Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are officially engaged! The couple shared the joyous news through a series of heartfelt photos on Gomez’s Instagram, showcasing her stunning new ring—a dazzling marquise diamond set on a diamond pavé band.
Gomez captioned the post, “Forever begins now,” to which Blanco replied in the comments, “Hey wait… that’s my wife.”
Selena via Instagram
The photos captured the couple’s happiness, beginning with Gomez showing off her engagement ring. Another image featured her seated on a picnic blanket, dressed casually in a shaggy fur jacket and light-blue jeans, smiling as she admired her ring finger. The carousel also included a selfie of Gomez flaunting her new bling and a touching embrace between the pair, with Gomez holding up her hand to display the ring.
A Year of Love and Support
The engagement comes after a year of dating. Since confirming their relationship in December 2023, the Emilia Pérez star and the celebrated musician have openly shared glimpses of their supportive and loving bond.
Speaking on CBS Sunday Morning last month, Gomez reflected on their relationship, saying: “I’m beyond proud to know that there is someone in the world that deeply cares about every tiny detail about who I am. And to have someone support me, encourage me, inspire me, and motivate me. It brings me joy. And more than anything, he’s just my best friend. I’m really, really lucky.”
Blanco has also expressed his hopes for their future together, revealing during a May 2024 interview on The Howard Stern Show that he dreams of starting a family. “That’s like my next goal on the box,” he said. “I have a lot of godkids; I’ve got a ton of nephews. It’s my thing—I love being around kids!”
With their shared happiness and exciting plans ahead, fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see what the future holds for the newly engaged couple.
Austin Butler, the Oscar-nominated star of Elvis, is set to take on the iconic role of Patrick Bateman in director Luca Guadagnino’s reimagining of Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. This new adaptation will mark a fresh take on the infamous story, distinct from Mary Harron’s acclaimed 2000 film starring Christian Bale.
According to Variety, Guadagnino’s version will feature a script by Scott Z. Burns, known for his work on Steven Soderbergh’s films such as Contagion and Side Effects. The film will not be a remake of Harron’s cult classic but a reinterpretation of Ellis’s controversial novel, which follows a narcissistic investment banker who moonlights as a brutal serial killer.
Previously, Christian Bale immortalised the role in the 2000 adaptation, while Matt Smith later portrayed Bateman in a stage musical. Butler’s casting comes after speculation that Euphoria’s Jacob Elordi was being considered for the part.
Guadagnino, celebrated for films like Call Me by Your Name and Challengers, is currently receiving critical acclaim for his adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s novella Queer, starring Daniel Craig. In 2025, audiences will see his college-set thriller After the Hunt with Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. Guadagnino is also attached to an adaptation of Pier Vittorio Tondelli’s novel Separate Rooms, featuring Josh O’Connor and Léa Seydoux.
Butler, meanwhile, has been on a career high since his Oscar-nominated performance in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. This year, he starred in Dune: Part Two and The Bikeriders. His upcoming projects include Ari Aster’s comedy western Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, as well as Darren Aronofsky’s 1990s-set crime thriller Caught Stealing with Zoë Kravitz. Butler has also been linked to Michael Mann’s potential Heat sequel.
Mixed Reactions to Casting
The announcement of Butler as Bateman has sparked debate on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), some fans expressed disappointment, with one user writing: “Actually devastated at Austin Butler being cast as Patrick Bateman.” Another added: “Such a miscast. A blonde could never pull it off.”
Others argued that Butler’s portrayal might lean too heavily on Christian Bale’s iconic performance. “Love Butler but he’s gonna do a (probably great) Christian Bale impression. If this has to be remade, going with an unknown & surrounding him with killers was the way to go,” one fan suggested.
However, Butler’s supporters believe he has the range to bring a fresh perspective to the complex character. With Guadagnino at the helm, the project promises to explore new dimensions of Ellis’s controversial and satirical tale.
Sydney Sweeney, Hollywood’s golden girl, is no stranger to headlines. Known for her breakout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, her star power only continues to rise, with leading roles in films like Anyone But You and countless magazine covers. But this December, Sweeney made waves for a completely different reason.
Taking a stand against body-shamers, the actress shared a bold Instagram video, showcasing a barrage of cruel comments — usernames included. The video then transitioned to clips of Sweeney in the gym, lifting weights and proving her strength, with no caption necessary. The post spoke volumes on its own.
The hateful remarks surfaced after candid photos of Sweeney in a bikini, allegedly taken without her consent, spread online. But instead of staying silent, Sweeney used the moment to showcase her resilience. Turns out, her intense workout routine was part of her preparation for her role in an upcoming biopic about Christy Martin, the celebrated female boxer.
Back in October, Sweeney confirmed her involvement in the project, sharing on Instagram, “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman — a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring.” For the role, Sweeney has even traded her signature blonde locks for brown curls, fully transforming into the boxing legend.
While the trolls came out in force, Sweeney’s supporters rallied around her even more fiercely. Comments flooded her post, with Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell writing, “You’re such a badass. This movie is gonna be [fire].” Her Madame Web castmate Isabela Merced chimed in, “These people would never say it in person. Too scared. But if they ever did? Best believe it’s hands.” Even pop icon Kesha added her voice, calling Sweeney a “strong baddie.”
Support for Sweeney extended to X (formerly Twitter), where fans defended her with equal passion. One user tweeted, “If you cannot recognise that a blonde woman doesn’t wake up with jet black eyelashes and face glitter, you might be too stupid to reach.” Another bluntly declared, “All the men calling Sydney Sweeney fat deserve to die alone.”
The Man of Steel is set to soar back onto the big screen in 2025, marking a new era for the DC Universe. With a fresh cast, visionary direction, and a storyline that promises to honour the essence of Superman while offering something new, fans have every reason to be excited. Here’s everything we know so far about the highly anticipated Superman: Legacy.
Corenswet on the set of Superman Image: Wikipedia
David Corenswet, known for his roles in Netflix’s The Politician and Hollywood, has been chosen to don the iconic cape. Corenswet’s casting was announced in June 2023, making him the latest actor to take on one of the most celebrated roles in cinematic history. Recently, he’s been making waves in projects like We Own This City and the upcoming Apple TV+ series Lady in the Lake. With his undeniable talent and striking resemblance to a young Clark Kent, Corenswet is a promising addition to the DC Universe.
Brosnahan on the set of Superman Image: Wikipedia
Rachel Brosnahan, celebrated for her Emmy-winning performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will step into the shoes of the iconic journalist, Lois Lane. Brosnahan expressed her enthusiasm about portraying the character, describing Lois as “far from a damsel in distress.” Her casting comes after a competitive audition process that included Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor and Sex Education’s Emma Mackey.
The Villains and Heroes Joining the Cast
Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis. The versatile actor, known for The Menu and X-Men: First Class, originally auditioned for the role of Superman but will instead bring his charisma to the dark side.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Nathan Fillion will play Guy Gardner, one of the Green Lanterns, while Edi Gathegi takes on the role of Mr. Terrific. Isabel Merced, known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold, will portray Hawkgirl. This diverse ensemble ensures Superman: Legacy won’t just focus on the titular hero but will explore a wider range of DC characters.
The Vision Behind the Film
James Gunn, celebrated for his work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, is helming this project. Gunn, who now serves as co-CEO of DC Studios, described Superman: Legacy as “the true beginning of the DCU.” He’s also written the script, ensuring the story aligns with his vision for the character.
“It’s not an origin story,” DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran clarified. “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and kindness in a world that often views those traits as outdated.”
For Gunn, the story is deeply personal. “I completely relate to Superman,” he shared. “He’s an outsider who feels like an alien, yet he’s also the ultimate insider. That duality resonates with me.”
Superman: Legacy isn’t just another superhero movie; it’s a chance for DC to reset and redefine its cinematic universe. With Gunn’s passionate direction, a compelling cast, and a fresh narrative, this film promises to be a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Superman: Legacy will hit cinemas on 11 July 2025.
The White Lotus is back for a third season, promising even more drama, scandal, and satire. The award-winning series returns with a fresh ensemble cast, a tropical new location, and a supersized story that creator Mike White describes as “longer, bigger, crazier.” Set against the stunning backdrop of a luxury resort in Thailand, Season 3 premieres on 16 February 2025 on Netflix and 17 February 2025 on Sky in the UK.
What to Expect
As always, The White Lotus takes aim at the absurdities of the ultra-wealthy, this time amidst the heat, hedonism, and high-stakes glamour of Southeast Asia. The teaser trailer hints at everything fans adore about the show: dark humour, tangled relationships, and, of course, the inevitable dead body. With snakes, robberies, ambulances, and more than a few guns in sight, it’s clear that Season 3 will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Mike White shared his excitement for the upcoming instalment with Variety: “It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus. It’s longer, bigger, crazier… I don’t know what people will think, but I’m super excited about the content of the season.”
One familiar face returning is Natasha Rothwell as Belinda, the warm yet underappreciated resort manager from Season 1. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Rothwell revealed that White approached her about reprising her role while wrapping up Season 2. “I told him I’d follow him anywhere, and I meant it,” she said. Belinda’s storyline this season involves an exchange programme at the Thai resort – and a hint of romance.
Joining Rothwell is a dazzling new ensemble: BLACKPINK’s Lalisa (Lisa) makes her highly anticipated acting debut, creating a social media frenzy as fans celebrate her Hollywood entry. Parker Posey (Scream 3, Blade: Trinity) as a fabulously cynical guest who muses about drinking herself to sleep. Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education) and Walton Goggins (The Righteous Gemstones) star as a couple seeking meditation and stress management – though something seems amiss. Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter) is spotted stumbling through the jungle, adding intrigue to his role. A trio of sisters played by Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb, and Michelle Monaghan promise drama and mystery.
The trailer teases glimpses of dancing, depravity, and escalating tensions. “Something is off,” quips Posey’s character. And with this lineup, that’s an understatement.
BLACKPINK fans are particularly thrilled about Lisa’s acting debut, flooding social media with comments like “Actor Lisa is coming!” and “She’s taking over Hollywood.” Her involvement adds a global star power to the already stacked cast, ensuring this season reaches an even broader audience.
With its sharp social commentary, unpredictable twists, and a wildly talented cast, this season is shaping up to be the show’s most captivating yet.
Matilda Djerf, the 27-year-old Swedish influencer and co-founder of the popular fashion brand Djerf Avenue, has found herself at the centre of a workplace scandal. In a damning exposé by Aftonbladet, current and former employees of her company have accused Djerf Avenue of fostering a toxic work environment marked by bullying, favouritism, and body-shaming.
What Are the Allegations?
According to Aftonbladet and Fast Company, employees reported experiencing panic attacks, sleepless nights, and emotional distress during their time at the company. Accusations against Djerf include yelling at staff, name-calling, and creating an atmosphere of fear over minor issues, such as improperly heated food or office seating arrangements.
One particularly troubling claim involved a “personal toilet” reserved for Djerf, which was reportedly scrubbed by staff after an employee mistakenly used it. Another former worker described the environment as “psychological terror.”
In response to the allegations, Djerf Avenue released a statement acknowledging the issues and outlining the steps the company is taking to address them.
“This is ongoing work, and this year, we’ve made some important changes to improve the work culture at Djerf Avenue,” the statement reads. Measures include hiring an experienced management team, introducing monthly anonymous surveys, and consulting an external organisational psychologist. The company is also in the process of bringing in an additional HR professional.
Matilda Djerf’s Reaction
Matilda Djerf broke her silence in a lengthy Instagram post on 17 December. She expressed regret for her leadership failings and apologised to those she had hurt.
“When I started Djerf Avenue, I never expected that the company would be what it is today, with so many team members and so much responsibility,” Djerf wrote. “I wasn’t ready. I had never led a team prior to this… I failed to be the leader and colleague I wish to be along the way. And for that I am so, so sorry.”
She attributed some of the issues to the stress and rapid growth of the company, which generated $35 million in revenue last year, per the BBC.
Image: Matilda Djerf on Instagram
While Djerf has vowed to learn from these experiences and improve, the allegations have sparked widespread conversations about workplace culture in influencer-led brands. The question now is whether Djerf Avenue can regain the trust of its employees and customers as it implements these changes.
The controversy has cast a shadow over a company once celebrated for its minimalist designs and sustainable ethos, forcing its leadership to confront whether the brand’s external image aligns with its internal practices.
Rowan Atkinson is set to reprise his role as the hapless Trevor Bingley in a brand-new Netflix comedy Man vs Baby, following the success of his 2022 series Man vs Bee. The new series, created and written by Atkinson alongside Will Davies, will see the 69-year-old actor once again navigating chaos, this time in a luxurious London penthouse — with a baby as his unexpected adversary.
Man vs Bee introduced viewers to Trevor, a new employee at House Sitters Deluxe, whose first assignment involved house-sitting a mansion filled with priceless art and classic cars. His battle with a rogue bee resulted in mayhem and destruction, much to viewers’ delight. The series was praised for its reliance on Atkinson’s signature visual comedy, reminiscent of his globally beloved Mr. Bean.
In Man vs Baby, Trevor is back, but his challenge has shifted from an insect to an infant, promising another round of mishaps and hilarity. The series will consist of four 30-minute episodes, and production is currently underway.
Promotional images for the show have already sparked excitement, with fans laughing over photos of Atkinson’s face hilariously photoshopped into scenes from other Netflix hits. One image features him alongside Michelle Keegan in a scene from Fool Me Once, while another places him in One Day with Eleanor Tomlinson. A third shows him stepping into Gillian Anderson’s role as Jean Milburn in Sex Education.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have shared their excitement, with comments like:
“I hope the third season is Man vs Bean, where it’s just him fighting himself in character as Mr Bean!”
“Atkinson’s visual humour is timeless. Dialogue jokes might not always translate, but anyone can relate to a man desperately battling disaster after disaster. I can’t wait for Man vs Baby!”
Meanwhile, Atkinson’s return to the big screen is also being teased. Rumours suggest he could reprise his role as the bumbling spy in a fourth Johnny English film. Though he previously ruled out the possibility, Atkinson recently admitted during a Reddit AMA: “Never say never.”
With no release date announced for Man vs Baby, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Trevor Bingley’s next comedic escapade.
India’s official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 2025 Oscars, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, has failed to make the Academy’s 15-film shortlist. While the news has disappointed the makers, they have expressed gratitude to the Academy members and the Film Federation of India (FFI) jury for the honour of representing India.
In a statement, the team behind Laapataa Ladies said:
“Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed. However, we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”
The note added, “To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honour in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards. For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
Directed by Kiran Rao and co-produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande, Laapataa Ladies tells the story of two young brides who accidentally swap places during a train journey to their husbands’ homes. The cast includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan.
Criticism of FFI’s Selection
A still from All We Imagine as Light
Following the exclusion of Laapataa Ladies from the shortlist, filmmaker Hansal Mehta and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej criticised the FFI. Mehta sarcastically flagged the FFI’s dismal “strike rate” in selecting films for Oscars consideration year after year.
Several social media users also expressed their disappointment, suggesting that Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light might have been a better choice. The film, which pays tribute to Mumbai’s working class, stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon. It has already won acclaim at Cannes and been nominated for two Golden Globes and a Critics Choice Award.
A Surprise Entry from the UK: Santosh
Santosh poster Image : Razor Film
Interestingly, a Hindi-language film has made it to the Oscars shortlist, but not as India’s entry. Titled Santosh, this investigative thriller, directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, was selected by the UK.
Set in a North Indian village, Santosh premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section. Produced by Alan McAlex, James Bausher, Balthazar de Ganay, and Mike Goodridge, the film stars Indian actresses Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in lead roles. It was chosen by BAFTA, which selects the UK’s entry for the Oscars, due to its distribution and production backing in Britain.
The 2025 Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, 2 March, broadcasting live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. For the first time, the ceremony will also stream live on Hulu.
Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production proudly announce the World Premiere of their poignant coming-of-age drama Bun Tikki at the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) on 5 January 2025, in California.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Faraz Arif Ansari, known for their inclusive and pathbreaking works such as Sisak and Sheer Qorma, Bun Tikki marks their feature directorial debut. The film stars legendary actors Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, and Abhay Deol, alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha and child actor Rohaan Singh.
Bun Tikki Image: Jio Studios
Bun Tikki follows the heartfelt journey of seven-year-old Shanu and his single father, Sidhant. While Shanu struggles with self-discovery in the face of societal challenges, Sidhant grapples with grief and societal expectations as he strives to understand his child. The film delves deep into themes of parenthood, resilience, and love, presenting a compelling exploration of family dynamics and identity.
Ansari expressed their excitement about the premiere:
“This iconic festival has always been a beacon for independent filmmakers and bold storytelling, and I am beyond excited that our film is part of such a phenomenal lineup. Bun Tikki is my love letter to the world—to every child, every parent, and everyone who believes in the transformative power of love, empathy, and kindness.”
The director hopes the film sparks conversations that break barriers and bridge differences. “Here’s to always making cinema that transcends boundaries and inspires us to imagine a brighter, better, more inclusive tomorrow,” Ansari added.
The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Marijke deSouza, and Manish Malhotra under the banner of Stage5 Production, Malhotra’s creative venture into filmmaking. This marks the second global festival outing for the Jio Studios-Stage5 partnership, following Saali Mohabbat’s premiere at IFFI 2024.
Malhotra spoke about the project’s universal resonance:
“As a producer, it’s an honour to contribute to a project that challenges conventions, tells an authentic story, and connects with audiences on a universal scale. I am incredibly proud of Faraz for bringing this vision to life and eagerly look forward to how the world embraces this heartfelt film.”
Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media and Entertainment at Reliance Industries Limited, lauded the film’s courageous storytelling:
“Supporting Bun Tikki is not just an endorsement of its artistic merit but a celebration of the courage it takes to share stories that challenge and inspire.”
As Bun Tikki prepares to take centre stage at PSIFF 2025, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to transcend boundaries, ignite conversations, and inspire change. The festival, renowned for spotlighting independent films and bold narratives, promises to be the perfect platform for this emotional and thought-provoking tale.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from 4–15 January 2025.
The trailer for Baby John has arrived, offering a gripping first look at a tale packed with action, emotion, and redemption. Directed by a team with a flair for high-octane drama, the film is an adaptation of the Telugu blockbuster Theri. It stars Varun Dhawan as John, a father who transforms into a ruthless vigilante to protect his daughter Khushi and fight against a dangerous sex-trafficking gang. With over 59 million YouTube views in just 10 days, the buzz around Baby John is palpable.
From the outset, the trailer sets the emotional stakes high by showcasing the serene relationship between John and his daughter, played by Zara Zyanna. Their bond is heartfelt, providing a tender opening to the narrative. However, this tranquility is shattered when John’s dark past resurfaces, forcing him to confront an old enemy who threatens the life he has carefully built for his daughter.
The trailer establishes a clear emotional core. John, as a devoted father, exudes warmth and protectiveness, but when faced with danger, he transitions into a fierce force of justice. This duality in Varun Dhawan’s performance is a highlight of the trailer, as he skillfully balances the vulnerability of a father with the ferocity of a man on a mission.
Jackie Shroff delivers a menacing turn as Babbar Sher, the film’s primary antagonist. His chilling portrayal of a crime lord heading a sex-trafficking ring lends weight to the narrative. Meanwhile, Rajpal Yadav’s unexpected transformation into a hard-hitting police officer with dramatic dialogue adds an intriguing and likely memorable element to the story.
The visuals are stunning, seamlessly shifting between the picturesque life John leads with Khushi and the gritty, action-filled sequences that follow. The trailer captures both ends of the emotional spectrum, from heartwarming moments of father-daughter bonding to explosive action scenes that define John’s fight against evil.
The action choreography, another standout feature, promises plenty of adrenaline-pumping sequences. Whether it’s hand-to-hand combat, high-speed chases, or emotionally charged standoffs, Baby John appears to deliver the kind of action-packed spectacle that audiences crave.
Adding an extra layer of star power is Salman Khan, whose guest appearance is teased in the trailer. While little is revealed about his role, his inclusion is sure to drive massive interest and attract fans to the theaters.
As Baby John is an adaptation of the highly acclaimed Theri, comparisons are inevitable. Vijay’s iconic portrayal in the original sets a high bar, and fans will be eager to see if Varun Dhawan can make the role his own. His performance in the trailer looks promising, but will it resonate as deeply with the audience?
The trailer focuses heavily on the action and emotional stakes, but it remains to be seen if the film will balance its themes effectively. While the father-daughter bond is central to the narrative, a deeper exploration of the societal issues surrounding sex trafficking would add substance to the story.
Overall Baby John has all the ingredients of a blockbuster, a heartwarming bond, a revenge-driven narrative, powerful performances, and high-octane action sequences. The trailer teases a gripping story of redemption and justice, while also offering moments of levity and emotion.
Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of John holds promise, and Jackie Shroff’s villainous turn adds depth to the stakes. Zara Zyanna’s performance as Khushi is endearing, grounding the film in its emotional core. With Salman Khan’s guest appearance and Rajpal Yadav’s dramatic transformation, Baby John seems poised to deliver a well-rounded cinematic experience.
As the Christmas release approaches, Baby John is positioned to be a compelling mix of family drama and thrilling action. Whether it can live up to the legacy of Theri or carve its own path remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Baby John is a film that will have audiences hooked and talking well beyond the holiday season.
BabyJohn will see you in the cinemas this Christmas, on 25 Dec
