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Black Mirror Episodes Ranked Best to Worst News Our definitive ranking of the sci-fi/horror anthology's episodes sees season 1 episodes at the top of the list and a season 2 episode at the bottom. Catch up before season 6 drops! TAGGED AS: Netflix It’s arguable that creator Charlie Brooker’s episodic anthology series Black Mirror is one of the scariest shows on TV— not because it relies on zombie attacks or murderous clowns, but because it shows just how easily phones, computers, and other advancing technology that we are increasingly dependent on can be used against us if we’re not paying close enough attention. (The fact that... News Our definitive ranking of the sci-fi/horror anthology's episodes sees season 1 episodes at the top of the list and a season 2 episode at the bottom. Catch up before season 6 drops! TAGGED AS: Netflix It’s arguable that creator Charlie Brooker’s episodic anthology series Black Mirror is one of the scariest shows on TV— not because it relies on zombie attacks or murderous clowns, but because it shows just how easily phones, computers, and other advancing technology that we are increasingly dependent on can be used against us if we’re not paying close enough attention. (The fact that all of these episodes are available to be played on Netflix,the innovativestreaming giant known for obsessively monitoring our usage without really sharing what they find, should not be overlooked.) With Netflix unleashing a new chapter of this paranoia-fueled scarefest this week, it’s time to catch up on the acclaimed series if you’re not already. Rotten Tomatoes has crunched the numbers to rank the best Black Mirror episodes down to the worst. We’ve updated the list to reflect the current Tomatometer score; however, it’s worth noting that early episodes like “The National Anthem” and “15 Million Merits” have scores of 100% on fewer than 20 reviews, while more recent episodes, may not have perfect scores, but have more reviews — season 4’s first episode “USS Callister,” for example, scores in the mid 90s, but on 38 reviews. In case of ties, those titles’ “Average rating” (under “See Score Details”) are taken into account where episodes had the same score and number of reviews. Don’t like the ranking? Sound off in the comments. (Also, some spoilers follow.) UPDATE (6/13/23):List updated to reflect added reviews and changing scores. #1The first-ever episode of Black Mirror lives in infamy for two reasons in particular. The first is that its plot— a prime minister (Rory Kinnear) has to do the unthinkable in the name of saving his country’s kidnapped princess (Lydia Wilson)— prepares audience’s for the show’s macabre humor as it pokes fun at privacy, political corruptness, and our obsession with technology. The second is that it became a footnote in a real-life political scandal a few years later when then-prime minister David Cameron’s reputation was muddied after— and there’s really no way to say this delicately — it was rumored he’d had a roll in the sty with a pig. #2A sort-of Hunger Games—meets—environmental disaster story, the show’s second episode highlights one of its most popular themes: our society’s addiction to fame. Here, we have a world where humans must peddle exercise bikes in order to both power their surroundings and earn “merits,” or payments. Ways out include inheritance (because inequality is still prevalent in dystopia) and participating on a reality competition show. The episode also showcasesBlack Mirror’s uncanny ability to cast actors just as they’re on the verge of hitting the mainstream. Alongsideknown names like Downton Abbey’s Jessica Brown Findlay and My Best Friend’s Wedding’s Rupert Everett is future Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya. #3A winner of five Emmy Awards, this episode should make us wonder how many of the TV Academy’s voters secretly hate their coworkers. By day, Jesse Plemmons’ Robert Daly is a mild-mannered programming ace who co-founded a popular multi-player game. He also has a habit of taking his work home with him; stealing the DNA of co-workers and employees who routinely ridicule him (like his partner, played by Jimmi Simpson) or don’t realize they’re the objects of his attraction (a new employee, played by Cristin Milioti) and uploading digital copies of them to his own private, Star Trek—like universe. Stay to the end to spot the voice of a surprise guest star. #4Do you enjoy that euphoric rush of someone liking, commenting on, or retweeting your pi...

DC Comics Movies Ranked by Tomatometer TAGGED AS: batman, movies, Superheroes, superman (Photo by Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Collection) Man of Steel celebrates its 10th anniversary! Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. These are some of the staple titans of DC Comics the world has come to adore over the past 80 years, especially as they made the leap from page panel to silver screen and TV in the ’50s and ’60s. (And well before those upstart punks Marvel Comics to boot!) You’ll find them all in in our guide to every DC Comics movie ranked by Tomatometer, along with other significant greats like Swamp Thing, Green Lantern, and... TAGGED AS: batman, movies, Superheroes, superman (Photo by Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Collection) Man of Steel celebrates its 10th anniversary! Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. These are some of the staple titans of DC Comics the world has come to adore over the past 80 years, especially as they made the leap from page panel to silver screen and TV in the ’50s and ’60s. (And well before those upstart punks Marvel Comics to boot!) You’ll find them all in in our guide to every DC Comics movie ranked by Tomatometer, along with other significant greats like Swamp Thing, Green Lantern, and Shazam. But the world of comic book publishing is nothing if not vast, a constellation of multiverses, retcons, annuals, and imprints. Moving beyond the strictly superhero element of DC Comics, this guide will also feature the adapted works from DC imprints Vertigo (V for Vendetta, The Losers), Paradox Press (Road to Perdition, A History of Violence), and WildStorm (Red, Red 2). We’ve limited the movies to theatrical releases only, which does keep out the home animated fare that’s been giving DC adaptations a good name whenever the DCEU stumbled. But to that end, you will find The Killing Joke and Return of the Caped Crusaders here, both of which got a one-day theatrical release. Great leaping catfish! This introduction is now over! Hurry, to Rotten Tomatoes and the list of every DC movie ranked by Tomatometer! —Alex Vo #1 Adjusted Score: 107378% Critics Consensus: Dark, complex, and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga. Synopsis: With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has... [More] #2 Adjusted Score: 100746% Critics Consensus: Superman deftly blends humor and gravitas, taking advantage of the perfectly cast Christopher Reeve to craft a loving, nostalgic tribute to an American pop culture icon. Synopsis: Just before the destruction of the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-El (Marlon Brando) sends his infant son Kal-El on a spaceship... [More] #3 Adjusted Score: 126933% Critics Consensus: Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadot's charismatic performance, Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion. Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior.... [More] #4 Adjusted Score: 97159% Critics Consensus: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies distills the enduring appeal of its colorful characters into a charmingly light-hearted adventure whose wacky humor fuels its infectious fun -- and belies a surprising level of intelligence. Synopsis: It seems that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies -- all but the Teen... [More] #5 Adjusted Score: 114185% Critics Consensus: An effortlessly entertaining blend of humor and heart, Shazam! is a superhero movie that never forgets the genre's real power: joyous wish fulfillment. Synopsis: We all have a superhero inside of us -- it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out.... [More] #6 Adjusted Score: 108217% Critics Consensus: Enlivened by writer-director James Gunn's singularly skewed vision, The Suicide Squad marks a funny, fast-paced rebound that plays to the source material's violent, anarchic strengths. Synopsis: Welcome to hell--a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst... [More] #7 Adjusted Score: 111998% Critics Consensus: The Lego Batman Movie continues its block-buster franchise's winning streak with another round of dizzyingly funny -- and beautifully animated -- family-friendly mayhem. Synopsis: There are big changes brewing in Gotham, but if Batman (Will Arnett) wants to save the city from the Joker's... [More] #8 Adjusted Score: 102317% Critics Consens...

Secret Invasion First Reviews: Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Best MCU Work,’ Critics Say Secret Invasion stars Samuel L. Jackson, who is reprising his role as Avengers mastermind Nick Fury for television. Created by Kyle Bradstreet (Mr. Robot, Berlin Station), the six-episode series (which premieres on Wednesday, June 21 to Disney+) brings an espionage spy flavor to the MCU and will find Fury facing off against a faction of the Skrull alien race who pose a growing threat to humanity. Alongside Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn is reprising his MCU role as Skrull ally Talos, Cobie Smulders is back as Maria Hill, Martin Freeman returns as Everett K. Ross, and Don Cheadle is once again playing... Secret Invasion stars Samuel L. Jackson, who is reprising his role as Avengers mastermind Nick Fury for television. Created by Kyle Bradstreet (Mr. Robot, Berlin Station), the six-episode series (which premieres on Wednesday, June 21 to Disney+) brings an espionage spy flavor to the MCU and will find Fury facing off against a faction of the Skrull alien race who pose a growing threat to humanity. Alongside Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn is reprising his MCU role as Skrull ally Talos, Cobie Smulders is back as Maria Hill, Martin Freeman returns as Everett K. Ross, and Don Cheadle is once again playing Rhodey. Joining them are Kingsley Ben-Adir as Skrull villain Gravik, Emilia Clarke as G’iah, Olivia Colman as MI6 agent Sonya Falsworth, and Dermot Mulroney as President Ritson, America’s Commander in Chief. Giving Fury his own standalone series is an exciting notion and having Jackson lead the charge has generated plenty of interest in the program. With major buzz and expectations running high, here’s what the critics are saying about season 1 of Secret Invasion: (Photo by Marvel Studios) Click image to open full-sized poster in a new tab. How does it compare to Disney+’s other Marvel series? It’s fun enough. This is a Marvel show, after all, which means it’s a slick and polished affair that speeds along, throwing in Easter eggs and zingers with abandon for the fans to savour. –Vicky Jessup, London Evening Standard As one of the MCU’s most mature projects to date, Secret Invasion is a riveting, tense drama that gifts its actors with weighty material and encourages its audience to look beyond the sheen of superheroism. –Richard Newby, Empire Magazine I miss pre-blip Nick Fury. It’s cold. It’s humorless. It’s almost super hero-less. Secret Invasion is not the Marvel television series powerhouse I was hoping to kick off Phase V. –Christie Cronan, Raising Whasians Secret Invasion is proof that the MCU can tell more mature stories, but it does underscore why it’s important for the franchise to find a more balanced, happy medium between the stories playing out on the silver screen and on Disney+. –Maggie Lovitt, Millennial Falcon Reviews How is Samuel L. Jackson? Cobie Smulders and Samuel L. Jackson in Secret Invasion (Photo by Marvel Studios) In what can only be described as Jackson’s best turn as Fury yet, the actor brings a new level of pathos and solemnity to this comic book role that should see him emerge as a rightful frontrunner in every “Best Actor” awards category months from now. –Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com Jackson used to bring a raffish pizzaz to even his darker parts. Here, he seems as fed up with the Marvel formula as a growing segment of the audience. –Ed Power, Daily Telegraph (UK) Samuel L. Jackson, always talented, but really giving it his all this go round. Jackson is allowed to play with Fury in a way we haven’t seen him before. – Aprillé Morris, OffColour.org the show allows for Samuel L. Jackson to shine bright as Fury, a character who has long been the glue that kept other Marvel teams together. – Allyson Johnson, But Why Tho? A Geek Community As Secret Invasion digs into Fury’s psyche, Jackson easily delivers his best MCU work ever. –Matt Webb Mitovich, TV Line What about the rest of the cast? Olivia Colman in Secret Invasion (Photo by Marvel Studios) Ben Mendelsohn is also on top form as Talos, while Emilia Clarke and Olivia Colman each make a significant impact in a series where it would be all too easy to be overshadowed by Jackson. –Josh Wilding, ComicBookMovie.com Oscar-winner Olivia Colman is a devilish delight as British spy director Sonya Falsworth. Every time she’s on screen, Secret Invasion gets a much-needed spark of mischief as Colman seems honestly excited to be naughty in a Marvel show. –Meghan O’Keefe, Decider T...

All 27 James Bond Movies Ranked by Tomatometer (Photo by United Artists/courtesy Everett Collection) Octopussy celebrates its 40th anniversary, and Dr. No turns 60! You know his name. You got his number. Since 1962, James Bond has been the spy whose reputation precedes him: As international man of mystery, as guru of gadgets and espionage thrills, and as the agent who never encountered a boundary – country, or personal space – he couldn’t sneak across. The Ian Fleming adaptations started with a bang:Dr. Noremains among the best-reviewed of 007’s movies, bringing forth that first legendary era of Sean Connery suited up as the debonair rogue that... (Photo by United Artists/courtesy Everett Collection) Octopussy celebrates its 40th anniversary, and Dr. No turns 60! You know his name. You got his number. Since 1962, James Bond has been the spy whose reputation precedes him: As international man of mystery, as guru of gadgets and espionage thrills, and as the agent who never encountered a boundary – country, or personal space – he couldn’t sneak across. The Ian Fleming adaptations started with a bang:Dr. Noremains among the best-reviewed of 007’s movies, bringing forth that first legendary era of Sean Connery suited up as the debonair rogue that women crave and men aspire to be in vain. Case in point: 1967’sCasino Royalehad no less than six James Bonds within its spooferifous walls, none holding a candle to the Con’. The non-comic caper is the worst-reviewed James Bond movie, and was produced outside of franchise gatekeepers Eon. As celebrated was Connery’s reign was – the late actor’s films occupy three of the top five slots on this list – the sun sets on every empire, and thus was ushered in the age of the Lazenby. A mild administration for George, yes, with only 1969’sOn Her Majesty’s Secret Servicereleased, though Certified Fresh. Then it became time to move over for Roger Moore, who offered a lightly winking and intelligent Bond for those burned-out ’70s times. Three of his movies are Rotten, three are Fresh, and one is Certified Fresh. Not bad, and he even traveled into space. In 1981, Connery came back for non-Eon BondNever Say Never Again, just as HQ was hiring Timothy Dalton for the job. Dalton’s Bond: Cool and menacing, and his filmsThe Living DaylightsandLicense to Killare praised by modern fans for their dark, grittier take on the spy game. It’s something Daniel Craig would pick up on in the future, but with a bigger budget and fewer a-ha theme songs. Pierce Brosnan brought back the sophisticated sex appeal, as the best Bond in the not-so-greatest movies.GoldenEyewas intoxicating Certified Fresh fun, while the three that followed are all Rotten. After Austin Powers took the piss out of the franchise for a decade, Eon turned to resurrecting James Bond as the brooding, brutish hulk we have today.Casino Royalewas a return to form, Daniel Craig’s sneer and occasional smile calibrated to the modern cynical viewer.Skyfallwas likewise Certified Fresh, but there was not so much critical love for in-betweenerQuantum of Solaceand the most-recentSpectreof 2015. Six years passed until No Time To Die, the longest wait between Bond movies. At 15 years, Craig holds the record for longest uninterrupted on-screen ownership of Bond, but Connery spread his appearances as Bond across 21 years. Now, we’re reaching into the classified files for every James Bond movie ever ranked by Tomatometer! #1 Adjusted Score: 105024% Critics Consensus: Goldfinger is where James Bond as we know him comes into focus - it features one of 007's most famous lines ("A martini. Shaken, not stirred.") and a wide range of gadgets that would become the series' trademark. Synopsis: Special agent 007 (Sean Connery) comes face to face with one of the most notorious villains of all time, and... [More] #2 Adjusted Score: 102937% Critics Consensus: The second James Bond film, From Russia with Love is a razor-sharp, briskly-paced Cold War thriller that features several electrifying action scenes. Synopsis: Agent 007 (Sean Connery) is back in the second installment of the James Bond series, this time battling a secret... [More] #3 Adjusted Score: 100825% Critics Consensus: Featuring plenty of the humor, action, and escapist thrills the series would become known for, Dr. No kicks off the Bond franchise in style. Synopsis: In the film that launched the James Bond saga, Agent 007 (Sean Connery) battles mysterious Dr. No, a scientific g...

All Transformers Movies Ranked by Tomatometer TAGGED AS: movies (Photo by Paramount / courtesy Everett Collection) Debuting in 1984, the Transformers TV show rolled out to viewers the eternal mecha battle between Autobots and Decepticons here on Earth and beyond, though its prime drive was to get Hasbro action figures flying off Toys “R” Us shelves. That may sound just like a cynical moichandising ploy, but the series had strong characters and world-building, plus kids were instantly hooked on the toys’ triple-play pleasures of robots, automobiles, and tactile hand-interaction. It’s a bond not even its creators anticipated when they released The Transformers: The Movie. The 1986... TAGGED AS: movies (Photo by Paramount / courtesy Everett Collection) Debuting in 1984, the Transformers TV show rolled out to viewers the eternal mecha battle between Autobots and Decepticons here on Earth and beyond, though its prime drive was to get Hasbro action figures flying off Toys “R” Us shelves. That may sound just like a cynical moichandising ploy, but the series had strong characters and world-building, plus kids were instantly hooked on the toys’ triple-play pleasures of robots, automobiles, and tactile hand-interaction. It’s a bond not even its creators anticipated when they released The Transformers: The Movie. The 1986 production had big-screen action, power pop ballads, and a feature-length massacre of fan-favorite Autobots, including leader Optimus Prime. Hasbro and Takara (the American company licensed the physical toys from the Japanese one and created the Transformers brand and lore) got the hint after fan outcry, where mailed letters were sealed with sad kid tears, and resurrected Prime in Season 3 of the series, comprehending they’ve created a media empire. Transformers entered a new level of mainstream with the five movies from Michael Bay, directed across a decade starting with the 2007 original and sequels Revenge of the Fallen, Dark of the Moon, Age of Extinction, and The Last Knight. Bumblebee, a prequel set in the ’80s, brought the critical success that had eluded Bay, but not so much the box office. Rise of the Beasts cashed in on ’90s-era nostalgia by exploring the Beast Wars mythos. —Alex Vo #1 Adjusted Score: 103319% Critics Consensus: Bumblebee proves it's possible to bring fun and a sense of wonder back to a bloated blockbuster franchise -- and sets up its own slate of sequels in the bargain. Synopsis: On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach... [More] #2 Adjusted Score: 63508% Critics Consensus: A surprisingly dark, emotional, and almost excessively cynical experience for Transformers fans. Synopsis: Ultra Magnus and the Transformers fight planet Unicron and the Decepticons in 2005.... [More] #3 Adjusted Score: 65609% Critics Consensus: While believable characters are hard to come by in Transformers, the effects are staggering and the action is exhilarating. Synopsis: The fate of humanity is at stake when two races of robots, the good Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, bring... [More] #4 Adjusted Score: 60668% Critics Consensus: Thanks to some genuine human drama between the set pieces and palpable affection for the title characters, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is one of the franchise's more enjoyable outings. Synopsis: Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take... [More] #5 Adjusted Score: 44694% Critics Consensus: Its special effects -- and 3D shots -- are undeniably impressive, but they aren't enough to fill up its loud, bloated running time, or mask its thin, indifferent script. Synopsis: Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his new girlfriend, Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), join the fray when the evil Decepticons renew their... [More] #6 Adjusted Score: 29495% Critics Consensus: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a noisy, underplotted, and overlong special effects extravaganza that lacks a human touch. Synopsis: Two years after he and his Autobot friends saved the Earth from the Decepticons, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) faces a... [More] #7 Adjusted Score: 26310% Critics Consensus: With the fourth installment in Michael Bay's blockbuster Transformers franchise, nothing is in disguise: Fans of loud, effects-driven action will find satisfaction, and all others need not apply. Synopsis: After an epic battle, a great city lies in ruins,...

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer: Release Date, Trailer, Cast & More Billboards and movie theater pop-ups across Los Angeles have been ticking down for months now: Christopher Nolan’s epic account of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is nearing an explosive release on July 21, 2023. Nolan movies are always incredibly secretive, twists locked alongside totems behind safe doors, actors not spilling an ounce of Earl Grey tea. But there are always curtains to pull to glimpse the magic behind the prestige, even with a Nolan film based on real events. So with more than five months left until IMAX theaters are packed to the brim, here’s everything... Billboards and movie theater pop-ups across Los Angeles have been ticking down for months now: Christopher Nolan’s epic account of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is nearing an explosive release on July 21, 2023. Nolan movies are always incredibly secretive, twists locked alongside totems behind safe doors, actors not spilling an ounce of Earl Grey tea. But there are always curtains to pull to glimpse the magic behind the prestige, even with a Nolan film based on real events. So with more than five months left until IMAX theaters are packed to the brim, here’s everything we know about Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer : Behind the Film (Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Paramount Pictures) Christopher Nolan returns after three years and Tenet’ s rocky pandemic-delayed release for his 12th feature film, Oppenheimer. The biopic about the infamous theoretical physicist represents a number of transformations for Nolan’s career. First and foremost, the film is his first with Universal Pictures following his dramatic split with his previous studio partner, Warner Bros., which had released all of his films since Insomnia . (Paramount and Warner Bros. shared distribution on Interstellar .) In 2021, WB opted to debut their entire feature slate in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously. In response, Nolan, an avid defender of the theatrical experience, called them “the worst streaming service.” Numerous studios — Sony, Paramount, Apple among them — engaged in a war to land production and distribution for Oppenheimer. Universal acquiesced to Nolan’s conditions, which included total creative control and a traditional theatrical window, and won out at the end of the day. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) Nolan’s production team has solidified, but slightly changed, too. Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, who is only a Tony away from an EGOT, returns after his first collaboration with Nolan on Tenet, furthering the question of whether Nolan’s famed partnership with Hans Zimmer is over or just on pause. Oppenheimer will mark the fourth Nolan picture shot by Dutch-Swedish cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema, who can literally carry an IMAX camera on his shoulders. And visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson (Mad Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Tenet) tag-teamed with long-time Nolan special effects supervisor Scott R. Fisher to simulate the nuclear tests. (More on those later.) The newcomers, however, are 45-year veteran costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (Behind the Candelabra, The Greatest Showman, Bridgerton) and production designer Ruth De Jong, who worked with Van Hoytema and Universal on Nope. The Cast (Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures) Roughly 20 years after Cillian Murphy’s screen test for Nolan’s Batman Begins , which was so entrancing to the director that it led to Murphy’s casting as the villainous Scarecrow, the Irish actor finally steps into a leading role for one of his greatest cinematic partners. And if the trailer is any indication, with close-up after close-up, Murphy’s hypnotic eyes will be the window into one of the most complex minds in human history. Matt Damon also steps up from secret role in Interstellar to mustached general Leslie Groves Jr. And the reunions run deep overall, as Oppenheimer features Casey Affleck (Interstellar), Kenneth Branagh (Dunkirk, Tenet), James D’Arcy (Dunkirk), Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight), and Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Trilogy) as President Harry S. Truman. (Photo by Emma McIntyre, Karwai Tang, Mondadori Portfolio, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) It seems that there wasn’t a place for a return of Harry Styles, but Nolan is tapping into younger audiences through Oscar nominee Florence Pugh. And there’s an unexpected additional avenue into the so...

The Witcher Season 3: Release Date, Trailer, Cast & More Ciri’s (Freya Allan) tutelage at Kaer Morhen did not quite go the way Geralt (Henry Cavill) had hoped in season 2 of The Witcher , but the journey continues with an eight-episode third season starting this June. And though Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) are finally united in a common goal, nothing is ever easy for them. These tensions are highlighted in a new trailer (above) for the third season, which features Geralt admitting that — at least for one moment — Jaskier is right. The wandering songsmith’s response: “I’m right … well, that’s deeply worrying.” What does that... Ciri’s (Freya Allan) tutelage at Kaer Morhen did not quite go the way Geralt (Henry Cavill) had hoped in season 2 of The Witcher , but the journey continues with an eight-episode third season starting this June. And though Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) are finally united in a common goal, nothing is ever easy for them. These tensions are highlighted in a new trailer (above) for the third season, which features Geralt admitting that — at least for one moment — Jaskier is right. The wandering songsmith’s response: “I’m right … well, that’s deeply worrying.” What does that mean as the series heads into its third year? The season will be based on the second long-form Witchernovel,Time of Contempt, with some continuing threads from the first and, it seems, even a couple of ideas from the third novel, making it even more of a unique version of the story than season 2’s adaptation on Blood of Elves. According to showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, it is “the culmination of what we’ve been building toward all along.” So, let’s take a look at what we know about the third season so far and see what we can read from its bones. What’s Next for Ciri and Geralt? Henry Cavill (Geralt of Rivia), Freya Allan (Princess Cirilla of Cintra), and Anya Chalotra (Yennefer of Vengerberg) in The Witcher season 3 (Photo by Susie Allnutt/Netflix) In previous seasons, we’ve been able to use the books of Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski for some insight, but now things start to change, even if the broad strokes remains the same. As revealed in Blood of Elves and season 2 of The Witcher, one of the big problems facing the main trio is the fact all the power players on the Continent know Ciri is alive and carries the elder blood. As seen in the new Season 3 trailer, she is connected to everything and there is nothing Yennefer or Geralt can do to prevent her from eventually confronting it. “Now, there is a real threat,” Cavil told Netflix’s Tudum in May. “It’s genuine; it’s no longer theoretical — it’s practical. And it’s very, very dangerous. They are walking into the lion’s den everywhere they go.” According to Netflix’s own description of the season to come, “Geralt takes Ciri of Cintra into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it.” It will allow the opportunity for Yennefer to train Ciri in the use of her powers (as glimpsed in the recent trailer) and for their bond to be properly forged. As Allan recently explained, “People don’t always make the right choices. But ultimately, I think everyone knows [Yen]’s good at the core. They have such similarities that I think Ciri can’t help but latch onto Yennefer … Also, through Yennefer teaching Ciri, they do begin to build that trust up.” (Photo by Netflix) Click image to open full poster in new tab. But Yennefer will also take a cue from her novel counterpart by bringing Ciri and Geralt to Aretuza. Unfortunately, the situation there is described as a “battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery.” The trailer also suggests atmosphere will be highlighted at a mage’s ball Geralt and Yen must navigate with the same difficulty they faced on the road. And if events there occur as they do in Time of Contempt, they may discover they were better off facing Nilfgaard and the Northern Kings from the heights of Kaer Morhen. Then again, all the political shenanigans and cross-talk among the mages may also offer further opportunities for Ciri and Geralt to mend their trust issues with Yennefer. Sure, a lot would have to transpire to get them to that point, but a monumental change like that is worth of another eight-episode season, especially as circumstances will no doubt see them separated before too long. The teaser trailer released in April even sees them literally split thanks t...

50 Best Soccer Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer (Photo by Paramount Classics/courtesy Everett Collection) To start playing soccer, all you need is a flat surface, a round ball, a leg or two, and boom, you’re halfway to becoming a regular Diego Beckham. With its low barrier to entry and sky-high skill ceiling, it’s no wonder soccer’s the most popular sport in the world (at least until pickleball takes over — just 2.5 billion more people to go). So when it comes to the best movies ever made about soccer, we’re looking at it top to bottom, from goal-scoring winners to movies that may have flopped before the critics... (Photo by Paramount Classics/courtesy Everett Collection) To start playing soccer, all you need is a flat surface, a round ball, a leg or two, and boom, you’re halfway to becoming a regular Diego Beckham. With its low barrier to entry and sky-high skill ceiling, it’s no wonder soccer’s the most popular sport in the world (at least until pickleball takes over — just 2.5 billion more people to go). So when it comes to the best movies ever made about soccer, we’re looking at it top to bottom, from goal-scoring winners to movies that may have flopped before the critics but still managed to find a spot on audiences’ teams. We kick off our guide to the best soccer movies with Certified Fresh movies, including Offside (the comedy-drama from Iran, released when women were completely banned from attending sports), Bend It Like Beckham (the movie that made Keira Knightley a star), Shaolin Soccer (the outrageous action-fantasy from Stephen Chow), Diego Maradona (a documentary on one of the sport’s most legendary players), Early Man (stop-motion from Aardman Animations), and Looking for Eric (even freakin’ Ken Loach lightened up thanks to soccer). This premier selection of Certified Fresh movies reveals how truly international the sport is, as the only American soccer film in the top 10 is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos , a revealing documentary on the 1970-1985 soccer club that famously signed Pele. Beyond the top 10, we look at Fresh movies, including the Robert Duvall-starring A Shot at Glory , the World War II-set Victory , and Elisabeth Shue‘s autobiographical Gracie . Following that are Rotten-rated movies, including the ones that also rep positive Audience Scores like Green Street Hooligans , Mean Machine , and Goal! The Dream Begins. —Alex Vo #1 Adjusted Score: 96598% Critics Consensus: A spirited film that explores gender politics with comedy, intelligence, and a variety of interesting characters. Synopsis: Since women are banned from soccer matches, Iranian females masquerade as males so they can slip into Tehran's stadium to... [More] #2 Adjusted Score: 96836% Critics Consensus: Better than your average football pic, Damned United is carried by another star turn from Michael Sheen as Brian Clough. Synopsis: The story of Brian Clough's 44 day stint as manager of Leeds United Football Club takes place in 1974 England.... [More] #3 Adjusted Score: 94030% Critics Consensus: Diego Maradona traces the arc of a standard sports documentary, but illuminates its subject with uncommon clarity and depth. #4 Adjusted Score: 92059% Critics Consensus: The plot is utterly ridiculous, and the soccer in the movie is unlike any ever played anywhere on Earth, but watching Shaolin Soccer, you will probably find it impossible to care. Synopsis: All his life, an ordinary young man (Stephen Chow) has been treated like dirt. Still, he's never given up believing... [More] #5 Adjusted Score: 89946% Critics Consensus: Inspiring, compassionate, and with a sly undercurrent of social commentary, Bend It Like Beckham is a lively feel-good movie that genuinely charms. Synopsis: Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra), the daughter of a strict Indian couple (Anupam Kher, Shaheen Khan) in London, is not permitted... [More] #6 Adjusted Score: 87157% Critics Consensus: Ken Loach's latest is an uplifting, entertaining and amusing socio-drama featuring a match-winning performance from Eric Cantona. Synopsis: Ever since his wife (Stephanie Bishop) left him, Eric Bishop's (Steve Evets) life has fallen apart. His two teen sons... [More] #7 Adjusted Score: 82390% Critics Consensus: You don't have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this stylish, breezy slice of 1970s sports history. Synopsis: This documentary looks back on a time when soccer briefly captured America's attention. The film profiles the North American Soccer... [Mo...

RT25 First Reviews Flashback: Sex and the City Rotten Tomatoes launched 25 years ago in August 1998, bringing the iconic Tomatometer into households nationwide. Certified Fresh was born six years later and, in 2013, we began aggregating reviews and dishing out scores for TV series. In celebration of our 25th birthday, we’re taking a look back at some of the most impactful TV shows that premiered the same year we did. We previously shined a light on Dawson’s Creek, Felicity , and now we’re taking a look at Sex and the City. Sex and the City stars Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kim Cattrall. (Photo... Rotten Tomatoes launched 25 years ago in August 1998, bringing the iconic Tomatometer into households nationwide. Certified Fresh was born six years later and, in 2013, we began aggregating reviews and dishing out scores for TV series. In celebration of our 25th birthday, we’re taking a look back at some of the most impactful TV shows that premiered the same year we did. We previously shined a light on Dawson’s Creek, Felicity , and now we’re taking a look at Sex and the City. Sex and the City stars Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kim Cattrall. (Photo by HBO) Sex and the City follows newspaper columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her close friends Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte (Kristin Davis), as they tackle the challenges of finding love, success, and happiness in the hustle and bustle of New York City. The series was created by Darren Star (Beverly Hills, 90210,Melrose Place,Emily in Paris) and inspired by writer Candace Bushnell’s book Sex and the City, which collected her New York Observer essays (originally published between 1994 and 1996). The essays recounted her and her friends’ experiences as single women in their 30s exploring the New York dating scene. Sarah Jessica Parker stars in Sex and the City (Photo by HBO) Before Sex and the City premiered on television, the notion of a program centered on a group of women who shared authentic love and friendship with each other may have been foreign to both audiences and the predominantly male execs making the creative decisions behind the camera. Placing the show on HBO was looked at as a good bet as, up until that point, cable was viewed as a dropping-off point for what many perceived to be low-brow entertainment. “Who cares about yet another batch of whiny New Yorkers? I’ve had enough,” Ken Parish Perkins of the Fort Worth Star Telegram said. “Besides, I think Star has merely brought a Melrose Place with nudity to the place where he could get away with it — cable…” (Just a year later, The Sopranos premiered and forever changed the television game and put HBO on the map.) Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kim Cattrall star in Sex and the City Exploring sex and relationships through a female perspective wasn’t something television critics were necessarily ready for in 1998. Feedback for the first episodes found critics (mostly men at the time) knocking the program for its depiction of adult women who, instead of following dated TV patriarchal norms for women of wife and mother, ventured out into the world to “live, laugh, love.” “Don’t waste your time watching this act of sexual suicide dressed up for a television project,” Rick Bentley of the Fresno Bee wrote. In his review of the season’s premiere, Greg Hassall of the Sydney Morning Herald reported a collective disappointment over the show’s lack of nudity. Sex and the City – in all its gossip-tinged soapy drama – walked so that shows like Girls , The Bold Type , and Insecure could run. After six seasons, a prequel series (The Carrie Diaries), two movies, and the current sequel series And Just Like That … (now gearing up for its season 2 premiere on June 22), it’s clear that Darren Star’s series did something right. Audiences everywhere found themselves and their friends identifying as either a Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte, and 25 years later, it seems they still are. It may not be included in the same conversations as some other peak TV entries, but Sex and the City’s impact on society and TV legacy is worth celebrating. Here’s what critics said about season 1 of Sex and the City when it first arrived. Sex and the City is undeniably downcast and despairing about relationships. It is also a clever, articulate, sophisticated late-night view for mature audiences. –Kinney Littlefiel...

Michael Imperioli blasts the SCOTUS decision legalizing LGBTQ discrimination See this post on Instagram A post shared by @realmichaelimperioli The Supreme Court announced its ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis on Friday. This case was based on a completely hypothetical scenario of a homophobic web designer/bigot who refused to design a wedding website for a homosexual couple. SCOTUS ruled, with a 6-3 vote, that every person and business has the right to discriminate in favor of LGBTQIA+ individuals under the banner "religion." For example, a Christian business owner can refuse to work for gay people. The next case would be that Christians should not have to work with... See this post on Instagram A post shared by @realmichaelimperioli The Supreme Court announced its ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis on Friday. This case was based on a completely hypothetical scenario of a homophobic web designer/bigot who refused to design a wedding website for a homosexual couple. SCOTUS ruled, with a 6-3 vote, that every person and business has the right to discriminate in favor of LGBTQIA+ individuals under the banner "religion." For example, a Christian business owner can refuse to work for gay people. The next case would be that Christians should not have to work with Muslims, Hindus or Jews, either. It's acceptable for Christians to discriminate at any time. It's not just about gay rights and religion - I can see how this will quickly escalate - "Christians" refusing to treat women who want birth control, Plan-B and abortions. The case, as I stated, was hypothetical, or, to put it in another way, an outright lie. Colorado web designer, who brought her case before the Supreme Court, claimed that a homosexual man asked her to create a website for his gay marriage. The "gay" man who approached the woman in question is not gay, and he has never attempted to hire her. Lorie Smith, a homophobic bigot who fabricated everything, convinced the Supreme Court that she was right. The hyper-conservatives didn't wait for a "perfect test case" - they just blatantly lied in order to convince the SCOTUS that anti-discrimination and equal protection laws needed to be drastically altered. Michael Imperioli wrote this response to the news about the case on Instagram: I have decided to ban bigots, homophobes, and other hateful people from watching The Sopranos or The White Lotus or Goodfellas, or any film or television show that I was in. Supreme Court, thank you for allowing discrimination and excluding those I disagree with. USA! USA! [From Imperioli's IG] He is a good man. Avalon Red on Instagram. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/princess-kate-asked-for-a-statement-that-saidrecollections-can-vary-about-the-sussexes

New 4K UHD Movies in June 2023: Upcoming 4K Releases on Blu-ray News Let's take a look at upcoming 4K releases on Blu-ray in June 2023, including Avatar: The Way of Water, The Super Mario Bros Movie, and John Wick: Chapter 4. Let’s take a look at upcoming 4K releases on Blu-ray in June 2023, including Avatar: The Way of Water, The Super Mario Bros Movie, and John Wick: Chapter 4. (With thanks to Blu-ray.com for providing release calendar and updates.) Available 6/2 The first four Indiana Jones movies will release in standard packaging after the steel editions from August of last year. The Mummy trilogy is getting new packaging as well,... News Let's take a look at upcoming 4K releases on Blu-ray in June 2023, including Avatar: The Way of Water, The Super Mario Bros Movie, and John Wick: Chapter 4. Let’s take a look at upcoming 4K releases on Blu-ray in June 2023, including Avatar: The Way of Water, The Super Mario Bros Movie, and John Wick: Chapter 4. (With thanks to Blu-ray.com for providing release calendar and updates.) Available 6/2 The first four Indiana Jones movies will release in standard packaging after the steel editions from August of last year. The Mummy trilogy is getting new packaging as well, possibly due to complaints the previous set-up was prone to damaging discs. Some Pixar movies are getting steel releases, and Criterion continues to expand its 4K catalogue with Jean Renoir’s The Rules of the Game (along with Time Bandits the following week). 77% Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) 84% Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) 76% Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) 93% Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 61% Lord of War (2005) 96% The Rules of the Game (1939) 60% The Mummy (1999) 46% The Mummy Returns (2001) 13% The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) 100% Toy Story (1995) 97% Coco (2017) 75% Cars (2006) Available 6/13 The Super Mario Bros. Movie comes down the pipe with a Power Up Edition, though Target released their standard version on the 6th. John Wick: Chapter 4 will take a seat at your home high table. And mini-boutique Dark Force Entertainment will be re-releasing Scream (no, not that Scream , the one from the ’80s), likely updating the back cover, which listed features not on the disc. 59% The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) 94% John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) 90% Time Bandits (1981) 89% Rain Man (1988) - - Scream (1983) Available 6/20 Avatar: The Way of Water surfaces. After Rain Man the previous week, more Tom Cruise bounty with The Firm and Vanilla Sky . Then Ronin and the original Manchurian Candidate enter 4K, courtesy of Kino Lorber. 76% Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) 97% The Manchurian Candidate (1962) 70% Ronin (1998) 66% Insidious (2010) 43% Vanilla Sky (2001) 76% The Firm (1993) Available 6/27 Arrow is putting out a deluxe collection of 1982’s horror anthology Creepshow , which includes posters, lobby cards, enamel pins, and prism stickers. And that’s not all from Arrow, as they’re also putting out Mallrats and Waterworld . Evil Dead Rise will release with WB 100th Anniversary packaging, along with National Lampoon’s Vacation . Jurassic Park is getting new packaging under the Universal Essentials Collection banner. Weirdo horror and genre enthusiasts will feast well as they’re served with Cold Eyes of Fear (a giallo by Enzo Castellari) and Black Magic Rites (both of these are from the Indicator label), 1971’s Daughters of Darkness (Blue Underground released this years ago in a Blu-ray and CD combo set), and early ’80s releases Motel Hell , Dead Buried , and Effects . And in case you thought you had Cruise under control, steel releases of the Mission: Impossible series are incoming, starting with the 1996 original and the John Woo-directed sequel. This two-a-week schedule will continues into the release of Dead Reckoning – Part 1 . 84% Evil Dead Rise (2023) 91% Jurassic Park (1993) 65% Creepshow (1982) 93% National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) 58% Mallrats (1995) 45% Waterworld (1995) 67% Motel Hell (1980) - - Effects (1980) 66% Mission: Impossible (1996) 56% Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) - - Cold Eyes of Fear (1971) - - Black Magic Rites (1973) 80% Daughters of Darkness (1971) 68% Dead and Buried (1981) On an Apple device? Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Apple News.

Secret Invasion Episode 3 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Talos Hears Gravik’s Diabolical Plan News Ben Mendelsohn's Talos meets with Kingsley Ben-Adir's Gravik and learns the horrifying extent of the Skrull revolutionary leader's plans. Plus: an exclusive new photo of Gravik and Emilia Clarke's G'iah. TAGGED AS: Disney, Marvel Studios, streaming, television, TV Skrull revolutionary leader Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir) turns the temperature up to a boil in this exclusive clip from episode 3 of Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion . “You’re going to take our people to the edge of extinction with a war with the humans,” Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) warns him. But Gravik has a solution to Earth’s human problem: “I’m going to murder... News Ben Mendelsohn's Talos meets with Kingsley Ben-Adir's Gravik and learns the horrifying extent of the Skrull revolutionary leader's plans. Plus: an exclusive new photo of Gravik and Emilia Clarke's G'iah. TAGGED AS: Disney, Marvel Studios, streaming, television, TV Skrull revolutionary leader Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir) turns the temperature up to a boil in this exclusive clip from episode 3 of Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion . “You’re going to take our people to the edge of extinction with a war with the humans,” Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) warns him. But Gravik has a solution to Earth’s human problem: “I’m going to murder them all.” Bonus: Episode 3 Exclusive Photo of Kingsley Ben-Adir and Emilia Clarke Could Emilia Clarke’s G’iah really keep her change of heart a secret from diabolical Gravik? Kingsley Ben-Adir as Gravik and Emilia Clarke as G’iah in an exclusive photo from Marvel’s Secret Invasion (Photo by Gareth Gatrell/Marvel Studios) 63% Secret Invasion: Season 1 (2023) is streaming on Disney+. On an Apple device? Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Apple News.

Gal Gadot is trying to change the narrative that Cleopatra was just a seductress. I don't believe in superstition, but I do believe in some curses. I will never say The Scottish Play's name, especially not in a theatre. Someone said it in my acting classes and the electricity went out instantly. Just saying. Any movie project involving Cleopatra, I think, is cursed. I have good reasons to believe this. It is said that the 1963 Elizabeth Taylor film nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. The production was also plagued by problems - they had to switch directors mid-way through and reshoot for months. The film also produced the Romance of The Century, which was... I don't believe in superstition, but I do believe in some curses. I will never say The Scottish Play's name, especially not in a theatre. Someone said it in my acting classes and the electricity went out instantly. Just saying. Any movie project involving Cleopatra, I think, is cursed. I have good reasons to believe this. It is said that the 1963 Elizabeth Taylor film nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. The production was also plagued by problems - they had to switch directors mid-way through and reshoot for months. The film also produced the Romance of The Century, which was Liz and Richard Burton’s torrid affair. In 2014, North Korea hacked the Sony database. Angelina Jolie wanted to work with David Fincher, the director of Cleopatra 2, with Angelina as Cleopatra. She was already attached to the project since years. She faced pushback from Sony's top brass about the direction that she wanted to go in, and producer Scott Rudin sent her some juvenile, snotty emails behind her back. We learned in 2017 that Denis Villeneuve was the director of this project, but we didn't know if Angelina still was involved. As far as I am aware, that Sony project is still stuck in development hell. Three years later, in 2020, Gal Gadot will be cast in another project under a new director. Kari Skogland is now attached to direct the project. She is a TV Director who has worked on shows like The Falcon, The Winter Soldier, and The Americans. IMDB states that it is in pre-production, but Gal Gadot answered questions about it when she spoke with Vogue Hong Kong for the promotion of her Netflix film Heart of Stone. She was asked how she prepared for the role and if Cleopatra differed from her other roles. She seems to want to focus on Cleopatra's political power and downplay her most famous attributes. This is similar to what Angelina Jolie also wanted to do. She prepared for the part by: Israel borders Egypt and I was raised with many stories about Cleopatra. She's a household name. Cleopatra is actually the real strong woman leader. Wonder Woman, on the other hand, is an imaginary one. This is a great example of the story I wanted to share because when I began reading about Cleopatra I thought, "Wow, this is fascinating." Cleopatra was always portrayed in films as a seductive woman with an affair with Julius Caesar or Marc Anthony. Truthfully, she's much more than that. She was way ahead of her times. Egypt, and what Egypt used to be back then was still futuristic compared to today. I don't have much to say. To me, it's a passion to tell this story, to do justice to the character and to celebrate her legacy. I can't wait to tell this story and change the perception of Cleopatra as a mere seductress. From Vogue Hong Kong Gal has a serious commitment to making Cleopatra an interesting character. She was much more than just a seductress. She was also a political strategist. But I don't think she has the acting skills. She was a good Wonder Woman, but she had to be uncomplicated. In my opinion, Wonder Woman and Superman share the same qualities. They are good, courageous and pure-hearted. They are not very nuanced. They are an antidote for a world that is becoming more and more complex, violent, and anxious. There's also probably some WWII/Cold War material in there based on the time period when these characters were created, but I don't know much about comics, Marvel or DC. Gal only had to play a character with a child-like, unyielding and simple sense of right and bad. I think that she did remarkably well. What about a queen that uses many strategies and tactics to keep her power, such as seduction? Miss Woman's life was chaotic and morally complex. She gathered political allies, but then ghosted them when they asked for military assistance, she fought wars with her brothers, p...

The Press Watchdog IPSO'sanctions' Jeremy Clarkson for his vile Sun article Jeremy Clarkson published a horrifying column about Meghan, Duchess Sussex, in the Sun last December. Clarkson is an old disgusting man who has a violent and intense fixation on Meghan, similar to Piers Morgan. His Sun article was filled with vile, lurid images about Meghan being stripped and paraded in the street so that people could throw excrement on her. Clarkson wrote the column days after having a holiday meal with Camilla. Camilla's Office had nothing to say and Buckingham Palace said absolutely nothing - neither did they condemn Clarkson nor show support for the mother two of the King's... Jeremy Clarkson published a horrifying column about Meghan, Duchess Sussex, in the Sun last December. Clarkson is an old disgusting man who has a violent and intense fixation on Meghan, similar to Piers Morgan. His Sun article was filled with vile, lurid images about Meghan being stripped and paraded in the street so that people could throw excrement on her. Clarkson wrote the column days after having a holiday meal with Camilla. Camilla's Office had nothing to say and Buckingham Palace said absolutely nothing - neither did they condemn Clarkson nor show support for the mother two of the King's grandchildren. We learned later that Clarkson sent an apology to Harry on Christmas Day. There was a surprising amount of backlash surrounding the column. The Sun finally removed it from their online archives after widespread criticism of the tabloid. The Independent Press Standards Organisation, a vague clearinghouse that "regulates" UK print media, received thousands of complaints. IPSO has a reputation for being non-confrontational and toothless when it comes the hate speech and bile that is regularly published in British media. But this case was different - Clarkson’s column was too incendiary and there were too many people paying attention. IPSO gave Clarkson one of its biggest punishments: The Independent Press Standards Organisation, the U.K. media watchdog (IPSO), upheld two complaints from women's right charities regarding Jeremy Clarkson’s December column about Meghan Markle in The Sun. Variety has revealed that IPSO, after a lengthy process lasting months, found that the column of "Grand Tour's" host violated Clause 12 of its Editors' Code of Practice. This clause relates to the issue of discrimination. This is the first case in IPSO's nine-year history where a complaint was upheld on the basis sexism. The Sun was ordered to post a summary in place of Clarkson's regular column in its print edition and to reference the ruling on the front page as well as the homepage for the next 24 hours. This is something that the tabloid hadn't had to do since 2016 when it was determined that its "Queen Backs Brexit' splash on the front page violated press regulations. In an exclusive interview, IPSO CEO Charlotte Dewar said: "This is the strongest sanction we could impose on an individual complaint." It's not whether people are offended or dislike something; it's about whether the Editors' Code has been violated. We wanted to make it very clear what the complainants believed the article did in terms of violating the Editors' Code. Then, as fair procedure requires, we would get the publication’s response. IPSO received over 25,100 complaints about Clarkson's article from the British public. This is an astounding figure, which broke the record of the most complaints received by an organization for an article. Amazon Prime Video distanced itself from Clarkson after reading the column, despite the success of his U.K.-produced original series, "Clarkson's Farm". As revealed first by Variety, Amazon Prime Video will not commission new programs featuring the former "Top Gear' presenter. Clarkson may have questioned this decision on social media, but sources say that the relationship has ended. IPSO's ruling found that Clarkson made a "pejorative" and "prejudicial" comment about Markle's sexuality, which is in accordance with Clause 12. However, it did not uphold the other parts of the complaints that the article was inaccurate and harassed Markle, or included "discriminatory remarks to her on the basis of race". [From Variety] Variety's exclusive has more information about IPSO ruling. Although I am glad that something happened, and that Clarkson's vile column was acknowledged in some way, this response was mild more than six month after the offense. IPSO also...

After the Frogmore eviction Prince Harry is no longer a state counselor Buckingham Palace confirmed this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had formally vacated Frogmore Cottage, six months after King Charles "evicted" them out of spite when Prince Harry's memoir was published. The palace did not confirm whether or not Meghan and Harry were reimbursed for the $3 million-plus they put into the property, but the palace seemingly indicated that the Sovereign Grant got a good deal out of the eviction. Well, now that Harry no longer has an official residence in the UK, wouldn't you know that he's no longer eligible to be a counsellor of state. While... Buckingham Palace confirmed this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had formally vacated Frogmore Cottage, six months after King Charles "evicted" them out of spite when Prince Harry's memoir was published. The palace did not confirm whether or not Meghan and Harry were reimbursed for the $3 million-plus they put into the property, but the palace seemingly indicated that the Sovereign Grant got a good deal out of the eviction. Well, now that Harry no longer has an official residence in the UK, wouldn't you know that he's no longer eligible to be a counsellor of state. While I think Charles evicted the Sussexes out of short-sighted spite, this was obviously a huge bonus as well. Prince Harry is set to lose a major royal role after being evicted from Frogmore cottage, an expert has revealed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex today returned their keys to King Charles -- six months after getting their eviction notice. Their remaining possessions at the pile were shipped to their California mansion just ahead of tomorrow's deadline. They will no longer have a UK home and may have to rely on hotels or friends if they visit. However, the fact that the couple have no British residence also means Harry will miss out on an important royal role. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: "Losing their UK home without a replacement is a huge deal. The most important aspect as far as Harry is concerned is that it means he can no longer act as a counsellor of state. That's hugely important because in theory he had the right, in the event of the king being incapacitated, to do this. "Although he is no longer a working royal he still had this right - and by not having a UK residence he has now thrown this opportunity away. But of course it does seem that Harry, and Meghan, don't care at all about the UK. They have no interest in their popularity or taking on roles here - they just care about their US audience. But it means if they don't have a UK residence when William ascends to the throne then he will be unable to support his brother - not that he does that now." [From The Sun] "...And by not having a UK residence he has now thrown this opportunity away..." He literally paid an exorbitant amount of money to renovate a dilapidated shack and he was fully up to date on the lease when his father evicted him, his wife and their children from a perfectly secure home, a home which had been gifted to him by QEII. But sure, it's Harry's fault! While I'm sure Harry is probably hurt by this, it's all part and parcel of Charles's cruelty and the family's need to eradicate the Sussexes from the royal narrative. Except they can't - the Montecito royals are still THE story in the UK. Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/royalists-have-already-erupted-with-anger-over-omid-scobies-endgame

The Sussexes have'sick and tired' of people lining up to 'take cheap shots' at them I'm still reeling after the toxic breakup between Spotify and Sussex. The split was leaked to the Wall Street Journal by Spotify, which forced Archewell into a hasty confirmation. Spotify executives then ran a smear on the Sussexes, while saying nothing to their antivaxx golden Goose, Joe Rogan. Rogan also made a fool of himself in the same news cycle. It was a lot. Us Weekly reported that the Sussexes were bothered by "cheap photos" but have tons of other things in the pipeline. Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their team are ready to move on after their Spotify deal... I'm still reeling after the toxic breakup between Spotify and Sussex. The split was leaked to the Wall Street Journal by Spotify, which forced Archewell into a hasty confirmation. Spotify executives then ran a smear on the Sussexes, while saying nothing to their antivaxx golden Goose, Joe Rogan. Rogan also made a fool of himself in the same news cycle. It was a lot. Us Weekly reported that the Sussexes were bothered by "cheap photos" but have tons of other things in the pipeline. Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their team are ready to move on after their Spotify deal failed -- but aren't happy with the way news of their departure from the platform was reported. A source reveals exclusively in the latest issue of Us Weekly that Spotify was supposed to make a statement about how wonderful it was to collaborate with Meghan. However, they did not. The team behind the scenes had "pushed Harry and Meghan to create more content for the past year." The insider claims that the royal couple did not "deliver" what Spotify required before the contract ended earlier this month. Us reports that the Suits alumna, 41, was informed "some time ago" of the cancellation of her podcast "Archetypes". Bill Simmons, a Spotify executive, called Meghan and Harry (both 38) "f-king swindlers" after the deal collapsed. The insider said, "It's like there are always assaults these days. People line up to take cheap shot at them." "Quite honestly, she and Harry have had enough." The second source says that despite their disappointing deal, the two have already set their sights on a brand new chapter. "There are a lot of exciting things coming up," she adds. "[They are] ready to return stronger." From Us Weekly Some have shared the theory that Spotify tried to strike a deal with Harry and Meghan, but they wanted out and wanted to negotiate a deal with Ari Emmanuel. It's possible that some or all of this is true. Spotify was acting just like your toxic ex, who went around saying that he dumped. I am also tired of people taking "cheap shot" at the Sussexes, and I wish that they would do more about this. I understand that they do not want to respond to every unhinged report, but in this case, Bill Simmons, an executive at Spotify, called them "f-king swindlers." They were well within their right to publicly and on record clap back. Backgrid is Spotify. Photos by Backgrid. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/scotus-has-overturned-affirmative-actions-in-college-admissions

Warner Brothers could lose $200 million on 'The Flash.' That's just what they deserve See this post on Instagram The Flash (@dctheflash), shared a post. The Flash's opening weekend was disappointing. It grossed only $55m domestically, despite a budget of $200m. In the second week after its release, The Flash has dropped even further. This movie, and Warner Brothers' parent company, is in a bad way these days. I was more than a bit Schadenfreude. They are on course to lose hundreds and millions of dollars. Was it better for the studio to release the film on "Just Max" instead of releasing the movie at all or releasing the movie after the second weekend?... See this post on Instagram The Flash (@dctheflash), shared a post. The Flash's opening weekend was disappointing. It grossed only $55m domestically, despite a budget of $200m. In the second week after its release, The Flash has dropped even further. This movie, and Warner Brothers' parent company, is in a bad way these days. I was more than a bit Schadenfreude. They are on course to lose hundreds and millions of dollars. Was it better for the studio to release the film on "Just Max" instead of releasing the movie at all or releasing the movie after the second weekend? Come along with me to learn how bad this movie did on its second weekend. Thanks to Coming Soon. Warner Bros. may lose $200 million on The Flash at the end its box office run. The premiere of the new DC superhero film starring Ezra Miller in the role of Barry Allen/The Flash, and Michael Keaton in the role Bruce Wayne/Batman took place on Friday. It grossed a disappointing $55 million in its first weekend at the domestic box offices. Its second weekend saw a 72% drop to just $15.3 million. Some pundits have already predicted that this movie will be a bomb at the box office. Luiz Fernando estimates that the film will earn between $280 and 310 million worldwide during its theatrical run. The Flash has a $200-210 million budget for production, $150 million spent on marketing and studios do not take the entire box office revenue. This means that Warner Bros. may lose up to $200 million. Fernando thinks they would have lost less by releasing the film on Max, or even not releasing the movie at all. From Coming Soon As they say, we were all aware. I'll never understand why WB released this movie while canceling Batgirl. Ezra Miller has had a heinous behavior for years. David Zaslav's failure to see the signs of the times after Miller had been on a crime-spree for several months, resulting in felony burglary and restraining order charges... just goes to show what a bad manager Zaslav is. Just in case anyone was still unsure. Combination of fatigue from superheroes and the multiverse, as well as overexposure to the character (The Flash television show was on CW for years!) And a star with a serious problem? This is definitely box office poison. These jokers asked it the moment they put their bottom line above whatever crime their star committed. As a middle school band that I loved used to say, betting on a dead horse would be worse than beating it. Warner Brothers made the same mistake. What did they get when they bet on a sure-fire failure? The sunken cost fallacy can be very difficult to overcome psychologically. But if ever there was a time for cutting one's losses it would have been with this film. Leslie Grace is a beautiful young woman, according to all reports. Batgirl cost around $90 million, before marketing. I'm no math genius, however some quick calculations show that it would be much easier to earn back $90 million in box office revenue than $200 million from a disgraced celebrity. Photo credit Avalon.red for photos taken via Instagram/WB. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/ryan-seacrest-replaces-pat-sajak-on-wheel-of-fortune

Ryan Seacrest replaces Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune. Remember the months of chaos that ensued when a new Jeopardy presenter was needed? The drama began with extensive auditions. Then the producer chose himself. He was then fired. There were then more auditions. Finally, the hosts that were chosen were problematic. I eventually gave up on the drama. Sony Pictures Television wanted to avoid drama after Pat Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune. I don't know if WoF producers held auditions or just gave the hosting duties to the first Sajak esque guy they found. Ryan Seacrest, the new Wheel host is also worth mentioning. Ryan Seacrest is the... Remember the months of chaos that ensued when a new Jeopardy presenter was needed? The drama began with extensive auditions. Then the producer chose himself. He was then fired. There were then more auditions. Finally, the hosts that were chosen were problematic. I eventually gave up on the drama. Sony Pictures Television wanted to avoid drama after Pat Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune. I don't know if WoF producers held auditions or just gave the hosting duties to the first Sajak esque guy they found. Ryan Seacrest, the new Wheel host is also worth mentioning. Ryan Seacrest is the new host of the "Wheel of Fortune", succeeding Pat Sajak, who has been the host since 2024. Sony Pictures Television's selection of Mr. Seacrest as the star of "Wheel of Fortune" is a bet that the show will continue to thrive, even though traditional television is declining in the face of streaming entertainment. Sony's executives made their decision just two weeks after Sajak announced that he would be stepping down in the next year. They may also have been hoping to avoid a succession crisis that almost ruined "Jeopardy", another hit game show. In a press release, Mr. Seacrest stated that he was "truly humbled" to be following in the footsteps of Pat Sajak. "I'm excited to continue the tradition and work alongside Vanna White." The New York Times I was initially offended by this. Ryan Seacrest's smarmy nature makes me, and many women, uncomfortable. Then I remembered how much I hate Pat Sajak. Seacrest seems to be an "heir" of Sajak. Seacrest is likely to be a competent Wheel of Fortune host, and I hope that he does not try to push Vanna out of her position. Seacrest is on his way to becoming the next Dick Clark, with a huge television and radio empire. Avalon Red provided the photos. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/raquel-leviss-is-not-committed-to-vanderpump-rules-season-11

Cardi B accuses Offset of cheating. Cardi B responds by saying 'don't listen' to Offset Cardi B has been with Offset for many years, but it's been more on and off than Cardi is willing to admit. Offset cheated on Cardi in 2018 and 2019. Cardi tried to make it look like Offset had been "hacked" by DMing side chicks. In 2020, Cardi filed for divorce, and we were elated. Finally, we thought she was done with him. Two months later they were back together, and she retracted the divorce. In 2021, they welcomed their second son, Wave. Cardi and Offset's marriage has been relatively quiet for some time... until Offset revealed on his Instagram... Cardi B has been with Offset for many years, but it's been more on and off than Cardi is willing to admit. Offset cheated on Cardi in 2018 and 2019. Cardi tried to make it look like Offset had been "hacked" by DMing side chicks. In 2020, Cardi filed for divorce, and we were elated. Finally, we thought she was done with him. Two months later they were back together, and she retracted the divorce. In 2021, they welcomed their second son, Wave. Cardi and Offset's marriage has been relatively quiet for some time... until Offset revealed on his Instagram Stories this week that Cardi had cheated ON HIM. Offset, suddenly cheating is bad? Cardi was not having it. Cardi B sets the record straight on Offset's claim she cheated him. Cardi B, 30, replied to her husband's now-deleted Instagram Story that said, "My wife f---ed a n--- on me, gang, yall don't know how I come." Cardi started a Twitter Space discussion by singing a part of Keyshia Cole’s "I should have cheated." "First, let me tell you that you cannot accuse me of everything you know you are guilty. Sing along with me! You are so quick to blame me for everything. Yes, honey!" Cardi warned listeners not to pay attention the Migos' member. "That motherf---er is spiraling around and thinking sh-t. Come on, you guys. I'm f--ing Cardi B n--. Sometimes I think motherf---ers forget that I'm Cardi. This p--- would be out if I gave it to anyone. I am not just anyone. No regular shmegular degular can f-- because they're gonna tell everyone. "I can't f--- anybody in the industry because they'll tell too." Stop acting stupid, please. She told Offset to stop acting stupid. "Going crazy over a f--ing Space. Do not play with me. What the f---? Stop playing. "That's all you're going to hear from me." [From People] LMAO – Cardi must be having a great time with the rumors. She is also fighting with Offset a ton. What triggered this? Who said what to who? Why is Offset so convinced that she cheated on him? Cardi B is a bad girl if she "reasons" for not sexting someone else are because no one will sell her out. She claims that she won't be sleeping with a "regular", because she'll get slandered, but she also can't have a relationship with anyone from the music industry, because they will gossip about her... So who is left in Cardi's world? Hm. Cardi is a typical cheating douche. NSFW (not suitable for use) Cardi B clears up the rumors regarding the circulating Offset IG story screenshot. pic.twitter.com/g7TNgaLnCu FRG (@femalerapgamee), June 26, 2023 Avalon Red and Backgrid provided the photos. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/harrison-ford-isnt-retired-i-dont-perform-well-when-im-not-working

Jeremy Allen White's wife surprised him by calling herself a "single mom" in a Facebook post. Addison Timlin divorced Jeremy Allen White last month. The couple was married for only three years but they have been together much longer. The couple also has two daughters. Addison posted about Mother's Day on Instagram shortly after filing and the news was released. She also referred to her as a single mother. Jeremy's source were silent at the time but are now speaking out after the release of the second season. The source claims that Jeremy was "blinded" when Addison referred to herself as a single mother. He also says that he is involved in the lives of his... Addison Timlin divorced Jeremy Allen White last month. The couple was married for only three years but they have been together much longer. The couple also has two daughters. Addison posted about Mother's Day on Instagram shortly after filing and the news was released. She also referred to her as a single mother. Jeremy's source were silent at the time but are now speaking out after the release of the second season. The source claims that Jeremy was "blinded" when Addison referred to herself as a single mother. He also says that he is involved in the lives of his daughters and can't control where and when he films. Sources tell Page Six that "The Bear's" heartthrob Jeremy Allen White felt "blinded" by his estranged spouse Addison Timlin's post about being a "single mom". White, 32 years old, stars in the second season of the Hulu hit that debuted on Thursday. He won a Golden Globe award for the first season. He's dealing with the pain of his divorce behind the scenes. Timlin, a 31-year-old actress from "Californication", filed for divorce after just three years of marriage in May. She did not give any reason for the divorce. Friends claim that he did not cheat and suggest his Chicago filming schedule put pressure on their relationship. In an Instagram post for Mother's Day she described herself as a single mom, while describing the difficulties of raising her children without having a "witness by her side" and posting pictures of their young children. "Being a mom alone is not what I imagined." Timlin wrote: "It is so f****** hard." It is covered in s--- crying on the ground, kicking you in the shins and screaming without sound. She updated her caption hours later to read "Co-parenting is not what I pictured," as followers picked up quickly on her emotional message. One said: "There's a difference between a single mother and a mom who is single." In her divorce petition, Timlin requested primary physical custody for their daughters Ezer, 4 and Dolores (2 years old), and that the court award White visitation. Page Six has seen court documents that show White's response last week was to ask for joint custody. Sources who know the couple confirm that White was "blindsided by the Mother's Day Instagram post": "Addison altered her Instagram post because she felt it wasn't accurate. Many people were like, 'What're you talking about?' "Jeremy was not in control of where he filmed." He filmed "The Bear" in Chicago, and whenever he could he would come home. He loves his daughters and is very involved with their lives. From Page Six My initial reporting stated: "But her filing, which was done abruptly and without a joint statement... maybe there's more there." That Mother's Day article bolstered this theory. The post was not scorched earth, but it was passive-aggressive, and painted Jeremy as a bad absent father. Addison changed the term "single mother" to "coparent" later because people were offended by the idea that a wife of a working actress struggles just as much as a single mom. Others began to doubt Jeremy's involvement and support. It's obvious why he was offended by that, and it makes sense that his team is denying that. It's not a good look. Addison has requested primary physical custody for Jeremy and for him to have visitation, while Jeremy has asked for joint legal custody. It is clear that Jeremy wants to be involved. Jeremy's sources also explicitly deny the cheating rumors against his side. I guess that they were reading blind articles. It does appear that this could get more complicated than expected. See this post on Instagram Addison Timlin White shared a post (@addison.timlin). See this post on Instagram Addison Timlin White shared a post (@addison.timlin). Photos credit: Faye’s Vision/Cover Image/INSTAR via Instagram

Cillian Murphy's family moved back to Ireland because they wanted their children to be Irish. Cillian Murphy was featured in a recent Rolling Stone UK issue, mainly to promote Oppenheimer where he is the leading role. He's also promoting Irish film. Cillian Murphy is a producer and was interviewed at the Irish set for Small Things Like These (you can check out the Wiki page). Cillian, his wife and their children lived in London, but when his children started to speak with an English accent, they moved back to Ireland. They live a quiet and private life. Murphy discusses Catholicism, Ireland and Christopher Nolan in this article. This is a really great piece. Highlights: The... Cillian Murphy was featured in a recent Rolling Stone UK issue, mainly to promote Oppenheimer where he is the leading role. He's also promoting Irish film. Cillian Murphy is a producer and was interviewed at the Irish set for Small Things Like These (you can check out the Wiki page). Cillian, his wife and their children lived in London, but when his children started to speak with an English accent, they moved back to Ireland. They live a quiet and private life. Murphy discusses Catholicism, Ireland and Christopher Nolan in this article. This is a really great piece. Highlights: The story of Magdalene Laundries. "Every Irish person you speak to of a certain age has more or less a story. This is only in Irish people. What happened to the church is something we are still processing. "Art can help you with this. It can soothe your soul." Christopher Nolan on himself: "I'm a Chris Nolan Fan. When I first met him, I was a fan of Chris Nolan because I had watched Following, Memento and Insomnia. And I met for Batman Begins and I met on the basis that I was a fan. It feels ridiculous that I have been in six films. At the height his Peaky fame Murphy made time to appear as a shivering soldier with combat shock in Dunkirk, an unshowy, minor role. Murphy says, "I would always be there for Chris, no matter if I was just walking in the background holding a surfboard." I'm not sure which Chris Nolan film that would be. But I've always hoped to play the lead in a Chris Nolan film. What actor would not want to do that?" Joanne Woodward once said that acting was like sex. You should just do it, and don't talk about it. On set, with a great director, you don't talk much about the work. Talk about what you are going to do. You can prepare a great deal, but a lot happens in real time. "There is really no point in intellectualising anything." About Catholicism and religion: "My family was not particularly religious but I received my education from a religious order. Irish schools were almost entirely controlled by the Catholic Church and are still to a great extent. I went to the church, and received communion, confirmation, and all that. I don't mind people believing what they want. But I don't like it being imposed. It's harmful when it is imposed. This is where I take issue. There are good things about institutionalised religious institutions, and I'm not going to bash them. "But when it's twisted, f-ked up, as it was in our country and imposed on the nation, then that's a problem." "I played a scientist in Sunshine [Danny Boyle’s 2007 sci-fi film], which was directed by Danny Boyle. I spent time with [the scientist] Brian Cox. He was a brilliant educator. I will never have the intellect -- few of us are capable -- but I enjoyed listening. I loved being with these insanely smart men and women, and having dinner and talking about the usual stuff. The world is about to collide. "It would be a horrible way to cut the grass or buy milk, I'd say." We are moving back to Ireland. "We spent 14 years in London. As you get older and have children, I think living in a big city becomes less exciting. We're also both Irish. We wanted our children to be Irish. It's the best thing we did. They are really good boys. We laugh. They like my films, even though we don't have a 'Dad's Movie Night'. "They say that all of my films are very intense." Fame is a fleeting thing. No one cares about me. I'm here every day. I go shopping. It disappears. If... one of those guys from Succession came in here, I would be all shaky and intimidated. It's strange when you meet someone who you have invested in or think is incredible. ..." He does not play the fame game. "I do not really participate." I don't like to go out. I spend most of my time at home or with friends, unless I am promoti...

Prince Harry failed to make a podcast pitch about fatherhood and childhood trauma Does it follow, then, that Michael Bloomberg's media empire will also support the Windsors? I'm beginning to wonder. Ashley Carman, Bloomberg's technology columnist/reporter has an exclusive on (what else?) the end of Duke and Duchess's Spotify agreement. Carman asked the same question I did: Why didn't Prince Harry produce a podcast at all? All week, people have been screamed at about how Meghan "only produced" one season of a successful podcast. They ignore the fact that Harry did nothing except for this one Christmas pod. We heard from industry sources that Harry, Meghan and their team pitched ideas to Spotify... Does it follow, then, that Michael Bloomberg's media empire will also support the Windsors? I'm beginning to wonder. Ashley Carman, Bloomberg's technology columnist/reporter has an exclusive on (what else?) the end of Duke and Duchess's Spotify agreement. Carman asked the same question I did: Why didn't Prince Harry produce a podcast at all? All week, people have been screamed at about how Meghan "only produced" one season of a successful podcast. They ignore the fact that Harry did nothing except for this one Christmas pod. We heard from industry sources that Harry, Meghan and their team pitched ideas to Spotify but they were rejected. Bill Simmons, a Spotify executive, called Harry and Meghan "f-king swindlers" and claimed that they had a meeting or call with Harry that went badly. Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter, tried to find out what Harry had to say: What happened to the Harry show that was rumored? I asked people who knew the situation what ideas Harry floated, and why they never came to fruition. The people requested anonymity as they were not authorized to talk about the prince's work. Spotify and Archewell Audio declined to comment. Harry met with several producers and production companies, said these people, to discuss potential shows. Harry was open to other people's ideas, but he stayed true to his own. One of these was about childhood trauma. Harry would interview a series of controversial guests such as Vladimir Putin and Mark Zuckerberg about their formative years, and how they became the adults that they are today. Harry had also a great idea for a series centered around fatherhood, according to the people. One would have dealt with major social issues episode by episode - from climate change and religion to other topics. Harry wanted Pope Francis to be a guest on the second show. Some people within the Harry-podcast universe questioned the practicality of the ideas, as people like Putin or Zuckerberg seldom give extensive interviews on the topics that they are passionate about -- much less about their childhoods and upbringings. Harry never produced a podcast. The fact that it took nearly three years to record a show and come up with a good idea speaks volumes about the content driven by celebrities. Movie stars and other people who usually travel around the globe from project to project were left with less work. They were stuck at home, with lots of free time. For a time, many celebrities signed podcast deals, even if their idea wasn't concrete enough to be turned into a show. There were exceptions, like the SmartLess team, whose podcast is now a Max special. They also expected the same jumbo salaries that used to be reserved for films, commercials, and Las Vegas clubs appearances. This was not typical of the podcasting economy. [From Bloomberg] A pitch meeting has the advantage of bringing in big-name speakers to get people interested in your concept. A podcast where Harry interviews men on childhood trauma would be interesting, novel and perhaps groundbreaking. I'd imagine that it would be difficult to sell. That is why Harry, or "someone", started mentioning names of men who are well-known. If Harry wanted to interview Donald Trump, or Vladimir Putin I would eat my f****** hat. Please. Harry probably didn't want to be associated with Trump after what he said about Harry and his wife. Harry's pitches were lacking, to be honest. A podcast on fatherhood or a pod that focused each episode on "big issues" would have been great. Bloomberg sources claim that Harry didn't produce a podcast because he wanted pods to be about fatherhood, trauma, religion, and environmentalism. GASP! ! Backgrid is the source of these photos.

Kevin Costner informed his children about the divorce via a Zoom call made from Las Vegas Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce with Kevin Costner after a thorough preparation. She did not do this on a whim. She had been married to Costner for 19 years and spent 24 years together. She had a plan, hired a divorce attorney and a forensic accounting expert, and together with her lawyer, they clearly have a strategy to nullify or revoke the prenup that she signed. Christine had prepared herself, but she hadn't yet told her children. She now claims that Costner told their children about the divorce over Zoom even though she had asked him to come to her... Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce with Kevin Costner after a thorough preparation. She did not do this on a whim. She had been married to Costner for 19 years and spent 24 years together. She had a plan, hired a divorce attorney and a forensic accounting expert, and together with her lawyer, they clearly have a strategy to nullify or revoke the prenup that she signed. Christine had prepared herself, but she hadn't yet told her children. She now claims that Costner told their children about the divorce over Zoom even though she had asked him to come to her home to talk to them in person. Christine Costner, Kevin Costner's ex-wife, is not happy with the way their three children learned about their divorce. Christine, 49, claims in a court document obtained by PEOPLE that Kevin Costner, 68 told their children Grace, 13, Hayes 14, and Cayden 16, in a Zoom call during filming in Las Vegas. "I was worried that the children would learn about our divorce before Kevin or I could tell them," Christine says in the documents. Christine claims in court documents that it was important to her that she and Kevin tell their children together. Christine shared with Kevin her concern that the kids might hear the news from an "outside" source. She also shared "several articles on the importance of speaking to children as one united front," and thought they would do it together. "He ignored my proposal that I do what felt right to me based on my research and relationship with my children. He insisted he was entitled to inform them 'first' that we were divorcing and that it could be done privately "without me being present". She continues her allegations. Kevin, after a 24 year relationship, told our children over a Zoom call of 10 minutes that we were divorcing. I was not present. I'm still puzzled by the motivation behind his decision to make this announcement via a Zoom call, particularly since he planned on returning home in five days. He could also have come home to Las Vegas and had the conversation personally." Sources close to Kevin note that Christine filed for divorce during Kevin's filming. Source: "He FaceTimes with his kids all the time when he's away on location." [From People] She was prepared, did research and was ready to tell her children. Costner ignored her request, and I would assume made it sound like Christine was at fault when he talked to the kids. Christine was the primary caregiver for those children and a stay-at home parent all their lives. Costner, who is at best a parent who is habitually absent, spends ten minutes Zooming around with his kids from a location shoot. Kevin Costner, you are such a jerk. Avalon Red provided the photos. Did you miss our previous article... https://wawawiiwa.com/celebrity/harrys-comments-about-camilla-will-not-bring-king-charles-back-to-harry

The Sussexes Netflix deal is 'in better shape than ever before' I mentioned yesterday that I was more interested to hear what industry sources and trade papers have to say about the Duke and duchess of Sussex Spotify mess than I am in the hysterical and utterly unserious nonsense coming from the British media. The Hollywood Reporter has been doing a great job this week to bring down the heat around the Sussex/Spotify issue. They have put the story in a larger context, explaining what Spotify did wrong, what changes the company was making, and that there were many other high-profile individuals who left Spotify, but they didn't get the same... I mentioned yesterday that I was more interested to hear what industry sources and trade papers have to say about the Duke and duchess of Sussex Spotify mess than I am in the hysterical and utterly unserious nonsense coming from the British media. The Hollywood Reporter has been doing a great job this week to bring down the heat around the Sussex/Spotify issue. They have put the story in a larger context, explaining what Spotify did wrong, what changes the company was making, and that there were many other high-profile individuals who left Spotify, but they didn't get the same attention as the Sussexes. Joe Pompeo, a VF journalist who covers the media/streamer beat, wrote an article in Vanity Fair entitled "Is there air coming out of Harry and Meghan’s content balloon?" His sources are from WME, Spotify, and Netflix. Not Camilla Tominey. Highlights: Meghan did she conduct interviews for Archetypes? A source with knowledge of the Archewell deal said Meghan conducted the interviews of all the main guests, such as the Mariah Careys, Mindy Kalings, and Mindys. The interviews of secondary voices in certain episodes were conducted by producers, which is a common practice. The Sussexes have pitched a number of other projects. I'm told Harry, Meghan, and their team pitched show concepts and acquisitions to Spotify, but they didn't go forward. I reported previously that the Obamas shared a similar frustration with Spotify before leaving for Audible. According to UK papers, the Sussexes Netflix contract is "unlikely" to be renewed. A source said that the feeling was that the lemon had been fully squeezed. The Sun US website reports that the $100 million deal with Netflix is unlikely to be renewed. A source said, "The lemon has been squeezed to the max." My source who is familiar with Archewell's deals says that the Netflix deal has never been better. Harry's Heart of Invictus, a documentary about the Sussexes, is scheduled for this summer. There are also "various other projects that have not been announced but that are being developed that are very exciting to all parties." WME is again on their side. To be fair to Harry, Meghan's haters are numerous and their schadenfreude runs deep. They're not negotiating contracts without competent representation. According to Variety, Meghan and Archewell Productions will be represented by WME as of April. The powerhouse talent agency will explore "film and TV production, brand partnerships,and overall business-building," with the Sussexes. WME's rep responded to the Spotify announcement by telling the Journal that Meghan is still developing content for Archetypes audiences on other platforms. (WME did not have anything to say.) The future of Brand Sussex. And yet, there is still the $100 million question: Does the public want more content about Harry and Meghan? Let alone content that's not about them? Marina Hyde's Tuesday column in The Guardian provided me with one possible answer. She wrote that "experience and ratings continue show that people are interested in watching the Sussexes complain about their life and treatment by the Royal Family." "That's the only genre where Meghan and Harry really pull in the eyes--and, given that they are literally all the people who work in it, feels like theirs." [From Vanity Fair] The Netflix deal has never been better. There are a number of projects that are in development, but have not yet been announced. All parties are excited. The past week has been a depressing one. There are so many "but what have we done for you lately" questions. The Sussexes produced a successful podcast, a Netflix hit docu-series, and a huge bestseller memoir. All of these projects were released within six months, during which time Harry's grandmother also passed away. It's... been... a long time. I'm looking forwards to Hea...

King Charles is understandably angry about Prince William's thunderous performance Prince William had a great weekend. In two ways, his office made sure to overshadow King Charles’s first Trooping the Colour Parade. William published two Father's Day pictures with his children and made sure that the photos were in the newspapers by Sunday. William also gave an exclusive interview with Roya Nikkhah of the Sunday Times. In the interview, William talked about his plans to house homeless people on Duchy land, and previewed a new big project that will be announced in the next few days/weeks. As I said yesterday I can't wait to see what King Charles does about... Prince William had a great weekend. In two ways, his office made sure to overshadow King Charles’s first Trooping the Colour Parade. William published two Father's Day pictures with his children and made sure that the photos were in the newspapers by Sunday. William also gave an exclusive interview with Roya Nikkhah of the Sunday Times. In the interview, William talked about his plans to house homeless people on Duchy land, and previewed a new big project that will be announced in the next few days/weeks. As I said yesterday I can't wait to see what King Charles does about William stealing all the thunder. Well, it's begun already. Eden Confidential, a Mail column. The palace has been agitated by Prince William's decision, which coincided with his father's first King's Birthday Parade. The Prince spoke about his desire to "end" homelessness in the interview with The Sunday Times. He did not mention King Charles's efforts at providing social housing while he was the Duchy of Cornwall. William exacerbated tensions when he released a Father's Day photo of him and his children just in time for Sunday newspapers. A former senior palace official told me that the timing of the interview would have certainly raised eyebrows in Buckingham Palace. The interview and Father's Day photo have blown His Royal Highness off the front page on the weekend before his first King's Birthday Parade. It could have been better sequenced, especially since the Duchy's social-housing program is not being launched until a few months. The Royal Family has a difficult time dealing with media management. Prince Harry wrote in his controversial memoir Spare that he and William were limited to how many public appearances they could make. The Daily Mail William also "failed" to mention King Charles’ efforts to provide social accommodation when he was the Duchy of Cornwall? Most likely because... Charles was not known for providing free housing to the unhoused? Charles managed the Duchy as a real estate empire, which it is. It was not a charity. William's interview made it seem like the initiative would be launched within the next few weeks. Was it just a way to show that he was keen? Why did William do the interview if it's not until a few months? William knew he would overshadow his dad, just like Kate and the Chelsea Flower Show. Avalon Red Cover Images and Millie Pilkington, Kensington Palace.