Justin Verlander had the support of his wife, Kate Upton, and their two kids for a special career moment for the baseball star.

The MLB icon, 43, was joined by Upton, 34, and their daughter Genevieve, 7, and son Bellamy, 1, at a pregame retirement ceremony at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, September 25.

Verlander was honored by the Detroit Tigers at his final start of his 21-season career and shared a message to the team’s fans at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

“I feel like I ran my race. I gave it everything I had,” Verlander said, per MLive.

He added, “I see my daughter, who’s seven now, and how fast that goes and how much of that time frame I’ve missed already. I have a 1-year-old son now. I know that I’m going to be able to be there for him and experience more of that childhood that I missed, unfortunately, with my daughter. Also be there for her in some very formative years coming up.”

Verlander added that getting married and having children had “tremendously” impacted his career, and helped him see things in a new light.

“I’m a different person now because of them, and I’ve loved every moment of it, growing into a different person. There’s a quote that I like that says, ‘What’s the point of living life if you don’t let life change you?’” he shared.

The athlete and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model first met while working together in February 2012 on the set of a commercial for the Major League Baseball 2K12 video game.

The pair dated on and off before getting engaged in May 2016. The following year, Verlander and Upton tied the knot in a ceremony in Tuscany, Italy.

“I feel so lucky that I got to marry my best friend!!” Upton tweeted after the wedding. “Thank you to our family and friends for making this weekend so fun and magical!”

Verlander heaped praise on Upton during an interview with Bleacher Report in August 2018, crediting her being an incredible support to him during challenging periods.

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“She was instrumental in me not … like, jumping off a bridge. I was depressed and kind of just upset at the world and trying to hide my own s**t,” he told the outlet, explaining Upton helped him get through his hernia surgery and recovery.

He added: “F**k, man, she was what I needed. I don’t like to talk to people about being hurt. As athletes, you’re not supposed to. It’s an excuse. … But she was someone I could talk to. I mean, basically a therapist. Somebody I could trust with … worries about my career. Worries about, ‘Can I make it?’ Worries about what I’m going through to get back. And just the overall s**tiness of it all.”

In November 2018, the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Genevieve. Their son, Bellamy followed in June 2025.

While M. Night Shyamalan has been a polarizing director throughout his time in Hollywood, it can’t be denied that he’s always had unique ideas. The two-time Oscar nominee broke out in a big way in 1999 with the release of his psychological thriller The Sixth Sense, featuring one of film’s all-time great twists that flips its most iconic line on its head. Just one year later, he’d return with Unbreakable, his take on a superhero film in a time before the MCU, The Dark Knight, and the revitalization of comic book movies. Reuniting with Bruce Willis and featuring Samuel L. Jackson, he delivered what was, at the time, a more nuanced look than most at the nature of superpowers and what it means to have them in a complicated world centered on a man learning the bounds of his abilities. Split and Glass helped expand the world and themes into a complete trilogy with a climactic showdown between the Overseer, the Horde (James McAvoy), and Elijah Price.

Yet, there have been questions about the potential for more stories within the wider Unbreakable universe. The demand for mature superhero media has grown over the years, with The Boys and Invincible earning high marks for how they confront the harsh realities of superpowered beings, and the video game Dispatch taking a more grounded approach to the relationships between villains reforming as heroes in a society they’re naturally a part of. Shyamalan has previously kept the door open for the right story, but he’s kept busy with other projects since, from Old to Trap and Knock at the Cabin. Now, for several reasons, he’s unlikely to release another film in his comic-inspired series.

During a conversation with Collider’s Steve Weintraub to discuss his sweeping retrospective at this year’s Beyond Fest at American Cinematheque, he was asked if there was a chance of another entry in the universe, even if it involved new characters. He responded simply, “I don’t think so.”

He did admit that he had some ideas for similarly superpowered characters that could theoretically go through similar thematic journeys to that of Willis’ Overseer as they wrestled with their abilities, but he’s not necessarily thinking about them in the context of Unbreakable. It’s also not a world he believes he can revisit without the retired Willis involved.

“Partly because Bruce [Willis] is so central to that. But I have characters in my head that pop into my head, and one in particular that could easily coexist in that universe. It just pops into my head, ‘Oh, wow. That’s a really cool character that has a power.’ And so this one that I have in my head that popped in could easily be in that world, but I don’t want to jam it in and force it into something. It’s more I just like thinking of contemporary supernatural characters that could easily be in a comic book.”

M. Night Shyamalan’s Next Project Is a Collaboration With Nicholas Sparks

Shyamalan has been relatively quiet since Trap debuted in 2024, but his absence from the big screen won’t last much longer. On February 5, 2027, he’ll release his next film, Remain, a romantic supernatural thriller that emerged from an idea he developed with romance novelist extraordinaire Nicholas Sparks. The two will bring their own touches to the story in their respective mediums, making both the film and book a unique take on the same core story that plays to their respective strengths. Jake Gyllenhaal will lead the cast as Tate Gordon, an architect designing a summer home for his friend in Cape Cod, still haunted by the death of his sister. He experiences a jolt of life, however, upon meeting a curious young woman named Wren (Phoebe Dynevor). Shyamalan will also have a role to play in front of the camera, joining Julie Hagerty, Tracy Ifeachor, Jay O. Sanders, and Ashley Walters among the supporting group.

Stay tuned here at Collider for more from our conversation with Shyamalan.

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Release Date

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November 22, 2000

Runtime

106 minutes

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Prince Harry is sharing Meghan Markle’s relatable reaction after his successful skydiving challenge in Canada.

The Duke of Sussex, 42, took to the skies in Toronto after promising 102-year-old World War II veteran, Ed Marshall, that he would skydive with him in order to raise awareness for war charities. When Marshall was prohibited from skydiving with Harry after it was deemed medically unsafe, Marshall’s grandson, Bailey, stepped up to take his place alongside the Duke.

Speaking to CTV on Friday, September 25, after successfully completing the jump, Harry revealed he immediately called Meghan, 45, following the feat.

“We noticed you called your wife, the Duchess, immediately afterwards,” the interviewer said to Harry, questioning whether it was tricky to get her on board with the idea of her husband jumping out of a plane.

“I didn’t have to convince her, but she was relieved once we were down,” Harry said. “It took quite a while to get up, so I think she was like, ‘Are they down yet? Are they down yet?’”

Harry joked that she should point the finger at Marshall for convincing him to skydive in the first place.

“I’ve just been blaming Ed anyways,” Harry said. “I said, ‘I can’t, I don’t want to do it, I wish I could get out of it,’ but Ed is very persuasive!”

During the interview, Harry also explained that there was no way he would back out of the challenge after giving his word to Marshall.

“Ed’s been really excited about this. There’s no version where you can let a 102-year-old veteran down,” Harry told CTV. “He was devastated that he couldn’t jump, but it was great to have him in the back.”

Harry continued, “They did put a parachute on him. We did think that he was probably going to jump by himself — glad he didn’t and he’s still here! And he’s going to be 103 in a few months’ time.”

After six years living abroad — briefly in Vancouver and then in Montecito, California — Harry and Meghan have moved back to the U.K with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.

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Related: Prince Harry Breaks Silence on His Family’s ‘Eventful’ Move Back to England

Prince Harry is opening up about his family’s transatlantic return to England for the first time. “My highlight so far? Do I have to share it with you?” Harry, 42, quipped during a Thursday, September 17, interview with Hello! at the Invictus Spirit Awards. “Look, the last few weeks have been … eventful.” Us learned […]

Meghan, who is originally from California, relocated to Britain upon her engagement to Harry in 2017. The couple stepped down from their duties as senior working royals in 2020, opting for private life, and left the country with son Archie in tow. Their daughter, Lili, was born the next year in California.

Harry and Meghan, who tied the knot in 2018, have not publicly divulged the reason for their return to the U.K.

In the wake of the couple’s move, Harry’s father, King Charles III, has since maintained that the duo are still no longer working royals. (Harry was estranged from his dad following the move, but they have since been working toward reconciliation.)

Tom Brady may never have explained the meaning behind his cryptic “True Love” post, but a new book is offering a revealing glimpse into what was allegedly happening behind the scenes. According to a friend of the NFL legend, Brady was “stung” when his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, welcomed a child with Joaquim Valente just over two years after their divorce.

Brady shared the mysterious message a little more than a month after the baby’s arrival, leaving fans to decide whether he was simply celebrating football or quietly responding to a painful new chapter in his former wife’s life.

Tom Brady’s Friend Claims Gisele Bündchen’s Baby News ‘Stung’

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Daily Mail obtained new details about Brady and Bündchen’s marriage, featured in bestselling author Lars Anderson’s book “Brady: An American Story and the Price of Greatness.” Anderson reportedly conducted years of research and spoke to Brady’s friends, teammates, and other eyewitnesses while exploring the personal cost of the quarterback’s relentless pursuit of greatness.

Bündchen welcomed her third child in February 2025. The baby was her first with Valente, the jiu-jitsu instructor who became her partner following her divorce from Brady. According to one of Brady’s friends quoted in the book, the retired athlete was “stung” by the pregnancy news.

His Cryptic ‘True Love’ Post Raised Questions

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Just over a month after Bündchen gave birth, Brady posted a dramatic football image on Instagram.

The color photograph showed the seven-time Super Bowl champion with his right arm extended as a football spiraled out of his hand against the golden glow of a sunset. Underneath the photograph, Brady wrote: “True Love.”

Tom Brady And Gisele Bündchen’s Romance Began On A Blind Date

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Brady and Bündchen first met after mutual friends arranged a blind date in December 2006. Their connection developed quickly, and they began dating shortly afterward. Early in their relationship, the couple faced an unexpected challenge when Brady’s former girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan, revealed that she was pregnant with his child. Bündchen ultimately remained with Brady and developed a close relationship with his son, Jack, whom she has described as her bonus child.

Brady and Bündchen married during an intimate ceremony in Santa Monica, California, in February 2009. They held a second celebration at Bündchen’s home in Costa Rica two months later. The couple welcomed their son, Benjamin, in December 2009 and their daughter, Vivian, in December 2012. Over the years, they became one of the most recognizable celebrity couples in the world, combining Brady’s historic NFL career with Bündchen’s status as one of the highest-paid and most successful models of her generation.

However, the demands of Brady’s career reportedly created tension inside their marriage. Bündchen scaled back portions of her modeling career while focusing on their family, and Brady continued playing professional football well into his 40s.

His Retirement Reversal Preceded Their Divorce

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Brady initially announced his retirement from the NFL in February 2022 after 22 seasons. Just 40 days later, he reversed the decision and returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His decision to play another season was widely linked to growing tension in the marriage, although Bündchen later emphasized that their separation was more complicated than a single career choice.

The former couple filed for divorce on October 28, 2022, and their marriage was dissolved that same day. Court records described the relationship as irretrievably broken. The divorce ended 13 years of marriage. Brady and Bündchen agreed to share custody of Benjamin and Vivian and publicly emphasized that their children would remain their priority.

Bündchen later described the end of the marriage as the loss of the future she had imagined. In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, she explained that she and Brady had gradually grown apart and eventually wanted different things from their lives.

The supermodel also pushed back on the simplified narrative that Brady’s decision to return to football single-handedly ended their marriage.

The Former Couple Built Separate Lives After Their Split

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Brady retired from professional football for a second time in February 2023, approximately three months after the divorce was finalized. This time, he made clear that the decision was permanent. He has since moved into sports broadcasting while continuing to raise his three children, including Jack, Benjamin and Vivian. Brady and Bündchen reportedly agreed to joint custody of the two children they share.

Bündchen, meanwhile, developed a relationship with Valente after initially knowing him as her jiu-jitsu instructor. They began dating in June 2023, and their romance became increasingly serious. Bündchen’s pregnancy was announced in October 2024. She welcomed their child in February 2025, beginning another chapter in her family life.

Ed Sheeran’s cousin does not have his back amid the ongoing drama.

Jethro Sheeran, who is also a British musician and performs professionally as Alonestar, has openly slammed the “Perfect” singer since “Thrift Shop” rapper Macklemore was kicked off the ongoing Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a New Jersey performance.

Ed Sheeran’s cousin joins the list of people who have frowned at the singer’s actions. Since the controversy, fans have been divided, with many withdrawing their support from the Grammy Winner.

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Jethro has taken his comments about his cousin a notch higher after previously calling him a “coward.” He addressed the ongoing fiasco about Macklemore being dropped from the Loop Tour, sharing his thoughts on the situation and his view of his cousin.

The British musician also chipped in some details about his relationship with Ed during his early days and how things allegedly went south after the dad of two rose to the top.

“We were pretty close. But early on, I saw the snake in him,” Jethro said during his first appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored.” The interview, which aired on Friday, September 25, featured Alonestar saying, “He’s very talented, and people think I’m jealous. But jealous of what? His looks? His guitar? His singing?”

Jethro Sheeran Claims His Cousin Forgot His Days Of Humble Beginnings

In addition to the blistering remarks, Jethro also claimed that he took his cousin, who is nearly ten years younger, to the studio and on stage “for the first time, and then he just kind of went his own way.”

He continued, telling Morgan that Ed was “doing all my shows and supporting me there, and then he kind of went and just blew up, and then just completely left everything that we built behind.”

Around 2018 and 2019, the musician cousins’ professional relationship became fractured following a feud when Ed’s record label issued legal warnings to Jethro, demanding he remove the Grammy winner’s name from their 2010 collab “Raise ‘Em Up.” This led to their estrangement as the fashion model felt deeply betrayed by Ed.

Ed Sheeran’s Cousin Previously Called Him Out As ‘Not A True Sheeran’

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Jethro took to social media, blasting the “Shape of You” singer after the Macklemore drama made headlines. He expressed that he was “ashamed of my Cousin Ed,” adding, “He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music, so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.” 

He went on, describing Ed as a “selfish individual with malicious cunning ways” and alleging that the “Dive” singer “screwed me over, made fun of my mental health and mental health in general.” 

The Blast reported that Jethro claimed in his post that he helped Ed start his career, doing all he could to help him rise in the industry; however, his kindness was not repaid with good deeds.

The record producer also maintained that his cousin personally dropped Macklemore from his tour despite Ed’s claims. “That’s my honest opinion, and I’m family!! He’s not a true Sheeran! Don’t hate on a Sheeran because of this silly little boy,” Jethro ended his lengthy post.

The ‘Photograph’ Singer Tried To Avoid Things Getting Physical

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Since Macklemore was kicked off Ed’s tour after his New Jersey performance where he made pro-Palestine chants, the backlash has been heavy. The singer reportedly lost thousands of online followers, and many fans began requesting ticket refunds.

Outside the venue for his Philadelphia concert, protesters showed up about an hour before the start time, expressing their displeasure with Ed’s actions. The Blast shared that he later told the audience that he had originally planned to perform on a B Stage during the show. 

With that initial setup, Ed would have performed in the middle of the audience. He admitted that they had to change the stage plans because he was afraid of what might happen if he stood in the middle.

The “Perfect” hitmaker confessed that he was unsure whether the situation might escalate and whether some concertgoers might throw things at him while he performed.

Ed Sheeran’s Concert Faced Another Low Blow

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Besides the displeased fans, loss of followers, low ticket sales, and blistering remarks from his cousin, Ed’s Loop Tour suffered another significant setback; however, this time the universe is behind it. The Blast shared that both of his scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium were canceled due to dangerous weather conditions.

The “photograph” singer was set to perform at Robert Kraft’s Foxborough, Massachusetts, on September 25 and 26. However, the plans had to be canceled because the stadium and tour officials deemed it unsafe for Ed, his crew, or his fans.

They released a statement informing the public that the difficult decision to cancel those shows stemmed from close monitoring of the weather forecast over the past week. The statement also noted that everyone’s safety was a priority and that refunds would be available to fans.

Will Ed Sheeran’s cousin continue issuing scathing remarks?

The series premiere of S.W.A.T.’s spinoff featured a time jump that swept over several exits, death — and a divorce.

During the Friday, September 25, episode of S.W.A.T. Exiles, Hondo (Shemar Moore) is reintroduced two years after the events in the original CBS series. This time Honodo is in a darker headspace after his marriage ended, his mother died and a mission that went wrong forced him out of S.W.A.T.

“Oftentimes, art imitates life. In real life, my mom is in heaven six years now. My father passed away just six years ago. And now I have a daughter and she’s my everything. So I’ve experienced — in my life — the highs and lows,” Moore, 56, exclusively told Us about using his own experiences as inspiration for Hondo. “When there’s lows, you got to sit in it.”

Moore wanted Hondo to go on a personal journey.

“The way my mother raised me is you got to get up and keep fighting. Also look around at what you’re blessed with. So it is very similar for Hondo. So I was like what if Hondo is divorced? He’s been exiled from S.W.A.T. when he was set up for a mission gone bad,” Moore explained. “Everything that he was about and that he worked for was taken from him. Now he’s in that dark stage that he went through when he lost his wife. He has a daughter that he’s fighting to stay a part of her life. And his mentor, his best friend and his confidant have passed away.”

S.W.A.T., which premiered on CBS in 2017, followed a police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team named Twenty Squad that operated in Los Angeles. After numerous cancellations — and returns — on CBS, the show has shifted to Starz with a new cast and new story.

“This version of S.W.A.T. is more layered — and not just with Hondo,” the actor told Us. “I just love being a superhero. But being just a superhero can get redundant and boring. To be a flawed, optimistic, defiant, persevering human being that enjoys the highs and has to endure the lows but never quits, I think a lot of people can relate to that. That’s why a lot of people root for Hondo and root for this show because even this show itself — because it’s replacing something that people loved for so many years.”

He concluded: “There’s a lot of pressure on this show, and so everybody involved in this show wants to show why this show is worth it, and we can defy the odds because that’s what we do.”

Moore defended the new take on S.W.A.T.

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“I was like, ‘OK, if it’s going to be different, then what’s going to be different?’ It looks darker, it feels darker and it’s edgier. The writing is different and I believe a little more grounded and a little more intense in storytelling and character development,” he teased. “It’s multilayered in the storytelling.”

He continued: “There’s going to be a lot of badassery. There’s going to be super cops. We’re going to have helicopter chases, motorcycle chases and car chases. We’re gonna be in there throwing fists and hand-to-hand combat. We are going to do that. But there’s also a lot of layers in the characters that you get to meet in the chemistry dynamic.”

S.W.A.T.: Exiles airs on Starz Fridays at 10 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on the Starz app.

Presley Gerber’s best friend, Ryan Frederick, has shared a poignant tribute in the wake of his death.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, September 25, Frederick shared a carousel of photos of the pair together alongside a lengthy caption in honor of Gerber, who died at 27 on September 20.

“You weren’t just my best friend. You were a brother to me. We shared so many memories, so many good times, and so many moments I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Frederick wrote.

He continued, “There was nobody in this world I laughed harder with. Some of my happiest memories are with you. Surfing together, traveling around the world, experiencing new places, getting into adventures, and somehow always finding a way to laugh through it all.”

Related: Police Release New Details Amid Investigation Into Presley Gerber’s Death

New details have emerged after Preston Gerber‘s death at age 27. The Santa Monica Police Department tells Us that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 am local time on Sunday, September 20. Authorities found an unresponsive adult male at the scene. “The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has […]

As well as reflecting on their close friendship and the memories shared together, Frederick praised Gerber for the way he tried so hard to navigate his challenges.

“You were a true fighter and someone who kept battling through more than most people ever knew. I’ll always remember you for your heart, your humor, your loyalty, and the way you could make any moment better.” Frederick wrote.

Frederick ended the tribute by listing what he’ll miss most about Gerber and expressing his ongoing love for his late friend.

“I’m going to miss your laugh, your energy, our trips, our time in the water, and all the memories we still thought we had ahead of us,” he penned. “I love you, brother. I’ll carry you with me everywhere I go. Rest easy, Pres 🤍.”

Us confirmed on Sunday, September 20, that Gerber — the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber — had died while in rehab. (The couple also share daughter Kaia Gerber.)

“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” his family said in a statement.

The Santa Monica Police Department told Us on September 21 that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 a.m. local time the previous morning. Authorities found an unresponsive adult male at the scene.

Related: Presley Gerber’s Ex Breaks Silence on His Death in Heartbreaking Tribute

Presley Gerber‘s ex-girlfriend Charlotte D’Alessio shared a heartbreaking message after his sudden death at age 27. “Shared a pure love with you & for that I thank & honor your life,” the 28-year-old wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, September 21. “You deserved more time. You deserved more life. Very angry [about] this.” D’Alessio […]

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Gerber’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose. No foul play is suspected. Gerber’s autopsy was completed on Monday, September 21, Us confirmed.

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The model’s official cause of death is still listed as “deferred” and pending investigation despite the cremation and autopsy being complete.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Dax Shepard’s latest “Armchair Expert” guest did not arrive with a movie, album, or television series to promote. He came armed with ancient DNA, three enormous puppies and a plan to bring mammoth-like creatures back to the planet. Colossal Biosciences co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm joined Shepard for the podcast’s September 23 episode, where he explained the science behind Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi. Colossal has promoted the animals as the world’s first de-extincted dire wolves. However, the headline-making achievement has also sparked a debate among outside scientists over what the puppies actually are.

Dax Shepard Hears How The Dire Wolf Project Began

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During his appearance on “Armchair Expert,” Ben Lamm walked Shepard through Colossal’s efforts to study the dire wolf, an Ice Age predator that disappeared approximately 13,000 years ago. Dire wolves once roamed throughout North and South America. Fossils have been discovered from Alaska to Mexico, with a particularly large number found at California’s La Brea Tar Pits.

Colossal’s scientists examined genetic material obtained from two ancient specimens. One was a tooth found in Ohio that was approximately 13,000 years old. The other was an inner ear bone discovered in Idaho that was approximately 72,000 years old, per Colossal’s website.

Researchers used the genetic information to identify features that differentiated dire wolves from their living relatives. The team then made 20 targeted edits across 14 genes in gray wolf cells. The edited cells were used to create embryos, which were implanted in domestic dog surrogates. That process ultimately produced Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.

Romulus and Remus were named after the legendary founders of Rome who were raised by a she-wolf. Khaleesi’s name honors the “Game of Thrones” character played by Emilia Clarke, giving the project an unavoidable connection to the HBO series that helped make dire wolves famous to modern audiences.

The Puppies Were Engineered To Have Dire Wolf Traits

The puppies were designed to exhibit physical characteristics associated with dire wolves, including a larger frame, broader shoulders, a wider skull, muscular legs, and prominent canine teeth. They also have thick white coats, although the exact appearance of prehistoric dire wolves remains a subject of scientific discussion.

Romulus and Remus were born in October 2024, while Khaleesi arrived in January 2025. The male pups had already reached approximately 80 pounds by the time Colossal publicly announced them, while the younger Khaleesi weighed around 25 pounds. By their first birthday, Colossal reported that Romulus and Remus had grown to approximately 120 pounds.

The three animals live on a secure, undisclosed 2,000-acre preserve in the United States, where they are monitored by animal-care and scientific teams.

Colossal says the wolves have displayed different vocalizations and physical features from typical gray wolves. The company also expects them to reach as much as 150 pounds, potentially making them considerably larger than many modern wolves.

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The scale of the project gave Shepard plenty to unpack as Lamm explained how researchers moved from fragmented ancient DNA to living animals displaying traits last seen thousands of years ago.

Are They Really Dire Wolves?

While Colossal describes Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi as dire wolves, some independent scientists have challenged that classification. The animals are not clones of preserved dire wolves, and no ancient dire wolf DNA was directly inserted into their genomes.

Instead, scientists edited genes in gray wolf cells to recreate selected traits linked to the extinct species. That distinction has led outside experts to describe the puppies as genetically modified gray wolves rather than resurrected dire wolves.

Colossal Has An Even Bigger Goal In Sight

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Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi are only one part of Colossal’s much larger de-extinction mission. The company was founded in 2021 by Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church, whose work on the woolly mammoth helped inspire the venture. Lamm told Shepard that he asked Church what scientific project he would pursue if funding were not an obstacle. That conversation helped set Colossal on its current path.

The company is now working to produce a cold-resistant elephant with defining woolly mammoth characteristics, including shaggy hair, insulating fat and other adaptations associated with surviving in Arctic environments. As part of that research, Colossal created what it calls “woolly mice.” Scientists edited seven genes in laboratory mice to produce long, thick, and wavy hair along with changes connected to fat metabolism.

The mice were intended to serve as a faster testing model for combinations of traits that may eventually be introduced into Asian elephant cells. Elephants have a gestation period of approximately 22 months, making early experiments in mice significantly faster and less costly.

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The woolly mouse results were initially posted as a preprint and had not undergone independent peer review when they were announced, according to the Associated Press. Outside researchers again described the work as technologically impressive while questioning whether it amounted to genuine de-extinction.

Colossal is also pursuing projects involving the dodo, thylacine, moa and bluebuck antelope.

Ben Lamm Says The Mission Goes Beyond Headlines

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Although the prehistoric animals generate enormous publicity, Lamm emphasized that Colossal wants its technology to benefit species that are still alive. The company has worked on cloning endangered red wolves and developing genetic tools that could help increase diversity within threatened populations.

Colossal also announced a partnership to build a biovault capable of preserving biological material from thousands of species. The goal is to store genetic material that could become critical if wild populations decline or disappear. The company has additionally partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on efforts to preserve genetic samples from endangered species.

The full Ben Lamm episode of “Armchair Expert” is available now.

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Mark Consuelos is finally addressing a painful foot problem that he has been putting off for more than a year. The 55-year-old talk show host revealed on Friday’s episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark” that he was preparing to undergo surgery on his arthritic toe immediately after the broadcast. Although Consuelos insisted the operation was serious, his wife and co-host, Kelly Ripa, could not resist poking fun at him while outlining everything she planned to do during his recovery.

Mark Consuelos Says ‘Today’s The Day’

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Consuelos shared the news with the studio audience at the beginning of Friday morning’s episode. “Today’s the day,” he told Ripa. “I’ve been putting off this toe surgery for about a year.”

The actor had not eaten since the previous day because he was following his preoperative fasting instructions. He admitted that he was already feeling “a little loopy” by the time he sat down at the co-hosting desk.

“I’ve never heard of fasting for 24 hours before a surgery,” Ripa said.

“It’s dumb. I just want to eat! I can be convinced to eat at any moment,” Consuelos joked back.

Ripa confirmed that she would accompany her husband to the procedure and help care for him afterward. However, her support apparently comes with one major condition. She wants another entertaining video for the family collection.

“I’m not resisting the opportunity to video capture you coming out of your propofol haze,” Ripa joked.

“That’s right. People say some funny, funny things,” Consuelos replied.

Ripa then reminded him that this would not be her first time documenting his reaction to anesthesia. “I have you on video from your last foot surgery,” she said.

Kelly Ripa Has Big Plans For His Recovery

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The couple also discussed how their household routine will change while Consuelos is unable to move around normally. Consuelos asked Ripa to temporarily take over some of his regular responsibilities, including walking their dog. He also requested that she remain fully “present” while helping him recover.

In a playful warning, he told her to “put your phone down, take your AirPods out of your ears.” Ripa had already started planning ways to prevent her husband from becoming bored while he is recuperating. Her list of possible activities included reading, journaling and playing games.

“I can teach you to knit if you want,” she offered.

“Yeah, I’m going to bedazzle my boot,” Consuelos quipped.

The Talk Show Host Insists This Is Not A ‘Pedicure’

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Ripa jokingly wondered whether Consuelos was having the procedure to improve his golf game, but he quickly clarified that the operation was medically necessary. “No, it’s arthritic, it’s bad,” he explained. “I need help. Yeah, it hurts.”

Consuelos previously revealed that he developed arthritis in his toe after years of playing soccer. He has also discussed dealing with turf toe and underwent surgery on his left foot in the past.

Turf toe is an injury involving the joint at the base of the big toe. Repeated stress or trauma to the area can cause pain and stiffness, although Consuelos did not disclose his formal diagnosis or the exact procedure he was scheduled to receive. At one point, the television personality dramatically claimed that the pain in his big toe was “worse than childbirth.”

Ripa, who shares three children with Consuelos, unsurprisingly had thoughts about that comparison. “Basically, he’s having a pedicure,” she teased.

“No, I’m not. This is a major surgery,” Consuelos insisted. “It’s like a C-section for your toe.”

Ripa quickly responded, “You know what’s so funny? I didn’t fast at all for my C-section. And I was wide awake.”

Kelly Ripa Recently Recovered From Her Own Surgery

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Consuelos’ procedure comes shortly after Ripa recovered from gum graft surgery over the summer. The daytime host was temporarily absent from “Live” following the painful dental procedure, with Kevin Jonas stepping in beside Consuelos while she healed.

A gum graft is commonly used to treat gum recession and protect exposed tooth roots. Ripa had delayed the operation for approximately five years before her dentist told her it had become necessary.

Consuelos previously told viewers that his wife was doing well but had been ordered not to talk during her recovery. She was also placed on a soft-food diet and instructed not to use a straw or examine the surgical site by pulling down her lip.

Ripa returned to the show in September.

Mark Consuelos Has Endured A Difficult Year

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The surgery comes during an emotional year for Consuelos and his family. His father, Saul Consuelos, died on March 23 following a lengthy illness. Mark later reflected on the loss during an appearance on the “I’ve Never Said This Before with Tommy DiDario” podcast.

Consuelos explained that he had hoped his father would experience a merciful death and was grateful that it happened “very quickly and painlessly.” However, knowing that his father’s death was coming did not make the grief easier to process. “My father’s a mythical character to me. He’s, like, the best man I’ve ever met. Everything good that I’ve kind of glommed onto of how I carry myself comes from him,” Consuelos shared.

He also spoke about the painful adjustment of no longer having his father readily available after being able to depend on him throughout his entire life. Saul immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a teenager and served in the U.S. Navy for three decades. He continued pursuing his education while raising his family and eventually earned a master’s degree.

Consuelos was performing in the Broadway production of “Fallen Angels” when his father died, forcing him to compartmentalize his grief while continuing with the show. He later said that work provided a temporary distraction before the loss became more real during a family memorial.

Ripa has also publicly praised her late father-in-law and supported her husband through the loss.