Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Vampire Lestat Episode 5.

We’re closer to the finale of The Vampire Lestat now, so it should come as no surprise that the show is pushing into even more deeply personal territory for its eternally mercurial lead. While Louis (Jacob Anderson) has been spending his time with an eerily convincing Claudia (Delainey Hayles) lookalike named Regina, Lestat (Sam Reid) takes one look at his fledgling’s waitress-turned-paid-companion in this week’s episode, “New York,” and immediately knows that she’s not the same person.

Yet in the aftermath of sizing Regina up, Lestat finds himself back in the recording studio where he’s been working on his first album with the band to write what might be his most soul-baring song yet about his biggest failure as a maker. As it happens, the resulting Episode 5 track wasn’t just tricky to get right from a composition standpoint, but also when it came time to perform and shoot the final emotional number.

Both Sam Reid and Daniel Hart Had the Hardest Time With This Episode 5 Song

When Collider had the opportunity to speak with The Vampire Lestat‘s cast and creative team before the season premiere, we had to ask Reid and series composer Daniel Hart about which song was most difficult to pull off — and they both had the same answer in “Stained Glass Eyes,” the song that Lestat writes about his biggest memories of Claudia, including the moments leading up to her death in Season 2’s penultimate episode, “I Could Not Prevent It.” According to Hart, the song was rewritten more than once before he and series creator Rolin Jones agreed on its final iteration:

“… it’s the only song of the batch that is in Season 3 where I rewrote it from the ground up three separate times — different music, different lyrics, fully formed demos, fully fleshed out. I turned one in, and Rolin was like, ‘I think that’s not quite right.’ The second version, completely starting over, completely new ideas, completely different music style, different lyrics. I finished it, I listened back to it, and I was like, ‘I think that’s completely not right.’ The third time, I finally found what I was looking for. And then it plays a huge role in Episode 5, which was always the intention. That was a writing assignment that I got from Rolin, was like, ‘We need a song about Claudia.’”

Reid’s answer was the same, though we did make a point to ask him, specifically, about which song was hardest not from a performance standpoint, but because of the greater emotions at play for the character. Per Reid, episode director Levan Akin suggested shooting the sequence where Lestat writes the song like a music video, but the biggest consideration in his mind was to avoid it veering too far into musical theater territory. “We shot that like we would have shot a scene, and that is kind of trippy, to be singing a song while doing that. So, it was sort of like, ‘Oh my God, how am I going to get my mind around doing this and not make it feel like a musical, as well? Like, make it feel justified?’”

Reid also told us that he considers the “Stained Glass Eyes” sequence to be “one of the bolder choices of how the show ended up being,” which is certainly saying something, considering everything that has played out across the last four episodes so far. Similarly, Lestat’s band also considers the song a major left turn for their sound, but is ultimately overruled when Lestat decides to scrap everything they’ve been working on and rerecord the album, using “Stained Glass Eyes” as their template. What will this change do for the album, especially in the wake of Armand (Assad Zaman) knocking off the band’s lead guitarist, Larry (Noah Reid)? Looking back on the episode’s game-changing song, though, Reid admits that he can’t really revisit the moment on his end: “I sort of watch that with my eyes closed a little bit.”

New episodes of The Vampire Lestat premiere Sundays on AMC.

It looks like Danny McBride is serious about bringing G.I. Joe back to the big screen.

During a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, McBride confirmed that he has completed a screenplay for a new G.I. Joe film, and according to the actor and writer, Paramount Pictures is enthusiastic about moving the project forward.

“I’ve written one. I’m stoked about it. I’m really fired up about the script,” McBride said. “Paramount seems fired up about it, so hopefully we’re shooting it next year.”

For longtime fans of the franchise, perhaps the most exciting revelation wasn’t the production update—it was hearing how deeply McBride understands the source material.

“It was definitely the cartoons and the comics,” he explained. “G.I. Joe was my thing when I was a kid. I liked that more than Star Wars, more than anything. I still have all the characters.”

That lifelong passion helped shape the movie’s direction.

According to McBride, his original pitch wasn’t even for a traditional G.I. Joe film. Instead, he wanted to make a movie centered around the Dreadnoks, Cobra’s infamous biker gang of mercenaries. Paramount liked the idea but felt the franchise first needed a proper relaunch before branching into spinoffs.

“I had an idea for a Dreadnoks movie,” McBride recalled. “So I went to Paramount and pitched it, and they were like, ‘Well, the franchise kind of needs to be launched, so we can’t come out with a Dreadnoks movie. Would you have an angle for a G.I. Joe project?’ And I was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’ll have an angle for that.’”

Rather than simply rehash familiar stories, McBride developed a new concept alongside his The Righteous Gemstonescollaborators Jeff Bradley and John Carcieri.

The film reportedly follows Duke and a team of Joes as they investigate Springfield, the infamous town from the comics that secretly operates under Cobra’s control.

“You’re following Duke and a group of other Joes. There’s that town in the comic, Springfield, which is a town that’s secretly all Cobra, and so that is where our film takes place.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the tone.

Despite McBride’s reputation for outrageous comedies like Eastbound & Down and The Righteous Gemstones, he insists this won’t be a comedic take on the iconic toy line.

“We cracked something that we really love,” he said. “It’s not a comedy; it’s kind of suspense and action. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

He even described the screenplay as a more grounded approach to the franchise, suggesting audiences should expect tension and espionage rather than over-the-top parody.

While McBride stopped short of revealing any casting announcements, he hinted that conversations are already taking place behind the scenes.

“We have some pretty interesting people lining up to be in it,” he teased. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but it looks like it’s going to be pretty fun.”

Following the disappointing box office performance of Snake Eyes in 2021, Paramount has been searching for the right direction to revive the franchise. If McBride’s comments are any indication, the studio believes it has finally found a fresh approach—one rooted in the classic comics while delivering a grounded action-thriller centered around Duke, Cobra, and the mysterious town of Springfield.

Should production begin next year as planned, G.I. Joe fans may finally be getting the franchise reboot they’ve been waiting for.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 19 seconds ago

In the 2000’s, Vin Diesel didn’t want to do any sequels. 2 Fast 2 Furious replaced him with Tyrese Gibson, and XXX: State of the Union stuck Ice Cube in his palace as a new recruit in Samuel L. Jackson’s secret program. The 2005 sequel to Diesel’s extreme reimagining of secret agent movies was a flop and more evidence that audiences fell in love with Diesel, and not fast cars or skateboarding down a mountain to break into a terrorist cell. Now that XXX: State of the Union is on Netflix and its far removed from the crushing disappointment of Ice Cube’s casting it can be streamed and judged on its own merits as an action movie. And it’s….not bad! 

Ice Cube Is No Vin Diesel

Ice Cube’s Darius Stone isn’t a video gaming playing extreme athlete like Diesel’s Xander Cage, instead he’s a disgraced Navy SEAL serving time in a military prison for breaking the jaw of General Deckert (Willem Dafoe). The swagger Cube brings to his portrayal of Stone is very different from the anti-authority attitude Diesel brought to Cage. Instead of moving like the coolest guy in the room, Stone moves like the toughest guy in the room. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just different.

Under the leadership of Agent Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson) as part of the XXX program, stone uncovers a government conspiracy, is framed for murder, goes up against his old SEAL unit, and naturally, blows up a lot of Washington D.C. in the process. As far as action movie plots go, there’s nothing revolutionary about it, which is why audiences rejected it as a XXX sequel.

State Of The Union Is A Traditional Action Movie

XXX hit in 2002 at the perfect time when the James Bond style of spy movies had already been parodied by Austin Powers and The X Games were turning into must-watch TV. In the movie’s opening scene, a tuxedo-clad spy is murdered because he can’t blend into a Rammstein concert. The world had changed. Culture had changed. Spy action movies remained the same. XXX: State of the Union was a step back. A well-crafted one with a great closing set piece (trains are always awesome), but a step back. 

Giving more screen time to Samuel L. Jackson wasn’t the answer, and the petty in-universe explanation that Xander Cage was killed in Bora Bora turned off a lot of fans. Combined, the XXX sequel failed to earn back its production budget. It’s no wonder that the franchise was put on ice until 2017’s XXX: Return of Xander Cage. 

Ice Cube deserved better. His cameo in the third film caused theaters to erupt, which seems ironic given how they rejected his original appearance as Darius Stone, but between 2005 and 2017, 21 Jump Street happened. Ice Cube wasn’t meant to play the anti-authority rebel, he was meant to play the put-upon authority dealing with everyone who refuses to play by the book. Unlike his comedies, XXX: State of the Union is perfectly acceptable entertainment. At least it’s not as bad as Ghosts of Mars.

Travis Kelce reportedly brought the waterworks during his vow exchange moment with his wife, pop superstar Taylor Swift.

According to the couple’s guests, the NFL star was “more emotional” than Swift as they read their vows in front of friends and family, and even broke down in tears at some point.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding was certainly one for the history books after the couple put on a star-studded affair at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Kelce and Swift were said to be at their most emotional while exchanging their wedding vows on July 3 at the MSG, but the singer’s beau reportedly did most of the crying.

Guests present for the highly publicized ceremony shared details of the moment with NBC News, noting that most of the attendees were left teary-eyed as the couple read their vows, which they wrote themselves, with Swift singing part of hers to Kelce.

Speaking to the news outlet, one attendee revealed that Kelce surprisingly out-cried Swift, noting: “You would think the bride would be the one crying more, but it was actually Travis that was more emotional.”

Beyond the tears, the massive venue’s visual makeover was a total showstopper. According to People Magazine, the newlyweds completely overhauled multiple sections of the iconic stadium to match their aesthetic.

“It looked like a forest,” an insider dished. The arena’s standard seating was reportedly hidden beneath sleek white drapes, along with an abundance of greenery adorning the place.

The Newlyweds’ Vow Exchange Lasted For 20 Minutes

Speaking with People, an insider shared fresh insight into Swift and Kelce’s wedding ceremony, noting that “Taylor walked down the aisle to a stage where they said ‘I do.’”

The ceremony was an incredibly deep and detailed affair, with the source adding that “their vows were about 20 minutes each,” which Swift and Kelce read directly from gold books.

Expecting there to be waterworks, the thoughtful pair also provided guests with embroidered handkerchiefs for any emotional moments throughout the evening.

“After the ceremony, Taylor’s mom invited everyone into the reception room where a stage was set up,” the insider further shared.

According to the source, Paul McCartney performed The Beatles’ hit song, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” at the event, with Stevie Nicks also part of the couple’s line-up of A-list singers.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Treated Their Guests To A Variety Of Cuisines

With the emotionally charged part of the ceremony over, the celebration quickly shifted into high gear at the reception, where attendees were reportedly treated to an incredible culinary experience.

Guests could pick from food stations that featured everything from authentic Italian cuisine and fresh sushi to an endless rotation of passed appetizers.

Drinks at the wedding were said to be flowing all night long as “there were bars everywhere.” Reflecting on the sheer scale of the event, the People insider added that despite the massive size of the venue, the star-studded guest list packed the room, noting, “It was very crowded!”

Besides their family members, the couple’s guest list featured singers like Jennifer Lopez, Sabrina Carpenter, and the popstar’s close pals, Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran.

Hollywood was also greatly represented at the wedding, with actors such as Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Dakota Johnson, and Bradly Cooper in attendance.

The Singer’s Former Best Friend Was Absent From The Celebration

In a surprising turn of events, Swift’s former close pal, Blake Lively, was notably absent from the event, along with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

Swift and Lively’s friendship reportedly greatly suffered after the singer got dragged into the actress’s legal drama with her “It Ends With Us” co-star, Justin Baldoni.

It led to sensitive and private text messages the former pals shared in private being exposed, along with alleged comments made by Lively, in which she branded Swift one of her “dragons.”

Prior to the wedding, there was heavy speculation that the ladies had reconnected, with many expecting Lively to be at the wedding, especially after she settled her lawsuit. However, sources recently confirmed that the pair’s friendship was over and “done.”

Taylor Swift Chose ‘Peace’ Over Reconciliation With Her Former Pal

Explaining why Swift ultimately chose not to invite Lively to her wedding, an insider told Page Six that the singer has moved on from their relationship and is now focused on being around people she can “trust.”

“Taylor’s in a different place now, and she just wants to be around people she trusts and who bring her peace,” the source said.

They added, “It’s a shame because she and Blake really were close, but she doesn’t think it’s something that’s going to be fixed. As far as [Taylor’s] concerned, their friendship is done.”

Lively, for her part, is said to be “sad” and “p-ssed” to have been shut out of the wedding, with an insider telling the Daily Mail that her friendship with Swift “was over before, but if there was hope, it’s gone. They’ll never be friends again.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reportedly kept their wedding guests well fed during their star-studded nuptials at Madison Square Garden.

While the newlyweds have yet to release details about the menu, Us Weekly and other media outlets have caught glimpses of the food being transported towards and even inside the iconic NYC venue on Friday, July 3.

An eyewitness told Us that a Mama’s Too pizza truck was spotted pulling away from the arena, while Bradley Cooper’s famed cheesestreaks from Danny & Coop’s were seen being delivered via car.

Photos also circulated of a Sartiano’s truck outside Madison Square Garden, with Page Six also reporting that a Krispy Kreme truck and boxes from various food companies including Sweet Baby Ray’s and Butterball arrived at the venue.

Related: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Read Handwritten Vows From ‘Little Books’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s highly anticipated, star-studded wedding ceremony somehow managed to feel like an extremely personal affair. “It really was intimate,” broadcaster Robin Roberts revealed after attending the couple’s Friday, July 3, ceremony during an episode of Good Morning America the next day. Roberts’ co-anchor George Stephanopoulos concurred, noting that NYC’s famed Madison […]

TMZ also published photos of eggs, tomatoes, Aquafina water, turkey, butter, Tropicana juice, white wheat wraps and more being delivered one day prior to the nuptials. The outlet also reported seeing chicken, onion rings, peppers, romaine, heavy whipping cream and whole milk outside.

Swift and Kelce, both 36, officially tied the knot on Friday in a star-studded ceremony at Madison Square Garden. After the wedding, digital billboards outside the venue read, “JusT&T Married.” The nuptials were officiated by comedian Adam Sandler, with the NFL player and pop star opting for Christian Dior Haute Couture while being joined by their brothers at the altar.

“Her brother, Austin Swift, served as Taylor’s ‘Man of Honor’ and Jason Kelce was Travis’ Best Man,” a statement from Taylor’s rep read. “The ceremony joined both families together.”

At the ceremony, the couple reportedly each spoke for about 20 minutes, with Good Morning America’s George Stephanopoulos claiming they read their handwritten vows aloud from “little books.”

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“Then, the vows. Long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity,” AMC CEO Adam Aron wrote in a since-deleted X recap of the pair’s wedding, per Entertainment Weekly. “[They shared] the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families (Kelce’s and Swift’s) as one, and committing to their new mutual life together.”

Travis’ mom, Donna Kelce, remained tight-lipped about the nuptials but gushed over the day while sharing a few short words.

“I really can’t say a heck of a lot,” Donna told Macy’s social media team while attending the 50th Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display the next day. “It was magical, man, magical.”

Former Kansas City Chiefs star Mitch Schwartz was admittedly his wife Brooke Lynn’s hero for his tireless support of her first postpartum outing at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded wedding.

Schwartz, 37, and Lynn, 33, were spotted leaving their New York City hotel on Friday, July 3, where eagle-eyed social media users realized the tux-clad NFL alum was carrying a breast pump while his spouse walked alongside him.

“I’d recognize that accessory anywhere. Ultimate spouse move,” one Instagram user wrote. “Looking fab, [Brooke].”

Lynn reposted the upload to her Instagram Stories, succinctly writing, “It would have ruined my outfit.”

Related: Chiefs WAGs Land in NYC Ahead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding

Kansas City Chiefs WAGS Brooke Lynn and Laura Kruk have officially touched down in New York City ahead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s reported wedding. Both ladies shared Instagram Stories on Thursday, July 2, to reveal their arrivals in the Big Apple one day before Swift and Kelce, both 36, are rumored to tie […]

Schwartz and Lynn were among the approximately 1,000 guests present at NYC’s famed Madison Square Garden as Swift and Kelce, both 36, said “I do.” The ceremony marked the Schwartz and Lynn’s first date night since Lynn gave birth to daughter Stevie on June 10. (Schwartz and Lynn also share 2-year-old daughter Scottie.)

In addition to Schwartz carrying his wife’s portable pump to the wedding, he also “kept track” of her pumping schedule so she could avoid engorgement.

“Mitch even kept track of my pumping schedule the last couple days because I was 💃 🍸 🥃 🍷 🍺 🍹 ,” the mom of two added in a follow-up Instagram Stories tribute to Schwartz. “I absolutely adore this man.”

For the occasion, Schwartz and Lynn twinned in black with the former football player’s black suit complementing his wife’s evening gown. Lynn donned a fitted sheath with bedazzled accents dotting the plunging neckline.

“An epic first night out since welcoming our baby girl a couple weeks ago 💗🥂💐,” the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post on Saturday, July 4, sharing outfit pictures.

Kelce, a tight end for the Chiefs, had many past and present teammates in attendance on his big day. In addition to Schwartz and head coach Andy Reid, the guest list included Patrick Mahomes, George Karlaftis, Mecole Hardman and Ross Travis.

Amid his NFL tenure, Kelce began dating Swift in 2023 and they got engaged two years later in August 2025.

Related: How Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Partied Post–Super Bowl With the Mahomes

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrated the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory in style. The couple stepped out with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, at XS Nightclub at the Wynn Las Vegas resort hotel after the team’s victory against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, February 11. Swift and […]

Keeping their nuptials hush-hush, their union was announced with a digital “JUST&T MARRIED” billboard outside of MSG on Friday and a press release.

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“The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the bride and groom,” a rep for Swift wrote in a statement. “This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. [Both of] their shoes were custom made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”

The rep statement also revealed that Swift and Kelce opted for their respective brothers to serve as Man of Honor and Best Man in lieu of a traditional bridal party.

“The ceremony joined both families together,” the statement concluded.

Jennifer Lopez stunned fans after she graced Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding in style.

The singer embraced classic elegance by opting for a sophisticated black gown that stood out for its understated glamour rather than bold embellishments.

The look left fans online surprised due to Jennifer Lopez’s recent raunchy outfits, with many praising the singer for putting on something “tasteful.”

Lopez embraced classic elegance for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding festivities, opting for a sophisticated black gown that stood out for its understated glamour.

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The sleek silhouette and refined styling reflected a timeless approach to formal fashion, proving that simplicity can be just as striking on a star-studded guest list.

The singer and actress elevated the monochromatic look with dazzling diamond jewelry, allowing her accessories to make a statement without overpowering the ensemble. Her beauty look complemented the outfit perfectly, with soft waves, glowing makeup, and a polished finish that echoed the Old Hollywood aesthetic.

As photos from the wedding weekend circulated online, Lopez quickly became one of the event’s most talked-about celebrity guests.

Fans Can’t Stop Talking About Jennifer Lopez’s Wedding Look

It didn’t take long for Lopez’s appearance to become a trending topic on social media after images from the wedding surfaced.

Fans flooded comment sections with praise for the entertainer, calling her look effortlessly glamorous and worthy of its own red carpet moment.

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Many admirers highlighted how Lopez managed to make a statement without overshadowing the bride and groom. Instead of opting for dramatic colors, she chose a sophisticated black look.

“That dress is doing more for art than the entire gallery,” one fan wrote in the actress’s comment section on X.

Another commented, “Say whatever you want, but the doll is absolutely stunning.”

While several fans commented on how elegant the dress looked on Lopez, some were mesmerized by her physique.

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“Your luminous eyes, perfect bone structure, and radiant smile make you one of the most strikingly beautiful women in the spotlight,” a fan noted.

Jennifer Lopez’s Appearance At the Wedding Wasn’t Unexpected

Lopez’s presence at the high-profile wedding didn’t come as a shock to fans given her long-standing ties within Hollywood’s elite circles as well as her reported close friendship with Swift and Kelce.

Over the years, Lopez has built strong relationships across music, film, and sports circles, often forming friendships with fellow high-profile figures through shared events, collaborations, and industry gatherings.

According to reports, her connection with Swift, in particular, has been widely noted in Hollywood circles, where both are seen as global superstars who understand the pressures of fame.

A Star-Studded Guest List Brought Hollywood Glamour to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Big Day

Swift and Kelce’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their love; it also doubled as one of the most star-studded events of the year.

The ceremony, which took place at Madison Square Garden, welcomed around 1,000 guests, with actors, musicians, athletes, and close friends all gathering to witness the couple say “I do.”

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The couple’s guest list featured a mix of major figures from both the entertainment and sports worlds.

Hollywood actors like Tom Hanks and Bradley Cooper attended alongside music stars Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez, while prominent NFL personalities including Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes arrived to support the newlyweds.

The blend of entertainment and sports royalty underscored the unique worlds Swift and Kelce have brought together throughout their relationship.

Although the couple kept most of the ceremony private, photos of high-profile guests arriving for the celebration made waves on social media. From elegant designer dresses and suits to surprise celebrity appearances, the wedding became as much a showcase of Hollywood A-list style.

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The Wedding Was A Long-Awaited Fairytale For Taylor Swift

Swift and Kelce’s wedding has been widely described as a long-awaited fairytale moment, marking the pinnacle of one of pop culture’s most talked-about modern romances.

From the earliest days of their relationship, fans have followed every public appearance, interview hint, and subtle gesture that fueled speculation about their future together.

The ceremony itself has been framed in the media and online conversations as a celebration of love finally reaching its most magical chapter.

For many fans, it felt like the end of a real-life romantic storyline that had played out in real time, complete with public support, viral moments, and unwavering interest.

“Finally, Taylor Swift & Travis’ wedding is over & also 100% of American royal wedding congratulations,” a fan on X wrote.

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The singer’s wedding also came with a shocker, as her former close pal, Blake Lively, was nowhere to be seen, confirming reports that the duo’s friendship is over.

In 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery was almost acquired by Netflix, giving the streaming giant rights not just to DC franchises but also to Harry Potter. The deal was so close to happening that Netflix once published key art featuring Daniel Radcliffe‘s Harry alongside Millie Bobby Brown‘s Stranger Things character, Eleven. Now, that deal has gone south and Paramount will soon acquire Warner Bros.’ Discovery, but that doesn’t stop Netflix from taking a piece of the Wizarding World with them.

Years after the release of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, HBO Max premiered a reunion special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, featuring some of the original cast and crew from the eight films released from 2001 to 2011. One of the people behind the special was Mohammed Adnan, who’s listed as the development producer. Now, he announces a career jump to Netflix.

On Adnan’s LinkedIn page, he announced that he’s joining Netflix as a manager of documentary series in the U.S., leaving Story Film Limited. Adnan shared his excitement about working alongside “some of the world’s most talented storytellers” and about what’s ahead. According to a recent report, his Story Films’ founders, Peter Beard and David Nath, commented on Adnan’s departure from the company, stating:

“Adnan is a truly talented creative and lovely person – we have been proud to have him as part of the team at Story. We know he will go on to further success at Netflix and we wish him all the very best in this next exciting chapter.”

Meanwhile, on LinkedIn, Beard commented on Adnan’s announcement, congratulating him on his new role, joking that he would like him to commission his future work, and that he’s sad to see him go.

“Huge congratulations Adnan. You’re the best (I’m not just saying that because I want commissions, you actually are). I’m sad to see you go but excited to see the amazing projects you’ll green light. “

What Documentaries Does Netflix Have?

Aside from original fiction, dramatized content based on true stories, and licensed content, Netflix also offers documentaries. One of the most recent was Michael Jackson: The Verdict, which premiered on June 3, 2026, a week after the Michael biopic entered theaters. The series examines Michael Jackson‘s 2005 trial, where the King of Pop was accused of sexually abusing a minor at his Neverland ranch, which led to a not guilty verdict from the jury. The documentary features interviews with those involved in the case, including jurors, eyewitnesses, and journalists. Other documentaries on Netflix include Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga and Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, as well as mockumentaries like Cunk on Earth and Death To 2020.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is available to stream on HBO Max. Follow Collider for more updates.

Trigun is undoubtedly one of the best, most beloved, and seminal anime series of all time. The legendary gateway anime show exemplifies why many American viewers became fans of the genre in the first place. Trigun has many amazing qualities, such as its indelible, memorable characters, tremendous storyline, fantastic music, and unique setting that mixes science fiction, fantasy, and the Old West. Trigun is interesting since it has many familiar hallmarks and a visual aesthetic that resembles the idealized view of the Wild West and Hollywood Westerns, but it also puts a unique spin on the Western through its sci-fi flourishes, along with its protagonist, Vash the Stampede (Johnny Yong Bosch). It’s time to look at how the Trigun series blended science fiction and the Western to create something completely brand-new.

’Trigun’s Vash the Stampede Is Similar to Western Heroes Portrayed by John Wayne and Clint Eastwood

At the heart of Trigun’s story is its multi-faceted protagonist, Vash the Stampede. Vash is a subversion of the lone wandering gunman typically depicted in Western movies. The creator of the original Trigun manga series, Yasuhiro Nightow, created Vash as a pacifist. Throughout both the manga and anime series, Vash follows a strict code where he refuses to kill, even his deadliest enemies. Vash is a capable fighter and a skilled gunslinger, and he will always avoid taking a kill shot, although there are some exceptions to that no-killing rule.

Westerns are usually characterized by one or more gunslingers, be they heroes or antiheroes. Vash is a nomad and skilled gunman, and deep down, he does have a heart of gold. However, his personality is the inverse of the stoic and stern grimness of popular Western figures portrayed by the likes of Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. While Vash arguably sometimes shares a similar nobility and code of honor to those of classic Western characters, he upholds his vow of pacifism and refusal to kill others, even his enemies. Western heroes may avoid killing or conflict in some cases, but more often than not, they are always driven to a duel or shootout with their enemies. Those conflicts usually end with someone dying, but Vash always looks for a non-lethal solution.

While typical Western heroes tend to be grim, stoic, dry, and rugged, Vash is the opposite. Vash likes to play the fool, and he tends to act very goofy, cowardly, and ridiculous. Sometimes he acts this way to trick his enemies, while at other times he wants to put others at ease due to his misunderstood reputation. Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Jeff Nimoy), Vash’s friend, points out to Vash that he wears a fake smile, and he realizes that Vash may act the fool, but deep down, he hides a wellspring of pain and trauma. While Vash is not the monster many make him out to be, he still suffers deep emotional pain from the personal losses in his past. Another interesting aspect of Vash is his vulnerability and how he sometimes breaks down, showing his true emotions, which is rarely seen with Western protagonists.

No Man’s Land Takes Inspiration From Classic Western Settings

Image via TOHO Animation

Another fun sci-fi spin of the Western in Trigun is its unique locale in the planet No Man’s Land, aka Gunsmoke, the setting for the action of both the anime and manga series. Trigun is set in a future time when Earth’s resources are depleted. The remnants of humanity take part in a deep-space colonization project called Project SEEDS. However, due to the meddling of Vash’s twin plant brother, Knives Million, the ships crashed on planet Gunsmoke, stranding the last vestiges of humankind. Gunsmoke is the perfect setting for Trigun. The whole planet is mostly a desolate wasteland, akin to many great Western or post-apocalyptic sci-fi features. Human society developed on what meager resources are available, with cities built around the crashed Plant generators from Project SEEDS. Society adapted to take on an 1800s Western style in terms of architecture, setting, and technology. While things like electricity and gas-powered vehicles do exist, they’re not widespread due to the planet’s lack of resources and infrastructure.

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The East Blue will be calling in February.

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The look and visual style of Gunsmoke set the classic Western vibe and mood of Trigun. However, while the show does have a lot of traditional Western settings and locales, it also mixes in various fun sci-fi elements. Since horses are not available to humanity, the survivors adapted a species of native, docile pack animals dubbed “Thomas” as their new mounts. The planet is also native to a dangerous species of giant sandworms. The bad guys are all larger-than-life characters, with elaborate weapons and designs. The remnants of futuristic planet Earth from the crashed spaceships that litter No Man’s Land are referred to as “lost technology.” The way the series mixes sci-fi and alien creatures with more traditional Western settings and styles is part of the series’ charm.

Vash the Stampede Has a Colorful Rogues Gallery

Trigun offers a fun spin on the Western with its colorful cast of characters. Vash the Stampede has one of the more interesting and best-designed rogues galleries for any anime hero. Case in point, the Gung-Ho Guns, a gang of assassins organized by Vash’s brother, Knives Millions, to torment him. Each member of the Gung-Ho Gun is uniquely designed and memorable. Some are more psychological than others, such as Zazie the Beast (Derek Stephen Prince) and Legato Bluesummers (Richard Cansino). Wolfwood, a traveling preacher and hired gun, forms a unique bond and friendship with Vash throughout the series, and becomes the story’s deuteragonist. Wolfwood is an equally multi-faceted and layered character like Vash, becoming one of the series’ most interesting characters.

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The world of Trigun is a world of outlaws, bounty hunters, and cutthroats. What’s fun about Trigun is that every single character looks unique and memorable, from the villains such as Knives, Legato, the Gung-Ho Guns, and even the Nebraska family, to the one-off supporting characters, such as Amelia Ann McFly and Gasback Gallon Getaway. The series’ penchant for cool and unique nicknames, which are always appropriately on the nose, is another point in the series’ favor.

What Sets ‘Trigun’ Apart From Traditional Westerns Is What Makes It Work

Image via TOHO Animation

What always makes Trigun so captivating is Vash’s journey. As the storyline unpacks more of Vash’s backstory, he grows into an even more empathetic and tragic character. Tragic backstories are something that Vash and many Western heroes have in common, whether it’s Harmonica (Charles Bronson) in Once Upon a Time in the West, the Ringo Kid (Wayne) in Stagecoach, or even The Man With No Name in Sergio Leone‘s Dollars Trilogy.

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The main difference is that Vash technically isn’t a naturally born human. He’s an artificial being called a plant. He and his brother Knives were raised among humans during the interstellar Project SEEDS mission. Vash was heavily influenced by his human guardian, Rem Saverem, which is why he adopted his pacifist outlook and refuses to kill his enemies. The tragedy Vash experienced in losing Rem was emotional and heartbreaking, but Vash honors the memory of his guardian by living the life he believes she would respect. Most Western heroes do not think twice about dispatching their enemies, but for Vash, it is an emotional low point when he does finally kill.

Many anime shows mix together the genres of Western and sci-fi, but few do it as well as the original 1998 Trigun series. The show was highly influential as it aired on Adult Swim when the block was at its peak, and it became a gateway anime for many new fans. The 1998 anime series remains a fan favorite to this day. The full series and its 2010 spin-off movie Trigun: Badlands Rumble, are available to stream now, subbed and dubbed, on Crunchyroll. Trigun Stampede, the latest anime adaptation of Nightow’s manga series, is also streaming now on Crunchyroll.