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.
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.”
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.
'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.
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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.
Erling Haaland is Norway's World Cup machine — and the internet's babygirl
Erling Haaland has become a social media sensation during the World Cup. Known for his towering presence and impressive skills, the Norwegian player has scored seven goals in four matches. Fans have embraced his quirky online persona, dubbing him “babygirl” and “princess” due to his endearing qualities. Haaland's playful social media presence includes cheeky selfies and vlogs and has attracted a wide audience beyond soccer enthusiasts. This phenomenon highlights the growing trend of athletes as pop culture figures, with fans forming parasocial relationships. Haaland's fame is part of a larger cultural shift where sports figures engage directly with fans online.
Princess Kate watches Wimbledon women's final in Royal Box with Jodie Foster and Olympian Eileen Gu
LONDON (AP) — Kate, the Princess of Wales, returned to Wimbledon for the women’s final between Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova on Saturday as part of a Royal Box contingent that included tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King. Jodie Foster, “Emily in Paris” star Lily Collins, and “Ted Lasso” actress Hannah Waddingham were also among the invited guests in the Royal Box at Centre Court for the all-Czech women’s final, along Winter Olympic champion Eileen Gu. Kate was scheduled to present the trophy to the winner, as she has done in prior years.
New York Times reporters are subpoenaed after Air Force One stories, raising press freedom concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Justice confirms that it's subpoenaed New York Times journalists after they reported on security concerns involving the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One. The subpoenas mark a dramatic escalation of President Donald Trump’s campaign against the media that's drawn condemnation for eroding a fundamental freedom of American democracy. The new jet was a present from the U.S. ally and the administration spent $400 million on to retrofit and upgrade. The plane entered service last week. But Trump used an older model Air Force One jet to leave a NATO summit in Turkey and later referenced threats against him made by Iran.
Charles hosted Prince Harry and family for first time in years as they try to repair a family rift
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III has hosted Prince Harry and met with his family for the first time in years. The two are trying to repair a rift that has persisted since Charles' youngest son and wife quit royal life and moved to America six years ago. Harry, Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, met Friday with the king and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, a country estate west of London. The Duke of Sussex arrived Monday in his homeland for a number of charity events that were overshadowed by speculation of whether he would meet with his father.
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