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Exclusive: Oscar nominee Colman Domingo‘s directorial debut Scandalous!, which is set to star Sydney Sweeney as Kim Novak and David Jonsson as Sammy Davis Jr., is heading to the Cannes market for international sales with Patrick Wachsberger’s 193.

193 is handling international sales for Miramax. The film will chart the clandestine love affair between film star Novak and singer/dancer and actor Davis Jr.

The movie will chart the explosive true story of a forbidden romance at the height of Hollywood’s Golden Age. In 1957, Novak (Sweeney), one of the biggest box office stars of her time and the luminous face of Vertigo, falls for Davis Jr. (Jonsson), the multi-talented Rat Pack sensation who defied boundaries of race and fame. Their affair, unfolding in the shadows of Jim Crow America, sparks a firestorm. With the Mafia circling, studio heads panicking, and even Frank Sinatra walking a tightrope between friendship and fallout,...

Genre favorites Robert Rodriguez and Greg Nicotero teamed up to co-direct Mammoth‘s monstrous music video for “The End.”

Mammoth is fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen — son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen and actress Valerie Bertinelli — who played bass in Van Halen from 2007 until their disbanding in 2020.

The short film, which pays homage to Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller,” was written by Wolfgang and Rodriguez.

Wolfgang and his band members — Jon Jourdan, Ronnie Ficarro, Frank Sidoris, and Garrett Whitlock — star alongside horror icon Danny Trejo (From Dusk Till Dawn), Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, and Bertinelli.

Catch Mammoth on tour this fall:

Oct 31 – Tba

Nov 1 – Las Vegas, Nv – House of Blues

Nov 4 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

Nov 5 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

Nov 7 – Lake Buena Vista, Fl – House of Blues

Nov 8 – Atlanta, Ga – Tabernacle

Nov 9 – Charlotte, Nc – The Fillmore

Nov 11 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

Nov 12 – Show information to come soon

Nov 14 – Montclair,...

Wolfgang Van Halen‘s Mammoth have released a new song, “The End,” along with a star-studded Robert Rodriguez-directed video featuring Danny Trejo, Slash, and more.

“The End” marks the first new music from Wolfgang since he dropped his initials from the Mammoth Wvh moniker, and it’s a ripper, opening with a shreddy tapping solo that echoes the guitar theatrics of Wolfgang’s late father, the legendary Eddie Van Halen. Performed by Wolfgang and returning collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette, the track balances fast-paced verses sections with a hyper melodic chorus that showcases Wolfgang’s vocals.

Get Mammoth Tickets Here

“I’ve had the tapping idea on the intro for ‘The End’ since before Mammoth,” Wolfgang said via a press release. “I was able to fit it into this world. It’s still over-the-top and shreddy, but it’s also melodic and controlled. Overall, I was doing some different things on the record,...

Multi-instrumentalist Wolfgang Van Halen unleashes some of his most virtuosic guitar parts yet on “The End,” the new single from his one-man band, Wolfgang Wvh — which arrives along with an elaborate, Robert Rodriguez-directed video where he plays for an audience packed with vampires, zombies, and, for some reason, Slash.

The song kicks off with a two-handed tapping riff that inevitably evokes Wolfgang’s dad, the late Eddie Van Halen. In a statement, he explained he came up with that part years before he even conceived of his band. “I...

Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury are two legendary musicians from the golden days of pop and rock. Throughout their careers, the two produced numerous iconic and timeless hits, but despite being at the prime of their careers at the same time, they never collaborated.

While never being able to hear them collaborate hurts, it hurts more to know that they did embark on a collaboration once, on not one, but three songs. Unfortunately, the legendary collaboration turned into a disaster due to Jackson’s fondness for animals. His pet llama apparently prevented the lead vocalist of Queen from recording.

The quirky tale of Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and a llama Michael Jackson | Credits: Bad Mv / Epic

In the early 1980s, two music titans, Freddie Mercury of Queen and Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, embarked on a collaboration that was destined to be legendary. Just when Queen was taking a...

Miles Teller has been cast in Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Paramount Pictures Olympic sports picture ‘Winter Games.’

The project centres on the high-stakes arena of the Winter Olympic Games, a perpetually overlooked skier and a self-sabotaging hockey legend who collide at their breaking points. Their unexpected connection threatens her chance for a medal and his shot at a comeback as they navigate romance and redemption in the Olympic Village.

Also in news – Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan & more feature in first look images from ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

As well as taking on directing duties, Colaizzo has also penned the script alongside Pat Cunnane. Tim and Trevor White are producing on behalf of Star Thrower alongside Teller.

The ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star recently finished up production on a couple of high-profile projects: Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ and A24’s ‘Eternity,’ in which he stars opposite Elizabeth Olsen and Callum Turner.

While many millennial R&b lovers are likely familiar with Grammy-nominated singer Snoh Aalegra, who became beloved stateside around 2018 with stylish wedding-core love songs like “I Want You Around” and “Find Someone Like You,” she’s earning a new generation of fans as her 2021, Neptunes-produced single “In Your Eyes” explodes on TikTok and travels across the web. Snippets of the song and a recent remix by a 19-year-old producer are soundtracking a handful of trends, including two dance routines, an optical illusion, and high school prom posts. While older stars...

Exclusive: Paramount Pictures is continuing its strong relationship with its Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller as sources tell Deadline that Teller is attached to star in Paramount Pictures’ Winter Games. Paul Downs Colaizzo is directing. Pat Cunnane and Colaizzo penned the script.

Film revolves around the high-stakes arena of the Winter Olympic Games, a perpetually overlooked skier and a self-sabotaging hockey legend who collide at their breaking points. Their unexpected connection threatens her chance for a medal and his shot at a comeback as they navigate romance and redemption in the Olympic Village.

Tim and Trevor White are producing on behalf of Star Thrower alongside Teller. The film is in development. The project continues the studio’s strong ties with Teller following the box-office smash hit Top Gun: Maverick. Teller is also attached to star in a remake of An Officer and a Gentleman.

This marks a reunion for...

Universal Pictures has announced the nationwide theatrical re-release of The Wiz, the 1978 Oscar-nominated musical starring music legends Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, screen icon Lena Horne, and comedy titan Richard Pryor.

The landmark film, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, through the lens of 1970s Black culture, will return to theaters nationwide for special screenings on May 18 and May 21, 2025.

Nearly five decades since its original release, The Wiz remains a defining moment in cinematic history, celebrated for its bold, revolutionary vision of Oz. Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, The Wiz tells the story of Dorothy (Oscar nominee Ross), a Harlem schoolteacher who is transported to the magical land of Oz during a snowstorm.

There, she embarks on a journey to meet the all-powerful ruler of Oz, The Wiz (Grammy and Emmy winner Richard Pryor), and find a way back home. Along the way,...

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This was supposed to be one of the biggest years of Katy Perry’s career.

Once the world’s biggest pop star (her 2010 album Teenage Dream is still the only album aside from Michael Jackson’s Thriller to generate five number one singles), Perry’s spotlight has dimmed considerably in recent years.

But with a massive tour coming on the heels of a literal trip to space, 2025 promised to be the year that Katy and her team would turn things around.

Instead, the pop icon is being memed so savagely that the situation is probably stirring up unpleasant memories of her “Left Shark” days.

Katy Perry attends the 35th Annual Colleagues Spring Luncheon & Oscar de la Renta Fashion Show at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on April 25, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images) Katy’s space flight was a PR dud

In...

Sunday's episode of American Idol turned out to be the end of the road for Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts, as the number of contestants dropped from 14 to 12. Amanda, the 27-year old singer from New York performed "I Can't Help It" by Michael Jackson on April 27 as America voted live throughout the show. But she didn't receive enough votes to survive "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" night.

The three judges — Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie — had no power this week on ABC's reality TV program. But they did still comment on each of the contestants' songs. Luke said the artist's "stage presence went to another level" and that she "crushed it." Lionel remarked that Michael Jackson "couldn't sing like that." And Carrie called Amanda's scatting performance simply "incredible."

Gold Derby readers weren't too surprised by Amanda's elimination, as she had lowly 75/1 odds of winning the competition, and she...

Tonight on American Idol, the Top 14 contestants sing live for America's vote in hopes of reaching the Top 12. With guidance from guest mentor James Taylor, the Top 14 take on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends as judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan share feedback.

During the episode (at approximately 8:40 p.m. Et/5:40 p.m. Pt), we will also see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees announced. According to a recent Gold Derby poll, fans are most hoping to see Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, and Chubby Checker inducted. Other nominees this year are Joy Division/New Order, Outkast, The White Stripes, Bad Company, Soundgarden, Oasis, The Black Crowes, Phish, and Maná.

The "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" episode of American Idol airs live coast-to-coast on Sunday, April 27 (8 p.m. Et/5 p.m. Pt). Follow along with our...

Popular music has produced an assortment of titled talents: The King (Elvis), the King of Pop (Michael Jackson), the Queen of Soul (Aretha Franklin), the Queen of Tejano music (Selena) and the First Lady of Song (Ella Fitzgerald), among others. But there’s only been one Boss.

That, of course, would be Bruce Springsteen. The New Jersey-born rock star is known not only for his songwriting but also his phenomenal concert performances across the decades with the E Street Band. The group’s latest tour forms the backbone of the Emmy-contending documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, streaming on Hulu. It’s directed by Thom Zimny, who has collaborated with Springsteen for almost a quarter-century now.

“It’s unbelievable. [I’m] so grateful,” Zimny said as he appeared at Deadline’s Contenders TV Documentary, Unscripted & Variety event. “What made this one unique, Road Diary, was that I was coming into the process very,...

In Which Movie Did Daniel Craig Replace Robert Downey Jr.? ( Photo Credit – Wikimedia )

Daniel Craig, well-known for playing the daredevil agent James Bond, had once replaced the Oscar-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. as the lead in a big-budget film. And that film was not Casino Royale, the first film in which Daniel Craig’s tryst with 007 began, or any Bond movie. Read on to know which film that was.

The Film In Which Daniel Craig Replaced Robert Downey Jr.

Coming straight to the point, the name of that movie was the sci-fi action thriller Cowboys and Aliens, which came out in 2011. The dashing Knives Out actor bagged the role after Robert Downey Jr. dropped out of the film (as per a report by Deadline).

Cowboys And Aliens Plot

The movie was based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name, and directed by Jon Favreau. Set in a retro-futuristic setting in the 1870s,...

Who Did Tom Hardy Seek Advice From While Preparing To Play Venom? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

So, Tom Hardy wasn’t just gearing up for Venom (2018); he was stepping into a whole new realm of digital mayhem. But instead of figuring it out alone, Hardy made a call to someone who knew the ropes of motion capture better than anyone: The Lord of the Rings legend Andy Serkis. Yes, the legendary Gollum himself. And little did Hardy know that this call would spark a massive shift, not just in his performance but in the entire Venom franchise.

Before Venom even hit theaters, Hardy was already thinking about what the next step would look like. As much as he was ready to rock that motion-capture suit, he knew there was one man to turn to: Andy Serkis, the icon who helped bring Gollum and Caesar to life. So Hardy called Serkis up.

Michael Jackson Pepsi Accident ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Before the plastic surgeries, glitter gloves, and tabloid chaos—Michael Jackson was simply a young music prodigy with a voice that stopped people in their tracks. But one blazing mishap on a flashy commercial set left the King of Pop permanently changed—scalp scars and all.

Let’s rewind to 1984. Jackson had teamed up with Pepsi for a high-stakes ad campaign. At the time, he was at the peak of his stardom, fresh off hits like Thriller and Beat It and already ruling charts worldwide. Every brand wanted him. Pepsi landed him. But things got too explosive.

During a shoot in LA’s Shrine Auditorium, pyros misfired just as Jackson strutted across the stage. Sparks burst overhead, and in a flash, his hair was up in flames. It wasn’t a minor singe.

Trending Liam Neeson Still Grieving Natasha Richardson’s Death: Friends...

In what would go down in history as one of the most scandalous and most discussed celebrity arrests in Hollywood, the undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson, voluntarily walked into the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on November 20th, 2003.

The entire world watched wide-eyed as Michael Jackson faced a media frenzy that was quick to blur the lines between legal reality and tabloid fodder. Fans sobbed, cameras clicked, and skeptics readied their weapons as the pop star turned himself in for a formal arrest warrant against him on suspicion of child molestation.

What unfolded post his surrender was an absolute dramatic spectacle, costing Jackson a hefty $3 million in bail money. His mugshot, eternally imprinted in pop culture memory, marked a bizarre chapter in Jackson’s life, one that threw his public perception and fame all in one big scandalous melting pot.

Michael Jackson’s charges came as a shock to...

Mark Wahlberg kicked off this year with the aviation thriller, Flight Risk, which was directed by Mel Gibson, but nearly 20 years ago, he starred as a one-man army in an action thriller dominating streaming charts. Wahlberg features alongside Michael Peña and Kate Mara in Shooter, the 2007 political thriller following an expert marksman living in exile who is forced back into his old life after being double-crossed and blamed for an assassination attempt on the President’s life. Shooter has been streaming on Paramount+ for years, but the film has recently resurfaced in the streamer’s top 10, sitting at #5 at the time of writing. Shooter earned scores of 47% from critics and 80% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, and the film grossed $95 million at the box office against a $61 million budget.

Shooter is based on the novel Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter, and Jonathan Lemkin adapted the book with Antoine Fuqua directing.

Kendrick Lamar has received a leading 10 nominations at the 2025 American Music Awards. Close behind him are Post Malone with eight bids; and Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey Round with seven noms apiece. See the complete list below.

Jennifer Lopez is back as host of the world's largest fan-voted awards show for the first time in 10 years. Voting is open now in all categories at VoteAMAs.com and the @AMAs Instagram profile. The Las Vegas-based kudos will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Memorial Day, May 26.

While the winners will be chosen by the fans, the nominees were based on the Billboard charts, which include streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour grosses. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and Luminate, with the eligibility period being March 22, 2024, through March 20, 2025.

Lamar's bids are spread across eight contests: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (“Gnx...

Kendrick Lamar is the leading contender for the 2025 American Music Awards, with 10 nominations in results announced Wednesday. The nearest runner-up is Post Malone, who has something else to celebrate besides his just-wrapped Coachella headlining stint, with eight noms.

Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey are tied for third in the nominations count with seven apiece.

Close behind them is Taylor Swift, described as “the winningest artist in AMAs history,” who has six opportunities this year to add to her historic total of 40. Swift is far from the only one with six nominations; sharing that number are Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter and Sza. Landing five noms apiece are Benson Boone, Hozier and Zach Bryan. (Scroll down for a complete list of nominees.)

Nominations are based on a combination of sales, streaming, airplay and touring data points from Billboard and Luminate, but the final awards are fan-voted. Voting is already open via VoteAMAs.

Kendrick Lamar is a 10, at least according to an American Music Awards tally.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper leads this year’s Ama nominations with a total of 10: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (Gnx), Song of the Year (“Not Like Us”), Collaboration of the Year (“Luther” with Sza), Favorite Music Video (“Not Like Us”), Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist, Favorite Hip-Hop Album (Gnx), Favorite Hip-Hop Song. Should Lamar win in all eight categories, he would tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year.

Following Lamar, Post Malone received eight nominations; while Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey received seven nominations each. The show will be hosted by and include a performance from Jennifer Lopez.

See below for the full nominees list.

Fan voting is now open via VoteAMAs.

It’s the Inverse Law of Entertainment: All musicians want to be comedians, and all comedians want to be musicians. Most comics aren’t blessed with musical talent, but some still get a taste by appearing in the videos of their favorite artists. Saturday Night Live cast members, probably thanks to their musical heroes guesting on the show, get more chances than most.

Here are eight times that SNL comedians randomly pop up in music videos by iconic artists…

1 Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler

The Beastie Boys’ “Make Some Noise” video is full of comedy cameos, including Seth Rogen, Jack Black, Rashida Jones, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson and David Cross. SNL is well represented as well with Ferrell as the future Ad-Rock, Rudolph as a lady hitting on Danny McBride and Poehler as a sneering bistro patron.

2 Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte Play

Sudeikis and Forte,...

Is everything okay with Justin Bieber? That’s the big question fans are asking after some pretty bizarre videos of him at Coachella 2025 surfaced on the internet. Appearing in bad physical shape, puffing on what looks like a joint, Bieber raised eyebrows with his zoned-out vibe at the festival.

Moreover, fans seem especially worried about the Grammy winner, now that P Diddy’s trial is scheduled to start on May 5, with opening statements on May 12. Considering Justin Bieber’s association with the disgraced rapper and the alleged abuse he underwent, fans can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Bieber’s strange behavior than just festival exhaustion.

Justin Bieber’s bizarre Coachella behavior raised eyebrows

Coachella 2025 had everything—neon outfits, surprise performances, and of course, some good old-fashioned drama. And guess who sparked that drama? None other than the Baby hitmaker, Justin Bieber. Spotted at a private party near the festival,...

Did Michael Jackson want to play Spider-Man? (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

In the 1990s, Michael Jackson made a serious attempt to buy Marvel Comics. His goal wasn’t to grow a media empire—it was to play Spider-Man. At the time, Marvel was on the verge of collapse, filing for bankruptcy in 1996. Jackson saw an opportunity and reportedly discussed purchasing the company with his family.

His nephew, Taj Jackson, later confirmed in an interview with Popcorned Planet that the singer wanted to work with Stan Lee and “probably wanted to be Spider-Man.” Marvel, before its cinematic boom, was struggling across the board. The comic book publisher had lost its luster, its stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, and its animated TV presence was fading. Toy Biz, a toy company producing Marvel-themed merchandise, stepped in and eventually merged with Marvel. The company’s future looked uncertain.

Around the same time,...

I first learned about Aimee Semple McPherson while in divinity school. “Sister Aimee,” as she was known to her adoring followers, was an early Pentecostal preacher, the founder of America’s first megachurch, and a pioneer of Christian mass media. She was also an unpredictable impresario who infuriated her critics with her instinct for spectacle. I remember thinking how odd it was that I had never heard of her — how did this important female religious pioneer not make it into my American history books? And then I promptly forgot about her,...

The second season of “Light & Magic,” about the history of VFX giant Industrial Light & Magic (helmed by “Jumanji” director and former Ilm vet Joe Johnston), kicks off with a fascinating glimpse into the making of Jar Jar Binks in the first of three episodes.

The initial fan response to the character was decidedly negative, whether for Jar Jar’s slapstick humor tone clashing with the other stories within “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” or for the Gungan’s broad characterization that some critics and audiences found reflected racist stereotypes. Jar Jar hate has softened a little over time, particularly concerning the work of performer Ahmed Best, who beat out both Robin Williams and Michael Jackson for the role of Binks and has now gotten to save Baby Yoda in the guise of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in “The Mandalorian.” But Best was the first to step into a mocap suit,...

Joel Katz, the powerful longtime music attorney whose clients included James Brown, B.B. King, Willie Nelson and the Recording Academy, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. He was 80.

Katz spent decades as one of the most high profile attorneys in the music business, negotiating the Recording Academy’s $600 million, 10-year agreement between the Recording Academy and CBS for the Grammys (that deal will finally end next year as the awards show will move to Disney), and he was a prominent figure in the Michael Jackson estate’s $750 million sale of its stake in Sony/Atv Publishing.

Other clients included Big Machine Label Group, Jason Owen and Sandbox Entertainment, BMG, Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake and Brad Paisley.

Katz, who lived in Atlanta, was the founding chairman for the entertainment and media practice at major law firm Greenberg Traurig, where he practiced for nearly 25 years from 1998 through 2020. He resigned from the...

Beyond the Gates spoilers suggest a new face is about to pop up in the land of Fairmont Crest. Actor Jason Vendryes is slated to join the new soap opera, playing a mysterious character named Kenny, a recurring role.

According to Deadline, Kenny is someone who will be in both the lives of Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) and his grandad, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis). More on this story below.

Airdate Revealed

Beyond the Gates spoilers imply that Jason Vendryes’ ‘Kenny’ character is scheduled to debut sometime in May, which is timely since next month is a ‘sweeps month’.

Kenny is set to start watching both Vernon and Martin, but no one will be sure of what he’s up to.

Martin has a secret he’s been hiding, and fans have been on the edge of their seats trying to figure out what it is.

The only other people that...

Slamdance’s beloved Unstoppable festival is now going on tour, thanks to the new “Slamdance Unstoppable: On The Road” program. The festival is curated exclusively by artists with visible and non-visible disabilities and includes features and shorts made by underrepresented, differently abled filmmakers. The tour will expand the Slamdance Unstoppable programming into arthouse theaters across the U.S. for the first time since Unstoppable began in 2020.

“’Slamdance Unstoppable: On The Road’ is a true rockstar moment for our filmmakers,” Unstoppable co-founder Juliet Romeo said in a press statement. “Having our films travel from state to state, screening at incredible art houses, feels like the Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé tour rolled into one. I’m thrilled to kick things off this summer in our old stomping grounds — Utah. It’s powerful to return to where it all began, especially now. In today’s political climate, continuing to push for...

Founded in 1995 by Bette Midler, the nonprofit New York Restoration Project (Nyrp) is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty.

Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Ms. Midler created Nyrp to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities.

Celebrity supporters

New York Restoration Project has 25 known supporters, including Kristin Chenoweth, Michael Jackson, and Alan Cumming

Areas of work EnvironmentConservation Read more about New York Restoration Project's work and celebrity supporters. Related articles 2007 - The Year The Stars Gave BackSigourney Weaver Awards Outstanding Women In ConservationBette Midler Opens New Community GardenAshanti Gets Wicked For New York RestorationHave Lunch With Hugh Jackman And Restore New York

Are you organizing an event which celebrities will attend? Tell...

The first trailer for Eddington, a new movie by Ari Aster, is finally here. The film will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival this May.

Eddington is a Western thriller mixed with black comedy. It stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., and Amélie Hoeferle.

In the trailer, a man’s voice speaks at the start: “Of course, they keep looking at that lab in China. If you look at that lab in Wuhan. When that was established, it was 1956, of course, that was the year Tom Hanks was born, the first celebrity with the virus.”

Phoenix plays a sheriff in a small New Mexico town named Eddington. He starts to go against the town’s mayor, played by Pedro Pascal, during a time when a pandemic is spreading.

In one scene, Phoenix’s character scrolls through social media.

The first teaser trailer for Ari Aster’s next thriller film Eddington has arrived.

The Western thriller and black comedy film will have its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May. It stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr. and Amélie Hoeferle.

“Of course, they keep looking at that lab in China. If you look at that lab in Wuhan,” a man’s voice narrates at the beginning of the clip. “When that was established, it was 1956, of course, that was the year Tom Hanks was born, the first celebrity with the virus.”

Phoenix stars as a small-town sheriff in the titular small New Mexico town, where he challenges his mayor (Pascal) in a pandemic-set situation, as evidenced in the trailer.

Phoenix’s character can be seen scrolling through social media clips of himself talking about how...

Don Mischer, a director and producer whose six-decade career shaped some of the most-watched live broadcasts in American television history, died in his sleep on April 11 in Los Angeles. He was 85.

Mischer had just completed what he said would be his final production, the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica. Hosted by James Corden with a performance by Katy Perry, the event featured a guest list of celebrities and tech figures and was streamed online.

From Super Bowl halftime shows and Olympic ceremonies to the Academy Awards and Kennedy Center Honors, Mischer built a reputation as one of the most trusted figures in live television. He won 15 Emmy Awards, 10 Directors Guild of America Awards, a Peabody, two NAACP Image Awards, and received lifetime achievement honors from both the DGA and PGA.

Donald Leo Mischer was born March 5, 1940, in San Antonio. His father worked in insurance, and his mother died of...

The entertainment industry is witnessing a transformative shift as artificial intelligence (AI) technology enables the resurrection of deceased celebrities, turning their legacies into lucrative enterprises.

New AI-generated digital replicas of late stars include Suzanne Somers and George Michael.

Companies such as Hollo and Realbotix have collaborated to create a synthetic version of Somers designed to emulate her voice, personality and facial expressions. The AI-driven likeness is not merely a tribute but is intended for active participation in new projects, including potential appearances in reboots of classic shows like Three’s Company.​

A significant legal development facilitating this phenomenon is California’s A.B. 1836, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. This law expands post-mortem rights to encompass AI-generated digital replicas, granting estates greater control over the use of a celebrity’s likeness after death.

While initially aimed at preventing unauthorized deepfakes, the legislation inadvertently paves the way for estates to monetize these digital personas extensively.

Beyond the headlines and the allegations, what was it like to sit on the jury? Channel 9 and 9Now explore that question with The People v Michael Jackson, airing Sunday, April 13, at 8.30pm. This special re-examines the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson through the eyes of the jurors who decided his fate. The program […]

The Jury Speaks: Michael Jackson Trial Re-examined April 13 on Channel 9...

Don Mischer, the Emmy-accumulating director-producer who called the shots on the biggest live entertainment events in the world, from Super Bowl halftime shows and Olympic opening ceremonies to the Oscars and the Emmys, has died. He was 85.

Mischer died peacefully in his sleep in Los Angeles on Friday, a family spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.

The San Antonio native also helmed the Kennedy Center Honors, starting with the inaugural 1978 event through 1986 — he then produced the CBS telecast from 1993-2001 — and guided Barbara Walters‘ highly-rated ABC interview shows beginning in the late 1970s.

Meanwhile, Mischer was the architect of dozens of landmark TV specials, including 1983’s Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, which featured a reunion of The Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson’s “moonwalk” during a “Billie Jean” performance, and 1990’s The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson and 1998’s Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers, both of which aired mere months after the shocking deaths...

Don Mischer, one of the preeminent live-event directors of the past six decades, died peacefully in his sleep last night, April 11, in Los Angeles. The 15-time Emmy winner was 85.

Mischer did not stop working until the end and passed away just as he was finally planning to retire for good.

“I want you to know that, after more than six decades in television, I will be doing my last show tomorrow on Saturday, April 5th here in Los Angeles,” he told Deadline last week. “I started at the PBS station in Austin at the University of Texas campus in 1963, and I turned 85 last week. Man, it feels like time has just flown by.”

Mischer’s final show was the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, hosted by James Corden, which took place at Barker Hangar Santa Monica with tech titans and A-list celebrity attending and Katy Perry among those performing. The ceremony, nicknamed the Oscars of Science,...

The first day of Coachella wasn’t for the faint-hearted this year: The heat soared to a solid 101 degrees in the desert, but that didn’t stop festival-goers – or the performers — from showing any less enthusiasm. Even as the sun beat down relentlessly, fans showed up at every stage in droves, getting riled up by earlier acts in the day, including Tyla, Ravyn Lenae, and Three 6 Mafia, and counting down for a slew of nighttime showstoppers like Benson Boone, Missy Elliott, Lisa, and of course, headliner Lady Gaga. (Tons of...

Harry Potter Reboot Casting Update (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The magic is officially in motion! With Warner Bros. brewing its long-awaited Harry Potter TV reboot, the halls of Hogwarts are about to echo with new voices, and some very familiar names. While the series promises a fresh take on J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, one question has everyone reaching for their wands: who will step into the iconic shoes of Harry, Hermione, and Ron? As casting whispers turn into official updates, things are getting real in the wizarding world.

From mysterious roles to unexpected front-runners, the early choices already hint that this reboot isn’t playing it safe. With each casting tidbit, the puzzle pieces start to align for a series that aims to reimagine the magic for a new generation. Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or a curious newcomer, this reboot is shaping up to be one spellbinding ride.

As jury selection in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial is set to begin in early May, his legal team is reportedly seeing a major addition in the form of L.A.-based attorney Mark Geragos, who has made a name for himself defending both beloved and deeply maligned celebrities and public figures over the past several decades.

Michael Jackson, Winona Ryder, Jodi Arias, Jussie Smollett, Scott Peterson and many more household names make up Geragos’ list of past clients as he went to trial to defend them against allegations of child molestation, shoplifting, murder in the first degree and filing false reports with police. His client list alone indicates that not every case has been a feather in the cap for the celebrity lawyer, but he is renowned for providing a rigorous defense and often pulling off surprising wins in California’s courthouses.

While he has...

Dwayne Cruise Reeves Red Notice(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Dwayne Johnson had some massive names on his dream board for Red Notice. And not just Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot. He aimed for the stars, literally. Word was, he wanted Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves to join the action-packed chaos. Now that’s a franchise flex.

Red Notice already smashed Netflix records on its debut. It logged a wild 148 million viewing hours on opening day, making it the streamer’s biggest launch at the time. Johnson, Reynolds, and Gadot played high-stakes criminals (and one agent chasing them), flipping through museums, vaults, and betrayal like it was just another Tuesday. But even with that lineup, Johnson wasn’t done assembling his dream squad.

According to The Illuminerdi, Cruise had been set for a surprise cameo in the original movie. Just a quick drop-in, sure, but one that would’ve teased a bigger role in the sequel.

Somehow, we’ve reached the point where Justin Bieber can’t even leave his house without being chased by a camera flash strong enough to charge your phone. The man just wants to drink green juice in peace!

But no, every move he makes is suddenly concerning, every hoodie he wears is cryptic, and every awkward moment with Hailey Bieber becomes a TikTok thesis project about a potential divorce. We’re back to that classic celebrity ritual of projecting, speculating, and completely spiraling over someone we’ve never met.

Justin Bieber | Credits: Instagram/@justinbieber

What makes this worse? We’ve seen this movie before. Michael Jackson, anyone? A misunderstood global icon, hounded by paparazzi, turned into tabloid fodder until the public basically exhausted his humanity. The only real difference? In Mj’s time, the trolls didn’t have Wi-Fi. Welcome to the sequel.

Justin Bieber vs. paparazzi Justin Bieber and...

Shinichirō Watanabe, the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop and Space Dandy, is a legend who has proved himself time and time again by creating timeless classics. Not to mention even his other works are exceptionally popular.

But there is no doubt that he excels at creating the kind of absurd, humorous concepts and executes them exceptionally well, almost as if he were parodying reality.

Axel from Lazarus [Credits: Mappa]

He had hopes of returning to his absurd roots, but when Adult Swim came knocking with full funding and a blank check, they made one thing clear: they didn’t want another Dandy. They wanted something serious and something darker. And that’s how the dystopian world of Lazarus was born.

A darker vision inspired by real-world pain

Adult Swim’s idea was not bad. Although Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop are immensely successful, Space Dandy felt much more lackadaisical and did not...

Ed Sheeran doesn’t believe he has what it takes to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show.

In a recent appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, the pop star was asked whether he’d ever received an invitation to perform at the Super Bowl. Sheeran responded by saying he’s only been asked to play with another artist, but he’s fine with that.

Get Ed Sheeran Tickets Here

“There was a conversation about 10 years ago to go on with someone, and I think that’d be the only way that I would do it at the moment,” he said. “I don’t think English artists are like — I mean, there are some that have the pizzazz of Super Bowl, fireworks, dancers, blah, blah, blah — but me going up there and being like, here’s ‘The A Team’ and here’s ‘Perfect,’ no one wants to see that.

Has Hagrid been cast for Harry Potter Reboot? ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

The highly anticipated Harry Potter TV reboot is officially in the works, promising a decade-long deep dive into Hogwarts like never before. With casting news flying faster than a Firebolt, things are already looking lumos-lit. One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind? Who could possibly fill Hagrid’s enormous boots (and beard)?

Well, reports according to Collider are swirling that British comedy legend Nick Frost, yes, that Nick Frost from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, is stepping into the role of our favorite half-giant with a heart of gold. And honestly? We’re kinda obsessed with the idea. Frost has the warmth, the wit, and definitely the build to bring Hagrid back to life in a fresh, nostalgic way. With stars like John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu also joining the cast, this reboot might just charm our socks off,...

Is Phineas and Ferb coming back to TV? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Phineas and Ferb fans! Dust off your blueprints and get your summer socks ready as the popular animated series is making its long-awaited return.

After a decade-long hiatus with a few films and specials in between to keep fans buzzing, Disney Channel is officially bringing back the wildly inventive duo who turned every day of summer into an engineering marvel.

Ten Years Later And the Boys Are Still Building Big

The trailer for this brand-new chapter drops viewers right back into that familiar, chaotic magic consisting of skyscraper-sized contraptions, impossible inventions, and, of course, a big sister on the verge of a meltdown.

Trending Why Didn’t Miley Cyrus Flinch When Her Top Fell Off On Live TV?

When Michael Jackson Got His Fair Share Of Revenge On Eminem

Candace is still trying to catch the boys in the act,...

Did Dwayne Johnson want to use his actual name in Hollywood? ( Photo Credit – Wikimedia )

Dwayne Johnson is one of the most commercially successful actors in Hollywood with a track record of hits like Jumanji, Central Intelligence, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and more. But before dominating Hollywood with his charm, Johnson also managed to top the world of wrestling under his renowned ring name, The Rock. Under his name, The Rock, Johnson managed to garner significant fame and success.

However, despite the immense popularity of The Rock, Johnson made a surprising decision to stick with his real name as he made his debut in the movie industry. During his conversation with Digital Spy, the former WWE champion revealed that his decision to use his real name stemmed from his desire to differentiate between his actor and wrestler identity. He added that he wanted to commence his journey in Hollywood under his real name,...

Is Travis Kelce putting things on hold with Taylor Swift to focus on Super Bowl? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Travis Kelce might just be entering the most high-stakes season of his life, not just on the field, but in his famously high-profile love life. As per latest reports, whispers are growing louder that his headline-grabbing romance with Taylor Swift could be shifting into the background, and it’s not without reason.

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Post-Super Bowl Soul-Searching

After a turbulent end to last season, marked by a gut-punch loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl Lviii, sources close to the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end suggest he’s reassessing where his focus lies.

Kelce, 35, is reportedly laser-focused on one thing only – ending his NFL career with a bang and ideally, with a fourth Super Bowl ring. And in that pursuit,...

Was Kristen Stewart the only one who had a crush on Robert Pattinson? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Long before Robsten took the fandom by storm, another co-star was making moves, quietly caught in the orbit of Pattinson’s moody charm. Turns out, Kristen Stewart wasn’t the only one who had eyes for Edward Cullen.

In early 2009, months before New Moon hit theaters and while Stewart was still dating Michael Angarano, rumors linked Pattinson to Nikki Reed. According to LaineyGossip, Reed had been spotted heading to Pattinson’s place before the two met up with friends, Stewart and Angarano included, at a Juno Awards after-party.

Sources claimed Reed and Pattinson were deep in conversation that night, their “heads bent close together.” When the night wrapped, all four left as a group. But cameras allegedly caught Reed and Pattinson walking arm-in-arm down the street while Stewart and Angarano took a cab. Reed reportedly stayed the night.

How did Jack Black nail his gender-swap role in Jumanji?(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Sony Pictures’ Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle revived the beloved 1995 classic with a bold, modern twist—reimagining the mysterious board game as a retro-style video game that drew players directly into its world.

Instead of the jungle spilling into suburbia, this film flipped the script: the jungle consumed its players via video game. Four high school students were sucked into the game and took on avatars wildly different from their real-world selves, turning the adventure into a body-swap comedy with a digital edge.

In the movie, Dwayne Johnson embodied a socially awkward gamer trapped in a heroic explorer’s frame, while Kevin Hart portrayed a confident jock who ended up as a short, fast-talking zoologist.

But perhaps the most striking transformation belonged to Jack Black, who hilariously played Professor Shelly Oberon—the in-game persona of Bethany White,...