Entertainment
Mara Wilson Isn’t Sold On A ‘Matilda’ Sequel
With Hollywood continuing to revive films decades after their original releases, more movies are getting long-awaited sequels than ever before. While some would welcome a follow-up to “Matilda,” Mara Wilson isn’t convinced the 1996 cult film should follow the trend. The actress recently shared why she has reservations about revisiting the beloved family movie.
“Matilda” was released in 1996, based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same title written by Roald Dahl. It starred Mara Wilson as the titular character and also featured Danny DeVito as her father, Rhea Perlman as her mother, Embeth Davidtz as Matilda’s kind and sweet teacher Ms. Honey, and Pam Ferris as ruthless principal Ms. Trunchbull.
At a Fanboy Expo panel, Wilson shared that she’s often asked about the possibility of a “Matilda” sequel. One of the plots often pushed is about Matilda’s daughter. However, the actress doesn’t think that would work.
Wilson said Matilda overcame adversity in the movie and “found power in educating herself,” adding, “I don’t think Matilda would raise her daughter to be in a position where she developed those powers to protect herself,” per PEOPLE.
The Actress Thinks No One Is Good Enough For Matilda To Marry
Furthermore, Wilson thinks it would be difficult to create a narrative in which Matilda is married and has a family of her own.
“This is a tricky question, but who would Matilda marry? Who’s good enough for Matilda? Matilda’s such an awesome character that I can’t imagine who she would marry and have kids with, you know,” the actress asked the audience.
She continued to say that she used to be bothered by her association with the character. The former child actress appeared in several movies, including “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “A Time to Heal,” but for some reason, many identify her with Matilda and even call her by her character’s name.
Wilson came to appreciate it over the years, saying, “You know, Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, she said, ‘I feel like me and Princess Leia have kind of merged over the years.’ And I sort of feel like that too,” she said.
Danny DeVito Expressed His Desire For A Sequel
DeVito, who produced, directed, and co-starred in “Matilda,” voiced his desire to do a sequel in 2019. “I always wanted to do Matilda 2, but when the kid was still a kid,” the actor said. However, he noted that the idea was about 20 to 25 years old. “Maybe Matilda has a kid and we can do something that, I don’t know,” he said, per Comicbook.
In 2025, DeVito shared why he decided to bring Dahl’s story to the big screen. “I wanted to capture that Roald Dahl magic… that balance of dark and light, where even in the bleakest moments, there’s hope and humor,” he explained.
The actor was able to revisit “Matilda” through “Matilda in Concert,” an orchestral screening of the movie. DeVito was heavily involved in the production and said it was a way of introducing new audiences to the decades-old movie. “It brings the story to life in a way that’s both fresh and deeply nostalgic,” he told The Globe and Mail.
Mara Wilson And Danny DeVito Share A Deep Bond
Wilson has fond memories of working on “Matilda,” especially the support she received from DeVito, whom she calls her “favorite uncle.”
During the Fanboy Expo panel, the actress debunked a long-running rumor that the veteran actor legally adopted her. “Danny DeVito did not literally adopt me. That’s a myth. But he did take very good care of my family,” she shared.
Wilson was 8 years old at the time of filming, and her mother was battling breast cancer. She died before the movie’s theatrical release, and the director dedicated the film in her honor. The actress sought comfort in DeVito and Perlman, sharing that they’ve become her “lifelong friends.”
“There were hard days, but there were also days where it felt like summer camp, and I am still friends with the people that I worked on it today,” said Wilson.
‘Matilda’ Grew Into A Beloved Cult Favorite
“Matilda” was released in August 1996 and competed with other big movies such as “Mission: Impossible,” “Independence Day,” and “Twister.” The family film was not a box office success, grossing only $47 million worldwide on a budget of $36 million.
However, it found its audience through home videos and was heavily on rotation on cable TV. Over the years, “Matilda” developed a devoted cult following, with audiences embracing the heartfelt story and memorable characters. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most beloved family films of the ’90s and continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers.
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Former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Duane Ward abruptly left a dinner with a group of former teammates shortly before his death was announced on Sunday, July 19. He was 62.
“That wasn’t like Wardo to leave early,” Ward’s former Blue Jays bullpen mate Tom Henke told the Toronto Sun on Sunday. “I asked him, ‘Are you feeling alright?’ I didn’t like the way he looked, to be honest.”
Ward, Henke, 68, and a group of former teammates were in Toronto over the weekend for the unveiling of a statue commemorating the franchise’s back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. The group had dinner on the evening of Friday, July 17.
When the team was scheduled to head to Rogers Centre the next day, however, Ward was nowhere to be found.
Livingstone College has addressed speculation after Gabrielle Muñoz, a softball player at the school, died on July 9. She was 19. “As we continue to honor Gabriella’s life, we are aware of inaccurate reports circulating online regarding the circumstances of her passing,” the school, located in North Carolina, posted via Facebook on Sunday, July 12. […]
“I didn’t know where he was,” Henke said.
Former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston told the Sun, “I thought something was wrong when he was late. Wardo was one of those guys who was never late. He was always on time.”
The statue unveiling went on in Ward’s absence before Toronto’s game against the Chicago White Sox. The Blue Jays announced Ward’s death on Sunday morning, revealing he had died by natural causes.
“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the team said in a statement. “Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada.”
No other details about Ward’s death have been publicly revealed.
A moment of silence was held for Ward before Sunday’s game against the White Sox.
Brendan Lemieux, son of late NHL legend Claude Lemieux, spoke out after details from his father’s death report were published. “Today, on my father Claude Lemieux’s birthday, several media outlets published articles filled with intimate details about the night he passed — some accurate, many complete fabrications,” Brendan, 30, shared via Instagram on Thursday, July […]
“I’m shocked right now,” Henke said about Ward’s sudden death. “How can you not be? I had supper with Wardo when he came in. We got to visit. I’m thinking now, I’m so glad I got to do that. I’m glad I got one more time with him.”
Gaston, 82, lauded Ward’s important role on the back-to-back title teams, saying the late pitcher “made my job easier.”
“He was just a good pitcher, man,” he recalled. “He took no prisoners on the mound. Sometimes I’d go out to the mound to talk to him just to bust his balls. I’d ask him, ‘How are you going to get this guy out?’ He’d tell me to get the hell back to the dugout and that he knew what he was doing.”
Gaston added, “We never worried about the 8th and 9th innings when we had Henke and Ward in the bullpen.”
Shamea Morton is speaking out about her explosive dinner with Porsha Williams on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’ In the episode ‘Highland Games and Explosive Claims,’ the two ladies got into a heated argument as the rest of the cast looked on.
RELATED: Falynn Pina Blasts Porsha Williams & Simon Guobadia For Allegedly Having An Inappropriate Relationship While They Were Still Married (VIDEOS)
Shamea Morton Talks About What Happened Following Dinner Argument
Morton and Williams got into an argument while having dinner with the rest of the cast in Scotland. As Cynthia Bailey, Pinky Cole, K. Michelle, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Kelli Ferrell and Angela Oakley looked on, a feud between their mothers — Sarah Yvonne Morton and Diane T. Williams, entered the chat.
The argument intensified, leading Williams to make accusations on social media. During an appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ Andy Cohen wasted no time in asking Morton about the fallout.
“What has been your reaction to the dinner bringing up the mothers? You guys had kind of previously agreed, let’s, let this lay,” said Cohen.
“To be honest, Andy, um the timing wasn’t good,” Morton replied. “I definitely shouldn’t have brought it up at the dinner, but I just, I don’t know. Oh, I guess it just, it just came out. I was so fed up and it was like festering for so long…. The dinner was not the appropriate time to do it.”
Williams Accused Morton of Sleeping With Pastor After Explosive Episode Aired
The argument between the ladies began after Morton claimed that Dennis McKinley said Williams didn’t want their daughter, Pilar, going to Shamea’s home. Porsha Williams copped to it before Morton accused her of blocking her from becoming a full-time housewife.
That accusation led to Morton bringing up the feud between their mothers. Shamea’s mom bought Porsha’s mom’s child daycare center last season on the ‘RHOA’, and a feud ensued.
Then, Morton blurted out, “Everybody doesn’t know that your mom tried to sleep with my dad.” Williams replied, “Your mother tried to sleep with your father’s brother.”
After the episode aired, Williams took to social media to drag Morton, and she did not mince words.
“Now let’s discuss YOU—sleeping with your manager (who’s married to one of your high school friends), as well as a pastor in Decatur who’s 100% on your roster… along with many more.”
Morton Says She Apologized To Her Pastor
During ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ Morton also said that apologized to her pastor after seeing Williams’ accusation.
“Yeah, I saw it,” she told Cohen. “I felt bad for one, my pastor, ‘cuz like, not y’all trying to get me kicked out the church. Hell. I need all the prayers I can get right now.”
“So, I apologized to my pastor,” she added. “Um, and he said, you know, he understood. Uh, you know, they were just like, ‘you’re fine.’ Like, it’s fine. It’s okay. And, you know, obviously it’s bull crap.”
Morton also joked that she was done engaging in the drama.
RELATED: Clapback Season! Lil Scrappy Defends Momma Dee Amid Tension With ‘RHOA”s Porsha Williams
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Kevin Feige Opens Up About Marvel’s Failed Blade Reboot: “I Feel Like a Gigantic Loser” : Coastal House Media
Released in 1997, Warriors of Virtue arrived during a decade filled with martial arts action, fantasy adventures, and larger than life creature movies. While films like Mortal Kombat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Power Rangers dominated pop culture, Warriors of Virtue quietly carved out its own bizarre and surprisingly memorable corner of the genre.
Directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Ronny Yu before he went on to helm Bride of Chucky and Freddy vs. Jason, the film combined martial arts, fantasy, Taoist philosophy, and five kung fu fighting kangaroos into a family adventure unlike anything audiences had seen before.
A Truly Original Premise
The story follows Ryan Jeffers, a young boy with a physical disability who is transported to the mystical world of Tao after falling into a whirlpool. There, he discovers a land threatened by the evil Lord Komodo and meets the legendary Warriors of Virtue, five anthropomorphic kangaroos, each representing one of the elements and virtues of Tao.
It’s the kind of premise that sounds almost impossible to explain today, yet somehow it works. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the film mixes coming of age themes with lessons about courage, teamwork, and believing in yourself.
Martial Arts Before CGI Took Over
One of the film’s biggest strengths remains its action.
Long before every blockbuster relied heavily on digital effects, Warriors of Virtue featured performers in elaborate creature suits executing real martial arts choreography. While some of the effects haven’t aged perfectly, the physical stunt work gives the action a tangible quality that many fans still appreciate nearly three decades later.
The film also benefited from Ronny Yu’s background in Hong Kong action cinema, giving many fight sequences a style that stood apart from typical American family films of the era.
Warriors of Virtue [credit: Law Brothers Entertainment]
Campy in the Best Possible Way
Let’s be honest, this movie is weird.
Kung fu kangaroos.
An evil villain named Lord Komodo.
Mystical life springs.
A fantasy world inspired by Taoist philosophy.
On paper, it sounds like a studio brainstorming session gone completely off the rails.
Yet that’s exactly why the film has endured. While critics largely dismissed it upon release, many viewers who grew up during the late ’90s remember it as one of those unforgettable VHS rentals that felt unlike anything else on the shelf. Today, discussions across movie communities frequently describe it as a forgotten childhood favorite or a “fever dream” that people were convinced they imagined until rediscovering it years later.
A Box Office Failure That Found Cult Status
Unfortunately, originality didn’t translate into box office success.
Produced on a reported budget of around $35 million, Warriors of Virtue earned just over $6 million domestically, making it one of 1997’s biggest commercial disappointments. Critics were equally harsh, and the ambitious franchise plans never materialized beyond a direct to video sequel released in 2002.
Despite that, the movie has quietly developed a cult following over the years. Collectors still seek out the original action figures, while nostalgic movie fans continue introducing the film to new audiences who can’t believe a movie about martial arts kangaroos actually exists.
Warriors of Virtue [credit: Law Brothers Entertainment]
Final Thoughts
Not every movie needs to be a masterpiece to be memorable.
Warriors of Virtue is ambitious, wonderfully strange, occasionally cheesy, and packed with enough martial arts action and practical creature effects to make it a fascinating time capsule of late ’90s family filmmaking.
If you missed it back in 1997, don’t expect the next great fantasy epic. Instead, expect a movie that swings for the fences with an original idea Hollywood probably wouldn’t greenlight today, and that’s exactly what makes it worth revisiting.
For fans of forgotten cult classics, Warriors of Virtue remains one of the most unique martial arts fantasy films of its generation.
A South Carolina woman was sentenced to prison time after she shot and killed her boyfriend in front of her 3-year-old son after he made her move out of his apartment.
Zaria Aiyanna Owens was found guilty on Thursday, July 16, on counts of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime over the August 2023 death of Tyquirez Rashad Sims.
After the jury found her guilty, Owens, 25, was sentenced to serve 21 years in prison on the voluntary manslaughter charge. She was also sentenced to an additional five years in prison for the weapon possession charge, which the court determined would run concurrently.
Owens learned her fate after the incident took place outside of an apartment complex in Spartanburg before 9 p.m. on August 22, 2023.
Prosecutors said that a friend told investigators that the couple had been arguing after Sims, 21, asked Owens to move out of his apartment, according to a courtroom report from WSPA.
The argument escalated and Owens took Sims’ gun and phone away from him, and he followed her to her car.
Owens and Sims’ fight only continued to escalate, and she pointed the gun at him. Sims then went back inside the apartment before he returned with the defendant’s 3-year-old son. Sims took the boy over to Owens’ car so she would leave, but Owens aimed the gun at him and fired the weapon.
After she shot Sims, Owens got her son and fled the scene in her car. Police later found the vehicle at an apartment complex, while Owens turned herself in to police the following morning.
While speaking to investigators, Owens initially tried to claim she shot Sims in self-defense. However, she eventually said she was reaching for her son when she saw Sims push the child toward her and the toddler stumbled. Owens then admitted to picking up the gun and shooting Sims.
First responders found Sims dead at the scene and reported that he had been shot one time in the head. Prosecutors stated during the trial that Sims was several feet away from the shooter at the time she discharged the weapon.
Sims was a new father at the time of his death, with his child being just 6 months old.
A New York man is facing 25 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of killing his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son, Us Weekly has learned. Gionni Sellers, 26, of Middletown, was convicted on Friday, January 16, of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in connection with the boy’s death in June 2022, according […]
Following his death, Deputy Solicitor Spenser Smith shared that Sims came from a tight-knit family.
“Tyquirez had a loving family and had become a father several months before his death,” Smith said, per the outlet. “This is a tragic case of domestic violence that has impacted two families and two young children.”
Smith continued, “Ms. Owens killed Tyquirez Sims in front of her son and now that child will grow up without his mother.”
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Shopping on a budget should be deemed an art form. You’re weeding out the chic from the outdated and mentally styling said items with your closet go-tos, all while keeping price in mind. The task isn’t for the faint of heart, but I’ve made it my actual profession — and my next assignment has my sights set on luxe-looking fashion deals hiding in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
As a shopping expert who has covered fashion for over eight years, I know a thing or two about finding the best deals around. And in a turn of events, I’ve been a big fan of Nordstrom long before I even graduated college over a decade ago. And this Nordy Club member is thrilled with all the polished fashion pieces on sale from Free People, Lucky Brand, H&M, Princess Polly and more. You’ll find sleek basics and statement pieces that transition well from summer to fall, and work nicely with items already in your closet. Oh, and these rich-looking finds don’t require a socialite budget because they’re marked down to prices under $50.
13 Fashion Deals in Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale — Under $50
1. My Favorite: Every fashionista needs a transitional top that works for multiple seasons, and this quarter-sleeve shirt is it. I’ve been really into boat necklines recently, which are super flattering without showing too much. And the polka dots? Classic — was $30, now $23!
2. Summer Style: One walk around New York City and you’ll realize flip-flops just won’t cut it. Sandals with a cushioned insole and a securing back strap are a must, and this Lucky Brand pair makes the cut — was $79, now $45!
3. Rich Mom: It’s time to replace your crossbody with a trendy, sleek shoulder bag, like this one from Topshop. It looks designer, thanks to the faux croc embossed leather exterior and trendy east-west silhouette — was $45, now $34!
4. Everyday Ease: While the Anniversary Sale is primarily focused on fall pieces, my mind is still all about summer. This fit-and-flare midi dress is the epitome of summertime style, with a breezy look, a flirty sweetheart neckline and a cute red stripe pattern — was $64, now $48!
5. Closet Hero: Going out tops are still a thing, right? This cool-girl top from Petal & Pup is simply gorgeous with a simple black bodice and mesh long sleeves adorned with Swiss dots. I can see this being worn with a mini skirt right now, and leather pants in the fall — was $59, now $44!
Summer weather inherently calls for wearing easy-going, lightweight dresses — and because we love a fashionable moment, all our pieces have to look incredibly chic, too. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this hard task is by opting for cotton poplin dresses. These picks are designed with soft, airy materials and loose silhouettes to […]
6. Expensive-Looking: Linen pieces have an elevated appearance, but they’re not always super comfortable. These wide-leg pants are made with a linen blend to give you breathability and some stretch. Plus, the elastic waistband is chef’s kiss — was $59, now $44!
7. CEO Vibes: Give your button-up shirt a feminine twist with this Princess Polly find that has a tailored A-line silhouette and flared sleeves. It’s so cute, you could wear it to the office and Saturday brunch — was $59, now $44!
8. Low-Key Genius: A skirt that’s actually shorts is such a slay. This Free People pick looks like a flattering wrap skirt, yet delivers all the security you love about shorts, making it a win-win — was $88, now $40!
9. Going Viral: ICYMI, jelly sandals are back, and you can’t try the trend without going back to the O.G. These Melissa slide sandals feature tortoiseshell jelly straps and a thick, comfy footbed that you’ll appreciate for hours of walking — was $69, now $45!
10. No Brainer: A romper that looks like a dress? Genius! This simple cotton style gives off polished, effortlessly cool vibes due to the high neckline, tailored fit and bow-tie detail in the back. Plus, an all-black look is always chic — was $65, now $49!
11. Beach Day: Nantucket rich moms love to throw on a button-down shirt as a swimsuit cover-up, and it’s not hard to see why. This oversized striped top will make your beach getup look expensive, thanks to the rolled-up sleeves and dainty bow-tie side details — was $59, now $44!
12. Comfort MVP: As a petite, 5’2″ girlie, I’m all about wearing shoes that give me extra height. But one thing I will not do is wear high heels that make me regret them the moment I leave my home. These kitten heel sandals are the alternative; the 2-inch heel and super cushioned insole are designed for all-day (and night) wear — was $79, now $45!
13. Last But Not Least: If you want to try the popular barrel pants trend, these high-waisted H&M jeans are a great option. They give you the flattering silhouette without costing you a fortune, now that they’re on sale — was $40, now $30!
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
The days of fashion minimalism are long gone, and they’re swiftly being replaced with a boom of bold colors, sparkly details and fun shiny accents that we’re seeing everywhere. In fact, all the cool girls and celebrities are leaning into the trend with eye-catching beaded skirts that turn heads wherever they go. And you know […]
Entertainment
Beyond the Gates Weekly Spoilers July 20-24: Dani Backed Into Corner & Izaiah Hit With Blindside
Beyond the Gates spoilers for July 20 – 24, 2026 include Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) cornered by somebody who says they know her big secret, but do they really? Also, Izaiah Hawthorne (David Lami Friebe) is utterly blindsided by someone in his family.
Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) returns. Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) gets in deeper and Grayson Perez (Jordie Vilasuso) might be in danger the week of July 20th through the 24th on BTG. Let’s jump in.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Grayson & Thomas Buddy Up
Monday, July 20th is season 2, episode 128. This is the last day of July sweeps, by the way. And we’re going to see Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) sharing his relationship angst with Grayson. If you remember, Katherine ‘Kat’ Richardson (Colby Muhammad) told Tomas he needs some guy friends. And that is facts. He doesn’t need to keep running to Eva Thomas Richardson (Ambyr Michelle) when things get hard in his life or in his relationship. And honestly, Grayson probably could use a friend as well. And given his criminal past, him knowing a lawyer like Tomas is not a bad idea.
Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Dani’s conversation picks up from Friday’s episode. Bill ran right over to see Dani after Haley called him griping about the run-in that she had and that she and Dani were bickering about intimate relations with Bill. He got from the law office to Dani’s house in record time despite just being in the hospital.
And Bill is telling Dani that since he kept their little elevator encounter a secret, she can see that he will also keep future encounters a secret as well. But Dani tells Bill it will never happen again. And of course, Bill says, “Never say never.” I agree. I think Dani’s going to take that ride again. Just wait and see.
BTG Spoilers: Family Connections and Medical Revelations
Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) and Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson) hit a relationship milestone. Last Friday, Ted told her that he’s falling in love with her. And on Monday, that conversation picks back up. Looks like Shanice might reciprocate. She has been guarding her heart, but her aunt Monica McCormick (Iona Morris Jackson) advised her to open up to Ted.
And of course, you know, Dana “Leslie” Thomas (Trisha Mann) is going to hate this when she finds out that Ted is in love with another woman. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) and Kat discuss relationships. Remember, Nicole was surprised to learn from her parents, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie), that Kat had bought a condo, intending on moving in with Tomas there, despite the disastrous proposal that he made in front of the entire family. I guess moving in is a consolation prize. So, it looks like Nicole is talking relationships with Kat, who might share that Tomas has an issue with their economic disparity and basically feeling like a kept man.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Izaiah’s Family Struggles
Then on Tuesday, July 21st, it’s season 2, episode 129 of Beyond the Gates. And Izaiah’s been struggling with his family since he’s been back to the DMV. You know, he was the black sheep and Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) was the golden child. And if you recall, the one person who’s always been supportive of Izaiah when he’s going from bad boy to reformed, respectable adult was Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom).
So, Izaiah has been pushing back hard on his mom, Darlene Hawthorne (Monique Mosee), when she was being judgmental and criticizing Eva all the time. And of course, Darlene also really hates Leslie, which is totally understandable. But Darlene’s trying hard now to be supportive. She’s embracing Eva despite Leslie. And now Isaiah’s dad blindsides him with something.
BTG Spoilers: Elon Tries to Get Closer to Izaiah
So, Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) is making a sincere effort to get closer to his son and to reconcile with Izaiah. And I do wonder if Darlene is pressing Elon to do this. But I’m sure Eva will be very supportive. And speaking of which, she gets some crucial advice from Kyle. And I wonder if he’s doing some physical therapy with Eva or it’s some kind of casual run-in at the hospital since I’m sure she’ll need checkups since she is still recovering.
Vernon is there to support a devastated Anita. She is really upset when she finds out that the BRCA gene mutation that she’s carrying was not only passed down to Dani, but also to Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit). Remember, she kept it a secret from everybody while Jacob was undercover and Naomi just came clean.
We’ll see if Anita has advice for Naomi, who’s considering preventive surgery, including a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. That will drastically reduce her chance at getting cancer. Jacob insists he’s fine with not having kids. So, Anita’s really going through it, so maybe she’ll have a good personal perspective to give Naomi some insights.
Beyond the Gates: Mysteries and Returning Dangers
Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) gets an update from Nicole about the status of her love life. She’s been seeing both Carlton Fitzgerald (Robert Christopher Riley) and Kyle, and it’s hard to guess which one she’s into more. It seems to change day by day. Plus, Nicole finds out something about Ted, and I wonder if it’s this latest thing with him and Shanice.
Then, on Wednesday, July 22nd, season 2, episode 130 of Beyond the Gates, Deanna runs into someone in need, and it’s a handsome stranger. And I wonder if this is something that Joey has set up since he’s so skeptical of Vanessa’s daughter, Deanna. And there’s Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) keeping an eye on her.
And of course, she keeps spending time with her dead ghost dad, Doug McBride (Jason Graham), which is random because she’s hugging and talking to him in public. You would think somebody would notice and maybe recommend some psychological help because that’s not normal behavior talking to a ghost.
BTG Spoilers: Nicole & Shanice Have an Honest Chat
Nicole and Shanice talk about Ted and they are both forthcoming. So, I wonder if Shanice will tell Nicole that she and Ted are all in and are swapping “I love yous.” I wouldn’t be surprised if she did. Naomi is surprised by how Bill reacts to her BRCA gene news.
And I wonder if he wants Naomi to get the preventive surgery so he doesn’t risk losing her. Dani goes to see her parents and Anita asked Dani if there’s something she wants to share with them. I hope she’s not going to tell Vernon and Anita about her encounter with Bill.
Whatever Dani wants, though, Anita refuses the request. Haley meets Randy and says she did him a favor with Lynette Wise (Dominique Madison). So, I wonder if Haley’s the one who had Lynette disappeared. But also, Haley Lawson (Marquita Goings) tells Randy the next time Bill has one of his spells, Haley will make sure Bill’s meeting the coroner instead of a doctor at the hospital.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Laura Gets a Gift from Anita
Thursday, July 23rd on Beyond the Gates is season 2, episode 131, and Anita gives Laura Peterson (Destiny Love) a gift. Maybe it’ll be something significant. Vernon has some advice for Bill, who’s being stubborn, and it may be about his health issues. And Haley and Randy’s chat continues and she warns him to stay away from Mona Wilson (Karan Kendrick).
And of course we know she’s been wanting to get Randy all involved in church so he can be a better man. June (Jasmine Burke) has some interesting info for Naomi. It would be wild if June overheard on someone at a location or if June saw Haley with Randy but they usually meet at Uptown.
Bradley ‘Smitty’ Smith (Mike Manning) needs a favor from Jacob. This may be related to his latest investigative journalism project. And Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) is worried about a gift that Dani gets. And I wonder if it’s from Bill because he’s trying to slide back into Dani’s life.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Kat Flies Off the Handle
Then on Friday, July 24th, it’s season 2, episode 132 of Beyond the Gates. And Eva participates in Chelsea Hamilton’s (RhonniRose Mantilla) live stream about organ donation.
And remember, Kat told Chelsea she’s fine with her doing it with Eva, but didn’t want to be a part of it. But then Kat’s complaining to Chelsea that Eva has won over Ted and Tomas.
And Kat says, “And now she finally got to you, too.” And I think Chelsea’s going to push back. We’ll see. Vanessa’s comforting Dani. This may be about Naomi’s BRCA gene status or something to do with her situation with Bill since Vanessa knows that Dani did get involved with him. Jacob’s not happy to hear something that his dad Elon says to him.
And Joey is surprised to see his sister, Heather Armstrong, back to the DMV. And Heather tells Joey that she’s back to tie up loose ends. And I wonder if Grayson’s in danger because he is most definitely a loose end.
Also, this week, Nicole tells Dani she already knows. The secrets out. That sounds really devastating, but I don’t think Nicole knows about Dani and Bill. But Dani may worry that that’s what Nicole’s talking about.
So, will Dani come clean to Nicole? We’ll see. I don’t think her sister will approve since Ted was unfaithful to her and Dani’s getting involved with someone else. Bill has another bad day. He’s disoriented and struggling at his office and he wonders what the hell is happening to him.
Cher Lloyd has revealed that she and husband Craig Monk have separated after 13 years of marriage, confirming the news in a candid social media exchange.
The announcement comes during a challenging period for the singer, who is still mourning the recent loss of her father.
While the split has surprised fans, Cher Lloyd and Craig Monk’s relationship began in an unexpected way shortly after her rise to fame on The X Factor, a story the singer once admitted was “embarrassing” to tell.
Cher Lloyd has confirmed that her marriage to longtime partner Craig Monk has come to an end after more than a decade together.
The 32-year-old singer appeared to address the split on social media, revealing that her wedding ring was “in the bin,” and no longer part of her life.
Fans began speculating about her relationship status after she shared a photo showing her left hand without the ring. When one follower asked about its absence, Cher responded bluntly, saying it had been thrown away.
The revelation comes during an especially difficult period for the former “X Factor” star, who recently experienced the loss of her father, Darren, earlier this year.
Lloyd and Monk first crossed paths in 2011 shortly after her rise to fame on The X Factor. At the time, Monk worked as a hairstylist and reportedly met the singer while fitting her for hair extensions.
The ‘X Factor’ Star Once Called The Story Of Meeting Craig Monk ‘Embarrassing’
Lloyd has previously shared the unusual story of how she first crossed paths with Monk in the months following her rise to fame on “The X Factor.”
In an interview with Metro in 2014, the singer admitted their first meeting happened under rather unexpected circumstances. “It’s embarrassing how we met when I think about it,” she recalled. “I went to a hair salon to get my hair done just after I got off The X Factor.”
She continued: “I wanted to go for a cigarette, but I couldn’t go out the front because it was swimming with paparazzi. He was the only one who could take me out the back. So that’s where I met him.”
Their relationship progressed quickly, leading to an engagement in 2012 and a wedding the following year.
Over the course of their 13-year marriage, the couple welcomed two daughters, Delilah-Rae and Eliza Violet.
Cher Lloyd Shares Touching Final Text Exchange With Her Father
The end of Lloyd’s marriage comes just months after she shared the heartbreaking news of her father’s death at the age of 53. In a touching tribute posted online, she revealed one of their final text exchanges, in which they expressed their love for each other.
“I love you, dad. More than you’ll ever know,” Lloyd wrote, to which Darren replied: “I know you do. And I love you more and more each day. See you tomorrow.”
The singer’s concerns about her father’s health had been public for several years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she revealed that he had been hospitalized and was battling serious health issues.
At the time, travel restrictions prevented her from being by his side, something she admitted was incredibly difficult for both her and her family.
“I wish I could see him and I wish I could be with my family to support them, especially mum,” she said at the time.
The Singer Enjoyed Early Success In Her Career
Lloyd first captured public attention in 2010 when, at just 16 years old, she auditioned for The X Factor.
Her confident performance earned praise from the judging panel and quickly turned her into one of the competition’s standout contestants. She ultimately finished fourth but secured a recording contract with Simon Cowell’s Syco label shortly afterward.
Her debut album, “Sticks and Stones,” arrived in 2011 and included the chart-topping hit “Swagger Jagger.” She followed it up with “Sorry I’m Late” in 2014, further establishing herself as a pop artist.
Despite her early success, Lloyd eventually parted ways with Syco, later speaking about creative differences and frustrations over the level of control she felt was placed on her career.
Cher Lloyd Says ‘Head Down’ Was Inspired By Feeling Alone In The Music Industry
More recently, fans have speculated that Lloyd’s 2025 single “Head Down” references some of those experiences.
The track includes lyrics about broken promises and feeling exploited at a young age, themes that Lloyd has suggested were inspired by her own journey through the music industry, particularly the lyric: “You sold me the dream, I was just 17, chewed me up, spit me out.”
While promoting the song, she described the industry as a challenging environment and hinted that many untold stories remain behind the scenes.
According to Lloyd, the track was written for anyone who has felt isolated, overlooked, or stuck while trying to pursue their dreams. “I wrote this song about when it feels like you’re the only one when it feels like you’ve hit a brick wall,” she said.
Big Brother saw some fallout from the epic nomination ceremony fight but it won’t be until Wednesday’s CBS episode that we get to see the full fight – and it was BIG! And now, HOH Rick Devens is torn on how to use the veto, and one guy’s regretting trying to fight a girl. We’ll get into a quick rundown of some of the best stuff from the feeds since the big fight.
Big Brother 28: Rome’s Bad Move
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the post-nomination verbal brawl. They always end right as they adjourn the nomination ceremony, but Jason de Puy’s fury erupted and things got wild.
But one big moment seemed to be Rome Seymour gearing up to get physical with Haley Thogmartin. Rome told her he was tired of her snarky comments. And then, I have to laugh, Haley said Rome has small balls. Those are fighting words.
Looks like he was offended by Haley, stood up, and his chair fell back. And Barrett Pfeiffer, Kamuela “Kamu” Kirk and Chuk Anyanwu thought Rome was going to get aggressive physically with Haley and stepped in front of her.
But maybe the chair falling just made things look more aggressive. I wouldn’t count out Haley in a brawl with Rome. She might have him hog tied in five seconds – and not in a fun way.
Big Brother 28: Rome’s Faked Breakup and Veto Strategy
So, Rome’s been roasting his (allegedly small) chestnuts since the nomination ceremony. He and Lyric Medeiros have continued to fake like they’re broken up. And Lyric has been baby voicing and flirting her way around the house.
Meanwhile, she and Rome are stealing kisses and swapping “I love you’s” thinking they have everyone fooled. They do not. Not one person. Meanwhile, Devens has the veto and is going to use it to renominate Rome.
But he’s been a bit torn on whether to take down Melody Morris or Lyric. At this point, Jason’s not getting off the block unless he wins that Blockbuster and gets himself off of it. When Rome and Jason are alone, they’re non-stop hating on Devens.
Jason told Rome it’s crazy how it reverts to high school in the BB28 house. But then he proceeded to act like an idiot teenager. Jason said Devens is threatened by Rome and jealous of him because he’s attractive.
He called Devens a silly guy who can’t get an attractive girl. Jason’s talking from ignorance here – Devens’ wife is cute. Jason basically said the same thing about Angela Murray and I’ve seen younger photos of her. She was pretty cute too.
Jason also called Devens “Dollar Store Adam Sandler” and called him a drag queen. Jason clarified he means Devens is a stage whore and a show clown who wants the spotlight. Then Jason said America loves Devens and said, it’s annoying.
Lyric Makes Promises on BB28
Despite all that, Rome’s headed for the block and I don’t think he’s got a firm enough grip on his alliance to survive a vote if he doesn’t win Blockbuster. Lyric went up to talk to Devens to plead the case for him to use the veto on her.
Lyric promised him safety and a bunch of other stuff, said she didn’t want Rome to ruin her game. Devens believes her and does not believe Melody. But Devens is still likely going to use the veto on Melody and renominate Rome in her place.
He and Drew Campbell talked about Rome being distracted during the BB Blockbuster if Lyric is also competing. But if it’s Melody and Jason up there, Rome will be more locked in on winning.
Also despite him sending Lyric to act like they broke up and flirt with Kamu, now Rome is bothered about Lyric flirting with Kamu. After she chatted with the other guys, Lyric reported back that Kamu wants her to be on their side on BB28. Rome seemed jealous.
Big Brother 28: Veto Decision and Houseguest Drama
In a meeting on Sunday, Devens talked to Barrett, Angela and Drew. And Devens said the other side of the house is faking a breakup. So, not just Lyric and Rome but of that whole power group. And Devens said they’re all throwing Rome under the bus hard to him.
Devens asked how the three of them feel about this. They agree the breakups are fake, and Devens would rather take Melody off the block with the veto. That way, she’ll be cooler with him. And he sees her as a bigger player in the game than Lyric who everyone’s written off.
Devens was debating using the veto on Jason versus Melody. And Devens thinks any of them will come after the Crossovers anyway but they think Jason’s got the best chance of winning a comp and nominating them.
Angela asked what if Rome stays and he’s mad Devens didn’t use the veto on Lyric. Angela mentioned a deal that Rome offered. Devens said he doesn’t think Rome will stick to it anyway – said it wasn’t much of a deal.
Big Brother 28: Melody and Rome as Renomms?
Also, other live feeds fun. LaTrice “Lala” Verrett has entered get off my lawn, cranky phase because everyone’s staying up late, keeping her up, being noisy and inconsiderate. And she’s tired and also tired of it. Taylor Brown has been napping a lot. She’s enjoying safety.
She’s literally lying low for the most part. Mallory Aurichio thinks she’s unpopular because she never gets called to the DR. Rome also told Lyric he’s going to flirt with Haley. That ticked her off. But when Rome said he was going to flirt with Mallory, that made Lyric laugh.
At this point, Rome, Jason and Mallory all want the icons on the block next week. And two of the three will be in the house to possibly make it happen. The veto meeting happens Monday, so there’s still time for Devens to finesse his decision.
But at the moment, he and the Crossovers seem locked in on Melody down and Rome renominated. And Jun Song’s Big Brother 4 winner asked: “Is there anyway to ask Yash Patel’s family or friends about his hair? Is it part of some dare, or a bet he lost? Is it medical?”
Jim Parsons has opened up about reprising his role as Sheldon Cooper. The award-winning actor played the role for 16 years on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory and returned as both a narrator and a cameo in the prequel series Young Sheldon. With The Big Bang Theory universe expanding, with the success of the spin-off show, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, and the upcoming series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Parsons has revealed whether he would return as the iconic sitcom character.
The Big Bang Theory is a sitcom that follows two scientist roommates, Sheldon (Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), whose world changes after they meet their new next-door neighbor, Penny (Kaley Cuoco). The first few seasons revolved around the guys’ friendship circle, which started with just Howard (Simon Helberg) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), but in later seasons, more cast members have been added to the group — namely Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Amy (Mayim Bialik), who were love interests for Howard and Sheldon.
Parsons has played Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory since the pilot episode, and the character has become a familiar face on the show, appearing in all 12 seasons. His character has been so popular that a spin-off show called Young Sheldon was greenlit, which tells the story of a young Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage) during his time in Texas, and showcases his family dynamic until the death of his father, George Cooper Sr (Lance Barber), and his move to California to study at Caltech. As the franchise expands with more titles, fans wondered if the Emmy Award-winning actor would make a return to the franchise that led to his career success.
In a recent interview on All Out with Jon Dean, Parsons reflected on his time in the role of Sheldon and was asked if he would return. Parsons said that working on The Big Bang Theory was “some of the best moments” of his life, but he was also miserable. Additionally, he said he wouldn’t return as Sheldon “for any amount of money” because of the stress and emotional toll. He explained:
“I look back now and realize that there were many ways, at some of the best moments of my life, I was miserable. I was not happy. I was stressed. I was, I felt that there was so many plates I was supposed to be keeping in the air and that the success and the good things of life that were happening were only due to this overworking, discipline, and whatever. And maybe to a degree that was true. I don’t know. I can’t say because that’s how I was. But I wouldn’t do that again for any amount of money. I just, because it was like, it was stressful and miserable at times. I made myself miserable.”
Jim Parsons’ Career Has Grown Beyond ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Despite his complicated feelings about his time on The Big Bang Theory, Parsons went on to talk about being recognized for one role. He acknowledged that that recognition isn’t going away anytime soon, and his relationship with the character has become healthier in the years since the show ended. “It’s not going away. But I’m changing my relationship to it,” said Parsons. “It’s evolving, and it gets better all the time. What I feel is better, what I feel is healthier.” He continued:
“It is a weird feeling to know people know you when you walk into a room, but you don’t know them. And it’s an even weirder feeling when, if I think about it, to go, ‘Oh, and most of them only know me as a character that I no longer even play anymore and haven’t for seven years now.’ So sometimes I’m being, what’s coming reflected back at me from a person, if it’s odd to me at all, it makes sense. Because I don’t think of myself in that way because I’m not doing it every day anymore, and that could be the majority of what they’re putting on me. I don’t know.”
Parsons started his career in 1993, and while he’s best known for his role in The Big Bang Theory, he has appeared in numerous other projects. He played a supporting role in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, in which he portrayed Paul Stanford. He also appeared in the 2020 TV miniseries Hollywood, where he played Henry Wilson. He also played the lead role in the 2015 animated film Home, where he voiced the alien named Oh. Recently, Parsons’ latest work has been in theater, where he plays Ruth DeWitt Bukater in the jukebox musical Titanique, a parody of James Cameron‘s 1997 film Titanic.
The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on HBO Max. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premieres on HBO on July 23.
- Release Date
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2007 – 2019-00-00
- Showrunner
-
Mark Cendrowski
- Directors
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Mark Cendrowski
ABC’s The Rookie has always prided itself on depicting fresh talent joining the Los Angeles Police Department. The police procedural started out with the lead protagonist, John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), becoming the oldest rookie to join the force. Along with Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.), we have been able to watch these rookies traverse their way through a dangerous, high-pressure career. Throughout the past eight seasons, we’ve also met some truly great officers, including Aaron Thorsen (Tru Valentino) and Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez), and some not-so-great ones, like Larry “Badger” Macer (Greg Grunberg), who washed out on his first day for accidentally firing a gun during roll call, and Seth Ridley (Patrick Keleher), who turned out to be a pathological liar. Now, with one more rookie graduating from the lowest ranks, The Rookie will be getting more recruits in Season 9.
In the Season 8 finale, it was questionable whether rookie Miles Penn (Deric Augustine) would actually continue on with the Mid-Wilshire precinct or not. After fumbling a shift where a shootout occurs in the station, Miles seems prepared to accept the consequences. However, Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) discovers that Miles isn’t at fault. Not only does she not boot him from the rookie program, but she actually states that she’ll put in a recommendation so that he’s accelerated out of the program, and can graduate early. Creator Alexi Hawley noted in an interview back in May that Season 9 will, in fact, feature Miles as an official police officer, who is 100% done with his training. This sets up an exciting opening for new storylines for Miles’s character — who will he partner up with? How will he handle being out on the streets on his own? Will his fellow officers stop treating him like the newbie? But aside from getting to see Miles grow and mature, this also means that The Rookie now has an opening for a new rookie to join the team.
A Fresh Face Will Breathe New Life Into ‘The Rookie’
As much as viewers love the familiar characters in the series, it’s also true that The Rookie thrives when it can bring new characters onboard. In that same interview, Hawley stated that rookies are “always an opportunity to serve two stories. One is, who that person is, and then how that person affects everyone around them, especially their training officer.” With that in mind, including at least one brand-new character in Season 9 is an exciting prospect. Not only would a new character inject a different energy into the show, but it would also provide a variety of ideas for storylines for them, especially dramatic ones that can bring the whole crew together. As Hawley mentioned, a new rookie can also highlight different partnerships, and seeing characters paired up in new ways is always fun. Getting to see our beloved, familiar characters in new situations is also a way to insert characters we already know into thrilling scenarios, and allows us to see different sides to their personality.
The world of law enforcement is always changing, so the Mid-Wilshire police precinct needs to reflect that. Bringing in a new rookie can help showcase how the police department is evolving over the years/seasons. It would be entertaining to bring in characters from all walks of life that can also illustrate the diversity of Los Angeles. The Rookie is most successful when there is a naive or rough-around-the-edges rookie who needs to learn the ropes and discover the harsh realities of being a police officer. So, having a young (or old) recruit joining the gang would be instantly compelling to watch. Luckily, we’ll still get to follow the adventures of Miles and his fellow officers, but it’s high time that another rookie gets to come along and shake things up.
The Rookie does need to stay relevant, especially because its spin-off, The Rookie: North, will be debuting soon. The flagship series won’t want to lose any viewers to the new series because audiences are tired of seeing the same characters and storylines. Making Miles a regular member of the force and debuting a new rookie (even if they don’t last) will certainly help ensure that the series stays relevant, even after being on the air for so many seasons.
Seasons 1–8 of The Rookie are available to stream on Hulu. Season 9 will premiere in January 2027.
The Rookie
- Release Date
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October 16, 2018
- Showrunner
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Alexi Hawley
- Directors
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Tori Garrett, Chi-Yoon Chung, Michael Goi, Sylvain White, Lisa Demaine, Lanre Olabisi, Bill Johnson, David McWhirter, Liz Friedlander, Daniel Willis, Toa Fraser, Anne Renton, Jon Huertas, Cherie Nowlan, TK Shom, Rob Seidenglanz, Valerie Weiss, Barbara Brown, Charissa Sanjarernsuithikul, SJ Main Muñoz, Nelson McCormick, Marcus Stokes, Adam Davidson, Anna Mastro
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