DC Studios has had a relatively quiet year in 2026 so far, but that’s all going to change later this month with the launch of the next feature film, Supergirl. Starring Milly Alcock, who first made her debut in Superman last year, Supergirl also features other big stars like Jason Momoa as Lobo and Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills. The DCU future — both on the big and small screen — is also bright in the months and years beyond Supergirl. The HBO original series Lanterns, starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, is coming on August 16. Pierre is also confirmed to reprise his role as John Stewart in the 2027 DC tentpole, Man of Tomorrow, led by David Corenswet as the Man of Steel and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

While there is a new Batman movie in the works at the DCU, different from The Batman Part II shooting under director Matt Reeves right now, there’s another Batman-adjacent project confirmed for release in theaters on June 30, 2028. Back in 2024, DC announced it was working on a Dynamic Duo movie, which would follow the origins of the first Robins, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Casting for the film is still being kept under wraps, but Arthur Mintz has been tapped to direct with a script from Matthew Aldrich, Scott Neustadter, and Michael H. Weber.

Collider’s Steve Weintraub recently attended a DC Studios panel at Annecy Film Festival in France, where the first footage from Dynamic Duo was shown. The footage confirms that not only will Dick and Jason go by the film’s title, Dynamic Duo, but it’s also a new type of animated movie, leaning more into puppets than digital animation. It’s even being compared to the Spider-Verse films, not due to the similarities in animation, but because it is so original that there isn’t anything to compare it to. A version of Red Hood inspired by the Killing Joke comic will also appear in the film. Both Dick and Grayson will be 15 years old, and while the story centers around Dick teaming up with Batman to save his best friend, one of them will choose Red Hood and the other will choose Batman at the end of the film, leading them down wildly different paths.

What Do We Know About the DCU’s Batman Movie?

Very little is known about the DCU’s Batman movie at this time, other than that it will be directed by Andy Muschietti, who recently worked on The Flash and IT: Welcome to Derry. The film has been in development for years now, and while it was once thought that Batman would have a key role in the early days of the DCU, it seems more likely now that he will be introduced at a later phase. The DCU’s Batman movie will feature an older Bruce Wayne, which has led fans to push for the casting of stars such as Jensen Ackles or Alan Ritchson in the lead role, instead of a younger, less established actor.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Dynamic Duo, which will be released in theaters on June 30, 2028.

Influencer Sue Rose has given birth to her fifth child, a baby girl, with husband Josh Vida.

Rose told People on Saturday, June 20, that she went into induced labor on Tuesday, June 16, welcoming daughter Melody Gisela Rose.

“After four boys, we are having a girl, and she has made sure to stand out,” the influencer told the outlet. “I always went into labor on my own, but I had developed gestational hypertension and my doctors surprised me with an induction date.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is when a pregnant person experiences high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Related: Influencer Babies of 2026: Sue Rose and More Stars Who Gave Birth in 2026

Some of the internet’s biggest faces expanded their families this year. 2026 began with influencers Haley and MonDarius Black welcoming their first baby together, daughter Leilani Noel Black, after previously suffering a pregnancy loss. The next month, influencer Dani Austin and husband Jordan Ramirez added their fourth child, while Emily Stomauk and Michael Justin later […]

“We were nervous, since I had never been induced, but the process and delivery couldn’t have been better and welcoming our little girl into this world has felt like a dream,” she added.

Melody, who was originally due in July, weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces at birth. In an Instagram Story on Sunday, June 20, Rose revealed that the little one’s middle name — Gisela — is inspired by her grandmother. “She passed away and I’ve always wanted to honor her in that way because she was such a big part of my life!” Rose wrote.

Rose and Vida are already parents to four boys: Leander, Mason, Jayden and Charlie.

Rose announced her pregnancy with baby no. 5 back in December, telling People, “We have four beautiful boys and last year, we just happened to put a baby onesie underneath the tree. This Christmas, our wish is coming true.”

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Related: Celebrity Pregnancy Announcements of 2026: Gordon Ramsay’s Daughter, More

Many stars are expanding their families in 2026. Actresses Bonnie Wright and Aubrey Plaza revealed in April that they are both pregnant. That same month, Natalie Portman announced that she is expecting baby No. 3, her first with partner Tanguy Destable. The next month, Princess Eugenie shared the news that she is expecting her third […]

“We went from a long distance (Germany to the U.S.) to creating a beautiful family of now soon to be 7. Baby 5 is due in 2026 in July, and we couldn’t be happier to grow our family!” she said at the time.

In February, Rose revealed the “surreal” news that she and Vida would be welcoming their first girl.

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“We honestly still can’t believe that we’re having a girl after four boys. At my last doctor’s appointment, my own doctor even told me ‘the odds were against us,’ so this just feels surreal,” she said.

“I grew up always seeing myself as a girl mom, then we became parents to the most loving and amazing boys that treat me like a queen, and we are just so excited for them to be big brothers to a sister, as all [of the] boys always have asked for a sister,” Rose added.

The influencer shared, “Josh and I are super excited to step into the ‘girl parents’ world and have that dream come true. She definitely completes the family!”

Procedurals live and die by their formulas. For instance, a crime happens, the team investigates, the bad guy gets caught, then roll credits, and repeat next week. This is the key reason many series within a single genre can seem so alike: the cases may differ, but the people who solve them don’t often change. Characters become vehicles for exposition rather than the reason viewers tune in.

It’s a problem plenty of procedurals still struggle with, but NCIS: Los Angeles figured out the solution years ago. Instead of making audiences care about the case first and the characters second, the long-running spinoff flipped the equation. The investigations were important, but they were rarely the reason fans kept coming back for 14 seasons.

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Made Viewers Care About the Team More Than the Cases

Image via CBS.

From the beginning, NCIS: Los Angeles understood that its greatest strength wasn’t terrorism plots or undercover operations. It was the people sitting around the Ops Center. The original NCIS thrived on its ensemble, but NCIS: LA built something that felt slightly different. The Office of Special Projects felt like a family from the first moment.

G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) formed the emotional backbone of the series. While Gibbs (Mark Harmon) often served as a mentor figure on the flagship series, Callen and Sam felt more like brothers, and their banter never came across as competition. The mutual trust, constant teasing, and warmth among all involved were key to creating an atmosphere that set NCIS:LA apart from other shows of its kind.

The glueof this, of course, was Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), the mysterious operations manager who was actually the head of the team butacted much more like a parental figure to them. The bonds she developed with Callen, Sam, Kensi (Daniela Ruah), Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), Eric (Barrett Foa), and Nell (Renée Felice Smith) gave the series an emotional anchor that was much more than just answering a crime each week.

Even with the absurdity of some of the scripts (and NCIS:LA had some very outlandish plots and some of the most outrageous action ever seen on television—which was incredibly refreshing), people were still willing to go along for the ride because they were invested in the characters. Plenty of procedurals ask audiences to invest in the mystery, while NCIS: Los Angeles had them count on investing in the team.

Callen, Sam, and Hetty Created One of Television’s Best Found Families

Image via CBS

One of the biggest differences between NCIS: Los Angeles and other procedurals was its lack of rigid hierarchy. Yes, Callen led the field team, and yes, Hetty was in charge, but relationships inside OSP felt remarkably casual. Characters teased one another, protected one another, and genuinely enjoyed spending time together, and naturally, that chemistry became the show’s secret weapon.

Eric and Nell evolved from co-workers into one of television’s sweetest couples, while Granger’s (Miguel Ferrer) initially frosty relationship with the team gradually transformed into mutual respect and affection. Later additions like Fatima Namazi (Medalion Rahimi) and Devin Rountree (Caleb Castielle) slipped naturally into the dynamic rather than feeling like replacements for Nell and Eric, who departed the show in later seasons and only returned for guest appearances thereafter.

Most importantly, however, the series allowed these relationships to evolve. Callen’s decades-long search for identity remained one of the show’s longest-running arcs, Sam navigated marriage, fatherhood, and loss, and Hetty’s mysterious past slowly unfolded over the years. Characters came and went, but the emotional continuity remained intact. Many procedurals essentially reset after every episode. NCIS: Los Angeles rarely did, showing that their actions had consequences, that relationships deepened, and that people changed.

Kensi and Deeks Proved Procedurals Could Handle Long-Term Romance

Image via CBS.

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Television has a long history of stretching romantic tension indefinitely. Shows spend years building couples up, only to lose momentum once they finally get together. Kensi and Deeks — a.k.a. Densi, to the shippers — never had that problem. Their relationship evolved gradually over more than a decade. Reluctant partners became friends, and friends became something more, until eventually, they married, became foster parents, and continued building a life together.

What made the pairing work wasn’t simply the chemistry between Ruah and Olsen, but it was also the writers’ willingness to let the relationship grow. The banter remained, and so too did the affection. Their romance became part of the show’s identity without overwhelming everything else around it.

More importantly, NCIS: Los Angeles understood that emotional stakes could be just as compelling as physical ones. Fans weren’t necessarily worried about whether Callen or Sam would survive every shootout. After 14 seasons, viewers knew better, but they cared deeply about how these experiences affected the people they had spent years getting to know. Would Callen finally find peace? Would Deeks and Kensi survive another difficult chapter? Would Hetty ever come home?

While many procedurals still treat characters as vehicles to solve the mystery, the CBS drama reversed the formula. The investigations gave the team something to do, but the relationships gave viewers a reason to care. Fourteen seasons later, that’s still the show’s greatest accomplishment, and one can only wish it were available to stream on platforms in the U.S. to live it again and again.

From sold-out tours and career-defining albums to a growing film career and a happy marriage, Charli XCX appears to be living through one of the most successful chapters of her life. 

However, behind the scenes, the pop star says the reality has been far more complicated. 

As she gears up to release her new album, Charli XCX is opening up about the mental health struggles that have followed her biggest professional highs, revealing that fame, online discussions, and years of nonstop momentum have left her feeling more overwhelmed than ever.

Charli XCX is entering a major new era, but she admits it has come at a personal price. 

The 33-year-old is preparing to release her upcoming album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” on July 24, following the massive cultural impact of her “Brat” album in 2024. 

The project transformed Charli into one of pop music’s defining voices and helped fuel a phenomenon that extended far beyond music. Yet while her career has reached new heights, Charli revealed that her personal reality looks very different.

Speaking candidly to Rolling Stone, the actress explained that growing anxiety forced her to reevaluate parts of her life.

“It’s just me trying to do what’s good for me, because it got to a place where my anxiety was physically affecting me, and I can’t actually proceed in life like that,” she said.

Charli Admits Online Discourse Became Overwhelming

One of the biggest changes Charli XCX has made involves stepping away from the internet.

For years, she built a reputation as one of pop music’s most online artists, often interacting directly with fans and participating in digital culture. Now, she says that constant exposure has become too much.

“The discourse is loud, and sometimes that can be very overwhelming,” she explained. As a result, Charli has significantly reduced her social media use and become far more selective about interviews and public appearances.

“I have actually been a lot more offline,” the “Speed Drive” singer shared, adding, “I don’t really look as much anymore. It’s just better for my brain.”

Charli acknowledged that some fans may find the change surprising. According to her, “I know people probably won’t believe me, because I am inherently, at least in the past, a very online artist.”

However, the decision wasn’t made lightly. It came after months of emotional strain that she felt was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Charli XCX Reveals She’s In The ‘Worst Place’ Mentally

Despite celebrating professional success and a happy marriage, Charli made perhaps her most shocking admission yet when discussing her current emotional state.

“But I recently have been really struggling with my mental health to the point where, if I’m being real, I’m in the worst place mentally that I’ve been in my life,” she revealed.

The Star also explained that even occasional exposure to online commentary can have a powerful effect on her mood.

Rather than brushing off criticism or public opinion, she admitted that her emotional responses have become increasingly difficult to manage.

“I’m finding my emotions are very, very volatile at the minute, I’ll be honest,” Charli shared. 

Charli Finds Support Through Family, Friends, And Therapy

As Charli XCX works through this challenging chapter, she says she has found comfort in the people closest to her.

The British songwriter is approaching her first wedding anniversary with husband George Daniel of The 1975 pop-rock band after the pair tied the knot last summer. 

Spending time with him and her close friends has helped her feel more grounded amid the chaos. Therapy has also become an important part of her routine.

Beyond her immediate circle, Charli revealed that The 1975 frontman Matty Healy has served as a sounding board when she needs support. “He was being… helpful in his way,” she said. 

Charli XCX Expands Beyond Music With New Creative Projects

Even amid her personal struggles, Charli shows no signs of slowing down creatively. For her latest album, she has experimented with a more band-driven sound, introducing fans to the lead single “Rock Music.”

However, Charli has been quick to reject attempts to place the record into a single category. She insists the project is not strictly a rock album and prefers not to define her music through genre labels.

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Beyond music, she is also rapidly expanding her acting career. Earlier this year, Charli appeared in the indie film “Erupcja” and attended the Sundance Film Festival while promoting three separate projects, including her mockumentary “The Moment.”

Her acting slate continues to grow as well. Upcoming projects include a role in Dakota Johnson’s directorial debut “A Tree Is Blue” and a remake of the 1978 horror film “Faces of Death.”

Chloe and Halle Bailey rose to fame as YouTube stars, singing covers of popular songs by Beyoncé and other famous musicians. Eventually, they traded YouTube for the bright lights of Hollywood, releasing full-length albums and starring in massive productions. Today, the sisters are reflecting on their lives as megawatt celebrities and sharing how they still find ways to support each other as the world pulls them in different directions.

Speaking with PEOPLE in early June, Chloe reflected on her and her sister’s growing careers at the premiere of Halle’s rom-com, “You, Me, & Tuscany.” The movie is set in Italy and follows a young cook who squats in an unoccupied Tuscan villa owned by a man she barely knows and later falls in love with his brother.

According to Chloe, she was more than happy to support her sister’s big day, saying, “Sis and I, we started doing everything together, so we’re each other’s safety blanket.” She added, “I was so happy to be there at the screening in L.A. to support her for her incredible rom-com.”

For Chloe, it’s “fun” to see her and her sister doing their own things while still running back to each other for comfort and support. “… it just makes when we come together that much more special,” she said.

Halle Bailey Talks About Getting Into Character For Her Role

Halle also spoke with the outlet about her role in the film as Anna Montgomery, an aspiring chef, and shared that she drew on a bit of her real-life experience to shape her character. She said she found a special connection with Montgomery because they’re both “young women trying to figure out life.”

“Sometimes you gotta fake it till you make it, but you get through it, and you get back up. And I love that about Anna, and I hope that people love that about her too when they watch the film,” she added.

Chloe Bailey Will Star In A New Peacock Thriller

Halle isn’t the only one acting, either. Over the years, Chloe has starred in ABC’s “Black-ish,” Prime Video’s “Swarm,” and will soon have a role in the Peacock thriller “Strung.” In the film, Chloe plays Laila, a talented musician who takes on a tutoring role for a rich family that causes more harm than good.

Although filming the movie was exciting for Chloe, she said it was also pretty spontaneous. “We didn’t know what we were going to get ourselves into until the day of, even though we did plan a lot and we had rehearsals and things. You just never know what the day might bring, and it was fun putting fake blood on. It was fun doing music another day, which is always my love. You never knew what you were gonna get,” she said.

What Are Some Things Chloe Bailey Is Working On In Her Life These Days?

Like her sister, Chloe saw similarities between herself and her character, but she said she’s working to improve every day. “So, that’s something I’m currently trying to work on, to not be as impulsive when it comes to my feelings,” she said.

The 27-year-old is also trying to be more disciplined, telling PEOPLE that her character in the film struggles with that characteristic from time to time. “I think she’s constantly in fight-or-flight mode, and you never know what you’re gonna get from her,” she added.

What Did Chloe Enjoy Most About Filming The Movie ‘Strung’?

During a separate interview with Extra, Chloe said there were other aspects of her fictional character that led her to say yes to the film.

“Of course, her love for music, but also she’s a goodie two shoes. And she never really got her foot wet. I think that’s why temptation overtook her… because she’s not really used to being in those types of environments,” she said.

Her favorite part about the process, though? Working with the iconic Lynn Whitfield.

“I learned so much from her. The way she commands a camera and how she is so present even when it’s not on her coverage… that was beautiful,” Chloe finished.

Keith Richards was once known for his wild and extravagant lifestyle as a member of the Rolling Stones, but he now appears to be rewriting the narrative with how fully he has embraced grandparenthood.

In a new interview, the legendary guitarist described himself as a “fantastic grandad” and revealed that he has recently become a great-grandfather.

Richards also reflected on finally listening to his body and scaling back some of his bad habits, while revisiting memorable moments from his past, including being punched by rock-and-roll icon Chuck Berry.

At 82, Keith Richards has reached the milestone of becoming a great-grandfather, a feat many might once have thought unlikely given how much of his early life was defined by heavy indulgence in drugs and alcohol.

Confirming the news in a recent interview with The Guardian, the legendary songwriter said the experience still feels new to him but that he is fully embracing his responsibilities.

“It’s been a couple of weeks. It’s a new thing for me. But I’m a fantastic grandad,” he revealed. “Great-grandadding is … I try to let them hang with me for as long as humanly possible, then I hand ’em back. I’ve been doing a lot of grandfathering in the last year or so. I’ve got three or four new ones, you know.”

Richards Reflects On Aging And Family

Being a great-grandfather seems to have brought with it not only new responsibilities but also a constant urge to reflect on the past.

“I mean, you do suddenly turn around and say: Christ, I’m 82. It’s a long thing to look back on,” the English musician continued elsewhere in the conversation.

Amid it all, he has found joy in that reflection, with his great-grandchildren playing a significant role.

“But it’s a fascinating thing, especially now we go into the whole great-grandkids thing. They suddenly give you another mirror to look into where you’re from,” he added. “I don’t know: is it called maturing or something like that?”

Keith Richards Explains How He Keeps Going

In previous interviews, Richards has been candid about his extensive drug and alcohol use, as well as the numerous near-death experiences he endured throughout his life. Now, reflecting on his shift toward a healthier lifestyle, the rock legend says the change came from finally listening to his body “just before it screamed for help.”

“I mean, I wasn’t far from the end of the runway before I screamed for help. But you tend to slow down if you want to keep going; you pace yourself,” he revealed.

Richards has since quit smoking and significantly reduced his use of other substances, including alcohol and heroin.

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“Suddenly, I felt like, after all these years of smoking, because, you know, a man smokes, I was sat around with this silly thing in my mouth thinking: how childish. It was that that put me off more than anything,” he said of quitting smoking six years ago.

Richards Credits Chuck Berry For His Musical Path

Also reflecting on the past, Richards opened up about being inspired by the late rock-and-roll icon Chuck Berry.

He praised the singer’s talent, particularly the songs Berry recorded in his early years. According to Richards, they had “an ease about them and a sophistication in a way” that changed how he viewed rock and roll.

“I loved his naturalness when he was playing, the way he moved. His whole body became part of the guitar,” he added about the “Sweet Little Sixteen” crooner. “He made me focus on what was possible for me at the time, which made my mother shell out for an electric guitar. I just felt a natural affinity for him, even though he was a cussed bugger,” the singer also remarked about Berry.

Keith Richards Shares Memorable Chuck Berry Story

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Richards was fortunate enough to meet Berry during his lifetime, sometime in the 1960s when the rock-and-roll pioneer was still at the height of his fame.

The encounter left him awestruck, but an attempt to cross a boundary by touching the icon’s guitar resulted in a moment he would never forget.

“He punched me once, years ago, in the 60s, I think,” Richards said of meeting Berry. “We were in his dressing room, I was having a peek at his guitar, and I was just about to stroke it, and he went: ‘Nobody touches it!’ And bam! Quite right, Chuck! I would have done the same. I’ve never had to, but then I’ve never caught someone doing that.”

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For horror fans, 2026 continues to grow from strength to strength. The first half of the year featured genre gems, including YouTuber Markiplier‘s Iron Lung, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, director Sam Raimi’s return to horror in Send Help, and Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. Then the genre exploded into box office domination this past month, courtesy of two other former YouTube creators. Focus Features’ Obsession, the most viral hit of 2026 so far, has turned a sub-$1 million budget into over $300 million to date, breaking several records along the way.

The other big horror hit this summer comes, unsurprisingly, from the clever minds at A24, as a viral online horror story has been morphed into another low-budget feature film success. Of course, we’re talking about Backrooms, made by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, which quickly broke a major record as the director became the youngest person ever to top the North American box office. However, among all the positives to emerge from the horror genre’s dominance this year, a notable negative is that several gems that might’ve stood out in previous years have fallen far under the radar.

One such gem, perhaps the year’s most criminally underrated horror film, has officially bounced back on streaming. At the time of writing, Johannes Roberts‘ latest horror project, Primate, is the most-watched movie on Paramount+ across the world. This is made all the more impressive considering the tough streaming competition it currently faces, including the likes of the cinema-saving Top Gun: Maverick, the $500 million-plus zombie favorite World War Z, both Scary Movie and its sequel, and the 2025 adaptation of Stephen King‘s The Running Man.

What Did Critics Say About ‘Primate’?

Starring the likes of Academy Award-nominee Troy Kotsur and Johnny Sequoyah, and featuring the directorial prowess of Roberts, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Primate is a triumph. The film has scored a “certified fresh” 78% from critics on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, particularly impressing Collider’s Jeff Ewing, who wrote in his review of the movie that “Primate is aimed at a singular cinematic experience, and that’s to weave a gory tale of youngsters besieged by an unhinged chimp. That level of focus proves wildly successful, because Primate rocks.”

Primate is the most-streamed movie on Paramount+ in the world. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

January 1, 2026

Runtime

89 minutes

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Director

Johannes Roberts

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Writers

Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera

Producers

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Vicki Dee Rock, Walter Hamada, John Hodges

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We’ve long been waiting for news of Quentin Tarantino‘s next — and final — feature film. The proposed The Movie Critic fell apart, despite Tarantino having a script prepared for it, which was supposedly turned into The Adventures of Cliff Booth, the pseudo-sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood that will star Brad Pitt under the direction of David Fincher. But now, Tarantino is in the UK shooting the most surprising feature of his career.

The filmmaker has been spotted in Wales working on a new feature from director Jamie Adams, and he is not alone. Tarantino is set to star alongside pop icon Kylie Minogue in Adams’ latest movie, Tangled Up in Blue. The film is currently shooting in Wales and also stars Allison Williams, RZA, Jason Isaacs, and Sofia Boutella.

Tarantino previously appeared in Adams’ last film, Only What We Carry, making Tangled Up in Blue a quick reunion for the pair. His involvement is especially interesting as he continues preparing his first West End play, The Popinjay Cavalier, which is expected to launch in early 2027.

What is ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’?

Tarantino has been working in the UK as he gets ready to bring The Popinjay Cavalier to the stage. The production, backed by Sonia Friedman Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment, has been described as a “swashbuckling comedy” set in 1830s Europe.

The official synopsis reads: “Set in 1830s Europe, The Popinjay Cavalier is a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen. A sweeping celebration of theatre and its heightened romance, told with Tarantino’s signature style and unmistakable wit.”

Last summer, Tarantino confirmed that the play would be his next major creative project, explaining that it was already written and would likely take up a significant amount of his time. Translation for fans there is that we shouldn’t expect him to be directing his next movie any time soon. In fact, somewhat like George R. R. Martin and the perennially unfinished The Winds of Winter, it might be the case that Tarantino is quite content doing side quests and putting off finishing his long-storied career. Perhaps the build up will always be more exciting than the pay off.

No release date for Tangled Up in Blue has been announced.

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Release Date

July 26, 2019

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Runtime

162 minutes

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Dakota Mortensen penned a candid tribute to his toddler son, Ever, whom he shares with ex Taylor Frankie Paul, that addressed the difficulty of recent times.

“These past months have brought some of the hardest moments of my life, but they’ve also brought some of the most meaningful,” the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 33, wrote via Instagram as he acknowledged Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21.

The lengthy tribute to Ever, 2, which included a carousel of photos and videos that captured dad-and-son time with one another, comes amid Mortensen’s ongoing custody battle with Paul, 32, following alleged domestic violence incidents and allegations. Paul did not feature in any of Mortensen’s carousel uploads.

Speaking directly to Ever, Mortensen discussed his adoration for him. “Thank you for making me a dad. Nothing in my life has ever meant more to me than being your father. From the moment you came into this world you gave my life a purpose I never knew I could even have. You’ve taught me more than I could ever teach you,” the reality TV star wrote. “You’ve shown me patience, unconditional love, and what truly matters in life. Every day I wake up wanting to be a better man because of you.”

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s Son Ever, 2, Sobs During 911 Call

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s 2-year-old son, Ever, was heard hysterically crying after his father called 911 in February over an alleged domestic dispute. In audio obtained from the Draper Police Department by Us Weekly, Ever cried in the background while Paul, 31, and Mortensen, 33, argued until a dispatcher answered the call. “Please, […]

He also expanded on how his son has gotten him through the events of recent months, which saw Mortensen granted temporary physical custody of Ever and a restraining order against Paul while the former Bachelorette was granted a protective order against Mortensen. “Through it all one thing has never changed — my love for you,” he wrote. “Being your dad is the greatest blessing I could ever ask for and I will never stop showing up for you, supporting you, and loving you with everything I have.”

Mortensen added that he will be “cheering” his son on throughout his life. “Everything I do is with you in mind. My focus is on being the father you deserve and building the future you deserve. I pray that one day you’ll fully understand how deeply you are loved,” he wrote.

Earlier this month, Paul told fans via her Instagram Stories that the emotional fallout of the pair’s relationship breakdown has taken a toll on her wellbeing. “Tbh I’ve gone emotionally numb,” Paul wrote on June 13. “I don’t know what to say anymore other than I’m right there with a lot of you. Wish I could be more helpful. Not sure when the nervous system switched… I can’t even cry lately which is very unlike me.”

Amid Paul and Mortensen’s claims against each other, Mortensen alleged that Paul had been physically violent with him earlier this year. A police investigation had temporarily shut down season 5 filming on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on the back of an alleged incident that occurred in late February.

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In April, Us Weekly confirmed via a statement from the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office that Paul would not be charged as a result of reviewed “reports and evidence.”

Related: What to Know About Taylor Frankie Paul and Ex Dakota’s Custody Battle

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have tried to coparent son Ever since their fall 2024 split. Paul and Mortensen welcomed their first baby together, the MomTok content creator’s third, in March 2024, months before they called it quits. As Paul and Mortensen navigated jointly raising their son, […]

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Three years earlier, Paul was arrested following a separate altercation with Mortensen. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault at the time, while additional charges of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief were dismissed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

The future of Liam Payne’s fortune has finally been decided, nearly two years after the former One Direction star’s tragic death shocked fans around the world. 

Newly released court documents have revealed exactly who will inherit the singer’s multimillion-pound estate and how the money can be used moving forward. 

The legal update also sheds fresh light on the value of Liam’s assets, the status of potential claims against his estate, and the difficult final chapter of the star’s life before his fatal fall in Argentina.

New probate documents have confirmed that Liam Payne’s only child, eight-year-old Bear Grey Payne, will inherit the singer’s entire fortune.

The 31-year-old passed away without leaving a will when he fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. 

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Considering Liam was not married or in a civil partnership at the time of his death, UK intestacy laws meant that his son was always expected to inherit everything.

Bear, whose mother is singer Cheryl Tweedy, remains the sole beneficiary of the estate. The newly released High Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail also reveal that Liam’s fortune has been revalued. 

While earlier filings placed the net value of his estate at more than £24 million ($31.7 million), the latest figures show it is now worth just over £21 million ($27.7 million).

The revised valuation places Liam’s estate at £26,471,777 ($35 million) before liabilities, with a final net value of £21,898,779 ($28.9 million).

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The reduction could be linked to changing asset values, estate costs, or other financial adjustments made since the original probate filing.

Liam’s Estate Can Now Be Used For Bear’s Benefit

The latest court ruling marks a major shift in how Liam Payne’s estate can be managed. 

Last year, Cheryl and music industry lawyer Richard Bray were appointed administrators under a limited probate grant that only allowed them to collect and preserve Liam’s assets.

Now, the High Court has issued Letters of Administration, giving administrators broader authority over the estate. 

The updated legal status means money from the “Kiss You” singer’s fortune can now be used to directly benefit Bear before he turns 18.

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Rather than waiting until adulthood to access the inheritance, portions of the estate may now be spent on the child’s education, welfare, and upbringing, while the remaining funds will be placed into trust until he reaches legal age.

Liam Payne’s Girlfriend Reportedly Won’t Seek A Share

One question surrounding Liam’s estate involved whether his longtime girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, would pursue a legal claim.

At the time of his death, the songwriter had been living with the influencer in a rented home in Florida. Under certain circumstances, cohabiting partners may be able to pursue financial claims against an intestate estate.

However, sources close to Cassidy previously indicated that she had no intention of seeking any portion of Liam’s fortune.

Under probate rules, potential claims against the estate can generally be made within six months of the granting of Letters of Administration.

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Although speculation has persisted, there has been no indication that Cassidy plans to challenge the inheritance arrangement.

Liam’s UK assets include his sprawling Buckinghamshire property, which he purchased for £3.25 million ($4.2 million) in 2021 to be closer to Bear following his split from Cheryl.

The five-bedroom estate features a saltwater pool, waterfalls, gym, spa, and tennis courts. While the property was listed for sale following Liam’s death, it was later removed from the market.

Liam’s Final Days Ended In Tragedy

The legal developments come against the backdrop of Liam Payne’s heartbreaking final months. 

He had successfully completed treatment at a rehabilitation clinic in 2023 and achieved sobriety. However, by the night of his death, he had relapsed and consumed both alcohol and drugs. 

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Witnesses reported seeing him in the hotel lobby behaving erratically, smashing his laptop and interacting with fans shortly before the fatal incident.

Medical officials later confirmed his cause of death as “polytrauma,” a term used to describe multiple traumatic injuries sustained throughout the body.

Just days earlier, Liam had traveled to Argentina alongside Cassidy and businessman Rogelio “Roger” Nores to attend a concert by former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan. 

However, Cassidy returned to Florida two days before Liam’s death.

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Liam Payne’s Death Triggered Legal Battles In Argentina

The aftermath of Liam’s death led to a series of criminal investigations and legal disputes. Friend Rogelio Nores, hotel operator Gilda Martin, and receptionist Esteban Grassi were initially charged with manslaughter. However, those charges were later dropped.

Two other men, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz, continue to face charges related to allegedly supplying cocaine to the singer.

The investigation also sparked tensions between Nores and Liam’s family. The deceased’s father Geoff Payne reportedly told prosecutors that he believed Nores had “abandoned” his son and failed in his duty of care.

An early indictment echoed those concerns, accusing Nores of “failing in his duty of care, assistance and help” toward Liam.

After the manslaughter charges were dismissed, Nores briefly launched a defamation lawsuit against Geoff before later withdrawing the case.

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