AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:07 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.

Hard pass. Cold brew. Dad bod. Merriam-Webster adds over 5,000 words to 'Collegiate' dictionary

NEW YORK (AP) — Merriam-Webster has fully revised its popular “Collegiate” dictionary with over 5,000 new words. They include “petrichor,” “dumbphone” and “ghost kitchen.” Also “cold brew,” “rizz,” “dad bod,” “hard pass,” “cancel culture” and more. The 12th edition is the first update in 22 years. It will be released Nov. 18. The company removed outdated geographical and biographical sections to make room for new content. Merriam-Webster's president, Greg Barlow, says the goal is to make the dictionary more useful and engaging. Despite declining dictionary revenue among sellers overall, Merriam-Webster remains committed to its print editions. It sells about 1.5 million dictionaries a year but makes most of its money through digital content. The company’s website logs a billion visits annually.

Kimmel is back on ABC to big ratings, but some affiliates still refuse to air his show

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is back on his ABC late-night show, but not everywhere. It’s still a mystery when or if viewers in cities such as Washington, Seattle and St. Louis will be able to see him again on their televisions. ABC stations owned by the Nexstar and Sinclair corporations took Kimmel off the air last week on the same day the network suspended him for comments that angered supporters of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Those stations kept him off the air Tuesday, when ABC lifted the suspension. Kimmel returned with no apologies, but said he was not trying to joke about the assassination. He also paid tribute to Kirk’s widow.

Movie Review: Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots will trigger tears in 'All of You'

"All of You" on Apple TV+ explores the complex relationship between Laura Sharp and Simon Tavistock, friends since college who might be more than just BFFs. Starring Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots, this British drama-rom-com delves into themes of destiny, regret and love, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Laura takes a compatibility test to find her soulmate, leading to unexpected complications when she marries someone else. An affair with Simon unfolds, filled with longing and emotional turmoil. Written by Goldstein and William Bridges, the film is a heartfelt exploration of love's complexities, blending humor and raw emotion. It's rated R and runs 99 minutes.

How does June Squibb do it at age 95? 'I just gird my loins and go'

TORONTO (AP) — There are 70-year-olds who want to be like June Squibb when they grow up. Squibb, 95, wasn’t the lead of a movie until she was 94. Now, a year after she turned action star in “Thelma,” Squibb is again the leading lady and face on the poster for another movie: “Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut. With it, Squibb is proving, again, that Hollywood stardom needn’t belong to the young. In a few weeks, she’ll begin rehearsals as the star of “Marjorie Prime.” More than 60 years after making her Broadway debut in “Gypsy,” opposite Ethel Merman, Squibb is going back to Broadway.

Jessica Chastain opposes Apple TV+ decision to delay 'The Savant' after Charlie Kirk's death

NEW YORK (AP) — “The Savant” star Jessica Chastain says she disagrees with the decision to postpone the release of the Apple TV+ political thriller series. Chastain, who is also the show's executive producer, expressed disagreement with the decision on Instagram. She argued the show — about tracking down online hate groups to stop domestic extremists — is relevant and she has never avoided difficult subjects. The series, which features Chastain as a military veteran working undercover to prevent violence, was set to premiere Friday. Apple TV+ postponed it Tuesday after Charlie Kirk's death. Chastain emphasized the show's focus on heroes preventing violence and hopes it will reach audiences soon.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua's No. 21 collection brings lightness to heavy times

MILAN (AP) — Alessandro Dell'Acqua's No. 21 collection for next spring and summer focuses on lightness. He believes that during heavy and uncertain times, a touch of lightheartedness can be beneficial. This concept is evident in chiffon petal cutouts sewn into ruffles on dresses and collars. Dell'Acqua also uses chiffon to create wilted flowers pinned on garments. The lightness allows for ample layering, with plaid kilts, prairie skirts and silken slip dresses. The collection features feminine silks and sheers contrasted with masculine denim trousers and gray sweaters, blending romance with modernity.

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.

Lincoln Center Theater charts path forward with new artistic director and a nod to the past

NEW YORK (AP) — Lear deBessonet, the new artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater, has chosen “Ragtime” as her first show. The musical, which she previously directed off-Broadway, explores early 20th-century America through diverse characters. Opening night is Oct. 16. DeBessonet believes the musical's multiple stories allow for personal connections. Tony Award-nominee Joshua Henry leads the cast. This revival is part of a broader season including “Kyoto” and “The Whoopi Monologues.” DeBessonet aims to create work that connects people and reflects diverse viewpoints, calling Lincoln Center a “magical temple” for theater.