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Will Trent’s Sonja Sohn Breaks Silence After Amanda’s Death

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Will Trent Loses Main Cast Member After Shocking Onscreen Death

Will Trent killed off a main character — and now the actor is speaking out about their shocking exit.

During the Tuesday, April 14, episode of the show, Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) died while secretly working with the FBI to find information to help Will’s (Ramón Rodríguez) case against Adelaide Trevens (Mallory Jansen).

Sohn’s exit received backlash, which she addressed in several social media posts. The actress, 61, took to Instagram on Saturday, April 18, to reflect on how “surprised by the response to Amanda’s death” she was.

“Once you get the pink slip, it’s just a job. I got a job like you got a job. It’s just a job,” she explained. “Actors are really low people on the totem pole when it comes down to the big structure. When you get a pink slip, you don’t ask about it. You just say goodbye.”

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While reflecting on her departure, Sohn promised to share more insight on having to “say goodbye to” characters she played in the past.

“[In my upcoming memoir, I get to talk about] the ins and outs of that and what comes with the business and all that,” she shared. “It’s not always time to talk about the details because one of the things I was taught through this experience of being Amanda and of being in this situation is she’s a much more thoughtful, reserved character than I am. When I engage with characters, we give each other aspects of ourselves.”

Will Trent Loses Main Cast Member After Shocking Onscreen Death
Disney/Matt Miller

Sohn noted she is going to be “a little more reserved in [her] expressions” for now. “The best years are yet to come,” she concluded. “Here’s to Will Trent. Here’s to Amanda. My god. What a character. What an honor and a privilege. So just hold tight. We’re gonna be alright. There’s plenty of Sonja Sohn coming up.”

Sohn captioned the post: “I cannot adequately express the overwhelming gratitude I feel for the @willtrentabc fans who have poured their hearts out on my page.”

She added: “I did my best to to [sic] respond to each one of you but the comments kept growing & I had some life on deck to live. Please know I am receiving & grateful for your precious attention and support. I promise to honor that by giving you something you can sink your teeth into & celebrate with me in the not so distant future.”

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Co-showrunner Karine Rosenthal also addressed the decision to write off Amanda, who had been a main character on the show since season 1.

“Amanda has been the character who has protected Will for as long as she has known him,” Rosenthal told Variety in a statement. “So this gives us the opportunity for a completely new dynamic in the GBI, because her replacement will not have that same relationship with Will. Her death had the most impact on the most amount of characters. It really sets everybody reeling from this enormous loss. So it’s such a reset for our characters in a way that is painful but exciting for season 5.”

Rosenthal told the outlet that Sohn was made aware that her arc was coming to an end early in season 4 and she handled the news with “grace.”

“Nobody gets to always exit their shows — even on the writing side — on their own terms all the time,” executive producer Daniel Thomsen added. “It’s hard to do that with grace. So it was just very impressive. She is a total pro.”

Will Trent airs on ABC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

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‘The Pitt’ Creator Shuts Down Major Robby Theory After Season 2 Finale

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The Pitt has never exactly been a show that lets its characters breathe easy, but Dr. Robby’s Season 2 ending still hit especially hard. After everything he’d been carrying, the image of him holding Baby Jane Doe felt like the kind of moment designed to send fans spiraling into theory mode. Maybe this was a turning point. Maybe he was finally choosing life over burnout. Maybe, in the wildest version of that idea, he was somehow about to become her foster parent. As it turns out, that last part is very much not happening.

Speaking to TVLine, creator R. Scott Gemmill shut down the Baby Jane Doe adoption theory pretty quickly. Asked if there was any world where Robby (Noah Wyle) is fostering the baby in Season 3, Gemmill said, “No. We joked about it — cutting to him on his motorcycle with the baby in a Baby Bjorn — but no. Whether we follow up with Baby Jane Doe remains to be seen, but he’s got his hands full with his spirit quest.

He also confirmed that Robby does go through with that trip, adding, “No, he ends up going. In those final moments with the baby, Robby finally puts her down and decides to go. Part of it is, he feels he has to go now because he’s talked about it for so long. One of the things we play in Season 3 is that he comes back, but he doesn’t come back to the hospital right away.”

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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars

Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.

💊The Matrix

🔥Mad Max

🌧️Blade Runner

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🏜️Dune

🚀Star Wars

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01

You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.





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02

In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely?
What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.





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03

What kind of threat keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.





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04

How do you deal with authority you don’t trust?
Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.





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05

Which environment could you actually endure long-term?
Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.





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06

Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart?
The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.





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07

Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all?
Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.





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08

What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.





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Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…

Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.

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The Resistance, Zion

The Matrix

You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.

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  • You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
  • You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
  • You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
  • The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.


The Wasteland

Mad Max

The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.

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  • You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
  • You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
  • You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
  • In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.


Los Angeles, 2049

Blade Runner

You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.

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  • You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
  • In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
  • You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
  • In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.


Arrakis

Dune

Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.

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  • Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
  • You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
  • Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
  • In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.


A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars

The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

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  • You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
  • You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
  • You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
  • In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.

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What Can We Expect From ‘The Pitt’ Season 3?

Gemmill also said Season 3 will center on Robby “definitely putting in the work, doing the work, and trying to heal — and needing the work that he hasn’t put in himself.” That all points to a pretty different start for Robby next season than fans may have expected. Gemmill confirmed The Pitt will make a four-month jump and begin in November, which gives the series a colder setting and a little more breathing room without leaping too far ahead. He told TVLine:

We’re only going to do a four-month jump. We’ll start in November. That serves a lot of purposes for us. It gives us some cold-weather scenarios, but also allows us to keep people a little longer who would normally be moving on, if we want. Sometimes those big jumps aren’t always ideal. There’s a lot of information you have to catch up on, so this way it’s less of a dump.”

The Pitt streams on HBO Max.


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Release Date

January 9, 2025

Network

Max

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Showrunner

R. Scott Gemmill

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Directors

Amanda Marsalis

Writers
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Joe Sachs, Cynthia Adarkwa

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  • instar53183536.jpg

    Noah Wyle

    Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch

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    Tracy Ifeachor

    Dr. Heather Collins

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Days of our Lives 2-Week Spoilers Apr 20-May 1: Kristen Turns Violent – Jeremy Falls Hard and Gets Smitten!

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Days of Our Lives Spoiler: Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) - Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark)

Days of Our Lives 2-week spoilers for April 20 – May 1, 2026 stun as Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) is getting violent and Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark) being totally smitten.

Days of our Lives Spoilers Monday, April 20th: Theo Leaves His Journal Behind

On Monday, April 20th, we’ve got Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson) journaling at the pub and then Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) shows up and joins him. So, Theo is being really open with her. They’re having a nice conversation and after he and Gabi talk for a while, Theo takes off, but he accidentally leaves his journal behind. Gabi notices it under the menu, but Theo’s already gone. Gabi turns it around and sees that Theo was writing about his feelings about her.

Plus, Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) talks with Rafe about the DiMera honeypot and EJ DiMera‘s (Dan Feuerriegel) sick scheme. Chad DiMera‘s return as Connor Floyd debuts in the recast role could throw Cat’s honeypot plan off. Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) turns to Jeremy for comfort again.

And we have Stephanie walking out on Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) for a second time and again leaning on Jeremy. The baby stuff with Trey and the talk about kids and Chad, I think it was just too much for Stephanie and Alex both. Plus, Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens) and Lani are excited to see each other. And this, of course, is right as the breast lump crisis is emerging. So, Chanel and Lani spend time catching up.

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DOOL Spoilers Tuesday, April 21st: New Chad Debuts

Tuesday, April 21st, we’ve got Cat shocked to see new Chad in Salem with new Thomas and the same Charlotte. Connor Floyd and Alexander Boyd make their debuts as Chad and Thomas DiMera officially on Tuesday, but we may get a glimpse of them on Monday. Autumn Gendron resumes the role of Chad’s daughter. She hasn’t changed.

Gabi and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) enjoy some romance, but is Theo going to be on Gabi’s mind after she read his journal? Of course, she loves Philip, but Gabi’s dirty corporate secret could break them the moment it comes out.

Also, EJ kicks Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) out of the DiMera mansion with her divorce from Dimitri Von Leuschner (Peter Porte). She’s not a DiMera, and EJ’s had it with her sexing Xander Cook Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) all over his house. EJ tossing Gwen out may frustrate Xander, though, because he was spying while over there fooling around with Gwen. Meanwhile, Leo Stark (Greg Rikkart) is drunk on wine and stalking Javi’s new boyfriend online.

Days Spoilers: Leo Grills Gwen

Also, Leo chats up his ex bestie, Gwen. Leo’s trying to dig out info about EJ now that Gwen is annoyed because EJ booted her from the mansion. Leo starts prodding in, you know, poking around saying that Gwen lived under the same roof as EJ. You know, she was around the science lab. Leo wants to know what Gwen knows.

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But is she going to tattle on EJ? That would be crazy if she did. Later, Leo takes Gwen back to his room at the Salem Inn. Theo meanwhile hopes his mom Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford) finally wakes up and Theo is again sitting vigil at her bedside holding his mom’s hand and kissing it and praying for her to wake up.

Days of our Lives Spoilers Wednesday, April 22nd: Lani Checks in with Kristen

Wednesday, April 22nd, Lani Price (Sal Stowers) checks in with Kristen now that she’s back in Salem to stay. Eli and twins Jules and Carver are also going to be with them, but we don’t have a spoiler on when their air dates will be. Kate Robert’s (Lauren Koslow) tells Roman Brady (Josh Taylor) some more lies. Kate set up Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman).

She humiliated Bonnie Kiriakis (Judi Evans) at the book launch. She embarrassed Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth) as well, so Kate should be worried. Roman is going to be livid once Kate’s lies are exposed. Marlena Evans (Diedre Hall) asked Xander some hard questions, and I wonder if he’s going to confess he saw Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) are closer. Marlena may point out Xander’s hypocrisy since he’s been sleeping with Gwen for a while.

Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd) and Tate Black (Leo Howard) argue. She’s still aggravated at Tate because he’s still with Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) and Tate still wants Sophia in prison for drugging him and Holly. Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) takes action about Chanel’s health. I wonder if Johnny’s going to press Chanel to get an appointment or maybe Johnny just goes around Chanel and calls Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) and tells her about the breast lump and has her schedule a mammogram because she orders an ASAP radiology test.

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Days of Our Lives Spoiler: Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) - Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark)Days of Our Lives Spoiler: Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) - Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark)
Days of Our Lives Spoiler: Kristen DiMera – Jeremy Horton

Thursday, April 23rd: May Sweeps Kicks Off On DOOL

Then on Thursday, April 23rd, May sweeps kicks off. We’ve got new Chad questioning Gwen and it may be about her living at the mansion and being around EJ a lot. Chad is not exactly a big fan of Gwen’s.

Julie and Jeremy talk and I wonder if he’ll tell Julie that Stephanie keeps turning to him. Julie may warn Jeremy not to get that attached to a married woman. You know, don’t make anything of this. Michael Roark’s last air date on Days of our Lives is April 29th.

Leo invites Javi Hernandez (Al Calderone) out to do something with him. I can’t imagine that he’ll say yes to anything like a date with Leo since Javi’s got a new guy. I’m kind of expecting a polite refusal. Stephanie gets a firearm lesson from her dad, Steve.

I’m a little worried Stephanie may shoot somebody by accident, even with Steve’s lesson. Hopefully Stephanie doesn’t put a bullet in Alex. Meanwhile, EJ is totally blindsided. This could be about his dad Stefano’s will or something to do with Chad.

Friday, April 24th: Joy Wesley Returns to Days

Friday, April 24th, Sarah tears into Xander. He may be prodding her about getting closer to Brady. Might be about dodgy dealings at Titan if Maggie Horton (Suzanne Rogers) vented to Sarah about him and Kate doing dubious deeds. Alex and Stephanie start to smooth some of the issues over in their relationship.

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But then she leaves to run an errand, and Alex answers a knock at the door thinking Stephanie left her keys. But it’s not his wife. It’s Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins), his baby mama. And of course, he has no idea about the infant that she should have that should be a couple of months old by now.

Brady is angry, but probably not totally surprised to hear the awful accusations that Kristen slung at his stepmom, Marlena. So, Doc may try to calm Brady down, but he may see that he needs to find a permanent solution to the Kristen problem, maybe just getting her out of all their lives.

And speaking of her, EJ is angry to get a slap in the face from his psycho sister Kristen. And unhinged sociopath Sophia gets a kill order. Kristen calls Sophia and orders her to take the shot. No emotion, no mess. Presumably, this is about killing Johnny.

Week of April 27th-May 1st: First Full Week of May Sweeps on Days of our Lives Spoilers

The week of April 27th through May 1st is the first full week of May sweeps. And of course, Joy Wesley’s back and we should get a glimpse of her baby pretty soon. I wonder if she named the kid Alex Jr. or if it was a girl, maybe Alexandria. That would be kind of interesting.

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Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) will reading is going to have surprises in store for EJ, for Kristen, Chad, Johnny, possibly Theo, and others. Interested to see if Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) and Anna DiMera (Leann Hunley) make it home for it.

Lexie is due to wake up. Long overdue, honestly. And since this is the first full week of sweeps, it’s the perfect time with Theo giving up his job and basically sitting vigil at her bedside. EJ’s gotten everything that he wanted with this Lexie thing.

Now, I don’t think that he’s running some kind of con on Theo. Like seriously, you know, EJ loves Lexie. Doesn’t love Kristen, but he does love Lexie. And I do think he is making a good faith effort to wake her up and give her and Theo time together, the life together they were cheated out of.

Days Spoilers: Cat & Chad Still Doomed

Cat’s still hot for Chad, but unless Thomas changes his tune, Chad still can’t date Cat. Plus, Leo and Gwen may be roommates. We’ll find out if Dimitri leaves Salem quietly or lurks to make more trouble. And until Gwen gets her divorce settlement, she may be broke and really need a place to live. And Michael Roark exits Salem as Jeremy Horton in this week. So, his plan was to head back to New York to see his dad, Mike. We’ll see if that comes to fruition.

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Sydney Sweeney ‘Euphoria’ Scenes Lead To Cancellation Calls

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Sydney Sweeney at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Virtuosos Award

Fans of “Euphoria” are calling for the cancellation of the show over the introduction of more provocative scenes.

The backlash is largely focused on Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard, who in the new season takes on the lifestyle of an OnlyFans creator. Creator Sam Levinson has yet to address the criticism directly, but has previously defended his work, saying we live in a “sexualized world.”

Sydney Sweeney herself has also not responded, though she has previously shown that she has no issue playing the role.

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Sydney Sweeney Appeared In More Provocative Scenes For Season 3

Sydney Sweeney at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Virtuosos Award
CraSH / MEGA

After waiting four years for the third season of “Euphoria,” fans of the show have expressed dissatisfaction with how creator Sam Levinson chose to portray Sydney Sweeney’s character,  Cassie Howard.

Some critics have accused the show of leaning into “disturbing” and “misogynistic” storylines, in relation to how Sweeney’s character is featured in even more provocative scenes than in previous seasons.

In one scene, the actress is dressed as an adult baby with her legs spread upwards in a seductive manner, while another shows her styled as a dog on a leash, wearing only lingerie to cover her body.

She is also featured in other revealing scenarios, including one where ice cream drips down her chest and another where she is wrapped in a soaking wet, see-through American flag.

In yet another scene, she is shown wearing only a nude thong for what appears to be a baseball-themed shoot.

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See some of the scenes here.

Sydney Sweeney Was Criticized For Acting The Provocative Scenes

Sydney Sweeney at 'Echo Valley' New York Special Screening
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Beyond the criticism of Levinson writing such scenes into the script, most fans struggled to understand why Sweeney agreed to perform them despite their highly provocative nature.

A user asked, “How is Sydney even agreeing to do this season of Euphoria?” while another said, “Why would Sydney agree to doing allat… weird.”

One netizen, who, like many others, described the scenes as a “humiliation ritual,” also claimed they could no longer bear seeing Sweeney in such situations.

“Please god i cant keep seeing Cassie degrade herself in the most embarrassing ways imaginable,” the individual noted.

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One other person called for the outright cancellation of the show, while questioning the essence of the new storyline.

Syndey Sweeney Was Excited About Her Character On The Show’s Third Season

Sydney Sweeney at the 2025 AFI Fest - Premiere Of Black Bear's 'Christy'
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

On her part, Sweeney appeared to have no issues acting out the scenes, as she gushed about her character during the premiere of season three.

“I mean, Cassie’s a crazy character,” the actress told Entertainment Tonight at the time. “She will do anything and at all costs to be famous this season, and she makes a lot of very wild and interesting choices.”

She has also previously talked about her raunchy scenes, noting that she doesn’t have a problem playing such roles, while calling out a “stigma” against actresses who appear nude on screen.

The New Season Has Suffered Poor Reviews From Critics

Sydney Sweeney
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Amid the backlash from fans, “Euphoria” season three has also been poorly received by movie critics.

The New York Post described the storyline as “lazy writing,” adding that it “sacrifices depth for absurdity.”

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“For Zendaya, Elordi and Sweeney, ‘Euphoria’ launched them into stardom, and now it brought them back for material that doesn’t meet their talents,” read the outlet’s review.

Ben Travers of IndieWire described the show’s plot as “maddeningly inert” compared to previous seasons.

He added, “Most characters aren’t changing, nor are their motivations to change clear to them or novel to us. The result is a start to the supposedly final season that grows old instead of up, while evoking a once-unthinkable question: How could ‘Euphoria’ become boring?”

Meanwhile, season three of “Euphoria” is currently the lowest-rated season of the series on Rotten Tomatoes, sitting at 40%, which is approximately half the rating of seasons one and two.

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‘Euphoria’ Creator Previously Defended The Explicit Nature Of His Work

Sam Levinson and Sydney Sweeney
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Levinson has not directly responded to the criticism targeting his show, but he likely has no plans to change his style, given the defense of his work at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

At the time, he shared that his work reflects the reality of young teenagers today, particularly how they are often interested in exploring their sexuality through exposure to pornographic material.

“We live in a very sexualized world,” he said at the festival. “The influence of pornography is really strong in terms of the psyche of young people.”

For now, only two of the season’s eight episodes have been released, with the next expected to debut on April 26, followed by weekly releases until the finale.

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Calling Middle-earth A Franchise Allows Hollywood To Destroy Lord Of The Rings

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Calling Middle-earth A Franchise Allows Hollywood To Destroy Lord Of The Rings

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published

As more material based in the world in which The Lord of the Rings takes place gets made, more entertainment pundits and fans are referring to Middle-earth and everything in it as a “franchise.” This is a travesty of entertainment that was even decried by Christopher Tolkien, son of the story’s creator, JRR. Middle-earth has been the inspiration for almost all modern fantasy, most notably the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, but calling The Lord of the Rings and its associated worldbuilding a franchise is a cynical attempt to pardon weak and uncreative attempts to add to it by modern filmmakers.

Tolkien’s son famously did not enjoy the original Peter Jackson trilogy’s telling of the quest to destroy the One Ring. In a 2012 interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Christopher decried the films for a variety of reasons, including the commercialization of The Lord of the Rings for pop culture, which he felt betrayed the essence of his father’s work. “The chasm between the beauty and seriousness of the work, and what it has become, have overwhelmed me.”

How The Hobbit Stretched Tolkien

The younger Tolkien said this just in time for the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of the Lord of the Rings films to contain source material Tolkien didn’t write. Young Tolkien’s statements were about the original trilogy, which he felt overshadowed the books and thus subsumed them as the authoritative version of the story, but The Hobbit trilogy only made that worse. It expanded a single book into three movies that were as long as their predecessors, each covering one book apiece.

To stretch the single book The Hobbit into a trilogy, writers like Phillipa Boyens added plots that JRR Tolkien never intended. This included the infamous love triangle between Legolas, Kili, and Tauriel, the latter played by Evangeline Lilly, who only joined the cast on the condition she would not be inserted into a gratuitous love triangle. That she finished filming the trilogy despite this blatant betrayal is either a remarkable sign of Lilly’s patience or of the power of her movie contract.

Rings Of Power Took A Bad Idea And Ran With It

Rings of Power took the technique of adding extraneous and original characters and subplots into the established lore and ran with it faster than Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli ran to Rohan. The most blatant of these new additions is the constant attempts to give Galadriel a love interest despite lore linking her to Celeborn in a marriage lasting thousands of years and no established history of her being with anyone else. They even matched her in the second season of the show with a character who turned out to be Sauron.

Many of the new characters are also gratuitous, including an Orc protagonist, despite canon that is clear that Orcs are corrupted former elves (this is an oversimplified explanation about which Tolkien wrote entire books). Races that don’t have the variety of humans are given that variety anyway, especially if the character it is given to is in a position to lead or be a hero. These characters wouldn’t be an issue except that they were not the world Tolkien wrote; they are imposed upon Tolkien’s world by the lack of respect for his source material.

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Tolkien Under Fire From Activists

Tolkien’s source material has been attacked by commentators before, including the 50th anniversary edition of the game Dungeons & Dragons. In that book, the publishers at Wizards of the Coast denounced the creators of the game for misogyny, racism, and themes of colonialism and slavery.

Lord of the Rings had so much inspiration on Dungeons & Dragons that the game had to replace hobbits with Halflings to avoid a lawsuit for copyright infringement (and even then, the names of the different Halfling races are very similar to those of The Shire). This close adherence by D&D to Tolkien’s vision opened the author and his works to the same accusations, especially since the minions of Sauron include men who seem to be based on North African and Indian soldiers.

The Importance Of Skin Color In Middle-earth

These accusations are therefore “answered” by subverting all the racial elements of the show, both those that are real-world and those that are fantasy. Protagonist Orcs are not something Tolkien would have designed, especially in a prequel to the main series that takes place so long before it, when Orcs were new.

All Elves were fair, because those who were “dark” never saw the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor; this is in Tolkien’s Middle-earth history, The Silmarillion. With the wide variety of human skin tone variants present among Men, Dwarves, and Harfoots (the predecessors to hobbits), inserting real-world identity politics on the Orcs and Elves is more of a rebellion against Tolkien and his perceived transgressions than it is “inclusive.”

Upcoming Middle-earth Transgressions

Two new Lord of the Rings projects are expected in the next year or two: The Hunt for Gollum and Shadows of the Past. The Hunt for Gollum is about the period between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, as Aragorn tracks the doomed hobbit-creature in the search for the One Ring before anyone knows Bilbo has it. The problem with this script, directed by original Gollum actor Andy Serkis, is that Philippa Boyens and her co-writers are essentially making it up. This particular period in Middle-earth’s history isn’t detailed in any of the books; it’s only alluded to through secondhand information from Gandalf when he visits The Shire for the One Ring.

Shadows of the Past, written by Boyens, Stephen Colbert, and his son, Peter McKee, at least relies on source material to tell its story. There were a few chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring that were left out of the movie, particularly the adventures in the Barrow Downs and the party’s encounter with Bugs Bunny cartoon Tom Bombadil. However, unable to resist adding yet more of their own garnishes to Tolkien’s work, the trio have reportedly framed this story around Sam’s daughter, well after the trilogy takes place, who will be solving a mystery from the past.

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How Calling Lord Of The Rings A Franchise Allows Hollywood To Ruin It

Calling Lord of the Rings a franchise is the backhanded technique that these writers think allows them to alter and add to Tolkien’s work. If a collection of stories is a franchise, it gives other creators permission to have their say about it, especially in film.

Most people haven’t read much more than The Hobbit or the trilogy, if they even got through all of that. The Silmarillion is a famously tough read, and Tolkien’s many other histories of his fantasy world are more like notes than prose. So most people wouldn’t recognize that these works have been altered, since, as Christopher observed, most people take the films as the definitive canon. In this way, The Lord of the Rings has been appropriated from its creator.

The fact is, until Peter Jackson got hold of it, The Lord of the Rings was the sole work of Tolkien. To write it, he leaned on his research of Icelandic sagas and Anglo-Saxon poetry, like Beowulf and Arthurian legend.

Tolkien wrote his novels and his histories of Middle-earth in the style of these sagas, complete with their triumphs, tragedies, wars, and romances. Tolkien modernized the concept of the saga, but he did so without turning the storytelling style into a franchise by creating his own original work.

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Hollywood Is Rationalizing Theft

Those insisting that Lord of the Rings is a franchise are thus rationalizing the theft of Tolkien’s world from its author. The worst part is that this theft isn’t because of anything the author did wrong except not be a writer in the 2020s.

The changes that Boyens and her compatriots have made to the series are all there to apply presentism to the saga by adapting the content to their own tastes rather than presenting Tolkien’s work as it stands. There are too many themes of the series they deem “offensive” for them to present the source material accurately, so what we have gotten since the original, Oscar-winning trilogy are several Tolkien fanfictions with Mary Sue self-insertions.

Controlling Lord Of The Rings Corrupts Everyone Who Uses It

Control of the Lord of the Rings saga is just like the One Ring, and as happens to everyone who touches the One Ring (except maybe Sam Gamgee), it has corrupted those in power with their own egos. They think they can do better than Tolkien, but they can’t, so they pardon this with the cynical label of “franchise.”

The slop eaters let them get away with it because slop eaters will eat anything the producers tell them to, even when it attacks and subverts a thoroughly established canon. It’s up to the rest of us to remind Hollywood that Middle-earth is not a franchise, lest it continue to grow into the commercial nightmare JRR’s son feared.

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How Angelina Jolie’s Mega-Flop Suddenly Became Popular

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How Angelina Jolie's Mega-Flop Suddenly Became Popular

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published

Streaming has turned countless theatrical bombs into hits. Morbius and Madame Web had value as movies that were ”so bad they’re good,” but it’s likely even Angelina Jolie forgot she starred in Life or Something Like It. The 2002 romantic comedy drama was hated by critics, ignored by audiences, and managed to lose millions of dollars in theaters on its way to being forgotten, yet when it started streaming, it suddenly topped viewing charts on platforms like Netflix. 

Angelina Jolie Will Die In Seven Days

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Angelina Jolie made Life or Something Like It before she brought Lara Croft to the big screen in Tomb Raider, but the rom-com came in between the original and Cradle of Life, and only three years before Mr. and Mrs. Smith cemented her status as a major action star. The low-key rom-com has Jolie starring as Lanie Kerrigan, a local Seattle reporter filled with the type of ennui and emptiness about her life that marked so many early-2000s films, when she’s told by a street prophet (Tony Shalhoub) she’ll die in seven days.

The prophet is shown to be eerily correct throughout the film, predicting an earthquake at exactly 9:06 AM in San Francisco, and that an “Angel will fall from the sky,” which turns out to be a member of the Anaheim (now LA) Angels. The prediction is enough to get Lanie to try to turn her life around.

Though her hot baseball-playing boyfriend Cal (Angel’s Christian Kane) is useless, Pete (Edward Burns), the cameraman, is right there to share his philosophy of living each day to the fullest. Lanie finds herself falling in love with Pete’s weirdo charm and zest for life while pursuing her dream of becoming a national-level news anchor harder than ever. That’s the entire plot, and while Angelina Jolie tries to make Life or Something Like It into a hit through sheer willpower, the film, like Lanie, was doomed before opening day. 

The Worst Combination Since Pineapple And Pizza: Expensive And Boring

If you decide to watch the movie on streaming, keep in mind that this film had a budget of $40 million, and that was before the inescapable marketing campaign. With inflation, that would be close to $70 million today.

While Angelina Jolie was expensive to get for the film, Life or Something Like It cost $20 million more than the gorgeous Nosferatu remake and $30 million beyond Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, a film that managed to turn a profit, beloved by fans and critics, and was enough to secure a third film. There was no way Jolie’s film was going to turn a profit, even though it did beat The Ring and the “seven days until you die” plot to the punch by a few months. 

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Angelina Jolie may be an A-list star with a string of blockbusters to her name, but like any performer, she has an equal number of flops in her filmography, and Life or Something Like It may be the most forgettable. That’s not to say the film is bad; Jolie does her absolute best to elevate it, but it’s completely forgettable, and today it would be a six-episode series on a streaming service. It’s a testament to her star power that has yet to dwindle after over 30 years in the spotlight that dropping one of her worst films on a streamer would turn it into a smash hit.

Life or Something Like It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.


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3 Near-Perfect Movies to Watch on Prime Video This Week

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The number one movie on Prime Video this week is Peter Farrelly’s new action comedy Balls Up. Written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and starring Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser, Sacha Baron Cohen, and more, the movie follows a pair of marketing executives who inadvertently cause a global scandal at the World Cup in Brazil, which makes them a target of angry fans, drug lords, and government officials. Though widely panned by critics, the movie has clearly found fans among Prime Video subscribers. But Balls Up is hardly the only thing you could watch on the streaming service. Here’s a look at three great movies that we think you should watch on Prime Video this week, including one of last year’s most acclaimed films.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Prime Video.

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1

‘Weapons’ (2025)

One of the most celebrated horror movies of 2025, Weapons is a mystery horror film directed, written, produced, and co-scored by Zach Cregger. The movie revolves around the mysterious disappearance of 17 children in the small town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, which leaves the community in a state of anger, confusion, and paranoia, and leads their parents and teacher to investigate, discovering a sinister evil power in the process. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Toby Huss, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan.

Following up on the success of his previous horror film Barbarian, Cregger delivers a twisted and terrifying horror story in Weapons that has further elevated his reputation as a new horror master. With a non-linear, anthology-esque narrative that ties together the stories of multiple different characters, it’s an intelligently crafted film with a genuinely scary villain, brought to life by Amy Madigan’s Academy Award-winning performance. Weapons is easily one of the most thrilling horror films of recent years, and it’s earned near-universal acclaim for its writing, direction, performances, and production values.































































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

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country

Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

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🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

🐦Birdman

🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

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





02

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





03

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





04

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





05

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





06

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





07

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





08

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





09

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





10

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





The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…
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Your answers have pointed to one Oscar Best Picture winner above all others. This is the film that was made for the way your mind works.

Parasite

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

Everything Everywhere All at Once

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

Oppenheimer

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

Birdman

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

No Country for Old Men

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

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2

‘The Voyeurs’ (2021)

Written and directed by Michael Mohan, The Voyeurs is an erotic thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Justice Smith. Set in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the movie follows a young couple, Pippa (Sweeney) and Thomas (Smith), who develop an obsession with the lives of their neighbors across the street and start spying on them, leading to unexpected and deadly consequences. Ben Hardy and Natasha Liu Bordizzo star as the neighbors, and the film also features Katharine King So, Cameo Adele, and Jean Yoon in supporting roles.

The Voyeurs had a pretty mixed critical reception when it was first released in 2021, but it was an undeniable success with Prime Video audiences, performing far beyond Amazon’s expectations. While its plot is quite uneven and borders on the unrealistic, the film is still an engaging, steamy, and wild thriller that takes a sexually-charged approach to its familiar premise. It’s no Rear Window, but The Voyeurs is still a lot of fun, largely thanks to the performances by Sweeney and Smith.

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3

‘Transformers One’ (2024)

An animated sci-fi action movie inspired by the iconic toy line, Transformers One was directed by Josh Cooley and written by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari. Set on Cybertron in the years before it was torn apart by civil war, the film explores the origins of the Cybertronians who would go on to become the familiar Autobots and Decepticons of the franchise, primarily focusing on Orion Pax, the future Optimus Prime, and his best friend, D-16, the future Megatron. Chris Hemsworth voices Orion Pax and Brian Tyree Henry voices D-16, leading an ensemble voice cast that also includes Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

A fresh reimagining of the Transformers franchise, Transformers One takes inspiration from the classic cartoons to create a fascinating new origin for the franchise’s heroes and villains, and it was widely acclaimed at the time of its release. Though it wasn’t a box office success, the movie is easily one of the best new Transformers films released in recent years, far better than some of the live-action films. Brought to life through striking animation by Industrial Light & Magic, Transformers One has earned praise from critics and fans alike for its visuals, story, performances, and action.


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Release Date

September 20, 2024

Runtime
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104 Minutes

Director

Josh Cooley

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Writers

Andrew Barrer, Steve Desmond, Gabriel Ferrari

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Josh Hutcherson Addresses Body-Shaming From Swifties

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Josh Hutcherson Says He Was Almost Cast As This Character In 'Home Alone'

A simple comment about not being a Taylor Swift fan turned into something far uglier for Josh Hutcherson.

In a new interview, the actor is looking back on the intense online attacks he received after saying he was “definitely not a Swiftie.” This barrage included body-shaming remarks that hit at some of his long-standing insecurities.

Hutcherson has also reflected on how this extreme reaction reinforced his desire to stay away from internet fame.

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Josh Hutcherson Described The Backlash From Swifties As Intense

Josh Hutcherson Says He Was Almost Cast As This Character In 'Home Alone'
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In 2025, Hutcherson came under fire from Swift fans after telling his “I Love LA” castmate Jordan Firstman in an interview with i-D Magazine that he was “definitely not a Swiftie.”

Now, in a GQ cover story, the actor is revisiting the reaction with some surprise, recalling how quickly the backlash escalated into body-shaming once the comment started circulating online.

“All of a sudden, it garnered this, ‘F-ck him! He’s a monster! Destroy him! He’s short! He hates her because he’s short!’” Hutcherson told the outlet.

“The Hunger Games” star said the experience only reinforced his decision to keep his distance from internet culture, even as many celebrities lean into building highly visible online personas.

Hutcherson made clear, however, that he has no issue with Swift herself. He told the outlet he thinks “she’s great,” but said her music simply does not connect with him, despite attending one of her New Orleans concerts last year.

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Hutcherson Doesn’t Want To Be Idolized By The Internet

Josh Hutcherson on the red carpet
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Hutcherson has built a sizable following on Instagram, with more than two million followers on the platform. However, he also made it clear that being idolized online is not something he wants. As he said to GQ, he does not “need that energy.”

The actor confirmed his belief that too much public familiarity can actually get in the way of his work, especially when it comes to disappearing into the characters he plays onscreen.

“It’s counterintuitive to my job, because if people know you more, you can’t disappear into characters,” he said. “They see you as, ‘Oh, that’s Josh.’ So, if you’re a f-cking meme, people know you for the meme.”

Josh Hutcherson Recalls Constant Scrutiny As A Child Star

By age 9, Hutcherson was already building a name for himself in Hollywood with roles in family films like “Zathura” and “Bridge to Terabithia.” But growing up in the spotlight also meant getting used to a level of scrutiny that never really let up.

“You are always being watched, he said. “You’re potentially always being recorded and photographed, and those things directly impact your career and what roles you get.”

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That constant attention, he explained, also heightened his awareness of what he saw as his “weak points,” including his rosacea and shorter height. According to Hutcherson, those insecurities were often weaponized against him and “thrown” back in his face.

The Actor Says Therapy Has Helped Him Face His Insecurities

Josh Hutcherson Says He Was Almost Cast As This Character In 'Home Alone'
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Over time, Hutcherson has come to understand the importance of confronting his insecurities and has begun doing so by undergoing therapy.

“I’ve started to really open up about it in therapy and talk about it more directly,” the “Hunger Games” star said, “as opposed to having fake confidence, but really you’re dying on the inside.“

Still, Hutcherson maintained that the process has not been easy. He said therapy often requires admitting things about yourself that do not feel “cool” to say out loud, which can be both uncomfortable and “scary.”

Josh Hutcherson ‘No Longer Sees’ His Insecurities As Flaws

Josh Hutcherson Says He Was Almost Cast As This Character In 'Home Alone'
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These days, Hutcherson says he has a healthier relationship with the insecurities that once weighed heavily on him. Rather than viewing them as “negatives” or “beauty faults,” he now sees them as part of who he is.

The former child star said that shift has come through both therapy and the perspective that comes with getting older.

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“I feel like it has led to me being able to handle it in a much more healthy, sane way, and not spiral out and feel like a piece of sh-t,” Hutcherson said of his healing process.

Even with that progress, he insisted that the struggle has not disappeared entirely. Hutcherson acknowledged that those triggers still resurface at times, but said he works to keep them from taking over.

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Anne Hathaway Gets Beauty Crown Amid Plastic Surgery Rumors

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Anne Hathaway at the 2025 WWD Honors-NYC

Plastic surgery rumors are not enough to steal Anne Hathaway‘s beauty crown.

The award-winning actress previously ignited rumors about going under the knife to enhance her looks via cosmetic procedures after attending the 2025 Met Gala ceremony in New York City. While she has denied the rumors, she has been quite vocal about struggling with insecurities as a woman in the entertainment industry,

Anne Hathaway shares some secrets to keeping her body in shape and her looks on point even after childbearing. She stresses the importance of staying active as one ages, giving up bad habits, and having a good skincare regimen.

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Anne Hathaway Says Beauty And Ugliness Can Coexist

Anne Hathaway at the 2025 WWD Honors-NYC
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Hathaway marked a major achievement as she has been named the Most Beautiful Woman for People magazine with her appearance as the May cover star. The stunning actress had an interview where she talked about her career, family life with kids, and shared her perspective on beauty. 

When asked how she defines what is beautiful, the movie star gave an unconventional answer, quoting a statement she previously heard from a fellow member of the industry. “A  filmmaker once told me this: Beauty can contain within it ugliness as long as it contains truth.” She began, and then added, “So for me beauty always falls along those lines.” Hathaway’s answer echoed a simple message: true beauty must house no lies!.

Further in the conversation, the “Devil Wears Prada” actress gave a shoutout to her personal trainer while discussing how she stays in shape. “I love working out with Monique Eastwood. She’s a genius. She’s a former ballerina, so she’s put together ballet, HIIT, Pilates, yoga,” she gushed. Hathaway revealed that she had been working with her personal trainer for over four years, having private lessons, hinting that the results of the workouts are off the charts.

The Primetime Emmy Awardee Was Not Comfortable With Conversation About Her Weight

Anne Hathaway attends the 12th Breakthrough Prize in Los Angeles
River / MEGA

The Daily Mail reported that the iconic actress admitted during the interview that she did not like the attention that was drawn to her body after her hit role as Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises.” She played the sexy comic book character starring opposite Christian Bale in the 2012 Christopher Nolan film.

The actress explained that it bothered her that there was a loud conversation about her weight and not her strength. Hathaway disclosed that before filming, Nolan had a deep conversation with her, stressing that he did not care about her losing weight, all her wanted was that she would be able to do all her stunts. The 43-year-old actress added that with a lot of practice, she did indeed learn her stunts, including flipping backward out of a window.

“I didn’t like that the way into the question was, ‘How much weight did you have to lose?’ And not, ‘How strong did you have to get to play that part?’” She remarked  Hathaway’s interview did not end without her praising her husband, Adam Shulman, for his constant support and holding down the fort with their two sons while she works.

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Anne Hathaway Headlines With Plastic Surgery Rumors Last Year

Anne Hathaway attends the 19th Annual Golden Heart Awards
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The actress’s jaw-dropping look at last year’s Met Gala set tongues wagging once again The whispers began after she stepped out for the Ralph Lauren fall 2025 runway presentation held at the Jack Shainman Gallery in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood last April For the Met Gala last May, she wore a crisp white dress shirt by Wes Gordon, which she paired with a beaded maxi skirt in a black and silver striped pattern. She sealed the look with sky-high black heels and statement jewelry.

“The Princess Diaries” star looked breathtaking as she walked the red carpet posing for pictures, which ignited speculations when they hit the media Many fans commented on her youthful glow, raising questions about whether or not she had undergone a cosmetic procedure The Blast reports that a plastic surgeon, Gary Motykie, analyzed the Hollywood icon’s looks, saying he had “no doubt [she] had surgery on her nose.”

Hathaway, on the other hand, claimed in 2008 that she had never gone under the knife but desired to have her nose worked on because she needed the face for her job. “When I was growing up, I wanted a nose job, because I didn’t think my nose was good,” she told news outlets at the time.

The ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Star Responded To The Plastic Surgery Speculations

Anne Hathaway in vintage Versace dress visits
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The internet buzz around the actress’s looks got to her ears, and she decided to clear the air. As shared by The Blast in a previous release, the 43-year-old star clarified that she was not down for entertaining rumors. She stated that despite the ongoing rumors about her potential look-altering procedures, she was not going to publicly “discuss medical information.”  

Hathaway, however, previously claimed that her looks are due to her skincare routine, workout sessions, and changes in her lifestyle choices, like saying goodbye to alcohol. At this year’s Oscars, she disclosed one of her beauty tips. 

The award-winning actress noted that she achieves a more “awake” appearance, with a simple, subtle braided hairstyle designed to create a lifted, snatched effect. Hathaway has also shared over time that she had to tailor her mindset to tilt in a different direction concerning looks after she clocked forty.

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Anne Hathaway’s Take On Self-Confidence

Anne Hathaway filming
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Beauty comes from within, and it takes confidence to keep a head held high as a female star in the entertainment industry because often, looks are prone to judgment. Hathaway admitted that she had phases where she struggled with her self-confidence right from her younger days.

She also noted that she struggled to find her voice as a child because she often felt out of place. “When I was a kid, I found talking really difficult, so I had a bit of stress and anxiety around just, like, communicating,” she previously revealed. The Blast also reports that the mom of two shared that there are days when she looks in the mirror and feels different about her looks in an interview.

She cited a moment when she did not feel like she looked her best but had to put on what she described as he “aspirational swimsuit.” Ultimately, Hathaway decided to embrace that growth and the changes her body goes through with age with a positive mindset. With this, she feels free, comfortable, and confident in a way she hasn’t felt before.

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‘The Shining’ Fans Need To Watch This 10/10 Psychological Horror Movie You Can’t Unsee

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Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary - 2026

On first watch, Exit 8 is a terrifying experience. An adaptation of the 2023 viral video game, The Exit 8, it thrives in uncertainty. Unbeknownst to a viewer with no previous knowledge of the subject, there is no guarantee of survival. The only assurance is the apprehension and fear that come from the unexpected at every turn. Failure could mean a fate worse than death. Much like Stanley Kubrick‘s The Shining, Genki Kawamura‘s work reflects upon themes dissecting fatherhood, global ignorance, and male ego-driven violence, making this new release a perfect choice for a creepy movie night.

The premise is straightforward, but what unfolds is a psychological game of peeling back layers of past trauma to heal present issues in order to truly move forward. The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, gaining an award for best poster design and an appropriately poetic eight-minute standing ovation. Symbolized by the number eight, Exit 8 explores the nature of cycles, be them physical, mental, or emotional. At the core of the story, the narrative holds a magnifying glass to these men, questioning whether redemption should be on the table to begin with.

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The Acclaimed Horror Movie ‘Exit 8’ Encourages Viewers To Have Empathy

The film follows The Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya) as he navigates an endless subway tunnel. Soon realizing there are rules he must follow that will allow him to leave, he begins to truly pay attention to his surroundings. If he notices an anomaly, he must turn back. If he doesn’t notice anything different, he must move forward. Due to expert camerawork, the film starts off with a first-person POV, transporting the viewer into the position of a player, engaging with the game. As The Lost Man receives a call from a former partner, she shares that she is pregnant and hasn’t decided how to best proceed. Distraught, he wanders into the hallway that will test his wit and resilience.



















































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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars

Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.

💊The Matrix

🔥Mad Max

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🌧️Blade Runner

🏜️Dune

🚀Star Wars

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01

You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.





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02

In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely?
What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.





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03

What kind of threat keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.





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04

How do you deal with authority you don’t trust?
Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.





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05

Which environment could you actually endure long-term?
Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.





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06

Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart?
The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.





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07

Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all?
Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.





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08

What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.





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Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…

Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.

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The Resistance, Zion

The Matrix
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You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.

  • You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
  • You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
  • You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
  • The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.


The Wasteland

Mad Max
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The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.

  • You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
  • You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
  • You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
  • In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.


Los Angeles, 2049

Blade Runner
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You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.

  • You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
  • In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
  • You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
  • In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.


Arrakis

Dune
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Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.

  • Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
  • You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
  • Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
  • In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.


A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars
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The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
  • You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
  • You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
  • In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.

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Kubrick’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name isn’t a game in the literal sense. However, it unfolds like one. The hotel presents various opportunities for the family to pack up and leave — plaguing Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd) with visions — yet they stay, forcing the unfortunate as they must face the demons they’ve ignored. In Jack Torrance’s (Jack Nicholson) case, his ignorance of his family is for the sake of his craft. His ego drives him and ultimately makes him susceptible to the evil that consumes him in the end. For The Lost Man (Ninomiya), the hallway forces him to face and challenge his own ego. The hallway becomes more than a physical space. It stands as a main character, a monster, and a lesson all rolled into one.

‘Exit 8’ Is a Brilliant Vessel for Genki Kawamura’s Take on Fatherhood

During a post-screening talk back with director Kawamura in New York City, he admitted to having taken inspiration from works such as David Lynch‘s Eraserhead, Kenji Mizoguchi‘s Ugetsu, and, of course, Kubrick’s The Shining. His admiration went as far as to name two of the hallway sets as Kubrick and Hitchcock, after famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. What these films have in common is their reflection upon parental roles and how they shift from decade to decade, generation to generation. In The Shining, Jack fancies himself a wordsmith, working on a novel. He is in desperate need of space to express himself creatively, which is the catalyst for him accepting the position as the winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. He types away while weary of the sinister forces at play until it’s too late. In the meantime, Wendy works long and hard around the hotel, duties that better suit Jack, considering his responsibilities brought them there in the first place.

In Exit 8, The Lost Man’s circumstances are due to his debilitating reaction at the news of him possibly becoming a father. Since the dawn of time, fatherhood has molded the greatest fears of man. In Jack Torrance’s case, it is the hindrance of greatness. For The Lost Man, it’s the uncertainty of being able to step up to the challenge. In both cases, Danny (Lloyd) and The Boy (Naru Asanuma) see things more clearly, yet are ignored by the adult males in their surroundings. That is, until someone comes along and takes the time to consider their input and way of seeing the situation.

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For Danny, it’s his visions and ability to see beyond what’s right in front of them. For The Boy, he’s more in tune with the changes in front of him in the hallway that the likes of The Walking Man and The Lost Man may overlook. It digs deeper into children’s ability to turn the volume down on the noise of the world such as natural disasters, stock market crashes, and online trends that plague most adults. For Jack Torrance, the noise swallows him whole. He becomes the absent father trope driven by vices, be it his career motivation, alcoholism, or carnal pleasures. For The Lost Man, it’s simpler. He overcomes his debilitating fear, and towards the end, he’s able to stand up to the noise, calling out verbal abuse on a packed train.

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Through its repetitive nature, Exit 8 begs the user, protagonist, and the viewer to examine the anomalies of day-to-day life and make a conscious decision — in the film and game’s circumstances to actively turn back — instead of moving forward, forcefully ignorant. Especially within today’s social climate, the paradox of fatherhood takes a new face when outside circumstances influence internal emotional complications. Kawamura’s adaptation of the popular video game will resonate with fans of Kubrick’s The Shining for its outstanding ability to present basic human emotion and instinct as both flaw and virtue. To actively make a choice, to have empathy, and to be present are the ultimate tools for survival.


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Release Date
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April 10, 2026

Runtime

95 Minutes

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Director

Genki Kawamura

Writers
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Genki Kawamura, Kentaro Hirase

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Kazunari Ninomiya

    The Lost Man

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Yamato Kochi

    The Walking Man

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Recreate Meghan Markle’s Cool Mom Sneakers Look for $66

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Meghan Markle has a knack for making even the most casual footwear feel like it belongs on a magazine cover. During a visit to Melbourne, Australia, with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex was spotted rocking Freda Salvador’s Eda D’orsay sneakers, a pair that’s been part of her rotation since early 2025. The cool mom shoe checks every box in our book — clean, minimal and effortlessly polished, while still prioritizing comfort. The one downside? Markle’s pick comes with a $238 price tag that many of Us would have to sleep on (and then sleep on again).

Still, the style icon may be onto something, especially since the D’orsay silhouette is having a real moment right now. The cutout-sided design feels wonderfully nostalgic (2016 fashion really is trending again!) and is poised for a full comeback. Even Shailene Woodley was spotted rocking a pair of D’orsay flats on the set of Count My Lies, which tells you this isn’t just a one-off royal whim. It’s a genuine trend with staying power, and thankfully, it’s easier than ever to nail with Lucky Brand’s Dansbey sneaker.

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The lace-up, cutout kicks capture the same sleek aesthetic Markle wore, and ring up at just $66. That’s a royal-approved look for under $100, which feels like a small victory worth celebrating.

Get the Lucky Brand Dansbey Sneaker for $66 (was $79) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

What makes this shoe actually worth your money (beyond looking like something from Markle’s closet) is that it’s made from real leather, setting it apart from the flood of synthetic lookalikes you’ll find in this price range. The cutout sides give it that signature D’orsay profile, keeping things airy and stylish without sacrificing structure. While it features a lace-up design, the shoe also functions as a slip-on, so you still get that polished feel without the hassle of constantly double-knotting. If you’re someone who values an easy morning routine, that detail alone is a selling point.

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Related: Meghan Markle’s Luxe Loafers Are Replacing Sandals This Spring

If there’s anyone who can make us rethink our entire spring shoe rotation, it’s Meghan Markle. The royal style icon was recently spotted out and about in Montecito wearing a pair of ultra-polished loafers — and suddenly, our go-to sandals are feeling a little…underdressed. Her exact pair? The luxe Dot Sole Walk Loafers from Loro […]

The flexible sole and lightweight construction also mean these sneakers won’t punish your feet on a long day. Comfort matters, especially when you’re trying to channel the energy of someone who walks red carpets and then immediately pivots to chasing children around a garden. The Dansbey handles both speeds — even with styling.

Pair them with cropped trousers and a blazer for a lunch meeting, or throw them on with your favorite jeans and a white tee for weekend errands. The clean, minimal silhouette works the same way as Markle’s original pair, elevating whatever you wear it with. That’s the magic of the D’orsay cut. It reads as intentional and put together, even when the rest of your ensemble was assembled in four minutes flat.

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Amazon shoppers are big fans of the Lucky Brand shoe, with many calling the style “super comfortable.”

“I bought these for a trip to Europe, where we walked between 4 to 7 miles through cobblestone streets every day,” one person wrote. “They were the perfect walking shoe! I got them in sage and loved them so much that I ordered the pink, too.”

Another customer even pointed out the similarities to Markle’s sneakers, calling them “just as cute and trendy as the ones Meghan has, which cost about four times as much.”

Markle has built her style around pieces that feel both accessible and elegant, gravitating toward clean lines, neutral palettes and shoes that actually let her move through her day. The Dansbey alternative fits squarely into that philosophy, giving you the comfort and casual energy of sneakers with the refined shape of something dressier — and they also look far more expensive than their price tag suggests. Add them to your cart, ASAP. Your feet (and your bank account) will thank you.

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Get the Lucky Brand Dansbey Sneaker for $66 (was $79) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: A guest wears white sheer mesh long skirt with opaque panels and multicolor striped trim at the hem in white / brown / and green, white mesh and leather chunky Mary Jane sneakers shoes with tie bows and thick tread soles, outside Anteprima, during Milan Fashion Week - Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on February 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)


Related: Mary Jane Sneakers Are the Cool-Girl Shoe Trend Taking Over Spring 2026

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If you love the stability and comfort of a sneaker but love the dainty, lightweight feel of a ballet flat, we have good news. Mary Jane-style sneakers are quickly taking over spring 2026’s footwear trends, and we’re so here for it. Also known as ballerina sneakers, this easy shoe style combines the traction of a […]

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