‘House Of The Dragon’ Casts James Norton As Ormund Hightower In Season 3

James Norton has been tapped to portray Ormund Hightower in Season 3 of HBO’s House of the Dragon, Deadline has learned.

Ormund Hightower, who was referenced in Season 2 but never appeared on onscreen, is Otto’s (Rhys Ifans) nephew, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Gwayne’s (Freddie Fox) cousin, and the Lord of Oldtown. He is presently leading the Hightower host in a march on King’s Landing to support his house against Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy).

In addition to Ifans, Cooke, Fox and D’Arcy, cast also includes Matt Smith, Emma, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban and Jefferson Hall. Additional season two cast: Abubakar Salim, Gayle Rankin, Freddie Fox, Simon Russell Beale, Clinton Liberty, Jamie Kenna, Kieran Bew, Tom Bennett, Tom Taylor, and Vincent Regan.

Martin and Ryan Condal, who also serves as showrunner, are co-creators and executive producers. Sara Hess, Alan Taylor, Melissa Bernstein, Kevin de la Noy, Loni Peristere, Vince Gerardis also executive produce.

Netflix has canceled The Sandman

Netflix announced today that The Sandman will conclude with its upcoming second season. In a statement about the show coming to an end, Sandman showrunner Allan Heinberg said that the series “has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season.”

As Variety notes, Netflix took its time before renewing The Sandman after its first season and did not announce a specific number of episodes it ordered. Netflix also made a point of referring to the renewal as “a continuation of The Sandman world,” which at the time included the Dead Boy Detectives adaptation that was canceled last August after a single season. That all makes Heinberg’s statement sound plausible, but the timing of Netflix’s move to cancel The Sandman links it to the multiple allegations of sexual assault that Gaiman is currently facing. In response to the allegations, Gaiman wrote in a blog post earlier this month, “I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

‘Emilia Pérez’ Star Offers an Apology After Offensive Tweets Resurface

Celebrities who have used Twitter, now X, as the sounding board of their views have learned the hard way that what is written cannot be forgotten. From James Gunn to Kevin Hart, statements they may have posted years ago that have offensive text can be discovered and used against them. Learning this today is Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón, who saw a slew of her old tweets spread across X in a bid to show that she has exhibited offensive and racist tendencies despite her calls for unity as she promotes her polarizing film that has managed to be the darling of the awards season. Emilia Pérez already had its naysayers for a plethora of reasons, but Gascón added more fuel to the fire. She has now issued an apology, which may have come too little too late, and the backlash has led her to slink away from her X page entirely.

Per IndieWire, and likely through a very frustrated publicist, Gascón issued an apology for old social media posts that flooded X yesterday. These posts displayed less-than-favorable views about George Floyd, Islam, Asian people, and much more, which was especially disappointing since her awards season moment is that of inclusion that someone in her position would dream of. Gascón made history as the first transgender performer to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, and now that all has been tainted by offensive tweets that go back as far as 2016. For her part, she did issue an apology, via Netflix, although it still doesn’t address some of the tweets directly.

“I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

Karla Sofía Gascón Has Deactivated Her X Page

It was clear that this apology wasn’t enough because Gascón was still being heavily critiqued online. The outspoken actress has suffered some backlash since Emilia Pérez emerged as an awards season favorite, but none of it was up to this level. Most of the criticism revolved around Gascón sometimes wrongly criticizing others for being anti-trans for not enjoying the film, something that might be true in some circles, but not the case in most. Those who don’t like Emilia Pérez have other issues with it (believe me, they run deep in the Mexican community) and it has nothing to do with gender identity. In fact, even the trans community has come down hard on the movie for some of its depictions.

Related ‘Emilia Pérez’ Director Apologizes in Response to Backlash

‘Emilia Pérez’ has been polarizing and was received poorly in Mexico over its cultural representation.

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Feeling the heat, as of this morning, Gascón has deactivated her X account, which is probably the best move at the moment, because anything she says is going to be viewed under a microscope. Some pointed out that she tried to delete her old tweets as they were surfacing, but the internet is swift, and multiple social media platforms had already screenshotted them and spread them online. To think, this all started with an interview in Brazil where it was alleged that Gascón broke Academy rules by insinuating that Fernanda Torres, who is Oscar-nominated in the same category for I’m Still Here, had people from her team bad-mouthing Gascón and Emilia Pérez. It was determined that no rules were broken, and the actress cleaned that up with her first apology, but by that point, the floodgates were opened and there was no stopping the onslaught.

Emilia Pérez has the most Oscar nominations this year with 13, the most ever for an international release. No matter how anyone feels about the film, what could have been a historical moment whose only discourse should be over the film’s quality is now about the overtly offensive words of one of its stars. Not sure how Gascón, Netflix, or even the Academy are going to navigate this matter leading up to the show on Mar. 2, but it’s definitely going to be a bit awkward for not only Gascón but for the entire Emilia Pérez team by association.

3.5 /5 1/10 Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Emilia Perez R CrimeDramaComedyMusic Release Date November 13, 2024 Runtime 130 Minutes Director Jacques Audiard Writers Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius Cast Karla Sofía Gascón Emilia / Manitas Zoe Saldana Rita Selena Gomez Jessi See All Cast & Crew

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Grammy Awards 2025: It’s another Beyoncé vs Taylor showdown

The big question of the night is whether Beyoncé will finally win album of the year, after four previous losses in the category?

During last year’s ceremony, her husband Jay-Z addressed the oversight, telling the audience: “I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work.”

Beyoncé’s latest record, Cowboy Carter, is a wildly ambitious attempt to contextualise and commemorate the black roots of country music. It’s the sort of thing that delights Grammy voters, who traditionally prefer albums that elevate America’s musical history over contemporary, cutting-edge productions.

But the album’s excessive length – including a few weaker tracks in its latter half – could count against it.

Billie Eilish is currently the bookmakers’ favourite with her third album Hit Me Hard and Soft. Mixing passionate power ballads with violent electronic shifts and hip-hop swagger, it marks a new evolution in the star’s songwriting partnership with her brother, Finneas.

Charli XCX’s Brat is a career-defining pop record that became a cultural phenomenon. The best-reviewed album of 2024, it’s probably too abrasive for the Grammys’ more conservative voters, but that’s their loss.

And you’d have to be crazy to ignore Taylor Swift. Her 11th album, The Tortured Poets Department, was the biggest-seller of last year; a fact that will undoubtedly be taken into account, even if the record is one of her weaker efforts.

If she wins, Swift will collect her fifth album of the year trophy – more than any other artist in Grammy history.

Nolan Re-Teams With Elliot Page: Here Are 5 Actors Who Have Been In Multiple Nolan Movies

We have more casting news for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Joining an already elite group is Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, Himesh Patel, and Bill Irwin.

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Fans of Nolan’s movies may recognize three of those names. Page had played Ariadne in Inception. Patel was Mahir in Tenet. And Bill Irwin voiced TARS in Interstellar.

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Inception the Game? Nolan is Working On It

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Samantha Morton is a first-time Nolan collaborator. That list for Odyssey includes Charlize Theron, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Lupita Nyong’o, and John Leguizamo. All of them will become eligible to join the club of actors who have worked with Nolan multiple times.

Let’s take a look at the five actors who have worked with Nolan the most, outside the Batman trilogy.

5 Anne Hathaway & Robert Pattinson

Co-Pilot, Time Traveler, To Be Determined

The Odyssey will be Hathaway’s second (non-Batman) film with Nolan, having previously played Dr. Amelia Brand in Interstellar. While Brand didn’t get to do all that much in the sci-fi epic, she is an important emotional foil to Matthew McConaughey’s character.

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Robert Pattinson starred in Tenet, in a supporting role that finally won over many of the people who had continued to judge him for being the pretty, shiny vampire in the Twilight saga. Those in the know had long-recognized Pattinson’s talent and star power.

Both have joined The Odyssey, but in undisclosed roles. Screen Rant speculated that Hathaway could be Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. They pegged Pattinson as Antinous, an antagonist who pursues Penelope during Odysseus’s long absence.

4 Matt Damon

Loner, Enabler, To Be Determined

Matt Damon is also part of The Odyssey. He seems the obvious choice to play Odysseus, as Holland, Pattinson, and others would be too young for the role of the middle-aged hero.

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Interstellar was Damon’s first collaboration with Nolan. The result was amazing, as Nolan used Damon’s penchant for playing audience-favorite protagonists to set up a shocking twist.

And then Damon played a major role in Oppenheimer, as U.S. Army Colonel Leslie Groves, the man in charge of the Manhattan Project, the one who brought Oppenheimer on to lead development of the atomic bomb.

3 Kenneth Branagh

Commander, Futurist, Scientist

Two of Branagh’s three Nolan films have been in understated roles. In Dunkirk, he plays Commander Bolton, a composite character inspired by Captain William Tennan. He has a few memorable moments, but isn’t the main character.

It’s the same in Oppenheimer, as Branagh plays Niels Bohr. Bohr’s an important figure but not a meaningful part of the film.

In Tenet, however, he was Andrei Sator, arguably the biggest jerk (putting it mildly) in Nolan’s entire filmography and the scariest Branagh has ever been on-screen.

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2 Cillian Murphy

Dreamer, Coward, Destroyer of Worlds

Cillian Murphy doesn’t seem to have a role in The Odyssey (maybe because he’s committed to the third film in the 28 Years Later trilogy?). But he’s one of the most memorable actors in Nolan’s filmography.

In Inception, he got to play Robert Fischer, the business titan with daddy-issues whose dreams the heroes invade. I’ll never forget that moment, at the end, after the inception, where Murphy has to nonchalantly convey he just had an emotional breakthrough that has changed his entire worldview. And he nails it!

But then, in Dunkirk, Murphy loses his nobility to play an emotionally broken soldier whose rising cowardice turns him into a villain.

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Murphy and Nolan re-teamed for the high-point of their careers. Murphy played Oppenheimer and won the Academy Award for Best Actor, while Nolan took him Best Director, and the film won Best Picture.

1 Michael Caine

Engineer, Mentor, Poetry Reciter, Vocal Cameo, Sir Michael

Oh, Michael Caine. The legend himself. He has appeared in more Christopher Nolan movies than anyone else, whether you include the Batman movies or not.

First, he played the engineering assistant in The Prestige, and got to explain the three parts of a magic trick: the pledge, the turn, and the prestige. Nolan was quick to notice that letting Michael Caine narrate and give big speeches coincided with audiences loving the movie. It worked in The Prestige, they ran it back in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception, The Dark Knight Returns, Interstellar, and Dunkirk.

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As much as I love all of Michael Caine’s appearances, my favorite is Tenet. Why? Because Caine’s character is literally called Sir Michael. Which opens up the possibility that Michael Caine was just playing himself. It’s a brief, Bond-like scene, where the spy gets important information from a sharp, witty character, and they banter back and forth. And nothing that’s said in any way goes against the theory that Michael Caine is playing Michael Caine and that Michael Caine, knighted as he is, plays a key role in British intelligence operations.

Sure, the character is officially named Sir Michael Crosby, but doesn’t the name being “Crosby” only strengthen the idea that it’s really “Caine”?

The Odyssey

Release Date July 17, 2026

Director Christopher Nolan

Cast

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Matt Damon

Tom Holland

Robert Pattinson

Anne Hathaway

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Boost Immunity: Arm Yourself This Flu Season

Flu Season Strikes Hard—Unleash Your Natural Defenses!

As flu cases surge across the nation, leaving schools shuttered and parents scrambling, it’s time to arm yourself with nature’s own shield—your immune system. The recent flu wave serves as a harsh reminder that prevention is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. Here’s how you can turn the tide in your favor with simple, powerful steps.

**Fuel Your Fortress with Nutrient Powerhouses**

Imagine your immune system as a castle, fortified by the vibrant colors of fresh produce. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens aren’t just tasty—they’re your frontline defense, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. This vibrant arsenal boosts your body’s ability to fend off invaders, helping to keep illness at bay.

**Hydrate Like a Warrior**

Water—essential, yet often overlooked—is the lifeblood of every soldier in your immune army. Dehydrated cells are like soldiers without armor. Keep your body battle-ready by drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm teas rich in ginger and turmeric, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

**Rest and Recharge**

In the battle against flu, sleep is your secret weapon. A well-rested body is a resilient one, capable of producing the necessary antibodies to fight off infections. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of restorative sleep to stay sharp and ready for whatever comes your way.

**Move with Purpose**

Exercise doesn’t just build muscle—it powers up your immune system too. Regular, moderate activity like brisk walking or cycling keeps your blood circulating, which helps flush out toxins and keeps your cells vigilant. But remember, balance is key; overexertion can wear your defenses down.

**Mind Your Mind**

Stress—the invisible enemy—can compromise even the strongest defenses. Incorporate stress-relieving activities such as yoga or meditation into your routine. Picture it as a calming shield, protecting your body from the negative impacts of stress on your immune health.

**Flavor Your Defense with Garlic and Honey**

These kitchen staples aren’t just culinary delights—they’re potent natural antibiotics. Garlic boosts your immune heroes, the white blood cells, while honey’s soothing properties can ease a sore throat. Together, they turn a simple meal into a medicinal powerhouse.

**Banish Misconceptions**

The flu vaccine remains a crucial ally, despite whispers of skepticism. It doesn’t just lower your risk of catching the flu—it reduces the severity if you do fall ill, preventing complications that could land you in the hospital. Think of it as your insurance policy against the season’s illnesses.

In these heightened times, your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t just react to the flu’s swift advance—take control of your defenses. With these tips, not only will you protect yourself, but you’ll stand as a beacon of resilience in your community. Gear up, and face the season with confidence and vigor!

Slash Cancer Risk with These 5 Lifestyle Changes

Every day, we face the silent specter of cancer—a thief lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce when least expected. But here’s the truth some might overlook: the reins are within our hands, waiting for us to steer our lives down the path of prevention. Today, we’re diving into five powerful lifestyle transformations that could slash your cancer risk and fortify your future.

First up, let’s talk about the belly’s best buddy—fiber. Imagine fiber as a gentle broom, sweeping through your digestive system, cleansing, and clearing. Wholemeal bread, beans, and brown rice aren’t just delicious—not to mention versatile—but they’re your allies in the war against digestive cancers.

Next, gear up to turn your plate into a cruciferous carnival. Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cabbage aren’t just salad fillers; they’re nature’s little warriors, armed with cancer-fighting compounds. Picture this: every forkful a shield against cancer’s advances.

But wait, there’s more! Remember, not all oils are created equal. Embrace the Mediterranean marvel—olive oil. Rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, it’s the golden elixir that has studies buzzing. It doesn’t just flavor your food; it might just flavor your life with longevity.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—the couch potato syndrome. Physical activity isn’t merely a weight-control strategy. Think of it as a dynamic dance that keeps your body’s defenses nimble and ready. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a cycle, or a swim, aim for at least 150 minutes a week. Your body—and future self—will thank you.

Finally, let’s snip the strings of temptation when it comes to smoking and indulging in excessive alcohol. These habits are like inviting an uninvited guest to the party—potentially crashing your health scene. Cut back, and carve out a healthier path.

These aren’t just suggestions, they’re your action plan. Each lifestyle change is a small step forward, yet together, they compose a powerful force against cancer’s grasp. So, take the reins—today—and stride confidently into a healthier tomorrow.

Men, Don’t Ignore Health Screens—Act Now!

The Importance of Routine Health Screenings for Men: Taking Charge Before It’s Too Late

Gentlemen, it’s time to take the bull by the horns and face a truth that can’t be ignored—routine health screenings are your best defense in the fight against male-specific diseases like prostate cancer. In recent headlines, we’ve seen figures like Giles Coren share their cancer diagnoses, highlighting the critical role early detection plays in keeping us one step ahead.

Why Screenings Matter

Imagine this: Your body is like a high-performance vehicle, needing regular tune-ups to run smoothly. Without these check-ins, you’re risking that unseen tumble into a health breakdown. Routine screenings—like the PSA test for prostate health—are those tune-ups. They put under the microscope what’s happening beneath the hood, ensuring you’re not blindsided by a lurking problem.

The Power of Proactive Action

The benefits of regular health checks are as clear as day. They catch the small issues before they snowball, allowing you to gear up for them head-on. Take the reins of your health destiny by scheduling these tests regularly. This isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about owning your future, about ensuring that you’re in prime condition to live life to the fullest.

What Should You Look Out For?

With prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England, it’s paramount to know the signs. Elevated PSA levels can signal something’s amiss, but don’t hit the panic button—most men with raised PSA levels don’t have cancer. The key is vigilance and regular testing. And if your family history includes prostate cancer, it’s time to double down on those checks.

Breaking the Stigma and Actioning Awareness

Awareness is our ally, and it’s gaining momentum thanks to celebrities speaking out. Each voice, each story, chips away at the stigma. It’s an invitation for men everywhere to shed the reluctance and prioritize their health. Remember, most men don’t die from prostate cancer, but with it—particularly if they catch it early.

Your Call to Action

So, are you ready to embrace this challenge? Set that doctor’s appointment, ask for the tests, and take control of your health narrative. It’s not just a step—it’s a declaration of your commitment to yourself. After all, isn’t staying healthy the ultimate power move?

Unplug and Thrive: 8 Steps to Digital Detox

In today’s hyper-connected world, the call to unplug has never been stronger. Technology may have brought us closer, yet it’s also wedged a gap—one that strains our mental health. It’s time to gear up for a digital detox and reclaim your equilibrium. Here’s how tapping into the power of a digital hiatus can refresh your mental health and invigorate your life.

Set Digital Boundaries. Start by carving out portions of your day where screens are a strict no-go zone. Whether it’s an hour in the morning for reflection or your evenings dedicated to family time—this is your moment to recharge without the digital noise.

Engage in Outdoor Activities. Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with Mother Nature. Stepping outside for a brisk walk or challenging hike not only gets your heart rate soaring but also opens a floodgate of creativity and tranquility.

Practice Mindfulness. Even a brief ten-minute meditation or a few deep breaths can be your sanctuary from stress. When the world feels overwhelming, let mindfulness be your anchor.

Cultivate Offline Hobbies. Reignite a passion for hobbies that don’t require a screen. Whether it’s flipping through a gripping novel, splashing colors on a canvas, or crafting a dish that sings to the senses—find joy away from the pixels.

Establish a Tech-Free Bedroom. Let your bedroom be a haven for rest and recovery. Keep the gadgets at bay; instead, wrap yourself in the warmth of a good book or the coziness of silence to wind down.

Enjoy Social Interactions. Replace emojis with genuine laughter and engage in face-to-face conversations. Building robust, real-world connections not only enriches your social tapestry but bolsters your emotional resilience.

Reflect on Your Screen Time. Put your digital habits under the microscope. Which apps or websites truly add value? Identify the digital time sinks and weed them out.

Take a Weekly Day Off. Make it a mission to unplug one day a week. Use this time to break free from distractions, re-center, and return to your roots, ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.

A digital detox is more than just a pause—it’s a powerful step towards a more balanced, serene life. Like a pit stop in a long race, it revitalizes you for the journey ahead. So, take the reins, unplug, and feel the transformation unfold.

7 Reasons Meal Prepping Boosts Your Efficiency

Looking to streamline your health regimen and maximize your efficiency? It’s time to embrace meal prepping—a powerful tool that not only fuels your body right but also gears you up for success in your daily hustle.

Meal prepping isn’t just for fitness fanatics or culinary wizards—it’s a game-changer that turns the tides on time management and dietary discipline. Picture this: a week’s worth of meals ready and waiting, cutting out the stress of daily cooking and the dread of deciding under pressure what to eat. With meal prepping, you save precious hours and eliminate the hassle—a practical approach to a more organized life.

When you prep your meals, you’re the boss of your nutritional destiny. No more second-guessing or caving in to impulsive, unhealthy choices. Instead, you turn to a well-thought-out plan that puts you on the direct path to nutritional excellence. By measuring your ingredients and mapping out your meals, you avoid the nutritional pitfalls that often come with spur-of-the-moment decisions.

And let’s not forget the financial perks—meal prepping is your ticket to a leaner wallet. By buying in bulk and cooking at home, you slash your dining-out expenses and put that money toward more satisfying pursuits. Plus, sticking to a plan helps you zero in on your fitness goals. Prepped meals mean you’re consistently supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to power through workouts and recover efficiently.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about reducing waste, and meal prepping puts you a step ahead in sustainability. By planning portion sizes, you cut down on excess and contribute to a greener planet. It’s a win-win for you and Mother Earth.

When you command your portion sizes, you’re aligning with your dietary goals seamlessly. Each meal is a measured step towards better health—goodbye, over-serving worries. With meal prepping, there’s more bandwidth for the things that matter: work, workouts, and winding down. And hey, who knew the kitchen could be your creative studio? Experimenting with recipes might just reignite a culinary passion you never knew you had.

So, whether you’re aiming for a dazzling physique or simply craving control over your diet, meal prepping is the discipline hack you’ve been missing. Embrace it—because the journey to health and efficiency starts with the meals you make.