New Photo - UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 2026-27 college-basketball season

UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 202627 collegebasketball season Chris CwikWed, May 13, 2026 at 4:03 PM UTC 0 UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 202627 collegebasketball season The NCAA knows it had a good thing when Michigan and UConn squared off in the national championship game in April. While the game was, at times, not pretty, it was exciting, with Michigan pulling off a narrow 6963 win to claim the national title.

UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 2026-27 college-basketball season

Chris CwikWed, May 13, 2026 at 4:03 PM UTC

0

UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 2026-27 college-basketball season

The NCAA knows it had a good thing when Michigan and UConn squared off in the national championship game in April. While the game was, at times, not pretty, it was exciting, with Michigan pulling off a narrow 69-63 win to claim the national title.

If Dan Hurley and UConn are seeking revenge for that loss, they won’t have to wait long for that opportunity. Both teams will square off in a rematch of the national championship game during the first week of the 2026-27 college-basketball season, the NCAA announced Wednesday.

That rematch is scheduled for Nov. 6.

The contest will take place at TD Garden in Massachusetts, making it a neutral-site game. Given its location on the East Coast, however, UConn may have the fans on their side.

Advertisement

Prior to the national championship game, UConn and Michigan had never played each other during the Dan Hurley era. Hurley, who has led the team to six NCAA tournament appearances and two national championships in eight seasons, managed to avoid Michigan until the final game of the 2025-26 season. Following that matchup, Hurley will be looking for his first win against Michigan with UConn.

As fans might expect, the national-championship rematch should be a good one. Both Michigan and UConn rank highly among analysts who have put out a way too early top-25 men’s basketball ranking so far. Both teams are bringing back strong core players that helped lead those teams to the national-championship game.

The NCAA is clearly prioritizing big matchups early in the college-basketball season. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the UConn women’s team will take on South Carolina on Nov. 24. That matchup will be a rematch of the women’s Final Four, which saw both teams square off in a contentious game. Coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley were involved in a tense altercation postgame, which led to multiple apologies after the fact.

Both contests should draw massive ratings, which is exactly what the NCAA is looking for early in the college-basketball season.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

Read More


Source: Sports

Published: May 13, 2026 at 12:28PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 2026-27 college-basketball season

UConn, Michigan set for NCAA championship game rematch in first week of 202627 collegebasketball season Chris CwikWed, May 13, 2...
New Photo - Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: The LeBron question looms large for Lakers

Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: The LeBron question looms large for Lakers Dan TitusWed, May 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM UTC 0 The Los Angeles Lakers, without Luka Dončić, sent the Rockets home in six games, only to run into an Oklahoma City Thunder squad primed to repeat as champions. The Lakers fought as best they could, but ultimately exited the second round in a fourgame sweep. Fantasywise, the Lakers’ big three carried the load, but some tough decisions are looming ahead of next year. Here’s what we learned from the Lakers and what to consider going forward.

Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: The LeBron question looms large for Lakers

Dan TitusWed, May 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM UTC

0

The Los Angeles Lakers, without Luka Dončić, sent the Rockets home in six games, only to run into an Oklahoma City Thunder squad primed to repeat as champions. The Lakers fought as best they could, but ultimately exited the second round in a four-game sweep. Fantasy-wise, the Lakers’ big three carried the load, but some tough decisions are looming ahead of next year.

Here’s what we learned from the Lakers and what to consider going forward.

The main fantasy assets

Luka Dončić put together a monster season — leading the league in scoring with 33.5 ppg while also finishing the regular season second overall in High Score and sixth in 9-cat leagues. He’ll continue to be one of the best contributors from the guard spot in terms of points, rebounds and assists.

Heading into next year, Dončić remains one of the safest first-round investments in fantasy basketball regardless of what this roster looks like around him.

Austin Reaves had his coming-out party this season, outperforming his 47th overall ADP. The soon-to-be-free agent finished 30th in High Score, averaging 43.5 fantasy points per game (FPPG) and 32nd in 9-cat leagues. Reaves was limited to 51 games after dealing with ankle, calf and late-season oblique injuries, but he still posted career-bests in points, rebounds and steals, while maintaining his efficiency on increased volume.

The breakout is real, and now we’ll have to see how much the Lakers are willing to pay to retain his services. Lock him in as a third-to-fourth-round fantasy draft pick.

Advertisement

[Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament]

Then there’s Deandre Ayton. A disappointment yet again.

Playing 70 games was the highlight, as his production tapered off for the fourth straight season. He failed to average a double-double for the first time in his career (he averaged 12.5 ppg with 8 rebounds), while playing the fewest minutes per night (27.2). He was very efficient from the field, but it was on low volume, and most nights he was benched for his inconsistent effort on defense and on the glass. Ayton will likely opt out of his $8M contract and test free agency. There’s enough tape on him to know who he is — a declining player who carried a 67th overall ADP but finished outside the top-110 in both High Score and 9-cat.

Was this LeBron's final act?

LeBron James looms over everything as always. On the floor, he still delivered for fantasy managers. His value took a hit relative to his ADP in 9-cat, as he was drafted 27th overall and finished the year as the 52nd-best player. In High Score, though, James was better, ranking 20th, averaging 46.8 FPPG. James’ numbers were solid, but there was a considerable drop off in scoring to 20.9 ppg, the lowest of his career. Some of that was because he took fewer shots playing alongside Luka and Reaves.

Now to the important stuff. The King turns 42 in December and his contract situation heading into the offseason will be the biggest storyline of the offseason. He could re-sign with the Lakers, go elsewhere or retire. If Bron returns, I’d pencil him as a fifth-rounder, but the destination and personnel surrounding him matter. A fifth-round grade assumes we’ll get the 2025-26 version of LeBron, who was more of a playmaker and less of a scorer.

Final thoughts

Does LeBron re-sign? That's the only question that matters in Los Angeles this offseason. If he's back, the Lakers run it back with Luka as the unquestioned engine. If he walks, this becomes Luka's team in full, which frankly isn't the worst outcome for fantasy purposes. Either way, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are locked in as the top fantasy options on this roster across all formats. Build around them and fill in the gaps once the offseason smoke clears.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

Read More


Source: Sports

Published: May 13, 2026 at 12:27PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: The LeBron question looms large for Lakers

Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: The LeBron question looms large for Lakers Dan TitusWed, May 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM UTC 0 The Lo...
New Photo - The 19 best movies on AMC+ across all genres

Man's best friend, Cinderella's ugly stepsister, and an aspiring dancer are a few of the eccentric protagonists found on this list. The 19 best movies on AMC&43; across all genres Man's best friend, Cinderella's ugly stepsister, and an aspiring dancer are a few of the eccentric protagonists found on this list. By Ilana Gordon, :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ILANAGORDONHEADSHOT80577598f8ed442cacff5de184ceb9f5.jpg) Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

Man's best friend, Cinderella's ugly stepsister, and an aspiring dancer are a few of the eccentric protagonists found on this list.

The 19 best movies on AMC+ across all genres

Man's best friend, Cinderella's ugly stepsister, and an aspiring dancer are a few of the eccentric protagonists found on this list.

By Ilana Gordon,

Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

and Chris Snellgrove

May 12, 2026 12:00 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Lea Myren as Elvira in 'The Ugly Stepsister'; Indy the dog in 'Good Boy'; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Ruth in 'Fast Color'

Lea Myren as Elvira in 'The Ugly Stepsister'; Indy the dog in 'Good Boy'; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Ruth in 'Fast Color'. Credit:

Scanbox Entertainment; IFC/Shudder; Roku

AMC+ isn't the biggest platform, but what the streamer lacks in size, it makes up for in cinematic curation. If you're looking for an indie horror movie told from a dog's point of view (*Good Boy*, 2025), or a coming-of-age drama that took 12 years to complete (*Boyhood,* 2014), AMC+ is on the case. With content filtering in from AMC, BBC America, IFC Films, Shudder, and SundanceTV, the platform balances niche movie selections with blockbuster and critical favorites.

Content moves fast in the streaming world, so watch these films before they're gone. Read on for **'s list of the 19 best movies to stream on AMC+.

A Ballerina's Tale (2015)

Misty Copeland in 'A Ballerina's Tale'

Misty Copeland in 'A Ballerina's Tale'.

Misty Copeland is one of the most well-known names in modern American ballet, and her story — told comprehensively for the first time in this 2015 documentary narrated by Copeland herself — is the kind that can inspire an entire generation of future performers. From starting formal dance training as a teenager to the injuries, body shaming, and racial slights she endured during her rise, Copeland isn’t your mother’s prima ballerina.

What she is, however, is the first Black woman ever promoted to principal dancer status in American Ballet Theater’s history, and her story evokes just as much emotion as her dancing. The documentary was crowdfunded, thanks in part to a donation by Prince, so consider *A Ballerina’s Tale* a Prince-endorsed option. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *A Ballerina’s Tale*: AMC+

**Director: **Nelson George

**Cast: **Misty Copeland

The Babadook (2014)

Essie Davis as Amelia Vanek and Noah Wiseman as Samuel Vanek in 'The Babadook'

Essie Davis as Amelia Vanek and Noah Wiseman as Samuel Vanek in 'The Babadook'. Matt Nettheim/IFC Films

Long before he became an unexpected gay icon, the Babadook was delivering visceral scares that simultaneously pulled on our heartstrings. The movie constantly makes us question whether the central troubled child (Noah Wiseman) is truly connected to a storybook monster, or if he — and perhaps even his mother (played to chilling perfection by Essie Davis) — is declining psychologically. This is a particularly bleak, scary movie for parents, proving we can never keep our children fully safe and stable. —*Chris Snellgrove*

Where to watch *The Babadook*: AMC+

**Director: **Jennifer Kent

**Cast: **Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, Barbara West

A Bucket of Blood (1959)

Dick Miller as Walter Paisley and Barboura Morris as Calrla in 'A Bucket of Blood'

Dick Miller as Walter Paisley and Barboura Morris as Calrla in 'A Bucket of Blood'.

In this dark comedy from legendary director Roger Corman, definitive that-guy actor Dick Miller scored his greatest leading-man role as Walter Paisley, a busboy at a beatnik cafĆ©. Although he’s decidedly out of place in the venue, he falls for his co-worker, Carla (Barboura Morris), and tries to make time with her by making a bust of her. Walter accidentally kills his neighbor’s cat and tries to hide his crime by covering it in plaster, but when Carla and her pals decide the makeshift tomb is high art, he tries to reproduce it with larger subjects… and that’s when things *really* get dark. —*Will Harris*

Where to watch *A Bucket of Blood*: AMC+

**Director: **Roger Corman

**Cast: **Dick Miller, Barboura Morris, Antony Carbone, Ed Nelson, Myrtle Vail

Boyhood (2014)

Ellar Coltrane as Mason in 'Boyhood'

Ellar Coltrane as Mason in 'Boyhood'. Matt Lankes/IFC Films

One of the more fascinating films of the past few decades, this Richard Linklater joint shows the highs and lows of growing up, as seen through the eyes of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), his sister (Lorelei Linklater), and his parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke). What makes it so fascinating, however, is that Linklater filmed the feature for more than a dozen years, using the same cast and capturing various life vignettes during each production session. It’s a remarkable piece of cinema, one that deftly balances drama and comedy with plenty of heart. —*W.H.*

Where to watch *Boyhood*: AMC+

**EW grade:** A

**Director: **Richard Linklater

**Cast: **Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater, Libby Villari

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me (2013)

Elaine Stritch in 'Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me'

Elaine Stritch in 'Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me'.

Sundance Selects/Courtesy Everett Collection

Elaine Stritch was the consummate New York actress. A fixture on Broadway, in cabaret shows, and in New York-based TV series like* 30 Rock*, the brash performer continued to defy expectations by allowing a camera crew to document her life starting at age 86. What resulted is a candid, emotional, and often funny look at a lifelong performer coming to grips with the end of her career and time on Earth.

*Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me* is a must-see documentary for Broadway lovers, theater history buffs, and anyone who is inspired by people who continue to pursue their passions through their twilight years. Stritch died at 89 years old — less than a year after the documentary was released — but the film remains a tribute to her theatrical legacy and memory. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me*: AMC+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Chiemi Karasawa

**Cast:** Elaine Stritch

Enemy of the State (1998)

Will Smith as Robert Clayton Dean in 'Enemy of the State'

Will Smith as Robert Clayton Dean in 'Enemy of the State'.

Touchstone Pictures

The internet had only been publicly available for five years when Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott released *Enemy of the State*, a political action thriller underscored by a growing concern that personal privacy rights were being eroded and might soon be gone forever. Will Smith stars as Robert Clayton Dean, a lawyer whose career, family, and personal life are targeted after he unwittingly receives evidence of a Congressman’s murder. Now facing off against a crooked NSA agent (Jon Voight), who is desperate to pass legislation that would expand his agency’s ability to secretly surveil the public — and to cover up his role in the Congressional murder — Robert must work with Brill (Gene Hackman), an off-the-grid former NSA agent who knows what the agency is capable of, to clear his name and reunite with his family. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Enemy of the State*: AMC+

**EW grade:** B

**Director: **Tony Scott

**Cast:** Will Smith, Jon Voight, Gene Hackman, Regina King, Jason Lee

Frances Ha (2012)

Greta Gerwig as Frances Halladay in 'Frances Ha'

Greta Gerwig as Frances Halladay in 'Frances Ha'.

IFC Films/Everett

Frances Halladay (Greta Gerwig), a 27-year-old aspiring dancer living in New York City with her college bestie, Sophie (Mickey Sumner), abruptly finds her life in upheaval when Sophie decides to move from Brooklyn to Tribeca…without Frances. Since she can’t afford the apartment by herself, Frances finds friends to share a place with, but then things at the dance company get weird for her, too. This snapshot of Frances’ life is an endlessly endearing series of ups and downs, winning our affection with each bumbling setback and stubbornly optimistic resolution. —*W.H.*

Where to watch *Frances Ha*: AMC+

**EW grade:** B+

**Director: **Noah Baumbach

**Cast: **Greta Gerwig, Mickey Summer, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen, Patrick Heusinger

Good Boy (2025)

Indy the dog in 'Good Boy'

Indy the dog in 'Good Boy'.

One of the best performances of 2025 belongs to a first-time actor — who also happens to be a dog. The horror film *Good Boy* is one of the most creative and technically innovative independent movies produced in recent memory, but the premise is simple. A sick man and his dog move to a rural home where the man grows sicker, and the dog starts encountering supernatural entities. *Good Boy* is told from the dog’s perspective, so dialogue is limited. But writer-director Ben Leonberg uses soundscapes, music, cinematic techniques, and his own pup to create a low-budget, high-reward supernatural horror that will remind you why dogs are man’s best friend. *—I.G. *

Where to watch *Good Boy*: AMC+

**Director: **Ben Leonberg

**Cast: **Indy, Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden

Halloween (1978)

Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in 'Halloween'

Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in 'Halloween'.

Compass International Pictures/Getty

Any horror movie fan worth their salt already knows the mythos of this franchise backward and forward, but just in case you’re new to the story, then it’s time to say hello to Michael Myers. On Oct. 31, 1963, 6-year-old Michael murders his 17-year-old sister and is placed in a sanitarium.

Fifteen years later, Michael escapes from custody, makes his way back to his hometown of Haddonfield, Ill., and embarks on a new killing spree — but can his psychiatrist, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance), stop him before he slays his intended new target, teenager Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis)? A cornerstone of the then-burgeoning slasher subgenre, *Halloween* is John Carpenter’s masterclass in slow-burn suspense. —*W.H.*

Where to watch *Halloween*: AMC+

**Director: **John Carpenter

**Cast: **Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers

The 20 best horror movies on Tubi to watch late at night

Andrea Riseborough as Tasya Vos in 'Possessor'; Gunnar Hansen as Leatherface in 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre'; Rie Ino'o as Sadako Yamamura in 'Ringu'

The 31 best documentaries on Netflix right now

Amy Winehouse in 'Amy'; Buzz Aldrin in 'Apollo 11'; Seymour Hersh in 'Cover-Up'

Late Night With the Devil (2023)

David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy (center) in 'Late Night With the Devil'

David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy (center) in 'Late Night With the Devil'.

IFC Films/Shudder

In this unique mockumentary horror film, viewers are introduced to ‘70s talk show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) of *Night Owls*, who, after a hiatus following his wife’s death, is desperate to boost ratings upon his return. To do so, he anchors his Halloween episode around a parapsychologist/author and her latest subject, a girl who is the last survivor of a Satanic church. What follows is edge-of-your-seat, wholly original storytelling that ranks among the best scary movies of the past few years. —*W.H.*

Where to watch *Late Night with the Devil*: AMC+

**Director: **Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes

**Cast: **David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Georgina Haig

Magic (1978)

Anthony Hopkins as Corky Withers in 'Magic'

Anthony Hopkins as Corky Withers in 'Magic'.

20th Century Fox/Everett

After proving to be a failure as a magician, Corky (Anthony Hopkins) embarks on a new entertainment avenue: ventriloquism. Adopting a dummy named Fats, he finds enough success that he’s on the cusp of securing a TV gig. With Fats in tow, he returns to his hometown and reunites with an old flame (Ann-Margret), but his puppet seems far less enamored by the couple’s rekindling. In addition to a stellar zero-to-hero performance by a young Hopkins, this underseen gem spends much of its runtime in a fantastical gray area, in which we’re unsure whether Corky is insane or Fats is truly sentient (and sinister). —*W.H.*

Where to watch *Magic*: AMC+

**Director: **Richard Attenborough

**Cast: **Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Ed Lauter, E.J. Andre

The Nightingale (2018)

Aisling Franciosi as Clare Carroll in 'The Nightingale'

Aisling Franciosi as Clare Carroll in 'The Nightingale'.

Kasia Ladczuk/Courtesy of Sundance Institute

A brutal and affecting revenge thriller set in 1825 in the Tasmanian outback, *The Nightingale* is a difficult watch, but not a gratuitous one. While the film does feature a hefty amount of sexual and run-of-the-mill violence, the moments of tenderness between the film’s leads — an Irish convict named Clare (Aisling Franciosi), who is seeking revenge on a British officer for wrongs committed against her family, and an Aboriginal tracker nicknamed Billy (Baykali Ganambarr), who is traumatized by the way the British have treated his people — are well-earned and beautifully acted.

Chilling and horrifying, the plot is propelled by moments of sadism, many of them committed by a lieutenant named Hawkins (Sam Claflin) whose psychopathic behavior will quickly erase any memories you have of him in *The Hunger Games* or *Daisy Jones & the Six*. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Nightingale*: AMC+

**EW grade:** B

**Director: **Jennifer Kent

**Cast: **Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, Baykali Ganambarr, Damon Herriman, Harry Greenwood

The Novice (2021)

Isabelle Fuhrman as Alex Dall in 'The Novice'

Isabelle Fuhrman as Alex Dall in 'The Novice'.

IFC Films/Courtesy Everett Collection

The obsession with perfection crosses the line from competitive to dangerous in Lauren Hadaway’s directorial debut, *The Novice. *The* Orphan* franchise's Isabelle Fuhrman stars as a compulsive college student who is determined to make her school’s varsity rowing team at all costs. Fuhrman gives a virtuoso performance as Alex, a queer first-year student whose addiction to being the best torpedoes her mental and physical health, academic performance, and social and romantic life.

Anyone who has ever met a self-destructive, Type A teenager will recognize the anxious thrill that comes with watching someone who can’t relax work themselves into a terrifying state, and *The Novice *transforms that feeling into a thriller with aplomb. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Novice*: AMC+

**Director:** Lauren Hadaway

**Cast:** Isabelle Fuhrman, Amy Forsyth, Dilone, Charlotte Ubben, Jonathan Cherry

Personal Shopper (2016)

Kristen Stewart as Maureen Cartwright in 'Personal Shopper'

Kristen Stewart as Maureen Cartwright in 'Personal Shopper'. IFC Films

Twins have a unique connection on Earth, but does that bond extend into the afterlife? Director Olivier Assayas explores this idea in his supernatural, psychological thriller *Personal Shopper*. Kristen Stewart stars as Maureen, an American living in Paris and working for a supermodel named Kyra. Maureen is also mourning the death of her twin brother, Lewis, a self-professed medium who died from a genetic condition and promised to contact her from the other side.

As she waits for his supernatural signal, Maureen finds herself experiencing other apparitions, all of which are heightened after she is involved in a homicidal investigation. EW’s critic writes that “Stewart, who appears in nearly every scene, is intensely watchable, a coiled spring.” *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Personal Shopper*: AMC+

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **Olivier Assayas

**Cast: **Kristen Stewart, Lars Eidinger, Sigrid Bouaziz, Anders Danielsen Lie, Ty Olwin

Room 237 (2012)

A VHS player with a videotape of ‘The Shining’ from 'Room 237'

A VHS player with a videotape of ‘The Shining’ from 'Room 237'.

It’s one thing to make a film about the making of a film, but with *Room 237*, Rodney Ascher has done something far more intriguing with his nine-segment exploration of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of *The Shining** *by Stephen King. Ascher dissects theories about everything from the movie’s arguably Native American subtext (given the Overlook supposedly rests on a Native American burial mound) to the claim that Kubrick allegedly directed the Apollo 11 moon landing footage. Whether you believe these claims or not, it’s still a fascinating documentary that caters to conspiratorial film buffs. —*W.H.*

Where to watch *Room 237*: AMC+

**EW grade:** A

**Director: **Rodney Ascher

**Cast: **Bill Blakemore, Geoffrey Cocks, Juli Kearns, John Fell Ryan, Jay Weidner

Sleeping With Other People (2015)

Jason Sudeikis as Jake and Alison Brie as Lainey in 'Sleeping With Other People'

Jason Sudeikis as Jake and Alison Brie as Lainey in 'Sleeping With Other People'. Linda Kallerus

Cheaters never prosper, except in *Sleeping With Other People*, a rom-com about two intimacy-challenged adults who find salvation in each other. After losing their virginities to one another in college, Jake and Lainey (Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie) reconnect after 12 years apart and — despite their admitted sexual attraction and chemistry — decide to just be friends. But when their platonic relationship becomes complicated by their romantic feelings, the two struggle not to let their past mistakes define their future.

A modern, dirtier, more drug-filled version of *When Harry Met Sally *(1989), *Sleeping With Other People* is, as EW’s critic writes, “a smart, flawed movie about smart, flawed people.” If you’re going to watch one movie where the main characters show up at a children’s birthday high on MDMA, let it be this one. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Sleeping With Other People*: AMC+

**EW grade:** B+

**Director: **Leslye Headland

**Cast: **Jason Sudeikis, Alison Brie, Amanda Peet, Adam Scott, Natasha Lyonne

Spaceballs (1987)

John Candy as Barf, Lorene Yarnell as Dot Matrix (voice: Joan Rivers), Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, and Bill Pullman Lone Starr in 'Spaceballs'

John Candy as Barf, Lorene Yarnell as Dot Matrix (voice: Joan Rivers), Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, and Bill Pullman Lone Starr in 'Spaceballs'.

For the ultimate science fiction genre experience, consider Mel Brooks’ adventure spoof, *Spaceballs*. A satire that parodies beloved films like *Planet of the Apes *(1968), *2001: A Space Odyssey* (1968), *Star Wars *(1977), and *Alien *(1979), *Spaceballs* may bring the jokes, but it has easily the most heart of any Brooks movie. The Schwartz will be with us once again: There's an upcoming sequel expected to be released in 2027. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Spaceballs*: AMC+

**Director: **Mel Brooks

**Cast: **Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga

Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)

The cast of 'Tigers Are Not Afraid'

The cast of 'Tigers Are Not Afraid'. Shudder

*Tigers Are Not Afraid *is too vast and beautiful to be restricted to one genre. A fusion of fantasy, crime, horror, and documentary-style filmmaking, this work was rejected by major festival circuits before being accepted into a horror fest where it was championed by genre fans.

Following a Mexican child’s attempts to use three wishes to seek vengeance against the drug cartel that killed her mother, the film combines magical realism and hard-hitting historical and current realities to create something haunting, horrible, and true. Writer-director Issa López cited Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, and Guillermo del Toro as major influences, and all three have since declared themselves fans of her films. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *Tigers Are Not Afraid*: AMC+

**Director: **Issa López

**Cast: **Paola Lara, Juan Ramón López, Ianis Guerrero, Rodrigo Cortés, Hanssel Casillas

The Ugly Stepsister (2025)

Lea Myren as Elvira in 'The Ugly Stepsister'

Lea Myren as Elvira in 'The Ugly Stepsister'.

Scanbox Entertainment

You’ve seen *Cinderella*, but not like this. The classic fairy tale gets a body horror makeover in *The Ugly Stepsister*,* *an impressive debut from Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt. Told from the perspective of Cinderella’s ugly stepsister, Elvira, this stylized satire follows as Elvira is forced to undergo a string of painful cosmetic procedures to help her attract the Prince at his upcoming ball. *The Ugly Stepsister *has a lot to say about patriarchy and beauty standards, and the film delivers its message through graphic imagery and action. The movie has David Cronenberg’s energy, but with Sofia Coppola's whimsical aesthetic, and the combination is dazzling and jarring. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *The Ugly Stepsister*: AMC+

**Director: **Emilie Blichfeldt

**Cast: **Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch NƦss, Ane Dahl Torp, Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movie"

Read More


Source: Movie

Published: May 12, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

The 19 best movies on AMC+ across all genres

Man's best friend, Cinderella's ugly stepsister, and an aspiring dancer are a few of the eccentric protagonists found on this l...
New Photo - Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines August 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET Over the course of its eight seasons, The Vampire Diaries' mythology changed every now and then to fit a certain story.

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

Over the course of its eight seasons, *The Vampire Diaries*' mythology changed every now and then to fit a certain story. But in its seventh season, the show delivered its biggest change from its established mythology when, suddenly, Caroline (Candice King) became pregnant via a magical transfer. Even though she was a vampire, she was somehow carrying Alaric (Matthew Davis) and Jo's (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe) twins.

The twist was something the writers thought up as a way to soften the tragedy at the end of season 6 when Kai (Chris Wood) killed Jo and her unborn children—on her wedding day, no less. "We had always left that [story thread] hanging on instinct," writer Neil Reynolds says during episode 7 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*.

Executive producer Julie Plec adds, "Because of the tragedy of the twins and Jo dying and looking for story for Alaric for the season, we had separately come up with the story of the woman who knocks on his door and is like, 'I think I'm pregnant with your babies.'" But the writers weren't sure if that twist was *too* crazy, so they didn't originally plan to go there. Until star Candice King called to let them know she was pregnant. "I was very nervous to make that call," King says on the podcast.

The Vampire Diaries

Candice King on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Bob Mahoney/The CW

Ultimately, the writers decided to work in King's pregnancy and use the aforementioned story, only instead of a random woman showing up pregnant, Caroline would carry Ric's kids. Plec remembers warning CW president Mark Pedowitz about "the most bananas thing" she was ever going to pitch him at the time, but surprisingly, he wasn't fazed. And thus Caroline's pregnancy became part of the series and will always go down as one of the show's most unexpected turns.

For more about season 7, listen to the full episode of the podcast below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com.**

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* star Ian Somerhalder reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Teen"

Read More


Source: Teen

Published: May 10, 2026 at 03:19PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000...
New Photo - Benedict Cumberbatch involved in 'crazy' argument with fellow cyclist: 'Dude, you verbally abused...

The &34;Doctor Strange&34; star was captured on video engaged in a heated argument on a London street. Benedict Cumberbatch involved in 'crazy' argument with fellow cyclist: 'Dude, you verbally abused me,' says actor The &34;Doctor Strange&34; star was captured on video engaged in a heated argument on a London street. By Kathleen Perricone May 11, 2026 10:41 p.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/BenedictCumberbatch69thBFILondonFilmFestival202505112617ea2227d2d34878bc514bc06525d935.jpg) Benedict Cumberbatch.

The "Doctor Strange" star was captured on video engaged in a heated argument on a London street.

Benedict Cumberbatch involved in 'crazy' argument with fellow cyclist: 'Dude, you verbally abused me,' says actor

The "Doctor Strange" star was captured on video engaged in a heated argument on a London street.

By Kathleen Perricone

May 11, 2026 10:41 p.m. ET

Benedict Cumberbatch attends the "The Thing With Feathers" screening during the 69th BFI London Film Festival at the BFI Southbank on October 11, 2025 in London, England.

Benedict Cumberbatch. Credit:

Kate Green/Getty

- Benedict Cumberbatch was involved in a verbal argument with another bicyclist in London on May 5.

- In a video of the heated exchange, the *Doctor Strange* actor accuses the man of "verbal abuse."

- Afterwards, Cumberbatch posed for photos with some of the onlookers gathered, says an eyewitness.

Pedestrians in London thought they had stumbled upon a staged scene when Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch stopped traffic to argue with a man on a bicycle.

In a video shared by Singaporean newspaper *Straits Times*, the *Doctor Strange* actor can be seen engaged in a heated verbal spat with a fellow cyclist who accused him of running multiple red lights.

"I didn't," shouted Cumberbatch in the edited clip from May 5. "Once, and I admitted to it."

"You're deluded, you're lying," alleged the male cyclist, whose face is obscured with a covering. "I was behind you the entire time."

See Benedict Cumberbatch's favorite vicious insult from 'The Roses' in exclusive clip

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman in THE ROSES

Benedict Cumberbatch blasts his 'horrific' Marvel diet for 'Doctor Strange': 'I could feed a family'

Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in 'Doctor Strange'

As the two continued to go at it, a crowd of onlookers gathered around them.

"Dude, you verbally abused me," asserted Cumberbatch, which drew a sarcastic response from the cyclist. "Oh no, I verbally abused you because you completely and repeatedly broke the law," he replied in a mocking tone.

The back-and-forth continued for 10 minutes, one eyewitness told *Page Six*. "It was crazy. It was such a pompous road rage it almost felt like it had been staged."

After the cyclist finally continued on his way, Cumberbatch stayed behind to pose for photos with fans. "Benedict still managed to charm everyone watching even though he was having a meltdown," added the onlooker.

Representatives for Cumberbatch did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

King Charles III meets Benedict Cumberbatch as they attend 'A King's Trust 50th Anniversary Celebration' at Royal Albert Hall on May 11, 2026 in London, England.

Benedict Cumberbatch and King Charles on May 11.

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

But it was business as usual for the British actor following the May 5 incident.

Three days later, he attended David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth event at Royal Albert Hall with his wife Sophie Hunter.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

Then on May 11, the Marvel star mingled with none other than King Charles at the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, also at Royal Albert Hall.

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Feuds & Controversies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrity"

Read More


Source: Celebrity

Published: May 13, 2026 at 06:39AM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Benedict Cumberbatch involved in 'crazy' argument with fellow cyclist: 'Dude, you verbally abused...

The &34;Doctor Strange&34; star was captured on video engaged in a heated argument on a London street. Benedict Cumberbatch i...
New Photo - Zara Larsson’s Bedazzled Bra Gets Micro Miniskirt Twist for ‘Today’

Zara Larsson’s Bedazzled Bra Gets Micro Miniskirt Twist for ‘Today’ Evolve EditorsSun, May 10, 2026 at 3:20 PM UTC 22 Photo Credit: NDZ/Star Max/GC Images via Getty Images Zara Larsson brought bright colors and sparkling fashion to her recent performance on “Today,” donning a bedazzled bra paired with a micro miniskirt for her performance. The singer stepped on stage in a bold custom look that instantly grabbed everyone’s attention.

Zara Larsson’s Bedazzled Bra Gets Micro Miniskirt Twist for ‘Today’

Evolve EditorsSun, May 10, 2026 at 3:20 PM UTC

22

Photo Credit: NDZ/Star Max/GC Images via Getty Images

Zara Larsson brought bright colors and sparkling fashion to her recent performance on “Today,” donning a bedazzled bra paired with a micro miniskirt for her performance. The singer stepped on stage in a bold custom look that instantly grabbed everyone’s attention.

Zara Larsson performs in bedazzled bra top and micro miniskirt on ‘Today’

Check out her look here:

Zara Larsson wore a glittering yellow bra top with colorful crystal details across the front. She paired the eye-catching piece with a matching micro miniskirt covered in sequins, fringe, and sparkling embellishments. The singer completed the playful stage outfit with layered bracelets and beach-inspired accessories. Her long blonde hair flowed in loose waves as she performed in front of cheering fans.

Advertisement

The custom look came from designers Rohit Mane and Sorcha. Her dancers also wore colorful custom outfits during the energetic performance. “@zaralarsson at @thetodayshow,” her stylist’s Instagram caption read with performance photos and clips.

Fans quickly praised the singer’s vibrant style in the comments section. “So pwettyyy,” one user wrote. Another added, “Incredible.”

Originally reported by Samridhi Goel on theFashionSpot.

The post Zara Larsson’s Bedazzled Bra Gets Micro Miniskirt Twist for ‘Today’ appeared first on Mandatory.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More


Source: Entertainment

Published: May 12, 2026 at 11:09AM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Zara Larsson’s Bedazzled Bra Gets Micro Miniskirt Twist for ‘Today’

Zara Larsson’s Bedazzled Bra Gets Micro Miniskirt Twist for ‘Today’ Evolve EditorsSun, May 10, 2026 at 3:20 PM UTC 22 Photo Credi...
New Photo - Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened. Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5 Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened. By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines August 18, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET Katherine Pierce was a staple of the Vampire Diaries universe.

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened.

Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened.

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 18, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

Katherine Pierce was a staple of the *Vampire Diaries* universe. But at one point in the series, the writers had to fight to tell more of her story.

"We had to negotiate for the right to let Nina [Dobrev] play Katherine again because the season 2 Katherine [story] had really taken everything out of her and the network was being very protective," executive producer Julie Plec says about the show's fifth season during episode 5 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*. "[The network] and studio were being very protective and they were like, 'You can't do that anymore, you can't have Katherine.'"

On an earlier episode of the podcast, Dobrev spoke about how exhausted she was at the end of season 2, the first season in which she played both Elena and Katherine in the present day. So when it came time to make Katherine human and even introduce a third Petrova doppelgƤnger, the writers had to get creative. "We had to basically beg the network to let us even write story for Katherine," Plec says, noting that "the triplegƤnger made the whole thing worth it."

Nina Dobrev as Katherine Pierce on 'The Vampire Diaries'

Nina Dobrev as Katherine Pierce on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Tina Rowden/The CW

Fans will remember that season 5 featured Katherine taking over Elena's body, which meant that for a good chunk of the season, Dobrev only had one character to play. And then, eventually, Katherine met her demise, a decision that also came about following those negotiations. "I literally think we had to say we'll kill her in order to get permission to use her," Plec recalls.

Additionally, during the podcast, Plec discusses the choice to have Bonnie (Kat Graham) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) be the two characters who "die" together at the end of season 5, which led to a discussion about Bamon, the popular ship. "Bonnie and Damon had a thing in the books we had sort of always said, 'We don't buy a romantic connection between Bonnie and Damon because Damon's just done too many terrible things and Bonnie just has more integrity than that,'" Plec says. "But we wanted to service that relationship in the canon a little bit."

For more about season 5—and the series overall—listen to the full episode below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews and stay tuned to EW.com.**

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- *Vampire Diaries* star Paul Wesley on Stelena's season 2 split: I was 'dealing with my own stuff' on screen

- *Vampire Diaries* creators talk season 1 Katherine twist, the fan response that left them 'aghast'

- Sci-Fi & Fantasy Shows

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Sci-Fi"

Read More


Source: Sci-Fi

Published: May 12, 2026 at 08:19AM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened. Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in seaso...
New Photo - Hailee Steinfeld Shares the First Photos of Her Baby Daughter as She Celebrates Mother's Day

Hailee Steinfeld Shares the First Photos of Her Baby Daughter as She Celebrates Mother&x27;s Day Georgia Slater, Kayla GrantMon, May 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM UTC 0 Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld; Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld's newbornCredit: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty; Hailee Steinfeld/Instagram Hailee Steinfeld shared the first photos of her baby girl while also marking her first Mother&x27;s Day She and husband Josh Allen welcomed their baby girl in April and shared the news via her Substack After she shared the exciting news on social media, her family members celebrated the new arri...

Hailee Steinfeld Shares the First Photos of Her Baby Daughter as She Celebrates Mother's Day

Georgia Slater, Kayla GrantMon, May 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM UTC

0

Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld; Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld's newborn
Credit: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty; Hailee Steinfeld/Instagram -

Hailee Steinfeld shared the first photos of her baby girl while also marking her first Mother's Day

She and husband Josh Allen welcomed their baby girl in April and shared the news via her Substack

After she shared the exciting news on social media, her family members celebrated the new arrival with heartfelt comments

Hailee Steinfeld is celebrating her first Mother's Day as a new mom.

On Monday, May 11, the Sinners actress, 29, shared a glimpse into her Mother's Day celebrations on Instagram, revealing the first snaps of her baby girl. In the five-photo carousel, Steinfeld, who welcomed her baby in April with husband Josh Allen, 29, showed all the cards she received, her special breakfast, her Mother's Day sweet treat and a few close-up snaps of her baby girl's hand and legs.

"A day late but simply obsessed with this šŸ’—," the actress captioned the sweet post.

In the comment section, her Hawkeye costar Jeremy Renner sent her well wishes on her special day, saying he's "very happy" for her.

"Happy New Mothers Day !!! šŸ™šŸ¼šŸ™šŸ¼šŸ™šŸ¼❤️❤️❤️❤️. I am so very happy for you," he wrote.

Steinfeld first announced that she welcomed her baby girl with her husband in a post on her Substack, titled "Special Delivery."

"Our baby girl has arrived!!" she wrote in the newsletter. "We’re feeling incredibly grateful and blessed and savouring these early moments. Thank you so much for the love and well wishes."

Advertisement

On Friday, April 3, the Marvel star shared a brief update in another Substack post, writing, "Thank you for all your kind words and messages yesterday! To say we are unbelievably happy and in love with this baby girl would be an understatement. I’m soaking in the newborn bliss, but I’ll still be writing here every week."

Following the announcement, the actress's family rushed to the comments to share their excitement for the new addition to the family.

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In the comment section of the announcement on Steinfeld's official Substack Instagram, her mom Cheri Steinfeld, dad Peter Steinfeld and brother Griffin shared that they're "officially clocked in" and ready to assume their respective responsibilities.

"Cha Cha officially clocked in!!!šŸ’•," her mom wrote, revealing her chosen grandma name. Similarly, her dad chimed in saying, "Pop Pop officially clocked in!!😊❤️."

Following his parents' lead, Griffin, who's a professional race car driver, commented, "Uncle Griffin officially clocked in!!❤️❤️šŸ˜ŽšŸ«”."

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More


Source: Entertainment

Published: May 11, 2026 at 04:01PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Hailee Steinfeld Shares the First Photos of Her Baby Daughter as She Celebrates Mother's Day

Hailee Steinfeld Shares the First Photos of Her Baby Daughter as She Celebrates Mother&x27;s Day Georgia Slater, Kayla Grant...
New Photo - Mortal Kombat 2 ending explained: Director Simon McQuoid unpacks those gnarly deaths and what's next

Plus, will there be a &34;Mortal Kombat 3&34;? Mortal Kombat 2 ending explained: Director Simon McQuoid unpacks those gnarly deaths and what's next Plus, will there be a &34;Mortal Kombat 3&34;? By Nick Romano :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/NicholasRomanoauthorphotoadc9b60763e34711935cbf7b3d768d24.jpg) Nick Romano Nick Romano is a senior editor at with 15 years of journalism experience covering entertainment. His work previously appeared in Vanity Fair, Vulture, IGN, and more. EW's editorial guidelines May 8, 2026 7:00 p.m.

Plus, will there be a "Mortal Kombat 3"?

Mortal Kombat 2 ending explained: Director Simon McQuoid unpacks those gnarly deaths and what's next

Plus, will there be a "Mortal Kombat 3"?

By Nick Romano

Nicholas Romano author photo

Nick Romano

Nick Romano is a senior editor at ** with 15 years of journalism experience covering entertainment. His work previously appeared in Vanity Fair, Vulture, IGN, and more.

EW's editorial guidelines

May 8, 2026 7:00 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Ludi Lin as “Liu Kang”, Mehcad Brooks as “Jackson ‘Jax’ Briggs”, Jessica McNamee as “Sonya Blade”, and Karl Urban as “Johnny Cage” in New Line Cinema's Mortal Kombat II

Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Jessica McNamee, and Karl Urban in 'Mortal Kombat II'. Credit:

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

- *Mortal Kombat II* director Simon McQuoid breaks down the major deaths, shifting away from Cole's story, and more.

- The filmmaker teases what happens to Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) in the end.

- Will there be a *Mortal Kombat III*? "I never want to be cocky about how anything's going to land or play," he says.

**This article contains spoilers from *Mortal Kombat II*.**

It wouldn't be *Mortal Kombat* without a few fatalities, and the big sequel to 2021's blockbuster slugger did not hold back.

*Mortal Kombat II*, which Warner Bros. and New Line delayed half a year to capitalize on the summer movie season, focused on the titular tournament — a series of brutal one-on-one brawls to the death between our heroes of Earthrealm and the looming invaders of Outworld to decide the fate of the planet. While Earthrealm's champions, including Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) and Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), came out on top, they suffered profound losses in the process.

Cole Young (Lewis Tan), the focus of the first movie, died early on at the hands of Outworld tyrant Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). The metal-armed Jax (Mehcad Brooks) followed soon after.

McQuoid describes Jax's arc as "noble" and noted the audience reaction to that character death during a recent screening event. "There was this really palpable and noticeable gasp in the room when he died," he recalls. "Really, my goal all along has been that. I want the audience to connect and care about every single character."

Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) then appears to die in the third act, but his phoenix-like vanishing act, the general lack of a corpse, and his promise to rescue Kung Lao and the others from the afterlife suggest that he really ascended to become a more powerful entity.

At the very least, the ending confidently sets the stage for a third film. The remaining champions, now including Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) and Jade (Tati Gabrielle), captured Shao Khan's necromancer and vowed to travel into the Netherrealm to bring their friends back from the dead.

Will there be a Mortal Kombat 3?

MARTYN FORD as Shao Kahn and Director Simon McQuoid in New Line Cinema's Mortal Kombat II

Simon McQuoid on set of 'Mortal Kombat II'.

At a New York Comic Con panel in 2025, screenwriter Jeremy Slater announced the studio had already hired him to write *Mortal Kombat III*. Speaking to ** in the weeks before the second movie opens in theaters, director Simon McQuoid doesn't as confidently declare another sequel.

"We knew how we were ending this film," McQuoid says. "You don't want to be overly confident. I never want to be cocky about how anything's going to land or play. You think about it, and you theorize it. So I guess I'm still in that mode where it hasn't even come out yet. Ask me after May 8."

'Mortal Kombat 2' star on how Kitana plays just as big of a role as Johnny Cage (exclusive)

Mortal Kombat II Adeline Rudolph

'Mortal Kombat 2' star Karl Urban calls Johnny Cage 'the most challenging role' of his career

(L-R) Karl Urban as “Johnny Cage”, Hiroyuki Sanada as “Scorpion”, and Josh Lawson as “Kano” in New Line Cinema’s “Mortal Kombat 2,”

Meaning, if you want to see a third movie, go out and buy movie tickets.

The filmmaker confirms, however, that he knows where the story goes from here. "There's so much to draw from, and that's both overwhelming and really exciting," he continues. "There's always a, 'What about *that* character?' It never really stops."

The fate of Cole Young

LEWIS TAN as Cole Young in New Line Cinema's Mortal Kombat II

Lewis Tan as Cole Young in 'Mortal Kombat II'.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

McQuoid and the creatives knew one thing going into *Mortal Kombat II*: "We had to take some brave swings, literally." That meant making the stakes brutally clear to the audience. "It was really important to us for the kills to be surprising," he continues. "We really wanted people to be like, 'No one is untouchable here.'"

That goes for Tan's Cole. The entire first movie focused on Sonya and Jax recruiting Cole to join Team Earthrealm, and this disgraced MMA fighter realizing his full potential as the descendant of Scorpion/Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada). His character arc culminated in unlocking his arcana, which manifested as the power to summon a metallic skin that can absorb and repurpose kinetic energy from physical blows.

Cole, however, isn't a major figure in *Mortal Kombat II*. When he's selected for his first fight, it's against Shao Kahn himself, who makes easy work of the champion.

"Lewis Tan is an exceptionally gifted actor and martial arts fighter. He's a great guy," McQuoid comments. "He's certainly someone I would love to keep working with in the future. So I'd say there's a positive spin going forward with Lewis, for me."

A series of story choices led to Cole's death in this context. The team knew they were introducing Johnny Cage, a washed-up movie star, in the sequel; a post-credits scene from the first signaled his arrival. The director also wanted more female representation, so he brought in Kitana as another main character. "And when you have Kitana, then you have Jade," McQuoid adds.

Having left him out of 2021's *Mortal Kombat*, the crew also brought in Shao Kahn. "All of a sudden," McQuoid explains, "you're in this plate-spinning equalization calibration mode where you want to give everyone their moment...You add all those things together, and it just started to crystallize what we wanted to do."

Liu Kang vs. Kung Lao

Max Huang as “Kung Lao”, and Ludi Lin as “Liu Kang” in New Line Cinema's Mortal Kombat II

Max Huang as Kung Lao, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang in 'Mortal Kombat II'.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

Of all the matchups in *Mortal Kombat II*, there was something profound to McQuoid about the Liu Kang fight against Kung Lao. The latter died during the events of the first film when Outworld sorcerer Shang Tsung (Chin Han) consumed Lao's soul. Kang's close friend then returns in the sequel as a dark shade of his former self to fight for the enemy.

"Liu Kang doesn't want to have this fight, but Kung Lao is revenant, brutal, determined, and singular. There was something really beautiful about the fact that they had to fight at this point," the director says. "So it needed to have the biggest, most beautiful scale environment to be in."

McQuoid grew excited over incorporating familiar arenas from across the history of the video games. In this case, he brought back the blue portal landscape from the old-school SEGA Genesis era to serve as the backdrop, only now elevated for IMAX screens.

The blue portal feels right for their characters. It feels right for the moment in the film," McQuoid notes. "Interestingly, where Kung Lao and Liu Kang are fire blasting each other right in the middle of that fight, and there's that big wide shot that moves in on those guys, that's roughly the midpoint of the film. So in my mind, that's kind of a join down the middle. We've got Kung Lao on one side and Liu Kang on the other."

What happened to Liu Kang?

LUDI LIN as Liu Kang in New Line Cinema's Mortal Kombat II

Ludi Lin as Liu Kang in 'Mortal Kombat II'.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

After defeating Lao in the Mortal Kombat of *Mortal Kombat*, Kang faces Shao Kahn himself, meeting his end at the end of the Outworld emperor's warhammer.

McQuoid points to an earlier moment in the film when thunder god Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) whispers something to the man with the fiery fists on his deathbed. Kang thinks it's cryptic at the time, but it's in this moment that he realizes the meaning. He accepts that he isn't Earthrealm's strongest champion and instead vows to resurrect his fallen allies before disintegrating into thin air.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

It doesn't appear to be a true death. When asked about Kang dying at the hands of Shao Kahn, McQuoid corrects it to "what he does at the end."

"I thought Ludi did the most astounding job in this movie," he adds. "He brings a selfless spirituality to that character. And that's what Liu Kang is, but Ludi did a great job of amplifying that and really making sure that was central. [Kang's] selfless and just wants the best for Kung Lao, even in this terrible situation. So I think there was something really beautiful about what Liu Kang does in the end because it ultimately puts himself at more risk and danger and jeopardy. This is not about this moment right here."

*Mortal Kombat II* is now playing in theaters.

- Action Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Action"

Read More


Source: Action

Published: May 11, 2026 at 04:38AM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Mortal Kombat 2 ending explained: Director Simon McQuoid unpacks those gnarly deaths and what's next

Plus, will there be a &34; Mortal Kombat 3&34;? Mortal Kombat 2 ending explained: Director Simon McQuoid unpacks those ...

 

PRIME SKY © 2015 | Distributed By My Blogger Themes | Designed By Templateism.com