Tom Cruise has spent most of the millennium in the action blockbuster space, developing elaborate stunts in the Mission: Impossible series and flying real F/A-18s for the massive hit Top Gun: Maverick (with a Top Gun 3 in the works). But the detours of his career suggest he could be a very different kind of performer. His cameo in 2008’s Tropic Thunder as ruthless executive Les Grossman (who has threatened to get a spin-off of his own) made waves, but one of his boldest roles was as a washed-up rock star in the 2012 adaptation of Broadway musical Rock of Ages.

Tom Cruise Is Easily the Best Part of ‘Rock of Ages’

Even in 2025, Cruise was still claiming that at the top of his movie bucket list was “musicals,” according to Rolling Stone. If anyone remembers Rock of Ages, they remember Stacee Jaxx (Cruise), the lost soul whose recklessness has led to the breakup of his hair metal band. Introduced singing the goofy bad boy anthem “Wanted Dead or Alive,” this is Tom Cruise at maximum charisma. Rock of Ages failed to find an audience, leading to a decade-plus of increasingly safe Cruise movies and performances. However, it suggests he could have been a musical star.

Part of the problem with Rock of Ages is that for as large as Stacee looms, he is not that big a part of it. More time is spent on the cliché-ridden story of Sherrie (Jullianne Hough), the small-town girl who follows her musical dreams to Los Angeles, ultimately falling in love with Drew (Diego Boneta). Still, even with its admirable sincerity and slick staging, the movie largely falls asleep when Stacee Jaxx is offscreen. Amusing turns from Alec Baldwin and Bryan Cranston aside, the comedy largely rests on Cruise’s shoulders, which leads to some of his best work in one of his worst movies.

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Despite famously performing in his high school production of Guys and Dolls, Tom Cruise spent his early film career in every genre but musical comedy. From teen dramas like The Outsiders to legacy sequels like The Color of Money to sports movies like Days of Thunder, he made his name as a serious, engaged, and charming actor in prestigious productions before moving largely into the action genre. But rumors spread that he wanted to tackle the musical, with much of the pre-release chatter around the movie centering around Cruise’s desires, even though nobody knew if he could sing. As if to refute the premature critiques, Cruise developed the character with his signature intensity, with director Adam Shankman claiming to E! News that the actor was training to develop a voice like “Axl Rose, Keith Richards, and Jim Morrison.”

‘Rock of Ages’ Failure Pushed Tom Cruise Into Action Movies

For a movie that marketed itself on Cruise’s performance, Rock of Ages flopped at the global box office, making under $60 million on a $75 million budget per Box Office Mojo. The actor’s trips out of action movie territory seemed to thud, with Rock of Ages seemingly putting the nail on the coffin of his own musical ambitions. The action movie audience had little interest in seeing him in a musical, and the musical crowd that loved 2010’s Burlesque didn’t care for this one’s goofy machismo. Cruise soon poured his energy into his familiar action mode, but it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if it had succeeded.

Rock of Ages came about at a time when Cruise had figured out his mode to an extent that could feel rote and repetitive if the movies themselves weren’t great. With 2011’s Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol, he had finally turned his passion project into a real series and embarked on a substantial creative partnership with writer Christopher McQuarrie, who had written 2008’s World War II thriller Valkyrie for Cruise and would also direct him in 2012’s rock-solid Jack Reacher (as well as the next four Mission films). But with the Mission: Impossible series having allegedly wrapped up, McQuarrie has claimed that next on the agenda is a musical designed to showcase the actor’s talents, per Deadline. Should it happen, we can only hope it’s not a one-off.

An influencer who went viral after sharing her budget-friendly wedding has died after welcoming her first child.

According to her obituary, Kiara Janae Brokenbrough died as she welcomed a son with her husband Joel Brokenbrough on March 30. She was 32.

A GoFundMe launched by Joel’s mother Shaneka Greene shared that Kiara died “unexpectedly” and “went to her Heavenly home while Baby Jonah entered his earthly home.”

The GoFundMe page also shared an update on baby Jonah’s condition after he was born prematurely. (He was originally due in June.)

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Social media influencer Pyari Maryam has died after giving birth to twin boys. Her husband, Ahsan Ali, shared news of her death via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, December 4. “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. Dear Maryam has passed away,” he wrote in a statement that was translated to […]

“He is in NICU and has begun his long journey to grow stronger and healthier each day,” the description read. “Jonah is a cutie and a fighter and by God’s grace and POWER we know he will astound the doctors with his daily progress.”

Kiara’s obituary also detailed Jonah’s progress in the neonatal intensive care unit.

“Jonah, like his parents, is a fighter,” the obituary read. “He is inspiring his family members and NICU hospital staff with his remarkable improvement.”

The GoFundMe description also described the impact Kiara’s death has had on her husband Joel.

“Understandably, this tragedy has taken a devastating toll on Joel,” the description continued. “He will need support (physically, mentally, spiritually, and monetarily) from his family and friends and the kindness of strangers.”

It further added, “As Joel begins this unimaginable next chapter as an only parent, to a premie in the NICU and having to deal with the heartache of losing his beloved wife (whom he loves so much) he needs all the support he can get as he tries to navigate through life without her.”

As of Friday, April 24, the GoFundMe has raised more than $104,000 of its $150,000 goal.

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Kiara and Joel had been married for four years, after tying the knot in a wedding that had a budget of $500. Kiara’s wedding dress cost $47 and she went viral after she detailed how she pulled off the low-cost but still stylish nuptials.

“We knew that it would not be wise for us to go into debt over a wedding or to spend a lot of money just to have a wedding,” Kiara told the Los Angeles Times in April 2022.

She said, “I just seen how, culturally, how we’ve gotten so far away from how weddings were something so simple as bride and groom coming together, bowing to God to stay together, and vowing to each other to stay together and in front of witnesses.”

From Baz Luhrmann‘s Moulin Rouge! to everyone’s favorite Paddington, Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman has been part of some beloved big-screen projects. Earlier this year, Kidman delivered yet another hit with Scarpetta, a Prime Video hit based on the bestselling book series by Patricia Cornwell, which currently places third on the streamer’s U.S. charts. She has followed this up with another streaming smash that currently tops the Apple TV charts: Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

However, beyond these two new small-screen favorites, Kidman will be returning to theaters later this year with the long-awaited follow-up to a fantasy cult classic. On September 11, Practical Magic 2 will make its theatrical debut, with Kidman and Sandra Bullock reprising their roles as Gillian and Sally Owens, sisters descended from a long line of witches. With Susanne Bier taking over directing duties from Griffin Dune, the sequel features a blend of new and returning faces. Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest reprise their roles from the original, with Joey King, Maisie Williams, Solly McLeod, Xolo Maridueña, and Lee Pace added to the ensemble.

The sequel will be based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel, The Book of Magic, which she penned 26 years after the original. The original in question, released in 1995, spawned a 1998 movie adaptation that today holds as one of Kidman’s most underrated projects. Ahead of the sequel, you’ll likely want to catch up on the magic that came before. Alas, you’ll have to hurry, as Practical Magic is reportedly leaving HBO Max on May 1, 2026. A synopsis reads:

“Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a magical family, have mostly avoided witchcraft themselves. But when Gillian’s vicious boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, dies unexpectedly, the Owens sisters give themselves a crash course in hard magic. With policeman Gary Hallet growing suspicious, the girls struggle to resurrect Angelov — and unwittingly inject his corpse with an evil spirit that threatens to end their family line.”

What Makes ‘Practical Magic’ a Cult Hit?

Image via Warner Bros.

For a movie to be considered a cult hit, it must have initially underperformed, most often financially, before bouncing back as an enduring favorite of a dedicated fanbase. Practical Magic certainly hits this criterion, falling to a disappointing $68 million box office haul in 1998, against a reported $60 million budget. The film was also panned by critics upon arrival, earning just 27% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. However, the movie’s 73% audience score on the same site tells the tale of a fantasy effort that received its flowers a little too late.

Practical Magic is leaving HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

October 16, 1998

Runtime

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104 minutes

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Machine Gun Kelly is no stranger to controversy, and he’s once again stirring the pot!

The “Emo Girl” artist, born Colson Baker, is back in the spotlight following the release of a new track.

It didn’t take long for the song to make waves, sparking speculation that he may be feuding with fellow artist and collaborator Yungblud.

On Tuesday, April 21, MGK dropped the record “Fix Ur Face” featuring Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, marking his first release since his 2025 album. In the track, he raps, “Mickey Mouse kids turned rockstars / Leaving private schools, tryna be outlaws.”

This particular line has since drawn attention from social media users. While some slammed MGK for it, others suggested it was aimed at the “Abyss” singer. 

One user on X wrote, “The funny thing is – Yungblud is more of a legit rockstar and talent than MGK will ever be,” adding that “MGK could stand a bit more schooling considering his 5th grader rhymes.”

A second user remarked, “He’s stupid & only starting up this ‘beef’ w/ Yungblud, only because he wants to be relevant!! MGK is barking up the WRONG TREE & HAD BETTER FIX HIS LIPS!”

Another individual suggested that the cause of the seeming feud was because “Yungblud really thought MGK stole the ‘Color Pink’ from him,” and didn’t care to defend him

While this internet user noted that Kelly “needs to cause drama to stay relevant now he’s not with Megan Fox,” another claimed he “wishes he was Yungblud.”

Inside MGK And Yungblud’s Friendship And Subtle Tension

As fans continue to theorize, a resurfaced 2024 appearance by Yungblud on “The Osbournes Podcast” has added fuel to the conversation. 

During the past episode, Kelly Osbourne joked that the “Rap Devil” hitmaker had copied Yungblud’s signature use of pink.

Sharon Osbourne chimed in, showing she was not a fan of saying, “Don’t get me started on that one,” the matriarch said, to which Yungblud replied, “Fair,” per PEOPLE Magazine.

Before the reported tension, the two artists had a history. They collaborated on hits like “I Think I’m Okay” in 2019 and “Acting Like That” in 2020.

MGK has also spoken positively about Yungblud, praising his style, voice, and passion for rock music. He even compared their connection to legendary singers like Elton John and Jimi Hendrix.

MGK And Ex Megan Fox’s Co-Parenting Relationship Hit A Rock

While rumors of a musical feud swirl, MGK is also facing renewed tension in his personal life, particularly with Megan Fox. 

According to The Blast, Kelly and Fox are said to be navigating another rocky chapter in their co-parenting relationship. Insiders claim MGK has been making efforts to win Fox back, but she remains firm in her decision to move on.

A major source of conflict reportedly centers on their daughter, Saga Blade, after the 37-year-old singer shared photos of Saga on social media, even though her face was covered with emojis.

This left the actress angry, believing that the post was meant to spite her and violated their agreement to keep their child’s images private.

The Rapper Was Blocked On Megan Fox’s Instagram 

Before insiders revealed the tense situation with Fox and Kelly, the “Transformers” actress had already set a clear boundary online. 

After returning to Instagram, Fox reportedly blocked MGK following teasing comments he left under one of her posts.

In the update, Fox channeled a bold gothic aesthetic, wearing a black crop top with thong bottoms that revealed her backside. The daring picture amassed thousands of likes and comments, including a flirty one from Kelly. 

Per The Blast, the “Bad Things” rapper commented, “Stoked, I have your phone number.”

Are Megan Fox And MGK Looking To Rekindle Their Romance?

Fox blocking Kelly appears to confirm insider claims that the two are not heading toward a reunion.

As The Blast previously reported, sources close to the former couple have revealed that the pair is no longer pursuing a romantic relationship. Instead, the duo is choosing to focus entirely on raising their daughter. 

“Their relationship at this point is just about co-parenting,” an insider said. “Megan is focused on her kids and the baby and just getting settled into this new chapter.”

Helena Bonham Carter is leaving the upcoming season of The White Lotus, with her role set to be reworked and recast.

Deadline reported on Friday, April 24, that Carter, 59, will no longer star in season four, which is currently being filmed in the French Riviera.

“With filming just underway on Season 4 of The White Lotus, it had become apparent that the character which Mike White created for Helena Bonham Carter did not align once on set,” an HBO spokesperson said in a statement to the outlet.

The statement continued: “The role has subsequently been rethought, is being rewritten and will be recast in the coming weeks. HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won’t get to work with her, but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon.”

Us Weekly has reached out to HBO for comment.

According to the outlet, although Carter was the top of producers’ wish lists to work with, White decided the character needed to be reworked and recast for the season, which is set during France’s Cannes Film Festival.

The recasting reportedly won’t impact production timing. Schedules will also be reworked to focus on the rest of the cast’s roles while rewrites and recasting of the character take place.

Carter was one of the actors announced to be cast in the series, with Alexander Ludwig, AJ Michalka, Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Marissa Long, Chris Messina and Sandra Bernhard also attached.

Other names such as Ari Graynor, Dylan Ennis, Vincent Cassel, Corentin Fila, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Chloe Bennet, Max Greenfield, Charlie Hall and Kumail Nanjiani were further reported to be part of the series.

Meanwhile, Jarrad Paul, Heather Graham, Frida Gustavsson, Rosie Perez, Tobias Santelmann, Ben Schnetzer and Laura Smet round out the cast.

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The HBO series, which debuted in 2021, focuses on the guests and employees at a fictional resort as they experience ups and downs during their stay.

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Each season so far has featured a mysterious death, with clues playing out until the circumstances surrounding the tragedy is ultimately revealed.

Season 1 took place in Hawaii while season 2 was set in Sicily, Italy. Following that, season 3’s location was Thailand.

Carter has a strong acting behind her, with two Oscar nominations throughout her career as well as a slew of impressive roles. She received the Oscar nominations for roles in The King’s Speech and The Wings of the Dove. 
Carter also won praise for her parts in Sweeney Todd, The Crown and the Harry Potter franchise.

Disney alum Matthew Prokop has been indicted on possessing alleged child pornography and violating a protective order four months after his arrest, Us Weekly can confirm.

Prokop, 35, was indicted on March 19 in Texas on one first degree felony count of possession of child pornography and he pleaded not guilty on March 24, according to court documents obtained by Us.

According to the filing in December 2025, the County of Victoria in Texas discovered that Prokop was allegedly in possession of “visual material” which contained “50 or more visual depictions of a child who were younger than 18 years of age at the time that the images of the children were made.”

Per records, the images were graphic in nature, with some depicting the children “engaging in sexual conduct, namely sexual contact.”

Related: ‘High School Musical 3’ Star Charged With Possession of Child Pornography

Highschool Musical 3 star Matt Prokop is facing child pornography charges after being arrested for allegedly violating conditions of his bond from a 2024 arrest. Prokop, 35, was taken into custody by the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office in Texas on December 24, according to TMZ. He’s been charged with one count of a violation of […]

The former Disney star was also indicted on one count of “violating bond/protective order” two or more times within the last 12 months, which is a third degree felony, per the filing.

Prokop allegedly violated a protective order with a woman identified in court records as Lucy had in place “two or more times” in December 2025.

According to the docs, Prokop allegedly communicated with her “in [a] threatening or harassing manner, namely by telling her in person that he was going to kill her” on December 21, 2025, per the court paperwork.

Related: Sarah Hyland’s Ex Matt Prokop Arrested for Alleged Assault on Girlfriend

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Matt Prokop was arrested for an alleged assault on his girlfriend in his hometown of Victoria, Texas on Saturday, May 18, Us Weekly confirms. Victoria Police were called after Prokop’s girlfriend told another person that he had assaulted her, officers told TMZ. The couple had left the area by the time police arrived, but the […]

Three days later, he allegedly contacted the woman again, and sent her “sexually explicit pictures, picture[s] of the hotel she was staying at and continuous text messaging and calling after she asked him to stop,” per the report.

Us Weekly has reached out to Prokop’s attorney for comment.

Us previously confirmed that Prokop was arrested in May 2024 for an alleged assault on Lucy in his hometown of Victoria, Texas. According to police, Lucy claimed Prokop shoved her and slammed her head into something.

Prokop allegedly threatened to “smash [her] skull in” with an eyewitness telling the Daily Mail, “His friends and Lucy’s friends all saw him throw Lucy to the ground, shove her around and then when they saw the hammer come up, that’s when they had enough.”

Related: Sarah Hyland Says an Abusive Relationship Can Scar ‘Soul a Little’

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Prokop was booked at the time on charges of aggravated assault with a weapon and resisting arrest. He bonded out on the two charges.

According to the March indictment, Lucy was granted a protective order against Prokop in May 2024, which he allegedly violated.

TMZ previously reported that Prokop was arrested and taken into custody in December 2025 after violating his 2024 bond. He was charged with one count of a violation of bond, two counts of resisting arrest, search or transportation, one count of evading arrest or detention and a second-degree felony count of possession of child pornography.

Prior to his alleged assault case with Lucy, Prokop was accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend, actress Sarah Hyland, during their five-year relationship.

Us confirmed that Hyland, who starred opposite Prokop in Disney’s Geek Charming, was granted a domestic violence temporary restraining order against the actor in September 2014. She alleged that Prokop once choked her after pining her against a car during an argument.

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“His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak. I was scared and in fear for my life,” she claimed in the court filing. Hyland, 35, also alleged that Prokop threatened to burn down her house after she broke up with him and “relentlessly bombarded [her] with vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voicemails including his own suicide threats.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.