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May 5, 2026

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May 5, 2026

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Taraji P. Henson Slams Celebs Attending Jeff Bezos-Backed Met Gala

Taraji P. Henson joined Meredith Lynch in criticizing the stars who attended this year’s Met Gala, since it is sponsored by honorary co-chairs Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.

Lynch posted a video on Instagram Saturday in which she warned A-listers not to wear their “ICE Out” pins to the “Jeff Bezos-backed” Met Gala because “Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we’re in this fucking mess.” By “this fucking mess,” Lynch means Donald Trump’s presidency, which Bezos supported. While Lynch acknowledged that the “Met is a wonderful institution in New York City” that donates the funds from the gala to “a good cause,” she added that it is “wild to me that this event is sponsored by Jeff Bezos, who has backed Trump, who has slashed arts funding.”

Henson commented on the post, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”

On her Instagram Story, Henson reshared a post that slammed Bezos for owning a $500 million superyacht while also having workers in Amazon warehouses that “face precarious conditions, low wages and high injury rates.” Henson captioned her Instagram Story, “Enjoy the MET.”

Despite the outrage, the controversial sponsor did not stop some of Hollywood’s biggest stars from partying at the Met. Those in attendance at Monday night’s gala include Bad Bunny, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Connor Storrie, Teyana Taylor, Margot Robbie, Colman Domingo and Beyoncé, who is co-chairing this year’s affair with Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.

The 2026 Met Gala Theme was “Fashion is Art,” tied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Art exhibition.

May 5, 2026

Taraji P. Henson joined Meredith Lynch in

Movies

Movies Before 1990s I Checklist Quiz

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May 4, 2026

Movies Before 1990s I Checklist Quiz

J'Something breathes new life into 'Asimbonanga' with upcoming 'Scatterlings' album

May 4, 2026

J'Something breathes new life into 'Asimbonanga' with

MCU

New Feedly Ask AI: Synthesize threat reports & articles in minutes with high accuracy

15-Second summary

Reading through dozens of threat reports to understand a campaign or identify emerging TTPs can eat hours of an analyst’s day.

Ask AI—now part of Feedly Threat Intelligence—lets you quickly summarize up to 25 reports in multiple languages, pull out IoCs, TTPs, and other actionable insights, and create intelligence deliverables in formats you can control.

With Ask AI, you can:

Synthesize up to 25 reports across multiple languages, detect trends, and surface the most relevant threats within minutes.
Extract actionable data like IoCs, TTPs, CVEs, and malware references—from selected sources, all mapped by Feedly’s Threat Graph for deeper context.
Generate intelligence deliverables with complete control over sources, citations, and structure, speeding up dissemination while preserving accuracy.

Why not use another LLM?

Feedly AI is CTI-optimized. Its deeper understanding of adversaries, TTPs, CVEs, and IoCs reduces the inaccuracies you might see with generic language models. Plus, in-line citations link your output back to the original reports for transparent verification and traceability.

Ask AI saves substantial time reading and processing threat intelligence reports to help you identify relevant threats and spend more time on analysis.

The challenge of processing open-source intel

There’s too much open-source threat information for teams to stay on top of. You try your best to focus on the most significant threats or known gaps in your defenses. Extracting patterns across multiple articles and enumerating supporting tactics, techniques, and procedures is highly time-consuming and can be error-prone.

Yet that’s what’s expected of CTI Analysts every day. Read the Internet, determine what’s essential, extract data, and turn it into a professional and actionable report.

To address this challenge, Feedly started building AI Models five years ago and tagging threat intelligence objects in articles to process and filter open-source intel more efficiently. These data are correlated in the Feedly Threat Graph, and today, enable the automatic generation of Insights Cards and Dashboards containing rich context.

Introducing Ask AI

Ask AI is Feedly’s next significant time-saving feature. Analysts can synthesize articles, extract themes, indicators, or entities, and create digestible intelligence deliverables in minutes. Ask AI helps you to interact with articles in AI Feeds, Team Boards, or Search results.

Ask AI leverages Generative AI, which we’ve trained on threat intelligence data to provide deep processing on up to 25 selected articles and perform tasks that would otherwise be manual and time-consuming.

Learn how to use Ask AI in our guide.

Ask AI helps me save time by reading and processing threat intelligence articles. Now, I can summarize the content or extract key concepts in less than 10% of the time it would take to do it manually.

Daniel Schmidt, Security Analyst Cyber Defense Center, gematik

Try Ask AI

Quickly synthesize content and create trusted, verifiable reports.

Synthesize up to 25 reports across multiple languages

Select up to 25 source reports you want to analyze. Then run an Ask AI prompt to evaluate the content and present the findings in the format of your choosing.

Example 1: Analyze a cyber attack

Analyze a cyber attack by selecting multiple reports about the attack in different languages and run an Ask AI Prompt. In this Prompt, we direct Ask AI to construct a workflow of the attack chain. You can also ask it to list key data like the TTPs and IoCs.

Ask AI Prompt

Construct a workflow of the attack chain.

Ask AI Response

Example 2: Geopolitical analysis

Run prompts on articles and threat reports in foreign languages to better understand key topics in global news coverage. You could analyze the impact of a particular geopolitical event from different viewpoints.

Ask AI Prompt

Produce a long-form threat intelligence report on threat actor's recent campaigns that focuses on the geopolitical risk implications. Report should be in English.

Ask AI Response

Example 3: Multi-language reporting

In addition to synthesizing foreign language articles, Ask AI can also provide outputs in your preferred language to speed up the sharing of key takeaways across your global teams.

Ask AI Prompt

Provide a summary of these threat intelligence reports in french.

Ask AI Response

Extract actionable data like IoCs, TTPs, and CVEs

Some threat intelligence reports are packed with indicators, adversaries, and other threat data. Analyzing these reports can take hours and runs the risk of missing key data buried within the text. Ask AI enables you to perform tedious tasks like extracting entities and objects from articles and putting them into a usable format.

Example 4: Extracting threat data

Synthesize multiple threat intelligence reports and extract threat actors, TTPs, malware, and IoCs into a table that can be analyzed in a spreadsheet or imported into a security tool.

Ask AI Prompt

Create a table with adversary, TTPs, malware, and IOCs.

Ask AI Response

Generate intelligence deliverables with complete control

Creating deliverables like reports or responses to RFIs can consume the bulk of a CTI Analyst’s day. Asking Gen AI tools risks introducing hallucinations, or producing reports that sound like AI wrote them. Feedly’s Ask AI gives you full control over the sources you analyze to preserve accuracy. It can also be instructed to create a well-formatted output, you can save and apply consistently to similar tasks.

Feedly’s Threat Intelligence Advisors created suggested prompts to help answer commonly deliverable requests. You can use them as-is, or modify them to your specifications and save for consistent reuse.

Example 5: Creating a response to an executive inquiry

Suppose you are a CTI analyst and asked to analyze the most relevant threat actors targeting your industry (e.g. Finance), and prepare a summary of the biggest threats.

Ask AI Prompt

I work for a mid-sized bank in USA and need to prepare a summary of the greatest threats by adversaries to my organization.
Produce a BLUF.
Then create a breakdown of the top threat actors and a summary of their tactics.

Ask AI Response

Example 6: Create a threat hunt hypothesis

Take the same example above, and assume you are a threat hunter who needs to prioritize and plan their activities for the next week. Your data needs are more specific. You want to know specific procedures used and how to detect and mitigate them.

Ask AI Prompt

Lead threat hunter

Create a table of attack procedures from the provided article as threat hunt hypotheses


| Procedure | Description | Logs |
|-----------|-------------|------|
| Short title | Detailed description with patterns | Relevant logs and Event IDs |



- Provide detailed technical information
- Structure the information according to the provided table structure format
- Include only actionable procedures for threat hunting
- Focus on specific search patterns
- Avoid generic or ambiguous information
- Include citations

Ask AI Response

Why trust Feedly’s Ask AI

Feedly AI is CTI-optimized. It’s trained on threat data with a deeper understanding of adversaries, TTPs, CVEs, and IoCs to minimize the inaccuracies you might see with generic language models.

Second, we don’t use your prompts or responses for LLM training.

Third, it’s not a chat that can drift away from the original source content. Each prompt and response is independent to preserve accuracy.

Finally, in-line citations link your output to the original reports for transparent verification and traceability.

If you want to learn more, visit our Ask AI guide.

Summary

Ask AI is not a simple bolt-on Generative AI bot. It builds on years of machine learning development, making our AI Feeds deliver the industry’s most specific and relevant content. It’s fine-tuned on threat intelligence content, and works across single or multiple articles in your Feeds, Boards, and Search.

Ask AI enables you to interact with content, synthesize it, extract themes, and create customized intel deliverables in a fraction of the time previously spent. Ask AI can also perform the tedious work of finding specific threat details to help your team detect, prevent, or mitigate threats. Ask AI is a massive time saver, and because it’s grounded in the content you select and includes citations to sources, you can trust (and verify) accuracy.

Try Ask AI

Quickly synthesize content and create trusted, verifiable reports.

May 4, 2026

15-Second summaryReading through dozens of threat reports

DCU

The 10 Greatest Spy Thriller Movie Masterpieces of All Time

Intelligence gathering is an art, and it’s depicted the most beautifully in cinema. Whether you like your spies wearing tailor-made suits or baggy clothes and mustaches, there is something for you. And whether you prefer a realistic film or one where spies take down large criminal organizations with little help from anyone else, you have plenty of films to choose from. But what are the greatest spy thriller masterpieces of all time?

The spy thriller genre blossomed during the Silent Era, when invasion literature (fictional novels that imagined raids by foreign countries) became popular. The Great War also contributed to the genre’s rapid growth. Since then, thousands of films have been made, but only a few truly capture what it’s like to be a secret agent while equally offering plenty of entertainment. The movies on this list are a nice mix of older movies that hold up well and more recent releases, and they feature action-packed scenes with strong character work.

‘The Falcon and the Snowman’ (1985)

Timothy Hutton in The Falcon and the Snowman

Fusing elements of curiosity and suspense, The Falcon and the Snowman filters Cold War espionage through the eyes and ears of Christopher Boyce (Timothy Hutton). He is a nepo baby who got his job at a CIA communications facility because his dad (an FBI agent) knew a guy who knew a guy. Unsurprisingly, Chris isn’t all that passionate about what he does (his dream was to pursue falconry). As time passes, he begins to revere the Soviets and revile his own country. You can bet that this won’t end well for him.

Although it was less popular and profitable than several other ‘80s spy films, it beats them in the areas that matter: dialogue, cinematography, and plotting. While there isn’t much action, you’ll enjoy watching Chris become consumed by naïveté and embrace a misplaced sense of idealism. Be careful, though. You might be tempted to root for the character. Much credit also goes to a young Sean Penn for offering excellent support to Hutton.

‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002)

The Bourne Identity, an absorbing adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s popular novel, follows a man with psychogenic amnesia (Matt Damon), who uncovers a major CIA conspiracy while trying to find out who he is. Given the popularity of Ludlum’s books, many talked about making a Jason Bourne movie since the early ‘80s, but the ghosts of movie development hell prevented it from happening sooner.

From Damon and Brian Cox’s performances to the cat-and-mouse games, The Bourne Identity is pure bliss. The film’s arrival in the 2000s was arguably the best thing that could have happened, as it would have been hard to capture that gritty, grainy atmosphere in any other decade. It also changed the blockbuster spy genre and created a new, danger-filled route away from the goofy entries of the ‘90s. Its template would be used in Casino Royale and maintained in future Bond movies.

‘Three Days of the Condor’ (1975)

Robert Redford as Joe Turner in Three Days of the Condor

The melancholic, often twisty Three Days of the Condor was a highly personal project for Sydney Pollack, who spent many years researching the world of espionage. Perhaps this accounts for the movie’s lack of credulity and the absence of sentimentalism. The central character is Joe Turner (Robert Redford), a bookish CIA analyst working at the American Literary Historical Society in New York City (a clandestine CIA office). One day, he returns to the office from lunch to find everyone dead. What happened?

Endless close calls and a labyrinthine story make Three Days of the Condor a masterpiece. Even the quotes are golden. “You think not getting caught in a lie is the same thing as telling the truth?” Every line is carefully crafted and uttered. The film’s legacy is even more interesting. There are homages to it in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Seinfeld, and Out of Sight. The book, The Comrade J: The Untold Secrets of Russia’s Master Spy in America After the End of the Cold War, also reveals that the KGB set up a similar clandestine office in Moscow after watching the Sydney Pollack movie.

‘Argo’ (2012)

Ben Affleck is undoubtedly one of the greatest actor-directors, and the Best Picture-winning Argo is proof of that. The film dramatizes the “Canadian Caper” (a joint operation by the CIA and Canada), in which agents attempted to rescue six U.S. diplomats held captive in Tehran, Iran, during the 1979–81 Iran hostage crisis. In an inventive move, the agents went in under the guise of a science-fiction film crew.

While the geopolitical clashes and intra-agency dynamics may seem familiar, with such a winning plot and such appealing performers, who cares? Alan Arkin carries the film and received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Bryan Cranston and Affleck also gave strong performances. 16 years later, Argo is still considered a spy masterpiece, American cinema’s most deliciously acerbic commentary on the dangers that pop up due to unstable international relations.

‘Goldfinger’ (1964)

Sean Connery's Bond and Gert Frobe's Auric Goldfinger

The James Bond franchise is populated by evil, monopoly-leaning businessmen. One of the best examples can be found in Goldfinger. Bond is still young here. His refreshing forthrightness and resourcefulness have made him MI6’s golden boy. However, he never has any shortage of hurdles to clear. This time, gold magnate Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) seeks to contaminate the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox to increase the value of his own mineral reserves. Will Bond stop him?

For a glittering, feel-good spy thriller guaranteed to make you fall in love with the genre, bet on Goldfinger. Like many great movies, it has plenty of unforgettable scenes, including one where Auric tries to cut Bond’s body in half using a laser. And the dialogue? “You expect me to talk?” the MI6 agent asks. “No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die,” the villain replies. Many also praise the movie for establishing the franchise’s template full of gadgets, extensive pre-credits sequences, endless globe-trotting moments, and wild tongue-in-cheek humor.

‘Bridge of Spies’ (2015)

Undoubtedly one of the finest Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks collaborations, Bridge of Spies tells a story about some of the unique strategies used by the CIA and the KGB during the Cold War, including quid-pro-quo arrangements. James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks), an insurance lawyer, is tasked with negotiating the release of a CIA pilot whose U-2 spy plane was shot down by the Soviets. The KGB will hand him over only if their own arrested spies are released.

Hanks unashamedly flaunts his talent in Bridge of Spies. It helps that he is surrounded by first-rate support: Amy Ryan is a gorgeous spouse who sees something special in James, and the dashing Mark Rylance is always fascinating to watch in his role as the KGB officer Rudolf Abel. This divine spy thriller still holds up as a compelling story about wrong political choices. Applause goes to the Coen Brothers, who surprisingly agreed only to take on script duties. For their work, they won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

‘The Conversation’ (1974)

Gene Hackman as Harry R. Caul and Harrison Ford as Martin Stett

Director Francis Ford Coppola was on fire in the ‘70s. He made The Conversation, around the same time as The Godfather: Part II, and it turned out to be magical. The movie opens with a sinister client’s aide (Harrison Ford) hiring the skilled surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) to keep an eye on a young couple. He soon realizes the couple is in danger. What will he do?

Faithful to the customs of surveillance experts and small spy agencies, this fresh, layered, artfully composed movie is every bit as absorbing as Coppola’s other works. Beware! While The Conversation is a slow burn, the dialogue and performances make the film worth the time investment. It was Roger Ebert’s favorite Gene Hackman movie, and the actor himself considered his portrayal of Harry Caul as one of his greatest performances. Don’t take our word for it, watch it yourself!

‘Mission Impossible: Fallout’ (2018)

A blockbuster driven by greed, treachery, and egotism, Mission Impossible: Fallout is about an attempt by Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF colleagues to prevent a villainous organization known as The Apostles from conducting nuclear attacks on Jerusalem, Mecca, and the Vatican using three plutonium cores. While the notorious CIA assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill) is helping them, the man isn’t who he seems.

Filmed on a massive budget, Fallout is beautifully photographed, superbly acted by all cast members, and engrossing throughout. Indeed, many great spy films came out in the 2010s, but the Tom Cruise flick stands out thanks to a more layered narrative with more than one strong villain. The action sequences remain unmatched, too. The motorcycle chase through the streets of Paris stayed in my mind for years.

‘Spione’ (1928)

A scene from the German silent movie, Spione/Spies

Regarded as the first flawless spy film, Spione (Spies) throws us right into the lava from the opening minute. Agent 326 (Willy Fritsch), a man of pride and brains, finds himself increasingly frustrated and overwhelmed as he investigates a case involving the disappearance of government documents. He doesn’t realize that he’s up against one of Europe’s most sophisticated spy rings. Things become even more complicated when a Russian émigré enters his life.

Director Fritz Lang fashioned a powerful role for acting titan Fritsch. Audiences empathize with Agent 326, because Lang frequently forces everyone to follow the proceedings largely from the hero’s jumbled, anxiety-filled perspective – a clever conceit that really works. Like Spione itself, the behind-the-scenes stories are interesting. Lang’s affair with an actress made headlines, mainly because his wife, Thea von Harbou, worked on the script.

‘North by Northwest’ (1959)

Everyone loves movies where it feels like each day, each moment, the hero has to reorient themselves to an ever-shifting environment. While at it, they gradually lose themselves and everything they hold dear. Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest is such a movie. It finds New York City ad executive Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) in real trouble. A criminal organization that has mistaken him for a mysterious agent is after him. And, as if that’s not enough, Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), a siren whose loyalties are unclear, enters his life.

Some commentators refer to North by Northwest as “the first James Bond movie,” mainly because it has all the ingredients that would later be used in the popular franchise. From a clever, macho, and hedonistic hero to a femme fatale and a villain who is chasing a MacGuffin, there are too many similarities. From a technical angle, the Hitchcock film was groundbreaking, too. It was the first film to use extended kinetic typography in the opening credits.

Was your favorite spy thriller on the list? Would you add one? Let us know in the comments!

May 4, 2026

Intelligence gathering is an art, and it's

Comics

Resident Evil Requiem producer says DLSS 5 anger ‘shows we got Grace’s original design right’

Resident Evil Requiem’s producer has commented on the negative reaction to the game’s DLSS 5 AI-powered makeover revealed by Nvidia earlier this year.

Revealed in March, DLSS 5 uses an AI model to alter the visuals of supported games running on Nvidia graphics cards, adding what it calls “photoreal lighting and materials”.

However, the initial reveal was met with strong criticism from many players and games industry figures for how it appears to drastically alter the original art direction of the supported games.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Capcom’s Masato Kumzawa said he considered the strong sentiment around protagonist Grace’s ‘glamorous’ makeover shown in Nvidia’s demo as a positive, because he believes it indicates that the dev team “got the design right” with the original game.

While Kumzawa reportedly couldn’t comment on the team’s involvement specifically, he noted “the fact a lot of players commented they really liked the original design of Grace and didn’t want to see it changed was a positive…”

He added: “It meant we got the design right [and] points to the fact that Grace quickly established herself as a fan favourite, that people had such strong opinions on her design.”

Responding to criticism of DLSS 5 shortly after its reveal, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claimed that demos shown had the support and control of the games’ developers, who he claimed could fine-tune the final effect.

“It’s not post-processing, it’s not post-processing at the frame level, it’s generative control at the geometry level,” he said. “All of that is in the control — direct control — of the game developer,” he said. This is very different than generative AI; it’s content-control generative AI. That’s why we call it neural rendering.”

Steve Karolewics, a rendering engineer at Respawn, was one of those who criticised DLSS 5’s announcement on social media. “DLSS 5 looks like an overbearing contrast, sharpness, and airbrush filter,” he wrote. “Remarkably different frames with the rationale of photo-real lighting? Nah, I think I’ll stick with the original artistic intent.”

DLSS 5 will arrive this fall. Supported games include Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy, Starfield, EA Sports FC, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

May 4, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem’s producer has commented on

Festivals

Maybe Your Script Isn’t the Problem

Writing a script is really, really hard. You have to fit a dozen pieces together to create an experience that engages a reader and creates an emotional journey. And that can take months, maybe even years, to get into a place that feels right.

So when you’re finally finished and ready to get reads, it can feel extremely frustrating if no one bites when they hear your idea. What gives? You worked really hard, and your screenplay might be stellar!

But the thing holding you back might not be your script at all.

Jacob Michael of Big Red Stripe just broke down the mechanics of why scripts get passed over, and the culprit is probably sitting at the top of your submission email.

– YouTube www.youtube.com

Your Logline Is the Entire Filter

“Nobody in Hollywood is requesting a script because they heard it was well written,” Michael said. “They’re requesting it because the premise made them lean forward.”

The reality is that, in Hollywood, sometimes scripts from a grammar or writing standpoint are, um, buns. When I was an analyst, plenty of error-filled scripts reached me in story development despite their weaknesses—because the ideas were interesting enough for an exec to bite.

And those ideas are usually presented in a logline.

Think of the logline as the bouncer at the door. If it doesn’t do its job, nobody gets in—regardless of what’s inside. A “well-written” script with a weak premise will lose to a mediocre one with a killer logline every time. If your logline is bad, your script will never get far enough for a reader to discover how well you can write.

What makes a logline work? Marketability.

Can a reader picture the poster or trailer? Who would they cast? Is there an identifiable audience?

For more on what makes a logline pull its weight, check out how to write a logline and whether loglines are even worth stressing over.

The Two Types of Script Worth Writing

Michael introduces a way to rethink your project slate. According to him, there are only two types of scripts worth writing if you want a career: a script you can sell, and a script to get a meeting.

A script to sell is commercial-genre work. It has a clear lane (thriller, horror, action, elevated genre, or some combination) and audience. It shows you understand the business. You have casting appeal and a marketable hook.

A script to get a meeting is something else entirely. It’s the ultra-high-concept premise so audacious that someone reads it and thinks, “We will never in a million years make this, but I have got to read it,” Michael said.

In fact, there was a whole bit about this on a recent episode of Hacks, where Ava (Hannah Einbinder) meets with a rep about one of her scripts and is told, “It’s so nuanced. It’s so specific. So original. So, obviously, we can never make it.”

But those scripts get passed around offices and remembered, sometimes for years. They get you in rooms.

Michael’s advice is to write the get-a-meeting script first if you’re trying to break in. You’re trying to make noise. We’ve covered how the goal of a great spec often isn’t a sale; anyway, it’s the meeting.

You Can’t Fix a Bad Premise

Everything in screenwriting is rewritable. Dialogue can be reworked, you can shuffle structure around, even change your characters if you have to. But “you cannot fix a premise that never had a pulse,” Michael says.

Think about your goals. Are you writing a spec to get representation? Wanting to win a contest? Or trying to get something produced? Because each is a different thing.

Before you work on that draft, ask whether your premise is marketable or just interesting to you. Per our guide on spec screenplays, the scripts that get people talking are the ones where the idea itself does the heavy lifting first.

And then make sure you have a stellar logline to sell it.

May 4, 2026

Writing a script is really, really hard.

Film

Box Office: Devil Wears Prada 2 Shows Legacy-quel Is Alive and Well

“Top Gun: Maverick” was not the first “legacy-quel” — a nostalgia play sequel years or decades after the original that effectively remakes the original for a younger audience — but it is the benchmark for which all legacy-quels hope to strive. With $1.5 billion worldwide, it’s possibly the only example of a legacy sequel that not only lives up to the original but surpasses it.

And it’s why we will keep getting movies like “The Devil Wears Prada 2” from now until these movies consistently stop doing well. The sequel to 2006’s “The Devil Wears Prada” made $233.6 million worldwide this weekend, making it the second-highest opening of the year (behind “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”). It did incredibly well internationally and actually opened slightly below expectations domestic with $77 million in North America. And, not factoring in inflation, the sequel has already made 72 percent of what the original made in its lifetime of $326.5 million worldwide.

It wasn’t a given that “Prada 2” would be a runaway (runway?) hit, even if the star power of Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt has grown exponentially since the original came out. Last year, Disney released a legacy-quel to another 20+ year old comedy, “Freakier Friday,” which did fine but topped out at $153.1 million, which “Prada 2” surpassed on its international gross alone. “Tron: Ares” from last year was a legacy-quel to a legacy-quel, and it bombed hard with $142 million against a $220 million budget.

Clearly the nostalgia was there, and the word of mouth helped the film live up to the hype. The film got an A- CinemaScore, respectable critic reviews, and theaters themselves helped activate their audiences. Theater chains like Alamo, Cinemark, and Cinergy had dress-up costume screenings; Regal had photo booths and cosmetics “Glam Stations”; and EVO Entertainment had a “Cerulean” colored cocktail and even a “Luxury Claw Machine” that let guests try to win a designer handbag.

Part of the other reason the legacy-quel is now so common and enduring has plenty to do with streaming. When a new sequel comes out, everyone goes back to watch the original first, duh. Month over month between March and April, streaming of the original “Devil Wears Prada” was up a whopping 428 percent, according to Nielsen. Executives love to see it, because it all factors into the calculations of what makes a movie profitable in the modern age.

Rival studios are also going to be looking at “The Devil Wears Prada 2” very closely. Coming up, we’ll be seeing legacy-quels like “Scary Movie” via Paramount, “Practical Magic 2” via Warner Bros., “Focker-in-Law” via Universal, and “Spaceballs: The New One” from Amazon MGM. “Prada 2” is probably the comp WB will be eyeing for “Practical Magic 2” as, like the original “Devil Wears Prada,” “Practical Magic” has grown with some cult appreciation years after it did modestly at the box office ($94 million in 1998) and after Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock’s star power has likewise rocketed.

When will studios and streamers cool it with 20-years-later sequels? Did we really need a new “Ghostbusters,” “Gladiator,” “Happy Gilmore,” or “Hocus Pocus” when the originals are still there? It’s easy: Hollywood will stop making them when you all stop going.

May 4, 2026

“Top Gun: Maverick” was not the first

ABC doesn’t want Rachel Bloom’s Do You Want Kids?

Rachel Bloom’s character in her recent comedy pilot Do You Want Kids? may not have been certain about the prospect of raising a clutch of children—to the point that the main conceit of the series was a Sliding Doors-esque shift between a reality where she and her husband, played by Rory Scovel, had given into their procreative urges, and one where they hadn’t—but ABC hasn’t been quite so wishy-washy. The network announced today (per Deadline), that it wasn’t moving forward with the pilot, which the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend star co-created and wrote with her husband, Dan Gregor.

Bloom herself confirmed the news today on Instagram, writing that, given how often people use social media to tout their successes, she wanted to “give a shout out to my other buddy, Failure.” Saying that she had “so many episode ideas, multiple season arcs,” kicking around in her head for the show, Bloom confirmed that the network had opted not to go forward with it. (Deadline notes that the show was running about a 50 percent chance of getting picked up, after executives were only so-so on the pilot; the success of the Scrubs reboot, and the ongoing appeal of Tim Allen grunting near cars, apparently convinced the network that its current crop of comedies was sufficient for current needs.)

Do You Want Kids? hit a few speedbumps’ worth of drama on its way to the pilot stage, too, most notably losing actor Daniel Stern after he was given a citation on a (since-dismissed) misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute. (He dropped out of the show right after the charge became public back in January; Bloom’s old Crazy Ex-Girlfriend buddy Pete Gardner was recast in the part.)

Bloom did suggest that not all hope is lost for the series, though; in a follow-up comment to her Instagram post, she noted that, “Who knows? Crazy Ex-Girlfriend was a rejected Showtime pilot. Maybe this has a life somewhere else.”

May 4, 2026

Rachel Bloom’s character in her recent comedy

What to Watch

This Critically Acclaimed Animated Sci-Fi Series Is Leaving Netflix

Picture Credit: HBO Max

The clock is ticking on one of the most imaginative animated series in recent memory. Scavengers Reign will soon depart Netflix in both the United States and the United Kingdom, ending its co-exclusive licensing window and returning to being a HBO Max exclusive beginning May 31st.

If you haven’t yet embarked on this breathtaking journey, Scavengers Reign is widely regarded as one of the very best adult animated series of the decade. Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner, the gripping sci-fi survival story follows the scattered, surviving crew members of a damaged deep-space freighter who are left stranded on Vesta—a visually stunning but ruthlessly unforgiving alien planet.

The series has had a fascinating, and somewhat bumpy, road in the streaming world. Originally commissioned and released as a Max Original, the show was part of a major wave of Warner Bros. Discovery properties that were licensed out to Netflix to boost viewership and generate revenue. As we covered back when Netflix first announced it would stream the series, its arrival on the platform in the US and UK brought a massive, much-deserved wave of new fans to the alien world of Vesta.

When the 12-episode first season dropped on Netflix, it wasn’t just a standard licensing arrangement—there was genuine hope that a massive surge in viewership could actively save the show. We even sat down for an exclusive interview with the Scavengers Reign team prior to its Netflix debut, where they were incredibly optimistic about finding a broader audience and openly discussed the exciting potential of Netflix picking up the baton for a Season 2.

Titmouse Founder Chris Prynoski On Surviving And Thriving In Animation For 25 Years

Scavengers Reign Not Getting Renewed At Netflix For Season

Picture Credit: HBO Max

Sadly, despite an incredibly passionate fan campaign and stellar critical reviews, the viewership numbers ultimately didn’t hit the threshold the streamer was looking for. As we reported later, Netflix officially decided against renewing Scavengers Reign for a second season. We did get some footage from the creators following the confirmation.

Taking a look at Netflix’s official global engagement data gives us a much clearer picture of exactly how the show performed during its run. Across 2024, Scavengers Reign pulled in 5.4 million hours viewed, equating to roughly 1.1 million total views (completed equivalent views). The momentum carried slightly into 2025, adding another 2.8 million hours viewed (600,000 views) to its tally. Altogether, the series amassed 8.2 million hours viewed and 1.7 million total views globally on the platform—respectable numbers for a niche adult animated property, but evidently not quite the blockbuster smash hit required to justify the costs of a sophomore season for the streaming giant.

Now, the shared streaming window has run its course. Removal notices are beginning to populate on the Netflix platform for users in the US and the UK, indicating that your last full day to watch is May 30th. The title will officially depart the library on May 31st.

Once it leaves Netflix, the series will revert to being an exclusive title on HBO Max, which is now available in the UK alongside the US. So, for Netflix subscribers who don’t currently have a Max subscription, you have just a few short weeks left to binge this sci-fi masterpiece before it blasts off the platform for good.

Will you be sad to see Scavengers Reign leave Netflix? Did you discover the show during its run on the service? Let us know in the comments down below!

May 4, 2026

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams Turn Heads at the Met Gala Amid Meteoric Rise

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams didn’t just attend the Met Gala, they arrived as two of its most talked-about breakout names, turning heads and firmly cementing their place in the cultural conversation.

Just months ago, Connor and Hudson were rising artists after the breakout of Heated Rivalry, they started steadily building momentum. Today, they find themselves at the center of one of the most exclusive and influential events in the world. The Met Gala isn’t just another red carpet, it’s the stage where fashion, celebrity, and art collide

Often described as fashion’s Super Bowl, the night draws the biggest names across industries, icons, legends, and cultural powerhouses who don’t just follow trends, but define them. For Connor and Hudson to not only attend, but stand out, speaks volumes about just how quickly their star power is rising.

The Met Gala has always been a litmus test for cultural relevance, a place that signals who is shaping the conversation right now. Connor and Hudson didn’t just walk the carpet; they made sure people noticed.

For their Met Gala debut, the two made it very clear they weren’t there to play it safe, they went all in. Bold, sexy, and unapologetically eye-catching, both looks pushed past convention and leaned fully into statement-making fashion. From the moment they hit the steps, they owned every second of it, turning their first appearance into one of the night’s most memorable moments.

Connor made a bold statement on the Met Gala carpet in a custom look by Yves Saint Laurent, elevated with striking accessories from Tiffany & Co. In a move that instantly turned heads, he ditched the jacket on the carpet, revealing his arms and leaning into a more daring, effortlessly sexy aesthetic. The moment felt even more fitting given his connection to both houses, serving as a brand ambassador for YSL and a house ambassador for Tiffany & Co., making the look not just stylish, but deeply aligned with his growing presence in the fashion world.

: Getty Images

: Getty Images

: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Hudson delivered a striking contrast on the Met Gala carpet in a custom look by Balenciaga for which Hudson serves as a brand ambassador with jewelry fromBvlgari, elevated by bold, dramatic makeup inspired by the movie Black Swan. Leaning into theatricality and transformation, the look blurred the line between fashion and performance, capturing the haunting elegance of the film as well as the theme of costume art, making a statement that felt both daring and unforgettable.

: Getty Images

: Getty Images

: Getty Images

Connor and Hudson clearly understood the assignment.

Their looks didn’t just blend into the night, they contributed to it. In a space where boldness is expected and originality is everything, they managed to command attention.

Social media platforms lit up almost instantly, with fans and fashion watchers dissecting their outfits, praising their presence, and placing them among the most talked-about names of the evening.

What makes their Met Gala moment even more compelling is the journey that led them here.

In the span of just a few months, Connor and Hudson have built an impressive and highly visible résumé. From carrying the Olympic torch, to presenting at the Golden Globe Awards, they’ve seamlessly transitioned from emerging talents to internationally recognized figures. Figures who have been on the names of every casting directors lips. Their packed filming schedules prove that.

Their growing influence doesn’t stop there. As brand ambassadors and attendees at elite industry gatherings like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and now the Met Gala, they’ve consistently positioned themselves in spaces that shape entertainment, fashion, and pop culture at the highest level

What sets Connor and Hudson apart isn’t just the speed of their rise; it’s how naturally they seem to own every moment that comes with it.

There’s a confidence in the way they show up, a sense of intention behind every appearance. Nothing feels accidental or forced. Instead, their trajectory feels carefully built with each milestone. They’re not just having a moment, they’re building lasting influence.

And that’s exactly what the Met Gala is all about. The Beginning of Something Bigger. If this past year is anything to go by, this is only the beginning.

Because right now, Connor and Hudson aren’t just part of the conversation, they’re leading it.

May 4, 2026

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams didn’t just

Awards

It Ends With This: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively Settle Lawsuit

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in the epic legal battle of retaliation and sexual harassment that was scheduled to go to trial this month.

Lively had alleged that Baldoni, following the release of their 2024 film “It Ends With Us,” engaged in a retaliatory smear campaign led by a crisis PR designed to damage her reputation on social media. She had also accused Baldoni and other producers of the film of sexual harassment on set, but a judge tossed 10 of 13 of those claims in Lively’s suit last month.

Now that a settlement has been reached, the long legal battle will avoid going to trial.

Lawyers for both Lively and Baldoni released a joint statement on Monday. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

“The end product – the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,” their reps said. “Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind. We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

The drama between Lively and Baldoni dates back to December 2024, when Lively spoke to The New York Times about accusations of sexual harassment and shared private messages that outlined an alleged “social combat plan” of planted social media posts designed to tarnish Lively’s reputation. Though “It Ends With Us” was a box office success, it was surrounded by online drama regarding the power dynamics on set and Lively’s attitude towards the film’s themes of domestic violence and abuse.

After the New York Times article, Baldoni sued Lively in a defamation suit for $400 million and the New York Times for $250 million, but both suits were later tossed by a judge. He had claimed that Lively’s PR team, as well as naming Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, in the suit, was responsible for their own smear campaign and that the New York Times had intentionally overlooked key context from his side of the leaked private conversations. The ongoing drama that escalated over the last year plus involved claims that Reynolds may have been secretly trying to insult Baldoni with a character in “Deadpool and Wolverine,” and that even Taylor Swift might have needed to be subpoenaed.

Lively had also accused Baldoni and his partner at production company Wayfarer Studios that Baldoni discussed with Lively his sex life without her consent, that he had improvised unwanted kissing, that he repeatedly entered her trailer while undressed or breastfeeding, and that producer Jamey Heath showed her a video of his wife naked (Baldoni’s legal team had denied all those accusations). However, last month, a judge ruled that her claims did not meet a legal standard, and she would only have been able to use her complaints about those incidents as a basis for potential retaliation.

May 4, 2026

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached

Music

The Pussycat Dolls Cancel North American Leg of Reunion Tour

Group makes “the difficult and heartbreaking decision” to cancel dates after taking “honest look” at the run

The Pussycat Dolls have canceled the North American leg of their upcoming reunion tour after taking “an honest look” at their first trek in 17 years.

The group — now Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts — announced the decision to cancel all but one U.S. show Monday. While the group didn’t elaborate on the “honest look,” Variety cites low ticket sales that were frequently mocked on social media as the cause of the cancellation.

“Dolls: We want to share an important update with you,” the Pussycat Dolls wrote on social media. “When we announced the PCD FOREVER Tour, we hoped to bring the show to fans across the world. After taking an honest look at the North American run, we’ve made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to cancel all but one of the North America dates.”

The Pussycat Dolls’ lone remaining U.S. tour date is a June 6 appearance at Los Angeles’ WeHo Pride. “We could not think of a more meaningful place to celebrate with our fans,” the group said. “The LGBTQ+ community has shown us so much love and support throughout our career, and we’re honored to be part of a weekend rooted in joy, pride, music, and chosen family.”

In 2020, the singing group first announced plans to reunite for their first tour together since 2009 in 2020, but the Covid pandemic and subsequent legal issues scuttled that tour. Plans were then made for the PCD Forever Tour to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album, but demand wasn’t enough to fill arenas … at least stateside: The Pussycat Dolls also said Monday that their international gigs are proceeding as scheduled.

“Our U.K. and European dates are still moving forward as planned, and the response has been incredible, with several shows already sold out,” the group added. “We are putting everything into making this show a true celebration of the music and the memories, for the fans who have been with us from the beginning and those discovering us for the first time. We’re working hard to create the kind of show we’ve always dreamed of bringing to you. We cannot wait to bring this reunion to Europe and make these nights unforgettable.”

The Pussycat Dolls are the third major artist to cancel tours recently, joining Zayn Malik and Meghan Trainor; Post Malone also cut a third of his Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2 to finish work on his new album.

May 4, 2026

Group makes "the difficult and heartbreaking decision"

Docs

Dont’ Miss Indies: What to Watch in May

It’s an exciting month at the movies with three bold, Black fantasies packed with swagger and two Argentinian films made by female filmmakers. Whether your taste tends toward low-key suspense, creepy horror, sexual philosophy or hunting snakes in the middle of the night, indie filmmakers are always making something fresh for inquiring minds.

BLUE FILM

When You Can Watch: April 27

Where You Can Watch: Film Independent Presents

Writer/Director: Elliot Tuttle

Cast: Reed Birney, Kieron Moore, Turner Beckett

Why We’re Excited: Aaron (Kieron Moore, Boots) is a fetish camboy who agrees to a night with a patron, named Hank (Reed Birney, Spirit Award winner Mass) but the rendezvous takes a turn when Hank’s true identity is revealed. As the night unfolds, Aaron and Hank revisit their history in light of recent changes in Hank’s life, exploring gray areas of philosophy as well as real life implications. Elliot Tuttle (The Steps) shared the film’s germination and intention with Them, “I found a very personal arc in the character of Aaron about how I feel as a gay adult operating in the Los Angeles gay culture…the Hank character really stemmed from writings that I had done about sex that were just on my computer. It was more a discursive exploration of years’ worth of thoughts and ideas about sex, and how it affects the way that you live your life.”

OUR LAND

When You Can Watch: May 1

Where You Can Watch: Theaters

Director: Lucrecia Martel

Cast: Javier Chocobar, Comunidad Chuschagasta

Why We’re Excited: Lucrecia Martel (The Headless Woman) started researching this film in 2011, two years after Argentinian Javier Chocobar’s death at the hands of white miners. The moment was documented with Chocobar’s own video recorder, referenced by both sides for different reasons in the 2018 murder trial that finally took place after years of protests by Chocobar’s people, the Chuschagastas. Martel’s first documentary uses her own photography of the courtroom, drones, interviews and photos to tell the story of a country so segregated that white Argentinians have difficulty believing Chocobar’s death took place at all. As Martel traces this disconnect back to Spain’s colonization of the country in the 1500s, Land is a foray into ongoing attitudes toward land rights and human rights – a complex bureaucracy that obscures underlying prejudice.

ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE

When You Can Watch: May 1

Where You Can Watch: Theaters

Writer/Director: RZA

Cast: Shameik Moore, RJ Cyler, Paris Jackson

Why We’re Excited: The latest from grindhouse filmmaker RZA (The Man with the Iron Fists) is a cinematic experience made for theaters. Unique (Shameik Moore, Dope) is a military veteran recently released from prison for assault while protecting a neighbor. Languishing in a veteran’s shelter, Unique laments the single spoonful of cocoa mix left in a tin, to which his companion replies that one spoon can change a whole cup of milk. This plays out when Unique makes it back to his hometown of Karensville, Ohio – the worst of the whitest places on earth. When Unique’s cousin falls victim to organ-harvesting thugs, his desire to blend in gives way to a violent compulsion for revenge. Chocolate premiered at Tribeca and is inspired by RZA’s own experiences with racially motivated violence in Ohio and New York.

TUNER

When You Can Watch: May 8

Where You Can Watch: Film Independent Presents

Director: Daniel Roher

Cast: Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu

Why We’re Excited: Oscar-winning documentarian Daniel Roher (Navalny, The AI Doc) makes his debut with narrative filmmaking, working with actors for the first time to explore the converging worlds of piano tuning and safecracking. As long as we’re involving actors, why not start with Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man)? Hoffman is paired with Leo Woodall (White Lotus), a veteran piano tuner and his apprentice – but where Woodall’s character has super-sensitive hearing, Hoffman’s is going deaf. Together they tune the most desirable pianos in town, including one in which a group of men are attempting to open a safe. Drawn in with a genuine desire to help, Niki (Woodall) applies his hyperacusis to unwittingly rob the client. As he begins to fall for a conservatory student (Havana Rose Liu, Bottoms), he continues to be called upon for help with the safecracking crew, putting Niki in an increasingly complicated position.

THE PYTHON HUNT

When You Can Watch: May 8

Where You Can Watch: Theaters

Director: Xander Robin

Cast: Toby Benoit, Jimbo McCartney, Shannon McCartney

Why We’re Excited: Film Independent members Ale Maria Odriozola and Joshua Sobel worked as Line Producer and Field Producer, respectively on this first documentary from Xander Robin (Are We Not Cats). In this wild ride through the Florida Everglades, it’s citizens versus invasive species – specifically Burmese pythons – on a sanctioned killing spree called the Florida Python Challenge. Anyone can enter, and after ten days of python-catching, there’s a $10,000 prize. Even so, rising to the challenge may be tougher than it looks. Robin joined the fray a year before filming, and didn’t even see a python, let alone catch one. Thankfully the pythons weren’t camera-shy, and even some other species turned up for the shoot. With a medic on site, the Python crew put a premium on safety measures (which thankfully were never needed), following hunters from all walks of life in pursuit of the prize.

IS GOD IS

When You Can Watch: May 13

Where You Can Watch: Film Independent Presents

Writer/Director: Aleshea Harris

Cast: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox

Why We’re Excited: This brassy cinematic odyssey is also the directorial debut for playwright Aleshea Harris, who brought the story to stages around the country when it won the American Playwriting Foundation’s Relentless Award in 2016. This version of a revenge fantasy pits twin sisters Anaia and Racine (Mallori Johnson, Kindred and Kara Young, I’m a Virgo) against their father (Sterling K. Brown, Black Panther) at the request/command of their mother (Vivica A. Fox, Independence Day) – aka God. Sighting the Man as the reason for the burn scars on all three women, God sends the sisters on a cross-country quest to confront their abuser. The mix of family trauma, epic landscapes and biblical proportions set the scene for a confrontation that could lead to vengeance or mercy. “I hope that people are thinking about rage, about Black women’s rage in particular,” Harris said in an interview on Daily Bloid, “There’s a lot going on in this story that I hope people sit with.”

I LOVE BOOSTERS

When You Can Watch: May 22

Where You Can Watch: Select Theaters

Writer/Director: Boots Riley

Cast: Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, Naomi Ackie

Why We’re Excited: Spirit Award winner Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) embraces the title of “boosters” for shoplifters who turn clothing around for discount sales. His cast is a collection of Spirit Award winners: Keke Palmer (One of Them Days), LaKeith Stanfield (Short Term 12) and Naomi Ackie (Sorry, Baby) – a ragtag bunch living large in a hyperrealized world of color and couture. Their nemesis? Diva designer Christie Smith (Spirit Award winner Demi Moore, The Substance), who not only towers atop a regime of fashion fascism, but has also stolen a design from one of the boosters, Corvette (Palmer). This setup leads to a series of retail adventures, as the boosters go undercover, engaging with Chinese factory workers and stop-motion animation in a quest to equalize the balance of power (and look great doing it). Film Independent member Gus Deardoff is an Executive Producer and Allison Rose Carter is a Producer.

BACKROOMS

When You Can Watch: May 29

Where You Can Watch: Theater

Director: Kane Parsons

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass

Why We’re Excited: First-timer Kane Parsons’ feature version of his hit web series (under the name, Kane Pixels) is an eerie twist on horror that blends urban legend and a concept that some of us just learned right now: creepypasta (a catch-all term for any horror content posted onto the Internet, according to Wikipedia). It all starts when therapist Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value) learns her patient, Clark (Spirit Award winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, Talk to Me) has discovered a secret door in the basement of the furniture store where he works. He’s been exploring the maze of backrooms systematically, documenting his findings with video and marking the way to get back out again. But when Clark goes missing, someone has to go in after him.

THE CURRENTS

When You Can Watch: May 29

Where You Can Watch: Theaters

Writer/Director: Milagros Mumenthaler

Cast: Isabel Aimé González-Sola, Mauricio Bertorello, Sara Bessio

Why We’re Excited: Argentinian filmmaker Milagros Mumenthaler (Back to Stay) grew up in Switzerland, which hints at the origins of her psychological mystery that takes place in both countries. We meet Lina (Isabel Aimé González Sola, La Révolution) in Geneva, where she receives a prestigious award for her work as a fashion designer, then jumps off a bridge. When she returns to her husband and child in Buenos Aires, it’s almost as if the Switzerland incident never happened – except for her extreme fear of water. Masking and dissociating only goes so far, as Lina’s skin and hair betray her inability to bathe. But more than that, it seems she no longer wants anything of the life she so intentionally built. As her family and friends wonder what can be done, Lina must face her true self.

PROGRAMMER’S PICK: SLIP

When You Can Watch: May 11

Where You Can Watch: Film Independent Presents

Creator: Zoe Lister-Jones

Cast: Zoe Lister-Jones, Tymika Tafari, Whitmer Thomas

Why We’re Excited: From Film Independent Lead Programmer Jenn Wilson–

Zoe Lister-Jones’ terrific series Slip about an unhappily married woman who “slips” between timelines where she’s partnered with different lovers premiered at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival and had a streaming deal on Roku. In September 2023, Roku suddenly announced it was removing several projects, including Slip, from its streaming service as a cost-cutting measure. Despite being stuck in limbo with fans having no way to watch it, Slip was nominated for two Spirit Awards (Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series and Best New Scripted Series). After almost 3 years, Lister-Jones announced on social media that Slip was acquired by Peacock and would begin streaming in April 2026. Lister-Jones created, wrote, and directed the whole series herself, and it’s one of the strongest projects written for TV in a long time. At points it’s laugh-out-loud funny, but also incredibly poignant in its exploration of long-term relationships, love, and sex. Lister-Jones, Whitmer Thomas, and Tymika Tafari all give wonderful performances that infuse the series with so much energy. Viewers should count themselves lucky that such a unique show finally found a new life on another platform. Might we be lucky enough to get a Season 2?

KEY

Film Independent Fellow or Member

Film Independent Presents Screening, Q&A

Microbudget

Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color

Film Independent Spirit Award Winner or Nominee

Female Filmmaker

LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters

First-time Filmmaker

LA Film Fest Winner or Nominee

Film Independent Artist Development promotes unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work. To become a Member of Film Independent, just click here. To support us with a donation, click here.

Keep up with Film Independent…

May 4, 2026

Trending

Heidi Klum Shocks at 2026 Met Gala With ‘Living Sculpture’ Ensemble

Supermodel and television host Heidi Klum is one of many to pay homage to the art world at the 2026 MET Gala.

Klum took to the steps on Monday night in a custom look by designer Mike Marino, inspired by classical works such as the “Veiled Christ” by Giuseppe Sammartino and the “Veiled Vestal” by Raffaele Monti.

Made of a blend of materials like latex and spandex, the custom piece aimed to turn Klum into a “living sculpture,” aided by the illusion of stone being carved.

Other stars spotted at fashion’s biggest night of the year so far include Connor Storie, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Emma Chamberlain and more.

The 2026 theme, “Fashion is Art,” is tied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Art exhibition.

Beyoncé is co-chairing this year’s gala along with Nicole Kidman, Venue Williams and Anna Wintour.

Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz will lead the gala host committee, which includes Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Paloma Elsesser, Lisa, newly installed head of editorial content of Vogue U.S. Chloe Malle, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, Lauren Wasser, Anna Weyant, A’ja Wilson and Yseult.

The lead sponsors of the gala and exhibition are Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Additional support is provided by Saint Laurent and Condé Nast.

Curated by Andrew Bolton, the Costume Art exhibition examines “the centrality of the dressed body, juxtaposing objects from across the museum’s vast collection with historical and contemporary garments from the Institute,” according to the Met. The exhibition will run from May 10 to Jan. 10, 2027.

May 4, 2026

Supermodel and television host Heidi Klum is

Tech

Elon Musk settles SEC lawsuit for $1.5 million over Twitter share purchases

Tesla CEO Elon Musk agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine in a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission over allegations that in 2022 he cost Twitter shareholders $150 million by being late to disclose that he was amassing shares in the social network. Musk went on to acquire the company for $44 billion in late 2022 and renamed the service as X.

May 4, 2026

Tesla CEO Elon Musk agreed to pay

Video

Video | Pitchfork

May 4, 2026

Video | PitchforkSkip to main contentSubscribe to

Kennedy Center Ticketing Union Files Labor Charge Over Layoffs

A union that represents ticket sellers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts challenged recent layoffs of about two dozen of its members by filing a complaint Monday with the National Labor Relations Board that accused the center of unfair labor practices.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents the ticket sellers, accused the center of retaliating against the workers by terminating them after the union filed grievances, according to a copy of the complaint, which is described as a charge in the labor board’s parlance.

The layoffs were part of a broader series of employee terminations that the center is making in advance of the institution’s closure this summer for renovations.

A spokeswoman for the Kennedy Center declined to comment.

Kennedy Center officials have said they plan to retain a bare-bones work force during the two-year shutdown, which has been described as necessary to complete critical maintenance. President Trump, who took over the center in his second term, has promised that the renovations will transform the building from what he called a “tired, broken, and dilapidated Center.”

The planned shutdown is being challenged in federal court by a Democratic congresswoman and cultural heritage groups who have each filed lawsuits.

The unfair labor practice charge is the first public legal action taken by a union over the planned closure.

The workers who were terminated last month include employees who handle phone ticket sales, subscriptions and group sales for schools. The center still employs more than 30 box office staff from the same union.

Jonas Loeb, a union spokesman, said that days before the layoffs, the union local had filed grievances saying that the center had failed to abide by provisions in the union’s contracts that relate to staffing minimums and notifications about open positions.

Richard Grenell, the former president of the center appointed under Mr. Trump, had blamed the center’s 19 unions for helping to make it “incredibly expensive” to put on performances.

Under Mr. Grenell’s leadership, dozens of staff members were terminated, and a unionization effort was started among administrative employees. Mr. Grenell left the center this spring. Matt Floca, a facilities management professional, stepped into the role of executive director.

The center’s most recent publicly available tax documents say that the institution employed more than 2,000 people — many of them part time — in 2023. But that number has been reduced by layoffs and attrition since the beginning of Mr. Trump’s second term. As of 2023, more than half of the center’s employees were members of unions, including musicians, stagehands, and hair and makeup specialists.

A news release from the ticketing union noted that the employees were terminated despite two more months of planned performances at the center. The touring production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is scheduled to begin performances in June, and the National Symphony Orchestra has a series of concerts planned.

“The work still exists, but management chose to eliminate the workers anyways,” the union’s news release said.

In federal court, the Kennedy Center has defended itself against the claim that the closure is intended to help mask that the institution is suffering from declining ticket sales and fleeing artists, particularly since Mr. Trump’s name was added to its marble facade.

But Mr. Floca has said that the extent of the renovation needs, including to the building’s structure and theatrical systems, makes the closure the “only responsible path forward.”

The union is seeking a temporary injunction that could allow jobs to be restored while the case is litigated.

May 4, 2026

A union that represents ticket sellers at

Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants Today Match Updates

Movies

120 Bahadur Review: Sparsh Walia Steals The Show As Farhan Akhtar Honours Unsung Heroes | Bollywood News

Last Updated:November 20, 2025, 15:44 IST

120 Bahadur brings to life the incredible bravery of Indian soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought with unshakable spirit in the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 war.

120 BahadurU/A

3/5

21 November 2025|Hindi2 hrs 17 mins | War Drama

Starring: Farhan Akhtar, Sparsh Walia, Raashii Khanna, Vivan Bhathena, Ajinkya Deo Director: Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai

Watch Trailer

Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur is all set to hit theatres. The film will be released on November 21. Ever since the release of its trailer, the excitement around the war drama has been high. However, does the film meet expectations? Let’s find out.

Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, 120 Bahadur brings to life the incredible bravery of 120 Indian soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought with unshakable spirit in the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 war. In the movie, Farhan Akhtar steps into the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC, the fearless leader who, along with his men, stood firm against overwhelming odds in one of the most heroic chapters of India’s military history.

To begin with, the film opens on a sluggish note, with the first half unfolding at an almost glacial pace. Scenes linger longer than necessary and the narrative seems to wander without a clear sense of urgency. The pace of the film in the first half makes it less engaging and more boring. One ends up waiting only for the interval and hoping that the film might start to interest them a little post-break.

Fortunately, the film redeems itself, to some extent, in the second half. Here, the narrative finally finds its rhythm, gaining momentum and delivering the energy that was noticeably absent earlier. The plot tightens, the stakes heighten, and the storytelling becomes far more dynamic and compelling. The war scenes, ‘Bahadurs’ making tough decisions and intense fight with the Chinese army make the film engaging.

In films like these, which are inspired by true events, it is not the plot but storytelling and casting that often take the fore front. Unfortunately, 120 Bahadur disappoints when it comes to its casting.

Farhan Akhtar also looks like a misfit who fails to evoke that feeling of patriotism. Unlike iconic performances like Sunny Deol’s in the 1997 cult film Border, which still evokes strong emotions and goosebumps, Farhan’s presence in uniform fails to inspire the same level of enthusiasm. His portrayal lacks the energy and intensity that define patriotic heroes, leaving audiences disappointed.

Even other actors like Vivan Bhathena and Ajinkya Deo play their part with sincerity but bring nothing extraordinary to the table. Ankit Siwach looks promising but gets less screentime in the movie, due to the demands of the script.

While Farhan may not impress you all, one actor surely steals the show and it is Sparsh Walia. He essayed the role of Radio Operator Ramchander Yadav in the film and did an outstanding job in his part. He carries not just innocence but also bravery in his character and manages to portray it all on screen with near perfection. While the film might not have managed to grab your attention, Walia surely does with his performance.

Raashii Khanna gets little screentime but plays her part convincingly. She essays the role of Major Shaitan’s wife and delivers the emotional depth of her character aptly on screen.

But despite the shortcomings, 120 Bahadur is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Rezang La war, and it succeeds in honouring their bravery. While it may follow familiar war drama tropes, the film’s sincerity and intent to tell a largely untold story make it a decent watch.

About the Author

Chirag Sehgal

Chirag Sehgal works as a Senior Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from…Read More

First Published:

November 20, 2025, 15:44 IST

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May 4, 2026

Last Updated:November 20, 2025, 15:44 IST120 Bahadur

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni end legal fight ahead of trial

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached an agreement to resolve their legal dispute, bringing an abrupt end to a high-profile and increasingly contentious battle that had been set to go to trial in two weeks.

“The parties in the Blake Lively and Wayfarer Studios litigation have reached an agreement to resolve the matters,” lawyers for both sides said in a joint statement Monday in a case that has drawn outsized attention for more than a year.

“The end product — the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind. We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

The statement did not disclose the terms of the agreement.

The bitter dispute, which grew out of the production of the 2024 romantic drama “It Ends With Us,” had sprawled over months into a series of lawsuits, countersuits and public claims, with both sides offering sharply different accounts of what took place during and after filming.

Lively sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and others in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation and other claims tied to her experience on the film. Baldoni denied the allegations and pushed back in court filings, arguing that the dispute had been mischaracterized.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed most of Lively’s claims, including her sexual harassment allegations, significantly narrowing the case ahead of a trial that had been scheduled to begin May 18 in New York.

The remaining claims, centered largely on alleged retaliation, had been expected to be the focus of the trial, which was likely to last two to three weeks and risked reputational damage to both parties.

It was not immediately clear whether the court had formally vacated the trial date.

May 4, 2026

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have

Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Doctor Doom, Simu Liu as Shang-Chi.

MCU

Avengers: Doomsday’s First Trailer Features 6 Marvel Heroes Powerful Enough To Take Down Doctor Doom

The new trailer for Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday includes half a dozen heroes powerful enough to defeat Doctor Doom. Doom is teased to be the MCU’s biggest villain, setting the stage for him to be a near-unstoppable force of nature when he makes his return on the big screen. This means the film’s heroes will have to bring everything they have just to stand a chance of coming out victorious.

Doctor Doom is regarded as one of the most powerful villains in Marvel history, officially boasting a 31 score on the official Marvel website. Below are his official stats, rated out of seven points each:

Marvel

Durability: 6
Fighting Skills: 4
Intelligence: 6
Speed: 5
Strength: 4
Energy: 6
Total = 31

While Doomsday‘s first trailer was shown only at CinemaCon 2026, it features five characters who are powerful enough (based on statistics and other factors) to take down Victor von Doom. Although more characters will be revealed later who are strong enough to hold their own against this all-powerful antagonist, Marvel has not yet shown off the entire roster of heroes in this movie. Avengers: Doomsday debuts in theaters on December 18.

6 Avengers: Doomsday Heroes Who Could Beat Doctor Doom

Thor (Power Level 32)

Chris Hemsworth as Thor in 'Avengers: Infinity War.' — Marvel Studios

Durability: 6
Fighting Skills: 4
Intelligence: 2
Speed: 7
Strength: 7
Energy: 6
Total = 32

Chris Hemsworth’s Thor will make his 10th appearance in the live-action MCU, returning to action as the God of Thunder, Thor. Having almost defeated Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, it is no surprise that Hemsworth has a chance to beat Doctor Doom in this new movie.

While Thor and Doom are tied in the first three categories and Doom leads by four in intelligence, the Asgardian boasts two more Speed points and three more Strength points, giving him one more point overall (32) than the Latverian leader. The trailer showed him delivering a passionate speech before swinging his weapon at Doom, and although Doom stopped him easily, their battles will be epic.

Professor X (Power Level 28)

Sir Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.' — Marvel Studios

Durability: 4
Fighting Skills: 4
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 2
Strength: 4
Energy: 7
Total = 28

Following a long run in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men universe, Sir Patrick Stewart will return as Professor Charles Xavier in Avengers: Doomsday. This will be his second appearance in the MCU after 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, following 17 years of work in the X-Men saga between 2000 and 2017.

While the only two categories Professor X has over Doom are Energy and Intelligence, he comes only three points behind Doom when combining all their abilities. He is also known as one of the most powerful telepaths in Marvel Comics, giving him a chance to give Doom problems if they do come face-to-face.

Sentry (Power Level 28)

Lewis Pullman as the Void/Sentry in 'Thunderbolts*.' — Marvel Studios

Durability: 6
Fighting Skills: 2
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 5
Strength: 7
Energy: 3
Total = 28

Lewis Pullman delivered his interpretation of Robert Reynolds, better known as Sentry, in 2025’s Thunderbolts*. Doomsday will mark his second appearance in the MCU, after he came into Thunderbolts* described as more powerful than all the Avengers put together.

In the comics, while Bob trails Doom by three points overall (28), he nearly doubles Doom’s stats in strength with seven points against Doom’s four. This gives him the chance to lay into Doom physically, using his strength to wear the villain down before Doom can use his other skills to get the advantage.

Shang-Chi (Total Power 25)

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi in 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' — Marvel Studios

Durability: 4
Fighting Skills: 7
Intelligence: 4
Speed: 4
Strength: 3
Energy: 3
Total = 25

Simu Liu is set to make his second appearance in the MCU as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday. While he was only seen fighting Channing Tatum’s Gambit in the CinemaCon Doomsday trailer, he will be a major force with the Avengers when they go up against Doom.

Trailing or tied with Doom in six categories, Shang-Chi ranks significantly higher in fighting skills, with seven points compared to Doom’s four. Given that he will have the Ten Rings in this movie as well, his martial arts skills, combined with the power of those rings, may help him not to get annihilated by Doomsday‘s main villain.

Namor (Total Power 23)

Tenoch Huerta as Namor the Sub-Mariner in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.' — Marvel Studios

Durability: 6
Fighting Skills: 4
Intelligence: 2
Speed: 3
Strength: 6
Energy: 2
Total = 23

Following his debut as the main villain in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Tenoch Huerta will be back in action as Namor the Sub-Mariner in Avengers: Doomsday. This will be his first time playing a more heroic role in the MCU, but he will have to bring everything in his arsenal to stop Doom and his allies.

While Namor falls well short of Doom in most categories, his Strength levels outclass Doom’s by two points. Similar to characters like Shang-Chi and Sentry, Namor’s best bet, interestingly, is to get into a hand-to-hand fight with Doom and see what he can land from a power perspective.

BONUS: Loki (Total Power 32)

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in 'Loki.' — Marvel Television

Durability: 6
Fighting Skills: 3
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 7
Strength: 5
Energy: 6
Total = 32

While Tom Hiddleston’s Loki did not appear in the first Doomsday trailer (or any of the four trailers that were publicly released), he is one of the only characters outside of Thor whose stats rank higher than Doom.

Falling just short in Fighting Skills, Loki has higher or equal stats to Doom in every other category, giving him more overall points as well. Although Loki’s role in this movie is still unclear, he may be able to use his status and power as the God of Stories to give the Avengers a fighting chance against this film’s main villain.

May 4, 2026

A yellow Spirit airplane on the ground at an airport

DCU

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down Citing Rising Fuel Costs

If some travelers seemed down this past weekend it’s because they lost their spirit to fly. Literally. After 34 years and many turbulent issues, the recent spike in fuel costs led Spirit Airlines to cease operations.

On May 2, Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc. confirmed reports it was shutting down immediately. In its formal announcement, the discount airline said it closed up shop after “extensive and comprehensive efforts to restructure the business and pursue transactions to strengthen Spirit’s financial position and create a sustainable path forward.” A new, unexpected, ultimately insurmountable problem arose after the US and Israel attacked Iran. Though Spirit didn’t cite the war directly, it’s the event that proved fatal to the airline. It’s responsible for the rise in oil prices Spirit couldn’t overcome. With no cushy government bailout or new investors to save it, Spirit’s runway ran out.

Spirit Airlines

“For more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines has played a pioneering role in making travel more
accessible and bringing people together while driving affordability across the industry,” said Dave Davis,
Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement. “In March 2026, we reached an agreement with our bondholders on a restructuring plan that would have allowed us to emerge as a go-forward business. However, the sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices in recent weeks ultimately has left us with no alternative but to pursue an orderly wind-down of the Company. Sustaining the business required
hundreds of millions of additional dollars of liquidity that Spirit simply does not have and could
not procure. This is tremendously disappointing and not the outcome any of us wanted.”

Considering the company already faces problems, the reasons for the sudden shutdown make sense. That’s unlikely to make Spirit customers who got stuck at airports without a way home probably feel better, though. The same goes for the thousands of employees now out of work.

One less airline always means less competition. One less discount airline is really going to hurt everyone who flies. Without Spirit around to drive down prices, we’re all going to have less spirit when traveling.

May 4, 2026

Continue Reading at GameSpot

If some travelers seemed down this past

Comics

Subnautica 2 Coming To Game Pass At Launch

Subnautica 2 is coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one, developer Unknown Worlds has announced. It’ll release on May 14 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Rog Xbox Ally.

As on Steam, Subnautica 2 will release in early access–known as Game Preview on Xbox. For more, check out the exact Subnautica 2 launch times for Xbox and PC.

Subnautica 2 is coming to market with a lot of hype behind it, as it’s the No. 1 most-wishlisted game on Steam. The 2018 original game was much-loved and the spin-off, Below Zero, was enjoyed by fans, too. The sequel has not been confirmed for release on PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2.

May 4, 2026

Subnautica 2 is coming to Xbox Game

Festivals

‘Going Dutch’ Starring Denis Leary Canceled By Fox After 2 Seasons

Fox has opted not to renew sophomore comedy series Going Dutch, starring Denis Leary, for a third season. This marks the network’s first cancellation this season ahead of unveiling its 2026-27 lineup at the Fox upfront presentation next Monday, May 11.

The move is not surprising. As Deadline reported in February, Going Dutch was the one true bubble scripted series on Fox this season. Like fellow live-action Fox comedy Animal Control, starring Joel McHale, Going Dutch is fully owned by Fox Entertainment.

Animal Control, which has been renewed for a fifth season, is higher rated and has a licensing deal with Netflix in addition to international sales, which bring revenue to the network. Meanwhile, Going Dutch is the lowest-rated entertainment program at Fox. Leary is well liked internally, so a renewal was under consideration. Ultimately, the network decided not to proceed with a third season.

On the comedy side, Fox has its large contingent of animated series returning next season and recently greenlighted a Stewie spinoff from Family Guy. The network also has hourlong dramedy Best Medicine, which has been renewed for a second season, and is in active development on half-hour live-action comedy series, with a greenlight expected soon but not necessarily before the upfronts.

In addition to Animal Control and Best Medicine, Fox also has renewed its sophomore medical drama Doc, freshman thriller Memory of a Killer as well as Fear Factor: House of Fear.

Going Dutch centers on the arrogant, loudmouth U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Quinn (Leary), who — after an epically unfiltered rant — is reassigned to the Netherlands, where he is punished with a command position at the least strategic army base in the world, notable for its Michelin Star-commissary, top-notch bowling alley, lavender-infused laundry and the best (and only) fromagerie in the U.S. Armed Forces. Surrounded by a diverse group of military misfits, the colonel tries to reinstate discipline and professionalism with the help of the base’s previous interim leader, who just happens to be his estranged daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak).

In addition to Leary and Misiak, the series stars Danny Pudi, Laci Mosley and Hal Cumpston.

Going Dutch made two high-profile additions for Season 2: Kristen Johnston joined the cast in a heavily recurring role and Hilary Winston came in as executive producer and co-showrunner alongside creator/executive producer Joel Church-Cooper.

The comedy was produced by Fox Entertainment Studios and is distributed by Fox Entertainment Global. Church-Cooper and Winston executive produced alongside Leary and Jack Leary through their production company Amoeba.

May 4, 2026

Fox has opted not to renew sophomore

Film

Fisherman Sandals Have Officially Replaced Loafers as the Best Closed-Toe Summer Shoe

If you once loved jelly sandals, just wait until you try on a pair of their slightly more grown-up sibling: fisherman sandals.

With designs from chic brands like The Row and worn by the likes of Alexa Chung and every stylish girl in Portugal, it’s clear the fisherman sandal trend from last summer has officially stayed and become a true closet staple. In fact, we’d argue that they have replaced loafers as the perfect spring-to-summer transition shoe.

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

BERLIN GERMANY JUNE 09 Maria Barteczko is seen wearing a long blue oversized buttondown shirt from Gitta Banko The...

And when it comes to office-appropriate summer outfits, these are your best bet for a closed-toe shoe that’s breathable and comfortable. The most elegant fisherman sandals for summer 2026 are made of leather—instead of the rubber or plastic you see in jelly sandals—and their characteristic wide straps are braided in a special way that allows them to be easily paired with socks or tights as needed. Add to this the fact that they’re flat and flexible, and you have a perfect summer basic.

May 4, 2026

If you once loved jelly sandals, just

The Five Star Weekend TV Show on Peacock: canceled or renewed?

What to Watch

The Five Star Weekend: Peacock Releases Trailer and New Premiere Date for Jennifer Garner Drama Series – canceled + renewed TV shows, ratings

by Regina Avalos, May 4, 2026

(Photo by: Seacia Pavao/PEACOCK)

The Five Star Weekend is coming soon to Peacock. The streaming service has released a trailer to announce a July premiere date for the Jennifer Garner drama series created by Bekah Brunstetter.

D’Arcy Carden, Gemma Chan, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Harlow Jane, and Timothy Olyphant star alongside Garner in the series, which follows a woman after she experiences a loss.

Peacock shared the following about the eight-episode series:

“THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND is centered on Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss. Unable to move forward, the death starts to expose the cracks in Hollis’s picture-perfect life – her strained marriage, her complicated relationship with her daughter, and her growing pursuit of validation from her fans. In an effort to overcome grief and find herself again, Hollis gets the idea to host a weekend away at her house on Nantucket with three friends from different stages in her life: her childhood, her twenties, thirties, and one surprise fifth star. Set against a luxurious and coastal backdrop, the stars will mature in ways they could never imagine as boundaries are pushed and secrets are exposed.”

The Five Star Weekend arrives on July 9th. Check out the trailer below.

What do you think? Do you plan to watch this Peacock series this summer?

May 4, 2026

by Regina Avalos, May 4, 2026(Photo by:

Awards

Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency Due to Health, Shares Update

Dolly Parton has canceled her Las Vegas residency again amid ongoing health struggles.

The 10-time Grammy Award winner took to Instagram on Monday to announce the news, while also sharing an update on her health.

“Well hey there, it’s Dolly, and I am here to give you an update on a few things going on in my life. First, it’s concerning my health, and I have some good news and a little bad news. But the good news is, I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving everyday,” she said in the clip. “Now, the bad news is, it’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage-performance level, because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy headed, as my grandma used to say.”

She continued, “And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels. And you know that I’m going to be wearing them. Not to mention, all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big… uh, personality. Lord, those — that would make anybody swimmy headed.”

Parton previously postponed the series of Las Vegas shows in September 2025, citing “health challenges.” Parton announced in June that she was planning a set of limited-run performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Dolly: Live in Las Vegas was slated to feature six shows, which were later rescheduled for September of this year.

Amid concern for the “Jolene” singer’s health, Parton broke her silence on the cancellation of the shows and offered an update in October.

“As I mentioned back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taken care of,” Parton said while addressing the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died earlier that year March. “So anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this. We need to take care of that.’ Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt, you know, where I’m kind of having a few treatments here and there.”

In the caption of her Monday post, Parton thanked her fans for “standing by me and showing me so much love and support over the past year.”

“I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way! See you soon,” she concluded in the post.

May 4, 2026

Dolly Parton has canceled her Las Vegas

Docs

Barack Obama Speaks Out Against Trump and AI Ape Video

In a recent interview with the New Yorker, Barack Obama explained his reaction after an AI video was posted to Donald Trump‘s Truth Social account in February that depicted the former president and first lady, Michelle Obama, as apes.

“I don’t take it personally,” Obama said. “I mean, I’m always offended when my wife and kids get dragged into things, because they didn’t choose this…That’s a line that even people whose politics I deeply reject, I would expect them to care about. I would never talk about somebody’s family in that way.” According to the article, Obama said he was more concerned about AI-generated videos Trump has posted that treat war “like a video game” and show “excrement dumped on ordinary citizens.” “I mean, I’m a fair target in the sense of, yeah, you can feel free to pick on me, because I’m your own size,” he said.

Obama previously spoke out against the AI ape video when it was posted, saying that it’s “important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling.”

“You know, it is true that it gets attention. It’s true that it’s a distraction. But, you know, as I’m traveling around the country, as you’re traveling around the country, you meet people. They still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness. And there’s this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television,” he said during an appearance on Brian Tyler Cohen’s podcast. “And what is true is that there doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum. And a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? So that’s been lost.”

In the New Yorker article, Obama also added that he did not want to become a political commentator.

“For me to function like Jon Stewart, even once a week, just going off, just ripping what was happening — which, by the way, I’m glad Jon’s doing it — then I’m not a political leader, I’m a commentator,” Obama said. “The media environment is so difficult that people don’t even know all the stuff I am doing, right?” he said. “And, I think, when they do see me, then the sense is Well, why isn’t he doing that every day instead of just during a midterm election, or during a referendum campaign around gerrymandering, or what have you?”

May 4, 2026

In a recent interview with the New

Global

May 9 – Westend Seniors Activity Centre

The West End Seniors Activity center invites you to the 29^th Older, Bolder, Better Exhibition and Symposium on June 4^th!
This free event hosts over one hundred exhibitors, prizes, and more at the River Cree Resort and Casino.

Saturday on Talk To The Experts, Doctor Jacqueline Boyd, Chair of the Chiropractic Association of Alberta, the symposium’s Platinum Plus sponsor, will share how Alberta seniors can receive $200.00 per year from Alberta Blue Cross to help you Move Well and Age Well. More at AlbertaChiro.com.

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

May 4, 2026

Descrease article font size Increase article font size The

Trending

Male Dancers Explored In Documentary ‘When Men Dance’

In the film Billy Elliot, a boy in the north of England discovers a love for dance, much to his father’s consternation.

“It’s perfectly normal,” Billy tells his dad, who retorts that such pursuits are for girls, “not for lads… Lads do football or boxing or wrestling. Not friggin’ ballet.”

That drama came out in 2000, but whether attitudes like those of Billy’s dad have changed much since then is open to debate. In many parts of the English-speaking world and Latin America, there’s still a big stigma about men dancing.

‘When Men Dance‘

Savage Content/Miami Film Festival

The documentary When Men Dance, which just held its world premiere at the Miami Film Festival, focuses on talented performers who have defied the taboo, throwing themselves body and soul into the artform. It’s directed by Emmy-winner Abbas “Abbi” Motlagh, an Iranian-born filmmaker based in the Miami area.

“As director, producer, and editor of When Men Dance, I tease out and spotlight the lived realities of artists who risk being crushed by a spectrum of societal pressures and norms,” Motlagh writes in a director’s statement. “The drive, talent and devotion of the dancers and choreographers are brought into focus in contrast to the racism, homophobia, and anti-immigrant forces they must navigate.”

The director adds, “Their sense of community, collaboration and camaraderie nourishes them in the face of their struggles. This film will always be dear to me, as the dancers’ interviews let me see into them to reveal the tenderness and the depth of their souls.”

The documentary was filmed over a several week period in Miami, which for half a dozen years has hosted Men Who Dance, a festival dedicated to male dance.

“I wanted to capture all of them together because the energy that they gave each other was amazing,” Motlagh tells Deadline. “When they’re dancing together, they forget everything. They just try to translate everything through dance, through the movement — body language, actually. So, it was very interesting for me.”

As a native of Iran, Motlagh grew up in a place where men dancing together, instead of men and women, in fact was the norm. “Men and women are separate – at a party, everywhere,” he notes of Iran. “Every time when I was a kid, I see just men dancing together because they cannot dance with the woman… They are very, very relaxed with each other. They’re [not] shy.”

“Everywhere else [in the world], men dance together,” affirms producer Anne Pollack. “I look at videos of dancers, hours every day. I just love, love, love it. From all over the world, it’s on my Instagram feed. About a good 80 percent of them are men dancing together… You talk about in Macedonia, you talk about in Peru, you talk about in Africa, you talk about in Korea. Everywhere, men are connected through dance. And when you dance and you’re kinetically connected, you become whole in some way. You connect with your totality.”

Pollack continues, “Everyone, particularly men who have seen the film, are suddenly feeling like this is so important and so inspiring. These dancers break through isolation, which men are famously really, really in a state of huge isolation. Women don’t experience that as much because we have each other more.”

In the film, men describe the often-painful journey they faced to become dancers and choreographers, overcoming pressure to conform to narrow definitions of masculinity.

An airborne Natanael Leal in 'Ballet Fantastique' — An airborne Natanael Leal in ‘Ballet Fantastique’

Courtesy of Stephanie Urso

“I was so worried because I don’t like sharing my story to anybody,” dancer Nataneal Leal said at a Q&A following the world premiere. The native of Brazil identifies as nonbinary. “It’s a story of struggle and I wanted my story to be something of happiness, something of light. So, I was worried if I used the right language, if I had the right body language. I was very terrified because English is not my first language. For me, any mistake could be taken in a different way, and I didn’t want to offend anyone. I also didn’t want to come out as a lie. I wanted to come out as truly who I was and who I am. And I never thought in a million years that I would share my story.”

For Miami native Antonio Velasquez, “It was almost like a therapy session with [Motlagh and Pollack], to be completely honest. I cried I don’t know how many times and I was not expecting that,” he said. “I think anytime a director or producer, anyone of the sort wants to create something about dancers, like real stories, I’m completely in a hundred percent [agreement] because I feel like most of the time we are so often overlooked in the arts, especially men… we’re looked at as one thing, whether it be a prop, whether it be to be masculine, to be stoic. And I think that once they both explained to me what the film was about and what they were trying to portray, immediately I let my guard down and I found myself speaking about my family and my experiences and what really brought me to dance.”

L-R Antonio Velasquez, Clinton Harris, director Abbas Motlagh, Natanael Leal, Enrique Villacreses, Kaique Barbosa participate in a Q&A following the world premiere of 'When Men Dance.' — L-R Antonio Velasquez, Clinton Harris, director Abbas Motlagh, Natanael Leal, Enrique Villacreses, Kaique Barbosa participate in a Q&A following the world premiere of ‘When Men Dance.’

Matthew Carey

Dancer Clinton Harris became emotional describing a natural reticence about expressing himself verbally instead of through movement. Through tears, he said at the Q&A, “I would rather dance 30 minutes straight for y’all right now than to do this. It’s also so healing to me to do this.”

He added, “What I will say is the children are the future. I don’t want them to go through what we went through. So, if you see a little kid — Black, white, Hispanic, Chinese, I don’t care, a little boy, [tell them], ‘That’s not [just] for girls. That’s not gay.’ Just let them be free. It starts literally in our homes. This doubt started in our homes, how our parents saw us, how people who our parents hung with saw us. So, if you just let that veil up of like, ‘No, it’s okay… If you want to go do this, if you want to twirl, okay, have fun.’”

The film is executive produced by Kent Savage, founder of the Boundless Arts Foundation. “We learned about the story and then said, how can we capture it? And that’s where we were so fortunate to meet Abbi. He’s a masterful storyteller and Anne, we knew for a long time — her blood courses with dance and the arts,” Savage explained at the Q&A. “There wasn’t a preconceived endpoint. They captured the story of all these dancers and everything they were going through.”

Pollack heaps praise on director Abbi Motlagh. “He brought so much intimacy. That’s the difference, because so many of the dance documentaries that we watched before, they’re kind of removed. They’re going about their life and then they get on stage,” Pollack tells Deadline. “But these guys, he starts with [a shot of] the sweat of Clinton’s back. We’re already in before we have a chance to stay removed.”

May 4, 2026

In the film Billy Elliot, a boy

Tech

Jacob Elordi Drops Out of Cannes Jury Due to Foot Injury

Jacob Elordi won’t be jetting to the Cannes Film Festival.

The actor was being courted for the official jury, but he had to drop out due to a foot injury, Variety has confirmed. Page Six Hollywood was first to report that Elordi would be replaced as a juror after he broke his foot. In addition to screening a bunch of movies, jurors have to traverse the Croisette for premieres, press conferences, photo calls and parties. This year’s festival is taking place from May 12-23.

Elordi’s rep did not respond to request for comment.

South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook, whose long history with the festival includes “Oldboy,” “Thirst” and “Decision to Leave,” is presiding over the jury of the 79th edition of Cannes. He will be joined by Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga, Belgian director-screenwriter Laura Wandel, Chilean filmmaker Diego Céspedes, Ivoria American actor Isaach De Bankolé and Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty.

Among the directors whose films will premiere in competition include Asghar Farhadi (“Parallel Tales”), Pedro Almodóvar (“Amarga Navidad”), Paweł Pawlikowski (“Fatherland”), Ira Sachs (“The Man I Love”), Hirokazu Kore-eda (“Sheep in the Box”), László Nemes (“Moulin”) and Ryusuke Hamaguchi (“All of a Sudden”).

Elordi, who rose to fame through “The Kissing Booth” and “Euphoria,” was Oscar-nominated this year for “Frankenstein” and also starred in February’s “Wuthering Heights” with Margot Robbie. He’s in the third season of “Euphoria,” which is currently airing on HBO, and will be seen next in Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi film “The Dog Stars.”

May 4, 2026

Jacob Elordi won’t be jetting to the

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May 4, 2026

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‘Atropia’ | Decider | Where To Stream Movies & Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max

By Anna Menta

Filmmaker Hailey Gates is valiantly keeping the noble art of satire alive with her 2025 feature film debut, Atropia, which first premiered at Sundance 2025, and is now available to stream on MUBI. Alia Shawkat (known for Search Party and Arrested Development) is hysterical as an aspiring actress, who treats her job at a military role-play training camp as her potential big break. She delves deep into her role as a civilian woman in a fictional Middle Eastern country known as Atropia, despite that that she’s really just there to help desensitize soldiers to violence abroad. Things get complicated when she develops real feelings for one of the trainees, played by Callum Turner. Atropia is biting, zany, and at times uneven, but promises a bright future for first-time feature director Hailey Gates.

Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection

May 4, 2026

By Anna Menta Filmmaker Hailey Gates is valiantly keeping

Movies

Vijay’s TVK Nears Win: Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan And Dhanush Pen Heartfelt Notes | Tamil Cinema News

Last Updated:May 04, 2026, 21:39 IST

Anirudh Ravichander and Venkatesh Daggubati also congratulated Vijay as TVK leads in the polls.

Celebrations are underway as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is currently in the lead as the vote counting progresses for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026. Celebrities from the South Indian film industries have taken to X to congratulate Thalapathy Vijay.

Chiranjeevi took to X and wrote, “Dear @actorvijay, Hearty congratulations on this outstanding and well-deserved victory in your first election 💐💐💐 May you continue to inspire, lead, and serve with unwavering passion and purpose. My best wishes to you for your public service to the state of Tamil Nadu and its people.”

Dear @actorvijay,Hearty congratulations on this outstanding and well-deserved victory in your first election 💐💐💐May you continue to inspire, lead, and serve with unwavering passion and purpose.

My best wishes to you for your public service to the state of Tamil Nadu and…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) May 4, 2026

Rajinikanth posted, “My congratulations to Thiru Vijay, President of the victorious Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and to the members of his party, on their resounding victory in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. @TVKVijayHQ.”

நடந்து முடிந்த தமிழக சட்டமன்றத் தேர்தலில் பெரும் வெற்றி பெற்ற தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழகத் தலைவர் திரு விஜய் அவர்களுக்கும், அவர் கட்சியினருக்கும் என்னுடைய வாழ்த்துகள். @TVKVijayHQ— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 4, 2026

Ram Charan wrote, “Hearty congratulations to @actorvijay Garu on a remarkable victory in the TN elections. Your vision and connect with the people have truly resonated. Wishing you great success in leading Tamil Nadu towards continued progress.”

Hearty congratulations to @actorvijay Garu on a remarkable victory in the TN elections. Your vision and connect with the people have truly resonated.Wishing you great success in leading Tamil Nadu towards continued progress.@TVKVijayHQ

— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) May 4, 2026

Venkatesh Daggubati wrote, My dear @actorvijay, congratulations on the massive victory in your first ever election!! This thunderous victory is a testament to the love you have earned from the people of Tamil Nadu… Wishing you the strength to serve the state with the same courage ♥️♥️🤗🤗.”

Anirudh Ravichander wrote, “My hearty congratulations to dear @actorvijay sir on his remarkable victory today 👏👏👏.” Dhanush posted, “My heartfelt congratulations to Mr Vijay sir and the Tamil Nadu Victory Kazhagam, who, having come to the field and contested in their very first election, have earned the immense support and love of the people of Tamil Nadu and are set to form the government.”

News movies tamil-cinema Vijay’s TVK Nears Win: Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan And Dhanush Pen Heartfelt Notes

May 4, 2026

Last Updated:May 04, 2026, 21:39 ISTAnirudh Ravichander

‘Lord of the Flies’ Review: Netflix Adaptation Is Harrowing

“The Lord of the Flies” is the kind of show you praise by emphasizing how hard it is to watch. Adapted from William Golding’s classic 1954 novel by Jack Thorne (co-writer of “Adolescence”), directed by Marc Munden (“The Sympathizer”) and originally aired by the BBC before coming to Netflix in the U.S., the four-episode series doesn’t make any major changes to Golding’s potent allegory for the thin line separating civilization from savagery. The story of British schoolboys marooned on a remote tropical island without adult supervision isn’t modernized — it retains its World War II backdrop — or gender-swapped, like Showtime’s “Flies”-inflected “Yellowjackets.” It also doesn’t have to be. Simply watching these boys, played by a uniformly terrific cast of child actors, succumb to their worst instincts is harrowing enough to make you long to look away — even if you’d be missing some gripping drama.

Each chapter of Thorne’s take is dedicated to a specific survivor of the plane crash that strands these Englishmen-to-be in the South Pacific: Piggy (David McKenna), the pudgy, bespectacled asthmatic who’s smart enough to see the need for toilets and shelters; Jack (Lox Pratt), the sneering bully who benefits the most from the breakdown of order; Simon (Ike Talbut), the sensitive soul dismissed by the others as “batty”; and Ralph (Winston Sawyers), the popular boy initially voted chief of the makeshift tribe who relies on Piggy’s advice. One advantage of watching rather than reading about these children — including the “big ’uns” looking after their (even) younger peers — is that they’re quite visibly children. This isn’t a teen soap where supposed 16-year-olds could order a martini without getting carded. Even the most monstrous of the islanders are young and impressionable enough to demand our empathy. We feel for these characters more than we judge them.

To the extent Thorne augments Golding’s story, it’s by adding more backstory about the boys’ home lives to explain what they have to lose, or gain, from a blank slate. But this work is just as ably accomplished by the ensemble’s high caliber of performance. McKenna and Pratt are standouts as, respectively, the most vulnerable and the most rapacious members of the community, but not a single actor comes off stiff or unnatural. Given that some are barely older than toddlers and much of the dialogue retains Golding’s midcentury diction, which can sound formal to our modern ears, it’s quite the feat. Sawyers does project more uncertainty than confidence as a character who’s meant to be a natural leader, though under the circumstances Ralph’s nerves are more than reasonable. More curious is the decision to make the character biracial, but not comment on the shift in a story that otherwise seizes on social divisions. Perhaps there’s only so much that can be squeezed into four hours of screen time.

Shooting on location in Malaysia, Munden plays up the hallucinatory effects of the boys’ isolation, which leads to paranoid fears of a mythical “beast” and cultish rituals built on a Darwinesque faith in survival of the fittest. Perspective is distorted, conveying both sweaty tropical heat and feverish anxiety. Saturation is upped, with trees glowing green by day and turning a nightmarish, surreal red by night. By the time the series’ namesake, a severed pig’s head surrounded by gnats, starts speaking to Simon in plain English, it’s almost expected. “The Lord of the Flies” doesn’t update its source material so much as forcefully convey the horror and tragedy of collective survival curdling into deadly brutality. The allegory is obvious. The humanity, for better and for worse, is what the show gives a youthful face.

May 4, 2026

“The Lord of the Flies” is the

MCU

New Feedly Ask AI: from information overload to actionable insights

15-Second summary

Reading through the news to track competitor moves, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes can take hours every day—leaving less time to uncover insights and share them with your organization.

Ask AI, now part of Feedly Market Intelligence, streamlines the process—allowing you to summarize, extract insights, and generate deliverables from up to 25 reports at once, in multiple languages.

With Ask AI, you can:

Synthesize up to 25 articles across multiple languages and detect trends, extract key insights, and surface the most relevant information in minutes.
Extract actionable data like your competitor strategies, innovations, and tech advancements from your trusted sources, in your preferred format.
Generate deliverables with complete control over sources, citations, and structure, speeding up dissemination while preserving accuracy.

Why not use another LLM?

Ask AI generates answers based only on articles highly relevant to you. Inline citations make answer instantly verifiable by your team and link your output back to the original articles for transparent verification and traceability.

Ask AI saves substantial time by reading and processing relevant articles to help you identify relevant trends and spend more time on analysis.

The challenge of processing open-source intel

There’s an overwhelming amount of open-source information, making it nearly impossible for teams to stay on top of everything. You do your best to focus on the most significant insights—tracking competitor moves, spotting emerging trends, and extracting data to support innovation research. But analyzing patterns across multiple articles, filtering out noise, and structuring data into meaningful reports is time-consuming, complex, and prone to errors.

Yet, this is the daily reality for Market Intelligence Analysts: sifting through the Internet, determining what matters, extracting key data, and transforming it into professional, actionable reports.

To solve this challenge, Feedly began building AI Models five years ago—training them to recognize and tag market intelligence concepts in real time. Today, this AI-powered knowledge allows analysts to extract rich insights with context, cut through information overload, and support data-driven market strategies with greater speed and accuracy.

Introducing Ask AI

Ask AI is Feedly’s next significant time-saving feature. Analysts can synthesize articles, extract themes, industry data, or innovations, and create digestible intelligence deliverables in minutes. Ask AI helps you to interact with articles in AI Feeds, Team Boards, or Search results.

Ask AI leverages Generative AI, which we’ve trained on market intelligence data to provide deep processing on up to 25 selected articles and perform tasks that would otherwise be manual and time-consuming. It does the synthesizing of articles, detection of key themes, and extraction of competitive signals in minutes so you can focus on what really matters —building your strategy.

Ask AI enables us to create ready-to-use insights and datasets within Feedly, saving us hours of work every week.

Tino Klaehne, Director Strategic Innovation & Intelligence, Lufthansa Innovation Hub

Try Ask AI

Quickly synthesize content and create trusted, verifiable reports.

Synthesize up to 25 articles across multiple languages

Select up to 25 articles you want to analyze. Then run an Ask AI Prompt to evaluate the content and present the findings in the format of your choosing.

Example 1: Generate article summaries tailored to your needs

Skip the hassle of reading each article individually. Instead, build an AI Feed with your competitor’s strategic moves and Ask AI to generate a concise summary of all recent articles. This will enable you to get a clear, high-level overview of your competitor’s recent activity and grasp key insights in minutes.

Ask AI Prompt

Create a 100 word summary of each individual article.

Ask AI Result

Example 2: Run prompts on foreign language articles

Analyze reports in foreign languages to better understand key topics in global news coverage. For example, you can compare perspectives on the electric vehicle market from both Chinese and English sources.

Ask AI Prompt

Compare the evolution of the electric vehicle market in China and the United States.

Ask AI Response

Example 3: Produce reports in your desired language

In addition to synthesizing foreign language articles, Ask AI can also provide outputs in your preferred language to speed up the sharing of key takeaways across your global teams.

Ask AI Prompt

Summarize the following articles and translate to German.

Ask AI Response

Extract actionable data like your competitor strategies, innovations, & tech advancements

Dive into competitor strategies, industry trends, and emerging innovations—just by entering your personalized prompt.

Example 4: Analyze industry news in seconds

Your industry is constantly evolving, with new developments and market shifts happening every day. With Ask AI you can get a complete, real-time picture of the most pressing stories. Synthesize multiple articles at once and identify key trends, emerging risks, and critical insights.

Ask AI Prompt

Analyze the latest market trends and provide insights on how they may impact the [industry] operations and strategies.

Ask AI Result

Example 5: Monitor regulatory changes

Imagine you’re a market analyst tasked with researching the latest regulatory changes and compiling a clear, concise summary for your team to understand how these impact your organization.

Ask AI Prompt

I am [role], working in [team] at [company] in the [industry] . I curated articles about regulatory changes in the [industry]. My task is to monitor regulatory changes.

Identify the regulatory changes and discuss their potential impact on my company's compliance and business practices.

Ask AI Result

Example 6: Keep track of funding events in your space

Do you need to track your competitors’ growth? Identify potential partners? Discover investment opportunities? Ask AI to pull out all of the relevant funding data in a table format.

Ask AI Prompt

Extract funding data and format in a table. 
Include: 
- Company name
- Investors
- Series
- Funding amount
- Potential impact of the round

Ask AI Response

Example 7: Discover product launches from your competitors

Analyze the recent product launches from your competitors and understand the potential impact on your industry.

Ask AI Prompt

I am a [role] competitive intelligence analyst working in the [industry] AR/VR space.
Create a table from the curated articles, focusing only on new products being released in my industry since 2023. Wherever possible, include the following data points:
Column 1 - New product name
Column 2 - Company
Column 3- Short description of the product
Column 4 - Estimated release date of offering (MM/DD/YYYY)
Column 5 - Classification of product type (immersive, non-immersive, collaborative, marker-based, projection-based, etc)
Column 6 - Link to source

Ask AI Response

Why trust Feedly’s Ask AI

Ask AI is designed to extract valuable market intelligence using only the sources you trust. Trained specifically on market intelligence data, it provides a deeper understanding of strategic moves, funding events, partnerships, innovations, and more, minimizing the inaccuracies often found in generic language models.

Here’s what sets Ask AI apart:

Trusted sources & verifiable insights – You select articles from sources you rely on, and in-line citations ensure every insight is traceable back to the original reports.
Privacy first – Your prompts and responses are never used for LLM training.
Focused & accurate – Ask AI is not a chat tool that can drift off-topic. Each query is processed independently, ensuring precise, source-based responses with no unnecessary speculation.

With Ask AI, you get fast, reliable, and transparent market intelligence—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Summary

Ask AI is not a simple bolt-on Generative AI bot. It builds on years of machine learning development, making our AI Feeds deliver the industry’s most specific and relevant content. It’s fine-tuned on market intelligence content, and works across single or multiple articles in your Feeds, Boards, and Search.

Ask AI enables you to interact with content, synthesize it, extract themes, and create customized intel deliverables in a fraction of the time previously spent. Ask AI can also perform the tedious work of finding specific insights to help your team create the strategy. Ask AI is a massive time saver, and because it’s grounded in the content you select and includes citations to sources, you can trust (and verify) accuracy.

Try Ask AI

Quickly synthesize content and create trusted, verifiable reports.

May 4, 2026

15-Second summaryReading through the news to track

DCU

DCU’s Green Lantern Series Controversy Officially Addressed After Divisive First Trailer

The DC Universe audience finally gets answers to an ongoing debate about one of the franchise’s upcoming properties.

In a new interview with ComicBook, Lanterns showrunner Chris Mundy finally responded to the backlash that the upcoming HBO drama has been dealing with ever since the first trailer was released. The Ozark creative was asked if it was challenging to make the show more in line with the typical HBO tone and more than just another superhero project, to which he said, “It was less challenging than it was just exciting. Our take was that we have this incredibly rich mythology within the Green Lantern canon, and we have this incredibly rich history of Sunday night HBO shows—everything from The Sopranos to Game of Thrones and in between.”

Mundy continued by adding, “The fun of it was to try to create a real, layered drama that dealt with who these characters are as human beings while still staying true to the spirit of what makes the comics so special.” For the creative team, they “wanted it to be accessible for anyone who doesn’t know the canon but, at the same time, satisfying for people who know the lore in minute detail. So, yes, it was challenging, but only in the way that the most fun things are.”

Ever since the Lanterns trailer came out, one of the biggest complaints has been the lack of Green Lantern mythology, with many feeling that the HBO adaptation is keeping it a little too grounded. A lot of frustrated audience members have commented on how it also feels weird for the superhero project not to have the word “green” in it.

It’s also key to remember that the Lanterns TV show, going with this specific title, also opens the door for future seasons to tackle other colors in the emotional spectrum. While a season 2 pickup has yet to happen, it’s worth mentioning that another run could shift the focus to other Corps from the larger DC canon. In fact, the first season will include the villainous Sinestro, who has been a primary face for the Yellow Lantern Corps (which primarily goes by Sinestro Corps) in the comics.

In Lanterns’ defense, the marketing has not been green-less, and the HBO drama is not holding back key aspects of the mythology, given how it will explore John beginning his journey as an Emerald Knight. Upcoming trailers for the show may also lean more into the space aspect that comes with the Green Lantern Corps, making this simply a matter of patience, since the series will explore the “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”

The DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” has already shown that it is willing to embrace the comics when it comes to Green Lanterns through Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, who made his debut in James Gunn’s Superman movie in 2025. The Rookie lead is also set to reprise the role in Lanterns season 1, which is another sign that the franchise isn’t looking to slow down on adapting the larger mythology anytime soon.

HBO’s Lanterns is officially set to premiere on Sunday, August 16.

Release Date: August, 2026
Network: HBO
Showrunner: Chris Mundy

Aaron Pierre

John Stewart
Kelly Macdonald

Sheriff Kerry

May 4, 2026

The DC Universe audience finally gets answers

Comics

Indie dev says Steam’s blocking their game for IP infringement, even though it’s their own IP

A Japanese indie game developer says Steam is currently blocking their game because it infringes on intellectual property – the problem is, that IP also belongs to the developer.

Developer Daikichi is currently working on Wired Tokyo 2007, a “3D vertical action game” where players have to climb upwards into the skies above Tokyo, but also have to deliberately dive off the edge at times in order to progress.

The developer was planning to release a demo of the game on Steam, but has now revealed on X (as spotted by Game Spark) that the demo has been blocked by Steam because it may infringe on “intellectual property from third parties”.

In this case, however, Daikichi says the IP being referred to isn’t third-party, but also belongs to them, meaning they’re now stuck in a situation where they don’t know how to prove to Steam that no infringement has taken place.

According to the message they received from Steam, the IP being infringed on includes “dinosaur themed card games shown in the environment within your app in gameplay”.

This apparently refers to Dinostone, a dinosaur-themed trading card game that was released by Daikichi in 2023, and now appears in Wired Tokyo as a nod to the developer’s previous projects.

Steam’s message says Daikichi now has to provide “reasonable assurances” that the IP isn’t being infringed upon, which “could take the form of license agreements, or a legal opinion from your attorney analysing the intellectual property issues and explaining why you don’t need licenses”. “Without such assurances,” Steam adds, “we don’t plan to ship your app”.

Steam体験版の審査が遅れていて皆さんすみません、WIRED TOKYO 2007のゲーム内に配置されている過去に自身が制作したボードゲームのモチーフが第三者の知的財産で一生Steam側に引っかかっています。

第三者ではなく私自身の知的財産権を私自身が利用したいだけなので全く意味が分かりません。 pic.twitter.com/XuFvlUVRgH

— WIRED TOKYO 2007 (@Wired_Tokyo) April 29, 2026

Daikichi says they’re now stuck, because Dinostone was published online under their Daikichi name, instead of their real name. “Where on Earth can I find an official document that legally proves I own the rights to a board game I published online under a pseudonym?” they asked on X (via machine translation).

They also say getting a legal opinion from an attorney isn’t a viable solution because they’re only a small indie developer and can’t afford the costs. “So basically, all I have to do is hire a lawyer and submit a legal opinion letter?” they asked. “Where’s that kind of money supposed to come from with an indie game budget?”

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Daikichi says they have now “created a signed document stating that I grant myself permission to use all of my original works, including the board games I’ve created, and resubmitted it for review”, adding: “Well, I hope this works.”

May 4, 2026

A Japanese indie game developer says Steam

Festivals

‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Costume Designer on Pennywise’s Red Outfit

“It: Welcome to Derry” costume designer Luis Sequeira had previously created the wet, bloody look for “Carrie,” so he already understood what it would take to recreate it for Stephen King’s killer demon clown.

Or at least he thought he did. Having worked on the film “It: Chapter Two,” he was already familiar with the universe.

In the season finale of “Welcome to Derry,” Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) is seen hibernating in human remains, soaking in blood. The unnerving image, however, is of him emerging in all his bloody glory in a red outfit. To retain that visual storytelling element, Sequeira needed to show wear, tear, and patina. “If you literally wet something, you lose that patina. It’s just dark,” he told Variety.

Here, he breaks down the process behind the red outfit look, and creating Periwinkle’s clown look and inserting easter eggs that nod to Pennywise’s universe.

Pennywise’s Red Outfit

Brooke Palmer/HBO

The first step involved extensive experimenting and camera testing with the show’s key textile artist, Alex Goldman. “It was trying to figure out what version of Pennywise we were going to start with, and whether it was going to be the classic gray color and work from there, or whether we were going to move into a red color.”

The process turned into a side hustle as the pair worked with various color samples, but they kept running into problems. “Everything that was done was being lost.”

In the end, they decided to go with red as the backdrop of the costume. The process involved stenciling all the pattern pieces, pre-staining them, and adding dragon skin silicone, a strong and stretchy mold material, which was painted with glue gel to give it that wet look. “It’s a quick-curing product, and we had to be very fast.”

In total, Pennywise’s red costume was made up of 135 pattern pieces. “It’s stitched down in stripes, and each stripe is a separate component,” Sequeira says. The flexibility was improved after Skarsgård mentioned that, while playing the character in the films, the costume lacked flexibility. Since Pennywise needed to be physically active, Sequeira introduced an underlying stretch component so Skarsgård could extend his arms and perform extreme poses. “There’s a little give for comfort,” Sequeira adds.

Periwinkle the Clown

Sequeira was also fascinated by the character of Periwinkle. In episode 6, it’s revealed that Ingrid Kersh (Madeline Stowe) is the person who has been stalking Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) and her friends as her alter ego, “Periwinkle the Clown.” All Ingrid/Periwinkle wants is to be reunited with her father, Bob Grey, aka the original Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

He looked at how the character had a longing aspect. The character appears as a child, Ingrid and Periwinkle. When Ingrid/Pennywise is a child, Sequeira used silk, a fabric that was tied to the “Pennywise universe.”

In one scene, where Periwinkle is in the shadows, showrunner Andy Muschietti and Sequeira talked about how they wanted viewers to think it was Pennywise. Sequeira says, “We added this whole belted element to give us that silhouette that was not part of the childhood costume.”

Sequeira sprinkled in a little easter egg elements into her outfits through the different timelines that nodded to Pennywise. “It was gray, and we added a little bit of red.”

May 4, 2026

“It: Welcome to Derry” costume designer Luis

Film

Hollywood CEO Pay Chart: Top Executives Compensation in 2025

Hollywood really is a larger-than-life version of corporate America, especially in the C-suite. Across all U.S. industries, median CEO pay hit $29.4 million in 2025, data firm Equilar finds. But for top entertainment execs, that’s on the low end, per The Hollywood Reporter’s annual look at the highest-paid media chiefs. Many of the moguls on our list made around $50 million. Or much more.

Not only that, but the employee-to-CEO pay ratio is higher in entertainment. Across all industries, 341 employee salaries equal one CEO’s take-home pay. That median is far exceeded at most of the major Hollywood companies tracked for this list (think 805-to-1 for former Disney chief Bob Iger). “Large stock awards drive much of this elevated pay,” Equilar exec Amit Batish notes.

Leading the way is David Zaslav, who took Warner Bros. Discovery from $9 a share to sell in a bidding war to David Ellison’s Paramount for $31 a share. His pay last year, $165 million, was only trounced by his 2021 package of $246.6 million, driven by a $202 million stock option grant related to a contract extension and the WarnerMedia merger. And both of those years are far outweighed by his golden parachute — which may total between $550 million and $887 million, depending on the value of stock options and when the megadeal closes. (In a non-binding vote on April 23, 82 percent of WBD shareholders rejected Zaslav’s parachute.)

“A golden parachute itself is not necessarily unusual, but this size is unheard of,” Jun Frank, head of compensation & governance services at ISS-Corporate. “Many of these exit packages can be quite controversial because it’s a really big sum,” adding, “and certain provisions, such as last-minute sweeteners, tend to trigger more concern.”

Just look at one of the newest captains of entertainment industry, Paramount CEO David Ellison, whose Skydance closed the acquisition of the venerable Hollywood company in August. That megadeal helped him collect a huge pay package worth more than $60 million last year, even if mostly in stock awards that vest over five years, beaming him up into the top ranks of sector paydays.

Comcast honcho Michael Cavanagh’s ascent also continued, with his $70 million-topping package putting him into the upper echelon of the annual entertainment industry top executive compensation list for 2025.

The lion’s share of Cavanagh’s pay came, just like in the case of Ellison, in the form of stock awards, a big portion of them being tied to his promotion in December to the co-CEO role, which he started this year. Such stock awards are based on the fair value price on the grant date, so they may end up being worth far less or more, depending on where the stock price goes.

“Executive pay has been on the rise throughout corporate America,” notes Chris Crawford, managing director, executive compensation, at consulting firm Gallagher. “Whether it is going through volatility, whether it is mergers, which are happening across entertainment right now – those factors will drive larger one-time packages,” including for newly hired, promoted or exiting managers.

ISS-Corporate Media & Entertainment, a unit of proxy advisory Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), also crunched some of the early pay data for the past year, focusing on 318 companies listed on the broad-based S&P 500 stock index, at which the CEO was in the same role for the previous filing years. Companies in the media & entertainment sector that fit this criteria saw the most drastic increase in CEO compensation, with a median rise of 117 percent, while their median total shareholder return, a metric looking at stock price and dividends, was down 28.6 percent.

Lawrence Cunningham, director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, told THR: “Media comp has tended to be higher than corporate America’s medians for various reasons, including industry flash that elevates creativity and persona alongside the primary CEO skills, such as capital allocation, management and leadership.”

CEO pay ratios at some Hollywood giants are also above broader trends in corporate America. The ratios are calculated by comparing the pay of a company’s CEO with that of a median employee. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol found out that the devil is in these kinds of details when the coffee chain disclosed that he made 6,666 times more than the median staffer in 2024. Hollywood isn’t quite dealing with those kinds of beasts. However, among Equilar 100 companies, the CEO pay ratio rose to 341:1 in 2025, up 13.7 percent from 300:1 in 2024. And as THR‘s chart shows, the head honchos of the likes of Paramount, Cinemark, TKO, Disney, and Comcast exceed this median.

That said, pay ratios are difficult to compare, according to experts. After all, CEO pay is largely equity-based, while median employee pay is typically primarily cash-driven. “One might expect the ratios of CEO to median pay in many cases to infuriate the rank-and-file, assuming they are aware of them, but not sure they are always informed about either the data or the potential rationale,” says Lawrence Cunningham, director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance. “High CEO pay is not automatically bad governance, but unusually high pay warrants a close look at the executive, the board, and the shareholder voting.”

“CEO pay ratios are all over the map,” Gallagher consulting firm expert Crawford says. “There’s not a great way to compare. Some companies have a lot of frontline workers, so their median employee to the CEO is going to have this much larger gap versus a tech firm or a biotech or an engineering firm that might have a lot more professional-level staff. And if a company is global and they’ve got a lot of international employees, again, it might show a higher CEO pay” ratio gap.

The employee-to-CEO pay ratio for Zaslav would have been even higher, 1,378-to-1, without adjustments for one-time stock option grants. But the Warners chief is likely to leave the role of the lightning rod for industry pay to someone else soon, though, given that 2025 could well be his final full year atop the entertainment industry powerhouse due to its deal to sell itself to Ellison’s Paramount, which expects to close the deal this year.

Hollywood’s Labor Chief Pay

THR Photo Illustration/Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Nearly all of Hollywood’s top union leaders received a 10-plus percent raise in 2025, according to entertainment unions’ filings with the Department of Labor. SAG-AFTRA head Duncan Crabtree-Ireland? A 10.27 percent raise. Directors Guild of America leader Russell Hollander? A 10.48 percent raise. IATSE international president Matthew Loeb? A 10.45 percent raise.

The only exceptions to the trend were the Writers Guild of America leaders, given that WGA East executive director Sam Wheeler is relatively new to his job and did not receive a salary from the union in 2024. And WGA West executive director Ellen Stutzman received a 12.53 percent raise, which may have had something to do with the fact that this pay period overlapped with her official ratification by members as the WGA’s top staffer on September 2024. (In 2023 the union’s board of directors appointed her to the role after previous leader David Young stepped down.)

In 2025 SAG-AFTRA’s Crabtree-Ireland again won the distinction of being Hollywood’s top-paid labor leader, with a salary of $1,120,502. He was followed by the DGA’s Hollander ($883,873), then the WGA West’s Stutzman ($768,257) and IATSE’s Loeb ($611,326). Not bad for a year in which none of the unions undertook one of their major Minimum Basic Agreement labor negotiations with studios and streamers, even as labor leaders’ pay of course still paled in comparison with that of Hollywood CEOs.

But the raises are notable in a year that saw many unionized Hollywood workers struggling and/or out of work amid a pullback in the industry. Unions often argue that they can’t force employers to create more work, they can only create good working conditions when jobs are available. That’s true, but it’s also true that they can play a role in incentivizing employers to work locally through terms in their contracts, and through policy advocacy.

In the latter regard, Hollywood unions were very active in 2025, helping to get an augmented $750 million California film and television tax credit over the finish line. Still, it appears that at a moment when times were tight for many members, unions still found room in their budgets to reward their leaders.

These charts appeared in the May 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

May 4, 2026

Hollywood really is a larger-than-life version of

Are Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie Going to the 2026 Met Gala?

Heated Rivalry fans think Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are “shoe-ins” to attend the 2026 Met Gala, which is wild when you consider they were both complete knowns six months ago. And yet, their absense would be more surprising than any other snub.

From the Golden Globes to the Winter Olympics to the Oscars. Williams and Storrie have been to practically every significant cultural event since the release of their hit hockey romance in November 2025. However, the fashion world has been particularly enamored with these breakout stars, with major designers and brands clamoring to get one of the boys seated front-row at their shows, if not serving face in their next ad campaign.

Williams made his runway debut with Dsquared2 at Milan Men’s Fashion Week before buddying up with Donatella Versace and earning a “Friend of the House” title at Balenciaga. Meanwhile, Storrie has been named an official ambassador for Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co., securing a cover of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Stylist” issue alongside his personal stylist James Yardley. (Williams and stylist Anastasia Walker were also featured in the issue.)

Most importantly, both Williams and Storrie have been spotted in NYC ahead of the big event. On May 2, Williams was spotted outside The Mark hotel in Manhattan in a long black coat, sneakers, and two separate Balenciaga bags. A few hours later, Storrie was on hand at SNL to introduce host Olivia Rodrigo’s second musical interlude while wearing the new Victoria Beckham x GAP collaboration, no less.

Connor Storrie is seen in Midtown on May 02, 2026.

The Hapa Blonde

So no, it’s not far-fetched to assume their Met Gala debut is just a day away, though neither have been officially confirmed. The bigger question is whether or not the pair will find each other on the Met steps, though it’s likely they’ve been invited by the rival fashion houses and will be seated separately for dinner inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

May 4, 2026