'Avatar: Fire and Ash' launches with $88M domestically, $345M worldwide
NEW YORK (AP) — “Avatar: Fire and Ash” opened with $345 million in worldwide sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, notching the second-best global debut of the year and potentially putting James Cameron on course to set yet more blockbuster records. Sixteen years into the “Avatar” saga, Pandora is still abundant in box-office riches. “Fire and Ash,” the third film in Cameron’s science-fiction franchise, launched with $88 million domestically and $257 million internationally. The only film to open bigger in 2025 was “Zootopia 2.” But there was a tad less fanfare to this “Avatar” film. Sales were notably less than 2022's “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event
Rapper Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona. Speaking on stage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention, the artist praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. The rap star was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who has since taken over as leader of Turning Point. Kirk asked Minaj about her newly found support for Trump, whom she had condemned in the past. Minaj's appearance Sunday at the flagship event for the powerful conservative youth organization may shore up her status as a MAGA acolyte.
What to Stream: 'Stranger Things,' Jennifer Lawrence, 'Ne Zha II' and Kate Winslet
Jennifer Lawrence playing a new mother whose behavior becomes increasingly erratic in “Die My Love” and three more “Stranger Things” episodes are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Dec. 22 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade featuring Gwen Stefani and Nicole Scherzinger, the Chinese animated epic “Ne Zha II” and Simu Liu starring as an intelligence analyst whose brain has been hacked in Peacock’s “The Copenhagen Test.”
Actor James Ransone, known for his role in 'The Wire,' dead at 46
LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Ransone, the actor who played Ziggy Sobotka in the HBO series “The Wire,” has died. He was 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office said in online records that Ransone died by suicide on Friday. Ransone’s film credits include “It: Chapter Two,” “The Black Phone” and “Black Phone 2." He appeared in TV shows including the cop drama “Bosch” and “Poker Face.” Messages seeking comment were left for representatives of Ransone on Sunday, as well as with a spokesperson for the medical examiner's office.
Tearful Bowen Yang departs 'SNL' after emotional Christmas episode hosted by Ariana Grande
NEW YORK (AP) — Bowen Yang has left “Saturday Night Live” mid-season after Saturday's episode with Ariana Grande. He bid farewell with an emotional sketch that left him in tears. He joined as a writer in 2018, became a featured player the next season, and was promoted to the main cast two seasons later. Yang has been a fan favorite with five Emmy nominations. Yang and Grande appeared together often in the show’s first half hour, including a dance class sketch and a pre-recorded “Home Alone” sketch in which the McCallister family meet violent ends from Kevin’s leftover traps. Yang also co-hosts the podcast “Las Culturistas” and appeared as Pfannee in the “Wicked” movies.
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Children's author David Walliams denies inappropriate behavior after publisher drops him
LONDON (AP) — British children's author and comedian David Walliams has denied allegations of inappropriate behavior after HarperCollins decided not to publish his future books. Walliams, known for his bestselling children's books and as a former judge on "Britain's Got Talent," was informed of the decision on Friday. HarperCollins said they won't comment on internal matters to respect staff privacy. Walliams' spokesperson claims he was never informed of any allegations or investigations. Walliams has published over 40 children's books, selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. He left "Britain's Got Talent" in 2022 after apologizing for disrespectful comments about auditioning contestants.
‘Home Alone 2’ nailed holiday travel chaos, but flight rules make movie's plot less plausible today
The “Home Alone” movies turned holiday travel chaos into comedy. Scenes of the McCallister family sprinting through a crowded terminal still resonate as the busy year-end travel period gets underway. But experts say Kevin McCallister’s solo New York adventure in 1992's “Home Alone 2” wouldn’t happen today. Air travel security experts say federalized security screening, gate restrictions and mandatory ID checks implemented after the 9/11 attacks make such mix-ups unlikely in 2025. Airlines also closely track unaccompanied minors. But the holidays still can be a hectic time to get away. AAA says more than 122 million U.S. residents are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home by New Year’s Day.
Judge nixes conviction of 1 of 2 men found guilty of killing Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has voided the conviction of one of the two men found guilty of the 2002 killing of Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay. The judge ruled Friday that there wasn’t enough evidence that the man had a motive to kill the hip-hop star. Nearly two years after a jury delivered its verdict, the decision came from the same Brooklyn federal judge who presided over the trial. In Friday’s ruling, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted Karl Jordan Jr. an acquittal on the murder charges. His lawyers had argued the evidence didn’t support prosecutors’ claims that he killed the pioneering DJ as revenge for a failed drug deal.
'6-7,' Dubai chocolate, Labubu: You took 2025, now scat!
NEW YORK (AP) — As 2025 wraps up, there are a few things we'd like to leave behind when the new year rolls around. Put “6-7” in that category. Associated Press Lifestyles Writer Leanne Italie says the same goes for those wacky barrel pants, Dubai chocolate and, yes, Labubu. Toxic positivity also went on the rise, with phrases like “good vibes only” dismissing genuine emotions. Let's feel the feels in 2026. While we're at it, can we modulate the obsession with adding protein to processed foods? C'mon 2026. We can do better.
Life ring, lifeboat piece from Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck sell at auction for $150,000
DETROIT (AP) — A life ring and a lifeboat remnant from a famous Great Lakes shipwreck have sold at auction for $150,000. The sale came a month after the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior. There were no survivors among the 29 men back in 1975. The life ring and lifeboat piece were found on shore by Larry Orr, shortly after the ship went down. Orr says he is “dumbfounded” that the auction reached $150,000. The buyer wishes to be anonymous.
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