Entertainment
Inside Blue Jays Hero Duane Ward’s Final Hours Before Death
Former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Duane Ward abruptly left a dinner with a group of former teammates shortly before his death was announced on Sunday, July 19. He was 62.
“That wasn’t like Wardo to leave early,” Ward’s former Blue Jays bullpen mate Tom Henke told the Toronto Sun on Sunday. “I asked him, ‘Are you feeling alright?’ I didn’t like the way he looked, to be honest.”
Ward, Henke, 68, and a group of former teammates were in Toronto over the weekend for the unveiling of a statue commemorating the franchise’s back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. The group had dinner on the evening of Friday, July 17.
When the team was scheduled to head to Rogers Centre the next day, however, Ward was nowhere to be found.
“I didn’t know where he was,” Henke said.
Former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston told the Sun, “I thought something was wrong when he was late. Wardo was one of those guys who was never late. He was always on time.”
The statue unveiling went on in Ward’s absence before Toronto’s game against the Chicago White Sox. The Blue Jays announced Ward’s death on Sunday morning, revealing he had died by natural causes.
“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the team said in a statement. “Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada.”
No other details about Ward’s death have been publicly revealed.
A moment of silence was held for Ward before Sunday’s game against the White Sox.
“I’m shocked right now,” Henke said about Ward’s sudden death. “How can you not be? I had supper with Wardo when he came in. We got to visit. I’m thinking now, I’m so glad I got to do that. I’m glad I got one more time with him.”
Gaston, 82, lauded Ward’s important role on the back-to-back title teams, saying the late pitcher “made my job easier.”
“He was just a good pitcher, man,” he recalled. “He took no prisoners on the mound. Sometimes I’d go out to the mound to talk to him just to bust his balls. I’d ask him, ‘How are you going to get this guy out?’ He’d tell me to get the hell back to the dugout and that he knew what he was doing.”
Gaston added, “We never worried about the 8th and 9th innings when we had Henke and Ward in the bullpen.”
Entertainment
One ‘Odyssey’ Actor Actually Turned Down Christopher Nolan and Still Got the Part
Two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan is putting one of the world’s oldest epics, The Odyssey, on screen with a murderer’s row of talent. As is Nolan’s modus operandi, he accomplished this completely in IMAX 70mm, and it was all captured on location, across the globe, taking advantage of some of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes. For any actor, being offered an audition to take part in one of Nolan’s endeavors is a no-brainer, so who among the Greek poem’s ensemble refused the invite — and still made it onto the roster?
It goes without saying that The Odyssey is stacked with talent. Oscar-winners Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway lead the charge as Ithaca’s King Odysseus and Queen Penelope, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day star Tom Holland as their son and heir, Telemachus. For Odysseus’s 10-year voyage across the Mediterranean Sea, he meets a host of characters, friends and foes alike — some with very minor moments in Homer’s tale — and all are brought to life by an ensemble of stars. The movie features Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Charlize Theron, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and many more.
With The Odyssey officially setting sail in theaters, Perri Nemiroff had the opportunity to sit down with one of those stars, Logan Marshall-Green, who plays Melanthius, for a new episode of Collider Forces, where they revisited some of his most memorable roles to date, and discussed how recently joining Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, in CBS’s Marshals, continues to exceed his expectations. For this episode, however, all roads lead back to Ithaca, and Marshall-Green took us on his own odyssey, beginning with the harrowing reason behind his turning Nolan’s audition down.
Logan Marshall-Green Never Regrets Trusting His Instincts
“I got called cocky a couple of times.”
While chatting with Nemiroff about the start of his career, Marshall-Green admits, “I got called cocky a couple of times.” He’s referring to a specific few instances when he turned down roles early on — for personal reasons — and was met with pushback. He goes on to reveal that an executive once told him, “You’re the kind of actor who says no. It’s going to ruin your career… You won’t get far in your career by saying no.”
“She’s right. If you just say no, you won’t get anywhere. But if you say no, you are saying yes to your availability to other things. You can’t do everything, but you can follow your gut and your heart.”
It’s a valuable lesson he’s carried with him ever since. And clearly, he’s doing something right, because his career, despite the exec’s vaguely threatening piece of advice, eventually took him all the way to Favignana in southern Italy, where he stepped into Nolan’s The Odyssey to “be a part of the dream.”
Why Logan Marshall-Green Said No to Christopher Nolan
“Two months later, I definitely was kicking myself…”
Marshall-Green has nothing but admiration and kind words for Nolan, who he agrees is one of Hollywood’s leading filmmakers still championing the spectacle and craft of moviemaking. In fact, he tells Nemiroff, “You could have told me I was going to hold a spear in the back, and I would have been fine with it because I wanted to bear witness to the process.” But after his initial audition, which he explains was a self-tape over Christmas time in 2024, Marshall-Green had to refuse Nolan’s callback for an in-person audition with a heavy heart.
“I got a call saying that he wants you to come in for a callback, but L.A. was on fire, and I had some reps who were dealing with it directly, and I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I couldn’t bring myself to fly in. I mean, it was a dream come true callback, but I couldn’t… I couldn’t do it, and I said no to the callback and decided that just wasn’t for me — whatever that role was. I didn’t even know what it was. And two months later, I definitely was kicking myself and just having second thoughts about it for a few months.”
In January of 2025, devastating wildfires raged across Southern California, destroying homes and livelihoods. The fires were so destructive that the magnitude of their effects wouldn’t be fully realized until much later. For Marshall-Green, it was a difficult decision, but a clear one, whereas in L.A., business had to carry on as best it could. The actor even points out that the situation was eerily indicative of Hollywood’s grim situation post-COVID, post-AI, post-streaming, saying:
“Don’t get me wrong, Chris is probably the only person who can still have auditions while L.A. burns. It’s somewhat symbolic in many ways, because while the rest of the business is going that way, Chris is still at the forefront of filmmaking.”
How Logan Marshall-Green Received an Unexpected Second Chance
Turns out, following your gut pays off.
Marshall-Green admits it was a choice that haunted him for months, but eventually, he made peace with it. Then, a change of plans rewarded him with a twist of fate poetic enough for a Greek epic.
“I remember I was walking with my partner in Charleston, and I remember thinking, ‘I’m really happy.’ I remember stopping her. We were in downtown Charleston, and I just stopped her and said, ‘I’m really, really happy.’ And that’s it.
Then we got back, and that night, my team called and said, ‘Do you want to go to Italy in 48 hours to join The Odyssey?’ They let me know somebody had fallen out, and that Chris and Emma [Thomas] were hoping I would take up this role. And like I said, I was available. I’d been saying no to some stuff, thank God, and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll be there.’ That was the audition process.”
Don’t miss Marshall-Green’s full conversation in the video at the top of the article, where he takes us behind the scenes for his on-set experience reuniting with past co-stars like Bill Irwin and Holland, and working with and fangirling over Leguizamo.
- Release Date
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July 17, 2026
- Runtime
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172 Minutes
Entertainment
Clayface Cover Story Reveals New Details on DC’s Dark R-Rated Horror Film : Coastal House Media
The DC Universe continues to grow, and one familiar hero is officially joining the next chapter.
According to Variety, Xolo Maridueña is set to reprise his role as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, marking the character’s first appearance alongside David Corenswet’s Superman in the rebooted DC Universe.
Maridueña first debuted as Blue Beetle in the 2023 standalone film, and despite the DC Universe reboot, James Gunn previously confirmed that the character would remain part of the new continuity. His return in Man of Tomorrow officially delivers on that promise and gives fans another familiar face as the franchise continues to expand.
Superman [credit: Warner Bros.]
During an interview with Variety, DC Studios co-head Peter Safran praised Maridueña’s performance in the original Blue Beetle, explaining why the actor was always part of the studio’s long-term plans.
“What I was most impressed by is his ability with both the comedic and the emotional material. He has all the skills,“ Safran told Variety.
Safran went on to explain that Jaime Reyes is a unique superhero because the role requires balancing humor with genuine emotional weight as the character struggles to protect his family while adapting to his newfound powers.
“It’s just very evident that this is a star-making performance,”
Safran added.
While specific story details remain under wraps, Superman: Man of Tomorrow is expected to see Superman reluctantly team up with his longtime enemy Lex Luthor, played once again by Nicholas Hoult, to confront the looming threat of Brainiac. The sequel is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027, and filming has been underway since earlier this year.
Blue Beetle’s inclusion further reinforces DC Studios’ interconnected approach under James Gunn and Peter Safran. Rather than treating each hero as isolated, the new DC Universe is steadily bringing its growing roster together, with characters crossing between films and television as the shared universe continues to take shape.
For fans of Blue Beetle, the news confirms that Jaime Reyes’ journey is far from over. After years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the character following the 2023 film, Maridueña is officially back in action and ready to fight alongside Superman in one of DC’s biggest upcoming releases.
Entertainment
John Cusack R-Rated Crime Thriller Keeps The Mystery Hot To The End
By Robert Scucci
| Published

If you thought that Nicolas Cage was the only A-list actor who spent a considerable amount of time occupying direct-to-video territory in the 2010s, you’re gravely mistaken. John Cusack’s career followed a similar trajectory during this time, and the Say Anything actor found himself starring in a dozen films that would not be released theatrically, but rather get picked up as an afterthought at the Redbox outside of your local grocery store. 2014’s The Bag Man resides among these titles, and although Cusack is supported by Robert De Niro and Rebecca Da Costa, it’s one of those strange neo-noir crime thrillers that you probably missed out on.
The Bag

The Bag Man was originally released as The Carrier, and as the updated titles suggests, there is a mysterious black bag involved and we’re not sure what it contains. John Cusack portrays a killer-for-hire named Jack, who is tasked with securing and containing the bag until his employer, Dragna (Robert De Niro), can meet him at a seedy motel and retrieve it. Dragna makes it very clear that Jack is not to look inside the bag under any circumstances or he will be killed.
Jack checks into room 13, as instructed by Dragna, and awaits further instructions, but he’s not alone. He encounters an escort named Rivka (Rebecca Da Costa), and she immediately starts asking questions about the bag that he has hidden underneath his motel bed. Having already been ambushed by a number of Dragna’s men, one of which is now dead and sloppily stuffed into the back of Jack’s car, Jack remains tight-lipped and armed, as he has good reason to not trust anybody he encounters during his mission.

Taking place primarily inside of room 13, The Bag Man is a claustrophobic film that explores themes of paranoia and moral ambiguity in the kind of setting that will make your skin crawl. The motel lighting flashes in red and blue, which bears a striking resemblance to an approaching cop car (of which there are plenty), which only adds a sense of confusion to the narrative. When Jack does leave the room, he encounters the nosy wheelchair-bound motel owner, Ned (Crispin Glover), and two thugs named Lizard and Guano, who are all suspicious of his activities.
A Thriller That Deserves A Second Chance

At face-value, The Bag Man has all the mechanics of a solid neo-noir film, but its third-act reveal leaves a lot to be desired. But within the oppressively small world this film takes place, there’s a solid story that is absolutely worthy of your time if you enjoy the kind of low-budget crime film that doesn’t get a wide theatrical release.
Unfortunately, The Bag Man was not exactly what we would call a warmly received title despite the talent involved with the production. Critics and audiences alike were quick to brush this crime thriller under the rug, and their respective 11 percent and 23 percent critical and audience approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes drive this point home.

Not unlike season 2 of True Detective, The Bag Man isn’t as terrible as the reviews make it out to be, and you can place partial blame on expectations versus execution. John Cusack spent decades portraying extremely likable characters in various romantic comedies, and Robert De Niro’s range runs the gamut from serious mobsters in films like Goodfellas to the quirky but nightmarish father in-law in the Meet the Parents franchise. If you go into watching The Bag Man expecting performances that are reflective of Cusack’s and De Niro’s past work, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
But still, The Bag Man is an interesting, dark and gritty exploration of a job gone wrong under questionable circumstances. If you want to find out what’s in the bag and the suspense is killing you, you can rent the title on-demand through YouTube, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandago as of this writing.

Entertainment
George Takei’s Health Journey Changes Iconic ‘Star Trek’ Message
George Takei has spent decades telling fans to “live long and prosper,” but aging and caring for his late mother have transformed what those famous words mean to him.
Now 89 and using a wheelchair himself, the “Star Trek” legend believes the Vulcan greeting should acknowledge more than longevity or success. His experiences have taught him that growing older also requires gratitude, acceptance, and an appreciation for life’s blessings.

Takei discussed his evolving perspective in an exclusive interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups ahead of the July 23 premiere of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Season 4 on Paramount+.
The actor’s outlook was shaped in part by caring for his mother as her health declined. Takei recalled pushing her wheelchair around the block and playing a memory game recommended by her doctor. At first, she remembered each item they passed during their walks. Over time, however, her memory began to fade. “Now I use a wheelchair,” Takei said. “That’s the cycle of life. She showed me how to live that portion of our lives.”
Takei did not disclose a specific diagnosis or explain why he currently uses a wheelchair. Instead, he focused on what his mother taught him about accepting the later stages of life. That experience also changed his understanding of the phrase that has followed the “Star Trek” cast for nearly six decades.
“‘Live long and prosper’ should include gratitude,” Takei said. “Gratitude for the blessings we have.”
The Vulcan Greeting Carries A New Message

“Live long and prosper” remains one of the most recognizable expressions associated with “Star Trek,” often accompanied by the famous split-fingered Vulcan salute. Leonard Nimoy introduced the gesture while playing Spock in the original series. He drew inspiration from a blessing he witnessed while attending an Orthodox Jewish synagogue as a child.
The salute first appeared during the episode “Amok Time,” when Nimoy believed the Vulcans needed a distinctive greeting. What began as a creative decision rooted in the actor’s heritage eventually became a universal symbol of peace, hope, and goodwill.
Takei’s interpretation now adds to that legacy. His comments suggest that a long life should not only be measured by its duration or accomplishments but also by a person’s ability to recognize what the years have given them.
It is a message that feels especially personal as Takei considers his mother’s declining health, his own mobility changes, and the six decades he has spent connected to the franchise.
George Takei Reveals Why Playing Sulu Was So Important

Takei’s reflections arrived as “Star Trek” prepared to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its 1966 television debut. Before becoming known around the world as helmsman Hikaru Sulu, Takei faced an entertainment industry that offered few meaningful roles to Asian actors.
“It was the first time that I was being asked to portray a character that was fully developed,” Takei said. “It was a human being, not a cartoon or a stereotype. This was an identifiable, sharp, intelligent member of a Starfleet team. I desperately wanted to be a part of that show.”
‘Star Trek’ Continues To Reach New Generations

Takei has watched “Star Trek” grow far beyond the original three-season series that introduced audiences to Hikaru Sulu. The franchise now includes films, animated projects, streaming shows, books, podcasts, and conventions. Its next chapter arrives when “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” returns for its fourth season on Thursday, July 23, on Paramount+.
Takei believes that continued expansion reflects the loyalty of viewers who discovered the original series and later shared it with younger generations. “’Star Trek’ is a family show,” he said. “Our most steady audience members are grandpas and grandmas.”
He describes the franchise’s many spinoffs as “children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. So it appeals to all the generations of our audience group,” he said. “’Star Trek’ itself is living long and prospering.”
After nearly six decades, Takei is doing the same. However, his experiences with caregiving, aging, and changing mobility have taught him that living long and prospering means more than simply accumulating years. For him, it also means recognizing the people, opportunities, and blessings that made those years meaningful.
Entertainment
Dark Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller Turns Marvel’s Best Hero Into A Villain
By Britta DeVore
| Published

2020 was a busy year for Chris Hemsworth. Not only was he working alongside filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi on Thor: Love and Thunder, but he was also squeezing in days to film the 2022 Netflix thriller, Spiderhead, with director Joseph Kosinski.
Hemsworth’s roles in each film couldn’t have been more different than one another. In Love and Thunder, he reprised his role as the sarcastic and chatty God of Thunder, whereas in Spiderhead, he played a sinister scientist conducting experiments on prisoners.

On paper, Spiderhead was a pretty big grab for the streamer. Not only does it star Chris Hemsworth, but it also featured leading performances from Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country). It also marked a reunion between Teller and its helmer, Joseph Kosinski, as the pair welcomed another blockbuster success in the summer of 2022 when Top Gun: Maverick soared into theaters, resurrecting the box office following its COVID slump.
Dark Experiments

Based on George Saunders’s short story, “Escape from Spiderhead,” which was first published in The New Yorker, the film centers around prisoners at a top-secret penitentiary located on an island in the middle of nowhere.
While it may seem like a gorgeous place to fill out your sentence, the horrors and crimes against humanity that carried on inside the walls are truly the stuff of nightmares. Chris Hemsworth’s doctor, Steve Abnesti, carried out experiments on the inmates, using mind-altering drugs to put them into traumatic situations – all in the name of healing.

Turning to one of the most beautiful places in the world to act as the filming location for Spiderhead, the production team picked up their cameras and started filming in Queensland, Australia. You can see these recognizable spots all over the country, from the Gold Coast to Darlington and even Whitsundays – a spot known for drawing in tourists from all over the world.
This also helped Chris Hemsworth pull off a leading role in two projects at the same time as Thor: Love and Thunder was set up in Sydney, Australia, allowing him to travel from one set to the other much easier than if they were in separate countries.
Spiderhead Failed To Impress Critics

Despite what, by all appearances, should have been a critical success, Spiderhead met mixed reviews upon its arrival on Netflix in June 2022. By all means, the movie tried to nab the attention of Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Joseph Kosinski’s already-set audience, but it didn’t quite manage to hold its head above water. While it was a bummer for everyone involved, the summer wouldn’t be a complete washout as Hemsworth found success with Love and Thunder, and Teller and Kosinski broke records with Top Gun: Maverick.
For fans of either of the film’s leading men or its director, giving Spiderhead a shot on Netflix is still worth the time – especially if you’re a fan of mind-bending sci-fi films that keep you on your toes. It’s also exciting to see Chris Hemsworth in a villainous role as we’ve become so accustomed to seeing him joining the rest of the Avengers in Marvel films and playing the good guy in other flicks like the Extraction franchise and Men in Black: International. You can find Spiderhead now streaming on the platform alongside Netflix’s vast collection of sci-fi fare.
Entertainment
The Book Behind Apple TV’s Biggest New Hit Is on Sale Right Now
All eyes were on the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Award nominations earlier this month, and the usual surprises and snubs didn’t disappoint. Although the prolific Taylor Sheridan might’ve been shut out once again from major categories, there were plenty of pleasant surprises, such as Widow’s Bay earning 19 nominations, Michael J. Fox taking his first nomination since 2016, and Jason Bateman earning a surprise Best Actor nod for Black Rabbit.
A nomination much less surprising but more than worthy of the same celebration was for Elle Fanning, who stole hearts as the lead in Apple TV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, an adaptation of Rufi Thorpe‘s bestseller of the same name. This Emmy nod has put Fanning in a rare club, as one of the few to have earned a nomination from both the Academy Awards and the Emmys in the same year, following her Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination for Sentimental Value. In total, the series received a total of 8 Emmy noms for its freshman season, which has already been renewed for a second outing.
Speaking about the renewal, called playing the titular Margo, “one of the greatest joys of my life.” She added, “Having the opportunity to bring more of Margo’s troubles, creativity, fearless spirit, and authenticity to audiences with a second season makes me incredibly happy and excited. I can promise everyone they’re in for a wild, messy, and beautiful ride.” The series also features Michelle Pfeiffer (Taylor Sheridan‘s The Madison), Nick Offerman, Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington.
The Perfect Way to Celebrate ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ Emmy Success is Here
Want to find the best way to celebrate this Fanning victory? You’re in luck, as Thorpe’s novel, on which the show is based, is currently available on Amazon for a limited time at a reduced price. Usually available for $24.99, you can get the paperback version for just $17.99 right now. Hardcover copies remain at $34.30 with a Kindle edition available for $11.99. This brilliantly feel-good tale was adapted for Apple TV with finesse by David E. Kelley, although much of the credit for the near-perfection of the series must go to Thorpe’s novel.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is streaming on Apple TV. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest stories.
- Release Date
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2026 – 2026-00-00
- Network
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Apple TV
- Directors
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Dearbhla Walsh
- Writers
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Rufi Thorpe
Entertainment
Internet Will “Crumble” On Bunnie XO Divorce
Jelly Roll‘s daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, says the internet will “crumble” the day she speaks on her dad and Bunnie XO‘s ongoing divorce.
RELATED: Jelly Roll’s Daughter Speaks Out As Fans Flood His Comments With STRONG Words Amid Him Filing For Divorce From Bunnie XO
Jelly Roll’s Daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, Says Internet Will “Crumble” The Day She Speaks On Her Dad & Bunnie XO’s Divorce
According to Page Six, Bailee Ann DeFord took to TikTok live on Sunday, July 19. During her stream, she reportedly defended her dad against apparent comments before referring to his divorce.
“Don’t y’all ever come for my father’s name like that again. I’m so done. Get the f**k out of my DMs, out of my comments, my life with that s**t. I don’t care. I don’t want to talk about it,” she reportedly said.
From there, DeFord reportedly said that neither her dad nor Bunnie XO cheated. However, she added, “Y’all have no f**king idea what happened, and wait ’till y’all find out. Just **king wait. Because I promise y’all, the view of what y’all have of not only the situation, but their relationship and the internet in totality is about to f**king crumble the day that I open my mouth.”
“It’s not a difference in f**king opinions. Nobody else lived in it, so don’t f**king even. I’m for real, so done. Good? Everybody good? We’re on the same page? Cool,” she reportedly concluded, per PEOPLE.
More On Bailee Ann DeFord’s Divorce From Bunnie XO
As The Shade Room previously reported, Jelly Roll filed for divorce from Bunnie XO, his wife of 10 years, on May 18. Furthermore, it was reported that he listed their date of separation as May 9 and cited irreconcilable differences.
The filing was revealed in June, and around that time, Bailee Ann DeFord spoke out, chastising the public for being so invested in her and her stepmom.
“Oh & one more thing, I am disgusted at how invested everyone is in a very clearly private family matter. It’s fkn crazy. Go on somewhere, y’all. Worry bout your house- not mine. I’m not speaking on it – yet,” she wrote via her Instagram Story at the time.
Later that month, Jelly Roll broke his silence on the matter, per The Shade Room. He said that there was no infidelity involved in the downfall of his marriage. Additionally, he noted that despite their divorce, he and Bunnie XO are still best friends.
“We will always be best friends,” he reportedly said.
Another Revelation Is Shared Amid Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO’s Divorce
According to PEOPLE, Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll’s divorce was finalized in early July.
“There was never any desire to drag the process out. They both wanted to handle the divorce with respect for one another. He’s a very generous person by nature and wanted to make sure the divorce was handled fairly and respectfully,” a source reportedly told the outlet.
Per the outlet, the pair will split “items including their homes, cars, an aircraft, and their intellectual properties.” Additionally, Jelly Roll will reportedly make a one-time lump sum payment to Bunnie.
Moreover, despite their split, the pair is still planning to welcome a baby together via IVF, per Page Six. Per an exclusive report from the outlet, the former couple has been given “warnings” regarding welcoming a child together.
RELATED: That’s That! Jelly Roll Breaks Silence On Divorce From Bunnie XO & Fans Are Left With Questions (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Netflix Horror Thriller Series Brings Fan-Favorite 90s Books To Life
By Charlene Badasie
| Published

The 2022 horror mystery-thriller The Midnight Club is one of Netflix’s most overlooked originals. Created by Mike Flanagan and Leah Fong, the 10-episode series adapts Christopher Pike’s 1994 novel of the same name while weaving elements from 27 of the prolific YA author’s other books into a single haunting story. Set at Brightcliffe Hospice Care for Teenagers, it follows a group of terminally ill young adults who gather each night to share terrifying stories and unravel the institution’s darkest secrets.
The Patients Of Brightcliffe

Set in the mid-1990s, the series begins when Ilonka (Iman Benson), a bright and ambitious young woman battling terminal thyroid cancer, chooses to live at Brightcliffe Hospice Care. She befriends Kevin (Igby Rigney), a leukemia patient, and clashes with her roommate Anya (Ruth Codd). One night, Ilonka stumbles upon a secret gathering of the Midnight Club.
The secret society, comprised of the patients of Brightcliffe, tries to communicate with the dead and shares eerie stories that intertwine with the hospice’s ominous history. As Ilonka delves deeper into the story of a former patient named Julia Jayne (Larsen Thompson), the supposed healer from the past, she uncovers a sinister cult, symbolized by the number “292.13,” and drawings that hint at a dark past.
21 Jump Scares

Julia, the founder of the original Midnight Club in 1969, had connections to Paragon, a cult that practiced unsettling rituals. The plot thickens as Ilonka, with Kevin’s help, discovers a hidden floor beneath the hospice. Records of the original club and evidence of a cult terrify the group. The final episodes bring closure for some characters, while others meet tragic ends.
The Midnight Club quickly captured the attention of Netflix audiences, recording an impressive 90.31 million hours viewed between October 2 and October 23, 2022, securing its position in the platform’s top 10. The series’ debut episode also made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most scripted jump-scares in a single episode, with 21 hair-raising moments.

The series was initially supposed to run for multiple seasons but was unexpectedly canceled in December 2022. Despite its premature ending, The Midnight Club earned critical acclaim and currently holds an 85 percent approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Flanagan’s heartfelt approach to horror and the unique blend of individual stories with the overarching plot.
Other Horror Titles On Netflix From Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan has made a name for himself with his Netflix shows, including The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher. These series are known for their focus on the human condition rather than jump scares and loud noises. Flanagan’s nonlinear approach to horror works very well, and he often tells parallel stories in the past and present.

The Haunting of Hill House became a huge surprise hit and remains a fan favorite. The Fall of the House of Usher, Flanagan’s most recent Netflix project, is an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s vast bibliography and is up there with his best efforts. While The Midnight Club may have been axed prematurely, its chilling tales, stellar cast, and impressive viewership numbers are cemented into the annals of Netflix’s haunting offerings.
Entertainment
Kelly Rowland Wants To Play This Singer In A Biopic
Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland has had her fair share of movie roles, including “Mea Culpa” and the 2025 film “Relationship Goals.” While she’s enjoyed stepping into the shoes of fictional characters, there’s one real-life singer she’s hoping to portray one day.
Speaking with Us Weekly, Rowland, 45, opened up about her love for Donna Summer, known for the hits “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” and “She Works Hard for the Money.” Rowland’s love for Summer is actually so strong that she’d want nothing more than to portray the Grammy winner in a future biopic.
“I would love nothing more than that role. That’s all I can say,” Rowland said. “That’s all I can say for now.”
Rowland’s coy answer came weeks after the superstar singer appeared to tease herself dressed as Summer in an Instagram post with wavy hair and bangs.
“I’m hoping you won’t be waiting long,” she added. “All of us have our fingers crossed, toes crossed. We’re just totally crossed out.”
Kelly Rowland Talks Working With Her Co-Star Cliff ‘Method Man’ On Prime Video’s ‘Relationship Goals’

Since Destiny Child’s last full album in the early 2000s, Rowland has put out some solo music, but has spent the last several years working on different television shows, like “The X Factor” and “The Voice,” and filming movies, like Prime Video’s “Relationship Goals.” In her latest film, Rowland plays a television producer who reunites with her ex while competing for a job at a New York morning show.
In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Rowland opened up about her relationship with her co-star Method Man, saying that when they did their chemistry read, everything seemed to fall into place. “As soon as he did and he grabbed his little pillow, I was like [to director Linda Mendoza], ‘It’s him!’ And it was very vulnerable. We’ve never seen Cliff, ‘Method Man,’ like this,” she said.
Method Man Had The Utmost Respect For Kelly Rowland While Filming Their Movie

Method Man also praised Rowland while discussing his work on the film, calling the “Dilemma” singer a “consummate professional” who makes everyone around her extremely comfortable. “So, yeah, I mean, the chemistry was a given for me, honestly,” he added.
Rowland then discussed how she was able to relate to her character, Leah, stating that the fictional corporate baddie had been dealt devastating lows just as she had. “When we meet Leah, she’s very much so in control of her whole environment, her life, so she thinks she’s in control, and she’s dealing with grief,” said the mother of two. “I’ve had a bit of grief in my life and trying to mask it with work or not think about it. So I understood that with her.”
Rowland Talks Relationship With Beyoncé’s Mom

In December 2025, Rowland got candid about her special bond with Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles. Tina, 72, has been a mother figure to the Destiny’s Child alum since she was a child, even welcoming Rowland into her Texas home as the group worked to launch its career.
Consequently, Rowland has developed a close relationship with the “Matriarch” author, calling the fashion designer her “safe space” during a previous interview, per The Blast. “I’m heard, I’m seen by her. I see her; I hear her, and I love her with every fiber of my being,” Rowland said.
Rowland Thanked God For Providing Her With Two Mothers

Rowland, whose biological mother, Doris, died from a heart attack in 2014, spoke even further about her bond with Ms. Tina and expressed her gratitude for the motherly guidance and encouragement she’s always provided.
“I can’t believe that God thought the most of me to give me two moms that can give me that great amount of love, and then give me sisters as well with Bey, and Angie [Beyince], and Solange,” she said.
“The amount of love he’s given me through people I can never repay him for,” Rowland finished.
Tina echoed Rowland’s stance in a separate interview, saying that while she gave birth to two daughters, she’d really been blessed with four.
“Kelly, I know without a doubt that you were a true gift from God. You came to live with us when you were only 11 years old. You were the sweetest, most kind person I had ever met, and you still are. You are also a true survivor. You never give up. Your discipline and drive always inspires me,” Tina said.
Entertainment
Anne Hathaway Gets Emotional On ‘The View’
Anne Hathaway and her “The Odyssey” co-stars have been making the rounds to promote the epic film, but one recent interview turned into an unexpectedly emotional moment. During the actress’ appearance on “The View,” Hathaway fought back tears after Whoopi Goldberg shared a few heartfelt words, leaving the Oscar-winning actress visibly moved.

On the July 20 episode of “The View,” Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and director Christopher Nolan sat down with the hosts to talk about their recently released film. Everyone on the panel had high praise for “The Odyssey” and urged the audience to see the movie.
Toward the end of the segment, Whoopi Goldberg turned to each of the guests and expressed her appreciation of their craft. Hathaway was brought to tears as she turned to her, saying, “Anne Hathaway, it’s been wonderful watching you. It’s been wonderful watching you grow up. And you have just blossomed, turned into this fabulous actress,” she continued.
Hathaway, visibly emotional, covered part of her face and said, “No, don’t.” Goldberg insisted that she needed to hear it. “Girl, yes! Yes! You need to know. You need to know… It’s something you need to know and remember,” the host sincerely said.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you. You know how I feel about you,” Hathaway responded with glassy eyes.
The EGOT Winner Said ‘The Odyssey’ Showed The ‘Stupidity Of Men’

Elsewhere during the interview, Goldberg didn’t mince words when she shared what she thought about men in the movie.
She prefaced her point by asking the men in her audience not to get “annoyed” with her, then continued to say the movie “does represent the stupidity of men.” Goldberg said men in “The Odyssey” were repeatedly told not to do certain things because of the consequences.
Every time, they go and do that, and they’re surprised that it’s going the other way,” she exclaimed.
She then praised Hathaway’s portrayal of Penelope. “Women forget that they are insanely strong and they are clever, because Penelope fools these men for 20 years,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg also saw striking parallels between “The Odyssey” and today’s social climate and said it’s a reminder that “No one wins in a war.”
Anne Hathaway’s Rise To Stardom
Goldberg’s praise reflected Hathaway’s decades-long career, which includes an Academy Award and a wide range of acclaimed performances.
The actress rose to fame after portraying Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries” in 2001. The project was followed by other family-friendly films like “Ella Enchanted” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.”
In the succeeding years, Hathaway took on a wider variety of roles, including a recovering addict in “Rachel Getting Married,” the clever and agile Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” and a NASA scientist in “Interstellar.” In 2013, Hathaway earned a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Fantine in the musical film adaptation of “Les Misérables.”
Hathaway has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading actresses with a filmography spanning a wide range of genres.
The Actress Has Five Movies This Year

“The Odyssey” marked Hathaway’s third film release of the year, following “Mother Mary” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which premiered in April and May, respectively. She has two more films scheduled for release before the year ends: “The End of Oak Street” in August, and “Verity” in October.
Hathaway shared that having so many movies in one year was “surreal,” and she knows how rare it is. “I’m at an age and a moment in my career where I know stuff like this doesn’t come around very often, and certainly doesn’t last forever,” she told PEOPLE.
The actress added that she is focused on enjoying and appreciating her successes “as long as it lasts.” “I’m going to enjoy being on my board, and then when I fall in the water, that’ll be that moment,” she said.
Anne Hathaway Is Expecting Her Third Child
In June, Hathaway revealed that she’s expecting her third child with her husband of 13 years, Adam Shulman. They already share two boys: 10-year-old Jonathan and 6-year-old Jack. As The Blast previously reported, the pregnancy was a welcome surprise.
The 43-year-old, who has previously spoken about her fertility struggles, is overjoyed about the newest addition to her family and is focused on balancing her successful career with her growing family.
Hathaway has other projects in development, including “Princess Diaries 3” and the psychological thriller “Yesteryear.”
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