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Michael Bay’s Best Movie Was a Box Office Bomb
Seasoned action director Michael Bay has delivered some truly breathtaking spectacles to the big screen between films like 1996’s The Rock, which pitted Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage against rogue soldiers on Alcatraz, and, of course, the long-running Transformers franchise. While critical opinions on Bay’s work has varied from film to film, what cannot be denied is that a Michael Bay action epic will do wonders at the box office, resulting in the divisive filmmaker continuing to crank out blockbusters year after year.
But in 2005, two years before taking over the world with the first Transformers film, Bay released The Island, a thought-provoking science fiction thriller that, in a rare occurrence for the director, flopped hard at the box office, earning only $35 million at the U.S. box office on a budget of $126 million. Although the film had stiff competition that summer — films like Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Batman Begins and War of the Worlds also released weeks prior — many, including Bay himself, were surprised at the financial outcome.
‘The Island’ Has a Chilling and Thought-Provoking Concept
Featuring an all-star cast including Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Bean, and Djimon Hounsou, and a high-concept premise, The Island begins in the year 2019, after a global contamination has rendered the air outside unbreathable, but one island has somehow evaded the event. The remaining population, isolated in a high-tech compound, all await the weekly lottery which picks at random one person to go live on The Island.
What the residents don’t know is that everything they know is a lie — The compound is actually miles underground, the world outside is perfectly habitable and all the residents are actually clones of the rich and famous. The winners of the lottery are selected to be killed and have their organs harvested for donation to their original sponsors, who are blissfully unaware of their illegal clone counterparts.
To the film’s credit, the big questions this idea asks are not ignored. The characters take time to discuss the implications of whether or not these clones are in fact people. While some, namely Dr. Merrick (Bean), the head of the operation, claims they have no souls and are simply tools, the fact that the film’s perspective is told via the clones presents a different picture. The film’s slow-burn opening puts the audience in the shoes of Lincoln Six Echo (McGregor) as he goes about his daily routine while questioning what he thinks he knows.
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Michael Bay Takes His Time to Set Up the World
Because Bay spends the first half of the film in Lincoln’s mindset, not only does this trick allow the audience to sympathize with his plight and agree with him, but it also makes the audience want to know more about the world they are in. The viewers are airdropped into an established world without explanation, making the moment where Lincoln discovers the truth about his existence a satisfying answer rather than an exposition dump.
The film also handles its complex moral debate with an interesting mindset. While Merrick’s operation is wildly illegal and questionable, the fact remains that what he is doing is saving lives and allowing the sponsors a longer life and the opportunity to cheat death. Even though that opportunity is killing life that was only created for the purpose of being killed anyway. The film hammers this home when Johansson’s Jordan Two Delta discovers that her sponsor was in a car accident and has a young son. Although Jordan and Lincoln obviously do not want to die, their survival means a death sentence to their original sponsors.
But the film also touches on the human experience in a unique way. Merrick’s original intention was to simply create organs copied off the sponsors for donation, but after trial and error, realized that the only way he could was to create life. This blinds Merrick to the idea that the clones are anything more than a means to an end, but also shows that only life experience and being human can create anything at all. Like most great allegories, these ideas are discussed within the film, but also inspire greater debate after the credits have rolled.
While The Island may not have done well at the time of its release, the film stands out among Bay’s filmography as a think piece of humanity, ethics and survival. Those that see Bay’s films as nothing more than mindless action should not overlook his forgotten sci-fi entry as it shows Bay’s prowess as a storyteller.
- Release Date
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July 21, 2005
- Runtime
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136 Minutes
- Writers
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Roberto Orci, Caspian Tredwell-Owen, Alex Kurtzman
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Gisele Bündchen just reminded Us that the most flattering swimsuits don’t have to rely on flashy prints or complicated cutouts. While enjoying a beach day in Costa Rica, the supermodel reached for a timeless black bikini that highlighted exactly why the classic silhouette has remained a favorite for decades. Clean lines, adjustable ties and a simple fit never go out of style — or stop looking good.
Bündchen was spotted strolling along the beach in Costa Rica wearing the minimalist black two-piece, proving that sometimes less really is more. The halter triangle top offers customizable support, while the tie-side bottoms let you adjust the fit to your body, making the silhouette especially flattering at any age. While her exact bikini has since sold out, we found a remarkably similar version for just $26 on Amazon.
Get the Suvimuga Halter Triangle Bikini Set for $26 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
The Suvimuga Halter Triangle Bikini Set captures the same effortless, beach-ready vibe as Bündchen’s look without the designer price tag. Available in classic black as well as orange, teal, pink and several other colors, the Amazon bestseller has already been purchased more than 1,000 times in the past month.
If anyone can convince Us to embrace the French girl style, it’s Gigi Hadid. The supermodel stepped out in an effortlessly chic outfit that makes you want to book a flight to Paris, and it was complete with one timeless shoe trend stylish French women never seem to retire. Even better? You can steal the […]
Beyond its timeless design, the bikini is packed with thoughtful details that help create a flattering fit. The halter top ties at the neck and back for easy adjustments, removable padded cups let you customize the coverage and the Brazilian-cut bottoms feature subtle ruching in the back for a sculpted look. The smooth, stretchy fabric is also designed to move comfortably whether you’re swimming, sunbathing or walking along the shore.
The bikini has also earned more than 9,500 five-star ratings from shoppers. One reviewer called it “surprisingly flattering,” adding that it makes their “chest look great” and the ruching is especially great for “fuller bottomed girls.” Another buyer praised its “classic, simple look,” saying it’s “minimal but still feels secure enough for lounging by the pool or walking along the beach.”
The beauty of a classic black bikini is that it never chases trends. Instead, it celebrates natural curves with an adjustable fit, timeless color and clean silhouette that feels just as stylish in your 20s as it does decades later. If Bündchen’s latest beach look is any indication, this is one swimwear staple that’s worth keeping in your rotation.
Get the Suvimuga Halter Triangle Bikini Set for $26 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Suvimuga here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Bethenny Frankel just served up a poolside look that had Us rethinking everything we thought we knew about bold swimsuits. The former Real Housewives of New York star reached for a vibrant red one-piece that felt equal parts timeless, flattering and confidence-boosting, proving women over 50 don’t have to play it safe at the beach. […]
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We’re already excited for denim season, and clearly, Nordstrom is, too. The retailer is slashing prices on popular jeans during the big Anniversary Sale, and it’s helping Us stock up on our favorite brands at Black Friday-level lows. Seriously, we did a double take when looking at these prices.
Whether you’re searching for staple jeans for errands, brunches or travel, you’ll find your dream pair marked down below. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will run from now through August 9, but given that denim is a piping-hot category, we doubt sizes will stay in stock. If you see yours, grab it and run!
13 Denim Deals During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
1. Take up to 34% Off Madewell
Our Pick: Ditch buttons and zippers for these comfy tie-waist jeans. Katie Holmes wears the label, so snag a top and tote while you’re at it.
Check out all Madewell deals included in the sale here!
2. Take up to 39% Off Wit & Wisdom
Our Pick: Everyone needs go-to black jeans and these sleek pants are yours. Not only do the pants have a subtle bootcut shape, but they also feature a cropped hem with raw fraying.
Check out all Wit & Wisdom deals included in the sale here!
3. Take up to 55% Off Free People
Our Pick: Boho and baggy, these retro rolled jeans add character to any outfit. The pale, faded wash stuns with light and dark tops alike.
Check out all Free People deals included in the sale here!
4. Take up to 35% Off Paige
Our Pick: White jeans are incredibly charming, especially these wide-leg wonders from Paige. They’re so chic, you can wear them past Labor Day.
Check out all Paige deals included in the sale here!
5. Take up to 44% Off Levi’s
Our Pick: Nail the California-cool aesthetic with these ’90s-inspired dad jeans that hold their shape, go with everything and flatter your bootie.
Check out all Levi’s deals included in the sale here!
We still have a few months left of sandal season, however, if you’re like Us, you’re bored with your current lineup. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a (totally justified) excuse to restock, especially with when the most chic brands are on major sale. Spoiler: some are over 50% off. The only catch? Top picks are […]
6. Take up to 36% Off Reformation
Our Pick: Taylor Swift wears Reformation, so she might be eyeing this expensive-looking wide-leg pair, like Us. With such a rich blue hue, who wouldn’t?
Check out all Reformation deals included in the sale here!
7. Take up to 40% Off Avec Les Filles
Our Pick: Everything about these structured cotton jeans is chic, including the built-in denim belt, artsy back pockets and dramatic distressed details.
Check out all Avec Les Filles deals included in the sale here!
8. Take up to 34% Off Kut from the Kloth
Our Pick: Calling all fun-size friends! These timeless mid-rise jeans come in regular and petite sizes, so you can skip the tailor entirely.
Check out all Kut from the Kloth deals included in the sale here!
9. Take up to 37% Off BP.
Our Pick: If you’ve wanted to experiment with the low-rise trend, let this be your sign. Shoppers say these baggy pants remind them of the ’90s!
Check out all BP. deals included in the sale here!
10. Take up to 33% Off AG
Our Pick: Straight-leg jeans are a huge deal in Europe. To dress like a Parisian rich mom, all you need are these slim AG jeans — no flight involved.
Check out all AG deals included in the sale here!
11. Take up to 34% Off Nydj
Our Pick: Bootcut pants might sound bold, but these tailored-looking jeans lean gently into the silhouette. They pair especially well with heeled sandals and booties.
Check out all Nydj deals included in the sale here!
12. Take up to 25% Off PacSun
Our Pick: Look effortlessly stylish in these super wide-leg pants that don’t pill or fade. They don’t have much stretch, but the loose silhouette makes up for it. Bonus: We adore the cuffed hems.
Check out all PacSun deals included in the sale here!
13. Take up to 25% Off Cotton On
Our Pick: Curvy gals rave about these classic straight-leg jeans that hug in all the right places. A happy shopper said they “fit like a glove!”
Check out all Cotton On deals included in the sale here!
As a fashion writer, this isn’t the first time I’ve covered the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. However, it is the first time my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw these dresses from Reformation, Farm Rio, Treasure & Bond and more marked down to Black Friday-level lows. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going strong with […]
As important as first impressions are, when it comes to movies, it’s typically last impressions that matter most. An ending can make or break a film altogether. Whereas an unpredictable, satisfying, and emotionally compelling conclusion can cement a movie in the annals of film history, one that misses the mark can make even the greatest of films lose an awful lot of their power right before the finish line.
Throughout the 1990s, filmmakers like David Fincher and Frank Darabont seemed to crack the code on how to make a film ending that sticks in the audience’s memory forever. Whether it’s a sweet animated movie coming to a fittingly crowd-pleasing conclusion, a heart-rending drama injecting one last bit of hope into the audience, or a crime masterpiece giving its protagonist their due, the best movie endings of the ’90s are among the best in the history of cinema.
There are spoilers ahead!
10
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
The 1990s were the peak of the Disney Renaissance, a period during which the House of Mouse produced several of their greatest animated films to date. It’s ironic that The Lion King, which they thought would be unsuccessful compared to that same year’s Pocahontas, ended up becoming their most widely acclaimed and beloved animated classic of all time.
From one of the best opening movie shots of the 20th century until one of the best endings in the history of animated cinema, The Lion King remains one of the most perfect family films ever created. Having taken his throne back from the treasonous Scar, Simba welcomes a cub with Nala to continue the Circle of Life. Visually gorgeous and paired with the wonderful music, this ending is probably the best in Disney’s catalog.
9
‘The Truman Show’ (1998)
Built on one of the most genius casting decisions in the history of Hollywood cinema, casting a Jim Carrey that at the time hadn’t yet proven his dramatic chops in the most complex role he has ever played, The Truman Show is one of the biggest soft sci-fi masterpieces of all time. Exquisitely meta, irresistibly funny, and philosophically layered, it’s one of the best existentialist films of its time.
Having learned that he lives as the subject of a simulated reality and that the real world lies “out there,” Truman decides to escape captivity. And as he leaves the television set that he’s been living inside his whole life, the audience gets bored and decides to switch the channel. The deeply emotional and wonderfully-performed moment of Truman leaving set is made all the more powerful by the film’s final message: We crave drama and spectacle, no matter where it comes from.
8
‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)
Steven Spielberg is the father of blockbusters, but it just so happens that his magnum opus isn’t a crowd-pleasing popcorn film at all, but rather one of the most serious war dramas of the ’90s. Schindler’s List, winner of seven Academy Awards (including Best Picture), is far more than just a biopic about the life of complicated historical figure Oskar Schindler: It’s one of the most effective anti-war movies in Hollywood history.
Spielberg never shies away from the darkness, violence, and pure pain of his gut-wrenching depiction of the Holocaust—but he, one of cinema’s greatest humanists, makes sure that the story is never without hope. The movie ends in quite an unexpected way, with many of the survivors that Schindler rescued visiting his grave and placing stones on its marker. It’s the perfect way to cement this as one of the most powerful war movies of all time.
7
‘The Green Mile’ (1999)
If there’s one filmmaker who has made it his specialty to make some of the greatest Stephen King adaptations that the big screen has ever seen, it’s Frank Darabont. His second-ever adaptation of the horror writer’s work was a non-horror movie: The Green Mile, a harrowing fantasy prison drama based on one of the heaviest books of the 1990s.
The Green Mile is a tear-jerker from start to finish, largely thanks to Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan‘s powerhouse performances, but never is that truer than in its ending. The innocent John Coffey is executed, passing his wonderful powers on to Paul Edgecomb, which punish Paul for having let John die by allowing him to outlive everyone he loves. It’s an incredibly sad and bittersweet conclusion, made all-the-more powerful by Hanks and Duncan’s soul-stirring work.
6
‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)
Directed by Gus Van Sant and penned by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (who won an Academy Award for their screenplay), Good Will Hunting is one of the most universally beloved indie movies of all time. As deeply sad as it can be sometimes, it’s also a film full of hope for the future, making it one of the best crowd-pleasing drama movies ever made.
That hope leads to the movie’s bittersweet conclusion, where Will rejects the high-paying job offered by his professor to instead drive to California and reunite with his ex-girlfriend, Skylar. Robin Williams‘ Oscar-winning performance leaves us with an improvised line that’s among the best closing lines in film history: Having read the letter that Will left him explaining that he has to “go see about a girl,” Sean mutters to himself, “Son of a b***h… He stole my line.”
5
‘La Haine’ (1995)
It’s not only Hollywood that produced the best movies and movie endings of the 1990s, and for proof, one needn’t look much further than Matthieu Kassovitz‘ French social thriller La Haine. It’s one of the highest-rated movies of the ’90s on Letterboxd for a reason: It’s one of the best international movie masterpieces of all time, a perfectly-written and perfectly-paced drama about police brutality, systemic racism, and the endless cycle of violence that has plagued humanity for centuries.
One of those movie endings that completely recontextualize everything that has come before, making an instant re-watch incredibly tempting.
The conclusion of La Haine is one of those movie endings that completely recontextualize everything that has come before, making an instant re-watch incredibly tempting. A police officer accidentally kills Vinz, leading to a standoff between Hubert and another cop. A final gunshot is heard off-screen, cutting to black before we can see who got shot. That ambiguity is essential to the movie’s message: That the vicious cycle of violence is never clear-cut, and that its senselessness is precisely the point.
4
‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
Quentin Tarantino‘s Pulp Fiction is such a perfect sophomore feature effort that it earned its director a Palme d’Or at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, immediately putting him on the map as one of the leading creative voices of his generation of filmmakers. As the years have passed, the reputation of this cult classic has only grown higher, and that’s for good reason.
Part of why Pulp Fiction is one of the best crime movies of all time is how brilliant its non-linear structure is, its many stories interweaving at several points that only become clear as the story progresses. A perfect example of that is how the movie’s final set piece actually turns out to be a continuation of the story’s very first scene. Jules and Vincent manage to cleverly stop a diner robbery, letting the petty thieves go and walking out together. From the structure to the pacing to the dialogue to the character arcs, it’s one of the most perfect endings in Tarantino’s whole filmography.
3
‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)
As phenomenal as Pulp Fiction is, it’s The Shawshank Redemption that’s widely regarded as the greatest motion picture of 1994, seeing as it has been the highest-rated film in history on IMDb for many years now. It’s one of the most flawless and emotionally stirring prison dramas ever put on the big screen, and it’s no coincidence that it’s also a Frank Darabont film based on a Stephen King story.
Through and through, it’s one of the best drama movies based on books, which leads all the way to one of the most moving endings of ’90s cinema. After Andy’s successful escape from prison following 19 years on the inside for a crime he didn’t commit, he reunites with Red on a Mexican beach. If ever a deeply poignant film deserved to have a purely uplifting happy ending, it was this one.
2
‘Goodfellas’ (1990)
Martin Scorsese is regarded by many as the single greatest currently-working filmmaker, and that’s all thanks to genre-defining masterpieces of the caliber of Goodfellas, one of the most exciting movies based on great books. This biopic about Henry Hill‘s life and involvement with the mafia is arguably one of the most perfect examples of a rags-to-riches story ever committed to celluloid.
But like all the best rags-to-riches stories about vicious criminals, Goodfellas makes sure to see its protagonist’s life crumble under its own weight as it nears the credits. The film ends with Hill turning into an informant and entering the witness protection program, having to live the rest of his life “like a schnook.” It’s a classic mobster movie conclusion, executed in the most perfectly-written and perfectly-paced way that the genre has ever seen.
1
‘Se7en’ (1995)
Today, David Fincher is widely recognized as one of the greatest thriller filmmakers of his generation, but that wasn’t always the case. After the failure that was Alien³, the director had to prove that he was worthy of studios’ trust. Enter Se7en, which, having made over $300 million dollars at the box office worldwide, is probably the most horrifyingly fatalistic and nihilistic blockbuster ever to have made so much money.It’s also one of the best thriller movies since 1990, and that’s in no small measure thanks to one of the most nail-bitingly suspenseful third acts in the history of cinema. Serial killer John Doe delivers the severed head of Detective Mills’ pregnant wife, provoking Mills to murder him and thus completing his killing spree themed to the Seven Deadly Sins. Overwhelmingly bleak and depressing, awfully violent without actually needing to show all that much blood, and masterfully subversive of the typical Hollywood thriller formula, Se7en‘s conclusion is the most legendary and well-executed movie ending of the 1990s.
Mahershala Ali was announced as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Blade” in 2019 during the San Diego Comic-Con. However, years later in 2022, the movie began to fall apart when director Bassam Tariq abruptly exited the production. Now, Ali is teaming up with Tariq for a different movie and breaking his silence on his version of “Blade” never materializing.
Ali and Tariq interviewed with GQ in July 2026 to discuss their upcoming film, “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,” which is distributed by Amazon MGM and is scheduled for release in September 2026. During the interview, Ali was asked if he thinks the world is closer to getting the failed “Blade” film first promised in 2019.
He stated, “Not with me. The best way I can answer this question is, when I look at what is for me, is it was either this or that, and I’ll take this. No offense to them. I’ve been doing this professionally for pushing 30 years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that what is for you is for you and what is not is not.”
Ali added, “For whatever reason, that project is not for me.” After that, he raised doubt in Marvel’s interest in the project, stating, “If they wanted to do it, we would’ve done it. So I have to move on, and I have moved on.”
From there, the “Jurassic World: Rebirth” star said that he’s more interested in original stories like the one found in “Your Mother” instead of adding remakes to his resume as an actor.
According to him, “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother feels very much in alignment with the type of work I want to be known for. I don’t really want to be known for remakes. I’d love to do original work that resonates with people and impacts them in unique ways.
Ali Says He Couldn’t Have Done His New Movie And ‘Blade’
Ali continued his thoughts on “Blade,” but took a bit of a jab at Marvel and the studio’s inaction when it came to making the movie despite all the resources at its disposal. He said, “Again, you had me under contract, they have billions of dollars, if they wanted to do the movie, we would’ve done the movie. So we’re not doing the movie.”
He then reflected on the fact that his new movie exists because “Blade” fell apart. Ali explained, “When I look at this and ‘Blade,’ I couldn’t have done both, and the reason this even exists is because that project fell apart and Bassam had the time, space, energy, and focus to go and write this and then re-approach me.”
Additionally, Ali stated that he was able to use some of his training for “Blade” while filming “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.” The actor explained, “In that way, I feel creatively redeemed on some level, just in my own journey between me, myself, and I. But I feel ready to move on from the ‘Blade’ questions.”
He added, “Those questions are for them. They didn’t want to do it, so they should answer that question.”
Marvel’s Kevin Feige Has Addressed The Failed Movie
Following the announcement that Ali would become the MCU’s Blade, it was announced in 2021 that Tariq would direct. However, he dropped out of the project the following September. Then, between his exit and 2024, multiple other creatives were attached to the project before the movie disappeared from Marvel’s release calendar in 2025.
Most recently, in July 2026, Kevin Feige, the President and Chief Creative Officer for Marvel, addressed the situation while appearing on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. He said about the movie, “I am feeling like a gigantic loser and failure that we didn’t get off the ground with Mahershala.”
Ali’s ‘Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother’ Will Have A Limited Theatrical Release
According to Deadline, “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” will open in New York and Los Angeles theaters on September 25 before expanding on October 2 and October 9. In the movie, which Tariq wrote, directed, and produced, Ali stars as a religious hitman who struggles to find balance between his faith, work, and being a newly single father after his wife’s death.
Ali discussed doing stunt work for the movie, saying, “It really felt like my first action film. ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ is more of an adventure thing, and, in other films I’ve been in that have action sequences, I’ve died as the action starts, like ‘Predators’ and ‘Hunger Games.’
He continued, “So I’ve been wanting to do a grounded action piece for years. As a former athlete, I’ve dreamed of doing my own stunts. I was very excited to do stunts in ‘Blade’ and trained for a long time for that, so it was a huge relief to get to put that work to use.”
The 2 Time Oscar Winner Has Several Projects In The Works
Ali will return for the upcoming “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” where he’s voiced Aaron Davis since the 2018 film. The new movie is expected to be released in 2027. Additionally, according to Deadline, he will appear in an upcoming limited Hulu series, “The Plot,” in which he plays a struggling author who steals another writer’s story idea and is then threatened with exposure.
Currently, “The Plot” does not have a release date.
Anthony Mackie‘s first encounter with Sir Ian McKellen on the set of “Avengers: Doomsday” turned into an unforgettable moment.
Mackie stars as Captain America, a role he inherited from Chris Evans, while McKellen reprises his iconic role as Magneto.
“Avengers: Doomsday” is set to debut in theaters this December, bringing together Mackie, McKellen, and several other high-profile actors from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Speaking to IMDb, Mackie recalled meeting McKellen for the first time after filming began on “Avengers: Doomsday” in early 2025. The actor admitted he was starstruck by McKellen’s presence and immediately introduced himself.
“I go to Ian McKellen, he goes, ‘Hello, son.’ I’m like, ‘Ian McKellen, sir. You’re amazing. It’s amazing to work with you,’” Mackie said.
Mackie also shared that McKellen asked which character he was playing before making a comment that genuinely touched him.
“He goes, ‘So what are you doing in the film?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m Captain America,’” Mackie added. “And he goes, ‘Wonderful… and you deserve that.’”
Anthony Mackie And Sir Ian McKellen’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Roles
In “Avengers: Doomsday,” a host of Marvel characters will unite on the big screen for the first time.
Mackie returns as Captain America, a role passed on to him by Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers at the end of “Avengers: Endgame.” He officially took up the mantle in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” before leading his own solo film, “Captain America: Brave New World.”
Meanwhile, McKellen’s appearance in “Avengers: Doomsday” marks his sixth outing as Magneto.
He first portrayed the iconic mutant in the original “X-Men” trilogy before reprising the role in “The Wolverine” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”
Anthony Mackie Says ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Was His Toughest Marvel Shoot Yet
On the same day he shared the McKellen anecdote, Mackie also revealed that filming “Avengers: Doomsday” was “definitely more strenuous” and “intensive” than working on his previous Avengers films.
“It was a lot of rigorous physical work,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “It was a lot of action work, but also just getting the dialogue and the emotional moments, the beats correct.”
According to Mackie, every effort was aimed at delivering the “best story” possible for Marvel fans. He added that the extra work also helped the filmmakers craft a compelling story without an excessive runtime.
“It’s like there are ways of streamlining it and making it more focused so the audience could have all the stuff that they enjoy, but it usually takes us longer in the process,” he said.
Mackie Can’t Wait For Fans To See ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
“Avengers: Doomsday” is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, and is one of Marvel’s most anticipated releases.
For his part, Mackie said he is excited for audiences to finally see the movie after the cast and crew spent “years and countless” hours bringing it to life.
“When you look at the Russo brothers and what they put together and bringing them back to do this movie, it was the right time and the right moment to make it happen,” he told Extra.
Elsewhere in the interview, Mackie described working alongside cast members from different generations of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as “amazing.” He added that the atmosphere on set felt like “a family affair” and compared the experience to attending “summer camp,” where longtime friends reunite.
The Seasoned Actor Says Captain America Comes With Delicious Perks
Last year, Mackie appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where he opened up about the unexpected perks of playing Captain America.
The actor admitted that before taking on the role, he believed he was already famous enough to receive special treatment while dining out. However, it wasn’t until he became Captain America that those perks actually started rolling in.
“Since ‘Captain America’ came out, y’all, y’all. I get free appetizers now everywhere I go, everywhere I go,” Mackie joked.
He continued, “I get the good cheese like Gorgonzola. You know what I mean? The secret cheese. I didn’t even know cheese could be sharp.”
Parents in Arizona will not face charges after their toddler was found alive in a morgue just hours after he was believed to be dead after drowning in a backyard pool.
The boy, 18 months, was brought to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, after his family found him seemingly dead in their pool on February 8.
First responders reported to the home and performed life-saving measures before the boy was transported to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Upon his arrival, hospital staff continued resuscitation efforts until he was pronounced dead about an hour later.
However, the boy was later found alive in the morgue and is still alive today.
The redacted police report outlining the investigation into the death of Emilie and Brady Kiser’s son Trigg revealed new details about the fatal incident. In the redacted report obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, August 8, police officers noted that a pool covering had not been in place the day their 3-year-old son drowned. “On […]
Five months after the incident, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced in a statement on Wednesday, July 29, that police recommended that both of the boy’s parents be charged. However, prosecutors “determined that this case did not meet our charging standard of ‘reasonable likelihood of conviction.’”
“To file charges, the state would need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury that the parents failed to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk, and that this failure was such a serious lapse in judgment that it was a gross deviation from what a reasonable person would have done under the same circumstances,” the statement read.
Officials wrote that “multiple childproof locks and safety measures” were in place at the family’s home, and “multiple adults were present in the home, all of whom believed someone was watching the child.”
Authorities also said that their investigation found “no evidence that the parents exhibited any obvious signs of impairment.”
Police records from earlier in July detailed how the child’s parents, a nurse and police officers all raised concerns that the boy was still alive before personnel from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office discovered that he was breathing when they arrived at the morgue to retrieve his body, according to the Associated Press.
The police report stated that a doctor was preparing to tell the parents that the boy died when a nurse told him, “I have a pulse.” A police officer relayed the concern to the doctor, the doctor allegedly responded, “Please do your thing and let me do my thing.”
The attorney who will decide Brady Kiser’s fate following a child abuse recommendation has addressed the news development. According to a report published by Phoenix, Arizona’s 12news on Thursday, July 17, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell spoke publicly about Chandler Police Department’s Class 4 felony charge of child abuse against Brady, which was announced two […]
After the boy was found to be alive, he was immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.
Following the incident, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center said that it was “a heartbreaking situation.”
“We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,” the hospital said in a statement to People. “Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority.”
While the boy survived the incident, doctors said he still “faces a long and challenging recovery” and will “need extensive therapy, ongoing medical monitoring, and support.” A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical bills.
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Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are addicted to this feature on their phones, “Grace and Frankie ”costar June Diane Raphael says
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“My makeup artist of 30 years is dead. Period. Send.”
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter, Violet Affleck, is drawing attention after a recent outing with her mother.
The college student, who has been extremely vocal about COVID-19 mask mandates, made the surprising decision to ditch her mask for her latest public appearance.
Photos of Violet Affleck’s outing are now circulating online, leading to criticism of the 20-year-old, especially after he infamous UN speech on mask mandates.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter, Violet, has become widely recognized for her consistent masking and her high-profile activism demanding the return of mask mandates.
The college student consistently dons a face mask whenever she is out in public, but during her latest sighting, Violet ditched the device for a moment, while smiling next to her mother.
Standing significantly taller than Garner, Violet walked alongside the actress while sporting a pink floral maxi dress. Her choice of footwear was unique, pairing a single sneaker with a rigid medical walking boot.
Although the exact cause of her orthopedic cast remains unconfirmed, these devices are typically prescribed to aid the recovery of ankle and foot trauma.
Meanwhile, Garner maintained her signature casual style, opting for a crimson patterned top over a jean skirt, accessorized with sandals and sunglasses.
The pro-mask activist eventually pulled out the mask and wore it, returning to her usual clean-air routine.
See photos from the outing here.
Ben Affleck’s Daughter’s Outing Sparked Concern Online
Images from Violet’s outing with her mother quickly circulated online, sparking mixed reactions from netizens, with many bringing up her UN speech.
One individual on X wrote, “I feel sympathy for people like her. They were young, and elites used COVID to warp their minds.”
Another critic stated, “Hollywood is an infection. They put out slop propaganda, then spawn liberal weirdos that have money to try to destroy society.”
“Who allows their child to give a batsh-t crazy lecture to the UN and be mocked by the world?” a third asked, taking aim at the 20-year-old’s parents.
Amid the criticism, Violet received some support from people telling critics to leave her alone: “Jesus Christ!! Leave the girl alone. It’s her business when and if she wears a mask. She is a beautiful, intelligent young woman.”
Why Ben Affleck’s Daughter Consistently Wears A Mask In Public
Despite her firm commitment to wearing masks whenever she’s out in public, internet speculation tends to chalk up her actions to a desire for personal privacy.
However, reports confirmed that the 20-year-old’s habit stems from a severe post-viral illness she contracted in 2019.
Since dealing with that medical crisis, she has consistently worn a face mask during everyday public outings, including casual trips with her family.
Violet solidified her dedication to public health advocacy in September 2025 when she addressed the United Nations, demanding a reinstatement of mandatory face coverings.
During her impassioned speech, the clean-air advocate warned that people have abandoned protective masks too quickly.
She emphasized that COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat to global health and should be taken more seriously.
“It is neglect of the highest order to look children in the eyes and say: ‘We knew how to protect you, and we didn’t do it,’” she told the UN, per the Daily Mail.
She continued, “For adults, the relentless beat of ‘back to normal,’ ignoring, downplaying, and concealing both the prevalence of airborne transmission and the threat of Long Covid manifested in a series of choices […] Our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes.”
“My hope for this event and my belief in this community pressed on the belief that we can, and we must do that again,” Violet added. “We can recognize filtered air as a human right, as intuitively as we do filtered water.”
Ben Affleck Called His Daughter Violet ‘Spectacular’
Although Violet gets a lot of flak online for her mask advocacy, her father Affleck has frequently expressed his admiration for her.
During a conversation with Access Hollywood, the Oscar winner praised his daughter as “spectacular” and noted how much she “takes after” her mother.
He also opened up about his seamless co-parenting dynamic with Garner, emphasizing how effortless she makes the partnership.
According to Hola, Affleck shared: “I’m very lucky that I’ve got a great partner and we’ve got great kids. It’s the joy of my life, and I’m just very, very lucky. And it makes me happy every day.”
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Revisit the days of Bill Nye and “The Big Comfy Couch” and find out where your fave show lands.
Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have taken a big step in their coparenting journey with their daughter, Scottie Rose.
A source confirmed to Us on Friday, July 31, that the pair have reached “a joint agreement pertaining to their child.”
“We are cooperatively coparenting our daughter whose well-being remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to working together to give her love from both of us,” the couple said in a joint statement via their reps to Us.
In December 2025, Davidson, 32, and Hewitt’s lives changed forever when they welcomed a baby girl. Scottie was named after Davidson’s late dad, a firefighter who died in the line of duty while responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
From on-again, off-again relationships to whirlwind engagements, Pete Davidson has had a rocky dating history. Following a brief engagement to Ariana Grande in 2018, Davidson didn’t turn his back on romance with fellow A-Listers. Davidson began romancing actress Margaret Qualley several months later until October 2019 before he rebounded with the likes of Kaia Gerber […]
News broke in May, however, that the couple split five months after becoming parents.
“They tried to make it work, but there were different stressors, including having a baby together as two people who didn’t yet know each other that well,” a source said at the time. “They are both trying to make it work and have made accommodations in their schedules for the baby.”
Hewitt, 30, raised eyebrows on May 16 when she claimed via TikTok that she was raising baby Scottie “on my own.”
Sources, however, later told Us that the claim was not true and Davidson was fully financially supporting Hewitt and their daughter.
Elsie Hewitt Courtesy of Elsie Hewitt/Instagram
“He’s very present in the baby’s life,” an insider previously told Us. “He wants nothing but the best for Elsie and he shoulders all of the financial costs, including the costs for Elsie, her rent and her health insurance. Elsie’s posts caught everyone around them off guard because they are simply not true.”
Over time, an insider revealed to Us that Davidson and Hewitt’s communication had “improved” and noted that the exes are “having productive conversations” in regards to coparenting.
“They’ve been working together on parenting,” the source added. “Pete has adjusted his schedule to be there for their daughter.”
As for the romantic aspect of their relationship, “Pete and Elsie both wanted [the relationship] to work and it didn’t.”
Pete Davidson and model Elsie Hewitt kept their relationship relatively low-key before their 2026 breakup. After the pair were spotted together on multiple occasions in March 2025, Us Weekly confirmed that they were dating. Weeks earlier, Hewitt gave a clue about her romantic life. “It’s actually so simple, like, I just want somebody who is […]
Relationships aside, Davidson remains hard at work transforming into mob killer Tommy Pitera for the upcoming crime-thriller Tommy Karate.
As for Hewitt, she has continued her advocacy work and explored acting while spending plenty of time with her daughter.
“My lil strawberry’s first time swimming,” Hewitt wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 30, when documenting her daughter’s trip to the pool. “My heart’s millionth time exploding🍓🍓🫀🫀💓🧑🧒♥️.”
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