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For decades, fans have dreamed about a potential crossover between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the expansive galaxy of George Lucas'sStar Wars.

Now, after years of waiting, that long dreamed-of fantasy has finally become a reality, with Star Wars and Marvel officially confirming a crossover event pitting the two universes together in one oversized package.

According to the announcement from Marvel, the comic book giant is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with the release of Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, a five-issue limited comic book series set to hit shelves in January 2027.

Written by Clerks filmmaker Kevin Smith and drawn by Marvel veteran David Marquez, the series will specifically find the Avengers, Spider-Man, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia teaming up to battle the sinister alliance of Doctor Doom and Darth Vader.

“On April 12th, 1977, Marvel Comics introduced readers to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars #1. Now, 50 years later, it's only fitting that the Star Wars galaxy collides with the Marvel Universe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of A New Hope,” said Michael Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing, of the new comic crossover. “With Hope Assembles, Kevin Smith has written a true love letter to Star Wars, to Marvel, and to comics in general. And combined with David Marquez's incredible art, we'll see the heroes and villains of Star Wars team-up and battle with the heroes and villains of Earth-616.”

“Marvel and Star Wars’ histories have been intertwined for 50 years and continue to set the standard for storytelling across the world… and across the media landscape,” added Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Stephen Wacker. “Lifelong lovers of both Star Wars and Marvel have a lot to look forward to as we finally bring the characters together in ways fans have been dreaming about for decades!”

As a longtime fan of both series, writer Kevin Smith similarly said the chance to pit these two blockbuster franchises together has been nothing less than a dream come true, marking a pivotal moment for audiences of Star Wars and Marvel alike.

“Back in the early ‘80s, I had a subscription to Marvel’s Star Wars comics. And as fun as it was to follow the adventures of Luke, Leia and Han, I always wished that Spider-Man or Doctor Doom could cross over into their cinematic saga,” he said. “So when the opportunity arose to actually tell that story, nobody had to Force my hand! I’m ecstatic to be writing Hope Assembles for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars! Many thanks to Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm for trusting me to fly the Falcon and the Quinjet!”

There are plenty of thoughts about House of the Dragon after the Season 3 finale. Some are good, some are bad, and some are in between.

Everyone knows how House of the Dragon has to finish during its fourth and final season. The novel Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin tells everyone who ends up on the Iron Throne and how the Targaryen dynasty continues after the Dance of the Dragons. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms makes it clear that Targaryens are still on the throne almost 100 years later.

That doesn’t mean showrunner Ryan Condal thinks that a Targaryen being on the throne is the best thing for Westeros. He has his own thoughts about who should be the ruler of Westeros, and it may surprise you.

Ryan Condal Thinks Alicent Should Be Queen of Westeros on ‘House of the Dragon’

During an interview with Empire, Condal shared that Alicent is the one he would pick as the Queen of Westeros. She has been prominent from the very beginning of House of the Dragon, initially as Rhaenyra’s best friend and then as her stepmother and enemy.

It was due to Alicent’s belief that Viserys had changed his mind about who should be his heir that the Dance of the Dragons began. However, her father would have likely had a role in it if she hadn’t.

Condal noted that Alicent has “seen it all.” While she doesn’t ride a dragon, that could be a powerful element in why she would be a strong leader. She is stable and focused on making Westeros a good place to live. He shared, “But I think where she is now, where we find her now in the story, and certainly where I think she’s going, she’s a person that has the proper experience and training to make the right choices.”

Even though she has had her vindictive moments, she has learned a lot about herself and about life in the most recent seasons. Sure, there are going to be some shocks after the events of the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale, but Condal continued, “We have seen her let go of vindictiveness, in a way that other people seem to double down on it as things get darker. And that’s where I think you get to see the real true nature of a character.”

British actor Olivia Cooke poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the World Premiere of "House of the Dragon" season 3, at the Odeon, Leicester Square in London on June 8, 2026. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP via Getty Images) Alicent Was Queen in All But Name

Something that Rhaenyra brought up during House of the Dragon Season 3 was that Alicent ruled in all but name. She may have been the Queen Consort, but when Viserys was bedridden, she was the one to sit in the small council meetings and help make decisions. She tried to do the same for her son, Aegon, as he took the throne, but he wasn’t interested in hearing her opinions.

She did offer some sound words of advice to Rhaenyra, despite them seeming to be enemies. However, readers know how the story plays out. While Condal has made some major changes to the Fire & Blood story, there are only so many that he can make without completely changing the story for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and what has already been set for House of the Dragon.

The book makes it clear that a Targaryen will continue to sit on the Iron Throne. That is the case all the way up to just before Game of Thrones starts, when Robert Baratheon usurps the throne to take down the Mad King.

House of the Dragon Season 4 will be the last, and it’s slated to premiere in 2028.

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The only catch? Not every flat is designed with much more than looks in mind. That’s where a supportive pair can make all the difference, especially if you’re planning to wear them for more than a quick dinner or office commute. 

Right now, Amazon has the Clarks Jazmynn Gem Slip-On Flats that bring the brand’s comfort-first sensibility to the trending silhouette. Originally $95, they’re marked down 68% to just $30, and shoppers say they’re comfortable enough to keep on their feet for thousands of steps.

Clarks Jazmynn Gem Slip-On Flats, From $30 (were $95) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The style comes in four colorways, but the deep wine shade is the standout for the season — and, conveniently, the most affordable option of the bunch. A tonal synthetic trim frames the shoe, while the elasticized topline creates a secure fit without taking away from its low-profile shape. The rounded toe and softly curved opening keep the ballerina-inspired design feminine, while the saturated merlot hue pairs beautifully with denim, tailored trousers, sweater dresses, and the season's deeper autumnal palette. One Amazon shopper called the silhouette “minimalist” with a “subtle elegance,” noting that it pairs well with both jeans and dress pants.

Comfort starts with Clarks’ signature ultimate comfort foam footbed, which cushions each step and provides support when worn for longer stretches. A breathable microfiber lining adds a soft feel against the foot while allowing for airflow inside the shoe. One reviewer said the flats felt “broken-in” right out of the box and praised the “cushioned” footbed and slight arch support, which they said “makes a real difference during long wear.”

Underneath, a flexible thermoplastic rubber (TPR) sole gives the delicate-looking flat a sturdier foundation. The rubber construction flexes naturally as you walk while providing traction for everyday wear. One shopper said the sole has “decent grip for a flat,” while also praising the shoe’s “durable and breathable” construction and “solid” stitching. After months of wear, they said theirs still looked sharp with “no creasing or peeling,” which is a promising sign for anyone looking for a flat they can wear regularly. In fact, the same reviewer specifically recommended them for “teachers, office workers, or travelers.”

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Natalyn Dusk Flats, from $40 (was $95) at Amazon
• Clarks Bryianne Janey Flat, from $70 (was $85) at Amazon
• Clarks Juliet Beat Loafers, from $70 (was $95) at Amazon

Sizing is available in half sizes from 5 through 12, with both medium and wide widths offered to make finding a comfortable fit a little easier. Whether you prefer a standard width or need a bit more room across the foot, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Amazon shoppers couldn’t get enough of this “supportive” style. One reviewer wore them the day after receiving them and was able to walk over “10,000 steps…without any blisters or uncomfortable rubbing.”

Related: Shoppers Walked Miles in Clarks’ Floral Flip-Flops With ‘Terrific Arch Support’

With shoppers saying that “this pair is a godsend,” the next step is obvious: shop the Clarks Jazmynn Gem Slip-On Flats at Amazon while they’re available for as low as $30!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Are you enjoying the latest season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. This season the crew of the Enterprise is definitely going where no man has gone before. Each episode so far seems to be tackling a new theme or genre. In this week's episode, the crew is going film noir with it's monochrome visuals and Bogey & Bacall costuming.

Let's take a look at this week's episode, "A Case of Chiaroscuro."

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What happened in last week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? (L-R): Martin Quinn as Scotty and Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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In "Human Best Friend," last week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the Enterprise crew visits a shore-leave planet that guarantees fun, thanks to an inebriating atmosphere. When leave is cut short for a vital mission, a quarreling Scotty (Martin Quinn) and Ortegas (Melissa Navia) must race to find the shuttle they lost.

Related: Ethan Peck and Rebecca Romijn Reveal Their Favorite Episodes of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ (Exclusive)

What happens in this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? (L-R): Celia Rose Gooding, Rebecca Romijn, and Babs Olusanmokun. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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In "A Case of Chiaroscuro," this week's brand new episode of case of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, a mistaken identity pins Una (Rebecca Romijn) as a virtuous kingpin against a Klingon occupation, and challenges her core understanding of what it means to be an effective leader. 

When does "A Case of Chiaroscuro" premiere?

"A Case of Chiaroscuro" of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premieres on Thursday, Aug. 13 on Paramont+.

Where can I watch the "A Case of Chiaroscuro" episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

"A Case of Chiaroscuro" streams exclusively on Paramount+.

Watch a sneak peek from this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Set your phasers to stun and check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds below:

Check out images from this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Take a look at select images from this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+ (L-R): Ethan Peck as Spock and Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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Bianca Nugara as A'Sha. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas and Anson Mount as Captain Pike. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Bianca Nugara as A'Sha and Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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Anson Mount as Captain Pike. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh and Ethan Peck as Spock. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura, Rebecca Romijn as Una, and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Rebecca Romijn as Una and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura, Rebecca Romijn as Una, and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga and Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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Rebecca Romijn as Una. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura, Rebecca Romijn as Una, and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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(L-R): Rebecca Romijn as Una and Ewa Kasp as Ma'taar Traitor. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

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Rebecca Romijn as Una. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

Paramount+

It’s been nearly 60  years since Family Affair premiered on CBS.

The sitcom, about a New York City bachelor (Brian Keith) who becomes the guardian of his late brother’s three children (Kathy Garver, Anissa Jones, and Johnny Whitaker) and raises them with the help of his valet (Sebastian Cabot), premiered in September 1966 and aired for five seasons. It became one of the most beloved family shows of the era.

A lot has changed in the six decades since Family Affair debuted. Garver, now 80, and Whitaker, 66, are the only surviving main cast members from the series.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Garver revealed that she is cordial, but not especially close, to Whitaker today. “I saw him last night at the Marilyn Monroe tribute!” Garver noted of a recent museum exhibit in Los Angeles.

“His career went in a totally different direction, so I think he helps people off drugs now,”  she added of Whitaker. “He gave up his career a long time ago.”

“Good for him,” she added. “I see him, I say hi.”

Whitaker has been open about his struggles in the years since his childhood fame. He now does missionary work and offers recovery support to people struggling with addiction, acacording to his official website.

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

In a previous interview, Garver told Woman’s World that her young TV siblings were “so cute” on Family Affair. “They’d just tick off their lines and say them like little robots. That’s fine because they were adorable, but that lent itself to the sweetness,” she shared.

She also noted that Whitaker had a very different childhood than Jones, who played his twin sister Buffy Davis on the series. Jones died of a drug overdose in August 1976 at age 18.

“He came from a Mormon family with eight children,” Garver said of Whitaker. “Nothing could be more far afield than that and a divorced mother with two kids. But he still struggled. He went to drugs, and then his family had an intervention. He gained 300 pounds, then he lost weight, got off drugs, and now he’s very outspoken about his past. But we’re very different.”

Garver also reflected on Jones’ heartbreaking death 50 years ago.

“I remember going to her 18th birthday party, and her mom coming up to me and saying, ‘I wish you’d spend more time with Anissa because she’s in the wrong crowd,’” Garver recalled to EW. “It’s just so sad. We’ve lost so many of the child stars because of the drugs."

RELATED: ‘Family Affair’ Star Wanted to Make Her Character More Modern But Producers Had Other Plans

Whitaker once said that while Garver was a bit older than he and Jones, they all got along on the Family Affair set.

“Kathy Garver, Cissy, was older,” the actor told the Media Path podcast. "She actually was 21 playing a 16-year-old. And we happened to have the same birthdays. But, you know, she was nice, and when she wanted to, she would play with the kids.  And when she didn't, she would play with the adults. But yeah, she was nice. And, you know, we got along fairly well.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

The cold, flu, RSV and COVID-19 seasons enter "full swing mode" in October (or August or September when kids go back to school), but you may feel like it never ends for you. "I'm sick...again" may be a common refrain from you in group texts to the point where pals basically consider your "yes" RSVP a "probably not."

Sick happens, but what actually defines "always sick?" Sorry, but not even immunologists have a hard-and-fast answer to that. It's highly personal to what your life demands.

"If a person is constantly sick, that may reflect that it interferes with their life somehow, making them have to call out from work or not participate in their children's activities," explains Dr. Dushyant Viswanathan, MD, a double board-certified Integrative Internist specializing in enteroimmunology (gut microbiome) and the Chief Medical Officer of the Columbia Center for Integrative Medicine (CCIMHealth). "It could have a weekly rhythm, a monthly rhythm or a seasonal rhythm, and likely varies from person to person."

Related: The One Food Nutritionists Say Can Help Shorten a Cold

Regardless, if you feel that you're "always sick," it's worth speaking with your healthcare team. Your "normal" may not be, in fact, normal—or necessary.

"It is important because the human immune system is geared to essentially protect us from infection, and so if a person is constantly sick, it may suggest that the immune system is being challenged by something," Dr. Viswanathan says.

You likely know it's being "challenged" by viruses, but they may break through for a reason you might not expect. It's something that, as an enteroimmunology specialist, he asks about first when someone says they're "always sick." Scroll on to see why it's not something to sneeze at.

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‘The First Thing I Ask When Someone Says They’re Always Getting Sick, as an Immunologist'

Dr. Viswanathan always asks patients about gut health when they report that they're constantly sick. "An altered microbiome may be worth paying attention to as part of supporting overall gut and immune health," he says.

Your microbiome is your tiny internal world. It's made up of trillions of microscopic organisms, including bacteria. Some bacteria are beneficial, while others are harmful, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

So, it may make sense to you that your gut microbiome could affect whether or not you experience stomach aches, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal and digestive issues.

However, you may wonder, "What does the bacteria in my gut have to do with my immune system, especially when it comes to sicknesses that affect my upper respiratory system?" In fact, you may have expected Dr. Viswanathan to ask about whether you have any lung conditions. That's important, too, of course, but your gut microbiome plays a big role in your immune system and overall health.

"Gut bacteria may help guide the immune system in determining whether a threat—foreign molecule—requires a significant response or does not," he explains.

Dr. Viswanathan compares the gut to a teacher, and the immune system to the student.

"The immune system has to be trained like any army or militia, and the training occurs in the gut," he says. "If you change the gut bacteria, that may also change the training, which may affect how effectively the immune system carries out its normal functions."

Indeed, a 2021 review in Nutrients found an intricate link between gut bacteria and immune system health, supporting a growing body of evidence that the two are related. Of course, Dr. Viswanathan points out that sometimes he looks at his patients' gut health, and things check out. There can be several reasons why you're "always sick."

"Stress may be another reason," he says. "Other reasons a person may feel unwell may include stress or dietary factors or, rarely, hereditary factors, which are usually identified in childhood."

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Gut When You Eat Greek Yogurt Every Day

How To Improve Gut Health So You’re Sick Less Often

Certain habits can support (or harm) your gut health, making it more or less likely that you get sick with other illnesses, like colds, more often.

"Three habits that may be important are quality sleep, a supportive food lifestyle and regularity of bowel movements," Dr. Viswanathan says.

Consuming plenty of fiber in various forms (such as legumes, fruits and vegetables) is one of his top dietary recommendations. Foods with probiotics, like Greek yogurt, are also supportive of the gut and immune system. "Processed food, inadequate fiber, eating late at night and frequent use of antibiotics or multiple medications may all play a role," Dr. Viswanathan says.

He notes that even medications prescribed for good reasons by a doctor could affect your gut bacteria, and not always in a positive way. Speak to your doctor about your concerns, and they can help you navigate them, either by prescribing something else or by recommending other supportive measures for your personal microbiome.

Up Next:

Related: The Best Breakfast Add-In for Your Immune System, According to Doctors (It's Not Orange Juice!)

Sources:

• Dr. Dushyant Viswanathan, MD, a double board-certified Integrative Internist specializing in enteroimmunology (gut microbiome) and the Chief Medical Officer of the Columbia Center for Integrative Medicine (CCIMHealth)
• Gut Microbiome. Cleveland Clinic.
• The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients.
• The gut ecosystem and immune tolerance. Journal of Autoimmunity.
• Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease. Cell Research.

The final image of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 psychological horror classic The Shining continues to drive filmgoers online in search of answers, according to a recent study measuring viewer confusion.

Researchers analyzed YouTube view counts for "ending explained" videos across dozens of major feature films. The study calculated total audience interest by aggregating views on top video breakdowns dedicated to clarifying narrative twists, ambiguous final frames, and unresolved plot points.

Kubrick’s adaptation of the Stephen Kingnovel landed at No. 9 on the list, accumulating nearly 9.9 million views on videos dissecting its conclusion. The film ends not with an easy explanation, but with a slow camera pan down a hallway inside the snowbound Overlook Hotel. The shot settles on a black-and-white photograph from a July 4, 1921 ball, showing caretaker Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, smiling in the center of the crowd, decades before his character was born.

Christopher Nolan’s 2014 sci-fi epic Interstellar claimed the top spot on the list by a wide margin, generating 31.5 million views for its five-dimensional tesseract sequence and time-dilation mechanics. Todd Phillips’s 2019 drama Joker followed in second place with 16.3 million views as audiences tried to parse reality from hallucination, while Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island took third with 13.1 million views for its famous asylum twist.

Alex Garland’s surreal sci-fi thriller Annihilation drew 11.3 million views to claim fourth place, just ahead of the Coen brothers’ No Country For Old Men, which earned 10.3 million views for its abrupt, dream-focused final scene. Nolan appeared again in the sixth spot with The Dark Knight Rises at 10 million views, followed closely by Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival at 10 million views.

Inception landed at No. 8 with 9.9 million views, driven by over a decade of debate surrounding its closing shot of a spinning top, sitting just ahead of The Shining.Jordan Peele’s 2019 film Us rounded out the top 10 with 9.4 million views, joining The Shining as the only other pure horror entry in the top tier following its late-film revelation regarding dopplegängers Adelaide and Red. Nolan also saw his 2020 time-inversion thriller Tenet land just outside the top tier at No. 12 with 8.3 million views.

Other notable entries on the 30-film ranking include satire American Psycho at No. 11 with 9.1 million views, David Fincher’s Fight Club at No. 13 with 8.2 million views, and John Carpenter's 1982 classic The Thing at No. 15 with 5.4 million views. Sci-fi staples likeRidley Scott’s Blade Runner took No. 19 with 4 million views, while Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and 12 Monkeys closed out the bottom of the list at No. 29 and No. 30.

Jenna Ortega has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the mainstream entertainment industry, including breakout roles in Scream, Netflix's Wednesdayand Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, among countless other projects.

Before she was delighting audiences in various big-budget films and TV shows, however, the young Ortega was busy making a name for herself as a fledgling child actor.

During a recent interview with Esquire, Ortega reflected on her early career in Hollywood, including her stints as a star on Disney Channel's Stuck in the Middle, Jane the Virgin, Days of Our Lives and CSI: NY.

“I really had it going for me as a child ‘cause I can’t think of one mistake I made,” Ortega said when asked whether she recalled any mistakes she made as a child actor. “Is that a terrible thing to say? I feel like I make mistakes now all the time, but as a child, I was so grateful and so excited to be there that my game face was on.”

“I wasn’t asking for a sip of water,” she continued, mentioning that she didn't want to ruffle anyone's feathers on set. “I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever, because I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody.”

“Maybe that was my mistake, was not actually looking after myself,” she clarified.

When asked about the stereotypes surrounding child actors and the difficulties they face both on and off camera, Ortega replied, “Is it wrong to say that a lot of them are true? And do with that what you will."

Remembering the start of her own career path, Ortega recalled wanting to become an actor from a remarkably early age.

“I was 7 years old when I said I wanted to do this,” she explained. “My parents laughed at me when I told them that I wanted to do it, and then that was kind of the root of everything. The motivation. And I never really stopped, because I’m very stubborn. And then I never questioned it.”

If you're on the hunt for new ways to elevate your space, Costco will always have your back. Between in-store exclusives, online savings and a constantly rotating selection of home, kitchen and electronic essentials, the bulk retail giant offers plenty of ways to bring your dream home to life.

Take the Henredon Wynn Fabric Swivel Chair, for example. Back in stock and likely to start popping up at select warehouses in the coming weeks, this beautiful contemporary piece already has a reputation as a fan-favorite home upgrade. Currently eligible for a tempting online discount, it's an easy way to invest in your home with an elegant touch that will never go out of style.

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Henredon Wynn Fabric Swivel Chair, $399.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

Spotted by @costconewdeals, who showed off a pair already in their living room, the Henredon Wynn Fabric Swivel Chair features a classic barrel design with a full 360-degree swivel base for a stylish and functional seating experience. Complete with cream-colored textured chenille fabric, warm exposed wood armrests and a solid wood base, it offers a contemporary touch that blends easily with a wide range of decor styles.

As far as comfort is concerned, don’t worry, this chair isn’t just nice to look at. With a pocket coil seat and sinuous spring suspension, plus a 275-pound weight capacity, it offers a supportive, comfortable seat you’ll want to sink into every day. With an overall footprint measuring 32.5 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 28.5 inches tall, it serves as a compact yet commanding home accent that can tuck into smaller corners or make a statement when paired in a larger space.

Related: Aldi's Rustic $10 Acacia Stand Adds Farmhouse Charm to Your Kitchen

Shoppers Are Seriously Impressed

"Costco has so many great home finds, and these are definitely one of my favorite," @costconewdeals captioned their post. "They're one of those pieces that are both beautiful and functional."

Naturally, fans in the comments couldn’t contain their excitement over the returning home upgrade. "These look so good," one shopper wrote. "I'm obsessed."

Others echoed the sentiment, with one fan noting that they "love that it swivels" and another simply declaring, "This is absolutely stunning!"

If you’re already eyeing this chair up for yourself, keep in mind that while its online price is $400, you can take advantage of Costco Direct savings through Aug. 30 and shed some money off your purchase. The promotion lets you save $100 when you buy two chairs, increasing to $200 for three, $300 for four and $400 for five or more.

Keep an eye out in case it pops up in-store at a discounted price, or hop online now and score a pair to save yourself $100 or more. With fall on the horizon, a seasonal refresh could be just the thing your home needs to feel new, refreshed and ready for the cozy, festive months ahead.

Related: Hobby Lobby's Modular Coffee Table Is a 'Charming' Home Upgrade

The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold to American businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking price of over $12.5 billion, ESPN reports.

According to the outlet, Kushner and Iger were first involved in trying to get a team to Las Vegas, but instead, turned their attention towards the Lakers.

The two offered to buy it from Mark Walter, who purchased the franchise for $10 billion in October 2025. Walter also owns MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, and the entire PWHL.

"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss," Kushner and Iger said in a statement. "Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles."

Walter also shared a statement with ESPN. Only the Lakers are involved in this sale, as he will still retain ownership of the Dodgers.

“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life - an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family," he said. "I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

This story will continue to be updated.

Katie Couric is blowing the Internet away with her gym skills.

Couric, 69, became a household name thanks to her role on Today from 1991 to 2006. Frequently spotted alongside former anchor Matt Lauer, Couric rose to notoriety and became one of the most trusted faces in news. After departing, she headed to the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes before landing at ABC News. Now running her own Katie Couric Media empire, the star just blew social media away with her workout in the gym.

From the TRX to kettlebells to dumbbells, Couric showed her workout who's boss.

"So proud of myself for keeping up with my strength training. I try to do three days a week, two with my wonderful trainer @dstranskytraining and another by myself watching his videos on @youtube, and it’s true, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!!! If you can’t get a trainer, do it with a friend and find someone like Daniel you can watch. I have osteopenia, so I’m try to strengthen my bones. 🦴And by the way, we are launching a longevity series this fall with evidence-based science and experts on how we can all work on staying our healthiest! Let me know what you want me to explore. (I think we’re covering all the bases but would love to hear from you all!) ❤️💪🏼🏋️‍♀️

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Commenters Were Blown Away and Inspired by Couric's Workout

In the comments, endless women commented with requests for workout ideas. But several also shared how inspired they were to take to the gym and follow Couric's lead.

"So so fabulous and great role model I bet you are helping so many by sharing your workout and that you’re not afraid of strength! 😍😍😍😍," one person said.

"Those arms! 💪🔥," another person said.

"🙌🔥 I want arms like Katie's!" someone else shared.

Couric's 'Freaky' Medical Incident

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Couric's focus on her health follows her admission that she recently dealt with temporary memory loss, leading her to be diagnosed with transient global amnesia.

"This was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious,” Couric explained in a Substack post recapping the incident last month. “Ultimately, I’m relieved—even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me.”

After giving speeches in Aspen, Couric was like "out of it." She immediately headed to the hospital with her husband, John Molner.

"When I was asked the month, the year, and who was president, I got them wrong," Couric shared. "I wasn’t sure of the month. I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Bidenwas president."

An MRI made it clear that Couric had not suffered a stroke. Later, a neurologist taught her about TGA.

"TGA is a sudden, temporary loss of the ability to form new memories," Perlmutter told Couric for Katie Couric Media. "A person is awake, alert, knows who they are, recognizes family members, and can carry on a conversation, but they can't remember what just happened a few minutes ago."

Related: Katie Couric Bravely Opens Up About Late Husband's 'Out of the Blue' Diagnosis

Before Neil Diamond became one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation, he was trying to make himself look a little more successful than he actually was.

Diamond recalled that period of his life in a new interview with Billboard, remembering the unusual trick he used while still struggling to establish himself in the music business: He put fake celebrity autographs on the wall of his office to give visitors the impression that famous people were already coming through the door.

"I had a little office nearby on Broadway. There was a pay phone in there, and I had pictures on the wall of popular singers that I faked their autographs on to make it look like they were signed to me, so I looked more successful," Diamond recalled.

Then came the song that changed everything.

In early 1966, Diamond recorded “Solitary Man,” the first single of his career as a recording artist. Released by Bang Records that April, the song became his first charting hit, reaching No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It wasn't an enormous hit, at least not yet. But for Diamond, it represented something much bigger: proof that he could make it as the artist rather than simply the man writing songs for other people.

Diamond had already spent years trying to break into the music business as a songwriter before “Solitary Man.” The single arrived just months before his debut album The Feel of Neil Diamond and introduced a persona that would follow him throughout his career: the romantic outsider searching for a connection.

Diamond wouldn't fully understand just how personal the song was until much later.

“After four years of Freudian analysis, I realized I had written ‘Solitary Man’ about myself,” he told the Sunday Times years later.

The song's first run on the charts was modest, but it wasn't finished. After Diamond became a major star later in the decade, Bang re-released “Solitary Man” in 1970. This time, it climbed all the way to No. 21 on the Hot 100 and No. 6 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart.

Decades later, Rolling Stone critic Dan Epstein praised how much heartbreak and self-assertion Diamond packed into roughly two and a half minutes.

"Neil's first hit single, 'Solitary Man' remains the most brilliantly efficient song in the Diamond collection. There's not a wasted word or chord in this two-and-a-half minute anthem of heartbreak and self-affirmation, which introduced the melancholy loner persona that he's repeatedly returned to throughout his career," wrote Epstein.

And the song traveled far beyond Diamond's own recordings.

T.G. Sheppard turned it into a country hit in 1976, while Chris Isaak recorded it for his 1993 album San Francisco Days. Finnish rock band HIM took its version into the U.K. Top 10 in 2004.

Perhaps the most famous reinterpretation came from Johnny Cash, who made “Solitary Man” the title track of his 2000 album American III: Solitary Man. Cash's recording, featuring backing vocals from Tom Petty, earned him the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

Not bad for a song released when Diamond was still trying to convince people, fake autographs and all, that somebody famous might walk into his office.

Sixty years later, “Solitary Man” stands as the recording that introduced Neil Diamond to the charts and started a career that would ultimately produce songs including “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin' Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue” and “I Am… I Said.”

Related: 1971 Hit, Which Took Neil Diamond 4 Months to Write, Remains His Favorite Song 55 Years Later

Lionel Messi shared a tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, following his death on Saturday, Aug. 8.

During Argentina's World Cup run, in which Messi helped lead them all the way to the final, where they fell to Spain, Jorge's health was deteriorating, and after undergoing treatment in recent months for an illness, he died at a hospital in the central Argentine city of Rosario. He was 68.

"Dad, I still can't believe you have gone," Messi posted on social media on Wednesday, Aug. 12 (translated by ESPN). "It is difficult to imagine that I won't see you again; that we won't speak anymore. I know you were suffering and it's for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together."

"You were my dad, my friend and my agent. You were always the person that had to be there in every moment. You never made mistakes. You were always right. In the end, everything turned out as you said," he continued. "I am going to miss you so much, but you will always be present, above all in the education of my kids, because I will teach them and educate them as you did with me."

Messi also talked about his father's impact on his decision to play this summer.

"You asked me to play in this last World Cup so many times and just before it started was when you were at your worst," he wrote. ""It was the first time you were not at a tournament, but mum told me you would get better and you would be able to travel. I told you we would reach the final so you could come."

"When each game finished, I waited for and then missed your messages. That was when I realised how bad the situation was. But I did not stop thinking about going as far as possible, to give you time and for you to be able to see a game if we reached the final. But you could not be there. I wanted to win it to bring it home and show you [the World Cup] again. I couldn't, my legs had nothing left to give. I tried, but I couldn't.

"You thought we had lost the final on penalties. We couldn't speak about anything that had happened. I couldn't enjoy anything. We were not champions in the end, but you don't know how much we enjoyed every game. You were right once again: I had to be there and play at the World Cup.

"I tell you this because it's the only thing we could not speak about, because you know everything else. We spoke every day and we saw each other whenever my commitments allowed. I don't know what I will do without you, how I will go on. I have always just played football and now I have so many doubts about what I will keep doing. "You were by my side from the start, there was so little left until the end [of my career]. Why did you not just hold on a little longer and we could have finished it together?"

Long before it became an undeniable classic sung everywhere from stadium concerts to late-night campfire sing-alongs, John Denver’s biggest hit was just a brand-new, unreleased song.

Before its debut, Denver gave a handful of close friends and fellow musicians an intimate sneak peek at a private party. Decades after that fateful night, an eyewitness who was in the room looks back on the magic of hearing the song for the very first time and reveals what it was really like to watch music history unfold in real time.

Mike Williams, a songwriter and performer, shared his recollections of that fated evening in the documentary, The Man With The Big Hat, about Texas songwriter Steven Frumholz.

An Instagram post about the film shared details in clip's caption. It reads, "Mike Williams, songwriter and performer, was at a party in Aspen, Colorado, in 1971, when John Denver showed up with a brand new song that nobody had heard before, '(Take Me Home) Country Roads.' Mike and everyone at the party were the first to hear what would become John Denver’s most popular song."

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The message concluded, "This interview is an outtake from the 2026 documentary The Man With the Big Hat, a film about Texas songwriter Steven Fromholz. He and Mike Williams were writing partners and formed the infamous folk duo Frummox. On John Denver’s first album, he recorded songs written by Mike Williams, 'Catch Another Butterfly,' and Steven Fromholz, 'Yellow Cat.'"

Williams began, "I never hung out with John that much. But there was a night in Aspen, probably in 1971, I think, when I went up there to do a gig at a club."

"[John] was living in Aspen, and after the gig, there was a party at somebody's apartment," he continued. "John Denver showed up."

"We were all lit up by that. We were having a great time and singing songs, passing the guitar around," the songwriter continued. "He came in and said, 'Does anybody have a tape recorder? I got this new song I just cut."

"So he sang 'Country Roads,'" Williams concluded. "And we just went nuts. Every time someone new came into the party, we were telling him, 'John, sing 'Country Roads!'"

John Denver released “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in April, 1971. The song, from the LP Poems, Prayers, and Promises, hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 until four months later, in August.

“Take Me Home Country Roads” was written by John Denver and Bill and Taffy Danoff. Although the song is famously associated with West Virginia, there’s a surprising twist to the tune that few fans realize. Denver had never actually visited the state when the song was written.

According to Country Living, “neither Denver nor his co-writers Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert had ever actually set foot in the Mountain State when the song was written. In fact, the winding road that inspired ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ was really a two-lane stretch in Gaithersburg, Maryland.”

John Denver died in 1997 when his airplane crashed into Monterey Bay near Pacific Grove, California. He was 53.

Related: John Denver Called This 1975 Classic 'One of the Best Songs' He Ever Wrote

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It's still hot out, which means you're likely searching for the most breathable, lightweight pieces that don't make you feel overheated. Some of our favorite clothing options come from Walmart's fashion section, which has everything you need, from vibrant maxi dresses to comfortable Clarks slip-ons. The latest style to be added to our cart are these Moshu Cotton Shorts, especially since they're 50% off right now. 

The bestselling shorts originally cost $26, but have been reduced to just $13 during a limited-time deal. You can additionally purchase the style in a three-pack for $30, which is a markdown from the originally $55 price tag. The shorts are being sold in ten individual colors, including blue, green, pink, tan, black, gray, and white. 

Moshu Cotton Shorts, From $13 (were $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The shorts are available in sizes ranging from S to 3XL, and shoppers noted that they have a roomy fit and are a bit "stretchy." If you want them to be particularly long or oversized, then you may want to consider sizing up according to the size guide online. The high-waisted design features an elastic waistband and drawstring that you can adjust to your comfort.

Moshu Cotton Shorts, From $13 (were $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The shorts are composed of 4% spandex, 66% polyester, 20% rayon, and 10% cotton. The nice thing is that you can machine wash them on a cold water gentle cycle and place them in the dryer on a low heat. 

The best part of the style is the side pockets which come in handy for storing credit cards, keys, and more.Shoppers described the shorts as "very comfortable," "very soft," and an "excellent value for the money." Another reviewer said that "the material is just the right weight and keeps you cool in the summer." They're also versatile, so you can pair them with everything from sneakers to sandals. 

Shop More Deals 

• Moshu Summer Midi Dress, $14 (was $28) at Walmart
• Apsvo Silver-Plated Tennis Bracelet, $13 (was $110) at Walmart
• Fantaslook Short Sleeve Dress, $15 (was $30) at Walmart

Some customers loved this style so much that they purchased multiple colors. Another noted that they're gender neutral, making them a perfect option for their entire family. Shop for these cozy shorts while they're just $13 at Walmart! 

Related: Walmart's ‘Soft’ Corduroy Loveseat Fits Perfectly in Small Spaces and Comes in 4 'Cozy' Colors

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Rejoice! Skeet Ulrich finally has an answer for the one burning question all Scream fans have had since 1996. 

Who killed Tatum? That’s the one question throughout the franchise that was never answered clearly, and Ulrich was asked about this during the Midsummer Scream panel. While he has an answer, it may not be the one that we all wanted to hear.

Nobody Knows the Answer to the ‘Scream’ Question

It turns out that Ulrich couldn’t give a definitive answer during the 30th anniversary panel. In fact, nobody can. When asked about who killed Rose McGowan’s character in the movie, Ulrich admitted that not only did he not know, but even the screenwriter probably doesn’t. He responded saying, “To be honest, not even [screenwriter] Kevin Williamson knows who killed [Tatum]. And he wrote the damn thing.”

That’s not quite the answer anybody wanted to hear. After all, both Ulrich’s and Matthew Lillard’s Ghostfacer personas could have taken on that duty. Everyone has wanted to know if Stu was willing to kill his own girlfriend in the way that Billy was, and he was certainly out of the room of people at the time of her death.

Ulrich did go on to say that “We never discussed it. So, it’s really fan theory, which I think is great. But, I don’t know. No one knows.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich attend the "Scream 7" Global Premiere at Paramount Pictures Studios on February 25, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures) Tatum Was Honored in ‘Scream 7’

During the most recent movie in the franchise, Tatum did get an honorary mention. Sidney Prescott had named her daughter after her best friend, which makes sense when you consider Sidney’s character progression over the years.

Sidney and Tatum were inseparable during the first movie, but tragedy struck when Billy and Stu started killing everyone. Tatum was alone at the time of her death, despite being in a room full of people, when she went to grab beers from the fridge in the garage. As she tried to escape Ghostface through the cat flap in the garage door, she ended up stuck, and Ghostface decided to use the door to kill her.

Sidney only found out when she jumped out of a bedroom window to get away from the Ghostface attacking her, who we know had to be Stu at that point as Billy was also in the scene. She didn’t have much time to focus on the death of her best friend, but she did remain close with the Riley family via her brother, Dewey. So, naming her daughter for her best friend was one of the best ways to honor the family.

Related: ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Hasn’t Even Premiered Yet and Shemar Moore Already Has Great News

While pretty much everyone loves a warm and comforting bowl of ramen, it's a college diet staple for a reason: it's fast, cheap and convenient. The trifecta. Well, starting today, Aldi just dropped a new ramen cooker for just $4.99, and it makes getting your ramen fix even quicker and easier, especially if you don't have access to a stove or just don't feel like cleaning a pot.

Aldi's Crofton Microwave Cookware Accessories Ramen Cooker is a game changer for college students. It makes whipping up a quick serving of ramen a total breeze. It is designed to fit standard ramen blocks. All you need to do is add some water, the ramen seasoning packet and your noodle block to the cooker and the microwave takes care of the rest. No need for a stove or separate pot, which is super convenient if you are living in the dorms!

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Crofton Microwave Cookware Accessories, Ramen Cooker, $4.99 at Aldi

Aldi

In addition to the cooker itself, this ramen-making set also comes with a pair of tongs for even easier munching. Whether you are up late writing a paper you should have started three weeks ago (no judgment) or simply need a quick and cheap lunch before your next lecture, this ramen cooker makes college life that much simpler.

Related: Aldi Brought Back Its Bedside Organizer That's Perfect for Dorm Life

This Ramen Cooker is part of a microwave accessory collection from the in-house Aldi brand Crofton. In addition to this nifty ramen cooker, the microwave accessories line also includes a popcorn maker, a bacon maker, a four-in-one egg cooker and a microwave splatter lid. Each piece retails for just $4.99, which is a total bargain.

Crofton's Ramen Cooker and other microwave-friendly accessories are available starting today as part of the German grocer's latest rotation of Aldi Finds, weekly specials that come and go every Wednesday. These products are limited and available while supplies last, and most of 'em tend to go fast. So, if you see one you want, get to your local Aldi store ASAP.

Related: Aldi's 2-Tier Organizer Is a Versatile Storage Solution for So Many Purposes

A&W Restaurants is throwing its hat into the chicken wars. The brand is launching its first nationwide Crispy Chicken Sandwich lineup, entering a fast-food race shaped by years of head-to-head competition among major national chains.  The company announced August 12 that the new menu offering features a hand-breaded chicken filet served on a toasted bun with pickles, lettuce, and mayonnaise.

Locations across the country will offer the sandwich in three configurations: Classic Crispy, Deluxe featuring tomato, and a limited-time Nashville Hot option.  To celebrate the new sandwich, participating A&W locations will host a buy-one-get-one-free promotion running from Aug. 17 through Aug. 23. Guests can redeem the offer upon request for any of the three sandwich varieties.

"For the last seven years, chicken sandwich fans have been picking sides, and we've been behind-the-scenes perfecting our Crispy Chicken Sandwich recipe," Betsy Schmandt, CEO and president of A&W Restaurants, said in a statement. "We know chicken sandwich loyalties run deep, but we believe one bite will win fans over."  Schmandt's statement references August 2019, after two fast food giants declared war on each other, culminating a public online exchange between Chick-fil-A and Popeyes sparked widespread consumer interest in fried chicken sandwiches. The incident that sparked the whole kefuffle? Popeyes introduced a chicken sandwich that immediately became a fan favorite.

(Source: Brand)

After Chick-fil-A published a post emphasizing its original recipe, Popeyes answered with a brief response: "... y'all good?"  That single post triggered long drive-thru lines and widespread inventory shortages at Popeyes restaurants nationwide. Industry competitors, including McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, and KFC, subsequently revamped their chicken menus to claim a larger share of fast-food spending. 

Founded in 1919 as a roadside root beer stand in Lodi, California, A&W operates over 900 locations globally, including roughly 500 restaurants across the United States. Though historically recognized for root beer floats and hamburgers, the chain spent several years testing recipes before approving this national chicken entry. Alongside the menu addition, the company is launching a digital campaign at AWAllegiance.com. Customers who submit an online pledge for the new sandwiches will be entered for a chance to have their Instagram handles featured on a digital display titled the "A&W Hall of Heroes."

It's been nearly three decades since the Lethal Weapon franchise lit up the box office, but Mel Gibson holds out hope that a long-awaited fifth entry in the series will soon make its way back into the public spotlight.

In fact, as Gibson told Collider during the recent Fan Expo Boston, Lethal Weapon 5 is all but ready to move forward in production, with the Braveheart actor shedding new light on what exactly viewers can expect to see.

“The characters are quite different. They’re older. One’s retired. The other one’s on a desk job. He’s putting on too much weight, and it’s low-tech,” Gibson teased. “It doesn’t get into the big explosions and all this sort of stuff. But it still has the energy and, I think, drive of a big action film.”

Additionally, Gibson emphasized that he personally wanted to direct the film, allowing him to take over responsibilities from the franchise's late director, Richard Donner.

"Donner, God rest his soul, he said to me in this deep voice, he said, ‘Hey kid, if I drop off the perch, you’ll take this over, won’t you?’ I said, ‘Shut up! You’re not going anywhere.’ And of course he did,” Gibson said. “And, you know, when he passed away, I didn’t say anything. But apparently he had told other people that too, so they all came to me and said, ‘You direct it.’ I said, ‘Yeah, okay.’”

Gibson also said that he took over co-writing the script for the film after Donner's passing, mentioning that the late director was busy writing the script until his final days.

“Donner, when he was 90 years old, was working on the fifth, and of course he passed away in the middle. So I got together with the writer, and we completed it thinking, ‘What would Donner do?’" Gibson said. "That’s what we were thinking in the room, and I think that the fifth script is better than all of the others. But it’s tied up in some kind of industrial film hell that you can’t extract it from to make it.”

Conan O'Brien may be best known as a late-night host, but the beloved comedian is shocking the internet with a performance with his new band.

O'Brien, 63, earned his comedic stripes at The Harvard Lampoon before heading to the writers' room at Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. However, it was his show Late Night with Conan O'Brien that made him a household name. While he later headed to TBS for Conan until 2021, the frequent Oscar host has endless pursuits under his belt, including a long history of performing as a musician. However, the Internet has rarely seen him in action the way it did in a new set of videos from O'Brien's surprise performance at the Permanent Records Roadhouse in Los Angeles, where he hit the stage to perform with his new band, The Vigodas.

"@teamcoco played his first show @permanentrecordsroadhouse. what a surprise go to see the legend @sordociego punk covers and get a lil bonus @thevigodasband," a fan captioned the video set. O'Brien sings and plays guitar with his band and rocked the stage to a delighted crowd.

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What Made Conan O'Brien Realize Late Night Had Changed?

Back in March, O’Brien spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and spoke about the moment he realized the tides were changing in late-night TV. He cited his 2024 guest appearance on Hot Ones, the hit YouTube series hosted by Sean Evans, as the moment it all sank in. That's when he got the mental memo that late-night television was in serious trouble.

“That was the moment the scales fell from my eyes,” O’Brien told THR. “If a guy can do World Series numbers with overhead that looked, to me, to be about $600, and you have every big star lining up to do his show or Chicken Shop Date … that’s when I profoundly understood that late-night shows are in trouble.”

Check out O'Brien's viral episode of Hot Ones below:

Related: Conan O’Brien Admits 'Hot Ones' Made Him Realize Late-Night TV Was in Trouble