By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 hour ago

Battlestar Galactica has a well-earned reputation as one of the most serious sci-fi series ever made. Under the direction of showrunner Ronald D. Moore, this show was everything Star Trek wasn’t: grim, gritty, and absolutely brimming with character conflict. The original miniseries began with the attempted genocide of humanity, and later episodes regularly feature President Roslin tracking how many humans are left as soldiers and civilians are picked off by evil robots. In other words, Battlestar Galactica isn’t the show that you pop on when you want to enjoy a few laughs!

With that being said, the show does pepper in occasional moments of levity, which are that much funnier because they are surrounded by serious scenes. One of the best examples of this is the Season 1 episode “Six Degrees of Separation.” Most of the plot is appropriately grim, with Dr. Baltar worried that he is going crazy and racing to clear his name for the crime of betraying humanity. Amid all this, however, Moore went out of his way to include bizarre toilet humor in the form of Baltar hilariously confronting Gaeta in the bathroom!

When The Story Goes Down The Toilet

If you want to freshen up before we head to the bathroom, here goes: “Six Degrees of Separation” is a Battlestar Galactica episode where Dr. Baltar is startled by the appearance of a woman claiming he is a secret Cylon collaborator. The twist? She looks exactly like the version of the Cylon Six that he always talks to in his head. He freaks out trying to clear his name, eventually getting thrown in the brig for trying to destroy a potentially incriminating photograph. But after he prays to God for forgiveness, his accuser vanishes, and the photograph is revealed to be a forgery that was clearly intended to frame him. 

So, where does the weird toilet humor come into play? Gaeta is the one assigned to investigate the photograph, and while he’s in the bathroom, he gets a visit from Baltar. The not-so-good doctor wants to probe Gaeta for information, but one of his questions comes out horribly wrong: “How’s it going over there?” he asked the man in the bathroom stall. After Gaeta responds with a confused “uh…”, Baltar clarifies that he’s talking about how it’s going in the lab. After Baltar unsuccessfully petitions the man for lab access, Gaeta runs out of there, leaving the doctor to shout after him, “You forgot to wash your hands!”

A Very Stall Order

Just when things can’t get any weirder, Baltar’s accuser walks into the bathroom. He harangues her about being a secret Cylon while she denies all of his accusations. Eventually, she enters a bathroom and closes the stall door, effectively ending the conversation. This leaves a frustrated Baltar to make an angry exclamation that just so happens to be a pun on his first name: “no more Mr. nice Gaius!”

If you think this bit of weird bathroom humor is out of place for Battlestar Galactica, you’re not the only one. As recorded in Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, “The network had its concerns and wanted to cut it at one point, and I was like, ‘No! I know how to do this and make it work. Just trust me!” The showrunner was right to be confident, as the final scene was funny without being too silly or gross. According to Gaeta actor Alessandro Juliani, one reason it was so funny is that director Robert M. Young rigorously adhered to the script, which “said in block capital letters, ‘STAY OUTSIDE THE STALLS’.”

The Best Improvised Line

As for Dr. Baltar’s weird little pun, the original line was simply “no more Mr. Nice Guy,” which was already pretty funny. Actor James Callis improvised “no more Mr. Nice Gaius” because the joke just “seemed obvious.” The improvisation made executive producer David Eick laugh, but he warned the actor that “I’m not sure that’s going to work for the audience.” Fortunately for both Callis and the fans, Moore liked the pun so well that it made the final cut.

There you have it, you frakkers: the story of how Ronald D. Moore snuck some wildly out of place bathroom humor into Battlestar Galactica. The toasters at the network were nervous that he couldn’t pull it off, but the showrunner managed to sneak just the right amount of laughs into the most serious sci-fi show of the modern age. Did he possibly activate a lot of nerds watching with the prospect of Tricia Helfer yelling at them in the bathroom? Maybe, but we’ll try not to hold that against him.

There’s really nothing like a Maika Monroe horror movie. From It Follows to Longlegs, Monroe has become one of the best scream queens of the last decade. Victorian Psycho drops Monroe into the Yorkshire moors in 1858 and lets her run wild. Based on Virginia Feito‘s novel of the same name (Feito also penned the screenplay), director Zachary Wigon takes a stab at black comedy in a slasher where the protagonist is the one wielding the blade. With a talented ensemble cast to boot, Victorian Psycho is a vivid, violent, and dangerously funny win for Monroe, Feito, and Wigon.

‘Victorian Psycho’ Is a Gleeful Slasher That Is Far More Than Just an Homage

With a title like Victorian Psycho and a deranged protagonist like Monroe’s Winifred Notty, you might assume that the film draws a lot of inspiration from American Psycho, except instead of an investment banker douchebag from New York, you have a crazed serial killer governess from Yorkshire. But diluting Victorian Psycho down to just being an homage to the Mary Harron movie would be a mistake. Victorian Pyscho follows Winifred, a governess who has had some suspiciously bad luck with her past charges, as she arrives at Ensor House. The wealthy and pretentious Mr. and Mrs. Pounds (Jason Isaacs and Ruth Wilson, respectively) have hired Winifred as a governess for their two children, Andrew (Jacobi Jupe) and Drusilla (Evie Templeton).

Almost instantly, it’s clear that Winifred is not the most stable of people. Not long after she arrives at Ensor house, she unpacks her clothes, and a severed human ear drops to the ground. Instead of being grossed out by it, she kicks it under the bed before quickly retrieving it and eating it. Yes, you read that right… she eats it. Her internal monologue acts as a narration for the viewers and gives us a look into her off-kilter pysche to prove that she doesn’t really think there’s anything wrong with what she’s doing.

Feito translates her story from page to screen with aplomb, retaining a storybook structure by separating the film into six chapters while still embracing the new medium. Monroe’s delivery of Winifred’s narration is one of the most entertaining aspects of the film as we see the contrast between her restrained actions and her deviant thoughts. It’s a manic sort of storytelling that works perfectly for the unique presentation of the film.

‘Victorian Psycho’ Leans Into Period-Accurate Detail and an Experimental Perspective

As a perfect compliment to the weirdness of Winifred’s personality, the camera experiments with unconventional angles. Cinematographer Nico Aguilar, who was an additional photography DOP on Killers of the Flower Moon, moves the camera organically with the narrative. The film starts with the camera intentionally tilted as Winifred announces to us that she’s the sanest person she knows — a not-so-subtle teasing nod to our protagonist’s mental state. As the camera twists and turns throughout the film, it becomes as unpredictable as Winifred’s actions.

As it’s set in the Victorian era, the costuming and set design add a perfect touch to the era. While Monroe is typically swathed in the somber dark colors of a governess, Wilson gets to don some gorgeous dresses as Mrs. Pounds. Additionally, while the interiors of the house are beautiful, it’s the nature around the house where the world is still wild and uncontained that the film leans into the eeriness of the moors. One location in particular — the kennels where the Pounds keep their dogs — is ghoulishly ominous and is where a major turning point in the film is set.

Maika Monroe Leads a Talented Cast in ‘Victorian Psycho’

Image via Cover Images

What ultimately makes Victorian Psycho a winner is Monroe. Her narration adds a perfect touch to the film, allowing us into her psyche, which is a nice way of side-stepping internal dialogue that might only be hidden in book prose. There are moments where Monroe is downright terrifying, as Winifred always seems like she’s one bad day from cracking completely. An impulsive killer and a ruthless one at that, it’s still hard for the audience to fully hate her. Sure, she’s travelling through the countryside with a valise full of trophies from her kills, but what’s so wrong with that if the people she’s encountering are like the Pounds family?

It’s entertaining watching her try to formulate a new friendship with the nurse, Ms. Lamb (Thomasin McKenzie). These are probably the moments we get the most honest version of Winifred, but they never last for long lest the audience get too comfortable with her. Her best scenes are opposite Wilson’s Mrs. Pounds and one major scene with Isaac’s Mr. Pounds. Wilson is equal parts cutting and insecure as Mrs. Pounds, a fickle woman with far too much power over her servants. With Isaacs, Monroe shows some true fragility and reveals one of the sources of Winifred’s instability. It’s a masterful and funny twist that manages to put together all the separate pieces of the movie into one cohesive image. Aside from Monroe and Wilson, the film also proves that Templeton should be one to watch. After her memorable role in the most recent season of Wednesday, it seems that Templeton might well be on her way to walking the same path that Monroe has in her quiet role as Drusilla.

Full of blood and murder and Gothic flair, what makes Victorian Psycho so good is that it doesn’t need to pretend to be artsy or take itself too seriously. There are a few anachronisms here and there that enhance the humor, and, while we’d never say that Winifred is a feminist icon, there is always something slightly satisfying in watching a scream queen like Monroe take on a house full of snobby elites. It’s hard to imagine Margaret Qualley, who was originally cast as Winifred, adopting the role with the same level of unhinged wildness. Wigon, who previously directed the darkly funny Sanctuary, proves that he can not only find the perfect balance between gore and giggles, but also elevates Feito’s exciting story with a keen eye for detail and talent.

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Release Date

September 25, 2026

Runtime

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90 minutes

Director

Zachary Wigon

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Writers

Virginia Feito

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Producers

Sebastien Raybaud, Nick Shumaker, Dan Kagan, Zachary Wigon, Elizabeth Siegal

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Pros & Cons

• Maika Monroe is perfectly cast as Winifred Notty, evoking the exact type of mania and weirdness required for the role.
• Virginia Feito does a fantastic job of translating her prose into an engaging and funny script.
• Zachary Wigon’s direction delivers a story that is scary, clever, and deeply entertaining without verging into pretentious or dull.

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Roomies, when it comes to stepping up in the blended family spotlight, India Royale and Lil Durk always find themselves at the center of conversation. And this time, it’s all about a proud milestone that had the whole family showing out in support.

RELATED: Big 31! India Royale Shares Birthday Message Lil Durk Sent Her From Behind Bars (LISTEN)

India Royale Shows Up For Angelo Banks’ Graduation Celebration

Y’all! India Royale was spotted celebrating a major achievement as Lil Durk Banks and Nicole Covone’s son, Angelo Banks, officially graduated from junior high school in Georgia. The proud moment had India in full stepmom mode as she showed up to support Angelo’s big day, taking photos alongside him and Willow Banks, her 7-year-old daughter with Lil Durk, and sharing loving family moments that highlighted their blended household dynamic.

Family Celebrates Angelo Together Despite Absence

More details show that Lil Durk and Nicole Covone also share a 12-year-old daughter, Bella Banks, while India Royale is also stepmother to Bella as well as Durk’s other children, including Skylar from a previous relationship. Though Lil Durk could not attend Angelo’s graduation due to being held in federal detention in California awaiting trial, the family still came together to celebrate the milestone, with Nicole sharing photos of everyone who showed up to support Angelo on his special day.

Roomies Flood Comments With Congrats And “Free Durk”

Roomies ran straight to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section after news of Angelo Banks’ graduation started circulating, and the congratulations were pouring in nonstop. Many users praised the moment and said they love how Lil Durk’s circle keeps their “village” tight when it comes to family milestones and support. Meanwhile, the “free Durk” comments were also flooding in back-to-back, with fans continuing to show love and call for his release.

One Instagram user @iamnydezh said, “Love how Nikki is ❤️❤️ keep that village tight!“

This Instagram user @niyrvr commented “damn how many tickets they give him 😂😂

And, Instagram user @royaltymuva claimed, “❤️❤️. same face as Lil Durk just different fonts.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @itsjusjuu shared, “awww i wish durk could’ve been there.“

While Instagram user @liyah__duh wrote, “This is so cute 😢 even India there this is amazing FREE DURK MAN“

Lastly, Instagram user @nyc_princess_diii added, “Shout out to the mothers for putting kids first!!!!“

RELATED: India Royale Speaks Out After Rumors Claim She’s Planning To Leave Lil Durk While He’s In Jail

Prime Video has slowly but surely become a prime destination for audiences. With a considerable library of movies and TV shows, and an ever-expanding collection of original projects, the streamer has made a name for itself and is now capable of going toe-to-toe with juggernauts like Netflix. Thanks to major hits like The Boys and new, social media-friendly shows like Off Campus, Prime Video is killing it with TV shows, but its library of movies is also quite impressive and just as worthy of recognition.

In fact, Prime Video might be the ideal choice for you if you’re wondering how you should spend a nice weekend in. Whether you’re in the mood for an intense adventure or are looking for a more mellow experience, the streamer has numerous movies to choose from — it’s all a matter of taste, after all. Moreover, many worthy pictures end up lost in the vast sea of the streamer’s library, never once getting the attention they so deserve. Here, we offer you a few movie choices on Prime Video to watch this weekend, all of them underseen and undervalued. Give these a chance this weekend, and you won’t regret it.

‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’

Image via Sundance Institute

The sophomore feature from James Griffiths, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a sweet British comedy-drama that came out to little to no fanfare. Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan stars opposite co-writer Tom Basden and consummate scene-stealer Tim Key in this musical tale about letting go of the past. Muligan and Basden play Nell and Herb, a former folk duo who separated under unclear circumstances, only to reunite years later when eccentric mega fan Charles Heath (Key) pays them a generous sum to perform for him.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is perfect for all those fans of sweet, unsuspecting, and straightforward romance and drama. It doesn’t try anything necessarily new, nor does it concern itself with reinventing the wheel. Instead, it merely offers a heartfelt, honest, and sorrowful story about overcoming grief and opening oneself to life’s possibilities. Mulligan is great, as usual, but Key and Basden are the secret sauce that makes The Ballad of Wallis Island work. If you’re in the mood for some nice folk music or want a surprisingly wholesome tale of friendship, then this remarkable and undervalued gem is the right choice.

‘Black Bag’

Once upon a time, Steven Soderbergh was one of the leading auteurs working in Hollywood, and while his movies were never particularly box office juggernauts, his name still carried significant weight. In other words, a new Soderbergh movie was an event. Nowadays, however, things are very different, with the director’s most recent offerings flying so under the radar that they’re not even registered. It’s a shame, because the quality of his offerings hasn’t decreased, and last year’s sleek crime caper Black Bag proves it.

Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender lead an impressive cast, including Regé-Jean Page, Tom Burke, Marisa Abela, and Pierce Brosnan. The plot centers on George Woodhouse (Fassbender), a British Intelligence officer tasked with investigating a list of potential traitors. To his shock, his wife, Kathryn (Blanchett), is among them. Like other Soderbergh movies, Black Bag is stylish, tightly constructed, and dryly witty, an irresistible tale of duplicity and betrayal set in the world of British espionage. More interesting, however, is its depiction of marriage as a constant match of psychological one-upmanship. Fassbender is good as the troubled protagonist, but Blanchett is outstanding as the elusive Kathryn, making an already entertaining film even better.

‘John Candy: I Like Me’

Image via Prime Video

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Colin Hanks (yes, Tom Hanks‘ son) directs John Candy: I Like Me, a documentary about the career of iconic comedian John Candy. The film uses rare, never-before-seen footage of Candy’s private life and features interviews and audio commentary from his friends and family. Major figures appear in the doc, including Dan Aykroyd, Mel Brooks, Macaulay Culkin, Tom Hanks, Steven Martin, Bill Murray, and Martin Short.

Documentaries are not everyone’s cup of tea, but Candy is such a beloved figure in entertainment that it’s hard to resist. John Candy: I Like Me is an insightful, revelatory, and heartbreaking but ultimately rewarding intimate look at one of the greatest comedic talents of the 20th century. Instead of solely focusing on the circumstances of his death, the documentary serves as a celebration of his gifts and a chance to know a different, softer side to him. Ultimately, John Candy: I Like Me is both a love letter to its subject and a tribute to the considerable legacy he left behind. Even if you’re not a fan of documentaries, this one is well worth your time.

Marvel Studios hasn’t officially said much about Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but after the first trailer dropped, fans are already convinced it’s hiding some major reveals.

From a possible Man-Spider transformation to the long-rumored arrival of the X-Men, the internet is breaking down every frame for clues. While nothing has been confirmed, several theories have quickly gained traction and could hint at where the MCU is heading next.

A Darker Peter Parker Has Fans Thinking “Man-Spider”

One of the biggest talking points from the trailer is the noticeably darker tone surrounding Peter Parker.

Quick shots appear to show:

• A more aggressive Spider-Man

• Subtle physical changes in his appearance

• A loss of control over his powers

That has led many fans to speculate Marvel could be adapting elements of the “Man-Spider” storyline, where Peter undergoes a disturbing mutation tied to his spider abilities.

In Marvel Comics, the Man-Spider arc has been explored in several forms, often depicting Peter losing control as his powers evolve beyond what he can manage. While the MCU has never tackled this concept directly, the trailer’s tone suggests something more physical and unstable could be happening to him.

Symbiote Rumors Are Back Again

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Spider-Man theory cycle without talk of the black suit.

Following the ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where a fragment of the Venom symbiote was left behind in the MCU, fans have long expected that storyline to pay off. The Brand New Day trailer has only added fuel to that fire.

Some viewers believe the darker visuals and Peter’s behavior could hint at early symbiote influence. Others think Marvel may combine elements of the symbiote storyline with a Man-Spider-style mutation, creating a new hybrid take on Spider-Man’s transformation.

While there’s no direct confirmation of Venom appearing, the groundwork has clearly been laid.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day [credit: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures]

Sadie Sink’s Role Is Already a Mystery

Another major topic of discussion is Sadie Sink’s casting.

Marvel has yet to reveal who she’s playing, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from running wild. The most popular theory right now is that Sink could be portraying Jean Grey, which would mark a massive step toward introducing mutants into the MCU.

The idea has gained traction online, especially as Marvel continues to build toward a post-Secret Wars future that likely includes the X-Men.

However, not everyone is convinced.

Other theories suggest she could be:

• Firestar

• A version of Mary Jane Watson

• A completely original MCU character

• Or another lesser-known Marvel figure being reimagined

At this point, her role remains one of the film’s biggest mysteries.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day [credit: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures]

A Possible Turning Point for the MCU

If even part of these theories prove true, Spider-Man: Brand New Day could be more than just another Spider-Man sequel.

The film appears to pick up with Peter completely isolated following the events of No Way Home, where the world forgot his identity. That emotional reset creates the perfect setup for a darker, more vulnerable version of the character.

It also opens the door for larger changes in the MCU, whether that’s the introduction of the symbiote storyline, a new phase of Spider-Man’s evolution, or even the early stages of mutant integration.

Nothing Is Confirmed… But That Hasn’t Stopped Fans

As with most Marvel trailers, it’s important to note that none of these theories have been confirmed.

Still, the reaction online shows just how much anticipation is building around Brand New Day. Whether it delivers on these ideas or takes things in a completely different direction, one thing is clear:

Marvel has everyone paying attention again.

Roomies, when it comes to Jasmine Crockett and Donald Trump, it seems the political tension is nowhere near cooling off. Now, Congresswoman Crockett makes headlines again as she rolls out a move that directly impacts how taxpayer money gets used in legal battles. And let’s just say… it ties to Trump and his circle.

RELATED: Here She Comes! Jasmine Crockett Sends Trump A Warning Amid Announcement Of Her US Senate Campaign In Texas

Jasmine Crockett Introduces STOP TRUMP Act Amid Legal Disputes

According to reports, Jasmine Crockett has introduced the STOP TRUMP Act, short for the “Stop Taxpayer-funded Reimbursement for Unlawful Misconduct by Presidents Act.” The act actively blocks taxpayer dollars from funding political settlements. It also aims to hinder compensation payouts, or claims connected to Donald Trump, his allies, family members, political appointees, affiliated entities, or January 6 participants under alleged “government weaponization” arguments. The bill arrives as Trump is reportedly pursuing billions through lawsuits and settlement negotiations. And, his current legal pursuits seem to be tied to investigations and prosecutions involving him and his associates.

Crockett Speaks Out On Taxpayer Money & Trump Claims

Crockett also made it clear where she stands regarding the proposed legislation. “Working families are struggling to afford groceries, gas, rent, and healthcare.” She continues, “The last thing taxpayers should be forced to do is bankroll political revenge tours and payouts for Donald Trump and his cronies.” Reports further state the bill specifically blocks federal funds. Specifically, it blocks the federal Judgment Fund from settling or paying those types of claims if the act moves forward.

The Comment Section Had Something To Say

One Instagram user @tamikadmallory added, “Somebody has to try to do SOMETHING!!!!!“

This Instagram user @mprez_lilocks said, “God please protect this woman at all costs!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”

And, Instagram user @nycxelizabeth claimed, “I love her 😮‍💨 idc…. she’s that girl 😮‍💨😍”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @dreco_9 commented, “Sit yo *ss down Jasmin“

Then Instagram user @je_suis_coko shared, “She fighting the fight by herself seems like! This what we need and to VOTE in the mid terms!“

Lastly, Instagram user @jaygotsongz said, “The fact the sh*t even got passed its what blows my mind“

RELATED: Hol’ Up! What Does The Reported IRS Deal Mean For Donald Trump, His Family & Future Tax Audits?

Funny Mike and members of the ‘Bad Kids’ crew are mourning following the tragic death of 15-year-old Tyruan Dunn. A shooting reportedly killed the Baton Rouge teen on Wednesday (May 20) evening. He previously appeared as part of FunnyMike’s ‘Bad Kids’ crew.

RELATED: Supporters Send Love And Encouragement To Funny Mike After He Opened Up About Reaching His Breaking Point In Life (VIDEO)

Funny Mike Shares Emotional Tribute To Former ‘Bad Kid’ Member

On Thursday, May 21, FunnyMike took to Instagram Stories to honor Tyruan Dunn after news of the teen’s passing surfaced online. The content creator shared several photos and video montages of himself and Tyruan, along with the message, “Rest Up 💔.”

Other members associated with the ‘Bad Kids,’ including BadKidMacei and BadKidJay, also reposted memories and photos of the 15-year-old as supporters flooded social media with prayers and condolences. The ‘Bad Kids’ were a popular group of young creators and influencers frequently featured in FunnyMike’s YouTube content, livestreams, skits, and social media videos.

Authorities Investigating Deadly Baton Rouge Shooting

According to WAFB, the shooting involving Tyruan happened on Wednesday evening in Baton Rouge. Police say Tyruan was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the roadway and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities also confirmed that a second victim was injured and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The investigation remains ongoing.

Social Media Reacts

Following the tragic incident, social media users shared reactions across platforms as many expressed heartbreak over the loss of another young life.

Instagram user @myanoell wrote, “Multiple gunshot wounds? So he was targeted? SMH rest up baby boy 😢”

Another Instagram user @airdnaxela704 wrote, “Damnnn I remember when I used to watch them on Youtube, rest up baby boy 💔🪽, this shi sad as hell man”

While Instagram user @mr.chillhard2 wrote, “I’m so confused if he was under his wing how he end up back inna streets”

Instagram user @1sadman_og wrote, “Bro really tried taking them out that life too daam g 🤦🏽‍♂️”

Another Instagram user @444theluvofrissaa wrote, “LLBADKIDTYRAUN 🥺💔🕊️ 🤦🏽‍♀️ praying for friends and family”

While Instagram user @tammynguyen1451 wrote, “omg 💔💔💔”

Instagram user @kiyahalii wrote, “I’m sorry but I blame the parents! Mike is not to blame for nothing that happens to these kidss its the parents that keep them in that fked up environment that’s all them kids know is BR 🥺”

Another Instagram user @_jaayyl3nn wrote, “Omg he was one of my favorite bad kids when I was younger that’s crazy”

While Instagram user @antierii wrote, “Omg he was really one of the original wow this is heartbreaking 💔”

Related: W’s In The Chat! Funny Mike Gets Emotional After DDG Surprises Him With A Twitch Raid

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 8 seconds ago

Right now, one of the most powerful entities in the entire world is on the hunt for James Bond. No, I’m not talking about Blofeld, Goldfinger, or any of the rest of 007’s colorful rogues’ gallery. Instead, I’m talking about Amazon, which (after shelling out a whopping billion dollars) now has full creative control over the James Bond character. They’re eager to start pumping out new movies and (in all likelihood) new TV shows, but that can’t happen until they find a new Bond actor to replace Daniel Craig.

Right now, fans are mostly speculating who will get the coveted role, and various names (including Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and even Jacob Elordi) keep churning through the rumor mill. However, it’s arguably more interesting to speculate about what the new 007 films will actually be like. Will we be getting more movies in the ultra-serious vein of the Craig movies? The answer is almost certainly “no,” and it’s all due to the Austin Powers films, which parodied James Bond and absolutely dominated the ‘90s.

A License To Shag

I know what you’re thinking. “What in the name of a Swedish-made penis enlarger does a ‘90s film franchise have to do with modern Bond?” Back in 2012, Daniel Craig sat down for an interview with the 007 fan site MI6 in order to promote Skyfall. He began discussing why Casino Royale was such a serious movie compared to many of the earlier Bond films. Mid-interview, Craig surprisingly laid the blame for this creative decision on one man: Austin Powers star Mike Myers.

“We had to destroy the myth because Mike Myers f*cked us,” Craig said with hilarious vulgarity. While acknowledging his love for the actor, the Knives Out star reiterated how his franchise had been done dirty by the former Saturday Night Live icon. “He kind of f*cked us; made it impossible to do the gags.” In other words, the Austin Powers films did such a good job making fun of the sillier aspects of 007 that Craig’s Bond films had to throw those things out unless they wanted filmgoers to see their new star as an instant punchline.

Back To Brosnan (Sort Of)

So, the popularity of the Austin Powers films explains why Daniel Craig’s 007 movies were so serious. Why, though, do I think Mike Myers’ movies will help determine the tone of the next Bond film? Simple: it’s all about course correction. The Austin Powers movies made the Bond filmmakers feel as if they had leaned too far into the silliness of their character, so they tried to fix this by making 007 into more of a grim warrior. Now, the ultra-gritty Bond has been the norm for over two decades, so it stands to reason that the pendulum will swing the other way and we’ll get a more lighthearted 007.

Now, does that mean that the next Bond actor will be as silly as Roger Moore, whose zany antics largely inspired the Austin Powers character? Probably not. But we’ll likely get someone akin to Pierce Brosnan, who did a great job blending serious and comedic elements into his 007 movies. That would help to give the Amazon era of the franchise more mainstream appeal while distinguishing the new Bond from other, overly serious action heroes like John Reacher and John Wick.

Of course, all of this is arguably putting the cart before the horse (or should that be Aston Martin?). Before anyone at Amazon can earnestly work on the next chapter for 007, they’ll need to cast the next James Bond actor. Will it be someone the fans have been clamoring for, or will the casting choice be a complete surprise? Either way, one thing’s for sure: the internet will be arguing about the choice of actor until the heat death of the universe. Or, at the very least, until an AI (probably one made by Amazon) rises up and kills us all.