<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Version]]></title><description><![CDATA[Enhance your downtime. We’re your ultimate guide to what’s trending in entertainment. From UK TV news, streaming recommendations, and entertainment news to travel and lifestyle inspiration.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!uLAy!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F79829330-344b-4201-a9d1-a33a10d13ceb_1254x1254.png</url><title>The Version</title><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:20:29 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[lifestyleandentertainment.com]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[hello@wheretowatch.tv]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[hello@wheretowatch.tv]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[hello@wheretowatch.tv]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[hello@wheretowatch.tv]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Everything We Know About The End of Oak Street]]></title><description><![CDATA[Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star in Warner Bros. new sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street from Director David Robert Mitchell.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/everything-we-know-about-the-end</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/everything-we-know-about-the-end</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:51:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Directed by David Robert Mitchell (<em>It Follows</em>, <em>Under the Silver Lake</em>), <em><strong>The End of Oak Street</strong></em> (formerly known during production as <em>Flowervale Street</em>) is one of the summer&#8217;s most anticipated original sci-fi survival thrillers.</p><p>Produced by J.J. Abrams&#8217; Bad Robot alongside Warner Bros. Pictures, the film combines suburban family drama with creature-feature survival horror.</p><p>The film is rated PG13A in the US and 12A in the UK.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg" width="739" height="415" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:415,&quot;width&quot;:739,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;The End of Oak Street: everything we know so far&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="The End of Oak Street: everything we know so far" title="The End of Oak Street: everything we know so far" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lO5f!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0842c619-63e3-4d8e-91fd-4010b02f655c_739x415.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2>At a Glance</h2><p><span>David Robert Mitchell (</span><em><span>It Follows</span></em><span>)</span><strong><span>Starring</span></strong><span>Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, Christian Convery</span><strong><span>Genre</span></strong><span>Sci-Fi / Creature Survival Thriller</span><strong><span>Release DateAugust 14, 2026</span></strong><span> (Theaters &amp; IMAX)</span><strong><span>Studio / Producers</span></strong><span>Warner Bros. Pictures, Bad Robot (J.J. Abrams), Jackson Pictures</span><strong><span>Composer</span></strong><span>Michael Giacchino</span><strong><span>Cinematographer</span></strong><span>Michael Gioulakis</span><strong><span>Runtime</span></strong><span>99 Minutes</span><strong><span>Estimated Budget</span></strong><span>~$85 Million</span></p><h2>The Plot: Suburbia Transported to Prehistory</h2><p>The premise centers on the <strong>Platt family</strong>, an average suburban household living on Oak Street.</p><ol><li><p><strong>The Event:</strong> A mysterious cosmic anomaly uproots Oak Street, severing it from modern civilization and dropping the entire residential strip into an unknown, dangerous wilderness inhabited by prehistoric creatures.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Realization:</strong> When utilities cut out and neighborly boundaries dissolve, mother Denise Platt realizes their home is no longer in suburbia.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Fight for Survival:</strong> Armed with whatever tools they can scavenge&#8212;from shotguns to fire pokers&#8212;the Platts and their neighbors must barricade their homes and stick together to survive an ecosystem of ancient apex predators.</p></li></ol><h2>Cast &amp; Key Characters</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Anne Hathaway as Denise Platt:</strong> The sharp-witted matriarch who quickly takes charge of the family&#8217;s defense when danger strikes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Ewan McGregor as Greg Platt:</strong> Denise&#8217;s husband, trying to keep spirits high and maintain hope amidst catastrophic disorientation.</p></li><li><p><strong>Maisy Stella as Audrey Platt:</strong> The teenage daughter navigating high-stakes survival.</p></li><li><p><strong>Christian Convery as Brian Platt:</strong> The younger son facing down prehistoric monsters.</p></li><li><p><strong>Supporting Cast:</strong> P.J. Byrne, Chris Coy, and Jordan Alexa Davis.</p></li></ul><div id="youtube2-7yP86X5vQ2U" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;7yP86X5vQ2U&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7yP86X5vQ2U?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2>Director &amp; Production Values</h2><ul><li><p><strong>David Robert Mitchell:</strong> Known for creating tense, atmospheric dread in <em>It Follows</em> and surreal mystery in <em>Under the Silver Lake</em>, Mitchell wrote and directed the project.</p></li><li><p><strong>Cinematography by Michael Gioulakis:</strong> Frequent collaborator with Mitchell (as well as M. Night Shyamalan on <em>Split</em>), Gioulakis shot the film using wide 80s-inspired framing to contrast peaceful suburban aesthetics with towering prehistoric landscapes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Music by Michael Giacchino:</strong> The Oscar-winning composer behind <em>Jurassic World</em>, <em>The Batman</em>, and <em>Rogue One</em> delivers a score that balances intense survival brass with unsettling cosmic wonder.</p></li><li><p><strong>Visual Effects &amp; Bad Robot backing:</strong> Backed by J.J. Abrams&#8217; Bad Robot and an $85 million budget, the film mixes practical set builds with CGI dinosaur and creature design.</p></li></ul><div id="youtube2-Wg5Aj3lUNs0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Wg5Aj3lUNs0&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Wg5Aj3lUNs0?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2>The Trailers &amp; Title Change</h2><ul><li><p>Originally developed under the working title <em><strong>Flowervale Street</strong></em>, Warner Bros. officially rebranded the film to <em><strong>The End of Oak Street</strong></em> during its marketing push.</p></li><li><p><strong>Trailer Highlights:</strong> The official trailer opens on an everyday morning on Oak Street that swiftly spirals into chaos when the sky shifts and the neighborhood&#8217;s electricity and plumbing die. It showcases tense set pieces: shadows looming over suburban rooftops, improvised barricades, and Anne Hathaway&#8217;s character taking up arms against lethal prehistoric threats.</p><div id="youtube2-3oB9AxspVow" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;3oB9AxspVow&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3oB9AxspVow?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></li></ul><h2>Release Date</h2><p><em><strong>The End of Oak Street</strong></em> releases wide in theaters and IMAX across the United States and in the UK  on <strong>August 14, 2026</strong>.</p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jennifer Aniston to star in new movie labelled 'Bridesmaids, at the North Pole']]></title><description><![CDATA[Jennifer Aniston is to star in a brand new Christmas comedy movie from Universal Pictures called Naughty.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/jennifer-aniston-to-star-in-new-christmas-movie-naughty</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/jennifer-aniston-to-star-in-new-christmas-movie-naughty</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:44:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jennifer Aniston is taking holiday dysfunction to an entirely new level. The Emmy winner is set to star in Universal Pictures&#8217; upcoming comedy <em><strong>Naughty</strong></em>, directed by Olivia Wilde.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><p>Aniston will star as <strong>Mallory</strong>, a single mother locked in a high-stakes custody battle with her manipulative, &#8220;trash-bag ex.&#8221; The twist? Her ex happens to be Santa Claus himself. Desperate to retain custody of her son, Mallory&#8217;s last remaining option is to track down the big man at the North Pole and convince him to testify on her behalf in divorce court.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg" width="1456" height="971" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:971,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Jennifer Aniston to star in new Christmas movie 'naughty'&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="Jennifer Aniston to star in new Christmas movie 'naughty'" title="Jennifer Aniston to star in new Christmas movie 'naughty'" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Jt5x!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38bcf95-c6b9-4267-b301-a479b0271b4c_1581x1054.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Joining Aniston in the festive mayhem is <strong>Peter Dinklage</strong>, who takes on the role of the King of Christmas.</p><h3>A High-Powered Creative Team</h3><p>Pitch-perfected as <em>&#8220;Bridesmaids&#8221;</em> at the North Pole, the project was first announced in 2023 and has now landed a prime theatrical launch date from Universal Pictures on <strong>November 5, 2027</strong>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Director:</strong> Olivia Wilde, stepping behind the camera fresh off the success of her latest directorial effort, <em>The Invite</em>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Screenplay:</strong> Written by Jimmy Warden, best known for penning <em>Cocaine Bear</em> and <em>Borderline</em>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Producers:</strong> Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, and Milan Popelka under their <strong>LuckyChap</strong> banner, alongside Wilde and Warden.</p></li></ul><h3>What&#8217;s Next for Jennifer Aniston?</h3><p>Before taking on the North Pole, audiences will see Aniston back on TV. She is set to return as news anchor Alex Levy in the fifth and final season of Apple TV&#8217;s critically acclaimed drama <em><strong>The Morning Show</strong></em> alongside co-star and fellow executive producer Reese Witherspoon.</p><div id="youtube2-Klq88ERaGuM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Klq88ERaGuM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Klq88ERaGuM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>On the film side, <em>Naughty</em> marks Aniston&#8217;s return to major comedy feature leads following her voice performance in 2024&#8217;s <em>Out of My Mind</em> and her hit turn opposite Adam Sandler in Netflix&#8217;s <em>Murder Mystery 2</em>.</p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prime Video Drops First Trailer for Sizzling Romance Thriller ‘The Last Sunrise’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Prime Video has officially unveiled the trailer for The Last Sunrise, a sizzling new romantic thriller based on the bestselling novel by Anna Todd (After).]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/the-last-sunrise-prime-video-trailer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/the-last-sunrise-prime-video-trailer</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:05:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Prime Video has officially unveiled the trailer for <em><strong>The Last Sunrise</strong></em>, a sizzling new romantic thriller based on the bestselling novel by Anna Todd (<em>After</em>). The upcoming adaptation promises a heady mix of sun-drenched European landscapes, high-stakes family secrets, and emotionally charged romance.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><h2>Romance Meets Suspense Under the Balearic Sun</h2><p>The story centers on <strong>Ry</strong> (Maia Reficco), a college student living with a chronic illness, who embarks on a summer getaway to the breathtaking island of Mallorca alongside her mother (Eva Longoria).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg" width="596" height="335" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:335,&quot;width&quot;:596,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Seize every sunrise. The Last Sunrise premieres August 26.&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="Seize every sunrise. The Last Sunrise premieres August 26." title="Seize every sunrise. The Last Sunrise premieres August 26." srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RK27!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa58f6c3d-c59c-415f-bba5-0887ea31df4e_596x335.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Hoping for a quiet escape, Ry&#8217;s plans change when she unexpectedly connects with <strong>Juli&#225;n</strong> (Fernando Lindez). As their summer romance deepens and Ry learns to embrace living in the present, her health begins to deteriorate. At the same time, long-hidden family secrets come to light, threatening to tear her world apart before the season ends.</p><p>The trailer gives viewers a glimpse into the film&#8217;s sun-soaked aesthetic, teasing intense chemistry between Reficco and Lindez alongside grounded emotional beats from Longoria.</p><h2>Behind the Scenes &amp; Production Details</h2><p>Directed by <strong>Carlson Young</strong> (<em>The Blazing World</em>, <em>Upgraded</em>), the film features a screenplay adapted by <strong>Anna Klassen</strong> (<em>Groundskeeper</em>).</p><p><strong>DetailProduction Spec<span>Studio</span></strong><span>Amazon MGM Studios</span><strong><span>Production Companies</span></strong><span>Ethea Entertainment, Pitt Street Productions, Luber Roklin Entertainment</span><strong><span>Producers</span></strong><span>Jennifer Gibgot, Lena Roklin, Andrew Panay, Brian Pitt, Anna Todd</span><strong><span>Runtime</span></strong><span>106 minutes</span><strong><span>MPAA RatingRated R</span></strong><span> (for language, sexual content, and brief drug material)</span></p><blockquote><p><em>&#8220;The Last Sunrise blends the visceral passion of youth with an edge-of-your-seat emotional thriller element that Anna Todd&#8217;s readers know and love.&#8221;</em></p></blockquote><p>With an <strong>R-rating</strong> ensuring an uncensored take on love, vulnerability, and dark family drama, <em>The Last Sunrise</em> is shaping up to be one of Prime Video&#8217;s flagship romantic releases.</p><div id="youtube2-NhI2UpkFAFw" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;NhI2UpkFAFw&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/NhI2UpkFAFw?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Masters of the Universe: Watch the cast interview]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes discuss the making of Masters of the Universe, the No.1 movie on Prime Video around the world.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/masters-of-the-universe-watch-the</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/masters-of-the-universe-watch-the</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:34:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/powering-to-no-1-in-45-countries-masters-of-the-universe-dominates-as-worlds-most-streamed-film">Masters of the Universe</a> is the number one movie around the world on Prime Video.</p><p>The live-action <em><strong>Masters of the Universe</strong></em> movie, directed by Travis Knight (<em>Bumblebee</em>, <em>Kubo and the Two Strings</em>) from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films, brings He-Man back to the big screen.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp" width="1456" height="971" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:971,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Film Review: Masters of the Universe - watch the cast interview&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="Film Review: Masters of the Universe - watch the cast interview" title="Film Review: Masters of the Universe - watch the cast interview" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Galy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bdb924-7b78-4c92-92dd-d255824aeb8c_1500x1000.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Rather than taking the 1980s toy line and cartoon ultra-seriously, the film embraces a self-aware, action-comedy tone that leans into the inherent absurdity of the franchise while delivering solid sword-and-sorcery spectacle.</p><h2>The Plot: From HR to High Fantasy</h2><p>The story kicks off on planet Eternia. A 10-year-old Prince Adam is separated from his home world and sent through a portal to Earth during an ambush led by the evil warlock Skeletor.</p><p>Flash-forward 15 years:</p><ul><li><p><strong>The Earth Life:</strong> Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) has grown up on Earth working in <strong>Human Resources</strong> in Oklahoma City. He utilizes de-escalation skills and emotional intelligence to manage conflict, while quietly obsessing over lost childhood memories of a magic sword and distant planet.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Return:</strong> After tracking down the long-lost Sword of Power at a local comic book shop, Adam triggers a confrontation with Skeletor&#8217;s interdimensional mercenaries. Reunited with his childhood friend Teela (Camila Mendes), he transforms into <strong>He-Man</strong> for the first time and returns to a dark, Skeletor-occupied Eternia.</p></li></ul><h2>Watch Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes discuss Masters of the Universe</h2><div id="youtube2-Shupj6cld-A" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Shupj6cld-A&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Shupj6cld-A?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>Packed with vibrant colors, fluid physical choreography, heavy synthesizer scores, and electric guitar riffs, the style captures a retro 1980s aesthetic, and fans cant get enough of it.</p><p>Stream Prime Video&#8217;s No.1 movie now.</p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[What have critics said about Spider-Man Brand New Day?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Critics have given mixed reviews for the new Spider-Man Brand New Day movie, out 28th July.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/what-have-critics-said-about-spider</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/what-have-critics-said-about-spider</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:24:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Critics are officially weighing in on Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures&#8217; latest webslinging blockbusters, <em>Spider-Man: Brand New Day</em>, and the early reactions reveal a mixed yet intriguing consensus.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Critical Reaction:</strong> Early reviews for <em>Spider-Man: Brand New Day</em> highlight strong performances, particularly from Zendaya, while sparking debate over its execution and direction.</p></li><li><p><strong>Cast &amp; Crew:</strong> Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker alongside Zendaya as MJ, working off a script penned by franchise veterans Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.</p></li><li><p><strong>Plot Outlook:</strong> Picking up after the multiverse-shattering events of <em>No Way Home</em>, the narrative tests Peter Parker as he navigates a fresh, isolated start in New York City without his past support system.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg" width="739" height="415" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:415,&quot;width&quot;:739,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;A fresh Spider-Man: Brand New Day summary of reviews&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="A fresh Spider-Man: Brand New Day summary of reviews" title="A fresh Spider-Man: Brand New Day summary of reviews" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Uq0A!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18faa474-50fa-4278-8651-f9992f1ce349_739x415.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2>Critics Divided over Peter Parker&#8217;s Fresh Start</h2><p>The review embargo has lifted for <em>Spider-Man: Brand New Day</em>, bringing a wide spectrum of responses from major outlets. Following the massive climax of <em>No Way Home</em>, where Doctor Strange&#8217;s spell erased Peter Parker&#8217;s identity from the world&#8217;s memory, this installment finds Tom Holland&#8217;s hero stripped back to basics&#8212;navigating street-level heroism, financial struggles, and the lingering emotional fallout of losing his inner circle.</p><p>Several outlets praised the film for grounding the web-slinger&#8217;s emotional arc. <em>Empire</em> noted that while pacing slips in the second act, director Destin Daniel Cretton keeps the narrative rooted in character:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;If the back half of the film feels a little sluggish, Cretton &#8212; who made his name with intimate dramas about young people like Short Term 12 &#8212; never fully loses focus of the guy behind the mask&#8221;.</p></blockquote><p><em>The Independent</em> was similarly upbeat, crediting both the new directorial vision and the returning writing team for refreshing the franchise tone:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;Brand New Day offers a maturation not only of its hero, but of the franchise&#8217;s entire vision, too. While returning screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers provide a sense of continuity in the character, its director Destin Daniel Cretton (of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings fame) and his frequent cinematographer Brett Pawlak have simultaneously allowed the series to feel completely revitalised&#8221;.</p></blockquote><div id="youtube2-62bIsvRcPv0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;62bIsvRcPv0&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/62bIsvRcPv0?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2>Star Power &amp; Box Office Expectations</h2><p>Despite Peter&#8217;s memory wipe at the end of the previous chapter, Zendaya returns as MJ, and her performance has drawn significant focus from reviewers. <em>The Guardian</em> praised her scene-stealing role in grounding the project:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;Zendaya saves this film. She rescues it from silliness and the generic deja vu overfamiliarity that is always threatening to sink it. Something in MJ&#8217;s civilian status, her non-superhero identity, brings Zendaya&#8217;s grownup acting presence to the fore in ways denied to everyone else on screen, including Holland&#8221;.</p></blockquote><p>However, the film has not won over every reviewer. <em>IndieWire</em> were not impressed, writing:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;The MCU Wastes Its Chance for a Fresh Start with a Dull and Downbeat Sequel&#8221;.</p></blockquote><p>As the movie swings into theaters, industry analysts and trade outlets are watching closely to see if critical consensus impacts ticket sales. Addressing the commercial expectations, <em>The Hollywood Reporter</em> writes:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;Whether this latest entry can match the series high of No Way Home&#8217;s $1.92 billion in global box office remains to be seen. But it should give fans what they want, which is a good start&#8221;.</p></blockquote><p>Spider-Man: Brand New Day is released 28 July, 2026.</p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holly Willoughby Together gets off to slow start]]></title><description><![CDATA[Just 15,000 viewers have watched Holly Willoughby's online debut in 8 hours]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/holly-willoughby-together-gets-off</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/holly-willoughby-together-gets-off</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:04:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/youtube/w_728,c_limit/V_jnCguoTRw" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Holly Willoughby Together was meant to be her big and bold comeback - but only 15,000 viewers have been recorded in the 8 hours since it launched and critics have slated it.</p><p>Fans tuning in expecting a This Morning-style programme have been left disappointed, as the former itv presenter spents some 50 minutes making small talk with actor Stanley Tucci whilst he cooks a pasta dish in the kitchen.</p><p>The premise of the Together strand is Holly will drop two episodes a week under different themes - such as Cook Together and Hang Out together. </p><p>But the dissected version of a lifestyle show has led viewers and critics to label it &#8220;boring&#8221; and &#8220;drawn out&#8221;.</p><p>The 15,000 views will be disappointing for the former You Bet! host, who plugged it to millions of listeners of The Sara Cox Show on BBC Radio 2 this morning.</p><p>Those who have watched it have slammed it for &#8220;forced innuendo&#8221;, &#8220;unncessary swearing&#8221; and for feeling &#8220;cliquey&#8221;.</p><p>It means Holly has a long way to go to win over the millions of viewers she needs to justify its high production costs. It&#8217;s been produced by her husband Dan Baldwin, the man behind Hungry Bear Media who also produce big tv hits like Michael McIntyre&#8217;s Big Show.   But critics have rated it just one star and labelled it as being worse than Meghan Markle&#8217;s lifestyle series.</p><p>For those of you who are not from the UK, Holly Willoughby is the British version of Oprah, a house-hold, daytime name who was once adored by millions before a fall-from-grace saw her exit Britain&#8217;s biggest commercial network.</p><p>Perhaps the problem is expecting viewers to simply forget all that and buy in to the new pastel kitchen, or to go back 10 years and see Holly for the wholesome and mumsy figure she spent years portraying.  Or perhaps 50 entire minutes of Holly in a fake kitchen making chit chat over pasta simply isn&#8217;t good enough to win over online viewers.</p><p>Let&#8217;s see what Thursday brings.  Until then, check out today&#8217;s episode and make up your own mind&#8230;</p><div id="youtube2-V_jnCguoTRw" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;V_jnCguoTRw&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/V_jnCguoTRw?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ted Lasso Season 4 trailer released by Apple TV]]></title><description><![CDATA[The trailer for season 4 of Ted Lasso has been released by Apple TV]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/ted-lasso-season-4-trailer-released</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/ted-lasso-season-4-trailer-released</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:45:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Smells like potential! Apple TV+ has officially dropped the winsome and uplifting first trailer for the long-awaited fourth season of its hit comedy series, <em>Ted Lasso</em>.</p><p>Led by Emmy Award-winner Jason Sudeikis, who continues to star and executive produce, the global phenomenon is gearing up to bring its signature blend of optimism, humor, and heart back to the pitch.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg" width="980" height="552" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:552,&quot;width&quot;:980,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#8220;Ted Lasso&#8221; key art&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#8220;Ted Lasso&#8221; key art" title="&#8220;Ted Lasso&#8221; key art" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!E6cx!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68ae0654-8903-477c-96cc-c13de7e68d8f_980x552.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>The 10-episode fourth season kicks off on <strong>Wednesday, August 5, 2026</strong>, with a single-episode premiere. Fans can tune in for new episodes every Wednesday, wrapping up what promises to be another unforgettable season on October 7. Whether you&#8217;ve been along for the ride since day one or are looking to soak in the feel-good vibes once again, Greyhound nation has plenty to celebrate this summer.</p><h2><em>Ted Lasso</em> Season 4 Plot &amp; Cast Breakdown</h2><ul><li><p><strong>The New Pitch:</strong> <span>Ted returns to Richmond to tackle his biggest challenge yet&#8212;coaching a second-division women&#8217;s football team.</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Returning Favorites:</strong> <span>Stars Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift are all returning.</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Fresh Faces:</strong> <span>The cast expands with newcomers including Tanya Reynolds, Faye Marsay, Jude Mack, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern, and Grant Feely.</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Award-Winning Legacy:</strong> <span>The hit series returns following back-to-back Emmy wins for Outstanding Comedy Series.</span></p></li></ul><h2>A Brand-New Pitch: What to Expect in Season 4</h2><p><em><span>Ted Lasso</span></em><span> is officially back in London, but the legendary coach is stepping onto entirely new turf.</span> <span>This season, Ted takes on his most ambitious career move to date: heading up a second-division women&#8217;s football team.</span> <span>As the squad navigates the pressures of the league, both Ted and his players are forced to step out of their comfort zones, adopting a &#8220;leap before you look&#8221; mindset that challenges them to take leaps of faith they never imagined.</span></p><div id="youtube2-GACU1N9hg5o" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;GACU1N9hg5o&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/GACU1N9hg5o?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><h3>The Cast: Returning Stars &amp; New Recruits</h3><p>The fourth season reunites the core cast fans have grown to love, including:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Jason Sudeikis</strong> <span>as Ted Lasso</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Hannah Waddingham</strong> <span>as Rebecca Welton</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Juno Temple</strong> <span>as Keeley Jones</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Brett Goldstein</strong> <span>as Roy Kent</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Brendan Hunt</strong> <span>as Coach Beard</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Jeremy Swift</strong> <span>as Leslie Higgins</span></p></li></ul><p><span>Joining the Greyhounds family this year is an exciting slate of new additions, including Tanya Reynolds (</span><em><span>Sex Education</span></em><span>), Faye Marsay (</span><em><span>Andor</span></em><span>), Jude Mack, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern, and Grant Feely.</span></p><h2>Creative Powerhouses Behind the Camera</h2><p>The creative engine driving <em>Ted Lasso</em> remains stronger than ever. <span>Show co-creators </span><strong><span>Jason Sudeikis</span></strong><span>, </span><strong><span>Bill Lawrence</span></strong><span>, </span><strong><span>Joe Kelly</span></strong><span>, and </span><strong><span>Brendan Hunt</span></strong><span>&#8212;who originally developed the series from preexisting NBC Sports formats&#8212;continue to executive produce.</span></p><p><span>Joining the executive production team for Season 4 is Emmy Award winner </span><strong><span>Jack Burditt</span></strong><span> under an overall deal with Apple TV.</span> The writing and production team also features:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Brett Goldstein</strong> <span>&amp; </span><strong><span>Leann Bowen</span></strong><span> (Writers / Executive Producers)</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Sarah Walker</strong> <span>&amp; </span><strong><span>Phoebe Walsh</span></strong><span> (Writers / Producers)</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Julia Lindon</strong> <span>(Writer) &amp; </span><strong><span>Dylan Marron</span></strong><span> (Story Editor)</span></p></li><li><p><strong>Sasha Garron</strong> <span>(Co-Producer)</span></p></li></ul><p>Executive producers <strong>Jane Becker</strong>, <strong>Jamie Lee</strong>, <strong>Bill Wrubel</strong>, alongside Doozer Productions&#8217; <strong>Jeff Ingold</strong> and <strong>Liza Katzer</strong>, also return in partnership with Warner Bros. <span>Television Studios and Universal Television.</span></p><h2>Streaming Home: Apple TV+</h2><p><span>Since making its debut, </span><em><span>Ted Lasso</span></em><span> has shattered streaming records, becoming the most Emmy Award-nominated debut comedy series in history before claiming consecutive wins for </span><strong><span>Outstanding Comedy Series</span></strong><span>.</span></p><p>The series remains a crown jewel in Apple TV+&#8217;s massive library. Since launching in November 2019, Apple TV+ has racked up over 850 wins and thousands of award nominations for landmark originals like <em>Severance</em>, <em>Pluribus</em>, <em>The Studio</em>, the Oscar Best Picture winner <em>CODA</em>, and the record-breaking sports epic <em>F1</em>.</p><p><em><span>Catch up on all three seasons of </span><strong><span>Ted Lasso</span></strong><span>, streaming globally on Apple TV+ ahead of the Season 4 premiere.</span></em></p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Major Schedule Shake-Up at BBC Radio 5 Live as Naga Munchetty Takes Over Breakfast]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards to make way for BBC Breakfast Star at 5 Live Breakfast]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/major-schedule-shake-up-at-bbc-radio-5-live-as-naga-munchetty-takes-over-breakfast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/major-schedule-shake-up-at-bbc-radio-5-live-as-naga-munchetty-takes-over-breakfast</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:21:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7a02f336-57be-4553-9800-415486849a54_1888x1062.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A significant presenter shuffle is coming to BBC Radio 5 Live. Naga Munchetty has been named the new co-host of the station&#8217;s flagship morning show, set to take the reins five days a week starting in January 2027.</p><p>The announcement follows news delivered earlier today by current <em>5 Live Breakfast</em> co-hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who shared on-air that they will be stepping down from the show this December.</p><p>Munchetty&#8217;s transition to the morning slot marks a major career pivot, as she will be departing her role as a primary presenter on TV's <em>BBC Breakfast</em> after 12 years on screen, officially stepping away from the television team in December. A search is underway to recruit her replacement on television, as well as her future radio co-presenter on <em>5 Live Breakfast</em>.</p><p>Despite moving on from TV, Munchetty is no stranger to radio listeners. She has hosted 5 Live&#8217;s weekday mid-morning slot since 2021, leading coverage on breaking news and tackling key societal issues, including extensive discussions on women's health.</p><p>On joining 5 Live Breakfast, Naga Munchetty said:</p><blockquote><p>"I'm thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.</p><p>"It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends.</p><p>"Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I'm really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.</p><p>"Over the last five years, I've been privileged to build a relationship with 5 Live listeners on the mid-morning programme and help shine a light on the issues that matter most to them. I'm excited to build on that in the Breakfast slot and to start each day with our listeners every morning.</p><p>"Between now and January, I'll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I'm sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual."</p></blockquote><p>John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, says:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;After more than a decade on screen for BBC Breakfast, Naga will be hugely missed by the millions of viewers who&#8217;ve welcomed her into their homes each week. I&#8217;m very pleased that Naga will be staying with the BBC and I wish her the best of luck at 5 Live.&#8221;</p></blockquote><h3>New Roles for Burden and Edwards</h3><p>The roster changes will keep both outgoing breakfast hosts within the 5 Live family:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Rachel Burden</strong> will transition to the mid-morning slot, broadcasting Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The shift comes after a 15-year tenure on the station's morning show.</p></li><li><p><strong>Rick Edwards</strong> will remain a mainstay on the station, continuing to host the Saturday morning comedy sports show <em>Fighting Talk</em> alongside regular appearances across 5 Live's broader news and sports programming.</p></li></ul><p>Rachel Burden said:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;After 15 years hosting 5 Live Breakfast, I&#8217;ve decided it&#8217;s time for a change - and I&#8217;m really excited about launching my new show on the station. It&#8217;s been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of our listeners&#8217; mornings for all these years. We have been through life-changing events together - from the pandemic to huge political moments, and great sporting journeys.</p><p>"They are my extended family, and we&#8217;ll carry on doing what we do best - telling stories, sharing experiences and working out the world together. Just this time, on a little bit more sleep.&#8221;</p></blockquote><p>Rick Edwards said:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;The annoying part for me is that five years on a breakfast show is a decent stint, but next to Rachel&#8217;s 15-year marathon, it does look inconsequential.</p><p>"I&#8217;ll really miss our wonderful audience, I&#8217;ll miss the fantastic team, I&#8217;ll miss regularly eating cake before dawn, but most of all I&#8217;ll miss Rach - a colleague who has become a friend, and also a mentor, because she&#8217;s so much older than me.</p><p>"Two things I am of course looking forward to are not waking up at 3.45am, and vaping without fear of violent recrimination.</p><p>"I&#8217;m so grateful to 5 Live for all the opportunities they&#8217;ve afforded me - from going to World Cups in far flung locations, to vox pops in covered markets in the Greater Manchester area. Who knows what they have in store for me next? That&#8217;s not a rhetorical question. Who do I need to speak to?&#8221;</p></blockquote><h3>A Station Milestone</h3><p>BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast programming remains one of the UK's core platforms for breaking news, political analysis, sports coverage, and audience interaction.</p><p>Heidi Dawson, Controller, BBC Radio 5 Live, said:</p><blockquote><p>"Naga is one of the UK's most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family. Since joining the station, she has led thoughtful and impactful conversations on everything from breaking news to women's health, sport and social issues, building a strong connection with our listeners. We're delighted she'll be bringing her journalistic rigour, curiosity and energy to 5 Live Breakfast.</p><p>"Rachel has been a huge voice on 5 Live Breakfast for many years, bringing wit, intelligence and sharp journalism to the programme every morning. She has a remarkable ability to connect with listeners, whether she's handling breaking news, conducting thoughtful interviews or sharing the moments that bring us together. We're thrilled that our audiences will be able to continue hearing her on her new show.</p><p>"Together, Rachel and Rick have formed one of radio's most popular partnerships. They have informed, entertained and accompanied millions each morning, and their chemistry, professionalism and commitment have played a huge role in shaping 5 Live Breakfast in recent years.</p><p>"Rick remains a hugely important part of 5 Live, he will continue to front Fighting Talk, as well as playing a key role across our sport and news output.&#8221;</p></blockquote><p>The station announced that additional details regarding exact start dates and the identity of Munchetty&#8217;s new radio co-host will be shared in due course.</p><p></p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[CIA Review: Tom Ellis's new crime thriller is pure joy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Review of new CBS crime drama CIA]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/cia-review-tom-elliss-new-crime-thriller-is-pure-joy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/cia-review-tom-elliss-new-crime-thriller-is-pure-joy</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:55:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f1df259c-62a3-4b2b-ad02-38b7e776f663_1920x1080.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let&#8217;s get one thing out of the way immediately: the premiere episode of CBS's new procedural doesn't break new ground, and it isn't trying to.</p><p>From the moment our lead covert operative clashes with his painfully rigid law enforcement partner, you can practically check off the buddy-cop tropes on a clipboard. One operates entirely in the gray, breaking protocol whenever it suits him; the other treats the rulebook like sacred scripture. It&#8217;s a setup as old as network television itself.</p><p>And you know what? <strong>It is a total joy to watch it all unfold.</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><h2>The Beauty of a Familiar Recipe</h2><p>This new chapter in the&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/fbi/">FBI</a></em>&nbsp;franchise is taking viewers inside the intelligence community. The CBS Original series&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/cia/">CIA</a></em>&nbsp;follows operatives navigating covert missions and escalating global threats, where decisions made behind closed doors can send tremours across borders. <br><br>At the center of the series is a tense collaboration between the FBI and the CIA &#8211; two institutions with very different rules and very different priorities.&nbsp;</p><p>At its core,&nbsp;<em>CIA</em>&nbsp;follows an agency case officer (Tom Ellis) and an FBI special agent (Nick Gehlfuss) forced into collaboration when national security is at risk. The drama pairs case-of-the-week investigations with the tension and secrecy of global-intelligence operations.&nbsp;</p><p>There&#8217;s a reason this classic dynamic has lasted for generations&#8212;when it's handled with this much style and energy, it&#8217;s downright irresistible. Watching two wildly incompatible personalities forced to share a workspace creates immediate, crackling sparks. Their ideological bickering and constant territorial posturing provide a fantastic comedic engine that keeps the narrative moving at a breakneck pace.</p><p>Visually, the show punches far above the usual prime-time weight class. Shot with modern, cinematic flair, the set pieces look slick, the fight choreography is razor-sharp, and the production value feels expansive. It functions like a massive summer blockbuster crammed into a hour-long television slot.</p><blockquote><p><strong>The Driving Force:</strong> The series serves as an exquisite display for <strong>Tom Ellis</strong>. He glides through every scene with effortless charm, sharp wit, and an undeniable screen presence that makes even the most predictable moments feel fresh and engaging.</p></blockquote><h2>The Big Turn <em>(Major Plot Spoilers)</em></h2><p>What really elevates the debut beyond standard procedural territory is the central narrative bomb dropped near the climax: <strong>a high-ranking traitor is operating inside the intelligence agency's own ranks.</strong></p><p>This single revelation instantly changes the math. Our mismatched leads aren't just solving routine cases&#8212;they are thrown into an isolated pressure cooker where everyone around them is a potential suspect. Because they can't trust their own superiors or colleagues, they are forced to rely solely on each other. That overarching paranoid hunt for the traitor gives the entire season a compelling, high-stakes engine.</p><p>In upcoming episodes, things get REALLY explosive, as the action ramps up.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:null,&quot;width&quot;:null,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Four star review of the CBS original drama CIA, which is on Paramount Plus and Sky Witness.&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="Four star review of the CBS original drama CIA, which is on Paramount Plus and Sky Witness." title="Four star review of the CBS original drama CIA, which is on Paramount Plus and Sky Witness." srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!QIKO!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52ab42b6-1313-4c5f-aca7-e0a9d0c9d109_1024x574.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2>The Verdict</h2><p>This isn't high-brow television angling for critical accolades or shiny trophies, and it never pretends to be. It was built from the ground up to deliver maximum fun, snappy dialogue, and pure escapist entertainment.</p><p>If you're in the mood to kick back, turn off your brain, and enjoy a charismatic star kicking open doors in high-definition, this one is an absolute must-watch.</p><p>New episodes drop Monday nights on Paramount+ in the US and on Sky Witness in the UK. &#9733;&#9733;&#9733;&#9733;</p><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;button-wrapper&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary button-wrapper" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Powering to No. 1 in 45 countries: Masters of the Universe dominates as world's most streamed film]]></title><description><![CDATA[Masters of the Universe is No.1 around the world on Prime Video]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/powering-to-no-1-in-45-countries-masters-of-the-universe-dominates-as-worlds-most-streamed-film</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/powering-to-no-1-in-45-countries-masters-of-the-universe-dominates-as-worlds-most-streamed-film</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d50d41ec-943d-402f-9402-e740fb588688_1200x695.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Following its digital debut last week, Amazon MGM&#8217;s live-action fantasy epic </strong><em><strong>Masters of the Universe</strong></em><strong> has surged to the No. 1 movie spot in 45 countries on Prime Video.</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><h3>Key Details at a Glance</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Streaming Arrival:</strong> Landed exclusively on Prime Video globally on July 22, 2026.</p></li><li><p><strong>Global Chart Performance:</strong> Currently holds the <strong>No. 1 movie spot in 45 countries</strong> and sits as the <strong>No. 1 overall title across both film and TV in 21 regions</strong>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Major Markets Covered:</strong> Tops the streaming charts in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Brazil, France, and Mexico.</p></li><li><p><strong>Starring Cast:</strong> Nicholas Galitzine (Prince Adam / He-Man), Camila Mendes (Teela), Jared Leto (Skeletor), and Idris Elba (Duncan / Man-at-Arms).</p></li><li><p><strong>Director:</strong> Travis Knight (<em>Bumblebee</em>).</p></li></ul><h2>From Theatrical Stumble to Worldwide Streaming Sensation</h2><p>After a challenging summer theatrical window that saw the $170 million blockbuster pull in $113 million at the global box office, Amazon MGM Studios opted to send <em><a href="https://theversion.co.uk/movie/masters-of-the-universe/">Masters of the Universe</a></em><a href="https://theversion.co.uk/movie/masters-of-the-universe/"> </a>straight to Prime Video subscribers rather than relying on a prolonged pay-per-view rental period. The gamble paid off immediately.</p><p>In less than a week on the service, Travis Knight's nostalgic action adventure has found a massive second life. Prominently featured on homepage carousels worldwide, the film has sparked strong word-of-mouth as viewers turn out at home to watch Prince Adam battle Jared Leto's menacing Skeletor for the fate of Eternia.</p><p>Kevin Wilson (Amazon MGM Studios' domestic distribution chief) said: "Travis Knight and the entire cast and film-making team have delivered something truly special. This opening is exactly the kind of critical first moment that validates our holistic distribution strategy&#8212;building awareness and engagement that will carry well beyond the theatrical window".</p><h2>A Global Phenomenon</h2><p>The film's performance spans virtually every major territory where Prime Video operates. <em>Masters of the Universe</em> holds the top film slot across:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Americas:</strong> United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia.</p></li><li><p><strong>Europe:</strong> United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden.</p></li><li><p><strong>Asia-Pacific &amp; Africa:</strong> Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and the UAE.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:null,&quot;width&quot;:null,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" title="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GDTl!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abcafa3-d6f2-4ad6-9450-0347260d42ba_1024x576.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2>What's Next for Eternia?</h2><p>With the live-action reboot finding an eager, receptive audience on home screens, industry insiders suggest Amazon is taking the strong digital viewing figures as a crucial green light for future installment plans. While a theatrical follow-up previously seemed unlikely, a streaming-first sequel strategy could keep He-Man's journey alive on Prime Video for years to come.</p><p><em>Masters of the Universe</em> is streaming now globally on <strong>Amazon Prime Video</strong>.</p><h3></h3><h2>Get full access to The Version for just &#163;5 / $6.44 per month!</h2><p>We&#8217;d love you to have full access to The Version. It helps with our running costs and supports independent journalism.  Subscribe below.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><h2>Claim 65% off at Gousto and feed your family for less</h2><p>In the UK? Claim a massive 65% off at Gousto and eat for less this week.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Claim Gousto Discount&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449"><span>Claim Gousto Discount</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Possession Trailer: Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jonny Lee Miller Star in Sky's supernatural thriller]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sky TV has released the trailer for new supernatural thriller Posession]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/possession-trailer-gugu-mbatha-raw-jonny-lee-miller-star-in-skys-supernatural-thriller</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/possession-trailer-gugu-mbatha-raw-jonny-lee-miller-star-in-skys-supernatural-thriller</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:09:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f0d2ecc6-abbd-43f5-91a3-a292fdb604c8_1920x1080.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Watch the trailer for Sky's new Supernatural thriller Possession</h2><p><strong>Sky has unveiled the official trailer for </strong><em><strong>Possession</strong></em><strong>, a haunting new five-part supernatural thriller starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jonny Lee Miller, set to binge-drop this August.</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><h3>Key Details at a Glance</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Official Title:</strong> <em>Possession</em> (formerly developed under the title <em>Inheritance</em>).</p></li><li><p><strong>Release Date:</strong> All five episodes drop <strong>Thursday, August 6, 2026</strong>, on Sky and the NOW streaming service (U.S. release details TBD).</p></li><li><p><strong>Starring Cast:</strong> Gugu Mbatha-Raw (<em>Loki</em>), Jonny Lee Miller (<em>Elementary</em>), Sheldon Shepherd (<em>Bob Marley: One Love</em>), and Bel Powley (<em>A Small Light</em>).</p></li><li><p><strong>Creative Team:</strong> Created and written by Karla Crome (<em>Something Very Bad is Going to Happen</em>); directed by Jamaican filmmaker Storm Saulter (<em>Sprinter</em>).</p></li><li><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Spans across the historic streets of Bristol and the lush, atmospheric landscapes of Jamaica.</p></li></ul><h2>When Legal Disputes Turn Supernatural: What the Trailer Reveals</h2><p>The newly dropped trailer gives audiences their first taste of a high-stakes, sun-drenched mystery that quickly spirals into psychological terror.</p><p>The story centers on Claudia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a sharp, ambitious mixed-race lawyer from Bristol who travels to Jamaica to handle a high-profile probate feud. Local resident Cudjoe East (Sheldon Shepherd) has laid claim to a massive estate owned by wealthy white aristocrat Oliver Connaught (Jonny Lee Miller).</p><p>What begins as a routine legal battle takes a terrifying turn when Claudia arrives at the disputed property: <strong>Hope Hill</strong>, the Connaught family&#8217;s former plantation. Claudia immediately recognizes the grounds as the exact, ominous estate that has plagued her vivid nightmares since childhood.</p><blockquote><p><em>"Hope Hill isn't just land&#8212;it's a graveyard of secrets."</em></p></blockquote><p>As Claudia and Oliver dig deeper into the soil of Hope Hill, the line between past and present fractures, revealing a horrific connection between the plantation's brutal history and modern-day injustices.</p><h2>A Powerhouse Ensemble Cast</h2><p>Beyond its core trio of Mbatha-Raw, Miller, and Shepherd, <em>Possession</em> boasts a stacked supporting cast blending British and Caribbean talent:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Bel Powley</strong> as Charlotte</p></li><li><p><strong>Nadean Rawlins</strong> (<em>Bob Marley: One Love</em>) as Mercy</p></li><li><p><strong>Sean Gilder</strong> (<em>Slow Horses</em>) as Tom McKenzie</p></li><li><p><strong>Olunike Adeliyi</strong> (<em>The Fire Inside</em>) as Patsy Dawkins</p></li><li><p><strong>Richard Dillane</strong> (<em>The Crown</em>) as Eugene Desfrienes</p></li><li><p><strong>Diveen Henry</strong> (<em>The Day of the Jackal</em>) as Flora</p></li><li><p><strong>Jack Bandeira</strong> (<em>Happy Valley</em>) as Kenneth Connaught</p></li><li><p><strong>Shantol Jackson</strong> (<em>Death in Paradise</em>) as Sarah</p></li><li><p><strong>Jeff Crossley</strong> as Angelo &amp; <strong>Safina Simpson</strong> as Betina</p></li></ul><h2>How to Watch</h2><p>UK and Irish viewers can stream all five episodes of <em>Possession</em> starting <strong>Thursday, August 6</strong> on <strong>Sky</strong> and <strong>NOW</strong>. U.S. premiere dates and network details remain unannounced, with international distribution handled by NBCUniversal Global TV.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Netflix launch new live event Beat Luke Littler]]></title><description><![CDATA[Luke Littner to front huge new live Netflix darts competition]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/netflix-launch-new-live-event-beat-luke-littler</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/netflix-launch-new-live-event-beat-luke-littler</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:43:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5ff1aa92-437e-4ee6-9782-8d8b17b6bba4_1200x675.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Applications are open for darts fans to play against Luke Littler in a brand new special for Netflix, Beat Luke Littler. Here's how to apply...</h2><p><strong>Fresh off another historic victory, world No. 1 Luke &#8220;The Nuke&#8221; Littler is set to put his reputation on the line against everyday players in Netflix&#8217;s high-stakes live sports challenge, </strong><em><strong>Beat Luke Littler</strong></em><strong>.</strong></p><h3>Key Details at a Glance</h3><ul><li><p><strong>The Premise:</strong> The UK's best amateur players get one night to face off against world No. 1 Luke Littler for a life-changing &#163;501,000 ($667,000) grand prize.</p></li><li><p><strong>Release Date:</strong> Premieres <strong>October 30</strong> live on Netflix (exact timing to be confirmed).</p></li><li><p><strong>Fresh Off Hot Streak:</strong> Littler enters the show right after successfully defending his World Matchplay title in Blackpool.</p></li><li><p><strong>How to Apply:</strong> Open regional qualifying heats kick off in Manchester and London in September; players can apply via <code>BeatLukeLittler.com</code>.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Team Behind It:</strong> Produced live by Netflix alongside Workerbee (Banijay UK) in partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).</p></li></ul><h2>"Everyone Thinks They Can Beat Me": The Nuke Takes On the UK's Best Amateurs</h2><p>Darts fever is reaching a fever pitch across the UK, and Netflix is turning the drama up a notch. <em>Beat Luke Littler</em> offers everyday players a once-in-a-lifetime shot to go toe-to-toe with the undisputed king of the oche&#8212;with a massive &#163;501,000 payday on the line.</p><blockquote><p><em>"Everyone thinks they can beat me. Now they get a chance to prove it."</em></p><p>&#8212; <strong>Luke Littler</strong></p></blockquote><p>The competition is structured around nationwide regional heats running through September in London and Manchester to select the final 20 contenders. From there, the chosen amateurs will step into a high-pressure, live broadcast environment to try and accomplish what the world&#8217;s top professionals regularly fail to do: take down "The Nuke."</p><h2>Who Is Luke Littler?</h2><p>At just 19 years old, "The Nuke" has completely rewritten the darts history books. After taking the sporting world by storm at 17 as the youngest PDC World Champion ever, Littler has accumulated 28 PDC titles, 13 major singles crowns, and back-to-back PDC Player of the Year awards. He was also featured in <em>TIME</em>&#8217;s 100 Most Influential People in Sports list for 2026.</p><p>Adding to his legendary run, <strong>Littler is fresh off a commanding performance at the World Matchplay in Blackpool</strong>. Defending his title in a 18&#8211;9 victory over Gerwyn Price, he shattered tournament records by averaging a staggering 111.04 across the week&#8212;surpassing Phil Taylor's 13-year record&#8212;and becoming the first player in PDC history to surpass &#163;3 million in prize money.</p><p>Beyond the oche, Littler featured in the Netflix sports docuseries <em>Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen</em> and made a memorable guest appearance on <em>The Rest Is Football</em>, cementing his status as a crossover global sports phenomenon.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-3TmMBqEPt3g" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;3TmMBqEPt3g&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3TmMBqEPt3g?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h2>How to Watch and How to Apply to Beat Luke Litteler</h2><p>To watch the action unfold live on <strong>October 30</strong>, all you need is an active Netflix subscription. Simply search for <em>Beat Luke Littler</em> on any supported device on event night to stream the broadcast.</p><p>For those eager to step up to the oche themselves, applications are officially open:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Heats Location:</strong> London and Manchester, England</p></li><li><p><strong>Heats Date:</strong> September 2026</p></li><li><p><strong>Application Link:</strong> Visit <code>BeatLukeLittler.com</code> for full rules and registration instructions.</p></li></ul><h3>Expanding Netflix&#8217;s Sports Slate</h3><p><em>Beat Luke Littler</em> lands as part of a major push into UK sports programming by Netflix, produced in tandem with Workerbee (a Banijay UK company) and the PDC. It joins a growing lineup that includes the upcoming <em>UNTOLD</em> feature on English soccer, a brand-new FIFA title landing ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and a new sports lineup fronted by Vinnie Jones.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Furious: The phenomenal new serial killer drama is streaming from today]]></title><description><![CDATA[Furious is available to watch on Disney+ and Hulu now.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/furious-the-phenomenal-new-serial-killer-drama-is-streaming-from-today</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/furious-the-phenomenal-new-serial-killer-drama-is-streaming-from-today</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:28:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f7a749f4-fe62-405c-be7d-13517c4b2cb1_2560x1440.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Furious is available to watch on Disney+ and Hulu now.</h2><p>Created and written by <em>New Girl</em> and <em>The Dropout</em> showrunner Elizabeth Meriwether, the series brings a razor-sharp, female-led lens to the classic cat-and-mouse detective genre. Early reviews are already praising the thriller as a standout hit for 2026.</p><h3>Key Details at a Glance</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Release Date:</strong> Streaming starting today (July 27, 2026) on Disney+ and Hulu.</p></li><li><p><strong>Premise:</strong> FBI agent Alice Black engages in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a calculating female serial killer, blurring the line between morality and vengeance.</p></li><li><p><strong>Starring Cast:</strong> Emmy Rossum (<em>Shameless</em>), Lola Petticrew (<em>Bloodlands</em>), Scoot McNairy (<em>Halt and Catch Fire</em>), Quincy Tyler Bernstine (<em>Power</em>), and Jake Lacy (<em>The White Lotus</em>).</p></li><li><p><strong>Critical Reception:</strong> Hailed by major outlets as "powered by sheer female rage" and "one of the best of the year."</p></li><li><p><strong>Showrunner &amp; Creator:</strong> Elizabeth Meriwether.</p></li><li><p><strong>Production Team:</strong> Produced by 20th Television and Searchlight Television; directed/executive produced by Brian Kirk (eps 101&#8211;102); executive produced by Emmy Rossum (Composition 8), Ronald Bass, Matt Olmstead, and Sam Hoffman.</p></li><li><p><strong>Disney+ Subscription:</strong> Plans start from &#163;5.99 per month with no hidden costs and the option to cancel anytime.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-UBSqPDxmNZs" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;UBSqPDxmNZs&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/UBSqPDxmNZs?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h2>What the Critics Are Saying</h2><p>Critical reaction to <em>Furious</em> has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its unflinching exploration of trauma and complex female characters:</p><blockquote><p><em>"A proper grownup thriller that&#8217;s powered by sheer female rage."</em></p><p>&#8212; <strong>The Guardian</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>"Hulu thriller is one of the best of the year."</em></p><p>&#8212; <strong>Roger Ebert</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>"Emmy Rossum crime drama 'Furious' elevates trauma tropes through strong performances."</em></p><p>&#8212; <strong>Variety</strong></p></blockquote><h2><em>Furious</em>: Female Rage, Moral Ambiguity, and the Hunt for Justice</h2><p>In <em>Furious</em>, Emmy Rossum takes center stage as Alice Black, a tenacious FBI agent tracking down a cool, calculating female serial killer played by Lola Petticrew. Rather than a standard procedural, Meriwether&#8217;s script dives into the complex psychological motives that drive both women. As both hunter and hunted walk their respective paths toward justice, their lives intertwine, forcing Alice&#8212;and the audience&#8212;to confront where true right and wrong diverge.</p><p>Rossum prepared rigorously for the role, undergoing physical training and tactical exercises with current and former FBI agents and homicide detectives. Behind the scenes, direction from Brian Kirk (<em>Game of Thrones</em>, <em>Luther</em>) gives the opening episodes a sleek, suspense-filled atmosphere, supported by a powerhouse supporting cast including Scoot McNairy, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, and Jake Lacy.</p><h2>Stream <em>Furious</em> on Disney+ and Hulu</h2><p>Whether you are tuning in via Hulu in the U.S. or Disney+ internationally, <em>Furious</em> joins an expansive lineup of top-tier television.</p><p>Available on Disney+ from <strong>&#163;5.99 per month</strong>&#8212;with no hidden costs and the flexibility to cancel anytime&#8212;subscribers get access to a growing library of general entertainment, blockbuster movies, live sports, and critically acclaimed Originals. From Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic to Hulu and FX hits like <em>The Bear</em>, <em>Only Murders in the Building</em>, <em>Dying For Sex</em>, and <em>High Potential</em>, there is a story for every viewer.</p><p>Catch the premiere of <em>Furious</em> streaming today!</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sky and AMC+ unveil first look at new thriller, YAGA, from the makers of Heated Rivalry]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sky and AMC+ Have Unveiled a First Look at YAGA, a Seductive New Mystery Thriller Starring Carrie-Anne Moss]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/sky-and-amc-unveil-first-look-at-new-thriller-yaga-from-the-makers-of-heated-rivalry</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/sky-and-amc-unveil-first-look-at-new-thriller-yaga-from-the-makers-of-heated-rivalry</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:26:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/de469b80-2331-4a2d-bb9c-50376045d25c_686x386.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Sky and AMC+ Have Unveiled a First Look at </strong><em><strong>YAGA</strong></em><strong>, a Seductive New Mystery Thriller Starring Carrie-Anne Moss</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>The Release:</strong> The eight-part series premieres this October exclusively on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland, and will air on AMC+ in the U.S.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Star-Studded Cast:</strong> The mystery stars Carrie-Anne Moss (<em>The Matrix</em>), Noah Reid (<em>Schitt's Creek</em>), Clark Backo (<em>The Changeling</em>), and Hudson Williams (<em>Heated Rivalry</em>).</p></li><li><p><strong>The Premise:</strong> Created by Kat Sandler, the show fuses a missing-persons investigation in a small coastal town with local secrets and ancient magic.#</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-5SGAnvL6wvE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;5SGAnvL6wvE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/5SGAnvL6wvE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h2>A Coastal Disappearance Wrapped in Ancient Magic</h2><p>The upcoming Sky Exclusive and Crave Original series <em>YAGA</em> centers on private investigator Rapp (Noah Reid), who travels to a tight-knit coastal town to look into the vanishing of Henry Park (Hudson Williams), the young heir to a prominent local fishery.</p><p>As Rapp digs deeper, he collides with Carson (Clark Backo), a cautious local detective, and Katherine (Carrie-Anne Moss), a charismatic university professor known for pursuing younger men. The investigation quickly pulls him into a dense web of secretive townspeople, hidden double lives, and folklore-infused magic.</p><h2>Powerhouse Cast and Production Team</h2><p>Created and written by Kat Sandler, <em>YAGA</em> features a strong ensemble cast including:</p><ul><li><p>Sheila McCarthy</p></li><li><p>Megan Follows</p></li><li><p>Ezra Franky</p></li><li><p>Patrick Gilmore</p></li><li><p>Katharine Isabelle</p></li><li><p>Hiro Kanagawa</p></li><li><p>Emilija Baranac</p></li><li><p>Georgia Acken</p></li><li><p>Anisa Harris</p></li><li><p>Sam Krochmal</p></li></ul><p>Produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures in association with Bell Media, the series is co-directed by David Frazee and Rachel Talalay. Executive producers include Mackenzie Donaldson, Andrew Miller, and series star Carrie-Anne Moss, with Charles Cooper producing.</p><p>Sphere Abacus handles international distribution for the project, which was acquired for Sky by Lucy Criddle, Director of Acquisitions and Strategic Projects.</p><h2>Where and When to Watch</h2><p><em>YAGA</em> will officially debut this October. Viewers in the UK and Ireland can catch the eight-part series exclusively on Sky and the NOW streaming platform, while audiences in the U.S. can stream it on AMC+.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sky and AMC+ unveil first look at new thriller, YAGA, from the makers of Heated Rivalry]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sky and AMC+ Have Unveiled a First Look at YAGA, a Seductive New Mystery Thriller Starring Carrie-Anne Moss]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/26</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/26</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle and Entertainment]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:26:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/youtube/w_728,c_limit/5SGAnvL6wvE" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Sky and AMC+ Have Unveiled a First Look at </strong><em><strong>YAGA</strong></em><strong>, a Seductive New Mystery Thriller Starring Carrie-Anne Moss</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>The Release:</strong> The eight-part series premieres this October exclusively on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland, and will air on AMC+ in the U.S.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Star-Studded Cast:</strong> The mystery stars Carrie-Anne Moss (<em>The Matrix</em>), Noah Reid (<em>Schitt&#8217;s Creek</em>), Clark Backo (<em>The Changeling</em>), and Hudson Williams (<em>Heated Rivalry</em>).</p></li><li><p><strong>The Premise:</strong> Created by Kat Sandler, the show fuses a missing-persons investigation in a small coastal town with local secrets and ancient magic.#</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-5SGAnvL6wvE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;5SGAnvL6wvE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/5SGAnvL6wvE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h2>A Coastal Disappearance Wrapped in Ancient Magic</h2><p>The upcoming Sky Exclusive and Crave Original series <em>YAGA</em> centers on private investigator Rapp (Noah Reid), who travels to a tight-knit coastal town to look into the vanishing of Henry Park (Hudson Williams), the young heir to a prominent local fishery.</p><p>As Rapp digs deeper, he collides with Carson (Clark Backo), a cautious local detective, and Katherine (Carrie-Anne Moss), a charismatic university professor known for pursuing younger men. The investigation quickly pulls him into a dense web of secretive townspeople, hidden double lives, and folklore-infused magic.</p><h2>Powerhouse Cast and Production Team</h2><p>Created and written by Kat Sandler, <em>YAGA</em> features a strong ensemble cast including:</p><ul><li><p>Sheila McCarthy</p></li><li><p>Megan Follows</p></li><li><p>Ezra Franky</p></li><li><p>Patrick Gilmore</p></li><li><p>Katharine Isabelle</p></li><li><p>Hiro Kanagawa</p></li><li><p>Emilija Baranac</p></li><li><p>Georgia Acken</p></li><li><p>Anisa Harris</p></li><li><p>Sam Krochmal</p></li></ul><p>Produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures in association with Bell Media, the series is co-directed by David Frazee and Rachel Talalay. Executive producers include Mackenzie Donaldson, Andrew Miller, and series star Carrie-Anne Moss, with Charles Cooper producing.</p><p>Sphere Abacus handles international distribution for the project, which was acquired for Sky by Lucy Criddle, Director of Acquisitions and Strategic Projects.</p><h2>Where and When to Watch</h2><p><em>YAGA</em> will officially debut this October. Viewers in the UK and Ireland can catch the eight-part series exclusively on Sky and the NOW streaming platform, while audiences in the U.S. can stream it on AMC+.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=SIM45698449">Take 65% off a box of food from Gousto! Click here to claim your discount.</a></strong></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Today's F1 Result: Lando Norris wins Hungarian Grand Prix]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lando Norris claimed his and McLaren's first victory of the season with a dominant performance at a dramatic Hungarian Grand Prix.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/todays-f1-result-lando-norris-wins-hungarian-grand-prix</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/todays-f1-result-lando-norris-wins-hungarian-grand-prix</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:35:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9d1e47f3-1112-4aec-a514-186474990851_2560x1440.avif" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Lando Norris claimed his and McLaren's first victory of the season with a dominant performance at a dramatic Hungarian Grand Prix.</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>The Race Winner:</strong> Lando Norris capitalized on incredible pace and a strategic pit window to take top spot, benefiting after teammate Oscar Piastri suffered a late gearbox failure while running second.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Podium Battles:</strong> Red Bull&#8217;s Max Verstappen held off a late charge to secure a surprising second place, while Mercedes&#8217; Kimi Antonelli took third to extend his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.</p></li><li><p><strong>Penalty Woes for Hamilton:</strong> Ferrari&#8217;s Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line close behind Antonelli in fourth, but a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane dropped him to fifth behind teammate Charles Leclerc.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><p>https://www.youtube.com/live/MrTNG9XiNqc?si=BQBjiosquIrBlcMd</p></figure></div><h2>Norris and McLaren Revive Championship Form</h2><p>Starting from pole position, Lando Norris overcame an early scare off the line. While he initially held off Ferrari's Charles Leclerc through Turn Two, a minor error saw Norris run wide, opening the door for his teammate Oscar Piastri to sweep through and take the lead.</p><p>With Piastri leading through the first stint, McLaren found themselves managing a delicate situation with their cars running one-two. Norris pressed hard during the second stint and requested to pit first for his second stop, but the team initially refused.</p><p>Instead, McLaren brought Piastri in first to cover off Hamilton. Norris was left out for six additional laps before making his call for fresh rubber. Upon exiting the pit lane, Norris rejoined the track just ahead of Piastri, who had been slowed by a collision with Williams driver Carlos Sainz while lapping him&#8212;an incident that earned Sainz a five-second penalty.</p><p>Piastri made his frustration clear, telling his engineer not to talk to him shortly after Norris returned to the track. However, Norris proved his speed in clean air, extending a commanding lead over the field.</p><p>Reflecting on the breakthrough win, Norris said he was "happy to be back and be number one again", adding: "My pace today was probably some of the best pace I've ever had. The car was beautiful to drive and I had confidence."</p><p>Piastri&#8217;s race ended in heartbreak on lap 56 when his gearbox failed shortly after he was promoted back to second, forcing him to pull off after Turn Three and triggering a late Virtual Safety Car (VSC).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-QbpbMYuyRPM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;QbpbMYuyRPM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QbpbMYuyRPM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h2>Strategy Gambles Pay Off for Verstappen</h2><p>Despite expressing frustration with his car's handling during the early stages, Max Verstappen secured an impressive runner-up finish thanks to a sharp strategy call from Red Bull.</p><p>The team fitted soft tires onto Verstappen&#8217;s car during his second stop to set up a late charge against Hamilton. When Piastri's retirement brought out the VSC, Ferrari pitted both drivers, placing them behind Verstappen.</p><p>While Hamilton temporarily surged ahead of Antonelli into Turn One after the restart, he was forced to give the position back as Antonelli had crossed the timing line first. Despite a late push from Antonelli and Hamilton in the closing laps, Verstappen managed his pace masterfully to cross the line 3.6 seconds clear in second place.</p><h2>Setbacks for Ferrari, Gains for Aston Martin</h2><p>Hamilton&#8217;s pit-lane speeding penalty capped off a frustrating weekend for the seven-time world champion. The penalty marked his second infraction in two days, following a grid penalty for impeding Piastri in qualifying.</p><p>Further down the grid, Red Bull&#8217;s Isack Hadjar secured sixth place, finishing ahead of George Russell, who staged a brilliant recovery drive to seventh after an anti-stall issue dropped him to 21st on the opening lap.</p><p>For Aston Martin, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished 13th and 14th respectively. Despite missing out on points, the team showed encouraging pace with a heavily upgraded car that reduced their lap times by roughly two seconds. With a major Honda engine upgrade scheduled for the Dutch Grand Prix following the summer break, the team remains optimistic about fighting for points in the second half of the season.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-TfZX7IdFuqg" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;TfZX7IdFuqg&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TfZX7IdFuqg?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><p>Watch coverage on Sky Sports and NOW with highlights on Channel 4. In the U.S. stream coverage on Apple TV.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ryan Gosling to play Ghost Rider in upcoming Marvel film]]></title><description><![CDATA[Marvel Studios has officially cast Ryan Gosling as the title character in a new Ghost Rider movie scheduled for a 2028 theatrical release.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/ryan-gosling-to-play-ghost-rider-in-upcoming-marvel-film</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/ryan-gosling-to-play-ghost-rider-in-upcoming-marvel-film</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:24:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b728cb0a-e129-48b8-b83e-49f0794d609f_1560x876.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Marvel Studios has officially cast Ryan Gosling as the title character in a new </strong><em><strong>Ghost Rider</strong></em><strong> movie scheduled for a 2028 theatrical release.</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><ul><li><p><strong>The Announcement:</strong> Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige surprised fans at San Diego Comic-Con by bringing Ryan Gosling on stage to unveil the project.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Creative Team:</strong> Shawn Levy (<em>Deadpool &amp; Wolverine</em>) will direct the film, reteaming with Gosling following their work on <em>Star Wars: Starfighter</em>.</p></li><li><p><strong>MCU Franchise Debuts:</strong> The 2028 release marks Ghost Rider's official entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following previous non-MCU adaptations starring Nicolas Cage in 2007 and 2011.</p></li></ul><h2>Ryan Gosling Takes the Reins as Johnny Blaze</h2><p>SAN DIEGO &#8212; The Marvel Cinematic Universe is adding some serious firepower to its lineup. In a surprise panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige put an end to years of casting rumors by revealing that Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling will suit up as the legendary motorcycle-riding anti-hero Ghost Rider.</p><p>Before making the big reveal on stage at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said he had often been asked when Gosling would join the MCU. Shortly after, the lights turned off. When they returned, the actor appeared on stage to cheers from screaming fans.</p><p>Speaking about the role, Gosling said: "Wow, is this really happening?"</p><p>Gosling added during the surprise announcement that it is a character he has "wanted to play for a very long time".</p><p>He has previously spoken about his desire to take on the role. Appearing on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast in March, he confirmed he was in discussions with Marvel.</p><h2>Bringing the Spirit of Vengeance to the MCU</h2><p>Ghost Rider is the anti-hero identity of motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze. The character's story begins when he becomes bound to the Spirit of Vengeance Zarathos after making a deal with villain Mephisto to spare his surrogate father, giving him superpowers.</p><p>Slated to hit theaters in 2028, the upcoming film will mark the third big-screen iteration of the character. It will follow the 2007 film of the same name starring Nicolas Cage, and its follow-up, 2011's Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.</p><h2>Directed by Shawn Levy</h2><p>The film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who Gosling described as the "only" director for the project.</p><p>Levy has previously directed Deadpool &amp; Wolverine in the MCU, and is currently working with Gosling on Star Wars: Starfighter, which is due to be released next year.</p><p>Levy told the crowd that he and Gosling spent a lot of their downtime on set daydreaming about Ghost Rider and swapping ideas.</p><p>The director said: "As Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started riffing, and I finally said, 'bro, let's ride', so guys, we'll see you in 2028."</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holly Willoughby and Peter Kay to guest on The Sara Cox Breakfast Show]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sara Cox Books Star-Studded Week on BBC Radio 2 with Holly Willoughby and Peter Kay]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/holly-willoughby-and-peter-kay-to-guest-on-the-sara-cox-breakfast-show</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/holly-willoughby-and-peter-kay-to-guest-on-the-sara-cox-breakfast-show</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:05:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9bff9689-9016-480d-b637-1de77399aadb_1200x675.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Sara Cox Books Star-Studded Week on BBC Radio 2 with Holly Willoughby and Peter Kay</h2><p><strong>BBC Radio 2&#8217;s </strong><em><strong>The Sara Cox Breakfast Show</strong></em><strong> is lining up a massive week of guest appearances, securing two of the UK&#8217;s biggest stars for exclusive studio catch-ups.</strong></p><p>Broadcaster <strong>Holly Willoughby</strong> and comedy giant <strong>Peter Kay</strong> are both slated to drop in next week, giving listeners an insider look at their latest high-profile projects.</p><h3>Holly Willoughby Kicks Off Monday Morning</h3><p>Opening the week on Tuesday, Holly Willoughby will sit down with Sara to reveal the details behind her transition into digital broadcasting.</p><p>The former <em>This Morning</em> star will be discussing her brand-new multi-platform series, <strong><code>Holly Willoughby Together</code></strong>, which officially premieres on YouTube on <strong>Tuesday</strong>. The new show is set to feature:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Two weekly drops:</strong> Launching Tuesday with a second instalment following on <strong>Friday</strong>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Five core segments:</strong> Spanning real-life stories, cooking, style, wellness, and casual chats with celebrity guests.</p></li><li><p><strong>A star-studded guest list:</strong> Early episodes feature big names including Stanley Tucci, Emma Bunton, and Katherine Ryan.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-bmnlMbiD7OE" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;bmnlMbiD7OE&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/bmnlMbiD7OE?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h3>Peter Kay Mid-Week Exclusive</h3><p>On <strong>Wednesday</strong>, the studio doors open for comedy legend Peter Kay, who is stopping by to talk about the final stretch of his historic return to the stage.</p><p>Having shattered records as the only artist in the world to perform a monthly residency at London's O2 Arena, Kay's marathon tour is finally drawing to a close. He will be chatting to Sara about wrapping up the run with a series of special <strong>charity fundraiser arena dates</strong>, where 100% of the profits are being donated across 12 leading UK cancer charities.</p><p><em>The Sara Cox Breakfast Show airs weekdays from 6:30am on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.</em></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ebeneezer: First look trailer released showing Johnny Depp as Scrooge]]></title><description><![CDATA[Paramount Pictures has officially unveiled the first trailer and poster for Ebenezer.]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/ebeneezer-first-look-trailer-released-showing-johnny-depp-as-scrooge</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/ebeneezer-first-look-trailer-released-showing-johnny-depp-as-scrooge</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:06:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a39ea9a9-72b3-4cb3-b4af-a376d8b09b6e_500x281.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Paramount Pictures has officially unveiled the first trailer and poster for </strong><em><strong>Ebenezer</strong></em><strong>, offering fans a dramatic first look at Johnny Depp&#8217;s haunting transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge for director Ti West&#8217;s upcoming dark fantasy reimagining of </strong><em><strong>A Christmas Carol</strong></em><strong>.</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.theversion.co.uk/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><p>Here are the key takeaways from the new release:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Johnny Depp Leads:</strong> The 63-year-old actor stars as the iconic Christmas-hating miser in a fresh Victorian-era adaptation.</p></li><li><p><strong>Horror Director at the Helm:</strong> Cult filmmaker Ti West (<em>The House of the Devil</em>, <em>The Roost</em>) directs the dark fantasy take on Charles Dickens&#8217; classic novella.</p></li><li><p><strong>Star-Studded Ensemble:</strong> The cast features Rupert Grint, Sir Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, and Andrea Riseborough.</p></li><li><p><strong>Release Window:</strong> The movie is slated to hit theaters 13 November.</p></li></ul><h2>A Darker Vision of Dickens</h2><p>In the newly released teaser poster, Depp peers mysteriously into the camera through falling snow, clad in Victorian attire and a top hat.</p><p>The promotional material hints at a fresh origin perspective on the timeless tale, featuring the tagline:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;Before he was Scrooge, he was Ebenezer.&#8221;</p></blockquote><p>An accompanying caption further teasing the plot adds:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;The name you know. The story you don&#8217;t.&#8221;</p></blockquote><p>Set in the foggy streets of Victorian London, the story opens on Christmas Eve as the penny-pinching businessman is confronted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in a high-stakes bid to reform his greedy ways before time runs out.</p><h2>Star Power in Victorian London</h2><p>Depp&#8212;celebrated for his portrayals of eccentric figures in films like <em>Edward Scissorhands</em>, <em>Sleepy Hollow</em>, and the <em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em> franchise&#8212;was spotted filming on location in London earlier this year.</p><p>To mark the trailer's release, the actor took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a series of photos with a brief, classic caption:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;Bah, humbug!&#8221;</p></blockquote><p>The film boasts an impressive supporting cast. Joining Depp in the London-set story are <em>Harry Potter</em> star Rupert Grint, <em>The Lord of the Rings</em> icon Sir Ian McKellen, and <em>Star Wars</em> lead Daisy Ridley.</p><p>Rounding out the call sheet are Sam Claflin (<em>The Hunger Games</em>), Ellie Bamber (<em>Moss &amp; Freud</em>), Henry Lloyd-Hughes (<em>The Inbetweeners</em>), Charlie Murphy, Andrea Riseborough, Arthur Conti, and Tramell Tillman.</p><p>Only in theatres November 13.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paul Mescal's latest film Hamnet is coming to Sky Cinema]]></title><description><![CDATA[Masterpiece in the Making: 'Hamnet' Arrives on Sky Cinema and NOW This August]]></description><link>https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/paul-mescals-latest-film-hamnet-is-coming-to-sky-cinema</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.theversion.co.uk/p/paul-mescals-latest-film-hamnet-is-coming-to-sky-cinema</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[theversion]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:01:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/07111447-4dfd-44e4-b85c-ceb9b1404b02_1600x900.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Masterpiece in the Making: 'Hamnet' Arrives on Sky Cinema and NOW This August</h1><p>One of the most talked-about film adaptations in recent years is finally heading to small screens across the UK. <strong>Hamnet</strong>, the tender and emotionally charged historical drama from Academy Award&#174;-winning writer/director <strong>Chlo&#233; Zhao</strong> (<em>Nomadland</em>), will be available to stream on <strong>Sky Cinema Premiere and NOW starting Friday 14 August</strong>.</p><p>Based on Maggie O&#8217;Farrell&#8217;s bestselling 2020 novel, <em>Hamnet</em> reimagines the intimate family history behind one of literature's greatest achievements: William Shakespeare&#8217;s <em>Hamlet</em>.</p><h2>The Heartbreak Behind the Masterpiece</h2><p>Set against the lush countryside of 16th-century Warwickshire, the film explores the passionate romance between young Latin tutor William Shakespeare (<strong>Paul Mescal</strong>) and the spirited, free-natured Agnes (<strong>Jessie Buckley</strong>). Their quiet family life in Stratford-upon-Avon is ruptured when tragedy strikes: their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, succumbs to the plague.</p><p>Rather than focusing solely on the Bard's rise to theatrical fame, Zhao&#8217;s lens focuses on the raw, unspoken weight of parental grief &#8212; showing how profound loss and enduring love ultimately gave birth to Shakespeare's defining tragedy.</p><blockquote><p><em>"Love doesn't die, it transforms. When we're one with everything around us, it's the illusion of separation that makes us so afraid of impermanence."</em></p><p>&#8212; <strong>Chlo&#233; Zhao</strong>, Director</p></blockquote><h2>Powerhouse Performances</h2><p>At the center of the film is a magnetic lead performance by <strong>Jessie Buckley</strong>, who delivers an Oscar and BAFTA-winning turn as Agnes. Buckley brings fierce emotional depth to a woman navigating grief and motherhood.</p><p>She is joined by an extraordinary supporting cast:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Paul Mescal</strong> (<em>Aftersun</em>, <em>Normal People</em>) as William Shakespeare, capturing both the tender devotion of a husband and the quiet torment of an artist.</p></li><li><p><strong>Emily Watson</strong> (<em>Chernobyl</em>, <em>Breaking the Waves</em>) as Mary Shakespeare, adding gravitas to the family dynamic.</p></li><li><p><strong>Joe Alwyn</strong> (<em>The Favourite</em>) as Agnes' brother, Bartholomew.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><div id="youtube2-xYcgQMxQwmk" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;xYcgQMxQwmk&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xYcgQMxQwmk?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div></figure></div><h2>At a Glance: Release Details</h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><p><strong>FeatureDetailsTitle</strong><em>Hamnet</em><strong>Release Date</strong>Friday 14 August<strong>Where to Watch</strong>Sky Cinema Premiere &amp; NOW<strong>Director</strong>Chlo&#233; Zhao<strong>Starring</strong>Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn<strong>Runtime</strong>2 hours 5 minutes</p></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>