I recently spoke with the cast of *Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale* and learned about a fun game they used to play with Maggie Smith while she was still on set. Called ‘Wink Murder,’ Kevin Doyle and Allen Leech shared that they actually played the game even while filming scenes throughout the show’s many seasons.
I was completely mistaken. Everyone says Stephen King writes intense stories, and I’d been warned that *The Long Walk* was especially brutal, even for devoted readers. Now that I’ve seen the movie and read the reviews, I understand why. Let me share my thoughts.
During the Emmy Awards on September 14th, both former cast member Parker Posey and HBO CEO Casey Bloys revealed that the next season of *The White Lotus* will take place in France. Posey mentioned to *E!*’s Heather McMahan that creator Mike White is currently scouting locations in the south of France, unintentionally confirming the season’s setting. She also stated she doesn’t know if she’ll be involved. Later, Bloys confirmed to Deadline that France is definitely the location, though specific details are still being worked out, including whether Posey will return.
I’ve watched *Hamilton* on Disney+ countless times, and I even saw the touring show a few years ago – it felt like experiencing the story anew. However, I didn’t expect the movie version to be particularly impactful, as I’m so used to the original cast recording, even on a larger screen.
Next month, Walt Disney Pictures will release *Tron: Ares* in U.S. theaters. This film continues the story of the *Tron* universe, following the events of the 1982 original and 2010’s *Tron: Legacy*. The movie features Jared Leto as Ares, alongside Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jodie Turner-Smith, among others.
Bargatze’s opening sketch suggested he might actively engage with the show. He referenced a popular sketch he did while hosting *SNL* in 2023, reminding viewers who might not know his stand-up that they’d likely seen him before. Being on stage with *SNL* cast members Bowen Yang, James Austin Johnson, and Mikey Day also helped. This sketch could have launched a standard, if unremarkable, hosting performance – it was filled with safe jokes about TV shows, like the running gag about *The Bear* not being a comedy. However, playing the role of a respectful awards show host doesn’t quite fit Bargatze’s comedic style. He’s known for jokes about everyday things like McDonald’s and Walmart, and that relatable persona feels out of place at a glamorous, self-congratulatory event. Even if he tried, he wouldn’t seem genuinely convinced that the award winners deserve all the fuss.
As *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* marks its 25th anniversary, actor John Nelson joined our *Role Call* series to reminisce about playing Delmar, one of the film’s hilariously clueless escapees. Nelson recalls George Clooney playfully suggesting they all should have lost their union cards due to their over-the-top performances. However, John Turturro offered key advice at the start of filming: always give the Coen brothers more than they expected. Nelson believes the exaggerated nature of their acting, combined with moments of genuine sadness and emotion, actually enhanced the film’s comedy.
A popular video shows Selena Gomez noticing a 75-year-old man smiling at his phone. She quickly figures out who he’s texting and excitedly tells her fiancé, Benny Blanco. Many online viewers think she says, “Marty’s texting Meryl,” while beaming. You can watch the moment here:
Justine Lupe, known for her role as Willa on *Succession*, didn’t receive an Emmy nomination this year. However, she was at the ceremony as part of the cast of *Nobody Wants This*, which was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. While the Netflix series didn’t win, Lupe certainly made a statement with her stunning gown.
The biggest news from the event was a possible first glimpse of Doctor Doom in the upcoming *Avengers: Doomsday* movie, revealed through a spectacular holographic presentation. But that wasn’t all – Disney showcased a lot of exciting content from across all of its studios.