Entertainment News

Francesca Reale, Roby Attal join 'This Summer Will Be Different' Netflix series adaptation

A photo of Francesca Reale. (Ian Lipton) | A photo of Roby Attal. (Chris Labadie)

This Summer Will Be Different has gained a couple more cast members.

Netflix has announced that Francesca Reale and Roby Attal have joined the cast of the upcoming TV adaptation of author Carley Fortune's bestselling romance novel.

Reale is set to play Bridget in the show, while Attal will take on the role of Felix, who also goes by the nickname Wolf. They join the previously announced star Sophie Nélisse, who is set to play Lucy.

This Summer Will Be Different will be "a simmering, sun-soaked romance set across multiple summers on Prince Edward Island about Lucy, a young woman navigating her 20s and her first real love with her best friend’s brother, the one person she was never supposed to fall for," according to the show's logline.

Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart serve as the adaptation's creators and showrunners. They also both executive produce the show alongside Fortune.

This Summer Will Be Different will film on location in Prince Edward Island and in Toronto. It will span 10 episodes.

“I fell in love with Prince Edward Island first in the pages of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables and again when I visited with my best friend in my early 20s,” Fortune told Netflix. “That vacation, the beauty of the island, the warmth of its people, and the friendships that sustain us are the foundation of This Summer Will Be Different. I’m thrilled to bring this sweeping love story to the screen with Netflix and to transport audiences to the glittering shores and windswept beaches of PEI.”

Reale is known for her appearance in the third season of Stranger Things. Attal was most recently seen in recurring roles in Dexter: Original Sin and The Sex Lives of College Girls.

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'God of War' will recast lead role Kratos after Ryan Hurst's on-set injury

Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus on the set of 'God of War.' (Leah Gallo/Prime Video)

The upcoming God of War series will recast the actor playing its lead role of Kratos.

Prime Video confirmed the news to ABC Audio on Friday. Ryan Hurst, who was the original actor cast as Kratos, was seriously injured while on set of the video game TV adaptation in late June. The actor tore a bicep while performing a stunt on the show.

After careful consideration, Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios made the decision to recast the role. Production on God of War paused immediately after Hurst's injury. It remains on pause.

While recovery time for such an injury is unclear, it would likely not have been safe for Hurst to resume filming until 2027. This led to the decision to recast his role. Additionally, the show's co-lead, Atreus, is played by child actor Callum Vinson. Much of the existing footage will need to be reshot as Vinson is growing and changing each day.

Production started on God of War back in February. It's based on the popular ancient mythology-themed Playstation video game and has already received a two-season order from the streamer.

The storyline for the upcoming series follows "father and son Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye," according to an official synopsis from Prime Video. "Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human."

Also starring in the show are Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri and Danny Woodburn as Brok.

Deadline was the first to report the news.

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'Home Alone 2', 'My Left Foot' actress Brenda Fricker dies at 81

Brenda Fricker holds up her Oscar after winning best supporting actress for her role in 'My Left Foot' on March 26, 1990, at the 62nd Academy Awards. (Bettmann via Getty Images)

Brenda Fricker, an Oscar-winning actress also known for a memorable role in Home Alone 2, has died, according to her agent. She was 81.

Fricker's agent Phil Belfield confirmed Fricker died Thursday "after a period of ill health" in a statement to ABC News.

"It is with much sadness that I share the news that beloved actress Brenda Fricker passed away peacefully last night in Dublin, after a period of ill health, at the age of 81," his statement reads.

Belfield continued, "We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her. I was honoured to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over."

Fricker was born in Dublin, Ireland, on Feb. 17, 1945. Her career as an actress found her appearing in over 30 film and TV roles.

Fricker won a best supporting actress Oscar in 1990 for her role in My Left Foot. She played Daniel Day-Lewis’ mother in the movie.

Audiences would likely recognize her as the Central Park pigeon lady in the 1992 sequel film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

She recently published a memoir titled She Died Young, which appeared on the Irish Sunday Times bestseller list. Fricker was also recently granted the honor of the Freedom of the City of Dublin, "which she was particularly thrilled and proud of," her agent said.

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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:

ABC, Hulu
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: This new spinoff finds dancers competing to be the next pro on Dancing with the Stars.

Apple TV
Lucky: Anya Taylor-Joy stars in this new crime-drama series co-created by Reese Witherspoon.

Prime Video
Ride or Die: Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham star as besties on the run in this new action series.

Netflix
Heartstopper Forever: The beloved series is wrapped up in this film that concludes the show's story. 

The Hawk: Will Ferrell stars as a pro golfer set to revitalize his career in the new comedy series. 

Movie theaters
The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan directs this adaptation of Homer's epic poem starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. 

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

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: 'Lioness' season 3 official trailer and more

The official trailer for Lioness season 3 has arrived. Paramount+ released the new trailer that features stars Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Kelly. Season 3 premieres on Aug. 2 and comes from Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan ...

Paper Tiger, starring Adam Driver and Miles Teller, is the film that will open the upcoming 64th New York Film Festival. Film at Lincoln Center has announced that the James Gray-directed film will make its North American premiere in a gala debut on Sept. 25. It marks Gray's fourth film selected for the festival, after The Immigrant, The Lost City of Z and Armageddon Time ...

The limited series Enigma Variations has added more to its cast. Netflix has announced that Riley Keough, Devon Terrell, Nicholas Podany and Carl Clemons-Hopkins have joined the show's ensemble. They're added alongside the previously announced stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Alicia Vikander. Enigma Variations is based on the bestselling novel by André Aciman. It follows the story of a man who is remade by the lovers he's had over the course of six years ...

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'Heartstopper Forever' stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke talk series' lasting impact

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as Nick Nelson in 'Heartstopper Forever.' (Netflix)

Heartstopper Forever, the movie conclusion to the popular Netflix teen romance series, is ready to make core memories.

The film, based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, follows Kit Connor’s Nick Nelson and Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring as they grapple with what happens to their relationship after Nick leaves for university.

As their characters look toward the future, Connor and Locke are reflecting on what the series has meant to fans of all ages. Locke tells ABC Audio he’s feeling “very grateful” looking back on a “whirlwind of five years,” while Connor acknowledges being part of something so beloved doesn't happen often as an actor.

“In fact, quite rarely ... you get to be part of something that really seems to have a genuine impact on people beyond just sort of liking a show or being entertained by a show,” Connor tells ABC Audio. “There's ... a genuine impact on people's lives that seems to have occurred, and I think no matter who you are, to be involved in that is a privilege and an honor.”

Heartstopper has grown up with its actors, with the film striking a more mature tone in its portrayal of sex, mental health issues, teenage relationship growing pains, and LGBTQIA+ identity and trans rights.

But in true Heartstopper fashion, there is, of course, a happily ever after. And since the title includes the word “Forever,” how do the stars hope it lives on?

“I hope it continues to make people happy when they watch it,” Locke says.

Connor adds, “I think that if it makes people feel comfortable, feel safe, feel inspired, feel brave — if it continues to do that, then I think we'll be in good stead.” 

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye just yet, Netflix is airing the behind-the-scenes special Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi on July 24.

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Kris Jenner's mother Mary Jo 'MJ' Shannon dies at 91

Kris Jenner's mom, Mary Jo (MJ) Shannon, is shown on an episode of 'Celebrity Family Feud.' (Byron Cohen/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Kris Jenner is mourning the death of her beloved mother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon. She was 91 years old.

The TV personality and entrepreneur posted on Instagram Thursday that she and her family "said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ."

"There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye," Jenner wrote. "My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that truly matters… to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted."

She continued, "She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith."

The media personality, who is a mom of six — Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner — said that her mother's legacy will continue to live on in their family and traditions.

Over the years, MJ appeared with Jenner and the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan on the reality shows Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians.

She also appeared with the family on an episode of ABC's Celebrity Family Feud.

Born on July 26, 1934, MJ was a model and also an entrepreneur.

Before the Kardashians opened their famous Calabasas clothing boutique, Dash, and launched their own clothing lines, MJ owned a clothing store called Shannon & Company in 1980, according to People.

Jenner previously talked about what it was like growing up in the store and working there with her mom when she was younger.

MJ was married three times. Her first marriage lasted only four months, according to People.

In 2017, Kim Kardashian shared a conversation with her grandmother talking about how they had similar marriage experiences.

"We have a lot in common," Kim Kardashian said in the video, which has since been taken down. "We both got married for two months once."

MJ replied, "History repeats itself."

MJ is also a two-time cancer survivor, battling both breast and colon cancer.

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Chloe Fineman departs 'Saturday Night Live'

Chloe Fineman appears in her 'Saturday Night Live' season 51 cast headshot. (Rosalind O'Connor/NBC)

Chloe Fineman is saying goodbye to Studio 8H.

The comedian is leaving Saturday Night Live ahead of season 52 after starring as a cast member on the late-night sketch comedy series for seven seasons.

Fineman announced her departure in an Instagram post Thursday.

"After 7 wonderful seasons at SNL I have decided it’s time for my next chapter," Fineman wrote. "It’s cliche to say this but working at SNL has been the greatest privilege of my life. I still can’t really believe I got to be a part of it. I fell in love with the place the second I walked through the door. Lorne (if you’re reading this on your burner account) I want you to know that I am forever in your debt."

The comedian continued, "It’s really hard to leave SNL but it does feel like the right time."

"I’m going to miss it a lot. But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away," Fineman wrote.

Fineman joined SNL as a featured player on season 45 before being promoted to the main cast in season 47.

Her choice to leave the show comes after the midseason departure of Bowen Yang during season 51. Additionally, many cast members exited the series after the landmark season 50 of the show. Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim all left the cast ahead of season 51.

New cast members for season 51 included Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska. Please Don't Destroy member Ben Marshall joined the show's cast at the same time.

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Ghost and Tommy take center stage in 'Power: Origins' teaser

Spence Moore as James "Ghost" St. Patrick and Charlie Mann as Tommy Egan in 'Power: Origins' (Starz)

Fans are getting their first glimpse of the upcoming Starz series Power: Origins. The prequel explores the early lives of fan-favorite characters James "Ghost" St. Patrick, Tommy Egan and Kanan Stark as they set out to make their mark in the New York City drug game.

The clip opens with young Ghost, played by Spence Moore, and Tommy, played by Charlie Mann, sitting in a car. “We came in this motherf***** to touch the sky brother," Ghost says. "I won’t let us settle for less.”

The two are then seen confronting a group of men before attacking them with bats.

“This moment right here is when we start dreaming. It’s about proving to ourselves that we can do this s*** on our own,” he continues, as the teaser cuts to a meeting with Kanan Stark, played by Mekai Curtis.

The clip then returns to Tommy and Ghost in the car. “This how legends get made," Ghost says. Tommy lets out a "whoo" before Ghost adds, “I don’t know if I actually believe all that s*** I just said, but it sounded so f****** dope coming out my mouth.”

Power: Origins is currently in production in New Jersey. The series picks up after the events of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which drops its finale on Aug. 7.

The original Power starred Omari Hardwick as Ghost, Joseph Sikora as Tommy and executive producer 50 Cent as Kanan.

(Video contains uncensored profanity.)

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Disney+ rebooting 'The Mickey Mouse Club,' the show that gave us Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and more

Justin Timberlake, child star of 'The Mickey Mouse Club,' poses for a portrait Sept. 9, 1993 in Hollywood, California. (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

M-I-C ... see ya real soon! K-E-Y ... why? Because Disney+ is bringing back The Mickey Mouse Club

ABC Audio has confirmed that Disney+ has ordered a pilot for a reboot of the legendary show, which first aired in the '50s, returned in the '70s and then migrated to the Disney Channel from 1989 to 1996.

During that last run, the show's cast included, at various times, future music superstars Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez of *NSYNC, as well as Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell.

The pilot will be executive produced by Ben Winston, whose credits include the Grammy Awards, Carpool Karaoke, The Late Late Show with James Corden and music projects for One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, Elton John, Sam Smith and Justin Bieber.

According to Disney+, the show will be "a showcase for today’s most talented young performers, where music, innovation, and self-expression take center stage." The 11 new cast members boast credits including The Lion King, Camp Rock 3, Young Rock, Elio and Black Rabbit.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sophie Nélisse to star in 'This Summer Will Be Different' Netflix series adaptation

A photo of Sophie Nélisse. (Garrett Naccarato)

Sophie Nélisse is ready to take on another romance series.

The French-Canadian actress will star as Lucy in Netflix's TV adaptation of author Carley Fortune's bestselling romance novel This Summer Will Be Different.

It will be "a simmering, sun-soaked romance set across multiple summers on Prince Edward Island about Lucy, a young woman navigating her 20s and her first real love with her best friend’s brother, the one person she was never supposed to fall for," according to the show's logline.

Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart serve as the adaptation's creators and showrunners. They also both executive produce the show alongside Fortune.

This Summer Will Be Different will film on location in Prince Edward Island and in Toronto. It will span 10 episodes.

“I fell in love with Prince Edward Island first in the pages of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables and again when I visited with my best friend in my early 20s,” Fortune told Netflix. “That vacation, the beauty of the island, the warmth of its people, and the friendships that sustain us are the foundation of This Summer Will Be Different. I’m thrilled to bring this sweeping love story to the screen with Netflix and to transport audiences to the glittering shores and windswept beaches of PEI.”

Nélisse is known for her role as young Shauna in Yellowjackets. She's also the fan-favorite character Rose Landry in Heated Rivalry.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Andrew Garfield stars in 'The Uprising' official trailer

Andrew Garfield stars as Ploughman in 'The Uprising.' (Betina La Plante/Focus Features)

Andrew Garfield stars in the official trailer for The Uprising.

Focus Features released the new trailer for the upcoming film on Thursday.

Captain Phillips director Paul Greengrass wrote and directed the movie, which finds Garfield playing the leader of a ferocious rebellion against King Richard II's tyranny.

"As war burns across England, he forms an army of the people to face the King’s might in a fight for justice and survival," according to the film's official synopsis.

Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, Katherine Waterston and Sky Yang also star in the film.

The trailer finds Garfield's character gathering support for a rebellion against the king.

"I am no soldier. I am no priest. I'm just a farmer. The land is broken. We are forced to work beyond what our souls can take," he says. "There will be no peace until we are free."

In addition to writing and directing the film, Greengrass produces alongside Jason Blum.

The Uprising arrives in theaters on Sept. 11.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Brandy, Rita Ora reunite for new 'Descendants' movie, tease duet

Brandy Norwood and Rita Ora attend the premiere of Disney Channel Original Movie 'Descendants: Wicked Wonderland' on July 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Brandy and Rita Ora are returning to the world of Descendants.

The actresses reprise their roles as Cinderella and the Queen of Hearts in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, the next chapter following the success of Descendants: The Rise of Red.

Speaking with ABC News entertainment contributor Kelley Carter in an interview aired on Good Morning America Thursday, the stars shared how the new film reimagines familiar Disney characters while bringing their own friendship to the screen.

Ora said she was drawn to the complexity of playing her role.

"I did love the idea of the Queen of Hearts, you never really know if she's pretending or if it's real," Ora said. "You've got obviously Cinderella, who is always that anchor within the movies."

Meanwhile, Brandy added, "I did have my villain pants on ... that's new for Cinderella."

The pair also teased a new duet, which they said is one of the moments they're most excited for fans to see.

"It was magical. The song is called 'The Girl I Used to Be.' I think people are gonna love it," Brandy said.

Ora agreed, saying, "It was my dream to be not only on a song with her, but also just in anything with her because I've been looking up to her since I can remember."

Their collaboration was years in the making.

"What people don't really know is that I met Rita when she got her start," Brandy said. "I saw this beautiful light in her then and I see it now. And when we got a chance to do this movie together, I mean, our chemistry was just unmatched." 

Descendants: Wicked Wonderland premieres Wednesday on Disney Channel and begins streaming Friday on Disney+.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Disney Channel.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sam Neill died from pneumonia, representative for 'Jurassic Park' actor says

In this Oct. 11, 2019, file photo, actor Sam Neill attends a press conference at the Sitges Fantastic Film Festival in Sitges, Spain. (Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images, FILE)

Sam Neill, known for his roles in the Jurassic Park films, died from pneumonia, a representative for the actor said in a statement on Wednesday.

Neill died Monday at 78.

"Sam passed away from pneumonia," the statement from manager Philip Grenz said. "Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy."

A statement earlier this week announcing his death said: "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free."

The representative said Neill, who was also known for his role on Peaky Blinders, had filmed four projects in the past year, all of which would be released in the coming months.

Neill revealed he was being treated for stage 3 blood cancer while promoting his memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, in March 2023.

In 2022, Neill was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, "a rare, often but not always, aggressive (fast-growing) form of peripheral T-cell lymphoma," according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

The statement Wednesday said the family would hold a private memorial.

"As Sam was an intensely private man who loathed a fuss, his family will honor him with a private family memorial at his farm in New Zealand at a still-undetermined later date," the statement said.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: 'My Life with the Walter Boys' season 3 official trailer and more

It seems Jessica Alba has joined the upcoming Netflix reboot of 13 Going on 30. Deadline reports the actress is set to star alongside Emily Bader, Logan Lerman and Adeline Rudolph in the upcoming rom-com. Alba's role and the new film's logline are being kept under wraps for the time being. The original film's star, Jennifer Garner, serves as an executive producer on the project, which is currently in production in LA ...

The official trailer for My Life with the Walter Boys season 3 has arrived. The Netflix series will debut its third season on Aug. 6. It finds Jackie navigating her messy relationships and new personal ambitions after the love triangle and a family crisis rocket the Walter family. Nikki Rodriguez stars alongside Noah LaLonde and Ashby Gentry in the romance series ...

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 18 has a release date. The new season of the comedy series premieres on Aug. 17. The gang of Rob Mac, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito will be back in brand-new episodes of TV's longest-running live-action comedy series ...

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Netflix celebrates 10 years of 'Stranger Things'

Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo and Finn Wolfhard on set of 'Stranger Things' season 5. (Netflix)

It's been a decade since audiences were introduced to the Upside Down.

Netflix is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the debut of Stranger Things season 1. The sci-fi series premiered to the small screen on July 15, 2016. Its creators, Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, as well as director Shawn Levy, reflected on what it means for the show to reach this milestone.

“We’re feeling so many emotions today. Nostalgic, proud, and, yeah, a little sad too, that the decade-long journey of making Stranger Things has come to an end," the Duffer brothers said in a statement. "But above all, we feel grateful — for our amazing cast, who we watched grow into wonderful human beings; for the hundreds of brilliant artists who devoted so much of themselves bringing the story to life; and for you, the fans, whose dedication, patience, and passion fueled all of us throughout the years."

Levy said it's hard to believe it's been 10 years since Stranger Things "turned our world upside down."

"What began as a brilliant script by the Duffer Brothers, a story about four kids in a basement playing Dungeons & Dragons, became something far bigger than any of us ever imagined," Levy continued. "One of the greatest joys of this past decade has been watching these characters, and our incredible cast, grow up alongside the fans who have made Hawkins a place they return to again and again."

Additionally, Netflix has released a special VHS version of the first season that gives viewers the chance to experience the show as if it was on a VHS rented in 1983. Netflix has also released a 26-minute video featuring all of the show's main cast looking back on 10 years of memories with the series.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Andy Serkis marks start of production on 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'

The official cast list for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.' (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Production has started on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema released a video on Tuesday marking the start of cameras rolling on the Andy Serkis-directed film.

The video follows Serkis arriving on set of production day 1. He is dressed in a motion-capture suit and speaks directly to a camera. "Here we go, on to the mo-cap stage for day 1," he says.

As soon as he enters a room, someone says, "Director's on set. Let's standby please, everybody."

The first scene of the shoot features Serkis as his iconic character Gollum. He completely transforms into the character as the camera rolls, before using Gollum's signature voice to say, "And, action!"

Several original Lord of the Rings cast members will reprise their celebrated performances in the upcoming film. Ian McKellen will return as the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Elijah Wood will play the hobbit Frodo Baggins and Lee Pace will reprise his part as Thrandruil.

As seen in the video, Serkis will perform the role of Gollum and his alter ego, Sméagol.

Joining The Lord of the Rings universe this time around are Jamie Dornan as Strider, the chief of the Northern Dúnedain Rangers, and Leo Woodall, who will play another of the Dúnedain, Halvard. Strider leads the hunt across Middle-earth for Gollum while Halvard accompanies him on the dangerous mission.

Also confirmed to join the film's cast is Kate Winslet. As the film's story delves into Gollum's past, it will explore a time when he was a young Stoorish boy named Sméagol. Winslet will portray one of the key players in the settlement of Stoors — the matriarch Marigol.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum arrives in theaters on Dec. 17, 2027.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Danny McBride to make directorial debut with new 'G.I. Joe' film

A photo of Danny McBride. (Michael Buckner)

Danny McBride is set to direct Paramount's upcoming G.I. Joe movie.

The actor will make his directorial debut by helming the upcoming film based on the classic Hasbro toy franchise, ABC Audio has learned. He also penned the movie's script.

The currently untitled G.I. Joe movie is keeping its plot details under wraps for the time being. G.I. Joe remains a priority IP for Paramount, sources told ABC Audio.

The G.I. Joe toy line launched in the '60s. It garnered even more popularity in the '80s after inspiring a popular animated TV series, which introduced characters such as Duke, Snake Eyes and Roadblock.

Three previous G.I. Joe movies have been released by Paramount. The first was 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra starring Channing Tatum; the second was 2013's G.I. Joe: Retaliation starring Dwyane Johnson and Bruce Willis; and the third was 2021's Snake Eyes spinoff starring Henry Golding.

McBride is known for creating and starring in HBO's The Righteous Gemstones. Some of his film credits include Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder and Alien: Covenant.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Ariana Grande’s 'Sunday in the Park with George' delays ticket sales

Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey speak onstage at Universal Pictures presents a special screening of 'Wicked' at DGA Theater on Nov. 14, 2024, in New York City. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)

If you’ve been eager to snatch tickets to Ariana Grande’s London stage debut, you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer.

Ticket sales for the Stephen Sondheim musical revival Sunday in the Park with George, starring Ariana and her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey, have been pushed back until the fall. They were supposed to go on sale in May.

The show is still set to debut at London’s Barbican Centre in summer 2027.

In the meantime, Ari’s been busy with her Eternal Sunshine tour, which wraps Sept. 1 with a 10-night stand at London’s O2 Arena.

Last week it was learned that Ariana will no longer appear in season 13 of American Horror Story, due to changes to the shooting schedule that conflicted with her tour.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'The Challenge' moves to Paramount+ for season 42

The key art for season 42 of 'The Challenge.' (Jonne Roriz/Paramount+)

The Challenge has officially moved to Paramount+ for season 42.

The popular reality competition show will feature a mixture of veterans and newcomers on its cast as they compete against each other on The Challenge: Cutthroat. The 42nd season, which will take place in Thailand, premieres on Aug. 5. The trailer for the new season is available to watch now.

Season 42 marks a major change with its brand-new, exclusive streaming home. The Challenge previously aired on MTV. However, spinoffs such as The Challenge: All Stars premiered on the streaming service and one version of the show aired on CBS.

There will be 24 contestants competing "past their breaking points in a ruthless battle for a share of the $500,000 grand prize," according to an official description of the season. "In this bold new era, the Challengers will be divided into three teams and the only way to take home a share of the cash prize, is to cross the finish line together as a unit. To win, nominated captains must balance their hunger for dominance with the need for loyalty, or risk losing their power while solo players must prove they can be team players or lose their chance at the winnings."

Competing this season are veteran contestants Brad Fiorenza, Chris “CT” Tamburello, Chris Underwood, Cory Wharton, John “Johnny Bananas” DeVenanzio, Justin Hinsley, Leonardo “Leo” Dionicio, Nelson Thomas, Will Gagnon, Adrienne Naylor, Cara Maria Sorbello, Cassidy Clark, Isabella “Izzy” Fairthorne, Michele Fitzgerald, Nurys Mateo, Sydney Segal and Victoria “Tori” Deal.

Newcomers this time around are Big Brother alums Cedric Hodges, Keanu Soto and Reilly Smedley; Love Island USA alums Josh Goldstein and Deb Chubb; former WWE NXT performer Alexis “Lete” Lete; and The Amazing Race contestant Anna Leigh Wilson.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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