Friends icon Lisa Kudrow is sharing the darker side of starring on the hit sitcom.

In a recent interview with The Times of London, Kudrow, 62, said that the classic 1990s comedy “captured a kind of innocence that maybe a younger generation has never got to experience,” but it wasn’t all laughter behind the scenes.

“Oh no, there was definitely mean stuff going on behind the scenes,” said Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay in all 10 seasons of Friends, starring alongside Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, David Scwhimmer, Matt LeBlanc and the late Matthew Perry.

The Emmy winner recalled that the show’s writers’ room was largely dominated by men.

“Don’t forget we were recording in front of a live audience of 400, and if you messed up one of these writers’ lines or it didn’t get the perfect response, they could be like, ‘Can’t the bitch f***ing read? She’s not even trying. She f***ed up my line,’” Kudrow said.

She continued, “And we know that back in the room the guys would be up late discussing their sexual fantasies about Jennifer and Courteney. It was intense.”

“Oh, it could be brutal, but these guys — and it was mostly men in there — were sitting up until 3 a.m. trying to write the show so my attitude was, ‘Say what you like about me behind my back because then it doesn’t matter,’” Kudrow added.

Earlier this month, Kudrow looked back at her time on Friends, revealing that she was often referred to as the “sixth Friend,” claiming her costars’ Hollywood careers took off before hers did.

“Nobody cared about me,” she said of the show’s early success in an interview with the U.K.’s Independent. “There were certain parts of [my talent agency] that just referred to me as ‘the sixth Friend.’”

“There was no vision for me and no expectations about the kind of career I could have,” she said. “There was just, like, ‘Boy, is she lucky she got on that show.’”

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Despite being the first Friends cast member to win an Emmy in 1998, Kudrow said she largely booked independent movies until she landed a hit with Analyze This, the 1999 comedy starring Robert De Niro.

Related: Why Lisa Kudrow Started Watching ‘Friends’ After Matthew Perry’s Death 

Lisa Kudrow will always remember her late costar Matthew Perry thanks, in part, to old episodes of their hit TV show, Friends. “After Matthew passed away, there were marathons [on TV] and that was really comforting watching the show,” Kudrow, 62, said during a Friday, March 27, appearance on the U.K.’s Capital FM radio show. […]

“That’s when the agents and business people started circling, wanting to put me in romantic comedies and things,” she said. “I knew that wasn’t gonna work. I’m just not adorable!”

Kudrow also starred in the cult classic movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, which was released in 1997. Her other credits since Friends have included HBO’s The Comeback, which is currently airing its third and final season.

Catalina White has officially been nominated for Social Media Influencer of the Year at the 2026 XMA Creator Awards, cementing her status as one of the fastest-rising comedic voices in the creator space. The nod comes after a breakout run on Instagram, where White has built a following of nearly 800,000 fans by leaning into a sharp, self-aware sense of humor that’s become her signature. But her path to influencer stardom wasn’t a straight line. It started inside a WWE ring.

Long before the viral skits and comedy reels, Catalina was signed to WWE’s developmental program back in 2008, where she wrestled under the ring name Saylor James. Her time with the company was short, but it kicked off a career in entertainment that would take her through modeling shoots with Maxim, FHM, and Complex before landing her in the creator economy.

Wrestling fans know her name from that chapter, but the audience she’s built on social media knows her for something completely different.

Bringing Comedy To A Space That Doesn’t Always Laugh

What separates Catalina from the pack of influencers in her lane is her commitment to making people laugh. She’s carved out a niche by bringing genuine comedic timing into a corner of the internet that tends to take itself very seriously, and the results speak for themselves.

“I definitely feel like the underdog in this category, and I kind of love that. It makes the nomination even more exciting,” Catalina told us. “I wanted to bring a little humor into a space that people don’t usually associate with comedy, and it’s been amazing to see fans connect with that.”

That connection is exactly what’s fueled her climb. Her comedy skits consistently land with fans because they feel like her, not a brand-safe version filtered through a dozen managers.

Catalina White: The Accidental Influencer

Ask Catalina how she ended up here, and she’ll be the first to tell you it wasn’t part of some five-year plan.

“I honestly never intended to be an influencer. I just didn’t want my cheeky sense of humor to go to waste lol,” she said. “I love making comedy skits and being able to control everything creatively, and social media gave me a platform to do that. The goal was always to make people laugh, and everything else kind of followed.”

That creative control is a big part of the story. In an era where creators are constantly pressured to chase trends, Catalina has stayed true to her own voice, writing, starring in, and producing her own content on her own terms.

From Viral Moments To Industry Recognition

Catalina White’s nomination isn’t just about follower count; it reflects a broader shift in what audiences are responding to online. In a space often dominated by polished aesthetics and curated lifestyles, her content stands out for feeling unfiltered, relatable, and genuinely entertaining.

Her rise highlights how creators who prioritize personality and originality over trends are carving out lasting audiences. Rather than relying on viral formulas, Catalina has built momentum by consistently delivering content that feels authentic to her voice, something that’s increasingly rare in the influencer landscape.

That authenticity has not only helped her grow a loyal fanbase but also positioned her as part of a new wave of creators redefining what success looks like in the digital era.

Miami And The Pink Carpet

The 2026 XMA Creator Awards roll into Miami this May, with the pink-carpet ceremony celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of the adult creator community. The annual event spotlights the creators pushing the space forward through their digital artistry, while highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the creator world and the global fandom it inspires.

With nearly 800,000 fans in her corner and a comedic voice that’s impossible to ignore, Catalina is a real contender to take home Social Media Influencer of the Year. Fans can head to xma.show/voting to lock in their vote and help her bring the trophy home.

Whether she takes home the trophy or not, one thing is clear: the girl who once stepped into a WWE ring has built a whole new arena on her own, and her fans aren’t going anywhere.

Social media users think Iman Shumpert just shared that he welcomed a new baby.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Iman Shumpert Pens Emotional Message Following His Father Odis’ Passing (PHOTO)

Did Iman Shumpert Just Share That He Welcomed A New Baby?

Over the weekend, Shumpert took to Instagram to share a carousel with his more than 2.2 million followers. Furthermore, the first photo in his slide showed a close-up of his camouflage outfit, two patches that said “NAVY,” and a chain with a photo of him and his late father. The next slide then showed a clip of Rue, while the third slide showed a clip of an infant baby girl, and the fourth slide showed a photo of Shumpert alongside Rue and Junie.

Finally, the last slide in the post showed Shumpert holding a newborn baby girl. Additionally, Shumpert even captioned the photo, “Girl Dad 💗💗💗”

Social Media Users Think He Just Shared That He Welcomed A New Baby

Social media users slid in TSR’s comment section, largely questioning whether Iman Shumpert’s post indicated that he welcomed a new baby.

Before Iman Shumpert Made Social Media Users Think He Welcomed A New Baby, He Spoke About His Desire To Have More Kids

In February, Iman Shumpert appeared as a guest on ‘Club Shay Shay,‘ and during his sitdown with Shannon Sharpe, he discussed his desire to have more kids. It appears Shumpert did not share that he was expecting a baby or had just welcomed a child. However, he did share his urge to keep having kids until he finally has himself a baby boy.

@theshaderoom

#ImanShumpert chopped it up with #ShannonSharpe and touched on fatherhood, wanting more children and his current views on marriage. #fyp #foryoupage (🎥: @Club Shay Shay) ✍🏾: #TSRStaffJW

♬ original sound – The Shade Room

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RELATED: That’s How You Feel? Iman Shumpert Shares His Thoughts On Teyana Taylor’s Recent Award Wins (VIDEO)

The body of Ashlee Jenae is back stateside following her death in Tanzania. She died during a birthday trip, shortly after Joe McCann proposed to her. Her family is reportedly planning a funeral service for early next week, according to her father, Harry Robinson.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Parents Of Influencer Ashlee Jenae Speak Out After She Was Found Dead During Birthday Trip With Fiancé In Zanzibar

Father Claims Ashlee Jenae’s Body Was Returned Without Her Belongings

In an exclusive interview with TMZ, Harry Robinson revealed the family had received his daughter’s remains last Friday (April 24). Tanzania officials sent the body to New Jersey amid their investigation. However, per Robinson, none of Ashlee Jenae’s personal belongings, including her engagement ring, came with her. As of Monday, the father says he doesn’t know whether her items will be returned and when. Additionally, it’s unclear which other items, aside from her engagement ring, are still in Tanzania or elsewhere. In the meantime, Ashlee’s family is planning a funeral service. It will reportedly take place in New Jersey early next week.

What Happened To Ashlee Jenae In Tanzania?

Ashlee Jenae, real name Ashly Robinson, was a lifestyle influencer based in the U.S. In April, she and Joe McCann traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania, to celebrate her 31st birthday. They reportedly arrived on April 4, one day before her birthday, per Reuters and booked into a hotel. The day before, Ashlee had posted a video of Joe proposing in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Her last post on Instagram was shared on the day of her birthday and captioned, “Chapter 31 and I’m exactly where I need to be.” 

While in Zanzibar, they had reportedly transferred to a second hotel. According to local police, Ashlee and Joe had gotten into a domestic dispute at the second hotel on April 8. The unspecified conflict led to a room separation by hotel staff. Citing police, Reuters reports that Ashlee allegedly “attempted to hand herself using a clothing belt tied inside a wardrobe in Room 25 of the hotel.” A hotel worker reportedly found her in the wardrobe, per NBC10, after using the emergency key. Ashlee had allegedly requested help with a charger but didn’t answer the door, prompting staff to enter the room. She was then taken to a hospital, but died in the hospital on April 9 at around 3 p.m. local time, per Reuters. Police initially suggested the incident was a suicide and the autopsy results haven’t been publicly released.

According to Ashlee Jenae’s father, their family ordered an independent autopsy of her body in the United States. Those results are reportedly still in process. The family previously told TMZ Ashlee did not show any signs of wanting to commit self-harm.

Is Joe McCann A Suspect In The Influencer’s Death?

Despite being Ashlee Jenae’s finacé at the time of her death, Harry Robinson and Ashlee’s mom, Yolanda, previously told TMZ Joe McCann had barely contacted them. Joe allegedly contacted Yolanda 11 hours after Ashlee was found. In that call, he allegedly reassured the mom that everything was okay, despite Ashlee being in the hospital. Then, the 31-year-old died. As of mid-April, that had been the only contact between Joe and his fiancée’s parents. The family released a statement on April 14, calling the incident their worst nightmare. At the time, they were requesting to review surveillance footage from the hotel Ashlee Jenae last stayed at.

To this day, Joe McCann has not been formally charged or accused of wrongdoing in the incident. Instead, it appears he was initially treated as a witness in the investigation. Two weeks ago, per the Guardian, Zanzibar officials withheld Joe’s passport as he cooperated with investigators on the case. No credible reports have confirmed his departure from Tanzania.

RELATED: Tanzanian Officials Are Reportedly Questioning Ashlee Jenae’s Fiancé Following Her Death In Zanzibar Hotel (UPDATE)

Horror is a special genre. So is science fiction. In film, both rely on a mastery of tone, pacing and often an understanding of complex effects. It takes a lot of skill to direct a horror movie or a sci-fi movie, and that is even more true when the two genres are brought together. Sci-fi horror movies can be any mix of the two respective genres. It could be a gnarly horror movie with one singular alien element, or a futuristic space film with moments of nerve-wracking terror. No matter how the movie brings its singular elements together, it takes a steady hand behind the camera to make it all work.

The most perfectly directed sci-fi horror movies are the ones that don’t allow their elements to grate against each other, but instead work together to elevate them both. They come from directors who are both steeped within the genres and those who have only once dipped a toe into them. Regardless of their filmographies or skill sets, they all have the correct sensibilities to create films that look deep into the abyss and find all manner of darkness. Cosmic horror, cybernetic slashers and extra-terrestrial threats, all of these and more are front and center in the ten most perfectly directed sci-fi horror movies ever made.

10

‘Possessor’ (2020)

Image via NEON

A cyberpunk assassin thriller meets psychological horror, Possessor is a mind-melting cinematic experience from Brandon Cronenberg, who clearly has taken a few cues from his father’s filmography. Set in a tech-noir future where specialized assassins can take control of an unwitting person’s body in order to perform their killings, the film is the perfect vehicle for Cronenberg to engage in slick sci-fi thrills and disturbing body horror. He also gets a pair of perfect performances out of Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott, as the sci-fi hitwoman and her unfortunate host.

Tasya Vos (Riseborough) is a professional possessor, having successfully performed several vicarious killings, as depicted in the film’s chilling opening scene. Her continued body possessions have taken a toll on her mind and when she takes on her next assignment, things start to unravel. In the body of Colin (Abbott), Vos begins to lose control of her host and their psyches clash, illustrated through some very visceral imagery. Possessor is filled with twists and unexpected deviations into horror that take its premise into more unconventional territory, and Cronenberg’s direction is assured enough to make it all feel cohesive yet nightmarish and ambiguous.

9

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

While Alex Garland’s directorial debut, Ex Machina, dabbled with thriller elements and climiaxed with some violent imagery, his follow-up, Annihilation, is full-throttle horror. Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Jeff Vandermeer, the film is filled with existential dread, making it one of the most effective cosmic horror films, but also features sequences of more visceral physical horror as well. With a majority female cast, the film stands out from similar mission-based sci-fi horror, with thoughtful pacing and deeper character examinations placed between the moments of abject horror and carnage.

Lena (Natalie Portman) is a solider and biologist whose husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) has just returned from a mission inside the Shimmer, an unexplained zone of seemingly supernatural origin that appeared on the sight of a meteor crash. Kane begins to experience major health issues and, in order to solve what happened to him, Lena joins a new squad of specialists heading into the Shimmer. Inside the zone, they encounter unusual mutations, most memorably a horrific bear, and begin to exhibit signs of mutation themselves. Annihilation is another vivid genre effort from Garland, highlighting his ability to combine psychological terror with guttural horror.

8

‘Mad God’ (2021)

Image via Shudder

Mad God represents the unfiltered, uncompromised vision of effects maestro Phil Tippett. Known for his stop-motion work on films like RoboCop and Star Wars, Tippett began production on his passion project in the late 80s, but wouldn’t complete it until thirty years later. As a surreal nightmare, the film may not have a fully coherent plot or internal logic to its madness, but it is a visual masterpiece and is unrelenting in its nihilistic tone. It’s a film with few equivalents, especially in the 21st century, and a perfect showcase for how stop-motion animation can generate horror better than almost any other animated medium.

Set in an apocalyptic future, the film follows a silent protagonist in a gas mask as he descends into a nightmare world of mutant abominations on a mission to destroy it. There’s very little narrative thrust to the film or backstory, just hellish imagery as the protagonist traverses the destroyed world. The dream-like atmosphere and animation make the film all the more unnerving, and even with its short runtime, it manages to leave a lasting impression. Tippett is responsible for some of the most indelible creature effects in film history, and Mad God is the ultimate showcase for his boundless creativity and is easily his most terrifying creation.

7

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

Image via A24

Under the Skin does exactly as its title suggests, digging deep with its eerie tone and stark imagery that builds its suspense methodically. Based loosely on the novel by Michael Faber, director Jonathan Glazer had originally intended to make a more elaborate effect-driven film before he decided to pare the film back to its bare essentials. That change not only made the film smaller in scale, but also opened up its plot to more ambiguity. Under the Skin is all the more horrifying for how little it explains, allowing the audience to fill in the gaps and leaving its horror quietly harrowing.

An Alien (Scarlett Johansson) in the form of a female human, drives around Glasgow in a van, picking up men that she takes back to a house where she leads them into a black void where they are consumed. There’s no larger narrative at play in the film, which proceeds in a far more abstract, impressionistic way. Glazer uses a voyeuristic style throughout the film, enhanced by the scenes where Johansson attempts to pick up unsuspecting men, which were shot with hidden cameras and real people who were unaware they were being filmed. Under the Skin is a creeping sci-fi horror that slowly, methodically envelops you with its darkness.

6

‘Nope’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

Jordan Peele’s background in comedy has obviously given him some transferable skills for directing horror. Get Out, Us and his sci-fi horror epic Nope all use tight storytelling with setups, payoffs, and expert timing that ratchets and then releases tension, often with humor. Watching his films is like watching a comedian tell a perfectly crafted joke. That his films are also deep with symbolism that’s often rooted in relevant social themes is what makes them some of the best genre films of the 21st century.

Nope follows brother and sister Otis (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) who are trying to keep their family ranch, which trains horses for movies and television, financially solvent. They find a potentially lucrative venture when a UFO begins stalking the skies above them. They set out to capture images of the aerial predator, no matter what the cost. Nope is a superlative sci-fi horror about spectacle and exploitation, and it’s Peele’s most epic film yet. Shot on 65mm film for IMAX by cinematographer Hoyt Van Hoytema, the film has the scope of some of the best sci-fi mixed with the violence and terror of some of the best horror.

5

‘The Fly’ (1986)

Image via 20th Century Studios

David Cronenberg is the master of body horror. Even though he has worked across various different genres, horror will always be what he is best known for. He’s combined his talent for instilling terror with sci-fi a number of times, notably with Videodrome, Scanners and eXistenZ. His directorial flourishes are all the more noticeable in what is one of his more accessible and mainstream films, The Fly. Remaking the 1958 sci-fi film, Cronenberg’s updated version is far more visceral, anchored by a bravura performance by Jeff Goldblum and Oscar-winning makeup effects by Chris Walas.

Seth Brundle (Goldblum) is a brilliantly eccentric scientist who has developed advanced teleportation pods. His impatience with his experiment and his burgeoning relationship with reporter Ronnie (Geena Davis) inspires Brundle to use himself as a test subject. His teleportation is successful except for the fact that a housefly has transported with him, mingling their DNA together. As Brundle slowly begins to mutate, Cronenberg combines his love for psychological torment and physical deformation to the extreme. The Fly is both tragic and horrific in equal measure, far surpassing the original and remaining one of its director’s best.

4

‘Predator’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Studios

When star Arnold Schwarzenegger selected a director to helm the action/sci-fi/horror hybrid Predator, he didn’t choose any of the directors who were known in the 80s for explosive action. He selected John McTiernan, who had only directed one film, the bizarre supernatural horror film Nomads. Schwarzenegger’s instinct paid off since McTiernan not only was able to bring deeply rooted horror elements into the jungle-set action proceedings, but also deftly subvert the tropes of the genre as well.

Predator puts a sci-fi spin on the classic premise from The Most Dangerous Game. A group of mercenaries is sent on a rescue mission in Central America, only to become stalked themselves by a more advanced hunter. What makes the film so effective, is how it plays like a standard Schwarzenegger action film for its first hour, complete with an assault on a guerilla camp that has all the hallmarks of mindless 80s action. Once the film takes a turn into full sci-fi horror as its alien antagonist begins picking the mercenaries off one-by-one, McTiernan takes glee in deconstructing his macho heroes as they turn into helpless victims. Predator works equally as action, sci-fi and horror, with McTiernan deftly blending all three genres together.

3

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

While Predator cast Schwarzenegger as the final girl in a slasher film, his iconic role as The Terminator turned him into a high-tech Jason Voorhees. That original film still carries all the hallmarks of slasher and exploitation movies, but under the direction of James Cameron, it was elevated into a sci-fi horror classic. While Cameron would elevate the genres further with his follow-up Aliens, that film deliberately emphasized action over horror, while The Terminator is an unrelenting nightmare.

That’s appropriate given that the film was initially conceived based on a nightmare Cameron had of being stalked by a metallic torso with red eyes. He translated that into the plot of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) being targeted by a cybernetic assassin from the future to prevent the eventual birth of her son. There’s sci-fi explorations of fate and temporal loops, but the main thrust of the movie is its chase elements. Cameron had many different inspirations for the film, but one of the biggest was John Carpenter’s Halloween. He took Carpenter’s low-budget suspense framework and installed it into an upgraded cyborg body, making The Terminator a totemic slasher film.

2

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal

Carpenter himself has a clear love for all things horror and sci-fi. Though the director has most often referenced the Westerns of Howard Hawks as his biggest influences, it was another Hawks production that served as the basis for his sci-fi horror masterpiece The Thing. Both Carpenter’s film and the Hawks-produced original The Thing From Another World were both based on the novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell Jr. While the Hawks film is a more standard, but effective, monster movie with a plant-based alien stalking the crew of an Arctic research station, Carpenter’s film leans hard into the apocalyptic horror and paranoia from the original novella.

In Antarctica, an American team of researchers is beset by an alien that has been dug up from the ice after crash landing thousands of years before. The alien has the uncanny ability to mimic all living lifeforms, allowing it to hide in plain sight. That allows Carpenter to create a rising tension in the film before unleashing in some of the most horrific displays of horror and gore, utilizing the mind-blowing practical effects by Rob Bottin. As a sci-fi monster, the Thing truly has no visual equal, and Carpenter’s film has only one other that can compare to its perfect mix of genre elements.

1

‘Alien’ (1979)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Ridley Scott’s space horror masterpiece has never been bettered. Even its many sequels and prequels, the best of which don’t try to replicate the original but do something entirely different, have been able to match the utter terror of Scott’s film. Like many films on this list, it’s easy to imagine the lesser B-movie version of Alien. The version that likely would have been made had Dan O’Bannon’s script been produced by Roger Corman and never made its way into the hands of producers Walter Hill and David Giler, who gave it a stripped-down rewrite and brought Scott on to direct. Scott’s visual acuity as a director brings vivid life to the incredible set and creature design of the film, elevating it far beyond its B-movie roots.

Inspired by films like It! The Terror from Beyond Space and Planet of the Vampires, the movie follows a crew of space truckers whose trip back home is interrupted by a distress signal on a lifeless planet. It turns out not to be so lifeless when one of the crew members gets an alien lifeform attached to his face. That crew member subsequently gives birth to the xenomorph in one of the most iconic scenes of either sci-fi or horror, and from there the film doesn’t let up. The deliberate pacing of the first half of the film gives way to expertly executed horror in the second, dominated by a dread-inducing atmosphere and a masterful use of sound, lighting and composition. Alien is perfectly directed, and is the most perfect sci-fi horror film ever made.

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Alien

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Release Date

June 22, 1979

Runtime

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117 Minutes

Writers

Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

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2026 is going to be a great year for Star Wars fans, who finally get to see their favorite franchise return to the big screen next month with the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. The film will be a direct continuation of the Star Wars series that helped launch Disney+ all the way back in 2019, and while it is confirmed to bring back Pedro Pascal as the voice of Din Djarin, it’s also set to star newcomers like Sigourney Weaver (Alien) and Jeremy Allen White (The Bear). Plot details about The Mandalorian and Grogu are still being kept under wraps, now less than one month ahead of release, but it’s guaranteed to be another classic Mandalorian adventure, sure to please fans of the hit Disney+ series. The Mandalorian and Grogu isn’t all that Star Wars fans have had so far in 2026 to keep them satiated, though.

The first Star Wars project to come out in 2026 has been Maul: Shadow Lord, the new Disney+ series that was first announced last year at Star Wars Celebration in Japan. The show brings back the legendary Sam Witwer to voice the character as he’s done countless times before, and after premiering with its first two episodes back on April 4, the show is finally set to conclude next week with its final two episodes. Good news for fans, though: Maul: Shadow Lord has been renewed for Season 2, so while it may vanish into the shadows for a while after next week, it will be back eventually. Before Maul: Shadow Lord comes to a head, though, we at Collider are thrilled to debut an exclusive sneak peek at the finale, which can be found below. In the new clip, Maul teams up with Devon, Master Eeko-Dio Daki, Brander Lawson, and his son Rylee to bring the fight to the Empire. Maul even takes down an AT-ST with only his lightsaber in one of the coolest sequences the franchise has ever seen. The sneak peek is a must-watch for fans who have enjoyed the show so far.

What Is ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ About?

The official synopsis for Maul: Shadow Lord, which was written and created by new Lucasfilm CEO Dave Filoni, reads as follows:

“Set after the events of The Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan, who could be the apprentice he is seeking, that will aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.”

Plot details about Season 2 are being kept under wraps for now, as is a potential release window. Check out new episodes of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+ and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates and coverage of the Star Wars universe.

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Release Date

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April 6, 2026

Network

Disney+

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Directors

Brad Rau

Franchise(s)

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Star Wars

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Taylor Swift is pulling back the curtain on how her songwriting magic really works, revealing that even a simple car ride can turn into a defining creative moment. 

In a new deep-dive interview, the global superstar opened up about the unexpected inspiration behind one of her latest tracks, connecting it directly to a personal moment with fiancé Travis Kelce. 

Taylor Swift revealed that the idea for her song “Elizabeth Taylor” came during a casual drive with Travis Kelce. 

Speaking about her creative process in a new profile for The New York Times Magazine, she explained, “There are so many different ways that a song begins in my world,” before diving into the specific moment that led to the track.

While in the car, Swift found herself passionately explaining why she admires the iconic actress. “I’m riding in the car with Travis,” she shared, recalling how she launched into a detailed reflection. 

The Grammy Award winner continued, “I go on and on in explaining to Travis, like, why I love Elizabeth Taylor so much. She fought for artists’ rights. She was exploited in so many ways, and yet she kept her humanity. She kept her humor. She kept her passion for life.’ I was just going on and on.”

The conversation didn’t stop there. Swift added, “I was like, ‘Her eyes were violet. Some people said they were blue. Some people said they were violet. I think they were violet.’” 

That moment lingered even after they arrived home, eventually triggering something creative.

Swift Turns Emotional Moment Into Song Idea

Taylor Swift described how the conversation stayed with her long after the car ride ended. As soon as they got home, the inspiration hit unexpectedly. 

“We get home. He gets out of the car and I’m just in my head just this intrusive melody….” she said, explaining how quickly the idea began forming.

The moment became urgent, with the “Cruel Summer” hitmaker recalling, “And I’m just scrambling to open my record app on my phone.” 

That instinctive reaction turned her thoughts into the foundation of a song that would later appear on her album.

The track, which includes the line, “I cried my eyes violet, Elizabeth Taylor,” became the second song on her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” released in October 2025. 

Like many of her songs, it is a mix of personal emotion and cultural references, tying her admiration for the actress into her own storytelling style.

Taylor Swift Connects Song To Legacy And Personal Life

Swift didn’t stop at writing the song, as she also made sure to honor Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy properly. 

During the promotion, she revealed that she contacted the late actress’s estate to secure permission for the references used throughout the track. 

The 36-year-old later described the estate as “lovely” during a radio interview. The response from Elizabeth’s family was equally positive. 

Her son, Christopher Wilding, shared his thoughts on the track, saying he listened to it “the day it became available.” 

He added per PEOPLE, “She and my mom do seem like kindred spirits. They are both the very embodiment of female empowerment,” and praised how Swift reflected similarities between their lives.

The song also fits into a larger narrative surrounding Swift’s latest album, much of which is believed to draw from her relationship with Travis. 

Swift And Kelce Wedding Venue Remains A Secret

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, who began dating in 2023, announced their engagement last August, and since then, fans have been looking forward to the highly anticipated wedding. 

As the big day draws closer, the couple is reportedly going to extraordinary lengths to keep their wedding plans under wraps, with even invited guests left in the dark about one key detail: the location. 

According to The Blast, save-the-date notices have already been sent out, but they deliberately omitted where the ceremony will take place. 

An insider revealed, “There’s a date — but no venue,” adding that the secrecy is completely intentional.  

Sources say the decision is largely driven by security concerns, as the lovebirds fear that revealing the location too early could attract massive crowds and media attention. 

“If the location got out early, it would turn into a circus,” one insider explained, noting that even close friends and family won’t be told until the last minute. 

Despite reports pointing to a possible New York City wedding, the exact venue remains a mystery. 

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Surprise Guests With Unusual Wedding Gift Request

Meanwhile, Swift and Kelce have reportedly stunned their wedding guests with an unexpected and deeply meaningful request ahead of their big day. 

According to a recent report from The Blast, the duo has made it clear they do not want traditional wedding gifts, with one insider saying, “They don’t need anything.” 

Instead, guests have been asked to donate to a curated list of charities that are important to the couple. 

Sources added that “between them, they have more than enough,” which is why they chose to use the moment to “help others.”  

The request has reportedly taken many guests by surprise, but the reaction has been largely positive, with insiders noting that people “love this idea” because it feels “meaningful” and authentic to Swift’s reputation for generosity.   

The singer and NFL star are also said to be extending that generosity further by planning significant bonuses for staff working at the wedding. 

Sponsored content. Us Weekly receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and buy something below.

If you’ve ever planned an outfit around avoiding thigh chafing, you already know how frustrating spring and summer dressing can be. Between warm afternoons, long walks and those first truly mild days, staying comfortable isn’t always as simple as throwing on a breezy dress. The wrong base layer can make things worse — but luckily, there’s an easy fix that makes getting dressed feel so much simpler.

That’s exactly where Thigh Society’s Cooling Shorts come in. At $44 (and 15% off your first order), they’ve become the brand’s bestselling style — and for good reason. Designed to feel lightweight, breathable and barely there, they slip seamlessly into your routine just as the season starts calling for easier, more effortless outfits.

Get The Cooling Shorts for $44 at Thigh Society!

The Cooling Shorts are designed for breathability, stretch and all-day ease. Unlike bulky bike shorts that require layering, they work as underwear and shorts in one, preventing thigh chafing and reducing sweat in a single, lightweight layer that feels like a second skin.

They’re also built to stay put — no rolling down at the waist or riding up throughout the day (a true summer miracle). Wear The Cooling Shorts under flowy dresses and enjoy smooth, no-fuss comfort.

Available in versatile shades like beige, black, almond and more, they’re easy to layer under just about anything. And with a range of lengths to choose from (5-inch to 21-inch), you can customize your coverage depending on your outfit — shorter for mini dresses, longer for maxis or extra protection on especially warmer days.

With more than 12,700 five-star ratings on the brand’s website, reviewers call them “a life saver” during “very hot summers,” pointing to the “super cool, comfortable” fabric. One shopper also loved the “no chaffing” design, saying they “forgot” they even had them on with “skirts and dresses.”

If thigh chafing has ruined your warm-weather outfits, consider this your easy fix. Designed for breathability, movement and everyday wear, The Cooling Shorts make getting dressed feel effortless again. Once you try them, you might not want to wear a dress without them!

Get The Cooling Shorts for $44 at Thigh Society!

Internet users are cracking up at a viral tweet directed toward Klay Thompson amid his breakup with Megan Thee Stallion.

RELATED: Internet Users Are Goin’ IN On Boston Richey After He Shared His Reaction To Klay Thompson Allegedly Cheating On Megan Thee Stallion

More On The Viral Tweet Directed Toward Klay Thompson Amid His Breakup With Megan Thee Stallion

On Monday, April 27, the official X account for The Sims video game shared a tweet via the platform formerly known as Twitter. Furthermore, the tweet featured text accompanied by a video.

“If you can’t handle a Hottie… stay out of the kitchen,” the text read.

Meanwhile, a video clip showed a light-skinned man in an NBA uniform standing in a kitchen amid flames. To date, the tweet garnered more than 2.8 million views.

Internet Users Are Cracking Up

Internet users slid in TSR’s comment section, crackin’ up at the tweet directed toward Klay Thompson.

More On Klay Thompson’s Viral Breakup With Megan Thee Stallion

As The Shade Room previously reported, on Saturday, April 25, Megan Thee Stallion took to her Instagram Story to share a few words, seemingly directed at Klay Thompson. “Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house…got ‘cold feet’ Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous’???? b*tch I need a REAL break after this one..bye yall,” she wrote at the time.

Subsequently, in a statement to TMZ, Meg confirmed that she chose to end their relationship.

Since then, a WNBA player has addressed rumors linking her to Thompson, Boston Richey has gone viral for his reaction to the breakup, and Megan has announced her early departure from the Broadway show ‘Moulin Rouge.’

RELATED: Fans React As Megan Thee Stallion Announces Early Exit From ‘Moulin Rouge’ Amid Breakup With Klay Thompson (PHOTOS)