Although the characters of The Big Bang Theory are fans of all things sci-fi, particularly Star Trek, the franchise they live in remains mostly grounded. The original sitcom that started it all ran for 12 seasons, following the evolving relationships, scientific pursuits, and other antics of friends Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Raj (Kunal Nayyar), and Howard (Simon Helberg), ending with the four finding fulfillment in their lives and careers. Prequel spin-offs Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, meanwhile, have since fleshed out Sheldon’s past and the history of the Cooper family to massive success for CBS. Now, though, the nerdy series is one step closer to entering a realm its scientist friends could’ve only dreamed of.

Warner Bros. Discovery announced during its annual upfront presentation in New York that Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the latest Big Bang Theory spin-off starring Kevin Sussman‘s kindly comic store owner Stuart Bloom, is set to premiere on HBO Max on July 23. Series co-creator Chuck Lorre previously described the series as “something the characters on The Big Bang Theory, would have loved, hated, and argued about,” placing Stuart in the middle of a multiversal disaster requiring a sci-fi adventure of epic proportions to prevent the end of all things. Unfortunately, he’s not very good at it. At least he has the help of his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert (Brian Posehn), and pain-in-the-ass quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie) along the way.

Along with the release date, the first official teaser was revealed, showing just how woefully unprepared this quartet of “really incompetent Doctor Whos” is to become heroes. The trouble begins after Stuart breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, inadvertently kickstarting the multiversal apocalypse and thus, his journey to save it. From there, the recognizable elements and characters of The Big Bang Theory are twisted to fit into a much more action-packed and special effects-heavy adventure across different worlds, unlike anything else from the franchise, or Lorre, for that matter. Naturally, they wind up in a fair bit of trouble along the way, threatening to end Stuart and co’s journey before it even gets interesting. A new, sci-fi backdrop hasn’t changed the sense of humor, though, combining the same brand of comedy with bigger-budget spectacle for something truly out of this world.

‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ Reunites ‘The Big Bang Theory’s Creative Minds

Making Stuart Fails to Save the Universe after co-creating the flagship sitcom and its two prior offshoots took Lorre out of his comfort zone, but, like Stuart, he didn’t have to do it alone. His Big Bang Theory partner, Bill Prady, reunites with him at the helm of the sci-fi show, alongside Zak Penn, who brought the blockbuster action experience, having previously written for The Avengers, X2, Ready Player One, and more. Danny Elfman also came aboard to compose a new theme. This will be a big step-up for Stuart and his pals after playing second fiddle to Pasadena’s four biggest nerds, but there’s a chance that the friends, or other characters like Kaley Cuoco‘s Penny, could appear in the alternate universes they visit. The possibilities are endless, given the sheer scope of this series under the Warner Bros. Television umbrella.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe kicks off its ten-episode run on HBO Max on July 23. New episodes will follow every Thursday. Check out the first official teaser in the player above.

Grammy-winning singer Lizzo is gearing up for the release of her 5th studio album, “B-TCH.” However, mere weeks before fans can hear it in full, the “Truth Hurts” songstress is calling out her record label, Atlantic Records, for failing to promote it.

Plus, she’s opening up about how the social media algorithm has complicated the music industry for artists.

Lizzo took to her backup TikTok account, LizzoIRL, in May 2026 to remind fans she had an album coming out. She began, “IRL, we cannot flop. My album is coming out in 23 days. Have you made your preorder yet?”

After that, the singer stated that she planned to post “every single day because this algorithm wants to see me in the [Khia] asylum and b-tch, I’m fighting for my life. After that, a fan questioned why she hadn’t promoted the album with “billboards and stuff like that.”

Lizzo then responded, “Baby, I’m asking the same question because I definitely approved the billboards in the marketing meetings. I definitely approved ads, but crickets.”

Later, in another video reply, Lizzo made even more direct comments about Atlantic Records. According to her, “I don’t know, but I’m crashing out on my label right now because I just really like – I feel like there’s not any marketing money being put toward my ideas.”

Lizzo Went Into Detail About Atlantic Records

Lizzo, clearly passionate about her art, went on to discuss how she’s tried to ensure her new album has the best chance for success. She said, “We had a meeting a month ago with like a bunch of incredible ideas. None of them has been implemented.”

The singer went on to say that she “texts them weekly” with ideas for promoting her album ahead of its June 2026 release. According to her, “I don’t see them getting done, and I’m starting to really feel down about it.”

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She then discussed the steps she has taken to ensure fans are aware of her new album, including television appearances, social media posts, and music videos.

Lizzo Says It’s Gotten Harder To ‘Break Through’

Toward the end of the video reply, Lizzo lamented, “In 2026, unless you’re a brand new artist or someone no one’s ever heard of and is getting recognized, it’s really hard to cut the f-ck through.”

She went on to note her fanbase, saying, “I have people who want to buy my album, but how they ‘gon buy it if they don’t know it’s for sale?”

In discussing social media specifically, Lizzo stated that she consistently posts on TikTok, but her efforts don’t “reach the people who are trying to see my content.”

Fans Are Weighing In

Following Lizzo’s emotional revelation about Atlantic Records’ handling of her upcoming album, social media users are weighing in. Notably, many are on her side, stating that the legendary record label has let down many of its most popular artists lately. However, others blame the music, with some fans saying the singer needs a new sound.

One person noted the September 2024 restructuring that happened at the label, saying, “Atlantic has new owners or something, they have been slipping ever since.”

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Another person said, “Cardi would have easily done 300k if they actually promoted. She really went out of her way while being pregnant.” This led a different fan to note, “Even Bruno Mars had low sales. WTF, Atlantic Records?”

Later, a different social media user had a different opinion. They suggested, “Maybe people are just over Lizzo. Even though her case was dismissed, I think a lot of her fans mentally checked out after that suit dropped.”

Lastly, someone else offered an analysis of Lizzo’s more recent music. They wrote, “Lizzo hasn’t released a GOOD single since 2024’s ‘Still Bad.’ I would regroup/revamp the singles because though the 2 videos were cool, the songs were underwhelming. She should also try to hop on some remixes of other songs that are hot and find a really good collab for a single.”

Lizzo Recently Opened Up About The Album

Lizzo appeared on CBS Mornings in May 2026 to promote “B-TCH.” While on, she shared why she chose to sample both Meredith Brooks’ song of the same name and Missy Elliott‘s “She’s a B-tch.”

She said, “I feel like what both of those women did was they pushed that word forward in a way that empowered it, instead of taking the power away. Like that’s a word that used to get hurled at women.” The “Truth Hurts” singer added, “It’s my favorite word.”

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Regarding the music itself, Lizzo proclaimed, “I know the music is good and I know my heart is good. So if I know that, I have nothing to worry about. People are gonna say what they wanna say. They’re gonna think what they are going to think.”

Lizzo’s new album, “B-TCH,” is set to be released on June 5.

Lindsay Lohan’s latest red carpet appearance has social media doing double takes after fans claimed the actress looked almost impossible to recognize. 

The former child star stepped out at Disney’s 2026 Upfront event in New York City looking polished, youthful, and noticeably refreshed, immediately sparking fresh cosmetic surgery speculation online. 

While some fans praised her glowing transformation, others questioned whether the “Mean Girls” icon now looks more like other Hollywood actresses than herself as debates over her evolving appearance quickly exploded across social media.

Lindsay Lohan became one of the most talked-about stars of Disney’s 2026 Upfront after arriving on the red carpet in a dramatic couture gown that instantly grabbed attention online.

The actress wore a strapless ivory-and-black embroidered Ashi Studio Fall/Winter 2025 Couture dress while attending the New York City event. 

Her glowing complexion and youthful appearance quickly became the bigger headline, however, with social media users immediately flooding Reddit with reactions.

Many fans admitted they struggled to recognize the “Freaky Friday” actress at first glance. “Thought this was Julia Roberts. Unrecognizable,” one commenter wrote.

Another social media user compared Lohan to another actress entirely, claiming she looked “nothing” like herself and instead resembled “Mandy Moore.”

Others were equally stunned by the transformation. “If you would have shown me [this photo of Lohan] and offered me $100 to guess who that was, I can tell you my wallet would still be empty,” another person joked.

Lindsay Lohan Receives More Mixed Reactions From Fans

Some other Redditors slammed Lohan for lying about going under the knife and attributing her transformation to healthy living. 

One person commented, “I don’t care if a celeb wants to get a face lift / major work done, but what I can’t stand is when a celeb straight up lies about it, the way Lindsay tried to claim her new face is the result of “drinking green juices” or whatever.”

Despite the criticism, some fans praised her refreshed appearance, with one user calling her alleged “facelift” the version “everyone else tries to emulate.”

Another user wrote, “Lot of haters in these comments, but I’m glad to see one of the childhood stars I grew up with land back on her feet. I loved her then and I love her now. We all went through some sh-t. Get it girl.”

Lohan Faces Renewed Cosmetic Surgery Speculation

The online frenzy surrounding Lindsay Lohan’s appearance quickly reignited long-running rumors about whether she has undergone cosmetic procedures.

The actress has faced years of speculation about possible fillers, Botox, or surgical enhancements as fans compare her current look to earlier phases of her career.

However, Lohan herself has consistently denied undergoing plastic surgery. Back in May 2025, she addressed the ongoing rumors during an interview with Chloe Fineman for an Elle cover story. 

While discussing beauty and aging in Hollywood, Lohan explained that her routine centers more on skincare and wellness than surgery. “Everyone does Botox,” she admitted during the conversation.

However, when asked directly about her beauty secrets, Lohan responded honestly, “Oh, God, I don’t even know how to answer that.” 

Lindsay Lohan Credits Wellness And Skincare For Her Glow

Rather than crediting cosmetic treatments, Lohan pointed toward healthy habits and skincare as the real reason behind her wrinkle-free complexion.

The 39-year-old revealed that she started every morning with a homemade juice made from “carrot, ginger, lemon, olive oil, apple.” 

She also said hydration played a major role in her beauty routine. “I also drink a lot of green tea, a lot of water,” Lohan shared.

The Hollywood star added that she regularly ate pickled beets and included them in many meals. “I’m a big pickled beets person, so I put them in almost everything,” she explained.

Her skincare routine is equally intense. Lohan detailed habits that include splashing her face with ice-cold water each morning, adding chia seeds to her water, and using daily eye patches.

Lohan Reveals How Dubai Changed Her Lifestyle

Lindsay Lohan has largely stepped away from the nonstop Hollywood spotlight since moving to Dubai in 2014.

The “Freaky Friday” actress has often spoken positively about the calmer lifestyle she found in the United Arab Emirates, where she now spends much of her time away from paparazzi and public chaos.

This week, amid the latest speculation surrounding her appearance, Lohan gave a special shoutout to her longtime dermatologist, Dr. Radmila Lukian.

Posting a smiling selfie to Instagram Stories, she admitted her skin was struggling while traveling away from Dubai. “My skin can definitely tell,” she wrote per the Daily Mail. She also tagged Lukian and added, “Can’t wait to be back.” 

The dermatologist appears to have played a major role in Lohan’s skincare journey over the years. 

Lukian even has a pinned Instagram photo with the actress from December 2024 alongside the caption, “Trust and confidence are the foundation of our relationship.”

How does Prime Video do it?

Amazon’s streamer keeps expanding its already impressive digital library by adding one hit after another. The online platform is now home to the six-time Oscar-winning action-drama One Battle After Another, which is scheduled to be added on Saturday, May 23.

That Leonardo DiCaprio-starring movie is already a masterpiece, but Watch With Us has found a couple of other modern classics that are worth adding to your queue.

Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is just as potent now as it was when it sparked a firestorm of conversation in 1989, while the gory horror classic The Return of the Living Dead might make you swear off meat for the rest of your life.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Is it possible for a movie to already be considered a “masterpiece” only eight months after it was released? In One Battle After Another’s case, the answer is a resounding yes. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Bob Ferguson, a burned-out former revolutionary who has been hiding from the authorities for nearly two decades. When his 16-year-old daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), becomes the target of an old adversary, Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), Bob has to reunite his anti-establishment buddies, the French 75, to stop Lockjaw and save Willa from being killed.

Related: New on Prime Video in May 2026 — The Complete List of Movies and TV Shows

Unlike other streamers in May, Prime Video is throwing its weight behind its streaming shows. With the long-awaited return of Citadel debuting early and Nicolas Cage‘s intriguing Spider-Man spinoff, Spider-Noir, closing out the month, Prime Video is embracing its TV division like never before. Movie lovers shouldn’t fret, though — there’s plenty of films being […]

Loosely adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie imagines an America ruled by secret societies and a fascist government. Mixing action, satire and drama, the movie paints a rich portrait of a country still divided by class warfare and racial tensions, yet populated with citizens who hope and work for a better future. Anderson’s direction is superb, with the car chase in Borrego Springs, California, already a classic worthy of comparison to Bullitt and The French Connection, while the performances from Penn, Infini, and three-time Oscar winner Penn are vivid and heartbreaking. Years from now, when people want to see what 2025 looked and felt like, they’ll watch One Battle After Another.

‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989)

It’s summertime in Brooklyn, and it’s already too hot for Mookie (Spike Lee). He’s a twentysomething pizza deliveryman for Sal (Danny Aiello), an Italian American whose clientele is mostly Black. That doesn’t prevent him and his son, Pino (John Turturro), from showing contempt for the community that helps them thrive. As the temperature rises, so do the uneasy tensions between the diverse communities that live side-by-side. When a shocking act of violence sends everyone over the edge, Mookie, Sal and the rest of the neighborhood will never be the same again.

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Do the Right Thing was recently named the best movie of the 1980s, and we won’t argue with that. Dramatic, funny, thrilling, shocking and sad, it’s the rare movie that transcends all genres and perfectly captures a moment in time that we’re still experiencing today. In addition to the fantastic writing and directing by Lee, the movie boasts knockout performances from Aiello, Bill Nunn, Giancarlo Esposito and Rosie Perez as Mookie’s live-wire baby mama. Do the Right Thing is the rare masterpiece that feels alive every time you watch it.

‘The Return of the Living Dead’ (1985)

When toxic gas is accidentally released from an old Army canister in Louisville, Kentucky, all hell breaks loose — and the dead rise from their graves to feast on brains, brains and more brains. A group of teens is stuck in a cemetery when these zombies come a-calling, and they have to survive the night with few resources, an acid rain storm and a growing horde of the undead chasing them. How do you kill what’s already dead? That’s the question they’ll all have to answer if they’re going to make it out alive.

The Return of the Living Dead has nothing to do with George A. Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead franchise, save for some slow-moving zombies and some snarky social commentary. This homage is more violent, though, with some pretty gnarly kills and all sorts of decomposed bodies on display. It’s not for the faint of heart, especially when that organ and others are consumed so vociferously — and so graphically. I can’t think of another horror film that mixes such macabre humor, shocking violence and blunt nihilism as The Return of the Living Dead, which makes it the rare masterpiece you probably never want to watch ever again.

Go to Paris and you’ll see all the locals wearing chic sandals. This is especially true for Parisian rich moms, who make every outing an excuse to turn heads without sacrificing comfort. The secret is having the right pair of sandals, and these 13 classy numbers do it right. They look straight from Avenue Montaigne.

With buttery-soft straps, elegant silhouettes, cushioned soles and versatile styles, these Parisian-looking sandals check every box. They deliver understated polish with comfort that earns repeat wears. Oh, and our favorites start at just $8. Scroll on!

13 Comfy Parisian Rich Mom Sandals — From $8

1. Our Favorite: These classy everyday slides slip on in seconds and read elegant enough for lunch in the 6th arrondissement. Seriously, you’ll wear them nonstop.

2. Logging Miles: Imagine clocking 15,000 steps through a museum without foot pain. That’s the promise of these low-wedge sandals that we especially like in this crisp summer white shade.

3. Fun Colors: One clean band, a square open toe and a $20 price tag make these light blue slides a top pick. They prove that quiet luxury doesn’t mean boring.

4. Trendy T-Strap: Long walks call for support, but you don’t want chunky orthotics. These plush thong sandals bring the comfort of inserts and the style of high-end boutique style.

5. Elevated Flip-Flops: If you think flip-flops are off limits, think again! These beach-ready shoes nail a coastal Marseilles aesthetic.

Related: Cool Girls Are Retiring Chunky Sneakers for These Sleek Styles, From $10

Chunky sneakers had their moment, but cool girls are ditching statement soles for sleek, understated alternatives. These 13 flat sneakers are just as comfy, but are much more polished. They’re everywhere in New York, Los Angeles, Paris and beyond! These classy kicks come from brands like Adidas, Nike, Sam Edelman and Guess. And while they […]

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6. From the Box: Soft leather and a flat construction make these purple leather slides feel broken-in from day one — no blisters in the process.

7. Luxe Leopard: When plain sandals feel too quiet, opt for these double-strap slides. They feature a leopard print that adds polish and sass.

8. Skechers Sandals: July days call for airflow. Thankfully, these Skechers mini-wedge sandals have a perforated upper for enhanced breathability.

9. Square-Toe Stunner: The square toe on these stylish shoes appear more modern than rounded silhouettes. The slip-on construction makes mornings simple.

10. Just $8: Toss these travel-friendly slides in your tote for vacation. They survive sand, pool decks and the walk back to the rental. At $8, you can afford to get them in black, too.

11. Extra Secure: Slip-on shoes that slip off get old. These gold-toned sandals have an ankle strap to secure your foot for actual walking, not just lounging on the patio.

12. Totally Waterproof: Water-friendly material makes these Reef platform sandals the rare combination of functional and fashionable. We adore the color options.

13. Wear-Everywhere Staple: These champagne flip-flops transition nicely from the hotel pool ‘fits to outdoor café attire. The memory foam footbed makes them feel like you’re walking on clouds.

Related: Black Flats Are Everywhere! Nail the Celeb-Approved Look, From $7

If you think you’re seeing black ballet flats wherever you go, that’s because you are! Rich moms wear them nonstop, as do A-listers like Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner. The right black flats are the classy, just-as-comfy alternative to sneakers, and we found 13 pairs that fit the description. These black flats feature […]

Hayden Panettiere is claiming a major beauty brand ended its association with her amid her battle with postpartum depression.

The Heroes actress details her mental health struggles after welcoming daughter Kaya in 2011 in her upcoming memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, an excerpt of which was published by The Cut on Tuesday, May 12.

Panettiere, 36, writes candidly about abusing alcohol to cope with her depression and her various stints in rehab during her time on the hit show Nashville.

“One day early in season 4, I arrived on set bleary-eyed, still shaking off the effects of my [insomnia] meds the night before. I’ve never been a morning person, but on the medication, I was a zombie,” she shares. “I couldn’t go on set like that, so I decided that before getting into the makeup chair I’d put my head down for a nap. Two hours later, I woke up in the hospital.”

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Ups and Downs Over the Years

Hayden Panettiere has had quite the career — and her personal life has been just as captivating. The Golden Globe-nominated actress started modeling at 5 months old and appeared in her first commercial when she was 11 months old. Her big break came in 1994 when she began playing Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live at […]

“‘What happened?’ I asked, my eyes darting from one end of my room to another. ‘I have no memory of coming here. Did something happen to me?’” the actress adds. “A kind nurse who was about to take my vital signs spoke up. ‘Someone at your work found you asleep on the sofa and couldn’t wake you up. So, she called an ambulance.’”

During Nashville’s fourth season, Panettiere’s character, Juliette Barnes, was temporarily written out to facilitate her going to rehab, but she said she lost another job.

“The producers had no choice but to write me out of the script temporarily — something that killed me because I’d always prided myself on my professionalism — and I issued a statement about where I was going and why,” she writes. “My fans and the press were hugely sympathetic — and I’ll always be grateful for that — but a part of my career I’d come to depend on suffered. Neutrogena canceled my long-standing contract, and it was yet another blow in a year that had given almost nothing else.”

Panettiere, who appeared in various advertising campaigns for Neutrogena, alluded to her partnership with the brand ending in her recent Us Weekly cover story.

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Related: Hayden Panettiere Slams Claims She Abandoned Daughter by Giving Up Custody

Hayden Panettiere is clearing up the circumstances surrounding her decision to give full custody of her daughter, Kaya, to ex Wladimir Klitschko. “The idea that anyone would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking and couldn’t be further from the truth,” Panettiere, 36, said during a […]

“I talk about traumatic moments and things that people don’t even know about,” she exclusively told Us of writing about the darkest chapters of her life. “The abuse I went through at the hands of people that were supposed to be there to protect me. Admitting to all of the things that I did. I knew if I was going to do this, I wanted to be brutally, painfully honest. When I was honest about postpartum depression on Live With Kelly and Michael [in 2015], the repercussions were shocking. After that interview, I had no idea when I walked off that stage that I was going to get the call saying, ‘Neutrogena wants to fire you. They’re not OK with this.’ And you’re going, ‘Wait a second, of all the things, how can they judge me about something that is so human and so real?’”

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Us Weekly has reached out to Neutrogena’s parent company, Kenvue, for comment.

This Is Me: A Reckoning is published on Tuesday, May 19.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Just like the character, James Bond theme songs are always shrouded in mystery, danger, glamour, power and death. The song plays a pivotal role setting the stage for Bond’s adventures and normally plays during the title sequence after the opening scene. The list of iconic artists that have performed Bond theme songs includes Shirley Bassey, Carly Simon, Sheena Easton, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Adele, Sam Smith and Billie Eilish, to name a few.

Many Bond theme songs are sweeping orchestral ballads, but others run the gamut between straight-up rock to a more pop-forward rock sound on some of the themes from the 80s. For the sake of this list, most ballads and soft rock songs have been eliminated, unless guitar is prominently featured. For instance, Sheryl Crow’s guitar forward anthem “Tomorrow Never Dies” is on the list below, but the Carly Simon, Sheena Easton and Tina Turner 007 themes will not appear because of a lack of rock-and-roll sound. While some of these songs lean heavily into the pop category, they all feature prominent guitar work and have some aspects of a rock-and-roll sensibility and attitude. Ranked by sound, legacy and purely how much it rocks, here is every James Bond rock theme song, ranked.

8

“Another Way to Die” by Jack White and Alicia Keys From ‘Quantum of Solace’ (2008)

Jack White and Alicia Keys teamed up for the first and only Bond duet on the bombastic “Another Way to Die,” The song was written, produced and mixed by White for 2008’s Quantum of Solace, and features him on vocals, guitar and drums. Jack White plays his signature pitch-shifting guitar sounds, while Alicia Keys balances out the song with her vocals and intricate harmonies.

Jack White used the opening of the theme of the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service as inspiration in creating the intro riff. The mash-up between garage rock, soul and R&B is quite divisive among aficionados, and the song did not get much attention given the star power behind it. However, it does stand out as one of the more unique Bond themes.

7

“The Man with The Golden Gun” by Lulu From ‘The Man with The Golden Gun’ (1974)

Lulu’s 1975 cabaret-styled “The Man with The Golden Gun” is a wild Bond theme. Pulsing with glam rock attitude, theatrics and blazing guitar work, the song has a distinct sound tied to the mid-70s. The short tune is full of all the hallmarks of a Bond theme, with a huge brass section, strings and powerful vocals. The song has several key changes and time signature shifts, giving it a unique feel and a fusion vibe that was inescapable at the time.

The noisy and borderline chaotic song is delivered with conviction, which reflects Christopher Lee‘s brilliant role as marksman and famed assassin Francisco Scaramanga. Lulu’s vocal performance also reflects Roger Moore’s campy side of 007. It’s dripping with attitude and aggression and has a punk spirit while staying in a funky lane.

6

“Tomorrow Never Dies” by Sheryl Crow From ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (1997)

“Tomorrow Never Dies” by Sheryl Crow is an oft-forgotten and underappreciated Bond theme. The orchestral ballad prominently features guitar leading the way with a swinging 6/8 time signature and Crow’s mysterious and seductive vocals. It blends the sophistication of Pierce Brosnan’s Bond with a smoky and stylish dark 90s pop vibe.

The lyrics reveal the themes of the film: betrayal, danger, manipulation and a doomed romance. k.d. Lang was originally tapped to record the theme, but producers opted to use Crow’s song for the theme, placing Lang’s orchestral song, “Surrender,” during the end credits of the movie. “Tomorrow Never Dies” was nominated for a Grammy Award and Golden Globe but lost out to Celine Dion‘s “My Heart WIll Go On,” from Titanic.

5

“The World is Not Enough” by Garbage From ‘The World is Not Enough’ (1999)

“The World is Not Enough” is a brooding Bond theme that encapsulates the sounds of late 90s alternative rock. The song is equal parts a 007 theme and a Garbage song that fits right in with the group’s catalog of alt-rock classics. The electro-alternative track brings Bond into the digital era with a trip-hop vibe and moody guitar-driven energy.

Shirley Manson‘s breathy and seductive vocals are emotionally guarded and powerful. The band created a beautifully cold and elegant sound on the track that matches the themes of the Pierce Brosnan film: betrayal, control and exploitation. “The World is Not Enough” is a great theme from a chiefly forgettable Bond movie.

4

“The Living Daylights” by A-ha From ‘The Living Daylights’ (1987)

“The Living Daylights” is an underrated Bond theme for an underappreciated picture. The song kicked off the short-lived Timothy Dalton era, which had more of a gritty edge and anger issues compared to Sir Roger Moore‘s 007. The song is more synth-pop than rock, but it has a groove and A-ha proved they were more than just an MTV one-hit wonder with their signature hit “Take on Me.”

A-ha worked with John Barry on the song to keep the Bond grandeur while adding their signature 80s synths and dramatic strings. It set the tone for the colder and more serious Bond, a far cry from some of the tongue-in-cheek moments found in later Roger Moore films. The Norwegian band help create a sophisticated yet chilly vibe in the song reflective of Bond’s uneasiness as he romps through Eastern Europe in The Living Daylights.

3

“A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran From ‘A View to a Kill (1985)

Worlds collided in 1985 when Duran Duran was tapped to write the theme song for what would be Roger Moore’s final time playing the iconic character. Released at the height of their popularity, the song is peak 80s and combines the grandeur of Bond with Duran Duran’s swagger and New Wave pop sensibility. “A View to a Kill” has many hallmarks of the mid-80s MTV heyday, including gated snare, stabbing synths and a studio sheen that makes it unmistakably of its era.

As with most Duran Duran songs, John Taylor‘s pulsating and complex bass playing is a highlight, along with its well-layered sounds with just enough guitar to give it attitude. Simon LeBon’s vocals are mysterious and cinematic as he sings: “Dance into the fire / that fatal kiss is all we need.” “A View to a Kill” is still the only Bond theme to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It marked the final time Sir Roger Moore played 007 as he faced off against Christopher Walken‘s Max Zorin in a memorable fight in a hot air balloon tangled up high on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

2

“Live and Let Die” by Wings From ‘Live and Let Die’ (1973)

Paul McCartney and Wings shattered the mold of Bond theme songs with 1973’s “Live and Let Die.” The first rock theme song in Bond history ushered in the Roger Moore era of seven films over a dozen years with a bang. Prior to Live and Let Die, Bond themes were jazzy and orchestral or a straight-up ballad. McCartney and Wings created an explosively experimental track that still resounds today.

The song was written by Paul and Linda McCartney and produced by George Martin, longtime collaborator with The Beatles. The progressive track features multiple different sections, including a slow piano intro, orchestral suspense, reggae-inspired verses and hard rock explosiveness with McCarney’s signature vocals. “Live and Let “Die” was a post-Beatles hit for Macca and created the blueprint for future rock Bond themes and inspired a slate of rockers to enter the world of 007. The song was famously covered by Guns N’ Roses on their 1991 album Use Your Illusion 1, turning the classic track onto a new generation.

1

“You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell From ‘Casino Royale’ (2006)

Chris Cornell‘s fist-pumping rock song helped introduce the world to Daniel Craig as 007 in Casino Royale. The late singer co-wrote “You Know My Name” with David Arnold, which is the best rock song in the James Bond theme catalog. Far from an orchestral ballad, the driving track is fueled by Chris Cornell’s gritty and powerful vocals and is a powerful statement that Bond is back and better than ever.

Musically, the song has several old-school musical nods to John Barry‘s original 007 theme. The former Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist set the stage for Craig’s brooding take on James Bond that pulses with energy, danger and swagger. You can feel the masculine 007 energy in the performance. “You Know My Name” is a powerful statement marking 007’s return and rocks more than any other Bond theme song.

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Casino Royale

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Release Date

November 17, 2006

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Runtime

144 minutes

Director

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Martin Campbell

Writers

Neal Purvis, Paul Haggis, Robert Wade, Ian Fleming

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