Entertainment
Meghan Markle Sparks ‘MasterChef’ Boycott Call
The approval ratings for Meghan Markle‘s new gig seem to be starting on a low note!
The Duchess of Sussex is scheduled to make her debut on “MasterChef Australia” as an expert on food knowledge to help give the show a much-needed touch following her kitchen reputation.
Meghan Markle is not a stranger to making meals and sharing recipes, thanks to her Netflix lifestyle show “With Love, Meghan” where she discusses recipes and offers practical tips on homemaking, gardening and cooking with her celebrity pals.

The mother-of-three has been unveiled to occupy the seat on Sunday, July 26, where she is promised to bring her love for “food, entertaining and seasonal produce” to what is promised to be one of the competition’s most challenging seasons.
While Meghan’s announcement as guest judge on the show may be proof of her prowess as the kitchen maestro, some Instagram users are not close to impressed about the development. A commenter wrote: “Thanks for reminding me not to watch.”
Another Instagram user expressed their relief that the show will not be aired in the United States, as one more commenter firmly declared that they will not be watching the show.
“Won’t watch,” “No Thanks” were the two accompanying comments to convey the thoughts of the show’s fans less interested in having Meghan pop up on their screens.
The Duchess Of Sussex Is Doing It All For The Love Of Australia
As shared on Paramount’s website, the Duchess is promised to set a challenge for the cooks to create memorable dishes which celebrate seasonal ingredients woven into personal stories.
The website acknowledged that Meghan had proven her expertise via her lifestyle show on Netflix and the launch of her best-selling lifestyle brand heavily inspired by cooking, entertaining and gift-giving.
Answering the question about what convinced her to join the team on “MasterChef Australia”, the mother-of-two declared: “Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes. It’s such a great show. I’m just really honored that I was asked to be able to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals.”
The Netflix star will be joined by judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli. Meghan will be bringing several elements of nostalgia from her personal collection of seasonal ingredients to the show.
What Meghan Markle Will Expect From Cooks On ‘MasterChef AU’
The Duchess of Sussex will be tasking the skilled hands in the kitchen with creating a dish fit for royalty and will contain ingredients like carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and celeriac.
The cooks will also infuse local Australian honey, macadamia nuts, quince, lemons, apples, mandarins, and strawberries into their dish alongside evoking personal stories about them.
Explaining her vision and mission further, Meghan stated: “I’d love it if there’s a connection that you can find when, as you’re cooking something, what is the story behind it?… What is something from your family or from a memory…something sentimental that we can also taste as we taste your dish.”
Meghan’s name will appear up there among famous faces in the cooking industry like Rick Stein, Curtis Stone and Maggie Beer, to food enthusiasts like Jimmy and Jane Barnes and Robert Irwin. Meghan will ultimately decide which of the cooks will move closer to the MasterChef Australia 2026 title next Sunday.
The ‘As Ever’ Founder Was Haunted With Allegations Of Plagiarism Over Canceled 2022 Show

Four years ago, Netflix released a statement that “Pearl”, a proposed animated series pushed by Meghan, had been canceled as part of their plan to cut back on producing animated projects.
As noted by PEOPLE, a British author, Mel Elliot, came forward last year with claims that Meghan may have lifted the idea of her project from her book series “Pearl Power.”
Elliot’s and Meghan’s story did carry central themes of female empowerment and equity. The former revealed that she had begun planning to turn her children’s book into an animated series as far back as 2018.
Describing Meghan as a feminist who always sticks up for women, Elliot admitted that she was very disappointed to learn about a similar project from the Duchess’s stables. Elliot continued that someone on Meghan’s team could have come across the idea and pitched it to them, but her letters to seek clarification went unanswered.
The author was, however, pleased to learn that Netflix shelved Meghan’s idea, which would give her the chance to continue her project.
Meghan Markle Tagged The Anomaly In The Monarchy She Married Into

When the former actress sealed the deal with Prince Harry in 2018, it was a beautiful blend of different worlds with a promising future for the image of the monarchy. The Blast stated that as time progressed, it sadly became apparent that the “Suits” star was struggling to find her place among the royal family.
“Divide and Rule” author Catherine Mayer pointed out one of the biggest signs of Meghan’s hardships was the life she had built for herself before meeting Harry, which did not align with the traditional requirements of the monarchy.
The former actress had even declared after her engagement to Harry that nothing would change about her lifestyle. Meghan’s Californian background of public vulnerability, intense culture of being expressive, and pursuing ambition carried a sharp contrast to the lifestyle in Britain.
Altogether, Meghan’s inability to fulfill the requirements of the royal household while sticking to her true nature may have led to a face-off with the press and her eventual exit from the United Kingdom to California.
For Meghan Markle, the show will carry on; will her performance change the minds of her critics?
Entertainment
Sam Neill Battled Pneumonia Prior to Death, Costar Claims
Sam Neill’s former costar Rima Te Wiata is shedding light on what she claims occurred during the late actor’s final days before his shocking death at 78.
Te Wiata, who played Neill’s wife in 2016’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople, broke her silence after the actor died on Monday, July 13, saying it “really sucks” that the actor was in remission — having publicly and successfully battled cancer — at the time of his death.
“I’m sure as he said once in the press, ‘He’s not scared of death, but he would be annoyed,’” Te Wiata, 63, told the NZ Herald on Monday, referring to one of Neill’s most iconic quotes about life.
She continued, “So I think, yeah, he would be like, ‘Oh, for goodness sake! I got over my cancer, and now look. Now I get pneumonia. What next?’” seemingly confirming that Neill was battling the infection prior to his death. (Pneumonia is caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection in the lungs that “inflames the air sacs,” causing cough, fever, chills and difficulty breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic.)
“He’s on his big journey now,” Te Wiata added, declining to provide any additional information regarding Neill’s alleged medical issue.
Us Weekly has reached out to Neill’s rep for comment.
News broke on Monday that Neill died in Sydney, Australia. The Jurassic Park star’s family confirmed his passing via a public statement, calling the loss “sudden and unexpected.”
Neill’s loved ones noted that they are “blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free” ahead of his death and revealed he was “surrounded” by his family and “passed with dignity.”

The ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ cast: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House and Oscar Kightley. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Three months prior to his death, Neill announced that he was cancer free after battling stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma for about five years.
After going public with his diagnosis in 2023, Neill famously declared in an October interview that year that he was “not remotely afraid” of death. The actor decided to enroll in an Australian clinical trial to fight the rare blood cancer, which he confirmed in April had worked.
“I’ve been living with a particular type of lymphoma for about five years and I was on chemotherapy and the pretty miserable business, but it was keeping me alive,” Neill said in an interview with Australia’s 7News.
After undergoing CAR-T cell therapy, Neill said, “I’ve just had a scan just now and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing.”
The Peaky Blinders alum was an advocate for expanded access to the treatment up until his death, pushing for the option to be available to patients throughout Australia as it genetically modifies blood cells to better stop the cancer.
Despite overcoming cancer, Neill’s ex-girlfriend Laura Tingle revealed on Tuesday, July 14, that his body had been put through the ringer.

Sam Neill. Ross Land/Getty Images
“The bottom line is he’d been fighting various forms of cancer for at least the last five years intensively,” Tingle, 65, said during an appearance on ABC Radio Sydney’s Sydney Mornings program. “That takes a toll on anybody’s body. He’d had a lot of chemo and a lot of immunotherapy. Thankfully, it had finally cleared him of the blood cancer that he had. But that left him pretty compromised in terms of his immune system, and I think his poor old body sort of got a bit exhausted.”
She claimed, “He’s been pretty sick for the last couple of weeks, and everybody who loved him has been willing him on from near and far, but I think it was just a bit too much to recover from one more time.”
Neill’s cause of death has not been publicly revealed, but his passing has been felt by family, friends and fans alike, including Te Wiata.
She described Neill on Tuesday as “a very steady, peaceful grounded man. As a very good energy to have around. Very easy going. It was more like a lovely gardner. Somebody who is doing a veggie garden. There was sort of a gentlemanly demeanor.”
Laura Dern, who starred alongside Neill in the Jurassic Park franchise, also paid tribute to the late star. (Dern played Ellie Sattler, while Neill portrayed Dr. Alan Grant.)
“Sam was my beloved lifetime friend,” Dern, 59, said in a statement shared with Us on Monday. “He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit.”
She added, “He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
Entertainment
Inside Juju Smith-Schuster’s Wedding: Taylor, Travis and More
Juju Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk’s California coastal wedding was a star-studded affair — and marked the first public outing for fellow newlyweds Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.
Smith-Schuster, 29, and Kruk said, “I do,” on Friday, July 10, in Laguna Niguel, California, surrounded by family and friends. In the wake of their nuptials, the couple is now sharing behind-the-scenes details about the blessed event, which featured Kelce and Swift, both 36, cheering them on in the crowd.
“We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are as people and as a couple and to be one big party,” Kruk, who met the NFL player in 2023, told Vogue in an interview published on Tuesday, July 14.
Smith-Schuster — who played college football at the University of Southern California just an hour north of the Orange County wedding venue — noted that his bride was the star of the show, planning almost every detail of their special day.
“I was a great team player by helping with the DJ and saying ‘yes’ and ‘no,’” Smith-Schuster joked during the joint interview.
Before walking down the aisle, the couple celebrated their nuptials with a beachside welcome party in Laguna Niguel with nods to the New You Giants player’s Samoan roots.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. Patrick Smith/Getty Images
“The guests enjoyed piña coladas in branded coconuts with our wedding logo on them and danced to good music all evening,” Kruk revealed, noting the welcome event was Hawaiian themed. “We brought out Polynesian dancers halfway through the night and listened to speeches from our closest friends and family.”
The couple tied the knot at the Ritz Carlton the following day, overlooking the ocean. Kruk donned a Steven Khalil mermaid-style gown with lace fabric and ruched tulle overlay, while the groom wore a custom suit by Julian Abdul Studios.
According to photos, Kelce and Swift wore their summertime best for the occasion with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end being spotted in a black suit and tie.
Swift, meanwhile, wore a floral ballgown for the sunny ceremony and sipped on champagne, which Kruk told Vogue was given to guests “upon arrival” as some of the couples’ “favorite love songs played by a violinist” prior to her wedding march.
“The moment I saw her walking toward me, I knew without a doubt that I was marrying the woman I had prayed for,” Smith-Schuster told the outlet. “It still feels surreal finally having a ring on my finger — and for once, it’s not a Super Bowl ring.”
Swift and Kelce, who tied the knot one week prior on July 3 in New York City at Madison Square Garden, were also seen spotting what appeared to be their wedding bands.

Laura Kruk and Juju Smith-Schuster. Courtesy of Laura Kruk/Instagram
Smith-Schuster and Kruk, who were guests at the Grammy winner and Kelce’s lavish wedding, told Vogue that they celebrated their own vows with a cocktail hour and reception.
Their guest list also included Smith-Schuster’s former Kansas City teammate Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes.
The bride and groom posed for photos with the NFL stars in attendance, which included Kelce and his new wife, Swift. The musician put her arm around Kruk in the group photo, per Vogue’s recap from the event.
Kelce, for his part, had his arm around Swift’s waist and she put her left hand on his in the picture, giving fans a glimpse at her wedding ring.
“No phones were allowed during our wedding celebration, and everyone was so present,” Kruk said, which is the same protocol that Kelce and Swift implemented on their big day.
Smith-Schuster noted that what made his wedding even more memorable was getting Kruk “outside of her comfort zone” for the Samoan Taualuga dance, which is tradition in his culture.
“Seeing her embrace my culture with such love and courage meant more to me than words can express,” the professional athlete said. “Watching her honor my family and our traditions made me incredibly proud and reminded me just how blessed I am to call her my wife.”
Entertainment
Why Below Deck’s Joe Thinks Nathan ‘Should Not’ Have Returned
Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Joe Bradley didn’t hold back when discussing why he thought Nathan Gallagher shouldn’t have returned to the show.
“I love the fact that he’s a working man and he fights for his family and he’s put himself in that position financially to fight for his family. I can’t take that from him,” Joe exclusively told Us Weekly. “I admire that as much as I don’t like him. I admire fighting for your family.”
Joe noted that despite Nathan stepping up, he appeared overwhelmed.
“He should not be there. It’s detrimental,” he said about Nathan trying to balance work and raising his newborn with girlfriend Gael Cameron. “You might think to yourself, ‘Oh, it’s only six weeks.’ But those six weeks feel like nine months.”
After joining Below Deck Med in season 9, Joe and Nathan became quick friends. They fell out, however, following Joe’s tumultuous love triangle in season 10, which resulted in Nathan choosing sides.
Joe told Us that he has maintained “absolutely no” contact with Nathan.
“He did message me when I was in Australia,” Joe said. “But I didn’t answer him back so he can taste his own medicine.”
Season 11 of the hit Bravo series captured numerous moments when Nathan was frustrated with Joe. For the lead deckhand, it was gratifying for viewers to see his experience with Nathan.
“Watching it back and seeing Nathan — who he truly is — is rather refreshing to me,” Joe added. “I know who Nathan is, I know what he’s like, how he can react and for him to get his two minutes of how he actually is is refreshing to me.”
Joe pointed to the instances when Nathan went off on him in public, adding, “The fact that he can just switch is so alarming to me because I’ve seen it before.”

He continued: “It didn’t look good for him. We’re all professionals at the end of the day so [the rest of the crew] don’t know who Nathan really is yet. This is Nathan. This is who he is. He switches. He’s generally got anger issues and you hopefully throughout the season you will discover what Nathan has to offer in terms of who he is.”
Before Below Deck Med returned, Joe reflected on his growth between seasons.
“You will see a level of growth [this season] because I felt it. You will see that I’m comfortable in my own skin on board. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a bit boisterous at times,” he previously told Us. “That’s where Nathan [and I differ]. I can actually be social, but I have a good time as well and do my job well. You will see growth and you will see a level of change because I’m fed up with all these [love] triangles now.”
Joe clarified that he “learned” his lesson, revealing that he’s focused on his duties as lead deckhand.
“I really do hope that you see it on this season. My job is my main priority. I’m going to say my [biggest] regret right now was the situation with Victoria, I could have handled that very differently. I could have handled that in a mature manner,” he shared. “I was just boisterous. Obviously, we haven’t had any contact yet. But if I could sit down with her today, I would apologize. If she allows me one day to actually get all around and say I’m sorry for what I’ve done, I will do that.”
Looking ahead, Joe was determined to prove his critics wrong.
“I understand it’s not a comfortable position — even just being a viewer. Watching myself back, I have learned from the situation. I’m really focused [on] my job right now,” he concluded. “I am taming it down [in my romantic life on board] to just being one person. I don’t need to be greedy anymore. I’ve had my and I’m just ready to get the job done.”
Below Deck Med airs on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
Entertainment
How Teddy Swims Stays ‘Present’ Since Becoming a Father
Teddy Swims is opening up about how becoming a father has changed his outlook on life.
“Being present in so many situations has been more, more important, you know? Like, I find that being where my feet are is now the most important thing to me,” the “Mr. Know It All” singer, 33, exclusively tells Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with White Claw. “There’s so much more intention in every step I take, and the things I do.”
Swims welcomed son Theodore, 13 months, with ex-girlfriend Raiche Wright in June 2025. Earlier this month, Swims revealed that he and Wright split while releasing his new song “Break Up in Reverse.”
The musician shares that he knows he can’t be there for all of his son’s milestones, so he really wants to immerse himself in those special moments when he can.
“I feel like I’m the same as I was a year ago, in so many regards. And he’s completely changing every day,” Swims recalls. “So seeing that passage of time … how minuscule time is, and seeing how finite it is … it’s such a scary, crazy thing.”
Swims adds that his new philosophy is making him appreciate the little moments with his son.
“There’s so many times where I’m sitting with him and he’s doing nothing at all and this is the most productive thing I could do, just giving my time and not be on my phone and just be there,” he explains. “I look at him when I talk to him, and he just wants you to look at him in the eyes. He just wants you to be there and see what he’s doing, and he looks back over his shoulder if he’s doing whatever, and it’s just like, ‘Are you watching?’ And that’s become the most important thing to me.”
Swims confesses he knows it might sound “cheesy” to feel this way but he truly wants to “make the time count” and “celebrate those little wins.”

“My son has just done so much of that for me to just slow me down and give me that real time,” he shares with Us, noting that it can be easy to feel like everyone has it all together as people often post their highlight reels online. “I think, in an age of social media … you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people and their accomplishments, or whatever fake life that they’re kind of portraying, that it’s all good all the time, and everything’s wonderful. It can be really kind of draining on you.”
On the days where Swims is on the road and can’t physically be there with his son, the “Bad Dreams” singer says he hops on a video call to spend time with his little one.
“I miss him, but I’m on Facetime with him every day I can,” he tells Us. “We’re like five hours difference in a lot of these places, I’m getting him when he’s eating his breakfast, lunch and dinner, just trying to hop on and see him. With a 1-year-old, you’re getting like, maybe a minute and a half of his attention, and he’s on to something else, but at least he’s stoked to see me.”
Swims acknowledges that he knows others in his scenario don’t get the luxury of being able to check in with their families on a daily basis.
“There are guys doing my job that don’t get to talk to or see their kid at all, you know, so I’m super grateful that we can be face to face in some regard,” he points out.

In addition to being on his international The Ugly Tour, Swims has teamed up with White Claw to get in the summer spirit. The partnership includes a limited-edition collection that includes a bear-shaped pool floatie, hoodie and T-shirt. The pool accessory incorporates Swim’s punk-rock style while also having a built-in waterproof Bluetooth speaker, center cooler and cup holders.
“I’m really pumped about the floaty, he’s really cool,” Swims tells Us. “He’s got a big bear with a mustache, he’s got a cooler, so you can put your white claws in, something you could stick them into if they’re already open, of course, some cup holders, and there’s also like this waterproof Bluetooth speaker in there, so you know it’s got everything you need for the hangs, for the pool hangs, put it in your bathtub if you want, I guess.”
Swims adds that the opportunity to work with White Claw was a perfect fit as he’s embracing the little moments with loved ones.
“White claw [is] like the perfect situation, because it’s all about that, just being where your feet are,” he explains. “Being with those people, and making that time so valuable, because you know, time is just that thing, especially watching this little creature grow so fast.”
Swims’ collection will be available exclusively at whiteclaw.com on Thursday, July 16, at 9 a.m. ET, available while supplies last.
Entertainment
Loki Creator Is Giving Marvel’s Most Obscure Hero His Own Movie
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

For better or for worse, the DCU has been taking the time to give secondary characters their own projects. That’s how Supergirl and Clayface got their own films, and James Gunn recently greenlit a TV show featuring Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd. That’s a very different approach from the MCU, whose success has historically been built on primary characters like Iron Man and Captain America. However, to combat superhero fatigue, Marvel has been trying new things lately, including giving a movie to The Thunderbolts, a kind of in-universe B-team. Now, it seems, they are going a step further and giving a very obscure character his own feature film.
That character is Nova; he’s part of the Nova Corps, which first appeared onscreen in Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. Many Marvel fans thought we’d get a solo Nova movie soon afterward, but over a decade later, there has been no film. That’s all about to change, however: Deadline reports that Marvel Studios is working on a solo Nova movie. Even more exciting, the film will be written and possibly directed by Michael Waldrop, who is arguably best known for creating the fan-favorite Loki series.
A Secret Comic Icon

This news comes to us courtesy of Deadline, whose insiders claim that Michael Waldron is currently working on a Nova feature film for Marvel Studios. The insiders claim that this project is in its very earliest stages and has not yet gotten an official green light from the studio. However, should the project get the go-ahead, Waldron will write the script and preferably direct the film. Interestingly, this is a shift in direction for Marvel, which had originally intended to turn Nova into a television show on Disney+.
Originally, Marvel wanted to have Sabir Pirzada write a Nova TV series, but they quietly canceled those plans back in 2025. It’s possible that they canceled this project to avoid any comparisons to the upcoming DCU show Lanterns. The Nova Corps are basically Marvel’s version of the Green Lanterns; thanks to powers from the Nova Force, these space cops can fly, absorb energy, and move fast, and they are more durable than most. The Nova movie will presumably focus on Richard Rider, the warrior who, in the comics, has had many solo adventures and team-ups with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
No Evil Shall Escape His Sight

Michael Waldron is a great choice to write and direct the Nova movie. He has major Marvel experience, including writing Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness and serving as showrunner for Loki. Outside the world of tights-and-flights, he is best known as the creator of Chad Powers, a popular Hulu TV show featuring Glen Powell. Done well, Nova could be the next Guardians of the Galaxy: a movie that embraces the cosmic weirdness of this cinematic universe with both humor and style. Speaking of Gunn’s beloved movie, there’s a significant chance that the Nova character will play a major part in future GOTG films.
While all of this is exciting, it’s worth stressing once again that Nova hasn’t had an official greenlight, much less a release date. Should this movie get the go-ahead from Kevin Feige, it will likely be after Avengers: Secret Wars reboots the MCU at the end of 2027. That reboot is meant to give new life to Marvel, making way for new characters and new adventures. Considering what a major role the Nova Corps played in Guardians of the Galaxy and how important these characters have been in the comics for over half a century, here’s hoping we get to see a big-screen outing that does this underappreciated character justice!
Entertainment
Sam Neill Delivered His Greatest Performance in This 97% Rotten Tomatoes Classic
There are plenty of reasons Sam Neill became one of the most beloved actors of his generation. He could anchor a blockbuster, steal a scene with a perfectly timed sarcastic remark, or make even the most reserved character impossible to stop watching. It’s why audiences still adore performances like Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, even more than 30 years later. As much as I love that role, though, Hunt for the Wilderpeople has always felt like the performance that defines Neill at his very best.
Taika Waititi‘s 2016 adventure follows reluctant outdoorsman Hec Faulkner (Neill) and foster child Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) as they’re forced into the New Zealand wilderness, unintentionally becoming the subjects of a nationwide manhunt. It’s an endlessly funny road movie, but it’s also the movie that best understands what made Neill such a remarkable screen presence. The warmth, the dry wit, the vulnerability beneath a permanently grumpy exterior; they’re all here. Waititi didn’t ask Neill to reinvent himself. He simply built the perfect role around everything audiences already loved about him.
Taika Waititi Gave Sam Neill the Perfect Character
One of Neill’s greatest strengths was never feeling like he was trying too hard. Whether he was delivering a joke or carrying the emotional weight of a scene, there was always an effortlessness to his performances. He knew exactly when to hold back, trusting the audience to meet him halfway instead of spelling everything out. That’s exactly why Hec Faulkner works. On paper, Hec is a familiar character: a stubborn widower who wants nothing to do with the energetic kid suddenly dropped into his life. Another movie might have turned him into a one-note grouch before giving him a predictable change of heart. Waititi never takes that shortcut, and Neill never plays Hec as someone who secretly has all the answers. He stays gruff, he complains constantly, and half the time, he looks like he’d rather hike another twenty miles than admit Ricky has grown on him.
That’s what makes their relationship so satisfying. Rather than relying on sentimental speeches, Hunt for the Wilderpeople lets dozens of little moments do the work. Hec starts looking out for Ricky without even realizing he’s doing it, and Neill never announces that Hec has changed because he doesn’t need to: you can see it. It’s also one of the funniest performances of Neill’s career. His deadpan delivery turns even the simplest lines into laugh-out-loud moments, but the jokes never come at the expense of the character. Hec isn’t funny because he’s trying to be, he’s funny because Neill understood that the best comedy often comes from taking everything completely seriously.
It’s the Performance That Captures Everything Audiences Loved About Sam Neill
Waititi has made bigger movies since Hunt for the Wilderpeople. He’s directed Marvel blockbusters and won an Academy Award for Jojo Rabbit. But this remains the movie where every one of his strengths comes together most naturally. It’s hilarious without undermining its emotional moments, heartfelt without becoming overly sentimental, and adventurous without ever losing sight of its characters. At the center of all of its charm is Neill. Looking back at his career now, it’s remarkable how often filmmakers cast Neill as an authority figure. Scientists, doctors, military officers, detectives. He had a natural confidence that made audiences trust him almost immediately. Hunt for the Wilderpeople strips all of that away. Hec isn’t the smartest person in the room. He isn’t trying to save the world. He’s just a lonely man who unexpectedly finds someone worth caring about. That simplicity allows every one of Neill’s best qualities to shine. The dry sense of humor. The reluctant compassion. The ability to communicate everything a scene needs with little more than an expression or a perfectly timed pause.
There are bigger Neill performances, and there are certainly more famous ones. Alan Grant will always be one of cinema’s greatest heroes, and Jurassic Park isn’t losing that crown anytime soon. But Hunt for the Wilderpeople feels different. It’s the role that brings together everything Neill did best into one unforgettable performance. Rather than asking him to become someone larger than life, Waititi trusted that Neill was already exactly who the movie needed him to be. Nearly a decade later, it’s still Waititi’s finest movie, and the performance I will always think of first whenever I remember how special Neill really was.
- Release Date
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March 31, 2016
- Runtime
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101minutes
Entertainment
7 Thriller Shows That Are a Masterclass in Cliffhangers
Some thrillers leave audiences with more questions than answers — and that’s what makes the genre so addictive. The best thriller shows reveal just enough information for viewers to piece together their own theories, only to pull the rug out from under them with an unexpected twist. It’s already difficult to tell who’s truly good or bad, but when the story starts presenting different versions of the same truth, every revelation only heightens the mystery.
That’s where cliffhangers come in. Designed to keep viewers on edge, they end episodes at the worst possible moment, tempting audiences to hit “next episode” in search of answers — only to be met with even more questions. Without further ado, here are seven thriller shows that are a masterclass in cliffhangers.
1
‘Bosch’ (2014–2021)
Murky police politics, corrupt commissioners, and hidden agendas — Bosch is never one to offer straightforward conclusions. LAPD Homicide Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) constantly finds himself in the middle of murder investigations. What he doesn’t expect is that certain cases either connect or are merely pieces of a much larger conspiracy involving not only the police department, but also the highest levels of Los Angeles politics.
Almost every episode ends on an uneasy cliffhanger. Just when audiences think they’ve identified the killer, another character suddenly turns up with an alibi, or the prime suspect ends up dead instead. Some of the series’ biggest jaw-dropping moments include the shocking daylight murder of Bosch’s ex-wife, the revelation that his mother’s killer is none other than the President of the Los Angeles Police Commission, and Bosch’s sudden resignation at the end of Season 7 — a moment that ultimately sets up his post-LAPD life in Bosch: Legacy perfectly.
2
‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)
No detective story is more globally iconic than Sherlock. This 21st-century adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tales follows Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) as they tackle the author’s most elaborate cases with a modern twist. Armed with DNA analysis, digital footprints, and state-of-the-art forensics, solving crimes is easier than ever. But when it comes to hunting dangerous criminals, even the latest technology can’t prepare the sleuthing duo for what lies ahead.
If fans think the books hold all the answers to Sherlock‘s biggest cliffhangers, think again. The series takes creative liberties with Sir Doyle’s stories to keep viewers guessing over whether certain characters are truly dead or alive. From the return of Moriarty (Andrew Scott) and Sherlock’s “presumed” death to Watson’s fate after being shot in the face, these cliffhangers reinvent the Sherlockian lore while staying true to the spirit of the original stories.
3
‘Prison Break’ (2005–2009)
There are many ways to get someone out of jail. In Prison Break, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) purposely gets himself incarcerated to break out his brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), who is sentenced for a murder he did not commit. For the escape plan itself, he’s got it all tattooed across his entire upper body. Sounds like a foolproof plan, but practice has a nasty way of betraying theory.
Prison Break promises escape, but never guarantees safety. Most of the cliffhangers revolve around Michael and Lincoln having the rug pulled out from under them just as they’re an arm’s length away from freedom. Just when they think they’ve reached the light at the end of the tunnel, that very escape tunnel literally collapses. The season finales are even more unforgiving, from Michael’s heartbreaking sacrifice in “The Final Break” to the mind-blowing revelation years later that Michael is actually alive and imprisoned in Yemen under another identity.
4
‘The Night Manager’ (2016–Present)
The Night Manager follows Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a former British soldier who trades the battlefield for a quiet job managing a luxury hotel. His life takes a dangerous turn when a guest he promised to protect is murdered, leading him to go undercover and infiltrate the inner circle of notorious arms dealer Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). As Pine earns Roper’s trust, every move brings him closer to exposing the criminal empire while putting his own identity and life at risk.
The Night Manager keeps audiences on edge with the constant uncertainty surrounding Pine’s undercover mission. Nearly every episode ends with his cover hanging by a thread, leaving viewers wondering whether Roper has uncovered the truth or if Pine can talk his way out of yet another impossible situation. Even when Pine believes he’s cleared Roper’s suspicions, Roper’s associates often have doubts of their own, raising the stakes even further. With Pine just one mistake away from being exposed, the show’s cliffhangers only become more intense.
5
‘Lost’ (2004–2010)
When you’re stranded on a mysterious island in the South Pacific after a plane crash, you’re bound to have a lot of questions. Lost constantly keeps viewers guessing, from why the plane crashed and where the survivors really are to whether anyone will ever rescue them. With no idea what the island truly holds or if they’ll ever make it home, life there feels like purgatory, where the only certainty is the emotional baggage each survivor brings with them.
For an island in the middle of nowhere, there’s certainly no shortage of mysteries in Lost. Its cliffhangers often center on the survivors’ fates as they face increasingly bizarre situations, from kidnappings and disappearances to seemingly impossible escapes that leave viewers questioning who’s dead or alive. The season finales also peel back the island’s secrets, revealing an intricate mythology where the island can move, time travel is possible, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
6
‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)
Becoming dirt poor can do strange things to a cancer-ridden chemistry teacher. Breaking Bad follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a desperate man who enters the drug trade to secure his family’s future after his cancer diagnosis. While his partner Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) has more experience, Walter quickly proves himself capable of building a respectable operation. Much of Breaking Bad’s conflicts come from Walter claiming his power, and in turn, the people around him slowly losing theirs.
As Walter’s empire grows, his associates and rivals start losing their influence, which rarely ends well when they realize they can no longer control the man they helped create. These power shifts are what make up some of the show’s most brutal cliffhangers. Whether it is Walter eliminating threats, losing control of his empire, or pushing Jesse to the brink of betrayal, each turning point shows just how far he has fallen. Alliances fall apart, trust disappears, and everyone around him is forced to deal with the consequences.
7
‘Silo’ (2023–Present)
When you’re stuck with roughly 10,000 people in one silo, the last thing you want to do is ruffle the feathers of the people in charge. Silo follows accidental rebel Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), who is unexpectedly appointed sheriff while grieving the unexplained death of her lover. As she settles into the role, she begins uncovering disturbing secrets, realizing that the silo’s leaders have been hiding the truth about the world they live in.
The mystery surrounding the silo is what makes Silo‘s cliffhangers so effective. Nobody knows why the silos were built or why humanity is living inside them. The only thing everyone has ever been told is that stepping outside means certain death, making it the ultimate punishment. But with every cliffhanger, Juliette discovers another lie, slowly unraveling everything the silo has taught its people to believe. By the time she finally steps outside, viewers are led to believe she’s as good as dead, only for the series to reveal that the truth about the world is far more shocking than anyone imagined.
Silo
- Release Date
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May 5, 2023
- Network
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Apple TV
- Showrunner
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Graham Yost
- Directors
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Morten Tyldum, David Semel, Michael Dinner, Aric Avelino
Entertainment
Zendaya In Deep Plunging Goddess Dress Blows Fans Away
Zendaya is continuing to embrace method dressing while promoting “The Odyssey,” turning heads with a series of Greek goddess-inspired looks that pay tribute to her character, Athena.
The actress has captivated fans throughout the film’s global press tour with fashion choices that blend high couture with mythological influences.
As anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan‘s epic adaptation, Zendaya has also shared a behind-the-scenes story about how her husband Tom Holland surprised her with the news that she had been cast in the film.
Zendaya continued her streak of fashion-forward appearances while promoting “The Odyssey,” stepping out in New York with another look inspired by her role in the highly anticipated epic.
The actress, 29, was spotted greeting fans and signing autographs outside her hotel ahead of the film’s New York premiere on Tuesday.
For the outing, she embraced a goddess-inspired aesthetic in a flowing white dress featuring subtle grey stripes, a plunging neckline and a belted waist. She completed the ensemble with lace-up heels that climbed to just below her knees and styled her cropped hair in defined curls.
Later in the day, Zendaya changed into a second all-white outfit, opting for a fitted T-shirt-style midi dress with a bold cutout that highlighted her midriff. She paired the look with pointed stilettos and sparkling drop earrings.
The actress portrays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey.” In the film, Athena serves as a guide and protector to Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he navigates his long and dangerous journey home following the Trojan War.
Fans Were Blown Away By The Actress’s Goddess-Inspired Look

On social media, fans couldn’t help but praise Zendaya for her stunning outfit and how well she wore it.
Reacting to the look, an individual noted, “She looks STUNNING! Styled to perfection.”
“Awww this dress is so so beautiful. With that hair??? Stunning,” another person said on Instagram about the look.
A third person wrote, “Absolute perfection!!!! She wears this look so well. Those gladiators omg.”
“And they did it again… She can wear a bag of potatoes and will look amazing,” another fan commented.
Several others praised Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, for the look, emphasizing how well the pair work together.
Zendaya Channels A Greek Goddess Throughout ‘The Odyssey’ Press Tour

Known for aligning her fashion choices with her projects, Zendaya has consistently incorporated elements of Greek mythology into her promotional wardrobe throughout the film’s global press tour.
At the London premiere, she made a dramatic statement in a sculptural Schiaparelli couture gown featuring a metallic breastplate-inspired bodice and coordinating choker. The striking design debuted just hours earlier during Paris Couture Week.
She later switched into a nature-inspired ensemble featuring a leaf-patterned bodice and flowing chiffon skirt while posing alongside her castmates.
For the Paris premiere, Zendaya leaned even further into the mythology theme, wearing a white lace gown complete with dramatic cutouts and a cascading cape. She finished the look with a braided hairstyle and stone jewelry reminiscent of ancient Greek iconography.
Based on Homer’s classic epic poem, “The Odyssey” follows the legendary King Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous voyage home after the Trojan War, determined to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
Tom Holland Applauds Zendaya’s Bold Creative Choices

The project has been described as one of Nolan’s most ambitious undertakings to date. With a reported budget of $250 million, it is the most expensive film of his career and the first to be shot entirely using IMAX 70mm cameras.
The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Travis Scott, and Elliot Page.
Damon leads the film as Odysseus, while Hathaway portrays Penelope, who must navigate mounting pressures and unwanted suitors during her husband’s prolonged absence.
Beyond the film itself, fans have also been captivated by the opportunity to see Zendaya and Tom Holland share the screen.
During the film’s promotional tour, Holland praised his wife for the confidence and creativity she brings to her performances.
“She makes big choices when she plays characters,” he told Entertainment Tonight, explaining that he admires her willingness to fully commit to a character and make them feel authentic.
Zendaya Reveals How Tom Holland Surprised Her With The Odyssey Casting News

Meanwhile, Zendaya recently revealed that Holland played a special role in sharing the news that she had been cast in “The Odyssey.”
Speaking with the Associated Press, the actress recalled how her husband, who portrays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, surprised her with the announcement after returning from a meeting with director Christopher Nolan.
According to Zendaya, the pair had been reading through the film’s script together when Holland encouraged her to take another look.
“He was like, ‘Read it again,” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘OK.’ And he was like, ‘But now, think of Athena.”
The hint immediately gave away the surprise. “I was like, ‘Stop right now! You’re joking!” Zendaya said of her reaction.
Looking back, the actress described the moment as especially meaningful because Holland had been entrusted with delivering the news himself. “He was allowed to be the one to tell me, and that was really special,” she said.
Zendaya explained that she had already been thrilled when Holland landed a role in the highly anticipated film, making her own casting an unexpected bonus.
“I was already on cloud nine,” she said. “The fact that I even got to be involved as well was like just this cherry on top.”
Entertainment
Chuck Norris’ Son Shares Hilarious BTS Story About His Dad
Chuck Norris built a reputation over decades as one of Hollywood’s toughest action stars, inspiring countless internet memes that portrayed him as nearly invincible. According to his son, Dakota Norris, one real-life family experience may have helped fuel that larger-than-life image.
The Blast attended a press conference hosted by Raising Cane’s in Cypress, Texas, where founder Todd Graves joined Chuck Norris’ widow, Gena O’Kelley, and the couple’s children, Danilee and Dakota Norris, to celebrate a new $1 million fundraising campaign benefiting Kickstart Kids ahead of National Chicken Finger Day on July 27.
While much of the event focused on Chuck Norris’ charitable legacy and the impact of the youth martial arts organization he founded, Dakota Norris shared a story that left the room laughing, a memory involving a powerful tornado, a frightened family, and a father who appeared completely unfazed by the danger.

During the press conference, Dakota was asked to share a memorable story about his father, prompting him to recall a frightening weather event that unfolded at the Norris family ranch in 2017. According to Dakota, a tornado touched down on the property, causing widespread damage and sending family members scrambling for safety.
“I mean, it’s just part of his personality, but in 2017, we had a tornado that actually hit our ranch,” Dakota said. “It was bad. It was throwing cow feeders all over the place. I mean, it was horrible. It looked like the apocalypse outside.”
As the storm intensified, Dakota said family members rushed to wake everyone up and gather beneath a staircase for protection. The only problem? Chuck Norris didn’t seem particularly interested in taking cover.
While Everyone Else Hid Under The Stairs, Chuck Norris Walked Outside
Dakota explained that as the family hurried to safety, they attempted to convince the martial arts legend to join them. Instead, Chuck Norris reportedly took a very different approach. “We were like, ‘Dad, get under the stairs,’” Dakota recalled.
Rather than following their advice, Norris walked outside to get a better look at the approaching storm. “He goes outside,” Dakota said. “He’s watching the tornado cycle.”
For Dakota and the rest of the family, the sight was almost unbelievable. As they remained sheltered indoors, Chuck Norris stood outside observing the tornado as if it were just another day on the ranch.
Chuck Norris Looked At His Family And Went Back To Bed

The story only became more unbelievable from there. According to Dakota, after watching the tornado, his father looked back at his family members who were huddled beneath the stairs with their dogs. Then he made a decision that perfectly matched the fearless image millions of fans had associated with him for decades.
“He looks at us, he sees we’re under the stairs,” Dakota said before imitating his dad shrugging. “Ah, I’m gonna go back to bed.”
The remark prompted laughter throughout the room as Dakota described the surreal scene. “I just remember him crossing his arms, just looking at it,” he added of Chuck standing outside, clearly admiring Mother Nature while the rest of the family remained terrified under the staircase.
When asked whether anyone had captured the moment on video, Dakota admitted they had not. “No, I didn’t,” he said. “I was 15.”
Gena O’Kelley Says Her Husband Truly Was Fearless
After Dakota finished recounting the story, O’Kelley said the tornado incident perfectly reflected the man she knew throughout their nearly 30-year marriage. “That was him,” she said. “Definitely fearless.”
The moment also highlighted the personality traits that helped turn Norris into a cultural icon long before the internet transformed him into a meme. Known worldwide for films like “Way of the Dragon” and television’s “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Norris built a reputation for toughness that eventually evolved into the famous “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon of the early 2000s.
During the same press conference, O’Kelley revealed that her husband initially believed the jokes would disappear after a few months. Instead, they introduced him to an entirely new generation of fans around the world.
The Story Comes As Chuck Norris’ Legacy Continues Through Kickstart Kids

The family shared the tornado story while celebrating a major milestone for Kickstart Kids, the youth development organization Norris founded to teach children discipline, confidence, respect, and leadership through martial arts. The event marked the launch of Raising Cane’s nationwide fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $1 million for the organization through donations tied to National Chicken Finger Day.
Norris died in 2026 at age 86, but his family made it clear that both his charitable mission and larger-than-life reputation remain very much alive.
Entertainment
American Hero Reveals Heartbreaking Diagnosis
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, widely regarded as the American hero who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, has recently opened up about a heartbreaking diagnosis. In a new interview, the 75-year-old aviation safety advocate said that after struggling with his memory for a little over a year, he spoke with a doctor, who informed him he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Speaking with PEOPLE, Sullenberger said he learned he had Alzheimer’s in August 2025 after realizing he was beginning to forget key details.
While it’s still in the early stages, Sullenberger said the disease has a major impact on his day-to-day.
“For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well,” he said.
Alzheimer’s affects around 24 million people worldwide, and one in 10 people older than 65 has it, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Since receiving his diagnosis, Sullenberger said he’s been learning just how widespread the disease, which slowly damages your memory, thinking, learning, and organizing skills, really is.
“My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s,” he said, adding that he’s learned the disease “spares no age group.”
Captain Sullenberger’s Wife Opens Up About How Her Husband’s Diagnosis Has Affected Their Family

Despite the diagnosis, Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, told PEOPLE that it hasn’t done much to affect his even-keeled demeanor. “Just as he was the same steady person before and after Flight 1549, he is the same steady person now, before and after this diagnosis,” she said.
Lorrie, along with her and Sullenberger’s two daughters and granddaughter, is taking each day one at a time and living with appreciation and gratitude.
“That strength and steadiness is guiding us as a family. We’re supporting him on this journey that we now walk with so many other families. Though the future is uncertain, we continue to live our lives, have hope, and find joy in the everyday,” she added.
Captain Sully Sullenberger Wants To Use His Public Profile To Educate And Support Others About The Disease
Since being diagnosed, Sullenberger said his focus has been on learning more about the disease to educate not only himself and his family, but also those dealing with the disorder.
“This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service,” he said. “And the answer is to speak up. It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward. And about hope. So many people told us after Flight 1549, that the outcome gave them hope. Lorrie, my incredible partner of 37 years, says we can all use a little of that hope right now.”
Danny Glover Got Candid About His Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Earlier This Year
Sullenberger isn’t the only public figure using their voice to spread awareness. According to TODAY, actor Danny Glover opened up about his diagnosis earlier this year, revealing that he learned of his status after noticing a change in his speech and memory.
Glover’s daughter, Mandisa Glover, told NBC anchors that part of the reason they wanted to come forward with his story was to help break barriers and remove the shame around the disorder.
“I think it’s really important for him to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story,” she said. “That’s really important. And the time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself?”
Mandisa also said that coming forward allows her family to live in their truth. “It’s important because people ask questions sometimes, and I don’t want to be a dishonest person and say, ‘Oh, yeah, everything is all right. It’s all great,’” she added.
Chris Hemsworth Said There’s A Chance He Could Be Diagnosed With The Disease In The Future

In 2022, Marvel actor Chris Hemsworth shared that he has a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease, making him eight to 10 times more likely to develop the disorder in the future.
He wrestled with sharing the news publicly, according to Variety, saying that doing so would reveal some of his deepest fears and insecurities.
While Hemsworth is healthy at the moment, the actor confirmed that his grandfather and father had been diagnosed, prompting him to pull back from Hollywood.
“My appetite for racing forward has really been reined in,” he said. “I’ve become more aware of the fragility of things. You start thinking, ‘My dad won’t be here for ever.’ And my kids are now 11 and 13. Those nights where they’d fight over sleeping in our bed – suddenly they’re not happening any more.”
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