Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen
NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Nolan has taken on the epic challenge of adapting “The Odyssey” into a large-scale Hollywood film. Known for pushing cinematic boundaries, Nolan aimed to create something both accessible and realistic. This involved filming in real locations and using real ships on the open waters to bring the mythic tale to life. Despite the grueling shoot, the production finished early. Nolan's approach rejects typical Hollywood tropes, opting for colloquial language and unique musical elements. Matt Damon leads the massive ensemble as Odysseus, alongside Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. The movie, the first to be shot entirely on IMAX film, opens worldwide on July 17.
Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at 75
Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced Welsh pop star known for “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at 75. She was hospitalized in Portugal in May 2026 for emergency surgery and placed in an induced coma. Tyler earned three Grammy nominations and represented Britain at Eurovision in 2013. Her iconic song, boosted by real eclipses, has over 1 billion streams. Born Gaynor Hopkins, she grew up in Wales and was inspired by artists like Janis Joplin. Her career took off with hits like “It’s a Heartache.” Tyler was married to Robert Sullivan, a former Olympic judo competitor.
New 'Little House' series explores complicated history but keeps heart, community at the center
Netflix is set to premiere a remake of “Little House on the Prairie” on Thursday. Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine says the series still resonates with the American dream. Set in the late 1800s, it follows the Ingalls family as they settle in the frontier. The show explores themes of rugged individualism and the complexities of pioneer life. Sonnenshine emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, highlighting interactions with the Osage Nation. Luke Bracey plays Pa, a character portrayed as good but flawed. Filming for Season 2 is already underway, with a fan favorite addition to the cast.
Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion near Chicago reopens after $70 million gut renovation
Cellist Brant Taylor has noticed a big change at the Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion since it underwent a $70 million renovation. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's summer home, about 25 miles north of the city, starts its season Saturday night with chief conductor Marin Alsop leading a program that includes pianist Yunchan Lim and flutist Lizzo. The venue can host up to 12,758 people. The renovation includes wider seats, improved acoustics and better ventilation. LED lights have lowered the stage temperature, and the design reflects the festival's historic roots. A private concert is planned for this Friday for construction workers and other contributors.
The actors of 'The Pitt' own the Emmy acting categories with 13 nominated cast members
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cast of “The Pitt” has had an epic day at the Emmy nominations, with 13 of them getting acting nods. The show highlights the roles of doctors, nurses, and patients in a small emergency department. In its first year, its cast was nominated for and won three acting awards. Katherine LaNasa was one of those winners and she says she's excited that more colleagues are being recognized this year. Tal Anderson received her first nomination, and says it is everything as an autistic actor to be able to represent a neurodivergent character. And star Noah Wyle's Dr. Robby role may well win him a second best actor trophy.
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Bare skin, fantasy and the machine: 3 takeaways from Paris' starry couture week
PARIS (AP) — Designer Pierpaolo Piccioli's Balenciaga debut is the most anticipated show of Paris couture week, which ends Thursday. Across 30 houses, designers exposed the body, buried it in volume or erased it altogether, while others fled into fairy tales, masked balls and mourning-white spectacle as a heat wave gripped the city. The week also showed couture's interaction with technology, from Iris van Herpen’s particle-accelerator dress to Balenciaga’s lab-grown silk. The stakes were higher than usual: luxury is trying to recover from a slump, and major houses are betting on new designers at Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel and Armani Privé to restore desire.
Movie Review: The live-action 'Moana' is a lifeless carbon copy of an animated classic
Say what you will about them, but the Disney live-action remakes have at least given us a choice. Which would you rather see? A spirited, soaring animated “Moana,” or a purposeless remake featuring Dwayne Johnson with Fabio hair? Few of the live-action remakes, regardless of box-office receipts, are covered in glory. But “Moana,” directed by “Hamilton” veteran Thomas Kail, feels especially off course, offering little more than a lamentable swap of cartoon imagination for live-action do-over,” writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The lifeless result veers perilously close to “Saturday Night Live” parody or one of those joke parallel universes in the “Spider-Verse” movies.
'The Pitt' leads with 25 Emmy nominations and 'Hacks' breaks record for comedies with 24
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Pitt” led all nominees with 25 in a dominant sophomore season, while “Hacks” led all comedies with a record-breaking 24 for its final season as the Emmy nominations were announced. HBO Max’s emergency room series “The Pitt” owned this year’s acting categories. Previous winners Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa were nominated again. Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif and Sepideh Moafi also got nominations, with “The Pitt” taking four of the seven supporting actress spots. “Hacks” star Jean Smart was nominated again, having won best actress in a comedy for all four previous seasons. Her sidekick, Hannah Einbinder, got a fifth nomination.
Justin Bieber and more join World Cup final halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS
NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Bieber will bring his swag to the World Cup’s Super Bowl-style halftime show. He joins fellow headliners Madonna, Shakira and K-pop heavyweights BTS. Soccer’s governing body FIFA made the announcement Wednesday. Additional performers include Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay. The 11-minute halftime performance is curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will take place during the final on July 19. The show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to help children access education and soccer.
A runaway leader and a surprise snub shake up the Emmy nominations
The Primetime Emmy nominations are out, and “The Pitt” leads with the most nods. “Widow's Bay” also shines with 19 nominations after its first season. Jeremy Allen White, however, was not nominated for his final season in “The Bear,” though the show and Ayo Edebiri are up for awards. Connor Storrie earns his first Emmy nomination for guest hosting “Saturday Night Live.” New faces like Shawn Hatosy and Charlie Hunnam receive nods, while Charles Melton gets recognized for “Beef.” Ariana Madix is nominated for “Love Island USA.” The Primetime Emmy Awards are set for September 14.
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