Over the past year and change, Liam Neeson has embraced his humorous side. Last year’s The Naked Gun reboot was hailed as one of the standout comedies of 2025, having him carry on the torch for the late Leslie Nielsen as Frank Drebin Jr. At the start of 2026, Samuel Goldwyn Films also featured him in the horror comedy creature feature Cold Storage with Joe Keery and Sosie Bacon, while, next month, he’ll be reeled in for one final job in the darkly funny crime film 4 Kids Rob a Bank. That doesn’t mean he’s done with the action thriller genre that he’s known and loved for, though.

Announced back in 2024, The Mongoose is set to release on October 30 and will place Neeson in the role of another relatable hero worth rooting for on the worst day of his life. He plays Ryan ”Fang” Flanagan, a decorated war veteran accused of murder, who decides to lead the authorities on a high-octane car chase across the country — think The Fugitive on steroids. As he speeds down the road in a Mustang Shelby Cobra GT 65, an enraptured public watches on, cheering for his escape while his brothers in arms do what they can to help him evade a relentless police pursuit. Ahead of its premiere, Collider can exclusively share the official trailer, showing how he wound up in this mess with nothing left to lose and the world watching his every move.

The footage begins with Flanagan on the road with his ex-wife pleading for him to turn himself in. Remembering his time at war, however, he refuses to be captured again, especially after how this all began. A quick flashback finds him in a hospital with his ex, who’s sporting a nasty bruise after an altercation with her current partner. When Flanagan goes to their home to get her stuff and confront her abuser, things quickly go south, and he gets shot, though his attacker is fatally injured by the fall. Knowing how bad it looks, he chooses the only option he believes he has: to steal one of the man’s cars and go on the run. It kicks off a battle of wits and speed between Flanagan and the police, led by a ruthless Michael Chiklis, who is sparing no expense, man, or arm to take him down, dead or alive. To even the odds, his fellow war veterans, whether they fought in the same conflict or not, run interference as he races towards The Mongoose, his only hope of getting out alive.

Who Else Joins Neeson’s Star-Studded Car Chase in ‘The Mongoose’?

At the helm of The Mongoose in his directorial debut is someone Neeson is intimately familiar with — his go-to stunt double, Mark Vanselow. The two have worked on countless projects together over the years, including some of the star’s best work, like the Taken films, The Ice Road, and The Naked Gun. For his first feature, he works with a script by Hit List writer Thompson Evans and a starry supporting group, including Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames, Marcus Thomas, and Maurice Marvel Meredith. Rounding out the team are producers Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt, and Eugene Musso.

The Mongoose debuts in theaters on October 30. Check out the exclusive trailer in the player above.

Meghan Markle‘s axed Netflix series is up for an Emmy award, and she couldn’t be prouder.

The Duchess of Sussex marked the nomination with a heartfelt post, crafting the perfect response worthy of her royal status.

Although Meghan Markle was beaming with joy over her show’s achievement, some fans and critics had a different reaction to the news.

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After the Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed on Tuesday, July 14, Meghan updated her social media feed the following day with a promotional picture of her lifestyle series. The image captured her outdoors, flashing a radiant smile as she held a bouquet of pink flowers.

The words “Create wonder in every moment,” alongside the series’ name, “With Love, Meghan,” were written across the picture. An excited Meghan reacted to the show’s Emmy nomination in the Instagram post’s caption, celebrating the achievement as a joint effort. In her words:

“A huge congratulations to the amazing crew, producers, and team who worked on ‘With Love, Meghan’ on @netflix. We are nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Series!”

Fans Call Out The Former Actress’s Emmy Nomination

The Emmys announced Meghan’s show’s nomination on X, revealing that she was up for the Outstanding Lifestyle Series award alongside four other shows. The nominees were “A Different Breed,” “George to the Rescue,” “The Motherhood,” and “The Wizard of Paws.”

The Duchess’s nomination with these shows did not sit well with fans, with some speculating that she bought her way into the list. Someone claimed Meghan failed to make it into the culinary category despite that being the focus of her show and stole the spotlight from shows linked to charitable causes.

Another fan agreed, noting the former actress’s Netflix series had been “mocked, laughed at, ridiculed, [and] talked about all throughout the world.” They added that her show was “the most inauthentic lifestyle show ever made,” dubbing it “a clown show for a clown award.”

“F-ck me, the Emmy nomination can be bought? ‘With Love, Meghan,’ sorry but WTF did you even watch it!? It’s not even accurate; most of the stuff is copied from TikTok,” an X user argued. A fellow critic wondered how a canceled show managed to score an Emmy nomination, alleging that she “clearly bought” her spot.

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The Duchess Of Sussex’s Netflix Series Isn’t Up For Season 3

The comments about Meghan’s axed show referenced Netflix’s decision not to move forward with season 3. PEOPLE covered the story in January, reporting that the streaming giant had no plans to continue the lifestyle series after two seasons.

A source broke the news, telling the outlet that a third season was off the table, but it wasn’t a permanent cancellation. They claimed Netflix might consider launching specials or one-off projects tied to the series in the future, as they did in December 2025.

“With Love, Meghan” had a holiday special that launched on December 3, 2025. It was a one-hour festive episode that captured Meghan sharing tips for hosting holiday events. She also revealed more about her life with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The As Ever Founder Cut Ties With The Streaming Platform

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When news of the series’ cancellation dropped, Netflix was still a partner in the Duchess’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. She launched the brand with the first season of “With Love, Meghan” in March 2025. Fast forward to March 2026, the duo was no longer a team.

Insiders told The Sun that Meghan had split from Netflix and was happier controlling her brand without the streaming giant. She allegedly felt like her lifestyle line was being “held back” by the platform. Despite their separation as partners, the pair were still “on good terms.”

“It’s a good time for Meghan to have complete control, given recent successes. Netflix has been a good partner, but she’s wanted to go global with the brand for some time,” a source explained. They noted that the former actress’s global expansion was delayed “by the more cautious Netflix team.”

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Meghan Markle’s Netflix Partnership Was Allegedly A Lost Cause

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Weeks after claims of Netflix and Meghan’s amicable separation as partners, The Blast reported that other sources painted a different narrative. These insiders argued that the streaming platform suffered significant losses from their deal with the Duchess and chose to cut their relationship short.

One source claimed the platform invested millions in their deal with the media personality, but they did not see “a return whatsoever.” There were also claims of Netflix’s team having a hard time on the lifestyle series because they “did not enjoy working with Meghan.”

Although there were claims of tension between the Duchess and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, both sides denied the rumors. Sarandos has been a consistent supporter of the Sussexes, once claiming the million-dollar deal with Prince Harry and his wife was “a big discovery model” for Netflix.

Eminem‘s ex-wife, Kim Scott, was rushed to a Michigan hospital on Saturday, July 11, and footage shows her being taken out of a home on a gurney before she’s put into an ambulance.

TMZ shared the footage on Tuesday, July 14, and the paramedics reportedly responded after receiving an emergency call to Scott’s Chesterfield home at around 8:00 p.m.

RELATED: Bring ‘Em Out! Jay-Z Turns Up With Eminem, Pharrell & More At Second Night Of Yankee Stadium Concert (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)

Eminem’s Ex-Wife Kim Scott Rushed To The Hospital

TMZ reports that the Chesterfield Fire Department received a call at approximately 8: 00 p.m. in regard to an “Unconscious/Fainting” individual.

The outlet also noted that the EMS report listed “Hemorrhage/Laceration” as the incident type. EMS workers responded to the emergency call along with the Chesterfield Police Department.

She was rushed to the McLaren Macomb Hospital, but CPD officers would not say what her condition was.

Footage shows that Scott did appear to slightly move her head while being transported out of her home on the gurney. And a picture of her taken from the back of the ambulance, shown in TMZ’s report, appears to show her eyes open.

@tmz

🙏😱 Eminem’s ex-wife Kim Scott seems to be in trouble again … this time, paramedics removed her from her Michigan home on a gurney after receiving an emergency call … and we’ve got footage.

♬ original sound – TMZ – TMZ

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Kim Scott Arrested For OWI In May

Scott was arrested in May for allegedly hitting a parked car while intoxicated. According to CBS News, she was arrested after failing a Breathalyzer test.

Eminem’s ex-wife was also arrested in February for an OWI after allegedly hitting another vehicle while under the influence.

After she skipped a scheduled court appearance in June, two bench warrants were issued. However, they were canceled after she turned herself in, per WDIV. Per the outlet, Scott has a sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. on August 13.

Eminem And Scott Were Married And Divorced Twice

Eminem and his ex-wife married and divorced twice. The ‘My Name Is’ rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, met Scott when they were teenagers. According to PEOPLE, they had their daughter, Hailie Scott, in 1995.

They married for the first time in 1999 but divorced in 2001. The couple married again in 2006. Scott and Eminem divorced for the last time in 2007.

A major Marvel rumor is making waves online, with reports claiming that Adam Driver is being lined up to play Magneto in Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated X-Men reboot.

The casting rumor quickly gained traction after surfacing through industry scoopers before spreading across social media, Reddit, and several entertainment news outlets. While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm the report, Driver’s name has rapidly become one of the most talked about possibilities for the iconic mutant leader.

If the rumor proves true, Driver would become the third major actor to portray Erik Lehnsherr on the big screen, following legendary performances by Sir Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender. The role is widely considered one of Marvel’s most complex characters, requiring an actor capable of balancing both villainy and sympathy, something many fans believe Driver has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.

Adding even more excitement to the speculation is the timing. Marvel Studios is expected to return to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con later this month, and many insiders believe the presentation could serve as the stage for the studio’s first official X-Men casting announcements. While rumors continue to point toward Hall H as the place where Marvel could unveil its new mutant lineup, the studio has not confirmed that any X-Men casting announcements are planned, making the speculation just that for now.

Recent reports have suggested Marvel is assembling a fresh roster of mutants following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars, with younger actors reportedly being sought for characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, and Nightcrawler. Veteran actors are still believed to be in the mix for legacy characters such as Magneto and Professor X, making Driver’s rumored involvement a believable fit if Marvel chooses to go that route.

Magneto, Marvel

Driver is no stranger to blockbuster franchises, having portrayed Kylo Ren throughout Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy while also earning Academy Award nominations for Marriage Story and BlacKkKlansman. His ability to portray emotionally layered characters has made him a longtime fan favorite for several Marvel roles.

For now, however, fans should approach the rumor with caution. Marvel Studios has remained silent regarding its X-Mencast, and numerous names have been linked to the reboot over the past year without becoming official.

With San Diego Comic-Con just around the corner, fans may not have to wait much longer to learn who will lead the next generation of Marvel’s mutants. Whether Adam Driver ultimately dons Magneto’s iconic helmet remains to be seen, but if the Hall H rumors prove accurate, the official reveal could be just days away.

Fresh off one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year, Travis Kelce is facing a new wave of criticism, this time over a promotional campaign that appeared to capitalize on the couple’s highly publicized nuptials. 

While many fans celebrated the playful nod to his marriage to Taylor Swift, others accused the NFL star of turning a deeply personal milestone into a marketing opportunity, igniting a spirited debate across social media.

The debate began after Accelerator Active Energy unveiled a new advertisement featuring Travis Kelce, who serves as both an ambassador and co-owner of the zero-sugar energy drink brand.

Rather than quietly congratulating the NFL star on his marriage, the campaign leaned heavily into the wedding itself. 

One image shared on Instagram showed Kelce smiling over his shoulder while holding a can, with the words “Happily. Ever. After,” written above it. 

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Another featured a vintage red pickup truck decorated with “Just Married” across the back as cans of the beverage trailed behind it, an apparent nod to Kelce and Swift’s wedding at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

The company reinforced the theme in its caption, writing, “The love story continues. CONGRATS @killatrav!!!”

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The campaign quickly made its way to Reddit, where critics argued the advertisement blurred the line between celebrating a personal milestone and monetizing it.

Several commenters accused Travis Kelce of turning one of the biggest moments of his personal life into another branding opportunity. 

One user remarked, “To anyone who believes this marriage is anything but a business arrangement: I have some beach property in Kansas to sell you.”

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Another user with similar sentiments shared, “I feel like I’m being gaslighted when calling out this blatant monetization of an egotistical couple. Please please let them fail with their endeavours.”

Others were far less subtle. “This is embarrassing. This is the stuff you expect off those scummy influencers who post their kids online not from a (what I’m aware, I’m not American) successful sports person married to a A List pop star,” one angry user shared. 

Travis Kelce’s Advertisement Sparked A Second Conversation About AI

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As criticism mounted, attention shifted away from the wedding references and toward the campaign’s creative execution.

Some Reddit users became convinced parts of the advertisement had been created using artificial intelligence after spotting what they believed were visual inconsistencies throughout the images.

One Reddit user pointed to several details, writing, “Holy AI. I need another New Yorker to confirm that I’m not far off, but if you stand at 34th & 6th, the Empire State Building is that far away, and you wouldn’t see it head on like that, only from the side.”

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They also added, “And to be able to see the building and Macy’s at the same time as this picture suggests, Macy’s would have to be on your left hand side.”

Others described the campaign as unsettling rather than innovative, with one person writing, “SUPER weird. Subtle marketing would work so well for them but they rolled out their nuptials in the most obvious, tacky way.”

Kelce Also Found Plenty Of Fans Defending The Campaign

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Not everyone saw the advertisement as a misstep. On Instagram, many supporters embraced the campaign as a fun extension of Travis Kelce and Swift’s wedding celebrations, filling the comments with congratulatory messages instead of criticism.

“This ad is so good. Congrats to our beautiful souls, Travis and Taylor,” one fan wrote.

Another commented, “Love me some accelerator and Travis!! Go chiefs and go Taylor!! Ready to stock up!!” while a third added, “Congratulations! Such a beautiful day of celebration for all who love Travis and Taylor!”

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A fourth fan also noted, “Ah this is so cute. Congratulations t and t,” while a fifth added, “Congratulations!!!! I am very proud of both y’all fr a love story.”

Travis Kelce And Taylor Swift’s New Companion Delights Fans

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Even as debate continues over Kelce’s wedding-themed advertisement, the newlyweds have also given fans something far less controversial to celebrate. 

Swift and Kelce reportedly expanded their family by quietly welcoming a fluffy white Samoyed into their home, marking a new chapter in their life together after tying the knot earlier this month. 

While many only recently began speculating about the pup after it appeared in a framed wedding photo, sources shared that the couple actually adopted the dog months before saying “I do.”   

The pet was recently spotted accompanying Kelce after he stepped off Swift’s private jet in Florida, further fueling excitement among fans.   

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The addition is especially notable because Swift has long been known as a devoted cat owner to Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button, making the Samoyed her first publicly known dog.

Kate Upton and Justin Verlander’s relationship has had some ups and downs, but overall, the couple has knocked it out of the park romance wise.

The pair has baseball to thank for their meet-cute, working together in February 2012 on the set of a commercial for the Major League Baseball 2K12 video game. Nearly a year later, the duo made their relationship public in January 2013.

Although they split in mid-2013, they were back together by January 2014, reuniting in the Bahamas for a romantic getaway. Two years later, the MLB player popped the question and after Verlander won the World Series with the Houston Astros in November 2017, they headed to Italy to tie the knot the same month.

“I knew she was doing a change, but didn’t know what it was,” Verlander exclusively told Us Weekly in March 2018 of his wife’s surprise wedding dress change into a sheer Christy Rilling Studio gown. “The second I saw her in that, I was like, ‘OK, time to go. Let’s get out of here. Wedding over!”

The duo honeymooned in Europe, beginning in Puglia, Italy, with the pitcher telling Us that he and Upton are “doers” who “want to experience towns and cities wherever we are.” He described the romantic trip, saying, “We rented a car and drove to little towns. We learned the history and experienced the food. It was a lot of fun.”

The model and baseball star celebrated their one-year anniversary in November 2018, days before welcoming their first child, daughter Genevieve.

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“This year has been the best year of my life! It had a crazy beginning with a World Series win and the BEST wedding weekend, where I got to marry my best friend and love of my life,” Upton wrote via Instagram at the time. “Now to celebrate our love and our first year of marriage we are preparing to welcome a new addition to our family. I’m so excited to go through this journey of life with you! I love you so much! Happy One Year❤️.”

The couple later expanding their family in 2025, welcoming son Bellamy.

Scroll down to relive Upton and Verlander’s romance ups and downs through the years:

Basgiath is looming in the near distance, and readers won’t have long to wait to return to fantasy’s most terrifying War College. Rebecca Yarros has officially announced the latest addition to her bestselling fantasy series that promises to take fans back to the world of dragon riders, and it’s going to bring us something we’ve been waiting for since the very beginning: Xaden’s Threshing Day.

Sharing the announcement with fans, Fourth Wing creator Yarros wrote: “Welcome to Conscription Day, Cadets! I’m thrilled to share the title and cover of my next book (not book four!) in the Empyrean series: Threshing Day! This collection contains thirteen threshing stories about some of your favorite characters and their dragons.”

Yarros also teased the deluxe edition’s artwork, calling the illustrations “seriously… all so gorgeous,” before reassuring international readers to watch for release updates from their local publishers. Closing the announcement, she wrote: “I hope this gives you a fun trip back to Basgiath while I’m writing book four! So grab your leathers… The dragons are waiting!”

The series follows the life of Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who expects to spend her life among books as a scribe before her imposing mother, a general, forces her to enroll at Basgiath War College, where candidates will train to protect the kingdom of Navarre as dragon riders.

Is There a Fourth Wing TV Series?

Image via Rebecca Yarros/Red Tower Books

Not yet — but there soon will be. Prime Video is now officially bringing Fourth Wing to series​​​​​​​, to be produced by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, with Meredith Averill serving as showrunner and executive producer. Lisa Joywill direct the first episode and also executive produce, while Yarros is involved as an executive producer alongside Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo. Jordan has already explained that he wants to deliver for fans on every level.

“We are making sure that this is going to be a exciting show that delivers on all of the things the fans want and some of the things that they won’t be expecting either. But trust me, I know how beloved this franchise IP is and we’re diligently… We’re in the lab, we’re cooking up. We got it. It’s coming. It’s early stages, but I feel how much people care about this one. It’s not lost on us.”

Threshing Day goes on sale on September 29, 2026, giving Fourth Wing fans a chance to revisit Basgiath while they await the next mainline novel in the blockbuster fantasy series.

A major Marvel rumor is making waves online, with reports claiming that Adam Driver is being lined up to play Magneto in Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated X-Men reboot.

The casting rumor quickly gained traction after surfacing through industry scoopers before spreading across social media, Reddit, and several entertainment news outlets. While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm the report, Driver’s name has rapidly become one of the most talked about possibilities for the iconic mutant leader.

If the rumor proves true, Driver would become the third major actor to portray Erik Lehnsherr on the big screen, following legendary performances by Sir Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender. The role is widely considered one of Marvel’s most complex characters, requiring an actor capable of balancing both villainy and sympathy, something many fans believe Driver has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.

Adding even more excitement to the speculation is the timing. Marvel Studios is expected to return to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con later this month, and many insiders believe the presentation could serve as the stage for the studio’s first official X-Men casting announcements. While rumors continue to point toward Hall H as the place where Marvel could unveil its new mutant lineup, the studio has not confirmed that any X-Men casting announcements are planned, making the speculation just that for now.

Recent reports have suggested Marvel is assembling a fresh roster of mutants following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars, with younger actors reportedly being sought for characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, and Nightcrawler. Veteran actors are still believed to be in the mix for legacy characters such as Magneto and Professor X, making Driver’s rumored involvement a believable fit if Marvel chooses to go that route.

Magneto, Marvel

Driver is no stranger to blockbuster franchises, having portrayed Kylo Ren throughout Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy while also earning Academy Award nominations for Marriage Story and BlacKkKlansman. His ability to portray emotionally layered characters has made him a longtime fan favorite for several Marvel roles.

For now, however, fans should approach the rumor with caution. Marvel Studios has remained silent regarding its X-Mencast, and numerous names have been linked to the reboot over the past year without becoming official.

With San Diego Comic-Con just around the corner, fans may not have to wait much longer to learn who will lead the next generation of Marvel’s mutants. Whether Adam Driver ultimately dons Magneto’s iconic helmet remains to be seen, but if the Hall H rumors prove accurate, the official reveal could be just days away.

NLE Choppa never fails to keep the internet talking, especially when it’s time to step into a new music era. Throughout his career, the rapper has become known for his wild fashion choices, eye-catching visuals, and risqué lyrics that keep fans talking with every rollout. Now, he’s once again shaking up the timeline after debuting a bold new look while teasing his upcoming album.

RELATED: NLE Choppa Sparks Debate After Addressing Clips Of Him Flirting With Other Women In Front Of His Fiancée (VIDEOS)

NLE Choppa Shows Off His New ’Do Across His Socials

Over the weekend, NLE Choppa popped out on Instagram wearing a white Chrome Hearts tee, leather pants, and a maroon pixie wig. The rapper debuted his new “Shiloh” era while teasing his upcoming album and shared the meaning behind the transformation.

He wrote, “Introducing SHILOH…

Shiloh: Tranquility, Peace, & Gods gift. The Light Bringer

Maroon Hair Color: Renewal Of The Mind

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But Still Desporado

I’ve turned my back on this lane, but here is my return!

Eyes out my rear view l’ve seen my influence shape the music we hear today.

Time To Reclaim The THRONE

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IM READY !!!!

#Shiloh444 #ALBUMREADY.”

Over on X, NLE Choppa shared more photos wearing the maroon pixie wig while posing in the studio with a leather jacket. He kept the caption simple, writing, “Keep yo peace Shiloh…”

Social Media Reacts 

Folks gathered under The Shade Room Teens’ comment section as many began to react to NLE Choppa’s new look. Many shared their thoughts on the hairstyle, while others questioned what to expect from his new era.

Instagram user @latrell.tremayne  wrote, “Cmon 27 piece!! 💁🏾‍♂️ 😍 😂 “

Instagram user @fatbellyjam added, “ Anita Choppa, or NLE Baker??”

While Instagram user @_jayeedoll wrote, “Pls nle i cant keep defending you 😭😭”

Instagram user @lukebucurr_ wrote, “Bro done changed his avatar so many times”

Instagram user @aliiyahmone added, “I wonder about him … what goes on in his brain when he does these things 👀 😂 And I ain’t trying to say nothing wrong. I just want to know how these things come about.”

While Instagram user @4xfettii wrote, “First he was young boy then Kirk Franklin then Tupac now he Tory”

Instagram user @_kyla.jade wrote, “I would be so mad if this was my bd”

Instagram user @banksbig4 added, “Pooh Shiesty Gon Have A Field Day With Ts”

While Instagram user @yafav_scj wrote, “Nah I think I’m starting to love NLE 😭😭 he’s so random”

What Can Fans Expect In This Era From NLE Choppa?

While fans await new music from NLE Choppa, it seems like the rapper is stepping into his next chapter, ready to come back stronger than ever. It’s been nearly two years since NLE Choppa released a full-length project. Since then, he’s kept fans fed with projects like SLUT SZN and installments in his Shotta Flow series while continuing to evolve both personally and creatively.

Lately, the rapper has been very vocal about his personal growth and sobriety journey. Back in May, he wrote on X, “I didn’t realize how much smoking weed was hindering me until I stopped.”

He later followed up with more reflective posts, including “Excuse me for forgetting who I was,” 

Based on his recent messages, 2026 appears to be a year of growth and reflection for the rapper. He even recently hit the studio with his daughter, Clover, to create a bop for the kiddies. 

RELATED: NLE Choppa Clarifies His “Intimacy” Preference Amid His Risqué Song Teaser Going Viral

By Matthew Swigonski
| Published 31 seconds ago

There’s just something about buddy cop movies that makes them so entertaining. From the heaping helping of cheesy one-liners to the eventual uncovering of some nefarious conspiracy, the buddy cop recipe might remain the same, but it’s tried and true. Although it might be overlooked, the Netflix original film Spenser Confidential is an entertaining addition to the genre.

A Modern Take On A Classic Character

Don’t let the Netflix original title fool you, Spenser Confidential is based on a character that has been decades in the making. First introduced in 1973 in the novel The Goldwulf Manuscript, by author Robert B. Parker, Spenser has been around the block once or twice. As a detective, he’s as hard-nosed as he is intelligent.

Parker wrote 40 novels detailing the adventures of the witty detective until his death in 2010. Since 2013, author Ace Atkins has taken over the detective series. With nearly 50 years of Spenser material to work with, Netflix decided to green-light a film adaptation of Atkins’ novel Robert B. Parker’s Wonderland in 2018.

Mark Wahlberg Is Spenser

In March 2020, Netflix released Spenser Confidential on its streaming platform. The film is directed by veteran director Peter Berg, who has directed films such as Lone Survivor, Patriot’s Day, and Mile 22. The screenplay is penned by screenwriters Sean O’Keefe and Brian Helgeland.

Tapped to star as the titular character was frequent Berg collaborator Mark Wahlberg. The longtime actor may not be known for being the world’s greatest actor, but he can certainly play the role of a foul-mouthed determined cop. Actors Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Bokeem Woodbine, and Iliza Shlesinger help round out the cast.

Teaming Up With Hawk

Spenser Confidential follows Spenser after he is sentenced to prison after assaulting police captain John Boylan (Michael Gaston). But after he does his time, it appears that the former cop has put his past behind him and moved on. Spenser is released from prison and finds a place to stay with Hawk (Winston Duke), an up and coming MMA fighter.

However, things take a messy turn when Boylan is murdered, making Spenser a suspect in the case. To make matters worse, another detective also winds up dead shortly after. Smelling something fishy going on, Spenser decides to investigate the case himself.

A Predictable But Satisfying Outing

Unbeknownst to Spenser, his impromptu investigation catches the eye of a small group of dirty cops. With the help of his friend Hawk, Spenser must quickly unravel the mystery before the dirty attempt to tie up loose ends.

For most diehard Spenser fans, Spenser Confidential might seem like a bit of a letdown. The plot is slightly watered down to fit into the 110 minute runtime. With little to no surprises in the story, the movie can also be predictable at times.

Despite its predictability, the movie is an enjoyable experience to sit back and watch Wahlberg and Duke play off of each other. The duo work very well together in their respective roles. Shlesinger is also a breath of fresh air, utilizing a surprisingly effective Boston accent in a comedic role.

While not groundbreaking, Spenser Confidential is a fun buddy cop movie. With solid performances and a decent amount of action, there’s plenty to like about this movie. Maybe it’s not the best film out there, but it is certainly worth a watch.

SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL SCORE