For all the attention The Lord of the Rings continues to receive, it’s easy to forget that none of it would exist without The Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins’ adventure laid the foundation for Middle-earth decades before Frodo ever set foot outside the Shire, but despite its importance, Tolkien’s original fantasy novel rarely gets the spotlight to itself.
Peter Jacksonadapted the story into a blockbuster trilogy, and is even producing several new projects, including the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Outside those movies, The Hobbit has largely shared the stage with its more famous successor. Most Middle-earth games, collectibles, and tabletop releases have centered on the War of the Ring, leaving Bilbo’s “there and back again” journey surprisingly underserved by comparison. That’s finally about to change.
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‘The Hobbit’ Becomes Its Own ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Adventure This August
Featured artwork for ‘The Hobbit’s ‘Magic: The Gathering’ crossover.Image via Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast has officially unveiled Magic: The Gathering – The Hobbit, a standalone Standard-legal expansion arriving worldwide on August 14. Following the success of 2023’s The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, the new Universes Beyond release shifts its attention entirely to Bilbo Baggins’ legendary “there and back again” journey. Rather than revisiting the events of The Lord of the Rings, the expansion faithfully recreates the complete story of The Hobbit through Magic cards, featuring Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Smaug, Elrond, and the rest of Thorin’s Company alongside iconic locations, memorable encounters, and scenes drawn directly from Tolkien’s novel.
Collectors will have no shortage of treasures to chase. Wizards is introducing Dragon Hoard showcase cards inspired by Erebor’s legendary riches, while Collector Boosters include exclusive Surge Foils, Dwarvish-language cards, and the set’s headline collectible: the ultra-rare Gleaming Gold Smaug the Magnificent. Full-art basic lands follow Bilbo’s expedition across Middle-earth, while seasonal Shire Plains depicting spring, summer, autumn, and winter will be available through select products including Prerelease Packs, Bundles, and Gift Bundles. Beyond booster packs, the release also includes a variety of themed products. Two collectible Scene Boxes, Crack the Plates and Treasures of Smaug, each contain six mechanically unique foil cards that combine to recreate memorable moments from Bilbo’s adventure. Wizards is also offering Draft Night boxes designed for four-player draft experiences, alongside Bundles, Gift Bundles, and Collector Boosters.
More than eight decades after Bilbo first stepped out of Bag End, Magic: The Gathering – The Hobbit is giving fans another chance to go “there and back again” when the expansion arrives on August 14. Between faithful adaptations of Tolkien’s story, premium collector treatments, and some of the most striking Middle-earth artwork ever produced for the game, it looks poised to become another standout chapter in Magic’s growing partnership with one of fantasy’s greatest worlds.
Las Vegas got a whole lot more hype on Thursday night as Flavor Flav’s SHE Weekend kicked off. The festivities began with a parade followed by an opening celebration that included music, community, and a ceremony where the women athletes each got a key to the Las Vegas Strip and July 16 was declared Flavor Flav Day in Clark County.
The Blast was in attendance for the opening night of SHE Weekend at Park MGM and Toshiba Plaza. After a mini parade through the doors of Park MGM and a loud, high-energy welcoming, Flavor Flav answered media questions before kicking off the parade on the Strip.
5The Blast | Maya Heyward
For months, Flavor Flav has been planning an epic celebration in Las Vegas to honor female Olympic athletes. One tweet earlier this year started the journey to Sin City for a fun-filled weekend celebrating the athletes and all their accomplishments in a way only possible in Las Vegas.
When Flav first began planning, many businesses, brands, and fans jumped in to help get the party started, donating money and everything necessary to make the weekend the biggest celebration ever.
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On Thursday night, the weekend-long celebration began with an epic welcome by fans and media at Park MGM, followed by a press conference with Flavor Flav, where he talked about why this event is so important to him, what he hopes everyone takes away from the weekend, and much more, followed by a parade and celebration in Toshiba Plaza.
Many noticed that Flav was getting emotional about the kickoff to the exciting weekend-long event. When he was asked about how he’s feeling, he explained that he’s “overwhelmed” and “grateful.”
“The reason why I was getting emotional is, one thing about Flavor Flav is you won’t never catch him faking, I am real and I do have feelings. I say G.I.G., God is good. I’m here and I’m being preserved by God,” Flav told the media during a press conference ahead of the celebration. “I’m just overwhelmed, I’m grateful to be here.”
He later added that it’s all about having the women athletes’ backs.
“It makes you feel good and stronger knowing that someone has your back,” he said. “That’s what I want all of these girls to know and understand about Flav and I want them to feel that out of me that I got their back.”
The idea for SHE Weekend began when the US women’s hockey team declined an invitation by President Donald Trump to visit the White House after the Olympics. That’s when Flav stepped in to make sure the women got the celebration they deserve. When politics entered the chat with the media, Flav shared some brief thoughts and a message for Trump.
“There’s one thing that I really don’t do is the politics thing. I never was into politics. My partner Chuck D handled the political side. Politics does exist and it evolves around my life,” he said. “Politically speaking, Donald Trump, my girls are going to get a way better celebration than what you gave the guys. My girls gonna be eating shrimp, lobster, steak, we gonna be eating fish, everything, not McDonalds. Not Taco Bell. I ain’t got nothing against McDonalds. I ain’t got nothing against Taco Bell. My girls are better than that.”
He also made sure to discuss unity, love, and bringing all races together.
“For me it’s all about unity, it’s all about love, it’s all about respect. When you do something like this, you’re bringing all nationalities together, and that’s one of my biggest goals,” he said. “One day, I want to talk all nationalities, and I want to combine us all together as one. This world is made up of a whole bunch of different races, but you gotta remember at the end of the day, no matter how many races that there are, there is only one race and that’s the human race. We’re all sisters and brothers and that’s the way it should be.”
Flavor Flav Made Sure To Include The Las Vegas Aces In The Celebration
When Flav was asked about the Las Vegas Aces being involved in SHE Weekend, he explained why it was important to him for them to present during the celebration.
“Well first of all, the Aces covers all bases. Also, this is our first WNBA team in Las Vegas and those girls are kicking a-s, they’re doing a hell of a job right now,” he enthusiastically said. “They deserve to be recognized for what they do. That’s why they deserve to be in this parade today.”
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The Aces participated in the parade and the celebration, bringing their championship energy with them, and fans were clearly happy they were there.
After Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom presented each athlete with a key to the Las Vegas Strip, he then turned his attention to the rapper and ultimate hype man.
“Now we’re going to give a proclamation to Flavor. This was his idea so we’re going to congratulate and thank him for that. But more importantly, we’re going to honor all the great women athletes. Thank you all for representing our country, for representing the world, we’re just so proud of you all. Flavor saw what was happening, stepped up to the plate for this event, and look what you created,” the Commissioner said. “On behalf of the Clark County Commissioner, today is Flavor Flav Day.”
He quickly added a shout out to the Las Vegas Aces before saying, “Las Vegas and Clark County are the best places in the world.”
Visit The Blast’s social media pages for scenes from Thursday night’s SHE Weekend events.
Forgotten in the shadow of Star Trek is Gene Roddenberry’s other sci-fi show, Earth: Final Conflict, a syndicated 90s series that started strong and finished with a whimper. Brought to life after Roddenberry’s passing in 1991, it was his wife, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, who helped develop the series off of his notes and outlines in a partnership with Tribune Entertainment.
Originally developed by Gene after Star Trek: The Original Series was canceled, bringing the show to life was considered a miracle by sci-fi fans. While the first season of Earth: Final Conflict filled with promise, it all fell apart over backstage disputes, budget issues, and Kevin Sorbo.
Bringing Alien Politics To Earth
Kevin Kilner as Boone in Earth: Final Conflict
Earth: Final Conflict forgoes the vastness of space for an Earthbound story set years after the Taelons arrived, calling themselves “Companions” and elevated Earth with the gift of advanced technology. But not everyone trusts the new arrivals have good intentions. A resistance movement is stirring against the Taelons, led by Jonathan Doors.
William Boone, a police officer who saves a Taelon from an assassination attempt, becomes a Protector and is secretly a member of the Resistance. There are betrayals, double-crosses, multiple conspiracies, and an ever-increasing cast of Taelons, Earthlings, and even other aliens. All of this should have set up a fascinating series focused on political intrigue similar to Babylon 5.
The Inconsistency Of Earth: Final Conflict
Earth: Final Conflict
Or it would have except that following Season 1, Kevin Kilner, who led Earth: Final Conflict as Boone, left the series over a contract dispute. Then Majel Barrett-Roddenberry stepped down as a producer.
This was the start of the rotating cast issues, which persisted until the very end of Season 5 and made it impossible for fans to remain attached to any of the characters. Replacing Boone as the ostensible lead of the show was Liam Kincaid, played by Robert Leeshock, a human/kimerean hybrid who aged rapidly into a middle-aged man in a version of the worst sci-fi trope writers need to stop using.
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Robert Leeshock as Kincaid on Earth: Final Conflict
Needless to say, this change went over like a lead balloon. Even Majel Barret-Roddenberry commented on how poor the writing became in Season 2. Viewers left the series in droves, pushing Earth: Final Conflict towards cancellation when it was retooled again for the launch of Season 3. More cast members were let go over contract disputes, unhappy over each season coming with a progressively smaller budget, and Tribune Entertainment rapidly lost patience with the production, choosing instead to focus on their new show, Andromeda.
Abandoned For The Shiny New Toy
Kevin Sorbo on Andromeda
Starring Kevin Sorbo in his first post-Hercules role, Andromeda had the attention of the media, and so Tribune Entertainment pulled writers and crew off of Earth: Final Conflict to their new syndicated crown jewel. The result was that Season 4 ended with a cliffhanger, in which it wasn’t clear who lived or who died, just in case any of the cast decided not to return for Season 5.
The budget for the next season was less than a quarter of the first season. The Taelon conspiracy was eliminated, the leads changed again, and the focus was on fighting a covert war against the Atavus, essentially a race of “energy vampires” that were a precursor to the Taelons.
An Atavus on Earth: Final Conflict
The show, which started out so strong in Season 1, ended with a whimper after abandoning the original story outline from Gene Roddenberry and, not coincidentally, a tiny fraction of its original fanbase.
Earth: Final Conflict is streaming for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube, among others, and if nothing else, Season 1 is a fascinating sci-fi tale of politics and mysteries, and the truly unknowable Taelons are a standout of the genre. It’s also a reminder of what could have been, if not for corporate cost-cutting and a desire to rush results instead of letting a show develop organically and take the time to tell its story the right way.
Sydney Sweeney has left fans talking after dropping sizzling new snaps rocking her brand Syrn’s bralette and boyshorts.
The photos swiftly went viral on social media and even led to some wild fan castings, with some fans pushing a major “X-Men” role for the star actress.
The images come after Sydney Sweeney’s controversial final appearance in the hit TV series, “Euphoria,” which saw her come under fire for her risque performance as Cassie.
Sweeney turned the heat up on her official Instagram page, opting to promote her lingerie line directly to her 26 million followers instead of on her usual brand account.
Unsurprisingly, the images sent her fans into a frenzy, with many noting her incredible figure and how good she looked in the images, particularly the photos of the star in boyshorts and a bralette.
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In the images, Sweeney donned a $39 First Base Scoop Neck Bralette alongside the $16 Back For More High-Rise Boyshorts, completing the look with a pair of $79 Better On You Unisex Wide-Leg Pants, per Page Six.
She could be seen leaning against a countertop in the first snap, rocking the boyshorts, while bending over in another snap to open a mini-fridge.
Captioning the image, Sweeney wrote, “Are you a small town girl? New drop out now,” along with two heart emojis.
Fans And Critics React To Star’s Sizzling New Snaps And Wild Emma Frost Casting Hype
Sweeney’s new images drew a wide range of reactions, with some fans even using them as an opportunity to call for her casting in a Marvel role, specifically as the mutant Emma Frost from the X-Men.
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Reacting to the post, an individual noted, “Sydney, you’ll always be beautiful to me. Dont listen to those haters,” while another said, “A movie star who is comfortable in her sexuality and open about it.”
“Sydney Sweeney, the perfect Emma Frost,” another fan wrote in a post on X that reshared snaps of the star.
However, this prompted fierce pushback from critics of Sweeney, with some arguing that she wasn’t fit for the role of the icy X-Men character.
One individual wrote, “All people see is big t-ts and blonde hair, then think ‘OOOO EMMA.’ What is wrong with y’all?”
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“Body yes, acting and personality, no, “another critic commented, while a third noted, “Margot Robbie is who I would pick for Emma Frost. She feels more like the character to me.”
Sydney Sweeney Fought To Keep Her Role In ‘Euphoria’ Racy
Besides promoting her lingerie brand, Sweeney put her physique to good use in the third and last season of her hit show, “Euphoria.”
The actress’s character, Cassie, had a major arc that involved the adult platform OnlyFans, which led to Sweeney appearing in very steamy scenes in barely-there clothing.
It also caused her to face backlash on social media at he time, with many calling out the show’s director, Sam Levinson, for sexualizing the character, and others slamming Sweeney for accepting the part.
However, Levinson recently revealed that Sweeney was the one who fought for raunchy scenes of her character to remain in the series, despite his initial concerns.
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During an appearance on an episode of the New York Times’ “Popcast” podcast, the director appeared to address claims that Sweeney was being forced to do the racy scenes, noting that the actress herself didn’t want her scenes to be censored due to Cassie’s storyline.
“When I first wrote it … I thought, ‘Well, maybe, we shoot all of this, and we don’t have any nudity,’” Levinson said. “I was talking to her about, maybe, there’s ways to shoot around certain [things] — and she looked at me, and she’s like, ‘Are you kidding? I’m playing an OnlyFans model.’”
The Actress Was Labeled ‘Fearless’ By Sam Levinson
Levinson went on to shower Sweeney with praise, stating that he works closely with his cast to discover the most authentic direction for each character.
When it came to shooting the bolder, more provocative scenes, he noted that Sweeney approached the challenge without hesitation.
Praising her artistic courage and work ethic, the filmmaker described her as a “fearless” performer who brings a high level of professionalism and dedication to the set daily.
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“I think she’s a totally fearless actor,” he said. “She’s also just wonderfully professional, and shows up just game every day. I adore working with her, because there’s such a flexibility in terms of the performance.”
Sydney Sweeney Deliberately Chooses Paunchy Roles, Expert Claims
Following Sweeney’s controversial “Euphoria” season 3 performances, several brand and PR experts warned that being overly sexual in so many roles could hurt her career in the long run.
However, in a chat with the Irish Star, PR expert Lisa K. Sass disagreed, noting that the star had gotten too big to be affected by a few racy scenes.
“If this were her debut role, then I think it would be a different story. But her career spans nearly two decades and includes a wide range of roles, so she’s already established herself beyond Euphoria,” Sass stated.
The expert also noted Sweeney may be deliberately choosing her steam roles as it all indirectly helps push her brand and lingerie business.
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“I really believe she’s leaning into her image deliberately. She has her own lingerie collection and is publicly comfortable in her body,” Sass said. “We’re in 2026 – nude scenes no longer impact future roles like they used to.”
The fallout from the frightening security breach at NBC’s “TODAY” show continues to grow.
Just one day after an alleged intruder confronted Craig Melvin inside a restricted area of Studio 1A, a judge has reportedly issued protective orders for both Melvin and Al Roker, while NBC has terminated a security guard accused of allowing the suspect to enter the building.
The latest developments highlight just how seriously authorities and NBC are treating the incident, which has sparked renewed scrutiny of security measures at one of television’s most recognizable morning shows.
According to TMZ, a judge has ordered alleged intruder Andrew Truelove to stay away from both Melvin and Roker.
The court order reportedly bars Truelove from approaching the NBC personalities at work or at their homes. For now, however, the restriction may be largely symbolic, as Truelove remains incarcerated on $20,000 bail while facing multiple hate crime-related charges.
Authorities allege Truelove entered the studio looking for Roker before turning his attention to Melvin when he could not locate the longtime weather anchor.
Melvin briefly addressed the incident during Friday’s broadcast, thanking law enforcement for their swift response. “We are just very happy everyone is safe,” he said, noting that the suspect was quickly apprehended and that NBC employees are cooperating with investigators.
The broadcaster’s comments came after authorities alleged Truelove confronted him in a restricted area and lunged toward him while shouting a racial slur. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, no injuries were reported.
Al Roker Says ‘We Are Both OK’ After Frightening Studio Incident
Roker also addressed the alarming situation on social media, reassuring fans that both he and Melvin were safe following the alleged confrontation. “A really heartfelt thank you to all who reached out over the last 24 hours to check in on my brother, @craigmelvinnbc,” Roker wrote on Instagram. “We are both OK.”
The longtime “Today” meteorologist went on to thank viewers for their support, suggesting the incident had only strengthened the bond among the show’s staff and audience. “It’s moments like these that serve to pull us together,” Roker continued. “You all, like Craig, said, ‘You come after one of us, you come after all of us.’”
The incident has also had immediate consequences behind the scenes. As The Blast reported, NBC terminated a security guard who allegedly failed to prevent Truelove from entering the restricted area.
Page Six reported that surveillance footage showed two guards stationed at the entrance when the breach occurred. One guard allegedly stepped away from the post while the other failed to notice the suspect entering Studio 1A.
The reported firing suggests NBC is already taking disciplinary action as questions continue about how an unauthorized individual was able to gain access to one of the network’s most visible television sets.
NBC Says It Is Reviewing Security Protocols After Studio Breach
“‘TODAY’ is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the matter,” the statement read. “NBC and ‘TODAY’ take the safety and security of our employees, talent, staff and guests extremely seriously.”
The program also revealed that it is conducting an internal review of the situation, including its existing security procedures.
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According to the statement, NBC is “reviewing the incident and our security protocols” and remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone who works at or visits the network’s studios.
Court records reviewed by TMZ indicate Truelove has a significant criminal record that predates the alleged confrontation at NBC.
The suspect recently pleaded guilty to felony criminal mischief in a case involving damage to multiple vehicles and was sentenced last month to six months in jail, five years of probation, and financial penalties. Records also show he currently faces several other pending criminal cases, including charges related to assault, reckless endangerment, and trespassing. He has pleaded not guilty in those matters.
Now, prosecutors have added a series of hate crime charges tied to the alleged confrontation at the “TODAY” show, further escalating what began as a shocking security breach into a potentially serious criminal case.
Fricker passed away peacefully Thursday night in Dublin following a period of ill health, her agent, Phil Belfield, confirmed. While many fans remember her for memorable roles in “Home Alone 2” and “Angels in the Outfield,” Fricker’s legacy stretches far beyond family films, encompassing a groundbreaking Oscar win, decades of acclaimed performances, and a life marked by remarkable resilience.
5WENN.com Newscom/MEGA
Long before she became a beloved figure to ’90s moviegoers, Fricker made history in Hollywood. In 1990, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Christy Brown’s mother in “My Left Foot,” starring opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. The victory made her the first Irish actress to win an Oscar and cemented her place among Ireland’s most celebrated performers.
Following news of her death, Irish deputy prime minister Simon Harris called Fricker a “national treasure.”
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“She was a consummate performer who graced our screens and stages with remarkable talent and authenticity,” Harris told TMZ. “She truly was among the greatest exports this country has ever produced and an ambassador for Irish talent on the world stage.”
The Actress Opened Up About Years Of Personal Trauma
In the final years of her life, Fricker spoke candidly about the hardships she endured long before finding fame. In her memoir, published last year, the actress detailed a turbulent childhood that included physical abuse and troubling experiences that left lasting emotional scars. She also revealed she spent two years in the hospital following a serious bicycle accident as a teenager.
Fricker further shared that she survived sexual assaults in her youth, experiences she said left her feeling “broken.” Despite those painful chapters, she remained reflective rather than bitter about her life. “When I was growing up, you could be wild, and God bless the wild days,” she wrote.
Looking back on her remarkable career, Fricker often insisted that success came less from planning than from unexpected opportunities. “It’s all been luck… happy accidents,” she told The Times.
Former Co-Star Remembers Brenda Fricker’s Wit And Authenticity
Tributes also poured in from colleagues who worked alongside Fricker throughout her career. Her former “Casualty” co-star Cathy Shipton described her as “one of the most authentic people I’ve ever met.”
“She lived her life courageously warts and all,” Shipton told BBC News. “I loved her for her wit, her intelligence and her brilliant sense of humor.”
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Shipton added that life was never dull around Fricker, remembering their shared love of dogs and the lasting friendship they built over the years. “I love her and miss her and am so glad I knew her,” she said.
Fans Remember Brenda Fricker’s Beloved ‘Pigeon Lady’ Role
For millions of fans, however, Fricker will forever be remembered as the kind-hearted Pigeon Lady who befriended Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone 2,” a role that helped make her one of the most beloved character actresses of her generation.
“Rest in peace, Pigeon Lady. Thank you for making my little days feel special on Christmas,” one fan wrote on X. Another shared, “NOT THE PIGEON LADY PLEASE NOO,” while a third reflected on losing another beloved childhood star, writing, “My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Others praised Fricker’s broader body of work, including her Oscar-winning performance in “My Left Foot.” “Rest in peace, Brenda Fricker. Her performance in ‘My Left Foot’ was unforgettable, and the Pigeon Lady in ‘Home Alone 2’ became a Christmas icon for generations,” one tribute read.
Many fans also highlighted the kindness and warmth Fricker brought to the Pigeon Lady character, with one person writing, “Pigeon lady was an icon, one of the most beautiful characters.”
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Brenda Fricker’s Pigeon Lady Legacy Lives On Through Generations Of Fans
As tributes continued to pour in, a common theme emerged: while Fricker’s career spanned decades and earned some of the entertainment industry’s highest honors, many fans will forever remember her as the compassionate Central Park outcast who helped Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, find the true meaning of friendship during the holidays.
Prime Video’s highly anticipated live-action God of War series has hit a major setback, as star Ryan Hurst will no longer portray Kratos following a serious injury sustained during production.
According to a report from Deadline, Hurst tore his bicep while performing a stunt on set in Vancouver. The injury required surgery, and with an extended recovery expected, the production has made the difficult decision to recast the iconic Spartan warrior rather than wait for the actor to return.
The decision reportedly comes after several episodes had already been completed. As a result, scenes featuring Hurst as Kratos will need to be reshot once a replacement is cast, adding another delay to one of Prime Video’s biggest upcoming adaptations.
Hurst was announced as Kratos earlier this year, bringing an interesting connection to the franchise after previously providing the voice and motion capture performance for Thor in God of War Ragnarök. His casting was met with excitement from fans, especially after first-look images showcased his transformation into the legendary Ghost of Sparta.
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God of War [sony entertainment]
The series, developed by Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Television, and PlayStation Productions, is based on the acclaimed 2018 God of War video game. It follows Kratos and his son Atreus as they embark on an emotional and dangerous journey across the Nine Realms to fulfill the final wish of Kratos’ late wife, Faye.
The cast also includes Callum Vinson as Atreus, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Ed Skreinas Baldur, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Max Parker as Heimdall, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Danny Woodburn as Brok, and Jeff Gulka as Sindri. Ronald D. Moore serves as showrunner, with the series already receiving a two-season order before filming began.
No replacement actor has been announced, and there is currently no updated release window for the series. Production is expected to resume once a new Kratos has been cast and the previously completed scenes are reshot.
Since launching in 2023, Starfield has occupied a strange place in Bethesda’s lineup. The sci-fi RPG introduced the studio’s first original universe in more than 25 years, attracted millions of players, and quickly became one of Xbox’s biggest exclusives. Yet over the past year, much of the conversation surrounding Bethesda has shifted elsewhere. Fans have spent more time wondering when they’ll finally see The Elder Scrolls 6, debating the future of Fallout, and speculating about what comes after than talking about the Settled Systems. But Bethesda has not moved on.
As part of a sweeping update outlining the future of Bethesda Game Studios, the developer confirmed that Starfield remains a key part of its long-term plans. Alongside new player milestones, Bethesda shared what’s coming in the game’s third year of support, including fresh story content, gameplay improvements, and the first official tease of new Starborn content arriving in 2027.
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Bethesda Isn’t Finished With the Settled Systems Yet
This is a developing story. Please refresh your page for updates from Collider.
Stephen King and “light-hearted sci-fi procedural” don’t sound like they go together, and honestly, Haven, a SyFy original series, is only loosely based on a King novella, The Colorado Kid. The book is about a mysterious death in a small town in Maine investigated by two local newspaper reporters, while the series includes a mysterious death but surrounds it with a town full of supernatural events that defy explanation.
If Buffy and NCIS got together and had a kid, it would be this show, which is impossible to take seriously but is one of the lightest, breeziest binge-watches available today.
The Troubles
The town of Haven has been beset by what the residents refer to as “The Troubles,” a sudden burst of paranormal activity that manifested in strange powers taking hold of citizens. A typical “Case of the Week” format centers around something strange, from mysterious murders in the dead of night to an earthquake or a pyrokinetic on the loose. Investigating these cases is the new-in-town Audrey Parker (played by Emily Rose), joined by local officer Nathan Wournos (Lucas Bryant), and starting in Season 2, WWE Hall of Famer Edge aka Adam Copeland, and what starts simple (for a strange outburst of superpowers) quickly spirals into a generations-spanning mystery.
It takes a while for the big picture to become clear, and by then, the show has gone wildly off the rails into secret organizations, different dimensions, and the same people playing their own evil twins in the most soap opera twist possible. Yet even The X-Files and Battlestar Galactica ended up losing the plot in their final seasons, and at least with Haven, it’s a fun ride to get to the end.
The Last Of Its Generation
And there is an ending. Haven aired for five seasons on SyFy, telling a complete story between all of the “Case of the Week” episodes, bottle episodes (an early one paying homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is a standout), and a parade of guest stars. Among the familiar faces that pass through the town are Colin Ferguson (from the SyFy series Eureka), William Shatner, Edge’s best friend forever and world’s greatest Dad, Christian, aka William Reso, 90s heartthrob Jason Priestly, and Battlestar Galactica’s Michael Hogan.
I was a sucker for this generation of SyFy originals, from Eureka and Warehouse 13 to Sanctuary and Haven, for being light, easy watches that don’t demand much of the viewer. The equivalent of a bag of potato chips, none of these shows will fill you up or have deep, philosophical messages to get across, but what they are is incredibly entertaining from start to finish. Of course, as SyFy originals, the crew had to get creative with their budgets, and the shows can look a little … cheap … compared to the million-dollar streaming shows of today, but that’s part of the charm.
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You can’t compare Haven to a straight Stephen King series adaptation like Rose Red, Castle Rock, or The Stand, even though it is filled with small references to his vast catalog of work, but it’s also still better than The Langoliers and Under the Dome. If you’re in the mood for a new sci-fi show to binge, you can stream it for free on several platforms, including YouTube, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and The CW. It’s also streaming ad-free on Peacock if you have a subscription.
Y’all! Jessie James and D’Lila Star Combs are opening up about their bond with their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, as the family navigates a major new chapter. In their first interview since Diddy’s conviction and sentencing, the twins shared insight into their relationship with the music mogul and how they continue leaning on family during difficult moments.
During an exclusive interview with ET’s Nischelle Turner, Jessie and D’Lila Combs revealed that their father is focused on “becoming a better man for his family” following his legal troubles. A source also told ET that Diddy has apologized to his daughters for his behavior shown in the Cassie assault video.
When asked about their current relationship with their father, the twins said they remain very close, sharing that he continues to give them advice they value. Jessie and D’Lila also explained that as they build their new clothing brand, they often turn to Diddy for guidance because they believe his advice is always right.
Combs Twins Share Thoughts On Diddy As A Father
During the conversation, Jessie and D’Lila said their father’s focus has been on personal growth and being there for his family. When asked what kind of dad Sean “Diddy” Combs is, the twins described him as “an amazing dad” and “the best dad,” while also saying he is not a strict parent.
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The sisters shared that their siblings and family have helped them get through challenging moments, emphasizing the importance of staying connected as they move forward. They also said Diddy has continued to be present in their lives and offer support as they pursue their own goals.
Social Media Sounds Off On Interview
Folks quickly flooded Entertainment Tonight’s Instagram comment section with reactions to Jessie and D’Lila Combs’ interview about their father, Diddy. Some commenters praised the twins as “sweet girls” and said they should not face judgment for their father’s actions, while others questioned their statements about their relationship with Diddy. Some users also challenged the idea that Diddy “gives the best advice,” saying the comment felt like a stretch given the circumstances surrounding his legal case.
One Instagram user @muvi_starr said, “They are not their father! Let these babies live and make their own mark! Would you want to be judged bc of your parents..ijs lol ..😂”
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This Instagram user @alicewonderland9797 claimed, “After all what Diddy did to sit there and praise him feels weird. And wrong.”
And, Instagram user @maryamimraheal wrote, “I was all supportive until she said their relationship is GREAT”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @viva_signature_studio added, “At the end of the day he might be a bad man outside but to them he’s the best dad ever so we can’t take that away from them.”
While Instagram user @drbdermatology shared, “They are kind sweet mature young women who are paving their own path”
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Lastly, Instagram user @martinseempa commented, “‘He gives best advice’😂😂😂😂😂”
Straight from the horse’s mouth! Run Fast Racing founder Adam Kluger sat down with ET ahead of his horse racing event in Del Mar, California, on Saturday, July 25, to share how people can buy into a racehorse ownership group alongside Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, and more.
Kluger launched the venture after discovering horse racing as a teenager.Run Fast Racing
“I started to love it when I was around 16 years old. I used to sneak into the track in Tampa with my best friend to bet on the races. Once I got a bit older and learned all that goes into it, the beauty of it all was very evident,” he shares.
“I’m a huge sports guy, and I can confidently say no live sporting event is more fun than horse racing as an owner. It’s an unreal experience,” the entrepreneur adds.
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Run Fast Racing
Memberships start at $100 a month and include owners box privileges, behind-the-scenes barn visits, voting rights on key stable decisions, and Direct Pay.
“Del Mar is an amazing experience. The entire meet is a party. … There is nothing better. … All Run Fast Racing users get free entry and access into the Run Fast Racing owners lounge on the 3rd floor. Not to mention hopefully a few trips into the winners’ circle,” he says.
Bringing A-list talent into the fold was a natural fit for Kluger, who previously worked in artist management and partnerships with Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé.Run Fast Racing
“Anyone that isn’t a multi-millionaire has historically been boxed out. We decided we didn’t like that and wanted to make it accessible to everyone,” the CEO explains.
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“Celebrities, much like anyone else, go to the racetrack once, experience it, and immediately fall in love. Not to mention the fact that the paydays are very good,” Kluger quips.
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