most obvious speculation surrounding the sighting.

Despite turning up at a venue operated by Tobias, Ow-Yang says there was no “planned reunion” behind the scenes. Also, her romantic attention may already be elsewhere.

Paris Ow-Yang Recently Got Cozy With Another Aussie Creator

Earlier this month, Ow-Yang appeared to enjoy a Catalina Island getaway with Australian social media personality Girthmasterr, also known as Ben.

Neither publicly defined the nature of their trip, but one image shared on Girthmasterr’s Instagram Story showed his hand resting on Ow-Yang’s leg while the pair relaxed near the beach.

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The moment fueled curiosity about their relationship, although neither has confirmed that they are dating.

That makes Ow-Yang’s appearance at her ex’s nightclub particularly intriguing, but her comments to The Blast leave little room for interpreting the sighting itself as confirmation of a romantic reconciliation.

Ow-Yang Has Been Making Major Moves Away From Sydney

Ow-Yang also has plenty keeping her occupied professionally.

In May, she reached a new career milestone by making her international runway debut at Miami Swim Week, walking for viral swimwear label Moxy Swim. Australian media subsequently highlighted the appearance as a significant step onto the international fashion stage.

The opportunity represented another expansion of a career that has largely been built online, where Ow-Yang has amassed a substantial social media following.

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It also helps put her comments about being in a “completely different place” from 2023 into context. Between traveling, modeling and expanding her career internationally, the social media personality appears intent on keeping her attention on what comes next.

As for whether walking out of Tobias’ nightclub signals unfinished business between the former couple, Ow-Yang’s position couldn’t be much clearer.

For now, an old flame’s club is apparently just another place for a night out.

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Netflix’s The Perfect Couple was undoubtedly one of the streamer’s biggest hits of 2024. Following in the footsteps of the dysfunctional and filthy-rich Winbury family, the adaptation of the Elin Hilderbrand novel of the same name has quite a lot in its favor, from a deeply compelling mystery to thoughtfully fleshed-out characters. Throughout its tightly packed six-episode season, The Perfect Couple has a lot of memorable and interesting scenes that perfectly capture the tone of the entire series and the dynamic between its characters. However, despite the several moments of rousing chaos in the brief Season 1 of The Perfect Couple, one scene stands out among the rest.

In Episode 4, “Someone Could Get Hurt,” Billy Howle‘s Benji Winbury and Jack Reynor‘s Thomas Winbury get in a tussle due to Thomas’s insistence on eating the wedding cake prepared for Benji and Amelia’s (Eve Hewson) wedding — against Benji’s wishes. While the scene itself pans out quite comically, making it an interesting few minutes to watch, the timing and the significance of the scene can only be understood once the entire mystery unfolds.

This scene not only captures the entire essence of this Netflix mystery series, but it also accurately reflects why The Perfect Couple became such a phenomenal success. Since its 2024 debut, the six-part murder mystery has amassed more than 481 million hours viewed globally and 94.3 million views on Netflix, according to FlixPatrol.

‘The Perfect Couple’ Works Best When You’re Not Looking Too Closely

The Perfect Couple drops many hints en route to the final reveal surrounding the murder of Meghann Fahy‘s Merritt Monaco, Amelia’s best friend and maid of honor. On a rewatch, these hints suggest how showrunner Jenna Lamia and director Susanne Bier have created a tightly wound whodunit that allows the audience to play the detective alongside the in-show investigators Chief Dan Carter (Michael Beach) and Detective Nikki Henry (Donna Lynne Champlin).

The wedding cake scene, featuring Benji and Thomas, as well as Thomas’s pregnant wife Abby, shows Benji and Thomas getting into a physical altercation over Thomas and Abby’s attempts at eating the wedding cake despite the wedding being called off, much to Benji’s distress. Naturally, Benji, who’s also emotionally vulnerable at this stage post the cancellation of the wedding, does not play along with Thomas and Abby’s small game and dunks Thomas’s face into the cake. Eventually, when the situation results in a wrestle between the two brothers, Abby intervenes to broker peace, even calling out Thomas for starting the fight. This scene is crucial for many reasons, particularly its timing and the character dynamics it slyly reveals. Most importantly, the involvement of Abby in this scene makes it all the more well-crafted once the full extent of the Winbury family’s secrets is revealed.

The Cake Scene Exposes the Fault Lines in the Winbury Family

Image via Netflix

Throughout the season, Thomas comes out to be the family jerk who loves to rebel against his family members for the sake of fun. Earlier in the season, he reveals the secret of Tag’s (Liev Schreiber) affair with his brother Will’s (Sam Nivola) French tutor at the dining table, knowing that it will strain Tag’s relationship with Will. He’s also maintaining an affair with Isabelle Adjani‘s Isabel Nallet, a family friend of the Winburys. It might seem that, in the cake scene, Thomas simply wanted to satiate his and his pregnant wife’s hunger. However, knowing the emotionally vile treatment that members of the Winbury family extend to each other, Thomas and Abby’s actions can very well be seen as an attempt to poke fun at Benji and ultimately offend him. Clearly, despite the outward appearances that the Winbury family maintains, the members of the family act with a certain sense of hostility and disregard for each other.

As seen throughout the season, each of the characters acts purely in the service of their motivated interests. Importantly, the family overall seems to be unhinged by Merritt’s death on Benji’s wedding day and refuses to offer Benji any emotional support, exposing the fault lines within the family. The scene between Benji and Thomas is also important because it’s one of the very few occasions that Benji can be seen taking a stand against his family. The character appears to be otherwise living a distant life, as evidenced by his choice to marry Amelia, who belongs to an entirely different social class. For obvious reasons, such a matrimonial alliance is a rarity in such families, which is partly why the family appears not to take the wedding cancellation as seriously as they should.

Abby’s Presence in ‘The Perfect Couple’s Cake Scene Elevates It From Just Fun Banter

Image via Netflix

Abby’s presence in the entire sequence makes Thomas’s actions more interesting, especially as the series continues to reveal more about the dynamic between the couple. In the cake scene, Abby can be seen slyly pushing Thomas to the forefront and playing along with the situation, extending motivation to her mischievous husband and allowing the argument to escalate. Her involvement makes the seemingly insignificant family squabble more meaningful in hindsight, particularly as more of the Winburys’ secrets begin to surface.

Although she initially fuels the situation and enjoys the altercation, Abby also swoops in as the savior. She even calls out Thomas despite being equally culpable in the whole scenario. Abby’s ability to shift from participant to observer is particularly telling, considering how frequently she positions herself on the outskirts of the Winbury family’s chaos. Even when she plays a role in stirring things up, Abby knows exactly when to distance herself from the situation and allow the other members of the family to take center stage.

Earlier in the season, she even advises Amelia to survive in the Winbury family by staying on the periphery — a modus operandi she employs. On most occasions, Abby would rather remain outside the spotlight and allow the Winburys’ own dysfunction to command the attention. To some extent, it’s plausible that Abby realizes how important it is to stay outside the radar of Greer (Nicole Kidman), who wouldn’t flinch an eye before removing Abby from the equation if Abby ever threatens the family directly. Moreover, Abby’s best interest remains in being part of the Winbury family, thanks to their influence and wealth — something which Abby acknowledges on multiple occasions.

While the cake scene appears to be fun banter between two brothers going wrong due to the joke’s crass nature, it outlines the internal dynamics between the characters involved. The innuendoes in the scene specifically hint toward the larger storyline surrounding the mystery of Merritt’s death. Fanning’s wicked presence in the scene elevates what is otherwise a very random scene when considered in the larger scheme of things, not to forget the outrightly absurd nature of it.

The five-tiered wedding cake, carried by Thomas, is actually supposed to be very heavy for a man to casually carry, despite Reynor’s remarkable build. In the grand scheme of The Perfect Couple, the cake scene in Episode 4 is a meticulously crafted piece in the puzzle that precisely shows how the Netflix series balances the act between a fun comedy and an engrossing mystery thriller, justifying the massive success it has attracted since its release.

The Perfect Couple is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

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Release Date

2024 – 2023

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Network

Netflix

Writers

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Jenna Lamia, Courtney Grace, Alex Berger, Bryan M. Holdman, Evelyn Yves, Leila Cohan-Miccio

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One of the most enduring cinema stories in recent years has been the high-profile legal battle between Blake Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. After constant legal filings, public statements, dismissed claims, counter suits, and more dominating headlines, the two finally reached a settlement in May this year, nearly two years since the movie made its box office debut.

Because of the controversy, many more theatergoers were encouraged to watch the film, with It Ends With Us earning $351 million worldwide against a $25 million budget, becoming Lively’s highest-grossing movie in her career so far. But that isn’t to say that Lively movies don’t prove successful at the box office. Back in 2016, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants breakout starred in a new entry into the ever-growing sharksploitation genre, The Shallows, which turned a small budget of just $13 million into just shy of $120 million worldwide, split between a domestic haul of $55 million and a further $63 million from overseas markets.

Lively starred in the film as Nancy, a young woman who becomes stranded on a rock in shark-infested waters and must fight for her life against the hungry beast. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, best known for his work on the likes of Jungle Cruise, Black Adam, and Carry-On, The Shallows featured a reduced cast, relying heavily on Lively’s lead performance, which received plenty of praise from critics. “Acting against no one else (save a seagull with an injured wing), Lively is up to the challenge,” wrote Brian Formo in Collider’s review from the time. “True, she can’t be upstaged by anyone else, but she is able to make Nancy a fuller character than the situation should allow for,” he added.

‘The Shallows’ Is a Netflix Hit

Ten years after it first released, The Shallows is celebrating its anniversary by becoming the latest surprise hit on the world’s biggest streamer. At the time of writing, The Shallows is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Netflix in the U.S. This is despite facing plenty of tough competition on the platform, with the rest of the top ten including the likes of Mark Wahlberg‘s Arthur the King, Netflix’s latest sci-fi thriller film The Last House, the surprising tearjerker Don’t Say Good Luck, and much more.

The Shallows is a hit on Netflix. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

June 24, 2016

Runtime

86 minutes

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Director

Jaume Collet-Serra

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Writers

Anthony Jaswinski

Producers

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Lynn Harris

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Thomas Markle has expressed fresh heartbreak over his estrangement from daughter Meghan Markle as she and Prince Harry prepare to return to the UK with their children.

The relocation has reportedly left the father of the Duchess of Sussex fearing that his chances of ever meeting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have slipped entirely out of reach.

Thomas Markle, who has never met either of Meghan Markle’s children, says he learned about the Sussexes’ plans through the news rather than directly from his daughter.

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Thomas revealed that he learned about Meghan and Harry’s planned return to the UK while watching CNN, rather than hearing the news from his daughter.

“I found out about it at the same time as the rest of the world,” he told The Mail on Sunday.

The news appears to have deepened his fears of never getting to meet Archie and Lilibet, especially with the children now preparing to spend more time in Britain.

Thomas also tried to console himself that Archie and Lilibet may one day remember him and seek him out.

“One day those kids will ask about their ‘other’ grandfather – the one who isn’t King – the one that Meghan and Harry are apparently ashamed of,” he said.

The Duchess’s Father Talks Missing Out On Being A Part Of His Grandchildren’s Lives

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Thomas has admitted that Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain has made him question whether he will ever get the opportunity to meet his grandchildren.

The children, who have spent most of their lives in the United States, are expected to move to the UK with their parents.

Speaking about the situation, Thomas said, “I have never met my grandchildren, and now they are leaving America.” He also expressed concern that the move to America can erase his chances of ever meeting them.

The 82-year-old said he remains hopeful that his grandchildren will one day understand how much he wanted to be part of their lives. “I hope they know how much I wanted to meet them,” he said.

Meghan Markle Seems Not To Care About Her Father: ‘It’s Like I Don’t Exist’

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Thomas also spoke openly about how abandoned he feels by Meghan, claiming that their relationship has changed dramatically from the close bond they once shared.

“Meghan used to love me, she was always a daddy’s girl, and now it’s like I don’t exist,” he said. Thomas added that he has struggled to understand why his daughter has turned away from him, despite his open feelings towards her.

The father and daughter became estranged around Meghan’s 2018 wedding to Harry following a series of controversies involving Thomas and the media. Despite the years of silence, he insisted that his feelings toward his daughter have not disappeared.

“I will never stop loving my daughter,” Thomas said, while adding, “But I will never understand why she turned her back on me.”

Thomas Markle ‘Hurt And Upset’ By Daughter’s Decision To Move Back To The UK Without Telling Him

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Thomas’ pain over the family’s separation remains deep, particularly as he feels Meghan has shown no concern for his well-being.

He said he was “hurt and upset” by the situation and also questioned why he had not been informed about Meghan’s family relocation to the UK.

Expressing his frustration over what he sees as Meghan’s lack of care, Thomas said, “I’m hurt and upset that she doesn’t give a damn about me, even though I’m in hospital.”

His comments reflect the depth of his disappointment as he continues to hope for some form of reconciliation with his daughter.

About Thomas Markle’s Health Issues

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Thomas’ concerns about seeing his grandchildren come as he continues recovering from serious health problems.

The former lighting director underwent an emergency operation in December 2025 after a blood clot severely affected his left leg, resulting in the amputation of the left leg.

The procedure followed a sudden deterioration in his condition, which was described as a “life or death” situation. Thomas has since undergone rehabilitation while adapting to life after the amputation.

His health struggles have added urgency to his desire to meet Archie and Lilibet, particularly as the Sussexes prepare to spend more time in Britain.

In the meantime, it’s unclear if Meghan has any plans to reconcile with her father, especially with her simply sending him a letter after learning of his surgery.

Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for Lanterns Episode 2.

After a pilot that caused the internet to explode, Lanterns continues its slow-burn take on the Green Lantern mythos by splitting up Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) — at least for a limited time. If you thought Hal and John were already great together, this week’s episode shows how much more interesting they can be apart. That’s not to say we don’t want to see Chandler and Pierre trading verbal blows over the ring, but when separated, each Green Lantern icon can act a bit more like themselves, free from whatever anxieties plague their on-screen partnership. With major revelations, complicated questions, and a whole lot of DC Comics lore, Lanterns‘ second episode further sets the stage for what is to come.

‘Lanterns’ Episode 2 Expands on the Green Lantern Mythos

If the pilot didn’t establish the Hal and John dynamic well enough for you, then the opening sequence of this week’s episode definitely will. Hal does his usual drill-sergeant thing by pouring a bucket of water on his trainee before dragging him out of bed to learn how to fly. Of course, Hal’s lack of a training regimen doesn’t do John any favors. “It’s supposed to be instinctual,” he tells the former Marine, but John just can’t do it. Instead, John creates a small bird, which remains active even when Hal takes the ring back. But Hal isn’t about to give a compliment, and instead books John on a flight back to Coast City to retrieve his power battery (and feed Earl). John isn’t too happy about it, but it’s not like training will go any further without a recharge. Hal only has one goal for John: keep the bird alive.

After his mentee leaves, Hal revisits the Rushville High football field and discovers a series of metal detectors that he hadn’t clocked before. But these detectors don’t detect metal — and Hal is curious about their true purpose. Thus, he heads back into town. The only problem is, Rushville is practically deserted, with everyone having gathered for a local town meeting — a meeting he clearly wasn’t invited to. In fact, the local American Legion outpost also has those same strange detectors. Characteristically, Hal interrupts the meeting with the assumption that the entire thing is about him anyway, but whether it is or isn’t is inconsequential. Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) isn’t too pleased with his arrival, clearly hoping to address the town’s requests herself. Billy Macon (Jason Ritter) runs interference for his wife and informs Hal that his charges have been dropped — he’s free to leave Rushville. Naturally, Hal doesn’t like being told what to do, but a call from John keeps him from causing any more of a scene.

In Coast City, John arrives at Hal’s home — a big empty mansion gifted by someone he once saved — and searches for the battery. The house is as empty as the streets of Rushville, though Hal insists that he actually lives there. Eventually, John finds Hal’s room where his Green Lantern uniform hangs in the closet collecting dust. Lanterns offers us a very brief glimpse into John’s supposed future (and certainly his psyche) as he holds the uniform to his chest to see how he might look. We’re wondering too, but let’s be honest, John’s uniform should look a bit more like his traditional outfit rather than Hal’s (in the comics, they both wore the same type of outfit at first before John forged his own identity). While John is playing dress-up, Hal wanders over to the Rushville morgue and steals the body of one of the aliens killed on the football field — with it, he discovers that the strange metal detectors around town are actually alien detectors. Go figure.

As for John, well, he finds the power battery in Hal’s safe, which is actually a portal to a pocket dimension. Fun fact: the verbal password to Hal’s safe — “Mogo doesn’t socialize” — is a reference to the living planet that has a ring of its own and is among the most powerful Green Lanterns in DC history. Who said Lanterns wasn’t a celebration of lore? After retrieving both the battery and the Green Lantern uniform (despite Hal’s protests), John feeds Earl, who turns out to be a carnivorous living alien plant that eats raw meat. But it’s not until John tries to leave Hal’s home that things get especially interesting. After walking out the door, John is abducted by several men who shove him into a truck and take him to their leader — but not before John puts up a serious fight, dodging cars on the interstate.

John Stewart Discovers a New Threat in ‘Lanterns’ Episode 2

Image via HBO

As John is getting abducted, Hal is none the wiser. After testing the first alien body, he’s now stolen all four of the corpses before he is pulled over by Kerry. Brash and pigheaded as ever, Hal plans to just waltz up right to William Macon’s (Garret Dillahunt) ranch and confront him about the bodies, the detectors, and why his men killed them at the football game. Kerry tries to dissuade the Green Lantern, explaining that if he appears with questions and attitude, things won’t be so cordial as they were the night before. Still, Hal insists and so the sheriff decides to escort him to the ranch herself, but only if she can do the talking. Of course, Hal loves the sound of his own voice, so he tries to take control of the situation, only for Macon — who continues to cite his NDA as reason enough to evade Hal’s questioning — to tell the superhero that he’s no longer welcome on his property. When Hal pushes things too far, he’s shot.

Meanwhile, John is brought before Antaan (Paul Ben-Victor), an alien outlaw who asks the GL-in-training about Manhunters. John hasn’t a clue what Antaan is talking about, but the alien-in-disguise wants to recruit him to his cause anyhow. It’s here that Lanterns offers some important exposition: Before the Green Lantern Corps, the Guardians created the Manhunters to deal with the chaos in the galaxy. These synthetic beings were shapeshifters who could pass as anyone at any time. They annihilated plenty of civilizations, including Antaan’s — a holocaust that he shows John through the use of some psychic device. After their tragedy, a Green Lantern (likely Abin Sur) was sent to capture and execute the Manhunter in question — only, Antaan’s tech has discovered that the creature is still alive in America’s heartland. Because Antaan and his forces cannot get into Rushville undetected, they need John to locate the Manhunter for them. If they don’t get their prize, they’ll blow up half of Nebraska.

While John is dealing with his own alien menace, Hal wakes up haunted by his own. In the hospital, the wounded Green Lantern finds himself cuffed to a hospital bed with Kerry sitting patiently at his bedside. Macon’s sniper only fired a warning shot, but Hal is humbled (as humble as he can be) either way. Things get a bit more complicated, however, when Kerry asks about “Sinestro,” a name Hal called out in his sleep. It’s a bit of a trick question, as it’s apparently public knowledge that Sinestro was a former Green Lantern who attempted a coup, killed a Guardian, and was ultimately taken down by Hal. Of course, the sheriff being able to pull all that information up with a quick Google search is a bit strange, right? Why would anyone on Earth know any of that if it all took place in space? Who knows, perhaps Sinestro’s coup made it to Earth before Hal stopped him? Maybe he was searching for the Manhunter (or something else) too? Either way, Hal brushes it off, prompting the sheriff to once more assert her authority in Rushville, reminding him that she’s on her own side, just trying to hold the town together.

Hal promises to stay out of trouble (not that we believe him), and we learn that Kerry is worried the town will become a powder keg if Macon stirs everyone’s fears about invasion. As they leave the hospital, Hal makes a curious observation about the facility. For one thing, the sign-out sheet is completely blank except for his name. For another, there’s plenty of cutting-edge medical equipment that has never been touched. The scene ends with a brief reference to Kerry being from Gotham, but that’s nowhere near as interesting as what the empty hospital may imply. Is everyone in Rushville an alien? Is everyone a Manhunter? It’s unclear, but there’s certainly something fishy in the water.

‘Lanterns’ Episode 2 Goes to Intergalactic Heights With Sinestro

Image via HBO Max

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That night, John makes his way back to Rushville and stops at a local diner. After everything he went through between his two flights to California, he needed to clear his head. Naturally, that clarity is interrupted when he finds Zoe (Poorna Jagannathan) there. He joins her in his booth, noting that he wouldn’t have slept with her if he knew she was married. “I’m glad you didn’t,” she replies before they go on about how her husband is a bit of a freak. But Zoe is clearly something of a freak too, because, despite her opinions of Macon and his beliefs (not to mention her willingness to sleep with John), she loves the wannabe cowboy/alien hunter anyway. Afterward, she drives John back to his motel, where he finds Hal waiting for him.

After a day full of revelations, Hal gets another when John asks about Manhunters. He’s also forthcoming with Hal about everything that happened to him with Antaan, reminding him that the alien outlaw is willing to nuke the state if they don’t find the synthetic in 48 hours. Antaan’s recruitment of John puts two and two together for Hal, who concludes that Abin Sur was killed by the missing Manhunter, which is how he got the ring in the first place. But none of that matters to John. What matters to him is that his construct is more advanced and impressive than anything we’ve seen Hal do, at least according to Antaan. Even so, Hal refuses to properly encourage his trainee, asking instead what’s the deal with the bird. John refuses to answer, collapsing the construct instead.

After John retires for the night, Hal does something a bit unexpected. Putting on his Green Lantern uniform, he shoots into space, soaring to an undisclosed location in the galaxy where he enters a prison to confront his former ally, Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen). When Hal asks the former Green Lantern what he knows about Manhunters, the incarcerated traitor responds with a question of his own. “If one still existed, it would be the second-greatest threat you’re currently facing,” Sinestro replies. “So why don’t you tell me about John Stewart?” If there’s one thing this episode of Lanterns wants us to understand, it’s that John Stewart is really, really important.

New episodes of Lanterns air Sundays on HBO.

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Release Date

August 16, 2026

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Network

HBO

Directors

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James Hawes

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Pros & Cons

• From Manhunters and Mogo to Sinestro himself, it looks like Lanterns may just go cosmic before this thing is done!
• Kyle Chandler looks great in a Green Lantern uniform.
• The action this week was a blast.

• I’m still not fully sold on Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart. He’s certainly more interesting apart from Hal, but he still comes off a bit stale compared to other adaptations of the character.

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2026 has been the textbook definition of a roller-coaster year for Star Wars fans, who have had exceptional highs like Maul — Shadow Lord but also painful lows like The Mandalorian and Grogu. Sam Witwer reprises his role in the Star Wars Disney Plus show, which was renewed for Season 2 before a single episode of Season 1 hit streaming. No word yet on when the show will return, but it’s expected to be sometime in 2027. The Mandalorian and Grogu wrapped up its theatrical run after setting an unwanted record as the lowest-grossing Star Wars movie in history, but the film has since become a hit on VOD in the last month. It’s due to arrive on Disney Plus early in September, joining the first three seasons of its predecessor, The Mandalorian.

2025 brought on some great Star Wars projects for long-time fans of the franchise, but few had the same cultural impact as Andor. The first season of Andor dropped all the way back at the end of 2022, and after a three-year hiatus, it finally returned with its second and final season last year. The prequel series began years before the events of Rogue One and the final episodes led directly into the opening minutes of the film, serving as the perfect connective tissue. During the first half of 2026, a full year after Andor went off the air, the show still drew nearly 1 billion minutes watched, 918.1 million to be exact, making it one of the most-watched shows of the first six months of the year on Disney Plus. The series earned even more views than The Punisher: One Last Kill, starring Jon Bernthal.

When Does the Next Star Wars Movie Come Out?

After waiting seven years after The Rise of Skywalker for a new Star Wars movie, fans won’t have to wait nearly as long for a new feature film from the franchise. The next Star Wars movie, Starfighter, is coming to theaters on May 28, 2027, almost exactly one year after the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary) leads the Star Wars film under director Shawn Levy, who also recently directed Deadpool & Wolverine. Levy and Gosling are reuniting barely one year after the premiere of Starfighter for the MCU’s new Ghost Rider movie, which rides into theaters on July 28, 2028.

Check out both seasons of Andor on Disney Plus, and stay tuned to Collider for more Star Wars updates and coverage.

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Release Date

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2022 – 2025-00-00

Network

Disney+

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Showrunner

Tony Gilroy

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Directors

Susanna White

Writers

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Dan Gilroy

Franchise(s)

Star Wars

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In the realm of fantasy, magic systems are typically sorted into two main categories: soft and hard magic systems. A soft magic system is generally pretty loose about its rules, with the magic rarely having clear limitations. This type of magic system typically doesn’t have a lengthy explanation about how or why it works — it just does. On the flipside, hard magic systems are very structured and rife with rules. There are clear limits, and some even dive into the physics behind them.

These magic systems can be found across many forms of media, from books to movies, and even to television. Lots of fantasy TV shows have adopted some pretty complicated magic systems. This is especially true with shows that are based on novels, as the novels are able to detail their systems and relay the information in a way that the screen simply cannot. Though that hasn’t stopped them from trying. These are the best fantasy TV shows with hard magic systems, which are almost always complicated and difficult to grasp for new fans.

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‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Image via Netflix

Shadow and Bone is based on a novel series by Leigh Bardugo, who wrote an extensive literary universe known as the Grishaverse. The name “Grisha” is the name of the magic users in this universe. Grishas are gifted with magic from birth, meaning not everybody can learn how to harness the power of magic. Even then, Grishas are pretty limited in what they can and can’t do. They are divided into several clans, which are in turn divided into sub-clans based on their particular abilities or talents.

First, there are the Corporalki, who can manipulate the human body. These are divided into Heartrenders, who control the heart and organs, Healers, and Tailors, who alter DNA and physical appearance. Then there are the Etherealki, who command natural elements. These are separated into Squallers (wind), Inferni (fire), and Tidemakers (water), with some rarer individuals able to manipulate light or shadow. Lastly, there are the Materialki, the Fabrikators, who control physical objects. These Grishas consist of the Durasts, who manipulate wood, glass, and other materials, and the Alkemi, who control chemicals and poisons. However, each Grisha can only manipulate their environment and cannot conjure things out of thin air; they can typically only use their abilities when their element is present nearby. The magic is treated like a science, and even dives into the physics of things a little bit. It gets even more complicated than that though, which is surprising for a YA series.

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‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)

Image via SYFY

The Magicians might be a low fantasy TV series, but it still does a good job of presenting an intricate and detailed system of magic. Originally based on the novels by Lev Grossman, the story concerns a man who enrolls at a university to study magic, only to discover that the world from his favorite childhood storybook is real, and more dangerous than he anticipated. This fantasy series is all about magic, so it’s important to make the magic system feel rigid, structured, and well-planned.

Spells have to be cast in a very exact way — one small slip-up, and it won’t work in the way the caster intends it to. First, the caster must perform a highly precise finger gesture paired with an incantation, usually in a dead language like Old Slavonic or Latin. This won’t work every single time, though. Each gesture and incantation must be adjusted for the variables in the environment, including weather, time of day, geographical position, and more. This means every magician is practically an advanced scientist, able to perform complex magical calculations of sorts. It’s not ideal, but with enough practice, any magician can become an expert at their craft. Though it works slightly differently in the show than it does in the books, it’s still pretty complicated.

Image via Studio Bones

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Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese anime based on a manga series by Hiromu Arakawa. The show is a bit of a blend of fantasy and steampunk, which has helped it appeal to a broader audience both domestically and internationally. Though short-lived, the show did take a pretty long look at how magic actually works in its weird and wonderful world. As the title suggests, it is heavily related to the concept of alchemy, an ancient practice that served as a precursor to modern chemistry.

As such, most of the magic in the show is about the use of metals or chemicals. First, an alchemist must know the theory of what they’re doing so that they can understand what they’re doing and not cause a catastrophic explosion. Once this is done, the alchemist uses their gift to break down the material at a molecular level before reconstructing it into an entirely new material, object, or shape. Like most hard magic systems, though, there are limits. It closely follows the real laws of physics, such as the law of equivalent exchange. This means you cannot create something from nothing. It also follows conservation of mass, meaning matter cannot be truly destroyed. For any act of transmutation, it is crucial for the alchemist to transform something into an object that is closely related. This means you cannot turn a rock into fire. You would be better off turning it into a brick, since they have more in common. Should any of these rules be broken, the universe forces a “rebound,” giving the alchemist a heavy physical or psychological burden in return. This is just how it works at base level — it actually goes even deeper than that.

2

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

Image via Prime Video

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The magic system in The Wheel of Time is meticulously detailed in the original novel series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. It is rigidly structured and has clear and distinct rules. First, there is the matter of inherent power levels. This is a 72-point scale, with every magic user, called a Channeler, falling somewhere on that scale. Women can only access 66 of those points, meaning men are more powerful. However, women are also more likely to be able to Channel, whereas men are doomed to lose their minds eventually due to the Dark One tainting saidin, the male half of the One Power. The female half is known as saidar.

One’s power level determines the efficiency with which they can channel. Once the One Power is accessed, a Channeler must weave together magical threads of fire, earth, air, water, and spirit. These can be used as is, or combined to produce different effects, such as healing, coercion, or lightning. This process comes at a cost, however. Each time a Channeler uses their power, it drains a bit of their physical energy. This means excessive magic use can quickly exhaust a Channeler, and in some cases, even kill them. Thus, it is not something to be used lightly. The magic system is complicated enough as it is, but it’s made even more intricate by the fact that female Channelers, the Aes Sedai, divide themselves into seven different Ajahs, each focusing on different areas of strength in the power. For example, the Green Ajah is very competent with combative magic like lightning bolts and fireballs, whereas the Yellow Ajah leans more towards healing weaves. The show never got much of a chance to dive as deep into things as the books do — especially due to The Wheel of Time‘s unfortunate cancelation — but it’s still a lot to take in.

1

‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

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The Legend of Vox Machina comes from pretty humble beginnings. It initially began on a podcast called Critical Role, which is about custom campaigns for the popular tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. The podcast absolutely blew up, sparking a deal with Amazon Prime Video, which became the TV show that fans know and love today. What’s really cool is that the original actors from the podcast actually voice their in-game characters on the show, making it a treat for the fans who have been there since day one.

As for the magic system, because it’s based on Dungeons & Dragons, it uses the same system of magic that the tabletop RPG does. Every spell cast requires three specific elements: an incantation, a gesture, and a catalyst. Typically, the catalyst is a physical item or a consumable item used as a fuel source. This sounds simple at first, but it goes deeper than that. Mages also have to consistently level up their spells, which scale separately from their character. They also take up spell slots, meaning a mage must choose their arsenal of magic carefully. This magic system is actually fairly complicated, which fits considering its origins. Though fans of the original game or of the show will know it like the back of their hands, it can be a lot to digest for newcomers.

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Release Date

January 27, 2022

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Brandon Auman

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Directors

Young Heller, Eugene Lee, Alicia Chan

Writers

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Eugene Son, Travis Willingham, Chris Wyatt, Kevin Burke, Suzanne Keilly, Mae Catt, Todd Casey, Ashly Burch, May Chan, Marc Bernardin

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Nicolas Cage is back on the fierce mission for a hunt once again! 

“National Treasure” is now moving closer to reality after two decades of uncertainty surrounding the beloved Disney series. The development also puts Cage back in the conversation as Benjamin Franklin Gates.

The first “National Treasure” arrived in 2004 and became a major part of Nicolas Cage’s blockbuster career. Its 2007 sequel, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” also continued with Cage.

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Director Jon Turtletaub came to Philadelphia’s first National Treasure weekend with a massive surprise for loyal followers. He confirmed that “it’s happening” during a live recording of the “National Treasure Hunt” podcast. The audience reportedly erupted after the director revealed that the project had finally reached a serious stage.

Turteltaub said the movie is “Hollywood real,” while explaining that he and Disney have a script they both like. He also indicated that the cast could return “to whatever extent we can,” including Cage. That puts the actor’s possible return firmly back in the picture after years of uncertainty. 

Turteltaub also joked about Hollywood’s unpredictability after calling the project “finally real.” He pointed out that unforeseen circumstances could still derail the movie before production. Still, his confirmation marks a major shift after years of speculation about another sequel.

The Political Climate Blocked The Franchise For Decades

The gap between the second and potential third films has become part of the franchise’s story. “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” arrived in 2007, leaving fans waiting for another chapter for nearly two decades. Turteltaub has now explained that the long delay wasn’t simply about putting another script together.

According to The Inquirer, the director said the political climate in the United States contributed to the delay. He recalled former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy asking him for a private screening of the original movie for Congress. Turteltaub said the film’s political themes eventually became harder to navigate as people increasingly read politics into entertainment.

He also suggested that the third movie will address that reality. Turteltaub said the filmmakers need to include the idea without alienating viewers. He did not reveal specific plot details or confirm whether Philadelphia will appear in the new film.

Nicolas Cage Once Called The Franchise ‘Profoundly Ridiculous’

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In 2023, Cage revisited one of the most memorable scenes from the 2004 film during a Vanity Fair video interview. He burst out laughing while watching Benjamin Gates declare that he was going to steal the “Declaration of Independence.”

The line has remained a major part of Cage’s career and inspired countless memes and parodies. Rather than dismissing the scene, Cage explained why he believes it worked so well.

He questioned how anyone could take something “so profoundly ridiculous” and genuinely sell it to an audience. He also praised Benjamin, his character’s positivity, and the character’s sincere reverence for the historical document.

The actor said the scene became funnier because he and Justin Bartha played it completely seriously. He noted that making it intentionally funny would have turned it into a screwball comedy, which was not his approach.

Variety shared that Cage also praised director Turtletaub for filming the “Declaration” with such reverence. “I think Jon Turtletaub shot it lovingly,” Cage said.

The Actor Turned Down Massive Roles 

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Cage has also turned down some of Hollywood’s biggest opportunities because of his family. He reportedly rejected the role of Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy because filming in New Zealand would have kept him away from his family for about nine months. He later made a similar decision with Neo in “The Matrix,” which was filmed in Australia.

Cage also passed on the chance to voice Shrek after Chris Farley, initially cast in the role, died before completing the project. He turned down the DreamWorks role because he did not want children to picture him as the famous green ogre. Years later, Cage appeared to reconsider, admitting in 2013, “Maybe I should have done it.”

Cage now describes his life as “extraordinarily boring” and “monastic,” saying he has become more cautious about taking risks. Much of his time centers on raising his youngest child, August Francesca, whom he welcomed with his wife, Riko Shibata, in 2022. He shared that he spent a lot of his time doomscrolling on the internet. 

Nicolas Cage Finally Makes His Famous Surname Official

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Cage’s Hollywood identity has always been separate from his famous family background. He is the nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola and the cousin of filmmaker Sofia Coppola and actor Jason Schwartzman. Despite building his career under the Cage name, he only recently made it his legal surname.

The Blast shared that Cage legally changed his name after decades of using it professionally. He explained that becoming “Cage” allowed him to establish his own identity rather than remain on the margins of the influential Coppola family. He said he wanted to be “the patriarch of my own little family” rather than “the clown cousin on the margins of someone else’s.”

The actor also explained where the surname came from. He was inspired by Marvel’s Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, and by composer John Cage, whom he admired. Cage kept “Nicolas” because it was the name his father gave him, despite joking about its French spelling.

After years of twists and turns, Nicolas Cage’s treasure hunting is finally coming back!

Miss Universe contestant LaToya Malcolm’s family is continuing to honor her legacy after her sudden death at age 35.

Malcolm’s family held a funeral service for the late beauty queen at Central Assemblies of God church in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday, August 22, according to a graphic shared with People by one of her family members.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure,” the flyer read.

During the service, a scholarship for Malcom was announced by Delano Seiveright, who serves as the Minister of State in the country’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, according to the Jamaica Observer.

Related: Tragic Pageant Queen Deaths Through the Years: Putri Andriani Juficha, More

Several former pageant queens have tragically died after winning their crowns. Kseniya Alexandrova won Miss Universe Russia in 2017, eight years before she died following a fatal car accident at the age of 30. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our colleague and friend, model Ksenia Alexandrova, passed away last night,” her […]

The scholarship, titled the LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience, will provide two high school students with $100,000 to use toward their educational development.

News broke in July that Malcom, who competed to be Miss Universe in Jamaica, died.

“🕊️ In Loving Memory of LaToya Malcolm🤍,” the pageant franchise announced via Instagram at the time. “We mourn the passing of MUJ alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition.”

The tribute continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten. 🤍🕊️.”

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Related: Celebrity Deaths of 2026: Soccer Player Quevin Castro and More Stars

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. In June, legendary music executive Clive Davis also died at age 94 following a hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection. The following month, G.R.L. member Lauren Bennett died at age 37, while Bonnie Tyler died at 75. Emergency!‘s Randolph Mantooth and Police […]

The current Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, also honored Malcolm via social media.

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“After many years of experiencing loss and hardship, I’ve learnt the deep relevance of pausing and reflecting on the lives of those who lived fully, unapologetically and with great passion,” she said. “To hear of Latoya’s passing is a great loss to her family and the wider community, Jamaica, her impact will always be remembered and her voice will not be forgotten. Wishing her family my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.”

No further details surrounding her death have been publicly disclosed at the time of publication. Malcom was best known as a finalist for Miss Jamaica in 2024, where she won the title of Miss Jamaica Bikini International and dedicated the honor to her late father.

“My beloved father, Mr. Malcolm, this win was for you,” she wrote via Instagram in August 2024. “Your one and only daughter continues to make you proud. I know you’re smiling down on me from heaven 🕊️💙.”