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The MCU’s X-Men Are Already at a Huge Disadvantage

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Evan Peters, Hugh Jackman, and Ryan Reynolds as Quicksilver, Wolverine, and Deadpool, in front of the X-Men logo

After eighteen years of superhero success, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally ready to introduce the X-Men. Sure, there have been small teases here and there, namely in Disney+’s Ms. Marvel series, but after 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, which confirmed the Fox X-Men universe as a multiverse in the MCU, the powers that be are bringing in the Merry Mutants and moving full steam ahead with a reboot directed by Jake Schreier of Thunderbolts* fame.

But after decades of X-Men films in the Fox universe, the MCU’s new X-Team will have an uphill battle to climb. Since the X-Men are arguably the longest running Marvel live action franchise, having kicked off in the year 2000 with X-Men and churning out sequels and spin-offs year after year, any reset of the franchise will have the unenviable task of introducing the numerous concepts and characters of the world to millions of new fans. With the epic history of the franchise, that could be a problem.

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The Fox era laid the groundwork well.

Professor X with the X-Men in 'X-Men' (2000)
Professor X with the X-Men in ‘X-Men’ (2000)
Image via 20th Century Studios

In the year 2000, comic book movies were not as commonplace as they are now and the ones that fans did have were campy and unrealistic. Then along came X-Men, which took the source material seriously and took time to build up the characters, to the point that the film opened with a flashback sequence to a WW2 concentration camp. The concept of mutants living among us and the social divide between them and the human population was explored and treated with respect to the debate inherit in the premise.

The film also succeeded when it came to establishing numerous classic comic book characters. The X-Men are a large and diverse team in the comics- there’s practically a mutant for everybody to identify with- and the film had the task of picking and choosing the very best of them to present to a brand new audience. The filmmakers chose wisely and cast the parts perfectly, namely Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, both of whom have reprised their roles countless times.

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The franchise’s evolution will be hard to top.

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As the decades went on, the X-Men franchise got bigger and bolder with each successive film, introducing new characters, adapting famous comic book storylines, and upping the ante when it came to their action set pieces. By the time Matthew Vaughn soft rebooted the franchise with 2011’s X-Men: First Class, audiences were familiar enough with the lore that a prequel detailing certain characters’ history was a huge box office success.

And now the MCU is planning on essentially starting from scratch, recasting key iconic characters and planning a fresh take on the concept. With all the groundwork laid by the Fox universe, redoing and disregarding the deep lore of those films will be massive challenge, especially when it comes to introducing the characters that fans are accustomed to from previous films.

Worse, since the MCU has confirmed that the Fox universe is canon, albeit in another multiverse, the comparison between old and new will be fierce and unforgiving. If the MCU was truly doing its own thing and restarting from square one, maybe fans could forgive a reboot. But with Stewart, Ian McKellan and more returning in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, any new cast of X-Men will have to hold a candle to their predecessors, who have played the roles for so long that they’re practically inseparable from the characters.

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With a deep cast and long history behind the franchise, the X-Men are ripe for a big screen saga. But since fans have already enjoyed numerous films showcasing these characters, starting over could either be a big win or a massive backfire. Only time will tell which fate will befall the new X-Men.


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Release Date
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July 13, 2000

Runtime

104 minutes

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Director

Bryan Singer

Producers
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Avi Arad, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Richard Donner

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This $29 One-Piece Looks Just Like Ashley Graham’s Swimsuit

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 2024 Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala at L.A. Live Event Deck Top Floor Of The West Lot on October 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)

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Ashley Graham knows how to make a one-piece swimsuit feel anything but basic. While vacationing in Sardinia, Italy, the model shared a series of Instagram photos wearing a sleek black swimsuit with a striking gold hardware detail at the bust, proving that a timeless silhouette can still make a major statement.

Luckily, you don’t need a luxury vacation itinerary (or a celebrity-level budget) to channel Graham’s look. We found a nearly identical swimsuit on Amazon for just $29. From the sculpting fit to the eye-catching gold accent, this affordable find looks far more expensive than its price tag, making it an easy addition to your warm-weather wardrobe.

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Get the Xunyu One-Piece Bathing Suit for $29 (was $35) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Xunyu One-Piece is a tummy-control swimsuit with a bandeau-style top, flattering ruched sides and a gold U-shaped hardware detail. The torso is lined with mesh that smooths and “creates a slimming effect,” one shopper said.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 2024 Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala at L.A. Live Event Deck Top Floor Of The West Lot on October 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)


Related: Copy Meghan Markle’s Timeless Black Swimsuit Style for as Low as $17

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No matter how much I try to add more color into my wardrobe, I’ll never give up my black one-piece swimsuits. Black swimwear is simply classic — just ask Meghan Markle. The actress wore a timeless suit while on a recent vacation in Portugal with family. The color is inherently slimming, looks good on everyone […]

This glamorous suit also comes with practical features, like removable straps and pads for more or less coverage as needed. You can buy a solid black suit like Graham’s or choose a striped, floral or color-blocked option.

It can be tricky to find a bathing suit that’s the right fit, but this one is flattering across multiple body types, according to reviewers. One reviewer said it’s the “perfect fit for a longer torso,” while another wrote that the suit “fits all shapes and sizes because it has criss-cross lacing [on the back] that you can use to adjust the width.”

Soak up the rest of the summer sun in this chic, flattering suit that looks just like Graham’s seaside Sardinian look.

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Get the Xunyu One-Piece Bathing Suit for $29 (was $35) at Amazon!

Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Xunyu here and more chic one-pieces here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Gabrielle Union is seen on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)


Related: Gabrielle Union’s Chic Black Swimsuit Has a Slimming Twin for Just $30

If we could choose one celebrity to hang poolside with, it would be Gabrielle Union. The actress has that quintessential cool-girl energy, and her summer pool style isn’t far behind. Her recent slimming black swimsuit style is the kind of chic, confidence‑boosting piece we’re always trying to recreate, and now we can. The 53-year-old star […]

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Carson Daly Speaks Out on Rumors He’s Leaving The Voice

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Queen Latifah Joins 'The Voice'

Carson Daly addressed his future on The Voice amid the announcement that Keke Palmer will host an upcoming celebrity spinoff of the show.

“Many today have asked if I’m leaving [The Voice]. Nope,” Daly, 53, clarified via Instagram on Tuesday, August 5. “We’re gonna try out these 2 formats this fall/spring & see how it goes! Hopefully this post clears up any confusion. “

NBC revealed on Tuesday that Daly will produce and Palmer, 32, will host The Voice: Celebrity, set to air on the Peacock Network in spring 2027. This twist on the Voice format features Joe Jonas joining celebrity coaches Queen Latifah and Riley Green as they evaluate the hidden musical talent of actors, musicians, influencers, athletes, comedians and reality stars in order to crown one winner.

“Today we announced our new upcoming Celebrity version of @nbcthevoice. A spin off format of our long running show,” Daly explained via his Instagram post. “It’s a new concept than what has aired for 30 seasons aka the ‘OG format’ where regular humans sing, chairs turn, teams are built, one winner [is] crowned at the end. Celeb Voice is a fun, NEW IDEA that features some big differences like… FAMOUS PEOPLE singing for 3 coaches to see if they have what it takes. There’s lots of new twists & turns. I have been talking about it on @todayshow for a while now. I am not the right host for it.”

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Queen Latifah Joins 'The Voice'


Related: Queen Latifah to Make Her Debut as a Coach on ‘The Voice’ Season 30

Queen Latifah is getting ready to turn her chair! NBC announced on Tuesday, May 12, that Latifah, 56, would be making her coaching debut on The Voice season 30. Latifah will be joined by fellow first-timer and country music star Riley Green and returning coaches Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson. Season 30 of the series […]

He went on to praise Palmer as his replacement, writing, “We have a NEW amazing HOST! The triple threat queen @keke who is PERFECT for it! I’m so grateful she carved out the time in her busy career to help us out. 🙏We’re all big fans & welcome her to the family.”

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Daly later reassured fans that he will still host the civilian version of The Voice when it returns this fall for season 30 on NBC with coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Latifah, 56, and country music star Green, 37.

“I am still hosting the show currently,” he stressed. “In fact, I have hosted & produced every single second of the show since day 1, 30 seasons. 16 years. I’ll be producing Celeb Voice only & helping it launch from behind the scenes. Meanwhile, thanks for watching any/all Voice shows & we can’t wait to see you NEXT MONTH with the ‘OG’ Voice coaches @adamlevine @kellyclarkson @queenlatifah @rileyduckman & yes, me. We’ve already shot a-lot of it & it may be our best season yet!! And please tune in SPRING 2027 for Celebrity Voice!”

NUP20844701842 keke palmer Carson Daly Speaks Out on Rumors Hes Leaving The Voice

Keke Palmer on “Password.”
David Holloway/NBC

Palmer is no stranger to hosting gigs, as she has fronted the revival of classic game show Password on NBC since 2022. For her work on Password, Palmer became the first Black woman to win the Outstanding Host for a Game Show Award at the Emmys in 2024.

The actress also hosts her own podcast “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” and previously anchored the Strahan, Sara and Keke incarnation of GMA3 on ABC, alongside Michael Strahan and Sara Haines, from 2019 to 2020.

The Voice season 30 premieres on NBC Monday, September 21, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Perez Hilton Crisis Followed Hidden Personal Struggles

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Perez Hilton at Disney+ original series - The Santa Clauses - Red Carpet Event

Perez Hilton’s recent hospitalization has drawn renewed attention to the series of personal and professional struggles that had quietly unfolded in the months leading up to the incident. 

Once regarded as one of the internet’s most influential celebrity gossip bloggers, Hilton had reportedly been grappling with financial strain, career setbacks, lingering health complications, and deeply personal challenges before authorities responded to a self-harm emergency at his Miami home.

Perez Hilton at Disney+ original series - The Santa Clauses - Red Carpet Event
GilbertFlores@Broadimage / MEGA

Perez Hilton had endured a difficult stretch before he was hospitalized following a self-harm incident that was livestreamed on TikTok. 

As The Blast shared, the footage appeared to show the 48-year-old covered in blood while holding a large knife inside his Miami residence.

Long before the emergency, Hilton was reportedly facing mounting financial pressure while searching for a path back into mainstream entertainment. 

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After rising to prominence in the early 2000s through his celebrity gossip website and later expanding into reality television, several recent attempts to revive his TV career reportedly failed to gain momentum.

According to the Daily Mail, multiple reality show concepts stalled before making it to air. One project initially appeared more promising after Hilton reportedly signed a deal with a television production company to host a program focused on cyberbullying. 

However, a source claimed the company had yet to pay him and was still deciding exactly how he would fit into the production.

Hilton Faced Financial Stress Alongside Personal Battles

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Perez Hilton’s career frustrations reportedly coincided with challenges in his personal life. 

Sources told the outlet that the blogger had become increasingly discouraged over his dating life and was unhappy about being single while struggling to find a long-term partner.

In addition, Hilton revealed earlier this year that he had spent 21 days in the hospital after developing sepsis. In a YouTube video, the father of three shared that the health scare, which began after taking flu medication on an empty stomach, ultimately required two surgeries. 

During the ordeal, doctors also treated him for fluid in his lungs, deep vein thrombosis, kidney issues, and an irregular heartbeat.

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The extended recovery kept him away from work for more than a month, adding to his financial burden. Hoping to offset those losses, Hilton launched a religious-themed clothing line.

“That’s why your boy is now in hustle mode. I have all that, that I had to take care of and I wasn’t able to work for over a month,” he explained.

He also encouraged supporters by saying, “Wear something holy. Praise Him. And support your boy, if you want.”

Perez Hilton Credited Faith With Helping Him Start Over

Perez Hilton
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Following his battle with sepsis, Hilton described his recovery as nothing short of miraculous, saying he believed God had intervened during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

His renewed faith also shaped another major decision: leaving Las Vegas and returning to his hometown of Miami. 

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Hilton explained that life in Las Vegas had left him feeling overwhelmed and unhappy, while moving closer to family offered the sense of security he had been missing.

Still, the transition wasn’t without its own emotional challenges. He admitted that Miami no longer felt like the city he remembered from the early 1990s, describing it as unfamiliar despite being home.

Hilton also acknowledged that the aftermath of sepsis continued to weigh heavily on him. He said the illness placed him under “a tremendous amount of stress,” while the antibiotics prescribed during his recovery left him feeling “run down and depressed.” 

Those lingering physical and emotional effects appeared to persist well beyond his release from the hospital.

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Hilton’s Mental Health Emergency Triggered A Major Police Response

Perez Hilton
MEGA

The mounting pressures ultimately culminated in Tuesday night’s emergency.

Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Department responded to Perez Hilton’s home after receiving reports of what dispatch audio described as a “suicide attempt.” 

Officers arrived around 11 p.m. and remained at the residence for several hours after Hilton reportedly barricaded himself inside.

Authorities employed “de-escalation measures” while waiting for a mental health team to arrive. Hilton was eventually transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. 

His three children were not at the residence during the incident and are reportedly being cared for by their grandmother.

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Perez Hilton’s Family Says They’re Hopeful As Blogger Receives Medical Care

Perez Hilton at the Premiere Of Disney's "Mulan"
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA

Amid the scary incident, Hilton’s family shared an encouraging update as the celebrity blogger remains under medical care, saying there were early signs giving them reason to stay hopeful. 

In a statement released on his blog, his loved ones confirmed that Hilton was “able to communicate,” describing that development as “giving us hope” as they focused entirely on his recovery. 

They thanked fans, friends, and first responders for the overwhelming support they had received, adding that every message of kindness had meant a great deal during an incredibly difficult time. 

While acknowledging there was still a long road ahead, the family said their priority remained Hilton’s health and well-being, asking the public to continue respecting his privacy. 

They also expressed gratitude to the medical team caring for him and said they would share further updates only when appropriate, stressing that their focus remained on supporting him through his recovery.

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Netflix Officially Revives Its Cancelled Fantasy Series With a New October Release

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The Sandman Blu-ray

One year after its untimely conclusion, Netflix‘s acclaimed supernatural fantasy adaptation of a beloved DC comic series is making a comeback, but not in the way fans may have hoped. Co-developed by Neil Gaiman, Foundation creator David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, The Sandman ended its two-season run in July 2025, concluding Dream’s story as he sought to rebuild his fractured kingdom and atone for the mistakes that had shaped his existence.

Starring Tom Sturridge as Morpheus, the King of Dreams, The Sandman was widely praised for its faithful adaptation of Gaiman’s work as well as its stunning visuals, performances, and ambitious world-building. Across two seasons, the series managed to cover the comic’s most important arcs while remaining focused on Dream’s emotional journey. Season 1 primarily adapted Preludes & Nocturnes and The Doll’s House, alongside select stories from Dream Country. Season 2, on the other hand, drew from Season of Mists, Brief Lives, The Kindly Ones, and The Wake, delivering a fitting conclusion to Morpheus’ saga.

Although the series earned strong critical acclaim throughout its run, with an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Netflix announced in January 2025, months before Season 2 premiered, that the second season would be its last. The decision naturally disappointed many fans, who had hoped to see more of Gaiman’s expansive mythology adapted for the screen. Now, The Sandman is returning in physical form, with Amazon confirming that The Sandman: The Complete Series will be released on Blu-ray on October 20, 2026. The box set is currently available for pre-order starting at $48.99, while a DVD edition will also launch the same day, priced at $43.99.

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Collider Exclusive · Middle-earth Quiz
Which Lord of the Rings
Character Are You?

One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed

The road goes ever on. From the green hills of the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, every soul in Middle-earth carries a destiny. Ten questions stand between you and the truth of who you are. Answer honestly — the One Ring has a way of revealing what we most want to hide.

💍Frodo

🌿Samwise

👑Aragorn

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🔥Gandalf

🏹Legolas

⚒️Gimli

👁️Sauron

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🪨Gollum

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01

You are handed a responsibility that could destroy you. What do you do?
The weight of the world falls on unlikely shoulders.




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02

Your closest companion is heading into terrible danger. You:
True loyalty is revealed not in comfort, but in crisis.




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03

Enormous power is within your reach. Your instinct is:
Power corrupts — but only those who reach for it.




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04

What does “home” mean to you?
Where we long to return reveals who we truly are.




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05

When a battle is upon you, your approach is:
War reveals what we are made of — whether we like it or not.




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06

Someone comes to you for advice in their darkest hour. You:
Wisdom is not knowing all the answers — it’s knowing which questions to ask.




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07

How do you see yourself, honestly?
Self-knowledge is the most dangerous kind.




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08

Which of these best describes your relationship with the natural world?
Middle-earth speaks to those who know how to listen.




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09

You encounter a wretched, pitiable creature who has done terrible things. You:
How we treat the fallen reveals the height of our character.




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10

When the quest is over and the songs are sung, what do you hope they say about you?
In the end, we are all just stories.




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The Fellowship Has Spoken
Your Place in Middle-earth

The scores below reveal your true character. Your highest number is your match. Even a tie tells a story — the Fellowship was never made of simple people.

💍
Frodo

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🌿
Samwise

👑
Aragorn

🔥
Gandalf

🏹
Legolas

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⚒️
Gimli

👁️
Sauron

🪨
Gollum

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You carry something heavy — and you carry it alone, even when you don’t have to. You were not born for greatness, and that is precisely why greatness chose you. Your courage is not the roaring, sword-swinging kind; it is quiet, stubborn, and terrifying in its refusal to quit. The Ring weighs on you more than anyone can see, and still you walk toward the fire. That is not weakness. That is the rarest kind of strength there is.

You are, without question, the best of them. Not the most powerful, not the most celebrated — but the most essential. Your loyalty is not a trait; it is a force of nature. You would carry the person you love up the slopes of Mount Doom if it came to that, and we both know you’d do it without being asked. The world needs more people like you, and the world is lucky it has even one.

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You were born to lead, and you have spent years running from it. The crown is yours by right, but you know better than anyone that right means nothing without the will and the worthiness to back it up. You are tempered by loss, shaped by long roads, and defined by a code of honour you hold to even when no one is watching. When you finally step forward, the world shifts. Because it was always waiting for you.

You have seen more than you let on, and you say less than you know — which is exactly as it should be. You are a catalyst: you do not fight the battles yourself, you ignite the people who can. Your wisdom comes not from books but from an age of watching what happens when it is ignored. You arrive precisely when you mean to, and your presence alone changes what is possible. A wizard is never late.

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Graceful, perceptive, and almost preternaturally calm under pressure — you see things others miss and act before others react. You do not need to make a scene to be remarkable; your presence speaks for itself. You are loyal to those you choose to stand beside, and that choice is not made lightly. You have lived long enough to know that the most beautiful things in this world are also the most fragile, and that is why you fight to protect them.

You are loud, proud, and absolutely formidable — and beneath all of that is one of the most fiercely loyal hearts in Middle-earth. You don’t do anything by half measures. Your friendships are forged like iron, your grudges run as deep as mines, and your courage in battle is the kind that makes legends. You came into this fellowship suspicious of everyone and ended it willing to die for an elf. That is not a small thing. That is everything.

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You think in centuries and act in absolutes. Order, dominion, control — not because you are cruel by nature, but because you have decided that the world left to itself always falls apart, and you are the only one with the vision and the will to hold it together. You were not always this. Something was lost, or taken, or betrayed, and the version of you that stands now is the answer to that wound. The tragedy is that you’re not entirely wrong — just entirely too far gone to course-correct.

You are a study in contradiction — pitiable and dangerous, cunning and broken, capable of both cruelty and something that once resembled love. You are defined by loss: of innocence, of self, of the one thing that gave your existence meaning. Two voices war inside you constantly, and the tragedy is that the better one sometimes wins, just not often enough, and never at the right moment. You are a warning, yes — but also a mirror. We are all a little Gollum, given the right ring and enough time.

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What Happens in ‘The Sandman’ Season 2?

The Sandman Blu-ray
The Sandman Blu-ray
Image via Amazon

Set just weeks after the Season 1 finale, The Sandman Season 2 follows Dream as he returns to the Dreaming and begins restoring his kingdom after more than a century away. As he transforms the palace, he vows to leave the past behind and look to the future. The past, of course, has other ideas, forcing him to confront both friends and enemies from across his immortal life. Furthermore, the season explores Dream’s complex relationships with the Endless, particularly his siblings, as he faces one impossible decision after another while attempting to save himself, his kingdom, and the waking world from the epic fallout of his past misdeeds. Ultimately, his search for redemption comes at a great cost, bringing his story to a bittersweet ending.

The Sandman: The Complete Series will be released on Blu-ray in October. Pre-order yours here and follow Collider for more pop culture updates.


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Release Date

2022 – 2025-00-00

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Network

Netflix

Showrunner
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Allan Heinberg

Directors

Louise Hooper, Andrés Baiz, Hisko Hulsing, Mike Barker, Coralie Fargeat

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Writers

Neil Gaiman, Allan Heinberg, David S. Goyer

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25 Movies To Watch if You Love ‘Gladiator’

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Matt Damon and Zendaya in The Odyssey

Winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 2000, enduring as a classic over 20 years later, and having a sequel that was released in 2024, it’s safe to say that Gladiator is a much-loved film. It’s proven to be one of the most popular films within Ridley Scott‘s vast body of work and tells a gripping revenge story that’s well-paced, emotionally resonant, filled with exciting action, and complemented by strong visuals, performances, and music.

Even if the film had never gotten a sequel, there are still plenty of other action-packed historical movies out there that scratch a similar itch. The following are some of the best of these and are essentially required viewing for fans of Gladiator who want to see other titles with comparable stories, equally exciting action, or deal with characters seeking revenge in the distant past.

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25

‘The Odyssey’ (2026)

Matt Damon and Zendaya in The Odyssey
Matt Damon and Zendaya in The Odyssey
Image via Universal Pictures

As far as historical spectacle in cinema goes, no film has surpassed Gladiator in terms of grandeur and gravitas since it was released in 2000, but has that just changed? A typically enormous achievement from modern blockbuster maestro Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey brings Homer’s epic poem to life in ravishing detail as it follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his men in their arduous voyage back to Ithaca after Greece’s victory in the Trojan War.

Just as Gladiator thrives as a stunning realization of Ancient Rome, The Odyssey immerses viewers in the wonder of Ancient Greece, not only through the palpable authenticity of its fantasy elements, but through the quality, scope, and detail of the production as well. Furthermore, with both movies focusing on battle-hardened heroes seeking to emerge triumphant over overwhelming odds, including political threats from traitorous cowards, The Odyssey holds a similar emotional pull as Gladiator even as it tells a very different story. —Ryan Heffernan

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24

‘Spartacus’ (1960)

Kirk Douglas as Spartacus on the arena fighting in Spartacus
Kirk Douglas as Spartacus on the arena fighting in Spartacus
Image via Universal Studios

Gladiator isn’t similar enough to Spartacus to call it a remake by any means, but of all the old-school Hollywood epics from the 1950s and 60s, Spartacus is probably the one Gladiator took the most inspiration from. It’s a huge movie that runs for more than three hours, being set in the first century B.C. and telling the story of Spartacus, a man sold into slavery and forced into gladiatorial combat, only to break free of his captors and inspire a rebellion with his fellow slaves that will allow them to get revenge on those who sold and enslaved them.

With its large-scale narrative about an uprising, it doesn’t spend as much time in the arena as Gladiator. However, it’s still an aspect of it, and the revenge sought by the title character is another point of comparison. The behind-the-scenes story of Spartacus is also interesting and dramatic, from its writing to its production, with Stanley Kubrick ultimately being its director, despite the final product not exactly feeling like a Kubrick film.

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23

‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ (2003)

Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey on a ship in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey on a ship in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Image via 20th Century Studios

Russell Crowe was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, leading not only Gladiator but other noteworthy titles like L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind, and Cinderella Man. One of his best movies of the era comes in the form of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, another gem of historical cinema that combines its loose basis on Patrick O’Brien’s “Aubrey-Maturin” novel series with a stunning realization of naval life during the Napoleonic Wars.

Crowe stars as Jack Aubrey, the captain of the HMS Surprise who bullishly leads his crew in pursuit of a powerful French vessel sailing around the coast of South America, even as they face insurmountable obstacles in their voyage. Complimented by Peter Weir’s outstanding direction, the seafaring epic juggles monumental scope with intimate drama with aplomb, making for an underrated highlight of Crowe’s career as a leading man and a somewhat forgotten gem of historical drama at large. —Ryan Heffernan

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22

‘Ironclad’ (2011)

A Knight Templar angrily confronts a young squire in 'Ironclad' (2011).
A Knight Templar angrily confronts a young squire in ‘Ironclad’ (2011).
Image via ARC Entertainment

There are certainly better movies in the world, but for those who adore the visceral grit and grandeur of Gladiator’s combat sequences, Ironclad is a rewarding dose of swords-and-sandals action. Very loosely based on true events, it unfolds as a small group of barons holds the strategic point of Rochester Castle in defiance of King John (Paul Giamatti), who has gathered a Danish army as he tries to restore his absolute authority and break the vow he made when he signed the Magna Carta.

Ironclad is a procession of grim and bloody violence and knightly stoicism broken up by the evil sneering of Giamatti’s King John, but there is a charm to that. It flaunts a romanticized morality of valor and bravery to a fault, but given it is supported by an ensemble cast that includes James Purefoy, Brian Cox, Charles Dance, and Derek Jacobi as well as Giamatti, it is an easily indulged romp of historical action. —Ryan Heffernan

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21

‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

A man sitting down with a crowd behind him in Seven Samurai
A man sitting down with a crowd behind him in Seven Samurai
Image via Toho

In many respects, Seven Samurai is the true pioneer of the brand of historical epic cinema that Gladiator exists within, along with many other classic titles of the past 70 years. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, the Japanese picture unfolds over a monumental yet ceaselessly enrapturing 202-minute runtime, with Kurosawa using everything from immaculate, inspired cinematography to poignant character beats, natural elements like rain and wind, and intense and realistic combat that was decades ahead of its time to create what is one of the greatest triumphs in cinematic history.

Its spectacle and its emotionally-rousing story work in tandem, with Seven Samurai following seven warriors who agree to help a poor farming village defend their homes from a vicious bandit gang terrorizing their region. While it is stirring, it also invests heavily in the complex cultural issues that sparked rifts between samurai and peasants, imbuing the movie with a dramatic punch that complements its astonishing scale perfectly. With both its marvelous scope and its grounded vigor, Seven Samurai is the perfect classic movie for anyone who loves Gladiator. —Ryan Heffernan

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20

‘Ran’ (1985)

A samurai on horseback in Ran - 1985
A samurai on horseback in Ran (1985)
Image via Toho

Another Kurosawa masterpiece, Ran presents one of the most visually astonishing historical epics of all time with its vibrant array of colors, stunning natural beauty, and Kurosawa’s trademark perfection with shot composition and blocking. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” it unfolds as an aging warlord divides his kingdom between his three sons so they can each rule. When his middle son defies the order he is granted, war erupts within the kingdom as the dynasty crumbles.

Ran’s historical setting, breathtaking ambition, and mesmerizing battle sequences make it an essential watch for all who love Gladiator. While it may not center on one character as Gladiator does with Maximus, Ran also explores such ideas as power, betrayal, and political ambition with an enormity and craft that is nothing short of masterful. —Ryan Heffernan

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19

‘The Northman’ (2022)

Amleth and Olga being taken in chains to Fjolnir's village.
Amleth and Olga being taken in chains to Fjolnir’s village
Image via Universal Pictures

An adaptation of the story that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Northman is another great example of a revenge story with plenty of action and a historical setting. It takes place over 1000 years ago and tells the story of a prince who seeks to murder his uncle for killing his father and taking his mother as a prisoner.

It’s an incredibly down-and-dirty movie, with its violence and grittiness giving it a certain amount of intensity and (probable) realism. Its grim story and gruesome action sequences might make it a hard sell for some, but for others, it’s certain to excite and entertain, with it representing another success within the filmography of Robert Eggers.

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18

‘The Last Samurai’ (2003)

Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren and Ken Watanabe as Mortisugu Katsumoto ride together in The Last Samurai
Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren and Ken Watanabe as Mortisugu Katsumoto ride together in The Last Samurai
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Admittedly, The Last Samurai isn’t set nearly as far back as Gladiator, though it takes place in the late 19th century at a pivotal point in Japanese history. It follows an American man hired to educate the Japanese army about more modern weaponry, though he comes to appreciate their samurai culture and eventually endeavors to join their ranks.

This leads to plenty of conflicts and, eventually, warfare, with the action present throughout The Last Samurai being remarkably visceral and exciting to watch. It’s one of the best samurai-themed films not in Japanese and is another film showing how reliable Tom Cruise is as an action star.

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17

‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (2005)

Crusaders in Kingdom of Heaven
Crusaders in Kingdom of Heaven
Image via 20th Century Studios

The story behind Kingdom of Heaven‘s release is an unfortunate one. Despite the success of Gladiator just five years earlier, Ridley Scott’s vision for Kingdom of Heaven was compromised during post-production, with an inferior theatrical cut of the film being released to cinemas that ultimately failed to make a big enough splash at the box office.

Thankfully, a director’s cut was eventually released, with the 45 minutes of additional footage making the film’s epic story about Holy War conflicts during the Crusades easier to follow and more compelling. Its director’s cut isn’t far off Gladiator quality-wise, serving as another Ridley Scott historical epic with plenty of stunning visuals, impressive special effects, and satisfying action.

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16

‘Braveheart’ (1995)

Mel Gibson standing with a large group of men cheering before going to fight in Braveheart Image Via Paramount

Large-scale historical epics haven’t exactly been in fashion in recent years, but two to three decades ago, they were pretty popular. As mentioned before, Gladiator won Best Picture in 2000, and five years before that, Braveheart did the same, being a success at the Academy Awards while also resonating with audiences worldwide.

Braveheart begins as a personal revenge story about William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who got vengeance for his murdered wife before inspiring a large-scale rebellion against English forces in Scotland over 700 years ago. It’s particularly brutal when it comes to its violence and also has a lengthy runtime of almost three hours, but it mostly works well as a satisfying and bombastic historical drama/action/revenge movie.

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Perez Hilton’s Family Shares Update Amid Hospitalization

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Perez Hilton‘s family is sharing an update on the celebrity blogger’s condition following a traumatic livestream and subsequent emergency hospitalization.

“Our family wants to once again thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support for Perez. Your compassionate humanity during this profoundly heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express,” his family said in a statement shared via his website on Wednesday, August 5. “This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family. While we continue to wait for further updates, we remain hopeful.”

Hilton’s family went on to say that the blogger has been “able to communicate” while receiving treatment in a Florida hospital – a good sign, the family said.

“[This] has given our family hope,” the statement continued. “We respectfully ask for your continued prayers, understanding, and grace as Perez continues to recover. We will share additional updates as we receive confirmed information and are able to do so. For now, we’re taking things one step at a time and keeping our focus where it belongs, on Perez and his recovery.”

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Related: 911 Audio Released After Perez Hilton’s Apparent ‘Suicide Attempt’: Report

New details regarding Perez Hilton’s hospitalization have come to light. In 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six, first responders were called to Hilton’s Miami home following an apparent “suicide attempt.” Multiple units arrived on the scene late on Tuesday, August 4, and were reportedly present for hours. Police had been notified after Hilton, 48, […]

Hilton, 48, alarmed his TikTok followers on Tuesday, August 4, when he went live on the platform and appeared to perform dangerous acts of self-harm. Miami-Dade police confirmed to Us that officers responded to calls “regarding an individual who was live-streaming acts of self-harm on social media” and were dispatched to Hilton’s home for what they suspected was a “possible suicide” attempt. (Hilton’s TikTok account was later banned for violating the platform’s terms of use.)

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“Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside,” a police spokesperson told Us. “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize deescalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication. At this time, deputies have tactfully disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation.”

Hilton was eventually hospitalized. In the wake of the incident, Hilton’s manager, Dante Rusciolelli, told Us that the blogger’s team remains focused on his “health, recovery, and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

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Perez Hilton
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

His podcast cohost, Chris Booker, spoke out on Wednesday to confirm that their show, “The Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker,” is going on hiatus so Hilton can focus on his recovery.

“It’s all TBD at the moment as our collective focus is on his health. I certainly hope to continue [the podcast and Patreon] with my friend when the time is appropriate,” Booker, 55, wrote via Instagram. “I will give updates there when the time is right. We’ve done these shows for over a decade now and the support from our listeners has been resounding.”

He added, “[Perez] is very loved. I can only hope he feels it. Heal up friend.”

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Hilton’s family initially reacted to the blogger’s hospitalization with a statement asking the public for privacy.

“Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers. We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being,” they said on Wednesday. “We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time. If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can. Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support.”

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

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Tom Holland Officially Owns the Box Office, but His 10-Part Apple TV Crime Hit Is Winning on Streaming

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Few actors are having the summer Tom Holland is having currently. He stars in two of the biggest movies of the year, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The latter, in which Holland plays the main character Peter Parker, is the fastest movie ever to hit the $1 billion mark, reaching that milestone in less than a week. Meanwhile, he stars in the former as Telemachus, and the Christopher Nolan epic is also projected to make $1 billion during its theatrical run. Holland continues to set and break cinematic records since he was cast as the webslinger in 2015.

But these high-budget movies are not the only thing the actor has done. His filmography spans movies and television, first rising to prominence in the 2012 disaster thriller, The Impossible. Between his major studio films, Holland has also taken smaller projects in films like Cherry, The Devil All the Time, Chaos Walking, and Uncharted. These movies were not as big as his Marvel output, but they allowed him to showcase his acting range. However, no film he has done has come close to being as demanding as his first-ever leading TV role.

Holland returned to Apple TV, with whom he had made Cherry, for his first acting and executive producing role in a TV series. He played the main character in the 10-episode thriller titled The Crowded Room. Created by Akiva Goldsman, the series focuses on Danny Sullivan, a young man who shoots someone with a gun in New York City in broad daylight. The series dives into his past to understand the motivation for this crime, but as one curious interrogator digs deeper, something unexpected emerges. Holland plays the character with Dissociative Identity Disorder, a role that tests his physical and mental extremes.

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Collider Exclusive · Oscar Best Picture Quiz
Which Oscar Best Picture
Is Your Perfect Movie?

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country

Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

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🐦Birdman

🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

What kind of film experience do you actually want?
The best movies don’t just entertain — they leave something behind.





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02

Which idea grabs you most in a film?
Great films are driven by a central obsession. What’s yours?





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03

How do you like your story told?
Form is content. The way a story is shaped changes what it means.





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04

What makes a truly great antagonist?
The opposition defines the protagonist. What kind of opposition fascinates you?





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05

What do you want from a film’s ending?
The final note is the one that lingers. What do you want it to sound like?





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06

Which setting pulls you in most?
Where a film takes place shapes everything — mood, stakes, what’s even possible.





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07

What cinematic craft impresses you most?
Every great film has a signature — a technical or artistic element that makes it unmistakable.





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08

What kind of main character do you root for?
The protagonist is the lens. Who you choose to follow says something about you.





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09

How do you feel about a film that takes its time?
Pace is a choice. Some films sprint; others let tension accumulate slowly, deliberately.





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10

What do you want to feel walking out of the cinema?
The best films leave a mark. What kind of mark do you want?





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The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…

Your answers have pointed to one Oscar Best Picture winner above all others. This is the film that was made for the way your mind works.

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Parasite

You are drawn to films that operate on multiple levels simultaneously — that begin in one genre and quietly, brilliantly migrate into another. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a film about class, desire, and the architecture of inequality that manages to be darkly funny, deeply suspenseful, and genuinely shocking across a single extraordinary running time. Your instinct is for cinema that hides its true intentions until the moment it’s ready to reveal them. Parasite is exactly that — a film that rewards close attention and punishes assumptions, right up to its devastating final image.

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Everything Everywhere All at Once

You want it all — and this film gives you all of it. The Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the most maximalist films ever made: action comedy, multiverse sci-fi, family drama, existential crisis, and a genuinely earned emotional core that sneaks up on you amid the chaos. You are someone who responds to ambition, who doesn’t want cinema to choose between being entertaining and being meaningful. This film refuses that choice entirely. It is overwhelming by design, and its overwhelming nature is precisely the point — because the feeling of being crushed by infinite possibility is exactly what it’s about.

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Oppenheimer

You are drawn to cinema on a grand scale — films that understand history not as a backdrop but as a force, and that place their characters inside that force and watch what happens. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a film about the terrifying gap between what we can do and what we should do, told with the full weight of one of the most consequential moments in human history behind it. You want your films to feel important without feeling self-important — to earn their ambition through sheer craft and the gravity of their subject. Oppenheimer does exactly that. It is enormous, complicated, and refuses easy comfort.

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Birdman

You are drawn to films that foreground their own construction — that make the how of the filmmaking part of the what it’s about. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, shot to appear as a single continuous take, is cinema examining itself through the cracked mirror of a fading actor’s ego. You respond to formal daring, to the feeling that a film is doing something that probably shouldn’t be possible. Michael Keaton’s performance and Emmanuel Lubezki’s restless camera create something genuinely unlike anything else — a film that is simultaneously about creativity, relevance, self-destruction, and the impossibility of ever truly knowing if your work means anything at all.

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No Country for Old Men

You are drawn to cinema that trusts silence, that refuses to explain itself, and that treats dread as a form of meaning. The Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men is a film about the arrival of a new kind of evil — implacable, arbitrary, and utterly indifferent to the moral frameworks we use to make sense of the world. It is one of the most formally controlled films ever made, and its controlled restraint is what makes it so terrifying. You want your films to haunt you, not comfort you. You are not interested in resolution if resolution would be dishonest. No Country for Old Men is honest in a way that most cinema never dares to be.

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‘The Crowded Room’ Is an Engaging Mystery Perfect for a Weekend Binge

The story is shrouded in mystery and takes its time to get into the core issues in Danny’s case. This is the reason why it divided critics so sharply, because they felt like it went in circles. They gave it a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, viewers had a very different outlook on the pacing, praising it for making the story so engaging, in addition to great performances from other cast members like Amanda Seyfried, Emmy Rossum, Sasha Lane, and Lior Raz. Viewers gave the show a 92% score on the same site. Holland gives a performance of a lifetime that is both mesmerizing and hard to watch.

The Crowded Room is streaming on Apple TV. Stay tuned for more updates.


The Crowded Room TV Poster
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Release Date

2023 – 2023-00-00

Showrunner
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Akiva Goldsman

Writers

Akiva Goldsman

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‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Meets ‘Yellowstone’ in Paramount+’s Official #1 Hit

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Taylor Sheridan has unleashed several massive TV shows into the world this year, and it all started with a pair of neo-Westerns, Marshals and The Madison. The former is a Yellowstone spin-off starring Luke Grimes, but it was the first Sheridan-produced show to air on CBS and not straight to streaming on Paramount Plus. The Madison is a much slower paced, more emotionally charged Western featuring big stars like Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer — despite varying reviews, though, both shows were picked up for Season 2. Sheridan further expanded the Yellowstone story with Dutton Ranch, another spin-off coming back for Season 2 at a currently undisclosed date. The Yellowstone scribe is also returning to his screenwriting roots for his new action movie, F.A.S.T., which was recently delayed to May 2027 after originally being slated to premiere in April.

Just a few days ago, Sheridan finally brought back his black ops CIA thriller, Lioness, for its third season. The show went on hiatus for two years after airing its last season in 2024, but it’s finally back and firing all cylinders after its Season 3 premiere. Led by Zoe Saldaña and featuring other stars like Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, Lioness is like a blend of Zero Dark Thirty and Yellowstone, perfect for fans who love intense espionage thrillers set against a dusty neo-Western backdrop, similar to Sheridan’s original Western hit. After the first episode of Lioness Season 3, “The Spider and the Fly,” premiered on August 2, the show quickly surged into the top spot as the most-watched title on Paramount Plus around the world at the time of writing.













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Collider Exclusive · Taylor Sheridan Universe Quiz
Which Taylor Sheridan
Show Do You Belong In?

Yellowstone · Landman · Tulsa King · Mayor of Kingstown
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Four worlds. All of them brutal, complicated, and built on power, loyalty, and the price of survival. Taylor Sheridan doesn’t write heroes — he writes people who do what they have to do and live with the cost. Ten questions will reveal which one of his worlds you were made for.

🤠Yellowstone

🛢️Landman

👑Tulsa King

⚖️Mayor of Kingstown

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01

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Where does your power come from?
In Sheridan’s world, everyone has leverage. The question is what kind.




02

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Who do you put first, no matter what?
Loyalty in Sheridan’s universe is always absolute — and always costly.




03

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Someone crosses a line. How do you respond?
Every Sheridan protagonist has a line. What matters is what happens after it’s crossed.




04

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Where do you feel most in your element?
Sheridan’s worlds are as much about place as they are about people.




05

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How do you feel about operating in the grey?
Nobody in a Sheridan show has clean hands. The question is how they carry the dirt.




06

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What are you actually fighting to hold onto?
Every Sheridan character is fighting a war. The real question is what they’re defending.




07

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How do you lead?
Authority in Sheridan’s world is never given — it’s established, maintained, and constantly tested.




08

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Someone new arrives and tries to change how things work. Your reaction?
Every Sheridan show has an outsider disrupting an established order. Sometimes that outsider is you.




09

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What has your position cost you?
Nobody gets to where these characters are without paying for it. The bill is always personal.




10

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When it’s over, what do you want people to say?
Sheridan’s characters all know the ending is coming. The question is what they leave behind.




Sheridan Has Spoken
You Belong In…
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The show that claimed the most of your answers is the world you were built for. If two tied, both are shown — you’re complicated enough to straddle two Sheridan universes.

🤠
Yellowstone

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🛢️
Landman

👑
Tulsa King

⚖️
Mayor of Kingstown

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You are a Dutton — or you might as well be. You understand that some things are worth protecting at any cost, and that the modern world’s indifference to history, to land, to legacy, is not something you’re willing to accept quietly. You lead from the front, you carry your family’s weight without complaint, and when someone threatens what’s yours, you don’t escalate — you finish it. You’re not cruel. But you are absolute. In Yellowstone’s world, that combination of ferocity and loyalty doesn’t make you a villain. It makes you the only thing standing between everything that matters and everyone who wants to take it.

You thrive in the chaos of high-stakes negotiation, where the money is enormous, the margins are thin, and the wrong word in the wrong room can cost everyone everything. You’re a fixer — the person called when a situation is already on fire and needs someone with the nerve to walk into it. West Texas oil country rewards exactly what you are: sharp, adaptable, unsentimental, and absolutely clear-eyed about what people want and what they’ll do to get it. You’re not naive enough to think this world is fair. You’re smart enough to be the one deciding who it’s fair to.

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You are a Dwight Manfredi — someone who has served their time, paid their dues, and arrived somewhere unexpected with nothing but their reputation and their wits. You adapt without losing yourself. You build loyalty through respect rather than fear, though you’re not above reminding people that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Tulsa King is for people who are still standing when everyone assumed they’d be finished — who find, in an unfamiliar place, that they’re more capable than the world gave them credit for. You don’t need a throne. You build one, wherever you happen to land.

You carry the weight of a system that is broken by design, and you do it anyway — because someone has to, and because you’re the only one positioned to do it without the whole thing collapsing. Mike McLusky’s world is for people who are comfortable operating where there are no good options, only less catastrophic ones. You speak every language: law enforcement, criminal, political, human. That fluency makes you invaluable and it makes you a target. You’ve made your peace with both. Mayor of Kingstown belongs to people who understand that keeping the peace is not the same as being at peace — and who do the job regardless.

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Taylor Sheridan Has Prime Real Estate in the Paramount+ Top 10

Not only is Sheridan’s Lioness the #1 show on Paramount right now, but he’s also taking up the third spot thanks to Yellowstone, the sweeping Western starring Kevin Costner. The show is streaming on Peacock in America. Sitting at #7 in the Paramount Plus top 10 is Tulsa King, Sheridan’s Sylvester Stallone-led crime thriller that’s expected to return later this year with its fourth season. Even Dutton Ranch, which is now over a month removed from its Season 1 finale, is still hanging around in the #8 spot on the Paramount Plus top 10 right now.

Check out the new season of Lioness on Paramount Plus, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the series.


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Release Date

July 23, 2023

Network

Paramount+

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Directors

John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan

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    Laysla De Oliveira

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40 Years Ago, The Actual Best Hannibal Lecter Film Was Released, and It’s Not ‘The Silence of the Lambs’

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William Petersen as Will Graham looking over his shoulder to the right in Manhunter

We all know and love The Silence of the Lambs, one of three films ever to win all five major categories (Best Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay, and Picture) at the Academy Awards. However, Jonathan Demme‘s groundbreaking crime drama/thriller was not the first time the work of author Thomas Harris, creator of the horrifying, cannibalistic Dr. Hannibal Lecter, was adapted for the big screen. Five years earlier, Michael Mann — the hyper-stylized and cinematic poet laureate of men who are incapable of compartmentalizing their professional and personal lives — directed Manhunter, the first Hannibal Lecter movie, adapted from Harris’ most famous novel, Red Dragon. Dismissed upon release in 1986, the film, which starred William Petersen as Will Graham and Brian Cox as Lecter, has become more than a cherished entry in the Mann filmography; it also helped set the template for our current obsession and consumption of serial killer-related media.

Now available in a remastered 4K director’s cut — which will be playing in a limited theatrical run — there’s never been a better time to hop on the Manhunter bandwagon.

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‘Manhunter’ is a Quintessential Michael Mann Film

William Petersen as Will Graham looking over his shoulder to the right in Manhunter
William Petersen as Will Graham looking over his shoulder to the right in Manhunter
Image via De Laurentiis Entertainment Group

Thanks to its cult reappraisal, the film, which follows FBI profiler Will Graham returning to service to pursue a deranged serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy,” is no longer the overshadowed little sibling of the more widely acclaimed Silence of the Lambs. In certain instances, Mann’s film — his third feature following Thief and The Keep — explores human psychology and the grisly effects of plunging into a murder investigation to a depth that Demme never could have in Lambs.

Red Dragon, or any book by Harris, was practically tailor-made for Mann, a director whose filmography is synonymous with slick, emotionally operatic crime sagas. On one hand, Mann’s visual acumen was responsible for the culturally defining neon-soaked aura of the 1980s with Thief and the Miami Vice series, which he produced. He pushed the envelope even further in the 2000s with his foray into digital filmmaking and high frame rates with Collateral and Public Enemies. But at his core, no matter the formalist direction, Mann loves nothing more than cops and crooks whose obsession with their respective professions compromises their personal relationships — and even their own well-being — from the dueling detective and bank robber in Heat to the determined Big Tobacco whistleblower in The Insider.

Manhunter is a maximized charge of both aspects of Mann, combining the glossy visual euphoria of his ’80s work with the gritty character drama of his most acclaimed ’90s films. Will Graham’s relationship with Dr. Lecter, spelled “Lecktor” in this film, is an intoxicating insight into the perverse bonds between people on opposite sides of the law. Graham’s use of his former nemesis, the one who nearly killed him, as a consultant in his Tooth Fairy investigation makes us question the FBI agent’s motivations and the sacrifice required to fulfill justice. The collision of Mann’s virtuosic style and poignant themes coalesces into a painterly cinematic experience, which enforces the idea that, in the best cases, style is indeed the substance, as the varying color palettes reflect moods of sensual warmth and sheer terror.

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Today, audiences can’t get enough of anything related to crime, especially serial killer cases of both the fictional and nonfictional varieties. Between movies, TV, books, and podcasts, true crime reigns supreme in the media landscape. As disturbing as it sounds, diving into the minds of sociopaths, hearing graphic details of a horrific crime, and following a case as mock detectives have become forms of escapist entertainment for many. If you watch any of Michael Mann’s films, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why society has embraced, if not glorified, serial crimes.

Despite being an actual officer of the law, Will Graham resembles the average consumer of a 10-part true crime documentary series more than a venerated detective. His determination borders on an unhealthy obsession with the case, so much so that he begins identifying with Lecktor and Francis Dolarhyde, a.k.a. the Tooth Fairy, played brilliantly by the late Tom Noonan. Graham loses sight of reality and his values, particularly his family (overlooked wives and children are a Mann staple), during a thorough investigation that often sees him entering an inescapable dark void. Manhunter‘s methodical attention to detail and deliberate use of jargon and procedure were highly influential to the future of crime media 40 years later, just as Mann’s calculated writing and directing are fundamental to your average network cop drama today.

When a film is as visually and thematically striking as Manhunter, watching it in the sharpest format is essential. Soon enough, the film will enter its place as a canonical classic among all audiences.

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Manhunter


Release Date
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August 15, 1986

Runtime

119 minutes

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Director

Michael Mann

Writers
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Thomas Harris, Michael Mann


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A$AP Rocky Teases Rihanna Is ‘Cooking’ In The Studio

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Rihanna Stuns At 2025 Met Gala Celebrating: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

Rihanna fans may finally have a reason to get excited about new music. During a recent interview, A$AP Rocky teased that the Grammy-winning singer is working in the studio, leading many to believe her ninth studio album is on the horizon. While the rapper stopped short of revealing details, his comments have sparked fresh excitement among fans.

It has been more than a decade since Rihanna released her last studio album, and fans have eagerly been awaiting her next release, dubbed “R9.” As previously noted by The Blast, fans begged the singer to release new music on the ninth anniversary of “Anti,” but so far, nothing has been announced.

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It appears there’s cause for celebration, though, as the singer’s longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, shared that Rihanna is busy working in the studio. In an appearance on “The Jason Lee Show,” the rapper was asked whether he was the reason why Rihanna has not released an album in 10 years.

He answered in the negative, adding that Rihanna was currently in the studio. “Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe… Bro, she working. She cooking, no funny sh-t. D-mn, I’mma get in trouble for this. Her fans are going to kill me,” A$AP Rocky said.

Rihanna’s Last Album Was Released More Than 10 Years Ago

Rihanna has released eight studio albums since her 2005 debut, with the gaps between releases ranging from seven months to three years. Her most recent album, “Anti,” arrived on January 28, 2016, meaning fans have now waited more than a decade for its follow-up.

Three singles from the album dominated music charts, including “Work (featuring Drake),” “Love on the Brain,” and “Needed Me.” She also received six Grammy nominations for specific singles and the album.

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While A$AP Rocky’s latest comments sparked excitement among some people, others are proceeding with caution. “She’s been in the studio for 10 years,” one user commented. “We will believe it when the album is on Spotify,” another wrote, followed by a crying emoji. “She been ‘cooking’ since Anti dropped and we still starving,” said another.

The Singer Is Juggling Her Career And Motherhood

Rihanna Stuns At 2025 Met Gala Celebrating: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky began a romantic relationship in 2020, and they share three children: 4-year-old RZA, 3-year-old Riot, and 9-month-old Rocki. In previous interviews, Rihanna shared that she balances her career with motherhood.

In 2024, the singer caused a frenzy after she was photographed wearing a shirt that read, “I’m Retired,” leading many to believe she was making a statement. She later clarified that she was not officially retiring from making music, but she had to make some changes to be present in her children’s lives.

Throughout the years, Rihanna has also emphasized her desire to be a hands-on parent and have quality time with her children.

Rihanna Has ‘Cracked’ Her Next Album

Rihanna arrives at the Rihanna x Fenty Beauty New Product Launch For Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Rihanna has been repeatedly asked about her ninth album over the years, but it seems she’s taking her time to figure out what style of music she wants to release.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in 2025, the singer shared why, despite spending time in the studio, she hasn’t come up with a concept. “Every time, I was just like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s not right. It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution,” she said.

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Rihanna also noted that her next album must be worth the time she took away from music, saying, “I have to show them the worth in the wait.” She did, however, reveal that she finally “cracked it,” teasing that her upcoming music is “not anything that anybody expects.”

In February, she sent fans into a frenzy after posting a video of herself working in a recording studio, per The Blast.

Rihanna Released Some Songs Since Her Last Album

Despite not releasing a full album, the singer and entrepreneur dropped some songs over the years. In 2022, two of her songs, “Lift Me Up” and “Born Again,” were included in the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack.

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In 2025, she recorded the song “Friend of Mine” for the animated film “The Smurfs Movie,” in which she also voiced the character of Smurfette.

In addition, she also collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, N.E.R.D., PartyNextDoor, and DJ Khaled.

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