Steve Pond's Blog, page 73

Beyoncé Closes Out Cowboy Carter Tour With Destiny’s Child Reunion | Video

Beyoncé closed out her Cowboy Carter world tour with a major surprise for fans: Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joined the superstar onstage for a Destiny’s Child reunion.

The crowd was ecstatic when Beyoncé, Rowland, and Williams appeared onstage and announced, “Destiny’s Child, b—ch!” The trio performed a medley of their hit songs including “Lose My Breath” and “Bootylicious” as well as “Energy” from Beyoncé’s “Renaissance record.

The performance was the first featuring the trio since Coachella in 2018.

The singer was joined by Shaboozey for the duo’s song “Sweet Honey Buckiin” and by her husband Jay-Z for “Crazy in Love.” The Los Angeles Times reported the concert was attended by Gayle King, Khloé Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Maya Rudolph and Kerry Washington.

Beyoncé announced the 22-date tour in February. Shows began in Los Angeles in April and sprawled across the United States before the singer went overseas; she returned to the States for the final dates in Houston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Las Vegas.

The post Beyoncé Closes Out Cowboy Carter Tour With Destiny’s Child Reunion | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

After ‘Eddington:’ 7 Offbeat Westerns to Watch Next

Ari Aster’s “Eddington” is here.

The movie, which pits a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) against his mayor (Pedro Pascal), set during the early days of the global pandemic, is fierce and raw. Considering this is from Aster, the director of “Midsommar,” “Hereditary” and “Beau is Afraid,” it is also confrontational and strange and deeply funny, with the action set at the precipice of the complete breakdown in communication that accompanied lockdown. (Indiewire called it “the first truly modern American Western.”)

And if you come out of “Eddington” looking for more offbeat westerns to watch, we’ve got seven that should fill that void nicely.

Paramount“Bad Company” (1972)

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a slew of what were referred to as “acid westerns” – westerns that were set in the distant past but that embraced the counterculture of the period, including, of course, recreational drug use. (Hence the “acid” in “acid western.”) These parallels are made explicitly clear in “Bad Company,” which is one of the very best movies from that era and one of the more underrated. The movie stars Jeff Bridges and Barry Brown (who tragically took his own life before the decade was up) as two young men who dodge the draft during the American Civil War. The movie has an episodic structure, with the pair getting into misadventures along the way, gorgeously shot by legendary cinematographer Gordon Willis, as their wayward drifting transitions to out-and-out lawlessness. If you’ve seen it and are a fan of it or want to check it out now for the first time, Fun City Editions put out a terrific Blu-ray edition recently that is very much worth checking out.

Universal“Walker” (1987)

After making “Repo Man” and “Sid & Nancy,” British director Alex Cox turned his sights on a one-of-a-kind western. The movie stars Ed Harris as William Walker, an American physician, lawyer and mercenary who organized military expeditions into Mexico and at one point made himself president of Nicaragua. Like “Eddington,” “Walker” leans into the events of recent (and current) history – it was actually filmed in Nicaragua during the Contra War, a conflict that would have major implications for American politics. (Just Google Iran-Contra.) What makes “Walker” really bonkers is Cox’s use of historical anachronisms – there will be a Zippo lighter or a Coke can in scenes, and, if you don’t know this going in, it can make you feel like you’re going insane. Incredibly, Universal Pictures released the movie, selling it as a more straightforward western (in the trailer you here but never see a helicopter) and it promptly tanked. Since then, it has caught a second wind, and Criterion put out a killer Blu-ray that is very much worth your time.  

Warner Bros.“Unforgiven” (1992)

Aster has openly stated that he was influenced by “Unforgiven” in making “Eddington,” and it’s both easy and somewhat difficult to see. There is a meandering quality to the story in both “Unforgiven” and “Eddington,” and we mean that in a positive. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the Best Picture-winning Clint Eastwood film, there’s a whole section of the movie where the wronged prostitutes hire an assassin named English Bob (Richard Harris), who totally punks out and leaves them high and dry, before they even find Eastwood’s “Will” Munny. There are so many narrative left turns and surprises, which translate to “Eddington” (we don’t want to give anything away), even if “Unforgiven” is a much more traditional Western in tone and look. But hey, if you were looking for an excuse to rewatch “Unforgiven,” consider “Eddington” the reason.

Sony“Lone Star” (1996)

John Sayles’ masterpiece, set in modern times and starring Chris Cooper as a sheriff who investigates the murder of one of his predecessors (Kris Kristofferson) years earlier, investigates time and how the past impacts the present. (These are things very much in “Eddington.”) What was striking about “Lone Star” at the time – and what’s still striking now – is how much iconography and narrative convention from a classic western could be grafted to something that would be considered a “contemporary” film. These are themes and characters and even shot compositions that would not be out of place in a classic western, but dealing with modern concerns and moral ambiguity. (We don’t want to ruin anything if you’ve never seen “Lone Star.”) Just watch it; it has a handful of award-worthy performances and a script by Sayles that was nominated for the Oscar for original screenplay. It also has a must-own 4K from Criterion.

Sony“The Proposition” (2005)

“The Proposition” is bleak, even bleaker than “Eddington” and with fewer jokes. But they do share a connective tissue in their desire to showcase a particular moment in time and the people who inhabit that moment. In “Eddington,” it’s 2020, and the breakdown of law and order around the pandemic is evident. In “The Proposition” it’s the 1880’s, when criminals populated the Australian bush (like famous outlaw Ned Kelly) and English were brutally exterminating Australian Aboriginals. Like we said – bleak. Chances are you’ve never seen this one, which marked the breakthrough film of Australian director John Hillcoat, working from a screenplay by Australian musician Nick Cave, so we’ll spare the details. We’ll just say that Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone enter into a truly screwed up agreement that has dire consequences. Just watch it. It’s worth it. Even if you have to close your eyes occasionally.

20th Century“The Counselor” (2013)

Both more straightforward and more bonkers, Ridley Scott’s underrated masterpiece “The Counselor” is the perfect chaser to “Eddington.” Like “Eddington,” it is set in modern times, with deeply conflicted characters occasionally bumping up against and colliding with one another. In the only original screenplay written by the great Cormac McCarthy, Michael Fassbender plays a lawyer who gets in deep with some underworld types and attempts to save himself and his new wife (Penelope Cruz) from damnation. It’s heady, for sure, but also extremely pulpy, with some of the best dialogue this side of the Rio Grande. (Most of it is too filthy to directly quote here.) Javier Bardem, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt all offer up superb supporting performances. And if you really want to feel the full power of “The Counselor,” which we would put in the top 5 Ridley movies, watch the extended version. It gives everything more time to luxuriate. We are desperate for a longer “Eddington”, too, for that matter.

CBS Films“Hell or High Water” (2016)

What a movie – aesthetically “Hell or High Water” is probably closest to “Eddington” in its attempt to replicate the feeling of the old west in contemporary context. The movie, which people forget was nominated for four Academy Awards (including Best Picture), follows Chris Pine and Ben Foster, who are robbing banks to save their family ranch. Jeff Bridges is the Texas Ranger on their tail. They both tackle current-day social issues (the pandemic vs. the country’s abysmal economic condition) but do it in an incredibly entertaining way, with Scottish director David Mackenzie upping the tension and Nick Cave and Warren Ellis delivering a beautiful, elegiac score (they also scored “The Proposition,” see above). While “Hell or High Water” might be more outwardly entertaining, it is still very much of a piece with “Eddington.” Again: with fewer jokes and conspiracies.

The post After ‘Eddington:’ 7 Offbeat Westerns to Watch Next appeared first on TheWrap.

Trump Demands Beyoncé Be Prosecuted Over Discredited Accusation She Was Paid $11 Million to Endorse Kamala Harris

Donald Trump hit out at Beyoncé, Oprah, and Al Sharpton on Sunday, insisting without evidence that they were paid millions of dollars to endorse Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election — allegations that were quickly discredited.

Trump insisted via Truth Social that Beyoncé broke the law by receiving an $11 million payout for her October 2024 appearance in support of the Harris campaign. As noted by CNN, federal campaign reports indicate Beyoncé’s — a payment that was required by law.

There’s also no evidence of anything close to $11 million being paid by the campaign to anyone for anything. Trump previously claimed “somebody just showed me something” that indicated “they gave her $11 million” in February.

Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles also disputed the claim back in November.

“So this has been flagged on Instagram as fake news and taken down. It’s called False Information. Sadly other platforms with a lack of integrity still have it up. The lie is that Beyonce was paid 10 million dollars to speak at a rally in Houston for Vice President Kamala Harris,” Knowles wrote via Instagram.

“When In Fact : Beyonce did not receive a penny for speaking at a Presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harrris’s Rally in Houston. In fact she actually paid for her own flights for her and her team, and total Glam. They are not only lying and disrespecting Beyonce’s name but they are trying to further discredit the power of our vice president! When does the lies and rumors stop? Of course you won’t see this in the news !!!!!”

Attacking political rivals has become something of a staple of both Trump presidencies. In August 2020 he falsely accused Barack Obama of “treason” and of “spying on my campaign.” In July 2025, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard again accused Obama of treason on behalf of the administration.

The post Trump Demands Beyoncé Be Prosecuted Over Discredited Accusation She Was Paid $11 Million to Endorse Kamala Harris appeared first on TheWrap.

Hulk Hogan’s Son Calls Him as ‘the Most Incredible Person’ and ‘The Best Dad’ in Emotional Tribute

Nick Hogan paid tribute Sunday to his father, Hulk Hogan, writing on Instagram that the pro wrestling icon was “the most incredible person I’ve ever known” and “will always be my hero.”

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and comforted me over the last few days. It truly means a lot. I’m sorry to everyone I have not responded to yet. This has been overwhelming and extremely difficult,” Nick began.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nick Hogan (@nickhogan)

“Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad’s life, interactions and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting.”

“My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known and will always be my hero. He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for. I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world,” he continued.

“He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain. I thanked him for everything he has ever done for me and told him how much I loved him and hugged him every chance I got. I spent a lot of time with him the past few years after moving back to Florida to be closer to him and I am so grateful for those memories. They are the best moments in my life.”

“I would do anything to have him back but I know now that he will always be watching over me. I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me and carry on in a way that I know would make him proud,” Nick said.

“Thank you for being the best dad in the world and thank you for being my best friend. I love you so much Big Dog and I will miss you forever,” he concluded.

TMZ reported paramedics were sent to the Hogan home in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, July 24. Promoter and Hogan’s Real American Freestyle partner Eric Bischoff confirmed Hulk Hogan’s death.

The post Hulk Hogan’s Son Calls Him as ‘the Most Incredible Person’ and ‘The Best Dad’ in Emotional Tribute appeared first on TheWrap.

Jay Leno Warns Against One-Sided Political Jokes: ‘Why Shoot for Just Half an Audience?’ | Video

Jay Leno has said for years that he doesn’t understand why comedians would lean into one-sided political humor – and most recently cautioned against it just days before Stephen Colbert announced his late night show run on CBS was coming to an end.

“Comedy can be used to unite or divide people,” Leno said on July 15 during a conversation with David Trulio at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institution. Leno was asked for his thoughts on the intersection of comedic commentary and politics, two realms he sought for years to balance carefully.

The former late night host also said it was fun to receive letters from viewers who equally accused of him of being a Republican or a Democrat. They often were reacting to “the same joke” he said, which was “how you got the whole audience.”

Leno reflected on his decades-long friendship with Rodney Dangerfield and noted, “I knew Rodney for 40 years. I have no idea if he was Democrat or Republican. We never discussed it. We just discussed jokes.”

“And to me, I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from the things, you know, the pressures of life or whatever it might be — and I love political humor,” Leno continued.

After he was asked how to find “common ground” through humor, Leno insisted that only catering to one political persuasion was ineffective.

“Well, why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole, I mean, I like to bring people into the big picture,”‘ he said. “I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group, you know, or just don’t do it at all.”

Watch the interview in the video above.

The post Jay Leno Warns Against One-Sided Political Jokes: ‘Why Shoot for Just Half an Audience?’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Black Sabbath Bassist Remembers Ozzy Osbourne Not as a ‘Feral Wild Man,’ but ‘The Prince of Laughter’

As millions of Ozzy Osbourne fans found out on the MTV reality show “The Osbournes,” the Prince of Darkness wasn’t anything like wild his rock-star stage persona – at home, he was sweet, gentle and mischeivous, his daffy demeanor more intentionally funny than he was letting on.

But that was no surprise to Geezer Butler, bassist and founding member of Black Sabbath, who wrote a heartfelt remembrance of his friend for The Sunday Times.

Butler re-tells the story of how before they met, he would see a young, “mod” Osbourne, in a sharp haircut and suit, walking the streets of Aston, where they both lived near the Aston Villa football club’s stadium. It was there that Black Sabbath would reunite for their final concert.

“Aston Villa was a huge presence to us in Aston. Growing up, Ozzy’s humble house was a few hundred yards away from the stadium, as was my house. I was a Villa fanatic — still am — and went to as many matches as my pocket money would stretch to, while Ozzy would ‘look after’ supporters’ cars for a few pence. So it was quite fitting for Ozzy and Black Sabbath to end the long journey from our beginning in 1968 to our final show back in Aston at Villa Park, on July 5. I didn’t realize then that I would never see Ozzy again after that night.”

Butler says Osbourne was particularly frail during rehearsals – “it took a couple of days to get rid of the rust” – and required two helpers to get in and out of the studio, where he sat in a chair to sing.

“We ran through the songs but we could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs,” Butler wrote. “We had a bit of a chat, but he was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old.” But even “the Ozzy of old” was quite different from what he presented onstage.

“To me, Ozzy wasn’t the Prince of Darkness — if anything he was the Prince of Laughter,” Butler wrote. “He’d do anything for a laugh, a born entertainer. … People always thought Ozzy was a feral wild man, but he had a heart of pure gold. Most of his infamous antics — the bat saga, biting the head off a dove, pissing on the Alamo, snorting lines of ants, and the rest — came in his solo years, away from the restraints of the Sabbath crew. But if you were a friend in need, Ozzy was always there for you.”

Though Black Sabbath’s first gig “ended up in a massive brawl,” the mates “became inseparable brothers in arms, always looking out for each other.”

Their last show would end in a massive display of love: “We had gone through the best of times and the worst of times; the bond was unbreakable. … Nobody knew he’d be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show. But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible. Everyone had come to pay homage to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him.”

Read Butler’s entire eulogy at the Sunday Times.

The post Black Sabbath Bassist Remembers Ozzy Osbourne Not as a ‘Feral Wild Man,’ but ‘The Prince of Laughter’ appeared first on TheWrap.

Speaker Mike Johnson Slams Ghislaine Maxwell’s 20-Year Sentence: ‘A Pittance’ | Video

Ghislaine Maxwell’s 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking is “a pittance,” Speaker of the House Mike Johnson told NBC’s ‘Meet the Press with Kristen Welker’ Sunday. “I think she should have a life sentence at least.”

The Trump administration’s Justice Department recently granted Maxwell limited immunity during a series of recent interviews, allowing her to answer questions without her responses being held against her. Maxwell has made clear she wants her sentence thrown out or reduced; President Trump wished her “well” in an interview and said a pardon is something he’s “allowed to do.”

In a firestorm of controversy over the administration’s whipsaws around the Jeffrey Epstein matter, the Republican speaker has stood firm.

“I mean, think of all these unspeakable crimes, and as you noted earlier, probably 1,000 victims,” Johnson continued. “I mean, you know, this, this is, it’s, it’s hard to put into words how evil this was, and that she orchestrated it and was a big part of it, at least under the criminal sanction, I think is an unforgivable thing. So again, not my decision, but I have great pause about that, as any reasonable person would.”

In 2021 Maxwell was convicted on five of six charges stemming from her years working with Epstein. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022.

Welker also asked Johnson if Maxwell “can be trusted” following two days of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Tom Blanche. “I hope so. I hope that she would want to come clean. We certainly are interested in knowing everything that she knows,” he answered.

“And as you’ll note, in our House Republican majority, we’re working towards that. Chairman Comer and our oversight committee has already issued their own subpoena. They, they want to bring in Ghislaine Maxwell as well. I hope she’s telling the truth. She is convicted. She is serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking, and so her character is in some question. But if she wants to come clean now, that would be a great service to the country, and we’d like to know every single bit of information that she has. I certainly hope she’s telling the truth.”

Blanche has yet to make a public statement about his conversations with Maxwell. That the department’s second in command is interviewing a witness personally is “highly unusual,” former prosecutors told NBC News.

Attorney Jack Scarola, who represented approximately 20 of Epstein’s victims, was denied a request to attend Maxwell’s interview.

Catherine Christian, a former Manhattan assistant district attorney and an NBC News legal analyst, also told the news outlet the interviews could be part of a larger plan to distract from Donald Trump’s ties to Maxwell and Epstein. The president is fending off rising inquiries into the exact nature of those relationships, including calls for clarification from within his MAGA base.

The post Speaker Mike Johnson Slams Ghislaine Maxwell’s 20-Year Sentence: ‘A Pittance’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

The Best New Shows on Netflix in July 2025

Summer might be blockbuster movie season, but just because “The Fantastic Four” and “Superman” are duking it out at the box office doesn’t mean Netflix stops delivering binge-worthy new shows, and July is no different.

From “The Hunting Wives,” the addictive new murder mystery soaring up the TV Top 10, to the 2010s throwback hacker thriller “Mr. Robot,” here’s a hand-picked list of the best new shows streaming on Netflix.

Brittany Snow in “The Hunting Wives” (Netflix)“The Hunting Wives”

In the mood for a twisty, sexy thriller? “The Hunting Wives” delivers. When progressive Bostonian Sophie O’Neill (Brittany Snow) lands in East Texas, she is taken aback by the rough-and-tough party crowd of the Maple Brook housewives. Her husband’s billionaire boss’ wife, Margo (Malin Akerman) shows her the ropes and pulls Sophie out of her comfort zone. But when a murder takes place in the town, everyone is put on notice. Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, Chrissy Metz, Evan Jonigkeit and George Ferrier fill out the cast of the raunchy thriller series. The 10-episode series highlights culture clashes in Texas as political corruption, adultery and murder run rampant through the affluent suburb. — Tess Patton

Eric Bana in “Untamed” (Netflix)“Untamed”

Eric Bana solves a murder mystery in the wild expanse of Yosemite National Park in Netflix’s new dramatic thriller limited series, “Untamed.” Bana stars as an Investigative Services Branch agent of the National Parks Service tasked with unravelling the death of a young woman found on park property, while also ensuring he doesn’t dig so deep his own dark secrets come to light. The show kicks off with one of the most tense sequences in TV this year, and while the series doesn’t sustain that high, but it’s a satisfyingly grim mystery that’s not afraid to dig deep into the grief and the grit at the core of its overlapping whodunnits. — Haleigh Foutch

Jenna Coleman and Boyd Holbrook in “The Sandman” Season 2 (Netflix)“The Sandman” Season 2

“The Sandman” delivers its final episodes across the month of July and Vol. 2 of the final season just dropped on the streamer. The second half of “The Sandman” Season 2 wraps up Dream’s story in beautiful fashion. Morous and struggling with what to do in the wake of killing his son, Orpheus, Volume 2 finds Dream ready to accept his fate while also saving his realm. This means shoring up his allies and finding a successor. The Kindly Ones are out for Morpheus’ head for spilling family blood, which means the clock is ticking as the series comes to its beautiful, somber, and somehow hopeful end. But it’s not totally over yet. The series will bow out with a bonus episode that debuts on July 31. — Jacob Bryant

“Mr. Robot” (USA Network)“Mr. Robot”

A wildfire USA Network hit that seemingly came out of nowhere when it first debuted back in 2015, Sam Esmail’s “Mr. Robot” became a mainstay for the network, earning Emmys, Golden Globes and a Peabody along the way. The psychological technothriller stars Rami Malek as a brilliant, paranoid hacker who gets tangled up with an anarchist hacktivist collective targeting corporate overlords, led by the mysterious “Mr. Robot” (Christian Slater). It’s bold, dark, gripping television, confidently plotted and executed by Esmail, who directed 38 of the series’ 45 episodes — all of which are now streaming on Netflix! — HF

“Too Much” (Netflix)“Too Much”

Lena Dunham has always had a singular approach to making television, and her return to the limelight with the Netflix rom-com “Too Much” is no exception. Loosely based on her real-life relationship with musician Luis Felber (who co-created the series), “Too Much” stars “Hacks” standout Megan Stalter as a heartbroken woman who leaves New York City for a temporary job in London and sparks a romantic connection with Felix (Will Sharpe), an indie musician with his own complicated history. The 10-episode series follows as the couple meet and fall in love, and go through the myriad obstacles facing a new love connection in the modern world — from social media tirades and exes, to work responsibilities and family drama. It’s a showcase for both Stalter and Sharpe, who have previously shone as supporting characters and now get the nuanced leading roles they deserve. — Jose Bastidas

“Sakamoto Days” (Netflix)“Sakamoto Days”

After hooking Netflix viewers in January, “Sakamoto Days” is back with the second half of its debut season. New episodes of the series are premiering one at a time Mondays on Netflix, and if you have not checked it out yet, you should. Based on a Japanese manga series, “Sakamoto Days” follows a retired hitman whose life as the family-man head of a convenience store is disrupted by new threats that force him to return to his abandoned, deadly ways. It is a fun premise, one that “Sakamoto Days” thankfully does not take too seriously. The series is an addictive mix of absurdist comedy and shocking hyper-violence. That was the case with its initial episodes earlier this year, and the same is true of its latest entries, which have pushed the anime’s story forward with the same stylish brutality and tongue-in-cheek humor that made “Sakamoto Days” such a breakout hit back in January. — Alex Welch

Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones in “Sullivan’s Crossing” (Chris Reardon/Freemantle/CW)“Sullivan’s Crossing”

The perfect binge-watch for “Virgin River” fans, “Sullivan’s Crossing” also comes from author Robyn Carr and shares a lot of similarities with the Netflix hit, from the scenic small town full of lovable locals to the fresh-from-the-city main character who solves medical emergencies while swooning for a handsome local. The romantic drama stars Morgan Kohan as Maggie, a neurosurgeon who moves back to her hometown in Sullivan’s Crossing, where she forges a bond with her long-estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson), and falls for the mysterious, very handsome Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray). Soapy, swoony, easy watching, “Sullivan’s Crossing” has two seasons streaming on Netflix now, and the good news is Season 3 is also available to stream — you’ll just have to head over to the CW app for it. – HF

Leanne Morgan in “Leanne” (Netflix)“Leanne”

Netflix’s new sitcom “Leanne” will probably be the first time you’ve seen stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan acting on screen (she had a small role in “You’re Cordially Invited”), and it sure is memorable. Cocreated by Morgan, Chuck Lorre and Susan McMartin, “Leanne” sees the titular character undergo a major life change when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman, prompting Leanne to lean heavily on her ride-or-die sister Carol (Kristen Johnston) as she finds her bearings as a single woman. The sitcom features plenty of comedy, assisted by cast members Celia Weston, Blake Clark, Graham Rogers and Hannah Pilkes, as well as moments of tenderness and vulnerability that are played masterfully by Morgan. — Loree Seitz

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‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Surfs to $218 Million Global Box Office Launch

Marvel Studios’ “Fantastic Four: First Steps” has returned Disney to the “feast” part of what has been a feast-or-famine 2025 for it at the box office, earning $118 million domestic and $100 million worldwide for a $218 million global box office start.

That result is just short of the $220 million global start of Warner Bros.’ DC July release “Superman,” with stronger grosses in Europe and Mexico making up for a dip in Saturday domestic grosses to $33 million.

Still, in a sign of the challenges both Marvel and DC will face getting audiences interested in new incarnations of superheroes, this launch is below the $289 million start of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023, which opened to a similar $118 million domestic start.

Now we will see how “Fantastic Four,” which like “Superman” does not have any connections to previous superhero films or TV shows, will be able to bring back casual moviegoers who no longer show up to everything the Marvel Cinematic Universe has to offer. Reception has been strong with an 88% critics and 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, going with an A- on CinemaScore.

Two months ago, Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*” was well received by those who turned out for its $74.3 million domestic opening weekend, but only earned a relatively low 2.55x multiple and a $190 million domestic final cume.

A similar multiple for “Fantastic Four” would equate to a $300 million run, though Disney is hoping for more in an August with more demo-tailored films such as Universal/DreamWorks’ “The Bad Guys 2” and Paramount’s “The Naked Gun,” both of which open next weekend.

“Superman” takes second this weekend, holding respectably in the face of losing premium format screens to “Fantastic Four” with $24.9 million in its third weekend and a 57% drop. That’s enough to bring the DC film past the $500 million global mark, with $289 million domestic and $502 million worldwide.

That’s not the only holdover milestone crossed this week. Universal/Amblin’s “Jurassic World Rebirth” passed $300 million domestic and $700 million worldwide. The film earned $13 million domestically in its fifth weekend for a total of $301.5 million domestic and $718 million worldwide.

Then there is Warner/Apple’s “F1,” which like “Superman” crossed $500 million worldwide with $6.2 million domestic in its fifth weekend. While grossed a solid but not exceptional $165 million in North America, the popularity of the global racing circuit internationally has lifted it to a $344 million overseas total.

In a tight race for the last spot in the top 5 are last weekend’s new releases, Paramount’s “The Smurfs” and Sony’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” with “Smurfs” having the edge with a $5.4 million second weekend. With $22 million domestic and $69 million worldwide, this $58 million film is scrambling to recoup its losses theatrically enough that it might be able to turn a profit from ancillary and post-theatrical revenue.

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” made $5.1 million in its second weekend for a $23.5 million domestic total for a $45 million global total against a reported $18 million budget. Meanwhile, another Sony horror release, “28 Years Later,” has crossed $150 million worldwide as the studio prepares to release its follow-up, “The Bone Temple,” in theaters this January.

More to come…

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Connie Chung Says ‘Shame On’ Shari Redstone and the Ellisons: ‘I Fear the End of CBS as I Knew It’ | Video

Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Connie Chung said the impending sale of Paramount and “60 Minutes” skirmish with Donald Trump represent “the end of CBS News” as she knew it, blaming Shari Redstone and the Ellisons for the demise of “unbiased, fact-based journalism.”

“CBS was always a standalone network,” Chung said in a CNN interview with Brianna Keilar on Saturday. “The news division was autonomous. It was always unencumbered by pressures from politicians – including presidents – and unencumbered by bean-counters. But now I can see that the days [of] honest, unbiased, fact-based journalism is being tainted.

Chung placed the blame squarely on Redstone, chair of Paramount Global, and “Larry Ellison, and his son David,” who “seem to only know greed, avarice. I worry about the CBS I used to know.”

Former CBS Evening News co-anchor and legendary journalist Connie Chung on the Paramount-Skydance merger: "I fear the end of CBS as I knew it. pic.twitter.com/AHEc7aHGcC

— David Goodman (@davidgoodmanTV) July 26, 2025

Chung rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the first Asian American women to anchor a major U.S. network newscast. At different points she worked for all of the “Big Three” networks — CBS, NBC, and ABC — and later at CNN.

“Ellison’s lawyers told CBS that they would wipe away diversity,” Chung said. “I would never have had a glorious career … had it not been for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in which women and minorities were finally seen as equal.”

Watch the entire interview in the video clip above.

The post Connie Chung Says ‘Shame On’ Shari Redstone and the Ellisons: ‘I Fear the End of CBS as I Knew It’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.