Nicole Kidman and David E. Kelley have proven that they can bring the drama through streaming series like Big Little Lies and The Undoing, and now they’ve teamed up again for Margo’s Got Money Troubles. The book-to-screen adaptation stars Elle Fanning as the titular Margo, and with the series hitting the 2026 TV schedule on April 15, critics have shared their reviews for the Apple TV series.

Margo is the daughter of a Hooters waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) and former professional wrestler (Nick Offerman) who turns to OnlyFans for money after an unexpected pregnancy. Richard Roeper of RogerEbert says Elle Fanning carries the series with grace and humor, and the ensemble helps to create a “wickedly funny, sex-forward” series that’s one of the most engaging so far this year. He gives Margo’s Got Money Troubles 3.5 out of 4 stars, writing:

Taylor Gates of Collider is similarly impressed by the upcoming A24 series, rating it a 9 out of 10. As someone who claims to be a “the book is better” kind of person, this critic says the screen adaptation is just as good. Some small tweaks to the source material work to its advantage, and it still manages to capture the book’s spunky spirit. Gates writes:

Allison Picurro of TV Guide calls Margo’s Got Money Troubles a “technicolor charmer” that sets itself apart in the oversaturated world of streaming limited series by being “totally, completely, honestly itself.” Picurro rates the series 8.5 out of 10 and says:

Branyan Towe of Loud and Clear joins the other critics in giving the upcoming Apple TV series a near-perfect review — 4.5 stars out of 5. David E. Kelley finds the perfect balance of comedy and drama, Towe writes, and Elle Fanning will “stir your soul.” This one will definitely “surprise audiences,” the critic says:

Angie Han of THR says Margo’s family at first seems like the aggressively quirky but not-quite-real characters we’ve seen time and again on our screens. However, look closer and you’ll find a really interesting story about relationships that are very much grounded in the real world. Han’s review of Margo’s Got Money Troubles calls it “warn, welcoming and well-acted,” as she continues:

Suffice it to say the critics are overwhelmingly pleased with the latest collab between David E. Kelley and Nicole Kidman, but if the above reviews aren’t enough to convince you, the series has earned a Certified Fresh 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. The first three episodes of Margo’s Got Money Troubles can be streamed now, as of April 15, with an Apple TV subscription. Episodes will drop weekly starting Wednesday, April 22.

This week’s list of streaming highlights includes a bit of everything. Whether you subscribe to your favorite platforms for the best streaming movies, the best original series, or to get access to a library of Hollywood films and catch up on the ones you missed in theaters, this week has whatever you want.

Balls Up - April 15 (Prime Video)

Mark Wahlberg has made some insane comedies in his career, but Balls Up certainly has the most insane premise of them all. Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser star as marketing executives who find themselves at the World Cup as part of a condom sponsorship deal. However, the two get a bit more involved in the game than planned, leading to a country full of irate soccer fans out for blood.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles - April 15 (Apple TV)

Without question, the most star-studded addition to the streaming calendar this week is the new series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, available with an Apple TV subscription. The movie stars Elle Fanning as the daughter of a Hooters waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) and a professional wrestler (Nick Offerman) who finds herself a single mother trying to make ends meet. It looks to be a movie that is both heartwarming and hilarious. Nicole Kidman also appears and is producing the new series from David E. Kelley.

Beef, Season 2 - April 16 (Netflix)

The first season of Beef was a runaway hit on Netflix. Now the second season has the unenviable task of matching that success. The show will tell an entirely new story with an entirely new cast of characters. Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan lead the new story as a couple who get into a massive public fight, leading to a chain reaction of wild events.

Roommates - April 17 (Netflix)

Adam Sandler has had incredible success on Netflix, and now your Netflix subscription gives you access to even more members of the Sandler family. Roommates stars Sadie Sandler, daughter of the Happy Gilmore actor, has a woman who goes away to college to find that she might have the roommate from hell... or she may have just made a new best friend.

Dust Bunny - April 17 (HBO Max)

There’s a decent chance that you missed Dust Bunny when it was in theaters, but this fantastical film reunites writer/director Bryan Fuller with his Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen as a hitman hired to kill the monster under a girl’s bed, who she believes ate her family. It’s Fuller's feature film debut in a movie full of his trademark twisted whimsy. It’s the best reason this week to have an HBO Max subscription.

American Gladiators - April 17 (Prime Video)

A staple of syndicated TV in the early 1990s, American Gladiators combined the style and flash of professional wrestling with real athletic competition and a bit of reality TV. The show was already rebooted once with Hulk Hogan as the host, and now the show launches again with a Prime Video subscription, with another WWE star, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, hosting the show.

WrestleMania 42 - April 18 & 19 (ESPN App)

WWE programming has gone through a lot of changes over the last couple of years, so if you want to watch WrestleMania 42, you’ll need either the ESPN app or a Disney+ subscription with ESPN access.

April has been a great month for streaming content, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon, so after you’ve watched all this, come back next Monday for a new list of what’s not to miss.

Spoilers for Season 1 of The Madison are ahead! You can stream all six episodes now with a Paramount+ subscription.

As The Madison came to a close on the 2026 TV schedule, Michelle Pfeiffer's Stacy found herself back in Montana. Following a turbulent time back in New York, the martiach of the Clyburn family hightailed it back west, and that’s where Kevin Zegers’ Cade found her. The season ends on a conversation between these two characters, as Stacy looks to really start her life out in the country. So, I asked how this discussion sets up what’s to come in Season 2.

After watching Cade ride up and see Stacy lying next to her husband’s grave, I immediately started to wonder what this said about what was coming next, seeing that Season 2 is confirmed. Seemingly, this was the first place she went when she arrived in Montana, and she makes it clear to the ranchhand that she’s here to stay. He also makes it obvious to Pfeiffer's character and the audience that he’ll support her, too. Speaking to that point, Zegers told me what this scene says about Cade and Stacy’s relationship, explaining:

He went on to say that he loves that Stacy and Cade’s relationship isn’t “layered” with “tension” or subtext that something romantic might happen. They’re simply friends. To that point, Zegers told me that this interaction helps us better understand how the cowboy will help Stacy as the show moves forward. He said:

Quite literally, some of the final words of the series have to do with Stacy asking Cade where to get a new wardrobe that is more fitting for the conditions they live in, and him giving her directions. Then, the last words of the new streaming show are:

• Stacy: Good to see you Cade.
• Cade: Yes ma’am, it’s good to see you too.

So, this sets up a beautiful and solid friendship going into Season 2. It also leaves us on an optimistic note. However, this final scene also highlights some of the pain points that could be relevant going forward.

Clearly, Cade was worried about Stacy having a gun with her when he found her by those graves. While she said it was for her safety, I understand his concern, considering some of her earlier actions and the fact that she really does not know how to use the weapon. So, all of that could be addressed more in Season 2.

Additionally, this scene marks the first time we see Stacy after she leaves New York. She notably told no one where she was going, and her daughters, who have a turbulent but supportive relationship, wound up calling the police about it. When the season ends, they still don’t know where their mother is.

With that in mind, I asked Zegers if Cade called Paige and Abby after he found Stacy. While he didn’t give a solid confirmation, he did tell me:

Well, thank goodness for that! Someone needs to call Stacy's kids and get them to Montana.

Now, going into Season 2, which has already been filmed, we know that Stacy has an ally and friend in Cade. We also know that her kids don’t know where she is and will likely eventually find her in Montana. How the story progresses from there is unknown. However, I do love that part of it will involve this budding friendship between this woman trying to make a life out West and her kind neighbor.

Spoilers for Season 1, Episode 3 of The Madison are ahead! You can stream the first three episodes with a Paramount+ subscription now, and the last three will premiere on Saturday, March 21.

Taylor Sheridan’s latest show on the 2026 TV schedule, The Madison, does not have the brutal scenes Yellowstone was known for. However, don’t let that fool you. There is still a lot of verbal sparring, and in Episode 3, there’s a literal fight between Paige and Abby. In fact, that particular fight between the sisters is so intense, I had to ask Elle Chapman, who plays Paige, about it. In response, she told me how she literally got punched as they were filming.

The battle (and yes, that is an appropriate way to describe this, in my opinion) begins when Beau Garrett’s character, Abby, asks Paige if she wants breakfast. Quickly, Paige calls her sister out for acting like living in the country is normal and uses some very creative language, calling Abby a “juice fasting, fucking hypocrite.” Then, once the kids are out of the house, Abby explodes at her sibling and slaps her, and then Paige literally hits back. What follows is an absolute brawl between the two women. So, I asked Chapman what it was like to film such an intense scene, and she told me:

It was crazy to watch this moment in Season 1 of The Madison, too. The scene serves as a breaking point for the two sisters as they continue to work to adapt to their new normal in Montana. It was visceral, and it allowed them to get all their anger out, albeit in a very violent way.

Actually, it was so aggressive that Chapman literally got punched while they were filming the scene. Her on-screen husband, Patrick J. Adams, brought that up during our discussion, which led to the following back and forth:

• Parick J. Adams: Did you end up punching her for real?
• Elle Chapman: She punched me.
• Patrick J. Adams: Oh, she punched you.

To be clear, Garrett accidentally punched Chapman. The Paige actress explained that to me, too. Noting when exactly that happened, she said:

Now, while I’m sure it was no fun to get punched, the fight scene is very effective. It shows the deep tension between the two characters, and after their big blowout, it seems to help them heal a bit, too.

To that point, Elle Chapman explained that this scene really helps highlight the sisterly bond between Abby and Paige:

Well, now that the fight is over, and the women got yelled at by their mom, Stacy (Michelle Pfeiffer), for it, I’m curious to see how their relationship develops from here. Now that they’ve gotten their aggression out, maybe Abby and Paige can move forward together and acclimate to Montana in a healthier and more productive way.

We’ll get to find out if that happens soon, too, because the final three episodes of The Madison’s first season will be released on Saturday on Paramount+.

I know, I know, there are so many great streaming deals available all the time, but Paramount+ is running a promotion that is by far one of the best in a very long time. Between now and March 31st, new and returning users can get a Paramount+ subscription for the low, low price of $2.99 per month for two months. Before you start with something like, “This is probably for the ad-supported version, right?” let me stop you and explain things…

This is a rare deal these days, but this new Paramount+ deal is not only for the ad-supported model but also the ad-free version of the popular streaming service. With so many great new streaming series on the platform (The Madison just premiered, by the way), March Madness starting up later today, and the Masters weeks away, this deal is coming at the perfect time. Let’s break it all down…

What’s Up With The Biggest Paramount+ Deal In Years?

If you’ve been thinking about adding Paramount+ to your collection of streaming platforms or have been on the fence about resubscribing, this deal is going to be music to your ears. Between now and the end of the month, new and former subscribers can access the “Mountain of Content” for $2.99 per month for two months.

This is essentially the best deal the streamer has offered in years, as it includes both the “Essential” and the “Premium” plans. While we see the Essential plan being discounted all the time for Black Friday and other events, the Premium option is rarely included, making this a deal that’s too good to pass up.

You should note that once the two months are up, the price goes up to $8.99 per month for the Essential plan and $13.99 per month for the Premium plan. Still, though, getting one of the premier streamers for as much as $11 off a month (that’s $22 in savings through the life of the deal).

This Deal Comes Just In Time For March Madness

The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, aka “March Madness,” gets underway this week, with a slate of this weekend’s biggest matchups being broadcast on CBS. If you’ve canceled your cable plan or lost your antenna to catch the over-the-air broadcast, this Paramount+ deal has you covered. Though the Final Four and National Championship game aren’t being carried by CBS this year (they’re streaming with an HBO Max subscription), a couple of dozen matchups from the first two rounds, the Sweet 16, and the Elite Eight will all be on Paramount+.

That’s not all for sports fanatics, as the two-month window of this streaming deal also includes the duration of the 2026 Masters Tournament from Augusta National Golf Club from April 9 to 12. Before you know it, you’ll be hearing Jim Nantz say, “Hello, friends, welcome to a tradition unlike any other.” Then there’s the ongoing UEFA Champions League coverage available with Paramount+. See, this deal just keeps getting better all the time…

Though I am not eligible for this heavily discounted promotion (I’ve had a Paramount+ subscription since the CBS All Access day), this deal is just too good to ignore. Whether you’re here for sports, original shows from Taylor Sheridan, or the streamer’s massive library of movies and shows, there’s something for everyone.

I’d imagine that if you join a Taylor Sheridan show, finding out which A-list actor is leading it has to be equal parts exciting and terrifying. From Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren to Zoe Saldaña to Billy Bob Thornton and more, these projects have set a precedent that an absolute legend will be No. 1 on his call sheets. Season 1 of The Madison maintains it, too, as Michelle Pfeiffer is the leader of it. So, I asked Patrick J. Adams about working on the show with her, and he joked about the “stupid” thing he did to “diminish” his fear of her.

Now, to make something clear right away, Adams has a deep admiration for Pfeiffer, and he noted how much he adored working with her during our interview. However, he also said he was “terrified” of her, I’d assume because she’s such a massive and legendary star. So, how did he get over that fear? Well, his methods didn’t really work, as the actor told me during an interview for CinemaBlend:

You know, if I had watched Age of Innocence (you can currently do that right now with Tubi), which came from one of the best decades of Martin Scorsese’s career, I too would be even more nervous to act alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. So, I see what Adams was saying here.

After that, Elle Chapman, who plays his Adams’ wife and Pfeiffer’s daughter in The Madison, joked that he kept quoting the legendary actress. And the Suits star quipped that “that’s awkward.”

However, all jokes aside, he had nothing but praise for Michelle Pfeiffer, as he ended his comment with:

Well, I’m very happy that Patrick J. Adams seemingly worked past his fear of Michelle Pfeiffer. However, I was also quite charmed by this story. It goes to show how much love and respect The Madison cast has for its lead, and it is a clear indicator of just how legendary the actress is.

Now, if you want to see Michelle Pfeiffer and Patrick J. Adams acting alongside each other, The Madison will premiere on the 2026 TV schedule on Saturday, March 13. The first three episodes will drop for people with a Paramount+ subscription, and then the second set of three episodes will follow next Saturday. So, we’re about to have a lot of Michelle Pfeiffer on our screen, and you better believe I’ll be thinking about this story Adams told me.

Kurt Russell is the perfect amount of “Hollywood cool” where he can look at a classic modern western like Tombstone and think, “Not as good as it could have been.” He’s obviously a perfect fit for seemingly any of Taylor Sheridan’s original series, but it was the no-longer-a-Yellowstone-spinoff The Madison that swayed him to signing on for his second series hitting the 2026 TV schedule. He’s still a series regular on Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (though presumably not the spinoff on the way centered on his character).

So what was it that drew him in? I’m sure whatever the payday was didn’t hurt, but Russell shared a couple of other non-monetary reasons why signing on for The Madison was worth his time and attention. Speaking with TV Insider, he shared that he was already aware of Michelle Pfeiffer’s casting as he was reading through the scripts, so it was already an embedded bonus to reunite with his Tequila Sunrise co-star. But the value went even beyond his on-screen love interest. As he put it:

To be expected, the writing and the characters were two of the biggest influences that convinced him to join the project. He didn't appear to rattle off how many of Sheridan's projects he's seen, but I can only imagine he made himself familiar with as much as he thought was necessary to get a feel for The Madison's tone and what its creator is trying to impart with the story.

But even beyond that, Kurt Russell's involvement as family patriarch Preston Clyburn was inherently tied to timing, as the actor's schedule was so busy that he technically wasn't able to take part in the production for Season 1. As he told Entertainment Weekly, filming for Monarch's acclaimed Season 2 (currently streaming via Apple TV subscription) was already in play when the opportunity to join The Madison crossed his path. But not even Godzilla and King Kong combined could keep Sheridan from lassoing Russell in.

Rather than waiting until after the usual between-seasons break, Sheridan shifted the second season's filming forward to immediately follow the first's, which allowed the Escape from New York star to join the Montana-set series to film all of his scenes across both seasons as the rest of the cast and crew were plugging away on the second batch of episodes. As Russell put it:

One can only hope it'll be as much of a pleasure for viewers as it was for him and Michelle Pfeiffer to work on together. Not to mention the rest of the stacked cast, which includes Patrick J. Adams, Mattew Fox, Elle Chapman, Amiah MIller, Beau Garrett, Kevin Zegers, Will Arnett and more.

Fans can find out what's awaiting us at The Madison when it hits the 2026 TV schedule on Saturday, March 14.

The Ides of March are nearly upon us, and with them comes this week’s fresh batch of streaming goodness. From highly anticipated brand new series to new seasons of already successful shows, we’re getting plenty of great stuff on all your favorite streaming platforms. Alongside that, one of the biggest movies streaming this month is one of the biggest box office hits in years. Here’s what you don’t want to miss this week.

One Piece, Season 2 - March 10 (Netflix)

The history of live-action adaptations of popular anime is spotty at best, and that’s just the ones produced by Netflix. Luckily, the incredibly successful One Piece anime was well-received by fans during its first season. And fans won’t need to wait for batched or even weekly episodes, as the entire second season will be available with your Netflix subscription on the same day.

Zootopia 2 - March 11 (Disney+)

The first Zootopia was billion dollar hit for Disney, so the eventual announcement of a sequel was little surprise. Still, I’m not sure anybody expected the sequel surpass the original and become one of the most successful animated movies ever made. If you somehow didn’t catch the film in theaters, or even if you did, your Disney+ subscription will bring you Zootopia 2 starting this week.

Scarpetta - March 11 (Prime Video)

Patricia Cornwell’s popular medical examiner, Kay Scarpetta, makes the jump from book to screen in the form of Nicole Kidman for this brand new series, available with a Prime Video subscription. Jamie Lee Curtis also stars in this series that could turn into a significantly long-running affair, considering there are nearly 30 books in the series.

It’s Dorothy - March 13 (Peacock)

The Wizard of Oz is arguably more popular now than it has been in decades, thanks to the success of the Wicked films. While the second movie, Wicked: For Good, is still a week away from its streaming debut, this week, your Peacock subscription will get you a brand new documentary on the life of a character who doesn’t feature much in those movies: Dorothy Gale.

The Madison - March 14 (Paramount+)

I have no idea how Taylor Sheridan has so many different television series on the air at once, as he seems to be adding new ones weekly. Fans of Sheridan’s dramatic character-focused storytelling really need a Paramount+ subscription because it’s the place to catch episodes of both the recently started CBS series Marshals and the brand new The Madison, starring Michele Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.

The Oscars - March 15 (Hulu)

There are so many award shows now that they can be tough to keep track of, but I think we can all agree that there is still only one that really matters. The Oscars are the night that movies celebrate themselves, and regardless of who wins, movie fans will be watching. Conan O’Brien returns as host, and the show airs on ABC but will also be available live with a Hulu subscription.

With the second half of march giving us movies like Wicked: For Good and series like Daredevil: Born Again, Season 2. It’s sure to continue to be a great month for streaming.

Taylor Sheridan fans have largely been kept in the dark regarding new and expansive details for his latest new western-tinged drama, but Paramount+ has finally unveiled the first look at the star-studded Yellowstone spinoff The Madison. So we finally know what to expect visually from its co-starring Hollywood icons Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, as well as other regulars portrayed by Patrick J. Adams, Matthew Fox, Rebecca Spence and more. Plus, we finally know when it’ll hit the 2026 TV premiere schedule.

The Madison will be available to stream via Paramount+ subscription starting on March 14, which is a Saturday, bizarrely enough. (It’s unclear whether episodes will drop early in the day, or if this is more of a late-night/early-Sunday release.) So drum up a New York state of mind, at least initially, for the teaser below, which also reveals an unexpected casting reveal.

While the teaser doesn't exactly go hard on delivering story points, we do know from one of the earliest plot reports that Pfeiffer's Stacy Clayburn and her family move across the country to Montana after her husband and brother-in-law are killed in a plane crash. Certainly that could have changed on the way to production, since the teaser above doesn't go hard on tragic emotions, but considering Kurt Russell barely gets any time to shine (and neither does co-star Matthew Fox), I'm going to just assume that character pair won't survive the first episode. Maybe if those plane shots weren't in the teaser, I'd be more optimistic.

Despite still not knowing very much about any of these characters, the teaser does draw a pretty clear line of comparison between Pfeiffer's Stacy and Kelly Reilly's fan-favorite shitkicking protagonist Beth Dutton. They both have masculine AF hubbies, they both appear ready to flip a bitch at the first sign of trouble, and they also both have excellent taste in bathtub choices.

Beth's horse-trough bath early in Yellowstone's first season put that character on the map for her take-no-bullshit persona. So it makes all the sense in the world that The Madison's first look already shows Stacy in her own fancy-looking tub. Maybe this is more of a Taylor Sheridan thing, though, since 1883 also featured that bathtub scene between Tim McGraw and Faith Hill; I guess he just doesn't like standard fiberglass tubs.

Even though Beth didn't lose her husband during Yellowstone's run, she did suffer from grief and depression after Kevin Costner's John Dutton was killed off at the start of Season 5. Though she had others to direct her anger at, while Stacy may not have that kind of outlet.

Also, speaking of differences, Stacy is apparently seeing a therapist, as portrayed by newly revealed cast member Will Arnett. Beth's form of therapy was more shaped like whiskey and cigarettes, so I'm wondering how open Michelle Pfeiffer's character will get in that setting. Also wondering how much we'll see Arnett's character after Stacy moves the family out to Montana.

March will be a big month for Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone follow-ups. Before The Madison hits streaming, Luke Grimes and Breckin Merrill are reprising their roles of Kayce and Tate Dutton for CBS’ more action-oriented drama Marshals, which may or may not be killing off Monica Dutton. And both of those come before Kelly Reilly’s own return as Beth Dutton alongside Cole Hauser for the spinoff commonly referred to as Dutton Ranch. (Yellowstone vet Ian Bohen was recently cast for Season 2 of Lioness, but that hopefully doesn’t exclude his ranch hand Ryan from spinoff returns.)

The Madison will make its long-awaited debut on Paramount+ starting Saturday, March 14.

Back in May of 2025, Evangeline Lilly revealed that she had passed out and hit her face on a boulder. The actress, who stepped away from performing in 2024, posted photos of the damage and showed how beat up her face was because of the incident. Now, she’s shared some of the long-lasting issues that have cropped up because of this, specifically revealing that she has brain damage. However, while this is bad news, she’s handling it well, and many celebrities, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Alyssa Milano, are showing up to support the actress.

Evangeline Lilly Explained She Has Brain Damage Following Boulder Accident

While social media is full of fans wondering if Lilly will return to the MCU, she’s been using her Instagram to keep them updated on her health and healing journey. As I mentioned, last year, she posted on her Substack (via People) that she had “fainted at the beach,” which led to her hitting her face on a boulder. It was unclear why she blacked out in that moment, and as she healed from it, she was forced to “drop everything” to slow down.

Now, she’s shared a new update months after the incident. Tragically, it has led to more health issues, and she revealed that after a brain scan, they learned that her “brain is functioning at a decreased capacity.” She said:

She went on to say that there are a few things that could be causing it, and she’ll be working with doctors to figure it out and heal. Diving into how she’s feeling right now, the Lost star said:

While this has clearly been a tough time for her, Lilly did note that her “cognitive decline” has “helped” her “slow down.” She also said she had the “calmest, most restful Christmas holiday” because of this. Her gratitude was also on full display, as she noted how “extraordinarily grateful and blessed” she felt to keep living life. Finally, she noted how much she appreciates everyone for “caring.” And that care kept going in the comments.

Many Celebrities, Including Michelle Pfeiffer, Alyssa Milano And More, Shared Their Support

After Evangeline Lilly shared this candid update on Instagram, her comments were flooded with love and support. If you’ve watched the Marvel movies in order, you know that this first comment from Michelle Pfeiffer means a whole lot, as she posted:

Lilly’s Ant-Man and The Wasp co-star wasn’t the only big name in her comments, though. Alongside Pfeiffer, Alyssa Milano and more sent their love and support Lilly’s way, commenting things like:

• Thinking about you. ♥️- Alyssa Milano
• 💙💙💙- David Dastmalchian
• Wishing you well Evangeline♥️- Anna Silk
• Sending so much love and healing your way - Dia Frampton
• [Brain Performance Center] is an amazing resource. Sending prayers.❤️- Angela Ribeiro

This is reminiscent of what happened to Jeremy Renner three years ago. After he was hit by a snowplow, many actors, including Lilly, shared their support for him. And over the last few years, he’s been open about the challenges of the healing process and the gratitude he has for living and getting better.

Now, as the actress continues to heal, I’m sure she’ll share more updates about her journey. She does not have any projects on the 2026 movie schedule and hasn’t acted in years. However, as we learn more about how she’s doing, we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Going home for the holidays always brings a mix of emotions. No matter how grown-up you are, somehow, once you step into your childhood home, you slip back into that awkward kid you once were. That is true for me at the very least, and it is certainly true for Felicity Jones’ character in the upcoming film Oh. What. Fun, which just hit the 2025 movie schedule, complete with some awkward shenanigans involving a bed.

In the 2025 Christmas film, Felicity Jones plays Channing, the eldest daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer's character, Claire, who brings her whole family to her parents' home for the holidays. Channing and her husband, played by Jason Schwartzman, are put up in what appears to be her childhood bedroom. The problem is the room only has a single twin bed in it, and the couple is expected to sleep in it for the duration of their stay.

When I had a chance to sit down and talk with the Oh. What. Fun actress, I had to ask: Why does Channing never bring up the bed situation with her mom? I was a shocked when Felicity Jones told me the entire bed subplot represents something much deeper.

To be honest, I thought that she would tell me that it was because two grown adults put in a single bed was just a funny conceit. Now I know it's deeper meaning, I'm seeing it in a totally different light.

Sometimes it's hard for parents to recognize their children have grown up, have their own lives and families, and want to make new holiday traditions. That’s exactly what Jones’ character struggles with in the film. Honestly, she could use a little of Jyn Erso’s hardened badassness to confront her mother more directly—something many of us (OK me, I'm talking about me) struggle with.

While the single bed symbolizes Channing’s emotional struggles, I was correct in thinking it is also objectively hilarious. As Jones told CinemaBlend:

Ultimately, Oh. What. Fun. is a comedy, and Jones will make you laugh far more often than she’ll make you cry. Don’t just take my word for it—you can see for yourself with an Amazon Prime subscription.

For me, Oh. What. Fun delivered exactly what I hoped it would, it was funny, heartfelt, and it made me feel something. The best holiday movies do this, creating a nice little package of both comedy and heart, all wrapped up in a little bow.

The last month of 2025 and with it comes plenty of reasons to stay inside on the couch, where it’s warm and watch TV. Check to make sure your favorite movie franchise hasn’t jumped streaming services at the beginning of a new month. If that’s not the sort of comfort viewing you need, there are plenty of new movies on streaming as well as holiday specials and other content to keep you entertained. Here’s a look at what you might not want to miss this week.

Oh. What. Fun - December 3 (Prime Video)

‘Tis the Season for holiday movies. Every streaming service has them, and they all have new ones coming out. However, to see the most star-studded of them all, you’ll likely need a Prime Video subscription to check out Oh. What. Fun. Which stars Michelle Pfeiffer as the matriarch of a family who doesn’t appreciate everything she puts into making the holiday special until she disappears.

Jay Kelly - December 5 (Netflix)

December is the last chance that studios have to get their awards season movies into theaters, but when the studio in question is Netflix, it also hits streaming nice and early This week your Netflix subscription gets you Jay Kelly, a movie that has serious awards season buzz surrounding star George Clooney and co-star Adam Sandler as an aging actor and his manager reviewing their lives.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw - December 5 (Disney+)

While Disney is better known for making live-action remakes of animated movies, when Disney picked up the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise with the 20th Century Fox purchase it shifted it to an animated series. This has clearly proven successful, as Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw marks the fourth film in the new franchise.

Phineas and Ferb Recap: Percy Jackson - December 6 (Disney+)

The second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians doesn’t arrive until later in the month, so you still have time to catch up on Season 1 if you have a Disney+ subscription. If, however, you don’t have that kind of time this holiday season, Phineas and Ferb have you covered with an animated recap.

Reality Hot Seat - December 7 (Peacock)

One of the more unique things that streaming has brought to television is alternative ways to watch their favorite shows or events. Disney has turned football games into animated experiences, and now, if you have a Peacock subscription, you can watch the football game between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs with commentary from reality stars.

December still has plenty of gifts for streaming fans in the coming weeks. From the new season of Percy Jackson to the streaming premiere of Rian Johnson’s new Knives Out mystery on Netflix, it looks like there will be something under the tree for all of us before the year closes out.

Let’s be real, we all need to thank our moms more. Even if we do it a lot already, we can do it more, especially when it comes to what they do for their families during the holidays. Now, Michelle Pfeiffer's Christmas film on the 2025 movie schedule is emphasizing that even further, as the first trailer for Oh. What. Fun. is a hilarious PSA about why “moms truly deserve the spotlight.”

Ahead of Oh. What. Fun.’s premiere for those with an Amazon Prime subscription on December 3, the first trailer for the Michael Showalter comedy fully highlights just how chaotic the holidays can be. It also shines a bright spotlight on the MVPs' moms are during the most wonderful time of the year (and anytime of the year, really).

The sea of “Mom” calls at the start of the trailer hilariously underlines that this movie is a PSA for mom appreciation immediately. I also can’t get over how Dominic Sessa’s character is introduced with a scene where he's telling his mother that his girlfriend dumped him and he needs a cinnamon roll. Talk about unaware...can he at least say hello first?

Then, the point really gets hammered home as a voice-over comes in to say:

They really do work so hard (I know that’s true from personal experience), and yes, they deserve all the credit. So, it makes sense that in this story, when Pfeiffer’s Claire gets burnt out on Christmas and isn’t getting the recognition she deserves, she decides to do anything but be home for the holidays.

What follows appears to be a hilarious road trip comedy that leads Claire to a contest for great moms. Meanwhile, her family is left trying to pull off Christmas without her, and they’re, to put it lightly, struggling.

It’s all hilarious, too, especially the parts where Claire's husband (Denis Leary) and his kids are trying to figure out how to Christmas (seriously, they're lost without mom).

Speaking of the cast for this new streaming movie, it is stacked. Led by Michelle Pfeiffer, Oh. What. Fun. also stars Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu and Maude Apatow. That is such a fun crew made up of both legends and up-and-coming stars, and I cannot wait to see them all in this film that looks full of Christmas chaos.

Hopefully, as all of their characters learn that their mom needs more credit, Pfeiffer’s character is able to find some peace and the appreciation she deserves. I also hope she makes it home for the holidays, and her husband and kids give her the biggest hugs, infinite thank yous, and all the help she desires.

Meanwhile, for all of you reading this and planning to watch what will likely be a great Amazon Prime movie, say thank you to your mom or the parental figure in your life who works around the clock for you. They deserve the credit, and I’m thrilled that a Christmas movie now exists that will give them it and encourage viewers to show all the love toward those who make the holidays so full of happiness and cheer.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance as Elvira Hancock in Scarface is iconic. The 1983 Brian De Palma movie is often considered one of the best remakes of all time, and part of what makes it great is the Hairspray star’s performance. But, if you can believe it, she was the last person Al Pacino wanted in the role, and she knew it. On that note, I just learned the wild story behind her casting in one of the best '80s movies of all time, and we have to talk about it.

Pfeiffer opened up about her attempts to land one of her most famous roles while speaking to the hosts of the SmartLess podcast via YouTube. The fan-favorite actress opened up about the now-legendary story of how she went from rejection to screen-testing opposite Pacino, and accidentally drawing blood. Before that situation happened, though, Pfeiffer was apparently having a tough time auditioning:

Director Brian De Palma was pushing for Michelle Pfeiffer from the start, but Pacino wasn’t sold. And, after two months of auditions, the Ant-Man alum admitted she went from nailing it early on to spiraling under pressure. She continued:

Pfeiffer thought that was the end of it, until a month later, she received a surprise call to return for a screen test. Burned out and assuming it was a lost cause, she walked in with nothing left to lose. And that’s when things got... bloody. The (arguably best-ever) Catwoman actress herself recalled:

Turns out a little chaos, and a lot of broken glass, was exactly what the role needed. It's fitting, really, for a movie where barely anyone makes it out alive. Pfeiffer nailed it, and the rest is cinematic history.

Now, Scarface is considered a great gangster film by many, but I’ll be honest: it’s not one I’m racing to rewatch. It’s a solid remake, arguably better than the original but, for me, it’s not exactly fun. That said, Michelle Pfeiffer is easily one of the best parts of a not-so-great movie, in my eyes. Now, knowing what she went through just to get cast, beyond the extreme weight loss and months of rejection, I find her performance to be all the more impressive.

Still, if you’re not like me and do want to dive back into Scarface (and catch Michelle Pfeiffer at her most radiant), you can stream it now with your Netflix subscription. Pfeiffer will also next be seen on the big screen in the holiday comedy Oh. What. Fun., which is set to hit theaters on December 3 amid the 2025 movie schedule.

If the question is, what's your favorite Scorsese movie of the ‘90s, then the obvious answer is, “Goodfellas!” But that's not my favorite Scorsese movie of the decade, because my answer would be, “The Age of Innocence!”

Who picks ‘93's The Age of Innocence as one of their favorite Scorsese movies? Well, the same person who would put Silence in his top 5, thinks Casino is better than Goodfellas (it is!), and who believes the ‘80s is Scorsese's best decade, that's who!

The Age of Innocence is one of Scorsese's best movies that people rarely talk about, and you can watch it with a Netflix subscription. That said, it leaves the streaming service on September 30th. So, here's why you should catch it before it's gone!

Scorsese's The Age Of Innocence Does A Great Job Of Adapting An Excellent Novel

Have you ever heard the idiom, “Keeping up with the Joneses”? It basically means that people will buy expensive stuff to exude a higher social status, and that other people will do the same so that they don’t look poor in comparison. Well, the “the Joneses” were an actual New York family. In fact, it was Edith Wharton’s – the author of The Age of Innocence – family. So yeah, before she was a Wharton, she was Edith Jones.

I bring all this up since the novel toys with the idea of trying to uphold a social status, and actually bucking that trend (or at least wanting to). The title, you might not know, is actually sardonic in that the Gilded Age (No, not that The Gilded Age. The actual time period) wasn’t an “age of innocence” at all, but rather, society pretended that it was. Deep stuff, and the great thing about the Scorsese adaptation is that it captures all of this, which couldn’t have been easy.

The story mostly focuses on three characters, Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), May Welland (Winona Ryder), and Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer). Archer is a prominent lawyer, and he wants to marry into Welland’s family to improve his status. All seems auspicious at first, until he meets May’s cousin, Countess Olenska, who is not only getting a divorce, but actually slept with her cheating husband’s (male) secretary out of revenge.

This is a big no-no in their society (it’s scandalous!), and Archer feels sympathy for Olenska at first, but then lust, even despite marrying May. And, in that way, the book and movie go hand-in-hand, making this one of the best movies based on classic literature ever!

Daniel Day-Lewis Is A Fantastic Newland Archer, Of Course

No surprise here, but Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal in The Age of Innocence (I’m especially looking forward to seeing his return to acting in Anemone). Newland Archer is a complex role since we feel a number of things about his character, and DDL captures all of those emotions.

For example, at the start of the film, we understand why Archer wants to marry May (it’s for status), but we also get a sense that he’s a modern gentleman. And we feel this way because he’s upset that Countess Olenska’s husband could cheat on her, but she can’t cheat on him without being ostracized. We also understand that he feels like society’s norms aren’t all what they’re cracked up to be, once he regrets marrying May after he falls in love with the Countess, who wants to get a divorce.

Daniel Day-Lewis plays Archer as both sympathetic and selfish. He finds his new wife, May, to be boring, and is willing to have an affair with her cousin once he realizes (what he feels is) the error of his ways in marrying May. Wharton did such a good job of creating his character that we actually want him to leave May because we know it will ultimately make him happy, and Daniel Day-Lewis does an excellent job of capturing that character, making us feel bad for everybody involved.

And, by the end of the film (which I won’t spoil for you), you still feel bad for him, which could have been hard to capture on film if DDL wasn’t up for the challenge, which of course he was.

Michelle Pfeiffer Steals This Movie As Countess Olenska

Speaking of challenging performances, Michelle Pfeiffer steals this movie from all of the other actors (and that’s saying something when it costars Daniel Day-Lewis). In the book, we get a sense that Countess Olenska is a character out of time. She sees the modern standards, but doesn’t see why she needs to follow them. Her family tries to get her to stay in her marriage since it would look bad for everyone if she got divorced, but she’s all like, I don’t care. It’s my life, and I want to be happy.

And, if anybody can play, “It’s my life, and I want to be happy,” it’s Michelle Pfeiffer. She shows no remorse for her actions, and if anything, merely shows restraint. Because even though her character loves Newland, she won’t consummate the relationship because she doesn’t want to hurt her cousin. Pfeiffer could have played this role a lot of different ways (She could have vamped it up, or been more seductive), but that’s not what she’s like in the book, so that’s not what she’s like here.

She’s a free spirit who knows her boundaries. She’s educated, but makes decisions that are only going to hurt her in the long run. And, I think a lot of this goes to Pfeiffer being able to play both a romantic interest and somebody who is entirely unobtainable, due to society’s norms.

The Age of Innocence probably wouldn’t be my favorite Scorsese movie of the ‘90s if not for the excellent acting of Daniel Day-Lewis and especially of Michelle Pfeiffer. She’s exceptional.

It's Also Probably My Favorite Period Piece Of Scorsese's As It Nails The Era

When ranking Scorsese’s best films, a lot of people would likely put 2002’s Gangs of New York on that list, and look, I get it. Gangs of New York is a great movie, and the way Scorsese captured the Five Points was really quite something to see.

That said, while I like his recreation of 1862 New York, I much prefer his interpretation of 1870s New York. That's only because I’d rather see high society than the slums (Which just goes to show how talented Daniel Day-Lewis is, since he could portray somebody from both ends of the spectrum).

I like seeing lavish paintings of families, women dancing in ball gowns, and people living with unfettered privilege. I like tall staircases and horse-drawn carriages. In other words, I love being transported to old-time New York, but not the seedy underbelly side. No, I just want to see high society (Not what’s being hidden by high society), and I think Scorsese did a better job doing this with The Age of Innocence than any other movie of his.

Because every time I watch it, I truly feel like I’m an outsider looking in and seeing all of high society’s scruples, which I think was Wharton’s intention when she wrote the book in the first place.

In that way, similar to Scorsese’s own After Hours, I think The Age of Innocence is the director’s overlooked masterpiece, so watch it on Netflix while you still can!

There will always be debates over who the best live-action Batman was on the big screen, but, with apologies to Anne Hathaway and Zoë Kravitz, I’m not sure there’s any real argument over who the best on-screen Catwoman has been. It has to have been Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns.

Pfeiffer’s Catwoman was absolutely iconic, though her wearing a skintight body suit may have had a lot to do with that. One person who clearly loved Pfeiffer in Batman Returns was her co-star Danny DeVito. In the new Actors on Actors from Variety, DeVito talks with modern Penguin Colin Farrell, and he admits that he would go the extra mile if he knew he was sharing a scene with the actress. DeVito said…

Michelle Pfeiffer was only brought in to play Selena Kyle in Batman Returns after Annette Bening became pregnant and couldn’t play the role. Pfeffer went on to create the version of Catwoman that all others would be compared to. It is almost certainly one of the sexiest performances in any comic book movie. DeVito says he loved working with the iconic actress, and can’t help but mention the sex appeal element, saying…

To be clear, DeVito isn’t talking about himself lusting after Michelle Pfeiffer here. He’s pointing out that lusting after Catwoman was part of his character, Oswald Cobblepot. Having said that, it doesn’t sound like the actor minded much. When asked by Colin Farrell how the actress might have felt about all this, DeVito thinks Michelle Pfeiffer enjoyed it all. He added...

To be fair, everybody is lusting after Catwoman in Batman Returns, it’s very much intentional, as Selina Kyle uses her sex appeal to her advantage throughout the film. It’s a significant part of the movie, and also a significant part of the reason that many parents, and corporate sponsors, were upset with Batman Returns. It was seen as too mature regarding both sex and violence for a Batman movie, and led to the major realignment of tone that we would see under Joel Schumacher with Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

Danny DeVito clearly loved making Batman Returns, and the rest of us still love watching it. It’s one of the best, if not the best, big-screen Batman adventures to date. That’s not entirely because Michelle Pfeiffer is so unforgettable, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Some of the biggest and best actors have never won competitive acting Oscars. Some of those names might completely shock you as they have certainly put in the performances that make them worthy of winning the awards. There are a few on this list who have won honorary Oscars or won in other categories, like directing or acting, but none of these stars have been bestowed with the one they probably want the most. So here is our list of actors and actresses who have shockingly never won an Oscar for acting.

Glenn Close

At the top of the list of actors who have shockingly never won an Oscar has to be the great Glenn Close. For decades Close has been putting amazing performances on film, and yet that golden statue has eluded her. She has won multiple Tonys, Emmys, and Golden Globe awards, yet, despite an amazing eight nominations for either Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress, she's yet to win one.

Tom Cruise

There is no bigger "movie star" on the planet than Tom Cruise. While no one would realistically expect Cruise to be nominated for his action roles like in the Mission: Impossible movies (though, his stunt work in those movies should really be acknowledged), the Top Gun star has put in the work with Oscar-worthy performances in films like Rain Man, Jerry Maguire, Born on the Fourth of July, and Magnolia. He has been nominated four times, but he's yet to take home the prize.

Angela Bassett

In 1994 Angela Bassett lost out on the Best Actress Oscar for her incredible, transformative performance as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It. Not to take anything away from the winner, Holly Hunter for The Piano, but it's frankly astonishing Bassett didn't win. Sadly, though she was honored in 2024 by the Academy, she still has yet to win a competitive Oscar.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has gotten a lot of bad press in recent years and that may hurt his future chances to win an Academy Award, but frankly, it's amazing he hasn't already won multiple Oscars, and yet he's never won even one. Despite three nominations and many other amazing performances, the Pirates Of The Caribbean star is still Oscar-less.

Sigourney Weaver

It's hard to believe that Sigourney Weaver hasn't even been nominated for an Oscar since the 1980s, when she was nominated thrice. In spite of wonderful performances in huge hits like Avatar and Aliens, she's still searching for that golden statue.

Bradley Cooper

Honestly, you can almost smell the desperation on Bradley Cooper to win an Oscar and that's completely understandable. Cooper is one of the best actors of his generation and has been nominated five times in an acting category (and another seven times in other categories), but hasn't won...yet. He'll surely get one.

Annette Bening

Five nominations and no wins. That's Annette Bening's resume at the Oscars and that is shocking. For decades she's been crushing it on screen and despite those nominations, most recently in 2023 for her incredible performance in Nyad, a win has eluded her.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey may have burst on the scene in wild comedies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask - and we can argue that amazing comedic performances don't get nearly enough love from the Academy - but his more serious roles, like in Man on the Moon and even The Truman Show are certainly worthy of Oscars. Despite multiple Golden Globe nominations and wins, the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind actor has never even been nominated for an Oscar.

Amy Adams

When Amy Adams was first nominated for an Academy Award in 2005 for her breakthrough performance in Junebug, a betting person would have bet everything that she would win an Oscar in her career. Yet here we are more than 20 years later and despite five more nominations, Adams is still Oscar-less.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has played every kind of character and starred in every kind of movie. From mega-franchises like Star Wars and the MCU, to more indie films like Pulp Fiction and Do The Right Thing, Jackson has done it all in Hollywood, except win a competitive Oscar and he's shockingly only been nominated once. He was honored by the Academy in 2021 for his body of work.

Scarlett Johansson

In 2020 Scarlett Johansson was nominated in both the Bet Actress category for Marriage Story and Best Supporting Actress for Jojo Rabbit. She lost out in both that year and despite an incredible career, they remain her only nominations.

Laurence Fishburne

Literally, since his breakout movie role when he was only 16 in Apocalypse Now, Laurence Fishburne has been putting in award-worthy performances. One of the most astonishing facts on this list, Fishbourne has only been nominated once, for What's Love Got to Do with It in 1994. Despite roles like Furious Styles in Boyz n The Hood, Professor Phipps in Higher Learning, and countless others, he still hasn't won.

Hugh Jackman

While he's best known for his work as Wolverine these days, the multi-talented Hugh Jackman has a ton of performances that have deserved more attention from the Academy. He's won every other award on the planet, including three of the "EGOT" awards, but he's still missing the "O."

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams has been nominated for an Academy Award five times, starting with her breakout role in 2005's Brokeback Mountain. She has yet to break through with a win though. Certainly, she will at some point, right?

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan was just 13 years old when she landed her first Oscar nomination for her performance in Atonement. The Lady Bird star has been nominated three subsequent times but hasn't been able to nail down an award yet. A win for Ronan at some point seems inevitable, given how she crushes every role she's in.

Matt Damon

Another one of the biggest movie stars in the world who has yet to win an acting Oscar is Matt Damon. His most recent of three acting nominations was for 2015's The Martian, and while he has won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for Good Will Hunting, an acting award has eluded him.

Salma Hayek

Despite her transcending performance in Frida, the great Salma Hayek wasn't able to win an Oscar in a stacked category in 2003 (Nicole Kidman won for The Hours). Despite numerous great performances, that remains Hayak's only nomination. For shame.

Willem Dafoe

Despite being one of the most reliable actors in Hollywood for more than four decades, somehow Willem Dafoe has yet to win an Oscar. It seems like every single role he takes on is award-worthy, and yet, despite four nominations, starting with Platoon, he still has yet to take home an Academy Award.

Carey Mulligan

2009's An Education garnered Carey Mulligan her first Oscar nom, and she's since nominated another couple of times, for Promising Young Woman in 2021 and Maestro in 2024. She's run into some stiff competition, but surely at least one of those performances was Oscar-worthy.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo has been acting his butt off for decades. For that hard work, he's received four Best Supporting Actor nominations, and shockingly, not for his work in Dark Waters, which might be his best performance of all. It's confounding.

Michelle Pfeiffer

The great Michelle Pfeiffer landed her first Oscar nomination in 1988 for Dangerous Liaisons and picked up two more for The Fabulous Baker Boys in 1989 and Love Field in 1992. Since then? Nothing. Zip. She has not even received a nomination as one of the best actresses of her generation. That has to be remedied, as it makes no sense.

Ralph Fiennes

Between 1996 when he was nominated for The English Patient and 2025 when he was nominated for Conclave, the great Ralph Fiennes wasn't even nominated for an Oscar despite countless award-worthy performances.

Naomi Watts

With two nominations and zero wins, Naomi Watts finds herself on this list. She was first nominated in 2004 for 21 Grams and again in 2013 for The Impossible, but she hasn't lucked out with a win yet. Surely one is in her future though, she's too much of a force not to win one.

Ryan Gosling

Year after year Ryan Gosling has put up fantastic performances, so his inclusion on this list is among the most surprising. He seems like a shoo-in to have won at least one Oscar, right? In not for Barbie or Half Nelson, both of which he was nominated for, then certainly for La La Land. Alas, he's yet to take home a trophy.

Alfre Woodard

When Alfre Woodard was nominated for her first (and to-date only) Oscar nomination way back in 1983 for Cross Creek, you'd be crazy to predict she would not get another one for what is now more than 40 years. Despite amazing performances in films like 12 Years A Slave and many others, she has been shut out.

Warren Beatty

There was no bigger movie star than Warren Beatty in the late '70s and '80s and despite a slew of hits, Beatty has never won an Oscar. Beatty has been nominated four times for Best Actor, yet his only Academy Award win came for Best Director for Reds in 1982. He didn't even win for Dick Tracy! He wasn't actually nominated for that iconic role though, which is understandable.

Laura Linney

Over her long, impressive career, Laura Linney has been nominated for many awards. She's won multiple Emmys and multiple Golden Globes, but she's never taken home a golden statue from the Academy. Linney has been nominated three times, for 2000's You Can Count on Me, 2004's Kinsey, and 2007's The Savages, but lost out each time. Linney has never been in a movie that has won Best Picture, either.

Ed Harris

Ed Harris is one of the best character actors of the last 50 years and yet he's never won an Oscar. He's been nominated three times for Best Supporting Actor, for Apollo 13, The Truman Show, and The Hours, plus picking a nomination for Best Actor for Pollock, but alas, he's never won. Weirdly, he's also 0-3 on Emmy nominations too. He has picked up two Golden Globes though.

Joan Allen

Joan Allen is an actress flies a little under the radar despite putting in amazing performances in everything she is in. It might because she's been incredibly unlucky at winning awards, despite multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations. That luck includes her Oscar nominations, of which she has three, for Nixon, The Crucible, and The Contender, but sadly no wins.

Richard Gere

Despite being box office gold since the early 1980s, Richard Gere has shockingly never been even nominated for an Oscar. He's been in beloved movies that have stood the test of time like Pretty Woman, An Officer And A Gentleman, Primal Fear, Runaway Bride and so many more, but no nominations. Crazy.

Isabelle Huppert

It might not be a huge surprise that a French actress like Isabelle Huppert hasn't won an Oscar, as obviously the winners are almost always from English-language films. Still, Huppert is one of the most decorated actresses of all time in her native France, having been nominated 16 times (and winning twice) for the César Award (France's version of the Academy Awards). She was nominated for an Oscar in 2016 for Elle but lost to Emma Stone (for La La Land).

Paul Dano

It almost seems pre-ordained that at some point Paul Dano will win an Oscar. In performance after performance, he just crushes it. From There Will Be Blood to Love & Mercy, the list of his amazing performances just keeps growing. Like others on this list, the fact that he hasn't even been nominated for an Oscar is mindboggling.

While I have neither the talent nor the temperament to be an actor, one thing that I have always thought was particularly cool about the profession is that it offers the opportunity to learn a wide variety of special skill sets. Going to play a cowboy? You get trained to ride a horse. Want to portray a magician? Experts will be hired to hone your sleight of hand skills. Obviously not every performer does this, but there are many great ones that do – and in that conversation, Michelle Pfeiffer's work behind the scenes of Batman Returns is legendary.

Comic book fans are well aware of the fact that Tim Burton took a whole lot of liberties with the source material in the making of his 1992 sequel to 1989's Batman, but one aspect of the film that oh-so-very legit are the spectacular whip skills put on display by Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman. The character's origin story in the blockbuster might be cut from whole cloth, but she maintains her signature weapon, and the Instagram page Historic Moments recently posted about how Michelle Pfeiffer was committed to doing stunts herself.

Those who have seen Batman Returns will recall a sequence in the second act of the movie where Selina Kyle, following her transformation and wearing her full leather catsuit, breaks into a department store and takes a moment to decapitate a collection of four mannequins with a set of skilled whipcracks. Three of the heads roll in a single take – and it's not a result of movie magic with engineers off camera pushing buttons. As you can see in the behind-the-scenes video posted to social media, the trick was pulled off by the actor herself:

If you turn on the sound for the video, you'll hear that it concludes with the sound of the crew erupting with applause celebrating the skillful display – and Michelle Pfeiffer recognizes the adulation with a delightful bow.

Comic book inaccuracy aside, it will forever be remembered as one of the greatest big screen versions of Catwoman, and while you may have recently missed a perfect opportunity to rewatch the film timed to the holiday season (because Batman Returns is most definitely a Christmas movie), there really is no bad time to watch the underrated superhero blockbuster. If you're now feeling the itch to give it a watch, the film is available to stream with a Max subscription – though if you want to learn even more amazing behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the film, you should consider picking up a physical copy of it on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. The set includes not only cool extras about Michelle Pfeiffer's legendary cat burglar, but a full load of special features, including an audio commentary track with Tim Burton.

There is nothing more iconic than a good looking leather jacket on a movie star. There are as many styles of jacket as there are stars, which makes looking good easy. From Marlon Brando to Keanu Reeves, leather jackets have been a part of some of the most incredible looking costumes ever. So, here is our list of some of the most iconic leather coats and jackets in Hollywood history.

Marlon Brando In The Wild One

This list wouldn't be complete without including the O.G. leather look on Marlon Brando in The Wild One. The 1953 film about a biker gang was not only a big hit in theaters, but it was a huge influence on society. From the outlaw biker gangs who took inspiration from the look to regular folks who saw the leather jackets as the coolest of cool.

Wesley Snipes In Blade

Wesley Snipes is the coolest-looking superhero in Blade with his iconic look in leather and sunglasses. Everything about the costume and the character oozes cool and defines Blade's renegade nature.

Arnold Schwarzenegger In The Terminator Movies

Leather jackets definitely provide a look for someone to say "Don't mess with me," and nowhere is this more true in Hollywood than when Arnold Schwarzenegger wears one in the Terminator movies. Starting with the first movie, he's usually seen in one and you definitely don't want to mess with him.

Rooney Mara In The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Leather jackets have always been a symbol of rebelliousness in Hollywood. In The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, it's the perfect look for Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) to portray both her anti-social nature and her tough exterior. You can't imagine wearing anything else.

John Travolta In Saturday Night Fever

In the 1970s, no one was cooler than John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The strut, the hair, the dancing, and the leather jacket all made that possible. The look is so iconic that people are still imitating it today, five decades later.

Carrie-Anne Moss In The Matrix Movies

It's safe to say that The Matrix movies would not be the same if the characters were dressed in anything but the coolest and toughest-looking leather jackets and coats. From Neo to Morpheus to, of course, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) in her amazing looking long leather coat. It's just such an amazing bit of costume.

Brad Pitt In Fight Club

Not every leather jacket has to be black to look completely awesome. Tyler Durden's reddish-brown jacket in Fight Club has become one of the most famous looks in Hollywood. Of course, it's easy for Brad Pitt to pull off almost any look, but he might just look his coolest in Fight Club.

Hugh Jackman In The X-Men Films

Leather jackets have been used a lot over the years to depict both heroes and anti-heroes. Nowhere is this more clear than on Logan aka Wolverine, as depicted by Hugh Jackman in the X-Men and now in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Logan is anti-social to an extreme and his leather jacket definitely indicates that you don't want to pick a fight with him.

Olivia Newton-John In Grease

The costumes in Grease are amazing. Of course, the T-Birds' jackets are fantastic, but it's the leather jacket that Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) dons in the last act that looks the most amazing. She completely changes her look and the jacket is what inspires the whole thing.

Keanu Reaves In The John Wick Movies

Keanu Reaves loves to wear leather in his movies, but the brown leather jacket in the first John Wick movie is probably the coolest. It's great because it's cool as heck, but it's not too over the top for the retired assassin. It makes John Wick seem normal, yet completely cool and ready for anything.

Eddie Murphy In Raw

In his standup movie Raw, Eddie Murphy takes the cool leather look to the next level. Not only does he have an amazing purple leather jacket, he compliments it with matching leather pants. It wasn't the first time he wore a leather outfit on stage, he wore a similar red one in his first standup movie, Delirious, but the purple one in Raw tops the red one in every way.

Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds

Dangerous Minds isn't the best movie in Michelle Pfeiffer's filmography, despite having an amazing soundtrack, but for an actress who had a whole bunch of iconic looks in the '80s and '90s, her jeans and leather jacket look in the movie is one of the most memorable. It's a costume that tells you so much about the character without saying a word.

Steve McQueen In The Great Escape

It's hard to argue that Steve McQueen isn't one of the coolest stars in Hollywood history. Of course, you can earn that kind of praise without at least one leather jacket. In The Great Escape, McQueen's brown leather bomber jacket is the epitome of cool. Even when he is covered in dirt, he looks great, but it's when he's wearing the jacket that he looks his best.

Tom Cruise In Top Gun

In the '80s, there was no movie cooler than Top Gun and there was no cooler character than Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise. The leather bomber jacket Cruise wore in the movie became so iconic and such a key characteristic of the role that when Top Gun: Maverick released its first teaser, the jacket was a big part of it.

Harrison Ford In Raiders Of The Lost Ark

There is something about a distressed leather jacket that brings authenticity to a character that few other costume pieces can. Nowhere in film history is this more true than with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in all of the Indiana Jones movies. The jacket, along with the hat and the whip, completely define the character in every way. Is there any other kind of jacket you could ever see Indy wearing? Of course not.

Uma Thurman In Kill Bill

There are a lot things that make Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill cool, but Uma Thurman's yellow leather motorcycle jacket tops the list. It's become an iconic costume over the years, and while not everyone could pull off the look, Thurman certainly does and everyone loves it.

Mel Gibson In The Mad Max Movies

As distressed leather jackets go, Mel Gibson's in the Mad Max movies is among the best looking. Looking into a dystopian future, it makes complete sense that leather jackets would still be part of the fashion. They are almost indestructible and have that classic look that almost no other piece of clothing has.

Joey Lauren Adams In Chasing Amy

This one flies a little bit under the radar, but it's an amazing look and deserves to be on this list. Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) in Chasing Amy has a lot of "rock and roll" to her style and nothing says rock star like leather.

Samuel L. Jackson In The MCU

As Deadpool asks in the post-credits scene in the original Deadpool movie, "Did you expect Samuel L. Jackson in a saucy leather number?" Well, yes, frankly we might have, since Jackson, playing the cooler-than-cool Nick Fury often shows up in a fantastic-looking leather jacket in the MCU. It is something we expect (even if Deadpool wasn't in the MCU at the time).

Tom Hardy In The Dark Knight Rises

Great Villains are often in leather. In The Dark Knight Rises Bane wears one of the greatest leather coats ever. The fur-lined brown leather number is perfect for his character and it's a look that not every villain could pull off, but Bane (Tom Hardy) certainly does.

Halle Berry In Die Another Day

Halle Berry has a few iconic outfits in the Pierce Brosnan-led James Bond film Die Another Day and while her bikini may be the most famous, the red leather jacket she wears for a lot of the movie is one heck of a look too. Sure, the movie isn't the best Brosnan-era Bond film, but you can't deny how great Berry looks in her costumes.

James Dean In Rebel Without A Cause

Seven decades after his death in 1955, James Dean is still the epitome of cool. Though he only starred in three movies, his impact on pop culture is immense. His red leather jacket in Rebel Without A Cause is one reason why. Because Dean's career was so brief, we don't have a lot of "looks" from him, making the jacket that much more iconic.

Kurt Russell In Escape From New York

If you want to look cool and look like you just don't care about anything, a distressed leather jacket can tell a lot of people just how you feel without saying a word. Take the look of Snake Pilsson (Kurt Russell) in Escape From New York. Has anyone ever looked tougher, cooler, and more aloof in an action film? No, not really.

Sigourney Weaver In Aliens

Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is one of the most amazing characters in action movie history. Of course, that means she must look cool as heck in leather, and she does in Aliens. It's not her most iconic look, but come on, you can't deny how awesome it is.

Tom Cruise In Mission: Impossible

Let's be honest, Tom Cruise always looks good in a nice leather jacket, but if you're ranking his costumes by how good looking they are, the jacket he wears in the first Mission: Impossible is at the top. When he is doing his sleight of hand with the disc with the NOC list on it while wearing the jacket is one of the best non-action scenes in the whole series.

Peter Fonda And Dennis Hopper In Easy Rider

If you wanted to be a rebellious hippie in the late 1960s, a leather jacket was a good place to start with your look. Especially if you were on a motorcycle like Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda in Easy Rider. Fonda has a more traditional biker look with his black leather jacket, but Hopper's character goes for a sweet suede jacket with some awesome fringe. Both look amazing.

Anne Hathaway In Get Smart

Get Smart might not be the best movie that Anne Hathaway has ever been in, but her white leather coat looks fantastic in it. It's not the only time Hathaway has shown up in an iconic leather look, who could ever forget her look in The Dark Knight Rises, it is a unique look that you don't see in a lot of movies. Of course, she completely pulls it off.

Matt Dillon In The Outsiders

The greasers in The Outsiders are mostly known for their jean jackets, but one greaser, Dally (Matt Dillion) wears a leather jacket and he looks exactly the part in it. It's not the cleanest jacket in the world, we wouldn't expect it to be, but man it looks so cool!

Laurence Fishburne In The Matrix

Like many of the characters in The Matrix, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) looks totally iconic in his leather duster. Sure it's not a "jacket," but there was no way we could leave it off of this list!

Jon Voight In Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy is a little bit of a forgotten movie these days, but it was a massive hit when it was released. Those who know, know. Jon Voight's suede jacket with the long fringe isn't a look everyone can pull off, and even in the movie it's not always the best look, but looking back, it's safe to say it belongs on this list as one of the best in Hollywood history.

Jason Momoa In Fast X

It's not hard for Jason Momoa to look cool, I think we can all agree. Still, in Fast X, that black and white snakeskin-looking leather jacket is simply amazing. It's not a look that anyone can pull off, in fact, many would look ridiculous in it, but not Momoa, not by a longshot.

Emma Stone In La La Land

Red leather is a fantastic look, though not everyone looks good in it. Emma Stone in La La Land isn't just anyone though. Stone just looks fantastic in the jacket and it, along with all the others on this list, has become iconic.

Think of your favorite movie character of all time. There is a good chance that the actor who ended up playing that part is not the first actor the studio approached. See for yourself by taking a look at this list of celebrities who decided to pass on a movie role that would turn out to make cinematic history.

Will Smith (Neo In The Matrix)

It is actually pretty easy for us to picture what the Matrix movies might have been like with Will Smith as Neo. However, the Academy Award winner seems to believe that Keanu Reeves was the better choice to play the chosen one in the mind-bending, dystopian sci-fi movie classic, claiming in a video on his YouTube channel that he would have "ruined it."

Jodie Foster (Princess Leia in Star Wars)

Fresh off her Academy Award-nominated breakthrough role in 1976's Taxi Driver, a teenage Jodie Foster was offered the chance to be a part of the Star Wars movies as Princess Leia Organa. As she revealed to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, the two-time Oscar winner had a contractual obligation to an unnamed Disney movie, allowing Carrie Fisher to win the role.

Tom Hanks (Jerry Maguire In Jerry Maguire)

Tom Hanks was on top of the world with two Oscar wins (for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump) when he was offered to play a sports agent down on his luck in Jerry Maguire. He ended up passing on the eponymous role from Cameron Crowe's 1996 dramedy and later told Access Hollywood (via FandomWire), "I think you look at it now and it couldn’t have been anybody other than Tom Cruise," who would receive a nod from the Academy for his performance.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Patrick Bateman In American Psycho)

Christian Bale once told GQ that every one of his roles was first offered to Leonardo DiCaprio and one confirmed example is Patrick Bateman in 2000's American Psycho. The future Oscar winner told The Morning Call that he passed on playing the sadistic yuppie because he felt the script “didn’t mean anything in the end," but rumor has it Bale's stepmom, Gloria Steinem, convinced DiCaprio that it would be bad for his post-Titanic, romantic heartthrob reputation at the time.

Jean-Claude Van Damme (The Predator In Predator)

The titular terrifying alien enemy from 1987's Predator looked a lot different when Jean-Claude Van Damme was still in the role, according to THR's oral history. The Belgian actor star actually shot some footage in the original insect-like suit before deciding he would rather not be hidden in his own movie, leading to a redesign of the costume and the casting of 7'2" Kevin Peter Hall.

Jack Nicholson (Michael Corleone In The Godfather)

While we cannot imagine anyone other than Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, Jack Nicholson probably would have been great in the Godfather movies. However, the three-time Oscar winner refused the offer, explaining to Movieline in 2004 (via ScreenRant) that he believed "Italians should play Italians."

John Travolta (Forrest Gump In Forrest Gump)

When speaking with MTV News (via Collider), John Travolta revealed that he had no regrets about turning down the title role of the Best Picture Oscar winner Forrest Gump and it is no wonder why. Not only did Tom Hanks embody the role to Oscar-winning acclaim but Travolta found career-rejuvenating success with Pulp Fiction in 1994 instead.

Burt Reynolds (James Bond In Live And Let Die)

In 2015, Burt Reynolds told USA Today that, when approached to be Sean Connery's replacement in the James Bond films, he believed the public would not accept a 007 with an American accent. However, he would later come to believe that, "It was a stupid thing to say. I could've done it and I could've done it well."

Eddie Murphy (Winston Zeddemore In Ghostbusters)

While appearing on The Tonight Show in 2019, Eddie Murphy was asked by Jimmy Fallon if it is true that he passed on playing Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters. The comedian confirmed that it was true but added that it allowed him the opportunity to lead an even bigger hit from 1984: Beverly Hills Cop.

John Lithgow (Seth Brundle In The Fly)

Jeff Goldblum's iconic role from David Cronenberg's 1986 remake of The Fly was previously offered to John Lithgow, who told IndieWire that he said no, not wanting to play "something so grotesque.” Having witnessed Seth Brundle's transformation into a half-human, half-insect in the intense body horror movie, we cannot say we blame him.

Tom Selleck (Indiana Jones In Raiders Of The Lost Ark)

Having already worked with Harrison Ford three times before, George Lucas was reluctant to cast the Han Solo actor as Indiana Jones, opening up the opportunity for a rotation of actors, including Tom Selleck. As he recalled on Today, the actor was forced to pass on 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, due to his commitment to the CBS crime drama, Magnum P.I.

Christopher Lee (Dr. Loomis In Halloween)

While already a horror movie icon at the time for his acclaimed portrayal of Dracula and role in 1973's The Wicker Man, Christopher Lee could have added one of the all-time best horror movies, 1978's Halloween, to his resume. According to The Digital Fix, he would come to regret the decision to pass on the role of Michael Myers' psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, who was immortalized by Donald Pleasance instead.

Christina Applegate (Elle Woods In Legally Blonde)

Before Reese Witherspoon made Elle Woods an icon among fictional lawyers in Legally Blonde and among fictional politicians in the sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, the role was offered to Christina Applegate. The former Married... with Children star later explained to Entertainment Tonight that she was afraid of repeating the ditzy blonde but jokes it was a "stupid move."

Emily Blunt (Black Widow In Iron Man 2)

Scarlett Johansson was perfect as Natasha Romanoff but Emily Blunt would have made a killing as the Avenger also called Black Widow. The English actor explained to Howard Stern that she could not originate the role for the MCU in 2010's Iron Man 2 because she was contractually obligated to appear in that year's adaptation of Gulliver's Travels.

Emma Watson (Mia In La La Land)

Playing Mia in 2016's La La Land earned Emma Stone her first Oscar win but the role of the aspiring actor had originally gone to another Emma: Emma Watson. The Harry Potter movies star said in a SiriusXM Town Hall interview (via Us Weekly) that her commitment to Beauty and the Beast and the hard work required to star in the musical led her to pull out.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Rollergirl In Boogie Nights)

Heather Graham made her mainstream breakthrough in 1998's Boogie Nights as "Rollergirl" – a role that was previously offered to Gwyneth Paltrow. The future Oscar winner told Howard Stern (via Us Weekly) that she passed because she feared the role, which required her to completely disrobe and simulate lewd acts on camera, would "kill" her conservative grandfather.

Jennifer Hudson (Precious In Precious)

Jennifer Hudson had previously said in her memoir, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways And Lost What Weighed Me Down, that she turned down the title role of Precious because she did not want to take a role that involved her weight. The Oscar winner later retracted that statement when speaking to The Huffington Post, explaining that Was not interested in what the role, which ultimately went to Gabourey Sibide, would have required her to do at that point in her career.

Matt Damon (Jake Sully In Avatar)

Sam Worthington became a household name when he led James Cameron's astonishingly successful sci-fi epic, Avatar, as Jake Sully – a role previously offered to Matt Damon. The Oscar winner once joked to Access Hollywood that not participating in the 2009 film cost the movie "a lot."

Ian McKellan (Albus Dumbledore In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban)

The Lord of the Rings movies' Gandalf actor, Sir Ian McKellan, could have added another famous wizard to his resume and become the Harry Potter franchise's new Albus Dumbledore. Instead, the part went to Michael Gambon after, as he told BBC News, McKellan turned it down because he couldn’t “take over the part from an actor who I’d known didn’t approve of me,” referring to the late Richard Harris who was a vocal critic of the actor.

Drew Barrymore (Sidney Prescott In Scream)

Given Drew Barrymore's A-list status in 1996, audiences assumed that she was the lead of Wes Craven's Scream, which could have been the case, as she confirmed on Hot Ones. However, she requested to be killed off in the beginning as Casey Becker, knowing it would shock the audience, paving the way for Neve Campbell to become a Scream Queen in the role of Sidney Prescott.

Angela Bassett (Leticia Musgrove In Monster’s Ball)

Halle Berry became the first Black Best Actress Oscar winner for her performance in Monster's Ball as Leticia Musgrove – a role that was offered to Angela Bassett. According to EW, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star felt the part of a Black call girl was too stereotypical.

Sean Connery (Gandalf In The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring)

Sir Ian McKellan mentions in an oral history about the Lord of the Rings series for The Independent that an earlier choice to play Gandalf the Grey was Sir Sean Connery. New Line Cinema executive Mark Ordesky notes that the former James Bond actor passed on the role of the wizard simply because he "did not get it."

Bette Midler (Annie Wilkes In Misery)

Despite having no qualms about playing an actual evil witch in 1993's Hocus Pocus, Bette Midler did have some reservations about playing Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's Misery from 1990. The actor and singer told Variety that was interested in playing the sadistic nurse because of her violent, unfunny, and irredeemable qualities.

Warren Beatty (Bill In Kill Bill)

In 2003, Quentin Tarantino told BBC that he originally started writing the title role of Kill Bill with Warren Beatty in mind because he wanted to work with him and the Oscar winner was set to play the target of Uma Thurman's vengeful Bride for a bit. However, after realizing that David Carradine was a better fit, followed by consideration of the time commitment and martial arts training involved, the actor and filmmaker amicably agreed to part ways.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Clarice Starling In The Silence Of The Lambs)

Michelle Pfeiffer once told Today's Hoda Kotb (via People) that her reasons for passing on roles in the likes of Pretty Woman and Basic Instinct typically had to do with scheduling conflicts. However, she told The New Yorker she passed on playing Clarice Starling (which ultimately went to Jodie Foster) in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs because the “evil” in the film made her nervous.

Al Pacino (Han Solo In Star Wars)

In his memoir, Sonny Boy, Al Pacino reveals that, before Harrison Ford was cast in Star Wars, he was offered the role of Han Solo. The Oscar winner explains that he could not "make anything out of" George Lucas' script and chose not to play the pilot of the Millennium Falcon.

Bela Lugosi (The Creature In Frankenstein)

According to the book, The Immortal Count: The Life and Films of Bela Lugosi by Arthur Lennig (via SlashFilm), the star of 1931's Dracula had the opportunity to play two Universal Monsters in the same year, having also been offered to play The Creature in Frankenstein. However, the actor believed such a role was "beneath him," paving the way for Boris Karloff to rise up in the ranks of horror royalty as Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s creation.

Haley Lu Richardson (Dani Ardor In Midsommar)

Haley Lu Richardson, known for one of the best M. Night Shyamalan movies, Split, passed on the role of Dani Ardor in Ari Aster's 2019 sophomore effort, Midsommar. The A24 horror masterpiece was ultimately led by Florence Pugh, whom Richardson told Backstage she has nothing but praise for, despite not yet having the courage to watch the movie.

Julia Roberts (Annie Reed In Sleepless In Seattle)

The two most prestigious queens of the rom-com genre would have to be Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan but only one could play Annie Reed in Sleepless in Seattle. Roberts told InStyle (via ABC News) that she was offered the part but could not do it, adding that Ryan and Tom Hanks "are just such a jewel of a fit in that."

Jamie Lee Curtis (Regan MacNeil In The Exorcist)

Jamie Lee Curtis became horror royalty with her feature film debut in 1978's Halloween but her reign could have begun earlier if not for one thing: her mother, Janet Leigh. Curtis told EW that, when she was asked to audition for Regan MacNeil in 1973's The Exorcist (which would go to Linda Blair), the Psycho star spoke on the then-13-year-old's behalf and refused the offer.

Lee Marvin (Quint In Jaws)

Robert Shaw's performance as Quint in Jaws is nearly as famous as the man-eating shark itself but the English actor was actually not Steven Spielberg's first choice. The filmmaker told Vanity Fair that he previously approached Lee Marvin but the Dirty Dozen star was not interested.

Sarah Michelle Gellar (Amber In Clueless)

Elisa Donovan's character in Clueless, Amber, very nearly went to the future star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar. Adam Schroeder, the co-producer of the 1995 high school movie classic, told Vanity Fair that the actor's commitment to the soap opera All My Children at the time forced her to recede from consideration.

As with many years prior, several upcoming films will bring us tales of joy and woe with animated adventures, heartfelt family films, people overcoming horrific circumstances, fun comedies and more. But, something that many people love to see is a story that focuses either on people who do intriguing work or who have some true magic in their lives. As such, let’s take a look at 32 famous actors who’ve given us that by playing a wizard, witch or magician in some popular movies. 

Nicole Kidman (Practical Magic, Bewitched)

An Oscar winner who’s notably portrayed a witch twice in her big screen efforts is Nicole Kidman. Seeing as how Practical Magic 2 is now being worked on in earnest, you probably remember her 1998 hit with Sandra Bullock easily. But, do you recall her turn as a real witch hired to play a fictional one in the 2005 comedy, Bewitched?

Hugh Jackman (The Prestige)

We actually don’t get as many magicians on screen as one might think, but Hugh Jackman did us all a solid when he starred as one in the 2006 Christopher Nolan movie, The Prestige. If you somehow still haven’t seen this Edwardian London-set thriller, do yourself a favor and track it down. You won’t regret it.

Ian McKellen (The Lord Of The Rings And The Hobbit Trilogies)

This list would be nothing without mentioning maybe the most famous wizard in all of literary history, who made his major motion picture appearances courtesy of Sir Ian McKellen in The Lord of the Rings movies, as well as The Hobbit trilogy. Gandalf the Grey cannot be ignored, and not just because he’s so much taller than most of his traveling companions!

Neve Campbell (The Craft)

Fledgling teen witches count just as much as those who’ve been witchin’ for decades, which is why Neve Campbell’s eventual power-hungry sorceress, Bonnie, is on this list. The Craft is a teen horror classic that’s worth a watch.

Bette Midler (Hocus Pocus)

Here’s another classic movie witch who’s hard to forget. Bette Midler really dialed it up for her performance as Winifred Sanderson in 1993’s Hocus Pocus (along with fellow witchy Sanderson sisters Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker), and the results were so memorable that a Disney+ sequel was made nearly 30 years later.

Jesse Eisenberg (Now You See Me)

We’ve come to another magician, but Jesse Eisenberg’s modern-day character, Atlas, is an illusionist who works in Las Vegas in a popular group…who are really teamed up to steal lots and lots of money. It was so popular that a sequel followed.

Alexandra Daddario (Mayfair Witches)

If anything, we could trust late horror author Anne Rice to pen an intriguing tale that keeps us glued to the pages of a book. It also turns out that White Lotus star Alexandra Daddario can help turn that story into a can’t-miss TV show, as she’s done by playing witchy lead Rowan on Mayfair Witches.

Cher (The Witches Of Eastwick)

Cher has excelled in pretty much every role she’s ever had, and that includes widowed mother/witch Alex in The Witches of Eastwick. This one gets wild but you’ll never regret watching her (or her co-stars Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jack Nicholson) as things go from weird to worse.

Nicolas Cage (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice)

We all know that Nicolas Cage has played a multitude of roles during his decades-long career, so it should be little surprise that he’s portrayed as a user of magic. Before you get too deep into wondering whether or not there’s a real difference between a wizard and a sorcerer, just know that Cage played the latter in this 2010 film that takes some inspiration from a segment in Disney’s animated classic, Fantasia.

Tia And Tamera Mowry (Twitches)

Sure, there have already been people on this list who played witches along with other really famous people, and those co-stars weren’t listed as the main star, but guess what: none of those other people starred with their twin, which is the case with Tia and Tamera Mowry in the beloved Disney Channel original film, Twitches. Did this one get a sequel? You bet it did!

Meryl Streep (Into The Woods)

No one can deny the prowess or ability of 21-time Oscar nominee (and three-time winner) Meryl Streep to deliver an amazing performance. The same can be true for when she played the character known simply as The Witch in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Into the Woods (and, yes, got an Academy Award nomination for her work).

Steve Carell (The Incredible Burt Wonderstone)

And here we have another Las Vegas magician in Steve Carell’s Burt Wonderstone. Instead of watching him steal money, we follow along in this comedy as Burt attempts to reunite with his former partner (Steve Buschemi) so they can gain more traction than a competing magician (Jim Carrey) whose “tricks” mostly involve odd feats of endurance and real pain.

Edward Norton (The Illusionist)

You’d be forgiven for confusing this film with the above-mentioned The Prestige, as they’re both about old-timey magicians and released in 2006. However, this film stars Edward Norton as our…illusionist, and is more of a romantic mystery than Nolan’s thriller.

Lucy Lawless (Salem)

So many evil witches, so little time. The WGN TV series, Salem, was loosely inspired by the Salem witch trials, and focused on a lead who was trying to bring the Devil to earth. But, that wasn’t even the character played by Xena actress Lucy Lawless, as her Countess Palatine Ingrid von Marburg was simply a different and far more evil witch. Can’t anyone use magic to just like, keep everyone’s house clean so we can all have more free time?

Guy Pearce (Death Defying Acts)

It’s actually rather surprising that we’ve gotten this far into the list without coming to someone who portrayed a famous real-life magician, so we can thank Guy Pearce for that. His 2007 supernatural romance, Death Defying Acts, saw him play Harry Houdini.

Angela Bassett (American Horror Story: Coven)

Even for those who don’t follow along with the amazing antics on every season of the anthology series, American Horror Story, it would probably be a little shock to find out that the show has cast several witches during its long run. The subtitle of this 2013 season tells you that it was dedicated to witchy goings-on, and double Oscar nominee Angela Bassett had a notable guest role as real historical figure/Voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau.

Sebastian Stan (The Covenant)

The actor who would come to be known as Bucky “Winter Soldier” Barnes, Sebastian Stan, played a very different type of super-powered character in 2006, when he played teen warlock Chase Collins in the fantasy film The Covenant. It also features stars like Taylor Kitsch and Chase Crawford, who also get their magic on in the film.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Stardust)

As we’ve seen from the entry on Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer had already played a witchy woman by the time she appeared in the 2007 movie Stardust, as an evil (of course) witch looking to retrieve a fallen star to have ever-lasting beauty and youth.

Debbie Reynolds (Halloweentown)

Here’s another Disney Channel classic, which follows a young witch who realizes she has powers on her 13th Halloween, only to be transported to the titular town where supernatural creatures can live without human interference. The late Debbie Reynolds plays her grandmother (also a witch), and returned for all three sequels.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange)

This 2016 MCU entry stars Benedict Cumberbatch as an injured doctor who involves himself in the business of fighting evil with sorcery after losing the use of his hands and heading to a mysterious enclave to look for healing. Cumberbatch has appeared as the character in a number of Marvel franchise films now, including a 2022 sequel to his original solo film.

Mila Kunis (Oz The Great And Powerful)

Here’s a movie filled with magical beings that’s often forgotten. Oz the Great and Powerful saw Mila Kunis, along with Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz, play witches of, yes, that Oz who have to determine if the Kansas magician who’s turned up in their realm is really the “great” wizard they’ve been waiting for.

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone)

This is another actor and portrayal that this list would basically be pointless without. Though Daniel Radcliffe has gone on to portray a wide variety of good and bad guys in the past decade or so of his career, for many he will always be known as the boy wizard, Harry Potter.

Selena Gomez (Wizards Of Waverly Place)

What? Did you forget that Selena Gomez, the Grammy-nominated singer and star of the Hulu hit show Only Murders in the Building, got her first taste of fame on a Disney Channel series? Well, shame on you for not being able to remember that Gomez led Wizards of Waverly Place through a magical four-season run as the supernaturally gifted teen, Alex Russo.

Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision)

Do we have yet another MCU stalwart for you? You bet we do! Elizabeth Olsen first took on the role of Scarlet Witch during the post-credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, later starring in several more of the franchise films and the critically lauded Disney+ series, WandaVision, for which she received an Emmy nomination.

Sam Neill (Merlin)

While there have certainly been a number of movies and shows that have given us versions of the mythical wizard known as Merlin, NBC’s two-part, 1998 miniseries saw Sam Neill use his recent Jurassic Park stardom to show us an adventurous tale of Merlin’s life before the birth of King Arthur.

Rosamund Pike (The Wheel Of Time)

Many of the portrayals we’ve discussed (and will continue to discuss below) have dealt with book-to-screen adaptations that are based on already incredibly popular novels, and The Wheel of Time is certainly one of those. The Amazon series, which takes its story from the 14-book franchise by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, stars Rosamund Pike as powerful magic user Moiraine Damodred, who takes a group of young adults on a journey to save the world.

Julia Ormond (Witches Of East End)

This Lifetime series, which ran for two seasons from 2013 to 2014, followed the women of the Beauchamp family, witches in a small, fictional seaside town who are led by their mother, Julia Ormond’s Joanna, and have to fight to save themselves and the people of their town from dark magical forces.

Emma Thompson (Beautiful Creatures)

This 2013 Gothic fantasy romance focuses on a teen who will learn on her 16th birthday whether or not her witch tendencies will be for good or ill. Two-time Academy Award-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson plays her mother, Sarafine, who didn’t raise the girl but wants her on that dark side really, really badly.

Tilda Swinton (The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Suspiria)

Considering that Tilda Swinton has played everything from a gender-switching hero in Orlando to the MCU’s version of the Ancient One in the aforementioned Doctor Strange and the archangel Gabriel in Constantine, is anyone surprised to know that she’s played some witches? In both The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe and Suspiria she was very good at playing magical ladies who wanted (or already had and wanted to continue) to do some very bad things, but the latter film has WAY more serious and bloody fun for those who watch.

Jack Black (The House With A Clock In Its Walls)

Frequent funny man Jack Black as a warlock? That’s what the 2018 fantasy The House With A Clock In Its Walls delivers, as the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle star portrays a boy’s magic uncle who lives in the house of a dead evil wizard and is trying to discover the location and purpose of a clock the previous dastardly owner hid in the walls.

Jude Law (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald)

While much of the Harry Potter franchise featured either actors Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as the beloved Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, when the prequels were made, a younger Albus Dumbledore was needed and they called in Jude Law to fill the wizard’s very important and legendary shoes.

Julianne Moore (Seventh Son)

Last but certainly not least on our list of famed actors who’ve brought wizards, witches and magicians to life is lauded talent Julianne Moore. The Academy Award winner starred in 2015’s Seventh Son as the evil witch Mother Malkin, who escapes after many years imprisoned and looks to restore her full power by any means necessary.

As you can see, many of our most beloved stars have portrayed wizards, witches and magicians!

This year’s TV premiere schedule has been full of Taylor Sheridan drama, and the future won’t be much different. Between finalizing Tulsa King Season 2 for its September premiere, filming Yellowstone’s final Season 5 episodes for November, and keeping fans curious about Mayor of Kingstown’s Season 4 chances, Taylor Sheridan is as busy as TV creators get. To say nothing of upcoming Yellowstone shows like 1922, 1944, and the franchise’s first number-free spinoff: The Madison.

News tied to this follow-up series first arose in the midst of the heavily reported BTS feud between Sheridan and Yellowstone star Kevin Costner, though the expectations and details were far different at the time. After a bit of quiet, the Paramount Network original is quickly coming together on the way to a production start, so let’s grab our most comfortable saddles for a quick trot through everything we know so far about The Madison.

When Is The Madison's Premiere Date?

When the concept of a Yellowstone continuation series was first announced, the goal was to have it kick off right as the mothership series was ending, with an initial release window of November 2024 suggested at the time. Those plans were jettisoned as the development process became more complicated and less streamlined, not to mention thwarted by industry strikes.

Thus, Paramount Network currently has no exact premiere date set for The Madison, which is still in pre-production mode at the time of this writing. That said, the current plans are for the series to begin filming following the conclusion of Yellowstone’s Season 5 production, and a vague 2025 release window. It will be filming in Montana, New York, and Texas.

The Madison's Cast List

Though casting rumors for The Madison were wholly tied to Matthew McConaughey before it was even officially happening, he and producers reportedly didn't see eye to eye on certain matters. Other rumors surfaced later, with Kurt Russell namechecked as a possible co-lead, but he has yet to be confirmed. Now let's take a look at those who are 100% part of the cast.

Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn

The Madison will be headed up by former Catwoman and Janet Van Dyne portrayer Michelle Pfeiffer, who was first rumored to be attached to the project in April 2024. This marks a change from the norm for the Oscar-nominated actress, whose only other series regular TV duties in the past 40 years came with Showtime's The First Lady.

Patrick J. Adams as Russell McIntosh

Best known for playing Mike Ross in the legal dramedy Suits, Patrick J. Adams is heading to his first Taylor Sheridan project with The Madison, but definitely not his only TV effort in the years since Suits ended. He's earned acclaim for his roles in The Right Stuff, A League of Their Own and Plan B, with quite a few upcoming projects, from the miniseries Lockerbie to Mae Martin's miniseries Wayward.

Matthew Fox as Paul

Party of Five and Lost vet Matthew Fox joined the cast of The Madison, according to Deadline, as a character named Paul. After taking some years away from acting following his role in the hyper-violent western Bone Tomahawk, Fox returned to TV in 2022 with the miniseries Last Light, and co-starred in the Roku Original comedy C*A*U*G*H*T in 2023.

Elle Chapman as Paige McIntosh

For her first big TV role, actress Elle Chapman will be taking on the character Paige McIntosh. (She’d previously lent her voice for an episode of the series The Girl in the Mirror.) Chapman’s biggest break to date was in Tom Hanks’ 2022 novel adaptation A Man Called Otto, but she’ll also soon be seen in Michael O. Sajbel’s western Florida Wild opposite Mira Sorvino, Lee Majors and Chandler Riggs.

Beau Garrett as Abigail Reese

A TV vet with several shows under her belt, Beau Garrett will be joining The Madison in the role of Abigail Reese. Though her western experience largely came through two eps of Longmire, Garrett has starred in other dramas such as Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, The Good Doctor and, most recently, Firefly Lane.

Amiah Miller as Bridgette Reese

Amiah Miller, who is arguably best known as the human girl Nova from the modern Planet of the Apes movies, will enjoy the Montana landscapes as the character Bridgette Reese. Having most recently co-starred in the horror comedy feature My Best Friend's Exorcism, Miller's next feature effort will be opposite Sarah Paulson in the 1930s-set horror Hold Your Breath.

What Is The Madison About?

First and foremost, here's the basic logline for The Madison as laid out by Paramount Network in the announcement:

More specifically, a past report from TVLine states that Michelle Pfeiffer's Stacy Clyburn is dealing with a load of grief after her husband and her brother-in-law tragically lose their lives in a plane crash. The Madison will follow her and her family's journey from New York City to Montana.

It's possible that Pfeiffer's reported character name is not finalized, as it doesn't match up with any of the other characters. But we do know that she's the mother of Beau Garrett and Elle Chapman's characters. Garrett's Abigaile Reese is an adaptable and wry New Yorker whose recent divorce left her a single mother of two, with Amiah Miller playing her older daughter Bridgette.

Then we have the McIntosh family, with Patrick J. Adams and Elle Chapman playing a wealthy couple from New York who are used to living in luxury. His character Russell is an investment banker who has never strayed from his perceived life path, while Chapman's Paige is his pampered and egotistical wife who has never been above taking handouts from her parents as well as her hubby.

At this point, it's entirely unclear whether or not the characters noted above will be crossing paths with anyone from Paradise Valley, particularly the Dutton clan. But it seems highly likely that familiar faces will pop up.

The Madison Possibly Isn't Replacing The '2024' Sequel, Which May Still Hdappen

There are still some inconsistencies in the details regarding the various Yellowstone spinoffs, such as whether or not the tentatively titled 2024 spinoff that was announced along with 1944 is the same project that is now being dubbed The Madison. While it might seem that way from the outset, considering the timing of things, that may be a wrongful assumption.

It appears as if Puck News (via TVLine) pushed the notion that Michelle Pfeiffer's new series isn't actually a substitute replacement for 2024, despite her name being discussed as a replacement for Matthew McConaughey earlier in the year. One potential piece of proof is that the direct follow-up was also supposed to feature returning Yellowstone stars such as Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser and Luke Grimes.

Rumors spread in February 2024 that contractual negotiations with those actors hit snags, making it possible that they wouldn't be able to return. The project wasn't ever outright canceled following those reports, so it's technically still possible that 2024 (or whatever it would be called) can still come together.

While waiting for the next chapter in Yellowstone's saga, the current four-and-a-half seasons of the western drama can be streamed with a Peacock subscription.

Let's be honest, I’ve been confused about the future of Yellowstone and its upcoming series since the day rumored drama was first reported about Kevin Costner and the announcement of the spinoffs 1944 and 2024 happened. Now, it’s been reported that 2024 will be called The Madison and it will star Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell and Patrick J. Adams. While that casting, title and story news are so exciting, it’s also left me deeply confused about whether Matthew McConaughey will still be in the series and how/if it will be connected to Taylor Sheridan’s flagship Western.

The Information About The Yellowstone Spinoff That Confused Me 

A little over a year ago, as Yellowstone cancellation rumors swirled and the reported drama between Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan heated up, a sequel series potentially starring Matthew McConaughey was announced. Now, the Oscar winner was never officially connected to the show, and with this new news from TVLine, his potential role in the series became more blurred, as it was reported:

So, this brings up two confusing questions that we’re about to break down: Will McConaughey be involved? And will the show be connected to Yellowstone? Both are vital and need answers, especially with The Madison reportedly going into production later this month.

So, Will Matthew McConaughey Be Involved?

Since Matthew McConaughey was never confirmed to be part of this series, I will not be shocked if he’s not in the show. In fact, I’ll be more surprised if he does end up being part of the cast. However, all this considered, we need some clarity on where he stands with this project.

Back in January, there were reports that McConaughey’s Yellowstone series might be in trouble, and, before this news about Pfeiffer, Russell and Adams was announced, it was rumored that the Dangerous Minds star would take his place as the lead. The TVLine report also speculated that it’s possible Russell could be taking over the character the Interstellar star was set to play.

All around, I’m confused by Matthew McConaughey’s connection to this project, and I need some straightforward clarity about whether he’ll be in this show or not.

Is This Show Going To Be Connected To Yellowstone Or It’s Own Thing?

For a while, this new series, now apparently called The Madison, was called 2024, and it was assumed that it would be a sequel to Taylor Sheridan's first modern Western show.

With the final episodes of Yellowstone airing in November on the 2024 TV schedule, there were reports that actors from the flagship show could be in it and that there was drama when it came to Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly signing contracts for it.

I was under the assumption that this new spinoff would be a continuation of sorts and be connected directly to Sheridan’s OG series. Now, I’m not so sure.

The rumored plot details for the series that’s now reportedly named The Madison suggest that we’ll follow a family as they move from New York City to Montana. Other than the fact that the (formerly) Kevin Costner-led show takes place in Montana, I see no other direct connections between the two shows.

Back when it was named 2024, it fit in with the numbered titles of the other Yellowstone spinoffs – 1923, 1883 and so on – and I was ready to see the Dutton’s present story continue. However, now, with a name like The Madison, I’m confused about whether that will happen or if we’re just getting an entirely new show that is simply the same genre as the Western we all know and love.

All around, we really need details about this new spinoff. There’s a lot we don’t know about it, and I think many of us are desperate to find out if those rumors about Matthew McConaughey are true and if this show will still focus on the Duttons.

With production reportedly set to start soon, hopefully, clarity will come with it. In the meantime, let’s focus on what we do know, the final episodes of Yellowstone will begin airing on the Paramount Network on November 10, and in the meantime, you can stream the first five seasons with a Peacock subscription.

After about a year of waiting, we finally have details on the long-awaited Yellowstone spinoff that was tentatively titled 2024. That's right, reports claim that Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell and Patrick J. Adams will be leading the cast of the project rumored to be titled The Madison. While that's thrilling news, it's the story details that have me super excited.

Let's start with the casting. According to TVLine, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell and Patrick J. Adams are "nearing deals" to star in this Yellowstone spinoff. Along with them, Beau Garrett is expected to join the show too. Previously, word on the street was Matthew McConaughey would possibly lead this series with some of the Yellowstone cast. However, that appears to no longer be the case, and we don’t know where McConaughey’s reported involvement stands or how/if this show is directly connected to the flagship Western.

Along with this big casting news, the report also revealed the basic premise of the upcoming Yellowstone series, explaining:

I'm so into this idea! Yellowstone is all about a family who has owned the same ranch for generations trying to keep it. The notion that this will be about a family leaving New York City to move to Montana flips the script the other way, and it will give us a whole new perspective on modern Western life.

Now, don't get me wrong, these big names excite me. However, we've come to expect casting news like this from a Taylor Sheridan show. From Kevin Costner to Harrison Ford to Helen Mirren to Nicole Kidman to Jeremy Renner to even Morgan Freeman, he has a reputation for reeling in massive names to headline his shows. So, the trio of Pfeiffer, Russell and Adams is exciting, but that caliber of actor was expected.

Personally, I can’t wait to see these three on-screen playing out this story. It’s an unexpected trio, and I love the idea of Pfeiffer presumably leading it all. Plus, not only am I stoked to see powerhouses like her and Kurt Russell as leads, I’m also excited to see Patrick J. Adams in a new kind of show. He’s best known for Suits, and I never thought I’d see him in a Western. However, as Cole Hauser, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes and Kelly Reilly have proven, these shows can totally transform a career and really highlight an actor's range.

However, again, what really makes me excited here is the story. It seems like this show will move away from the Dutton’s tale, and will show a family in modern times moving West. I’m also intrigued by these deaths that lead to the move and the idea of seeing these folks acclimate to rural life. All around, these tiny but mighty details we’ve gotten about The Madison have increased my excitement for it tenfold.

According to TVLine, production on The Madison is expected to start later this month, and they’ll film in New York, Montana and Texas. It appears that the series will premiere sometime next year, after Yellowstone’s final episodes drop – those will begin airing on the 2024 TV schedule on November 10.

As we learn more about this star-studded series that is apparently now called The Madison, we’ll be sure to keep you posted. When it comes to what you can do, you can go back and stream the first five seasons of Yellowstone with a Peacock subscription, and check out Taylor Sheridan’s catalog of other shows with a Paramount+ subscription.

The comic book genre has ben dominating the entertainment industry for years now, with fans looking forward to upcoming superhero movies. That pop culture power has influenced other industries, most recently Ariana Grande's new music video. Because the visuals for "The Boy Is Mine" are here, where she puts her spin on Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman, and also features cameos from Brandy, Monica, and Penn Badgley. 

Grande has a penchant for referencing iconic movies in her music videos; "We Can't Be Friends" was inspired by Eternals Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, while "Thank U Next" put a spin on Mean Girls, Legally Blonde and 13 Going on 30. Grande's YouTube published the video for "The Boy Is Mine" where she turns into Catwoman for a variation of Batman Returns. 

Honestly, get this girl into an upcoming DC movie. With Ariana Grande helping to lead the cast of Wicked as Glinda, she's returning to acting in a big way. And clearly she could pull off Catwoman's costume for James Gunn's new DCU. 

The above video starts with Arian Grande taking on more of the Selina Kyle we saw at the start of Batman Returns. She's got a house full of cats, some leather jackets, and a dream: to make the new mayor fall in love with her. Soon she sews herself a costume, wields a whip, and takes to the rooftops to make her dreams come true. 

When the track list for Grande's latest album eternal sunshine, fans assumed that "the boy is mine" would be sampling Brady and Monica's iconic 1998 song of the same name. While that wasn't the case, fans will be delighted to see the singing duo cameo as newscasters in Grande's new video.

When the eternal sunshine album was released, the public thought that "the boy is mine" was about Ariana Grande's relationship with actor Ethan Slater. The pair met filming the Wicked movies together, and made a ton of headlines when they got together, and split from their respective partners at the time. Grande and Slater are reportedly quite serious, although there's been discourse online about the timeline of their relationship and former partners. 

The video for "the boy is mine" didn't explicitly reference her relationship to Slater. Although I have to assume that the movie's theme about a rat infestation has to do with insiders close to the couple who may have spoken to the media without their permission. Of course, I could be totally off base and this could be a wholly original story. But I'm not the only fan who is going to be looking for a connection to real life. 

The wait for the first Wicked movie is nearly over, as it hits theaters on November 27th. While we wait, check the 2024 movie release dates.

For all that Yellowstone’s early seasons were fairly straightforward in both their arrival and the news cycles leading up to those debuts, the same cannot be said at all for the fifth and final season. For now, the plan remains to film the final Season 5 episodes ahead of a premiere late in the 2024 TV schedule, with the previously announced sequel series soon to follow. But despite all the months that have passed since that announcement, the follow-up project seems to still be stalling out over Matthew McConaughey’s contract negotiations, and a new rumor points to an award-winning actress potentially stepping in to give the franchise another dose of cowgrrl power.

Why Hasn't Matthew McConaughey Signed On For Yellowstone's Sequel Series?

Reports of Matthew McConaughey potentially joining the lineup of upcoming Yellowstone shows first made waves back when the behind-the-scenes chaos between Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan was initially revealed. It was around three months later, in May 2023, when Paramount Network made the news official, and then six months after that, the project was revealed to be titled 2024.

Unfortunately, during all that time, McConaughey remained an unsigned and unofficial part of the Yellowstone universe. As well, no information was ever revealed that offered up concrete character details, as far as whether he would be part of the Dutton family officially, or if he would be a non-related part of the inner circle.

According to RadarOnline, the actor’s requested per-episode salary has been the major sticking point blocking agreements from being made. Back in December, it was reported that the True Detective vet asked for a $2.5 million-an-episode deal. It appears producers continue to balk at that hefty ask, and McConaughey allegedly hasn’t backed down either. Which is said to have made it fairly easy for someone else to slide in and take over the reins…someone like Michelle Pfeiffer, perhaps.

Michelle Pfeiffer Is Rumored To Potentially Lead Yellowstone Spinoff

Though Kevin Costner recently discussed Yellowstone for the first time in nearly a year, stating his interest in returning after previously making it clear he didn't want to, the Oscar-winning filmmaker can't reverse the negative effect his exit already had on the flagship western. Had he not bowed out over scheduling issues, which included calling the show out in court during his divorce proceedings, it's likely Paramount Network and Taylor Sheridan wouldn't have been so pressured to craft an endgame scenario.

But here we are, and if McConaughey's financial requirements are deemed to be too pricy for the network, RadarOnline says Michelle Pfeiffer is interested adding another TV credit to her resume, which also includes Showtime's 2022 anthology drama The First Lady and HBO's 2017 TV movie The Wizard of Lies. (Before that, her three most recent TV roles were a trio of '90s appearances in Picket Fences, Muppets Tonight and The Simpsons.)

Here's how the outlet's source explained it:

Of course, without something more official being announced, it's hard to take this report without heaping grains of salt. I would absolutely love to see Pfeiffer step up as a long-lost Dutton family member who returns to the ranch to raise hell for its detractors. Especially after her return to blockbuster narratives in recent years.

While Batman Returns' Catwoman will always be a fan-favorite role from the actress' career, she more recently joined the MCU as Janet Van Dyne in the Ant-Man & The Wasp movies, as well as Avengers: Endgame. (Not to mention her roles in Murder on the Orient Express and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.) So she'd definitely bring a renewed sense of star power to a Yellowstone sequel if she was indeed a favored replacement.

Plus, I think we can all agree that having another badass female in the family would be a boon for Kelly Reilly's Beth Dutton, who often has to handle all the misogyny-destroying monologues herself. (At least assuming Reilly was honest in denying the rumors about her and co-stars' contract negotiations for the spinoff being a source of contention.

For now, fans can stream all currently available episodes of Yellowstone with a Peacock subscription, with the prequels available to stream via Paramount+ subscription.

As much as we like to see Hollywood as a dream factory, some projects can be total nightmares. Maybe people realize that fact during production, or maybe it’s a big case of hindsight providing 20/20 vision; but eventually there comes a time when an entertainer decides that their own movie is the enemy. For one reason or another, the list we’re about to share with you is a bunch of cases where that sort of takedown was warranted by the talent that had to endure making them in the first place. 

Jamie Lee Curtis - Virus

No matter how many times the 1999 sci-fi horror movie Virus comes up, it seems that Jamie Lee Curtis has a colorful variety of responses that detail just how flat-out horrible the finished product was. And depending on which interview you read, the language can get just as cheeky, so reader discretion is definitely advised. 

Michael Caine - Jaws: The Revenge

If you ever want a lesson in destroying a cinematic turkey with great wit and class, look up Michael Caine’s remarks on Jaws: The Revenge. Simultaneously admitting he’d never watched the film, but loved the personal enrichment that came from it, it’s one of the best moments of Sir Michael’s legendary charm at work.

Charlize Theron - Reindeer Games

How bad is the perennial punchline Reindeer Games? Well, if you ask Charlize Theron like Esquire did back in 2008, the Ben Affleck co-starring film is "a bad, bad, bad movie." So that question's pretty much asked and answered. 

George Clooney - Batman and Robin

George Clooney’s continued Batman regrets will never stop being entertaining. Playing that very DC hero in 1997’s Batman & Robin, the infamously campy Joel Schumacher picture holds a very special place in the ER veteran’s heart; and it’s one of intensely self-deprecating comedy. 

Katherine Heigl - Knocked Up

The story about Katherine Heigl and her apparent lack of love for Knocked Up is one that’s circulated pretty much since Judd Apatow’s 2008 comedy mega-hit landed. However, it seems that years after the star seemed to slam her own movie, Heigl’s 2016 comments on the matter painted a different picture.

Christopher Plummer - The Sound of Music

How an actor like the late great Christopher Plummer could grow to despise a musical like The Sound of Music is still a mystery. Well, it’s puzzling in the sense that his apparent criticism of its sentimental and emotional nature feels a bit rough. Despite his misgivings, the Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation remains one of Christopher Plummer’s best roles. 

Sally Field - The Amazing Spider-Man

Comic book movies aren’t for everyone, and The Amazing Spider-Man’s Sally Field admitted just that when talking about her role as Andrew Garfield’s Aunt May. Field’s reason for taking the role as a favor to her friend, late producer Laura Ziskin, is still sweet. But digging into Sally’s comments about the Marvel role, it would seem that there isn’t enough money in the Multiverse to bring the Academy Award winner back for any hypothetical follow-ups.

Edward Norton - The Italian Job

One of the most infamous stories of modern movie feuds, Edward Norton’s reluctance to play the villain in The Italian Job remake came down to two words: contractual obligations. As Observer covered in the lead-up to the movie’s production, Norton fulfilled his duties; but did so while taking every chance to put the project down. 

Jessica Alba - Fantastic Four

When your director tells you that CGI tears are better than the actual waterworks you’re providing on set, to say things are problematic is a bit of an understatement. That’s the scenario that Jessica Alba faced on Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which she revealed to Elle Magazine (via Today) as the reason she almost quit acting. 

Bill Murray - Garfield: The Movie

Confusion is something that even a legendary comedian like Bill Murray can admit to falling into from time to time. It just so happens that one of those times saw the legacy cast member of Ghostbusters accidentally assume one of The Coen Bros. wrote Garfield: The Movie. Thankfully for Murray, he only had to make one sequel before the franchise shifted gears to another iteration.

Jennifer Lawrence - Passengers

When Adele tells you to skip a movie like Passengers, that’s a sign you should take to heart. Unfortunately, Jennifer Lawrence ignored this advice, and what resulted was a movie that is as questionable as it is baffling. On the plus side, hearing Ms. Lawrence trash that movie means that the project is technically a valuable source of entertainment.

Channing Tatum - G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

We’ve all kind of known that Channing Tatum despises G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra; and rightfully so. But just how horrible was the man’s opinion of this past franchise starter? Well, not only did he pass on this project seven times, but when G.I. Joe: Retaliation came about, Tatum requested to be killed off in that very sequel. 

Viola Davis - The Help

Despite the contemporary hoopla that saw The Help become an Academy Awards darling at 2012’s Oscars, Viola Davis’ opinion on the movie is far from golden. Indeed, the project has become more and more scrutinized as time goes on, and Davis’ upset with the movie has only developed more nuance over time. 

Ryan Reynolds - Green Lantern

Even if you knew nothing about Ryan Reynolds starring in the much-maligned Green Lantern adaptation, his dislike for the picture is legendary. Especially when part of Deadpool 2’s wild time travel-correcting ending saw the Marvel anti-hero icing his reality-bound actor before even getting to make the film. 

Halle Berry - Catwoman

The downside to Halle Berry being in Catwoman is that she, unfortunately, had to actually make the movie. However, the upside to this painful experience is that Berry’s quips and jabs at her unfortunate DC Comics entry continue to show her impeccable sense of humor. 

Oscar Isaac - X-Men: Apocalypse

While Oscar Isaac doesn’t outright disown his X-Men movie, he does express serious regret for taking on the titular role in X-Men: Apocalypse. Though if you were cast to act up against James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, only to have your abilities hampered by an abundance of prosthetics, you’d probably be pretty steamed too. 

Dame Judi Dench - Cats

Not many actors would consider a Razzie nomination entertaining, or even valid. But then again, Cats' Dame Judi Dench isn't "most actors." Proud to have not seen the film, or read its reviews, the famed performer laughed off her own nomination, and even compared her character's final look to a bunch of foxes engaged in some not-so-family-friendly activity. 

Matt Damon - The Bourne Ultimatum

For as much cultural cache as the Jason Bourne movies still have in the world, it’s kind of astounding that the subpar reaction to some of the sequels doesn’t seem to have dampened that pedigree. That’s an especially good question after Matt Damon’s trashing of The Bourne Ultimatum script somehow didn’t prevent the worst sin that franchise has committed, 2016’s Jason Bourne. 

Megan Fox - Transformers

Megan Fox’s relationship with the Transformers franchise saw her putting the Hasbro toy franchise on blast after the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. More specifically, her comments comparing Michael Bay to Hitler allegedly helped distance her even further from the series that she apparently has no particular love for. 

Matthew Goode - Leap Year

In remarks to The Telegraph about his role in the rom-com Leap Year, Matthew Goode fully admitted that the Amy Adams starring vehicle wasn’t exactly ideal for his tastes. Taking a page out of Michael Caine’s proverbial book on silver linings, Goode did admit that one of the reasons he did enjoy being part of the project was the fact that he could go home easily on the weekends. 

Kate Winslet - Titanic

While the world fell in love with Kate Winslet after her role in Titanic, the actor herself didn’t exactly love watching herself put in, what she feels, was a performance full of errors. Even in a legacy interview with CNN, Winslet criticized everything, even her American accent.  

Mark Wahlberg - Boogie Nights

Boogie Nights was a star making performance for Mark Wahlberg, and to this day it’s a role that’s aged well on his resume. And yet, Wahlberg has asked God to forgive him for making the Paul Thomas Anderson masterpiece, regarding it the biggest mistake of his career. 

Michelle Pfeiffer - Grease 2

Allegedly, Michelle Pfeiffer was cited to have chalked up her experience with Grease 2 as a case of being young and not knowing how to pick a good script. While those stories persist, Pfieffer has apparently started to set the record straight, attributing her supposed Grease sequel bashing to misreported remarks that grew a life of their own.

Sir Alec Guinness - Star Wars

While Sir Alec Guinness’ reaction to watching Star Wars was one of being refreshed, his outlook on taking the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t as rosy. Actually making George Lucas’ sci-fi opus was a different story, with Guinness’ on-set feelings seeing the legendary actor less than pleased in the middle of production.

Miriam Margolyes - The Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter fans have been a frequent source of discussion for actor Miriam Margolyes. The performer who brought Madame Sprout to live in the film adaptation of the series not only has no personal connection with the franchise but she’s also shared some thoughts on adult Potter fans that have kicked up more dirt than one of her Herbology classes.

Sylvester Stallone - Stop, Or My Mom Will Shoot!

The widely reported story of how Sylvester Stallone became the action lead in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot! is thanks to his feud with action star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Apparently, Arnie tricked him into thinking he wanted the movie, which led Stallone to lobby for the part, and win it. His enduring torment can still be heard to this day, and Sly has even suggested the film as a form of interrogation enhancement. Yikes.

Dakota Johnson - Madame Web

Madame Web seems to be an experience that barely anyone enjoyed, even the actors who starred in the movie. Dakota Johnson’s skewering of the finished product, while extremely erudite and empathetic towards herself and the rest of the cast, cuts to the core problems that some feel superhero movies have possessed since day one. 

Daniel Radcliffe - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Out of all the Harry Potter movies Daniel Radcliffe has fronted, the one that comes in as his least favorite is the sixth entry, The Half Blood Prince. Radcliffe called his own performance “one-note,” especially when compared to his own personal favorite: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Jennifer Aniston - Leprechaun

Jennifer Aniston’s performance in Leprechaun makes her cringe to this day. So much so that in a 2019 interview on The Howard Stern Show, she mentioned that she tried and failed to stop her then-boyfriend Justin Theroux from watching the film; much to her dismay. 

Brad Pitt - The Devil’s Own

“20 pages of dog…” You can fill that phrase in for yourself, but Brad Pitt’s Newsweek interview about 1997’s The Devil’s Own said all that needed to be said about the actor’s feelings for the Harrison Ford co-starring drama. 

Sandra Bullock - Speed 2: Cruise Control

Some experience will stick with you, no matter how hard you try. Sandra Bullock’s no-sequel rule was an echo of such a trauma, thanks to her displeasure with Speed 2: Cruise Control. Admittedly, her concerns about a large cruise ship not being as perceptively speedy as a city bus were part of the equation as well, and can you blame her? 

Robert Pattinson - Twilight

Robert Pattinson’s hate affair with the Twilight Saga is as well-documented as the memes that have committed the franchise’s dialogue to memory. Thankfully, the man didn’t develop an aversion to bats, otherwise The Batman wouldn’t have happened; which is probably one of the best things that actually came out of Twilight when you think about it.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this trip in the trenches with stars who had to tell it like it is. Judging by some of the movies mentioned here, it might be safe to say that for the most part, these reactions were spot on. But if you’re ever wondering why a movie you're fond of might be slammed by an actor or entertainer involved, keep these tales of woe in mind, and try not to take it too personally.

With her sensual-yet-sinister take on Selina Kyle, Michelle Pfeiffer offered up not only one of the best Catwoman performances on screen but one of the best movie villains of all time. So much so that it's hard to imagine anyone else playing her, no offense to Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry or director Tim Burton's original pick for the role, Annette Benning.

Despite how iconic her performance was, Pfeiffer sadly never returned to play Catwoman in any of the live-action Batman films after making 1992's Batman Returns. But there were plans back in the day for Warner Bros. to develop a spinoff centered on Michelle's superhero villainess, and Burton's ideas for the follow-up film were very different from the original movie.

Batman Returns writer Daniel Waters revealed Burton's kooky concept for the Catwoman spinoff during a Los Angeles screening of the movie back in December, per IndieWire:

However, Waters' own ideas for the spinoff greatly differed from Burton's: the screenwriter wanted to make a cheeky, satirical take that would have poked fun at the superhero genre à la Prime Video's The Boys, but the director wanted a black-and-white drama that paid tribute to Jacques Tourneur’s 1942 horror film, Cat People. (not to be confused with that other horror film, Cats.)

Of course, neither version of the Pfeiffer-focused Catwoman spinoff ever materialized: Tim Burton would leave the world of comic books to go produce 1993's The Nightmare Before Christmas and direct 1994's Ed Wood, while Michelle Pfeiffer would trade pleather bodysuits for period corsets in Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence. The next time moviegoers would see Selina Kyle onscreen, she was being played by Halle Berry in 2004's Catwoman and, well, we all know how that went.

During the Batman Returns screening, Waters also offered up some behind-the-scenes intel on that movie, saying neither he nor Tim Burton were all that concerned with faithfulness to the comics:

However, it clearly all worked out, Waters says, as Batman diehards have since come around to the "interesting" film:

You can watch Michelle Pfeiffer's epic performance as Catwoman in Batman Returns by streaming the superhero flick with a Max subscription. And if you want even more Selina Kyle in any form, here's what we know about The Batman 2, including whether we'll be seeing Zoe Kravitz return as the feline femme fatale.

How do you pick just one of the ‘80s movies for the biggest movie stars of the decade? It’s a challenging task, but we figure we’re up for the job. So if you find yourself only able to watch a single '80s film starring each of these icons, here’s the only list you’ll need. 

Tom Cruise - Top Gun

This one is obvious, right? Top Gun is the movie that made Tom Cruise a superstar and his career has never wavered since. It was such a cultural phenomenon at the time that not only did it make an astounding $357 million at the box office (against a $15 million budget), it became the best-selling VHS tape of all time, based on pre-orders alone! Everyone saw it that summer, and again when it was released on home video. He revived the franchise 36 years later and dominated at the box office again with Top Gun: Maverick. 

Steve Martin - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Steve Martin had a string of hits in the 1980s, but his best of the bunch was Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. It’s a perfect example of how varied Martin’s comedy could be. At times refined, at others completely physical and off the wall. Martin puts everything into this performance and it shows in the results. It’s just a brilliantly hilarious film. 

Whoopi Goldberg - Jumpin’ Jack Flash

Whoopi Goldberg burst onto the big screen in The Color Purple (more on that film in a minute). Her performance was lauded by critics, with Roger Ebert calling it “one of the most amazing debut performances in movie history.” It’s certainly a film worth watching for her Oscar-nominated performance, but if you really want to get a great idea of what Goldberg was all about in the ‘80s, check out  Jumpin’ Jack Flash. Goldberg is, after all, a comedian at heart, and she brings all her comedic skill to bare in this early tech/spy thriller. It’s another A+ performance from the star of The View.

Goldie Hawn - Overboard

Goldie Hawn was already a veteran in show business by the time the ‘80s started, but she saved some of her best performances for the decade. In her final movie of the decade, she teamed up with Kurt Russell for Overboard, and the chemistry between the two is right there on the screen for all to see. Both actors are amazing, and Hawn truly is one of America’s sweethearts. 

Morgan Freeman - Lean On Me

By 1989, Morgan Freeman had been steadily working in Hollywood for more than two decades, but it was that year that his career jumped to superstar levels. He starred in 4 films in the final year of the decade, including Driving Miss Daisy and Glory. Those two films garnered 14 Oscar nominations between them, including a Best Actor nod for Freeman. It was a third film though, Lean On Me that really lit the screen on fire. Based on the true story of a principal named Joe Clark who is charged with cleaning up a Paterson, NJ school. Freeman’s performance is powerful and set the stage for all that came after it in his career. 

Demi Moore - About Last Night

One of the actors to emerge out of the 1980s “Brat Pack,” Demi Moore forged a career that lasted well into the ‘90s and beyond, with some of her finest work coming in her first few films. One of those, About Last Night, holds up incredibly well. It’s a unique take on the rom-com and is at times much more serious than so many others from this era, due in large part to the grittier story it was adapted from (David Mamet’s play, Sexual Perversity in Chicago) and Moore’s excellent performance alongside Rob Lowe.  

Harrison Ford - Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Sure, there are a few movies that would fit here for Harrison Ford, like that one about the space wars or whatever it’s called. But for pure, distilled Ford, nothing beats Indiana Jones and nothing beats the OG Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’s Ford at his very best: snarky, charming, witty, and tough. No Nazi is safe with Indy after them. 

Oprah Winfrey - The Color Purple

Oprah Winfrey’s rise to all-powerful media queen began in the ‘80s and a very big piece of that was her acting performance in 1985’s The Color Purple. She was nominated for an Oscar in her film debut and almost four decades later, the film’s powerful message of overcoming abuse still resonates with audiences. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, though it shockingly didn’t win any, which is a shame. 

Chevy Chase - Fletch

Like Harrison Ford, you could go in a lot of directions with Chevy Chase, but, like Raiders, you need to go with the purest form of Chase and for that, there is nothing better than the original Fletch. He's at his sarcastic best as Irwin Fletcher. No one can quite be as charmingly condescending as peak Chase and no one is spared here. Order up a couple of steak sandwiches and some caviar; Fletch just hit a water buffalo.

Meryl Streep - Out Of Africa

In the 10 Academy Awards shows of the ‘80s, Meryl Streep was nominated seven times. She won her first (and only of the decade) for 1982’s Sophie’s Choice, but let’s get real, as amazing as she is in it, no one really wants to sit down with a bowl of popcorn and watch that one. Instead, consider a performance just as good, but slightly more upbeat (only slightly, though). Out of Africa is beautiful, as are Streep and Robert Redford in the lead roles, and the tragic story comes to life like magic with her performance. 

Geena Davis - Beetlejuice

Geena Davis made steady progress in her career in the early ‘80s but really found a new level in Beetlejuice. Her on-screen partnership with Alec Baldwin as two ghosts frustrated with the people living in their house is excellent, as they more or less play the “straight man” to Micheal Keaton’s titular character. It’s not an easy gig, but Davis is amazing. 

Jackie Chan - Police Story

Jackie Chan didn’t break big in the United States until the ‘90s and by then he was the biggest action star in Hong Kong. It was 1985’s Police Story that solidified his spot at the top and if you’ve never seen it, you definitely need to. While Chan has always been an amazing stuntman, it’s Police Story that brings all his skills to the forefront, from amazing fight scenes to the epic opening car chase with Chan hanging onto a bus with an umbrella as he pursues the baddies. It’s one of the most insane stunts in Chan’s history of insane stunts. 

Kathleen Turner - Romancing The Stone

Romancing the Stone is one of the great comedies of the 1980s and features some amazing performances from Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito, but Kathleen Turner’s Joan Wilder takes the cake. Or the bail of pot, as the case may be here. Walking that line between an intrepid explorer looking for her kidnapped sister and a damsel in distress, Turner shines. Her chemistry with Douglas and DeVito is so good, they made two more films together, the sequel Jewel of the Nile and the unrelated The War of the Roses, but it’s Stone that remains the best. 

Michael Douglas - Wall Street

Michael Douglas is great as Jack in Romancing The Stone, but it’s his portrayal of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street that makes for one of the greatest movie villains in cinema history. Of course, he won an Oscar for the performance, but it’s how quotable the movie and his character are that makes it one of the best of all time, even if those quoting don’t always understand the heavy-handed irony in each line. 

Edward James Olmos - Stand And Deliver

With Stand And Deliver, director Ramón Menéndez told the true story of math teacher Jaime Escalante who sought to raise the level of education single-handily in an East LA high school by daring to teach underprivileged Hispanic kids calculus. Edward James Olmos plays Escalante brilliantly, earning himself an Oscar nomination in the process. 

Tom Hanks - Big

Tom Hanks grew up with Big, literally and figuratively. It marks the point in his career when he jumped from a wild and wacky comedian to an actor who can take on any role, no matter how serious, and make it his own. There are the wilder moments, but there is also a real vulnerability to the man-child Josh Baskin that Hanks makes so authentic for the audience. It’s no wonder it earned him his first Oscar nomination. 

Daryl Hannah - Splash

Another Hanks movie also happens to be the great Daryl Hannah’s finest performance. Before Ariel, there was Madison, the mermaid who longed to walk on the land with humans and falls in love with an average Joe. Hannah’s performance magically convinces audiences that it’s exactly what a fish out of water would be like. 

Mel Gibson - Lethal Weapon

Back before Mel Gibson was a lightening rod for controversy, he played some pretty amazing roles and none more so that Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series. From the very first scene, audiences see that classic “Mel Gibson Crazy Eyes” face and it sets the tone for the movie and the franchise, one that had remarkable life to it. That first scene is also why Lethal Weapon should be in the conversation for the best Christmas movie, alongside Die Hard. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Terminator

The decade wouldn't be as big and as over the top as it was without Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Austrian bodybuilder took the movie world by storm and there are any number of enjoyable performances, but if you're looking at 1980s movies, you have to choose The Terminator. It launched him to superstardom, and it kicked off a franchise of Terminator movies that's lasted for decades. Sure, he only has a handful of lines, but no one could top his performance as a relentless killing machine that we all somehow fell in love with… later. 

Sylvester Stallone - First Blood

Not only did First Blood launch one of the most enduring franchises of the era, but it’s also just a really good film. It could be argued that it’s Sylvester Stallone’s best. His performance as a down-and-out Vietnam vet highlighted the plight of returning soldiers from that war. Brian Dennehy plays the antagonist perfectly as the angry sheriff that doesn’t take kindly to strangers in his town. A+. 

Michelle Pfeiffer - Scarface

Scarface really hasn’t aged all that well. Sure, the memes are fantastic, but as a film, it feels as dated as neon green headbands and electric typewriters. The lone exception is Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance. It’s still great, and made her one of the biggest stars of the 1980s. 

Molly Ringwald - Sixteen Candles

Molly Ringwald was once called John Hughes’ muse and it’s easy to see why she became such a mainstay in many of his hit movies from the era. Sixteen Candles is truly one of the funniest movies of the ‘80s, in part because of the side characters, but mostly it’s due to Ringwald’s fantastic performance as the girl the family forgot. 

Denzel Washington - Glory

Denzel Washington was nominated for his first Oscar for 1987’s Cry Freedom, but he won his first for 1989’s Glory. The cool thing about Glory is that it’s actually one of his most powerful performances, as audiences didn’t know him as DENZEL yet. The movie follows one of the few Black companies fighting for the Union during the Civil War and tells a story that had sort of been forgotten in the public consciousness at the time. The success of Glory and of Washington’s performance, especially in the scene where he is whipped, is one of the reasons that story will never be forgotten again. 

Jodie Foster - The Accused

The Accused is not an easy movie to watch. It begins with one of the most brutal rape scenes in cinema history and follows Jodie Foster’s character, Sarah Tobias, on the quest to get justice. The subject matter was so intense, the role was reportedly turned down by a number of A-listers at the time. It was fortuitous for Foster, who had struggled to re-ignite her career after attending Yale. Her performance won her an Oscar and the rest is history. 

Sally Field - Steel Magnolias

There are great Sally Field movies in every decade since she jumped from TV to the big screen in the mid-70s. For the ‘80s, you can’t go wrong with Steel Magnolias. It may be a tad melodramatic at times, but it stays grounded with the acting by Field and other stars like Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine. 

Bill Murray - Ghostbusters

Bill Murray had so many great movies in the 1980s, it’s difficult to pick just one, but in the end, you have to go with Ghostbusters. His turn as Peter Venkman is so funny, so quotable, and so lovable, that without him, it would be a completely different movie. John Belushi in the role was the original plan, but after his death, Murray ended up in the role, and now we can’t imagine it any other way. 

Robin Williams - Good Morning Vietnam

Good Morning Vietnam was an important movie in Robin Williams' stellar career. It was the movie that truly showed audiences just how great his acting chops were. He was no longer just the frenetic comedian running around the stage inspiring laughs. Williams showed his dramatic side, especially after the bomb went off in his favorite cafe. Of course, there is plenty of off-the-wall zaniness from him that we all love, which makes it one of his most well-rounded performances. 

Glenn Close - Fatal Attraction

There are few more quintessential scenes from the 1980s than the boiling bunny in Fatal Attraction. Glenn Close’s performance as the unpredictable, jilted lover is just as iconic. Like the bunny in the pot, her character comes to a slow boil, getting more and more intense as the movie moves along. It’s a masterclass in acting from the legend. 

Micheal J. Fox - Back To The Future

No way we were going to leave Michael J. Fox off this list. Between Family Ties, and Teen Wolf, there is no actor that defines the decade quite like him. Of course, it’s no surprise that the essential movie for any Fox fan is the great Back to the Future. It’s a movie that has been introduced to, and loved by, countless people from Generation X and the following generations. It’s beloved by all. 

Jane Fonda - 9 To 5

Jane Fonda, like Sally Field, has decades of outstanding movies and performances, but when she teamed up with Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin to make 9 to 5, she became an icon to a whole new generation. It’s been more than forty years since its release, but the chemistry between Fonda and Tomlin remains, as they proved last year with Moving On.

Eddie Murphy - Coming To America

Last, but certainly not least, we have one of the biggest breakout stars of the 1980s, Eddie Murphy. Like others, it’s hard to decide on just one, but in the end, it simply has to be Coming To America. It’s the quintessential Murphy film filled with memorable quotes and amazing performances from the entire cast, especially Murphy. 

This list could go on and on. The 1980s were a magical decade in theaters and crafting exhaustive list would prove to be impossible. Luckily, you can find the best ‘80s movies, and even '80s movies that don't get enough love if you need more. 

One of the most fun things to do is think about what could have been if iconic roles were played by actors different from the ones that made them famous. There were a lot of “what ifs” in the 1980s, and just as many in the ‘90s. So, here is our list of 20 actors that almost starred in classic ‘90s films. 

Will Smith – The Matrix

Imagine being presented with two scripts at around the same time. One is Wild Wild West and the other is The Matrix. That’s exactly what happened to Will Smith in 1996 and The Fresh Prince chose… poorly. In a YouTube video posted a few years ago, Smith explained that he did turn down Neo in The Matrix because he didn’t quite understand the pitch from the Wachowskis and made Wild Wild West instead. He admits it feels like a mistake now.

Brad Pitt – The Matrix

Another actor who turned down the Wachowskis and didn't play Neo in The Matrix was Brad Pitt. He has rarely talked about roles he regrets turning down, but at an event with Leonard Maltin at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2020, he admitted to Maltin that he was the first choice to play Neo, but said no. Pitt joked about it, saying, 

At least we go Keanu Reeves in the role, so it wasn't a total loss!

Julia Roberts – Sleepless In Seattle

Sometimes it comes down to timing. That’s what happened to Julia Roberts when she turned down the role of Annie in Sleepless In Seattle. Roberts was committed to another little rom-com called Pretty Woman, so it’s hard to say that she made the wrong choice! Not only did that movie make her a superstar, but even she thinks Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, one of the best on-screen couples ever, were the right combo for Sleepless, telling InStyle (via ABC), 

As she noted, everything really did work out for the best where movie history is concerned.

Molly Ringwald – Pretty Woman

Speaking of Pretty Woman, the movie was originally a much darker portrayal of prostitution in LA, and instead of Julia Robert’s million-watt smile charming audiences, it was ‘80s legend Molly Ringwald lined up to play Vivian. Ringwald didn’t like the plot, however, as she explained to The Guardian,

And, no one can blame Ringwald for following her gut.

Gwyneth Paltrow – Boogie Nights

Howard Stern is famous for getting a lot of information out of the celebrities he interviews. In 2015, he sat down with Gwyneth Paltrow and talked about some of the roles she’d passed on in her career. The most intriguing, by far, was Roller Girl in Boogie Nights, who was played by Heather Graham, of course. If you’re wondering if she passed because of the nudity, you’re correct. She told the shock jock, 

Paltrow wasn’t the only actor to pass on the script either, Leonardo DiCaprio decided to star in Titanic over Boogie Nights as well. 

Michelle Pfeiffer And Jodie Foster – Thelma & Louise

Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon are so good together as the titular Thelma & Louise it’s impossible to imagine any other actors in the roles, but they weren’t actually the first choices of the producers. After the script was finished, producer Ridley Scott signed Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster up to star as Thelma and Louise, respectively. As the story goes, it took quite a long time for Scott to decide on a director, a role he would eventually take himself, and in the meantime, Foster and Pfeiffer moved on to other projects, opening the door for Sarandon and Davis. 

Tom Cruise – The Shawshank Redemption

This is a bit of a complicated story. Frank Darabont wrote the script for The Shawshank Redemption based on a short novella by Stephen King. Darabont always had in his mind that he would also direct the film. When he sold the picture to Castle Rock, the production company had a different idea. Rob Reiner, one of the principals in Castle Rock, wanted to direct the movie and have Tom Cruise, instead of Tim Robbins, star as Andy Dufresne and in exchange, Darabont would be paid a huge flat fee for the script. Darabont, as he explained to Vanity Fair, stuck to his guns and eventually took a smaller salary and a bigger percentage of the profits. Smart move. 

Billy Crystal – Toy Story

“To infinity and beyond! With a mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich!” It’s safe to say the role of Buzz Lightyear would have been played very differently had the original star offered the role, Billy Crystal, taken it. Instead, turning down the part ended up being one of Crystal’s biggest career regrets. Tim Allen got the role he’s hopefully revisiting soon, almost 30 years after the first movie. Of the decision, Crystal told Yahoo!, 

Many would say that Crystal is correct, and on one else could have played Buzz better.

Nicolas Cage – Lord Of The Rings

One actor who doesn’t seem to regret missing out on a big franchise is Nicholas Cage. According to the Con Air star, he turned down the role of Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, a part made legendary by Viggo Mortensen. It doesn’t bother Cage though, as he told Newsweek about it and other roles he passed on, 

Cage is famous for his fandom, so it's good to know he doesn't regret this decision at all.

Janeane Garofalo – Fight Club

Janeane Garofalo is a Gen X icon, so it only makes sense that she would have been up for a role in a great movie (with one of the all-time great Gen X characters), Fight Club. According to Garofalo, director David Finch gave her the script and told her the part was “hers.” Unfortunately, again, according to Garofalo, Edward Norton didn’t like her for the part and lobbied for Courtney Love, who Pitt didn’t like for the role, so they settled on the outstanding Helena Bonham Carter. Norton disputes the claim, but Garofalo has stuck to her story. 

Halle Berry – Speed

It took a while for Halle Berry and Keanu Reeves to work together, finally teaming up in 2019’s John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parrabellum, but it almost happened much sooner than that. As Berry was promoting that movie, she revealed that she planned to star as Annie in Speed, a role eventually filled by Sandra Bullock, of course. As Berry explained to ET,

The original script was quite different, it seems, and when she saw the final product, she felt the sting, adding "Then I see the movie and I'm like, 'Arrrrghh!'"

Michael Madson – Pulp Fiction

If the Quentin Tarantino Universe is real, then Michael Madson has a big part in it. A role he could’ve played twice. Madson played Vic Vega, a.k.a. Mr. Blonde, in Reservoir Dogs and Tarantino wanted him to reprise the part in Pulp Fiction, however, Madson turned down the opportunity, the role of Vic Vega became his brother Vincent Vega and John Travolta revitalized his career. 

Claire Danes – Titanic

It seems there are stories of almost every actress getting a shot at the role of Rose in Titanic, played in the film by Kate Winslet. While not every claim is accurate, one that certainly is, is that Claire Danes was first offered the part. The Homeland actor has no regrets about not taking the job, and had a pretty good reason why, as she explained to Dax Shephard on his podcast Armchair Expert:

Danes even spoke to Leonardo DiCaprio about it, 

The rest is history!

Drew Barrymore – Scream

You’re probably asking yourself why we included a movie that the actor actually starred in. Well, as it turns out, Drew Barrymore was originally supposed to play Sidney in Scream, whom Neve Campbell turned into a role all her own. Instead of playing the lead, Barrymore suggested they flip the script on the horror genre and cast her as a character that would die at the beginning, leaving audiences to wonder if anyone was safe. Alfred Hitchcock would have been proud. 

Samuel L. Jackson – Boogie Nights

In Season 3 of The Family Guy they make a joke about Samuel L. Jackson being in “everything” including the porn movie Brian is directing. One thing Jackson hasn’t done, is play a porn star, though he almost starred as Buck Swope, the character made famous by Don Cheadle in Boogie Nights. According to director Paul Thomas Anderson in the director’s commentary on the DVD. After getting the script from the then-unknown writer/director, Jackson passed on the project, presumably because of the content of the film, as Gwyneth Paltrow did as well. 

What Ifs…

In most movies, there are “dream” actors that producers, writers, and directors envision in a role, but ultimately are never seriously considered for various reasons. In the ‘90s, there were some seriously big names attached to what would become big roles that aren’t included on this list because it was usually just daydreaming.

Take, for example, Mel Gibson as The Dude in The Big Lebowski. That’s right, the Coen Brothers initially hoped Gibson would play the role, but the script didn’t do anything for him, so the part went to Jeff Bridges and the rest of us abide by this decision. 

How about Leonardo DiCaprio as Will Hunting in Good Will Hunting? That’s what the studio wanted, but Matt Damon says he took a page from Sylvester Stallone and stuck his guns as Stallone did with the original Rocky, and insisted he play the lead role. How’d them apples work out? 

Finally, in one of the most bizarre ideas ever, John Malkovich was approached by the studio to play Robert DeNiro’s role (Jimmy Conway) in Goodfellas. Thankfully, for everyone involved, Malkovich backed off, telling GQ,

Hollywood is filled with near-misses and who knows what kind of butterfly effect these have had on history. It’s good to know that audiences have gotten the best options, but it’s fun to think about what could have been. 

The opportunity to grace the stage at Studio 8H as a headliner for NBC’s premier sketch comedy series is a surefire sign that a celebrity has truly made it. However, the 32 A-listers we have named below stand out as an exception to the rule, having never hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live before.

Beyoncé

The pop superstar (an understatement here, really) has proven herself as a worthy actor and even showed solid comedic chops in her two SNL cameos, but Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has never headlined an episode before. Maybe, if and when she returns for her fifth musical guest appearance, she could do double-duty as host – for which an appearance alongside her frequent impersonator, Maya Rudolph, would be a necessity.

Angela Bassett

Thanks to her stint as a frequent American Horror Story cast member and her Academy Award nomination for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Angela Bassett is bigger than ever these days. Therefore, it would certainly be about time for the showbiz vet to finally grace the stage at studio 8H.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is one of the most recognizable and critically acclaimed celebrities of his time, if not all time. Considering that and his decades in the industry – including the Pirates of the Caribbean movies – it’s surprising that he hasn’t ever hosted the long-running sketch comedy series. 

Angelina Jolie

Some might swear that they have seen Angelina Jolie on SNL before, but that could have been Abby Elliot’s pretty convincing impersonation. The Academy Award winner – last seen in Marvel’s Eternals cast – has never hosted the show, nor made any brief appearances.

James Marsden

With his charming wit and a successful career that includes blockbusters like the X-Men movies and the iconic romance drama, The Notebook, you would think James Marsden would have been on SNL by now, but not yet. Maybe his funny, self-effacive performance on the reality prank show, Jury Duty, will convince Lorne and co. he could lead a good show.

Zendaya

With her dual Emmy wins for leading HBO’s Euphoria cast and major roles in blockbusters like the Spider-Man movies and the Denis Villeneuve's Dune films, Zendaya is on top of the world and an established resident of it for sometime now. Maybe she has just been too busy to make time for an SNL hosting gig or her invitation got lost in the shuffle of her many other invitations to special events or casting calls.

Mark Hamill

Even though he was the top-billed star of one of the biggest movie franchises in the world, Mark Hamill's only appearance on SNL so far is a cameo in a sketch about a Star Wars-themed home shopping network program. The Luke Skywalker actor recently told Esquire that he suspects he has never been asked to host because he agreed to host an episode of rival sketch comedy series, Friday, in 1981.

Christian Bale

One of the few great live-action Batman actors to never host a Saturday Night Live episode is Christian Bale, who has worked with former series writer Adam McKay on acclaimed satirical films The Big Short and Vice, however. Intriguingly, the Academy Award winner was once impersonated on the show by his future American Hustle co-star, Bradley Cooper.

Sandra Bullock

Oscar winner Sandra Bullock has brought her killer acting skills and sharp sense of humor to many of her best movies, such as Miss Congeniality, or, more recently, The Lost City. However, she still has yet to utilize her comedic talents on an SNL episode, but did make headlines when former cast member Pete Davidson crashed a party of hers with her Bird Box co-star, Colson “Machine Gun Kelly” Baker, as the actor and musician revealed on The Tonight Show in 2022.

Carol Burnett

Few people are more beloved and influential in the world of sketch comedy as Carol Burnett, which is why it is shocking that none of the many great performances she has given in her long career include an SNL gig. That is, until you learn that the prospect of hosting the show she is said to have paved the way for does not interest her, as she told Fox News in April 2023.

Tom Cruise

As the lead of monster hits like the Mission: Impossible movies, among others, Tom Cruise is practically synonymous with the term “movie star,” but has never lit up Studio 8H. The closest we may ever get to seeing him in such a light is his bombastic performance as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder alongside SNL vets Bill Hader and Ben Stiller — the latter of which also impersonated the Top Gun: Maverick star in a funny Celebrity Jeopardy! sketch in 1998.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Perhaps the reason behind Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio’s lack of hosting gigs is due to a lack of comedy for much of his career, unless you count The Wolf of Wall Street or Don’t Look Up. However, when his co-star from both of those films, Jonah Hill, hosted in 2017, DiCaprio made one of the most surprising SNL cameos in the monologue, in which they recreated a famous scene from Titanic.

Vin Diesel

Many Fast and Furious actors — including Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot — have hosted Saturday Night Live, but the franchise’s leading star, Vin Diesel, is not one of them. Yet, he has been impersonated on the show to hilarious effect a number of times, such as by Taran Killam in one of the most popular videos on SNL’s YouTube channel, which reimagines Bambi as an action movie.

Chris Evans

Out of the many actors who have poked fun at their own Marvel movies in great superhero sketches when hosting SNL — such as Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth — Chris Evans is not one of them. This is particularly surprising since the MCU’s former Captain America has proven his comedic chops plenty of times, such as in the underrated Not Another Teen Movie and, more recently, Apple TV+’s action-packed rom-com, Ghosted.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman appeared on a 2010 edition of “What Up With That?” as himself, being interrupted by Diondre Cole (Kenan Thompson) as he dishes on what modern education is lacking. That marks the renowned Academy Award winner’s sole SNL appearance so far, having never been on the show as a host.

Harrison Ford

Saturday Night Live might really benefit from having someone known for such remarkable, dry wit as Harrison Ford on as a host. However, the closest we have seen to the star of the Indiana Jones movies and Star Wars’ original Han Solo actor making an appearance was an impersonation by Fred Armisen in a fake movie trailer.

Al Pacino

One of cinema’s all-time greatest living legends, Al Pacino, has been impersonated several times on SNL and by multiple actors — including Bill Hader and Alec Baldwin. Yet, the Academy Award-winning star of The Godfather and Heat has never hosted the show, let alone made an appearance of his own.

Jordan Peele

Keegan-Michael Key hosted a great SNL episode in 2021, but fellow sketch comedy performer Jordan Peele — whom he met as part of the MADtv cast before starting their own hit series together — cannot say the same. However, according to THR, the Academy Award-winning horror movie maestro could have been a cast member if MADtv had relieved him of his contract and allowed him the opportunity.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Kate McKinnon dressed in Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman suit alongside Zoë Kravitz when The Batman’s Selena Kyle actor hosted Saturday Night Live in 2022. However, the real star of Batman Returns and countless other classics throughout the decades has never set foot on Studio 8H's stage.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt has appeared in two SNL cold opens: first in 1998 as David Spade’s therapist when the former cast member came back to host, and secondly as Dr. Anthony Fauci in a pre-taped, Covid-era show. The Oscar-winning star of Fight Club and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood even introduced that latter episode’s musical performance by Miley Cyrus, but that still does not count as an official hosting gig.

Keanu Reeves

I think it would be hilarious to see Keanu Reeves cameo as himself going John Wick on the SNL cast out of revenge for the show’s many unflattering impersonations of him over the years. That would make up for the fact that we have never seen the beloved action movie star host an episode.

Julia Roberts

In an interview with Mario Lopez for Extra, Julia Roberts revealed that she once turned down the chance to host SNL out of fear that she would “blow it.” However, she later told Jess Cagle that she would do it if Alec Baldwin was involved.

Mark Ruffalo

Idris Elba once starred in an SNL sketch called “The Impossible Hulk,” in which his anger transforms him into an entitled white lady. How much funnier might that sketch have been if it was the MCU’s Bruce Banner himself, Mark Ruffalo, in the role? Hopefully, the Oscar nominee gets the chance to poke fun at his own superhero character as a host one day.

Zoe Saldaña

We know that Zoe Saldaña is funny from her roles in comedies like Guess Who and 2010’s Death at a Funeral, but hosting SNL would be the ultimate chance to prove her chops to the world. At least she can say that she is one of the top 10 highest grossing actors of all time with blockbuster credits like the Avatar movies and several MCU titles.

Susan Sarandon

Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon has been a movie star for as long as Saturday Night Live has been around, having made her breakthrough in 1975 with the musical horror comedy movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, her only contribution to the series so far is starring in Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake’s follow-up to “Dick in a Box,” called “Motherlover.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger

After years of being imitated and idolized by Kevin Nealon and Dana Carvey as Hans and Franz, Arnold Schwarzenegger would appear alongside the fictional Austrian bodybuilders in a couple of iconic SNL cameos. That is the extent of appearances by the Terminator movies star for now. 

Will Smith

It is surprising that a performer of such radiant fame as Will Smith has never hosted SNL, nor made a cameo appearance a single time during his remarkable, versatile career, but it looks like he will never get the chance. According to RadarOnline, the Men in Black star was reportedly banned from the show after slapping series veteran Chris Rock for a joke he made at the Oscars on the same night Smith won his Academy Award for King Richard.

Meryl Streep

For someone like me, it is a real “Sophie’s Choice” to decide which is the greater honor in pop culture: winning an Oscar or hosting Saturday Night Live. Well, at the moment, Meryl Streep has three of the former (for Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady), but zero of the latter.

Stanley Tucci

In 2018, SNL paid tribute to Stanley Tucci with a rap parody called “Tucci Gang,” performed by Pete Davidson and featuring host Sam Rockwell impersonating the actor, whom he worked with in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. However, while the Oscar nominee and restaurateur also made a brief cameo in the video himself, it remains his only appearance on the show to date.

Mark Wahlberg

Two weeks after Andy Samberg played Mark Wahlberg in a sketch called “Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals,” the actor himself appeared on the show in a cameo-heavy episode pretending to be very unamused by the imitation. Because of this, I would love to see the one-time rapper and Oscar nominee host an SNL episode of his own.

Denzel Washington

Former SNL cast member Jay Pharaoh does an impression of Denzel Washington so spot-on that you might be easily convinced that you have seen him on the show before. In reality, the Oscar-winning star of Glory and Training Day has never even made a cameo, let alone appeared as a host.

Michelle Yeoh

Only a handful of Asian actors have hosted SNL (such as Jackie Chan, Awkwafina, and Simu Liu, for instance), but it is hard to believe that Michelle Yeoh is not included in that bunch, given her exceptional action star reputation over the last few decades. Perhaps her recent boost in popularity following her historic Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All At Once could change that.

I wonder if we will ever see any of these celebs finally get the call from Lorne Michaels (or agree to it) and, perhaps, go on to earn a spot among the greatest SNL hosts of all time or join the Five-Timers Club, even. I mean, considering all the non-actors who have made great hosts on Saturday Night Live, these high-profile performers could absolutely rock 30 Rock to its core.  

Michelle Pfeiffer truly had some iconic roles in the ‘80s like her breakout part in Martin Scorsese’s Scarface, Ladyhawke, and The Witches of Eastwick. However, one movie of her's that is still hotly debated is Grease 2, which has now become a cult classic. Grease 2 has faced its fair share of criticism, and to this day it's debated, and now the Golden Globe winner is defending one of her first leading roles.

Grease, which is considered one of the best movies of the ‘70s,  had a sequel that took place two years after the events of the first movie. With a brand-new cast in the lead roles, Michelle Pfeiffer filled in the female lead role of Stephanie, Rydell High’s newest leader of the Pink Ladies, who ignores the swooning attempts of the clean-cut Michael until he disguises himself as the “cool rider” Stephanie wants. Despite this sequel not getting the best reception when it came out, it’s clearly a movie that still holds deep meaning for fans and the Scarface actress who took to Instagram to defend Grease 2 after one article’s inaccuracy. Take a look at the Instagram story below:

After a Buzzfeed article took a quote from Hollywood.com about Michelle Pfeiffer saying she “hated [Grease 2] with a vengeance,” the actress was quick to address the quote, and defend her movie. She posted on her Instagram story a snapshot of the Buzzfeed article with her own caption over the story saying, “This project is and has always been special to me and my history,” and added that people should not trust the quotes of an article that didn’t spell her last name right. Plus, that quote was from 2007, so either Pfeiffer didn’t remember saying that about the poorly-received sequel, she feels differently about the movie now, or she didn't say those words at all.

One of Michelle Pfeiffer’s first big movies may not have been the best film she starred in, but it doesn’t mean playing Stephanie didn’t mean anything to her. For someone who was an unknown actress at the time, she was very lucky to have gotten the lead role in a highly anticipated sequel. However, Grease 2 only came in fifth during the musical film's opening weekend with negative reviews about this sequel just recycling ideas from the original film with forgettable songs. Following the sequel's release, Pfeiffer went on to star in one of the best gangster films, Scarface, which helped her make a new name for herself in the film industry, and to this day the Grease sequel has a passionate following.

I’m sure Michelle Pfeiffer is very grateful that Grease 2 didn’t become a career-ender for her. You could argue that the Hairspray actress’s part in the movie is what has made the sequel so memorable to begin with. The same wasn’t said for her co-star, Maxwell Caulfield, who became more well-known in stage circuits than anywhere else after Grease 2. Pfeiffer’s film career flourished in the decades that followed, and isn’t stopping anytime soon as she killed it in Ant-Man 3 reprising her role as Janet van Dyne and is set to co-star with Annette Bening in the psychological thriller Turn of Mind. 

While Grease 2 may not have been the most enjoyable film to watch for some, we should still thank this sequel for putting Michelle Pfeiffer on the map. It’s nice to see this Oscar-nominated actress defend her first big movie that gave her a chance in Hollywood. You can watch Grease 2, and see how the Grease legacy lives on with the series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies with a Paramount+ subscription.

SPOILERS are ahead for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania!

Ahead of the third Ant-Man movie hitting theaters earlier this year, a popular theory spreading around was that perhaps Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang was going to die at the hands of Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror. Now that we’ve seen Marvel’s first entry into Phase 5, we know that just about every character in the movie will live to fight another day, except for when the divisive MODOK dies an Avenger. However, the movie’s writer has recently revealed Hank Pym almost had a dire fate. 

Jeff Loveness, who penned the Quantumania script, has shared that Michael Douglas’ character, who originated the Ant-Man suit after discovering Pym Particles, almost kicked the bucket in the recent Marvel movie. In Loveness’ words to Backstory Magazine: 

That certainly would have been a… choice, wouldn’t it? While Loveness didn’t disclose how exactly Hank Pym would have died in Quantumania, one can surmise that Kang the Conqueror may have gotten to him in the third act to get back at Janet Van Dyne for deserting him in the Quantum Realm for so long. 

Of course, the more intriguing bit of information here has to be the part where Hank Pym’s consciousness would remain somehow to control his beloved colony of ants after his death. But as Loveness shared, that idea didn’t make it past the early stages of his idea, and viola, Hank Pym is alive and well in the MCU, per the ending of Quantumania. 

While I was watching Quantumania myself, I half-expected Janet Van Dyne to die after a recent Marvel trend has killed off mother figures of heroes, such as with Aunt May in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, it was nice to see the entire Ant-Man family remain alive and well after the events of the third film after so many other characters in the MCU have faced so much loss prior. 

Sure, there’s a case to be made that it’s lame that Marvel’s new villain wasn’t able to foil a family of superheroes with ant powers, but upcoming Marvel movies certainly has time to buff up the major threat of Kang the Conqueror across its films before the next Avengers films coming in 2025 and 2026. Congratulations to Michael Douglas’ Hank Pym for not becoming Marvel’s latest casualty! 

Spoilers ahead for Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially begun with Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. The blockbuster helped to introduce the shared universe’s next big villain with Jonathan Major’s Kang the Conqueror, while also diving deep into the Quantum Realm. Peyton Reed’s threequel also put Michelle Pfeiffer into the spotlight for the first time in the MCU. And while Pfeiffer killed it in Ant-Man 3, I’m mad Quantumania ignored a big question surrounding Janet. What’s more, I don’t think people are even talking about it.

Michelle Pfeiffer made her MCU debut in Ant-Man 2 as Janet van Dyne, finally being rescued from the Quantum Realm after decades being subatomic. There were countless questions about her time there, some of which were answered in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. But what wasn’t even mentioned was the fact that Janet totally had superpowers in the last movie. Did they just go away after her escape? And if so, shouldn’t they perhaps return once she was back in the Quantum Realm? I’m so confused.

During the conclusion of Ant-Man 2, Janet van Dyne finally returns home, and has a tear-filled reunion with Hope (Evangeline Lilly). Shortly after Ava Starr aka Ghost reappears. Michelle Pfeiffer is able to use her new Quantum energy manipulation abilities to ease Ava’s pain, albeit temporarily. She also was able to take over Scott’s body from within the Quantum Realm.

Unfortunately for fans who were still wondering (aka me), we never got to see any of Janet’s powers in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. What’s more, they weren’t even mentioned at all throughout the movie’s runtime. While this made sense in the first few scenes, I thought for sure they’d come into play when the cast transported into the Quantum Realm and met Kang the Conqueror face to face. Alas, it seems like that plot point was ignored altogether, despite Janet having a way more significant role.

Of course, the lack of answers around Janet’s superpowers didn’t make Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance any less electric in Ant-Man 3. It was a thrill to see the iconic actress once again return to the comic book genre, and even get involved in a few action sequences along the way. While she’s apparently got some killer hand to hand combat moves up her sleeve, there were no Quantum superpowers to be seen. Luckily Janet made it out of the movie alive, so we have the potential for more killer performances from Pfeiffer in future projects like The Avengers: Kang Dynasty.

Along with Ant-Man 3 ignoring Janet’s superpowers, there was also no mention of the last movie’s villain Ghost. Fans have been wondering if she survived The Snap, and if she was back in pain after Janet turned to dust. Although Hannah John-Kamen is expected to reprise her role as Ghost in the villain-centric Thunderbolts movie, so answers could very well come there. 

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is currently in theaters now, and will be followed by Guardians 3 on May 5, 2023. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Major SPOILERS are ahead for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. If you haven't seen the film, proceed at your own risk.

In the past few years, Marvel fans been through a lot. We’ve said goodbye to core Avengers, watched as the MCU has changed and adapted following The Snap, and opened up our minds to the multiverse. There's been a lot of deaths as of late – but for the first time in a long time in a new Marvel movie, there wasn’t a major casualty in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. In particularly, it defies a recent trend in this franchise, and I’m both surprised and grateful about it: Janet van Dyne, a key maternal figure in the Ant-Man series, survives.

The two deaths that are in Quantumania are of little consequence. Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror dies, but that comes before it's unveiled that there are many variants of the character who are banded together for a common cause (setting up the major antagonist force that the Avengers will eventually to come together to face). MODOK also dies, but Corey Stoll’s Darren Cross was believed to be dead before he became a cyborg anyway. This is incredibly rare for a Marvel movie nowadays, and it is refreshing for a third act to not revolve around the death of a beloved character becoming the main source of motivation to finally defeat the forces of evil.

Marvel Keeps Killing Off Mother Figures For Emotional Payoff 

Here’s the trend I’ve picked up on – most notably in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home and 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Marvel has been killing off mother figures in order to create a big emotional moment for the hero to deal with before defeating the big bad. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man watches Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May die in his arms before the casualty becomes the thing that bonds him together with the other Spider-Men, who then team up to take down a host of villains. In Wakanda Forever, Letitia Wright’s Shuri faces the loss of Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda before the third act, and her memory serves as a guiding light for her to do the right thing and she decides not to kill Namor in her mother’s honor. 

In both movies, it makes sense for the story for the heroes' mother figures to die, but I also really don’t want to see a superhero’s mother die in every Marvel movie. It’s additionally been a plot point in the Thor movies (Rene Russo's Frigga dies in Thor: The Dark World) and similar beats have also extended to female love interests like Natalie Portman’s Jane in Thor: Love And Thunder and Zoe Saldana’s Gamora in Avengers: Infinity War (at least the one that Star-Lord loved). 

Why I Was Delightfully Surprised Quantumania Didn’t Follow This Marvel Trend 

Going into Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, given this trend, part of me thought Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet van Dyne would be the next casualty in the MCU. I was thankfully wrong, but even the movie itself somewhat set this up. Janet Van Dyne is the character in the blockbuster with the most beef with Kang because she contributed the most to keeping him exiled in the Quantum Realm. As the story unfolds, we learn that Janet met Kang and, without knowing his true intentions, helped him rebuild the core for his ship so he could go back home. However, right before they were going to escape together, she touched a mechanism on the ship that was connected to his mind and saw the true villain he was. 

There were plenty of times in Quantumania where Kang could have killed off Janet Van Dyne, but thankfully the movie saves us from watching another awesome mother figure from dying within its runtime. 

Michelle Pfeiffer Is The MVP Of Quantumania

We can be very thankful that Janet doesn't die, because Michelle Pfieffer is the best part of Quantumania. The actress gets a really meaty and interesting role as she returns to the unique and war-torn place she spent 30 years being stuck in. How the story follows Janet as she seeks to protect her family, now stuck in the same place with her, and how her knowledge of the place helps them is a great move for the movie. Her relationship with Kang is intriguing to see play out in flashbacks. 

Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania shows that mothers in the MCU are not meerly tools for us to watch die and then mourn over with the protagonists. They can be heroes in their own right and beneficial to the plot of the story, and survive at the end of the day. It’s a good message to put out there, especially for there being more longevity for older actresses like Michelle Pfieffer in a movie franchise as big as the MCU. It’s been some time since she had such a big stage on which to play a leading role, and she is absolutely incredible here. It's great to see Marvel not sidelining a great actress such as her and see her pull out another wonderful performance amidst all the MCU order of business going on in the Ant-Man sequel. 

Quantumania Shows Major Characters Don’t Always Have To Die To Up The Stakes

Moving forward, Marvel hopefully doesn’t just jump back into their old tricks regarding mother figures. It’s beneficial to have stories of heroes with and without parents, and I’m honestly just super happy that by the end of Quantumania the whole Lang/Van Dyne family starts and ends their journey together without some major death to deal with. It's a good palette cleanser following so many more emotional MCU movies – especially as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 looks like it will undoubtedly breaks us when we say goodbye to the bunch of assholes-turned-superheroes. 

While it remains to be seen if and when Michelle Pfieffer’s Janet Van Dyne will continue to have importance in the MCU, the events of Quantumania put so much of the spotlight on her and the development of her character that I’m completely satisfied with how she was handled in the sequel. While mothers living and dying is most certainly part of life in the MCU and real life, I’m happy Hope still has both her parents as a support system, and Cassie Lang has grandparents. It’s super cute to see multiple generations continue to survive and fight together in the MCU.

Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania is being released as a keystone piece for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Launching what has been referred to as Phase 5 of the canon, the movie has an important big picture role to play thanks to the much-hyped arrival of Jonathan Majors’ Kang The Conqueror – the villain set up to be the MCU’s new overarching central antagonist following the blockbuster defeat of Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Joe and Anthony Russo’s Avengers: Endgame.

The film is set up with the intention of giving fans an important preview of what’s to come from the next few years in the superhero-centric world… but with any luck, that’s not a promise on which Marvel will deliver. This is because audiences have come to expect a lot from the popular comic book movie franchise, and while Kang does stand out as an interesting character, the third Ant-Man And The Wasp feature is among the most disappointing that Marvel Studios has produced.

The movie marks another crack at world building for the MCU, this time exploring the microscopic universe known as the Quantum Realm, but it’s an effort that is fumbled in almost every way. A tepid, boring narrative, weak character development and utilization, and mucky and endless green screen scenery are just some of the film’s significant weak spots, and it all amounts to a blockbuster that’s never compelling for more than five minutes at a time and has nothing original or special to contribute to the superhero genre.

Scripted by Jeff Loveless, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania catches up with Avenger Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) at his cheeriest. He has written and published a new book about his adventures as one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and he is part of a tight family unit with Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), and his now-adult daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton). There are secrets being held from him, however: Janet is consistently hesitant to reveal anything about the decades that she spent in the Quantum Realm prior to her rescue in Ant-Man And The Wasp, and Cassie has been quietly doing research with Hope and Hank to learn more about the mysterious and dangerous world. This all comes to a head when a device Cassie has invented malfunctions, and all five of them get shrunk down and sent to the strange alternate dimension.

Separated into two groups – Scott paired with Cassie, and Hope with Hank and Janet – they explore the Quantum Realm and try to find each other, all the while discovering what Janet has been hiding from them. It turns out that there is an entire civilization that exists in the bizarre pocket universe, and ruling over it is Kang The Conqueror, a being exiled from the multiverse who has risen to power thanks to his possession of advanced technology from the distant future.

Jonathan Majors is terrific, but Kang The Conqueror doesn't make the impact that he's meant to make.

The introduction of Kang is easily the best thing that Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania has going for it. Jonathan Majors once again proves that his charisma and magnetism is boundless, and flashback sequences that inform the audience about the character’s history with Janet van Dyne prove to be the most enthralling bits that the film has to offer. As much excitement as that provides, though, everything else is almost entirely hollow. The blockbuster has a terrible “telling, not showing” problem that both handicaps the storytelling and undermines the antagonist’s impact.

It’s explained by both Janet and residents of the Quantum Realm that Kang is a terrible despot who rules as an oppressive and terrifying tyrant, but that’s never illustrated in any significant way (he just seems to occupy his own little corner of the Quantum Realm, which he has outfitted with a bunch of empty, shiny buildings patrolled by faceless robots). And while it’s said that he has dangerous powers, we don’t actually see anything more than some flying, minimal telekinesis, and the ability to shoot beams out of his hands. With the way things unfold, you definitely don’t get to grasp why this villain is expected to be a serious threat that will eventually require the attention of the Avengers.

Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania has no idea what to do with its characters.

And while Kang’s role is undercooked in the film, he’s hardly alone. None of the characters have arcs to speak of, unless you count Scott Lang making a bit more of an effort to be a better father (which isn’t really much of an arc). Despite her being a titular character, Hope van Dyne barely has a role in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, as her presence in the story is almost entirely defined by her being frustrated that her mother hasn’t been more open with her. Janet at least gets to be a part of the aforementioned Kang flashbacks; Hank and Cassie are just kind of… there.

It’s also hard not to feel bad for MCU newcomers Katy O’Brian and William Jackson Harper, who respectively play Quantum Realm inhabitants Jentorra and Quaz. It’s not altogether surprising that a movie that doesn’t know what to do with its leads doesn’t know what to do with its supporting cast, but he actors’ talents are nonetheless wasted on bit parts that carry zero weight. They provide exposition and take part in battle sequences, and that’s it. Additionally, it would be unwise to start having expectations for the role played by Bill Murray in the film, as he is part of a 15-minute segment in the first half of the second act that could be excised from the blockbuster and the only impact would be improving the narrative’s pacing.

It's hard not to be concerned about Marvel's future after Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania.

Given that the Ant-Man movies have been teasing the full breadth of the Quantum Realm for the better part of a decade now, you’d also think that the visuals would be spectacular and eye-popping in Quantumania, but it’s just another arena of disappointment. There is some decent character design executed, but environments look ugly and unreal, and there is a total lack of dynamic set pieces. Heroes growing and shrinking lacks novelty eight years after the release of the first Ant-Man, and while the film does try and get a bit creative at one point by having Scott Lang get trapped in what’s referred to as a “probability storm,” it turns out to be an idea with zero internal logic, and that seriously detracts from the fun.

In the past few years, Marvel Studio’s overall output hasn’t been as strong as what was accomplished between 2008 and 2019, but that’s been somewhat excusable. A high bar was set by the overall quality of the Infinity Saga, release and production plans were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the firing/re-hiring of James Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 forced some surprise shuffles behind-the-scenes, and the canon has been diversifying with the development of original programming for Disney+ to pair with the big screen blockbusters.

Arriving in the aftermath of all that, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania was supposed to be the film that put the franchise back on solid ground and set up an exciting future – but that’s not what has been made here. Instead, it’s a film that mightily struggles in pretty much every important area, and it raises some serious concerns about what’s on the way from the MCU in the months and years to come.

It’s been a few years since we’ve seen Paul Rudd suit up as Ant-Man in the sequel Ant-Man and the Wasp and Avengers: Endgame. The tiny superhero is back in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which has been tapped to not only usher the MCU into a new year but to kick off Marvel’s Phase 5. Anticipation is high, as Ant-Man will find himself getting sucked into the Quantum Realm and meeting Marvel’s next big villain — Kang the Conqueror, who did some pretty awful things in the comics. The movie premiered in Los Angeles on February 6, so let’s check out some of the first responses to the screening.

Jonathan Majors, who dedicated himself to getting into shape for this role, made his Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Kang variant He Who Remains in Loki, but audiences will obviously see a very different character when Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters on February 17. The trippy trailer promises an adventure that should be Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne’s (Evangeline Lilly) biggest challenge yet, and Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) has apparently been keeping a big secret. Let’s check out the social media reactions to the film’s premiere screening.

Self-proclaimed Marvel nerd Nora Dominick of BuzzFeed praises the casting of Jonathan Majors, saying he brings complexity to the role of Kang the Conqueror: 

Film critic Fico Cangiano agrees that Jonathan Majors is a show-stealer once Kang makes his appearance, and he calls this movie the best of the Ant-Man trilogy: 

However, Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast feels Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is missing some of the comedy we’ve come to expect from the MCU blockbusters, and while there are aspects that are “astonishing,” Baptista calls the movie overambitious: 

Critic Simon Thompson also thinks the movie never quite finds its footing, positing that the “messy spectacle” chooses style over substance: 

A number of those who saw an early screening of the threequel are comparing it to Star Wars, including Kristian Harloff, who says it’s an epic sci-fi story that won’t work for all fans but it wraps nicely: 

Writer Michael Lee says director Peyton Reed’s work on The Mandalorian pays off in this Ant-Man film in terms of production and character design. He says the movie has a good balance of action, humor and heart: 

Rayyan of The Cine Geek agrees that there’s a good balance of comedy while still keeping the family aspect at the forefront. The script is smart, though the writer says the CGI is a bit overused: 

Those who have seen Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania also mention that there are two post-credit scenes to be on the lookout for. We’ll be able to find out more about where this one will fall in the ranking of Marvel movies when reviews come out on February 14, so check back to CinemaBlend then! In the meantime, make sure you’re caught up on everything you need to know about Marvel’s Phase 5, and you can take a look at the other upcoming Marvel movies, as well as what else is set to hit theaters soon with our 2023 Movie Release Schedule. 

While multiple actors have played Batman’s love interest/foe Catwoman over the decades, many will still say Michelle Pfeiffer is their favorite version. The Oscar-nominated actress left an impression as she brought the cat-loving DC villain to the big screen in 1992’s Batman Returns. While audiences couldn’t imagine another actor playing the character, Pfeiffer revealed landing the role was a fluke after exposing herself as a Catwoman fanatic.

Even three decades after playing the DC femme fatale, the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star is still asked about her memorable take. While promoting the upcoming Ant-Man sequel, the Hollywood A-lister was interviewed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Despite nabbing notable roles over her illustrious career, Pfeiffer admitted she has stage fright and has backed out or gotten dismissed from roles she’s taken. However, there was one exception as she admitted to being obsessed with the iconic DC character. Although she almost didn’t score the role in Batman Returns as the Hollywood star explained she wasn't the first choice for the role:

Well, there you have it. Annette Bening’s pregnancy led to Pfeiffer’s dream coming true. It would be nice to know if it was Tim Burton’s take on the character or growing up reading the Batman comics and watching Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar’s Catwoman portrayals in the 1960s live-action series Batman that turned Pfeiffer into a fan of the character.

While Bening is an amazing actor, the Ant-Man 3 star turned in a performance Batman fans -young and old – still talk about to this day. If the Oscar nominee hadn’t played the Cat, viewers would’ve never gotten moments like the viral one-take whip-cracking video. Her performance in the superhero film wowed fans as well as her co-star Michael Keaton who had nothing but positive things to say. Despite several actors, including Halle Berry and Zoë Kravitz, playing the iconic anti-hero, many fans still cite Pfeiffer as the definitive Catwoman.

As memorable as her Catwoman performance was, the Hollywood icon hasn’t been asked back by DC Studios to reprise her role. This could be seen as the missed opportunity with Keaton donning the cowl again in the much-delayed The Flash and the canceled Batgirl. Seeing Keaton and Pfeiffer back together onscreen would be a treat for Batman Returns fans. The 64-year-old actress is open to returning for another go with the whip despite not being asked back. Maybe under James Gunn’s direction, she could play Selina Kyle once more if it falls within his plans for DC’s new slate.

While Michelle Pfeiffer stays open to another DC appearance, she’s currently Team Marvel as she gears up for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaina which is scheduled to hit theaters on February 17, according to the 2023 movie schedule. If you want to see Pfeiffer as the Cat once again, all you need is an HBO Max subscription to stream Batman Returns.

Marvel gifted fans with the first trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania earlier this week, and it definitely made an impression. The footage from Peyton Reed’s upcoming threequel teases a thrilling adventure that should serve as Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne’s greatest challenge yet. In addition to showing off some trippy visuals and the first look at the maniacal Kang the Conqueror, the trailer also teased that Janet van Dyne has been keeping a big secret. But what exactly is the former superhero hiding?

Quantumania will see Scott, Hope, Janet, Hank Pym and Cassie Lang get transported to the Quantum Realm. Those who’ve followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe up to this point surely know that Janet was trapped in the unpredictable dimension for decades. With that in mind, it’s possible that she had some very interesting experiences there – some that she’d probably prefer to forget. We can’t say for sure what she’s referring to when she said there was something she hadn’t told Hope, but we sure can speculate about it.

Janet Is Afraid Of A Dangerous Power That Lies Within The Quantum Realm

Even before the trailer for Quantumania debuted, it was already clear that the Quantum Realm is an incredibly dangerous place. Janet, of course, knows that better than most, given that she spent so much time there. Based on the early footage from the threequel, she’s uneasy about making contact with the “secret universe beneath ours” let alone re-entering it. So one could get the feeling that maybe there’s some kind of specific force or power that has her concerned. 

Now, I know what you might be thinking, and Kang, who committed some dark deeds in the comics, isn’t what I’m referring to here. (He and the other variants weren’t freed until He Who Remains’ death in Loki.) What we’re talking about here is a theoretical force of nature, which could factor into the abilities van Dyne gained during her stay in the microverse. It’s a reasonable assumption and, if it proves to be the case, it could actually still involve Kang. Such a power could be related to the bargain that the conqueror apparently tries to strike up with Scott Lang.

Janet Committed Some Unsavory Acts While She Was Trapped In The Realm

Ant-Man’s 2018 sequel unfortunately didn’t have the time to dive deep into Janet’s exploits during the time that she was “lost.” Thankfully, MCU literature has remedied that by providing some invaluable information. Per The Art of Ant-Man and the Wasp, Janet encountered a number of civilizations and was ultimately accepted by one of them. Apparently, she even became a high-ranking member of a society and eventually managed to integrate their tech with her suit. This all sounds nice on the surface, but who’s to say that all of that came together in a peaceful way?

If she’s anything like her husband, Ms. van Dyne surely doesn’t mind doing what’s necessary to get what she wants. Her “acceptance” into said society could’ve been the result of her forcing her way in somehow. One also can’t help but wonder just how she became a bigwig in the community, either. I mean, did she knock off a few people in order to get to the top? That may sound far-fetched on the surface, but it would be interesting from a narrative standpoint. For years, Hank and Hope held Janet to a very high standard while reflecting on her memory. To have that level of reverence be rocked in some way could make for some compelling drama. 

The OG Wasp Came Into Conflict With Bill Murray’s Mysterious Character At Some Point

The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania trailer also provided the first official look at Bill Murray’s MCU character, who’s yet to be named. Murray previously stated that he’s playing a “bad guy,” though it remains to be seen whether he was just joking around at the time. But one thing we can surmise based on the single shot of him is that he’s a man of means. So he could indeed be a high-ranking member of society, just as Janet van Dyne once was, and it’s even been rumored that the two characters do indeed have a history.

Countering the previous theory I offered up, maybe Janet was a benevolent force within the Quantum Realm and drew the ire of Bill Murray’s character at some point. With that, she could be worried about some kind of retribution when she returns with her family in tow. A development like that would add a solid additional layer of conflict on top of the battle with Kang. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’d totally be down to see Michelle Pfeiffer trade a few good barbs with Murray. 

Janet Van Dyne Formed An Entirely New Family During Her Time In The Quantum Realm

So this one may sound a bit crazy, but hear me out. Because Janet was trapped in the Quantum Realm for some time, it’s possible that she didn’t think she’d get out, before she learned that the door to the realm opens every so often. It’s not wild to think that in the interim, Janet became close with someone and maybe started another family. Now, you may be wondering, “So if that’s the case, then why would she leave them so easily?” If a “quantum family” does theoretically exist, Janet could’ve come clean with them about Hank and Hope and made a (potentially messy) break from them sometime before her husband on earth rescued her.

This kind of revelation would really shake up the dynamic within the Pym/van Dyne brood. Imagine just how shattered Hank would be to learn that his love moved on while he, to our knowledge, remained faithful. And such a reveal would also be absolutely devastating for Hope, who longed for her mother’s presence for decades. I don’t even want to think about how the younger van Dyne would react if she learned that someone else received her mom’s love during the time that she was without her. Definitely take this theory with a grain of salt, but I’m certainly not ruling it out. 

Regardless of what happens with Janet van Dyne in Quantumania, I’m just glad that it appears she’s going to get to do more this time around. Michelle Pfeiffer loves being part of Ant-Man and the MCU, and it would certainly behoove director Peyton Reed and writer Jeff Loveness to utilize her talents. (Also, Pfeiffer got into superhero shape for the threequel, so one would hope that she gets a few solid action sequences.) I’m eager to see what lies ahead for Janet and what her big secret ends up being. 

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, one of the biggest upcoming Marvel movies, hits theaters on February 17 as part of the schedule of 2023 movie new releases. While you wait for it to premiere, you can stream the first two films in the franchise using a Disney+ subscription.

Sad news hit the world last night when the untimely passing of Coolio at age 59 was announced. An award-winning rap icon, the man inspired his fans, and left some beautiful pop culture moments along the way. Today, the entertainment world is paying its respects, as Ice Cube, Weird Al, and others have posted loving tributes for Coolio. 

Starting things off, actor and fellow rapper Ice Cube tweeted his condolences. He honored the rapper by including some context of how he knew Coolio in reference to his own musical career, in the following bittersweet post:

Of course, with one of Coolio’s biggest hits being “Gangsta’s Paradise,” there were two parties that the world was likely expecting to see tributes from. Weird Al Yankovic was one of those people, as his song parody “Amish Paradise” became a huge hit in its own right, despite not having the original artist’s approval. The matter was eventually squashed, leaving Coolio and Weird Al as friendly parties; a fact remembered in Yankovic’s own tribute below: 

Parody aside, this iconic Coolio track became popular in the first place because of its creation for the 1995 drama Dangerous Minds. “Gangsta’s Paradise” was the hit single from the film’s soundtrack, and even won Coolio several awards, including a Grammy. 

Michelle Pfeiffer starred in the music video, and the film. The experience is something she discusses in her Instagram post bidding her former co-star a fond farewell: 

Known as somewhat of an actor himself. Also known by the name Artis Leon Ivey Jr., the rapper played many parts in movies and TV shows. There was even a point where Coolio was almost a Batman villain, thanks to a deal made to secure his performance in Batman and Robin. Part of his acting experience is what brought All That veteran Kel Mitchell to social media, as he shared the story of how he met Coolio during his guest spot on the Nickelodeon show: 

It’s also worth noting that should you take a nostalgic trip to revisit Nickelodeon’s classic sitcom Kenan and Kel, Coolio was an important part of that project as well. No matter what opportunities presented themselves in front of the camera, or in the recording booth, as was the case with animated series like Futurama, music was still what made Coolio truly iconic. Celebrity admirers like Viola Davis tweeted memories that signaled just as much:

Also on hand to pay tribute to Coolio’s passing was musician and actor Questlove from The Roots. One of 2022’s Academy Award winners, he shared a very simple message of condolences through Twitter that showed nothing but love and appreciation: 

Closing things off is a tweet from actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Most recently known for his role on the Fox drama and fan favorite show Prodigal Son, Phillips took time to lay out a story of how his friendship with Coolio led to some special memories: 

The passing of Coolio is one that is still being felt throughout the world. We here at CinemaBlend send our deepest condolences to the late music icon’s friends and family, as they navigate this period of grief and remembrance.

Avengers: Endgame was a spectacle, to put it lightly. Seeing over ten years of movies culminate with the fourth Avengers film was overwhelming, especially since the film featured an all-star cast that included OG Avengers played by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson as well as newer additions like Brie Larson, Chadwick Boseman and Tom Holland. And as Benedict Cumberbatch recently revealed, appearing in a scene with all these A-listers and more like Michael Douglas during Tony Stark's memorial scene was “mind-blowing.” 

The somber scene, which took place during the final moments of the movie, featured basically everyone from the Marvel movies, including some super deep cuts (like the kid from Iron Man 3). The Doctor Strange actor revealed that he was in awe of the actors there, especially some of the ones who have been in the biz for a long time, telling Oracle Time: 

I’m sure it was overwhelming to be in the moment with all those actors, especially those who have such an iconic legacy like Ant-Man cast members Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer, as well as Samuel L. Jackson and William Hurt. 

Speaking of Samuel L. Jackson, the first trailer of Secret Invasion recently showed his return to the character of Nick Fury. However, Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange is nowhere to be seen in the footage. On that note, the Sherlock actor explained that he would love to work more with some of the veteran MCU stars, like Jackson, saying:

Lucky for Benedict Cumberbatch, Endgame didn’t end up being as devastating as Kevin Feige wanted and there were only a few casualties, making all these hopes true possibilities in the future. While Scarlett Johansson has left the MCU, many others remain and have Marvel projects in the works for Phase 4 and beyond. Chris Hemsworth just starred in Thor: Love and Thunder, and Tom Hiddleston is reprising his role as the God of Mischief in the second season of Loki, which is now filming.

It’s fun to see people like Benedict Cumberbatch, who has appeared in his fair share of Marvel projects and has a long resume in general, get all giddy about meeting MCU stars like Michael Douglas. And I’m sure a massive reunion is bound to happen again, especially since two more massive Avengers movies are on the way.

To check out the memorable moments from Avengers: Endgame, stream the movie using a Disney+ subscription.

There have been many women who have taken on the role of Catwoman over the years (most recently Zoë Kravitz in The Batman), and each of them are memorable in their own unique way. Michelle Pfeiffer’s version of the DC Comics character from Batman Returns is especially iconic and a fan favorite. Pfeiffer’s co-star Michael Keaton has reflected on Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman and delivered some praise for her performance.

Michael Keaton is a whole generation’s Batman, and he is taking back up the role after over 20 years in the upcoming DC movies The Flash and Batgirl. As such, he is pretty darn qualified to speak on what Catwoman should personify. For Michelle Pfeiffer’s feature with The Hollywood Reporter, Keaton has some pretty strong words (via email) for Michelle Pfeiffer when it comes to Batman Returns and her Catwoman performance. Here's the positive descriptors he threw her way:

Tim Burton’s Batman has spoken, and you know he speaks only truth. I know so many people who had childhood (and adulthood, honestly) crushes on Michelle Pfeiffer after they saw her in Batman Returns, and I can’t really blame her. She was electric in that movie, and is arguably the golden standard for future women who nab the Catwoman role.

Some real icons have played since Michelle Pfeiffer, like Anne Hathaway and Halle Berry, but Pfeiffer’s performance still stands tall and is one that Batman fans hold dear to their hearts. However, I’d be willing to bet that even if her Catwoman wasn’t as well acted as it really was, people would still be remembering that skin tight catsuit, because Pfeiffer absolutely killed in it. That’s before even mentioning Pfeiffer's skill with that whip - have mercy!

Michelle Pfeiffer has continued acting for in the 30 years since Batman Returns, and she has gone on to act in some truly great things. Hairspray, White Oleander, and I Am Sam just touch the surface of her stellar career. Even so, Batman Returns remains one of the most memorable of her roles and I don’t really see such an epic role even though so many have followed in her footsteps.

All of the actresses that have played Catwoman have definitely had the sexy part of Michael Keaton’s praise down, and The Batman’s Zoë Kravitz went through the workout ringer to get prepared to don her catsuit. If you have an HBO Max subscription, you can check out Kravitz in the role yourself and see which other of Keaton’s strong words to describe how Michelle Pfeiffer pulled off the role. The Batman recently dropped to the streaming platform and is breaking some wild records, and you still may be able to catch the film in some theaters.

There are only a handful of stories about what goes on in the White House and in the country from the point of view of the U.S. President’s spouse. The premiere season of creator Aaron Cooley’s new series offers three that are ripped straight from the history books and performed by some of the most renowned actresses of their generation. Take a look at who is playing whom in Showtime’s The First Lady cast, starting with one of the most powerful and beloved women in Hollywood as one of the most powerful and beloved women in the world.

Viola Davis (Michelle Obama)

The 44th First Lady, Michelle Obama, is the most recent real-life person Viola Davis has portrayed after playing James Brown’s mother, Susie, in Get On Up and the title role of Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom - both music biopics also starring late Marvel star Chadwick Boseman. Speaking of superhero movies, the actress has also appeared in three DCEU installments so far (both Suicide Squad movies and Peacemaker) as Amanda Waller - a character who bears a few similarities to Annalise Keating, her Emmy-winning role from How to Get Away with Murder. Davis also has an Oscar for giving, arguably, her all-time best performance in 2016’s Fences after previously being nominated for Doubt in 2009, The Help in 2012, and later receiving a nod for the aforementioned Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Betty Ford)

Before playing Betty Ford, who served as First Lady from 1974 to 1977, the last real person Michelle Pfieffer played was Bernie Madoff’s wife, Ruth, in the HBO movie, The Wizard of Lies - which earned her her sole Emmy nomination. The actress (also known for the 1999 thriller What Lies Beneath, the 1996 rom-com One Fine Day, 2007’s Hairspray, and more) also starred in 1993's politically inspired drama, Love Field, which earned her her third Oscar nomination after 1989’s Dangerous Liaisons and The Fabulous Baker Boys from 1990. Like Viola Davis, Pfeiffer is a DC movies veteran, haven given one of the greatest Catwoman portrayals ever in 1992’s Batman Returns, and would also join the MCU as Janet Van Dyne in Ant-Man and the Wasp in 2018.

Gillian Anderson (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Before playing Eleanor Roosevelt - the United States’ longest serving First Lady (1933-1945) - Gillian Anderson played royalty (Catherine the Great’s mother, Joanna, with Hulu’s The Great cast for Season 2) and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Season 4 of Netflix’s The Crown - for which she received her second Emmy. The Chicago native won her first Emmy for her most iconic role, FBI agent Dana Scully, on one of greatest sci-fi shows ever, The X-Files. Anderson has also starred on NBC’s Hannibal as the title character’s psychiatrist, the personification of all media on Starz’s American Gods, and a sex therapist and mother in the Sex Education cast for Netflix.

O-T Fagbenle (Barack Obama)

As Michelle Obama’s husband and the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama, we have O-T Fagbenle, who - like his on-screen wife on The First Lady - is also known for superhero movies, having appeared in the Black Widow cast in 2021. The British-born actor of Nigerian descent is even better known as Luke Bankole from Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale cast, for his recurring role on HBO’s short-lived queer dramedy, Looking, and appearing alongside the WeCrashed cast for Apple TV+ more recently. Fagbenle also works behind the scenes, most notably on his satirical comedy series Maxxx, which he created, produces, composes, occasionally directs, and stars on in the title role.

Aaron Eckhart (Gerald Ford)

As Betty Ford’s husband and the 38th U.S. President, Gerald Ford, we have Aaron Eckhart, who last played a (fictional) U.S. president in Olympus Has Fallen and London Has Fallen (but not the third installment, Angel Has Fallen). The Thank You For Smoking star - like his on-screen wife on The First Lady - also has a history of comic book movies, having played Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight and a modern interpretation of Mary Shelley’s “The Creature” in I, Frankenstein. More of Eckhart’s more notable credits include 1999’s Oscar-winning Erin Brockovich, the 2003 sci-fi adventure The Core, the dreary family drama Rabbit Hole from 2010, and the 2016 biopic, Sully, opposite Tom Hanks.

Kiefer Sutherland (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

As Eleanor Roosevelt’s husband and the 32nd (and longest-sitting) U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, we have Kiefer Sutherland, who last played a (fictional) U.S. president on Designated Survivor after years of defending the country by more aggressive means as Jack Bauer on 24. After debuting alongside his father, Donald Sutherland, in 1983’s Max Dugan Returns, he went on to become one of the biggest stars of the decade (and the next) with roles in Stand By Me, the star-studded Western Young Guns and its sequel, and his multiple collaborations with Joel Schumacher (such as The Lost Boys, Flatliners, and A Time to Kill). His additional, notable 21st Century credits include Alexandre Aja’s Mirrors, Lars von Trier’s Melancholia, and a few video game series - namely Call of Duty and Metal Gear Solid.

Jayme Lawson (Young Michelle Obama)

Playing Michelle Obama’s younger self (when her last name was Robinson) is Jayme Lawson, who was last seen holding a political position in The Batman cast as Gotham City mayoral candidate Bella Reál in 2022. She made her feature film debut two years earlier in Farewell Amor and will next share the screen with her The First Lady co-star, Viola Davis, in the historical epic, The Woman King, in 2022. Also, later this year, she will play another historical figure - civil rights activist Myrlie Evers, widow of Medgar Evers - in an upcoming biopic about Emmett Till.

Regina Taylor (Marian Shields Robinson)

Playing Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Shields Robinson, is Regina Taylor, who made her feature film debut opposite Morgan Freeman in 1989’s Lean on Me and went on to be cast on the Emmy-winning series I’ll Fly Away from 1991 to 1993. This led to a career in more classic films - such as director Spike Lee’s Clockers from 1995, 1996’s Courage Under Fire (opposite Denzel Washington), and 1998’s The Negotiator (opposite Samuel L. Jackson). These days, Taylor is best known for making notable guest appearances on TV shows like NBC’s The Blacklist, The Good Fight on Paramount+, and two episodes of Lovecraft Country on HBO.

Dakota Fanning (Susan Elizabeth Ford)

Playing Gerald and Betty Ford’s daughter, Susan, is Dakota Fanning, who debuted in an ER episode before becoming one of her generation’s most renowned child stars with movies like 2004’s Man on Fire, War of the Worlds the following year, or Coraline as the title role. Playing Cherie Curie in The Runaways (opposite fellow Twilight movies cast member Kristen Stewart) led to more adult roles like Squeaky Fromme in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood cast or Sara Howard on TNT’s period crime drama, The Alienist. Fanning’s upcoming film, The Nightingale, will be her third collaboration with her sister, Elle, after I Am Sam and the Syfy miniseries, Taken, and their first time not playing the same character at different ages.

Judy Greer (Nancy Howe)

Playing Betty Ford’s friend and secretary Nancy Howe is Judy Greer, who recently portrayed a highly exaggerated version of the very first First Lady, Martha Washington, in Netflix’s America: The Motion Picture voice cast and actually has another fact-based political drama in the works called The White House Plumbers. The actress has well over 100 other acting credits, but is best known as Cheryl Tunt in the Archer cast and for multiple blockbuster franchises - namely the MCU as Ant-Man’s ex-wife, Jurassic World as Bryce Dallas Howard’s sister, or the new Halloween movies as Laurie Strode’s daughter. You may likely recognize her from countless other films, like 13 Going on 30, and TV shows, like Arrested Development, just to name a few.

Ellen Burstyn (Sara Delano Roosevelt)

Playing Eleanor Roosevelt’s mother-in-law, Sara Delano Roosevelt, is Ellen Burstyn, who previously played a U.S. president’s mother twice (Barbara Bush in W. and Elizabeth Hale in Netflix’s House of Cards cast), as well as mother of a former First Lady on USA’s 2012 miniseries, Political Animals, for which she won her second Emmy. The screen legend is even better known for her Oscar-nominated roles in movies like The Last Picture Show, The Exorcist (one of the best horror movies), and Requiem for a Dream, and her Oscar-winning performance as the title character of Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Burstyn also played an older Jessica Chastain in Interstellar, Blake Lively’s daughter in The Age of Adaline, and recently reprised her Emmy-winning role as Bernadette Stabler on Law & Order: Organized Crime.

Lily Rabe (Lorena “Hick” Hickok)

Playing Lorena Hicock - a journalist and close friend (or, allegedly, more than a friend) of Eleanor Roosevelt is Lily Rabe, whose last major role in a fact-based political drama was Liz Cheney in Vice from 2018. Ten years after making her screen debut in the 2001 rom-com, Never Again, opposite her mother, Jill Clayburgh, the actress made her first appearance on the show she is best known for: American Horror Story. Some of Rabe’s other notable acting credits include HBO’s six-part drama The Undoing, a couple of episodes of The Underground Railroad on Amazon Prime, and the streaming platform’s acclaimed period drama, The Tender Bar, from director George Clooney.

Jackie Earle Haley (Louis McHenry Howe)

Playing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s advisor Louis McHenry Howe (with no relation to Nancy Howe) is Jackie Earle Haley, who last played a real-life political official (Confederacy VP Alexander Stephens) in 2012’s Lincoln. Like some other The First Lady cast members, he was once a popular child star (best known for the classic sports movie The Bad News Bears), has an Oscar nomination (for 2006’s Little Children), and has starred in a number of comic book adaptations (2009’s Watchmen, the short-lived Human Target series, AMC’s Preacher, Amazon Prime’s The Tick, and Alita: Battle Angel). 

Kate Mulgrew (Susan Sher)

Playing Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff, Susan Sher, is Kate Mulgrew, who is a bit of a legend on the small screen. She is best known as the first woman to play a Star Trek captain (Kathryn Janeway, whom she debuted as on Star Trek: Voyager and most recently reprised on Star Trek: Prodigy) and for her Emmy nominated role in the Orange is the New Black cast as iron-mitted prison cook Galina “Red” Reznikov. She is also no stranger to comic book adaptations (she voiced Red Claw on Batman: The Animated Series) and still dabbles in sci-fi, such as Showtime’s upcoming series remake of The Man Who Fell to Earth.

See how well Showtime’s The First Lady cast portrays these historical and modern political figures when the series premieres on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at 9 p.m. ET.

The Batman is the biggest movie in theaters right now, and while Robert Pattinson is certainly getting his share of praise for his performance as the title character, there are a lot of people who are of the opinion that the role that really stands out is Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle. While Kravitz admits to being intimidated by the role, a lot of people think she nailed it and there are a lot of big name celebrities in that crowd, including two actresses who previously played the role of Catwoman.

You’ve probably seen many of the incredibly sexy photos of both  Zoë Kravitz and Robert Pattinson that have gone around as part of the promotion of The Batman. Kravitz shared those photos to her Instagram and the post very much blew up. But while hundreds of people are going wild for these pictures, a great number of them have come from celebrities. Former Catwoman Halle Berry was one, and she is clearly loving what this new Catwoman is doing, saying simply.

Numerous celebs have added comments to the post that don’t even use words. Batman Returns Catwoman Michelle Pfeiffer responded with a series of emojis, including a heart and a flame, because  Zoë Kravitz is clearly on fire here. Jason Momoa, who showed up in support of his family at the premier added a series of hearts. Aaron Paul responded in the same way. Zoë Kravitz has grown up surrounded by celebrities and so she has a lot of eyes on her, but they all seem to be quite impressed with what they've seen. Michael B. Jordan also responded with two words that most anybody would agree with, saying…

And Michael B. Jordan’s comments do a good job summing up most of the response to Kravitz’s performance in The Batman. Most everybody agrees that she is a high point in the cast. It seems to be all but certain that we’ll see more from her in this role. While no sequel to The Batman has been made official, it seems to be almost guaranteed to be on the way eventually. And any sequel that doesn't include  Zoë Kravitz is going to be missing something. Alicia Keys will certainly be disappointed because she thinks this Catwoman is…  

Hopefully Batman isn’t too jealous that he’s been slightly upstaged by Catwoman. Even if she is the best part of the new movie, she’s certainly not the only good part of it. It’s part of why we’re already expecting to see spinoff series in this universe, and so the future is probably quite bright for the new Catwoman. We may not even need to wait until the next Batman movie to see her again.  

The Ant-Man and the Wasp movies have thus far been some of the most unassuming in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far, appropriately keeping the scale of the action and adventure relatively small, but they’re arguably two of the most underrated films in the franchise. With fun and weird powers to play with director Peyton Reed has crafted a pair of blockbusters that have their own special energy compared to the other films in the MCU – and a lot of that has to do with the strength of the cast.

Thankfully, the key characters in the series are coming back for Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, and we’re not only anticipating their big screen return, but over the moon about some of the new stars that they’ll be working with in the trilogy capper. The truth is that we don’t really know much about the movie or its plot, as Marvel is doing a great job keeping things tightly under wraps, but we do have confirmations about a number of actors and the roles they are playing, and we have broken it all down for you in this handy feature.

Paul Rudd

Sexiest Man Alive Paul Rudd has been an effervescent presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since his debut as Scott Lang in 2015’s Ant-Man, and it’s terrifically exciting that he’ll be back in the role for the adventure that is Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. Rudd was in one of the biggest movies of 2021, taking a key supporting role in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, but some of his most significant work has been in the streaming series realm, starring in Netflix’s Living With Yourself and AppleTV+’s The Shrink Next Door. He most recently reprised his role as Scott Lang with a voice over performance in the Disney+ animated series What If…?

Evangeline Lilly

Following her performance in Avengers: Endgame, Evangeline Lilly has been in two movies: the thriller Crisis with Armie Hammer and Gary Oldman, and the action movie South Of Heaven co-starring Jason Sudeikis. She’ll reprise her role as Hope van Dyne a.k.a. The Wasp in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, marking her fifth time playing the character (including her role in an episode of What If…?).

Michael Douglas

After decades of waiting, Hank Pym was finally reunited with his wife, Janet van Dyne at the end of Ant-Man And The Wasp… and then the whole Blip thing had to interrupt the special reunion. Thankfully the events of Avengers: Endgame have returned things to normal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania we’ll see Michael Douglas back in his franchise role presumably making up for lost time. Like Paul Rudd, Douglas has also primarily been sticking to the small screen outside of Marvel in recent years, starring on the Netflix series The Kominsky Method.

Michelle Pfeiffer

What exactly did Janet van Dyne go through while living in the Quantum Realm? The character showed up too late in Ant-Man And The Wasp for the film to get too far into the details, but we’ll presumably learn a hell of a lot more in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. We partially presume this because Michelle Pfeiffer will be back as Janet… but the title is also a pretty big hint. Since Avengers: Endgame, the actor has starred in two films – Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil and French Exit – and she is playing Betty Ford in the television series The First Lady.

Kathryn Newton

Following her performances in Blockers, Pokemon Detective Pikachu, and Freaky, Kathryn Newton is most definitely a star on the rise, and it looks like her career is only going to skyrocket further into the stratosphere as she makes her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania she will be playing Cassie Lang (the third actor to do so after Abby Ryder Fortson and Emma Fuhrmann). Cassie is now a teenager because she survived The Blip, and while there has been a lot of hoping from fans that the blockbuster will see her take on the superhero identity Stature, we don’t actually know if that’s happening just yet.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors made one of the most spectacular Marvel debuts in recent memory playing He Who Remains who in the season finale of Loki, and it’s because of our intense desire to see more of him that our anticipation for Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania is extremely amplified. The movie will reportedly see him play a variant of He Who Remains who is the legendary comic book villain Kang The Conqueror, who is best known for utilizing time travel and spectacularly advanced technology. In addition to Loki, Majors has been doing some phenomenal work in the last couple years, starring in incredible movies The Harder They Fall and Da 5 Bloods, and playing the lead on the HBO series Lovecraft Country.

Bill Murray

Truth be told, we’re probably not supposed to actually know that Bill Murray is in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. All signs point to it probably being a cameo that the production wanted to keep a secret until the film hit theaters. Evidently Murray doesn’t really care too much about keeping things hush-hush, however, because he spilled the beans about his role in October 2021. We don’t know what part he is playing, but anything he’s involved with gets us curious. Like Paul Rudd, he too had a part to play in 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and that same year he also reunited with long-time collaborator Wes Anderson for The French Dispatch.

If everything goes according to plan, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania will debut in theaters as the second Marvel Cinematic Universe film of 2023, arriving a few months after both The Marvels (starring Brie Larson and Iman Vellani) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana).  Look for it in theaters on July 28, 2023, and check out our Upcoming Marvel Movies and Upcoming Marvel TV guides to learn about everything that is coming from the MCU in the next few years.

Every superhero has their weakness, like Superman with Kryptonite and Wonder Woman with gunfire and melee weapons, for instance. As a human being, Batman can be slowed down by plenty of things, but his skills as a strategist and indomitable typically keep him defiant in these situations. However, the one thing – or, person, I should say – who rarely fails to weaken his knees is one of Gotham’s greatest criminals, Catwoman.

The popularity of Selina Kyle’s thieving alter ego – who is more of an anti-hero than a straight-up villain and has been known to team up with her batty on-and-off beau – has transcended DC Comics, thanks to iconic interpretations in various animated or live-action Batman movies and TV shows. Let’s explore some past portrayals that most fans would consider purrr-fect. 

Zoë Kravitz As Catwoman In The Batman

How fitting that my personal choice for the best live-action Batman movie so far also features my favorite interpretation of Catwoman yet. Now, you could accuse me of recency bias, but you cannot deny that Zoë Kravitz gives a breathtaking performance as Selina Kyle – her second time playing the role, actually, after voicing her in The LEGO Batman Movie – that is key to why Matt Reeves’ The Batman is observed as a classic detective fiction throwback. Her interaction with Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight is a perfect reflection of the film noir femme fatale persona that inspired the character in the first place.

Elizabeth Gillies As Catwoman In Catwoman: Hunted

When Selina Kyle got her own DC animated movie in 2022, they cast an actor who really had a great handle on how to voice the character in the form of Elizabeth Gillies. Taking inspiration from Michelle Pfeiffer (whom we will get to soon), the star of CW’s Dynasty absolutely nails the burglar's alluring qualities in Catwoman: Hunted – a funny, action-packed thriller that sees her teaming up with Batwoman (Stephanie Beatriz) after an attempt to steal a priceless jewel puts her at odds with a powerful crime cartel.

Sanaa Lathan As Catwoman On Harley Quinn

Now, if we really want to talk about funny portrayals of Catwoman, there are few greater examples than on the hit, Max exclusive series, Harley Quinn, which is also home to many other great, comically inspired depictions of classic DC characters. However, I believe Sanaa Lathan’s portrayal is something really special, reinventing Selina Kyle as a fully self-serving woman who actually gets a little fed up with all the attention she gets from Diedrich Bader’s Bruce Wayne. It is a clever and hilarious reinvention of their relationship on par with Batman and Joker in The LEGO Batman Movie.

Naya Rivera As Catwoman In Batman: The Long Halloween

That being said, I am still a sucker for the Bat and the Cat’s moments of solidarity, such as when they team up to investigate an ongoing case of serial killings in 2021’s Batman: The Long Halloween. However, the two-part, animated adaptation of Jeph Loeb’s acclaimed series does shed light on Bruce Wayne (Jensen Ackles) and Selina Kyle’s (Naya Rivera) romantic troubles, for which the former Glee cast member also brings an enriching sense of authenticity and gravitas. As one of Rivera’s final performances before her untimely death, it succeeds as an all-time great moment for Catwoman in my book.

Julie Newmar As Catwoman On Batman 

Catwoman made her live-action debut on Season 1 of the 1960s Batman TV show with Julie Newmar in the role. The star of stage and screen was noted for her keen sense of humor, which made her a perfect fit for the series’ signature campy tone. While she would later reprise Selina Kyle in two DC animated movies (Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders in 2016 and 2017’s Batman vs. Two-Face), she is not the only actor to steal the heart of Adam West’s Bruce Wayne.

Lee Meriwether As Catwoman In Batman: The Movie

With Newmar unable to appear in 1966’s Batman: The Movie – which contains many of the funniest Batman movie moments – Lee Meriwether joined the cast to assist The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), and The Penguin (Burgess Meredith) in a sinister world domination plot. However, the Emmy nominee and former Miss America is not just playing Catwoman, because Selina Kyle disguises herself as the Russian Miss Kitka to lure Bruce Wayne into a horrible trap. Regardless, Meriwether’s devilishly funny and tastefully seductive performance makes for a memorable big screen debut of the character.

Eartha Kitt As Catwoman On Batman 

Meriwether would also appear on the Batman TV series, but in an entirely different role, because Catwoman had once again been recast by Season 2. Emmy nominee and recording artist Eartha Kitt (whom younger audiences might recognize as Madame Zeroni in Holes or as the voice of Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove) would make history as the first Black actress to play the supervillain in 1967. Her performance is just as historical, nailing the character’s most essential traits with a scenery-chewing glow.

Michelle Pfeiffer As Catwoman In Batman Returns

Even though Batman Returns goes hog wild with its interpretation of Selina Kyle by making her a murdered secretary magically resurrected by cats turned into an agent of chaos, many fans still call Michelle Pfeiffer their favorite Catwoman to this day, and it is easy to see why. For one, among the strongest elements of Tim Burton’s otherwise controversial 1992 sequel is its refreshing examination of Selina’s relationship with Bruce Wayne, especially in one of Michael Keaton’s best moments in the role when the turbulent pair show up maskless to a costume party, reflecting how the masks they usually wear best represent their true selves. Plus, the line “I am Catwoman, hear me roar” saw the beginning of a wave of feminism in new superhero movies.

Adrienne Barbeau as Catwoman on Batman: The Animated Series

The success of the Tim Burton movies (1989’s Batman, particularly) led to the creation of Batman: The Animated Series, which boasts the quintessential version of the Dark Knight (voiced by the late Kevin Conroy) in many fans’ eyes. I would say that the Emmy-winning cartoon’s iteration of Catwoman (voiced by Scream Queen Adrienne Barbeau) is the first to really get the character right in all facets, from her stunning thievery (aided by one intelligent feline) to her romantic connection with Bruce Wayne. The relationship feels even more authentic and naturally well developed overtime than even Keaton and Pfeiffer’s pairing, if you ask me.

Eliza Dushku As Catwoman In Batman: Year One

Selina Kyle (voiced by Eliza Dushku) and Bruce Wayne (voiced by future Gotham cast member Ben McKenzie) only share one direct interaction in 2011’s Batman: Year One that is very fervent and shows neither of them in costume. However, this animated favorite – based on Frank Miller’s acclaimed reimagining of Batman’s origin – has one of the most grounded and grittiest takes on Catwoman we have seen yet, portraying her as a sex worker from the seedier areas of Gotham City who turns to crime to help make ends meet. 

Anne Hathaway As Catwoman In The Dark Knight Rises

Of course, it is tough to deny how grounded and gritty Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway’s take on Selina Kyle in the final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy turned out to be. To be frank, I actually believe her consistently earnest and faithful approach to playing Catwoman as a conniving, ruthless femme fatale who finds she has a soft spot for Christian Bale’s Batman is one of the few reasons why 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises is worth revisiting. If there was ever a chance of her returning the role – which Hathaway said she would be game for – I would be game to see it.

Camren Bicondova As Selina Kyle On Gotham

There are plenty of reasons why fans love to revisit Gotham – the Batman prequel series that aired on Fox for five seasons – and its own take on Catwoman is certainly one of them. This version of Selina Kyle (played by Camren Bicondova before Lili Simmonds takes over in the series finale) is a teenage orphan who befriends a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) and becomes his ally in the early days of his crusade against crime… when she is not dabbling in crime herself.

You may have taken notice of the fact that Halle Berry’s Razzie-winning performance in 2004’s Catwoman as Patience Phillips (not Selina Kyle) is nowhere to be seen on the list above. It was actually not until recently that I learned some audiences might take offense to her exclusion, as they find the portrayal to be exceptional and even important to the character’s legacy. Well, I am happy that they feel that way, but, personally, I am thankful for how dramatically different and more accurate to the source material the other Catwomen we have listed above proved to be.

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a global sensation over the past decade of filmmaking. And as such, plenty of A-list talent have joined the property over the years, including the iconic Michelle Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer debuted as Janet van Dyne in Ant-Man and The Wasp, and is expected to reprise her role for Quantumania. A new video shows that she’s getting into superhero shape ahead of filming.

Comic book fans were thrilled to learn about Michelle Pfeiffer’s role in Ant-Man and The Wasp, especially given her acclaimed past in the genre with Batman Returns. Janet’s new abilities will no doubt be explored in Quantumania, and Pfeiffer recently shared a video exercising ahead of getting onto set. Check it out below.

I don’t know about you Miss Kitty, but I feel so much yummier. Michelle Pfeiffer looks ready to dive back into the MCU, but she’s also preparing her body for what might end up being a hardcore shoot. It all depends on how much action Janet gets into for Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.

The above image comes to us from Michelle Pfeiffer’s personal Instagram page. As she teases, her signature Marvel character Janet van Dyne might be returning to the Quantum Realm in the upcoming Ant-Man threequel. She spent years trapped in that mysterious setting, although the movie’s title seems to indicate that it’ll be the focus of the developing blockbuster.

Marvel fans can re-watch Michelle Pfeiffer’s time in the MCU so far on Disney+. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

Landing a comic book character has resulted in various actors getting into the best shape of their lives. We’ve seen this transformation with the likes of Kumail Nanjiani and Chris Pratt, and Michelle Pfeiffer wants to look her best just like everyone else. Hopefully we’ll get to see the Catwoman icon get to battle in the mysterious movie.

Given Marvel’s notoriously tight security, almost nothing is known about Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. But fans are eager to dive back into the quirky corner of the MCU that the franchise has carved out for itself. Plus there are still a ton of questions surrounding Michelle Pfeiffer’s character.

Janet van Dyne was presumed dead after being stranded in the Quantum Realm. But she was finally rescued in Ant-Man 2, and it was clear that she’d change on a molecular level. Her powers still haven’t been fully explained, and she was snapped out of existence alongside Hank and Hope.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is currently set to arrive in theaters on February 17th, 2023. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

In case it somehow slipped your mind, here’s your reminder that Michelle Pfeiffer is a legend. To many, she’s the definitive Catwoman, obviously along with enrapturing audiences for The Fabulous Baker Boys and Frankie and Johnny. And nowadays, the 62-year-old actress is getting recognized for her work in French Exit. She recently got a Golden Globe nomination for the role before the award went to I Care A Lot’s Rosamund Pike. Next, she’ll return to the MCU for the third Ant-Man movie coming in 2022.

Michelle Pfeiffer joined the biggest franchise in Hollywood for 2018’s super fun Ant-Man and the Wasp as wife to Michael Douglas’ Hank Pym and mother to Evangeline Lilly’s Hope Van Dyne. The sequel finally freed Pfeiffer’s character, Janet Van Dyne, from the Quantum Realm, and in the next movie, we’d imagine the actress will assume a larger role. Ahead of returning for Ant-Man 3, Pfeiffer told IndieWire why she’s proud to be part of the Marvel franchise:

Ant-Man and the Wasp was definitely something different for the actress, who usually gravitates toward dramas and a lot of other films way north of superheroes riding on ants. Michelle Pfeiffer admitted that acting in front of green screens and suits is a bit odd, but it's nonetheless something she is really excited about. And of course, she gets to work with an all-star cast and a beloved storyline we’re all lining up to continue to see play out with the MCU.

The next Ant-Man movie, officially called Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, will see Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer back into the fold, with Freaky and The Map of Tiny Perfect Things Kathryn Langford taking over as all-grown-up Cassie Lang and Lovecraft Country breakout Jonathan Majors portraying villain Kang the Conqueror. The movie will once again be directed by Peyton Reed.

A segment of the Ant-Man side of the universe is being represented in Disney+’s first TV show WandaVision with Randall Park’s Jimmy Woo playing a major part in the series about Scarlet Witch. As Marvel fans know, the Quantum Realm was absolutely key to defeating Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. It allowed the Avengers to travel back in time in order to save the universe, and we’d imagine the third Ant-Man installment will have even higher stakes, and perhaps even set up the Fantastic Four movie coming. Pfeiffer has a lot more to be excited about regarding her role.

Check out the full Marvel lineup between WandaVision to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and beyond here on CinemaBlend.

In terms of the superhero genre, Tim Burton’s Batman Returns has remained a hallmark film amongst Batman aficionados and fans of the genre. While the film is Batman-focused, Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman was a major highlight that's beloved to this day. One of her best scenes in the sequel was her using her whip in a store. Recently, a throwback behind-the-scenes clip of the scene surfaced showing Pfeiffer wielding the weapon. And its set social media on fire.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s career has been filled with stellar performances over her four decades in Hollywood. But her turn as Catwoman in Batman Returns has continued to live in the minds of many 1990s kids and film enthusiasts. Her performance placed the actress as one of the most regarded characterizations of the iconic anti-heroine. Of course, the whipping scene has lived on in infamy. But the scene spiked in popularity as a cool Batman Returns behind-the-scenes video popped up on the internet. The throwback clip came courtesy of Netflix social media manager Jarret Wieselman. He spilled that Pfeiffer did the infamous scene in one take on Twitter. Check out this one-take wonder below:

As evident by the Twitter post, Michelle Pfeiffer channeled Catwoman when using the whip. The way she used it was a master class in doing the work to make a character believable. It also showcased the transformation of Selina Kyle from mousey secretary to invincible femme fatale. She managed to make that scene so real and disturbing at the same time. Plus, that applause at the end was well deserved especially after doing the scene in one take.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman may still hold a place in many people’s hearts and minds, but it's unclear if she'll ever get to reprise her role. Michael Keaton’s Batman has been confirmed for the Flash movie, but Pfeiffer hasn’t been asked to return as Catwoman. But if an offer is coming her way for the long-delayed DC film, it would be a major coup for the DCEU.

But it might be hard to do considering Michelle Pfeiffer is currently tied to the MCU for the Ant-Man films. Given her status in the superhero genre, she is one of a few actors who hopped between Marvel and DC without any problems. So, doing the Flash movie might not be out of the question. Within the last year, Pfeiffer’s Catwoman has gained traction as Zoe Kravitz became the latest actress to take on the iconic character. Pfeiffer along with other Catwoman stars Halle Berry and Anne Hathaway welcomed Kravitz into the exclusive circle.

With that said, the Batman Returns throwback clip showed just how committed Michelle Pfeiffer was into channeling and becoming a fragile character such as Catwoman. Hopefully, this clip will light a fire under Warner Bros. to approach her to reprise the role. If you want to see the actress in action, you can watch Batman Returns on HBO Max.

Michelle Pfeiffer is Hollywood royalty, with a career spanning over five decades. Throughout the years she has managed to appear in a wide range of films, but early in her career was frustrated by the roles she was given. In fact, Pfeiffer recently explained why getting noticed for her looks didn't help her career.

While Michelle Pfeiffer has been regarded as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, she’s also known for her beauty. Early in her career, Pfeiffer’s roles focused more on her looks, rather than complex characters. This seemingly pushed her to show Hollywood what she could do as an actor. Pfeiffer recently spoke with The New Yorker about the double-edged sword of being beautiful in Hollywood, saying:

Michelle Pfeiffer went on to explain her frustration of being just “arm candy.” She spoke on being touched by Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese’s assessment of her acting abilities.

Moviegoers may see someone like Michelle Pfeiffer and think looks and beauty are great benefits for any actor’s career. But Pfeiffer’s words painted a limited scope with roles and genres when it comes to pursuing more range in an acting career. The actor’s career proved that all it takes is one person to see more for another person.

Despite this hurdle for the actor, Michelle Pfeiffer made it a point to take on a range of roles. As a result, Sse has become regarded as one of Hollywood’s most well-rounded performers. She managed to keep people entertained and guessing by doing everything from romantic comedies, to period dramas, to musicals, to big-budget blockbusters. As Michelle Pfeiffer pointed out, her career took a different turn after doing Married to the Mob and The Witches of Eastwick. She scored two consecutive Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Leading Actress for Dangerous Liaisons and The Fabulous Baker Boys, respectively. Had she not taken those risks, the public would have never gotten the actor as Catwoman in Batman Returns. What's more, recently revealed she wouldn’t mind returning to the role for the upcoming Flash movie if asked.

Along with Batman Returns, Michelle Pfeiffer recently celebrated another one of her best-known films – One Fine Day. She and co-star George Clooney were nostalgic as they spoke on the time he showed up to the set after a night of drinking. Pfeiffer also spoke on turning down Jodie Foster’s role in Silence of the Lambs and why she regrets doing so. Fortunately, at this point in her career, Pfeiffer has a resume that many actors would envy as she continues to score top-notch roles.