Chad Powers Season 2 featured a surprise cameo from Johnny Depp, and actor Glen Powell has now revealed how it came together.

Powell plays the lead role of quarterback Russ Holliday in the comedy series. After falling from grace in high-level football, Holliday goes undercover in an attempt to get a second chance with a struggling college team and revive his career.

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When fans sat down to watch the second-season finale of Chad Powers, few probably expected to see Johnny Depp appear.

During the scene, Russ hides out in an abandoned cinema while meeting with a friend who is secretly preparing to betray him. The projector initially shows nothing but a blank screen before footage of Depp from Edward Scissorhands suddenly appears.

Using Depp’s character in this way would have required clearance from the Pirates of the Caribbean star, which Powell confirmed was the case.

“I have to give a shout out to Johnny Depp for giving us the rights. Johnny had to give us the OK, so I sent him an email, and he did,” he said in an interview with Gold Derby.

What Chad Powers Is About

In “Chad Powers,” Powell plays the lead role of Holliday, whose shot at a national title and professional career went down the drain because of his ego. Nearly a decade later, he tries to get a second chance by trying out for a struggling college team.

He uses prosthetics to disguise himself and goes undercover at the walk-on tryouts, eventually making the team as Chad Powers. However, he now has to tell more lies to hide his identity, which makes many people suspicious of him.

At the same time, he tries to make up for his past mistakes and use his second chance to better himself and his new team.

The Series Was Inspired By Real-Life Events

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One of the many questions that came up after the series debuted in September 2025 was whether it was based on something real.

Powell addressed the question during a Good Morning America interview that same month, revealing that the series was linked to former professional football player Eli Manning, who once went undercover to try out as a walk-on quarterback for Penn State.

“We took that concept and that inspiration and have doubled down on the prosthetics, updated it, improved it, new model, new Chad, and we’re making a hell of a show here,” Powell said during the sit-down about the show.

Glen Powell Credited Eli And Peyton Manning For Their Involvement In Chad Powers

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At the time, Powell also confirmed that Manning and his brother, Peyton, were deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes work on the series.

“One of the coolest things about the Manning boys is that they are extremely involved,” Powell shared.

Their involvement helped make the football scenes feel fully legit, and Manning’s input as a football player was especially helpful.

“What makes this show different is we wanted this thing to be funny and heartfelt but to have the football be legit,” Powell added. “You know what a real quarterback looks like and when it doesn’t, so the fact that I have these guys as my coach, it’s a nice little lifesaver.”

Powell Revealed The Stakes Were Higher For His Character In Season 2

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Speaking about the new season ahead of its September 3 debut, Powell told ABC News that the stakes were even higher.

“That’s the fun and dance of this season is that there’s a give and take,” Powell shared at the time. “There’s kind of a pressure-release valve when you are sharing a secret with somebody—you’re not in on it alone.”

Indeed, that proved to be the case, as the finale hooked fans so much that many began asking when the third season would debut.

NeNe Leakes is getting real about where she stands with her former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-stars. In a new interview, the veteran reality star said that while she wouldn’t consider herself to be best friends with any of the “RHOA” ladies today, she’s not in a bad place with them either. In fact, Leakes, who joined the cast of “The Real Housewives” in 2008, said she recently connected with a few of them, including her frenemy, Kim Zolciak.

Leakes appeared on the “Big Tigger Morning Show” recently and discussed her life, career, and, of course, her run on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

When the conversation shifted to Leakes’ relationships with some of the women, the Atlanta OG clarified that she’s not best friends with them, but they’re cordial.

“I’m cool with Kim,” Leakes said. “When you say the word friend … that’s just a real serious word to me. Friend, no. Associates? Yes.”

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Leakes and Zolciak both starred in the first several seasons of “RHOA,” and throughout the years, the two bumped heads over rumors and autotuned music tracks. Despite that, Leakes said she connected with Zolciak after learning that her son was arrested.

“I just hit her up wanting to know how she’s doing, congratulated her on Brielle, and made sure she was okay with what her son is dealing with. I know that’s a tough time, and I know she’s not okay.”

Leakes explained that she frequently connects with women from the show. However, they aren’t in constant contact. “If I need to call any of them on the show, they all will answer,” she said. “I don’t have no beef to the level where they won’t answer my call.”

In addition to Zolciak, Leakes said she recently connected with a few other “RHOA” cast members, including her longtime pal, Cynthia Bailey. “I’m not fighting with anybody,” she said. “I call Kenya; she’s answering. Marlo; she’s answering. Cynthia, I spoke to her just two days ago; we don’t have a beef. But we’re just not close like people think that we are, but we don’t have a beef.”

NeNe Leakes Shoots Down ‘RHOA’ Return In Passionate Statement

According to a previous report from The Blast, Leakes also spoke about the possibility of her ever returning to the series and said that she doesn’t think it’s likely.

“I think Andy has come out and said publicly that – I don’t think that he actually said the exact words, but I think what everybody took from it is NeNe won’t be back. So, NeNe won’t be back,” she said. “NeNe won’t be back. I don’t feel anything. NeNe won’t be back.”

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Still, Leakes said that she’d be open to returning to the show in a much smaller capacity. “I would go and play with them, but as far as me actually holding a peach and all over here sitting on the couch, no. I can’t do that. That’ll drive me crazy,” she added.

Leakes Was Featured On ‘Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip’

Leakes’ comments come a week after her appearance on Bravo’s “Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip.” In episode 4, the mother of two returned to the franchise during a drag show hosted in Atlanta. The following episode, Leakes clashed with “RHOA” OG Lisa Wu during the Alter Ego event.

Speaking to a producer on set, Leakes revealed how she felt being back in front of the cameras. “My stomach was kind of hurting a little bit, kind of, you know, like, nervous hurt,” she said. “I don’t know how they are, you know. I just hope they’re nice to me”

The Women Were Happy To See Leakes

Throughout the two episodes, the principal cast of “RHUGT” shared how excited they were to see Leakes back with the women.

“I’m so happy Nene’s here. And, I don’t know, I feel like we have, like, this sisterhood, like no competition or anything like that. We always, like, respected each other,” Teresa Giudice said in her confessional.

Kyle Richards shared a similar statement, telling producers she has fond memories of her time with Leakes, since she was the first cast member from another franchise she became friends with. “We just always had each other’s back. I’ve missed her,” Richards said.

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It’s been 28 years since we last saw the Owens sisters, and that’s 28 years too long.

But America’s long witch sister drought is now over, as Practical Magic 2, the long-awaited sequel to the cult film from 1998, is back in theaters.

Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reprise their roles as Gilly and Sally Owens, two siblings with a talent for casting spells — and getting into all sorts of trouble.

Since the high-profile sequel is sparking an interest in the original, Watch With Us has thrown together a handy guide to where you can stream Practical Magic, Practical Magic 2 and whether the first film is worth watching after all these years.

Where Is ‘Practical Magic’ Streaming?

Practical Magic is available to stream on HBO. It’s also technically available on Hulu and Prime Video, but only with an HBO Max bundle. You can also rent or purchase Practical Magic on digital platforms, like YouTube and Prime Video.

What Is ‘Practical Magic’ About?

Sally and Gilly are two sisters blessed and cursed with being generational witches. After losing her husband to a curse that kills any man who falls in love with an Owens woman, Sally refrains from using magic, while the more free-spirited Gilly uses it recklessly. When she gets involved with dangerous criminal Jimmy (Goran Visnjic), Gilly asks her sister to help her get rid of him. Things get complicated when a private investigator, Gary (Aidan Quinn), comes looking for Jimmy and bonds with Sally, who can’t fight her growing romantic interest despite her fear of the curse.

Who Stars in ‘Practical Magic’?

Sandra Bullock as Sally Owens
Nicole Kidman as Gillian “Gilly” Owens
Stockard Channing as Frances Owens, Sally and Gillian’s aunt
Dianne Wiest as Bridget “Jet” Owens, Sally and Gillian’s aunt
Goran Visnjic as James “Jimmy” Angelov, Gillian’s lover
Chloe Webb as Carla, Sally’s good friend
Aidan Quinn as Investigator Gary Hallet
Evan Rachel Wood as Kylie Owens, Sally’s elder daughter
Alexandra Artrip as Antonia Owens, Sally’s younger daughter
Margo Martindale as Linda Bennett, another friend of Sally’s
Lucinda Jenney as Sara, one of the town women
Camilla Belle as young Sally Owens
Lora Anne Criswell as young Gillian Owens
Courtney Dettrich as Young Sara
Mary Gross as Debbie
Mark Feuerstein as Michael Greene, Sally’s husband
Caprice Benedetti as Maria Owens
Martha Gehman as Patty
Peter Shaw as Jack, Sally and Gillian’s father
Caralyn Kozlowski as Regina Owens, Sally and Gillian’s mother

Most of the principal cast returned for the sequel except for the actors who played Sally’s children, who were replaced by Joey King (as Kylie) and Maisie Williams (as Antonia). The original Kylie, Evan Rachel Wood, didn’t like that at all and has been public about her disappointment in not being asked to appear in the sequel.

Is ‘Practical Magic’ Still Worth Watching?

To quote a popular Jemima Kirke meme, “What the hell, sure.” The original isn’t a masterpiece; it carries a very low 30 percent Rotten Tomatoes critical rating, and it’s filled with female empowerment clichés and witchcraft stereotypes that make you want to groan. But Bullock and Kidman have a great good sister/bad sister chemistry that makes them fun to watch, and the film is stolen by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as Sally and Gilly’s Steve Nicks-looking aunts. The film’s soundtrack is the perfect snapshot of late-90s music, with Faith Hill’s monster hit “This Kiss” prominently featured.

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When Will ‘Practical Magic 2’ Be Available to Stream?

Like the first film, Practical Magic 2 is being released by Warner Bros., so expect it to be available on HBO Max.

There’s no announced streaming date for Practical Magic 2 just yet, but WB typically allows four months between releasing a movie in theaters and debuting it on their streaming platform. (Supergirl, which was released at the end of June, just dropped on HBO in the first week of September.)

Related: ‘Practical Magic’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

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Practical Magic’s spellbinding tale of the Owens sisters’ quest to break their family curse isn’t just a film for the Halloween season — although it’s a must-watch during the fall. The 1998 film starred Sandra Bullock as Sally Owens and Nicole Kidman as Gillian Owens, both of whom are unlucky in love thanks to a […]

With that timeframe in mind, expect Practical Magic 2 to become available on HBO Max around mid-December at the earliest and January 2027 at the latest. Spooky season will be long over, but who says you can’t have some witchy fun in the winter?

I scour Amazon fashion finds daily, so I’m not easily surprised by the stock . . . but that changed when I checked out the retailer’s New Arrivals section. I was shocked to find the most dreamy, luxe-looking fall pieces from top brands like Dolce Vita, Madewell, Vince Camuto, Karl Lagerfeld and more. The best part? These picks start at only $7.

Whether you’re searching for a classy cardigan, designer handbag, trendy jeans, polished shoes or anything in between, you’ll find it below. My seasonal favorites will carry you from errand runs to boardroom meetings, so don’t be surprised if you grab a few. The only catch is they’re selling out as I type!

17 Luxe-Looking New Arrivals — From $7

1. My Favorite: I’m entering my polished era, and this cashmere-looking cardigan fits right in. It should cost triple the price.

2. Secretly Comfy: Nobody would ever know these pleated dress pants have a secret elastic waistband in the back. I won’t tell!

3. Sleek Suede: Suede is the rich-girl alternative to leather, so it’s no wonder these brand new flats are flying off the shelves.

4. Everyday Top: With short sleeves and cozy fabric, this cable-knit sweater top takes you straight from summer to fall.

5. Puffed Up: Swap your denim jacket for this puffy nylon layer that’s eerily similar to the one Cindy Crawford recently wore.

Related: These Fall Floral Dresses Are the Rich Mom Upgrade to Neutrals, From $7

You may think that floral prints are for only summer and neutral colors are just for fall, but rich moms aren’t following that ancient fashion rule. Instead, they’re rocking fall floral dresses, aka the most luxe, expensive-looking upgrade to boring solids. Even celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry are on board, so naturally, so […]

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6. Luxe Alert: You don’t need a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, not when this clover-shaped bracelet and ring set exists.

7. Silky Satin: If you think you’re seeing satin everywhere, that’s probably because you are. This $15 short-sleeve top nails the vibe.

8. Free People, Who?: Not only are these straight-leg pants more chic than jeans, but they also have a boho flair, courtesy of the decorative seams.

9. Miss Madewell: Score this East Coast-style striped sweater, and you’ll thank me in October. It’s perfect for the apple orchard.

10. So Splurge-Worthy: Let’s be honest: Tall boots never go out of style. This Dolce Vita version will anchor your wardrobe for seasons to come.

11. Wardrobe Staple: Everyone needs a fitted turtleneck for layering, and this ribbed number is yours.

12. Oddly Chic: These leopard-print flats deliver the comfort of sneakers with the style of flats. What’s not to love?

13. Total Steal: Mustard yellow looks incredible with a late-summer tan, but if you want something else, this bell-sleeve top comes in 13 other colors.

14. Pretty Pointed Toes: Something between flats and mules, these pointed-toe slip-ons make getting out the door a breeze.

15. Designer Pick: Save 40% on this sleek Karl Lagerfeld shoulder bag but hurry!

16. Cute Levi’s: Rolled hems, wide legs, mid rise! These trendy Levi’s jeans check every box (and more).

17. CEO Vibes: Laptop bags aren’t always chic, but this boxy work tote changes the game. Prepare to be the office envy.

Related: These 17 Long-Sleeve Dresses Masterfully Conceal Batwings

We love sundresses but they’re not always the most flattering for the upper arms, which are exposed for all to see. That’s why we’re mega excited for fashionable fall styles that conceal batwings, and these dreamy long-sleeve dresses do so while elevating your aesthetic. The chic long-sleeved picks on our list are incredibly lightweight, carrying […]

Whew! After recently reconciling their differences, Lil Yachty and Karrahbooo found themselves in another tense moment. During a recent episode of the “A Safe Place” podcast, the artists went back and forth over songwriting contributions and credit for Karrahbooo’s music.

Related: Karrahbooo Sets The Record Straight On Her Relationship With Lil Yachty After Revealing How They Reconnected (VIDEO)

Lil Yachty & Karrahbooo Debate Who Deserves Credit For Her Music

On Thursday, Sept. 10, Karrahbooo made an appearance on Lil Yachty and Mitch’s ‘A Safe Place’ podcast. During the episode, Karrahbooo had been on for only a short time before the conversation shifted to the pair’s past fallout and disagreements over songwriting.

Karrahbooo appeared frustrated and became emotional as she attempted to explain her perspective, claiming that Yachty had only written one of her four hits. Yachty pushed back on the claim.

“It’s not fair that you try and act like you did this alone, I hate that,” Yachty said.

The two continued going back and forth over Yachty’s contributions to Karrahbooo’s music. Karrahbooo maintained that Yachty only wrote her ‘On The Radar’ freestyle, which she argued isn’t even her biggest record.

The exchange grew increasingly tense as the two continued to defend their perspectives.

Social Media Reacts

Once the clip began circulating online, social media users had plenty to say about the exchange. Some defended Karrahbooo and felt she deserved more recognition for her work, while others criticized her approach to the conversation and sided with Yachty.

Instagram user @tattsonfleek wrote, “So she mad that her career is based off of his skills and because she ahs 3 big songs that he didn’t write. She wants all the credit 😂😂😂”

Another Instagram user @jodysconcepts wrote, “This why healing is important, cause people only wanna focus on your anger as opposed to the fact that she’s obviously being manipulated because one person calmer 😂narcissist can be calm 😂”

While Instagram user @talktomenyce_ wrote, “Bruh I woulda left the convo soon as them octaves get high. Iight ima dip. You take some time to settle down & we can revisit this. I can’t with that high pitch a** tone bro 🤦🏽‍♂️✌🏾”

Instagram user @the1nonly_ivy_ wrote, “I feel lil yachty is weird… if hes supposed to be a ghost writer then he’s supposed to be ghost 😂😂😂 but he wanna have a ego and be weird and then she’s telling him exactly what she said and he keep deflecting idk”

Another Instagram user @jaydaluvsjayda wrote, “She tripping. People thinking your song sounds so good that yachty had to write it… is a compliment. Take your wins where you can babe.”

While Instagram user @det.vante wrote, “She just gotta stop yelling but he definitely tryna take credit for the work she did 😂😂😂”

Instagram user @theboythattats wrote, “I don’t think she overreacting, he trying to manipulate her and take credit for her HITS, y’all know how this music stuff go especially when you don’t write your own raps”

If there’s one thing we’re excited to wear this fall, it’s a cozy matching set. If you ask Us, nothing beats the comfy feel of a soft two-piece — plus, they’re so easy to throw on and are surprisingly versatile. We’ve got our eyes on knit sets that feature a sweater-like feel and look a little more elevated than usual.

The matching sets below look just like the trendy styles all the cool girls are wearing this season. These relaxed, laid-back picks feel like pajamas but look much more put together, so they’re basically the definition of effortlessly chic. Keep them casual with sneakers, or dress them up with the right accessories for more of a street style vibe. Browse our top picks from Amazon, and add them to your cart ASAP. Trust Us, you’ll want to wear one on the first chilly day!

13 Knitted Matching Sets for Fall 2026

1. Our Favorite: This two-piece lounge set features a drapey off-shoulder top and wide-leg pants for a relaxed, easy-going fit. This is soft and just a little stretchy, and while it easily works for hanging at home, you can also wear it out and about.

2. Runner-Up: This cardigan set mixes two of fall’s biggest trends: lightweight button-up sweaters and knit pants. Predictably, the result is perfect. You can wear this together with the top buttoned up, or leave it open for a slightly different vibe.

3. Rich Mom ‘Fit: Elegant and sophisticated, this sweater set is one you’ll wear constantly. The pleated pants and cap-sleeve top give it a more elevated look; this could even pass for an office-friendly outfit with the right shoes.

4. Versatile Pick: We love this two-piece sweater set because of its super soft feel; the fabric is plush but lightweight with just a little stretch. It also has a relaxed fit that makes both pieces so versatile, whether they’re worn together or separately.

5. Maximum Coziness: This button-up set is exactly the kind of outfit we can picture ourselves wearing while sipping a pumpkin spice latte and looking at colorful leaves. The oversized cardigan top and relaxed wide-leg jeans make this feel so chic, too.

Related: 13 Comfortable Pants From Amazon With Relaxed, Polished Fits

Tight waistbands are officially out. If you’re tired of pants that look polished but feel restrictive the second you sit down, there are plenty of comfortable alternatives that don’t require sacrificing style for an easier fit. From relaxed corduroy and wide-leg trousers to polished work pants and straight-leg denim, these Amazon finds prove that comfortable […]

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6. Everyday Essential: A ribbed knit set like this one will be something you’ll wear so many different ways. It’s comfy enough to sleep in, but cute enough to pair with sneakers when running errands or seeing friends.

7. Lounge Ready: Not into the relaxed fit? This three-piece set mixes it up. It comes with jogger pants and a tank top for a more fitted look. The optional long cardigan sweater is the perfect cozy touch for chilly weather.

8. Flattering Fit: Some relaxed-fit sets can feel a little shapeless sometimes. This lounge set features wide-leg pants and a tighter fitting top that snatches in your waist and looks a bit more flattering. Bonus: It’s still super comfy.

9. Floral Details: For a feminine touch, opt for this sweater lounge set. The crewneck top features a floral detail that looks so pretty but is still subtle.

10. Looks Expensive: This sleeveless lounge set is sophisticated and elevated, with a more flattering fit that leaves you feeling snatched. It’s also perfect for transitional weather because the tank is breezy, while the material itself feels cozy.

11. Elevated Feel: We love the versatility of this two-piece set, mostly because the pieces don’t match exactly. The striped crewneck top could easily be worn on its own with jeans, but it looks just as good with the matching sweats.

12. So Chic: Striped edging makes this sweater set stand out from others. It’s made of a soft, lightweight material that feels so nice on, and the slightly oversized knit top looks so stylish without even trying hard.

13. Striped Set: Keep this striped set on hand for days when you’re pumpkin picking, traveling or running errands. The detail makes it feel a little more styled on its own, but it’s still soft and cozy enough to wear when relaxing.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

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Related: Bye, Neutrals! Fashion Girls Are Wearing These 17 Colorful Fall Dress Styles

If you think fall dressing means wearing darks, solids and neutrals, think again! This year, rich moms are swapping the basics for fun, colorful dress styles, and these autumn-coded picks nail the aesthetic. They’re equally playful, polished and luxe, which is why they’re perfect for everything from casual errands to fancy weddings. These dreamy fall […]

Whew, Roommates! It doesn’t look like the clap backs between Papoose and Remy Ma are slowing down anytime soon. After Remy teased her ‘Why I Get Married’ track, Pap came through with some bars of his own on a new song called ‘Jezebel.’ Y’all already know the internet doesn’t hold back! Fans kept it a stack about Pap’s track, with some saying he picked up the WRONG pen for this one. Meanwhile, others think the lyrics are giving he might want that old thang back!

RELATED: Remy Ma Seemingly Challenges Papoose To “Prove His Love” For Claressa Shields At Their Upcoming Divorce Hearing (VIDEO) 

Papoose Addresses His Split With Remy Ma On ‘Jezebel’ Track

If you’ve been out of the loop, Papoose recently came through with his ‘Jezebel’ record, where he gets real about his split from Remy Ma. Pap looks back on holding Remy down while she served six years behind bars from 2008 to 2014. He even claims he’s still being solid by giving her money to this day.

“Jezebel, how could you say I haven’t fed you well?
When you was locked up I brought you food, sent you mail
Jezebel, ask the bond man who sent your bail
To this day, I give you money; did you get the Zelle?”

But chile, that’s all! Pap seemingly threw a lil’ jab at Eazy The Block Captain, whom Remy reportedly dated during her split from Papoose. Pap also accused Remy of lying and claiming that he cheated during their marriage. However, he tells a completely different story, alleging that Remy was actually the one who did him dirty.

“You cheated with a fake Papoose
I never spoke to the public even though it was true
Just kept raisin’ my daughter like a father should do
She cried callin’ your phone; we couldn’t get through
I finally got tired; year number two
Now you make up a lie and said I cheated on you?
How bizarre is this? I always treated you marvelous”

The Internet Heard Pap’s Bars & Said “HOLD UP!”

Once The Shade Room dropped a snippet of Papoose’s track, the comment section went OFF! Some Roomies said the ‘Jezebel’ record sounded more like a love song than a clap back. Meanwhile, others called for Claressa Shields to enter the chat, because they think Pap might still have some feelings for Rem.

Instagram user @fineshii_piinky wrote, “You doing everything else but signing them papers come from upstairs pap pls 😭😂” 

Instagram user @ms_jacksofalltrades wrote, “Having all this energy to make diss songs when that energy can go to signing the papers is diabolical 😂😂😂” 

While Instagram user @shamekiadabaddest25 wrote, “This is giving, I still love my wife and I ain’t signing no papers 😩😂”

Then Instagram user @tiffantasy_luv wrote, “this a LoVe song?…I would be pissed if I was ol girl 😂”

Another Instagram user @fatbellyjam wrote, “Imagine arguing over a man that’s having a rap battle with his wife 😭” 

Instagram user @mogulmom2 wrote, “They said he putting the pen to the wrong papers 🥴”

Then another Instagram user @braids_by_alexis wrote, “This what he been doing upstairs 😂😂 making songs abt how he miss Remy😂😂😂😩😩” 

While another Instagram user @queen.janaye wrote, “Either we being punk’d or they coming out with a reality show too 😂”

Finally, Instagram user @loveforann wrote, “Omg Clarissa can’t you see this man miss his wife 😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭 just listen to the wordss mannnn.” 

Her Turn! Remy Ma Teases ‘Why I Get Married’ Amid Divorce From Pap

Pap isn’t the only one putting his feelings into his bars. Remy Ma also teased a track of her own following their divorce court hearing. Rem first confirmed that she and her estranged husband had a court date when she dropped a selfie video on Instagram, on Thursday, September 10, captioning it, “Sidebar: Only thing that can play in my face is this sun  RemFunFact: Court TOMORROW 9:30 am Ayo Pap prove ya luv✍pleaseeeeee.” 

Although Rem didn’t spill any tea about what went down during the hearing, she quickly switched gears and teased her upcoming track, ‘Why I Get Married.’ The Bronx rapper teamed up with Keke Wyatt for the record and revealed that fans will also get an exclusive watch party along with some special fan moments. Rem confirmed that she will drop the record on September 25.

RELATED: Remy Ma Teases ‘Why I Get Married’ Song Following Alleged Lack Of Resolution In Divorce Hearing With Papoose (WATCH) 

The expectations saddled on a movie musical are difficult to meet. There has to be spectacle, impeccable performances, and amazing music to carry the story until the credits roll. This typically requires massive sets and intricate costumes, all backed by a budget that could also fund an expedition to the moon. These are not easy endeavors, so to see a movie as original and distinct as Stuffed manage to tell a uniquely macabre musical love story so effectively is an achievement.

With bold orchestral arrangements, a gothic visual aesthetic, and amazing performances from leads Jodie Comer and Harry Melling, Stuffed stands out as a triumphant musical experience. It establishes a brutal and unforgiving world with its opening shot and never lets up, all while showcasing the beauty and safety that exists in both love and death. So it’s all the more impressive that this is not an adaptation of an established stage production, but a completely original story from director Theo Rhys and co-writer Joss Holden-Rea, .

What Is Stuffed About?

Agile Films

The tragedy begins with a corpse or two; animals, dead or close to it, being dragged from the side of the road by the reclusive taxidermist Araminta (Comer). You can tell from the care that she gives to the deceased creatures that she truly does care for them, in her own way, and that she longs to take care of them for eternity. But Araminta doesn’t just want to care for animals—she longs to stuff a human specimen that she can preserve. She just hasn’t found the right candidate yet.

Next, we meet Bernie (Melling), a hapless nobody toiling away making sandwiches in a factory. It’s here we get a clearer sense of the depressing world of the film, mundane and bleak with grey skies and foggy fields. Bernie is having trouble finding purpose here, and is constantly reminded that the odds are stacked against him. He only wants to be remembered; but with a mother battling dementia who can’t even recall his name, he’s faced with the fact that he’ll never have a meaningful legacy.

This drives Bernie into the arms of Araminta, who slowly cajoles him into giving up his life so that she can ultimately fulfill her own ambitions—he decides to allow himself to be taxidermized so that he, too, may live forever as the first human being to be preserved, stuffed and “immortal.”

From this point, Araminta and Bernie grow closer and learn to understand each other in ways they’ve never been able to with anyone else. This complicates their plans, of course, but not before they force each other to grow and face their own trauma and fears in unexpected ways. It’s not the most original love story, but it’s effective because of its musical backbone, which serves to push the movie even when it starts to drag.

Stuffed ‘s Musical Numbers Steal the Show

Agile Films

There’s a moment when you first start watching a movie, a good movie, where something happens early in the runtime and it hits like a punch to the gut. An intricately blocked sequence, a beautifully framed establishing shot, or an editing technique indicating the pace and tone of the journey set to take place. In Stuffed, that moment occurs early on, when the orchestral score swells with sinister, foreboding strings.

The music and score are much more traditional in a musical sense, leaning more towards Les Miserables than the more contemporary Broadway and West End shows that define the medium’s oeuvre nowadays. Cello and violin arrangements are as effective in building the tension as they are at easing it. And the vocal performances from Comer and Melling match the instrumentation, allowing both performers to rise and fall with the music in climactic and dramatic ways. Both are impressive and provide enough variety to carry what is essentially a two-hander musical, even though the opening scene makes use of a wide cast of singers.

And it would not be a musical without set pieces. For the most part, Stuffed is subdued and shot like Tim Burton was working on an indie budget. The aesthetic is gothic but not surreal; it’s definitely of a certain late-’80s-to-early-’90s time period. It is filmed intimately, so don’t expect to see grandiose dance numbers with backup dancers filling the space just for the sake of a musical number.

But the big acts in the film are earned by the story, such as when Bernie makes a show about quitting his job in a feint to convince his coworkers that he’s probably suicidal (an effort to lay the groundwork for his eventual disappearance, so that he can be, you know, stuffed). It doesn’t go over, because Bernie isn’t memorable, so he finds newfound confidence in his relationship with Araminta and tries again—this time, there’s a lot more pomp and circumstance, and a dash of class warfare.

The film’s best musical sequence occurs when the pair fake Bernie’s death with a suicide note, some extracted teeth, and an exploding car. The joy of Bernie letting go of his past life, of giving in to Araminta’s needs, and the two finding strength in each other whilst the vehicle erupts into flames behind them, gives way to an unexpected connection, setting up the epic number “Nothing’s Changed.” This is the greatest moment of the movie, and the most quintessential musical number of the show. If it were on stage, it would be perfectly timed to lead into the intermission; here, it sets up a final act that escalates until the credits roll.

Jodie Comer and Harry Melling Will Break Your Heart

Stuffed is most effective when it is simplest. It uses identifiable tropes from modern filmmaking, such as the use of blue and gold lighting and color grading to portray the dichotomy of life and death, realism and romanticism, practicality and optimism. Many scenes are filmed in dark houses or brutalist factories, creating a world where it’s difficult just to go on living.

It evokes a sense of safety in death, which Araminta promises to Bernie at every step of their journey. The rural setting provides vast and foggy fields that add to the film’s gloom, while the interior locations all have a rustic charm, even if they’re slightly evocative of a Tim Burton production. The amount of detail and care packed into Stuffed, with the budget that it has, is impressive in nearly every frame.

But while the production is inspiring, and the music and performances are great, the film’s script tends to overstay its welcome. There are moments where it lulls with minor musical interludes to carry some of the weight. The entire stretch where Araminta coaxes Bernie into her plans is a little flat, though we do get some great flashes of the characters’ idiosyncrasies in these scenes, including a funny bit with a jar of toenails.

These lulls cease as the characters’ romance grows, and their charm begins to take over the screen. By the time we get to the final act, everything has escalated to a degree that you can only expect in a movie like this. And when the conclusion finally hits, its impact has an emotional weight comparable to some of the best stage shows you can find in a theater. It’s tragic, poetic, and hauntingly beautiful, all at once. There are some concessions in the plot and some logical fallacies, but fans of musicals are likely to oblige them, as it’s no different from many other popular shows. Stuffed creates its own world and lives in it, confidently and comfortably.

The ultimate triumph of Stuffed, as a wholly original musical film with a twisted plot, is how cohesively all the elements come together. Built off the backbone of an epic soundtrack, two powerhouse performances, and the vision of Rhys and Holden-Rea, the movie manages to capture the dread of loneliness and insignificance, and effectively replaces it with acceptance and belonging. We might not ever get another musical like Stuffed, so cherish this one because it’s actually here.

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Stuffed

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Release Date

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September 10, 2026

Runtime

117 minutes

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Director

Theo Rhys

Writers

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Theo Rhys, Joss Holden-Rea

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Pros & Cons

• Original, orchestral music that drives the film.
• Jodie Comer and Harry Melling deliver powerhouse performances as delightful weirdos.
• A unique design and aesthetic effectively builds the film’s world.

• The script drags at times, feeling like it’s spinning its wheels as the romance develops.

The investigation into Tasia Fortune’s death has taken a major turn, with authorities now revealing a significant development in the case. The latest update comes weeks after the circumstances surrounding the 29-year-old’s death left her loved ones and the Jackson community searching for answers.

RELATED: Tasia Fortune’s Hanging Death Is Being Investigated As Homicide As Mississippi Police Await Autopsy Results

Man Arrested After Fortune’s Death Ruled Homicide

Police in Jackson, Mississippi, have arrested a man in connection with Fortune’s case. The arrest comes apparently hours after the state medical examiner ruled her death a homicide. Fortune, a Black woman, was found hanging from a tree outside an abandoned house last month.

Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced the arrest during a Friday news conference. She said the suspect was taken into custody while walking along a city street. Brackney also said more arrest warrants are expected to be served as the investigation continues.

Authorities Continue Investigating Fortune’s Death

Fortune was found dead outside the abandoned property as authorities worked to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. Moreover, the medical examiner’s homicide ruling marks a significant development in the case. Investigators continue gathering information to determine what led to Fortune’s death. Furthermore, authorities have not publicly released additional details about the suspect’s alleged involvement in Fortune’s death.

Questions Grew As Her Loved Ones Sought Answers

As news of Tasia Fortune’s death spread, questions surrounding the circumstances of her death quickly emerged, including from her own family. Her mother, Christy Spivey, told ABC News that she does not believe her daughter harmed herself. “She did not do this to herself,” Spivey said. “I know my daughter, and she did not do this to herself.”

At the time, the State Medical Examiner’s Office had conducted an autopsy, but an official cause of death had not yet been released to investigators. The circumstances drew additional concern from members of the community, particularly because Fortune, a Black woman, was found hanging from a tree in Mississippi, a state with a deeply documented history of racial violence. While those questions fueled speculation, the Jackson Police Department urged the public not to draw conclusions before investigators had the facts, warning that unverified information could cause additional pain for Fortune’s loved ones and interfere with the investigation.

RELATED: Tasia Fortune’s Mom Doesn’t Believe She Died By Suicide After Body Found Hanging From Miss. Tree As Person Of Interest Reportedly Interviewed