Entertainment
Vegas Influencer Turns Childhood Magic Dream Into Reality With ‘HACKED’
A childhood dream turned into an adult reality for magician and Las Vegas influencer Keelan Leyser, also known as Vegas Navigator on social media. After years of chasing a magical dream, he was able to manifest his vision and bring it to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
“HACKED,” a futuristic magic experience that blends illusion, mentalism, artificial intelligence, robotics, and some fun Vegas nostalgia, recently began at Mandalay Bay, bringing a one-of-a-kind show to Sin City for fans to enjoy.
Keelan’s fascination with magic began at just 4 years old when he saw Lance Burton portray a Las Vegas magician on the hit TV show “Knight Rider.” Captivated by the performance, he asked his parents for a magic set and quickly became hooked on learning all he could. A few years later, watching the world’s reigning champion magician perform a dove act on TV took that childhood fascination to another level and solidified his passion for the craft.
“And little did I know, that was also Lance Burton,” Keelan told The Blast exclusively. “I modeled myself on this guy.”
Decades later after he met his now wife, they decided to take a last-minute trip to Vegas from their home in the UK and ended up catching every single magic show Sin City had to offer. Not long after, Keelan wrote to Burton, who he never met at this point, stating, “I would love to live in Las Vegas,” and he wrote back after watching Keelan’s videos.
“He wrote back an amazing letter of recommendation that we used as one of the case studies to get a green card,” he shared. “And it was him, Teller from Penn and Teller, Mr. Uri Geller, who’s kind of well known for bending spoons, and the president of Magic Circle. And then the awards that I’d won in the UK and the TV shows I’ve been on the UK and end up getting a green card and off we trot to Las Vegas.”
‘HACKED’ Has Been In The Making For Years
Keelan lived just outside London, “kind of where Harry Potter is known to have lived,” so saying as a child that he wanted to have a show in Las Vegas made him think it could just be a dream.
“Saying when you’re a child I’d love to live and work and have a show in Las Vegas and it actually happening are two wildly different things. Even though it was a dream, the other half of my mind is saying, ‘No, that’s not going to happen. You can’t make that happen,’” he said. “You need to either be a billionaire like David Copperfield or be on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ which I refuse to do, and I’m not affiliated with MGM or Lionsgate, or a big movie franchise.”
He added, “It’s literally just me, So the chances of someone like me having a show in Mandalay Bay is infinitely small.” But that’s exactly what he accomplished.
‘HACKED’ Incorporates AI In The Show
“HACKED,” Keelan’s newly opened show in Vegas, was an idea that began a decade ago. With a background in technology, he has always managed to embrace it in his shows. He’s incorporated pulling stuff out of iPads, drones, holograms, and VR in his shows, and now with “HACKED,” he’s bringing a new level of technology to the stage – AI.
“The natural progression is humanoid robots, because you know it’s all this new tech generating discussions for good or for bad,” he told The Blast. “I wanted a show that basically was the most relevant show in this moment in time and I feel I’ve achieved that, but with a sense of nostalgia knowing where we’ve come from. So there’s a retro ’80s aesthetic to it because that’s kind of when I was born and raised.”
Keelan brought a Max Headroom-like character to his show called Lila. She is a “genuine, real AI” who has a hatred for magicians and is “forced to work with me.”
“She roasts the audience when she comes in and is scanning the room constantly and ends up putting photos of people up on this kind of security, surveillance wall, and then roasts them,” he shared. “But I also wanted to touch on the issues of AI today, the AI slop that everyone says, so we talk about that and deep fakes. We have deep fakes in the show. But also it kind of culminates with talking about things that AI cannot take away, the human connection, the human touch, empathy, the ability to dream, and stuff like that.”
You Can Find ‘HACKED’ At Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce Inside Mandalay Bay
“HACKED” can be found in the same venue in Mandalay Bay where Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce performs. While Keelan said it’s a “tough venue for a magician,” he makes it work.
“For a magician, because there are angles, I definitely had to adapt and embrace the room,” he said. “I put things out into the ether in August 2023 and decided I want to do this show, so I created an interview with myself and put it on a hidden YouTube link, which is now on the ‘HACKED’ website. And it’s basically me talking to the camera about what I want from a Vegas venue, that it’s small, intimate, I wanted laser lights and a dimly neon lit room. It’s bizarre because Forty Deuce wasn’t built when I created the video, but it was absolutely, like 90 percent spot on to what I kind of manifested in that video.”
Because of the intimate space, Keelan said everyone feels like they are part of the show, and he enjoys working the room so everyone gets to see a piece of the show close up.
“It’s a very interactive show, as well. So many people come up on stage,” he said. “There is audience involvement in one way or another.”
He added a message for anyone thinking about attending an upcoming show.
“If you have seen every magic show in Vegas, I feel you won’t have seen the first humanoid robot perform a magic trick on the Las Vegas Strip, because there isn’t one,” he said. “You will not have seen a robot dog perform a magic trick, because this is the first on the Strip. If you are still interested in the classic sleight of hand, you get that. If you are interested in mentalism, mind reading, we have that as well. If you are a sucker for nostalgia, you get that.”
More About Vegas Navigator
Not long after Keelan and his wife moved to Las Vegas, his Vegas Navigator journey began online.
Many people know Keelan as Vegas Navigator on social media, where he shares all the fun Vegas spots and events.
“It’s so fascinating that most people in Vegas know me as a content creator, and all the content creators didn’t know I was a magician, because I never really pushed that on Vegas Navigator at all,” he said. “When we came to Vegas, we don’t have family here, we had no friends except other magicians that we knew from the Magic Fraternity.”
So the question on his mind was how to get his own magic show in Vegas without having the right connections. That’s when he decided to be his “own marketing machine.” A few months after he posted the YouTube video about his vision, he went on Instagram and became Vegas Navigator. He then started posting videos about Vegas; not about himself.
“I needed to create a network of people about Vegas,” he shared. “I had my own following from the magic side of things, but I thought if I was going to sell tickets, I needed a Vegas following.”
He then began creating and posting videos about everything Las Vegas and people started to notice and began following him. Then PR companies started to contact him which helped him to continue to grow his page.
“Then I started meeting other content creators, which I did not expect and ended up being the best thing I ever did,” he said.
You can find Vegas Navigator and “HACKED” on Instagram. Visit the show’s website for more information.
Mister USA is trading the traditional pageant ballroom for the bright lights and big energy on Sin City, bringing 30 finalists to AREA15 for a competition designed to be as much entertainment spectacle as pageant.
With fashion, swimwear, live entertainment, visual production, and personal stories taking center stage, organizers say the event aims to showcase a more modern definition of masculinity, one that’s built around confidence, authenticity, ambition, and individuality.
Jino Cabrera, CEO & President of Mister USA & Mister Universe Organization; Lindsay Clarken, VP of Programming at AREA15; and Kainoa Hughes, Mister Hawaii USA, all sat down with The Blast exclusively ahead of the Mister USA Finals, taking place on Sunday, Aug. 23 at AREA15, to discuss the event.
Las Vegas, get ready for a unique and fun event at AREA15 on Sunday, Aug. 23, when Mister USA 2026 Grand Finals takes over The Portal. This year’s competition will have 30 contestants from all over the country competing for the title of Mister USA.
Hosted at AREA15 inside the unique, immersive 360-degree projection venue, the event transforms the traditional pageant experience into one with cinematic visuals, live entertainment, fun competitions, celebrity appearances, and much more.
Jino Cabrera, CEO & President of Mister USA & Mister Universe Organization, recently told The Blast exclusively that Las Vegas represents what Mister USA is and that’s why they decided to host the Finals in Sin City for their third year event.
“We’ve hosted it in LA the last two years, so this is actually our third year for Mister USA,” he said. “Mister USA has become bigger, more exciting, more diverse, and truly entertainment driven. [Las Vegas] is one of the entertainment capitals of the world and people come here expecting to experience something memorable. So for Mister USA, we’re building more than a traditional pageant, we’re creating a national entertainment platform that celebrates the modern man from across the country, their stories, ambitions, confidence, individuality, and purpose and bringing that vision to Las Vegas felt like the perfect next chapter for us.”
The Portal stood out as the perfect venue because “it doesn’t feel like a traditional pageant venue.” The space gives the event the ability to “combine competition, fashion, music, technology, and visual production into one experience.”
“We want audiences to walk in and feel like they’re attending a major entertainment event, not simply sitting in a ballroom watching a pageant,” Cabrera told The Blast. “So the venue really reflects where we believe men’s pageantry is heading.”
What Can The Audience Expect From Mister USA Grand Finals In Las Vegas
For anyone who’s experienced a pageant of any kind, this one might be different from what you’ve experienced in the past.
“For this show, expect energy. We’re bringing together some incredible men from across the United States and also building a complete entertainment experience around them,” Cabrera shared. “There will be fashion, swimwear, live entertainment, powerful personal stories, and of course, the excitement of finding out who becomes the next Mister USA. These men come from very different backgrounds, careers, and parts of the country. Once you hear their stories, you realize there isn’t just one definition of what a Mister USA should look or act like.”
For those who have been watching men’s pageantry over the years, Cabrera said it’s “evolved tremendously.”
“Historically, male competitions were often focused primarily on appearance or physique. Today, audiences want much more than that and so do we. Confidence matters, so does communications, so does leadership, personality, ambition, authenticity, and the ability to possibly influence others,” Cabrera said. “Modern masculinity isn’t one dimensional at all. A man can be strong and compassionate, competitive, supportive, confident, and vulnerable. I think men’s pageantry finally has an opportunity to reflect that.”
Why The Portal At AREA15 Was The Perfect Fit For Mister USA Finals
When asked why The Portal was the perfect spot to host the Finals, Lindsay Clarken, VP of Programming at AREA15 shared some insight.
“The Portal is really unique because it gives us the ability to integrate entertainment elements outside of a traditional ballroom. We have projection mapping on the walls, so we’re able to change that based on each scene,” she told The Blast exclusively. “We have a lot of ways to bring it to life and make it really feel like a show and not just a traditional pageant or competition.”
Kainoa Hughes, Mister Hawaii USA, Will Be Competing In The Finals
Kainoa Hughes, Mister Hawaii, told The Blast exclusively that he became interested in competing in pageants after experiencing fashion shows in his modeling career. He said he decided to compete in Mister USA so he could “represent my people in Hawaii.”
“None of the other Mister Hawaiis have taken any of the titles home, so I’m gonna be the first,” he confidently told The Blast. He also shared that “pageants are a great way to make lifelong connections and really learn more about yourself throughout the whole entire journey.”
The biggest challenge for him going into this pageant has been finding the time to prepare because he’s “balancing three or four jobs” at the moment because the cost of living in Hawaii is “one of the worst in the country.” But he said he sacrifices to be able to continue to live in “paradise.”
He also gave some insight into his life and why competing in Mister USA was a good fit for him.
“I personally think being a real person with real stories and real struggles that people can relate to and connect with because personally, I used to be pretty big. I was clinically obese,” he said. “So that’s my message I guess coming in. I definitely want to tell people that it’s never the end wherever you are in life.”
He added, “Everything that’s going through my head walking out onto the stage, I would just think of myself as a little boy sitting in the crowd, watching in awe as I fulfill my biggest dreams that I could only imagine happening when I was younger.”
More About AREA15 In Las Vegas
AREA15 has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to tackle all of it in a day or just visit for a specific attraction, the fun is never ending!
“If you’ve never been to AREA15, it’s an immersive entertainment district. We’re not a single attraction; we’re not a single venue. We have so many different offerings internally as well as our tenants in Zone 2,” Clarken said. “Then we have our art component as well, which I think is really cool. We really want people to come, and they don’t just come for one destination. They make a day of it. You can spend hours here; there’s so much to discover. It’s different from anything else that Las Vegas has to offer.”
With so many options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can purchase tickets for single attractions, plus they have some package deals to make a day of fun a little easier. Some experiences you’ll find at AREA15 include John Wick Experience, Oddyssey Manor, The Escape Room, Omega Mart, Universal Horror Unleashed, Museum of Ice Cream, and Interstellar Arc, among many others.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit AREA15’s website. For more information on Mister USA Finals at AREA15, visit the website.
Mariah The Scientist came through with some love for her man on his 35th birthday. The singer shared a sweet shoutout to Young Thug on social media, but fans quickly peeped her choice of words and had plenty to say about it.
RELATED: The Internet Is Goin’ IN Following Mariah The Scientist’s Now-Deleted Comment On Young Thug’s Post (PHOTOS)
Mariah The Scientist’s Birthday Shoutout For Young Thug Has Fans Doing A Double Take
Leo Season is in full effect, and Young Thug is celebrating his 35th birthday! Mariah The Scientist came through to show her fiancé some love, sharing a sweet shoutout on her Instagram Story. Thugger turned 35 on Sunday, August 16, and Mariah popped out with some heartfelt words for her man. The singer shared a photo of Thug posing with her inside a home. The flick appears to be a throwback, with “Welcome Home” balloons in the background that seemingly marked a sweet lil’ surprise after Thugger returned home in October 2024. Mariah captioned the photo, “Happy bday baby doll” alongside a cake emoji and tagged Thug in the post. While some fans responded to her Story with hearts and love, others appeared to have mixed feelings about her choice of words.
Fans Couldn’t Help But Peep One Lil’ Detail In Mariah’s Message
Once LiveBitez reposted Mariah’s birthday shoutout for Young Thug, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Plenty of folks said, “baby doll, huh?” while others joked that Thugger should be the one calling Mariah that name.
Instagram user @brownskin_darnise wrote, “Might as well said sweet cakes.”
Instagram user @estefaniaa_caterinexo wrote, “I would never in my entire existence call my ‘man’ babydoll, that’s my name 😵💫”
While Instagram user @_jaylakiss wrote, “Baby doll? To a man?…uh huh.”
Then Instagram user @thatgirlluttie_ wrote, “Baby doll? 😂😂😂”
Another Instagram user @beenbougiee wrote, “Ok, so I’m not trippin! Baby doll? 😂”
Then another Instagram user @_.naj.ah wrote, “Baby doll ? 🧐”
Finally, Instagram user @jlaraexo_ wrote, “Babydoll. Lmao he ain’t even repost.”
Thugger Said, “Will You Marry Me?” & Had Mariah GAGGED!
Despite the reactions to Mariah’s birthday message, fans were previously geeked OUT when Thugger popped the BIG question back in December 2025. The rapper got down on knee and proposed to Mariah during his Hometown Hero concert in Atlanta, and chile, both Mariah and the crowd were gagged by the surprise. Thug made sure to do his big one too, icing out her ring finger with a HUGE rock that could blind you from a mile away! Peep the sweet moment below.
RELATED: Young Thug Clears The Air AGAIN After His Cameo In A Woman’s Video Gets Social Media Talking About Mariah The Scientist
What Do You Think Roomies?
Robert Downey Jr. is officially suiting up as Iron Man again, even as his Marvel Cinematic Universe future takes a villainous turn. Disney confirmed at D23 that the Oscar winner will reprise Tony Stark for two new attractions coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
Downey’s Iron Man will appear alongside Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and other Marvel favorites when the expanded land opens in 2028. The announcement comes as Downey prepares to play Doctor Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday,” meaning fans will soon see him embody both an iconic Marvel hero and one of its most dangerous villains.
Disney revealed the new details during its Experiences showcase at D23 in Anaheim on Saturday, August 15. According to PEOPLE, Downey will portray Tony Stark in both Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, two attractions currently under construction at Disney California Adventure.
The projects will double the size of Avengers Campus and bring several MCU actors back to their established roles. Imagineers shared behind-the-scenes footage of Downey, Hemsworth, Mackie, Larson and Renner recording material for the attractions while working on the set of “Avengers: Doomsday” in London.
The news marks Downey’s latest return as Iron Man following Tony Stark’s death in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.” His involvement is not limited to a recycled movie scene or archival footage. The actor has recorded new material created specifically for the Disneyland Resort experiences.
‘Avengers Infinity Defense’ Will Bring Thanos Back
Avengers Infinity Defense will place guests in the middle of a multiverse-spanning fight against an alternate version of Thanos. The attraction begins when Ms. Marvel, played by Iman Vellani, welcomes riders as new recruits and delivers their assignment. “It’s up to you to assemble the Avengers and stop Thanos,” Imagineers explained during the presentation.
The attraction’s villain is King Thanos, a version of the character from a reality in which he successfully defeated the Avengers. Riders will be tasked with reassembling the heroes and preventing him from using stolen Stark technology to spread destruction across multiple worlds.
The adventure will transport guests through recognizable Marvel locations, including Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City. Disney says the attraction will combine large physical sets with massive media scenes to create the feeling of moving between different worlds.
‘Stark Flight Lab’ Lets Guests Train Like Avengers
Downey will also play a central role in Stark Flight Lab, an attraction inspired by Tony Stark’s technology and experimentation. Mackie and Larson will join him as Captain America and Captain Marvel. “They will be your flight instructors as you feel what it’s like to train like an Avenger,” Imagineers said.
Guests will sit inside two-person “gyro-kinetic pods” that travel along a track before arriving at a testing station. A giant robotic arm will then lift each pod and perform high-speed movements designed to simulate flying like an Avenger.
Disney has said the ride’s movements will be inspired by Iron Man and other Marvel heroes. Imagineers previously worked with dancers to help choreograph how the robotic arms move, allowing the machines to produce different flight patterns and experiences.
Avengers Campus Will Double In Size
Both new attractions are scheduled to open in 2028. They will join the two existing Marvel rides at Disney California Adventure: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! follows Rocket as he attempts to free the other Guardians from the Collector’s fortress. Meanwhile, WEB SLINGERS allows guests to help Spider-Man capture Spider-Bots that have escaped inside the Worldwide Engineering Brigade campus.
Avengers Campus also includes character encounters and Pym Test Kitchen, a restaurant inspired by “Ant-Man and The Wasp” that plays with dramatically enlarged and reduced food items.
Marvel Fans Will See Downey As Both Hero And Villain
Downey first portrayed Tony Stark in 2008’s “Iron Man,” the movie that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He continued playing the character across numerous solo films and team-up events before Stark sacrificed himself to defeat Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame.”
His return to Marvel was announced with a completely different character, stunning fans who expected any potential comeback to involve an alternate version of Iron Man. Now, Disney is giving audiences both. Downey will embrace his darker Marvel future as Doctor Doom on the big screen while preserving his heroic legacy as Tony Stark at Disney California Adventure.
Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab will open in 2028, giving fans their next chance to assemble with Downey’s Iron Man, even as his Doctor Doom prepares to tear the cinematic universe apart.
Jessica Simpson is soaking up the last days of summer after enjoying a lavish vacation..
“Take me back to Turks and Caicos,” Simpson, 46, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 15, sharing a handful of photos from her getaway to the U.K. territory. “Thank you @lacurevillas and @pavilionluxuryvillas for an unforgettable stay. We’ll be seein’ y’all again very very soon.
The singer sported a tiny polka-dot bikini in one pic as she caught some rays while lounging on a striped towel. She accessorized her ensemble with a delicate chain necklace and a pair of tortoise-shell sunglasses.
In another snap, Simpson covered her two-piece with a black sundress and multicolored shawl.
Simpson has long embraced her curves, claiming that she was constantly told to lose weight in order to be successful.
“When I first started signing, I was, to everyone at the record label, supposed to be this pop star,” she recalled during a June concert. “There was Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera … and I had to follow in their footsteps. I really thought I was signed just because of my voice, then it was like, ‘OK, you need to lose 15 pounds.’”
Simpson continued, “To tell a 17-year-old that is a lot. [On my] second record, I [was told] needed to have a six-pack, which was definitely not going to happen. I’m just not built that way, you know? There were just all these things that I had to be to be ‘Jessica Simpson’ or the version of Jessica Simpson they believed I should be to be successful. I always felt like a failure, like, I was never good enough.”
After struggling with her weight for many years, the fashion designer has since learned to make peace with her body.
“I don’t really look at it as, like, a weight loss journey. I think it’s a journey of empowerment and self-love and acceptance,” Simpson exclusively told Us in 2022. “It’s one of those things [where] it’s like, we all want what we can’t have. We all want the body type that we aren’t [and] that we can’t change.”
The pop star added at the time, “It’s about accepting and loving ourselves for who we are. For me, I have done that at every size [and] I just feel every woman should be celebrated.”
That same month, Simpson revealed via Instagram that she had gained and lost 100 pounds three times after having kids. (Simpson shares three children with estranged husband Eric Johnson.)
“It’s about setting small goals for yourself, and then eventually, the impossible is possible,” Simpson told Us in 2022 of her weight loss journey. “I was so proud of myself and I was proud of the resilience no matter what people say. … ‘When you work really hard to look and feel the way that you do in a very happy moment, especially with your children, it is very empowering [to get positive feedback], and it made me so emotional.”
Although much of the 2026 horror focus has been on Focus Features’ Obsession, earlier in the year, Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett re-teamed with modern-day Scream Queen Samara Weaving for the hotly anticipated Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, a sequel to the 2019 slasher gem that has gained a die-hard cult following. A brand-new horde of villains lines up to hunt down Weaving in the sequel, including The Lord of the Rings icon Elijah Wood, Shawn Hatosy, Kevin Durand, David Cronenberg, and Sarah Michelle Gellar in a character that feels like Cruel Intentions‘ Kathryn.
Weaving’s return to the bloodied wedding dress was ultimately a hit at the box office, turning a relatively small $14 million budget into over $40 million worldwide. But did you know that this isn’t the only 2026 movie in which Weaving is both hunted and violent herself? In Over Your Dead Body, Weaving teams up with Jason Segel for an R-rated horror remake of The Trip, the 2021 Norwegian psychological thriller starring Noomi Rapace. The pair star as an unhappily married couple who retreat to a secluded cabin on a vacation, whilst each plan the other’s murder in secret.
Timothy Olyphant, the three-time Emmy nominee for Justified, Deadwood: The Movie, and The Mandalorian, also features in an eye-catching ensemble, which is directed by Saturday Night Live contributor Jorma Taccone. The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, earning a 70% average score on review site Rotten Tomatoes. One critic praised “Jorma Taccone’s extreme take on the gore-as-entertainment genre,” whilst another heralded “the deadpan dialogue, rapid-fire twists, and scene-stealing performances from Timothy Olyphant and Juliette Lewis.“
‘Over Your Dead Body’ Is a Streaming Hit
Over Your Dead Body received a limited theatrical release at a similar time to Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, before making its way to PVOD and finally streaming, where it has found more success. At the time of writing, Over Your Dead Body is the most-watched title on AMC+ in the U.S. Other titles currently proving popular on the same platform include regular favorite The Walking Dead: Dead City, The Crow Girl, and the 2014 original John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves.
Over Your Dead Body is the most-watched title on AMC+ in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
- Release Date
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April 24, 2026
- Runtime
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105 minutes
- Director
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Jorma Taccone
- Writers
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Nick Kocher, Brian McElhaney
- Producers
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Aram Tertzakian, David Leitch, Guy Danella, Kelly McCormick, Lee Kim, Nick Spicer
What an impressive year it has already been for Anne Hathaway. After starring in the early-year hidden gem Mother Mary from A24, Hathaway teamed back up with Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt in the legacy sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2. Called “a near-perfect blend of nostalgia and newness” in Taylor Gates‘ review for Collider, the movie earned just shy of $700 million at the box office, becoming one of the year’s biggest financial triumphs at the time.
But that was no match for Hathaway’s next theatrical arrival, as she arguably stole the show as Penelope in Christopher Nolan‘s historical epic The Odyssey. Alongside Matt Damon, who headlines as the King of Ithaca, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and many more, Hathaway helps craft one of the most impressive blockbusters of the decade, one that has now become Nolan’s biggest movie of all time, sailing past both The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. This weekend, Hathaway stars alongside Ewan McGregor in the dino-sized sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, formerly known as Flowervale Street.
Later this year, Hathaway joins forces with Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Cordóva, and Brady Wagner to help bring to the screen the latest in a quick string of Colleen Hoover adaptations. Based on the acclaimed author’s 2018 bestseller of the same name, Verity is set to be the darkest and most twisted of her adaptations yet, certainly if the brand-new trailer is anything to go by. Verity will also mark a reunion between Hathaway and director Michael Showalter, who previously worked with her on Prime Video’s The Idea of You.
Another Colleen Hoover Adaptation Is a Streaming Sensation
Ahead of Verity, the promise of more Hoover at the movies has inspired fans to head back to a lesser-spotted adaptation to get in the mood. At the time of writing, 2026’s Reminders of Him is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Peacock in the U.S. Described as a story of “motherhood, forgiveness, and the power of love to heal,” director Vanessa Caswill‘s indulgent drama was headlined by Longlegs and It Follows star Maika Monroe, alongside Tyriq Withers, Gilmore Girls icon Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, and country singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson in her feature film debut.
Reminders of Him is streaming now. Stay tuned to Collider for more stories.
- Release Date
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March 5, 2026
- Runtime
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114 minutes
- Director
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Vanessa Caswill
- Writers
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Lauren Levine, Colleen Hoover
- Producers
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Gina Matthews, Colleen Hoover, Lauren Levine
Johnny Depp could be preparing to sail back into the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise nearly a decade after his last appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed at Disney’s D23 event that discussions with Depp are underway as a new screenplay takes shape. However, the potential sixth installment reportedly would not simply deliver another traditional Jack Sparrow adventure. Instead, sources claim Margot Robbie could lead the next chapter, with Sparrow appearing as a supporting character in a move designed to evolve the $4.5 billion franchise.
Bruckheimer provided the strongest update yet on Depp’s possible return while speaking with Deadline at D23. “We’re talking with Johnny (Depp), we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done,” the producer revealed, confirming that discussions are active, but Depp has not formally signed on for “Pirates of the Caribbean 6.”
Disney has also not announced a release date, production schedule, or complete cast for the movie. With the screenplay still being developed, Depp’s role and the broader direction of the film could change before production begins.
Even so, Bruckheimer’s update is a meaningful step forward for fans after years of conflicting reports about whether the franchise would return as a reboot, a direct sequel, or an entirely separate story featuring new characters.
Margot Robbie Could Lead The Next ‘Pirates’ Era
Sources reportedly familiar with the project claim Disney’s next voyage will not revolve exclusively around Captain Jack Sparrow. The proposed story is said to focus on a protagonist played by Robbie, with Depp’s character appearing in a secondary capacity. That structure would allow Disney to reconnect with longtime fans through Sparrow while introducing a new lead capable of carrying future installments.
Robbie has been associated with a female-led “Pirates of the Caribbean” project for several years. Bruckheimer previously indicated that Disney had been exploring both a reboot and a separate movie involving the “Barbie” actress.
The latest report suggests those concepts may have evolved into a single film that combines Robbie’s new character with Depp’s established pirate. However, neither Disney nor Robbie has officially confirmed her participation. Details about the alleged character, including her connection to Sparrow, also remain undisclosed.
‘Pirates Of The Caribbean 6’ Is A Disney Priority
Screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns is reportedly working on the latest version of the script. Wilson-Cairns previously co-wrote the World War I drama “1917,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Her other credits include “Last Night in Soho” and “The Good Nurse.”
The sixth “Pirates” movie has reportedly become a priority for Disney under newly installed CEO Josh D’Amaro. Reviving the series could be enormously valuable for the studio. The five existing movies have generated approximately $4.5 billion at the worldwide box office, making “Pirates of the Caribbean” one of Disney’s most successful live-action franchises.
However, the next installment must solve a difficult creative problem of honoring the series’ history while proving it can survive beyond a story driven entirely by Sparrow. Placing Robbie at the center while giving Depp a supporting role could provide that bridge.
Johnny Depp Turned Jack Sparrow Into A Global Icon
Depp introduced Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” His performance helped transform a movie inspired by a Disney theme park attraction into a global phenomenon. Depp also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for the role.
He returned for “Dead Man’s Chest” in 2006 and “At World’s End” in 2007 before reprising the character in 2011’s “On Stranger Tides” and 2017’s “Dead Men Tell No Tales.” Disney has now gone nearly a decade without releasing another installment, despite the property’s continued name recognition and popularity across the company’s theme parks.
Johnny Depp’s Major Studio Comeback Is Gaining Momentum
A return to “Pirates of the Caribbean” would join an increasingly busy slate for Depp. The actor will portray Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount’s “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,” directed by Ti West. The gothic adaptation is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 13. The project will mark Depp’s first starring role in a major American studio release in nearly a decade.
He will then appear alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline in “Day Drinker,” a supernatural revenge thriller directed by Marc Webb. Lionsgate has scheduled “Day Drinker” for release on March 26, 2027. The film reunites Depp and Cruz following their previous collaborations on “Blow,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” and “Murder on the Orient Express.”
Depp has continued working in independent and international cinema in recent years. His projects have included “The Professor,” “City of Lies,” “Waiting for the Barbarians,” “Minamata” and “Jeanne du Barry.” He also returned to directing with “Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” a film centered on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
Y’all! Rihanna is reminding everybody that when she steps outside, she’s going to do it her way—and this time, the island girl is soaking up some hometown vibes with her little ones close by. Photos of the singer making her way around Barbados have been circulating this week, and let’s just say, RiRi looked right at home while enjoying the island life.
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Rihanna Is Living Her Best Island Mom Life
Rihanna is giving full-on island girl mode while enjoying some quality time in Barbados with her babies. In the photos making rounds online, RiRi keeps it casual but still serves a look, rocking wet-styled curly hair with a gray dress, brown sneakers, red nails, and layered gold necklaces. The singer appears to hold her baby girl, Rocki, in several of the shots, including one where she’s seen enjoying a fresh coconut with a straw. Because even while keeping things low-key, Rihanna is still very much THAT girl.
Rih And Riot Are Outside In Barbados
Other snaps show Rihanna holding Riot’s hand as the two make their way out of a white tent that appears to be a local vendor. She also appears to stop and pose for photos with fellow islanders, flashing a smile as she enjoys the love from folks around her. In another moment, Rihanna appears to board a bus, adding to the laid-back feel of the outing. From strolling around the island with her babies to grabbing a coconut and showing love to locals, it’s giving Rihanna simply enjoying Barbados—and honestly, we love to see it!
Of Course, Rihanna Has A Street Named After Her!
Alright now! Rihanna is making sure her babies know where it all started! During her recent family trip to Barbados, the Grammy-winning singer shared rare photos of RZA, Riot, and 11-month-old Rocki visiting her childhood home, Sonia Ville, in Bridgetown. Dressed in a flowy black dress, Rihanna posed with her little ones outside the colorful bungalow, which now sits on Rihanna Drive after Westbury New Road was renamed in her honor in 2017. Reflecting on the full-circle moment, RiRi said she went from feeling like “that kid from Westbury” to bringing her own children back to “Rihanna Drive,” adding, “Trippy how life works!” and giving all glory to God.
RELATED: Come Back, Sis! Rihanna Has Fans Begging For Her Return After Message At Jay-Z’s Concert (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Cardi B is turning a cheeky teenage connection to Old Navy into a major fashion partnership years later.
At the same time, the rapper opened up about why the brand’s denim works better on her than many luxury labels’. She also reflected on the body insecurities that once led her to layer tights under her jeans to create the appearance of a fuller figure.
Cardi B is fronting Old Navy’s fall 2026 denim campaign, but her history with the retailer goes back long before the endorsement checks.
During an Instagram Live on August 12, the Grammy winner revealed that she used to shoplift from Old Navy in high school. Cardi joked that she was never caught and credited the store with helping her stay fashionable as a teenager.
“Thank you Old Navy for holding me down,” she said, calling the partnership a “full-circle moment,” according to Billboard.
The rapper also praised the brand for making jeans that work for her figure. Cardi said finding denim after getting a BBL can be difficult because many luxury labels do not accommodate her proportions.
Her Old Navy campaign, titled “The Most Wanted,” debuted August 4 and also stars Wisdom Kaye and Quen Blackwell. Cardi appears in a Western-inspired ad wearing the retailer’s high-waisted cuffed jeans.
Cardi’s Old Navy Denim Flies Off Shelves
Cardi’s Old Navy campaign appears to be translating directly into sales already. The Curvy Extra High-Waisted Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans featured in the promotion sold out quickly and were not restocked until August 13 due to demand, according to Page Six.
The $49.99 style is available in sizes 00 through 30 and is designed with extra room through the hips alongside a more fitted waist.
Shoppers were already showing strong interest before Cardi’s campaign. The curvy silhouette has amassed more than 3,000 reviews with a near-perfect average rating. The rapper also kept the brand front and center at its New York campaign launch, where she wore dark denim capris and layered two Old Navy cardigans. She completed the look with a Chanel bag.
The Rapper Says Her Kids Wear Old Navy Too
Cardi also recently revealed that she regularly buys clothes for her children from the retailer, describing it as a brand that has been part of her life since childhood.
“I used to wear it when I was a kid, and now my kids wear it,” Cardi said, per InStyle, and called Old Navy a “forever brand.”
She also praised the retailer’s quality and range, particularly when shopping for her daughter. Cardi explained that her daughter has especially long legs and said Old Navy carries jeans that fit her well. She added that the variety of denim styles is another reason she keeps returning to the store.
Cardi B Says She Used To ‘Stuff’ Her Jeans As A Teen
Cardi B’s relationship with denim was once far less confident than it is today. Earlier this month, the rapper told PEOPLE that skinny jeans made her especially self-conscious as a teenager because she felt her figure did not match the curvier look celebrated around her.
Cardi said the insecurity became so strong that she started layering multiple pairs of tights under her jeans to make her thighs and backside appear fuller. “When I was like a teenager, that used to be something I was really insecure about,” she recalled.
Growing up in the South Bronx, Cardi said being “thick” was viewed favorably within her community and culture. That left her worried about appearing too flat in fitted denim.
Cardi B Details The Procedures Behind Her Famous Curves
Cardi has never been especially guarded about the cosmetic work she has undergone.
In a 2018 interview with GQ, the rapper revealed that she paid $800 for injections to enhance her backside. She said the procedure was carried out in a basement in Queens rather than a medical facility.
Years later, Cardi began reversing some of that work. During a 2025 appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, she said she underwent surgery in 2024 to address the earlier procedure, jokingly describing the operation as a “tummy tuck on my -ss.”
Entertainment
Jon Bernthal Channels John Wick in This 10/10 Action Hit Officially Surging on Prime Video
Jon Bernthal is lighting the world on fire in 2026, with several new roles in some of the biggest movies and TV shows of the year. While the first two that immediately come to mind are his role as Menelaus in The Odyssey and The Punisher in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Bernthal also kicked off the year by starring in one of the biggest Netflix shows of the year, His & Hers. He even teamed up with Ebon Moss-Bachrach for a surprise prequel episode of The Bear, “Gary,” which was shadow-dropped on Hulu before the premiere of the fifth and final season. Bernthal also headlined his first ever solo MCU Punisher project, The Punisher: One Last Kill, and after the success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, it’s safe to say Marvel is going to utilize the character plenty going forward.
Bernthal was also busy in 2025, reprising his role as Frank Castle for the first time under the MCU banner opposite Charlie Cox in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again. Not long after his return as Punisher, Bernthal reunited with Ben Affleck for the long-awaited sequel, The Accountant 2, which is now streaming on Prime Video. The Accountant 2 was widely loved by both fans and critics, but the film’s $80 million budget made it difficult for it to break-even at the box office — it grossed only $100 million during its worldwide run. The Accountant 2 is the perfect mash-up of both John Wick and The Equalizer, as it delivers some all-time great action scenes with Bernthal and Affleck, but Affleck’s Christian Wolff is every bit as methodical, if not more so, than Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall.
What Is ‘The Accountant 2’ About?
The official synopsis for The Accountant 2, which holds scores of 75% from critics and 92% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, reads as follows: “Christian Wolff (Affleck) is back — and this time, family business gets personal. When a former ally is murdered, the brilliant, socially unconventional accountant teams up with Treasury agent Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) and his estranged, dangerously unpredictable brother Braxton (Bernthal) to crack the case. As the trail leads into a web of deadly conspiracy, the trio must stay one step ahead of a ruthless network of killers—bullets, spreadsheets, and sibling rivalry included—before the truth catches up with them.” A third Accountant movie is already confirmed, but it’s unclear at this time when it will be released.
Check out The Accountant 2 on Prime Video and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates and coverage of Bernthal’s future projects.
- Release Date
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April 25, 2025
- Runtime
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132 Minutes
- Director
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Gavin O’Connor
- Writers
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Bill Dubuque
- Producers
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Ben Affleck, Kevin Halloran, Matt Damon, Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor, Scott LaStaiti, Michael Joe, Mark Williams, Alison Winter
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