By Robert Scucci
| Published 9 seconds ago

Escape rooms are fun because you can solve puzzles with your friends, win a prize, hit the gift shop, grab a beer, and go home. The escape room that Edgar (David Richmond-Peck) experiences in 2014’s Cruel and Unusual is not that kind of escape room. Every time he leaves, he has to relive the day his wife Maylon (Bernadette Saquibal) tries to poison him, he overpowers her and accidentally kills her, and then dies himself. It’s like The Neverending Story, except the story is dying a horrific death while killing your spouse, only to wake up in purgatory, talk about it in group therapy, and do it all over again. No thanks.

A dark, surreal psychological thriller packed with time loop tomfoolery, Cruel and Unusual is a total WTF movie with what I’d call the weirdest reverse redemption arc I’ve seen in recent memory. We start out rooting for Edgar, then slowly uncover more and more reasons to stop liking him. When he finally realizes what he has to do to break the cycle, it’s borderline unsatisfying by design, just to show how hollow the entire experience has made him.

Edgar Is Such A Tough Hang

There are two main settings that Cruel and Unusual explores throughout its 91-minute runtime. First is the house where Edgar lives with his Filipino immigrant wife Maylon and her troubled teenage son, Gogan (Monsour Cataquiz). Edgar doesn’t let Maylon work, keeps tight control over the finances, and is barely a father figure to Gogan, who keeps getting in trouble at school but is never given a chance to explain why. Edgar even threatens to send Gogan back to his abusive relatives in the Philippines if he doesn’t straighten up.

Feeling completely trapped, Maylon decides it’s in her and Gogan’s best interest to poison Edgar and start over. She goes through with it, Edgar realizes what’s happening once he becomes violently ill, and a scuffle breaks out when they fight over the phone so he can call for help. During that struggle, Edgar overpowers and kills Maylon, only to wake up in a building that feels like a cross between a rehab center and a mental hospital.

Edgar walks into a group therapy session run by a woman’s face on a television screen known as the Facilitator (Mary Black). There, he meets Doris (Michelle Harrison), Julien (Michael Eklund), and William (Richard Harmon). He quickly learns that everyone in the room committed brutal murders before arriving, that they’re all dead like him, and that this is their punishment. That fact is confirmed by another disembodied face on a screen, the Councillor (Andy Thompson).

Every day, Edgar experiences his cruel and unusual punishment through these sessions, hearing how William stabbed his father dozens of times before crushing his mother’s head with a jar of pickles, Doris committed suicide in front of her family, and Julien murdered his three children. Convinced he doesn’t belong there because he only killed his wife by accident while she was trying to kill him first, Edgar starts working on an escape plan between sessions and repeatedly reliving his death.

Learning Is How You Grow

The problem with Edgar in Cruel and Unusual is that he’s such a dolt. He’s technically right to question his punishment because he’s not a traditional cold-blooded killer. But the semantics are tricky. Since Maylon dies first, he’s still guilty of murder. And that’s where things get complicated. Each time Edgar relives his final day, he gains new perspective by seeing events from different angles.

What he learns is that he was a terrible person. He kept Maylon trapped in a life she didn’t want, using his financial control to dominate both her and Gogan, constantly threatening deportation whenever Gogan stepped out of line. Early on, you root for Edgar because you don’t have the full picture. As the truth comes into focus, it becomes a lot harder to blame Maylon for what she did.

Throughout his time-twisting odyssey, Edgar doesn’t really learn anything, or at least refuses to admit that he’s ever been in the wrong. He’s obsessed with escaping the cycle his own actions created, but he won’t take an honest look at himself. I’m not condoning murder, but if everyone who’s supposed to love you decides that killing you is the only way they could live a happy life, it might be time to look in the mirror before pointing fingers.

Watching Edgar try to manipulate his way out of an afterlife tailored to his actions is what makes this such an effective reverse redemption arc. He never truly grows. In his mind, he’s always the victim. That’s what makes it so compelling to watch him relive the same day over and over, slowly uncovering just how awful he is, and how everyone else sees him.

The moral of the story is simple. Don’t be an Edgar. But if you want to watch him squirm and try to talk his way out of his last day on Earth on repeat, you can stream Cruel and Unusual for free on Tubi as of this writing.

If your goal this spring is to look polished without overthinking your outfits, rich mom style is the move. It’s all about elevated basics and timeless pieces that instantly make you look put together. And thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, you can get the look for way less.

We found 21 deals across dresses, tops, bottoms, matching sets and accessories that nail that expensive-looking vibe. Think Levi’s wide-leg jeans that actually flatter your shape, Kendra Scott bracelets that pull everything together and more. With the sale only running from Wednesday, March 25 to Tuesday, March 31, these are deals you don’t want to wait on. Psst, prices start at just $13, so refreshing your wardrobe will feel like a no-brainer.

21 Rich Mom-Style Fashion Deals in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Dresses

1. Our Favorite: Throw on this V-neck maxi dress, and you’ll look pulled together in about 30 seconds. The elastic waist hits just right, the pockets are actually useful and it comes in tons of colors — was $54, now $36!

2. Brunch-Ready: Puff sleeves, a V-neck, tiered ruffle details and pockets make this floral boho maxi dress feel way more expensive than its price tag. The floral print reads ‘effortlessly polished,’ too — was $51, now $32!

3. Figure-Flattering: A wrap silhouette naturally flatters your figure without feeling restrictive. This belted Swiss dot dress with flutter sleeves and a pleated A-line hem does all the work — was $52, now $35!

4. Expensive-Looking: Slip on this collared maxi shirt dress with its tie belt and puff sleeves for a look that reads ‘quiet luxury.’ The pattern alone makes it feel like something hanging in a rich mom’s closet — was $49, now $34!

Related: 21 Shockingly Good Deals on ‘It‘ Girl Fashion During Amazon‘s Big Sale

It’s finally here! Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is officially underway with deals on everything you could want to refresh your warm-weather closet. We’re talking about sales on top-tier clothes, shoes and accessories with styles that every ‘It’ girl has in her wardrobe. And trust Us, the discounts are shockingly steep with prices starting as low […]

Tops

5. Our Favorite: This striped button-down blouse has a shirt collar, smocked cuffs and a relaxed oversized fit. It’s a shopper favorite for good reason — was $30, now $20!

6. Luxe Lace: Pair this lace-detail blouse with white jeans and gold jewelry for an instantly elevated spring look. At 50% off right now, you can grab it in multiple colors guilt-free — was $26, now $13!

7. Sheer Genius: This sheer lace button-up top has a V-neckline, long sleeves and a mock collared design that layers beautifully over camis. The lace adds texture without feeling overdone — was $25, now $16!

8. Satin Stunner: Tuck this satin button-up shirt into high-waisted trousers and add a statement earring. You’ll look like you spent serious money, but the top is only $19 during Amazon’s sale — was $33, now $19!

Bottoms

9. Our Favorite: White pants that actually flatter your shape are rare. These Levi’s wide-leg jeans are designed with shaping technology that’s sure to slim in the best way — was $75, now $$38!

10. Barrel Beauty: Barrel jeans are everywhere this spring, but finding a pair that holds its shape matters. These Levi’s barrel jeans are made with a relaxed fit and non-stretch denim to provide structure and comfort — was $85, now $43!

11. Resort-Ready: Pack these resort-ready palazzo pants for your next beach trip, and wear them over a swimsuit to lunch. The flowy wide-leg fit looks chic in khaki — was $29, now $18!

12. Major Deal: A good pair of dark wash straight-leg jeans goes with literally everything. These Levi’s straight jeans are made with a cotton blend and a slight stretch — was $65, now $22!

Matching Sets

13. Our Favorite: Getting dressed shouldn’t require mental energy on your day off. This V-neck lounge set does the styling for you with matching wide-leg pants — was $37, now $25!

14. Designer-Looking: The contrast hem detail on this two-piece sweater set gives it a designer edge. The short-sleeve knit top and wide-leg pants look like they belong in a boutique — was $47, now $30!

15. Classy Stripes: Coordinating separates can be annoying. This two-piece striped set takes the guesswork out with a matching knit top and skirt that looks pulled together instantly — was $55, now $33!

16. Business Casual: This sleeveless suit vest set pairs a structured vest with matching wide-leg pants. The elevated silhouette looks like an office-ready designer set at a fraction of the cost — was $70, now $46!

17. Comfort MVP: Curl up on the couch or grab coffee in this gray lounge set that comes with wide-leg pants and a long-sleeve top. It’s honestly the comfiest thing on this entire list — was $40, now $19!

Shoes and Accessories

18. Our Favorite: These cut-out strap slides come in faux brown leather with a designer-looking silhouette that reads way more expensive than it is. Flat soles keep them comfortable for all-day wear — was $65, now $43!

19. Time to Accessorize: This Kendra Scott bracelet is made with 14k gold plated brass and mother-of-pearl accent. At 30% off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, it’s a steal on a name you trust — was $55, now $39!

20. Timeless Timepiece: A good watch pulls an outfit together fast. This Nine West mesh bracelet watch gives you that polish — was $49, now $20!

21. Sleek Sneakers: Pair these Adidas Grand Court sneakers with wide-leg trousers and a blazer for that effortless off-duty look. The white, black and gum option keeps things clean and classic — was $75, now $36!

The story that quickly spiraled into outrage around Chappell Roan has taken a surprising turn.

What first appeared to be an incident involving her personal security has now been clarified, shifting the narrative entirely.

New details reveal a different connection behind the confrontation, raising fresh questions about what really happened at the São Paulo hotel.

Chappell Roan Controversy Takes Unexpected Turn

What initially sparked backlash was a tense encounter at a luxury hotel in São Paulo, where a young girl, Ada Law, reportedly left in tears after being confronted by a security guard.

The man at the center of the storm, Pascal Duvier, was widely believed to be working for Chappell Roan at the time.

However, that assumption has now been overturned. It has emerged that Duvier was not part of Roan’s team at all.

Instead, the Daily Mail reports that he was in Brazil working for Sabrina Carpenter, who was staying at the same hotel while both artists were in the city for the Lollapalooza Brazil.

This revelation fundamentally changes how the incident is understood, especially given how quickly blame was directed toward Roan and her team.

What Happened At The Hotel Breakfast

According to accounts from the family, Ada had simply noticed Roan during breakfast and smiled while walking past.

She did not approach or attempt to interact further. Moments later, the situation escalated when Duvier intervened.

Her stepfather, Jorginho, described the moment online, writing, “What happened next was completely disproportionate.”

He continued, “A large security guard came over to their table while they were still having breakfast and began speaking in an extremely aggressive manner to both my wife and my daughter, saying that she shouldn’t allow my daughter to ‘disrespect’ or ‘harass’ other people.”

The family said the confrontation left Ada visibly upset, with her mother later sharing that the child had been reduced to tears following the exchange.

Chappell Roan’s Team Responds To Claims

As the backlash grew, Roan’s camp moved quickly to clarify her role, or lack thereof, in the situation.

A spokesperson stressed that the singer had no involvement in the encounter.

“Chappell was not aware of any interaction between this mother/daughter and a third-party security office,” the statement read.

They added, “She did not see them at breakfast in her hotel, as she said in her video. She did not direct her personal security or anyone on her team to interact with them.”

The message was clear. Not only was the guard not employed by Roan, but she also had no knowledge of what had taken place at the time.

The spokesperson further emphasized her stance on fan interactions, stating, “Chappell holds her own teams to the highest standards and has zero tolerance for any kind of aggressive behaviour towards her or her fans.”

Bodyguard Explains His Actions

Facing intense scrutiny, Pascal Duvier broke his silence and offered his own explanation.

He acknowledged the incident while distancing it from Chappell Roan entirely.

“I take full responsibility for the interactions on March 21st. I was at the hotel on behalf of another individual, and I was not part of the personal security of Chapell Roan,” he said in an Instagram post.

He clarified further, “The actions I took where not on behalf of Chapell Roan, her personal security team, her management, or any other individuals.”

Duvier also suggested that his response was shaped by broader concerns, adding, “I made a judgement call based on information we obtained from the hotel, events I had witnessed in the days prior and the heightened overall security risk of our location.”

Despite the criticism, he maintained that his intentions were not hostile.

Duvier added, “My sole interaction with the mother was calm and with good intentions, and the outcome of the encounter was respectful.”

Fallout From The Chappell Roan Incident

Even as new details emerged, the emotional impact on the family remained evident.

Ada’s mother later shared that the experience influenced their plans during the festival weekend.

“Our daughter decided she didn’t want to go to the show tonight after how we were treated… so, instead, we had a girls’ shopping day and then went out for dinner together,” she reportedly wrote.

She also reassured supporters, saying, “Thank you all for the kind messages – everything is fine!”

Interestingly, the family still attended Sabrina Carpenter’s performance, seemingly unaware at the time of Duvier’s connection to her.

One can only wonder how the recent revelation will make them feel.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 7 seconds ago

There’s nothing more entertaining than watching a movie about cutting-edge technology from the 90s, 30 years after the fact. On one hand, I’ll give 1995’s The Net credit where it’s due. It’s well-acted, Sandra Bullock is the hottest computer geek in cinematic history (sorry, Hackers), and the plot actually kind of makes sense because they don’t drown you in tech jargon and junk science. There’s a golden rule when it comes to technological thrillers: the less you explain the logic, the better. The Net toes this line perfectly because I know enough about computers to pick up what they’re throwing down, but I’m also dumb enough to think, “that makes sense,” while watching.

I’m not going to pause the movie and look up the technical semantics to prove this point, but the storyline is immersive enough to grab your attention without getting so convoluted that it takes you out of the experience. I don’t know how any of this stuff works at this level, and as a viewer, I appreciate that The Net doesn’t treat me like I’m too dumb to understand the implications, while also refusing to hold my hand because it’s all pretty straightforward.

Sandra Bullock Is Lost In The Net

The Net focuses on Sandra Bullock’s Angela Bennett. She’s a perfect patsy for what’s about to go down because she’s a freelance systems analyst who works from home. Most of her relationships are the kind of faceless encounters you have online, and her mother lives in a nursing home because she has Alzheimer’s disease and barely remembers she exists. It’s a lonely life for Angela, but she’s also well connected through her work. Or so she thinks.

When Angela’s coworker Dale (Ray McKinnon) sends her a floppy disk known as Mozart’s Ghost, she’s told to click on the Pi button hidden in the document, which functions as a backdoor into an application known as Gatekeeper, an elaborate cybersecurity system she’s not supposed to have access to.

Dale dies under mysterious circumstances, and Angela goes on vacation, where she meets a man named Jack Devlin (Jeremy Northam). Jack brings Angela out on his boat, but he’s outed when she realizes he plans to kill her and take the floppy disk. After a violent scuffle, Angela wakes up in the hospital three days later and learns that Jack and his nameless, faceless associates have scrubbed her identity from existence and given her a new one: Ruth Marx.

As Ruth, Angela uncovers a vast conspiracy involving a group of cyber terrorists known as the Praetorians, who are using the Gatekeeper software to orchestrate massive network failures across the country while framing her in the process. Angela confides in her former therapist and lover, Dr. Alan Champion (Dennis Miller), who doesn’t necessarily believe her conspiracy theories but isn’t going to turn down a motel meetup with her either.

A Solid Tech Thriller For The Average iPhone User

While I knew my way around MS-DOS as a kid and have kept up with tech to some degree (I have an iPhone that’s about five generations behind), what I like most about The Net is that it gets its point across without being patronizing or overly complex. There are plenty of flashes of computer screens that help drive the story, but everything is so straightforward that you don’t get lost in granular details. The main focus is the conspiracy and identity theft plot that drives The Net. While you need the occasional tech speak to get from point A to B, you don’t need to be a genius to read between the lines and enjoy the thriller for what it is.

All you need to know is that Sandra Bullock does her best computing in a bikini, everybody thinks she’s somebody she’s not, and because of this, she can’t trust anybody. It’s obviously a bit dated by today’s standards, but it’s still a fun watch because it deals with cybersecurity concepts that remain relevant. I’d imagine similar conversations about different applications are happening behind closed doors today. We’re just getting the 1995 version here.

As of this writing, The Net is streaming for free on Tubi.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are speaking out after a Los Angeles jury ruled against Google and Meta in a landmark case regarding social media addiction.

On Wednesday, March 25, the two tech giants were ordered to pay $6 million in compensatory and punitive damages to a young woman who alleged that Meta-owned Instagram and Google-owned YouTube were designed to be addictive, causing detriment to her mental health as a minor.

“This verdict is a reckoning,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement to Us Weekly. “For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach. We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.”

The woman identified only as K.G.M., now 20, sued Google, Meta, and other tech companies in 2023, alleging that features on social media applications were designed to be addictive. She said she began using social media platforms at age 6 and that the likes of Instagram and YouTube had caused her harm, including depression, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm, per The New York Times and NBC News.

Related: Prince Harry Gets Emotional During Recent Outing With Grieving Parents

Prince Harry appeared emotional at a recent outing with grieving families at a landmark social media-related trial in California. “None of you should be here,” Harry, 41, said as he cleared his throat in a speech that was shared on Thursday, February 12, by BBC Breakfast. “Thank you for doing everything that you’ve done. Thank […]

A jury said Meta must pay K.G.M. $4.2 million in combined compensatory and punitive damages. YouTube owner Google was ordered to pay $1.8 million.

Both Meta and Google said they disagreed with the verdict and plan to appeal.

“Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online,” a Meta spokesperson told NBC News.

Google spokesperson José Castañeda claimed to NBC News that the case “misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.”

Advertisement

Related: Meghan Markle Shares ‘Worries’ About Her 2 Children Having Social Media

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have “worries” about raising their two children in a social media-driven world. “Being a mom is the most important thing in my entire life,” Meghan, 42, said during a panel at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival on Tuesday, October 10. “Outside of course to being a wife […]

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, have been outspoken about online safety among minors, particularly when it comes to social media, and have supported various initiatives around the cause through their foundation, Archewell Philanthropies.

In April 2025, the couple, who share son Prince Archie, 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 4, launched the “Lost Screen Memorial,” an installation in New York City aimed at highlighting the negative impact of social media on young people.

The memorial incorporated images of children who “lost their lives as a result of the harm they suffered on social media,” per a virtual version of the “Lost Screen Memorial.”

“These children were not sick. Their deaths were not inevitable — they were exposed to, and in many cases were pushed harmful content online, the kind any child could encounter,” Harry said in a statement issued to Us at the time.

“No child should be exploited, groomed, or preyed upon in digital spaces. To the platforms, they may be seen as statistics. To their families, they were cherished and irreplaceable,” he added.

Lamar Odom‘s former partner gives a glimpse of how she felt following the news of his marriage to Khloé Kardashian.

Liza Morales, who shares two kids with the athlete, is telling her side of the story, highlighting the effect of the experience. She also sheds light on how far they have come to repair their dysfunctional relationship over the years.

Lamar Odom’s romantic relationship with his ex and Khloé Kardashian has been plagued by his issues like addiction and the behavioural challenges that followed.

How Lamar Odom’s Ex Was Hit With The News Of His Union To Khloé Kardashian

One thing was quite certain in Morales’ mind, and that was an apparently sealed notion that she was going to tie the knot with her high school sweetheart, Odom. He had proposed to her during his early days in the NBA while they were still in their 20s and promised that they were going to legalize their union at the right time.

Even though they went on to have three kids together, the right time never seemed to come for them, and everything reportedly changed after their six-month-old son, Jayden, passed away in 2006. Three years later, Odom met the reality TV star, and within thirty days, they had tied the knot. Kardashian and Odom met in August 2009 and got married just nine days after their engagement. 

Morales, who was left with the two kids, Destiny and Lamar Jr., told PEOPLE that “It was shocking” for her, and she could not escape seeing headlines of their marriage everywhere. The mom of two also revealed that her ex broke the news to her casually over a text message.

The Publicity Made It Difficult For Morales To Heal

“It was a text message and then a phone call from Lamar, ‘By the way, I’m getting married,’” Morales divulged. The short time frame in which everything went down from their relationship to them sealing the deal was one part that got to Morales. Another source of hurt was the public spectacle around it; the wedding was covered by every entertainment outlet and even televised on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”

The former basketballer’s ex stressed that the whole experience was painful for her, and the hurt was inescapable. She noted that what hurt her was not the fact that Odom got married, but rather the way he did it, reiterating that it was rushed. “And then he got married on TV, and I couldn’t go to my local CVS pharmacy without seeing it all over the tabloids, and it was just always in my face, so it made it harder to heal,” Morales lamented.

Speaking further, she explained that her whole experience was not a single moment of pain, as parts of her private life were put out on screens. Looking back, the former lovers have come a long way. The mom of two revealed that even though they are not best friends, she confidently says they are in a good place. “It took years. I had to work on myself and heal. I didn’t want to have hate in my heart and harbor that. I had to forgive him,” Morales confessed.

The ‘Basketball Wives’ Alum Revealed Trauma From Dealing With Lamar Odom

In 2022, Morales released her book “Cutting Trauma Ties,” where she detailed her experience dealing with the father of her kids and his addiction. That same year, the pair had a legal battle over child support fees. Morales sued Odom for allegedly refusing to pay child support since 2020 and was then ordered by the court to pay $400,000.

“Lamar was a pivotal point in my life. I have not spoken to him in a year and a half, and that’s why the book is called ‘Cutting Trauma Ties.’ That title is for a reason. I did experience a lot of trauma dealing with him,” she told Page Six. “My kids, my family have experienced a lot of trauma dealing with Lamar in such a public way, but we dealt with his addiction privately for years.” Odom’s issues with addiction escalated to the point where he suffered a near-fatal overdose in 2015 in a brothel in Nevada.

Morales revealed that the drug use and abuse issues did not begin during his marriage to Kardashian but had been ongoing for years. She detailed that she had tried to get the former Lakers player to go to rehab and get fixed up in earlier years. Not leaving out her sacrifices for the man she loved, Morales also revealed that she had to put going to college on the shelf after she found out she was pregnant and became a teen mom.

The Athlete’s Behavior Contributed To His Divorce From Khloé Kardashian

Even though their marriage seemed to be a result of a whirlwind romance, the union lasted for nearly seven years before it was officially dissolved. Kardashian revealed on an episode of her family’s Hulu show, “The Kardashians,” that she took her vows seriously and truthfully saw Odom as “the love of her life.”

Choosing to end the marriage was not an easy decision for the reality TV star, as Odom was someone she deeply cared for, but he was repeating certain behaviors she could not tolerate any longer. The Blast shared that following their divorce, the former lovebirds went no contact for nearly a decade.

They met up for the first time in a long time last year at the star’s best friend’s house, Malika Haqq. Kardashian, however, explained that their reunion was neither to rekindle old flames nor to provide closure; it was about letting go of their shared history through a simple pragmatic gesture.

Lamar Odom Was Remorseful About His Previous Actions 

As noted by The Blast, about four years ago, the athlete detailed the behind-the-scenes of his marriage to Kardashian in his documentary, “Lamar Odom: Sex, Drugs & Kardashians.” He revealed that his addiction to drugs took over his life, saying, “Drugs were my girlfriend. I had a wife…and cocaine.”

Odom also confessed to cheating on the business mogul incessantly, acknowledging that through his phase of bad decisions, his ex-wife stood by him. The former Lakers star expressed that he regrets putting Kardashian through the hot knife during their marriage and admitted that his behavior was the trigger that brought an end to their union.

The “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star previously revealed on her podcast that she had made several attempts to help her ex-lover get over his drug addiction, including encouraging him to join Team USA during his off-season. Her motive at that time was to help him be occupied so that he would not relapse, but Odom did not take heed. Eventually, she came to terms with the realization that she could not help anyone and decided it was time for them to part ways.

Will Lamar Odom’s ex ever heal completely from the trauma of the experience?

At 95 years old, William Shatner is showing no signs of slowing down. Last month, the actor revealed that he’s working on a heavy metal album, and has recently confirmed that Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, will be one of the heavy metal guest artists included in the project. It’s the latest unexpected venture for Shatner’s long and exciting career.

Rob Halford Is Honored To Be Part Of William Shatner’s Album

In February, Shatner announced that he would be making a heavy metal album featuring icons in the genre. According to Louder, one of the legends that the actor has tapped to be on his album is Halford, the iconic frontman of the English heavy metal band Judas Priest.

Halford will be working with Shatner on a cover of the band’s 1982 song “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” from the album “Screaming for Vengeance.” Shatner, who has always been interested in heavy metal, said of the collaboration, “Working with Rob on this track brings that intensity to life in a way that feels both timeless and entirely new.”

Halford expressed his enthusiasm for working with Shatner, singing a line from the song, “One life, I’m gonna live it up!” adding, “William Shatner is boldly doing that more than ever, and I am honored to reinforce this message with him.”

Advertisement

William Shatner Announced His New Album In February

On February 20, Shatner announced on Instagram that he will be releasing a heavy metal album, writing, “I have explored space. I have explored time. Now… I explore distortion. Yes. You read that correctly. I am releasing a HEAVY METAL album.”

Shatner teased that the album, which has yet to be titled, will feature 35 “metal virtuosos” and include cover songs from the genre’s biggest bands, including Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden, plus some original songs.

“This project is, quite literally, a gathering of forces. Loud imagination. Honest intensity. Unapologetic exploration,” Shatner said. He built anticipation further by adding, “We are about to boldly headband where no one has headbanged before. Stay tuned. The metal voyage begins this year.”

What Inspired The Actor To Release A Heavy Metal Album?

The idea of releasing a mega-album featuring the greatest heavy metal artists came after Shatner’s collaboration with ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland and his new band, Nuclear Messiah. The band is slated to release their album, “Black Flame,” in April, and Shatner lent his voice for the opening track, “The Prophet of Fallout.”

“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked. It wasn’t just a track – it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless,” the “Star Trek” actor said.

As yet, Shatner has not released details such as the track list or release date, but he said the project is “destined for this year.”

Advertisement

William Shatner Has Released Several Albums

Though he’s best known for his acting career, Shatner has also released several albums over the years. His first, “The Transformed Man,” was a spoken-word album where he recited passages from classic literature and popular songs, including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

Shatner has since released several albums, although he doesn’t sing in the traditional sense. Instead, he’s known for a talk-singing style that places more emphasis on the lyrics, resulting in a more dramatic delivery.

The actor’s discography has been surprisingly diverse, ranging from holiday music (“Shatner Claus: The Christmas Album) to a children’s album (Where Will The Animals Sleep? Songs for Kids and Other Living Things”). Shatner has collaborated with many artists, including Ben Folds, Zakk Wylde, Aimee Mann, Henry Rollins, Brad Paisley, Peter Frampton, Steve Vai, Iggy Pop, and many others.

The Actor Just Celebrated His 95th Birthday

At 95, I’m still smokin’! 😝

I’ve learned two things:

Never waste a good cigar.
Never trust anyone who says you should ‘act your age.’ 😉👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/POpUEYh3gp

Advertisement

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 22, 2026

Even at 95, Shatner remains remarkably active. He celebrated his birthday on March 22 and posted a photo of himself on social media enjoying a cigar, writing a cheeky caption: “At 95, I’m still smokin’!”

The upbeat post comes weeks after Shatner underwent shoulder surgery. As The Blast previously reported, the actor sustained an injury after falling from his horse while riding. After the surgery, the actor updated his fans on March 12, saying the procedure went well. “I’m so well that tomorrow I’ll be in Cleveland at a convention,” he added, sharing that he’ll be at FAN EXPO that weekend for a conversation about “Star Trek”.

Advertisement

Whew! Megan Thee Stallion was serving major couple-goals vibes in New York City with her man, Klay Thompson, and naturally, the internet could not handle it. The rapper’s romantic selfies had fans buzzing, all while she made her Broadway debut in ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Megan shared snapshots that perfectly captured their low-key boo’d-up energy, leaving fans swooning over both her style and their undeniable chemistry.

RELATED: What’s Funny?! Bia Seemingly Responds After Megan Thee Stallion Laughs At Diss Track Aimed At Her (VIDEOS)

Megan And Klay Serve Major NYC Couple Goals

In a mirror selfie, Megan flaunted her cornrows and meticulously styled baby hairs while rocking a black crop top that read “HOLLYWOOD” in bold white letters. Her toned stomach and belly button piercing stole the spotlight, but it was Klay’s sweet gesture—gripping her face while looking off to the side—that had everyone saying aww. Another photo showed Megan lounging in a bubble bath with a glass of red wine, her stiletto nails seemingly matching the wine, proving once again that this couple knows how to mix luxury, romance, and a touch of playful glam.

The Internet Clearly Can’t Mind Its Business

Fans did not waste a second before flooding The Shade Room’s Instagram comments, absolutely running it up after Megan and Klay Thompson’s NYC posts. Many gushed that “you know a woman is comfortable with her man when she’s rocking cornrows,” while others simply declared their love for the couple and their undeniable chemistry. A few voices reminded everyone to mind their business, noting that it’s clear these two are still going strong.

One Instagram user @ayeeebrendz said, “I love the MUTUAL obsession 🔥”

This Instagram user @jaycap14 wrote, “Ummm this why my parlay ain’t hit n*gga trynna put a different ball in a different rim😒😭”

And, Instagram user @pitchplease1 wrote, “Braids ? She comfy comfy , that’s how it start 😂”

Likewise, Instagram user @realblkmarilyn joked, “Yeah once yall on chill wit the Cleo braids it’s on lock 😂”

Then Instagram user @bonniebeauty05 shared, “Y’all swore they broke up in the comments that’s why you have to mind your business 👩🏽‍⚖️”

Finally, Instagram user @_suckafreesi added, “Telling my kids this is Barack and Michelle Obama“

What’s The Hot Girl Coach Doing In NYC?

What’s happening in NYC? Megan Thee Stallion is officially taking over the Big Apple—and she’s doing it in style. This week, the Houston hottie made her Broadway debut in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical,’ and fans are already buzzing over her star turn.

On Monday, Megan shared a video showing her fully in character as Harold Zidler, the iconic nightclub owner—except now with a gender-swapped twist. Decked out in a top hat, red coat, and cane, she commands the stage with confidence, telling viewers, “No matter your sin, you’re welcome here. No matter your desire, you’re welcome here. For this is more than a nightclub, the Moulin Rouge is a state of mind.” Just weeks earlier, Megan gave fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at her rehearsals. The rapper showed off a full day in the theater, from fittings to meeting with a dialect coach, giving everyone a taste of the hard work—and glam—that goes into making Broadway magic.

RELATED: Future Wife Energy!? Megan Thee Stallion Wows Klay Thompson With Star-Studded 36th Birthday Bash (VIDEOS)

In the 80s, U2 went from a local post-punk band in Dublin, Ireland to a global sensation, becoming one of the biggest bands in the world. The quartet formed in 1976, comprised of Paul Hewson, aka Bono, on vocals, Dave Evans, aka The Edge, on guitar and keyboards, Adam Clayton on the bass and Larry Mullin Jr. The band slowly built a following over the years through the cycle of recording and touring. Along the way, they paved a righteous path to rock and roll stardom, culminating in an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

U2 released six albums over the course of the decade, scoring a bevy of classic rock staples including “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “I Will Follow,” “Gloria,” “Pride (In The Name of Love),” “With or Without You,” “Desire” and many more. The Edge’s signature chiming guitar sounds and use of delay along with Bono’s socially conscious lyrics and vocals, combined with Adam Clayton’s driving bass and the urgent drumming of Larry Mullin Jr. , the quartet created a plethora of memorable and anthemic songs that will live on forever. Focusing on the 80s, here are U2’s studio albums ranked by overall sound, influence and musicianship.

6

‘October’ (1981)

U2’s second album October got off to an inauspicious start when Bono lost a briefcase that contained lyrics and musical ideas during a performance at a club in Portland, Oregon. The band was ill-prepared when they entered Windmill Lane Studios for the two-month recording session with producer Steve Lillywhite. The recording sessions were tense, with Bono feeling the weight as he scrambled to write lyrics for the new songs.

Steve Lillywhite explained, “October was the most difficult of the three records I did with them basically because of the well-chronicled story of Bono losing his lyrics during the American tour. The fact that the first album had a bit of success in America meant that the band toured over there for a long time to do the groundwork. When they came back and it was time to do the second album, nothing was ready!” While the sessions were tedious, the results were not bad. The album spawned the hit single “Gloria,” which garnered a lot of play on MTV, which was in its infancy. Other standout tracks include: “Fire,” “I Threw a Brick Through a Window,” “With a Shout (Jerusalem)” and the moody tracks “Scarlet” and “October,” which feature The Edge on piano.

5

‘Boy’ (1980)

U2’s debut album Boy was released in October 1980. It was the first of three consecutive albums produced by Steve Lillywhite. The effort captures the band’s youthful energy and post-punk attitude with classic songs like “I Will Follow,” Out of Control,” and “The Electric Co.” A dash of punk rock attitude mixed with raw and unpolished rock-and-roll, Boy has an urgency and an energy that resounds through the first few albums.

Bono stated that the album marks the end of their adolescence and has a “cinema sound, Panavision, really textured and big, like a huge screen in a cinema.” The Edge said the debut album still holds up, “Going back through the early stuff, nothing really horrified me. Particularly on ‘Boy’, I can hear a bit of the Banshees and The Buzzcocks and some hint of The Skids, as well as some wildly original ideas of our own.” Boy laid down the groundwork for a long and productive career that was full of promise.

4

‘Rattle and Hum’ (1988)

Rattle and Hum is the soundtrack for the 1988 Phil Joanou film documenting U2’s U.S. tour behind The Joshua Tree. The album is half live cuts from the tour and half studio tracks showcasing the band’s intense relationship with American music. U2 brings together elements of American roots music, blues, soul and gospel sounds into the fold, all while still maintaining their unique sound. The group collaborated with Bob Dylan on “Love Rescue Me,” and blues legend B.B. King on the hit “When Loves Comes to Town.” The American-centric themes of the album are apparent on “Angel of Harlem,” about jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, “Hawkmoon 269,” inspired by traveling through North Dakota and “Heartland,” a long-gestating song that dates back to The Unforgettable Fire sessions.

“Desire” was the hit single off Rattle and Hum. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1989. “God Part II” is inspired by John Lennon’s death and draws inspiration and some lyrics from Lennon’s 1970 song “God.” The effort also features the moving ballad “All I Want is You” that plays over the film’s end credits. The live tracks on the album capture U2’s energetic live show with covers of The Beatles‘ “Helter Skelter” and Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” as well as memorable versions of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” with the Harlem gospel group New Voices of Freedom, and a powerful rendition of “Bullet The Blue Sky.”

3

‘War’ (1983)

War is the album that put U2 on the proverbial map. The album features the ubiquitous hit “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which contrasted the events of the 1972 Easter Sunday shooting in Northern Ireland where 14 people were gunned down by British soldiers during a protest against internment without trial. The band tackled many social and political themes on the record, including nuclear proliferation on “Seconds,” and the Polish Solidarity movement on the album’s lead single, “New Year’s Day.” The album captures a raw rock-and-roll sound which went against the grain at the time, when artists were embracing the slick 80s production techniques and technology. Bono said:

“More than any other record, War is right for its time. It is a slap in the face against the snap, crackle and pop. Everyone else is getting more and more style-oriented, more and more slick. John Lennon was right about that kind of music; he called it ‘Wallpaper music’. Very pretty, very well-designed, music to eat your breakfast to… Music can be more. Its possibilities are great. Music has changed me. It has the ability to change a generation.”

The album also spawned the upbeat “Like a Song…” “Two Hearts Beat As One,” and “Surrender.” It was U2’s first truly complete album in its lyrical themes and musicality. The final track and fan favorite, “40,” was added to the album at the last minute with The Edge playing bass as Adam Clayton had already left for the day.

2

‘The Unforgettable Fire’ (1984)

The most underrated and overlooked of U2’s 80’s albums is The Unforgettable Fire. Lodged between War and The Joshua Tree, the album is more ambitious and atmospheric in sound than the previous three efforts. The Unforgettable Fire is the first U2 album not helmed by Steve Lillywhite. It was produced by Brain Eno and Daniel Lanois, who helped create an ambient soundscape, allowing the band’s heart to shine through. The effort begins with “A Sort of Homecoming” with its memorable opening line: “And you know it’s time to go / Through the sleet and driving snow / Across the fields of mourning to a light that’s in the distance.”

The Unforgettable Fire spawned the commercial hit “Pride (In the Name of Love),” one of two odes to the late Martin Luther King Jr., the other being the album’s closer “MLK.” “Bad” is another classic peeled from the album, which became a mainstay in the group’s live show. Guitarist The Edge began to dial in his signature guitar sound on the record, using echo to fill spaces in a unique way. The album is chock-full of great songs, including the frenetic “Wire,” and “Indian Summer Sky,” along with the atmospheric instrumental “4th of July,” The effort was as experimental as the group could be at the time, pushing their creative envelope and going through some growing pains that led them to the promised land of their next album The Joshua Tree. Bono’s take on the group’s fourth album:

“The Unforgettable Fire was a beautifully out-of-focus record, blurred like an impressionist painting, very unlike a billboard or an advertising slogan. In America there was such a backlash when we put out The Unforgettable Fire. People thought we were the future of rock-n-roll and they went, ‘What are you doing with the doggone hippie Eno album?”

1

‘The Joshua Tree’ (1987)

The Joshua Tree changed everything for U2 and made the Irish rockers a household name. The first two singles peeled off the album, “With or Without You,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” both went to number one in the U.S., marking the group’s first two chart-topping singles. The Joshua Tree was deeply influenced by American rock and roll and folk music and is U2’s best-selling album with over 25 million copies sold around the world.

The sessions for the album were prolific. U2 had an abundance of material and had trouble choosing songs for the effort. Once they whittled it down, they were under such a time crunch imposed by Island Records, that the group reached out to Steve Lillywhite to mix half the record, while Daniel Lanois, Pat McCarthy and Dave Meegan mixed the rest. Lillywhite’s brilliant touch is heard on the classics “Where The Streets Have No Name,” “With or Without You,” “Bullet the Blue Sky,” and “Red Hill Mining Town.”

Bono’s lyrics on the album are deep and socially conscious, inspired by traveling the world and seeing famine in the African deserts, “Mothers of the Disappeared,” to drug addiction on “Running to Stand Still” to the dismal results of U.S. foreign policy in Central America, “Bullet the Blue Sky.” The Joshua Tree won Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 1988 Grammy Awards. Bono said the group wanted the album to be a “one-piece record, not a side-one, side-two thing.” The Joshua Tree is a masterpiece and deserves to be listened to in its entirety.

Advertisement

U2: Rattle and Hum

Advertisement

Release Date

November 4, 1988

Runtime

98 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Phil Joanou

Advertisement

Producers

Michael Hamlyn

Advertisement

Cast

• 
• 

  The Edge

  Advertisement

  Self (uncredited)

• 
• 

Advertisement

Advertisement