Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun bump up their love with a poignant walk around NYC!

The movie star and her freshly minted beau were spotted on the streets of the Big Apple getting the best out of their nights in the spirit of their whirlwind romance, which has caught the attention of many spectators.

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun have both been in long-term relationships in the past, with the former’s engagement to business Jonathan Davino and the latter’s marriage to mining heiress Yael Cohen, which produced three kids.

Sweeney and Braun had a blast in NYC on Saturday, ending the evening with a visit to Times Square. The couple was seen together earlier, both wearing fashionable all-black outfits. While the actress was clad in a short black dress with a deep neckline, Braun went with a black suit.

Braun told the world on Instagram of how the late-night adventure started after Sweeney admitted that she had never been to Times Square before. The video showed the duo riding rental bikes through the city before stopping for food.

At one point, Sweeney, dressed casually in a blue hoodie and sunglasses, sampled a burger. When Braun asked for her verdict, she gave an approving response, indicating that she enjoyed it.

The actress then went to the bright lights and zesty energy of Times Square, posing in front of a giant digital billboard promoting her American Eagle campaign. As noted by Page Six, Sweeney danced along to “Empire State of Mind,” the iconic New York anthem playing in the background.

Scooter Braun Gushed Over His Partner’s Acting Prowess 

In an interview on Suzy Weiss’ “Second Thought” podcast on May 28, the music executive shared his take on the new season of “Euphoria.” Braun admitted that the show has generated a lot of mixed feelings, but he added that he still loves it.

He conceded that his judgment could be subjective and singled out one of the show’s principal stars as an outstanding performer, a veiled reference to Sweeney. The Blast noted that Braun was enthusiastic about the actress, describing her as genuine, intelligent, generous, and grounded among her best attributes. 

The former talent manager also admitted that the romance hit him “out of the blue” and called the romance “one of the most surprising things in his life.”

Braun Reportedly Has One Surprising Take On Sydney Sweeney’s Explicit Scenes

Braun’s praise for Sweeney came shortly after reports surfaced about his reaction to the actress’ controversial scenes in the latest season of Euphoria. According to a source, the media personality has remained supportive of Sweeney despite the criticism surrounding her role. 

The insider claimed he understands that certain scenes are part of the entertainment industry and respects the actress’s commitment to her work. Instead of influencing her decision on what she is doing with her career, the former manager reportedly believes in her instinct and backs her creative selections.

The source also noted that there has been no tension in their relationship because of the public scrutiny of Sweeney’s performance. Much of the criticism centered on Sweeney’s character storyline involving OnlyFans, as well as several attention-grabbing wardrobe choices that quickly went viral online. 

Though many applauded her for having the courage to take risks as a performer, some industry watchers voiced concerns that the increased attention on her provocative roles might detract from her overall acting skills. Beyond Euphoria, Sweeney has also taken on intimate and provocative scenes in other recent projects, including The Housemaid, further fueling discussions about the direction of her career.

The Emmy Nominee Had The Perfect Caption For Her ‘Euphoria’ Character’s Craziest Season

The model revisited the whirlwind that was Cassie Howard’s journey in “Euphoria” Season 3. The actress shared a collection of behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the hit HBO series on Instagram, offering fans a glimpse into some of the season’s most memorable moments.

The post also had screenshots of Cassie and Nate’s wedding, video from their time at the Silver Slipper Strip Club, and pictures relating to the controversial OnlyFans storyline she had.

Cinemablend noted that Sweeney’s content was accompanied by a short caption that seemed to perfectly encapsulate the experience of playing Cassie during one of her most dramatic seasons yet.

Cassie’s storyline has sparked mixed reactions from viewers. While some praised the bold direction of her arc, others criticized the handling of her subscription-content storyline. 

During the season, there was quite a bit of discussion surrounding the character’s actions and how the show depicted online content creation. Sweeney, despite the furor, hinted in her post that she had enjoyed the experience of being part of the final season of the Emmy-winning drama. 

Whether the tribute marks the end of Season 3 or a farewell to the series itself remains unclear, as creator Sam Levinson has yet to confirm if another season is on the horizon.

Sydney Sweeney Is Not Breaking A Sweat Over Her Nude Scenes Backlash

The actress was not the only personality related to the HBO series catching flak for their creative decisions. Producer Levinson also got an earful from critics, prompting him to defend the storyline, especially in relation to Cassie’s questionable costumes and scenes.

As stated by The Blast, he explained that the idea behind those scenes was to elicit humor and some level of healthy absurdity, not to send a provocative tone.

According to Levinson, the humor stemmed from the bizarre situations surrounding the character, including having her housekeeper film the videos, which added another layer of satire to the story.

Sweeney also lent her voice to the pushback against the critics, emphasizing that none of the decisions surrounding her characters go out without passing through her table. She previously affirmed that Levinson never pressured her into filming raunchy scenes, and if need be, adjustments often came in where necessary.

She bemoaned the unhealthy fixation on the elements of nudity in her performance rather than recognizing the massive amount of work that goes behind the scenes to achieve anything. 

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun know how to serve that couple of content!

The Brown family, stars of the hit reality TV series Alaskan Bush People, is speaking out after Matt Brown was found dead at 43.

“It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Matthew Brown,” the statement, shared exclusively with Us Weekly on Sunday, May 31, began. “To millions of viewers, Matt was known as one of the original stars of Alaskan Bush People. To us, he was so much more.”

The family continued, “Matt was intelligent, curious, creative, and endlessly fascinated by the world around him. He was a gifted outdoorsman who felt most at home on the water, in the wilderness, or sharing what he had learned with others. He was an accomplished fisherman, an experienced boatman, and served as the radar operator on our family’s vessels. He loved adventure and never stopped exploring new ideas.”

Bear Brown, Matt’s brother, confirmed his sibling’s death at the age of 43 via TikTok on Saturday, May 30, revealing that their other brother, Noah Brown, was with the group of private citizens when they located his oldest brother’s remains.

“On Saturday, May 30, 2026, a group of private citizens conducting a search along the Okanogan River located a deceased individual in the river,” a Sunday, May 31, updated press release shared by Washington state’s Okanogan County Sheriff Office’s official Facebook account read in part. “The individual was recovered and brought to shore, where he was positively identified as Matthew Brown.”

Related: Bear Brown Condemns ‘Hateful’ Comments Amid Fears for Brother Matt

Bear Brown slammed people leaving disrespectful comments about brother Matt Bear amid the family’s concerns for his well-being. “First off, I’m not just making a video on rumors. It’s a very, very, very, very small chance it’s not him. It’s like 99 percent him,” Bear, 38, said of the family’s fear for Matt, 43, in […]

Advertisement

Noah later broke his silence in the wake of his oldest brother’s death, confirming he was with the group of citizens when his brother’s remains were located.

“Matt had an extraordinary mind. He taught himself sign language, studied Egyptian hieroglyphs, petroglyphs, and Sanskrit, learned conversational Spanish, and could spend hours mastering a new skill simply for the joy of understanding it. He was also a talented artist whose creativity allowed him to see beauty and meaning in places others often overlooked,” the family’s Sunday statement to Us continued. “Those who truly knew Matt knew his heart. He was compassionate, generous with his time, and deeply wanted to help others.”

The family continued, “During periods of sobriety and recovery, he openly shared his struggles with addiction and mental health through his online videos and personal outreach. He encouraged others to seek help, offered hope to people fighting similar battles, and used his own experiences in an effort to make others feel less alone.”’

No official cause of death has been announced at the time of publication, though Matt’s brother Bear speculated that his sibling’s death was “self-inflicted.”

“I was so worried that he would end up ODed or something like that,” he said in a Saturday social media upload. “I didn’t think he would hurt himself.”

In the exclusive Sunday statement to Us, the family said they are “incredibly proud of the lives” Matt touched prior to his untimely death.

“Some of the messages we treasure most are from people who told us Matt’s honesty about addiction and recovery gave them hope during their own darkest moments,” the statement continued. “At the same time, Matt spent many years battling serious mental health challenges and addiction. These were complex struggles that affected every aspect of his life. Like countless families facing similar circumstances, we experienced periods of hope, recovery, setbacks, heartbreak, reconciliation, and renewed hope again.”

The family added, “Our dad, Billy Brown, never stopped believing in Matt’s ability to heal and find peace. Throughout the years, there were rehabilitation programs, interventions, treatment efforts, and countless attempts to support his recovery. Those efforts continued long after our father’s passing. In recent months, as Matt publicly shared his pain and struggles, members of our family were actively trying to reconnect, offer support, and help him find his way back to stability and healing.”

The family urged fans to remember that the “truth” regarding their family dynamics is “far more complicated than” what could ever be shown on television, adding that “mental illness and addiction are devastating diseases that impact not only the person suffering but everyone who loves them.”

“Families facing these challenges often make difficult decisions, establish boundaries, and endure periods of separation while never losing their love for the person at the center of the struggle. Our family was no different,” they continued. “Matt’s life was not without mistakes, struggles, and painful chapters. Like all of us, he was imperfect. Some of those chapters caused hurt, and we do not minimize that. At the same time, we do not believe that any person’s life should be defined solely by their lowest moments, especially when there was so much more to who they were.”

Related: ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Family: A Comprehensive Guide

The family of Alaskan Bush People showcased their unique lifestyle for viewers from 2014 until 2022. The Discovery Channel docudrama-style reality show followed Billy Brown and Ami Brown as they survived in the remote wilderness of Alaska — and later Washington state — with their seven children, Matt Brown, Joshua “Bam Bam” Brown, Bear Brown, […]

Advertisement

The family went on to encourage fans to use the loss of their family member to advocate for “greater compassion for those silently battling mental illness, addiction, loneliness, and despair,” adding that “words” and “kindness” matters.

“If there is one message we hope people take from Matt’s life, it is that no one should have to suffer alone. If you are struggling with addiction, depression, or hopelessness, please reach out. Talk to someone. Ask for help. There is strength in seeking support, and there is always hope,” the family continued. “Matthew’s life cannot be measured solely by how it ended. It should be measured by the people he encouraged, the adventures he lived, the knowledge he pursued, the beauty he created, and the love he shared with those around him.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

They concluded, “When we think of Matt, we will not think first of his struggles. We will remember the young man who could navigate rough waters, draw for hours, lose himself in learning ancient symbols and forgotten histories, make us laugh unexpectedly, and dream bigger than most people ever dare. He was imperfect. He was human. He was deeply loved. And he will be missed beyond words.”

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

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).

One of the good things about streaming becoming so easy and widespread is that there always seems to be some place for any movie to end up. The big streamers can fight over new releases, or just make multi-billion dollar deals to buy the competition, but there’s usually somebody who appreciates the classics. We’re specifically referring to classics like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, which you can watch for free on Tubi.

Italian director Sergio Leone’s 1966 epic is generally considered one of the greatest films of all time, and definitely one of the best Westerns, and perhaps even the singular definitive spaghetti Western. Though it’s skewed because of modern reviews that take its legacy into account, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’s Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 97% for both critics and audiences — meaning it’s a consensus that the movie is straight-up great. How often does that happen?

What Is ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ About?

Along with Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is part of the loosely connected “Dollars Trilogy” (also known as the “Man with No Name Trilogy” after star Clint Eastwood’s ostensibly nameless antihero… though he does technically have a name in all three movies). The movies aren’t really related to each other, beyond the fact that Sergio Leone directed them, they’re in the same genre, and Clint Eastwood is in them as a laconic cowboy who wears a cool hat and a sarape. (Unfortunately, Leone didn’t have the foresight to have his cowboy movies tie together for a big Marvel-style payoff.)

In The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Eastwood’s character is a bounty hunter nicknamed Blondie, and though he’s not necessarily a nice guy, he’s the “Good” in the title. He runs a scam with a bandit named Tuco (the “Ugly,” played by Eli Wallach), where he hands him over to the authorities for a bounty and then saves him from being hanged so they can split the money and do the trick again in another town. They cross paths with a mercenary called Angel Eyes (the “Bad,” played by Lee Van Cleef) who is trying to find a stash of stolen Confederate gold.

Tuco finds out the cemetery where the gold is buried and Blondie finds out the specific grave it’s hidden in, forcing them all to (kinda) work together in an uneasy alliance. It’s a spoiler to say it all builds to a three-way standoff over who gets the gold, but treating that as a real spoiler does a disservice to Leone’s directing, Ennio Morricone’s iconic score, and Eastwood’s steely-eyed glare. And we’re talking about the definitive spaghetti Western here, so it’s not like there wouldn’t be a standoff at some point. It’s like saying the movie has boots and revolvers in it.

As of January 1, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is streaming for free on Tubi, so there’s really no reason not to set aside three hours or so and revel in the ecstasy of gold (that’s the big song from the soundtrack).

There was a time when I genuinely thought nothing would ever top Breaking Bad because almost every episode felt stressful in a way very few shows manage. Walter White (Bryan Cranston) kept making decisions that looked smart in the moment and disastrous five episodes later, which made the tension build naturally instead of feeling manufactured. The transformation of Walter White from high school teacher to ruthless drug lord kept audiences gripped to their TVs for five seasons. The series also stars Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt, and Dean Norris, and it remains in the conversation of the best TV shows of all time.

After finishing the show, I kept searching for thrillers that could create that same feeling of pressure, paranoia, or emotional exhaustion, and honestly, most of them could not. Only a few stayed with me, which usually made me question every scene in different ways. Not only did these series match the tension and thrilling nature of Breaking Bad, they even surpassed the beloved AMC series. These are the only thriller shows that, for me, stand above Breaking Bad.

‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

Image via FX

The thing that immediately separates The Shield from a lot of police dramas is Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis). From the very first episode, the show makes it clear that Vic is not a clean cop trying to survive inside a dirty system. He is already part of the problem. He steals from drug dealers, manipulates witnesses, and controls the streets through fear as much as law. The Strike Team around him follows the same pattern, especially Shane Vendrell (Walton Goggins), whose decisions gradually make every situation worse. The FX series also stars Catherine Dent, Michael Jace, Kenny Johnson, and Benito Martinez.

What keeps the show gripping for seven seasons is how badly things begin piling up once the team starts covering for itself. One lie creates another problem, then another, until even ordinary arrests begin carrying the risk of exposure. Claudette Wyms (CCH Pounder) and Dutch Wagenbach (Jay Karnes) slowly begin seeing pieces that do not fully add up, and the pressure around Vic keeps tightening season after season. By the end, the show stops feeling like a story about cops chasing criminals and turns into something much uglier about power, loyalty, and panic.

‘True Detective’ (2014–Present)

HBO struck gold with this impeccable anthology series. Every season of True Detective drops somebody into a case that slowly starts affecting the rest of their life. Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson) spend years circling the same murders in Louisiana until the investigation begins following them outside work. Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali) keeps revisiting an old disappearance while his own memory slowly becomes less reliable with age. Even the weaker seasons still keep that same feeling where the detectives never seem emotionally separate from the crimes they are investigating. Other featured actors include Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, Jodie Foster, Fiona Shaw, and Vince Vaughn.

The series also changes shape from season to season instead of repeating the exact same formula every time. One story leans heavily into serial killings and religion, another moves through political corruption and broken partnerships, while another becomes quieter and more personal. That atmosphere keeps the show gripping because the danger rarely feels far away, even during mundane scenes. The tension builds as we, the audience, piece together the mystery alongside the detectives.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

This HBO series is a genuine masterpiece for a reason. At the beginning of The Sopranos, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) starts having panic attacks and quietly begins seeing a therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco). That alone changes the shape of the show because Tony is not only dealing with rival crews, money, and violence. He is also trying to explain himself in a small office every week while his personal life keeps getting messier around him. His wife Carmela (Edie Falco) already suspects more than he admits, and his children are growing old enough to notice the contradictions in the house.

The criminal side keeps expanding too. Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico), and the rest of the crew constantly create new problems through greed, ego, or plain stupidity. Some conflicts explode into violence very quickly, while others sit quietly for years before turning ugly. What makes The Sopranos different is how ordinary so much of it feels in between those moments. One scene could involve murder or betrayal, and the next could simply be Tony arguing with his family over dinner. This develops its own level of tension from episode to episode across its impressive six-season run.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Image via AMC

Advertisement

I understand that this might be controversial… but sometimes, the spin-off does it better than the original. Before he becomes Saul Goodman, Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) is a struggling lawyer trying to build a real career in Albuquerque. He takes small public defender jobs, looks after his older brother Chuck (Michael McKean), and keeps trying to prove that he belongs inside the same legal world that never fully trusts him. The relationship between Jimmy and Chuck becomes the center of the show very quickly because Jimmy genuinely wants his brother’s respect, even while he keeps cutting corners to get ahead.

At the same time, Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) slowly gets pulled deeper into the cartel side of the story. His work with Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) grows season by season until the legal world and the criminal world begin sitting directly beside each other. Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) also changes the story in a major way because she understands Jimmy better than almost anyone else and still keeps following him into situations she knows are dangerous. Watching Jimmy slowly become Saul works so well because the show never treats it like one sudden transformation. It happens piece by piece, and it’s completely mesmerizing. The deliberate pacing made Odenkirk’s performance genuinely something special.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Image via Netflix

Advertisement

Set during the late 1970s, Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they begin interviewing serial killers to understand how violent criminals think. At first, even the FBI does not fully believe the work matters. Most agents still focus only on solving individual cases, while Holden becomes obsessed with studying patterns behind the murders themselves. Very quickly, the interviews begin turning uncomfortable because the killers speak calmly about horrifying crimes as if they are discussing ordinary memories. The David Fincher thriller series that traces the origins of criminal profiling also stars Anna Torv, Cotter Smith, and Stacey Roca.

The show becomes especially tense whenever Holden starts getting too emotionally invested in the work. His conversations with Edmund Kemper (Cameron Britton) slowly stop feeling like professional interviews and start resembling psychological games where Holden constantly pushes further than he should. At the same time, Bill’s family life becomes more strained as the subject matter begins following him home. The series is so gripping that many scenes involve nothing more than people sitting in a room talking, though the atmosphere still feels deeply unsettling almost the entire time. It’s a shame that Netflix put these series on an indefinite hold because Mindhunter was easily one of their best.

Advertisement

Mindhunter

Advertisement

Release Date

2017 – 2019

Advertisement

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Advertisement

Joe Penhall

Directors

David Fincher, Carl Franklin, Andrew Dominik, Andrew Douglas, Asif Kapadia, Tobias Lindholm

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Britney Spears is sending multiple cryptic messages.

“If you’re one of those mean girls pointing and laughing and looking at your phone in the audience just look up today… River sends you guys a message!!!!!!!!” Spears, 44, captioned a Friday, May 29, Instagram post.

In a separate Instagram shared the same day, Spears filmed herself dancing in front of a pool with a body of water visible in the distance.

“When I moved out of the country for a while I changed my name for some reason and the mean girls stopped laughing!!!!! Damn I miss it there,” she wrote.

Related: How Britney Spears Feels About Release of Videos From DUI Arrest

Britney Spears wants to put her DUI arrest in the rearview mirror. “Britney is embarrassed by all of the details and videos coming out from one of the most traumatic, regretful nights of her life,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “She feels it’s cruel, especially after she went to rehab and put in the […]

It is unclear who the “mean girls” are Spears is referring to. In a third upload, Spears reflected on feeling “too much chatter” that’s “going on behind your back.”

“When you get that awkward, weird feeling you can actually start to feel perhaps too much chatter is going on behind your back… it actually effects [sic] people… I still send them love but most importantly…” she wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, May 26.

She continued, “I hope they feel my smile… the media has been a bit much in my opinion and I hope they can respect my unbelievable and miraculous spiritual journey… I’m so excited to embrace my journey and hope they stop showing embarrassing things from my past 🙄🙄🙄 I just bought the most adorable high heeled sandals 👡 for summer… its the little things you know… god bless.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Spears’ posts come months after she was taken into police custody on March 4 after an anonymous caller reported that she had been “traveling at high speeds and swerving.” After her arrest, Spears was taken to a local hospital to get her blood drawn, which was registered under the legal limit.

“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” a spokesperson for Spears told Us Weekly in March. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”

The next month, Spears was charged with driving under the influencer while in a treatment facility. She accepted a plea deal on May 4 and was sentenced to 12 months of probation and one daily in jail, which was credited with time served. She was also ordered to complete a DUI class and pay $571 in state-mandated fees and see a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month.

Actor Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” franchise, is being put on blast by Jamie Kennedy after he shared an AI-generated photo of U.S. President Donald Trump in a grave. Although the actor apologized after facing backlash from the White House, many have voiced their disappointment in Hamill’s actions on social media.

In early May, the actor shared an AI-generated image on Bluesky that showed Trump lying in a shallow grave. The dates on the gravestone read 1946-2024.

Hamill captioned the post, “If Only — He should live long enough to witness his inevitable devastating loss in the midterms, be held accountable for his unprecedented corruption, impeached, convicted & humiliated for his countless crimes.”

“Long enough to realize he’ll be disgraced in the history books, forevermore,” he added. White House Spokesman Davis Ingle responded to the post, calling him a “deranged lunatic,” as previously reported by The Blast.

Advertisement

Mark Hamill deleted his post of President Trump lying on a grave after getting backlash from the White House.

He made a follow up post trying to backtrack:

“Accurate Edit for Clarity:

‘He should live long enough to… be held accountable for his… crimes.’

Actually,… pic.twitter.com/55BFwZRwEw

Advertisement

— Jacktron (@jacktronprime) May 7, 2026

“The Life of Chuck” actor then attempted to apologize, but it seemed tongue-in-cheek, as he shared his message alongside another photo of Trump with an outrageous hairstyle.

“Accurate Edit for Clarity: ‘He should live long enough to… be held accountable for his…  crimes,’” he wrote. “Actually, I was wishing him the opposite of dead, but apologize if you found the image inappropriate.”

The apology did little to quell the online firestorm, especially after Jamie Kennedy called him out for his comments.

Advertisement

Jamie Kennedy Says ‘Luke Skywalker Has Lost It’  

In an episode of his podcast, “Hate To Break It To Ya”, Jamie Kennedy blasted Mark Hamill for posting the AI-generated image of Trump depicting him in a shallow grave.

“That is insane. That is brain rot gone beyond,” Kennedy said. “This is nuts. Luke Skywalker has lost it, dude. You’re like a big voice in the world, and you’re promoting that. Like, what is wrong with you?”

He went on to say, “You can call this guy whatever you want, but he’s the elected leader, so clearly he’s legally in, and he won, and he’s the elected leader,” Kennedy continued, calling Hamill’s post “irresponsible” and “evil.”

Advertisement

Has Mark Hamill Retired From ‘Star Wars’?

As most fans know, the character of Luke Skywalker met his end at the end of 2017’s “The Last Jedi.” At this time, it is unclear where the franchise is heading. The recently released film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” was set before the events of the sequel trilogy, during a time when Luke Skywalker was still alive. However,  Hamill believes that the franchise should focus on new characters.

“I am so grateful to George for letting me be a part of that back in the day, the humble days when George called ‘Star Wars’ ‘the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,’” he told ComicBook in 2025. “We never expected it to become a permanent franchise and a part of pop culture like that. But my deal is, I had my time. I’m appreciative of that, but I think they should focus on the future and all the new characters.”

Mark Hamill Felt ‘Closure’ After His Character Died

The Skywalker Saga seemed to come to an end with 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” Luke Skywalker seemingly had no children. Leia Organa, the daughter of Darth Vader, had a son with Han Solo – Kylo Ren/Ben Solo – but he passed away at the end of the film. Although Rey called herself “Rey Skywalker” at the end of the movie and was determined to be the daughter of a clone of Palpatine, she is not a Skywalker by blood, and therefore, it seems that the bloodline has officially come to an end.

“My character was given complete closure,” Hamill said in an interview with TODAY, noting that the end of his story “felt like a conclusion.”

“I died… and once the Skywalker trilogy was over, it was a whole new era for them [Lucasfilm],” he added.

Still, the journey into a galaxy far, far away will continue with “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which is scheduled for a theatrical release in May 2027. The film stars an A-list cast consisting of Ryan Gosling, Mia Goth, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, and Amy Adams.

Advertisement

Prime Video recently returned to the world of one of its first hit television shows with Jack Ryan: Ghost War, which sees John Kraskinski reprising his role as the titular super spy. Add in the fact that Ghost War is packed with enough action and bloodshed to rival Reacher, and it’s no wonder that it’s rocketed up Prime Video’s streaming charts in the past week. Those same streaming charts are currently home to another military-themed movie that has a science fiction flair. This movie also holds the title of being one of the worst box office bombs of all time, and nearly ending one actor’s career.

Said movie is Battleship, directed by Peter Berg and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Liam Neeson, and Rhianna in her acting debut. Currently, Battleship sits at #6 on Prime Video’s U.S. charts, according to FlixPatrol. That’s a far cry from Battleship‘s theatrical records, as it ended up losing Universal $150 million and was brutally ripped apart by critics. So what exactly is contributing to Battleship‘s surprise resurgence on streaming? There’s a key element that might explain why it’s been a major draw for Prime Video subscribers.

‘Battleship’ Is a Tug-of-War Between an Alien Invasion Movie & War Thriller

Image via Universal Pictures

The major reason for Battleship‘s poor critical and box office reception lies in the strange update that Berg and screenwriters Jon & Erich Hoeber made to the source material. While the Battleship board game features two opposing naval forces engaged in battle, the Battleship movie decides to pit Kitsch’s Alex Hopper and a crew of naval officers against a group of alien invaders. Yes, this is a movie that features the Navy duking it out with aliens. Apart from the aliens utilizing bombs that resemble the pegs that Battleship players use and a tense sequence where Alex’s crew utilizes radar to target the invaders’ ships, this is a movie that bears very little resemblance to its source material. Berg even admitted at a WonderCon panel how little his movie resembled the game it was named after.

“Battleship’s a unique experience. It certainly doesn’t have any direct correlation to the game. That being said, it was a lot of fun to try to find way to reference the game. If you look at the ordinance that the enemies use, it looks a bit like pegs. Both of our ships’ radar systems have trouble seeing each other, so they gotta try and predict where the enemy is so that they can go after them. And there were some other things that were kind of fun.”

While the alien aspects of Battleship might be out of place, Berg does show his appreciation for the military by featuring actual veterans and naval officers in the cast. A group of veterans helps Alex’s crew operate an actual battleship in the movie’s climax, and another subplot features Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales, a double amputee played by Gregory Gadson — who’s actually a Navy Colonel and double amputee. This was Gadson’s first acting role, yet he turns in a great performance that makes you wish he was the hero of the movie. It wasn’t enough to save Battleship from a critical thrashing, as reviews unfavorably compared it to Michael Bay‘s Transformers movies.

The Director of ‘Battleship’ Is Tackling Another Major Franchise

While Battleship might have flopped at the box office, it doesn’t mark the end of Peter Berg’s time tackling military-based franchises. Berg is set to direct, co-write and produce a Call of Duty movie at Paramount alongside Taylor Sheridan, though he’s already faced an uphill battle after an interview in which he called video game players “weak”…which isn’t the right approach one would want to take when adapting a video game series based on military conflicts. Taylor Kitsch is faring far better, as he not only turned in a better performance in Berg’s Battleship follow-up Lone Survivor, but also anchors one of Prime Video’s biggest franchises with The Terminal List and its spin-off series, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf.

Battleship remains an odd beast; despite having a less than stellar theatrical run, it’s finding a new audience who probably appreciates how bonkers it is or that the military action is enough to overlook the science fiction elements. If you want to have a laugh with your friends, it’s worth a weekend watch.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

May 18, 2012

Runtime

Advertisement

131 minutes

Writers

Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber

Advertisement

Producers

Duncan Henderson, Scott Stuber, Bennett Schneir, Brian Goldner

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Even Katie Holmes is bored with plain white sneakers. The actress strolled through Brooklyn rocking a sleek black sneaker style that quickly caught our eye — which is saying a lot, given that her jeans were purple. We’re starting to think we should ditch our white ones, too, especially since Holmes’ look is on sale for just $37.

Comprised of a simple black cardigan, rustic purple jeans and a leather tote slung over her shoulder, Holmes’ outfit screamed ‘cool mom.’ It had that effortlessly luxe appeal that seems hard to recreate, but isn’t once you have the right shoes. These black sneakers are it, sharpening jeans, polishing tees and making any outfit look intentional.

Get the Vepose Black Retro Casual Sneakers for $37 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Vepose Black Retro Casual Sneakers nail Holmes’ cool-mom vibe, featuring a similar low profile, solid black color and understated design. But they take classy up a notch, thanks to crinkled leather, suede accents and a square toe that makes them modern, not basic.

What sold Us is what’s on the inside. Arch support and memory foam padding mean you can wear these comfy sneakers for a full afternoon of errands, days at the zoo and walks through the neighborhood. Shoppers even love them for travel!

“They’re lightweight and don’t feel bulky, which is a big plus for travel or all-day wear,” one happy shopper wrote. “Overall, these are stylish, comfortable and a little different in the best way, making them a great choice if you want something casual but still eye-catching.”

Pair these chic kicks with jeans, as Holmes did or rock them with a midi dress and a comfy cardigan. They work with wide-leg trousers for the office, cropped pants on weekends and yes, even leggings for lounging around the house.

These simple stunners are minimal without being boring, retro without feeling dated and comfortable without looking orthopedic. That’s a tough trifecta to nail at any price, let alone under $40. If you see your size, snag it!

Get the Vepose Black Retro Casual Sneakers for $37 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Sitting between HBO’s crime darling The Sopranos and fan-favorite period drama Peaky Blinders is a perfect marriage of the two shows in Boardwalk Empire. The brainchild of Sopranos writer and executive producer Terence Winter, the series also features Steve Buscemi — who appeared in and directed episodes of The Sopranos — as Atlantic County Treasurer Enoch “Nucky” Thompson. With a pilot reportedly costing around $18 million and directed by Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire has its own charm and scale, from its adaptation of real-life mafia criminals to featuring early breakout roles from some of television’s biggest names, such as Stephen Graham, Charlie Cox, and Bobby Cannavale.

What is ‘Boardwalk Empire’ About?

Boardwalk Empire sets the scene in 1920s Atlantic City, just hours before Prohibition laws are put into effect. While everyone else is lamenting the ban on liquor, Nucky sees it as the perfect opportunity to distribute bootleg alcohol at premium prices. The best part is he never has to do the dirty work himself; he’s simply a man who knows how to network with the right people to do his bidding. When he’s not dealing with Prohibition, Nucky is working his way up the political ladder. Illegal booze brings in the money, but winning the 1920 Atlantic City mayoral election guarantees him the power he needs to make moves throughout the city with minimal to no interference from the feds.

However, just because Nucky is part of the government himself doesn’t mean he’s safe from gangs looking to grab a piece of the pie. Rival organizations — from Arnold Rothstein’s New York syndicate, which becomes the launching pad for Charles “Lucky” Luciano (Vincent Piazza), to the Chicago Outfit that paves the way for Al Capone (Graham) — all want in on Nucky’s growing empire. At the same time, these men refuse to be mere puppets under Nucky’s control, and they have no problem turning on him if things stop going their way. Business only gets messier once these factions begin clashing with each other, forcing Nucky to pick the side that benefits him most.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ Is Perfect for Crime Drama Fans Who Want Something More Subtle

Unlike the hedonism of Los Angeles or New York City, there is a certain decorum in Atlantic City — mainly because Nucky’s job as treasurer requires him to be scandal-free. Because of this, criminal business in Boardwalk Empire is conducted as discreetly as possible to avoid attention. Even when lines are crossed, murders are carried out without causing too much public commotion. These gangsters don’t need the public living in fear of them; their main priority is to keep their liquor flowing through Atlantic City.

This duality between subtlety and violence keeps things exciting in Boardwalk Empire. Other characters who follow this mold include Nucky’s protégé, James “Jimmy” Darmody (Michael Pitt), who was once destined for Princeton before choosing to serve in the Army. Discharged due to an injury, Jimmy returns to Atlantic City, shattered, but still wants to become a gangster. He might be pulling the trigger, but behind closed doors, he is trapped in a cycle of trauma. The same complexity also applies to Margaret Thompson (Kelly Macdonald), a working-class suffragette who becomes Nucky’s love interest. Although meek and soft-spoken, she grows into a force of her own, becoming involved in Nucky’s illicit businesses.

‘Boardwalk Empire’s Nucky Thompson Is the Nicest Villain in Television History

Image via HBO

One of the shared threads between Nucky, The Sopranos‘ Tony (James Gandolfini), and Peaky Blinders‘ Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is the clash of identities. Like the other two, Nucky is a gangster underneath his tailored suits, but outside operations, he is something else entirely. However, in Nucky’s case, the split is even more institutional. Tony is a mob boss navigating suburban family life, Tommy is a post-war entrepreneur affected by trauma, but Nucky is a politician whose criminal empire is built on top of his government position. Loosely inspired by real-life politician Enoch L. Johnson, Nucky is a public darling — charismatic, good with minorities, and almost guaranteed electoral success.

Because of his status, Nucky prefers negotiation and influence over brute force, though there are rare moments when he extends his generosity. He has a soft spot for undeservedly unfortunate people, partly because he himself came from a difficult upbringing. That is what makes Nucky so difficult to read. One moment, he is compassionate; the next, he is utterly merciless. As Margaret once points out, there is an innate kindness in Nucky, which makes it hard for her to understand how he can continue living this kind of life. For Nucky, it is never about the size of the sin — only how much sin he is willing to live with.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

2010 – 2014-00-00

Showrunner

Terence Winter

Advertisement

Directors

Timothy Van Patten, Allen Coulter

Advertisement

Writers

Terence Winter, Nelson Johnson

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Fifteen years ago, we were still a few years out from the major superhero craze that hit television, but longtime DC Comics fans still had plenty to celebrate. Sure, Smallville was about to end, but that didn’t mean DC adaptations were down for the count. In 2010, Fox introduced a mid-season replacement series in the style of Burn Notice and other action-spy programs titled Human Target. Like many, you’ve likely forgotten about this stellar short-term action drama, but if you’re looking for some comic book-inspired entertainment that fits stylishly into the 21st century, look no further than this Mark Valley-led series.

‘Human Target’ Breathed New Life Into DC Comics’ Christopher Chance

If you’ve never heard of Human Target, that’s probably because it’s not DC Comics’ most popular brand. The television series was based on a DC Comics character created by comic legends Len Wein and Carmine Infantino back in the ’70s (not to be confused with another “Human Target” from the ’50s), updating the role for modern day. That character? Christopher Chance, a former assassin and private contractor who assumes the identities of those he’s hired to protect to weed out the threats against them, thus becoming a literal “human target.”

Chance wove in and out of comics for decades, appearing in issues of Detective Comics, Action Comics, and a handful of solo series in that time, but it wasn’t until Jericho co-creator Jonathan E. Steinberg took a stab at bringing him back to the small screen that Christopher Chance really got his due. Although this wasn’t the first Human Target series — back in the ’90s, ABC ran a seven-episode Human Target show with Rick Springfield as Chance — the Fox version is the most memorable, and is still highly worth the binge.

Played by Mark Valley, Human Target breathed new life into the Christopher Chance character, introducing a supporting cast that added a completely different dynamic. His close friendships with Winston (Chi McBride) and hitman Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley) not only make Chance better at his job, but help fill out the world beyond Chance’s complicated personal history. Human Target was particularly notable for its infusion of humor in the midst of intense action and dramatic sequences, long before that became the standard for every action-based Hollywood project. Though the show itself was certainly a departure from the original comic book series, the basic concept of Christopher Chance and his mission remained, with plenty of on-screen charisma from the show’s leads to keep fans glued to the screen. And that’s not to mention how fun the promos were.

Over the course of two seasons and 25 episodes, Human Target put Chance (and the audience) through a brand-new case of near-death, high-octane adventure with every installment. Each episode was jam-packed with recognizable guest stars, explosive action sequences, and witty banter between the three leads that you could never quite get enough of. Bear McCreary of Battlestar Galactica and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles fame was responsible for the show’s rousing and orchestral score (at least during the first season), establishing that Human Target was a serious network television drama that fans ought to pay attention to. Whether you were familiar with Chance’s DC Comics roots or not, it didn’t matter, because just as Chance brought everyone up to speed about each new weekly job, so too was the show easily accessible for anyone with an interest.

‘Human Target’ Offers a Type of Action Hero That’s a Perfect Fit for TV

Image via Fox

Fresh off his time on Fringe, Mark Valley was the perfect performer to embody the part of Christopher Chance. Always exuding an air of confidence, no matter the situation he found himself in, Valley’s charisma and skills made him stand out compared to most action heroes who grace the screens of network TV. It certainly helped that Valley had a military look about him, having served in the U.S. Army in his youth. But despite that, Valley once told Collider that what Chance goes through on-screen is far more exhilarating than his actual military experience. Still, we can see that Valley — who previously starred in Boston Legal — is clearly at home on a show like this, strolling through spy-like missions with the swagger of James Bond and the investigative capabilities of Batman.

Throughout the show (though especially the first season), we follow Chance as he runs from his past by trying to make a new life in the present. Since his complicated backstory threatens to put his team in danger at any moment, Chance often finds himself at the crosshairs with the assassin types he once called family, namely his former brother-like figure, Baptiste (played by the ever-talented Lennie James). But Chance is a man who believes in second chances. Having been on the wrong end of the gun barrel for too many years, this former assassin has turned over a new leaf and has vowed to protect lives as best he can rather than take them. It’s an age-old tale, but one that Human Target makes its own with a likable cast and clever plots that breathe fresh air into the action TV genre.

‘Human Target’ Tried To Rebrand for Season 2, but Was Ultimately Cancelled

After a first season that exceeded fan expectations, Fox decided to switch things up going into Season 2. Steinberg left the show in favor of Matt Miller, who introduced two new characters to Chance’s team: financier Ilsa Pucci (Indira Varma) and former thief Ames (Janet Montgomery). Ahead of Season 2, Valley and Hailey spoke to Collider, where the former noted his excitement for the upcoming changes. “I think it’s a show that’s already started on a very interesting, very adventurous and very fun path, and it’s just going to continue,” Valley explained. The results were fairly mixed, with some claiming that Fox ruined a good thing by adding new characters and expanding the world. Others were taken by these female additions to the male-dominated show, which opened the door for fascinating new stories to explore.

But Human Target wasn’t meant to be a long-term investment. After the show’s second season, Fox cancelled the drama, and Christopher Chance hasn’t been back since. Well, Mark Valley’s take on the character, anyway. Another version of Chance was introduced in the Arrowverse several years later, played by Wil Traval, but sadly, there was no connection between them. Instead, Human Target fell to the wayside. The second season wasn’t even released on home video like the first, making it generally a tough show to find online.

For many, the action drama was swept up and forgotten, which is a shame considering how much potential Human Target had long-term. The good news is, this one doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, so the quick two-season binge won’t feel like you’re missing a definitive conclusion by the end.