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What a gay biker gang taught Alexander Skarsgård and “Pillion” team about lube, boot licking, and orgies

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Alexander Skarsgård, Harry Melling, and director Harry Lighton say this real-life biker gang was instrumental in grounding the movie.

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What Role Does Cillian Murphy Play in Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ Music Video?

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Taylor Swift is no stranger to convincing some of the world’s biggest A-listers to make cameos in her music videos.

The move has a long history when it comes to her back catalogue. After all, who can forget her  2014 “Bad Blood” video, which featured 16 members of her famous Girl Squad? Everyone from Gigi Hadid and Selena Gomez to Cindy Crawford and Jessica Alba all popped up during the killer clip.

Swift, 36, brought back this magic with a whole new cast of stars when she dropped the official music video for “Opalite,” the third track from her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, in February 2026.

While the video is jam-packed full of celebs, one star in particular – Cillian Murphy – has tongues wagging due to his subtle inclusion this time around.

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What Role Does Cillian Murphy Play in the ‘Opalite’ Music Video?

Murphy’s role in the “Opalite” has a few fans scratching their heads, as it isn’t as obvious as some of the other cameos.

The Inception star, 49, is actually included twice. First, he is the opening voiceover in the infomercial for magical product Opalite.

“Hey there pal, why so glum? Have you been feeling unsatisfied in life? Maybe, you’re lacking connection in a friendship or a relationship. Maybe you give more than you get back. What if I told you, you could magically turn all that crappiness into happiness?” Murphy can be heard saying in the ad.

He continues, “No need to fret, no more frustration. Introducing… Opalite, the revolutionary fix for your problems. Just one spray and Opalite magically transforms your problems into your paradise. Using our state of the art chemical potion, it works on friendships, couples, pets and coworkers.”

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A photo of Murphy giving a thumbs up later appears in a giant print ad on a wall for Opalite.

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Taylor Swift.
(Photo by Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images)

Which Other Celebrities Appear in the ‘Opalite’ Video?

The Oppenheimer actor isn’t the only celeb to grace the screen during “Opalite.” Murphy is joined by Graham Norton, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lewis Capaldi.

Gleeson, 42, portrays a character in a one-sided relationship with a cactus, which turns into Swift when he sprays it with the Opalite potion.

“Someone You Loved” singer Capaldi, 29, plays a mall photographer who is tasked with taking portrait photos of Swift and Gleeson, while talk show host Norton, 62, acts as a salesman selling Opalite’s antidote, the aptly named, “Nope-alite.”

Meanwhile, Lee, 42, appears as a singer on TV while Swift is hanging out with her “rock” best friend and Turner-Smith, 39, plays an aerobic instructor that Swift and the “rock” work out to.

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Other notable cameos in “Opalite” include some of Swift’s Eras Tour dancers such as Kameron Saunders as a dance judge and Jan Ravnik in a commercial.

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Graham Norton.
(Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)

Why Did Taylor Swift Choose Graham Norton Guests to Appear in ‘Opalite’?

Swift revealed via her Instagram on February 6 that she had conjured up the idea to include them all when she was doing promo for her Life of a Showgirl album on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025. The stars who made cameos in “Opalite” were also guests.

“I remember thinking I got ridiculously lucky with the group I was paired with. Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, @JodieSmith, and @LewisCapaldi,” she wrote. “All people whose work I’ve admired from afar. When we were all talking during the broadcast, Domhnall made a light hearted joke about wanting to be in one of my music videos. He’s Irish! He was joking! Except that in that moment during the interview, I was instantly struck with an *idea*. And so a week later he received an email script I’d written for the Opalite video, where he was playing the starring role.”

She continued, “I had this thought that it would be wild if all of our fellow guests on the Graham Norton show that night, including Graham himself, could be a part of it too. Like a school group project but for adults and it isn’t mandatory. To my delight, everyone from the show made the effort to time travel back to the 90’s with us and help with this video. You might even recognize some friendly faces from The Eras Tour”

What Is the Plot of Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ Music Video?

Set in the 1990s, the fun and silly plot of the “Opalite” music video follows Swift’s one-sided friendship with her best friend, a rock. Gleeson’s character is seen experiencing a similar codependent dynamic with a cactus.

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After being introduced to Opalite, a spray potion that promises to turn “crappiness into happiness,” Swift’s “lonely woman” character is connected to Gleeson’s “lonely man” character and they embark on a series of dates with stereotypical 90s vibes such as going to the mall and taking part in a dance competition.

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Related: Meet the Famous Men in Taylor Swift’s Music Videos: Domhnall Gleeson and More

Taylor Swift‘s music videos have included many memorable appearances from famous men taking on the roles of her love interests. Over the years, the Grammy winner has enlisted many well-known actors to help make her visions come to life, including Stephen Colletti, who starred in the 2008 music video for “White Horse.” Thank You! You […]

Swift has previously spoken about the meaning behind “Opalite,” sharing that it can be interpreted as a metaphor for intentionally looking for love and not letting past romances get you down.

In October 2025, the singer opened up about the symbolism of the song and its connection to her fiancé Travis Kelce in an interview with Capital FM.

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“Travis’ birthstone is an opal, so I’ve always fixated on that, I’ve always loved that stone,” she explained at the time. “I thought it was kind of a cool metaphor. [Opalite is] a man-made opal, and happiness can also be man-made, too. So, that’s kind of what the song is about, kind of the juxtaposition of those two.”

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Apple TV’s Twisted Sci-Fi Masterpiece Bridges Gap Between Biggest Competitor on Streaming

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Jon Pack in Severance, looking skeptical

Severance fans are buzzing after finally receiving some solid Season 3 news to cling to last week. Collider recently reported via an interview with John Turturro that production on Severance Season 3 will begin this July. This may still be months away, but at least it’s confirmation that the show is still moving in the right direction, which some fans had begun to doubt. Following this exciting news about the future of Severance, fans have been rushing to Apple TV to watch the twisted sci-fi show, which has helped it close the gap between its biggest competitor, Pluribus.

For years, Severance held the crown as Apple TV’s biggest sci-fi show ever. With the immaculate reception of the first two seasons, it seemed unfathomable that any other show could ever take this title from Ben Stiller’s series, but that’s what happened last year when Apple TV brought Pluribus to the small screen. The show hails from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, and it stars Emmy-winner Rhea Seehorn. Pluribus overtook Severance in the weeks before its Season 1 finale, but there was no bad blood. Director Ben Stiller took to his personal X account to celebrate Pluribus’ achievement while he continued work on Season 3.

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Plot details about Severance Season 3 are being kept under wraps for now, but it’s expected that the show will take place shortly after Season 2. Although we know Severance Season 3 will begin filming this summer, it’s still entirely too early to predict when the show could be released. Ben Stiller previously promised that the gap between Seasons 2 and 3 wouldn’t be nearly as long as the first two seasons, but it’s getting harder to deliver on this promise by the day.

The most popular show on Apple TV right now is Shrinking, the Ted Lasso replacement hailing from creator Bill Lawrence that just debuted its long-awaited third season. The show has already been renewed for Season 4, and it’s expected to be a major streaming juggernaut for the duration of its third season. To reach the top spot, Shrinking dethroned Hijack, the thriller starring Idris Elba that’s roughly halfway through its sophomore season. The Morning Show is also still hanging around in the Apple TV top 10 a few weeks after going off the air.

Watch all episodes of Severance on Apple TV, and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.

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Release Date

February 17, 2022

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Network

Apple TV

Showrunner
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Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman

Writers

Anna Ouyang Moench, Wei-Ning Yu

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The 15 best comedy movies streaming to make you laugh out loud

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Our handy guide for where to find the most hilarious titles on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and more.

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Kaley Cuoco Weighs In On Ashley Tisdale Mom Group Drama

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Crystal Minkoff attends the Alzheimer's Association California Southland 2025

Kaley Cuoco has two words to say about the mom group drama that recently rocked Hollywood: “Just leave.” 

The actress weighed in on the drama that broke out when Ashley Tisdale revealed via a shocking essay that she cut ties with her former mom group following a string of events that made her feel alienated.

Since Tisdale’s essay was published, some A-listers have come forward to give their opinion on the issue, including Dylan Efron, who voiced support for the actress.

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What Did Kaley Cuoco Say About Ashley Tisdale’s Mom Group Drama?

Kaley Cuoco made an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” on Thursday. During a segment, a fan asked Cuoco to give her candid opinion on Tisdale’s falling out with her mom friends, since she is also part of a mom group herself. 

The “Big Bang Theory” actress shook her head and said, “I mean, if you don’t like being part of the group, just leave, baby,” she said, to which host Cohen agreed.

Explaining her point of view, Cuoco added, “I don’t think we have to talk about it,” to which Cohen quipped, “Like, write an essay about it.”

Concluding her speech, the 40-year-old stated, “Just leave, find a new group.”  A fellow guest chimed in, “Find someone else,” and Cuoco agreed to that as well. 

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Dylan Efron Called Ashley Tisdale ‘Sweet’ Amid Mom Group Drama

Weeks before Cuoco’s statements, Dylan Efron similarly weighed in on the drama. However, he seemed to lean towards defense for Tisdale. 

During a previous interview with Andy Cohen, Efron made it clear that while he tries to be intentional about staying out of drama, he knows that Tisdale has a good personality. 

“All I know is, Ashley, since I was a kid, she’s been so sweet to me,” he said, per The Blast

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He further noted that he couldn’t picture his long-time friend being the source of toxicity in the group and hoped for it all to be a “misunderstanding.” 

However, Efron was quick to admit that he didn’t know the full details of the situation, so it may be more than a misunderstanding after all, before describing Tisdale as “so sweet.”

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‘RHOB’ Crystal Minkoff Could Somehow Relate To The Mom Group Drama

Crystal Minkoff attends the Alzheimer's Association California Southland 2025
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Another star who shared their thoughts on the situation is “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Crystal Minkoff, who could relate to Tisdale’s experience.

According to The Blast, she explained that she lost 14 friends when she went on the reality show and, as such, could relate to Tisdale’s feeling of being left out. 

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Minkoff acknowledged that she found the whole situation “interesting,” and when she reached out to a member of the group, they said, “It’s so ironic that we’re the toxic ones and she’s on her own.”

The reality star then truthfully admitted that she had mixed emotions about it all because while she could relate to Tisdale, she also couldn’t imagine Hilary Duff being a toxic person.

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Over her ten-year relationship with the actress, she got to know her as a “super sweet” person with no trace of meanness. 

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Notably, Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor were reportedly part of the mom group Tisdale left behind.

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Ashley Tisdale Felt ‘Frozen’ Out Of Her Mom Group

Ashley Tisdale posing on the red carpet.
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While Minkoff’s falling out with her 14 friends was a result of her debut on “RHOB,” Tisdale’s experience seemed to be a result of subtle occurrences that piled up over time. 

In her essay, Tisdale revealed that she was systematically being left out of group gatherings, which made her feel “frozen” out of everything. While she tried to brush it off at first, it eventually became clear to her that it was an intentional act from other members of the group. That was when she decided to leave. 

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Super Bowl LX Triggers Major Spike In Sex Trafficking, Prostitution Arrests

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Super Bowl Prostitution Arrests
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Keep It In Your Pants, Fellas!!!

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Everyone performing at the 2026 Super Bowl: Bad Bunny, Green Day, Brandi Carlile, and more

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The ubiquitous Bad Bunny will headline this year’s halftime show.

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‘Rush Hour 4’ In The Works After Donald Trump’s Pressure

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After years of false promises, the President of the United States has reportedly gotten “Rush Hour 4” back in production.

The buddy-cop action comedy franchise is one of the most beloved movies of all time, featuring the incredible duo, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

It has been over a decade since the third installment of the movie dropped in 2007, followed by failed promises of a fourth movie. However, thanks to Donald Trump, fans can once again watch the iconic team take on the bad guys with their signature humor.

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Donald Trump’s Call For More Buddy-Cop Comedies Greenlights’ Rush Hour 4′

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According to new reports, the fourth installment of the “Rush Hour” franchise became a reality after Trump expressed the desire for more old-school buddy-cop comedies. Thanks to his love for Chan and Tucker’s movies, the fourth installment was greenlit in November 2025.

A source with direct knowledge about the movie told TMZ that pre-production was set to begin within weeks following the arrival of spring. The shooting of scenes was scheduled to begin in the fall, with Chan and Tucker reprising their iconic roles as Chief Inspector Lee and Detective Carter.

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“RH4” wasn’t just the long-awaited on-screen reunion of Chan and Tucker, but also Brett Ratner’s official comeback to Hollywood. The director of the last three installments of the movie became an outcast in the industry during the #MeToo movement in 2017.

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The Franchise’s Director Has Ties To The President

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Although Ratner vehemently denied the scathing allegations against him, he was effectively banished from the entertainment scene. He slowly worked his way back into the spotlight, joining hands with the Trump family.

Ratner helmed 2026’s “Melania,” a documentary about the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump. The film’s success seemingly proved that the director’s skills hadn’t dwindled over the years, and he confidently returned to helm the production of “RH4.”

The development of the fourth “Rush Hour” movie comes years after failed promises. In 2022, The Blast reported that Chan had reignited fans’ expectations for the next installment. His words came five years after he claimed he had agreed to a script in October 2017.

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Inside The Failed Promises For ‘Rush Hour’

Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills
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After Chan’s claims of a script for “RH4,” his co-star, Tucker, declared in February 2018 that he was ready to start filming. However, these were all false promises that left fans significantly disappointed until Chan reignited their excitement in 2022.

During an appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in December 2022, the martial artist revealed that he and the director of “RH4” were in talks about the movie’s production. Although he avoided sharing the director’s name, many theorized that he was referring to the disgraced Ratner.

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As stated, Ratner fell from grace in 2017, when multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct and harassment. The list included stars like Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn, leading to Warner Bros. ending its lucrative partnership with the director.

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Jackie Chan’s Late Mother Could Not Stand His Action Movies

Jackie Chan
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Following Chan’s 2022 claims, fans immediately began pleading for the return of good, old-fashioned racist jokes. They argued that the fourth movie must maintain the offensive comedy style like the other three installments, begging producers not to fear the cancel culture.

Others were excited to see Chan display his comedic acrobatic fighting style, as he rose to fame performing his own stunts. Surprisingly, the action-packed performances that millions loved were something Chan’s late mother could not stand to watch.

The Blast reported in May 2025 that Chan had revealed his mother had never watched any of his movies to the end. “She started the movie, starts at the beginning, maybe the credits. But when she sees I’m doing a stunt, she turns around,” Chan said in an interview.

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Lisa Kudrow Urges Preservation Of ‘Friends’ Warner Bros. Lot

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Lisa Kudrow Urges Preservation Of 'Friends' Warner Bros. Lot

Actress and writer Lisa Kudrow grew nostalgic during her visit to the Warner Bros. Studios, the place she called home for 10 years while filming “Friends.”

Amid the acquisition of Warner Bros., Kudrow is pleading with its future owners to preserve the studio lot where the iconic comedy TV show was shot.

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Lisa Kudrow’s Visit To Warner Bros. Studios

In the second episode of the Architectural Digest series “Love Letters to LA,” the publication visited the Warner Bros. studios with “Friends” alum, Kudrow. Each episode focuses on a Los Angeles native’s favorite place, and Kudrow picked the lot, located in Burbank.

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Kudrow visited different locations on the lot, including the studio where “Friends” was shot and outdoor locations where some scenes were filmed. She also passed by the famous fountain where the opening credits of the sitcom was filmed. The 62-year-old actress also filmed her sitcom, “The Comeback,” on the lot.

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Toward the end of the video, Kudrow said that she knows places change ownership all the time, but urges the lot’s future owners to keep the place the same. “I think most people really, really hope whatever happens next is that this studio lot is preserved as is,” she said, adding, “Whoever buys it, you don’t need to change anything.”

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‘Friends’ Was Mostly Shot In Stage 24

At the beginning of the sitcom in 1994, “Friends” was shot in Stage 5. However, as Kudrow noted, they transferred to Stage 24, which is larger, after the first season. By then, the show was a big hit, and they filmed the next nine seasons in that location until the series’ finale in 2004.

Since “Friends” was set in New York, establishing shots were filmed in the state. However, interior locations, such as the apartments and Central Perk, were built in the sound stage.

Before Stage 24 became the home of “Friends,” it also served as the filming location for other productions, including “Full House,” “Mike & Molly,” and the 1970s “Wonder Woman” TV series.

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Lisa Kudrow And Her Co-Stars Went Back For A ‘Friends’ Reunion

The final episode of “Friends” aired on May 6, 2004, and shortly afterward, the set was dismantled, per The Hollywood Reporter. Now, there is a plaque that reads, “The Friends Stage,” outside Stage 24 in honor of the wildly successful sitcom.

While the set is no longer there, fans of the show can still relive the nostalgia through the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a three-hour tour of the lot. Located in Stage 48 is the “Friends” Boutique, which sells a wide array of merchandise. In addition, one of the dining options is the Central Perk Café that boasts a New York-inspired menu.

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In 2021, Kudrow, along with her “Friends” castmates, went back to Stage 24 to film the HBO Max documentary special, “Friends: The Reunion.” As reported by People, filming took two days, and the actors and actresses got emotional as they looked back on their time together.

“It’s funny, when we do get together, it’s like no time has passed. We pick right where we left off,” Matthew LeBlanc said.

Lisa Kudrow’s Friendship With Her Co-Stars

In October 2019, Jennifer Aniston finally decided to join Instagram, and her first post was a photo of all six “Friends” cast members hanging out together. She captioned the post, “And now we’re Instagram FRIENDS too.”

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In May 2021, Kudrow posted an Instagram photo of herself with David Schwimmer, telling her followers that they watched the reunion show together.

In July 2021, Courteney Cox shared a photo with Kudrow and Aniston, which was taken when the three women spent Independence Day together.

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Katie Holmes’ Slouchy Gray Sweater Is Perfect for Casual Days

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If Katie Holmes can wear a slouchy sweater on NBC’s Today, then it’s clear we’re not using our own sweaters to their full potential. The actress embraced the comfortable look in a silhouette you’ve got to add to your wardrobe.

While it’s unclear where Holmes snagged her TV-ready sweater, we can tell you that this V-neck polo-style sweater from Amazon is almost identical. The Marcy Ribbed Polo Sweater is from The Drop, the mega retailer’s in-house brand of limited-edition collections. The brand is known for quality, size inclusion and fashionable pieces that’ll stand the test of time in your wardrobe.

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Get the The Drop Marcy Ribbed Polo Sweater for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Drop sweater is similar to Holmes’s, as it features the vertical ribbed texture throughout. Not only that, but it has the V-neck design and collar detail. All of those elements together make it slightly less casual for a versatile piece (that’s even appropriate for a daytime talk show). The affordable option might not be as slouchy as Holmes’ sweater, but it still has a body-skimming fit.

Katie Holmes at the Zimmerman Fall RTW 2025 fashion show as part of Paris Fashion Week held at Petit Palais on March 10, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images)


Related: Get Katie Holmes’ Timeless Fall Sweater Look for Just $40

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If you ask Us, we’d say that everyone can take some fashion notes from Katie Holmes. The actress’ effortless sense of style is easy to emulate, and her iconic looks are something many fans fall back on when putting together an outfit. And if Holmes’ recent outing says anything, it’s that owning a simple wool […]

Available in sizes XXS to 5X, this ribbed polo sweater comes in a charcoal hue that’s nearly indistinguishable from Holmes’s sweater. It also comes in light gray, ivory, navy, black and rust colors.

“It strikes a nice balance between ‘classic’ and ‘contemporary/modern,’ and as a result, it is very versatile,” a five-star reviewer wrote. “It feels cozy but looks polished. Keeps you warm but breathes.”

“This sweater is great for a polished, casual look,” another happy shopper with a long torso said. “This sweater is long enough for me without being dowdy.”

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You’ll always be cozy in a ribbed sweater, but this style has details that take your look to the next level. Shop this Holmes-inspired pick that does just that before it sells out!

Get the The Drop Marcy Ribbed Polo Sweater for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more sweaters here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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NEW YORK, NY - JULY 30: Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are seen on the movie set of the 'Happy Hours' on July 30, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)


Related: Katie Holmes’ Flattering Cropped Hoodie Style Is on Amazon for $28

When they’re not walking the red carpet, many celebrities can be found rocking their best loungewear. At least that’s the case for Katie Holmes, who was recently spotted wearing a comfortable hoodie and sweatpants combo on the set of her new film trilogy, “Happy Hours,” which also stars Joshua Jackson. While Holmes’ cropped hoodie was […]

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We’ve Already Seen Next Year’s First Big Oscar Film With Channing Tatum’s Best Performance Yet

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It’s not quite clear yet if One Battle After Another or Sinners is in the lead in this year’s race for the Academy Award for Best Picture, but campaigns are already starting to begin for what could be appearing at the Oscars in 2027. The Sundance Film Festival often sees the debut of films that become major Oscar contenders because they get good buzz at the beginning of the year that can be sustained as audiences and critics discover them. Films that end up winning major festival prizes will have an advantage, and it’s particularly impressive to take home both the Grand Jury Prize Dramatic and the Audience Award Dramatic. This achievement was last pulled off by the Best Picture nominee Minari and the Best Picture winner CODA, and this year, both prizes went to Beth de Araújo’s harrowing drama Josephine.

Loosely based on an event in de Araújo’s childhood, Josephine explores the aftermath of a brutal sexual assault from the perspective of an eight-year-old girl who bore witness to it. Josephine (Mason Reeves) is in Golden Gate Park with her father Damien (Channing Tatum) when she witnesses the woman Sandra (Syra McCarthy) being raped by the assailant, Greg (Philip Ettinger), who flees the scene. Although Damien eventually chases the rapist away and notifies the authorities, Josephine is the only person who could testify in a court proceeding because of what she saw. The film examines the aftermath of the traumatic incident and how both Damien and his wife Claire (Gemma Chan) try to explain what happened to their daughter. Not only were they unprepared to discuss sexuality and intimacy, but they’re unclear on how much information they should give Josephine about the threats that exist in the world, and how to protect herself.

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‘Josephine’ Is a Sobering Depiction of Childhood Trauma

Josephine is by no means an easy film to watch, and the opening scene is incredibly graphic and may be too intense for some viewers. However, Josephine does not feel manipulative because of the singularity of its focus; Josephine doesn’t understand what exactly she saw or why everyone is so scared, and initially, Damien wants to keep her in the dark in order to preserve her innocence. One of the most clever techniques that de Araújo uses is the insertion of Greg into the background of scenes in order to show how the memories still linger with Josephine. The slow realization that she has changed because of what she witnessed is heartbreaking for both Damien and Claire, because they are forced to re-live their own trauma whilst trying to divert Josephine’s attention. It becomes clear that Josephine will be unable to not be reminded of what happened because of the way that the media works, and that she needs to be taught on how to protect herself.

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These Movies Showed a Side of Channing Tatum We Didn’t Even Know Existed

Channing Tatum is an actor whose name alone can draw in the crowds, a standing bolstered by his work with Steven Soderbergh.

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Although the intimate focus on Josephine’s perspective makes the film feel more authentic, it’s also a great depiction of marital strife and how different parenting techniques can provoke tension. Damien and Claire have very different parenting styles; Damien even admits that he’s not as strong at talking about emotional stuff with Josephine, and tells her that meeting Claire turned him into a better man. However, Damien and Claire also have different methods for how they think Josephine can best be treated; while Claire thinks that taking her to a professional is the best option, Damien believes it’s essential to teach her how to defend herself. It’s to the credit of Josephine that it points out the faults in both strategies; Josephine doesn’t engage with the child psychologist because she views it as a punishment, but she also misunderstands her defense training after standing up to a bully on the playground.

‘Josephine’ Will Be a Major Contender in the Acting Races

It’s likely that Reeves will be in contention for any critic circle prizes for breakout stars and child performances, but Tatum will certainly be in the race for Best Supporting Actor. It’s a sensitive performance of fatherhood because it underscores how both fear and love navigate Damien’s decisions; his inability to discuss what happened isn’t due to toxic male ego, but because he’s still processing what happened, and doesn’t want to think about raising a child in a world where this happens. The insistence that Damien puts on Josephine testifying, which sparks a disagreement with Claire, is because he wants his daughter to know that the justice system works to ensure that men like Greg will be punished. There’s the subtlest of hints that Damien himself was abused as a child that Tatum delivers masterfully, but he’s also able to show the loving and compassionate spirit that makes Josephine look up to him.

Tatum may gain traction after being snubbed for his performances in Foxcatcher and Roofman, but Josephine has the potential to contend in multiple award categories. It’s hard to imagine that, when considering how amazing Reeves’ performance is, Josephine would not be a frontrunner for Best Casting, and de Araújo’s clever writing could land her a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. What the campaign for Josephine will look like is dependent on which distributor picks it up, but given that it is also scheduled to play at the Berlin Film Festival, it’s only a matter of time before it’s acquired. Part of the reason that the Oscars expanded the Best Picture field to ten nominees was to ensure that some smaller, underdog films would get in; there is already talk about how blockbusters like The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three will appeal to the Oscars, but Josephine is a already a contender that shouldn’t be discounted.

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Release Date

January 23, 2026

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Runtime

120 minutes

Director
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Beth de Araújo

Writers

Beth de Araújo

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Producers

David Kaplan, Joshua Beirne-Golden, Mark H. Rapaport, Beth de Araújo, Crystine Zhang, Josh Peters, Marina Stabile

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