3/24/24

The Daily Buzz For Mar 25☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Sheryl Lee Ralph is SELF’s March Cover Star!
Emmy award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph has mastered the art of aging authentically. At a proud age of 67 there’s no sign of her slowing down. In her cover story with SELF, the ABBOTT ELEMENTARY star opens up about her five-decade long career and her encounters with racism, sexism, loss, and lack of opportunities along the way.

On how Quinta Brunson changed her life: “Quinta Brunson knew of my journey. Quinta Brunson chose me for this role, and this has changed my life at this point in my career and my living on this Earth.”

On always believing in herself when others didn’t: “I think about what it takes to carry on when everybody’s telling you, ‘You should quit. There’s not a whole lot of room for you.’ But guess what? If there’s no room for you, you gotta build your own house.”

On being grateful for the life she is living: “I wake up in the morning, I’m still in my right mind. I’m still happy to be in show business. I still have ideas of movies I want to make. I want to speak to Congress and talk to them about education. Now, because of a show like Abbott Elementary, they’re paying attention. I love it. I love the fact that I get to look at Quinta doggone every day and I say, ‘Look what the future has brought.’”
On playing Dee Mitchell on the culture-defining series Moesha: “Moesha was a very joyful, uplifting show about a young Black girl’s journey into womanhood, her family, her community, her diary, and what she was learning about life. I look at some of the work that I was able to do on that show, and I am very proud.”

Get more HERE!


#RHOA: Porsha Williams and Dennis McKinley Come Together for PJ's 5th Birthday
Amid her separation from Simon Guobadia, The Real Housewives of Atlanta mom shared another peek at her co-parenting relationship with Dennis McKinley. Porsha posted a sweet Instagram photo of her and her ex-fiancé looking quite happy with their daughter, Pilar Jhena “PJ” McKinley, who turned the big 5 on March 22.

“Happy 5th Birthday to my baby (PJ) !!” Porsha captioned the carousel, which included pictures of PJ’s “classroom celebration." “Mommy loves you sooo much! We all are so proud of our pooh bear.”
The post received thousands of birthday wishes from fans and Porsha’s fellow Bravolebrities, including RHOA alums Kandi Burruss and Cynthia Bailey, RHOA cast member Drew Sidora, as well as The Real Housewives of Miami’s Larsa Pippen and Marysol Patton.

“Today PJ is [5],” he captioned the photo of his daughter rocking a tiara and a pink unicorn dress. “We outside today fasho! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 3/22/19.”
The ATL-based businessman went on to share a video of little PJ dancing with her classmates, as well as a few snaps of her birthday package from Afro Unicorn, a Black-owned lifestyle brand that sells everything from books and apparel to hair accessories and plush toys.

The celebration came nearly two weeks after Porsha and Dennis stepped out to support PJ during her first-ever soccer game. The former couple shared a heartwarming family photo that was taken shortly before their little girl hit the field.
“Our lil Super star had her 1st soccer game today!” Porsha captioned the Instagram. “Let’s Goooooooo.”
The moment underscored Porsha and Dennis’ strong co-parenting relationship, which the former addressed during a 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

“It’s going great, it really is,” Porsha said about her and Dennis’ co-parenting journey. “Yeah, we live near each other. Our relationship is good.”

Porsha has remained focused on her family following her shocking split from Nigerian businessman Simon. The Atlanta ’Wife filed to divorce her husband in late February, just 15 months after they said, "I do." Porsha has not shared any details on what led to her decision but alluded to the split in a February 25 Instagram post, in which thanked everyone for their “prayers and support."

Simon has also remained tight-lipped about the separation but made it clear he still had love for his estranged spouse: “Will Stop Loving My Wife When Divorce is Final,” he wrote in an Instagram Story.
Fans can expect to learn more about the marital split in the upcoming RHOA Season 16. Porsha confirmed she’s returning to the series as a full-time cast member after stepping away in 2022.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the vision and faith NBCUniversal has put in me to be a larger part of their family,” Porsha said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to being back on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and showing the world my new world!”


#NewMusic from Marsha Ambrosius Releases New Single “One Night Stand”

Check out the brand new single from Marsha Ambrosius called “One Night Stand” which releases via Aftermath/Interscope Records.

LISTEN HERE 

The song was produced by Ambrosius along with Dr. Dre and Erik “Blu2th” Griggs.
This follows the previously released single “The Greatest” on which she also worked with the legendary Dr. Dre on. She has been hinting that she’s working with him exclusively on her new album to usher in this next era of Marsha Ambrosius. We will just need to stay tuned for that.


#HipHopNews: GloRilla Announces Her Upcoming Mixtape 'Ehhthang Ehhthang'!
GloRilla announced that her upcoming mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang, will hit streaming platforms on April 5.
She shared the official artwork and a pre-save link, which revealed that the project will include “Yeah Glo!” Released in February, the record is currently her second-highest-charting song to date. It peaked at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 last week, trailing behind “Tomorrow 2” featuring Cardi B at No. 9.

Ehhthang Ehhthang will serve as a follow-up to Anyways, Life’s Great…, which came out in November 2022. It housed “F.N.F (Let’s Go)” with Hitkidd, the Yo Gotti-assisted “Blessed,” and “Unh Unh.” The LP got a bonus edition the following year that introduced Lil Durk on “Ex’s (Phatnall Remix)” and Trina on “Nut Quick (Remix).”

Since then, the Memphis rapper has made a number of guest appearances. 2023 saw her contribute to Gloss Up’s “Bestfrenn,” FendiDa Rappa’s “In The Trunk,” and K Carbon’s “Jealous A** B**ch.” GloRilla also lent her voice to “Cha Cha Cha” with Fivio Foreign on CMG The Label’s Gangsta Art 2: Reloaded.
In May of this year, GloRilla will be hitting the road with Megan Thee Stallion for the “Hot Girl Summer Tour.” It’s expected to begin on May 14 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota before making stops in Chicago, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Memphis, Atlanta, Houston, and more.

Although the artists don’t have a formal collaboration, it was revealed that the beat for GloRilla’s “F.N.F (Let’s Go)” was initially intended for Megan. The former told the Grammys, “I actually listened to the beat all day, and I couldn’t come up with nothing. When I finally pulled up to the studio, I had to get a blunt so I could think of something. Soon as I got done smoking, I wrote it so fast.”


Worldwide support pours in for Kate, the Princess of Wales, after shocking cancer reveal!

Support poured in from around the world Saturday for Kate, the Princess of Wales, after she revealed in a candid video message that she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer following major abdominal surgery.
The princess’s poignant video, in which she spoke about the “huge shock” and “incredibly tough couple of months” for her family after her diagnosis, came after weeks of frenzied speculation on social media about her health and well-being.

“This of, course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” Kate said in the video, which was recorded Wednesday in Windsor.
“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” she added, referring to her three young children.

The double cancer blow to Kate and King Charles leaves Britain’s royal family depleted and strained
What is known about Kate’s cancer diagnosis
Kate, 42, did not say what type of cancer was discovered after her surgery. She said she is now in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy, and is “getting stronger every day.”

Her condition was initially thought to be noncancerous, until post-surgery tests revealed the diagnosis, she said.
The announcement will at least partly tamp down the intense and sometimes fantastical speculation and conspiracy theories about Kate’s condition that have multiplied on social media since Kensington Palace announced in mid-January that she had been hospitalized for unspecified abdominal surgery.

Hashtags including “WeLoveYouCatherine” and “GetWellSoonCatherine” were trending Friday on X, formerly Twitter, while political leaders, celebrities and cancer survivors sent messages of support.
“She has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. “She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement.”

King Charles III, who is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, said in a statement that he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.” Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who have been estranged from the royal family since their move to California in 2020, said they wished “health and healing for Kate and the family.”

Until Friday, there had been little information about Kate’s condition, and her monthslong disappearance from public view fueled a flurry of rumor-mongering about the “missing” future queen.
Officials had said only that Kate’s surgery in January was successful and recuperation would keep the princess away from public duties until April.

Feelings of distrust about the royals gained ground earlier this month after Kate acknowledged that she altered an official photo released to mark Mother’s Day in the U.K.
The photo, which was meant to calm and reassure the public, triggered a backlash after The Associated Press and other news agencies retracted the image over concerns it was manipulated.

Even a video published last week by The Sun and TMZ that appeared to show Kate and William shopping near their home did not dispel the negative coverage, with some armchair detectives refusing to believe the video showed Kate at all.
In contrast, many of Saturday’s newspaper front pages featured sympathetic headlines, with The Sun proclaiming: “Kate, you are not alone.” The Daily Telegraph featured an opinion piece that read: “Sickening online trolls reveling in Princess’s misery ought to be ashamed.” The news also featured prominently in international newspapers from Italy to France.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, said she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Here’s what you need to know.
Kate has been out of view from the media, leading to weeks of speculation and gossip before the announcement.
The news is another shock for the royal family since the news last month that King Charles III was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer.

Well-wishers left flowers Saturday outside Windsor Castle, and many royal fans visiting Windsor and Kensington Palace said they were touched by Kate’s personal message about her health struggles.
“Your heart just goes out for her and her family, you know? I guess we all feel for her,” said Natalie Richardson, who was visiting from New Zealand. It’s “such a big thing to face for anyone.”
Like Charles before her, Kate’s decision to disclose her health condition was also praised for encouraging the public to think more about their own health and get worrying symptoms checked.

Kate directly addressed all those affected by cancer in her video, saying: “Please do not lose faith or hope.”
“This announcement is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer is no respecter of age or social status,” said oncologist and cancer awareness campaigner Pat Price. “A cancer diagnosis is always deeply concerning, but the fact that the princess is so young and very much in the prime of her life makes this news all the more upsetting and unsettling.”

It was not immediately clear when Kate would return to public life.
Kate and William were not expected to join other royals for the traditional Easter Sunday service in Windsor.
“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said. “She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”


Nicki Minaj And Her Husband Reportedly Ordered To Pay Over $500K In New Lawsuit
On Friday (March 22) afternoon, TMZ reported, “Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty were accused of ambushing a security guard with violence a couple of years back — and it appears they ignored his lawsuit … ’cause they now owe money.”
TMZ continued, “The rapper and her husband had a default judgment entered against them Friday in L.A. County Superior Court — this after a judge says they failed to respond to the lawsuit. As a result, Nicki and Kenneth now have to pay up — in the amount of $503,318.02.”

The lawsuit stems from an alleged altercation in 2019. Neither Minaj nor her husband has publicly responded to the initial claim. Minaj is currently on her highly-anticipated “Pink Friday 2 World Tour.” Minaj postponed her New Orleans performance scheduled for Monday (March 18) due to an illness.

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (March 19) night, Minaj wrote, “New Orleans, please accept my sincerest apologies for having to reschedule our date together. You mean so much to me, and I hate that things didn’t go as planned. Within the next few days, I hope to update our schedule with a new date to give you 100 percent of myself and nothing less.”

“You don’t deserve to pay for a [ticket] to see me up there rapping with the flu. Absolutely NOT. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your well wishes,” she continued. “I look forward to seeing you very soon. It may have to be in May due to the NBA Finals, but we won’t complete this tour without you.”
Her tour has been the topic of conversation as of late. Recently, a fan got a little too excited and ended up botching her rendition of “The Night Is Still Young.”

She could be seen signaling for the mic to be handed back to her before jokingly snatching it out of another person’s hand — presumably a security guard’s. The “Everybody” hitmaker responded to a clip of the incident being shared online Thursday (March 21). On Twitter, she wrote, “They [were] so lucky I can’t sing either, [child]. I would take the mic and [really] show them something.”


Quinta Brunson To Receive Honorary Degree From Temple University

Quinta Brunson will soon add a new achievement to her ever-evolving résumé. On Friday (March 22), Temple University announced the 34-year-old will receive an honorary degree as a speaker during its May 2024 commencement ceremony.
“We are thrilled to recognize Quinta Brunson for her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to her craft,” detailed Temple President Richard M. Englert in a statement. “Quinta embodies the spirit of Temple’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and social impact. Her talent, authenticity, and trailblazing spirit inspire us all.”

The university will host two events planned for early May described as celebrations honoring the Philadelphia native’s outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Ahead of the commencement, Brunson will receive the 2024 Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award as a media luminary whose work inspires students.

Temple University is a part of the Emmy Award-winning talent’s success story. She was enrolled as a first-year student at Klein College, where she joined Temple University Television’s (TUTV) first student-produced comedy variety show Temple Smash. Brunson eventually dropped out and moved to Los Angeles where she put in the work to make herself a star.

“I am simply honored,” shared the Abbott Elementary star and creator of the news.
Brunson joins an esteemed group of individuals with this year’s recognition. Each year, Temple honors distinguished figures by granting honorary degrees, with past recipients including Bishop Desmond Tutu, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, and basketball Coach Dawn Staley.
Alongside Brunson, historian Charles L. Blockson is also set to receive an honorary degree.


Jennifer Lopez Trolled By Fellow Bronx Natives Over Viral Clip Describing Teen Years
A moment from Jennifer Lopez‘s documentary where she remembers her early days in the Bronx has gone viral, and fans are using the opportunity to troll the singer. The video, shared across social media earlier this month by Prime Video, comes from the 54-year-old’s non-fiction project The Greatest Love Story Never Told.

In the shared clip, she sits on a workout bench in a white t-shirt and leggings, tousling her hair. Speaking to the camera, the “I’m Real” singer shares some of her fondest memories. Some explicit language was censored.
“I like taking my hair out like this,” she explains. “It reminds me like, when I was 16 in The Bronx running up and down the block.” Jlo continued, “Crazy little girl who used to… be wild and no limits, all dreams.”

While the Instagram upload boasts over 60,000 likes, the comment section didn’t seem in favor of “Jenny From The Block,” with many implying she over-exaggerates her Bronx upbringing for clout.
“Girl you haven’t been in the Bronx since 1993 please stop,” wrote one user. “I thought this was an SNL skit,” detailed another, adding laughter emojis.

“She should build a community center in the Bronx, invest in cleaning it up and putting in a nice park…she could even put a statue of herself in it for her ego, and start mentoring kids growing up in The Bronx,” suggested a third account.
The Greatest Love Story Never Told documents Lopez’s creative process in her latest era, which includes an album This Is Me…Now, and a short film, This Is Me…Now: A Love Story.
“I wanted to make a record in a way I hadn’t done for a long time. When it was done, I realized it wasn’t the whole story, so I got with (director) Dave Meyers and said, ‘I don’t want to do the normal video with this, this is something very special,’” Lopez explained of the unique approach to her visual story to USA TODAY.

The multitalented pop star also announced a tour, and despite some unannounced cancelations, she was able to add dates in certain cities, including her hometown due to demand.


Diddy Accused Of Sending His Goons To Harass Lil Rod's 8-Year-Old Daughter Amid Sexual Assault Suit

Diddy Accused of Sending His Goons to Harass Lil Rod's 8-Year-Old Daughter Amid Sexual
New legal documents obtained by AllHipHop reveal that musician Rodney Jones Jr.

(Lil Rod) has accused hip-hop mogul P. Diddy (Sean Combs) of harassing his family and attempting to silence his sexual assault lawsuit.
Jones claims that Diddy has fabricated defamatory TMZ stories about him, sent his people to threaten his eight-year-old daughter, and pressured him to change his legal representation in court.

These allegations, along with all other accusations against Diddy, remain unconfirmed. However, Jones maintains that he, his family, and associates have endured fear and intimidation tactics, leading him to file a police report.
Additionally, Jones has filed complaints with the state bars of California, New Jersey, and New York concerning Combs. Notably, there are still ongoing lawsuits against Diddy, involving individuals who remain at risk of legal consequences.

Despite denying all allegations, Diddy continues to face challenges as the plaintiff, Jones, has dismissed charges against former Motown CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam and Chalice Recording Studio. However, the door remains open for potential future legal action against these parties.

Lil Rod's efforts to meet with music industry representatives have been unsuccessful. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain, but observers anticipate significant developments in the coming weeks.


Ryan Coogler Set To Produce Prince Jukebox Musical
Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl in 2016 | Photo Credit: Chris O'Meara
Filmmaker Ryan Coogler is set to produce a new musical centered around the music of Prince for Universal Pictures, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. The project, which has been in development since 2018, will feature a collection of Prince’s iconic songs in a jukebox musical format. Bryan Edward Hill is credited with the script for the upcoming film.

Joining Coogler in the production are Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, along with Universal Music Publishing Group chair Jody Gerson. Rebecca Cho from Proximity serves as an executive producer for the project. This news comes amidst reports of Coogler’s forthcoming Warner Bros. feature, starring Michael B. Jordan, scheduled for release on March 7, 2025.

Coogler and Jordan have a history of successful collaborations, including acclaimed films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther. Coogler’s recent work includes directing the 2022 Marvel sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and contributing to Rihanna’s song “Lift Me Up” from its soundtrack, earning him nominations for several awards.
With Prince’s timeless hits and cinematic legacy, particularly his role in the 1984 rock musical Purple Rain, anticipation is high for this new musical.


Kanye West demands music industry bosses call him by official name ‘Ye'

Kanye West has demanded major players in the music industry to strictly call him “Ye” moving forward.
According to TMZ, Ye’s chief of staff Milo Yiannopoulos wrote a letter to the bosses of the music industry, saying that Kanye’s name change to Ye should be respected.

Ye changed his name after saying Kanye West was a “slave name” and wishes to have the name forgotten by major platforms.
"Ye is a Black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else,” wrote Milo.
Back in 2018, Ye told radio host Big Boy, "I believe 'ye' is the most commonly used word in the Bible. In the Bible it means you.”
"So, I'm you. And I'm us. It's us. It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye, just being a reflection of our good, our bad, our confused - everything. It's more of a reflection of who we are [as] beings."

The Carnival hitmaker also titled his 2018 album Ye. He officially changed his name in 2021.
He also once explained the meaning behind “Ye,” saying: "It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye being a reflection of our good, our bad, our confused, our everything."


Don Lemon Admits Antidepressants 'Helped' Him 'Get Through' Abrupt CNN Firing

Don Lemon has been through quite the rough patch in his career lately. Between being fired from CNN in April 2023 to recently having his show axed from X (formerly named Twitter) after just one interview with its new owner, Elon Musk, the television broadcaster's recent job woes admittedly took a toll on his mental health.

Don Lemon started taking antidepressants after he was fired from CNN.
Appearing on Tamron Hall's self-titled show on Thursday, March 21, Lemon revealed he was prescribed medication to help cope with his distraught feelings after his longtime gig at CNN was quickly taken away from him following his sexist comments about former 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
"I have suffered from depression. I take an antidepressant now," the 58-year-old confessed to Hall, 53. "It helped me get through the summer after… being fired. I do talk therapy now, but my doctor has also done guided therapy with me on drugs."

Most recently, the former CNN host started The Don Lemon Show on X, however, it wasn't long-lived, as Musk kicked him to the curb after appearing on the debut episode of the web-based broadcast for a controversial interview that apparently didn't go as planned.

Despite having his show canceled on X, Lemon insisted "Elon Musk was never his boss" and said he "never worked for Musk" during his chat with Hall, a source spilled to a news publication.


Rebel Wilson Promises to Expose Identity of Hollywood 'A-shole' She's Worked With, Says He's Threatening Her

Rebel Wilson is gearing up to spill some major tea in her forthcoming memoir Rebel Rising, and a Hollywood star named in it is allegedly threatening her in the leadup to its release.
Last week, the 44-year-old actress took to social media to reveal that she was sharing the identity of a “massive a-shole” that she worked with in the industry. She dedicated an entire chapter of her book to the experience.

On Friday (March 22), she provided an update and alleged that the mystery man is “trying to threaten” her before the book’s release.
Rebel shared the information in a since-expired story on her Instagram story, which was captured by Us Weekly.

“I wrote about an a-shole in my book. Now, said a-shole is trying to threaten me. He’s hired a crisis PR manager and lawyers,” she wrote, adding, “He is trying to stop press coming out about my book. But the book WILL come out and you will all know the truth.
We will update you as we learn more.



Jimmy Kimmel Becomes Emotional During Regina King Interview

Jimmy Kimmel became overwhelmed with emotion as he welcomed Regina King to his show for the first time since her son’s passing.
Ian Alexander Jr., Regina’s only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr., tragically died by suicide in January 2022, just days after his 26th birthday.
Jimmy Kimmel asked the Oscar-winning actress, “How are you doing right now?”
Regina answered, “Right now…I’m good.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that,” Jimmy said. “I know you’ve been through a lot the last year.”
It was at that point that Jimmy Kimmel began to choke up.
Regina King, in all of her graciousness, took his hand and said in the most comforting voice, “It’s good to see you, Jimmy.” 

WATCH

When Regina took Jimmy’s hand it was like she transferred her strength to him and he was able to pull himself together and finish the interview.
Regina King’s new film, Shirley, is now streaming on Netflix. Be sure to check it out


Common’s Player Past Interferes With Potential Jennifer Hudson Engagement

*Common is known and revered for his way with rhymes. But the “Go!” MC’s reputation as a lady’s man looks to be a red flag for elevating his relationship with Jennifer Hudson’s past dating status.
In addition to Common’s past flames (tennis legend Serena Williams, singer Erykah Badu, actor Taraji P. Henson, political activist Angela Rye, and comedian Tiffany Haddish), Radar Online reports that Hudson’s hesitancy stems from past heartbreak from her 2017 relationship with former pro wrestler David Otunga. Before splitting in 2017, the pair were engaged for close to a decade and parents to their 14-year-old son, David, Jr.

“After her engagement went south, Jennifer was adamant she would never marry — that it just isn’t in the cards for her,” a friend of Hudson’s told the National Enquirer. “But then Common came into her life and swept her off her feet!”
Although Hudson and Common shared a longtime friendship, the romance between the pair didn’t exist until they worked together on the upcoming sci-fi thriller “Breathe.” From there came sightings of Common and Hudson displaying PDA, as Hudson downplayed talk surrounding their love.

“People create their narratives of it,” the 42-year-old talk show host said. “…we shot a film together and he played my husband. We gotta eat in between those moments.”

The rumors proved true with Hudson and Common an official item. In Common’s eyes, the EGOT winner is the one as he credits his significant other with feeling “like I have grown, and the work that I’ve done on myself has allowed me to see that I am a marrying type.”

Still, it’s hard for Hudson to move forward with Common’s past relationships looming over a potential future with her.
“Common tells Jen despite his past with so many famous women, he’s in the relationship for keeps” an insider shared with Radar. “But Jen felt that way when she was engaged for nine years, and she doesn’t want to end up with a broken marriage and be back at square one!”


‘Alien: Romulus’: The next Installment in the Alien franchise is HERE!
Ridley Scott’s first Alien film terrified audiences in 1979, and James Cameron’s 1986 followup, Aliens, forever cemented fearsome “facehuggers” within the public lexicon. Those iconic early films made effective use of claustrophobic settings within space ships, and from what we have seen thus far, 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus will take the franchise back to those horrific roots, where atmosphere is as vital as any character in the story. The franchise also includes less well-received movies witinin the original series, along with multiple Alien Vs. Predator movies and a pair of Prometheus installments.

Additionally, FX is currently filming an Alien prequel series from Fargo showrunner Noah Hawley. That show’s cast includes Timothy Olyphant, Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, and Essie Davis, and the story is set in Thailand (where Xenomorphs arrive and presumably run amuck) as a prequel that begins 70 years before the 1979 film. That story stands separately from Alien: Romulus, a film arriving this year and the topic of our discussion today.
Plot
Alien: Romulus is directed by Fede Álvarez, the master of seat-handle-gripping suspense with 2016’s Don’t Breathe and a horror king in his own right with 2013’s Evil Dead (both films starring Jane Levy in scream-queen mode). That should tell everyone plenty about how well he will navigate the ship-based confines of this interquel that takes place in between the first two Alien movies. Ridley Scott is onboard as producer, and the synopsis is chilling in its brevity: “Young people on a distant world find themselves confronting the most terrifying life-form in the universe.”


Yep, a new generation beyond Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and colleagues have become the main focus of Xenomorphs in space. Álvarez recently told Entertainment Weekly that “[t]he characters are very blue collar, like the best versions of these movies, but they’re way younger than before.” He added that this idea came to him while “watching the extended cut of Aliens, where you can see a bunch of kids running around the corridors of one of the colonies and go, ‘wow, what it would it be like for those kids when they turned 20? Growing up in a place with no future? Would they want to stay there and do what their parents did, or leave that place?'”

Álvarez also pointedly took pains, along with production designer Naaman Marshall, to take the franchise back to the cinematic feel of the original Alien movie, so get ready to be scared out of your wits, people. 20th Century Studios must have had great faith in the project, too, given that the original plan was to release this movie on Hulu before switching to theatrical mode.

WATCH HERE

Cast
Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla) leads the cast with Isabela Merced, Aileen Wu, Archie Renaux, David Johnson, and Spike Feam also confined in the infested ship.
Alien: Romulus face-hugs into theaters on August 16.


4 Arrested In The Moscow Attack, Death Toll Rises To 133

The head of Russia’s FSB has reportedly informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that four people have been arrested in connection to the Moscow terror attack at Crocus City Hall.
The gunmen were arrested near Russia’s western border with Ukraine, Russian news agencies reported.
Seven others have also been detained and authorities are still searching for other accomplices, the news outlets added.

Russian media outlets posted unverified photos of a car that allegedly belonged to some of the attackers near Russia’s western border and a Russian MP said at least two suspects were detained after a car chase and a shootout, though neither of these have been verified or confirmed by Russian authorities, ABC News reported.
The death toll as a result of the terrorist attack has increased to 133 on Saturday, the Investigative Committee confirmed, adding that the search for bodies under the rubble is on going. Authorities earlier said the toll could rise significantly.

121 people have been hospitalized. 80 still remain in hospitals, 13 are in an extremely serious condition and 25 remain in a serious condition.

Authorities say the causes of death were gunshot wounds and poisoning by smoke products.
“The terrorists used automatic weapons during the attack, which, along with the ammunition they left behind, were discovered and seized by the investigators,” it added.
The terrorists also used flammable liquid to set fire to the premises of the concert hall, where there were spectators, including the wounded”, the statement said.

Putin has responded about the Moscow concert hall terror attack, promising to exact “retribution” on anyone involved in it.
“According to the preliminary data, they had a crossing of the border prepared from the Ukrainian side,” Putin said.
Ukrainian officials last night vehemently denied any involvement and warned the Kremlin will try to exploit the attack by falsely blaming Ukraine to drum up greater support for its war.

Putin’s comments followed several by some leading Kremlin figures directly accusing Ukraine and western countries of being behind the attack, despite the ISIS claim.
The U.S. said it shared intelligence with Russia warning that ISIS was preparing similar attacks on concerts in Moscow just two weeks ago.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a warning on March 7, advising U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings for 48 hours, saying extremists have “imminent plans” to target large-scale gatherings in Moscow.
“The United States strongly condemns yesterday’s deadly terrorist attack in Moscow,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Saturday. “We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and all affected by this heinous crime. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in grieving the loss of life from this horrific event.”

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLESHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
When is enough?

When do you normally say, enough is enough?


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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