&34;It's like you're doing an 'Avengers' movie every 22 minutes with the amount of CGI that it takes,&34; the series creator says. Seth MacFarlane compares Ted budget to Marvel movie while giving grim update on potential season 3 &34;It's like you're doing an 'Avengers' movie every 22 minutes with the amount of CGI that it takes,&34; the series creator says. By Shania Russell :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ShaniaRussellauthorphoto5934b684845d480caa4485648c39ef2b.jpg) Shania Russell Shania Russell is a news writer at , with five years of experience.

"It's like you're doing an 'Avengers' movie every 22 minutes with the amount of CGI that it takes," the series creator says.

Seth MacFarlane compares Ted budget to Marvel movie while giving grim update on potential season 3

"It's like you're doing an 'Avengers' movie every 22 minutes with the amount of CGI that it takes," the series creator says.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 8, 2026 7:02 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Seth MacFarlane voices brash teddy bear, Ted. Credit:

Sorry diehard *Ted* fans — turns out AI Bill Clinton is the least of this show's worries.

Series creator Seth MacFarlane has just delivered a dismal update on the future of the sleazeball comedy: Unfortunately, the obnoxious teddy bear may not return for round 3 because the show is just too dang expensive.

"What I kept hearing [from Peacock and Universal] was, 'Listen, the show is really expensive to produce, and there's no way to do it at a lower cost," MacFarlane revealed during a Friday conversation with TheWrap. "So I said, 'All right, I hear you loud and clear.'"

He explained that this inspired the final moments of season 2, in which main character John (Max Burkholder) commits to getting really buff, a reminder that the series is a prequel to 2012's *Ted* movie, in which his character is played by Mark Wahlberg.

Seth MacFarlane and Ted.

Elyse Jankowski/Variety via Getty

"I wrote the last scene with Max walking into a gym, presumably coming out as Mark Wahlberg in the first *Ted* film," MacFarlane explained. "So [showrunners] Brad Walsh and Paul Corrigan and I kind of painted ourselves into a corner. Is there a way to do it? There's always a way to do anything. But at the moment, it might take some narrative acrobatics. There's no plan that I've heard of at the moment to do season 3."

Seth MacFarlane calls for less 'pessimistic' and 'dystopian' stories in Hollywood

Watch Ted get high for the first time in new prequel series trailer

** has reached out to Peacock for additional comment.

MacFarlane went on to praise the show's visual effects team for bringing the foul-mouthed teddy bear to life across two seasons, comprising 15 episodes.

"It's very good that we had two *Ted* films under our belt, because the workload is something that, on a weekly basis, is just insurmountable," MacFarlane said. "And it's a testament to our production team, to our DP Jeff Mygatt, to our camera crew, to our visual effects crew and [visual effects supervisor] Blair Clark and our wonderful crew in Melbourne, Australia, at Framestore that this was able to be achieved on a weekly basis."

Ted and Max Burkholder as John in 'Ted'.

He continued, "It's like you're doing an *Avengers* movie every 22 minutes with the amount of CGI that it takes, not only to animate the bear, but to act the bear. It's something we couldn't have done if we had not had the education of doing two films 10 years earlier."

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

Based on the 2012 film of the same name, the *Ted* TV series follows naive teenager John as he navigates growing up with the help of his brash and uncensored anthropomorphic teddy bear who he wished to life when he was a child.

While the live-action series may be coming to a close, *Ted* will live on in another form. Peacock announced an animated spin-off last May with Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, and Jessica Barth set to reprise their roles from the original film.

Season 2 of *Ted* is now streaming on Peacock.

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Comedy"

Read More

---

Source: Comedy

Published: March 8, 2026 at 07:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

March 08, 2026

Seth MacFarlane compares Ted budget to Marvel movie while giving grim update on potential season 3

&34;It's like you're doing an 'Avengers' movie every 22 minutes with the amount of CGI that it takes,...

Read More

The &34;Lord of the Rings&34; alum's comments come amid speculation that he will appear in 2027's &34;The Hunt for Gollum.&34; Elijah Wood doesn't want anybody else to play his LOTR character as long as he's 'alive and able' The &34;Lord of the Rings&34; alum's comments come amid speculation that he will appear in 2027's &34;The Hunt for Gollum.&34; By Shania Russell :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ShaniaRussellauthorphoto5934b684845d480caa4485648c39ef2b.jpg) Shania Russell Shania Russell is a news writer at , with five years of experience.

The "Lord of the Rings" alum's comments come amid speculation that he will appear in 2027's "The Hunt for Gollum."

Elijah Wood doesn't want anybody else to play his LOTR character as long as he's 'alive and able'

The "Lord of the Rings" alum's comments come amid speculation that he will appear in 2027's "The Hunt for Gollum."

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 8, 2026 6:29 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Elijah Wood in 'Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002). Credit:

If the Fellowship of the Ring makes good on their 23-year reunion, Frodo might look a little different — but rest assured, he will still be played by Elijah Wood.

The* **Lord of the Rings** *alum is still playing coy about what's to come from our return to Middle-earth, courtesy of Andy Serkis' *The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.* But there's one thing he won't deny: that nobody else will be filling his hobbit-sized shoes anytime soon.

"It hasn't been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag. So there is a good chance," Wood recently told the U.K.'s *Sunday Times* when asked if he will reprise his role in the upcoming film. "I'm not able to officially say anything until it's announced, but I will say I'm thrilled with the prospect of another film. It's always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling. There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together."

Though he declined to confirm whether he would be back in the Shire as heroic hobbit Frodo Baggins, he did offer a response to McKellen stating that he wouldn't want anyone playing Gandalf while he's still alive to do it himself.

Elijah Wood in September 2025 in Los Angeles.

Michael Tullberg/Getty

"I totally get that. I certainly wouldn't want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I'm alive and able," Wood said. "And I can also recognize what fun that is going to be — when you are in the cinema, and you see the hat turn around, and it's Gandalf. Because I'm also a fan, and excited to see how it all comes together."

Two years ago, original *LOTR *helmer Peter Jackson announced he was producing a new live-action installment in *The Lord of the Rings *franchise with Serkis, who also plays Gollum, set to direct and star. Originally slated for a 2026 release, the film is now expected to premiere in December 2027.

While most of the franchise's former stars have done their best to remain tight-lipped, in August 2025, McKellen couldn't help but drop a bombshell bit of casting news on the unsuspecting crowd at a London fan event for the convention For the Love of Fantasy.

"I'll tell you two secrets about the casting," he said of the upcoming movie. "There's a character in the movie called Frodo, and there's a character in the movie called Gandalf."

When the crowd gasped in excitement, he joked, "Apart from that, my lips are sealed!"

Orlando Bloom says he was 'the butt of most of the jokes' from his 'Lord of the Rings' costars

Bette Midler serenades Stephen Colbert with 'Wind Beneath My Wings' spoof inspired by 'Lord of the Rings'

McKellen did not specify whether he and Wood would be reprising their roles, but their recent comments have only fueled the hopes of nostalgic fans. And it helps that Wood was present at the fan event offering a conspiratorial smile as McKellen spoke.

As for the rest of the fellowship, Orlando Bloom last year stated that he would happily answer the call to don his blonde wig as Sindar elf prince Legolas.

Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, and Orlando Bloom in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001).

New Line Cinema

"Listen, I'd hate to see anyone else play Legolas, you know what I mean?" he said during an September 2025 visit to *Today*. "What are they going to do? Are they going to put somebody else in as Legolas?"

He also insisted that he hadn't yet "heard a peep" on the matter, but added, "I know it's focusing on Gollum, so anything's possible. And I went back for *The Hobbit.*"

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

His *Fellowship of the Ring* costar Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, said in 2024 that he would only be open to reprising his role as the King of Gondor under the right circumstances.

"I don't know exactly what the story is. I haven't heard. Maybe I'll hear about it eventually," Mortensen told *GQ* at the time. "I like playing that character. I learned a lot playing the character. I would only do it if I was right for it in terms of, you know, the age I am now and so forth. I would only do it if I was right for the character. It would be silly to do it otherwise."

- Film Worlds & Fandoms

- The Hobbit Fandom

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW The"

Read More

---

Source: The

Published: March 8, 2026 at 06:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

March 08, 2026

Elijah Wood doesn't want anybody else to play his LOTR character as long as he's 'alive and able'

The &34;Lord of the Rings&34; alum's comments come amid speculation that he will appear in 2027's &34;The ...

Read More

Michael J. Fox shares Back to the Future reunion with 'my bestie' Christopher Lloyd ahead of 41st...

The reunion comes months after the publication of &34;Future Boy,&34; Fox's celebrated memoir recounting the making of the scifi comedy classic. Michael J. Fox shares Back to the Future reunion with 'my bestie' Christopher Lloyd ahead of 41st anniversary The reunion comes months after the publication of &34;Future Boy,&34; Fox's celebrated memoir recounting the making of the scifi comedy classic. By Ryan Coleman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/RyanColemanauthorphoto0081ce8f0254478080f35972c433877b.

The reunion comes months after the publication of "Future Boy," Fox's celebrated memoir recounting the making of the sci-fi comedy classic.

Michael J. Fox shares Back to the Future reunion with 'my bestie' Christopher Lloyd ahead of 41st anniversary

The reunion comes months after the publication of "Future Boy," Fox's celebrated memoir recounting the making of the sci-fi comedy classic.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 8, 2026 5:23 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Michael J. Fox shares 'Back to the Future' reunion with 'my bestie' Christopher Lloyd. Credit:

Michael J Fox/Instagram;Universal Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are sending fans back to the past.

The beloved *Back to the Future* stars recently shared a reunion that Fox posted to his Instagram late Saturday night.

"Dining with my bestie at the beach," Fox wrote in the caption of the photo of himself and Lloyd, smiling, heads affectionately bent toward one another in a restaurant.

"Next year *BTTF* is 41. Great Scott. Chris will be [88]. That's some serious s---," Fox continued.

In the comments, Lloyd responded with a cheeky reference to the iconic sci-fi comedy, quoting a classic line from Fox's Marty McFly: "Man, that's heavy."

It has indeed been over 40 years since *Back to the Future *first launched into theaters, capturing audiences imaginations and establishing a legacy that would carry on through two sequels, an animated TV series, a number of theme park rides, video games, a stage musical, and several books authored by Fox and his costars.

In the first film, Fox's Marty is a high school student who inadvertently travels back in time thanks to the jalopy creation of his scientist friend Emmett "Doc" Brown (Lloyd), unwittingly breaks up his parents, and then scrambles to get them back together to save his own existence.

The cast including Fox, Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Thomas F. Wilson have remained close over the years, or at least tied tightly together due to the franchise's enduring popularity. Fox and Lloyd previously reunited in 2020, and in 2023, all four of the stars joined forces at FanExpo Portland.

Michael J. Fox receives sustained ovation for emotional Actor Awards speech

Why future 'Office' star was fired from 'Back to the Future' after Michael J. Fox was hired

Fox went on to star in a number of equally successful films and series, from *Spin City *to *Stuart Little *and *The Good Wife*. But he's always returned to *Back to the Future *— most recently in the form of *Future Boy*, a memoir published last year in which he recounts the making of the film.

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

Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in 'Back to the Future' (1985).

Ralph Nelson/Universal

It was well known before *Future Boy *that Fox was not the original choice for the role of Marty McFly; Eric Stoltz shot several weeks of footage in the role before director Robert Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg opted to swap Fox in.

In the memoir, Fox recounts how he never got to say his piece to Stoltz about the fateful switch-up, which led to Fox's career completely taking off. Fox wrote that he finally sought Stoltz out while writing the book, and "with a smile, and we quickly acknowledged that neither of us had an issue with the other. What transpired on *Back to the Future* had not made us enemies or fated rivals; we were just two dedicated actors who had poured equal amounts of energy into the same role. The rest had nothing to do with us."

- Movie Reunions

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movie"

Read More

---

Source: Movie

Published: March 8, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

March 08, 2026

Michael J. Fox shares Back to the Future reunion with 'my bestie' Christopher Lloyd ahead of 41st...

The reunion comes months after the publication of &34; Future Boy,&34; Fox's celebrated memoir recounting the ma...

Read More

In addition to playing the memorable character in Quentin Tarantino's film, the writer worked on &34;Late Night With David Letterman&34; and &34;Mad TV.&34; Stephen Hibbert, 'The Gimp' in Pulp Fiction, dies at 68 In addition to playing the memorable character in Quentin Tarantino's film, the writer worked on &34;Late Night With David Letterman&34; and &34;Mad TV.&34; By Derek Lawrence :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/derek160e1b72b3389c74b8ca03743731e346949.jpg) Derek Lawrence is a former associate editor at . He left EW in 2022. EW's editorial guidelines on March 6, 2026 5:50 p.m.

In addition to playing the memorable character in Quentin Tarantino's film, the writer worked on "Late Night With David Letterman" and "Mad TV."

Stephen Hibbert, 'The Gimp' in Pulp Fiction, dies at 68

In addition to playing the memorable character in Quentin Tarantino's film, the writer worked on "Late Night With David Letterman" and "Mad TV."

By Derek Lawrence

Derek Lawrence is a former associate editor at **. He left EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

on March 6, 2026 5:50 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

'Pulp Fiction' actor Stephen Hibbert. Credit:

Albert L. Ortega/Getty

Stephen Hibbert, the actor best known for playing "The Gimp" in *Pulp Fiction*, has died at the age of 68.

According to TMZ, the writer and performer died in Denver on Monday, following a heart attack. "Our father, Stephen Hibbert, passed away unexpectedly this week," his children, Ronnie, Rosalind, and Greg, said in a statement to the outlet. "His life was full of love and dedication to the arts and his family. He will be dearly missed by many."

Hibbert's death comes just three months after the passing of one of his *Pulp Fiction* scene partners, Peter Greene.

Born in Fleetwood, England, Hibbert broke into the industry as a writer on *Late Night With David Letterman*. He'd then go on to serve the same position on *Boy Meets World *and *Mad TV*, and he also helped pen the script for* It's Pat*, a film based on the breakout *Saturday Night Live* character of his then-wife, Julia Sweeney.

Onscreen, Hibbert appeared in a pair of Mike Myers comedies, *Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged M*e and *The Cat in the Hat*, and guest starred on the TV series *Just Shoot Me* and *Rush Hour*.

'Pulp Fiction' actor Stephen Hibbert.

Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty

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

But Hibbert's most recognized performance was one that never revealed his face. In Quentin Tarantino's 1994 masterpiece *Pulp Fiction*, boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) is running from feared crime boss Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames), when he seeks shelter in a pawn shop. But the owner, Maynard (Duane Whitaker), holds the two men at gunpoint and ties them up in his basement, where Maynard and his pal Zed (Peter Greene) are keeping "The Gimp," a man held in a small box and dressed in leather bondage, including a mask that doesn't allow him to speak. The Gimp is tied up and left to watch over Butch as Maynard and Zed take Marsellus to the other room to sexually assault him, but Butch manages to get free and punch the Gimp, who unsuccessfully tries to yell to get his captors' attention.

Not much information was ever given about the character and how he ended up in that situation, until Tarantino peeled back a curtain in 2020. "It doesn't quite play this way in the movie, but, in my mind when I wrote it, the Gimp's dead," he revealed to Empire. "Butch knocked him out and then, when he passed out, he hung himself. In terms of backstory, he was a hitchhiker or somebody that they picked up seven years ago, and they trained him so he's the perfect victim."

For his part, Hibbert embraced the bonkers role and the legacy that came with it — even if it didn't prove to be life-changing. "I never made a big deal of it," he told Vulture in 2014. "I wish I had, but I've never figured out a way to monetize it or make it a thing. I've never sent out Christmas cards with the Gimp or anything. And whatever else I've done before or will do in show business, I don't think I'll ever have a cooler credit than that. I love the fact that I did that."

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Death News

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrity"

Read More

---

Source: Celebrity

Published: March 8, 2026 at 03:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

March 08, 2026

Stephen Hibbert, 'The Gimp' in Pulp Fiction, dies at 68

In addition to playing the memorable character in Quentin Tarantino's film, the writer worked on &34;Late Night With D...

Read More

‘This Ain’t Healthy’: La Toya Jackson’s New Photos Spark Concern Among Fans Over Her Appearance

'This Ain't Healthy': La Toya Jackson's New Photos Spark Concern Among Fans Over Her Appearance Samridhi GoelSun, March 8, 2026 at 4:27 PM UTC 0 La Toya Jackson has once again sparked concerns among fans after sharing new photos that quickly went viral. The 69yearold singer posted a series of images on Instagram, where viewers quickly zeroed in on her noticeably slim frame. While some fans praised the Jackson family star for looking elegant and confident, others expressed concern about her health. "These pictures shouldn't be printed. She looks like dath," one user wrote.

'This Ain't Healthy': La Toya Jackson's New Photos Spark Concern Among Fans Over Her Appearance

Samridhi GoelSun, March 8, 2026 at 4:27 PM UTC

0

La Toya Jackson has once again sparked concerns among fans after sharing new photos that quickly went viral. The 69-year-old singer posted a series of images on Instagram, where viewers quickly zeroed in on her noticeably slim frame.

While some fans praised the Jackson family star for looking elegant and confident, others expressed concern about her health.

"These pictures shouldn't be printed. She looks like d*ath," one user wrote.

La Toya Jackson's new photos sparked concerns among fans

Image credits: Gisela Schober/Getty Images

On March 4, Jackson posted a series of snapshots while posing in a black Chanel outfit set to Madonna's hit song, Vogue.

The singer styled the look with thigh-high black boots, a long-sleeved mini dress, oversized sunglasses, and a sheer-brim hat. A thick statement belt tightly cinched her waist, further accentuating her slim silhouette.

Image credits: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

"Sending much love and lights that's much needed today!" she wrote in the caption.

Her post quickly gained attention, drawing thousands of reactions.

The internet argued the singer looked "too thin" and voiced worries about her health

Image credits: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Several followers reacted strongly to Jackson's slender frame, with some urging her to prioritize her health.

"This ain't healthy," one concerned fan wrote.

Another added, "Her team, friends, and family are failing her regarding her malnutrition. She's such a sweetheart… we pray that you are well, La Toya."

Image credits: Ron Galella/Getty Images

"She's gone O*empic like the rest of Hollywood," one commenter claimed.

Others left emotional messages, hoping she was doing well.

"La Toya, please eat. You're not looking good at all. What's wrong? Please, we need you," one person wrote.

Another said, "She looks like she's barely even there, blessings to her for a healthy, well-being makeover."

Meanwhile, another group of detractors joked about her appearance, as few defended Jackson

Image credits: www.instagram.com

Not everyone responded with concern as several social media users made jokes about the singer's slim frame.

Advertisement

"When your head is wider than your waist…" one commenter wrote, while another joked, "Is everyone in Hollywood a skeleton now???"

A few comments compared her to other celebrities who have faced similar criticism online.

Image credits: www.instagram.com

"She's joined the Kelly Osbourne club," one person wrote, referencing recent backlash toward Kelly Osbourne's thinner appearance.

Others took a more playful tone. "I thought this was a doll," one user commented.

Despite the criticism and jokes, some fans defended Jackson and urged others to be more compassionate.

Image credits: www.instagram.com

"I see an elderly woman who has battled losing her brother, father, and another brother recently and battled health issues," one supporter wrote. "She looks damn good for 69, and I pray she feels better."

Another added, "I really like LaToya. I feel she's been through a lot of unspoken things in her life… Hope the best for her."

La Toya Jackson has previously opened up about her health issues

Image credits: www.instagram.com

The recent reactions also resurfaced concerns from previous months. In November 2025, Jackson shared videos from a doctor's office, explaining to her followers she was undergoing additional tests.

"Hi guys, I hope everyone's doing well," the Grammy-award-winning songwriter said in her video. "I'm here at the doctor again, so I'm hoping that everything goes well with me, and all results are good."

A few days later, she posted another update, adding, "Guess where I am on this Monday morning? You guessed it, that place again. I'm constantly getting check-ups. Oh well. Have a great week, guys."

While she never disclosed the reason behind the visits, the singer has also spoken about her diet in the past.

She told Daily Mail, "I'm strictly organic. I make sure that everything I eat is organic, and my diet is basically based on plants."

"So it's a cruciferous diet basically, and that's what I stick to because this is what God put on the earth for us."

Beyond Jackson, several celebrities have faced similar scrutiny over their thinner or more frail looks.

As reported by Bored Panda, Kelly Osbourne received widespread comments about her noticeably thinner frame, while Sharon Osbourne and Ariana Grande have also faced speculation about dramatic weight loss.

"She's getting so small," wrote one netizen

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More

---

Source: Entertainment

Published: March 8, 2026 at 02:45PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

March 08, 2026

‘This Ain’t Healthy’: La Toya Jackson’s New Photos Spark Concern Among Fans Over Her Appearance

'This Ain't Healthy': La Toya Jackson's New Photos Spark Concern Among Fans Over Her Appearance Samr...

Read More