Netflix’s wild social experiment, The Ultimatum: Queer Love, is making a comeback, promising more delicious drama and heart-wrenching moments. Both the queer and straight versions are getting fresh seasons, and we’re here for all the couple-swapping chaos.
What’s the Buzz About The Ultimatum?
If you haven’t been sucked into the madness yet, here’s the scoop. The Ultimatum puts couples together at a standstill: one’s ready to say “I do,” and the other has cold feet. The solution? Split up and enter a “trial marriage” with someone else from the cast. Three weeks of living together – what could possibly go wrong?
Miami Heat: New Season, New Shenanigans
This time around, The Ultimatum: Queer Love is turning up the heat in Miami with ten sizzling episodes. While Netflix keeps the cast under wraps, we know the couples will be a mix of women and nonbinary folks. Our fearless host, JoAnn Garcia Swisher, is returning for season two.
When to Tune In?
Netflix hasn’t spilled the tea on the release date for season two of The Ultimatum: Queer Love just yet, but you bet we’ll be front and center when it drops. In the meantime, if you need a dose of relationship drama, the second season of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (yes, the straight version) is coming soon. Episodes 1-8 hit Netflix on August 23, with the grand finale episodes 9 and 10 airing on August 30.
So, grab your popcorn, cancel your plans, and get ready for a wild ride with The Ultimatum: Queer Love. It’s going to be a hot, dramatic mess, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
The Umbrella Academy is back for its fourth and final season, and the Hargreeves siblings have never been less powerful. Netflix dropped the first teaser on Wednesday, giving fans a sneak peek into the chaos and excitement awaiting their favorite dysfunctional family.
Netflix
A World in Change
The teaser kicks off with a booming voice declaring, “Our world is changing, has changed.” Quick glimpses of the Hargreeves Home for Wayward Boys and a bustling subway station flash by before the camera settles on Elliot Page’s Viktor taking a call at a bar. The voice continues, “Gifted with abilities far beyond the ordinary,” as familiar faces like Number Five, Luther, and the rest of the crew come into view.
“I give you the inaugural class of The Umbrella Academy,” the voice proclaims as the team begrudgingly gathers for a group photo. The trailer then dives into various perilous scenarios, showcasing the siblings back in action.
A Journey Through Time
The showrunner, Steve Blackman, has promised “madness and chaos” in this final season. Since its debut in 2019, The Umbrella Academy has taken viewers on a wild ride. The first season saw the superpowered siblings reunite for their adoptive father’s funeral and attempt to stop the apocalypse. In 2020, season two scattered the siblings across the early 1960s, where they worked to prevent John F. Kennedy’s assassination. By 2022, season three brought them back to the present day, but facing off against the Sparrow Academy in an alternate timeline.
Netflix
New Faces and Challenges
Fans can also look forward to some fresh faces. Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally join the cast as married professors. Blackman teased in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the timeline issues from season three will have significant repercussions. “Fans may remember that at the end of season 3, Hargreeves wasn’t able to finish programming the Universe Machine, and Allison still pressed the button anyway,” he said. “So we’re definitely in an altered version of our now. We’re back to the period they’ve always wanted to return to! At least they start in the right year, but we know that something isn’t right.”
Stripped of Powers
One of the final season’s most intriguing aspects is the Hargreeves siblings losing their powers. “What does that do to you? As an individual, what is the family dynamic when suddenly they find themselves normal?” Blackman pondered. “I think it’s a challenge for all of them. What might’ve brought them together initially is that, as a dysfunctional family, they found some connection in their abilities. With those superpowers stripped away, who are they as a family?”
The final season of The Umbrella Academypremieres on Netflix on Aug. 8. Watch the full teaser above and prepare for one last adventure with the Hargreeves siblings.
2024 has been a landmark year in LGBTQ+ representation, with a stunning array of celebrities coming out. These inspiring disclosures across entertainment, sports, and public life have boosted visibility, shattered stereotypes, and expanded societal acceptance.
As we close out this year, here’s a look at some of the trailblazers who’ve stepped into the light, showcasing the power of living authentically.
Bethany Antonia
Credit: Instagram/@bethanyantonia
Bethany Antonia, known for playing Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon, was responding to racist trolls online when she decided to open up about her sexuality.
“Wait till they find out I’m gay too.”
Parvati Shallow
Credit: Instagram/@pshallow
Parvati Shallow, famed Survivor contestant, rang in the New Year by publicly coming out and announcing her relationship with comedian Mae Martin. The couple shared their joy through a charming photo booth strip and a lively beachside Ferris wheel video, both embracing the caption: “We’re here. We’re queer. Happy new year.”
Tom Hollander
The versatile actor described his sexuality as “sufficiently liberal,” sparking discussions on sexual fluidity and personal identity.
“My own sexuality is sufficiently liberal to have encompassed many different experiences, which are not anyone’s business.”
Zoe Lister-Jones
Best known for her roles in Life in Pieces and Confirmation, Zoe took a significant step by openly identifying as queer.
“I’m here, I’m queer, I have some fear but I’m working through it.”
She arrived at the Spirit Awards in February with her partner, filmmaker Sammi Cohen.
Sophia Bush
Sophia Bush, famed for her role on One Tree Hill, openly shares her queer identity and her relationship with soccer star Ashlyn Harris in Glamour. At 41, Bush describes feeling a profound sense of freedom and joy, marking a fresh start and a new chapter in her life.
Reneé Rapp
Star Reneé Rapp made a bold statement on Saturday Night Live, proudly announcing she’s lesbian, after previously identifying as bisexual. This revelation sparked immense support from fans and a candid discussion about embracing one’s true self in the face of skepticism and challenges.
However, Reneé does not care about what the haters have to say. “If I say I’m a lesbian, I am a lesbian,” she tweeted, adding a sprinkle of sass to ward off the doubters, “I’ve had enough of you witches.”
This singer proudly declared his LGBTQIA+ identity, adding a vibrant note to the symphony of queer voices in the music industry.
Amanda Tori Meating
Credit: Instagram/@amandatorimeating
This charismatic star from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 came out as a trans woman, becoming a beacon of hope for the transgender community.
“[I was] in this environment for the first time where everyone’s calling me Amanda and not my government name, and realizing how good that felt, and I started to feel a bit more comfortable in the reformation of my identity.”
Madame LaQueer
Also from RuPaul’s Drag Race (season 4), she embraced her identity as a trans woman, using her platform to champion transgender visibility. She now goes by the name Cassie when outside of drag.
“It’s something I’ve been pondering for myself for years,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s now or never…It’s never too late to come out and live your true experience and be yourself and be authentic. There’s nothing like feeling loved in your own skin.”
Colin Grafton
Credit: Instagram/@colin_grafton
Known for his graceful moves on Dancing On Ice, Colin skated into the spotlight of queer representation by coming out as gay.
Erika Casupana
Credit: Instagram/@Erika_cas
Erika Casupanan, the first Filipino Canadian Survivor winner, came out as a lesbian in a playful Instagram video. Fans and the LGBTQ+ community celebrated her, marking another first in her trailblazing journey. Fellow contestants and fans expressed joy and support for her revelation.
Grace Wilson
This Australian soccer powerhouse came out as non-binary, challenging traditional gender norms in sports. They became the first A-League soccer player in the country to come out as nonbinary. “It simply just means that my gender, and my perception of gender doesn’t fit into the Western standards of man or woman. And so, for me, personally, I don’t really feel like I’m anywhere near that.”
Sean Gunn
Credit: Instagram/@seangunnnn
Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer Sean Gunn, 30, has courageously shared his journey of coming out as gay, admitting he struggled with telling his family for a long time. Gunn revealed that he first came out to his teammates at the University of Kentucky in the United States, where he moved in 2012 to study and compete in swimming. He found acceptance and support from his team and felt his friendships grew stronger. Gunn, who now lives in South Africa with his boyfriend, expressed gratitude for the love and acceptance he’s received from friends and family since coming out at age 27.
Daniel Bedingfield
Credit: Instagram/@danielbedingfld
Daniel Bedingfield, brother of Natasha Bedingfield, made a candid revelation during a recent performance at London Palladium on April 23, where he disclosed that his song ‘Borderline’ was penned about a former male love interest. The British singer-songwriter, known for hits like ‘Gotta Get Thru This,’ shared, “I wrote this song with a man I loved about a girl we both loved.”
Taylor Tomlinson
Credit: Instagram/@TaylorTomlinson
Comedian and late-night host Taylor Tomlinson recently came out as bisexual during her stand-up special “Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All.”
“So, anyway, I’ve been trying to figure out if I’m bisexual, or if I just binged Euphoria too fast,” she shared with her audience. Addressing the challenges of dating women, she humorously admitted, “I’ve been trying to date women, but it is so hard. I don’t know how to get women to like me.”
Jessica Madsen
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Netflix)
Pride Month is kicking off with a bang, thanks to Bridgerton star Jessica Madsen. The actress, known for her role as Cressida Cowper on the hit show, has just revealed the leading lady in her life.
Madsen posted a joyful video on her Instagram stories, featuring herself adorned in rainbow-colored face jewels with her hair blowing in the wind. Her caption read, “In love with a woman, loud about it and proud about it!”
Last year, Madsen first opened up about her identity, sharing a post that read, “Bi the way…. Happy Pride month.” This year, her announcement about being in love with a woman received an outpouring of support, especially from her Bridgerton co-stars.
Jessica Gunning
British actress Jessica Gunning, star of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, has come out publicly as gay. The 38-year-old actress, who plays the character Martha in the hit thriller-comedy series, shared her personal story during a recent podcast interview.
“I came out in November 2022. And that was a mega, mega thing for me,” she revealed. “I am surrounded by gays, like all my friends are gay, so it wasn’t that I was repressing anything, it was just that I didn’t think that I could be.
She continued, “I still can’t articulate it in the best way. But I realized I was a big, old gay. I was like, ‘That’s what it’s been, that’s what it is’. And that was like a massive moment where everything kind of clicked and I made sense of myself then.”
Chappell Roan
Credit: Instagram/@ChappellRoan
Chappell Roan, one of pop music’s freshest talents in recent years, delighted her fans with a bold update: “I’m a lesbian now,” she proudly declared in a video reposted by @subwaymp3. Formerly identifying as queer, Roan’s announcement sparked joy and celebration among her supporters.
“Some sh*t’s changed… but, b*tch, I hope you’re happy, cause I’m a lesbian now!”
Maren Morris
On June 9, the Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram, sharing photos from her Phoenix stop on the RSVP Redux Tour. Among the snaps was a picture of Morris waving a Pride Progress flag, accompanied by the caption: “Happy to be the B in LGBTQ+. Happy pride.”
Deshawn Radden
Credit: Instagram/@DeshawnRadden
Survivor 41 runner-up Deshawn Radden celebrated Pride Month by coming out as a “queer Black man,” sharing, “I came out to my family and a few close friends a few years ago.” Reflecting on his journey, he navigated challenges reconciling his identity with faith but found strength in loved ones’ unconditional support. Overcoming fears of rejection, Radden now embraces his authentic self, grateful for the chance to live openly and wholly.
Nick Dumont
Credit: Instagram/@emmadumont
In early December, Oppenheimer star Nick Dumont publicly embraced their identity as transmasculine and non-binary, announcing their pronouns as they/them.
Julia Fox
Julia Fox, known for her bold personality and iconic role in Uncut Gems, hinted at coming out as a lesbian in a cheeky TikTok this July.
In the clip, Fox responded to a TikToker’s comment: “I love when I see a lesbian with their boyfriend. It’s like, ‘Aww, you hate that man.’” With her signature wit, Fox replied, “That was me. I was that lesbian. So sorry boys, won’t happen again.”
Bruce Joel Rubin
Oscar-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, best known for the 90s classic Ghost, came out as gay in a May interview with The Guardian. At 81, Rubin shared that he has “always known” he was “fully gay” and revealed that his wife has been aware of his sexuality for over 50 years.
Lauv
Credit: Instagram/@lauvsongs
“I’m So Tired” singer Lauv revisited the topic of his sexuality, building on his “gay but not gay” remark from last August.
In a March TikTok, he shared, “I feel like I’m gay, OK. I’ve said this so many times and still not claimed to actually ‘be,’ because I’ve not had enough experience to actually say.”
Jinkx Monsoon
Credit: Instagram/@thejinkx
In March, Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race champion and Doctor Who star, opened up to fans about her gender identity, sharing that she is trans-femme and now uses she/her pronouns.
In a heartfelt social media post, she discussed her decision to undergo facial feminization surgery, expressing that it’s “never too late” to live authentically. Jinkx also revealed her new personal name, Hera Hoffer, and spoke about how portraying Audrey in the Off-Broadway run of Little Shop of Horrors helped affirm her gender identity in a meaningful way.
Louisa Jacobson
Actress Louisa Jacobson, the talented daughter of Meryl Streep, chose Pride Month to share her LGBTQ+ identity with the world proudly. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jacobson declared she is “blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb,” accompanied by a pride flag emoji. The 33-year-old actress, known for her role in HBO’s The Gilded Age, embraced this special month to celebrate her true self in a vibrant and public way.
Sasha Colby
The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner revealed she is polyamorous, sharing that she was romantically involved with three people.
“I have three partners! I have two partners and someone else I’m dating,” she explained.
Johann Vera
Credit: Instagram/@johannvera
In August, a rising Latin pop star opened up about his sexuality through a heartfelt new song, earning widespread support from fans. Known for his early start on The X Factor in Colombia as a preteen and later competing on Ricky Martin and Simon Cowell’s La Banda, the singer even received encouraging words from Ricky Martin himself following the announcement.
Sasheer Zamata
In a September interview with Them, comedian and actress Sasheer Zamata, known for her time on Saturday Night Live and her role in Agatha All Along, shared that while she’s been out in her personal life, she’s now ready to embrace her identity publicly. “I guess I’m one of those late-in-life lesbians,” she said, adding that she feels “very comfortable and confident” in who she is. Fans have celebrated her openness and authenticity, praising her for living unapologetically.
Dwyane Wade, the former NBA superstar and husband of Gabrielle Union, continues to be one of our favorite celebrity dads. His daughter, Zaya Wade, who came out as trans in 2020, is about to turn 17. Together, they are embarking on an inspiring new project: a non-profit called Translatable, aimed at helping LGBTQ+ youth of color and their families.
Translatable is a non-profit organization supported by the Human Rights Campaign and the Trevor Project. It aims to support and educate LGBTQ+ youth of color, as well as their families and support systems. Zaya’s vision for the organization stemmed from a simple question: “If you have one thing that you want to see change in this community, what would it be?”
Focusing on Parents and Families
Dwyane shared Zaya’s thoughts on the project, stating, “For her, it goes right to parents. It goes right to the adults. It goes right to us. It’s not the kids. It’s us. And so she wanted to create a space that felt safe for parents and their kids. That’s what Translatable is, and it’s her baby.”
Creating a Safe Space
In a promotional video, Zaya explained, “Translatable aims to serve as a community safe space for youth to express themselves through a number of creative outlets. Here at Translatable, we focus on communities of color, center the most marginalized, and emphasize the importance of parents and family.”
A Resource Hub for Families
Dwyane highlighted the importance of resources and support for families. “For our family, we were blessed to have a community of supporters and knowledgeable experts who could swiftly arm us with the tools we needed to help Zaya in her journey. We recognize the lack of digestible and relatable information for youth and families, especially in communities of color. And to this day, we are still learning.”
Pride in Zaya
Dwyane’s pride in Zaya is evident. “I’m so very proud of the daughter that I’ve had the opportunity to raise. She has been my biggest educator and inspiration for what it means to be true to you. That’s why it’s so important to create a collaborative space for the community to participate in the conversation and express themselves freely.”
What’s Next for Translatable?
Zaya announced that Translatable will roll out content, resource guides, and interactive features over the next few months. “Make sure to sign up for email updates. We’re just getting started,” she added.
Dwyane and Zaya Wade are making a significant impact with Translatable, offering a beacon of hope and support for LGBTQ+ youth of color and their families. Their dedication to creating a safe and informative space is truly inspiring.
Best-selling author J.K. Rowling has once again found herself at the center of controversy. Known for her polarizing views on trans rights, Rowling has mocked gender-neutral language, misgendered trans people, and criticized trans individuals on social media.
The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht
In her new book of 30 essays, The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht, which publishes tomorrow, Rowling reveals why she initially kept her views to herself. She writes, “I did not share my views because people around me, including some I love, were begging me not to speak.”
An excerpt printed in The Times adds more context. “I watched from the sidelines as women with everything to lose rallied, in Scotland and across the UK, to defend their rights. My guilt that I wasn’t standing with them was with me daily, like chronic pain,” Rowling confesses. She continues, “I believe we’re witnessing the greatest assault of my lifetime on the rights our foremothers thought they’d guaranteed for all women. Ultimately, I spoke up because I’d have felt ashamed for the rest of my days if I hadn’t. If I feel any regret at all, it’s that I didn’t speak far sooner.”
The book also features essays from anti-trans politicians MP Joanna Cherry and MSP Ash Regan. It is said to tell stories of “women who risked their job, reputation, even the bonds of family and friendship, to make their voices heard.”
Rowling first sparked controversy in 2019 when she supported Maya Forstater, who was in a legal battle over her “gender-critical” views. Six months later, Rowling criticized inclusive language in a tweet about period care for “people who menstruate.”
In June 2020, she shared a lengthy post on her website, captioned “TERF wars” on Twitter. She expressed concerns about transgender rights impacting education and safeguarding, and worried about “the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition.”
Defiant on Social Media
In October 2023, Rowling made waves again by suggesting she’d rather go to jail than use a trans person’s correct pronouns. She shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) saying “repeat after us: trans women are women” and responded with “No.”
In a follow-up post, Rowling wrote, “I’ll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex.”
Ongoing Feuds
Rowling continues to clash with trans people and their allies on social media. She misgendered trans journalist India Willoughby, accusing her of “cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is.” Willoughby described Rowling’s comments as “grotesque.”
Opposition to Hate Crime Legislation
Rowling also opposes Scotland’s new hate crime legislation. In one exchange on X, lawyer Rajan Barot advised her to “start deleting” posts after the law took effect. Rowling retorted, “If you genuinely imagine I’d delete posts calling a man a man, so as not to be prosecuted under this ludicrous law, stand by for the mother of all April Fools’ jokes.”
Rowling’s controversial opinions have drawn criticism from the public, including stars of the Harry Potter films. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have both condemned her comments on the trans community, distancing themselves from her views.
While Rowling doesn’t seem like she has any plans to stop expressing her anti-trans views, it’s clear that even those close to her disagree with her. Now, if only Rowling herself would wake up to that fact!
Get ready, mystery fans! Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott, and Cailee Spaeny are joining Daniel Craig in Knives Out 3, titled Wake Up Dead Man. The third film in the series promises more twists, turns, and hilariously sharp detective work from Benoit Blanc, the gay southern sleuth we all love.
New Stars Join the Fun
The excitement is building as O’Connor, Scott, and Spaeny come on board. Known for his role in God’s Own Country, O’Connor has been busy with big projects like The History of Sound. Spaeny, fresh off her portrayal of Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, will add her talent to the mix. Scott, of course, is known for his infamous role in Fleabag as the Hot Priest and recently made headlines for his performance in the Netflix series, Ripley.
A Star-Studded Legacy
Knives Out first wowed us in 2019 with a stellar cast including Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, and Ana de Armas. The sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, continued the trend in 2022 with Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, and Kathryn Hahn. Now, Benoit Blanc will return in 2025 with O’Connor and Spaeny by his side.
Director and writer Rian Johnson confirmed the exciting news via a repost from Deadline. He and his partner Ram Bergman co-wrote the script and will produce the film through T-Street Productions. Though plot details are scarce, Netflix teases that this will be Blanc’s “most dangerous case yet.”
What to Expect
Fans are eagerly waiting for more information, but we do know that Wake Up Dead Man will hit Netflix in 2025. Janelle Monáe, who stole the show in Glass Onion, hinted she might return, and fans hope Hugh Grant will reprise his role as Blanc’s partner.
Upcoming Projects for the Stars
O’Connor and Spaeny aren’t slowing down. O’Connor will next appear opposite Paul Mescal in The History of Sound, a gay war drama. Spaeny will star in Alien: Romulus, a sort-of-prequel to the famous Alien series.
More for Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig, our beloved Benoit Blanc, is also making headlines. Early reactions from the Cannes Film Festival suggest his performance in Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is his best yet. Craig’s diverse roles keep audiences guessing and excited for more.
Mark Your Calendars
So, mystery lovers, mark your calendars for 2025. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery promises to deliver all the intrigue, humor, and star power we’ve come to expect from the Knives Out series. With a cast like this and the genius of Rian Johnson behind it, we’re in for a real treat.
Alice Oseman has released an update on the final volume of the Heartstopper graphic novel.
It’s been a year since Alice Oseman announced that her beloved Heartstopper graphic novels would wrap up with the upcoming sixth volume. Over the weekend, Oseman gave fans an exciting update on the progress.
First Draft Fun
“I think I have a first draft of vol 6!!!! (Just the writing, haven’t started drawing yet),” Oseman, who also serves as the showrunner on the Netflix series, shared on Instagram Stories.
Oseman feels “pretty good” about the draft, though she acknowledges it needs some trimming before finalization.
“Gonna share with some friends & colleagues and get some opinions, then make some tweaks probably. Hoping to start drawing in June,” she added.
Earlier this year, Oseman admitted to struggling with ideas for the final installment but now seems to have smashed through her writer’s block. She even teased fans with a photo of her computer screen showing the words “The End.”
Netflix
From Web Comic to Netflix Hit
Heartstopper started as a web comic in 2016, quickly gaining a dedicated following. The Netflix adaptation premiered in 2022, with a second season following in 2023.
Due to Oseman’s involvement, the series closely follows the graphic novels. The first season covered volumes one and two, while the second season tackled volume three.
Heartstopper is renewed for a third season, aligning with volume four of the graphic novel, and it premieres on 3 October. The future of the show beyond that remains uncertain, but fans hope for at least two more seasons to cover volumes five and six.
According to Joe Locke, who plays Charlie, season three is set to be “darker” and “raunchier” than the first two seasons. This suggests that the contents of volume five, which focuses on Charlie’s recovery from an eating disorder and the gang’s scramble for university places, will be included in the plot.
Netflix
The End is Near, But Not Too Near
The reality that Nick and Charlie’s story will come to an end, whether the Netflix series reaches that point or not, seemed to hit fans hard after Oseman’s update. Luckily, we still have time before the final chapter finishes.
“I still have to draw it,” she wrote, “Which will take me at least 18 months, if not longer. We’ve got some time before the comics end, lads. I’m very excited to have a complete story mapped out and cannot wait to start drawing.”
It seems fans will have to wait until at least the end of 2025, and possibly until 2026, to get their hands on the next comic.
Fans Brace for Impact
Fans are bracing for the emotional impact of Heartstopper’s conclusion. While the end may be in sight, Oseman’s reminder that there’s still a long road ahead has provided some comfort.
So, while we eagerly await the final volume and upcoming seasons, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey of Nick and Charlie. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the graphic novels or a newcomer through the Netflix series, Heartstopper has touched hearts worldwide. And as we gear up for the grand finale, one thing’s for sure—this love story will continue to captivate us until the very end.
Rian Johnson has finally revealed the title of the highly anticipated third Knives Out movie! Get ready for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Production is about to kick off, and we couldn’t be more excited.
A Sneak Peek at the New Adventure
Daniel Craig is back as the charismatic detective Benoit Blanc, and this time, he’s diving into his most dangerous case yet. The teaser video features Blanc’s voiceover: “In the beginning, the knives came out. Then behold, the glass was shattered. But my most dangerous case yet is about to be revealed.”
What’s in a Name?
Johnson, the mastermind behind the Knives Out series, gave us some juicy details about the title. “I love everything about whodunnits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is,” Johnson explained. He hinted that the title offers “a little hint of where it’s going.”
With a nod to classic mystery authors from Carr to Christie, Johnson is ready to take us on another thrilling ride with Benoit Blanc. This time, the movie might have a supernatural twist that sets it apart from Knives Out and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
Filming Starts Soon
Earlier this year, Johnson’s production company, T-Street, hinted that Knives Out 3 would begin shooting later this year. But surprise! Filming is starting sooner than expected. Johnson promised, “more to come very soon,” so we’re eagerly awaiting the star-studded cast announcement.
The Queer Detective
Netflix
Johnson previously confirmed that Benoit Blanc is queer in an interview at the London Film Festival. While the first film subtly hinted at this, it’s now official. “Yes, he obviously is,” Johnson said. In Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, we met Blanc’s live-in partner, played by Hugh Grant.
So now we have one question: Will Hugh be returning?
The Countdown Begins
As production gears up for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the excitement is palpable. With a fresh, thrilling storyline, the third installment promises to be an unforgettable ride. Get ready to sleuth alongside Benoit Blanc once more – this time, with even more twists and turns.
Stay tuned for more updates, and keep your detective hats on – you never know what secrets might be unveiled next!
More From Craig
Craig is also set to star in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s novel Queer, alongside Outer Banks star Drew Starkey. This film, exploring an American expat’s obsession with a young Navy serviceman in 1950s Mexico, promises to capture the essence of Burroughs’s writing. The star-studded cast includes Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, and Henry Zaga.
Dylan O’Brien makes a jaw-dropping cameo appearance in the trailer for the upcoming new series Fantasmas! The 32-year-old actor is one of many guest stars on the show, and in the trailer, he can be seen making quite an entrance in nothing but some red lingerie. No, Gay Twitter is not okay right now.
“you better not be dylan o’brien in red lingerie when i get there”
i’m crying like this is insane i didn’t even think we’d get dylan o’brien in lingerie IM SINDJDNFKEJTKSJFNDJDN IM FROYJING AT THE MOUJTH pic.twitter.com/MS5dsO7Osx
Fantasmas comes from the creative mind of writer, director, and comedian Julio Torres. He spins a fantastical six-part tale about the time he lost a gold oyster earring. And let’s just say, it’s not your average lost-and-found story.
In his search for the precious earring, Julio reflects on the quirky characters he meets. These encounters are introspective, often eerie, and always comedic, set in a dreamy, alternate version of New York City. With a kaleidoscope of color and surrealism, Fantasmas weaves together stories of people searching for meaning, purpose, and connection in an increasingly isolating world.
Star-Studded Cast
The series features an impressive lineup of stars. Along with Julio Torres, the main cast includes Martine Gutierrez as Vanesja, Tomas Matos as Chester, and Joe Rumrill as the voice of Bibo. But that’s not all! Over twenty guest stars will appear throughout the six episodes, including:
Dylan O’Brien
Steve Buscemi
Paul Dano
Julia Fox
Alexa Demie
Emma Stone
Aidy Bryant
Bowen Yang
Kim Petras
Ziwe
With such a stellar cast, each episode promises a delightful surprise!
Executive Producers
Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary are executive producing Fantasmas alongside Julio Torres. With their combined talent and vision, this series will surely be a hit.
Mark Your Calendars
Fantasmas will premiere on Friday, June 7th, on HBO with new episodes released weekly. Don’t miss out on this unique and captivating show. Check out the trailer now and get ready for a wild, whimsical ride!
“A gay lead on Bridgerton sounds like a good idea to me,” Quinn previously told Cosmopolitan Spain.
Netflix’s popular Regency Era series about a large family in England, a powerhouse Queen, and an anonymous gossip writer is returning for a third season later this year. We are eager to see how the relationship between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), the leads of the next chapter, will play out in part two.
Speaking of eager anticipation, we’re eagerly hoping Bridgerton will add some queer storylines to the series. And we have a pretty good idea which character might be involved!
Before the first season aired, a trailer teased a gay sex scene between two characters, but the storyline got sidelined. While the show has avoided featuring a lead LGBTQIA+ character, many believe that Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, might be queer.
Speculation started in the first season when Benedict developed a close friendship with Sir Henry Granville, the only confirmed gay character on the show. Their electric chemistry had fans hoping for more. But in 2022, former showrunner Chris Van Dusen told TV Line, “The storyline [of him befriending] Henry was really about tolerance in a really intolerant time.” He also crushed fans’ hopes by confirming their relationship was purely platonic.
Despite Van Dusen’s statement, Luke Thompson didn’t rule out Benedict’s queerness. “Benedict has such a lovely openness and fluidity about him generally, and that’s really, really fun to play because it could go anywhere,” he told Entertainment Weekly.
BRIDGERTON AUTHOR SAYS BRING ON THE GAY
Bridgerton author Julia Quinn also said anything is possibly.
“A gay lead on Bridgerton sounds like a good idea to me, because the objective of the saga has always been to show that all people deserve a happy ending,” she said in a recent interview with Cosmopolitan Spain.
“There is a gay character, Henry Granville, but secondary. It would be great if there were a protagonist,” she continued. “One of the things that the series has done remarkably is to perfectly mimic the kind of emotions you feel when you read a romance novel, which is why people read those novels. They make you feel good, and the main reason is that they show a world in which anyone has the right to be happy. Being more inclusive, casting without racial bias, all of that contributes to that feeling.”
Where is Benedict Now?
Netflix
In season two, we saw him as a struggling artist who has a fling with a model. This leads us to season three (part one, at least). It seems Benedict is momentarily distracted by his casual relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold. But who knows what could happen in part two?
— the greg hy supremacy agenda (@ADropOfMagic) April 11, 2024
Eloise being a bisexual badass always made sense to me. Her and Benedict are besties // magnets to each other for many reasons and this is definitely one! (Although, I don’t 100% know if that’s what’s happening here, but I’m down if it is!) https://t.co/gDfrlRVhAX
— Kyla WANTS YOU TO PAY WRITERS & ACTORS Sylvers (@Hey_KayKay) May 21, 2024
Even if something were to happen, it is unlikely it will be a big part of the plot. Showrunner Jess Browell spoke with Variety about the idea and immediately shut it down for the time being. “Right now, I really am so focused on Pen and Colin and how we’re rolling them out that my head’s really in that in the day to day, but maybe at a later date that’s something we can talk about,” she said.
Fans suspect Benedict will be the next Bridgerton to find love next season, so maybe it is all leading up to something bigger? We will have to wait and see!
Season 3 Part 1 of Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix.
