In the radiant era of Hollywood’s Golden Age, few stars shimmered with the enduring brilliance of June Lockhart. The beloved actress—best remembered for her timeless performances in Lassie and Lost in Space—passed away peacefully at her Santa Monica home on Thursday evening, surrounded by her family. She was 100.

Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, Lockhart was destined for the spotlight. The daughter of renowned actors Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, she made her stage debut at just eight years old in a 1933 Metropolitan Opera House production of Peter Ibbetson. Five years later, she graced the silver screen in MGM’s A Christmas Carol (1938), portraying Belinda Cratchit alongside her parents—a fitting beginning for a future Hollywood legend.

By 19, Lockhart had become a contract player at MGM, a powerhouse performer in a studio system brimming with talent. Her radiant charm and natural poise earned her memorable roles in classics like Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) and, later, the role of Ruth Martin in the beloved television series Lassie.

But her stardom didn’t stop there. With appearances on Gunsmoke, Bewitched, and even Grey’s Anatomy, Lockhart’s versatility knew no bounds. Yet, it was her portrayal of Maureen Robinson in the groundbreaking 1960s sci-fi series Lost in Space that forever etched her into pop culture history. The role sparked a lifelong passion for space exploration and led to a unique relationship with NASA, where she became an informal ambassador and inspiration to countless aspiring astronauts.

Her daughter, June Elizabeth, reflected, “Mommy always saw acting as her craft, but her heart lay in journalism and science.” Indeed, Lockhart’s legacy transcends the screen—her curiosity, intellect, and humanity made her a role model in both the arts and sciences.

Over her illustrious career, she received numerous honors, including a Tony Award for her Broadway debut and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for film and one for television. In 2013, NASA recognized her lifelong advocacy for science with the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal.

As her family requests donations to The Actors Fund in lieu of flowers, fans around the world bid farewell to a performer whose grace, intelligence, and warmth defined generations of storytelling.

June Lockhart’s star may have dimmed on Earth, but her light will forever shine among the constellations she so deeply admired.

Anime fans, rejoice! Sony and Crunchyroll’s Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc is making a thunderous entrance at the box office, slashing its way to a stunning $8 million opening day and setting the stage for a $14 million-plus weekend. The film’s explosive debut cements its place at the top of the charts, even as the World Series showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays threatens to draw some eyes away. Still, when it comes to anime, Los Angeles remains an undisputed stronghold.

According to RelishMix, the film has ignited a social media frenzy, reaching an astonishing 500 million fans online—that’s six times more engagement than the average anime release. On YouTube, views have already surpassed 351 million, making the film’s digital buzz 2.5 times stronger than Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which managed “only” 200 million before its theatrical launch.

Audiences are showering praise on MAPPA Studio for its exquisite animation and faithful adaptation of the manga’s darkly beautiful visuals. The soundtrack by Kenshi Yonezu is earning accolades as well, with fans declaring that Reze Arc “absolutely deserved” its cinematic debut. Comparisons are flying high, with viewers calling it “kick-ass” and “a worthy successor” to Infinity Castle.

Meanwhile, in the runner-up race, 20th Century Studios’ Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, Paramount’s Regretting You, and Universal/Blumhouse’s Black Phone 2 are battling it out for second place, each projected to land between $10.8 million and $12 million. Notably, Black Phone 2 is outperforming expectations, on track to hit $47 million by the weekend’s close.

Further down the charts, Disney’s Tron: Ares is expected to collect around $4 million, while Neon’s Shelby Oaks eyes a more modest $2.5 million.

As the weekend unfolds, one thing is clear: Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc isn’t just dominating the box office—it’s carving a legacy for anime cinema on the global stage. Stay tuned for the final weekend numbers, and get ready for more box office surprises!

Cinema lovers, get ready for a journey through music history — acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan is stepping into the role of Linda McCartney in Sam Mendes’ visionary project, The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. The Little Women and Lady Bird star will bring to life the warmth, creativity, and quiet strength of Paul McCartney’s first wife in this unprecedented film series that delves deep into the rise and resonance of the Fab Four.

According to Deadline, Ronan will reunite with her Foe co-star Paul Mescal, who’s been cast as Paul McCartney himself. The ensemble cast is nothing short of extraordinary — Barry Keoghan takes on the role of Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn embodies George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson channels the brilliance of John Lennon. Together, they form a dream lineup that promises to reimagine the Beatles’ story with cinematic grandeur and emotional depth.

Adding intrigue behind the scenes, reports reveal that Ringo Starr personally reviewed parts of the script and requested key revisions. After close collaboration with Mendes, the music legend is said to be “much more satisfied” with how his journey is portrayed. The screenplay’s creative powerhouse trio — Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne — are crafting unique perspectives across the four films, each capturing a different Beatle’s viewpoint.

For director Sam Mendes, this project is a passion long in the making. “The Beatles changed my understanding of music,” Mendes shared earlier this year. “There’s still plenty left to explore.” With Ronan’s magnetic talent leading the charge, the cinematic retelling of one of the world’s most influential bands is poised to become a defining pop culture event.

Beyond her portrayal of Linda, Ronan continues to showcase her remarkable versatility. Fresh from starring in The Outrun and Steve McQueen’s Blitz, she’s also earning buzz for her dark comedy Bad Apples, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Next up, she’ll share the screen with Austin Butler in Deep Cuts.

As for Linda McCartney, she was far more than a musician’s muse — a pioneering photographer, animal rights advocate, and the creative force behind beloved vegetarian cookbooks. Her partnership with Paul, which began in 1967, remains one of music’s most enduring love stories.

With a stellar cast, powerhouse direction, and the magic of music history at its core, The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated projects in recent memory. Beatles fans and film enthusiasts alike — prepare for a cinematic symphony like no other.

It was a weekend of spine-tingling excitement at the North American box office as “Black Phone 2” dialed up a chilling victory, debuting with an impressive $26.5 million in ticket sales, according to Sunday’s studio estimates. The horror sequel didn’t just scare up strong numbers—it outperformed the original film’s debut of $23.6 million, giving Blumhouse Productions a much-needed hit after a string of recent disappointments like “M3GAN 2.0.”

While the film’s opening matched analysts’ predictions, October’s overall moviegoing scene has been a bit sluggish, down about 11% from last year. Still, the bigger picture looks brighter—the 2025 box office is up roughly 4% year-over-year. Industry watchers remain hopeful for a major late-year hit to re-energize audiences, possibly arriving around Thanksgiving or the holiday season.

Universal Pictures gave “Black Phone 2” a wide release across 3,411 theaters, backed by strong marketing and solid reviews. Returning four years after the first film, director Scott Derrickson reunites with Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames to deliver another dose of psychological terror. Early audience data showed that 63% of moviegoers were between 18 and 34, with Hispanic audiences making up 39% of the turnout—an encouraging sign of horror’s growing reach across demographics.

Internationally, the sequel also proved deadly effective, pulling in $15.5 million from 71 territories, for a global opening of $42 million against its $30 million production budget. Universal’s head of domestic distribution, Jim Orr, celebrated the film’s success, commending Derrickson and Blumhouse for creating “an unbelievably haunting experience that audiences can’t turn away from.”

The original “Black Phone” (2021) was a sleeper hit, earning $161 million worldwide on just an $18 million budget, cementing the series as a bankable horror franchise. Despite recent misfires like “Wolf Man” and “The Woman in the Yard,” Blumhouse looks poised for a comeback, with anticipation already building for the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” sequel—its predecessor having grossed nearly $300 million.

So far, 2025 has been a stellar year for horror, with hits like “Weapons” and the genre-bending “Sinners” pushing the category’s total earnings to over $1.2 billion. And while “Black Phone 2” may have been the weekend’s lone standout, it signals that audiences are still eager for thrills—even in a quieter October box office.

Up next, the fall lineup promises fresh cinematic flavor: Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone return with “Bugonia,” while Jeremy Allen White stars as The Boss himself in “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.” As the nights grow darker, moviegoers can expect the silver screen to burn a little brighter.

Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are once again set to compete for the prestigious Album of the Year award at the Grammys, marking a head-to-head battle not seen since 2010. This year, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lead the way, while facing stiff competition from the likes of Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, André 3000, Jacob Collier, and former Swift collaborators Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter.

In addition to Album of the Year, both artists are vying against each other in the Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories, with Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” going up against Swift’s “Fortnight.” They’ll also compete in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, with Beyoncé teaming up with Post Malone for “Levii’s Jeans,” and Swift alongside Gracie Abrams on “us.”

This Grammy showdown highlights Beyoncé’s historic milestone of 99 career nominations — the most for any artist, surpassing her previous joint record with Jay-Z. Meanwhile, Swift holds 58 nominations to date, a significant feat on its own.

The Grammy rivalry between these two powerhouses dates back to when Swift’s “Fearless” edged out Beyoncé’s “I Am… Sasha Fierce” for Album of the Year, while Beyoncé clinched Song of the Year for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” This year’s ceremony will test whether Beyoncé can capture her elusive first Album of the Year award, or if Swift can add to her record-setting tally of four wins in this category.

For years, both artists have cleverly released albums in non-overlapping Grammy cycles, avoiding fandom clashes. But the competitive spirit resumes full force, with this year’s results promising to be one of the most anticipated in Grammy history. Tune in on February 2 to see how it unfolds on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+.

Legendary Artist and Actor Kris Kristofferson Passes Away at 88

Photo: Jack Robinson/Condé Nast via Getty Images

Kris Kristofferson, an icon of music and film, passed away at 88 in his Maui home. Known for his multifaceted career, Kristofferson’s impact spanned decades, capturing themes of guilt, pride, and despair in his work. His legacy in both industries is illustrious, showcasing a talent that balanced elegantly between music and film.

Kristofferson’s break came when his song “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33” was referenced in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. With hits like “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” Kristofferson cemented his place in music history. Parallelly, films such as Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and the 1976 adaptation of A Star Is Born showcased his acting prowess.

Born in Texas to a military family, Kristofferson pursued a unique path. A Rhodes Scholar, he also served as a helicopter pilot, eventually abandoning the military to chase his songwriting dreams in Nashville. His perseverance paid off when Johnny Cash recorded his song “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down,” sparking his recognition.

His Hollywood journey began unintentionally, debuting in Cisco Pike. By the mid-’70s, Kristofferson was a sought-after talent, working with major directors like Martin Scorsese and Sam Peckinpah.

As part of the supergroup Highwaymen alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, Kristofferson found enormous commercial success in the ’80s. Throughout his life, he championed progressive causes, using his platform to voice support for civil rights and environmentalism.

Kristofferson’s unwavering dedication to authenticity in both his music and acting set him apart. Unlike contemporaries who juggled music and film, Kristofferson maintained a consistent standard of excellence. His legacy endures through his diverse array of roles and timeless music, showcasing a career marked by truth and artistry.

Pop star Kesha is stepping into the world of music entrepreneurship with the launch of her own independent record label, aptly titled Kesha Records, the singer announced on Monday. The label will function under Warner Music Group’s independent distribution arm, ADA, managing the release of her future projects, including a new album slated for 2025. Kesha Records has already made its debut with her latest single, “Joyride.”

Expressing her excitement, Kesha stated, “I am proud to announce this partnership for the distribution of my music through Kesha Records. My name has become synonymous with transparency, integrity, and safety, and I want to ensure that these values are upheld for myself and any future artists signed to my label. Music has the power to connect the world, and I aspire for my work to be a beacon of light and goodness. I am excited to take control of my narrative and rewrite my story in the music business.”

ADA will collaborate with Kesha’s management company, Crush Music, for the marketing and promotion of her album. ADA president Cat Kreidich praised the partnership, stating the company is “honored and committed to supporting Kesha as an independent artist while maintaining her creative integrity and unapologetic bold-spirit.”

This new chapter follows the release of Gag Order, her last contractual album under Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records and RCA Records. By opting to work with ADA, Kesha will maintain ownership and significant creative control over her music.

The move signifies a fresh start for Kesha, who spent much of the past decade embroiled in a legal battle with Dr. Luke, alleging he sexually abused her—a claim he denied. The dispute was settled out-of-court in June 2023. Following the settlement, Kesha expressed gratitude to her fans, tweeting, “You have held me and carried me through the past 9 years. I am so full of light and excitement for the beautiful things to come.”

Prince Harry is reportedly putting in immense effort to ensure that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet experience a childhood vastly different from his own. Royal expert Jennie Bond, a former BBC correspondent, revealed Harry’s dedication and hands-on approach in a candid interview with OK magazine.

Discussing Harry’s parenting style, Bond highlighted his sporty and competitive nature, noting, “Harry has always been quite sporty and competitive. I bet he gets the kids involved in all sorts of games, making it incredibly fun while teaching them skills like surfing or football.” She further emphasized the benefits of the Montecito lifestyle, where the family’s outdoor activities keep the children away from screens and TV—a value both Harry and Meghan strongly uphold.

Bond praised Harry’s commitment to his parental role, saying, “I think he is relishing his role as a parent and playing the fullest part he can in the lives of his two tots.” Adding, “He’s fortunate to share most of their daily lives, making him a devoted dad who’s no stranger to nappy changing or school runs.” Bond believes Harry finds the sense of security and stability in his family life that he missed during his own tumultuous upbringing.

With the warm weather and outdoor lifestyle of Montecito contributing to a joyous upbringing for Archie and Lilibet, it seems Prince Harry is succeeding in his quest to create a happy and stable home for his children. Bond’s insights paint a picture of a loving father deeply involved in the daily lives of his children, striving to provide them with a nurturing and supportive environment.

Selena Gomez has recently shared personal insights into her journey towards motherhood, revealing a heartfelt and sincere discussion about her inability to carry her own children. In various interviews and statements across major media outlets, including BBC, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and BuzzFeed, the actress and singer disclosed the emotional struggles she faced upon learning she would be unable to experience pregnancy.

Gomez expressed that discovering her condition was emotionally taxing, and she had to allow herself time to grieve and process the reality of her situation. Despite this, Selena maintains a positive outlook on her future as a mother and is thrilled with the various possibilities that surrogacy and adoption offer.

Addressing her fans and the public, Selena highlighted how embracing these alternative paths to parenthood has provided her with hope and excitement. She emphasized that although she may not carry her own children, she is committed to becoming a mother and is looking forward to the journey ahead with optimism.

The pop star and actress, known for her candidness, spoke openly about how her medical condition has influenced her broader perspective on life and motherhood. She encourages others facing similar challenges to explore all available options and to find solace in the fact that being a parent is not solely defined by pregnancy.

Selena Gomez’s honesty and vulnerability shine through as she navigates this deeply personal aspect of her life, offering inspiration to many who might find themselves in similar situations. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, hope, and the multitude of ways one can build and cherish a family.

In the latest cinematic offering, “The Critic,” revered actor Ian McKellen steps into the shoes of an uncompromising theater critic, delivering a performance that’s as chilling as it is compelling. Directed by Anand Tucker, this period drama has been garnering attention from all corners of the film world.

USA TODAY remarks on McKellen’s ruthless portrayal, which brings an intense gravity to his character, making it a standout in his illustrious career. The film captures the life of a theater critic who approaches his job with an almost sadistic seriousness, dissecting performances and productions with an eye that spares no flaw.

Hindustan Times praises McKellen’s dedication to the role, highlighting how his character’s scathing reviews can make or break careers and productions. In an industry where reputation is everything, his character wields considerable power.

In a candid interview with the Financial Times, McKellen shared his thoughts on the often adversarial relationship between actors and critics. With a touch of humor, he recounted how he once received a glass bowl for an award, which he now repurposes for making trifles, showcasing his ability to find levity even in the more serious aspects of his profession.

Verde Independent announces the premiere of “The Critic” at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) from September 13-19, promising an event that’s sure to draw cinephiles and critics alike, eager to see McKellen’s buzzed-about performance firsthand.

IMDb’s review applauds McKellen’s masterful portrayal, even as it critiques the film’s overall narrative structure, calling it flimsy. However, McKellen’s acerbic wit and compelling presence are universally acknowledged as the film’s saving grace.

“The Critic” is a fascinating exploration of the power dynamics within the theater world, punctuated by McKellen’s brilliant performance. While the film may wobble in its storytelling, it firmly stands as a showcase of McKellen’s formidable talent, rendering it a must-watch for his fans and those intrigued by the ferocious world of theater criticism.