Movies

Don Cheadle Movies: The Award-Winner’s Best

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Don Cheadle has been an illustrious actor since the 1980s, beginning with numerous TV roles before transitioning to film. His turn as Best Supporting Actor alongside Denzel Washington in Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) earned him acclaim from the Los Angeles Film Critics. Since then, he has starred in various acclaimed and Oscar-nominated films throughout the 2000s. He has also become a household name for his role as War Machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his comedic works. From established Hollywood favorite to all-around entertainer, here are the best Don Cheadle films.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

A calamity tragically forgotten, the 1994 Rwandan genocide is one of the darkest moments of modern history. Terry George’s 2004 biopic Hotel Rwanda brings this tragedy to life with its story of Paul Rusesabagina (Cheadle). The actor’s career-defining role in 2004’s Hotel Rwanda demanded his best. He earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a hotel manager who bravely opened its doors to shelter thousands of refugees from the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. Not just important culturally, but his performance makes this film enthralling. An absolute must-see.

Crash (2004)

Crash is a powerful and fateful film centering around racism, class division, and power struggles. It garnered the 2006 Academy Award for Best Picture. Its galvanizing performances from Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Thandiwe Newton, and Terrence Howard make it a timeless classic. It exposes prejudices in a stark fashion. The film further implores us to understand the intricate web of emotions and experiences that lives beyond racial or economic distinctions.

Miles Ahead (2016)

Starring Don Cheadle as the legendary Miles Davis, this dramedy is a captivating exploration of the artist’s life and legacy. It takes an unconventional approach to tell its story, with witty humor and breathtaking drama. Cheadle’s performance is flawless in depicting Miles Davis at his artistic peak. The film also chronicled the musician’s personal struggles. Cheadle’s precise understanding of Davis brings out the depth of his character and his vibrant youth. This is one of Cheadle’s most impressive pieces of work yet—a dazzling testament to the power of art and creativity.

Flight (2012)

Will Whitaker Sr. (Denzel Washington) was an alcoholic flying a plane. Despite his condition, he miraculously saved the lives of those on board when it crashed. An investigation uncovered that he had been inebriated on the flight, leading people to question If he deserved praise or criticism. In order to provide viewers with clarity, Cheadle stepped into the role of attorney Hugh Lang. He defends Whitaker’s case and shines a light on the possible ramifications of racial bias. While depicting a character torn between both sides, Lang presents an intricate conflict. It prompts audiences to pause before making their final decision.

Boogie Nights (1997)

The unparalleled expertise of Paul Thomas Anderson as a film producer is his capacity to evoke feelings of sympathy for his characters. Boogie Nights captures the harsh truth of sex work and the struggles of its stars. Cheadle captivates with one of the most compassionate performances in the movie. Although Buck Swope is one of Horner’s key players, he wishes for a more typical life away from the limelight. Cheadle portrays maturity beyond his age when discussing forming a family with his flame, Jessie St. Vincent (Melora Walters). Still, Cheadle also illustrates how Buck became a linchpin in Horner’s flicks. Even when directing a goofy ad for his equipment store, Buck flourishes as a performer.

Out of Sight (1998)

It’s not difficult to comprehend why Soderbergh and Cheadle often work together. As a filmmaker, Soderbergh is renowned for his ability to blend genres. This was evident in Out of Sight, an amusing homage to caper movies channeling humor and genuine emotion. Such a unique flick necessitated a protagonist with a flair for comedy, and Cheadle fit the bill as the criminal Maurice Miller. 

Miller and Jack Foley (George Clooney) work in tandem early on in the movie, despite their lack of trust. Their playful verbal jabs also conceal an underlying tension. This fully manifests itself when Maurice starts suspecting the latter’s motives. Cheadle demonstrates remarkable versatility, maneuvering caustically from humorous to intimidating at the drop of a hat. It is a shame he rarely plays antagonists anymore.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

As the conclusion of Captain America’s MCU trilogy, Civil War has achieved remarkable recognition. After Age of Ultron, public opinion and government regulations turned against the Avengers, leading to the Sokovia Accords. This document is meant to curb the authority of superhuman forces to avert future disasters. Iron Man and Captain America diverge to take opposing sides in this disagreement, causing tensions within the group. This affects Don Cheadle’s War Machine, Rhodey. In a gripping climax with Vision, he almost makes the ultimate sacrifice until finally being paralyzed from an aerial impact. This event marks a significant turning point in the movie, showing how disputed opinions can rip apart even the closest of allies. Overall, Cheadle’s outstanding performance is acclaimed as the best since his debut in the Iron Man series.

No Sudden Move (2021)

Curt Goynes (Cheadle) is the focal point of Steven Soderbergh’s 2021 neo-noir classic No Sudden Move, a social commentary on Detroit during the 1950s. Goynes is intimidating, but he has a line he won’t cross in hurting innocent people. Cheadle’s performance captures his character’s calculating choices, such as when gangster Charley (Kieran Culkin) threatens to execute Matt Wertz’s (David Harbor) family. His chemistry with Benicio del Toro, who plays Ronald Russo, is captivating, even if their relationship isn’t full of flashy exchanges. Russo and Goynes understand each other through small gestures, similar to Gordon and Catro in Traffic.

Hamburger Hill (1987)

Washburn, a Private First Class in the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, faces a dilemma as a Black soldier in the Vietnam War. Fight for a country that won’t guarantee his rights? Cheadle embodies this struggle in silence. Though visibly affected by fellow soldiers’ hateful remarks, he knows the consequences he could incur if he speaks up. 

A strong bond forms between Washburn and other African American soldiers, notably when the young soldier helps to soothe an overwhelmed Doc Johnson (Courtney B. Vance). Cheadle’s portrayal of Washburn conveying an emotional maturity beyond his years shows him as the film’s center. In just a few short months, Washburn will be a battle-worn veteran instead of the spirited recruit we first meet.

Traitor (2008)

Don Cheadle exudes an empathetic quality, perfect for characters seeking pity. In 2008’s Traitor, he stars as Samir Horn, a former U.S. soldier whose family was tragically killed in a car bombing while he was still young. Presently, he works as an arms dealer in Yemen, yet he is arrested upon suspicion of terrorist ties. However, it turns out that Samir is a dedicated Muslim, and Cheadle presents him earnestly without shame or remorse. When confronted by FBI Special Agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce), Samir calls out the hypocrisy of his interrogator. He speaks with esteem, nonetheless highlighting the deplorable war crimes conducted by the US military.

Tom Cruise Got A Massive Payday for “Top Gun: Maverick”

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Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to 80s classic Top Gun, roared into theatres in 2022. Led by returning lead man Tom Cruise, the film sees Cruise’s hero from the original film training a new batch of fighter pilots. The film also starred Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, and Glen Powell among others.

The film was a smash hit, ending the year as the highest-grossing domestic film and the second-highest-grossing film worldwide. It also received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It ended up taking home the award for Best Sound. However, its financial success may have been extra important as new reports emerge about how much Cruise earned for the film

Tom Cruise May Have Earned $200 Million For “Top Gun: Maverick”

As part of Deadline‘s recap of the most valuable films of 2022, the outlet analyzed their #2 pick, Top Gun: Maverick. The film made a profit of $391 million (net: $1.145 billion), balanced against a production cost of $753 million. Over a third of that production cost can be found in the actors’ pay. Deadline lists the “participation” cost at $280 million. While unsurprising given the names found in the cast, it’s just an insane amount to pay out. It is by far the highest cost of the film. In fact, it’s a full $100 million higher than the second highest cost, prints and ads.

Now just how much of that is Cruise’s payday? According to Deadline, “Cruise landed what sources call an old-fashioned movie star deal, one of the best in history. While some tell us it’s well north of $100M, others tell us it’s double that of his best payday on Mission: Impossible, which would get him to $200M.” If that high-end claim is true, that means that Cruise made almost as much money making the film as the film made in gross profit. Of course, a name like Tom Cruise doesn’t come cheap, but $100-200 million is an unbelievable amount of money. However, that is unconfirmed. If true, it would set a record for the highest payday of all time. But for now, that record is still held by Keanu Reeves. Reeves made $156 million he made across the second and third Matrix films.

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French Montana Shouts Out Drake For Documentary Help

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Karim Kharbouch was born and raised in Morocco. Like many people in the 80s, Kharbouch was an avid fan of soccer and rap. However, his world changed when his family moved to the South Bronx when was 13. Only speaking a regional dialect of Arabic as well as French, Kharbouch had to learn English from the world around him.

You know Kharbouch as French Montana, the two-time platinum rapper who broke onto the scene in the early 2000s and became a staple of rap in the 2010s. His journey from Casablanca to the Bronx to music stardom will soon be the focus of a new documentary.

French Montana Reveals More About Biography Documentary

Celebrating Arab Heritage Month on The Message Podcast, Montana opened up about what viewers can expect from his upcoming documentary.

“This documentary just tells my immigrant story basically, and all the people that followed me from the day that I started till now. I feel like a lot of people know me, but a lot of people just know me by the music. A lot of people know me from me dating people. It could be this, it could be that, but I want people to know me for the right reasons and I feel like this documentary just is more based on the struggle. We was on welfare, to me getting shot, to me meeting Chinx, me meeting Max B. Max B be getting 75 years in jail. It’s the whole thing. It’s the whole enchilada. Me being almost blackballed after he went to jail. Me just going through all the obstacles.”

French Montana, The Message Podcast April 21 2023

From what Montana said, it appears as though the documentary will not attempt to hide or sugarcoat details of his life. It will be an open and honest look at the path he took and the highs and lows he encountered. “I watch a lot of documentaries and I see a lot of people — this is not no shots at nobody — I see a lot of people just highlight the trophies and highlight the accomplishments and highlight why they got jerked by the Grammys and highlight this and highlight that and I really want to know the actual artists, you know what I’m saying,” he went on to say.

However, Montana also took time to acknowledge Drake, who served as an executive producer on the documentary. He also shouted out various figures like Max B. as well as his mother.

“Shout out to Drake for helping me do it. Shout out to Puff. Shout out to Max B for letting them cameras come inside that maximum security prison and helping me document it. Shout out to my mother. She never been on nothing. That was her first one and it just shows that me, her and my father came here not even speaking English and it shows that your temporary moment doesn’t have nothing to do with your long-term.” However, the documentary does not yet have a release date or a distributor. Despite this, it is reportedly to be ready to go.

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Queen Latifah Movies: Her Best Roles

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Queen Latifah is a superstar of her time, renowned for her rapping skills, and lauded as one of the top actresses in Hollywood today. She broke into film in the early ’90s and has since stockpiled over a hundred roles on television and cinema screens. In 2002, Latifah snatched an Academy Award nomination for her part in the big-screen version of Chicago. To celebrate this powerhouse of talent, we’ve developed the top favorite Queen Latifah movies, showing off an impressive variety of genres from drama to family films, comedy to musicals. Her presence is unmistakable whenever she appears on screen, so brimming with charisma and assurance that it’s no wonder we love her. Her unique range allows her to shine through each one, proving why she reigns supreme in the business.

7. Gina – Beauty Shop (2005)

Latifah is confident, and Beauty Shop is a delightfully amusing story of a woman taking control of her life. Not content to simply mimic Barbershop, this film has a much more believable narrative that goes beyond stand-up comedy or pratfalls. Queen Latifah leads as Gina, who recently moved from Chicago to Atlanta (where she made a brief appearance in the second installment of Barbershop). Consequently, her talent quickly lands her on top at a grand salon owned by the enigmatic Jorge Christophe, who happens to be the only man in the movie.

The beauty of movies of this nature is they can become a platform for larger-than-life characters. It’s like a variety show where each character has their moment to shine, such as when Miss Josephine, played by Alfre Woodard, gives a passionate rendition of Maya Angelou’s classic poem “Still I Rise.”

6. Ellie – Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)

Latifah takes the lead role in the Ice Age franchise as Ellie, opposite Ray Romano’s Manny. Ellie and Manny, two woolly mammoths endangered by their ongoing animosity, embark on a daring quest to save their pal Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo). Along with them come Crash (Sean William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck), Ellie’s mischievous brothers, two possums who constantly defy authority. With climate warming quickly, they have no choice but to race to the other side of the valley if they want to save Sid.

5. August Boatwright – The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

The Secret Life of Bees vividly depicts 1964 rural South Carolina, providing hope and light in enchanting parable form. Queen Latifah shone as August Boatwright, a mysterious figure trading in honey harvested from content bees. Her performance was remarkable. She lives with her two sisters, June (Alicia Keys) and May (Sophie Okonedo). Critics praised and commended Latifah’s masterful portrayal of Boatwright for giving the picture its backbone.

4. Cleo – Set It Off (1996)

Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film follows four African American women from the inner-city struggling financially. Desperate to improve their situation, they hatch an audacious plan to rob several banks in Los Angeles. Despite initial success, disagreements arise, leading to mistrust among them. Meanwhile, the brother of a slain policeman is on their tail. Queen Latifah stars as Cleo and received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her outstanding acting in this movie.

3. Miracles From Heaven (2016)

Anna Beam was a cheerful 10-year-old girl whose life changed after she developed a rare, incurable illness. Desperate to find a cure, her mother, Christy (Jennifer Garner), embarked on a relentless pursuit. Astonishingly, Anna made an incredible recovery after a near-fatal mishap that even baffled experts. Queen Latifah played Angela, a compassionate waitress who offered solace to the joyful young girl. Inspired by the true story of Christy Beam’s book Miracles From Heaven, this is one of those Queen Latifah movies that proves that anything is possible.

2. Bessie Smith – Bessie (2015)

Queen Latifah took on a daunting task when she agreed to star in the biopic of Bessie Smith. She stepped forward after a decade of hesitance, captivating the audience with her stirring portrayal marked by passion and profound intensity. She proves her skill and range as an actor, encompassing various emotions from longing to indignation. Latifah’s remarkable performance captivated viewers, conveying a vivid impression of real-life truth.

1. Mama Morton – Chicago (2002) 

The decision to cast Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton in the movie Chicago was a highly contentious choice. Two bold singers, Velma and Roxie, find themselves behind bars, desperately needing aid from an unscrupulous lawyer. Thanks to her performance in Chicago, Latifah received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The movie ultimately won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Jonathan Majors Movies: The Actor’s Best Roles

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Jonathan Majors has certainly been in the limelight over the past few months. Starring in Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Majors has been acting in movies for over a decade. Playing the antagonist in each of these respective films, it began to look like everything was coming together for the Yale film graduate. Yet, his career has taken a devastating turn as scathing allegations unfold.

Majors was arrested in New York City regarding a domestic dispute on March 25. New York Police Department officers showed up at his home in response to a 911 call following a dispute he had with an unnamed 30-year-old woman. Majors is expected to appear in court on May 8 to dispute the charges. Amid the news, he was dropped from his longtime management company, Entertainment 360. In addition, Jonathan Majors has been cut from various upcoming movies.

After struggling to make it as a full-time actor out of college, Majors’s career finally began to take off in the late 2010s. Playing a variety of side-character roles, he made a name for himself before eventually being offered lead-character opportunities. Today, we will look at the best movies Jonathan Majors has acted in to date.

Hostiles (2017)

In one of Majors’s first big-budget movies, the actor starred alongside Christian Bale in Hostiles. Based in the 1890s, the film explores a complex dynamic between a U.S Military officer and a Native American Chief. Majors plays one of the soldiers under Blocker’s escorting of an Indigenous family. While he didn’t get too much screen time, Majors utilized it to display his unique talent and acting style. There’s no doubt that Hostiles landed Majors plenty of other opportunities down the line.

Devotion (2022)

Jonathan Majors finally entered the spotlight on Devotion, giving him his first lead role in a movie. Portraying Ensign Jesse Brown, the first black pilot in the US Navy, the film draws on plenty of parallels to Top Gun: Maverick. Ensuring his spot in Hollywood, Majors’s character engagingly blends an impassioned underbelly with a calm external demeanor. He displays intimate chemistry with Christian Jackson, who plays his wife Daisy. Garnering an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Majors proved he could play a lead role in a critically acclaimed film.

The Harder They Fall (2021)

The Black-led Western The Harder They Fall was rightly touted as one of the best movies to hit the screen in 2021. Jonathan Majors plays Nat Love, the protagonist out for revenge against Rufus Buck, who killed his family. Featuring a menacing soundtrack and fantastic cinematography, The Harder They Fall offered a unique spin on the Western film trope. Starring alongside the likes of Idris Elba and Zazie Beetz, The Harder They Fall solidified Jonathan Majors as a household name in the movie industry.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spearheaded by iconic director Spike Lee, Da 5 Bloods is one of the last films to feature Chadwick Boseman. Containing hints of Lee’s signature style, he breathes life into the chaotic world of Vietnam War veterans. Majors plays the role of one of the veterans’ sons, struggling to navigate the mental health struggles that his father is experiencing. In the film, the four men decide to head back to Vietnam to pick up the remains of their fifth fallen colleague. However, they’re also returning to hunt down hidden gold which they had left in the Vietnamese woods. Da 5 Bloods is cinematically engaging and chaotic from start to finish, garnering a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco (2019)

Jonathan Majors’s most introspective and touching movie to date, The Last Black Man In San Francisco, catalogs the story of a young man looking to find his roots in a new city. Created by A24, Majors’s character is looking for a way to retrieve his grandfather’s house in a now-gentrified area of San Francisco. The film is an introspective look into race relations. Montgomery Allen (Majors’ character) acts as the side character to Jimmie Fails, who additionally played a crucial role in writing the script for the film. Amongst the catalog of fantastic A24 films, this one is undeniably overlooked.

Jungleland (2020)

Surprisingly enough, Creed III isn’t actually Jonathan Majors’ first boxing movie. In Jungleland, he was outside of the boxing ring as a criminal. Jack O’Connell and Charlie Hunnam display an amateur boxer-coach relationship amidst a grandeur dream of making it big, which Majors’s character attempts to dismantle. While Jungleland hasn’t gone down as a generational film, it’s a solid drama that Majors undoubtedly stood out in.

Creed III (2023)

Releasing on March 3rd, the blockbuster trilogy continued with Creed III. For this installation, Jonathan Majors was touted as the movie’s villain. Once a childhood friend of Creed, Damien becomes envious of his success while he is in prison. Using that isolation to fuel him, a showdown between Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan’s characters would occur during the film’s climax.

The first movie in the franchise without Silvester Stallone, Creed III finds a way to hold its own without its iconic figure. In fact, Michael B. Jordan would make his directorial debut in the film. While most aren’t calling it the best of the trilogy, its 88% Rotten Tomatoes score implies that it’s still a cinematic force of nature.

Tiffany Haddish Takes Heat For Jonathan Majors Tweet

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Tiffany Haddish has been getting consistently bad press for quite some time. Last year, the actress and comedian Aries Spears were accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The pair were accused of grooming a 14-year-old girl and her 7-year-old brother. They were said to have performed inappropriate, sexually suggestive acts for the purpose of comedic sketches. The two siblings, now adults, say they’ve been traumatized for life after the experience. The boy also claims that he was molested by both defendants. 

The main focus of the lawsuit was a skit called “Though a Pedophile’s Eyes,” which was supposedly being filmed for Funny Or Die. The girl claims that her younger brother was barely 7 when “Aunty Tiff” brought him to a home where she and Spears molested him while filming said skit. The siblings met Haddish through their mother. They added that the Funny or Die video featuring John Doe was published online when he not even old enough to consent. Haddish, however claims that the entire thing was an extortion attempt. The suit was settled out of court. The actress claims that the lawsuit made her lose everything. However, that doesn’t seem to be stopping her from sticking up for other alleged abusers.

Haddish Tweets Get Her In Trouble

Earlier today, Tiffany Haddish retweeted a story about the Jonathan Majors abuse case. The tweet included a link to an article wherein Majors and his lawyer claim to show that his accuser was unhurt after the alleged abuse. The team included screenshots of the alleged security camera footage that, they say, shows proof that the victim was unharmed. Although many have not come out to condemn Jonathan Majors, Tiffany Haddish was one of very few who decided to defend the actor. Given her recent history, this course set people off on social media.

In the end, Haddish deleted the tweet. Unfortunately, many had already seen it, taken screen shots of it, or replied. “On top of barely escaping her own questionable behavior involving minors, Tiffany Haddish decides to play patriarchy princess,” one user tweeted. Others chimed in to agree. “If Tiffany Haddish ever backed/supported me,” another said, “I’d apologize even if I knew I didn’t do it because I shouldn’t even have been in a position for her to be going up for me.” Ouch. What do you think of Tiffany’s defense of Jonathan Majors? Sound off in the comments!

Ice-T And Stephen King Are Together At Last While Calling Shenanigans On Their Twitter Blue Checkmarks

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Ice-T Stephen King
Getty Image

Elon Musk has had a day, alright. First, his SpaceX rocket experienced “rapid unscheduled disassembly”/exploded. Then he finally put his plan in motion to strip legacy verified Twitter users of their Blue checkmarks if they hadn’t signed over $8 per month for Twitter Blue. This means that Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are no longer verified, which is a bizarre thing to behold. The takedown wasn’t universal, though. Stephen King and Ice-T discovered that they have retained Blue checkmarks, but both of them insist that they didn’t pay for the enduring symbol.

Both Ice and King have also been vocal about their intent not to pay up, and on 4/20 (yep), they’re calling shenanigans on whatever is happening behind the Twitter scenes with their accounts.

“My Twitter account says I’ve subscribed to Twitter Blue. I haven’t,” the horror maestro wrote. “My Twitter account says I’ve given a phone number. I haven’t.”

Yep, that’s what his profile says, so King is setting the record straight.

Stephen King Twitter
Via Stephen King Twitter

As well, the Law & Order: SVU star and rocker tweeted, “Thanks Stephen. Don’t believe the Hype.”

I smell a crossover coming. Or maybe some Body Count spoken word guest vocals. Something! Also, yep, no one knows what is going on at Twitter.

Charges Against Alec Baldwin Dropped

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The events that occurred on the set of Rust in October 2021 were extremely tragic. During the filming of the upcoming Western, a live round was discharged from a prop revolver. This happened as Alec Baldwin, the film’s lead and executive producer, attempted to demonstrate a holster draw as part of a scene. This resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident. The production was shut down and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office began an in-depth investigation.

In January 2023, Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, were both charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Elsewhere, first assistant director David Halls agreed to plead guilty on a charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. In late February, Baldwin pled not guilty to the charges. Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were scheduled to begin their trial proceedings May 3.

Baldwin Charges Dropped

A lot of information was made public in the aftermath of the incident. Gutierrez-Reed and Halls were both revealed to have had previous complaints relating to their firearm negligence. The incident also occurred during discussions about a production staff strike, specifically for the IATSE union, to which several Rust production staff members belonged. Finally, the FBI contested Baldwin’s claim that he did not pull the trigger on the prop gun. Firearms specialists showed the gun could not have been fired without pulling the trigger, and there was no mechanical failure.

However, Baldwin will no longer go to trial as his charges have been dropped. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” said attorneys for Alec Baldwin. It is unclear if Gutierrez-Reed will still face trial for her charges. Filming on Rust also resumed this week, moving from New Mexico to the Yellowstone Film Ranch. The change was necessitated after the production was fined $100,000 for multiple safety violations, as deemed by the State of New Mexico. According to reports, the production will not use working weapons or live ammunition going forwards. It is unclear when Rust will premiere.

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“Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny”: What We Know

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The latest Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny trailer was recently revealed. Ahead of the June 30 release date, fans were treated to one more look at what the final film in the iconic franchise will involve. Harrison Ford gives it one last go as Indy, and the film looks to build on the four previous entries. The trailer features Indiana Jones and all his counterparts. He’s aged quite a bit since the last movie, which came out in 2008. The titular character even says he’s retiring in the trailer before being drug into yet another adventure. This time, it’s with Helena, the daughter of one of Jones’ old friends. Here’s what we know so far.

What Will Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny Be About?

As with all Indy adventures, the protagonists chase some mythical item while the antagonists try to get it first. It’s a successful formula that has worked for four previous entries, but it will be interesting to see how Mangold & Co. tries to turn the premise on its head for the fifth installment. Helena calls the item in the trailer something that can change history. This could be the most crucial item Indy and his companions have ever sought after.

Speaking of Helena, Mangold revealed who she is and what her purpose is in the movie. A popular fan theory suggested that she’d be Marcus Brody’s daughter from two previous films. “She’s a daughter of a friend of Indy’s, who we will also meet in the movie. Helena’s gotten herself in a bit of trouble, and brings [that] to Indy’s doorstep. She’s a character who’s a wonderful set of contradictions — charming and brilliant, but also a lot of trouble,” Mangold said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

The Dial of Destiny, as Helena points out, can change history. That’s what ex-Nazi Jurgen Voller, the film’s main antagonist, wants to do. He was involved with the moon landing and presumably wanted to go back and alter the course of events that transpired there. With the butterfly effect, this would create a better world in his view. Naturally, Jones and Helena are out to stop him.

Cast & Crew

The Dial of Destiny will be led by Harrison Ford who gives one last performance as Indy. He’s 80, so this could very well be one of his final performances, period. He’ll be joined by Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Helena. Alongside those two, Mads Mikkelsen, Boyd Holbrook (who starred as the villain in Mangold’s Logan), Antonio Banderas, and Toby Jones are among other cast members.

Interestingly, this will be the first Indiana Jones film that does not truly involve Steven Spielberg or George Lucas. The two were key contributors to the first four films. Spielberg directed all of them, and Lucas was a writer. This time around, it will be directed by James Mangold (who made Logan and Ford v Ferrari) and written by Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, and David Koepp. Spielberg and Lucas do serve as executive producers, though.

The film is set for a wide release on June 30. However, it will arrive in the United Kingdom and Ireland on June 28. This is expected to be one of the biggest movies of the year. It’s a legacy sequel for an iconic character that everyone loves.

Is This It For Indiana Jones?

CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Harrison Ford is seen on the set of “Indiana Jones 5” in Sicily on October 18, 2021 in Castellammare del Golfo, Italy. (Photo by Robino Salvatore/GC Images)

The director, cast, and crew have all stated that this is Indy’s last adventure. This will be the fifth consecutive film and obviously, Ford is getting too old to do this. There are rumors that LucasFilm used some of its de-aging technology on him anyway, so there’s no room for sequels. Spin-offs, however, are a different story.

In the age of franchises, every movie has the potential for prequels, sequels, and spin-offs. The Indiana Jones universe is no different. There are characters, storylines, and more that could be explored. Jones’s past is yet to be fleshed out, and the movies span from 1981 to 2023. There’s a lot of unexplored time there.

However, this does appear to be the final movie for this universe. There are no rumors about spin-offs, and Harrison Ford doesn’t want anyone else playing the character. “Nobody is going to be Indiana Jones, don’t you get it? I’m Indiana Jones. When I’m gone, he’s gone. It’s easy,” he reportedly said.

Ford adored playing Indiana Jones, perhaps much more than he enjoyed portraying Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise. This is a final send-off to a character that is beloved by its audience and its actor. Don’t expect to see more projects from this franchise, despite Disney’s propensity to do just that. Out of respect to Ford, they’ll likely stay away.

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Jack Harlow Is A Trash-Talking Sharpshooter In The Latest ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ Trailer

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Bad news for the Jack Harlow haters — which, apparently, includes fellow white rapper/hooper Lil Dicky — but the White Men Can’t Jump remake looks GREAT in its new trailer. All the hallmarks of the original remain intact: the trash talk, the friction between the two protagonists (and between them and their ladies), and even the classic Los Angeles hoop locations, including the “Watts Oasis” court (fire), the world-famous Venice Beach courts (cool, but open runs down there be bunk sometimes), and Angel’s Gate Park in San Pedro (trash, don’t play there unless you feel like chasing your ball into the Pacific Ocean).

Everything gets a modern update as well; Jack comments that his opposite, Sinqua Walls’, stereotyping him for being white is outdated (he was really stereotyping the ‘fit, which… understandable), the hustlers trade cash via apps (Jack even trash talks Sinqua’s choice of apps), and the famous Marques Johnson “Imma get my other gun” gets an upgrade courtesy of Elon Musk.

Also making appearances in the film are fellow rapper-turned-actor Vince Staples (my new favorite thanks to his recurring role on Abbott Elementary, although you could see the potential even in his five minutes in Dope) and the late, great Lance Reddick, as well as Teyana Taylor and Laura Harrier. There’s really something for everybody. This writer, at least, will be seated, as the kids say, on May 19, when the movie debuts on Hulu. Check out the trailer above.