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Rachel Weisz Is Pitch-Perfect in a Netflix Miniseries That Can’t Fully Match Her Freak

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Rachel Weisz teaching class in Vladimir

You’d be hard-pressed to find an actor with bolder, more compelling projects on their resume than Rachel Weisz. Most of these fall into the film category, from team-ups with Yorgos Lanthimos in The Lobster and The Favourite to instant sapphic classic Disobedience, Rian Johnson’s quirky adventure-comedy The Brothers Bloom or the edgy Gothic mystery My Cousin Rachel. In 2023, however, she led her first TV series, giving two of the best performances of her career as a pair of genius, ethically questionable twins in Dead Ringers. Despite being based on a 1988 film (which was based on a 1977 movie), it felt wholly original and utterly brilliant — and perhaps a bit too intense and subversive for the average audience.

Though undoubtedly a dark comedy, Vladimir’s lighter tone is likely to prove quite a bit more palatable and accessible to viewers than Dead Ringers. Still, there are definite thematic parallels between the two that highlight the type of project Weisz seems to be most interested in telling right now: ones about flawed, complex women who are bursting at the seams with ambition and desire. The fact that the Netflix show unapologetically embraces its protagonist’s imperfections in an age where even the most sympathetic multidimensional female characters face immense criticism (Pluribus’ Carol Sturka, for example, or The Pitt’s Trinity Santos) makes it easy to overlook that Vladimir itself is admittedly imperfect, too.

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What Is ‘Vladimir’ About?

Vladimir introduces us to a nameless creative writing professor (Weisz), who’s suffered numerous recent plights that essentially boil down to the issue that nobody seems all that interested in her these days. Her fellow professor husband, John (John Slattery), doesn’t desire her anymore; her formerly adoring students find her out of touch; and her 27-year-old daughter, Sid (Ellen Robertson), thinks she’s overbearing and unevolved. To make matters worse, John is in the middle of a sex scandal for hooking up with multiple students a decade ago — more an irritation than a betrayal for the protagonist, considering she and John had an arrangement.

The whole world, it seems, wants her to condemn John’s actions and swiftly leave him, but the protagonist is much more interested in pining after a young new professor instead: Vladimir (Leo Woodall). She’s drawn to him like a moth to a flame, complicated by the fact that he’s married to perpetually stressed adjunct Cynthia (Jessica Henwick), with whom he has a young daughter. Still, the sexual tension between the main character and Vladimir is palpable… or is it? Is there a real spark there? Or will she come to learn that that connection is simply all in her head — and that the fantasy isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be?

‘Vladimir’ Lets Rachel Weisz Show Off Her Pitch-Perfect Comedy Skills

Rachel Weisz teaching class in Vladimir
Rachel Weisz teaching class in Vladimir
Image via Netflix
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From House of Cards to Fleabag, it’s not particularly unusual — especially these days — for characters to break the fourth wall, but it is one of the trickier storytelling devices to pull off. In incapable hands, it can be cheesy or an overly convenient way to slip in overt exposition. Luckily, Weisz makes a meal of her monologues, expertly playing off the audience, who she treats as both trusted confidante and unwanted intruder depending on the situation. Though marketed as an erotic thriller of sorts, Vladimir ends up being more silly than sexy — and that’s not a bad thing. Weisz has always been a gifted comedic actor, but rarely has she had the vehicle to showcase it quite like this, flexing her ability for dry, witty, dialogue-driven humor and much broader, kookier, and more physical fare alike. There’s not one second where she’s phoning it in, consistently going all-in at even the most ridiculous moments.

I only wish Vladimir didn’t feel like it was holding back. The series is bookended by scenes that tease the protagonist being deliciously unhinged, though the opening flash-forward is revealed to be much tamer than it initially appears, and the ending is cheekily ambiguous in a way that’s not altogether satisfying. There are other tiny glimpses of this deviance peppered throughout (like when the protagonist subtly grinds against her chair to pleasure herself during a meeting), but Vladimir is afraid to let her go full freak. The result is a tone that’s grounded in a way that ultimately holds the story back from reaching its true weird and wild potential as opposed to making it real and relatable. The show has some bite to it, but it stops short of drawing blood, too shy and polite to completely embrace anything that runs the risk of veering too far into offbeat or off-putting territory, despite its simmering enticingly under the surface.

Rachel Weisz staring at camera in Vladimir


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While Vladimir’s dramatic and thriller elements don’t hit as hard as they could, the show nails its comedic beats time and time again. Weisz’s excellent performance is a big part of that, but the razor-sharp writing and creative direction deserve credit, too, as they work in tandem to satirize Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z in equal measure. The way the series integrates technology is especially notable, with two particularly hilarious gags involving a barrage of text messages for a wax appointment and an all-consuming spiral about what a certain emoji from Vladimir could possibly mean. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times an episode and occasionally having to rewind to pick up on a joke I missed, as the pace is snappy, without any of the bloat that so often plagues streaming shows.

‘Vladimir’ Nails the Female Gaze, but Could’ve Gone Deeper With Its Themes

Though Vladimir does skew more silly than sexy, there are effectively steamy moments. These are mostly quick and imagined, with the protagonist daydreaming about Vladimir making out with her in her office or coming onto her in the bathroom. Woodall perfectly walks the line of impossibly attentive and attractively aloof, and he has enough chemistry with Weisz to make their romantic scenes enjoyable, even when they start to get a bit repetitive. The fact that each of these scenes is unquestionably filtered through the female gaze, rooting us firmly in the protagonist’s point of view, is refreshing and still feels relatively groundbreaking in 2026. The stranger, subtler moments when her hungry perspective becomes apparent — when Vladimir puts his hands behind his head, for instance, or rubs at a stain on his pants — are even more captivating due to their specificity.

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Vladimir raises interesting, timely questions about power, feminism, and the #MeToo movement, but it stops short of engaging with them in a meaningful way. Because it doesn’t seem to know quite what it wants to say about the topics, it ends up not saying much at all, the commentary staying close to the surface rather than diving deep into the intricacies. It revels in its main character being messy and subversive, but after all is said and done, it’s more thematically clean and conventional than it wants to be.

Aesthetically speaking, there are areas where Vladimir showcases a real sense of style, right down to the episode titles, which are named after novels by female authors, and their card designs, which are clearly inspired by classical paintings. The needledrops are also notable, ranging from Chappell Roan to Doechii and Patty Smith. The focus on women artists at every level is significant and undeniably influences the viewing experience, even if subconsciously. By not leaning into its edgier, murkier elements, Vladimir stops short of being a masterpiece, but it’s still a hell of a lot of fun. Weisz’s confident comedic performance will have you laughing and rooting for the main character (even when you probably shouldn’t), and there’s just enough spice to scratch that romantic itch. Vladimir may not be an obsessive page-turner, but it’s still definitely a book worth reading.


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Release Date

March 5, 2026

Network

Netflix

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Writers

Julia May Jonas

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Pros & Cons
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  • Rachel Weisz gives a compelling performance, committing entirely to the role and showing off her comedy chops.
  • The direction celebrates the female gaze and immerses the audience in the protagonist?s perspective.
  • The writing is sharp, with dry, witty dialogue and clever visual humor.
  • The show plays it too safe at times rather than leaning into its darker, messier elements.
  • Themes of power and feminism aren?t explored with as much depth as one would like.

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Jessica Simpson Keeping $17M Mansion After Eric Johnson Moves Out Amid Split

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Jessica Simpson
Keeping $17M Mansion After Eric Johnson Moves Out

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Traitors’ Rob Rausch Gives Maura Higgins a Birkin Bag

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All is forgiven? Rob Rausch has officially made amends for betraying Maura Higgins in the Traitors season 4 finale by presenting her with a Birkin handbag.

“This is my win,” Maura, 35, boasted as Rob, 27, handed her the ultra-pricey handbag on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Wednesday, March 4. “I knew I’d have my moment.”

Maura confirmed that Rob was well aware of the specific Birkin bag she wanted so she was delighted as her Traitors costar personally delivered the burgundy fashion accessory. Rob followed protocol by wearing gloves to ensure that Higgins was the first person to touch the handbag.

After sharing a big hug with Rob, Maura assured him, “You’re forgiven!”

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Traitors’ Maura Higgins Details Why She’s Been ‘Celibate for a Year’


Related: The Traitors’ Maura Higgins Details Why She’s Been ‘Celibate’

The Traitors star Maura Higgins got candid about her love life. Higgins, 35, opened up to Elite Daily about what led her to be celibate in an article published on Friday, February 27. While reflecting on how fellow Love Island contestant Rob Rausch tricked her in the show’s season 4 finale, Higgins explained, “I don’t […]

The pair gave a special shoutout to Traitors costar Lisa Rinna for helping to connect Rausch with Birkin designer Hermès.

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“[Lisa] helped majorly, majorly,” he confirmed to host Andy Cohen, with Maura chiming in, “Lisa, thank you very much for this!”

Elsewhere in the interview, Andy and Rob both supported Maura when she opened up about the harsh reactions she’d received over the Traitors finale. (Rob betrayed Maura in the season 4 finale by revealing he was a traitor and thus stole the grand prize from her.)

“People online were saying she’s so dumb,” Maura recalled. “They’re like, ‘He’s an obvious traitor!’ Well, then wouldn’t all of the Faithful have voted for him? No one voted for him.”

Rob Rausch Gives Maura Higgins a Birkin on Live TV

Maura Higgins receives her Birkin handbag
Courtesy Bravo/YouTube

Maura exclusively revealed to Us Weekly that she felt no hard feelings toward Rob since he’d offered to make things right with a special gift.

“He told me he’s going to get me a gift, which is going to be a Birkin handbag. So when he gets that, then he’s fully forgiven,” Maura told Us in February. “For me, a girl that has not watched Traitors, not one episode of Traitors, I got to the finale, and yeah, I didn’t win, but I got to wear all my outfits. And if I get that Birkin handbag from Rob, then for me, I have won. That’s all I need.”

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Elsewhere, Maura and Rob shut down speculation that they were dating after Andy, 57, asked about their “undeniable chemistry” during the Traitors season 4 reunion.

“A lot of people in the whole castle were saying it to us … We were genuinely just friends. That is the truth,” Maura insisted.

Rob agreed, adding, “We never did anything.”

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Traitors Reunion


Related: ‘Traitors’ Season 4 Reunion Addresses Claims Rob and Colton Cheated

The Traitors season 4 reunion showed several feuds being hashed out — and addressed the theory that Rob Rausch and Colton Underwood secretly cheated throughout the game. During the Thursday, February 26, finale, Traitors Rob and Eric Nam made it to the end with Faithful Maura Higgins. Rob and Maura turned on Eric and managed […]

The Traitors season 4 winner differed slightly when Maura went so far as to tell Andy that she never “had a flirt” with Rob at Ardross Castle.

“I feel like we probably flirted a little bit,” he teased.

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Maura later admitted to Us in a Traitors season 4 cover story that she hated to let down viewers who wanted to see her get together with Rob.

Rob Rausch Gives Maura Higgins a Birkin on Live TV 1

Maura Higgins, with her Birkin handbag, and Rob Rausch
Courtesy Bravo/YouTube

“I’m not gonna ruin it for the viewers, but no, nothing ever happened between me and Rob,” she told Us. “I genuinely look at Rob like a brother. Literally nothing ever happened.”

Rob has confirmed that he has been dating someone for a few months but is keeping his girlfriend’s identity private for now.

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The Traitors season 4 is available to watch on Peacock anytime.

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In Just 4 Days, Netflix’s Greatest Weekend Binge Series Raked in a Colossal 5.6M Viewers

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Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) look at each other in the 'Bridgerton' Season 4 poster.

By now, it’s no surprise that Bridgerton is one of Netflix’s most successful original series. Seasons 1 and 3, for example, are among the streaming giant’s 10 most-watched shows of all-time. So, perhaps unsurprisingly, the much talked-about Season 4 of the series is following suit.

Bridgerton‘s Season 4 of the series, which was released in two parts with Part 1 on January 29, 2026, and Part 2 on February 26, 2026, is seeing impressive viewership numbers. So much so that when Part 1 was released, the series quickly rose to the #1 spot worldwide, a position it’s once again snagged since the release of Part 2, per FlixPatrol. From the numbers alone, it’s safe to say Season 4 is giving the past seasons some tough competition.

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‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Racking Up Major Numbers

Season 4 of Bridgerton has been so successful that Part 2 of the series broke the viewership number set by Part 1. According to Samba TV and Broadsheet, Netflix saw 5.6 million households watching Episode 5 of the series in the first four days it was available. As a comparison, that’s an 11% increase from the viewership tuning in to Season 4, Episode 1 back in January. In other words, while fans were eager to watch the beginning of Season 4, even more of them couldn’t wait to see how the story continued in Episodes 5 to 8.

Per Tudum, the season so far has received 28 million views. The number combines both Part 1 and Part 2 of the series, meaning a viewership total for Season 4 Part 2 alone isn’t available. Season 3, for instance, which is #9 in Netflix’s most-watched shows of all time, was seen by a whopping 106 million viewers in the first 91 days since its release. So, while 28 million is still far behind it, Part 2 has only just reached the platform. Many million views will surely be added to the equation.

Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) look at each other in the 'Bridgerton' Season 4 poster.


‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Is Being Ripped Apart by Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes

Meanwhile, the critic score continues to climb.

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What Is ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 About?

Season 4 of Bridgerton follows the second-eldest son of the Bridgerton clan, Benedict (Luke Thompson), on his journey to find “The One.” The story kicks off when he falls head over heels for a masked woman in silver at a masquerade ball, and seemingly leaves his non-committal, rebellious days behind him just to find her. While searching, he sparks a connection with a sweet and fascinating maid named Sophie Beak (Yerin Ha) and their connection is undeniable. Can their love go beyond the societal expectations of the time? Will the Bridgertons accept Sophie as their own?

Like any season of Bridgerton, Season 4 of the series has continued to be a hit for Netflix. With over 28 million views so far, and viewers dropping everything to see Part 2 when it was released, it’s safe to say Season 4 of the series has kept the series’ magic. With a steamy romance, a gorgeous period setting and even societal commentary this time around, Season 4 has everything to potentially break into Netflix’s Top 10 of all-time.

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Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in 'Bridgerton' Season 4 Part 1.


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Release Date

December 22, 2020

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Netflix

Directors

Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson

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Writers

Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin

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    Luke Thompson

    Lady Violet Bridgerton

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    Ruth Gemmell

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    Benedict Bridgerton

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2025’s Most Breathtaking Sci-Fi Is an Instant Cult Classic That’s Finally Available to Stream

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Ejae, Audrey Nuna And Rei Ami Talk KPop Demon Hunters

2025 was a big year for animated movies, with Disney’s Zootopia 2 breaking box office records, Pixar’s Elio winning audiences’ hearts, and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Amid this high-profile competition, however, stood an independently made French film that managed to top them all in terms of cinematic brilliance.Filled with memorable characters, fantastic animation, and a story that brings many elements together effortlessly, Arco is a rare discovery in the animation genre, offering something genuinely new for audiences to enjoy.

This French Oscar Hopeful Takes Us to Another World

Produced by Oscar-winner Natalie Portman, the title refers to ten-year-old Arco, a boy living in 2932, where humanity has learned to time-travel. Prohibited from traveling himself before he is twelve, he steals his sister’s time-traveling cape and magic gemstone to travel back to the time of the dinosaurs, but instead crashes into the year 2075, where he befriends a young girl named Iris. Determined to get Arco home, the pair (along with Iris’ robot nanny, Mikki) learn that they may be the only ones who can save the Earth from peril.

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Movies about the future often speak to the anxieties of the present, but the language of Arco is one of hope. Our hero’s idyllic timeline and his insistence that Iris’ future isn’t written yet, deliver a message that our fate is in our hands, that is written by the choices we make in the present. It’s a story that views the world with the wonder of a child, never losing sight of the beauty of friendship and discovery.

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Animation That’s Both Spectacular and Moving

A school classroom in Arco
A school classroom in Arco
Image via Neon

The film has been compared to the work of Hayao Miyazaki, not only due to its wonder-filled, colorful aesthetic, but also its ability to weave whimsy with reality. Many animated films aim for either visual ambition or intimate, character-based storytelling, but it’s a rare film that combines them both.

Both Arco and Iris live in extraordinary times – the former in a brightly colored, aspirational timeline filled with adventure and otherworldly architecture; the latter in a world not dissimilar to our own, but with fantastical elements such as robot nannies and holograms. The hand-drawn animation balances past and present, feeling nostalgic in a genre where computers dominate, but also offering design that looks cutting-edge.

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These flourishes are not just for show, however, as the beauty of the visuals serves to highlight the journey of the characters, and vice versa. Arco crash-lands, leaving a trail that resembles a rainbow, which Iris follows to find her new friend. This colorful introduction outlines the story’s intentions, offering hope and adventure as we come along for the ride.

‘Arco’ Truly is a Family Movie for Everyone

In previous generations, a family movie would often aim squarely for younger viewers, but Arco is a prime example of how the medium has moved on. From the early 2000s, studios such as Pixar, Dreamworks, and Studio Ghibli all began making movies that entertained the kids, but had something for the accompanying adults. Arco represents the next step in that evolution, where films can meet people of all ages on an emotional level.

The story speaks to a deeper message about the environment, family, and responsibility, something that will be clear to children without losing their attention, as well as grasping adults who can read into the greater subtext. Better still, it can tap into that sense of fascination that children have, and adults remember, allowing everyone to gasp at what is unfolding.

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What ultimately comes across to all generations is how sincere the film feels at its core. Long after the plot resolves, the film’s spirit continues to resonate, offering a rare blend of optimism and artistry that feels both refreshing and necessary. It can spark conversations between younger and older viewers that wouldn’t happen in a less thoughtful movie.

Arco is a testament to what can happen when creativity is allowed to flourish without compromise. Rather than leaning on nostalgia or formula, Ugo Bienvenu’s film charts its own path, inviting viewers to embrace curiosity and courage in equal measure. In a year filled with impressive releases, Arco earns its place by reminding us why animated storytelling remains one of cinema’s most powerful forms, regardless of budget.Arco is available to rent or buy on VOD services.


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Release Date

October 22, 2025

Runtime

88 minutes

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Director

Ugo Bienvenu

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Writers

Félix de Givry

Producers
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Natalie Portman, Sophie Mas, Elliott Whitton, Bill Way, Douglas Choi

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    Alma Jodorowsky

    Jeanne / Mikki (voice)

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    Swann Arlaud

    Tom / Mikki (voice)

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Khloé Kardashian Walks Back Her No Marriage-No Kids Rule

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Khloe Kardashian at 2019 E! People's Choice Awards

Khloé Kardashian is still on the fence about having more kids, but she is swaying towards welcoming children before marriage.

The Kardashians” star previously stated that she would like to tie the knot before having any more children. However, a recent episode of her podcast saw her contemplating skipping this step for a solo surrogacy journey.

Khloé Kardashian is currently the proud mother of two children, daughter True and son Tatum, whom she welcomed during her relationship with Tristan Thompson. The exes’ romance ended on a sour note due to infidelity scandals.

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Khloé Kardashian Wants To Have Another Child For Her Daughter

Khloe Kardashian at 2019 E! People's Choice Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

During this week’s episode of “Khloé in Wonder Land,” the podcast host held a Q&A with fans and was asked whether she would consider having another child if Mr. Right appeared. Khloé revealed that the question was something she had considered without a partner in mind.

According to Khloé, she had a few more frozen embryos, presumably from her baby-making days with Thompson, and considered having another child for her daughter. “A girl needs her sister, and I think maybe because that was my experience,” she said, referencing the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

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“I have been contemplating, like, do I just do this? Do it on my own, do this? But I don’t know if emotionally I could handle this,” Khloé continued. She doubled down on True being the primary factor for another child, saying, “That’s the only thing. That’s why I want to do it. And True knows she has a sister in the freezer.”

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The Reality TV Star Wants To Overcome The ‘Trauma’ Of Her Past Surrogacy Journey

Besides wanting True to have a sister, just as she grew up with multiple sisters, Khloé confessed that her past also made her more interested in having another baby. She did not mention her ex, Thompson, by name but referenced the infidelity scandal that occurred during their son’s surrogacy.

Khloé explained that she was thinking about putting one of her frozen embryos in a surrogate and having a solo experience without a romantic partner.

“I think I would have a very different experience because I would be along for that surrogate journey, as opposed to all the trauma that surrounded Tatum’s surrogate experience,” she shared.

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The podcaster added that she was leaning towards putting the embryo in a surrogate and leaving it up to fate because there wasn’t a guarantee it would work. On that note, Khloé said that if the embryo didn’t stay in the surrogate, she would see it as God’s sign not to have another baby.

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The Entertainer Previously Cited Marriage Before Kids

Khloé’s recent comments come weeks after The Blast covered her thoughts on marriage and children. She explained on a February episode of her podcast that she wasn’t sure if she was ready for another child. Nonetheless, she would like to be married before having more kids.

Khloé added that she felt her family of three was already big enough, thanks to the Kardashian-Jenner clan, raving about her children’s close relationship with their cousins. She claimed True was so close to her female cousins that they were practically sisters.

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Khloé’s no marriage-no kids rule followed her sarmassophobia revelation. She dropped the bombshell claim in a conversation with her older sister, Kim Kardashian, saying she feared dating after the scandalous end of her relationship with Thompson.

More About The Good American Co-Founder’s Two Children

Khloé became a mother for the first time on April 12, 2018, with the birth of her daughter True. She broke the news on Instagram four days after her daughter’s arrival, raving about how she and Thompson were excited to welcome a child together.

Khloé has never shied away from publicly sharing her love for True, drafting a heartfelt tribute for the girl on her 6th birthday. TODAY reported that she shared a picture of True in an all-pink ensemble alongside the words, “You changed my life forever, and I love every part of who you are.”

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Khloé and Thompson welcomed their second child, a son named Tatum, via surrogate on July 28, 2022. The journey wasn’t an easy one for the TV personality after Thompson fathered a child with another woman. He issued a public apology after a paternity test confirmed he was the father of the said child.

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Margot Robbie's “Ocean's Eleven” prequel loses its director — again

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Lee Isaac Chung has departed the project over “creative differences,” after Jay Roach, Warner Bros.’ original pick, made the decision to split.

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Sterling K. Brown Has Spicy Reaction to Wife Ryan Meeting Connor Storrie

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Sterling K. Brown had a surprisingly NSFW reaction to his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathé, finally meeting Heated Rivalry‘s Connor Storrie.

“This happened and I just want everyone to know that I didn’t fall. I didn’t collapse. I gushed,” Bathé, 49, said in an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, March 4. “I gushed all over him.”

She continued: “Look at him! Isn’t he the best? He was so cool.”

Brown, 49, took to the comments section with a colorful response, writing, “You ‘gushed … all over him?’”

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Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe Relationship Timeline


Related: Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe‘s Relationship Timeline

This is their love story! Sterling K. Brown has been married to Ryan Michelle Bathé since 2006 and he continues to prioritize his other half on a daily basis. “His love language is time spent,” Bathé exclusively told Us Weekly of her husband in March 2020. “So, he’s always calling me throughout the day [and] […]

Bathé is one of many celebrity fans of HBO’s overnight hit. Based on Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry follows rival professional hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), whose animosity on the ice is just a front for a secret — and very passionate — romance.

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While fans wait for another season of Heated Rivalry, Bathé and Brown are both currently starring on Hulu’s hit series Paradise. Brown teamed up with creator Dan Fogelman on the science fiction series, which marks their first collaboration since This Is Us.

PARADISE
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Paradise, which premiered in January 2025, initially appeared to be set in a serene and wealthy community forced to face the realities of a shocking murder. In typical Fogelman fashion, the political thriller introduced a twist when Paradise was revealed to be an underground bunker housing the world’s most prominent individuals after an apocalyptic event destroyed the rest of humanity.

Brown stars as Xavier while Bathé is set to appear later in the second season — and is hosting the show’s companion podcast.

“Initially, I was a little bit lukewarm about doing the podcast because I was like, ‘There’s no way [they can top season 1],’” Bathé exclusively told Us Weekly last month. “Dan is a genius. He’s got great writers but I thought that it’s not going to be as good as season 1.”

 

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Bathé was happy to be proven wrong. “How do you top perfection? You can’t match perfection. So I was going to try it but I was [preparing] for a sophomore slump. I was wrong. Not only was I wrong — but I was so very wrong.”

She continued: “It’s incredible. I don’t know how they create a perfect season of television in season one and then take it apart and take the pieces and put them back together in an even more — or just as interesting — way. I kept asking that question and they’re all so humble.”

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Bathé’s love for the show allowed her to get all our burning questions answered, saying, “I truly love the show and I hope that the way I like to watch the show and the questions that I ask match up with the rest of the fandom. I’m a true fan — but I just hope that I make the fandom proud.”

Paradise premieres February 23 on Hulu with new episodes of the show — and the companion podcast — airing every Monday.

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Marlon Wayans Will ‘Make Fun of Everybody’ With ‘Scary Movie 6’

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Marlon Wayans at Los Angeles Premiere Of MGM's 'Respect'

Marlon Wayans is hoping to ruffle as many feathers as possible with the highly-anticipated release of “Scary Movie 6,” which sees the Wayans brothers back in control of the franchise for the first time in decades.

The world has definitely changed since the last Wayans brothers-helmed horror movie spoof, but that is exactly why the actor-comedian says that film is needed now more than ever.

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Marlon Wayans Will ‘Make Fun Of Everybody’ In ‘Scary Movie 6’

Marlon Wayans at Los Angeles Premiere Of MGM's 'Respect'
MEGA

As the beloved horror movie franchise “Scream” recently returned to theaters with its seventh installment, fans were treated to the first look at “Scary Movie 6,” which is set to hit theaters this summer.

In the first trailer, it’s clear that no one is safe from being the butt of the joke, and that’s exactly the way that Wayans (and his brothers) intended.

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Speaking exclusively with Entertainment Weekly, Wayans shared his intention behind the film and what he hopes to achieve as fans watch the new installment.

“What we’re trying to do is bring back laughter,” he told the outlet. “This is about bringing back comedy the way it used to be. And I think the only way to do it, is you have to cancel the cancel culture.”

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“We’re gonna do what we always do. We’re gonna make fun of everybody because we’re equal opportunity offenders,” the “Him” star said.

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He also added that having the Wayans family back in control of the franchise means that their inherited brand of comedy will be right back front and center.

“We have a recipe, we have a formula that you can’t mimic or copy. You could try, but it’s very specific. It’s how we grew up, and it’s how we see the world. It’s the household we were raised in with the sense of humor that we all were governed with, that we inherited from our mother,” Wayans said.

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‘Scary Movie 6’ Will Spoof Some Of The Biggest Horror Films Of The Past Decade

Marlon Wayans attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
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Some of the most talked-about films in the horror genre will be spoofed in “Scary Movie 6,” which will be the first time the Wayans brothers have returned since 2001’s “Scary Movie 2.”

Sinners,” “Weapons,” “M3GAN,” “Heart Eyes,” “Terrifier,” “Get Out,” “Ma,” “The Substance,” “Longlegs,” “Smile,” and 2018’s “Halloween” are just some of the films that audiences will immediately recognize as the source of spoofing.

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“We laughed all the way through,” Wayans told Entertainment Weekly of the fun behind-the-scenes. “We let everyone have fun, we let them improvise, and you’re gonna see it all over this movie. All of these references.”

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Wayans also noted that laughter is more important than ever right now, given the heaviness in the world, and he and his family hope the film can provide a welcome escape.

“I got me and my brothers together to come back to a franchise that we were removed from,” he said. “I think the assignment is to bring back the cast, bring back me and my brothers working together, and to bring back big-a— laughs. The world needs a big-a— laugh.”

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Marlon Wayans Has Big Plans For Some Of His Past Films If ‘Scary Movie 6’ Is A Hit

Marlon Wayans at the 2018 NBCUniversal Summer Press Day
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The Wayans brothers have been spoofing films since the mid-90s, and if “Scary Movie 6” is a box-office success, fans can expect those films to be revisited via sequels.

According to Deadline, while appearing on the “Rap Attack” podcast, Wayans said that sequels to 1995’s “Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood” and 2004’s fan favorite “White Chicks” are up next if the fans show up for “Scary Movie 6.”

“When y’all see this movie, you’ll be like, ‘That’s it. That’s the one. That’s what we needed,’” he said. “Y’all belly will be full, and you’ll be wanting more.”

“And so, if ‘Scary Movie’ does well like we hope it does, then we’ll be back real hard, next ‘White Chicks 2’ and ‘Don’t Be a Menace 2.’ We’re going to dig in the crates and bring back some hits. We know how,” Wayans added.

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The Wayans Brothers’ Return To The ‘Scary Movie’ Franchise Was Initially Announced In 2024

Marlon Wayan Owns Over 1,000 Pairs Of Shoes
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In October 2024, the head of Miramax, Jonathan Glickman, expressed his excitement at the famed family being back in control of the franchise that made the studio millions.

“We are thrilled to reunite Scary Movie with the Wayans brothers, the brilliant creators behind the beloved franchise,” Glickman said, per Deadline. “The timing is perfect to bring back the series to the big screen, and we’re lucky to have Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn’s unique comedic vision bringing it to audiences around the world,” he added.

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Kylie Jenner’s Sprinter Brand Looks to Be Pivoting From Booze Toward Health

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kylie jenner sprinter vodka soda main getty

Kylie Jenner’s Sprinter Brand
Sprinting in Healthy New Direction???

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Michael Keaton’s R-Rated 90s Thriller Is A Landlord’s Worst Nightmare

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Michael Keaton’s R-Rated 90s Thriller Is A Landlord’s Worst Nightmare

By Robert Scucci
| Published

While I have no qualms about railing on my landlord for taking over 18 months to replace the window in my master bedroom, I still try to keep some perspective despite the still-unfilled maintenance request. I rent from a large property management group that’s at the mercy of its various contractors, at least that’s the excuse, even though they’ll fire off a nasty email if I even think about sending the rent check an hour late. In 1990’s Pacific Heights, on the other hand, the dynamic is a little different and a lot more terrifying.

Here, a young couple purchases a house and does everything they can to make sure their new tenants feel right at home. That is, until their worst nightmare shows up looking for a rental unit and completely destroys their lives in the process. With their hands tied by the legal system, and with no clear or easy way to evict him, they’re stuck in a rental agreement they never wanted in the first place.

Batman’s New Secret Lair

Pacific Heights 1990

The setup for Pacific Heights is simple and escalates to the point of no return in no time. When we’re first introduced to Drake Goodman (Matthew Modine) and his pregnant fiancée Patty Palmer (Melanie Griffith), they’re wide-eyed, bushy-tailed, and maybe just a little too green to take on a project like the one they’ve sunk their entire savings into. They’ve purchased a beautiful Victorian house in Pacific Heights with plans to renovate into a rental property.

They rent the first unit to the Watanabe family (portrayed by Mako and Nobu McCarthy) without issue, and it’s the perfect setup. They get passive income from low-maintenance tenants and can continue renovations on the rest of the house unbothered. Their house-flipping dream quickly becomes a disaster when Carter Hayes (Michael Keaton) shows up to rent the other available unit, immediately raising more red flags than they can count.

Pacific Heights 1990

Carter refuses a credit check but offers to pay the first six months’ rent via wire transfer. While Drake and Patty are still weighing the arrangement, Carter locks himself inside the apartment, changes the locks, and starts using power tools throughout the night, scaring off the Watanabes. Oh yeah, and he never pays them like he promised, so he’s living rent free. 

Realizing they need legal action, they hire lawyer Stephanie MacDonald (Laurie Metcalf) to start the eviction process, which proves more complicated than they ever imagined. Drake’s attempts to force Carter out, like cutting the power and heat, only result in the police siding with Carter, who appears to be the innocent tenant with the tyrannical landlords. Further antagonized, Drake eventually comes to blows with the squatter, exactly what Carter planned all along.

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Now slapped with a restraining order that legally prevents him from entering his own home, Drake has to find somewhere else to stay, further straining his relationship with Patty. They’re already drowning in legal fees on top of their original investment, and without Drake in the picture, Carter can finally zero in on Patty.

Keaton At His Most Menacing

What really sells Pacific Heights is just how calculating Carter Hayes truly is, thanks to Michael Keaton. It’s clear from the beginning that he’s a con artist, but no one can quite pin down his endgame. He spends much of the film coming and going, locking himself in the apartment, infesting the house with roaches, and staring down Patty whenever she thinks she’s alone. Drake, rightfully losing his grip, wants to protect what’s his, but Carter has already anticipated his every move. Each attempt to remove him only makes his presence, both seen and unseen, more aggressive and menacing.

Pacific Heights 1990

The suspense in Pacific Heights comes from knowing Drake and Patty are being systematically dismantled with almost no way to protect themselves from the squatter living inside their nest egg. As Carter’s motives slowly come into focus, we learn what he’s truly after, but by then it’s far too late for a clean resolution.

As of this writing, Pacific Heights is streaming for free on Tubi.


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