It’s not always easy to get dressed this time of year due to the constant temperature changes. That’s why we love a short-sleeve knit top that’s incredibly versatile and has a way of being flowy yet cozy at the same time. Consider it the short-sleeve version of your favorite sweater that you packed away until fall rolls around!

The Petal & Pup Mariana Knit Sweater Vest was designed to have a slouchy, body-skimming fit, so it’s slimming and confidence boosting. The sweater-like feel offers that coziness you miss now that the weather is warming up. Plus, it’s made from supersoft yarns, so it’s not an itchy knit that you’ll be pining to take off. At 25% off, we’re grabbing every color!

Get the Petal & Pup Mariana Knit Sweater Vest for $44 (originally $59) at Nordstrom!

Our favorite thing about this short-sleeve, V-neck sweater is that you can style it in various ways. When you want an easy option, just wear it buttoned up as a top. But if you’re looking for a more involved look, unbutton it and use it as a cute layer. It helps that it has a flowy, effortless silhouette, so it doesn’t feel restrictive or annoying to pair with other tops.

Related: Short-Sleeve Sweaters Are a Winter-to-Spring MVP — 17 Must-Have Styles

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Getting dressed during that in-between stretch from winter to spring can feel like a daily guessing game. One minute it’s chilly, and the next it’s surprisingly warm, which makes heavy knits and flimsy tees equally frustrating. That’s where short-sleeve sweaters quietly save the day, offering just the right amount of warmth, while still feeling light […]

With three light neutral hues to choose from, including sage, pale blue, cream and lemon, we appreciate that this Petal & Pup knit top adds a hint of color to our wardrobe without feeling overpowering. The buttons blend in with the fabric, creating a cohesive look.

Our minds are already thinking of all the different ways to wear this short-sleeve sweater. It can be buttoned up and paired with jeans, or it can stay open and sit on top of a sleeveless dress. This top is as appropriate for the weekends as it is for work, so you’ll get plenty of miles out of it. If you ask us, its versatility makes it worth the $44 price tag at Nordstrom.

The key to dressing in the springtime is layers, and the key to summertime style is lightweight pieces. This knit top covers both points, so we’ll be wearing it quite often these next few months.

Get the Petal & Pup Mariana Knit Sweater Vest for $44 (originally $59) at Nordstrom!

They got a text — and found love in the Love Island USA villa.

The beloved British dating show made its way across the pond in 2019, following a crop of American bombshells searching for The One in a luxury tropical villa.

In season 1, eventual winners Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli had a connection too special to ignore.

“We kept checking off each other’s boxes.” Elizabeth exclusively told Us Weekly in August 2019. “I think we just had those sparks from the very first moment.”

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To celebrate their victory, Elizabeth and Zac planned to visit one another’s family. “With the prize money, we may take a trip to Europe,” she told Us. “I’ve never been, and I really want to go. Nothing’s set in stone, but then we may move out to L.A. eventually.”

While Elizabeth and Zac ultimately called it quits several months later, other couples including season 5’s Hannah Wright and Marco Donatelli are still going strong.

Keep scrolling to check in with the Love Island USA bombshells:

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jennifer Fessler shut down the speculation about her alleged relationship status with Summer House’s West Wilson.

“In all seriousness, and while I can’t help but be a little flattered, it is not nice nor is it OK to post something categorically untrue and defamatory on social media,” Fessler, 57, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, May 9. “Regardless of whatever rumors or apparent ‘evidence’ led you to that conclusion, that is the definition of libel.”

She continued, “If it were true, I would have no recourse. Because it’s a lie, this can get more complicated. Having said that, I hope we can rectify this. It’s enough now.”

Fessler was asked about Wilson’s Summer House scandal at Vulture’s The Masterminds of Reality TV event on Thursday, May 7. (Wilson, 31, announced in March that he started dating costar Amanda Batula despite previously romancing her BFF Ciara Miller.)

Related: Ciara Miller Seemingly Reacts After West and Jen Fessler Deny Hookup

Ciara Miller seemingly has weighed in after West Wilson and Jennifer Fessler refuted her hookup claims. Miller, 30, reposted a Summer House still of Amanda Batula via Threads on Friday, May 8, in which the original caption read, “If I send this to you I’m about to lie straight to your face.” Hours earlier, Miller […]

“[West] is the cutest, sweetest golden retriever puppy dog. He does not mean any harm,” Fessler told Page Six on the red carpet. “He didn’t mean it. He’s just trying to have a good time. He doesn’t wanna hurt anyone. Give him a break.”

After a fan shared Fessler’s comments via Threads on Friday, May 8, Miller, 30, replied, “lol because they slept together too.”

Jennifer, who has been married to husband Jeff Fessler since 1999, and Wilson have both denied the accusations.

Wilson caused a stir amongst the Bravoverse when he confirmed his romance with Batula, 34, just months after she separated from husband Kyle Cooke.

“It was never our intention to purposely hide anything,” Wilson and Batula said in a joint March 31 statement. “Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

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Related: RHONJ’s Jenn Fessler Explains ‘Messy’ Video With Summer House’s West Wilson

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jenn Fessler is weighing in on her viral video with “Messy Wessy” — otherwise known as Summer House star West Wilson. “I posted that really quickly. I should have thought that through,” Jenn, 53, told Us Weekly exclusively. The Instagram video, posted on Wednesday, May 29, showed West, […]

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They continued at the time, “We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected,” they continued. “Our connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

Miller claimed that she was blindsided by Wilson and Batula’s romance and social media statement.

“At the end of the day, a guy’s a guy. Whether or not West and I are working on a relationship, you just can’t put anything past a man,” Miller told Glamour last month. “I just never would think that it would come from someone like Amanda, who has been what has felt like in my circle and in my corner for so long. I think that’s the craziest part.”

Meryl Streep has been making the rounds promoting her film The Devil Wears Prada 2 — and her outfits have not disappointed yet. She channeled her commanding character, Miranda Priestly, with a red-heavy look. Immediately, our eyes went to her red slingback heels, which instantly convinced us we needed a pair of our own.

While out in New York City, Streep wore her fiery footwear with a matching red trench coat, striped button-up shirt, neutral pants, dark bag and dark red sunglasses. It turns out that it wasn’t hard to find a similar heel that gives that same sexy appearance. The 2-inch Pennysue Slingback Kitten Heels are a $36 Walmart find that gives that same no-nonsense vibe as Priestly.

Get the Pennysue Slingback Kitten Heels for $36 at Walmart!

We might actually like the Pennysue heels more than Streep’s, thanks to the low kitten heel height that makes them super comfortable to wear. The slingback strap is adjustable, so it’ll hold your feet in place securely. The toe is just pointed enough without making it difficult for all your toes to fit nicely inside. A win all around.

The fire engine red color gives that bold feel, but this Walmart find comes in a range of colors. The black (available in both faux leather and suede), white and nude are ideal for everyday styling. But the hot pink, gold glitter, silver glitter and metal silver really spice up an outfit or work well with nighttime occasions.

Walmart shoppers agree that these heels are reasonably priced while offering great quality. The lower heel height is also ideal for everyday wear.

“I love these shoes. They are perfect! Comfortable heels and great price. True to size. I bought size 8, and they fit perfect[ly]. I am happy with the purchase. Buy them!” one happy reviewer wrote.

“These are really pretty shoes. I like the fact [that] the heel is not very high. It makes them easier to walk in. Also, the strap on the back heel makes the shoe more secure on your foot, so the shoe doesn’t slip off. I got the silver pair, but I will probably be ordering another color,” a verified purchaser said.

If Streep, aka Priestly, says that red slingbacks need to be in our wardrobes, who are we to question it?

Get the Pennysue Slingback Kitten Heels for $36 at Walmart!

Related: These Comfy Slingback Heels Are Stylish, Cushioned and All Under $80

We love a killer heel moment as much as the next fashion lover, but sometimes stilettos just aren’t practical — especially when you’re running from work to dinner, or dancing away at a wedding. Enter: slingback heels. These chic shoes give you all the height and polish but no pinched toes or wobbly arches. Even […]

Seth Rogen and Jon Stewart are not letting Kanye West‘s comeback slide quietly.

As the “Praise God” hitmaker attempts to rebuild his career with a string of international performances, his return has been met with mixed reactions.

While thousands of fans have continued to show up for his concerts in the United States, several countries, and organizations have pushed back over his past antisemitic remarks.

Now, Rogen and Stewart are openly tearing into West’s attempted return to the spotlight.

During Wednesday night’s appearance at The Greek Theatre for the “Netflix Is A Joke” festival, Rogen and Stewart held nothing back when addressing West.

Rogen kicked off his monologue by joking about the festival’s lineup, quipping that even West had managed to secure a spot. 

The comedian then criticized the rapper’s ability to continue drawing massive crowds despite the backlash over his past comments.

“He had a song called ‘Heil Hitler,’ and he’s back,” Rogen said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “What’s funny is I’ve said critical things about Jewish people; I think I got in more trouble than Kanye West did.”

Rogen also joked that Adolf Hitler himself would probably be “torn” over Ye. Stewart later continued the criticism during his own set, directly condemning West.

“But seriously, f*** that guy,” Stewart declared. “He was like, ‘Hitler was misunderstood, we’ve got to forgive Hitler.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t think I need to listen to anybody who thinks Hitler needs to be forgiven, but is still mad at Pete Davidson.’”

Kanye West’s Italy Show Is Facing Calls For Cancellation

While Rogen and Stewart continue criticizing the rapper, West is also facing mounting resistance overseas.

The artist is scheduled to headline the Hellwat Festival at RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on July 18, but calls to cancel the event are intensifying. 

According to The Blast, local Jewish organizations, anti-fascist groups, trade unions, and politicians have all reportedly opposed the performance.

Critics argue that hosting West in the city would clash with Reggio Emilia’s historic legacy of resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. The city received Italy’s Gold Medal for Military Valor in 1950, and many residents believe allowing Ye to perform would disrespect that history.

The Rapper Attempted To Amend His Ways Amid Setbacks 

Other of West’s planned shows have already encountered other setbacks tied to his controversial history. 

Ahead of a scheduled concert in Marseille, France, the French government, much like the UK previously, was unwilling to welcome the “Runaway” singer.

Despite this, the 48-year-old has made attempts at redemption and to get back in the good graces of the Jewish community. 

The Blast reported that he was seen a few weeks ago leaving the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Beverly Hills. The center is a Jewish human rights organization. A video showed him walking out quietly, avoiding conversation with paparazzi, and getting straight into his car.

Kanye West’s Apology And Reason For Controversial Remarks 

As part of his attempt to move forward, West has also publicly apologized for his past actions and explained his behavior.

According to The Blast, he bought a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal where he admitted his past actions were tied to struggles with bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” he wrote. “I love Jewish people.”

He explained that his difficulties go back years, claiming doctors failed to properly diagnose a frontal-lobe injury he suffered in a 2002 car crash while he was growing up. He said the unresolved issues contributed to destructive behavior and acknowledged that his comments caused harm.

Medical Experts Weighed In On West’s Explanation

Following West’s statement, medical professionals weighed in on whether bipolar disorder could contribute to extreme or erratic behavior.

As The Blast reported, Professor David Curtis from UCL Genetics Institute noted that people with severe bipolar disorder can sometimes behave in ways that are completely out of character.

 He explained that during manic episodes, individuals may become impulsive, reckless, or even psychotic, and their actions can be unpredictable. 

Curtis added that what the Grammy Winner described matches the symptoms of bipolar disorder and doesn’t necessarily point to antisemitic beliefs or extremist ideology.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 5 seconds ago

Sometimes, all you need to stay grounded in a sci-fi flick set in the not-so-distant future is an insanely relatable character you can identify with. 2018’s Mute misses the mark here, as its protagonist is a former Amish boy with no vocal cords living in 2035 Berlin. The whole setting resembles Blade Runner, but if Harrison Ford knew how to build furniture and raise barns.

On one hand, I kind of get it. A technologically averse Amish man living in a hyper-futuristic society is the perfect allegory for never being able to return home, and there’s something to be said about that. But this movie also takes over two hours to lay out its convoluted, overlapping plot lines, making it incredibly hard to stay invested despite its immersive, neo-noir cyberpunk visuals.

While Mute is technically a follow-up to writer-director Duncan Jones’ 2009 hard sci-fi masterpiece, Moon, it functions almost entirely as a standalone film that just so happens to occupy the same universe. There are some Easter eggs in Mute that nod to the first film, but they’re subtle and don’t necessarily enhance the storytelling in any meaningful way. If you blink, you’ll miss them, and if you miss them, you won’t even know what you’re missing out on.

Which is a total shame, because Moon is an infinitely superior movie, and Mute is just “meh.”

Leo Spends His Adult Life, Away From Amish Paradise! 

Set in the year 2035, Mute introduces us to Leo (Alexander Skarsgard), a bartender working in Berlin who, thanks to a brutal childhood injury, no longer has vocal cords. He’s a true analog man in the sense that he’s formerly Amish, meaning he has serious apprehensions about modern technology. Despite this, he’s a productive member of society who shows up to work as a bartender, every day without fail. Also working at the bar is Leo’s girlfriend, Naadirah (Seyneb Saleh), who’s holding onto some sort of secret that will eventually blow up in everybody’s face.

Leo and Naadirah seem to have a great relationship, but things completely unravel when Naadirah disappears after Leo gets into a fight with one of their regular customers, Stuart (Noel Clarke), who gets a little too handsy with her even after she tells him how uncomfortable he’s making her.

Now that we have the main storyline out of the way, here’s where Mute loses the plot in the most unfortunate way. We’re introduced to Cactus Bill (Paul Rudd) and Duck (Justin Theroux), two black-market surgeons who get a ton of backstory that at first seems like a non sequitur, but it basically boils down to this: Bill is trying to leave Berlin with his daughter Josie (Mia-Sophie), while Duck wants to stick around because he has a side business that fuels some of his darker desires.

These storylines run separately for way too long before eventually converging in a way that finally makes sense. And trust me, there is a decent payoff here, but by the time it arrives, it feels like a too-little-too-late scenario. Paul Rudd goes dark here, and it’s a refreshing change of pace considering he was knee-deep in Ant-Man movies around this time. Cactus Bill and Duck’s relationship is a complex one, but most of their conversations stay frustratingly surface-level. That’s unfortunate because there’s clearly a lot of depth here that never fully gets explored, even though you can tell there’s plenty beneath the surface that needs unpacking.

Mute Is Neat To Look At, Moon Is 1000% Better

While there are some neat little Easter eggs that nod to Moon in Mute, namely references to the company Lunar Industries, you don’t need to watch both films together, and they can absolutely be treated as separate entities thematically. Moon spends all of its time in isolation, and it’s a story about ego death and clinging to humanity in a place where there is none. Mute is basically Blade Runner with more of a neo-noir bent.

Visually, Mute is absolutely stunning and ridiculously fun to look at. While I wasn’t a fan of the storytelling, the scenery is sprawling, complex, intrusive, and overstimulating in the best possible ways. It really feels like a futuristic hellhole I’m glad not to be living in, but it’s also clearly wearing its influences on its sleeve. However, this was Jones’ intention, meaning he was likely going for more of a homage than a straight-up style study, which is exactly how the film plays out.

Mute, compared to its brilliantly executed predecessor, is underwhelming on the storytelling front but still a visual feast full of neon-drenched cityscapes. I’ll probably throw this one on again in the future while doing idle activities like drawing, occasionally looking up just to soak in the scenery.

On a narrative level, though, this one really didn’t do much for me outside of making me wish the two main storylines intersected in a more meaningful way. It feels like two completely different movies playing side by side for most of the first two acts, which makes me wonder if there’s a more cohesive director’s cut floating around somewhere that fills in these narrative gaps.

Mute is a Netflix Original and can be streamed with an active subscription.

By Chris Sawin
| Published 47 seconds ago

Bear (Michael Johnston) has a crush on his childhood friend and co-worker Nikki (Inde Navarrette). It’s not just a little crush, as Bear has been in love with Nikki for as long as he can remember, but he can’t tell her how he feels. His best friend Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and his girlfriend Sarah (Megan Lawless) encourage him to just tell Nikki how he feels, but he never capitalizes on the opportunity.

The four of them work at a music store together, and Nikki tells Bear she’s going to put in her two weeks because it feels like the right time to move on. One night, Bear is supposed to meet his friends for drinks, but stops at a new-age shop to get Nikki a gift. He winds up getting a One Wish Willow, a gag toy that seemingly grants wishes.

After Bear fumbles what is perhaps the widest opening anyone could have to tell their crush that they have feelings for them, he uses the One Wish Willow himself and wishes that Nikki loved him more than anyone in the world. Unfortunately for him, the toy actually grants his wish, but he never could have imagined the weight of a wish that heavy.  

Curry Barker’s Obsession Was Inspired By The Simpsons

This is Obsession, Curry Barker’s first theatrical feature film. He got his start on YouTube with Cooper Tomlinson as a part of the sketch comedy duo “that’s a bad idea.” In addition to comedy shorts, Barker also dabbled in horror. His directorial debut, Milk & Serial, was made in four months on an $800 budget. The film was released for free on YouTube, went viral, and is the reason Barker is a film director today.

Obsession was initially inspired by the “Treehouse of Horror II” episode of The Simpsons, specifically the segment where Bart finds a monkey’s paw that grants wishes. Conceptually, Obsession is a lot like Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey. Both films are about a cursed item or toy that does exactly what it’s advertised to do. But whereas Perkins’s film is practically built around a cast of asshole characters, essentially bridging the gap between unbelievable deaths, Obsession has a more coherent story; most of the characters are still selfish assholes, but the gore feels earned.

Deep Into Unrestrained Madness

For the first hour of Obsession, the film is mostly driven by dialogue that explores how the wish has affected Nikki, and by the slow reveal of just how deep into unrestrained madness Nikki has been thrust. It’s also safe to say that Inde Navarrette’s performance will make or break your opinion of the film. It’s a tricky situation because Navarrette does a stellar job of bringing this insanity to life, but there’s no arguing that she’s annoying as hell.

On one hand, that is kind of the point of Bear’s wish; that he’s bitten off more than he can chew, and we as the audience have to pay for that in some regard. But Navarrette’s screeching tantrums, as Nikki’s overwhelming clinginess overshadows the undeniable creepiness, unexpected moments of humor, and any other positive qualities this tiny $1 million supernatural horror film has.

What Obsession gets right about Nikki is that there seem to be momentary lapses with the wish where she regains control and has just enough time to scream, “What the f— am I doing” before jolting right back into Bear worship mode. Nikki’s reactions in the film are what keep it interesting. You never know how far she’s going to go because just when you think she’s crossed a line, she surpasses it in the next scene. This film treats Bear’s cat as if it’s auditioning for Bernie in Weekend at Bernie’s, and most of that is Nikki’s doing.

In addition to acting erratically and violently, Nikki basically starts glitching as if the wish is altering her perception of reality. Bear wakes up in the middle of the night to find Nikki standing in the far corner of the bedroom, hiding behind furniture in the darkness. She begins yelling and doing strange things with a flower vase before moving around the room unnaturally.

At Its Nastiest In Its Last Thirty Minutes

As mentioned previously, Obsession rides on dialogue and unsettling behavior for its first hour. This is noteworthy because the bright red movie standee for Obsession at the theater featured a quote calling the film a blood bath. Obsession is at its nastiest in its last 20-30 minutes. Without spoiling too much, Nikki really only mutilates two things throughout the film; herself, not included. She likes to come back around to the things she’s destroyed. Maybe it’s because there are things that Bear enjoyed that weren’t hers.

But that nastiness isn’t just referring to the blood spilled in Obsession. Bear’s friends reveal their true nature near the end of the film, and it’s at a pivotal moment in the story. Bear figures out a way to break the wish, but one of his friends lets him down big time. The film takes a huge swing with its finale, as its final moments are incredible. It’s bleak and devastating, but it’s also something the film builds up from the moment Bear walks into the store inquiring about the One Wish Willow.

Curry Barker has crafted something mostly special for an almost non-existent budget. The story is compelling, the acting is solid, and Obsession feels like a breath of fresh air in comparison to similar horror films. However, it’s disappointing that one shrill character trait nearly ruins the entire film. It’s because of this that Obsession will have to settle for being a well-made, well-written film dominated by one aggressively irritating character, which will hinder future rewatches much like Frank Darabont’s The Mist.

Obsession will be released in theaters on May 15 through Focus Features.

No matter how good your foundation is, makeup never seems to sit quite right when dry patches, peach fuzz and uneven texture get in the way. That’s exactly why I started dermaplaning. This under-the-radar beauty tool leaves my skin noticeably smoother and makes makeup look flawless afterward.

Right now, my favorite dermaplaning tool is on sale on Amazon during the Summer Beauty Event, making it an ideal time to try it yourself. Unlike disposable facial razors that can feel harsh or flimsy, this tool uses sonic technology to gently exfoliate skin while removing peach fuzz in the process. The result is softer, smoother skin that gives makeup a more seamless, airbrushed appearance — and honestly, it’s become one of those beauty tools I wish I’d discovered sooner.

Get the dermaplaning for $85 (was $121) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

One of the biggest reasons I keep reaching for this hair removal tool is how easy it makes my skincare and makeup routine feel. Dermaplaning helps remove buildup and dead skin cells that can make products apply unevenly, so serums absorb better and foundation glides on much more smoothly. It’s the kind of difference you notice immediately after using it.

Another standout feature is that the system feels much more elevated than basic facial razors. The sonic-powered motion helps the blade move gently across skin without tugging, while the ergonomic handle makes it easy to maneuver around tricky areas like the jawline and upper lip. I also appreciate that it gives professional-style results at home without the hassle or expense of booking regular appointments.

Shoppers say the results speak for themselves. One reviewer shared how easy it is to use, even if you’ve never dermaplaned before. “The vibration makes it feel much safer and more controlled compared to regular razors,” they said.

Another fan called this beauty tool a “game-changer,” adding: “My makeup applies so much better, and my skincare absorbs more effectively. It’s easy to use, feels safe, and gives me that fresh, at-home glow every time. Definitely worth it if you want smoother, more radiant skin.”

If you’ve been searching for a simple way to upgrade your skincare and makeup routine, this surprisingly effective beauty tool is absolutely worth adding to your cart, especially while it’s still on sale!

Get the Michael Todd Sonicsmooth Dermaplaning System for $85 (was $121) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more beauty tools and skincare devices here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Brooke Shields’ Favorite Lash Serum Is on Rare Sale (And Will Sell Out)

Brooke Shields has a beauty secret she swears by — and right now, it’s finally on sale. The Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum is discounted during Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event running now through May 10, making it the perfect time to snag the viral lash serum before it inevitably sells out. In an interview […]

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 hour ago

One of the things that we older Star Wars nerds can never stop talking about is how cool it was to be a fan in the ‘90s. Sure, we hadn’t had a new movie since 1983, but that didn’t matter because of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.

We had an entire galaxy of books, comics, and games taking place in our favorite galaxy, far, far away. Even better, all of it was (at the time) canonical, so each new piece of media added to this amazing sci-fi universe.

There were a few scattered books before it, like Alan Dean Foster’s Spinter of the Mind’s Eye, but the Star Wars EU officially kicked off with Heir to the Empire, the first in a trilogy of books by acclaimed author Timothy Zahn. This book introduced fan-favorite new characters like Mara Jade and Grand Admiral Thrawn, and this novel is generally considered one of the best bits of Star Wars literature ever made.

Sadly, Disney decanonized the EU and made so many wonky changes to the lore that adapting the book into a film or show is now impossible. Fortunately, that hasn’t kept fans from making their own fully animated, fully voiced adaptation of Heir to the Empire that you can now watch for free on YouTube.

Here it is…

There Is Another

What is Heir to the Empire about? Princess Leia is trying to hold the New Republic together in the face of a new threat: an Imperial Grand Admiral named Thrawn who has rallied the rest of the Empire under his command. Even worse, he has recruited an insane Dark Jedi to his cause. Whether the New Republic will prevail may depend entirely on Jedi hero Luke Skywalker, but he’s got his own problems. Namely, a mysterious woman named Mara Jade who used to work for the Emperor and is obsessed with his last command: killing Luke Skywalker, once and for all. 

Disney decanonized the EU many years ago, and while they brought Grand Admiral Thrawn back, they’ve made too many changes to franchise lore to accurately adapt Heir to the Empire into a movie or TV show. Fortunately, that didn’t keep a group of dedicated fans from doing it themselves. Recently, user DarthAngelus uploaded an ambitious adaptation of Timothy Zahn’s famous novel to YouTube. The entire thing is fully computer-animated and features a complete voice cast. Even better, the whole thing is clanker-free: the entire movie was made without using AI.

A Shockingly Good Fan Film

As a super-fan of Heir to the Empire, I was shocked at how great this fan film is. The animation is very smooth, and the movie does a great job of adapting everything from Luke Skywalker’s battle with a small army of Stormtroopers to the inevitable major space battle climax. Considering these events are almost certainly never going to be adapted by Disney, it’s awesome that fans took the time to bring such a great story to startling life. The fact that they did so without AI is just the cherry on top of a particularly tasty sundae.

Now, this fan film obviously isn’t perfect. Some of the voice actors do a better job than others, and some of the character designs are more than a bit unconventional for both mainstream Star Wars characters and those introduced in Heir to the Empire. But the good far, far outweighs the bad: most designs are great, the animation is smooth, and the acting is (quite frankly) far better than you’d expect from a fan film. Throw in the fact that you can watch it completely for free, and there’s basically no reason Star Wars fans shouldn’t check out this ambitious production.

You’re just one click away from watching Heir to the Empire for free on YouTube. With any luck, enough people will check out this amazing fan film that it will encourage DarthAngelus and other creators to make more of their own movies and even shows. Collectively, the fandom might be able to do what Disney has had trouble doing for over a decade: creating good Star Wars content!

Whew! Looks like the back-and-forth between Blueface and Chrisean Rock is far from over. The former couple has already kept the internet talking for years, but now Blueface is making even more explosive claims about their relationship and Chrisean Jr.

And what he says was really happening behind the scenes has people shook.