Latest news with #ReturnoftheKing
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump-Musk breakup: There's a Trump tweet for every Musk move; a love-hate story in 280 characters
In the grand arena of American politics, few relationships have been as electrifying—or as perplexing—as that of Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Their bond, forged in the fires of Twitter (now X), has been a whirlwind of endorsements, criticisms, and the occasional meme-worthy moment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But if there's one thing we've learned, it's that there's a Trump tweet for every Musk move—and vice versa. The reinstatement tango It all began in November 2022, when Elon Musk, in his infinite wisdom, decided that the world needed more Trump tweets. So, he conducted a poll on X, asking the masses if they wanted to reinstate the former president's account. The result? A narrow "yes" vote of 51.8%. Musk declared, "The people have spoken," and just like that, Trump's digital megaphone was back online . But the real kicker came when Trump returned to the platform with a post that could only be described as cinematic: his mugshot. The caption? "ELECTION INTERFERENCE! NEVER SURRENDER!" Musk, ever the enthusiast, responded with a succinct "Next-level" . Because nothing says "I'm in this for the long haul" like a mugshot and a retweet. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): A match made in bureaucratic heaven Fast forward to late 2024. Trump, ever the innovator, announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with none other than Elon Musk at the helm. The goal? To cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. Musk, ever the cost-cutter, was all in . However, as with all things Musk, the execution was... let's say, ambitious. Under his leadership, the department enacted sweeping layoffs, cut thousands of contracts, and slashed grants. The result? A fiscal policy that left many scratching their heads and wondering if Mars was looking more appealing by the day . The "Big, Beautiful Bill" fallout But the honeymoon didn't last. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In June 2025, Musk launched a full-throated campaign against Trump's signature spending bill, the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Describing it as a "disgusting abomination," Musk urged Americans to pressure lawmakers to reject it with the rallying cry "KILL the BILL" . Trump's response? Silence. Well, almost. He reposted a previous positive tweet from Musk on Truth Social and refrained from his usual combative retorts . Perhaps he was too busy planning his next rally—or maybe he was just giving Musk the space to shine in his own unique way. The meme that keeps on giving Through all the policy shifts, budget cuts, and political maneuvering, one thing has remained constant: the memes. Whether it's Musk's "Return of the King" post celebrating Trump's comeback or Trump's own cryptic tweets, the internet has been treated to a never-ending stream of content that blurs the line between politics and performance art . In the end, the relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is a testament to the unpredictable nature of modern politics. It's a saga filled with unexpected alliances, dramatic reversals, and a plethora of tweets that keep us all guessing. So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through X, remember: there's a Trump tweet for every Musk move—and vice versa.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Football's equivalent of the Hobbits' return to the Shire
YOU SHALL NOT PASS Like The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, just when you think the football season has finally been wrapped up and you're waiting for the closing credits to roll, along comes another clatter of matches to leave you in serious doubt that this hamster wheel of ours will ever stop turning. In recent weeks the climactic (and often anticlimactic) battles have been fought, the subsequent coronations have been staged and now in what seems like the perfect time for a nice refreshing break in which to recuperate, recalibrate and prepare for the nonsense that is the Club World Cup, Football Daily finds itself forced to contend with the football equivalent of the Hobbits' return to the Shire that is the latest international break. Oh to be Frodo, sailing off into the unknown of the Undying Lands. Advertisement While Football Daily likes to think it has its finger firmly placed on the football pulse, it behoves us to admit that we'd completely forgotten that England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are all due to play this weekend. And it is a good thing the respective governing bodies of all five teams were not similarly absent-minded for fear they might have been forced to spend the coming days scouring the bars and beaches of Ibiza trying to find players willing to represent their national sides in their imminent double-headers. Truth be told, a quick trawl of any random beach in the UK would probably yield enough decent English players to see off Andorra in Saturday's World Cup qualifier but that hasn't stopped Thomas Tuchel's latest squad selection for that game and a subsequent friendly against Senegal being taken very seriously indeed. Predictably overwrought has been some of the wailing and handwringing over various inclusions and omissions from a 26-man group that is ostensibly in Barcelona to take on a ski resort. In Liechtenstein, Wales host similarly exalted opposition in the first game of their qualifying double-header that concludes with a trip to Belgium, but you can be sure Craig Bellamy will not be taking the minnows lightly. Famously intolerant of international teammates who didn't pull their weight during his time as a player repeatedly failing to qualify for major tournaments – or simply colleagues refusing to sing – Bellamy has brought the intensity of 10,000 TV dramas starring Stephen Graham to his role as head coach. 'From his first meeting you could tell how much he wanted to achieve here – big things – and straight away he wanted to drill things into us,' trembled Swansea's Ben Cabango of his gaffer, who has yet to taste defeat as Wales boss. 'I feel like he's not laid off that one bit. We're not here for a large amount of time so it's quite intense when we are here.' Proceedings are likely to be considerably less intense in the other camps, with only friendlies looming in the short-term for all three nations. The big news from an Ireland camp preparing for summer kickabouts with Senegal and Luxembourg has been the tardy arrival of Caoimhin Kelleher due to him having to cough for the doctor at Brentford, while Northern Ireland have recalled Kelleher's former teammate Conor Bradley for their games against Denmark and Iceland, after he missed the last international break through knack. And finally, having just checked to see if Steve Clarke is still the manager of Scotland, we can reveal that he very much is and will be hoping his side can avoid the potential embarrassment that comes hand in hand with friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein, before an eminently winnable qualifying campaign that kicks off in September. Now you know as much as we do, so make like Frodo and go away. LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE Join a mystery guest from 8pm BST for hot Nations League semi-final updates from Germany 2-1 Portugal. QUOTE OF THE DAY 'We had a backpack with snacks and we played around on our phones to kill time. The lights were on all the time and the sitting position was uncomfortable, so sleeping was almost impossible. That made it physically and mentally difficult' – Neal Remmerie explains how he, along with fellow Belgian TikToker Senne Haverbeke, spent 27 hours in an Allianz Arena bog before watching the Bigger Cup final for free. 'We looked carefully at which security guard was paying the least attention,' whooped Remmerie. 'While on the phone and with food in our hands, we just walked on, and suddenly we were inside.' FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS I've just read your recent article regarding the York City owner's push for three promotion places from the National League to League Two (yesterday's Football Daily). I wanted to write in full support of her position – and to thank you for highlighting this vital issue. As a supporter of Dorking Wanderers, a club that finished sixth this past season and fell short in the playoffs, I can say with confidence that many clubs and fans across the National League share her view. The idea that a team finishing sixth or seventh – often 15 to 20 points behind second or third place – can leapfrog into the Football League while stronger teams miss out is increasingly hard to justify. You questioned whether York's owner would feel the same if her club finished seventh. I genuinely believe she would, as would many other club owners, including the management at Dorking. This isn't just about individual clubs – it's about fairness, progress, and ensuring that ambition is matched by opportunity. The National League has become increasingly professional and competitive, and its clubs deserve a pathway that reflects that. I hope the EFL takes note of this growing movement. Thank you again for covering this important topic – and please keep the conversation going' – Stephen Parrott. It's probably worth pointing out that the 3UP campaign is supported by all 72 clubs in the National League, including the North and South leagues, of which my team, South Shields, is part, although we certainly weren't troubling the playoff contenders this season just gone' – Phil Gibson. I'm sure I will be one of 1,057 pedants to point out that in the 2021-22 National League North season, Brackley Town finished second on 87 points, seven points ahead of the side that finished third and a whole 21 points ahead of the team that actually ended up being promoted through the playoffs. The name of the side in question … York City' – Andy Riddell (and others). Forget 3UP (yesterday's Football Daily), I've long thought 8UP to be the answer. A straight eight up and down across all divisions. It would take real commitment to spend 10 years in the same tier. Loads of different teams to play each year and different grounds to visit. You'd have an interest in matches through to the end of the season. And it would level the financial playing field nicely with so many teams yo-yoing. What's not to like?' – Dave Lambley. Advertisement If you do have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … Dave Lambley. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. RECOMMENDED LOOKING Daniel Melamud has curated a collection of lovely images taken by some of the most respected snappers in the game. Do check out this selection. THE RIVER-SIGHS Michael Carrick has been hailed as part of a new breed of astute young manager almost as long as his tenure as Middlesbrough manager, which has ended after the best part of three years in the job (a lengthy spell by Championship standards). Boro announced Carrick's passage through the door marked Do One after a poor run-in that resulted in a 10th-placed finish. Carrick took Boro to fourth place and the playoffs in 2023, where they were beaten in the semis by Coventry, but they dropped back to eighth a year later. Failure to improve on that in the past 12 months means Carrick joins a number of Noughties England luminaries facing tricky times in management. He is followed out of the Riverside by his assistants Jonathan Woodgate (another Noughties England mainstay) and Graeme Carrick. 'We'd like to thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future,' blah-blahed a club statement as Boro seek a Premier League place for the first time since 2017. NEWS, BITS AND BOBS Millie Bright will not play for the Lionesses at Euro 2025. The defender has withdrawn from possible selection as 'it is the right thing for my health and my future'. Bright's withdrawal follows the international retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, the latter of whom confirmed her news after England's 2-1 Nations League defeat in Spain. Boss Sarina Wiegman is at least confident that Lauren James will be fit for the tournament. Advertisement Elsewhere in the WNL, Scotland drew 1-1 in the Netherlands, but Wales got a 4-1 hiding at home against Italy. 'The first half felt like a punch in the face,' sighed manager Rhian Wilkinson. 'Let's be clear, that was not a performance that I expect from this team.' Lucas Paquetá's spot-fixing trial has ended but West Ham have been left unhappy at having to wait up to eight weeks for a verdict. Stop us if you think that you've heard this one before … Manchester City are going on a spending jag. The first man in? Tijjani Reijnders of Milan, the Dutch attacking midfielder costing an agreed fee of €55m. Meanwhile, following Kevin De Bruyne's departure comes news that Scott Carson, the reserve goalie who has played 108 minutes and won 11 trophies, could also be doing one. Andrée Jeglertz, the Swede who will lead Denmark at Euro 2025, is in line for the Manchester City Women's top job. Advertisement Sheffield United are to be the lucky losers after Blackburn's withdrawal and remain in WSL 2 next season. Liverpool want Milos Kerkez. Bournemouth want £45m. Will Crystal Palace escape the bind that might deny the Eagles a first proper European tilt next season? John Textor, largest shareholder but also owner of Lyon, is trying to flog his shares in Palace to ease passage into Bigger Vase. 'All of the UK knows that I don't have decisive influence over Palace,' he roared. Liam Manning has done one from Bristol City to take over at Norwich. And Rio Ferdinand thinks that Manchester United's failings have made him a laughing stock. 'It's sad, man. I'm on TV, I've got to talk about this stuff. Everyone can take the mick out of me,' he wailed. 'I'm a meme sometimes on social media [disgraces] because of my team. So it's hard, man, I'm doing punditry in the worst possible time in Manchester through this terrible moment.' STILL WANT MORE? Thomas Müller, Patrik Schick, Vincent Kompany and Leipzig's 'scumbag football': all part of Andy Brassell's review of the German season. Advertisement Jacob Steinberg picks over why Jadon Sancho is back at Manchester United, after the end of his sale and return move to Chelsea. What next? Ben McAleer looks at the Premier League players who could possibly to with moves to reboot their careers. Get these bookmarked if you haven't already: our men's and women's summer transfer interactives. And this week's Knowledge investigates British players conquering Europe's top five leagues, late-career goalscoring centurions and huge gaps between league titles, among much else. MEMORY LANE Winding the clock back to 4 June 1997: Paul Scholes, 22, beams after scoring his first England goal, in only his second senior international, as Italy are beaten in Nantes. Scholes also laid on the other for his strike partner that evening, Ian Wright, as England ended up winning Le Tournoi, the warm-up event for the 1998 World Cup. Scholes has described his England career as an overall disappointment, but their performances in France that summer got everyone back home excited. Wright, knacked that following season, missed the World Cup. Only Mick Channon played more times for England without being selected for a World Cup or European Championships squad. These days, Scholes and Wright occasionally find themselves still paired up, reminiscing across Gary Neville's kitchen island on that show you see all over social media disgraces. JACKSON RETURNS!
New European
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New European
Could Tom Cruise's next mission be the White House?
Upping the ante as ever, Tom Cruise dives to the bottom of the ocean and hangs on for dear life to a mountain-skimming prop plane, in the film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week. In between, he pegs it everywhere as if he'd never heard of Uber, or impatiently listens to eleven different characters delivering a round robin of exposition, a baffling flaw in the era of show-not-tell scriptwriting. 'What was I going to do? Retire? Go fishing?' says a character as they face (perhaps) – don't worry, no spoilers here – certain death in Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning. The question could just as easily be posed of the star and producer – 'a Tom Cruise Production' – of this final instalment of the colon-rich, sphincter-tightening franchise. The film hasn't quite got the machine-tooled efficiency that gave Bond and Bourne a quite literal run for their money, and suffers end-of-franchise nostalgia – the Return of the King syndrome if you will – trying to give each of the characters their due and getting all strangely mushy about each other. I've always found the Mission: Impossible films to be jarringly uninvolving on an emotional level while always enjoying the kinetic daredevilry of its action sequences. The emotional depth is the kind felt at a goodbye party for an employee who's only been with us a month. The one exception to this might be Tom himself. Let's be clear. I'm not going to miss Ethan Hunt. I mean, who is Ethan Hunt if not 'A Tom Cruise Production' in flesh? He certainly isn't a character. I doubt there'll be a hunt for the new Ethan Hunt, the way there is for a new James Bond. But I am going to miss Tom. I worry about Tom. Without Mission: Impossible, what is he going to do now? Go fishing? Surely, he's going to need to bungee jump off the Hoover Dam or go down the Niagara Falls in a barrel of a weekend, if only to wind down from a career that has made him the most action-oriented American movie star since Buster Keaton. He's the west's answer to Jackie Chan, working in the tradition of a genuine heart-throb doing his own stunts, like Jean-Paul Belmondo. And the weird thing is, Cruise's career has been a mirror image of what it should have been, with his biggest action role in the latter half. When most actors are 'too old for this shit,' it seemed like Tom was just getting started (Danny Glover was 41 when he said that line in Lethal Weapon). In his youth, his films tended to skew comedy or dramatic. Coming out of the Brat Pack via films such as Taps (co-starring Sean Penn) and The Outsiders (co-starring the entire 1980s), Cruise first hit it big with the one-two punch of All the Right Moves and Risky Business and morphed himself by sheer will and persistence into a good actor. A handy trick Cruise employed was to ally himself to elder co-stars as he took on the role of the upcoming and arrogant whippersnapper. In The Color of Money he was the cocky pool player, schooled by Paul Newman's Fast Eddie. In Rain Man, he was a car salesman yuppie and Dustin Hoffman's younger brother, who learns about autism and caring. In Cocktail, he was the acolyte to famed Australian Bryan Brown who would teach him to… make cocktails. 'When he pours, he reigns,' promised the best tagline ever. It was a sly move. Before you knew it, he was not just learning from screen legends – the end of The Color of Money gives Newman a clear advantage – he was besting them. 'You can't handle the truth!' rants a spittle-flecked Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men in 1992, but the end of the courtroom drama had a clearly triumphant Cruise handling it just fine. Along the way, he'd notched up some of the industry's finest directors. They included legends such as Francis Ford Coppola, Sydney Pollack, Martin Scorsese, Barry Levinson, Rob Reiner and Ridley Scott, though it was brother Tony Scott who had the biggest impact on the star's career with 1986's Top Gun, which gave both aviator shades and the naval flight academy a recruitment bump. Cruise's Maverick has no identity beyond a grin and a catchphrase. Maverick, like Ethan Hunt, is essence of Cruise, this time poured into a cockpit with nary a mentor in sight. He's an insider's outsider. He doesn't follow orders but accomplishes the mission, maverick in call sign only. Kelly McGillis had the thankless task of looking like she wanted to teach him something about aerodynamics. Having dominated the latter half of the eighties, Cruise convinced doubters about his acting chops with his performance as paraplegic Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July, a heartfelt, angry side of Cruise that reminded audiences that away from sunny Reaganite power fantasies Cruise could deploy an unsuspected range. That's not to say that throughout Cruise's career there haven't been some dips and unfortunate role choices. The public's perception has not always been of Cruise as the international treasure who rappelled into the Covid crisis to single-handedly save cinema. There was Legend for instance, an early brain fart of a role that had a lank-haired Cruise play Jack in the Green, poncing around saving unicorns from a satanic Tim Curry. Sometimes, it was his private life that skewed the public's perception of him. His relationship with then marriage to Nicole Kidman on the woeful Days of Thunder led to Far and Away the worst film of his career (see what I did there?) His third marriage to Katie Holmes led to a daughter and the smush-neologism of TomKat, but the break-up was acrimonious. Over all of this was cast the strange light of his involvement with the Church of Scientology, a subject I've been careful to avoid lest I start getting followed by mysterious people; something which definitely wouldn't happen. Rumours abound over his attempts to convert Hollywood greats to L Ron Hubbard's religion as well as it having an involvement in the break up of two of his marriages. He had moments of out-of-control exuberance: he jumped up and down on Oprah's sofa and got in Matt Lauer's face about the terrors of psychiatry. The rumours about his sexuality led to a merciless ridiculing in an episode of South Park, something which must have been hard for a man who is always trying to be taken so seriously. Stanley Kubrick would exploit this tendency in Cruise as well as the many ambiguities of the Cruise persona in Eyes Wide Shut, emasculating his lead to a dithering bourgeois doctor being taunted with homophobic slurs on the streets of New York and gnawingly jealous of his wife's (Kidman) sexual fantasies. With his stardom assured and emboldened by his work with Kubrick, Cruise was in a position to move out of his comfort zone. Paul Thomas Anderson turned him into a sleazebag proto-Andrew Tate for Magnolia and Michael Mann made him a chalky-haired hitman with a rare villain role in Collateral. But ever the canny navigator of his own career, Cruise underwrote this risk taking with a popular franchise based on a 1960s TV show. Enter Mission: Impossible. It was, to say the least, an odd choice. The whole point of the original show was the anonymity of the cast. The characters were one dimensional agents who staged elaborate espionage jobs and heists. It had one star: the theme music by Lalo Schifrin. Brian de Palma's inaugural entry kept the faith of the original while promoting young Hunt (Cruise) above the mentor/adversary, played by Jon Voight. But each subsequent entry saw Cruise taking greater prominence and control. John Woo brought his 'gun fu' to the ludicrous fun of the first sequel, JJ Abrams put the train back on the tracks in his efficiently exciting follow up, and Brad Bird ushered in the first massive success of the series with Ghost Protocol. The arrival of screenwriter/director Christopher McQuarrie saw Cruise find a partner ready to loyally serve the star and establish full Cruise control. He would go on to direct all the remaining films in the franchise including the most commercially successful: Fallout. Final Reckoning brings together a whole mishmash of millennial apocalyptic hysteria. The adversary is called the Entity and comprises all our fears about AI, nuclear weapons, misinformation and the rise of populism into a pulsing blue graphic. 'It makes our allies, enemies and our enemies, aggressors,' someone explains. So, Trump 2.0 then? Cruise's mission (if he should choose to accept it) is to put the genie of technology back in the bottle and unite the world. Never has he been more messianic and throughout the film there is a religious fervour. A computer key is shaped as a cruciform, like something from a reliquary, and the Entity itself is referred to as the 'anti-God.' So what of Cruise himself? Having proven once more that the title was a lie, Cruise is the one we are assured who could be trusted with the total power that the Entity promises. Having saved the world numerous times on the big screen, could he be tempted to sort out the world's problem via political office? After President Reagan, Governor Schwarzenegger, Trump I & II, would Cruise fancy running – in his inimitable arms pumping style – for the White House? Given the popularising of so many marginal crackpot ideas, Scientology might not be the dealbreaker it once was. Think about it: President Tom Cruise. Perhaps unlikely, but not impossible. John Bleasdale is a writer, film journalist and novelist based in Italy
Time Business News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Triumphant 1968 Comeback
In the annals of music history, few moments resonate as profoundly as Elvis Presley's 1968 television special — a performance that not only revitalized his career but also reaffirmed his status as the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll. Netflix's documentary, Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley , directed by Jason Hehir, dives deep into this pivotal moment, offering a vivid portrait of the circumstances leading up to the special and its lasting impact on Elvis's legacy. By the late 1960s, Elvis's once-blazing star had started to dim. After a meteoric rise in the 1950s, his focus shifted toward a series of formulaic Hollywood films throughout the early '60s — many of which failed to capture the raw energy and magnetism that had initially catapulted him to fame. During this period, Elvis became increasingly disconnected from the evolving music scene, with his last live performance dating back to 1961. The documentary highlights the mounting internal and external pressures he faced. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had steered him onto a path that prioritized commercial success over artistic growth. Yet as the cultural landscape transformed with new artists and powerful movements emerging, Elvis found himself at a crossroads, yearning to reconnect with his musical roots and reassert his artistic voice. The opportunity for resurgence arrived through a television special for NBC. Originally envisioned by Parker as a traditional Christmas-themed program, the special underwent a dramatic shift under the direction of Steve Binder, who encouraged Elvis to ditch the safe formula and embrace a more authentic, edgy presentation. Clad in a now-iconic black leather suit that embodied the iconic Elvis Presley style, he delivered a series of performances that reignited his signature charisma and vocal brilliance. The special blended classic hits with new material, including the powerful 'If I Can Dream,' a stirring anthem that resonated deeply with the social climate of 1968. With its raw energy and emotional sincerity, the performance captivated audiences nationwide, marking a definitive turning point in Elvis's career. Return of the King enriches its narrative with heartfelt reflections from those who knew Elvis personally and professionally. Priscilla Presley shares a particularly moving perspective, recalling that the '68 special was the first time she had ever seen Elvis perform live. Her insights, along with commentary from iconic figures like Bruce Springsteen and Darlene Love, offer a multifaceted portrait of Elvis's artistry, charisma, and personal journey. The documentary also frames the special within the broader social upheavals of 1968, defined by political turbulence and cultural transformation. In a time of deep division, Elvis's electrifying comeback was a rare moment of unity and inspiration, reminding audiences of the enduring power of music and authenticity. The triumph of the '68 Comeback Special had profound and lasting effects on Elvis's career. It reignited his passion for live performance, leading to a series of successful tours and acclaimed recordings throughout the late 1960s and early '70s. The special reestablished his relevance in a rapidly changing industry, allowing him to connect with both loyal fans and a new generation, many of whom were captivated by the iconic Elvis Presley style that transcended music and became a cultural symbol. Through stunning archival footage and deeply personal interviews, Return of the King captures the spirit of a performer who, despite facing immense challenges, managed to reclaim his throne. It stands as both a tribute to Elvis's extraordinary talent and a testament to the power of reinvention — a reminder that true legends never truly fade away. For those passionate about exploring this transformative chapter in Elvis Presley's journey, Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley is now available for streaming on Netflix. Dive into the legacy, feel the energy, and witness the return of a true King. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The Lord of the Rings record that could signify a major Oscar win for Dune 3
Dune: Part Two may have only won two Oscars, but it did repeat a very specific feat matched by The Lord of the Rings in 2003, which has fans excited about the future of the franchise at the Academy Awards. The second instalment of Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed sci-fi epic was nominated for five awards at Sunday's ceremony (2 March) including Best Picture. However, it walked away with only two gongs for Best Sound and Best Achievement in Visual Effects. In an odd case of history repeating itself, these are the exact same two awards that The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers won in 2003, having also been nominated for five Oscars. This similarity now has fans excited about the prospect of Dune 3, reportedly set to begin production this summer, winning Best Picture just like Return of the King did in 2004. The third Lord of the Rings film won a record 11 Oscars that night, an honour it co-holds with Titanic and Ben-Hur. The theory about Dune 3 's potential future triumph has been put forward by The Big Picture podcast host, Sean Fennessey, who wrote on X/Twitter on Sunday (2 March) that the identical wins were 'something to keep in mind'. Dune fans have since been enthused by this factoid. One person tweeted: 'Trust the process. We will be there for the 2027 Messiah sweep.' A second fan said: 'If Dune: Messiah doesn't pull a Return of the King, the Academy has failed us all.' A third noted: 'If Villeneuve manages to turn Dune Messiah into a crowdpleasing blockbuster, he deserves more than an Oscar. Perhaps a Nobel prize.' One thing that could prevent Dune 3 's victory, however, is the fact that the film will be an adaptation of Frank Herbert's second book, Dune Messiah, which proved quite divisive among fans of the series. The second novel is set 12 years after the events of the first book, with Paul Atreides still serving as Emperor of the Known Universe having unleashed the Fremen's deadly jihad on the galaxy, leaving billions dead. Atreides, though, begins to realise that despite his position he has become powerless to stop the excessive religious violence that he has authorised. The novel also sees a bigger role for Paul's sister, Alia, who was briefly played by Anya Taylor-Joy in the previous film. It also curiously welcomes the return of the previously dead Duncan Idaho, who was played by Jason Momoa in the first film. The book was previously loosely adapted in the miniseries, Children of Dune, produced by the SyFy channel in 2003.
