Brad Pitt has taken one of the biggest public steps in his relationship with Ines de Ramon, but the timing has only fueled more curiosity about the couple’s future.

Just weeks after reports claimed the Oscar winner has no plans to marry again, the pair made their Instagram debut together while celebrating Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded wedding, giving fans a rare glimpse into their romance.

Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon have largely kept their relationship away from social media since they were first linked in late 2022.

That changed when celebrity hairstylist Laurie Zanoletti shared affectionate photos of the couple before they attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden.

The hairstylist posted several glamorous images of the pair dressed in coordinating black ensembles before the celebration. Pitt looked polished in a classic tuxedo with a bow tie and black sunglasses, while de Ramon stunned in a sheer black lace gown paired with teardrop earrings and a sleek ponytail.

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Alongside the images, Zanoletti wrote, “My favorite lovers @inesdrmn & Brad Pitt for an incredible moment in nyc.”

The jewelry executive later shared the romantic photos on her Instagram Stories, pairing each image with Taylor Swift’s hit song Lover. She also added a red heart emoji to one picture showing Pitt embracing her.

Although the posts marked a notable milestone for the couple, de Ramon stopped short of posting the images permanently on her main Instagram feed.

Taylor Swift Wedding Set The Scene For Their Public Debut

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The couple’s social media milestone came just before they joined hundreds of celebrity guests at Swift and Kelce’s extravagant New York City wedding.

After posing for the photos, Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon attended the celebration before later being spotted leaving Madison Square Garden in an SUV alongside musician Beck.

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The wedding itself drew an extraordinary guest list from across Hollywood, music, television, and sports. Among those in attendance were Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Reese Witherspoon, Graham Norton, Ethan Hawke, Ed Sheeran, Emma Stone, Cindy Crawford, Suki Waterhouse, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, Dakota Johnson, Dua Lipa, Chris Rock, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z.

The celebration reportedly featured performances by Stevie Nicks and Paul McCartney, while Adam Sandler surprised guests by officiating the ceremony.

For Pitt and de Ramon, the event became more than another celebrity wedding. It also served as the backdrop for the most public display of their relationship since they began dating nearly four years ago.

Brad Pitt’s Future With Ines Still Raises Questions

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Despite their increasingly public appearances together, recent reports suggest marriage may not be part of Pitt’s future plans.

Last month, a source told Page Six that the actor has no intention of proposing to de Ramon despite their strong relationship.

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The insider explained, “Ines is incredibly close with Brad’s family. They absolutely adore her and she’s been welcomed with open arms from the beginning.”

The source continued, “At this point they basically consider her family and one of their own. But Brad has no plans on getting married despite how close Ines has become with everyone.”

While another wedding reportedly isn’t being discussed, those close to the couple say de Ramon has become fully integrated into Pitt’s personal life.

Ines de Ramon Is Part Of The Pitt Family

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According to the insider, “Ines and Brad’s family keep in touch regularly and genuinely enjoy spending time with her. It never feels like she’s ‘Brad’s girlfriend.’ She’s just part of the family when they’re together.”

They also revealed, “She’s built real relationships with everyone. She spends time with Brad’s brother and sister, nieces and nephews, attends family gatherings and has made an effort to get to know each of them individually.”

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Those comments suggest the relationship has continued to deepen even without engagement plans.

Brad Pitt And Ines de Ramon’s Relationship Has Grown After Major Life Changes

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The couple’s romance began shortly after major chapters ended in both of their personal lives.

Pitt finalized his lengthy divorce from Angelina Jolie in December 2024, bringing an end to a legal battle that stretched nearly a decade after the former couple married in 2014. Before Jolie, the actor was married to Jennifer Aniston between 2000 and 2005.

De Ramon also entered the relationship following the end of her own marriage. She quietly wed The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley in 2019 before the pair separated in 2022.

Since then, Pitt and de Ramon have steadily increased their public appearances together, attending premieres, awards events, and now one of Hollywood’s most talked-about weddings.

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The Instagram debut also arrives during another challenging period for Pitt personally. Recent reports revealed that five of the six children he shares with Jolie have reportedly dropped his surname, reflecting the ongoing strain within the family following the couple’s highly publicized split.

Pitt and Jolie are parents to adopted children Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, along with biological children Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox.

Even as questions continue surrounding both his family relationships and whether he will ever marry again, Pitt’s latest appearance with de Ramon suggests their relationship remains stronger than ever. While the Instagram photos may not answer speculation about the couple’s future, they offer the clearest public sign yet that the Oscar winner is comfortable sharing this chapter of his life.

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Nolan Xavier Wells‘ friends are speaking out as the 18-year-old’s body was found on Horn Island, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. According to the Sun Herald, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told the outlet that a park ranger found Nolan at approximately 8:40 a.m by search crews at the western tip of the island. Nolan was reported missing after last being seen in the area while celebrating the Fourth of July on Saturday.

RELATED: Mississippi Authorities Search For Nolan Xavier Wells After He Goes Missing During A Boat Trip To Horn Island

Nolan Xavier Wells’ Friends Speak Out

Nolan Xavier Wells’ friends are speaking out after learning of his death. He was a student at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where he played on the football team. According to the Sun Herald, Nolan’s parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, were present as their child’s body was brought to shore.

The young man’s friends comforted them as they shared stories about him. His childhood friends described the teen as an “easy-going young man” with a calming influence who broke up arguments when they were young. Nolan was also described as someone who was always smiling and “friendly to everyone.” “He could spark up a whole room,” said one friend.

Jayvon Williams, 17, is Nolan’s best friend. Jayvon said that he rode out to the island on a different boat than Nolan. However, he remembers seeing him there.

“As soon as we got out there, he told me that he loved me,” said Jayvon.

The teen added that Nolan talked to some other people on the island as well as a girl, and he last saw him around 4 p.m.

Nolan’s Friend Trace Reportedly Told Him To Be Careful

Nolan’s friend Trace Carter was at the shore as officials recovered his remains. Trace revealed that he’d spoken to his friend before the outing and warned him to be careful.

Trace said that he told Nolan, “Just hit me up when you get back. Just be careful, bro. Watch out for yourself.”

Nolan allegedly replied, “I got you. I’ll hit you up later.”

Nolan Was Turning 19 In August

Nolan was going to turn 19 this August, and the granny of one of Nolan’s childhood friends, Doris Hands, said he called her “Mama D.” Hands also said that Nolan was well-mannered and “was a good person” who loves sports. “It really, really hurts,” said Hands. “After the first day and no contact, I expected this.”

RELATED: Body Of 18-Year-Old Nolan Xavier Wells Found On Horn Island Two Days After Going Missing, Mother Confirms (UPDATE)

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 3.Fans of Game of Thrones have been used to shocking plot twists for a while, and House of the Dragon just delivered the newest one after a long time of speculation by the fans. Season 3, Episode 3 finally introduces a young Daeron Targaryen, played by Charlie Gordon, only to reveal at the end of the episode what some might have already suspected, that this Daeron is an imposter. His capture is Rhaenyra Targaryen’s (Emma D’Arcy) only victory since her arrival in King’s Landing, but when Alicent (Olivia Cooke) fails to recognize her youngest son, it becomes clear that Rhaenyra has been played by the Greens. So, now, new questions arise: where is the real Daeron, and who is playing him?

Daeron’s Absence in ‘House of the Dragon’ and His Casting Have Long Confused Fans

When adapting a book like Fire & Blood, it’s natural to change some aspects of the original story for many reasons, and House of the Dragon has certainly changed quite a bit. Daeron’s absence is one of these changes, as he is only mentioned for the first time at the end of Season 2, and, up until now, we’ve only seen his dragon, Tessarion, but never him. Shortly before this week’s episode, Daeron’s arrival was teased by HBO with footage of Gordon being taken by Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), but that didn’t convince many fans.

Initially, it was believed that Daeron would be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, whose casting was only confirmed in June, shortly before the third season premiere. Fans felt it was a perfect casting, as Ainsworth is young and will play a similar role as Link in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda adaptation, making him a great choice for Daeron the Daring, a dragonrider. In the premiere, however, Ainsworth briefly appears as Lord Ormund Hightower’s (James Norton) squire and notably has red hair.

Now, the series finally explains what’s up. Ainsworth is indeed playing the real Daeron, whose hair has been dyed red to pass as a Hightower and fool Daemon, Rhaenyra, and the Blacks. Daeron’s absence so far is also justified as part of this plot, to keep him and Tessarion as the Greens’ secret weapon in the Reach on their way to King’s Landing, now that Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) has taken Vhagar to Harrenhal. He is young, and nobody knows what he really looks like. It’s the perfect ruse.

Editor’s Note: The below contains spoilers from the novel Fire & Blood, which House of the Dragon is based on.

A “Fake Daeron” Plot Comes Straight From ‘Fire & Blood,’ but With a Different Setting

Image via HBO

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In Fire & Blood, Daeron shows up much earlier in the story as the youngest son of King Viserys (Paddy Considine) and Alicent Hightower. It is only in his teens that he is sent to squire for Alicent’s cousin, Lord Ormund, and then plays a key role in securing the Reach for the Greens. The Hightower army struggles initially, but the tide turns thanks to Daeron and Tessarion. To honor his young cousin, Ormund titles him “Daeron the Daring,” and they progress until Tumbleton, right at Rhaenyra’s doorstep in King’s Landing.

Parallel to that, with Aegon II’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) having escaped to Dragonstone and Aemond gone to Harrenhal, Daeron suddenly becomes a serious contender to the Iron Throne, despite his young age, and this is part of his plot until after the end of the Dance of Dragons. He is killed in the war, but how he dies is disputed by the diverging accounts in Fire & Blood, and his body is never identified. Because of this, some believe Daeron never actually dies, and some people even try to use it to their advantage.

After the war ends, it’s Aegon III, Rhaenyra and Daemon’s son, who ascends to the Iron Throne. During his reign, many pretenders show up claiming to be Daeron, but they are proven to be impostors by Aegon III and Viserys, his brother and Hand of the King. Because House of the Dragon is slated to end with Season 4, it’s unlikely that there will be time for Fire & Blood‘s “fake Daeron” plot after Aegon III takes the throne to make it to the screen. Still, it’s nice that the series found a way to incorporate it into its story somehow.

‘House of the Dragon’ Uses the Fake Daeron Plot To Smartly Set Up the Battle of Tumbleton

At the end of this week’s episode, Rhaenyra is warned that the Greens have taken Tumbleton by a surviving dragonkeeper who likely tended to Tessarion. Tumbleton’s lords had previously declared for her, so the “fake Daeron” is a smart gambit by Lord Ormund — Rhaenyra can’t allow herself to have been made a fool by admitting she fell for the imposter, but she also can’t target the people she swore to protect. Whatever card she plays, she loses something in this business.

In Fire & Blood, the Battle of Tumbleton simply starts with the Hightower host taking over the town and infiltrating as civilians, with Daeron flying Tessarion. By then, he had already won the Greens some battles and “avenged” his nephew Maelor‘s death (Aegon II’s third child, who hasn’t appeared in the show). Rhaenyra then sends Ser Hugh the Hammer (Kieran Bew) and Ser Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) to protect Tumbleton, and the fateful battle begins.

In the series, however, there is more happening. Lord Ormund and Daeron’s ruse now forces Rhaenyra’s hand, but, at the same time, if she sends Hugh and Ulf, she is giving them a dilemma of their own, since she refuses to acknowledge them as Targaryens. Hugh’s wife, Kat (Ellora Torchia), has also fled to Tumbleton after he became a dragonrider, so, for him, there are personal stakes as well. With so much happening, we’re finally bound to see the real Daeron in action.

House of the Dragon is available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.

Fantasy is a pretty popular genre right now across all forms of media, and how could it not be? After all, it’s a form of escapism, allowing readers to witness stories where the impossible is made possible, and where new, immersive worlds are presented in all of their glory. Since the genre is popular, we have an influx of new fantasy stories, especially in books, which can effectively be made much cheaper than any other form of media.

While a lot of well-written fantasy stories get their much-deserved time in the spotlight, some slip through the cracks and never get the chance to show the world what they’re made of. Other times, they might have once been popular, but have faded away into the background to the point that nobody remembers them anymore. These are the most perfect forgotten fantasy books that will keep you hooked from start to finish, proving they remain worthy of your attention.

‘The Ember Blade’ (2018)

Image via Gollancz

The Ember Blade is about Aren, an unassuming young man who spends most of his days doing absolutely nothing remarkable. When his father is executed, Aren is thrown into the dark pits of a mine, where he is sentenced to work until he dies. Once he escapes the prison, he discovers that the world as he knew it is just an illusion. Revolution is brewing, and the key to its victory is the mythical Ember Blade.

The book was written as a return to form for the fantasy genre, so it’s pretty trope-heavy and might be considered cliché by some. However, this approach is actually refreshing because it feels like a much more classic and aged story than it actually is. It’s not just a great epic fantasy, but it’s also a fantastic coming-of-age story that many adolescents will identify with.

‘Another Fine Myth’ (1978)

Image via Starblaze Graphics

Another Fine Myth is the first in a collection of 12 novels, which is seen as a cult series by today’s standards. At the time, fantasy literature was becoming huge, and new stories were pretty much a dime a dozen. As such, this book functions as a satire piece, as do the rest of the novels in the series. This unique approach can easily be observed from the titles, which are all some sort of pun based around the word “myth.”

The story of this first book is pretty simple: a magician’s apprentice is out for revenge after his master gets assassinated, teaming up with an unlikely ally on his quest for vengeance. A lot of the book is humorous and comedic, with absurd punchlines and tongue-in-cheek banter found in the dialogue, but that’s why it’s so brilliant. Another Fine Myth was popular when it was released, but has since been swallowed up by the sands of time, to the point where it is rarely talked about anymore.

‘Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror’ (2023)

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Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror is a dark fantasy book that only came out a few years ago, but which has received excellent reviews — at least from those who have actually read it, anyway. The story is set in Jerusalem during the Crusades, following a Teutonic Knight thrust into a world of angels and demons straight from the folklore of the Abrahamic religions.

There are actually some surprisingly deep themes and social commentaries in this book, depicting how brutal the Crusades actually were, making the widespread trauma and anguish manifest in the form of horrifying demons. Though it’s set in our world rather than a high fantasy world, Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror is still an amazing read, especially if you’re a fan of stories like Between Two Fires or A Game of Thrones.

‘Orfeia’ (2020)

Image via Gollancz

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Orfeia might only be a novella, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the same emotional punch that full-length novels have. The story is tragic and touching, and is something a lot of parents will be able to reflect on. Specifically, it’s about a mother who has lost her daughter, and is willing to do anything to get her back, which means travelling through entirely different worlds, many of them dream-like. It isn’t a simple quest, however, as to save her daughter, the mother must sacrifice something precious to her.

For most parents, it would seem an easy decision, but the book definitely pushes things a bit farther to the point where it really does force the reader to grapple with moral dilemmas. Short and sweet, Orfeia is one of the most heartbreaking fantasy stories of the last few years, which is why it’s a shame more people haven’t heard of it.

‘The Iron Dragon’s Daughter’ (1993)

Image via Avon Books

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The Iron Dragon’s Daughter was actually written in response to the rise of fantasy literature at the time. Apparently, author Michael Swanwick was fed up with how many books were coming out that all felt the same, so he made his own story that was the exact opposite of the ongoing trends. In this series, the dragons are not god-like beings, but miserable cynics who enslave humans, contrary to the popular tropes about them.

There’s a lot of other things like that in the book, too. Story-wise, it’s about a human slave contacted by a dragon, who promises revenge and freedom if she listens to his instructions and escapes the factory where she works. Since this book went against established and common fantasy tropes, it’s very unique, indeed, and remains pretty distinct from other works of fantasy to this day. Sadly, not many people know about it.

‘The Golden Door’ (2011)

Image via Omnibus Books

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The Golden Door is set in the city of Weld, which is completely walled off from the outside world. Every year, flying creatures called Skimmers attack the local populace, but the attacks have been ramping up recently. As such, the warden of Weld organizes expeditions beyond the walls to find the source and eliminate it. None return. Losing both of his brothers in the expeditions, a youth named Rye seeks to exit Weld and find his siblings. The only problem is, the only ways out of Weld are via three doors: one of gold, one of silver, and one of wood.

Australian author Jennifer Rowe, also known by her pen name Emily Rodda, is pretty popular in her home country, but has limited success internationally. This book is rarely talked about in North America, even though it’s an absolutely thrilling ride. Yes, it’s a YA novel, but the world is so deeply mystifying that it’s hard not to get wrapped up in its intricacies. It’s a simple story, but one that works really well, all things considered.

‘Incarceron’ (2007)

Image via Dial Books

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For a time, Incarceron was actually a super popular book. The story is about Finn, a boy who lives in the sprawling mega-prison known as Incarceron. Finn belongs to a rare group of individuals who were born in the prison, meaning he has never seen the outside world. It should be noted that Incarceron isn’t just a huge prison — it genuinely feels like a totally different world that has dissolved into anarchy. The prison itself is alive.

On the other side of the story is Claudia, the daughter of Incarceron’s warden, who begins to telepathically communicate with Finn via a crystalline key she finds. As previously stated, this novel was pretty big for its time, and even had a movie deal secured, with Taylor Lautner selected to play Finn. However, the project never came to be, and the book faded away into obscurity. Very few people talk about it anymore, which is a shame, because this YA novel was truly singular and definitely deserved that movie adaptation.

‘The Anvil of the World’ (2003)

Image via Tor Fantasy

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The Anvil of the World is the first novel in a trilogy, although the others feel like different stories set in the same universe rather than true sequels. This first book is about a smuggler named Smith, who is charged with protecting a noble named Lord Ermenwyr and seeing him safely to a port city. Instead of the traditional chapter format, the book features three distinct parts, all featuring the same characters, albeit different plotlines. However, they all contribute to the overarching narrative of the book.

This book isn’t just a perfectly-written adventure; it’s also genuinely hilarious. The banter between Smith and Ermenwyr and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in make the book so much funnier. It’s not even a comedy at heart; the jokes are just part of the charm. Whether it’s a voyage across the sea, a magical duel between mages, familial feuds, or bandit attacks on a caravan, this book fosters the imagination and tells a brilliant, refreshing story that’s hard to put down.

‘Lord of Snow and Shadows’ (2003)

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Lord of Snow and Shadows is the first installment of the Tears of Artamon series, which actually recently saw its fourth installment just a couple of years ago. The story is about Gavril Andar, who discovers that he is actually heir to the throne of Azhkendir. His father, the king, is a magical demi-human, infused with the blood of the legendary dragon warrior Drakhaoul. However, it isn’t enough to save the king from being assassinated.

Now, Gavril must ascend to the throne, become the new reincarnation of Drakhaoul, which comes with a terrible, terrible price. This bit of epic fantasy has a little bit of everything. It’s also got romance and political intrigue, which helps keep things interesting until the end. The rest of the books in the series are pretty good too, but sometimes, you just can’t beat the original, you know?

‘The King of Elfland’s Daughter’ (1924)

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A lot of people actually don’t know this, but The King of Elfland’s Daughter is the book that most inspired J. R. R. Tolkien to write his revolutionary The Lord of the Rings novels. Tolkien himself listed it among his greatest inspirations, yet few people know that it exists, especially given the fact that it’s over a century old at this point. As such, it’s definitely a good novel to read for Tolkien fans, especially if they want to see where the legendary author got some of his ideas.

The story is about a human king who is informed by the populace that they wish for a magical ruler, so he forgoes tradition and abides by their request. He sends his son to marry the princess of Elfland, which she happily agrees to. However, she finds it hard to adjust to human society, especially since time in Elfland flows more slowly than it does in the human kingdom. The homesick princess returns to Elfland, prompting her broken-hearted husband to return there in search of her. It’s a charming, whimsical tale of love and politics that feels like a classic fairytale.

Taylor Swift’s lavish wedding to Travis Kelce is facing unexpected criticism after one feature of the star-studded reception divided fans online. 

While guests competed for thousands of dollars’ worth of luxury raffle prizes, some praised the interactive celebration, while others branded the concept “tacky.” 

As more details emerge from the closely guarded event, the unconventional giveaway has become one of the wedding’s most talked-about surprises.

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce made sure their wedding reception was anything but ordinary by transforming the celebration into an interactive experience complete with games and high-end giveaways.

Rather than simply handing out lavish gifts, guests reportedly earned raffle tickets by taking part in activities including skee-ball, miniature golf, and a football ring toss. Those tickets were then entered into drawings for an array of luxury prizes.

Among the standout giveaways were designer handbags, Cartier watches, and even a classic 1970 Chevrolet, making the reception feel as much like an upscale carnival as a celebrity wedding.

One of the night’s biggest winners was Jackie Tranquill, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill, who walked away with what appears to be a black Chanel 25 Small Handbag crafted from grained calfskin with gold-tone hardware. 

According to Chanel’s website, the accessory retails for approximately $6,700.

Swift Celebration Leaves One Guest Thrilled As Critics Push Back

Days after the wedding, Jackie shared a series of Instagram photos documenting her Fourth of July weekend, including a closer look at her new designer handbag.

The carousel also featured images of the elegant full-skirted gown she wore to the wedding, family snapshots, and even a television showing World Cup coverage.

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One of the photos showed Jackie posing with her man. The 30-year-old looked dapper in a green suit, paired with a white shirt, black pants, and a black shoe.

In another picture, Jackie opted for a side pose, while holding her and Drue’s baby boy. Another slide also featured a short clip of the mom of four looking happy while twirling on the street.

“Freedom, Friends & fútbol,” she captioned the post before adding, “Congrats to the newly weds. Happy 250th America & of course, let’s go USA!.” She wrapped up the celebration by writing, “WHAT A WEEKEND, WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!”

Fans Share Mixed Opinions About Jackie’s Win

Most followers flooded the comments with congratulations and compliments about her wedding look. Others celebrated her raffle win.

However, not everyone loved the concept. One commenter criticized the reception’s giveaway element altogether, describing the idea of winning prizes at a wedding as “tacky.”

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“Tacky to win prizes at a wedding?!?! But you look beautiful!” the fan wrote. The comment ignited a flurry of backlash from fans, who took to Taylor Swift’s defense.

“What’s tacky with that? I bet you’re lacking fun in your life. Life is short have some fun and don’t be so judgmental,” a fan shared. Another questioned, “Wanting to share your wealth with friends and family is tacky now? Y’all will call anything tacky.”

Other users simply praised Jackie, noting that she looked beautiful in her dress, especially as she gave birth in May. 

“Girl! You understood the assignment. You are stunning in that dress,” one fan wrote. A second user shared, “Okay so wow…I have seen some gorgeous dresses but this is by my favorite.”

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Taylor Swift Wedding Continues To Reveal New Details Days Later

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Although the wedding itself was an intensely private affair, new details have continued surfacing in the days since the ceremony.

Apparently, Jackie wasn’t the only lucky recipient of one of the night’s luxury prizes. Page Six also reported that Avril Lavigne won a Chanel handbag during the reception.

Guests who didn’t leave with raffle winnings weren’t forgotten. Each attendee reportedly received an embroidered handkerchief featuring a subtle nod to Swift’s 2014 hit “Blank Space.” 

The keepsake proved fitting after several emotional moments throughout the ceremony reportedly left guests reaching for tissues.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Tie The Knot In Star-Studded New York Ceremony

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Swift and Kelce officially became husband and wife after exchanging vows in a lavish ceremony at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, capping off a romance that captivated fans around the world. 

The July 3 celebration brought together around 1,000 guests, including celebrities, athletes, and close family members, while maintaining tight security and strict privacy measures throughout the event. 

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As The Blast reported, comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, with Swift’s brother, Austin, serving as her man of honor and Kelce’s brother, Jason, standing beside him as best man. 

The Grammy Award winner wore a custom Christian Dior Haute Couture gown designed by Jonathan Anderson, while Kelce also chose Dior for his wedding attire. 

Although official wedding photos have yet to be released, guests described the ceremony as intimate despite its grand scale, with the celebration ending beneath a rainbow following a dramatic summer thunderstorm.

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Much of science fiction takes us into worlds and galaxies beyond our own. While some find darker corners in the darkest reaches of outer space, some rousing efforts are all about adventure. Despite the high budgets that often come with high adventures set in space or the future, these movies have been around since the days of silent cinema. Ever since Georges Méliès sent a group of astronomers on A Trip to the Moon, audiences have been excited by the adventures that sci-fi can take us on.

The 20th century was host to numerous sci-fi adventures. Forbidden Planet, Star Wars, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and so many more brought audiences adventures on spaceships, across time and with bioengineered beasts. The adventure didn’t stop at the turn of the century, though, and we’ve gotten plenty of sci-fi classics in the 21st century. In the last 26 years, we’ve gotten new adventurous editions of some of the all-time best franchises. The adventure hasn’t stopped in the 21st century, and these ten films from the last 25 years are some of the best.

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‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ (2001)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

As the Disney Renaissance came to a close at the end of the ’90s, the studio began to try its hand at lots of different genres, adventure chief among them. Gone were the lavish musical numbers of films like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, replaced by Tarzan swinging to the sounds of Phil Collins and the second half of Mulan that subtly shifted it from a musical to a war epic. In the 21st century, Disney added some sci-fi to this formula with two of their most underrated cult films: the sci-fi pirate adventure Treasure Planet, and the steampunk Atlantis: The Lost Empire. The latter is still one of the best Disney movies of the 21st century and one of the best to combine sci-fi and adventure.

Set in the early 20th century, the film follows cartographer Milo Thatch (Michael J. Fox), who believes he can find the fabled lost city of Atlantis. He’s given the opportunity thanks to an eccentric millionaire and a ragtag team of adventurers who bring him on a journey to the depths of the oceans. The action is high octane, thanks to co-directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, and it features a vastly different style to the studio’s previous efforts thanks to the heavy influence of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, who also served as a production designer. Top to bottom, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is dynamite sci-fi entertainment.

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‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The original Tron was a landmark film in terms of visual effects technology, but had a more tepid response from critics and at the box office. Unsurprisingly, it became a major cult success with fans who fell in love with the dayglo circuitry aesthetic of the Grid. That cult following, coupled with the career resurgence of Jeff Bridges in the late aughts, led to the first major legacy sequel of the 21st century, aptly titled Tron: Legacy. It wasn’t exactly a blockbuster success, leaving the franchise dormant until last year’s low-rez Tron: Ares, but it’s still a visually astounding adventure across the digital frontier.

Decades after programmer Kevin Flynn (Bridges), the hero of the original, goes missing, his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) receives a cryptic clue regarding his whereabouts. Sam is almost immediately digitized into the Grid, where he not only finds his father alive, but also his villainous digital doppelgänger Clu, who has designs on escaping his computer prison and spreading like a virus across the real world. Tron: Legacy brings back all the signature elements of the first film, from the light cycles to identity disks, and gives them all a new coat of digital paint. Director Joseph Kosinski excels at making digital effects feel tactile, making Tron: Legacy an incredible debut.

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‘Star Trek’ (2009)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Despite his uneven track record, there’s no denying that J.J. Abrams can direct some spectacle, which is exactly what he brought, along with many lens flares, to his blockbuster reboot of Star Trek. Resetting the series with an alternate timeline, Abrams brought back the original series crew for a whole new voyage. Hardcore Trekkies may have taken major issues with the film and its liberties, but it helped revitalize a franchise that had been dormant for much of the 2000s after the failure of Star Trek: Nemesis.

In this rebooted timeline, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) is a hotheaded cadet who’s got an antagonistic relationship with Spock (Zachary Quinto). After half of Starfleet is destroyed by the Romulan Nero (Eric Bana), Kirk and Spock must put aside their differences to save Earth from total destruction. There’s plenty of action and adventure in the film, which is pretty perfectly cast top to bottom, with every actor bringing new dimensions to their established characters. The film also makes room for Leonard Nimoy to return to his iconic role in a bit of fan service that actually benefits the movie. Despite a couple of diminishing sequels, this reboot is still stellar fun.

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Image via Marvel Studios

Most superhero movies qualify as science fiction. That definitely applies to every entry in the MCU, which came out strong in 2008 with the original Iron Man and dominated the box office and pop culture for a solid decade. It wouldn’t be until the franchise got into its second phase that it really started to embrace the more cosmic side of Marvel, with James Gunn‘s Guardians of the Galaxy. Still one of the best MCU movies ever made, this intergalactic adventure is chock-full of colorful characters, quick quips and lots of sci-fi settings.

In a far-off section of space, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) does his best impression of Han Solo and Indiana Jones by plundering a planet for an ancient relic. This mystical MacGuffin contains an Infinity Stone, and Quill quickly finds himself in a universe of trouble. In a space prison, Quill gathers a motley crew of misfits including Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper). The characters, and Gunn’s off-the-wall writing, are what make this such an indelible sci-fi adventure that proved the MCU was better off embracing the weirder corner of its galaxy.

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‘Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi’ (2017)

Image via Lucasfilm

Even though it’s been almost a decade, there’s still a fair amount of (completely online) controversy surrounding The Last Jedi. The film made major, deliberate changes to some of the most beloved Star Wars characters in an effort to release the franchise from the constraints of its past. That unfortunately led to a completely normal and rational online reaction from a very vocal set of fans that completely drowned out any reasonable discussion. Disney also ended up listening to too much of that reaction and towed a far safer line with every other film and streaming series (save for Andor).

There’s no opinion regarding The Last Jedi that won’t offend someone, so here it is: it’s the best Star Wars movie since The Empire Strikes Back. The continuing adventures of Rey (Daisy Ridley) bring us back into the orbit of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who’s become a miserable hermit after years of failing to find balance in the Force. She also discovers a hard truth about her parentage that promised a bold new direction for the franchise before being unceremoniously retconned. There are also a lot of subplots, including a casino planet, Leia (Carrie Fisher) flying through space, and that old devil Snoke (Andy Serkis). It’s a weird and uneven movie sometimes, but it’s also a fantastic adventure that offered new possibilities in a galaxy far, far away.

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‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

Image via A24

Multiverses became a part of the mainstream pop culture lexicon in the 21st century, bringing the concept that comic book and sci-fi fans had been nerding out over in media for decades to a much bigger audience. It largely hit its zeitgeist apex when it was featured in the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, an absurd sci-fi martial arts adventure that had more ideas in single scenes than a lot of Hollywood blockbusters had in their entire runtimes. Giving Michelle Yeoh a proper Hollywood leading role that was at least two decades overdue and featuring shining support from Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once gives you everything you want out of a movie.

Evelyn Wang (Yeoh) is a depressed laundromat proprietor being audited by the IRS, estranged from her husband Waymond (Quan) and with a strained relationship with her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu). When Evelyn learns of the existence of the multiverse where she can inhabit her alternate selves, she also discovers her daughter is a multiverse maniac intent on destroying every last parallel world. The film can go from clever to overbearing to kick-ass and back again from scene to scene. It could all be overwhelming noise and nonsense, but directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert keep the story grounded, and Yeoh gives a full-bodied Oscar-winning performance.

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‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

One of the best sci-fi adventures of the last 25 years also happens to be the best blockbuster of 2026 so far. Project Hail Mary is based on the hard sci-fi novel by Andy Weir. This newest adventure features a lone human scientist on a one-way mission to save Earth who teams up with an alien lifeform. The balancing act of humor and science jargon is handled expertly by co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who keep the tone as light as it needs to be and the pace moving. Ryan Gosling has more chemistry with a talking rock, making for one of the most unexpectedly beautiful bonds in modern sci-fi.

Ryland Grace (Gosling) is a middle school teacher and molecular biologist recruited to assist in a mission to study small organisms responsible for the dimming of the sun. Through a series of unfortunate events, Grace soon finds himself all alone on a spacecraft light-years from Earth. That’s when there’s a knock at the door, and he meets Rocky, the adorable alien voiced by James Ortiz, who also led the creature’s puppeteers. Grace and Rocky’s relationship makes Project Hail Mary such a fun adventure, but the film’s excitement towards science and the beauty of the universe should make any fan giddy as well. This hit is the kind of crowd-pleasing blockbuster that should be the rule and not the exception that it currently is.

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‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Before Everything Everywhere All at Once explored the multiverse, and before Lord and Miller shot Ryan Gosling into space, there was Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While Sony can’t seem to get their act together when it comes to a live-action expanded universe featuring Spider-Man and his amazing friends, animation has provided a medium for some of the most inventive and visually stunning superhero adventures ever made. Into the Spider-Verse gave the Spider-Spotlight to Miles Morales, an alternate-universe Spider-Man whose origin story here comes with multiversal consequences.

Miles (Shameik Moore) is a gifted but distracted kid from Brooklyn who has great power thrust upon him after he’s bitten by a genetically mutated spider and witnesses his universe’s Peter Parker (Chris Pine) die at the fists of Kingpin (Liev Schreiber). He’s not alone for too long as he quickly meets more Spider-People from across the multiverse, including an old, sadder Peter Parker (Jake Johnson), Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and even the hard-boiled Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage). Into the Spider-Verse is the best Spider-Man movie ever made. It reinvigorated a character and franchise that had been booted and rebooted too many times, with a fresh perspective and a wildly entertaining sci-fi adventure.

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‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The most epic sci-fi adventure of the 2020s and possibly the 21st century so far is Denis Villeneuve‘s two-part (soon to be three) adaptation of Frank Herbert‘s seminal sci-fi novel Dune. Depicting the feudal conflicts that stain the sands of Arrakis red with blood, Villeneuve’s films brought vivid, visually arresting life to Herbert’s sci-fi world. While the first film was a slow introduction to that world and its characters, the sequel kicked things into higher gear with epic sandworm riding and visceral fight sequences. It’s a stimulating and overwhelming adaptation of one of the biggest sci-fi adventures in the history of the genre.

After the destruction of his family’s empire, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) now lives a nomadic existence with the Fremen tribes of Arrakis, some of whom believe him to be their messiah. Plagued by visions of a future of destruction caused by his actions while haunted by the machinations behind his existence, Paul is ultimately led to his role as a messianic leader and is able to exact vengeance upon the Harkonnens, who orchestrated the violent overthrow of his family. Dune: Part Two is a sprawling story told with sprawling visuals and is one of the most immersive sci-fi films of this century.

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‘WALL-E’ (2008)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar’s robot love story WALL-E might be the studio’s greatest. It was Andrew Stanton‘s follow-up to Finding Nemo as a director, and it represented a quantum leap forward in terms of what could be done in mainstream CGI animation and what could be expected of it. So beloved was WALL-E and its success so overwhelming that it contributed to the Academy Awards expanding their Best Picture category to include more than five films after they infamously snubbed the animated masterpiece.

In the future, Earth is no longer inhabited by humans, who have long since left it behind to live in luxury on massive cruise liners in space. Still on Earth is WALL-E, or Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-Class, a trash bot built to clean up the mess left by humans, but he’s the only one of his kind left on the planet. That is until the robot EVE lands, and WALL-E finds love, while EVE finds a boot with a plant setting off the more madcap back half of the film. WALL-E is a wonderful romance, a fantastic family film, and even a more pointed satire of our technological reliance than Stanton’s own Toy Story 5. It is also the greatest sci-fi adventure of the last 25 years.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith quietly rewrote the timeline of one of Hollywood’s most talked-about marriages without anyone noticing. 

While the public believed the couple remained committed despite living apart, the longtime spouses had reportedly resumed living together a while ago. 

The newly revealed detail doesn’t just update their relationship status; it changes how fans now view nearly every public appearance and family reunion the pair has made over the past two years.  

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The biggest revelation isn’t that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are still together, but that they’ve reportedly been living under the same roof again for some time without publicly announcing it.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, an insider revealed the timeline of the recent development, noting, “Jada moved back in with Will two years ago.”

According to the source, the couple’s decision wasn’t driven by headlines or public pressure. “They are happy and love each other and are, as ever, committed to supporting each other,” they told the outlet.

The news marks a significant shift in the public understanding of their marriage. After Jada disclosed in 2023 that she and Will had actually been separated since 2016, many assumed the pair had continued living separate lives despite remaining legally married. 

As recently as early 2025, reports suggested they were still living in separate homes. The latest revelation means that narrative had already changed privately long before anyone realized.  

Jada’s Marriage Timeline Now Looks Very Different

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The newly revealed timeline also casts several recent public appearances in an entirely new light.

When Will and Jada Pinkett Smith attended Christian Louboutin’s Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 presentation during Paris Fashion Week last month, many viewed the outing as another example of two devoted parents supporting their son Jaden. 

Pictures from the event showed the family posing alongside Willow, Trey Smith, and Jada’s mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris. However, the trip reflected something they had consistently prioritized.

That same month, an insider told PEOPLE that the visit centered on “family time,” adding, “Will and Jada love each other and absolutely maintain a steady relationship, but what you are seeing is full support of their kids. They are proud of them.”

The same dynamic reportedly continued over the Fourth of July weekend in Philadelphia. Although severe weather delayed Will’s scheduled performance until 2 a.m., the source said Jada “was there with him as she always is.”  

Will Smith And Jada Fuel Relationship Speculation With Paris Restaurant Outing

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Shortly after their Paris Fashion Week outing, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith set tongues wagging after stepping out for a rare dinner date at Paris hotspot Loulou, where they were joined by son Jaden and close friends before leaving the restaurant arm-in-arm. 

As The Blast reported, the longtime couple appeared relaxed and smiling as they strolled through the French capital, with Jada looping her arm through her husband’s while the two coordinated effortlessly stylish looks. 

The “Bad Boys” actor opted for a patterned collared shirt, tailored trousers, and a white baseball cap, while Jada wore a chic black-and-white layered ensemble with statement eyewear. 

The outing quickly reignited conversation about the pair’s enduring bond, as many pointed to their affectionate display during one of their most high-profile public appearances together in recent months.  

Will’s Fans Divided After Jada Pinkett Smith’s Viral Paris Moment

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Will and Jada’s recent Paris restaurant outing may have reignited discussion about their unconventional relationship, but it was a brief interaction afterward that truly set social media ablaze. 

After the couple enjoyed dinner together in the French capital, Will stopped outside to greet supporters and sign autographs as photographers surrounded him. 

As the 59-year-old chatted with fans, Jada briefly placed a hand on his back before continuing toward their waiting vehicle, a moment some viewers quickly misinterpreted. 

Some viewers insisted the moment reflected tension between the couple, with one X user claiming per The Blast, “Jada Pinkett shoved Will Smith aside while he was signing autographs for fans and walked away like he was a complete stranger.” 

Another added, “She either has some crazy -ss blackmail on him or a voodoo spell because how the f-ck has he not walked away from this woman yet?” 

Others dismissed the criticism, arguing the exchange was being blown out of proportion. 

Jada Never Suggested Divorce Was The Goal

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Although the latest outings come as a surprise, it aligns with what Jada Pinkett has consistently said about her marriage.

While promoting her memoir “Worthy” in 2023, she shocked fans by revealing that she and Will had quietly separated in 2016. At the same time, however, she made it clear the separation was never intended to end their relationship.

“We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us,” she told PEOPLE.

She also explained, “I’m going to be by his side… but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself.”

Even after publicly acknowledging their years-long separation, the actress repeatedly emphasized that neither she nor Will viewed divorce as the destination. 

Instead, they continued redefining what marriage looked like on their own terms, a philosophy both have discussed publicly for years. 

It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a book series with the level of hype and general popularity that Dungeon Crawler Carl has been experiencing over the last several months. Matt Dinniman‘s LitRPG sci-fi series has been steadily building a big audience for a couple of years now, but the end of 2025 and the first few months of 2026 have seen it reach new heights. There are still new readers joining the ranks of the Dungeon Crawlers every single day, beginning their journey through the eight-book series that has captured so many others.

Excitement reached a high point back in April with the release of the eighth Dungeon Crawler Carl novel, A Parade of Horribles. While some are currently working their way through the series to get to the newest release, a large chunk of the fan base burned through the new book within a couple of days. Of course, once you finish A Parade of Horribles, the first thing on your mind is when you’ll be able to read the next chapter. There’s still no answer to that question at this point, but we do know exactly how many books are left before the series comes to a close.

‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Is Almost Over

Image via Luciano Fleitas/Ace Books

So, just how much is left in Dungeon Crawler Carl? Dinniman has already answered this question publicly, though the answer itself is a little bit complicated. There are going to be nine books in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. At the same time, there are also going to be ten books in the saga. It’s all about how you want to look at it.

Dinniman is currently working on the ninth and final entry in the series, which will bring a close to the story that began in Dungeon Crawler Carl. That said, there will be 10 individual volumes within Dungeon Crawler Carl by the time it’s all over. The author has already announced that he will be splitting this ninth installment into two separate volumes, meaning that there will be two individual releases for the end of the story, likely with Part 1 and Part 2 included in the titles.

There are a number of different reasons for the split into two books, and Dinniman has addressed more than one. The book will likely be more than big enough to warrant separate volumes, and the author has already said he’s using the split and single title as a reason to drop a big cliffhanger at the end of the next installment.

More to the ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Universe?

Dungeon Crawler Carl lends itself to a plethora of spin-off or continuation ideas, given the vast nature of the galaxy in the book, as well as of the endlessly intriguing characters in the series, many of which deserve their own series at some point. Unfortunately, there is no kind of spin-off book in the works right now, and Dinniman has not revealed any major plans to do so — at least in classic book form.

There is a standalone graphic novel on the way that focuses on the origins of fan-favorite character Florin, the bounty hunter-turned-humanoid crocodile in the time before the dungeon opened up on Earth. Co-written by Dinniman and Michael Moreci, and illustrated by Brett Bean, Dungeon Crawler Carl: Crocodile is going to be hitting shelves at some point (following its crowdfunding campaign).

It appears, at least for now, this is the only sort of spin-off/prequel/sequel coming from Dungeon Crawler Carl. However, the franchise is only going to keep popping up in all sorts of spaces in the future. There is a role-playing game and card game coming from Renegade (after a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign), as well as a live-action TV show from Seth MacFarlane in the works at Peacock.

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