There has been no shortage of intense experiences on the 2025 movie schedule (with more surely on the way), and The Lost Bus is near the top of that list. I recently checked out the new Matthew McConaughey movie with my Apple TV+ subscription. While I had a feeling this survival thriller based on a true story was going to be intense, I had no idea it would rock me like this.

As a parent who sends their kids off to school on a bus each day, I kept imagining a scenario where there was a massive wildfire between them and safety. Though I had a feeling that everything would be okay in the end (I didn’t hear any stories about 22 kids burning in the 2018 Camp Fire), this movie had me on edge way more than I initially anticipated.

Kevin And Mary Not Knowing If Their Own Children Survived The Fire Made It So Much More Intense

The concept of The Last Bus – a school bus driver goes to extreme lengths to save 22 children and their teacher from a devastating wildfire – is already intense on its own, but then there’s the whole parenting element of the story that I wasn’t expecting. Not only do Kevin McKay (Matthew McConaughey) and Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera) have to worry about saving the young grade-schoolers, they also have to deal with the fact that they are not there to keep their own kids safe. In fact, they have no idea if they’re even alive when all of this is going down.

As a parent, this is my worst nightmare. I have an app that tracks my kids’ buses from the time they pick them up until they’re dropped back off in the afternoon. Not being able to keep tabs on them while the world burns around me is something I hope I never have to go through. Seriously, I’m on edge just thinking about it now.

For A Few Minutes There, I Didn't Think Anyone Would Survive The Lost Bus

Before pressing play on The Last Bus, I didn’t go back and see how things worked out for the real Kevin McKay and the group of young schoolchildren during the 2018 Camp Fire. I didn’t want to 1) ruin the story for myself, and 2) discover that it wasn’t a successful rescue (it was, don’t worry). That said, there were a few points throughout the movie where I was convinced that no one on that bus was going to survive the ordeal.

My wife and I tried to keep our nine-year-old daughter out of the room as the intensity ramped up, but to no avail. Luckily, things didn’t turn out like the heartbreaking and gut-wrenching Manchester by the Sea, though there were a few times when I couldn’t help but start crying.

The Fire Being Treated Like A Living, Breathing Monster Didn't Help Lessen The Tension

Adding to the intensity of The Lost Bus was the way in which director Paul Greengrass and his visual effects team treated the fire as if it were a living, breathing monster. You know how the asteroid in Armageddon is constantly hissing, groaning and growling whenever it's shown in the iconic disaster film? Well, it’s sort of like that with the Camp Fire, especially when the camera starts flying through the smoke, flames and embers pushing towards Kevin and that bus of kids.

While I don’t think The Lost Bus was a perfect film by any means, the way it plays on the emotions and nerves of the audiences (especially those of us with kids), made this thriller all the more intense.

It’s been two years since the epic theatrical phenomenon known as Barbenheimer hit theaters, but just as memorable was the press tour that accompanied it. Between Margot Robbie’s endless pink outfits and the incredible cast dynamic, it was an unforgettable era, one that fans are potentially ready to relive. Well, it would seem America Ferrara thinks Matthew McConaughey would be a great fit in a Barbie sequel, and his response is giving serious Kenergy.

Since delivering her Oscar-worthy Barbie monologue, the Superstore actress has kept busy with a number of projects including 2023’s Dumb Money and more recently, The Lost Bus. In that latter film, Ferrera stars alongside McConaughey, and it seems she would be down to work with the Dazed and Confused actor again. That's because when Screen Rant's Ash Crossan suggested McConaughey could be a Ken in Barbie sequel, Ferrera said this:

So what did the True Detective actor think of his co-star’s pitch? Will, let's just say his response has me sold on this hypothetical role:

Is this not the most Ken answer you can think of? If he’s going to lead the Kens, people need to know he’s in charge and, obviously, that would need to be conveyed with big letters and a song! I'm not going to lie, he looks a little lost when the idea is first brought up (but, ironically, that also aligns a bit with Kenergy even more).

The Texas native’s performances in the 2010s certified him as a great dramatic actor, with films such as Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar. Fan know he’s capable of fun, lighthearted roles as well, given he was a rom-com favorite in the 2000s. I think it’s time he returned to his comedic era, and I can’t think of a role more perfect than Ken.

Matthew McConaughey has proven himself to be a leading man, and as an experienced actor, I could totally see him playing King Ken that mentors the other Kens, helping them embrace their (somewhat toxic) masculinity. McConaughey has definitely taken on that type of character in Magic Mike and other films, so I think it would be an easy role for him to tap into.

As for the possibility of a sequel to Greta Gerwig's 2023 box office hit, though, America Ferrera kept it real, saying the cast will follow the Lady Bird director’s lead. Barbie (which is streamable with an HBO Max subscription) was written to be a standalone film, yet Gerwig has said that a second installment isn't out of the question.

Warner Bros. was rumored to be pitching a Ken-centered follow-up, which would mean a new Ken -- like one played by McConaughey -- could potentially enter the picture. However, Gerwig and husband Noah Baumbach said that while they do have tons of unused Ken-related material, they've said that they would need a deeper meaning and a new generational message to convey in order to justify a sequel.

In the event that the Little Women director does decide to make a Barbie sequel, we likely wouldn't see it any time soon, as she is currently focused on her upcoming book-to-film adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, set to hit Netflix sometime on the 2026 movie schedule. I look forward to seeing what Gerwig does with that epic series, but I also would love to see the entire Barbie cast get back together for one more film, this time with a little McConaughey Kenergy added in.

In any case-of-the-week procedural, you get a slew of guest stars popping in and out. However, in The Good Wife, the army of talent Robert and Michelle King’s show assembled to support the cast of regulars is next level. From actors we already knew and loved when the show was airing on CBS in the 2010s to performers who have since become A-list names, this list is really a who’s-who of Hollywood’s finest talents.

Pedro Pascal - Nathan Landry - 6 Episodes

These days, we know Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic in the Fantastic Four or Joel in The Last of Us. However, before all that – and even before he died on Game of Thrones – he played the prosecutor Nathan Landry in six episodes of The Good Wife across Seasons 1 (Episodes 8, 13, 14 and 15) and 2 (Episodes 1 and 12).

Cristin Milioti - Onya Eggertson - 1 Episode

A handful of years before she was revealed as the mother of the How I Met Your Mother cast and over a decade before she stunned us all with her portrayal of Sofia Falcone in The Penguin, Cristin Milioti played the paranoid Onya Eggertson in Season 2, Episode 1 of The Good Wife.

Brian Tyree Henry - Randall Simmons - 1 Episode

In Season 2, Episode 2, Brian Tyree Henry plays Randall Simmons, a man Will and Alicia defend in military court. Of course, after this brief role, the actor went on to have an illustrious career as he starred in the hit show Atlanta and films like Causeway (for which he earned a 2023 Oscar nomination).

Rachel Brosnahan - Caitlin Fenton - 1 Episode

Rachel Brosnahan is Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman, and before that, she was The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Before those career-defining fast-talking roles, she played Caitlin Fenton, a client Alicia worked with during Season 2, Episode 6.

Michael J. Fox - Louis Canning - 26 Episodes

I think there’s an argument to be made that The Good Wife should be considered one of Michael J. Fox’s best projects. Yes, there’s Family Ties, Back to the Future and Spin City. However, his cunning and sly lawyer Louis Canning is an incredible character who he plays to perfection in 26 episodes across Seasons 2 through 7.

Ana Gasteyer - Judge Patrice Lessner - 5 Episodes

Making sure the lawyers say “in my opinion” in their various statements is Judge Patrice Lessner’s signature move, and it’s hilarious. That funny element of this character is perfect, too, considering she’s played in Seasons 1, 2, 4 and 6 by Saturday Night Live alum and comedy genius Ana Gasteyer.

Mike Colter - Lemond Bishop - 21 Episodes

Mike Colter has become a Michelle and Robert King repertory player thanks to his leading role in the show Evil, and you likely also recognize him for playing the titular Luke Cage in the Marvel series. However, before that, he played the drug lord Lemond Bishop in 21 episodes of The Good Wife between Seasons 1 and 6.

Melissa Benoist - Molly - 1 Episode

I was introduced to Melissa Benoist when she appeared on Glee. Then, The CW’s Supergirl made her a household name. However, long before all that, she had a small guest starring role on The Good Wife as Molly, Cary Agos’ first cousin, in Season 2, Episode 9.

David Oyelowo - Judge Edward Weldon - 1 Episode

From Selma to Lawmen: Bass Reeves, David Oyelowo has become well known for playing very powerful people. That was true back in 2010, too, when he played Judge Edward Weldon in Season 2, Episode 11 of The Good Wife.

Jeremy Strong - Matt Becker - 5 Episodes

Long before playing the “eldest boy” in the cast of Succession and winning an Emmy for his portrayal of Kendall Roy in the HBO hit, Jeremy Strong played pollster Matt Becker in five episodes of The Good Wife. While we’ve come to know this actor for his big roles in film and television, his early career features this fun, smaller and memorable character who appeared in Seasons 2 (Episodes 13, 15, 16 and 17) and 4 (Episode 21) of the CBS hit.

Rita Wilson - Viola Walsh - 6 Episodes

There’s a rotating cast of entertaining lawyers who pop in from time to time to be a thorn in the side of Lockhart/Gardner. This includes Michael J. Fox and Martha Plimpton’s iconic defense attorneys. It also includes Rita Wilson’s lawyer, Viola Walsh, who was featured in six episodes of the show between Seasons 2 and 6.

America Ferrera - Natalie Flores - 4 Episodes

The year after Ugly Betty ended, America Ferrera joined the cast of The Good Wife for three episodes in Season 2 (Episodes 15, 18 and 20), then popped up again during Season 5, Episode 8. She played student Natalie Flores in the show. After that, she went on to lead the comedy Superstore and played a major role in the cast of 2023’s Barbie.

Taye Diggs - Dean Levine-Wilkins - 3 Episodes

I was introduced to Taye Diggs thanks to his role as the Bandleader in one of the best musicals, Chicago. He’s also very well known for films like House on Haunted Hill, Rent, and Set It Up. So, it was fun to come see him play on The Good Wife when he appeared in Season 6, Episodes 2, 3 and 5 as the lawyer Dean Levine-Wilkins.

Sarah Silverman - Stephanie Engler - 1 Episode

Sarah Silverman had been in the comedy game for a long time before playing Stephanie Engler in Season 2, Episode 22 of The Good Wife. And she brought that sense of humor to the show while also showing off her more dramatic side while playing this client of Lockhart/Gardner.

Michael Kelly - Mickey Gunn - 2 Episodes

Michael Kelly is one of those actors who seemingly has shown up in everything. He’s a well-known character actor who has been in projects like Jack Ryan, Lioness, The Penguin, House of Cards and so much more. And in Season 3, Episodes 2 and 8 of The Good Wife he played Mickey Gunn, a political strategist who spent a lot of time verbally sparring with Alan Cumming’s Eli Gold.

Sterling K. Brown - Andrew Boylan - 1 Episode

Sterling K. Brown is a staple on television, thanks to his starring roles in This Is Us and Hulu’s Paradise. However, as he was coming up as an actor, he guest-starred on a whole bunch of network procedurals, including The Good Wife, where he played complicated eyewitness Andrew Boylan in Season 3, Episode 4.

Meghann Fahy - Shelby Hale - 1 Episode

Meghann Fahy’s leading role in Freeform’s The Bold Type introduced me to her, then she broke big because she was part of The White Lotus’ Season 2 cast. In the lead-up to all that, she guest-starred in Season 3, Episode 6 of The Good Wife as Shelby Hale.

Matthew Perry - Mike Kresteva - 3 Episodes

Matthew Perry’s Mike Kresteva proved to be a snarky adversary of Alicia in his introductory episode (Season 3, Episode 19). And seeing him come back in Season 4, Episodes 1 and 18, was always fun! Overall, while the actor brought the sarcastic sense of humor we know and love him for thanks to Friends, this show also let him show off a more dramatic side.

Kristin Chenoweth - Peggy Byrne - 2 Episodes

The Good Wife loves its Broadway guest stars, and one of their biggest gets on this front was Kristin Chenoweth. The Tony winner and Wicked alum played Peggy Byrn in Season 4, Episodes 1 and 6 and it was always fun to see her interact with Alan Cumming’s Eli Gold.

Nathan Lane - Clarke Hayden - 15 Episodes

In the beginning (Season 4), Clarke Hayden is a trustee assigned to Lockheart/ Gardner, and he worked on their horrendous financial situation. Later, he worked with the firm as a lawyer. This character who appears in 15 episodes across Seasons 4 and 5 is played by the remarkable Nathan Lane, who you most definitely know from his legendary work in films like The Birdcage, The Producers and The Lion King.

Carrie Preston - Elsbeth Tascioni - 14 Episodes

Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni was so iconic on The Good Wife and The Good Fight that she got her own show. After starring in 14 episodes of the flagship show across every season (except Season 2) and five episodes of the spinoff and winning an Emmy for her work, the Kings created Elsbeth, a hit CBS show based around Preston’s lawyer-turned-crime-solver.

Stockard Channing - Veronica Loy - 11 Episodes

Who do you hire to play Julianna Margulies’ on-screen mother? Stockard Channing, of course. In 11 episodes across Seasons 4, 5, 6, and 7, the Grease actress appeared as Veronica Loy, the mom of our leading lady, Alicia Florrick.

Will Patton - Mike Tascioni - 4 Episodes

Elsbeth talks a lot about her ex-husband and her son. While we didn’t meet her kid, Teddy, until Elsbeth, we did meet her former spouse, Mike Tascioni, in four episodes of The Good Wife during Season 7, Episodes 15, 16, 17 and 19. He was played by Will Patton, who you likely recognize from one of the best sports movies, Remember the Titans, and shows like Yellowstone.

Parker Posey - Vanessa Gold - 3 Episodes

Who can go toe-to-toe with Alan Cumming and play his ex? Parker Posey, of course. The indie film darling played Eli Gold’s ex-wife in Season 3, Episodes 6, 15 and 20, and she was the perfect person to play this vital character in the political consultant’s story.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph - Margie - 1 Episode

Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph appeared in one episode of The Good Wife, Season 4, Episode 21, to be exact. She played Margie on the show. These days, she’s best known for her turns in The Holdover, Dolemite is My Name and Only Murders in the Building, so it’s cool to think that this CBS procedural was one of her first-ever on-screen gigs.

Gillian Jacobs - Sonia - 1 Episode

In an almost blink and you’ll miss it role, Gillian Jacobs (of Community fame) appeared in the pilot of The Good Wife as Alicia and Cary’s assistant.

Christina Ricci - Therese Dodd - 1 Episode

Before The Good Wife, we knew Christina Ricci from The Addams Family and Casper. In more recent years, she and the Yellowjackets cast are all the rage. However, for one episode in 2012, Season 4, Episode 7, to be exact, she played comedienne Therese Dodd in the hit CBS drama.

Wallace Shawn - Charles Lester - 3 Episodes

We know and love Wallace Shawn for saying “inconceivable” in The Princess Bride, and we also adore him for his roles in The Incredibles, Toy Story and more. We also know and love him for playing the Lemond Bishop’s lawyer, Charles Lester, in both The Good Wife and The Good Fight. And for the sake of this story, he was specifically in three episodes of the flagship series, appearing in Season 4, Episode 16, Season 5, Episode 13 and Season 6, Episode 22.

Kyle MacLachlan - Josh Perotti - 4 Episodes

Kyle MacLachlan is a TV legend. Obviously, Twin Peaks is what he’s best known for, and more recently, he and the cast of Fallout have made quite the splash on streaming. Between all that, he appeared in four episodes of The Good Wife (Season 4, Episodes 14 and 15 and Season 6, Episodes 5 and 6). He played Josh Perotti on the show, a federal prosecutor.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor - Linda Underwood - 1 Episode

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is best known for her work in movies like Origin, King Richard and Nickel Boys, and she’s reached great acclaim for them. In the earlier days of her career, though, she was featured in Season 1, Episode 5 of The Good Wife, where she played Linda Underwood.

Matthew Lillard - Rowby Canton - 2 Episodes

It’s honestly a joy to see Matthew Lillard in anything. Of course, we know him best as one of the original Ghostfaces in Scream and Shaggy from Scooby-Doo, and he’s made waves in recent years for Five Nights at Freddys. However, he can do more than genre work, as proven by his two episodes of The Good Wife (Season 5, Episode 11 and Season 7, Episode 12) where he played musician Rowby Canton.

Vanessa Williams - Courtney Paige - 4 Episodes

Vanessa Williams is well known and loved for her roles on long-lasting shows like Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives. However, she’s also a King repertory player. She appeared in four episodes of The Good Wife, Season 7, Episodes 7 through 10, as CEO Courtney Paige, and then she showed up as a totally different character years later in the spinoff series, Elsbeth.

This list is honestly barely scratching the surface of the iconic actors who have been recruited to guest star on The Good Wife. The list is honestly elite, and it’s always fun to go back and see so many performers during so many different stages of their careers.

Host Jimmy Kimmel took a shot of tequila before announcing the 2024 Oscar winners. Florence Pugh and more also took shots of tequila with Guillermo. Sure, Don Julio seems to have been the big sponsor at the Academy Awards this year, but this isn’t the first time tequila has been a major part of awards season. In fact, The Rock took a shot before he showed up and got an eyeful of John Cena’s (mostly) nude moment, and the whole thing is harkening back to a moment shared between Margot Robbie and America Ferrera as well. 

Let’s unpack this whole thing. First of all, The Rock did some red carpet Oscars interviews, but he wasn't a giant figure this year. That is to say, he’s still a large human and larger-than-life, but he was not there as an awards contender. Instead he presented the award for Best International Film with Bad Bunny that ultimately went to Zone of Interest. So, he had a little bit of responsibility, but not enough to deter him from taking a shot of tequila (or more) beforehand. 

The actor admitted as much on his Instagram recently as he prepped for the big night. He threw on a Dolce & Gabbana look and some accessories from Bulgari, not to mention his own Papatui skincare, then he pulled out some Teremana tequila from the freezer and took a shot, writing, 

Immediately afterward, and fully dressed, The Rock hopped into a car (he was not behind the wheel) and said, ‘let’s go Rock The Oscars.’ It’s exactly what happened as he and Bad Bunny had a memorable intro segment and another moment went viral when he and John Cena had a quick exchange after his big naked bit onstage. 

The Rock Was Not The Only Tequila Partaker This Awards Season

Of course, Teremana is Dwayne Johnson’s own tequila brand, so it was product placement at its finest, but one thing I like about The Rock is he puts his money where his mouth is. He’s certainly on trend, as well, as tequila was all over awards shows this season. 

Guillermo is known for doing tequila shots on the carpet, and at the 94th Academy Awards, he produced some cute shots to take with Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, not to mention other a-listers. The Rock's actually in this video taking a second shot of tequila with Guillermo, so he was doubly prepared to go onstage and present.

But my favorite moment comes when Florence Pugh downs her shot and exclaims, 'Woo!' afterward. Take a look. 

Just a few weeks ago, America Ferrera was being interviewed about her various nominations for Barbie when she happened to drop a tidbit about tequila ahead of the Golden Globes, mentioning that she and Margot Robbie also took a tequila shot. She said she’d never done it before, but called the occasion “kind of nice.” As Robbie was the instigator, I’d be willing to bet that was not her first carpet tequila shot. 

It’s definitely not her first Hollywood tequila shot, as she said previously that alcohol helped her work through her Wolf of Wall Street sex scene. She was nervous about the nudity, though I'd argue people were more interested in Margot Robbie's feet in that movie...

Elsewhere, Matthew McConaughey, who coincidentally has his own tequila line Pantalones, also said he’s seen a trend of snobbery amongst Hollywood elite who like tequila shots. Whether or not that's true, certainly all the tequila on the red carpet is proving the alcohol is popular. We'll have to wait and see if next year maintains the same trend. 

As the 2024 Oscar nominees and guests walked the red carpet before this year’s ceremony, it became abundantly clear that sparkles were going to have a major moment. From Zendaya's pink off-the-shoulder black and pink moment to Anya Taylor-Joy's angelic silver gown to America Ferrera's Barbiecore dress, dazzling outfits were the highlight this year, and we need to talk about it. 

Zendaya

After killing it on the Dune: Part Two press tour -- I mean she wore an incredible robot-inspired outfit at one point for heaven's sake -- Zendaya, one of our most fashionable celebrities, slayed the Oscars red carpet wearing Armani Privé and Bulgari jewelry, per E! News.

 Anya Taylor-Joy  

Keeping it in the Dune: Part Two cast, Anya Taylor-Joy also sparkled on the carpet wearing Dior Haute Couture, per Red Carpet Fashion Awards. The look featured gorgeous silver pedals down the skirt, and she complimented the gown with a lovely silver necklace. 

America Ferrera 

Taking a page directly out of her Barbie castmates' playbook, America Ferrera hopped on the Barbiecore trend, wearing a dazzling pink Versace chainmail dress, per People. 

Da’Vine Joy Randolph  

The Holdovers is no doubt one of Da'Vine Joy Randolph's best movies, and this Oscar winner rocked a sparkling Louis Vuitton powder blue gown, per ET, perfect to accept her trophy for her performance in the acclaimed drama. She truly shined!

Colman Domingo  

Nominated for Rustin, Colman Domingo walked the Oscars red carpet in a black Louis Vuitton suit. As always, he was super classy, and he added his spin to a classic look by rocking a sparkling bowtie that matched the buttons on his double-breasted suit. 

Issa Rae 

Wearing AMI Paris, per E! News, Barbie's Issa Rae took the carpet in a stunning black sparkly dress with a plunging neckline and a high slit. I think it's safe to say this is a look President Barbie would approve of. 

Gabrielle Union 

A power couple in real life and on the red carpet, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade attended the Oscars in fashion. Most notably, the Bring It On actress wore a Carolina Herrera PF24 dress, per E! News, that looked like it was made of diamonds. She paired them with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Overall, these two shined on the carpet. 

Lupita Nyong'o 

Also wearing Armani Privé, per E! News, Lupita Nyong'o rocked a stunning light blue sparkly gown that was reminiscent of the dress she wore when she won her Oscar in 2014. 

The 12 Years a Slave star, who won in 2014, was there to help announce the Best Supporting Actress award by speaking about Da'Vine Joy Randolph (who was also wearing a matching dress). 

Emily Blunt  

Representing the Oppenheimer cast and celebrating her Best Supporting Actress nomination, Emily Blunt dazzled in a Schiaparelli gown, per People. Her champagne-colored dress was complimented with silver detailing and jewelry from Tiffany & Co. Plus, her hubby John Krasinski was styling right next to her in a matching suit. 

Michelle Yeoh

A year after Michelle Yeoh's historic Oscars win for Everything Everywhere All At Once, she sparkled on this year's red carpet in a custom Balenciaga Couture dress, per Harper's Bazaar. The two-toned sparkling gown was fit for a queen, and she paired it with black opera gloves and statement earrings. Overall, it was the perfect follow-up to her iconic look from the 2023 awards. 

Overall, these stars and more were literally and figuratively shining at the 2024 Oscars! 

America Ferrera had a great 2023. The Superstore alum was part of the biggest box office movie of the year, Barbie and even got an Oscar nomination for her role in the Greta Gerwig-directed film. She's in good company and is one of the many first-time 2024 Oscar nominees this year. The Barbie clan have been at all kinds of award shows this season, attending a number of ceremonies during the course of the campaign. The cast seems to be having a blast with all the hoopla, and Ferrera even revealed that she and Margot Robbie did tequila shots on the Golden Globes red carpet, and I really love this for them.

The veteran actress spoke The Hollywood Reporter and opened up about how attending the Oscars this year will differ from attending the ceremony in the past. In previous years, she was there when animated films How To Train Your Dragon its first sequel were both nominated in 2011 and 2015. However, this year is a very different occasion, as Ferrera herself has an acting nomination. She feels the change already, saying:

As this is her first time receiving an Academy Award nomination, she has been asking previous nominees for any advice they have for attending the ceremony as a potential Oscar recipient. She has received different pointers, with one referring to how she should approach drinking at such an event. With that, she also shared a story about how she handled alcohol at the Golden Globes this year, as she and Margot Robbie decided to celebrate at the ceremony. She said:

This sounds like such a fun time, and the perfect way to celebrate amid an awards campaign. Maybe they'll do the same thing at the Oscars, considering Margot Robbie is also nominated for Best Picture as a producer on the blockbuster film. Sure, it's an occasion on which people should aim to keep it classy, but the stars should be allowed to celebrate. (Plus, it's fun to watch stars get a little silly on Hollywood’s Biggest Night.)

There's actually long history of stars imbibing at the ceremony. Even Michael Shannon admitted to getting very drunk when he lost an award in 2008. I’d love to watch Margot Robbie and America Ferrera do a shot on the red carpet before the show. And, even if they decide to stay sober for the event, they may have some fun at the afterparties, which have a tendency to be quite legendary. But, all in all, the camaraderie amongst the Barbie cast has been a blast to witness and hear about, and I’m glad to hear that it has continued throughout awards season. Here's hoping their bonds hold strong even after the Oscars.

The 97th Academy Awards is set to air on Sunday, March 10 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Be sure to tune in to see if America Ferrera and Margot Robbie take home gold statues. Also, keep your eyes peeled for red carpet coverage in case they decide to repeat their Globes carpet tequila shot. And, if you have yet to see their Academy Award nominated-film, Barbie, grab a Max subscription and stream it.

Fresh off her first Oscar nomination, America Ferrera continues to receive praise for her Barbie performance and rousing finale speech about womanhood. While Hollywood and moviegoers celebrate Ferrara, her kids are ambivalent about their mother being in the summer blockbuster. On that note, she revealed her children’s funny reactions to the movie.

The Barbie actress came clean about her kids’ reactions while honored with the Virtuosos Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (via People). Before the comedy blockbuster took over pop culture, Ferrera brought her two children to watch it at the Los Angeles premiere. Sitting at the screening wasn’t quite the family bonding experience the Oscar nominee expected. She recalled her three-year-old daughter’s reaction, saying:

Of course, a three-year-old wouldn’t comprehend the message behind her viral feminist monologue, but at least her daughter was paying attention. Still, Ferrera has a right to be frustrated as her words mark a pivotal shift in Gloria and Sasha’s mother-daughter relationship. So the Hollywood A-lister wanted her youngest child to feel the power.

Her daughter’s question took her aback, but the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants alum admitted her son’s question was more devastating for her ego. The five-year-old didn’t ask anything about the Mattel movie until two weeks after the screening. His question favored the Kens as Ferrera said:

Her son wasn’t wrong to ask about the Kendom wall; it was never completed. Of course, the Kens’ Barbieland takeover failed after Gloria, Barbie, Sasha, and other disgruntled dolls reclaimed the utopia-like land. However, her kids’ blasé reaction didn’t affect the 39-year-old actress’ response to watching the speech for the first time. Ferrara recalled feeling “the meaning” behind her character’s words. She admitted the words were “moving” and “so deep” despite saying the monologue multiple times on the Barbie set.

Things worked out for America Ferrera, as she scored a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in conjunction with Barbie’s eight Academy Award nominations. She’s even up for a Satellite Award for her performance in the film. As the Oscars airdate inches closer, Ferrera already has her next projects lined up, including gearing up for her feature directorial debut I'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

In the meantime, watch why America Ferrera is competing for an Oscar by streaming Barbie through a Max subscription. Check out our 2024 movies schedule to see what upcoming films will hit theaters and streaming this year.

America Ferrera has seen plenty of success during her long career in Hollywood, but one could argue that she’s never experienced quite as much buzz as she has over the past few months. The Ugly Betty star was part of the cast of Barbie, which absolutely crushed at the box office during the summer of 2023. Ferrera has since received high praise for her performance as strong-willed Mattel employee Gloria, with her work even earning her a 2024 Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Now, she’s following up all of that success by directing her first movie, which just underwent a major change behind the scenes. 

The Emmy winner is set to make her feature film directorial debut with I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. It’s a book-to-movie adaptation that’s based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Erika Sánchez. As for the change that’s been made, the production was originally set up at Netflix, though it’s now being developed by Orion Pictures, which is under Amazon MGM Studios. Deadline didn’t give a reason for the shift in studios, though such shifts aren’t uncommon when a production is in the development process. 

This endeavor will also mark a reunion for America Ferrera, as she’ll be reteaming with a former collaborator. Veteran screenwriter Linda Yvette Chávez is attached to pen the script for the film, and she previously worked with Ferrera on the dramedy series Gentefied (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription). Chávez co-created the show with Marvin Lemus, and the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants alum not only served as an EP and appeared on an episode but also directed episodes. I had actually had the opportunity to speak to the actress about her work on the program and, at the time, Ferrera told me she loved the authenticity that the two creators brought to it. 

Additionally, the Real Women Have Curves star also directed episodes of her popular NBC sitcom, Superstore. So, with her past experience in mind, it’s fair to say that she’s definitely no novice when it comes to being behind the camera. I’d honestly say that I’m a bit surprised that she’s only just now directing a feature film. Regardless of that though, I’m excited that she’s getting the opportunity to do so – and with interesting source material. 

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter of teenaged aspiring writer Julia Reyes, whose aspirations clash with the expectations that her Mexican immigrant parents have for her. Held to the standard set by her late older sister, Julia seeks to learn more about her deceased sibling’s personal life and in the process, gain a better understanding of her family. This sounds like a lovely coming-of-age story – and one that’s sure to generate some tears from those who check it out.

America Ferrera – a child of Honduran immigrants – has long made it her mission to tell stories of underrepresented communities and wants people to feel seen. That’s the sentiment she conveyed when she accepted the SeeHer Award at this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards. (Her address was so good that it may have even topped her speech from Barbie.) So her directorial debut definitely aligns with the lane that Ferrera has carved out for herself and the creative spirit she has. 

I’m hopeful that this will be the first of many feature films that the star takes on as a director. She has the skills for the job and in time, could end up directing some large-scale productions. I probably shouldn’t get too ahead of myself, though. For now, I’m just eager to see what she does with her first flick and hope that the change in studios was to the benefit of the project.

Regardless of whether it receives a theatrical release or not, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter will likely be available to Prime Video subscribers at some point in the future. At present, you can grab a Max subscription and stream America Ferrera’s highly praised work in Barbie.

Joining Barbie has proven to be one of the best career decisions America Ferrera could've ever made. After her spectacular performance in the Warner Bros. film, she has received considerable praise, and she was most recently nominated for Best Supporting Actress among the 2024 Oscar nominees. In the aftermath of that news, Ferrera shared that one of the most wholesome reactions to the nod that she's received came from her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants crew. And, quite frankly, you have to love this kind of support.

America Ferrera is basically the queen of emotional monologues. After seeing the ones she performed in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Real Women Have Curves, I always felt she was bound to get recognized by the Academy one of these days. Luckily, her outstanding performance as Gloria in Barbie did just that, as it landed her her first Oscar nomination. Ferrera shared with Variety that her fellow Sisterhood alums quickly reached out after it happened, and her recollection of it is so sweet:

I love how quick the actresses were to have a group FaceTime with their co-star. Seeing as they starred in one the best female friendship movies, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel and America Ferrera seem to have a firm bond, which has lasted nearly two decades. It’s incredible how close-knit they all still are after all this time. The group also recently together as well, as they reunited among star-struck fans at a public screening for Barbie just over a month ago. It really meant a lot to the Gotta Kick it Up! star that they were there to support her, as she described her Sisterhood chums as "my girls.”

The cast was also impressed by the speech America Ferrera gave at the Critics Choice Awards. After receiving the SeeHer Award, Ferrera honored those who advocate for gender equality and aren't afraid to push boundaries with the characters they portray. Blake Lively loved the speech and said that the Ugly Betty actress deserves “every stage, every statue, and every microphone forever.” Amber Tamblyn also chimed in, calling her friend “extraordinary and that’s all there is to it.” Needless to say, Ferrera is incredibly lucky to be among this group of friends.

The 39-year-old Oscar nominee also told Variety that she felt “shock” upon finding out she had been nominated and was happy to see representation in the Best Supporting Actress category. She would later express some disappointment, though. With all of the Academy Award nominations Barbie earned, director Greta Gerwig, and lead actress Margot Robbie were left out of the Best Director and Best Actress categories, respectively. The Emmy winner spoke about the snub, crediting the Little Women helmer for creating a global phenomenon and Robbie for bringing a range of emotions to the eponymous character with ease. (Robbie was, however, nominated for Best Picture as a producer of the film, and Gerwig received a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay.)

America Ferrera still seems appreciates her nomination, but it really sounds like she relishes the love from her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants gals. I’m hoping they’ll all get to tune in to see if their co-star takes home the gold statue when the 96th Academy Awards air on Sunday, March 10th, at 8 p.m. Et. To watch Ferrera’s nominated performance as Gloria in Barbie, stream the film using a  Max subscription. 

When the first trailer of Barbie came out and shared the first footage of Ryan Gosling as Ken, it was met with a polarizing response of people coming down hard on the actor’s age. Then once the movie came out, the critics who saw the comedy film felt Gosling stole the show, and his performance even landed him among this year’s Oscar nominees. With all of the positivity that’s come from the Canadian actor playing the Mattel Inc. doll, his real-life partner, Eva Mendes, called out all of the haters who ever doubted him.

The first time we caught a glimpse of Ryan Gosling as Ken, those holy abs and hair were on the minds of many fans. Seeing that tan and bleach blond hair led the chisel-ab Gosling to receive responses on social media creating a mockery of his new look. Barbie hadn't even been released in theaters yet and social media users were quick to question whether The Notebook actor was the right fit for the Greta Gerwig film. Luckily for Gosling, he’s got a Barbie of his own to give haters a piece of her mind, and a bunch of other celebrities cheered her on with A+ responses.

How Eva Mendes Responded to Ken Haters

A year later, Eva Mendes’ man is now an Oscar nominee because of his performance as Ken. But, it doesn't mean she's forgotten about those who gave flack to her partner before the film came out. She took to Instagram to show her pride in her Place Beyond the Pines co-star and called out those who didn’t think he could pull his performance off. Her bold caption states:

Look at Eva Mendes standing by her man! The Hitch actress has always been in support of Ryan Gosling since his first photos of Ken came out. In fact, she even created the perfect hashtag #Thatsmyken to show love for the Barbieland resident. Mendes also showed her support rocking a tee with Ken’s photo on it and defended Gosling’s platinum blonde hair for Barbie, arguing that he’s playing a doll and not a real person. The pride she has in the leading man of her life stands out so strongly ever since he got the part.

In her Instagram post, she threw back one of the first articles written by Rolling Stone back in 2022 describing Ryan Gosling’s look as Ken to give a “major cringe.” She also highlighted portions of the article that said hateful things about the Crazy Stupid Love actor, like how people will be “lining up for therapy appointments” after watching his performance, and how he looks like a “creepy, older West Hollywood” man. I’d like to hope anyone who had negative first impressions about Gosling as Ken is eating their words right now considering his name appearing amongst the nominees of many award shows.

Everyone Else’s Responses to Eva Mendes’ Post

After Eva Mendes published her bold post about her partner, a lot of A-listers chimed in support of the Training Day actress. Read below the A+ responses from America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Teresa Palmer, and more.

• America Ferrera: 👏👏👏 He is brilliant as Ken! Pulled off a triple somersault performance! We’re so lucky it was him and I’m so grateful for the way he showed up with his super stardom, and continues to show up to support all the women in this process!! He is a class act and insanely deserving and talented. 
• Simu Liu: Feeling so lucky to have beached off with the best of them!! A class act and a frighteningly talented actor who leads by example. 🙌❤️ // 
• Hannah Waddingham: This post is everything. Hear,Hear! X
• Padma Lakshmi: That was such a hard role to pull off! And he did so with flying colors and made it so much fun AND endearing. I walked out of the theatre with my daughter and immediately said ‘he should get an Oscar nod for this’. I’m so glad he did. What he did, without ego, is pure genius. 👏👏👏🙌🙌
• Teresa Palmer: He was incredible in it, an absolute standout and so deserving in his nom. Beautifully articulated statement too. Go Ryan! ❤️
• Camila Alves McConaughey: 👏👏👏
• Bella Thorne: 💗

With so many fans, Ryan Gosling isn’t short of love. The Lars and the Real Girl actor really did give it his all playing Ken. He was able to make us laugh, get angry, cry and sympathize with his character’s struggle of trying to define himself. With the strong transformation Gosling put into the part, it’s no wonder he’s getting Oscar attention.

While people may have been happy for the former Mickey Mouse Club member, we couldn’t help but think about the many Oscar snubs Barbie endured. Amid the eight Oscar nominations, Greta Gerwig was snubbed as director  and the film’s lead Margot Robbie was practically “robbed” of a nomination too. The Best Supporting Actor nominee wasn’t happy about the news. In his response to his Barbie chums getting snubbed, he believed the Lady Bird director and Robbie were responsible for the Best Picture nominee breaking the records that it did, and that “there’s no Ken without Barbie.” 

Even though it was a shame that Ryan Gosling got polarizing responses when he first appeared on the scene as Ken, it’s a good thing that Eva Mendes was there by his side through it all, and is still there now to defend him against any haters. While it wasn’t fair for his Barbie pals to get snubbed, at least the Remember the Titans actor will be at the Academy to represent the movie and the performance that had critics and fans sending praise for him. Barbie is available to watch now on your Max subscription.

The nominees for the 96th Academy Awards were announced earlier today, and Barbie, the highest-grossing movie of 2023, did quite well for itself, scoring nominations in seven categories. However, in addition to Greta Gerwig getting snubbed from the Best Director category, Margot Robbie was also left out of the Best Actress lineup. Now Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, two of Barbie’s other prominent actors, have spoken about about neither women being recognized at the next Academy Awards ceremony.

To be sure, today was a good day on the Oscars front for both of those actors, with Gosling being nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Ferrera being nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Nevertheless, they made sure to voice their dissatisfaction with neither Gerwig nor Robbie being nominated. Starting off, Gosling issued a statement (via The New York Times’ Kyle Buchanan) that started off with him saying he’s “extremely honored” to be nominated for an Academy Award, and “incredibly honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken.” Then he laid out:

Gosling went on to say that Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s work deserved to be “recognized along with the other very deserving nominees,” than concluded his statement by congratulating America Ferrera and the “other incredible artist who contributed their talents to making this such a groundbreaking film.” Gosling’s Oscar nomination follows shortly after the internet delighted in his reaction upon learning that the song he belted out, “I’m Just Ken,” won the Critics Choice Award for Best Song.

As for America Ferrera, who played Mattel employee Gloria in Barbie, she informed Variety that she was “incredibly disappointed” that Robbie and Gerwig weren’t nominated for the next Academy Awards ceremony, then elaborated on her thoughts by first saying the following about Barbie’s director/co-writer:

Had Greta Gerwig been nominated for Best Director, this would have been the second time this happened, as she was previously nominated for 2017’s Lady Bird. Instead, the category’s lineup this year consists of Anatomy of a Fall’s Justine Trier, Killers of the Flower Moon’s Martin Scorsese, Oppenheimer’s Christopher Nolan , Poor Things’ Yorgos Lanthimos and The Zone of Interest’s Jonathan Glazer. As for Robbie, who was also one of Barbie’s producers, Ferrera said this:

Margot Robbie was previously nominated for Best Actress in 2018 for I, Tonya, and for Best Supporting Actress in 2020 for Bombshell. Alas, when it comes to the Best Actress category this year, we’ll have to see who comes out on top among Nyad’s Annette Bening, Killers of the Flower Moon’s Lily Gladstone, Anatomy of a Fall’s Sandra Hüller, Maestro’s Carey Milligan and Poor Things’ Emma Stone.

In addition to the aforementioned categories, Barbie was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and twice in Best Original Song. We’ll see how many of those golden trophies that Warner Bros. Picture releases takes home, if any, when the 96th Academy Awards premieres March 10 on ABC, one of the 2024 TV schedule nearer viewing options. Feel free to stream Barbie ahead of time with your Max subscription.

Back in 2005, four different but equally fabulous women were brought together by a pair of jeans that magically fit each of their frames perfectly. Not only is that the basic premise behind one of the best movies about female friendship, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but it seems true for the film’s four stars, who have remained close over the ensuing decades. Blake Lively proved just how strong their bond is, as she posted a sweet response to America Ferrera receiving the SeeHer Award at the 2024 Critics’ Choice Awards.

America Ferrera has been celebrated for her role in Barbie, which was one of the best movies of 2023, and particularly for her monologue that described the hardships that women continue to face in society. However, Ferrera’s acceptance speech at the Critics’ Choice Awards was possibly even better, and Blake Lively was among those cheering her on, as she reposted the clip to her Instagram Stories and wrote: 

America Ferrera spoke of representation as she accepted the SeeHer Award — which honors those who advocate for gender equality and portray authentic, boundary-pushing characters. She talked about using “storytelling to affirm one another’s full humanity, to uphold the truth that we are all worthy of being seen,” prompting Blake Lively to revel in how lucky she is to have Ferrera in her life.

The It Ends with Us star wasn’t the only member of the sisterhood to weigh in on the speech either. Amber Tamblyn — who, along with Alexis Bledel, rounds out The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants foursome — also commented on the big Critics’ Choice moment, writing on America Ferrera’s Instagram post: 

All four women reunited in December to celebrate America Ferrera’s Barbie role — understandably causing fans to freak out — and the Superstore star spoke about how much their friendship meant to her, calling their bond “really incredibly supportive and meaningful.” We’ve seen them interact sporadically over the years, including an adorable 2018 get-together where they celebrated Ferrera’s pregnancy. Amber Tamblyn also exchanged sweet words with Blake Lively last year on the Gossip Girl alum’s birthday.

It’s lovely to see what America Ferrera is doing for women through her work, and Blake Lively similarly shared a strong message about women being pit against each other in the entertainment industry when celebrating Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s concert films, saying that “it’s our job to show younger generations the power in aligning rather than dividing,” and that, “There’s space for us all.” It’s especially meaningful that the Traveling Pants stars have been leading by example through their friendships for a long time now.

If you want to see how the sisterhood started, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime, while the 2008 sequel can be streamed with a Max subscription. Max is also where you can catch Ferrera in Barbie, as Greta Gerwig’s film starring Margot Robbie is also available to stream, and be sure to check out our 2024 movie release calendar to see what’s hitting theaters in the coming weeks. 

It’s no secret that America Ferrera knows how to deliver a powerful monologue. Her speech in one of 2023's best movies, Barbie, went viral for conveying to the world how difficult it is to be a woman, even in today’s society. Several of her other characters like Betty Suarez in Ugly Betty and Carmen Lowell in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series have had equally moving monologues that worked, thanks to Ferrera’s beautiful performance. Her words in Greta Gerwig's fantastical comedy are sweet, but Ferrera's latest award acceptance speech may be even better.

It should come as no surprise then that the star delivered a beautiful, inspirational, and poignant speech at the 2024 Critics' Choice Awards. She was honored with the SeeHer Award, which celebrates an actress who advocates “for gender equality and portray authentic, boundary-pushing characters.” It’s an incredible honor, and the Superstore actress (via THR) didn’t shy away from how humbled she was to be this year’s recipient:

Instead of letting the lack of representation stop her, she worked hard to break into Hollywood and create a space for herself and other Latina actresses who have come after her. As Margot Robbie noted in her presentation of the award, America Ferrera remains the first and only Latina to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in A Comedy Series — an award which she won for her role in Ugly Betty. However, she might have some company after January 15th, if Jenna Ortega wins the Emmy for her role as the eponymous character in Netflix's Wednesday series. 

As the Gentefied director continued, she made a point to mention the incredible Latina talent that is ushering in a new generation of storytelling in Hollywood. The speech really hit its stride though, when the fan-favorite actress made it a point to mention that diversity in all forms matters in the industry: 

Based on the thunderous applause in the audience and the outpouring of support on social media, the world seems to agree with her. She moved the audience to tears, including her fellow Barbie cast member, Ryan Gosling. The actor got his own shoutout (and Critics' Choice Award win for "I'm Just Ken") along with the other men in the movie for being “man enough to support women’s work.”

True to her comedic roots, America Ferrera also made the audience laugh a handful of times. At one point, she even instructed the teleprompter operator to keep scrolling, because she cut a portion out of her script. Another funny moment happened later when she went to thank her husband, Ryan, but felt the need to clarify it wasn’t Gosling she was talking about. 

The Barbie monologue might go down in film history (even though it's not Greta Gerwig's favorite dialogue from the movie). However, the SeeHer acceptance speech might actually be better. (Sorry, Greta!) In both cases, the words are only as impactful as they are because of America Ferrera’s passion and belief in what she’s saying. 

Unfortunately, if you missed the Critics Choice Awards you’re going to have to rely on YouTube clips to catch up. However, you can revisit the star's iconic Barbie moment by streaming the movie with a Max subscription. You can also visit her iconic work in Ugly Betty which can be streamed using a Netflix subscription. 

The 2024 Golden Globes got off to a shaky start, with host Jo Koy blaming the writing staff for his opening monologue, and it's been a rough road in other ways since. The award show has leaned into the comedy this year, and really went for it with setting up comedic openings to awards with the presenting actors. I'll be candid; it's uncomfortable to watch, and no amount of jokes could offset the awkwardness I'm feeling before the Golden Globes winners are announced. 

America Ferrera and Kevin Costner weren't the sole offenders of the evening, but their bit effectively broke the proverbial camel's back on just how hard these celebrity presenter segments were to get through. For the following reasons, I would love it if the Golden Globes and all award shows in the entertainment industry for that matter, start to try less to make us laugh. 

They're All Scripted Bits Presented As Casual Banter

I'll admit I did chuckle when the Golden Globes scripted a segment poking fun at Jared Leto's dedication to method acting to the point he once went blind, and it was all downhill from there. Many went on far too long, like Kevin Costner and America Ferrera, or they seemed poorly rehearsed, like Michelle Yeoh's faux feud with the band. The joke was so bad it kind of ruined her A+ organic reaction for when it happened the year prior. 

And I think that's the biggest problem with these bits. They're all trying to create a moment, which is not where the best moments in award shows come from. It's the unexpected comments, the speeches, and the surprise upsets that capture the night. Unless Will Smith is smacking someone, people hardly talk about the presenters. Other award shows would do well to take that note and maybe take less time from it. 

Presenters Aren't Even Up There For Skits

If the Golden Globes wants more humor injected into its show, maybe it should work on incorporating its host into more segments. It feels, instead, that a decision was made to disperse the jokes and keep them rolling through the presenters, which I believe is the wrong call. The presenter might be good for a joke or two, but let's be honest, that's not what their main job is. 

An award presenter can crack a joke or two, but their main purpose is to announce the award the meaning behind the award, read the nominees, announce the winner, and stand to the side until they're done giving their speech. That doesn't sound like a big responsibility, but remember what a disaster it was when someone announced the wrong winner for Best Picture at the Oscars? 

There's a lot of pressure on these presenters, and they don't need to be up there putting on a show on a night that's supposed to celebrate their achievements. Will the Golden Globes take this note and work on making 2024 less awkward? Judging from all the awkward Golden Globes moments from 2021, I'm not optimistic. 

Stick with CinemaBlend after the 2024 Golden Globes for all the reactions, excitement, and, of course, the winner of that polarizing box office achievement category. Awkward skits aside, there will be much to talk about as we move that much closer to the Emmys and Oscars. 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants really is one of the best movies about female friendship out there. Not only because four friends use a pair of pants to connect with each other to fight long-distance, but because of the real-life chemistry these co-stars have with one another. Now, all these years later, America Ferrera reunited with Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn at an event, and the Barbie actress shared what it meant to her.

Fans understandably freaked out seeing The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants women come together for a public appearance to celebrate America Ferrera’s Barbie performance. Ferrera may not have worn the iconic vintage jeans during this event, but there was no need because the girls were all smiles and laughter as they posed for selfies together. The Superstore actress spoke to ET on the red carpet of the Palm Springs International Film Festival about how great it felt for her sisterhood to come back together again, saying:

It’s very beautiful to have a friendship that lasts for decades. Just like the four characters in the Ann Brashares-adapted film series, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel all live busy lives. Throughout the years, they’ve had film and television projects piling up. However, it doesn’t mean they don’t make time now and again to see each other without the use of a pair of pants. 

They had an adorable reunion to celebrate New Year's in 2018, and they were seen cuddling each other and donning comfy clothes. The former co-stars may not be teenagers anymore, but it proves you’re never too old for some quality gal time. 

Unfortunately, there was no mention in America Ferrera’s ET interview about whether or not audiences will get a third Sisterhood movie. As Ann Brashares’ Sisterhood Everlasting book concluded the adventures of the four friends as they reached adulthood, we could use a third movie to see Carmen, Tibby, Bridget, and Lena together one more time. After all, we know Blake Lively would be down for a Sisterhood 3 movie as long as it honored the story and legacy the four actresses created together.

Why we haven’t seen more Sisterhood films could be based on the schedules of everyone after the second movie. Bledel wrapped up six seasons of Gilmore Girls, Ferrera was starring in Ugly Betty, Lively began her six-season run on Gossip Girl, and Tamblyn became a series regular on House. 

In 2022, Tamblyn said while the project is constantly in the works, nothing has come to fruition due to the complications of all the women being mothers now with new projects to work on. With the friendship between the four still holding strong, I’d like to believe eventually we’ll get the long-anticipated movie.

On the bright side, the Gotta Kick it Up! actress did give us a glimmer of hope for another reunion between her and her “girls.” After it was brought up that next year would mark 20 years since the first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie, Ferrera remarked that she’d be open to commemorating that with her friends and co-stars. Now, I’d just like to see if everyone can still fit into those “magic” pants after all of these years. 

The way America Ferrera talks about getting to see her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars again really warms my heart. It shows how they’re there for each other in moments when it matters most with a friendship that’s spanned over almost 20 years. I’m still crossing my fingers in hopes that Ann Brashares’ fifth book will eventually be adapted one day. Until then, you can watch the sequel as well as Ferrera in Barbie with a Max subscription. 

As 2023 comes to a close, America Ferrera can look back fondly on her year in Hollywood, especially as one of the key stars of the Barbie movie alongside Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Michael Cera and more. Amid being part of 2023’s biggest blockbuster, Ferrera reflected on her over two decades in Hollywood by talking candidly about what it was like having her body scrutinized in the public eye in the early days of her career. 

A lot has changed in regard to how Hollywood perceives a range of body types (and it still has a long way to go). When America Ferrera entered the movie industry, her debut film was Real Women Have Curves followed by The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies a few years later, both of which discussed the young actress’ body type. Here’s what Ferrera had to say about her early years as an actor: 

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the publication asked America Ferrera to comment further on once calling early red carpet experiences “soul-crushing.” She explained that being a teenage girl, in general, is hard enough, especially when it comes to the idea of being scrutinized for one’s body. However, on top of that, the actress was labeled as creating some sort of “revolution” for simply existing in Hollywood as a young woman who doesn’t share the typical body type of other actresses her age. As she continued: 

Ferrera certainly should not have been given this label of being revolutionary for simply representing a body type in Hollywood that was not typically respected or shown on screen. She feels she missed out on some “joy” surrounding being a Hollywood actress at the time due to the way she was treated in the public eye. 

The experience forced her to come to terms with her own insecurities around her body image and as she shared, it made all the difference to her to collaborate with a stylist that really helped her feel confident on red carpets. These days, Ferrera absolutely radiates poise and ease at public events, especially during the press tour for Greta Gerwig’s hit alongside the Barbie cast. 

As Ferrera ventures into 2024, we’ll continue to talk about the actress’ award season chances for Barbie (and unfortunate snubs). The Mattel movie is now streaming with a Max subscription, and you can also go back in time to Ferrera’s most iconic roles from her early career by watching Ugly Betty, which is among the best shows to binge on Netflix now. 

Dig up some magical jeans and get your mailing labels ready, because The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is alive and well! All four actresses from the 2005 coming-of-age book adaptation and 2008 sequel -- Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn -- made a public appearance together, and obviously, the internet is not OK! 

MTV and Comedy Central movie journalist and podcast host Josh Horowitz took to Instagram on Friday night to share the unexpected reunion. Check out The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants stars all together:  

While the stars of the Sisterhood movies have reunited before, we typically learn about it through photos of their private hangouts. This time they came together for a public appearance in celebration of America Ferrera’s performance in the Barbie movie. Ferrera thanked her “sisterhood” for coming to support her. Here’s more from the reunion: 

Blake Lively even came in a fitting hot pink dress in support of the film that has brought Ferrera into the awards conversation this year, even though she was recently snubbed by the Golden Globes. Amber Tamblyn wore a gorgeous light pink suit, whilst Alexis Bledel went more muted with her Barbiecore, wearing a magenta pencil skirt paired with a black blouse and heels. Check out how the internet reacted to the reunion on Twitter: 

• “This is a lot to take in. I need a minute.” -dianeb31
• “These women together and individually have shaped my life.” - @lakimberlytz
• “THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME” - @cadlymack
• “Trust me when I say that these four women could start their own brand of jeans and I would buy every pair.” - @kaydeepurry
• “Sisterhood of the traveling pants 3 needs to happen!” - @estheween
• “this is my Roman Empire” - @allisonlanza

Over the years, the group of talented actresses have not been shy about their continued admiration for one another and real-life friendship even though we didn’t see more Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies. Amber Tamblyn and Blake Lively are particularly close, between social media birthday exchanges and Tamblyn once admitting she has had Lively’s breast milk before. Check out this photo of the four friends from 2016: 

Back in 2016, Lively said the four of them are “such strong friends.” At that time, she even shared her interest in making a threequel if the story would explore the characters with their current ages in mind. 

It’s kind of perfect that the stars of the dramedies would come together for Barbie considering Greta Gerwig’s movie not only comments on the importance of female relationships, but because America Ferrera literally says “You're supposed to be a part of the sisterhood” during her now iconic monologue late in the film. Of course, she’s got a real sisterhood beside her, and it’s adorable to see these four stars still supporting one another 15 years after their last Sisterhood movie together. 

America Ferrera seems like she is in the midst of a career renaissance. With Barbie and the critical hit Dumb Money coming out just this year, the actress has been giving stand-out performances left and right. Ferrera has steadily been acting for years, starring in shows like Ugly Betty and Superstore. However, this new turn for the actress feels different, and now she’s opening up about how she has different expectations for the roles she takes, as well as how Gina Rodriguez influenced her perspective. 

In a recent interview with Elle, Ferrera got candid about navigating Hollywood as a Latina woman and how this has influenced the kinds of roles she has been offered. She is trying to change that, hoping that more women of color are offered less stereotypical roles and aren’t typecast as characters specifically tailored to their race or ethnicity. She explained her perspective by saying:

Hollywood has a lot of work to do, and stereotyping remains a problem within the casting process. However, Ferrera’s efforts to take complex and layered roles as an actress have certainly paid off this year. Her most recent roles pivot away from stereotypes, instead highlighting other key character traits. In Barbie, for example, she plays a mother desperate to connect with her daughter as their relationship becomes fractured during the teenage years. She emerges as the true heroine of the story, giving an incredible and memorable monologue about womanhood and societal expectations. 

These roles haven’t always been abundant however, and Ferrera has found that casting Latina women has often been few and far between. The actress discussed often feeling isolated during the filmmaking process, and how she has often been the only Latina on many sets, even when Ferrera has stepped behind the camera. She felt like she had to take matters into her own hands, saying: 

For Ferrera, one element of breaking down these barriers was uplifting other Latina women in Hollywood. She came to this realization during a lunch with Gina Rodriguez, where they realized their commonalities is what made them a united force, rather than competition. She detailed: 

I love that these women see themselves as supporters of each other rather than competition. She is right to say that great roles for Latina women have been few and far between over the years, and it makes sense that these successful women could feel like they were pitted against each other. Luckily, they are able to see beyond this and have worked to uplift each other rather than try to take each other down. They have both portrayed iconic Latina characters like Jane the Virgin and Ugly Betty, breaking barriers and encouraging more storylines with Latino/Latina culture at the center. Both are powerful individually, but are stronger together. I hope that we see both of these superstars on screen alongside each other soon. 

You can catch America Ferrera in Barbie, which will be available to stream for Max subscribers on December 15th. Fans of the actress can also see her in Dumb Money, which you can rent now on Amazon. You can additionally check out Gina Rodriguez in her latest sitcom Not Dead Yet, which is currently streaming with a Hulu subscription, and will start airing its second season next year. 

With the historic Hollywood strikes finally over, Tinseltown is gearing up for another award season. The strikes might have slowed down production, but it doesn’t seem to have hindered the steep competition fellow nominees will face on January 7th when the awards air live on CBS and Paramount+.

This year Golden Globes has a few changes in store, including an increase in nomination size across all categories from five to six nominees. Despite the addition, there were still plenty of snubbed actors, movies, and TV shows when the categories were announced earlier today. While it’s understandable that not everyone’s hard work can be acknowledged, I’m mad that the Hollywood Foreign Press decided to leave out a key member from the Barbie: America Ferrera. 

In The Year Of Barbie, Where Is The Love For America Ferrera? 

Surprising no one, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie leads the pack with a whopping ten nominations. According to Variety, this makes it the second most-nominated movie in the Golden Globes history, tying it with Cabaret.

The slew of nominations include Best Picture, Musical or Comedy, two nominations for Gerwig for directing and writing, two acting nominations (Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling), three (yes, three!) Best Original Song nominations (including Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?"), and a historic place in the brand new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category. That’s plenty to celebrate for the historically pink film, and yet, I can’t help but wonder where is America Ferrera’s nomination. 

Sure, Robbie and Gosling are the stars of Barbie, tasked with bringing the historic Mattel dolls to life, but it was Ferrera’s performance that is the movie’s heart. She’s the sole connection between the picture-perfect pink Barbie-world and the real world, provides amble conflict over the course of the movie, and delivers the movie’s iconic speech on how hard it is to be a woman. She may not have been decked out in pink or had an epic musical number, but she deserved a nomination as much as Robbie and Gosling did. 

There’s not a doubt in my mind that the Ugly Betty star deserved a spot in this year's Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture category. Hopefully, this doesn’t set precedence and Ferrera will get her flowers and be nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award. 

There Are Plenty Of Other Snubs To Be Upset About

While Ferrera’s absence is the most pressing on my mind, there are also a handful of other snubs that have me wondering what the Hollywood Foreign Press was thinking when they drew up this year's list of nominees. 

On the TV side of things, I was shocked to learn that Ted Lasso has no representation in the Best Supporting Actor category. It’s not the first year the talented ensemble cast has been cast aside by the Golden Globes, but given this was their final run it’s surprising. At the very least I expected to see Brett Goldstein in the mix. Thankfully Goldstein will face off against co-star Phil Dunster at the Emmys a few weeks later. 

Other surprising snubs include The Color Purple being excluded from Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy along with Wonka. Both managed to pick up Lead actor/actress nominations, but nothing for the team as a whole. 

Adam Driver also joins the unfortunate snubbed club for his work in Ferrari as does Zac Efron who saw no recognition for The Iron Claw in any Golden Globe category. Unfortunately, it seems like the same movies and shows are getting nominated over and over again, leaving out many projects that deserve just as much love. 

Despite my annoyance at the lack of recognition fro Ferrera and several other projects, I will be tuning in to see who comes home with the golden statues. You can catch the 2024 Golden Globes on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ with an active subscription on January 7th. 

Moms always deserve more credit than they get, and that goes for the wonderful matriarchs who have graced our television screens over the years. Characters like Carol Brady and Clair Huxtable are names that easily come to mind when thinking about the best TV moms, but there are so many more that deserve to be mentioned.

Sometimes mothers make mistakes despite trying their best. Others show their love in more unconventional ways, and some just seem to always get outshined by other members of their family. For one reason or another, below are some fantastic TV moms who never got enough credit.

Ruth Fisher (Six Feet Under)

Ruth Fisher’s whole life changed when her husband was killed in a car accident in the Six Feet Under series premiere. Not only was she tasked with continuing to run her family’s funeral home business, and come to terms with her own guilt, loneliness and identity, she had to help guide her grown children through their own grief. Ruth (Frances Conroy) wasn’t perfect — no issue on the HBO drama was black-and-white — but there was no question that she had put her children’s needs first for her whole life. 

Beth Pearson (This Is Us) 

When your mother-in-law is the indomitable Rebecca Pearson, it’s pretty easy to get overshadowed as a mom, and that’s precisely why Beth Pearson (Susan Kelechi Watson) on This Is Us never got enough credit. Her husband Randall was definitely a good partner, but Beth was the real MVP of the parenting dynamic duo, often able to anticipate her family’s emotions and sniff out any scheming going on with their three daughters. She even became a mother figure to many more by opening her own dance studio. 

Sarah Braverman (Parenthood) 

Parenthood gave viewers plenty of different family dynamics to dissect, and Kristina Braverman was tough to beat as a mother, going so far as to open up a charter school for children with special needs. So it's no wonder that her sister-in-law, former wild child Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham), was never given much credit. Sarah struggled to raise Amber and Drew as a single mother, and boy did they not make it easy on her. She may not have always had all the answers, but she loved her kids first, and in the end they figured it out together. 

Rainbow Johnson (black-ish) 

Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Johnson) on black-ish deserves all the flowers, serving as the model of a successful working mom. Rainbow juggled being a doctor and raising five children, whom she respected as individuals. She put their problems ahead of her own to make sure they had a better life than she did as a kid. 

Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls) 

Lorelai Gilmore’s daughter Rory could always count on her mom for a snappy joke or pop culture reference, but Lorelai (Lauren Graham) certainly didn’t have it easy. Her relationship with her own parents was strained after getting pregnant at just 16 years old, making it all the more impressive when she made a life for her and Rory in Stars Hollow. She struggled at times to be patient with her own daughter’s mistakes, but she wasn’t too proud to accept her parents’ help when it benefited Rory. 

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons) 

Would the Simpson family even survive without Marge? Easily the most underappreciated of the family of five, Marge never got any help from Homer over the decades, as she raised three extremely different and never-aging children. In fact, Homer was more of a fourth child in that equation, and still Marge loved her husband and her kids. I don’t think there’s a person in the world who could blame her for the occasional frustrated grunt. 

Michonne (The Walking Dead) 

Despite her own trauma of losing a child in the walker outbreak, The Walking Dead’s Michonne (Danai Gurira) adopted Carl and Judith as her own (before going on have her own child with Rick Grimes), and she never hesitated to put her own life at risk to save them. 

Penelope Alvarez (One Day at a Time) 

Despite being a war veteran struggling with her own PTSD and depression, Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado) was always able to give her children the attention they needed on One Day at a Time. She made the time, even while working as a nurse and living with her traditional Cuban mother. 

Morticia Addams (The Addams Family) 

Morticia Addams (portrayed in the 1964 sitcom The Addams Family by Carolyn Jones) was the epitome of unconventional, but was there ever a TV mom who encouraged her children to be themselves more than her? Never bending to the expectations and societal norms of those around her, Morticia was always loyal to and protective of her family, if not a bit macabre. 

Jane Villanueva (Jane the Virgin) 

Talk about life taking you in unexpected directions! Gina Rodriguez’s Jane Villanueva on Jane the Virgin had her own matriarchs to thank for being able to figure things out when she got pregnant by accidental artificial insemination. Such grace in the most unique of situations. 

Claire Dunphy (Modern Family) 

Nobody said you had to have everything together in order to be a good mom. Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) of Modern Family often struggled with how to approach the myriad hurdles of her blended and extended family, but fans found her relatable, and she deserved a lot more credit than she got. 

Gemma Teller Morrow (Sons of Anarchy) 

The characters in the world of Sons of Anarchy all knew one thing: Don’t mess with Gemma Teller Morrow (Katey Sagal) or her family, including any of the members of SAMCRO. Gemma was willing to kill or die for her son Jax, and boy did she prove it.  

Laurel Park (The Summer I Turned Pretty) 

Often the less-fun mom in comparison to her BFF Susannah, Laurel Park (Jackie Chung) was undoubtedly more responsible of the two in the book-to-screen adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Even when grief drove her and Susannah’s kids to make some pretty bad decisions, she handled the teens with understanding and grace. 

Skyler White (Breaking Bad) 

Boy did people give Skyler White (Anna Gunn) grief during Breaking Bad’s run on AMC. Sure, she was complicit in some of Walter White’s money laundering, but it’s not like she was left with much of a choice. Always doing what she thought was best for her family, she was fiercely protective of her kids — even when that meant standing up to her husband when he was at his most dangerous. 

Peggy Bundy (Married… With Children) 

Peggy Bundy (Katey Sagal) had a lot of qualities you might not look for in a good TV mom on Married… with Children. She was lazy, obsessed with the television and didn’t exactly set the best example for the kids. She still deserves more credit than she gets, though, because she was unapologetically herself and nurturing in her own way. 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne) 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr) wasn’t perfect on her self-titled sitcom, but what family is? Her and Dan’s struggles to make ends meet while still wanting more for their kids was what made her relatable to so many. Her blunt and brutal honesty was what made her so funny.  

Chilli Heeler (Bluey) 

Chilli, better known as “Mum” to the Bluey viewing audience, definitely doesn’t get as much credit in the fun department as Bluey and Bingo’s dad Bandit, but somebody’s got to remember to pack the goggles, towels and sunscreen for a day at the pool, right? Chilli takes care of a lot of the “boring” stuff, which apparently is not just a thing for human moms. 

Harriette Winslow (Family Matters)  

Harriette Winslow (played by Jo Marie Payton until the middle of the final season) may not get brought up in the “Best TV Moms” conversation all that often, but she definitely should. If for no other reason, she kept her patience with Family Matters fan favorite Steve Urkel a lot longer than many would have. 

Linda Belcher (Bob’s Burgers) 

Sometimes when it comes to moms and their eccentric families, it’s hard to understand how they fit in. That’s not the case with Linda Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, who may be the matriarch, but she’s as big a mess as any of them, and I mean that in the best way. Linda is wild and funny while still being incredibly loving and supportive. 

Jean Weir (Freaks and Geeks) 

Helping your children navigate their formative years is not an easy task, and Jean Weir (Becky Ann Baker) on Freaks and Geeks definitely had her work cut out for her with her polar-opposite kiddos Lindsay and Sam. While her efforts were hit-and-miss, she wanted to connect with them so badly, and you just had to appreciate her goofy, sometimes-overbearing personality. 

Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis (Full House) 

Of course Rebecca Donaldson (aka “Aunt Becky”) would go on to have twins with “Uncle Jesse” Katsopolis, but Lori Loughlin’s character on Full House was earning mom points years before that, as she gave motherly advice to Michelle, Stephanie and especially DJ after their own mom’s passing. The importance of her role to them can’t be overstated. 

Jessica Huang (Fresh Off The Boat) 

Jessica Huang (Constance Wu) may be the queen to her kids’ pawns in the chess game of life, but the high expectations the Fresh Off the Boat matriarch set for her children just showed how much she believed in them. She was firm but devoted, and sometimes we forget those tough moms have just as much love to give. 

Carol Foster-Lambert (Step By Step) 

Anybody who successfully blends families the way the Fosters and Lamberts did on Step by Step deserves some major mom snaps, especially given the spectrum of personalities Carol Foster-Lambert’s children and stepchildren exhibited. There were growing pains, of course, but it couldn’t have worked without the endless love and support of Suzanne Somers’ character. 

Jane Chapman (Big Little Lies) 

Given the trauma that Jane Chapman endured on Big Little Lies, there’s no wondering why she’s slow to trust people, or why she’s so protective of her son Ziggy. Never as perky or interesting or seemingly perfect as the other moms around her, her strength to survive and provide for Ziggy shouldn’t go unheralded. 

Kitty Forman (That ‘70s Show) 

We all know that one mom who unofficially adopts all of her kids’ friends as her own, and on That ‘70s Show, it was Eric and Laurie’s mother Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp). It speaks volumes that everybody always felt at home there, despite her husband Red’s eternally grouchy disposition. She may not get enough credit as a great TV mom, but she’s unrivaled in infectious laughter. 

Carmela Soprano (The Sopranos) 

All moms have a lot on their plates, and let's face it: Parenting is just plain hard. So Edie Falco's Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos probably deserves some extra credit for also being married to a mob boss. Even if she didn't deserve it, I'd give it to her anyway.

Annie Marks (Good Girls) 

Good Girls shows just how far moms will go when they’re desperate to provide for their children. Mae Whitman played young single mother Annie Marks, but despite Annie's dangerous lifestyle, she prioritized her child and was a beacon of support during an emotional coming out story. 

Christy Jolene Plunkett (Mom) 

A special shoutout to the moms who are figuring it out after not having a particularly good role model themselves. This was the case for Christy (Anna Faris) on Mom, who always did her best as she faced her own struggles with sobriety and the complex relationship with her mom Bonnie. 

Amy Sosa (Superstore) 

Amy Sosa’s kids may not have been the central focus of Superstore, but America Ferrera’s character gave a voice to many mothers out there through her storyline about having to return to work after 48 hours because the store didn’t offer maternity leave. 

Cindy Walsh (Beverly Hills, 90210) 

Good role models seemed to be severely lacking on Beverly Hills 90210, so that should have made Cindy Walsh (Carol Potter) stand out more as one of TV’s greatest moms. She kept Brandon and Brenda grounded, while providing support as needed to their friends. Cindy put her own pain aside, only rarely showing that she, too, had struggled with the move from Minnesota to the sunny West Coast. 

Samantha Stephens (Bewitched) 

It can’t be easy being a witch living in a non-magical world, but that’s the reality Elizabeth Montgomery’s Samantha Stephens was faced with on Bewitched. Both of her and Darrin’s children also had the nose-twitching powers, and while it’s debatable whether those abilities were best kept under wraps or not, it’s obvious that Samantha just wanted to keep her husband happy and do what was best for the kids. 

Sam Fox (Better Things) 

Loosely based on Pamela Adlon’s own life as a single mom of three daughters, Better Things’ Sam Fox was the perfect combination of protective but not overbearing. She was willing to lay down the law, but the lines of communication were always open for honest conversations about real — and sometimes tough — issues. 

Nora Walker (Brothers & Sisters) 

Nora Walker (Sally Field) isn't often mentioned in the same sentence as TV mom icons like June Cleaver or Clair Huxtable, but she should be. In the wake of her cheating husband's death, Nora didn't have just her own problems to deal with, but she took on those of her grown children as well. In addition to being graceful, honest and loving through all the ups and downs, Nora knew how to keep the wine flowing too.

This is really just a handful of TV moms who don't get enough credit, because if we're being honest, can we ever really show too much appreciation for the women who doled out life lessons from the television screen? I didn't think so. 

SPOILERS for the Barbie movie are ahead!

The Barbie movie is full of funny and clever moments, from intellectual jokes about Proust Barbie, to hilarious and fitting references to Matchbox 20 songs. It demands several rewatches just so you can pick up on all the references and in-jokes that are easy to miss the first time. For example, even after seeing the Greta Gerwig-helmed feature multiple times, I totally missed a genius detail about America Ferrara’s husband in the movie. Now I can’t get over how cute the reference was. 

In the film, there's a scene where Gloria (played by Ferrara) is wondering whether she should call her husband before escaping to BarbieLand with Margot Robbie’s "Barbie" character. The scene then cuts to a hilarious moment where her husband is seen entertaining himself by trying desperately to learn Spanish using DuoLingo. He gets something right, and shines a self satisfied smile, very content and engrossed his activity. The scene is incredible and gets a laugh from the audience. Apparently, as The Cut recently pointed out, Gloria’s movie husband is played by Ferrara's real-life partner, Ryan Piers Williams.

Williams is absolutely perfect in the scene, and even though his moment is brief, his expressions are so fitting. He too is an actor who has been in a handful of independent projects over the years. Williams even attended the Barbie premiere with Ferrara, who posted a photo on Instagram of the two with a very apropos caption. She said:

They could not be more adorable, and they both looked fabulous on the red carpet. You can see a photo of them at the summer event below:

It’s so sweet that Gerwig was able to include this slight nod to Ferrara’s real life in the movie. It makes sense for her husband to be featured in the film since her character Gloria’s life takes place out of BarbieLand in Los Angeles. It is such a meta reference to the outside world of the movie, which is a common theme throughout the film. DuoLingo also seemed happy to get a movie shout out, and the mascot to the language learning company even attended the premiere in a full Barbie getup.

Barbie in general was quite the family affair. Tom Ackerly, Robbie’s husband, is the actress’ producing partner, and both were heavily involved behind the scenes of Barbie in producing roles. Gerwig wrote the film with her partner, Noah Baumbach, who is an accomplished filmmaker in his own right and was integral to the story at the heart of Barbie. Even Ryan Gosling’s wife, Eva Mendes, played a part in enhancing her husband’s Ken-ergy, and it was her idea to have "Ken" monogrammed on his underwear in the film. The movie already feels so personal, and these little touches make the film even more grounded. Williams’ scene is one of the funniest in Barbie, and hopefully he joins Ferrara on the big screen again in the future. 

You can still catch Barbie in theaters nationwide now. The Mattel film is continuing its historic, record-breaking box office run, so make sure to experience the pink-painted world on the big screen while you can. For more information on other big films hitting cinemas this year, make sure to consult our 2023 movie release schedule.

It wasn’t all that long ago when we were reading news about GameStop and the wild “David vs. Goliath” story involving Keith Gill and a group of everyday people who decided to invest in the video game retailer and cause quite the commotion on Wall Street. Well, now there's a movie about it. Directed by Cruella and I, Tonaya’s Craig Gillespie and starring Paul Dano the film Dumb Money is set to his theaters on September 29 according to the 2023 movie schedule, and critics have seen it, and shared their thoughts on it. 

CinemaBlend's own Sean O’Connell shared his opinion on Dumb Money via X, noting that it’s a “smart” film that makes a very complex stock market story “digestible.” He also explained the tension that builds throughout the film as it tells the wild story of what happened with GameStop’s stock in 2021 is "terrifying" and "palpable":

Overall, the general consensus of Dumb Money seems to be that it’s an electrifying movie about the truly crazy GameStop situation. Many critics highlighted the ensemble cast and direction as highlights. However, some noted that at times the characters could feel “one-dimensional,” as Frank Scheck wrote for THR. But, he, and many others, thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Continuing his review, the critic explained:

During Collider’s coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival, where Dumb Money premiered, Ross Bonaime shared his review of Craig Gillespie’s film, calling it the “The Big Short for the Reddit Generation,” in his headline. He noted the similarities it shares with films like The Big Short and The Social Network, explaining that this film about GameStop's stock both fits in with types of projects like that while also being totally unique:

Natalia Winkelman from IndieWire also agreed that Dumb Money is a “weirdly affecting tale of working class solidarity.” She called it “the best period piece ever made about a period that just happened." The critic was especially pleased with the ensemble cast of the film -- which includes America Ferrera, Pete Davidson, Seth Rogen and many more -- and how they played out the roles of those who were actually involved with this bonkers story:

As she stated, America Ferrera, Larry Owens and Anthony Ramos stand out as highlights alongside Paul Dano, who plays the lead Keith Gill. 

Speaking of Dano, Martin Aubert Tsai wrote a review for Decider that spotlighted the actor as a real standout. He applauded The Batman star's ability to juggle both Keith Gill’s personal life and online persona as Roaring Kitty: 

It sounds like we’re going to have to add Dumb Money to the list of Paul Dano’s best movies. 

Along with praise for the cast, critics have also noted Craig Gillespie’s direction. After receiving fantastic reviews for I, Tonya in 2017, it turns out he has a knack for taking on complex true stories in a unique way. In BBC’s review, Caryn James touched on this idea. While she thought the film was “not as smart or skewering as it pretends to be,” she did note the standout direction as a highlight:

Overall, reviews for Dumb Money have been positive, and many critics noted that the film is a fascinating period piece about an event that only happened a few years ago. You can see this crazy story about GameStop and the everyday people who tried to game Wall Street in theaters on September 29. 

Spoilers for the Barbie movie are ahead!

Barbie is the movie sensation of the summer. It features a picture-perfect pink imagining of Barbie Land, incredible performances, and hilarious memorable lines that will likely have you quoting the movie constantly. It’s hard to choose a favorite line from the movie, however, one of the highlights is America Ferrara’s iconic feminist speech towards the end of the Mattel film. However, director Greta Gerwig has a different favorite line from her film, and it’s hilarious.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Gerwig chatted about her experience directing Barbie, and what she hoped to bring to the iconic doll with her unconventional approach. The conversation turned to beloved lines from the film, and she was tasked with impossibly choosing a favorite quote. While answering the question, the Lady Bird filmmaker had a funny insight into one of the more overlooked lines from the movie, and she explained why it was one of her favorites. She said:

“Yay space” is so simple, yet so hilarious in the context of the film. Margot Robbie’s Barbie is driving around the utopian Barbie Land and introduces the audience to all of the Barbies and their occupations. When Astronaut Barbie says hi to Barbie from outer space, she just responds with “Yay, space!” It totally shows how happy and excited Barbie is about all the girls and their jobs, and she is enthusiastic about everyone. It sets the tone for the attitude amongst the characters in this world, and the tone for the movie. 

Gerwig made a great choice, but she could’ve chosen any line from the movie as her favorite and it would make sense. “I’m Kenough” has already had lasting power, and Gerwig has also shown love for the surprising line “Remember Proust Barbie? That did not sell very well,” which is so niche, but so perfect. The script for the film is A+, but the improvised lines are also amazing, like when Kate McKinnon came up with a joke about Weird Barbie leading the Department of Sanitation. Really, there are no wrong answers here. 

Barbie works so well because of its mix of hysterical, over-the-top silliness and emotional heartfelt moments. One minute you are laughing at Barbie’s undying enthusiasm for space, and the next you’re weeping at America Ferrera's poignant observations about womanhood. There’s so much to love about this film, and Gerwig clearly thought about everything. Based on this response, even the goofiest moments are important, and they are meant to encapsulate the tone and essence of Barbie. It clearly paid off, and Barbie continues to do impressive box office numbers, and gain a fervent and passionate fanbase.

You can see Barbie in theaters now as it continues its historic, record-breaking cinematic run. It’s one of the highlights of the 2023 movie schedule, so make sure to see it on the big screen while you still can.

There are a lot of messages that people can take away from co-writer/director Greta Gerwig’s now certified mega-hit Barbie, and a good number of takeaways from the socially conscious dramedy come from Ryan Gosling’s Ken. At least, that’s the consensus that was reached when the cast sat down to talk about the film in recent interviews. While there are many facets to this horse-obsessed boy toy, everyone can agree that Kenergy is something we should all aspire to... with some careful thought, of course.

CinemaBlend’s own Hannah Saulic interviewed Greta Gerwig and her Barbie cast during a junket earlier this summer that took place before the current SAG-AFTRA strike. As you can see, those talks generated a ton of takes involving the message of just what it means to be Kenough. 

Starting with actor America Ferrara, it’s clear that by the end of the film, both Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s Mattel created figures are inspirational for their own reasons. From her viewpoint, this is what Ferrara saw as the takeaway from this now $1 billion dream hit: 

That’s not a point that undercuts the soul searching journey of Barbie’s titular protagonist. That’s a point that Greta Gerwig herself could attest to, as during this same interview she went over how she felt the picture’s ending was a win for both Barbie and Ken. Said Gerwig about both of her leads and their personal goals,

Greta Gerwig’s work on movies like Lady Bird and Little Women have given the film world more of the strong willed, clear voiced female figures it needs. This is also reflected in how Barbie’s ending was developed, right down to its killer final punchline that speaks to womanhood. Gerwig has given modern audiences a moment reminiscent of one of the best comedy endings in history: the final moments of Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot. 

The humor of this picture is so cutting, some may walk away with the wrong message in mind. All of this talk of “Kenergy” from folks like Kevin Bacon might have people questioning why that term is still being thrown around after Barbie’s release. For that subject, actor Simu Liu provided the best response to why that phenomenon is ok to celebrate:

Of course, it would be ridiculous to not talk about Barbie and Ken without referring to Hannah Saulic’s time with the leads of Barbie’s insanely stacked cast, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Gosling deferred to the lady of the hour when it came to having the final say on his character. It’s a fitting gesture, as Robbie’s comments pretty much hone in on the overall point of where the Kendom headed when all was said and done: 

Viewpoints on Ken’s ending in Barbie or any piece of the entire experience Greta Gerwig and her cast have put together are always going to vary. However, the only way to really have any plastic in the game is to actually see it for yourself. If you’re somehow not one of the movie-goers who has contributed to the box office of 2023's second $1 billion hit, you can still catch Barbie in a theater near you and get caught up in the Kenergy. 

Following Walt Disney Studios having a ton of luck with reimagining its animated classics for live action, Universal is taking a page out of the playbook and remaking How To Train Your Dragon. Following the announcement of the live-action movie early this year, and Hiccup and Astrid being cast by two young actors, we asked America Ferrera what she thinks about her formative voice role getting a new film. 

The question was asked to the voice actress behind Astrid, a Viking warrior and the eventual wife to Hiccup, when CinemaBlend’s own Hannah Saulic sat down with America Ferrera during the Barbie Los Angeles press day. Check out her reaction (also seen in the video above): 

The live-action How To Train Your Dragon movie is set to be helmed by Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the original animated trilogy for Dreamworks. The original movie came out back in 2010, with a 2014 sequel following and a 2019 trilogy closer capping the series off. The entire franchise earned $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office. 

Back in May, it was announced that The Black Phone actor Mason Thames has been cast as Hiccup, and The Last of Us’ Nico Parker, who is also daughter to Thandiwe Newton, will take up the role of Astrid. Both actors have shown their great talent in their early work, and America Ferrera can’t wait to see what they do with the roles.

And as Ferrera also told us, she’s already in contact with Dean DeBlois as the live-action How To Train Your Dragon goes into production. We do have to wonder if America Ferrera will get to visit the set, and perhaps alongside Hiccup voice actor Jay Baruchel, get a cameo or something of the sort in the movie as well. The How To Train Your Dragon movie currently has a release date for March 14, 2025. 

America Ferrera’s comments come as she stars among the Barbie cast in the upcoming summer blockbuster. The actress plays the role of Gloria, a Mattel employee who helps Margot Robbie’s Barbie as she navigates the real world. Ahead of Barbie’s release in theaters on July 21, the movie has earned some exciting first reactions, with Hannah Saulic calling it a “profoundly moving” experience. 

In anticipation for Warner Bros’ Barbie movie, Mattel recently unveiled a collection of collectible Barbie dolls based on Greta Gerwig’s film. And as you can imagine, they're already flying off the shelves. The doll version of Margot Robbie's titular character in her pink western outfit has already sold out completely and is going for around $100 on Ebay, for example. But Barbie fans have things to say about the retail price points for some of the products. Some are even going as far as to say that they're "gonna be broke" by the time it's all said and done.

The collection consists of nine signature dolls that are all modeled after characters from the movie and wearing outfits that appear in the film. (Many of them were teased in the recently released full Barbie trailer.) Check out this viral TikTok illustrating the tough spot the merchandise is putting fans in: 

That’s right, many of the dolls inspired by the movie cost a whopping $50 to own, including Margot Robbie’s character in a plaid matching set, the western outfit, her pink gingham dress and gold disco jumpsuit. Additionally, Issa Rae’s president Barbie, America Ferrera’s Gloria Doll, Simu Liu’s Ken, Ryan Gosling’s Ken rocking his viral denim fit (with the “Ken” underwear that was apparently Gosling’s idea) also retail at the $50 price point. 

So if you wanted a few of them, you’d be out hundreds of dollars. And that’s without mentioning that you can also own the pink Corvette, a $150 replica DreamHouse building kit and all sorts of exclusive clothing too! Check out some of the comments that came out of the TikTok post pointing out the prices: 

• princesspastelita: “Yeah I’m gonna be broke.” 
• oncelers_discord_kitten: “They were so evil for these prices.” 
• color_me_barbie: “Those prices made me humble real quick… I’ll get what I can Mattel has lost their minds”

It was pretty much a given that Warner Bros. and Mattel were going to capitalize on this movie with plenty of merch. And to be quite honest, it's not all that surprising that the latter is charging so much for the highly coveted doll.

Let's be real, people are clearly going to buy these dolls anyway and very much have, considering the shortage of some of the dolls already. Another commenter shared “my finger slipped and I purchased western Barbie and denim Ken” while another fan figuratively shouted “WHERES MICHAEL CERA” in the collection. Cera is among the Barbie movie cast and is playing the role of Barbieland resident Allan. Perhaps, a second wave of this collection will hit at some point? 

While most of the dolls are $50 each, Mattel did make two dolls $25 as well. Barbie in the pink gingham dress and Ken in his striped beach matching set can both be purchased for that lower price point. Based on the fact that folks are paying $50 a pop now, one can't help but get the sense that Barbie feels like a 2023 new movie release that’s about to be a huge hit and pop culture phenomenon. 

Check out the highly anticipated film when it opens in theaters on July 21. Also, know that Barbiecore has been seriously going strong in recent months among celebrities, so clearly this is a sensation that could very well sweep the nation.

One of the best things to look forward to for the upcoming Barbie movie is seeing this talented ensemble cast in the pink, pink world that Greta Gerwig created. Not only do we anticipate seeing Margot Robbie and her feet, but also the other Barbies that show being plastic is fantastic. This delightful cast of Barbie was so tight-knit that the ladies of the new movie had a sleepover party. Embarrassingly enough though, cast member America Ferrera didn’t get the memo about this being a “sexy Barbie sleepover” party.

A little girl's sleepover party would generally entail each girl bringing their own Barbie to the party creating their own adventures together. So you can only imagine all of the fun these actresses had when Margot Robbie said on The Kelly Clarkson Show that the cast of Greta Gerwig’s new movie got together for their own sleepover orchestrated by the Oscar-winning director herself. As Robbie recalled:

I can only imagine how lavishing this sleepover party must have been. I’m sure there was no shortage of pink to be had there! Although if I was at that party, I can picture myself still making Barbie-themed recipes topped with pink frosting, even with room service at my disposal. Ken actor Ryan Gosling wasn’t able to make this overnight shindig, but that didn’t stop him from sending a Scottish man in a kilt to quote Braveheart at the party. That’s probably one of the most random, outlandish pranks to pull, but you can assume the cast had a good laugh about it.

One common problem that occurs during parties, in general, is being confused about the dress code. Apparently, awkwardness was experienced by Barbie co-star America Ferrera after not getting the memo about the expected overnight attire: 

Even though the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants actress didn’t go all Victoria’s Secret as everyone else did, the Australian frontrunner of the new comedy was actually impressed with Ferrera’s “granny” PJs. Robbie commented that it was the cutest thing seeing this Latina star looking “like an old lady but a 5-year-old at the same time.” I’m sure this only amped up the competitive gamer in Ferrera, or maybe a pillow fight. While the iconic cast posters reveal there’ll be a “President Barbie,” “Mermaid Barbie,” “Lawyer Barbie” and others, the Ugly Betty actress will portray the important human character of Gloria, a Mattel employee who discovers Barbie traveling through the real world. Each on-screen talent will truly stand out in their memorable roles.

While America Ferrera didn’t get the chance to show off her sexy jammies like everyone else at the Barbie cast sleepover did, I’m sure she was still the life of the party. You can watch her and the rest of the cast looking fabulous in the 2023 movie release coming to theaters on July 21st. 

Movie studios are always looking for ways to hedge their financial bets and to guarantee, as much as possible, that any film project will be a success. Anything with name recognition is fair game, which is why so many movies are sequels to previous hits or films based on comic books, video games, or even board games. Knowing this, it probably shouldn't have come as a shock that somebody decided to make a Barbie movie.

Yet, what the Barbie movie has become is somewhat shocking. Barbie was directed by Oscar-nominee Greta Gerwig, based on a script co-written by her and her longtime writing partner Noah Baumbach. From the moment that became known expectations of Barbie as a “popcorn movie” shifted to something else entirely. 

What we got was still a fun summer blockbuster, but one that had a lot more going on. It clearly resonated with fans as Barbie went on to become the second film of 2023 to make $1 billion at the global box office. It's become just as big a hit now that it has arrived on Digital platforms and Blu-ray. While the filmmakers behind the camera deserve a lot of credit, one cannot overlook the incredible cast.

Margot Robbie 

You can’t have a Barbie movie without Barbie, and while the film previously had Amy Schumer and then Anne Hathaway attached in the title role at various points, Margot Robbie was the Barbie that got the movie made. Robbie was probably best known today for her role as Harley Quinn in three DC movies, including 2021's The Suicide Squad. She’s also a two-time Oscar nominee for her supporting role in the Fox News drama Bombshell and her lead role in the dark comedy biopic I, Tonya.

Ryan Gosling 

Barbie needs her Ken, and while Hollywood has no shortage of actors who could pass for a live-action Ken doll, Ryan Gosling took on the role of Barbie’s boyfriend. Unlike the character's namesake doll, the Barbie movie was as much about Ken as it was Barbie, with Gosling's character functionally playing the villain, if a hapless one. It was an incredible performance that actually has people talking about an Oscar nomination for Gosling. 

Will Ferrell 

While Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have played comedy and drama in equal measure, a few of the other casting announcements from Barbie had a decidedly comedic slant. None among them exemplified this more so than Will Ferrell. Will Ferrell played the CEO of the toy company Mattel, the company that owns Barbie. While Ferrell's character was as silly as the actor usually is, he's also one of the few people who knows what's going on when Ken and Barbie cross over to the real world from Barbie World. 

Simu Liu 

It wasn’t all that long ago that Simu Liu was a moderately famous person in a well-received comedy, but now he’s a Marvel hero and a global superstar. Simu Liu went from Kim’s Convenience to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to Barbie, where played another Ken, a sort of foil for Gosling's character, as both competed for the affection of Robbie's Barbie, even if they didn't really understand why. 

America Ferrera 

Fans of the NBC comedy Superstore or the cult hit ABC series Ugly Betty will require no introduction to America Ferrera. On the big screen, she was a member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, as well as the voice of Astrid in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise from DreamWorks Animation. In Barbie, she plays one of the key human characters, who inadvertently causes the problems for Barbie that lead her into the human world.

Kate McKinnon 

Kate McKinnon is set to join her Bombshell co-star Margot Robbie, as she will also be part of the Barbie movie. McKinnon is, of course, best known for her long run on Saturday Night Live. On the big screen, she appeared in the Ghostbusters reboot, but has also done a significant amount of voice work in animated films and TV, from Pixar’s Finding Dory to Netflix’s The Magic School Bus. As "Weird Barbie" McKinnon suffered the fate that so many children's toys often do, though that turned her into a sort of sage.

Michael Cera 

Michael Cera jumped onto a lot of people’s radar back in 2007 thanks to his roles in both Superbad and Juno. From there, he has appeared in cult hits like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and actual box office hits like The LEGO Batman Movie. He’s probably best known for his role as George-Michael Bluth in Arrested Development. In Barbie Cera played Alan, the only male resident of Barbie Land who was not Ken. He's designed to be second fiddle, but he steals every scene he's in.

Helen Mirren

One potential surprise in the Barbie cast came from a character who was heard, but never seen. Hellen Mirren narrated the first Barbie trailer, but that wasn't a one-off deal. She actually narrated the entire film, and also had some of the best jokes in the movie, including a hilarious Barbie F-bomb that was cut from the script.

Emma Mackey 

Emma Mackey is something of a newcomer with only a handful of credits to her name to date, but in a short time, she has become a pretty big star. She’s one of three cast members from Netflix’s Sex Education to join Barbie, and she was recently part of the star-studded cast of Kenneth Branagh's Death on the Nile. Mackey portrayed yet another Barbie.

Ncuti Gatwa 

One of Emma Mackay’s co-stars on Sex Education who will be part of Barbie is Ncuti Gatwa, and while Barbie will no doubt mark the young actor’s biggest role on the big screen to date when it is released, it’s clear Gatwa has a bright future. He's been cast as the new Doctor in BBC’s Doctor Who, taking over the role from Jodie Whittaker. Gatwa will be the first person of color to lead the series, and the second Black actor to play The Doctor following Jo Martin's recurring run as the Fugitive Doctor. Gatwa played yet another Ken from Barbie Land.

Connor Swindells

Connor Swindells finishes out the Sex Education cast trifecta. We don’t know anything more about his role in Barbie than we do his other two cast-mates, so whether or not any of them will even cross paths is a mystery. If nothing else, it’s a testament to the casting of the Netflix series. Swindells appears in Barbie as Aaron Dinkins, a Mattel employee who has the unfortunate task of informing the company that Barbie has gone rogue.

Alexandra Shipp 

Marvel fans know Alexandra Shipp for playing the younger version of Storm in the last couple of X-Men movies produced under Fox pre-Disney. More recently, she played Susan, the love interest of Andrew Garfield's Jonathan Larson, in Tick…Tick…Boom! for Netflix. She appeared in Barbie as yet another Barbie.

Issa Rae 

Issa Rae is a successful writer, producer, and actress, and her name has only become more recognizable since the success of HBO show Insecure. As big a name as she has become, however, 2023 is getting ready to be perhaps her biggest year to date. Not only did she appear as a Barbie in the Barbie movie, but she also voiced the Jessica Drew version of Spider-Woman in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse the same summer. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir 

Kingsley Ben-Adir is an actor you’ll recognize if you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders or if you happened to catch the short-lived High Fidelity series on Hulu. His highest profile role was playing Malcolm X in the Oscar-nominated One Night in Miami, but Ben-Adir is probably a lot more recognizable now. At the same time that he played a Ken in the Barbie movie, he was also in Marvel’s Secret Invasion series on Disney+. 

Ariana Greenblatt 

Ariana Greenblatt is one of many young stars to get her start at the House of Mouse. She had a regular series role on the Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle. Since then, she’s made a somewhat unusual habit of playing the “young” version of several major franchise characters, like young Gamora in Avengers: Infinity War, young Velma in Scoob and young Nina in In the Heights. Greenblatt played Sasha, the daughter to America Ferrara's character, who once played with Barbie, but has since grown out of the dolls. 

Rhea Perlman 

Rhea Perlman will always be known first and foremost for her role as waitress Carla on the hit NBC sitcom Cheers. If you feel like you haven’t seen her in TV or movies as much recently, it’s possibly because you’ve heard her much more. Perlman has done a lot of voice-over work, including the voice of Cid in Disney+’s animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars spinoff The Bad Batch. Perlman had a small but vital role in Barbie as Ruth, and if you don't know more than that, we're not spoiling it.

John Cena

Of all the actors who play Ken in Barbie, John Cena is perhaps the most entertaining. He only appears in a couple of brief scenes, but the fact that he plays a merman version of Ken is hilarious in itself. It becomes that much funnier when we learn Cena was apparently just in the neighborhood, and filmed a cameo for fun.

Emerald Fennell 

Emerald Fennell is best known today for her work behind the camera, particularly as the Oscar-winning writer of Promising Young Woman, as much as she's known for her acting. Fennell has nearly two dozen acting credits to her name, including playing Nurse Patsy Mount in Call the Midwife and as Camila Parker Bowles on Netflix’s The Crown. She played Midge in Barbie, a discontinued member of the toy lineup.

Jamie Demetriou 

With more than 60 acting credits to his name in less than a decade, Jamie Demetriou has been a quite prolific performer, and his breadth of appearances is such that you have almost certainly seen him somewhere. He's had roles in everything from Disney’s Cruella to Paddington 2 to Hulu’s The Great. Most recently, he played the role of Walt on Apple TV+’s hit series The Afterparty. He appears in Barbie as one of the Mattel executives.

Ritu Arya 

Ritu Arya has had roles in the BBC’s Sherlock and Doctor Who, but she’s become a more familiar face to US audiences thanks to a pair of appearances on Netflix. She played Inspector Urvashi Das, the character chasing after Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds' characters, in Red Notice, and she’s also Lila Pitts on The Umbrella Academy. She joined the parade of Barbies in the movie.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef has more than two dozen acting credits to her name including appearances including Amazon's Transparent and Netflix's You. She had a role in the pilot of the L.A. Law reboot that we'll now never see. She appeared in Barbie as another of the Barbie characters.

Sharon Rooney

Sharon Rooney will look much more familiar to audiences in the UK, following turns in series like My Mad Fat Diary, Brief Encounters and Two Doors Down. U.S. audiences will know her best from the live-action remake of Disney's Dumbo, where she played the role of Miss Atlantis, the woman who sings the iconic song "Baby Mine." She appears in Barbie as Barbie. But not that Barbie, the other Barbie.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans spent two years on the soap opera One Life to Live on ABC. He's also played small roles in a number of TV shows and movies including appearances in Law & Order, Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones, and White Collar. More recently, he played Oliver in Netflix's Grace & Frankie. He's part of the army of Kens found of Barbie Land.

Ana Cruz Kanye

Ana Cruz Kayne will be reuniting with Greta Gerwig when she appears in the Barbie movie. Kayne previously appeared in Little Women. She'll be appearing soon in Painkiller, a limited series starring Mathew Broderick focusing on the birth of the opioid crisis. She is yet another Barbie.

With a cast this extensive and utterly impressive, we knew Barbie was likely to be a lot of fun. However, there was no way to know what a massive hit the film would become. The story resonated was audiences in a bit way, on its way to incredible box office success. Now you can enjoy Barbie as much as you want at home as well.

Ever since its launch in November 2019, Apple TV+ has given its subscribers access to some of the best shows in the streaming world, and the platform’s collection of shows only seems to be getting better all the time. That trend has continued throughout the early part of 2022 with shows like The Afterparty, Severance, and its latest addition, WeCrashed. The new eight-episode limited series dives into the unparalleled rise and fall of the WeWork shared office startup company, as well as its major players.

After watching the first episode of the series or going through the entire run, you might be wondering where you’ve seen the members of the WeCrashed cast before. And while some of the bigger stars like Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway stick out, others might surprise you with everywhere they've been over the years.

Jared Leto (Adam Neumann)

Taking on the role of the eccentric and ambitious co-founder of WeWork Adam Neumann on the WeCrashed cast is Academy Award winner Jared Leto, who is appearing on his first TV show since breaking out as Jordan Catalano on the landmark ‘90s teen drama My So-Called Life. But it’s not like Leto hasn't been busy over the course of the past 28 years.

Throughout his career, Leto has given outstanding performances in everything from gritty drug-fueled dramas like Requiem for a Dream, dark comedies like American Psycho, and even superhero projects like Suicide Squad, where he gave a new spin on The Joker (a role he would later reprise in Zack Snyder’s Justice League). Leto also stole the screen in Dallas Buyers Club (he won his Oscar for his role), Blade Runner 2049, and The Little Things. He’s next set to appear in the long-awaited Morbius.

Anne Hathaway (Rebekah Neumann)

Anne Hathaway serves as the second co-lead on the WeCrashed cast with her portrayal of Rebekah Neumann, the wife of Adam Neumann and one-time chief brand and impact officer of WeWork. The Apple TV+ limited series is the latest in a recent string of shows that have featured Hathaway in major roles, the previous being the Amazon originals Solos and Modern Love.

One of the most decorated actresses of her time, Hathaway has received an Academy Award and Golden Globe (both for her heartbreaking performance in Les Misérables), a Primetime Emmy for her 2010 guest appearance on The Simpsons, and a number of other recognitions. Her most notable work includes The Princess Diaries, Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises, Rachel Getting Married, The Devil Wears Prada, and Brokeback Mountain.

Kyle Marvin (Miguel McKelvey)

Taking on the role of WeWork co-founder and former chief culture officer Miguel McKelvey in WeCrashed is Kyle Marvin, who has mostly worked behind the scenes serving as producer for much of his career.

Prior to his work on WeCrashed, Marvin wrote and starred in the 2019 comedy-drama The Climb, which was based on a short film of the same name he produced one year earlier. He also appeared in an episode of the drama series All Wrong, which he also wrote and directed. 

America Ferrera (Elisha Kennedy)

America Ferrera appears on the WeCrashed cast as Elisha Kennedy, a young entrepreneur who gets wrapped up in the complicated culture and drama surrounding WeWork. No stranger to the small screen, Ferrera has made a career out of giving outstanding performances on shows like Ugly Betty (a show that made her a star and earned her multiple awards includes a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy), The Good Wife, Superstore, Independent Lens, and multiple others.

During that same time, Ferrera has appeared in more than two dozen film productions including Lords of Dogtown, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (and its sequel), the successful How to Train Your Dragon animated film franchise, and End of Watch to name only a few.

O. T. Fagbenle (Cameron Lautner)

One of TV’s rising stars, O.T. Fagbenle, shows up on WeCrashed as Cameron Lautner, a powerful investor who gets put into the unenviable position of trying to get WeWork, and its eccentric owner Adam Neumann, in tip-top shape ahead of the company’s complicated upcoming IPO rollout, which proves to be something that is easier said than done.

Some will see Fagbenle’s face and immediately think of his character, the mysterious Rick Mason, in the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 4 movie Black Widow, though others will remember him for a completely different reason. Since 2017, Fabbenle has portrayed Luke Bankole, June Osbourne’s (Elisabeth Moss) husband on Hulu’s smash hit series The Handmaid’s Tale, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2021 as well other accolades. Over the years, Fagbenle has also appeared on Looking, The Five, FM, Thorne, and even Doctor Who to name just a few. He’ll next appear in the Showtime drama series The First Lady, portraying former United States President Barack Obama.

Anthony Edwards (Bruce)

Veteran of the silver screen and small screen Anthony Edwards shows up on the WeCrashed cast as Bruce, an investor at Benchmark Capital who falls under the spell of Adam Neumann and his unique philosophies on business and life in general.

Edwards, who is also appeared on the Netflix true crime limited series Inventing Anna earlier in 2022, is perhaps the most prolific member of the WeCrashed cast with credits going back over decades. Edwards appeared in some of the best '80s movies with comedies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Revenge of the Nerds, action flicks like Top Gun, and several others. His success would continue — and reach new heights — in the 1990s with a remarkable run as Dr. Mark Greene on the medical drama series ER, a role that earned him a Primetime Emmy and four Screen Actors Guild Awards before leaving the show in 2002.

Since then, Edwards has appeared in movies like Zodiac and shows like Designated Survivor and Law & Order: True Crime, to name just a few of his more recent credits.

Theo Stockman (Jacob)

Theo Stockman appears in WeCrashed as Jacob, one of the first WeWork employees to join Adam Neumann in his revolutionary venture. 

Over the years, Stockman has made a career out of making one-off appearances on some of the biggest shows of the past decade-and-a-half, including 30 Rock, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Blue Bloods, as well as comedies like Inside Amy Schumer and High Maintenance. His film work includes A Good Marriage and The Boy Downstairs.

Cricket Brown (Chloe)

Cricket Brown shows up in WeCrashed as Chloe, a WeWork employee who joins the company during its booming period following its launch.

The majority of Brown’s career up to this point has been spent in short films, though she has popped up in Dukeland and The Unholy.

These are just some of the actors who appear on the eight-episode WeCrashed limited series. If you want to know what other shows will be joining the new Apple TV+ series, check out CinemaBlend’s 2022 TV schedule so you don’t miss any of the great new and returning shows.

Barbie is coming to live-action, and the project gets more interesting every time we learn something new about it. For one, Margot Robbie will star as Barbie herself, along with producing under her company LuckyChap Entertainment, which has seriously a great track record between making I, Tonya, Birds of Prey and Promising Young Woman. Lady Bird and Little Women’s Greta Gerwig co-wrote and is directing the movie. Oh, and now Simu Liu is involved. 

Yes, the star of Marvel’s big hit Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is currently in negotiations to be in the Barbie movie alongside Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, per The Hollywood Reporter. We don’t know what role Simu Liu is being eyed for, but it’s not Ken. (Gosling will have that pleasure). 

Simu Liu found his breakout role in the Canadian comedy series Kim’s Convenience, but now he’s hit the big leagues as the star of a Marvel property. Late last year, the actor became Shang-Chi, and the movie was among 2021’s biggest commercial hits. Liu will reprise his role in an upcoming Shang-Chi sequel, and now we expect to see him alongside some big stars for the live-action take on the popular doll. 

Mattel Films has been trying to make a Barbie movie for years, with previous iterations placing Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway at the forefront of the project. After those versions were scrapped, Margot Robbie got on board in 2018 and has been actively part of getting a new iteration of the movie off the ground. 

Greta Gerwig and her partner Noah Baumbach (who previously worked together on Frances Ha and Marriage Story) are co-writing a script for the Barbie movie. This is super off-brand for the creatives since they’ve written very intimate passion projects in the past. We have to wonder what their take on the doll will be. Margot Robbie has previously said that the filmmakers have “subverted” what we might expect from a Barbie movie. 

It’s great to hear Simu Liu join such an inspired project following his heightened success from Shang-Chi. The 32-year-old actor also recently wrote a book coming out this spring called We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story. On the film front, the actor will also star alongside Mark Wahlberg in a dog movie called Arthur the King and a romance with Philipa Soo called One True Loves.

Barbie is still in pre-production, but given that a cast is being assembled and much of the actors have wrapped their previous other projects, I’d imagine Barbie is getting ready to get its cameras rolling sometime this year. While we wait to see Simi Liu’s Barbie role, you can check out the actor in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with a Disney+ subscription and keep up with the 2022 movies coming up next.  

One of the most lasting pastimes to enjoy with a group of friends is going shopping together. And in 2005’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four best friends found a unique pair of jeans that could fit all of them, despite their variety of body types and heights. The young women played by Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Amber Tamblyn then decided to trade the pants throughout their first summer apart and write to each other about their adventures. Over fifteen years since the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies debuted, they remain to be favorites among those who grew up with them. But, why didn’t we see more? 

There’s a troubling trend in Hollywood when YA books become movies. In the past we’ve broken down what happened to the cancelled Percy Jackson franchise, the axed Divergent films, broken down the journey of the Maze Runner trilogy and Narnia’s unfortunate goodbye. Now let’s look at the history of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies and why the story has yet to continue. 

How Many Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants Movies Have We Seen?

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies began in 2005 as the YA titles written by Ann Brashares were popular on bookshelves and continued to unfold between the pages of the series. Ken Kwapis helmed the dramedy from Warner Bros following his success with 2003’s About A Boy. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants assembled a talented cast that included Amber Tamblyn as the blue-haired outcast Tibby, Alexis Bledel as shy artist Lena, America Ferrera as hot-headed Carmen and Blake Lively as soccer player Bridget. 

The first movie was succeeded by a 2008 sequel called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, which was helmed by music video director Sanaa Hamri. Both films were written by Elizabeth Chandler. Whereas the first movie was based on Brashares’ first book, the second film jumped to storylines from the fourth Sisterhood novel Forever In Blue along with incorporating elements of the first sequel The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and the third book Girls in Pants. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 could have acted as an ending to the series, but the characters’ storylines could have continued. But following the 2008 movie, there have been no other Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies to further the YA franchise. 

Were There Plans For More Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants Movies? 

When the actresses at the center of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies , Alexis Bledel was 22, Amber Tamblyn was 20, America Ferrera was 19 and Blake Lively was 16 playing high school students. Following the release of the sequel, they were each five years older, which would turn their YA characters into adults. It’s understandable that not all four books could be adapted into movies in this case, and screenwriter Elizabeth Chandler seemed to compensate for this by drawing heavily from the last book of the first four Sisterhood books, Forever In Blue for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. 

In the case of these movies then, the movie franchise skipped past the novels and chose to tell the story in two movies rather than adapting all four books separately. That being said, three years after The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 was released, Sisterhood author Ann Brashares published a fifth book called Sisterhood Everlasting. This installment of the series sees Tibby, Lena, Carmen and Bridget as grownups with careers and romances, and longing to reunite their sisterhood, despite the jeans being long gone. The existence of Sisterhood Everlasting has brought about the desire for another movie past its YA roots. 

Why We Haven’t Seen More Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants Movies

Both Sisterhood films made about the same amount of money at the box office, making around $43 million each at an average of a $26 million budget. Both of them were met with overall positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The main corner the franchise seems to have been backed into is the issue of time and the decision to fuse multiple books into the 2008 sequel. Following The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Alexis Bledel had just wrapped seven seasons her successful show Gilmore Girls, Blake Lively had just begun her six year journey on Gossip Girl, America Ferrera was in the midst of starring in Ugly Betty and Amber Tamblyn was on the brink of a regular role on House. 

Unlike some other YA book to movie stories, the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies don’t necessarily have a sad ending, just a short and sweet one. These movies remain beloved to its audiences and the actresses’ roles in the movies made these young women stars in their own right even today. And yet, Sisterhood Everlasting remains on the shelf yet to be adapted. 

Will There Be Future Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants Movies?

While there has yet to be any more Sisterhood movies, throughout the past few years there have been hints that Hollywood is attempting to revitalize these movies. Back in 2014, The Hollywood Reporter shared that there were plans to adapt Sisterhood Everlasting into a movie directed by Ken Kwapis once again from a screenplay by Liz Garcia. Like the book, the movie would pick up with the four friends a decade after the events of the fourth summer with the traveling pants as adults with a girls trip reunion. 

Since then, the movie has yet to be made, but Bledel, Ferrera, Lively and Tamblyn remain close friends, sharing pictures of their reunions every so often. In 2016, Ferrera shared this photo of the Sisterhood women back together: 

In 2016, Blake Lively spoke to the potential of a third Sisterhood movie, telling SiriusXM there was a “strong” chance it could happen, also saying this: 

And in 2018, Alexis Bledel shared on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon that she had “just pitched a third movie” and was hoping it would come together. Blake Lively continued to echo those sentiments the same year, sharing they were “trying to get it made” on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Earlier that year, Deadline reported that a stage musical based on the story was being developed as well. In 2021, Blake Lively and Amber Tamblyn spent July 4 together, posting this:

The most recent update comes from America Ferrera in November 2021, who got cryptic on Sirius XM, sharing that a third Sisterhood movie is “unofficially, officially, unofficial that it is officially unofficially in development.” Given the four women at the center of the franchise are truly good friends and they’re interested in returning to their roles, we have hope Sisterhood Everlasting will happen someday, but for the moment, those jeans are still lost and waiting to be found once more. 

It’s hard to believe it’s been well over a year since Gentefied fans last checked in with the Morales family. But thankfully, the second season is just around the corner and, with it, comes some major developments. Co-creators and executive producers Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez are primed to give fans more of what they enjoyed in the first season of the Netflix dramedy while also adding new elements. Luckily, they have a great cast and a number of capable creatives behind the scenes, including director and EP America Ferrera. And the TV and film veteran recently explained why she loves working on the underrated series. 

The star originally served as an EP on the original 2017 digital series on which the show was adapted. But luckily, for the full-length series, she gets to sit in the director’s chair and bring even more of her creative sensibilities to the show. She even put her Emmy-winning acting chops to use for a guest spot in Season 1.

There’s a lot to love about Gentefied, and this is greatly due to the immense love and care that its creators put into it. I recently had a conversation with America Ferrera, Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, during which I asked Ferrera about balancing comedy and drama as a director. From there, she discussed her love of the show’s approach to both elements and its authenticity as well: 

The show beautifully portrays the ups and downs of life. Surely, there are plenty of emotionally heavy moments, but the series also manages to cut through the tension with humor when necessary. Ultimately, thanks to the sensibilities of those behind the camera, everything meshes seamlessly. America Ferrera, who has starred in and directed a number of dramedies in her time, has proven she has a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t. During our conversation, Linda Yvette Chávez lauded Ferrera for her work, especially when it came to a tough episode in Season 2: 

And “complicated” is probably one of the best words that could be used to describe the new season. Each of the Morales kids will be faced with major changes. Chris is experiencing the joys (and misadventures) that come with fatherhood, while Ana explores a new career opportunity. Erik, on the other hand, finds himself at a crossroads, as he still seeks to become a chef. And of course, there’s Pop, whose struggle to avoid deportation and remain with his family is the focal point of the new season. There’s a lot to unpack but, with directors and producers like America Ferrera at the helm, the show seems to be in good hands. 

You can check out Gentefied when it returns to Netflix for its second season on Wednesday, November 10. Also, be sure to check out CinemaBlend’s fall 2021 TV schedule for more on the shows that are premiering are returning near the end of this year. 

Who would have thought that when Superstore first premiered back in 2015 it would last for six seasons and end up becoming one of NBC’s most acclaimed comedies? From stars like America Ferrara and Ben Feldman whose careers were boosted by the series, to some newer faces, Superstore provided a fresh change to the sitcom genre. The show mainly took place in the big box store, Cloud 9, which is shown as being very similar to a store like Walmart.

Sadly, after six seasons, Superstore officially came to a close in March of 2021, but that doesn’t mean that the stars of the popular sitcom are going to disappear completely. Today, we’ll take a look at what the Superstore cast has in store for the future, beginning with the main star herself.

America Ferrera (Amy Sosa)

As the hardworking Honduran-American Cloud 9 employee, I think we can all strive to be a little bit like Amy. Her hard work and perseverance are what lead to her taking a corporate job at Clout 9 at the end of the series – a true trailblazer. America Ferrera herself has been busy in the industry for nearly two decades. Prior to her role as Amy, Ferrera had plenty of roles, including starring in the popular The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants franchise and leading Ugly Betty with her Golden Globe winning role.

Superstore really allowed the actress to continue to shine and show off her comedic chops. In terms of what she has coming up in the future, America Ferrera doesn’t have any new film or TV roles lined up just yet, but she is stepping into the producer role by working on the Netflix show, Gentefied, which is all about the chase for the American Dream.

According to Deadline, Ferrera is also going to be making her directorial debut on the Netflix film I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

Ben Feldman (Jonah Simms)

Hired in the pilot episode of the show, Jonah Simms was a college dropout who became a sales associate for Cloud 9 and somehow won all of our hearts with how adorable and funny he was. The talent behind that was Ben Feldman, someone who’s also been in the business for almost 20 years. Prior to his role in Superstore, Feldman had gigs in movies such as 400 Days, or the horror movie As Above So Below, and Cloverfield, and a recurring role in the AMC show Mad Men. Superstore gave him the chance to really show off his comedy chops, and after six seasons, his track record is good.

The future looks bright for Ben Feldman as well, because he is going to be stepping into the Disney+ world! That’s right, Feldman has signed on to the main cast of the new Disney+ original, Monsters at Work, a spinoff/sequel of Monsters Inc. I’m excited to see it come out on Disney+ this summer, along with the several other 2021 summer TV releases.

Lauren Ash (Dina Fox)

Be honest – we’ve all had a manager or boss like Dina, who is a strict, no-nonsense kind of person. However, sometimes that is exactly what we need. Lauren Ash, known for playing Dina Fox on Superstore, was the perfect choice for this role. I almost felt like I was being reprimanded at the store, and I didn’t even work there. Lauren Ash herself has had a couple of film roles, like in Lars and the Real Girl, and the biographical film The Disaster Artist, but TV has been her cup of tea, where she not only had a great role in Superstore but also a voice role in the legendary She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.

Lauren Ash doesn’t have any new movies or TV shows lined up just yet, but that doesn’t mean she’s not busy. In her spare time, Ash enjoys making short films with her boyfriend, as well as solving murders – you read that right. Lauren Ash hosts her own podcast called “True Crime and Cocktails,” talking all about murder cases.

Deadline notes that Lauren Ash is also going to be writing a comedy pilot for a new NBC show. Everything is still kept under wraps though, so there’s not much known about the potential show yet, but I’m excited to see where it goes for this talented actress. If that doesn’t catch your interest, I don’t know what will.

Nico Santos (Mateo Fernando)

I mean, let’s be honest, none of us wanted Mateo to go when we all found out he was an undocumented immigrant in Superstore, because he was just so funny. I was always happy that they kept him on the show despite the problems he would face, and that charm which Mateo brought forward was all because of Nico Santos, a Filipino-American actor who knows how to make you laugh.

Santos can also most likely be recognized from the hit rom-com Crazy Rich Asians, as Oliver T’sien, or for his role in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, but Santos really made a name for himself while doing Superstore. Nico Santos doesn’t have anything lined up right now for the future, but he still keeps himself very active on social media in the political scene, often talking about Asian-American racism and promoting ways in which people can help fight it.

Colton Dunn (Garrett McNeil)

Okay, be real – we are all lowkey Garrett. We thrive off of sarcasm and dry humor – or is that just me? Either way, I think we all loved Garrett for the realness he offered while working at Cloud 9, and not being afraid to show his true feelings. Colton Dunn was the man behind who brought that authentic character to life, and honestly, I don’t know Superstore could have chosen a better actor for the part.

Prior to Superstore, Colton Dunn had plenty of other projects, including working as a writer, producer, and occasional actor in the popular sketch show Key and Peele. He also had a role in Lazer Team and its sequel Lazer Team 2. But, after Superstore, I’m glad to say that he is nowhere near stopping in Hollywood.

Dunn is currently starring in Big City Greens, an animated TV series comprised of shorts which is airing on The Disney Channel, and has been running for two seasons. He also has an upcoming movie called The One You’re With, which is expected to debut in 2021 at some point. Honestly, I am so happy, because his comedy and acting skills deserve so much credit and I can’t wait to see what he has ready for us.

Nichole Sakura (Cheyenne Thompson)

For some reason, the story of Cheyenne Thompson always stuck with me more than most of the stories in Superstore, because while it was very comedic, her story felt so real. She tried to do right by her baby and got job at Cloud 9, then married her boyfriend, trying to live a happier life. I have to give it to her for being so proactive and determined to be successful. Nichole Sakura is the reason that Cheyenne was one of the best characters (in my opinion). Luckily, she has had plenty of roles.

For example, she starred in a recurring role as Amanda in the Showtime black comedy Shameless for two seasons and had film roles in the iconic college film Project X, and Lazer Team 2, which Colton Dunn was in as well. In regards to the future, Nichole Sakura is going to be in an upcoming TV series titled Maggie.

It's about a young woman trying to cope with life while coming to terms with being psychic. The series is still in pre-production, and psychic shows are one of my favorite genres, so I’m looking forward to it whenever it comes out.

Mark McKinney (Glenn Sturgis)

You know, I think as much as we all tried so hard to like Glenn Sturgis because he was overwhelmingly positive, there were so many issues with him and his nice attitude that it was almost a miracle when he stepped down from being the store manager during Superstore. Even so, Mark McKinney is the man behind the hyper-positive Glenn Sturgis, and if you don’t know his name, you better now.

Mark McKinney was a part of the Saturday Night Live cast from 1995 to 1997 and was part of the sketch comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall from 1989 to 1995, which also featured a TV series of the same name, so comedy is practically in his blood. However, now that Superstore has concluded, McKinney will be returning to The Kids in the Hall, as it is being revived by Amazon Prime, so while his time on the NBC comedy might be done, we’ll get to see a return to his fantastic sketch roots.

Kaliko Kauahi (Sandra Kaluiokalani)

While Sandra’s role at first wasn’t as big as it became, her rise from a meek woman to someone who could stand up for herself and her ideals near the end of the series is an underdog story I can root for. Kaliko Kauahi, a Hawaiian actress, played Sandra for all six seasons, with the her eventually becoming a main character.

Kauahi herself doesn’t have any TV shows or movies lined up just yet, but that doesn’t mean she still hasn’t had some amazing roles. She’s had guest spots on shows like Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and had a recurring role on the Disney Channel spinoff of That’s So Raven, called Raven’s Home. It’s clear that she has been busy, I believe it’s only a matter of time before she ends up appearing on our TV screens or in movie theaters once again.

While the end of a show is always sad indeed, I’m looking forward to what the cast of Superstore has coming up. Although, I’ll always miss my Cloud 9 family.

Spoilers ahead for the 100th episode of Superstore on NBC, called "California Part 2."

The very long-awaited second half of Superstore's "California" two-parter that started with the Season 5 finale also happened to be the show's milestone 100th episode and leading lady America Ferrera's departure as Amy. The stakes were incredibly high for a sitcom, and the biggest question of all was how Superstore would handle Amy and Jonah's relationship. Their long-running will-they/won't-they dynamic had seemingly settled into a very solid romance for the long run... until news broke that America Ferrera was leaving and Ben Feldman wasn't. Did Superstore give its biggest couple a happy ending despite the odds, or was it more heartbreaking?

Well, that depends on how you look at the events of "California Part 2." Although "California Part 1," which served as the unintended Season 5 finale back in the spring, ended with Amy and Jonah happily planning to move to the West Coast together after Amy landed a fancy corporate job, Amy seemed a little less certain in last week's Season 6 premiere. In the 100th episode, marriage was on both of their minds after Amy discovered a ring missing and they were surrounded by coworkers assuming and she and Jonah would be together forever.

Not entirely surprisingly, Amy and Jonah weren't on the same page, and the episode ended with Jonah staying in St. Louis while Amy went to California with her kids. So, is this a miserable ending for the power couple of Superstore, or is there hope? Let's break it down. Since the episode literally ended with the two lovebirds on the verge of building lives 2000 miles apart, let's take a look at why it's not the happiest!

Why It Might Be Unhappy For Amy And Jonah

Well, it's not hard to argue that Amy and Jonah's ending with America Ferrera's departure was a bummer. Jonah started the episode preparing to propose and treating their future as a done deal while Amy spent the episode increasingly freaking out. Their differing viewpoints came to a head when Jonah flat-out asked if she wanted to marry him, demanding a yes or no answer, only for Amy to say no, citing her past marriage.

This was enough for Jonah to shoot down the possibility of still going with her to California or even trying a long-distance relationship. They ended the episode by raising a glass to each other at Amy's big farewell while look pretty damn sad, but America Ferrera is gone as a regular and Ben Feldman will be back. While the episode didn't end with anybody sobbing, wailing, or gnashing their teeth (although I wouldn't put it past Sandra), their breakup feels pretty definitive at this point. That said...

Why It Might Be Happy For Amy And Jonah... Eventually

Look, breaking up and then being indefinitely separated by thousands of miles may look about as bad as can be without somebody being killed off, but Amy and Jonah clearly still love each other very much. Amy shot down marriage because she wasn't sure at this point, while Jonah shot down the long distance relationship because he didn't want her to feel trapped, like she did with Adam. She was in tears when she asked what if she realized that she made a mistake, to which Jonah responded: "I'm guessing you'll know where to find me."

The door was left very much open on their relationship, at least insofar as their feelings for each other. For me, Amy and Jonah's potentially happy future relies entirely on two things: how much longer Superstore lasts and how much longer Ben Feldman stays. If Superstore ends after Season 6, which wouldn't be altogether shocking for a show that doesn't crush in the ratings and lost its leading lady, then I could see Jonah going to Amy in California and/or Amy returning to get him.

The same could be true if Ben Feldman decides to leave at the end of Season 6, cancellation or not. I'm not saying that Superstore with Jonah and Amy is going to pull an ER with Doug and Carol, but I have to believe it's possible down the line. I really don't want the last we ever see of Superstore's big couple is both of them sad and resigned to their lives going in different directions.

Besides, even if this turn of events wasn't happy on the relationship front, Amy is taking a big step forward in her career, and Jonah's career could actually improve with the power vacuum at Cloud 9 following Amy's departure. Superstore could only do so much when America Ferrera decided to leave while Ben Feldman was staying, and there is at least hope here. That's better than misery and resignation forever on the Superstore romance front, right? They could get their happy ending! Just... not yet.

See how Jonah deals with Amy's departure with new episodes of Superstore on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. For some more viewing options now and in the coming weeks, check out our 2020 fall TV premiere schedule.

Spoilers ahead for the Season 6 premiere of Superstore on NBC, called "Essential."

Superstore is back for Season 6 after the fifth season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a cliffhanger on Jonah and Amy's relationship. With America Ferrera departing after just a couple episodes of Season 6 and Ben Feldman sticking around as series regular, it seemed like the solid Jonah/Amy relationship was doomed. "Essential" may have delivered the way that they can stay together, despite Amy no longer being around.

Most of "Essential" saw the Cloud 9 workers dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic at work, but the very beginning of the episode took place back when the NBA was just shutting down and Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were diagnosed. Still believing that she and Jonah would be able to head to California without delay, Amy assured her coworkers that taking a corporate job wouldn't mean goodbye forever:

The pandemic meant that "soon" translated to "several months later when the corporate offices started opening again," but Amy's statement that she's still going to be working with her Cloud 9 pals presumably still holds true. With something happening in the next episode to keep Jonah but say goodbye to America Ferrera's Amy, her work as a liaison could mean that they have a way to continue their relationship conveniently off-screen.

Sure, it would still have to be long-distance for at least part of the time, but I think Superstore presented an opening for fans to hope that the big romance of the series isn't doomed just because one of the actors decided the time was right to move on. That said, whether or not Jonah and Amy intend to continue their relationship after whatever happens to send her to California without him, the show will at least be able to give them a proper goodbye.

America Ferrera was originally intended to make her departure in the Season 5 finale, which was the second half of a two-parter. Superstore managed to finish production on the penultimate episode of the season and of Ferrera's time as leading lady, but last episode couldn't be completed. Ferrera fortunately agreed to return for Amy's unfinished business, for not just one but two episodes of Season 6, so fans will see how Amy handles COVID-19 as well as how Amy says goodbye.

The description for America Ferrera's farewell episode reveals that the Cloud 9 employees will prepare to send both Amy and Jonah off, so it should be interesting to see how and when the penny drops next week and it's decided that Jonah will stay behind.

Amy had an interesting expression when she and Jonah were hugging over the trip to California finally happening at the end of the premiere, so I'm getting nervous that she won't want him to come along despite "Essential" seemingly delivering an opening for an effective long-distance relationship.

Find out when the next episode of Superstore airs on Thursday, November 5 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. For more of what to watch and when to watch it, check out our 2020 fall TV premiere schedule.

Superstore fans were stunned at the end of February when it was announced that star and executive producer America Ferrera would be leaving the show once Season 5 wrapped up. The underrated workplace comedy about a group of employees at a fictional big box store had already been renewed for Season 6 by NBC, so audiences were left wondering how the show would continue without Ferrera, and how her character, Amy, would be written off. Ferrera's co-star Ben Feldman, who plays Amy's co-worker and boyfriend Jonah, admits that the writers were left "scrambling" after the announcement.

Feldman spoke to TVLine recently about how he heard that America Ferrera was leaving Superstore, and what it was like behind the scenes when the news became public. Fans of the show will know that there haven't been any clear indications that Amy would be moving on from Cloud 9 (or Jonah, for that matter), so it shouldn't be any surprise that the writers were left in a difficult spot when they realized they'd need to craft an out for Ferrera's character.

As Ben Felman noted in his interview, the writers had not been preparing viewers for Amy's departure, so they had to quickly figure out a way to make the storyline they were heading toward work in that way. Fortunately, part of their original plan was able to be dovetailed into such a story, so it won't come completely out of left field when Amy leaves Cloud 9.

Amy was able to become store manager in Season 4, after not only getting some training from corporate and former store manager Glenn, but blackmailing their district manager Laurie, after Amy caught her snorting cocaine at work. Even though Amy has been working at the store for almost two decades, she hasn't had the easiest time handling her former co-workers becoming her subordinates and the challenges of running the store under a comically shady and somewhat abusive corporate structure. I wouldn't be surprised if dealing with these issues leads Amy to take another path and abandon her work at Cloud 9.

Unfortunately, a major drawback to America Ferrera leaving Superstore will be the ending of the slow burn relationship between Amy and Jonah. The two were attracted to each other from the beginning of the series, but had to overcome several very real problems before getting finally together at the end of Season 3 and making their relationship public later in the following season. As a fan of the show himself, Ben Feldman knows that Ferrera's departure will really hit home with those who love seeing Amy and Jonah together:

Ultimately, fans won't get to see Amy and America Ferrera say goodbye to Superstore just yet. The show had to shut down production (along with many, many other series) recently and won't be filming the previously planned Season 5 finale. So, hopefully, this means we'll get their proper sendoff (along with some alone time for Amy and Ben Feldman's Jonah) when Season 6 starts.

Superstore is still airing new episodes on NBC, Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST, and to see what else you can watch right now check out our 2020 midseason guide!

Superstore fans were rocked with some heavy news recently, as America Ferrera announced her upcoming exit from the series. The NBC comedy will lose one of its biggest stars at the end of Season 5, which may have some saddened despite the show's recent renewal for Season 6. For those feeling a bit down, Lauren Ash has a message to share about the situation, and the show's life post-Amy.

Lauren Ash took to social media not long after the news broke that America Ferrera would be leaving Superstore at the conclusion of Season 5. The actress shared her own personal feelings on the matter, talked about her relationship with her co-star, and offered some hope for anyone feeling sad about it all.

Lauren Ash had nothing but kind words for America Ferrera, which may speak to the strong bond these actors have forged on set. Ash also has faith in Superstore's ability to move forward, despite the fact the comedy is losing one of its biggest characters.

The Instagram post got a lot of love on the platform, with comments coming in left and right. America Ferrera popped in not long after the post to comment, and left a short and sweet message for Lauren Ash:

The circumstances behind America Ferrera's exit are unknown, though the actress' public statement did not hint at any tension that led to the exit. Ferrera's Amy is a major part of Superstore, and her relationship with other lead character Jonah (Ben Feldman) has dominated a core part of the story. With 22 episodes total and 5 more to air in Season 5, Superstore presumably has enough time to write off Amy in a satisfying way before Season 5 ends. It is unknown if this exit will come at the cost of Amy's relationship with Jonah.

Superstore creator Justin Spitzer revealed about a year ago there were never any plans in place to break up Amy and Jonah. That was then, however, and perhaps back then Spitzer wasn't envisioning a situation where he would have to say goodbye to one of the two actors. Losing America Ferrera doesn't mean that Jonah can't continue to date Amy off-screen, but obviously, the show will have to dance around the fact that it will not be able to bring Amy into episodes or use her for stories unless Spitzer and crew can manage to get Ferrera back.

Superstore returns to NBC Thursday, March 19 at 8 p.m. ET. As always, continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more news on what's happening with television and movies in 2020 and beyond.

Superstore just got less super. In Season 5 it has had some awesome guest stars. However, it is about to lose its main star in America Ferrera. Yes, Ferrera, who has starred as Amelia “Amy” Sosa, since Superstore began, is leaving the comedy after five seasons. The actress’ exit comes following the fifth season’s extended run. What does this mean for Season 6?

NBC had already renewed Superstore for Season 6, so the show will go on. It will now continue without America Ferrera, who has also been an executive producer on the series. How much longer do fans have with Ferrera? The actress will leave Superstore at the end of its current season, per Variety.

If you are coming down from Cloud 9 over Superstore’s recent renewal, that is understandable. America Ferrera has been the lead presence of Superstore since it started. Ferrera’s Amy has also been in a fan-favorite relationship with Ben Feldman’s Jonah. Superstore’s creator had said there were no plans to break-up the couple, who finally got together after a lot of will-they or won’t-they tension.

Since America Ferrera is leaving the show, it puts the Amy/Jonah pairing in serious question. Amy has worked her way up at Cloud 9 and currently works as the store manager. Could her rising career send her away from Cloud 9, yet keep her near enough to Jonah to continue a relationship off-screen? Stay tuned.

Considering America Ferrera’s exit has been announced ahead of Season 5’s finale, the writers should have had time to work out a satisfying departure for Amy. This does not sound like a Grey’s Anatomy situation where a leading character’s exit will be handled with them off-screen. Of course, losing Ferrera is a considerable blow for Superstore moving forward.

How will Superstore manage without its marquee star? The NBC comedy has built a considerable ensemble around America Ferrera throughout the past five seasons. Will the show cast a new name to topline Superstore in Season 6 now that Ferrera is leaving? Or will the comedy rely on the cast that it has?

Losing a central star is a massive game-changer for any show, and Superstore is no exception. It will undoubtedly feel the impact of America Ferrera’s exit. The silver lining to the sad news is that fans should get to see Amy have a proper ending by the time Season 5 is over. It will be interesting to see what happens once Season 6 gets closer to production.

As for America Ferrera’s future, outside of Superstore, Ferrera is an accomplished producer. She executive produced the new Netflix original Gentefied, and directed some episodes of Superstore as well. Ferrera’s fans will want to stay tuned to find out what she does next and how Amy’s story ends on Superstore.

The next episode of Superstore is entitled “Favoritism,” and its premise does not hint at Amy leaving. It centers on Amy’s desire to make Mateo her new assistant, which leads to her being accused of “favoritism.” A group competition will apparently ensue. Will the events of the March 5 episode put her departure in motion?

Find out what Amy’s exit story entails when Season 5 continues heading towards its finale. New episodes of Superstore air Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. There are plenty of winter and spring’s premieres to keep you entertained as well.

It's been about a decade since the The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 hit theaters and it's been well over a decade since the original film in the franchise saw four young women share the same pair of jeans. However, while Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn have all moved on to new and different acting gigs, it's nice to see they still catch up every once and awhile. You can check out the super cute The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants reunion, below.

The image features all four leading ladies from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants getting cozy on a couch to celebrate 2018. The New Year's celebration included comfy clothes and the ladies fawning over America Ferrera, who shared the image, noting the sisterhood is has some "work to do for the next generation. Earlier this week, Ferrera shared the news that she was pregnant with her first child in a cute announcement that included funky New Year's gear and an adorable onesie. She and her husband, Ryan Piers Williams, have been married since 2011.

Following the fun night in with her former movie co-stars, she also appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Colbert also asked America Ferrera this week whether the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants jeans would still fit her even when she starts growing in size due to her pregnancy. Ferrera had a great quip back, noting,

If you can remember that far back, the reason each of the jeans fit four women of different heights and weights is because they are magical pants that the ladies happen upon during a day of shopping. The women in the movie share the pants as they head to different places forth the summer during the first movie. It's the first real time each of the four ladies spent apart, and the pants become a symbol, a means of keeping the friendship bond between each of the four women during that time. The premise is silly, but it's sweet, too, and years later the ladies are still sharing breastmilk and spending time together.

America Ferrera currently stars in Superstore over at NBC and has How To Train Your Dragon 3 also coming up. He former Sisterhood co-stars area all up to different stuff, too. Alexis Bledel is currently part of Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale cast. Blake Lively has a few movies, including spy thriller The Rhythm Section, coming up. Amber Tamblyn is also on the movie circuit, and has Nostalgia coming to theaters on February 16. Even though their live have taken them in different directions, the sisterhood lives on, even through marriages and break-ups and babies! And if the sisterhood lives on, perhaps one day we'll see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3, after all.

Once again, Ricky Gervais is teaming up with Netflix, for a movie this time instead of an episodic offering, like his last outing, the comedy Derek. This project with the streaming service giant is titled Special Correspondents, and the comedy has put together an incredible cast, which just unveiled its first cast photo.

A satirical comedy about a struggling radio journalist from New York who lives a spoiled, over-the-top lifestyle and may lose his job, the story follows him as he fakes a reports from the front lines while hiding out a Manhattan eatery. Joining Gervais are Eric Bana, who plays the aforementioned journalist, Vera Farmiga, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin Pollack, America Ferrara, Raul Castillo, and Benjamin Bratt.

In addition to his on screen acting duties, Gervais also wrote and is directing Special Correspondents for Netflix. The picture is currently filming in Toronto, where they have been in the process of principal photography since last month, and production is slated to wrap up in New York City next month, concluding on July 3. This is an impressive array of talent, and only goes further towards cementing Netflix’s status as an outlet producing interesting, original content that attracts top tier actors.

Eric Bana recently fronted the horror joint Deliver Us From Evil, as well as Peter Berg’s Navy SEALs actioner Lone Survivor, but played the Romulan villain in Star Trek and has even been the Incredible Hulk. Vera Farmiga garnered an Oscar nomination for her role opposite George Clooney in Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air, and has appeared in everything from The Conjuring to The Departed, and currently stars in A&E’s Bates Motel. Kelly Macdonald’s highest profile recent role was on HBO’s prohibition era gangster drama Boardwalk Empire, where she played the female lead, Margaret Schroeder, opposite Steve Buscemi. But if you’re of a certain generation, you first saw her in Trainspotting.

Beginning as a standup comedian, Kevin Pollack has won awards and acclaim for his varied roles in movies like The Usual Suspects, Casino, and many more. America Ferrara first came to prominence as the star of Ugly Betty, but has appeared in tons of other films and TV projects, and even lent her voice to the How To Train Your Dragon movies. The Texas-born Raul Castillo has an extensive resume, but is most known for his role as Richie on HBO’s comedic drama Looking. And Benjamin Bratt is, of course, an industry vet who has popped up in everything from Law & Order to 24 and Modern Family. Hell, he even dated Julia Roberts.

Special Correspondents is deep into production as we speak and is scheduled to debut on Netflix sometime in 2016. And if this cast is any indication, this is probably going to be something rather memorable to behold.

In case if you missed it, Marvel spent the morning dropping bombs about everything its doing through 2020. Apparently we’re getting Civil War. We’re getting Black Panther. We’re getting more Guardians Of The Galaxy. It’s a pretty great time to be a comic book fan and to be Chadwick Boseman, who was cast as Black Panther this morning.

As much as we learned about Marvel this morning, however, we’re still missing one extremely key detail. Who is going to play Captain Marvel? With Boseman in place, joining the previously announced Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, we need a strong, charismatic woman who can compete.

Here are Cinema Blend’s choices for Carol Danvers…

Katee Sackhoff

The favorite for what seems like a majority of fans, Katee Sackhoff has been linked to the role on several occasions, but nothing has ever come of it. Depressingly, many of those rumors came so long ago that one would think if she was going to be signed, it would have happened and been announced today. Still, with plenty of badass experience (Battlestar Galactica and Longmire), she’s someone who could bring plenty of confidence and swagger to the part.

Genesis Rodriguez

With some action work already underneath her belt in The Last Stand, as well as some Marvel/Disney connections as the voice of Honey Lemon in the new film Big Hero 6, Genesis Rodriguez makes for a great candidate. Her schedule should be open as soon as she's done making Yoga Hosers for Kevin Smith, providing she's not cast in the third and final entry in the True North Trilogy, Moose Jaws. No offense to Kevin Smith, but I think most people would pick Carol Danvers.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was almost a Marvel Studios player back when Iron Man 2 was in production. Unfortunately a contractual obligation forced her to pass on the role and star in Gulliver's Travels for 20th Century Fox. However, it's that blessing in disguise that allowed Blunt to eventually star in Edge Of Tomorrow, which has us more than convinced that she's ready for a comic movie of her own.

America Fererra

Another wildcard pick of ours, America Ferrera hasn't really had a lot of opportunity to flex her action movie muscles. That said, she's a Disney mainstay from her Ugly Betty days, and she's done a good job voicing a badass as Astrid in the How To Train Your Dragon series. It doesn't seem that far off to give her a real costume, and to put her into the game for real. She's lost weight. She's looking good, and in the right situation, she could kick some ass.

Gina Torres

A graduate of the Joss Whedon Academy of Bad Ass Women, Gina Torres is a prime choice to play Captain Marvel. Seeing as how Whedon loves to promote from within, it would be a surprise if she wasn't already being courted in some unofficial capacity. Her days on Firefly prove that she can kick ass, while at the same time convey heart and warmth whilst reloading. And whether Whedon is still involved with Marvel down the road or not, one would imagine he would still be rooting for the same team.

Zoe Bell

One of Quentin Tarantino's favorite stunt/leading ladies as of late, Zoe Bell is more than comfortable with the stunts that a Captain Marvel would require. Better still, she'd be able to do all of her own practical stunts without needing a double, which means the writers can really go wild with what they plan in telling Carol Danvers' story. Maybe we can even get QT involved in writing/directing this puppy at that rate!

Gina Carano

Gina Carano's action pedigree is solid, with her appearances in the Fast And Furious franchise, as well as her UFC background both coming in handy. This film will be more of a test to her dramatic mettle, but if she can make an action movie with Steven Soderbergh, there should be very little adjustments to be made when working with whoever Marvel is able to land for this.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Another geek favorite pick is Ramona Flowers herself, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She's tackled both action and comic reading material in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, so Winstead obviously has no problem with bringing a creation of ink and paint into three dimensional life. And if she ever needs a letter of recommendation, she could turn to former Live Free Or Die Hard co-star Bruce Willis for help.

Adrianne Palecki

Now here's an oddball theory. Considering Adrianne Palecki is the new Mockingbird on Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., this sounds crazy, right? But considering the fact that they're already breaking from the comic origins by not (as of yet) having her end up with Hawkeye, why not use this opportunity to shake things up a little more and turn Bobbi Morse into a full blown super?

Tricia Helfer

Another former Battlestar Galactica co-star ready for a big screen burst of glory is Tricia Helfer. While she was sinister as Six on Battlestar, she can also win one for the good guys, much like she did on ABC's Killer Women. Though if Disney needs another reason to re-hire Helfer, they should consider the fact that she was the voice of The Grid itself in Tron: Uprising. Helfer knows what it's like to have all of that power, and she handles it well.

Up-and-coming filmmaker Ryan Piers Williams has dabbled in a little bit of everything when it comes to putting a movie together. He's worked in post-production, has a couple of screenplays and acting gigs to his credit. Plus, he made his feature directorial debut in 2010 with the Edinburgh Film Festival prize-winning drama The Dry Land, which starred his long-time girlfriend America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, End of Watch). Yahoo reports these two love birds are reuniting for Williams' forthcoming follow-up X/Y, a relationship drama where the pair will play a recently split couple.

Williams is producing, directing and starring in the movie as Mark; Ferrara is producing as well as playing Mark's newly minted ex Silvia. The drama centers on how their breakup impacts the group dynamic of their circle of friends. Production for X/Y has begun in New York, and its cast includes Hell on Wheels' Common, Ann Dowd--who recently won acclaim for the troubling indie Compliance--Melonie Diaz of the Sundance hit Fruitvale, Jon Paul Phillips who appeared in the Williams-produced doc Kilimanjaro that premiered at SXSW this year, Starlet's Dree Hemingway, Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer Adam Rapp, Louie's Maria Dizzia, and one of Ferrera's End of Watch castmates, David Harbour.

Considering Williams' success of the film festival circuit, we can anticipate X/Y will start popping up at fest lineups later this year or early next year. In the meantime, look for Ferrera in the Diego Luna-directed biopic Chavez, which is due out this year. Common can be spotted in the magician-centered thriller Now You See Me, and Dowd will appear opposite Vanessa Hudgens in the Ron Kraus drama Gimme Shelter.

It's been nearly two years since Oscar-nominated screenwriter Keir Pearson announced his plans to write a biopic about Cesar Chavez, the labor organizer who fought for the rights of migrant farm workers in the Southwest in the 1960s and 70s. The biopic seemed to have stalled out somewhere in development since that announcement, but today we're learning it's gotten a big, starry boost. Variety reports that Michael Pena is set to play Chavez in an adaptation of Pearson's script to be directed by Diego Luna, the actor known for roles in Y tu Mama Tambien and more recently Contraband.

Luna has one feature film behind him, 2010's coming of age story Abel, but Chavez will likely be a whole lot bigger, and with bigger stars to go along with it. America Ferrera is set to play Chavez's wife, Helen Chavez, while Rosario Dawson will play his aide, Dolores Huerta. The Variety writeup says the action of the film will focus on Chavez organizing the largest non-violent protest in U.S. history on behalf of farm workers, though since Chavez led several similar strikes throughout his career, it's unclear if it will focus on one of them or meld several together into a single story. Luna also provided a statement about the importance of Chavez's work:

As big a step as this will be for Luna, it's even huger for Pena, who has shown a big range in everything from the dramatic Crash to the ridiculous Observe and Report, but has never had the breakout role to really put him on the map. Chavez seems like it could do exactly that, and no matter how the film turns out, a strong performance from Pena will likely get noticed no matter what. Shooting is set to begin in Mexico in April, and if we're lucky, we might get a look at Chavez before the end of the year.