Jumanji might be one of the unlikely mega-hit film franchises out there. The quirky book by Chris Van Allsburg about a board game that brings in all manner of creatures from a magical jungle was first adapted for the big screen with the original Robin Williams-led film, which is widely considered to be a definitive ’90s cult classic. Then, after over 20 years (not counting the spiritual sci-fi spin-off Zathura: A Space Adventure), the franchise made a bold and ambitious comeback thanks to Dwayne Johnson.

2017 brought forth the next chapter in the Jumanji saga, titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which, along with Johnson, also stars Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. The quartet quickly found a fanbase as a group of high schoolers who are transported into the world of Jumanji and transformed into heroes straight out of Uncharted after the archaic board game magically transforms itself into a video game console. The story then continued again in Jumanji: The Next Level, which ups the ante by having the main heroes switch up their already switched-up bodies to save one of their closest friends. Now, Johnson, Hart, Gillan, and Black are reuniting one last time for a final adventure.

After a whopping seven-year wait, the first trailer for Jumanji: Open World (the fourth and reportedly final chapter of the franchise as we know it) is finally here. For the first time since the 1995 original, instead of going to Jumanji, the four lead heroes of Spencer (Alex Wolff), Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), Martha (Morgan Turner), and Bethany (Madison Iseman) will have to contend with the horrors of the magical jungle in the real world.

Who Stars in ‘Jumanji: Open World’?

Once again, leading the cast is Dwayne Johnson, who is in desperate need of a box-office win after his Oscar vehicle The Smashing Machine and his live-action Disney remake of Moana underperformed. Also returning as Bravestone’s cohorts are 72 Hours star Kevin Hart, The Super Mario Movie franchise favorite Jack Black, and the upcoming star of Henry Cavill‘s Highlander remake, Karen Gillan. Also returning for the final chapter are the core quartet of Alex Wolff (A Quiet Place: Day One), Morgan Turner (Remember Me), Ser’Darius Blain (The Rookie), and Madison Iseman (Annabelle Comes Home), as well as other familiar franchise faces like Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death), and Nick Jonas (Camp Rock). Also joining the franchise for the very first time are Pacific Rim star Burn Gorman and New Girl icon Lamorne Morris.

Jumanji: Open World arrives in theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

December 25, 2026

Director

Jake Kasdan

Advertisement

Writers

Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, Chris Van Allsburg

Franchise(s)

Advertisement

Jumanji

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Days of Our Lives has Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) freaked out that Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) is missing. But did Leo make a huge mistake by spilling to Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) about the dead man’s switch info being held by Melinda Trask‘s (Tina Huang) law partner? This could actually ruin Gwen’s life. All thanks to Leo.

Days of our Lives: Leo’s Big Blunder

We’re going to get into the nitty-gritty of what’s going to happen to Gwen now that Leo blabbed about her secret dead man switch against EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel). He blabbed to ISA agent Cat. And of course, Leo’s motives are pure. He is trying to save Gwen. But Leo might have destroyed her future. Completely destroyed it.

As you know, Gwen’s not been heard of since she and EJ were chitchatting about life the other day, and she hasn’t returned any of Leo’s calls. She never got back to Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) either about looking into the counterfeit handbag ring. It just happened to be that Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) happily rubbed it in EJ’s face that the state board was kicking him out of the hospital as owner and that Gwen would be replacing him.

Then, moments later, we saw some masked guy snatch Gwen up. And Leo hasn’t seen or heard from her since. And then he went to Gwen’s room at the Salem Inn and saw it was untouched. So then Leo got alarmed. Because it’s not like Gwen to not spend the night in her room. And she told Leo if she went missing that it was EJ who did it given all of their dirty dealings together.

So, Leo’s known for a while about Gwen’s dead man switch. She told Leo it would be enough to let him write a scathing exposé on EJ’s scandalous crimes. But Leo would only get it if something bad happened to Gwen and she was MIA for 10 days or more.

DOOL: Leo’s Critical Mistake and Gwen’s Confession

But Leo didn’t even wait the 10 days. He jumped the gun. Because lots of people in Salem think that something bad has happened to Gwen. We know Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) does PR for the hospital and of course Gwen plans on buying it from EJ.

So, Stephanie is in the loop on all of this and she just gave Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) an update and Stephanie told him that her dad and the Salem PD are looking for Gwen and we know the FBI is involved. Not only that but Leo told Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) about Gwen and then he went to see Melinda since Gwen’s lawyer’s on vacation and Leo told Marlena that the digital file that was left as the dead man switch was empty.

Days of our Lives: Marlena in a Tough Spot

And then she heard from Leo all about the dead man switch and that it was Gwen confessing all of her and EJ’s bad deeds. So Leo has blamed EJ for the missing file. He thinks he hacked in and stole it. However, Leo hasn’t considered the fact that he told ISA agent Cat about the file.

But Marlena figured out pretty fast what happened that Cat stole the file and then deleted it. And Marlena can’t even warn Leo about it because Marlena has special clearance from the ISA. But Leo does not. So, Marlena is stuck in a very uncomfortable position.

And on top of that, Leo’s worried that he’s next on EJ’s hit list because he assumes the villain already got Gwen. We saw that Cat took Gwen’s stolen confession to FBI agent Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering). And Cat also told him she had already handed over the letter to her ISA boss, Andrew Donovan (Colton Little).

So, after chatting with Rafe, he and Cat realize that Gwen’s disappearance buys EJ the time he needs to hang on to the hospital, and Cat knows that EJ needs time to clear this all up. There’s a 90-day period where Gwen can buy it before the hospital goes into receivership.

The Missing Puzzle Piece and Gwen’s Jeopardy on Days

If you don’t know what that word means, it’s when a court orders a third party to take control of a company or organization because its original owners can’t legally keep running it. So, if Gwen’s not back in this 90 days, then the court would take the hospital from EJ and put a neutral third party in charge of it.

And that would give the court time to keep looking for a buyer. But it wouldn’t be allowed to be EJ. However, that 90-day window is a long enough time for him to maybe bribe somebody on the board or find some way to stop the sale. But that only works if Gwen’s not around to trigger the purchase. If she was in Salem, EJ would be out of luck immediately.

She would buy it next week and the 90 days wouldn’t even matter. So, it’s no wonder that Cat and Rafe and Leo and others think that EJ did something to Gwen to get her out of the way. And what we know is her cell phone’s off and Andrew tried to ping it. They couldn’t find it and the ISA can’t do a remote start on the cell phone. So, somebody’s been very careful to keep Gwen’s location a secret.

DOOL: Cat in Big Trouble

And Rafe scolded Cat for committing a crime by stealing Gwen’s file. However, Rafe gets that Cat had to act fast because she was worried Leo would get the letter, publish everything that was in Gwen’s confession, and it would tip off EJ, and then he’d have time to cover his tracks. So Rafe had a hard time seeing anything that they could use to arrest EJ in Gwen’s confession. But Cat pointed to one item where Gwen confessed that she and EJ kidnapped Dimitri von Leuschner (Peter Porte) after he was out of prison because that happened on US soil even though he wound up in Alamania.

And the letter says Gwen and EJ bankrolled Dimitri’s kidnapping and then she used the money to help EJ fund Dr. Wilhelm Rolf (Richard Wharton) experiments and to help get the patent and to buy the hospital. So Gwen and EJ thought they’d make billions. And this is the puzzle piece that Rafe and Cat have been searching for this whole time. The identity of EJ’s silent partner.

Days of our Lives: Everyone Searching for Gwen

They’ve got it. But Gwen’s missing. So the ISA, FBI, Salem PD, and Black Patch are all looking for her. And so is Leo, who packed a bag, and he’s ready to run off. Later this week, Leo texts Dimitri and tells Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) he knows that Gwen is in Alamania. And Chad and Belle Black (Martha Madison) are heading to Italy this week to follow the chess set clues. And according to Days of our Lives spoilers, seems like Chad and Belle may help search for Gwen while they’re there.

If you recall, when Gwen first told Leo about the dead man’s switch, she specifically told Leo the instructions were for the lawyer to make sure her death was legit and wait 10 days before flipping the switch. That’s because Gwen’s confession was only intended to be released in the event of her death when no law enforcement agencies could come after her for these crimes.

She knew Leo would publicize all the dirt on EJ in case the bad guy killed her. Instead, Leo told a law enforcement agent about the confession letter, which is about as dumb as you can get. He runs his big mouth all the time to everybody. And now once Gwen is released from her kidnapper, she could be looking at life behind bars. All thanks to Leo.

Days of Our Lives: A Deal in the Making

But then Rafe, Dimitri, Gwen and Leo do play let’s make a deal this summer. So it looks like Rafe may be offering a deal to Dimitri who doesn’t want to take it and Leo tries to convince Dimitri to make a deal with him instead. So, I think they might be offering Gwen immunity for Dimitri’s kidnapping if he will agree to it and if Gwen testifies against EJ because EJ is the big fish in this equation. Not Dimitri, not Gwen.

But even then, there’s no guarantee that she’s going to come out of this alive because bad men like to disappear witnesses all the time. So, I wonder if Leo is going to be in hot water with his ex-bestie if she finds out his big mouth put the FBI and the ISA on her trail.

It’s not unheard of for a celebrity to treat a vacation or family function like their own personal runway. Even when they try to tone things down, their outfits still feel bold and cost hundreds — which is why we’re extra appreciative of the simple black button-down dress style Julia Roberts wore during Emma Roberts‘ wedding weekend.

The actress was spotted celebrating her famous niece and her new husband, Cody John, in Idaho. While we love some good wedding guest outfit inspiration, it was Julia’s casual, day-off look that had Us ready to break out the credit card. The 58-year-old’s easy, throw-on dress style is the perfect travel companion, aka something you make sure to slip in your suitcase since it works as a swim coverup, coffee run look or casual sightseeing ensemble.

Get the Kuraki Button-Front Maxi Shirtdress for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

While the brand behind the Pretty Woman star’s dress remains unknown, we found a similar style on Amazon for $30. With its simple shirt-like design, breezy material and solid black color, the Kuraki Button-Front Maxi Shirtdress is nearly identical, but the price tag won’t leave you feeling buyer’s remorse.

Related: Julia Roberts’ Loose ‘Vacation Pants’ Are Still a Summer Must-Have

Advertisement

About a year after cleaning out my closet and donating a bunch of clothes, I realized something: everything leftover felt kind of boring, and I needed to add more whimsical items, STAT. Perhaps the bright yellow pants I once owned were no longer a fit, but I often think about Julia Roberts‘ breezy striped bottoms, wishing the […]

Two main things make this pick stand out from the pack: it’s made of 100% cotton and has a non-constricting fit. While many shirtdresses feature a cinched waist or feel too structured to relax in, the Amazon find is loose and billowy, which is ideal on hot, sweaty days or when you’d rather not highlight your midsection. The sleeves can also be rolled up and held in place with a button tab, adding to the piece’s versatility.

“I absolutely love this dress,” one reviewer wrote. “I throw on a pair of sneakers and I’m good to go. The dress is soft and breathable. Perfect for warmer climates. The sleeve length is adjustable and cute however you wear it. From brunch, to the mall, to running errands, this dress fits the bill.”

“Lightweight and super comfy,” another shopper said. “Fits perfectly — if you want a little extra room, consider sizing up. Best dress I’ve ever ordered from Amazon. Quality, style, price on point.”

When it came to styling, Roberts went the casual route, adding matching black flip-flops, sunglasses and a tote. However, the same piece can be paired with strappy sandals or even boots come fall. Bonus: It can also worn as a robe or jacket by leaving the buttons unfastened. The dress is definitely versatile, making it the ideal option to take on trips and wear multiple times, saving room in your suitcase.

The black option will help you nail the celebrity look, but the Kuraki dress also comes in denim, white, olive green and more, letting you choose a color that best suits your style. Grab your favorite now and channel a Hollywood legend on your next day off.

Get the Kuraki Button-Front Maxi Shirtdress for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more button-down dresses here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

Advertisement

Related: Rich-Mom Style Starts With These Affordable Amazon Dresses

It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars on a single dress in pursuit of feeling polished and put together. But, as tempting as it might be, you don’t have to pay luxury prices to get the designer look you’re craving. With the right silhouette, thoughtful tailoring and elevated details, even affordable styles can pass for […]

Kendra Wilkinson is choosing to celebrate progress instead of setbacks.

The reality star proudly shared the latest results of her GLP-1 journey, shifting the focus to a personal victory after recently facing disappointment in her professional life.

The milestone comes after Kendra Wilkinson was dealt a major career blow when her real estate series failed to secure another season. Even so, she appears determined to keep moving forward, embracing the wins she can control while leaving recent setbacks behind.

5

Three months into her GLP-1 journey, Kendra Wilkinson proudly celebrated the results with a new Instagram video, confidently posing in a maroon bikini. The reality star told fans she “couldn’t feel more amazing” or “more confident,” adding that she was thrilled the results were finally showing.  

Wilkinson also encouraged others who had been curious about GLP-1 treatments to give Effecty a try, saying in her caption that she now feels “actual summer ready, not the fake kind.” She explained that reaching this point had left her feeling better than ever in her own body.

Fans quickly filled the comments with support, with one writing, “[Fire emoji] love this!!” Another commented, “Crushing it girl…,” while a third added, “So happy for you queen! [clapping emojis and heart emoji].” The encouraging reactions matched Wilkinson’s excitement as she celebrated another milestone in her health journey.

Honesty Became Part Of The Journey

5

Earlier, Wilkinson admitted she was going to be honest about her weight-loss journey, stating that she didn’t want fans to be blinded to the process and see only the natural results. She was also very clear that she believed that the best reason for her to join Effecty was her drive for improving her health, not weight loss.

The television personality also made it clear that the decision was carefully considered. The Blast noted that Wilkinson said she wanted a program that felt supportive, realistic, and suited to her lifestyle, adding that she planned to keep followers updated as her journey continued instead of hiding the process.

Her openness caused a stir on the Internet. Many spoke well of her candor, urging her to continue, but some wondered about her need for the medicine at all. The conversation then turned into a wide-ranging conversation around body image, health, and personal choice.

Kendra Wilkinson Previously Defended Her Changing Appearance

5

Wilkinson had preemptively responded to criticism about her appearance prior to starting her GLP-1 journey. She had been the target of comments regarding her weight and aging, but she has said that she felt good about herself and didn’t let the negativity on the Internet get the better of her.

The former reality star also stood up for her personal style, saying that it showed her life as it is now, not how she presented herself on TV. Instead of going for a dreamy look, she said she was more concerned with living a happy life around positive energy than anything else.

While she went on to say that she wanted to start GLP-1 treatment, Wilkinson said it was never about being skinny. She said her objective was to get healthier, to get balance back into her life, to be able to put on her clothes without discomfort, and that her decision was not a reaction to public opinion, but one of her own.

Critics Did Not Change The Reality Star’s Mind

5

Wilkinson has faced criticism about her appearance before, particularly after fans began commenting on her weight gain and changing looks. Rather than retreat from the spotlight, she made it clear that she was comfortable in her own skin and no longer interested in meeting other people’s expectations.

The Blast reported that the former reality star previously addressed claims that she had “aged poorly,” explaining that she had learned to embrace her natural appearance after years of trying to impress others.

Wilkinson stressed that she was happier than she had been in a long time and no longer measured her worth through public approval or male attention.

That mindset appears to have carried over into her latest health journey. While she remains open about wanting to improve her fitness and energy levels, Wilkinson has repeatedly emphasized that the goal is not perfection but feeling comfortable, confident, and healthy in her own body.

Kendra Wilkinson Broke Down After Career Setback

5

Wilkinson recently shared one of her most vulnerable moments after revealing she lost a client despite weeks of work. Posting a tearful selfie on Instagram Stories, the former reality star admitted she was struggling, writing, “When a client fires you… after all the work you put in,” before adding, “Ya, I’m struggling today guys.”

Wilkinson later explained how deeply the setback had affected her. She admitted that balancing motherhood with a demanding real estate career has left her emotionally drained at times, saying rejection can be difficult even when she knows she’s given her best.

Despite breaking down, she later thanked fans for their support and vowed to keep moving forward. After rebuilding her life following divorce, mental health struggles, and a career change, Wilkinson continues to face setbacks with honesty.

As Kendra Wilkinson pushes forward through every challenge, will this difficult chapter become another step in her comeback?

Marvel Studios has managed to pull off something that feels almost impossible in today’s internet age: keeping one of the biggest casting secrets completely under wraps.

As Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters this week, fans are still asking the same question they’ve been debating for more than a year:

Who is Sadie Sink actually playing?

The speculation reached another level after Sony released a new promotional clip featuring Sink, where her answer about her character is intentionally bleeped out, instantly sending social media into detective mode once again. While the clip offers no definitive answers, it is the latest example of Marvel leaning into one of the film’s biggest mysteries.

Marvel Isn’t Hiding It by Accident

Director Destin Daniel Cretton recently explained that the secrecy is completely intentional and for good reason.

“There is a very real reason” the role hasn’t been revealed, Cretton said, adding that audiences will understand why once they have seen the movie. He also noted that while some fans enjoy knowing every detail ahead of release, preserving surprises is part of the experience.

That comment alone has convinced many fans that Sink’s character is not simply another supporting role, but someone whose identity could reshape the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Biggest Fan Theories

Gwen Stacy

Perhaps the safest prediction is Gwen Stacy.

Peter Parker is beginning a brand new chapter following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, making this an ideal opportunity to introduce one of Spider Man’s most iconic comic book characters.

With MJ and Ned moving on with their lives and no longer remembering Peter, a new relationship could naturally fit into this next phase of the franchise.

Jean Grey

For months, the internet was convinced Sink would make her MCU debut as Jean Grey, finally bringing one of Marvel’s most powerful mutants into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The theory made sense on paper. Sink has the look, the acting range, and Marvel is steadily building toward introducing the X Men.

However, Tom Holland recently appeared to pour cold water on that idea, saying, “Well, she’s not in this movie, but it would be pretty cool.” Whether fans believe Holland, or think he is simply protecting another Marvel secret, is another story entirely.

Jean Grey [Marvel Comics]

Mayday Parker

Another increasingly popular theory suggests Sink could be playing Mayday Parker, Peter Parker’s daughter from an alternate universe.

Given Marvel’s continued use of multiverse storytelling, introducing Mayday now could open the door for future Spider Man stories while expanding the Parker family legacy beyond Peter himself.

Rachel Summers

Some fans have gone even deeper into Marvel lore by predicting Rachel Summers, the daughter of Jean Grey and Cyclops from an alternate timeline.

If Marvel plans to merge Spider Man’s street level adventures with the arrival of mutants, Rachel could serve as an unexpected bridge between those worlds.

Rachel Summers [Marvel Comics]

Advertisement

Why the Secret Matters

Marvel has spent years trying to preserve genuine surprises in an era dominated by leaks and spoilers.

The studio has kept Sadie Sink largely absent from trailers, TV spots, and promotional materials, making her one of the few major MCU characters whose identity has remained completely unknown leading up to release.

With Brand New Day positioned as a fresh beginning for Peter Parker after the world forgot his identity, introducing a significant new character makes perfect narrative sense.

Whether that character is Gwen Stacy, an X Men icon, or someone fans have not even considered yet, Marvel clearly believes the reveal is worth protecting.

The Wait Is Almost Over

Fortunately, fans will not have to speculate much longer.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters July 31, meaning the internet’s biggest MCU mystery is only days away from being solved. Until then, every new promotional clip, including the latest bleeped out interview with Sadie Sink, is only fueling the excitement.

One thing is certain: if Marvel has gone to these lengths to keep her character secret, the reveal is likely to be one of the film’s biggest moments.

Weill Cornell Medicine agreed to pay more than $1 billion in civil settlements after former urologist Darius Paduch was convicted of sexual abuse.

It was revealed how much the hospital was paying in an official admission that the group was aware of Paduch’s troubling behavior for several years, according to Newsday. Despite the hospital group’s knowledge of Paduch’s crimes, they continued to allow him to treat young men and boys suffering from infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Weill Cornell officials have not yet publicly explained how the medical group plans to pay for the settlements.

The agreement stated that Cornell “acknowledges that the policies and programs that WCM had in place at the time of Paduch’s offenses to detect, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse of patients were not adequate and failed to detect and sufficiently respond to Paduch’s conduct.”

Related: Michael Jackson’s Accusers Demand 9-Figure Sum Over Alleged Abuse

Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who have accused Michael Jackson of sexually assaulting them as children, are demanding $400 million in court, Us Weekly can exclusively report. John Branca and John McClain, the two men in charge of the late pop star’s estate, dropped the revelation in court documents related to Jackson’s daughter Paris Jackson’s […]

In addition to the $1 billion for the civil settlements, the medical group explained their plan to set aside $30 million in order to establish the WCM Institute for Safe Patient Care and Patient Empowerment so that they can improve collaboration between hospitals, patient advocates, law enforcement and regulators.

The hospital group agreed to the settlement after prosecutors argued that Paduch, 59, abused more than 50 patients while working at Weill Cornell beginning in 2009.

Paduch, who previously had Jeffrey Epstein as a patient, had a history of issues within the hospital group before he was arrested in April 2023. An internal review in 2006 referred to Paduch as a “volatile” doctor who “makes a poor work environment.” The problems continued when staffers reported that he used inappropriate sexual language and behavior between 2012 to 2014, according to the settlement.

Meanwhile, another doctor told the head of the hospital’s urology department that a patient accused Paduch of sexually manipulating them under the guise of treatment in 2015. However, prosecutors said that the administrator did not do anything regarding the allegations.

Another patient complained to the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct that he was sexually molested in 2018. Prosecutors said that the hospital’s administrators responded by assigning inexperienced staffers to investigate the claims and they didn’t mention previous complaints.

Weill Cornell’s head of urology eventually denied Paduch’s renewal to the faculty in 2019 after an internal investigation revealed he waived $50,000 in medical bills of one patient who accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Paduch later started working at Northwell, and prosecutors argued that the Weill Cornell administrators did not disclose any of the allegations made against him.

Following years of allegations, Paduch was convicted in 2024 on six counts of sexual abuse of patients. He was then sentenced to life in prison.

Advertisement

Related: Former Prosecutors Downplay Likelihood of Diddy Getting Max Jail Time

Three prominent legal analysts offered insight on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys’ sentencing recommendations following the verdict in his federal prosecution. Diddy faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years behind bars following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on Wednesday, July 2. A 12-person jury acquitted Diddy on the three […]

Approximately 800 lawsuits have been filed against Weill Cornell and Northwell for Paduch’s behavior, with patients accusing him of assault and battery, negligence and intentional infliction of severe emotional distress.

“Our clients have said all along that Weill Cornell administrators knew about Darius Paduch’s crimes — instead of protecting patients, they protected Paduch,” attorney Anthony DiPietro said while announcing the settlement, per the outlet. “Today’s announcement sends a clear message to medical institutions across the country that they will be held accountable for criminal cover-ups.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

As part of the settlement, Weill Cornell also agreed to set up a panel to continuously monitor sexual misconduct and risks, while they must also conduct periodic reviews until 2031.

“This resolution is a significant step forward for us in addressing our former faculty member’s misconduct,” hospital spokeswoman Sarah Smith said, per the outlet. “Today, Weill Cornell Medicine is a safer organization. Under new executive leadership, we have enacted significant reforms in patient safety and reporting protocols to ensure we provide the very best care to all those who place their trust in us.”

Meanwhile, Northwell spokeswoman Barbara Osborn said that “protecting the patients who place their trust in us remains our highest priority, and we fully supported [the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office] in its criminal investigation of Dr. Darius Paduch’s reprehensible conduct.”

Science fiction continues to be one of the most dominant genres of feature-length films in the 21st Century. The industry has delivered not only box office smashes that have captured the imagination of the nation, but nuanced, artistic triumphs that swept the podium in awards season. From smaller, independent gems to big studio epics, sci-fi continues to be king.

The past decade has been an embarrassment of riches when it comes to sci-fi hits. From movies filled with action and excitement to slow burns with a growing sense of dread and tension, these movies crafted their stories and executed them with excellence. No two of these movies are exactly alike, highlighting the kaleidoscopic array of artistic expression available in this diverse and rewarding milieu.

10

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

In a movie that Collider’s Lade Omotade aptly describes as “Arrival meets John Carpenter’s The Thing,” Annihilation blends body horror with psychological suspense. Unlike other invasion movies where the takeover of the planet is overtly hostile and swift, Annihilation takes a more subtle and subverted approach. In the movie, a strange new structure known as the “shimmer” appears, and a team of biologists is sent in to investigate. What they find is a sort of experiment taking place by an unknown force. It is unmaking and remaking Earth’s flora and fauna like a maniacal child who has just found a dissection kit.

Annihilation is purposefully disturbing, and it is unlike the vast majority of extinction movies. Instead of using a shock and awe campaign to invoke terror, it begins on a very basic, biological level and explores what could happen if an outside force were to remake the planet and everything that lived on it to its own preferences. Annihilation gets under your skin and arouses morbid curiosity. Its impact is undeniable, easily making it one of the most memorable sci-fi movies of the decade.

9

‘The Vast of Night’ (2019)

Image via Amazon Prime Video

Not every sci-fi movie has to have visible aliens or loud explosions to erupt with drama. The Vast of Night is a slow-burn movie that takes a while to ramp up the tension, but when it does, the audience is fully enthralled, having been invested since the very beginning. Set in the 1950s, The Vast of Night follows two people as they try to make sense of the odd phone calls and circumstances that start happening around their small town in New Mexico.

The Vast of Night is a must-watch for classic science fiction fans. It is simultaneously a love letter to the older sci-fi movies of the past while still feeling fresh and interesting for a new generation. The Vast of Night is unlike most science fiction films in that it does not spoon-feed information to the viewer and instead demands participation. As Collider’s Jasneet Singh writes, The Vast of Night is “[…] a film that refuses to invite the audience into its world and instead stands alone, forcing us to pay attention and close the distance to keep up with the surreal conversations.” It is a unique low-budget and independent triumph of the past decade and stands out among its peers.

8

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

One of the most groundbreaking animated films in recent history, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse reinvented what an illustrated movie could be. The stunning visuals are fresh, captivating, and unlike anything seen on the screen before. They pay homage to the comic book artistry that birthed the character, while keeping the movement and dimensional rendering fluid and ambulatory.

Of course, having great graphics is only half of having a great movie. Luckily, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’s story is interesting, candid, and engaging. The movie focuses on young Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he becomes the Spider-Man of his universe. Miles is a fantastic protagonist to follow, and his vulnerability and relatable qualities embody everything that made the original Peter Parker and Spider-Man of the comics so endearing. He isn’t a billionaire, he isn’t influential, he doesn’t belong to any elite squad. He’s just a teenager trying to make the world a better place. Watching Miles team up with other Spider heroes from alternate dimensions is genius, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse executes a multiverse concept far better than several other movies in multiple genres.

7

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Written, directed, and starring John Krasinski, A Quiet Place was a family fight for survival like none other. Although the plot of A Quiet Place is fairly straightforward — blind aliens with super hearing invade Earth — the movie adds layers of relational drama and interesting circumstances that make the story captivating to follow. The main family that the movie focuses on has a daughter named Regan (Millicent Simmonds) who is deaf, giving them a unique advantage in that they already know how to communicate with each other using American Sign Language instead of talking.

A Quiet Place is a refreshing twist on the alien invasion trope. Most incursion movies have been about spectacle and out-maneuvering the foes. In A Quiet Place, the outsmarting of the enemy finds a new and interesting path, and the movie explores one of the other major human senses instead of everything being about visual grandiose. The creature design is creepy and menacing, and the interpersonal drama is moving, making A Quiet Place one of the more original sci-fi movies of the era. It has opened up an entirely new avenue for alien design and launched a successful film franchise.

6

‘Arrival’ (2016)

Image via Paramount Pictures

What would happen if aliens came in peace? That is the intriguing premise behind Arrival. Amy Adams stars as Louise Banks, a linguist who is tasked with developing a way to communicate with visitors from another planet. Arrival is a fascinating look into the importance of dialogue and the free exchange of thoughts and feelings. The story takes the outsider or “other” perspective and views it from a unique angle that resonates on several levels.

One of the greatest things science fiction can do is encourage humanity to explore its own self. Arrival achieves this goal through multiple tactics. There is the base layer of us versus them, and then there are the added layers of connection, time, understanding, and loss. Arrival is one of the best hard sci-fi movies of the century and is a boon to the already robust and introspective genre.

5

‘Bugonia’ (2025)

Image via Atsushi Nishijima/©Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

Advertisement

Science fiction has always been the marriage of what is generally known and what could possibly be. This relationship has never been more volatile and fraught with tension than in Bugonia. Directed by the prescient Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia follows two young men who hold a highly influential female CEO hostage in their basement. Jesse Plemons gives a tour-de-force performance as Teddy, a person with a troubled past and intensely held belief about the future. Emma Stone is equally exemplary as Michelle, and it is one of the best roles of her career.

Bugonia is a brilliant, unsettling dissection of paranoia. It has vivid themes of truth versus perceived reality, power dynamics, delusional mindsets, and a balance of control. Stone was nominated for an Oscar for her role, and why Plemons was unfairly snubbed is still a hot topic of debate. Bugonia is one of the most interesting and thrilling sci-fi movies of the decade, and it keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

4

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Advertisement

Making a sequel to an iconic 1980s sci-fi staple is daunting, but director Denis Villeneuve made it look easy. Blade Runner 2049 not only justified its existence, but enriched the worldbuilding of the original. In the sequel, Ryan Gosling is K, a cop who learns information he was never supposed to know, and he enlists the help of a retired Blade Runner named Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) who has been hiding for decades.

Blade Runner 2049 takes its place among the esteemed ranks of movies like The Dark Knight and Aliens to be regarded as one of the best sequels of all time. It was nominated for five Oscars and took home trophies for visual effects and cinematography. Blade Runner 2049 revived classic debates from the original like free will, independent agency, and ethics. It endeavors to explore a not-so-unfathomable future where existence is traded like a commodity and life is treated like a commercial product.

3

‘Dune: Part One’ (2021)

Image via Warner Bros.

Advertisement

Another movie on this list directed by Villeneuve, Dune: Part One translates a vast, multi-layered worldbuilding system from a novel series onto the screen. The celebrated books written by Frank Herbert have seen more than one adaptation already, and each iteration brings a new viewpoint to the lore. Villeneuve’s version of Dune has been hailed as one of the best, and the first installment of the trilogy won six Oscars.

Dune: Part One is full of intrigue, fantastic dialogue, and exciting action. It revived interest in Herbert’s work in the most wonderful of ways and delivered on every front. Dune: Part One is everything a sci-fi epic should be, and its cinematography and production value are bar-none.

2

‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)

Image via A24

Advertisement

A movie that upended the box office and multiple genres was 2022’s Everything Everywhere All At Once. Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the cerebral sci-fi/fantasy mashup grossed $145 million against its $25 million budget. Everything Everywhere All At Once cleaned house at the Oscars. It was nominated a whopping 11 times and took home the Academy Award in seven categories. The story follows a wife and mother named Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) as she experiences multiple versions of reality.

Everything Everywhere All At Once represents not only what sci-fi is, but also what it could be. With its frantic felicity, nuanced performances, and eccentric concepts, it pushed the envelope of what would be accepted by general audiences as pop sci-fi. Everything Everywhere All At Once opened the doors for movies like Bugonia to thrive. By blending high sci-fi concepts with chaotic and unhinged foundations, it created a new presentation all its own that will undoubtedly be emulated for years to come.

1

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Advertisement

Certain movies stand out in history as becoming more than the sum of their parts. They are so accessible and communicative that they spill out of the boundaries of their given genre and find audiences across all spectrums. One such movie that has recently achieved this phenomenon is Project Hail Mary. A second movie on this list to feature Ryan Gosling in a lead role, Project Hail Mary is more than a stunt-filled spectacle; it is a universally appealing achievement that has resonated deeply with critics and fans.

While Earth is the main focus of the drama, and the attempt to save it is protagonist Ryland Grace’s (Gosling) main task, a lot of the action is set in space. Reminding audiences of the vastness of space and how very fragile and small this planet is remains one of the most profound themes of science fiction. Gosling is perfect in the role, and Project Hail Mary is one of the biggest crowd pleasers of the genre ever. Project Hail Mary is a movie that anyone can love, not just sci-fi aficionados. As it continues to dominate on streaming, there are ample new opportunities for even more viewers to check out this 10/10 winner. While the past decade has had a plethora of triumphs, Project Hail Mary plays a tune that almost every moviegoer can dance to, and it is undoubtedly the best of the best.

Advertisement

Project Hail Mary

Advertisement

Release Date

March 15, 2026

Advertisement

Runtime

157 minutes

Director

Advertisement

Christopher Miller, Phil Lord

Writers

Drew Goddard, Andy Weir

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Washington Commanders have fired tight ends coach Ben Steele following a June arrest in which he was charged for driving while intoxicated.

“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the Commanders wrote in a statement shared via X on Monday, July 27. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”

Steele, 48, was pulled over in the early morning hours of June 7, near the Commanders’ facility, for allegedly “changing course after a signal,” according to court documents obtained by The Athletic.

The Commanders were in the midst of spring practices at the time, and following Steele’s arrest, he missed the team’s final two OTA workouts and minicamp the next week.

Related: Tony Romo Arrested on Suspicion of Operating Vehicle Under the Influence

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence in Wisconsin.  Romo, 46, was pulled over around 8 p.m. in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 23, according to an arrest report obtained by Us.  The CBS Sports analyst allegedly failed field sobriety tests before being taken into […]

At the time of his arrest, Steele reportedly refused a breathalyzer test at the scene, but a blood test later showed that he had a 0.214 blood alcohol content, more than 2.5 times the legal limit.

The officer who stopped him reported that Steele allegedly had “glassy/red eyes, slurred speech, confused speech” and had a “strong and distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage.” Steele then allegedly refused to exit his vehicle when asked multiple times and when the officer entered the car to attempt to remove him, Steele “pulled back” against the officer, according to the court documents.

In addition to his DWI charge, Steele was also charged with refusing a breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force.

Steele was later released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Loudoun County General District Court on August 13.

The Commanders placed Steele on leave after learning of his arrest, according to The Athletic, and subsequently fired him for a violation of team policy. His bio on the Commanders’ website has already been removed and offensive assistant Wes Welker has been coaching the team’s tight ends while Steele was on leave.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

This would have been Steele’s first season on the Commanders’ staff after he spent three years in the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. He has been in the NFL coaching ranks since 2014, and before that spent five years as an assistant and positions coach at the college level.

After going undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft, Steele spent time with six NFL teams as a tight end between 2001 and 2006, but only appeared in regular season games for the Green Bay Packers, where he spent 2004 and 2005.

Washington opens training camp on Wednesday, July 29, and head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce Steele’s replacement before then, according to CBS Sports.