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ESPYs Host Levels Last Year's Emcee With Perfect Response To Terrible Joke

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Marcello Hernández, the host of Wednesday night’s ESPY Awards, jumped right into the deep end in his opening monologue with a not-so-subtle jab at last year’s host. 

“I also want to shout out last year’s host, Shane Gillis. He is watching from home like a true American,” said Hernández. “On his couch, drinking a beer while a Hispanic guy does his job.” 

Buzz: 2025 ESPY Awards Red Carpet: All The Best And Most Talked-About Looks

Gillis received backlash last year after making a distasteful joke about WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

“When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist-fighting Black women,” Gillis said at the time. 

Aside from the Gillis joke, Hernández didn’t shy away from highlighting his heritage in his opening monologue, noting that he’s the first Hispanic to host the ESPYs in 25 years. The “SNL” cast member also took the opportunity, amid increased hostility toward immigrants in the U.S., to thank his mother, who immigrated from Cuba. 

“I personally think it’s crazy that I get to host the ESPYs,” Hernández said. “This is an American dream, for a child of immigrants to host the biggest show in sports.” 

Buzz: Wanda Sykes Trolls Bill Maher Right To His Face At The Golden Globes

“My mom came to this country by herself at 20 years old; she worked as a nanny, she lived in an efficiency, which is a room attached to a house,” he continued. “She paid her way through college by working during the day and going to school at night. And at her graduation, she was pregnant with me. And I just figured that if I had to hear it every day, you all could hear it once.” 

Hernández then implored Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry to give his mother, who was seated right behind him, a hug. Curry, without hesitation, obliged Hernández’s request. 

Click here to watch Hernández’s full opening monologue from Wednesday night’s show.

Read the original on HuffPost

Was That A Baseball Team Or A Fever Dream? Meet The Savannah Bananas.

Did a baseball team or a boy band just kick off the sports world’s most glamorous gathering?

While the choreography, lip-syncing, backflips and yellow uniforms may have seemed like a baffling combo to the uninitiated, Wednesday night’s ESPY Awards opener looked like business as usual for fans of the Savannah Bananas.

The on-stage spectacle also made it clear why the exhibition baseball team is popular enough to sell out Yankee Stadium and boasts more TikTok followers than any Major League Baseball clubhouse.

The Savannah Bananas brought their baseball antics to the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York on Wednesday.
The Savannah Bananas brought their baseball antics to the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York on Wednesday. Mike Coppola via Getty Images

The Savannah Bananas launched in 2016 on the idea of “whatever is normal, we will do the opposite,” Joe Martinelli, the president and CEO of Visit Savannah, said that founder Jesse Cole told him. That means you can expect dingers celebrated with dance breaks, outfield acrobatics and a pitcher who stands 10 feet 9 inches tall while slinging his heaters on stilts.

The Bananas aren’t playing by MLB rules when they take the field either.

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The Savannah Bananas performed a kick line before a game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., last May.
The Savannah Bananas performed a kick line before a game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., last May. Luke Johnson via Getty Images

“Banana Ball,” as it’s called, maintains a strict two-hour time limit, with teams competing for one point per inning, making each leg of the game a battle to score the most runs. All bets are off in the ninth inning, however, when scoring is unlimited.

Waiting out four balls won’t get you a walk. Instead, batters make a full sprint around the diamond while the ball is relayed to every fielder before the defense can make a play.

“Banana Ball” has dingers, dance breaks, outfield acrobatics and a pitcher, Dakota Albritton, who stands 10 feet 9 inches tall while slinging his heaters on stilts, as is seen here at Denver’s Coors Field last August.
“Banana Ball” has dingers, dance breaks, outfield acrobatics and a pitcher, Dakota Albritton, who stands 10 feet 9 inches tall while slinging his heaters on stilts, as is seen here at Denver’s Coors Field last August. Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images via Getty Images

Providing some true chaos at the plate, the players can even decide that they’re bored with their at-bat and steal first base on any pitch.

Foul balls are fair game no matter where they go because a catch by someone in the stands counts as an out.

Sports: New York Mets’ Misery Is Encapsulated In One ‘Little League’ Play

Though the antics might remind some of the Harlem Globetrotters’ basketball theatrics, Banana Ball has one key difference: While wacky, the competition is real.

“We get that [comparison] a lot,” Cole told the New York Post, “but the biggest difference is that we never know the result of the game.”

Read the original on HuffPost

How to live stream the ESPYs: watch, start time, TV channel

The biggest stars in sports will take center stage Wednesday night as the 2026 ESPY Awards celebrate the year’s most memorable athletes, teams, and performances from across the sports world.

Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Marcello Hernandez arrives on the red carpet before the 2026 ESPY Awards at Lincoln Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

How to Watch 2026 ESPY Awards

  • When: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 PM ET
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Live Stream: Fubo (Start watching now!)

The 2026 ESPY Awards air live on Wednesday, July 15, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and stream on the ESPN App. This year’s ceremony returns to New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center and will be hosted by Marcello Hernández of Saturday Night Live. Top nominees include Shohei Ohtani, Lionel Messi, Rory McIlroy, Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama, Myles Garrett, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Alysa Liu, while special honors will recognize inspiring achievements on and off the field.

Fans can also expect appearances from many of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, along with musical performances and celebrity presenters throughout the evening. As always, the ESPYS blend championship celebrations, unforgettable moments, and emotional tributes, making it one of the premier annual events on the sports calendar.

This is a great event that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

Live stream the 2026 ESPY Awards on ACB with Fubo: Start watching today!

You can live stream NBA games all season long with Fubo. They carry all of the channels you will need to never miss your favorite team’s games, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, as well as local team coverage.

Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

'SNL' star Marcello Hernández takes the ESPYs stage: How to watch

"Saturday Night Live" star and comedian Marcello Hernández will host the 2026 ESPY Awards.

The ESPN-produced awards show, which celebrates outstanding achievements in sports, airs Wednesday, July 15, in New York City.

"I started doing comedy 10 years ago, in Cleveland, Ohio, and I would take the train 12 hours to New York to sell comedy tickets on the street in Greenwich Village in exchange for stage time," Hernández said in a statement. "It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy to be hosting the ESPYS this year in New York. I'm sure the energy is going to be great."

Previous ESPYS hosts include Jimmy Kimmel, LeBron James and Serena Williams.

Marcello Hernandez attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2026 in New York City.

"Marcello is one of the most electric young comedians today. His genuine enthusiasm for sports and his ties to New York City make him a natural fit to host this year's ESPYS," ESPN Vice President Craig Lazarus said in a statement. "We are excited to partner with him to celebrate the best moments in sports and look forward to the fresh take he'll bring to the show."

How to watch the 2026 ESPYs

The 2026 ESPYs air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will stream live on the ESPN App. The ceremony will also be available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App and ABC Video on-demand Thursday, July 16.

How to watch the red carpet

The ESPYS red carpet show, hosted by Samantha Rivera, Harry Lyles Jr., Monica McNutt and Kimberley Martin, is at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can watch live on ESPN's YouTube and Facebook page and the ESPN App. Expect appearances from some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.

ESPYs will bring a star-studded roster of presenters

  • Simone Biles
  • Allyson Felix
  • Eileen Gu
  • Tiffany Haddish
  • Kevin Hart
  •  DJ Khaled
  • Chloe Kim
  • Billie Jean King
  • Pat McAfee
  • Ilona Maher
  • French Montana
  • Tracy Morgan
  • Kevin Negandhi
  • Jake Paul
  • Oz Pearlman
  • Robin Roberts
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Mike Tyson
  • Lindsey Vonn

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'SNL' star Marcello Hernández takes the ESPYs stage: How to watch

Giants Star Jermaine Eluemunor Says Soccer Was His First Dream Before NFL Career

Image Credit: nfluk/ Instagram.

Jermaine Eluemunor has built an NFL career as one of the biggest men on the field, but his first sports dream belonged to a very different kind of football.

TMZ Sports reported that the New York Giants offensive lineman said he wanted to become a professional soccer player while growing up in England.

The London-born tackle joked that one major thing got in the way, he was simply too big.

Eluemunor Grew Up Loving Soccer

Eluemunor told TMZ Sports that he has always been a huge fan of the game. He said that as a kid in Europe, he wanted to play professionally, but his size made that path unlikely.

The Giants list Eluemunor at 6-foot-4 and 338 pounds, which helps explain why American football eventually became the better fit.

He told TMZ that he believes he was put on earth to play American football, calling it his love and passion.

Moving to America Changed His Sports Path

Eluemunor said soccer development looked very different once he came to the United States. As a kid, he said he had only played once or twice a week, but later realized that players aiming for the top level train every day.

His official Giants biography says he played soccer and rugby while growing up in London before playing American football for the first time in high school.

From there, his path led through Lackawanna College, Texas A&M and the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fifth round.

He Still Wants to Grow the Game Back Home

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Even though the NFL became his career, Eluemunor has not lost his connection to the U.K. sports scene. TMZ reported that he spent part of the summer in England hosting his second annual American football camp.

He said spreading the game in England is something he cares deeply about. 

The Giants’ biography also notes that Eluemunor previously met with students at an NFL Flag clinic in Germany, part of his broader connection to the league’s international growth.

There Is No Doubt Where His Loyalty Lies

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A post shared by NFL UK & IRE (@nfluk)

The interview landed as England prepared to face Messi and Argentina in the World Cup semifinal. Eluemunor made it clear where his loyalty was, predicting that England was going to “smack” Argentina.

He also praised Norway star Erling Haaland, calling him a rare physical player and comparing his athletic profile to someone who could fit American football.

England and Argentina were scheduled to meet Wednesday, July 15, with the winner set to face Spain in the World Cup final.

The Batman Part II's release date has been pushed back to early 2028 — and its latest delay is going to have a major impact on James Gunn's DC Universe

  • The Batman Part II has been delayed until February 2028
  • Its director has shared new footage of Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader
  • James Gunn's DC Universe could be severely impacted by this development

It's going to be another 18 months before we finally get to see The Batman Part II.

The long in development comic book movie, whose release date had already been pushed back twice, is now not set to land in theaters until February 18, 2028. Anyone who had hoped to see The Batman Part II on its previously revised release date on October 1, 2027, then, is going to be seriously disappointed.

News of The Batman sequel's latest launch date came by way of a new video that director Matt Reeves shared on his social media channels. The footage, which gives us our first look at the returning Robert Pattinson as the titular vigilante in Reeves' next Batman film, ends with the revelation of the adjusted release date.

By the time this DC comic book project lands on the big screen, then, almost six years will have passed since its predecessor made its own theatrical debut. That's a long time to make fans wait for the hotly-anticipated follow-up.

Why The Batman Part II's delayed release is bad news for James Gunn's DC Universe

Robert Pattinson's mud-covered Caped Crusader looking up in The Batman

Batman fans across the world when they hear about this latest launch date delay... (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

It would be remiss of me not to say that movie delays happen all of the time, so word of The Batman Part II's latest launch setback is, especially for a film that's taken a long time to get off the ground for myriad reasons, to be expected.

Nevertheless, it's going to have a huge impact on James Gunn and Peter Safran's nascent DC Universe (DCU), which is already reeling from its first major dud in Supergirl.

Indeed, Gunn has said time and again that the DCU's Batman — and, by proxy, his DCU Chapter One solo film in The Brave and the Bold — won't see the light of day until The Batman Part II has premiered.

The reason? While Gunn says audiences are intelligent enough to understand that Reeves' Bat-Verse and the DCU are separate entities, he doesn't want two Batmans running amok in cinemas at the same time. Now that The Batman 2 won't come out until early 2028, though, we aren't likely to see the DCU's Dark Knight until 2029 at the very earliest.

That doesn't mean Gunn, Safran, and company won't be working on The Brave and The Bold in the meantime. What it does mean, though, is that the wait for one of DC Comics' so-called Holy Trinity will not only drag on for ever longer, but DC Studios' co-heads will have to continue fielding questions about the timeline for the Caped Crusader's unveiling in their cinematic franchise. In that regard, can't say I envy them.

Anyway, feel free to find out everything we know so far about The Batman Part II while you're here. Alternatively, vote in the poll above to let me know what you think of the movie's latest delay.

The Odyssey IMAX 70mm screening demand is so high that IMAX CEO confirms he'd 'like to see more' theaters — but actually getting them is more complicated than it looks

As Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey arrives in theaters worldwide on July 17, the demand for screenings in IMAX 70mm has never been higher.

According to Variety, demand is so high that "fans are taking cross-country trips, buying tickets in bulk and more to see the film, with one fan even delaying her pregnancy."

The new movie is the first feature film ever shot entirely on 1570 IMAX cameras, and you only have to look at the TikTok below to see how much of each shot standard cinemagoers will be missing out on.

Globally, there are only 30-40 theaters that can play Nolan's original 70mm film, with around 26 in the US and just three in the UK.

We know what cultural and economic impact The Odyssey is set to have in the industry this summer, with estimates predicting that the movie will gross $200 million at the international box office in its opening weekend alone.

So does this mean that we could see an increase in new IMAX theaters being built? IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond confirms that it's a definite company goal... but the reality isn't quite so straightforward.

'We haven't made new IMAX projectors in about 50 years'

"There's certainly more demand; the problem is they haven't made new IMAX film projectors in about 50 years," Gelfond told Variety.

"So we retrofit them, rebuild them, and part of our strategy is to see how far we can take it. But certainly, demand-driven, I'd like to see more."

Obviously, this would be a huge investment for the company. Commercial IMAX projectors range from $300,000 to over $1.2 million USD, depending on whether it is digital, laser, or traditional 70mm film. The latter is going to be at the top end of this range, given its complexity.

Then there's the risk involved with investing. Just because The Odyssey has such high demand doesn't mean that other movies that opt to film in the same format in the future will have the same retention level.

Cinemas are struggling enough as it is, which isn't helped by the fact that streaming services like Netflix are frequently pushing back on giving original movies a theatrical release.

“There is a group of filmmakers who still want theatrical,” Dan Lin, chairman of Netflix Film, told The Hollywood Reporter. “Those are filmmakers that we’ve accepted; we just won’t work with.”

In short, it's a leap of faith back to a new cinema, despite how much fans are desperate for them. However, if any film can set a new precedent — and bring back the forgotten ways of making projectors — it's The Odyssey.

I'm quietly keeping my fingers crossed that such passionate interest in returning to cinema in its biggest and best form will mark a turning point. Perhaps just because I can't get tickets for Nolan's latest at the BFI IMAX... but while I'm jealous, the fact that screenings are sold out until mid-August is nothing short of astonishing.

Don't forget, you can save 50% on Criterion 4K Blu-rays at Amazon and Barnes & Noble right now — the sale is for a limited time, so don't miss it if you're looking to add to your collection

If you'd missed that the big half-price Criterion Collection 4K Blu-ray sale is back on, then don't worry — you still have a bit of time left to catch it! The official sale runs until July 26. As always, the complete Criterion range is discounted at Barnes & Noble, while a more limited set of discounts is available at Amazon.

View the full Criterion sale at Amazon
View the full Criterion sale at Barnes & Noble

The Amazon sale also has some options that are on sale, but not at the full half price. I'm mainly included Amazon links because some people just lean towards it for convenience, but the B&N sale is where you can fully indulge in building your collection, and to a dangerous degree — my biggest problem with a Criterion sale is always deciding what to limit myself to if I don't want to hit bankruptcy.

I've highlighted 12 discs below that I think are worth checking out from the sale options, but I imagine most collectors will just want to browse everything, which you can do via the links above.

Criterion 4K Blu-ray sale — quick links

Criterion 4K Blu-ray sale: 12 titles I'd recommend

Eyes Wide Shut (the Criterion Collection) [4k Uhd]Save 50%

The Criterion Collection
Eyes Wide Shut

Wall•e (the Criterion Collection) [4k Uhd]Save 50%

The Criterion Collection
Wall•E

The Princess Bride (the Criterion Collection) [4k Uhd]Save 50%

The Criterion Collection
The Princess Bride

No Country for Old Men (the Criterion Collection) [4k Uhd]Save 50%

The Criterion Collection
No Country for Old Men

The Before Trilogy (before Sunrise/before Sunset/before Midnight) (the Criterion Collection)Save 50%

The Criterion Collection
The Before Trilogy (Before Sunrise / Before Sunset / Before Midnight)

Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits (the Big Boss / Fist of Fury / the Way of the Dragon / Enter the Dragon / Game of Death) (the Criterion Collection)Save 50%

The Criterion Collection
Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits (The Big Boss / Fist of Fury / the Way of the Dragon / Enter the Dragon / Game of Death)

Sentimental ValueSave 50%

The Criterion Collection
Sentimental Value

Seven SamuraiSave 50%

The Criterion Collection
Seven Samurai

Dazed and ConfusedSave 50%

The Criterion Collection

ThiefSave 50%

The Criterion Collection
Thief

After HoursSave 50%

The Criterion Collection
After Hours

The Silence of the LambsSave 50%

The Criterion Collection
The Silence of the Lambs

Folarin Balogun Says Red Card Furor Caused ‘Outside Noise’ That Was ‘Hard To Avoid’

U.S. star Folarin Balogun admitted Tuesday that the controversy surrounding his World Cup red card caused “outside noise” that made it “difficult” to focus ahead of his team’s exit from the tournament.

The forward was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, leaving the U.S. men’s national team without its leading goal scorer for the round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Against the backdrop of claims the Monaco striker was unfairly dismissed, FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted the suspension. 

But the furor ballooned when it emerged President Donald Trump called FIFA head Gianni Infantino to make the case that Balogun should not have been forced to sit out.

Infantino insisted Trump’s intervention did not influence the reversal.

In the event, the U.S. lost 4-1 to Belgium, exiting the World Cup with a disappointing performance.

Appearing on “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday, Balogun was asked about the controversy.

 “My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it’s something that is so unique,” he said.

Also in the news: U.S. Crashes Out, Trump Meddling Fallout: 2026 FIFA World Cup Live Updates

“But the closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult. A lot of outside noise, and that’s hard to avoid.”

This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Support fearless, unflinching journalism that holds power accountable and relentlessly pursues the truth. Become a HuffPost member today.

Jennifer Hudson, Tom Cruise join FIFA World Cup final show

As if the halftime show weren’t starry enough, FIFA World Cup 2026 has added a pregame closing ceremony filled with entertainment luminaires.

The show, which will begin July 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET, will feature an appearance by Tom Cruise, as well as performances from Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Italian superstar Laura Pausini and online influencer IShowSpeed, who released the song “World Cup (Champions)” at the start of the international soccer tournament.

Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem prior to the final game at New York New Jersey Stadium (aka MetLife Stadium).

Those attending the match are advised to arrive early, as the ceremony begins 90 minutes before the final game begins (gates open at 11 a.m.). According to FIFA, fans will “have an active role to play in the show.”

Robbie Williams will participate in the pre-game closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 finale July 19, while Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem.

FOX will air a four-hour pregame show starting at 11 a.m. until the 3 p.m. game kickoff.

The closing ceremony is the first round of entertainment scheduled for the grand finale.

During halftime, an all-star musical lineup of Shakira, Madonna, BTS and recently announced Justin Bieber will participate in an 11-minute production. The show is curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, who is also slated to perform with the PS22 Chorus, the acclaimed elementary school choir from Staten Island, New York. Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel are also among the announced performers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jennifer Hudson, Tom Cruise join FIFA World Cup final show

Real Housewives of London season 2 release date confirmed as Hayu promises 'most personal season yet' — I just hope it doesn't repeat the same annoying mistake

  • Real Housewives of London season 2 will stream on Hayu from September 7
  • Core cast Juliet Angus, Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace, Juliet Mayhew, Panthea Parker and Nessie Welschinger are returning
  • New episodes promise ' shifting alliances, mounting tensions and unmissable moments'

Look lively, reality TV fans: Real Housewives of London season 2 is set to return to Hayu on September 7.

According to NBCUniversal, housewives Juliet Angus, Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace, Juliet Mayhew, Panthea Parker and Nessie Welschinger are all returning, and "old friendships are tested, new loyalties are questioned and even the most glamorous postcode cannot contain the drama."

The synopsis continues, "Picking up in the aftermath of a fracturing off-camera dinner, the women attempt to move forward through charity galas, Fashion Week front rows, Lunar New Year celebrations and a jaw-dropping trip to Antigua."

Following the September 7 premiere, remaining episodes are set to drop weekly. With 10 episodes in total, the season will culminate with a reunion special hosted by author and podcaster Katherine Ryan.

It's this final detail that I have the biggest problem with... and I'm desperately hoping that the hit series doesn't repeat the same mistake that so many of the international versions have year-on-year.

Opinion: Real Housewives needs to change its reunion show format ASAP

I would apologize for being a hater, but really it stands me in good stead to be a Housewife myself. After streaming multiple episodes of catty VTs, explosive showdowns and domestic setups that truly boggle the mind, I often feel my shoulders sink when the reunion show rolls around.

Essentially, a host will sit the entire cast down in a live studio format to recap the drama of episodes past, getting their individual takes on what happened and if anything has changed since filming.

If you loathe overly edited and contrived TV scenes like I do, this is an absolute nightmare. It's part and parcel of the Real Housewives IP that drama is both heightened and engineered, but reunion shows channel this in the most inorganic way possible.

At least if someone is having a fight at a restaurant on a kitchen island, they're genuinely in the moment — they're not having to perform their emotions too much because they're feeling them in real time. But raking back over the past is merely a way to create a viral moment rather than engaging television.

Instead, I'd prefer it if the reunions were scrapped altogether to allow the next season (which hasn't been greenlit in this instance) to come sooner rather than later.

Real Housewives of London season 3 isn't going to be a bad decision for anyone, so what are we waiting for?

Marvel is said to be making a Nova movie instead of a Disney+ TV show — and a divisive MCU writer is reportedly leading development on it

  • Marvel is reportedly making a Nova movie with the aid of Loki's showrunner
  • The cosmic hero was originally going to star in a Disney+ TV show
  • If true, the film will need to address three big questions about the MCU

Marvel is turning its attentions to the stars again as it begins work on a movie starring fan-favorite character Nova.

Per Deadline, the comic-book titan has pivoted away from telling a story about the cosmic hero on Disney+ to give him the full big-screen treatment. Furthermore, Michael Waldron, who was Loki's showrunner and rewrote parts of the Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness script, is leading development on the untitled Nova project.

According to Deadline's sources, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) flick is still in the early planning stages. Nonetheless, I've already got four big questions that Marvel and Waldron need to shed light on regarding their next sci-fi project…

1. Who will play Nova?

Glen Powell as Chad Powers

Tenative rumors have circulated online that Powell could play Nova in the MCU (Image credit: Hulu)

Chief among the answers I seek is which actor will portray the eponymous character.

With Waldron also the creator-in-chief on acclaimed sports comedy Chad Powers, a Hulu TV Original that starred Glen Powell, it's little surprise to see that the aforementioned actor has been linked with the titular role. Add in the fact that Marvel has prioritized casting A-listers in its movie and TV productions recently, and the charismatic Powell would fit the bill as a big name who could draw a crowd, too.

That said, Powell is far from the only star that Waldron has worked with before. Additionally, Marvel President Kevin Feige has occasionally stated his belief that the comic giant needs to reduce the costs of its films and TV series, which includes the salaries of those who appear in said screen projects. Powell's hiring, then, is certainly not a foregone conclusion.

2. Which version of the superhero will we see — Richard Rider, Sam Alexander, or Frankie Raye?

A screenshot of Richard Rider/Nova from a Marvel comic book panel

It's unclear which version of Nova we'll see in this Marvel production (Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Like the Green Lantern Corps that exist in DC Comics, there are hundreds of individuals who have held the rank of 'Nova' in Marvel Comics.

There are three particular human characters who are part of the insterstellar cop agency known as the Nova Corps, though — those being the aforementioned Rider, Alexander, and Raye.

Of that trio, Rider is the most famous, so it would make sense if Marvel decided to center Nova around this well-known individual. However, should Marvel want to go down the route of introducing a younger Nova to audiences, Alexander would be the way to go. Furthermore, if Marvel isn't worried about the fan backlash that could come from casting a female lead in this film and/or taking creative liberties with Raye's comic-book origins, it could turn heads by selecting the least likely member of this group to star in it.

For what it's worth, I think Marvel will play it safe and go for Rider — but that's just my view. Vote in the poll below to let me know which character you'd like to see!

3. Will Nova show us the off-screen destruction of Xandar at Thanos' hands?

Thanos

Thanos brought wrath and ruin to Xandar prior to the events of 2018's Avengers: Infinity War (Image credit: Marvel)

Think you've heard the word 'Nova' before in the MCU? You'd be right. We were actually introduced to the Nova Corps in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1, which saw the titular ragtag group travel to — and then save — Xandar, aka the capital city of the Nova Empire and, by proxy, the space cop agency's headquarters.

At the end of that film, the Nova Corps was entrusted with the Power Stone, aka one of the Infinity Stones. Unfortunately, as part of his genocidal plan to destroy half of all life in the universe, the Mad Titan known as Thanos soon came calling for said cosmic gem. Long story short: he acquired the Power Stone and, as punishment for Xandar's role in trying to stop him obtaining it, decimated the planet.

So, will we witness Xandar's destruction in a flashback sequence as part of Nova's story? If it had been developed and released by now, I believe we already would have. However, Nova won't arrive before the Marvel Multiverse Saga comes to an end with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. And, with that Marvel Phase 6 duology set to reboot the MCU, I think it's incredibly unlikely that Xandar's annihilation at Thanos' hands will be depicted in Nova.

4. Can Waldron win over the MCU sceptics?

Michael Waldron smiles as he poses for photographs at D23 Expo

Waldron is something of a divisive figure among Marvel fans (Image credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez)

There's no denying that Waldron's apparent involvement in Nova has caused something of a ruckus online. Indeed, following the publication of Deadline's article, fans have taken to various Reddits, the ResetEra forums, and other social platforms to criticize or defend Waldron's hiring.

There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, too. As Loki's head writer, Waldron proved he had the necessary writing chops to tell a sci-fi story that was focused on a beloved Marvel character. In sharp contrast to the praise he received for his work on that show, though, Waldron is often 'credited' with not only turning Doctor Strange 2 into a narrative mess, but also with undoing all of the growth that Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch underwent in WandaVision and positioning her as a one-dimensional villain in Multiverse of Madness.

Of course, Loki and Doctor Strange 2 aren't the only screenwriting credits on Waldron's resume, but they're the ones that MCU diehards will know him from. In that sense, he's one for two in the 'great MCU project' department. The jury is still out, then, on whether it'll be one or two for three before Nova's arrival.

Marvel has reportedly cast a former Star Wars actor as Magneto in its new X-Men movie — and they nearly played The Fantastic Four's Reed Richards in the MCU

  • Marvel has supposedly cast a major star as Magneto in its new X-Men film
  • The actor in question was linked with another major role in the MCU
  • They were said to be close to playing The Fantastic Four's Reed Richards

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has reportedly found its Magneto.

According to multiple industry insiders, none other than former Star Wars actor Adam Driver has supposedly signed on to play the iconic metal-manipulating mutant in the comic giant's new X-Men movie.

Adam Driver smiling while wearing a tuxedo during an event

Fans will know Driver from Star Wars, A Marriage Story, Ferrari, and many other movies and TV show (Image credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

At the time of publication, the Hollywood trades are yet to corroborate this via their own sources. Furthermore, with this rumor being circulated online by leakers with spotty track records, including MyTimeToShineHello and KnightEdgeMedia, Driver's casting is mere speculation at this stage.

That said, another insider, Apocalyptic Horseman, who's more trustworthy than the aforementioned pair, has backed up their claims. So, until we get an official line from Marvel and/or some form of verification from Deadline, Variety, or The Hollywood Reporter, it's just as likely that Driver won't appear in the MCU's first X-Men film as it is that he will.

What are the chances of Driver's involvement being confirmed sooner rather than later? Well, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026 is right around the corner, and Marvel is set to take the stage for its traditional Hall H panel on Saturday, July 25. Given that Marvel has had a surprise or two up its sleeve for past editions of SDCC presentations, I wouldn't rule out the prospect of some form of official X-Men movie casting news at this year's event.

Driving the Marvel rumor mill

X-Men: First Class Magneto

Michael Fassbender has also portrayed Magneto on the big screen (Image credit: Fox)

If Driver becomes the third A-lister to portray Magneto in a live-action film — the others being Michael Fassbender and legendary actor Ian McKellen — it'll put an end to speculation about his long-rumored involvement in the MCU.

In October 2022, Driver was supposedly in talks to play Doctor Doom in Marvel's Fantastic Four film. Seven months later, Driver was apparently among the stars up for consideration for playing The Fantastic Four's Reed Richards instead. Said whisper was just one of many Fantastic Four casting rumors that sent MCU fans into a tailspin but which didn't come to pass.

Will this Magneto-specific rumor prove to be a case of third time's a charm for Driver? Some fans aren't convinced — indeed, threads on ResetEra and various Reddit pages are full of comments saying Driver would be a better fit for famous X-Men villain Mister Sinister, or that he should steer clear of a franchise whose best days are arguably behind it.

With or without Driver, Marvel's untitled X-Men movie is slowly taking shape. Lee Isaac Chung and Jake Schreier (Beef, Thunderbolts*) are already on board as its respective writer and director, and Marvel President Kevin Feige recently revealed (per Collider) that the mutant-led feature could be the first MCU film post-Avengers: Secret Wars.

Meanwhile, with speculation swirling online that Sadie Sink is playing iconic X-Men member Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as well as Obsession star Inde Navarrette saying she recently met with Schreier, and Apocalyptic Horseman claiming that Marvel is searching for the MCU's Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue, this new X-Men movie's cast might soon be in place. All eyes will be firmly fixed on Marvel's SDCC 2026 presentation, then, for confirmation of any or all of the above.

Spain Star Yamal Addresses Ex-Prime Minister's World Cup Racism Row With Classy Message

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Lamine Yamal turned 19 on Monday with diamonds around his neck, mischief in the family and the biggest match of his life ahead but the Spain forward's clearest message before the World Cup semi-final against France was not about goals, gifts or fame.

Asked about former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's controversial remark that France were a great team but "did not have any French players", Lamine, son of a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, said football should be a bridge.

"Tomorrow we'll play a brilliant match but if football serves any purpose it's to bring people together," Lamine told reporters in Dallas. "France and Spain are examples of integration. That's what football is all about: integration. Not talking about what someone else has said."

It was a measured answer from a player still young enough to be asked about birthday presents and famous enough for his family to be swept into the tournament glare.

Lamine smiled when asked about his three-year-old brother Keyne, whose spontaneity in front of television cameras has made him one of Spain's unexpected World Cup attractions.

"My brother doesn't realise," Lamine said. "He does what he does at home, and when the camera focuses on him, he gets up to mischief. I like it when people like him. It's fun to see him on screen."

Lamine also arrived at the news conference wearing an extravagant diamond necklace, his birthday present to himself, on the eve of a game he described as "the most important match of my life".

Yet Lamine said he was not fretting over his own numbers, despite having scored only once at the tournament so far. "Every tournament is different," he said. "I'm not worried about having scored just one goal in the World Cup so far. We're winning. I've seen World Cups where Spain were knocked out, and so far that hasn't happened. I hope to keep playing matches so I can score."

Also in the news: Bonnie Tyler, Who Topped The Charts With Epic 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart,' Has Died At 75

Spain face France in Dallas for a place in the World Cup final, with Lamine's birthday week offering another layer of theatre around a player who seems increasingly comfortable carrying attention that might flatten others.

"And it’s going to be a great match. A match that everyone was hoping would happen. Both teams will attack and defend. It’s sure to be a very evenly matched game," he said. For now, he wants football to do the talking — preferably loudly enough to carry Spain at least one match further.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Support fearless, unflinching journalism that holds power accountable and relentlessly pursues the truth. Become a HuffPost member today.

Simone Biles says she was confused for these 2 Black athletes

Simone Biles revealed she was recently mistaken for two different Black athletes multiple times in a single day.

In a now-deleted July 12 Instagram Stories post, the Olympian offered up a few more details about her experience, saying that she'd been misidentified as fellow Olympic athletes Dominique Dawes, a retired artistic gymnast, and track star Sha'Carri Richardson.

"It’s not even 6am and I’ve already gotten called Dominique Dawes 2x and Sha’Carri once," she wrote for the post's caption, as reported by People and Us Weekly.

The 29-year-old appeared to have taken the confusion in stride, adding a couple of laughing emojis to the end of her caption. A photograph that appears to have been taken from a balcony at sunrise served as the backdrop for Biles' post.

Simone Biles poses on the Met Gala red carpet in New York City on May 5, 2025.

Biles has been publicly misidentified before. She called out the Wall Street Journal in an October 2023 X post after the newspaper published an article about her featuring a photo of Shilese Jones, another prominent Black gymnast.

"This picture isn’t even me…….. try again," Biles wrote in response to the publication's original X post, which has since been deleted. The outlet said it corrected the photo in the story and on social media.

Simone Biles: 'I didn’t really notice racism until 2013'

In previous conversations, Biles has opened up about her first encounters with racism in her sport.

"I didn't really experience it whenever I was younger, obviously, I went to a predominantly white school. But I didn't really notice racism until 2013," Biles told then-"Today" co-anchor Hoda Kotb in 2020. "I was on a world scene, and what made the news was another gymnast saying that if we painted our skin black, maybe we would all win because I had beaten her out of the beam medal, and she got upset."

Biles made history when she competed at the 2013 World Championships, becoming the first Black woman to win the all-around title. Italian gymnast Carlotta Ferlito made the comment referenced by Biles after failing to medal at the event.

Oympian Simone Biles photographed on the mat following the U.S. Women's Balance Beam Final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"And that (was) really the news, rather than me winning worlds. So, other than that, it happens every day and I feel like every Black athlete or colored athlete could say that they've experienced it through their career," she said to "Today" in 2020.

Biles added: "But you just have to keep going for those little ones looking up to us. It doesn’t matter what you look like. You can strive for greatness, and you can be great."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Simone Biles says she was confused for these 2 Black athletes

Moana's live action remake failed to make a splash at the box office as movie fans call it a 'lifeless carbon copy'

  • Moana had a disappointing weekend at the box office, only making $95 million from its huge $250 million budget
  • The live action remake currently sits at 33% on Rotten Tomatoes
  • Fans have criticized Moana for being an exact replica of the beloved animated movie

Moana set sail for theaters recently, but its opening weekend was a poor performance for one of July's biggest new movies.

The original Moana movie was a huge success for Disney, bringing in $687.2 million at the global box office. But based on the opening weekend, it doesn't feel like the 2026 live action remake will be following in its footsteps.

At the time of writing, the new Moana has only made $95 million on its huge $250 million budget, making it one of Disney's poorest performing movies.

It has also received a disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score of 33%, with its critics consensus saying: "The sea calls to no one in this underwhelming new version of Moana, an endeavor that solidifies its animated predecessor as the superior adventure."

Moana has been branded 'lifeless' by viewers

Rachel Zegler's Snow White holding up her right hand in her self-titled live-action movie adaptation

Rachel Zegler's Snow White movie was also panned by the critics. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios)

Many fans of the original Moana movie have expressed their disappointment, describing the new live action version as being flat and a "carbon copy" of the original, per this scathing review by Associated Press.

Fans on X have also had a lot to say, with some wonder what the point in making a live action movie for Moana was. There's been plenty of backlash, making it a disappointing entry into Disney's library.

The original Moana is incredible. I have it on Blu-ray.This live-action remake (which is also mostly animated) makes no sense to me, not from an artistic reasoning, nor from a consumer standpoint.I mean, money is the ultimate motivation I suppose, but who wants a lesser… https://t.co/UtmsmHm2p7July 12, 2026

Another X user commented on how their main issue was the lack of quality, noting that nothing about the Moana live action was better than the original. They also cited The Lion King and Aladdin as having "new elements that justified their existence", but claimed that Moana did not have this.

My main issue with Disney Live-Action remakes isnt how lazy they are but how much the quality overall has dipped. Like at least with Lion King and Aladdin, they're technical marvels with new elements that justified their existence, what does Moana have that's better the original? https://t.co/8nAg33HGOFJuly 12, 2026

Moana is the first time theyve done a live action remake of a movie *I* love and it makes me so depressed why is it so lifelessJuly 2, 2026

Finally, another user pointed out that they'd rather watch the Snow White remake over Moana. Snow White also underperformed at the box office, but has a slightly higher Rotten Tomatoes score of 39%.

I wouldn't go so far as to say anyone owes the SNOW WHITE remake an apology but I would 100% watch it again over ever looking at MOANA '26 a second time. A truly dispiriting experience, flat and lifeless. Better than that LION KING movie though.July 8, 2026

If you want to see for yourself, Moana is now playing in theaters globally. But judging by initial reports, you might want to head to Disney+ to check out the original, and it's admittedly very good sequel, Moana 2.

Tom Cruise's new movie Digger just got an absolutely unhinged first full trailer — but the Mission: Impossible star's 'wild' transformation is not what I'm most excited about

  • The first full trailer for Tom Cruise's new movie Digger is here
  • Cruise plays 'an incredibly powerful corrupt oil tycoon, who embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's savior'
  • Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, it also stars Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, and John Goodman

The first trailer for Digger, Tom Cruise's next movie, has now been released — and the Mission: Impossible star is appearing as he never has before.

Cruise is seen in heavy prosthetic makeup, transforming into someone that, per the film's synopsis, os "an incredibly powerful corrupt oil tycoon, who embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's savior."

Directed by Birdman and The Revenant's Alejandro G. Iñárritu, its supporting cast includes Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, and Emma D'Arcy. Digger will be in theaters worldwide from October 2, 2026.

Unsurprisingly, the internet is beside themselves thanks to Cruise's new look. "Seeing an old Tom Cruise is wild," one YouTube comment reads, while another says:, "The biggest physical transformation Tom Cruise has had since Tropic Thunder."

With so much chaos happening at once, it's still anybody's guess as to how the full film will play out. But, in my opinion, Cruise is the least exciting part of what's coming.

Opinion: Digger will finally turn Sandra Hüller into the Hollywood leading lady she deserves to be

Despite being nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award in 2024 for her lead role in Anatomy of a Fall, Hüller still hasn't cemented her status as a leading lady.

Since then, she's had supporting roles in Project Hail Mary, The Zone of Interest, and yet-to-be-released Cannes period drama Fatherland. I've got a feeling, though, that Digger will finally give her the global recognition that she deserves.

Why? A simple answer: Tom Cruise. Aside from his death-defying stunts, the actor has made a name for himself through his consistent kindness and willingness to show up. Not only has he done this for his fans — just look at any press tour he's done in the last 10 years — but he also does it for his fellow actors.

By the time Digger is being promoted across the world, I can guarantee that Cruise will spend the entire time singing Hüller's praises. He's a man who bring along those around him while he's on the way up... and his own performance is likely to be a significant talking point for the 2026-2027 awards season. If Hüller isn't a routine Hollywood booking after this, I'll be at a loss for words. Know talent when you see it, people.

The Westies stars J.K. Simmons and Tom Brittney clap back at fan complaints that new MGM+ mob crime thriller is 'too tame' — 'we can't put everything in the trailer'

The first two episodes of new MGM+ crime drama The Westies are now streaming, but strap in — we've still got another six installments to go.

The new show follows the real-life Irish-American crime family of the same name, who ran the streets of Hell's Kitchen for decades from the 1960s. Basically, it's the perfect warm-up act for MobLand season 2 and The Gentleman season 2, which are both set to return in September.

Led by J.K. Simmons as patriarch Eamonn Sweeney, we've got an epic cat-and-mouse game afoot between our shady leads and the FBI, who have been tasked with bringing them to justice.

The trailer set up the high-stakes drama to come, but some fans weren't entirely happy with the teaser. Scroll through the YouTube comments on the clip below, and you'll see multiple fans complaining that The Westies looks far too tame for a mobster story.

In a way, they have a point. If you're tuning in looking for glory through guts and gore, you're not going to find it. However, that doesn't mean that intense action sequences are few and far between.

Not only have lead stars Simmons and Tom Brittney (James) seen the comments, they're the first in line to disagree — and they've got pretty good reasoning as to why.

'There's some stuff that I'm surprised we could get away with'

"God, no," Brittney says when I ask if The Westies felt tame when filming. "I think I saw that comment. Someone sent something to me about going, 'oh, I think it's tame.' And I was like... well, you better watch then.

"We can't put everything that's in the show into that trailer because you wouldn't be able to show it on TV as a teaser. Especially depending on the time that you're showing it. It's a brutal one. There's some stuff in this that I was surprised that they could get away with."

From a marketing standpoint, it makes complete sense that the best parts of The Westies, which would include the grittiest and most intense fights, won't be revealed immediately. They wouldn't even be in the two-episode premiere... think of them as a reward for investing in the new series long-term.

"If I may... don't watch the trailer. Watch the show," Simmons adds. We're both in it. You know it's gonna be good! So, just watch the show. July 12th. Or you could watch it on the 13th if you want. That's the beauty. Go crazy. Watch it on the 14th, whatever. Just watch it sometime in the first week, please."

You heard the man... lock in now, and reap the benefits as The Westies continues to drop on a weekly basis.

World Cup Star Sent Sickening Messages After Split-Second Decision

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Norway forward Alexander Sorloth has received severe online abuse following the team's World Cup quarter-final exit against England on Saturday, manager Stale Solbakken said.

The abuse started after Sorloth opted to shoot instead of passing to an unmarked Erling Haaland during a crucial two-on-one counter-attack while Norway were leading 1-0. His shot was blocked and England equalised minutes later, going on to win 2-1 after extra time.

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Sorloth's partner, Lena Selnes, shared screenshots on Instagram revealing a barrage of hostile messages, including comments urging the striker to take his own life.

"It is tragic," Solbakken told a press conference in Miami. "That is the world we live in. I tell the boys to stay away from social media, especially on days like this."

"There is nothing more to say about it other than it is completely devoid of sense on every possible level."

Sorloth, 30, who plays for Atletico Madrid, defended his decision after the match, explaining that England defender John Stones had closed down the passing lane to Haaland.

"The only thing I wanted to do in that situation was to pass to Erling," Sorloth said. "But it felt like the pass wasn't there, so I went to shoot."

This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Support fearless, unflinching journalism that holds power accountable and relentlessly pursues the truth. Become a HuffPost member today.

Marvel unveils new Avengers: Doomsday mural featuring its huge heroic ensemble and a menacing Doctor Doom — but it mistreats one MCU character in the worst way possible

  • Marvel has published a giant new mural for Avengers: Doomsday
  • It gives us a fresh look at its massive cast and villain-in-chief, Doctor Doom
  • One MCU character is surprisingly conspicuous by their absence

Marvel has unveiled a huge new mural for Avengers: Doomsday that features all but one of its sizeable cast.

Shown for the first time at the Chinese fan convention Bilibili World in Shanghai last Saturday (July 11), the artwork gives us another look at the highly anticipated movie's heroic ensemble.

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY - the final full film I had the honor of leading as Director of Visual Development at Marvel Studios.This illustration commemorates that journey & reveals the characters & their looks for the first time. #AvengersDoomsday pic.twitter.com/87l95XZZ7dJuly 11, 2026

The image, which was later shared online by former Marvel Studios Director of Visual Development Andy Park, also offers a fresh glance at Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom.

Predictably, we don't get to see Doom's likely scarred face — a reveal Marvel is surely holding back for the film's full release. Nonetheless, his iconic mask, coupled with those piercing, ice blue eyes, indicates that the Multiverse Saga's primary villain will be an emotionally cold, calculating, and formidable foe for our heroes to overcome.

Missing in action

Cyclops screaming as he unleashes a powerful optic blast while kneeling in Avengers: Doomsday

Cyclops and the rest of the FoX-Men are part of this huge illustration (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

With San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026 — and, by proxy, this year's edition of Marvel's oft-anticipated Hall H panel — it's little surprise to see the comic giant starting to accelerate its promotional campaign for the next Avengers film.

What is eyebrow-raising about the Marvel Phase 6 flick's first official artwork, though, is the absence of a specific Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character. And I'm not talking about heroes who weren't announced as part of Doomsday's initial 27-strong cast, such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, Deadpool, or Captain Marvel.

So, who is it? None other than Tenoch Huerta's Namor, aka the ocean-dwelling anti-hero and the MCU's first mutant, who was first introduced to MCU fans in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Namor stares intensely at Queen Ramonda on an undisclosed beach in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Huerta is the only actor confirmed to appear in Doomsday who isn't part of this mural (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Namor's absence is certainly strange, especially as the rest of Doomsday's original cast reveal is part of this mural. The inclusion of Chris Evans' Steve Rogers, who wasn't part of the movie's initial line-up, but was eventually confirmed to be part of proceedings when Avengers: Doomsday's first teaser was released last December, makes Namor's non-appearance all the more bizarre, too.

Is this a simple albeit major oversight on Marvel's part not to include him in this artwork? Or does it indicate that Namor will only have a minor role/cameo to play in Avengers 5? With Namor appearing in Avengers: Doomsday's fourth teaser, I seriously doubt it's the latter. That said, I don't believe Marvel would purposefully cut him from this illustration. Hopefully, someone at Marvel Studios will shed light on this if they're asked about it at SDCC.

In the meantime, find out everything we know so far about Avengers: Doomsday. Once you're done, get the full lowdown on Avengers: Secret Wars, aka Doomsday's sequel that'll also cap off the Marvel Multiverse Saga.

I watched the highly anticipated Evil Dead Burn but the horror movie relies too heavily on gore and neglects the lore

Evil Dead Burn is the sixth installment in the horror franchise, and unfortunately, I found the new movie to be the weakest one of the bunch. Considering the 2013 reboot wasn't great, I think that speaks to how much I'm disappointed in the most recent entry.

On the surface, Evil Dead Burn looks promising. It was directed by Sébastien Vaniček, who is most well known for his movie Infested. I liked that one a lot (mostly because spiders terrify me), and so I was excited for his take on the iconic Evil Dead series.

Vaniček's Evil Dead Burn follows a woman named Alice (Souheila Yacoub) who is grieving over the loss of her husband, William (George Pullar), as she seeks solace with her in-laws. One member of her late husband's family is played by Hunter Doohan, who stars in Netflix's Wednesday, and I must admit it was cool getting to see him in a horror movie.

One by one, the family transforms into Deadites, the malevolent, parasitic demonic spirits we've come to fear throughout the Evil Dead franchise. But it goes in a direction I really wasn't expecting.

I do want to preface my mostly negative review by pointing out that there are some good things about this movie. Horror fans with a thirst for gory set pieces will no doubt have fun, as there are indeed some great moments. Some stand-out scenes involve a dishwasher and a car door, and just thinking about them makes me cringe uncomfortably.

Unfortunately, there's not much else to it beyond some standout gory moments that will stick with you. It's not a patch on the Bruce Campbell-led movies we know and love, and pales in comparison to its predecessor, Evil Dead Rise.

Evil Dead Burn centers around a family terrorized by Deadites, but there's a lot of confusion here surrounding how people become possessed. Sometimes you need a transfer of bodily fluids, and sometimes possession takes longer than others. The inconsistency throughout the movies might frustrate fans, as sometimes, a simpler answer is best.

When the family members are possessed, horrible things happen. It is a very unforgiving movie because the Deadites are particularly cruel here, often to an extreme degree. I should warn people now that yes, there is violence towards animals if that bothers you, and the movie feels nastier than its predecessors as a result.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, as we expect to watch a horror movie to feel uncomfortable and scared. But Evil Dead Burn really struggles to balance these shocking, brutal moments with an actual story, to the point where it feels like you're just watching a montage of gory scenes.

There's also a frustrating overreliance on jump scares here, which previous Evil Dead movies steered away from. There's nothing wrong with a good scare, and horror fans love them, but when you have excessive ones you saw coming a mile away, it becomes tedious.

Sam Raimi wove a really cool horror story when he first created The Evil Dead, but this sequel adds very little to the lore. It's basically a long movie where family members brutally attack and maim each other, and by the credits, I was left with more questions than answers.

Even the post-credits scene isn't really worth waiting for, and since there was a three-year gap between Evil Dead Rise and Evil Dead Burn, it's a shame that's all we got.

Ultimately, Evil Dead Burn is another divisive horror movie that will work for some and not others. It really depends on what you want from a horror movie, and if you're content with some over-the-top gore and repeated easy-to-spot scares, then you'll definitely have fun.

If you want more lore with your gore, then you might want to revisit the previous movies instead. Evil Dead Burn doesn't add much to a long-running franchise, and I found it to be a disappointment.

World Cup Superstar Sparks Backlash After Revealing Golf Round With Donald Trump

England men’s national soccer team captain Harry Kane has sparked backlash after revealing he’s played golf with Donald Trump.

Kane, whose six goals have helped fire England into Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, disclosed the round with the president during a news conference on Friday ahead of England’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Norway.

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The Bayern Munich striker was asked by The Daily Telegraph how he fared against Trump on the golf course. Watch the exchange here.

“I played all right, to be honest,” Kane said. “Yeah, we played about 18 months ago. He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach, so, yeah, when the president invites you somewhere. It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.”

England captian Harry Kane, left, has drawn criticism after it emerged he played golf with Donald Trump, right.
England captian Harry Kane, left, has drawn criticism after it emerged he played golf with Donald Trump, right. Etsuo Hara via Getty Images / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kane added that Trump’s golf game is “pretty good to be honest with you” and said: “I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, a unique experience,” Kane added. “But, yeah, was just grateful that he just invited me down to play, for sure.”

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Trump, who turned 80 in June, has long faced accusations of cheating at golf, including from sportswriter Rick Reilly, who devoted an entire book to the subject.

Trump praised Kane on Truth Social last week, calling him “a GREAT player!!!” before later revealing the pair had played golf together.

Kane’s remarks quickly drew criticism on social media, with some calling them “beyond embarrassing” and “disappointing.”

The England captain is not the first soccer star to face backlash over an encounter with Trump.

Politics: Sports Icon Lionel Messi’s Trip To See Donald Trump Gets Kicked Around Online

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi have also been criticizedin recent months following visits to the White House and photo ops with the president.

If England end up defeating Messi’s reigning champions Argentina and then go on to win the World Cup against either Spain or France, Trump will hand Kane the trophy.

There's no way @Erling would agree to meet Trump let alone play golf with him.... poor PR judgement from Harry Kane....

— David Yelland (@davidyelland) July 11, 2026
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Harry Kane with one sentence tanked the PR Jude Bellingham’s pretty face and endearing personality built for England during this World Cup

— ● ᴥ ● (@yor_eyes_tell) July 11, 2026

When the president of another country invites you somewhere you can just say “hey, I’m busy maybe next time I’m stateside”

— John Smith (@JohnSmith5o4x) July 11, 2026

It’s incredibly disappointing that he said yes to Donald Trump. He’s not just the President. He’s amongst one of the most corrupt, grotesque individuals on the planet. So many crimes and so much evil yet the captain of England still wanted to spend a day with him. **** off Harry.

— Bosey (@Bosey1982) July 11, 2026

Big own goal by the media team and Kane 🤦🏼♂️

— Osita Mba (@DrOsitaMba) July 11, 2026

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Yet Another Coach Fired After World Cup Exit

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Senegal have terminated the contract of head coach Pape Thiaw after the country's elimination in the 2026 World Cup.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that it had parted ways with the 45-year-old coach, who had been on the job since 2024.

"It was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr. Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff," the federation said in a news release.

"After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football."

On July 1 in Seattle, Senegal lost to Belgium 3-2 in the round of 32, considered a failure by the federation. Thiaw's side held a 2-0 lead in the 86th minute, then allowed two late goals and a penalty in extra time to be eliminated.

In Group I action, Senegal defeated Iraq but lost to Norway and France. They advanced to the knockout stage as one of the eight third-place finishers, thanks to their five-goal win over Iraq.

More than 25% of the World Cup coaches have been fired or resigned since the their teams were eliminated.

In addition to Senegal, coaches from these countries are out of a job: Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, South Korea, Tunisia, Scotland and Uruguay.

More departures could occur, as well.

Read the original on HuffPost

Moment Of Tension In England's World Cup Camp After Quarter-Final Win

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There was a brief moment of tension in the aftermath of England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway on Saturday when Jude Bellingham pushed back against criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel.

"Yeah, well, whatever," the midfielder said after learning that Tuchel had described England's performance as "sloppy" despite their extra-time victory.

Bellingham, whose two goals sent England into the semi-finals, was quick to defend his team mates after another gruelling evening in punishing conditions.

The exchange offered a glimpse of the differing perspectives of a demanding coach unwilling to overlook flaws in England's display and a star player focused on the resilience that carried the team into the last four.

Tuchel surprised many with his blunt assessment after England battled past Norway in sweltering Miami conditions. While delighted to reach the semi-finals and full of praise for the players' mentality, the German said he was unhappy with almost every aspect of the performance.

"The result is fantastic. We are in the last four. It's amazing but I'm not happy with the performance," Tuchel said, describing England as sloppy, error-prone and fortunate to progress.

Bellingham, however, viewed events through a different lens.

The Real Madrid midfielder pointed to the draining heat and the quality of Norway's attacking threat, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, suggesting the task had been tougher than Tuchel's post-match verdict implied.

"Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against Erling Haaland, Odegaard, (Antonio) Nusa, (Alexander) Sorloth," Bellingham told reporters. "That's not an easy team to play against."

It is not the first time friction between the pair has become public.

Tuchel caused controversy just over a year ago when he described elements of Bellingham's on-field behaviour as potentially "repulsive" to some viewers while discussing the player's fiery temperament.

The England manager later apologised, insisting the word had been used unintentionally and that there was no hidden criticism of the midfielder.

Questions also surfaced before the World Cup over Bellingham's role after Tuchel suggested places in his starting lineup were not guaranteed, even for England's biggest names.

Yet any debate over Bellingham's importance has been emphatically settled on the pitch, as England would not be preparing for a semi-final were it not for the 23-year-old.

He has repeatedly delivered in decisive moments, rescuing his side with two goals against both Norway and Mexico, and producing the kind of performances that have underlined his status as one of the tournament's outstanding players.

And Tuchel, despite his frustration with England's overall display, was unequivocal in his praise of Bellingham after the match.

"Enough said. He does it every single match," the coach said. "World class."

England's World Cup campaign continues with a heavyweight semi-final against champions Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Successful tournament teams do not always need perfect harmony. They do, however, need players capable of deciding matches when everything else breaks down.

England have one in Bellingham, and as they move into the final four, that will matter more than any disagreement with his manager.

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Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Ends in 69 Seconds After Knee Injury Against Max Holloway

Image Credit: ESPN MMA/YouTube.

Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC comeback ended almost as soon as it began.

TMZ reported that McGregor lost to Max Holloway by technical knockout after suffering a leg injury early in the UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas. The official UFC results listed Holloway’s win as a TKO due to knee injury at 1:09 of Round 1.

The fight was supposed to mark McGregor’s first UFC bout in more than five years. Instead, his return lasted only 69 seconds.

McGregor’s Comeback Ended in the Opening Minute

McGregor faced Holloway at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, July 11. The rematch carried major attention because their first UFC meeting came in 2013, when McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision.

TMZ reported that McGregor appeared to struggle immediately after throwing a roundhouse kick, then fell again while trying to continue before grabbing his right leg in pain.

The Associated Press reported that McGregor landed awkwardly on his right knee after opening the fight with a flying left roundhouse kick. After trying to kick and strike Holloway two more times, it became clear he could not continue the scheduled five-round welterweight bout.

The stoppage came at 1:09 of the first round. UFC’s official result listed Holloway as the winner by TKO due to a knee injury.

Holloway Said He Wanted the Fight Stopped

Holloway said after the fight that he could tell McGregor was hurt. According to AP, Holloway said he repeatedly told referee Mike Beltran to stop the bout because McGregor’s demeanor had changed and he appeared unable to defend himself normally.

“When I saw him hurt, I said, ‘Call this, he’s hurt,’ ” Holloway said.

Holloway also wished McGregor a speedy recovery. 

McGregor Said the Injury “Came Out of Nowhere”

McGregor later wrote on social media that he had no injury going into the fight and said the knee issue “came out of nowhere.”

AP reported that UFC president Dana White said there were no visible signs of a preexisting injury at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in. White said he was assuming a blown ACL, but that should not be treated as a confirmed diagnosis unless McGregor or UFC releases a medical update.

TMZ noted that he fractured his left leg in his 2021 fight against Dustin Poirier, which kept him out of the Octagon for years.

Avowed 2 Isn’t Dead Yet, Chris Avellone Says, as Obsidian Quietly Fights to Re-Pitch It After Xbox’s Cancellation [UPDATED]

The image features cover art for the games 'Avowed' and 'Shadowrun Collection,' with a skeletal figure for Avowed and futuristic characters for Shadowrun.

[UPDATE - July 10, 2026] Jason Schreier is essentially backing Avellone's rumor in his latest YouTube video: By the way, quick side note is that Obsidian actually have a small team that was working on Avowed 2 that is still going to keep working on Avowed 2 even though it is canceled while they wait for other projects like Fallout to be ready for them. And maybe in hopes of getting it uncancelled. Maybe it was actually farther along than I think people would expect for a sequel to a game that came out last year. So, I think their […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/avowed-2-isnt-dead-yet-chris-avellone-says-as-obsidian-quietly-fights-to-re-pitch-it-after-xboxs-cancellation/

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