'Mythic Quest' Cast Shares Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Upcoming Storylines
Fans of 'Mythic Quest' recently enjoyed an exclusive preview of Episode 404 at The Landmark Westwood on February 4. This special gathering, moderated by Matt Brennan, deputy editor for entertainment and arts at the Los Angeles Times, gave attendees a rare peek behind the curtain of a series that masterfully juggles the highs and lows of both professional and personal realms under the relentless glow of office lights.
The cast and creators of 'Mythic Quest' provided a compelling look at the inner workings of the show, highlighting why it stands as a remarkable exploration of the video game industry. Under the leadership of Rob McElhenney and with the insights of Charlotte Nicdao, Naomi Ekperigin, David Hornsby, Ashly Burch, Danny Pudi, and Jessie Ennis, the discussion illuminated the evolving journeys of their characters across the series, showcasing the depth and breadth of their development.
Nicdao offered an in-depth look at her character Poppy Li's transformation from a perceived underdog to a character wrestling with her ego, aiming for personal betterment and a fuller existence beyond her career milestones. Nicdao explained, 'I think we gave her the space to become quite monstrous throughout the next couple of seasons … it's almost like she had this personal growth where she decided that's not who she wants to be, and she's almost done a full 180.' This narrative arc reflects one of the show's larger themes, where the characters delicately balance ambition with ethics and creativity with turmoil.
One standout feature of Mythic Quest is the creative engagement of the actors, who are encouraged to take on roles as writers and directors. This approach enhances the narrative and forges a deeper bond among the cast, transforming the series into a deeply cherished endeavor for all those involved.
Celebrated for its candid and comedic portrayal of the video game industry, 'Mythic Quest' tackles the hurdles of innovation, the intricacies of office politics, and the personal evolution of its characters. With its mix of humor, drama, and authentic character portrayals, the series continues to enchant audiences, promising more adventures and insights into the lives of its beloved characters.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Inside Nike's all-women half-marathon in L.A.: the good, the bad and the surprising
After running — or more like barely surviving — my first half-marathon about a decade ago in Las Vegas, I had no desire to participate in a long-distance run ever again. That was until I learned that Nike was hosting the Nike After Dark tour, a women's race series designed to celebrate women and encourage them to get into the sport. The L.A. half-marathon — the tour's only stop in the U.S. — was slated to include a concert with Grammy-winning rapper Doechii at the end of the 13.1 mile race. Given that Nike has built a reputation for curating cool, culture-forward experiences, I figured this would be the perfect way for me to get out of my years-long retirement from running. Plus, several of my friends were participating so it was bound to be a good time. Advertisement Read more: 18 inspiring L.A. run clubs to kickstart your running era After training for several weeks at parks and tracks around L.A., I hit the pavement alongside nearly 15,000 participants — 43% of whom were first-time half-marathoners — on Saturday evening at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The event sparked a lot of online chatter — not all positive — with some runners calling the race disorganized and a marketing event catered to influencers. As for me, I experienced several highs during the energetic event, but also some moments of frustration and confusion. Here's how the night went down, from the starting line (and the journey in getting there) to the high-octane concert finale. Pre-race: Getting to the starting line was a marathon in itself Knowing that thousands of people were expected to participate in the event, I opted to get to the SoFi Stadium about an hour and a half early to avoid traffic. In hindsight, I should've arrived even earlier. Several streets were blocked off due to the race, but once I found the parking lot, it was easy for me to find a spot — much easier than it was at the recent Kendrick Lamar and SZA concert a few weeks prior. (While registration for the race started at $150, parking was thankfully free for those who secured a spot ahead of time.) After experiencing long lines and a delayed start time, runners gather in their assigned corrals to prepare for the 13.1-mile race. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) I followed a herd of people toward the entrance where we went through a security checkpoint, then a bag check line, which took about 30 minutes to get through. Afterward, I rushed outside to find my friends and waited in yet another line — this time for the porta-potties — which took about 40 minutes. The starting line, at last By this time, there were only about 10 minutes until race time and I still needed to stretch, so my group ran over to the starting corrals. The race was initially scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., but an emcee announced that it was being pushed back to 6:45 p.m. This made me nervous because the concert was set for 9:30 p.m., so this meant that I'd have less than three hours to finish if I wanted to catch the show. Advertisement In the weeks leading up to the marathon, some participants took to social media to voice their concerns about Nike changing its course time from four hours — as it stated on the registration form — to three hours. In one Threads post, a runner said: "If the whole purpose of this event was to reclaim running by giving women a space to feel safe running at night, then why wouldn't you be inclusive to runners of all paces?" In response to the feedback, Nike ultimately set the course time to three hours and 17 minutes, allowing for an average mile of 15 minutes per mile, according to a Nike spokesperson. The brand added a shorter course option, which was nine miles, so participants could still cross the finish line, receive a medal (a silver necklace with a giant Nike swoosh) and enjoy the concert. Despite the confusion, people were amped. "I'm at this phase in my life where I really want to prove to myself that I can do hard things," said Ayanna Fox, 29, of Chino Hills, on why she wanted to participate. Misty Garcia, 17, a Venice High School student, said: 'I felt like this race in particular was so interesting because it was going to be mostly women and it's about women empowerment, so I love it.' Advertisement As Charli xcx's "360" played over the speakers, Nike trainers along with Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Olympic hurdler Anna Cockrell, hyped up the crowd as each corral took off. This was the point when my nerves started to kick in because I was eager to get started. About 7:05 p.m., a burst of smoke popped. I was finally off and running. Host Elisa Hernandez, from left, Diljeet Taylor, Anna Cockrell and Jordan Chiles at the Nike After Dark Tour in L.A. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Miles 1-7: The excitement of activations, DJs and cheering fans The first seven miles were the most exhilarating for me. I felt strong and confident about my pace. And for my legs, this stretch was smooth sailing. Hundreds of people were cheering from the sidelines and holding up signs with statements like "You run better than our government," "Hot girls run half marathons" and "Hurry up so we can drink." Drivers along the freeway were honking for us. DJs played upbeat house and hip-hop music. USC's band performed. Between the six- and seven-mile marker, we ran through a tunnel that was filled with flashing red lights and bubble machines. The energy was electric. Supporters cheer and hold signs as runners embark on the Nike After Dark half marathon in L.A. Several brands including Flamingo, Honey Stinger (which gave out free energy gels and snacks) and Beats by Dre had activations along the course. There was even a recovery station with couches, restroom trailers and snacks. Advertisement Read more: I walked 27.4 miles across L.A. in one day on Washington Boulevard. Here's what it taught me Miles 8-10: The pain sets in Just before Mile 8, my headphones died and that's when the hills started to get to me. I felt like I was running up and down a sharp roller coaster. Without music, I was forced to talk myself through the final stretch. But it was in these trenches that I noticed several sweet moments of community care: a volunteer passing out Bengay cream, a group of friends holding up a woman as she limped, runners shouting out their home countries and waving their flags in the wake of the ICE raids that were happening in our city at this very moment. It was a beautiful reminder of how much better we are as people when we support one another. Supporters record and cheer as runners embark on the Nike women's half-marathon at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Around Mile 10, I spotted Chris Bennett, Nike's running global head coach, giving out high-fives and encouraging people to push forward. (He even ran with the last bunch of runners and helped them across the finish line.) (Clockwise from the top left) 1. Taylor Contarino waits in her assigned corral before the Nike After Dark half-marathon. 2. People gather in their assigned corrals. 3. Cassandra Grossman ties her shoes in her assigned corral before the Nike After Dark half-marathon. 4. Runners start the Nike After Dark half-marathon at SoFi Stadium. 5. A large group of runners move through the first turn for the Nike After Dark half-marathon. The final mile — or was it? As I neared the end, I felt bamboozled because there were at least two massive archways that looked like the finish line, but actually weren't. I still had a ways to go. I could've cried tears of joy when I finally reached the end. I clocked in at three hours and three minutes, which I was pleased with because my only goals were to finish, have fun and make it to the concert. The winner was Sofia Camacho, a drag artist and Nike run coach based in New York, who clocked in at one hour, 15 minutes and 25 seconds. Hundreds of supporters line the course as runners embark on the Nike After Dark Tour in Los Angeles. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) After grabbing my medal, I walked as fast as my sore limbs would allow back inside the stadium. The trek felt tortuous because we had to climb up multiple sets of stairs, then journey down a walkway that was roughly 10 levels that felt never-ending until we reached the bottom where the stage was. Some people gave up on watching the show simply because they didn't have the energy to make it down. The grand finale: Doechii brings the energy By the time I got there, I was disappointed to see that Doechii was already on her final two songs of her 30-minute set, but the energy was so high that I quickly forgot and just enjoyed the moment while I could. The show ended just before 10:40 p.m. while some folks were still running including one of my friends who missed the show and wasn't able to get a pair of Barbie pink Nike slides and socks they were passing out. The night ends and yet the trek continues After the show, we were instructed to exit the stadium — thankfully there was an escalator — but I still had to muster up the energy to go back to the entrance at the other side of the stadium so I could retrieve my belongings from the bag check area. My legs were finished by the time I got to my car. Advertisement Aside from some logistical issues and long wait times, I enjoyed participating in the Nike After Dark Tour. The course was challenging but doable, and running alongside thousands of women and allies of various ages and backgrounds at night felt empowering. Runners received a ton of freebies, particularly at the bib pickup at the Grove, which included a dri-fit T-shirt and makeup from Milk. As someone who typically avoids cardio in my workout sessions, this race has inspired me to continue hitting the pavement and exploring this beautiful city on foot. And who knows, I just might sign up for another race. Runners take off for the women's half-marathon, which started at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Sign up for The Wild newsletter to get weekly insider tips on the best of our beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests and mountains. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Bruce Willis' Quiet Struggle With Dementia During His Final Acting Days Revealed In Wife's New Memoir
Emma Heming Willis' upcoming memoir, "The Unexpected Journey," gives insight into Bruce Willis' battle with frontotemporal dementia. The book reveals how the movie star managed to act during the early stage of his dementia struggle, with behind-the-scenes support, including reduced dialogue and an earpiece feeding him lines. Bruce Willis's health decline was first publicly acknowledged in 2022 with aphasia, later diagnosed as FTD, leading to his retirement. In her forthcoming memoir "The Unexpected Journey," set for release on September 9, 2025, Heming opens up for the first time about her husband Willis' quiet but determined fight to keep working as his health began to decline. In the book, Heming recalled how the legendary "Die Hard" actor spent his last few years in Hollywood navigating the early signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and how filmmakers and close friends worked behind the scenes to support him as symptoms started to interfere with his performance. According to excerpts cited by The Daily Beast, directors began tailoring scripts to reduce Willis' dialogue. A longtime friend was even brought in to feed him lines discreetly through an earpiece during production. These quiet accommodations enabled Willis to continue acting in films like "Assassin" (2023) and the "Detective Knight trilogy" (2022–2023) without alerting audiences to the challenges he was facing. Taking to Instagram, Heming shared the deeper purpose behind her upcoming book, "The Unexpected Journey." She explained that the memoir was born out of her own experience navigating her husband Willis' diagnosis, and her desire to offer support to others facing similar challenges. "I really wrote the book that I wish someone had handed me the day we got our diagnosis with no hope, no direction … not much," she shared. "Today, life looks different for me and our family because I was able to put support into place." Heming emphasized that the book "isn't a memoir, it's a self-help guide for caregivers, written to hold space for our heartbreak and our healing." In the comment section of Heming's post, fans praised her for creating the book due to the valuable resources it contains, especially for family members of individuals with dementia. One user wrote: "I can't wait to read this! I am just starting my journey of caregiving for my husband with BvFTD. You're an inspiration." Another said, "I cannot wait to read. Thank you for writing this. When my mom was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, I almost had a nervous breakdown from just the fear of what my caregiver journey would be." They added, "I had no guidance or support and didn't know where to turn. Your book will help so many. Sending you thanks and prayers to you and Bruce, and your family." Prior to Heming's memoir, a 2022 Los Angeles Times investigation had shed light on the cognitive challenges Willis was quietly facing on film sets before his official retirement. In the final three years of his acting career, Willis starred in 22 low-budget action movies, and as the cameras rolled, those around him began to notice unsettling changes. Once known for his sharp delivery and commanding presence, Willis had become noticeably disoriented. He relied heavily on an earpiece to be fed his lines and at times struggled to stay oriented, occasionally forgetting the context of the scene, or even why he was on set. Director Jesse V. Johnson, who worked with Willis on "White Elephant" and had known him from earlier in his stuntman days, recalled the shift. "It was clear that he was not the Bruce I remembered," he said, per the Daily Mail. Johnson recounted a moment during filming when Willis turned to the crew and said, "I know why you're here, and I know why you're here, but why am I here?" To ease the pressure on the star, the production team was advised to wrap up all of Willis' scenes before lunchtime. Willis' health struggles were finally made public in 2022, when his family shared he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that impairs communication and language. As reported by The Blast, in early 2023, the actor's diagnosis was updated to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurological condition that affects behavior, cognition, and speech. Following the news, Willis officially retired from acting, stepping away from the spotlight to focus on his health and spend time with loved ones. While he now lives largely out of the public eye, his wife Heming and their daughters occasionally share meaningful updates with fans.
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Breaking down the Emmys' most dramatic battle: ‘The Pitt' vs. ‘Severance'
Have you at any point this year consulted WebMD to learn the possible side effects of reintegration? And if the answer is yes, does that mean your favorite show is 'Severance,' or does your (possibly neurotic) interest in medicine put you squarely in the camp of 'The Pitt'? I'm Glenn Whipp, columnist for the Los Angeles Times and host of The Envelope newsletter. And no, it's not too early to choose sides in the upcoming Emmy showdown between the Apple TV+ and Max drama series. Let's take a page from Lumon founder Kier Eagan and 'be ever merry' while we take an early look at the race. It would be easy — and perhaps reductive — to boil down the battle between 'Severance' and 'The Pitt' as a matter of choosing the head or the heart. The loopy 'Severance' tells the story of people in a workplace doing a job they don't understand, partially because they've had chips implanted in their brains to create two selves ('innies' and 'outies') that are both distinct and the same. The show's second season found Outie Mark (Adam Scott) looking to reintegrate his two halves and liberate Innie Mark from his corporate enslavement. Only Innie Mark has questions about how all this will work and whether he wants to sublimate himself and end his relationship with another innie, Helly R. (Britt Lower). I could go on for several thousand words about all this because 'Severance' trades in the art of indirection, taking its sweet time to reveal the mysteries hidden within the blinding-white offices of Lumon Industries. Some people find the ambiguity confounding. The show's fans disagree, burrowing into the corporate cult(ure) of Lumon with glee. A herd of goats in a conference room? Of course! But why? Off to the subreddit we go! And don't forget the waffles! 'The Pitt' is also set in a workplace, a hospital emergency room. Its 15-episode first season follows what happens during a very eventful shift, each episode depicting one hour of the shift. It's a reunion for several key members of the team that made 'ER,' including creator R. Scott Gemmill, executive producer John Wells (who also directed the season's first and last episode) and star Noah Wyle. Some may consider this sacrilege, but with 'The Pitt,' they've built a better show. I offer this opinion as one who was devastated more than once by the chaos and drama that Wyle's Dr. Robby and his team dealt with during the season. Their despair became our despair — and if you've had the misfortune of visiting an emergency room recently, you know that the healthcare crisis shown on 'The Pitt' is real and getting worse. When the team's shift ended in the season finale, you were both relieved for its heroic characters and sad that you wouldn't be seeing them again until the second season drops. You felt like you'd been through something together. When Emmy nominations are announced next month, I'd expect that 'The White Lotus' and 'The Last of Us' will share in the wealth, with each earning up to 20 or more mentions. 'The White Lotus' ensemble alone will account for a chunk of that number. But I don't think either of those shows will win the drama series prize. 'The Last of Us' will be hampered by a story arc that's essentially the first part of a two-season storyline. And while 'The White Lotus' kept us guessing until the end, few would argue that its third season was its best. That leaves 'Severance' and 'The Pitt,' the head and the heart. Except 'Severance' made viewers feel the tragedy of Mark's plight deeply. And 'The Pitt' smartly incorporated topical issues — violence against healthcare workers, hospital understaffing, sex trafficking, anti-vaccination misconceptions — into its season. I appreciate both shows, and I don't have to create an alternative version of myself to let these twin passions coexist. But like Mark in 'Severance,' at one point I'm going to have to choose. And like Mark, I'll likely opt for love. Bold prediction: 'The Pitt' ultimately squeaks by 'Severance' in a barn-burner for drama series. I mentioned the sometimes stubbornly confounding aspects of 'Severance,' and the show's creators and actors are self-aware enough to know what they're doing and how its audience might react. 'I was scared of some of the risks [the creative team] were taking: 'What if this doesn't work?'' actor Patricia Arquette tells Tim Grierson for The Times. 'They really didn't sit on their laurels from the first year's success — they took a lot more chances in the second year.' Tim catalogued those chances in a terrific story, noting that the risks were even more palpable given the three-year gap between the series' first and second seasons, a break that happened partly due to the actors' and writers' strikes and partly because it's a hard show to sort out. 'It's a unique show,' star Adam Scott says, 'and in Season 1 we were figuring out what it was as we were doing it. In Season 2, the show was changing and expanding — we were figuring out what it was all over again because it was important to all of us that it not feel the same. Sometimes it takes a while.'
