Thursday, July 16, 2026
Andy Serkis's Animal Farm adaptation criticized as defanged happy ending overhaul
moviesAndy Serkis's Animal Farm adaptation criticized as defanged happy ending overhaul
Critics say Serkis' 2026 animated Animal Farm neuters Orwell's Stalinism allegory and ends with a Disney‑style happy ending.
theguardian.com![Variety tweet with a picture of Gollum from LOTR that reads - Andy Serkis gets asked why his "Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" cast is all white actors and says: "I don’t think we will be doing a politically correct just-casting-for-the sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version of the film."
“Tolkien himself was influenced a lot by Norse mythology, there’s a lot of that feeling. The Shire feels very, very much like a very, a very white, you know… They’re not very concerned about what goes on beyond the borders of The Shire, but they know they don’t want people coming in. Yes, there have been criticisms [about a lack of diversity]. This particular film is somewhat acknowledging that. But I don’t think we will be doing a politically correct just-casting-for-the sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version of the film. So, it’s where relevant basically." (via BBC)
variety.com/2026/film/news…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cpwg5fkxgedy7ocka5smtxvb/bafkreib6kpr2o2nmrow22o5chrqpnlziccwwapa2hnnwviex2ps6sejqmm)
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey opens to strong reviews
moviesChristopher Nolan's The Odyssey opens to strong reviews
Early reviews praise Nolan's big‑screen Odyssey for its spectacle and Matt Damon’s lead performance in opening coverage.
Argentina rally to beat England 2-1, reach World Cup final vs Spain
sportsArgentina rally to beat England 2-1, reach World Cup final vs Spain
Argentina scored two late goals to overturn England 2-1 and advance to the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
nzherald.co.nz
Messi's 2007 photos with baby Lamine Yamal resurface before World Cup final
sportsMessi's 2007 photos with baby Lamine Yamal resurface before World Cup final
Viral charity photos show a young Lionel Messi bathing infant Lamine Yamal; the pair are set to face off in the 2026 final.
nytimes.com
Bang Bang Gang returns on AEW Dynamite, rushes ringside to save Copeland and Christian
entertainmentBang Bang Gang returns on AEW Dynamite, rushes ringside to save Copeland and Christian
The Bang Bang Gang stormed AEW Dynamite to repel an attack after Adam Copeland and Christian Cage's tag match, turning the post‑match chaos.
Vice President JD Vance tells Joe Rogan Epstein had ties to Israeli intelligence, says files were mishandled
cultureVice President JD Vance tells Joe Rogan Epstein had ties to Israeli intelligence, says files were mishandled
On The Joe Rogan Experience Vance alleged Jeffrey Epstein had connections to Israeli intelligence and said the administration 'mishandled' the Epstein files.
Andrade El Idolo beats Jake Doyle, takes Dynamite Diamond Ring, earns National title shot
sportsAndrade El Idolo beats Jake Doyle, takes Dynamite Diamond Ring, earns National title shot
Andrade defeated Jake Doyle on AEW Dynamite, put on MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring and will challenge Mark Davis for the AEW National title.
Dynamite Diamond Ring surfaces on Andrade, fans speculate All In stakes
sportsDynamite Diamond Ring surfaces on Andrade, fans speculate All In stakes
Andrade acquired MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring (reported via Will Ospreay), fueling talk of matches and title implications ahead of All In.
