There are great movies, there are unforgettable movies, and then there are films that redefine what blockbuster filmmaking can be. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey firmly belongs in the latter category. With breathtaking visuals, career-defining performances, and an emotional core that never loses sight of Homer’s timeless story, The Odyssey isn’t simply one of the year’s best films. It stands among the finest achievements of Nolan’s extraordinary career.

Rather than treating Homer’s epic as nothing more than an excuse for massive action sequences and mythical creatures, Nolan crafts a deeply human story about perseverance, family, identity, and the emotional cost of war. Every impossible obstacle Odysseus faces feels meaningful because the journey has always been about one thing: finding his way home.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

Matt Damon delivers one of the most restrained performances of his career. His Odysseus isn’t portrayed as an invincible action hero, but as a weathered man carrying years of physical and emotional scars. The performance perfectly complements Nolan’s vision, showing a legendary warrior whose greatest battle is simply surviving long enough to return to the people he loves.

Anne Hathaway shines as Penelope, bringing remarkable strength and quiet resilience to every scene. Tom Holland delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances as Telemachus, whose own journey becomes just as compelling as his father’s. Robert Pattinson nearly steals every scene he’s in with an unforgettable performance that provides just enough unpredictability to keep audiences on edge.

Visually, The Odyssey is simply astonishing.

Shot entirely for IMAX, Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema create images that demand to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. From towering cliffs and endless oceans to mythical encounters that feel both terrifying and beautiful, every frame reminds viewers why practical filmmaking still matters. There is a tangible scale and realism here that computer-generated spectacle rarely achieves.

Ludwig Göransson’s score deserves equal praise. The music elevates every triumph, every loss, and every quiet moment of reflection, becoming the emotional heartbeat of the entire film.

Perhaps Nolan’s greatest accomplishment is balancing spectacle with intimacy. While audiences will undoubtedly remember the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the film’s massive action sequences, it’s the quieter moments between family members that leave the deepest impression. The relationship between Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus gives the film genuine emotional weight that continues long after the credits roll.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

The film’s nearly three-hour runtime never feels excessive. Every chapter serves a purpose, allowing the audience to fully experience the trials that shaped one of literature’s greatest heroes. Nolan’s signature nonlinear storytelling is present but never distracting, adding depth without sacrificing clarity.

If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s only that some supporting characters deserved more time to breathe. With a cast this talented, a few memorable performances inevitably disappear sooner than audiences might hope. Yet even this feels less like a flaw and more like the unavoidable reality of adapting one of history’s greatest epics into a single film.

Critics have been nearly unanimous in their praise. The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick, calling it “a classic in every sense” and “a transporting affirmation of the art and a work of pure cinema.” The Associated Press similarly praised the film’s emotional depth and breathtaking spectacle, while early reactions have hailed it as one of Nolan’s most ambitious accomplishments.

Christopher Nolan has spent decades pushing the boundaries of blockbuster filmmaking with films like Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer. Somehow, The Odyssey feels like the culmination of everything he has learned along the way. It is visually magnificent, emotionally resonant, intellectually engaging, and endlessly cinematic.

This is exactly why people go to the movies.

Final Verdict

The Odyssey is an extraordinary achievement that honors one of history’s greatest stories while firmly establishing itself as one of the defining films of modern cinema. It is epic in scale, intimate in emotion, and unforgettable from beginning to end. Christopher Nolan has once again reminded audiences why he remains one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation.

More details are emerging about the musical performances at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Madison Square Garden wedding.

Former NFL punter Pat McAfee revealed on his eponymous ESPN talk show on Monday, July 13, that Avril Lavigne was among the stars who took the stage, joining the likes of Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks.

According to McAfee, Lavigne, 41, serenaded the happy couple — and their A-list guests — with her 2002 hit song “Sk8r Boi.”

“I guess me saying Avril Lavigne played ‘Skr8 Boi’ was the first time that it came out,” he said. “But she was awesome.”

He added, “To be clear, those musicians … really cool. Like, one would just call out the other and then they would come up and they would just do their s***.”

McAfee, 39, said that he wasn’t familiar with all of the songs performed at the July 3 nuptials, including one by Swift’s pal Ice Spice, but the rapper “had a lot of energy up there.”

The ESPN analyst shared further details about his experience at the wedding on Monday’s episode of his talk show.

“That was the most spectacular evening I have ever been a part of. I cannot wait to chit-chat about that throughout the day,” McAfee said. “I’m sure there was something that I agreed to not talk about, but from the things that I’ve been reading about, other people [are] talking about it, like, kinda sorta ’cause there were no phones in there. There is no notes section, no writing or anything, so it’s literally all just memory.”

McAfee also defended Swift and Kelce, both 36, from criticism over their lavish wedding in the middle of New York City.

“Anybody that’s saying anything negative about that place … now granted, shutting down a pulsing city and that whole thing, you guys can have your thoughts on that,” he said. “The event itself was, like, the most spectacular grand thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

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“I don’t want to give away too much, but it was the greatest night of all time,” the former football player added. “My wife and I had a blast. They absolutely showcased that they are in love; it was very obvious.”

Other A-list guests included Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba and more.

“Travis had a huge smile. Taylor looked like she was having the absolute best time,” a source told Us of the wedding reception earlier this month. “She was smiling and dancing nonstop. The energy was unreal from start to finish.”

Britney Spears briefly gave fans another window into her world before abruptly shutting it again. 

The pop superstar shared an Instagram carousel packed with candid moments, including a playful ride with a mystery companion, a heartfelt message about family and friends, and a rare appearance from her son Jayden James. 

However, just over an hour after it appeared, the entire post disappeared, leaving followers wondering why the singer chose to erase one of her most personal updates in recent weeks.

Britney Spears opened the now-deleted carousel with a selfie video filmed inside what appeared to be the same Mercedes SUV involved in her recent headline-making outing, during which she was photographed halfway out of the vehicle’s sunroof.

The singer sat in the front passenger seat wearing a straw hat, oversized sunglasses and a check-patterned blazer as the unidentified driver smiled toward the camera. 

At one point, the man stuck out his tongue, and Spears mirrored the gesture, turning the brief clip into another playful social media moment.

The appearance immediately fueled fresh speculation that the driver could be the same mystery man who has recently been linked to the Grammy winner.

Spears also included a close-up image showing several turquoise-and-silver rings and bracelets she wore during the outing.

Spears Reflected On Life While Sharing A Rare Family Update

Although much of the attention centered on the mystery driver, Britney Spears used the caption to focus on the people who have been supporting her.

“Crazy how life is,,, so many different moments all rolled into to one! If this is the game of life, there are no rules!!!” she wrote per the Daily Mail before expressing gratitude for being surrounded by “amazing beautiful friends” and the “people I absolutely adore.”

The carousel ended with one of the pop star’s most personal updates in months, a photo of her 19-year-old son, Jayden James, posing alongside his girlfriend.

Spears revealed she had recently spent time with the couple, affectionately writing, “My son’s girlfriend, I made her wear my red hat!!! She’s stunning,,, and spring is here,,, I need to work out.”

Britney Spears Included Another Of Her Signature Dance Videos

In between the family photos and videos from the car ride, Spears also shared one of the dance clips that has become a familiar fixture on her Instagram page.

Dancing in front of her fireplace, the “Toxic” singer wore a white off-the-shoulder top pulled low to reveal a bikini top and a sparkling bra underneath. She completed the look with micro shorts while performing her trademark freestyle routine.

The video blended seamlessly with the rest of the carousel, which mixed personal reflections with snapshots from her day. Just as quickly as the post appeared, it disappeared.

Roughly an hour after uploading the collection of videos and photos, Spears removed the entire post from Instagram without offering any explanation.

The deletion meant followers who hadn’t seen the post in real time were left relying on screenshots and recordings shared elsewhere online.

Spears Raised Eyebrows With Risky Freeway Moment

Just days before posting and then deleting her latest Instagram carousel, Britney Spears found herself at the center of another viral moment after photographers captured her climbing through the sunroof of a moving black Mercedes SUV on Los Angeles’ 101 Freeway near Studio City. 

Wearing a tan mini dress, the 44-year-old stood with the upper half of her body outside the vehicle, throwing her head back, stretching both arms across the roof, and letting her hair blow in the wind as traffic continued to move around the SUV at an estimated 45 mph. 

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According to witnesses, Spears remained through the sunroof for roughly two minutes before the vehicle exited the freeway and stopped at a nearby gas station, where she was later seen laughing with the unidentified driver.

Britney Spears Insisted Fans Didn’t See The Full Story

Just days after the freeway stunt sparked widespread concern, Spears addressed the viral photos in her own unmistakable way. 

Sharing another image of herself stretched through the roof of the SUV on Instagram, the pop star suggested the public had formed opinions based on only a brief snapshot of her day. 

“What people see is two seconds of insanity of me arching me to the lords !!!!! yet the days and hours of my reality !!!!!! Nothing is what it seems,” she wrote. 

Spears ended the post on a defiant note, adding, “Psss I think I need to come out of the roof quite a bit more.” 

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A source also defended the singer, explaining to the Daily Mail that she briefly leaned through the sunroof to check traffic ahead and was simply enjoying herself, adding that she “meant no harm” during the outing.

Harry Bosch is officially returning, but it won’t be in the way many are expecting. Whether that news makes you relieved or not is another story, but for now, Titus Welliver has confirmed when and where you’ll see Bosch on your screen — and for how long.

Speaking to ScreenRant at the Italian Global Series festival, Welliver revealed that Bosch will appear in three episodes of Ballard Season 2. That matches his involvement in the first season and suggests the series will continue using him as an important connection to the wider franchise without shifting the spotlight away from Maggie Q and her title character.

Welliver said he comes into the series to “kind of service the brand,” while also praising the experience of working with Q, and described the spin-off as fun while noting that it doesn’t exactly carry quite the same intensity as the original Bosch series.

Harry Bosch Will Return for New Episodes

Ballard follows LAPD cold-case detective Renée Ballard as she investigates forgotten crimes and corruption inside the department. Season 1 placed Bosch directly in her path when one of her cases connected to murders he had previously investigated. They’d previously met in the finale of Bosch: Legacy, and while they got on well, this did create a bit of contention between them.

Bosch also became involved in uncovering the wider network of corrupt officers surrounding Ballard’s investigation and, by the finale, he was the one who informed her that Robert Olivas would avoid prosecution after striking a deal, despite the allegations against him. Season 2 puts Ballard in a worse position, as she’s already been arrested on suspicion of murdering Olivas, right after she threatened the future of his career and family. So it looks like the timely Bosch return could be vital, even if it’s limited to just three episodes.

And sadly for many fans, the smaller role also makes it clear that showrunners Michael Alaimo and Kendall Sherwood are not planning to turn the second season into another Bosch-led story. Ballard remains the central figure, with Harry appearing as an experienced ally who can step in when the investigation demands it.

Welliver also expressed his happiness that Michael Connelly’s crime universe continues to expand through both Ballard and the upcoming MGM+ prequel Bosch: Start of Watch. The latter stars Cameron Monaghan (Gotham) as a younger Harry during his first year with the LAPD.

Ballard Season 2 does not yet have a release date.

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Release Date

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July 9, 2025

Network

Prime Video

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Directors

Jet Wilkinson

Writers

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Michael Connelly, Brandi Nicole, Galeesa Murph, John Coveny, Julissa Castillo, Kendall Sherwood, Liz Hsiao Lan Alper, Michael Alaimo, Ralph Gifford, Thania St. John

Franchise(s)

Bosch

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  Courtney Taylor

  Samira Parker

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Roommates, it looks like the tension between Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis has reached another level, with both sides airing out their frustrations publicly. The former couple found themselves going back and forth online as serious accusations surfaced involving their children, their past, and the way they each view the other’s actions.

RELATED: Karlissa Saffold Apologizes To NBA YoungBoy After Seemingly Calling Him Dumb During Livestream With Blueface (VIDEOS)

Blueface And Jaidyn Exchange Serious Allegations Online

During a livestream, Blueface accused Jaidyn of being a “bad mother” following an alleged car crash involving their children. While sitting in his gamer chair wearing a white tank top, the rapper claimed Jaidyn was “drunk driving with her kids in the car” and questioned why she was presenting herself as “mother of the year.” Blueface also alleged that she left the scene of the incident before sarcastically saying, “What a good person you are.”

Jaidyn Alexis later responded during a separate livestream, where she pushed back against Blueface’s claims and accused him of being a jailhouse “snitch.” While sitting in a pink chair alongside two other people, Jaidyn alleged that Blueface provided information to authorities and claimed he “turned 6 months into 2 years” because of it, while also referencing alleged retaliation he faced from fellow inmates during his incarceration. Neither side has publicly provided additional details or evidence regarding the allegations made during their livestreams, leaving fans to debate the claims circulating online.

The Comments Section Has Mixed Reactions

After the livestream clips circulated, folks quickly ran to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section to debate the latest back-and-forth between Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis. Some commenters argued that the situation could have ended much differently if Jaidyn was actually driving under the influence, while others pointed out that Chrisean Rock previously made similar claims.

One Instagram user, @jay.sonborne, said, “If he snitched it wouldn’t go from 6 months to 2 years sweethart 😂 it would be the other way around 😂”

This Instagram user @here.igo2019 claimed, “The police came to the accident if she was drunk trust they would have took her Cali don’t play”

And, Instagram user @keeba1234 commented, “It’s getting ugly and I’m here for it 😂😂😂😂😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @shandahunter73 added, “Y’all didn’t want to believe chrisean, when chrisean said it first smh , chrisean was never wrong 🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️”

While Instagram user @2blesscarter shared, “He definitely got 💩 on based on how he came out”

Lastly, Instagram user @courtneykathleeen wrote, “Sheeeesh lol”

RELATED: Fans React After Blueface Claims Karlissa Saffold Harvey Traumatized Him & She Defends Herself During Heated Exchange

Given how brainy and compelling the science fiction genre is — often depicting future scientific and technological advancements and serving as sharp satires — it is no wonder that it is among the most beloved in the film industry. Movies like Interstellar have cemented an indestructible legacy through the years and gathered high spots among the best movies of all time. But where do these rank against other films in the genre in the judgment of Letterboxd users?

The platform was created by and for cinephiles all over the globe, often playing the role of the helping hand whenever moviegoers feel like they’re stuck in a crisis of “don’t know what to watch next.” Their top-rated movies provide audiences with a solid number of must-see flicks where the sci-fi genre is quite present. These are the best science fiction movies of all time, according to Letterboxd.

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‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Letterboxd Score: 4.3/5

Image via Universal Pictures

Set in a bleak future where humanity has become infertile, and society teeters on the brink of collapse, Alfonso Cuarón‘s Children of Men follows former activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) as he is tasked with protecting the first pregnant woman in nearly two decades. As political unrest and violence engulf Britain, Theo must escort her to safety.

The 2006 masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the greatest dystopian films ever made. Children of Men features Cuarón’s breathtaking direction and immersive long takes, made all the better by grounded performances from its cast. The film’s striking vision of a world stripped of hope feels remarkably believable. It’s a gripping thriller as much as it is an unforgettable science fiction masterpiece.

9

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2025)

Letterboxd Score: 4.3/5

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Based on Andy Weir‘s bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who awakens aboard a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. As his memories gradually return, he discovers he has been sent on a mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. Just as all hope seems lost, an unlikely friendship pops up and affects his gargantuan task.

Project Hail Mary quickly earned praise for translating Weir’s novel into an engaging cinematic adventure with heart and humor. The film’s optimism is infectious, and its inventive problem-solving makes it stand out among modern science fiction. Of course, it’s Gosling’s charismatic performance that truly keeps the high-stakes story grounded and hard to look away from.

8

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Universal Pictures

Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David, among other talented actors, John Carpenter‘s highly-rated The Thing follows a research team in Antarctica who find themselves being hunted by a terrifying shape-shifting creature that assumes the appearance of its victims. Not only is the film one of the best science fiction flicks ever, but it is also among the top horror films of all time.

The suspenseful narrative and believable acting performances are two of The Thing‘s strongest aspects, but the masterful execution elevates it to higher ground; Carpenter’s talents in the horror genre are unmatched. When combined with sci-fi, the results are even more mind-bending and tense, sticking with audiences even after the credits roll. The Thing is a nail-biting thriller that is guaranteed to have viewers hooked from the start.

7

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune: Part Two continues Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) journey as he joins the Fremen in their fight against House Harkonnen. After being put in an increasingly complex position, Paul must decide whether to embrace the role of a messianic leader while preparing for a war that will reshape the known universe.

Dune: Part Two effectively expands on the foundation laid by its predecessor. With breathtaking visuals and spectacular action, it continues the epic storytelling fans expect. The result is a movie that rewards both longtime fans of Frank Herbert‘s novel and newcomers alike — it’s one of the defining science fiction films of the decade.

6

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Though it may be hard for some readers to grasp that an animated film is considered, by general Letterboxd users, better than several other iconic features, it is one of the platform’s highest-rated in the category. The movie follows teen Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, as he becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and joins forces with other spider-powered people from other dimensions to stop a huge threat.

It is not exactly hard to understand why Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is such a universally beloved film; its stunning visuals and likable main character, who has captured the attention of even non-Spider-Man enthusiasts, play a part in that. Into the Spider-Verse is a compelling film featuring phenomenal world-building, an inventive premise, and a handful of humorous scenes that will have audiences invested throughout. It is a game changer for superhero films, especially animated ones, quickly becoming one of the best in the genre.

5

‘Stalker’ (1979)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Goskino

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This really well-accomplished film by Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky is an iconic philosophical, existentialist film — and a masterpiece at that. Stalker tells the story of an expedition led by a figure known as “Stalker” (Alexander Kaidanovsky), who guides his clients through a wasteland to find a room that grants wishes.

Captivating and puzzling are two words that describe this metaphysical slow-burn film, which benefits greatly from its stylish arthouse elements. Stalker is perhaps the most influential sci-fi movie of all time — although slow-paced and definitely not for everyone, Tarkovsky’s film has raised the bar in the genre by providing audiences with a surrealistic and incredibly atmospheric film with beautiful black-and-white visuals and an intriguing premise.

4

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Despite being relatively recent, Across the Spider-Verse is among the best science fiction films of all time, according to Letterboxd users. Though it arguably fits best in the superhero category (just like its predecessor), it is still classified as a sci-fi movie.

Miles catapults across the multiverse in this engaging but painful journey of self-discovery, once again encountering a team of Spider-People (a much larger one this time), but ultimately clashing over how to handle a new threat. It is safe to say that Across the Spider-Verse surpassed the incredibly high expectations that the first entry set, earning an even higher score on the platform. While it is equally entertaining, the 2023 film is a tad more moving and just as visually absorbing, emphasizing once more that it is nearly impossible not to sympathize with and care for its lead character.

3

‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

Letterboxd Score: 4.4/5

Image via Lucasfilm

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Empire Strikes Back is widely considered one of the best Star Wars movies among general audiences and fans (and also one of the best-reviewed). It sees Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) carry on his journey after the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire. He then begins his Jedi training, and his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and Boba Fett.

This incredible 1980s movie has it all: adventure, romance, action, and science fiction. It is a timeless classic with incredible storytelling that still stands the test of time, as is evident on the platform. While the special effects in this George Lucas feature may seem outdated to some, there is no doubt that they were incredible when the film was released; in fact, it even took home the award for Best Special Effects (Johnson and Edlund) at the 8th Saturn Awards. Overall, Empire Strikes Back is a great sequel that sets up the final chapter well.

2

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Letterboxd Score: 4.5/5

Image via Paramount Pictures

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A Christopher Nolan essential that is among the filmmaker’s best, Interstellar is set in a future where Earth is falling apart, and humanity faces extinction. It is up to a team of NASA scientists and a former NASA pilot (Matthew McConaughey) to find a new habitable planet through interstellar travel.

With a truly touching father-daughter relationship at its center and an astounding Hans Zimmer score that complements its mind-bending narrative, Interstellar is undoubtedly a top-notch science fiction movie. It is also well-acted, with Jessica Chastain and McConaughey’s performances often taking the spotlight. These elements help cement Nolan’s movie as one of the best science fiction movies of all time (also per Collider’s official sci-fi films ranking). The way Interstellar tackles moving themes of family and how love transcends space and time will keep audiences invested and possibly be a pleasant surprise even to those who don’t usually enjoy the genre.

1

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion’ (1997)

Letterboxd Score: 4.5/5

Image via Toei Company

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Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion is a theatrical ending for the TV series of the same name that illustrates Shinji (Megumi Ogata) and Auska’s (Yûko Miyamura) attempt at stopping the occurrence of Third Impact.

This anime feature coming out on top of sci-fi movies may come as a surprise to some readers. Still, there is no doubt that The End of Evangelion is astonishing to look at and is considered a masterwork in the animation genre (specifically, an incredible accomplishment in the anime field). Serving as a conclusion to the series of the same name 20 years after its original release, The End of Evangelion is a perfect avant-garde pick for open-minded and curious viewers looking to watch something different. It deals with nihilistic topics, including depression and fear.

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The End of Evangelion

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Release Date

July 19, 1997

Runtime

87 Minutes

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Director

Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki

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Writers

Hideaki Anno

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• 

  Megumi Ogata

  Shinji Ikari

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• 

  Megumi Hayashibara

  Rei Ayanami / Yui Ikari

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Taylor Frankie Paul was granted a restraining order against ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen‘s friend Cru Eaton.

Court documents obtained by Us Weekly indicate that Paul, 32, filed for a temporary order of protection for “civil stalking” against Eaton in Salt Lake City — with a judge formally signing off on a three-year order on Wednesday, July 15.

“An Order has been signed and issued on the statewide Domestic Violence Network,” the court motion read.

Us has reached out to Paul’s legal team and Eaton for comment.

Per TMZ, Eaton allegedly posted private footage via TikTok showing the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star allegedly getting upset during a heated argument with Mortensen, 33.

Eaton reportedly captioned the footage, “Everyone is so concerned and so focused on what must have been happening before the videos started. You guys do understand that Dakota doesn’t start these fights, so he has no way of knowing when he needs to be recording them, correct?”

Monday’s court ruling is the latest development in a contentious legal dispute between Paul and Mortensen.

Following a previous domestic violence incident that led to Paul’s arrest in 2023, the former couple were involved in a new investigation by Utah’s Draper City Police Department in February. Both publicly denied the allegations of domestic violence made by the other. (Paul’s season of The Bachelorette was pulled from ABC’s schedule due to the criminal investigation.)

In April, Utah prosecutors closed the case by declining to press criminal charges against either Paul or Mortensen over the alleged incident.

Paul reacted to the news on April 15 by writing via Instagram, “Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me.”

Related: What to Know About Taylor Frankie Paul and Ex Dakota’s Custody Battle

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have tried to coparent son Ever since their fall 2024 split. Paul and Mortensen welcomed their first baby together, the MomTok content creator’s third, in March 2024, months before they called it quits. As Paul and Mortensen navigated jointly raising their son, […]

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That same day, Mortensen said in his own statement that he was focusing strictly on the wellbeing of his and Paul’s 2-year-old son, Ever. (Taylor also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6, with ex-husband Tate Paul.)

“That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” Mortensen said. “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”

Mortensen was awarded temporary custody of Ever in April, with Taylor allowed eight-hour weekly supervised visitation. A Utah judge issued mutual protective orders for both Mortensen and Paul later that month, ordering them to stay 100 feet away from each other for a period of three years.

Last week, Taylor and Mortensen were once again in a Utah court as their custody agreement was modified to allow Taylor to have more unsupervised time with Ever. (Mortensen was also granted longer weekends due to this new ruling.)

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Taylor has also been involved in a custody dispute with ex-husband Tate over whether she can have unsupervised visits with Indy and Ocean. Tate asked a court to change his and Taylor’s custody agreement when news broke that she recently attended rehab. (Us reported on July 1 that Taylor voluntarily entered a rehab facility and has since returned home.)

A judge rejected Tate’s initial motion. Taylor has since agreed to take a sobriety test in order to regain more “unsupervised parent time” with her and Tate’s two children.

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Madonna’s absence from a London Pride event left expectant fans disappointed, but days later, the Queen of Pop delivered the kind of performance they had been hoping to see in New York.

The superstar had been rumored to be one of the London occasion’s surprise headliners, but organizers eventually confirmed that she would not be appearing.

Many fans accused Pride organizers of allowing the speculation to build and waiting until the last minute to address the rumors.

Madonna disappointed expectant London Pride fans after organizers confirmed at the last minute that she would not appear, despite mounting speculation that she was a surprise headliner.

Attendees accused organizers of allowing the rumors to spread unchecked and misleading people who had planned their day around the expected performance.

Days later, Madonna returned to the dance floor in New York to celebrate her new album, “Confessions II,” alongside longtime collaborator Stuart Price at the Knockdown Center in Queens.

She performed new tracks including “I Feel So Free,” “School,” and “Bring Your Love,” as well as classics “Hung Up” and “Get Together.”

The energetic Club Confessions set offered a sharp contrast to the disappointment in London.

“Tbh you need to apologise for not stating this HOURS ago, the hosts were literally teasing her appearance earlier on,” one fan wrote, while others said an earlier clarification would have prevented people from feeling “misled and disappointed.”

Pride Statement Left Fans Wanting Answers

3

Given the organizers’ statement, fans’ reaction wasn’t surprising. It did not clarify whether Madonna had ever been considered for the event or whether the rumor was entirely false. Instead, it simply stated that she “will not be appearing or performing at Pride in London.”

The statement also didn’t explain how or why the speculation arose, leaving supporters wondering whether it stemmed from misinformation, media reports, or unofficial sources.

It also failed to mention the two confirmed headliners, missing an opportunity to redirect fans’ attention to the official lineup.

Inside Madonna’s Long History With NYC Pride

3

Madonna has performed at several major Pride events in New York City over the years.

She famously headlined Pride Island in 2019, delivering a surprise 20-minute performance that served as the grand finale of WorldPride, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

In 2022, Madonna also delivered a surprise performance at New York City’s Terminal 5 to kick off Pride Weekend. The sold-out concert featured a star-studded lineup of drag performers, including Bob the Drag Queen and Violet Chachki.

Madonna Explains Her Bond With LGBTQ+ Fans

3

Beyond her Pride performances, Madonna has long been one of the entertainment industry’s most outspoken supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a sit-down with the “Today” show after receiving the Advocate for Change honor at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2019, she explained why the community remains so close to her heart.

“When I moved to New York, it was the gay community that embraced everything that I did and embraced the concept and idea of a strong independent female, which I didn’t really experience when I was growing up,” she said.

The singer added, “So, we kind of just forged a bond in a way, and I felt compelled to come to the rescue of the LGBTQ community back in the very beginning because they were always there for me.”

The Singer Previously Teased Her New Album With Short Film At Tribeca

Earlier, in June, Madonna debuted her new short film, “Confessions II,” at the Tribeca Festival, giving fans an early look at the first six songs from her then-upcoming album of the same name.

The ten-minute visual project, helmed by directing duo Torso, comprising David Toro and Solomon Chase, features a string of celebrity cameos, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate Moss, Julia Garner, Sabrina Carpenter, Debi Mazar, and Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes Leon.

During a Q&A after the screening, Madonna revealed that the film was inspired by manager Guy Oseary’s idea to connect the album’s opening tracks into one cinematic experience, per The New York Times.

She also lamented the growing influence of smartphones, telling the audience, “I came to this earth to be a doer, not a watcher,” while urging fans to put their phones away, dance, and connect with one another.

There’s more drama surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. According to a new report, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star was granted a restraining order against one of Mortensen’s friends, Cru Eaton, for “civil stalking.” This marks the latest development in Paul’s ongoing legal battles and comes months after production on season 5 of her hit Hulu reality series was halted amid allegations of domestic violence involving her and Mortensen.

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Court documents show that Paul filed for a temporary restraining order for “civil stalking” against Eaton in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was granted one for three years on July 15, according to Us Weekly. “An Order has been signed and issued on the statewide Domestic Violence Network,” a statement from the legal papers read.

The filing comes after Eaton allegedly shared a private video of Paul and Mortensen having an alleged explosive argument. Eaton allegedly posted the video and captioned it, “Everyone is so concerned and so focused on what must have been happening before the videos started. You guys do understand that Dakota doesn’t start these fights, so he has no way of knowing when he needs to be recording them, correct?”

Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen Both Have Protective Orders Against Each Other

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Per The Blast, Paul and Mortensen have mutual protective orders against each other lasting three years. The legal decision was made by a Utah court official in April 2026 after both reality stars filed competing custody documents for their one child, Ever.

The court official also commented on Paul and Mortensen’s alleged history of domestic violence and said both of them were at fault for things that have transpired. “I’m finding that there’s been violence both ways between these parties,” Commissioner Russell Minas said.

Continuing, Minas said that Paul and Mortensen should not be near each other in the future because things often turn violent before them. Minas also said that, moving forward, both parties must focus on their son’s well-being.

“I’m hoping you’re not just people who thrive on the drama and conflict. You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as co-parents,” Minas said.

Taylor Frankie Paul Allegedly Seen Assaulting Mortensen In A Shocking Video

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.

Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026

Before Minas granted both Paul and Mortensen protective orders, Paul made headlines after a shocking video showing her allegedly assaulting Mortensen came to light.

In the video, reported by The Blast, Paul is seemingly seen hitting Mortensen, pulling his hair, and even throwing metal chairs at him, one of which hit her younger daughter.

Also in the video, viewers can hear Mortensen pleading with Paul to stop the alleged attacks. “This is called physical abuse. This is all you do,” Mortensen cries out in the video. “It’s the only thing you know how to do is hurt me. You think this is OK? It’s not OK. Holy sh-t.”

Mortensen Admits He Has Regrets About His Relationship With Paul

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Shortly after the video came to light, Mortensen posted an update of his own, saying he needed to focus on himself so he could be a better parent to his son.

Elsewhere in his statement, the TV personality opened up about the demise of his relationship with Paul and admitted he regretted not leaving the MomTok star sooner.

I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt,” he wrote. He continued, “I’m closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead.”

Production Paused Season 5 Of ‘SLOMW’ Due To The Alleged Domestic Violence Claims

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The alleged domestic violence between Paul and Mortensen was so severe that it forced producers to halt production on season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” in March 2026.

According to PEOPLE, a source close to the show said that none of the women was willing to film with Paul, leaving the production company at a crossroads.

“The girls are very overwhelmed. They all banded together and they don’t want to come back right now,” the insider claimed. “They were just getting tired of Taylor, honestly.”

In late May, another source confirmed that cameras went back up; however, the cast wouldn’t finish filming the rest of season 5. Instead, the women would film confessionals and head straight into season 6.

While it’s unclear what the new batch of episodes will look like, the new season should be coming to Hulu very soon.