Owen Myers

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died aged 77 on 17 August in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with his family present. A member of ZZ Top since 1971, Beard was celebrated by Billy Gibbons as an innovative drummer whose signature backbeat helped define the band. Health problems had recently led to cancelled shows and Beard's withdrawal from touring. The band said it would continue performing, with Elwood Francis on bass following Dusty Hill's death in 2021.

Will Poulter discusses his role as Cody, a young man recovering from substance use disorder in Union County, Adam Meeks’s hybrid narrative-documentary drama set around a real drug recovery court in rural Ohio. Poulter praises the film’s collaboration with local participants and its emphasis on recovery rather than addiction’s devastation, arguing that stigma obscures the social and personal circumstances behind substance use. He also criticizes cuts to US mental-health and addiction funding, while remaining cautious about commenting on current American politics. The interview covers his commitment to independent film, upcoming television work, the pause of a medieval horror project, and uncertainty over returning as Adam Warlock in the Marvel franchise.

The review finds Dylan Meyer’s directorial debut an underwritten and largely unfunny female-led stoner comedy. Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat play roommates whose drug-induced adventures involve telekinetic powers, talking cats and a pursuit across Los Angeles, but the film is judged too dependent on obvious jokes, tired genre conventions and weak characterisation. Its tactile, imaginative trip sequences and Todd Banhazl’s cinematography provide the main strengths, while the short runtime fails to prevent a sluggish third act.

Photographer Gered Mankowitz recounts the circumstances behind portraits of major music artists including Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Marianne Faithfull, Duran Duran, the Rolling Stones, Sade, Eurythmics, Wham!, Suzi Quatro and Joan Jett. His memories range from warm, collaborative sessions to tense encounters, while several images became influential album or magazine covers. The gallery also notes a correction identifying Sade’s 1985 session as having been made for the Sunday Express magazine rather than Mojo.

Gregg Araki discusses his new film I Want Your Sex, a provocative comedy about desire, power, kink and sexual identity starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. He explains that he revised the project after #MeToo by reversing its original gender dynamics, making the central relationship a female-dom/male-sub pairing. Araki argues that contemporary cinema remains too restrained in its treatment of sex and criticizes what he sees as growing sexual repression, anti-trans politics and right-wing authoritarianism in the United States. Despite concerns about declining LGBTQ+ representation and Gen Z’s reduced sexual experience, he remains hopeful about younger cinephiles and the continuing vitality of queer cinema.

Comedian and actor Mary Beth Barone discusses her Netflix special Galaxy Brain, which uses deliberately absurd jokes to address sex, politics, the Israel-Palestine conflict, MAGA politics and misogyny. She reflects on the special’s importance to her career, her growing role in Overcompensating, her Golden Globes red-carpet hosting and her podcast Ride with Benito Skinner. Barone condemns the manosphere culture associated with comedians such as Andrew Schulz, argues that women and left-leaning entertainers face disproportionate backlash, and describes comedy as a way to make political subjects more accessible. She also discusses her efforts to avoid punching down, her support for Zohran Mamdani and her plans for events celebrating the special.

Carly Simon has revealed that she is living with Parkinson’s disease, describing unpredictable symptoms, fatigue and apathy while stressing that she has not surrendered her identity to the illness. She also underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma on her face, which, alongside mobility problems, led her to withdraw from public view. Simon says recording her forthcoming album, Comes in Waves, has provided purpose and helped her cope; the album is scheduled for release on 14 August.

Film director Chuck Russell has died aged 74 at his home in San Diego, with his death confirmed by his attorney and family; no cause has been announced. Russell directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, The Mask, Eraser, The Scorpion King, Bless the Child and Witchboard. His 1994 blockbuster The Mask, which grossed more than $350m on an $18m budget, helped establish Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz as global stars, while The Scorpion King gave Dwayne Johnson his first leading role. Russell began his career as a producer and screenwriter before becoming a director, and his final film was the 2024 remake Witchboard.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey is praised for its scale, technical innovation and performances, blending practical effects, global locations and reinterpretations of Homeric myth. The film’s depictions of gods, major characters and key episodes diverge in notable ways from the original, while its final act emphasizes the human cost of war. Standout performances, surprising cameos and awards-season potential are highlighted, along with controversy over filming in Western Sahara.

Jill Scott delivers a joyous, 90-minute performance at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, combining virtuosic vocals, playful sexual humor, political awareness and intimate audience interaction. Although the phones-free Yondr policy initially causes frustration, it helps create a deeply connected, communal atmosphere. The show celebrates Scott’s 26-year career through songs including “The Way,” “Cross My Mind,” “A Long Walk,” “Offdaback,” “Pay U on Tuesday” and “Beautiful People,” with strong support from her band and backing vocalists. At 54, Scott is portrayed as vocally formidable and energetically radiant, making the concert a compelling argument for phone-free live music.

A critique of Heartstopper Forever highlights its overly sanitized portrayal of teen sexuality, reliance on nostalgia and fan service, and inconsistent character development. Despite touching moments and strong supporting performances, the film’s cautious approach to intimacy, heavy-handed messaging and fragmented structure limit its emotional depth, leaving the central couple’s coming‑of‑age arc feeling stunted.

A man allegedly breached security at NBC’s Today show studio in New York, lunged at host Craig Melvin and shouted a racial slur before being arrested by NYPD officers. No injuries were reported, and Melvin and Al Roker returned to air about 15 minutes later without discussing the incident. The breach occurred amid heightened security at the show following the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Guardian writers select their most played songs of summer 2026, spanning hyperpop, Americana, club pop, bounce, rap, country, breakbeat, tech house, Latin-influenced music and bedroom R&B. Their choices include Kim Petras’s “Jeep,” Madonna’s “Danceteria,” Big Freedia and Sophie’s newly released “Blaze That Ass,” Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert’s reconciliation-themed “Horses and Divorces,” and emerging artists such as Izco, Jump Source and D’Leesa. Alongside musical praise, several selections reflect broader themes of queer and trans visibility, resistance to the political right, friendship across past rivalries, and the desire for communal celebration and freedom.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has warned that Broadway is in “dire danger” after his three-time Tony-winning revival, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, announced an early closing on 8 August after only five months. Despite strong audience response and roughly $1 million in weekly grosses, the $18 million production failed to recoup its investment because of high operating costs. Lloyd Webber argues that soaring production expenses, limited royalties for creators and weak returns for investors are making new Broadway work financially unsustainable. The warning comes despite the 2025–26 season generating a record $1.91 billion in ticket sales, with established hits and a small number of successful productions carrying the market. He called for theater owners, unions and producers to act urgently to preserve opportunities for riskier and newer work.

Tom Cruise debuts a dramatic physical and character transformation in the trailer for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new film Digger, in which he plays an eccentric oil baron attempting to prevent an ecological catastrophe linked to his own company. Speaking at a Los Angeles launch event, Cruise described the role as uniquely challenging and praised Iñárritu’s creative vision. The director explained that the character and concept originated a decade earlier following The Revenant, evolving into a comedic yet tragic exploration of power and delusion. Digger, filmed using the VistaVision process, features a prominent supporting cast and is set for worldwide release in early October.

Letterboxd is in sales discussions with potential buyers including Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount, with a valuation reportedly around $250m. Majority owner Tiny and co-founders Matthew Buchanan and Karl von Randow are exploring interest from private equity firms and Alexis Ohanian, while Versant has also held conversations. The platform, which has grown to over 26 million users and maintains strong cultural influence among film enthusiasts and celebrities, recently expanded with a curated in-app video rental store.

Justin Baldoni released an Instagram video with his wife Emily describing the emotional strain of their extended legal battle with Blake Lively. The dispute, tied to their collaboration on It Ends With Us, settled in May, though Lively has since sought more than $8m in legal fees, a claim Baldoni must address by mid‑July. The Baldonis expressed gratitude to supporters and suggested they may share more details later, while The Guardian awaits comment from Lively’s representatives.

A Glaad study reports that LGBTQ+ representation in 2025 films dropped to a three-year low, with only 20.4% of movies including queer characters and no trans characters at all. The findings highlight a disproportionate decline in representation for LGBTQ+ people of color. Mid-budget and horror films showed stronger inclusion, and several titles featuring prominent queer characters received critical praise. Glaad warns that studios risk losing younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, which has the highest share of LGBTQ-identifying individuals, if representation continues to decline. Smaller distributors were commended for advancing inclusive storytelling.

Key nominations for the 2026 Emmy Awards span drama, comedy, limited series, acting, directing and writing categories, with strong performances from series such as The Pitt, Hacks, Pluribus and Widow’s Bay across multiple fields, ahead of the ceremony scheduled for 14 September.

Dolly Parton will celebrate her 81st birthday with the Broadway opening of Dolly: A True Original Musical, which begins previews on 7 December at the St James Theatre after a sold‑out Nashville debut. The production traces her life and features classic hits alongside new material, offering what Parton describes as an unfiltered version of her story. Director Bartlett Sher highlights the strong audience connection to Parton and the show’s aim to reveal more of her personal journey. Tickets go on sale to the public on 10 July.

British-born singer Lauren Bennett, known for her role in G.R.L. and her feature on LMFAO’s global hit Party Rock Anthem, has died at 36. Bennett rose from local UK talent contests and The X Factor to join the Paradiso Girls before moving to Los Angeles and later joining G.R.L., contributing to chart successes including Wild Wild Love and Ugly Heart. Following the 2014 death of bandmate Simone Battle, she participated in a mental health advocacy effort with the charity Give an Hour. G.R.L. paid tribute, highlighting her lasting impact and the loss felt by those who knew her.

Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from the upcoming Paramount adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, stating she will not promote or watch the film due to negative behind-the-scenes experiences. Messages shared online reveal strained communication with star Amandla Stenberg amid past colorism criticism related to casting. Adeyemi, who co-wrote the screenplay, emphasized her desire to protect herself from further harm while affirming support for fans and the community she wrote for. The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and featuring a high-profile cast, is scheduled for release in January 2027.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce pledged $26 million to 20 charities across the United States ahead of their expected wedding at Madison Square Garden. The donations support food banks, children’s programs, animal welfare groups and educational initiatives in cities meaningful to the couple, including New York, Nashville and Kansas City. New York City issued permits for large-scale wedding-related events spanning Thursday to Saturday, prompting further public speculation. High‑profile guests, including Graham Norton, Ed Sheeran, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sabrina Carpenter, were seen arriving in the city as preparations intensified.

Blake Lively seeks $8m in legal fees from Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios following the settlement of her lawsuit and the dismissal of Baldoni’s $400m countersuit. A federal judge ruled that Lively is entitled to recover costs incurred between January and June 2025. Her attorneys accuse Baldoni and his studio of using aggressive litigation and media tactics to damage her reputation and drain resources. They argue the ruling sets a precedent against using lawsuits for intimidation. Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios have until 13 July to accept or contest the payment.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited 529 creatives, including Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega and Stephen Fry, to join its 2026 member class, bringing total membership above 11,000 if all accept. The list highlights recent Oscar nominees, prominent actors and filmmakers, and contributors from international and underrepresented communities. New rule changes for the 2027 awards season restrict AI contributions in acting and writing categories and allow multiple nominations for performers within the same category.

Queer American writers share their favorite LGBTQ+ books from across U.S. literature, highlighting works spanning genres, eras and identities. Their selections showcase narratives of queer life, desire, community, resistance and self-discovery, ranging from canonical novels to experimental poetry and groundbreaking anthologies. These recommendations emphasize the breadth of LGBTQ+ experiences in American writing and celebrate the influence, innovation and personal impact of these works.

Guardian writers celebrate a wide range of LGBTQ+ movie characters, highlighting figures from cult classics, queer cinema and mainstream films whose portrayals resonated through boldness, complexity or cultural impact. Each writer selects a character whose presence shaped their understanding of queerness, from Corky’s unapologetic swagger in Bound and Divine’s outrageousness in Pink Flamingos to heartfelt depictions such as Eric in Edge of Seventeen and Albert’s joyful authenticity in The Birdcage. The selections span genres including heist films, camp satire, psychological thrillers and horror, underscoring the diversity of queer identities on screen and their enduring significance during Pride Month.

Walter Parazaider, co-founder of the band Chicago, died at 81 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Tributes from family and bandmates highlight his role in shaping the group’s horn-driven sound and in organizing its early years. Parazaider contributed notable performances to several of the band’s major hits and remained a core member until his 2018 retirement. The band credited his vision and leadership as central to Chicago’s enduring success and legacy.

John Early’s directorial debut Maddie’s Secret blends influencer satire, melodrama and a candid exploration of eating disorders through the story of a food-obsessed aspiring influencer whose rise to viral fame triggers old struggles with bulimia. Early and longtime collaborator Kate Berlant discuss the film’s inspirations in retro TV movies, its unapologetically bold tonal shifts, and the cultural legacy of 1990s diet culture. Their comedic chemistry, shared history in the Brooklyn comedy scene and reflections on body image shape the film’s perspective, while Early’s recent stage work and the artistic achievements of peers like Cole Escola helped strengthen his creative ambitions. The film releases in the US on 19 June, with international dates forthcoming.

Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day is examined as a fast‑paced science‑fiction thriller blending alien conspiracies, whistleblower themes and large‑scale action set pieces. Performances from Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor are highlighted, along with the film’s allusions to real‑world secrecy, UFO investigations and public fascination with extraterrestrial life. The narrative’s climax revolves around a dramatic broadcast revealing decades of hidden alien contact, framing the movie as a commentary on information control and humanity’s response to the unknown.

Taylor Swift’s rise over two decades reshaped the music industry, pop culture, fandom, chart strategy and celebrity management. Her control over her image, mastery of formats, public battles for artist rights, and ability to create cultural moments positioned her as a dominant global figure whose influence spans music, fashion, media, and sports. Swift’s collaborations, marketing innovations, narrative control, and willingness to turn setbacks into creative and commercial victories helped redefine modern stardom and establish a new template for pop careers.

A drag‑led comedy film featuring RuPaul is praised as a lively, sharply written caper filled with visual gags, celebrity cameos, and standout performances from a cast of drag queens. The review highlights RuPaul’s exuberant turn as a fictional US president, strong comedic moments from Jujubee and Latrice Royale, and the film’s ability to balance bawdy humor with classic slapstick. While the final act becomes more predictable and leans heavily on Drag Race in-jokes, the film is ultimately described as joyful escapism and a standout addition to drag‑centric cinema.

Anthony Head, best known for his role as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at 72 from pneumonia complications. His daughters highlighted his lasting impact and dedication to his craft. His career spanned theatre, television and film, with notable appearances in Little Britain, Merlin, Ted Lasso and various West End productions. Tributes from colleagues praised his kindness, talent and professionalism, while his family emphasized the enduring legacy of his work and character.

A Los Angeles county court issued Sabrina Carpenter a temporary restraining order against William Applegate after he allegedly attempted to break into her Hollywood Hills home and repeatedly stalked her. Court documents and police statements describe a pattern of escalating behavior, including surveillance, trespassing, and delusional claims that he was expected at the residence. Applegate was arrested for trespassing but returned to the neighborhood shortly afterward. Follow-up civil and criminal hearings are scheduled for mid-June.

Taylor Swift will release an original song, I Knew It, I Knew You, for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 on 5 June. Written with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, the track marks a return to her country style and was inspired by the character Jessie. Director Andrew Stanton praised Swift’s connection to the film and its themes. The single is her first new music since her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl. Toy Story 5 debuts worldwide on 19 June.