Sam Neill, New Zealand actor who starred in 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Neill, the elegant and versatile actor who moved from art films to blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and “The Hunt for Red October,” has died at 78. He said he had a rare type of lymphoma in 2023. His family said he was cancer-free when he died Monday but the statement didn't give a cause. The New Zealand actor was one of a host of actors and directors who achieved international fame after an explosion of Australian films that began in the late 1970s. In addition to “Jurassic Park” and two of its sequels, his films included the thriller at sea “Dead Calm,” the period romance “The Piano” and the sci-fi horror “Event Horizon.”
Greece awaits Nolan's 'The Odyssey' with anticipation despite casting controversy
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey” opens July 17 amid international anticipation and controversy over its casting. In Greece, where the 3,000-year-old epic is taught in every school, people are long accustomed to foreign actors playing their ancient heroes, and often argue that the poem has survived through its retelling and reinvention. Teachers, scholars and theatergoers told The Associated Press that each generation makes the story its own, while Greece’s culture minister dismissed calls to interfere with the production, which received about $7 million in state subsidies.
Richard E. Grant, Cillian Murphy, Kylie Minogue and more mourn the death of Sam Neill
Fans and fellow actors are mourning the passing of Sam Neill, who died after being diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Neill gained fame for his role as Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park.” He earned an Emmy nomination for “Merlin” and narrated “Wild New Zealand.” He also received three Golden Globe nods. Tributes poured in from colleagues like Richard E. Grant, Cillian Murphy and director Colin Trevorrow. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised Neill's impact on the film industry. Many remembered him as a kind and talented actor, leaving a lasting legacy.
Anya Taylor-Joy is bloodied and battling in Apple TV’s crime thriller ‘Lucky’
NEW YORK (AP) — Anya Taylor-Joy stars in “Lucky,” a new Apple TV crime thriller set in the California desert. She plays a con artist on the run after being betrayed, pursued by the FBI and a crime boss over a missing $10 million. The series, based on Marissa Stapley's novel, premieres Wednesday. Taylor-Joy also makes her debut as an executive producer. The show features a female-centric soundtrack and co-stars Annette Bening as a mob leader. Created by Jonathan Tropper and Cassie Pappas, “Lucky” blends crime thriller elements with family drama, exploring themes of identity and survival.
Disney's live-action 'Moana' crashes to shore with an underwhelming splash at the box office
Disney's live-action “Moana” may be the top movie at the box office, but it didn't make a big splash in its first weekend. Studio estimates on Sunday show the film earned $43 million in the U.S. and Canada. Internationally, it earned $52 million, for a global total of $95 million. The movie cost a reported $250 million to produce. Disney's live-action remakes have had mixed success and competition from other family films may have impacted “Moana's” performance. There are currently three PG-rated movies in the top five, including “Minions & Monsters” and “Toy Story 5.”
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Music Review: Gracie Abrams confronts crises on 'Daughter From Hell'
Crises loom across singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams’ third album, “Daughter from Hell.” The resulting 16 tracks are darker than her previous two records, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan in her review. But by employing a broader array of instruments and production styles, she argues that Abrams' album lives up to the bigger arenas she now fills. That's even if many of the songs feel like a return to her introspective form. Aaron Dessner, a collaborator on Abrams’ previous projects, cowrites and produces across the album, which also features writing from Audrey Hobert and Paul Mescal as well as backing vocals from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. The album is out Friday.
What to Stream: 'Heartstopper Forever,' 'Lucky' and Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy's new album and the conclusion of the “Heartstopper” series are among the streaming highlights in entertainment this week. The film “Heartstopper Forever” streams on Netflix on July 17. Sofia Coppola profiles Marc Jacobs in “Marc by Sofia,” debuting July 16 on HBO Max. Lacy's new album “Oh yeah?” drops Friday and features collaborations with artists like SZA. Anya Taylor-Joy stars in “Lucky,” a new Apple TV series about a con artist with a winning lottery ticket. Will Ferrell stars in “The Hawk,” premiering July 16 on Netflix.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of July 12-18 includes Harrison Ford and Kristen Bell
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of July 12-18 include actor Harrison Ford, country singer Louise Mandrell and actor-director Cameron Crowe. Bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza of Twisted Sister turns 68, actor Patrick Stewart reaches 86 and singer Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons hits 39. Other celebrities with big days include actor Will Ferrell, actor Kristen Bell and “Downton Abbey” actor Elizabeth McGovern. Drummer Will Champion of Coldplay turns 48, singer Leon Bridges welcomes 37 and actor and former teen model Phoebe Cates reaches 63. Others celebrating are singer-guitarist Luke Hemmings of 5 Seconds of Summer and actor Brian Austin Green.
'Ted Lasso' stars bring World Cup fever to Kansas City as Argentina faces Switzerland
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lionel Messi and Argentina are playing for a World Cup semifinal spot in Kansas City, Missouri, and Jason Sudeikis is paying attention. The actor, known for his role as Ted Lasso on the Apple TV series of the same name, hosted a watch party at CPKC Stadium on Saturday. Argentina faced Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium. The fourth season of “Ted Lasso” is set to premiere on Aug. 5. Many scenes were filmed in Kansas City, including at CPKC Stadium. The new season will focus on AFC Richmond's women's team, a concept introduced by Juno Temple's character.
A lost AirPod, AI fakes and the secret garden: How fans experienced Taylor Swift’s private wedding
A week after Taylor Swift’s star-studded wedding to Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, fans still have not seen verified photos of the ceremony, Swift’s dress or the celebration inside. The secrecy has sparked an unusual hunt for traces of the event: from an artist selling preserved pieces of trash collected outside the venue to fans debunking AI-generated wedding images. For some Swift fans, the lack of access feels fitting for an artist who has spent nearly two decades turning personal moments into public stories — and deciding which pieces of her life she wants to share.
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