#MAGFAB: Lady Gaga Covers VOGUE Magazine October 2024 Issue!
For VOGUE’s October 2024 issue, Lady Gaga sits down with contributor Jonathan Van Meter to discuss her upcoming movie JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX, recording both a surprise music project and a new pop record, and getting engaged to her partner of nearly five years, Michael Polansky.
On her role as Harley Quinn in the upcoming JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX: “Harley Quinn is a character people know from the ether of pop culture. I had a different experience creating her, namely my experience with mania and chaos inside—for me, it creates a quietness. Sometimes women are labeled as these overly emotional creatures and when we are overwhelmed we are erratic or unhinged. But I wonder if when things become so broken from reality, when we get pushed too far in life, what if it makes you…quiet?”
On fiancé Michael Polansky: “I had never met anyone like Michael. He’s so smart and so kind. And his life and my life are very different. He’s a very private guy and he’s not with me for any other reason than that we are right for each other. But I think what I want my fans to know is that I’m just, like, so happy. I’m healthy. I feel like the last time they heard from me—in this way—was Chromatica, and that album was about an absolutely horrible time for me with my mental health. I was in a really dark place. I struggled for, like, many years before that. But everything started to change. Because I had a real friend who saw the ways in which I was unhappy and why. And he wasn’t afraid to truly hold my hand. And get to know me. On a very deep level
On her career: “For a long time, for most of my career, my life was controlled by this business: what people wanted from me; what they hoped I could achieve; how to keep me going. And that can be a lot of pressure and it’s scary. But I feel like I’m finally coming out on the other side.”
VOGUE’s October 2024 issue is available on newsstands nationwide on September 24.
On her role as Harley Quinn in the upcoming JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX: “Harley Quinn is a character people know from the ether of pop culture. I had a different experience creating her, namely my experience with mania and chaos inside—for me, it creates a quietness. Sometimes women are labeled as these overly emotional creatures and when we are overwhelmed we are erratic or unhinged. But I wonder if when things become so broken from reality, when we get pushed too far in life, what if it makes you…quiet?”
On fiancé Michael Polansky: “I had never met anyone like Michael. He’s so smart and so kind. And his life and my life are very different. He’s a very private guy and he’s not with me for any other reason than that we are right for each other. But I think what I want my fans to know is that I’m just, like, so happy. I’m healthy. I feel like the last time they heard from me—in this way—was Chromatica, and that album was about an absolutely horrible time for me with my mental health. I was in a really dark place. I struggled for, like, many years before that. But everything started to change. Because I had a real friend who saw the ways in which I was unhappy and why. And he wasn’t afraid to truly hold my hand. And get to know me. On a very deep level
VOGUE’s October 2024 issue is available on newsstands nationwide on September 24.
#RIP Iconic actor and Thespian James Earl Jones dies at 93
Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known for his innumerable movie roles and the booming voice of the character of Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise, has died, his representative confirmed to ABC News.
He was 93 years old. Jones died on Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by his family, according to longtime agent Barry McPherson.
The thespian, whose powerful, deep voice brought to life the iconic villain of Darth Vader, acted for more than six decades and won three Tony Awards, including a lifetime honor in 2017, two Emmys and a Grammy. He was recognized for lifetime achievement by the Academy Awards in 2011.
Jones was born in 1931 in Mississippi and famously battled a severe stutter as a child.
"People would come to the house and there'd be introductions made and I couldn't introduce myself," he told PBS in 2014 of just how bad the affliction was back then. Jones said he learned to stayed silent for long stretches at a time.
"I found it was, oh, so good sometimes because silence isn't bad. It's good to listen. And I learned to listen," Jones told PBS.
It was the stutter that led Jones into acting after a high school teacher used poetry to help him speak more clearly. After college and then the Army, serving in the Korean War, Jones eyed Broadway for his start in theater and the arts.
In the 1950s and '60s, Jones was a Broadway staple. From "On Golden Pond" to "The Best Man," his work earned four Tony nominations, winning for "The Great White Hope" in 1969 and "Fences" in 1987.
Almost simultaneously, he was garnering acclaim on TV as well. The eventual two-time Emmy Award winner earned his first nod in the 1960s for his work on "East Side/West Side."
He picked up both his Primetime Emmy wins in 1991, for best supporting actor in the miniseries "Heat Wave" and best actor for the series "Gabriel's Fire." He also won a Daytime Emmy for the children's special "Summer's End" in 2000.
Jones later earned his first Oscar nod, adapting "The Great White Hope" to the silver screen in 1970, playing boxer Jack Jefferson. Jones was just the second Black actor after Sidney Poitier -- who was nominated in 1958 and 1963 -- to be recognized by the academy with a nomination.
For the better part of the 1970s, Jones continued to juggle his work on stage, TV and film. Then, in 1977, he was cast as the voice of a new villain, Darth Vader, in the space saga, "Star Wars: A New Hope."
While bodybuilder David Prowse would be the figure behind the black mask of the Sith lord, Jones was the voice that uttered so many iconic lines in the film and its sequels -- including, "I find your lack of faith disturbing," and then, of course, to Luke Skywalker in 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back," his big reveal, "No, I am your father."
Jones was always humble about being the voice of such an iconic foe. "I'm simply special effects," he told the American Film Institute in 2009 about voicing a character who was physically played by someone else. "George [Lucas] wanted, pardon the expression, a darker voice, so he hires a guy born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, who stutters. That's the voice, that's me. I lucked out. From all these so-called handicaps, I lucked out to get a job that paid me $7,000, and I thought that was good money."
In a 2004 documentary titled "Star Wars: Empire of Dreams," Jones spoke about when he first found out that Vader, the film trilogy's main villain, would reveal that he was the long-lost father of Skywalker, the primary hero.
"I said to myself, 'He's lying,'" Jones admitted. "I wonder how they are gonna play that lie out."
But it wasn't a lie. From 1977 to 1983, the three original "Star Wars" films would become some of the most revered and original movies of their time, not just for special effects, but also for the shocking plot and themes.
After "Star Wars," Jones made memorable appearances in Eddie Murphy's 1988 film "Coming to America," then starred opposite Kevin Costner in "Field of Dreams" in 1989. A few years later, he once again lent his voice to a famous character, starring in the Disney animated feature "The Lion King" as Mufasa.
Jones had almost 200 credits to his name, according to IMDB, as he stayed active for more than 60 years, including in movies like "The Sandlot," shows like "House" and "The Simpsons," and in his return to a galaxy far, far away in 2004's "Revenge of the Sith." He came back to voice Vader several more times in recent years, including in the animated series "Rebels," 2016's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker" and the 2022 Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi."
He also reprised his role in the "Coming to America" sequel, "Coming 2 America," in 2021.
In 2011, Jones was given an honorary Academy Award for the breadth of his acclaimed work.
It was while Jones was starring in the play "Driving Miss Daisy" in London in 2011 that he was surprised by co-star Vanessa Redgrave, who waited until the end of the show to let the crowd in on his honor that year. The cast and the academy held a special ceremony for Jones right on the stage, with Sir Ben Kingsley coming out to hand Jones his Oscar.
"If an actor's nightmare is being onstage naked and not knowing his lines, what the heck do you call this?" he said of the surprise honor. "How do I feel? Well, more than flabbergasted. ... That's the only word I can think of for this improbable moment in my life."
In March 2022, it was announced that Broadway's Cort Theatre would be renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Jones married twice. His second wife, Cecilia Hart, died in 2016 after 34 years of marriage. The couple is survived by their son, Flynn Earl Jones.
Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known for his innumerable movie roles and the booming voice of the character of Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise, has died, his representative confirmed to ABC News.
He was 93 years old. Jones died on Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by his family, according to longtime agent Barry McPherson.
The thespian, whose powerful, deep voice brought to life the iconic villain of Darth Vader, acted for more than six decades and won three Tony Awards, including a lifetime honor in 2017, two Emmys and a Grammy. He was recognized for lifetime achievement by the Academy Awards in 2011.
Jones was born in 1931 in Mississippi and famously battled a severe stutter as a child.
"People would come to the house and there'd be introductions made and I couldn't introduce myself," he told PBS in 2014 of just how bad the affliction was back then. Jones said he learned to stayed silent for long stretches at a time.
"I found it was, oh, so good sometimes because silence isn't bad. It's good to listen. And I learned to listen," Jones told PBS.
It was the stutter that led Jones into acting after a high school teacher used poetry to help him speak more clearly. After college and then the Army, serving in the Korean War, Jones eyed Broadway for his start in theater and the arts.
In the 1950s and '60s, Jones was a Broadway staple. From "On Golden Pond" to "The Best Man," his work earned four Tony nominations, winning for "The Great White Hope" in 1969 and "Fences" in 1987.
Almost simultaneously, he was garnering acclaim on TV as well. The eventual two-time Emmy Award winner earned his first nod in the 1960s for his work on "East Side/West Side."
He picked up both his Primetime Emmy wins in 1991, for best supporting actor in the miniseries "Heat Wave" and best actor for the series "Gabriel's Fire." He also won a Daytime Emmy for the children's special "Summer's End" in 2000.
Jones later earned his first Oscar nod, adapting "The Great White Hope" to the silver screen in 1970, playing boxer Jack Jefferson. Jones was just the second Black actor after Sidney Poitier -- who was nominated in 1958 and 1963 -- to be recognized by the academy with a nomination.
For the better part of the 1970s, Jones continued to juggle his work on stage, TV and film. Then, in 1977, he was cast as the voice of a new villain, Darth Vader, in the space saga, "Star Wars: A New Hope."
While bodybuilder David Prowse would be the figure behind the black mask of the Sith lord, Jones was the voice that uttered so many iconic lines in the film and its sequels -- including, "I find your lack of faith disturbing," and then, of course, to Luke Skywalker in 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back," his big reveal, "No, I am your father."
Jones was always humble about being the voice of such an iconic foe. "I'm simply special effects," he told the American Film Institute in 2009 about voicing a character who was physically played by someone else. "George [Lucas] wanted, pardon the expression, a darker voice, so he hires a guy born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, who stutters. That's the voice, that's me. I lucked out. From all these so-called handicaps, I lucked out to get a job that paid me $7,000, and I thought that was good money."
In a 2004 documentary titled "Star Wars: Empire of Dreams," Jones spoke about when he first found out that Vader, the film trilogy's main villain, would reveal that he was the long-lost father of Skywalker, the primary hero.
"I said to myself, 'He's lying,'" Jones admitted. "I wonder how they are gonna play that lie out."
But it wasn't a lie. From 1977 to 1983, the three original "Star Wars" films would become some of the most revered and original movies of their time, not just for special effects, but also for the shocking plot and themes.
After "Star Wars," Jones made memorable appearances in Eddie Murphy's 1988 film "Coming to America," then starred opposite Kevin Costner in "Field of Dreams" in 1989. A few years later, he once again lent his voice to a famous character, starring in the Disney animated feature "The Lion King" as Mufasa.
Jones had almost 200 credits to his name, according to IMDB, as he stayed active for more than 60 years, including in movies like "The Sandlot," shows like "House" and "The Simpsons," and in his return to a galaxy far, far away in 2004's "Revenge of the Sith." He came back to voice Vader several more times in recent years, including in the animated series "Rebels," 2016's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker" and the 2022 Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi."
He also reprised his role in the "Coming to America" sequel, "Coming 2 America," in 2021.
In 2011, Jones was given an honorary Academy Award for the breadth of his acclaimed work.
It was while Jones was starring in the play "Driving Miss Daisy" in London in 2011 that he was surprised by co-star Vanessa Redgrave, who waited until the end of the show to let the crowd in on his honor that year. The cast and the academy held a special ceremony for Jones right on the stage, with Sir Ben Kingsley coming out to hand Jones his Oscar.
"If an actor's nightmare is being onstage naked and not knowing his lines, what the heck do you call this?" he said of the surprise honor. "How do I feel? Well, more than flabbergasted. ... That's the only word I can think of for this improbable moment in my life."
In March 2022, it was announced that Broadway's Cort Theatre would be renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Jones married twice. His second wife, Cecilia Hart, died in 2016 after 34 years of marriage. The couple is survived by their son, Flynn Earl Jones.
#RHOA: Ya Girl Phaedra teases Real Housewives of Atlanta return: 'A lot of spiciness'
Here’s some extra peachy news: Phaedra Parks has already filmed her grand return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
The lawyer, mortician, and Traitors star tells Entertainment Weekly that she wrapped filming season 16 of the Bravo franchise less than a week before being unveiled as a competitor on Dancing With the Stars.
“We just finished filming a couple of days ago — almost a week now — and I think it's gonna be good,” she says at a Dancing With the Stars press line. “You know, obviously, there was a cast shakeup, and I think the new cast is definitely bringing it.”
Parks is referring to the mass exodus of series regulars — including Sherée Whitfield, Marlo Hampton, and Kandi Burruss — ahead of season 16 over the last few months. In June, it was revealed that Kenya Moore had also been let go from the series after her own scandal.
But, when door closes, another opens. Parks and Porsha Williams have both since announced that they’ll be making their respective returns to the series this season, joining Drew Sidora, friend-turned-main-cast-member Shamea Morton Mwangi, and newcomers Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley.
So what can fans expect? “A lot of spiciness, but a lot of genuine fun as well,” Parks says. “So I think it's gonna go back to, hopefully, the heydays of Atlanta.”
She adds that “friendship, love, [and] sisterhood” will also be on display throughout the series, too.
Parks joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in its third season in 2010. However, Parks was fired from the series seven years later after spreading an unsubstantiated rumor about Kandi Burruss in season 9. She has since appeared on adjacent Housewives shows like The Real Housewives of Dubai and season 2 of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip. She was also a cast member on another Bravo series, Married to Medicine.
For now, though, excited RHOA fans will next see Parks waltz her way through the competition on Dancing With the Stars.
“I'm looking forward to the waltz, but now that I'm hearing people who are doing the waltz, seems like it's gonna be very hard, and my neck is gonna be really sore, so maybe I'm not looking forward to it,” she teases. “But I love the gracefulness of it. And the pasodoble, because, being a mortician, [it] seems a little scary and mysterious.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 16 is scheduled to air in 2025 on Bravo.
The lawyer, mortician, and Traitors star tells Entertainment Weekly that she wrapped filming season 16 of the Bravo franchise less than a week before being unveiled as a competitor on Dancing With the Stars.
“We just finished filming a couple of days ago — almost a week now — and I think it's gonna be good,” she says at a Dancing With the Stars press line. “You know, obviously, there was a cast shakeup, and I think the new cast is definitely bringing it.”
Parks is referring to the mass exodus of series regulars — including Sherée Whitfield, Marlo Hampton, and Kandi Burruss — ahead of season 16 over the last few months. In June, it was revealed that Kenya Moore had also been let go from the series after her own scandal.
But, when door closes, another opens. Parks and Porsha Williams have both since announced that they’ll be making their respective returns to the series this season, joining Drew Sidora, friend-turned-main-cast-member Shamea Morton Mwangi, and newcomers Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley.
So what can fans expect? “A lot of spiciness, but a lot of genuine fun as well,” Parks says. “So I think it's gonna go back to, hopefully, the heydays of Atlanta.”
She adds that “friendship, love, [and] sisterhood” will also be on display throughout the series, too.
Parks joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in its third season in 2010. However, Parks was fired from the series seven years later after spreading an unsubstantiated rumor about Kandi Burruss in season 9. She has since appeared on adjacent Housewives shows like The Real Housewives of Dubai and season 2 of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip. She was also a cast member on another Bravo series, Married to Medicine.
For now, though, excited RHOA fans will next see Parks waltz her way through the competition on Dancing With the Stars.
“I'm looking forward to the waltz, but now that I'm hearing people who are doing the waltz, seems like it's gonna be very hard, and my neck is gonna be really sore, so maybe I'm not looking forward to it,” she teases. “But I love the gracefulness of it. And the pasodoble, because, being a mortician, [it] seems a little scary and mysterious.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 16 is scheduled to air in 2025 on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Fantasia and Adam Blackstone Share New Version of ‘Summertime’!
Rock soul diva Fantasia and award-winning music director and bassist Adam Blackstone have collaborated on a new rendition of “Summertime,” the 1935 signature song composed by George Gershwin for his opera, Porgy and Bess.
Rock soul diva Fantasia and award-winning music director and bassist Adam Blackstone have collaborated on a new rendition of “Summertime,” the 1935 signature song composed by George Gershwin for his opera, Porgy and Bess.
The pleasant, jazz-inspired variation was produced by Blackstone, Fantasia, and Jonathan Anderson. Blackstone also arranged the cover alongside Melvin Jones and Jamar Jones.
Fantasia interpreted this classic song with an alluring presence, captivating the listener and evoking a love for the warm weather as it soon comes to an end.
#HipHopNews: DJ Akademiks Blames JAY-Z For Setting Up Kendrick Lamar To Perform At Super Bowl LIX To Spite Drake
DJ Akademiks is not loving Roc Nation and the NFL’s choice to have Kendrick Lamar headline Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana. The polarizing media pundit is sending public messages to Drake, alerting him that JAY-Z set up Lamar to deliver the final blow in their beef.
When talking about why the Compton superstar was chosen for music’s biggest stage, JAY-Z explained, “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick's work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come."
He also stated that the To Pimp A Butterfly emcee is a “'once-in-a-generation' artist and performer.” After seeing these statements, DJ Akademiks started to spiral online making multiple posts explaining how he felt about the situation. In one post he claimed, “The NFL just gave Kendrick Lamar a global “Pop Out” show… Jay Z I see u n**guh… u ain’t low…”
In another post he said, “Jay Z and Roc Nation [are] responsible for curating the Super Bowl half time show… remember that.” He also stated, “Drake and J. Cole rapped ‘Big As the What.. Big As the Super Bowl’ And Jay Z just made Kendrick Lamar the headliner of the Super Bowl. Nah n**ga dis sh*t is wild … this sh*t crazy.”
He ended his rant stating, “Jay Z set up the play. Drake … jay ain’t forget bout that charged up verse n**ga. He the higher ups.” While it is not clear if there is any current static between Drake and JAY-Z, Akademiks is surely looking to stir up some beef.
This is far from the first time that the podcast host got extremely personal when Drake was involved in a battle. Having been immensely vocal about his bias towards the Canadian rap superstar in the past, his recent posts are a further example of that.
The “Not Like Us” rapper has yet to speak out on the new opportunity beyond his teaser commercial, where he jokingly says, “You know you only get one chance to win the championship, right? Ain’t no round twos.” This was a direct reference to Drake’s post on his finsta account, where he claimed that, “He will win game two.”
When talking about why the Compton superstar was chosen for music’s biggest stage, JAY-Z explained, “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick's work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come."
He also stated that the To Pimp A Butterfly emcee is a “'once-in-a-generation' artist and performer.” After seeing these statements, DJ Akademiks started to spiral online making multiple posts explaining how he felt about the situation. In one post he claimed, “The NFL just gave Kendrick Lamar a global “Pop Out” show… Jay Z I see u n**guh… u ain’t low…”
In another post he said, “Jay Z and Roc Nation [are] responsible for curating the Super Bowl half time show… remember that.” He also stated, “Drake and J. Cole rapped ‘Big As the What.. Big As the Super Bowl’ And Jay Z just made Kendrick Lamar the headliner of the Super Bowl. Nah n**ga dis sh*t is wild … this sh*t crazy.”
He ended his rant stating, “Jay Z set up the play. Drake … jay ain’t forget bout that charged up verse n**ga. He the higher ups.” While it is not clear if there is any current static between Drake and JAY-Z, Akademiks is surely looking to stir up some beef.
This is far from the first time that the podcast host got extremely personal when Drake was involved in a battle. Having been immensely vocal about his bias towards the Canadian rap superstar in the past, his recent posts are a further example of that.
The “Not Like Us” rapper has yet to speak out on the new opportunity beyond his teaser commercial, where he jokingly says, “You know you only get one chance to win the championship, right? Ain’t no round twos.” This was a direct reference to Drake’s post on his finsta account, where he claimed that, “He will win game two.”
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ SHOCKS the box office with $110 million opening weekend!
After 36 years of waiting, the juice is finally loose again in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” this time racking up $110 million in its premiere weekend.
The long-awaited Tim Burton sequel is the third-best opening weekend of the year, only behind box office triumphs “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Michael Keaton returns as the titular spirit and Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder also reprise their roles as Delia and Lydia Deetz, with newcomer Jenna Ortega playing the latter’s daughter, Astrid. Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci and Justin Theroux round out the cast.
The Warner Bros. sequel is the second-highest grossing September movie of all time, only behind 2017’s “It,” which opened with a staggering $123 million. The 2019 sequel “It Chapter 2” opened with $91 million and previously held the No. 2 spot for September openings.
The original “Beetlejuice” film earned a mere $8 million in its opening weekend in 1988, unadjusted for inflation, but went on to make $77 million in theaters domestically as it became a cult classic.
“There’s life in the afterlife,” said Jeff Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros. “Many things have to happen simultaneously and all the stars are aligning.”
Goldstein, who confirmed the film’s budget of $100 million, said the studio expected an opening weekend of between $80 million and $90 million. Given the early success, he said the film “may get really long legs” with Halloween season approaching.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, said September is “not known as a hotbed of $100 million blockbuster debuts,” but attributed part of the film’s success to Burton’s singular style and the star cast.
In addition to the returning cast, Ortega, who starred in the Netflix series “Wednesday” about the Addams family character, likely brought in younger audiences.
“If all this was were a nostalgia play for people who saw the first movie, it wouldn’t really necessarily work,” Dergarabedian said. “Part of the magic formula of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is having a great cast of a revered generation of actors and then having young actors who are making their own mark.”
The electric opening weekend kicks off the fall movie season with a bang after a sleepy Labor Day weekend and a relatively slow August that saw newer films struggle as holdover movies ruled the box office.
Beyond “Beetlejuice,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” placed second on the box office charts, making $7.2 million in its seventh weekend. Its cumulative domestic total is now $614 million.
“Reagan,” the Dennis Quaid-led biopic about the 40th U.S. president, continues to beat expectations. Climbing the ranks to third place in its second weekend, the film made $5.2 million.
“Alien: Romulus” and “It Ends With Us,” two more holdovers from the summer, came in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The sci-fi horror film brought in $3.9 million and the romance drama brought in $3.8 million.
The only other new release of the weekend to make it on the box office rankings was “The Greatest of All Time,” an Indian Tamil-language science fiction action film. The movie stars Joseph Vijay and was directed by Venkat Prabhu, who is known for directing and writing other Indian action films. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
After 36 years of waiting, the juice is finally loose again in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” this time racking up $110 million in its premiere weekend.
The long-awaited Tim Burton sequel is the third-best opening weekend of the year, only behind box office triumphs “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Michael Keaton returns as the titular spirit and Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder also reprise their roles as Delia and Lydia Deetz, with newcomer Jenna Ortega playing the latter’s daughter, Astrid. Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci and Justin Theroux round out the cast.
The Warner Bros. sequel is the second-highest grossing September movie of all time, only behind 2017’s “It,” which opened with a staggering $123 million. The 2019 sequel “It Chapter 2” opened with $91 million and previously held the No. 2 spot for September openings.
The original “Beetlejuice” film earned a mere $8 million in its opening weekend in 1988, unadjusted for inflation, but went on to make $77 million in theaters domestically as it became a cult classic.
“There’s life in the afterlife,” said Jeff Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros. “Many things have to happen simultaneously and all the stars are aligning.”
Goldstein, who confirmed the film’s budget of $100 million, said the studio expected an opening weekend of between $80 million and $90 million. Given the early success, he said the film “may get really long legs” with Halloween season approaching.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, said September is “not known as a hotbed of $100 million blockbuster debuts,” but attributed part of the film’s success to Burton’s singular style and the star cast.
In addition to the returning cast, Ortega, who starred in the Netflix series “Wednesday” about the Addams family character, likely brought in younger audiences.
“If all this was were a nostalgia play for people who saw the first movie, it wouldn’t really necessarily work,” Dergarabedian said. “Part of the magic formula of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is having a great cast of a revered generation of actors and then having young actors who are making their own mark.”
The electric opening weekend kicks off the fall movie season with a bang after a sleepy Labor Day weekend and a relatively slow August that saw newer films struggle as holdover movies ruled the box office.
Beyond “Beetlejuice,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” placed second on the box office charts, making $7.2 million in its seventh weekend. Its cumulative domestic total is now $614 million.
“Reagan,” the Dennis Quaid-led biopic about the 40th U.S. president, continues to beat expectations. Climbing the ranks to third place in its second weekend, the film made $5.2 million.
“Alien: Romulus” and “It Ends With Us,” two more holdovers from the summer, came in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The sci-fi horror film brought in $3.9 million and the romance drama brought in $3.8 million.
The only other new release of the weekend to make it on the box office rankings was “The Greatest of All Time,” an Indian Tamil-language science fiction action film. The movie stars Joseph Vijay and was directed by Venkat Prabhu, who is known for directing and writing other Indian action films. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” $110 million.
2. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $7.2 million.
3. “Reagan,” $5.2 million.
4. “Alien: Romulus,” $3.9 million.
5. “It Ends With Us,” $3.8 million
6. “The Forge,” $2.9 million.
7. “Twisters,” $2.3 million.
8. “Blink Twice,” $2.1 million.
9. “The Greatest of All Time,” $2 million.
10. “Despicable Me 4,” $1.8 million
2. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” $7.2 million.
3. “Reagan,” $5.2 million.
4. “Alien: Romulus,” $3.9 million.
5. “It Ends With Us,” $3.8 million
6. “The Forge,” $2.9 million.
7. “Twisters,” $2.3 million.
8. “Blink Twice,” $2.1 million.
9. “The Greatest of All Time,” $2 million.
10. “Despicable Me 4,” $1.8 million
Cardi B reportedly gives birth to her 3rd child!
Cardi B has reportedly given birth to her and Offset’s third child over the weekend, the media has reported.
According to a report published by AllHipHop, the rap star named Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, “didn’t publicly announce [the pregnancy] until she was six or seven months.” The publication also stated that labor was induced and the baby was introduced to the world on Sept. 7.
The estranged entertainment power couple, who are currently in the throes of a contentious divorce, are also parents to daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus and son Wave Set Cephus.
The former Migos member is also a father to sons Jordan Cephus and Kody Cephus and daughter Kalea Marie Cephus from previous relationships.
According to a report published by AllHipHop, the rap star named Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, “didn’t publicly announce [the pregnancy] until she was six or seven months.” The publication also stated that labor was induced and the baby was introduced to the world on Sept. 7.
The estranged entertainment power couple, who are currently in the throes of a contentious divorce, are also parents to daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus and son Wave Set Cephus.
The former Migos member is also a father to sons Jordan Cephus and Kody Cephus and daughter Kalea Marie Cephus from previous relationships.
Dame Dash’s laughs off his dentures falling out and 50 Cent clowning him
Dame Dash attempted to lighten the mood after an embarrassing moment during a livestream tirade against rival 50 Cent, when his replacement teeth unexpectedly fell out. True to form, Cent wasted no time in mocking the former Roc-A-Fella co-owner, reveling in the mishap.
Dash was responding to an interview Cent did on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast where the “BMF” and “Power” creator claimed confidently that Dash is broke.
Dash took to livestreaming to his one million Instagram followers to clap back, then issued a challenge to Cent to work with him. In the middle of his rant, however, he took a sip of what appeared to be orange juice. Seconds later, his bottom dentures fell out of his mouth.
Embarrassed, Dash quickly panned the camera away from him and ordered a woman standing nearby to “talk to” the people who were viewing his livestream while he tried to get his dentures back in.
Worse for Dash, the livestream disaster was captured by viewers and quickly circulated through social media.
50 Cent — who is a famously opportunistic troll — of course pounced on Dash’s debacle in a message to his 34 million followers.
Now that days have passed and the shock of the situation has subsided, Dash used humor to counter what is an embarrassing situation.
“First of all, s— is not dentures. These are my grills,” he explained, as he flashed them to the camera. “What happened was I have to go get implants put in ’cause I have implants. And I got them 20 years ago, and every 20 years, you gotta switch them out. So I have to do surgery — pause — oral.”
Dash added that whole ordeal was funny to him.
“You know, I thought it was hilarious. I didn’t try to edit it. I think it’s good for jokes and s—,” he said.
Dame Dash attempted to lighten the mood after an embarrassing moment during a livestream tirade against rival 50 Cent, when his replacement teeth unexpectedly fell out. True to form, Cent wasted no time in mocking the former Roc-A-Fella co-owner, reveling in the mishap.
Dash was responding to an interview Cent did on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast where the “BMF” and “Power” creator claimed confidently that Dash is broke.
Dash took to livestreaming to his one million Instagram followers to clap back, then issued a challenge to Cent to work with him. In the middle of his rant, however, he took a sip of what appeared to be orange juice. Seconds later, his bottom dentures fell out of his mouth.
Embarrassed, Dash quickly panned the camera away from him and ordered a woman standing nearby to “talk to” the people who were viewing his livestream while he tried to get his dentures back in.
Worse for Dash, the livestream disaster was captured by viewers and quickly circulated through social media.
50 Cent — who is a famously opportunistic troll — of course pounced on Dash’s debacle in a message to his 34 million followers.
Now that days have passed and the shock of the situation has subsided, Dash used humor to counter what is an embarrassing situation.
“First of all, s— is not dentures. These are my grills,” he explained, as he flashed them to the camera. “What happened was I have to go get implants put in ’cause I have implants. And I got them 20 years ago, and every 20 years, you gotta switch them out. So I have to do surgery — pause — oral.”
Dash added that whole ordeal was funny to him.
“You know, I thought it was hilarious. I didn’t try to edit it. I think it’s good for jokes and s—,” he said.
Bruce Willis Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Aphasia Battle
Bruce Willis, 69, was recently photographed on a scorching Sunday (September 8) in Studio City, California, amid his ongoing battle with aphasia and dementia. The "Pulp Fiction" actor was seen riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle, wearing a black ballcap and a button-up shirt.
In March 2022, Willis' family announced his diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that affects language and communication skills. In February 2023, they revealed that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare form of dementia that impacts behavior, personality and language.
Despite his health challenges, Willis continues to receive support from his family, including his wife, Emma Heming Willis, and his five daughters, Mabel Ray and Evelyn with Emma, and Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis with ex-wife Demi Moore.
Willis' wife recently shared her experiences as a caregiver in an article for Maria Shriver's The Sunday Paper, emphasizing the importance of community and awareness. She noted that while FTD is distinct from Alzheimer's, it can cause significant changes in behavior, personality and language.
In August, Willis' daughter Rumer posted on Instagram Stories about her father's condition, stating that he was "doing great" and spending time with his one-year-old granddaughter. She also spoke about the family's decision to share their journey publicly to raise awareness about FTD.
Despite his diagnosis, Willis remains the beloved "girl dad" to his daughters, who describe him as a kind and affectionate grandfather.
In April 2023, Glenn Gordon Caron, who created Willis's star-making sitcom "Moonlighting", shared his experiences of visiting the actor amid his illness. He noted that Willis' language skills were limited, but his presence and essence were still recognizable.
Willis's family has expressed their appreciation for the support from fans and the medical community. They continue to advocate for research and treatments for FTD, hoping to raise awareness and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
In March 2022, Willis' family announced his diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that affects language and communication skills. In February 2023, they revealed that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare form of dementia that impacts behavior, personality and language.
Despite his health challenges, Willis continues to receive support from his family, including his wife, Emma Heming Willis, and his five daughters, Mabel Ray and Evelyn with Emma, and Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis with ex-wife Demi Moore.
Willis' wife recently shared her experiences as a caregiver in an article for Maria Shriver's The Sunday Paper, emphasizing the importance of community and awareness. She noted that while FTD is distinct from Alzheimer's, it can cause significant changes in behavior, personality and language.
In August, Willis' daughter Rumer posted on Instagram Stories about her father's condition, stating that he was "doing great" and spending time with his one-year-old granddaughter. She also spoke about the family's decision to share their journey publicly to raise awareness about FTD.
Despite his diagnosis, Willis remains the beloved "girl dad" to his daughters, who describe him as a kind and affectionate grandfather.
In April 2023, Glenn Gordon Caron, who created Willis's star-making sitcom "Moonlighting", shared his experiences of visiting the actor amid his illness. He noted that Willis' language skills were limited, but his presence and essence were still recognizable.
Willis's family has expressed their appreciation for the support from fans and the medical community. They continue to advocate for research and treatments for FTD, hoping to raise awareness and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
Diddy's Beverly Hills Mansion Up For Sale Amid His Legal Drama
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is ready to unload his stuff from his Beverly Hills home following a raid a few months ago. The rapper is reportedly selling his Los Angeles mansion for $61 million amid his legal issues.
According to Page Six, the embattled hip-hop mogul's property was officially hitting the market on Sunday, September 8. Sources close to the artist say that the sale "comes as no surprise to insiders, despite the recent controversy surrounding the hip-hop mogul." They insist that Diddy had already planned to sell the home before he was hit with the allegations.
Diddy's mansion is said to be located in the highly-coveted, so-called Platinum Triangle of Los Angeles, which includes the ritzy enclaves of Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. The listing is reportedly coming up on the real estate world's Multiple Listing Service.
The home is along a stretch known as "Billionaire's Row," where nearby neighbors include the likes of Kylie Jenner, tech moguls Evan Spiegel and Sean Parker, music bigwigs Irving Azoff and Jimmy Iovine, fashion scion Alexandra Von Furstenberg and the legendary Playboy Mansion.
The "I Need a Girl" emcee purchased the estate 10 years ago for $40 million. According to a description, "A grand cobblestone driveway leads to the completely remodeled estate, which features classic European design elements. The property boasts a luxurious paneled entry foyer with a sweeping staircase bathed in natural light, along with a large living room, formal dining room, wine cellar, office, and a gourmet kitchen with a family room and separate catering kitchen."
The mansion also boasts a "state-of-the-art theater that seats 35 guests," plus "a two-story guest house" with "a large gym, recording studio and additional guest bedrooms." Outdoors, there are "expansive lawns, mature trees, and formal gardens," plus a "resort-like swimming pool with a waterfall and grotto, a basketball court, spa house, and an outdoor loggia equipped with a BBQ, bar and pizza oven."
A source says of the decision to sell the house, "Combs established his primary residence on Star Island in Miami years ago. Now that his children are grown... the empty nester has decided to sell the property, marking a significant moment in LA real estate."
The Beverly Hills mansion is one of Diddy's properties which were raided by the Department of Homeland Security in March. His sons Christian a.k.a. King Combs and Justin Combs were at their father's Miami mansion and were detained by the feds during the raid.
In August, King appeared to have moved away from his father's home. He and his girlfriend Raven Tracy moved in together and purchased their first house together as she revealed in social media last month.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is ready to unload his stuff from his Beverly Hills home following a raid a few months ago. The rapper is reportedly selling his Los Angeles mansion for $61 million amid his legal issues.
According to Page Six, the embattled hip-hop mogul's property was officially hitting the market on Sunday, September 8. Sources close to the artist say that the sale "comes as no surprise to insiders, despite the recent controversy surrounding the hip-hop mogul." They insist that Diddy had already planned to sell the home before he was hit with the allegations.
Diddy's mansion is said to be located in the highly-coveted, so-called Platinum Triangle of Los Angeles, which includes the ritzy enclaves of Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. The listing is reportedly coming up on the real estate world's Multiple Listing Service.
The home is along a stretch known as "Billionaire's Row," where nearby neighbors include the likes of Kylie Jenner, tech moguls Evan Spiegel and Sean Parker, music bigwigs Irving Azoff and Jimmy Iovine, fashion scion Alexandra Von Furstenberg and the legendary Playboy Mansion.
The "I Need a Girl" emcee purchased the estate 10 years ago for $40 million. According to a description, "A grand cobblestone driveway leads to the completely remodeled estate, which features classic European design elements. The property boasts a luxurious paneled entry foyer with a sweeping staircase bathed in natural light, along with a large living room, formal dining room, wine cellar, office, and a gourmet kitchen with a family room and separate catering kitchen."
The mansion also boasts a "state-of-the-art theater that seats 35 guests," plus "a two-story guest house" with "a large gym, recording studio and additional guest bedrooms." Outdoors, there are "expansive lawns, mature trees, and formal gardens," plus a "resort-like swimming pool with a waterfall and grotto, a basketball court, spa house, and an outdoor loggia equipped with a BBQ, bar and pizza oven."
A source says of the decision to sell the house, "Combs established his primary residence on Star Island in Miami years ago. Now that his children are grown... the empty nester has decided to sell the property, marking a significant moment in LA real estate."
The Beverly Hills mansion is one of Diddy's properties which were raided by the Department of Homeland Security in March. His sons Christian a.k.a. King Combs and Justin Combs were at their father's Miami mansion and were detained by the feds during the raid.
In August, King appeared to have moved away from his father's home. He and his girlfriend Raven Tracy moved in together and purchased their first house together as she revealed in social media last month.
Beyonce Freely Dancing To 'Love On Top' At Former Assistant's Wedding
Beyonce Knowles appeared to have had a blast on her former assistant's special day. When attending Sam Greenberg's wedding, the "Texas Hold 'Em" hitmaker was seen jamming to her own song.
On Sunday, September 8, one video from the nuptials was uploaded by a blog via Instagram. In the short clip, it could be seen that the 43-year-old superstar was letting loose on a dance floor. She was not shy to join other wedding guests.
Queen Bey was documented dancing when her song titled "Love on Top" was being played in the background. She was singing along to the track, which was released back in 2011, while being surrounded by other guests. She looked very happy, flashing her radiant big smiles. At one point, she even giggled as she was chatting with who appeared to be the bride.
Similarly, another chimed in, "She must really love her because she's having a good time and it looks so natural." A third penned, "She actually looks free here...Just genuinely enjoying herself." A fourth added, "Awww look at her actually being a regular person."
Beyonce made an appearance at the wedding, which took place on Saturday, September 7 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with her husband Jay-Z and their first child Blue Ivy Carter. Before getting on the dance floor, Bey was spotted at an outdoor area with Hov and Blue. The three of them were joined by the singer's security guard, Julius.
For the special occasion, Beyonce flaunted her beauty in a black dress that came with white and red floral patterns all over it. In addition, her curly long hair cascaded down her lower back.
As for Blue, the 12-year-old looked chic in a bright red mini dress, which featured ruffle details on its lower part and a low-cut design. Meanwhile, her rapper father sported a white tee that he paired with an ivory suit. He completed the look with a pair of matching trousers.
On Sunday, September 8, one video from the nuptials was uploaded by a blog via Instagram. In the short clip, it could be seen that the 43-year-old superstar was letting loose on a dance floor. She was not shy to join other wedding guests.
Queen Bey was documented dancing when her song titled "Love on Top" was being played in the background. She was singing along to the track, which was released back in 2011, while being surrounded by other guests. She looked very happy, flashing her radiant big smiles. At one point, she even giggled as she was chatting with who appeared to be the bride.
Similarly, another chimed in, "She must really love her because she's having a good time and it looks so natural." A third penned, "She actually looks free here...Just genuinely enjoying herself." A fourth added, "Awww look at her actually being a regular person."
Beyonce made an appearance at the wedding, which took place on Saturday, September 7 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with her husband Jay-Z and their first child Blue Ivy Carter. Before getting on the dance floor, Bey was spotted at an outdoor area with Hov and Blue. The three of them were joined by the singer's security guard, Julius.
For the special occasion, Beyonce flaunted her beauty in a black dress that came with white and red floral patterns all over it. In addition, her curly long hair cascaded down her lower back.
As for Blue, the 12-year-old looked chic in a bright red mini dress, which featured ruffle details on its lower part and a low-cut design. Meanwhile, her rapper father sported a white tee that he paired with an ivory suit. He completed the look with a pair of matching trousers.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Have Night Out With Patrick & Brittany Mahomes After Day at US Open
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hold hands while leaving dinner on Sunday night (September 8) in Manhattan, New York.
The 34-year-old singer and the 34-year-old NFL player enjoyed a night out with friends Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, who were seen leaving the restaurant separately.
Taylor and Travis have had a busy weekend in the city. Earlier in the day, they attended the Men’s Singles Final at the US Open with the Mahomes.
The day before, Taylor and Travis were seen attending the star-studded wedding of Karen Elson and Lee Foster, the owner of Electric Lady Studios, where Taylor records a lot of her music.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hold hands while leaving dinner on Sunday night (September 8) in Manhattan, New York.
The 34-year-old singer and the 34-year-old NFL player enjoyed a night out with friends Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, who were seen leaving the restaurant separately.
Taylor and Travis have had a busy weekend in the city. Earlier in the day, they attended the Men’s Singles Final at the US Open with the Mahomes.
The day before, Taylor and Travis were seen attending the star-studded wedding of Karen Elson and Lee Foster, the owner of Electric Lady Studios, where Taylor records a lot of her music.
Mariah Carey Speaks Out After Her Mother and Sister's Deaths
On Sunday, Sept. 8, the singer, 55, shared a post on Instagram which features a video of her rehearsing ahead of her upcoming shows in China and Brazil. In the clip, Carey sings a slow, stripped-down version of her 2005 track "It's Like That," before telling her viewers: "We'll see you soon, China."
In the caption, she wrote that she was "back at work," while expressing her gratitude for her fans' support.
"It’s been a couple of rough weeks, but I appreciate everyone’s love and support so much and I can’t wait to see my fans in China & Brazil," Carey captioned the post. "Love you! ❤️❤️❤️."
"My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day," the Grammy-winning singer said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time.
"I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed," Carey added. "I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time."
David Baker, a patient advocate who knew Alison personally, previously said that the 63-year-old “had a tough life” before she died in her New York home. We saw it coming, but it’s still a shock,” Baker said. “She got ill fairly quickly and a month later, she’s gone.”
Carey was estranged from her sister and her mother for many years before their deaths. She wrote in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, that her relationship with her mother “has caused me so much pain and confusion.”
"For my sanity and peace of mind, my therapist encouraged me to literally rename and reframe my family,” she wrote. “My mother became Pat to me, Morgan my ex-brother and Alison my ex-sister ... I had to stop expecting them to one day miraculously become the mommy, big brother and big sister I fantasized about.”
Carey's brother Morgan said in a statement after his mother and sister's deaths: "I'm praying for them and hope they are finally at peace. We were five, and now we are two."
Cate Blanchett Says ‘Carol’ Was ‘So Hard to Get Funded’ Because ‘No One Wanted to See’ a Film With ‘Two Women Falling in Love’
Cate Blanchett touched down in Toronto for a wide-ranging talk about creative conflict on film sets, making big-budget films “risky,” and why her six-time Oscar-nominated film “Carol” struggled to find funding.
Blanchett, who is at TIFF supporting Alfonso Cuarón’s Apple TV+ show “Disclaimer” and Guy Maddin’s film “Rumours,” was welcomed at the Royal Alexandra Theatre with a standing ovation after fans lined up early to acquire rush tickets to the event.
Early in the conversation, Blanchett talked about her love for performing theater in front of a live audience, leading her to address the “streamers out there” that don’t release viewership data.
“We want the numbers,” Blanchett said (though she didn’t specifically name-drop “Disclaimer” maker Apple, which, like most streamers, tends to shield its audience metrics). “Not so we know how much money is being made, but we want to know how many eyeballs have been on things that we have made. That’s greatly important.”
Blanchett recalled performing live theater and hearing people leave the room midway through a monologue — the pflump of auditorium chairs snapping shut.
“You look at the seats and you go, ‘OK, that was 70 pflumps.’ The next night, there’s 20 pflumps. And hopefully, by opening night, everyone is riveted,” Blanchett said, prompting laughter from the audience.
Later in the conversation, Blanchett was asked how she handles creative disagreements with directors on set. While she said there has been “no conflict” with her longtime collaborator Todd Haynes, Blanchett recalled a moment on the set of “Carol” in which the director struggled to find the lighting in a particular scene, so the actors allowed him the space to clear his head while they searched for alternate solutions.
“There is a misconception somehow that making the film, when it’s great, it’s like summer camp, and I’ve been on a couple of those, and the films have been fucking awful,” Blanchett said. “Polite disagreement, respectful disagreement is super important in the creative process.”
In “Carol,” Blanchett plays a middle-aged mother who becomes involved in a romantic affair with a younger woman (Rooney Mara) who works at a department store. While the film came out not even a decade ago, in 2015, Blanchett said it took five years (and multiple directors) to make it because it was “so hard” to get the project funded.
“At one point, another director was going to do it, and he got sort of taken off the project,” Blanchett said. That prompted her to step away as well, until Haynes expressed interest in the project and got Blanchett back on board. “It was a five-year period, because no one wanted to fund it at that point. No one wanted to see … who was going to watch a film with one woman, let alone two women, falling in love?”
She added, “We do think about how much still has to change within the industry in terms of equity, inclusion and making films more sustainably. But, you know, we have made huge advances.”
Blanchett remarked that the last several years of film have been “vibrant” because “the voices are less homogenous.”
“It was a risky endeavor at the time, unfortunately,” she said of “Carol.”
Speaking of risk, Blanchett spoke about her “eclectic” range of movie roles — from indie dramas to billion-dollar franchises — and said that her representation at the time was surprised she wanted to take on “Lord of the Rings” and “go for three weeks and play an elf.”
“When there’s a sense of risk in those tentpole films, and you can feel it when there is a risk, then they have a chance of being successful,” Blanchett said. “I mean, ‘Barbie’ worked, not only because of the component parts, but because it was a risk. Someone took a risk on that. That’s why it worked — it was so fucking crazy!”
Speaking more broadly about big-budget movies, Blanchett said, “I think it’s when they become self-satisfied and bloated … bloat is the enemy of creativity. You can have too many resources.”
Blanchett, whose credits include “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” to “Thor: Ragnarok” to “Borderlands,” added that large-scale popcorn flicks “make space for people to remind themselves how great it is to go to the cinema.”
During an audience Q&A section, Blanchett took a question from a child actor asking for advice on entering the industry.
“I hate giving advice,” Blanchett said before adding, “Go out in nature. … Anything that gives you the time to think long thoughts and think uncomfortable thoughts, because being an actor, it’s pretty uncomfortable a lot of the time. There will be times where you flow, there will be times when you take off as a group of people and those are the moments you cling onto. But 97% of the time it’s slightly uncomfortable. And being in the rehearsal room … unless you’re slightly uncomfortable, you’re not working from the right place.”
Cate Blanchett touched down in Toronto for a wide-ranging talk about creative conflict on film sets, making big-budget films “risky,” and why her six-time Oscar-nominated film “Carol” struggled to find funding.
Blanchett, who is at TIFF supporting Alfonso Cuarón’s Apple TV+ show “Disclaimer” and Guy Maddin’s film “Rumours,” was welcomed at the Royal Alexandra Theatre with a standing ovation after fans lined up early to acquire rush tickets to the event.
Early in the conversation, Blanchett talked about her love for performing theater in front of a live audience, leading her to address the “streamers out there” that don’t release viewership data.
“We want the numbers,” Blanchett said (though she didn’t specifically name-drop “Disclaimer” maker Apple, which, like most streamers, tends to shield its audience metrics). “Not so we know how much money is being made, but we want to know how many eyeballs have been on things that we have made. That’s greatly important.”
Blanchett recalled performing live theater and hearing people leave the room midway through a monologue — the pflump of auditorium chairs snapping shut.
“You look at the seats and you go, ‘OK, that was 70 pflumps.’ The next night, there’s 20 pflumps. And hopefully, by opening night, everyone is riveted,” Blanchett said, prompting laughter from the audience.
Later in the conversation, Blanchett was asked how she handles creative disagreements with directors on set. While she said there has been “no conflict” with her longtime collaborator Todd Haynes, Blanchett recalled a moment on the set of “Carol” in which the director struggled to find the lighting in a particular scene, so the actors allowed him the space to clear his head while they searched for alternate solutions.
“There is a misconception somehow that making the film, when it’s great, it’s like summer camp, and I’ve been on a couple of those, and the films have been fucking awful,” Blanchett said. “Polite disagreement, respectful disagreement is super important in the creative process.”
In “Carol,” Blanchett plays a middle-aged mother who becomes involved in a romantic affair with a younger woman (Rooney Mara) who works at a department store. While the film came out not even a decade ago, in 2015, Blanchett said it took five years (and multiple directors) to make it because it was “so hard” to get the project funded.
“At one point, another director was going to do it, and he got sort of taken off the project,” Blanchett said. That prompted her to step away as well, until Haynes expressed interest in the project and got Blanchett back on board. “It was a five-year period, because no one wanted to fund it at that point. No one wanted to see … who was going to watch a film with one woman, let alone two women, falling in love?”
She added, “We do think about how much still has to change within the industry in terms of equity, inclusion and making films more sustainably. But, you know, we have made huge advances.”
Blanchett remarked that the last several years of film have been “vibrant” because “the voices are less homogenous.”
“It was a risky endeavor at the time, unfortunately,” she said of “Carol.”
Speaking of risk, Blanchett spoke about her “eclectic” range of movie roles — from indie dramas to billion-dollar franchises — and said that her representation at the time was surprised she wanted to take on “Lord of the Rings” and “go for three weeks and play an elf.”
“When there’s a sense of risk in those tentpole films, and you can feel it when there is a risk, then they have a chance of being successful,” Blanchett said. “I mean, ‘Barbie’ worked, not only because of the component parts, but because it was a risk. Someone took a risk on that. That’s why it worked — it was so fucking crazy!”
Speaking more broadly about big-budget movies, Blanchett said, “I think it’s when they become self-satisfied and bloated … bloat is the enemy of creativity. You can have too many resources.”
Blanchett, whose credits include “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” to “Thor: Ragnarok” to “Borderlands,” added that large-scale popcorn flicks “make space for people to remind themselves how great it is to go to the cinema.”
During an audience Q&A section, Blanchett took a question from a child actor asking for advice on entering the industry.
“I hate giving advice,” Blanchett said before adding, “Go out in nature. … Anything that gives you the time to think long thoughts and think uncomfortable thoughts, because being an actor, it’s pretty uncomfortable a lot of the time. There will be times where you flow, there will be times when you take off as a group of people and those are the moments you cling onto. But 97% of the time it’s slightly uncomfortable. And being in the rehearsal room … unless you’re slightly uncomfortable, you’re not working from the right place.”
Lil Wayne’s Manager Is ‘Confused, Disappointed, & Angry’ Over 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner
Lil Wayne’s manager and engineer, Fabian Marasciullo, is feeling some type of way after the NFL announced Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.
He also added that he is “Inspired.”
“Will never again be in a position or have the 🐐 in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”
Do you think Lil Wayne should have been the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show?
He also added that he is “Inspired.”
“Will never again be in a position or have the 🐐 in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”
Do you think Lil Wayne should have been the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Will Smith Is No Longer Starring in ‘Sugar Bandits’ Action Thriller
Will Smith has officially took his name out the hat of the highly anticipated action-thriller “Sugar Bandits.” Now the production is without its headline star.
So what’s up with that? Well, according to Deadline Hollywood, Smith’s departure is attributed to “scheduling conflicts.” That’s interesting as most scheduling is lined up before stars commit to big tentpole projects but what do we know.
Still, it remains unclear which of his upcoming projects may have caused the alleged conflict. Smith has several projects in the pipeline, including the much-anticipated “I Am Legend 2”, where he is set to co-star with Michael B. Jordan.
Get this, Smith’s exit places the film’s future in a weird position, especially in terms of box office potential. Distributors had eagerly signed on to back the $80 million production at both Cannes and the European Film Market (EFM), largely because of Smith’s involvement as the lead.
What’s interesting is Smith will continue to be attached to the project as a producer through his production company Westbrook, but finding a replacement actor who can carry the same star power is now a real concern.
There are some big shoes to fill and the clock is ticking.
”Sugar Bandits” was scheduled to begin filming in the coming months. Despite the setback, the filmmakers are still eyeing a 2025 release date, but that will depend on how quickly a new lead can be secured.
What’s more, is the film is set to be directed by Stefano Sollima (“Sicario: Day of the Soldado”), and is based on Chuck Hogan’s novel “Devils in Exile”.
The story centers on a former special forces soldier who leads a team of vigilantes to take down Boston’s drug trade. Hogan is also attached as the film’s screenwriter.
Deadline wrote in their report that Smith’s departure “throws a major wrench into the film’s production schedule,” and without a new lead, the distributors who initially supported the project may reevaluate their commitment. It remains to be seen whether a new actor can step into the role and satisfy the high expectations that distributors and fans alike had for the film with Smith in the driver’s seat.
So what’s up with that? Well, according to Deadline Hollywood, Smith’s departure is attributed to “scheduling conflicts.” That’s interesting as most scheduling is lined up before stars commit to big tentpole projects but what do we know.
Still, it remains unclear which of his upcoming projects may have caused the alleged conflict. Smith has several projects in the pipeline, including the much-anticipated “I Am Legend 2”, where he is set to co-star with Michael B. Jordan.
Get this, Smith’s exit places the film’s future in a weird position, especially in terms of box office potential. Distributors had eagerly signed on to back the $80 million production at both Cannes and the European Film Market (EFM), largely because of Smith’s involvement as the lead.
What’s interesting is Smith will continue to be attached to the project as a producer through his production company Westbrook, but finding a replacement actor who can carry the same star power is now a real concern.
There are some big shoes to fill and the clock is ticking.
”Sugar Bandits” was scheduled to begin filming in the coming months. Despite the setback, the filmmakers are still eyeing a 2025 release date, but that will depend on how quickly a new lead can be secured.
What’s more, is the film is set to be directed by Stefano Sollima (“Sicario: Day of the Soldado”), and is based on Chuck Hogan’s novel “Devils in Exile”.
The story centers on a former special forces soldier who leads a team of vigilantes to take down Boston’s drug trade. Hogan is also attached as the film’s screenwriter.
Deadline wrote in their report that Smith’s departure “throws a major wrench into the film’s production schedule,” and without a new lead, the distributors who initially supported the project may reevaluate their commitment. It remains to be seen whether a new actor can step into the role and satisfy the high expectations that distributors and fans alike had for the film with Smith in the driver’s seat.
Miami Officer Placed on Leave After Detaining Tyreek Hill Before Dolphins Season Opener
Miami Dolphins’ season opener was anything but routine for star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was briefly detained by Miami-Dade police just hours before taking the field. Hill, known for his lightning speed and big-play ability, found himself in a different kind of spotlight after a traffic incident escalated on Sunday morning.
The Miami Dolphins released a statement confirming that Hill was detained for a short period following the traffic stop. Meanwhile, the Miami-Dade Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the matter, which resulted in one officer being placed on administrative leave.
In a statement released Sunday, Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels addressed the situation, saying, “Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter. One of the officers involved has been placed on administrative duties while we conduct the investigation. We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in every case involving our officers.”
The drama didn’t stop with Hill. According to reports, a second Dolphins player was also detained at the scene when they attempted to speak with officers about the situation.
For Hill, this pre-game encounter left him confused and frustrated. He spoke about the incident during his post-game press conference, saying, “I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way, didn’t cuss, didn’t do none of that. Like I said, I’m still trying to figure it out.”
Despite the unexpected run-in with law enforcement, Hill didn’t let it impact his performance on the field. He ended the day with a comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, even celebrating a key touchdown with a “handcuffs” gesture—clearly referencing the earlier incident.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on how the Miami-Dade Police Department handles this case. For now, Hill can focus on keeping his head in the game and leading the Dolphins to victory this season.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
The Miami Dolphins released a statement confirming that Hill was detained for a short period following the traffic stop. Meanwhile, the Miami-Dade Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the matter, which resulted in one officer being placed on administrative leave.
In a statement released Sunday, Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels addressed the situation, saying, “Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter. One of the officers involved has been placed on administrative duties while we conduct the investigation. We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in every case involving our officers.”
The drama didn’t stop with Hill. According to reports, a second Dolphins player was also detained at the scene when they attempted to speak with officers about the situation.
For Hill, this pre-game encounter left him confused and frustrated. He spoke about the incident during his post-game press conference, saying, “I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way, didn’t cuss, didn’t do none of that. Like I said, I’m still trying to figure it out.”
Despite the unexpected run-in with law enforcement, Hill didn’t let it impact his performance on the field. He ended the day with a comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, even celebrating a key touchdown with a “handcuffs” gesture—clearly referencing the earlier incident.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on how the Miami-Dade Police Department handles this case. For now, Hill can focus on keeping his head in the game and leading the Dolphins to victory this season.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
Angela Bassett Celebrates Her First-Ever Emmy Win: “It Feels Really Good to Hold This in My Hands”
Angela Bassett has just snagged the first Emmy of her career.
The acclaimed actress, who has accumulated a remarkable nine Emmy nominations throughout her nearly four decades in the industry, clinched the trophy for Best Narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on September 7th. The accolade was for her outstanding work on “Queens,” a National Geographic docuseries exploring the powerful matriarchies in the animal kingdom.
When Angela took the stage, drawing cheers from the crowd, she exclaimed, “My first Emmy!” before delivering her touching acceptance speech.
The “What’s Love Got To Do With It” star also reflected on this career-defining moment in the press room and on social media. This milestone arrived just months after the 66-year-old received an honorary Oscar for her incredible contributions to the film industry.
Asked why she seemed surprised by her win despite its clear merit, Bassett replied, “This is one of the really, really big ones, you know what I mean? And so that … that doesn’t usually happen.”
She added, “But also, whenever you’re acknowledged … I’m just a girl who just wanted to act, and my mentors were way out ahead of me. I just looked to them for inspiration and hope and put my focus, energy, and love into making it happen for my life.”
Bassett reflected on her first love of acting and how moments like this—her Emmy win—are deeply appreciated. In a heartfelt Instagram post on September 7th, Bassett reiterated her shock and gratitude, sharing a stunning image of her award show look.
“My very first #Emmy. It feels really good to hold this in my hands. Thank you to the @televisionacad for recognizing me and the extraordinary story that the #Queens docuseries tells. So much of my life is spent on camera telling stories, that when I have the opportunity to step back and let these majestic, powerful creatures take the spotlight, I am honored to be their voice,” Bassett wrote.
Angela Bassett has just snagged the first Emmy of her career.
The acclaimed actress, who has accumulated a remarkable nine Emmy nominations throughout her nearly four decades in the industry, clinched the trophy for Best Narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on September 7th. The accolade was for her outstanding work on “Queens,” a National Geographic docuseries exploring the powerful matriarchies in the animal kingdom.
When Angela took the stage, drawing cheers from the crowd, she exclaimed, “My first Emmy!” before delivering her touching acceptance speech.
The “What’s Love Got To Do With It” star also reflected on this career-defining moment in the press room and on social media. This milestone arrived just months after the 66-year-old received an honorary Oscar for her incredible contributions to the film industry.
Asked why she seemed surprised by her win despite its clear merit, Bassett replied, “This is one of the really, really big ones, you know what I mean? And so that … that doesn’t usually happen.”
She added, “But also, whenever you’re acknowledged … I’m just a girl who just wanted to act, and my mentors were way out ahead of me. I just looked to them for inspiration and hope and put my focus, energy, and love into making it happen for my life.”
Bassett reflected on her first love of acting and how moments like this—her Emmy win—are deeply appreciated. In a heartfelt Instagram post on September 7th, Bassett reiterated her shock and gratitude, sharing a stunning image of her award show look.
“My very first #Emmy. It feels really good to hold this in my hands. Thank you to the @televisionacad for recognizing me and the extraordinary story that the #Queens docuseries tells. So much of my life is spent on camera telling stories, that when I have the opportunity to step back and let these majestic, powerful creatures take the spotlight, I am honored to be their voice,” Bassett wrote.
OnlyFans Reports Record-Breaking $6.6 Billion in Revenue for 2023!
No Signs of Slowing Down! OnlyFans Reports Record-Breaking $6.6 Billion in Revenue for 2023
Despite many companies experiencing a decline in business following pandemic booms, OnlyFans can’t relate and has proven to be a money-making machine long after the lockdown ended.
On Friday, Fenix International, the parent company to OnlyFans, shared its annual earnings for the fiscal year ending on November 30, 2023, and the numbers are impressive. Reports show that OnlyFans saw a 29% increase in users, with 4.12 million creators on the platform. Gross payments to creators rose by 19%, from $5.55 billion in 2022 to $6.63 billion this year. OnlyFans has always claimed to prioritize its creators by ensuring they are paid 80% of all payments made through the site.
This success also benefited the platform’s owner, Leo Radvinsky, who acquired OnlyFans from the company’s founder, Tim Stokely, in 2018. According to the platform’s filings, Radvinsky received a major payout of $338 million in 2022, adding to the $500 million he earned during the prior two years.
The app was founded in 2016 and saw a massive spike during the COVID-19 pandemic as many people tuned into the platform as either creators or supporters while the country was under lockdown. These individuals were seeking entertainment or trying to find a new source of income as many companies were shut down. While there were once concerns that its popularity and earning potential were dying out, these new numbers prove that OnlyFans is still quite lucrative.
Despite many companies experiencing a decline in business following pandemic booms, OnlyFans can’t relate and has proven to be a money-making machine long after the lockdown ended.
On Friday, Fenix International, the parent company to OnlyFans, shared its annual earnings for the fiscal year ending on November 30, 2023, and the numbers are impressive. Reports show that OnlyFans saw a 29% increase in users, with 4.12 million creators on the platform. Gross payments to creators rose by 19%, from $5.55 billion in 2022 to $6.63 billion this year. OnlyFans has always claimed to prioritize its creators by ensuring they are paid 80% of all payments made through the site.
This success also benefited the platform’s owner, Leo Radvinsky, who acquired OnlyFans from the company’s founder, Tim Stokely, in 2018. According to the platform’s filings, Radvinsky received a major payout of $338 million in 2022, adding to the $500 million he earned during the prior two years.
The app was founded in 2016 and saw a massive spike during the COVID-19 pandemic as many people tuned into the platform as either creators or supporters while the country was under lockdown. These individuals were seeking entertainment or trying to find a new source of income as many companies were shut down. While there were once concerns that its popularity and earning potential were dying out, these new numbers prove that OnlyFans is still quite lucrative.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The GOAT!
He really is The Goat
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment