Entertainment
Liam Cunningham Calls Out Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore
A “Game of Thrones” star has spoken out against Ed Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from the singer’s tour.
Liam Cunningham, in a brief post on X, said the move had revealed who Sheeran truly was, a comment supported by several social media users. However, Sheeran has denied dropping Macklemore, saying the promoters made the call.
Taking to X, Cunningham called out Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from the ongoing Loop Tour following his comments about Palestine.
“We know who Ed Sheeran is now,” the “Game of Thrones” star wrote on the social media platform on September 14.
He followed up with another post that appeared to reference Sheeran’s stated neutrality on the Palestine issue.
“If you find yourself saying ‘I’m not taking sides’ during a genocide, you are. You most definitely are,” the actor said.
Wil Wheaton And Ms. Rachel Also Criticize Ed Sheeran
Cunningham is among several high-profile figures who have criticized Sheeran amid the controversy, with actor Wil Wheaton and children’s educator Ms. Rachel also weighing in.
Wheaton called the singer a “coward with no conviction” and accused the “Shape of You” crooner of choosing greed over supporting Macklemore, whom he said had been friends with Sheeran for over a decade.
Ms. Rachel offered a less scathing response but still argued that Sheeran had missed an opportunity to speak out against the genocide in Gaza.
“Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won’t be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine. Instead, he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak out against it,” the children’s educator wrote on Threads.
Macklemore Repeated ‘Free Palestine’ Before His Tour Removal
The controversy began when Macklemore made several pro-Palestinian comments onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, during Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Among them was “Free Palestine,” which he repeated to the enthusiastic crowd.
Shortly afterward, Macklemore was dropped from the tour. He then took to Instagram to announce his removal and double down on his stance.
“If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on,” Macklemore said in an Instagram post.
After Macklemore’s post, Sheeran said he wasn’t involved in the decision to remove the rapper from his tour.
According to the singer, the owners of venues hosting his upcoming shows had decided the tour would not move forward if Macklemore remained a supporting act following his comments about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Sheeran said he tried to find a resolution, but the promoters ultimately decided the best course of action was to remove Macklemore from the tour.
At the time, the singer also said his decision to remain neutral did not mean he didn’t care about or support causes in his own way.
FINNEAS, Lukas Graham And Aaron Rowe Exit Ed Sheeran’s Tour
Macklemore’s departure has been followed by several other supporting acts leaving the tour in solidarity with him.
Lukas Graham, FINNEAS, and Aaron Rowe all made the decision and shared their reasons for leaving in social media posts.
“Artists should not be silenced when they speak for the oppressed,” FINNEAS wrote.
“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children,” Rowe remarked.
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Car influencer James Wehr was caught in an “extremely hazardous condition” when he crashed his 2019 McLaren, killing him and Alexis “Lexi” Kramer, an attorney for his widow claims.
Lawyer Corey Higgins from iAccidentLawyer released an Instagram video on Wednesday, September 16, announcing that he is representing James’ wife, Emma Wehr, following the influencer’s death in a motor accident in Irvine, California, on Sunday, September 13.
“At the time of the collision, a significant amount of water was present on the roadway on an otherwise clear night, creating an extremely hazardous condition for any motorist,” Higgins claimed in the video. “The source of that water is yet to be identified, and our firm is actively investigating how that water came to be there, how long that condition had existed and who may ultimately bear responsibility.”
Higgins continued, “As part of that investigation, we are also examining the crashworthiness of the vehicle that James was driving, including how that vehicle and its safety systems performed during the collision and whether the vehicle provided the level of occupant protection that should be reasonably expected under the circumstances.”
Car influencer James Wehr was in the driver’s seat of a 2019 McLaren that crashed on Sunday, September 13, killing him and Alexis “Lexi” Kramer, police confirmed. Wehr, 27, and Kramer, 22, suffered fatal injuries in the early hours of Sunday following an accident in Irvine, California, in which his supercar crashed into a tree, […]
“There are still important questions that need to be answered. Our team is working to preserve the evidence, investigate every potential contributing factor and determine the full sequence of events that led to this tragedy,” Higgins added. “Our thoughts remain with Emma and the Wehr family as we work to uncover the facts surrounding James’ death and protect our client’s legal rights.”
James, 27, and Kramer, 22, suffered fatal injuries in the early hours of Sunday morning when his supercar crashed into a tree, split in two and burst into flames.
“We have evidence that shows a female was in the passenger seat just before the collision,” Irvine Police Department spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp told Us on Wednesday, confirming that James had been in the driver’s seat.
Newport Beach police subsequently told Us that James had been pulled over by officials on Saturday, September 12, roughly five hours before the crash.
Social media is paying tribute to many influencers who died in 2026. While recording a private New Year’s Eve livestream, Sergio Jiménez died at age 37. Days later, content creator Athira Auni died on January 3 at age 21 after a motorcycle accident. In February, Chinnu Papu died by suicide at age 24. In March, […]
“On 9/12 at 7:21 p.m., at Newport Blvd. and Finley Ave., an NBPD officer observed a vehicle with a loud exhaust and conducted a traffic stop. The stop resulted in a warning issued to the driver,” Newport Beach Police Department spokesperson Heather Rangel said.
James was the cofounder of a popular weekly car meetup, South OC Cars and Coffee, in San Clemente, California. Kramer, from Lakeland, Florida, was a model who appeared in the 2026 Hooters calendar.
A family member of Kramer’s told the California Post earlier this week that she had flown to California on Friday, September 11, to spend the weekend with James. The relative also claimed that James had told Kramer he was in the midst of divorcing his wife.
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There’s a reason why their onscreen chemistry was off the charts.
The first reactions to Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil have arrived, and the filmmaker behind Barbarian and Weapons may have another horror hit on his hands.
Early reactions to Sony Pictures’ latest attempt at bringing the iconic video game franchise to the big screen are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with critics praising the film’s gore, humor, scares and commitment to the survival-horror atmosphere of the games.
Cregger’s Resident Evil follows Austin Abrams as a medical courier who finds himself caught in a zombie outbreak while attempting to make a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. Cregger co-wrote the screenplay alongside Shay Hatten, with Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser also starring.
While the film tells an original story rather than adapting one of the games directly, the early word suggests Cregger has captured what makes Resident Evil work.
Flickering Myth critic EJ Moreno called the movie a “true horror blockbuster,” adding:
“Zach Cregger goes bigger, scarier, and at his most fun.”
Moreno also said Resident Evil is the type of movie that should be experienced “on the biggest screen with a big crowd.”
Mark Cassidy offered similarly strong praise, arguing that despite not featuring familiar characters or storylines from the games, the movie successfully taps into their relentless tension.
Director Zach Cregger (right) and Austin Abrams on the set of Constantin Film and Columbia Pictures Resident Evil DUŠAN MARTINČEK/SONY PICTURES
“Zach Cregger has actually delivered the most faithful take yet.”
Cassidy described the film as “very bloody, very funny” and revealed that it managed to make him jump three times.
Kellvin Chavez was even more enthusiastic, praising a movie that apparently wastes little time getting started.
“Zach Cregger delivers relentless suspense, gloriously gory action.”
Chavez also highlighted what he described as twisted, The Thing-like creature designs and called the movie “pure survival horror.”
Film critic Tristian Circa ‘89 praised the balance between horror and comedy, saying the movie is “just as intense and horrifying as you’d expect” while still incorporating humor. He also singled out Abrams as an everyman protagonist whose natural charm makes him easy to root for.
Variety’s Jordan Moreau delivered perhaps the strongest reaction of the bunch, calling Resident Evil:
“One of the best video game adaptations ever made.”
Austin Abrams in ‘Resident Evil’ (2026). Credit : Dušan Martinček/Sony Pictures
Moreau also called it one of the best recent horror movies and praised Abrams’ performance as he stumbles his way through the zombie outbreak.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Cregger’s take on the franchise has been his decision to tell an original story.
The new movie does not center on established Resident Evil characters such as Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Cregger has previously acknowledged the criticism surrounding that decision, but these early reactions suggest his film may compensate by remaining faithful to the atmosphere, tension and survival-horror experience of the games.
The franchise has already produced seven live-action theatrical films, beginning with the Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil in 2002 and most recently returning to theaters with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City in 2021. The films have collectively earned more than $1.2 billion worldwide.
Now Cregger gets his opportunity to take audiences back to Raccoon City.
Resident Evil hits theaters September 18.
For many artists, reaching the pinnacle of success only fuels the desire for more. For Jelly Roll, however, the opposite may be true.
The country star is at a career high, collecting major awards, earning industry recognition, and securing a place among Nashville’s most celebrated performers.
Yet instead of focusing on what comes next in music, the singer is openly contemplating whether his future could lie somewhere entirely different.
Jelly Roll surprised fans with a candid reflection on his future while speaking backstage at the Grand Ole Opry during an interview with Y’all Access Radio’s Kelly Sutton.
Rather than discussing new goals or career milestones, the Grammy-winning performer revealed that he felt he had already accomplished everything he once hoped to achieve in the music industry.
The 41-year-old artist explained that he was now looking beyond personal ambition and focusing on spiritual direction.
“Everything that Jason or Jelly Roll wanted to do in the music business, I’ve done now, so at this point I really need to go talk to God and see if he wants me to stick around, or what he wants me to do next,” he said.
Jelly Roll suggested that if he felt called to a completely different purpose, he would have no problem walking away from fame altogether.
“If God tells me to go work at a homeless shelter in Paducah, Ky., I’m outta here,” added Jelly. “Y’all will never see me again.”
The singer pointed to the remarkable list of achievements he has already checked off, saying, “He gave me everything I ever wanted, man — Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry, like — God has done it.”
Jelly Roll’s comments quickly sparked an emotional reaction online, with many Facebook fans encouraging the singer to remain in music even as he considers what comes next.
While supporters respected his desire to follow his faith, many argued that his impact on people’s lives is evidence that he is already fulfilling a greater purpose through his work.
Several fans pointed to Jelly Roll’s longstanding belief in God, agreeing that he should continue seeking spiritual guidance while reminding him of the influence he has on others.
One supporter wrote, “You can do anything as long as you keep God in your heart. He will direct you what to do for what he wants you to do.”
Others focused on the connection he has built with his audience over the years. One fan urged the country star not to view awards and career milestones as a reason to step away, writing, “He wants you to keep performing for the thousands of FANS that love you so much. Don’t quit because you have awards etc…. do it for you but please don’t leave your fans.”
Among the most heartfelt responses was a plea that reflected what many fans appeared to be feeling. “Please stay. You’ve made such an impact on so many people. Of course, follow God’s will..” another commenter wrote.
Jelly Roll’s Touring Break Suddenly Looks A Lot More Real
For fans hoping Jelly Roll’s comments about walking away from music were simply a moment of reflection, the 41-year-old had already revealed plans that point toward a significant step back from the spotlight.
During a concert in Salt Lake City, Jelly Roll stunned the crowd by explaining that his Colorado Springs performance would be his last show for quite some time.
Rather than talking about new tour dates or future appearances, he spoke candidly about the need to slow down after years of nonstop work.
“This has truly been a lifetime experience for me,” he told fans per PEOPLE. “And in a couple of nights, I go to Colorado Springs and do my last show for a year or two. I’m fixing to take some time off and heal. Thank you for the opportunity.”
The announcement followed one of the busiest periods of his career. Since breaking into the country mainstream, Jelly Roll has earned Grammy Awards, ACM Awards, CMA honors, multi-platinum singles, and a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Beautifully Broken.
More From The Blast
Jelly Roll Says Donald Trump Jokes ‘Messed With People’s Heads’
Just as discussion about his future intensified, Jelly Roll found himself responding to backlash over jokes he made while guest-hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
As The Blast reported, the controversy began after Jelly Roll referred to President Donald Trump as “full of sh-t” while discussing the president’s public statements.
He also mocked Trump’s weight and joked about the president’s involvement in plans surrounding an IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., comments that quickly spread across social media and conservative media circles.
The reaction was immediate. Some viewers applauded Jelly Roll for treating politicians like any other public figure ripe for late-night comedy, while others slammed his comments.
When Jelly Roll eventually addressed the controversy, he made it clear that nobody had pressured him into making the jokes.
“I was just telling it like it is,” he said per EW, rejecting suggestions that he had been fed lines or forced to take a political position.
The singer also admitted he was genuinely surprised by the intensity of the response. “It messed with people’s heads,” Jelly Roll added, later describing the uproar as “the weirdest thing I’ve ever done to stun people” considering his history as a former felon, recovering addict, and heavily tattooed performer who has spent years defying expectations.
Bunnie Xo Revealed Just How Deeply Her Split From Jelly Roll Affected Her
While Jelly Roll was dealing with public criticism, his ex-wife Bunnie Xo was opening up about the painful reality of life after their divorce.
Appearing on Jenna Bush Hager’s “Open Book” podcast on September 3, Bunnie revealed that the breakup affected far more than her emotions.
The podcast host said the split took such a severe physical toll on her that members of her team were forced to step in during some of her lowest moments.
“There was moments when my team had to pick me up off the floor and give me IVs,” she noted, explaining that she struggled to eat after the couple separated.
The weight loss that followed was dramatic. “I was eating baby food to get by. I lost 20 pounds,” Bunnie revealed before adding, “Heartbreak, man, it’s the best freaking diet.”
The former couple had been married for nearly a decade before Jelly Roll filed for divorce in May, with the proceedings finalized in July. According to Bunnie, however, she has no interest in allowing the breakup to define the rest of her life.
“That’s all you can do. When life hands you lemons, make freaking lemonade,” she said while discussing her efforts to move forward.
When you spend your whole life chasing revenge, you’ll run out of people to kill. One of TV’s most relentless Navy SEALs suddenly doesn’t have a to-list left. Fortunately for anyone who enjoys a combination of delightfully picturesque locales and a lust for vengeance rivalled only by Arya Stark, retirement isn’t on the cards for this fella and one of Prime Video‘s biggest series is back for more.
Prime Video just dropped the trailer for The Terminal List Season 2, premiering on October 21, 2026. Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) returns as James Reece for a story based on Jack Carr’s True Believer. Season 2 takes Reece across the Indian Ocean, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe as he uncovers a conspiracy stretching from Moscow to Langley. Pratt, who also executive produces the series, said in a statement:
“This season is a love letter to the special operations community. I’m incredibly proud of the journey we went on and what we were able to put on screen. It was a monumental effort by a lot of people over the course of many years, and I think you can feel that commitment in every frame. Yes, it’s an action thriller, but there’s also real beauty and poetry in it. At its heart, this season is dedicated to the men and women who do this work—the people who operate in the shadows, make extraordinary sacrifices, and rarely ask for recognition. We wanted to honor them and get it right. I couldn’t be more proud of what we made.”
Who Stars in ‘The Terminal List’ Season 2?
The cast is led by Pratt as James Reece, with Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy) returning as Raife Hastings, Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians) as Katie Buranek, Dar Salim (The Covenant) as Mohammed Farooq, and Luke Hemsworth (Westworld) as Jules Landry.
Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us) joins the series as Freddy Strain, while Costa Ronin (The Americans), Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace), Yul Vazquez (Severance), Martin Sensmeier (1883), Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy), Jeremy Bobb (The Knick), and Shiraz Tzarfati are also among the growing and very international ensemble.
The Terminal List Season 2 premieres all eight episodes October 21 exclusively on Prime Video.
- Release Date
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June 30, 2022
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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David DiGilio
- Directors
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Fred Toye, Sylvain White, Antoine Fuqua, Ellen Kuras, M.J. Bassett
- Writers
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Chris Pratt2, David DiGilio
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Jeanne Tripplehorn
Secretary Hartley
J Balvin‘s girlfriend, model Valentina Ferrer, is confirming that the couple have split after nearly 10 years together.
“After sharing so many years and important moments together, José and I have decided to take separate paths,” the Miss Universe contestant, 32, announced via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 16.
J Balvin (full name José Álvaro Osorio Balvín), 41, reportedly met Valentina on a shoot for his “Sigo Extrañándote” music video in 2017 and they started dating soon after. They welcomed a son — who is named Río in honor of the musician’s love for Rio de Janeiro — in June 2021.
Us has reached out to both parties’ representatives for comment.
The hottest couples hit the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet before the coveted Moonperson trophies were handed out on Sunday, September 7. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to […]
“[Our split] has been a decision made from love, respect and the desire to do what is best for our family,” Ferrer wrote in Wednesday’s Instagram Story. “Our priority will continue to be always accompanying Río with all our love.”
Ferrer called for the public to give her and J Balvin privacy as they navigate this significant change for their family.
“We are going through this process calmly and deeply appreciate the understanding and respect toward this very personal moment for us,” her Instagram Story statement concluded.
Fans suspected there were complications in Ferrer and J Balvin’s relationship in recent months, as the two reportedly haven’t released joint social media content since late July.
Hola reported that Ferrer recently responded with “likes” on social media content when fans speculated that she may have been dropping hints about trouble in her relationship by posting Karol G’s breakup anthem “Alguien Que Te Amaba.”
Stars didn’t hold back with their creative outfits at the 2026 Coachella Music & Arts Festival. Bachelor Nation’s Kit Keenan, for example, hand-made her sparkling ensemble with help from her designer mom, Cynthia Rowley. She documented the design process via TikTok earlier this month, sharing behind-the-scenes clips of her mom busy at work sewing pieces […]
However, Ferrer gave an interview to Brazil’s G Show on Thursday, September 10, where she was asked about the key to her and J Balvin’s near ten-year relationship.
“There isn’t [one key]. Each couple develops a different kind of complicity and way of approaching the relationship,” she said. “It’s more about respecting each other, knowing how to communicate, and a lot of companionship.”
Ferrer confirmed that she was staying behind in New York City while J Balvin performed on the main stage of the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, September 12. She noted that both she and J Balvin orchestrate their busy careers in order to maximize time with Río.
“Río is 5 years old and already has his own routine with school, activities, and playtime. We’re always adjusting our daily lives so we can enjoy time with Río,” Ferrer told G Show last week. “He doesn’t yet understand the scope of our careers, but that will come with time.”
The fantasy genre is one of the oldest and most vibrant genres of storytelling thanks to its ability to bring anything the storyteller can imagine to life. It can be further broken down into different sub-genres, such as high fantasy, like Lord of the Rings, and urban magic, like Harry Potter. One that has become more popular in recent years is dark fantasy.
Defining dark fantasy is a bit tricky, but the basic idea is that it is a fantasy story that incorporates elements of horror and more mature and frightening themes. As such, creative types can go wild with these stories, especially in film. Dark fantasy movies always stand out for their amazing visuals and how harsh their stories can be, even if the target audience is children.
10
‘Legend’ (1985)
Princess Lili (Mia Sara) is a pure-hearted soul who has befriended a woodland sprite named Jack in the Green (Tom Cruise). One day, Jack takes Lili to see the last pair of unicorns, one of whom is killed by the goblin Blix (Alice Playten), in service to the evil Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry). This brings about a deadly winter, and if the second unicorn is killed, Darkness can banish the sun.
Though poorly received on release, Legend has become a cult classic thanks to its charismatic actors and phenomenal practical effects. Its story is a simple good vs. evil fairy tale, but it lends itself to some memorable characters, with the highlight being Darkness. Along with a striking and intimidating design, his personality is another chance for Curry to chew the scenery. Note: if you’re going to watch it, try to find the director’s cut, which includes the original score by Jerry Goldsmith.
9
‘Fire and Ice’ (1983)
Sorceress Queen Juliana (Susan Tyrrell) and her son, Nekron (Stephen Mendel), use their magic to spread Arctic glaciers in their war against humanity, with only the volcanic kingdom of Firekeep standing against them. Juliana sends her minions to kidnap Firekeep’s princess, Teegra (Maggie Roswell), to be Nekron’s bride, but she escapes. She finds allies against the sorcerers in the form of Larn (William Ostrander), a survivor from a tribe wiped out by the glaciers, and Darkwolf (Steve Sandor), a powerful and mysterious warrior.
Fire and Ice is an underrated gem in the wild filmography of Ralph Bakshi. It boasts some fantastic use of rotoscoping, which gives the characters more lifelike movement and adds a lot of realism to the action scenes. This realistic movement also makes the film feel more dangerous, as the characters struggle to survive in this hostile world and fight for their right to live.
8
‘Return to Oz’ (1985)
After returning from the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) is sent to the sanatorium of Dr. Worley (Nicol Williamson), who plans to use electroshock therapy on her. She escapes with the help of a mysterious girl and returns to Oz, which has been taken over by the Nome King (Nicol Williamson and Pons Maar). With help from a mechanical man named Tik-Tok (Sean Barrett), a pumpkin-headed scarecrow named Jack (Brian Henson), and a talking chicken named Billina (Denise Bryer), Dorothy attempts to find her friend the Scarecrow (Justin Case) and save Oz from the Nome King’s rule.
Return to Oz has earned a reputation as one of the most disturbing kids’ films ever made, especially if one watches it after seeing the original Wizard of Oz. It trades bright and colorful imagery for some truly twisted and terrifying concepts, such as a witch who collects the heads of young women, her wheel-limbed minions called Wheelers, and some of the creepiest stop-motion in film, brought to life by the legendary Will Vinton. This fits the tone of the original Oz books better than the 1939 classic and has helped the movie gain a strong cult following over the years.
7
‘The Neverending Story’ (1984)
Bastian Balthazar Bux (Barret Oliver) is an introverted child who lives with his father following the recent death of his mother. One day, while escaping bullies, he runs into a mysterious bookshop and steals one titled “The Neverending Story”. It details a fantasy world called Fantasia, which is being destroyed by an abstract force called The Nothing, and the hero Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), who sets off to defeat it.
The Neverending Story is an amazing balancing act between a rich, whimsical fantasy world and dark, existential themes. The Nothing in particular is one of the most terrifying forces in any fantasy film: an abstract manifestation of loss and depression that slowly erodes the world until all color and hope have left it. Still, there’s lots of wonder and magic to be found, such as in the character of Falcor (Alan Oppenheimer), an optimistic luckdragon who encourages Atreyu to never give up.
6
‘Dragonslayer’ (1981)
Galen Brandwardyn (Peter MacNicol) is a young man apprenticed to the great sorcerer, Ulrich of Cragganmore (Ralph Richardson). One day, a group of soldiers from the kingdom of Urland arrive at Ulrich’s tower to request his help in slaying the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative. Unfortunately, one of the soldiers stabs Ulrich when he tries to demonstrate his power, leaving Galen to try and kill the dragon with nothing but his master’s ashes and magic amulet.
Dragonslayer is a gritty and subversive film that pulls no punches with how grim its world can be. Young women are regularly sacrificed to Vermithrax to appease its hunger, while Galen and his allies are pushed to their limit in trying to find a way to bring down the dragon. Speaking of Vermithrax, it remains one of the greatest dragons in film thanks to an ancient, menacing design, and the multitude of techniques that went into its creation.
5
‘The Dark Crystal’ (1982)
On the world of Thra live two ancient dying races: the evil Skeksis, who drain the planet’s life force through a dark crystal to prolong their lives, and the good Mystics, who practice ancient magic in isolation. As the Skeksis emperor and the elder Mystic die on the same day, Jen (Stephen Garlick), one of the last Gelflings, is tasked with finding a shard from the dark crystal to bring an end to the Skeksis’ rule. He must do this before the three suns of Thra converge, which will allow the Skeksis to achieve full immortality.
The Dark Crystal is one of the most visually distinct fantasy movies ever made. Thra looks and feels like a truly alien world: plants and even patches of earth seem to pulse with breath, and every creature’s design is perfectly tailored to their role in the world. The Skeksis are easily the most iconic creatures from the film, with their vulture-like heads, extravagant costumes, and decadent personalities making them the perfect representation of greed, corruption, and rot.
4
‘Conan The Barbarian’ (1982)
As a child, Conan (Jorge Sanz and Arnold Schwarzenegger) is forced to watch as his village is destroyed, and his parents are killed by raiders in the service of a warlord named Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones). Forced into slavery, Conan eventually earns his freedom as a gladiator and befriends the thief Subotai (Gerry Lopez) and the warrior Valeria (Sandahl Bergman). After the three successfully steal treasures from one of Doom’s towers, they are contracted by King Osric (Max von Sydow) to rescue his daughter, who has been brainwashed into joining Doom’s cult.
Conan The Barbarian is one of the most important and influential fantasy films ever made. It helped to kick off Schwarzenegger’s career as a major action star and inspired a decade’s worth of other gritty fantasy movies. The action scenes stand out, especially for their copious levels of blood, unshackled brutality, and fantastic music.
3
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
After the death of his son, a woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) gets drunk one night and decides to try to remake him out of wood. After he passes out, a Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton) uses magic to bring to life the puppet he created, called Pinocchio (Gregory Mann), and assigns a cricket named Sebastian (Ewan McGregor) to teach him morality. As Pinocchio learns about life and all its trials and tribulations, he discovers that when he dies, he comes back to life after speaking with the Wood Sprite’s sister, Death (Tilda Swinton).
This adaptation of Pinocchio has been a passion project of Guillermo del Toro for years, and it shows in the finished product. The story manages to be darker than the Disney adaptations in some ways, replacing fantasy nightmares with real ones like Fascism. It’s also a very poignant dive into themes of mortality, exploitation, and what it means to truly live, all brought to life through fantastic stop-motion.
2
‘Coraline’ (2009)
Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) is not happy when she moves from Michigan to a boarding house in Oregon, or that her parents are more preoccupied with work than her. While exploring the house, she discovers a door in the wall that leads to another world created by her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher). She tailors the world to whatever Coraline desires, but underneath the glamor there is something dark and sinister.
Coraline combines a story by Neil Gaiman, animation by Laika, and the creative vision of stop-motion legend Henry Selick to make one of the most stylistic and creepy children’s films in recent years. Everything about the Other World is especially disturbing, from how bright and perfect it is at first to how it slowly begins to erode and corrupt into a dark and twisted perversion of reality. The Other Mother herself is also one of animation’s scariest villains thanks to how sinister she is while luring children to their doom.
1
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), a young girl living in Francoist Spain, follows a fairy deep into an underground labyrinth. There, she meets a faun (Doug Jones), who explains that she is the reincarnation of Princess Moanna of the underworld. To return to her kingdom, she must pass three trials, while also tending to her pregnant mother and ruthless stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López).
Pan’s Labyrinth is perhaps the masterpiece of Guillermo del Toro’s career. The film uses its fantasy elements to complement and explain the harshness of the world around Ofelia, such as the terrifying Pale Man (Doug Jones), an elderly creature who sustains himself by eating the flesh of children. Yet intermingled with this darkness are themes of hope, sacrifice, and bravery.
The Dark Crystal
- Release Date
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December 17, 1982
- Runtime
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93 minutes
- Director
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Frank Oz
- Writers
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David Odell, Jim Henson
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Jim Henson
Jen / High Priest, Ritual Master
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Kathryn Mullen
Kira, a Gelfling
The first season of Nation’s Dumbest has come to an end … and the winner of the Fox game show is now speaking out.
Chase “Huddy” Hudson spoke exclusively to Us about coming out on top after Hilaria Baldwin graduated during the Wednesday, September 16, episode, saying, “I’m wearing that title with pride, for sure. I don’t think that it was a bad thing. I think that it’s going to be a good thing in the long run.”
Hudson, 24, pointed out that he had the honor of being the first person crowned the “Nation’s Dumbest.”
“For a TV show that’s never aired in America before, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. So when I was getting off the show, they told me everyone that had done this TV show in Europe had left the show and became these huge ambassadors of different things and shooting commercials,” he noted. “Everybody else that had shot the show, they’re going about their day, but the winner gets a crown, in a way.”
The musician didn’t mind wearing what he called a “badge of honor” despite it coming as a result of him not passing enough logic and classroom challenges.
“A lot of people at home are playing this with us, which is a cool thing. And they have been telling me, ‘Oh, I’ve been trying to play, and I got a lot of the same things you got wrong. I wouldn’t know any of this stuff,’” he recalled. “There are harder questions that stumped everybody. No one was able to guess it. So I’m like, ‘You know what? It doesn’t make me feel that bad now that I’m looking back on it.’ There were some pretty tough and very random things.”
Hudson went on to point out that “you can’t even study” for Nation’s Dumbest, adding, “There’s nothing that you could do differently because you don’t know what trivia question you’re going to be asked. They’re spinning a wheel on a million random questions from a million different places, and a lot of them are meant to stump you. There’s trick questions where you’re going to think it’s one thing and it’s another.”
He continued: “The thing that I did when I went in there was I studied all the baseball teams, all the football teams and anything that had to do with, like, American sports or even the cities where the capitals were and landmarks. I thought it was just going to be American geography, and I knew that they were going to do coins as well. I knew they were going to do something with money, so I actually looked at all the faces. So when that came up in a challenge, I knew I studied for this.”
Nation’s Dumbest, which is streaming on Hulu, features 12 celebrities competing against each other in classroom challenges to prove they are not the “nation’s dumbest” and “graduate” as early as possible.
For Hudson, revisiting his time in school wasn’t always positive.
“When I was a student, I was definitely, like, all over the place. I’m super ADHD, and I think that that plays a role in all of this as well,” he told Us. “One of the things my mom pointed out — because she’s also ADHD — is it’s a lot easier for someone with ADHD to understand what the question is if it’s written out in front of them and they can read it. That’s something that we didn’t have on the TV show.”
The actor recalled feeling “underestimated” by others.
“I could have studied a lot harder, but I think that that just wasn’t where my brain was at. I had always been sort of, like, a visionary and more of a creative person. One thing that the show really showed me and the world is where my knowledge had lied,” he continued. “For me, that was always music and fashion and culture and art. Being able to showcase that for everybody, it’s nice to show people who think that I wouldn’t know a lot about those things that I do care about it. Some people think that people in our industry are half-ass caring about these things that they really care about and really pay attention to.”
From emotional confessions to dance-floor anthems, this summer’s most anticipated albums promise something for every mood. Niall Horan and Olivia Rodrigo are pushing their sounds in unexpected directions, while legends like Madonna return with long-awaited new music. Add in rock anthems from The Pretty Reckless and The Rolling Stones, cinematic storytelling from Shaboozey and Role […]
Since wrapping up his time on Nation’s Dumbest, Hudson has had a lot more to celebrate — including the Friday, September 18, release of his Somebody to Hate album.
“It is just about growing up feeling like people had something against me. Whether it was on social media where they didn’t like me or they didn’t like my music or I felt like they had been trying to find a reason to not like me,” he explained of the record’s concept. “So I think this was sort of taking that power back. There’s a story line to all of it as well. Things that I’ve gone through throughout my life living in L.A. that have made me into the person that I am today. I wanted to open up and be vulnerable with people about my journey in a way that feels striking. When you see it at first, I think a lot of people saw the title and were like, ‘What? This is crazy.’ And I’m just like, ‘No, it’s not me being defensive that I am somebody to hate.’”
Hudson concluded: “If people want to put that label onto me, I’ll wear it. I want not to convince you that I’m not somebody to hate but to show you an introspective look into who I am.”
Looking ahead, Hudson has plans to keep challenging himself — but not always in reality TV form.
“I’ve been developing a jewelry brand, which is really cool. I’ve been working on a lot of new music,” he shared. “I might do a tour for this album, and I’ve been auditioning for a lot of really cool stuff. So maybe we’ll keep the acting ball rolling too.”
Nation’s Dumbest is streaming on Hulu.
Come 2027, Michael B. Jordan may be focusing on something other than the big screen.
The “Sinners” star has enjoyed another standout year in Hollywood. From earning Best Actor honors for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack in the hit film to lining up several major projects, Jordan has barely slowed down.
Now, the actor says he is preparing to do exactly that.
After years of talking about taking a breather, Jordan says those plans are coming sooner rather than later.
He is currently busy filming the modern revival of “Miami Vice” and producing “Delphi,” while the first part of 2027 will focus on promoting “The Thomas Crown Affair.”
After that, however, he intends to hit the brakes. “I’ll probably take the rest of next year off,” the “Creed” star told Vogue during a recent interview.
Jordan explained that the downtime will allow him to slow down and take stock of everything he has accomplished. “That’s probably when I’m going to do more reflecting and processing of all of this,” the 39-year-old shared.
Fresh off a major awards-season triumph, Jordan admitted he has been constantly on the move as his career continues to reach new heights.
He also teased that his future could take an unexpected turn, joking that he may one day “quit it all and make anime for the rest” of his life.
A Look At Michael B. Jordan’s Upcoming Projects
Even with a break on the horizon, Jordan still has a packed slate ahead. The Blast previously reported that he will take on the role of Ricardo Tubbs, a character made famous by Philip Michael Thomas in the original NBC crime drama that aired from 1984 to 1990.
The film will explore both the glamour and darker side of mid-1980s Miami and draw inspiration from the show’s early seasons. Joseph Kosinski is directing the project, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on August 6, 2027.
Jordan is also stepping behind the camera for the second time with a romantic heist adventure in which he will also star. Speaking about the project, he described it as “big, international, sexy, and full of surprises,” hinting at twists audiences won’t see coming.
The ‘Swapped’ Actor Can’t Get Over His Latest Accomplishment
Despite looking ahead to new ventures, Jordan is still enjoying the excitement surrounding his Oscar victory.
During Amazon’s CinemaCon presentation earlier this year, he was introduced as an Academy Award Winner, and was all smiles.
“I don’t think that will ever get old,” the “Fantastic Four” actor gushed about it even though it has been months since he took the honor.
As expected, fans celebrated his accomplishments. Per The Blast, one fan wrote, “Much respect. Of course, it shouldn’t get old, and other actors feel the same way. Congratulations to MBJ again for an epic and well-deserved win!”
This Hollywood Veteran Thinks Jordan Deserves More Awards
While fans believe Jordan deserved the win, his colleague, Jamie Foxx, felt the same.
Foxx did not hide his feelings after Jordan recognized him among the Black performers who had previously reached the same career milestone during his acceptance speech.
The Blast reported that Foxx later took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, expressing both his pride and admiration for Jordan’s continued success.
In the “Django Unchained” star’s caption, he wrote, “Words can’t express how proud I am of you. You deserve this and so much more. Congratulations, my brother.”
Michael B. Jordan Reacts To David Jonsson Leading The Next ‘Black Panther’
Jordan has also shared his excitement about the future of the Marvel DC Comics franchise following reports that David Jonsson will lead the upcoming third installment.
The Oscar-winning performer famously portrayed Erik Killmonger in 2018’s part before reprising the character in “Wakanda Forever.”
Speaking on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Jordan couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when asked about Jonsson’s casting.
“Oh, I love it. It’s amazing! I can’t wait, can’t wait!” he said, according to The Blast.
Jonsson, best known for his performances in “Alien: Romulus” and “Industry”, is expected to portray the adult son of King T’Challa and Nakia, a character originally played by the late Chadwick Boseman.
While detective shows aren’t exactly few and far between in streaming, every so often a show comes along that flips the genre on its head. That’s certainly the case for Prime Video’s Young Sherlock, which first premiered on March 4, 2026, and is already renewed for Season 2. The series, created and directed by Guy Ritchie, not only brings something new to the genre with a fast-paced, Victorian mystery, but puts its own spin on the iconic character Sherlock Holmes.
After all, unlike previous TV adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle‘s beloved detective, such as Sherlock and Elementary, Young Sherlock has him at a very young age, when his observational skills were still being crafted and his experience with crimes was just starting to scratch the surface. By doing so, the series tells the story of a genius before he even reaches genius level, and it’s a thrilling and innovative perspective that had viewers hooked from Episode 1.
‘Young Sherlock’ Biggest Spin Makes It a Standout
Among the best parts of having Young Sherlock follow a younger, more shapeable Sherlock Holmes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) is the fact that the show follows him without his trusty sidekick, John Watson. While Watson is very much a character in both Sherlock and Elementary, played by Martin Freeman and Lucy Liu, respectively, Young Sherlock follows a period before they first met. Instead, the series has Sherlock join forces with his soon-to-be nemesis, James Moriarty (Dónal Finn). Together, young Sherlock and Moriarty are not only new friends, coming together to solve the crime at hand, but rely on each other as not only partners in crime, but confidants too.
“What makes Young Sherlock so compelling is this relationship between Moriarty and Sherlock,” Therese Lacson wrote in her review for Collider. “Rather than making them enemies from the start, their close friendship and the fact that Moriarty essentially almost becomes adopted into the Holmes family make his inevitable turn to evil all the more devastating.” By doing so, watching Young Sherlock is not only an entertaining ride for the mysteries themselves, but almost like watching a pot of water slowly come to a boil: you know exactly what’s coming, but you can’t look away.
‘Young Sherlock’ Was Beloved By Viewers and Critics Alike
Since its premiere, the series has received a warm reception from viewers and critics alike. Not only did the series reach over 45 million viewers in the first 28 days, per Deadline, and is ranked among the top 10 Prime Original Seasons all-time, but it also scored 84% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and 83% in the audience-led Popcorn Meter. Among the highlights, of course, is how Tiffin’s Sherlock sets itself apart from previous iterations. “One of the best series of the year with an amazingly fresh take on Sherlock Holmes with a career-defining performance from Hero Fiennes Tiffin,” wrote one review on the review aggregator. “This is a different look at a character that audiences know all too well, and, instead of being derivative, Young Sherlock finds the necessary spark to sustain itself outside the shadow of any existing adaptation,” echoed another review.
After so much success, Young Sherlock received the green light for Season 2. Per Deadline, the sophomore season kicked off filming in late May in Palermo, Italy, with executive producer Ritchie directing the first episode. In addition to the returning cast, Season 2 will also see new faces, including new series regulars Olivia Williams (Dune: Prophecy), Sophie Skelton (Outlander), Indira Varma (The Night Manager) and Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones).
With all that said, Prime Video’s Young Sherlock has quickly established itself as a must-watch series on the platform giant. By taking a character fans know and love, and showing a new, younger side of him, the series is not only entertaining, but offers a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter in his life. Plus, with a brand-new dynamic between Sherlock and Moriarty, the series became all the more nail-biting. With Season 2 officially underway, here’s hoping the series continues to expand on the TV magic it created with Season 1.
- Release Date
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March 4, 2026
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Matthew Parkhill
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