
‘It was an earth-shattering reality right away': director Catherine Hardwicke on life after Twilight
Street Smart, now in post-production, is a low-budget ensemble drama, executive-produced by Gerard Butler and partnered with charities Covenant House and Safe Place for Youth, that centres on a group of unhoused teens bonding through music, trauma and humour while fending for themselves on the margins of LA society. It stars Yara Shahidi (Grown-ish), Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan) and Michael Cimino (Never Have I Ever), as well as a group of unknown actors whom Hardwicke describes as having 'big hearts and compassion for others; otherwise, they would be trying to work on a superhero film'.
Homelessness is a major issue affecting the Californian city. Just last week, US district judge David O Carter ruled that Los Angeles officials had 'flouted' their responsibility to create new shelters for unhoused people by June 2027. The humanitarian crisis in Los Angeles, exacerbated by the Pacific Palisades and Altadena wildfires in January, is an issue that longtime Venice Beach resident Hardwicke was keen to explore. 'We shot on my street, so it's very close to my heart,' she says. 'It's a love letter to Venice, because we have so many eccentric, strange characters of all economic levels.
'Everybody's going through so much, and [there's] such high rent in LA,' she adds. 'Even if you have a job, you still might be homeless, crashing here [and] there, because a job doesn't pay that much. The kids in our movie have jobs – how do you make ends meet?'
Hardwicke, who is in Malta as a jury member at the Mediterrane film festival, says her film addresses a bigger target: Trump's rollback ofprovisions such as reproductive healthcare access, welfare budgets, and diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 'Even though we wrote it before he got elected, Street Smart is directly addressing some of [these] issues,' she says. 'It's telling a compelling story that shows people who do not look like Donald Trump, or think like him.'
Hardwicke is no stranger to film-making hardship. Despite her early successes, which included sparking the YA movie boom with the hugely successful adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel Twilight, Hardwicke discovered a harsh truth: 'No, people aren't going to hire more women directors. They're not going to give you the next job and let you do something great. It was an earth-shattering reality right away.'
She recalls the offices of Twilight producers Summit Entertainment soon after the film's initial box-office success in 2008. She knew that successful male directors might be gifted 'a car, or a three-picture deal, or [getting] to do basically whatever you want' – but none of that happened. 'I walked into a room with all these gifts, and everybody was congratulating the studio, and they gave me a box,' Hardwicke says. 'I opened it up, and it was a mini cupcake.'
Hardwicke was replaced by Chris Weitz for the first Twilight sequel, New Moon, and male directors were hired to helm the remaining three films in the franchise. Hardwicke went on to direct 2011's Red Riding Hood, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and starring Amanda Seyfried, but 'it was much more challenging', she says. 'It had a lower budget than we had on Twilight, and it was all fantasy, so we couldn't shoot any real locations and had to build all the sets. They didn't give me much freedom.'
Still, Hardwicke has been able to exert her will when it comes to casting, and in the process has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest actors, from Evan Rachel Wood and Robert Pattinson – she was at his birthday party 18 months ago – to Oscar Isaac in The Nativity Story and her 'buddy' Jeremy Renner in Lords of Dogtown, which this year marks its 20th anniversary. 'I gave him an early shot,' Hardwicke says of the Hawkeye and Avengers star. 'I thought Jeremy and Shea Whigham would be funny brothers who sell [cocaine]. I love all of my kids.'
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Hardwicke also has a cheerful memory of working with Tom Cruise. Before switching to directing, she was a production designer with credits on Richard Linklater's The Newton Boys, David O Russell's Three Kings and Cameron Crowe's Vanilla Sky, the last of which Cruise starred in and produced. Hardwicke had been a last-minute addition, replacing the previous production designer two weeks into the shoot. She remembers late nights with the actor-producer: 'He was inspiring because he does not settle for anything less than excellence.'
Hardwicke says Cruise offered to stay late to work out a conference-room set up. 'He and I are acting out the scene, we're rearranging the furniture until one in the morning,' she says. 'I'm like, 'Dude, aren't you even tired?' He had to be back at [7 am], but he wanted to get it right. Every chance he had. He never stopped.'
Nowadays, Cruise's intense commitment is mostly seen in the Mission: Impossible franchise, but despite her fondness for Cruise's work ethic, when asked if she'd ever helm one of his spy films, Hardwicke chuckles: 'Not necessarily.'
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Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Kennedy family has NEW black sheep after second figure was snubbed from July 4 party alongside RFK Jr
The Kennedy family reunited over the holiday weekend for their annual Fourth of July celebration - but two scandal-plagued members of America's most iconic political dynasty were noticeably absent. In a video posted by Kerry Kennedy on Saturday, dozens of relatives smiled and waved on the lawn of the family's Hyannis Port estate in Massachusetts, surrounded by flags and patriotic cheer. But nowhere to be seen were Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - long estranged from the clan - and JFK's only grandson, Jack Schlossberg, who appears to have become the family's newest black sheep. RFK Jr., 70, known for his anti-vaccine views and conspiracy theories, has been sidelined by much of the family for years. Readers in the comments were quick to point out both absences, with one asking, 'was Jack & schlossbergs there' and another bluntly writing, 'where is brain worm?' — a reference to the parasite discovered in RFK's brain during a 2012 health scare. Victoria Kennedy, Ted Kennedy's wife, commented underneath the video confirmed that every family member was invited, but some had other plans to attend. Schlossberg's notable absence comes amid growing public backlash over his increasingly erratic behavior. On the Fourth of July, as his relatives celebrated in Massachusetts, 32-year-old Schlossberg posted a bizarre Instagram reel - sporting a shaved head, a gaming headset, and a T-shirt reading 'I heart EU.' In the clip, filmed outdoors on a sunny lawn with trees in the background, the Harvard Law grad launched into an awkward mix of patriotism, revisionist history, and self-correction: 'Hello and happy Fourth of July. 'This year on the 4th of July, I'm wearing this shirt. Why? You ask, why am I not celebrating my own country today? Well, I am. 'This country wouldn't be anything without our European allies and partners. That's right. Without the French... there would be no America. 'Because in order to stand up to the great British Empire, we needed help. We needed the help of our Cuban allies and partners. We needed the help of our Mexican allies and partners. And we needed the help of our French allies and partners.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jack Schlossberg (@jackuno) He added: 'So on this 4th of July, yes. I'm celebrating my own country. Of course I am. I know what you're thinking. Mexico didn't - what? - didn't exist as a country, and Cuba's not in Europe. Well? I made a mistake. We all make mistakes. But... the point remains. And I'm not sure what that point is. But Happy Fourth of July, everybody.' Despite its meandering tone and historical flubs, the video was met with an overwhelmingly positive response in the comments - with many praising Schlossberg's message, humor, and delivery. Many fans were charmed by his mother's off-camera laughter. One commenter wrote: Your mom laughing makes me laugh even harder. She's a gem!' While another added: 'Is that Caroline giggling? Love!! Happy 4th of July! Days earlier, Schlossberg caused further uproar after launching a grotesque attack on journalist Megyn Kelly. Under a clip from Kelly's show about the Israel-Iran conflict, Schlossberg wrote: 'Looking extremely feminine!! Very good. Now show us your c@&6.' The sexually explicit comment was swiftly deleted - but not before screenshots were captured and shared widely. Kelly has yet to publicly respond, though she previously labeled Schlossberg 'despicable.' It wasn't the first time he's lashed out at Kelly. In February, Schlossberg deleted all of his social media accounts following a separate tirade targeting the conservative anchor over her views on transgender issues. Critics accused him of 'having a breakdown.' The meltdown didn't stop there. When Daily Mail columnist Maureen Callahan wrote about his behavior, Schlossberg lashed out again - telling both Callahan and Kelly to 'eat s***' and referring to the writer as 'Maureen V*****' in a string of unhinged posts. Despite positioning himself as a progressive voice and self-styled 'true Democrat,' critics say Schlossberg has become a full-time internet troll. His primary target has been his cousin, RFK Jr., whom he has labeled a 'liar,' a 'predator,' and a 'guru shaman figure.' In one bizarre April post, he challenged RFK Jr. to a one-on-one fight, writing: 'Me and you, one-on-one, locked in a room, we hash this out. Nobody comes out until one of us has autism. What do you say?' Schlossberg was hired by Vogue as a political correspondent in 2023 — but has not published anything since October 2024 He has also lashed out at other members of the Trump administration, suggesting in November that all of Trump's cabinet nominees be 'required to submit a stool sample,' writing: 'If they don't give a s*** about bodily autonomy, why not ask for one?' He tagged Trump's newly tapped health secretary in the same post and added, 'Lots to spare, much to be revealed.' More recently, Schlossberg inserted himself into yet another controversy — this time involving a new Ryan Murphy show about his late uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Carolyn Bessette. 'Lately, my news feed has been filled with pictures of my uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., a great man,' Schlossberg said in a video posted to Instagram. 'For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with the new shows being made about him, the answer is no.' He went on to explain that New York law doesn't protect a person's name and image after death, but insisted the producers should 'take seriously what he stood for' and 'donate some of the profits.' When Murphy shared photos of the lead actors, Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, Schlossberg jumped into the comments again, writing: 'HEY RYAN — admiration for John is great but maybe consider DONATING PROFITS TO THE KENNEDY LIBRARY thanks.' Murphy replied: '@jackuno I absolutely will.' Despite attempting to brand himself as the political heir to Camelot, Schlossberg has struggled to maintain professional credibility. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 2022, he was hired with great fanfare as a 'political correspondent' for Vogue. But the role quickly fizzled. He published only a handful of vague, insider-free columns and hasn't appeared in the magazine since October 2024.


Daily Mail
42 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Mormon mom who was outed as OnlyFans star details dark underbelly of the religion
A Mormon mom who was shunned by her church after she was outed as an OnlyFans star has lifted a lid on the secrets that go on behind closed doors in the religion that members don't want you to know about. Holly Jane, 42, originally from California, spent years living a 'double life' - making tens of thousands of dollars a month selling sultry snaps of herself on the adult site while keeping her raunchy career hidden from the members of her community. But in 2022, Holly's OnlyFans account was exposed and she was kicked out of the church, and the backlash from her peers was so intense that she eventually decided to move to a new town in a bid to start over. Now, Holly has spoken exclusively with the Daily Mail about the dark underbelly of the Mormon religion, laying bare the immense 'pressure' put on members to act a certain way. She explained that there are 'unwritten' rules that control everything from the way you 'dress' to how you 'speak.' She also claimed that women have to 'suppress' themselves and that intimacy is fiercely shunned, leading to 'unhealthy' views on sex. While chatting with the Daily Mail, Holly recalled her entire world being turned upside down after her OnlyFans career was exposed and she was excommunicated from the church. 'Honestly, I felt empty. Despite all the memories, and all the time I had spent – none of it mattered,' she said. Holly Jane, 42, from California, spent years living a 'double life' - selling sultry snaps of herself on the adult site while keeping her raunchy career a secret from the members of her church 'That warm feeling I had for the people in that church, the connection I thought we shared – it turned out to be one-sided. I cared more than they did. 'I moved and cut ties with them all, and no one ever called or reached out... I've experienced a lot of loss.' Holly slammed the 'double standard' in the religion, pointing out that many Mormon influencers have confessed to 'soft-swinging' - where couples engage in sexual activity with other couples - but were not kicked out of the church. 'People pick and choose who to judge and who to protect, and in a community built on values like accountability and forgiveness, it feels unfair that some are cast out while others are shielded,' she scathed. 'But life isn't fair and at the end of the day, each bishop makes decisions based on what's brought to him. That's just how it goes.' It's no secret that the Mormon religion has strict rules for its members, including no alcohol, tobacco, coffee, porn, and sex outside of marriage, amongst other things. Members are also expected to dress modestly - but Holly said it's much more than that. 'Even married adults are expected to suppress parts of themselves. Modesty stops being just about clothing – it becomes about personality, presence, even how confidently you walk into a room,' she said. 'There's constant pressure to shrink, to fit into some invisible "appropriate" box – or risk being labeled rebellious or unworthy. 'I'm a grown woman. I'm a mom. Embracing my sexuality isn't shameful – it's empowering. It doesn't take away from my faith or values. 'But in Mormonism, especially for women, boldness is threatening. That's what's unhealthy. It teaches guilt and hiding, even into adulthood.' She said the rules extend way beyond what you can and can't consume, and claimed there's an intense 'pressure,' especially on women, to act a certain way. 'There's an unwritten rulebook – how many kids to have, when to marry, how involved to be,' she shared. 'It's not in the doctrine, but if you don't follow it, you're judged. Culture over commandments. Bishops (male leaders) hear everything. 'We're told how to dress, speak, act, and what kind of wife and mother to be – all while suppressing huge parts of who we are.' She said members of the church are expected to 'confess' any bad thoughts they've had to their bishop, who in reality, is just a 'regular guy with no mental health training.' 'Imagine being 16 and having to explain your sexual thoughts to a middle-aged man,' she said. According to Holly, girls are taught from a young age that showing too much skin could 'cause someone else to sin,' which she said 'creates a twisted sense of responsibility for men's thoughts.' 'Women learn to shrink, hide, stay quiet – and that doesn't disappear in adulthood,' scathed the single mom. Holly believes she's not the only one has broken the Mormon rules in secret, in fact, she believes there are many others like her who are committing acts that would be frowned upon by the church without their knowledge just like she was. 'That pressure builds. Eventually, people push back – quietly or loudly, like I did,' she added. 'What I'm doing isn't so different – I just chose to stop hiding. I know a lot of women who wish they could too, but they're scared of losing family, friends, and their Church standing. So yes – it's more common than people think. 'On the outside, Mormon families look perfect – Pinterest homes, polished kids, church smiles. 'But behind closed doors, there's pressure, anxiety, depression, and hidden addictions. 'You're taught to protect the Church's reputation at all costs – even if it means suffering silently.' She explained that despite not agreeing with all of the Mormon views, she still practices the religion and is trying to be accepted into the church in her new town Holly relocated from Oregon to Texas after her OnlyFans career was exposed, and she was sent an official letter listing the things she could no longer do, including taking part in sacraments and entering the temple. But she explained that despite not agreeing with all of the Mormon views, she still practices the religion and is trying to be accepted into the church in her new town. 'I felt like there was an emptiness since I stopped attending [church]. But I'll never stop [my OnlyFans career],' she shared. 'I enjoy it, and I see it as a calling so I'm not asking the bishop's permission – he can keep his opinions to himself.' In the end, she hopes by sharing her story it can help other Mormon women to embrace their sexuality and not feel ashamed. 'I'm not here to tear down anyone's beliefs. I just want women to know they're allowed to be whole – spiritual, sexual, expressive – and still worthy of love, faith, and community,' she concluded.


Times
43 minutes ago
- Times
The actors who played Superman, ranked from worst to best
T here's a new Man of Steel in town. David Corenswet gears up to take flight in James Gunn's new summer blockbuster, out on Friday. Before him, the superhero has been played by stars including Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill and Brandon Routh. He has been dark and moody, a shining beacon of hope and even an angsty teen trying to find his way in the world. But which of these portrayals truly soar and which are better left forgotten? Here are the actors playing Superman on screen. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the worst Superman yet. Newton's time as Superman was a letdown. He brought a youthful look to the half-hour episodes, first broadcast in 1988, but that's where the positives end. His awkward performance was hampered by the low-budget production, which mostly had him facing dull gangsters and forgettable drug dealers. He lasted just one season, and the actor has reportedly moved on to energy-healing practices instead. Appears in: Superboy (1988)