Entertainment
Sugar Hill, Five Heartbeats Actor Was 70
Sugar Hill and The Five Heartbeats star Michael Wright has died. He was 70.
“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Michael’s wife, Susan Wright, wrote in an Instagram statement shared Friday, August 21, announcing the actor’s death. “Michael was a husband, a father, a grandfather, loved one, a friend and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”
Susan continued, “Many knew and loved him through The Five Heartbeats, The Wanderers, V, The Principal, Streamers, and the many other characters he brought to life throughout his remarkable career. His talent, presence and contributions to film and television will live on, but to those of us who loved him personally, he was so much more than the roles the world knew him for. Our family is grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss.”
In addition to Susan, Michael is survived by his five kids and one grandchild.
Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. In June, legendary music executive Clive Davis also died at age 94 following a hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection. The following month, G.R.L. member Lauren Bennett died at age 37, while Bonnie Tyler died at 75. Emergency!‘s Randolph Mantooth and Police […]
“We understand how much Michael meant to so many people, and we are grateful for the love, prayers, memories and condolences already being shared,” Susan continued in her statement. “We respectfully ask the public, members of the media and those who knew and admired Michael to please allow our family the privacy and grace to grieve during this incredibly difficult time.”
She concluded, “Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best. Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”
TMZ reported on Saturday, August 22, that Michael died after suffering heart failure and complications of Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare degenerative neurological condition.
Michael’s family has not further disclosed his apparent diagnosis, which the National Institute of Health characterizes as a rare disorder defined by necrosis of brain tissue.
Michael is best known for roles in Sugar Hill, The Five Heartbeats, The Principal, V, Streamers, Dope King and two episodes of The CW’s Black Lightning.
“The greatest sin an actor can commit, is to fail to be interesting. I always try to make my characters interesting. I want you to be riveted and wonder what’s going on behind my eyes,” he told Sheen magazine in 2021. “You work from the general, you know, to the specific, then you go moment for moment, beat for beat and try to imbue everything with true and honest emotional content if you will.”
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Horror literature is not just about frightening stories; it serves as a mirror of humanity’s darkest sides and deepest fears: a fever dream, or a whispered warning from the beyond. The finest works in the genre go beyond mere fright, lingering in our minds and reshaping how we see morality, beauty, and even the safety of our own homes. So it’s no wonder that the masterpieces of horror across the centuries have reshaped literature, culture, and the way we imagine fear itself.
From primal blood thirst and macabre madness to spiritual and psychological collapse, every generation of horror literature has something to add to its explorations of the dark side of humanity. Some of these books are fundamentally connected to their respective time and era, while others are rare works of literature that achieve perfection in horror and have become timeless cultural landmarks, turning fear into pure art. Read on to discover our handpicked selection of horror books that are all 10/10 masterpieces.
1
‘Uzumaki’ (1998–1999)
A Japanese horror manga written and illustrated by Junji Ito, Uzumaki revolves around the people of Kurouzu‑cho, a fog‑shrouded coastal town cursed by spirals, where everyone is slowly consumed by the unseen force. Said to hold the secret of the world, the titular pattern infects every corner of life, twisting bodies, minds, and even the landscape itself. As the obsession deepens, ordinary citizens mutate into grotesque spiraling forms, while teenagers Kirie and Shuichi attempt to fight the spell and escape the nightmare.
Hailed as Ito’s magnum opus, Uzumaki redefined horror in manga and earned widespread acclaim when it was first published, landing an Eisner Award nomination for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material. The ’90s Japanese cult classic transforms a simple shape into a cosmic terror, weaving imagery so grotesque and hypnotic that readers feel trapped in its coils. Celebrated as a horror manga masterpiece, the nightmare of Uzumaki deepens in every chapter, blurring the line between body horror and existential dread.
2
‘The Shining’ (1977)
Stephen King’s third published novel, The Shining tells the story of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a job as a caretaker at a heritage hotel in the Colorado Rockies. He moves there in the off-season with his wife, Wendy, and son, Danny, who possesses a unique psychic ability, unbeknownst to his parents, that helps him see the unseen supernatural forces present in the hotel. When the family gets trapped inside during a snowstorm, Jack starts getting terrifying visions that take a toll on his sanity, leaving Wendy and Danny in danger.
The Shining was King’s first hardcover bestseller and went on to become a massive literary and cultural phenomenon. Drawing from his personal experiences, the author depicts the terrifying realities of abuse, addiction, and psychological collapse through the lens of the supernatural. Celebrated as one of King’s greatest horror masterpieces, The Shining was the first work that changed his status from a rising name to a master of the genre.
3
‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (1959)
A gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House is one of the most influential haunted house stories of modern literature. The story follows an occult scholar who invites a few people to the titular, isolated mansion to investigate supernatural occurrences. As eerie events begin unfolding at the mansion, it significantly impacts a fragile, traumatized woman in the group, pushing her down a psychological spiral. In 1960, the novel was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Since its first publication, The Haunting of Hill House has been celebrated as one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written and a high point in 20th-century psychological Gothic horror. The story’s real terror comes not from external elements but from within its characters, as the house turns into a dreadful entity in itself. The novel cemented Jackson’s reputation for chilling fiction and has since been adapted into films, plays, radio shows, and a loosely adapted streaming hit.
4
‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ (1886)
Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic horror novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is easily one of the most famous pieces of 19th-century English literature. A respected London doctor, Henry Jekyll, develops a formula that can split the morally opposed aspects of his personality into separate identities. His friend and lawyer, Gabriel Utterson, begins investigating a series of strange occurrences connecting Henry and a murderous criminal named Edward Hyde. Through Utterson’s investigation, the reader is exposed to the spine-chilling, horrifying mystery of the two men.
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a defining work of Gothic horror fiction that gave rise to the titular metaphor to symbolize contrasting identities and personalities. Narrated as a chilling Victorian mystery, the novel examines humanity’s perpetual struggle with the duality of our nature and is a masterpiece of psychological terror. The original story and the core concept have since been adapted into every possible medium and storytelling style, including parodies and spoofs, even though no major adaptation has been faithful to the original narrative.
5
‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ (1890)
A Gothic horror and philosophical masterpiece by Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray is his first and only completed novel and revolves around the titular character, a wealthy young man in Victorian England and the muse of his artist friend, Basil Hallward, who pictures him as a flawless example of male beauty. After meeting Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian is quickly taken in by the aristocrat’s hedonistic outlook toward beauty and self-fulfillment, which pushes Dorian to make a deal with the Devil, resulting in gruesome consequences.
With themes of vanity, morality, and spiritual decay, the novel is hailed as a masterpiece of psychological and philosophical horror and one of Wilde’s finest works. When it was first published, The Picture of Dorian Gray attracted extensive controversy and criticism, and it was largely ignored until the 1980s. Now, however, it’s considered a classic of Gothic literature in particular and English literature in general. The Picture of Dorian Gray has since been adapted for film and stage, with the most notable example being the 2009 film starring Ben Barnes.
6
‘Dracula’ (1897)
A vampire novel that spawned a whole new generation of vampire horror literature, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a literary landmark that has remained at the heights of its genre throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The epistolary novel largely follows an English solicitor named Jonathan Harker, who visits the titular nobleman in Transylvania for business. Count Dracula soon reveals his true nature and moves to England, plaguing the coastal town of Whitby and terrorizing Harker’s fiancée, Mina. Harker then joins a group led by Dutch scholar Abraham Van Helsing to hunt and kill the Count.
With Dracula, Bram Stoker created a monster that has become an icon of vampire horror and remains a significant artifact of Victorian history studied for what it reveals about race, religion, gender, and sexuality in the context of that era. Drawing from ancient folklore and history, the novel drives terror not through violent actions but through the slow, invisible corruption that the dreaded monster instills in his victim’s mind. One of the most seminal works of Gothic horror fiction and an influential piece of British literature, Dracula has almost single-handedly defined the depiction of vampires in modern pop culture.
7
‘Frankenstein’ (1818)
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, better known as simply Frankenstein, is not just the first novel by an English novelist but is also considered the first true science fiction horror book. The story follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein, an obsessive young scientist who conducts an unconventional experiment and creates a sapient creature from various parts of dead bodies. Frankenstein’s ambitious endeavors lead to disturbing and shocking results, escalating into tragedy and revenge.
Ever since it was first published, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus has profoundly influenced horror storytelling in art, literature, theater, and later cinema, with the name “Frankenstein” becoming synonymous with freakish monsters. Thought-provoking and deeply unsettling in its exploration of unbridled ambition and the dangerous consequences of playing God, Frankenstein’s horror is deeply rooted in the social, political, and cultural anxieties of the era. With elements of Gothic fiction and the Romantic movement, the novel is one of the most iconic works in English literature and a foundational piece of the genre.
8
‘The Exorcist’ (1971)
A novel better known for its film adaptation, The Exorcist is William Peter Blatty’s most acclaimed and successful novel and is inspired by a real-life incident that supposedly occurred in 1949. The story narrates how Regan, a 12-year-old girl and daughter of a famous actress, gets possessed by a demon, and two Roman Catholic priests attempt to exorcise it. In 1973, Blatty adapted the novel into a supernatural horror thriller directed by William Friedkin, which earned Blatty an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Exorcist redefined supernatural horror in contemporary literature by combining deep psychological realism and grounded subjects like theological controversies and human grief with paranormal terror. It is not just frightening but also drives a deeply unsettling feeling that lingers beyond the final chapter. While the book was a bestseller, it only garnered widespread attention after the film’s release, which itself became a benchmark for horror cinema, turning The Exorcist into both a literary and cinematic franchise.
- Release Date
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December 26, 1973
- Runtime
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122 minutes
- Writers
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William Peter Blatty
- Producers
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Noel Marshall
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Many of Us default to a tee and jeans on the daily, but Ellen Pompeo opted for a coordinated style that’s comfier, classier and much more versatile. Her black lounge set is what rich moms wear for dinner, travel and beyond, and we found the look on sale for only $15. Run!
The Grey’s Anatomy star turned up to a West Hollywood sushi restaurant for a low-key dinner with a friend, and her outfit appeared effortlessly put together. It was comprised of a black tank, straight-leg pants, easy slides and a woven crossbody slung over her shoulder. We’re copying her sleek, expensive style from now through April!
Get the Afitne Two-Piece Lounge Set for $15 (was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
This Afitne Two-Piece Lounge Set nails the same celeb vibe with its flowy sleeveless top paired with tailored-looking lounge pants. We’re also big fans of the size-inclusive fit, which comes in XS through XXL options and two inseam lengths. If you ask Us, this Amazon find combines relaxed and sophisticated elements for a wear-everywhere appeal we can’t wait to copy.
Like you, we’re also obsessed with Free People’s boho-chic aesthetic. In fact, we love the style so much, we can occasionally justify a $200 dress . . . even if we get grief from our significant other. Since discovering Amazon’s Free People-like selection, however, we’re not even tempted by the label. These 17 chic summery […]
Not only does the set have elevated, star potential, but it also feels ultra comfortable. In fact, the set’s dreamy fabric is stretchy, light as air and silky soft. One happy shopper said it’s “so comfortable, good quality and extremely flattering despite my bumps.” You can thank the black hue for that slimming hack.
It’s also the kind of outfit that travels well. “I hate nothing more than being uncomfortable on a long flight, but I don’t want to look like I’m on my way to the gym or to bed,” another reviewer wrote. “This looks cute and is comfortable to wear.”
Whether you’re grabbing sushi in West Hollywood or running errands on a Tuesday, this two-piece set makes you appear rich, classy and Pompeo-polished. We love the outfit worn solo for late summer, then with a cardigan come fall. Black is optional, but not if you want the full Pompeo effect. At only $15, we’re snagging a few!
Get the Afitne Two-Piece Lounge Set for $15 (was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more chic two-piece sets, 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.
The Challenge alum Tyler Duckworth has been laid to rest following his shocking death at age 44.
A memorial service for the former MTV reality star was held on Saturday, August 22, at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Challenge star Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio posted highlights from the memorial via his Instagram Story. He shared a photo of a program “celebrating the life of Tyler” — which featured a quote from the biblical passage Philippians 4:6-7.
The quote read, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio attends Tyler Duckworth memorial Courtesy Instagram / Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio
Tyler’s mother, Joni, announced on August 13 that her son had recently died from undetermined causes.
“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” Joni wrote via Facebook at the time. “Cause of death has yet to be determined. I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”
The Grand Forks Police Department later shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death, telling People that he was found unresponsive in his apartment on August 11 after neighbors called to report water coming through the ceiling.
The Real World: Key West star’s cause of death is still “pending the results of an autopsy,” per law enforcement. A spokesperson for the North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us that the investigation into Tyler’s death “will take at least 90 days for the full investigation to be completed.”
That same week, Tyler’s mother, Joni, released a longer statement to People in which she reflected on his primary career as a world history teacher.
Tyler Duckworth in March 2006. Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images
“My Ty-Guy would skip to school when he was little,” Joni said. “He has now gone on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer.”
She continued, “Tyler found his passion in teaching, and he was good at it. I understand his students loved him. He taught world history. He loved history and geography, and as he had traveled the world over, I am sure he brought many insights to his students.”
Away from the classroom, Tyler became a pioneer for LGBTQ+ contestants on MTV’s The Challenge by winning the Cutthroat and Rivals seasons in 2010 and 2011, respectively. He also competed on Challenge incarnations The Duel, The Gauntlet III, All Stars 2 and All Stars 3.
The Challenge community came together to mourn Tyler following the announcement of his death.
“You were more than a friend. More than a roommate. You were the brother I never had,” Challenge alum Devenanzio, 44, wrote via Instagram on August 14. “Rest easy, Tyler. You’ll always be family.”
Brad Fiorenza shared that he was “absolutely heartbroken” to have lost such a beloved member of the Challenge family.
“We shared something special being part of The Challenge family,” Fiorenza, 45, wrote. “I’ll always be grateful for the memories we shared; especially at this last event just a couple weeks ago. Tyler will be deeply missed by so many. May his amazing soul live on in the lives he’s touched. RIP my dear friend.”
Season 2 of Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation has shared an exciting update ahead of its new installment. Based on a popular mobile game released in 2020, the series later expanded into a manga and now a Disney+ show. With Season 2 scheduled to come out in just a few months, Disney has shared more details on what’s to come.
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation is a show set at Night Raven College. In this all-boys magic boarding school, students are split into seven houses based on some of Disney’s iconic villains, known in this universe as “The Great Seven.” Season 1 spotlights Heartslabyul House, based on Alice in Wonderland‘s Queen of Hearts, and how some students have expressed grievances toward the dorm’s Housewarden. Season 1 had eight episodes and, since its release, sits at a MyAnimeList Score of 6.83. With Season 2 set to take place in a different House, it’s no surprise that new characters will also be introduced.
The official Japanese Disney+ account released a teaser video for Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation: Episode of Savanaclaw, the show’s second season. It not only showcased more scenes of Savanaclaw’s Housewarden, Leona Kingscholar (Yuichiro Umehara), but also teased a new protagonist. Just like the manga, Yuuka Hirasaka, voiced by Fairouz Ai (Chainsaw Man), will be making her debut. Just like Season 1’s lead, Yuken Enma (Jonathan Ha/Yohei Azakami), she is also from Japan, but was selected to attend Night Raven Academy despite a lack of magical talent. Additionally, she will be the only female studying in the school this season.
What To Watch If You Like ‘Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation’
With Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation: Episode of Savanaclaw set to premiere in a few months, there are plenty of titles with similar vibes worth watching in the meantime. The first that comes to mind is the Descendants film series, which is also available on Disney+. These movies take place in a world where the various kingdoms have united to form Auradon, while Disney’s villains, their henchmen, and their children have been banished to the Isle of the Lost. A magical barrier surrounds the island, preventing its inhabitants from using magic and ensuring they no longer pose a threat to Auradon. The first three films follow the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella de Vil, while the fourth and fifth films, The Rise of Red and Wicked Wonderland, shift the focus to a new set of characters.
If you’re after something outside Disney, then The School for Good and Evil on Netflix is worth a watch. This 2022 fantasy feature follows Agatha (Sofia Wylie), who’s dubbed by her village as a witch, and Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso), who dreams of becoming a princess. They both make their way to the School of Good and Evil but are sent to the wrong schools: Agatha to the School of Good, and Sophie to the School of Evil.
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation: Episode of Savanaclaw is scheduled to come out in December 2026. In the meantime, Season 1, aka Episode of Heartslabuyl, is available to stream on Disney+. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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October 29, 2025
- Network
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Disney+
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Natsuki Hanae
Riddle Rosehearts (voice)
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Seiichiro Yamashita
Ace Trappola (voice)
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Chiaki Kobayashi
Deuce Spade (voice)
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Ryota Suzuki
Trey Clover (voice)
While Ridley Scott hasn’t had a bona fide hit in quite some time, some movies have performed worse than others. Gladiator II made around $460 million at the global box office, but it cost a reported $300 million to produce. Similarly, Napoleon barely recouped its reported $200 million budget at the box office. But another recent movie directed by Scott emerged as one of his biggest bombs ever. The movie in question, The Last Duel, grossed just $30 million worldwide against a reported budget of $100 million, and featured the likes of Matt Damon, Jodie Comer, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck in the cast. It received tremendous reviews and has certainly fared better at home. The Last Duel was directly influenced by a classic that’s currently streaming on HBO Max, but not for much longer.
The classic was released in 1950, which makes it 76 years old. Such was its impact on cinema and culture that its title has come to define an entire narrative structure. The film tells the story of a samurai’s murder from three different perspectives. It starred the legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune and was directed by Akira Kurosawa. The recipient of the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, the movie was also honored with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Here’s How Long You Have Left to Watch the Japanese Classic on HBO Max
We’re talking, of course, about Rashomon. The movie now holds a near-perfect 98% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “One of legendary director Akira Kurosawa’s most acclaimed films, Rashomon features an innovative narrative structure, brilliant acting, and a thoughtful exploration of reality versus perception.” In addition to The Last Duel, films such as Reservoir Dogs and The Usual Suspects, and even the Star Wars show The Acolyte, have been influenced by Rashomon. Along with Kurosawa’s other classics Seven Samurai and Ikiru, the movie will be removed from HBO Max on September 30. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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August 25, 1950
- Runtime
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88 Minutes
- Director
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Akira Kurosawa
- Writers
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Ryunosoke Akutagawa, Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto
Entertainment
Netflix Subscribers Officially Have 1 Week Left To Watch This 5-Part Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Netflix has launched several big action blockbusters so far this year, but the most popular new release of them all has been War Machine. Best known for his role in Prime Video’s Reacher, War Machine stars Alan Ritchson, who is well on his way to becoming one of the biggest action stars in the world, especially in the streaming landscape. Netflix brought together stars Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton for another massive 2026 blockbuster, Apex, which also earned over 100 million views during its first 30 days on streaming. The streamer also has a few big releases coming before the end of the year, including Ray Gunn, the animated feature from Brad Bird 30 years in the making. The film is releasing on Netflix globally on December 18, the same day as Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday.
Not only does Netflix constantly release new movies and TV shows featuring recognizable stars, but the streamer also has an impressive library of older classics that’s always rotating titles in and out. Netflix is especially adept at acquiring popular sci-fi shows that have been canceled or discarded by a network, and one series that has found a home on the streamer in recent years is Orphan Black. The show stars She-Hulk’s Tatiana Maslany, who even won an Emmy for her roles as Sarah, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Rachel, and Krystal. In addition to streaming on AMC+, all five seasons of Orphan Black have also found a home on Netflix lately, but the streamer recently announced that this won’t be the case for much longer. Netflix has confirmed that Orphan Black is leaving streaming this month, and the last day to watch the show will be on August 31.
What Is ‘Orphan Black’ About?
The official synopsis for Orphan Black, which was written and created for TV by Jeff Fawcett and Graeme Manson, reads as follows: “Orphan Black follows Sarah Manning, a street-smart con artist whose life shatters when she discovers she’s one of many identical clones. Tatiana Maslany embodies a dozen distinct characters as Sarah uncovers a shadowy conspiracy behind her origins. Hunted by a ruthless corporation and a fanatical religious sect, the clones must unite to survive.” Maslany did not return to star in the Orphan Black: Echoes spin-off show, which stars Krysten Ritter. The show was canceled after only one season. The show has all the elements from other sci-fi shows like Severance and Black Mirror, making it a must-watch for fans of great dystopian TV.
Check out all five seasons of Orphan Black before they’re removed from Netflix at the end of this month and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.
- Release Date
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2013 – 2017-00-00
- Network
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Space, BBC America
- Showrunner
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Graeme Manson
- Directors
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Ken Girotti, T.J. Scott, David Wellington, Grant Harvey, Helen Shaver, Aaron Morton, Brett Sullivan, Chris Grismer, Peter Stebbings
- Writers
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Aubrey Nealon, Karen Walton, Tony Elliott, Peter Mohan, Sherry White, Jeremy Boxen, Kate Miles Melville, Greg Nelson, Jenn Engels, Nikolijne Troubetzkoy
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Sarah / Cosima / Alison / Helena / Rachel
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Jordan Gavaris
Felix ‘Fee’ Dawkins
Entertainment
Ridley Scott Officially Takes Over Free Streaming With $100M Epic Ahead of Sci-Fi Return
Ridley Scott is eying a big year in 2026 as he returns to the sci-fi genre for the first time in nearly 10 years with his latest epic, The Dog Stars. Scott has enlisted some big names like Josh Brolin and Jacob Elordi to star in his new dystopian epic, but only time will tell if this will translate to box office success. Scott has struggled to find box office greatness with his last two movies, both of which were historical epics that were criticized heavily by fans and critics. Scott reunited with Joaquin Phoenix for a biopic about Napoleon Bonaparte, and he also returned to the colosseum for Gladiator II, but neither film was able to overcome its bloated budget and return enough at the box office to become profitable.
One of Scott’s original hits that certainly didn’t struggle at the box office was the first Gladiator movie, which was released in 2000. Starring Russell Crowe, who won his first and only Oscar for his performance as Maximus in the film, Gladiator grossed well over $460 million at the box office against a $100 million budget, meaning it sailed past its break-even point by over $200 million. The film is perfect for fans of both The Odyssey and Braveheart, as it effectively captures the magic of a great historical epic while also centering around an inspiring leader. Gladiator has been streaming alongside its legacy sequel on Paramount Plus most of the year, but the film was recently added to Pluto TV’s streaming library, meaning it’s now streaming for free. Pluto TV is one of the most accessible free streaming platforms in the world — users who are interested don’t even need an account to watch some of the most popular movies and TV shows on the platform.
Is Ridley Scott Making Another ‘Gladiator’ Movie?
Around the same time that Gladiator II battled into theaters, it was reported that Ridley Scott had an idea for another Gladiator movie. However, since Paramount didn’t see any return on its near-$300 million investment on the legacy sequel, despite the addition of major stars like Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, it’s unlikely the studio is interested in footing the bill for another Gladiator movie, unless Scott can make it for much cheaper. Scott is due for a box office hit soon after a few misses, and while budgeting information for The Dog Stars has not yet been revealed, his return to the sci-fi genre is at least drawing interest before its August 28 premiere.
Check out Gladiator for free on Pluto TV or on Paramount Plus, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Ridley Scott’s future projects.
- Release Date
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May 5, 2000
- Runtime
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155 minutes
- Writers
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David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson
Mark Ruffalo has rejected accusations that he is “antisemitic” for opposing Hollywood studio Paramount Skydance’s executives’ ties to the Israeli government.
“The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest,” Ruffalo, 58, wrote via X on Saturday, August 22. “Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people. This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel.”
The Spider-Man: Brand New Day actor stressed, “To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect. Everything I know about acting, activism, and humanism has been profoundly shaped by the Jewish friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have been integral and family throughout every point of my life.”
Ruffalo has been a vocal opponent of Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros since the deal was announced in February. Paramount Skydance chairman David Ellison is the son of Oracle cofounder and prominent Donald Trump ally Larry Ellison. (David, 43, and Larry, 82, became co-owners of Paramount Skydance following a 2025 merger.)
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The latest controversy started when Ruffalo condemned a clip of Safra Catz — Oracle’s executive vice chair and a Paramount board member — recently speaking about “profoundly scary technologies” that Oracle shared with the Israeli government following the October 7 terror attacks in 2023.
Paramount Skydance responded to Ruffalo with a statement that invoked accusations of antisemitism.
“We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute,” a Paramount spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, August 21. “Words like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid,’ applied to a corporate transaction, aren’t just wrong — they’re a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe. This doesn’t deserve a response in kind — and to be clear, we don’t tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone.”
The company went on to say, “We understand people feel strongly about this merger and are hopeful and expect that it will be judged based on the legal merits, not underlying bias. We’re asking for the same good faith we’re extending: less rhetoric, more understanding. Paramount’s future is being written for everyone who wants to make and watch great stories.”
In light of those accusations, Ruffalo drew attention to what he warned would be “real consequences” for people across the country if Paramount Skydance is allowed to buy Warner Bros.
“This merger has real consequences for real people, and for the entire country. Scrutinizing the Ellisons, including Oracle’s business built on data, surveillance technology and government contracts, and the serious threat to editorial freedom and the loss of a livelihood for thousands of families, is fair and necessary,” he wrote on Saturday. “The $111 billion deal would hand one family control over CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., backed in part by foreign money whose influence on editorial decisions has never been fully explained to the public.”
Mark Ruffalo Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
The Emmy Award-winning actor called for more transparency from government regulators before the Warner Bros acquisition is allowed to move forward.
“Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for serious national security review, and regulators still haven’t given the public a real answer,” he claimed. “Until they do, the merger shouldn’t move forward. Now is the time to dive boldly into all these issues, not step back or concede.”
Ruffalo was among dozens of Hollywood actors and filmmakers to sign an open letter of “unequivocal opposition” to the Paramount-WB union in April.
“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised,” the creatives wrote in their open letter. “Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement. Media consolidation has already weakened one of America’s most vital global industries — one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.”
Paramount Skydance recently announced that its potential acquisition of Warner Bros will not close until June 1, 2027, to allow more time for a regulatory review.
Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo have remained firmly in the spotlight since starring in the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, but even the most diehard fans might need an update on other members of the cast. The Alias alum played Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who traveled to the future to see what […]
Long before this current dispute with Paramount, Ruffalo has been passionately outspoken about his political opposition to the Trump administration.
He exclusively told Us in January that he would “never say never” to potentially running for office in the future.
“I mean, I spent a lot of time in that world, and acting — it’s for the people,” Ruffalo argued. “So, I love the people and politicians could be doing something good for the people.”
Asked about the current political landscape in the U.S., Ruffalo told Us, “It’s bulls***. And the people in America are suffering. If the people in America weren’t suffering, we wouldn’t be where we are right now. You know, it’s a failure on both parties. They become completely captured by corporations, both parties. And it’s time for a new America that is for the working people who were the plurality of this country.”
Entertainment
One of Mark Wahlberg’s Highest Rated Movies Is Officially Named a Netflix “Instant Classic”
Of all the award-winning actors to still be active in Hollywood, Mark Wahlberg has had one of the poorest runs of recent projects. Of his 15 feature-length projects since 2020, only two have earned a positive average score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The likes of director Mel Gibson‘s action thriller Flight Risk, the Prime Video original heist thriller Play Dirty, the action sequel The Family Plan 2, and the disastrous soccer comedy Balls Up all faced enormous backlash from both critics and audiences.
Among the dark clouds in Wahlberg’s filmography, there have been a couple of small shining lights. The best of these came in 2024, when Wahlberg starred in Arthur the King, based on Mikael Lindnord‘s 2016 memoir Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home. Telling the story of an extreme racer who adopts a dog to join him on his breathless adventures, this heartwarming story earned a strong critical reception, although it fell just short commercially with a $32 million box office haul against a budget of $19 million.
Wahlberg stars in the movie as Michael Light, based on Lindnord, and is joined by the likes of Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, and even famous TV survivalist Bear Grylls as himself. Wahlberg is the highlight of the movie, called “a talented leading man with the right material,” in Nate Richard‘s review for Collider, with many considering it his best role of the decade so far. Over two years since it first debuted, Arthur the King is a quiet hit again, officially ranking as one of the ten most-streamed movies on Netflix in the U.S. at the time of writing.
What Is Mark Wahlberg Making Next?
Hoping to put an end to his poor run, Wahlberg’s next release sees him team up with the likes of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Giancarlo Esposito, Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn, Josh Lucas, and Ethan Embry in the crime thriller By Any Means, which recently debuted its trailer. Following that, Wahlberg will star in another crime thriller titled The Big Fix, which also features the hugely talented Riz Ahmed, as well as the sports comedy Weekend Warriors, which is reportedly in post-production.
Arthur the King is streaming now. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.
- Release Date
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March 15, 2024
- Runtime
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107 Minutes
- Director
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Simon Cellan Jones
Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has revealed what she claims she told authorities at the scene of her daughter’s death after the late actress was found unresponsive from an apparent drug overdose.
“[The officer] said to me, ‘Well, what do you think about Brian Hickerson?’ And I said, ‘I think he’s culpable,’” Vogel, 70, told the Daily Mail in an extensive interview published on Saturday, August 22, alleging that her daughter’s on-again, off-again boyfriend played some type of role in her untimely death.
Us has reached out to Hickerson, 37, for comment.
Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, after she was found unresponsive at a residence in South Carolina by Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson. Emergency services arrived at the scene to perform “advanced cardiac life support measures,” but the actress was pronounced dead that afternoon. Narcan, a life-saving over-the-counter medication that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose, was reportedly found at the scene.
Hayden Panettiere‘s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, gave an update on the investigation into her daughter’s sudden death. Vogel, 70, told NBC News on Wednesday, August 19, that she was informed that law enforcement is investigating the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death. She claimed that a narcotics investigator has joined the case. Vogel said she is unsure […]
An autopsy was completed and found “no signs of trauma that would have contributed” to Panettiere’s death, per the coroner’s office. The cause and manner of her death “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.”
Hayden Panettiere and her mother Lesley Vogel Getty Images
While speaking out in the wake of the actress’ death, Zach claimed he and his brother tried to save the actress’ life the night she died.
“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” Zach told TMZ on Friday, August 21. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation. And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth.”
He continued, “When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious. I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”
Zach told the outlet that he is “beyond heartbroken and devastated” by Hayden’s death.
“Hayden was one of my dearest and closest friends that I loved and cared about for the last eight years,” he concluded. “Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation.”
The New York Times reported on Thursday, August 20, that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was investigating Panettiere’s death.
While speaking to the Daily Mail, the actress’ mom shared her doubts about Zach’s claims and the alleged timeline of events that ultimately led to her daughter’s death.
“I think there will be a discrepancy in the timeline, meaning Brian had to go out and buy the Narcan while he left her there because I do not believe he happened to have two bottles of Narcan on him, like he carried them around in his back pocket,” she alleged. “When the EMTs came it was for a cardiac arrest. People in cardiac arrest aren’t just lying still. They make noise.”
She further claimed, “I think Brian called his brother. My opinion. I think he knew she was deceased.”
Us has reached out to Brian on multiple occasions for comment on Vogel’s many claims regarding his alleged contribution to her daughter’s death but have not heard back.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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