AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:19 a.m. EDT

Dwayne Johnson dove deep for ‘The Smashing Machine,' with a little push from friends

Dwayne Johnson faces his fears in “The Smashing Machine,” a drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Known for his confident persona in the ring and in the spotlight, Johnson says he was scared to tackle this vulnerable role. The film, opening Oct. 3, challenged Johnson to draw on his traumas and channel them into a moving performance. Co-star Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie also said they pushed themselves creatively in the process. Johnson's transformation required extensive preparation, including physical changes and emotional intensity. Despite the challenges, Johnson says he finds the experience freeing and gratifying. His performance is already generating Oscar buzz.

Is AI a threat to jobs? A 'Tomb Raider' affair poses the question

PARIS (AP) — In France, the apparent use of artificial intelligence to clone an actor's voice for video game character Lara Croft has fans and actors up in arms. Fans noticed that the French-language voice of Lara Croft sounded robotic and made grammatical errors in a software update of the popular “Tomb Raider” series. Aspyr, the game developer, admits to using what it described as unauthorized AI content and says it has since removed it. The actor in French-language versions of the game, Françoise Cadol, confirmed that her voice was cloned. The affair has sharpened actors' concerns about AI replacing human jobs.

Movie Review: Friendship, grief and June Squibb in ‘Eleanor the Great’

Scarlett Johansson makes her directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great,” starring June Squibb. The film, in theaters Friday, finds Eleanor at 94 years old living in a new city and trying to make friends. But soon she gets herself in a sticky situation when she says that she is a Holocaust survivor, a lie that continues to escalate. Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that Johansson shoots the film simply, letting the performances shine in this overly contrived story. Squibb, and Erin Kellyman, playing a college student she befriends, are the real reasons to seek out the film. “Eleanor the Great” is rated PG-13.

Claudia Cardinale, star of '8½' and 'The Leopard,' dies at 87

ROME (AP) — Acclaimed Italian actor Claudia Cardinale has died at the age of 87. Her death was confirmed by her agent. She starred in over 100 films, becoming famous for roles in Federico Fellini’s “8½” and Luchino Visconti’s “The Leopard.” Cardinale began her career at 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia. She was often compared to Brigitte Bardot and worked with top directors in Europe and Hollywood. Despite partial success in Hollywood, she valued her European film roots. Cardinale was also a U.N. goodwill ambassador for women’s rights. She passed away in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.

In Jimmy Kimmel's words: What the late-night host said upon his return from suspension

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel has returned to his late-night show after a suspension following remarks about Charlie Kirk's killing. On Tuesday night, Kimmel mixed humor and emotion to address the situation. He expressed gratitude for the support he received, including from unexpected people like Ted Cruz. Kimmel clarified his intentions regarding his comments on Kirk, saying he never intended to make jokes about Kirk's death. He also criticized the FCC's actions and noted that the controversy boosted his ratings. Kimmel thanked ABC for allowing him to return, despite initial disagreements. He concluded by highlighting Erika Kirk's act of forgiveness, urging others to follow her example.

Gucci unveils Demna's premiere looks in Spike Jonze-Halina Reijn film starring Demi Moore

MILAN (AP) — Gucci gave the Demna era a soft hybrid launch, turning a short film red carpet on evening into a preview runway. Instead of a traditional runway show, Demna showcased his Gucci premiere looks during Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday in a short film by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn, as well as on the film's red carpet. The film stars Demi Moore as a Gucci heiress exploring her identity through wardrobe changes. The 30-minute short, called “The Tiger,” features Moore in various Gucci outfits, including a red collared coat and a baroque floral gown. The collection, titled “La Famiglia,” was also revealed on Instagram on Monday, sparking excitement among fashion insiders. Demna took over creative direction in July.

A piano, a pregnant woman and a prison: Raymond Chandler's 'Nightmare' is revealed

NEW YORK (AP) — Raymond Chandler's “Nightmare,” a rarely seen sketch, has been published this week in The Strand Magazine. The piece imagines Chandler in prison for a murder he can't remember committing. His cellmates include strangers, a pregnant woman, and a piano that must be played lying down after nine o'clock. The story becomes even darker as Chandler learns of his likely execution. “Nightmare” was found among the papers of Chandler's assistant, Jean Vounder-Davis, and was purchased at auction by Strand Managing Editor Andrew F. Gulli. Chandler scholar Tom Williams finds the piece intriguing, especially its reference to rejection.

Jil Sander unveils new creative era with crisp, light silhouettes at Milan Fashion Week

MILAN (AP) — Simone Bellotti has unveiled his first collection as Jil Sander's creative director during Milan Fashion Week. The show took place at the brand’s modernist headquarters, overlooking the historic Sforzesco Castle. Bellotti focused on tailoring and structure, staying true to Jil Sander’s minimalist codes. The collection featured coats and jackets that held their shape, body-hugging knits, and double-faced leather skirts with subtle slits. Cropped knitwear had a shrunken feel, while Georgette dresses were made from raw-edged strips. Bellotti joined Jil Sander from Bally in March, aiming to balance structure and classicism.

What to know about Jimmy Kimmel's return to his late-night TV show

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show on Tuesday, just under a week after ABC pulled the host off the air indefinitely in the wake of criticism over his comments related the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month. Kimmel did not apologize for those remarks, but he was emotional during his opening monologue, nearly breaking down at least twice when he told his audience that he never intended to make light of the murder. Kimmel added that he also didn’t intend to “blame any specific group” for the actions of Kirk’s alleged killer.