Emma Roberts has paid tribute to her “Scream 4” co-star and close friend Hayden Panettiere following the actress’ sudden death at 36. Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, August 16, and pronounced dead at the scene. Her official cause of death has not been disclosed, though authorities said the preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

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As Hollywood continues mourning the “Heroes” and “Nashville” star, Roberts shared an intimate throwback photograph from their friendship alongside an emotional message. “Rest in peace, my sweet friend. You are so loved, and you will be forever missed [red heart emoji],” Roberts wrote.

Roberts selected a candid photograph capturing an affectionate moment between the two actresses. In the image, Panettiere sits in a wicker chair while wearing a bright pink dress with a square neckline and statement sleeves. Her hair is pulled back as she beams directly at the camera.

Roberts leans over from beside her and plants a kiss near Panettiere’s temple. The “American Horror Story” actress wears her hair in a sleek ponytail and appears dressed in a dark blue and black outfit.

The Actresses Starred Together In ‘Scream 4’

Roberts and Panettiere joined the “Scream” franchise together in its fourth installment, released in 2011. The film introduced a new group of Woodsboro characters alongside returning franchise stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette.

Panettiere played horror movie expert Kirby Reed, while Roberts portrayed Jill Roberts, the cousin of Campbell’s Sidney Prescott. Both characters became central to the latest Ghostface killing spree, placing the young actresses at the center of the movie’s biggest twists and confrontations.

The project arrived during an important period in both of their careers. Panettiere had already found widespread fame through her role as Claire Bennet on “Heroes.” Roberts, meanwhile, was transitioning from younger projects into more mature film and television roles.

Kirby Reed Became A ‘Scream’ Fan Favorite

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Although Emma Roberts did not return to the franchise following “Scream 4,” Hayden Panettiere eventually reprised her role as Kirby Reed. Kirby stood out as a horror-obsessed Woodsboro teenager who could match the franchise’s resident movie experts with her knowledge of genre rules and slasher history.

In “Scream 4,” Kirby was attacked and left bleeding after being betrayed by Charlie Walker, one of the people behind the latest Ghostface murders. The film never explicitly showed her dying, leaving her fate unresolved and prompting years of speculation about whether she had survived.

The franchise quietly answered that question in 2022’s “Scream.” During one scene, a video thumbnail visible on a computer referenced an interview with “Woodsboro survivor Kirby Reed,” confirming that the character had lived through the attack.

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Panettiere then made her official onscreen return in 2023’s “Scream VI,” more than a decade after her original appearance. By that point, Kirby had transformed from a teenage horror fan into an FBI agent investigating Ghostface-related attacks. She traveled to New York City after another series of murders placed the surviving Woodsboro characters in danger.

Hayden Panettiere Remembered Bonding With Her Co-Stars

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Panettiere later reflected on the friendships she developed during production in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” The actress wrote that she “quickly bonded with most of the young people on set,” a group that included Roberts.

Panettiere remembered filming “Scream 4” as an especially joyful period in her career. “I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much or so hard as I did in those few months,” she wrote.

Hayden Panettiere’s Death Remains Under Investigation

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Panettiere was found unresponsive in Greenville on August 16 after an acquaintance contacted emergency services. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities said their preliminary investigation had not uncovered signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An autopsy also reportedly found no trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s passing.

Her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined.

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It’s been nine years since Ridley Scott’s last sci-fi movie, Alien: Covenant, and Collider is thrilled to celebrate the filmmaker’s return to the genre with The Dog Stars, starring Josh Brolin and Jacob Elordi. We’re proud to announce that we’re partnering with 20th Century Studios and IMAX to offer our readers in Los Angeles the opportunity to see an advanced screening of the film on the biggest screen before it’s officially released in theaters. After the movie, we invite you to stick around for an exclusive prerecorded Q&A conversation with Scott about the film.

If you’re in the L.A. area, or have the means to get there, don’t miss out on this early IMAX screening of The Dog Stars. Join us on Tuesday, August 25th. The screening will take place near LAX and will begin at 7:00 p.m. The prerecorded Q&A, moderated by our own Steve Weintraub, will take place after the movie. Read on for more information on how you can enter for your chance to win free tickets to this advanced screening.

How to Get ‘The Dog Stars’ IMAX Screening and Q&A Tickets

We guarantee this screening will fill up quickly, so don’t wait to claim your tickets! Join us for this advanced opportunity to see Scott’s new sci-fi movie on the biggest screen ahead of the crowds. For your chance to win free tickets to see The Dog Stars in IMAX early, plus our exclusive Q&A conversation with Scott, hit this link to provide us with your email address. This special fan screening and Q&A will go fast, so grab your seats before they’re gone. Be sure to let us know if you’d like to bring a guest with you, and RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot. All confirmed guests will receive an email confirmation. Please note that seating will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

What Is ‘The Dog Stars’ About?

The world as we know it has ended. Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars is a riveting, epic thriller set in a world where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice. Based on Peter Heller’s bestselling book, Elordi plays a young pilot named Hig who’s built a homestead alongside a military survivalist, Bangley (Brolin). Here, they secure themselves against a brutal existence, isolated from kill-or-be-killed survivors. When Hig receives a mysterious radio transmission, he sets out into the unknown in search of the hope of a future he believes still exists. In addition to Brolin and Elordi, The Dog Stars’ acclaimed cast also features Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney.

Keep an eye out for an email from us. Only confirmed RSVP’s will gain admittance to the screening.

The Dog Stars debuts in theaters and IMAX on August 28. Check with Collider for more special event screenings.

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Release Date

August 28, 2026

Runtime

100 Minutes

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New York Yankees fans were shocked when ace pitcher CC Sabathia checked into rehab for alcohol addiction right before the 2015 MLB Postseason began.

Sabathia, 46, opened up to Us exclusively about his journey while in Iowa for Netflix’s exclusive broadcast of the 2026 Field of Dreams game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins. He said that while he was putting together a career that eventually landed him in the Hall of Fame, Sabathia wasn’t addressing issues affecting him off the field.

“My dad passed away in December of 2003. My uncle passed away in April of 2004, and then my cousin passed away in June of 2004. I never dealt with those deaths and those three are the closest people to me in my life,” he said.

Sabathia continued, “When my parents split up, my uncle was the one that stepped in and took me everywhere. He was my coach. He took me to every football practice. His son was the one that passed away. So three huge deaths in my life that I never dealt with, never thought about, and had no problem out on the field. It was everything else after that, trying to deal with that. I guess it all kind of worked out, but it made for some tough years in between with the drinking and stuff.”

Related: Oscar De La Hoya on Coping With Alcohol Use, Depression: ‘It’s All Balance’

Launched in 2013, the harris project is a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of co-occurring disorders (COD) — the combination of mental health challenges and substance use issues. Us Weekly has partnered with the harris project to bring you The Missing Issue, a special edition focusing on the stories of celebrities who struggled […]

The result was years of alcohol slowly taking over his off-field life until a road trip to Baltimore at the end of the 2015 season. After a drinking binge in his hotel room that rolled into the next day, he came to the stunning realization that he was about to throw a bullpen session while drunk.

As Sabathia put it, the deaths he had refused to deal with in the early 2000s “fueled” him on the field, masking their effects. He became a known workhorse through his years with the Cleveland Indians and turned into a highly sought-after free agent that eventually landed with the Yankees on the biggest free agent contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history at the time.

But the money almost wasn’t enough to put Sabathia in pinstripes. The Yankees are the most popular baseball team in the world and he still hadn’t reckoned with losing his baseball mentor, his dad.

“That was the reason why it took me so long to end up signing there because my dad had passed away, and if I showed up in New York and failed? He wasn’t gonna be able to be there to tell me that it was okay,” Sabathia said. “So I think I was a little nervous about taking on that challenge.”

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Related: Breaking Down the Biggest MLB Scandals and Controversies Over the Years

The MLB has experienced its fair share of public scandals over the years, some of which involved more than one player — and in some cases, an entire team. After years of speculation, The Athletic published an exposé in November 2019, revealing that the Houston Astros had been stealing signs from opposing teams. This quickly […]

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Sabathia quickly learned that it would, in fact, work out. The Yankees won the World Series in 2009, his first season with the club, and he was named MVP of the American League Championship Series after a pair of dominant starts against the Los Angeles Angels.

He went on to pitch 11 seasons in New York and in September, the franchise will retire his No. 52. When it happens, Sabathia will be thinking of his dad.

“He’s the first person that always comes to my mind when I get these accomplishments because he made me believe that it was going to be true,” he said. “So, when I think about myself going into Monument Park or my number going up there, I think his face should be up there.”

Days of Our Lives new spoilers for the next two weeks starting August 17th stun with Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews) completely enraged by somebody in the family who lied right to his face. Plus, Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) gets a very tempting offer, but it might be from someone he despises.

Also, the two weeks of August 17th through the 28th, there’s Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowels) in labor with things going wrong as she starts to bleed out. Plus, Lexie has her last moments and Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) plays a dangerous game as her bestie returns. Let’s start on Monday, August 17th’s episode of Days.

We’re going to pick up from Friday with Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and Theo horrified to see Lexie in the room below the DiMera Mansion. And Abe and Theo are going to get Lexie moved ASAP over to Salem University Hospital. While they are there, they are going to get devastating news from Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans) about Lexie’s prognosis. Her time is definitely almost up.

This week, we’ve got Abe and Theo creeping quietly into Lexie’s hospital room, and Theo saying, “Hey, mom.” And Lexie looks really bad. Meanwhile, also picking back up from Friday’s cliffhanger, Chanel goes into labor at the apartment. Lonnie, Paulina Price (Jackee Harry), and Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) hurry to get Chanel over to the hospital as well.

And they get Ari and baby Aaron to watch little Trey. Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) is urging Gwen to cooperate with Jada up at the SPD cop shop. They need Gwen to testify against EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and may try threats, but Gwen’s more the kind of girl that responds to a carrot, not a stick.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Theo Rages

Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) finds out Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) sacrificed his freedom to save Gwen from Dimitri’s clutches and he’s impressed. Then on Tuesday, August 18th, Theo is laying into his cousin Johnny DiMera who knew Lexie was down in the tunnel room but didn’t tell Theo. So they’re up at the hospital and he’s ranting at Johnny asking, “What other heinous things have you been covering up?” Well, a lot actually. Arsenic, corosil, kidnapping, attempted murder.

JJ goes looking for his sister Gwen this week. And I’m wondering if JJ is going to ask Gwen to help take down EJ. Also this week, we have JJ talking to Theo up at the hospital. And I’m guessing JJ is there to offer comfort to his former bestie. Holly and Tate are playing Cupid for Aaron and Ari. We know Aaron already kissed Ariana. And things may spark soon with a little help from Tate and Holly, especially while Aaron and Ari are on babysitting duty with baby Trey. And of course, Aaron seems to be enjoying some time with his and Sophia’s baby. Foster makes a move on his date with Julie. And Foster kisses a stunned Julie.

Wednesday, August 19th on Days of Our Lives. Still in Alamania. Leo’s pushing back hard, telling Dimitri, “If you really love me, you’ll let me go.” But he’s shaking his head at Leo. In the end, though, Dimitri is going to let him go back to Salem. Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) tries one more time to convince Gabi to bankroll him $5 million for the high stakes poker game in Monte Carlo. Seems insane to think Philip could win $200 million gambling to save Titan. Also, Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) hears about an offer on the mansion. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s EJ, but maybe it’s Gabi. She can’t afford to bail out Titan and pay off the whole loan, but I’m sure that she could afford the mansion.

Kate comforts Philip over at the Kiriakis home and I’m sure that he’s distraught about them losing Victor’s place. Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and Sarah’s relationship takes a leap forward. Brady soon tells Sarah, “I love you.” And she says the same with a sweet kiss, but it’s not going to last. Marlena gets pulled into the chessboard mystery against her will.

Days of Our Lives: Gwen is Excited to see Leo

Then on Thursday, August 20th episode of Days of Our Lives, we’ve got Gus saying some things to Javi. I suspect Gus is going to snap over Javi’s concern for Leo. But the bottom line is they’re just not compatible. Theo cannot forgive Johnny. As far as Theo’s concerned, Johnny’s a liar, and Theo thinks that Johnny was going to let Lexie die alone in that Dement. So Theo may never want to see Johnny again. Too bad they’re family.

Gwen is thrilled to see Leo back in Salem. Question is, did Dimitri come along for the ride? Also, Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) is there for Joy when she gets scary news from Kayla, who tells Joy that worst case scenario is she’ll be paralyzed from this spinal stenosis. Alex hugs a devastated Joy and Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) is spying and sees it. And then we’re going to have her turning to Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) for comfort and maybe some advice. But if Stephanie lashes out about Alex hugging Joy, I expect Alex will call out Stephanie for being petty when Joy is facing a horrible fate.

Days of Our Lives: Lexie’s Final Hours and Chanel’s Labor Crisis

Then on Friday, August 21st on Days of Our Lives, we’ve got Jada confronting EJ with questions. So Jada may grill EJ about why Lexie was in his basement. Plus, Jada may have questions about Kristen DiMera’s (Stacy Haiduk) disappearance, things from Gwen’s letter, lots of things. Abe and Theo are really hoping Lexie’s time hasn’t run out, but sadly that is not the case. This week, Theo and Abe are at Lexie’s bedside. Abe’s holding her hand. Lexie has tears in her eyes. Abe’s hand is shaking. Her time’s almost gone.

Also, we should see that summer promo moment in Lexie’s hospital room where EJ comes in to check on his sister, and Abe explodes, yelling at EJ, “Get the hell out of here.” But Lexie may speak up and tell Abe and Theo that EJ was respecting her wishes. Chanel’s labor takes a frightening turn. Paulina, Lani, and Johnny are there this week as Kayla’s checking on Chanel. Then Johnny says she’s bleeding. Kayla tells Lonnie and Paulina they got to clear out and Chanel is terrified and tells Johnny they go on with labor and delivery. And then Kayla tells Chanel that we’re in the home stretch. She’s screaming in horrible pain. Johnny’s there holding her hand. We hear a baby cry at the end of the promo, but Chanel may be in trouble.

Lonnie and Eli sit outside pacing and waiting for an update. Lonnie talks to Eli about the baby they lost because of her child birth complications. Of course, Lonnie had a ruptured placenta years back. I think it was like seven years ago, maybe. It was really bad. So, this is obviously traumatic for Lonnie as she’s worried about her sister Chanel. Hopefully, Johnny will get to see Chanel make a full recovery and the healthy birth of little Quattro despite these complications. We’ll see several families experience the circle of life as Lexie passes away just as Chanel’s baby is born. It’s going to be a bittersweet day in Salem.

Days of Our Lives Spoilers: It’s Baby Time

Then the week of August 24th through the 28th, we got Chanel and Johnny’s baby born, but may have got to be in NICU since the kid’s a few weeks early, but just three. So, it’s not a terribly early birth, but there are complications. Abe and Theo lean on each other in their grief. Losing Lexie for a second time is more than devastating. Abe is likely to remain furious with EJ, even if Lexie tries to smooth things over before she dies. I’m interested to see if Theo quits his job at DiMera to get away from EJ and Johnny or if Theo collapsed back at them and kicks out Johnny.

Stephanie and Alex face a rougher road now that Joy’s got this tragic prognosis. If Stephanie’s not sympathetic, I think Alex will be annoyed with her, but this may have Joy rethinking her stance on Stephanie so that Alex isn’t stuck single parenting if Joy is paralyzed or doesn’t survive this. Leo and Javi reunite soon because he realizes it is Leo who’s his soulmate and that he’s still in love with him and not Gus.

Dimitri may not stop chasing Leo, though, and Gwen may need witness protection if she cooperates with the FBI and SPD because EJ will want revenge against his former co-conspirator. So, Gwen may wind up with a tropical island permanent vacation of her own very soon. And of course, Dimitri would think it’s karma. We may see Belle and Chad packing off to Italy soon and we’ll find out if Philip got the money to gamble on the high stakes poker game and how that went or if somebody else is going to bail out Xander, Philip, and Titan.

It’s a new dawn for X-Men. 63 years into the franchise, spanning everything from its first comic book to the latest X-Men ’97, the series is entering a new generation with its upcoming 2028 X-Men film. It will be the first major X-Men movie since the third installment of the original 20th Century Fox series, 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand. Since then, multiple X-Men-adjacent movies have been released, with some, like X-Men: Apocalypse, receiving a lukewarm reception, while others, such as Logan, were widely celebrated.

This time around, the franchise is going back to square one with a fresh cast of actors taking on some of the most iconic X-Men characters, alongside a surprising villain. From an actor best known for a popular Netflix romance series to a Broadway actress making her film debut, here is every X-Men actor announced at D23 2026.

Kit Connor as Scott Summers/Cyclops

Image via Netflix

Scott Summers/Cyclops (Kit Connor) is the no-nonsense leader of the X-Men. Best known for his optic blasts, he’s instantly recognizable by his trademark ruby-quartz glasses. He neither has the strongest physique nor the most powerful abilities on the team, but he’s the go-to guy for strategy. However, his constant need to make plans and ensure that both their missions and the school run smoothly stems from a traumatic past that left him needing a certain degree of control over his life.

Connor got his start in television as a child actor and even had the opportunity to play a teenage Elton John in Rocketman. However, the actor truly had his breakthrough as the level-headed and equally reliable pillar of support for Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) in Heartstopper. On the action front, he’s also dabbled in an ensemble team setting with his fellow comrades in Warfare, giving him an all-around edge that mirrors Summers.

Sadie Sink as Jean Grey/Phoenix

Jean Grey/Phoenix (Sadie Sink) is the more emotional counterpart to the stiff Summers, with her feelings deeply intertwined with her telepathic and telekinetic abilities. In X-Men lore, her powers are often a source of conflict because they’re connected to the cosmic, godlike Phoenix Force, which can emerge when Grey loses control and unleashes enough power to potentially destroy the universe. Yet, despite her tremendous abilities, Grey is the first to ground the team when necessary—always willing to listen, understand, and calm others down.

Sink is no stranger to playing empathetic characters, with her most famous role being Max Mayfield in Stranger Things. Like Max, Grey tends to keep her emotions bottled up, but under pressure, she breaks down those walls to protect her friends. Sink has also delivered intense performances as Ellie in The Whale, portraying her complicated feelings toward her estranged father, and in Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well: The Short Film,” further showcasing her versatility.

Samara Weaving as Emma Frost/White Queen

Image via Searchlight Pictures

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Emma Frost/White Queen (Samara Weaving) is the team’s resident baddie, keeping the X-Men in check with her sharp tongue and even sharper attitude. Historically, Frost wasn’t originally part of the team. Born into a wealthy but abusive family, she left home after discovering her telepathic abilities and later joined the Hellfire Club, where she also developed her signature diamond form. Initially an antagonist, Frost ultimately joined the X-Men and became the team’s brutally honest anti-heroine.

Weaving has appeared in plenty of projects, gaining traction with her sweet-but-deadly role as a murderous nanny in The Babysitter. However, she truly made Grace Le Domas her own in Ready or Not, battling her murderous in-laws through a series of intense action sequences and stunts. Although her appearance as Constance Moore in Babylon is brief, Weaving shows off her ability to deliver a blunt, snappy attitude, which bodes well for her portrayal of Frost’s icy personality.

Inde Navarrette as Anne Marie/Rogue

Image via Focus Features

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Anne Marie/Rogue (Inde Navarrette) has powers that rival Grey’s in intensity. Through skin-to-skin contact, she can absorb memories, personality traits, and physical abilities, making her powers dangerous not only to others but also to herself. Without proper training, everything she absorbs can become overwhelming, which makes intimacy difficult for her. She’s afraid that the closer someone gets, the more likely she is to hurt them, whether she means to or not.

Navarrette made her television debut in 2020 with Season 4 of 13 Reasons Why before landing a starring role as Sarah Cortez in Superman & Lois. Her most recent breakthrough came with the horror film Obsession, where she played Nikki Freeman, a physically and emotionally demanding role that required her to portray both intense violence and the trauma of being possessed against her will. That experience could translate well to Rogue, whose powers often leave her feeling similarly powerless over herself.

Maya Boyd as Ororo Munroe/Storm

Image via MediaPunch/INSTARimages

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Ororo Munroe/Storm (Maya Boyd) is the authoritative voice of the X-Men. While Summers still struggles with self-doubt as a leader, Storm commands respect naturally, balancing confidence with enough compassion to listen to her team’s concerns. But cross her, and she’ll make her temper known. Much like her weather manipulation, her leadership requires precision and control; she knows when to assert herself and when to let others speak.

Unlike the rest of the announced cast, X-Men will mark Boyd’s transition from Broadway to the screen. It’s a significant challenge, especially with only three theatrical credits, including & Juliet. However, Storm’s commanding voice has long been one of her defining traits, popularized by Alison Sealy-Smith in the original animated series. Coincidentally, Sealy-Smith also has a Shakespearean theater background, making Boyd’s musical theater training and Broadway experience a promising fit for the role.

Christopher Abbott as Charles Xavier/Professor X

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Charles Xavier/Professor X (Christopher Abbott) is the all-wise, calm leader of the Xavier Institute, which has long housed and trained mutants to reach their potential while teaching them to use their abilities ethically. As the founder of the X-Men, Charles has always advocated for peace. Despite governments and rebellious mutants constantly clashing over who should dominate the world, Charles believes in human-mutant coexistence, where both sides can understand and benefit from one another.

Abbott might be best known for his role in the coming-of-age Girls, where he played the gentle and earnest Charlie Dattolo. However, he also explored complex emotions in James White, where his character struggles with bottled-up feelings in private, much like Charles. As a leader, Charles carries enormous responsibility, and Abbott’s role as John Yossarian in Catch-22 offers another fitting reference point, portraying an unconventional hero who doesn’t budge his moral compass and refuses to blindly accept authority.

Adam Driver as Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister

Image via Lucasfilm

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Nathaniel Milbury/Mister Sinister (Adam Driver) is obsessed with creating the “perfect” mutant. Originally a 19th-century British scientist, Milbury’s research combines evolution with eugenics, leading him down an increasingly disturbing path. He develops a particular interest in the Summers and Grey bloodlines, explaining his fixation on these two mutants. In between being an intelligent and ruthless scientist, Milbury has also genetically modified himself, allowing him to manipulate his own DNA and alter his abilities as he sees fit.

Driver’s casting announcement was easily one of the biggest surprises at D23, but his cold and calculating demeanor makes him a surprisingly fitting choice. After all, Driver is no stranger to playing intimidating characters, having portrayed Kylo Ren in Star Wars, whose mere presence can make audiences uneasy. For Milbury’s intellectual arrogance, however, Marriage Story offers another strong reference point, with Driver’s character often convinced that his perspective is fundamentally correct.

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X-Men

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Release Date

May 5, 2028

Director

Jake Schreier

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Writers

Joanna Calo, Lee Sung Jin, Michael Lesslie

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  Inde Navarrette

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  Rogue / Anna Marie

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  Kit Connor

  Scott Summers / Cyclops

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  Samara Weaving

  Emma Frost

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Hayden Panettiere reportedly struggled to revive her television career after “Nashville,” despite being eager to land another major series. An unnamed industry insider claimed the actress’ mental health and addiction struggles affected her professional reputation, making it harder for her to secure substantial roles once the musical drama ended.

The source alleged that Panettiere experienced problems with executives and co-stars while filming “Nashville,” sometimes arrived late, and occasionally required additional time in makeup. Those claims come alongside Panettiere’s own deeply personal account of postpartum depression, alcohol use, and the painful separation from her daughter, Kaya.

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Panettiere starred as country singer Juliette Barnes throughout the six-season run of “Nashville.” The acclaimed role established her as a major television star, but an industry source claimed her career lost momentum after the series ended. “Hayden had mental health struggles and addiction issues going on, and they played a part in why her career didn’t take off again after ‘Nashville,’” one industry insider told the Daily Mail.

According to the source, Panettiere’s alleged difficulties were already affecting her work during the show. “When she was filming the show, she had problems on the set, with execs and with her co-stars,” they claimed. “She sometimes came to work looking like she’d been out partying. She’d often have to spend extra time in make-up to get her looking camera-ready. She’d also sometimes be late for her call time.”

The source’s account is an allegation from an unnamed insider. No executives or co-stars were quoted corroborating the claims in the information provided.

Word Reportedly Spread Through Hollywood

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Despite those alleged setbacks, Panettiere reportedly remained determined to land another prominent television role. The insider claimed that her established status did not allow her to bypass the traditional audition process. Instead, she continued competing for major projects while facing concerns about her professional reputation.

“She was desperate to land another series after ‘Nashville’ ended, but the word had got out in Hollywood that she was a bit of a problem,” the source alleged. “Although she was considered a TV star, she still had to audition for big TV projects. She often struggled to get past the audition stage.”

The source did not identify the projects for which Panettiere reportedly auditioned or the casting professionals who allegedly passed on her. However, the insider claimed that the continued absence of substantial roles had affected the actress. “Hayden was on a downward swing recently due to lack of decent roles,” they added.

‘Sleepwalker’ Became Her Final Screen Appearance

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Panettiere’s final acting appearance was in “Sleepwalker,” a psychological thriller released in January. The film was critically panned and featured Panettiere as a mother tormented by the loss of her daughter. That storyline carried a painful parallel to the actress’ personal life. Although Panettiere had not lost Kaya through death, she had experienced the heartbreak of living separately from her child.

In 2018, Kaya went to live with Panettiere’s former fiancé and her father, former heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Kaya is now 11. Panettiere later discussed the circumstances surrounding that decision in her memoir, revealing that her difficulties with motherhood began with a frightening birth experience.

Kaya’s Birth Became A Medical Emergency

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Panettiere recalled that doctors declared a “code crimson” emergency during Kaya’s birth in 2014. Following a C-section, the actress’ blood reportedly would not clot, forcing her to undergo a three-hour operation. She later learned that her uterus had become infected.

After enduring the medical emergency, Panettiere struggled to bond with her newborn daughter. She described the process as an “insurmountable task” and admitted that she initially “felt nothing” toward Kaya, characterizing the experience as “a total blackout of emotion.”

Hayden Panettiere Turned To Alcohol After Giving Birth

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Panettiere said she began using alcohol to cope with what she was experiencing. Her drinking reportedly became so severe that she sometimes started consuming alcohol as early as 6 a.m. When Kaya was four months old, Panettiere entered treatment and was diagnosed with postpartum depression.

Medication initially helped but reportedly made the actress sleepy. She eventually returned to alcohol, beginning another difficult period in her personal and professional life.

As her struggles intensified, Panettiere lost a lucrative contract with skincare brand Neutrogena. Her relationship with Klitschko also deteriorated, eventually leading to Kaya living primarily with him.

Netflix is perhaps the king of original action movies for streaming. It has such a vast catalog of varied and eclectic movies that involve face smashing, bone crushing and leg breaking — and we love it for that. But few have been quite as vicious as this one, which introduced us to a world of highly trained assassins that inevitably drew comparisons to John Wick. The movie subsequently racked up millions of hours watched and earned outstanding reviews from critics. Two years on from that, we’re about to get more of it.

In 2024, Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto unleashed more than two hours of extraordinarily bloody martial arts carnage in The Shadow Strays, and he’s just confirmed he’s not done with Codename 13 yet. Tjahjanto has confirmed that he is currently writing a sequel to The Shadow Strays, revealing that he still has deeply personal stories he wants to explore through the franchise.

Netflix has not formally greenlit The Shadow Strays 2 yet, but the filmmaker is actively developing the screenplay, as he revealed via social media. He also addressed one of the fundamental questions surrounding the first movie: why its young assassin risks everything to save a boy she barely knows.

“Yes I am slowly writing on the sequel. The Shadow Strays is possibly my most personal movie yet. I still have personal stories to tell in the sequel. People asked why she fought tooth and nail to save a boy she barely know, I asked them back: ‘If you tap into your humanity & see the strength within yourself, wouldn’t you try to do the same? Kindred bond knows no logic, it just is.”

Who Stars in ‘The Shadow Strays’?

The Shadow Strays follows Codename 13, an teenage assassin who works for an organization known as the Shadows. After nearly botching an assignment, 13 is suspended and encounters Monji, a young boy whose mother was killed by a crime syndicate. The Shadow Strays stars Aurora Ribero (Like & Share) as Codename 13/Nomi, Hana Malasan (Ben & Jody) as Umbra, Taskya Namya (Waktu Maghrib) as Soriah, Agra Piliang (Serigala Terakhir) as Haga, Andri Mashadi (KKN di Desa Penari) as Ariel, Kristo Immanuel (The Big 4) as Jeki, Adipati Dolken (Posesif) as Prasetyo, Ali Fikry (Nussa) as Monji, Chew Kin Wah (Check the Store Next Door) as the Handler, and Yayan Ruhian (The Raid: Redemption) as Master Burai

The Shadow Strays is streaming now on Netflix.

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Release Date

October 17, 2024

Runtime

144 Minutes

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Director

Timo Tjahjanto

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Writers

Timo Tjahjanto

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Marvel fans were treated to some incredible news at this year’s D23, including the official cast for the upcoming X-Men reboot and a gripping new trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. There was even a whole panel dedicated to all things Spider-Man, celebrating the web-slinger’s long and storied history across 65 years and the blockbuster success that is Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The Spider-Man panel also featured the first look at Season 2 of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and it confirms that one of Peter Parker’s deadliest foes is coming to life…but with a twist.

The footage screened at D23 revealed that Spidey will face off against Doctor Octopus, the Rhino and the LIZARD, with the villains all sporting comic-accurate looks. Daredevil will also return, with Charlie Cox once again voicing the Man without Fear. Perhaps the biggest reveal is that Spidey will gain his symbiote suit at some point in the series; the alien creature was previously teased in Season 1 where Spidey helped Doctor Strange fight it off. This scene also features Eddie Brock, who eventually bonds with the symbiote and transforms into the vicious Venom. What’s surprising is that Brock is confirmed to be a reporter for the Daily Bugle.

‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ Could Revamp Spider-Man and Venom’s Rivalry

Image via Insomniac Games

The fact that Eddie Brock is working as a reporter is more or less true to comics canon, as it was his coverage of the serial killer known as the Sin-Eater that ultimately played a part in his transformation as Venom. However, in the comics, he works for the Daily Globe, not the Daily Bugle. Having the Bugle play a part in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 2 all but confirms that the series intends to showcase its impact on Spider-Man’s heroic career. The Bugle‘s temperamental editor-in-chief, J. Jonah Jameson, often pens articles about how Spider-Man is a “menace,” and Peter Parker often takes pictures of himself as Spider-Man for the Bugle to help his Aunt May.

While Jameson’s editorials might be rooted in hyperbole and bias, the presence of the symbiote actually raises an intriguing twist: What if it causes Spidey to lash out and truly become a menace? This way, Jameson would actually have a leg to stand on, and Brock could potentially set out to ruin Spidey’s reputation with a series of articles. It could also flip the dynamic between Spidey and Venom. Brock often blames Peter Parker for ruining his life, but what if Spidey unintentionally does ruin it while wearing the symbiote? It could add depth to Venom, and bring a fresh take on an iconic rivalry.

A Spider-Man Legend Will Voice Venom in ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’

When Eddie Brock comes to Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, he might sound familiar to longtime Spider-Fans as Josh Keaton will be voicing the once and future Lethal Protector. Keaton has a long history with Spider-Man, as he originally voiced Peter Parker in The Spectacular Spider-Man and recently returned to play the wall-crawler in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Ironically, Brock is not the first time Keaton’s voiced a character in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The Season 1 finale, “If This Be My Destiny…” features him as the voice of Peter’s father Richard, who is incarcerated for reasons that have yet to be revealed. Showrunner Jeff Trammell spoke about this in The Art of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, saying that he seeded the reveal early in Season 1.

“A lot of people may not pick up on this, but in the sixth episode, Peter, Nico, and Harry are talking about their parents, and Harry says, ‘Your mom is an excellent cook!’ Peter says, ‘May is actually my aunt. My mom passed away a while back.’ We specifically made him say ‘my mom’ and not ‘my parents.’ So, yes, Richard Parker has always been there, and I’m really excited to dig into that story. There are so many instances of Peter’s life that we don’t know about, and they have had big impacts on him.”

Between the revelation about his father, old foes and new, and the presence of the symbiote, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man looks like it’s continuing to up the stakes for Season 2. With Season 3 currently in the works, there’s no telling what kind of twists that Trammell will continue to bring to the table.

Season 1 of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is available to stream on Disney+, while Season 2 is slated for release in January 2027. Stay tuned to Collider for future details.

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Release Date

January 29, 2025

Network

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Disney+

Showrunner

Jeff Trammell

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Directors

Melchior Zwyer, Liza Singer, Stu Livingston

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Writers

Charlie Neuner, Jeff Trammell, Raven Koné

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  Hudson Thames

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  Peter Parker / Spider-Man (voice)

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  Kari Wahlgren

  May Parker (voice)

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