Entertainment
Jennifer Lopez’s Taylor Swift Wedding Look Sets Tongues Wagging
Jennifer Lopez stunned fans after she graced Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding in style.
The singer embraced classic elegance by opting for a sophisticated black gown that stood out for its understated glamour rather than bold embellishments.
The look left fans online surprised due to Jennifer Lopez’s recent raunchy outfits, with many praising the singer for putting on something “tasteful.”
Lopez embraced classic elegance for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding festivities, opting for a sophisticated black gown that stood out for its understated glamour.
The sleek silhouette and refined styling reflected a timeless approach to formal fashion, proving that simplicity can be just as striking on a star-studded guest list.
The singer and actress elevated the monochromatic look with dazzling diamond jewelry, allowing her accessories to make a statement without overpowering the ensemble. Her beauty look complemented the outfit perfectly, with soft waves, glowing makeup, and a polished finish that echoed the Old Hollywood aesthetic.
As photos from the wedding weekend circulated online, Lopez quickly became one of the event’s most talked-about celebrity guests.
Fans Can’t Stop Talking About Jennifer Lopez’s Wedding Look

It didn’t take long for Lopez’s appearance to become a trending topic on social media after images from the wedding surfaced.
Fans flooded comment sections with praise for the entertainer, calling her look effortlessly glamorous and worthy of its own red carpet moment.
Many admirers highlighted how Lopez managed to make a statement without overshadowing the bride and groom. Instead of opting for dramatic colors, she chose a sophisticated black look.
“That dress is doing more for art than the entire gallery,” one fan wrote in the actress’s comment section on X.
Another commented, “Say whatever you want, but the doll is absolutely stunning.”
While several fans commented on how elegant the dress looked on Lopez, some were mesmerized by her physique.
“Your luminous eyes, perfect bone structure, and radiant smile make you one of the most strikingly beautiful women in the spotlight,” a fan noted.
Jennifer Lopez’s Appearance At the Wedding Wasn’t Unexpected

Lopez’s presence at the high-profile wedding didn’t come as a shock to fans given her long-standing ties within Hollywood’s elite circles as well as her reported close friendship with Swift and Kelce.
Over the years, Lopez has built strong relationships across music, film, and sports circles, often forming friendships with fellow high-profile figures through shared events, collaborations, and industry gatherings.
According to reports, her connection with Swift, in particular, has been widely noted in Hollywood circles, where both are seen as global superstars who understand the pressures of fame.
A Star-Studded Guest List Brought Hollywood Glamour to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Big Day

Swift and Kelce’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their love; it also doubled as one of the most star-studded events of the year.
The ceremony, which took place at Madison Square Garden, welcomed around 1,000 guests, with actors, musicians, athletes, and close friends all gathering to witness the couple say “I do.”
The couple’s guest list featured a mix of major figures from both the entertainment and sports worlds.
Hollywood actors like Tom Hanks and Bradley Cooper attended alongside music stars Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez, while prominent NFL personalities including Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes arrived to support the newlyweds.
The blend of entertainment and sports royalty underscored the unique worlds Swift and Kelce have brought together throughout their relationship.
Although the couple kept most of the ceremony private, photos of high-profile guests arriving for the celebration made waves on social media. From elegant designer dresses and suits to surprise celebrity appearances, the wedding became as much a showcase of Hollywood A-list style.
The Wedding Was A Long-Awaited Fairytale For Taylor Swift

Swift and Kelce’s wedding has been widely described as a long-awaited fairytale moment, marking the pinnacle of one of pop culture’s most talked-about modern romances.
From the earliest days of their relationship, fans have followed every public appearance, interview hint, and subtle gesture that fueled speculation about their future together.
The ceremony itself has been framed in the media and online conversations as a celebration of love finally reaching its most magical chapter.
For many fans, it felt like the end of a real-life romantic storyline that had played out in real time, complete with public support, viral moments, and unwavering interest.
“Finally, Taylor Swift & Travis’ wedding is over & also 100% of American royal wedding congratulations,” a fan on X wrote.
The singer’s wedding also came with a shocker, as her former close pal, Blake Lively, was nowhere to be seen, confirming reports that the duo’s friendship is over.
Entertainment
Travis Kelce ‘More Emotional’ Than Taylor Swift During Vows
Travis Kelce reportedly brought the waterworks during his vow exchange moment with his wife, pop superstar Taylor Swift.
According to the couple’s guests, the NFL star was “more emotional” than Swift as they read their vows in front of friends and family, and even broke down in tears at some point.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding was certainly one for the history books after the couple put on a star-studded affair at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Kelce and Swift were said to be at their most emotional while exchanging their wedding vows on July 3 at the MSG, but the singer’s beau reportedly did most of the crying.
Guests present for the highly publicized ceremony shared details of the moment with NBC News, noting that most of the attendees were left teary-eyed as the couple read their vows, which they wrote themselves, with Swift singing part of hers to Kelce.
Speaking to the news outlet, one attendee revealed that Kelce surprisingly out-cried Swift, noting: “You would think the bride would be the one crying more, but it was actually Travis that was more emotional.”
Beyond the tears, the massive venue’s visual makeover was a total showstopper. According to People Magazine, the newlyweds completely overhauled multiple sections of the iconic stadium to match their aesthetic.
“It looked like a forest,” an insider dished. The arena’s standard seating was reportedly hidden beneath sleek white drapes, along with an abundance of greenery adorning the place.
The Newlyweds’ Vow Exchange Lasted For 20 Minutes

Speaking with People, an insider shared fresh insight into Swift and Kelce’s wedding ceremony, noting that “Taylor walked down the aisle to a stage where they said ‘I do.’”
The ceremony was an incredibly deep and detailed affair, with the source adding that “their vows were about 20 minutes each,” which Swift and Kelce read directly from gold books.
Expecting there to be waterworks, the thoughtful pair also provided guests with embroidered handkerchiefs for any emotional moments throughout the evening.
“After the ceremony, Taylor’s mom invited everyone into the reception room where a stage was set up,” the insider further shared.
According to the source, Paul McCartney performed The Beatles’ hit song, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” at the event, with Stevie Nicks also part of the couple’s line-up of A-list singers.
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Treated Their Guests To A Variety Of Cuisines

With the emotionally charged part of the ceremony over, the celebration quickly shifted into high gear at the reception, where attendees were reportedly treated to an incredible culinary experience.
Guests could pick from food stations that featured everything from authentic Italian cuisine and fresh sushi to an endless rotation of passed appetizers.
Drinks at the wedding were said to be flowing all night long as “there were bars everywhere.” Reflecting on the sheer scale of the event, the People insider added that despite the massive size of the venue, the star-studded guest list packed the room, noting, “It was very crowded!”
Besides their family members, the couple’s guest list featured singers like Jennifer Lopez, Sabrina Carpenter, and the popstar’s close pals, Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran.
Hollywood was also greatly represented at the wedding, with actors such as Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Dakota Johnson, and Bradly Cooper in attendance.
The Singer’s Former Best Friend Was Absent From The Celebration

In a surprising turn of events, Swift’s former close pal, Blake Lively, was notably absent from the event, along with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
Swift and Lively’s friendship reportedly greatly suffered after the singer got dragged into the actress’s legal drama with her “It Ends With Us” co-star, Justin Baldoni.
It led to sensitive and private text messages the former pals shared in private being exposed, along with alleged comments made by Lively, in which she branded Swift one of her “dragons.”
Prior to the wedding, there was heavy speculation that the ladies had reconnected, with many expecting Lively to be at the wedding, especially after she settled her lawsuit. However, sources recently confirmed that the pair’s friendship was over and “done.”
Taylor Swift Chose ‘Peace’ Over Reconciliation With Her Former Pal

Explaining why Swift ultimately chose not to invite Lively to her wedding, an insider told Page Six that the singer has moved on from their relationship and is now focused on being around people she can “trust.”
“Taylor’s in a different place now, and she just wants to be around people she trusts and who bring her peace,” the source said.
They added, “It’s a shame because she and Blake really were close, but she doesn’t think it’s something that’s going to be fixed. As far as [Taylor’s] concerned, their friendship is done.”
Lively, for her part, is said to be “sad” and “p-ssed” to have been shut out of the wedding, with an insider telling the Daily Mail that her friendship with Swift “was over before, but if there was hope, it’s gone. They’ll never be friends again.”
Entertainment
What Was on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding Menu?
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reportedly kept their wedding guests well fed during their star-studded nuptials at Madison Square Garden.
While the newlyweds have yet to release details about the menu, Us Weekly and other media outlets have caught glimpses of the food being transported towards and even inside the iconic NYC venue on Friday, July 3.
An eyewitness told Us that a Mama’s Too pizza truck was spotted pulling away from the arena, while Bradley Cooper’s famed cheesestreaks from Danny & Coop’s were seen being delivered via car.
Photos also circulated of a Sartiano’s truck outside Madison Square Garden, with Page Six also reporting that a Krispy Kreme truck and boxes from various food companies including Sweet Baby Ray’s and Butterball arrived at the venue.
TMZ also published photos of eggs, tomatoes, Aquafina water, turkey, butter, Tropicana juice, white wheat wraps and more being delivered one day prior to the nuptials. The outlet also reported seeing chicken, onion rings, peppers, romaine, heavy whipping cream and whole milk outside.
Swift and Kelce, both 36, officially tied the knot on Friday in a star-studded ceremony at Madison Square Garden. After the wedding, digital billboards outside the venue read, “JusT&T Married.” The nuptials were officiated by comedian Adam Sandler, with the NFL player and pop star opting for Christian Dior Haute Couture while being joined by their brothers at the altar.
“Her brother, Austin Swift, served as Taylor’s ‘Man of Honor’ and Jason Kelce was Travis’ Best Man,” a statement from Taylor’s rep read. “The ceremony joined both families together.”
At the ceremony, the couple reportedly each spoke for about 20 minutes, with Good Morning America’s George Stephanopoulos claiming they read their handwritten vows aloud from “little books.”
“Then, the vows. Long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity,” AMC CEO Adam Aron wrote in a since-deleted X recap of the pair’s wedding, per Entertainment Weekly. “[They shared] the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families (Kelce’s and Swift’s) as one, and committing to their new mutual life together.”
Travis’ mom, Donna Kelce, remained tight-lipped about the nuptials but gushed over the day while sharing a few short words.
“I really can’t say a heck of a lot,” Donna told Macy’s social media team while attending the 50th Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display the next day. “It was magical, man, magical.”
Entertainment
Chiefs Alum Carries Wife’s Breast Pump to Taylor Swift Wedding
Former Kansas City Chiefs star Mitch Schwartz was admittedly his wife Brooke Lynn’s hero for his tireless support of her first postpartum outing at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded wedding.
Schwartz, 37, and Lynn, 33, were spotted leaving their New York City hotel on Friday, July 3, where eagle-eyed social media users realized the tux-clad NFL alum was carrying a breast pump while his spouse walked alongside him.
“I’d recognize that accessory anywhere. Ultimate spouse move,” one Instagram user wrote. “Looking fab, [Brooke].”
Lynn reposted the upload to her Instagram Stories, succinctly writing, “It would have ruined my outfit.”
Schwartz and Lynn were among the approximately 1,000 guests present at NYC’s famed Madison Square Garden as Swift and Kelce, both 36, said “I do.” The ceremony marked the Schwartz and Lynn’s first date night since Lynn gave birth to daughter Stevie on June 10. (Schwartz and Lynn also share 2-year-old daughter Scottie.)
In addition to Schwartz carrying his wife’s portable pump to the wedding, he also “kept track” of her pumping schedule so she could avoid engorgement.
“Mitch even kept track of my pumping schedule the last couple days because I was 💃 🍸 🥃 🍷 🍺 🍹 ,” the mom of two added in a follow-up Instagram Stories tribute to Schwartz. “I absolutely adore this man.”
For the occasion, Schwartz and Lynn twinned in black with the former football player’s black suit complementing his wife’s evening gown. Lynn donned a fitted sheath with bedazzled accents dotting the plunging neckline.
“An epic first night out since welcoming our baby girl a couple weeks ago 💗🥂💐,” the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post on Saturday, July 4, sharing outfit pictures.
Kelce, a tight end for the Chiefs, had many past and present teammates in attendance on his big day. In addition to Schwartz and head coach Andy Reid, the guest list included Patrick Mahomes, George Karlaftis, Mecole Hardman and Ross Travis.
Amid his NFL tenure, Kelce began dating Swift in 2023 and they got engaged two years later in August 2025.
Keeping their nuptials hush-hush, their union was announced with a digital “JUST&T MARRIED” billboard outside of MSG on Friday and a press release.
“The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the bride and groom,” a rep for Swift wrote in a statement. “This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. [Both of] their shoes were custom made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”
The rep statement also revealed that Swift and Kelce opted for their respective brothers to serve as Man of Honor and Best Man in lieu of a traditional bridal party.
“The ceremony joined both families together,” the statement concluded.
Entertainment
The Unexpected Ex Link That Emerged At Taylor Swift’s Wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and music, but one guest pairing had social media doing a double take. After attending the couple’s lavish Madison Square Garden wedding, Liam Hemsworth and girlfriend Gabriella Brooks found themselves at the center of online conversation when Brooks shared a glimpse of the event on social media. The photo quickly gained attention, not just because of the couple’s appearance, but because fans couldn’t help connecting their ties to some of Taylor Swift’s most talked-about former relationships.

In a series of photos shared online following the wedding, Brooks included a snapshot of herself posing alongside Hemsworth as the couple attended the high-profile celebration. Both appeared dressed for the formal occasion, with the image offering a rare look at the pair during one of the most talked-about celebrity events of the year.
While the couple largely kept a low profile throughout the festivities, the photo quickly made its way across social media platforms, where fans began dissecting their appearance at Swift and Kelce’s wedding. For many observers, it wasn’t just the photo itself that sparked conversation. It was the relationship history attached to both guests.
Fans Connected The Hollywood Relationship Dots
Hemsworth’s romantic past has remained a topic of fascination for years thanks to his highly publicized relationship and marriage to Miley Cyrus. The pair’s on-again, off-again romance spanned more than a decade before ultimately ending in divorce, generating countless headlines along the way.
Meanwhile, Brooks has her own connection to Swift’s dating history. Before dating Hemsworth, Brooks was romantically linked to Matty Healy, whose brief relationship with Swift in 2023 generated significant attention before the singer eventually began dating Kelce. As a result, some fans found it amusing to see both Hemsworth and Brooks attending the wedding, with many pointing out the interconnected nature of celebrity relationships.
Neither Hemsworth nor Brooks publicly addressed the attention surrounding their appearance, but the photo alone was enough to fuel discussion among fans following the event.
Donna Kelce Calls Her Son’s Wedding ‘Magical’

While guests continue sharing glimpses of the celebration, Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, recently offered her own thoughts on the wedding.
While attending Macy’s 50th Fourth of July Celebration in New York City, Donna was asked about the newlyweds’ big day. “I really can’t say a heck of a lot except it was magical, man, magical,” she said in an interview shared on Macy’s Instagram.
Though Donna kept details to a minimum, her comments added to the growing list of glowing reviews from guests who attended the ceremony.
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Wore Custom Dior For Their Big Day

The couple exchanged vows on July 3 at Madison Square Garden while wearing custom-designed looks from Christian Dior Haute Couture.
According to a statement provided to PEOPLE by Swift’s representative, “The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom. This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. Their shoes were custom-made by Christian Louboutin, and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”
The wedding party also broke from tradition. Rather than having bridesmaids and groomsmen, Swift chose her brother Austin Swift to serve as her Man of Honor, while Kelce’s brother Jason Kelce took on the role of Best Man.
Paul McCartney And Stevie Nicks Helped Make The Reception Unforgettable

As details continue emerging from inside the reception, one of the biggest revelations involves the musical performances that took place after the ceremony.
According to PEOPLE, music icon Paul McCartney performed The Beatles classic “I Want to Hold Your Hand” during the reception, marking the first time he had performed the song live since 1964. “After the ceremony, Taylor’s mom Andrea invited everyone into the reception room where the stage was set up,” a source told the publication.
The reception also featured a performance from Stevie Nicks, according to the same source. “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts later confirmed the Fleetwood Mac legend performed during the celebration as well.
The appearance was especially meaningful given Swift’s long-standing admiration for both artists. In recent weeks, she publicly praised McCartney after he promoted his new album, writing on Instagram, “Never not inspired by this eternally exceptional artist.”
With celebrity guests, surprise performances, and countless viral moments still emerging, Swift and Kelce’s wedding continues to generate headlines days after the couple officially said, “I do.”
Entertainment
Taylor Sheridan Reveals How He Convinced Billy Bob Thornton To Join ‘Landman’
TV mogul Taylor Sheridan was already ruling over a massive empire at Paramount+ thanks to the success of Yellowstone, the sprawling neo-Western series starring Kevin Costner. And then, Sheridan went and created a new show that further fortified his reign. It followed a similar template to Yellowstone and featured Billy Bob Thornton in the lead role of an oil magnate in Texas. While the show experienced its share of growing pains, it has received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans. We’re talking, of course, about Landman. In a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Sheridan refused to apologize for the show’s divisive narrative, and admitted that a part of him likes to rage-bait critics. He also recalled the humorous pitch that got Thornton to sign on to the project.
Sheridan said that he referenced one of Thornton’s most memorable movies while pitching Landman to him. “I said, ‘I want to make a drama with Bad Santa running an oil company’. He’s like, ‘That’s the greatest f*cking thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Yeah, let’s do it!’” In Bad Santa, the dark comedy released in 2003, Thornton played an alcoholic crook who plans to rob malls on Christmas Eve while wearing a Santa costume. The movie was a critical and commercial hit, and is now regarded as one of the best cult classics of the early 2000s. A sequel, titled Bad Santa 2, was released in 2016 to poor critical and commercial reception.
Taylor Sheridan Finds New Talent and Gives Veterans Roles of a Lifetime
Landman, on the other hand, appears to have settled at an 80% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. The show’s second season was “Certified Fresh” with an 83% score and a consensus that reads, “Further refining its brutish elements into addictive drama, Landman‘s second season makes minor improvements in its treatment of female characters while continuing to benefit from Billy Bob Thornton’s hangdog swagger.” Thornton was nominated at the Golden Globes for his performance in the show, which has been renewed for a third season. Meanwhile, Sheridan is on the verge of beginning a new creative partnership with NBCUniversal after having spent nearly a decade at Paramount, where he created several hit shows. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
-
November 17, 2024
- Network
-
Paramount
- Franchise(s)
-
Yellowstone
Entertainment
HBO Max’s ‘Harry Potter’ Producer Moves to Netflix for Major New Project
In 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery was almost acquired by Netflix, giving the streaming giant rights not just to DC franchises but also to Harry Potter. The deal was so close to happening that Netflix once published key art featuring Daniel Radcliffe‘s Harry alongside Millie Bobby Brown‘s Stranger Things character, Eleven. Now, that deal has gone south and Paramount will soon acquire Warner Bros.’ Discovery, but that doesn’t stop Netflix from taking a piece of the Wizarding World with them.
Years after the release of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, HBO Max premiered a reunion special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, featuring some of the original cast and crew from the eight films released from 2001 to 2011. One of the people behind the special was Mohammed Adnan, who’s listed as the development producer. Now, he announces a career jump to Netflix.
On Adnan’s LinkedIn page, he announced that he’s joining Netflix as a manager of documentary series in the U.S., leaving Story Film Limited. Adnan shared his excitement about working alongside “some of the world’s most talented storytellers” and about what’s ahead. According to a recent report, his Story Films’ founders, Peter Beard and David Nath, commented on Adnan’s departure from the company, stating:
“Adnan is a truly talented creative and lovely person – we have been proud to have him as part of the team at Story. We know he will go on to further success at Netflix and we wish him all the very best in this next exciting chapter.”
Meanwhile, on LinkedIn, Beard commented on Adnan’s announcement, congratulating him on his new role, joking that he would like him to commission his future work, and that he’s sad to see him go.
“Huge congratulations Adnan. You’re the best (I’m not just saying that because I want commissions, you actually are). I’m sad to see you go but excited to see the amazing projects you’ll green light. “
What Documentaries Does Netflix Have?
Aside from original fiction, dramatized content based on true stories, and licensed content, Netflix also offers documentaries. One of the most recent was Michael Jackson: The Verdict, which premiered on June 3, 2026, a week after the Michael biopic entered theaters. The series examines Michael Jackson‘s 2005 trial, where the King of Pop was accused of sexually abusing a minor at his Neverland ranch, which led to a not guilty verdict from the jury. The documentary features interviews with those involved in the case, including jurors, eyewitnesses, and journalists. Other documentaries on Netflix include Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga and Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, as well as mockumentaries like Cunk on Earth and Death To 2020.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is available to stream on HBO Max. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
-
January 1, 2022
- Director
-
Casey Patterson, Joe Pearlman, Eran Creevy, Giorgio Testi
Entertainment
Crunchyroll’s 26-Episode Sci-Fi Anime Put a New Twist on the Classic Western
Trigun is undoubtedly one of the best, most beloved, and seminal anime series of all time. The legendary gateway anime show exemplifies why many American viewers became fans of the genre in the first place. Trigun has many amazing qualities, such as its indelible, memorable characters, tremendous storyline, fantastic music, and unique setting that mixes science fiction, fantasy, and the Old West. Trigun is interesting since it has many familiar hallmarks and a visual aesthetic that resembles the idealized view of the Wild West and Hollywood Westerns, but it also puts a unique spin on the Western through its sci-fi flourishes, along with its protagonist, Vash the Stampede (Johnny Yong Bosch). It’s time to look at how the Trigun series blended science fiction and the Western to create something completely brand-new.
’Trigun’s Vash the Stampede Is Similar to Western Heroes Portrayed by John Wayne and Clint Eastwood
At the heart of Trigun’s story is its multi-faceted protagonist, Vash the Stampede. Vash is a subversion of the lone wandering gunman typically depicted in Western movies. The creator of the original Trigun manga series, Yasuhiro Nightow, created Vash as a pacifist. Throughout both the manga and anime series, Vash follows a strict code where he refuses to kill, even his deadliest enemies. Vash is a capable fighter and a skilled gunslinger, and he will always avoid taking a kill shot, although there are some exceptions to that no-killing rule.
Westerns are usually characterized by one or more gunslingers, be they heroes or antiheroes. Vash is a nomad and skilled gunman, and deep down, he does have a heart of gold. However, his personality is the inverse of the stoic and stern grimness of popular Western figures portrayed by the likes of Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. While Vash arguably sometimes shares a similar nobility and code of honor to those of classic Western characters, he upholds his vow of pacifism and refusal to kill others, even his enemies. Western heroes may avoid killing or conflict in some cases, but more often than not, they are always driven to a duel or shootout with their enemies. Those conflicts usually end with someone dying, but Vash always looks for a non-lethal solution.
While typical Western heroes tend to be grim, stoic, dry, and rugged, Vash is the opposite. Vash likes to play the fool, and he tends to act very goofy, cowardly, and ridiculous. Sometimes he acts this way to trick his enemies, while at other times he wants to put others at ease due to his misunderstood reputation. Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Jeff Nimoy), Vash’s friend, points out to Vash that he wears a fake smile, and he realizes that Vash may act the fool, but deep down, he hides a wellspring of pain and trauma. While Vash is not the monster many make him out to be, he still suffers deep emotional pain from the personal losses in his past. Another interesting aspect of Vash is his vulnerability and how he sometimes breaks down, showing his true emotions, which is rarely seen with Western protagonists.
No Man’s Land Takes Inspiration From Classic Western Settings
Another fun sci-fi spin of the Western in Trigun is its unique locale in the planet No Man’s Land, aka Gunsmoke, the setting for the action of both the anime and manga series. Trigun is set in a future time when Earth’s resources are depleted. The remnants of humanity take part in a deep-space colonization project called Project SEEDS. However, due to the meddling of Vash’s twin plant brother, Knives Million, the ships crashed on planet Gunsmoke, stranding the last vestiges of humankind. Gunsmoke is the perfect setting for Trigun. The whole planet is mostly a desolate wasteland, akin to many great Western or post-apocalyptic sci-fi features. Human society developed on what meager resources are available, with cities built around the crashed Plant generators from Project SEEDS. Society adapted to take on an 1800s Western style in terms of architecture, setting, and technology. While things like electricity and gas-powered vehicles do exist, they’re not widespread due to the planet’s lack of resources and infrastructure.
Netflix’s New ‘One Piece’ Anime Remake Is Officially Better Than the Original
The East Blue will be calling in February.
The look and visual style of Gunsmoke set the classic Western vibe and mood of Trigun. However, while the show does have a lot of traditional Western settings and locales, it also mixes in various fun sci-fi elements. Since horses are not available to humanity, the survivors adapted a species of native, docile pack animals dubbed “Thomas” as their new mounts. The planet is also native to a dangerous species of giant sandworms. The bad guys are all larger-than-life characters, with elaborate weapons and designs. The remnants of futuristic planet Earth from the crashed spaceships that litter No Man’s Land are referred to as “lost technology.” The way the series mixes sci-fi and alien creatures with more traditional Western settings and styles is part of the series’ charm.
Vash the Stampede Has a Colorful Rogues Gallery
Trigun offers a fun spin on the Western with its colorful cast of characters. Vash the Stampede has one of the more interesting and best-designed rogues galleries for any anime hero. Case in point, the Gung-Ho Guns, a gang of assassins organized by Vash’s brother, Knives Millions, to torment him. Each member of the Gung-Ho Gun is uniquely designed and memorable. Some are more psychological than others, such as Zazie the Beast (Derek Stephen Prince) and Legato Bluesummers (Richard Cansino). Wolfwood, a traveling preacher and hired gun, forms a unique bond and friendship with Vash throughout the series, and becomes the story’s deuteragonist. Wolfwood is an equally multi-faceted and layered character like Vash, becoming one of the series’ most interesting characters.
The world of Trigun is a world of outlaws, bounty hunters, and cutthroats. What’s fun about Trigun is that every single character looks unique and memorable, from the villains such as Knives, Legato, the Gung-Ho Guns, and even the Nebraska family, to the one-off supporting characters, such as Amelia Ann McFly and Gasback Gallon Getaway. The series’ penchant for cool and unique nicknames, which are always appropriately on the nose, is another point in the series’ favor.
What Sets ‘Trigun’ Apart From Traditional Westerns Is What Makes It Work
What always makes Trigun so captivating is Vash’s journey. As the storyline unpacks more of Vash’s backstory, he grows into an even more empathetic and tragic character. Tragic backstories are something that Vash and many Western heroes have in common, whether it’s Harmonica (Charles Bronson) in Once Upon a Time in the West, the Ringo Kid (Wayne) in Stagecoach, or even The Man With No Name in Sergio Leone‘s Dollars Trilogy.
The main difference is that Vash technically isn’t a naturally born human. He’s an artificial being called a plant. He and his brother Knives were raised among humans during the interstellar Project SEEDS mission. Vash was heavily influenced by his human guardian, Rem Saverem, which is why he adopted his pacifist outlook and refuses to kill his enemies. The tragedy Vash experienced in losing Rem was emotional and heartbreaking, but Vash honors the memory of his guardian by living the life he believes she would respect. Most Western heroes do not think twice about dispatching their enemies, but for Vash, it is an emotional low point when he does finally kill.
Many anime shows mix together the genres of Western and sci-fi, but few do it as well as the original 1998 Trigun series. The show was highly influential as it aired on Adult Swim when the block was at its peak, and it became a gateway anime for many new fans. The 1998 anime series remains a fan favorite to this day. The full series and its 2010 spin-off movie Trigun: Badlands Rumble, are available to stream now, subbed and dubbed, on Crunchyroll. Trigun Stampede, the latest anime adaptation of Nightow’s manga series, is also streaming now on Crunchyroll.
Entertainment
6 Great Fantasy Shows Overshadowed by ‘Game of Thrones’
Game of Thrones was quite the cultural phenomenon. Running from 2011 to 2019, this massive series, based on the novels by George R. R. Martin, became one of the most successful TV series of all time. It kick-started a huge wave of fantasy television, which persists to this day, and earned numerous awards. The show was so popular that the finale became a monumental cultural event, with many unrelated corporations jumping in on the trending topic.
It’s unlikely TV will see an event like Game of Thrones for a long time. Perhaps predictably, many other fantasy shows attempted to capitalize on its success by coming out at around the same time. This had varying degrees of quality and success. Many of them were good, but remained underrated, swept under the shadow of Thrones and never getting the attention they deserved. These are the best fantasy TV shows that were overshadowed by Game of Thrones.
6
‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)
American Gods came out right as Game of Thrones was reaching its penultimate season, but even this was enough to hinder its development and popularity a bit. This low-fantasy series features a hidden world where gods and magic are real. The original gods, called the Old Gods, are at serious risk due to the rising threat of what they call “New Gods.” These include things like technology, which are beginning to gain influence with the people of the world, and are almost being worshipped. This causes the Old Gods to gradually lose their powers and their place in the world.
To combat their waning influence, the Old Gods plan to unite themselves and go to war against the New Gods to restore the balance of power. The series actually received two Emmy nominations, though it was sadly snubbed in both. Other than that, critical reception has been nothing but positive. Yet, it remained thoroughly underrated for the majority of its run. This could be because it came out right at the end of Thrones, which is when it was experiencing its highest viewership, so American Gods wasn’t really able to live up to the high demands. Eventually, it was canceled after three seasons. Though it managed to last two years longer than Game of Thrones, the damage had already been done, and it lacked the numbers it desperately needed from the start.
5
‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ (2013–2015)
Da Vinci’s Demons is a low fantasy series set during the Italian Renaissance. A lot of historical figures, including Leonardo da Vinci (Tom Riley) himself, make appearances, albeit with a much more fantastical twist. Primarily, Da Vinci worked with the House of Medici, an influential and historical Italian family that was one of the major political players in the Republic of Florence. Da Vinci, regarded as an eccentric kook, actually works behind the scenes to uproot spies hidden in the politics of the realm, especially those from the rival Houses of Borgia and Pazzi.
However, the fantasy aspect comes into play when Da Vinci uncovers a cult known as the Sons of Mithras, which opens the door for supernatural visions, magical tomes that contain all the knowledge in the universe, and mythological figures made flesh. It’s a lot lighter on the fantasy elements than Thrones, but it did bear a lot of distinct similarities. Namely, it featured a lot of political intrigue and feuding royal houses, so there wasn’t a whole lot that the show could offer to people who were already into Game of Thrones. As such, this fantastic show was canceled after three seasons.
4
‘Grimm’ (2011–2017)
Grimm is a series about a homicide detective who learns his family comes from a long line of professional monster hunters called Grimms. Their sole purpose is to guard the world of humanity from the Wesen, which is an umbrella term for any mythological creature or fantastical beast. He takes on this new role, doing battle with various creatures from folklore and mythology. It’s interesting because it blends a police procedural with elements of fantasy and horror.
Grimm is probably the only series on this list that never actually got canceled, which is surprising considering it debuted the same year as Game of Thrones. Although this is probably due to it being for a vastly different audience, reminiscent of ’90s and 2000s low fantasy shows that used the “monster of the week” format. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Supernatural. Despite this major difference, it still never got the popularity it really deserved. Maybe this is because it was too similar to other series, maybe it was because Thrones was hanging over it like a dark cloud, but either way, it’s highly underrated.
3
‘Galavant’ (2015–2016)
Galavant is actually a really unique experience as far as fantasy television goes. For one, it’s not an epic drama or action/adventure series; rather, it’s a musical romantic comedy series. The story is reminiscent of classic fairytales, following a brave knight in shining armor who seeks to rescue the princess, the love of his life, from the clutches of an evil king. It’s actually more mature than it lets on, making it perfect for adult fans of Disney princess movies or fairytales. Scattered throughout the episodes are grand musical numbers performed by an expert cast, which are genuinely so much fun to watch.
The worst part about the show was its timing. 2015 and 2016 were when Game of Thrones Seasons 5 and 6 were being released, which is when the scale really ramps up beyond what the show had seen before. Galavant just didn’t have the same level of scale, so it never really stood a chance against the cultural behemoth that Thrones was. While Galavant is a great show that critics and audiences loved, and while it was a breath of fresh air in the 2010s fantasy boom, it just wasn’t popular enough to break free of its boundaries, which led to a prompt cancellation at the end of its second season.
2
‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)
The Magicians is about an aspiring student who attends a prestigious university to learn how to be a magician. During his studies, though, he finds out that magic is absolutely real, as is the world from his favorite childhood book, and he is now part of this hidden, magical world. Unfortunately for him, it’s in a spot of peril right now, and he has to join the fight to save it. Thrown into the deep end, the protagonists must learn how to control and master their supernatural abilities in order to keep their world hidden and prevent its inevitable destruction.
The Magicians is a fantasy series that has been sadly forgotten and was underrated from the start. Like many of the other shows on this list, The Magicians was canceled, although this one lasted longer than some of the others. Besides the fact that even though it did get canceled, it still received a final season and a proper conclusion, so at least the story had a chance to wrap things up rather than being left high and dry. Five seasons are pretty impressive for a show that came out right in the thick of Game of Thrones hype, although it’s still waiting for its much-deserved turn in the spotlight.
1
‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016–2017)
The Shannara Chronicles is based on the popular series of novels of the same name by Terry Brooks. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Earth, thousands of years in the future, to the point that the world barely resembles our own. The story is about a magical tree called the Ellcrys, which is beginning to die. As a result, the enchantment on the tree is weakening, allowing demons who were previously banished from the world to return. To save the world, three adolescents team up with the last living druid to restore the tree and banish the demons back to the realm known as the Forbidding.
Since it was based on a beloved novel series and was coming out during the fantasy TV boom, one would think that it was playing its cards perfectly, right? Unfortunately, while it should have been a massive success, the overall influence of Game of Thrones was still too much for it, which led to Shannara‘s premature cancellation after just two seasons. While it may not have followed the books to a T, it was met with critical praise and overall satisfaction. Unfortunately, it just didn’t pull in the numbers it needed to justify its multi-million dollar budget. It could have been great, but it was a tragic case of being released at the wrong time.
Entertainment
Maya Hawke Buys Home ‘Blocks Away’ From Mom Uma Thurman
For actress Maya Hawke, the term “you can always come back home” is more than a popular phrase.
“I just got myself a home a couple of blocks away from my mom,” the actress, 27, revealed to People in an interview published on Sunday, July 5. “I’m so excited to finally be able to put some roots down.”
Maya is the daughter of famed actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. The pair, who wed in 1998 before ultimately calling it quits in 2005, also share son Levon Hawke. (Hawke, 55, went on to marry wife Ryan Hawke in 2008 and welcomed two more children, while Thurman, 56, shares daughter Luna with ex Arpad Busson.)
The Stranger Things star’s new abode, located in upstate New York, has made it that much more pleasant for the actress to work on her latest project, The God of the Woods, a TV adaptation of Liz Moore’s 2024 novel of the same name.
“It shoots in the town that I grew up in,” Hawke explained. “I am so excited to be at home doing a job I love and care about, so I’m not in that panic spiral of being home and being like, ‘When will I ever work again?’ Usually it’s like, you’re home, and you’re panicked about whether you’ll ever work again, or you’re not home, and you’re working and you miss home.”

Maya Hawke and Uma Thurman Getty Images
She continued, “I feel like I have the best summer of my life going on, where I get to experience neither thing at the same time.”
Maya, who married Christian Lee Hutson in a surprise Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony in New York City, has been candid about her close relationship with her mom — and vice versa.
“What isn’t a mother-daughter bond?” Thurman told People back in 2023 of their relationship. “Good communication. That is a big challenge, to make sure we keep communication healthy, strong and open with your family.”
Maya, for her part, told the outlet at the time that her parents’ decision to read to her at a young age contributed to their tight-knit bond.
“Being read to is so important for kids. I’ve now supplemented it with audiobooks in my adult life because it made such an impact on me,” she explained. “I have a learning disability and I didn’t do so well in school and was slow to read. So being read to changed my ability to comprehend language and changed my life.”
She continued, “I really hope that every child gets that opportunity.”
Entertainment
India Arie Reaffirms Comments On Yung Miami’s ‘Spend Dat’
Whew, Roomies… the internet stays in a chokehold when it comes to conversations around music, lyrics, and accountability. And this time, it’s got India Arie and Yung Miami right at the center of the discourse. What started as a critique of one track quickly turned into a full-blown social media debate with both fanbases chiming in heavy.
-
Fashion2 days agoWeekend Open Thread: High Hopes
-
Politics3 days agoThe House | “Reframing the debate from a binary discussion of winners and losers”: Yuan Yang reviews ‘We Are Not Machines’
-
Crypto World6 days agoStrategy authorizes up to $1.25B in Bitcoin sales under new capital plan
-
News Videos6 days agoHow to Build INSANE Live Financial Dashboards With Claude
-
Tech6 days agoAnonymous researcher drops 0-day ‘exploitarium’ repo
-
Business6 days agoAustralia treasurer says alleged access of prime minister’s bank data ’incredibly concerning’
-
NewsBeat22 hours agoTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding staffer hilariously struggles to keep her cool while checking in megastars
-
Business6 days agoThe AI boom won’t burst all at once. It will pop in ‘rolling bubbles’: Macquarie
-
Sports5 days agoBroncos roster: OL Ben Powers (No. 74) entering final year of contract
-
NewsBeat5 days agoPresenter Caroline Flack’s brother Paul Flack dies aged 55
-
Crypto World4 days agoBinance stock trading tops $1B in first month after launch
-
Crypto World5 days agoAirdrop Registration Becomes Key Focus For Remittix As RTX Launch Updates Approach
-
Crypto World4 days agoAlibaba-affiliate Ant Group enters the humanoid robot market with 12 deals
-
NewsBeat4 days agoNew exhibition reflects five decades of movement between island of Ireland and GB
-
Crypto World11 hours agoSouth Africa proposes crypto tax guidance under existing rules
-
Crypto World2 days agoStandard Chartered Secures MiCA License as ESMA Adds 37 New Crypto Firms
-
Tech14 hours agoLenovo laptops are now shipping with YMTC SSDs, a sign of Chinese NAND entering the mainstream
-
Business4 days agoMeta Platforms Stock Jumps 7% Today as Bloomberg Reports Company Plans to Enter the Cloud Business
-
Business3 days agoWhat a 10 Percent Drop Means for Buyers, Sellers and Renters
-
Crypto World3 days agoBinance Re-Enters Philippines As EU MiCA Rules Restrict Access






You must be logged in to post a comment Login