AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:58 p.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.

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.

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.

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.

Big laughs and a birthday serenade as US beats Europe in Ryder Cup’s celebrity showdown

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Eli Manning landed a fade within 5 feet but missed the putt, Bobby Flay cooked up a birdie, John McEnroe and José Andrés mugged for pictures with red, white and blue-clad fans and Catherine Zeta-Jones curtseyed on the tee box as the crowd serenaded her on the eve of her 56th birthday. Those were the scenes Wednesday at the All-Star Celebrity Matches at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, an 11-hole event pitting U.S. and European stars from the stage, screen, sports and culinary worlds — even Hogwarts. The U.S. won 25 to 19, earning early bragging rights before the pros tee it up on Friday.

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.