Hollywood actor Simu Liu is of the opinion that finding Hollywood success is a "lot harder" for people, who aren’t white. The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings actor feels he still faces an "uphill battle" with his career and lamented the type of roles he has been offered in the years since he found fame in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, reports ‘Female First UK’. Asked what he wished he'd known before Shang-Chi, he told The Hollywood Reporter, "That it’s a marathon and that and success is defined by longevity more than just the bigness of a single moment. And then with the caveat that it’s gonna be a lot harder for you than if you were white. "Maybe that’s a controversial thing to say or a hot take. But I’ve watched a lot of actors’ careers over the past few years since I’ve had my moments”. He further mentioned, "Seeing firsthand just why a system is made and why a system helps a certain type of actor that, once they get their moment, it becomes infinitely easier for them to get their next and then their next. That has not been the case for me at all. I still very much feel like I have an uphill battle every single day. The things that come across my desk, I don’t know if this is the best stuff for me. I wish it were better”. As per ‘Female First UK’, the 36-year-old star admitted he was "a little surprised" not to be offered any leading roles following the success of Shang-Chi. Asked about the parts he was getting offered, he said, "Tiny, tiny budget (projects), playing third or fourth lead. Maybe a villain. But never the main character, never the proxy for the audience. Only somebody who gets to be a piece of it. And a substantial piece, don’t get me wrong. I’m not ungrateful. "But once Shang-Chi came out and had the moment that it did, I was a little surprised by how few number one roles came across my desk. Whereas, if it had happened to somebody else, a different actor who looked differently, I think those offers would’ve come a lot quicker and more abundantly”. Simu thinks there are a lot of directors he admires who would "never" hire him and he can understand why Asian actors also opt to produce, write or direct to ensure the material they want is there. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 11:26 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSHollywood star Bradley Cooper seems to be serious about his marriage with his girlfriend Gigi Hadid. The actor has reportedly sought permission to propose and marry her. It has been claimed that the 50-year-old actor has spoken to the 30-year-old model's mom, TV personality Yolanda Hadid, 61, and she is happy for her daughter, who has been dating Bradley since October 2023, reports ‘Female First UK’. A source told the Daily Mail, "Bradley asked Yolanda for Gigi's hand in marriage. He wants her to know how serious he is about Gigi and how he plans to build a solid family with her in New York”. It has been said that Gigi, who met Bradley at a child's birthday party, where their daughters attended as guests, has been expecting a proposal, and discussed getting married with Yolanda and her 77-year-old dad, real estate developer Mohamed Hadid. The insider said, "Her mom, Yolanda, is on board, so that was a no-brainer. But Gigi telling her father she wants to marry Bradley is a big step; it's much more official”. As per ‘Female First UK’, Bradley, who was married to 52-year-old actress Jennifer Esposito from 2006 until 2007, has also reportedly let his mom, Gloria Campano, in on his plans to say "I do" to Gigi in, possibly, 2026. The insider added, "They are very close and he loops her in on everything”. It has been said that the Silver Linings Playbook star and the blonde beauty want to tie the knot so that their children can be brought up together. Bradley has Lea, eight, with his 39-year-old ex-girlfriend, model Irina Shayk, whom he broke up with in June 2019 after four years together. And Gigi has Khai, five, with her former 32-year-old boyfriend, singer Zayn Malik, who she split from in 2021 after they dated on-and-off for almost five years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 10:41 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSFilmmaker Steven Spielberg refused to make Man About Town (2006) with Ben Affleck because the actor had made his son cry. Director Mike Binder made this revelation on Stephen Baldwin’s podcast. Steven Spielberg, who wanted to produce ‘Man About Town’, dropped it when Ben Affleck was cast in it He recalled writing Man About Town under the belief that Spielberg would be at the helm and release it through his DreamWorks company. While the filmmaker was interesting in directing it, he dropped the project when he found out the Good Will Hunting star was on board to play the lead role. Binder recounted, “We [Affleck and him] made a deal that he’s gonna do Man About Town, we shook hands. I call Steven and he says, ‘No. Can’t do it with him. We just bombed with a movie with him, he’s got that whole J-Lo thing going on now, and I have other problems with him’.” Mike Binder According to Binder, the filmmaker accused Affleck of fighting with his son on a family vacation when the actor was dating Spielberg’s goddaughter Gwyneth Paltrow. Binder recalled being told by Spielberg, “My son was playing in the pool, and he got out of it. When Ben came in fully dressed, my son pushed him into the pool. Ben got really mad at him, and he came out of the pool, picked him up and threw him back into the pool. He made my son cry.’ I just don’t like to work with him. Plus his last two movies bombed. Find somebody else. Anyone but him. He’s cold as hell’.” Binder added that when he told Affleck’s agents the news of the actor potentially being dropped, the actor immediately called him. The director added, “Ben said, ‘Did Steven Spielberg tell you I threw his kid in the water? Is that why I’m not in your movie?’” Binder eventually made the movie with Affleck, and when he told Spielberg about his intentions, DreamWorks dropped the project. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 December,2025 07:46 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSThe anticipation and buzz around Avengers: Doomsday has been significant, especially since it marks the first Avengers movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in nearly a decade. The makers have now dropped a teaser of the film, making two big announcements. First being the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers and the second, its release date. Avengers: Doomsday teaser The tease centres on Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. Although rumoured earlier, the teaser confirms the return of the original Captain America, who is seen having a child in the new clip. Fans speculate the child is Rogers with presumably Peggy Carter (Haley Atwell) since they locked their time-displaced romance with a kiss at the end of Endgame. How that shapes up in the movie's plot is a mystery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) Interestingly, the official release of the teaser comes a week after Avengers: Doomsday footages were leaked online and circulted online like wildfire. After a weekend of speculation about multiple trailers for the film in the coming days, the teaser had leaked online ahead of Fire & Ash‘s opening, which hinted at Evan’s return. Along with visuals of Chris holding his newborn child, the teaser states, “Steve Rogers will return." It also reveals that Avengers: Doomsday hits theatres on December 18, 2026. This will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027. About Avengers: Doomsday Avengers: Doomsday is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. It is produced by Marvel Studios and AGBO, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Doomsday is intended to be the fifth instalment in the Avengers franchise after Avengers: Endgame (2019) and the 39th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It is directed jointly by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely. The film features an ensemble cast of Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, and Robert Downey Jr, who also returns but in a new avatar as the villain Doctor Doom.
23 December,2025 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers released the first teaser for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey on Monday. The film is based on Homer's epic, which has long been a cornerstone of classical literature. The film follows the Greek hero Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he travels the long and winding path back home after the Trojan War. Universal released a first-look photo of Damon in costume back in February. Damon stars alongside Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo and more. In addition to directing, Nolan wrote the script and produced the film alongside his wife, Emma Thomas. The trailer shows Odysseus getting shipwrecked along with his army and making his way back home during a treacherous journey. He and his soldiers are also seen inside the infamous Trojan horse, which was previously teased in a six-minute clip screened before Imax 70mm showings of Sinners and One Battle After Another. Odysseus walks across land, sails by sea, and treks through caves, including one where an ominously large beast appears in the shadows. There are also brief shots of Holland as Odysseus' son, Telemachus and Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus' wife. Universal Pictures shared the trailer on its Instagram account. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Odyssey Movie (@theodysseymovie) The sweeping landscapes shown in the trailer hint at the epic scale of Nolan’s vision. The visuals highlight both the expansive settings and moments of tension, supported by a dramatic score, in keeping with the director’s cinematic style. Universal said last December that the film would be "shot across the world using brand new Imax film technology." Universal executive Jim Orr teased at CinemaCon that audiences could expect "a visionary, once-in-a-generation cinematic masterpiece that Homer himself would quite likely be proud of," reported Variety. Leguizamo compared Nolan's work ethic to that of an independent filmmaker. "He's not doing it by committee, he's not doing it by what the studio says," the actor said during a recent appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," reported Variety, Nolan's most recent blockbuster was Oppenheimer, which won seven Oscars in 2024 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2025 03:41 PM IST | Washington DC | ANINow You See Me: Now You Don't is set for early access release in India on December 26, 2025 The globally popular heist-adventure spectacle Now You See Me: Now You Don't is set to make its digital debut in India, with an early access release scheduled from 26th December 2025 at a rental price of INR 499, allowing audiences seeking a premium viewing experience. The film will be available across major digital platforms, including Amazon, Apple TV and Google/YouTube, offering audiences multiple ways to experience the magic-filled franchise. About Now You See Me: Now You Don't Directed by Ruben Fleischer, Now You See Me: Now You Don't marks the return of the Four Horsemen alongside a new generation of illusionists, delivering a thrilling blend of mind-bending twists, surprises and large-scale magic sequences unlike anything previously seen on screen. The film continues the franchise’s signature mix of spectacle and suspense, raising the stakes with audacious illusions and high-energy storytelling. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco, among an ensemble cast, and stays true to the franchise’s adventurous tone while expanding its universe with fresh characters and daring new heists. Known for its stylish visuals and clever plotting, the Now You See Me franchise has built a strong global fanbase drawn to its unique fusion of magic and crime. Don’t forget to watch Now You See Me: Now You Don't by renting the film at your convenience only on Amazon, Apple TV and Google/YouTube Now You See Me to get fourth part? In an interview earlier this year, director Ruben Fleischer stated that if the third installment has a successful box-office run and shows that the audience still has an appetite for magician-led heists, the franchise may get a fourth installment. Fleischer and the makers are already planning their next move, one that would hopefully include the entire stable of Horsemen. “That’s certainly the aspiration, but when you have an ensemble franchise like this with so many characters and storylines to service, it obviously presents challenges,” Fleischer admitted. “We have to be real smart and intentional with how we structure the film. So we’re in the midst of that right now as we’re working on the fourth installment.”
23 December,2025 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSinger-actress Lady Gaga has been occupied with making new music while on the ‘Mayhem Ball Tour’. The Grammy-winner released two records in quick succession, September 2024's Harlequin soundtrack LP and March 2025's Mayhem, and she's been inspired by the energy of her fans in the audience each night to put pen to paper again, reports ‘Female First UK’. Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, she said, "I've been making a lot of music, and it's kind of the best making music when you get to see your fans every night because you're energetically just right where you need to be”. As per ‘Female First UK’, recently, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, sparked speculation that he might have collaborated with Lady Gaga by posting an old photograph of the singer from her The Fame era on his Instagram Story. Keeping tight-lipped, she said when Lowe showed her the post on his phone, "I love Abel! It’s all I can say”. Reflecting on the 2008 photoshoot, she said, “In that photo, I look so immersed, completely in that moment. I remembered how I artistically directed every photo and every moment that I wanted my fans to see. It was really sweet that he posted that”. The Timeless hitmaker shared the snap of Lady Gaga standing in front of a black Lexus with the number plate Lady Gaga. There was no caption, leaving fans guessing. Around a year ago, there was speculation that The Weeknd was featured on Mayhem, but there was no sign of a duet when the record dropped in March. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAmanda Seyfried has shared her vision for her Mamma Mia! character Sophie if a third film in the franchise is ever made. Speaking to People magazine at the Los Angeles premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee, Seyfried, 40, said she would love to explore Sophie's life as a mother. "Oh, with kids. I mean, I love being a mother," she said. "I love playing a mother, and I would love to dive into the curiosities of motherhood and raising children on a Greek island, just like Donna did with Sophie." Seyfried, who played the daughter of Meryl Streep's Donna in the 2008 musical romantic comedy, continued, "I think that would be really interesting. I have no idea where the story is going to go, but I know there's going to be a lot of singing and dancing." She added with enthusiasm, "I'm going to keep campaigning for that movie until I'm blue in the face," highlighting her commitment to seeing a potential third instalment in the Mamma Mia! franchise, according to People. Producer Judy Craymer confirmed that a script for Mamma Mia 3, intended as a follow-up to the 2018 prequel-sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again has been completed, and the film remains in development. Craymer also hinted at the possibility of pop star Sabrina Carpenter joining the cast, presumably alongside Seyfried and Streep, 76. Off-screen, Seyfried draws on her own experiences as a mother of two, daughter Nina, 8, and son Thomas, 5, with husband Thomas Sadoski. The couple, who eloped in a private ceremony in 2017 after getting engaged in 2016, live on a farm with their children in upstate New York, according to People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2025 12:34 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANIHollywood actress Reese Witherspoon is getting into the festive season with her lookalike children. The Big Little Lies star posted several Instagram photos of herself posing with each of her kids. The actress, 49, and daughter Ava Phillippe, 26, looked strikingly similar in matching black and metallic outfits in one photo, while she was also all smiles in a snap taken alongside her son Deacon Phillippe, 22, reports ‘People’ magazine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) The actress shares both kids with her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. “Making Merry”, Witherspoon captioned the post, which also included a rare photo of her with son Tennessee James Toth, 13, whom she shares with her ex-husband Jim Toth. As per ‘People’, the collection of snaps included photos of a charcuterie board, an eye-catching Christmas tree and an impressive gingerbread house. Witherspoon donned a Christmas jumper and denim pants as she posed for a photo with her mom, Betty, surrounded by airplanes. The Legally Blonde star also shared a photo from a shopping trip with Laura Dern. Reposting the snaps on her Instagram Stories, she set the mood with the song, Jingle Bells by Peaceful Reveries. Witherspoon’s festive post with her children comes just weeks after she opened up about her experience with depression following the birth of her daughter Ava in 1999, when she was just 23. The actress told Harper’s Bazaar, "It was really bad. In the first six months, I was simultaneously happy and depressed. I just cried all the time, I was up all night, I was exhausted”. The actress, who is also the founder of media company Hello Sunshine, said after being overwhelmed with the opinions of others, she eventually spoke to a mental-health specialist. “It’s hard being a young mom and having people tell you how to be, how to react, how to give birth, how to nurse and how to feed your baby. It’s inundating”, she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2025 12:19 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSFilmmaker James Cameron is expressing his displeasure at one of Amy Poehler‘s most ruthless Golden Globes jokes. The filmmaker has now called it an “ignorant dig” at his expense, reports ‘Variety'. Speaking in a recent interview with The New York Times, the Titanic Oscar winner said Poehler took things “too far” when she poked fun at his marriage to Bigelow. As per ‘Variety', Amy Poehler‘s joke was made at the 2013 Golden Globes, where Kathryn Bigelow was a best director nominee thanks to Zero Dark Thirty. During her opening monologue with co-host Tina Fey, Poehler nodded to the controversy around the film’s depiction of torture by quipping, “When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron”. The audience was visibly shocked by the joke, with Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty star Jessica Chastain jaw-dropped. The filmmaker told The Times, “Amy Poehler’s remark was an ignorant dig, at an event which is supposed to be a celebration of cinema and filmmakers, not a roast. I’m pretty thick-skinned, and happy to be the butt of a good-natured joke, but that went too far. The fact that people found it funny shows exactly what they think of me, even though they have no idea who I am or how I work”. Cameron noted Hollywood pitted the two directors against each other during the 2009-2010 awards season, as Avatar faced off against The Hurt Locker at various events, including the Oscars. Bigelow prevailed over Cameron to win the Oscar for best director, while The Hurt Locker also won best picture. “I was the first one on my feet applauding,” Cameron noted about when Bigelow won the Oscar over for him. Kathryn and I thought the whole meta-narrative around us was pretty funny. I was a little concerned that it would just take away from her credibility as a filmmaker. It started to turn into a conversation that wasn’t about her film, and that bothered both of us”, he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2025 11:51 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSGlobal Latin sensation Enrique Iglesias has been grabbing attention for his tours recently. However, it looks like it’s time for him to take a break and fulfil daddy duties. Enrique Iglesias and his partner, former tennis star Anna Kournikova, have joyfully announced the arrival of their fourth child. The couple shared a heartwarming Instagram post revealing their newborn. Enrique Iglesias, Anna Kournikova welcome fourth child The 50-year-old singer and the 44-year-old Russian former tennis player shared a joint post on Instagram revealing that they have welcomed their fourth child with a picture. The two already have twins, Lucy and Nicholas, eight, and daughter Mary, five. The couple's announcement featured a sweet picture of the newborn, who they welcomed into the world last week, snuggled up in a blanket, wearing a hospital beanie, and curled up to a stuffed animal sloth. They captioned their post: "My Sunshine 12.17.2025." The pair have not revealed any information about the baby's sex or name. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Kournikova Iglesias (@annakournikova) About Enrique and Anna Insiders revealed earlier this year that Enrique and Anna, who have been together since 2001, were expecting a fourth child. A source told People: "Anna and Enrique are very happy to become parents again. They have proven to be great parents to their three children, and both of them love the process. They enjoy the activities and all that goes along with raising children." Enrique and Anna welcomed their first children, twins Lucy and Nicholas, in December 2017, followed by their daughter Mary in January 2020. However, it is still not known whether the couple has tied the knot. They have been together for 24 years. In a 2012 interview, Enrique shared that for him and Anna, marriage was never a high priority. In an interview with Parade magazine, Iglesias explained, "Maybe it's because I come from divorced parents, but I don't think you love somebody more because of a piece of paper. Nowadays, it's not taboo to have kids and not be married. What makes a difference is that you're a good parent, period." Iglesias was recently in India, where he delivered a power-packed performance in Mumbai. Several Bollywood celebs attended his concert and expressed excitement. To note, he had earlier visited India in 2004 and 2012.
23 December,2025 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
