Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed on a podcast that becoming a professional actor was never his goal. He went on to explain that his goal instead was “just to never be broke.” In a clip from The Pivot podcast posted on Instagram, the Black Adam actor discusses his career. He additionally shares that finding success in acting wasn’t his goal in life. He describes how he never wanted to “make millions,” but just decided early on that he would “Scratch, claw, kick, bite and fight [his] way to have more than seven bucks.”
On the podcast hosted by Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor and Ryan Clark, the former professional athlete describes his childhood. Johnson shares that growing up, his parents worked incredibly hard. He further describes how after his father opened his own cleaning business, financial problems ultimately led to their family’s eviction. The stress also led to friction in the couple’s marriage. He went on to say that he “[didn’t] want that for them and [he] didn’t want that for [his] family.”
The former WWE superstar explained “in the spirit of just being completely open” how after watching his parents struggle to make ends meet, he “used to tell [himself] specifically, ‘I cannot be f***ing broke.’” Johnson went on to describe his father as a hero in his life growing up, explaining his father’s own struggles of being kicked out at the age of 13 and dealing with other tension within their family. He outlines his father receiving death threats from his father, leading to his mother kicking him out of the house.
In April, a WWE trading card featuring Johnson’s iconic character “The Rock” was purchased for $126,000 by a passionate collector. The purchase broke the record for the highest selling WWE trading card of all time. In March, Johnson spoke to Variety on the Oscars red carpet about his costar Henry Cavill being replaced as Superman in an upcoming film. Earlier this week, the actor was named in a $3 Billion alleged kidnapping lawsuit. His team has released a statement denying Johnson’s involvement.
Marlon Wayans is a Hollywood titan in both comedy and drama. From serious roles in films like Requiem for a Dream to the slapstick insanity of A Haunted House there isn’t much the legendary comedian can’t tackle. But Wayans’s true calling is in his nuanced comedic performances where he blends manic reactions with sharp-tongued dialogue. Let’s look at seven of his best comedic roles where he flexes those chops.
7. Howard Gordon – The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)
The Curse of Bridge Hollow sees Marlon Wayans in a shockingly subdued comedic role. The film follows a family who’ve relocated from Brooklyn to a small New England town, encountering the supernatural. Specifically, Halloween decorations come to life and terrorize the town. Wayans leans into his role as a patriarch with warmth and gravitas but maintains a sense of manic hilarity. The Curse of Bridge Hollow proves that Marlon Wayans can easily bring his comedic sensibilities to a family-friendly affair.
6. Kenny Tyler – The 6th Man (1997)
In The 6th Man, Wayans portrays Kenny Tyler, a rising basketball star. When his brother and teammate, Antoine, suddenly dies on the court, Kenny and his teammates start losing their mojo. Their bad luck soon changes when Antoine appears as a ghost to his brother in the locker room. With the assistance of Antoine’s ghostly perks, Kenny and the team regain their winning streak. Marlon Wayans plays the bereaved brother well, but once he starts to be literally haunted, he turns in a fantastic comedic performance.
5. Seymour Stewart – Mo’ Money (1992)
Mo’ Money follows the exploits of two brothers, Johnny and Seymour Stewart (played but Damon and Marlon Wayans, respectively). The brothers are low-level crooks who get into identity theft and are entangled in a web of criminal intrigue. The film wasn’t a critical darling upon release but was a box-office success and has since garnered cult status. Marlon Wayans delivered hilarious lines with frenetic energy in his first big outing as a supporting actor. He was able to sell the character of a crook whose scheming mind worked almost as fast as his mouth. While his limited screen time wasn’t paramount to the film, he stole every scene he stepped into.
4. Gawain MacSam – The Ladykillers (2004)
The Coen Brothers’ remake of the 1955 film The Ladykillers is an often-overlooked entry in their filmography. This is primarily due to the stellar cast of character actors as a band of misfit scam artists. Marlon Wayans plays Gawain MacSam, a janitor who acts as the inside man for the gang’s big heist in the film. Wayans delivers the Coen Brothers’ dialogue with such confident bluster it sounds like foul-mouthed poetry. He is a highlight in a film packed to the brim with vibrant characters and scenery-chewing performances. Wayans’ take on the character of Gawain vacillates from crass to endearing right up until his final moments in the film.
3. Marcus Copeland/Tiffany Wilson – White Chicks (2004)
Look, White Chicks is not a great film. It hangs the workings of a solid sketch comedy premise on the bones of a feature-length film, with mixed results. However, Marlon Wayans’s insane performance is nothing short of hilarious. Yes, it’s crass and often offensive, but something is charming about it. The film follows two Black FBI agents who go undercover as white women to collar a high-profile drug dealer. The reasons for this ruse are ridiculous and convoluted. Thankfully, the film is anchored by hilarious performances by Marlon and his brother Shawn. They push the limits of good taste with gross-out comedy, as well as commentaries on race and gender that don’t always hit their mark.
2. Shorty – Scary Movie 2 (2001)
The fact that Scary Movie 2 works as well as it does is nothing short of a miracle. The film was written and produced less than a year after the original’s release. You can certainly see those time constraints on the screen, for better and worse. While the film is a mixed bag, a few standouts remain hilarious the whole way through. Most notably, the character of Shorty, who Marlon Wayans reprised from the first film, kills it. Wayans seems just to be doing improv while inhabiting an insane stoner character, but he pulls it off.
1. Loc Dog – Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
Don’t Be Menace… is a parody masterpiece. It’s also a snapshot of the cinema landscape at the time, lovingly poking fun at the deluge of “hood films” in the early nineties. It inspected the tropes found in classic films by directors like John Singleton, Spike Lee, and F. Gary Gray through a Mad Magazine lens. While there are plenty of standout comedic performances here, the most memorable is Marlon Wayans as the street-smart and eccentric Loc Dog. The character contains layers of jokes, from his wardrobe to how he mugs at the camera. Even if Loc Dog isn’t delivering jokes in the scene, he’s getting laughs.
Subscription payments to things like Netflix and Spotify might seem like a hassle, but a new program is putting together a possible way for people to become homeowners through a modern mortgage concept, according to The Independent.
A bank in the UK called Leeds Building Society has partnered with Experian’s free Experian Boost. This would allow those who need to borrow money more opportunities to prove that they routinely keep a “financial track record.”
“This will particularly help younger borrowers, first-time buyers and anyone on lower incomes who face the toughest challenge to prove their ability to repay,” Richard Fearon, Leeds Building Society’s chief executive, told the publication.
“Often through no fault of their own, these groups can struggle to build a good credit score because they need to spend most of their earnings on rent and other regular payments,” he added.
Additionally, another bank called Skipton Building Society made a mortgage program that doesn’t need a deposit. “We recognise there’s a clear gap in the market for people who have a strong history of making rental payments over a period of time so can evidence affordability of a mortgage – but there is currently no solution for them to buy a property due to lack of savings or access to family wealth,” the company’s Charlotte Harrison noted.
While Spotify and the streaming platforms aren’t directly involved in the program, it still gives all those monthly subscriptions that we all pay possibly counting for something in the long run.
Robert De Niro has revealed that he’s just had his seventh child at the age of 79 with an unconfirmed woman. The American actor, known for his iconic roles in films like The Godfather, Goodfellas, Brazil, and more, shared the news in an interview with ET Canada reporter Brittnee Blair earlier this week. When Blair began to discuss De Niro’s six children, he corrected the reporter, stating “Seven actually … I just had a baby.” It is currently unclear who gave birth to De Niro’s seventh child. Although, it is speculated that it could have been his rumored girlfriend Chinese film producer Tiffany Chen, who he was spotted out with in March.
In paparazzi footage of the pair leaving the popular Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles, you can hear someone refer to Chen saying, “Hey guys, c’mon, she’s pregnant.” De Niro has been married twice and his six other children. Drena, Raphael, Julian, Elliot, Aaron, and Helen, were carried by various women including the star’s ex-wives. This includes actresses Grace Hightower and Diahnne Abbott.
De Niro Promotes New Film
Robert De Niro attends the “About My Father” premiere at SVA Theater on May 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
The Taxi Driver actor is currently promoting his new film, About My Father. He stars alongside Italian-American stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall. Ironically, the film centers around De Niro’s character who plays an Italian immigrant father spending time with the upper-class family of his son’s fiancée resulting in a culture clash. The film is set to be released later this month.
In December of last year, De Niro’s Upper East Side residence was burglarized. This happened while the star was home, which led to the arrest of a 30-year-old woman, Shanice Aviles, who had multiple prior arrests. De Niro was asleep during the burglary, which included Aviles bagging up Christmas presents under his tree. Additionally, this led to police waking up the star to notify him of what was happening. De Niro also acted alongside Margot Robbie and Christian Bale in the 2022 comedy film Amsterdam. In the movie, he played the role of a General. The film, directed by David O. Russell and produced by Drake, was inspired by true events.
Chloe Bailey just attended the premiere of her sister Halle’s new movie, The Little Mermaid. The sisters both walked the blue carpet at the event celebrating the release of the highly-anticipated film. Chloe looked stunning as usual, sporting a sparkling yellow dress with an opening in the front that showed off her toned physique. She also wore a lace front wig, which was a big change from her usual locs. Chloe posted about the event on Instagram afterward, where she referenced her close relationship with Halle. “The flounder to her ariel,” Chloe joked, likely talking about her bright yellow dress.
During an interview on the blue carpet, Chloe spoke to reporters about what the film could mean for the kids that watch it. “I get chills,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “To know that all of those beautiful girls will be able to see proper representation… whether you’re black or white or anything like that, you’ll be able to look at my sister and say, ‘I can be anything I want to be no matter what the world tells me is acceptable.’ There could not be a more perfect Ariel.” The event went off without a hitch, it seems. Chloe did struggle to get out of her premiere look, however.
In the video above, Chloe Bailey struggles with all her might to remove her lace front. It’s an endearing video that reminds us of the human side of celebrities. The clip was shared on Instagram, and in it, Chloe was very straightforward about her lack of wig knowledge. “As a girl with locs, I’m very new to the lace front community,” she said. She then talked about products that were recommended to her to remove the wig glue: alcohol and oil. “We’re going to see how to get this off because I’m not trying to rip my edges out,” Chloe said. After several attempts at removing the wig using only castor oil, the singer decided it was time for to try alcohol. After some time, it seemed to have worked like a charm.
In a repost by The Shade Room, fans took to the comment section to show love to Chloe and her sister, Halle. “Who is they mama, the fairy godmother?” one user said. “She raised them real good.” Another chimed in to agree, saying “You can tell the Bailey sisters were raised with love, attention, and the Lord.” Chloe certainly has the Lord, as she called on him several times while removing the wig. What do you think about Chloe’s blue carpet look? Let us know in the comment section!
When it was first announced that Disney had cast a Black woman, Halle Bailey, as the lead in their live-action The Little Mermaid remake, all hell broke loose. Of course, her community was happy to see the 23-year-old thriving. Unfortunately, racists couldn’t help but run their mouths on social media regarding the push for diversity. Yara Shadidi was met with a similar response when she earned the role of Tinkerbell in Peter Pan & Wendy. Nevertheless, both young actresses have since been shutting down critics with their work.
After months of waiting, Bailey’s first-ever film made its world premiere in Hollywood on Monday (May 8). It won’t be available to the general public until later this month, though a select group of celebrity friends such as Offset, Chlöe Bailey, and Kelly Rowland were all invited to the early screening. Other industry figures were in attendance as well, many of whom have already been sharing their thoughts regarding The Little Mermaid on Twitter.
Halle Bailey attends the world premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
“#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live-action Disney movie,” one lucky earlier viewer shared with social media followers. “However, it still struggles in the villain department,” they admitted. “Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before.”
Elsewhere, Kelly Rowland also sang her young friend’s praises, writing, “‘The Little Mermaid’ is truly AN EPIC WATCH!!! The music in this movie!! FREAKINGGGGGGGWOWWWWW!! You laugh, you cry, you sing along!!” along with photos of her colourful outfit from the premiere. “I know I’m gonna be singing these songs for weeks to come!!!!!!” the Destiny’s Child alum declared.
Twitter Reacts to Disney’s Latest Live-Action Movie
Following the event, Halle Bailey shared beautiful photos of her designer dress, as well as some thoughts about her experience preparing for the premiere. “You guys, I’m so overwhelmed and overjoyed that this movie is almost here for you all to see,” she wrote on Monday afternoon. “This was the first premiere of the press run and I have been in tears and feeling oh so grateful,” the rising starlet further gushed. Keep scrolling to see more Twitter reactions, and let us know if you’ll be at the theatres on May 26th to catch the public debut of The Little Mermaid in the comments.
the little mermaid LA premiere.. we made it you guys, i’m so overwhelmed and overjoyed that this movie is almost here for you all to see. this was the first premiere of the press run and i have been in tears and feeling oh so grateful.. this is just a little peak of some… pic.twitter.com/QccFrJ9TyB
critics are saying the little mermaid is the best live action remake to date and halle is the heart of the film FUCK ALL OF Y’ALL THAT TRIED PRAYING ON MY SISTER’S DOWNFALL as expected every tongue that rises up against her shall fall#TheLittleMermaidpic.twitter.com/pfQc4Y5eat
#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL
the little mermaid (2023) getting nothing but mostly positive reviews from the critics. halle shutting down all those racists and proving them wrong. my sister is here to stay! that’s OUR ariel right there! pic.twitter.com/r9D45OnCsl
— khalia. | queen charlotte era (@VERONASFILMS) May 9, 2023
Twenty-two years ago, a groundbreaking musical film hit the airwaves, merging the worlds of Hip Hop and opera in a way that had never been done before. Carmen: A Hip Hopera, starring Beyoncé Knowles and Mekhi Phifer, reimagined Bizet’s classic opera Carmen through a contemporary lens. As we celebrate the film’s 22nd anniversary, let’s look at how this Hip Hop opera came to be and its impact on pop culture.
The Birth Of A Hip Hop Opera
The concept of a Hip Hop opera was ambitious from the start. MTV Films and New Line Cinema teamed up to create this modern adaptation, with Robert Townsend taking the reins as director. The screenplay, penned by Michael Elliot, transformed the story of Carmen, a femme fatale in 19th-century Spain, into a tale of love and betrayal set in Philadelphia. Casting Beyoncé, a rising star at the time, as Carmen and Mekhi Phifer as her love interest, police officer Derek Hill, was a masterstroke. Their on-screen chemistry and powerful performances also brought the characters to life, giving this Hip Hopera a depth that resonated with audiences.
Carmen: A Hip Hopera also blended traditional opera with Hip Hop music, creating a unique fusion that captivated viewers. The film’s score, composed by Kip Collins and featuring original songs by Beyoncé and other artists, seamlessly integrated rap and R&B elements into the operatic framework. The memorable soundtrack included hits like “Cards Never Lie” and “The Last Great Seduction,” showcasing Beyoncé’s vocal prowess and ability to deliver rap verses with equal ease. This innovative approach to the musical score further ensured that Carmen: A Hip Hopera stood out from other adaptations of Bizet’s classic work.
Carmen: A Hip Hopera‘s success extended far beyond its initial release on MTV in 2001. The film was a precursor to the mainstream acceptance of Hip Hop as a versatile art form, paving the way for other genre-crossing projects like Hamilton and The Hip Hop Project. The film’s influence can also be seen in the rise of Beyoncé, who became one of the most iconic artists in history. Her role in Carmen: A Hip Hopera further showcased her versatility as a performer, and the film’s success helped solidify her status as a leading figure in pop culture.
The film also helped break down barriers for Black artists in both the Hip Hop and opera worlds. The movie allowed future Black musicians, composers, and performers to explore new artistic avenues by fusing these two genres. Further, they challenge preconceived notions about their place in the world of classical music.
Two decades after its release, Carmen: A Hip Hopera remains a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. The film’s enduring appeal also stems from its innovative approach to storytelling, its unforgettable music, and the star power of its leading actors. It also serves as a reminder that blending different art forms can result in something extraordinary. Carmen pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of entertainment.
The movie also featured an incredible ensemble cast with successful film and music careers. Alongside Beyoncé and Mekhi Phifer, the film featured Mos Def as Lieutenant Miller, Rah Digga as Rasheeda, Wyclef Jean as Fortune Teller, and even a cameo from legendary rapper Da Brat. Moreover, the success of Carmen: A Hip Hopera permitted entertainers to flex their talents and show more of what they could offer.
Inspiring a New Generation of Artists
Additionally, as a trailblazing film that broke boundaries, Carmen has inspired a new generation of artists to push the envelope. From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton to Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, the influence of Carmen: A Hip Hopera can be seen in how these works incorporate modern music and techniques into historical narratives. The film’s bold approach to adaptation continues to inspire artists to challenge the status quo and to also think outside the box regarding their own projects.
Celebrating 22 Years
As we look back on the 22-year journey of Carmen: A Hip Hopera, it’s important to recognize the impact it has had on the worlds of film, music, and pop culture. This Hip Hop opera has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, inspiring countless artists to push the boundaries of their craft and explore new creative avenues. Overall, as we celebrate the film’s anniversary, let’s continue to appreciate the legacy of Carmen: A Hip Hopera and the contributions that have made it a classic in the culture.
For Chlöe and Halle Bailey, the decision to go their separate ways and focus on their own careers hasn’t been easy. Nevertheless, it’s served the talented sisters greatly, with the older of the two delivering her debut solo album and an incredible tour, while the younger has been working on her acting chops. Rather than diving into the world of film with a small smart, the 23-year-old went all in as the lead in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Bailey and the company have both faced backlash over the decision to cast a Black woman as Ariel. Thankfully, the rising star hasn’t let it get under her skin too much.
In today’s internet age, avoiding hate is practically impossible. On the bright side, the “Do It” songstress has experienced plenty of heartwarming moments with young fans to make up for the bad. Most recently, she left Cardi B and Offset’s 4-year-old daughter, Kulture, feeling nothing short of starstruck when they crossed paths at TLM premiere on Monday (May 8) evening. In an adorable video that’s been circulating online, the young girl wraps her arms around Halle’s thighs in a sweet embrace before the Atlanta native crouched down to show her some love.
Both girls exchanged a sweet smile before hugging again, Kulture happily looking into the camera in the midst of Bailey’s embrace. As Uproxx notes, Cardi threw a mermaid-themed bash for her eldest’s last birthday, so it’s not entirely surprising to see her with such an affinity for Ariel. Elsewhere at the event, Offset’s other daughter, Kalea, joined her step-sister and Halle’s sister, Chlöe to pose for more photos on the red carpet.
Everyone in attendance was dressed to the nines, from the former Migos member’s pearl-clad jacket to the “Have Mercy” hitmaker’s vibrant yellow dress. Are you looking forward to seeing Halle Bailey as The Little Mermaid? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.
Cardi B’s daughter Kulture may have famous parents and be a borderline celebrity in her own right, but that didn’t stop her from being a little starstruck by her fellow aquatic actress Halle Bailey at the Los Angeles premiere of The Little Mermaid. Bailey, as you’re probably aware, plays the titular role in the live-action remake of the Disney animated classic, and although she took some flak from internet bigots who couldn’t handle seeing locs on a mermaid, it’s clear from children’s reactions to her that she’s the perfect person to portray the underwater princess in the new remake.
It’s no surprise Kulture had stars in her eyes when she met the young singer; Kulture’s fourth birthday party last year was mermaid-themed, so it seems pretty likely the original gets plenty of burn at the Cephus household.
And Kulture certainly knows a thing or two about portraying a fish-tailed fan-favorite character, thanks to her appearance alongside her mom in Baby Shark’s Big Show. She’s set to reprise her role in Baby Shark’s Big Movie as well, although this time it seems she’ll be a little more aware of what’s going on.
She won’t be the only one singing the new Ariel’s praises; early reactions to The Little Mermaid have been calling it Disney’s best live-action remake yet, even with the terrifying redesigns of Flounder and Sebastian.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 hit theaters last weekend. The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe offering was also the final entry for the beloved team that’s been a part of fans’ hearts since 2014. It also marked the final time James Gunn will work with Marvel since he’s been hired to fill the Kevin Fiege role at DC Studios. What a way for them all to go out [SPOILERS AHEAD]. James Gunn & Co. have delivered a perfect swan song for their beloved team.
James Gunn Gives Rocket The Story He Deserves
This is, at its core, a story about Rocket Raccoon. The feisty character, voiced by the stellar Bradley Cooper, has been a key part of what was always considered Peter Quill’s story. With the third installment, Gunn shifted the focus while also showcasing that the story was always about all of them. [Light spoilers] When talking with a friend, Rocket is told that it’s always been his story. That may very well be true, but the film devotes a lot of time to giving every character what they need.
Rocket, naturally, gets a lot of attention. His painstaking backstory is put on screen for all to see, with the most gruesome parts being left to our imaginations. Even though the present-day version is out of commission for about 40 percent of the film, he’s still the most prominent character. His arc and character growth from the first film to now is on full display and it’s excellent work from all involved.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Gives Every Player Focus
By this time, the Guardians crew has grown. It now includes Groot, Rocket, Star-Lord, Gamora, Nebula, Drax, Mantis, Kraglin, Cosmo, and several other key characters. Each of them gets enough screen time to satisfy and good depth. The story is Rocket’s, but one could argue that it’s just as much about each of the rest of them.
Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, embarks on his final journey. He finally accepts what has happened to him and decides to stop running from his past. Over the last decade, Quill has been a key member of the MCU without ever really returning to his traumatic home. It wraps up his story nicely.
Gamora is not even the same Gamora. That version died, and this version is from 2014, when she hadn’t undergone any character growth. That’s challenging work for a thespian, but Zoe Saldana handles it perfectly. She has to experience a new arc and come to a new place for the character, and the film handles that well, too.
Drax, who is often considered the big dumb idiot of the group, finally sees his own value. He’s finally shown to have value after largely being the comic relief for the first two films. Nebula also ascends to leader status, something that suits her perfectly. Kraglin, still reeling from losing his friend Yondu, can’t master his new weapon. He suffers from anxiety over everything. He, too, has an impressive, if muted, character arc. Every character shines in their own way.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Shines In Every Way
From the editing to the cinematography and from the acting to the costumes, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is one of the best entries in the MCU. The acting, in particular, stands out. The voice acting for Rocket and Young Rocket, a.k.a. 89P13, is excellent. Chris Pratt isn’t exactly known for his range, but he puts on a dynamic performance ad Star-Lord—by far his best Marvel outing. As mentioned, Saldana excels in her role, too.
Perhaps the film’s best and most welcome performance is by newcomer Chukwudi Iwuji. The actor collaborated with Gunn on his DC television show Peacemaker, which debuts in Marvel here. He plays the villainous High Evolutionary, and he does it extremely well. Good films need menacing villains, and that’s exactly what Iwuji brings to the table. He also brings a complex nature to the role so that his villain is at least somewhat morally complicated. Like Thanos before him, his crimes are in pursuit of what he perceives as a better world in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
The performance was not without challenges. Iwuji had to be unnaturally cruel to animals, which is hard for most people. “But I have to say, the first time I saw — I was doing an ADR or something, and I saw a scene with Rocket’s eyes, I literally saw my dog’s eyes…I saw his face, and I was like, ‘I am going to hell,’ when I saw that,” he said in an interview. “It really helped that when I was dealing with the animals, I wasn’t really dealing with any animals, because it would have been much harder that way. My agent couldn’t talk to me properly for like two days after a screening. She went home and hugged her dog, and was like, ‘I don’t know how I can talk to you.’” It translated to one of the best villain performances in the MCU.
While it’s always hard for MCU actors to get Oscar recognition (save for Angela Bassett last year), look for Iwuji to have at least some steam for a Best Supporting Actor nomination from Guardians of the Galaxy 3. The year is very young, and it could be a stacked field. Still, there will be plenty calling for recognition for his impressive performance. Eventually, the MCU will break through that ceiling.
Not to be overlooked, Will Poulter added a fresh face to the cast. Adam Warlock, who was teased at the end of Volume 2, showed up in a big way in Guardians of the Galaxy 3. One of Marvel’s most powerful characters made his on-screen debut, and Poulter ate it up. Playing a prematurely born Greek god is no easy feat, and the actor easily stepped into the role. His journey in the MCU will be one to look out for.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Is Top Tier MCU Output
PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 22: (L-R) Karen Gillan, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, James Gunn, Pom Klementieff and Vin Diesel attend the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” European gala event at the Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/Getty Images)
The reports of the death of the MCU may have been greatly exaggerated. Phase 4 was met with a lot of disappointment, and Phase 5 was off to an inauspicious start with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. While Phase 4 was not as poor as many said, it was a step down from Phase 3. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is a step back up.
Many believe it to be the best MCU movie to date, and that’s not exactly a hot take. On Letterboxd, the popular movie review app, it has a 4.2 combined score. That’s the highest of any film—topping Avengers: Infinity War and Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s 4.0. On Rotten Tomatoes, it is certified fresh, and it has an 8.4 on IMDb. That’s tied for the best with Avengers Endgame and the aforementioned prequel to that one.
Many critics are calling it the best film since Endgame. That is to imply that it’s been all downhill from there, but it’s not the case. Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were all excellent. Fans generally liked all of the television shows, too. Regardless, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is not just a top film for a given time. It’s a top output in the entire franchise.
you guys, i’m so overwhelmed and overjoyed that this movie is almost here for you all to see. this was the first premiere of the press run and i have been in tears and feeling oh so grateful.. this is just a little peak of some… 
(@MANJIROSHIRO) 
(@VERONASFILMS) 
(@unsexiest)
(@radicalcoolkid)
