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.
Saturday Night Live has added five new comedians to its cast: Veronika Slowikowska, known for her TikTok sketches; Kam Patterson, a regular on the show *Kill Tony*; stand-up comedian Tommy Brennan; Jeremy Culhane, who stars on *Dropout*; and Ben Marshall, whose comedy group Please Don’t Destroy previously created popular short videos for *SNL* between 2021 and 2025. This means some cast members left to make room for the new additions. Producer Lorne Michaels says he’s enthusiastic about the new talent, but jokingly wonders if they can handle a slightly off-key performance of ‘Espresso’ at a wedding.
At the Emmys 2025 red carpet, Matt Reeves discussed the future of ‘The Penguin’ with Variety. When asked about a potential Season 2, Reeves said they are just starting to explore the possibility. He expressed excitement about the first season and indicated they would only move forward if they could create another season that matched or exceeded its quality, acknowledging that would be a challenge given how well the first season was received. He confirmed they are interested in continuing the show if the right conditions are met.
At a recent Disney event in Shanghai, a new description of *The Mandalorian* and Grogu was shared. It emphasized Grogu’s importance as a powerful Force user and his lovable relationship with the Mandalorian, highlighting his charming and playful personality since he first appeared. Disney also announced that a wide range of Grogu-themed products for all ages will be released soon.