Editor’s note: The following contains major spoilers for Season 3 of Lioness.

Even as a star and executive producer for the Paramount+ action series Lioness, Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman, who plays CIA Clandestine Service supervisor Kaitlyn Meade, thought that gut-punch Season 3 finale ending was a mic drop moment. After tracking Joe (Zoe Saldaña) down following two kidnapping attempts and finally returning her to what ended up being a home emptied by her husband and their two daughters before leaving, it was revealed to viewers that Aaliyah Amrohi (Stephanie Nur) was the one behind the order. All of this means that there are a lot of questions left unanswered, including whether there will be a Season 4.

Collider recently got the opportunity to chat with Kidman about her reaction to the twist, her hope and desire to keep playing Kaitlyn for another season, her shared passion for horses with show creator Taylor Sheridan, who she revealed is very tight-lipped about story secrets, Kaitlyn’s relationship with her husband, and how all of this could change the dynamic with Joe. She also gave an update on where things are at with Big Little Lies Season 3.

Nicole Kidman Admits She Was Shocked by the ‘Lioness’ Season 3 Finale Reveal

“[Taylor Sheridan] did not tell us.”

Image via Paramount+

COLLIDER: This season made me so anxious and nervous. When the end of your third season ties back into your first season, some groundwork has clearly been getting laid out for a while.

NICOLE KIDMAN: Isn’t that insane? When we read it, it was a mic drop. It was like, “What?! Taylor, you are brilliant.” He did not tell us. It was just like, “Oh, God, of course, this is how you do it.” But that’s a great writer.

How did you find out that it was Aaliyah that was the one responsible for Joe’s attempted kidnapping? Did you just get the script and find out as you were reading it?

KIDMAN: Yeah. We always go to Taylor and go, “What the hell? Taylor, come on, give us info.” And he’ll drop little hints every now and then, or he’ll text me certain things because I always have a lot of questions. He and I just have a second language where I can text him or call him and within about two minutes he’s given me some groundbreaking understanding of a particular scene, particularly the scenes with my husband. A lot of times, I’m like, “Okay, what’s really going on here,” because those scenes are very complex. But then, he sent through the last episode, the finale, and we were all salivating. And then, it was that and we were like, “What?!” So, if the audience has the same reaction we did as a cast, that’s good.

What ramifications do you think that will have moving forward?

KIDMAN: I honestly have no idea. I’m like, “Okay, what would this do, if we go a Season 4?” I know we’d love to.

Nicole Kidman Is Hoping for Season 4 of ‘Lioness’

“I don’t want to leave it there.”

You can’t leave it where you did and not come back now.

KIDMAN: Then shout that out to him. Taylor, are you listening? No. I don’t want to leave it there. And also, for me, this is just such a great character to play and there’s so much to come, if we get the chance. They’ve only tipped the iceberg of her, you know. Kaitlyn is an incredibly complicated, extraordinary leader, and she’s a leader. It’s fantastic playing the boss. She’s the most strategic, brilliant strategist, in terms of containing emotion, looking at the consequences, seeing 10 steps ahead, and being able to handle every part of her own conscience, psyche, moral code and always put what she’s pledged, which is allegiance to her nation, first. She will not waver.

I think that’s why people come up to me and they go, “She’s so badass.” She sits there and she’s the coolest customer in the room, besides Morgan [Freeman]. Morgan gets stressed, though. Kaitlyn doesn’t. She’s been trained military-wise because she was a lioness, and she has a military brain. She’s wired in a particular way now. It’s so fascinating. I think it’s an extraordinary way to lead. You don’t see women like that a lot on TV. A lot of times, they break down, crying and cracking. That’s not Kaitlyn. She just doesn’t. She’s not capable of it.

When you work with Taylor Sheridan, does he say things to you like, “Oh, we’ll get to that next season,” or is he extremely tight-lipped and never talks about what could be coming next for the show and your character?

KIDMAN: He holds his cards close to his chest. I know him very well, so I can get little tidbits from him. He’s also just fun to hang out with. He and I share a passion for horses, so we have a whole different sidebar relationship. I have a farm, a ranch, and he has a vast one. We have a whole different way to relate, besides the show, which is great. I love land and I love horses and I love riding.

I would be interested in watching episodes dedicated just to what Kaitlyn’s life with her husband is like when we don’t see them because there’s always so much tension going on every time there’s a scene with them. It just feels like there is so much to their relationship that we don’t see and don’t know. What do you think their relationship is like when we don’t see them?

KIDMAN: It’s deeply loyal and committed, strangely enough. It’s not based on sex. It’s based on a love of each other’s minds and a massive amount of protection of each other, and respect and admiration and care. They spar, and they help each other. It’s a fascinating marriage. It’s a different form, I feel, of a love that is still a very warranted union. You see her in the second season when he talks about his prostate cancer. They’ve been through things together. They’ve both been through an enormous amount together. I think that’s why people would like to see that.

They’re workaholics, both of them. There’s an agreement there, but there’s an enormous amount of protection and loyalty to each other too, which I think you see. Half the time, people go, “What are they talking about?” That’s why I have to call Taylor and go, “What?” Martin [Donovan] and I have worked together. We vibrate very differently because Martin and I did Portrait of a Lady together, with Jane Campion, so we knew each other when we were young. We’ve known each other for decades now. It’s brilliant to be able to use that from when we were young. We have that basis and that foundation.

That’s amazing, especially when you don’t have time to establish that. It makes your history so much more valuable.

KIDMAN: We’re unbelievably comfortable with each other and we have this innate sense of each other. When you’ve known someone for decades, and you’ve known them when they were really, really young, you don’t have to work for that relationship. It’s just there. And I implicitly trust Martin. He’s a brilliantly good actor. When he was first cast, Taylor was in awe of Martin. He loves his acting.

Nicole Kidman Says That Kaitlyn Is Aware of the Cracks in Joe After the Events of ‘Lioness’ Season 3

“She’s aware of the vulnerabilities. She’s aware of the breaking point.”

Image via Paramount+

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Joe has never experienced something like what she’s gone through this season. It feels like Joe hasn’t even dealt with anything yet, and I don’t know if Kaitlyn even knows how much it’s all going to affect her. How do you think all of that will change the relationship between Joe and Kaitlyn in another season?

KIDMAN: She’s collecting data. Kaitlyn is watching. She knows Joe’s family. She knows her intrinsically. Kaitlyn is a brilliant instinctual reader of people. It’s how she’s been trained. Kaitlyn does know. She’s aware of the cracks. She’s aware of the vulnerabilities. She’s aware of the breaking point. But Joe is so valuable to her and to the team, so you have extraordinary conflict, in terms of the character. That’s what makes it exciting. She has deep care for Joe. How she shows it is not the typical way of, “Oh, let me hug you.” She’s not tactile. That’s not her. Can she care for her by strategically protecting her and saving her life? Absolutely. She goes, “But you’ve also committed to this higher form of protection of a country and of service, and I have to hold you accountable to that.” It’s a really, really, really difficult relationship for both of them, but they have unbelievable care and admiration for each other, and protection. It’s Lioness.

I love this show, but I especially love all the incredible women in the show. That starts with you and Zoe Saldaña at the center of it, but Bobby, Cruz, and Josie are also very interesting characters.

KIDMAN: Yeah, they’re great women. These women are really formidable, wonderful women. Because we’ve gotten to spend so much time over the course of making three seasons, there’s an ease, there’s an understanding, and there is that lioness protection of each other.

Nicole Kidman Says That ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 3 Is Heading Towards Becoming a Reality

“Reese [Witherspoon] and I live next door to each other, so that helps.”

You have so many great projects with so many great characters that you are playing. You’ve played a lot of memorable characters in your career, but you’ve recently played some great characters across a number of different TV series. Do you know what you’re going to shoot next, especially while you’re waiting to find out about whether you’ll get to do a Season 4 of Lioness? Is a Season 3 of Big Little Lies coming sometime soon?

KIDMAN: Reese [Witherspoon] and I live next door to each other, so that helps Season 3 of Big Little Lies and the way it’s being formed. That’s heading towards the actual shooting date. We’ve set it. At the same time, I see myself as a repertory actor, in a way. When you do repertory theater, a lot of times, you’re doing two shows at once. I’m not doing two shows at once, but in terms of rep theater, which is how I initially started working, you would do a Shakespeare play and then you’d do Ibsen. Actors who are trained theatrically and also who love the art form of acting, that’s what we do. We’re in rep. If you have the opportunity, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to have.

In terms of film and television, if I didn’t have these opportunities, would I be doing rep theater? Probably. Will I do it? Probably. It’s what makes it so exciting. I have no interest in playing myself, over and over again. It’s not how I was formed, initially, as an actor. I was always taught to look for everything that is different, new, and exciting. That’s why my taste is so diverse, and there is nothing too big or too small. We’re working actors. That’s what we do.

Lioness is available to stream on Paramount+.

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Release Date

July 23, 2023

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Network

Paramount+

Directors

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John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan

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• 
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  Laysla De Oliveira

  Cruz Manuelos

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‘Love Island USA‘ fans have been wondering what led to the end of Clarke Carraway and Taylor Williams’ relationship. The two built a fan base that followed their relationship after leaving the villa, leaving many supporters with questions when news of their split surfaced.

Two months ago, a source close to Clarke told PEOPLE that she made the difficult decision to part ways with Taylor. At the time, few details were shared about the breakup.

Now, Clarke is opening herself up and giving fans more insight into the final moments of their relationship.

RELATED: Issa Wrap! ‘Love Island USA’ Star Clarke Carraway Announces Decision To End Relationship With Taylor Williams

Clarke Reveals The Breaking Point In Her Relationship With Taylor Williams 

Clarke Carraway sat down with fellow ‘Love Island USA’ alum Kaylor Martin on her ‘Kaylor’s Crash Out’ podcast to discuss her breakup with Taylor Williams, their relationship, and what’s next for her. While getting into some girl talk, Kaylor asked Clarke about the moment she knew her relationship with Taylor was over. Clarke alleged that the breaking point came during a trip to Oklahoma. She claims the two got into a heated discussion while traveling together before she asked Taylor to pull over.

After getting out of the car, Clarke says that Taylor drove off, leaving her stranded at a gas station. She reportedly reached out to his family for help, and one of his relatives picked her up and took her to a hotel.

Clarke admitted that despite their disagreement, she still expected to hear from Taylor that night. However, she says he didn’t contact her until the following day. According to Clarke, Taylor was more concerned about how she would explain what happened than about checking on her well-being.

“’Don’t tell people that I left you, ’cause you asked me to pull up and leave you. So tell them the whole story,’” Clarke recalled Taylor telling her.

She explained that his response changed the way she viewed their relationship.

“That bothered me the most ’cause I felt like in that moment you’re not as much worried about my well-being, but your character. And I think that’s when the switch flipped for me. Like, unfortunately, you’re just not who I thought that you were,” she explained.

Clarke says the two went a couple of days without speaking before she eventually reached out, allegedly after hearing additional information while she was still in Oklahoma. She says she confronted Taylor and gave him an opportunity to explain himself, hoping he would take accountability.

Instead, Clarke claims the conversation turned into a disagreement over text.

“I expected accountability, and I wasn’t met with that. So, you know, we got into it over text, and I just was like, ‘This ain’t it. Like, this ain’t it,’” she recalled.

Clarke also recalled Taylor allegedly telling her, “I mean, I don’t have to prove my innocence to you if we aren’t together,” which further confirmed her decision to walk away. Despite how things ended, Clarke says she still wishes Taylor the best as they move forward separately.

Taylor Reacts To Online Backlash Following Clarke’s Interview

Amid all the discourse surrounding Clarke speaking out, Taylor Williams took to his Instagram Story with a message.

“Enough with all the negative DM’s, she obviously didn’t tell the full story and what she did to lead up to everything. But imma get it all straightened out, the right way, soon,” he wrote.

While Taylor didn’t share his full side of the story, he suggested there was more to what happened between them that had yet to be addressed. The reality star also showed some of the backlash he has received since the conversation surrounding their breakup picked up online. Taylor shared a screenshot of a disturbing comment left under his TikTok that read, “I think you need to be lynched.”

Social Media Weighs In

Many social media users quickly gathered under The Shade Room Teen’s post. This, to share their thoughts on the situation between Clarke and Taylor. Some sided with Clarke after hearing her perspective, while others came to Taylor’s defense.

Instagram user @kyradthestylist wrote, “ lol idc how mad I am 😂if you let me get out of a car and leave me you never cared anyways!! Ain’t no real man gone leave a women at a gas station by herself!”

Instagram user @iambriyanak added, “He needed to check on her and should not have left her. HOWEVER you got out of a car at a gas station. Baby i wasn’t getting out til I got to the airport.”

While Instagram user @rosescantlie wrote, “Honestly what did we expect. He said he wanted a little kid feeling with her”

Instagram user @famoussjt wrote, “she said pullover he did that, he didn’t say get out she did that & somehow it’s still his fault 😂😂😂”

Instagram user @s3nsi_li added, “Grl don’t blame him you literally told him to pull over and let you out you expected to be chased ??as a grown woman ?? Take some accountability as well”

While Instagram user @telekennices added, “All the females defending him in comments 🦜🦜🦜🦜”

Instagram user @therealcorey._ wrote, “not he doing exactly what she said protecting his image instead of worrying about her wellbeing”

Instagram user @glams_of_beauty added, “Don’t care don’t leave her at no freaking gas station!! You Didn’t protect her at all left her stranded idc to hear his side .. thank God she was okay!”

While Instagram user @gottalovenye wrote, “Oh olandria dodged a bullet !!!”

RELATED: Spinnin’ The Block?! Nic Vansteenberghe Speaks As The ‘Net Questions His Relationship Status After He’s Spotted With Olandria

Inde Navarrette is already thinking about one of the most recognizable elements of Rogue as she prepares to join Marvel’s X-Men: her unmistakable Southern accent.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Navarrette revealed that her own upbringing in Texas will provide some inspiration for her portrayal of Rogue. The actress spent a significant portion of her childhood in Corpus Christi and remembers the Southern women she grew up around as an influence on how she is approaching the character.

“I grew up in Texas for a good majority of my life,” Navarrette said. “So honestly, those Southern women are really my favorite. Corpus Christi is the city specifically.”

However, Navarrette knows that a Texas accent isn’t necessarily Rogue’s accent.

In Marvel Comics, Rogue, also known as Anna Marie, comes from Mississippi, and Navarrette wants to spend time there before stepping into the role.

“But specifically, Mississippi, Rogue is from Mississippi,” Navarrette explained. “So, I’m really just — I want to go there. I really want to do her justice.”

Rogue X-Men 97′ [Marvel Studios Animation]

Rogue’s Southern Voice Is Part of the Character

Getting Rogue’s voice right could be particularly important for longtime X-Men fans.

Rogue’s Southern drawl has become one of the character’s defining traits, especially through Lenore Zann’s performance in X-Men: The Animated Series and, more recently, X-Men ’97. Navarrette’s comments suggest Marvel’s new live-action interpretation won’t abandon that aspect of the character.

Navarrette was officially announced as Rogue during D23 in August. She joins a growing X-Men ensemble that includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Maya Boyd as Storm, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost and Adam Driver as Mister Sinister. Asa Germann was also recently added as Angel.

Thunderbolts filmmaker Jake Schreier is directing Marvel’s new take on the mutant team.

While audiences will have to wait to hear exactly what Navarrette’s Rogue sounds like, the actress appears determined to make the character’s Mississippi roots part of her performance rather than simply adopting a generic Southern drawl.

Marvel’s X-Men is currently scheduled to hit theaters May 5, 2028.

Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, her one-time head of security, has been accused of engaging in “threats, intimidation and coercion” in a lawsuit filed by her longtime manager seeking a temporary restraining order.

TMZ and People reported the contents of the lawsuit on Tuesday, September 22, filed by She’s Alive, LLC, the company that was designated by Parton to look after her business interests after her death in August, and her manager Danny Nozell.

Nozell and the estate claimed in the documents that Seaver invoked “his self-proclaimed military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity for violence to extort [Parton’s estate] into giving into his demands for money.”

The alleged intimidation began in the weeks leading up to Parton’s death on August 25 at age 80, the docs said.

According to People, citing the filing, Seaver described himself as “literally an international arms dealer and mercenary.”

Seaver allegedly wrote in one message, “Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I’m going to f*** everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family.”

Another allegedly said, “I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnership and telling the violations these people have done on us.”

“I am [seeking] vengeance for my people for the next 50 years. I have no debt. I only own swords and guns,” Seaver allegedly told Nozell. “All I have is animosity and memory. But I’m going to spend the next times I have on earth ratf***ing anyone that has ever betrayed my family… All I do is warfare… Everyone needs to be worried about what I might do.”

In a statement to TMZ, Seaver, who was appointed by Parton to publicly announce her death in August, said his messages were taken out of context.

“I am a career soldier and military contractor and do conduct arms deals for foreign governments. I am a security professional and I am a killer,” Seaver told the outlet. “However, nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by.”

“I was talking frankly in a private way with Danny, who I thought was my friend and he fancies himself a gangster,” Seaver continued. “A lot of these messages are two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving.”

Regarding the “ratf***ing” comment, he claimed, “I was talking about people that have done bad to Dolly in business — a specific company that scared her and intimated her. Those comments were about specific, horrible business partners that have done wrong to her and I stand by that.”

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Related: Dolly Parton Posthumously Accepts Award in Video Recorded Before Her Death

Dolly Parton posthumously received the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award nearly one month after her death at age 80. “Well, hey, it’s Dolly. I’m honored to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association,” Parton said in a prerecorded video message shared during the ceremony on Wednesday, September 16. “I mean, roots music, […]

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Earlier this month, Seaver and his various security companies were notified that they had been terminated from providing services for Parton’s properties.

Seaver and his team told TMZ that they were “dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions” taken by Parton’s estate since her death.

“We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family, and we refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much,” Seaver’s camp said.

Brad Bird is one of the most renowned and prolific filmmakers, specifically in the animated space. Since the massive success of his directorial debut in 1999 with The Iron Giant, he’s been nominated for four Oscars (winning two for Best Animated Feature for The Incredibles and Ratatouille) and has emerged as the mastermind behind some of the most beloved, acclaimed movies ever made.

His frequent collaborator, composer Michael Giacchino, is just as revered and impactful, earning two Academy Award nominations of his own (winning one for Up) and nine Grammy nods, taking home three trophies from the Recording Academy for Up and Ratatouille. His resume includes everything from animated films like Inside Out and Zootopia 2 to superhero movies like The Batman and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man series.

The two are once again teaming up, this time for a Netflix film called Ray Gunn. Directed and co-written by Bird along with Matthew Robbins (a frequent collaborator with Guillermo del Toro), with a score by Giacchino, the film follows the titular private detective (Sam Rockwell) in a futuristic world inhabited by humans and aliens alike. Things get especially complicated when he gets caught up in a case involving the alluring but enigmatic singer Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson).

Collider got the chance to visit Netflix Animation Studios and get a sneak peek of the highly anticipated project, including a sizzle reel and the first 30 minutes of the film. From drawing lessons with Storyboard Artist Clarisse Chua to a trip to the recording booth with Animation Director Jason Ryan, we were treated to a truly immersive experience, as well as insightful conversations with Bird, Giacchino, VFX Supervisor Adel Abada, and Art Director Wendell Luebbe. Here’s everything we learned.

Brad Bird Has Wanted to Make ‘Ray Gunn’ for Over 30 Years

Ray Gunn has been a long time in the making, with Bird having written the original script in the ‘90s. Turner Broadcasting System’s merger with Time Warner in 1996, however, kept the project from coming to fruition, though he never forgot about it — or gave up on bringing it to the screen. Giacchino recalls Bird first telling him about the idea way back in 2003 when the two were working on The Incredibles.

During that project, the duo quickly developed an efficient and fulfilling working relationship, which has only gotten stronger with time. Giacchino says this is due to their shared language rooted in a love of cinema that spans all genres and puts characters and their emotional journeys first. That, and fun. “This is meant to be a good time at the movies,” Bird says. “Anything in addition to that is a bonus.”

Michael Giacchino Knew ‘Ray Gunn’ Was Special From the Start

Image via Netflix

Though he uses a wide array of instruments in the final product, Giacchino reveals that he always starts with the piano to find a fitting melody. The sound of Ray Gunn came relatively easily, as he started getting ideas “almost immediately” upon hearing the concept, taking inspiration from films like The Maltese Falcon. Still, he says that it’s not until the orchestra comes in that you get the full depth of “emotions and humanity” a score can provide.

Giacchino works hard to ensure that, when it comes to the music of Ray Gunn, you’ll never have heard anything quite like it. There’s something special, he says, about working on a Brad Bird movie that makes him want to get particularly specific and innovative. “When I’m writing for his movies, I only want it to fit this movie. I don’t want you to be able to take this score and throw it on anything else. I don’t want it to work for anything else.” Bird then jumps in to help — and tease — with an analogy that’s evidence of their long, close friendship. “‘Giacchino’ means ‘little jacket,’” he informs us. “So it better be tailored right.”

‘Ray Gunn’s Target Audience Feels Groundbreaking

Image via Netflix

Animation usually falls into two categories: sweet, G-rated stories and raunchy, over-the-top R-rated films. Ray Gunn, however, does something different by landing somewhere in the middle. Bird says he set out to “broaden what an animated movie could be,” striving to create something that’s “not just for six-year-olds.” Though rated PG for violence, action, language, some suggestive material, and thematic elements, the footage we were treated to seems to skirt the line of being PG-13. This makes it a great choice for both adults and older kids who aren’t often catered to with animation, hopefully showing them that the medium is truly for everyone.

The craftsmanship and care that went into creating Ray Gunn is immediately obvious when watching the footage and again when hearing Abada and Luebbe speak about how they captured it. In an age dominated by busy special effects and rushed CGI, it’s refreshing to hear them talk about their approach, highlighting the “elegance of simplicity” to give the film a mature, sophisticated feel. From using 21mm and 28mm lenses to showcase the grand scope of the world the filmmakers built to techniques to give certain scenes a handheld feel, the level of artistry is undoubtedly impressive, putting Ray Gunn in a league of its own.

‘Ray Gunn’ Has a Wide Range of Visual Influences

Image via Netflix

Besides being deeply rooted in noir (more on that later), there are a plethora of visual and tonal influences. The combination of gritty crime and glamorous theatricality feels vaguely reminiscent of Chicago to me, while Abada and Luebbe cited both Mad Men and Columbo among their influences on the TV side of things.

With the film taking place in 1939, the New York World’s Fair was also a major influence for the team when crafting the film’s fictional city of Metropia, but with a twist. Instead of focusing solely on the brochure-ready utopian vibes, they wanted to dig into the darker, seedier underbelly simmering beneath the shiny Art Deco surface.

The buildings in Metropia are defined by retrofuturism (which might bring to mind another one of Giacchino’s recent projects, Fantastic Four: First Steps). Abada and Luebbe combined Hugh Ferriss’ famous architectural style, characterized by square, tall buildings, with the curves of Streamline Moderne to create unique rounded skyscrapers that also took inspiration from glassblowing.

‘Ray Gunn’ Is a Love Letter to Noir

Image via Netflix

Ray Gunn pays homage to the noir genre, whose staples include morally grey characters — usually a cynical detective and seductive femme fatale — and a gloomy environment. Venus Nova is described as “Lauren Bacall meets Veronica Lake,” two women who defined 1940s noir through films like This Gun for Hire, The Glass Key, The Big Sleep, and Key Largo. The 1974 film Chinatown, which is considered one of the greatest neo-noir films — and one of the greatest films, period — also heavily influenced Ray Gunn.

The film also acts as a tribute to the aesthetic elements of noir films, playing with lights and shadows. Whether it’s moonlight creeping into an office through the blinds or being introduced to someone by their dramatic silhouette alone, there’s a highly stylized and specific feel to the visuals of the genre. Ray Gunn integrates this in a way that feels particularly fresh due to its animated nature.

‘Ray Gunn’ Is Grounded In Realism

Image via Netflix

Ray Gunn may be animated, but make no mistake: it’s still firmly grounded in reality. The artists took a great deal of care to make sure each and every hair on the characters’ heads felt realistic. From making their locks look appropriately wet when it’s raining outside to having them look tousled after, well, a tussle, the animators did numerous experiments to see how each element “behaved” to make sure everything looked as authentic as possible. This is quite a feat when you consider this also applies to each piece of clothing the characters wear, with Ray racking up 10 costume changes and Venus having a whopping 23 throughout the film.

But this is still a sci-fi movie, after all, so those looking for some cool creatures need not fear, as there are aliens aplenty. The artists approached many of its creature designs by mixing elements of more classic monsters with machinery to complement the technological bend of the environment in which they’re living. I have a feeling that Eye-Ra (Tom Waits), with his singular droopy eye, oversized coat, and green skin, will be an instant favorite for many.

After three decades, Ray Gunn finally premieres on Netflix on December 18th. From everything I’ve seen so far, I have a good feeling it will have been worth the wait.

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Release Date

December 18, 2026

Runtime

119 minutes

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Director

Brad Bird

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Writers

Matthew Robbins, Brad Bird

Producers

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Alex Schwartz, Brad Bird, Connie Nartonis Thompson, Dana Goldberg, David Ellison, Hannah Minghella, John Lasseter, Karen Rupert Toliver, Lisa Beroud

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The cast of Dancing With the Stars brought their best moves to the ballroom for night three of season 35 — but for one couple, it still wasn’t enough.

The third episode of the season aired on Tuesday, September 22, with both the male and female celebrity contestants dancing to popular social media songs as part of Viral Hits Night.

Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy kicked off the night with a performance of Katseye’s “Animal,” which received praise from judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. Tonioli told Dewan that she was a “fast and furious sexy beast” and that she “did not miss a beat.”

Later on in the night, Ezra Frech was praised for his cha-cha with pro Daniella Karagach. Inaba told the Paralympian that he demands “us to watch and you demand excellence for yourself,” while Hough said he was “blown away” by the performance. They were given a score of 21, tying for first place with Dewan and Chmerkovskiy.

Olympian Amber Glenn and pro partner Pasha Pashkov made the top score a three-way tie when they also earned a 21 points. Tonioli declared it was the “best tango of the night,” and Inaba said that the performance was “phenomenal,” leaving her with “shivers” and “full body chills.”

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However, the judges weren’t quite as complimentary to all of the contestants. Tonioli told Giada De Laurentiis that her salsa with pro partner Alan Bersten had “no spice,” with Inaba admitting she found the number to be “shaky.” They were given a score of 12 — matching Guillermo Rodriguez and pro partner Witney Carson as the lowest score of the night — and were ultimately sent home.

“I tried my best and it wasn’t best enough. But I tried my best,” De Laurentiis following her elimination.

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Scroll down for a complete breakdown of each couple’s scores from the third episode of season 35:

As Taylor Swift fans eagerly await her new single, the more critical among them are claiming “Patient Zero” artwork has been heavily photo edited.

Fans across X and Instagram took to the social media platforms on Tuesday, September 22, to share thoughts on the upcoming single’s new portrait of Swift, 36. “People online are zooming in on her armpit, claiming something about the area looks seriously off and questioning whether the photo was heavily edited or retouched,” summarized one Instagram user before writing over the cover art, “Someone fire whoever is in charge of Taylor’s Photoshop?!?”

Us has reached out to a representative for Swift for comment.

Instagram users further discussed the photo, which shows the pop star leaning against a concrete wall as her torso appears to arch away from it. “Once you notice one armpit edit you see them all,” commented one fan, while another noted, “I’m a huge Swiftie and I see it. This one just didn’t look right.”

Interestingly, one Swiftie argued that a potential photo edit may have been intentional. “It could be an artistic choice. She’s been worried about public opinion in the past, maybe the song is about erasing every imperfection till you no longer look like you, then finding yourself again after that?” the fan posed.

Others simply couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “Can someone explain because either I’ve missed something or I just don’t understand what to look for,” wrote one fan, while another commented, “Her armpits can do that, chill.”

The photo was unveiled via Instagram by Swift on Tuesday as she announced the arrival of a fresh era. “I’ve been impatiently waiting to tell you that my brand new single ‘Patient Zero’ will be out on September 25 (!!!!!!!!!!!!) and it’s available to pre-order now on my website for 24 hours,” Swift wrote.

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Related: Taylor Swift Explains Her Racy ‘Life of a Showgirl’ Album Artwork

Taylor Swift had Us mesmerized with her sexiest album cover yet. Swift, 35, announced her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, while chatting with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason Kelce, on a Wednesday, August 13, episode of their “New Heights” podcast. In the episode, she opened up about her album artwork, […]

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Her official website simultaneously showed three CD variations of the release which spanned acoustic and piano versions of the new single. With the variations came two additional previously unseen snaps of Swift posing demurely.

In the piano version cover art, she notably switched out her wedding ring for an emerald-cut diamond ring on a silver band. (Swift and Travis Kelce tied the knot on July 3 in a star-studded Madison Square Garden wedding.)

In addition to heavy scrutiny of Swift’s alleged photo editing and ring styling, the photos have also led fans to start speculating about what the track will reveal about Swift’s songwriting psyche. “A sister album to The Life of a Showgirl and it’s the death of a showgirl,” one fan wrote via X in light of the announcement. Another fan agreed that it could be a “dark and scary halloween rock album” and “the opposite of The Life of a Showgirl,” in which Swift wore ultra colorful attire.

Pop heavyweights Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion have been drawn into a heated online debate over their chances of entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

They are among the top 50 best-selling music artists of all time who are eligible for the honor but have yet to be inducted, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has specific criteria artists must meet before it can consider them.

Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, And Britney Spears’ Rock Hall Absence Fuels Debate

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Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Britney Spears are at the center of an online debate about music greats who remain outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite being eligible for consideration.

Despite their accomplishments and standing in the music industry, the trio has yet to be inducted. They rank among the top 50 best-selling artists of all time and are still awaiting the honor.

What has seemingly left fans dumbfounded is that some have already received recognition from other prominent institutions.

For instance, Carey has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, while Dion’s honors include induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame and recognition on Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Fans Clash Over Whether The Pop Trio Deserve Induction

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Music lovers took to social media to share why the trio remains outside the Hall despite being eligible for consideration.

“As much as I love Britney, I don’t think she really deserves it,” a Reddit user wrote. “Obviously she was phenomenally successful, but she’s not much of an artist on the technical level (and I think she would happily admit that). Mariah will get it eventually. I think Barbra and Celine are too close to call could go either way.”

“Mariah, maybe. Celine and Britney have always felt like manufactured pop products. Neither generally wrote their own songs. At least Celine always had those vocals,” another user opined.

Others debated whether rock musicians should take priority over artists from other genres, including pop.

“There are plenty of rock acts that should be inducted before the pop acts,” one user noted.

Mariah Carey Brushes Off Third Consecutive Rock Hall Snub

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Carey, who received three consecutive nominations in 2024, 2025, and 2026, was passed over again this year.

The omission came despite an enviable résumé that includes 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, six No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, and five Grammy Awards.

However, she revealed in an April interview with TMZ that it didn’t bother her. Asked whether she was angry about being passed over, she told the interviewer, “No.”

The singer then shared a message for fans who had been defending her, saying, “I love my fans, always.”

When the interviewer noted that she had already won “a lot of awards,” she replied, “Who cares? Like, give it to somebody else, fantastic.”

Rock Hall Sets November Ceremony As Mariah Carey Misses Out

This year’s induction ceremony will be held on November 14 in Los Angeles and air on ABC and Disney+ in December, per Billboard.

Artists set to be inducted in the performer category include Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan, and the late Luther Vandross.

Nominees who missed out alongside Carey include The Black Crowes, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, INXS, New Edition, Pink, Shakira, and Jeff Buckley.

How Artists Make It Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

The induction process begins when a nominating committee of current inductees, artists, historians, journalists, and other music industry figures comes together to create the year’s ballot of eligible nominees.

To qualify, artists must “have had their first commercial release at least 25 years prior to the year of Induction.” They must also demonstrate musical excellence, impact, and influence.

An international voting body of inductees, historians, and music industry members then casts its votes. The aggregate results of the online fan vote count as one ballot.

The final list of inductees is announced across several categories, with the honorees then celebrated at the induction ceremony.

The biggest stars are usually expected to have a victory speech ready. Ella Langley, however, sounded more like someone trying to wake herself up from an unbelievable dream. 

Just hours after making Billboard history and surpassing one of music’s most enduring records, the country singer wasn’t talking about legacy or dominance. 

She was talking about confusion, gratitude, and the strange feeling that somebody might suddenly appear and tell her none of it actually happened.

Ella Langley’s Historic Moment Comes With An Unexpected Reality Check

For months, “Choosin’ Texas” has been impossible to ignore. The song steadily grew from a country hit into a cultural force, turning Ella Langley into one of the most dominant artists in music.

Now, the track has officially spent 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new all-time record and surpassing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” 

According to the Daily Mail, the achievement places Langley alone at the top of a list that also includes blockbuster chart runs from Lil Nas X, Shaboozey, Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, and Boyz II Men.

What makes the accomplishment even more remarkable is that it arrived only months after another milestone. 

Earlier this year, “Choosin’ Texas” surpassed Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Getting Back Together” for the most weeks at No. 1 by a female country artist.

Yet while the industry was busy measuring records, Langley appeared more focused on processing the moment itself.

Langley Admits The Entire Situation Feels Too Big To Believe

The reaction fans might have expected never came. Instead of delivering a polished celebration, Ella Langley posted an Instagram video that felt almost stunned by the news.

“I’m genuinely trying to find the words to help explain what’s going on in my brain today,” she said from beside her pool.

The 27-year-old thanked listeners for embracing the song but repeatedly returned to one central idea: disbelief.

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“Thank you so much. Thank you for loving this song. For listening to it. I don’t even know what to say at this point. I’m running out of hyperboles to describe how I feel, so I will just let my dog in the background show you his excitement,” Langley explained.

Then came the admission that may have explained why fans connected so strongly with her rise. 

She said, “It doesn’t feel like a real thing. It feels fake and somebody is going to come and say, ‘Haha, we’re kidding the whole time.’”

Ella Langley Says ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Changed More Than Just Her Career

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Long before the record fell, Langley was already grappling with the pressure that came with the song’s explosive success. 

Last year, she stepped away from touring commitments and retreated to Alabama, eventually settling into a secluded waterfront home near her parents as she tried to escape the constant spotlight surrounding her rise.

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That experience seemed to shape how she viewed the song’s success. Rather than focusing on trophies or statistics, Langley emphasized the ripple effect the record had had on the people around her.

In her words, “It’s changing my life. It’s changing the lives of the writers of this song. It’s changing the lives of my family and it is truly growing in atmosphere for something I’m going to be able to do for the rest of my life.”

And with history now officially on her side, Langley seemed ready to stop overthinking and enjoy the moment. 

“I’m going to go out and celebrate tonight and I’m really excited to just experience a moment like this in my life,” the star revealed.

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Langley’s Fans Say The Record Couldn’t Have Happened To A More Authentic Artist

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While Ella Langley was still trying to wrap her head around her history-making achievement, fans in her comment section seemed far more certain about what the moment represented.

The singer’s Instagram video quickly filled with messages from supporters who said the record felt earned after watching her rise over the past year.

One fan wrote, “Never been so proud of a girl I’ve never even met, but I can just tell you deserve it!”

Another fan admitted they had been tracking “Choosin’ Texas” as it chased the record. “Congrats Ella! We’ve been waiting to see if the song would do it and it didn’t disappoint,” the supporter shared.

A recurring theme in the comments was Langley’s authenticity, which many fans credited with her growing success. “Love you Ella! You deserve all the accolades and most importantly thank God it’s to someone with some damn authenticity,” one admirer wrote.

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Even amid the celebrations, some followers hoped the singer would stay grounded as her career reaches new heights.

“You are amazing lady please don’t let fame ruin your life keep your feet firmly on the ground we all love you Ella Langley,” another fan commented.

Ella Langley’s Breakout Year Reaches A New Stage With Nine CMA Nominations

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The headlines surrounding “Choosin’ Texas” have largely focused on records, milestones, and history-making chart runs. However, inside Nashville, another measure of success carries just as much weight.

Earlier this month, The Associated Press reported that the Alabama native emerged as the leading nominee for the 2026 CMA Awards with nine nominations, putting her ahead of every other artist on this year’s ballot. 

The nominations span virtually every major category, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for “Dandelion,” and Single of the Year, where she earned nods for both “Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her.”

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The recognition extended beyond Langley herself. Her mentor, Miranda Lambert, who co-produced “Dandelion” and helped write “Choosin’ Texas,” also picked up multiple nominations.

Prince William is facing criticism after Tom Cruise offered Kate Middleton a helping hand during the world premiere of his new movie, “Digger.” The Hollywood star held the Princess of Wales’ hand and carefully guided her down a flight of stairs inside London’s ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. William was nearby, but some social media users questioned why Kate’s husband was not the one assisting her. The moment drew even more attention because it wasn’t the first time Cruise had extended his hand to the princess at one of his premieres.

Tom Cruise Holds Kate Middleton’s Hand At ‘Digger’ Premiere

William and Kate, both 44, joined Cruise, 64, and several other stars at the September 22 premiere of “Digger,” the actor’s new dark comedy directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The Prince and Princess of Wales walked the red carpet before meeting cast and creative team members. However, one of the night’s most widely discussed moments occurred as the group made its way down the theater’s stairs.

Cruise reached out to Kate, who accepted his hand as he guided her down the steps. The Sun described the actor as a “gentleman” for offering his assistance. Footage of the interaction quickly circulated online, where attention soon shifted from Cruise’s manners to William’s apparent lack of involvement.

Prince William Branded ‘Not A Gentleman’

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A Reddit post sharing the footage accused William of failing to help his wife. The discussion attracted several sharply worded reactions about the future king’s behavior.

“William is not a gentleman,” one commenter declared. Another viewer argued that it took “a special kind of skill to make Tom Cruise appear the better man,” while someone else said the actor made up for his lack of height with “manners.”

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One user also told William to “step up” and questioned why Cruise appeared more attentive to Kate on the stairs than her own husband. The reactions represented individual interpretations of a brief public interaction. There is no indication that Kate was upset with William or needed assistance to descend the steps.

Fans Compare Tom Cruise And Prince William

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Several commenters believed the contrast between the two men made William look particularly bad.

“Tom at least recognizes the importance of appearances and looking chivalrous,” one person wrote, noting that Cruise has remained relevant partly because he understands the importance of maintaining his public image. Another commenter claimed that William was “so bad” he made Cruise “look like a saint,” while a third alleged that William did not even look toward Kate as the actor escorted her down the stairs. Others expanded the discussion beyond the premiere and accused the Prince of Wales of habitually walking ahead of his wife during public appearances.

Not Everyone Thought Kate Middleton Needed Help

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The criticism was not unanimous. One Reddit user pointed out that Kate is “a full grown woman” who can navigate stairs without assistance. The commenter suggested Cruise may have been behaving “over the top” because he enjoyed the opportunity to be seen helping a member of the royal family. The princess also appeared comfortable throughout the exchange and willingly accepted Cruise’s hand. Nothing about the interaction suggested tension among the three.

William, Kate and Cruise posed together and appeared in good spirits during the event. People described the evening as a glamorous reunion between the royal couple and the Hollywood star.

Tom Cruise Previously Helped Kate Middleton In 2022

It’s not the first time Tom Cruise was more attentive and gentlemanly to Kate Middleton than William 🤷🏻‍♀️
Willy is literally looking right at their hands….. I have to ask – are WanK swingers 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/jBHjKr7tiw

— Veritas (Eimíle) (@theroyaleditor) September 23, 2026

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The latest interaction recalled a nearly identical moment at the London premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” in May 2022. Cruise offered Kate his hand as she walked up a set of stairs while wearing a fitted black-and-white Roland Mouret gown. The gesture earned the actor praise at the time, although it also generated debate about whether touching a royal breached protocol.

The Blast previously reported that Cruise escorted the then-Duchess of Cambridge up the stairs while William adjusted his jacket and tie. Four years later, Cruise’s decision to help Kate again has renewed that conversation, only this time, much of the attention has fallen on William. The premiere still seemed like a friendly reunion. William and Cruise share an interest in aviation, while the prince serves as president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. “Digger,” which stars Cruise as an oil tycoon whose actions unleash an environmental catastrophe, is scheduled to arrive in theaters in October. For some viewers, however, the movie was not the biggest talking point of the night. It was seeing Cruise once again extend his hand to Kate while her husband stood nearby.