There’s a reason some shows become background noise, and others become ritual. NCIS, now in its 23rd season, has managed to be both. It’s a comfort watch, a character drama, a crime procedural, and, somehow, still a ratings and streaming force in an era where even younger, louder franchises burn out fast. On Paramount+, where legacy library viewing drives real value, few titles have proved as durable.

That durability — and consistent ratings, according to FlixPatrol — is the result of a series built to evolve without losing its center. Cast members leave as others step in; people like Gibbs exit as Alden Parker arrives. NCIS has managed, over the years, to get the rhythms right and keep its audience.

‘NCIS’ Built a Formula That Still Works

Image via CBS

If by now, viewers don’t know about NCIS, a team of agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigates crimes tied to the Navy and Marine Corps, such as murders, espionage, terrorism, cybercrime, and internal corruption. Some cases are ripped from the pages of military bureaucracy; others edge toward political thriller territory. Despite similar shows doing the same, what keeps NCIS alive after more than two decades isn’t the cases alone.

Mark Harmon’s Gibbs gave the show its steel as Michael Weatherly’s DiNozzo brought swagger and comic timing. Pauley Perrette’s Abby made forensic science feel punk while David McCallum gave the series soul. Then there were later additions that didn’t imitate what came before, but added a different flair to the series. For instance, Gary Cole wisely didn’t play Parker as Gibbs 2.0. Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover — the current team works because the show lets new rhythms form.

NCIS has always understood something many procedurals miss, which is that formula only works when it has texture. That’s why the show makes room for grief, running jokes, office rituals, old wounds, even absurd little signatures like Gibbs’ head slaps and those famous black-and-white “phoof” transitions. Tends to stick.

Where To Start With ‘NCIS’ if You’ve Never Watched

Image via Cliff Lipson / © CBS / courtesy everett collection

Twenty-three seasons can look intimidating, but one would beg to differ. Start at the beginning if you want the full Gibbs era; early NCIS has a crackling energy, and seasons two through nine are widely considered a golden run for good reason. Episodes like “Kill Ari,” “Shiva,” and “Twilight” still hit just right.

Alternatively, you can start with season 19 and the Parker era because it functions, in many ways, as a soft reset, and you’ll catch up easily. A secret third option is to do what many viewers do (i.e., drop into standout episodes and let the show pull you along).

There’s also a misconception that NCIS is only for procedural devotees or older broadcast loyalists, which also undersells what the show does well. At its best, this is an ensemble drama disguised as a case-of-the-week machine. The investigations pull you in, and the relationships keep you around. Frankly, there’s pleasure in watching a show so comfortable in its own skin.

The “Lone Wolf & Cub” template, where a complex older man seeks redemption by dedicating his life to protecting a child, has inspired perhaps the most resilient of sub-genres. The template has been used in films as diverse as Logan, the Oscar-nominated superhero blockbuster starring Hugh Jackman, to Children of Men, the dystopian sci-fi classic directed by Alfonso Cuarón. More recently, it was explored in the HBO video game adaptation The Last of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. However, there’s another movie in this group that is currently enjoying massive streaming success.

The movie was released in 2025 to mostly positive reviews but negligible box-office success. It was directed by Bryan Fuller, best known for the television shows Pushing Daisies and Hannibal. He reunited with his Hannibal star, Mads Mikkelsen, on the film, a fantasy in which a young girl approaches a hit-man to kill the “monster” under her bed. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, before debuting theatrically in December.

Here’s Your New Favorite Fantasy Movie

We’re talking about Dust Bunny, which features Sophie Sloan as Mikkelsen’s young co-star, along with Sigourney Weaver and David Dastmalchian. Dust Bunny holds a “Certified Fresh” 86% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “Elevated by Mads Mikkelsen and Sophie Sloan’s magnetic chemistry, Dust Bunny is a dazzlingly imaginative and stylish feature debut from director Bryan Fuller.”

In his review, Collider’s Ross Bonaime compared the movie to the dark fantasies of Tim Burton and the surreal dramas of Jean-Pierre Jeunet. He described Dust Bunny as “a film that’s both an assassin story and a movie that feels tame enough for kids, which is a perfect fit for Fuller’s aesthetic.” The positive reception appears to be working in the film’s favor. According to FlixPatrol, Dust Bunny was the number one movie on HBO Max domestically this weekend, beating out The Mummy, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, and The Devil Wears Prada.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

December 11, 2025

Runtime

106 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Bryan Fuller

Advertisement

Producers

Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Jillian Share

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Blake Lively commended Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance, describing it as a powerful return to the stage despite facing criticism. The actress’s post comes weeks after she spoke about experiencing “digital violence” in connection to her legal battle with Justin Baldoni.

The ongoing case between Lively and Baldoni continues to draw public attention, with both parties presenting competing claims as the trial date approaches.

Blake Lively Discusses The Price Of Fame

Blake Lively is lauding Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance, the singer’s first major live appearance since canceling his tour in 2022. The actress reposted an analysis by user Django Degree, who called the “Baby” singer a “living embodiment of the ‘Truman Show’,” referring to the 1998 film in which Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, lived his life not knowing he was the subject of a reality show.

Degree juxtaposed Bieber’s life with Burbank’s, explaining that the singer got more than he bargained for after his rise to superstardom. “What followed was basically us watching them grow up and watch a bunch of adults treat that child like they live in a petting zoo,” he said.

Lively agreed with Degree’s sentiment and expanded on the point. “So many people have been hurt and never come back to themselves. We watch it happen every time,” the actress wrote.

The Actress On Being Under Public Scrutiny

Lively continued to write that people are quick to judge and often only reflect on a situation after it has already happened, saying, “And the collective looks back when it’s too late with empathy that was missing at the time. Shocked everyone treated someone’s most painful days as entertainment.”

The actress wrote that it still happens today, adding, “It makes money. It gets clicks. Followers. Virality.” Because of this, the actress noted that an entertainer’s health may be affected even when people do not intentionally cause harm.

Lively then tagged Bieber, writing, “Seeing @lilbieber meet that with healing was stunning.” Fans looked forward to Bieber’s comeback, but many were left confused or disappointed after the first Coachella weekend. Per The Blast, the singer’s set was described as “lazy,” especially since Bieber was reportedly paid $10 million for the gig.

Blake Lively’s Fight Against ‘Digital Violence’

Lively’s comments about public scrutiny come two weeks after she posted about “digital violence.” After most of her claims against Justin Baldoni were dismissed, the actress urged her followers not to be distracted by “the digital soap opera.” “The constant packaging of this lawsuit as a ‘Celebrity Drama’ is not only irresponsible, but it is by design: to keep you from seeing yourselves in my story. The physical pain from digital violence is very real,” the actress wrote.

Some online creators pushed back against Lively, especially those who received subpoenas for their personal data after extensively reporting on the actress’s case against Baldoni. Per The Blast, one creator said that the actress’s statement about digital violence was “disingenuous,” and another opined that she was “gaslighting everybody.”

The Actress Is Seeking Millions In Reputational Damages

As reported by TMZ, Lively is seeking more than $40 million in reputational damages in her case against Baldoni. She is also reportedly asking for hundreds of millions in compensatory and punitive damages. In documents obtained by the outlet, the actress noted that there were about 176 million online impressions about her, with descriptions such as “bully,” “mean girl,” and “tone deaf.”

Lively is alleging that Baldoni’s team orchestrated a smear campaign against her, resulting in the loss of future earnings and income from her hair care and beverage companies. Baldoni’s team has vehemently denied the allegations, saying that the backlash against Lively was organic. “That Lively’s reputation may have suffered is a result of her own ill-advised public statements and actions… This is a dispute about Hollywood reputations, not genuine legal wrongs. It does not belong in court,” a document filed by the Baldoni camp in 2025 read.

What Remains Of Blake Lively’s Lawsuit?

In early April, the judge presiding over the case dismissed 10 out of Lively’s 13 claims, including allegations of sexual harassment and defamation. The surviving claims are breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.

As the trial date draws near, there are no signs of either side settling, with both parties continuing to stand firm in their positions and prepare for the court proceedings. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18 in New York.

A shocking criminal case involving rising music star D4vd has drawn widespread attention after authorities formally filed charges tied to the death of a teenage girl.

The allegations stem from a months-long investigation that began with a disturbing discovery in Los Angeles and has since unfolded into a complex legal battle.

D4vd Charged With Multiple Serious Offenses

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is now facing a series of serious charges in California following his arrest on April 16.

Prosecutors have accused the 21-year-old of first-degree murder with special circumstances, along with additional allegations including continuous lewd acts with a minor under 14 and mutilation of human remains.

According to a Daily Mail report, officials from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office outlined the nature of the charges, explaining that the special circumstances tied to the murder count include “lying in wait, committing this crime for financial gain or murdering a witness in an investigation.”

These enhancements significantly increase the potential penalties if a conviction is secured.

At present, D4vd is being held without bail in a Los Angeles jail. Authorities have indicated that a decision regarding whether to pursue the death penalty will be made later in the legal process.

Investigation Began With Disturbing Discovery

The case first came to light in September last year after employees at a Hollywood tow yard noticed a strong odor coming from a Tesla that had been impounded.

The vehicle had reportedly been left on a public street for more than 72 hours before being towed.

When authorities inspected the car, they discovered human remains inside the front trunk.

Investigators later identified the victim as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

According to officials, the remains were found in a cadaver bag and had undergone severe decomposition.

The county medical examiner described them as “severely decomposed,” noting that the victim likely died well before the discovery was made.

D4vd Linked To Vehicle And Ongoing Probe

Law enforcement sources say the Tesla was registered to an address associated with D4vd in Texas.

This connection became a key part of the investigation, eventually leading to him being named a suspect in February.

Authorities later secured a search warrant for a residence in the Hollywood Hills where Burke had reportedly been staying.

During that search, a computer was seized, though officials have not disclosed what, if anything, was found on the device.

A grand jury investigation began in mid-November, with prosecutors presenting evidence and calling multiple individuals to testify.

Among those reportedly involved were D4vd’s associates, including his managers and a friend identified as Neo Langston.

Timeline Of Victim’s Disappearance Raises Questions

Family members of Rivas Hernandez said she was last seen in spring 2024 after leaving her home in Lake Elsinore at the age of 13.

They noted that she had run away before, which initially complicated efforts to determine her whereabouts.

Her mother reportedly filed missing person reports on three separate occasions throughout 2024.

During that time, the family became aware that their daughter may have been involved in a relationship with someone named “David,” whom they had never met.

Reports also suggested that the two shared matching tattoos reading “Sshhh” on their right index fingers.

Friends of D4vd later told TMZ that the pair had been “frequently” seen together, though authorities have not publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship.

D4vd’s Career And Lyrics Draw Renewed Scrutiny

The case has also brought renewed attention to D4vd’s music career, particularly the themes present in some of his songs.

His 2022 track “Romantic Homicide” has been widely discussed in light of the allegations.

In the song, the artist sings, “In the back of my mind, I killed you… And I didn’t even regret it… I can’t believe I said it… But it’s true… I hate you,” lyrics that have since been revisited by fans and critics alike.

D4vd rose to prominence in 2022 after gaining traction on TikTok, eventually collaborating with major artists including SZA and Kali Uchis.

At the time the remains were discovered, he was reportedly on tour, though those plans were later canceled.

As the legal process unfolds, many details remain unclear. Authorities have not released full information about the evidence collected, and the case is expected to move through the courts in the coming months.

Haylie Duff and fiancé Matthew Rosenberg have split after 14 years of dating.

Duff’s spokesperson confirmed to TMZ on Monday, April 20, that the Napoleon Dynamite actress, 41, and Rosenberg ended their relationship earlier this year. Duff has asked for privacy amid the breakup to protect her daughters. (Duff and Rosenberg share daughters Ryan, 10, and Lulu, 7.)

Us Weekly has reached out to Duff for comment.

Duff and Rosenberg started dating in 2012 and they got engaged two years later.

“This week has seriously just become the best week of my life!” she wrote via her Real Girl’s Kitchen blog. “As if announcing The Real Girl’s Kitchen tv show wasn’t enough, Matt just took me by total surprise and proposed … on April Fool’s Day of all days! The moment was genuine and sweet (like him!) and I couldn’t wait to say yes!”

Duff continued, “We are so excited and happy to share our wonderful news with everyone! We both feel so blessed to have the love and support of our family and friends and can’t wait to start this new adventure!”

Nearly a decade after getting engaged, Duff exclusively opened up to Us about why she and Rosenberg weren’t in a rush to tie the knot.

“We’re busy with both of the kids and jobs, and we always say, ‘We will at some point,’ and then life continues to be busy, and we still really like each other, which is good, I guess,” she told Us in April 2020. “At some point we will, but certainly now is not the time to have a wedding.”

News of Haylie and Rosenberg’s split comes a few months after her sister, Hilary Duff, confirmed that they had a falling out. (Hilary confirmed that her estrangement from Haylie inspired her song “We Don’t Talk.”)

“Absolutely the most lonely part of my existence is not having my sister in my life at the moment,” Hilary told CBS Mornings in February 2026. “It’s my truth, and so many people are [also] having this experience. It’s hard because I am me, and people know everything about my life since I was a child. I didn’t necessarily choose that part, but it’s my reality. It was honestly, like, healing to say.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Hilary Duff’s 1st New Song in 10 Years Includes Leonardo DiCaprio Shout-Out

The long national nightmare of no new Hilary Duff music has finally ended with the arrival of “Mature,” her first new single in 10 years. Duff, 38, released the new track and its accompanying music video on Thursday, November 6, after announcing its impending arrival earlier this week. While the song’s lyrics initially read like […]

The following month, Hilary shared that she received a lot of support after speaking out publicly about her and Haylie’s strained dynamic.

“My sister and I don’t speak. And I think in my adulthood I’ve come across more and more people that are having this experience,” Hilary said during a March episode of the “On Purpose With Jay Shetty” podcast. “And as painful as it feels to share, when I decided to make this record, I could only talk about the things that I’ve gone through.”

Haylie has not publicly addressed her estrangement from Hilary.

Taylor Frankie Paul politely responded to a fan’s advice to step away from social media amid her ongoing personal struggles, revealing she’s staying true to herself and her brand.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 31, shared a comment on Monday, April 20, from a fan that advised her to “do your healing off of social media.” Paul took to her Instagram Story to give her response.

“That sounds like the reasonable answer, however, I will be doing the opposite,” she replied. “I’ll continue sharing on social media showing how ugly healing can truly be. Making and editing videos is my way of processing just like people who like to write into a journal.”

Paul continued, “This is my way and I choose to share it. Saying this with love, most people would need to get off and [that is] so understandable. I’m not most.”

The reality star added that she shared the interaction to serve as a “friendly reminder” to fans of how she deals with her personal highs and lows.

Paul has had her fair share of ups and downs in the past few months. Earlier this year, news broke that Mormon Wives halted production on season 5 due to an alleged domestic violence incident between Paul and her ex Dakota Mortensen in February. Following news of the domestic violence investigation Paul’s season of The Bachelorette — which was slated to premiere in March — was also pulled by ABC.

Earlier this month, Us Weekly confirmed that Paul would not be charged in the February incident involving her and Mortensen, 33.

“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” District Attorney Sim Gill’s office said in a statement obtained by Us at the time.

Following the DA’s decision, Paul took to social media to react to the good news.

“Cried when I got the call. THANK YOU to those that have stood with me,” she wrote via her Instagram Story.

While Paul is no longer facing domestic violence charges, she is still embattled in a custody dispute with Mortensen. Both Paul and Mortensen have filed temporary restraining orders against each other, with Mortensen gaining custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever.

Advertisement

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul Responds to Advice to ‘Get Off’ Her Phone Amid Drama

Taylor Frankie Paul has a message for any fans that think she should take a social media break in light of her Bachelorette scandal. “‘Taylor Frankie Paul Get Off Your Phone Challenge,’” a TikTok user said in a Saturday, March 21, video. “Why are you commenting back to people and reposting TikToks? Her world literally […]

Paul has been granted supervised visits for at least six hours per week until their protective hearing later this month. The judge will reevaluate Paul’s parenting time restrictions at the hearing. (Taylor is also the mom of daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul.)

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Earlier on Monday, Taylor shared that she was diagnosed with PTSD “two years ago,” once again being open and honest with her followers.

“How many of us are masters of smiling through it? I cry a lot and [there is a] high chance someone next to you does this and you have no idea. I just want to heal so I can try and help people in this,” Taylor wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of herself smiling at the TIME100 Creators event in 2025.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Madonna is dealing with an unexpected twist after her headline-making Coachella moment… Her outfit has gone missing. The pop icon made a surprise appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where she performed “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer” alongside the rising star. But just days later, Madonna is revealing that the vintage look she wore on stage has now disappeared.

Madonna Says Missing Coachella Outfit Was’ Part Of My History’

Taking to Instagram Stories, Madonna shared her excitement over the performance before dropping the shocking update. “This full circle moment hit different until I discovered that the vintage pieces that I wore went missing, my costume that was pulled from my personal archives, jacket, corset, dress, and all other garments,” she wrote. “These aren’t just clothes, they are part of my history. Other archival items from the same era went missing as well.”

Madonna is now asking for help and offering an incentive. “I’m hoping and praying that some kind soul will find these items and reach out to my team,” she shared. “I’m offering a reward for their safe return. Thank you with all My Heart.”

Advertisement

Sabrina Carpenter Gushes Over ‘Dream’ Performance

The missing outfit comes after what Madonna described as a deeply meaningful return to Coachella. “So, 20 years ago today, I performed at Coachella. I was in the dance tent, and it was the first time I performed ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’ part one in America,” she told the crowd. “It was such a thrill, and it’s a thrill to be back. It’s a full circle moment, you know? Very meaningful for me.”

For Carpenter, the moment was just as unforgettable. After the performance, she took to Instagram to reflect on sharing the stage with Madonna. “Madonna… I’ve got something I wanna talk about,” she wrote, calling the collaboration a “privilege” and a “dream.”

The duo performed a mix of Madonna’s iconic hits, including “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer,” along with a new track believed to be from her upcoming album “Confessions II.”

Madonna ‘Still Flying High’ After Coachella

Despite the missing pieces, Madonna is still riding high from the performance. “Still flying high since Friday night at Coachella!” she wrote. “Thank you to Sabrina and everyone who made it possible…,” she wrote. “A moment in history, I will never forget. I FEEL SO FREE.”

The singer is now gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated new album, “Confessions II,” later this year. “My Valentine’s Day gift to all my fans is to let you know I’m putting my heart and soul into my new music and I can’t wait to share it with you!” she teased back in February, hyping her fans up for her next era.

Advertisement

Turning Fashion Into Performance

Madonna has built a legacy not just on music, but on constantly evolving her image, making each era instantly recognizable through fashion alone. Rather than sticking to one signature look, the icon has treated style as an extension of her artistry.

With every album cycle, she’s introduced a completely new aesthetic, from the cowboy-inspired visuals of “Music” to the high-energy, disco-infused wardrobe that defined “Confessions on a Dance Floor.” That commitment to transformation has carried across every space she steps into, whether it’s a music video, a live performance, or a red carpet appearance.

One standout moment came at the premiere of “Evita,” where she leaned fully into character, channeling Eva Perón in a dramatic Givenchy ensemble topped with an oversized floral headpiece, a look that blurred the line between fashion and storytelling.

Madonna’s Style Legacy Lives On

In recent years, her decades of boundary-pushing fashion have inspired a wave of tributes across pop culture and the runway. At the MTV Video Music Awards in 2024, Sabrina Carpenter paid homage to the icon by wearing a vintage silver beaded Bob Mackie dress originally created for Madonna’s 1991 Oscars performance.

The fashion world has followed suit. During their spring 2025 show, Dolce & Gabbana sent models down the runway in unmistakably Madonna-inspired looks, complete with bullet bras and platinum blonde wigs.

Advertisement

For Madonna, clothing has never just been about appearance, but it’s always been part of the show.

Joseph Duggar’s alleged victim refuses to live in fear and is keeping a brave face amid the attention surrounding the case.

“It took a lot for her to come forward, but she is not scared,” a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “She is strong. She doesn’t want to hide.”

Last month, Us confirmed that Duggar, 31, was arrested in Arkansas amid accusations of sexual abuse from a girl, now 14, who was 9 years old at the time of the alleged incident.

Duggar was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, according to a press release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

Related: Jessa, Jana and More Duggar Family Members React to Joseph’s Arrest

Multiple members of the Duggar family have reacted to Joseph Duggar’s arrest on child molestation charges. Joseph, who rose to fame alongside his family on the reality series 19 Kids and Counting, was taken into custody after being accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl while on a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, in […]

The former 19 Kids and Counting star has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his lawyers deny the allegations.

While the identity of the alleged victim has yet to be revealed, a source told Us that the accuser is close to the family of Joseph’s wife, Kendra Duggar.

“[Kendra’s parents] Christina and Paul Caldwell are not hiding the fact that Joseph’s victim is [close to the Caldwell family],” the insider shared. “Christina has told other members of their church, but she is not sure she wants to talk about it so publicly. That is what she is struggling with, but she is not hiding it.”

As for why the alleged victim waited to come forward and report the crime, the source said that she may have taken time to process what transpired.

“When [the alleged sexual assault] happened, Joseph was on vacation with Kendra and her family,” the insider claimed. “No other Duggar [family members] were there. … As years passed, [the alleged victim] understood more and got the courage to tell her family. Just like the police report says, when she told her family, they acted on it.”

Us has reached out to the Caldwells and attorneys for Kendra and Joseph Duggar for comment.

Al Sauline, who is serving as one of Joseph’s lawyers, told Us in a statement, “Mr. Duggar maintains the same presumption of innocence as any individual as guaranteed under our United States Constitution. It remains our number one goal to ensure Mr. Duggar is treated fairly, notwithstanding his celebrity status.”

As the investigation continues, both Kendra, 27, and Joseph’s parents have spoken out about the case that has made nationwide headlines.

Less than two weeks after Joseph was initially arrested, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar broke their silence regarding their son’s legal woes.

“Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation,” a spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us in a statement. “Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

On April 15, Kendra’s family spoke out for the first time on social media and said they were “ troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law.”

“We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will,” the statement read via Instagram. “Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. 

While promoting season 2 of “Beef,” Oscar Isaac answered questions about “The Hunt For Ben Solo.” The scrapped “Star Wars” movie was a passion project spearheaded by his “Star Wars” co-star, Adam Driver, and director Steven Soderbergh. Unfortunately, Driver’s character appeared to pass away at the end of 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” and even though the pitch was approved by Lucasfilm, Disney execs shut down the project after they didn’t understand how Ben Solo could come back to life.

Why Was ‘The Hunt For Ben Solo’ Scrapped?

In October 2025, Adam Driver told the Associated Press that he “always was interested” in doing another “Star Wars” film. After discussing his idea with Kathleen Kennedy, he and Soderbergh got to work on a script that was written by Scott Z. Burns.

The script was seemingly well-received by Kennedy, Lucasfilm vice president Cary Beck, and Lucasfilm chief creative officer Dave Filoni. The “Marriage Story” actor called it “one of the coolest (expletive) scripts I had ever been a part of.”

“We presented the script to Lucasfilm. They loved the idea. They totally understood our angle and why we were doing it,” Driver said. “We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that.”

Advertisement

Oscar Isaac Reveals What He Knew Of ‘The Hunt For Ben Solo’

While promoting season 2 of “Beef,” Isaac appeared as a guest on Josh Horowitz’s “Happy, Sad, Confused” podcast. While most of the interview addressed his role in the hit Netflix series, he was also asked a few questions about his “Star Wars” character: Resistance pilot and leader Poe Dameron.

While Isaac hinted that he was “maybe” open to reprising his role in a future movie, he revealed that he did not know anything about “The Hunt For Ben Solo” when the ill-fated script was brought up in conversation.

“No, I didn’t read it,” Isaac said. “I had nothing to do with it.”

Oscar Isaac Addresses The ‘Somehow, Palpatine Returned’ Line

Many fans thought it was odd that Bob Iger would turn down “The Hunt For Ben Solo” when numerous characters have been brought back from the dead before. Darth Maul, who was cut in half during “The Phantom Menace,” reappeared in several animated shows before getting his own animated series, “Maul – Shadow Lord,” which has received rave reviews.

Advertisement

Even in 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” Emperor Palpatine was brought back from the dead in order to serve as the film’s primary antagonist. Isaac delivered the line “Somehow, Palpatine returned” himself, which has been widely mocked across social media in the years following the film’s release.

When asked about that line, Isaac revealed that it was a late addition to the movie that was only added during reshoots. “Those were reshoots. We had to do reshoots. Those are those surgical strikes where you come in, and they are scrambling, trying to get everything going,” he said. “And I think that was a new addition at the end.” He also admitted he had no idea the line would become meme-worthy.

Isaac Reflects On The ‘Excitement’ Of Filming ‘Star Wars’

The sequel trilogy kicked off with 2015’s “The Force Awakens,” which hit theaters over ten years ago. Isaac said that his “favorite experience of doing the first one was wild” and recalled “so much excitement” on set because “everything was new.”

He talked about “becoming close with” director J.J. Abrams and meeting his costars, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. He also mentioned that he enjoyed “reuniting” with Adam Driver, as they had previously appeared in “Inside Llewyn Davis” together. “That was such an exciting moment,” Isaac recalled.

Oscar Isaac Had Nothing But Positive Things To Say About Rian Johnson

Advertisement

“The Force Awakens” was followed by 2017’s “The Last Jedi,” which proved to be the most divisive film in the sequel trilogy. While some fans loved the movie’s bold new direction, others felt that the story strayed too far from what Abrams had set up in “The Force Awakens.”

In response to the backlash, Isaac admitted that he grew up “with fans and geeks,” so he knew “how much ownership people feel over them.” But he admitted that he “loved” the experience of filming “The Last Jedi” with director Rian Johnson and getting the opportunity to meet him.

“He’s so laid back, so funny, and trying to make it his own. I loved Benicio being in it, too, stuttering,” Isaac said. “I really loved it, it was such an amazing experience.”

It remains to be seen if Isaac will ever reprise his role as Poe Dameron, but fans have speculated that he might make an appearance in Ryan Gosling‘s “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which hits theaters in May 2027. The first “Star Wars” movie to hit theaters since “The Rise of Skywalker” will be “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” which is scheduled for release on May 22, 2026.

Advertisement