Animated sci-fi comedy Rick and Morty has gained a strong following in its over 10 years on the air, becoming one of the most well-known shows currently running. Following the interplanetary adventures of genius yet nihilistic scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith (both previously voiced by the now-fired Justin Roiland), the series has deeply explored many sci-fi concepts.

This ranges from comedic movie parodies to grander and more emotionally potent storylines about the characters’ interpersonal dynamics and Rick’s tragic backstory. Fans are often in discussion about the series’ highlights, with plot-driven episodes usually being fan favorites, making these audience-rated episodes the best on IMDb. Especially with the recent release of the eighth season, there’s no better time than the present to reminisce on the best that the series has to offer.

35

“The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy” (Season 3, Episode 5)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

One of the few episodes that explores the underrated dynamic between Rick and his embarrassingly inept godson, Jerry, “The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy” sees the duo on an easygoing vacation at the request of Morty, worried about his father’s mental health. However, as they attempt to have fun at this intergalactic resort where it is impossible to die, an enemy from Rick’s past attempts to coerce Jerry into helping him murder Rick.

The prominent hook in this episode is just how much it gives depth and layers to the aggressive relationship and dynamic between Rick and Jerry, giving meaning and understanding to their anger towards one another, and ending in a place of slight unexpected respect. It also helps that, as two of the most polar opposite characters in the main cast, they have a lot of comedic chemistry that is further amplified by the absurdity of the journey that they embark on.

34

“Big Trouble in Little Sanchez” (Season 2, Episode 7)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Image via Adult Swim

While many people are quick to point to the comedic fun and goofy nature of Rick transforming himself into a teenager and proclaiming himself “Tiny Rick” in the episode “Big Trouble in Little Sanchez”, the real greatness of the episode comes from its B-plot following Beth and Jerry. In this side plot, the married couple travels to an intergalactic couples therapy resort designed to fix their relationship. However, it soon goes wrong when the physical manifestations of their perceptions of one another begin to destroy and take over the entire resort.

“Big Trouble in Little Sanchez” is arguably the greatest episode in the series when it comes to the examination and portrayal of Beth and Jerry’s troubled relationship. It doesn’t shy away from the toxicity and blatant misalignment that they have with one another, yet it simultaneously shows that their connection in a way transcends norms and critical thinking, and that love is much more than a hard science. It also helps that both Tiny Rick and XenoBeth are some of the best one-off villains that the show has ever seen, ironically, both appearing in the same episode.

33

“Ricksy Business” (Season 1, Episode 11)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The first-ever season finale of the series, “Ricksy Business,” plays it much more relaxed compared to the season finale that would come, but simultaneously leaves on a compelling note that would have worked as an effective final moment if the series hadn’t been picked up for additional seasons. The episode sees Morty and Summer attempt to throw a house party while their parents are out of town, only to be one-upped by Rick attempting to throw an intergalactic party at the exact same time.

There’s a lot of inherent fun in the prospects of an unrestrained galactic house party and its constant clashes with a traditional high school party, even despite the various high schoolers seeming to be unfazed at the madness all around them. This only gets supercharged when the house ends up being transported to an alien planet. Also, many of the iconic members of Rick’s friend group make their debut in this episode, including fan-favorite characters like Birdperson and Squanchy.

32

“That’s Amorte” (Season 7, Episode 4)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Image via Adult Swim

“That’s Amorte” is the perfect example of how the modern era of the show is still able to conjure up strange and deeply disturbing concepts for an episode that simultaneously leads the way to brilliant emotional moments that are only possible with such unrestrained creativity. The episode sees a foreign planet where humanity’s insides turn into spaghetti after they commit suicide. While Rick and Morty initially want to stop eating the spaghetti, the miraculous taste soon has them coming back for more, with the entire planet’s economy soon transforming to make mass profit out of their own suicidal populace.

There are several distinct strengths that make this episode a standout experience from the recent episodes, from the dark absurdity of its premise to the absolute dystopian extremes that it takes once the planet becomes aware of its own delicious corpses. However, the singular moment that amplified this into being a fan-favorite is the tearjerker final montage, seeing a man’s memory of his full life set to an exceptional cover of Oasis’s “Live Forever.” It’s one of the best moments in the entire series and almost single-handedly elevates the entire episode.

31

“Analyze Piss” (Season 6, Episode 8)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Image via Adult Swim

Annoyed by fighting an endless string of gimmick-themed villains, Rick voluntarily seeks therapy to understand why he attracts such attention in “Analyze Piss.” Rick tries to avoid encouraging more imitators, so when a urine-themed villain named “Pissmaster” shows up at the Smiths’ house, Jerry surprisingly gets involved to defend Summer’s honor. After Jerry wins the fight, he becomes a famous hero, leaving Rick to sort through his emotions about the shift of attention.

Rick and Morty always manages to subvert expectations, making an episode with a title like “Analyze Piss” into one of the more emotionally profound entries of the series. Rick demonstrates growth by empathizing with the Pissmaster, and after relating to the pain in the villain’s life, finds satisfaction from (almost) anonymously redeeming him in the eyes of the public. A mixture of absurd and tragic, “Analyze Piss” takes a ridiculous concept and humanizes it with a complicated exploration of pride. —Brad LaCour

30

“Look Who’s Purging Now” (Season 2, Episode 9)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Image via Adult Swim

Rick and Morty make a pit stop in a quaint town just in time for the planet’s night of consequence-free violence and mayhem in “Look Who’s Purging Now.” Rick’s decision to stay and watch a little bit of purging causes the pair to get involved when Morty demands they intervene to save a cute female alien. After their help backfires and leaves them stranded, Rick calls in a weapon upgrade from Summer that brings out a new and violent side of Morty.

Morty is usually the one operating from a moral high ground, so seeing him quickly transform from frightened victim to a blood-lust-crazed murderer is even surprising to Rick. “Look Who’s Purging Now” is an action-packed episode that uses its The Purge-inspired plotline to move quickly while exploring the corruption of a ruling class and the alternative chaos without its existence. The B-plot involving Jerry has some bright spots as well, especially when it’s revealed why he wants to spend time with Summer. —Brad LaCour

29

“Auto Erotic Assimilation” (Season 2, Episode 3)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Image via Adult Swim

Rick runs into an old flame when he answers a distress call with Morty and Summer in “Auto Erotic Assimilation.” Rick’s ex, Unity (Christina Hendricks), is a hive-mind organism who has assimilated an entire planet into its consciousness after an emotionally wrought breakup with Rick. The two quickly pick up their romance where they left off, leaving Morty and Summer to question the morality of a hive mind while Rick and Unity go on a bender of drugs and sex.

There are hints at Rick’s self-destructive behavior as a symptom of a deeper psychosis, but “Auto Erotic Assimilation” is the first time the viewer sees how deeply depressed and unhappy the smartest man in the universe is. Rick uses chaos as a form of distraction from his pain, but the same tendencies prevent him from establishing the bond he needs to heal from the death of his wife. The plot of “Auto Erotic Assimilation” is effective emotional sleight of hand, directing the audience towards all the outlandish comedy before revealing insight into toxic relationships and loneliness. —Brad LaCour

28

“Solaricks” (Season 6, Episode 1)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Image via [adult swim].

The Season 6 opener, “Solaricks,” dives right into the fallout from the Season 5 finale, showing viewers how Rick and Morty are able to leave the fallen citadel without portal technology. In the process of resetting his portal fluid, Rick sends himself, Morty, and Jerry back to the original dimensions. While Summer works with both Beths to send out a beacon Rick can use for a return, Rick sees the opportunity for long-awaited revenge.

In a series known primarily for consisting of standalone episodes, the decision to resolve lingering plot threads was necessary and gave weight to the stakes the duo faced. “Solaricks” puts one more piece of the Rick and Morty mythos puzzle into place, explaining why this particular Rick “returned” to Beth and set up shop in her garage. “Solaricks” pushes the narrative forward in a meaningful way, answers a few lingering questions, and gives the Smiths an adventure that, for once, bonds them instead of driving wedges. —Brad LaCour

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27

“Night Family” (Season 6, Episode 4)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Image via Adult Swim

Rick finds a new device that solves one minor problem but causes an internal rebellion in the Season 6 episode, “Night Family.” Rick allows the family to use a device called the “Somnambulator,” which enables the user to assign unwanted tasks to their sleeping bodies. Quickly, the Smith family passes on all their unwanted chores to their sleeping selves, known as the “Night People,” but when the balance of power isn’t respected, unrest turns into rebellion. As the Night People version of the family attempts to take control of their lives, the waking version of the Smiths must rely on Rick to swallow his pride.

Where a majority of Rick and Morty episodes take cues from science-fiction tropes, “Night Family” has a decidedly more horror vibe, especially in the presentation of the Night People. Summer gets her moment to shine as the leader of the Night People uprising, which gives viewers an insight into how Summer subconsciously feels about the power dynamic in the waking world. Rick and Summer both have strong personalities, and it’s apparent in the events of “Night Family” that, with more confidence, Summer would pose a challenge to Rick. —Brad LaCour

26

“Rixty Minutes” (Season 1, Episode 8)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Image via Adult Swim

Also known as Interdimensional Cable, “Rixty Minutes” goes away with the classic adventure-style format and instead acts as Rick and Morty’s take on a clip show, with the duo sitting down and watching television from across the multiverse. Each channel has its own blend of strange and chaotic humor as they look into what television and advertisements are like in different dimensions. At the same time, the prospect of a universe where Jerry is an acclaimed Hollywood actor ends up creating a crisis between Jerry and Beth, scouring through the multiverse to look at their “perfect universe”.

The clip show Interdimensional Cable gimmick is enough to make this a highly beloved episode, especially with such iconic moments and gags as Gazorpazorpfield, Ants in My Eyes Johnson, and the movie trailer, Two Brothers. However, what elevates the episode above the other times that Interdimensional Cable has been brought back is the emotional core and strength of Jerry and Beth’s characters, being one of the first episodes to truly delve into the struggles of their marriage yet uncompromising love for one another.

It’s safe to say that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a blockbuster hit. Sure, it hasn’t yet reached its 2023 predecessor, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, in terms of box office numbers, but the sequel is still the highest-grossing film of 2026. And while this animated Nintendo film continues its theatrical run, this The Super Mario Galaxy Movie can be yours to keep.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi’s (Charlie Day) adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom, but their journey takes them out of their world after learning that Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) is kidnapped by Bowser Jr (Benny Safdie). Alongside the return of Anya Taylor-Joy‘s Princess Peach, Jack Black‘s Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key‘s Toad, the Mario sequel also introduces Yoshi, voiced by Donald Glover, and Fox McCloud, voiced by Glen Powell. As of writing, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has made over $967 million worldwide and has a high 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, critics gave it a 42% score.

According to Universal, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now available on digital platforms, allowing fans to purchase the hit sequel after its successful box-office run. But if you’re after the physical release, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD, with a street date of June 16, 2026. Fans who buy the physical movie will not only get the hit 2026 animated sequel, but will also receive bonus content, including the making-of featurette for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. A streaming release date has not yet been announced.

What’s Next for Nintendo Following ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’?

Nintendo has been making moves lately to bring its IP to the big screen, and it’s not stopping with Mario. Coming out next year is the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, directed by Wes Ball and starring Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. At the moment, the plot for this feature has not been revealed. Meanwhile, it was reported that an untitled Donkey Kong movie could be in the works after the project was spotted at the U.S. Copyright Office. Additionally, an official Nintendo document reporting on the company’s 2025 Q2 financial results teased at least two more films coming after The Legend of Zelda, but details and names for those projects have yet to be revealed. However, following the success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it was reported that a Star Fox movie could be on the table.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now available to purchase digitally. Its streaming release date has yet to be announced. Follow Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

April 1, 2026

Runtime

98 Minutes

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Director

Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Fabien Polack

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Writers

Matthew Fogel

Producers

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Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto

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Celebrities sometimes encounter fans whose enthusiasm goes beyond admiration, leading to some pretty bizarre moments. Glenn Powell is sharing one of the strangest encounters he’s had with a fan, and it involved eating photos of the actor’s face.

The woman had been consuming photos of Powell for more than a hundred days before they met face-to-face, and Powell witnessed the odd but memorable act firsthand.

Glen Powell appeared on The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Comedy Actor Roundtable,” along with Owen Wilson, Harrison Ford, Zach Braff, Riz Ahmed, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. At one point, the group turned the conversation to their wildest fan encounters.

Powell shared one of the most memorable experiences he had with a fan, who had gone viral online for eating photos of his face. “There’s a woman in London who has been printing out pictures of my face for the last 80 days and has eaten my face every day. Literally will eat my face until I give her a role in a movie,” he said.

The actor said he had no idea about it until he was told at the red carpet premiere of his movie that the woman who was eating his face was there. Braff asked how the fan got red carpet access, to which Powell replied, “That’s what I was like. ‘Guys, come on, this is a real liability.’”

The Actor Signed An Autograph For The Fan

Powell and the fan, Monique, met at “The Running Man” London premiere in November 2025. Prior to that, however, Monique had been documenting herself eating a photo of the actor’s face on TikTok. She started the challenge in June 2025, captioning the post, “Day 1 of eating a 100% edible photo of Glen Powell until he casts me as an extra in one of his movies/tv shows.”

Monique was one of the fans waiting at the red carpet for the movie’s stars, and when Powell approached, she presented his photo for him to sign. While posing for a photo together, Monique tore the paper with her teeth and ate part of the photo, causing Powell to laugh. “This is savage. It’s on now. Now it’s a premiere,” he said, seemingly amused.

Monique captioned the post, “Day 140 of eating a photo of glen powell infront of glen powell.”

Glen Powell Shared Another Fan Story

The “Hit Man” actor shared yet another odd fan story, in which he was asked to autograph his family photo. What he found odd, however, was that he had no idea how the fan could have had access to that particular photo of his entire family.

“So, I’m sitting there like, ‘Where did you get that?’” Powell asked the fan. Ahmed said that was scary, and Ford jokingly asked, “Did they already have the rest of your family sign it and you were the closer?” “I was,” Powell joked back.

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The other actors also shared their own fan experiences, with Ford sharing that he once heard, “‘My mother wants to sleep with you,’ announced loudly in an airport.” Ahmed, on the other hand, was chased by a fan screaming, “That’s not your signature,” after he signed an autograph.

The Actor Refused To Take A Photo With One Person

In 2025, Powell shared that he refused to take a photo with a famous person one time, though he didn’t drop the identity. While on the “Therapuss” podcast, the actor explained that while at a star-studded party, he came across someone who made some of his favorite movies. The two got to talking, and while he was a fan, the person was getting canceled at that time. “I was a fan of their work but not a fan of their choices,” Powell explained.

A photographer then offered to take a photo of them, but Powell politely declined, thinking the person’s face was “toxic,” and he didn’t want to be associated with him.

Glen Powell’s Career Continues To Surge

Powell’s career shows no signs of slowing down. After his recent movies “Twisters” and “The Running Man,” the actor is slated to appear in several films, including Judd Apatow’s “The Comeback King” and J.J. Abrams’ “The Great Beyond.” He is also developing a musical with Ryan Murphy, whom he had previously worked with on “Scream Queens.”

In addition, Powell also co-created and starred in the Hulu comedy series “Chad Powers,” which has been renewed for a second season.

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Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is getting candid about the painful reality behind her breast augmentation. The “Jersey Shore” star recently opened up about the difficult recovery process after getting breast implants in 2016, revealing the experience was far more intense than she expected. While appearing on a podcast to promote “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” the reality star recalled waking up after surgery and instantly regretting it.

During the candid conversation on Kristin Cavallari’s “Let’s Be Honest” podcast, Snooki compared the aftermath of her breast augmentation to being crushed under extreme weight. “I woke up and it was like [there was] a dump truck on my [chest],” she detailed. “I couldn’t breathe. I was freaking out.”

Kristin Cavallari, who has also undergone breast augmentation, immediately understood the feeling. “It does feel heavy. It does feel like a bus is sitting on your chest,” Cavallari admitted, but things got even more alarming for Snooki, who revealed she noticed something unusual during recovery. “There was like, a hole in my n-pple,” she said. “I was like, what is that? There were guts coming out.”

Despite the painful recovery, Snooki admitted she’s not completely done with cosmetic procedures. “But I want to do that again eventually,” the mom of three said while discussing potentially refreshing her implants.

Cavallari quickly chimed in with encouragement, replying, “I know, I just re-did mine. It’s worth it.” “These are 11 years old,” Snooki pointed out while referring to her current implants.

Opening Up About Stage 1 Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

The reality star has also been transparent with fans about a much more serious health battle. Earlier this year, Snooki revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer, sharing on social media that doctors caught it early and that it was “curable.”

After undergoing a cone biopsy, she updated followers on the diagnosis. “It came back [as] stage 1 cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma. [It’s] obviously not the news I’ve been hoping for, but also not the worst news, just because they caught it so early. Thank freaking God!”

Snooki Urges Women Not To Skip Pap Smears After Cancer Diagnosis

Snooki also used her platform to encourage women not to skip routine health appointments, explaining she had struggled with abnormal pap smears for years. “I’m 38 years old and I’ve been struggling with abnormal pap smears for three or four years now, and now look at me,” she warned. “Instead of putting it off because I didn’t want to go, because I was hurt and scared, I just went and did it. And it was there, cancer is in there. But it’s stage 1 and it’s curable.”

She added, “So get your appointments done, b-tches! I’m telling you! Once you go to stage 2, then you have to do chemo… nobody wants to do that! It’s scary. So get your appointments done.”

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Sent The Reality Star Into Panic Mode

During the same podcast episode, Snooki also reflected on the terrifying moment she learned she had cervical cancer, admitting the diagnosis immediately sent her mind spiraling.

The reality star recalled hearing the word “cancer” and instantly fearing the worst, revealing she went into full panic mode after getting the news. “Like, ‘Oh, my God, what am I gonna do? Gotta get my will in place. What’s gonna happen?’ Planning my funeral. I was being so dramatic,” Polizzi admitted.

Snooki explained that despite later learning her diagnosis had been caught early, the emotional weight of hearing the word itself was enough to trigger a breakdown. “I definitely had a breakdown. Like, ‘Oh my God. What am I gonna do? I gotta get my will in place. What is going to happen?’ Planning my funeral,” she said. “I was being so dramatic.”

Why Snooki Decided To Share Her Cancer Diagnosis Publicly

Although Snooki initially planned to keep her cervical cancer diagnosis private, the reality star said social media ultimately changed her mind.

During the podcast conversation, Polizzi revealed she originally only intended to tell close family members but found herself searching for answers online after realizing how little she knew about cervical cancer and hysterectomies. “I didn’t think I was going to tell anyone, just my close family, and that’s it,” she said.

The “Jersey Shore” alum explained that she turned to TikTok looking for comfort and guidance from women who had experienced similar health scares. “I didn’t know anything about cervical cancer, hysterectomy… I needed someone relatable to talk about their experience,” Polizzi admitted.

After finding videos from women documenting their own journeys with stage 1 cervical cancer and hysterectomies, Snooki said hearing firsthand experiences helped calm some of her fears. “I needed someone to be relatable and talk about their experience,” Polizzi said. “I literally looked for these women to make me feel better. So, why not talk about it? Because nobody talks about it, and it’s so common.”

Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut is still headed to Coney Island this Fourth of July, even while serving probation. The 17-time Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion recently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge following a bar altercation in Indiana, but that won’t stop him from defending his title at the iconic annual event.

According to reports, Chestnut pleaded guilty last month to misdemeanor battery stemming from an incident that took place on March 21 in Hamilton County, Indiana. The competitive eater was sentenced to 180 days of probation following the altercation, which reportedly unfolded after an interaction with another bar patron.

Court records obtained by multiple outlets state Chestnut allegedly exchanged a handshake with someone who recognized him before striking the man on the side of the face “with an open hand.”

When questioned by police, Chestnut reportedly admitted he had been drinking heavily and had little recollection of what happened. He later reviewed surveillance footage and allegedly said the slap “looked like a joke” and that he didn’t realize the incident would escalate into a police matter.

Chestnut Says He Has ‘No Restrictions’

Despite being on probation, Chestnut confirmed he has no travel limitations and is still free to return to New York City for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. “I have no restrictions,” Chestnut told USA Today.

The eating champion successfully petitioned to travel outside Indiana, where both he and the incident are based, clearing the way for his return to the famous Coney Island competition.

Joey Chestnut’s Legal Team Speaks Out

Following the guilty plea, Chestnut’s attorney addressed the situation, saying the matter had been resolved after the athlete accepted responsibility. “My client took full responsibility for this misunderstanding and resolved the matter by pleading guilty to a lesser-included offense of Class B misdemeanor battery, one of the lowest-level misdemeanor offenses under Indiana law,” Massillamany told Us Weekly in a statement.

Chestnut’s legal team also insisted the situation was misread and emphasized his connection with fans. The 17-time hot dog-eating champion “regrets engaging and the interaction being misinterpreted.” “He strives to always connect in a fun manner with fans. In this case, some inappropriate things were said that Joey reacted to,” his legal team continued. “He’s committed to avoiding being in those situations going forward.”

Chestnut Dominated Nathan’s Return In 2025

The legal drama comes just one year after Chestnut made a major comeback at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. After missing the previous year due to a contract dispute tied to an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, Chestnut returned in 2025 and reclaimed his throne in dominant fashion. The competitive eating star consumed 70.5 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, securing the $10,000 grand prize and extending his record-breaking number of wins to 17.

Why Was Joey Chestnut Banned in 2024?

As The Blast previously reported, Chestnut’s relationship with Nathan’s Famous hit a major snag in 2024 after he signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company known for developing plant-based food products. The partnership quickly sparked controversy after Impossible Foods launched a marketing campaign aimed at meat-eaters, prompting Major League Eating (MLE) to take action.

At the time, MLE announced that Chestnut would not be allowed to compete in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, claiming the competitive eating champion had “chosen to represent a rival brand” instead of Nathan’s. “For nearly two decades, we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions,” the statement said. “However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.”

Joey Chestnut Addresses The Ban

Chestnut later addressed the ban publicly, expressing disappointment over missing the iconic event while accusing MLE of suddenly shifting expectations. “I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th, and I have been training to defend my title,” Chestnut said. “[The decision by MLE and Nathan’s] will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”

Chestnut also claimed MLE was “looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with.”

But now, with his legal troubles seemingly behind him and no travel restrictions in place, all eyes will be on whether Chestnut can once again dominate the competition and add another Nathan’s title to his already record-breaking legacy.

Meghan Markle took to social media to share a sweet anniversary tribute she received from a British Airways flight crew, sparking speculation that she and Prince Harry had secretly “returned” to the UK. However, the rumors have since been dispelled, with sources clarifying the story behind the note.

Harry and Meghan celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary on Tuesday, May 19, with the Duchess of Sussex sharing photos from their special day, notably without any members of his family featured.

The post comes amid online backlash Meghan recently faced following her trip to Switzerland, where many accused her of trying to “upstage” Kate Middleton, who had just completed a working trip to Italy.

Meghan took to her Instagram Story to share a sweet note she received from a British Airways flight crew in honor of her eighth wedding anniversary with Harry.

The letter, which seemingly featured several signatures and aliases from crew members, read, “Dearest Harry and Meghan, Wishing you a wonderful wedding anniversary, With love, The whole British Airways family.”

The flight crew signed off with the flight number “BA269” and the date May 18. In the accompanying caption, the former “Suits” actress thanked the crew for “all your memories and kind words,” while tagging the company’s account.

Meghan’s Post Sparks UK Return Speculation

However, Meghan’s post sparked quiet suspicion that she and Harry had returned to the UK for their anniversary celebration.

That speculation turned out to be far from the actual events. A source clarified to PEOPLE that Meghan received the note on her flight back from Geneva, Switzerland, where she had delivered a speech at the Lock Screen Memorial calling on authorities to do more to protect children online.

“Meghan’s flight crew was so lovely on her way back from Geneva. They all came to say happy anniversary and shared their memories of where they were on the day,” a source told the news outlet, adding that the crew also gave treats to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In another photo, she shared a throwback of the two of them in penguin-themed costumes, standing side by side.

Meghan Markle And Kate Middleton’s Rift Resurfaces

The last eight years have come with their fair share of ups and downs for Harry and Meghan, who relocated to California following their alleged fallout with members of the royal family.

One of the most talked-about tensions reportedly involved the Netflix star and her estranged sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Claims surfaced that a 2018 disagreement over bridesmaid dresses left the Princess of Wales in tears ahead of Meghan’s wedding to Harry.

Meghan has previously claimed that Kate later apologized over the incident. However, sources have alleged that the damage had already been done and that Meghan’s frosty relationship with the future queen took a negative toll on her time inside the palace, especially as Kate was often viewed as the more favored of the two.

Meghan Accused Of Trying To Upstage Kate

Meghan recently faced accusations of trying to upstage and outshine Kate on the global stage after she delivered an address in Switzerland calling for more action to stop rising online child exploitation and digital violence.

Before Meghan’s trip, Kate had traveled to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy for a two-day visit to learn about the region’s famous approach to early childhood development and promote her work on the subject, which has often been described as her “life’s work.”

Some internet users alleged that Meghan’s appearance at the event was staged, citing photos that appeared to show her speaking to a near-empty audience. Others claimed the trip was arranged by her PR team to “counter the Princess of Wales.”

Harry And Meghan Markle Questioned For ‘Half In, Half Out’ Approach

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have sparked renewed interest in their “half in, half out” royal arrangement, with experts suggesting the setup has shown they remain popular, even as it continues to leave palace higher-ups unsettled.

“There is a huge difference between what the monarchy has to offer and what Harry and Meghan are currently doing,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. “This was underlined by King Charles’ highly successful state visit to the United States and Princess Catherine’s two-day visit to Italy, her first official trip in over three years.”

“However, in attempting to have something similar to the ‘half-in, half-out’ position within the royal family, which Queen Elizabeth rejected, the Sussexes have shown that their brand still gets huge amounts of publicity,” he added.

There’s a new “Baywatch” series in the works, with two stunning cast members hoping to fill Pamela Anderson‘s sexy shoes.

The actress gained international recognition for her role as “C.J.” Parker on the drama series in the 90s, making her one of the most revered sex symbols of her time.

Pamela Anderson’s impacts remain to date, with rising stars Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne allegedly vying to become the new C.J. in the series reboot.

Although Anderson is yet to choose a protégé to take her place in the “Baywatch” franchise, Nader and Dunne have reportedly taken it upon themselves to continue her legacy. The pair are part of the new cast for the series reboot and allegedly want to fill Anderson’s shoes.

Sources claim Nader and Dunne have been openly discussing the “next Pam Anderson” at different points during production. These talks have reportedly caused a noticeable shift in the air between them, with one source telling TMZ:

“There’s been some tension between the two.”

Apparently, Nader is focused on making the reboot her own show and appears in almost every episode. On the other hand, Dunne is reportedly featured in three episodes. The alleged tension between them seemed to show when Nader and Brooks posed together for a red carpet appearance.

Nader Seems Conscious Of Her Speculated Rival

Nader and Dunne made a joint appearance at a red carpet event for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, where they posed together for the cameras. Nader seemed conscious of how the photographers focused on Dunne and drew their attention to her by asking them to capture her good side.

Nader has been vocal about how much the “Baywatch” reboot means to her, telling PEOPLE in March that she was “bawling, crying” after wearing the iconic onesie. “It’s such a full-circle moment,” she began, explaining that she had donned a red one-piece on her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover.

The coincidence made Nader feel like her part in the reboot was “a long time in the making.” She added that her family felt the same way, claiming they had burst into tears after she FaceTimed them in her red swimsuit. “It’s such a big moment, and I’m so honored to be a part of it,” Nader gushed.

Brooks Nader Plays A Key Role In The Reboot

The “Baywatch” reboot is reportedly set to debut as part of Fox’s 2026-2027 season, bringing the nostalgia with Hobie Buchannon (played by Stephen Amell) taking up his father’s legacy. The plot follows Hobie’s discovery of a daughter he never knew he had.

The child, Charlie (played by Jessica Belkin), shows up at his doorstep to become a part of the legendary lifeguards alongside her father. However, her arrival further escalates the tension brewing between Hobie and Nader’s character, Selene.

The media personality’s character is described as “the sharp-tongued Captain of the Zuma beach lifeguards” who has a different approach to saving lives than Hobie. Nader is reportedly set to be a season regular with Dunne playing a character named Grace.

Livvy Dunne Raves About Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Achievements

Besides fighting to become the new Anderson, Nader, and Dunne have another thing in common. The pair have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, with Dunne achieving the incredible milestone of four years featured in the magazine.

She raved about the achievement at the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch party in New York City, saying, “The fact that they keep asking me back — I’m just so flattered.” Dunne added that she felt honored to have a place among the other stunning cover girls.

The former Louisiana State University gymnast wasn’t alone in her pride, as her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, couldn’t be happier. Dunne described him as her biggest supporter, claiming he always loved seeing her SI Swimsuit pictures.

Pamela Anderson Called Out ‘Baywatch’ Movie Producers For Bullying

Before the “Baywatch” reboot, Paramount revived the beloved franchise with a 2017 movie featuring stars like Dwayne Johnson. In 2023, Anderson reflected on the project and why it became a thorn in her side while speaking to Variety.

Anderson revealed that producers wanted her to make a cameo in the movie, but they did not want to pay her for it. “There was just so much bullying to do it. They wanted me to do it for free, as an homage or something,” she recalled.

When she stood her ground, asking to be paid for her time, they kept hounding her until she caved. Anderson finally agreed to do the cameo, but without any dialogue. She showed up at the very end of the movie for a slow-motion scene.

Who will be the next Pamela Anderson between Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne?

The Star Wars universe is expansive, to say the least, but so are the behind-the-scene stories that helped build the franchise to legendary status. It’s common knowledge that George Lucas was inspired to make his fairytale-in-space in the image of Akira Kurosawa‘s iconic film The Hidden Fortress, implementing similar power struggles and underdog characters. Fans are well aware that Harrison Ford wasn’t the initial choice for Han Solo, much like how Darth Vader’s true identity was kept secret from the cast and crew. However, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back holds an even more shocking story that was once lost from the space saga forever!

Roger Christian, legendary set decorator for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and art director of Alien, has a deep connection to Star Wars beyond his production design. George Lucas requested a film to go out with The Empire Strikes Back. At the time, Lucas read a fantasy script written by Christian and commissioned it on the spot, which gave birth to the once-lost short film Black Angel. The short has since become a notorious piece of cinematic history that influenced the visual and tonal elements of the darkest installment of Star Wars.

‘Black Angel’ Was Supposed to Accompany the Beginning of ‘The Empire Strikes Back’

Image via 20th Century Fox

Hailed as one of the greatest sequels in the film industry, The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most beloved installments of the Star Wars franchise, and for a good reason. The sequel represents a giant tonal shift from A New Hope, following Luke Skywalker down a gloomy journey toward facing his worst fear yet — his father, Darth Vader. The film’s dark emotional content, psychologically jarring scenes, and near-tragic climax are still celebrated after forty-four years, but little is mentioned of how Lucas became inspired by his set director’s short film.

According to BBC, Roger Christian already had a film script ready to go when the Star Wars director asked for a film to accompany the epic sequel. It just so happens that Christian went back to film school after working on A New Hope and wrote a feature-length story. Lucas loved the idea so much that he gave the thumbs up to Christian immediately, and the project received a 25,000-pound grant from the UK government in 1979! The Oscar-winning set decorator extracted pieces of his original story, thus creating a short titled Black Angel. “I headed to Scotland with a crew of nine people, four actors, two trained horses, and a Volkswagon bus,” recalls Roger Christian in the introductory commentary of Black Angel.

The film marked Chrisitian’s directorial debut, and he was lucky enough to shoot with leftover rolls of film from Empire at several never-before-seen locations in Scotland, states USA Today. The production was filmed in seven days and took place in September and October, the most beautiful time in the Highlands, which gave Black Angel its surreal and magical backdrop. To accentuate the power of myth, Christian was inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky‘s concept of connecting to the subconscious. Set in a mythic, medieval world, the 25-minute short follows Sir Maddox (Tony Vogel), a medieval knight who journeys to rescue a young maiden (Patricia Christian) from an evil sorcerer, the Black Angel. This dark and moody tale draws heavily from Arthurian legends, with striking, majestic visuals and an otherworldly atmosphere that made it unique in its day.

In 1980, The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters worldwide, but Black Angel was only shown before the main feature in select cinemas across Europe and Australia. The short caused quite a buzz back then, enamoring John Boorman, who showed it to his Excabliur crew. Tragically, Rank Laboratories, the company that stored Christian’s masters, went bankrupt and threw everything away, states Screen Daily. Because of this, Black Angel was never seen by an American audience. Christian did have his own copy, but it was “degraded.” Black Angel disappeared for decades, becoming almost mythical among Star Wars fans and film historians alike.

The Original ‘Black Angel’ Negative Was Miraculously Found and Restored 20 Years Later

Just like its legendary story, Black Angel‘s negative was miraculously found like a fairytale. Per Screen Daily, in 2011, by pure luck, an archivist rediscovered the short in the Universal Studios archives. “The neg turned up about a year and a half ago by sheer destiny. Rank Laboratories, who had the negative, kept them in WW2 bunkers outside London because they said it was perfectly dry and secure,” boasts Christian. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the once-lost short was restored by the Bay Area Visual Effects Society and Emeryville frame-by-frame and went on to be screened at the Mill Valley Festival and Glasgow Festival.

After its global release, Black Angel triggered a critical frenzy. The relic’s restoration allowed new audiences to witness this forgotten gem and to connect its obvious ties to the darker, more mature aesthetic of The Empire Strikes Back. George Lucas also utilized Christian’s step-printed style in the slowed-down fight scenes between the Black Angel and the knight. The slow-motion fight sequence with Luke and Darth Vander uses the same technique. Beyond its association with Lucasfilm, Black Angel became influential in its own right. The ethereal cinematography and haunting score echoed themes of chivalry, otherworldliness, and a struggle against dark forces, said to impact the visual palette of Ridley Scott‘s Legend, whom Christian worked with in the past and can be seen in many fantasy films afterward.

The restoration and revival of Black Angel has allowed modern cinephiles to appreciate this once-forgotten piece of Star Wars history. In 2015, Roger Christian announced his intention to make the legendary short into a feature-length film. Speaking to EW, Christian revealed his plans to finance the Black Angel feature independently with a goal of $15 million. He later launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $100,000, setting eyes on filming in Hungary, Belgium, and Morocco. The campaign raised $177,010, though production still has not begun on the movie. The latest update came in a comment from Christian in 2024, where he said he expected filming to begin after setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel like Luke staring at the two twin suns and there’s your destiny ahead of you and you have to take it or not—the same as Arthur pulling the sword out. I reckon I’ll pull the sword out,” the filmmaker said to EW. Black Angel‘s blend of ancient myth, heroism, and dreamlike scenery has solidified its place as a cult classic, touching the hearts of fans and renowned directors who admire fantasy and medieval storytelling. Today, the once-forgotten short, Black Angel, stands as a monument to Roger Christian’s imaginative artistry and as a piece of Star Wars “lost and found history.”

Black Angel is available to watch on the film’s official YouTube page.

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Black Angel

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Release Date

May 21, 1980

Runtime

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25 Minutes

Director

Roger Christian

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Writers

Roger Christian

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Cast

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  Patricia Christian

  Maiden

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