When Wonder Man premiered on Disney+ in January, it was clear from the beginning that Marvel had put out something special. The eight-episode comedy, which follows the character Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), is so much more than your average superhero fare. Instead, it’s an insightful look inside the entertainment industry, as well as an illustration of the heartache and struggle that goes into being a working actor — made all the more difficult if you’re trying to hide your superpowers.

Wonder Man features an incredibly talented cast, including Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley as his unlikely sidekick, Trevor Slattery, and even cameos by Josh Gad and Joe Pantoliano as themselves. With glowing reviews and fan support, it came as no surprise when the series was renewed for another season two months after its release. That’s what makes the most recent news about Wonder Man all the more shocking — which doubles as an indication of a brewing problem in streaming TV.

‘Wonder Man’s Showrunner Is Also Surprised by Its Cancellation

Last week, Disney announced that it would not be moving forward with a second season of Wonder Man. What made the news all the more mystifying was the fact that Abdul-Mateen II received an Emmy nomination for his impressive work just a few weeks ago, boosting visibility for the Marvel series.

Wonder Man showrunner Andrew Guest seemed just as surprised by the announcement as everyone else, noting via TikTok that “contracts were signed. Schedules were cleared. The writers’ room was supposed to start this month, the production was supposed to begin early next year.” While explaining his confusion at the news, he added that “there was a decision made internally between Disney and Marvel that this didn’t make sense for them, even though a few months ago it did.” Guest’s comments also include an extremely relevant point about which shows Disney and Marvel are supporting: “I think there’s important conversations being had online about the kind of stories that we’re prioritizing and the kind of shows platforms want to make.”

It’s Growing Increasingly Difficult To Define What Makes a Streaming Show a True Success

Despite how heartbreaking it is to lose Wonder Man, the cancellation also emphasizes an even bigger question that’s been looming over the streaming industry: What makes a show truly worthy of another season? It used to be that awards recognition often boded well for renewal odds, but, despite recently earning Emmy nominations, shows like Wonder Man, Palm Royale, and Poker Face have still ended up on the chopping block.

Not even ratings are enough to ensure that a series can continue. The Boroughs seemed like a runaway hit for Netflix, climbing to #1 on the streamer, spending four weeks in its global Top 10, and amassing over 20 million viewers in just one month. Despite this, Netflix announced in June that The Boroughs would not be receiving another season, ultimately citing economic reasons. Some studios can’t justify the cost of expensive episodes that don’t truly bring in a return on their investment. In the case of Wonder Man, however, Guest isn’t even sure what exactly factored into the decision to cancel the show.

Viewers are already dissatisfied with what seems like an industry-wide reluctance to renew shows they’re watching and loving. Many don’t want to tune into shows that are just going to be unceremoniously cancelled. At times, it can feel like the commitment to starting a new show just isn’t worth it. Shows are no longer given breathing room to find their audience, or to really work out the kinks. And with painful cancellations like Wonder Man‘s, it seems as though there is no amount of critical acclaim or awards recognition that’s enough to guarantee a series’ longevity.

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Wonder Man

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Release Date

2026 – 2026-00-00

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Network

Disney+

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Writers

Andrew Guest, Madeline Walter, Paul Welsh, Zeke Nicholson, Roja Gashtili, Julia Lerman

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Sara Gilson did not have a will before her husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey, fatally shot her then killed himself in a murder-suicide, according to probate documents filed nearly two weeks after her tragic death.

Gilson’s ex-husband, Lyle Landers, with whom she shared two children, claimed in newly filed court documents exclusively obtained by Us that the influencer died without a will and he is asking the court to block any beneficiaries of Duffey’s estate from inheriting anything from the social media star in the wake of her murder. She was 43.

In the docs submitted on July 29, Landers, 46, noted that since she was killed on July 23, he’s made a “diligent effort” to locate a will but hasn’t been “successful.

Landers noted that because Duffey, who was 47 at the time of his death, “intentionally an feloniously took [Sara’s] life” before dying by suicide, his designated beneficiaries “should be barred from inheriting from the decedent.” He cited Oklahoma law, arguing that the state previously ruled that “no person should be permitted to benefit from his own wrongdoing.”

Related: Sara Gilson’s Ex-Husband Covering Funeral Expenses After Her Murder

The late influencer Sara Gilson’s ex-husband, Lyle Landers, has offered to pay for her funeral in the wake of her death in an alleged murder-suicide plot carried out by her estranged second husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey. Landers told TMZ on Thursday, July 30, that he promised Gilson’s parents that he would give her the funeral […]

Landers pointed out that per Oklahoma statues, “no person who is convicted of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree, as defined by the laws of this state” shall be able to “inherit from the victim of the offense, or receive any interest in the estate of the victim, or take any devise or legacy, or as a designated beneficiary of an account.”

He claimed his ex-wife left an estate consisting of personal property in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which he wants to ‘Preserve and protect” for their children.

Landers is requesting that the court appoint him administrator of Gilson’s estate and guardian ad litem for their children. (A guardian ad litem is a person named by a judge to protect the best interests of a child or an adult who cannot speak for themselves in a court of law.)

According to his filing, Landers argued that his and Gilson’s children, Mia, 14, and Tye, 13, are still minors and “cannot adequately participate in protecting their rights” against Duffey’s beneficiaries possibly coming for Gilson’s estate.

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Related: Who Is Sara Gilson? Mom Was Allegedly Killed By Husband Amid Pedophile Claim

Influencer Sara Gilson was allegedly killed by her estranged husband, Shawn Duffey, mere weeks after she allegedly accused him of being a pedophile. Tulsa’s ABC affiliate reported on July 23, 2026, that Gilson and Duffey were found dead in their Oklahoma City home after a fatal shooting. A juvenile family member present at the scene […]

Gilson’s ex-husband, who divorced from the content creator was finalized in 2019, is asking the court to determine the identity of her heirs at the next hearing.

News broke on July 25 that Gilson and Duffey were found dead in their Oklahoma City home after a fatal shooting two days prior. Investigators believe that Duffey broke into the house and opened fire on Gilson before taking his own life.

Prior to her death, Gilson claimed in a TikTok video that Duffey was a pedophile after he was accused in June of sexual misconduct by a 15-year-old female basketball player he was coaching. (“Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile,” Gilson wrote alongside the video, noting, “I wish I was kidding.”)

Following the allegations, both Gilson and the alleged minor victim filed for an emergency protective order against Duffey.

Us later confirmed that Gilson filed three separate protective orders against Duffey throughout their relationship. The first in August 2021, and the second in September 2021, were both dismissed that same year.

The third protective order filed in June was granted ahead of her death. Gilson claimed in her filing that Duffey had a “firearm on him” and “went on the run” after being accused of child abuse.

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Related: Sara Gilson’s Ex ‘Begged’ Her to Leave Husband Before Murder-Suicide

Influencer Sara Gilson’s ex-husband, Lyle Landers, allegedly “begged” her to leave her estranged husband Shawn Duffey before the couple’s apparent murder-suicide. “She had been stuck in a relationship where domestic abuse seemed ‘OK,’” Landers, 46, claimed in an interview with People published on Sunday, July 26, of his ex-wife, with whom he shared two kids, […]

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Us confirmed on July 30 that an unidentified male called 911 for help before Gilson was killed. According to a radio log call from Gilson and Duffey’s home on the day of the murder-suicide, the male caller claimed he heard Gilson plead for her life to someone presumed to be Duffey who was in the room.

The man also told the operator that a child was in the home.

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

For MCU fans, now that Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung past, all eyes are on December and Doomsday. Marvel is gearing up for one of its biggest crossover events ever, which will serve as the culmination of the entire multiverse saga post-Avengers: Endgame. Anticipation is high to see how Anthony and Joe Russo unite characters like Thor and Steve Rogers with the newest teams on the block, the New Avengers and Fantastic Four, as well as the Wakandans and even the returning X-Men from the 20th Century Fox universe in a desperate struggle against Robert Downey Jr.‘s Doctor Doom. However, before that, gamers will get to experience an even wilder crossover of comic book forces.

This week, on August 6, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will finally release on PlayStation 5 and Windows, marking Marvel’s latest venture into the 2D fighting game arena. Developed by Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ masterminds Arc System Works and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game reimagines a roster of 20 iconic characters from the comic giant for a 4v4 tag team battle across a variety of locales from throughout the Marvel universe. Though players can assemble whatever teams they desire with whatever leader they like best, each hero or villain is divided onto one of five teams, including the Fighting Avengers, Unbreakable X-Men, The Amazing Guardians, The Knights of Doom, and Samurai Outriders. Captain America, Storm, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, and Ghost Rider were each chosen to assemble the squads by The Promoter, who prepares them all for The Challenge of the Champion against a villain that threatens to destroy their world unless they can produce a worthy opponent.

The story isn’t the main focus of Marvel Tōkon, but the game does feature an Episode Mode following each of the five teams as they compete in qualifiers for a chance to fight the Promoter and The Champion himself. An Elder of the Universe, The Champion has laid waste to several worlds whose champions haven’t passed muster, including the Shi’ar homeworld of Chandilar, and now has Earth in his sights. Each team assembles for their own reasons to take down the threat, but before the game releases, Marvel Comics is providing a bit of extra context to this conflict. A companion anthology comic one-shot, titled Marvel Tōkon: First Strike, hits store shelves on August 5 and expands the story of each fighter and their new foes. A preview was just released, showing where the groups are and how they prepare for the coming battle, as well as revealing how The Promoter got involved in The Champion’s path of destruction.

The book opens with The Promoter commiserating with the Silver Surfer about her boss. Like many great Marvel characters, The Champion was forged in tragedy, belonging to a long-forgotten strong world whose civilization was destroyed in an invasion. He was the lone survivor and vowed to make all worlds strong enough to resist destruction, but to do so, he puts those worlds with unworthy champions through his training program, leading to their demise anyway. Even though The Champion saw promise in her and gave her a new purpose, The Promoter is conflicted about working for someone whose noble aims run up against violent methods. The remaining pages show the Avengers displaying their might by fiercely protecting Earth from an invasion by the Skrull and Kree armadas and Storm relentlessly training against simulated Sentinels to prepare for The Champion.

First Strike unites a team of talented writers, including Josh Trujillo, Steve Orlando, and Tom Waltz, as well as artists Bruno Bull, Athila Fabbio, and Ryusei Yamada, to tell three separate stories within the world of Marvel Tōkon. Expect big battles and a few mysteries that tie into the game’s narrative, particularly in relation to The Promoter and Champion, as well as a showcase of this colorful, poppy version of the Marvel universe. Capping off the comic is a cover by Juan Frigeri highlighting the stylish Promoter, who’s ready to kick off the high-stakes competition.

Marvel Tōkon: First Strike #1 goes on sale on Wednesday, August 5, before Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls launches on August 6 on PS5 and Windows. Check out the preview in the gallery above.

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Release Date

December 18, 2026

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Runtime

165 Minutes

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Mary Rivera’s brief but unforgettable appearance in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” introduced millions of moviegoers to Ned’s Lola, a character whose Tagalog dialogue became one of the film’s most beloved moments. 

Now, the actress’s family has announced that Rivera has died after suffering a serious health condition. 

Her loved ones also revealed the difficult decision they faced in her final days, while reflecting on the pride she carried from becoming part of one of Marvel’s biggest blockbuster films.

Rivera, who portrayed Ned Leeds’ grandmother in 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” died on April 15 in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to her family. She was 82.

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A relative told TMZ that the actress suffered a stroke that left her in “extremely serious” condition. Doctors reportedly warned the family that even if she emerged from the coma, her prognosis remained grim.

After hearing the medical assessment, Rivera’s family made the heartbreaking decision to remove her from life support.

Although her role in the Marvel blockbuster was relatively small, Rivera became a fan favorite after delivering a memorable scene in Tagalog, telling Spider-Man, played by Andrew Garfield, to clean up the cobwebs while Jacob Batalon’s Ned translated for her.

According to her family, Rivera had been “extremely proud” of appearing in the film, describing it as one of the “proudest accomplishments” of what they called a “good life.”

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‘Spider-Man’ Casting Call Changed Mary Rivera’s Life

Rivera almost never auditioned for the role that introduced her to audiences around the world. In a 2022 interview with Hawaiʻi Public Radio, her daughter, Angie Kelly, explained that she stumbled across the opportunity while browsing social media.

“I happened to be on a friend’s Facebook scrolling and I see an ad, a casting call looking for a local Hawaiʻi Filipina grandmother between the age of 50 and 90,” Kelly recalled, adding, “And immediately I thought, ‘Oh, well my mom qualifies and checks off all those boxes.’”

Kelly said Rivera was initially reluctant to audition, but eventually agreed to record a self-tape with help from a family member.

“They just asked her to talk about herself and why she wanted to do the role,” Kelly explained. “My mom has worn many hats over the years. She was a radio broadcaster, a teacher, but most notable was her role as a mother and grandmother.”

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That simple audition ultimately landed Rivera a place in one of Marvel Studios’ biggest films.

‘Spider-Man’ Role Introduced Filipino Culture To Global Audiences

Following the movie’s release, Rivera’s family watched her become recognizable to fans across the world as Ned’s Lola. Kelly said the experience remained surreal because, to her family, Rivera was simply a beloved mother and grandmother.

“It’s been an amazing adventure,” she said, further noting, “To us, she’s just my mom. But to the rest of the world, she’s Ned’s Lola.”

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Kelly also praised the film for embracing Filipino language and culture through Rivera’s memorable scene.

According to her, “It’s humbling really, because never before in cinematic history really has there been a place for the Filipino language and culture. They did a really good job with paying attention to the details of our culture.”

‘Spider-Man’ Is Dominating Hollywood Again With Record-Breaking Box Office Success

The news of Rivera’s passing comes at a time when the “Spider-Man” franchise is once again dominating conversations across Hollywood. 

While “Spider-Man: No Way Home” introduced Rivera to audiences around the world, the franchise has continued its momentum with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which delivered one of the biggest opening weekends in movie history. 

As The Blast reported, the latest installment earned $360 million during its North American opening weekend, overtaking “Avengers: Endgame”’s long-standing $357.1 million record to claim the biggest domestic debut in history. 

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Globally, the film opened to an estimated $932 million, making it the second-largest worldwide opening weekend ever, trailing only “Endgame.” 

The blockbuster also delivered Sony Pictures’ biggest domestic and global debut, surpassing “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” while helping theaters achieve the highest-grossing weekend in North American box office history, with all films combining for roughly $430 million in ticket sales. 

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the fourth “Spider-Man” film starring Holland also became the first movie since “Endgame” to cross the $300 million mark domestically in a single weekend. 

‘Spider-Man’s Future Is Already Expanding Beyond Peter Parker

After turning unprecedented online excitement into record-breaking box office success, Marvel Studios is already looking ahead to “Spider-Man”’s future. 

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During a recent promotional push for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the studio teased that Peter Parker’s story is far from over, encouraging fans to “look beyond the Spider-Verse” as the next chapter of the web-slinger’s cinematic journey begins to take shape. 

While “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” remains Sony Pictures’ highly anticipated animated finale, Marvel’s messaging has fueled speculation that Holland’s live-action Spider-Man will continue playing a major role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe beyond his latest solo outing. 

Kevin Feige has previously confirmed that discussions are already underway for Holland’s future appearances following “Brand New Day,” reinforcing that the character remains central to Marvel’s long-term plans. 

With both the animated Spider-Verse saga and the MCU expanding simultaneously, fans have plenty of reasons to believe Spider-Man’s biggest adventures are still ahead.

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Kelly Osbourne seemingly has a cryptic – and public — message for her ex Sid Wilson.

“Strange how the loudest defense of the guilty is rarely innocence … It’s distraction,” the TV personality, 41, wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, August 3. “When the mask slips, they don’t face the mirror they throw it at someone else.”

Osbourne continued, “I also heard that when you break a mirror you get 7 years bad luck! Or is that just karma? This is why I always take accountability. As they say some are sicker than others.”

Osbourne, who shares 3-year-old son Sidney with her ex-fiancé, also shared an inspirational quote about mothers keeping their children safe.

Related: Kelly Osbourne and Sid Wilson Attended 2026 Grammys 1 Month Before Split

Kelly Osbourne and Sid Wilson attended the 2026 Grammys in their final public appearance together less than two months before their split. The now-exes posed hand-in-hand for photos on the red carpet at the awards show on February 1. Osbourne, 41, sported a sparkly black sleeveless dress with a high leg slit and a silver […]

“My son’s little heart once beat right beside mine. So trust me when I say … I will protect it all costs,” the Everyday Motherhood quote read.

In a subsequent post, Osbourne wrote another cryptic message, seemingly directed at the former Slipknot frontman.

“Wake the f*** up and take some responsibility I will not take your s*** anymore! I’m done,” she wrote. “I want to be happy and I have a beautiful son to raise. Leave me alone. Let me heal. I can’t protect you from yourself anymore.”

Osbourne then posted another inspirational mom quote.

“My job is to protect my kids,” read the message from Inex Digital Wealth. “Not your feelings. Not your expectations. Not judgements I didn’t ask for. My responsibility is to protect their wellbeing. Their nervous systems. Their emotional safety. I will choose them every single time. Over anyone. Over anything.”

Us reached out to Wilson for comment.

Earlier this year, news broke that Osbourne and Wilson split in March after getting engaged eight months prior. Neither Osbourne nor Wilson have publicly addressed their split.

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Wilson has been in headlines recently after he was reportedly kicked out of Slipknot after serving 25 years as the iconic band’s lead singer. TMZ reported that Wilson’s bandmates kicked him out of the band due to his alleged mistreatment of his fellow members. Wilson has not publicly addressed his exit from Slipknot. Us also reached out to reps for the rocker for comment regarding his status within the band.

Kelly has also been coping with the loss of father, rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Kelly paid tribute to her dad on the one-year anniversary of his passing.

“I don’t just mourn the father I lost. I mourn the soul I was before death taught my heart its own name,” she wrote via Instagram in July. “There is a grief that steals more than the person you love. It quietly takes the light from your laughter, the innocence from your hope and the stranger you become is someone you’ll spend a lifetime trying to recognize.”

ABC’s fall 2026 TV slate is filled to the brim with a slew of highly anticipated premieres, including Grey’s Anatomy, Dancing With the Stars and more.

The network surprised viewers by revealing that season 35 of DWTS would kick off with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, September 15. No further details were provided at the time of publication regarding the surprises that likely await both audience members and viewers.

“The fact that we have a two-night premiere makes me think that there’s a twist,” Ballas exclusively told Us. “The last few years it’s [been] one night and someone either gets eliminated or they don’t.”

He continued, “So, a two-night premiere means something’s coming, I think. I would encourage people to keep both nights free.”

Related: ABC’s Fall 2026 TV Schedule Is Missing ‘High Potential’ and More Shows

ABC is preparing for fall and summer TV by releasing premiere dates for highly anticipated shows including Dancing With the Stars and The Bachelor — but there are some shows missing from the schedule. The network announced on Friday, May 8, the return of several game shows and the new DWTS spinoff hosted by Robert […]

Grey’s Anatomy, meanwhile, is coming back for season 23 following several cast exits. The medical drama recently reduced the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of the show’s 18 episodes per season. Some fan favorites didn’t appear in as many as four episodes each, while Caterina Scorsone‘s absence was doubled after her character, Amelia Shepherd, chose to take a sabbatical.

Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd later exited the show, and it remains unclear if additional characters won’t be returning for season 23.

Despite the shakeups, ABC is still committed to the franchise, with the network ordering a spinoff to Grey’s Anatomy set in rural West Texas.

Keep scrolling for a full schedule for ABC shows airing in the fall:

Tuesday, September 15
Dancing With the Stars 8 p.m. on ABC
R.J. Decker 10 p.m. on ABC

Wednesday, September 16
Dancing With the Stars 8 p.m. on ABC

Friday, September 25
20/20 9 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, September 27
America’s Funniest Home Videos 7 p.m. on ABC
The Wonderful World of Disney 9 p.m. on ABC

Wednesday, September 30
Scrubs 8 p.m. on ABC
Shark Tank 9 p.m. on ABC

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Friday, October 2
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune 8 p.m. on ABC

Wednesday, October 7
Abbott Elementary 8:30 p.m. on ABC
Shark Tank 10 p.m. on ABC

Thursday, October 15
9-1-1 8 p.m. on ABC
9-1-1: Nashville 9 p.m. on ABC
Grey’s Anatomy 10 p.m. on ABC

Deadpool has survived just about everything Marvel has ever thrown at him​​​​​. Decapitation, dismemberment, explosions, and countless fatal injuries have all become little more than temporary inconveniences thanks to his legendary healing factor. It’s the one power that’s always guaranteed Wade Wilson another punchline, no matter how gruesome things get. Marvel’s latest Wade Wilson: Deadpool preview proves that’s no longer the case. Instead of helping Deadpool survive, his healing factor has become the source of his newest nightmare, creating one of the most disturbing enemies he’s faced in years.

The preview for Wade Wilson: Deadpool #7 wastes no time showing how out of control the situation has become. As Wade prepares for a bath at the Crown Jewel Hotel, one of the grotesque “Badpools” attacks without warning. The tiny creature tears into Deadpool’s flesh while repeatedly chanting, “Your blood is good. Your blood is life.” Even after Wade rips it off, the monster continues demanding more blood before launching another attack. The creature’s obsession isn’t random.

Deadpool’s Own Healing Factor Has Created His Most Horrifying Villains Yet

As previous issues established, the Badpools were unintentionally created from pieces of Deadpool’s own severed body. Because Wade constantly regenerates, discarded limbs and chunks of flesh didn’t simply die. Instead, they developed into their own horrifying miniature versions of Deadpool, each carrying his healing factor and an insatiable hunger for more of his blood. That turns Deadpool’s greatest strength into his biggest weakness. Normally, Wade’s regeneration makes him almost impossible to kill. Here, every injury potentially feeds the very creatures hunting him.

His healing factor no longer just repairs damage, instead actively creating new threats, meaning every fight risks making the Badpool infestation even worse. The preview also leans fully into body horror. The Badpools aren’t cute mascots or comedic variants. They’re shrieking, flesh-covered parasites with oversized teeth that bite chunks directly out of Wade’s body while demanding more blood. It’s easily one of the most unsettling visual uses of Deadpool’s powers Marvel has explored.

The premise also cleverly twists one of the character’s oldest running gags. Deadpool has spent decades shrugging off injuries because readers know he’ll regenerate moments later. Now, those same regenerative abilities have consequences. Every severed piece of Wade has the potential to become another murderous monster, transforming what was once his ultimate advantage into an endless source of new enemies. Deadpool has always joked that you can’t keep him down. Wade Wilson: Deadpool #7 suggests that’s still true, but now every time he gets back up, he may be leaving behind another piece of himself that wants him dead.

Wade Wilson: Deadpool #7 will be available to purchase on August 5.

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Release Date

February 9, 2016

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Runtime

108 minutes

Director

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Tim Miller

Writers

Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Geoff Johns, Rob Liefeld, Len Wein, Dave Cockrum

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Gen Z has never known an entertainment world without streaming, smartphones, and instant access to nearly unlimited content. Yet the generation once expected to abandon traditional moviegoing could now be helping bring theaters back to life. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” just powered the North American box office to its biggest weekend in history, delivering the strongest evidence yet that audiences are willing to leave the couch when a movie feels like an event.

However, the record-breaking turnout was not an isolated occurrence. Gen Z has quietly been going to theaters more frequently, embracing premium formats and treating moviegoing as a social experience that streaming at home cannot replace.

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The enormous debut of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” did more than set another box-office record. It offered a revealing look at the audience currently showing up for major theatrical releases. Moviegoers between 18 and 24 accounted for 36% of the film’s opening-weekend audience, according to the Associated Press, making young adults a crucial part of the superhero blockbuster’s success.

The film, which stars Tom Holland as the Marvel superhero, collected $360 million across the United States and Canada, narrowly moving past “Avengers: Endgame” to secure the largest domestic opening in history. Its arrival also coincided with the continued success of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which remained a major draw three weeks after its release.

The two movies offered audiences very different experiences. “Spider-Man” tapped into franchise loyalty and the urgency to avoid online spoilers, while “The Odyssey” attracted viewers with its large-scale presentation and highly sought-after IMAX screenings.

There was also considerable overlap between their casts, with Holland, Zendaya and Jon Bernthal appearing in both projects. That put three stars at the center of two of the summer’s biggest cultural conversations at the same time.

While two major releases cannot explain the entire movie theater recovery, the age breakdown for “Spider-Man” supports the growing evidence that younger consumers are no longer merely an audience Hollywood hopes to win back. They are already helping drive the comeback.

Loyalty Programs Are Making Frequent Visits More Appealing

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Cost remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing consumers from going to theaters more often. However, subscriptions, loyalty programs, and discounted ticket days may be making moviegoing easier to incorporate into a regular routine.

Cinema United reported that North American theater loyalty programs experienced a 15% increase in new subscriptions from 2024 to 2025. These programs can be particularly valuable to younger audiences who want a regular social activity but may be dealing with higher costs across dining, nightlife, and live entertainment. Once a membership reduces the perceived cost of each individual visit, moviegoing can become a habit instead of an occasional splurge.

Theaters have also invested more than $1.5 billion in North American upgrades, according to Cinema United, with improvements ranging from premium screens and upgraded seating to expanded food and beverage offerings.

Those changes help position theaters as destinations rather than simple screening rooms.

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Although theaters give Gen Z an offline gathering place, social media remains central to how younger audiences discover what is playing. Fandango found that social media was the leading source of theatrical discovery for both Gen Z and millennials. YouTube ranked as Gen Z’s top platform, followed by TikTok and Instagram.

Video reviews, trailers, movie clips, cast interviews, and TikTok debriefs were among the content most likely to build excitement around a release. That relationship can create a powerful cycle. A movie generates online conversation, viewers head to theaters so they can participate without encountering spoilers, and their reactions create another wave of content that encourages more people to buy tickets.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was particularly suited to that environment. The mystery surrounding its story and its connection to the larger Marvel universe gave fans an incentive to see it immediately. “The Odyssey” generated a different form of FOMO, with limited 70mm IMAX screenings becoming difficult to secure and some showings extended because of demand.

Rather than persuading Gen Z to stay home, social media may be turning certain movies into events they feel they need to experience in person.

Movie Theaters Are Becoming A Gen Z Hangout

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Fandango also offered more insight into why younger consumers are returning. The company surveyed more than 5,000 moviegoers in January 2026 and found that 87% of Gen Z respondents had seen at least one movie in theaters during the previous year. That was higher than millennials at 82%, Gen X at 70%, and baby boomers at 58%.

Gen Z respondents reported seeing an average of seven movies in theaters in 2025, while millennials averaged 7.2. Across all generations, the average was 5.3. More importantly, the generations viewed the experience differently. Gen Z primarily identified moviegoing as a social gathering, while millennials were more likely to describe it as an escape from their everyday routines.

The social aspect extended beyond the film itself. 92% of all respondents said they preferred going to the movies with other people. Younger moviegoers were also particularly interested in pairing a theater visit with dining, drinks, or another activity.

For a generation frequently associated with online communication and social media, the theater may be offering something increasingly difficult to find: an affordable place to spend several hours with friends away from home.

IMAX And Premium Formats Give Audiences Something Streaming Cannot

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Gen Z’s interest is not limited to the movies themselves. Younger consumers also appear increasingly attracted to premium formats that create a more immersive experience.

Fandango found that attendance at IMAX, Dolby and 3D screenings has continued to increase, rising from 46% of moviegoers in 2023 to 48% in 2025. IMAX remained the preferred premium format overall, while Gen Z demonstrated a stronger preference for 3D than other generations. “The Odyssey” provided one of the clearest examples of how that demand can translate into ticket sales.

The success reflects an important change in how theaters compete with streaming. They are no longer simply offering earlier access to a movie. They are selling a version of the film that audiences believe cannot be recreated on a television, laptop, or phone.

So while Gen Z is not necessarily abandoning the couch, the generation is simply learning that some movies, and some experiences, are worth leaving it for.

Nicole Kidman has been on a roll with shoes lately, and these cool-girl Adidas sneakers are arguably the chicest addition to her lineup. Kidman’s footwear are usually designer (and typically cost thousands), however, we found her exact sneakers hiding on Nordstrom for a much more affordable price point. Psst, some styles are even up to 50% off during the Anniversary Sale!

Kidman stepped out in New York City wearing a simple yet rich-looking outfit, anchored by these sleek Adidas Samba OG Sneakers. She rocked them with a button-up shirt, jeans, a blazer and a black handbag. If you ask Us, this combination is one of the easiest outfit formulas to recreate, and we’re doing so for the rest of summer (and fall).

The leather Adidas Samba OG Sneakers feature a classic triple-stripe design, retro gum sole and low, understated profile that styles equally well with jeans as it does with dresses and lounge sets. The silhouette is easy to dress up and down, so you’ll wear them straight for weekend brunches, casual work days and beyond.

Better yet, these sporty-chic kicks radiate ‘New York rich’ vibes by design, making them perfect for luxe-loving fashionistas who want the aesthetic without the high price tag. One word of advice? Prepare for questions about your assumed Manhattan penthouse.

But what are sneakers without comfort? Reviewers say these wonders fit beautifully from the get-go. One shopper wrote, “You don’t need to break them in, which is nice. They are comfortable when you first start wearing them.”

Another happy fan shared, “I work on my feet all day and these are the most comfortable sneakers! I love that my feet feel great and look good, too!”

Clearly, you don’t need anything more than these timeless shoes and blue jeans to look as polished as Kidman. They’re sophisticated, comfortable for everyday wear and durable enough for real life, so it’s no surprise that Jennifer Aniston and Katie Holmes love them, too.

Shop the sneakers now, especially while you can get select styles at a discount during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Get the Adidas Samba OG Sneakers for $110 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –> 

Related: Julianne Moore Ditched Sneakers for This Classy, Luxe-Looking Loafers Style

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You might think sneakers are the ‘It’ shoes in Europe, but Julianne Moore‘s outfit says otherwise. Strolling around Cannes, Moore wore the shoe style that rich French girls actually wear, and we found it on major sale — we’re talking under $60. In an easy, effortless getup, Moore combined a simple tee, comfy pants and […]

Some “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” viewers will not forget this screening day in a hurry!

Cinema-goers trying to catch a glimpse of the box office hit reportedly encountered a rather shocking phenomenon which altered their experience, leaving them with varying expressions.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” starring Tom Holland, reportedly grossed about $360 million over its opening weekend at the domestic box office, breaking the debut box-office record set by “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.

The stench was strong enough to dismantle anxious movie lovers, but the same could not be said for the visibility of the culprit, who found a way to blend in with the crowd and rip one without getting caught.

As seen on X, footage from the venue showed the fans leaving in droves, covering their noses in sheer disgust. The caption read, “ALERT: ‘Horrific fart attack’ sent moviegoers running out of the theater in the middle of the new ‘Spider-Man.’”

While the rush to get out of the movie theatre went on, a “Spider-Man” wannabe in his costume was spotted doing next to nothing to salvage the situation. One X user declared, “Even Spider-Man couldn’t save the theater from that one. Bro turned the whole cinema into an evacuation drill.”

Social media commenters also gave the anonymous crowd disperser a well-earned “villain” title. This X subscriber added, “Man knows how to get a movie theater all to himself at the price of just one ticket.”

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” marks the Marvel franchise’s fourth installment, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, featuring real-life couple Tom Holland and Zendaya, who also played each other’s love interest in the movie.

New additions to the movie include Sadie Sink, who plays iconic mutant Jean Grey, Jon Bernthal, who plays the role of The Punisher, and Liza Colón-Zayas, who plays Detective Jean DeWolff. The history-making movie was released on July 31, 2026.

Inside Interesting Audience Review About The Latest Marvel Wonder

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Since the public has begun catching up with the brilliance of all the individuals involved in bringing the new flick to life, several reviews have also trailed the over 2-hour watch.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was set four years after Doctor Strange’s spell wiped Peter Parker’s existence from everyone’s memory, leaving him isolated, broke, and struggling to survive in New York.

As shared by Buzzfeed, a viewer, presumably after getting their cinematic experience, confessed that they started crying while it was at, prompting the couple next to them to subtly mock them for taking the movie seriously.

Another movie watcher tried to visualize the frustration Peter must have felt after hearing the words from MJ along the lines of not knowing him and not loving him because she does not have any memory of him.

This commenter described New York as one of the hottest spots for buzzworthy events this year, from the New York Knicks’ epic victory at the NBA Finals to Taylor Swift’s wedding and now to watching Peter go through the most.

“I understand Peter Parker on a deeper level because i, too, carry the emotional weight of zendaya not knowing i exist every single day (sadie sink would help),” this viewer stressed.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Makes Domestic History

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The movie outpaced another Marvel’s masterpiece to become the biggest domestic debut in box office history at $360 million, compared to “Avengers: Endgame” at $357 million. On the global scale, however, according to Variety, it is the second-biggest worldwide debut at $932 million, trailing behind “Avengers: Endgame” with $1.2 billion.

That’s not all; the movie also set the record for the largest preview haul at $72 million, and the biggest opening day for a movie with $169.8 million. Enter into the spotlight, the delightful story of Holland, who is on his fourth son, as the franchise’s main man.

He gathered $880 million globally with the first installment, “Homecoming,” in 2017, then ended his 2019 global box office run with “Far From Home,” smashing $1.13 billion worldwide.

As if that was not enough, the British actor showed up in 2021 with the third installment of the franchise, “No Way Home,” powerfully raking in $260 million at the local box office and a crushing $1.9 billion from around the world.

Tom Holland Credited His Set Day Zen To Zendaya

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The couple has dominated red carpets, celebrating the premiere of the flick in memorable looks and gestures that warm the hearts of fans endeared to them over the years. During an interview with Access Hollywood at the London premiere of the movie, Holland gushed about just how pivotal his partner was to the success of the project.

“Zendaya just always brings me an unbelievable sense of calm even in the midst of all of this craziness,” Holland remarked, as he watched Zendaya take the call for photographs on the red carpet.

The actress was also quick to praise Holland’s character as Spider-Man and how he embodied it to inspire little kids. She stressed that it felt good to know that the man behind the blue and red suit was equally kind and genuine.

Shortly before the exchange of praises, Holland was spotted spending time with a group of students in New York City, teaching them how to fine-tune their stunts before helping them bring the short film “Superkids” to life.

Inside The Couple’s Lengthy On-Screen And Off-Screen Relationship

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Zendaya and Holland got introduced to the world as a duo on the first installment in 2017, after which they faced off on the “Lip Sync Battle in 2017. The movie stars left a lasting impression in people’s minds as Zendaya performed Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” and Holland a fine mashup of Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”

As noted by NBC New York, four years after their big-screen debut, the duo were spotted kissing in Los Angeles, confirming a relationship, but went on to remain very tight-lipped about their private life.

The couple was hit with engagement rumors last year when a big rock was spotted on Zendaya’s left finger at the Golden Globe Awards in January. The iconic piece was a Georgian-inspired 5-carat east-west cushion-cut diamond ring by Jessica McCormack.

An extra-thin band was added to the collection in 2026, noticed by fans and then followed by a controversial confirmation of a wedding by Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach. Holland had also revealed during an interview in June that his family was present at their secret wedding.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” fans are getting the full package!