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'The Simpsons' Officially Reaches the End of an Era

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'The Simpsons' Officially Reaches the End of an Era

Nothing in life is certain except death, taxes, and The Simpsons. The longest-running primetime animated sitcom in history is currently in its 37th season and recently reached its landmark 800th episode. During Season 36, FOX renewed the hit series for four more seasons, which will take The Simpsons into Season 40. Additionally, Disney+ raised the stakes, announcing that three extra all-new episodes of The Simpsons will stream exclusively on the platform later this summer. This announcement marks a new format change for the long-running series, effectively marking a bold new age for The Simpsons in its streaming television era.

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Kacey Musgraves Quietly Axes 3 Concerts With No Explanation

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Kacey Musgraves At The Jaguariuna Rodeo

Kacey Musgraves has quietly canceled three upcoming concerts, including the show that was supposed to launch her “Middle of Nowhere Tour.” With the North American leg scheduled to begin in late August, fans in Chicago, Boston, and Brooklyn received notifications that their concerts had been called off. The country singer has not publicly explained the cancellations, leaving disappointed ticket holders to speculate about what happened.

The unexpected changes come just days after Musgraves released a steamy music video for her song “Mexico Honey” and several months after she faced criticism over the sizing offered through her Walmart clothing collaboration.

Kacey Musgraves At The Jaguariuna Rodeo
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Ticketmaster notified fans of the cancellations by email this week. The three affected shows are the August 20 concert in Chicago, the August 29 performance in Boston, and the September 2 stop in Brooklyn.

Chicago was originally slated to serve as the opening night of the North American tour. With that performance no longer happening, Musgraves will begin the run later than initially planned unless another date is added.

The timing drew more attention because the cancellations arrived shortly after the 37-year-old Grammy winner dropped her provocative “Mexico Honey” music video. Musgraves did not announce the changes through her own social media platforms or immediately offer fans an explanation.

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No Reason Has Been Given For The Cancellations

Kacey Musgraves At The Jaguariuna Rodeo
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

As of the time of reporting, neither Musgraves nor her representatives had publicly revealed why the three concerts were canceled. It also remains unclear whether additional dates could be affected.

Some prospective concertgoers speculated online that low ticket sales may have motivated the decision. However, there has been no confirmation that ticket demand played any role in canceling the shows. Without an official statement, the reason remains unknown.

The Singer Still Has An Extensive Tour Schedule

Kacey Musgraves At The Jaguariuna Rodeo
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Musgraves was initially preparing to visit 25 cities across 29 North American dates. The tour was scheduled to begin in Chicago on August 20 before concluding with two nights in Seattle at the end of October.

Her touring plans also extend beyond North America. The “Slow Burn” singer is expected to travel to Australia in January 2027 before continuing to the United Kingdom the following month. Her U.K. itinerary includes one concert in Scotland and two performances in England.

Musgraves initially announced the “Middle of Nowhere Tour” in late April. Just over one week later, she revealed that additional performances had been added, making the sudden removal of three dates particularly unexpected.

The majority of the announced itinerary appears to be moving forward, but fans will likely be watching closely for any further updates.

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Kacey Musgraves Recently Faced Walmart Collection Backlash

Kacey Musgraves At The Jaguariuna Rodeo
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The tour uncertainty arrives several months after Musgraves faced online criticism over the size range offered through her Kacey Lee clothing collection at Walmart. The collaboration with denim brand Lee featured more than 100 products spanning women’s and men’s fashion, swimwear, and accessories for pets.

Although the collection attracted attention for its affordable prices and Western-inspired designs, shoppers quickly noticed that many items did not offer inclusive sizing. Most tops reportedly stopped at XXL, while bottoms were generally available only through size 18.

The limited range frustrated shoppers who had hoped an extensive collection sold through a major retailer would provide more options for plus-size customers.

Shoppers Criticized The Lack Of Inclusive Sizing

Kacey Musgraves At The Jaguariuna Rodeo
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Social media creator and self-described “fat activist” Megan Ixim publicly criticized the collaboration. Ixim said she was disappointed to discover that plus-size customers could not purchase most extended sizes inside Walmart stores. Only select pieces appeared to be offered in larger sizes online.

According to listings on Walmart’s website, sizing beyond XXL was primarily limited to parts of the swimwear line. Certain bikini tops, bottoms, and one-piece swimsuits were available for delivery in 2X and 3X, but those expanded options did not appear to extend across most of the collection.

The sizing controversy and the unexplained concert cancellations are separate developments, with no indication that one influenced the other. Still, both have placed Musgraves under heightened scrutiny as she prepares to take her “Middle of Nowhere Tour” on the road.

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Until the singer addresses the canceled dates, fans in Chicago, Boston, and Brooklyn are left without an explanation, and other ticket holders may be waiting to see whether the remainder of the tour continues as planned.

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13 New Summer Sandals Under $50 on Amazon

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Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

Summer isn’t going anywhere yet, which means you’ll still need the proper footwear to get through scorching temperatures. The good news is that Amazon isn’t slowing down on its new releases, and the mega retailer just dropped comfortable and stylish sandals for under $50. So, whether you’re going to the beach or just bopping around town, there’s a pair for you.

Which new shoes you pick depends on what you like and what activities are on the agenda. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, look for something with an ankle strap. If you’re constantly putting them on and taking them off, look for slip-on ones. Make it easy on yourself so you can have maximum fun this summer.

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13 New Sandals From Amazon — All Under $50

1. Our Favorite: For under $20, you can get out the door without bending down, thanks to these round-toe slip-on sandals. I love that the fabric has a knotted look for some volume, so it doesn’t lay flat.

2. Real Raffia: Few things look beachier than raffia, and these flat slip-on sandals nail the vibe. Plus, they have giant buckles that add some stylish flair.

3. Trending Now: Jelly footwear is everywhere this season, and these mule-style slip-on sandals are a fun way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe. Plus, you know the airy design won’t leave your feet sweating by the end of the day.

4. Must-Have Mesh: There are plenty of occasions in the summer that call for a more elevated shoe, and that’s when peep-toe high heels come in. The mesh material offers a seasonal feel, so they don’t feel so stuffy.

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5. Simple Style: Every wardrobe needs a classic pair of flip-flops, and these don’t skimp on comfort. The memory foam insole ensures you’re happy with each and every step.

6. Less Exposed: You won’t have to worry about having a fresh pedicure in this fisherman-style sandal. The closed yet still breezy shoe is casual for everyday wear, and the ankle strap ensures your foot stays put.

7. Buckled Beauties: Combining the classic double-buckle design with this season’s jelly trend, this slip-on sandal find covers all the bases. Bonus: the material makes them ideal for poolside wear.

8. Bling, Bling: With an easy 1.3-inch block heel, these embellished strappy sandals are still plenty comfortable. They’re the best way to dress up an outfit a little more without moving into blister territory.

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9. Serious Support: A suede-like material doesn’t exactly scream summertime, but we like how this platform sandal pick brings in another texture. Plus, we’re sold on the ergonomic footbed and arch support design for a thoughtful summer companion.

10. Sweetly Square: There’s something elevated about square-toe summer sandals, and these flip-flops are calling our names. Don’t let the simple design fool you — they have memory foam insoles.

11. Braided Babe: For the look of flip-flops with a little more style, these braided thong-strap sandals still go with all your summer outfits. Plus, the faux-leather material gives them a high-end appearance.

12. Pain, Be Gone: If you didn’t think a pair of sandals could give you serious stability, you haven’t tried these ones. Designed to reduce foot pressure and relieve pain, these slip-ons will feel like you’re wearing your favorite sneakers.

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13. Cool and Closed: For those who don’t love having their feet out but still want a breeze, try some closed ankle-strap sandals. Although the toes are covered, the rest is open so you won’t be pining to take them off on hot days.

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Related: These Summer Sandals Are at Black Friday-Level Lows Right Now — From $15

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to refresh your shoe collection, there’s never been a better time than right now. Macy’s brought Black Friday-level deals to July, and the sale is overflowing with summer sandals, like flip-flops, kitten heels, slides and more. Oh, and the steep deals start at as low as $15. Macy’s […]

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

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Angie Katsanevas Talks ‘Ups And Downs’ With Mary Cosby

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Angie Katsanevas

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Angie Katsanevas is getting real about the challenges she’s faced in her friendship with co-star Mary Cosby. In a new interview, the hairstylist-turned-breakout reality TV star said the upcoming season of “SLC” will focus a lot on “deep friendship” and showcase how the group of women makes it through the storm.

While speaking with Us Weekly, Katsanevas, 52, got candid about her friendship with Cosby. For those who may be unfamiliar, the pair became an unlikely duo during “RHOSLC” season 5. Their connection was shocking not only to the group, but to the audience, considering Cosby and Katsanevas clashed during season 4.

Over the years, the pair have hit bumps in the road, but somehow, they always seem to find their way back to each other. When the upcoming season airs, though, it seems fans may be in for a surprise, as Katsanevas said they go through another challenging period.

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“I think that it’s just very real and raw challenges that friends deal with,” she said. “She’s going through a lot, and I’m going through a lot.”

Angie Katsanevas Says The ‘Honeymoon Phase’ With Cosby Is Officially Over

Angie Katsanevas
MEGA

Now that Katsanevas and Cosby have been close friends for over two years, it appears they’re reaching the point in their relationship where things aren’t always peaches and cream. “There’s a lot of ups and downs. I think that’s every year. It’s not all fun,” Katsanevas said about their last year together.

“The honeymoon phase is over as your bond deepens,” she continued, adding that as friends grow, they become more honest and vulnerable with one another. “You’re more honest with each other, and you say what you’re really feeling and thinking. We love each other. We love each other deeply.”

It’s unclear exactly what may have gone down between Katsanevas and Cosby, but according to an earlier report from The Blast, an insider claimed the pair got into an explosive fight while cameras were rolling.

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The source said that Katsanevas got into quite the argument with Bronwyn Newport and allegedly tried to pull Cosby into it, prompting the latter to allegedly reply, “‘Keep my name out of your mouth, worry about your own friends and your own family.’”

After that, Katsanevas reportedly said something so “shocking” to Cosby in front of the rest of the group that fans “won’t believe.”

There’s no premiere date set yet for the upcoming season of “RHOSLC,” but Katsanevas teased that there will be a heavy focus on “deep friendships.”

As she continued, the mother of one said she’s reflected on why their show is so popular amongst the Bravosphere, and according to her, it’s because of the cast’s real connections with each other.

“Everyone is so funny in their own way, but the relationships are real. The friendships, there’s a lot of love and mutual respect with all the women, and the dynamics in this group are so interesting,” she said. “It’s like an NBA team where every player is required, and the relationships are getting deeper, the bond is getting deeper, and I think you feel that.”

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What Else Can Fans Expect From The Upcoming Season Of ‘RHOSLC’?

Lisa Barlow
MEGA

The upcoming batch of episodes will feature a lot of tears, according to Katsanevas. But with that, she said there will also be “more joy” and “more fun.”

“I just think that you’re going to see a lot more of everyone’s authentic self. I just really feel like everyone has hit their stride, and we’re seeing everyone in their truest form,” she continued.

Tragedy Hit Close To Home This Season

According to a previous report from The Blast, the first part of the season will focus on Cosby and the death of her 23-year-old son, Robert Cosby Jr.

He died just before production began at the beginning of the year, and as Lisa Barlow put it, it was a “bonding moment” for everyone involved.

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As for Katsanevas, sources recently revealed that she split from her husband, Shawn Trujillo, after 27 years together.

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Pamela Anderson Addresses ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Return Rumor

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BAYWATCH

Pamela Anderson is addressing the likelihood of one day donning her iconic red swimsuit for Fox’s Baywatch reboot.

“No one’s reached out to me. I don’t know much about it,” Anderson, 59, revealed to Deadline in an interview published on Friday, July 24. “I know that they were talking to my sons [Brandon Lee and Dylan Lee] at some point about producing, but I don’t think they had a meeting of the minds. I’m not sure what happened there, but I wish them well.”

She went on, “It was a great job, and I loved going to work every day on the beach. I would have been there anyway. At the time, it taught me a lot, and it gave me worldwide exposure. Everything I’ve done has led me to here, which is a blessing. But I have no plans of going back to Baywatch.”

Anderson skyrocketed to fame while starring on the classic ‘90s action TV series as lifeguard C. J. Parker. She last reprised the role for a cameo in Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron’s 2017 movie reboot.

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Related: Will Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff Appear in the ‘Baywatch’ Reboot?

After booking the lead role on Fox’s Baywatch reboot, Stephen Amell broke his silence about possible cameos from OGs Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff. “Of course we could [have them],” Amell, 44, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Baywatch red carpet on Wednesday, February 18, after prospective actors auditioned for roles at an open casting […]

Fox’s latest incarnation of Baywatch is led by newcomers Brooks Nader, Shay Mitchell and Noah Beck, though Anderson’s ‘90s costars David Chokachi, Michael Bergin and Erika Eleniak will also reprise their roles from the classic show.

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Asked whether she was curious about what her character C.K. was up to now, Anderson replied, “If my kids were involved, I probably would have listened to them. I think I’ve just got to keep on seeing what else is out there.”

“I get that there’s a lot of really great TV out there right now, but I’ve already done that. Now is my time to really play with different characters,” she added. “I don’t want to just fill my time until the end of the year. I have options, and some things I’m thinking about, including some theater again. I want to make really bold choices. I want to surprise people. I want to surprise myself. And so I’m trying to do things I haven’t done in the past.”

TCDBAHAFE003 pamela anderson talks baywatch return

Pamela Anderson as C.J.
20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Anderson is in the middle of a career renaissance, having received award season buzz for her 2024 comeback movie The Last Showgirl. Last year, her reboot of cult classic comedy franchise The Naked Gun with Liam Neeson made more than $100 million at the box office.

The actress is now promoting the comedic thriller Rosebush Pruning, in which she plays the matriarch of a wealthy, dysfunctional family. Her upcoming drama Place to Be — starring opposite Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi — will premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September.

Meanwhile, Fox’s reimagining of Baywatch has faced some backlash for casting models and influencers alongside established actors. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covergirl Nader, 29, strongly defended the new Baywatch cast shortly after the project was announced.

“I think that the times are different and everyone is so multi-hyphenate now, and you can be both an actor and an influencer and have influence,” she told the Daily Mail earlier this year. “And that’s the beauty of the culture that social media has created.”

Baywatch was given a straight-to-series order and is expected to premiere on Fox during the 2026-2027 TV season.

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2026’s Horror Hit Is Taking Over the Streaming Charts

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One of the biggest horror films of 2026 is dominating streaming. Made on a low budget, the feature not only received high praise but also huge box office numbers, to the point that people online are wondering whether there will be a follow-up or spin-off based on its concept. Not to mention, it was directed by a young filmmaker who also has a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, joining other content creators, like Markiplier and Kane Parsons, dominating Hollywood through their creativity, passion for the craft, and loyal audience.

The film in question is Obsession, a horror movie produced under Blumhouse and directed by Curry Barker, who runs the YouTube channel “That’s a bad idea” with 1.55 million subscribers. The film stars Michael Johnston as Bear, a guy who uses a magical item called a “One Wish Willow” to wish his friend, Nikki (Inde Navarrette), to “love him more than anyone in the f***ing world”, which works… but also leads to dire consequences. Obsession has a reported budget of $750,000, but became a box office success, generating $443 million worldwide. Now, the feature is pulling audiences once more over on streaming.

Obsession has dominated Peacock’s streaming charts, sitting at #1 in the Top 10 in the United States after it entered the platform’s library this week. Additionally, the film has found a place on Vudu’s Top 10 Movie Charts in the U.S., sitting at #6, in between Backrooms and Petty Woman. During its theatrical run, Obsession competed with many major blockbusters. One of them, Pedro Pascal‘s Star Wars feature The Mandalorian and Grogu, didn’t even crack the Top 10, while Obsession has become the 7th highest-grossing film in 2026.

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Collider Exclusive · Horror Survival Quiz
Which Horror Villain Do You Have the Best Chance of Surviving?
Jason Voorhees · Michael Myers · Freddy Krueger · Pennywise · Chucky

Five killers. Five completely different ways to die — if you’re not smart enough, fast enough, or self-aware enough to avoid it. Only one of them is the villain your particular set of instincts gives you a fighting chance against. Eight questions will figure out which one.

🏕️Jason

🔪Michael

💤Freddy

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🎈Pennywise

🪆Chucky

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01

Something feels wrong. You can’t explain it — you just know. What do you do?
First instincts are the difference between the survivor and the first act casualty.





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02

Where are you most likely to find yourself when things go wrong?
Setting is everything in horror. Where you are determines which rules apply.





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03

What is your most reliable survival asset?
Every survivor has a quality the villain didn’t account for. What’s yours?





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04

What kind of fear is hardest for you to fight through?
Knowing your weakness is the first step to not dying because of it.





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05

You’re with a group when things start going wrong. What’s your role?
Horror movies are brutally clear about who survives group situations and who doesn’t.





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06

What’s the horror movie mistake you’re most likely to make?
Honest self-assessment is a survival skill. Denial is not.





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07

What’s your best weapon against something that can’t be stopped by conventional means?
Every horror villain has a weakness. The survivors are always the ones who find it.





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08

It’s the final scene. You’re the last one standing. How did you make it?
The final survivor always has a reason. What’s yours?





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Your Survival Odds Have Been Calculated
Your Best Chance Is Against…

Your instincts, your strengths, and your particular way of thinking under pressure point to one villain you actually have a fighting chance against. Everyone else — good luck.

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Camp Crystal Lake · Friday the 13th

Jason Voorhees

Jason is relentless, but he is also predictable — and that is the gap you would exploit.

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  • He moves in straight lines toward his target. He doesn’t strategise, doesn’t adapt, doesn’t outsmart. He simply pursues.
  • Your ability to keep moving, use the environment, and resist the panic that freezes most victims gives you a genuine edge.
  • The Crystal Lake survivors were always the ones who stopped running in circles and started thinking about terrain, water, and distance.
  • You think like that. Which means Jason, for all his indestructibility, would face someone who simply refused to be where he expected.


Haddonfield, Illinois · Halloween

Michael Myers

Michael watches before he moves. He is patient, methodical, and almost impossible to detect — until it’s too late for anyone who isn’t paying close enough attention.

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  • But you are paying attention. You notice the shape in the window, the car parked slightly wrong, the silence where there should be sound.
  • Michael’s power lies in the invisibility of ordinary suburbia — the fact that nothing ever looks wrong until it already is.
  • Your spatial awareness and instinct to map every room, every exit, and every shadow before you need them is precisely the quality Laurie Strode had.
  • You are not a victim waiting to happen. You are someone who already suspects something is wrong — and acts on it.


Elm Street · A Nightmare on Elm Street

Freddy Krueger

Freddy wins by getting inside your head — using your own fears, your own memories, your own subconscious as weapons against you. That strategy requires a target who can be destabilised.

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  • You are harder to destabilise than most. You’ve faced uncomfortable truths about yourself and you haven’t looked away.
  • The survivors on Elm Street were always the ones who understood what was happening and chose to face it rather than flee from it.
  • Freddy’s greatest weakness is that his power evaporates in the presence of someone who refuses to give him the fear he feeds on.
  • Your psychological resilience — the ability to stay grounded when reality itself becomes unreliable — is exactly the quality that keeps you alive here.


Derry, Maine · It

Pennywise

Pennywise is ancient, shapeshifting, and feeds on terror — but it has one critical vulnerability: it cannot function against someone who genuinely stops being afraid of it.

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  • The Losers Club didn’t survive because they were braver than everyone else. They survived because they faced their fears together, and faced them honestly.
  • You ask the questions others avoid. You look directly at what frightens you rather than turning away.
  • That directness — the refusal to let fear fester in the dark — is Pennywise’s worst nightmare.
  • It chose the wrong target when it chose you. You are exactly the kind of person whose fear tastes like nothing at all.


Chicago · Child’s Play

Chucky

Chucky’s greatest advantage is that nobody takes him seriously until it’s already too late. He exploits the gap between how something looks and what it actually is.

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  • You don’t have that gap. You take threats seriously regardless of how they present — and you never make the mistake of underestimating something because of its size or appearance.
  • Chucky relies on surprise, on the delay between recognition and response. You close that delay faster than almost anyone.
  • Your instinct to treat every unfamiliar thing with appropriate scepticism — rather than dismissing it because it seems absurd — is the exact quality that keeps you breathing.
  • Against Chucky, not laughing is already winning. You are very good at not laughing.

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Is ‘Obsession’ Worth Watching?

Since its release, Obsession has received high ratings, earning a 94% Certified Fresh critics’ score and a Verified Hot audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a 4.1-star rating on Letterboxd. Critics praised Obsession‘s concept and premise, as well as how Barker communicated with his target audience through the feature. Some critics noted that Obsession “rehashes” the monkey’s paw trope, which has been done many times before. However, audiences praised Obsession for its originality, for being a horror film that kept them on edge, and for Navarrette’s star-making performance. Collider’s Hannah Hunt gave Obsession an 8/10 in her review, praising Navarrette’s acting, and the film’s pacing and sound design. Her only criticism was how “underdeveloped” the side characters were.

Obsession is available to stream on Peacock.


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Release Date

May 15, 2026

Runtime

108 minutes

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Director

Curry Barker

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Bret Michaels Shares Hospital Bed Photo After Medical Emergency

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Bret Michaels serves as Grand Marshal for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Bret Michaels has undergone emergency surgery after powering through three concerts while suffering from a debilitating kidney stone. The 63-year-old Poison frontman revealed that he spent seven days in “intense” pain before being admitted to the hospital immediately following a private performance. Although Michaels is now out of postoperative recovery, his statement indicates that he is waiting for a complete clean bill of health before returning to the stage.

Bret Michaels serves as Grand Marshal for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Ralph Notaro / MEGA

Michaels revealed his health scare in a Facebook update accompanied by a photograph from his hospital bed. The “Rock of Love” star smiled broadly while wearing his signature cap and making an “all good” hand gesture toward the camera.

According to the singer, the kidney stone would not pass despite causing seven days of excruciating pain. However, Michaels was determined not to disappoint fans attending his scheduled performances.

He completed a July 4 concert in Charleston, West Virginia, followed by a July 11 show in Grantville, Pennsylvania. Michaels then performed a special private concert at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, on July 18. “But immediately, the next day following that show, I was admitted to the hospital, as the pain became too much when the stone would not pass,” Michaels told his followers.

The Poison Singer Is Recovering After His Operation

Bret Michaels serves as Grand Marshal for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Ralph Notaro / MEGA

Michaels confirmed that doctors successfully completed the procedure and that he had moved beyond the initial postoperative recovery stage. “The operation has been done and is complete & I’m out of post-op recovery, and I’m doing everything within my power to feel better and continue playing great shows for great fans when I’ve got a complete clean bill of health,” he wrote.

The musician expressed “complete gratitude” for the doctors and nurses who cared for him during the emergency. “Just want to say on this #WisdomWednesday that I am wise enough to know how important family, friends, fans, doctors and nurses play such a vital role in our everyday health,” Michaels added.

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He also joked about arriving at the hospital directly from his concert without stopping to change. “Also just know, they eventually forced me out of my clothes & into a hospital gown lol as I had gone straight from the show to the hospital,” he shared.

Fans Urge Bret Michaels To Prioritize His Health

Bret Michaels performs during the 31st Annual SFPC Toys in the Sun Run
Ralph Notaro / MEGA

Michaels’ followers flooded the post with supportive messages, with many expressing relief that his operation was successful. “Glad the operation was successful! Feel better soon!!!!” one person wrote.

Another fan urged the rocker to stop pushing through severe pain for the sake of his performances. “You need to listen to your body! You can reschedule your concerts! But you have only one body to take care of!” they commented.

Others shared their own frightening experiences with kidney stones. One follower recalled visiting an emergency room with pain so intense that she could not speak, adding that even morphine failed to provide relief. “Kidney stones are HORRIBLE!!!!! I went to an ER with such intense pain that I couldn’t speak! I just handed my driver’s license to the receptionist. 8 hours of pain and vomiting. Even morphine didn’t work!” the fan wrote.

Another person described suffering septic shock twice within one month and spending 21 days in intensive care before undergoing five months of dialysis. “Kidney stones are no joke. I gave birth to two children and kidney stones can really match up to the labor pain,” the follower wrote. “Take care of the stones. I’m so glad you’re doing much better. Again, take care.”

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Bret Michaels Has More Concerts Scheduled

Bret Michaels serves as Grand Marshal for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Ralph Notaro / MEGA

The singer is currently touring as a solo artist while performing music from his career with Poison. His upcoming schedule includes a July 30 concert in Interlochen, Michigan, followed by a July 31 performance in Belleville, Illinois. Michaels also has additional dates booked throughout August and September.

His statement did not explicitly confirm whether those performances will proceed as scheduled. Instead, he emphasized that he wants to resume performing once he receives full medical clearance.

Michaels previously canceled an appearance at the President Donald Trump-supported Freedom 250 concert on May 29. At the time, he cited increasing political divisiveness and security concerns as the reasons for withdrawing. His latest interruption, however, stems from the kidney stone and subsequent emergency operation.

Poison’s Planned 2026 Reunion Tour Fell Apart

Bret Michaels performs during the 31st Annual SFPC Toys in the Sun Run
Ralph Notaro / MEGA

Alongside his solo schedule, Michaels has been discussing the possibility of reuniting Poison for another tour. The hair-metal band last toured with Def Leppard in 2022 and had reportedly considered returning for a run of major headlining shows in 2026. However, those plans were ultimately abandoned.

Poison drummer Rikki Rockett claimed that the proposed tour fell apart because Michaels wanted the “lion’s share” of the money. Michaels has pushed back against the idea that ongoing drama will prevent the band from reuniting. Instead, he has identified 2027 as a potential year for Poison’s comeback.

During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk,” the singer expressed confidence that the band could return to the road. “We’re hoping for ’27, ’cause I know it’s a big question,” Michaels said. “I think. I really strongly think ’27, without going into details yet, is going to be a good reunion year for Poison. I think it’s gonna be awesome.”

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For now, Michaels’ immediate priority is recovering from surgery and receiving the medical clearance necessary to continue his solo tour safely.

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Tom Morello Honors Late Mom With Heartfelt Memorial Project

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony 2023: Press Room

Tom Morello has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother with a major memorial project named in her honor.

The initiative aims to raise funds for organizations that were deeply meaningful to her, supporting causes ranging from medical care to assistance for children in need.

Fans praised the Rage Against the Machine guitarist for the tribute, with many saying his mother would have been proud of the impact the project is set to make.

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Taking to Instagram on July 20, Morello announced plans for a memorial project celebrating his mother’s life and legacy while honoring the profound influence she had on him.

The post invited her friends, family, and everyone whose life she touched to donate to the memorial project, which is centered on “caring,” “service,” and “action.”

“Donations to the Mary Morello Memorial Project will support organizations that were deeply meaningful to Mary throughout her life, and reflect the causes she passionately believed in and was proud to work alongside,” the post read. Beyond donating, Morello also encouraged people to “do something” meaningful for the world and share their efforts online to continue his mother’s lifelong commitment to peace, equality, and justice.

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Morello Reveals Charities Backed By Memorial Fund

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony 2023: Press Room
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Elsewhere in the post, Morello tagged the organizations that will receive donations from the memorial project, seemingly to provide transparency about where the funds will go.

The organizations support a wide range of nonprofit causes, including assistance for at-risk youth and children, as well as medical aid for those in need.

The groups named include the UFW Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, The Midnight Mission, Jail Guitar Doors, Orphans of the Storm, All Chicago, Corazón for Cuba, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and the Center for Native American Youth.

The post also noted that additional organizations may be added in the future to benefit from the donations raised through the memorial project.

Fans Praise Tom Morello’s Emotional Tribute

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In the comments section, Morello received an outpouring of praise for creating the memorial project in honor of his mother.

“Thank you, Tom, for providing sources where we can all make meaningful contributions, either monetarily, by raising awareness, or through volunteering for so many incredible projects,” one individual wrote.

“This is so beautiful! Your mom is so inspiring, and you are too. Thank you for helping us all care more about each other,” another fan commented.

“Count me in! Thank you for your constant unwavering action. The world is a better place because of Mary and this beautiful family,” a third person added.

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“Seriously, I welled up when I saw you support UFW, people so deserving of support. Immigrants feed America! Thank you for all you are doing in Mary’s name,” another user shared.

“So good! Thanks for your efforts! I’ll do my very best to act in her way,” one more individual reacted.

The Guitarist Shares Emotional Video Of His Mother

Musician Tom Morello leaves Madeo restaurant in his muscle car while wearing a 'I Voted' sticker
MEGA

Morello further honored his mother by sharing a heartfelt throwback video highlighting some of the special moments they shared over the years.

In one clip, Mary is seen attending one of his concerts during the early days of his career.

Another scene features Morello reflecting on his upbringing, saying he once took it for granted that everyone’s parents were like his mother before realizing that no one else’s parent was quite like her.

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In another touching moment, Mary expressed her pride in her son’s career, saying: “I am proud that he has done exactly what he wanted every minute of his life. I have been proud of him every minute, and I love him with all my heart forever.”

Mary Morello Died At 102

The memorial project comes just days after Morello revealed that his mother had passed away in an Instagram post.

“Mary Morello is forever with the Rebels of Light & Song. (1923-2026),” he wrote at the time.

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The retired history teacher lived to the remarkable age of 102 before her passing. While the circumstances surrounding her death have not been disclosed, Morello had previously canceled a series of European shows to return to the United States after his mother was hospitalized so he could be by her side.

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The Lord of the Rings Officially Returns With New Release on November 10

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The Fall of Numenor Deluxe Edition book

This has been a great week for Lord of the Rings fans, who have been treated to several new looks at the upcoming season of the Prime Video adaptation, The Rings of Power. The first new image to surface online showed Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Rings of Power Season 3, which is dropping on November 11, and the second to follow officially revealed Daniel Weyman as Gandalf in the fantasy series. Tolkien fans also have the first live-action movie in years to look forward to, with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum set to be unleashed in theaters on December 17, 2027 — the same day as Avengers: Secret Wars. While most fans thought that Rings of Power Season 3 was the next official LOTR release coming in 2026, there’s something coming later this year that’s timed almost perfectly with its premiere.

Amazon has officially announced that The Fall of Númenor Deluxe Edition: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth is officially available for pre-order now for $75, and it will release around the world on November 10. The book is set before the events of Peter Jackson’s first live-action Lord of the Rings movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, and it will feature 352 pages of premium copy for the epic novel. Legendary Tolkien artist Alan Lee also did the illustrations for the new releases, and the stories have been edited by Christopher Tolkien after his father’s original writing of the book. The story follows the Elves of Eregion as they work to forge the Rings of Power at the order of Sauron.













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

One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed
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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

🔥Gandalf

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🏹Legolas

⚒️Gimli

👁️Sauron

🪨Gollum

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01

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




02

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




03

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




04

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




05

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




06

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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.




07

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




08

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




09

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




10

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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.




The Fellowship Has Spoken
Your Place in Middle-earth
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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

🌿
Samwise

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👑
Aragorn

🔥
Gandalf

🏹
Legolas

⚒️
Gimli

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👁️
Sauron

🪨
Gollum

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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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Is ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3 the Final Season?

The Fall of Numenor Deluxe Edition book
The Fall of Numenor Deluxe Edition book
Image via Amazon
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Prime Video has not officially renewed The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for Season 4, but the studio has confirmed that work on the next season is underway, so it will likely get the chance to continue barring anything unforeseen. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been planned out as a five-season show, mapped out for 50 full hours of content, and after Prime Video has invested so much in the franchise already, it would be surprising to see it canceled at this point. Should The Rings of Power be renewed for Season 4, it will likely not return until 2028.

Check out the first two seasons of The Rings of Power on Prime Video, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the new release for The Fall of Númenor.


lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-season-2-poster-showing-charlie-vickers-as-sauron.jpg
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Release Date

September 1, 2022

Network

Amazon Prime Video

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Showrunner

John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip

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Writers

Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, J.R.R. Tolkien, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Stephany Folsom, Nicholas Adams

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‘Star Trek’s Best Series Has Quietly Outdone ‘The Next Generation’

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Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) after being assimilated by the Borg as "Locutus of Borg" in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Best of Both Worlds."

Star Trek, as we know it, owes its legacy to a fanbase that has never stopped showing up, especially for its best moments, most notably in The Next Generation. Star Trek: The Next Generation was a true turning point for the franchise, seeing as it modernized Gene Roddenberry’s universe and set a new standard for modern sci-fi television.

Originally airing from September 28, 1987, to May 23, 1994, the space epic is the franchise’s second live-action series and took heavy inspiration from the first-ever Star Trek entry, The Original Series. Unlike its predecessor, however, The Next Generation moved away from relying strictly on a central trio, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Instead, it built a true ensemble cast featuring professional Enterprise crew that acted more like representatives of a utopian future than cowboys in space.

Nearly three decades after The Next Generation went off the air, another similarly phenomenal entry arose: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Often regarded as the spiritual successor to TNG, Strange New Worlds has consistently won over critics and lifelong fans alike with every passing season, proving that the franchise’s episodic, character-driven storytelling still works today. Now in its fourth season, the show has refined The Next Generation’s classic formula for a modern audience in ways few thought possible.

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Collider Exclusive · Star Wars Quiz
Which Force User
Are You?

Light Side · Dark Side · Or Somewhere Between

The Force is not a binary. It is a spectrum — from the serene halls of the Jedi Temple to the shadowed corridors of Sith space. Ten questions will reveal where you truly fall. The Force has always known. Now you will too.

🔵Jedi Master

🟡Padawan

🔴Sith Lord

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Inquisitor

Grey Jedi

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01

What is the Force to you?
Your relationship with the Force defines everything else.




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02

When you feel strong emotions — anger, grief, love — what do you do?
The Jedi suppress. The Sith feed. Others choose differently.




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03

The Jedi Council gives you an order you disagree with. You:
How you handle authority reveals your alignment.




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04

You are offered forbidden knowledge that could give you enormous power. The cost is crossing a moral line. You:
The dark side’s pull is never more than a choice away.




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05

Your approach to training and learning is:
A student’s habits become a master’s character.




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06

In a duel, your lightsaber fighting style reflects:
Combat is the purest expression of a Force user’s philosophy.




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07

A defeated enemy lies at your feet, powerless. You:
Mercy — or its absence — is the truest test of alignment.




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08

The Jedi Code forbids attachment. Your honest view on love and bonds:
The source of the greatest falls in the galaxy.




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09

Why do you use the Force at all? What’s the point?
Purpose is the difference between a knight and a weapon.




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10

At the final moment — light side or dark side pulling at you — what wins?
In the end, every Force user faces this moment. What does yours look like?




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Your Alignment Has Been Determined
Your Place in the Force

The scores below reveal how the Force sees you. Your highest number is your true alignment. Read on to understand what that means — and what it will cost you.

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🔵
Jedi Master

🟡
Padawan

🔴
Sith Lord


Inquisitor

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Grey Jedi

Disciplined, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the living Force, you have walked the path long enough to understand its demands — and accept them. You lead not through authority alone, but through example. You have felt the pull of the dark side and chosen otherwise, every time. That is not certainty. That is courage.

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You are earnest, powerful, and brimming with potential — and you know it, which is both your greatest asset and your most dangerous flaw. You act before you think, trust your gut over your training, and sometimes confuse impatience for bravery. The Masters see something in you, though. The question isn’t whether you have what it takes — it’s whether you’ll be patient enough to find out.

You are not simply dangerous — you are certain, and that is worse. You have decided what the galaxy needs, and you have decided you are the one to deliver it. Your power is genuine and formidable, earned through sacrifice that would have broken lesser beings. But examine your victories carefully. Every Sith believed their cause was righteous. The dark side’s cruelest trick is that it agrees with you.

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You were forged in fire and reshaped by those who found you at your lowest. You serve, because service gave you structure when you had none. Your allegiance is not to an ideology — it is to survival and to the master who gave you purpose. But there is something buried beneath the conditioning. The Jedi you hunt? You recognize them. Because you remember what it felt like before the choice was taken from you.

You have looked at the Jedi Code and the Sith Code and found both of them incomplete. You walk the line not out of indecision but out of conviction — you genuinely believe both extremes miss something essential. The Jedi don’t fully trust you. The Sith think you’re wasting your potential. They’re both partially right. But so are you.

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‘Strange New Worlds’ Won Over Critics From the Start

Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) after being assimilated by the Borg as "Locutus of Borg" in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Best of Both Worlds."
Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) after being assimilated by the Borg as “Locutus of Borg” in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Best of Both Worlds.”
Image via Paramount Television

Right from its premiere in 2022, Strange New Worlds was met with critical acclaim, earning a Certified Fresh rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1, which immediately placed the series among the highest-rated in the franchise. To date, it hasn’t gone below 80% across every season on the review aggregator website; even the latest Season 4 debuted to a perfect 100% score.

By comparison, The Next Generation, which holds a 92% Tomatometer score, is remembered far more for its evolution than its debut. While later seasons produced some of the greatest episodes in Star Trek history, the show’s uneven first two years remain a frequent talking point among Trekkies. That difference matters because first impressions shape a series’ reputation. Strange New Worlds, which sits at 90%, never had to overcome an inconsistent beginning and understood exactly what made the franchise special.

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‘Strange New Worlds’ Perfected the Star Trek Formula

Much of Strange New Worlds success comes from how effectively it balances old and new. Like The Next Generation, it embraces classic Star Trek episodic storytelling and adventure-of-the-week structure while still developing its characters across the seasons. But unlike many modern streaming dramas that rely heavily on serialized plots, the four-season series refines the franchise’s formula without feeling dated.

In one episode, Strange New Worlds unexpectedly delivers a musical, the very first in Star Trek history, “Subspace Rhapsody.” And in the next, it’s exploring courtroom drama in “Ad Astra per Aspera,” before seamlessly crossing over with Star Trek: Lower Decks in “Those Old Scientists,” effortlessly balancing the distinct tones of both series.

No matter how ambitious its genre experiments become, every episode of Strange New Worlds remains unmistakably Star Trek at its core. Under Captain Christopher Pike, the series never loses sight of the optimism, curiosity, and humanity that have defined the franchise, values that The Next Generation helped popularize. Still, the difference is clearer when compared with the older series: although it excelled at exploring ethical dilemmas, it rarely ventured this boldly across genres, and when it did experiment, the results were far more uneven and divisive.

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‘Strange New Worlds’ Features Fewer Weak Episodes

(L-R): Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk and Ethan Peck as Spock in season 4, episode 2, of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streaming on Paramount+, 2026. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+
(L-R): Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk and Ethan Peck as Spock in season 4, episode 2, of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streaming on Paramount+, 2026. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+
Image via Jan Thijs/Paramount+

Looking at the critical reception of Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation, it stems directly from how both series were constructed. The classic drama operated under the draining 22-26-episode syndication model of the late 1980s and ’90s, forcing writers to prioritize quantity over consistent quality. So with 178 episodes across seven seasons, the inconsistency was almost unavoidable.

While The Next Generation gave fans all-time classics like “The Best of Both Worlds” and “The Inner Light,” it also produced its fair share of misfires. Early episodes such as “Code of Honor” remain among the most criticized in the franchise, while “Sub Rosa” has become infamous as one of Star Trek’s most divisive and frequently hate-watched episodes. Even many longtime fans admit there are entries they simply skip on rewatches.

Those uneven early years are reflected in the show’s critical reception. The first season struggled with frequent writer turnover and an uncertain creative direction. At the same time, the strike-shortened second season holds a lukewarm 57% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, ending with the widely panned clip-show finale “Shades of Gray.” Moreover, it wasn’t until Season 3, particularly the highly memorable “The Best of Both Worlds,” that The Next Generation truly found its footing.

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Meanwhile, Strange New Worlds benefits from a tighter 10-episode season, giving each story more room to be carefully crafted without the need for filler. As a result, the series has produced very few episodes that critics or audiences consider weak. One of its finest is the Season 1 finale, “A Quality of Mercy,” which cleverly reimagines The Original Series episode “Balance of Terror.” By exploring how Pike and Kirk would handle the same crisis differently, the episode offers a compelling meditation on leadership, sacrifice, as well as destiny, and it is widely regarded as one of the strongest episodes of modern Star Trek.

The Next Generation will always be one of the most important series in Star Trek history. But when it comes to consistent critical acclaim and overall storytelling, Strange New Worlds may have quietly outdone the classic. Even so, it doesn’t replace TNG‘s legacy; instead, it builds on it, proving that Star Trek can still evolve while staying true to everything that made the franchise great.

Both Star Trek shows stream on Paramount+.


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Release Date

2022 – 2027-00-00

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Network

Paramount+

Showrunner
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Henry Alonso Myers, Akiva Goldsman

Directors

Dan Liu, Amanda Row, Maja Vrvilo, Akiva Goldsman, Dermott Downs, Eduardo Sánchez, Jeffrey W. Byrd, Jonathan Frakes, Jordan Canning, Leslie Hope, Valerie Weiss, Sydney Freeland, Christopher J. Byrne, Rachel Leiterman

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Writers

Onitra Johnson

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10 Years Later, Matt Damon’s Underrated Fantasy Epic Is Free to Watch

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Matt Damon as William and Pedro Pascal as Tovar standing together during a meeting in The Great Wall.

There’s a running joke that most of Matt Damons filmography has him playing characters who are trying to get home. It’s a joke with some truth to it: from the gritty, war-torn landscape of Saving Private Ryan to being stranded on another planet in The Martian, Damon more often than not plays someone struggling against impossible odds. The Odyssey takes things to a new extreme, thanks to the double-header of being based on an iconic Greek myth and being directed by Christopher Nolan, but there’s another epic starring Damon that’s flown under the radar and is completely free to watch.

That movie is The Great Wall, which debuted in 2016. Directed by legendary filmmaker Zhang Yimou, The Great Wall follows a pair of mercenaries, William Garin (Damon) and Pero Tovar (Pedro Pascal), who learn a startling secret about the Great Wall of China: it was built to keep a race of serpentine monsters called Tao Tei from devouring everything in their path. To combat the Tao Te, Garin and Tovar join forces with a group of elite warriors. The Great Wall is currently available to stream on Tubi, meaning that fans can check out one of the more outlandish movies of Damon’s career.

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‘The Great Wall’ Was Hit With Controversy Prior to Its Release

Matt Damon as William and Pedro Pascal as Tovar standing together during a meeting in The Great Wall.
Matt Damon as William and Pedro Pascal as Tovar in The Great Wall.
Image via Universal Pictures

While moviegoers might not remember much of The Great Wall‘s plot, they probably remember that the series was at the center of a brief controversy due to casting Damon in the lead role. Many felt that the movie was dipping into the “white savior” stereotype, but the opposite turned out to be true. Apart from Damon, Pascal, and Willem Dafoe, the majority of the cast is of Chinese descent while the production took place entirely in China. Zhang Yimou would even put a pin on the controversy during an interview, saying that Damon was never meant to be playing a Chinese character.

“In many ways, The Great Wall is the opposite of what is being suggested. For the first time, a film deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with one of the largest Chinese casts ever assembled, is being made at tentpole scale for a world audience. I believe that is a trend that should be embraced by our industry.”

True to his word, Yimou tends to put most of the focus on the “Nameless Order,” the group of warriors that have dedicated their lives to battling the Tao Tei. This lets him deliver some incredible visuals, both in terms of costuming and fight scenes. Lin Mae (Jing Tian), one of the members of the Nameless Order, is a standout thanks to the royal blue armor she’s wearing and the deadly grace with which she moves. Yimou is no stranger to crafting incredible fight scenes, thanks to his work on martial arts classics including Hero and House of Flying Daggers, which means that The Great Wall definitely isn’t lacking in terms of craft.













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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt
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Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

🔧John McClane

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🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

Rambo

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Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

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Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

Ethan Hunt

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Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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‘The Great Wall’ Was Part of A Long-Running Hollywood Trend

Another thing that stands out about The Great Wall was that it was released at a time when Hollywood saw China as one of its biggest markets. Legendary Pictures, the production company behind The Great Wall, was even bought out by the Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group in 2016. This meant that movies like The Great Wall and Skyscraper could be filmed entirely in China, while also having their narratives take place in the country, and often relied on the Chinese box office to turn a profit. Ironically, The Great Wall wasn’t a success in the U.S. or China, with Matt Damon later revealing that his daughter mocked him for starring in it.

The Great Wall might not be on the same level as The Odyssey or The Martian, but it’s far from Matt Damon’s worst movie. If you’re looking for a Saturday night movie or a visually stunning experience, it’s worth a watch.

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Release Date

December 16, 2016

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Runtime

103 minutes

Director
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Zhang Yimou

Writers

Tony Gilroy, Carlo Bernard, Edward Zwick, Doug Miro, Marshall Herskovitz, Max Brooks

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Producers

Alex Gartner, Charles Roven, E. Bennett Walsh, Jon Jashni, Peter Loehr, Thomas Tull, Jillian Share, Zhang Zhao, La Peikang

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