Saturday, October 28, 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023

Michelle Williams's Audiobook Grammy? It's in the Bag

Michelle Williams is a storyteller first and foremost. While she's already known for her acting skills, it didn't take long for the internet to fall in love with her latest performance: the audiobook narration of Britney Spears's new memoir, "The Woman in Me." The project makes Williams eligible for a Grammy in the best audiobook, narration, and storytelling recording category, meaning she could soon be halfway to EGOT status. After listening to her work for themselves, fans are convinced there's no one more deserving.

Following the book's Oct. 24 release, excerpts of the audiobook began circulating on social media, with Williams's impression of an early-2000s-era Justin Timberlake in particular going viral on X (formerly Twitter). "One day J and I were in New York, going to parts of town I had never been to before. Walking our way was a guy with a huge, blinged-out medallion. He was flanked by two giant security guards," Williams reads. "J got all excited and said so loud, 'Oh yeah, fo' shiz fo' shiz, Ginuwine, what's up, homie?'"

Other audiobook storytellers might've read Spears's anecdote verbatim, foregoing any audible embellishments or personality, but Williams didn't shy away from JT's awkward colloquialisms. People are applauding her for adding so much entertainment value, swearing to listen to the rest of the audiobook if it's anything like the Timberlake clip. "If #MichelleWilliams doing an impression of #JustinTimberlake speaking in black inner city patois whilst talking to #Ginuwine isn't Grammy worthy, then I don't know what is," one user summed it up on X.

Spears previously told People that while she would narrate the "Woman in Me" introduction, it was ultimately too emotional to read the rest herself. She enlisted Williams to tell the entirety of her story - the good, the bad, and the cringe. Having nailed the narration, Williams is one step closer to a well-deserved Grammy, and we love the sound of that.



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Thursday, October 26, 2023

16 Movies and TV Shows Based on Video Games, From "Halo" to "Five Nights at Freddy's"

In the world of movies and TV shows, there are countless adaptations that have been made from popular novels and biographical works. But these forms of entertainment have also been inspired by and adapted from some of the biggest video games, which don't get nearly as much attention as they should. In 2023, HBO's acclaimed series "The Last of Us," based on the Sony action-adventure game franchise of the same name, broke viewership records and became the most-watched show in the history of the streaming platform in Europe and Latin America, per The Associated Press.

Along with television series, video-game to movie adaptations have also grown in popularity among audiences, with the star-studded "The Super Mario Bros." movie, adapted from the beloved game franchise by Nintendo, being the second-highest grossing film of 2023 so far, as reported by Insider. The film, which features voice acting from stars like Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Seth Rogen, and Anya Taylor-Joy, follows main characters Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad as they work together to stop the evil Bowser from taking over the world. Additionally, a movie adaptation of "Five Nights at Freddy's," the cult-favorite horror video game, stars Josh Hutcherson and is complete with creepy pizza joint animatronics.

Amid the craze of these onscreen projects, here are some of the most popular movies and TV shows adapted from video games.

Movies Based on Video Games

"Resident Evil"

Upon its release in 1996, the Japanese survival horror game "Resident Evil" garnered an immediate fanbase and was praised by critics for its gameplay and eerie atmosphere. The game not only grew into a franchise consisting of 10 core games and 30+ spinoffs/remakes, but it also inspired a film series made up of six movies. The general storyline of the franchise centers around Alice (Milla Jovovich), who navigates the world infected by a viral outbreak that turns people into zombies.

"Uncharted"

Originally released on the Playstation 3 in 2007, "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune" follows adventurer Nathan Drake and treasure hunter Victor Sullivan as they seek to find the secret treasures of El Dorado. The 2022 film starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg follows a similar storyline and primarily centers on the pair's race to stop villain Santiago Moncada from stealing the secret riches left behind from the Magellean expedition.

"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"

"Tomb Raider" hit store shelves in 1996 as a Sega Saturn game and grew in popularity after being released on PlayStation and MS-DOS systems that same year. The franchise, which centers around archaeologist Lara Croft's adventures searching for ancient artifacts, inspired numerous films, including a 2001 version (and a 2003 sequel) with Angelina Jolie, and a 2018 remake featuring Alicia Vikander.

"Doom"

"Doom" is heralded as being one of the greatest video games of all time and credited by some for popularizing the first-person shooter genre. The 1993 game was followed by four core games and several spin-offs throughout the 1990s and 2010s and inspired the 2005 film starring Karl Urban as the franchise's main character, "Doomguy," a marine who is tasked with hunting down demons.

"Sonic the Hedgehog"

The "Sonic the Hedgehog" game series is highly regarded as one of the most influential franchises of all time, along with other beloved series like "Super Mario" games. The franchise itself started with the release of "Sonic the Hedgehog" on the Sega Genesis in 1991 and has since consisted of platform-style and racing games. The 2020 film stars Ben Schwartz as the speedy blue hedgehog, who teams up with a local sheriff (James Marsden) to stop the mad scientist Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from using his powers for evil.

"Max Payne"

In "Max Payne," first released for Microsoft Windows in 2001, the lead character, Max Payne, is a former NYPD officer who turns into a vigilante after his wife and child are murdered, and he is framed for the death of his police partner. Two more games would follow the original and later inspired the 2008 film starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis.

"Mortal Kombat"

Initially released as an arcade game in 1992, "Mortal Kombat" has since become one of the most beloved fighting games of all time. The franchise allows players to use different characters and moves to defeat their opponents, making it fun and addicting for everyone. The game was so popular that it inspired the 1995 film, "Mortal Kombat," directed by "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" filmmaker Paul Anderson.

"Rampage"

In 1986, "Rampage" hit arcades everywhere, and gave players the ability to play as giant monsters trying to survive amidst being pummeled by military forces. The 2018 film adaptation stars Dwayne Johnson as Davis Okoye, a primatologist who pairs up with George, a giant gorilla, to stop monsters from destroying Chicago.

"Street Fighter"

"Street Fighter" is another fighting game that, like "Mortal Kombat," dominated the late 1980s and 1990s. The game's main character, Ryu, is a martial artist who has to defeat opponents in a handful of tournaments around the world using various special moves and jumps. The 1994 film of the same name is loosely inspired by the game and centers around Colonel William F. Guile (Jean-Claude Van Damme) as he seeks to take down General M. Bison with the help of two street fighters.

"Detective Pikachu"

A spinoff of the "Pokemon" franchise, "Detective Pikachu" was released on the Nintendo 3DS system in Japan in 2016, with a worldwide release arriving later in 2018. The game features Pikachu as a detective that solves mysteries and was the premise of the 2019 film of the same name starring Ryan Reynolds as the lovable yellow character.

"Assassin's Creed"

"Assassin's Creed" was a cross-platform release in 2007 that immediately developed a large fanbase. The third-person, open-world game inspired a franchise that now consists of 12 core games, and a 2016 live-action film starring Michael Fassbender as Callum "Cal" Lynch/Aguilar de Nerha, an original character created for the movie. The storyline of both the game franchise and film centers around the struggle between the Order of Assassins and Knights of Templar, who fail to live in harmony due to their different belief systems.

"Warcraft"

"Warcraft: Orcs & Humans" was first released in 1994, and quickly developed into a multi-media franchise with a loyal fanbase. The real-time strategy game (also known as RTS) features times of adventure and magic and allows users to take on various missions with online players. The 2016 film of the same name is based on the successful franchise, and stars Paula Patton and Ben Foster in a story about a war between conflicting clans.

"Five Nights at Freddy's"

"Five Nights at Freddy's" is a scary indie video game, created by Scott Cawthon, about a night guard who must survive five shifts at a pizzeria while being hunted by five murderous animatronics. It launched in 2014 and unexpectedly became a big hit thanks to gamers and the internet, spawning a series of nine games that gained worldwide popularity. It jumped to the big screen in 2023, when Hutcherson took on the lead role in the Blumhouse film of the same name, which is directed by Emma Tammi.

TV Shows Based on Video Games

"The Last of Us"

First released in 2013, the survival horror game, "The Last of Us," centers around Joel and Ellie, two survivors living in a post-apocalyptic world that was depleted by a mutated fungus that turned humans into cannibalistic creatures. The 2022 HBO Max series of the same name follows the same storyline and features Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie.

"Castlevania"

Released in 1986, the platform-style game, "Castlevania," centers around descendants of the Belmont clan of vampire hunters who aim to defeat Count Dracula using the specialized Vampire Killer weapon. In 2017, the game was turned into an animated series by Netflix, and spanned a total of four seasons until its end in 2021.

"Halo"

"Halo: Combat Evolved" was first released in 2001, and later evolved into a franchise with six core games. The Hulu series follows protagonist Master Chief, a supersoldier who is in the middle of a 26-century battle with the Covenant, an alien force that seeks to destroy humans for good.



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Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Columbia University Postpones a Fund-Raiser as Divisions Over War Deepen


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Pilot Who Disrupted Flight Said He Had Taken Psychedelic Mushrooms, Complaint Says


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30 of the Most Terrifying Celebrity Wax Figures of All Time

The internet is up in arms about the new wax figure of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson that was recently unveiled at the Musée Grévin wax figure museum in Paris. The figure came under fire because its skin was too light, a factor Johnson spoke out about on social media after the figure went viral for all the wrong reasons.

"For the record, I'm going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris France 🇫🇷 so we can work at 'updating' my wax figure here with some important details and improvements- starting with my skin color 🤣✊🏾💪🏾," Johnson captioned an Instagram reel of comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr. roasting the figure on Oct. 22. Despite his agreeing the figure desperately needs some immediate improvement, Johnson still seemed grateful to the Musée Grévin for featuring him in its halls of famous figures, adding, "And next time I'm in Paris, I'll stop in and have a drink with myself 🥃 😉."

Johnson isn't the only celebrity whose botched wax figure has gone viral. Lil Wayne called out the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN, over their shoddy take on his likeness in an Oct. 23 post on X, writing, "Sorry wax museum but dat sh*t ain't me! You tried tho and I appreciate the effort." Nicki Minaj's wax figure unveiled in January 2021 at the Madame Tussauds Museum in Berlin was also infamously panned.

But these are not even close to the worst wax celebs out there. While many celebrity wax figures actually bear a striking resemblance to their muse, others have turned out scarier than "House of Wax." We've rounded up some of the most hilariously horrible wax figures put on display, and we apologize in advance if these give you nightmares.



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Monday, October 23, 2023

A Complete Look at Irina Shayk's Romantic History, From Bradley Cooper to Tom Brady

If Irina Shayk looks familiar, it's probably because you remember one of her many magazine covers, or her iconic 2016 Victoria Secret Fashion Show debut, where she strutted down the catwalk while pregnant.

The model's name could also ring a bell because she was rumored to have been Kanye West's love interest following his split from Kim Kardashian. In June 2021, photos emerged of Shayk and West in France, where the rapper celebrated his 44th birthday. Neither one confirmed nor denied the relationship rumors, and their brief romance reportedly fizzled out later in the summer.

This past summer, Shayk was linked to another superstar: retired football quarterback Tom Brady, whom she was photographed with in Los Angeles on July 21 and 22. However, in October, news broke that the pair were no longer together.

Shayk's last known serious relationship was with her ex, Bradley Cooper, who she split from in 2019. Take a stroll down memory lane and see what other A-list celebrities Shayk's been linked to.



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Sunday, October 22, 2023

Jack Anderson, Longtime Dance Critic for The Times, Dies at 88


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All the Women Chris Rock Has Dated Over the Years

Chris Rock's outrageous jokes aren't the only thing he's made headlines for in the past. The comedian, 58, has been known to date a star or two since splitting from his ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, in 2014. The former pair were married for almost 19 years and share two daughters, Lola, 21, and Zahra, 19. Following their divorce, Rock tried the single life and got back out on the dating scene, which he's been candid about in some of his recent stand-up specials.

In "Selective Outrage," released on Netflix in March, Rock said, "Here's the crazy thing. You don't even realize all the amazing little things a woman does for you 'til you don't have one." He also shared that he was single and added that "trying to f*cking date is hard." "'Cause on one hand, you know, I'm loving. I want a real relationship. I want a Sunday kind of love," he said, adding frankly, "And on the other hand, I'm just a hoe."

In true jokester fashion, Rock also shared, "I'm trying to date women my age, which is 10 to 15 years younger than me."

While some of Rock's romances have been low-key, one of his advances just recently came to light. According to Jada Pinkett Smith's "Worthy" memoir, the comedian once asked her out after hearing divorce rumors about her and longtime husband Will Smith. "Once he found out I wasn't divorced, he apologized profusely, and life went on," she wrote.

Scroll ahead to find out who Rock has dated through the years.



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Here are the Hamas officials believed to have been killed since Oct. 7.


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Philadelphia Orchestra and Musicians Reach Contract Deal


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Saturday, October 21, 2023

Why Feeling Fear Can Be So Much Fun, According to a Psychologist


Each Halloween season, people flip on horror movies, venture into haunted houses, and otherwise dare to expose themselves to various goose-bumps-inducing experiences. And of course, many of us, myself included, love a good horror movie no matter the time of year. But why do we go out of our way to experience fear - exposing our psyches to serial killers, demons, and death in the process? Why would we want to be shocked, terrified, bamboozled, or creeped up on, especially in a world that offers more than enough to be afraid of already?

As it turns out, there are actually plenty of psychological and scientific reasons why many of us enjoy fear and horror. Ahead of Halloween, we're exploring why many of us yearn to get scared out of our minds instead of just popping on a rom-com and calling it a night.

Fear Can Trigger Pleasure in Our Brains

It turns out that brain chemistry may be at the heart of why fear is so appealing to some people. Fear is handled by our amygdalas, which are clusters of neurons tucked away in the center of our brains. When we feel afraid, the amygdala stimulates the hypothalamus, which triggers the sympathetic nervous system and our adrenal system, sending adrenaline and endorphins coursing through our bodies.

All this leads to a physical rush. Our heart rates increase, we start breathing more heavily and sending more oxygen to our brains, glucose levels spike in our blood, and we generally feel stronger and more alert - a sensation some people might describe as "feeling alive."

Yet not all kinds of fear are created equal when it comes to how they play out in the brain and body, and there's a big difference between the fear we feel when a threat is real versus when we know it's not.

"There is something enjoyable about being frightened and getting that adrenaline rush while simultaneously knowing at the same time, we're safe," Robi Ludwig, PsyD, tells POPSUGAR. Multiple recent studies have found that while a rush of fear of any kind may initially register in the body as a sign of danger, as soon as we remember that the threat isn't real, our brain may release floods of dopamine. This can trigger a sense of relief, dulling the intensity of our amygdala's reaction and allowing us to feel a pleasant rush without the more unpleasant consequences fear can invoke.

Fear Can Be a Learning Experience

All of the above explains why some of us like feeling the physical sensations fear creates, but they don't exactly explain why so many of us are so drawn to true crime, horror flicks, and other stories that focus on behavior we'd likely never want to come in contact with in real life. It also doesn't explain why people who don't enjoy adrenaline rushes often still seek out fear-inducing experiences. As it turns out, according to a series of recent studies conducted at Denmark's Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, many of us may be drawn to fear, scary movies, true crime, and the like because these things can subconsciously help us feel like we're preparing and learning about ourselves and the world.

By learning as much as we can about how our bodies react to fright and about how other people have fared in terrifying situations, our brains may feel like they're studying what to do if anything bad actually happens to us. So the next time you go down a Wikipedia rabbit hole researching Jeffrey Dahmer, remember that your brain simply might be trying, in its strange and roundabout way, to protect you.

We may also be drawn to fear and horror for evolutionary reasons. After all, we've been hardwired to focus on threats since tigers lurked on the edges of our caves. "Humans, broadly, are built to be intrigued by and alert to potentially dangerous situations," Aarhus University researcher Coltan Scrivner, whose research largely focuses on the concept of "morbid curiosity" - which he describes as "a common psychological trait" in a 2021 study published in ScienceDirect - told Time. "We're curious about threats in our environment. So anytime we get a hint that there might be information about danger out there, the attention mechanisms in our minds sort of kick on and guide us toward that information."

Fear Can Allow Us to Engage With Negative Emotions and Taboos

Our fascination with horror, specifically, can actually extend even deeper than a love of adrenaline or a desire to protect ourselves, stretching all the way down to the shadowier sides of our psyches. According to Dr. Ludwig, yet another reason we may be drawn to disturbing and twisted tales is because they allow us to engage with suppressed and taboo aspects of ourselves.

"There's something vicariously thrilling about seeing somebody acting in a primal way, because these are thoughts and feelings that most people have had," she explains. "When you're really angry with somebody and you'd like to see them walk in front of a bus, the feeling may not be permanent; it may just be a fantasy about being able to harm somebody and feeling all-powerful and not vulnerable. But when we look to criminals or true crime shows, this allows us to look at very dark emotions and actions that we don't have to own as our own."

Engaging with horror and fear can also be a way to process and cope with emotions that we normally suppress in our daily lives. On the other hand, it can also act as an escape from negative emotions. "Fear locks you into the present moment. It's a distraction from other preoccupations that we might have in our life, especially when it's for entertainment purposes," Dr. Ludwig says. A good fright, she adds, can even sometimes "jolt us out of feeling depressed or out of depressive disorders." Fear can also help some people on an existential level; there's nothing like watching a victim in "Saw" undergo hours of torture to remind you that your life isn't so bad after all.

Fear Can Be Communally Cathartic

I probably fall into each of the three above categories a little bit. I've gone bungee jumping to experience thrills, researched serial killers for hours in order to try to understand their motivations, and certainly felt very grateful for my own life after watching "Midsommar."

But in truth, the time I enjoy feeling fear (in safe contexts) the most is when I'm able to experience it with others. Growing up, I often watched horror films with my brother, cousins, or groups of friends, and I have fond memories of all of us screaming together, cracking jokes about their absurdity, or otherwise somehow managing to have a great time as we watched slashers, ghosts, and demons tear up the screen.

There was always a kind of communal catharsis to those experiences, and strangely enough, nowadays, horror movies remind me of home - and by that I mean they remind me of good times spent daring each other to go into spooky basements, clinging to each other as we rode up and down roller coasters, or screaming "RUN!" at the TV while watching "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."

Of course, everyone experiences fear differently, but one thing is clear: there's nothing wrong with people who want to flip on "The Shining" and then hold a séance in an abandoned mansion, just as there's nothing wrong with anyone who'd prefer to cozy up and watch "Hocus Pocus." We're all just humans trying our best to live in a scary world, and sometimes, a little fear in a safe container seems to be exactly what we need.



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Martin Goetz, Who Received the First Software Patent, Dies at 93


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Billie Eilish Says She "Literally Couldn't Be More Single Right Now"

Billie Eilish shot to global fame at the early age of 15 with her breakout song "Ocean Eyes," and she's been on an upward trajectory ever since. Whether it's opening up about her mental health struggles, squashing stigmas surrounding body inclusivity, or condemning the Supreme Court's overturning Roe v. Wade, the 21-year-old "Happier Than Ever" artist has never shied away from speaking her mind. However, when it comes to specifics about her love life, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter keeps that information close to the chest.

In a September 2020 talk with "Capital Breakfast With Roman Kemp," the "Bellyache" singer spoke out about wanting to keep attention off of her personal affairs. "I definitely want to keep [relationships] private. I've had relationships and kept them private, and even the ones that I've had, with the tiny amount that I've let the world see, I regret," she shared during a virtual appearance on the radio show, adding, "I think about the people that have made their relationships public, and then they break up, and it's like, 'What if it goes bad?'"

On Oct. 19, Eilish clarified her relationship status amid rumors that she was dating tattoo artist David Enth, writing on her Instagram Stories, "I'm so dead literally couldn't be more single right now." She added: "LMFAO what the hell is all this?"

The "Bad Guy" singer made an exception to her privacy rule during her last relationship, but more on that later. She's, at times, also opened up about her life-changing experiences with love. Ahead, find a brief rundown of Eilish's dating history.



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Friday, October 20, 2023

17 Marvel-Themed Gifts That Will Make You the Hero of the Holiday Season

If you know someone who loves "The Avengers" as much as "Ms. Marvel" but aren't quite sure about what kind of gift to get them for that special occasion - whether you're looking for a unique birthday gift or are just getting a headstart on your holiday shopping - we know finding that perfect gift can be a struggle. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand each year, so it can be difficult to nail down that ideal product that'll truly wow them, and it's only going to get harder as Marvel's wondrous, fictional world continues to expand.

There's just so much merch available already, plus items like jewelry, comic books, action figures, and clothing. To help you on your hunt for the best gifts for Marvel fans, we've compiled the hottest Marvel-themed products on the market all in one place. Whether you're looking for something for a Spider-Man, Moon Knight, or She-Hulk fan, you won't have to worry because we've likely got some ideas for you right here. Best of all, they're available to shop at a wide range of prices, too. So without further ado, here are all the best Marvel-themed gifts that are sure to make any die-hard fan giddy with excitement.

- Additional reporting by Kyley Warren



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Thursday, October 19, 2023

Martin Scorsese's Daughter Is Turning Him Into a TikTok Star

Amid the throngs of cringe content flooding TikTok these days, Martin Scorsese has arrived to cleanse the FYP. The "Killers of the Flower Moon" director makes periodic cameos in youngest daughter Francesca's TikToks, emerging as an unexpected star on the app. Each wholesome clip offers a peek at what life is like with one of America's greatest filmmakers as your dad, and we must admit it looks pretty entertaining.

Martin and Francesca's latest collaboration is a one-minute-and-31-second cinematic masterpiece. In a clip shared on Oct. 18, Martin interviews a contender for his next onscreen muse: the family dog, Oscar. (Apt name choice, might we add.) After asking the pup to portray a range of emotions, Martin joyously exclaims, "Brilliant! Brilliant! You've got the role." Fans hyped up Martin's performance in the comments, joking about logging the video on their Letterboxd. Martin and his 23-year-old daughter have also taken on several popular TikTok challenges together, from the "I have a flea in my hand" trend to guessing the purpose of various cosmetic products.

Martin, 80, shares Francesca with his wife, Helen Morris. He has two other daughters, 47-year-old Domenica and 57-year-old Cathy, whom he shares with previous spouses. Francesca is following in her father's footsteps, with her directorial debut, "Fish Out of Water," out this June. She also previously appeared in HBO's "We Are Who We Are," "The Departed," and "The Aviator." We're grateful that the father-daughter duo continue blessing the internet with endearing content amid their busy schedules. Here's to hoping they participate in a dance challenge next.

Keep reading to watch our favorite TikToks Francesca has shared with her famous dad so far.



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Emerald Fennell's New "Saltburn" Trailer Promises Dark Twists and Erotic Turns

With film festival season comes a multitude of glimpses at the upcoming winter cinema slate, and one of the most exciting is a new trailer for "Saltburn," a psychological thriller from Emerald Fennell, the writer-director of the Oscar-winning "Promising Young Woman." This first look gives us illustrious aristocratic parties, ominous butlers, steamy sex scenes through windows, and a never-been-sexier Jacob Elordi ("Euphoria") doused in glorious sunlight. The film's stacked cast features Barry Keoghan, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, Rosamund Pike, and Richard E. Grant.

The first trailer dropped shortly before the film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, and early reviews demonstrate that this is one to watch. The latest trailer, released on Oct. 19, follows the first look we were given in September. The movie has been described by critics as "diabolical, sexy, dangerous, horny, brave, hilarious, audacious, and insane," with Entertainment Weekly calling it "a provocative, violent portrait of repulsion and desire." Keoghan's performance has been called out as "fearless," and Pike, as well as the film's technical aspects and writing, have begun to accumulate Oscar buzz.

Between the success of "Promising Young Woman," Keoghan's recent supporting actor Oscar nomination for "The Banshees of Inisherin," and the hype surrounding Elordi as Elvis in Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla," the stars have aligned for Fennell.

Regardless of all that context, the film's trailer pulls people in on its own merit; its rich, warm visuals offer a captivating, enthralling, and erotic glimpse into the lives of the wealthy. With anticipation building, here's what we know about Fennell's new film "Saltburn."

"Saltburn" Plot

"Saltburn" centers on Oliver Quick (Keoghan), an Oxford University student in the mid-2000s who finds himself becoming increasingly obsessed with his classmate Felix Catton (Elordi). When Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his family home, from which the film gets its title, things descend into chaos as it becomes clear this is a summer that Oliver will never forget. Director Fennell has described the film as "a very British tale of excess."

"Saltburn" Cast"

Barry Keoghan stars as Oliver Quick, while Jacob Elordi of "Euphoria" stars as Felix Catton.

Keoghan rose to fame as an indie darling after starring in the Yorgos Lanthimos film "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" before breaking out into the mainstream with his role in the Marvel film "The Eternals" as the mind-controlling Druig. "Saltburn" marks his first leading role. Elordi first got noticed starring as the romantic lead in Netflix romcom "The Kissing Booth," but it was his role as dominating high schooler Nate Jacobs in "Euphoria" that cemented his status as a prominent rising star.

Alison Oliver ("Conversations With Friends") and Archie Madekwe ("Gran Turismo") star as Felix's sister Venetia and cousin Farleigh, respectively.

The film also stars some British acting icons such as Rosamund Pike ("Gone Girl," "Pride & Prejudice") and Richard E. Grant ("Withnail and I"). Carey Mulligan, who starred as the lead in Fennell's previous film, "Promising Young Woman," appears as Felix's aunt.

"Saltburn" Director

Fennell directed, wrote, and produced "Saltburn," a follow-up to her neon-lit 2020 drama "Promising Young Woman." The earlier film won an Oscar for best original screenplay, with further nominations for best picture, best director, best editing, and best actress for Mulligan.

While "Saltburn" is Fennell's first directorial outing since then, she has written for "Killing Eve" and wrote the book for Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage reimagining of "Cinderella." As an actress, she has starred as Camilla in "The Crown" (for which she earned an Emmy nomination) and had a cameo in "Barbie" as Midge, Barbie's pregnant friend.

"Saltburn" Release Date

"Saltburn" will premiere in the UK as part of the BFI London Film Festival in October. It will hit theaters on Nov. 24, 2023, before it eventually hits Amazon Prime Video.

"Saltburn" Trailer #1

"Saltburn" Trailer #2



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All the Women Who Won Austin Butler's Heart Before Kaia Gerber

Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" biopic served as a launchpad for Austin Butler's newfound A-list-actor status, which is why more fans than ever are wondering who the future Dune villain is dating and who he's dated in the past.

Most people are familiar with Butler's nearly 10-year-long relationship with Vanessa Hudgens, which ended suddenly in 2020. Still, Butler had a few low-key relationships with other actors before he linked up with his current girlfriend, supermodel Kaia Gerber. For example, Butler and Olivia DeJonge (who played his onscreen wife, Priscilla, in "Elvis") reportedly dated throughout filming (no wonder their onscreen chemistry was off the charts).

Butler was first linked to Gerber in December 2021 but it wasn't until five months later that they made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Met Gala. Though Butler attended the event with Priscilla Presley, he snuck some in photos with his girlfriend, too. The couple's last public appearance was at the Time 100 gala in April.

Butler will next be seen taking his turn as a (very bald) villain in "Dune: Part 2," set to hit theaters on Nov. 3. In the meantime, read up on Butler's star-studded dating history ahead.



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All the Ladies Glen Powell Has Dated Publicly

Glen Powell has grown a large fan base since appearing in 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick," the critically acclaimed sequel to 1986 film "Top Gun." In the film, Powell plays the charismatic, confident Jake "Hangman" Seresin, who often clashes with Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw (Miles Teller) and Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise). Powell's characterization of Hangman has left many fans wondering if the actor has used that same charm to land any romantic relationships in real life (when he's not using it to land roles in highly-anticipated rom-coms starring Sydney Sweeney, that is).

Despite being certifiably handsome, Powell has only publicly dated three ladies since gaining the spotlight - though his most recent relationship with Gigi Paris reportedly came to an end in early April amid already-debunked rumors that he and his "Anyone But You" costar Sweeney's relationship had turned romantic (but more on that later).

If you find yourself feeling slightly obsessed with Powell's love life, then read ahead for everyone the star has dated over the years.



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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Gwyneth Paltrow Has "Cherished Every Chapter" of Motherhood - Meet Her Kids

Gwyneth Paltrow may be known for her work as an actor and the founder of Goop, but at the end of the day, she's just "Mom" to her kids. Prior to her relationship with Brad Falchuk, whom Paltrow wed in 2018, the actor was married to Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin. During their 11 years of marriage, Paltrow and Martin welcomed two children together. After publicly ending their relationship, Paltrow and Martin vowed to be the best coparents possible, and from the looks of it, they've done just that.

"It's so interesting because in a way my divorce and my relationship with Chris now is better than our marriage was. So I do think that it can be done," Paltrow told Drew Barrymore during an interview in 2020. "We're all part good and part bad. It's not binary. We're all gray area. We're all trying our best. And I really wanted my kids to not be traumatized if it were possible. Chris and I committed to putting them first, and that's harder than it looks 'cause some days you really don't want to be with the person you're getting divorced from. But if you're committed to having family dinner then you do it. And you take a deep breath, and you look the person in the eye, and you remember your pact and you smile, and you hug and you make a joke and you just re-commit to this new relationship that you are trying to foster."

Paltrow has also been open about how she's enjoyed every chapter of motherhood thus far. "As a mother, I've really cherished every chapter of their lives," she told People in October 2022. "It's funny, I always thought, when they were born I was like, 'It's never going to be better than this,' but then they were 2, and then 5, and every stage I've been like, 'This is better than the last.' And I feel that way now."

Paltrow and Martin don't shy away from showing off their happy family celebrations and how far they've come since separating. They often post about each other on social media, and their children are front and center of their lives. To find more about Paltrow and Martin's kids, scroll through this gallery.



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Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Who Has Britney Spears Dated? Look Back at Her Former Flames

Britney Spears once said that, despite her superstar status, dating can be a real challenge. But that doesn't mean she hasn't had her fair share of romances. While the young love Spears and Justin Timberlake once shared may be her most notable romance to date, you may have forgotten that she also dated former Hollywood bad boy Colin Farrell and even married her high school boyfriend Jason Alexander.

During her "Carpool Karaoke" session with James Corden back in August 2016, the singer said, "I think I might not ever go to men again, do the whole men thing anymore, or get married. I'm just done with men . . . I'm not going to marry someone. No, I don't believe in marriage anymore."

Well, it seems Spears had a change of heart, because she then moved on with Sam Asghari, whom she married in June 2022. Their marriage only lasted a year, however, since Asghari filed for divorce from the pop star in August 2023. Not much else is known about their separation, but perhaps Spears will shed some light in her new memoir "The Woman in Me," out Oct. 24.

In the meantime, keep reading for a look at Spears's former flames.



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Monday, October 16, 2023

Scott Pilgrim Fights Ramona Flowers's 7 Evil Exes in Netflix Anime's New Trailer

Exciting news for "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" fans: the original cast are reuniting for a new anime series heading to Netflix! The streamer made the announcement on March 30, confirming that all the stars from the 2010 cult-classic film - including Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Satya Bhabha, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, and Aubrey Plaza - will reprise their roles in the upcoming show's voice cast.

Per the latest trailer, which dropped on Oct. 14, the anime series takes on the same plot as the original movie: "Scott Pilgrim meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, but learns he must defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her." And, of course, "things get even more complicated."

Bryan Lee O'Malley, the author and artist of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series, and BenDavid Grabinski serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers for the new series, titled "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off." Edgar Wright, who directed, cowrote, and produced "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," is also on board as an executive producer.

"We're getting the band back together! Cera and Winstead, Bhabha, Culkin, Evans, Kendrick, Larson, Pill, Plaza, [Brandon] Routh, [Jason] Schwartzman, [Johnny] Simmons, [Mark] Webber, [Mae] Whitman and [Ellen] Wong. A stellar cast, perfectly assembled by Edgar Wright. And, with Science SARU leading the phenomenal animation, we couldn't ask for a better team for this adventure," O'Malley and Grabinski said in a press statement. "We can't wait for fans and newcomers alike to see what we and our partners at Science SARU have been cooking up. It's going to be a wild ride."

"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" exploded in popularity following its theatrical debut in 2010. Though the film - which followed the pursuits of Cera's Scott Pilgrim and his literal fight to win the affection of Winstead's dreamy delivery girl, Ramona - bombed by box office standards, it's since become an all-time fan favorite for its witty comic book movie stars and bombastic visuals. And now, the anime adaptation aims to re-create that same magic by bringing back Scott (Cera), Ramona Flowers (Winstead), and all seven of the latter's evil exes.

According to Wright, the "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" cast and crew have done "Q&As, remembrances, and charity read-throughs" over the years. However, the opportunity to reunite all the original stars hasn't come about until now. "Original creator Bryan Lee O'Malley, along with writer BenDavid Grabinski have conjured up an anime series of Scott Pilgrim that doesn't just expand the universe, but also . . . well, just watch it," Wright added in a statement. "I'm more than happy to announce that I have helped coax the entire original cast back to voice their characters on this epic new adventure. You are in for a treat."

Read ahead for everything else we know about the animated "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off" series, from the trailers to the release date.

Scott Pilgrim Netflix Anime Series Trailer

Scott Pilgrim Netflix Anime Series Teaser

Scott Pilgrim Netflix Anime Series Cast

The cast for the forthcoming anime series will see the original "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" stars reprise their roles - including Cera as the titular character, Winstead as Ramona Flowers, Bhabha as Matthew Patel, Culkin as Wallace Wells, Evans as Lucas Lee, Kendrick as Stacey Pilgrim, Larson as Envy Adams, Pill as Kim Pine, and Plaza as Julie Powers. Others also returning include Routh as Todd Ingram, Schwartzman as Gideon Graves, Simmons as Young Neil, Webber as Stephen Stills, Whitman as Roxie, and Wong as Knives Chau.

Scott Pilgrim Netflix Anime Series Release Date

The new show hits Netflix on Nov. 17.

Scott Pilgrim Netflix Anime Series First-Look Photos



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Sunday, October 15, 2023

DeSantis Will Participate in Nevada Caucuses Despite Criticizing Them


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Meg Ryan Loves Being a Mom to Her 2 Kids

For more than four decades, Meg Ryan has been a household name, thanks to her roles in iconic films like "When Harry Met Sally," "You've Got Mail," "Sleepless in Seattle," and so many more. Throughout most of that time, she's balanced her career with being a mother. Ryan is mom to son Jack Quaid, whom she shares with ex-husband Dennis Quaid, and daughter Daisy True, whom she adopted in 2006.

Over the years, Ryan has been open about the positive impact her children have had on her life and how they continue to help her become the person she's always wanted to be. In a 2008 interview with InStyle (via Yahoo!), Ryan spoke about how her work as a mother is the most important thing in her life. "But most of all, what I'm ambitious for in the 12 hours a day that I'm awake is my kids' happiness," she said. "I just am. I'm either figuring out how to provide for them, figuring out how to say it right, figuring out all those mom things. I want them to be happy. And today I'm happy too."

Ahead, get to know more about Ryan's kids.



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Saturday, October 14, 2023

With cowboys, festivals and “eclipse village,” Texas Hill Country is abuzz.


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12 Josephine Langford Movies and TV Shows, Including the After Series


Josephine Langford is most well known for playing college student Tessa Young in the "After" movies. The franchise, which is inspired by Anna Todd's best-selling book series of the same name, chronicles Tessa's tumultuous relationship with Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) - a mysterious bad boy with a dark past. The first film, which premiered in 2019, catapulted Langford to fame. Now, years later, Langford has officially said goodbye to Tessa following the release of the final "After" installment "After Everything," which premiered on Sept. 13.

So what's next for Langford? The actress is set to star in the upcoming romantic comedy "The Other Zoey." The film centers around a college student named Zoey, who enters into a fake relationship after a cute guy with amnesia mistakes her for his real girlfriend. The movie will be released in select theaters on Oct. 20 before becoming available on-demand on Nov. 10.

If you loved Langford in the After movies and are excited to watch "The Other Zoey," check out more of the star's projects below.

Josephine Langford Movies

"Wish Upon"

"Wish Upon" centers around a 17-year-old high school student named Clare Shannon, who finds a mysterious music box that promises the holder seven wishes. As Clare begins using the box, terrible tragedies also start to happen around her, and she soon realizes her wishes come at a dangerous price. Langford plays Clare's school bully, Darcie, in the film.

"After"

Tessa Young (Langford) embarks on her first semester at college, where she meets a handsome bad boy named Hardin Scott, who she knows is no good. Still, Tessa can't seem to get Hardin off her mind and begins to fall for him, leading the pair down a tumultuous path.

"After We Collided"

In "After We Collided," Tessa and Hardin go their separate ways. While Tessa finds success as an intern at a publishing company, Hardin spends his days drinking and longing for her. After the pair unexpectedly reunites, Tessa realizes she still has feelings for Hardin, however, she wrestles with the idea of getting back together with him.

"After We Fell"

In "After We Fell," Tessa's decision to move to Seattle puts a strain on her relationship with Hardin. The two attempt to work things out, however, they encounter other problems that continue to test their relationship.

"After Ever Happy"

In "After Ever Happy," Hardin goes into a downward spiral after a huge family secret is revealed at his mother's wedding. As a result, he distances himself from Tessa, but when she experiences a family tragedy, Hardin rushes to be by her side again. Although she loves Hardin, Tessa realizes that the couple will have to spend some time apart in order to heal from their recent traumas and make their relationship stronger.

"After Everything"

After Hardin publishes a best-selling novel about his relationship with Tessa without her knowledge, the two break up and begin living separate lives. Hardin is determined to make things up to Tessa and get back together with her. However, he must first confront his past in order to move forward with the woman he loves.

"Moxie"

After noticing the unfair treatment of girls at her school, 16-year-old Vivian feels helpless to make a difference. However, that all changes once she discovers her mother's feminist zine collection, which inspires her to create her own zine called "Moxie" in an effort to call out the sexism at her school. Langford plays a head cheerleader named Emma in the film.

"Gigi & Nate"

18-year-old Nate Gibson contracts meningitis after swimming in a lake. After he becomes a quadriplegic, Nate falls into a depression as he's unable to cope with everyday life. In order to help her son, Claire contacts an organization to get Nate a service animal. They connect him with a capuchin monkey named Gigi, who ends up transforming Nate's life. In the movie, Langford play's Nate's older sister, Katy.

"The Other Zoey"

Zoey (Langford) is a college student who works at a bookstore. When she witnesses a popular student named Zack get hit by a car, Zoey rushes to his aid only to realize the accident gave him amnesia. Because of this, Zack accidentally mistakes Zoey for his girlfriend. In order to not make his condition worse, Zoey decides to keep up the act until Zack's amnesia goes away, but things get complicated when she starts to fall for his cousin.

"The Great Gatsby Live Read!"

In order to benefit charity, Langford, Kaia Gerber, Mason Gooding, and other stars teamed up to do a live table read of "The Great Gatsby" in 2021. The classic novel, which was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, centers around a millionaire named Jay Gatsby, who tries to win over his former lover Daisy Buchanan. Langford read for the character of Jordan Baker.

Josephine Langford TV Shows

"Wolf Creek"

"Wolf Creek" is a TV series that follows an American college student named Eve Thorogood, who travels to Australia with her parents and younger brother. During their trip, the family meets a man named Mick, who appears friendly but turns out to be a serial killer. The Thorogoods become Mick's latest targets, and after everyone but Eve is killed, she embarks on a mission to avenge her family by hunting Mick down. Langford played the reoccurring character Emma Webber on the show.

"Into the Dark"

"Into the Dark" is a horror anthology series with each episode centering around a holiday. In Langford's episode, "They Come Knocking," a family's road trip turns into a nightmare after they're attacked by supernatural creatures.



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Friday, October 13, 2023

"Five Nights at Freddy's" Director Emma Tammi Teases a Secret Character in the Film

"Five Nights at Freddy's" is finally making the leap from the console to the big screen. The video game franchise has long been set to become a horror movie, and director Emma Tammi wants fans of the cult-favorite game to know that the big-screen journey into Freddy Fazbear's Pizza was made especially for them.

Speaking in a panel at New York Comic-Con on Oct. 12, which POPSUGAR was on hand for, Tammi explained that after her first meeting with legendary horror producer Jason Blum about the project, she picked up the game herself and realized it was "a cinematic feast." While noting that "the lore is vast and we couldn't include everything," she said, "Every department . . . was looking for opportunities to make it totally authentic to 'FNAF' and also pull in Easter eggs and pull in little details that we knew were just going to make it rich, and and hopefully every frame of this film has things to unpack and savor throughout." Tammi also teased that there's still another classic character from the game in the movie that hasn't been revealed in any trailer.

She and Blum explained that the animatronics in the film were all done with practical effects and puppets, giving it a lived-in feel. And Blum was explicit about his intention for the movie: he wants it to be for the fans. Speaking about the eight years it took to get the film made, he said, "What we've finally figured out is that we should make a movie that works for the fans. If anyone else comes that's great, but not try and please them, too."

The first "Five Nights at Freddy's" video game was released in 2014. The horror game franchise centers around the Chuck E. Cheese-esque pizza place, where terrifying animatronics come to life. In most of the games, the player is a nighttime employee who must defend themselves when they attack at night. There have been nine games in the core franchise so far.

Back in 2015, the game's creator Scott Cawthon announced that a movie adaption was in the works - though the project hit a number of setbacks over the years, going through a series of directors before Blum took the lead on the project in 2017, per Variety. At Comic-Con, Blum and Tammi emphasized how involved Cawthon was in every stage of production.

Ahead, check out the first trailer for the long-awaited "Five Nights at Freddy's" film and find out what else we know about it so far.

- Additional reporting by Victoria Edel



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Thursday, October 12, 2023

Israel, Gaza and the Laws of War


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"The Masked Singer" Season 10 Contestants So Far and Who They Might Be

"The Masked Singer" is officially back for its 10th season. After a special episode featuring Demi Lovato aired on Sunday, Sept. 10, the hit singing competition show returned on Wednesday, Sept. 27, with longtime judges Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Nicole Scherzinger and host Nick Cannon.

Considering this is the show's 10th season since it premiered in January 2019, it's set to be the biggest one yet. "After nine incredible seasons, if I had to put money on it, this is the best season ever," McCarthy Wahlberg said in a Sept. 18 promo video. Besides new themes, the upcoming episodes of "The Masked Singer" promise to have more elaborate costumes, as well as bigger celebrity reveals. Following the season premiere, the panelists have guessed that anyone from Adam Levine and Usher to Scott Disick and Vanessa Hudgens could be a contestant this time around.

So, who's really behind the masks this season? Scroll through the slideshow to see all of the contestants so far and their possible identities.



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