Entertainment
X-Men ’97’ Is Officially Fixing the Original Show’s Biggest Plot Hole 33 Years Later
Disney+’s X-Men ’97 has signaled a true return to Marvel excitement. The animated series returned to the airwaves in 2024, signaling a new age: the age of Apocalypse. Viewers have been waiting for Season 2 of the refreshing, soapy resurgence of the X-Men, and now have the opportunity to correct a long-running continuity error.
In the original run of the X-Men: The Animated Series, one of the big plot holes had to do with Warren Worthington III, otherwise known as Angel. He first appears in Season 1, where there is no indication that he was ever part of Xavier’s original team. Angel is one of the original five, but in the series, he does not appear to have any prior knowledge of the X-Men. Seasons later, this would be contradicted when he was officially established as one of the original five X-Men. These types of retcons can happen, especially when shows aren’t planned out, but X-Men ‘97 appears to resolve this officially. According to the new X-Men ‘97 trailer, Angel’s history is being put to rest.
‘X-Men ‘97’ Season 2 Confirms Angel’s Role In the X-Men
It’s been three decades, and X-Men is finally able to right some wrongs. Already, the sophomore season of one of the greatest animated series of the last five years seems to be everything that fans have been waiting for, including some hints about Ange’s future in the storyline. In a blink and you’ll miss it moment, the green-haired mistress of metal, Polaris, is looking at photographs. One features Angel in original X-Men garb alongside the rest of the original mutants of Xavier’s team. This doubles down on the fact that Angel is an original X-Men member, though it doesn’t necessarily fix the Season 1 continuity error.
That may be addressed, however, considering the direction that the season is going in. Apocalypse is coming for the X-Men, and to make matters most dire, he is using time travel to wipe out all vestiges of the team. The mutant ensemble is no stranger to time travel, but this could be a way for the series to put to rest Angel’s murky past altogether. Though unconfirmed, the fact that time travel is a tool in the new season may hint at how Angel’s timeline could finally make sense.
If mutants are hobnobbing all over time and space, perhaps it could explain why Angel seemed to have no recollection of his time with the X-Men in the first season of the series. Of course, when it comes to scale, this is likely the least of the X-Men’s worries. As shown in the trailer, Angel is returning to the small screen in one of his most infamous capacities.
Angel Returns in ‘X-Men ‘97’ As One of the Four Horsemen
When X-Nen ‘97 returns next month, there is a lot of ground to cover. The stakes have never been higher as Apocalypse vows to erase the timeline of all evidence of the X-Men. Comic fans know that where Apocalypse goes, the Four Horsemen are likely to follow. While there have been many Horsemen in the run of X-Men comics, Angel is one of the most well-known. The Season 2 trailer confirms his return — and in a slightly sharper form.
A brief moment in the trailer shows Angel’s return as Archangel, Apocalypse’s Horseman with metal wings. Using blades to fight the X-Men, it appears that he is returning as the Horseman of Death, as he was first introduced in the previous iteration of the animated series. With the inclusion of the Age of Apocalypse, Archangel’s appearance isn’t that surprising. However, it does confirm that X-Men ‘97 isn’t just here to capitalize on nostalgia. It is the very lifeblood that Marvel has needed all this time.
Marvel has recently been backsliding into tired old dynamics when fans have needed something new. The X-Men aren’t necessarily new to Marvel, but this new version of the animated series proves that all fans want is quality programming that has a creative force behind it. Confirming Angel’s role in the X-Men celebrates the previous series while also recontextualizing it for a new era of media consumption. X-Men ‘97 is a perfect combination of the new and the old and is ushering in a new age for Marvel.
- Release Date
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March 20, 2024
- Network
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Disney+
- Directors
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Jake Castorena, Emi Yonemura, Chase Conley
- Writers
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Charlie Feldman, Anthony Sellitti, Beau DeMayo, JB Ballard
Entertainment
Gloss Up Team Shares Graphic Photos Of Foot Injury Amid Update
Gloss Up‘s foot was saved during surgery amid reports that it had been amputated following a near-fatal car accident. On Sunday, July 12, the recording artist claimed amputation on her Instagram Stories while noting that she almost died. However, Gloss Up’s team later noted that doctors managed to save the rapper’s foot. Along with a new statement, the team also shared graphic photos of the injury.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Gloss Up’s Team Shares Health Update Following Severe Foot Injury In Fatal Car Accident (PHOTOS)
Graphic Photos Show Gloss Up’s Foot Nearly Severed
Gloss Up’s team revealed in her Instagram Stories on Sunday evening that her foot had been saved during surgery. Graphic pictures of her foot were also shared on the post. The rapper, whose real name is Jerrica LaShay Russell, thought her foot had been amputated following the accident.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has prayed for Gloss, reached out, and kept her in your thoughts,” read the post. “Your love and support have meant more than words can express during this incredibly difficult time.”
The statement went on to note that Russell made it through surgery, she was recovering, and that the surgeons were “able to save her foot.”
“I’m sharing a photo of her foot after surgery so you can better understand the severity of her injury and why we were told that amputation was a very real possibility,” the statement continued. “It isn’t an easy image to look at, but it shows just how much she has already endured and how grateful we are that her foot could be saved.”
The post also thanked fans for their prayers while adding, “THE NEXT IMAGE IS GRAPHIC. management.”
SEE THE POST HERE.
Fans React To The Graphic Photographs
After the news was shared on Instagram, fans wished Gloss Up a speedy recovery while also offering prayers. Folks also spoke on the graphic photo of the rapper’s foot. Several people noted that they thought it looked like her foot was amputated, and they didn’t blame Gloss for thinking so as well.
@tonieshamonae wrote, “Man I would’ve thought mine was amputated too.”
User @watchj wrote, “I told myself not to swipe and I still did it. This one is on me.”
@iamluhhshayy added, “I Woulda Said My Foot Gone Too Cause Babyy It Might As Well Be!! Glad They Saved It Tho!”
User@ replied, “That pain had to be different, I would of passed out every time I woke back up 😂 I’m happy they were able to save her foot, I hope she has a speedy recovery 🙏🏾.”
@sincerely__sophia wrote, “The warning didn’t warn me enough. My goodness! 👀.”
User @_kajim_ added, “Maaaaaaannnnnnn, I would’ve thought my foot was a goner to…!!! 😮💨😮💨😮💨.”
@savagedoll__ wrote, “Omg 😢 I hope she feels better mentally and physically takes a lot of courage to let the world in.”
Gloss Up Originally Thought Her Foot Had Been Amputated
As mentioned, Gloss Up took to her Instagram Stories following her accident and shared a post from her hospital room. The ‘Ride Home’ artist noted that she’d been in a near-fatal car accident and that her foot was amputated.
“I Almost Lost My Life,” she wrote. “Sadddddddd.” I Have Never In My Life Been In A Car Accident Until Now,” she added. “My Whole Foot Amputated! I’m SAD ASFFFF! It’s My Birthdayyyyy..”
Just before surgery, she wrote, “I’m going into surgery to save my foot! Thank Yall For Calls & Texts Messages.”
RELATED: Dis Tew Much! Victoria Woods Pops OFF After Gloss Up Begins Selling Disparaging, NSFW T-Shirts Of Her (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
This Secret Theory Perfectly Explains The Backlash To The Odyssey
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is an ambitious attempt to transform one of the greatest works of literature into a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. The director certainly has the skills to do so; after all, this is the man who turned prettyboy comic actor Heath Ledger into the scariest villain to ever grace the silver screen. He’s also the man who turned the life of Robert Oppenheimer (not exactly a massively popular historical figure) into a smash summer hit. If there’s anyone who deserves the benefit of the doubt, it’s Nolan. Nonetheless, the movie has faced ample criticism since it came out, with most complaints focused on casting.
To nobody’s shock, most of the complaints come from right-wing figures like Elon Musk, who has echoed Matt Walsh’s complaints about Nolan casting Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. Others have griped about things like the accents (including a pronounced Boston accent) in the previews. Beyond the usual boring culture war stuff, it can be hard for casual film lovers to understand what is causing these gripes. However, complaints about this literary adaptation can mostly be explained by a popular literary theory that goes by a very unexpected name: the Tiffany problem.
Boys, Meet Tiffany

What’s the Tiffany problem? This theory was created in 2018, when English novelist Nicola Cornick explained that the word “Tiffany” originally comes from the medieval girl’s name “Theophania.” Around the year 1200, the French spelled the word “Tifinie,” and by the year 1600, the English were spelling the word “Tiffany.” Therefore, as Cormick explains, it would be historically accurate for a book or movie to have a 17th-century character named Tiffany, but writers never do this because the name Tiffany sounds too modern. After all, use of the name peaked in the ‘80s, nearly four centuries after it was first used.
So, what does this have to do with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? The reason writers steer clear of naming those modern European characters “Tiffany” isn’t because the name is inaccurate but because audiences think the name is inaccurate. The vast majority of people enjoying historical texts are not historians, so they don’t have a very granular knowledge of the time period in question. Instead, they have a bunch of assumptions and half-baked ideas gleaned from God knows what, and they get annoyed (and even outright offended) at, say, a movie whose characters don’t look and sound like what they imagined.
Time To Hit The Books

When Homer wrote The Odyssey, he didn’t really describe Helen’s features but instead focused on her beauty. Now, the critics of Nolan’s film are correct that the average Greek woman of the time period was not Black, like Lupita Nyong’o’s Helen. Nonetheless, ancient Greece did have Black people, and some scholars of the original text have argued that Helen could have been a woman of color. One counterpoint critics bring up is that Homer does refer to Helen as “white-armed,” which modern readers might assume means she was white-skinned.
But white-armed was not a racial description so much as an epithet for noble women who don’t have to spend time outside, where the sun would darken (or further darken) their flesh. Therefore, Nyong’o playing Helen is perfectly reasonable and doesn’t contradict the original text. It’s also worth noting that when you ask these critics who they’d prefer in the role, they usually throw out names like Sydney Sweeney. Newsflash: while the average ancient Greek woman wasn’t Black, she also wasn’t a blonde, and her skin would have been far darker (brown, in all likelihood) than Sweeney’s.
Fake Complaints From Fake Fans

In other words, these complaints about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey aren’t based on any deep knowledge of the original text or the time period. They are based instead on the personal biases of the critics who don’t care about ahistorical casting choices as long as it involves an actor they like. Nolan basically invoked his own version of the Tiffany problem: there were Black women in Ancient Greece, and Homer says surprisingly little about the character’s physical features, so having Helen be a Black woman is perfectly reasonable. In fact, Orson Welles cast Earth Kitt in the role back in 1950! But because the average person hasn’t read The Odyssey and doesn’t know Ancient Greece had Black people, they think Nolan’s casting is completely unrealistic.
To some degree, this extends to complaints about the accents in the film as well. While nobody in Ancient Greece spoke with these accents, they also didn’t speak English. The only way to make The Odyssey completely realistic would have been to have everyone speaking Greek, but that doesn’t really work for a Western summer blockbuster. Like so many directors before him, Nolan had the cast speak English in deference to the audience. Haters think the accents stand out because they are accustomed to classic works with English accents. But that leads to two questions: 1) why do we find some accents more acceptable than others? And 2) why did these guys not complain about Brad Pitt spending all of Troy using a jarring “British meets American” accent?
Facts Over Feelings

Obviously, a fair share of the people whining about The Odyssey before it comes out are stirring the pot of the culture war and just looking for an excuse to meet their daily “whine about Black people and trans people” quota. But anyone who, in good faith, thinks the casting of the film is an issue should consider the Tiffany problem. What Christopher Nolan has done by casting Lupita Nyong’o is perfectly realistic from both a historical and a literary lens; it just “feels” weird to those who haven’t read the original poem or ever cracked a book about Ancient Greece.
Sorry, guys: as you used to say with a bit of pride, facts don’t care about your feelings!
Entertainment
Dave Chappelle Surprised Usher At Washington D.C. Concert
Dave Chappelle surprised Usher during his recent concert in Washington, D.C., and a video of the hilarious moment has gone viral. Usher is currently performing on the ‘R&B Tour’ with Chris Brown, and the comedian attended Usher’s show on Friday, July 10.
RELATED: IKDR! Chris Brown Fan Shares Meet-And-Greet Photographs And Internet Users Are Doin’ A Double-Take (PHOTOS)
Dave Chappelle Surprised Usher At His Concert In Washington, D.C.
Usher was in the middle of his performance at the Northwest Stadium just outside of Washington, D.C., when he saw Chappelle in the crowd. As the ‘Yeah!’ singer jumped off the stage during the ‘Nice & Slow’ part of the show, carrying a red Goyard bag, he had a perplexed expression on his face.
After he squinted, Usher exclaimed, “Is that Dave Chappelle?”
At that moment, Chappelle popped into the camera frame with a cocktail and a cigarette in tow. Judging by the look on his face, the comedian appeared to be well-served as the crowd went wild.
The two men shook hands as Usher kept performing. The artist usually hands out fake cash from the Goyard bag during the show, and after he handed a stack to Chappelle, the comedian threw some toward the backup dancers.
The video was first shared by @mynameis.foxx on Instagram.
Fan Reactions Were Hilarious
After the video was shared on TSR’s Instagram page, roomies reacted to the funny footage.
User @theweekendwatch replied, “Best part of the night. We all lost it.”
@comedianblaqron joked, “Dave be smoking indoors EVERYWHERE. I envy that.”
User @colionnoir noted how funny the moment was without Chappelle even speaking, “Funny as f*ck without saying a word 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
User @c.ray.art joked, “Dave grabbed them Usher Bucks and was like ‘Spend Dat Sh*t!’ 😂💸.”
@reeezy replied, “Dave’s face 😭.”
@tatyanaguchi wrote, “this the level of unc i aspire to 😭🚬.”
User @homealone_drock added, “My nga Dave living😭”
User @jilisarenee noticed Chappelle’s attire in the clip. “Dave Chappelle with a Dave Chappelle shirt lol.”
Chance the Rapper also chimed in with a simple giggle. “Hahahahahahahahahaahaha.”
Chris Brown Also Had A Viral ‘R&B Tour’ Moment
Chris Brown also had a moment from the tour go viral during a recent performance.
The singer brought a fan onstage and gave her the VIP treatment while singing ‘Take You Down.’
A shirtless Brown laid the fan down before getting on top of her, and he shared a clip of the moment in his Instagram Stories. The post was captioned, “This what yall wanted?”
RELATED: Fans Are Ready For Chris Brown & Usher To “Take Their Money” After Announcing Joint “R&B” Tour (REACTIONS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Beat the Next Heatwave with These 15 Breathable Fashion Staples
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I was lucky enough to miss the last intense New York City heat wave. However, I know I would’ve been just fine because I have a summer wardrobe built for high temperatures. The key is wearing natural, breathable fabrics — like cotton and linen — that are moisture-wicking (a serious attribute in scorching-hot weather).
I have a full closet stocked with cotton and linen dresses, blouses and bottoms that keep me cool, calm, and collected this time of year — and I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces below. You’ll be able to beat the next heatwave with the following 15 items designed to keep you cool and stylish.
15 Fashion Staples to Keep Cool During a Heatwave — Without Sacrificing Style
Dresses
1. Keep It Cool: This preppy linen button-down dress is the classiest thing you can have in your summer wardrobe, and it looks incredible on every body type.
2. Loose and Breezy: Summer is not the time for skin-tight clothing, and that’s where this billowing linen dress comes in. It’s roomy without making you look like a shapeless sack.
3. Dress of the Century: Every well-rounded summer closet has a tiered sundress. This one is one of the best because it’s stretchy, feminine and even features pockets (score!).
4. So Romantic: The halter neck and straight neckline on this stretchy midi dress make it look elegant and polished. I’m wearing it on my next summer date night.
5. The Casual Pick: If there’s any dress you’ll find yourself constantly reaching for, it’s this relaxed linen mini. The halter neckline helps it look a bit more polished compared to your average T-shirt dress.
Tops and Blouses
6. Super Deal: Bring your beach-inspired summer dreams to life — on a budget! — with a flowy cotton blouse that’s on sale for under $10.
7. Go for the Trends: A boxy gingham crop top allows you to get in on summer’s hottest trend while still staying cool. Pair it with white denim and sandals for the perfect seasonal look.
8. Professionally Cool: It used to be a struggle to find summer office clothes. . . until I stumbled upon this polished sleeveless cotton button-down, which offers the perfect amount of stretch.
9. Upgraded Tank: The pleats and dainty bow detailing on this linen tank add a pop of personality that makes it feel extra flirty.
10. High-Fashion Vibe: Most linen tops are loose and breezy. This daring design tackles the trends head on with its body-skimming silhouette and asymmetrical neckline.
Bottoms
11. Closet Must-Have: I wear these linen pants from Quince almost every day of summer. They’re the only thing I travel in, and I own four colors.
12. Same But Different: Essentially a breezier version of the above pants, this Quince linen maxi skirt feels effortless and breathable, no matter how high the temperatures rise.
13. Boho Forever: When you think of boho styles, skirts probably come to mind, but balloon pants also align with the aesthetic. This pair might become the comfiest item in your closet.
14. Set Sail: Even if you aren’t by a body of water, you can pretend you are in some nautical-striped linen shorts.
15. All in the Details: The all-over eyelet design on this full maxi skirt gives it a countryside-chic vibe.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Entertainment
A New Nightmare on Elm Street Movie in the Works at Paramount : Coastal House Media
Freddy Krueger is officially preparing to haunt audiences once again.
Jackie Earle Haley, Freddy Krueger
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Pictures has acquired the U.S. rights to A Nightmare on Elm Streetfrom the Wes Craven estate, with plans to develop a brand new feature film based on the legendary horror franchise. The project is currently in early development, with Marc Toberoff attached as producer alongside Iya Labunka and Jonathan Craven, the widow and son of the late Wes Craven. Lifshitz and Margules will serve as executive producers for Paramount.
Labunka expressed her excitement about bringing Freddy Krueger back for a new generation of horror fans.
“We look forward to bringing the world of Wes Craven’s Nightmare on Elm Street to a new and completely engaged generation of fans,” Labunka said in a statement. “We know that Wes would have been thrilled to see how horror is taking its long overdue place in the cultural canon. We can’t wait for all of us to sit together in a dark theatre around the campfire of today as the next chapter of the Nightmare story unfolds.”
Executive producers Lifshitz and Margules also shared their enthusiasm for the new film, praising the opportunity to continue one of horror’s most iconic franchises.
“We can’t remember a time before we were fans of Wes Craven,” they said. “The fact that Iya and Jonathan have entrusted us with this opportunity to help usher a new story into this world is an honor beyond words. We look forward to working alongside them to bring a terrifying new nightmare to audiences everywhere, and to welcome Freddy home.”
Robert Englund, Freddy Krueger [EVERETT]
While no writer, director, casting details, or story information have been announced, the project marks the franchise’s first major step forward since the domestic rights reverted to the Craven estate in 2019.
Originally released in 1984, A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced audiences to Freddy Krueger, the razor gloved dream stalker who became one of horror’s most recognizable villains. The film spawned numerous sequels, a crossover with Friday the 13th, television adaptations, comics, and a 2010 remake.
With Paramount now steering Freddy’s next chapter, horror fans can finally look forward to the return of one of the genre’s greatest icons.
Entertainment
21 Summer Dresses Inspired by the Amalfi Coast
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It’s Euro summer, with seemingly everyone jet-setting off to the Mediterranean coast. But don’t get bogged down if you haven’t booked a round-trip ticket just yet. You can still achieve that effortless seaside aesthetic with a slew of elevated vacation dresses.
Nordstrom, Free People, Mayc’s and more are delivering that chic Amalfi Coast energy with silhouettes featuring vibrant prints, sweet scalloped hemlines and breezy fabrics. And because these finds are too good to keep to myself, I rounded up the best ones below — starting at just $20
21 Summer Dresses With Pure Amalfi Coast Rich Girl Energy
1. Crowd Pleased: With a flattering crossover neckline, fitted bodice and dreamy blue-and-white print, this flowing Grace Karin halterneck has earned hundreds of five-star ratings for good reason.
2. More Is More: Southern Italy thrives on lively patterns, making this spaghetti-strap maxi an instant add-to-cart. The coastal print includes vibrant hues and whimsical illustrations.
3. A Dose of Whimsy: A mini Farm Rio dress with contrast scalloped trim, lively botanicals and a side button closure? Say less.
4. Hidden Shorts: Skorts count, too, right? This Abercrombie & Fitch style boasts decorative illustrations, adjustable straps and a cross-over closure.
5. From Day to Night: Astr the Label may have just created the perfect zesty-yellow gown. The tiered ruffled skirt, square neckline and ruched upper are fit for a private boat day and golden-hour aperitivo alike.
6. Luxe Find: If you’re looking to splurge, then this corseted cotton Zimmermann dress is for you. Enjoy swinging tassels, chic beads and a scarf-inspired border design.
7. Walking on Sunshine: The color yellow is nearly a prerequisite for visiting the Amalfi Coast, so slip into this ruffled V-neck dress featuring a dramatic leg slit.
8. Under $20: Sometimes, less is more — and this smocked A-line sundress understood the assignment. Bow straps add a flirty finishing touch.
9. Bare-Back Moment: For a figure-flattering option, secure this textured halterneck dress featuring an open back and strappy design.
10. Editor Approved: I own a version of this Aerie tube-top dress — and I get nonstop compliments every time I wear it. Consider this your sign to add it to your shopping bag ASAP.
11. Understated Elegance: This cascading, billowy dress is coastal Italy personified. A low scoop back, delicate lace trim and scalloped edges only add to its charm.
12. Blue Skies Ahead: Soft baby blue colors this Ramy Brook ruffle-sleeve dress, including a delicate button closure, belted ring sash and crisp poplin skirt.
13. Head-Turner: Wear this intentionally crinkled one-shoulder dress for a flowy, effortless look. Pair it with strappy sandals and a woven tote for a finished vacation-ready look.
14. It Girl-Approved: Reformation is that girl, delivering a draped knit dress with a drop waist, bold V-neck and waist ruching.
15. Sweet and Romantic: Embrace romance in this breathable corset dress boasting lace details, a sweetheart neckline and vine-dusted print.
16. Endless Comfort: Built-in shorts make this 100% Quince linen mini easy and comfortable, taking you from morning coffee runs to weekend brunch dates.
17. A Playful Print: Look pretty in polka dots with this More to Come body-skimming halterneck dress featuring an open back and plunging neckline.
18. Wear-Everywhere: Available in inclusive sizing, this Maeve cotton midi dress includes side-seam pockets, charming design details and thick straps.
19. On Trend: Sleep dresses are in, and Hill House Home nails the look with its romantic white mini. Lace details and a subtly tiered skirt deliver a low-key look in the best way.
20. Seeing Stripes: A striped dress is always a good idea — much like this Lulus strapless find. Look forward to sweet eyelet details and a fitted bodice.
21. Fail-Proof: Whether you’re browsing an outdoor market or dining by the sea, this halterneck maxi dress is the one-and-done solution to your warm-weather wardrobe needs.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Entertainment
Five-Star Weekend’s Biggest Changes: Book, TV Differences
Peacock adapted The Five-Star Weekend — but what changes does the TV show have compared to Elin Hilderbrand‘s book?
Hilderbrand’s The Five-Star Weekend follows a grieving food blogger who invites a best friend from each era of her life to Nantucket following her husband’s tragic death. According to the official synopsis, the weekend “spirals into chaos as long-buried secrets, scandalous rumors, and her husband’s hidden infidelity with one of the guests are exposed.”
In addition to Jennifer Garner in the lead role, The Five-Star Weekend stars Gemma Chan, D’Arcy Carden, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Harlow Jane and Timothy Olyphant.
Showrunner Bekah Brunstetter broke down her approach to the TV series.
“There’s so much change that happens in your 40s and 50s — and I don’t just mean menopause and perimenopause, which has become what we’re talking about recently,” Brunstetter told Variety in July 2026. “Big life changes continue to happen. Some women are still trying to have children. Some women are getting out of their first marriage. Some women are getting their children out of the nest. Some women are just falling in love for the first time. Some women are just where they want to be in their careers for the first time.”
Keep scrolling to see how the Peacock version differs from the novel:
The Infidelity Reveal
While the novel has a big reveal involving Gigi at the end, the show moves it up to the pilot instead.
Where Hollis and Gigi End Up
On the page, the former friends have a conversation about the infidelity. The same can’t be said for the show when Hollis asked Gigi to leave so they can move on individually.

Where Caroline Fit In
Caroline had a much larger arc in the show compared to mentions of her life in the book.
Tatum’s Health
The character was awaiting test results in both versions but in the book her biopsy is negative. In the show, Tatum got the same news but was then told there were other suspicious cells.
Dru-Ann’s Job
The biggest shakeup is when Dru-Ann made the decision to quit her job and start her own agency but that was only in the show and not the book.
The Epilogue Trip
In the book, the epilogue took place one year later while there was no time jump in the show.
Electra’s Role in the Reveal
Hilderbrand’s book had Electra exposing the affair while the show changed that up so Hollis heard it from her friend group.
Entertainment
First Look at Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Series Reveals a Modern Reimagining : Coastal House Media
Prime Video has released the first official images from Mike Flanagan’s upcoming Carrie television series, revealing a modern reimagining of Stephen King’s classic horror novel.
The eight episode series stars Summer H. Howell as Carrie White, a sheltered teenager who begins attending public school for the first time following the death of her father. Samantha Sloyan plays Carrie’s intensely religious mother, Margaret White.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Flanagan explained that he had no interest in simply recreating previous versions of the story.
“The only way to approach it was to build something new out of the ingredients of Carrie,”
Flanagan said.
The new adaptation will bring Carrie’s story into the present day, allowing the series to explore how technology and modern teenage culture have changed bullying, isolation and violence in schools. Flanagan believes the themes King originally explored have become even more relevant over the past five decades.
The series will retain several familiar characters and major moments from the novel, including Sue Snell, Chris Hargensen, Tommy Ross, Miss Desjardin and the infamous prom. However, Flanagan confirmed that the story will reach those events through a dramatically different path.
“We’re getting there a completely different way,” Flanagan said of the prom storyline.
The series will also expand the mythology surrounding Carrie’s telekinetic abilities. Beginning with the second episode, each installment will open with the story of another woman from a different place or period in history discovering similar powers. The concept builds upon references to telekinesis and the so called “TK gene” found in King’s original novel.
Matthew Lillard, Carrie [credit: EW and Prime Video]
Alongside Howell and Sloyan, the cast includes Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle, Amber Midthunder as Miss Desjardin, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, Alison Thornton as Chris Hargensen, Joel Oulette as Tommy Ross, Arthur Conti as Billy and Josie Totah as Tina.
Stephen King serves as an executive producer on the series, which is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video in fall 2026.
Entertainment
Snubbed King Arthur Series Finds New Life on Prime
By Jennifer Asencio
| Updated

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin premiered back in January on Daily Wire+, but it’s finally getting the wider exposure it deserves after arriving on Prime Video internationally. Between the fact that the streamer is mostly news and podcasts aimed at a target audience, and the fact that it is full of controversial personalities, critics ignored the show, and as of this writing, it still has no critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many people who dislike both Daily Wire and the show’s creator, Jeremy Boreing, used this as an excuse to claim the show was a failure.
The fact is, The Pendragon Cycle is actually a very good show. I reviewed the entire series, and the series averaged a 4.5 based on strong performances, an incredible script that balanced action, intrigue, drama, and humor, and high production values that included beautiful sets and practical special effects. I’ve also gotten to talk to some of the cast, including Steve Varnom (King Custennin in episodes 5 and 7) and Tom Sharp (who played Merlin himself).

I’ve also made it very clear that I went into the show skeptical of its merits and expecting a bomb. Given that Boreing himself described the show as “probably the most Christian piece of entertainment since Braveheart,” I expected the show to be laden with patriarchal messaging and heavy-handed preaching.
So it was with pleasant surprise that I wound up viewing a show that had realistic, feminine women who were also strong and powerful in their own ways, and that treated religion with only as much bias as the story required. In other words, I expected to see everything that made other critics snub the show but was rewarded with a series that could easily compete with shows like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms or Rings of Power for fantasy dominance, if it were given a chance.
Overlooked, Award-Winning Performances

Now, the show is finally getting its due. First, episode 3 actor Colin Cunningham, who played King Vortigern, won a British Columbia Leo Award, similar to a Golden Globe, for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series. Then The Pendragon Cycle was released on Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Given that much of the original legend, which Stephen R. Lawhead relied on to write the books the series is based on, has a lot of European roots and deals directly with the “Once and Future King” of England, the audiences there have a stake in the story the show portrays. The show premiered fourth in the UK, and top 10 in several European countries, including Spain and Portugal.
Potential Fans Can See For Themselves
This is exciting news for this great show, because it means it has been opened up to a wider audience. To top it off, Steve Varnom made this post on July 11, 2026:
With The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin finally coming to a major streaming service, it will be interesting to see if critics finally bother to review it, and whether they judge it based on its merits or its makers. However, they can no longer tell audiences what to think of it anymore, because viewers will be able to see for themselves how great this show really turned out to be. One claim that was made about the show was that there was no way to measure viewership, but that it wasn’t very high. Now that it has been widely viewed all over Europe, real metrics will begin to surface and reflect the show’s true audience interest.
This is also good news for fans who are clamoring for a second season. If the show gets enough viewers to justify a second season, it is almost certain that Jeremy Boreing will find a way to continue his passion project. The show was always meant to be a huge success for Boreing, but his status as founder of Daily Wire seemed to outweigh the work he and the rest of the crew put into the show. Now that the show is out there for all to see, the possibility of more fans and a more accurate reception could set the stage for his work to continue.

It is good that The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin is finally getting the exposure it deserves. Hopefully it will see the same success in the United States as it did in Merlin’s homeland.
Stay tuned for release details.
Entertainment
‘The Odyssey’ Stars Explain the Intense Timing Constraints of Christopher Nolan’s IMAX Epic
Summary
- Collider’s Steven Weintraub talks with Lupita Nyong’o and Himesh Patel about The Odyssey.
- Nyong’o and Patel discuss filming entirely in IMAX and what it’s like collaborating on set with Nolan.
- They also share how The Odyssey has changed them as actors for future roles.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is the Oscar-winning filmmaker’s bold new adaptation of Homer’s enduring epic that chronicles the perilous 10-year voyage of King Odysseus (Matt Damon) from the Trojan War to his home on the island of Ithaca. Once again, Nolan pushes the limits of his favored format, capturing the star-studded feature in IMAX 70mm, in a blockbuster that critics are calling “a filmmaking feast.”
In addition to Damon, The Odyssey stars Academy Award-winner Anne Hathaway as Queen Penelope and Tom Holland as his son, Telemachus, as well as Jon Bernthal, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, and John Leguizamo. The sweeping production was filmed across the world, entirely in IMAX, capturing the fraught journey with groundbreaking technology for a tale deserving of one of the largest screens in the world.
In this interview with Collider’s Steven Weintraub, Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o, who plays Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in the film, and Emmy Award nominee Himesh Patel, who plays Eurylochus, Odysseus’s second-in-command and brother-in-law, chat with us about the singular filmmaking experience of working with Nolan on his most massive feature to date. They discuss how Nolan recreates Ancient Greece, adapting and performing for IMAX, and how The Odyssey changed them as actors.
How Christopher Nolan Transported Himesh Patel and Lupita Nyong’o Back in Time
“He’s not prescriptive, except for when he has to be.”
COLLIDER: The movie’s incredible. You’re both fantastic in it. I wish everyone could see it the way I saw it, in IMAX 70mm. It is jaw-dropping. It’s just a whole other level. I’m curious if you can reveal how Chris built the time machine that took you back to Ancient Greece to film on location?
HIMESH PATEL: That’s a secret. We can’t really get into that. Well, I’ll tell you how he built the time machine. He surrounded himself with some of the best production designers, costume designers, cinematographer, the amazing people who all brought this together to create that world. That’s what he did.
I have been on a Chris Nolan set, but I haven’t been close enough to hear him direct. For both of you, can you share a moment where he directed you in such a way that made you reinterpret the scene, or gave you really good guidance on how you wanted to play something? How does he like to collaborate in a small moment, if you could share?
LUPITA NYONG’O: I think he’s just economical with what he shares and says to you. He gives you a note, and it’s succinct, and it inspires a new thought, and then you just do it. He’s not prescriptive, except for when he has to be, especially because we were working with IMAX and you have two and a half minutes. So sometimes we were going too long, and you’ve just got to tighten it up. So yeah, he’s very economical with his notes, but they’re exact.
PATEL: Yeah, I agree. The economy is definitely the thing. He doesn’t feel the need to give you a note unless it’s something specific and necessary, and I actually really appreciate that because you can tell sometimes when a director doesn’t really have anything more to say other than, “Let’s just go again and see what happens,” and they feel like they have to. It’s like, “I’m good, but if you say ‘just go again,’ let’s just go again.” And I really like that. All it means is, “Okay, he wants to go again, and let’s try something new.” But then when he does give you a note, it’ll be exactly what you needed to hear.
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Is Pushing IMAX to the Absolute Limit
“It doesn’t matter the size of the role. For me, it’s about the impact.”
This is such an anomaly, making a movie of this scale and size, and making a whole movie in IMAX 70mm. It has to be one of those “I can’t believe I was a part of it” moments. How did it change you as an actor or as a person, being a part of something like this, and make you think about what you want to do in the future? Because again, this is just one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
PATEL: I just felt so grateful to be a part of it every day, getting to create what we were creating and seeing how hard everyone was working. Because what he does on his sets and what he and Emma [Thomas] do, I suppose, they democratize everything. No one gets preferential treatment. We’re all in the thick of it together, and that really highlights for you how hard everyone’s working, because you don’t get to leave and be blind to it. You’re present at all times, seeing everyone’s work, and that really made me feel grateful that I get to do this as a job, and that I get to be around all these wonderful technicians and artists, and all these different people who make it happen.
NYONG’O: It just reinforced for me that it doesn’t matter the size of the role. For me, it’s about the impact. This was another moment where my roles together are small in terms of how much screen time I have, but I felt very additive to the process. They’re small but mighty. So, I’m going to stay true to looking for those impactful roles.
I loved the IMAX of it all, but I’m fascinated by the way they built this blimp to keep the sound quiet, and this mirror system. I’m not sure how much you guys worked with the mirrors. What can you say about working with this new camera in the blimp?
PATEL: I didn’t use the mirrors. Did you use the mirrors?
NYONG’O: I think I did. I don’t remember. Honestly, there’s so much going on, and the IMAX, you are beholden to this thing. My approach was, “Let them handle the technical and let me just focus on my performance as best I can.”
PATEL: I was just always amazed by the camera team, like how quickly they worked when they were reloading the camera.
NYONG’O: It was a dance.
PATEL: If something went wrong, really, their technical prowess is unmatched.
The Odyssey opens in theaters and IMAX on July 17.
- Release Date
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July 17, 2026
- Runtime
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172 Minutes
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