Entertainment
‘The Black Phone’ Secretly Shares a Universe With This Horror Anthology
The first time you watch The Black Phone, you feel like it’s a self-contained universe set in a quiet Denver neighborhood in 1978. It features a masked kidnapper and a scared boy locked in a basement with a phone that shouldn’t work but somehow does. The movie keeps its focus narrow: Finney (Mason Thomas) is trapped while his psychic sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), searches desperately for him. The ghosts of other victims speak impossibly through the phone’s receiver, each one offering a small piece of advice that might help the next kid survive.
The film concludes with that story feeling complete—the Grabber(Ethan Hawke) is gone, Finney walks back into the daylight, and Gwen’s strange dreams finally make sense. But a few years later, director Scott Derrickson subtly expanded that world. Not through a sequel or a post-credit tease. Instead, the connection shows up in a segment of the horror anthology V/H/S/85. Once you notice it, the universe around The Black Phone suddenly extends far beyond that one basement.
Gwen’s Dreams Always Felt Like Something Larger
Part of what makes The Black Phone live rent-free in the back of your mind is how Gwen’s visions behave. She dreams of things she shouldn’t know: houses she’s never seen, balloons drifting through empty streets, and even a patch of dirt that feels wrong the moment she looks at it.
But those dreams help guide the police to the graves of The Grabber’s victims. They also bring Gwen closer to the truth about where her brother is being held, providing vital clues needed in the mystery. The film allows her abilities to unfold in the background without turning into a lecture on psychic powers or falling into sci-fi action territory. Her father, Terence’s (Jeremy Davies), reaction adds an emotional layer to the story.
He remembers what happened to his wife. She had the same visions, and eventually they overwhelmed her life. This turned him into a grieving, alcoholic, and physically abusive father, suffering from PTSD after witnessing the trauma of his late wife. Every time Gwen talks about another dream, Dad senses the same danger creeping back into the family, and it just feels completely unsettling.
“Dreamkill” Brings the Same Power Back Years Later
In the anthology V/H/S/85, Derrickson’s segment “Dreamkill” follows Detective Wayne Johnson (Freddy Rodríguez). He’s investigating a series of brutal murders that seem strangely familiar because he has already seen them happen on mysterious videotapes sent to him in advance. And the tapes keep getting delivered to him.
The footage is taken from a killer’s point of view and gets traced back to Goth teenage Gunther (Dashiell Derrickson), who dreams of the murders, and they somehow end up on a VHS tape. His father, Bobby (James Ransone), explains that psychic powers run in the family, including a cousin who had once dreamed about her kidnapped brother.
Detective Wayne spends most of the story chasing down whoever keeps mailing him the tapes. That trail eventually leads him to Gunther, who swears he has nothing to do with the killings, only dreaming about them. He can’t even explain how the scenes end up on the VHS tapes. As Wayne gets closer to the truth, things quickly spiral out of control as the source of the dreams is revealed, ending in tragedy.
A Family Connection Hiding in Plain Sight
Gunther’s father describes a pattern of psychic visions that extends through several relatives. Some family members have learned to live with their dreams, while others struggle under their weight. One woman in the family eventually lost her life after being overwhelmed by the visions. Then he casually mentions the two relatives who once had to use dreams to rescue one of them, a kidnapping victim.
The details pass quickly, but the meaning remains clear to anyone who remembers The Black Phone. The niece and nephew Bobby mentions are Gwen and Finney, and Gunther is their cousin. The strange dreams that led Gwen toward her brother come from the same bloodline.
Suddenly, the story in Denver looks substantially different and is taking up a broader scope. Gwen’s ability was never a random gift that appeared when the plot needed help. It belongs to a family that has been dealing with the same visions for years, making the world feel so much bigger.
The V/H/S World Makes the Crossover Feel Natural
The V/H/S franchise already thrives on chaotic supernatural storytelling. Each film collects strange recordings and presents them in an anthology format. Each tape reveals a different nightmare lurking somewhere in the world. Some stories involve cults and demons, while others explore aliens, monsters, or strange experiments.
Fans often describe the franchise as a vast horror sandbox where almost every nightmare you can imagine appears in one of those tapes. The format allows filmmakers to explore any corner of the genre they want without worrying too much about connecting everything cohesively. Try to think of the Amicus anthologies from the 1970s, but hopped up on acid. That loose framework provides Derrickson with an ideal setting to develop the mythology of The Black Phone.
The psychic dreams that once guided Gwen now exist in a world already filled with supernatural chaos. It subtly alters the story’s importance. Finney’s escape still matters, and The Grabber remains a terrifying figure in that neighborhood. However, the strange ability that helped save him now connects to a much broader and darker family history. Somewhere out there, another kid is already dreaming up the next nightmare before it even occurs.
- Release Date
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June 16, 2022
- Runtime
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103 minutes
- Director
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Scott Derrickson
- Writers
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Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
- Producers
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Jason Blum, C. Robert Cargill, Scott Derrickson
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Adam Sandler officiating Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded wedding felt a bit unbelievable to the lucky 1,000 in attendance.
“Adam Sandler … came down [the aisle], everybody laughed and thought it was a joke at first,” American Century Investments CEO Jonathan Thomas said on the Thursday, July 17, episode of “The Compound” podcast. “He probably spoke for 20 or 30 minutes, vacillated between funny, very sincere [and] sang a few things.”
Swift and Kelce, both 36, said “I do” on July 3 inside New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden arena surrounded by some of the biggest names in sports and Hollywood.
After their enchanted garden-themed nuptials, Swift’s rep revealed in a statement that the couple’s friend Sandler, 59, presided over the ceremony.
Adam Sandler has quietly become one of the most unexpected constants in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s love story — and in July 2026, he made it official. The comedian officiated the couple’s star-studded black-tie wedding at Madison Square Garden following years of family fandom, movie experiences and surprise cameos that pulled him deeper into […]
“In your typical vows the officiator says, ‘For rich or for poor.’ Adam said, ‘You’re not going to have to worry about that,’” Thomas recalled on Thursday, referring to Swift’s billionaire status and Kelce’s multimillion-dollar NFL salary. “His key message was [to] kiss each other every day, in the morning, at night [and] after dinner.”
In addition to Sandler’s heartfelt-yet-humorous speech, the now-newlyweds spoke for just as long delivering their vows.
Travis Kelce and Adam Sandler on the set of ‘Happy Gilmore 2.’ Scott Yamano/Netflix
“Travis went first with his vows. He probably spoke for 30 minutes and I don’t want to violate his privacy, but I was crying, which I was trying to hold back,” Thomas recalled. “He made himself unbelievably vulnerable. I was sitting there crying, and I was trying to hold it back until I look around and there’s all these 300-pound men from the football business crying, as well. So, I felt really comfortable [to] let go. I mean, it was very, very powerful.”
Thomas further revealed that the Grammy winner also wrote her own vows during the ceremony.
“She probably spoke for 30 minutes, and it was poetic. It was really well done,” he gushed. “The vows and the ceremony were very solemn, very sincere, very emotional. Then, they opened up [the venue and] you walk through this massive castle that they built.”
Thomas, for his part, was especially in awe of how Swift and Kelce transformed MSG into their dream wedding venue.
“You would never guess you’re in Madison Square Garden the way they did. It was incredible,” the businessman said on Thursday. “But you [walked] through this castle that they built and behind it, um, they had all sorts of games [and] amazing giveaways to people.”
Swift and Kelce have yet to reveal any photos from the big day but are expected to eventually share portraits via Instagram.
Every best action movie list since the 1990s has included this explosive cop classic, and for good reason. Often hailed as one of the greatest action films ever made, it completely changed what audiences expected from the genre with its groundbreaking action sequences. Its influence can still be seen in modern hits like John Wick, while its claustrophobic premise — one man standing against countless armed criminals — captures the same tension that made Die Hard a classic. More than three decades later, it hasn’t lost any of its impact, making now the perfect time to watch it before it disappears from free streaming.
Directed by the legendary Hong Kong maestro John Woo with a script by Gordon Chan and Barry Wong, the crime epic marked Woo’s final Hong Kong production before he made his transition to Hollywood. Woo actually conceived the project as a direct response to critics who accused his earlier heroic bloodshed films (such as The Killer and A Better Tomorrow) of romanticizing criminals. So, he set out to create a police-centered thriller heavily inspired by Clint Eastwood‘s Dirty Harry. While it only performed modestly at the local box office upon its initial release in April 1992, Woo’s masterpiece quickly achieved legendary status, earning near-universal international acclaim.
Where Can You Watch This Explosive Cop Classic?
Labeled one of the defining works of the heroic bloodshed genre, you can stream Hard Boiled for free on Tubi in the U.S. However, per MovieWeb, you only have until the end of the month, July 31, to catch it, as the film is scheduled to leave the platform on August 1. If you need any more convincing, the film boasts a stellar 92% on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences. Besides, even the critics’ consensus praises it as “a powerful thriller that hits hard in more ways than one.”
Starring frequent Woo collaborator Chow Yun-fat as Inspector “Tequila” Yuen, a rule-breaking Hong Kong detective, Hard Boiled begins with the murder of Tequila’s partner during a violent raid on gun smugglers. To bring down the ruthless syndicate responsible, Tequila reluctantly teams up with Alan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), a deeply conflicted undercover cop who operates as a high-ranking hitman. Their investigation ultimately culminates in an unforgettable climax inside a besieged hospital, where the duo must resort to excessive force.
Watch Hard Boiled on Tubi before it leaves.
A late-night situation inside a Tennessee home quickly turned into a deadly investigation. Kendra Scott is now facing serious charges after authorities say a confrontation at a Memphis residence ended with a 20-year-old man being shot and killed. Investigators are working to piece together what happened before the gunfire.
RELATED: Washington Man Convicted After Shooting Mother Of His Children More Than 20 Times While Eight Kids Were Inside Home
Authorities Reveal What Led Up To The Fatal Encounter
According to the Memphis Police Department, the incident happened on Wednesday, July 15, around 1:45 a.m. at a home on Travis Road in the Walker Homes neighborhood. Officers arrived and found 20-year-old Rodderius Morton lying in the front yard near the porch with a gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Authorities say Kendra Scott allegedly told police she discovered a man hiding under her daughter’s bed and claimed she “saw a dude under my kids’ bed, and I did what I had to do.” Investigators later identified Scott as the woman involved and say a neighbor reported hearing banging before finding Morton injured near the porch.
Witnesses Share More Details About The Night’s Events
The neighbor also allegedly told police he saw Scott standing outside with a firearm, saying, “I shot him, I shot him.” A girl inside the home told investigators Morton had been invited over and entered through the back door before Scott arrived. According to the charging documents, Scott returned home around 1:30 a.m. and was allegedly knocking loudly while asking, “Who’s at my house?” The girl reportedly told investigators she was afraid because Scott appeared angry and was carrying a gun, and she claimed Scott had previously made comments about what she would do if she found a boy inside the home.
Scott Faces Serious Charges As Investigation Continues
Police say the girl eventually let Scott inside, where Morton was allegedly hiding under the bed. The girl told investigators that when Morton attempted to leave, Scott confronted him, and the two began arguing before he made his way toward the front porch. Authorities allege Scott followed him, and the girl heard a single gunshot.
Scott, 36, faces charges of first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Authorities are holding her without bond at the Shelby County Jail, and she will appear in court as the case moves forward.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Heartbreaking Photos Show Funeral Of 8 Children Killed In Louisiana Mass Shooting (UPDATE)
What Do You Think Roomies?
After three seasons and four years, Netflix’s Heartstopper wraps up this week with Heartstopper Forever. The movie will focus primarily on wrapping up Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie’s (Joe Locke) stories as Nick starts applying for university, forcing the two to think about what comes next. This comes shortly after the conclusion of Alice Oseman‘s webcomic-turned-graphic-novel series on which the show is based. While it will be sad to say goodbye to Heartstopper, Oseman has several other excellent novels that would make amazing television shows, and it would be wise for Netflix to adapt one of those next. There’s one book, in particular, that even takes place in the same universe as the Heartstopper graphic novels, so it could stand on its own as an adaptation.
What Is Alice Oseman’s ‘Radio Silence’ About?
Radio Silence follows Frances Janvier, a star student in her final year of secondary school, and academics are pretty much her whole life. In between trying to finish the year strong and get into Cambridge, Frances is secretly a fan of a podcast called Universe City and posts her art dedicated to the show online. She’s absolutely thrilled when the podcast’s anonymous creator, who goes by Radio Silence, asks her to become Universe City‘s official artist. One night, while out letting off steam, Frances runs into Aled Last, her neighbor who’s a year ahead of her at the affiliated boys’ school. Aled confesses to Frances that he is Radio Silence, and shortly afterward, she reveals the truth about herself as well. Despite never speaking much before, the two realize that they actually have a lot in common, and they quickly become best friends.
As Frances and Aled grow closer, their collaborative efforts on the podcast take off, but they struggle to balance their secret passion with their academics. They’re both expected to lead much more practical lives than they’d prefer, and their friendship leads them to start doubting everything they have been working towards up until this point. Frances and Aled’s friendship represents the perfect little bubble where they can dream big and focus solely on Universe City, but their real lives constantly threaten to get in the way.
‘Radio Silence’ Would Be the Perfect Show for ‘Heartstopper’ Fans
After Heartstopper‘s success, now would be the perfect time for Netflix to tackle a Radio Silence adaptation. While Heartstopper is a romance first and foremost, Radio Silence is a story about friendship. Frances is deeply lonely and unhappy in her fast-paced pursuit of academics, only feeling truly like herself when listening to and making art for Universe City. Similarly, Aled is keeping Universe City a secret from the people in his life, feeling like he has to hide who he is to pursue the future that he’s on track to have. After accidentally meeting in person, Frances and Aled realize that they’ve already found each other online, making them feel as if they were always meant to be best friends.
Those who have read the Heartstopper graphic novels will know that Aled is also present in that series as one of Charlie’s friends, but the character was replaced in the Netflix adaptation by a new creation, Isaac (Tobie Donovan), particularly because Aled has his own story. That said, Nick and Charlie do briefly appear in a chapter of Radio Silence and, with some tweaks, could easily cameo in a potential adaptation. Just like Heartstopper, Radio Silence centers teens and their journeys without talking down to its viewers. It also tackles heavier themes, including mental health, making it the perfect successor to Heartstopper now that Forever has concluded that story.
Entertainment
GTA 6 Reportedly Generates $260 Million in Pre-Orders, Could Reach $5 Billion During Launch Week : Coastal House Media
Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially confirmed that it will stop producing physical disc versions of all new PlayStation games beginning in January 2028, marking one of the biggest shifts in the company’s gaming history.
Under the new policy, every PlayStation title released after the January 2028 cutoff will launch exclusively in digital form through the PlayStation Store and participating retailers. Games released before that date will continue to be available on physical media, and existing disc-based games will remain supported.
The announcement reflects the gaming industry’s continued move toward digital distribution, with Sony pointing to changing consumer habits as the driving force behind the decision.
In a statement announcing the transition, Sony said:
“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.”
The decision applies to both first-party PlayStation Studios releases and third-party games launching on PlayStation platforms after January 2028. While collectors will still be able to purchase physical copies of games released before the deadline, future releases will exist only as digital downloads.
The news has already sparked heated discussion among gamers. Many players have expressed concerns about game preservation, digital ownership, resale value, and the inability to lend or trade games. Others see the move as inevitable, pointing to the steady growth of digital purchases over the past several console generations.
Sony’s announcement also comes shortly after controversy surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI’s physical edition, which ships as a download code rather than a game disc, fueling ongoing debate about the future of physical media in gaming.
Whether welcomed or criticized, Sony’s decision signals the beginning of a new era for PlayStation—one where physical game collections will eventually become a thing of the past for all new releases.
Entertainment
Guy Ritchie Is Officially Outdoing ‘MobLand’ With New Prime Video Crime Thriller Series
2026 has already been an important year in the saga of Guy Ritchie’s career, with more success stories to share and controversies to overcome. Ritchie’s first project of the year, Young Sherlock, was a massive hit on Prime Video despite all episodes being dropped at once as a binge. Prime Video even renewed the show for Season 2, and with cameras already rolling on the sophomore season, it’s all but confirmed that Young Sherlock Season 2 will stream in 2027. Ritchie then returned to the big screen with the release of his latest action movie, In The Grey, but the film struggled to get off the ground at the box office before scurrying to digital platforms. This was despite the star power of Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal, who had both worked with Ritchie in the past.
One of Ritchie’s biggest shows to emerge in the last few years has been MobLand, the hit Paramount Plus crime thriller starring Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan. MobLand is coming back for Season 2 later this year, but Ritchie is moving to Prime Video for a new project sure to please fans’ of the Paramount Plus series. News broke last week that Ritchie is working with Young Sherlock producer Rob Williams to develop a new British crime series, Capital, which will explore the modern-day underbelly of London’s world of organized crime. Prime Video subscribers who refused to venture to Paramount Plus for MobLand need not fret — Ritchie is bringing the MobLand vibe to other services with his new replacement series. Further details such as casting and release information are being kept under wraps for now.
Does Guy Ritchie Have Any Other 2026 Movies?
At the time of writing, Ritchie does not have any more movies coming to theaters before the end of this year. It was thought that his new thriller, Wife and Dog, was hitting theaters in 2026, but the film was recently delayed to February 19, 2027, to give the post-production team extra time to make sure it’s fully polished and ready to go. James Norton, Rosamund Pike, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Anthony Hopkins lead the new film, which is billed as Ritchie’s answer to Succession. It follows a rich family and their quest for power that leads them down paths of betrayal and murder.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Ritchie’s new crime series, Capital, and check out new episodes of MobLand on Paramount Plus.
- Release Date
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March 30, 2025
- Network
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Paramount+
- Directors
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Daniel Syrkin
-
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Pierce Brosnan
Conrad Harrigan
Celebrity beauty trends may spark interest for some looking to make a change, but today’s cosmetic patients are looking for results that feel more natural and personalized.
Dr. Waqqas Jalil, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Aspect Plastic Surgery in Toronto, shared his thoughts with The Blast on why the “overfilled” aesthetic look is fading, how stars like Kylie Jenner continue to influence requests, and why the future of aesthetics is focused on customized treatments, skin health, and subtle enhancements that help patients look less transformed and more refreshed.
Not long ago, there was a trend of overfilling the face with filler, but that has slowly moved toward a more natural look. Instead of drastic changes, many patients are now seeking more refreshed, natural looking results.
“What we’re seeing among celebrities reflects a broader shift in aesthetic medicine. Patients are increasingly drawn to treatments that offer meaningful results without significant downtime, things like skin quality treatments, subtle volume work, and body contouring that looks natural rather than overdone,” he told The Blast.
“The key difference between a result that reads as ‘refreshed’ versus ‘obvious’ is almost always the planning stage: understanding the patient’s anatomy, proportions, and long-term goals before any treatment begins. When done well, these procedures should enhance someone’s features rather than alter their identity, and that principle applies whether you’re on a red carpet or not.”
Cosmetic Trends The Majority Of Patients Are Currently Asking For
Dr. Jalil said that he sees a consistent “seasonal rhythm” depending on what time of year it is.
From January through March, he often sees requests for “facial refreshes” after the holiday season. Requests for neurotoxin, fillers, peels, and blepharoplasty are the norm.
“As spring comes around, we see a surge of consultations as patients plan to be recovered by summer,” he said. “Summer months favor procedures with shorter recovery or timing that fits vacations, such as liposuction or select breast surgery.”
In the fall and winter, things pick up the pace with larger procedures, such as facelifts, mommy makeovers, and extensive body contouring.
Cosmetic Trends Often Start With Celebrities
When a celebrity posts about a particular treatment or procedure, or reveals in an interview something they’ve done, widespread interest tends to fire up a trend. One example of this is when Kim Kardashian shared her experience with XERF and everyone suddenly wanted to try it out because she raved about her results.
“Celebrity looks often spark widespread interest. A prominent makeover on Instagram or in the press creates buzz and prompts patients to ask, ‘Can I get that?’ Celebrities can introduce techniques and shape preferences, but those looks must be adapted to each patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle,” he explained. “For example, when high-profile figures such as Kylie Jenner publicly discuss breast augmentation, interest in similar procedures rises but her result reflects her unique frame, proportions, and aesthetic goals.”
Dr. Jalil added that many patients will go into the office asking for the exact same thing a celebrity has done, but he has to “translate trends into realistic, individualized plans so patients achieve flattering, natural outcomes rather than attempting a one-size-fits-all copy.”
Setting Realistic Expectations When Deciding On Cosmetic Treatments
One thing Dr. Jalil focuses on is setting realistic expectations. He said he sometimes will even ask the patient to bring in a “wish photo” to help identify the goal.
“I usually take an opposite approach to some and actually encourage patients to bring in ‘wish photos’ or ‘celebrity photos’ to reveal goals and help me gauge realism,” he said. “During a thorough consult, we explain what’s achievable given their anatomy, skin quality, and lifestyle.”
He will also outline any risks, what recovery can look like, and even show some before and after examples. If someone comes in with unrealistic expectations or signs of body dysmorphic disorder, he will recommend a second opinion with a trusted colleague.
A top concern for Dr. Jalil has become DIY procedures or the mentality that there’s a one-size-fits-all thought process thanks to social platforms.
“DIY injections or at-home treatments dangerously underestimate risk, and viral trends ignore individual anatomy and safety,” he shared. “Equally troubling are edited or AI images and selectively staged before and after posts that create unrealistic expectations. Add in toxic fitness culture which celebrates transformations without acknowledging when surgical or medical interventions are involved, and you have a recipe for misinformation that puts patients at risk.”
Laser And Skin Resurfacing Are In Strong Demand
For people who are seeking to dip their toes into the world of cosmetic procedures and treatments and aren’t ready for surgery, Botox, fillers, lasers, and skin resurfacing have become popular options.
“They have strong demand but serve different needs. Injectables are quick, low-downtime solutions for volume and lines,” Jalil said. “Lasers/resurfacing address texture, sun damage, and skin quality long-term. For many patients, especially moms wanting improvement with limited downtime, we combine modalities for superior, natural-looking results.”
Dr. Jalil said that he expects more “combination protocols” such as energy devices plus biologics and targeted surgery alongside lifestyle modifications to continue to rise in popularity. He also expects there to be an increasing interest in procedures that restore pre-pregnancy body shape with natural-looking results.
Whatever a patient decides to do, Dr. Jalil said he advises they chose a qualified, experienced surgeon who will listen to your goals, explain the process and outcome, and build a tailored plan to your particular case.
Sandy Brondello, the coach of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo team, has apologized following Angel Reese reacting to her calling her a “protected species.”
RELATED: Internet Users Are Droppin’ Mixed Reactions To Angel Reese’s Recent ‘Fit Check (PHOTOS)
Toronto Tempo Coach Apologizes After
On Saturday, July 18, Sandy Brondello took to X to share an apology directed toward Angel Reese. According to USA Today, Brondello made headlines after her team, the Toronto Tempo, faced off against the Atlanta Dream on the evening of Friday, July 17. Nyara Sabally was reportedly guarding Reese when Reese pushed toward the basket and came into contact with Sabally. Subsequently, Brondello pleaded for a foul to be called on Reese.
“Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive),” Brondello reportedly said the refs.
Angel Reese sends Sabally to the locker room in pain pic.twitter.com/jhDfvuoTxp
— Angel Reese Truth Teller (@Daxson_12) July 18, 2026
Ultimately, the play was reviewed and called a foul. But officials reportedly declined to upgrade it to a “hostile act.”
“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara’s injury, I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full responsibility for that. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you,” Brondello initially tweeted before adding. “I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that. I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women… I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. I have a lot of respect for you as both a player and a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment.”
Angel Reese Reacts To Her Calling Her A “Protected Species”
Hours earlier, on the evening of Friday, July 17, Reese had taken to X to share her reactions to Sandy Brondello’s words. Furthermore, Reese reposted a message that read, “Calling a Black woman a species…”
Then, she added, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡”
Social Media Reacts To Toronto Tempo Coach Calling Angel Reese A “Protected Species”
Social media users reacted to Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @anggdenise wrote, “Only headline I wanna see now should include the word ‘fired’ !!!”
While Instagram user @terenthial added, “What is a protected species?????? Asking for myself”
Instagram user @boognextdoor_ wrote, “We will not accept anything, but termination.”
While Instagram user @peteralexeze added, “‘Protected species’ isn’t a racial term. It’s used in football all the time. Smh.”
Instagram user @jfitts_official wrote, “Take her job . Only reasonable action”
While Instagram user @lovelyyladyyt added, “When they get ‘mad’ ’emotional’ their true feelings always come out…. Chileeeeeeeeeee”
Instagram user @iamanniebcosmo wrote, “Think before you speak 🗣️ -all that apologizing after you see the effect is played out ‼️”
While Instagram user @stanzzayvette added, “I’m over the Angel disrespect. Find something safe to do.”
Instagram user @beautifull.lala wrote, “wtf does that even mean??”
Meanwhile, former WNBA player Monique Currie added:
“Sandy is most definitely sincere in her apology. She’s a good one.”
RELATED: Not Feelin’ It? Internet Users Are Goin’ IN On Angel Reese’s Latest Game-Day ‘Fit Check (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Zendaya’s carefully curated “The Odyssey” wardrobe has sparked a much larger debate about who should be allowed to wear (and own) ancient cultural artifacts.
The actress wore earrings made from roughly 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions during a London photocall for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic. While the jeweler insists the artifacts were mounted without being altered or damaged, critics argue the pieces should be preserved in a museum or returned to Iran rather than worn as celebrity accessories.
Questions surrounding the earrings are further complicated by the Ziwiye hoard itself, a disputed collection whose objects entered the antiquities market without being recovered through a documented archaeological excavation.
Zendaya, who plays the goddess Athena in Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” paired the ancient earrings with a flowing white Jacquemus dress selected by her longtime stylist, Law Roach.
According to CNN, the earrings contain gold medallion discs attributed to the first millennium B.C., making them approximately 2,000 to 3,000 years old. The pieces originated in ancient Iran and have been linked to the Ziwiye hoard, a collection of gold, silver, and ivory objects reportedly discovered in the country’s northwestern Kurdistan province during the late 1940s.
London jeweler Glenn Spiro later placed the discs inside an 18-karat yellow gold setting bordered by diamonds. Fine jewelry company Barron London acquired the earrings in 2020 and says they are held in its private collection, not offered for sale.
Barron London Defends The Earrings’ Setting
Barron London stressed that the original medallions were not pierced, reshaped, or permanently altered when they were converted into earrings. The “ancient gold discs are held within a simple, noninvasive claw setting that does not alter or damage the original objects in any way,” the company told CNN.
The jeweler also welcomed conversations about preservation and the earrings’ history. “Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship,” its statement read.
Barron London suggested that displaying the earrings could draw attention to Iran’s artistic history at a time when the country is frequently discussed through the lens of war and political conflict. “We hope these earrings can serve as a reminder of the country’s enduring artistic, cultural and historical legacy,” the jeweler added.
Critics Say The Artifacts Belong In A Museum
The company’s explanation did little to satisfy critics who believe artifacts of that age and cultural significance should not be treated as fashion accessories. “This is unethical,” one user declared, as someone else called the move “disgusting.” “As an archaeology student, I hate this,” another social media user wrote. “They should be in a museum.”
Meanwhile, some Iranian critics argued the underlying issue was not whether Zendaya and Roach handled the earrings carefully, but how the artifacts left Iran and entered a private collection in the first place. “This piece is a part of Iran’s history and cultural heritage, and it should not be in the hands of anyone other than Iran and its people,” one commenter wrote.
Zendaya has not publicly responded to the criticism.
The Ziwiye Hoard Has A Complicated History
Although the medallions are attributed to the Ziwiye hoard, that label does not provide a fully documented ownership history.
The collection was reportedly discovered near Ziwiye in 1947, but the objects were not recovered through a controlled archaeological excavation. According to the Penn Museum, pieces quickly entered the antiquities market after the find and were divided, damaged, or melted down.
As reported by Pakistani Art, archaeologist Oscar White Muscarella later challenged whether every item marketed as part of the Ziwiye hoard actually came from the same location. He noted that the pieces passed through dealers rather than being formally documented at the site. That uncertain history is significant because “attributed to Ziwiye” does not necessarily establish when an individual object left Iran, who initially sold it, or whether its removal complied with the laws in effect at the time.
Objects associated with the treasure are now scattered across private holdings and museum collections, including institutions in New York, London, Paris, and Tehran.
The Timing Intensifies The Backlash
The controversy has also been heightened by the renewed war involving the United States and Iran. More than 3,000 people were reported killed in Iran during the earlier phase of the conflict, according to figures cited by Reuters. Fighting has since resumed, making the appearance of ancient Iranian artifacts on a Hollywood press tour feel especially insensitive to some observers.
“While they’re bombing Iran, mind you,” one TikTok user wrote. Still, there is no indication that Zendaya selected the earrings to make a statement about Iran or knew the full debate surrounding the Ziwiye hoard’s provenance.
By now, you’ve probably seen Anya Taylor-Joy in the trailer for Lucky, a new crime thriller miniseries that premiered on Apple TV this week. She plays the titular hero Lucky Armstrong in the story of a heist gone wrong, and the manhunt that follows. The show is based on a novel by Marissa Stapley, but beyond that, it is rooted in a dark real-life story that is close to Stapley’s heart. In an interview with PEOPLE ahead of the premiere, Stapley revealed that her own family suffered a major financial scam when she was a child, and it shapes her worldview to this day. That was a major inspiration for Stapley to write her book, and it comes through in the TV adaptation as well.
Stapley’s novel Lucky was published in 2021, telling the story of a young con artist pursued by both the FBI and organized crime bosses after a botched scam. Her book was a hit, thanks in part to Reese Witherspoon‘s book club, which also led to the screen adaptation. Witherspoon is one of the producers of the series, though Jonathan Tropper and Cassie Pappas are the showrunners. For all of these creators, the guiding star is Stapley’s real-life experience from childhood.
Stapley Lived The ‘Lucky’ Story
The Stapley family’s experience of financial scamming is different from Stapley’s book, not least of all because they lived it from the victim’s side. According to the author, when she was 10 years old her mother was fooled by a couple posing as investors. She ended up trusting them with her entire life’s savings, with no way to seek repayment after they disappeared.
This was a major reason why Stapley became interested in writing a con artist story. She said that she did a lot of research into financial scams, and not just the particular methods — she also researched the psychology of the people who go down this road to make a living. She hoped to better understand the people who took advantage of her mother, and to ultimately reach a place where she could forgive them from a far. She said that her mother was always able to keep the experience in perspective and see the good in the world, in spite of what happened to her.
“I believe most people are redeemable,” Stapley said. “That’s a fact. I think that when you look at someone like Lucky, you realize everybody has a story. And my mom was like that. She was so forgiving.” Stapley’s mother was able to read her book before she passed away from cancer. The author said she is pleased to see the moral complexity of her book translating into this adaptation.
“This show is, in some ways, about what causes people to do the things they do, but also there’s always a way out,” Stapley told PEOPLE. “There’s always a way out, and I think that’s important.” The author later added that she believes Lucky’s biggest obstacle is shame, and she believes that’s true for most people. “I think we should find our better angels and find the best hearts of ourselves,” she said.
‘Lucky’ Will Be On The Run All Summer
Lucky premiered on Wednesday on Apple TV with two episodes. There are five more to go airing every Wednesday through August 19, meaning we’ll be watching Lucky’s progress for the rest of the summer. However, some critics have seen the entire series already, setting the show’s scores early. It has an 81% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 6.9 out of 10. Critics generally felt the show was fun and action-packed, but didn’t feel it delivered on all of its promises in the end.
In addition to Taylor-Joy, Lucky stars Annette Bening, Timoth Olyphant, Clifton Collins Jr., and Aujanue Ellis-Taylor. Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company worked with Apple Studios, Tropper Ink, LadyKiller, and J.V.T. Films to bring this story to life, with Taylor-Joy and Stapley serving as producers as well. The show was filmed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles last year.
Lucky faces stiff competition this summer, as the TV lineup is stacked. Apple TV just kicked off Silo Season 3, and Sugar still has four more episodes to air as well. There’s also the new miniseries adaptation of Cape Fear, and Season 5 of Trying, both of which are ongoing week-to-week. It’s a great time for new or lapsed viewers to give Apple TV a try, but it’s a lot to keep up with. Meanwhile, other streamers have some big titles airing right now, and more are on the way.
If Lucky can snag some big ratings in a summer like this, it would be a heist for the ages. The series premiere is streaming now, with new episodes airing on Wednesdays on Apple TV. Stapley’s novel is available now in print, digital, and audiobook formats.
- Release Date
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July 15, 2026
- Network
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Apple TV
- Showrunner
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Jonathan Tropper, Cassie Pappas, Jonathan van Tulleken
- Directors
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Jet Wilkinson, Jonathan van Tulleken
- Writers
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Jonathan Tropper, Cassie Pappas, Mark Stasenko, Marissa Stapley
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