Actor Tom Cruise has the reputation of advocating for a certain class of movies where what we see on screen is done for real. So of course he’s been supporting The Odyssey. The actor dropped by NYC’s Lincoln Square on opening weekend to see it himself, and had big praise for Chris Nolan, the cast and crew. But he also had thoughts on the Dune: Part Three sneak peek playing before IMAX screenings, as well.

Tom Cruise rented out a private showing of The Odyssey for himself and his team. He also apparently ended up inviting some of the employees of the AMC to join him. After an employee shared the “magical” experience, one fan had to ask them if Cruise had thoughts on the Dune: Part Three sneak peek. Here’s what reportedly happened:

In the front of IMAX screenings of The Odyssey, movie fans are treated to the prologue to Dune: Part Three, and Tom Cruise was no exception. Cruise was geeking out over the sequence that involves the Fremen getting caught in a visceral battle after feeling the rain for the first time. And apparently he even called one of the movie’s producers to congratulate them on a job well done. How cool.

Check out Cruise posing with four lucky AMC employees who got to experience the Dune 3 preview and The Odyssey with him. Talk about a treat!

Tom Cruise has certainly been vocal about his love of the Dune franchise before. He sent Chalamet “the most wonderfully inspiring email” that even included a Rolodex of experts he might need for additional stunt training. Per Chalamet’s recounting of the email to GQ, Cruise let him know that “nobody” would hold him to the Old Hollywood standard. And it was up to him to do so.

Dune: Part Three is set to round out Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy based on Frank Herbert’s books. It will follow a super unsettling Paul Atreides 17 years after the previous film. After Paul betrayed Zendaya’s Chani in Part Two and rose as the Lisan al-Gaib, it looks like the two become enemies. All the while, Robert Pattinson’s Scytale executes a plot to dethrone Paul.

It’s not only one of the most exciting upcoming book-to-screen adaptations, it could be the biggest box office weekend of the year. The movie shares a release date with Avengers: Doomsday in a movie event already calling itself Dunesday. We definitely expect Tom Cruise to be first in line after these alleged comments about Part Three.

The 2026 movie schedule has already had some bangers, but man, I think I just found my official most-anticipated of the bunch for the second half of the year now that we have a fresh trailer for Dune: Part Three We just got the most epic look at Denis Villeneuve's trilogy finale yet, and it has me thinking about what dark arc is on the horizon for Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. Thankfully, the actor himself shed some light on what’s coming.

CinemaBlend attended Dune: Part 3’s global fan event at the AMC Burbank in Los Angeles, CA on Wednesday morning. We were among the first to see the movie’s new trailer along with witnessing an exclusive conversation between Villeneuve and Timothée Chalamet. Check out the trailer here:

Y’all, the chills I had seeing this in IMAX with an audience! I’m not going to be OK after this movie… and I cannot wait. The new footage really focuses on the fallout of Dune: Part 2, where Paul broke the heart of Zendaya’s Chani by deciding to marry Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan. He did so to take the throne as the Padishah Emperor – officially choosing power and war over anything else.

It certainly seems like Paul is going to the dark side here, so I’m happy that the event’s moderator Brittany Broski asked Chalamet if Paul is stepping into his “villain” era now. Here’s how the Oscar-nominated actor responded:

The writing was on the wall in Dune: Part Two that Paul maybe wasn’t going to be the hero of this story anymore, and in Part Three the ramifications of this will all come to a head. The trailer also sets up what’s going on with Robert Pattinson’s role of Scytale, who decides to execute a plot to dethrone Paul and involve the Princess.

I also think the trailer insinuates that Chani may actually be the one to go head-to-head with the Emperor by the end of the movie after things have gone bitter between them. Chalamet also said this about what’s going on with Paul and Chani during the event:

Part Three's main plotline takes place a couple decades after the second movie, and also features Anya Taylor-Joy as Paul’s sister, Alia. The franchise newcomer has called the role “very intense” and I can see why. While the first Dune: Part Three trailer got me excited, this second one has me moving the movie to the top of my list of 2026 movies I’m hyped for. A big part of that is Paul's nuanced arc across the trilogy being concluded. I mean, and this new poster? Check it:

During the event, we were also treated to an exclusive look at the opening of Dune: Part 3, which will be playing in front of IMAX screenings of The Odyssey next weekend. It had Javier Bardem’s Stilgar and some other men being thrust into an intense battle sequence in the rain. I’d imagine he’s operating under the orders of Paul after embracing him as the messianic Lisan al-Gaib at the end of Dune: Part 2. It doesn't show the whole battle sequence, so now I'm left wanting to watch the whole thing.

We'll have to wait for the final Dune film until December 18!

Major spoilers for Episode 3 of Cape Fear are ahead! Read with caution and stream with an Apple TV subscription.

In the new adaptation of Cape Fear that’s airing on the 2026 TV schedule, we get to see Javier Bardem’s take on Max Cady, a villain who has been played by Robert De Niro and Robert Mitchum in some of the best horror movies of all time. That's one big connection between all the projects; however, there’s a cast member in this new series who played a major role in the 1991 movie. So, I had to ask the creator and the cast about the actress's new part.

The actress I’m talking about is Juliette Lewis. In the third episode of Cape Fear, it’s revealed in a creepy way that she’s the one who has been lurking around in that raincoat and mask. Of course, she played Danielle, the daughter in the family Max tormented, in the 1991 film. So seeing her return as seemingly an antagonist is a very fun twist that I discussed with creator Nick Antosca.

How Juliette Lewis Got Involved In Apple TV’s Cape Fear

The Apple TV version of Cape Fear that’s gotten solid reviews already has ties to the 1991 movie. For example, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg worked on both of them. However, when it comes to what we see on-screen, the biggest connection between the last film and this new project came with the addition of Juliette Lewis.

The show’s creator, Nick Antosca, told me that he’s always “loved” Juliette Lewis’ performance in Cape Fear since the early ‘90s. So, the idea of involving her was always on his mind. Speaking about how he acted on this idea, Antosca told me:

In the 1962 version of Cape Fear, Gregory Peck played Sam Bowden while Robert Mitchum played Max Cady. Those parts then went to Nick Nolte and Robert De Niro, respectively, for the 1991 movie, while Peck returned to play Lee Heller and Mitchem came back as Lieutenant Elgart.

So, in that situation, Lewis has returned to Cape Fear as a new character. And it seems like she’s out to get Max Cady. To that point, Antosca told me how they developed this character for the Yellowjackets actress in the writers' room:

While we’ve only seen a peek of her so far, she’s been fabulously scary. It’s also clear that her character rattles Max in a way that surprised me. And it’s extra cool to watch when you consider who she played in the 1991 movie.

How The Actors Playing The Kids In 2026's Cape Fear Felt About Juliette Lewis

Speaking about who Lewis played in that movie, I also chatted with the actors who play the Bowden children in the Apple TV series. Lily Collias portrays Natalie, the daughter of Anna and Tom Bowden, and the closest parallel to Lewis’ Danielle from the 1991 film. When I asked Collias what it was like to have the actress who played a similar part on set, she explained:

She went on to say she’s “eternally grateful” that she got to work alongside Lewis for this show, especially considering the parallels that can be drawn between Natalie and Danellie.

Joe Anders, who plays Natalie’s brother, Zach, agreed with her. He also told me that they didn’t know Lewis would be involved at first. However, they were thrilled when they found out she was joining the cast, with Anders noting that the Natural Born Killers actress is “really one of the greats.”

Now, it will be very exciting to see how this story unfolds and how Juliette Lewis’ new character plays into it. To find that out, you can catch new episodes of Cape Fear every Friday on Apple TV.

Robert De Niro left us all deeply unsettled with his portrayal of Max Cady in 1991’s Cape Fear — which we at CinemaBlend not only think is one of the best movies of the ‘90s but one of the best horror flicks of all time — and now 25 years later, the proverbial torch has been passed to Javier Bardem for an upcoming Apple TV series. Critics were given 8 of the series' 10 episodes, and reviews are in ahead of its June 5 premiere.

In addition to Javier Bardem, the Cape Fear TV series stars Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson as Tom and Anna Bowden, the husband-and-wife attorneys who Max seeks revenge against. CinemaBlend’s Riley Utley watched Robert De Niro’s version for the first time recently, and still, she said she never could have predicted the show’s wild twists. She said:

For some fans — including our own Hugh Scott — this role appears to be precisely the manic performance we’ve been craving from Javier Bardem since No Country for Old Men, and Richard Roeper of RogerEbert confirms the Oscar-winner is a live wire of conflicting emotions on Cape Fear. In fact, Roeper says Bardem serves up “a combo platter of sexually charged charisma” as Max Cady. He rates the series 3 out of 4 stars, writing:

Daniel Fienberg of THR agrees with the other critics that the strong cast elevates the Cape Fear series — which he admits remains “generally entertaining, if not consistently gripping” throughout. However, Fienberg says he doesn’t feel like this book-to-screen adaptation with two prior movies needed to be stretched into a 10-episode series and says he thinks it’s about four hours longer than viewers will be able to sustain the sympathy and suspension of disbelief they’ll need to get through. His Cape Fear review reads:

Hunter Ingram of The Wrap says adapting the series into 10 hourlong episodes gives director Nick Antosca the time to soak in the dread of Max Cady’s tormenting tactics and the implosion of the Bowden family unit. That’s not necessary for this story, however, the critic says, but being able to watch Javier Bardem play such “deranged perfection” is a gift. Ingram writes:

Nick Schager of the Daily Beast has a wildly different take than the other Cape Fear reviews I read. calling it “TV’s worst movie remake yet.” Apple TV’s remake “unnecessarily and exasperatingly expands, remixes, and overcomplicates its source material,” Schager says, writing:

The critics who enjoyed the first eight episodes of Cape Fear largely admitted to some unbelievability or other nit-picks (though I don’t count “undeniably entertaining trash TV” as an insult), and the negative reviews admitted to high points of the series. Overall, the consensus is that Cape Fear is worth checking out when it premieres on the 2026 TV schedule, as it garnered a Certified Fresh 74% from Rotten Tomatoes’ critics.

The first two episodes drop Friday, June 5, with one episode weekly thereafter. The series can be streamed with an Apple TV subscription.

Earlier this week, the first trailer dropped for a new telling of the Cape Fear story. The series, available with an Apple TV subscription starting in June, stars Javier Bardem as Max Cady. Cady is the character who was first made famous by Robert Mitchum in the original book-to-screen adaptation of The Executioners in 1962, and by Robert De Niro in the 1991 remake directed by Martin Scorsese. We’ve seen the first trailer and, frankly, it looks like everything I’ve wanted from Bardem since his breakout English-speaking role in No Country for Old Men.

Bardem Looks Scary In Cape Fear

All we’ve seen so far is one trailer from Cape Fear, but it wastes no time showing a side of Bardem that I absolutely love. He is scary. Like, really terrifying. There is a look in his eyes in multiple shots that is truly unhinged. Max Cady is one of the best villains in movie history, and both the previous versions are quite different from what we see from Bardem in this preview. The evolution of Cady from Mitchum to De Niro to Bardem is intense. They get more and more deranged from 1962 to 2026.

In the original, Mitchum is scary with his menacing presence alone. In the ‘91 version, De Niro is demented, but not completely frenzied. At least at first. Here, Bardem looks completely manic from the jump. There’s nothing subtle in the performance, at least judging from the trailer. This may be the most over-the-top scary Bardem has played, at least in the roles I’ve seen him in (and admittedly, I’ve not seen a lot of his work in his native Spain). This is what I want from Bardem!

Bardem Knows How To Play Menacing And Scary

While No Country For Old Men wasn’t Bardem’s first role in an English-language film, that came in 2000’s Before Night Falls, it was what brought him to wide acclaim and recognition in the English-speaking world. He is excellent in Before Night Falls, by the way. It earned him an Academy Award nomination. He also plays a menacing psychopath in the best Bond film of the 21st Century (so far), Skyfall. Still, it was the psychotic assassin Anton Chigurh in No Country that I ranked at the top of Bardem performances.

I love Bardem in both of these roles, but, again, judging only from the trailer, he’s playing a different kind of scary here. He’s bonkers. He’s crazed. He’s off his rocker. There is nothing brooding about him, though, I’m sure in Cady’s more calculating moments, there will be some of that too. It’s something I’ve never seen before for Bardem, and I couldn’t be more excited. This isn’t the Max Cady who is loudly laughing in a movie theater, freaking everyone out. No, this is a wide-eyed crazy person coming right at you. Bring it on!

We still have a couple of months before Cape Fear hits the 2026 television schedule, but when it does, I’ll be watching it immediately.

Following in the footsteps of two all-timer Hollywood legends like Robert Mitchum and Robert De Niro would be intimidating for anyone, but taking on a role like stalker-rapist Max Cady already requires a certain amount of quasi-psycho chutzpah. And hot diggity danger, Javier Bardem is truly embodying beast mode in the first trailer for the upcoming Apple TV series that’ll be the first episodic adaptation of Cape Fear, backed by mega-producers Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

The first trailer seen above is arguably one of the most tense and blood pressure-raising ways to start one’s day, or to end it, depending on when you’re watching. Cape Fear co-stars Patrick Wilson and Amy Adams as attorney Tom Bowden and Anna Bowden, respectively, the parents of Lily Collias’ Natalie and Joe Anders’ Zack. They’re your typical, everyday, affluent AF, Southern family….with some regrettable skeletons in their shared closet.

Enter one such intimidation-minded skeleton, the aforementioned Max Cady, who is newly released from prison and is seems pretty interested in seeking vengeance against those who put him away. It wasn’t exactly an open and shut case, with Tom and Anna responsible for obscuring evidence that likely would have led to Cady going free. Let it be a lesson that the worst people you can possibly try to legally screw over are the ones you already believe are capable of humanity’s worst crimes. I say, I say, are ya taking’ notes, Tom, my boy? (That’s my best Foghorn Leghorn impression.)

It’s not a very complicated set-up, and the TV show looks like it’ll take full advantage of all the extra narrative time to really juice the hell out of Cady stalking and psychologically hounding the Bowden family. Javier Bardem really does look like a natural fit for the part, bringing all of the impulsive and intrusive terror of No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh, but with the most charismatic and engaging personality attached. Not to mention the way his back tattoos seem to follow me no matter where I’m walking in the room.

Cape Fear was one of the best movies of the 1990s — despite not even being Scorsese’s top ‘90s film — so the idea to bring it back as a weekly series for the 2026 TV schedule takes a wild mind behind the scenes. Which makes it a perfect project for creator and showrunner Nick Antosca, whose A-tier anthology series Channel Zero remains my most treasured horror TV ever, and who’s also helped bring other classic characters like Hannibal Lecter and Chucky to the small screen.

Beyond the trio of huge stars fronting this series, the Cape Fear cast is as good as it gets. We have Silence of the Lambs great Ted Levine (who's also excellent in Netflix's Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen), a pair of Sons of Anarchy vets in CCH Pounder and Ron Perlman, The Wire great Jamie Hector, Daredevil: Born Again's Margarita Levieva, Paradise's Patrick Fischler and more.

June 5 is the big day when everyone with a Apple TV subscription can take part in sharing the Bowden family's ongoing dread, as Cape Fear will be dropping the first two episodes of its 10-ep season, with the first directed by The Intimidation Game's Morten Tyldum.

I don’t know why, but Hollywood has been in a major funk when it comes to bringing us more great romantic comedies since the early 2000s, in my opinion. There have been a couple of bangers here and there (including some solid releases from the genre last year), but I’m always waiting for one to really wow me. Thankfully, one of our queens of the rom-com, Kate Hudson, is coming back around for an upcoming movie with an inspired partner with whom to share the screen.

Kate Hudson’s Next Movie Is A Rom-Com? Sign Me Up

It’s a good time to be Kate Hudson considering the 46-year-old was just nominated for an Oscar for her movie Song Sung Blue. She must be getting more offers than ever, but I was happy to learn that rather than going the dramatic actor route, she’s going back to a genre she’s famous for. Deadline reported this week that she’s just said yes to starring in a movie called Hello & Paris, which is loosely based on a romance novel by Deborah McKinlay called That Part Was True.

Sure, Hudson was reminding a lot of people of her How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days character with her sports comedy Running Point that came out last year. Otherwise, the actor hasn’t been in a proper rom-com since she was in Garry Marshall’s Mother’s Day in 2016 with Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston. That came out 10 years ago this year!

I’m Equally As Interested In Javier Bardem As Her Leading Man

A rom-com is only as good as its two leads, and I think Hello & Paris struck big by casting Javier Bardem in the other main role. Sure, Bardem’s best movies skew dramas, but we mustn't forget he was in a couple of romances, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Eat Pray Love, and he was incredibly charming both times. I think he has the stuff to match well with Hudson, and I’m curious to see this movie already.

The movie will apparently have Hudson playing a “fiercely independent” landscape architect who writes to her favorite author (Bardem) before they start writing to each other from different continents and find they have a lot in common. I definitely see why it’s being compared to classics like Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail, and here's hoping it delivers.

Hello & Paris is being adapted and directed by Elizabeth Chomko, who’s only made one small movie called What They Had (starring Hilary Swank and Michael Shannon) back in 2018. A few years ago, Hudson shared some blunt thoughts about the state of rom-coms that I totally agreed with, so I trust if she’s signed onto this, she’s picked a worthy return in Hello & Paris.

Do you want to know one of my favorite paintings? It's Francisco Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son. One of Goya's “Black paintings,” which he apparently did right on one of his own walls, is the image of a crazed Saturn (a.k.a. the titan, Cronus, in Greek Mythology) taking chomps out of one of his children and has always fascinated (and terrified!) me.

So, when I heard that there was a movie called Goya's Ghosts that starred one of the GOATS of acting, Stellan Skarsgard, and another living legend, Javier Bardem, I knew I just had to watch it. And, watch it I did!

The 2006 film (It came out in 2007 in America) isn't perfect, but if you're interested in the time period, subject matter, and actors (Natalie Portman is also in it!) then this is just the film for you!

Firstly, It Displays One Of My Favorite Artists, Francisco Goya, In A Tight Spot

Now, even though I'm familiar with some of Goya's work, I really didn't know anything about him as a man until I watched this movie. Given how expressive and dramatic some of his paintings are, such as Witches’ Sabbath (The Great He-Goat), The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters, and The Third of May 1808, I always envisioned Goya as a sort of loner who kept quiet and just painted in solitude.

I never imagined that he was actually a commissioned artist who often painted nobility, but that's what sets the story in motion here. You see, Goya (Skarsgard) is painting a portrait of a priest (Bardem), and the priest sees a portrait of a woman (Natalie Portman) that Goya painted, and is attracted to her. He sneakily pursues her and then performs a heinous act on her, but I'll get into that later.

Now, while the film is historical fiction, I would still consider it a period piece that isn't boring (though, your mileage may vary). The movie takes place during the Spanish Inquisition, and Goya often finds himself caught in the middle when others have disagreements with each other, since he just tends to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I won't spoil how he tries to keep out of trouble, but it's really fascinating to see a version of Goya who is afraid for his own safety and has to think on his feet in order to not be in the crosshairs of the church.

Javier Bardem Is Terrifying As A Priest

One year prior to Javier Bardem terrifying America in No Country for Old Men (which you can actually stream for free right now), he was terrifying an audience in Spain with Goya's Ghosts.

In the film, Bardem plays Brother Lorenzo Casamares, a priest during the Spanish Inquisition. Being of such high authority, he can use the “rules” against people, and he does so to a young woman named Ines (Portman), who he finds alluring. Ines is later brought into questioning for being Jewish, even though she claims she is not, and confesses due to extreme torture, after which she is eventually imprisoned.

Bardem's character then does something truly heinous to Ines, which I'll get into in the next section. It's for this reason alone that he’s definitely a villain who steals the show (even though most would argue that Anton Chigurh is the more terrifying antagonist).

It's a really icky performance, and it makes me think about Bardem's work in Darren Aronofsky's mother! (which I still think about to this day). He can play charming, intimidating, and terrifying, all in the same scene. However, in Goya's Ghosts, he's all of these things, but also a coward, since he eventually flees once the tide turns against him (and it turns quite swiftly, I might add). It's a fascinating performance, and one of my favorites of Bardem's, which says a lot since I love pretty much all of his performances.

Natalie Portman's Story Is Infuriating In How Wronged She Is

Natalie Portman is a badass. I thought so ever since I first saw her in Leon: The Professional, and she continued to be badass in movies like the Star Wars prequels, and in Thor: Love and Thunder. But, do you want to know my favorite performances of Portman's? It’s the ones where she's super vulnerable.

I'm talking about movies like Closer, Black Swan, and Jackie. Well, I don't think I've ever watched a movie where Portman is more vulnerable than in Goya's Ghosts, where she is physically and mentally abused to such an extent that I got viscerally angry while watching this movie.

The reason why it's so infuriating is because of what I'd consider a form of Stockholm Syndrome, as she falls in love with her abuser. Brother Lorenzo is the one who pursues her, and when she is imprisoned, he at first prays with her, lowering her guard, but then forces himself upon her at a later time, which eventually impregnates her. Later, after being imprisoned for years, she's driven to insanity, especially after her baby is taken from her.

She's a wronged woman, and I'd love to say that she eventually has her day, but I can't say that. You're just left feeling bad for her until the very end because nothing ever seems to go her way. And, by the conclusion, you're left feeling empty and upset. Portman does such a phenomenal job of playing the victim in this film, that you feel you need to watch one of her more kickass performances to feel good for her again.

The Setting Is Vivid And Haunting

I'm a big fan of period pieces, especially when it comes to costumes. Not too long ago, I wrote about lthe Tim Burton/Johnny Depp musical, Sweeney Todd, and I spent a whole section talking about how the art directors did such a good job of recreating old-time London. I very much feel the same about this film and how it recreates 18th and 19th-century Spain.

The costumes, for one thing, are exceptional. Since Goya deals mostly with nobility, we see a number of nobles sitting around for paintings, or discussing their days while Goya is taking in the whole scene. We also see the religious side, with all of their garbs and get-ups. The contrast between the regal and the religious is not as stark as it probably should be, which I think is the point - the priests in this era WERE the regal ones.

We also see the grungier side of things, as once Ines gets thrown into prison, she is pretty much at the very bottom of the totem pole, no higher than the prostitutes of that era, which she soon becomes.

All of this really brings the time period alive, and I don’t think the film would work if the scenery didn’t feel so authentic.

Overall, It Is An Overlooked Gem From The Early 2000s

As a cineast, one of my greatest pleasures is introducing people to movies they might not have heard of before. I love that I can talk about a film like Black Narcissus from the ‘40s, and then a movie like Black Sunday from the ‘70s.

Well, it makes sense when people tell me they’ve never heard of movies from the ‘40s or ‘70s, but Goya’s Ghosts seriously wasn’t even that long ago. It came out in 2006. That said, it is from Spain, so it might have slipped underneath your radar.

All the same, if it sounds interesting, I suggest you watch it. It’s often overlooked in Portman, Bardem, and Skargard’s filmographies, so if you happened to miss this early 2000’s hidden gem, check it out.

Have you ever watched Goya’s Ghosts? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

It never ceases to amaze me when an actor is the spitting image of the real person they are selected to play. I do not think a historical portrayal necessarily lives or dies by the performer’s resemblance to the subject, but I think it is something to appreciate, especially when you consider the amount of biopics starring actors who bear absolutely no resemblance to their role. Here are a few notable examples of actors who were clearly hired for their talents above anything else.

Michael Shannon As Elvis Presley (Elvis & Nixon)

The most requested photo in the National Archives depicts Elvis Presley shaking hands with Richard Nixon in the Oval Office, and the events surrounding this historic meeting at the White House are dramatized in 2016's Elvis & Nixon. Kevin Spacey makes for a visually believable depiction of the 37th United States President, but the otherwise wonderfully talented Michael Shannon simply does not cut it as the one many call the King of Rock 'n Roll, even with a decent jumpsuit and wig.

John Wayne As Genghis Khan (The Conqueror)

Oh, boy, where do we begin with this one? The only visual evidence we have of what Genghis Khan looked like is artist renderings, but it does not take an expert to notice that John Wayne was not Asian. Still, the legendary Western movie star was cast as the Mongol chief in 1956's The Conqueror, which has since been regarded as one of the worst films ever made.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson As John Lennon (Nowhere Boy)

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 2009 music biopic Nowhere Boy focuses on the pre-Beatles life of John Lennon, as portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. If you ask me, the Golden Globe-winning actor might have been a better fit to play, perhaps, Paul McCartney or, better yet, George Harrison.

Tom Cruise As Barry Seal (American Made)

If more people knew about Barry Seal and what he looked like, I believe Tom Cruise's portrayal in 2017's American Made would have been criticized as one of the most egregious miscastings in Hollywood history. The otherwise talented movie star did absolutely nothing to alter his appearance and pass for the ill-fated, heavy-set CIA smuggler, save what I regard as an embarrassing Southern accent.

Julia Roberts As Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich)

Julia Roberts gives, arguably, the finest performance of her career as a single mother and paralegal who uncovers a small town pollution scandal in Steven Soderbergh's Erin Brockovich from 2000. However, if a resemblance to the person an actor is portraying were part of the Academy's voting criteria, she might not have won the Oscar.

Denzel Washington As Frank Lucas (American Gangster)

Ridley Scott's 2007 biopic American Gangster dramatizes the career of mobster Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, and also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lucas' brother, Huey. Curiously, Ejiofor actually looks a whole lot more like the real Frank than the two-time Oscar winner. However, Washington was a good friend and frequent collaborator of the director's brother, Tony Scott, so he probably had the role in the bag for that, among other reasons.

Johnny Depp As J.M. Barrie (Finding Neverland)

Oddly enough, J.M. Barrie boasted a striking resemblance to another influential author, Edgar Allan Poe, with his tall forehead and small moustache. However, Johnny Depp, who played the Peter Pan author in 2004's Finding Neverland, does not boast a resemblance to either of them, if you ask me.

Hugh Jackman As P.T. Barnum (The Greatest Showman)

Let's not even bother talking about the many historical inaccuracies from The Greatest Showman, 2017's musical retelling of the origins of the circus, and even ignore the fact that P.T. Barnum was not the kindhearted man Hugh Jackman portrayed him as. All that matters to this list is whether or not the Wolverine star looked the part, and the famously attractive Australian actor most definitely was not a match for Barnum in that regard.

Michael Fassbender As Steve Jobs (Steve Jobs)

Michael Fassbender's Oscar-nominated performance in director Danny Boyle and writer Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs from 2015 is widely regarded as superior to Ashton Kutcher's portrayal in Jobs from two years earlier. However, at least the former That '70s Show cast member can say he resembled the tech pioneer more closely.

Jesse Eisenberg As Mark Zuckerberg (The Social Network)

Mark Zuckerberg once made a surprise SNL cameo, during which he stood right next to host Jesse Eisenberg on the Studio 8H stage, proving that they are certainly not a visual match. The actor does not even bother to imitate the Facebook founder's distinctly low voice when portraying him in 2010's The Social Network, but his Oscar nomination proves that that is not what really matters in the end.

Tom Hanks As Fred Rogers (A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood)

Casting a universally beloved actor such as Tom Hanks to play a universally beloved children's television personality like Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood fame, is brilliant in theory. However, even giving the Oscar winner the icon's signature haircut and sweaters is not quite enough to distract from the fact that you are still unmistakably watching Hanks on screen.

Leonardo DiCaprio As Howard Hughes (The Aviator)

A major inspiration for Marvel's Tony "Iron Man" Stark was Howard Hughes, whose resemblance is actually a striking match for both Robert Downey Jr. and Dominic Cooper, who plays Howard Stark in his early years in the MCU. In fact, I think either one of them would have been a better visual fit for the eccentric millionaire in The Aviator than Leonardo DiCaprio, even if his performance in the 2005 biopic makes it one of his best collaborations with the director, Martin Scorsese.

Warren Beatty And Faye Dunaway As Clyde Barrow And Bonnie Parker (Bonnie And Clyde)

From a performance standpoint, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway make a great onscreen duo portraying the titular notorious bank robbers in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde. However, the screen legends' casting does not earn the film any points for historical accuracy, considering Beatty does not have Clyde Barrow's jug ears, nor does Dunaway boast Bonnie Parker's sharp, thin face.

Taraji P. Henson As Katherine G. Johnson (Hidden Figures)

Taraji P. Henson gives an undeniably commanding performance in 2016's Hidden Figures as Katherine G. Johnson, a mathematician who was pivotal in helping NASA figure out space travel. Yet, when comparing the Empire star to photos of the real Johnson, it is clear the actor does not resemble her much at all.

Anthony Hopkins As Richard Nixon (Nixon)

Reportedly, Anthony Hopkins had some hesitation about taking on the lead role of Oliver Stone's 1995 biopic about Richard M. Nixon. Ultimately, I would say the Academy Award winner went on to give a great performance in Nixon, but I find myself distracted by his struggle to hide his accent and his obvious fake teeth and hairpiece that really do not help make him look any closer in resemblance to the disgraced U.S. president.

Margot Robbie As Queen Elizabeth I (Mary Queen Of Scots)

Cate Blanchett previously gave an Academy Award-nominated performance as the lead of 1998's Elizabeth, and even bore a strong resemblance to the royal based on artist renderings. I cannot say the same about Margot Robbie, even if the Australian actor's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots was still worthy of praise.

Benedict Cumberbatch As Alan Turing (The Imitation Game)

Benedict Cumberbatch has such a distinct appearance, making it difficult for him to resemble anyone else without heavy alterations. However, nothing was done to make him look any closer to World War II-era computer scientist Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

Javier Bardem As Desi Arnaz (Being The Ricardos)

Oscar winner Nicole Kidman went above and beyond to physically become Lucille Ball for writer and director Aaron Sorkin's dramatization of what went on behind the scenes of the beloved TV sitcom, I Love Lucy. However, playing her onscreen husband is Oscar winner Javier Bardem, who does not pass for Desi Arnaz in the slightest.

Ray Liotta As Shoeless Joe Jackson (Field Of Dreams)

Technically, Ray Liotta plays the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams, but even a person's spectral remnant should look something like them. The infamous MLB player had a much narrower face and wider ears, not to mention that he pitched left-handed, while the actor did the opposite in the beloved sports movie.

Beyoncé As Etta James (Cadillac Records)

No one could possibly deny that Beyoncé has the pipes to match Etta James, which had to have been the reason why she was cast in 2008's Cadillac Records. However, the "At Last" singer was short and round-faced, and the former Destiny's Child member is neither.

Dominic West As Prince Charles III (The Crown)

I mean no disrespect to Prince Charles III, but is it just me, or was The Wire star Dominic West just a little too handsome to play the Royal Family member on The Crown? Then again, any one cast member's portrayal on the historical Netflix series might pale in comparison to Elizabeth Debicki's striking resemblance to Princess Diana.

Kane Hodder As Ed Gein (Ed Gein: The Butcher Of Plainfield)

The most famous actor to wear Jason Voorhees' hockey mask in the Friday the 13th films must have seemed like an inspired choice to play one of the most notorious serial killers in history in 2007's Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield. However, the 6'2", broadly built Kane Hodder does not boast Gein's narrower face and small stature.

Clive Owen As Bill Clinton (Impeachment: American Crime Story)

In most cases, prosthetics can be very helpful in making an actor look more similar to the person they are portraying, such as when Charlize Theron became Megyn Kelly for Bombshell. Clive Owen adopted this method to play Bill Clinton on Impeachment: American Crime Story, but the makeup only caused the English actor to resemble the 1990s-era President even less.

Angelina Jolie As Christine Collins (Changeling)

Christine Collins is the subject of Clint Eastwood's 2008 period film, Changeling, which is based on the true story of when her missing son was replaced by an impostor. Had she been an even better-known historical figure, there might have been more criticism over casting Angelina Jolie, an actor known for her voluptuous lips, as the thin-lipped 1920s woman.

Fred Armisen As Barack Obama (Saturday Night Live)

Considering the fact that the otherwise extremely talented SNL star Fred Armisen is a white man with a subpar impersonation of the 44th. U.S. President, I'll just say that I am glad Jay Pharoah eventually took over as Barack Obama.

Tom Hulce As Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Amadeus)

Just based on artist renderings of the seminal composer, Tom Hulce was nowhere near a match to play the title role of director Milos Forman's Best Picture Oscar winner, Amadeus, from 1984. However, the actor is widely admired for his performance as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which earned him a well-deserved Academy Award nomination.

Robert Redford As Harry Longabaugh (Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid)

I wonder how many others like me had no idea that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was based on a true story, which might be how the film was able to get away with casting actors who look nothing like the Western outlaws they play. For instance, Robert Redford's mustache works just fine for the role, but Harry Longabaugh, a.k.a. "The Sundance Kid," did not have long blonde locks.

Diana Ross As Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues)

Most would agree that 1972's Lady Sings the Blues is the superior biopic about the trailblazing "Strange Fruit" singer over The United States vs. Billie Holiday from 2021. However, those same people might also agree that Andra Day was a better fit to play Holiday, physically speaking, than the otherwise wonderfully talented Diana Ross in the earlier film.

Robin Williams As Patch Adams (Patch Adams)

The real Patch Adams hates Tom Shadyac's biopic based on his life, which has nothing to do with the fact that Robin Williams looks nothing like the influential doctor. However, it's still impossible to ignore, especially with how they do not even bother to give the Oscar winner Adams' signature mustache.

Mel Gibson As William Wallace (Braveheart)

In the most well-known illustrations of William Wallace, the Scottish warrior is depicted as having short hair and a beard. Why director Mel Gibson opted against this look when he portrayed Wallace in Braveheart is beyond me.

Serena Scott Thomas As Princess Diana (Diana: Her True Story)

Many actors have portrayed Princess Diana to varying degrees of success, but most consider Serena Scott Thomas from the 1993 two-part miniseries, Diana: Her True Story, to be one of the weakest matches, purely in terms of her physical resemblance.

Zoe Saldaña As Nina Simone (Nina)

The 2016 biopic, Nina, sparked controversy when Zoe Saldaña donned skin-darkening makeup and a prosthetic nose to better resemble singer Nina Simone, which the actor would later admit she regretted.

Warning: Spoiler Alert! There are spoilers around every corner in this story about the racing in F1, so consider this your caution flag before proceeding.

This weekend, F1 ,starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem, hits the 2025 movie schedule, and as a Formula 1 fan, I’ve been excited for this movie ever since they began shooting during the 2023 F1 season. Honestly, I expected it to be somewhat unrealistic, and it was. That didn’t bother me, though. Let me explain why.

The Racing Tactics Were Nothing Like Real Racing

Setting aside the fact that the movie never once showed race qualifying or the three practice sessions that every race has, the in-race tactics of the team led by Sonny Hayes (Pitt) and his teammate Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) are nothing like you’d see in a real Grand Prix. Harkening back to another Jerry Bruckheimer-produced racing classic, Days of Thunder, there are a lot more “rubbin’ is racin’” moments than would ever happen in a real race.

Sonny’s cheeky moves to disable his opponents and even his car would be sniffed out immediately by the race stewards, and he would almost certainly be black-flagged (disqualified) from the race and possibly suspended from racing. While “rubbin’” is a somewhat normal part of NASCAR, it’s insanely dangerous in F1, where the cars are much more delicate (and much faster). In F1 these days, safety is paramount; the race officials would never, ever let a team get away with dangerous tactics like that.

The Race In The Rain Was Also Completely Unrealistic

During the Italian Grand Prix at the world-famous Monza, the rain starts to fall hard. This isn’t weird; unlike American racing, F1 races don’t stop for rain (most of the time). What is weird is the discussion the team has between the drivers, Sonny and Joshua, about what tires they are going to use.

The discussion is between “slicks,” which are the normal racing tires and have no tread at all, and “intermediates,” which are tires racers use for light rain, which do have some tread to push away the water. There is almost no situation where, in a rain as hard as it is in the movie, cars would ever stay on the track on slicks. They would have literally no grip at all. If anything, the discussion would be between intermediates or “full wet” tires (tires with even more tread for harder rain). Staying on slicks would almost certainly end in disaster, and it does in the movie.

Joshua’s Crash Was Incredible On Screen, But…

One thing I definitely expected to see in F1 was a big, fiery crash, and boy oh boy was there one! Joshua flies off the track (because he stayed on slicks in the rain) and crashes into the barrier with tremendous force in a fireball. These kinds of crashes are the type you expect in any racing movie, but they are exceedingly rare in real races. Most crashes in a real Formula 1 race are actually kind of underwhelming; a car loses control and spins onto the gravel or into a wall, and some carbon fiber goes flying; there’s almost never a fire these days, and the drivers usually climb out of their wrecked car unaided.

There used to be a lot more terrible, and often deadly, crashes in F1. The movie Rush, from 2013, features one that was absolutely true to life in a race from the 1970s. However, ever since the death of the legendary Ayrton Senna (who still has millions of fans today, including Alexandra Daddario) at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994, Formula 1 has gone all in on making the cars as safe as possible, and they have largely succeeded.

That’s not to say dramatic crashes never happen. During the 2020 season, Haas driver Romain Grosjean flew into a barrier at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and his car exploded into a huge fireball. Grosjean escaped safely, with a few minor burns to his hands, much like Joshua in F1. So, while the crash in the film is something that could happen, it’s incredibly rare.

None Of This Bothered Me, Though

While it may seem like I’m complaining about the racing scenes in F1, none of these things bothered me at all. As I wrote, I expected the movie to be over-the-top. Heck, I wanted it to be over-the-top. The racing scenes are amazing. As my colleague Eric Eisenberg wrote in his review of F1,

F1 is so much fun, especially for a fan of racing, that playing fast and loose with reality doesn’t matter at all. All the racing scenes, from the moment we first see Sonny competing at the 24 Hours of Daytona, through the last bit at the Rally Mexico are amazing.

Because the production had the full support of Formula 1, every racer from the 2023 season make some kind of appearance. It was like spotting Easter Eggs for a fan like me. “Look! There’s Max Verstappen! Hey, it’s Fernando Alonso!” There are also the tracks. Silverstone, Spa, and Monza are three legendary tracks, and we get to see all of them extensively in the movie. It’s just a really fun ride.

F1 is the epitome of a popcorn-chomping summer blockbuster. It’s not a documentary, and it’s not Drive To Survive (which you can watch with a Netflix subscription). Expecting it to be is, frankly, silly. It will make you a fan of F1, though. At least, I hope it will, because it's a fantastic sport. If the lack of realism does upset you, I think you need to relax and think like Sonny in the last lap, let the car do the flying, and just float into the zone.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been making solid progress seeding in X-Men references, most notably with the release of Deadpool & Wolverine last year. Eventually though, the day will come when mutants heroes and villains will get the spotlight within the franchise’s main continuity. The MCU’s X-Men movie has been in development for several years now, and it’s been rumored that Mister Sinister will serve as the main antagonist. Now there’s word about who Marvel Studios is looking at to play the role, and I’ll be excited if this ends up being true.

Per online scooper @MyTimeToShineHello (via ComicBookMovie), Marvel Studios is eyeing Javier Bardem to play Sinister in the upcoming Marvel movie. Take this news with a grain of salt for now, but assuming this is legit, it’s also alleged this wouldn’t just be a one-time-only performance from Bardem. Supposedly Sinister is intended to be the big bad in the MCU’s next Saga, so whether Bardem is cast or someone else, this longtime X-Men villain would be sticking around for a while.

Bardem is no stranger to major franchises, having performed in the James Bond flick Skyfall, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid and both Dune movies. It seems like only a matter of time until he leaves his stamp on the superhero genre, and Mister Sinister is definitely a role befitting his talents.

Our own Jason Wiese thought Bardem be a good fit to play Sinister a few years back, mentioning how movies like No Country for Old Men and the aforementioned Skyfall prove how exceptional he is at playing bad guys. So I’m crossing my fingers that Marvel Studios is indeed considering Bardem for Mister Sinister, and I’ll cross them more tightly for him to be cast.

Mister Sinister is one of the few characters who was never adapted during the 20th Century Fox era of X-Men movies. However, there were plans to feature him when that film series was still going, as evidenced by the briefcase in X-Men: Apocalypse’s end-credits scene that belonged to Essex Corp., referring to Sinister’s original name, Nathaniel Essex.

That tease was supposed to set up Channing Tatum’s Gambit movie, which was among the many X-Men projects that was scrapped when Disney acquired. Jon Hamm also confirmed he’d been on deck to portray Sinister in The New Mutants, though no footage of him in character was ever shot.

Last year though, Mister Sinister got some time to shine outside of the comics in X-Men ’97, the continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series that can be streamed with a Disney+ subscription. So the next logical step is to bring this character to the big screen someday, and while we have no idea when the X-Men reboot will be released, I suspect it’s one of the MCU movies scheduled for 2027. Here’s hoping 2025 delivers information that starts to paint a picture of the Marvel movie Michael Lesslie is writing, including if Mister Sinister will be involved.

Hollywood's penchant for adapting hit movies into TV shows continues, with one of cinema's most frightening thriller villains set to terrorize viewers, at least those with Apple TV+ subscriptions. The streaming service previously revealed development plans for an episodic take on Cape Fear, the 1991 film from Martin Scorsese that was itself a remake of the 1967 feature, with Steven Spielberg also on board. And now we know who’s taking on the role that Robert De Niro made so chilling.

Apple TV+ announced a full 10-episode series order for Cape Fear, along with the reveal of its main star and creative team-leader, and I couldn’t be more impressed with both choices. Let's take a closer look at both while hoping this exciting new project will be ready in time to debut on the 2025 TV schedule.

Javier Bardem Is Starring As Max Cady

To date, Javier Bardem has already played (at least) two of cinema's most captivating villains that also happen to be in two of his best movies, with my examples here being No Country for Old Men's expressionless monster Anton Chigurh and Skyfall's expression-filled cyberterrorist Raoul Silva. Now, he'll once again raise audience stress levels as Cape Fear's released killer Max Cady, who was first portrayed in live-action by Robert Mitchum.

Along with playing the central threat, whose knuckles will presumably again be tattooed with the opposing ideas of "Love" and "Hate," Bardem will also be slightly more involved behind the scenes as executive producer alongside Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

Javier Bardem's career currently seems as busy as can be, having recently co-starred in Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two, with Skydance Animation's Netflix feature Spellbound on the way before the end of the year. Fans can see him opposite Brad Pitt next year in F1, also. But now I'm just going to be waiting to see him beefed up and hopefully with a mohawk for Cape Fear.

The Act & Chucky's Nick Antosca Is Showrunner

I pretty much adore everything Nick Antosca gets involved with, and I think he definitely has the skills to put together a story that justifies stretching this core narrative out for ten episodes. Cape Fear was first adapted from John D. MacDonald's 1957 novel The Executioners, and the new TV series will take inspirations from both the book and the 1991 film.

Antosca's career highlights go back to his days as a writer and producer on Hannibal, followed by creating one of my favorite horror TV shows of all time, Channel Zero, and then a string of acclaimed true crime hits in The Act, Candy, and Friend of the Family. And let's not forget his bonkers Netflix horror drama Brand New Cherry Flavor, nor his EP duties on Chucky.

By and large, Nick Antosca is a genre master, and Cape Fear is something of an ideal crossroads where its suspenseful thriller nature could be taken even deeper into more horror-driven sequences.

For those who may be completely unfamiliar, Cape Fear centers on a happily married pair of attorneys named Amanda and Steve Bowden who become targets for Max Cady, a notorious killer whose past connects with the couple's. This version, however, is said to be an "examination of America's obsession with true crime in the 21st century."

The original ranks as one of CinemaBlend's Best Movies of the 1990s, and it'll be difficult for Javier Bardem to raise the stakes high enough to surpass De Niro as the ideal Max Cady portrayer.

Damson Idris has been on the rise in Hollywood for a little while now, having truly earned recognition for his role on the hit FX drama Snowfall. The British star has also been steadily making a name for himself in the realm of cinema, and his biggest gig to date is on the horizon. He’s set to star in the 2025 movie release F1, a racing film from Top Gun: Maverick helmer Joseph Kosinski. As part of the cast, Idris worked alongside some heavy-hitters, including Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem. Idris recently opened up about working with such a murderer’s row of celebrities, and it sounds like he was shook. 

The first true glimpse of F1 that the general public received arrived back in August 2023 amid the British Grand Prix. Thanks to photos that were released, fans were able to see just how Brad Pitt and Damson Idris would look in the high-octane sports flick. As Idris has since revealed, that major event actually marked his first day on set. Not only did he find himself rubbing shoulders with major actors, but there were some notable racers on the scene as well: 

It’s likely that many of us probably would’ve felt the same way had we been in the Outside the Wire alum’s shoes. Speaking for myself, I probably would’ve been sweating up a storm when being in the presence of such massive stars. Of course, in the case of the 32-year-old actor, he was apparently able to shake off the jitters, and he definitely had to. That’s because there was serious work to be done. As the Swarm actor further explained to Vanity Fair, performing his driving-related duties was challenging: 

One might find it hard to decide which is more daunting: the notion of being around Oscar winners and championship-winning athletes or having to endure some tough training. I’d probably give the edge to the latter, yet I still say that I’d probably trip over my words when shooting the breeze with someone like Lewis Hamilton, who co-produced the film as well. While the film shoot apparently asked a lot of the actors, the F1 trailer suggests that their efforts were not in vain. 

The film sees Brad Pitt play the role of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver forced to retire following a major accident. He’s eventually coaxed into returning to the sport by his friend, Ruben (Javier Bardem), a team owner. It’s Ruben’s hope that Sonny will mentor up-and-coming racer Joshua Pierce (Damson Idris). From a behind-the-scenes standpoint, Joseph Kosinski is seeking to provide audiences with an immersive experience. And part of how he’s been doing that is by utilizing tech that was used on Maverick. Kosinski’s devotion to maintaining racing authenticity throughout the feature is more than apparent via the trailer. 

I’m excited to see what the movie has in store and am particularly pumped to see what Damson Idris brings to the table. He’s a talented young actor, and I’m hoping that this film helps boost his movie star status. Also, I’m hoping that during the eventual press tour, Idris will share even more stories about working with Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem and more on the set. Until then, know that F1 zooms into theaters on June 27, 2025 and, while you wait, check out the 2024 movie schedule for info on flicks that are revved up and raring to hit cinemas by the end of this year.

Across the entire history of the James Bond movies, the actors playing 007 have been as compelling as the adversaries that opposed them on screen. In the spirit of those menacing performances, we’d like to highlight 32 actors who have played the villain in the Bond canon.

Joseph Wiseman (Dr. No)

The first villain in 007 history, the titular Dr. No helped introduce the world to SPECTRE’s brand of villainy through actor Joseph Wiseman. Notable credits of the Canadian actor include a ‘50s adaptation of Les Miserables, as well as an appearance in an early season of Law & Order. 

Robert Shaw (From Russia With Love)

While most movie fans would remember Robert Shaw from films like Jaws or The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, the man was also one of the most memorable James Bond villains ever. Playing Red Grant in From Russia With Love, Shaw’s SPECTRE agent was the first, and one of the best, dark mirrors to 007 himself. 

Gert Fröbe (Goldfinger)

Though he was vocally dubbed over in his role as Goldfinger’s titular villain, Gert Fröbe’s appearance was nonetheless imposing in the early era of Sean Connery’s James Bond. Coincidentally, Fröbe would also land a part in another Ian Fleming adaptation: the Dick van Dyke-led musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Adolfo Celi (Thunderball)

Adolfo Celi is one of those James Bond villains that you may do a double take upon seeing them. But rest assured, the polyglot performer was the villain in both Thunderball and Operation: Kid Brother, menacing both Sean Connery and his brother Neil during the 1960’s. 

Donald Pleasance (You Only Live Twice)

Donald Pleasance certainly needs no introduction to fans of the best horror movies of all time, thanks to his role as Dr. Loomis in the classic run of Halloween movies. But his iconic career also holds the distinction of the actor being the very first version of Ernst Stavro Blofeld we see on screen. 1967’s You Only Live Twice ushered in the character, who eventually became James Bond’s cinematic arch-nemesis. 

Telly Savalas (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service)

While Telly Savalas was the second incarnation of Ernst Stavro Blofeld in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, some would argue that he was indeed the most menacing and charming. With a career that included films such as Kelly’s Heroes, and TV series like The Twilight Zone and Kojak, his spot in George Lazenby’s lone Bond movie only further proved his versatility. 

Charles Gray (Diamonds Are Forever)

Though Charles Gray appeared as an ally to James Bond in You Only Live Twice, that didn’t stop the powers that be from casting him to be the third variant of Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the 007 legacy. His balance of smarm and campy menace would serve him well later on, as The Criminologist in the film adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

Yaphet Kotto (Live And Let Die)

Even American acting legends like Yaphet Kotto found their way into the James Bond ecosystem. A veteran of projects like Alien and Homicide: Life on the Streets, Kotto was also the iconic Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big in Live and Let Die, serving as the first antagonist in the era of Roger Moore’s James Bond. 

Christopher Lee (The Man With The Golden Gun)

Sir Christopher Lee’s iconic acting career had him playing roles like Dracula and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings saga. However, his role as Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun is rather impressive for some other James Bond-related reasons. Not only was Lee a cousin to author Ian Fleming, but he was also one of the original actors considered for the role of 007.

Julian Glover (For Your Eyes Only)

A performer deeply canonized in the trenches of geekdom, Julian Glover has held roles in both the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies, as well as a recurring spot in HBO’s Game of Thrones. That last connection is all the more exciting when you consider that For Your Eyes Only not only had Glover in its cast, but Tywin Lannister himself, Charles Dance, was also present. 

Christopher Walken (A View To A Kill)

While most people probably wouldn’t bat an eye at Christopher Walken playing a James Bond villain, most folks would more than likely be hard-pressed to answer the question of if he ever did. This makes Walken’s role in A View to a Kill even more exciting to behold, as the Dune: Part Two actor actually got to challenge Roger Moore in his final turn as 007.

Sean Bean (Goldeneye)

Fans of actor Sean Bean love to play an infamous game whenever they see the veteran of The Lord of the Rings and Snowpearcer on screen: “Does Sean Bean Die In This Movie?” Well, Goldeneye may have been the movie that started that craze, thanks to a string of opportunities in the decades that ensued answering that question with a resounding yes.

Jonathan Pryce (Tomorrow Never Dies)

Worldwide audiences probably best know Jonathan Pryce from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, as he played the father to Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann. However, deep-fried fans of the Brazil actor’s work also know that Elliot Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies as one of the most effective Bond Villains. 

Sophie Marceau (The World Is Not Enough)

In one of the best plot twists ever, Sophie Marceau’s Elektra King goes from Bond Girl to Bond Villain in The World is Not Enough. Prior to that head-turning reveal, Marceau had been seen at the box office in the classic epic Braveheart, as well as the David Spade comedy vehicle Lost & Found. 

Toby Stephens (Die Another Day)

Toby Stephens’ Gustave Graves is another fantastic example of the “dark mirror” villain archetype at work. However, playing the eccentric Die Another Day villain seemed to allow the future star of Black Sails and Lost in Space to do something most 007 baddies don’t get to do: play James Bond through a series of BBC radio adaptations. 

Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale)

When he helped kick off Daniel Craig’s James Bond era, Mads Mikkelsen kind of fell into the role of Casino Royale’s sinister Le Chiffre. Of course, in the years since, he’s been seen as everything from a loving father in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the cannibalistic psychiatrist that gave NBC’s Hannibal its title.

Javier Bardem (Skyfall)

Striding the line between charming and chilling, Raoul Silva from Skyfall is a role that actor Javier Bardem was born to play. And that’s even after considering the fact that Bardem’s career had already seen him in projects like No Country For Old Men and Collateral. But even with that sort of clout at his disposal, one of his big scenes with Daniel Craig was almost cut.

Christoph Waltz (Spectre)

When Christoph Waltz was announced as starring in Spectre, all of the rumors pointed to the breakout star of Inglorious Basterds as the modern Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Considering he had quite a few baddies on his resume by that point, it’s kind of amusing to imagine a world where he wasn’t the Daniel Craig-era incarnation of 007’s greatest silver screen foe.

Andrew Scott (Spectre)

Andrew Scott is too good at playing a villain. Before he became Fleabag’s “hot priest” or even set eyes on the complicated figure at the heart of Netflix’s Ripley, Scott’s time as Moriarty for Steven Moffat’s Sherlock probably helped cast him as the hidden evil known as C in Spectre. 

Rami Malek (No Time To Die)

You don’t have to have won an Academy Award to play a modern James Bond villain. Though it may have helped Rami Malek land his No Time To Die role as Safin, an assassin who’s looking to wreck the world in his own special way. Malek’s casting came after years of roles like HBO’s The Pacific and the Night at the Museum movies giving him quite the shining star. 

Lotte Lenya (From Russia With Love)

A prolific singer and artist before and after her time in the James Bond series, Lotte Lenya only further entrenched herself in entertainment history in From Russia With Love. As the dominating Rosa Klebb, Lenya was one of the first lieutenants of SPECTRE seen going head-to-head with 007. 

Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball)

Italian actress Luciana Paluzzi’s role as Fiona Volpe in Thunderball gave James Bond one of his most formidable femme fatales. Ms. Paluzzi’s portrayal would eventually win her roles on The Man from U.N.C.L.E., as well as its spinoff The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. Coincidentally, one of Luciana’s previous credits was in a film directed by Dr. No director Terrence Young. The name of that film? No Time To Die. 

Curt Jurgens (The Spy Who Loved Me)

As the antagonist in The Spy Who Loved Me, actor Curt Jürgens terrorized Roger Moore and Barbara Bach in a caper that brought together British spy and Soviet operatives alike. A Eurpoean film star prior to his James Bond casting, Jürgens’ career in world domination came later on in his career. 

Joe Don Baker (The Living Daylights)

Charles Gray and Joe Don Baker both hold a very important distinction in the James Bond legacy: they’ve both played heroes and villains in that very same series. In Baker’s case, his appearance as heel Brad Whittaker in The Living Daylights put him in a prime position to return in the Pierce Brosnan run as 007’s American ally, CIA agent Jack Wade.

Robert Davi (License To Kill)

You’ve seen and heard Robert Davi in everything from the Halo video games to the cult classic Showgirls. And right on the man’s impressive resume is a spot in the James Bond Hall of Fame, as License to Kill’s Franz Sanchez. His approach to playing a Bond villain was so in sync with Timothy Dalton’s 007, that it remains one of the best adversaries in the series.

Louis Jourdan (Octopussy)

As the roguish villain Kamal Khan, French acting legend Louis Jourdan’s part in Octopussy only added to an already prolific career. Jourdan’s talents were also seen in TV series such as Charlie’s Angels and Columbo, as well as films like The Return of Swamp Thing. 

Mathieu Amalric (Quantum of Solace)

How’s this for a coincidence? Before he played the main villain in Quantum of Solace, actor Mathieu Amarlric actually co-starred with Daniel Craig in Steven Spielberg’s Munich. Years later, the water-focused supervillain would become a part of the Wes Anderson repertory cast, through roles in The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch. 

Michael Lonsdale (Moonraker)

The late great Michael Lonsdale made the role of Hugo Drax a very imposing figure in the Roger Moore-led adaptation of Moonraker. Years down the line, the French thespian would find himself co-starring with two other 007 actors, thanks to 1986’s The Name of the Rose and 2005’s Munich. Lonsdale starred alongside Sean Connery and Daniel Craig, respectively.

Charles Dance (For Your Eyes Only)

Believe it or not, Charles Dance once seemed to be in line to audition to replace Roger Moore as the 007 of the ‘80s. The man who would be Game of Thrones’ Tywin Lannister seemed perfectly positioned to do so after playing a henchman in For Your Eyes Only, but eventually declined to chase that opportunity. 

Famke Janssen (Goldeneye)

Before she became one of the actors that ushered in the age of X-Men being a successful film franchise, Famke Janssen made a name for herself against Pierce Brosnan’s Commander Bond. Starring as the henchwoman to Sean Bean’s Goldeneye baddie, her darkly comic menace is as legendary as her costuming. 

Robert Carlyle (The World Is Not Enough)

Scottish actor Robert Carlyle played the functional villain in The World is Not Enough, as his heavy Renard pushed James Bond further into a web of danger, intrigue, and nuclear weapons. And yet, his performance in this movie is relatively tame, considering he made his name as the uber-violent Begbie in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting just three years prior.

Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale)

Mr. White was always the man behind the man, through both Quantum and SPECTRE’s runs in the Daniel Craig 007 stories. And Jesper Christensen was present to play that role in three of the five entries that made up that arc, appearing in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Spectre. 

Denis Villeneuve's Dune is considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, and can be streamed with a Max subscription. The sequel was also wildly successful when it arrived in theaters in March. Dune: Part Two destroyed at the box office, while also going viral for moments like the viral popcorn bucket. The movie has been fodder for a ton of content on social media, and Villeneuve recently reacted to Javier Bardem being turned into memes.

In the Dune franchise, Bardem plays Stilgar who is the leader of a Fremen tribe. Stilgar is also fierce in his religious beliefs, and thinks that Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides is the messiah Lisan al Gaib. Bardem's reaction shots from the film have been memed countless times, thanks to how big his facial expressions are. It turns out that Denis Villeneuve has seen the content coming to socials, telling The New York Times:

There you have it. Sounds like Villeneuve doesn't mind the memes that Dune 2 inspired, as he's happy how Javier Bardem's character was portrayed in the blockbuster. Plus, memes have a way to further immortalize popular TV shows and movies.

Bardem and the rest of the Dune: Part Two cast all crushed it in their roles, and continued the thrilling take of Paul Atreides. And since both movies were so popular, fans are wondering if Dune 3 aka Dune Messiah might be coming down the line soon. I that project ends up being green lit, Javier Bardem's Stilgar will presumably return. 

While Denis Villeneuve has gone on the record saying Dune 3 needs to happen eventually, the exact timeline of when this might occur is a mystery to the general public. That being said, it seems like an inevitability given how much money the last two movies made for Warner Bros.. And the ending of Dune: Part Two definitely seemed to set up a future project, as Paul claims himself the Lisan al Gaib and betrayed Chani to marry Princess Irulan. Fans also want to see Anya Taylor-Joy's surprise character get more fleshed out. 

Dune 2 is available to rent digitally, and the original movie is on Max. While we wait fo information about a threequel, check out the 2024 movie release dates. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been around for more than a decade-and-a-half, and after 30-plus movies, TV shows, and specials, we’ve seen a ton of great actors play fan-favorite comic book heroes and villains. There are even actors who have played more than one character in the expansive franchise. But at the same time, there’s an even larger group of talented big-screen stars who haven’t donned a cape, mask, or spandex in the best Marvel movies. Here are 32 actors we still want to see in the MCU…

Ryan Gosling

For one reason or another, Ryan Gosling has yet to play a character in the MCU. One of the most talented and beloved actors of his time, the Barbie star would be perfect to play several characters ranging from Nova to Mr. Fantastic to even Earth-616’s Norman Osbourne if they wanted to have a younger actor take on the role of the famous Spider-Man villain. 

John David Washington

John David Washington has previously said he’d be open for an MCU role, and it’s probably going to happen sooner or later, considering the son of Oscar winner Denzel Washington is an incredibly talented and versatile actor. The Tenet and The Creator star has the range to handle just about everything thrown his way, be it as a villain or the next great Marvel hero.

Margot Robbie

It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Margot Robbie join the list of actors to appear in the MCU at some point down the line, it’s just a matter of finding the right character for the beloved actress to play. There have been rumors about a Sue Storm role over the years, but Robbie would also be great playing villains like Lady Deathstrike.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel has established himself as one of the most interesting actors in Hollywood thanks to outstanding performances in movies like The Green Knight, Slumdog Millionaire, and his 2023 work with Wes Anderson. Watching the Lion star take on someone like Reed Richards or even Doctor Doom would be awesome, and he could honestly handle both.

Keanu Reeves

Throughout his career, Keanu Reeves has played iconic action characters like Johnny Utah, Neo, and John Wick. How cool would it be to see the eternally young actor join the MCU as someone like Dracula, Ghost Rider, or even Silver Surfer? We would even settle for a small voice role as a random one-off character.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy showing up in the MCU would be a massive get for the cinematic universe as it works towards the two upcoming Avengers projects, especially if he were to play Doctor Doom. While other actors would probably be better suited for the physicality of the iconic Marvel villain, Murphy would be perfect for the psychological aspects of the character. Add in his experience from playing Scarecrow in the Dark Knight trilogy and you have a perfect fit.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby has said in the past that it would be an honor to play Sue Storm, but the Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning actress could also handle a more sinister role if given the chance. Just imagine Kirby playing someone like Lady Death or even Black Cat if we get another Spider-Man movie.

Cynthia Erivo

How Cynthia Erivo hasn’t landed a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is somewhere between a travesty and a mystery, because the multi-talented actor has everything you want in an actress to play your next comic book star. Just imagine the Harriet and Bad Times at the El Royale actress showing up as Storm whenever the X-Men are eventually introduced to the franchise. That would be electric to say the very least.

Antonio Banderas

Though Ant-tonio Banderas, Scott Lang’s ant in Ant-Man and the Wasp is already a thing in the MCU, the actor on which the flying arthropods was based has not had a chance to appear just yet. This needs to change and we need to see Antonio Banderas show up at some point down the road. He’s got the skills and intangibles to pull off someone as big as Galactus, a character comic book fans have been dying to see for years now.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield has been one of the more interesting actors of the past decade thanks to unforgettable roles in movies like Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah, and The Book of Clarence, and the MCU would be better off if he joined the fray. There was talk in early 2024 of Stanfield replacing Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, which could work, but he could also bring to life X-Men staples like Cyclopes or even Gambit.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise flirted with the idea of playing Tony Stark way before Robert Downey Jr. rejuvenated his career in the MCU-launching Iron Man, but we never got to see the Top Gun: Maverick star play the iconic billionaire playboy philanthropist. Though it never came to fruition, we’d still love to see the Hollywood legend show up in the MCU, even if he only briefly played an alternate version of Iron Man.

Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz has played great villains in everything from the James Bond movies to Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, but he’s never played a big bad in the MCU. That should change, sooner rather than later, and he could be a great fit for someone like Norman Osborn or Doc Ock if we get more Spidey movies. He has the charisma, skill, and look for either of those roles.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain showed up in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, but since that’s outside of the MCU (for now, anyway), she’s fair game. There’s been the Sue Storm talk over the years, but the Interstellar star could also take on someone like Jean Grey and try her luck with the Dark Phoenix character.

Alan Ritchson

Okay, imagine Alan Ritchson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom. In addition to having a ridiculous physique, the Jack Reacher star can also be cerebral and mysterious, kind of like his character from Fast X. He would be a formidable foe, that’s for sure. And if not, we’d love to see Ritchson take on someone like Rhino or Juggernaut and breathe new life into those characters.

Pedro Pascal

There’s been a lot of talk about Pedro Pascal being the frontrunner for Reed Richards in the Fantastic Four’s eventual MCU debut, and that would be awesome. The star of The Mandalorian and The Last of Us has shown over the years that he has what it takes to lead a successful franchise, and he has enough talent and charisma to pay one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes.

Amber Midthunder

Amber Midthunder became a star-in-the-making after the 2022 release of Prey, and the star of the Predator spinoff prequel could very well make an impact in the MCU if given the opportunity. Lady Hellbender, Lyja, and Silver Fox are just three of the Marvel characters she would be well-suited to play.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has long stayed out of the superhero realm, though he has made a career out of playing characters who are pretty much comic book characters. That being said, we’d love to see the two-time Oscar winner take on a role like Magento or Bahsenga, the warrior shaman who was the first to adopt the Black Panther mantel.

Emily Blunt

Her husband, John Krasinksi, has already appeared in the MCU, albeit briefly, as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so it wouldn’t be crazy to see Emily Blunt show up at some point, either for a similar-sized role or in a larger capacity. According to Deadline, the Oppenheimer star turned down a chance to play Black Widow in Iron Man 2 and was reportedly approached to play other famous characters in the years following. 

Gary Oldman

We’ve seen Gary Oldman play Jim Gordon masterfully in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, but the Academy Award-winning actor has yet to show up in the MCU. It would be so cool to see the legendary actor enter the fold as Dr. Xavier in the eventual X-Men movie, and it would be just as awesome to see him play a more villainous role like Mephisto or even Dracula, with the latter being a throwback to his turn in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons has been everywhere for the past few years. Well, everywhere besides the MCU. The Breaking Bad and Killers of the Flower Moon star has shared the screen with Marvel actors like Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Christian Bale over the years, and it’s only a matter of time before he follows suit and shows up as a comic book character. This guy has Sabretooth written all over him…

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti has already been in Sony’s Marvel movies thanks to his portrayal of Rhino in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, but we’d love to see more of the beloved actor. It doesn’t have to be anything over-the-top like a mech suit, but instead something like a government official who tries to get in the Avengers’ way or is tempted by a big bad.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell has "superhero" written all over him. The Physique, the charm, the million-dollar smile, he has it all. It’s only a matter of time before someone swoops him up and makes him the next great comic book hero, and that someone could be Marvel. Nova, Cyclops, or even a young Magneto would be great fits for the Anyone But You star.

Tati Gabrielle

Since making her acting debut a decade ago, Tati Gabrielle has given commanding performances on shows like You, Kaleidoscope, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, to name a few. The actress, who also has experience in video game adaptations like Uncharted and the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2, would be perfect for the MCU in the coming years, especially if she could land a role like Storm, Black Cat, or other fan-favorite characters.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem is an actor with an incredible skillset and the ability to play both nuanced and over-the-top characters, which would make him perfect for something in the MCU. The No Country For Old Men star would be a great fit for the iconic Galactus whenever the villain is introduced in the future.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike has played all manner of characters over the years, and that makes her a perfect fit for the MCU moving forward. Her dynamic range and ability to play both good and evil roles masterfully would be perfect for comic book staples like Emma Frost and Liandra Nermani, both of whom are tied to the X-Men franchise.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone became an overnight sensation upon the release of Killers of the Flower Moon, and rightfully so. We’re not saying it’s going to happen, but the Golden Globe-winning actress would be perfect in the MCU. Imagine Gladstone playing Indigenous characters like Silver Fox or Kushala.  

Iwan Rheon

Iwan Rheon technically appeared on Inhumans back in 2017, but this doesn’t mean we don’t want to see him show up in an MCU movie at some point in the future. The Game of Thrones actor, who didn’t appear in as many episodes as you’d think, played Maximus on the short-lived ABC series, so he could reprise his role or he could take on something new. However, it wouldn’t be nearly as intense as Ramsay Bolton.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has already made her mark in the comic book world with her portrayal of Amanda Waller over in the DCEU, but this doesn’t mean she can’t jump over to the MCU and play an equally menacing character. The Oscar winner has already led a blockbuster with The Woman King, so she is more than capable of doing the same in a Marvel movie.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris has already shown up in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe with her portrayal of Shriek in Venom: Let There Be Carnage where she was crushed by a falling cathedral, but there’s no reason she couldn’t just play another version of the character in the MCU or take on a completely different role entirely.

Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson is appearing in Joker 2, and it would be really cool if the legendary actor also landed a role in the MCU somewhere down the road. The Harry Potter and The Banshees of Inisherin star would be perfect for a role if the Thor franchise is to continue, even if it meant voicing someone like Beta Ray Bill. 

Iko Uwais

Iko Uwais, star of the phenomenal Raid movies, has the acting ability and fighting skills to be a big hit in the MCU if given the chance. In the event this does happen, we’d hate for Uwais’ talents to be wasted like they were with his extremely small role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis retired after 2017’s Phantom Thread, but we’d love to see him step in front of the camera again in an MCU movie. The There Will Be Blood and Gangs of New York star would be a killer option for a character like Galactus and drink up all the planets like a big milkshake.

Who knows if we’ll see any of these actors show up in any of the upcoming Marvel movies, but with the way the MCU has shown us over the years, don’t count anyone out.

The latest live-action Disney remake, The Little Mermaid, not only revisits one of the most beloved movies the House of Mouse has ever produced, it adds depth to a beloved fairytale in ways we’ve never seen before. While I’ll admit that I walked into the movie early this summer without high expectations, Rob Marshall’s musical brings some welcome new dimensions to characters like Ariel, Prince Eric and such in ways I really enjoyed. And, with the movie now available to stream with a Disney+ subscription, fans can see Javier Bardem’s King Triton perform his cut music number, though I have to say, I understand why it didn’t make it to the theatrical release. 

King Triton did not have a song in the 1989 version of The Little Mermaid, but when Disney decided to adapt the movie into live-action, there was room for a lot of changes and additions, which led to new songs for Ariel, Prince Eric and even Scuttle. Considering Javier Bardem’s talents and there perhaps being room for more King Triton in the movie, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the original song “Impossible Child,” which was recorded and even filmed on the set of The Little Mermaid. Now that it’s out in the world, let’s talk about it! 

How To Watch 'Impossible Child' On Disney+

The “Impossible Child” deleted song is now available to see on Disney+. All you have to do is find the live-action The Little Mermaid on the streaming service and click the tab labeled “Extras.” Once you get to that tab, there’s a selection of a few bonus features from the making of the Disney movie to view. The one you want is titled “Impossible Child (Outtake)”. It’s a three-minute clip that sees the other daughters of Triton inform him that Ariel is nowhere to be found before he sings the original song. Through the lyrics, he shares his fears and concerns for his young daughter in her absence. 

Why Was Javier Bardem’s The Little Mermaid Song Cut?

When CinemaBlend sat down with director Rob Marshall months ago, the filmmaker shared with us the reason why they recorded “Impossible Child” but ultimately decided to leave it on the cutting room floor. In Marshall’s words: 

Initially, the filmmakers thought giving King Triton a song would enhance the relationship between Ariel and her father. However, they decided against keeping it in the movie after all. Now, to my reaction to the scene… 

My Honest Thoughts On 'Impossible Child'

When I talked to Rob Marshall about Javier Bardem’s cut song months ago, I became really excited to see the deleted scene he promised would see the light of day eventually. However, now that I’ve witnessed it, I totally get why it’s not in the movie. King Triton is a stoic character who creates tension in The Little Mermaid countering all the music and fun of the musical. Once he joins it, especially in the middle of the movie, audiences lose this necessary puzzle piece of the story that keeps it all together. Marshall knew what he was talking about! It’s also way too goofy to see the merman swim and sing along when he needs to be a grounding character in the movie. 

It's great to see Javier Bardem use those pipes, but I’m actually happy his song was cut from the movie. If Triton is too involved in the musical element, it takes away from the final scene where he accepts Ariel. (The same cannot be said about one Ursula moment from the original movie that was cut in live action, however). Anyway, you can check out the scene right now and decide your own thoughts on “Impossible Child,” but ultimately I think the filmmakers made a good executive decision here. 

Javier Bardem, renowned for his captivating dramatic performances in often villainous roles like Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men and as one of the most effective James Bond baddies, Raoul Silva in Skyfall, decided to venture into the realm of family films for the sake of his daughter. Little did he know that he would soon find himself in a spine-chilling predicament. During the filming of Disney's live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Bardem experienced a harrowing moment, which director Rob Marshall candidly shared. According to the filmmaker, the accident sent shockwaves through the production and instilled a genuine fear for the Biutiful actor’s well-being.

In an enthralling conversation featured on Entertainment Weekly's popular "Around the Table" series, Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca gathered with the incredible cast of The Little Mermaid to dive into the behind-the-scenes magic of the live-action adaptation that swam to the top of the box office this past weekend. Among the fascinating topics explored during the interview was the film's ambitious production, which involved pushing the boundaries of underwater filming techniques. During this discussion, Marshall shared with the heart-stopping incident involving Javier Bardem, who portrays the mighty King Triton in the movie. The Mary Poppins Returns filmmaker recounted the gripping moment vividly, saying:

The revelation of the Oscar winner's alarming situation added an intense layer to an already captivating conversation. In the process, it also proved a glimpse into the challenges faced during filming. However, his unwavering composure and reassuring demeanor proved instrumental in alleviating the crew's concerns, emphasizing his professionalism and strength.

Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca highlighted the exceptional collaboration with the cast of Disney's live-action remake. The director remarked that the film marked the team's most challenging technical endeavor to date. They also revealed a surprising discovery, as they explained how they only learned of Halle Bailey's swimming abilities after casting her in Ariel. This revelation proved fortuitous since it played a crucial role and, during the chat, Marshall praised her for that. Jonah Hauer-King, who portrays Bailey's on-screen love interest Prince Eric, echoed Marshall's gratitude while humorously admitting that he's not a good swimmer.

Leading up to its premiere, The Little Mermaid faced some pre-release criticism due to changes made in the remake, particularly in Prince Eric's storyline. Fans have also been hesitant about alterations to the beloved soundtrack from the 1989 film, with some concerns surrounding tweaked lyrics in the classic songs. However, even Jodi Benson, the original voice actress for Ariel, acknowledged the necessity of these modifications. While some critics' responses to the new songs were mixed, there was widespread acclaim for Halle Bailey's performance, with CinemaBlend's Corey Chichizola hailing her as a "bonafide superstar."

Now, audiences can witness the culmination of Javier Bardem and his co-stars' diligent technical work come to life in The Little Mermaid, which has finally debuted as part of the schedule of 2023 new movie releases. To catch the enchanting tale on the big screen, be sure to check your local listings for showtimes.

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney's The Little Mermaid has finally hit the schedule of 2023 new movie releases, and fans are already captivated by the magical world under the sea. The film, directed by Rob Marshall and featuring an incredible cast that features Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton, is surpassing original box office projections, and that could boost its chances of getting a sequel. And if McCarthy and Bardem get their way, we should all grab our snorkels and get ready to dive deeper into the enchanting world under the sea. The A-listers have an idea for a spinoff, and I’m so on board.  

The two actors had a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, during which they  expressed their enthusiasm for the Disney project and each other's work. However, they both agreed that only one day on set together was not nearly enough, which led the No Country for Old Men star to pitch his idea for a follow-up for their characters. The actor made a compelling case for an Ursula and Triton spinoff, drawing from the sibling relationship between their characters. The Oscar-winning actor said:

Can you imagine the magic and mischief that could unfold in an Ursula spinoff with Melissa McCarthy's incredible portrayal and Javier Bardem's regal presence as Triton? And why only one dinner scene? How about an entire film set at the table? Think My Dinner With Andre but with the beloved Disney Characters. Am I the only one bubbling with excitement at the thought?

Of course, the Bridesmaids alum quickly jumped on board with her co-star's idea. In fact, she took it even further, suggesting that if they're throwing the idea out into the universe, they should go all out and consider multiple sequels:

Talk about diving into deep end. Though the actors are ready to take the plunge and keep the magic flowing, I doubt the House of Mouse would sign off on a dinner-centered story and add it to the list of upcoming Disney movies.

If a spinoff became a reality though, one intriguing option would be to explore the time when Ursula’s relationship with Triton and the rest of the underwater royal family took a dark turn. Picture a captivating origin story that delves into the villainess' transformation from a character similar to Ariel and her sisters to the disgruntled sea witch we see in The Little Mermaid. They made two movies featuring the Cinderella villain Maleficent and one very successful Cruella movie with a sequel in the works, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility. 

While there’s no official confirmation of a spinoff just yet, the fact that Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem are enthusiastic about the idea gives this fan hope. While we eagerly await any official announcements, why not indulge in the current cinematic delight that is The Little Mermaid? The film is currently gracing theaters and has received positive reviews. Our own Corey Chichizola awarded the film four out of five stars, highlighting its mesmerizing visual and musical spectacle. And of course, you can also revisit the OG movie using a Disney+ subscription.

When Disney decided to remake 1989 classic The Little Mermaid for live action, the filmmakers had the opportunity to build on the story so beloved from the animation studio. One especially exciting element of the 2023 film, which has received early praise from fans who have screened it, is Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda coming together to give more characters songs – such as another one for Ariel, Prince Eric’s first solo, and a song for Scuttle. But, as Rob Marshall told CinemaBlend, there were plans for another fan-favorite character to have a new song, until it was cut out. 

Javier Bardem has some impressive pipes on him, as last year’s Lyle, Lyle Crocodile showed audiences, and this was a fact that director Rob Marshall first learned meeting the actor over a decade ago for Nine (when he auditioned for Daniel Day-Lewis’ role in the movie musical). Here’s why Bardem’s King Triton won’t have a song in The Little Mermaid, per the filmmaker: 

As it turns out, Javier Bardem recorded and filmed a tune sung by King Triton which would have given the father of Ariel a moment to share his perspective of raising his rebellious daughter. However, Marshall decided to ultimately cut “Impossible Child” from the upcoming Disney movie to serve the story. He continued,

While the original 1989 musical does not feature King Triton singing, in the Broadway version of The Little Mermaid, Ariel’s father is part of three numbers: “The World Above (Reprise),” “If Only,” and the “If Only (Reprise).” In the stage version, Ursula’s eels Flotsam and Jetsam also sing, along with Prince Eric and Scuttle. This Disney movie is clearly not drawing from these Broadway songs, though, of course, all the main songs from the original movie are included. Alan Menken did alter some of the lyrics to two beloved songs after there was backlash about the original messages. 

While a song for Javier Bardem’s King Triton sounds like something to mourn, Rob Marshall assured us the scene will resurface at one point even though it didn’t make it into the movie itself. Aside from Bardem, The Little Mermaid cast is stacked with talent who get to shine throughout the movie, including Daveed Diggs making his own mark on Sebastian, Melissa McCarthy’s delicious version of Ursula, and Halle Bailey’s star-making turn as Ariel. 

You can check out Javier Bardem’s King Triton when The Little Mermaid lands in theaters on May 26. 

At long last, the dream of many Constant Readers may actually come true. Stephen King fans have been waiting patiently for years to see Hollywood produce a proper live-action adaptation of The Dark Tower series, and the first steps towards making that happen have been taken: Mike Flanagan and Trevor May’s Intrepid Pictures has acquired the rights to the books and are planning an adaptation as a five-season television series that is followed by a pair of feature films. As of right now we have no idea how quickly the project will come together or where it will be developed… but that’s not going to stop us from already imagining who will play all of the major characters.

Of course, when it comes to fantasy casting The Dark Tower one has to start with Roland Deschain. Idris Elba did a serviceable job playing the part in the truly terrible 2017 movie, but if we’re discussing a live-action version of the character that is more faithful to the Stephen King books, Hollywood has a number of great options to choose from. The majority of them would have to sport a pair of blue contact lenses, but here are eight actors we’d love to see play the Gunslinger in Mike Flanagan’s The Dark Tower.

Timothy Olyphant

This isn’t a ranked list, but I will unequivocally say that Timothy Olyphant is my top choice to play Roland Deschain. As proven many times over the course of his career, he can rock the hell out of a Stetson, and he’s an ace when it comes to characters with grizzle and dark swagger. His role as “Spirit of the West” in Rango directly affirmed that he has the Man With No Name energy, and that is ultimately what the performance will need. This is the role he was born to play.

Javier Bardem

Over a decade ago, Javier Bardem was cast as Roland Deschain in the Dark Tower movie that Ron Howard was set to direct, and while that didn’t end up becoming a thing, it’s a casting choice that has aged well. His on-screen presence remains as commanding and powerful as ever, and it really only works better for the part that he is older (take note that all of the actors on this list are 50 and over). His stature and demeanor has led him to deliver amazing villainous turns in his career, but he could use them in a very different and incredible way playing Roland.

Ewan McGregor

Ten years ago I probably wouldn’t have included Ewan McGregor as a potential candidate to play Roland Deschain, but his work since then has changed my attitude. Admittedly a big part of this is Doctor Sleep, which sees McGregor deliver and dark and powerful performance working in collaboration with Mike Flanagan, but I’ll also throw some credit to seeing him stoically wind-beaten in the desert playing the titular role in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series. My only question mark about his ability to play the character would be his voice – which he would have to deepen and erase his accent from.

Hugh Jackman

Assuming that Hugh Jackman’s run as Wolverine will actually come to an end with his role in the upcoming Deadpool 3, the actor is in a position to take on a new character that will define a new era of his career, and Roland Deschain could be a brilliant fit. Gunslinger vibes can be clearly registered from his performance in Logan, and he’s consistently shown throughout his career that he can play a blend of grit and ultimate warmth that the character needs.

Karl Urban

Between Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Dredd, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Boys, Karl Urban’s genre cred is beyond reproach, but starring as Roland Deschain in Mike Flanagan’s The Dark Tower series could be the icing on the cake. He has an intimidating screen presence that the character needs, and he is capable of the necessary quiet charisma.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is another actor who is cut from the Clint Eastwood cloth, and has the tough and gruff standing for the part. His time as Negan on The Walking Dead has come to an end, and, like with Hugh Jackman and Wolverine, it could be the next role that takes him into the next phase of his career. He has both the gravitas and subtle emotional range that the turn would need – from letting Jake Chambers fall to his death to continue his pursuit of the tower, to embracing Jake, Eddie, Susannah, and Oy as his family.

Josh Brolin

Between playing Cable, Thanos, Gurney Halleck, and more, Josh Brolin’s resume is already stacked with standout pop culture characters, but that’s not going to stop me from suggesting that he could be an excellent Roland Deschain (and he’s never actually been in a Stephen King adaptation before). From No Country For Old Men to True Grit to Outer Range, there is no questioning that the man is a snug fit for the western genre, and it’s effortless to imagine him playing any scene from any of the Dark Tower books. He has the stature and demeanor that the role requires in all facets.

Denzel Washington

While we’re having this discussion, we might as well take some big shots, right? At the present age of 67, Denzel Washington is admittedly considerably older than all of the actors on this list, but that doesn’t actually matter in the discussion of a relatively ageless character, and he obviously has the necessary gravitas for the part. Unlike a lot of his contemporaries, Washington has not yet brought his talents to the modern television landscape, but The Dark Tower could be an awesome fit.

Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend as Mike Flanagan’s The Dark Tower hopefully continues to take steps to get closer and closer to becoming a reality. You can keep track of all Stephen King projects that are in the works with our Upcoming Stephen King Movies and TV guide, and learn about the long history of adaptations with my weekly Adapting Stephen King column.

Ten years ago today, the canon of James Bond movies was riding high on the blockbuster debut of Skyfall. The most financially successful 007 entry, and the celebration of the franchise’s 50th anniversary, it pitted Daniel Craig’s Bond against perhaps his most formidable foe: Javier Bardem’s Raoul Silva. While one of the most iconic encounters between these two sons of MI6 was almost cut from the film, Bardem himself was apparently unaware of that fact. 

When I had the chance to speak with Javier Bardem earlier this year on behalf of his appearance in the Sony film Lyle Lyle Crocodile, I couldn’t leave that room without at least one Skyfall story. So naturally, the nearly omitted Silva/Bond seduction scene from director Sam Mendes’ Bond movie extraordinaire felt like a good jumping off point, what with that moment taking heat from execs, but ultimately proving to be a memorable highlight of Daniel Craig’s 007 run.

After asking what his feelings were about the scene and its near deletion, Bardem was more than happy to share a lot of pleasant memories of his James Bond experience. Sharing his recollections with CinemaBlend, here’s what Javier Bardem remembered from this landmark Bond film’s production: 

Recapping an overall James Bond experience like that, Javier Bardem clearly had the time of his life making Skyfall. That much was true off set as well, as Bardem previously shared a prank that he pulled on Daniel Craig during that intense production. So not knowing about the studio politics that almost robbed us of Raoul Silva getting nice and close to 007 isn’t that much of a stretch.

Also known by his true name, Tiago Rodriguez, Silva is still one of the best and most effective Bond villains in the entire canon of adversaries. Dramatically, he’s a figure that’s made one of the deepest cuts in James Bond’s armor, and the Daniel Craig years saw quite a few contenders for that honor. Comedically, Javier Bardem’s evil former agent is all the more lethal, as he’s not afraid to crack a joke about wasting good scotch just after killing an innocent bystander. 

This "tender" moment between 007 and his former brother-in-arms is the perfect crossroads between both of those tones. Ultimately, some of the people that Bardem celebrates for making his Skyfall experience so wonderful are the ones that made sure his moment of seductive prowess stayed in the final product. 

With Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson resisting the studio note to cut this well crafted moment, it was a win for history. Not only did the most successful James Bond movie get to push the envelope with humor, it also allowed for a moment where a queer reading of 007 history was actually encouraged in the text. Sean Bean's Alec and Pierce Brosnan's James Bond walked in Goldeneye so that Silva and Craig's Bond could run. 

If you check your listings carefully, you might still see Lyle Lyle Crocodile playing in a theater near you. Also, readers who want to relive the adventure of Skyfall on the occasion of its 10th anniversary can stream the film with a Prime Video subscription. 

I don’t know about you, but I grew up on Julia Roberts rom-coms. She was one of the actresses who was at the front of the genre throughout the 1990s, and this month she will make her return to the genre on the 2022 movies schedule with George Clooney in Ticket to Paradise. While Roberts and Clooney played wife and husband in Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve, this will be their first foray into the rom-com genre together. With the movie coming out soon, I thought it’d be a good idea to rank six of Roberts' rom-coms. So here we go:  

6. Runaway Bride 

Who is Julia? Maggie Carpenter, runaway bride x3 who runs a hardware store.

Who is her love interest? Dating columnist Ike Graham, played by Richard Gere.

Year of Release: 1999

I’ll start with what I liked about this movie: I loved that the cat was named Italics. I appreciated that Roberts’ character was independent and worked an unconventional job for a woman. Finally, Gere and Roberts are phenomenal together. However, lightning did not strike twice with this one. While you’ll see Pretty Woman later on this list – which stars both Roberts and Gere and was also directed by Garry Marshall – Runaway Bride does not even get close to the quality of its predecessor. 

The movie follows Ike (Gere) as he travels to a small town to report on a bride who has run away from her wedding three times. Somehow all her ex-fiancés aren’t that mad at her, except the one that tipped Ike off, and overall the town is unbothered by Maggie’s inability to go through with a wedding. Talk about a financial and logistical nightmare; it was distracting me from the plot!

You can watch Runaway Bride with a Netflix subscription.

5. My Best Friend’s Wedding

Who is Julia? Julianne Potter. In the movie, all that’s relevant is she’s best friends with Michael O’Neal.

Who is her love interest? Michael O’Neal, played by Dermot Mulroney, is engaged to a woman who is not Julia Roberts.

Year of Release: 1997

I know that people really love this movie, but there is something about ruining weddings that rubs me the wrong way. This one is slightly better than Runaway Bride, but still, the wedding wrecking is a trope I’m not a fan of. Anyways, I digress.

The film follows Julianne (Roberts) after she finds out her longtime best friend Michael (Mulroney) is getting married. Michael’s fiancée Kimberley (Cameron Diaz) decides to make Julianne her maid of honor and chaos ensues. My Best Friend’s Wedding is interesting in the fact that it does not have a conventional ending, which I really appreciated, especially given how much I disliked Roberts’ character for the majority of the movie. Overall, it’s a swell time. Roberts and Mulroney have excellent chemistry, and Diaz is super funny.

You can watch My Best Friend’s Wedding with a Peacock subscription. 

4. Eat Pray Love  

Who is Julia? Liz Gilbert, a writer-turned-world traveler on a journey of self-discovery.

Who is her love interest? Felipe, played by Javier Bardem, a Brazilian businessman she meets in Bali.

Year of Release: 2010

Based on the memoir of the same name, Eat Pray Love follows Elizabeth Gilbert on an around-the-world journey to find herself after a rough divorce from her longtime husband Stephen (Billy Crudup). The movie is split into thirds, just like the title, and we don’t get the rom-com section until the third act. She eats, she meditates and then she goes to Bali and meets Felipe, a sweet Brazilian who is also on his own journey of self-acceptance. 

Overall the movie is very thoughtful and gorgeous. I think Liz is someone everyone can relate to, and Roberts does a good job of portraying both the good and the bad parts of our protagonist. My only complaint is I wish we would have gotten to the 'love' part faster because Roberts’ scenes with Bardem are heartfelt and warm. This movie is a great time, and while not as rom-com-y as others, it has its moments, and will make your heart happy. 

You can stream Eat Pray Love with an Amazon Prime subscription (it’s through Freevee, so there are ads, but it’s free)

3. Mystic Pizza - HBO Max 

Who is Julia? Daisy, a rebellious young woman who works in a pizza joint with her gal pals.

Who is her love interest? Charlie, played by Adam Storke, a rich kid who got kicked out of law school (think Logan from Gilmore Girls; this boy has the same energy).

Year of Release: 1988

This is a lovely movie about three girls who all work at the same pizza place (hence the name of the movie), each with their own romantic story arcs. Released in 1988, this was one of Roberts’ breakout performances. Unlike a lot of her other movies, her character is a bit more rebellious and fiery, very much a stick-it-to-the-man kind of girly, and it's super refreshing.

I think Mystic Pizza is a stellar way to kick off a career, and it's somehow simultaneously a time capsule of the ‘80s and timeless. Roberts is also surrounded by a fantastic ensemble cast that includes a young Vincent D’Onofrio, as well as Annabeth Gish, Lili Taylor, Adam Storke and William R. Moses. Also, if you look closely, you can catch a baby-faced Matt Damon. 

You can watch Mystic Pizza with an HBO Max Subscription. 

2. Notting Hill - Peacock 

Who is Julia? Anna Scott, a super famous actress.

Who is her love interest? William Thacker, played by Hugh Grant, owner of a travel bookshop in Notting Hill.

Year of Release: 1999

When it came to rom-coms in the 1990s, Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant were the cream of the crop. So, pairing them together feels like something that was bound to happen. The story follows William (Grant) after he meets Anna (Roberts), and while the two fall in love with each other, the challenges of fame get in their way. 

I think what makes this movie great is it takes the character types Roberts and Grant portray best and plays to their strengths to create a unique romantic comedy. Roberts plays the independent woman, as she has in almost all her other movies, she tells it like it is, and she is able to be both hilarious and extremely dramatic with the flip of a switch. Meanwhile, Grant brings his awkward, introverted and clumsy persona from movies like Four Weddings and a Funeral to Notting Hill. It’s a match made in rom-com heaven and a very good time. 

You can watch Notting Hill with a Peacock subscription.  

1. Pretty Woman 

Who is Julia? Vivian Ward, a prostitute. 

Who is her love interest? Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere, a rich businessman

Year of Release: 1990

I feel like this one is obvious. Pretty Woman was game-changing. It showed Roberts in the role of Vivian, a prostitute who falls in love with the rich Edward, played by Richard Gere. The movie does not look down on Roberts or chastise her for being a prostitute. Instead, it depicts an independent woman trying to make money who happens to fall in love. Overall, it is a movie that was ahead of its time in 1990. 

Pretty Woman is so funny, yet heartfelt, and it is all grounded in Roberts’ nuanced performance. Her infectious laugh can be felt throughout the movie, and when she’s down on her luck, we are right there sympathizing with her. Along with her performance, Gere is also fantastic, and the duo's chemistry is off the charts. There’s a reason this movie is a classic, and it’s because of Julia Roberts. 

Pretty Woman is not currently streaming, but it can be rented. 

There you have it, that's Julia Roberts’ rom-coms ranked. Personally, I really look up to the actress and admire the characters she has taken on. Much like how she broke the glass ceiling with Erin Brokovich in terms of salaries and defended '90s rom-coms, I think she helped represent strong and independent women in film in a way that really hadn’t been seen until the 1990s. 

Now we get to see her back in this fun genre, with her snarky scene partner George Clooney (she even said a reason she did the movie was to be snarky with Clooney), and I couldn’t be more excited. You can watch Ticket to Paradise on October 21, and you can stream all of Roberts’ other rom-coms across various streaming platforms. 

Many kids are about to get introduced to No Country For Old Men Oscar-winner Javier Bardem with the release of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. After a career full of serious, mature roles such as in Skyfall and Dune, the Spanish actor plays a goofy showman in the family-friendly musical. But, don’t worry, Bardem took his commitment to his craft seriously for Lyle too, especially when it comes to portraying a song-and-dance man with skills in magic. 

When CinemaBlend spoke to the directors behind Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Josh Gordon and Will Speck, the filmmakers shared with us Bardem’s very specific homework for the movie. In Gordon’s words: 

In the recent fall movie release, Bardem plays Hector P. Valenci, an eccentric performer who finds Lyle in an exotic pet shop singing his heart out and decides to make him the center of his latest show. However, when things don’t go as planned, Lyle and Hector go separate ways. Will Speck also revealed this aspect of working with Bardem and magic on set: 

Pretty impressive, am I right? We’d honestly expect nothing less from a Javier Bardem movie following his body of work thus far. The actor’s co-star, Winslow Fegley, who shares many scenes with the actor also talked to us about his experience with the actor on set, saying this: 

Winslow Fegley plays Josh Primm, a middle schooler that is new to the Big Apple and finds Lyle in his attic after Hector goes off on another business venture. Josh and Lyle become quick friends, especially as the boy has trouble adjusting to the city and learns of the croc’s unique talents for song. Shawn Mendes voices the role of Lyle, a friendly scaly guy who expresses himself entirely through song. 

Alongside the magic tricks, Javier Bardem also sings and dances in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile like a champ. The movie is an original music composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who were also behind La La Land and The Greatest Showman. Bardem is also signed up for another movie musical in the live-action The Little Mermaid movie, where he’ll play King Triton. 

The filmmakers of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile were inspired to adapt Bernard Waber’s children’s book because of their connection to the theme of family within the story. Check out what critics are saying about the new release ahead of seeing the movie, now playing in theaters. 

We’ve seen a lot of great, funny musicals and an astronomical number of family-friendly movies based on classic children’s books in recent years, and starting this weekend we have another title that fits into both of those categories. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, the new live-action-CGI hybrid movie based on Bernard Waber’s 1965 book of the same name, is one of the big fall movies coming out in the latter part of 2022, and it brings with it a great story set in New York City and a cast of characters that includes breakout stars, Academy Award winners, and one of the Stranger Things Season 4 all-stars.

If you’ve watched the new movie featuring Shawn Mendes as that lovable reptile with a passion for song and dance, or are at least planning on catching it with the family, you’ll probably be wondering where you’ve seen (and heard) the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile cast before. Well, we’re about to break it all down now…

Lyle (Shawn Mendes)

The star of the show, and the singer-turned-actor taking on the role of the titular singing and dancing reptile in Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, is singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes.

Surprisingly enough, Mendes’ spot at the top of the cast is a first for popular musician, as he has never appeared in theatrical release. His previous film credits include a direct-to-video animated movie called Metegol in 2013 and two concert documentaries — Shawn Mendes: In Wonder and Shawn Mendes: Live in Concert — and both were released by Netflix. Throughout his career, Mendes has appeared on the small screen quite a bit, though all but one TV credit (a small role on an episode of The 100) consisted of musical performances on Saturday Night Live and programs like The Voice and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

To date, Mendes has released four studio albums (all but one have gone at least platinum), multiple live albums, and several EPs and singles dating back to his debut with Handwritten in April 2015.

Winslow Fegley (Josh Primm)

Josh Primm, the young boy who discovers there is a crocodile living in his family’s New York City apartment, is played by Winslow Fegley in Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.

If you liked 8-Bit Christmas after watching the surprisingly heartfelt 2021 holiday movie, then you’ll definitely recognize Fegley from his portrayal of Jake Doyle (Neil Patrick Harris portrayed the older version of the character). Prior to landing a role in the HBO Max original movie, Fegley appeared in titles like Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, Come Play, and Nightbooks. His TV credits include Teachers, Fast Layne, and a 2019 episode of The Good Doctor.

Constance Wu (Mrs. Primm)

Taking on the role of Mrs. Primm in the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile cast is Constance Wu, who can be seen dancing, singing, painting, and cooking up some incredible recipes in the movie’s trailer on YouTube.

Wu, who cut her teeth appearing on shows like EastSiders, One Life to Live, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, came to prominence with her portrayal of Jessica Huang on the ABC sitcom, Fresh Off the Boat, where she appeared alongside Randall Park, Hudson Yang, and the rest of the ensemble cast for a total of five seasons. 

Near the end of her run on the series, Wu landed what is perhaps her biggest role yet: Rachel Chu in the incredibly successful Crazy Rich Asians in 2018. In the wake of the worldwide phenomenon that was Jon M. Chu’s landmark romantic comedy, Wu landed roles in movies like Next Gen, Wish Dragon, and Hustlers, alongside Jennifer Lopez. In 2022, Wu showed up on The Terminal List with Chris Pratt, Taylor Kitsch, and Riley Keough.

Scoot McNairy (Mr. Primm)

Next up is Scoot McNairy, who shows up on the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile cast as Mr. Primm, who along with his wife and son, come to terms and learn some valuable lessons from the saltwater reptile living in their attic.

Throughout his career on the silver screen, McNairy has given tremendous performances in low-budget sci-fi thrillers like Monsters, Academy Award-winning dramas like Argo and 12 Years a Slave, and various other film projects like Gone Girl, Frank, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, to name just a few. He even showed up in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

McNairy’s TV presence kicked off in the early 2000s with roles on Good Girls Don’t…, Six Feet Under, and How I Met Your Mother, and has gone on to memorable performances on everything from Halt and Catch Fire to Narcos: Mexico and True Detective to The Comey Rule.

Javier Bardem (Hector P. Valenti)

Taking on the role of Hector P. Valenti, the charismatic showman who has raised and trained Lyle from a young age, is Academy Award-winning actor Javier Bardem, who could very well be the best Bond villain of all time.

Over the years, Bardem has appeared in one great movie after another, including Skyfall, Biutiful, Everybody Knows, Before Night Falls, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. However, he will forever be remembered from his cold, methodical, and iconic portrayal of the emotionless contract killer, Anton Chigurh, in the Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men. The 2007 adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name earned four Oscars, including Best Picture for the Coens and Best Actor for Bardem.

Recently, Bardem has given commanding performances in epic sci-fi movies like Dune and character-driven biographical dramas like Being the Ricardos. He is set to portray King Triton in Disney’s upcoming The Little Mermaid live-action adaptation.

Brett Gelman (Mr. Grumps)

And then there is Brett Gelman, who serves as the noisy neighbor archetype with his portrayal of Mr. Grumps in the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile cast.

Gelman has become one of the most recognizable faces in show business in recent years thanks in part to his portrayal of fan-favorite Murray Bauman on Stranger Things, but his career goes back more than decade before his arrival in Hawkins. Over the years, he’s appeared on shows like Fleabag, Love, Married, Kroll Show, The League, Bored to Death, and countless other comedies. 

During that same stretch of time, Gelman landed roles in movies like The Other Guys, 30 Minutes or Less, Arlo the Alligator Boy, and Without Remorse.

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile is currently playing at a theater near you, but don’t forget to check out the 2022 movie schedule for all the latest on everything else coming out later this year.

Many of us are familiar with Lyle, the friendly crocodile who lived with the Primm family in the house on East 88th Street, but we’ve certainly never seen him portrayed as we will when Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile hits theaters on October 7. Pop singer Shawn Mendes stars as the voice of the titular reptile. Based on that bit of casting, you can glean that this children’s story has been turned into a full-blown musical for the big screen, with original music from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hanson and La La Land). Critics have had the chance to screen the movie ahead of its release, so let’s see what they think.

Alongside Shawn Mendes’ pipes, the live-action stars of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile include Winslow Fegley, Oscar winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy and Stranger Things standout Brett Gelman. Let’s see what critics are saying, starting with CinemaBlend’s review of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Our own Sarah El-Mahmoud rates the movie 2 stars out of 5, saying that while Bardem delivers, the rest of the movie is “all melody and no pizzazz.” She says: 

Robert Abele of The Wrap agrees with the above assessment about Javier Bardem being a standout in a movie that otherwise just feels like an attempt to cash in on Paddington’s success. The review says: 

Jude Dry of IndieWire says this adaptation of a beloved children’s book proves that nothing is safe or sacred in Hollywood. The critic gives Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile a grade of B-, saying: 

Chase Hutchinson of Collider grades the movie a C+, also noting that it lacks the magic needed to make a memorable or nostalgic experience: 

Frank Scheck of THR, however, says kids are likely to enjoy the “undeniably adorable” crocodile, even if audiences are likely to forget the original music before they’ve even left the theater. He says: 

While the critics don’t seem to think this movie meets the expectations set by similar nostalgia grabs like Paddington and other iconic children's movies, aspects including Shawn Mendes’ singing voice and Javier Bardem’s performance were positive takeaways from Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. If you’d like to accompany the younger members of your family to this musical affair, you can do so starting Friday, October 7. Also be sure to check out our 2022 Movie Release Schedule to see what else is hitting theaters soon. 

It took less than a week for Dune: Part 2 to get the green light following the blockbuster theatrical release of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, and it allowed the fanhood of the beloved sci-fi franchise to breathe a powerful sigh of relief. We no longer had to worry that the 2021 movie would never have a counterpart to complete the adaptation of author Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, and could focus all attention on simply getting hyped for the sequel. Thankfully, the production has made this extra easy with some tremendously exciting casting announcements in recent months.

Obviously there are a lot of stars from the first Dune who will be reprising their roles in Dune: Part 2, but there are also a number of new big names who have signed on – and we’ve built this feature in the aim of highlighting all of them. It feels logical to start with the former group, so let’s start by talking about the actor who will be back to play the central protagonist in the sequel…

Timothée Chalamet

The journey of Paul Atreides has only just begun. In Denis Villeneuve’s Dune we see the prince-adjacent character see his life essentially go up in flames – his family and clan moving to a new planet before being all but wholly annihilated – and Dune: Part 2 will see him attempt to stop the evil forces of House Harkonnen and Emperor Shaddam IV. Timothée Chalamet is back to star in the sequel, having completed work on Paul King’s upcoming Wonka while waiting for production on the sci-fi epic to start filming.

Rebecca Ferguson

Paul Atreides isn’t totally alone after the fall of House Atreides, as at the very least he still has the protection and companionship of his mother, Lady Jessica. While Paul learns the ways of the Fremen in Dune: Part 2, Jessica will continue to teach him in the ways of the Bene Gesserit – hoping that her boy will achieve what has been prophesized. Rebecca Ferguson, who delivers a brilliant performance in Dune, has been busy recently filming the new Mission: Impossible movies, but she will be reuniting with Denis Villeneuve for the sequel.

Zendaya

While her role in Dune was heavily publicized, Zendaya really doesn’t have very much screen time in the sci-fi blockbuster… but that is something that is very much going to change in Dune: Part 2. After being the literal girl of Paul’s dreams, Chani is now very much a part of his life, and the two of them will grow very close in the next chapter of this epic story – working together to try and save Arrakis from the evil forces that which to control and exploit it. Outside of the Dune franchise, Zendaya is best known for playing MJ in the MCU Spider-Man movies and her HBO series Euphoria.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem is very much in the same boat as Zendaya where Dune is concerned. He has some notable scenes as Stilgar in the film, but the vast majority of them aren’t until the very end. That will change in a big way with Dune: Part 2, as a huge part of the movie will be Paul and Jessica becoming acclimated in Fremen culture, and that’s a world where Stilgar stands up as leader.

Josh Brolin

By the time the third act rolls around in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, audiences don’t know the fate of Josh Brolin’s Gurney Halleck. The character is featured trying to lead men in the fight back against the invasion of House Atreides on Arrakis, but the movie doesn’t feature a definitive scene that reveals his status. As such, this might be a bit of a spoiler… but Gurney Halleck is indeed alive, and he will be back in Dune: Part 2 once again played by Brolin.

Stellan Skarsgard

Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is one of the most iconic villains in the history of the science-fiction genre, and Stellan Skarsgård does a brilliant job with his performance in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. He’s not in terrific shape at the end of the movie, as he is healing from the last-ditch effort attack by Duke Leto Atreides, but he is very much alive, and he is ready to bring the hammer down on Arrakis in Dune: Part 2 now that his enemies have been cleared off the board (or so he thinks).

Dave Bautista

Serving as one of Baron Harkonnen’s primary agents of cruelty in Dune: Part 2 will be Glossu “Beast” Rabban, played by the terrific Dave Bautista. The actor has just recently wrapped filming on another sci-fi epic – namely James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – but he’s surely excited to once again work with Denis Villeneuve, with whom he collaborated on Blade Runner 2049 before they came together on Dune.

Austin Butler

Denis Villeneuve admitted in November 2021 that Feyd-Rautha was purposefully left out of Dune so that the character could have a “more elegant” introduction, and the actor who has landed the sought after role is Austin Butler – the star of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Butler joined the cast of Dune: Part 2 in March 2022, and he will star in the sequel as a kind of counterpart to Dave Bautista’s Glossu Rabban. While “Beast” is all about brutality and strength, Feyd-Rautha is a villain who relies on intelligence and cunning (though, like every Harkonnen, at the end of the day he is a terrifying sadist).

Florence Pugh

Preceding the casting news about Austin Butler in Dune: Part 2 by just two days was the announcement that Florence Pugh has signed on to play a key part in the ensemble. She will be playing Princess Irulan in the hotly anticipated sequel, and without giving away too much to those of you who haven’t read the book, it may be a role that stirs up some controversy when the film hits theaters. The movie will provide a second opportunity for Pugh and Timothée Chalamet to work together, as they both previously starred in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women.

Christopher Walken

Fresh off his acclaimed performance in the AppleTV+ original series Severance, Christopher Walken is joining the Dune franchise – but he’s not just headed into space; he’s going to be running the whole show. It was reported in early May 2022 that Walken has signed on to play the role of Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune: Part 2. Presumably the movie will dig more into the relationship between the Emperor and House Harkonnen, who conspired to try and decimate House Atreides on Arrakis.

Léa Seydoux

Léa Seydoux has gotten a lot of blockbuster experience in recent years starring in the last two James Bond movies starring Daniel Craig, and she'll keep her run of big films going with a key role in Dune: Part 2. As was first reported in June 2022, she will be playing Margot Fenring, a member of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood whose husband Count Hasimir Fenring is a close friend an ally of Emperor Shaddam IV.

Souheila Yacoub

In July 2022, it was reported by Deadline that Souheila Yacoub has joined the Dune: Part 2 cast. In the blockbuster sequel she will be playing Shishakli – a member of the Fremen who notably provides Paul Atreides with the hooks for riding sandworms. It's not a particularly massive role, but it's an interesting casting choice given that the character in the book is a man.

Tim Blake Nelson

Tim Blake Nelson is one of Hollywood's most gifted character actors, perhaps best known for his delightful role in Joel and Ethan Coen's O Brother Where Art Thou, and he was revealed as a member of the cast of Dune: Part 2 in January 2023. Unfortunately, reports about him being in the movie did not include details about the part he will be playing (and he hasn't been featured in any of the film's trailers). It's one of two major franchise gigs that Nelson has going right now, as he is also set to reprise his role as Dr. Samuel Sterns in Marvel's upcoming Captain America: Brave New World.

Set to arrive in theaters almost exactly two years after its predecessor arrived on the big screen, Dune: Part 2 will be released on March 1, 2024. You can consult our 2024 Movie Release Calendar to find all of the new films that keep you distracted and not thinking about the long wait for the sequel.

For many years, Frank Herbert’s Dune was considered an unadaptable book. But Denis Villeneuve proved studios and audiences wrong when his highly-praised cinematic experience had a successful release this past fall. With Dune: Part Two set to begin production this summer, Javier Bardem has teased how the sequel will surprise audiences – yes, even superfans.

Javier Bardem spent the end of his week at the Cannes Film Festival where he took part in a Q&A (via Deadline). When the actor was asked about the forthcoming Dune sequel, he offered the following update: 

Between films like No Country For Old Men and Skyfall, the star has a track record of choosing exceptional projects to put his name next to, so praise like this from the Oscar-winning actor is especially exciting. Even though there’s an element of surprise lost for the many people who have read Dune, the actor claimed that even fans of the books will be taken aback by the movie’s creative decisions. he also said this: 

When Denis Villeneuve decided to split up the story of Dune, he took a gamble, as he wasn't completely sure he'd have the opportunity to make a sequel if the movie did not perform commercially. But when it hit big, Warner Bros announced the sequel just a few days after the movie hit theaters and HBO Max concurrently. (You can still check out the flick with an HBO Max subscription.) 

Dune: Part Two, which nabbed an October 2023 release date, has been teased as the “real meal” by its director, who considers the first installment an “appetizer.” Along with Javier Bardem, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard and Rebecca Ferguson are among the cast reprising. Plus, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler and Christopher Walken have reportedly been cast for Dune: Part Two. 

Javier Bardem will once again play Stilgar, who is the Freman leader and was the center of a major scene at the end of the first movie. When previously speaking about how he got the role of Stilgar, Bardem shared that Denis Villeneuve offered him the role over a lunch meeting in a very direct way. The actor previously revealed that he had read the book many years prior and felt the was one of those roles he’d aspire to play as a kid. Needless to say, he's living his dream, and I can't wait to see how he continues to deliver in the sci-fi follow-up.

Dune: Part Two is expected to hit theaters on October 20, 2023.

Because Denis Villeneuve opted to only adapt the first half of Frank Herbert’s original Dune novel for his Dune movie, there was concern in the months leading up to the sci-fi flick’s release over if the filmmaker would get the opportunity to adapt the second half. Well, mere days after Dune premiered both in theaters and on HBO Max, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures officially greenlit Dune 2, or Dune: Part Two, if you prefer. Among the actors who will be back for the upcoming movie are Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin, although ahead of filming this summer, these two have been joking about how they have some “work” to do first with their physiques.

Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin appeared in Dune as Stilgar and Gurney Halleck, respectively, with the former being the leader of the Fremen tribe at Sketch Tabr, and the latter being the House Atreides’ weapons master and one of the mentor’s to Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. Brolin is particularly excited to tackle Dune 2, as evidenced by having his publicist make sure that the movie’s IMDB page listed him in the cast. However, during a visit to Live with Kelly and Ryan, the actor noted he he hasn’t been able to start getting in shape for Dune 2 because of a specific job that comes with raising young children, explaining:

In the grand scheme of things, Josh Brolin making sure his children are eating trumps him getting into shape for Dune 2 right now, and I respect that prioritization. Still, with Gurney Halleck being such a formidable soldier and now finding himself in a precarious position after the collapse of House Atreides, Brolin will eventually need to start working out for the sequel, and so will Javier Bardem. After all, Stilgar will have a bigger role in Dune 2, and Bardem even requested that his character ride a sandworm. You can’t sit atop one of those beasts and not be properly fit.

Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin met up with each other at the 94th Academy Awards, as Dune was nominated for 10 Oscars and walked away with six of them among that night’s Academy Award winners. While chatting at the ceremony, the men realized they need to start their Dune 2 workout plans soon, with Brolin recalling:

Along with these two and Timothée Chalamet, Dune 2 will also see the return of Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Zendaya’s Chani (who will also have much more to do in the next movie), Stellan Skarsgård’s Baron Harkonnen and Dave Bautista’s Beast Rabban Harkonnen. While no newcomers have been officially confirmed yet, it’s been reported that Black Widow’s Florence Pugh entered talks to play Princess Irulan, and Elvis’ Austin Butler has been looked at to play Feyd-Rautha. Irulan’s father, Emperor Shaddam IV, is also expected to be an important character in the sequel, although there’s no word yet on who might be tapped for the role.

CinemaBlend will pass along whenever Dune 2 has kicked off principal photography, but you can at least mark down its release on October 20, 2023 for your theatrical calendars. This Dune franchise is also set to expand with an HBO Max prequel series called Dune: The Sisterhood, and Denis Villeneuve has expressed interested in rounding out his run on the property with a Dune: Messiah movie.

When it comes to relationships, these celebrity couples met on the sets of some of their most famous movies. From romantic films such as The Notebook to action movies like Daredevil, through the power of film, many of these couples were brought together. Here are 25 couples who met on the set of a movie but ended up dating in real life. 

Ryan Gosling And Rachel McAdams (The Notebook)

While you may know The Notebook as one of the best romance films out there, the two leading stars actually met on the set of the film, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. In an interview with GQ in 2007, Gosling confirmed he was thankful for the movie, as he met her through it despite the fact that their relationship ended.

While they did eventually break up in 2007, no one can quite forget this romance, both on and off screen.  

Emma Stone And Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man Series)

When Andrew Garfield was Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man series, he and his on-screen Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone, ended up dating for four years after meeting on the set of the first movie. While they split back in 2015, Garfield recently said that he’s still her biggest fan during an interview with Vanity Fair’s “Little Gold Men” podcast:

Angelina Jolie And Brad Pitt (Mr. And Mrs. Smith) 

On the set of the spy-movie, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (which is getting a reboot), Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt met. In an interview with Vogue (via People) in 2006, Jolie confirmed that they developed feelings for each other while filming, but didn’t start thinking of getting together instantly. 

Jolie and Pitt married in 2014, but later filed for divorce.  

Robert Pattinson And Kristen Stewart (The Twilight Series)

The Twilight series was a huge hit for Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, who played Edward and Bella in the adaptation of the popular vampire series, and they began dating after the first Twilight film released in 2008, according to an interview Stewart did with The New Yorker. They did eventually break up. 

Freida Pinto And Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire)

The 2011 Academy Award-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire, brought together its two stars, Freida Pinto and Dev Patel, after they starred in the film together. In an interview with The Guardian in 2015, Patel talked about his past relationship with Pinto, and how close they were during their time together. 

The pair split in 2014. 

Michelle Williams And Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain)

While filming Brokeback Mountain, co-stars Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger starred as husband and wife, and that love ended up coming off screen when the two began to date. In an interview with GQ in 2012, Williams talked about meeting Ledger for the first time, and how she felt she was always meant to meet him.

The two had a child together, but later separated.

Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds (The Green Lantern)

These two are couples goals. Ever since Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively met on the set of The Green Lantern in 2010, these two have been inseparable and eventually ended up getting married. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar in 2021, Reynolds admits they were seeing different people at the time, but their friendship slowly turned into a relationship. 

They’ve been married for several years now, and have four children. 

Eva Mendes And Ryan Gosling (The Place Beyond The Pines)

In The Place Beyond the Pines, the stars of the film, Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling ended up getting together. Rumors of them being together popped up originally when they were spotted going on a date to Disneyland (via Us Weekly) in 2011, and now more than a decade later, they’re still together and have two daughters. 

Gosling, in an interview with Harper's Bazaar in 2016, gushed about his family. 

Elizabeth Taylor And Richard Burton (Cleopatra)

Famed legendary actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had a whirlwind romance after filming Cleopatra, which released in 1963. Their love was highly publicized and even turned into a limited series, called Liz & Dick. It spanned thirteen years, eleven films together, as well as two marriages and two divorces, according to Vogue. 

Natalie Portman And Benjamin Millepied (Black Swan)

While filming her Academy Award-winning movie, Black Swan, Natalie Portman met Benjamin Millepied, who is a famous choreographer and co-starred with her. Two began dating and married not that long after in 2012. 

In an interview with People, Natalie gushed about her husband and how much she loved working with him again on a new film, called Vox Lux in 2018.

Matthew Broderick And Jennifer Grey (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)

While they may have played siblings in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey were actually entangled in a relationship during their time on set. Jennifer Grey spoke about her relationship with the actor in her memoir, Out of the Corner, and how it was hard to keep it a secret from everyone else. 

Once filming ended, according to the memoir, they separated temporarily before getting back together, and dated in 1988. They were also briefly engaged but called it off not that long after. 

Johnny Depp And Winona Ryder (Edward Scissorhands)

While they originally met in the lobby of a New York theater in 1989, according to Rolling Stone (via Cheat Sheet), Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder’s relationship only grew more after co-starring in Edward Scissorhands in 1990, so much so that Depp proposed to Ryder only five months into dating. 

However, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 1993, Depp confirmed they had split up due to the privacy the media wouldn’t let them have. 

Claire Danes And Hugh Dancy (Evening)

Both Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy met on the set of Evening, according to an interview Dancy did with London Evening Standard in 2013, saying that marriage to the star, as well as fatherhood, is treating him “very well.”

Goldie Hawn And Kurt Russell (The One And Only, Genuine, Original Family Band)

This long-lasting partnership started way back when in 1966. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell originally met on the set of The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, but it wasn’t until Swing Shift in 1984 that they began dating. In an interview with People, Hawn admits that the two don’t see a point in marriage.  

The pair have been together for 40 years, and recently starred in The Christmas Chronicles 2 together in 2020.  

Taylor Swift And Taylor Lautner (Valentine’s Day)

The ultimate Taylor-ship, actor Taylor Lautner and singer Taylor Swift worked together on the romantic comedy Valentine's Day and were seen out together at sports games (via People). The two reportedly dated for a couple of months before breaking up in December of the same year. 

Channing Tatum And Jenna Dewan (Step Up)

One of Channing Tatum’s best movies led to him meeting Jenna Dewan, his co-star and later wife on the set of Step-Up, as confirmed by an interview Tatum did with Elle in 2013. Tatum admitted that he almost didn’t ask Dewan out because he had just gotten out of a relationship. 

While they share a daughter, the two divorced in 2019.  

Daniel Craig And Rachel Weisz (Dream House)

While the two had actually first met at university together, both Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz were brought back together while filming Dream House. Weisz spoke with The Evening Standard in 2018 on her relationship, and how she never thought she would get married, until she started dating Craig. 

Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck (Gigli) 

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are back together, but their first run at a relationship was while filming Gigli, where the two became close friends, and later began to date after Lopez divorced from Chris Judd in 2003.

Vanessa Hudgens And Zac Efron (High School Musical Series)

The High School Musical series was a huge hit for the Disney Channel, and onscreen love interests, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, turned that love into a long relationship offscreen, according to Hudgens during an interview on The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast (via People) in 2019.

The two were together for five years before breaking up. 

Jennifer Garner And Ben Affleck (Daredevil)

Both Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck first met while filming Pearl Harbor, but started to date after being co-stars in Daredevil, according to an interview with Playboy Magazine in 2017, saying that this set was where they fell in love.

They later married in 2005 and then divorced in 2018. 

Liam Hemsworth And Miley Cyrus (The Last Song)

While filming The Last Song together, Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus became very close, according to Seventeen (via MTV News) where Cyrus said he was her “best friend.” Their relationship was later confirmed after they walked the red carpet together. They were together for years, marrying, before divorcing in 2020. 

Tom Cruise And Nicole Kidman (Days Of Thunder)

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman met at her audition for Days of Thunder, according to an interview she did with Harper’s Bazaar in 2021. The two stars co-starred, fell in love, married in 1990, and then divorced in 2001. 

Zendaya And Tom Holland (Spider-Man Series)

Tom Holland and Zendaya met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming together, but it wasn’t until closer to the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021 that speculation about a romantic relationship between the two seemed to be confirmed. 

Since then, the two have been very public about their relationship, especially when Tom Holland shared a post on Instagram on her birthday, saying that Zendaya was “his MJ.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar And Freddie Prinze Jr. (I Know What You Did Last Summer)

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. met originally on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer, but didn’t begin to date until 2000, according to an interview Gellar did with People in 2002, saying they weren’t even originally supposed to go on a date - turned into one. 

They have been together for twenty years and have two children. 

Penelope Cruz And Javier Bardem (Jamón Jamón)

The two actually met for the first time as co-stars while filming Jamón Jamón, they wouldn’t get together until they reunited again filming Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a Woody Allen film, according to an interview Javier Bardem did with GQ in 2017, and started dating after filming was done. 

The two have been married since 2010, and have two children. 

There are so many celebrity couples out there - some that have stood the test of time and others that have not. And I’m sure over time, only more and more will start to pop up with even crazier romances. 

With Oscar nominations right around the corner, CinemaBlend is taking a look at which films and performances are likely to be in contention for nominations. Let’s look at a the Lead Actor race. 

Locked In

Benedict Cumberbatch's deeply layered, tortured performance in The Power of the Dog is earning him the best reviews of his career. His film is also one of the biggest all-around contenders of the year, making him an absolute lock that you could rest easy betting your house on.

With a Golden Globe win under his belt for King Richard, Will Smith stands as a top contender in the category. His portrayal of Richard Williams is charming, funny, and heartfelt. It’s the kind of transformative leading role from an A list star that the Oscars can’t possibly pass up on.

Also carrying an emotionally heavy biopic is Andrew Garfield who will easily sing his way to a nomination for his portrayal of musical-theatre icon Jonathan Larsen in Tick, tick… Boom! His energetic, endearing performance is winning over critics and audiences alike, and it doesn’t hurt that Garfield is having an incredible year with appearances in The Eyes of Tammy Faye and Spider-Man: No Way Home

Denzel Washington is eyeing his 9th acting nomination for The Tragedy of Macbeth. Though the film is iffy as a Best Picture candidate, Washington’s towering performance will be impossible to ignore, especially since he’s an Academy favorite. 

Likely Bets

The four aforementioned actors were all nominated at SAG, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice, meaning there may only be one slot up for grabs. Javier Bardem’s performance as Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos. Despite controversy over his casting and having been largely ignored by critics groups, the actor secured a couple major industry award nominations at the Golden Globe and SAG awards. This makes the three-time nominee a strong candidate for the fifth slot. 

Peter Dinklage took a hit when he missed the SAG nomination, despite being a winner and previous nominee for Game of Thrones and The Station Agent, respectively. The film’s momentum has died a bit, with the studio delaying the release until after nominations. But Dinklage is a well respected actor, and many may feel it’s his time. This category hasn’t seen a lineup without a first-time nominee in 41 years, and Dinklage could keep that stat going.

Dark Horses

The past three Leonardo DiCaprio films nominated for best picture were coupled with a lead actor nomination for the actor. Don’t Look Up might break this streak, as it has failed to gain traction for any of its individual cast members at precursors. We can’t overlook the possibility of a surprise, but if Leo couldn’t get a SAG nomination, I don’t see how he can get the Oscar nomination.

I don’t see anyone else as having much of a chance, but perhaps Nicolas Cage in Pig, or Mahershala Ali in Swan Song could pull off a surprise.

Check back here at CinemaBlend for more category breakdowns including Adapted Screenplay, Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress.

In the total history of the James Bond movies, it’s not a surprise to see any of the actors playing the part looking a little worse for the wear. Apparently it’s not even that shocking to the men who have played Mr. Bond either, as seen in a recent interview where Daniel Craig shared a funny take on his 007 role. Commenting on his supposedly accident prone nature, Mr. Craig provided this humorous outlook on his now former gig, while actually bleeding on camera. 

Coming from his entry into the Actors on Actors interview series for Variety, Craig was alerted to the fact that he was very minorly injured by interviewer/Skyfall co-star Javier Bardem. Prompting a quick game of “find the stain,” he excused himself for a moment to look in the mirror, and realized he had indeed been bleeding ever so slightly during their talk. Explaining the situation, Daniel Craig admitted to the following chain of events: 

Daniel Craig, and the James Bond franchise in general, are no strangers to an extensive history of on-set injuries. While this ring light malfunction isn’t as serious as some of the other slings and arrows that Craig has endured as 007, it’s an entertaining footnote to include in the history books. Even leaving behind the role of Commander Bond has incurred a physical toll on the actor, but he’s apparently so used to it that he’s ok with letting everyone see him bleed.

This simple bump wasn’t hidden until the end of the interview either. If you watch the entire session between these Skyfall veterans, the gash on Daniel’s head is readily visible. What’s strange is 007 fans might not bat an eye when it initially comes to that wound, as we’re also used to seeing him in various states of on-screen injury and wounding throughout the Craig era of James Bond history. It’s probably why Javier Bardem didn’t mention it until his final question, which you can watch below: 

If only Daniel Craig was on set the day that the late Desmond Llewelyn taught Pierce Brosnan his precious two lessons in field agent work in The World is Not Enough. While Craig’s 007 definitely seems to have picked up on the part about always having an escape plan, it’s that other piece of knowledge that would have come in handy right about now: never let them see you bleed. Then again, the modern Commander Bond isn’t too worried about showing his more vulnerable side, especially during No Time To Die’s heartbreaking ending. 

With that in mind, this entire exchange is rather fitting when you think about it. Though if you’re not caught up with the 25th James Bond movie, you can either catch it in its limited IMAX re-release, or rent and purchase the film on home video. Skyfall is also available on home video, but if you’re a subscriber to the library of Paramount+ movies, you’ll have easier access to that particular title. For all other 2022 movie releases, take a look at our official guide to the films heading to a theater near you over the next year. 

The chemistry between Skyfall leads Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem is an undeniable factor in why the 2012 film was so successful. In their respective roles of James Bond and Silva, the cat and mouse energy between the actors helped nail the latter character, who is arguably the best Bond villain ever. Behind the scenes, a similar energy was buzzing on set, as Bardem pulled a very special birthday prank on Mr. Craig while shooting that very film. 

We learned this story recently, as the former on-screen foes were joyfully reunited for Variety's Actors on Actors series. In these sorts of sit-downs, there’s always an intriguing note or two that comes up, especially if it’s a pair of collaborators that have worked on something as huge as Sam Mendes’ big introduction into the 007 canon. Thanks to Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem having birthdays that are a year and a day apart, the following moment was cooked up as a celebration for Mr. Craig’s turn in front of the cake:

“Javier Bardem: We celebrated our birthday together once.

Daniel Craig: I remember you were in drag, but I know that’s a whole other story. 

JB: Coming out of a cake. I was supposed to be the Bond girl that night, and oh, my God, I was. … I sang ‘Happy Birthday to You,’ my best Marilyn Monroe impersonation. When they told me to sing, I was like, ‘Are you sure of that? Are you sure you want me singing?' And then I try.’”

How this moment wasn’t filmed and included in a Skyfall blooper/behind-the-scenes reel is a huge shame. That sort of thing that could even draw subscribers to the film’s current streaming home of Paramount+. However, maybe that would have been pushing too many buttons with studio executives, seeing as Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson had to fight to keep the big seduction scene between the two actors in the film proper.

That question was actually inspired by fact that Daniel Craig wanted to know more about Javier Bardem’s performance as Desi Arnaz in the all-star cast of Aaron Sorkin’s biopic Being The Ricardos. Meanwhile, Craig’s appearance is due to the awards season love that No Time To Die, which in turn caused Javier Bardem to ask about that film’s explosive ending. Just like when Craig reunited for a video chat with Casino Royale adversary Mads Mikkelsen, the results of this chat were more along the lines of a friendly chat rather than an interrogation. It looks like, left to their own devices, Bardem and Craig could have been as out of hand as Craig and Mikkelsen were when dreaming up ideas for their big scenes together. 

Were you to sum up this Skyfall reunion in two words, you would probably say something like “bubbly fondness.” Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem were clearly pleased to be talking with one another, and to divulge such a sweet story of shenanigans while making the 23rd of the James Bond movies makes it all even more of an event. If those are the stories they have to tell when dancing around their remembrances, who knows what else they might have to say in a deeper dive into that film? 

You can revisit Skyfall for yourself, as it’s currently streaming on Paramount+; though you might be doing that anyway before seeing or rewatching No Time To Die. The 25th James Bond movie is currently available for purchase or rental, both in physical and digital media. Meanwhile, you can next see Daniel Craig in his production of Macbeth, which is set to start previews on March 29th; and you can catch Javier Bardem playing Stilgar (a role he's compared to Lord of the Rings' Aragorn) in Dune, which is now available on home video.

These days, Nicole Kidman’s name seems to be more or less synonymous with streaming content. While the iconic actress still regularly makes films intended for theatrical release, some of her most ambitious projects of late have been for platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. It looks like even some controversy isn’t enough to break her successful streak on streaming services, too – because despite backlash toward her casting, her newest film Being The Ricardos pulled in big viewership numbers. 

For the week of December 20 through 26, Being The Ricardos placed third on Nielsen’s movie streaming chart, having been viewed a total of 604 million minutes in that time period. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Elf and Home Alone placed first and second, with 782 million and 700 million minutes, respectively. Netflix’s Don’t Look Up was fourth on the chart, with 521 million minutes. The I Love Lucy-centric film was released on December 21. 

These are impressive numbers for the Aaron Sorkin-directed Amazon Prime Video film. Competing with eternally popular Christmas classics during a holiday weekend is no easy feat, but Being The Ricardos held its own. The film, which stars Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, follows the highs and lows of the power couple’s lives. 

When the biopic was first announced, the news of Nicole Kidman’s casting was met with backlash from fans who didn’t feel she was the right person for the role. Aaron Sorkin later defended the decision to cast Kidman, telling THR that he didn’t want the actors playing either of the lead roles to try to perfectly impersonate the iconic stars’ voice or physical mannerisms. 

Despite the initial backlash, the film ultimately seems to have landed pretty well. It currently holds a 65 percent fresh rating from critics and a 75 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg gave Being The Ricardos four stars in his review, and praised the two leads, saying they gave two of the best performances of the year. 

In the past few years, Nicole Kidman has branched out beyond the big screen, with performances in the twisty The Undoing and Big Little Lies for HBO. The latter saw big gains in viewership due to the network’s streaming platform, according to THR. Before her latest feature, Kidman previously ventured in the exclusive streaming realm on Hulu's soapy Nine Perfect Strangers. 

The Oscar winner has also proven to be adept at playing real-life roles. Being The Ricardos is the the third film she's made in this vein, following her turn as Gretchen Carlson in Bombshell in 2019 and her Oscar-winning performance as Virginia Woolf in The Hours. 

Nicole Kidman seems poised to continue her streaming service domination, too. She's set to star in another Amazon Prime Video production, an adaptation of Janelle Brown's Pretty Things. Being The Ricardos is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. 

In addition to playing Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos and Blanco in The Good Boss, 2021 also saw Javier Bardem appearing in Dune as Stilgar, leader of the Fremen tribe at Sketch Tabr. Ahead of Denis Villeneuve’s latest movie premiering in theaters and on HBO Max, Bardem was hopeful he’d get the chance to reprise the role in a sequel, and luckily for him, his wish came true. With Dune: Part Two officially greenlit, Bardem how has a new request: getting to ride a sandworm in the upcoming movie.

When a book is adapted for film, naturally creative liberties need to be taken, including leaving certain scenes out of the cinematic telling. That said, Javier Bardem told Deadline that for Dune: Part Two, he’s hoping Denis Villeneuve will keep the moment from Frank Herbert’s novel that sees Stilgar atop a sandworm, the mightiest of Arrakis’ creatures. As the actor explained:

Unlike David Lynch’s Dune movie from 1984, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune only adapted the first half of the original book, allowing Dune: Part Two to delve into the latter half. Paul Atreides learning how to ride a sandworm from Stilgar’s instruction is one of the most important moments in Dune, so that, along with Villenueve’s assurances to Javier Bardem, mean it’s practically guaranteed the No Country for Old Men actor will have his request granted. You can see how Lynch’s Dune translated this moment by watching the below clip, which features Kyle Chandler as Paul and Everett McGill as Stilgar.

Like Zendaya, Javier Bardem didn’t get a lot of screen time in Dune. After showing up to negotiate with Oscar Isaac’s Duke Leto Atreides at the fortress known as Arrakeen, Stilgar didn’t resurface until the end of the movie, when Timothée Chalamet’s Paul and Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica were on the run from Baron Harkonnen’s forces and come across this tribe of Fremen. With House Atreides in ruins, and having previously experienced visions of the future of himself with Chani and the other Fremen, Paul decided to join the tribe so that he can bring peace to Arrakis like his father wanted. 

Stilgar plays a big role in training Paul to become the person capable of accomplishing such a lofty goal, so expect to see a lot more of him in Dune: Part Two. Along with plenty of other familiar faces returning for the sequel, there are also some notable characters from the book who will finally make their debut, such as Feyd-Rautha. Filming is expected to begin in July 2022, with the completed movie arriving on October 20, 2023.

Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more updates on Dune: Part Two’s progress. Our 2022 release schedule is available for those of you who are curious about what cinematic entertainment awaits in the nearer future.

Back in the days when Universal Pictures was putting together its Dark Universe franchise, Javier Bardem was on deck to play Frankenstein’s monster. However, that shared universe never came to fruition due to its first entry, The Mummy, critically and commercially underperforming in summer 2017. Since then, Universal has embarked down a new creative path with its lineup of Monsters, but is it possible that the man who appeared as Stilgar in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune could still star in a new cinematic Frankenstein story?

While recently appearing on Sirius XM’s The Jess Cagle Show, Javier Bardem was asked if he’s still attached to play Frankenstein’s monster for Universal. After mentioning that he has the right head size for the role, the actor responded:

Javier Bardem has been associated with Frankenstein’s monster since 2016, when it was first reported that he was in talks to play the towering brute. By May 2017, Bardem confirmed he was in discussions for the role, but rather than play the monstrosity in a direct adaptation of Mary Shelley’s original 1818 novel, he was expected to appear as the character in a remake of Bride of Frankenstein. But as noted earlier, this was all before The Mummy failed to impress, so whatever original plans Universal had for Frankenstein’s monster in the Dark Universe ended up being scrapped. In those days, the play was for Beauty and the Beast’s Bill Condon to direct, and Angelina Jolie was being eyed to play the title protagonist originally brought to life by Elsa Lanchester.

Fast-forward to now, evidently Javier Bardem hasn’t been kept in the loop about whether he will indeed still get to play Frankenstein’s monster. That said, it’s worth mentioning that in June 2020, producer David Koepp revealed that he’d written a new version of the Bride of Frankenstein remake, and that the studio had begun talking to directors. No major updates have come in since then, but it’s possible the remake is still in the development stages. If so, perhaps Universal would still be game for Bardem to take part in it rather than look for someone else to play Frankenstein’s monster. If the studio does decide it wants a different actor, maybe it should look at Josh Brolin, as Bardem also said in the interview that his No Country for Old Men costar has the same head size as him.

If/when the day comes that Javier Bardem is confirmed to be playing Frankenstein’s monster, whether it’s in Bride of Frankenstein or a different Universal Monsters project, we’ll pass along that news. For now, keep our 2022 release schedule handy to stay up to date on what movies are arriving this year. 

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune was an astonishing adaption of the beloved sci-fi book by Frank Herbert and featured Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Chani. The film is enormous, with great performances and moments. Yet, clearly, the director wanted to save certain things for the sequel, specifically Zendaya’s character, who had limited screen time but is promised to have a much bigger role in the next film. It was surprising having such a major star like Zendaya barely appear in the movie, but she was convinced of the potential of the sequels by Villeneuve. It turns out she wasn’t the only one who was pitched a more prominent role for Dune 2. 

In fact, Javier Bardem recently sat down with Vanity Fair to talk about the various roles throughout his career, from No Country For Old Men to Dune and everything in between. The actor explained how he was approached for the role as Stilgar in the film, revealing that he was pitched that his role would be bigger if there was a Part 2 to the story. Bardem explained his sit down with Denis Villeneuve, saying: 

Bardem obviously holds Villeneuve in high regard as a filmmaker, and it seems like the potential for a more prominent role didn’t factor into his decision to join the film. The big draw for him was the director being one of the most visionary figures in movies who was pouring so much into this epic passion project, and now that Dune 2 is confirmed, he will be an even more significant part of it all. Plus, it's worth noting Stilgar’s brief appearance in the film sets up so much for the world's future, and the actor steals the show in his brief time in the film.

One of the most jarring things about Dune was the absence of Zendaya, who was all over the marketing for the film, but only appeared for a small fraction of the runtime. We know now that she will have a much more significant role in the sequel, but it was still a shock that a star like her was barely in the film. She also only worked a few days on her part in the movie, but hearing her co-star's take on why he joined I can only guess the actress had similar feelings.

The director of Dune has spoken about the franchise and how he wanted to elevate the female characters, and that was evident by how important a role Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica had in the film. With the sequel confirmed and Zendaya ready for Chani to play a way more significant role, the women of the film are certainly a focus for the director and how he adapts the source material. Now, we'll have to wait and see what Stilgar brings to the table too.

More characters will join the already-stacked cast in the sequel and Denis Villeneuve seems confident that filming for the sequel will start by fall of 2022, despite having to bring all these major names together again. So, the wheels are already in motion for Dune 2, and I can't wait to see Zendaya and Javier Bardem as major players going forward.  

Aaron Sorkin has made a career out of showing audiences what goes on behind the scenes of places like the White House, television news networks, and the creation of the world’s largest social media platform. With Being the Ricardos, his latest effort, the master screenwriter and budding director provides a short glance into the making of the beloved sitcom I Love Lucy and its principal players over the course of a single yet hectic week.

With A-listers like Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, the Being the Ricardos cast is one of those collections of actors that just keeps getting more and more interesting the farther you get down the list. In the event some of the faces and names don’t look familiar to you, we’ve put together a quick yet comprehensive rundown of the cast and where you’ve seen them before.

Nicole Kidman (Lucille Ball)

Taking on the role of TV legend Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos is Nicole Kidman, who has racked up an Oscar, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and an impressive five Golden Globes throughout her successful film and television career.

Over the years, Nicole Kidman has dazzled audiences with performances in everything from Moulin Rouge! to Big Little Lies and Cold Mountain to The Undoing, with dozens upon dozens of memorable appearances before and since. And with upcoming movies like The Northman and shows including Expats, expect to see a lot more of Kidman in the very near future.

Javier Bardem (Desi Arnaz)

Portraying Lucille Ball’s real-life husband and co-star Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos is Javier Bardem, an actor who has built up a tremendous resumé over the course of the past two decades, including an Oscar and Golden Globe for his terrifying performance in No Country For Old Men.

Although he was already a well-known name before portraying Anton Chigurh in the Coen brothers’ 2007 neo-noir classic, Javier Bardem has become a massive star in the years following its release. With iconic performances in Skyfall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and most recently Dune, Bardem has become one of Hollywood’s best actors.

J.K. Simmons (William Frawley)

What would a movie centering on I Love Lucy be without a portrayal of one of the show’s main stars? Luckily we don’t have that problem as Being the Ricardos sees J.K, Simmons take on the role of William Frawley, the man behind Lucy and Ricky’s neighbor Fred Mertz.

Throughout his career, J.K. Simmons has shown up in both the DC and Marvel cinematic universes playing two of the most iconic comic book characters in the process with portrayals of James Gordon and J. Jonah Jameson (including in the recently released Spider-Man: No Way Home). Outside of the realm of superhero movies, Simmons has also appeared in riveting dramas like Whiplash, for which he won an Oscar and Golden Globe, as well as groundbreaking TV dramas like Oz.

Nina Arianda (Vivian Vance)

Taking on the role of Vivian Vance, who played Ethel Mertz on I Love Lucy, is Nina Arianda. Prior to joining the Being the Ricardos cast, the Tony Award-winning actress built up a nice collection of roles in film, television, and the stage.

Over the years, Nina Arianda has given commanding film performances in Midnight in Paris, Florence Foster Jenkins, and Richard Jewell, small-screen appearances on shows like Goliath, Billions, and Hannibal, and broadway shows that include Venus in Fur and Born Yesterday.

Tony Hale (Jess Oppenheimer)

Since so much of Being the Ricardos focuses on the behind-the-scenes drama of I Love Lucy, it only makes sense for some of the major players to play prominent roles in Being the Ricardos. Enter Tony Hale, who portrays the sitcom’s showrunner Jess Oppenheimer.

Whether it is with modern classic TV shows like Arrested Development or Veep, which earned him two Golden Globes, or in movies like The Informant! and Toy Story 4, Tony Hale has been just about everywhere the past couple of decades. And with the upcoming Hocus Pocus 2, it looks like it will be that way for quite some time.

John Rubinstein (Jess Oppenheimer)

Being the Ricardos features modern-day interviews with older versions of several of the key creatives behind I Love Lucy, including one with an older Jess Oppenheimer, played by John Rubinstein. 

The son of influential pianist Arthur Rubinstein, John Rubinstein has bounced between acting, directing, and music composition throughout his more than 50-year career, including Broadway musicals like Pippin and Love Letters, film productions like 21 Grams and Red Dragon, and a list of shows that includes everything from soap operas to Young Sheldon.

Alia Shawkat (Madelyn Pugh)

Taking on the role of I Love Lucy writer Madelyn Pugh in Being the Ricardos is Alia Shawkat, who broke out as a promising young actor in the early 2000s with State of Grace and Arrested Development.

Over the years, Alia Shawkat has continued to find success in front of the camera with appearances in The Final Girls, 20th Century Women, and Blaze. Shawkat currently plays Dory Sief on the TBS/HBO Max original series Search Party. 

Linda Lavin (Madelyn Pugh)

Taking on the role of an older Madelyn Pugh in Being the Ricardos is Tony Award and Golden Globe winner Linda Lavin, who brings with her decades of experience in film, television, and Broadway.

Probably best known for leading the successful TV series Alice from 1976 to 1985, Linda Lavin has appeared on shows like The Muppet Show, The Good Wife, Santa Clarita Diet, and most recently B Positive. Her film work includes The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Back-Up Plan, and The Intern. Lavin’s stage works includes A Family Affair, Broadway Bound, and The Lyons, to name only a few.

Jake Lacy (Bob Carroll Jr.)

Jake Lacy continues his impressive run with a portrayal of Bob Carroll Jr., one of the I Love Lucy writers at the heart of Being the Ricardos. 

Over the course of the past decade, Jake Lacy has gone from a late addition to The Office cast to one of the most go-to comedic actors in film and television with roles in Obvious Child, Girls, Ode to Joy, and High Fidelity. Lacy also gave a great performance as the jerk Shane Patton on The White Lotus in 2021.

Ronny Cox (Bob Carroll Jr.)

Taking on the role of the older Bob Carroll Jr. in Being the Ricardos is Ronny Cox, who has worn many hats throughout his 50-year career.

Perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Lieutenant Andrew Bogomil in Beverly Hills Cop, Ronny Cox has also appeared in movies like RoboCop, Deliverance, and Total Recall. His television work includes everything from Bonanza to Dexter and Star Trek: The Next Generation to Nashville.

Clark Gregg (Howard Wenke)

Rounding out the Being the Ricardos cast is Clark Gregg, who portrays CBS executive Howard Wenke.

Throughout his career, which goes back to the late 1980s, Clark Gregg has appeared in everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to modern-day adaptations of Williams Shakespeare’s plays, and dozens of movies and shows in between. 

And don’t forget you can see all these names and more when you watch Being the Ricardos streaming on Amazon Prime. Oh, and now’s the perfect time to check out the remaining 2021 movies before it’s too late.

Every year around this time, a fresh crop of prestige biopics and docudramas arrives to resurrect an old debate: when an actor is playing a real person, what defines a quality portrayal?  Is it totally about their ability to capture the essence of an individual in the context of the story that is being told, or is there a necessity for the performer to utterly disappear physically and turn invisible in their depiction – perhaps allowing the audience to believe that they are watching archive footage? The fact that this discussion is annually perpetuated by different projects taking different tactics suggests that there is no genuine answer, but in 2021, Aaron Sorkin’s Being The Ricardos is adding a fantastic new wrinkle to the conversation.

The project has been at the center of light controversy since its casting stage, with some fans questioning the choices to have Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem respectively playing Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz – the argument being that there are other actors in Hollywood who physically make better doubles of the I Love Lucy stars. Actually watching the film, one does have to concede that the loud online faction was partially right, as the movie doesn’t make the overt effort to have its two principals “become” Lucy and Desi; what’s ultimately more interesting, however, is the way in which the leads discover the powerful energies of the Hollywood legends and deliver performances that create spectacular contrast between their identities in front of the camera and behind it.

Structured in part as a faux documentary, with Linda Lavin, John Rubinstein, and Ronny Cox portraying I Love Lucy writers in contemporary interviews reflecting on their time making the show, Being The Ricardos sees Aaron Sorkin specifically focus on one week in the making of the hit television series – a week earmarked by controversy. As the writers and stars go through the stages of getting a new episode up on its feet, everyone nervously waits for a major bombshell to drop, as there is a slowly circulating rumor that Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) is a communist.

To deal with the stress, Lucy throws herself into her work, taking an even more commanding role in the creative decisions than usual, but, naturally, this leads to other feathers being rustled. Lucy’s firm hand on the wheel in production challenges Desi’s (Javier Bardem) more traditional view of masculine and feminine roles – and at the same time he is fighting on her behalf to try to get her recently announced pregnancy incorporated into the plot of the show. Fights about the origins of certain ideas are endless in the writer’s room, with showrunner Jess Oppenheimer (Tony Hale) stuck in the middle between Madelyn Pugh (Alia Shawkat) and Bob Carroll Jr. (Jake Lacy), and there is disharmony in the supporting cast as I Love Lucy co-stars Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda) and William Frawley (J.K. Simmons) have no compunction about exhibiting their dislike of one another.

Flashbacks about the origins of Lucy and Desi’s relationship and the creation of I Love Lucy add more spice to the conflict stew, creating a quite complicated gumbo, but every ingredient not only serves to heighten the drama, but also exposes the immense social complexity of the era, and the way in which Lucille Ball was constantly pulled in multiple directions as a wife, mother, and woman in a male-dominated industry.

Aaron Sorkin bites off a lot with Being The Ricardos, but he does manage to chew it.

Biopics are often sunk by their efforts to try and do too much, and Being The Ricardos takes some bold risks dancing on that line. Aaron Sorkin very much tries to have it all by focusing on a singular week-in-the-life structure and also including the flashbacks and talking heads that add history and greater context to the events. In less skilled hands, the material could have emerged a jumble, but it plays because of Sorkin’s brilliant ability to take what could be a chaos of conflict and organize it all so that each piece of drama is designed to bounce off of another.

One could make the argument that the movie is overdramatized to the point where it strains credulity and sacrifices verisimilitude – pushing together key events that didn’t really collide in a seven day span as portrayed – but it’s a choice that works when you accept the emotional truth over the factual truth in the narrative and understand it as a depiction instead of a recreation.

The storm that Aaron Sorkin whips up from true stories is orchestrated as a means of best encapsulating the lives and experiences of Lucy and Desi, and in doing so he successfully shows sides of the two performers that audiences may have never known about or even thought about. We may think of her as a clownish redhead and he as a charismatic bandleader thanks to their iconic characters, but what unfolds in Being The Ricardos adds fascinating extra dimensions to them, and it’s because of Sorkin’s specific approach.

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem deliver unexpected and awesome turns as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

The writer/director’s call not to cover his stars in prosthetics and heavy makeup is a nice metaphorical representation of his methodology, and what completes the picture is that both Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are both phenomenal in the film. Rather than getting audiences to be impressed/distracted by an aesthetic transformation, the stars do their roles incredible justice by nailing mannerisms and physicality – not to mention their great accent work.

They are complicated performances – if not especially because of Lucille Ball playing “Lucy” and Desi Arnaz playing “Desi” in the show within the movie – but the two Academy Award winning stars do genius work playing the different attitudes and dynamics. Nicole Kidman proves herself surprisingly adept at physical comedy, getting legitimate laughs in a recreation of an I Love Lucy gag where she goes grape-stomping at an Italian vineyard, but she is also exceptional in illustrating Ball’s genius comedic mind behind-the-scenes and her struggle dealing with the multitude of pressures in her life (such as being a model for women in Hollywood and her overwhelming desire to have a real “home”).

Being a Cuban immigrant married to a white woman in 1950s America, Desi Arnaz most certainly faced plenty of pressures of his own, and while Being The Ricardos does lean more on Lucille Ball’s story, the excellence in Javier Bardem’s turn is undeniable. He’s magnetic and charismatic in ways we’ve never seen before in the role (on the other side of the solar system from his characters in movies like No Country For Old Men, Biutiful, and Skyfall), but it’s also amazing to see him blend that charm with determination while arguing his vision for I Love Lucy with producers and network executives. It’s an awesome performance that perfectly matches Nicole Kidman’s.

After Molly’s Game and The Trial Of The Chicago 7, Aaron Sorkin is in comfortable and familiar territory operating behind the scenes of a television show in Being The Ricardos, and in every way it enhances his reputation as an auteur. There are points where he can’t seem to help himself and he allows certain sequences to become overwritten – including an emotional cast gathering in the third act – but there is also an overwhelming love of the creative process demonstrated that will garner the appreciation of any film and television fan. It’s messy, but well-made, and a wonderful tribute to its subjects.

My initial reaction to seeing Javier Bardem share the screen with his friend, Thanos actor Josh Brolin, in Dune was, “How cool is it to see these guys together again for the first time since No Country for Old Men?” However, the sight of many more Dune cast members who are also well known for superhero movies (including Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgård, David Dastmalchian, and future Moon Knight star Oscar Isaac) made me wonder when the Spanish-born Academy Award-winner will get the chance to jump on that bandwagon. 

To help potentially speed up the process, I have a few ideas below for what classic comic characters Bardem would be the ideal choice to play in the Marvel movies, starting with (unsurprisingly) a villain.

Mister Sinister 

From his Oscar win for playing Anton Chigurh in 2007’s No Country for Old Men, to his chilling cameo in Michael Mann’s Collateral in 2004, and, the menacing stand-off with James Bond in 2012’s Skyfall, it is clear that Javier Bardem is a master of portraying evil. So, I say we cast him as a Marvel villain so sinister that he is literally synonymous with the word. 

This would be Mister Sinister, who was born in 19th Century London, where he was originally given the name Nathaniel Essex before he chose to use his Alpha-Level mutant abilities (which include everything from shape-shifting to telepathy for nefarious purposes. Professor X and company will need a good adversary when Marvel Studios puts out their X-Men movies reboot and Bardem would make this sought-after fan-favorite worth the wait.

Doctor Doom 

Speaking of comic book villains who are synonymous with foreboding words, an even more famous and notoriously adversarial character in the Marvel Universe (or Marvel Multiverse, even) is Victor von Doom. Of course, to comic book fans, the arch enemy of the Fantastic Four (and an enemy to most other superheroes you could think of) is more commonly known as Doctor Doom - a name that refers both to his Ph.D as well as his penchant for threatening the world with an assortment of brilliantly conceived, but horrifying schemes, and his impressive skills in sorcery. 

As one of the most important villains in comic book history, the character's induction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most highly anticipated events in pop culture so, to do it right, casting an actor as skilled at portraying doom as Javier Bardem is essential.

Mephisto

Speaking of highly anticipated MCU inductions, even the most casual comic book fans are familiar with Mephisto for how often die-hards have been clamoring for him in the franchise (with theories about his involvement in WandaVision being one of the more recent and infamous examples). 

Well, once again, it will take an actor of amazing talent, and a nearly unparalleled sense of menace, to pull off the first appearance of the Marvel Universe’s own version of Satan on the big (or even small) screen since Peter Fonda played him in Ghost Rider in 2007. Not only would Javier Bardem likely nail the portrayal or even manage to reinvent the character into something even more thrilling, but playing a Marvel villain of such intense prowess might be a fun opportunity to make his buddy Josh Brolin jealous.

Galactus

Actually, instead of casting Javier Bardem as an inter-dimensional demon, an even better way to make the former Thanos actor green (instead of purple) with envy would be to cast his friend as an omnipotent god. After surviving a deadly amount of cosmic energy, human space traveler Galan transformed into Galactus - a literally larger than life being of immense, nearly incomparable power, who enjoys snacking on full planets in his spare time. 

Many fans have theorized that the villain could be the next “Big Bad” for Phase 4 of the MCU and, if so, I think now is the time to get Bardem on the phone. His aforementioned mastery of abominable character traits and commanding voice are just what is needed to pull off the character's cinematic debut (if you don’t count his “cloudy” portrayal in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and I don’t).

Beast

We may have enough villains on this list by now, and I do not want to completely distract from Javier Bardem's non-evil portrayals, either, such as real-life poet Reinaldo Arenas in Before Night Falls (which earned him his first Oscar nomination), or as real-life euthanasia activist Ramon Sampedro in The Sea Inside, from 2004. 

In fact, I may have the perfect heroic role for him to utilize both his gruff, more intimidating persona and his gentler emotional depth simultaneously: Dr. Henry “Hank” McCoy. Previously played by Nicolas Hoult in the X-Men movie prequels, the blue, burly, and brilliant mutant nicknamed Beast is bound to come back to the big screen and, if not reprised by Kelsey Grammer, I think Bardem would be the perfect fit.

Frankenstein’s Monster

If Javier Bardem does join the MCU, it would technically not be the first shared cinematic universe he ever joined. Before the critical and commercial failure of The Mummy scrapped plans for the “Dark Universe” in 2017, Bardem was set to play Frankenstein’s Monster in a remake of Bride of Frankenstein, which is a performance I actually would have been very interested to see, to be honest. 

I think a great way to give the actor a second chance at the role is to cast him as Marvel’s interpretation of Mary Shelley’s seminal creation, who would eventually join a more recent imagining of The Howling Commandos, which employs a few different famous horror characters for heroic purposes.

Bringing the Howling Commandos to the big screen would be an amazing way to unite fans of horror movies with fans of the MCU, which has been embracing more macabre concepts lately anyway, from rebooting Blade with Mahershala Ali to hiring Evil Dead movies creator Sam Raimi to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Come to think of it, all this talk of making darkness a key component to Javier Bardem’s comic book movie debut has me wondering if the DC movies are a better fit for the actor.

With the long-awaited October 2021 release of Dune and that fantastic first Being the Ricardos trailer, there is no better time to stop for a moment and dive through some of the best Javier Bardem movies. Over the years, the Academy Award-winning Spanish actor has terrified moviegoers in thrillers like No Country For Old Men and Skyfall, made audiences fall in love with his charisma in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and taken everyone on a ride to the edge of death in titles like Biutiful and The Sea Inside. 

But, picking a movie from Bardem’s vast filmography is no easy task because there’s just so much greatness within it. Fear not, as we have put together a list of Bardem’s best movies and how you can watch them streaming or on tried and true physical media.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

The Coen Brothers’ 2007 adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s No Country For Old Men tells the story of Vietnam veteran Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) and the dangerous situation he finds himself in after stumbling onto the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong in the West Texas desert. After picking up a satchel containing a large sum of cash (and a tracking device, unbeknownst to him), Moss is tracked down by cold and methodical contract killer, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). Like something out of Terminator, Chigurh stops at nothing to recover the drug-money.

Javier Bardem became the first Spanish actor to win an Academy Award when he was named the Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars in early 2008, but No Country For Old Men would be worth a watch even if he wasn’t recognized for his iconic performance. Nearly a decade-and-a-half after the film’s release, Anton Chigurh remains one of the most terrifying and recognizable villains in cinematic history.

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Skyfall (2012)

Sam Mendes’ Skyfall picks up when a hard drive containing the identities of MI6’s undercover agents is stolen, forcing a retired James Bond (Daniel Craig) to get back into the field and recover the device before it’s too late. But things aren’t as simple as they may seem, and the journey digs up ghosts of M’s (Judi Dench) past, including Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem), a former MI6 agent and cyberterrorist who has come back for revenge after she left him for dead years earlier.

The final movie to feature Judi Dench as James Bond’s superior, Skyfall is one of the most personal and emotional additions to the beloved spy franchise. Javier Bardem’s portrayal of a bitter and broken man is one of the reasons for this. His desire to expose all of M’s secrets before killing her comes from the pain (both physical and emotional) that was caused by her betrayal. Plus, he is almost as terrifying as Anton Chigurh here.

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Biutiful (2010)

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s psychological drama, Biutiful, follows Uxbal (Javier Bardem), a down-on-his-luck single father who helps Chinese immigrants find work in his Spanish town while also communicating with the spirits of the recently deceased. Uxbal’s life, which is already hard enough, is made all the more difficult when he is diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that will kill him in a matter of months. Following the shocking news, Uxbal attempts to tie up all loose ends and come up with a plan for his children before his time comes.

Javier Bardem received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a tortured man trying to make sense of his life in his final days, and it’s honestly a shame he did not win (Colin Firth took home the prize for The King’s Speech). Still, his performance here is further proof of Bardem being one of the best living actors.

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Mondays In The Sun (2002)

The 2002 Spanish drama Mondays in the Sun, which was directed by Fernando León de Aranoa, follows a group of recently laid off shipbuilders who spend their days floating through life and taking up shop at a bar while trying to determine their next step. The movie spends a great deal of time with Santa (Javier Barden), the group’s ringleader who attempts to keep his friends motivated and optimistic despite a bleak future that only appears to get darker by the day.

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Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

The 2008 Woody Allen romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona follows American travelers Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) as they spend a summer exploring all that Spain has to offer. Little do they know, but they will soon find themselves tied up in the complex relationships of artist Juan Antonio Gonzalo (Javier Bardem), whose talent as a painter is only matched by his undeniable charisma. But, just when the situation looks as if it could not get more complicated, things take another wild turn.

Everything about Vicky Cristina Barcelona makes it a movie worth revisiting time and time again, but one of the standouts is Javier Bardem’s effectiveness in his role. It never feels like Bardem is an actor playing a part, but instead the character at the center of the complicated romance. 

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Everybody Knows (2018)

Asghar Farhadi’s 2018 crime thriller Everybody Knows starts off simple enough: Laura (Penélope Cruz) travels from Argentina to her hometown in Spain with her two children to attend a wedding. But, after a chance encounter with an old friend named Paco (Javier Bardem), the vacation turns into something darker and much more intense. Following the wedding, Laura’s daughter, Irene (Carla Campra) is kidnapped, setting off a series of events that uncovers a myriad of long-forgotten secrets.

The way that Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz play off one another as former lovers here is something to behold and really makes the characters' struggle all the more realistic.

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Collateral (2004)

Michael Mann’s neo-noir crime thriller Collateral follows Los Angeles cab driver Max Durocher (Jamie Foxx) on what appears to be just a normal night of taking people to the airport and various locations around the City of Angels, but one that quickly unfolds into one he’ll never forget. After picking up a mysterious rider named Vincent (Tom Cruise), Max becomes wrapped up in the city’s criminal underbelly as he drives the contract killer from one job to the next.

One of the strengths of Collateral is the film’s outstanding cast, which includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, and Javier Bardem as the powerful drug lord Felix Reyes-Torrena. Although only in the movie for a few scenes at most, Bardem’s performance carries a certain weight to it that sticks out and also makes you want to check out more of his work.

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Before Night Falls (2000)

Julian Schnabel’s 2000 biographical drama Before Night Falls tells the story of Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas (Javier Bardem) as he found his voice, learned to accept his sexuality, and went from supporter of the Cuban Revolution to one of its biggest critics. Over the course of this celebrated film, which earned Bardem his first Academy Award nomination, Arenas struggles to find his place in society, one that doesn’t support his work or his identity.

If anything, Before Night Falls is a story of ambition, determination, and the potential of the human spirit, especially in those who will do anything to make a better life not just for themselves but others in their situation.

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The Sea Inside (2004)

The Alejandro Amenábar-directed biographical drama The Sea Inside follows Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem) as he goes from brave adventurer to one of the most prominent voices in support of assisted suicide, following a diving accident that left him paralyzed. Throughout the course of the movie, Sampedro encounters various people and has a profound impact on their lives both during and after his death.

The Sea Inside was named the Best Foreign Film at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes in early 2005, with Javier Bardem receiving a nomination for Best Actor — Motion Picture Drama at the latter.

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Live Flesh (1997)

Pedro Almmodóvar’s Live Flesh is one part gripping crime thriller and one part sultry love story involving several cops and junkies in Madrid, Spain in the late 1990s. When a report of a shooting leads clean-cut police officer David (Javier Bardem) to an apartment complex, he is shot in the leg trying to protect a young woman, leaving him confined to a wheelchair. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, life is good for David as he enters a deeply committed relationship with the woman, Elena (Francesca Neri). But, when the man responsible for his condition is released from prison several years later, life becomes much more complicated for everyone involved.

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With so many great Javier Bardem movies coming out in the not-so-distant future, expect to see some great additions as time goes on. In the meantime, check out CinemaBlend's list of 2021 movie premiere dates.

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Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem has starred in two movies together, and both of them are masterpieces. The two previously could be seen in the Best Picture winning No Country For Old Men, a flawless adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. And currently, the two have roles in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, which is playing in theaters as we speak (and deserves to be seen in IMAX, so go, now). But when I spoke to the men about their collaborations, they jokingly pointed out a trend in their collaborations which they will have to break when Dune: Part Two gets greenlit. The video above explains it. 

Knowing that these two men starred in No Country for Old Men, and held significant roles in the movie, I wondered if there were any scenes that they shot in the film that featured them together. For the bulk of that film, Javier Bardem’s terrifying Anton Chigurh hunts Josh Brolin’s Llewelyn Moss, who has found money that doesn’t belong to him and is attempting to stay a few steps ahead of the people retrieving it. Bardem clarifies that they did NOT shoot any additional scenes for No Country, and Brolin mentions that the two men share a phone call in the movie, but never traded lines on an actual set. 

Here’s that riveting scene.

You can imagine, then, how very excited I was to see Bardem step into a scene with Brolin in Dune, where the former plays the leader of the Fremen making an offering to Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) on Arrakis. I asked the men what it was like to trade lines in THIS scene, and they pointed out that they actually don’t. As Brolin put it:

The scene that they share in Dune is significant, with the native Fremen interacting with the new leadership. And Javier Bardem glides into the scene and absolutely dominates it, as Josh Brolin looks on in envy. It’s one of many reasons why you need to check Dune out now, and in theaters. Also, keep track of the rest of the movies opening in 2021 by following our New Release Calendar, which we update frequently. 

The stars of Warner Bros.’ “Dune” including Jason Momoa (Duncan Idaho), Oscar Isaac (Duke Leto Atreides), Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica), Javier Bardem (Stilgar), Josh Brolin (Gurney Halleck) and screenwriter/director Denis Villeneuve discuss their film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved novel in this interview with CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell, edited by Hannah Saulic.

Video Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:30 - Jason Momoa Breaks Down Duncan Idaho’s Key Fight Scenes
• 01:30 - Josh Brolin On How They Came To The “Scrub Your Ass With Sand” Line
• 02:13 - Star Wars vs. Dune: Oscar Isaac Weighs In
• 03:30 - Jason Momoa: “Me Going To Petra Is Like Duncan Going To Arrakis”
• 04:24 - Denis Villeneuve On Casting Dune
• 05:36 - The Dune Scene Josh Brolin Would Show Frank Herbert
• 06:15 - The Dune Scene Denis Villeneuve Had To Cut That’s ‘Still Painful’ To Him
• 07:35 - What The Cast Learned About Dune That Will Inform How They Approach Potential Sequels
• 08:45 - Dune Continues A Very Strange Movie Trend For Josh Brolin And Javier Bardem
• 09:54 - Why Jason Momoa Ditched His Signature Beard For Dune

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune boasts an ensemble cast that includes Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. The movie has been met with primarily positive reception (ranking at 85% among critics on Rotten Tomatoes), and has already collected over $129 million globally from overseas showings. Along with the potential Dune 2, there’s also a spinoff series in the works for HBO Max called Dune: The Sisterhood.

Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more news Dune-related news, and learn what movies are left to arrive this year in our 2021 release schedule.

Javier Bardem is just one of the many Hollywood heavyweights that are set to star in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune. However, the Academy Award-winning actor had a unique connection to the source material that made him especially excited to work on the film - one that reminded him of none other than Aragorn, a fan-favorite character from The Lord of the Rings series. 

In a cover story for Entertainment Weekly, the stars of Dune discussed the casting process and what inspired them to take their respective roles. Javier Bardem, who will play the Fremen leader Stilgar, was actually quite familiar with his character before he was ever tapped to take the role . A huge fan of Frank Herbert’s book, Javier Bardem described his part as a longtime aspiration: 

Putting aside the frankly iconic mental image of Javier Bardem as Aragorn, it must have been quite exciting for the Spanish actor to be given the opportunity to bring a childhood dream to life - and for an elite director like Denis Villeneuve to offer it up on a silver platter, no less. While The Lord of the Rings and Dune have very little in common on paper, both book series are pillars of their respective genres and have no doubt inspired many children with their heroic characters. Stilgar, like Aragorn, becomes the leader of a rebel group and fights against a malicious force that strives to take over his homeland. Given these similarities, it’s no wonder that Javier Bardem felt a kinship with both men. 

He might not be playing Aragon, but Javier Bardem won’t have any shortage of upcoming projects after the release of Dune. He’s set to portray Ariel’s father King Triton in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid alongside Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, as well as sitcom legend Desi Arnaz in Being The Ricardos with fellow Oscar winner Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball. 

Dune will arrive in theaters and on the streaming platform HBO Max on October 22, 2021. In addition to Javier Bardem, the cast includes Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto, and Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica.  

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When Dune was first adapted for film back in 1984, director David Lynch delivered his take on the entirety of Frank Herbert’s original novel into one cinematic runtime. Denis Villeneuve opted to go a different route with his version of Dune, with the soon-to-arrive movie only covering the first half of the source material. As such, Dune 2 would chronicle the latter half, and while that hasn’t been officially greenlit yet, Javier Bardem is especially invested in a sequel being made.

Javier Bardem stars in Dune as Stilgar, the leader of Arrakis’ Fremen tribe at Sietch Tabr, which is where Zendaya’s Chani also hails from. And like Zendaya, Bardem doesn’t have that much screen time in Dune, so he’s looking to rectify that in a sequel. As the actor told Deadline when asked about his experience on Denis Villeneuve’s latest movie:

Zendaya expressed similar sentiments last year, saying how she “wasn’t in it very much,” though luckily for her, Denis Villeneuve has already confirmed that Chani will have a bigger role in the hypothetical Dune 2. Given the way the original Dune novel unfolded, it’s a good bet that Javier Bardem will also be given more screen time in the hypothetical Dune 2. I won’t share any spoilers, but there’s more ground to cover with Stilgar beyond what’s being adapted for this first Dune movie.

The question now is whether or not Dune 2 will actually happen. Again, officially speaking, a sequel isn’t in the cards right now, but Denis Villeneuve has said he’s “optimistic” that Warner Bros will move forward it. That thought is strengthened by the fact that at a special IMAX screening this past summer showing Dune’s first 10 minutes, the movie was labeled as Dune: Part One, indicating that WB is at least thinking about delivering a Part Two. Still, it’s likely the studio is waiting to see how Dune performs both in theaters and on HBO Max (you can sign up for the streaming service with this link) before deciding on the sequel one way or the other.

If Dune 2 does happen, Denis Villenueve has said that filming could begin by fall 2022. As such, it stands to reason the sequel wouldn’t be released until sometime in 2024, unless Warner Bros is really keen on rushing it for a late 2023 release. Villeneuve also revealed that he’s interesting in making a third Dune movie that would adapt 1969’s Dune Messiah, although he doesn’t see himself directing any more Dune projects beyond that. As things stand now, along with Dune’s forthcoming arrival, an HBO Max prequel series called Dune: The Sisterhood is in development.

Dune comes to both big and small screens (though it will only stay on HBO Max for 31 days) on October 22, and Javier Bardem and Zendaya are joined in the ensemble cast by Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, among others. As soon as the fate of Dune 2 is officially decided, we’ll let you know.

For many reasons, the modern run of James Bond films starring Daniel Craig have broken all sorts of boundaries set in the classic era. We’ve seen 007 get his heart broken, only to fall in love again, throughout the course of Casino Royale to Spectre; and even in the case of that second film mentioned, Bond found himself to be an adopted brother to his arch-nemesis. But one line that almost wasn’t crossed was that moment in Skyfall, when James Bond and Raoul Silva found themselves flirting during an interrogation. But thanks to series producer Barbara Broccoli, the moment stayed, thus landing one of Daniel Craig’s most memorable lines.

In the recently released documentary Being James Bond: The Daniel Craig Story, we’re shown that seductive Skyfall moment in all of its glory. As Javier Bardem’s Silva unbuttons Daniel Craig’s white shirt and spins lines about how standard operating procedure would address such a matter, Broccoli recalls the time where, thanks to studio executive meddling, we almost lost out on a piece of Bond history:

This isn’t the first time that James Bond and Silva’s flirty moment in Skyfall has been invoked in recent conversation. When one of the film’s writers, John Logan, wrote an op-ed lamenting the Amazon purchase of MGM, a crucial example to how much he trusts Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s instincts came from their approval of this scene’s creation. Now, with Broccoli revealing this moment of just the sort of input Logan fears studio executives will still try to contribute, the trust fans have for EON Productions should only grow.

Skyfall’s villainous seduction is just one of the many reasons why Raoul Silva is one of, if not the best James Bond villain we’ve seen yet. Walking the line of innuendo, humor and menace, Javier Bardem’s performance as that character was as chilling as it was entertaining. And watching Daniel Craig go toe to toe with every move he makes, especially in the scene shown below, certainly makes Sam Mendes and John Logan’s initial pitch worth rejecting studio pressures to alter it:

So long as EON Productions has the James Bond franchise in its possession, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will be the official arbiters of what stays and what goes. As we enter a new era of history, with Daniel Craig’s still-unnamed successor being the next face of Ian Fleming’s creation, this story is a timely reminder. No matter where things are going after No Time To Die, it’s at least assured that the Bond saga is still very much in good hands.

Daniel Craig’s James Bond fires his final shots in No Time To Die, which hits UK cinemas on September 30 and US theaters on October 8. Meanwhile, you can rent Being James Bond: The Daniel Craig Story, for free through Apple TV+ until October 7th. Last, but not least, you can catch Skyfall at its latest streaming home, as a part of the Paramount+ movie library.

Nicole Kidman has been a busy actor as of late. In the past couple years alone, she’s starred in three limited series (Big Little Lies, The Undoing and the upcoming Nine Perfect Strangers), kicked back on her dancing shoes for The Prom and portrayed anchor Gretchen Carlson in Bombshell. The Aussie actress is currently back on set to play Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos, and fans have seen her look.

The 53-year-old star is teaming up with Javier Bardem to play ‘50s television icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz while they were the stars of I Love Lucy. The biopic from The Trial of the Chicago 7’s Aaron Sorkin will take fans through a week of production between the camera rolling of the popular sitcom. Unfortunately, some photos have been leaked of Nicole Kidman as the late actress, and they are not into it. As one Twitter user shared:

Nicole Kidman is certainly a unique choice for Lucille Ball, most glaringly because she is not a comedian. More recently, we’ve come to know the actress primarily for dramas where she has little opportunity to play for laughs. The same can also be said for Javier Bardem. The main thing that fans are pointing out is Ball’s ability to do physical comedy:

Writer/director Aaron Sorkin recently spoke about his decision to cast Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball, sharing that she will not be playing Lucy Ricardo, but Lucille Ball. He said there are a few moments in the film that feature I Love Lucy, but the movie will not heavily feature her comedic work. Even so, some fans wish he had hired an actress who could better embody her funny side. Many are campaigning for Will & Grace’s Debra Messing:

Debra Messing actually embodied Lucille Ball energy on a 2020 episode of Will & Grace, when Will claimed living with Grace is like Ricky and Lucy, and they imagined themselves in this scenario. That definitely explains all the love for Debra Messing as the red-headed icon. Cue footage of basketball player Isiah Thomas that's excellent for this scenario:

HollywoodLife certainly stirred the pot when it leaked the photos with a caption claiming she is the “spitting image” of Lucille Ball. Again, this set photo is not an official image from Being the Ricardos, and we don’t yet know how Nicole Kidman will look in the finished product. But from what has been seen so far, fans are unhappy, with one making extra fun with this tweet:

Before Nicole Kidman nabbed the role, Cate Blanchett had been attached to play Lucille Ball. Being the Ricardos is an Amazon Studios film that will follow Aaron Sorkin’s Oscar-nominated work on The Trial of the Chicago 7. What do you think of Kidman playing the I Love Lucy star? Leave your thoughts in the poll below!

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Back when the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was gearing up for its supposedly final entry, the casting of Skyfall villain Javier Bardem was a fortunate stroke of casting genius. Playing the role of Captain Armando Salzar, Bardem’s role in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales couldn’t have fit him better. Which makes the fact that fellow James Bond villain Christoph Waltz was also up for that role all the more interesting in hindsight.

As progress was being made towards directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg’s entry in the Johnny Depp iteration of Disney’s blockbuster saga, Waltz was being considered for the baddie in the 2017 film’s cast. But as Express brings up in their telling of the tale, it wasn’t too long before Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales secured Javier Bardem. The reason being Christoph Waltz had turned down the role.

Looking back at the history of this Pirates of the Caribbean sequel, it looks like the casting change up led to a bit of a rewrite to fit Bardem’s casting coup. Originally, it was reported that Christoph Waltz was being considered for the villain who, at the time, was to be named Captain Brand. So it wasn’t like Disney was considering the Austrian-German actor for a role that was always planned to star a Spanish actor.

So why did Christoph Waltz pass up on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales? Well, it seems like the James Bond franchise was the cause of that matter, at least that’s what the timing involved in the film’s casting would suggest. Waltz’s potential casting was mentioned towards the end of 2013, while Javier Bardem’s candidacy circulated around the October 2014 timeframe. Within a month of that news, Christoph Waltz was announced as joining the cast of Spectre, with December of that year marking the start of filming.

Running down the entire plot of this Pirates of the Carribean merry-go-round, it feels like Disney wanted a Bond villain for their project, and didn’t even know it. Until, of course, they actually replaced a future 007 antagonist with the most recent to tangle with Daniel Craig’s iconic hero. It’s a tale of two different paths that yield wildly different results; which is exactly where the fate of the entire franchise seems to be sitting this very moment.

In a post Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales world, two paths are developing from one similar world. Though instead of dueling James Bond adversaries, it’s a case of two comic book performers, as both Karen Gillan and Margot Robbie are both tipped as being the way forward for the next age of Pirates movies. Time will tell which scenario wins out, and one day we'll be able to look back on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and laugh about how it weighed two potential candidates from a very familiar background.

We love to hate movie villains and as it turns out there's a number of actors who do not mind playing the bad guy either... even if it's again and again. There’s a number of actors that come to mind who we go into a movie thinking they will be revealing their evil plot or betraying another character’s trust. Most recently this happened with the casting of Mads Mikkelsen in the Indiana Jones franchise. Although we have no idea who he'll play, fans jumped right to the question as whether he'd be the film's mysterious antagonist.

You know how we always expect Tom Hanks to play an inspiring or lovable character? This list is the opposite of that. Let's talk about the actors who are almost always cast as the villain:

Mads Mikkelsen

Since Mads Mikkelsen was cast in Indiana Jones 5 last week, I assure you, most of our brains lit up with the assumption that the actor is about to become the next adversary to Harrison Ford’s Dr. Henry Jones Jr. Now, that may not be the case. Perhaps Mikkelsen is a new friendly archeologist in the game eager to assist the legendary hero on his next adventure. After all, he was a good guy in Rogue One. Still, as Mikkelsen explained to Esquire, he loves playing these juicy, antagonistic roles and has no problem with taking one after another:

Mads Mikkelsen made a lasting impression as a villain for Casino Royale, and has gone on to star in Hannibal, Doctor Strange and Chaos Walking. He'll soon star in Fantastic Beasts 3 as Gellert Grindelwald. Now that we've heard the current king of movie villainy, let’s get into the other actors that we hesitate to trust in movies:

Javier Bardem

Not unlike Mads Mikkelsen, Spanish actor Javier Bardem has had more than his share of villainous roles, and he’s also earned the status of Bond villain as Skyfall’s Silva. He most famously earned the role of main Hollywood antagonist for playing Anton Chigurh in 2007’s No Country For Old Men. He won an Oscar for the role and has often gone for more malicious characters, such as Captain Salazar in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. That said, he will play a key ally to Dune’s protagonist Paul Atreides as Stilgar in the upcoming Denis Villenueve blockbuster.

Willem Dafoe

How incredible is it that Willem Dafoe’s actual given name sounds like “da foe,” or “the villain,” and that’s summed up how many of us perceive his career. Sometimes it’s all in the name. Dafoe was unforgettably the Green Goblin to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man in the very first big screen take on the superhero. He was also a pesky assassin in The Grand Budapest Hotel and an angry lighthouse keeper with Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse. Although the actor is a well-known movie villain, he’s an eclectic character actor who has explored a lot of different kinds of characters throughout the years.

Hugo Weaving

Another frequenter of the dark side is Hugo Weaving, who has played the masked V in V For Vendetta, Agent Smith in The Matrix, Megatron in the Transformers and Red Skull in the first Captain America movie. The English actor has shown a subtle terror to his villainy, which his fellow actors on this list don’t always show. When you feel a cold chill around a character without the big theatrics involved, that’s a seriously sinister role. Weaving has pulled off more than a few of those.

Jared Leto

He's played The Joker, DC's most infamous villain, in Suicide Squad and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, but Jared Leto’s bad guy roles do not stop there. This is a funny one because Leto got his start as teen heartthrob Jordan Catalano on My So-Called Life. But then he was a home invader in Panic Room, John Lennon’s killer Mark David Chapman in Chapter 27, starred as Blade Runner 2049’s villain and appeared The Little Things to once again play a criminal. He’ll flip the script next year as Morbius, who seems to be a misunderstood vampire rather than full-on Dracula.

Vincent D’Onofrio

One does wonder if actors such as Vincent D’Onofrio are actively looking and auditioning for villain roles or seeking them out. The 61-year-old has also played a lot of deliciously bad guys on the big screen and television. More recently, he’s found acclaim from Marvel fans for his version of Kingpin in the Netflix series Daredevil. Aside from that, D’Onofrio was totally the gross bug alien in Men in Black and the antagonist in 2015’s Jurassic World. Law & Order fans may feel off set from this thanks to his role as Detective Robert Goren in Criminal Intent.

Edward Norton

Then there’s Edward Norton, who fooled us once with his character’s backstabbing in The Italian Job and went there by playing a neo-Nazi in American History X. In between some smarmy roles over the years, he did switch things up by playing Bruce Banner, a.k.a. The Hulk, before he was replaced by nice-guy actor Mark Ruffalo. Norton has the ability to play the sneaky villain or the unassuming baddie, and props to him for playing at his strengths over the years. But sometimes when he goes for earnest roles, I question it for a moment. He keeps us guessing.

Christoph Waltz

Our last stop on the villain train is Mr. Christoph Waltz, who seems to be a lovely man in real life, but can’t stop and won’t stop playing the most despicable humans Hollywood can think of. The Austrian-German actor can honestly thank Quentin Tarantino for this perception thanks to his memorable roles in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained. The Oscar-winner has also been the Bond villain Blofeld in Spectre, a cruel circus handler in Water for Elephants and Big Eyes’ Walter Keane. You know, the guy who stole credit for his wife’s work.

Lots of iconic actors here who love to play bad and do it very well. It's really a compliment to their ability to remain in our heads as these characters more than anything. Which one is your favorite to see as the villain? Vote in our poll below!

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Despite being delayed and being at the forefront of a conflict among filmmakers, studios, and streaming companies, Dune is still one of the most anticipated films of the year. The otherworldly technology and world of the franchise have fans as well as its cast geeking over the sci-fi epic. With that, some of the film's stars, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, and Javier Bardem, have recently teased the weird suits that kept them cool while filming Dune.

The cast of Dune sat down to discuss the themes of the film and what it was like making it. The brief interview clip from WSVN Miami gives some insight into the making of the movie, which is set primarily in a desert. Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, and Javier Bardem spoke out about their varying experiences with the special suits designed to keep them cool while working in the heat:

Javier Bardem explains how the suit he wore had a sort of air conditioning system to cool him down in the desert. It seems his co-stars weren’t as lucky, with Oscar Isaac jokingly replying he didn’t get a suit like Javier. Jason Momoa describes his suit as a bowl for an Aquaman soup, so I take it the sweating was real on the set of Dune. With the cast spending so much time in the desert, a special suit like the one Javier Bardem describes seems essential.

Given the conditions they worked under, you can't help but express admiration for the three stars and their co-stars and crew. Filming in the desert surely wasn't easy, but they seem to have made the most of the experience.

Jason Momoa is playing Duncan Idaho, self-described in the clip above as “basically the greatest fighter in the fucking world.”. Oscar Isaac is playing Leto Atreides, the father of Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, and Javier Bardem is playing Stilgar, a leader of a desert tribe. Being in the elements of the desert seems to have brought out some great performances or at least performances accurately depicting severe heat.

Dune is one of the movies we’re willing to wait to see on the big screen. It’s a sci-fi epic with a fantastic and deep cast that will have collectively already filmed many more projects by the time the Denis Villeneuve-directed film finally comes out. Here’s hoping there are no more delays and we can all experience this highly anticipated film sooner than later.

Dune is currently set to hit theaters and HBO Max on October 1.