Sir Elton John has once again partnered with renowned home fragrance expert Harry Slatkin to launch a new candle and reed diffuser collection, the Woodside Collection, inspired by the springtime ambiance of John’s English estate.The collection debuted exclusively on QVC on April 14, 2025.
A Fragrant Tribute to Woodside
The Woodside Collection features a selection of scents that evoke the essence of spring at John’s estate.One standout fragrance is Rhubarb Strawberry Crumble, a scent that made its debut in the holiday collection and has returned due to popular demand.John describes it as capturing the aroma of freshly harvested rhubarb and strawberries from the Woodside gardens, combined with honey and baked into a crust until hot and bubbly.“This candle smells exactly like a fresh one being pulled out of the oven, waiting to be enjoyed,” he says.
Elton John and Slatkin + Co. Woodside Collection. Photo: Slatkin + Co.
Other fragrances in the collection include:
Apple Mint Tea: A crisp yet sweet scent found in the Woodside Hamper trio.
English Moss: Featuring fresh eucalyptus and cedarwood with a green apple note for a tart aroma.
Spring Rain: A blend of fallen rain notes with lush honeysuckle, jasmine petals, and stems.
Sugared Pear & Vanilla: Topped off with sparkling orange and grounded with amberwood.
Windsor Festival: A melange of bergamot, florals including neroli and ylang-ylang, plus sandalwood.
Packaging Reflects Seasonal Elegance
The packaging of the Woodside Collection is as thoughtfully designed as the fragrances themselves.The candles are housed in glass vessels in beautiful spring hues and are embossed with a piano-key pattern, reflecting John’s musical legacy.The reed diffusers come in floral gift boxes, and a curated trio of candles is presented in a reusable wicker hamper, offering a quintessential English gift for any special occasion.
Elton John’s Involvement in the Creative Process
John’s involvement in the creation of the Woodside Collection was hands-on.He tested each scent at every stage, from oil to candle, ensuring that the fragrances met his standards.“My love for candles has always been rooted in their ability to transform a space and evoke emotion,” John says.“Working with Slatkin + Co, and my good friend Harry Slatkin, has been a true joy, and I’m thrilled to now introduce a new collection just in time for Spring.”
Availability and Purchasing Information
The Woodside Collection is available exclusively on QVC and the Slatkin + Co. website.For more information and to purchase the products, visit QVC’s website
Rising chart-topper and certified bisexual icon Doechii is turning up the heat—again. The genre-defying rapper and singer has just dropped the official music video for her breakout hit “Anxiety,” and it’s every bit as bold, surreal, and unforgettable as fans have come to expect from the self-proclaimed “Swamp Princess.”
Co-directed with James Mackel, the video brings cinematic flair to the track, which samples Gotye and Kimbra’s early-2010s classic “Somebody That I Used to Know.” “Anxiety” recently became Doechii’s first single to break into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, a major milestone for the Tampa-born artist who’s quickly becoming one of the most dynamic names in music.
From Bedroom Vibes to Beautiful Bedlam
The video opens with a direct nod to Doechii’s now-iconic COVEN MUSIC SESSION, where she first premiered “Anxiety” back in May 2020. Seated in her bed beneath the same tapestry seen in the original visual, she’s initially calm—but calm doesn’t last long in Doechii’s world.
Wearing a sleek white MIU MIU top, she’s carried from bed into her lavish living room, where the chaos soon kicks off. Burglars crash through windows, The Shining-style twins stare each other down on the couch, a fire erupts in the kitchen, and Gotye and Kimbra even pop in for a quick cameo in front of the song’s original cover art.
With all the chaos ensuing around her, she stumbles outside the house. Just when you think you’ve seen it all—there’s an elephant. Yes, an actual elephant comes stomping toward the estate as the video builds to a stunning finale: a full-blown flash mob surrounding Doechii, closing in before breaking out into a high-energy dance sequence that turns the chaos into catharsis.
A Viral Hit Gets the Hollywood Treatment
The release of the “Anxiety” video comes just as the song continues its viral reign on TikTok and beyond. Most recently, Doechii teamed up with none other than Will Smith and Tatyana Ali—aka Uncle Will and Cousin Ashley from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air—for a social media dance that broke the internet.
Recreating a scene from the show’s 1990 pilot episode, Ali starts the trend by dancing solo in her room, headphones on, while Smith sneaks in behind her to mirror her moves. Smith shared the video on Instagram with the caption, “Waited 35 years for this dance to trend,” and the internet was instantly obsessed.
Pop newcomer Addison Rae continues her ascent in the music industry with the release of her latest single, “Headphones On,” out now via Columbia Records. The track marks the fourth release from Rae’s highly anticipated debut album, which is set to drop June 6.
The emotional, synth-pop single arrived Wednesday with a cinematic music video filmed in Reykjavik, Iceland, adding another visually rich layer to Rae’s carefully crafted artistic aesthetic. Co-written and produced by Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, “Headphones On” blends Rae’s signature dreamy sound with some of her most vulnerable lyrics to date, offering fans a deeper look into her emotional world and musical growth.
“Headphones On” Offers a Glimpse Into Rae’s Inner World
The Mitch Ryan-directed music video opens with Rae aimlessly shopping in a grocery store before slipping on her headphones. From there, viewers are transported into a daydream where Rae roams the vast Icelandic countryside — dancing, twirling, and soaking in her solitude.
The dreamlike visuals reflect the emotional tone of the song, which focuses on themes of escapism, healing, and accepting the past. The chorus line, “Wish my mom and dad could have been in love,” strikes a deeply personal chord, reflecting Rae’s willingness to explore family trauma and emotional scars in her songwriting.
She continues in the pre-chorus, singing: “You can’t fix what has already been broken / You just have to surrender to the moment.”
The track is both haunting and hopeful, underscoring Rae’s talent for combining pop melodies with introspective themes.
A Breakout Year for the Pop Star
The release of “Headphones On” follows a string of successful singles and a breakout year for the 23-year-old singer, who first gained fame as a TikTok influencer and actress. Rae officially signed with Columbia Records in 2024 and quickly began building credibility as a serious music artist.
Her debut single with the label, “Diet Pepsi,” arrived in October 2024 and marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 86 and later peaking at No. 54. The nostalgic pop track helped introduce Rae’s dreamy, synth-heavy sound and marked a major turning point in her career.
She followed that success with two more singles, “Aquamarine” and “High Fashion,” both also produced by Kloser and Anderfjärd. “Aquamarine” gained additional momentum after being remixed by Venezuelan artist Arca and re-released as “Arcamarine,” which Rae performed live for the first time during Arca’s Coachella 2025 set.
Viral Coachella Moment and Album Tease
Rae made headlines on April 13 with her surprise appearance during Arca’s set at Coachella, where the duo performed “Arcamarine” to a captivated crowd. At the end of her performance, Rae flashed her underwear to reveal the date “June 6,” a cheeky and viral nod to the upcoming release of her debut album.
The bold move sparked a wave of online speculation and anticipation, fueling excitement around her full-length project, which has yet to have its full tracklist officially revealed.
From Internet Star to Music Artist
Before aligning with Columbia, Rae quietly released a five-track EP titled “AR” in 2023, which featured the single “Nothing On (But the Radio)” and a guest verse from Charli XCX. Though unofficial at first, the EP gained traction online, especially among fans of left-of-center pop.
Rae later collaborated with Charli again on a remix of “Von Dutch,” one of the lead singles from Charli’s Grammy-winning 2024 album “Brat.” These collaborations have helped Rae bridge the gap between mainstream pop and more experimental pop subcultures, giving her broader credibility as an artist.
What Fans Can Expect from Rae’s Debut Album
Though details remain limited, Rae’s debut album is expected to blend early 2000s pop nostalgia with modern synth production, offering a mix of emotional ballads, dance-ready anthems, and introspective lyrics. Themes of heartbreak, family, identity, and emotional freedom are central to her recent releases, hinting at a deeply personal narrative arc for the project.
Music industry insiders have hinted that Rae’s debut may include more collaborations with Arca, Charli XCX, and possibly other artists from the queer pop scene. Her unique blend of viral savvy, fashion-forward visuals, and raw lyricism positions her as one of pop’s most intriguing new voices.
From Viral Videos to Radio Waves
Addison Rae’s rise from TikTok star to charting music artist has been one of the more compelling transitions in recent pop culture history. With each release, Rae continues to redefine her image, focusing on creating authentic and emotionally resonant music that defies her influencer origins.
With “Headphones On,” Rae not only cements her place in today’s pop landscape — she also signals what could be a long-lasting music career. Her full debut album drops June 6, and if her current streak is any indication, it may be one of the year’s most talked-about pop releases.
TV personality Ross Mathews and his husband, Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews, have officially entered the world of children’s literature and more is to come. The couple released their debut children’s book this week, titled Tío & Tío, a heartwarming and colorful story inspired by their 2022 wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Published in both English and Spanish, Tío & Tío tells the story of two young brothers who travel to Mexico to serve as ring bearers at their gay uncles’ wedding. The book, illustrated by Tommy Doyel, celebrates love, family, cultural heritage, and the joy of embracing responsibility at a young age. It is aimed at children aged 4 to 8 and includes a foreword by actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore.
A Story of Love, Culture, and Representation
The story behind Tío & Tío is deeply personal for the authors. Inspired by their real-life wedding and their two young nephews, Mathews and García-Mathews created a narrative that reflects their values and their multicultural, bilingual family dynamic.
“Weddings are scary for grownups, let alone little kids with a big responsibility!” Mathews said in a statement about the book’s release. “This book hopes to remind us all of the importance of love, family and embracing one’s cultural identity. Plus, it’s just plain funny!”
García-Mathews, who works in education, added that the story was written with a teacher’s mindset, combining personal experience with educational value.
“I constantly seek out books that serve as both mirrors and windows for children,” García-Mathews said. “Mirrors that help them see themselves and windows that offer glimpses into others’ experiences. I’m proud to have created this book with my husband that showcases our rich bilingual and bicultural heritage, helping children learn about responsibility while appreciating the significance of family, traditions, and cultural heritage.”
A Surprise Announcement on CBS Mornings
The couple appeared on CBS Mornings this week to promote the book and discuss its personal significance. In a cheerful interview with Gayle King, the two shared anecdotes from their wedding and talked about how their nephews served as the inspiration for the central characters.
However, due to time constraints, King wasn’t able to deliver some breaking news during the live segment. Instead, she caught up with the couple backstage to reveal that their publisher had officially greenlit a second children’s book.
The surprise announcement was met with joy and disbelief, as the couple expressed how honored they were to continue creating stories that celebrate LGBTQ+ families and multicultural representation.
From a Poolside Meeting to a Literary Partnership
Mathews and García-Mathews first met in 2020 while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. In an interview with The Knot in 2022, Mathews recalled spotting García by the hotel pool and introducing himself: “Hi, I’m Ross Mathews.” García, unaware of Mathews’ fame, replied simply, “Hi, I’m Dr. Wellinthon García.”
That chance encounter blossomed into a whirlwind romance, and the couple married at the same resort two years later in a joyous, star-studded celebration that included nods to both of their cultural backgrounds.
Now, their love story is reaching a new audience through their work as co-authors of a children’s book that mirrors their experience and gives young readers a positive and affirming look at diverse families.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Children’s Literature
The release of Tío & Tío is part of a growing movement to increase LGBTQ+ representation in children’s literature. While stories featuring same-sex parents or queer characters are becoming more common, books that reflect bilingual and multicultural queer families remain relatively rare.
By publishing the book in both English and Spanish, the couple hopes to reach a broader audience and offer visibility to children who may not often see their families represented in media.
The story’s vibrant setting in Mexico and its emphasis on cultural traditions provide a backdrop that is both educational and celebratory.
“Whether kids have two moms, two dads, one parent, or are raised by grandparents, we want them to see that all families are valid and full of love,” said García-Mathews.
What’s Next for Tío & Tío?
With a second book already in the works, Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews show no signs of slowing down. Their goal, they say, is to continue telling stories that resonate with children from all backgrounds — and to keep things fun, inclusive, and heartfelt.
The first Tío & Tío book is now available online and in bookstores nationwide. Parents, educators, and librarians alike are already praising the book for its humor, heart, and ability to start important conversations about diversity, responsibility, and love.
As Mathews put it, “We’re telling the kinds of stories we wish we had growing up.”
Margaret Qualley is stepping into a new kind of spotlight — as a smooth, skillful lesbian private detective in the upcoming film Honey Don’t!, directed by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke. The actress, known for her versatility and recent role in The Substance, confirmed in an interview this week that she will lead the queer noir comedy alongside Aubrey Plaza, who plays an enigmatic “mystery woman.”
The film, described as a stylized and unapologetically queer take on the detective genre, is part of a trilogy of LGBTQ-themed B-movies conceived by the filmmaking duo Coen and Cooke. Honey Don’t! follows 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls, which also starred Qualley in a similarly offbeat and queer-centric role.
Unpacking the Plot
In an interview published Tuesday by i-D magazine, Qualley opened up about her character, Honey, revealing for the first time that the plot centers around the private investigator delving into the shady workings of a suspicious church — one that is led by a character portrayed by none other than Chris Evans.
Aubrey Plaza attends the 2023 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage)
“Honey is like her name — she’s smooth, she’s skillful, and she knows how to slip in and out of places unnoticed,” Qualley told the magazine. “She’s calculated. She’s cool. She doesn’t lead with her emotions, and she never gets caught off guard.”
Qualley, who has earned critical praise for a wide range of performances, noted that playing Honey required her to rein in her usual comedic instincts.
“I tend to want to diffuse things before they even happen — I think I have a natural Scooby-Doo inclination,” she said with a laugh. “But Honey’s not that. She’s already three steps ahead.”
Aubrey Plaza Joins the Cast
Aubrey Plaza, who has become synonymous with mysterious, layered roles, joins the cast in what’s being described as a classic “mystery woman” part. While details of her character remain under wraps, fans of Plaza’s work are already expressing excitement over the casting.
“If there’s one thing Aubrey Plaza’s going to do well, it’s playing a character you can’t quite pin down,” one social media user wrote in response to the casting announcement earlier this year.
Margaret Qualley attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Plaza’s involvement adds a layer of intrigue and humor to a film already brimming with queer sensibilities and genre-bending ambition.
A Trilogy of Queer B-Movies
Honey Don’t! is the second installment in a planned trilogy from Coen and Cooke, a married creative team known for their unconventional storytelling and love for classic cinema. Their first entry, Drive-Away Dolls, was released in 2024 to positive reviews and praised for its mix of irreverent humor and queer representation.
In Drive-Away Dolls, Qualley played Jamie, a swaggering Texan lesbian with a knack for trouble. That role showcased a very different side of the actress than her dramatic turn in The Substance, a performance that is already being discussed as awards season material.
“It’s wild that both films came out in the same year,” Qualley said in the interview. “Jamie is a totally different energy from Honey — that’s what makes this trilogy so much fun. You never know where it’s going next.”
Joking about her future with the filmmakers, Qualley added, “Let the record show that if I’m not in the third one, I will be offended — and I will be upset.”
Inspirations and Setting
Speaking previously with Autostraddle, co-director Tricia Cooke shared that Honey Don’t! is set in contemporary Bakersfield, California, and draws inspiration from noir classics like The Long Goodbye and Fat City.
Cooke also noted that the film’s title was inspired by Wanda Jackson’s version of the song “Honey Don’t,” hinting at a retro Americana vibe laced with subversive, modern twists.
“It’s campy, it’s sexy, and yes — there’s more sex in this one,” she said in that 2024 interview.
The pair’s approach to storytelling is rooted in genre homage, queer character development, and a strong visual aesthetic. Their films blend sharp writing with emotionally complex — and often hilarious — performances from their cast.
Audience Buzz and Anticipation
Though Honey Don’t! has not yet released a trailer, anticipation is building. Social media users have already begun creating fan art, speculative threads, and early reviews based on insider information and interviews. On X (formerly Twitter), fans are celebrating what they expect to be another stylish, queer cult favorite.
The combination of Margaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza in leading roles, alongside Chris Evans in a villainous turn, has only increased hype around the film.
“I don’t even need to see the trailer — I’m already sold,” wrote one user.
Coming to Theaters in 2025
According to i-D, Honey Don’t! is expected to hit theaters later this year, though an exact release date has yet to be announced. With its unconventional storyline, queer lens, and all-star cast, the film is poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about indie releases.
Whether you’re in it for the noir aesthetic, the queer representation, or the cast’s undeniable charisma, Honey Don’t! is shaping up to be a standout in an already strong year for LGBTQ cinema.
When filmmaker Andrew Ahn set out to reimagine The Wedding Banquet, he wasn’t just updating a classic queer rom-com—he was telling a love story rooted in his own experience. “Yeah, this one was really personal in a different way,” he told Gayety. “I made this for my boyfriend, and we’re in this phase of our lives where we’re thinking about how to grow our family. This question of marriage and this question of having children… So this one feels really close and makes me a little vulnerable in this process.”
Originally released in 1993 by director Ang Lee, The Wedding Banquet broke barriers as one of the first queer Asian films to find global success. Ahn’s version keeps the heart and spirit intact, while adding modern layers of intimacy, humor, and cultural nuance.
This time around, the story centers on Min (Han Gi-Chan), a closeted man who proposes a fake marriage to his best friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) to help fund her IVF journey. But when his traditional grandmother flies in for a surprise wedding banquet, the secret spirals out of control.
Ahn leaned into his own experience to guide emotional beats—especially for the film’s couples. “I remember talking to Kelly and Lily [Gladstone] about how people say ‘I love you,’” he explained. “My boyfriend and I have a special way of saying it. I had them create together how they say ‘I love you’ as a couple. And that shows up in the film in this really beautiful way.”
Photo: Luka Cyprian/Bleecker StreetPhoto: Luka Cyprian/Bleecker Street
When asked for his favorite line, Ahn lit up: “I really love when Kelly Marie Tran yells, ‘Everything in this house is gay.’ Because I think a lot of queer people would really understand that—we just somehow end up accumulating so many gay things.”
From the artwork to the DVD collection, everything in the film’s home set was intentionally chosen to reflect a queer household. “We worked with our production designer, Charlotte Royer, our prop master. We also worked with our actors to just pull together a house of gay things… It’s a home that I wish I lived in. It’s super cozy queer.”
Backed by a cast that includes Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, and Han Gi-Chan, Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet is a poignant, funny, and deeply personal story about building the life you want—and the love that makes it possible.
Catch it in theaters on April 18. Watch the full interview with Andrew below.
Comedian and provocateur Jordan Firstman has never been one to hold back. From his NSFW feature film Rotting in the Sun, which has more bare skin than actual dialogue, to his debut single titled “I Wanna See My Friends D*cks,” the Los Angeles-based funnyman lives to shock.
But his latest hot take may have truly crossed the line—at least according to the gay fashion gods.
Appearing on Kareem Rahma’s cheeky YouTube series Subway Takes, Firstman dropped a bomb that many consider sartorial blasphemy:
“Gay men dress worse than straight guys.”
Yes, really.
“The gays do a little too much,” Firstman quipped, as the subway rattled in the background.
Rahma, who conducted the interview wearing a beige blazer layered over a beige polo and topped with dark sunglasses (a look we’ll generously call “monochrome mystery”), agreed. “Most of the time, my gay kings are not slaying,” he said.
Cue the sound of stilettos being snapped in collective gay outrage.
Firstman’s claim goes against a long-standing stereotype: that gay men are fashion-forward, style-savvy arbiters of taste. From Yves Saint Laurent to Alexander McQueen, queer men have long dominated the fashion industry—not to mention the drag queens, stylists, and influencers who practically invented the word “lewk.”
“Honey, Don’t Wear That”
“In the ’90s, I feel like the media was kind of telling us gay men are the arbiters of taste, of fashion,” Firstman said during the interview. “We were watching Sex and the City and were like, ‘Honey, don’t wear that!’ We just got in our brains that gay men know fashion better.”
He’s not totally wrong—pop culture has long portrayed gay men as the ultimate judges of fashion, with shows like Queer Eye reinforcing that perception.
But for Firstman, that once-glorious label has veered into costume territory.
“If you go to the average gay bar versus straight bar,” he explained, “even the worst of the straight guys are gonna be in an ill-fitting jean and a flannel shirt—which is not offensive. A gay bar? I’m like, ‘Why are you wearing a crop top that says “I love Björk and bottoming,” shiny spandex shorts, and Doc Martens?’ The risk-taking has gone too far.”
Let the record show: that crop top sounds iconic, and if someone could drop the link… we have summer plans.
The Internet Reacts (Of Course)
As expected, Firstman’s comments didn’t go unnoticed online. Queer users across platforms were quick to drag the take, pointing out that gay men are often the creative minds behind everyone’s wardrobe, not just their own.
Hard disagree. Wearing a bad outfit is objectively better than wearing a boring outfit https://t.co/9CYlBkE9kf
— SubwayTakes with Kareem Rahma (@SubwayTakes) April 13, 2025
Some critics also noted that Firstman seemed to be targeting a very specific type of gay man—typically cisgender, white, and living in metropolitan gayborhoods like New York’s Hell’s Kitchen or Los Angeles’ WeHo.
Translation: He’s not coming for your ballroom couture or androgynous runway slay.
Fashion Is Freedom, Darling
To be fair, part of the beauty of queer fashion is its refusal to follow rules. Camp, exaggeration, playfulness—these elements are foundational to LGBTQ+ style. What might look “too much” to some is simply self-expression to others.
So if someone wants to wear a leather harness to Trader Joe’s or a mesh tank to Sunday brunch, who are we to judge?
Even Firstman himself doesn’t appear to practice what he preaches. A quick scroll through his Instagram reveals bold, often whimsical fits that challenge the very norms he critiques.
Whether you agree with Firstman or think he’s simply stirring the style pot for fun, one thing’s clear: fashion is subjective, especially in queer spaces where self-expression is king (and queen).
And let’s be honest—if you’re brave enough to wear a crop top that declares your love for both Björk and bottoming, you deserve a moment in the spotlight.
If you don’t know Kaylah Zander-Nuñez’s name yet, that’s about to change. With her scene-stealing return as Amelia Salazar in The Recruit Season 2, now streaming on Netflix, the Vancouver-born actor is bringing warmth, wit, and a whole lot of bite to the globe-trotting spy series. But as we found out in our recent conversation on the Pride Podcast, it’s not just the action-packed plotlines or star-studded casts that drive Kaylah — it’s collaboration, nuance, and the power of telling stories that actually matter.
“I think I didn’t realize that that’s not the case for every show,” she says of the rare camaraderie she’s found on The Recruit. “To have so many incredible directors and to have the producers be so respectful, to just have such a fantastic group of people that respects each other so much has been really, really incredible. That’s something I’m going to look for forever.”
Finding Family in the Chaos
Netflix
Season 1 of The Recruit introduced viewers to Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo), a young CIA lawyer who finds himself thrust into a world of espionage, deadly secrets, and political backstabbing. Season 2 ups the ante, sending Owen to Seoul, South Korea, where the threats get even more personal — and potentially more deadly. As his world spins out of control, Amelia Salazar remains one of the few voices of reason he can turn to.
For Zander-Nuñez, the ensemble chemistry isn’t just hype — it’s the soul of the show. Season one bonded the cast in snowy, shutdown-era Montreal, where pandemic restrictions turned their tight-knit crew into a chosen family. “Everything was closed… so all of us had been transferred to Montreal, and we were all just sitting around being like, well, I guess we just have each other,” she recalls. “We had dinners all the time. Every week we were going out and doing fun stuff in the snow — whatever we could.”
Meet Amelia Salazar
Netflix
Amelia isn’t your average spy drama supporting character — she’s smart, sharp-tongued, and impossible to ignore. “She’s funny, she’s weird, she’s very direct, she’s strong, she’s smart — she’s a total freak,” Kaylah laughs. “And I loved how they wrote Amelia.”
Despite playing a seasoned CIA attorney, Zander-Nuñez jokes that the job isn’t exactly in her wheelhouse. “I knew almost nothing about being a lawyer or the CIA,” she admits. “I did some research… but there’s an attention to detail and a meticulousness that I don’t have as Kaylah. I think that would make it hard for me to be a lawyer in real life.”
Redefining Representation
A proud Latina and vocal advocate for more authentic representation, Zander-Nuñez is thoughtful — and honest — about the kinds of roles she wants to take. “If the character is going to be Latina, there needs to be some nuance to that rather than just being the kind of sex bot or whatever,” she explains. “I’m tired of playing cops… especially when the cops are the hero. It’s just really not my jam personally.”
She also sees a frustrating gap between what’s shown on screen and what’s happening in the real world. “There’s a disconnect between putting minority performers on screen but over-sanitizing their stories,” she says. “There’s still so much to be done… The hard work of coming to terms with our histories of colonialism, imperialism, and racism — that work, I think, we’re still not seeing enough of.”
Passion Projects and Indie Dreams
Netflix
Thanks to the visibility and stability that comes with working on a major Netflix series, Zander-Nuñez is turning her attention to more personal stories. “Doing those bigger streamer shows has allowed me to then take on these passion projects that maybe don’t pay as well,” she says. “To kind of go back and forth between those two categories has been such a blessing.”
Currently, she’s working on a fully improvised short film about two estranged sisters reconnecting on one of the islands off the West Coast. “We’re going to shoot it in a really interesting way… we have this great cinematographer who does guerrilla filmmaking style, so he’ll just stay with us as we go through it. I’ve never worked like that before. I’m excited.”
She’s also writing and directing her first personal film — a short memoir about her time working at Black Dog Video, the last surviving video rental store in Vancouver. “There were rare films that we had there… maybe they’ll never be seen again,” she says. “It’s sad because I think there’s actually a lot of films that got lost in that transition to online streaming.”
Manifesting Shania Twain and Cher
When asked about her dream roles, Zander-Nuñez has two icons on her mind. “For some reason, I have it in my mind that someone somewhere is working on a Shania Twain biopic right now, and I would love to be in that movie,” she says with a grin. “Whatever the roles that Cher got — I want all of those. I actually think she’s a great actor.”
As for her taste in performances? “This kind of muted, mumbly acting that’s really popular right now — I’m not into it,” she says. “I love big, dramatic, expressive performances.”
What’s Next for The Recruit?
While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed a third season yet, Zander-Nuñez and her castmates are hoping it’s just a matter of time. “We’re in the group chat being like, oh my gosh,” she says. “Owen has sort of gone rogue. He’s not being protected by the CIA anymore, so I think the show could go in a really different, interesting direction.”
Whatever’s next — whether it’s another season of espionage or a totally improvised short film — one thing is clear: Kaylah Zander-Nuñez is doing it all on her terms.
Pedro Pascal is back, hotter than ever—and this time, he’s saving the world and starting a family in Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, hitting theaters July 25.
The beloved Internet Daddy officially joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, in a film that promises sci-fi spectacle, retro-futuristic flair, and, of course, plenty of thirst-worthy moments from one of Hollywood’s most adored leading men.
Double Daddy Duty in the MCU
Pascal stars alongside Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) as the latest iteration of Marvel’s “First Family.” But don’t expect your standard superhero origin tale.
Set on a “1960s-inspired retro-futuristic parallel Earth,” the trailer skips the backstory and jumps straight into action—with a twist. Reed and Sue are expecting a baby, setting Pascal up for a double dose of daddy duty: one on-screen, and the other as the Internet’s favorite zaddy.
Between the heartfelt family dynamics and universe-threatening stakes, fans are already swooning over Pascal’s mix of intellect, scruff, and superpowers.
A Stellar Cast—and a New Silver Surfer?
The MCU isn’t pulling punches with this star-packed reboot. Julia Garner plays the Silver Surfer, delivering a chilling warning: their planet is marked for destruction by none other than Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson.
Additional cast members include Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. And in what might be the buzziest post-credits twist yet, Robert Downey Jr. is rumored to return not as Iron Man—but as Doctor Doom.
A Fantastic Year for Our Favorite Daddy
Fantastic Four: First Steps caps off a run of high-profile projects for Pascal, including The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Gladiator II, and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. His mix of rugged charm, emotional depth, and social consciousness makes him one of Hollywood’s most irresistible leading men.
Whether he’s battling Galactus or melting the internet with a smoldering glance, Pedro Pascal is, without a doubt, the hottest superhero dad the MCU has ever seen.
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Orville Peck, known for his haunting baritone voice, signature fringe mask, and genre-bending approach to country music, is stepping into a new spotlight — and leaving the mask behind. The enigmatic artist is currently starring as the Emcee in the Broadway revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in New York City, a limited engagement running through July 20, 2025.
While fans may know him best from his critically acclaimed music, including his 2024 duet album Stampede featuring Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Kylie Minogue, Peck is now revealing another side of himself: the trained stage actor. Many were surprised to learn of his musical theater background, but Cabaret marks a long-awaited return to the world of live performance that first sparked his love of storytelling.
“This has been a dream of mine — to do this show, to do this role,” Peck said in a recent interview with Out Magazine. “I just end up having the best time of my life every single time I’m out there.”
From Honky-Tonks to the Kit Kat Club
The Canadian-born singer, who debuted his masked persona in 2019 with Pony, has since cultivated a devoted fanbase with his emotionally resonant lyrics, queer visibility in country music, and stylized performances. His songs have appeared in HBO’s Euphoria and major fashion campaigns, solidifying his place as a crossover icon. Yet, behind the fringed mask was always a performer shaped by the stage.
“I grew up loving musicals,” Peck shared. “I started acting as a kid, and because I sang and danced, musical theater became a natural path.” He recalled watching the 1972 film version of Cabaret as a formative experience. “It was probably the first musical I ever saw. It had a darker tone, characters who were underdogs — it just spoke to me.”
Peck’s connection to Cabaret runs deep. “It’s my favorite musical of all time,” he said. “It’s a story full of complexity, of people who are ‘othered’ and trying to survive in a crumbling world. That always resonated with me.”
Stepping Into Darkness
Set in 1930s Berlin, Cabaret tells the story of a nightclub and its performers against the ominous rise of the Nazi Party. As the Emcee, Peck navigates the show’s transition from glittering excess to chilling political reality — a journey he finds particularly relevant today.
“There are more than a few parallels with the world right now,” he said. “It really made me think about how someone marginalized — someone queer, like the Emcee — could end up aligning with hate or power to feel safe or accepted.”
Peck pointed to the phenomenon of so-called “MAGA gays,” LGBTQ+ individuals who support anti-LGBTQ+ political movements, as a modern counterpart to his character’s journey. “It’s been a fascinating part of the process — understanding the psychology of choosing conformity or assimilation, even when it means turning on your own identity.”
In this revival, Peck brings a uniquely human perspective to a role that is often played as flamboyant or detached. “I didn’t want the Emcee to be a villain or just a metaphor,” he explained. “I wanted him to be someone you recognize. Someone who could be you — if you took a different path.”
The Physical Demands of Broadway
Performing in eight shows a week is no small feat, even for someone with Peck’s performance background. Now 37, he admitted the rigorous schedule has been a shock to the system.
“I haven’t done this in over 15 years,” he said. “I wake up sore every day. But honestly, the love I have for this role, for this show — it carries me through. Even when I’m about to do a second show in one day and feel like I’ve been hit by a bus, I get out there and it’s magic.”
Despite the intensity, Peck calls the experience “hard but easy — in the best way.”
Unmasking Vulnerability
Perhaps one of the most talked-about elements of Peck’s performance is his decision to appear on stage without his trademark mask — a symbolic shedding of persona that took emotional courage.
“It was never a question for me whether I’d wear the mask or not. I knew I wouldn’t,” he said. “But I started to feel nervous before opening night. It felt incredibly vulnerable.” Still, once he stepped on stage, the nerves faded. “I’m just so focused on telling this story. I don’t even think about the mask until the show is over.”
The reaction from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive — and surprised. “People didn’t know I had this kind of performance in me,” Peck said. “There was a lot of chatter about ‘stunt casting.’ But I approached this role with focus and integrity. People have responded to that.”
New Music on the Horizon
Despite his busy Broadway schedule, Peck is already back in the studio working on new music. Performing in Cabaret, he said, is reigniting his creativity and theatrical instincts.
“It’s reminding me of the freedom that comes from being brave enough to express yourself,” he said. “It’s definitely inspiring the new music.”
While he remained tight-lipped about the direction of his upcoming work, fans can expect his signature blend of drama, soul, and showmanship to carry through.
A Full-Circle Moment
Peck’s portrayal of the Emcee is more than just a role — it’s a homecoming. Years ago, he appeared in a different production of Cabaret as one of the Kit Kat Boys and even played the character in the iconic gorilla costume. “Now I get to dance with the gorilla,” he laughed. “It’s all come full circle.”
As he brings fresh depth and heart to one of Broadway’s most iconic characters, Orville Peck is once again proving that he’s not just a voice behind a mask — he’s a multifaceted artist unafraid to evolve, to challenge, and to bare it all.
For tickets and performance information, visit CabaretMusical.com. Orville Peck’s run in Cabaret continues through July 20, 2025, at the Kit Kat Club in New York City.
