CHR News

Connie Britton flips the script on motherhood in new series 'Phony'

Connie Britton and Sam Nivola appear on 'Good Morning America,' on Oct. 20, 2026, in New York. (ABC News)

Connie Britton is putting a twist on motherhood in a new series.

The actress, who is known for playing a mom in 24, Friday Night Lights, Nashville, The White Lotus and more, takes on an unexpected mom role in the new Hulu series Phony, which sees a teenage son questioning if his mom has been replaced by an impostor following a car accident.

Britton, who plays two versions of a mom in the series, told Good Morning America on Tuesday, "It was very interesting sort of doing that and shifting gears like that. But that was what the fun challenge was."

At its core, Phony is a coming-of-age story, following a teenage boy named Sonny, played by White Lotus star Sam Nivola. The trailer depicts Sonny's strong relationship with his mom, who also appears to be his best friend. When he wakes up after a car accident, he immediately senses something is wrong.

"It's about that kind of moment of separation and becoming distinct from your family and your parents and when you realize that maybe your parents aren't these sort of omniscient god beings that you thought they were and how that's painful, but also universal," Nivola told GMA.

He added that working with Britton on what he described as his "first proper big lead roles" was "the best."

"I felt like I really had the access and opportunity to have really deep, creative discussions with her," Nivola said. "She's so smart about all of it, not just acting but story and about understanding your character's place in the story and I just learned so much from her."

When asked about her new mom role in Phony, Britton reflected on the many maternal figures she's played over the years and shared why she likes playing mothers.

"I think they're the greatest on the planet," she said. "Every single mom is different from every single other mom. And so every opportunity I get to play a mom is an opportunity to show our uniqueness and that one isn't exactly the same as another."

Britton noted that her role in the Hulu show is "no exception."

"Playing this mom in all of her versions is pretty cool," she said.

Phony is available to stream on Hulu.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Lin-Manuel Miranda sets Broadway debut date and cast for new musical 'Warriors'

Lin-Manuel Miranda attends 'Warriors' album launch with Atlantic Records and Time Out, at Time Out Market New York on October 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Atlantic Records)

Lin-Manuel Miranda has selected his warriors.

The Hamilton creator announced the official cast for his and Eisa Davis’ new Broadway musical, Warriors, which includes Lanterns actress Jasmine Cephas Jones. The actress has worked with Miranda in the past, originating the role of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in Hamilton on Broadway. Miranda also confirmed the musical will hit the stage on March 9, 2027, with ticket presales set to begin on Oct. 22.

Along with Jones, the ensemble includes Jaci Calderon, Aneesa Folds, Amber Gray, Julia Harriman, Sasha Hutchings, Gizel Jiménez, Kenita R. Miller, Sasha Allen, Casey Likes and Donald Webber Jr. Additional cast members will be announced at a later date.

Many of the new musical’s cast members have collaborated with Miranda before, appearing in the show’s concept album, or his Tony Award-winning musicals In the Heights and Hamilton.

Warriors, based on Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel The Warriors and the 1979 film of the same name, follows a fictional New York City gang from Coney Island that is framed for the murder of a respected gang leader. Manuel and Davis’ concept album for the cult classic was released in 2024, featuring Broadway talent and legendary artists such as Lauryn Hill, Billy Porter and Busta Rhymes.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with MS

Christina Applegate attends the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Actress Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological and autoimmune disorder.

Applegate, 54, made the revelation Tuesday in a new episode of the MS-focused podcast, MeSsY, which she co-hosts with actress Jamie Lynn Sigler, who has been public about her own battle with MS.

“This may come as great news, but to me, it comes as like, very like I'm back at square one," Applegate said. "But it's hard to say … [my doctor] came into my room and she said, 'Congratulations, you don't have MS. Congratulations.'"

Applegate first publicly announced in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with MS, a disorder which causes the immune system to attack the cells in the central nervous system, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

She spoke as recently as March, in an interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts, about her struggles with the condition, saying she had not yet accepted her diagnosis and added, "This is a lifelong disease with no cure. Period."

On the podcast, Applegate revealed that she still has "every symptom of someone with MS" and said the shocking news of her misdiagnosis has left her with more questions than answers.

"If anything, I've gotten worse in some ways, and so I'm back at square one that I don't know what's going on with me," Applegate said. "And that's going to be an online investigation that, you know, my doctors are going to get into, and just to find out what has been happening since 2021. Why did this happen?"

She later added, "It's very unnerving and it's really confusing for me."

There is currently no single test used to diagnose MS. Instead, diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation that may include neurological exams, MRI scans and laboratory testing. MS symptoms can be unpredictable, varying in timing and frequency and ranging from fatigue and numbness or tingling to weakness, poor bladder control, dizziness and vertigo.

There is also currently no known cure for MS and typical treatment consists of medications to reduce flares and slow the progression of disability.

Applegate said she took a hiatus from the MeSsy podcast to give herself time to "process" her misdiagnosis, which she said put her in a "great depression."

"I still have to use wheelchairs when I go to the doctor’s office. I can’t walk from the car to the room. I’m still in this," she said. "Nothing magical happened when [the doctor] said, ‘You don’t have MS.’ Nothing magical happened.”

Applegate -- whose last major acting role, Netflix's Dead to Me, concluded in 2022 -- said she has also been left feeling without a community without her MS diagnosis.

“It’s weird because I feel like I let everybody down,” the actress said. “It’s this weird feeling because I became this — [Sigler] and I, the poster children for MS. And everything I was doing. I had a reason. ... And now I don’t have a reason and it’s very unnerving and it’s very confusing for me.”

In a follow-up episode, Applegate and Sigler spoke with Dr. Marwa Kaisey, an associate professor of neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, who said that Applegate is not alone in being misdiagnosed with MS.

Kaisey said that in her research, she found nearly one in five people are misdiagnosed with MS. She attributed the rate of misdiagnoses to both the lack of a single test to diagnose MS and the fact that many MS symptoms are "very common in other things that are not MS."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Office Space' star Richard Riehle dies at 78

Actor Richard Riehle arrives at the premiere of New Line Cinema's 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 2, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Richard Riehle, known for his role in the 1999 film Office Space, has died. He was 78.

A statement shared by Artists & Representatives and Wright Entertainment, Inc. announced Riehle's passing on Monday, writing, "Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man."

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this past weekend," the statement said. "A remarkable actor whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects, Richard leaves behind an extraordinary legacy."

The statement continued, "Beyond his immense talent, he will be remembered for his genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and supported at every opportunity."

Born on May 12, 1948, Riehle starred in many television series and films over the years.

Notable projects include Casino, The Man from Earth and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.

He got his start as an actor at the University of Notre Dame, where he was involved in the University Theatre and starred in several stage productions. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in acting and directing from the University of Minnesota.

While he's played characters that have an "average Joe" presence, he always made the most of his brief screen time.

Some roles that he is remembered for include The Quartermaster in Glory, the train guard in The Fugitive, Reverend Scroggins in Fried Green Tomatoes and Bill Cozbi in Bridesmaids.

On television, he starred as Principal Ed Rooney in the 1990 series Ferris Bueller and as grandfather Walt Finnerty in the early 2000s sitcom, Grounded For Life.

In 2023, he also played Warden Reynolds in Barry.

Riehle is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: Jon Stewart to continue hosting 'The Daily Show' and more

Jackson Lamb’s bumbling band of horses is growing. Apple TV announced on Monday additional cast for Slow Horses season 7, which will be based on Mick Herron’s Bad Actors novel. Varada Sethu, Tuppence Middleton and Joshua McGuire will join series leads Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Jack Lowden in the espionage drama that follows a dysfunctional team of M15 agents. James Callis will also return for season 7, following his character’s short-lived tenure as MI5’s director-general in season 5. The Slow Horses season 6 finale drops Wednesday …

Jon Stewart will continue to spend Monday nights at The Daily Show. Paramount+ announced that Stewart has signed a deal with Skydance Television to continue to host TDS through December 2028. He will share hosting duties with TDS’ news team, who helm the desk Tuesday through Friday, and serve as an executive producer …

HBO has announced new guest stars for Rooster season 2. Sutton Foster, Michael Urie, Lamorne Morris, O-T Fagbenle and Zavior Phillips will be coming on campus for the sophomore season of the comedy-drama. Rooster stars Steve Carell as author Greg Russo, who accepts a position as an adjunct professor to be closer to his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), and navigates complicated relationships with his family and new colleagues. Season 2 production is underway …

 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Mindy Kaling joins cast of 'Running Point' season 3

Mindy Kaling attends Netflix's 'Running Point' season 2 LA premiere at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Netflix)

Mindy Kaling is done sitting courtside.

The Running Point co-creator and executive producer is stepping in front of the camera for the sports comedy’s third season. Kaling will take on the recurring role of Divya, the outspoken CEO of a popular gambling app, and act alongside Kate Hudson, who plays Isla Gordon in the Netflix series.

Although Divya and Isla are both strong women in male-dominated fields, the high-power executive will be “a thorn in Isla’s plans” throughout the upcoming season, which is currently in production, per Netflix. As Kaling returns to our screens, Hudson is getting behind the camera, making her television directorial debut with episode 1.

Running Point is inspired by Los Angeles Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss and follows Hudson’s character as she attempts to take charge of her family’s pro basketball team. Along with Hudson and Kaling, season 3 will feature Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur and Fabrizio Guido.

Kaling previously said she’d be honored to join the star-studded cast, saying “nothing would make me happier.”

"This is the happiest set I've ever been on, you can tell from the dynamic of the cast just when you watch them,” the Never Have I Ever creator told Deadline in an interview published in April. “They love each other so much that you really do feel, especially when you're a writer-performer working behind the scenes, you're like, I want to get in on that. So I would love that."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Barbara Palvin opens up about walking Victoria's Secret runway 6 weeks postpartum

Barbara Palvin walks the runway for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2026 on Oct. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret)

Barbara Palvin is opening up about walking the 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show six weeks postpartum.

The model and actress welcomed her first child on Labor Day with her spouse, actor Dylan Sprouse.

"I'm happy to be here because of the help I got and the support I got, but you know, I'm still healing," Palvin told Good Morning America about returning to the runway Sunday.

Palvin said although she could make a quick comeback, she acknowledged she didn't do it alone and it wasn't a goal that made sense for every postpartum parent.

"Everyone's journey is different," the 33-year-old new mom said, adding that for her, the motherhood journey has "definitely been a roller coaster."

"I'm very grateful for the support system I have. My parents flew out here to help me and my friends have been dropping off food at the door," she said. "I'm just happy to be back. And I was talking to some people -- in the U.S., you have to be back to work after six weeks. Maternity leave is like, six to eight weeks, so it's not that big of a deal, right?"

On the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year, including for the birth and care of the newborn.

Some commenters online supported Palvin's return to the runway.

"If [she] feels healthy enough to walk the runway leave her alone. She probably worked very hard to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum. let people do what they want to do," wrote one commenter.

Others criticized the example Palvin's return could set for young girls and teens.

"As someone who works in health research: chasing these standards drives real harm, like crash diets, anxiety, and poor self-image in teens," another commented on a Victoria's Secret Instagram post. "A brand this big has the power to set a healthier example.Nothing against the models, they're doing their job. But when one brand defines 'beautiful' for millions of young girls, it has a responsibility to show the full range of real women."

At the end of the day, Palvin said her advice to other moms and parents is to "not be too hard on yourself."

"Every week is different. You think like, oh, now we have a routine. I got it down and then [your baby] throws you for a loop," Palvin said. "But yeah, don't be hard on yourself. Take your time."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Selena Gomez shares warning on vaping: 'It's changed my voice'

Selena Gomez attends Selena Gomez's 4th Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit at Hollywood Palladium on October 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Chloe Kern/WireImage/Getty Images)

Selena Gomez is opening up to her fans about her struggle with vaping and the impact she thinks it has had on her vocal cords.

The Only Murders in the Building star and singer got candid in a selfie-style video shared to her Instagram Story on Sunday.

"I'm not gonna be able to change my voice. I vaped nicotine a lot," the 34-year-old said. "Nicotine is so hard to quit and I think I just wanted to say, if you're going through it or if you're even trying to vape, it's just not worth it. It's so stupid and it's changed my voice."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, is not safe and that many vapes contain nicotine, an addictive and poisonous ingredient, and other chemicals that may cause cancer. Vaping is also associated with "increased risks of addiction, depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity," according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

"E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, or women who are pregnant," the CDC says. "Scientists still have a lot to learn about the short- and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes."

Scientific research has not shown conclusive evidence related to the effects of vaping on one's voice but studies show vape users have reported experiencing symptoms such as dryness, coughing and breathing issues, irritation and worse vocal quality.

Gomez's discussion of vaping has come as the practice stands as a major concern among young people. A new study from JAMA Pediatrics shows that youth vaping decreased from 1.62% to 0.21% in the decade between 2014 and 2024 but that teen girls between 15 and 17 years old are vaping more than boys since 2021.

The CDC encourages vape users to quit and notes that vapes have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to aid in smoking cessation.

Gomez says she has stopped vaping and is encouraging others to do the same.

"I am really excited because I stopped and I just hope we can keep it up," she said. "It's really hard but I know if you are going through something, you can get through it too. It sucks."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Donnie Wahlberg says he survived plane skidding incident

Donnie Wahlberg visits SiriusXM Studios on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Image)

Donnie Wahlberg is speaking out after he said he survived a failed plane takeoff.

In a video on his Instagram page on Sunday, Wahlberg said he and others were on a plane that failed to take off from a Las Vegas airport.

"We're all OK. I'm OK. We were taking off and didn't get up in the air and ran out of runway," the actor and New Kids on the Block singer said in the video.

"These pilots saved our lives and ... I'm not sure how many fences we avoided but we didn't avoid the last one. But we avoided those trucks and heavy equipment and the dumpsters behind that," he added.

Officials have not confirmed that the actor was on the flight but a statement released by Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday said that "upon departure, a general aviation aircraft skid off runway 1L at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and made contact with the perimeter fence."

"There are no known injuries at this time," the statement said. "Runways 1R and 1L will be closed for inspection, and travelers may experience some delays. We will provide updates as more information becomes available."

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating the incident and confirmed eight people were on board the Dassault Falcon 50 plane, which was scheduled to fly to Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada.

The incident caused a temporary ground stop and flight delays at LAS on Sunday. Both runways 1R and 1L were later reopened that same day following inspections.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber and Kaia Gerber remember Presley Gerber after death at 27

Rande Gerber, Kaia Gerber, Cindy Crawford and Presley Gerber attend The Fashion Awards 2018 In Partnership With Swarovski at Royal Albert Hall on December 10, 2018 in London, England. (John Phillips/bfc/Getty Images)

The family of Presley Gerber has made their first public statements about the late model after his death on Sept. 21 at age 27.

Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber and their daughter, Kaia Gerber, took to social media Sunday to remember Presley Gerber, who died at a rehab facility in Santa Monica, according to a report from the Los Angeles medical examiner.

"We feel so blessed to have had Presley in our lives for 27 years. He is a sweet, beautiful soul who loved and is loved, now and forever," Crawford, Rande Gerber and Kaia Gerber said in a joint statement shared on each of their accounts. "We are so proud of how he showed up in the world, with kindness and vulnerability."

They ended the statement with a message of thanks, writing, "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many who know and love our family and even strangers who feel our pain. Til we meet again our sweet boy. We love you forever, Mom, Dad and Kaia."

Kaia Gerber, a model and actress, also posted her own tribute to her brother on social media, writing, "You know how much I loved being your sister. It has always been, and will forever be, my favorite thing about myself."

"I came into this world with a white-knuckle grip around you. I had more love for you than I knew what to do with. And now that it has nowhere obvious to go, I'm certain it's going to swallow me whole," she continued. "You were my ultimate teacher while you were here, and now I'm left wondering what I could possibly be taught in your absence."

The official cause and manner of death for Presley Gerber has not been publicly released. Police in Santa Monica told ABC News last month they are investigating his death as a suspected overdose.

Presley Gerber followed his mom's footsteps into modeling, being signed by IMG Models at 15 years old and walking runway shows for brands including Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana.

In recent years, he had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking candidly about treatment after being charged with a DUI in 2019.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: Steven Soderbergh to step in for Matt Reeves on 'The Batman Part II' and more

Steven Soderbergh is stepping in for Matt Reeves. Variety reports that Soderbergh will help to complete the final weeks of principal photography on The Batman Part II while Reeves attends "to an ongoing family matter." DC Studios says Soderbergh has its full support and that he will work closely with Reeves to fulfill the latter director's vision for the film. Reeves confirmed the news in his own social media post, writing he is "profoundly grateful" to Soderbergh for coming to his aid during a challenging time ...

A young adult drama series set in the world of competitive tennis is headed to Prime Video. The show, called Rally, has been given a series order at the streamer. The Vampire Diaries' Julie Plec will showrun, write and executive produce the new series ...

Jude Law has found his next part. Deadline reports the actor is set to star as Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly in a new series. The show comes from Adolescence scribe Jack Throne and A24 ...

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Antonio Banderas, Nicolas Cage to star in 'True Detective' season 5

Nicolas Cage attends 'The Surfer' photocall at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2024, in Cannes, France. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) | Antonio Banderas of 'Up Against It' poses in the Getty Images Portrait Studio presented by IMDb and IMDbPro during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 14, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb)

It's true: Antonio Banderas will star alongside Nicolas Cage in True Detective season 5.

HBO confirmed the casting news for its upcoming season of the anthology series in a post on Instagram Friday. The new season will begin filming in 2027.

"Cage. Banderas. Season 5 of #TrueDetective starts production in 2027," the caption reads.

This new season is being led by showrunner Issa López, who also oversaw the series' fourth season, Night Country.

While there aren't many details known about the new season at this time, it will be set in Jamaica Bay, New York. Cage will star as Henry Logan and Banderas will play Rai Garcia.

In addition to serving as showrunner, López will write, direct and executive produce the season. Also executive producing are Cage and Banderas, alongside the show's season 1 stars, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.

Season 4 of True Detective starred Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. The third season featured Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff, while season 2 was led by Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams. All of these actors are featured in the video HBO shared as part of its cast announcement post.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


David Byrne makes cameo in Olivia Rodrigo's new music video with Chappell Roan

Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during the Daisy Chain Fields Festival 2026 at Great Park Sports Complex on Aug. 29, 2026, in Irvine, California. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan have big expectations.

The duo linked up for a remix of Rodrigo's song "expectations" from her hit album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.

The song, which was officially released Thursday, also came with a game show-inspired music video nodding to Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune.

It also included a special guest appearance from Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as a game show host named Johnny Johnson.

In Rodrigo and Roan's version of "expectations," Roan sings the second verse with new lyrics.

Rodrigo celebrated the music video with photos of her and Roan on Instagram. In the caption she wrote, "'expectations' featuring @chappellroan is out now!!!! I love this song and this vid so much!"

She continued, "Chappell is the most incredible person and the most inspiring artist and I am so lucky to be able to learn from her and call her a friend."

"Getting to make art with people you love is the best feeling ever," Rodrigo added before thanking her longtime producer Dan Nigro; Amy Allen, who co-wrote "expectations"; and Bardia Zeinali, who directed the music video.

In her post, Roan expressed gratitude for Rodrigo's friendship, writing, "im so lucky to have someone like u in my life and to be able to sing on a song or yours is beyonnddd cool."

She added, "i admire u so much and think you are incredible in every way !! I haven’t released a song in such a long time and this makes me excited to create and be a pop girl again. EEEEEE LOVE U thank you again i hope everyone enjoys !!!"

"expectations" is the second-to-last song listed on Rodrigo's album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.

When she released the album in June, it shattered streaming records, becoming the most-streamed album in a single day in 2026 so far by a female artist.

In August, Rodrigo held her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Music Festival, a women-led concert, which raised $20 million for nonprofit organizations supporting women and girls.

She is currently on her sold-out Unraveled Tour.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Weekend Watchlist: What's new in theaters, on streaming

Ready, set, binge! Here's a look at some of the new movies and TV shows coming to theaters and streaming services this weekend:

Disney+
VisionQuest: This new series finishes the trilogy of shows that also includes WandaVision and Agatha All Along.

FX, Hulu
The Lowdown: Ethan Hawke returns in season 2 of the popular series.

Netflix
Hollywood Arts: This spinoff of the Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious follows Tori's sister, Trina.

Apple TV
Tenzing: Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe star in this new film about the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Movie theaters
Sense and Sensibility: This new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel stars Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Street Fighter: This new film is based on the popular video game franchise. 

That’s all for this week’s Weekend Watchlist – happy streaming!

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'The Mummy' sequel gets official title 'The Mummy: Book of the Dead'

Rachel Weisz and Brendon Fraser in 'The Mummy.' (Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)

Time to unwrap the name of the brand-new film in The Mummy franchise.

The upcoming fourth installment in The Mummy film series will be titled The Mummy: Book of the Dead. Universal Pictures made the announcement in a recent social media post celebrating one year until the film's release on Oct. 15, 2027.

"In one year, The Mummy: Book of the Dead opens," the post reads.

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are returning to their roles as Rick O’Connell and Evelyn O’Connell in the new film, which will be directed by Radio Silence's Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. They helm from a screenplay written by David Coggeshall. Its story is being kept under wraps for the time being.

Fraser starred in all three of the franchise's films — 1999's The Mummy, 2001’s The Mummy Returns and the 2008 film The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, while Weisz appeared in the first two. In addition to starring, Fraser will executive produce this fourth installment.

Producer Sean Daniel also returns for the new film. He has produced each installment in the franchise so far, including the three previously mentioned films, the 2002 prequel spinoff The Scorpion King and the 2017 Tom Cruise-starring reboot of The Mummy.

Back in May, Fraser spoke about his return to the franchise while guesting on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

“Well, we’re gonna get the band back together,” Fraser said. “The only way to do it. So, we are going to give the audience what they have been bothering all of us for, for the last 20-whatever years.”

Fraser said he's been hoping another movie in the franchise would get made for a long time.

“I was hopeful for a long while, and then I was like, ‘I don’t know if they are.’ Then other Mummy movies got made. But listen, what we’re gonna do is saddle back up, go back to the locations — I should probably stop talking like this, because I don’t want to give everything away," he said.

The actor continued, asking fans of the franchise to "please wish me luck."

"I’m doing my best to get this 57-year-old gear in shape,” he said at the time.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sean 'Diddy' Combs transferred to new prison in Pennsylvania: Sources

Sean "Diddy" Combs speaks during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference National Town Hall on Sept. 21, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation)

Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs is on the move, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

Combs is being transferred from New Jersey's FCI Ft. Dix, and headed to FCI Allenwood Low, sources told ABC News.

FCI Allenwood is in Pennsylvania and has a low- and medium-security prison.

The Bureau of Prisons confirmed the move, saying, "We can confirm that Sean Combs is currently incarcerated at FCI Allenwood Low. For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not discuss the conditions of confinement for any individual in our custody, including reasons for transfer."

A representative for Combs shared a statement with ABC News on Friday, acknowledging the move.

"Decisions about inmate placement are made by the BOP, and we are not in a position to speak to the circumstances surrounding this transfer," according to Combs' rep.

The statement continued, "Sean remains focused on moving forward, and we hope that his time at the new facility will be productive and without unnecessary disruption."

Combs was briefly hospitalized last weekend

Combs was taken to the hospital briefly for a head injury over the weekend, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

He returned to New Jersey's FCI Ft. Dix early Sunday morning after being taken in on Saturday.

The Bureau of Prisons said they do not comment on inmate activity for safety and security reasons.

"We are aware of the reports concerning Sean Combs and are working to confirm the circumstances. Sean's health and well-being are our immediate concern, and we appreciate everyone who has reached out," his representative said in a statement to ABC News when reports of Combs' hospitalization surfaced earlier this week.

Multiple sources previously told ABC News earlier this month that Combs was expected to be placed into the Special Housing Unit (SHU) at FCI Ft. Dix.

"For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not comment on the conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual, including quarters assignment or whether a particular individual is the subject of allegations, investigations, or sanctions," a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson told ABC News at the time.

Combs' current release date is March 2, 2028, according to inmate records. 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Kaley Cuoco welcomes 2nd daughter with Tom Pelphrey, reveals name

Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey have welcomed their second baby.

Cuoco shared in an Instagram post on Wednesday that she and her fiancé's second baby, a girl, arrived on Oct. 12.

In her post, which included several photos, Cuoco revealed that she and Pelphrey named their baby girl Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.

"There are no words to describe this feeling once again," Cuoco said. "What a blessing. We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete.”

Cuoco and Pelphrey are also parents to daughter Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey, who was born on March 30, 2023.

In her post, Cuoco added, "Time to bring Matilda’s baby home!"

She continued, "@tompelphrey life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever, girl daddy!"

Pelphrey also took to Instagram to share the news of his and Cuoco's growing family and described their family's newest addition as "another miracle."

"Welcome to our family youngest queen!" he continued. "Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls."

Cuoco, who is known for her role as Penny in The Big Bang Theory and Cassie in The Flight Attendant, announced her engagement to Pelphrey in 2024.

Last month, she supported Pelphrey at the 78th Primetime Emmys, where he won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his performance in the HBO drama Task.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Julia Stiles to pay tribute to Heath Ledger for 'Dedication Night' on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa appear in this image from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on Tuesday, Oct. 13. (Christopher Willard/Disney)

We have boxes of tissues on standby for "Dedication Night" on Dancing with the Stars.

Next week, the 10 remaining couples will hit the dance floor to deliver heartfelt performances honoring the people and places that have shaped their lives.

One dance number that fans are already looking forward to is Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa's performance. A press release from Dancing with the Stars on Wednesday revealed that Stiles will honor her late 10 Things I Hate About You co-star, Heath Ledger, with a contemporary routine to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli.

Fans of the film will recall that the song was sung by Ledger in the hit 1999 teen romantic comedy film. The memorable scene centers around Ledger's character, Patrick Verona, who pulls out all the stops to win over Stiles' character, Kat Stratford, by serenading her with Valli's hit song. In the scene, Ledger sings from the bleachers of their high school stadium, accompanied by the school marching band before being chased by school security.

Ledger died in January 2008. He was 28.

Stiles' upcoming performance follows this week's Save the Last Dance-inspired performance, which included a special appearance from her former co-star Sean Patrick Thomas.

Next week's special Dancing with the Stars theme night will feature special guest judge Kym Johnson.

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams on Disney+. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Hulu.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: Colman Domingo, Rachel McAdams join 'Lizard Music' and more

The music is getting louder for Benny Safdie. Colman Domingo, Rachel McAdams, Jeff Goldblum and David Krumholtz have been added to the voice cast for Safdie’s Lizard Music, Deadline reports. The film will be a live-action, CGI hybrid about a boy “who stumbles upon a secret late-night broadcast of lizards playing otherworldly music.” Already on board for the project are Dwayne Johnson, Alicia Silverstone, Regina Hall and newcomer Theo Leber. Safdie wrote the script based on Daniel Pinkwater’s novel of the same name …

Merritt Wever, Mason Gooding and Abbey Lee have signed on for Durango, which has officially landed a series order at Hulu, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The new drama series will star Cooper Hoffman as Mikey and Kathryn Newton as Bunny, who are “riding an avalanche of bad decisions and falling in love while running from cops, criminals, and Mikey’s wife in pursuit of their own American dream,” according to an official logline. The series pickup comes seven months after Hulu ordered a pilot for the project from writer Eliza Clark ...

A new Broadway revival has locked in some big-name talent, Deadline reports. Tatiana Maslany, John Turturro and Tony Shalhoub are returning to the stage in a revival of Eugène Ionesco’s play Rhinoceros, which was last seen on the Great White Way in 1961. Rhinoceros will have a limited run, with previews beginning April 7 at the Todd Haimes Theatre …

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tom Hiddleston, Genden Phuntsok on the journey of climbing Mount Everest in 'Tenzing'

Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok star in 'Tenzing.' (Apple TV)

Many people know Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary for the moment they became the first people to summit Mount Everest. But not many know much else about their stories.

The new Apple TV film Tenzing sets out to change this. Based on true events, the film stars Chinese actor of Tibetan descent Genden Phuntsok as the gifted Himalayan climber. The movie not only chronicles Norgay's climbing talent, but also takes audiences through the highs and lows of his life to show how he was able to accomplish such a monumental feat.

Phuntsok told ABC Audio what it means to him to be able to bring Norgay to life in this way.

"Tenzing Norgay should [have been] known many years ago, and at this moment, I really hope Tenzing Norgay, he can see this movie from heaven," Phuntsok said.

The actor hopes people from all over the world will "give more love to the Sherpa people and [put] more attention on the Sherpa people" after watching Tenzing.

Tom Hiddleston stars alongside Phuntsok as the New Zealand mountaineer Hillary. He said he'd "always been captivated by the prospect of Everest, by the roof of the world, by this story."

The actor learned to ski in the Swiss and French Alps. While he had never climbed mountains at the scale and degree of skill required for Tenzing prior to signing on to the project, he'd always loved them.

"I found that mountains can yield awe and peace and serenity that I haven't found elsewhere in my life. I love being in the mountains. And I've always been so impressed by the idea of these extraordinary men who achieved the impossible, and had the physical strength and the resilience and the spiritual strength to do this," Hiddleston said.

Part of the appeal of working on the project was director Jennifer Peedom's insistence on filming in real locations.

"When Genden and I are dropped into crevasses, we are in a real crevasse, climbing up a real ice wall. It was completely unforgettable," Hiddleston said.

Adding to that unforgettable experience was getting to act out what Hiddleston describes as a "remarkable story of endurance, of imagination, of resilience, of fellowship and friendship and team spirit."

And while Hiddleston acknowledges the skill both Norgay and Hillary had, he also attributes their successful journey to their lack of ego.

"The film, correctly, I think, suggests that Tenzing and Hillary were the first to summit Everest because they had a relationship with the mountain that was deeply spiritual. It wasn't about ego, it wasn't about conquest. It was about reverence and awe," Hiddleston said. "From Tenzing's point of view, the mountain is not a mountain to be conquered, but a goddess to be worshipped. A mother into whose lap you might climb."

He thinks Hillary thought of the journey similarly to Norgay.

"I think in his own way, Edmund Hillary had a similar relationship to mountains. He loved being free in the mountains, being unrestrained and unconstrained. Being at peace somehow," Hiddleston said.

Tenzing is now available to stream on Apple TV.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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