Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing yet another legal challenge as a new lawsuit adds to the growing list of allegations surrounding the music mogul.

The latest filing comes while Combs remains behind bars and continues efforts to overturn his federal conviction.

With another accuser stepping forward, renewed attention is being placed on both past claims and ongoing investigations.

A man identified in court documents as John Doe has filed a lawsuit accusing Diddy of sexually assaulting him when he was a minor.

According to the complaint obtained by the Daily Mail, the alleged incident took place in 2007 after the then-child actor attended a networking event in the Hollywood Hills.

The lawsuit claims Diddy invited him to a private conversation about potential career opportunities. During the meeting, the accuser alleges that the rapper engaged in inappropriate conduct before an alleged sexual encounter took place.

The man claims he expressed discomfort before the alleged act occurred. According to the filing, Diddy later told him he would “keep him in mind for possible opportunities” before leaving him alone.

The claimant says he departed the event shortly afterward.

Diddy’s legal team has strongly denied the accusations.

Responding to the lawsuit, Diddy representative Juda Engelmayer told the Daily Mail, “The allegations from this so-called nameless child actor are false and ridiculous. He’s just another hater in a long list of people trying to get in on the money gravy train encouraged by personal injury lawyers.”

Engelmayer continued, “Mr Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone – and that includes any child! These allegations will be disproved like all the rest.”

California Investigation Continues To Draw Attention

The new lawsuit comes as Diddy faces scrutiny from California authorities.

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that investigators had submitted information related to another alleged victim for review.

According to officials, both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department presented separate findings connected to allegations made against Combs.

The matter remains under review, and prosecutors have not announced whether additional charges will be pursued.

The ongoing review has become another major legal hurdle for the rapper as he continues to fight multiple allegations in various jurisdictions.

Diddy Linked To Separate Claims From Publicist Jonathan Hay

Another figure connected to Diddy’s legal troubles is celebrity publicist Jonathan Hay.

Hay filed a lawsuit against the rapper last year, alleging sexual battery stemming from incidents he claims occurred in 2020 and 2021.

According to court filings, Hay alleged that one encounter took place while he was involved in a remix project connected to the legacy of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G.

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Hay claims Combs later brought him to a warehouse containing memorabilia connected to Wallace. The lawsuit alleges inappropriate conduct occurred during that meeting and during a second encounter in March 2021.

Hay has said the alleged incidents had a devastating impact on his mental health.

CJ Wallace, the son of The Notorious B.I.G., was also named in the lawsuit. Wallace has denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Hay. Hay has denied Wallace’s claims.

Jonathan Hay Speaks Out About Pursuing Accountability

As legal proceedings continue, Hay has publicly discussed his reasons for pursuing action.

In a statement to the Daily Mail on June 1, he described himself as a “survivor” of Diddy and said that “having my painful experiences heard and validated by the LAPD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is an undeniable turning point.”

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He added, “This progress marks a significant victory in my fight for total accountability.”

Hay continued, “I am certain that justice will be achieved and that full responsibility will be enforced.”

According to reports, Hay first contacted an attorney about his claims in 2023. He later filed his lawsuit after other allegations against Diddy became public.

Hay told CNN he had been reluctant to come forward at first and described himself as “terrified” about speaking publicly.

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Diddy Continues Fight As Prison Sentence Looms

The latest allegations come during a turbulent period for Diddy.

Last year, he was convicted on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution. However, he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges.

The music executive was later sentenced to four years in prison, with credit for time already served, followed by five years of supervised release. He is currently expected to be released in February 2028.

Meanwhile, Hay has made clear what outcome he hopes to see regarding the California investigation.

Speaking to CNN, he said, “I’m hoping that when [Diddy] gets out of jail that he is taken straight to jail in California, or to go through the court proceedings in California, and that he spends the rest of his life in jail.”

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With a new lawsuit now added to a growing list of legal battles, Diddy remains at the center of ongoing controversy as courts, investigators, and accusers continue to pursue claims against the once-dominant music mogul.

By Douglas Helm
| Published 9 seconds ago

Chris Evans may be best known as Captain America in the MCU, but amidst his MCU tenure, he starred in a dark, post-apocalyptic thriller in 2013. That thriller was Snowpiercer, which also happens to be the English-language debut of South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho. The director and MCU star make a great combo in this film, which is now available to stream on Tubi.

Snowpiercer is adapted from the graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette with a screenplay co-written by Bong Joon-Ho and Kelly Masterson. The film takes place aboard the titular train, where the last of humanity lives after a climate disaster leaves the world completely frozen. The train is separated by class, with the lower class living toward the back of the train and the elites living near the front.

A Solid Entry Point To Bong Joon-Ho’s Work

Snowpiercer follows Chris Evans‘ character, Curtis Everett, who leads a rebellion against the elite class that fights their way to the front of the train. Along with Evans, the film stars Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, Go Ah-sung, John Hurt, and Ed Harris. Interestingly, the film holds the claim of one of the most expensive South Korean productions ever, with a budget of $40 million.

Director Bong Joon-Ho would explore classism in a more grounded way in his incredible Oscar-winning film Parasite in 2019, but Snowpiercer is a great introduction to the filmmaker’s catalog that allows him to really make the most of a high budget and explore a more action-oriented style thriller.

As you might expect, the film was critically acclaimed and did fairly well at the box office, bringing in around $86.7 million worldwide. While Chris Evans is still in action mode in this film, he does get to flex his dramatic muscles more than usual with a more dour character than he typically plays.

Snowpiercer does a lot of things right and makes for a highly entertaining watch. While people may be tired of post-apocalyptic worlds, the setting of this film manages to stand apart thanks to its unique world-building. In the capable hands of Bong Joon-Ho, it certainly stands out from other sci-fi films of its ilk, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Bong Joon-Ho Vs. Harvey Weinstein

While most studios would be content to let Bong Joon-Ho do whatever he wants, the director actually had to butt heads a few times with Harvey Weinstein after The Weinstein Company acquired the US distribution rights for Snowpiercer. The wide release of the film was initially delayed by Weinstein himself after he tried to get up to 25 minutes of scenes cut from the film, asking for more action and less dialogue.

A memorable scene involving a fish being gutted was one that Weinstein was particularly keen to cut, but Bong Joon-Ho hilariously lied that his father was a fisherman and the scene was in tribute to him to get Weinstein to keep it in.

Weinstein’s cut of Snowpiercer was eventually screened to a test audience, who hated it, which prompted Weinstein to ask for more cuts. However, Bong Joon-Ho’s original cut was test-screened later to much better reviews, which prompted a grassroots campaign to get his version released to US audiences.

The campaign, created by cinema activist Denise Heard-Bashur and supported by Tilda Swinton and John Hurt, was successful, and the uncut version would eventually get a wide release.

Le Transperceneige Vs. Snowpiercer

While the graphic novel that Snowpiercer is based on is well worth the read on its own, fans of it should not go in expecting a faithful adaptation of the novel. The setting is the same, but Bong Joon-Ho made the call to rewrite the story rather than trying to fit the long narrative of the graphic novel into the movie.

Of course, not everything has to be a 1:1 adaptation of the source material, and in the case of this film, it seems like it was the smart move to make it its own thing rather than adapt something that wouldn’t work as a film.

So, if you’re in the mood for a sci-fi thriller from one of the most interesting directors working today, then Snowpiercer should be the perfect film for you. Make sure to check it out on Tubi.

Stranger Things has been nothing short of a phenomenon since it launched a decade ago. But even considering the fact the television series has apparently come to an end, the story has been continuing in lots of different formats. A good story never truly ends, it just keeps going. But one part of the story has hit the buffers.

The critically acclaimed Stranger Things: The First Shadow has extended for a final time in both London’s West End and on Broadway. The production will complete its run at the Phoenix Theatre in London on December 27, 2026, and at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway on January 3, 2027. The show follows a young Henry Creel, soon to become the ultimate villain Vecna, who tormented our teenage heroes in Seasons 4 and 5.

The show will have run for over three years in London, after opening to five-star reviews in 2023. It went on to win Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, along with Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. On Broadway, the production became the most Tony Award-winning play of 2025, taking home four awards, including Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play, and a Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects.

‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is a Sensation

Across the West End and Broadway, nearly 1.6 million tickets have been sold, with the production playing more than 1,500 total performances. The show also marked Netflix’s first move into theatre, making it a major test case for how a streaming franchise could be expanded on stage without simply feeling like a live-action bonus episode.

Stranger Things creators and creative producers Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer reflected on the show’s success, saying:

“When the legendary Stephen Daldry first came to us with the idea of making a Stranger Things play, we were stunned — both by the fact that Stephen wanted to do this, and that he believed it could work. And boy, did it work. We remain awed by what Stephen, Kate Trefry, Justin Martin, and all the brilliant behind-the-scenes wizards were able to pull off: cinematic theater unlike anything else out there. Their incredible work drew audiences from all over — a majority of whom had never even been to a Broadway show before. We’d also like to give a standing ovation to the incredibly gifted actors who stepped into these roles — including the Tony-nominated Louis McCartney — and to the fans, who made each and every performance so memorable.”

Written by Kate Trefry, from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set before the events of the Netflix series and digs deeper into the story of Henry Creel. Trefry added:

“While writing Stranger Things, we always knew there was more to the story of Henry Creel, but never imagined we would have the chance to tell it all. Being given the opportunity to dive deeper into this world through the medium of live theater has been the thrill of a lifetime, and I am still in awe of what our incredible cast and crew was able to achieve. It has been a magical, terrifying ride, and to share the communal experience of every laugh, tear, and scare with your audience is every writer’s dream. Thank you to everyone who made this dream come true.”

The production is directed by Stephen Daldry, with co-director Justin Martin. The creative team includes set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Paul Arditti, composer D.J. Walde, illusions and visual effects designers Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, and video design and visual effects by 59 Studio.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow runs at the Phoenix Theatre in London until December 27, 2026, and at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway until January 3, 2027.

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Release Date

2016 – 2025-00-00

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Netflix

Directors

Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz

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Writers

Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock

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Hugh Laurie issued an apology to a British journalist after responding to her criticism of his famed series House.

“I’m sorry if people have been having a go at you because of my tweet. Not at all the plan,” Laurie, 66, shared in an X post on Monday, June 8. “I was very slightly drunk and already upset about something that had nothing to do with you.”

He continued, “If it’s any comfort, I got it in the neck too. I’m a thin-skinned t***, apparently, even though it wasn’t my skin. I was sticking up for the writers who I adored.”

Laurie admitted that he made a mistake by naming several historical figures in his initial social media posts.

“Obviously I shouldn’t have cited Bach/Kahlo/Moore — asking for trouble — and would have done better to go for the 10,000 blues songs written around the same 12 bar chord structure,” he concluded. “I’ve listened to most of them and will keep doing so. Because we love what we love.”

The social media drama began on Saturday, June 6, when journalist Janet Murray told followers that she had started House, which initially ran for eight seasons from 2004 to 2012.

“Same narrative every episode: Patient has mysterious illness. Hugh Laurie (House) gets diagnosis wrong. Patient nearly dies,” her critique read. “Hugh Laurie gets diagnosis wrong again. Gets threatened with being fired. Patient nearly dies again.”

She concluded, “Hugh Laurie has last minute leftfield idea. Gets diagnosis right. Doesn’t get fired. Eight seasons of this?”

Laurie responded on Sunday, June 7, thanking Murray for her “critique” of the show with a rather snarky retort.

“We actually tried a couple of episodes where House (Hugh Laurie) (please put the brackets in the right place) gets it right [the] first time, but they were only 6 minutes long. NBC weren’t happy,” he wrote. “Then we tried some where House never gets it right and the patient dies. The audience wasn’t happy.”

He added, “One could apply your trenchant analysis to other art forms: JS Bach wrote 30 Goldberg variations on the same chord structure; Frida Kahlo painted 50 portraits of herself; Henry Moore, what??”

Laurie explained that the show was “variations on a theme” when concluding his message.

“If all you see is hospital, medical blah blah, then it wasn’t meant for you,” he said. “Nonetheless, I look forward to your first novel!”

Murray later tagged Laurie in a social media post sharing a recently published article titled, “What I Learnt From My Online Fight With Hugh Laurie,” which prompted his apology.

Murray joked that “it’s all been rather fun” to go back and forth with the actor and his fans, but she also hoped that he would read her article.

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“Because while his witty riposte was genuinely amusing, one point I make in the piece is that it was shared with his 1.2 million followers on X. I have around 38,000,” she explained. “That creates something of an imbalance — particularly given that the responses to my original post were overwhelmingly warm-hearted and affectionate towards the show.”

Murray noted that she’s gotten “some fairly horrific trolling” from House fans, who are “even more abusive than trans activists,” she wrote.

“I have enough experience of the media to take it on the chin, as the saying goes,” Murray concluded. “But someone without my background might have found the experience far more distressing.”

Katy Perry is sharing more details about her separation from her longtime partner, Orlando Bloom.

The pair were once hailed as one of the entertainment industry’s most beloved power couples until their split became public in June 2025.

A year later, Katy Perry reflects on how she handled the breakup amid The Eras Tour.

Perry recently marked a major milestone in her relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but their big day gave way to some candid reflections. The “Roar” hitmaker sat down for a Q&A session while attending the 25th Annual Tribeca Festival in NYC.

During the interview, she was asked how she endured touring while separated from Bloom, her ex-fiancé and the father of her daughter, Daisy. Perry confessed that it wasn’t easy, per the Daily Mail, saying:

“Last year was probably one of the hardest years of my life, and I went through a f-ck ton, and there were days that were really, really, really, really hard.”

The Entertainer Went Through ‘Hell’ To Find ‘Heaven’

Perry explained that she did not see her situation as something unconventional, noting, “Sadness doesn’t discriminate. Grief does not discriminate. Pain does not discriminate.” She explained that everyone “is subjected to it in their own ways,” and she chose to embrace the fire rather than run away from it.

According to Perry, she persevered because she made a promise to her fans, her daughter, and herself to walk “through the fire because everybody has to walk through their own fire.” She also hinted at her new boyfriend, Trudeau, being her reward, adding:

“If you’re walking through hell, you keep going because on the other side of hell is definitely heaven.”

Katy Perry Wants To Be Her Daughter’s Role Model

Another reason Perry held on during the tour, despite her heart breaking over Bloom, was their daughter, Daisy. She explained that the Lifetimes Tour was the first tour her daughter accompanied her on, and she wanted it to be the best experience she could give Daisy as a mother.

“I think as mothers and fathers, we’re just modeling something to our children,” Perry said, noting that most parents hope their kids will grow up to be better versions of themselves. On that note, the entertainer wanted Daisy to see her as a fantastic role model.

“I think if I’m out there living my most authentic, free, supported, empowered, smart, sexy life, she’s going to have a pattern to follow, a model to follow,” Perry added. She claimed “it’s really valuable” for parents to bring their kids to work, so they can bond and learn from what they do.

Inside The Former Couple’s Relationship

Perry and Bloom first met at the Golden Globes afterparty in January 2016 and wasted no time falling head over heels for each other. A month after their first meeting, Bloom reportedly introduced Perry to his son, Flynn, whom he welcomed with ex Miranda Kerr.

By May 2016, Perry and Bloom went Instagram official and turned heads months later for a n-de paddleboard trip, where the singer donned a bikini while her then-beau rocked his birthday suit. They separated a year later in February 2017.

However, Perry and Bloom’s feelings for each other survived their separation as they reunited for a vacation in February 2018. Bloom proposed in February 2019, and they moved in together a month later. Their daughter, Daisy, was born on August 27, 2020, per PEOPLE.

Katy Perry And Orlando Bloom Reportedly Parted Ways Amicably

Following their daughter’s arrival, Perry and Bloom spent many more years together, so much so that the entertainer wanted to have more kids with the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star. They were still gushing about their love for each other in 2024, months before their split became public.

In June 2025, Perry and Bloom officially called off their engagement and went their separate ways. The Blast shared that the actor finally addressed their separation in September that year, revealing where he stood with his ex-fiancée.

Bloom confirmed that he and Perry had parted ways on good terms, describing their post-breakup relationship as “great.” He also gushed about their beautiful daughter, matching their official separation announcement, which declared the exes were focused on co-parenting amicably.

Joshua Jackson has ignited fresh romance rumors after being spotted on a casual, affectionate stroll through New York City with a runway model. 

The public outing comes immediately on the heels of major internet speculation regarding the actor’s real-life bond with his longtime friend and former co-star, Katie Holmes. 

However, despite the previous rumors, the television veteran seems to be making a clear statement about his current relationship status.

Jackson recently enjoyed a lovely day in New York City with model Olivia Burgess. The 47-year-old actor and the high-fashion model were all smiles as they held hands while on a public stroll in the Big Apple. 

The duo opted for comfortable, casual clothing during their weekend outing, with the “Dawson’s Creek” alum rocking a linen button-up shirt and matching trousers paired with simple sneakers and sunglasses. 

Meanwhile, his companion, who has previously walked the runway for the luxury brand Jean Paul Gaultier, donned a black tank top, gray Bermuda shorts, and mules while keeping her hair in a messy updo.

See photos obtained by TMZ, here.

Katie Holmes And Joshua Jackson Were Recently Rumored To Be Making A Comeback

This high-profile public appearance with Burgess happened immediately after the veteran actor generated massive media headlines for reconnecting with his real-life ex-girlfriend, Holmes.

The former co-stars reunited to work on their brand-new movie, “Happy Hours,” which the actress wrote and directed herself. 

The Blast noted that onlookers immediately pointed out a viral video, which captured the two looking especially affectionate while discussing their new project.

In the clip, the actor gushed about his connection to the “Jack and Jill” actress, locking hands with her and placing their joined fingers directly against his heart while reminiscing about their youthful history.

He expressed how incredibly meaningful it was to finally work side-by-side with her again, looking deeply appreciative as he noted that she wrote the film entirely for them and waited for him to jump on board. 

Joshua Jackson Was Also Spotted With A ‘Bridgerton’ Star Last Year

While his undeniable chemistry with Holmes has captivated long-term fans, this is not the first time the actor has made headlines for a high-profile romantic outing in the city. Last summer, the “Dawson’s Creek” star turned heads in New York City when paparazzi caught him enjoying a cheerful walk with popular “Bridgerton” actress Simone Ashley.

Although the pair did not engage in any obvious public displays of affection, pictures captured them in incredibly high spirits as they walked side-by-side, per The Blast.

The relaxed pair flaunted an exceptionally friendly, comfortable ambiance that hinted at a close relationship between them rather than a casual interaction between strangers.

Notably, the weekend stroll with Ashley occurred nearly a year after his ex-girlfriend, Lupita Nyong’o, confirmed the official end of their brief relationship in October 2024. Prior to that rebound romance, Jackson’s four-year marriage to actress Jodie Turner-Smith famously concluded when she filed for divorce back in October 2023. 

Inside Katie Holmes And James Van der Beek’s Secret Romance

Jackson isn’t the only “Dawson’s Creek” co-star who has had a romantic relationship with Holmes. 

According to The Blast, reports indicated that long before fame took them in entirely separate directions, Holmes and her other main co-star, James Van Der Beek, shared a private connection that ran much deeper than the public ever realized.

The surprising revelation surfaced just a week after the actor’s tragic demise, illuminating the quiet romance and enduring connection the young performers carried for decades.

Their natural bond began instantly on the set of the hit series in 1997, with a teenage Holmes admitting that their mutual feelings and connection just happened because they had so much in common. 

A Plastic Surgery Expert Weighed In On The Actress’ Youthful Appearance

Amid Holmes’ enduring connections to her past co-stars, her present-day appearances continue to captivate the public in entirely different ways.

The “First Daughter” star recently left onlookers doing a double-take during a New York City appearance, looking noticeably younger than her age. 

Her appearance at the event had fans speculating that the star might’ve undergone cosmetic procedures to look like her 2006 self.

However, addressing the intense public speculation, plastic surgery expert Dr. Kahn weighed in on her taut skin, explaining that her lack of cheek wrinkles likely points to non-invasive treatments rather than surgery, per The Blast.

The specialist suggested that she may be using microdermabrasion, a minimally invasive resurfacing treatment that gently exfoliates the skin’s outermost layer. 

Euphoria‘s Colman Domingo reflected on finding success in his career — without his parents still here to see it.

In Us Weekly’s exclusive clip from the Tuesday, June 9, episode of Fox’s Bear Grylls Is Running Wild, Domingo opens up about not having his mother and father around to support him.

“I literally got emotional [but] I do think that they live with you,” Domingo says. “And you do it for them too. I do know that they’re flying with me — at all times.”

The actor knew his mother and stepfather — both of whom died in 2006 — were proud of him.

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“Especially moments like this. I mean, I come from inner city West Philadelphia. So to come here, I never want to take this for for granted,” Domingo continues. “And I appreciate it and I’m like, ‘Mom, look at where this light continues. Look at where love can take you.’”

He continued: “I’m gonna leave it to spirit. I want to leave it but I know that my parents are right there with me. So I want to trust what this is.”

Bear Grylls Is Running Wild follows legendary adventurer Bear Grylls as he takes celebrities into the wild for a 48-hour journey of a lifetime.

“With thrilling action and revealing conversations, Bear takes his guests on unforgettable adventures in breath-taking wilderness and reveals a side of some of your favorite people like you’ve never seen before,” the official season 9 synopsis reads. “On the season premiere, Bear Grylls takes Matthew McConaughey on an adventure 20 years in the making as the two traverse the secluded glacial alpine wilderness of Norway.”

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Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2025. Over the summer, we lost Anne Burrell, Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Brandon Blackstock. Jane Goodall, Diane Keaton, D’Angelo, Marshawn Kneeland and more passed away in October and November. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your […]

In addition to Domingo, the newest season featured Michelle Monaghan, Matthew McConaughey, Uma Thurman, Elizabeth Banks, Rhys Darby, Tiffany Haddish and Machine Gun Kelly.

“It’s different [from] a chat show, where you sit on the sofa, and there’s a performance for three minutes to tell a funny story,” Grylls told Fox and Friends in April. “Nature does my job for me. Like I said, it opens people up. I think a lot of these stars — they want the experience of what the wild can give you.”

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Grylls also shared his personal observation.

“Everyone’s just a regular person underneath it all,” he said. “I admire the fact that they’re out of their comfort zone. And that becomes a discipline. Successful people do the difficult.”

Bear Grylls Is Running Wild airs on Fox Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated 1 minute ago

If you’re of a certain age, you’ve lived through multiple generations of entertainment media. Given the current state of physical media, people have finally had enough and are refusing to let go of Blu-Rays. Before Blu-Rays, before DVD, there was VHS. It revolutionized movies when it arrived, but left with a whimper. VHS hung around longer than you think, since the last movie on VHS was the understated and underrated 2005 release, A History of Violence. 21 years later, and the film is tearing up the HBO Max charts since it arrived. 

A History Of Violence Has A History Of Success

March 14, 2006, is the day that A History of Violence was released on VHS. Nearly a year after its May 2005 debut in theaters. A slow burn of an action thriller about a man trying to escape his past, and the damage it does to his family, is an unlikely release during the start of the Summer blockbuster season, but Warner Bros (via New Line Media) had faith in the film. $61 million dollars at the box office later, and that faith was rewarded. 

A History of Violence adapts the Vertigo DC graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, making it the unlikeliest DC movie. Viggio Mortenson, fresh off Lord of the Rings, plays Tom Stack, the mild-mannered diner owner whose life is turned upside down when two men from Philly enter his diner. Maria Bello is his loving wife, Edie, and together, they have two children, Jack and Sarah. It’s an idyllic life. Until it’s not. 

The Best Bad Ass Dad Movie Of All Time

Unlike later films in the “suburban dad is secretly a badass” genre, A History of Violence doesn’t glorify the violence. The action is short, brutish, and bloody, with the real harm being done in what comes after a man is shot … or stabbed. It’s an intelligent, thought-provoking take on the action genre lost in the noise of Nobody 2, Liam Neeson, and countless other imitators. 

The thoughtfulness and intention behind every shot is clear once you realize the director is David Cronenberg. The Master of Body Horror and Viggo Mortenson would continue to work together four more times, including 2007’s Eastern Promises, an even more violent and extreme film. 

The End Of An Era

A History of Violence on VHS is now a collector’s item, with sealed copies going for upwards of $500 on eBay. Other films, including Cars, were released after, but only as part of special, limited-release promotions, and not the wide, dump it in a Wal-Mart scale of Cronenberg’s hit. As for why it was the last film, it came down to timing. Distribution deals were inked years earlier when VHS was obviously on the way out, but still in a majority of homes, before DVD players became commonplace. Sometimes, it’s really that simple. 

Since debuting, re-debuting actually, on HBO Max, A History of Violence has been in the top 10, reaching, as of the time of this writing, the top five. It’s well deserved for one of the best movies of the 2000’s and a career highlight for all involved. If you’re bored of the schlub dad turns out to be an assassin genre, you need to watch this movie and fall in love with the genre all over again.