Entertainment
Legendary Star Ranbir Kapoor Says His Latest Film Is “Nothing Less Than Lord of the Rings” [Exclusive]
Summary
- Collider’s Steve Weintraub talks with Ranbir Kapoor for Ramayana.
- In this interview, Kapoor discusses Ramayana’s epic two-part story and the gratitude and responsibility of portraying Rama.
- He also talks about the movie’s Lord of the Rings-scale spectacle, six hours of grand visuals and action, filming for IMAX, and more.
From director Nitesh Tiwari, with an expansive story by Shridhar Raghavan, comes one of India’s most anticipated features of 2026: Ramayana. At an exclusive early preview, Collider’s Steve Weintraub had the opportunity to talk with the film’s lead, Ranbir Kapoor, who has the esteemed honor of portraying not only Lord Rama in the movie, but is pulling double duty representing Lord Parshuram, as well. In this interview, Kapoor talks with us about the responsibility of the role, why he initially turned it down, and why this is a must-see in IMAX.
Ramayana, told in two parts, is a sweeping, timeless epic from producer and filmmaker Namit Malhotra. In the movie, Heaven and Earth are inching closer to chaos, and to restore the balance, the Trinity god Vishnu must descend to Earth as an avatar, Rama (Kapoor). Rama is a prince whose opposition is the formidable and immortal demon king Ravana (Yash). Unfortunately, Rama does not yet realize that his destiny is to confront this vengeful demon in a clash so catastrophic that the fate of the gods and mortals hang in its balance. In the movie, Kapoor leads a star-studded ensemble, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
Don’t miss the full conversation in the video above, or the transcript below, where Kapoor discusses the importance of the whirlwind global promotion of Ramayana, why he first declined the role, and the gratitude and responsibility he feels representing this story. Kapoor also talks about why audiences must see Ramayana in IMAX if they’re able, Indian cinema’s reach across the world since films like 2022’s RRR (and long before), and growing up among cinema royalty.
Ranbir Kapoor Shares His Favorite Fan Moments as a Movie Geek
He tells stories about Al Pacino, Bill Murray, Quentin Tarantino, and more.
COLLIDER: We’re in Los Angeles right now, and literally yesterday you were on set in India filming part two. What were you filming yesterday, and what is it like to just jump on a plane and fly around the world?
RANBIR KAPOOR: Well, I won’t lie, it is a bit hard and daunting, but moments like this and films like this come very rarely in a person’s life, and when you’re so proud of something, you’re so inspired, you want to travel the world and try and pass on the message that this film is coming out and what the movie’s about. So, yes, it is tiring, but the immense faith and intention that we have behind making this film, I think that just pulls us all together.
Can you tease what you were filming on set?
KAPOOR: We’re already halfway done filming part two, at least my portions. It’s even more exciting than what you guys have seen.
I won’t pressure you anymore. I like asking a few fun questions to actors, and this is my fun question for you: Have you ever asked for someone’s autograph?
KAPOOR: Absolutely. Much like yourselves, I’m a big geek of movies. I’ve been watching a film a day for the last 35 years. Apart from my local heroes, where I grew up in India, when I’ve traveled, I’ve been shooed away by Natalie Portman, Quentin Tarantino has shown me the finger, and I’ve met Bill Murray. Al Pacino was doing a reading of Salomé on Broadway; I was a student at that time, and I stood outside for three hours just to get a shout-out from him. Met [Robert] DeNiro in India. These are my screen idols, and just to meet them has given me immense joy.
Coming as a fan, how much has that impacted when you’re meeting your fans? How much has that changed you, knowing that you’ve been on the other side, where you stood in line for three hours wanting to meet someone? You have a lot of fans, so does that play a little factor with you?
KAPOOR: Absolutely. I feel a lot of gratitude. Sometimes it’s disbelief, like, “All of these people want to take my autograph or take a picture with me?” Also, I come from a film family. I’m fourth generation, so my family has been contributing to Indian cinema for close to 100 years. I’ve seen it around me while growing up. I’ve seen people with immense success, even with immense failure, and I think that really balanced me out very early on. So, I don’t get swayed by success or get disheartened by failure.
Ranbir Kapoor Says ‘Ramayana’ Is India’s Answer to the Greatest Global Epics
“It’s nothing less than Lord of the Rings.”
A lot of people in America who are going to be watching this interview won’t actually know the story, won’t know much about the history. What can you tease people about the movie? Why does it mean so much to you and so many people around the world?
KAPOOR: Well, it is the greatest epic to come from my country, India. Apart from the entertainment and every emotion that it will give you, there are a lot of life lessons that you can take from a film like Ramayana and the characters. I’m extremely excited that the West, the entire world, and the entire global audience will get to sample this story.
One of the things about being the main character in a movie like this is that it has to, as an actor, be very daunting. Your whole career has led to this moment, so what was it like for you in the months leading up to that first day of filming, to get your head around what you would be doing mentally and physically?
KAPOOR: Steve, if I can go back a year before filming is when I felt the jitters, when there was a lot of fear. But I think by the time it was a month before filming, I felt so much gratitude to get this opportunity. It was a blessing of Lord Ram that I got to play this — nobody can represent him, but to actually surrender myself to the character that I played.
A month before, if I can remember, I was chasing the director, Nitesh Tiwari, to try to take as much as I could about the story, about the journey of Ram. Because it’s limitless, right? There is not just a definite “this is it, and this is what you play.” So, I think really to truly surrender to the part, to make certain sacrifices about your life, make certain changes to really feel close to what you’re trying to engage the audience with, I think a month before shoot, I was all there.
In the new trailer that will be out by the time people watch this, there’s a shot of you swinging on a branch with a creature, and it reminded me a little bit of Legolas in The Lord of the Rings. It was just this massive spectacle. So, what can you tease people in terms of some of the spectacle and the cool things that you do in these movies?
KAPOOR: Like you said, Steve, you know, it’s nothing less than Lord of the Rings. It’s our greatest epic spectacle coming from our country, and this was just a teaser. We have six hours of epic visuals and epic action sequences, emotions. It teaches you to be a better son, a better husband, a better brother. It’s the triumph of good over evil. There are so many different layers of storytelling happening with this film that I’m really excited for people to sample it.
There is significant buzz about you playing both Lord Ram and Parshuram. How are you using your body language and voice to differentiate between the two distinct divine entities, one representing calm and the other righteous fury?
KAPOOR: Well, you’ve done your homework pretty well. Just to give you a backstory, Lord Vishnu had different avatars. Lord Ram is one avatar; Lord Parshuram was an avatar before Lord Rām. And just to get the opportunity, like how I got to play Lord Rām, to also play Lord Parshuram was fantastic.
As an actor, apart from body language, if you deeply understand the spirituality, the emotionality of characters, I think everything starts from there. That’s what I did that year, leading to the shoot of Ramayana, was to really understand who these people are, who these characters are, what they stand for, what their motives are, and then everything just becomes easier.
Every generation has its Rām. How do you detach yourself from those legendary benchmarks to ensure your version feels fresh without being disrespectful to the core sentiments?
KAPOOR: Like I said, it’s a responsibility. It’s a responsibility that you’re carrying on your shoulders. Because, like I mentioned earlier, you can’t really play him. You are representing. You’re telling, as an actor, your version of Lord Rām. So, the responsibility, the intention, the faith, and the belief that I have as an actor, I have as an Indian, towards this story, towards Lord Rām, I think that’s where it all begins.
So, Rama is often described as the ideal man. After living in this character’s skin for so long, what is the one quality of Rama that has actually rubbed off on you, the person?
KAPOOR: I think the leading qualities which really stand out to me, apart from all there is, are his compassion, his courage, his ability to forgive, and righteousness. There is a saying in the scriptures, “Tara Maa protects those who uphold it,” and I think that’s something that really stayed with me.
How ‘RRR’ Impacted Indian Cinema’s Reach in the West
“Indian cinema has been a leading nation in making cinema.”
You’ve been working in Indian cinema for decades. How have you seen Indian cinema change over the last 20 years? And I’m curious, with the success of RRR in America, how much that may have opened the Western audiences for Indian cinema, from your perspective?
KAPOOR: Yes, of course. RRR made a huge impact, which was two years back, but I’ve always believed that a good story really translates and travels, irrespective of language, which could be a barrier. I think Indian cinema has been a leading nation in making cinema. My grandfather’s films, which were in the 1950s, traveled to Russia, to Japan, to different parts of the world. I think with every generation, we are taking giant steps, where a larger audience is sampling our movies and giving respect to our cinema. I think with Ramayana, the intention is to really take Indian cinema, take a giant leap, and really make a large audience sample our movies.
People don’t realize the long hours it takes to make a movie. Making one movie is an immense challenge, but you’re filming two, I believe, back to back. What is it like for you to maintain that stamina and energy when it’s such a long production?
KAPOOR: Again, it goes back to faith and belief, because you believe in it. The intention of all the makers, the cast, and crew is so positive, and everybody has this full energy to tell the story in the best way possible. I think that’s something which really keeps us going. Where the story starts and where it continues to go is a very exciting narrative for an actor just to be part of that.
‘RRR’ Director S.S. Rajamouli Teases His Most Ambitious Film Yet After James Cameron’s Praise
“We should concentrate on how to make that high higher or bigger rather than trying to recreate from the previous success,” says S.S. Rajamouli.
What was it actually like for you reading the script for the first time? Because it’s one thing to hear what you’re going to do, it’s another thing to actually read that script. What was something that you couldn’t believe was on the page? What was something that made you say, “How are we going to film this?”
KAPOOR: It was a journey because when Namit [Malhotra] offered me this part, he didn’t narrate the script to me. He just said, “Listen, I’m making this film. What do you feel about playing Lord Rām?” And out of fear, my instinct reaction was, “No, I can’t do it. I’m not fit enough for it.” But then, over a period of time, Namit took me through his vision and what he was doing with the film.
Then, when I met Nitesh Sir, and he narrated the story to me, I could not thank my stars that I was in the right place at the right time, getting the opportunity to be part of a film like this, to play Lord Rām. I still have to pinch myself to understand that I am playing Lord Rām, and that’s something which is probably a big turning point in my life and career.
Why IMAX Is the Best Way To Experience ‘Ramayana’
“It just blew my mind.”
I want to bring up the IMAX of it all. I can’t wait to watch this in IMAX. It’s my favorite format for the big screen experience, and more and more audiences around the world now understand what IMAX means. Can you talk about why you’re going to want to see this in IMAX, and what it is like making a movie that’s going to be on these massive, massive screens?
KAPOOR: I guess when you’re telling such epic stories, which are such big-scale event films, this is probably one of the biggest IMAXs I’ve ever seen in my life.
We should mention we’re in the AMC Burbank.
KAPOOR: AMC Burbank.
This is one of James Cameron’s favorite theaters.
KAPOOR: It just blew my mind. It’s like you’re immersed. You’re in there. And Ramayana is a story that should be sampled in IMAX. That’s where you really feel the experience of the movie.
Speaking of movie theaters, I love seeing movies in movie theaters. Do you have a favorite movie theater? It could be anywhere that you’ve been.
KAPOOR: Yes. There is a theater in India called Gaiety Galaxy. That’s where I grew up, going to watch movies. We have a system where there is a stall and a balcony. The stall is where everyone’s really having a party, like they’re throwing money on the screen and throwing papers all over. People in the balcony are a little bit more dignified, if I might say, looking down at all the people having fun. But my earliest memories of cinema and larger-than-life characters started from that place, Gaiety Galaxy.
Your family is essentially a royal family when it comes to cinema in India. At what point in your life did you realize, “Actually, I think I am going to want to be an actor. I do want to do this?” When did it hit you?
KAPOOR: Everyone in my family just took it for granted that “Probably, he’ll grow up to be an actor or a director.” But growing up in a film family, there was no sense of ego or, “This is a very easy thing for me to do,” because all people are successful in my family because they’re extremely hardworking, extremely passionate. Everybody had an individualistic approach towards their work, and that’s why they were successful. That’s the learning I got very early on in my life, that unless I have my own individual approach to my work, my own stories to tell, it’ll be hard for me. So, yeah, it was amazing to feel the passion, to feel that energy and madness towards cinema. That was very contagious growing up.
Ramayana: Part 1 opens in theaters and IMAX globally this fall, during Diwali 2026. Part 2 is currently in production and slated to debut globally during Diwali 2027.
- Release Date
-
November 8, 2026
- Director
-
Nitesh Tiwari
- Writers
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Shridhar Raghavan
- Producers
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Yash, Namit Malhotra
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“Storage Wars”' Rene Nezhoda offers new details about alleged cyberbullying Darrell Sheets experienced before death
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Sheets was found dead at age 67 from an apparent suicide.
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Taylor Swift’s Mesh Sneakers Are Spring’s Coolest Shoe Trend
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Taylor Swift has a way of making even the simplest outfits feel instantly iconic — and her mesh sneakers are proof. Styled with a blue polo top, straight-leg jeans and minimal gold jewelry, the look struck that perfect balance between relaxed and polished. It’s the kind of effortless outfit you screenshot and save for later.
Swift’s now sold-out The Row Bonnie Sneakers nail that understated, off-duty feel. However, the steep price (and current waitlist status) makes them a tough get. We went searching for a more affordable way to recreate the look and landed on the Project Cloud Leather Mesh Sneakers for just $38 on Amazon.
Get the Project Cloud 100% Genuine Leather Mesh Sneakers for $38 (was $42) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The Project Cloud Mesh Sneakers deliver that same airy, understated feel Swift pulled off so well, thanks to its breathable mesh detailing and neutral colorway. The design strikes that ideal mix of laid-back and refined. You can wear them with straight-leg jeans and a tee, or style them with breezy dresses and trousers for a slightly more polished look. Either way, the sneakers instantly pull an outfit together.
The breathable upper keeps your feet cool on warmer days, while memory foam insoles add that cushioned, all-day comfort you actually notice. The lightweight feel makes them ideal for travel, errands or long days on your feet, and the slip-on design means no extra effort when heading out the door.
Shoppers are just as obsessed. The sneakers have racked up more than 450 five-star ratings, with one five-star reviewer calling them a “new favorite” thanks to their “versatile” design. Another reviewer said they’re the “best casual shoes” for their “lightweight and comfortable” feel — exactly what you want from an everyday pair.
Available in multiple colors with sizes ranging from 5.5 to 11, they’re an easy addition to any spring wardrobe. If you’ve been wanting to recreate one of Swift’s most effortless outfits, get the Project Cloud Mesh Sneakers before your size sells out!
Get the Project Cloud 100% Genuine Leather Mesh Sneakers for $38 (was $42) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Project Cloud here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
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Ashley Darby Allegedly Feuding With ‘RHOP’ Newcomer
Ashley Darby is going to have an intense season of “Real Housewives of Potomac,” if new reports turn out to be true.
Rumors are swirling that Darby is in the middle of a fresh feud, and no, it’s not with current cast members, but rather with a new addition that has yet to be confirmed by Bravo.

The 11th season of “RHOP” is currently underway, and, as is the case with any “Housewives” show filming, leaks about what is happening are being shared online.
In this case, it involves “RHOP” OG Ashley Darby and rumored new cast member Courtney Ajinca. Per a post from reality TV blogger Nate Williams (@natesmediaaa on X, formerly known as Twitter), the two women recently got into an explosive fight that culminated with Ajinca calling Darby a pedophile.
“POTOMAC SEASON 11 TEA. (exclusively from close source) -Word on the street is that the fierce newbie Courtney Ajinca and Ashley Darby are feuding BAD. Things allegedly got so bad, Courtney called Ashley a p*dop*hle,” the post read.
Williams then clarified that sharing the information was not intended to enable online users to cyberbully either woman.
”Let’s be clear, I do not want to send any hate to Ashley or Courtney. I’m simply relaying the news that was brought to me by someone in Potomac.”
The Rumored New Cast Member Was Previously Revealed

Shortly after Bravo confirmed the return of “RHOP” cast members: Darby, Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch, and Robyn Dixon, multiple reports named Ajinca as a new addition.
According to Reality Blurb, Ajinca is the wife of an assistant coach of the Washington Wizards basketball team, with an insider telling the outlet that she does “have an actual contract.”
“Bravo will announce what her actual role is at some point in the future,” the source added.
While Bravo has not confirmed her role on the show, all signs point to Ajinca being on the show in some capacity, as she was seen filming with the cast at a Wizards game earlier this month.
Fans have since dug into Ajinca’s social media accounts and noted her alleged support for MAGA and her commentary on her fierce religious beliefs.
Darby Discussed Why She Hooked Up With Charisse Jackson-Jordan’s Younger Son

While appearing on the “What’s the Reality” podcast in February 2026, Ashley Darby explained why she hooked up with the son of former “RHOP” full-time cast member Charisse Jackson-Jordan and revealed it on the show.
“It’s been just kind of sitting on me for a while. It’s been sitting on me for two years now,” Darby said of her relationship with Jordan Jackson, who is 10 years her junior.
“You know, I wanted Charrisse back on the show. I have. I almost told her umteen times, and I was gonna take it to my grave,” she added of her desire to want Jackson-Jordan back in a full-time role.
“I was like, ‘Hey girl, this could be your chance. Get you back on the show. In the scene, I thought she was gonna like throw champagne in my face, flip the table, do a whole thing, nothing of the sort,” she said.
The Reality Star Confirmed That The Fallout Damaged Her Relationship With Jordan Jackson

Elsewhere in the “What’s The Reality” interview, Darby confirmed that she no longer speaks to Jordan Jackson. “No, we don’t speak,” she said.
The mother of two also expressed her regret about what happened.
“I mean, I do feel bad about it because if Charrisse genuinely feels the way she does, I am remorseful,” Darby added. “I don’t like the way she’s going about it, and that’s where I’m losing respect for her, but if she’s genuinely upset and I can acknowledge that I crossed a line, then we can deal with it.”
“But if you’re going to keep defaming me and saying all this stuff and talking bad about my character, then we have another problem,” she said.
‘RHOP’ Season 11 Will Bring OGs Back Together

On April 10, Bravo took to social media to announce the returning cast for “RHOP” season 11, and while it was expected that Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, and Stacey Rusch would return, the inclusion of franchise OGs Robyn Dixon and Karen Huger grabbed all the attention.
Huger was last seen during part three of the season 10 reunion, which followed her sit-down interview with Andy Cohen, in which she discussed her prison stay, sobriety, and future on the show. She will return to the show in a full-time role after being absent last season.
Meanwhile, Dixon has not appeared on “RHOP” since she was fired at the end of season 8. She was set to appear last season for a celebration of her “Reasonably Shady” podcast with Bryant, who confirmed that Dixon chose not to attend because she was not happy “with how she left the show.”
Entertainment
Russell Brand gets roasted after struggling to find Bible passage during awkward Piers Morgan interview
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The actor spent more than a minute looking for the section he read at a court hearing addressing the allegations of rape and sexual assault against him.
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Fans Drag Him As Megan Confirms Breakup
Whew, Roomies! The internet is popping off with reactions after Megan Thee Stallion seemingly implied that she and Klay Thompson have parted ways. Meg sparked breakup speculation after sharing an emotional post on Instagram Stories, and now fans are flooding Klay’s social media with reactions.
RELATED: It’s Over? Social Media Users Think Megan Thee Stallion’s Emotional Post Has Exposed Klay Thompson For Cheating On Her & More
Fans Drag Klay Thompson After Megan Thee Stallion Seemingly Accuses Him Of Cheating
Folks online are telling Klay Thompson to go ahead and deactivate his social media after Megan Thee Stallion confirmed their breakup and seemingly accused him of cheating. After Meg dropped a subliminal message on her Instagram Story, fans flooded the comment section of Klay’s latest post on IG with reactions. Klay shared the post on April 5, and it features a carousel of photos from a Dallas Mavericks game against the Los Angeles Lakers. See the post and reactions below.
Internet Goes IN On Klay In The Comment Section Of His Latest Post
Fans didn’t hesitate to call Klay Thompson out in the comment section of his last post. Plenty of folks said they were rooting for him to hold the Hot Girl down, while others said cheating on Megan Thee Stallion is just crazy work! Peep more reactions below.
Instagram user @dimeontv wrote, “WE WAS ROOTING FOR YOU.”
Instagram user @fionarosesolis wrote, “aaaaaand you’re done.”
While Instagram user @moneybaggredz wrote, “Come outside klay, we just wanna talk.”
Then Instagram user @cheetahda1__ wrote, “She made that 🔥lover girl video and this the payment she get 😭”
Another Instagram user @niisouul wrote, “Klayyy are we serious rn ?????????”
Instagram user @yasminfromthebratz wrote, “You had us allllllllll fooled.”
Then another Instagram user @_eazyybreezyy_ wrote, “Boooooooooo cheating on Meg is crazy work 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅”
Instagram user @myaaloll wrote, “now yk why we here right now.”
While another Instagram user @evathebeauty wrote, “We here to jump you.”
Instagram user @themisssavannah wrote, “We ride at dawn for Meg 😐”
Finally, Instagram user @themainwo1f wrote, “Gone head n deactivate they coming for u 😂😂”
Meg Confirms Breakup With Klay In Official Statement
Megan Thee Stallion had the Hotties in complete shock when she dropped a bombshell post about cheating and getting treated poorly during basketball season. She didn’t name anyone, but fans quickly assumed that she was putting Klay Thompson on blast.
“Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house…got ‘cold feet’ Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous’???? b*tch I need a REAL break after this one..bye yall,”
Along with her IG post, the rapper also shared an exclusive statement with TMZ confirming that she decided to end their relationship because fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for her.
“I’ve made the decision to end my relationship with Klay. Trust, fidelity, and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those are compromised, there’s no real path forward.” She continued, “I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”
RELATED: Future Wife Energy!? Megan Thee Stallion Wows Klay Thompson With Star-Studded 36th Birthday Bash (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
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Ellen DeGeneres’ Hollywood Comeback Raises New Questions
After years away from Hollywood’s spotlight, Ellen DeGeneres is stepping back into a familiar role that once defined her film career.
The unexpected return comes after a turbulent period marked by controversy, public scrutiny, and a major career shift, setting the stage for what could be one of her most closely watched comebacks yet.

The longtime television host and comedian is set to reprise her beloved role as Dory in a new short film connected to the “Finding Nemo” universe.
According to Deadline, the project marks her first film role in years, bringing her back to a character that resonated with audiences worldwide.
DeGeneres originally voiced Dory in 2003’s “Finding Nemo” and returned for the 2016 sequel “Finding Dory,” which became a massive commercial success, earning over $1 billion globally.
That sequel ultimately marked her last appearance in a feature film before stepping away from Hollywood projects.
Her return to the animated franchise signals a full-circle moment, especially given how closely her voice became tied to the character’s identity and charm.
Ellen DeGeneres Faced Career Fallout After Workplace Allegations

The comeback follows a difficult chapter in DeGeneres’ career that began in 2020.
The controversy gained traction after a viral tweet invited people to share negative experiences about the star, quickly drawing widespread attention.
Soon after, an investigation was launched following allegations from former employees of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” who claimed there were issues involving workplace culture, including bullying and misconduct.
The fallout led to major internal changes, including the removal of key executive producers.
DeGeneres later issued a formal apology to staff and addressed the situation publicly, but the damage to her public image lingered.
Her daytime show eventually came to an end in May 2022 after nearly two decades on air, closing a significant chapter in her career.
Ellen DeGeneres Reflects On Controversy And Personal Growth

In the years following the controversy, Ellen DeGeneres opened up about the experience and how it affected her personally.
She described the period as both challenging and transformative.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2022, she said, “I have to just trust that whatever happened during that time, which was obviously very, very difficult, happened for a reason.”
She continued, “I think that I learned a lot, and there were some things that came up that I was shocked and surprised by. It was eye-opening, but I just trust that that had to happen.”
Despite the setbacks, DeGeneres has maintained that the experience offered her valuable perspective, even as it reshaped her place in the entertainment industry.
Return Attempts Draw Mixed Reactions From Audiences
Following a period away from the public eye, Ellen DeGeneres attempted to reconnect with audiences through her 2024 Netflix stand-up special, “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.”
The project marked her first major on-screen appearance since stepping back from daytime television.
However, the reception was far from unanimous. The special received mixed to negative reviews, with critics and audiences divided on its tone and content.
The response suggested that rebuilding her public image might take time, even as she works to reestablish her presence.
The reaction reflected the complexity of her comeback, with lingering perceptions from past controversies still influencing how new projects are received.
DeGeneres Splits Life Between UK And California

Outside of her professional life, Ellen DeGeneres has also made notable changes to her personal lifestyle.
She and her wife, Portia de Rossi, spent time living in the United Kingdom following political developments in the United States.
Reflecting on the move, DeGeneres shared per the Daily Mail, “We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’”
She also spoke warmly about her experience abroad, saying, “It’s absolutely beautiful. We’re just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture – everything you see is charming and it’s just a simpler way of life.”
Continuing her thoughts, she added, “It’s clean. Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here. We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life. We love it here. Portia flew her horses here, and I have chickens, and we had sheep for about two weeks.”
Despite her appreciation for the UK, DeGeneres has since expanded her presence back in the United States, purchasing a high-value home in Montecito, California.
The couple now appears to divide their time between both locations.
As her return to the “Finding Nemo” franchise approaches, all eyes are on whether this new chapter will redefine her legacy or simply reopen conversations about her past.
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17 Wedding Guest Dresses That Everyone Always Compliments
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Wedding season is upon us, and that probably means you need to find a formal dress for at least one special event. As someone who has been to more than my fair share of weddings, I know the struggle of shopping for luxe-looking dresses that also fit the dress code, season and overall vibe. But after dozens of weddings, I’ve become a pro at finding stylish picks that are guaranteed to get you compliments.
From long and glamorous gowns for black tie affairs to short and flirty cocktail dresses perfect for a daytime wedding, there’s something for every wedding goer below. The best part: you won’t have to spend your entire paycheck to get one.
17 Wedding Guest Dresses Everyone Compliments
1. My Favorite: Elegant and sophisticated, PrettyGarden’s maxi dress works for a few different dress codes and looks so much more expensive than it is. The silky look and draping in the torso make it extra special.
2. Runner-Up: I love this mermaid maxi dress for a black tie optional affair or even something slightly less formal. The ruffle is fun, and the material is thick, stretchy and surprisingly comfortable.
3. Short and Sweet: This mini dress is a versatile pick that would work as cocktail attire for a wedding or even as a cute dress for a different special event. I appreciate the arm coverage and flattering wrap-style top.
4. Tummy-Hiding Pick: While Nia’s strapless dress has a more body-con fit at the bodice, the rippled ruching throughout makes it extra flattering. The chiffon skirt also allows for plenty of movement.
5. So Versatile: A staple in my closet, this tie-strap dress can easily be dressed up for a wedding, but can also work for other special events. I love the feminine details, like the bows at the shoulder and ruffled hem.
6. Florals for Spring: They might not be groundbreaking, but florals are always a classic go-to print. This maxi dress has the prettiest silhouette with a flattering halter neckline and on-trend drop waist.
7. Open Back: Show a little skin with an open-back maxi dress. The slinky look, feel and unique floral design are guaranteed to get you tons of compliments.
8. Little Black Dress: It’s hard to go wrong with a timeless option like this black bodycon dress. The ruching helps to hide your tummy while the flowy sleeves balance out the plunging V-neck.
9. Black Tie Ready: Adrianna Papell’s high-low gown is a stunning option for your fanciest affair. With a ruffled hem, tighter fit and flattering draping at the belly, this will look good on anyone.
10. So Many Options: Snag this convertible gown while you can. The adjustable ties mean you can wear it so many different ways, so it can be a new dress every time you put it on. And the stretchy mesh material is super comfy too.
11. Ruffled Perfection: Trust me: the color of this midi dress is even brighter and more beautiful in person. The tiered ruffled skirt makes it feel just dramatic enough, and the plunging necklines are worthy of a special occasion.
12. Worth the Splurge: If you’re going to spend a lot, do so on a classic dress you can wear more than once. This sheath maxi fits the bill, with a gorgeous fit and details that make it feel so high-end.
13. Long Sleeves: If you prefer to keep your arms covered, this maxi dress is a stylish option. The sheer sleeves keep it from being too much fabric, and the floral design is so pretty.
14. Hollywood Glam: Reformation’s silk maxi dress is glamorous enough on its own, but when you add the sheer cape that comes with it? It’s basically red-carpet ready. And the cape can be removed when you want to shed your layers.
15. Tried and True: A black maxi dress like this one is always a go-to in my closet. The pleating throughout makes this stand out, and it has a beautiful fit.
16. Slinky Slip: Made of the prettiest ribbed fabric with a silky soft feel, this cowl neck dress is rich, mom-approved. It also has a perfectly stretchy feel, making it surprisingly comfortable.
17. Looks Expensive: A sculptural and unique pleating makes this formal gown look like it came from a high-end designer — but it’s actually under $100. This is a standout look that works for formal and even black tie affairs.
Entertainment
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” character ignites accusations of Asian stereotyping
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Entertainment
Survivor Season 50’s Controversial Gameplay Continues To Divide Fans
By Jennifer Asencio
| Published

Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans has continued to bring innovation to the season, for better or for worse. “I Deserve All Of This,” the episode that aired on April 22, 2026, continued this trend with two historic Survivor firsts, both of which came from fans of the show. Voting was open before the season was filmed for fans to decide some elements of the game, like how hard the challenges would be. Meanwhile, celebrity fans like Billie Eilish and Zac Brown have had suggestions and appearances that have changed the game.
That influence hit its peak in this episode, where even host Jeff Probst stepped into the game, while a separate twist led to fan-favorite Christian Hubicki’s painful elimination.
Jeff Probst Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

The first of the two historic events was during the immunity challenge. Fans of the show should recognize the competition in which individualized buckets representing each castaway’s weight at the start of the season are tied through a pulley to rolling metal bars. Contestants have to hang onto the bar and keep their bucket from crashing to the ground. This challenge has been a Survivor staple for many seasons.
The new twist borrowed from another Survivor staple: bartering for rice. Typically, if the tribe needs rice, host Jeff Probst offers to trade a bag in exchange for some number of contestants sitting out of the challenge. This time, though, Probst put his money where his mouth is and turned the rice barter into a side bet between himself and four castaways (who turned out to be Jonathan Young, Tiffany Ervin, Ozzy Lusth, and Joe Hunter). Everyone still participated in the immunity challenge, but so did Jeff, and the castaways would win the rice if the four volunteers could outlast him.

They did. Handily. In fact, most of the tribe did as Probst struggled with this well-used challenge of the show, shocked at how difficult it was. The competition only got more hilarious when the first three contestants to lose the challenge were Rick Devens, Emily Flippen, and Rizo “RizGod” Velovic, all three known for their flamboyant senses of humor. Devens put his news anchor skills to work, taking over for Probst by making commentary that was augmented by the other two.
Christian Was Done Dirty
In addition to besting Jeff Probst in the challenge, Joe won immunity. Part of his prize was to select someone to go on one of Survivor’s infamous journeys. Ever fair to a point that would make Ned Stark blush, Joe had the remaining contestants play a game of rock-paper-scissors, which ultimately saw genius Christian Hubicki go on a journey that would be a second, tragic instance of new Survivor lore.

Christian was tasked with putting together a puzzle while timed anchors dropped into the ocean around him. Once they all dropped, they would pull the puzzle with them. The stakes were set by late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon, whose contribution to the game was the consequences, win or lose. If Christian succeeded in putting together the puzzle, he’d win an extra vote that he could make right then, causing someone else to walk into Tribal Council with one vote against them. If he lost, he had to read a sinister letter to the rest of the tribe.
Shockingly, Christian just couldn’t get the puzzle together before it, and his hopes of an extra vote, were whisked away into the Pacific. The letter was even worse: it revealed that Christian would be voting for himself at Tribal Council. Since the entire tribe knew Christian’s vote had to be for himself, a coalition was formed against him, and he became the show’s latest victim and newest jury member. Thanks, Jimmy Fallon.
Jimmy Fallon Continues His Villain Arc

Fans were split about this twist, noting that both winning and losing might not have been advantageous. A win was a double-edged sword in that, without knowing who his allies were voting for, Christian’s vote would dictate to the rest of them. However, almost all the fans, even those who don’t like Christian, were angry at the way he went home and the fact that he was forced to vote for himself. Christian himself was extremely displeased as he wrote his own name down, directing some commentary at Jimmy Fallon in the voting booth.
In a twist worthy of the show, Fallon not only had Christian on The Tonight Show but also took the opportunity to publicly apologize to him. While the late-night host was impressed with his idea for a twist, he admitted that he was sad that it fell upon one of his favorite players in the game.

Who will be the newest twist victim next week as the classic Survivor auction is joined by the long-awaited Mr. Beast? Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount Plus.
Entertainment
Practical Magic 2 Teaser Sexy, Stylish, And Storyless
By Jennifer Asencio
| Updated

The Owens family is back. In a new trailer for Practical Magic 2, the all-female family is still practicing the family tradition of witchcraft in their small Massachusetts town. The curse that Sally (Sandra Bullock) thought she broke in the first movie seems to still be in full swing for all six Owens women, but there is a new generation entering the family business.
The one thing the trailer lacks is plot. Viewing it will not tell anyone what the movie is about. There is a lot of travel and a lot of scenes of witchcraft being practiced, as well as references to the events of the first film, but interested fans need to resort to IMDb to tell them that the family is once again trying to break the curse that leaves them all unable to keep the romance they find in their lives.
A Spellbinding Ensemble Cast
Of course, love exists everywhere else for the Owens family. Returning to the movie in addition to Sally are Nicole Kidman’s Gillian and both the Aunts, the more reserved Franny (Stockard Channing) and the former wild child Jet (Dianne Wiest). Also joining the cast are Sally’s two daughters, all grown up and played by Joey King as Kylie and Maisie Williams as Antonia, who are replacing Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip from the first film. The majority of the trailer is focused on combinations of these six, especially in pairings as sisters. We get a lot of Sally and Gilly working together as they did in the first film. And it looks like Sally still can’t lie.
Notably absent is Aiden Quinn, who played Sally’s love interest in the first film and presumably broke the Owens curse by bypassing it through Sally’s childhood spell. Based on the plot synopsis given on IMDb, it would seem Sally didn’t break the curse after all, but here’s hoping that Texas sheriff Gary Hallet didn’t meet the same end as other men associated with the Owens women.

Someone else frequently in the trailer is Lee Pace, whose unnamed character resembles the villain of the previous film, but who doesn’t seem to be antagonistic to Sally or Gilly. Pace’s character seems set up to fill Gary’s shoes, even though he seems to have a lot more in common with the sexy but abusive Jimmy Angelov. In one scene, Sally quips about their experience fighting Angelov’s zombified reincarnation in front of Pace’s character. Whether he is a love interest or a secret antagonist, he is in quite a few scenes in the trailer, indicating his importance to the plot.
More Roll Call Than Synopsis
I personally have long been awaiting a sequel to the Owens family story, although I’m disappointed to imagine that Gary might be out of the picture because he fell prey to the Owens curse. As a fan, the trailer was exciting to me. The problem with the trailer, though, is that if you didn’t see the first movie, not a lot of it will make sense. It’s just a collection of female stars in an ensemble cast that doesn’t seem to have a story. And it’s a little weird to have Joey King and Maisie Williams play a pair of girls who would be in their 40s in 2026, based on the ages of the characters in the 1998 original, I wonder if the Owens’ herbal youth magic is working overtime on them.

Fortunately, this is also just a teaser trailer, rather than a full trailer. It is entirely possible that it was meant to provoke fans into excited word-of-mouth advertising and inspire new fans to catch up on the 1998 film, which is showing with a subscription to HBO Max.
If the idea of Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Weist playing Salem-style witches all together in the same movie is interesting enough, go watch Practical Magic and prepare to be blown away. Then the trailer to Practical Magic 2 will make a little more sense and amplify the ensemble with two more talented young actresses in King and Williams. Maybe the full trailer will show us more than just a collection of great actresses by showing us what their movie is actually about.

Fall under the spell of Practical Magic 2 when it is released in theaters on September 18, 2026.
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