Out of all the fantasy series out there, Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time is a game-changer, bringing Robert Jordan‘s epic novels to life. The saga takes the audience on an unbelievable journey to a world where magic and destiny collide, providing an immersive and unforgettable time on-screen. At the beginning of this epic tale, we meet Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), a strong and powerful Aes Sedai who sets out on a dangerous adventure to discover the Dragon Reborn, a person who is believed to have the power to either save or bring doom upon humanity. What makes The Wheel of Time stand out most above other fantasy series on Prime Video are also the aspects that make it a true masterpiece of the genre.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Unravels the Threads of Gender

The biggest thing that sets The Wheel of Time apart from other fantasy series is how it approaches gender, exploring the dynamics within its established world. From the first scene, we learn that only women are able to channel the One Power, meaning that they are the only ones who can use magic. In a world where magic is predominantly wielded by women, The Wheel of Time challenges traditional gender roles and explores the multifaceted nature of power and influence.

This divide exists because, long ago, the Dark One poisoned the half of the One Power that men use. This corruption ended up causing all men who use the One Power to lose a part of their sanity each time they use it. As the many men who could use the One Power at the time of the corruption went mad, they destroyed almost everything in their path. As a reaction to this destruction, the female Aes Sedai cut off their access to the One Power. This process is referred to as gentling — and when the last man was finally gentled, almost every civilization, with almost all its knowledge, was lost.

Despite these powers, gender-based violence continues to exist. In this world where women are often marginalized and their power is feared or misunderstood, the Aes Sedai stand as a beacon of female empowerment. These highly trained women wield the One Power, the source of all magic, and hold positions of authority and influence. Yet, even within their ranks, they face challenges and prejudices, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of gender in a society that is still patriarchal. The Wheel of Time doesn’t just touch on gender issues for relevancy’s sake; they’re actually a big part of the story, shaping the characters’ journeys and determining the fate of the world. As a result, it encourages viewers to ponder their own thoughts on gender and consider the intricacies of humanity in a world where magic and destiny are intertwined.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Has a Fresh Perspective on the Chosen One Trope

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In the realm of fantasy fiction, the trope of the “Chosen One” is a familiar and often overused narrative device. The idea of an individual destined for greatness, possessing extraordinary powers, and tasked with saving the world, has been explored countless times. However, The Wheel of Time offers a refreshing and nuanced take on this trope. While the series follows the traditional arc of a Chosen One’s journey, it deviates from the conventional portrayal of an all-powerful and infallible protagonist.

Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), the Dragon Reborn, is not an infallible hero immune to flaws and struggles. Instead, Rand is a complex but relatable character who’s constantly struggling with the heavy burden of his destiny and the constant threat of going insane. The series skillfully delves into the psychological toll of being the Dragon Reborn, showing us the intense inner conflict and doubt that Rand deals with. Rand is definitely not some passive boy just going with the flow of fate; he fights to remain in control of his own destiny, making some tough decisions and having to deal with the fallout afterward. His journey is not one of unbridled power and unwavering certainty.

Rand is constantly burdened by the knowledge that he could potentially destroy the world if he loses control of his abilities. His constant fear of insanity hangs over him, making him seem more complex and vulnerable. The Wheel of Time also fights against the idea that only the Chosen One can save humanity. While Rand’s role is undeniably significant, the fate of the world rests not solely on his shoulders but on the collective actions of those around him. The Aes Sedai, the friends he picks up on his journey, the friends he grew up with in the Two Rivers, and the different groups fighting for power all have important parts in shaping the future.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Explores Many Different Cultures

From a worldbuilding perspective, The Wheel of Time delves into the complexities of societal norms, power structures, and the ways in which different cultures approach similar situations, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. One striking example of this cultural exploration is the contrasting treatment of female magic wielders in two distinct societies: the Aes Sedai and the Seanchan. The Aes Sedai, highly trained women who wield the One Power, are revered and respected in their society. They hold powerful positions and often have a major impact on politics and society. In contrast, the damane, also female magic wielders, are enslaved and treated as property in the Seanchan Empire. Their power is considered to be a threat; therefore, they must be controlled and are most often used as weapons of war.

The Wheel of Time also considers how different cultures view prophecy and the concept of fate. In the Two Rivers, where the story begins, the people there are skeptical of prophecies. They distrust everyone who claims to know the future because they worry about being manipulated or taken advantage of. On the other hand, the Aes Sedai place more trust in prophecies, with many dedicated to studying them, and believe they are crucial for guiding their actions and shaping events.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Develops Complex Villains

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In the world of fantasy fiction, villains are often portrayed as straightforward bad guys who are only after power or destruction — but The Wheel of Time breaks that mold by creating villains who are complex and fascinating, with motivations that make them relatable and even sympathetic. Their evil deeds aren’t just because they’re inherently wicked, but are instead linked to personal trauma, misguided ideas, or a yearning for redemption.

For Ishamael (Fares Fares), a powerful sorcerer who feels an intense sense of emptiness and wants to end the world’s suffering, his motivations come from having seen the endless cycles of creation and destruction. While he presents a major threat to the heroes of the world, he has become disillusioned with the constant struggle and believes oblivion is the only way to escape pain. Similarly, Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) is consumed by jealousy, anger, and a longing for the love she’s lost. Lanfear’s journey to the dark side is a sad story, with betrayal, abandonment, and the downsides of ambition.

These Forsaken all have their own reasons for their allegiance to the Dark One; some just want revenge, others have a twisted sense of justice, and still others are all about getting back their old glory. In The Wheel of Time, the villains become more than just obstacles for the heroes to beat. They’re not just flat-out clichés; they remind us that darkness can be found in anyone, and even the most misguided individuals might have a chance at redemption hidden beneath layers of pain and disappointment.

This series breathes new life into familiar fantasy themes and even introduces entirely fresh ideas. Even after its sudden cancellation, The Wheel of Time is still one of the best high fantasy series out there and the best on Prime Video by far. With three seasons to enjoy, the acclaimed fantasy series is still worth your time.

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The Wheel of Time

Release Date

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2021 – 2025-00-00

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Rafe Judkins

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Directors

Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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Star Trek has a long history of iconic captains, from William Shatner’s James T. Kirk to Kate Mulgrew’s Kathryn Janeway to Scott Bakula’s Jonathan Archer and everyone in between. Every Captain brings something new and interesting to the table — different styles of leadership, different hobbies, and different approaches to problem-solving. You’d be hard-pressed to argue that any of them are outright bad (with a few notable exceptions — looking at you, Lorca), and by the same token you’d probably find it difficult to argue that any one of them was unilaterally better than any of the others. However, there is one Star Trek Captain who rises above his peers to represent the best of Starfleet and humanity.

Anson Mount’s Captain Pike Is a Revelation

Since his introduction in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike has embodied everything Star Trek stands for. Mount isn’t the first actor to have portrayed Pike — he’s following in the footsteps of Jeffery Hunter (in the unaired Star Trek: The Original Series pilot) and Bruce Greenwood (in 2009’s Star Trek and its sequel Into Darkness) — but he’s quickly become the definitive take on the character, blending Hunter’s version’s capable leadership with Greenwood’s version’s wisdom and warmth. His take on the character in Discovery’s second season was so well received that Paramount+ released a spin-off show centered on his time commanding the Enterprise.

What made Mount’s take on the character so appealing? Part of it was the way Pike was the antithesis of Discovery’s previous captain, the scheming Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs). Lorca was manipulative, focused on his mission to a fault, and ultimately directly antagonistic to his crew once they stopped being useful to him. By contrast, Pike’s leadership style was focused entirely on the crew. He understood that it wouldn’t be easy for the crew of Discovery to accept him after Lorca damaged their trust in authority, so he made every effort to put them at ease.

He immediately made it clear that he valued the crew of the Discovery individually, calling them by name rather than rank and deferring to them when their experience gave them an insight into a situation that he didn’t have. And the entire time, he carried himself with the class and self-confidence of all the great Captains that had come before him (from our point of view, at least, since he predates all but Archer in canon).

Pike Is Everything You Could Want from a Starfleet Captain

Image via Paramount+

In all of Pike’s appearances throughout Discovery and its spin-off Strange New Worlds, he approaches every challenge with this same mix of empathy, emotional intelligence, and his crew-focused leadership style. As Captain of the Enterprise, he hosts regular meals with not just his command staff but also regular members of the crew so he can get to know them personally. In Strange New Worlds’ “Children of the Comet,” he invites Cadet Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) to dinner with his senior officers and asks her about her past and plans for the future. This created an opportunity for Uhura to feel more comfortable with the senior officers, helping her to feel confident enough around them to save the day on the titular comet later that episode.

This isn’t a one-off event either, as we see him throwing a party to celebrate Uhura and several other regular crew members later that season in “All Those Who Wander.” Pike takes a similar approach to dealing with those outside of his crew. In “Spock Amok,” he convinces the R’ongovians to join the Federation by recognizing their diplomatic strategy (which he describes as “radical empathy”) and implementing it in his approach to the negotiations. In “The Serene Squall,” he offers to make a meal for the pirate crew that took him hostage and uses that opportunity to gain insight into the pirates’ dynamic that he uses to trigger a mutiny so he can escape.

But it’s not just his ability to connect to others that makes him a good Captain. He’s also capable of keeping a cool head in seemingly impossible situations. In Discovery’s “Through the Valley of Shadows,” he’s forced to choose between saving the galaxy from the imminent threat of Control or saving himself from a serious accident he saw in a vision of his future (an accident that was first referenced in the Original Series two-parter, “The Menagerie”). Despite the steep personal cost, Pike chooses to accept his future to save the galaxy, without hesitation. Less personally, the Strange New Worlds premiere forces Pike to decide between holding fast to the rules of Starfleet or acting in the best interests of the planet Kiley 279.

The people of Kiley 279 had developed weaponized Warp technology due to Starfleet’s actions in Discovery’s Season 2 finale. Pike beamed back down to the planet and tried to convince the people of Kiley 279 to not use the weapon and pursue peace, using Earth’s violent history as an example of where they would be headed if they did not change course. While technically this violated General Order One (later known as the Prime Directive), Pike decided it was better to try and right the wrong that had already been done rather than let the people of Kiley 279 slaughter each other. Pike always chooses to prioritize life and connection, no matter the cost.

Image via Paramount+

The above descriptions might make Pike seem like an impossibly heroic and unrelatable figure, but Mount’s performance is compelling and human. Neither Discovery nor Strange New Worlds shy away from showing the toll his job takes on him. The accident he saw in his future in “Through the Valley of Shadows” hangs over him for all of Strange New Worlds’ first season as he grapples with his mortality. During his time on Discovery, he struggles with his guilt over the fact that the Enterprise was kept away from the fighting during the Klingon War.

These struggles, as well as more one-off conflicts in episodes like Strange New Worlds’ “Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach,” highlight how human he is despite his strengths. And it’s all elevated by Mount’s performance, which simultaneously presents Pike as a paragon of Starfleet’s ideals and immensely approachable, the sort of boss you’d love to have.

What’s most compelling about Mount’s take on Pike is that his true strength lies in his moral character. He is kind and understanding, even with those who have given him little reason to be. He doesn’t just stand up for what he believes in; he consistently acts to change the world for the better. He’s slow to violence, quick to diplomacy, and even quicker to help someone in need. Starfleet could not ask for a better Captain. And if all that wasn’t enough, he’s a great cook and has fabulous hair. What’s not to love?

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is available to stream on Paramount+.

UPDATE 7/3/2026 at 3:43 p.m. ET — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has joined a chorus of charities and celebrities thanking Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for making $26 million in charitable donations across the country.

On Friday, July 3, the politician, 75, shared a tweet where the Rhode Island Food Bank personally thanked the couple for their financial support.

“In honor of their wedding, @taylorswift13 & @tkelce donated an extraordinary $1M to Rhode Island Community Food Bank,” the organization tweeted. “We’re overjoyed, as need in RI is at an all-time high. Funds will help stock food for our 137 member agencies. 🫶#TaylorSwift #Swiftie.”

Governor McKee added, “Rhode Island is officially in our gratitude era. 🫶 A BIG Ocean State thank you to @taylorswift13 and @tkelce for their $1M donation to @RIFoodBank. This support will make a real difference for Rhode Islanders across our state.”

Swift purchased a waterfront mansion, known as “Holiday House,” in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly, Rhode Island, in 2013.

Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley previously showed their appreciation for Swift and Kelce for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after the soon-to-be wed couple donated $26 million to charities across the United States, including the country stars’ non-profit organizations.

“We’re truly inspired by Taylor and Travis’s generosity to so many wonderful organizations, and extremely grateful that The Store is included among them,” Brad, 53, and wife Kimberly, 54, told People in a statement on Thursday, July 2, after Swift and Kelce, both 36, donated funds to the Paisleys’ Nashville-based, free grocery nonprofit The Store.

The couple continued, “This gift will go a long way toward helping our neighbors facing food insecurity in Nashville. What a beautiful way to celebrate the beginning of a marriage!”

Meanwhile, Parton, 80, took to Instagram to thank Swift and Kelce for donating $2 million to her Imagination Library, a program that sends free books to young children.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m blown away and overjoyed with that gratitude,” the “Jolene” singer said in the Friday, July 3, video. “The mission of the Dollywood Foundation is to dream more, care more, learn more and be more. And thank you again for your very generous gift. And we’ll continue that mission even in bigger ways now with your money. So, thank you and know that I will always love you.”

Original story below:

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are giving back ahead of their rumored nuptials.

The couple have donated $26 million to charities across the United States this week. The New York organizations include: City Harvest, Food Bank For NYC, New York Cares, Education Through Music, Answer The Call, Musical Mentors, After-School All- Stars, MSK Kids (the pediatric cancer program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

“We are incredibly grateful for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s generous $1 million donation to City Harvest,” the organization’s CEO, Jilly Stephens, said in a statement. “This donation is a love letter to New York, and a bold commitment to our efforts to ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry. Their support comes at a critical time, with visits to New York City soup kitchens and food pantries near record highs and expected to increase further in response to federal funding cuts.”

Answer The Call also shared their appreciation for the donation, writing via Instagram, “We are deeply grateful to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for their generous gift, helping us to provide lifelong support to more than 500 families of fallen NYC first responders. ❤️.”

Related: Taylor Swift Gives $250k Gift To Kansas City Charity

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Taylor Swift is all about giving this holiday season! The “Midnights” singer recently donated $250,000 to Operation Breakthrough, a Kansas City-based organization that helps families in need. While Swift, 35, didn’t publicly speak about the donation, the organization which received her generous gift posted about it on social media. “Thank you, @taylorswift13, for making our […]

Swift and Kelce, both 36, also donated to other organizations including Feeding America, ASPCA, Dolly Parton”s Imagination Library, Grammy In The Schools and Children & Teen and Adolescents & Young Adult (AYA) Programs.

Rounding out the list, the couple gave back to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Kansas City’s Harvesters – The Community Food Network and Children’s Mercy Hospital, Nashville’s The Store, Reading’s Helping Harvest, Rhode Island Community Food Bank and Cleveland’s After-School All-Stars.

The pop star and Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s altruism comes days before they are rumored to be tying the knot in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. In June, Us Weekly reported that invitees were told to be in the Big Apple on July 2 and 3.

“Taylor and Travis told guests to be in NYC. No other location was provided,” a source exclusively told Us at the time, sharing that the couple is “putting their guests on hold” for a couple of days. “They are spending a lot of money — in the millions.”

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Related: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Earn Good Karma With Charity Donation

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are earning some good karma with their latest charity donation. The twosome signed a Kansas City Chiefs jersey featuring Kelce’s number, 87, for Guelph Wish Fund for Children’s upcoming charity auction, Us Weekly can confirm. The nonprofit organization, which is based in Ontario, Canada, provides “wishes” and support to children […]

While the couple have not publicly disclosed any information about their nuptials, several of their famous pals (Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter and more) have been spotted in the city and surrounding area.

During a recent episode of his and brother Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, Travis gushed that 4th of July celebrations can produce “great memories.”

“4th of July weekend is right around the corner,” Travis said during an Expedia ad break. “We all have that one 4th of July trip we still talk about. … The one that turned a long weekend into a core memory.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 16 seconds ago

Last year’s Superman was a monster hit that proved the DCU was ready and able to compete with Marvel. That movie was directed by James Gunn, the man who brought us amazing superhero cinema like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. The fact that he’s running the DCU instilled confidence in fans all around the world. That’s why the failure of Supergirl took audiences by surprise. It was the spinoff of last summer’s biggest movie, written and directed by a team hand-chosen by Gunn, so it seemed destined to be another superpowered hit. Instead, the movie was an instant critical and commercial flop, one likely to lose the studio $125 million. 

As it turns out, that was a shock to everyone except for the studio. The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively revealed that Supergirl had a troubled production for many months, one that involved creative clashes between Gunn and director Craig Gillespie. Warner Bros. apparently had very little faith in Gillespie, whose movie consistently received middling scores from test audiences. Eventually, the studio created its own cut of the movie, which is actually the version that hit theaters!

A Tale Of Two Cuts

Buckle up, buckaroos: we finally have some answers to why Supergirl bombed, and this is one wild ride. The first sign that the movie was in trouble was when Warner Bros. ordered four different sets of test screenings. Such screenings are often an indicator that the studio isn’t confident in the film they have made. Apparently, they had reason to be worried: one insider told The Hollywood Reporter that the highest the movie ever scored on the initial screenings was a 70. The rest of the insiders insisted that Supergirl’s score never escaped the 60s.

The studio continued to tweak the movie, and in some low screenings, it received scores in the very low 70s. However, Warner Bros. was still nervous, and they took drastic action by creating their own cut of the movie (something that had previously happened with the original Suicide Squad movie). The studio then tested their cut of the film against Craig Gillespie’s. The results were mixed: the new scores were now lower across the board. However, the Warner Bros. cut of Supergirl scored a whopping two points higher. The studio cut of the film is the one that fans ultimately saw in theaters.

Faith No More

This was, of course, the clearest sign that Warner Bros. had lost faith in Gillespie. After they finished testing (where Supergirl received similar scores to Batgirl, a movie the studio ultimately shelved), a source told The Hollywood Reporter that he had to strongly and personally advocate for any changes he wanted to make to the film. Those changes would have been made during the movie’s extensive post-production process. During that time, frequent James Gunn collaborator Jeremy Slater was brought in to write additional scenes, all of which were shot during nine days of additional photography.

How were the two cuts different? Craig Gillespie’s cut was 11 minutes longer and fleshed out the Big Bad, Krem, who is underdeveloped in the final cut.  Gillespie and Gunn also had different opinions on how to use music in the film. The studio cut has a cover of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” (made famous by Malcolm in the Middle) during its climactic fight scene, which may have been Gillespie’s idea. However, an earlier cut used a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which was reportedly Gunn’s idea. Aside from added length and possibly different music, however, it sounds like the two Supergirl cuts were largely similar.

So, the moral of this storyisn’t that there’s a killer, Snyder Cut-like version out there that is dramatically different. No, the moral is that Supergirl was a hot mess from the very beginning, with James Gunn and Craig Gillespie butting heads over major creative decisions. The result was the worst of both worlds, a Gunn-style film but without the charm or the same biting humor. Warner Bros. knew for many months how bad this film was scoring with test audiences, and they ended up overriding Gillespie and forcing their own cut down our throats. Now, they have a box office bomb whose slow death may just take the entire DCU with it.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 28 seconds ago

It can be hard to choose a favorite character from Babylon 5. A great case can be made for everyone, but there’s no denying that the Centaurian Ambassador Londo Mollari is one of the best. A proud Centauri, Londo represents the very best of his species…when he feels like it. He’s prone to excess in everything, whether it’s drinking or women, and his pride goes before his fall, but it’s that complicated mix of characteristics that makes him so memorable. In Season 1’s “The War Prayer,” Londo steps up and helps a young couple defy marriage tradition in the name of love. For all his faults, Londo knows what love feels like, and what a Centauri marriage entails, after all, he’s gone through with it three times. 

Londo And The Centauri Concept Of Love

“The War Prayer” splits its runtime between Sinclair and Ivanova dealing with The Homeguard attacking aliens, and Londo (Peter Jurasik) navigating a politically complicated situation involving Vir’s (Stephen Furst) cousin, Kiron (Rodney Eastman), and the love of his life Aria (The Wonder Year’s star Danica McKellar). Arranged marriages are custom among the Centauri, which as Londo says, is a society with no need for love. That’s a little ironic considering how far he was willing to go for the exotic dancer Adira Tyree.

Londo explains his past marriages to the young couple, dubbing his former wives Famine, Pestilence, and Death, all of whom appear in Season 2’s “Soul Mates,” and oddly, Londo seems to retain an appreciation for Timov (Jane Carr) who makes zero attempt to show love or affection for him shortly after the arranged marriage was completed, finding her honesty regarding her complete disdain for him to be refreshing. The problem for Londo, is that deep down, he longs for love of the type he briefly experienced with Adira, which is why he finds a way for the lovers to remain unmarried, until they are old enough to choose a spouse for themselves. 

The solution, sending them to stay with his well-connected and very important cousin, doesn’t technically defy Centauri tradition. Londo won’t break the rules of the Centauri, but he’ll bend them. Constantly. 

Babylon 5’s Worldbuilding Is Second To None

No one is the same at the end of Babylon 5 as they were at the beginning, especially not Londo given his ultimate fate, but for all the major changes in his position, it’s a testament to the writing of J. Michael Straczynski that even the smallest detail of Londo’s life and outlook becomes relevant later. Would Londo have acted the same way for another Centauri couple that wasn’t directly related to his aide? Absolutely not. 

“The War Prayer” shows how alien culture isn’t so far removed from human culture, no matter what the Homeguard may want to believe. From G’Kar and Delenn’s responses to the assaults on aliens, to Londo carefully navigating tradition and custom, it’s all more evidence that the world building of Babylon 5 is second to none. When Londo delivers the line, “My shoes are too tight, and I have forgotten how to dance” we see another glimpse of the flawed man fans will fall in love with over the next four seasons. He’s seen too much, done too much, compromised too much, and the worst was yet to come.

Following his high-profile legal battle with his ex, Amber Heard, controversy has yet to disappear from Johnny Depp‘s name. So, what does the future look like for the Hollywood veteran? Ready to make his return to the screen, Deep will first appear in the upcoming Christmas effort Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, distributed by Paramount Pictures. However, it is his first headline role since the trial that will make most headlines, as Depp stars in Day Drinker, an action thriller which has now moved to a new release date, premiering on March 26, 2027.

Set to star in the movie alongside Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Penélope Cruz (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Manu Ríos (Elite), and more, Depp is certainly the biggest name attached to the project, but it shouldn’t go unnoticed that the film also marks the latest film for Marc Webb, since his disastrous directorial effort with the live-action Snow White remake in 2025. Ahead of Day Drinker‘s return, Depp fans will be looking for any way to get themselves in the mood, with one of Depp’s most memorable movies now streaming on a new platform.

One of many collaborations between Depp and the legendary Tim Burton, the 1999 horror flick Sleepy Hollow, loosely adapted from Washington Irving‘s 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is perhaps the director’s most brutal movie. It also marks another link-up between Burton and Christina Ricci, with the two most recently working together on Netflix’s Wednesday. The movie was the 21st-highest-grossing film of 1999 worldwide, scoring a global haul of $207 million against a reported budget of $70 million. Currently, you can stream Sleepy Hollow on Paramount+, following its arrival on July 1.

Will Johnny Depp Return to His Most Iconic Character?

A sixth film in Disney’s blockbuster franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean, has been confirmed, and one question continues to dominate: Will Depp return to his most iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow? Nothing has yet been confirmed, with no news as to whether other franchise originals Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley will be involved, but franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer did previously hint that a role for Depp’s Sparrow might already be in the script.

Sleepy Hollow is streaming now on Paramount+. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

November 19, 1999

Runtime

106 Minutes

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Writers

Andrew Kevin Walker, Kevin Yagher

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The gut microbiome has dominated wellness conversations for years, but the community of bacteria living in your mouth may deserve equal attention. New research links the oral microbiome directly to how long you live and how your brain ages, giving one of the body’s most diverse microbial habitats a starring role in whole-body health.

The mouth hosts more than 700 bacterial species across roughly nine major phyla, according to a 2024 review in Microorganisms, making it the second most diverse microbial habitat in the body after the gut. What lives there, and what falls out of balance, turns out to matter far beyond fresh breath.

What the Oral Microbiome Actually Is

A healthy mouth is dominated by genera like Streptococcus, Veillonella, Neisseria and Actinomyces, spread across the teeth, tongue, cheeks, gums and tonsils. Each surface hosts a slightly different community. Beyond bacteria, the oral cavity also holds fungi, viruses and archaea, though bacteria make up the vast majority of what has been studied so far.

Colonization starts within hours of birth and shifts constantly over a lifetime. Diet, smoking, alcohol use, medications and overall health all shape the mix. That means your oral microbiome is never fixed. It is a moving picture influenced by daily choices.

Related: The World’s Oldest Woman Had the Gut Microbiome of Someone Years Younger

When María Branyas Morera died in 2024 at 117, the world’s oldest verified living person, she left scientists something rare: a full set of biological samples collected while she was still alive. The resulting analysis, published in September 2025, is the most detailed look at a supercentenarian ever conducted, and what it found in her […]

Signs Your Oral Microbiome May Be Out of Balance

Persistent bad breath that doesn’t resolve with brushing is one of the most common early signals of bacterial imbalance, according to the same 2024 review, which links dysbiosis to halitosis, cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral candidiasis. Bleeding or tender gums during normal brushing or flossing, frequent canker sores, unusually dry mouth and new cavities despite consistent hygiene round out the symptoms dentists most often flag.

These signs matter beyond comfort. The same imbalance that drives them is the mechanism researchers now link to cardiovascular issues, cognitive decline and higher mortality risk. Treating early symptoms as a signal, rather than a nuisance to mask with a stronger mouthwash, is the shift experts increasingly recommend.

The Link Between Oral Microbiome and Mortality

A NHANES-based study published in Atherosclerosis tracked 8,199 U.S. adults and found that lower oral microbiome diversity was independently associated with higher all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality. The connection held even after accounting for traditional risk factors like age, smoking and existing disease.

The strength of the association varied by racial and ethnic group, and researchers say that variation still needs more study. But the core finding pushes oral health out of the cosmetic column and into the same category as blood pressure or cholesterol, a metric with real implications for lifespan.

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Risk

Years of correlational data have tied periodontal disease to dementia risk. A study from the Forsyth Institute and Boston University went further, using matched-species oral bacteria to show that gum disease directly triggers brain immune cells to shift how they process amyloid plaques, the protein deposits associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

It was the first time researchers demonstrated this effect using bacteria and host from the same species, adding a causal mechanism to what had previously been an associated-with relationship. In practical terms, treating gum disease may be brain maintenance, not just dental maintenance.

Related: For Oral Health Month, Pioneering Dentist Details How Your Mouth Is A Window To Your Overall Health

The first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and even cancer may be found by looking inside your mouth, and according to the “father of biologic dentistry,” Dr. Gerry Curatola, healing the mouth helps heal the body. Curatola, the author of “The Mouth Body Connection,” has developed a pioneering, holistic approach to oral […]

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Habits That Support a Healthy Oral Microbiome

Not every oral care routine helps. Combining tongue brushing with oral probiotics containing Streptococcus salivarius K12 produced the most significant, longest-lasting improvement in oral bacterial balance in a February 2026 randomized trial, outperforming either method used alone. That’s a five-minute daily habit with actual trial data behind it, a rarity in oral care marketing.

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On the other end, antiseptic mouthwash used twice daily can strip out the nitrate-reducing bacteria the body needs for healthy blood pressure regulation, according to research in Frontiers in Oral Health. For otherwise healthy mouths, daily antiseptic rinsing is worth reconsidering. Regular dental checkups and early treatment of gum disease round out a routine that doubles as cardiovascular and cognitive health care.

Why the Oral Microbiome Deserves More Attention

The gut has had its cultural moment. Probiotic aisles, fiber-forward diets and microbiome tests built around stool samples have all become mainstream. The oral microbiome sits in a similar position now, well-studied enough to act on, but still under-discussed relative to its impact.

Persistent bad breath, bleeding gums or new cavities despite good hygiene are worth a dentist visit rather than a stronger rinse. And treating oral health as a full-body health metric, one connected to lifespan and cognition, reframes what a dental appointment is actually for.

“Real Housewives of Rhode Island” fan favorite Liz McGraw is leaving the Bravoverse after one season of the new reality series. In a social media post earlier this week, Rhode Island’s “Cannabis Queen” said she was leaving the series to focus on her family and her career. Her announcement garnered mixed responses, with some viewers expressing sadness, while others claimed that the 56-year-old was leaving because she feared her alleged secrets would come to light. Now, in a new post, McGraw is firing back at the rumors and clearing the air about her sudden exit.

“Real Housewives of Rhode Island” star McGraw shared a post on her Instagram Stories earlier this week, clapping back at viewers who claimed she quit the series because of alleged past wrongdoing. According to McGraw, her exit has nothing to do with the “preposterous” rumors and everything to do with having agency over her life.

“It’s fascinating to me how everyone assumes my reason for leaving involves being afraid of ‘skeletons’ … ‘jail’ … etc,” she wrote. “This is not new gossip; it has been the local slander for YEARS. If there were even an ounce of validity to it, I’d not have ever gone on a show!”

McGraw said that while it may feel “good” to speculate about others’ lives, she’s “never” been investigated or involved in any criminal case.

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Liz McGraw Continues Her Post, Calls Out The ‘Preposterous’ Claims About Her Life

And she didn’t stop there. McGraw said it’s “preposterous” and “ridiculous” that people would continue spreading lies about her.

“Sorry to disappoint,” she said. “It’s wild to me how people feel at liberty to openly state such absurd claims as facts.”

McGraw finished her post by implying that she would begin holding the people spreading rumors about her accountable since she has extra time on her hands.

Liz McGraw Says She’s ‘Full Of Gratitude’ While Announcing Her Exit From ‘Real Housewives Of Rhode Island’

For those who may have missed it, McGraw announced on Instagram earlier this week that she would be leaving the show after one season. Bravo’s Daily Dish reported on her statement, in which McGraw said she was “full of gratitude” for the opportunity to be part of the franchise.

“As filming for Season 2 begins, I have made the decision to take a step back and focus on my family, my work and my passions,” she said before giving her props to the rest of the Rhode Island cast, which includes Ashley Iaconetti, Kelsey Swanson, Rulla Pontarelli, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Carmody, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.

“The RHORI cast is an amazing group of women who have created something special. I’ll be watching next season, rooting for the continued success of this franchise. For now, I look forward to enjoying this little corner of the world from the other side of the camera,” she finished.

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McGraw Had A Dramatic First Season!

Throughout her run on the show, McGraw quickly became a fan favorite, known for her one-liners and “say it like it is” demeanor.

She also found herself in the hot seat during the batch of episodes, first feuding with her longtime friend, Swanson, and later having an explosive blow-up with Carmody and Tiberi.

During the “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” reunion, McGraw told host Andy Cohen that she would do some things differently if given the chance.

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“I would try to control, react, police, and care less. All four,” she said.

McGraw Isn’t Done With Bravo Just Yet

While McGraw won’t appear in season 2 of “Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” the reality star will be featured in the upcoming “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip,” which will honor 20 years of the beloved franchise.

According to The Blast, over 80 housewives from the past and present will appear, including “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes and many more.

The new series will follow “a group of beloved Housewives from across the years embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, making their way through some of the most memorable locations in the franchise’s history.” The show will premiere on Sunday, August 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

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Some summer outfits require way more effort than they’re worth. Between coordinating tops and bottoms, worrying about shorts showing underneath a dress, and trying to stay comfortable in the heat, getting dressed can feel like a chore. That’s why one-and-done athletic dresses continue to be a warm-weather favorite.

The Anrabess Mini Romper Athletic Dress solves all of those problems in one easy piece. The bestselling style has earned more than 3,600 five-star ratings on Amazon, with over 6,000 purchased in the past month thanks to its comfortable fit, built-in shorts and practical pockets.

Get the Anrabess Mini Romper Athletic Dress for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Designed with adjustable spaghetti straps, a flattering V-neckline and a relaxed silhouette, the dress is equal parts sporty and feminine. Built-in shorts provide extra coverage, two roomy pockets hold your essentials and the stretchy fabric makes it easy to wear everywhere from morning walks to weekend brunch. It comes in sizes XS to XXL and a variety of colors, including black, army green and soft pink.

Related: Margot Robbie’s Fishnet Flats Are the ‘It’ Girl Shoe of Summer 2026

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Margot Robbie just made a convincing case for swapping sneakers for something a little chicer this summer. The actress was recently spotted walking through the airport in tan fishnet ballet flats, proving the airy style is quickly becoming the unexpected ‘It’ girl shoe of the season. The best part? You can copy the look on […]

One shopper said it’s both “functional and cute” and appreciated how thoughtfully it’s designed. They also said the built-in shorts are a “huge plus” because they “stay in place well,” while the pockets are “actually usable” without feeling bulky.

Another buyer called it “breathable” with the “perfect cut and length,” adding that it’s “very versatile” and easy to style with different layers. A third reviewer even shared that they own “multiple colors,” calling it a “closet staple” that makes it easy to “throw on” before heading out the door while also covering their “problem area (my tummy).”

For just $30, it’s easy to see why shoppers keep adding more than one color to their carts. If you’re looking for an outfit that’s comfortable enough for busy days but cute enough to wear almost anywhere, this bestselling athletic dress checks every box.

Get the Anrabess Mini Romper Athletic Dress for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Anrabess here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Copy Kate Hudson’s Rich-Looking Brown Bikini Look for Just $29

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If there’s one person who knows how to make a simple bikini look incredibly chic, it’s Kate Hudson. While vacationing in Ibiza with her pal Dakota Johnson, the actress slipped into a chocolate-brown string bikini and oversized sunglasses, proving once again that sometimes less really is more. Hudson has never needed loud prints or over-the-top […]

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov turned a forbidden climb into a viral engagement, but the romance now comes with court dates, felony charges, and intense scrutiny.

After scaling the Empire State Building antenna and getting arrested, the Netflix-famous climbers are facing questions about security, risk, and whether their dramatic proposal could cost far more than they expected.

The couple at the center of New York’s wildest viral proposal is now dealing with the legal fallout.

According to AP News, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were arrested after reaching the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna on July 1.

The pair unfurled a banner about love and peace, embraced, took photos, and appeared to get engaged before being taken into custody.

Their stunt quickly moved from social media spectacle to criminal case. ABC7NY reported that the couple appeared in court in Lower Manhattan on July 2 and received supervised release until their next court date on August 24.

They are facing charges including reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal mischief, and other offenses. They did not enter a plea during the brief court appearance.

Charges Could Turn Romance Into A Serious Legal Battle

The case now hinges on more than the romantic image that went viral.

Prosecutors allege the couple made their way into restricted areas of the building and reached the broadcast antenna, far above where the public is allowed.

Euronews reported that access beyond the highest public observation deck requires a key card, according to the court complaint.

Investigators are also looking closely at how the couple allegedly got there. Authorities believe they entered the building the night before and hid inside overnight before heading upward early the next morning.

The criminal complaint also alleged that a lock on a 104th-floor security door had been broken, giving access to the broadcast antenna area.

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If prosecutors continue pursuing felony charges, the couple’s next court date could become a major turning point.

Empire State Daredevil Couple Gets Supervised Release

BREAKING: A Manhattan judge granted the alleged Empire State Building climbers supervised release… and they shared a massive kiss before descending the subway stairs. Story coming @Gothamist pic.twitter.com/RUlw8lLshl

— brittany.kriegstein (@BKriegstein) July 2, 2026

For now, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov are not behind bars.

After spending the first night of their engagement in separate holding cells, they were released under supervision. Outside court, they held hands and kissed for cameras, but kept their comments limited.

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Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, pushed back against the scale of the charges. Speaking to ABC7NY, he said, “Even the Empire State Building’s own people said that there was no risk or danger to any of the tenants, to any of the guests on the observation deck, or anyone in the building.”

Krinsky also defended the couple’s intention after the court appearance, saying, “They are trying to send a message.”

He added, “As far as what I’ve seen, and I’m sure you have all seen, it was a message of love. You know, that’s a nice thing.”

The defense may frame the incident as reckless but symbolic. Prosecutors, however, appear focused on the alleged security breach and the danger to responders.

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Police Say The Stunt Put Officers At Risk

Authorities have taken a far less romantic view of the stunt.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch pointed to the danger faced by officers who responded to the scene. Referring to released body camera footage, she told ABC7NY, “As for what I would call the harrowing body camera video that we released last night, recorded by the officers responding to that stunt, it really can take your breath away.”

According to reports, first responders had to wait for the antenna to be powered down before approaching the couple.

That detail could become important if prosecutors argue the stunt created risk beyond the climbers themselves.

The Empire State Building also criticized the unauthorized climb. In a statement reported by Reuters, the building pointed out that it offers an official proposal package for couples who want a dramatic romantic moment without breaking the law.

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Empire State Daredevil Couple Has A Viral Past

Part of the public fascination comes from the couple’s history.

Nikolau and Kuznetsov are not unknown thrill-seekers. The pair appeared in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which followed their dangerous climbs and relationship. 

Their Empire State Building banner read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

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Ivan Kuznetsov reportedly told police he wanted to “do something special” for their engagement, prosecutors said during the arraignment.

The stunt may have given them worldwide attention, but the next chapter will play out in court rather than on a skyscraper.

Their August 24 hearing could clarify whether prosecutors intend to push the harshest charges, whether the defense can reduce the case, and how much one viral proposal will cost the couple who turned New York’s most famous skyline into their engagement backdrop.

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