Entertainment
Marc Jacobs Wants To Dress ‘Trendsetter’ Luigi Mangione For Trial
Marc Jacobs has stirred controversy after revealing he would be open to styling Luigi Mangione for court. The designer’s remarks quickly split social media, with some treating them as playful while others accused him of glorifying the murder suspect.
Mangione’s unlikely status as a style talking point has been building for months, with several of his public appearances triggering fashion conversations online.
Fashion designer Marc Jacobs says he would be willing to dress Luigi Mangione for his upcoming trial, even praising the accused killer’s courtroom style. The guru made the admission during Vanity Fair’s “Lie Detector Test” after being reminded that Winona Ryder, Lil’ Kim, and Courtney Love have all worn his brand during their respective court cases.
Asked whether he would dress Mangione for his trial, Jacobs chuckled before replying, “Um, yes.” As for what he would put him in, the 63-year-old suggested Mangione may not need much help. “I think he looks pretty good the way he dresses, actually,” Jacobs said.
Mangione’s courtroom appearances have already sparked an unlikely fashion frenzy. A burgundy sweater he was pictured wearing reportedly sold out at Nordstrom after images of him circulated online. When asked whether that made Mangione a “trendsetter,” Jacobs again answered, “Yes.”
Internet Divided Over Marc Jacobs’ Luigi Mangione Take
Jacobs’ remarks have triggered a sharply divided response online, with supporters and critics reading the exchange very differently. Some Reddit users embraced the idea almost immediately. One joked about a “Luigi X Marc Jacobs” collaboration, while another urged the designer to “dress my man in nothing but the best.”
Others leaned into the absurdity of the moment, calling the potential pairing “camp” or praising Jacobs for playing along with Mangione’s internet notoriety.
The backlash, however, was just as blunt. On X, one user wrote, “What. The. Actual. F-ck. The man was murdered.” Another accused Jacobs of “praising a murderer” and branded him a “terrible person.” A third called the reaction around Mangione “the absolute perversity of these people.”
Marc Jacobs Has Weathered Controversy Before
Controversy is hardly unfamiliar territory for Jacobs, whose career has weathered several high-profile storms. In 2016, the designer faced accusations of cultural appropriation after predominantly white models wore colorful dreadlocks during his New York Fashion Week show. Jacobs initially pushed back against critics before apologizing for what he called a “lack of sensitivity.”
Five years earlier, a Marc Jacobs perfume campaign featuring a then-17-year-old Dakota Fanning was banned in the UK. The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the positioning of an oversized “Oh, Lola!” perfume bottle between her legs could be seen as sexualizing a child.
Jacobs also spent years locked in a copyright dispute with Nirvana over his “Bootleg Redux Grunge” collection. The band sued in 2018, claiming Jacobs used a logo “virtually identical” to its famous smiley face. Jacobs disputed the allegations and argued Nirvana lacked enforceable rights to the image.
Luigi Mangione’s Court Outfits Have Become An Online Obsession
At a February 2025 pretrial hearing in Manhattan, Mangione arrived in a dark green cable-knit sweater over a white collared shirt, paired with khaki trousers and brown penny loafers.
But it was what the then-26-year-old wasn’t wearing that caught some observers’ attention. Photos highlighting his sockless ankles beneath silver cuffs quickly sparked commentary online, with one user admitting the loafers had changed her perception of him.
The fascination with his clothing had already surfaced before his arrest. After police released surveillance images of a person of interest in Thompson’s killing, internet sleuths attempted to identify the green hooded jacket pictured. GQ reported that users zeroed in on a $225 Levi’s style sold by Macy’s.
The outlet reported that more than 700 units sold within 48 hours before the jacket became unavailable on the retailer’s website. The online obsession also spawned lookalike jokes, viral skits and merchandise featuring Mangione’s image, turning an alleged murder suspect into an unlikely fashion fixation.
Luigi Mangione’s Case Has Changed Dramatically Since His Arrest
Mangione’s legal saga has moved through a series of major twists since his arrest in December 2024. On August 14, he pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges and admitted targeting and killing Thompson. Prosecutors intend to seek a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 18.
The plea resolved the federal case, but Mangione still faces a separate second-degree murder charge in New York state court. His legal troubles began five days after Thompson’s death, when police arrested him at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Authorities said they recovered a 3D-printed pistol and a notebook from his backpack.
Mangione was later extradited to New York and initially faced both state and federal prosecutions. The cases have changed considerably since then. A state judge dismissed terrorism charges in September 2025, while a federal judge blocked prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty in January.
Following his latest plea, Mangione’s attorneys moved to have the remaining state case dismissed on double jeopardy grounds.
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What makes a movie intense? It could be having the constant pressure of sky-high stakes, or the nail-biting tension of well-built suspense, or a fast-paced narrative that just doesn’t let up. Regardless, from 2000 until the present, there have been plenty of films so incredibly intense that they’re bound to go down in history as some of the greatest thrillers, action movies, and survival dramas in the history of 21st-century cinema. In a few decades’ time, cinephiles are bound to speak about these masterpieces in the same breath as paragons of high-intensity cinema like Se7en or The Wages of Fear.
These can be huge genre blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller‘s momentous return to the Mad Max franchise after a whopping three decades; or even smaller—yet equally legendary—indie features like the groundbreaking character study Memento. Regardless of how it is that a great modern film builds intensity, what really sets it apart is the ability to keep that intensity high and constant for the entire duration of the runtime. These immensely suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat films are proof of just how much intensity can help in making a movie unforgettable.
6
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
After the tragic passing of his close friend and long-time producer partner Byron Kennedy, George Miller decided to distance himself from the Mad Max franchise after the lukewarm critical reception of Beyond Thunderdome. The idea for Fury Road had been floating in his mind since the ’80s, but it wouldn’t be all the way until the 2010s that the idea would finally materialize. In the end, the result turned out to be not just the greatest Mad Max film to date by a decent margin, but perhaps even one of the greatest action movies of the 21st century.
It’s certainly one of the best sci-fi action movies in film history, directed with the utmost creativity and authority by Miller at the top of his game. Full of over-the-top world-building and surprisingly complex character development considering the virtual lack of dialogue, Fury Road nevertheless stands out mostly because of its tremendous intensity. The film is two hours of pure high-octane adrenaline, a perfectly shot and perfectly edited chase sequence that ends up feeling far shorter than it actually is. Hugely entertaining and visually stunning, it ends up being one of the most unforgettable action flicks of the 2010s.
5
‘Memento’ (2000)
Nowadays, Christopher Nolan tends to be recognized as one of the leading spearheads of the Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking game. Even the greats have to start somewhere, though, and Nolan was no exception. Once upon a time, a young up-and-coming indie director named Christopher Nolan premiered Memento at the Venice Film Festival, earning nothing but praise and critical love all across the board. A whopping 26 years—and many far bigger thrillers—later, many would still confidently call this gem Nolan’s magnum opus.
There are many R-rated psychological thrillers that are masterpieces, and Memento is most certainly one of them. Its revenge story about an amnesiac man trying to unravel the mystery of his wife’s murder would be naturally intense in a vacuum, but it’s the incredibly creative way in which Nolan executes that premise that really transforms Memento from a great thriller into a downright masterpiece. There aren’t very many feature films out there that are structured in reverse-chronological order, and that’s because it’s a concept that’s nigh-impossible to execute well. Not only does Nolan pull it off, he turns it into the foundation of one of the most emotionally powerful, thematically strong, and dramatically intense thrillers the 2000s ever saw.
4
‘Gravity’ (2013)
Alfonso Cuarón has spent his whole career proving himself to be one of the most chameleonic filmmakers in both Mexico and Hollywood, as perfectly demonstrated by the sci-fi survival thriller Gravity. Though it leans much more heavily toward the “science” part of the genre rather than “fiction,” it’s still a must-see for fans of modern sci-fi movies. Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Cuarón’s first for Best Director, it has aged wonderfully as one of the most essential survival dramas of the 21st century so far.
It’s also one of the best hard sci-fi movies since 2000, anchored by a trifecta of elements without equal: Cuarón’s intense, nail-bitingly suspenseful direction; the strongest, most emotionally potent performance of Sandra Bullock‘s career; and the jaw-dropping visual effects that once led a Mexican reporter to ask Cuarón what it was like to shoot in space. These elements, along with virtually every other one of Gravity‘s spotless technical and narrative qualities, all help make Gravity a genuine edge-of-your-seat thriller all about grief, rebirth, and the heroism inherent to survival and resilience.
3
‘Whiplash’ (2014)
Damien Chazelle so far only has a handful of feature films under his belt, but they have been more than enough to establish him as one of the most exciting young voices currently working in Hollywood. That reputation was established as far back as 2014, when Chazelle’s sophomore feature directing effort, Whiplash, hit theaters. Based on Chazelle’s own 2013 short film of the same name, this Oscar-winning masterpiece is one of the most thrilling movies released since 2000, a testament to just how intense character-driven dramas can get when done and written with enough momentum.
Whether or not Whiplash is Chazelle’s best film or not is irrelevant; the fact of the matter is that it’s easily his most intense, and perhaps even the single most intense movie about music and artistic obsession that the world has seen in decades. Strongly bolstered by Miles Teller‘s potent, transformative performance and a villainous turn from J. K. Simmons that just oozes intensity, it’s not only one of the best-acted dramas of the 2010s, but also one of the most tense. Whiplash is proof that memorable dialogue, strong acting, and rapid-fire pacing are all it takes for a movie to be incredibly intense.
2
‘Oldboy’ (2003)
South Korean cinema has always been full of absolutely exceptional thrillers, but it has been since 2000 that the country’s thriller output has gained particular international notoriety. And as far as hyper-intense South Korean thrillers go, it doesn’t relly get much more notorious or harrowing than Oldboy by Park Chan-wook, the man behind several of the most intense movies the 21st century has thus far seen. Oldboy is generally regarded as his magnum opus, and even though its reliance on shock value definitely makes it unfit for the faint of heart, it’s nevertheless one of the most essential action thrillers of modern times.
What’s not to love about Oldboy? The action sequences are impeccably directed and relentlessly violent, the plot twists are all among the most genuinely shocking in film history, and the character writing is as complex and layered as it is absolutely gut-wrenching. For all of those reasons and more, Oldboy is one of the most disturbing crime movies in history. It also happens to be a masterclass in how to nail pretty much every kind of intensity that a motion picture can exhibit: Intensity in emotions, in action, in suspense, in twists, in performances, and definitely in the all-around feel of the finished product.
1
‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)
There’s one thing that both Josh and Benny Safdie specialize in, and that’s making some of the most intense movies the world has ever seen. Case in point: Uncut Gems, their most widely-celebrated film, starring Adam Sandler in what may well be the greatest performance of his career—and is most definitely the most intense. Impeccably directed by the Safdies, Uncut Gems is one of the most suspenseful thrillers of the last 100 years, a thriller composed of pure suspense, anxiety, stress, and paranoia.
Fueled exclusively by these emotions, the film creates an experience that’s incredibly disquieting yet absolutely impossible to look away from. Its themes of greed and of the ever-consuming nature of addiction are quite clear, but executed with such artful complexity and such tremendous intensity that it’s impossible not to keep thinking about them even long after the credits roll. Probably the single most suspenseful movie of the last 26 years, Uncut Gems is the sort of thriller which proves just how intense films can get.
Fantasy is often a very serious genre. There’s not a lot of room for humor in series like The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, amidst the betrayals, dramatic deaths, and epic battle scenes. That’s where Paramount+ comes in with a new adaptation of Golden Axe, the classic Sega arcade game that’s now a rib-tickling animated series. Introduced in 1989, Golden Axe was a classic quarter-muncher that allowed players to choose from one of three characters: the axe-wielding dwarf Gilius Thunderhead; the barbarian swordsman Ax Battler; and the amazonian warrior Tyris Flare. All three sought vengeance against the evil overlord Death Adder, who served as the game’s final boss. The game was a hit, and spawned several sequels, with the latest being released in 2008.
All three warriors take center stage in the new trailer for Golden Axe: the uncouth Gilius Thunderhead (Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay), the lovable Ax Battler (Liam McIntyre, Spartacus: Vengeance), and the stoic Tyris Flare (Lisa Gilroy, Interior Chinatown), as well as Chronos “Evil” Lait (Carl Tart, Grand Crew), a panther-man from the game’s sequels. They’re on a quest to destroy Death Adder, and Tyris’ plan should sound familiar to anyone who’s spent some time in an arcade: “Face a series of progressively harder enemies, until we have a big final battle with Death Adder.” They’re joined by Hampton Squib (Danny Pudi, Community), a would-be adventurer who becomes part of the party…whether his cohorts like it or not. All ten episodes of the series will debut on Paramount+ on Wednesday, September 16.
Who Are the Creatives Behind ‘Golden Axe’?
If you’re still mourning Star Trek: Lower Decks, Paramount+ has good news. Lower Decks mastermind Mike McMahan co-wrote the first episode of Golden Axe and is an executive producer on the series. Joe Chandler, a veteran of American Dad, also co-wrote the pilot and serves as executive producer and showrunner. Sega’s Haruki Satomi, Shuji Utsumi, and Toru Nakahara will also executive produce alongside Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Toby Ascher of Original Film. Titmouse, the studio behind series like Metalocalypse, The Venture Bros, and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, animates the series, with Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio, and Ben Kalina serving as executive producers.
All ten episodes of Golden Axe will premiere on Paramount+ on Wednesday, September 16. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
It’s been over seven years since CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory” ended, with multiple spin-offs following. Recently, Mayim Bialik appeared in the newest series set in the show’s universe, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Following the much-buzzed-about appearance on the HBO Max series, the “Blossom” alum is opening up about where she stands with the cast.
Bialik interviewed with PEOPLE in August 2026, discussing her recent appearance on “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” which featured cameos from several other actors from the original series, including Kaley Cuoco. Regarding her status with her former co-stars, she said, “I guess I’m closest with John Ross Bowie.” For context, he portrayed Barry Kripke on the beloved show.
She also mentioned Kevin Sussman, who stars in the newest spin-off of “The Big Bang Theory.” According to her, “I have such respect for Kevin Sussman and the work that we got to do together and just watching how he takes direction and how he so effortlessly has stepped into the role of leading man.”
The actress continued, “I worked with Lauren [Lapkus] and Brian [Posehn]’s been on our podcast, so I have other connections, but in terms of the emotional connection, I like being able to reach out to John and to Kevin and to be able to say, ‘I do not have any memory in my career of being this excited for another actor.”
Mayim Bialik Also Spoke About Her Relationship With Melissa Rauch
During the conversation, Bialik also opened up about the deep respect for the cast, especially Melissa Rauch, who played Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the show. Notably, she also shared that they had an encounter behind the scenes of “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.”
According to Bialik, “I’m very close with Melissa Rauch. So she and I talked the most about scheduling and things like that. Regarding their recent encounter, she shared, “We were actually able to physically connect on set, me and Melissa. I can’t remember if she was there for a wardrobe fitting, and it was my filming day. I don’t remember, but that was really, really special.”
From there, Bialik went on to note the impact of their respective roles on “The Big Bang Theory.” She explained, “Bernadette, the character of Bernadette, was a microbiologist on ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ We were two women in science, both with very different personalities, very different aesthetics.”
The former “Jeopardy” host continued, “And we both represented as equally competent, fun, interesting people. I think that’s actually the truth about a lot of people in science, and in particular, a lot of women in science.”
‘The Big Bang Theory’ Ended In 2019
“The Big Bang Theory” premiered on CBS in 2007 and ran for 12 seasons, ending in 2019 after 279 episodes. Since then, three spin-off series have aired, starting with “Young Sheldon,” which concluded in May 2024 after seven seasons. Now, season three of “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” begins in October, and “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” has already been renewed for a second season.
During her PEOPLE interview, Bialik opened up about returning for the newest show. She said, “I would’ve been happy to come back as any iteration of anything. Just to get to be part of the Chuck Lorre universe and also to do this with Kevin and John and with Lauren and Brian, so I would’ve been happy literally to do anything.”
Mayim Bialik Shared Sad News About The Planned ‘Blossom’ Reboot In 2025
Before “The Big Bang Theory,” the world got to know Bialik through the 1990s sitcom “Blossom.” Regarding the planned reboot, Bialik revealed in 2023 that a script had been written and that the original cast had interest in returning for the series. She later stated that the new version might not be a sitcom, as the original show was.
However, according to The Wrap, she said in August 2025 that Disney, which retains the rights to “Blossom,” decided not to move forward with the series. She said the company’s change of heart came after it showed interest in the show the year before.
She said on Substack, “We will likely never know … why they would not let us bring these beautiful stories to people who love 90s nostalgia and who have a special place in their hearts for Blossom.”
Mayim Has A New Movie In The Works
Deadline reported in August 2025 that Bialik had been cast in an upcoming rom-com, “Go-Love-Go,” alongside her former “Call Me Kat” co-stars Cheyenne Jackson and John Griffin. Notably, Griffin not only stars in the movie, but he also wrote and produced it.
Currently, IMDb lists the film as in post-production, with no release date announced.
Entertainment
Why did Farrah Fawcett leave “Charlie’s Angels”? Breaking down her surprising exit after 1 season
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Fawcett later returned to the show as a guest star.
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When I went to fashion school, the unofficial uniform was all-black everything. If that sounds depressing, trust me, it was. I admired the few students who weren’t afraid to wear a bright mix of stripes, dots, animal print, etc. In 2026 though, the patternmaxxing trend is on the rise, and it’s all about embracing bold prints, colors and designs.
Amazon has an entire section dedicated to patternmaxxing, which makes sense since so many fashion people now wearing clothes with groovy waves, edgy animal prints, sweet gingham and more. I rounded up the best hidden gems available on Amazon to help you make the most of patternmaxxing. There’s a mix of clothes and accessories, so you can do a whole wardrobe update or add a few pieces to tip-toe into the look.
17 Chic Finds to Try Fall’s Patternmaxxing Trend
Dresses
1. So Groovy: We’re seeing a resurgence in vintage-looking shift dresses with fun wavy patterns that ruled the ‘70s, and we’re so glad the style is back. Case in point: this sunset-inspired crocheted mini dress.
2. Never-Ending Trend: Gingham shows no signs of slowing down for fall, so take this as your sign to finally hop on the trend with this smocked drop-waist mini.
3. Fall Florals: Contrary to popular belief, floral patterns aren’t just for summer. Opt for this V-neck boho dress and see how it pops against the changing leaves.
4. Unleash Your Inner Teen: One look at this long plaid cami dress transported me back to the early 2000s.
5. Unexpected Yet Chic: Strapless dresses, like this drop-waist plaid maxi, are perfect for fall because they make the ideal base for layering.
We love a loose blouse like the next gal, but we’ve actually started to notice cool ‘It’ girls reaching for a single top style that’s a little more elevated, chic and flattering: the wrap shirt. Similar to a wrap dress, the top style also has a relaxed appearance that simultaneously hugs the body in a […]
Tops
6. So Wild: Animal patterns have proved their staying power, so take the leap and add this zebra-print bell-sleeved top to your rotation.
7. Flattering Fit: I live in this asymmetrical off-the-shoulder top because it cinches my waist and accentuates my figure. You better believe I added the cute deer print pattern as soon as I saw it!
8. Fierce Ruffles: What do you get when you combine a feminine ruffled top with an eye-catching tiger print? This versatile style that’s extra flirty.
9. Wear the Rainbow: Invite more color into your wardrobe with this pastel striped cami. The scoop neck design draws attention upwards.
Pants
10. Crochet All Day: Wearing fun pants like this unique wavy crocheted pair is like an instant happiness boost.
11. Ruffles Galore: The ruffle hem on these charming wide-legged gingham pants add a feminine flair to the style.
12. So Fresh: Patterned jeans may seem intimidating to wear, but this deer-print barrel leg pick is easy to style with a white tee shirt and sneakers.
13. So Studious: Ditch the preppy plaid skirts in favor of these cool plaid trousers that are oh-so stylish.
Shoes
14. Walk on the Wild Side: Upgrade your shoe collection with these sheer cheetah-print mesh flats that will put a pep in your step this fall.
15. Check Mate: Why stick with boring black or brown loafers when this checkered style adds dimension to any outfit?
16. Patchwork Princess: Statement shoes are an easy way to show your personality, and these multicolored checkered mules are certainly a conversation starter.
17. Moooove on By: Only the chicest people will be able to rock these cow-print slingback kitten heels. And yes, you’re one of them!
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.
Even as fashion writers, it’s hard keeping up with the ever-changing denim trends. They can be downright confusing, even to Us! When in doubt, we turn to celebrities, rich moms and fashionistas on the streets of New York and Los Angeles. And this year, they’re all in agreement on these denim styles. If you ask […]
Darren Silverman (Jason Biggs) is finally in a relationship with a beautiful, intelligent woman, Judith Fessbegler (Amanda Peet). Unfortunately, she’s a controlling monster and is making his life miserable. His best friends, Wayne (Steve Zahn) and J.D. (Jack Black), hatch a plot to “save” him by reuniting him with his first love, Sandy (Amanda Detmer), but their plan backfires when Judith finds out about it. Darren just wants to be loved, but does he have the courage to be with the right woman who will love him back?
Released at the height of American Pie’s popularity, Saving Silverman is a rom-com with its heart in the gutter. There are plenty of dirty jokes in the film, plus a subplot involving Neil Diamond that’s more groan-worthy than entertaining, but it’s still a fun romp with enough laughs and romance to satisfy genre fans. Black and Peet shine as two people fighting for Darren’s happiness; they’ll do anything, even physically assaulting one another, to get their man.
It seems that Jake Paul has not called off his wedding to Jutta Leerdam, despite viral social media posts claiming the boxer ended their engagement over alleged cheating and excessive spending. The explosive story appears to have originated from fabricated captions attached to old or unrelated footage. There is no credible interview, statement, or verified report supporting claims that Leerdam cheated on Paul or that he spent $100,000 per month on her. In fact, Leerdam was publicly discussing their wedding plans just one month before the unsupported breakup story began circulating.
The rumor spread through social media posts alleging that Paul had canceled his wedding after accusing Leerdam of cheating on him three additional times. One widely circulated post read: “Jake Paul has officially called off his wedding to Jutta Leerdam after claiming she cheated on him three more times. He admitted he used to beg her to stay and was spending $100K a month on her before finally hitting his breaking point.”
The post then attributed two statements to Paul: “I told her after the third one I’m done,” and “She thought I was joking.” However, no source was identified for either statement, and there is no evidence that Paul said those words. A fact-check published by The Times of India determined that the allegations were false and traced them to a viral post that repurposed older footage with fabricated captions.
Neither Paul nor Leerdam has announced the end of their engagement. No reputable report has substantiated the accusations of cheating or high spending.
Jutta Leerdam Recently Revealed Her Wedding Must-Have
The timing of the rumor is particularly questionable because Leerdam openly talked about the couple’s wedding a month earlier. While attending Sports Illustrated’s Beyond the Pitch event in New York City on July 18, the Dutch speed skater told PEOPLE that her must-have for the celebration was simple: “Have fun and dance.”
Leerdam also described the habits that have helped her relationship with Paul remain strong. “I think just having fun, doing a lot of date nights, supporting each other in each other’s dreams,” she said.
She identified their engagement as her “favorite” and “best date” Paul had ever planned, praising the professional boxer for an elaborate, romantic proposal. “He planned it really well, and it was an amazing, magical experience, and he’s very good at date nights and planning romantic things, so I’m very lucky,” Leerdam told the outlet.
Those comments offered no indication that the couple had canceled their wedding or that their relationship was collapsing.
Jake Paul Said Proposing Made Him More Nervous Than Fighting
Paul proposed at Jade Mountain, a luxury beachfront resort in Saint Lucia. He got down on one knee on a bed covered with white rose petals while Leerdam’s parents were present for the surprise. The couple announced their engagement through a joint Instagram post on March 22, 2025. “We’re engaged. we can’t wait to spend forever together,” they wrote alongside photos from the proposal.
Speaking about the moment days later, Paul admitted that asking Leerdam to marry him left him more anxious than entering the boxing ring. “I was very nervous for the engagement, way more nervous than any of my fights, so it was all choked up and she makes me nervous, I guess,” he said.
Leerdam was equally surprised because Paul had arranged for her parents to witness the proposal without her knowledge. “I didn’t know my parents were going to be there, so that was the biggest surprise ever. I was in shock, but it was the best day of my life, really,” she shared.
Jutta Leerdam Called Jake Paul ‘The Most Romantic Guy In The World’
Four days after announcing their engagement, Paul and Leerdam made their first red carpet appearance as an engaged couple at the New York City premiere of “Paul American.”
The HBO Max reality series follows Paul and members of his famous family. During the event, the couple wore coordinating black ensembles, shared affectionate kisses and posed together as Leerdam showed off her engagement ring. She described it as “the best ring ever” and called Paul “the most romantic guy in the world.”
“He is doing it all for me. Like it’s the sweetest thing and I’m super lucky. I don’t think people expect that from him,” she told PEOPLE.
Paul once again acknowledged how nervous he had been, describing the proposal as “Way more nervous than any of my fights.”
The couple didn’t immediately begin planning the ceremony because Leerdam was focused on preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. “I can’t plan before that. I’m not allowed by myself,” she explained. “I first want to work towards the Olympics, get everything out of there, and of course, I’m going for that Olympic gold. And then after, yeah, I can start planning. So the wedding will probably be the summer after.”
Jake Paul And Jutta Leerdam Went Public In 2023
Paul and Leerdam made their relationship official on Instagram in April 2023.
Paul shared photos of the couple and joked, “Im Dutch now.”
Their romance later became more visible through public appearances, sporting events and “Paul American.” Leerdam has frequently described Paul as supportive, while he has appeared at several of her major speed skating competitions.
The latest viral claims provide no verifiable evidence that anything has changed between them. The alleged cheating accusations, $100,000 monthly spending claim, and supposed canceled wedding all appear to have come from fabricated social media content rather than Paul, Leerdam, or anyone authorized to speak for the couple.
For now, the publicly available and fact-checked information indicates that Paul and Leerdam remain engaged, with the wedding plans Leerdam recently discussed still intact.
In television, the cream tends to rise to the top. Of the countless shows airing at any one time, there are always a select few that stand out above the crowd, thanks almost entirely to their quality. Whether it’s a laugh-a-minute sitcom, a twisting dark mystery, a gripping drama, or even a goosebump-inducing horror series, the very best shows will always prove themselves. By proving themselves, their viewing figures will only rocket, spawning dollar signs in the eyes of higher-ups and the inevitable green light for more.
With their popularity in mind, production companies and networks can be forgiven for pushing their best products as far as possible. The likes of Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead famously hurt their own legacy by producing one too many seasons, and, with that in mind, it is even more admirable when a series can come and go in a short space of time and still make a recognized impact on audiences. But finding the sweet spot is perhaps the hardest task, as the shortest shows search for the most natural and satisfying place to bring their stories to a close. With those specific titles in mind, and without further ado, here are the greatest shows with fewer than 30 episodes.
‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)
It’s worth starting this list by acknowledging that, although some shows are designed as a miniseries, they are still worthy of praise for finding a neat circular story in an even shorter space of time than most of their contemporaries. One of the most modern examples of the miniseries perfected is The Queen’s Gambit, which is the story about a prodigious introvert and orphan Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), who flourishes through the mastering of the game of chess.
A masterclass in character development in just seven episodes, The Queen’s Gambit features some of the best writing of the past decade, and boasts one of the finest performances in the career of Taylor-Joy so far. Was the series helped by the COVID-19 pandemic, with viewers in their millions locked inside and looking for the best shows on streaming? Sure, but global crisis or not, this is a series well worth both its popularity and its flowers.
‘Happy Valley’ (2014–2023)
The Brits are known for having shorter seasons of television, with many of their best projects ending on a relatively quick high. Those across the pond are also known for producing some of the best crime dramas in the world, with Happy Valley the perfect combination of both, a series that won a remarkable 6 BAFTAs during its run.
Created by Sally Wainwright, the series follows Sarah Lancashire‘s Sergeant Catherine Cawood as she navigates personal issues in her drug-fueled community in Yorkshire’s Calder Valley. Sporting some of the finest ensemble performances in the genre’s modern history, highlighted by a career-defining turn from James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce, this utterly gripping masterclass in storytelling is both a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse and a detailed exploration of the cycle of crime in working-class Britain.
‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)
When people talk about the most egregious cancellations in TV history, the active sabotage of the brilliant space Western Firefly by Fox is always mentioned. In fact, following its cancellation, an initial petition to bring the series back scored more than 17,000 signatures, with the massive physical mail campaign that followed flooding Fox with angry postcards and letters. However, in the dark clouds of cancellation, a silver lining emerged, with Firefly‘s limited 14 episodes enough to award it a place on this list.
Created by Joss Whedon, Firefly follows Captain Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his crew aboard the “Firefly-class” spaceship as they evade warring factions and authority agents during their trips across the galaxy. Blending sci-fi, comedy, and Western genres to perfect effect, Firefly was a hit with both viewers and critics, even winning the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series. 24 years later, it still maintains a well-deserved, die-hard fanbase.
‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)
At 28 episodes long, The Leftovers just lands a place on this list. The show’s premise is simple yet ever-so-effective, as 140 million people suddenly vanish in an event called the “Global Departure”. Based on Tom Perrotta‘s novel of the same name, the narrative twists and turns in all manner of unexpected directions, keeping many millions of viewers gripped across three seasons.
However, even though this clever sci-fi series earned plenty of praise at the time of its release, The Leftovers has grown in popularity since it came to an end nine years ago. Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon deliver just two of the many memorable turns throughout the series, with Ann Dowd shockingly the only actor presented with a Primetime Emmy for her guest performance in the genius Season 3, Episode 7, “The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Identical Twin Brother).”
‘The Office’ (2001–2003)
It’s simply remarkable that a low-budget comedy, produced by an unknown duo, and following the mundane every day of a British workplace could ever find success. But Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant‘s The Office didn’t just find success; it revolutionized the way TV comedy was produced, throwing out the traditional multi-camera studio setups and artificial laugh tracks and instead championing the uncomfortable reality of a single-camera set-up.
He may have since become a parody of his former self, but Gervais’ David Brent is one of the greatest comedic creations. In The Office, he is the awkward, affection-starved anchor to a series that, as much as it is about highly-relatable cringe, is also about the unmissable will-they/won’t-they romance of Tim (Martin Freeman) and Dawn (Lucy Davis). No matter what, without this series there wouldn’t have been Michael Scott (Steve Carell), and that alone is worth celebrating.
‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)
In the 21st century, comedy has come of age, with the most successful modern comedies blending dark drama into their humor. Perhaps the very best to do this is Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag, which began life as her one-woman show that won a Fringe First Award at Edinburgh Fringe 2013. It was BBC Three who gave the show a chance on screen, and the rest is history, with Fleabag quickly growing a huge following and plenty of critical acclaim.
One of the most intelligent and inventive uses of fourth wall-breaking in modern TV, Waller-Bridge’s unnamed protagonist fights grief, the terrible state of modern dating, and a constant battle of inner feminist wills in a story that, at the time of its release, was the freshest thing on television. What starts as a genius introspective tale of sex and feminism in 21st-century Britain in its first season evolves into a clever blend of religion and romance in a second season that somehow tops its predecessor.
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
The blueprint for all war series in the 21st century is one of HBO’s best projects. From producers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who reunited after their work on Saving Private Ryan to adapt Stephen Ambrose’s 1992 book, Band of Brothers follows the parachute infantry known as Easy Company during the Second World War, and is one of the most historically accurate and well-researched shows in TV history.
Tales of war, from Full Metal Jacket to Jarhead, are so often coated in Hollywood narrative styling. Band of Brothers is more interested in organically discovering its emotional core through a realistic depiction of life in combat. From days in training to the most important moments of the war, Band of Brothers leaves no stone unturned in a poignant exploration of the modern world’s most devastating conflict, and does so with a famously star-studded cast that includes Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, David Schwimmer, Donnie Wahlberg, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy, Simon Pegg, James McAvoy, and many more.
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)
Of all the miniseries to have graced our screens in the 21st century, none are as detailed, devastating, and worthy of gushing praise as Chernobyl. To tell a tale as tragic and true as the nuclear accident of April 26, 1986, requires some brave storytelling, but to do so with such deft honesty and justice is frankly remarkable. Of course, this is the retelling of the aforementioned incident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, focused mainly on the immediate and long-term aftermath.
The personal and political ramifications of the Chernobyl disaster are on full display in nuanced genius throughout each of these five episodes, making for utterly affecting viewing. The series won an incredible ten Primetime Emmys (enough for two for each episode), alongside countless other prizes from across the world as it swept up the 2020 TV awards season. It might be a miniseries, but Chernobyl packs as much of an emotional, expansive punch as any other show with many more episodes.
Entertainment
‘Ted Lasso’ Star’s New Alien Abduction Sci-Fi Movie Officially Gets Bonkers First Look [Exclusive]
Last year, Fantastic Fest, the largest genre film festival in the U.S., celebrated its 20th anniversary with a bang, delivering a lineup of horror, sci-fi, and action gems that mixed big tentpoles like Black Phone 2 and Sisu 2: Road to Revenge with indie darlings like Charlie Polinger‘s The Plague. Collider had the honor of sharing the anniversary with the prestigious event and showcasing 20 images from some of the buzziest titles in attendance across 20 days in celebration. Now, with less than one month left until the 2026 iteration and the film lineup announced, we’re doing it all again. This time, though, Collider’s Exclusive Preview series is expanding to 21 images to commemorate 21 years of Fantastic Fest, and we’re kicking this year’s partnership off with a new look at the bonkers sci-fi comedy Into the Sky, starring Emmy winner Sam Richardson (Ted Lasso).
Into the Sky casts the Detroiters and Veep star as Bobby, a desperate man whose life has been destroyed by the extraterrestrial. He’s first introduced to viewers butt-naked on a North Carolina golf course drenched in strange blue goo and nowhere near his home in upstate New York, but this is nothing new. Over the course of a year, he’s been repeatedly abducted by aliens for some unknown reason, causing his marriage to fall apart because of his constant disappearances. Amid his unique predicament, he forges an unexpected partnership with a woman named Nico who’s currently renting his home and has her own problems to deal with as the planner of her brother’s wedding. While he helps her prepare for the big day, she’ll aid him in reconnecting with his wife, though when another victim who’s been dealing with alien abductions for five years appears, Bobby’s life takes an even more chaotic and high-stakes turn.
Our exclusive image appears to take place at Nico’s brother’s wedding, where Bobby is once again faced with his abductors. Although no aircraft is seen, the darkened skies and look of pure terror and bewilderment on his face indicate the menace has returned to torment him once again. What makes Into the Sky more than just a silly alien abduction flick is that Bobby’s fear is born from the effect the aliens have had on his life. The film is billed as a cosmic mystery that blossoms into a heartfelt romance about a man determined to repair his relationship with the love of his life, while the forces beyond him stand in his way. In this case, another abduction may be about to separate him from his new friend at the worst possible time.
Who Is Behind ‘Into the Sky’?
Drew Mylrea and Evan Wolf Buxbaum joined forces to write and direct Into the Sky in their feature debut as a duo. Both previously served behind the camera on the television series Small Town, Big Story, though Buxbaum’s efforts have primarily been focused on the production side of the industry. Mylrea, meanwhile, is perhaps best known for directing the survival thriller Last Survivors with Alicia Silverstone. For their collaboration, the duo brought together a strong mix of comedic and dramatic talent around Richardson, including David Cross, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Arturo Castro, and more.
Into the Sky makes its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, which runs from September 17 through 24 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. Check out our exclusive image above and stay tuned here at Collider for more looks at the festival’s entries in the run-up to its opening. Visit the official Fantastic Fest film guide for more information on everything playing during the event.
Johnny Depp could finally be preparing to sail the high seas once again.
Longtime Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that Johnny Depp is currently in talks to return to the franchise, potentially bringing Captain Jack Sparrow back for the upcoming sixth installment.
While speaking with Deadline during D23, Bruckheimer offered one of the most promising updates yet regarding Depp’s involvement.
“We’re talking to Johnny. We’re working on a screenplay. Hopefully we can get this done,”
Bruckheimer said.
The comments are significant because previous updates largely centered on Bruckheimer’s desire to bring Depp back. In 2025, the producer revealed that he had spoken with Depp and believed the actor could return if he was happy with how Jack Sparrow was written. Now, those conversations appear to have progressed as development continues on the screenplay.
Pirates of the Caribbean [disney]
Depp first appeared as Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a performance that quickly became one of the defining roles of his career. He returned for four additional movies, most recently starring in 2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Across its five theatrical installments, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has earned more than $4.5 billion worldwide.
Exactly what a sixth movie will look like remains unclear. Bruckheimer and Disney have spent years developing different approaches to continuing the franchise, including plans involving Margot Robbie and concepts featuring a combination of new and returning characters.
Jerry Bruckheimer reveals conversations have been had with Johnny Depp about returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ | #D23 pic.twitter.com/52iJn7apD1
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Most importantly, Depp has not officially signed on for Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Bruckheimer’s comments confirm that discussions are taking place, but a deal still needs to be reached and the screenplay remains in development.
Still, after years of uncertainty surrounding Captain Jack Sparrow’s future, this is arguably the strongest indication yet that Johnny Depp could actually return to the franchise.
Pirates of the Caribbean 6 does not currently have an announced release date.
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