I already know what you’re going to do. You’re either going to click my name to see what other “bad opinions” I might have. Or, you’re going to scroll down to see my picture, and yes, you’re right. I’m Black. Congratulations!
That said, the whole “Would you be okay if Black Panther was white?” argument really doesn’t fly with me since I honestly DO NOT CARE. Because I don’t know if you know this or not, but Black Panther…is a character. He’s not MLK or any other historical Black figure. He’s from a Marvel comic book series, so I genuinely don’t care who plays him. As long as the story is good, I’ll keep an open mind.
Which is why the idea of a Black (or Asian, or Hispanic) James Bond doesn’t twist my underwear into a bunch. In fact, I actually think it might be a great idea for the long-running franchise, and I have a few reasons why.
anybody who’s watched Rebel Ridge can likely tell you that Aaron Pierre would make for a phenomenal James Bond. Your eyes are just drawn to him in every scene, and he can play cool and calm effortlessly, which is one of the most important traits for any 007–Somebody who is debonair, but also has a killer’s eyes. Pierre could probably play that role in his sleep.
However, there are several other Black actors who I think could fill in the tuxedo as well. Like, for example, I know the ship has probably already sailed on Idris Elba (And even he felt that it was “less of a compliment” over time to be dreamcasted for the role), but to hell with all that. I still think Elba would be the perfect James Bond.
I mean, yes, he has a bit more white in his beard now than he had years ago when people started petitioning for him to be Bond, but look at Sean Connery! Dude might have been 32 when he debuted in Dr. No, but he damn well looked like he was in his 40s, even back then. Hell, Roger Moore was 57 in A View to Kill! And Elba is only 52. Couldn’t he still get one or two James Bond movies in before they gave it to somebody else? I mean, if he had two, then that’d be one more than George Lazenby.
Alright, alright. I know. Whomever plays Bond next will likely be in it for the long haul, like most of the other Bond actors. Well, if that’s the case, then how about Rege-Jean Page of Bridgerton fame? His work in The Gray Man and the recent Black Bag shows he has range.
What about Kingsley Ben-Adir? He’s played both Malcolm X AND Bob Marley in One Night in Miami…, and Bob Marley: One Love, respectively. Is James Bond really such a complex character that a man who can morph into two totally different historical figures couldn’t pull it off? And, I think Aml Ameen would do a great job, too. He was wonderful as MLK in Rustin. The point I’m trying to make is, I think it’s more important that whoever plays Bond next be English, rather than race being the issue. That said…
Tom Holland is now a possible candidate). However, I lean more toward the next Bond being Black since I want Bond 26 to finally be the movie where we learn that James Bond is a codename, and not a single person.
Yes, I know. James Bond is supposed to be like Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker. In other words, even though the character has been around for several decades, it’s assumed that this is the same person in every story. That said, unlike the Batman or Spider-Man movies, which stylistically change whenever there’s a new person cast in the role, the James Bond movies feel like they have the same elastic timeline as The Simpsons.
What I mean is, when I grew up watching the show, Marge and Homer were teenagers in the ‘70s. But now, when my 9-year-old daughter watches it, Marge and Homer were young during the ‘90s. Of course, this is to “get with the times,” but it feels similar to when I watch a movie like 1979’s Moonraker, which FEELS like it’s from the ‘70s, and then a film like 2012’s Skyfall, which FEELSlike it’s from the 2010s.
These two films–and the Bonds who are playing them, Roger Moore and Daniel Craig–couldn’t feel any more different! So, in my mind, these people ARE different, and have always been different. I never could reconcile that Sean Connery and Roger Moore are supposed to be the same person.
So, if there were a Black Bond, there could be no other possibility that James Bond is just a codename that anybody could take, rather than being a single individual. Yes, we would have to kind of forget James Bond’s wife’s existence (Because that seems to be the main connective tissue to the idea that James Bond is one person and not a codename), but does the general audience really need to know that? The idea that there have been multiple James Bonds could even be a part of the story. Come on. What do you say? Don’t you think that could work?
Pierce Brosnan’s suave demeanor, but still! Aren’t we a little bored with the current concept of James Bond? I mean, by the time 2021’s No Time to Die came out, the franchise felt like it had run out of so many ideas that the only possible solution was to just kill James Bond off. And, while I thought it was pretty cool to do that (And Ralph Fiennes agrees), I remember people being VERY upset at the time when it happened.
Sure, it wasn’t the same fervent hate that The Last Jedi received, but people were notably upset, and I get it. James Bond is TIMELESS. You don’t just kill him off. Even so, Daniel Craig kind of ran his course as Bond, and the franchise in general just feels like it needs a huge injection of something fresh.
And, I think a Black actor could be that injection. Because even though there are certainly some parameters that James Bond needs to stay within (Like, if you deviate too much, you essentially have a different character), I think that having a Black Bond could make the character automatically feel different, which is important.
Because look, I’m speaking as a casual fan. I’ve seen almost all of the movies, but I’m not THE BIGGEST JAMES BOND FAN in the world (That would probably be my colleague, Mike Reyes). So, speaking as a casual fan who won’t just see the next Bond movie just because it’s a Bond movie, I need something new and exciting to make me want to see it, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Which brings me to my last point.
a theme song. And, a theme song is bigger than any race.
But, what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Even the negative ones!
Sydney Sweeney remains one of the busiest stars in Hollywood, and she has a few movies that are set to be released as part of the 2025 movie schedule. All the while, public interest in the actress’ personal life persists, especially in the aftermath of her breakup with longtime fiancé Jonathan Davino. When 27-year-old Sweeney attended much-discussed Jeff Bezos’ wedding at the end of last week, she was spotted in proximity to a number of eligible celebrity bachelors. Now, a source is sharing claims about her feelings on dating again.
To say that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Italy was a star-studded event would be an understatement. Members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan along with Leonardo DiCaprio and his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti (who tore her dress during the event). Also present were Tom Brady and Orlando Bloom, who both reportedly interacted with Sydney Sweeny during the weekend in Venice. However, sources tell TMZ, that Sweeney isn’t dating either of them or anyone for that matter.
soap infused with her bathwater), questions still remain in regard to her romance with Jonathan Davino. Breakup rumors began swirling around the pair (who began dating in 2018) in March 2025. It was also around that time that romance speculation began to swirl around Sweeney and Anyone but You co-star Glen Powell again. Powell’s own mother shot down talk of a relationship between the two.
The entire situation came to a head in April when Sydney Sweeney herself confirmed that she and her partner had gone their separate ways. After the fact, there was a mind-blowing update, as it was reported that Sweeney and her ex were living apart before they finally called it quits. Considering that Sweeney is now single, it’d be easy to assume that she’d be open to linking up with an A-lister who’s also unattached.
Orlando Bloom just recently broke up with Katy Perry, who he dated from 2016 to 2025 and was engaged to. This week, Bloom posted a cryptic message that referred to the notion of taking a “first step.” Meanwhile, Tom Brady has been single since he finalized his divorce from Gisele Bündchen in 2022 after 13 years of marriage. One thing that can be said is that if either Brady or Bloom ended up with the Immaculate star, they’d form quite a celebrity couple.
Ultimately though, Sydney Sweeney has the freedom to choose who she wants to date and when she wants to do it. Also, let’s be real, considering how her public profile continues to grow and she’s still landing work, she doesn’t exactly need a man right now.
The Price Is Right is as much of a weekday morning staple as coffee and traffic, and is less intense on the nerves that both. The steadfast daily routine is a big reason why it’s been among TV’s best game shows for so many decades; there’s comfort in the predictable. However, a recent episode threw viewers for a loop when a contestant exited before spinning the Big Wheel, and the production has now shared and update on the situation.
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In an episode that aired on Thursday, June 26 — available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription — The Price Is Right’s George Gray called for a contestant named Kathy to “Come on down!” for the second bidding round, and she ended up being the third contestant to take on a pricing game. She was quite adorable, too, in how excitedly shaken up she was to be standing up there with Drew Carey.
TV Insider that addressed the incident. While no specific cause or explanation was given for the prior appearance, it does appear that she’s in good health and good spirits.
Part of the update is the reveal that Kathy is being welcomed back. Here’s what was shared:
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Due to unforeseen circumstances, one of our contestants was unfortunately unable to complete her time on a recent episode of The Price Is Right. We are pleased to share that Kathy has been invited to return as our special member of our audience for a future show taping. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome her back and extend our sincere thanks to Kathy —and to all of our loyal viewers—for being such an incredible part of our television family.
Hopefully being a “special” member of the audience guarantees Kathy a return to the Big Wheel, even if it means bending the rules a little for others. Go Kathy!
Drew Carey is showing no real signs of wanting to exit his role as The Price Is Right‘s host, and seems keen on letting the universe guide his future. Here’s to the rest of that span going by without any other contestant emergencies cropping up.
As the relatively rare “second sequel to a 23-year-old horror movie that largely avoids the second film,” 28 Years Later is something of a masterpiece. (An argument our review supports.) But while the biggest post-release conversations about Danny Boyle’s flick have been tied to Alpha Samson’s prosthetic penis size and that bonkers Jimmy Savile-referencing ending, I think the talented young actor Alfie Williams’ performance as the empathy magnet Spike is also deserving.
Given that the film caps off on a cliffhanger for Spike and his new life path, I was immediately in cannot-wait mode for the impending sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple which is already set as an early 2026 movie release. What’s more, fans won’t have to worry about the sequel suffering from the Stranger Things effect where Spike is concerned.
Alfie Williams’ Spike Is My Favorite Thing About 28 Years Later
house of cards. The fact that the 14-year-old will still look 14 in the upcoming horror movie is amazing.
The Stranger Things Effect Refers To Younger Cast Members Aging Out Of Roles Due To Extended Productions Or Hiatuses
Completely outside any critical opinions about Stranger Things‘ storytelling in and of itself, the Netflix hit’s fanbase has come at the show for the extended hiatuses that have come between the later seasons. Not just because it means having to wait for new eps, but because all of the younger actors will look wildly different in the final season in comparison to their debuts, to the point that efforts are taken to make them look younger each time around.
Aging is only natural, obviously, and it would be fine enough if the story was able to jump forward in time to match the ages. But because the Duffers’ narrative is so locked into the concept of adoleslcence and its limited timeframe, it remains an awkward (if not detrimental) detail that will no doubt remain meme fodder when Season 5’s hard-to-follow release schedule.
28 Years Later fans don’t need to worry about that aging issue happening with The Bone Temple given the announcement that director Nia DeCosta was able to film the sequel almost immediately after Danny Boyle wrapped on his feature. As such, Alfie Williams’ Spike will likely still look the same when the new film opens up, assuming that’s the point.
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Spike’s whole arc was tied to his sense of innocence being shattered for various reasons. Not only did he venture out to the mainland to face monsters, but also by learning about his father’s infidelity. Not to mention suffering the extremes of learning that his mother was dying, and then her bizarrely meeting her maker so soon afterward. With the cherry on top being him placing her skull atop the others.
I’ve no doubt that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple would have been a winner even if Alfie Williams looked 16 or 17, even if he had to get a dorky haircut to look younger. He’s a talented dude. However, the emotions I feel about his arc are in part tied to Spike going through these ordeals at such a young age. The fact that the actor doesn’t need to put in the extra work to actually BE that young is keeping my enthusiasm high.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to scramble into theaters rabidly on January 16, 2026.
Well, the Fourth Wing TV series has hit a hurdle, as it has lost its showrunner, Moira Walley-Beckett. To put it in Empyrean terms, the wind might be blowing, we might be wavering on the parapet a little bit. However, I think we’ll make it across. That’s because they’re already looking for her replacement, and the person reportedly being considered for the gig is a solid choice.
Fourth Wing Lost Its Showrunner
Last summer, Moira Walley-Beckett signed on to the upcoming book-to-screen adaptation as the showrunner. However, according to THR, she’s officially out. A reason was not listed. This marks a major setback for Fourth Wing, as fans wait for more updates about it.
Rebecca Yarros, did compliment the pilot and Walley-Beckett, telling Variety that she handled “the book with such respect and such zeal.” We also know that the series is being made by Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society. Outside of that, we don’t know much.
Fourth Wing fancasting, and we’ve been talking about moments from Yarros’ books that we want to see on screen. However, there’s been no word on who will play Violet or Xaden or updates about when we’ll eventually get the series on our screens.
Therefore, losing the showrunner is a tough blow.
However, A New Person Is Reportedly Already Being Considered For The Gig
Have no fear, though. While one showrunner’s time at Basgiath has reportedly come to an end, there’s already someone being considered to take her spot. According to THR, Jac Schaeffer has an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios, and she’s reportedly being eyed for this job.
While I was looking forward to Walley-Beckett running this show, because of her past as a writer and producer on Breaking Bad, I’m equally excited for Schaeffer.
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(Image credit: Marvel Studios)
For those who don’t know, Schaeffer wrote Black Widow and is the mastermind behind some of Marvel’s best TV shows. She created, wrote, and executive produced WandaVision and Agatha All Along – both of which you can stream with a Disney+ subscription. She was also the showrunner and directed three episodes of Agatha.
So, that tells us two things: she knows how to work within a franchise, and she has a super unique and distinct voice and vision.
That makes me think she’s the perfect person to take on Fourth Wing. She’ll bring her unique and fun style to Yarros’ action-packed, romantic and fantastical story. She’ll also likely be able to handle this massive series with grace. The popularity of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm cannot be denied, and there is certainly a lot of anticipation and pressure surrounding it.
While I’m sure Moira Walley-Beckett would have handled it fine, I think Jac Schaeffer is an excellent choice. If she’s hired, I think we’ll really be in for something special. So, while it feels like we’ve taken two steps back, we may have just taken a giant step forward, too.
Over the years, as shows like The Office and The Big Bang Theory ended, I was worried about the future of sitcoms. Then Abbott Elementary premiered. It proved to be one of TV’s best comedies when its first season debuted with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s maintained that acclaim, too, as it was renewed for a fifth season, which is set to premiere this fall on the 2025 TV schedule. Now, I never want Abbott Elementary to end, but everything has to at some point, and I can appreciate why Quinta Brunson has thought about it.
It’s hard to believe that Quinta Brunson almost quit TV before ABC picked up her show, Abbott Elementary. The mockumentary series has done a great job showing the hectic lives of educators and the challenges of working in an underfunded public school system. Considering how funny and memorable each episode is, I never want the ABC series to end. However, Brunson’s interview with Bustle revealed she’s thought about her sitcom eventually having to say goodbye, and I totally understand why:
We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans. That being said, I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects, and our show is very time-consuming. We shoot about seven months out of the year. That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things.
Zootopia 2. I think it’ll only be a matter of time before she lands a role in someone else’s film or TV project where she’ll give an outstanding performance.
With Abbott Elementary being one of the best sitcoms of all time, it’s easy to think of Quinta Brunson solely as Janine Teagues. However, it’s natural for an actress to want to expand their filmography and play other roles. To that point, she said:
I’m always interested in playing against type. I think that’s any actor’s dream. Right now my type is ‘Janine’ and ‘teacher.’ I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit.
The fear of being typecast is understandable. Stars likely don’t want casting directors to see them solely as the character that helped them make a name for themselves. So, I get why they want their next project to be different from their last.
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For example, after Steve Carell left The Office in Season 7, he took on dramatic roles in Foxcatcher, Beautiful Boy, and The Big Short. The same can be said for Dan Stevens, who left Downton Abbey in Season 3. After exiting the period drama, he tapped into many different genres, from the action-thriller A Walk Among the Tombstones to the horror flick The Ritual.
This desire to try out other roles and play different characters is natural and understandable. And starring in a network show that’s on for most of the year can make it hard to do. So, I get why Brunson has thought about Abbott eventually ending.
It’ll be a sad day when we have to say goodbye to Abbott Elementary. However, on the other hand, I can appreciate Quinta Brunson’s take on why that day will have to come.
However, for now, that end is nowhere in sight, as Season 5 is set to premiere this fall, and you can stream Seasons 1 through 4 with a Hulu subscription.
