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Tom Brady’s Awkward Dating Game Exposed By Insiders

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Tom Brady leaving the Cosmopolitan Hotel for the Fanatics party ., 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada..10.0.22024

Tom Brady may have dominated the NFL for decades, but his life off the field appears far less predictable.

After the retired quarterback was spotted chatting closely with Yael Cohen Braun at a Los Angeles party, speculation quickly erupted about his romantic life.

Now, insiders are offering a surprising glimpse into the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s reportedly awkward approach to dating.

Tom Brady Sparks Buzz After Cozy Moment With Yael Cohen Braun

Tom Brady leaving the Cosmopolitan Hotel for the Fanatics party ., 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada..10.0.22024
The US Sun/ MEGA

Tom Brady recently found himself at the center of relationship rumors after attending a birthday celebration for fellow NFL legend Tony Gonzalez in Los Angeles.

During the event, the former quarterback was reportedly seen spending time with Yael Cohen Braun, the ex-wife of music executive Scooter Braun.

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According to reports, the pair were “huddled up at the bar together,” which immediately sparked chatter about Brady’s love life.

However, a source close to the situation quickly dismissed the speculation. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the insider said, “When it comes to Tom and Yael and if they are ‘hooking up’… not so fast.”

The source explained that their connection is rooted in shared interests rather than romance. “They are friendly because of her work with her cancer prevention non-profit, ‘F*** Cancer’. She is a major health activist, and Tom might be the healthiest guy in the world, so they have bonded over that,” the insider revealed.

The connection reportedly goes deeper due to personal experiences within their families.

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According to the insider, “Yael’s mom had breast cancer and Tom’s mother did as well. They both have children and were friendly with each other when she was married to Scooter.”

The source added that their discussions often revolve around health and advocacy, noting, “They are currently friends and talk about what they can do to make sure people are healthy, especially in the world of cancer. Who knows if they will ever get together romantically, but as of right now, their connection is focused on their individual health goals and health goals for others.”

Ultimately, the insider suggested that romance simply isn’t part of the picture right now.

“That is what is important for them; hooking up right now is just silly. Just talk,” they shared.

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Brady’s Dating Life After Gisele Bündchen

Tom Brady smiling
MEGA

Since his high-profile divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen in 2022, Tom Brady has been linked to several women.

One of the most recent names associated with the former New England Patriots star is TikTok personality Alix Earle.

The two were first spotted spending time together during a New Year’s Eve celebration in St. Barths. Later, Brady was seen getting close to Earle at a party ahead of the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.

However, sources suggest the situation may not be serious.

A second insider told the Daily Mail that the retired quarterback is not actively searching for a committed relationship.

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“Tom isn’t dating anyone specifically,” the source said. “He’s not really looking for that. Dating isn’t something ever on his mind.”

Tom Brady Reportedly Has ‘No Game’ With Women

Tom Brady at Los Angeles Premiere Screening Of Paramount Pictures' '80 For Brady'
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Despite his fame and success, insiders claim Brady’s approach to dating is surprisingly awkward.

According to one source, the legendary quarterback doesn’t take the lead when it comes to romantic pursuits.

They shared, “He’s kind of awkward when it comes to dating. Surprisingly, he doesn’t really have great game. Usually, it’s a woman making the first move with him, which would surprise a lot of people. He lets them take the lead a lot of the time.”

The insider also clarified that Brady’s rumored connection with Earle should not be mistaken for a serious relationship.

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They said, “Tom and Alix are not exclusively dating. It’s a hooking up and having fun type of thing, at least for now, but she is totally his type.”

Earle, for her part, recently ended a two-year relationship with NFL wide receiver Braxton Berrios.

Interestingly, Berrios once played for the Patriots during Brady’s time as the team’s starting quarterback.

Yael Cohen Braun’s Relationship Status Explained

Scooter Braun and his wife Yael were seen arriving for dinner at 'Craig's' Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA
MEGA

While Tom Brady’s name has been attached to the speculation, insiders insist Yael Cohen Braun is unlikely to be pursuing anything romantic with the sports icon.

Cohen Braun separated from Scooter Braun in 2021 after seven years of marriage. The former couple shares three children: Jagger, Levi, and Hart.

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Since the split, she has reportedly moved on with professional surfer Danny Fuller.

According to another insider, the pair were even seen spending the holidays together.

The source told the Daily Mail that a public relationship with Brady would be unlikely.

“She wouldn’t date someone else in the public eye like that, anyway,” they said, referencing the NFL legend.

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Tom Brady Focuses On Family While Remaining Single

Although Brady’s personal life continues to attract attention, the football icon appears to be focused on family and life after retirement.

Since his split from Bündchen, Brady has been rumored to have spent time with several high-profile figures, including model Irina Shayk and actress Sofia Vergara.

However, those connections were later described as friendships rather than serious relationships.

Despite the ongoing speculation about his love life, Brady recently showed where his priorities lie.

On Valentine’s Day, instead of posting about a romantic partner, the former quarterback shared a heartfelt message dedicated to his three children.

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For now, it seems the legendary athlete may still be navigating life as one of America’s most talked-about single men.

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Hulu’s Wildest Sci-Fi Series Blows Up With Over 4M Views in 3 Days

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Thomas Doherty as Link in Paradise Season 2

Hulu is angling for another massively successful year in 2026, and it’s already heading down the right path thanks to the release of Paradise. The dystopian sci-fi thriller was written and created for TV by This Is Us scribe Dan Fogelman, who even recruited his long-time colleague and friend, Sterling K. Brown, for the lead role in the show. The first season of Paradise began as a murder mystery that expands when we learn it’s taking place inside an apocalypse bunker under the ground, but Paradise Season 2 flips the script by showing the world on the outside isn’t what we’ve been led to believe. Paradise just wrapped up earlier this week with a bonkers Season 2 finale that has fans around the world questioning where the show could be heading with Season 3.

The good news: Paradise has already been officially renewed for Season 3, and Dan Fogelman has confirmed that it’s already written with production set to begin soon. Fogelman has also revealed that Paradise Season 3 will be the final season of the show, despite Disney asking him to stretch the story out and do more episodes. Props to any writer who isn’t willing to compromise their story for the sake of trying to produce more episodes for a streamer. It’s now been a few days since the Paradise Season 2 finale began streaming on Hulu, and the numbers are finally in. It’s been revealed that the Paradise Season 2 finale scored a whopping 4.3 million viewers during its first three days on the platform. Hulu made the right call, greenlighting the show for a third season before the conclusion of the second.

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Party Down in Pawnee — Adam Scott Comedies Collide in Today’s Collider TV Quiz!

Whether you’re an innie or an outie, you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed the workplace comedies of Adam Scott. Let’s all cater to this state auditor.

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What’s Going To Happen in ‘Paradise’ Season 3?

Plot details about Paradise Season 3 are being kept under wraps for now, but Sterling K. Brown has teased a multiversal conclusion for the show that includes alternate timelines and dimensions. The series has been transitioning towards hard sci-fi since the start of Season 2, but there have been subtle teases since the beginning that the show is much more than a traditional murder mystery. Paradise Season 3 is expected to begin filming soon, which should leave it no trouble returning before the end of 2027.

Check out all episodes of the first two seasons of Paradise on Hulu and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the third and final season of the show.


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Release Date

January 26, 2025

Network

Hulu

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Showrunner

Dan Fogelman

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Directors

Gandja Monteiro

Writers
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Jason Wilborn

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The 35 Best Demonic Possession Horror Movies, Ranked

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Jane Levy as Deadite Mia poking her head out of the basement in Evil Dead 2013

Of all the different types of horror movies out there, those that focus on demonic possession have proven continually popular over the years. Regardless of whether one believes in the supernatural, the idea of a demonic entity or some kind of spirit entering one’s body is a frightening one. This kind of horror works because losing control of oneself is inherently scary, and when it’s a demon doing the possessing, chances are their reasons for taking control aren’t going to help the person in question.

Demonic possession movies are also notable for being popular throughout the world, with this kind of horror being mixed with various cultures and folklore, which keeps such films interesting and from feeling stale. It also shows that the idea of being possessed is an unsettling one on a global scale, with the following best possession movies—ranked below from worst to best—demonstrating the various ways this kind of supernatural terror has been portrayed in cinema. Possession horror movies and films about exorcisms aren’t going out of style anytime soon, and any time is the perfect time to dive into some of the best ones.

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35

‘Evil Dead’ (2013)

Jane Levy as Deadite Mia poking her head out of the basement in Evil Dead 2013
Jane Levy as Deadite Mia poking her head out of the basement in Evil Dead 2013
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

If you want to read about good possession movies, you’re going to have to get used to seeing the films from the Evil Dead series keep popping up. Most of these are reliably scary and gross (well, Army of the Darkness aside, given that one is pretty much just a comedy), and 2013’s Evil Dead is no exception, with the Fede Álvarez-directed remake (of sorts) being especially grimy and graphic.

The premise here involves a young woman trying to kick a drug habit, which involves spending time in an isolated cabin with friends while going cold turkey. But this is an Evil Dead movie, so the cabin has some horrific stuff inside, and then people start behaving oddly, and then violence ensues. Like, it’s the usual sort of thing, but it gets especially intense and gory here, which makes it stand out, to some extent.

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34

‘Alucarda’ (1977)

Alucarda - 1977 Image via Yuma Films

Alucarda is a deeply unstable and bizarre film, but that’s perhaps more of a feature than a bug. It’s about a young girl who goes to live in a convent following the deaths of both her parents, but then when she’s there, weird things keep happening, and the interactions she has with another girl who initially seems to be a friend grow in intensity, in more ways than one.

Eventually, Alucarda explodes into something borderline incomprehensible, but it’s a ride worth taking. It’s an odd and feverish sort of film in ways that feel unique, even among other horror movies that deal with psychological stuff and demonic possession. Even calling it just a demonic possession movie feels like underselling it, given Alucarda—despite its brief runtime—intends to be a good deal more, and arguably pulls it off, by and large.

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33

‘When Evil Lurks’ (2023)

A bloodied Jimi is inside a car with the windshield broken in When Evil Lurks. 
A bloodied Jimi is inside a car with the windshield broken in When Evil Lurks.
Image via IFC

Though recent, When Evil Lurks already feels like it could be some kind of (minor) modern classic, because it’s at least bold enough to make a mark alongside so many other horror films released in recent years. Mostly, the plot here involves people in a small town reacting to the revelation that there is about to be some kind of demon born in their midst.

Evil does indeed lurk and affect their behavior, with the impending disaster creating a lot of dread that stands out, and is complemented by some more in-your-face horror elements, namely, a fair bit of grisly violence. When Evil Lurks doesn’t reinvent the brand of horror it explores, but it takes on the idea of demonic possession with style and confidence that make it easy to get wrapped up in.

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32

‘Saint Maud’ (2019)

A young woman looking at herself in the mirror in Saint Maud
Morfydd Clark in Saint Maud (2019).
Image via StudioCanal

Saint Maud is a fairly slow film, but it’s slow with a purpose, working as a character study first and then a possession-related horror movie second. That might mean it’s not for everyone, but it’s still worth taking a chance on if you like supernatural horror, since if you give it the chance to get under your skin, it probably will.

Given it’s simple and also pretty short, it’s best not to go into too much depth about the plot of Saint Maud, but broadly, it centers on a young woman working as a carer for an older woman. Gradually, the younger woman unravels, and then things get gradually more horrific and surreal. It’s odd, but it is also effective, and it works well as a stripped-back and psychological sort of horror film.

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31

‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ (2015)

Emma Roberts as Joan in The Blackcoat's Daughter
Emma Roberts as Joan in The Blackcoat’s Daughter
Image Via A24

Before he directed one of 2024’s best thrillers (Longlegs), Osgood Perkins made The Blackcoat’s Daughter, which centers on young women in the same manner that so many solid demonic possession movies seem to do. Both are isolated during winter break, and this makes them extra vulnerable to some sort of dangerous spirit that preys on them and ensures that both their lives start to fall apart.

It’s another slow and offbeat sort of horror movie, too, but it’s effectively cold and desolate, using its setting and aesthetics to add immensely to the scare factor already present in such a premise. The Blackcoat’s Daughter ends up doing quite a lot, as a film, with relatively little by way of narrative and scale. It’s intimate, intense, and eerie, and also served as a promising sign of greater things to come for its director.

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30

‘Evil Dead Rise’ (2023)

Evil Dead Rise Opening Scene
Evil Dead Rise Opening Scene
Image Via Warner Bros.

While it’s not the best movie to carry the Evil Dead name, Evil Dead Rise is still a good deal better than you’d expect it to be, and an arguable improvement on the other non-Sam Raimi Evil Dead movie from 2013. Rather than a cabin in the woods, Evil Dead Rise mixes things up by taking place largely inside an apartment complex, which proves to be often just as claustrophobic as a cabin would.

There are people getting possessed, jump scares, and some sequences of very gnarly violence and bloodshed; all things you’d expect from an Evil Dead movie that isn’t Army of Darkness. Evil Dead Rise keeps things simple but ultimately satisfies, feeling so familiar and satisfying that it’s the closest a demonic possession movie will probably ever come to being like a warm hug.

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29

‘Immaculate’ (2024)

Cecilia, played by actor Sydney Sweeney, screaming with her face covered in blood in Immaculate. 
Cecilia, played by actor Sydney Sweeney, screaming with her face covered in blood in Immaculate. 
Image via Neon

Plenty of movies about demonic possession also happen to be movies that deal with religious themes, and Immaculate belongs in such a camp. It’s about possession, and it also deals with religious horror pretty full-on, given it’s mostly set in a convent in Italy, with the main characters being the nuns who live there.

The central character is a newcomer to said convent, and while there, unusual things keep happening to her and around her, eventually suggesting that something fishy is going on within this isolated and seemingly peaceful countryside location. The premise of Immaculate is one that very easily gives way to horror of a particular flavor, meaning it’s hard to praise the film necessarily for being original. Then again, some conventions often get followed when it comes to movies about demonic possession, and at least Immaculate follows such conventions, perhaps not immaculately, but fairly well.













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

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country
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Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

🐦Birdman

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🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

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





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02

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





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03

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





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04

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





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05

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





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06

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





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07

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





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08

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





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09

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





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10

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





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The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…

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

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Parasite

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

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Everything Everywhere All at Once

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

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Oppenheimer

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

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Birdman

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

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No Country for Old Men

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

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28

‘Event Horizon’ (1997)

Sam Neill wears a space uniform and looks anxious in Event Horizon.
Sam Neill wears a space uniform and looks anxious in Event Horizon.
Image via Paramount Pictures
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Demonic possessions alongside religious horror? That can be fairly expected stuff. But a demonic possession movie with a sci-fi spin? That’s something more novel, and a big reason why Event Horizon – despite its flaws – proves so memorable. It’s set in the future and in space, following astronauts as they travel to a ship that went missing several years earlier.

Uncovering what made it disappear leads to some unsettling discoveries, with Event Horizon being at its best when it’s at its most brazen. Some parts are genuinely quite shocking, and there’s a certain creative spark to the whole thing; a thrill in seeing this kind of horror take place in such a setting. Other parts of Event Horizon don’t work quite as well, but it’s an ambitious movie – and a minor cult classic of sorts – where the strengths outweigh the weaknesses.

27

‘Constantine’ (2005)

John Constantine looking ahead with a determined expression in 'Constantine'
Keanu Reeves is John Constantine in ‘Constantine’
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
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Constantine, like Event Horizon, also earns some points for being a unique take on demonic possession-related horror. This Keanu Reeves-starring movie also works as a fantasy/action flick, and technically counts as a superhero movie of sorts, too, as it follows a man who’s able to travel between Hell and Earth while also having the ability to battle demons.

It’s fairly mild as far as demonic possession movies go, watering things down enough to make it broadly appealing—and only slightly scary—to not alienate those more interested in seeing a Keanu Reeves action movie. Constantine‘s a film that’s become a little more appreciated as time has gone on, being perhaps a little too young to be a full-on cult classic in the traditional sense, but certainly feeling as though it’s on its way to attaining such a label.

26

‘Late Night with the Devil’ (2023)

David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy in Late Night with the Devil
David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy in Late Night with the Devil
Image Via IFC Films
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While it wasn’t the first movie to combine a found footage format with demonic possession-related horror, Late Night with the Devil does have enough novelty to its presentation to be a distinctive viewing experience. The premise is nice and simple, being about a late-night talk show that has various guests related to paranormal activities on one night, which eventually leads to genuine terror and possible possessions.

Late Night with the Devil is one of the more exciting and interesting horror movies of the 2020s so far, not hitting it out of the park entirely but taking enough risks that pay off to make it an engaging and memorable watch. It does a great deal with a modest budget and a confined setting, and has an approach that makes it more than worthwhile for anyone who feels a bit burnt out by films about demonic possession and/or the found footage sub-genre.

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Lisa Kudrow Felt Overlooked During ‘Friends’ Success

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Lisa Kudrow at The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles

Lisa Kudrow is opening up about a surprising and somewhat painful chapter from her time on one of television’s biggest shows. 

While “Friends” turned its cast into global stars, Kudrow now reveals that her experience behind the scenes didn’t always match the show’s massive success. 

In a recent interview, she reflected on feeling overlooked compared to her castmates, sharing how her career trajectory differed and how those early perceptions shaped her journey long after the sitcom ended.

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Lisa Kudrow Says She Felt Overlooked During ‘Friends’ Fame

Lisa Kudrow at The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
River / MEGA

Lisa Kudrow didn’t mince words when describing how she believed she was viewed during the height of “Friends.”

While appearing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, she felt she stood on the sidelines in terms of attention and opportunities.

‘Nobody cared about me,’ Kudrow told The Independent during an interview, pointing to a perception that followed her even within her own professional circle. 

She revealed that parts of her talent agency even referred to her as “the sixth Friend,” suggesting she was seen as less marketable than her co-stars.

As the show exploded in popularity, especially from its second season onward, many of her castmates began landing high-profile film roles. 

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Kudrow, however, didn’t feel the same doors were opening for her, leaving her questioning her place in the industry despite being part of a cultural phenomenon.

Kudrow Says There Was ‘No Vision’ For Her Career Early On

Lisa Kudrow at 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
River / MEGA

Despite starring in one of the biggest sitcoms of all time, Lisa Kudrow said she felt there was little belief in her long-term potential. 

According to her, the industry didn’t quite know what to do with her.

“There was no vision for me, and no expectations about the kind of career I could have,” she said, adding, “There was just, like, ‘Boy, is she lucky she got on that show.’”

Before gaining traction in film, Kudrow mostly found herself taking on smaller roles. She appeared in low-budget projects like “Clockwatchers” and had supporting parts in films such as “Mother.”

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Still, she appreciated the experiences, recalling how meaningful it was to work alongside actors like Parker Posey, Toni Collette, and Albert Brooks.

Her breakthrough moment came with the 1999 comedy “Analyze This,” where she starred alongside Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. 

That role marked a turning point. “That’s when the agents and business people started circling, wanting to put me in romantic comedies and things,” she said.

However, she admitted she didn’t believe that direction suited her, noting she didn’t see herself as “adorable” enough for those roles.

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Lisa Kudrow Addresses Contract Negotiation Rumors And Fallout

Lisa Kudrow at NBC's 'Carol Burnett: 90 Years Of Laughter + Love' Birthday Special
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Kudrow also revisited long-standing rumors about her role in the cast’s historic salary negotiations. 

Ahead of season three, the “Friends” cast banded together to demand equal pay, eventually securing massive raises that reached $1 million per episode in later seasons.

However, the 62-year-old said speculation that she led the effort may have backfired professionally. 

“I absolutely was not the ringleader,” Kudrow told the outlet, adding, “And that was reported, and it wasn’t true. My team were very angry about that.”

She explained that her agency viewed the rumor as damaging, even though the outcome benefited everyone involved, including the agents themselves. 

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The narrative, she said, was used almost as a cautionary tale within the industry.

Kudrow admitted she initially thought the situation might reflect positively on her. “But my team were like, ‘No, this is not good! We’re furious that they’re saying this about you,’” she explained. 

Kudrow Reflects On Playing Phoebe And Breaking The ‘Ditz’ Label

Lisa Kudrow Better Nate Than Never
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Beyond industry perceptions, Lisa Kudrow also addressed how her iconic character Phoebe Buffay shaped how audiences saw her. 

In another chat with Interview Magazine, the Hollywood star explained that while Phoebe became a fan favorite, the role required significant effort to develop.

“At first, Phoebe was very, very far from me. It took a lot of work to justify the things she would say and do. Not in an irritating way — it was fun,” the actress said.

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Over time, however, the character began to influence her personally. “Over the course of 10 years, a little bit of her came into me,” Kudrow continued, explaining that she even explored spirituality to better understand Phoebe’s mindset.

She also pushed back against the idea that she only played “ditzes,” noting how that label reflected outdated thinking.

“In 1994, it was like, ‘I love her. She’s such a ditz.’ And it’s like, yeah, OK, that was what a ditz was to us. Someone who wasn’t toeing the line,’ she said, making it clear she no longer views the character in that light.

Lisa Kudrow Returns To ‘The Comeback’ With A Familiar Storyline

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Today, Kudrow is revisiting themes that mirror her own Hollywood journey through her HBO series “The Comeback.”

The show, which she co-created with Michael Patrick King, follows Valerie Cherish, a struggling actress attempting to regain relevance.

The series first aired in 2005, shortly after “Friends” ended, but didn’t return until nearly a decade later in 2014. 

Now, it’s back once more for a third and final season, continuing Valerie’s ongoing battle to reclaim her place in the spotlight.

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RHORI’s Alicia Carmody Clarifies How She ‘Ran Over a Woman’

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RHORI’s Alicia Carmody Clarifies How She ‘Ran Over a Woman'

Real Housewives of Rhode Island star Alicia Carmody has a good reason for not driving on the highway.

“I’ve gotten in accidents. I ran over a woman. I’ve almost driven off a bridge,” Alicia revealed during her confessional on the Sunday, April 5, episode of the new Bravo reality show. “So, I’ve been there, done that with driving.”

A RHORI producer asked Alicia to clarify her comment about running someone over.

“I ran over a woman,” she simply replied.

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RHORI’s Alicia Carmody Clarifies How She ‘Ran Over a Woman'
Noam Galai/Bravo

When Us Weekly chatted with Alicia exclusively ahead of the season, the Bravo newbie clarified exactly what went down — and how it impacted her driving.

“I was driving like 15 miles per hour because I was just coming from a red light, and this woman just dove in front of my car,” Alicia told Us. “It was life-changing for me. It was crazy because I thought for 10 seconds I killed someone.”

Alicia said it was “the worst feeling in the world,” and it forever impacted her driving.

“I think that probably gave me PTSD,” she continued. “Accidents do happen, but it was just the worst.”

Alicia told Us that she has to take “more classes” before she starts driving on the highway again.

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The episode also showed a clip of Alicia behind the wheel complaining about the traffic on “this little bridge.” She also could be heard telling someone to “fix your car.”

Meet the Cast of Bravo's New Series 'Real Housewives of Rhode Island'


Related: Who Is Starring in ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’? Meet the Cast

Bravo The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is officially here  — but who makes up the cast? News broke at BravoCon in November 2025 when Andy Cohen confirmed that the premiere season will follow Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson and Jo-Ellen Tiberi as they navigate the highs and […]

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Fellow RHORI star Kelsey Swanson explained that Alicia’s issue with driving is just one of the things that makes her the quintessential Rhode Island citizen.

“If you are from Rhode Island, born and bred, you are a different person. You’re a breed. Alicia, so Rhode Island,” Kelsey said in her confessional. “The way she talks, her mannerisms, the not wanting to drive on the highway.”

Ashley Iaconetti also exclusively told Us her favorite things about the “unintentionally hilarious” Alicia.

“She’s always going to give people the benefit of the doubt,” Ashley gushed, calling her costar “sweet.”

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Alicia might call herself a “flip-flopper” (more on that in a second), but Rosie DiMare made it clear that her friend is “not flaky at all.”

“I thought a flip-flop was someone that’s like, ‘Oh, I like her. Oh, but I like her too.’ I didn’t realize what a true flip-flop was,” Alicia said. “Why did I say yes? I was a flip-flop, because I’m so not.”

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New episodes of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island premiere on Bravo on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and stream via Peacock the next day.

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RHORI’s Rulla ‘Did Not’ Expect Marriage to Be a Story Line

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RHORI’s Rulla ‘Certainly Did Not’ Expect Marriage to Become a Story Line

Rulla Nehme Pontarelli “certainly did not” think that her marriage to Brian Pontarelli would be a story line on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.

Rulla made her debut during the new Bravo show’s second episode, which aired on Sunday, April 2, and discussions about her drama with Jo-Ellen Tiberi were immediately on the table.

“Jo-Ellen and I have definitely had ups and downs,” Rulla said in a confessional. “She is a rep in the beauty business. My husband, Brian, and I know a lot of people in the industry. She comes across as friendly, bubbly, but that’s not always the truth.”

RHORI’s Rulla ‘Certainly Did Not’ Expect Marriage to Become a Story Line
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During a lunch with Liz McGraw and Kelsey Swanson, Rulla claimed Jo-Ellen was talking about her, and Liz explained during her confessional that there are rumors “all around Rhode Island” that Brian has “a mistress.”

What apparently happened was Liz heard of “photos online” that showed Brian with another woman. Liz put Rulla in touch with Jo-Ellen, who “happened to see them.”

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“At first, I thought that Jo-Ellen was trying to be supportive and help me because that’s what it sounded like,” Rulla claimed in her confessional. “Until I learned that she had shared the pictures with the whole group and was running her mouth around town about it.”

Rulla claimed that Brian was seeing this alleged other woman in summer 2024, but it had come to an end. Liz alluded to something still going on involving Brian.

“It’s pretty out there that Brian is still doing his thing with this woman,” Liz claimed in her confessional. “If Rulla chooses to not acknowledge what’s really going on and live in that land of delusion. I’m sorry, Elizabeth is allergic to bulls***.”

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Meet the Cast of Bravo's New Series 'Real Housewives of Rhode Island'


Related: Who Is Starring in ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’? Meet the Cast

Bravo The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is officially here  — but who makes up the cast? News broke at BravoCon in November 2025 when Andy Cohen confirmed that the premiere season will follow Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson and Jo-Ellen Tiberi as they navigate the highs and […]

Elsewhere in the episode, Jo-Ellen explained her side of the story, claiming she’s getting the “brunt of the blame” from Rulla after Brian’s affair. “I shared a picture that the mistress posted on the internet,” Jo-Ellen said, alleging that Rulla and Brian tried to get her fired after the fact — but it seems a further discussion on that point will be coming later in the season.

Both Jo-Ellen and Rulla discussed how this drama impacts the rest of the season during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.

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“What happened to Rulla is really unfortunate. It’s not a secret, I’m not a fan of Rulla’s husband. I don’t think he’s a great person, and I think she is,” Jo-Ellen told Us. “I think she’s a really smart, brilliant, beautiful woman who doesn’t deserve some of the things that he put her through.”

Rulla, meanwhile, does not think Jo-Ellen is really on her side.

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“I know that if you ask anyone in Rhode Island, those people who actually know maybe Jo-Ellen in her past and her practices and her character, I think they would agree that she’s not the most credible, not the most authentic source,” Rulla claimed. “When she just continued to kind of push harder and bring more to the group and bring more to the state and the city that she lives in, I just thought to myself, ‘What is her objective here?’”

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island premiere on Bravo on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and stream via Peacock the next day.

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Dan Hurley Offers Geno Auriemma Support Amid Final Four Drama

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UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley is sticking with his school, offering women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma words of encouragement amid his Final Four drama.

“Obviously, I’ve had a negative influence on Geno,” Hurley joked in a Saturday, April 4, press conference, referring to his own hot-headed reputation. “And it’s crazy, because Geno’s helped me so much.”

He continued, “The way he handled the whole thing, such a stand-up guy, with the way he handled it with the statement, and he’s one of the classiest people.”

Hurley — who was speaking after his team defeated Illinois in the Final Four to advance to the national championship game — raised some eyebrows himself after his team’s epic comeback against Duke in the Elite Eight on March 29.

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Related: Coach Dawn Staley Breaks Silence On ‘Disheartening’ Geno Auriemma Drama

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is breaking her silence on her fiery interaction with UConn coach Geno Auriemma. “It’s a little disheartening,” Staley said of the incident in a Saturday, April 4, press conference. “But it’s sports, and that happens. That’s why I’m gonna continue to focus on this team and winning a national championship.” […]

After UConn guard Braylon Mullins hit an improbable three-pointer in the final seconds of that Elite Eight matchup (giving the Huskies the lead and eventual win), Hurley was seen staring down and headbutting a referee on the sideline. There was no discipline given to Hurley or the team at the time.

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Less than a week later, Auriemma got into a brief postgame scuffle with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley after his Friday, April 3, Final Four loss to the Gamecocks. After the 62-48 loss, he shared some tense words with Staley on his way to the locker room.

GettyImages-2269724786 Geno and Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma exchange words after the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament
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The two legendary coaches were quickly separated after the explosive incident, while Staley continued to chirp at Auriemma as he made his way off the court.

“I will beat Geno’s a**,” Staley said, according to a video on social media.

On Saturday April 4, Auriemma released a statement apologizing to the South Carolina “staff and the team.”

“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina,” Auriemma said in a statement shared via X. “It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut.

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He continued, “I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”

Hurley praised Auriemma’s statement and said he deserved the “benefit of the doubt.”

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“And if anyone should get the benefit of the doubt, in a world of sports, it’s Geno Auriemma,” Hurley said. “Because he’s one of the most authentic, genuine, great people you’ll ever meet in your life.”

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Read President Trump’s Expletive-Filled Easter 2026 Message

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President Donald Trump shared an unprecedented Easter 2026 message amid the country’s ongoing war in Iran and online rumors the Commander-in-Chief is in poor health.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump, 79, posted via his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, April 5. “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***in’ Straight, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH!”

The president concluded, “Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Hollywood A-listers, political pundits, former Trump allies and voters alike took to social media to respond to the president’s post, including country music singer Maren Morris.

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“Invoke the 25th already,” she wrote over a screenshot of the president’s social media post.

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President Donald Trump weighed in on rumors he may choose to pardon Sean “Diddy” Combs following the rapper’s conviction last month. Speaking to Newsmax on Friday, August 1, Trump, 79, indicated that it would most likely not occur but spoke about the music mogul’s legal troubles. “Well, he was essentially, sort of, half-innocent. I don’t […]

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“On Easter morning, this is what President Trump posted,” former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch MAGA supporter, shared via X. “Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshiping the President and intervene in Trump’s madness. I know all of you and him and he has gone insane, and all of you are complicit. I’m not defending Iran but let’s be honest about all of this.”

Tiger Woods Was Not Allowed to Drive Trump Children Before His Recent DUI Arrest

U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Trump’s unorthodox Easter morning message comes in the wake of swirling online rumors regarding his health. Over Easter weekend, unfounded and uncorroborated claims Trump was transported to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, permeated online.

The rumors became so prominent, the White House was forced to issue a social media response.

“Deranged liberals cook up insane conspiracy theories when @POTUS goes 12 hours without speaking to press,” the administration’s rapid response account wrote via X on Saturday, April 4. “(They said nothing when [former president Joe] Biden routinely went 12 days without speaking to press). Fear not! President Trump literally never stops working.”

Adding fuel to the health allegations, Trump reportedly skipped the Easter masses he was scheduled to attend on Sunday. Instead, the president took a so-called “tour” of Washington, D.C. before returning to the White House. A “full lid,” meaning no additional press engagements or public appearances will take place for the president, was later announced at 12:22 p.m. EST.

King Charles III and President Donald Trump


Related: King Charles III Invites Trump to U.K. for ‘Unprecedented’ State Visit

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King Charles III has invited President Donald Trump to the U.K. for a “historic second state visit.” Donald Trump, 78, was presented with the invitation from the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on behalf of King Charles, 76, during a press conference at the White House on Thursday, February 27. Starmer, 62, told Trump that […]

The president also reportedly visited his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

Prior to Trump’s “tour,” the president was last seen on Wednesday, April 1, during his national address discussing the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. In the address, the president attempted to distance himself from rising oil prices while denouncing NATO and the U.S. allies’ refusal to engage in the ongoing conflict.

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Dak Prescott Confirms Sarah Jane Ramos Split in Court Docs

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott confirmed his breakup from ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos in custody documents, Us Weekly can exclusively report.

Prescott, 32, filed a legal petition in Texas on March 17 to ensure “the best interest” of his and Ramos’ daughters: Margaret Jane “MJ”, 2, and Aurora, 11 months.

“The parents of the children are separated. The appointment of the parents as joint managing conservators would be in the best interest of the children,” court documents obtained by Us on Sunday, April 5, read. “It is in the best interest of the children that [Prescott and Ramos] be appointed joint managing conservators of the children.”

Prescott and Ramos, 32, started dating in 2023 and got engaged in October 2024 months after welcoming MJ that February. The pair, who welcomed Aurora in May 2025, called off their engagement one year later.

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Related: How Many Kids Does Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Have? Family Guide

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and his ex-fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, welcomed two daughters before their breakup. “She’s definitely changed my world and I’m blessed,” Prescott said in an August 2024 interview with CBS Texas about welcoming his first baby. “Not that I didn’t really ever take any moment for granted, but I’m just thankful […]

“There wasn’t any rockiness in the lead-up, and there was no big argument or blow up,” Ramos’ rep told People last month. “It was a mutual decision.”

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While neither Prescott nor Ramos have further detailed what led to their broken engagement, the pro athlete is taking precautions for MJ and Aurora’s benefits with his court filing.

According to the docs, Prescott requested that the court “make temporary orders” to ensure his daughters’ “safety and welfare” moving forward.

“[Prescott] prays that citation and notice issue as required by law and that the court enter its orders in accordance with the allegations contained in this petition,” the docs state. “[He] prays that the court, after notice and hearing, grant a temporary injunction enjoining [Ramos], in conformity with the allegations of this petition, from the acts set forth while this case is pending. [Prescott also] prays for general relief.”

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Related: Why Dak Prescott’s Ex-Fiancee Is ‘Very Happy’ After Wedding Fell Apart

Sarah Jane Ramos, the estranged fiancée of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, is in a good place less than a month after their relationship imploded in dramatic fashion.  Ramos and Prescott, both 32, are currently in the process of resolving their child custody issues outside of court, according to Page Six. The couple share daughters […]

Per the order, Ramos would be required to preserve any documents or electronic data relevant to the case. She and Prescott will also be unable to remove MJ and Aurora from Texas without the other’s written permission. The Cowboys star is also asking that the exes avoid any communication involving “vulgar, profane, obscene or indecent language.”

The order, however, doesn’t make stipulations about Prescott and Ramos occupying their once-joint home or spending money for “reasonable and necessary living expenses.”

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Prescott and Ramos have 30 days after the motion was filed to produce documentation about their resources and the ability to pay child support.

“The parties are encouraged to settle their disputes amicably without court intervention,” the docs conclude. “The parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to resolve conflicts that may arise in this lawsuit.”

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Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for Prescott and Ramos for comment.

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Where Is Malcolm in the Middle’s Erik Per Sullivan After Recast?

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Malcolm in the Middle is returning without Erik Per Sullivan — but where is the former child star now?

After Disney+ picked up a revival series for Malcolm in the Middle, Variety confirmed that Per Sullivan would be recast. His character Dewey will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, who is taking over the role for the four-episode special.

The rest of the cast including Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are expected to reprise their respective characters. In addition to the main cast, Kiana Madeira, Anthony Timpano, Vaughan Murrae and Keeley Karsten have been cast in key roles as well.

“25 years since we premiered Malcolm in the Middle. I’m so excited… that I may have peed just a little bit,” Cranston and Kaczmarek said in a December 2024 announcement post. “What a delight that I get to yell at that kid again! We’re very, very excited about coming back together and seeing what this family has been up to.”

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Related: ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Malcolm in the Middle’s plucky attitude made it one of the most iconic TV shows of the early 2000s — and fans are still trying to keep up with the cast. The comedy, which was a faux memoir of middle child Malcolm Wilkerson (Frankie Muniz), detailed the Wilkerson family’s low-income, dysfunctional life and all the […]

The revival will be written by Linwood Boomer, who created the original series. It will chronicle Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter as they are “drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Kaczmarek) demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party,” according to a press release.

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Malcolm in the Middle Revival Recasts Erik Per Sullivan After Retirement

Frankie Muniz, Erik Per Sullivan in Malcolm in the Middle.
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“Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability,” President of Disney Branded Television Ayo Davis said in a statement. “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again. With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved — along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.”

Meanwhile, President of 20th Television Karey Burke released a statement as well, which read, “Malcolm in the Middle literally changed the face of the television comedy landscape when it premiered two decades ago, redefining what the genre could be. When Linwood Boomer suggested it might be time to bring everyone’s favorite dysfunctional family back for a bit of a reunion, we couldn’t think of a more iconic and influential series to revisit, along with a truly brilliant cast to reunite.”

Per Sullivan’s absence doesn’t come as a surprise. He rose to stardom playing Dewey on Malcolm in the Middle, which ran from 2000 to 2006. Per Sullivan appeared on Come on Over, Arthur and the Invisibles and Twelve.

Malcolm in the Middle Revival Recasts Erik Per Sullivan After Retirement

ryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Lukas Rodriguez, and Erik Per Sullivan in “Malcolm in the Middle.”
Everett Collection

The now-former actor officially retired in 2010 and hasn’t participated in any of the show’s reunions over the years. Kaczmarek, who played Per Sullivan’s onscreen mother, shared an update in 2024 during an interview, saying, “I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world. It’s not for everyone.”

Kaczmarek revealed that Per Sullivan retired from acting because he was no longer interested in the profession. He is currently a student at “a very prestigious American university” and pursuing a degree in Victorian literature.

The actress offered another update in April 2026, telling The Guardian that the retired actor is “studying Dickens and is an incredible student. They offered him buckets of money to come back, and he just said, ‘No thank you.’”

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Disney+’s Gritty Crime Thriller Proves the Franchise’s Darkest Stories Are Its Best

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Nearly a year after Andor came to a devastating conclusion last May, Star Wars has delivered a new series that embraces its gritty, hard-hitting storytelling more closely than most fans could have imagined. Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord may be an extension of the animated Clone Wars universe that first added much-needed depth to The Phantom Menace’s Zabrak baddie, Darth Maul, but it’s also the closest the franchise has come to a full-blown crime thriller since Andor first debuted.

Trading battlefield spectacle for shadowy corridors, syndicate conflict, and the mounting paranoia of Imperial oppression, the series reframes Maul (Sam Witwer) as something even more unsettling than we’ve previously seen. Here, he’s a crime lord slowly unraveling under the weight of his own grief, rage, and desperate need for control. Set in the aftermath of the Clone Wars, the series leans hard into a cat-and-mouse dynamic that feels more like a serialized, slow-burn detective story than the crisis-of-the-week styling that even The Bad Batch occasionally fell into.

Despite the series’ title, Maul isn’t the sole character driving the narrative. In fact, the character who pushes the plot forward the most is Devon Izara (Gideon Adlon), an Order 66 survivor trying to keep a low profile alongside her Jedi Master, Eeko-Dio-Daki (Dennis Haysbert). After a run-in with the law places her directly in Maul’s path, Devon finds herself torn between what the Jedi taught her and what Maul is tempting her to become. Their dynamic is immediately compelling, especially with her Master still alive and present. Maul’s desperation to claim an apprentice transforms their relationship into something distinctly predator-and-prey, and — quite early on — it’s clear to everyone around them that he already has his hooks in her. The way Maul clings to this fragile sense of control creates a tension that fuels much of the series’ psychological weight.

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My Awards Have a First Name; It’s O-S-C-A-R — The Collider Movie Quiz!

Last night, the Academy Awards were doled out to an array of worthy artists. What do you know about the 98-year history of this tradition?

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‘Shadow Lord’s Best Character Isn’t Maul

Wagner Moura's Lawson in Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord
Wagner Moura’s Lawson in Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord
Image via Disney+

But for all its focus on Maul and Devon, Shadow Lord’s most compelling thread belongs to someone entirely outside the would-be master and apprentice dynamic. Brander Lawson (Oscar nominee Wagner Moura), a hardened police detective on Janix, grounds the series in a perspective Star Wars has rarely explored on screen. His investigation into Maul’s criminal operations unfolds like a classic noir mystery — complete with bank heists, rival crime syndicates turning on one another, and layers of intrigue that deepen with each episode.

Lawson’s past, which Shadow Lord smartly leaves partially obscured while sprinkling clues throughout, adds another layer of complexity to his role in the story. It positions him as someone more sympathetic to Devon and Eeko-Dio-Daki’s situation than his badge might suggest, even as Imperial pressure continues to mount. He finds himself caught between a rising criminal empire forming in the shadows and the Empire’s growing overreach into everyday life. Where Andor explored the complacency of regional law enforcement, Shadow Lord does something different with Lawson’s reluctance to fall in line. That tension becomes even more personal for Lawson through his fractured family dynamic. His ex-wife aligned herself with the Empire, fully convinced of its good intentions. It’s an echo of some of the storytelling that Star Wars Resistance toyed with under the First Order’s rule, but even more compelling here. Lawson’s son, Rylee (Charlie Bushnell), is also one of the more intriguing characters, especially as he’s pulled dangerously close to Devon’s orbit.

The result is a storyline that doesn’t just heighten the stakes, but provides much of the series’ emotional core. Shadow Lord does a good job of making the audience care quickly about each of the new characters, to the point that they become far more interesting than whatever is going on with Maul — and there is a lot going on with Maul. While only 8 of the first season’s 10 episodes were provided for review, Shadow Lord sets up some incredible events that could lead to major payoff for viewers who have also invested time in the comics and novels set during this era, and perhaps even Solo: A Star Wars Story fans.

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Star Wars Continues to Raise the Bar With Animation

Marrok in 'Maul: Shadow Lord.'
Marrok in ‘Maul: Shadow Lord.’
Image via Disney+

Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord is just as impressive visually as it is narratively. Building on the style established in The Bad Batch, Shadow Lord pushes things even further, delivering some of the franchise’s most striking visuals in animation. The lighting work, in particular, leans heavily into the show’s noir sensibilities — deep shadows, neon accents, and dimly lit interiors that make each location feel like a living, breathing underworld. It’s like everything fans dreamed that the cancelled video game Star Wars 1313 could have been. Heightened action sequences with lightsabers are fluid but never overindulgent, while quieter, character-driven moments are given just as much visual care. It’s a level of polish that elevates the tone across the board, reinforcing that this is a darker corner of Star Wars.

That same level of precision carries over into the show’s structure. With each episode running around 22–25 minutes, Shadow Lord makes the most of every second, maintaining a pace that never feels rushed or stretched thin. Each installment moves the larger story forward while still allowing room for character development, particularly in the interplay between Maul, Devon, and Lawson. The writing is consistently sharp, balancing its multiple storylines without losing focus. It’s a clear evolution from the more episodic tendencies of previous animated shows, resulting in a story that feels tightly constructed from beginning to end.

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Tying everything together is a phenomenal score from Kevin, Sean, and Deana Kiner, who once again prove that they understand the emotional core of Star Wars as well as anyone working in the franchise today. Their work here leans into Shadow Lord‘s darker tone, blending haunting motifs with pulsing, tension-filled cues that heighten both the action and the quieter psychological beats. That atmosphere is further strengthened by a strong supporting cast of characters, including the terrifying Inquisitor Marrok (A. J. LoCascio), whose presence looms large whenever he appears, Maul’s steadfast confidant Rook Kast (Vanessa Marshall), and the unexpectedly entertaining crime lord Looti Vario (Chris Diamantopoulos), who brings a welcome touch of levity without undercutting the stakes.

Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord stands as one of the strongest animated entries the franchise has delivered in years, channeling the same depth, tension, and character-driven storytelling that defined the very best arcs of The Clone Wars. While it doesn’t quite reach the towering heights of Andor, it comes closer than anything else in the modern Star Wars slate, embracing a more grounded tone that feels refreshingly bold. With sharp writing, stunning animation, and a cast of characters that consistently elevate the material, Shadow Lord doesn’t just surpass The Bad Batch — it leaves that series behind entirely, proving that Star Wars animation can still evolve in meaningful, exciting ways.

Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord is set to premiere April 6 on Disney+, with two episodes being released each week until May 4.


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Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
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A dark, slow-burn crime thriller that trades Jedi heroics for syndicates, shadows, and a compelling new Star Wars character.

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Release Date

April 6, 2026

Network

Disney+

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Directors

Brad Rau

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Pros & Cons
  • Shadow Lord is a a bold series with an Andor-adjacent tone that fully embraces a gritty crime thriller structure begging to be told within the Star Wars universe.
  • Wagner Moura’s Brander Lawson is a standout, offering a refreshing and emotionally grounded perspectives.
  • Tightly paced, sharply written episodes with a phenomenal score from the Kiners that enhances every beat.
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