Latest news with #Wicked
Japan Today
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
What to Stream: Madonna, 'Happy Gilmore 2,' Judge Judy and Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd team up
Adam Sandler's hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna's long-rumored album 'Veronica Electronica' are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, 'Justice on Trial.' — It's been almost 30 years since we first met Adam Sandler's hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore, but Sandler finally got the gang back together for a sequel. 'Happy Gilmore 2,' coming to Netflix on Friday, July 25, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world. This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky ('Shameless'), Conor Sherry ('Shake Shack'), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here's hoping it's as quotable as the first — we've been needing some new Sandlerisms. — November, and 'Wicked: For Good,' is coming fast. What better time to catch up with 'Wicked,' which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday, July 25? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a non-musical lover into one, but that, 'if people breaking into song delights rather than flummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love 'Wicked,' well then, you will likely love this film.' — Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd play father and daughter in the horror-comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those efforts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday, July 25. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star. — AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr — It is the stuff of pop music mythology. Madonna's long-rumored album 'Veronica Electronica' — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998's blockbuster 'Ray of Light' — finally arrives Friday, July 25. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans, original demo of 'Gone, Gone, Gone.' — The second and final part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Billy Joel hits HBO Max on Friday, July 25. And it's not too late to catch up on the first half of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' either. It's an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more. — Rock 'n' roll fans, listen up. On Friday, July 25, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release 'The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,' the first album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane riffs. — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman — Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series 'Judge Judy' that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In 'Justice on Trial,' actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin presiding over the courtroom. Will she find the right decision was made? Find out Monday when all eight episodes drop. — Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in 'The Hunting Wives' for Netflix. It's based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband's job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She's a fish out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren't trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie finds Margot's carefree lifestyle and confidence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes drop Monday. — A new Hulu miniseries called 'Washington Black' is also based on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash's talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash's adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes beginning Wednesday. — An acclaimed British crime drama called 'Code of Silence' comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season. — Alicia Rancilio — Last year's Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of 'feathering' — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it's driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical figures and supernatural monsters. Take flight Thursday, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC. — Lou Kesten © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
America is in its anti-hero era — and it's changing who we elect
When I first got into politics, one of the first things I was told was, 'Don't meet your heroes.' The implication was clear: Our heroes are only human — even in politics. But today, the problem isn't that our heroes will disappoint us. It's that they're missing altogether. Instead, we have the anti-hero, fueled by negative partisanship. The shift isn't just political — it's cultural. On television, we have found ourselves cheering for Italian mob boss Tony Soprano and outlaw biker Jax Teller on Sons of Anarchy. In the movies, Elphaba, the main character in Wicked, changes our perception of her as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. In Batman, we sympathize with the Joker. The lines between good and evil, right and wrong, have blurred — and we're told that's the point. There was a time when moral clarity was a virtue — when Mr. Smith went to Washington, Atticus Finch stood for justice and being a public servant meant working toward the greater good. Those are examples drawn from fiction but the sentiment was real. These days, in 2025, I'm pretty sure Mr. Smith wouldn't make it out of his hometown. Americans are increasingly drawn to the rule-breaker, the disruptor and the candidate who fights, no matter the cost. America is in its anti-hero era — and that's dangerous for our national character. The transformation is happening on both sides of the aisle. But the most visible representation of this is the rise of president Donald Trump. He has embodied the anti-hero archetype — flawed, combative and unrelenting. He has broken political norms and actively worked to dismantle institutions. He has called for punishment of perceived political foes and promised to 'drain the swamp.' Many voters see him as imperfect but fighting for them. Trump cast himself as a victim of the system, giving millions of Americans, who felt betrayed by elites, someone to identify with. His vulgarity and defiance of political norms became credentials supporters hold up as virtues. On the other side of the political spectrum, a figure with some parallels has emerged in New York City — Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. A democratic socialist, Mamdani also questions foundational institutions — he supports freezing rents on nearly 50% of apartments in NYC and having city-run grocery stores. To his supporters, he is a revolutionary voice. To his critics, he is a provocateur more interested in free bus rides than governance. While Trump and Mamdani occupy opposite ends of the political spectrum, they're using the same anti-hero playbook: reject the establishment, defy norms and rally the base through outrage. And it's working. Trump is serving a second term and Mamdani has the Democratic establishment worried he may very well become the next mayor of New York City. But winning isn't the same as governing. If we win by abandoning the virtues that once defined public service — humility, personal responsibility, respect for constitutional limits — what exactly are we winning? For conservatives, this moment feels like having dental work without novacaine. It's painful. The cornerstone of conservatism has long been moral clarity. The peril of embracing the anti-hero is that we may be responding to performance rather than principle. In pop culture, anti-heroes entertain us — they're charismatic and charming, and we root for them to prevail. But in politics, the prevalence of anti-heroes reflects something darker — a nation that cheers for the demise of the other side, instead of for the preservation of democratic ideals. I'm not saying we need to elect saints, but democracy requires stewards — leaders who who seek to unite rather than divide and who put country over party. America doesn't need perfect heroes. But we do need to want them again. Because in real life — unlike the movies — the anti-hero doesn't save the day, they burn it down. Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Casting Society Announces New Board and Sets Timeline for the 41st Artios Awards- Film News in Brief
The Casting Society has revealed its elected board of trustees for the 2025-2026 term. Incumbent Destiny Lilly has been reelected CSA President for the 2025-2026 term, with the rest of the executive board including Elizabeth Berra as Secretary, Steven Tylor O'Connor as Treasurer, Meg Morman as Vice President of Governance, Sujotta Pace and Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick as Vice Presidents of Advocacy, Tiffany Little Canfield as Vice President of Communications, Jazzy Collins and Matthew Glasner as Vice Presidents of Events, Gayle Pillsbury as Vice President of Membership and Rachel Reiss as Vice President of Technology. Members Becca McCracken, Devon Brady, Felicia Joseph, Wendy Kurtzman, Erica A. Hart and Tiffany Mak round out the executive board. More from Variety 'Wicked,' 'A Complete Unknown,' 'Conclave' Among Casting Society Award Winners: Full List Casting Directors Reveal How Jonathan Bailey Almost Missed Out on 'Wicked' and Why Emma Corrin Made the Perfect 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Villain 'Wicked,' 'A Complete Unknown,' 'Gladiator 2' Lead 2025 Artios Awards Nominations New leaders and members were also elected for CSA Global Chapter Board of Governors. Cassandra Han will serve as President, Claudia Blunt as Secretary and Tamsyn Manson as Treasurer. The rest of the board includes members Dave Bennett, Harika Uygur, Kei Kawamura, Louise Kiely, Maria Laina, Olissa Rogers, Paulina Krajnik and Sien Josephine Teijssen. The 41st Artios Awards timeline has been set. Phase 1 of voting takes place Aug. 4-22, with nominees announced on Oct. 8. Phase 2 voting runs Oct. 15 – Nov. 7. Noms will be announced Dec. 17. The event will then take place on Feb. 16, with ceremonies simultaneously held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA, the Edison Ballroom in New York and a yet-to-be-announced location in London. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
What to Stream: Madonna, 'Happy Gilmore 2,' Judge Judy and Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd team up
Adam Sandler's hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna's long-rumored album 'Veronica Electronica' are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, 'Justice on Trial.' — It's been almost 30 years since we first met Adam Sandler's hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore, but Sandler finally got the gang back together for a sequel. 'Happy Gilmore 2,' coming to Netflix on Friday, July 25, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world. This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky ('Shameless'), Conor Sherry ('Shake Shack'), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here's hoping it's as quotable as the first — we've been needing some new Sandlerisms. — November, and 'Wicked: For Good,' is coming fast. What better time to catch up with 'Wicked,' which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday, July 25? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a non-musical lover into one, but that, 'if people breaking into song delights rather than flummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love 'Wicked,' well then, you will likely love this film.' — Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd play father and daughter in the horror-comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those efforts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday, July 25. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star. — AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr — It is the stuff of pop music mythology. Madonna's long-rumored album 'Veronica Electronica' — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998's blockbuster 'Ray of Light' — finally arrives Friday, July 25. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans, original demo of 'Gone, Gone, Gone.' — The second and final part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Billy Joel hits HBO Max on Friday, July 25. And it's not too late to catch up on the first half of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' either. It's an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more. — Rock 'n' roll fans, listen up. On Friday, July 25, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release 'The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,' the first album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane riffs. — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman — Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series 'Judge Judy' that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In 'Justice on Trial,' actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin presiding over the courtroom. Will she find the right decision was made? Find out Monday when all eight episodes drop. — Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in 'The Hunting Wives' for Netflix. It's based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband's job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She's a fish out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren't trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie finds Margot's carefree lifestyle and confidence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes drop Monday. — A new Hulu miniseries called 'Washington Black' is also based on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash's talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash's adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes beginning Wednesday. — An acclaimed British crime drama called 'Code of Silence' comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season. — Last year's Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of 'feathering' — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it's driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical figures and supernatural monsters. Take flight Thursday, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Billie Eilish Teases 'Special' Project With Titanic Director James Cameron; Find Out
Last Updated: Billie Eilish is collaborating on a project with James Cameron, filmed during her Manchester shows. She also expressed interest in a future music collaboration with Ariana Grande. Billie Eilish is working on 'something very, very special" with James Cameron. The What Was I Made For? hitmaker explained to fans at her show at Co-op Live in Manchester, north England on Saturday (19.07.25) that the evening was being filmed for her mystery collaboration with the Avatar filmmaker. She said on stage: 'So you may have noticed there's like more cameras than usual. Basically I can't say much about it, but what I can say is that I'm working on something very, very special with James Cameron." While Billie declined to offer any specific details, she did confirm the project 'is gonna be in 3D". James was in attendance at the concert, and Billie suggested filming will continue during her other three shows at the venue. She added: 'You and me are part of the thing that I'm making with him. Also, I'll probably be wearing this exact outfit for like four days in a row." Earlier this year, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande have revealed they hope to collaborate on music when the Bad Guy hitmaker interviewed the 31-year-old star about her film Wicked at a screening of the blockbuster musical in Los Angeles. Towards the end of the Q+A, Ariana told Billie they need to hit the studio together. Billie accidentally said: 'OK, a few more songs. And then we go, because we're only allowed a few more songs. Did I say songs? Oh my God. I meant questions. I'm on tour, you guys. I'm used to saying that. Sorry." Prompting Ariana to respond: 'We do need to do that, though." Billie agreed: 'I would love to do that." Ariana explained that Billie was at the top of her wish-list to join her on the sofa for the chat, but she didn't expect her to be able to do it due to her hectic schedule, so she was 'so nervous". She said: 'My team was like: Who would be a cool person to do this? Who's your dream person? I was like, Billie, [but] she's not gonna say yes. She's too busy. She's too fabulous. It's too much. But she said yes, and I was like, 'Oh, s***.' Now I'm so nervous." First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:47 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
