We all love the kind of movie that knows exactly how ridiculous it is and benefits from committing anyway. Released in that late-2000s stretch when Hollywood was deeply obsessed with surveillance, government control, and the idea that technology had quietly become terrifying, this thriller takes the audience into a conspiracy that quickly grows from strange phone calls to total systemic chaos. It’s glossy, tense, and just self-serious enough to sell the panic.

A big part of the fun is watching how quickly Eagle Eye escalates. Every device, traffic system, camera, and screen becomes part of the threat, which gives the movie a nice sense of momentum even when it’s being delightfully over-the-top. Now that it’s streaming free on Pluto, Eagle Eye is perfectly placed for a reappraisal. It’s one of those mid-budget studio thrillers that used to be everywhere and now feels weirdly refreshing because nobody really makes them like this anymore. In fact, it’s the kind of movie that you’d find Prime Video making and releasing randomly on a Friday in February that you’d watch without thinking. Not always a bad thing.

The cast of Eagle Eye includes Shia LaBeouf (Transformers, Disturbia) as Jerry Shaw, Michelle Monaghan (Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Gone Baby Gone) as Rachel Holloman, Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Rent) as Zoe Perez, Billy Bob Thornton (Landman, A Simple Plan) as Tom Morgan, Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker, Captain America: The Winter Soldier) as Major William Bowman, and Michael Chiklis (Fantastic Four, Pain & Gain) as Defense Secretary Callister.

Is ‘Eagle Eye’ Any Good?

Roger Ebert wasn’t sold on the movie, to be honest. His review stated that Eagle Eye is so wildly implausible that it barely feels like it belongs in the real world it pretends to occupy. The movie throws LaBeouf and Monaghan into one ridiculous set piece after another, with a mysterious force somehow controlling phones, cameras, traffic systems, trains, and basically everything else in America. None of it makes much sense, and the story quickly turns into pure chaos.

Ebert felt the narrative was off the rails from the beginning and that it’s essentially just a mixture of CGI and stunt work, while LaBeouf is completely wasted in the lead role because the movie doesn’t have anything for him to do. Lastly, Ebert felt that the editing of the film was terrible, and designed for people with ADHD. Not great.

Eagle Eye is streaming now on Pluto.

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Release Date

September 16, 2008

Runtime

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117 Minutes

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There was a point in the 2010s when found-footage storytelling got shoved into almost every genre imaginable, but this little gem remains one of the better examples of that experiment actually working. It takes a familiar teen sci-fi premise and gives it a frantic, messy, increasingly uneasy energy that suits the material pretty well. The first half has a lot of fun with the possibilities of time travel. The second half is where the movie starts punishing everyone for it.

That escalation is the big reason it sticks. Project Almanac understands the appeal of a bunch of smart but reckless teenagers suddenly having access to something way too powerful, and it lets that excitement gradually turn into panic. It never tries to be the deepest time-travel movie ever made, but it does know how to keep tightening the screws. That makes it a lot more effective than its reputation sometimes suggests. Honestly, it’s probably worth your while if you feel like it.

The movie’s cast includes Jonny Weston (Chasing Mavericks, Under the Bed) as David Raskin, Sofia Black-D’Elia (Ben-Hur, Viral) as Jessie Pierce, Sam Lerner (Monster House, Truth or Dare) as Quinn Goldberg, Allen Evangelista (Secret Obsession, The Deal) as Adam Le, Virginia Gardner (Halloween, Fall) as Christina Raskin, and Amy Landecker (A Serious Man) as Kathy Raskin.

Is ‘Project Almanac’ Any Good?

RogerEbert.com posted that Project Almanac has a clever idea at its center, but it gets buried under an exhausted found-footage approach and a story that eventually falls apart. The film follows a group of teens who discover plans for a homemade time machine and start using it to improve their lives, from school and social status to romance and money. That setup gives the movie some early energy, and for a while, it feels like a fun teen sci-fi ride.

The real problem is the format, because the found-footage style feels completely unnecessary here, and instead of adding realism or tension, it mostly becomes a distraction for the audience. As the story goes on, things get more melodramatic and less convincing. David starts making increasingly selfish choices, and the movie leans too hard into forced drama rather than the smarter consequences of time travel. In the end, Project Almanac has a fun premise and some likable performances, but it doesn’t seem to know how to have the best of both worlds.

Project Almanac is streaming now on Pluto for free.

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Release Date

January 30, 2015

Runtime

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106minutes

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Over the years, there have been several fantasy shows that fired up the imaginations of countless fans, becoming evergreen pop culture landmarks that are still talked about today. But while shows like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power may be perennial topics of discussion among viewers, for better or worse, there are some fantasy masterpieces that, though brilliant in their own way, have become sadly forgotten. However, though they may not be as popular, these shows are just as worthwhile a watch as any of the most famous fantasy shows in the world today.

From breathtakingly detailed worlds to grounded, character-driven narratives, these underrated shows cover a wide range of genres and styles, taking vastly different approaches to creating the perfect fantasy narrative. And though they may not be well-remembered by the general public, that doesn’t mean they’re any less memorable once you see them. Without further ado, here’s our handpicked selection of near-perfect fantasy shows that no one remembers today.

1

‘Carnivàle’ (2003–2005)

Image via HBO

Created by Daniel Knauf, Carnivàle is a fantasy period drama set in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. The show explores the mysterious destiny that connects Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a young man with healing powers who works at a traveling carnival, to Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown), a California preacher with psychic abilities, as their separate lives slowly converge into an epic battle of good and evil. The series also features Michael J. Anderson, Tim DeKay, Patrick Bauchau, Debra Christofferson, Diane Salinger, Clea DuVall, Adrienne Barbeau, and more in supporting roles.

An epic saga with complex worldbuilding and an intriguing mythos, Carnivàle isn’t an easy show to get into, but it rewards its fans with fascinating lore and a unique narrative. The series was largely well-received by critics during its two-season run, but it never quite received the sort of sustained attention it required, and the show was ultimately canceled on a frustrating cliffhanger. Despite its premature end, Carnivàle remains an underrated masterpiece that’s worth revisiting for genre fans, particularly those who enjoy elevated, surrealist fantasies.

2

‘Carnival Row’ (2019–2023)

Image via Julie Vrabelova / ©Amazon / Courtesy Everett Collection

Set in a steampunk, Victorian-esque world, Carnival Row was created by René Echevarria and Travis Beacham, and inspired by Beacham’s unproduced film spec script, A Killing on Carnival Row. The series revolves around the conflict between the humans of The Burgue and fae refugees who seek refuge in the city, following half-fae inspector Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate (Orlando Bloom) as he investigates a series of murders and navigates a complex relationship with his lost love, the faerie Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne). The show also features Simon McBurney, Tamzin Merchant, David Gyasi, Andrew Gower, Karla Crome, Arty Froushan, Indira Varma, Jared Harris, and more in other significant roles.

A two-season fantasy drama, Carnival Row was never a big hit with critics, facing criticism for its sprawling plot, which attempts to explore class politics, sexism, elitism, race, immigration, and more. But while the writing may not be perfect, the production certainly is, and the show expertly transports viewers to a vibrant and meticulously crafted fantasy world. And for what it’s worth, the show’s political themes and perspectives are certainly as valid and necessary today as they’ve ever been.

3

‘Jentry Chau vs the Underworld’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Created by Echo Wu and produced by Titmouse, Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld is an animated series starring Ali Wong as the titular Chinese-American teen. After rediscovering her suppressed magical powers on her 16th birthday, Jentry finds herself targeted by a demon king, forcing her to move from a boarding school in Seoul, South Korea, back to her hometown in suburban Texas. Besides Wong, the show’s voice cast also includes Lori Tan Chinn, Bowen Yang, Lucy Liu, Jimmy O. Yang, and more.

Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld was universally acclaimed when it premiered in 2024, and though it’s dropped off the radar since then, the show is easily one of the most entertaining fantasy action series released in recent years. Using Chinese mythology and folklore to explore a well-rounded coming-of-age story, the series has been praised for its vivid animation style, high-energy soundtrack, and cultural representation, which it does with far greater care and understanding than most. Overall, the series is a brilliant animated fantasy that the whole family can enjoy, and it’s perfect for fans of shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and American Dragon: Jake Long.

4

‘Hellbound’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix 

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A South Korean dark fantasy horror thriller series, Hellbound was directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who also co-wrote the show with Choi Gyu-seok. Based on their webtoon, the series explores the horrific events that ensue when supernatural beings begin to appear and condemn people to Hell, with nefarious organizations playing on people’s fears to amass power. The show’s ensemble cast stars Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-ah, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Shin-rok, Ryu Kyung-soo, Lee Re, Kim Sung-cheol, Im Seong-jae, Lee Dong-hee, Hong Eui-jun, and Cho Dong-in.

Hellbound is the first Korean drama ever to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. After its Netflix debut, the series became the streamer’s most-watched show in the world, surpassing the first season of Squid Game. Though the latter may be more widely known and loved, Hellbound is a fascinating exploration of human frailty in the face of unimaginable horror, dressed in the garb of a brutal horror story. The show also received several accolades, and it’s a must-watch for fans of terrifying fantasy horror.

5

‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ (2015)

Image via BBC

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Written by Peter Harness and directed by Toby Haynes, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a British historical fantasy miniseries based on the 2004 novel by Susanna Clarke. Set in an alternative 19th-century England, where magic is real but seldom practiced, the show follows the reclusive magician Gilbert Norrell (Eddie Marsan) and his rakish apprentice Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel) as they deal with the complications of politics, war, fairies, and an ominous prophecy. The series also features Marc Warren, Charlotte Riley, Alice Englert, Samuel West, Ariyon Bakare, Enzo Cilenti, Paul Kaye, Edward Hogg, and Lucinda Dryzek in other key roles.

Expertly adapting a fantasy masterpiece, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a stellar example of good historical fantasy, fully realizing every detail of its world in just seven episodes. The series was a major success at the time of its release in the UK, and it went on to receive four BAFTA nominations and be named one of the top 10 TV shows of the year by the British Film Institute. The show boasts a spectacular production, compelling performances, and a fascinating story, and though it isn’t very well-known outside of genre circles, it’s easily one of the best British fantasy shows of the 21st century so far.

6

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Kevin Baker/©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

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A prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film The Dark Crystal, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance was developed by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, directed by Louis Leterrier, and produced by The Jim Henson Company. Exploring the magical world of Thra in greater detail than ever before, the show follows three young Gelflings as they attempt to unite the Gelfling clans so they can rise against the evil Skeksis. Brought to life entirely through puppetry and practical effects, the series boasts an ensemble voice cast that includes Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Andy Samberg, Helena Bonham Carter, and more, with Sigourney Weaver as the narrator.

Both The Dark Crystal and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance are landmarks of the fantasy genre that proved just how far puppetry can go. Its impeccable production, imaginative storytelling, and moving narrative earned Age of Resistance near-universal acclaim, and the show received several prestigious honors, including an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program. And yet, despite all that, the series was canceled after just one season, and it’s become sorely underrated in the years since.

7

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

Image via Science Saru

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Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Devilman Crybaby is an anime miniseries that reimagines Go Nagai’s best-selling manga, Devilman, as a modern story. The show follows high school student Akira Fudo, who is inadvertently bonded to a demon after an encounter with his estranged childhood friend Ryo Asuka, becoming the titular Devilman. Kōki Uchiyama leads the voice cast as Akira, with Ayumu Murase as Ryo, and the series was produced by Aniplex and Dynamic Planning with animation by Science Saru.

Transforming the anti-war narrative of the original manga into a sharp, modern critique of social media-fueled xenophobia, Devilman Crybaby is an intensely dark show that explores themes of bigotry, sexuality, and otherness through the metaphor of demonic forces. Though its extremely graphic content was polarizing among viewers, the series was highly acclaimed by critics at the time of its release, and it’s arguably one of the most brilliantly written, performed, and animated anime shows of all time, even if it’s not as well-known as it ought to be. Devilman Crybaby has also been awarded multiple accolades, including the Crunchyroll Anime Award for Anime of the Year.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives executive producer Jeff Jenkins dropped hints about Taylor Frankie Paul’s future on the Hulu reality show as season 5 nears the resumption of filming.

“I certainly hope [she will film with the other women],” Jenkins, 58, revealed at Deadline’s “Reality TV Summit” on Friday, May 1. “Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.”

Jenkins pointed to a court hearing in Utah on Friday, May 1, where it was decreed that “Taylor and Dakota [Mortensen, her ex] are now legally required to stay 100 [feet] away from each other.” (At Salt Lake City’s Third District Courthouse on Friday, Utah Commissioner Russell Minas issued orders of protection for both Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33, to stay away from one another for a period of three years to break the cycle of “a very toxic relationship.”)

“It’s a legal matter so I can tell you definitely that they will not be shooting together,” Jenkins declared.

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul Shuts Down Claim She Won’t Return to ‘Mormon Wives’

Taylor Frankie Paul shut down reports that claimed she won’t be filming season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Us Weekly confirmed on Tuesday, April 21, that cameras started rolling again after a brief pause due to Taylor’s legal issues with ex Dakota Mortensen. A report later surfaced that Taylor, 31, and Dakota, […]

The producer confirmed that he has been in touch with Taylor all throughout her recent legal troubles.

“I talked to Taylor for 90 minutes this week and she’s doing great,” Jenkins said. “She’s very grounded and composed. I’m happy for her.”

As for when cameras will start rolling again on Mormon Wives, Jenkins confirmed, “We don’t have a date yet. I’m very excited that we have the thumbs up from Hulu and Disney. I’m hoping it will be very soon. I’m very excited.”

Production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 was abruptly halted in March when Taylor and her ex Dakota were involved in multiple domestic violence investigations. Following the release of shocking video footage of one February 2023 altercation, ABC cancelled plans to air Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette. (Taylor and Dakota share 2-year-old son Ever True Mortensen and she has two older children — daughter Indy May Paul and son Ocean Paul — with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.)

Utah authorities ultimately ruled on April 14 that Taylor would not be charged for a February 2026 domestic violence incident, paving the way for filming to resume on Mormon Wives.

“Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me,” Taylor wrote via Instagram when news broke that she wouldn’t be charged.

Dakota reacted to the news with his own Instagram statement, writing, “Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward.”

“I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part,” he went on. “I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on my son and me.”

Amid confirmation that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will soon be filming again, Us Weekly exclusively learned that Taylor had an open invitation to return.

“The producers and cast have welcomed Taylor to return to this year’s filming,” a source told Us on April 22. “It is still unclear whether she will come back this year, but she is expected to be back in the future.”

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The insider noted that Taylor “does want to return at some point” but the exact timeline was still being worked out. Meanwhile, Us reported that Dakota “will not be involved” with Mormon Wives moving forward.

“The network wants to keep them separate and not perpetuate a toxic relationship,” a second insider revealed to Us.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream via Hulu.

Meryl Streep is pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest surprises in “The Devil Wears Prada” sequel, revealing how she personally helped bring Lady Gaga into “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

The Oscar winner shared the behind-the-scenes story during a recent interview, just as the long-awaited sequel dropped on May 1, nearly 20 years after the original film became a cultural phenomenon.

Going down memory lane, Streep recounted how she and the late Robert Redford faced so much difficulty filming a romantic scene on the set of “Out of Africa” because of the presence of wild animals close by.

Streep has opened up about her role in securing Gaga to feature in the much-anticipated sequel. The Hollywood icon revealed during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she personally reached out to the “Poker Face” singer to bring her into “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

According to Streep, the sequel’s script called for a major pop star to perform live during a high-profile runway show in Milan. Rather than wait for producers to make the call, she immediately thought of Gaga.

“I thought, why don’t I get Gaga?” Streep said, noting the singer’s deep love for fashion and her larger-than-life presence. Conveniently, she already had her number, and when she reached out, Gaga didn’t hesitate.

Lady Gaga And Miranda Priestly’s Icy First Meeting

In “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Streep shared the screen with Gaga in one of the film’s frostiest moments. The singer stars as herself and is called on by Runway Magazine after a series of budget cuts render them unable to fly John Legend and his piano to Italy to perform for them.

After calling in the favor, Gaga and Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, then run into a chilly encounter.

“I was surprised to hear from you,” Gaga quips, per USA Today. “You don’t like me.”

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“Oh, what an absurd notion,” Priestly responds with a forced laugh. “You are such a favorite, and we are so grateful that you’re doing this for us.”

Meryl Streep Surprised By ‘Prada 2’ Frenzy

Elsewhere on the show, Streep disclosed that she didn’t know there was so much buzz and anticipation for the film. The three-time Oscar winner explained that she’s not on social media, which left her completely out of the loop when it came to the growing online buzz. That changed quickly once the press tour kicked off.

“Everywhere we went, it was just like this anticipation, affection, I mean, appetite for this movie, which I wasn’t aware of,” she explained. “I knew it was a popular movie 20 years ago, but I had no idea there was this sort of big, big, big feel for it.”

Streep Rejected Original ‘Prada’ Script Over Salary

Streep revealed during a recent appearance on “TODAY” that she almost didn’t take on her now-iconic role in “The Devil Wears Prada. The actress revealed that she initially rejected the offer, despite believing the film would be a major hit.

“I knew it was going to be a hit,” she said, recalling how she read the script and immediately saw its potential. Still, when the offer came in, she declined.

Streep explained that the decision was strategic. She wanted to test whether the studio valued her enough to meet a higher price.

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“I wanted to see if I doubled my ask,” she said. “And they went right away and said, ‘Sure.’”

Meryl Streep Recounts Facing A Charging Hippo On Set

Streep also went down memory lane in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, recounting a scary experience with a raging hippopotamus on the set of “Out of Africa.”

In the film, Streep plays Danish baroness Karen Blixen, who falls in love with a game hunter, played by Robert Redford, while running a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya.

In one scene, Redford’s character got down to washing her hair by a river while reciting lines from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”

“It’s not a sex scene. It’s a love scene… He was really amazing,” she gushed about the late actor.

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Streep then explained that they had to film the infamous scenes several times as there were hippos in the river. In fact, one came raging at them with its mouth wide open, causing them to wrap up filming at the time.

Law Roach is stepping into the spotlight in a whole new way for the Met Gala 2026, and this time, it’s all about him. Known as the mastermind behind some of the most iconic red carpet looks, Law Roach is flipping the script, becoming the main event instead of working behind the scenes.

With just days to go before fashion’s biggest night, Roach revealed that this year marks a rare shift in focus. “It’s one of the first times in my career that going to the Met is about me,” he said.

Roach approached this year’s “Fashion Is Art” theme with a layered, collaborative vision. He first turned to Alexandre Mattiussi, the creative force behind Ami, to create a soft-structured three-piece suit in crisp white, designed to serve as a blank canvas.

“I’m such a fan of his work,” Roach said, noting he previously styled clients in the brand for major events. From there, the look evolved into something far more personal.

Teaming With Naïla Opiangah For Emotional ‘Embrace’ Design On Met Gala Look

To bring the concept to life, Roach enlisted Naïla Opiangah, whose work explores identity and the human body. The artist collaborated with the Ami team to design a custom motif directly onto the tuxedo jacket, an abstract portrait featuring figures embracing, rendered in soft blues, earthy tones, and warm greens.

“I have a few of her works in my home in Atlanta. She’s an architect by trade. I’m the only Image Architect in the world,” Roach said with a laugh. “So everything felt right.”

Opiangah described the emotional inspiration behind the piece, explaining, “I visualized an embrace, and the arms are coming together to embrace Law.”

Law Roach Breaks Met Gala Tradition By Revealing Look Early, Says ‘It’s Beautiful To Show This Now’

While most Met Gala attendees keep their looks under wraps until they hit the carpet, Roach made the deliberate choice to reveal his outfit early. “It’s beautiful to show this now,” he said. “Then people become attached to it and are waiting to see the final look on the red carpet.”

The decision highlights not just the finished product, but the creative journey behind it, something Roach clearly wanted fans to experience ahead of the big night.

Teasing Bold Met Gala Moments As A-List Guest List Builds Around ‘Fashion Is Art’ Theme

As for the rest of the guest list, Roach is hoping for bold interpretations of the theme. Confirmed names already include Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, Doja Cat, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Smith, and Teyana Taylor, all of whom are likely to bring their own unique spin to the “Fashion Is Art” theme.

“Fashion is the most interactive art form,” he explained. “The fact that the theme is so broad, I’m excited because I do want to see how people interpret it. I want people that really go for it and then also people that do it in a way that’s subtle [and] they make you think about it.”

With a look that brings fashion, art, and personal storytelling, Roach is already proving he understands the assignment and may just be one of the night’s standout stars.

Meet The 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet Hosts

The Met Gala 2026 won’t just be packed with A-list attendees; the red carpet coverage is also bringing major star power. Leading the livestream are Emma Chamberlain, Cara Delevingne, Ashley Graham, and La La Anthony, who will be front and center interviewing celebrities as they arrive.

The event, taking place on May 4 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, will follow this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” with an official dress code of “Fashion Is Art.” “It will be transformative for our department, but I also think it’s going to be transformative to fashion more generally, the fact that an art museum like The Met is actually giving a central location to fashion,” the curator in charge, Andrew Bolton, said.

With a stacked host lineup and a theme that encourages bold, artistic expression, the red carpet is expected to deliver plenty of viral moments before guests even step inside.

All Elite Wrestling aired a tribute to wrestler Tanea “Rebel” Brooks following her announcement that she has been diagnosed with “terminal” amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“You probably know by social media that one of our fine athletes has some very serious health problems,” announcer Tony Schiavone told viewers on the Saturday, May 2, episode of AEW Collision. “We want [Tanea] to know you are big part of AEW and we are thinking about you right now and we are praying for you, that you will pull through.”

Schiavone, 68, mentioned that there were “a lot of signs” from fans attending AEW Collision at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois, offering encouragement to Brooks, 47. (The wrestler has competed under the name “Rebel” during her six years with All Elite Wrestling.)

“Rebel, we hope you’ll get better. Pray for Rebel,” Schiavone added. “My dear, we’re thinking about you. She’s a wonderful young lady.”

Related: Celebrities Who Have Battled ALS: Eric Dane, Stephen Hawking and More

From Lou Gehrig in 1939 to Eric Dane in 2025, celebrities have publicly dealt with what is now known as ALS for decades. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder. The disease causes the individual to gradually lose control of their muscles, beginning gradually with muscle stiffness or […]

Brooks shared with her social media followers on Friday, May 1, that she was recently diagnosed with “terminal ALS,” a nervous system disease that impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS — which is alternatively known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or Motor Neurone Disease — causes a gradual loss of ability to control speech, breathing and eating. There is no known cure.

The wrestler has been on a longterm health journey, having battled primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare type of lung cancer, since 2024. In Friday’s vlog, Brooks explained that recent developments in her cancer fight led doctors to discover that she has ALS.

“The thing is, sometimes we don’t want to hear that answer to our prayers. And so, while I was waiting to have lung surgery for the masses on my lung, the doctors at Mayo [Clinic] finally found what’s going on,” she told viewers.

Brooks admitted that her medical team “do[es] not know how long” she has to live since “there is not a lot of research behind ALS.”

“It explains why I have trouble walking and talking [and] all my functions will soon decline. But now, we can prepare for the future and what is to come,” she acknowledged.

The 12-year pro wrestling veteran personally thanked All Elite Wrestling owner Tony Khan for supporting her through her health problems.

“I want to say thank you to Tony Khan and AEW for supporting me on this medical journey,” a tearful Brooks said. “It has been a blessing that is unheard of and, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and thank you to all of you for your prayers.”

She asked fans to keep her in their thoughts, saying, “Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I love you.”

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Brooks received overwhelming support from wrestlers signed to both AEW and its competitor WWE, with former WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill writing to her, “Sending you all the love. My prayers are with you Rebel.”

“Sending you nothing but love. We will keep you in our prayers,” former AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara vowed in the Instagram comments section.

AEW wrestler and executive vice president Matt Jackson also shared well-wishes, writing, “Nothing but love.”