Cillian Murphy will NOT reprise his role in 28 Days Later

Cillian Murphy will not reprise his role as Jim in the post-apocalyptic film 28 Days Later.

The movie’s producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed the disappointing news following wide speculation Cillian would be returning as a Zombie.

After the trailer dropped last year, fans went wild as they thought the star seemingly made a jaw-dropping comeback in zombie form.

The Hollywood actor, 48, starred in Danny Boyle’s original 2002 horror flick as survivor Jim.

Despite Cillian wanting to be involved in the upcoming film, Andrew told Empire magazine he is only an executive producer currently.

Speaking with Empire magazine, Andrew said: ‘[On] this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line.

Cillian Murphy, 48, will not reprise his role as Jim in the post-apocalyptic film 28 Days Later

The movie’s producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed the disappointing news following wide speculation Cillian would be returning as a Zombie

‘He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.’

After the trailer dropped, fans were quick to share their shock on X at the zombified form of what is seemingly Cillian’s character Jim, with the scene indicating the grim fate of the courier following the 28 Weeks Later film.

They penned: ‘Bro, what this mf did to Cillian Murphy’

‘Us seeing Cillian Murphy’; ‘Is….is that Cillian Murphy?’

‘Cillian Murphy has that perfect eerie vibe to pull off an infected’

‘That better not be Cillian Murphy rising out of that field. I didn’t think we’d actually ever get this movie’; ‘that’s not cillian murphy’

‘Oh god finally! Was not expecting Cillian Murphy to come back like that! I’m shook!!!’

Back in January, Cillian addressed speculation that he’d once again feature in the hit zombie franchise.

After the trailer dropped last year, fans went wild as they thought the star seemingly made a jaw-dropping comeback in zombie form

The nail-biting trailer for the upcoming post-apocalyptic horror film dropped last year, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the horror sequel

After the trailer dropped, fans were quick to share their shock on X at the zombified form of what is seemingly Cillian’s character Jim, with the scene indicating the grim fate of the courier following the 28 Weeks Later film

Read More Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan share a laugh on the set of upcoming Peaky Blinders movie The Immortal Man

Cillian told The Independent of his plans for involvement: ‘I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys (Boyle and Garland), and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there.’

The original film 28 Days Later starred Cillian as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society.

Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson appeared in supporting roles.

The film 28 Years Later is the sequel to 2002’s 28 Days Later and 2007’s 28 Weeks Later.

A sequel has already been ordered – 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple – and will be directed by The Marvels’ Nia DaCosta.

Last year, fans were stunned to discover that the 2025 blockbuster was filmed on an iPhone – the biggest movie to ever do so.

While most films use cameras from German manufacturers ARRI Group, director Danny Boyle decided the first ’28’ film in 18 years needed something different.

28 Years Later concluded filming this summer – and principal photography took place with a bunch of adapted iPhone 15s, WIRED reported.

Back in January, Cillian addressed speculation that he’d once again feature in the hit zombie franchise

‘I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys (Boyle and Garland), and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there’

28 Years Later is set to hit cinemas in June 2025 and also stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson [pictured] , Ralph Fiennes , Erin Kellyman and Jack O’Connell

With a budget of $75million, 28 Years Later is the biggest film to be created with an iPhone and follows in the footsteps of a new Apple TV show.

28 Days Later was a genre-defining film as it was the first to portray zombies as lightning fast rather than slow and sluggish.

The films take place 28 days, weeks, and years after the outbreak of a deadly virus in London, which infects everyone and turns them into bloodthirsty killers.

Anthony Dod Mantle will serve as 28 Years Later’s cinematographer – he and Danny won Oscars together in 2009 for their work on Slumdog Millionaire.

Anthony was also cinematographer on 28 Days Later, as well as Danny’s other films 127 Hours (2010), Trance (2013), and T2 Trainspotting (2017).

Principal filming for 28 Years Later wrapped at the end of August, and until now the production has kept under wraps the fact that the movie was shot with smartphones, with the film’s staff being asked to signed NDAs preventing the disclosure of this detail.

Gary Ginstling is hired as Houston Symphony CEO months after surprise departure from NY Philharmonic

Gary Ginstling was hired Friday as CEO of the Houston Symphony, six months following his surprise departure from the New York Philharmonic after just one year in charge.

Ginstling will start Feb. 3 and replace John Mangum, who had been Houston’s CEO since 2018 and left in September to succeed Anthony Freud as general director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“The Houston Symphony has a really strong track record and my goal is to continue to appeal to the greatest conductors and greatest artists of the day that Houston is a place that you want to be,” Ginstling said.

Ginstling, 58, became New York’s CEO on July 1, 2023, and quit last July 11. His predecessor, Deborah Borda, had remained as executive adviser to Ginstling and the board of directors.

Ginstling has not detailed the circumstances of his departure.

“It wasn’t a good fit for him culturally. It wasn’t a good fit for him, from his style. He did a lot of good things there,” Houston Symphony board president Barbara J. Burger said. “He started, from day one with us, how important culture was and I understand that completely. No one wants to work in an environment where they feel like they either can’t be successful, or they’re not trusted or they’ve got somebody looking over their shoulder.”

New York replaced Ginstling with Philadelphia Orchestra CEO Matías Tarnopolsky, who started Jan. 1. He was boosted by his long friendship with Gustavo Dudamel, who becomes New York’s music director in the 2026-27 season.

Ginstling worked for the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony before becoming general manager of the Cleveland Orchestra (2008-13), CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (2013-17) and executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra (2017-22).

Juraj Valčuha started as Houston’s music director for the 2022-23 season and is signed through 2025-26. The orchestra gives 130 concerts annually, has an operating budget of $40.7 million and includes 90 full-time musicians and 74 administrative staff.

Jones Hall, the orchestra’s home, has been undergoing a renovation over three summers that is scheduled to be finished this year ahead of its 60th anniversary in 2026.

‘Game of Thrones’ Star Set to Replace the Late Ray Stevenson in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2

As Lucasfilm begins to gear up for the beginning of production on Ahsoka Season 2, there’s been a surprising casting announcement, which will be noteworthy for both fans of Star Wars and HBO’s Game of Thrones. Following the sudden, shocking and tragic death of Ray Stevenson in May 2023, Scottish actor Rory McCann, best known for his role as Sandor Clegane (aka The Hound) on Game of Thrones, has been cast to continue Stevenson’s legacy by stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll. The Hollywood Report confirmed the news, first reported by Jeff Sneider. McCann was a close friend of Stevenson, and Sneider reported that Stevenson’s widow gave McCann her blessing to take on the role and pay tribute to Stevenson’s memory in that way.

Baylan Skoll is a complex, layered anti-hero, which should be perfect for McCann to take on given his history, particularly in Game of Thrones. The character was introduced in Ahsoka Season 1, and is a former Jedi who abandoned the Order after the fall of the Republic. He is now a mercenary for hire, wielding a red lightsaber, and is accompanied by his apprentice, Shin Hati (played by Ivanna Sakhno). Skoll’s mysterious motivations and considerable screen presence quickly made him a seriously popular character, and fans are eager to see how the story will develop in the upcoming season.

Who is Rory McCann?

Outside of his role as Sandor Clegane in Game of Thrones, which he played for the full 8 seasons (or 6 seasons if you prefer to ignore how it ended), McCann has had quite the career. Since his time in Westeros, McCann has kept busy, recently appearing as General Tegula in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. His role in Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz is one of the most memed moments in the Cornetto Trilogy, while he’s also appeared in blockbuster movies like Clash of the Titans and Jumanji: The Next Level. His TV credits are just as good, too.

He has appeared in shows like Shameless, The Legend of Vox Machina and Knuckles, the Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off which streamed last year on Paramount+. In his native Scotland, McCann is also known as the face of Scott’s Porage Oats, a beloved porridge company for which he became a household name. From breakfast food to the Jedi Order in 25 years. Not a bad career trajectory if you think about it.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on Ahsoka and Star Wars. The InSneider was first to report this news.

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7 10 Ahsoka ActionDrama Sci-Fi

After the fall of the Galactic Empire, former Jedi Ahsoka Tano investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

Cast Rosario Dawson , Natasha Liu Bordizzo , Hayden Christensen , Eman Esfandi , Ivanna Sakhno , Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Ray Stevenson , Genevieve O’Reilly , Lars Mikkelsen , Diana Lee Inosanto Seasons 1 Writers Dave Filoni

Watch on Disney+

Lily Allen can’t focus on anything apart from the ‘pain’ she’s in

Lily Allen has heartbreaking admitted she can’t concentrate on anything apart from the overwhelming pain she is feeling amid her split from David Harbour.

The British singer, 39, bared her soul during her latest Miss Me? podcast episode, which she hosts with friend Miquita Oliver, as she confirmed their separation.

The mother of two detailed the months of agony she has been through while suffering from panic attacks and a lack of focus.

Lily explained how she had tried to attend the podcast’s Christmas lunch but was forced to leave after having an attack.

She told listeners: ‘I know I’ve been talking about it for months but I’ve been spiralling and spiralling. It’s got out of control, I’ve tried.

‘I came to the Miss Me? Christmas lunch and had a panic attack and had to go home and I went to see something at the theatre the other night with my friends Carla and Claire and I had to leave at half time.

Lily Allen has heartbreaking admitted she can’t concentrate on anything apart from the overwhelming pain she is feeling amid her split from David Harbour

The British singer, 39, bared her soul during her latest Miss Me? podcast episode, which she hosts with friend Miquita Oliver, as she confirmed their separation (pictured with David in 2020)

‘I can’t concentrate on anything except the pain I’m going through. It’s really hard.’

Lily confirmed her split from husband David in a new podcast as she detailed her fragile state of mind during a ‘tough period’.

The media is awash with reports that the couple have gone their separate ways after Lily caught her husband using the celebrity dating app, Raya.

And the star seemingly confirmed reports of their break-up during an episode released on Thursday, as she admitted she ‘wasn’t in a good place’.

Recalling a story which included David, Lily heartbreakingly stumbled over the word ‘husband’ as she detailed being on holiday with the actor, 49, in Kenya last year.

The London native went on to discuss how her two daughters, Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 11, who she shares with ex Sam Cooper, have been a pillar of support recently.

She said: ‘I can say, it’s really tough – they are always there and you have to be present and there for them.

‘And that’s okay, when things in life are going well and you’re coping it’s really nice to have the kids around they’re a joy.

Lily confirmed her split from husband David Harbour in a new podcast

The media is awash with reports that the couple have gone their separate ways after Lily caught her husband using the celebrity dating app, Raya (pictured 2022)

And the star seemingly confirmed reports of their break-up during a new episode which was released on Thursday as she admitted she ‘wasn’t in a good place’

‘One of the main sources of joy in one’s life. But when things are not going so well and life is tough, as it is for many people for all manner of reasons, having to hold things together is really hard.’

When asked if it was easier now her daughters are older, Lily said: Yeah, we are a support network for each other and encourage each other to talk about or feelings but I think the main thing is telling them we’re going to get through it and be fine.’

Lily then reassured listeners she will be back after her time off and told them to ignore any speculation that she may have returned to rehab following a past drug addiction.

She said: ‘I’m going away next week for a few weeks, listeners. But I do want to reassure people because there will be speculation because of the amount of time I’m going to be taking away that I’m going to drug rehab – I’ve not, I’ve not relapsed.

‘I have seen some horrible blind items on the internet that I was found in a crack den by my husband being surrounded by men. I don’t know who is spreading these vicious rumours but it’s not true.

‘It all comes back to the phones. They aren’t doing us any good. They certainly aren’t doing me any good at the moment. I really don’t like my phone.

‘I’m as guilty of that as anyone else, what I’m very excited about where I’m going over the next few weeks is that I’m not allowed my phone.’

It was recently revealed that Lily turned Wagatha Christie to find out if her husband David was looking for other women amid split rumours.

She unleashed an impressive set of skills after suspecting her husband was cheating, and was reportedly left in ‘agony’ when she discovered the actor had a secret profile on the celebrity dating app Raya, The Mail on Sunday revealed.

Deciding there was only one way to find out the truth, Lily rejoined the dating app where she first met David, and pretended to be ‘looking for women’.

She soon discovered that David had already set up a dating profile and was listed on the app as being active for at least a month.

Lily turned Wagatha Christie to find out if her husband David was looking for other women amid split rumours

The actress didn’t appear to be wearing her engagement ring and wedding band (pictured)

A source revealed Lily’s meticulous methods: ‘Lily was looking for women that were on Raya and cross-referencing them with women David follows on Instagram to try to figure out who he was seeing. She was doing her Wagatha thing.’

Former England football star Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen was famously dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ after she turned detective online to out fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy as the apparent leaker of stories about her.

‘Lily only rejoined Raya to try to figure out whether he was seeing someone,’ the insider continued.

‘Lily has never even looked at anyone since she met David. She is devastated. He broke up with Lily a month ago. He was meant to be on holiday with her in Kenya over Christmas.’

David’s dating profile, exclusively revealed by the MoS, reads: ‘Visiting New York from Atlanta’ and ‘closet nerd that plays tough guys on your TV’.

He lists his profile song as the Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin.

David describes himself as living in Atlanta, Georgia, 800 miles from the family home in Brooklyn, New York, where the couple moved in 2020 with Lily enrolling her children in local schools.

He bought a house in Atlanta last year so he could be closer to the Stranger Things set.

David and Lily on their wedding day in 2020. A source revealed Lily’s meticulous methods: ‘Lily was looking for women that were on Raya and cross-referencing them with women David follows on Instagram’

The show wrapped filming its fifth and final series just before Christmas. Lily’s circle of London friends say she has believed since the autumn that her husband is interested in other women.

By the time the couple broke up about a month ago, she had become convinced that he had a secret girlfriend.

The singer has not made any public statements on her relationship with David since it emerged they had parted ways in December, but a friend of the Lily confirmed they had officially ‘separated’.

He has previously spoken about his penchant for a whirlwind romance. ‘I’m easily swept away, but I’m trying not to be as much,’ the Stranger Things actor told Women’s Health in October 2017.

‘I’m better at the fantasy of relationships than I am at the daily real life, but I’m trying to steer myself into a realist,’ he added.

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He continued, ‘What I find most exciting now is sharp, intelligent, insightful women. People who are deep thinking, who have sort of a weird way of looking at the universe are wildly attractive to me. So if I can find one of those gals who can stand me, then maybe I might have something.’

The actor has a history of dating fellow thespians, enjoying a three-year relationship with Broadway veteran Maria Thayer from 2008 to 2011, with the pair even getting engaged.

Shortly after their break-up, David went public with actress Julia Stiles after the two starred together in the 2012 film Between Us.

The actor has a history of dating fellow thespians, enjoying a three-year relationship with Broadway veteran Maria Thayer from 2008 to 2011

Shortly after he broke up with Maria Thayer, David went public with Jason Bourne star Julia Stiles after the two starred together in the 2012 film Between Us

In early 2018, David debuted his romance with actress and singer Alison Sudol. Just over a year later the pair had split, shortly before he met Lily on Raya

Read More Lily Allen takes her daughters Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 11, on safari amid split from David Harbour

They were linked for four years, walking several red carpets together and moving in together in New York, before they eventually broke up.

In early 2018, David debuted his romance with actress and singer Alison Sudol. A besotted Alison paid tribute to her man on social media, gushing in a Valentine’s Day post: ‘I’m sitting here and I’m thinking to myself, wow, this human being that I am on this crazy journey with is pretty unbelievable.

‘What a generous, large-hearted, roaring wonder of a person I get to walk around and do stuff with. Like eat food and read books out loud and watch our dog sleep. And isn’t that great. What an ignited soul, what a fire-spirit.’

‘What a brilliant artist. What a caring, deep, intuitive individual, who has changed my life completely and utterly. What a lucky woman I am.’

Just over a year later though the pair had ended their relationship, shortly before David met Lily on Raya.

Broncos Brace for Battle: Can They Contain the Unstoppable Force of Josh Allen?

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos find themselves standing at the precipice of opportunity as they prepare to face the formidable Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild-card matchup. They know the stakes are high; beating only a single team is one thing, but taking down Josh Allen — that’s a whole different ball game. As they ready themselves for Sunday’s clash at Highmark Stadium, the Broncos can’t help but recall the previous encounters that tested their mettle — including a narrow 24-22 victory last season, where Allen’s turnovers played into their hands. But this isn’t the same quarterback; this is a seasoned, refined Allen — a magician in the backfield, erasing the self-inflicted wounds that once plagued his game.,Statistically, his raw numbers in the 2024 season are jaw-dropping — 3,731 yards passing and 28 touchdowns to his name — yet it’s his newfound composure under pressure that truly titillates defenses. The Broncos are well aware of the challenge they face, a challenge underscored by Allen’s remarkable ability to sidestep disaster. In a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, he demonstrated this prowess masterfully—evading a relentless rush from inside linebacker Owen Pappoe, he flicked the ball like an artist creating a masterpiece, tossing a 25-yard strike to running back James Cook. That exquisite blend of physicality and finesse is what makes Allen more than just a quarterback; he’s an enigma that defensive units must crack.,“This is one of those games where you really can’t rush selfish,” said Nik Bonitto, the Broncos’ sack leader, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the locker room. With 14 sacks this season, Bonitto embodies the collaborative spirit that has defined Denver’s remarkable pass-rushing campaign — a record 63 sacks shared among 16 players, with no less than six posting five or more. The emphasis on teamwork has culminated in a defensive front that can disrupt even the most polished offenses, but to do so against Allen requires a strategy laced with selflessness and discipline. “You try to cage him in because everybody knows when he gets outside the pocket, he’s really dangerous,” Bonitto added, recognizing the dual threat Allen poses both with his arm and his legs.,Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, faces a daunting task — balancing aggression with caution. The Broncos blitzed 37 percent of the time on opponent dropbacks during the regular season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. However, Allen’s discernment ensures that extra rushers might only add to Denver’s headaches. He’s protected by what may be the best offensive line he’s had since joining the league, further complicating Joseph’s approach. “Their offensive line is really good and that group has been together for a while,” remarked Zach Allen, a defensive end for Denver. “Josh is so mobile and so strong that it’s really hard to bring him down. It presents a really good challenge for us, but we’re excited for it.”,As the Broncos study film and prep for the game, they know they must contain Allen’s ability to extend plays — a hallmark of his game that has earned him MVP consideration this season. “What I watch on film is that guys will be covered, but his scrambling ability and his second-play ability is key for us,” stated Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos’ star cornerback. The emphasis on plastering their receivers — denying Allen the chance to locate his targets as he improvises — will be paramount to their game plan. The tight ends, Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, along with Cook, represent a trio of threats that demand Denver’s attention.,The essence of Allen’s game lies not only in his passing ability but also his extraordinary rushing talent, especially in the postseason. Last year, he bulldozed the Pittsburgh Steelers with a breathtaking 52-yard touchdown run, a moment that left Broncos head coach Sean Payton shaking his head in disbelief as he reviewed the footage. “You can spy him,” Payton noted. “But he’s one of those guys, and Lamar (Jackson) is the same way, where you have a guy on Lamar and he’s got this stiff arm that just keeps you at bay.” These insights remind us that although Allen has yet to capture the elusive Super Bowl ring, he has solidified himself as a playoff dynamo — a reality the Broncos hope to disrupt this Sunday.,As the tension builds ahead of this monumental clash, one thing is clear — the Broncos will not back down. Bonitto poignantly expressed this unwavering confidence: “I think we’ll come in there and play our best game. Coach is going to have a good game plan for us. … We’ve always had that confidence in ourselves, no matter what people have said about us, and we’re not going to back down to anybody.” With both teams brimming with talent and aspirations, the stage is set for an epic showdown — a battle of wills where the clock will be ticking and every inch matters. The Broncos are primed for the challenge, eager to put their skills to the test against one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Broncos vs. Bills: A Clash of Titans – Can Denver Tame the Dual-Threat Juggernaut Josh Allen?

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The stage is set for a heavyweight clash this Sunday as the Denver Broncos, riding high on the best pass-rushing season in franchise history, prepare to take on the formidable Buffalo Bills and their cannon-armed quarterback, Josh Allen, in an AFC wild-card matchup. Buckle up, because this showdown promises to be a test of wills—might versus might, speed against strength—against the backdrop of playoff intensity. nnIn the Bills’ opening game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals, Allen showcased his incredible pocket awareness. Down by a touchdown, he faced a blitzing linebacker, yet instead of faltering under the pressure, he ducked, danced, and delivered a strike to running back James Cook—resulting in a pivotal 25-yard gain that shifted the tide of the game. “This is one of those games where you really can’t rush selfish,” said Broncos sack leader Nik Bonitto, who notched 14 sacks this season—an impressive feat that harks back to the days of Von Miller.nnThe Broncos’ defense, boasting a collective 63 sacks from 16 players, has become a well-oiled machine, with collaboration and synergy being the secret sauce to their success. Each player has risen to the occasion, contributing to the highest sack total since 2018. “You try to cage him in because everybody knows when he gets outside the pocket, he’s really dangerous,” Bonitto added, underscoring the need for discipline and teamwork in their quest to contain Allen.nnBut let’s get real—keeping Allen in check is no small task. With his 6-foot-5, 237-pound frame and a combination of speed and agility that could leave any linebacker in the dust, Allen is a dual-threat. The quarterback has learned to navigate the tightrope between chaos and brilliance—his ability to read defenses and adjust has led to a career-low in sacks taken, just 14 this season. The Broncos will have to bring their A-game if they’re going to get to him. nn“Josh is so mobile and so strong that it’s really hard to bring him down,” noted Broncos defensive end Zach Allen, who—despite sharing a last name—has no connection to the Bills’ signal-caller. As the game looms, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph finds himself in a strategic balancing act—blitz heavily versus playing it safe? The Broncos blitzed on 37 percent of opponent dropbacks, ranking fourth in the league, but against a quarterback as adept as Allen, one misstep could lead to explosive plays.nnThe Broncos recognize the need for a focused effort, especially in the secondary, where cornerback Pat Surtain II prepares for the challenge that arises when Allen extends plays. “What I watch on film is that guys will be covered, but his scrambling ability and his second-play ability are key for us,” Surtain emphasized, highlighting the importance of being patient and relentless. “When he extends plays, that’s where he really becomes a playmaker.”nnMoreover, Allen’s ability to throw on the run—averaging 8 yards per attempt when outside the pocket—adds another layer of complexity for Denver. The Bills’ offensive line, arguably the best Allen has played behind during his time in Buffalo, provides him with a sheltered environment to unleash his cannon of an arm. With pressure allowed on only 34.5 percent of opponent blitzes, stopping Allen from gaining momentum will require a multifaceted approach.nnAnd let’s not forget the ground game—the Bills became the first team in NFL history this season to boast over 30 rushing and passing touchdowns, a testament to the balance introduced by their offensive coordinator Joe Brady. This presents yet another challenge for a Broncos defense that has significantly improved its run defense, setting the stage for an exhilarating duel of strategy and execution.nnAs the anticipation builds, the mindset within the Broncos’ camp remains resolute. “We’re not going to back down to anybody,” Bonitto proclaimed, embodying the fierce spirit of a team that relishes the underdog role. With every snap, every tackle, and every calculated risk, the Broncos aim not just to face Allen—but to face him down—knowing that the stakes are high, and the reward could be the start of a storied playoff run.

Yan Couto: The Unsung Hero Ready to Ignite Your EA FC 25 Ultimate Team!

Braziian defender Yan Couto is rumored to be making waves in the EA FC 25 Ultimate Team as a new NumeroFUT player—thanks to a leak from none other than X/FUT Sheriff, a source that’s gained plenty of trust among fans for its track record. While the digital pitch is filled with superstars like Antoine Griezmann and Eder Militao, Couto’s potential arrival adds a refreshing layer to the game—one that may not scream ‘overpowered’ but certainly packs a punch in the right circumstances.,At just 22 years old, Couto is establishing himself as a noteworthy figure in Borussia Dortmund’s roster. His base overall rating of 80 may not turn heads immediately, but this Brazilian right-back is the definition of an unsung hero—a player whose skills could elevate the game to new heights if given the right tools. Leaks suggest a potential upgrade to an 89-rated card with key attributes that could see him flourish as a Wing-Back. Imagine the exhilaration, the rush of nailing those tackles, and pushing the ball up the flank while your opponents scramble to catch up. This isn’t just speculation; it’s a tantalizing glimpse of what could be.,Couto’s playing style is largely defined by his speed and dribbling—skills that fit seamlessly into the evolving FC IQ system. As he maneuvers past opponents with the agility of a cat, defenders are left grasping at shadows. The speculation surrounding his card also hints at the Jockey+ PlayStyle—an attribute that could give players a leg-up against nimble dribblers and electrifying attackers. It’s this kind of tactical advantage that makes the game thrilling; every match becomes a chess game where every move counts and hasty decisions can tilt the balance.,Indeed, the second batch of NumeroFUT players is shaping up to be a spectacle, promising not just fan favorites but also hidden gems—like Couto—that could redefine gameplay. As X/FUT Sheriff has noted, “the lineup could bring exciting options to EA FC 25.” With heavyweights like Militao and Griezmann flanking the ranks, the anticipation for this fresh batch is already palpable, especially with Team of the Year looming closer on the horizon.,In a gaming landscape often dominated by the usual suspects, Yan Couto represents the thrill of the unexpected—a player who might not be the headline grabber but has the potential to be your secret weapon. With the hype around his predicted card rising, fans are left in eager anticipation. If Couto’s leaked stats hold true, we could be looking at a formidable addition for any EA FC 25 squad—one that combines tactical prowess with the excitement of beating the odds. Get ready to sharpen those tactics; a new contender is on the brink of entering the game!

Anita Bryant, Singer and Crusader Against Gay Rights, Dies at 84

Jim Abrahams, ‘Airplane!,’ ‘Naked Gun’ and ‘Hot Shots!’ Master of Mirth, Dies at 80

Anita Bryant, the pop singer and Oklahoma beauty queen who gained fame by convincing America that a “breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine” before seeing her popularity plummet as she railed against gay rights, has died. She was 84.

Bryant died Dec. 16 at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, her family announced.

A brunette who personified wholesomeness, Bryant was crowned Miss Oklahoma in 1958 and finished second runner-up in the 1959 Miss America pageant. She landed on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Till There Was You” from Broadway’s The Music Man in 1959 and with “In My Little Corner of the World” and “Paper Roses,” which made it to No. 5, a year later.

After marrying disc jockey Bob Green in 1960 and settling down in Miami Beach, Bryant released a string of albums, earned Grammy nominations in 1968, ’71 and ’73, was a frequent guest on variety and talk shows and traveled for six years with Bob Hope on his USO tours, making trips to entertain the troops in Vietnam.

One of Bryant’s biggest fans was President Lyndon Johnson. So taken by her rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” during the Super Bowl halftime show in 1971, he asked her to sing it at his funeral, and she did so in 1973.

Bryant appeared in commercials for Coca-Cola, Kraft, Holiday Inn and Tupperware but became a household name after signing on as spokesperson for the Florida Citrus Commission in 1968. For more than a decade, she poured glass after glass of orange juice in dozens of nationally aired TV spots while singing “Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree.”

However, Bryant’s reputation was put to the test in 1977 after she organized a “Save Our Children” movement to repeal a Miami-Dade County ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. A born-again Christian, she did not want gay people teaching schoolchildren.

“I got involved only because they were asking for special privileges that violated the state law of Florida, not to mention God’s law,” Bryant told Playboy in a 1978 interview. “You know, when I was a child, you didn’t even mention the word homosexual, much less find out what the act was about. You knew it was very bad, but you couldn’t imagine what they tried to do, exactly, in terms of one taking a male role and the other taking a female role. I mean, it was too filthy to think about and you had other things to think about. So when I finally found out all the implications, it was a total revelation for me.”

As word spread of her crusade, Bryant gathered support from North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms and Virginia pastor Jerry Falwell, and six months after its passage, the ordinance was repealed by a vote of more than 2 to 1. Bryant then expanded the fight to other cities and states, and with her help, Falwell in 1979 created the Moral Majority movement for religious conservatives that denounced the LGBTQ community, abortion rights supporters and others.

Ultimately, Bryant would pay a price. Gay rights activists targeted her and launched a nationwide boycott of Florida orange juice. Bars stopped serving screwdrivers, replacing them with a mixture of vodka and apple juice called the Anita Bryant cocktail.

Bryant told Playboy that she lost about a half-million dollars in concert bookings as her public appearances became magnets for gay-rights protesters and a deal to host her own TV show. She also became a punchline for comedians, and the Florida Citrus Commission dumped her in 1980.

Bryant holds the dubious distinction of being perhaps the first recipient of a protest pie. She was speaking out against homosexuality during a 1977 news conference in Des Moines, Iowa, when she was creamed in the face by Thom Higgins, an activist from St. Paul, Minnesota. “At least it’s a fruit pie,” she quipped before saying a prayer for her attacker.

Anita Jane Bryant was born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. At age 2, as she started singing at a local Baptist church, her parents — Warren, who worked in the oil fields, and Lenora — divorced. She and her late younger sister, Sandra, moved in with her maternal grandparents. In 1948, after her folks remarried, she performed at a local radio station and was baptized.

The family moved to Oklahoma City in search of bigger opportunities for Bryant, and she won a contest that led to her own weekly TV show in 1952, then cut her first record a year later. Her parents divorced again, and her mother took the girls to Tulsa.

Bryant attended Will Rogers High School, sang in school and church choirs and starred in a regional production of South Pacific. While appearing on a local TV variety show, she was spotted by a talent scout for Arthur Godfrey and went on to take first prize on his Talent Scouts CBS program.

After graduating from high school in 1958, she signed a contract with Carlton Records and released her first single, the pop tune “Dance On.” She won the Miss Tulsa contest and was crowned Miss Oklahoma before losing to Mississippi’s Mary Ann Mobley in the Miss America pageant, then joined Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club, a Chicago-based ABC radio show.

In 1970, she published an autobiography, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.

When Green and Bryant divorced in 1980, she lost support from conservatives who said she was no longer a suitable role model. “There were those who said, ‘You’ve written all these books about family togetherness and we’re not supporting you anymore. We’re not into buying your books and records anymore,’ ” Green said in a 2007 profile for the Miami Herald.

“Blame gay people? I do,” Green said. “Their stated goal was to put [Bryant] out of business and destroy her career. And that’s what they did. It’s unfair.”

After her divorce, Bryant focused on Christian music and charity work through the Anita Bryant Ministries International, a nonprofit she had established in 1967.

She married the late Charles Dry, a former astronaut test crewman who had been her childhood sweetheart, in 1990. They made several attempts to resuscitate her career, but ventures such as the Anita Bryant Theatre in Branson, Missouri; a show bearing her name in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; and the Anita Bryant Music Mansion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, failed, resulting in owed bills and unpaid taxes.

Bryant occasionally resurfaced, most noticeably as herself in the Michael Moore documentary Roger & Me (1989), but mainly stayed out of the limelight.

Meanwhile, she had become a pop culture punchline, with The Carol Burnett Show, Saturday Night Live, The Gong Show, The Golden Girls, Will & Grace and the movie Airplane! making fun of her. She also was lampooned in Anita Bryant’s Playboy Interview, a 2016 play that was based on her 1978 magazine piece, and in the 2018 musical The Loneliest Girl in the World.

A long-planned biopic, written and directed by Chad Hodge, was reported in May 2019 to be in the works, with Ashley Judd to star as Bryant.

Survivors include her children, Robert Jr., Gloria and twins William and Barbara; two stepdaughters; and seven grandchildren.

“I’m not a goody two-shoes. I know now I’m a human being, just like anybody else,” Bryant told Playboy. “If it weren’t for Jesus Christ in my heart and life, I probably would have married several times. I probably would have slept around with guys and whatever. I always say that I’m just a sinner saved by grace.”

Alec Baldwin Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Santa Fe Officials Over ‘Rust’ Prosecution

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Alec Baldwin has filed a civil rights suit against the district attorney and other officials in Santa Fe, N.M., alleging that he was wrongfully prosecuted for manslaughter in the accidental shooting of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

In the 73-page complaint, Baldwin accuses D.A. Mary Carmack-Altwies, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, and investigators on the case of a series of abuses, including eliciting false testimony and withholding exculpatory evidence.

“Defendants, while acting under the color of law, conspired to procure a groundless indictment against Baldwin and to maliciously bring about or advance Baldwin’s trial and conviction, thus violating Baldwin’s constitutional rights by their improper use of the criminal process,” the lawsuit states.

Baldwin filed the suit two weeks after the state attorney general refused to pursue an appeal of a judge’s order dismissing the case, thus ending the prosecution. Among the defendants are the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners.

“Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain or harass the innocent,” said Baldwin’s lawyers, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas, in a statement. “Kari Morrissey and the other defendants violated that basic principle, over and over, and trampled on Alec Baldwin’s rights. We bring this action to hold the defendants accountable for their misconduct and to prevent them from doing this to anyone else.”

Baldwin went on trial in Santa Fe last July. He was accused of involuntary manslaughter, on the theory that he willfully violated the gun safety rules for movie sets when he pointed a Colt .45 at Hutchins and pulled the trigger. Unbeknown to anyone on the set, the gun was loaded with a live .45-caliber round, which killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.

The case was dismissed three days into the trial, after Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that the special prosecutor had improperly withheld evidence from the defense.

Shortly after the trial, Spiro sent letters to Morrissey and to Sheriff Adan Mendoza advising them to preserve evidence given “the potential for future litigation based on your actions in connection with Mr. Baldwin’s prosecution.”

Baldwin’s attorneys repeatedly argued that he should never have been charged, saying it was not his job to verify that the gun was loaded only with dummy ammunition.

In the weeks and months leading up to the trial, they also vociferously complained that Morrissey had withheld evidence that should have been turned over in the discovery process.

During the trial, the defense uncovered that Morrissey had not disclosed a cache of bullets that had been turned over to investigators in March. That evidence could have been relevant in understanding how live ammunition made its way onto set.

Morrissey argued that she believed the bullets did not match the live rounds from the “Rust” set, and therefore she had no obligation to turn them over. But when the judge cut open an evidence envelope in open court, she discovered that three of the bullets did share the same characteristics as the fatal round.

Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice — meaning it could not be refiled — finding the state “highly culpable” for failing to turn over the evidence.

Carmack-Altwies, the elected D.A. in Santa Fe, has defended Morrissey, a private attorney whom she appointed to handle the “Rust” cases. But the attorney general’s office was sharply critical of Morrissey, saying that appealing the judge’s decision would have been “untenable” given the judge’s “blistering assessment of the special prosecutor’s gross mishandling of the case at trial.”

“Perhaps if the District Attorney had selected someone with more direct experience as a prosecutor this outcome could have been avoided,” the attorney general’s spokesperson said last month.

Sesame Street’s New Season Features SZA, Renee Rapp, Noah Kahan, More

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Very few television programs have the iconic history of musical guests that Sesame Street does: Over the years it’s featured everyone from Stevie Wonder to Tony Bennett, Erykah Badu to the Fugees, Patti Labelle to R.E.M., and clever interpretations like odes to the letter U from both One Direction (“What Makes U Useful”) and Smokey Robinson (“U Really Got a Hold on Me”), and opera singer Marilyn Horne trilling an operatic version of “C Is for Cookie,” and much more.

That legacy continues in the show’s 55th season, which launches on Max with Renee Rapp on Jan. 16 and follows with SZA, Noah Kahan, Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Chris Stapleton, Jonathan Van Ness and Billie Jean King joining for songs and other segments. The full schedule appears below; episodes release every Thursday. The season be available on local PBS stations across the country and on the free PBS Kids Video app Fall 2025.

According to the announcement, Season 55’s curriculum will focus on emotional well-being, helping children learn accessible strategies to comprehend and cope with big feelings through fun, lighthearted, relatable, and engaging stories.

“New episodes of Sesame Street will help young viewers understand and express their feelings, learn new mindfulness practices, and as always, have a blast with their favorite furry and funny friends,” said Sal Perez, the show’s executive prodiucer. “Whether it’s taking a volcano breath when angry, learning to give yourself a hug when frustrated, or wiggling it out when disappointed, we are empowering children with the strategies to help build resiliency and the foundational skills for emotional well-being.”

“This season’s emotional well-being curriculum was developed in response to the growing mental health crisis affecting children globally,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum & Content. “Focusing on emotion awareness and social connection skills, children will learn that all feelings are important and that we all experience big feelings, as well as how to navigate social scenarios with friends, families, and the wider community.”

Feature episodes include: Beachball Bop (Thursday, January 16), where Elmo learns how to do volcano breaths after he feels angry; Abby Taps Into Kindness (Thursday, April 10), where Abby learns what it means to be kind to yourself to overcome frustration, all with the help of her friends; Happy Bert Day (Thursday, July 24), where Ernie is excited to throw Bert a big, loud party for Bert’s birthday, but Bert gets frustrated as he wants to celebrate his birthday with a quiet puzzle – can lion breaths help them both feel better?; and New School Scaries (Thursday, September 4), where Cookie Monster, feeling nervous about going to a new cooking school, enlists his friends to help him prepare.

Sesame Street is underwritten in part by Beaches Resorts and Google.