There still is no official confirmation that Jessica Biel is pregnant, but during an outing in Century City, CA, on Wednesday, she was noticeably glowing.
Jessica Biel Steps Out Smiling Amid Pregnancy Rumors
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Marc Maron Offers An Honest Take On His Relationships With Jay Leno, Louis C.K.
Marc Maron opened up about his relationships with two famous fellow comedians during a frank conversation with HuffPost Live on Thursday.
Maron told host Josh Zepps about a strange experience he had with Jay Leno when Maron appeared on "The Tonight Show." Maron had no relationship with Leno, but the "Tonight" host visited his dressing room for a half-hour before the show and the pair had a conversation Maron described as "very odd."
"He's like, 'I didn't think you'd do the show. I thought you were a Conan guy. You know, I'm just a comedian. I'm just a comedian,'" Maron remembered Leno saying.
The way in which Leno attempted to connect with Maron stuck with him, he explained:
Maron also told HuffPost Live about his friendship with Louis C.K., with whom he had a falling out of sorts that the two comedians discussed on Maron's "WTF" podcast in 2010.
"We were good friends, and we relied on each other a bit as a balancing board. He was always very calming to me," Maron said. "But at some point, I got cynical and he got successful, and he got to the point where it made him feel shitty to talk to me because I was so nasty. It just got weird, and it was sad."
Watch Maron discuss his meeting with Leno in the video above, and his relationship with Louis C.K. below. Maron's full HuffPost Live conversation is here.
Maron told host Josh Zepps about a strange experience he had with Jay Leno when Maron appeared on "The Tonight Show." Maron had no relationship with Leno, but the "Tonight" host visited his dressing room for a half-hour before the show and the pair had a conversation Maron described as "very odd."
"He's like, 'I didn't think you'd do the show. I thought you were a Conan guy. You know, I'm just a comedian. I'm just a comedian,'" Maron remembered Leno saying.
The way in which Leno attempted to connect with Maron stuck with him, he explained:
It was interesting. There was a loneliness to it. There was a sadness to it, in my take on it. ... He was a great stand-up, and no stand-up would say differently. And now, to be in this room with a guy where, you know, what stand-ups really respect him? To know that he feels that isolated, and that he was the stand-up for a long time, the guy with the goods... He was looking to connect: 'You know, we're stand-ups, we get it.' It was a little sad and a little interesting.
Maron also told HuffPost Live about his friendship with Louis C.K., with whom he had a falling out of sorts that the two comedians discussed on Maron's "WTF" podcast in 2010.
"We were good friends, and we relied on each other a bit as a balancing board. He was always very calming to me," Maron said. "But at some point, I got cynical and he got successful, and he got to the point where it made him feel shitty to talk to me because I was so nasty. It just got weird, and it was sad."
Watch Maron discuss his meeting with Leno in the video above, and his relationship with Louis C.K. below. Maron's full HuffPost Live conversation is here.
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Keira Knightley Protests Photoshop: 'I Think Women's Bodies Are A Battleground'
Keira Knightley just joined the ranks of celebrities who are taking a stand against Photoshop.
In reference to her unedited topless photo shoot for Interview magazine, Knightley told The Times, a British newspaper:
As Jezebel notes, controversy struck when Knightley's breasts were noticeably enlarged via Photoshop for the "King Arthur" promotional posters.
“I think women’s bodies are a battleground and photography is partly to blame. Our society is so photographic now, it becomes more difficult to see all of those different varieties of shape," the 29-year-old told the Times.
Knightley has been an outspoken champion for feminist causes in the past. In an interview in Harper's Bazaar in February, the "Begin Again" actress told the magazine:
"I think it’s great that the discussions are finally being allowed to be had [about feminism], as opposed to anybody mentioning feminism and everybody going, 'Oh, f--ing shut up.' Somehow, [feminism] became a dirty word."
In reference to her unedited topless photo shoot for Interview magazine, Knightley told The Times, a British newspaper:
I’ve had my body manipulated so many different times for so many different reasons, whether it’s paparazzi photographers or for film posters. That [shoot] was one of the ones where I said: ‘OK, I’m fine doing the topless shot so long as you don’t make them any bigger or retouch.’ Because it does feel important to say it really doesn’t matter what shape you are.
As Jezebel notes, controversy struck when Knightley's breasts were noticeably enlarged via Photoshop for the "King Arthur" promotional posters.
“I think women’s bodies are a battleground and photography is partly to blame. Our society is so photographic now, it becomes more difficult to see all of those different varieties of shape," the 29-year-old told the Times.
Knightley has been an outspoken champion for feminist causes in the past. In an interview in Harper's Bazaar in February, the "Begin Again" actress told the magazine:
"I think it’s great that the discussions are finally being allowed to be had [about feminism], as opposed to anybody mentioning feminism and everybody going, 'Oh, f--ing shut up.' Somehow, [feminism] became a dirty word."
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Jay Leno Will Be Craig Ferguson's Final Guest
Per a press release from CBS, Jay Leno will be the final guest on Craig Ferguson's "Late Late Show" on Friday, Dec. 19. It was previously announced that Ferguson would step down from the show in December, with comedian James Corden named his successor as host. Corden, who recently starred in John Carney's "Begin Again," will take the reins in March, with a series of guest hosts filling in until then. That is, unless Leno just gets behind the desk and declares it his show now.
The December list of "Late Late Show" guests is below:
Monday, Dec. 1: Actress Lisa Kudrow; actor Dominic Monaghan (n)
Tuesday, Dec. 2: Actress Kristen Bell; actor Henry Winkler (n)
Wednesday, Dec. 3: Actor Don Cheadle; actress Mary McCormack (n)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Actor Steve Carell; actor Max Greenfield (n)
Friday, Dec. 5: Host Drew Carey from the CBS daytime series “The Price is Right”; TV host Cat Deeley (n)
Monday, Dec. 8: Actress Carrie Fisher; comedian Dave Attell (n)
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Actor Michael Sheen; reality TV personality Ariel Tweto (n)
Wednesday, Dec. 10: Actress Mila Kunis (n)
Thursday, Dec. 11: Actor Kunal Nayyar from the CBS comedy series “The Big Bang Theory” (n)
Friday, Dec. 12: Actress Rashida Jones (n)
Monday, Dec. 15: Actor Jon Hamm; comedian Tim Meadows (n)
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Television and radio host Larry King; actress Angela Kinsey (n)
Wednesday, Dec. 17: Actress Betty White; actor Thomas Lennon (n)
Thursday, Dec. 18: Actor Jim Parsons from the CBS comedy series “The Big Bang Theory” (n)
Friday, Dec. 19: Comedian Jay Leno (n)
The December list of "Late Late Show" guests is below:
Monday, Dec. 1: Actress Lisa Kudrow; actor Dominic Monaghan (n)
Tuesday, Dec. 2: Actress Kristen Bell; actor Henry Winkler (n)
Wednesday, Dec. 3: Actor Don Cheadle; actress Mary McCormack (n)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Actor Steve Carell; actor Max Greenfield (n)
Friday, Dec. 5: Host Drew Carey from the CBS daytime series “The Price is Right”; TV host Cat Deeley (n)
Monday, Dec. 8: Actress Carrie Fisher; comedian Dave Attell (n)
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Actor Michael Sheen; reality TV personality Ariel Tweto (n)
Wednesday, Dec. 10: Actress Mila Kunis (n)
Thursday, Dec. 11: Actor Kunal Nayyar from the CBS comedy series “The Big Bang Theory” (n)
Friday, Dec. 12: Actress Rashida Jones (n)
Monday, Dec. 15: Actor Jon Hamm; comedian Tim Meadows (n)
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Television and radio host Larry King; actress Angela Kinsey (n)
Wednesday, Dec. 17: Actress Betty White; actor Thomas Lennon (n)
Thursday, Dec. 18: Actor Jim Parsons from the CBS comedy series “The Big Bang Theory” (n)
Friday, Dec. 19: Comedian Jay Leno (n)
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'Toy Story 4' Will Officially Arrive On June 16, 2017
It's back to infinity and beyond for Woody and the gang, who will officially return to the big screen for "Toy Story 4."
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced plans for another sequel on Thursday. John Lasseter, who directed the first two "Toy Story" movies, will hold the reins for the newest entry in Pixar's franchise as well. The movie is set for release on June 16, 2017.
Lasseter, "Finding Nemo" director Andrew Stanton (himself working on a sequel to that film, "Finding Dory") "Up" director Pete Docter and "Toy Story 3" director Lee Unkrich came up with the idea for the new film. The Pixar brain trust also enlisted help from actress Rashida Jones and her writing partner, Will McCormack, following the success of their 2012 romantic comedy, "Celeste and Jesse Forever." (Lasseter told the Los Angeles Times he wanted the film to have a "strong female voice.")
"We love these characters so much; they are like family to us," Lasseter said in a statement. "We don't want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before. 'Toy Story 3' ended Woody and Buzz's story with Andy so perfectly that for a long time, we never even talked about doing another 'Toy Story' movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and I came up with this new idea, I just could not stop thinking about it. It was so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie -- and I wanted to direct it myself."
![toy story 4]()
Director John Lasseter works with members of his story team on Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 4." (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Though this makes "Toy Story 4" an official project, it's not the first time the film has been discussed since "Toy Story 3" raked in more than $1 billion at the global box office. TheWrap reported in 2010 that Tim Allen, who voices Buzz Lightyear, had committed to a fourth movie regardless of whether it actually came to fruition. Tom Hanks also expressed interest in reprising his role as Woody, and one year later he told the BBC that Disney was in the process of "work[ing] on" the movie. But Disney continued to curb the speculation, denying Hanks' claims and in 2013 refuting more rumors that the movie had entered development. At that time, BuzzFeed even published a piece headlined 4 Reasons Why The “Toy Story 4” Rumor Is Just Silly.
The franchise has earned nearly $2 billion at the worldwide box office since debuting in 1995. Along the way, Pixar has extended its shelf life by airing "Toy Story of Terror" Halloween specials on ABC. The first one, in 2013, beat "Survivor" and "Criminal Minds" in the overnight Nielsen ratings.
Arriving on the same afternoon that we learned "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be titled "The Force Awakens" (both Pixar and Lucasfilm are owned by Disney), it's been a big five hours for popular film franchises. Twitter took to the news in typical Twitter fashion.
According to the Los Angeles Times, "Toy Story 4" is expected to pick up after the events of "Toy Story 3." You can watch the ending of that film here. Bring some tissues.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this piece listed 1997 as the original release year for "Toy Story."
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced plans for another sequel on Thursday. John Lasseter, who directed the first two "Toy Story" movies, will hold the reins for the newest entry in Pixar's franchise as well. The movie is set for release on June 16, 2017.
Lasseter, "Finding Nemo" director Andrew Stanton (himself working on a sequel to that film, "Finding Dory") "Up" director Pete Docter and "Toy Story 3" director Lee Unkrich came up with the idea for the new film. The Pixar brain trust also enlisted help from actress Rashida Jones and her writing partner, Will McCormack, following the success of their 2012 romantic comedy, "Celeste and Jesse Forever." (Lasseter told the Los Angeles Times he wanted the film to have a "strong female voice.")
"We love these characters so much; they are like family to us," Lasseter said in a statement. "We don't want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before. 'Toy Story 3' ended Woody and Buzz's story with Andy so perfectly that for a long time, we never even talked about doing another 'Toy Story' movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and I came up with this new idea, I just could not stop thinking about it. It was so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie -- and I wanted to direct it myself."
Director John Lasseter works with members of his story team on Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 4." (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Though this makes "Toy Story 4" an official project, it's not the first time the film has been discussed since "Toy Story 3" raked in more than $1 billion at the global box office. TheWrap reported in 2010 that Tim Allen, who voices Buzz Lightyear, had committed to a fourth movie regardless of whether it actually came to fruition. Tom Hanks also expressed interest in reprising his role as Woody, and one year later he told the BBC that Disney was in the process of "work[ing] on" the movie. But Disney continued to curb the speculation, denying Hanks' claims and in 2013 refuting more rumors that the movie had entered development. At that time, BuzzFeed even published a piece headlined 4 Reasons Why The “Toy Story 4” Rumor Is Just Silly.
The franchise has earned nearly $2 billion at the worldwide box office since debuting in 1995. Along the way, Pixar has extended its shelf life by airing "Toy Story of Terror" Halloween specials on ABC. The first one, in 2013, beat "Survivor" and "Criminal Minds" in the overnight Nielsen ratings.
Arriving on the same afternoon that we learned "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be titled "The Force Awakens" (both Pixar and Lucasfilm are owned by Disney), it's been a big five hours for popular film franchises. Twitter took to the news in typical Twitter fashion.
Did we do the “Toy Story: The Force Awakens” joke yet? Feel like someone should have.
— Christopher Rosen (@chrisjrosen) November 6, 2014A past-his-time idealist and a man in a suit of armor face off in Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Lucasfilm's TOY STORY STAR AVENGER WARS
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) November 6, 2014Toy Story 4 is coming. It'll probably be good. But Pixar once meant endless surprise and innovation, not sequels and canny brand management.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) November 6, 2014I was uncertain when Pixar launched their sequel slate a few years ago, but TOY STORY 4 shows they've capitulated to market, not creativity.
— Todd Gilchrist (@mtgilchrist) November 6, 2014Toy Story 4: Andy regrets giving up childhood toys, steals them back from Bonnie, becomes housebound middle-aged man who lives in the past.
— Dana Stevens (@thehighsign) November 6, 2014"Toy Story 4 to Raise Even Stupider Questions on Pixar Theory Reddit Threads"
— Matt Patches (@misterpatches) November 6, 2014Some kids born the year the first Toy Story came out are sophomores in college, so, why not, let's have another one
— Richard Lawson (@rilaws) November 6, 2014Star Wars Ep. VII: Toy Story 4: Downton Abbey Season 6: The Force is Rich.
— Bilge Ebiri (@BilgeEbiri) November 6, 2014According to the Los Angeles Times, "Toy Story 4" is expected to pick up after the events of "Toy Story 3." You can watch the ending of that film here. Bring some tissues.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this piece listed 1997 as the original release year for "Toy Story."
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Marc Maron Remembers 'Horrifying' Conversation With Robin Williams About Suicide
Marc Maron's powerful interview with Robin Williams, which he conducted for his "WTF" podcast in April 2010 and re-released this summer, was seen in a new light after the comedian's shocking suicide in August.
In the podcast, Williams described his struggles with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts, which made for a "horrifying but real" conversation, Maron recalled during a HuffPost Live interview on Thursday:
Listen to the interview with Williams here, and see Maron's full HuffPost Live conversation here.
Sign up here for Live Today, HuffPost Live's morning email that will let you know the newsmakers, celebrities and politicians joining us that day and give you the best clips from the day before!
In the podcast, Williams described his struggles with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts, which made for a "horrifying but real" conversation, Maron recalled during a HuffPost Live interview on Thursday:
When somebody like Robin Williams, the clown prince of the planet, hangs himself at his house, people are going to be like, "What? What? It doesn't fit." So to know that I had this thing, this weird hour that I spent with him, and that that was in there, it gave dimension to what happened, at least. Because there aren't that many interviews like that. I don't think there's anything like that. And I don't know how we got there that morning, but obviously it was there. Obviously.
Listen to the interview with Williams here, and see Maron's full HuffPost Live conversation here.
Sign up here for Live Today, HuffPost Live's morning email that will let you know the newsmakers, celebrities and politicians joining us that day and give you the best clips from the day before!
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Tumblr Inspired By Lena Dunham Controversy Normalizes Childhood Sexual Exploration
When Lena Dunham's memoir, Not That Kind Of Girl, came out at the end of September, it was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, praising Dunham's "gutsy voice" and "often hilarious" writing style. But in the wake of an article by right-wing columnist Kevin D. Williamson, the Internet exploded with allegations that Dunham had sexually abused her younger sister when they were both children.
Dunham responded on Twitter on Nov. 1, calling the accusations "really fucking upsetting and disgusting," and her sister tweeted: "i'm committed to people narrating their own experiences, determining for themselves what has and has not been harmful."
The allegations caused a debate within feminist communities -- with some even calling on Planned Parenthood to #DropDunham -- raising questions about what constitutes sexual abuse and normal childhood sexual exploration. It also spurred discussions about the impact of white privilege, narratives of victimhood, and the right to examine one's own messy truths through memoir.
Amidst the controversy, writer and producer Collier Meyerson and Talking Points Memo Features Editor Nona Willis Aronowitz, saw an opportunity to encourage greater openness among women. Thus Those Kind Of Girls, a Tumblr where women can anonymously share the "weird sexual shit" they did as kids, was born.
"We realized that collecting those stories -- even the murky ones, even the uncomfortable ones -- defused the shame surrounding them," Willis Aronowitz told HuffPost over email.
Meyerson and Willis Aronowitz created the Tumblr and sent it around to people they knew, and within three hours they had over 20 submissions. A day later, Jezebel linked to the site and now Meyerson says they're receiving "more submissions than [they] can keep up with."
Below are a few examples of stories that appear on Those Kind Of Girls:
The stories featured on Those Kind Of Girls are incredibly diverse, but they all reveal the fundamental innocence and weirdness of childhood sexual exploration. Reading through the anecdotes, it becomes clear that there is a wide gap between "uncomfortable," or even "disturbing" to reflect on as an adult, and "abusive." The creators acknowledge that childhood sexual abuse is absolutely a reality, and even posted a story they received where the woman involved felt victimized. Their goal was "to point out the differences between what happened here and what happened with Lena Dunham and her sister."
As for women reading these stories -- and reflecting back on their own odd childhood memories -- Collier and Willis Aronowitz hope the Tumblr provides a space for people to process and share their stories without fear of stigmatization.
"When the [Lena Dunham] controversy took a more serious turn; when I saw folks calling her a molester, calling for her to step down from her role at Planned Parenthood, I had a moment where I was like 'uhm, if Lena Dunham is a child molester, so is everyone,'" said Collier. "Suddenly the shame I felt about the experiences I had as a child melted away and I felt emboldened by the critics. My hope is that if we tell our stories, we can chip away at the puritanical model clearly planted in us all. It's freeing to tell these stories."
Dunham responded on Twitter on Nov. 1, calling the accusations "really fucking upsetting and disgusting," and her sister tweeted: "i'm committed to people narrating their own experiences, determining for themselves what has and has not been harmful."
The allegations caused a debate within feminist communities -- with some even calling on Planned Parenthood to #DropDunham -- raising questions about what constitutes sexual abuse and normal childhood sexual exploration. It also spurred discussions about the impact of white privilege, narratives of victimhood, and the right to examine one's own messy truths through memoir.
Amidst the controversy, writer and producer Collier Meyerson and Talking Points Memo Features Editor Nona Willis Aronowitz, saw an opportunity to encourage greater openness among women. Thus Those Kind Of Girls, a Tumblr where women can anonymously share the "weird sexual shit" they did as kids, was born.
"We realized that collecting those stories -- even the murky ones, even the uncomfortable ones -- defused the shame surrounding them," Willis Aronowitz told HuffPost over email.
Meyerson and Willis Aronowitz created the Tumblr and sent it around to people they knew, and within three hours they had over 20 submissions. A day later, Jezebel linked to the site and now Meyerson says they're receiving "more submissions than [they] can keep up with."
Below are a few examples of stories that appear on Those Kind Of Girls:
I masturbated in the same room as a friend when I was 10 yrs old because I was feeling aroused and wanted to satisfy myself and didn't understand that there was a stigma. I didn't realise, but she was watching me curiously as I did it and later told me she was relieved because she did it too.
The only secret I've kept for my whole life due to feeling ashamed and very guilty is that when I was about 5 or 6, I remember being curious about bodies. Me and my little brother (3) used to play doctors together, which would mainly involve him putting a tray under my t-shirt (?). Then we started to pretend to play mummy and daddy, and he would lie on top of me without his pants on.
In college it came up that my sister once put a pencil (eraser side) into my vagina at bath time. I was a baby and she was about 3. I don't remember it, and hell if I know why there was a pencil in the bath- but after a doctors check-up everything was fine. Kids do strange things.
The stories featured on Those Kind Of Girls are incredibly diverse, but they all reveal the fundamental innocence and weirdness of childhood sexual exploration. Reading through the anecdotes, it becomes clear that there is a wide gap between "uncomfortable," or even "disturbing" to reflect on as an adult, and "abusive." The creators acknowledge that childhood sexual abuse is absolutely a reality, and even posted a story they received where the woman involved felt victimized. Their goal was "to point out the differences between what happened here and what happened with Lena Dunham and her sister."
As for women reading these stories -- and reflecting back on their own odd childhood memories -- Collier and Willis Aronowitz hope the Tumblr provides a space for people to process and share their stories without fear of stigmatization.
"When the [Lena Dunham] controversy took a more serious turn; when I saw folks calling her a molester, calling for her to step down from her role at Planned Parenthood, I had a moment where I was like 'uhm, if Lena Dunham is a child molester, so is everyone,'" said Collier. "Suddenly the shame I felt about the experiences I had as a child melted away and I felt emboldened by the critics. My hope is that if we tell our stories, we can chip away at the puritanical model clearly planted in us all. It's freeing to tell these stories."
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Salma Hayek Says She's Not A Feminist Before Receiving Women's Equality Award
Salma Hayek may have co-founded Chime for Change in 2013 -- a global campaign focusing on fighting for women’s rights around the world -- but the actress says she’s not a feminist.
Just before being honored as a women’s rights advocate at Equality Now’s Make Equality Reality even in Beverly Hills on Monday, Hayek told People magazine she doesn’t see herself as a feminist.
"I am not a feminist," Hayek said on the red carpet. "If men were going through the things women are going through today, I would be fighting for them with just as much passion. I believe in equality."
Hayek, 48, has long been a voice for women who have been denied their basic rights across the globe -- but it seems she has the wrong idea of what the feminist movement means. While many erroneously equate feminism to a form of man-hating mindset, in truth the movement’s main goal is gender equality.
At the event, the star also told The Hollywood Reporter why it was so important to stop the hate against women.
"We need to make war against hate," Hayek said. “I think that if you hate women you hate humanity. You hate life itself because there is no man who came to this world that did not come through a woman. Until there is respect, equality and the curiosity to discover the magical miracle that is womanhood around the world we will not have a chance to find dignity for humanity."
The actress’ comment seemed especially out of place at the event, which honored Hayek and feminist Gloria Steinem. Not to mention, according to The Hollywood Reporter, host Kathy Griffin at one point said “Let’s talk about feminism. I’m sick and tired of these young girls not owning this word!”
Regardless of whether Hayek is “owning” feminism or not, she says she does make it a point to not preach to her 7-year-old daughter.
"I don't preach to her every day," Hayek told People. "She's aware that her mommy fights for the rights of women, that there are many places in the world where they are not entitled to the rights."
H/T Latina
Just before being honored as a women’s rights advocate at Equality Now’s Make Equality Reality even in Beverly Hills on Monday, Hayek told People magazine she doesn’t see herself as a feminist.
"I am not a feminist," Hayek said on the red carpet. "If men were going through the things women are going through today, I would be fighting for them with just as much passion. I believe in equality."
Hayek, 48, has long been a voice for women who have been denied their basic rights across the globe -- but it seems she has the wrong idea of what the feminist movement means. While many erroneously equate feminism to a form of man-hating mindset, in truth the movement’s main goal is gender equality.
At the event, the star also told The Hollywood Reporter why it was so important to stop the hate against women.
"We need to make war against hate," Hayek said. “I think that if you hate women you hate humanity. You hate life itself because there is no man who came to this world that did not come through a woman. Until there is respect, equality and the curiosity to discover the magical miracle that is womanhood around the world we will not have a chance to find dignity for humanity."
The actress’ comment seemed especially out of place at the event, which honored Hayek and feminist Gloria Steinem. Not to mention, according to The Hollywood Reporter, host Kathy Griffin at one point said “Let’s talk about feminism. I’m sick and tired of these young girls not owning this word!”
Regardless of whether Hayek is “owning” feminism or not, she says she does make it a point to not preach to her 7-year-old daughter.
"I don't preach to her every day," Hayek told People. "She's aware that her mommy fights for the rights of women, that there are many places in the world where they are not entitled to the rights."
H/T Latina
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This Adorable Holiday Ad Starring A Penguin Just Waddled Right Into Our Hearts
Even though it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, the Christmas-themed commercials have already begun -- and this one is sure to warm your heart on a blustery November day.
The advertisement, for British department store John Lewis, features a little boy named Sam frolicking with his penguin friend, Monty. However, when Sam observes Monty longing for a different kind of companionship, he decided to surprise him on Christmas day.
And if you're wondering what the sweet song in the background is, it's the John Lennon-penned "Real Love," performed here by Tom Odell.
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The advertisement, for British department store John Lewis, features a little boy named Sam frolicking with his penguin friend, Monty. However, when Sam observes Monty longing for a different kind of companionship, he decided to surprise him on Christmas day.
And if you're wondering what the sweet song in the background is, it's the John Lennon-penned "Real Love," performed here by Tom Odell.
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The First Trailer For 'Selma' Stands Up
"What happens when a man stands up and says enough is enough?" That's the money quote in the first trailer for Ava DuVernay's "Selma," which focuses on a three-month stretch in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. organized a campaign to ensure equal voting rights for all men and women.
Before today, "Selma" stood as the last unknown quantity of awards season; now, with the new trailer and a forthcoming 30-minute preview of footage at the AFI Festival in Los Angeles, its a fresh contender on the block. David Oyelowo stars as King, but the cast for this one is big: Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Tessa Thompson, Andre Holland, Keith Stanfield, Wendell Pierce, Niecy Nash, Lorraine Toussaint Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey, who also produced the film.
"She moved the waters like Moses: She held up her staff, and they parted, and we were able to go through and make the movie," DuVernay told Yahoo about Winfrey. "She was a producer, and that’s working on financing, physical production, casting, permits, insurances -- it gets really boring and unsexy at some point. But I'm able to say I've heard Oprah Winfrey on an insurance bond call. She did it all."
Watch the "Selma" trailer above. "Selma" opens in New York and Los Angeles on Christmas Day; a nationwide bow is set for Jan. 9, 2015.
Before today, "Selma" stood as the last unknown quantity of awards season; now, with the new trailer and a forthcoming 30-minute preview of footage at the AFI Festival in Los Angeles, its a fresh contender on the block. David Oyelowo stars as King, but the cast for this one is big: Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Tessa Thompson, Andre Holland, Keith Stanfield, Wendell Pierce, Niecy Nash, Lorraine Toussaint Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey, who also produced the film.
"She moved the waters like Moses: She held up her staff, and they parted, and we were able to go through and make the movie," DuVernay told Yahoo about Winfrey. "She was a producer, and that’s working on financing, physical production, casting, permits, insurances -- it gets really boring and unsexy at some point. But I'm able to say I've heard Oprah Winfrey on an insurance bond call. She did it all."
Watch the "Selma" trailer above. "Selma" opens in New York and Los Angeles on Christmas Day; a nationwide bow is set for Jan. 9, 2015.
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Phil Rudd, AC/DC Drummer, Has Murder-For-Hire Charges Dropped, Attorney Says
The murder-for-hire charges against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd have been dropped, his lawyer announced on Friday.
"I was advised by the Crown Solicitor Hollister-Jones that he had reviewed the police file and the available evidence to support the charge of attempting to procure murder," attorney Paul Mabey QC said in a statement cited by the New Zealand Herald. "He had formed the view that there was insufficient evidence to justify that charge. He has now withdrawn the charge."
Rudd had been charged with attempting to procure the murders of two men after police searched his home on Thursday. He was also accused of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.
The latter two charges against the 60-year-old rocker remained.
The attorney said Rudd planned to defend himself against the accusations of threatening to kill, but brushed off the drug charges as "minor," according to Stuff.co.nz.
Mabey also suggested that the drummer would consider suing authorities over the allegations.
"Mr Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity as a result of widespread and sensational reporting of a very serious allegation, which on any basis was never justified," he said, according to TNZ. "The damage to Mr Rudd is incalculable."
Rudd, born Phillip Hugh Norman Witschke Rudzevecuis in Australia, joined AC/DC in 1975 and played on many of the band's biggest hits. He was fired in 1983, then re-joined in 1994. In September, Rudd told Blabbermouth he expected to tour with AC/DC after the release of the band's upcoming album, "Rock or Bust."
"I was advised by the Crown Solicitor Hollister-Jones that he had reviewed the police file and the available evidence to support the charge of attempting to procure murder," attorney Paul Mabey QC said in a statement cited by the New Zealand Herald. "He had formed the view that there was insufficient evidence to justify that charge. He has now withdrawn the charge."
Rudd had been charged with attempting to procure the murders of two men after police searched his home on Thursday. He was also accused of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.
The latter two charges against the 60-year-old rocker remained.
The attorney said Rudd planned to defend himself against the accusations of threatening to kill, but brushed off the drug charges as "minor," according to Stuff.co.nz.
Mabey also suggested that the drummer would consider suing authorities over the allegations.
"Mr Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity as a result of widespread and sensational reporting of a very serious allegation, which on any basis was never justified," he said, according to TNZ. "The damage to Mr Rudd is incalculable."
Rudd, born Phillip Hugh Norman Witschke Rudzevecuis in Australia, joined AC/DC in 1975 and played on many of the band's biggest hits. He was fired in 1983, then re-joined in 1994. In September, Rudd told Blabbermouth he expected to tour with AC/DC after the release of the band's upcoming album, "Rock or Bust."
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Sophia Loren Pressured To Get A Nose Job As A Young Actress
Ummm ... what?!
Sophia Loren is regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses of all time, but in the early days of her career, she was apparently pressured to get plastic surgery. The 80-year-old screen legend made the revelation during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
In her memoir, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: My Life, Loren describes going to Ponti's office for a test screening and the cameraman saying she's "impossible to photograph." When Ponti, an Italian film director and Loren's late husband, later suggested she try "softening" her "dominant profile," she refused.
"I didn't want a small, turned-up nose," she wrote. "I knew perfectly well that my beauty was the result of a lot of irregularities all blended together in one face, my face. Whether I won or lost, it was going to be in the original version."
Loren, who was a beauty pageant contestant as a teenage girl before becoming an actress, has continued to avoid cosmetic surgery.
“I think it’s in the DNA,” she told OK! Magazine last year. “If you want to look always young, maybe you should make the mistake to do some surgery, but I don’t like that very much. People get so unhappy, because they make mistakes. I would be so much afraid of it. So much!”
Sophia Loren is regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses of all time, but in the early days of her career, she was apparently pressured to get plastic surgery. The 80-year-old screen legend made the revelation during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
I always tried not to listen to these people. They were saying that my nose was too long and my mouth was too big. It didn't hurt me at all because when I believe in something, it's like war. It's a battle. But even Carlo [Ponti] said, 'You know the cameramen, they say that your nose is too long. Maybe you have to touch it a little bit.' And I said, 'Listen, I don't want to touch nothing on my face because I like my face. If I have to change my nose, I am going back to Pozzuoli.' At that time, they used to do noses like a French nose with a little tip at the end -- they liked that. Can you imagine me with a nose like that?
In her memoir, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: My Life, Loren describes going to Ponti's office for a test screening and the cameraman saying she's "impossible to photograph." When Ponti, an Italian film director and Loren's late husband, later suggested she try "softening" her "dominant profile," she refused.
"I didn't want a small, turned-up nose," she wrote. "I knew perfectly well that my beauty was the result of a lot of irregularities all blended together in one face, my face. Whether I won or lost, it was going to be in the original version."
Loren, who was a beauty pageant contestant as a teenage girl before becoming an actress, has continued to avoid cosmetic surgery.
“I think it’s in the DNA,” she told OK! Magazine last year. “If you want to look always young, maybe you should make the mistake to do some surgery, but I don’t like that very much. People get so unhappy, because they make mistakes. I would be so much afraid of it. So much!”
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Taylor Swift Crashes Young Fan's Photo Shoot While Jogging (In Full Makeup)
Taylor Swift is the kind of superstar who surprises fans at their bridal showers, writes encouraging messages on their Instagram photos, gives them money to purchase Chipotle on their birthdays and invites them into her home to eat homemade cookies and listen to her latest album (before everyone else).
And in her latest attempt to become St. Taylor -- or at least the friendliest celebrity out there -- Swift crashed a young fan's photo shoot while she was jogging in a Nashville area park.
Swift was just working on her fitness in the great outdoors when she jogged her way into a fan, who was in the middle of a photo shoot with photographer Sarah Bailey.
The 24-year-old stopped and took the time not only to chat with the girl, but to pose for a couple of photos. And luckily, she was camera-ready: Swift sported a Notre Dame hoodie -- her younger brother Austin's school-- and a full face of makeup. (Of course Taylor Swift jogs wearing red lipstick and mascara -- after all, this is how she looks after her ModelFIT workouts in New York.)
![taylor swift]()
![taylor swift photo]()
H/T: Jezebel
And in her latest attempt to become St. Taylor -- or at least the friendliest celebrity out there -- Swift crashed a young fan's photo shoot while she was jogging in a Nashville area park.
Swift was just working on her fitness in the great outdoors when she jogged her way into a fan, who was in the middle of a photo shoot with photographer Sarah Bailey.
The 24-year-old stopped and took the time not only to chat with the girl, but to pose for a couple of photos. And luckily, she was camera-ready: Swift sported a Notre Dame hoodie -- her younger brother Austin's school-- and a full face of makeup. (Of course Taylor Swift jogs wearing red lipstick and mascara -- after all, this is how she looks after her ModelFIT workouts in New York.)
H/T: Jezebel
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Jimmy Kimmel's Fake Reality Show Leaves Contestants Deeply Confused In The Best Way
If you're tired of all those reality competitions that celebrate people with, you know, "actual talent," then this is the show you've been waiting for.
Jimmy Kimmel's fake new reality show simply asks "Do You Have What It Takes?" You don't need to sing, dance or really have any talent at all. You just need to have "it" (whatever that is).
So will Kimmel and his celebrity judges find someone who has what it takes? Check out the first episode to find out.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
Jimmy Kimmel's fake new reality show simply asks "Do You Have What It Takes?" You don't need to sing, dance or really have any talent at all. You just need to have "it" (whatever that is).
So will Kimmel and his celebrity judges find someone who has what it takes? Check out the first episode to find out.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
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Serena Williams Tells Fans She 'Desperately' Wants To Settle Down And Have Family
Serena Williams is looking for a match off the court.
In a Twitter Q&A Friday, the tennis star told curious fans she "desperately" wants to settle down and have a family. "My time will come," she added.
In a follow-up question, a fan asked her if she was single, and the world's top-ranked player responded, "Not by choice."
Williams, 33, also discussed a variety of topics, such as what she loves to do when she's off from tennis and why she won't be running the New York City Marathon like her friend and rival Caroline Wozniacki.
Hey, when you've won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, you don't have to run 26.2 miles to prove yourself.
Check out a few of the choice exchanges from the #SerenaFriday chat, below:
In a Twitter Q&A Friday, the tennis star told curious fans she "desperately" wants to settle down and have a family. "My time will come," she added.
In a follow-up question, a fan asked her if she was single, and the world's top-ranked player responded, "Not by choice."
Williams, 33, also discussed a variety of topics, such as what she loves to do when she's off from tennis and why she won't be running the New York City Marathon like her friend and rival Caroline Wozniacki.
Hey, when you've won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, you don't have to run 26.2 miles to prove yourself.
Check out a few of the choice exchanges from the #SerenaFriday chat, below:
Desperately. My time will come. RT “@MonzellaC: @serenawilliams Do you ever want to settle down and have children”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014I being with people. I love RT “@TevonMUFC: @serenawilliams What do you love doing in the off season? #SerenaFriday”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014Chips. They go directly to my hips RT “@Sell95: @serenawilliams what is your favourite snack? #serenafriday :)”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014Not by choice RT “@PhillyFresh25: @serenawilliams #SerenaFriday single?”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014Looking after people before putting myself first. RT “@rabas2004: @serenawilliams What's your worst habit? #SerenaFriday”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014Looking after people before putting myself first. RT “@rabas2004: @serenawilliams What's your worst habit? #SerenaFriday”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014Acting RT “@DonatoMichael: @serenawilliams If you didn't take up tennis as a career, what else would you have wanted to do? #SerenaFriday”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014My ass is too big. RT “@heldermario: @serenawilliams are you thinking of running in next years New York Marathon???#serenafriday”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 7, 2014↧
NBC Reportedly Planning Live Version Of 'A Few Good Men'
NBC is in the very early stages of producing a live version of "A Few Good Men," Variety reports. Reportedly working on the project are Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the producers behind "Sound of Music Live!" and "Peter Pan Live!" HuffPost Entertainment has requested comment from NBC and the producers, and will update this story when we get a response.
Aaron Sorkin wrote "A Few Good Men" in 1989 and it became a hit Broadway play, helping to start the writer's career. In 1992, it was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. Variety reports that Sorkin is involved in the live production as well. His rep did not immediately return an request for comment.
Until then:
Aaron Sorkin wrote "A Few Good Men" in 1989 and it became a hit Broadway play, helping to start the writer's career. In 1992, it was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. Variety reports that Sorkin is involved in the live production as well. His rep did not immediately return an request for comment.
Until then:
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE LIVE TWEETS http://t.co/0SoZ3xSyVR
— Christopher Rosen (@chrisjrosen) November 7, 2014
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Joe Morton Of 'Scandal' Has No Idea When Papa Pope Will Die
Image: Bobby Quillard
Any "Scandal" fan can attest that Joe Morton is reason enough to tune in to the hit Shonda Rhimes drama. The actor steals scenes as Rowan Pope, father to our favorite crisis-fixer, Olivia, and head of B613 -- the super secret organization tasked with upholding the republic through any means necessary, legal or not. After a brief ousting last season almost left him powerless, Rowan maneuvered his way back to a prime string-pulling position as the president's close confidante. HuffPost Entertainment got on the phone with Morton, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor for his role in the series, to talk about Papa Pope, whether or not the skilled manipulator is a sociopath and diversity on television.
How do you think Rowan managed to get the president back on his side, even after Fitz saw how manipulative he can be?
One of the things that Rowan does is use people’s emotions to get them to do what he wants them to do. By managing to get Fitz to believe that Jake was responsible for Jerry’s death as well as Harrison’s death, he uses Fitz’s jealousy to do all the things Fitz does to Jake, and put myself, Rowan, on top. The thing that’s interesting about Rowan is that he is this amazing chess player. He always is several moves ahead and makes contingencies for "What if things go wrong?"
His manipulative ways have led a lot of fans to theorize that he’s a sociopath. Would you use that characterization?
Well, no. [Laughs] The only reason I say that is that you can’t, as an actor, play a character from a negative point of view. So my point of view about Rowan is that he does what he says he does which is to protect the republic and his daughter. And he does whatever is necessary to accomplish both those things, even if they are in conflict.
Do you think he truly believes that the only way to keep the republic safe is if he’s in charge of B613?
Well, what’s that famous saying about power? The more you have, the more you want, the more you want to get. So that’s, I think, the idea. It’s kind of like any other profession. When you start to move up and things are always working, your ego takes over. You believe that without you, these things can’t happen.
Sometimes it seems like Rowan is just pretending to love Olivia for his own personal gain. Do you think he values her love as much as his power?
Yes, I think he does. I don’t think he ever pretends to love his daughter. I think anything he says to her about how he cares for her is the truth. The only thing he ever manipulates is [who did what]. But he puts it out in such a way that people believe it because he’s using their emotions. Like Olivia, for instance, convincing her that she was somehow indirectly responsible for Jerry’s death. That was an interesting thing to do, because I could put it on: "You lured this guy, Jake, who’s in love with you, and who knew you wanted Fitz to be president and so would do anything in the world to do that. And then what he did was set up a situation where you and Fitz could never be together." Which is what I did. But to say it that way about somebody else is very believable.
Image: Rebloggy.com
After Rowan put Maya in the hole but told Fitz she was dead, you told TheWrap you were interested in exploring why he didn’t kill her. Now that Khandi Alexander, who plays Maya, is officially returning to the show, do you have more of an answer to that question?
Not yet, no. [Laughs] I wish I did. When I showed up at the table read I thought: Oh, maybe we can get closer to why she’s still alive. But, we’ll see. I’m not sure where we’re going.
How far ahead do the actors usually know what's coming in the season?
Not a lot at all. Literally, we don’t find out what’s coming until we sit down at the table read. All of us who are in danger of being killed in the show walk in thinking [that could happen]. It keeps tension very high, which is great.
After "12 Years a Slave" came out, you wrote an article arguing that it’s not productive for African-Americans to continue to be portrayed only as victims. Do you think that TV more than film is taking the lead in that direction?
Yeah, I think that’s one of the reasons why people are saying that this is the golden age of television. There’s certainly more diversity on television than there is in motion pictures these days. The argument for "12 Years a Slave," was that -- yes, its a beautiful film. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted. It's a real story, and these stories should be told. The problem is if they’re the only stories being told then it makes Americans of African descent -- it puts them into that victim category. And that was my problem with the movie. I thought: If I were a young man and that’s the only thing I ever saw when I went to the movies, and last year most of those films -- whether it was "12 Years" or whether it was "Mandela" or "The Butler" -- they were all the same topic. It was either slavery or segregation. So in my opinion it would be a lot better for the culture -- meaning the culture of America -- if there was more diversity in terms of storyline. In terms of the kind of content that you see about Americans of African descent on the screen.
Image: YouTube
This interview has been edited and condensed.
"Scandal" airs Thursday at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
Images Getty unless otherwise noted.
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Drew Barrymore: I'm Acting Less To Raise Kids
Drew Barrymore says she’s cutting down on show business to raise her daughters. In an interview on Friday’s “Today Show,” the actress explained that she would rather be there for the children than in front of the camera.
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7 Things You Didn't Know About 'Fast & Furious'
The Facts and the Curious.
"The Fast and the Furious" came out all the way back in the summer of 2001. Since then, the "Fast & Furious" franchise has transitioned from being purely about street racing to grand heists that involve The Rock. "Furious 7," the possible final ride in the series, is due out next April. Its trailer promises mayhem of the highest order.
But it's difficult to know how to juggle celebration of the film's opening while mourning the death of series star Paul Walker, who makes his final appearance in "Furious 7." "We grew up in the business together, and we became famous together, and we represented the biggest franchise together," Vin Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto, said earlier this year on "Live With Kelly and Michael." "[Paul's death is] one of the darker moments in this, in my journey." He then addressed the audience: "Yeah. Yeah guys, you know it's a rough one. You all had people you love that passed away."
But instead of focusing on the bad, let's heed the words of Toretto. "I live my life a quarter mile at a time," he says in the first film. "Nothing else matters ... For those 10 seconds or less, I'm free." With the promotional cycle starting up for the latest installment, "Furious 7," it seemed like the right time to take a look back and share some little known trivia from the series.
1. That runway from "Fast & Furious 6" was extremely long.
![TK TK gifs]()
Most runways are just over a mile, but the one in the film was abnormally long.
The climactic scene of "Fast & Furious 6" involves the crew chasing after an airplane trying to take off. The scene lasts over 13 minutes. The plane is always going at least 115 mph, given what The Rock said during an interview while promoting the movie.
Vulture talked to Captain Robert Travis, President of the Independent Pilots Association and did some independent math, while breaking down the scene in parts to conclude that the runway was 28.829 miles. For a different conclusion, the BBC talked to pilot Ian Hollingworth and using his speed estimate concluded that the runway was 18.37 miles long.
2. Both Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster were cast despite not having driver's licenses.
![104607457]()
Jordana Brewster said she had to learn to drive in New York City, where she was living at the time -- a challenging place to start. She actually had to pass her driver's license test in one take or she would have been dropped from the movie due to insurance requirements.
Michelle Rodriguez told Entertainment Tonight that learning how to drive for the series led to quite a few speeding problems:
3. "Fast & Furious" and "Herbie: Fully Loaded" take place in the same universe.
![herbie]()
Referring to the picture above of a 1970 Dodge Charger driven by Dominic Toretto in the first movie, an advertisement for "Fast & Furious 6" asked the question, "'Fast & Furious' and 'Herbie: Fully Loaded' confirmed to take place in the same universe?" and answered, "We’re gonna say yes."
Herbie is an anthropomorphic Volkswagen Beetle that has a mind of its own and is extremely fast. Certainly the ramifications of this sentient car being in the "Fast & Furious" universe are huge. In "Herbie: Fully Loaded," there is even a street racer scene in which Herbie has LED blue lights and a lowered suspension. For supposedly being some of the best street racers in the world, it's pretty suspicious the "Fast & Furious" crew have somehow never talked about the the "Love Bug." Maybe they all got beat by Herbie once and are too embarrassed to bring that up.
Image: "Herbie: Fully Loaded"
4. Michelle Rodriguez really didn't like the cast at first and thought Paul Walker was a "Ken Barbie doll."
![TK TK gifs]()
In the aforementioned MTV News interview, Michelle Rodriguez revealed that she was far from a fan of her co-stars when she first met them. As she explained, "I was like, 'Who’s the Kenny Barbie doll,' when I looked at Paul ... I thought Jordana was prissy ninny. I thought Vin was a dick ... And I was wrong about each and every one of them." The interview notes that they truly seemed like a sort of family. It's a sentiment that Rodriguez reiterated after Walker's death.
More recently, when asked by Empire about her co-star The Rock, she seemed to be more fond of his right from the start:
5. Vin Diesel gave the Red Chevelle he drives in the movies to his infant daughter.
![the fast and the furious]()
Vin Diesel's character, Dominic Toretto, drives off in a red 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS454 coupe at the end of "The Fast and the Furious." When the character returns in the 2009 movie, "Fast & Furious," the car is seen again.
Although multiple versions of the car exist, Diesel told MTV News that he gave at least one of the Red Chevelles to his infant daughter because she was born while filming "Fast & Furious."
Diesel was apparently hesitant in going to the hospital and cutting the umbilical cord, but Paul Walker convinced him that he had to do it.
Image: "The Fast and the Furious"
6. There's a movie from 1954 called "The Fast and the Furious" that involves fast cars and racing.
![478221211]()
This is a movie that involves hotrods and car racing. Jaguar had product placement in the movie. That said, despite the similarity of a focus on cars, the 1954 version is very different and focuses on the actor and director John Ireland's character trying to escape to Mexico after breaking out of jail.
For the 2001 version, Universal acquired the title rights to "The Fast and the Furious," but not the story rights. The new movie was actually inspired by a 1998 article about New York City street racing in Vibe. According to the The New Yorker, the original producer, Roger Corman, his title to be used as a trade for ancient Roman studio footage from "Spartacus."
Images: "The Fast And The Furious."
7. A woman sued when she thought "Drive" wasn't as good as the "Fast & Furious" series.
![TK TK gifs]()
Sarah Deming filed a lawsuit against FilmDistrict, when their movie, "Drive," wasn't "similar to The Fast and [the] Furious." She claimed that "Drive" had been marketed to be like "Fast & Furious" and that "Drive" was such a disappointment compared to "Fast & Furious" that it deserved to be sued. Apparently Ryan Gosling is just no Vin Diesel. In the lawsuit she only sought ticket reimbursement, which the movie theater had already given her.
Although her case may not have been as solid as The Rock, her point that movies should be more like "Fast & Furious" is respectable.
BONUS: Will there be more movies?
![]( "source: imgur.com")
Regarding another installment to the franchise, in one of his final interviews, Paul Walker said: "There's going to be an eight. It's like who's going to be in the "eight" I think is the question." The answer is now tragic in light of his death just days later on Nov. 30, 2013. Earlier in that year, Vin Diesel had said, "I think the debate is whether it's seven, eight, nine or seven, eight, nine, 10. I know, it doesn't even make sense."
More recently, there has been rumors that Cody Walker -- Paul Walker's younger brother -- will be joining the cast for future installments. Kurt Russell, who stars in "Furious 7," has also been talked about as being a part of an eighth installment.
"The Fast and the Furious" came out all the way back in the summer of 2001. Since then, the "Fast & Furious" franchise has transitioned from being purely about street racing to grand heists that involve The Rock. "Furious 7," the possible final ride in the series, is due out next April. Its trailer promises mayhem of the highest order.
But it's difficult to know how to juggle celebration of the film's opening while mourning the death of series star Paul Walker, who makes his final appearance in "Furious 7." "We grew up in the business together, and we became famous together, and we represented the biggest franchise together," Vin Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto, said earlier this year on "Live With Kelly and Michael." "[Paul's death is] one of the darker moments in this, in my journey." He then addressed the audience: "Yeah. Yeah guys, you know it's a rough one. You all had people you love that passed away."
But instead of focusing on the bad, let's heed the words of Toretto. "I live my life a quarter mile at a time," he says in the first film. "Nothing else matters ... For those 10 seconds or less, I'm free." With the promotional cycle starting up for the latest installment, "Furious 7," it seemed like the right time to take a look back and share some little known trivia from the series.
1. That runway from "Fast & Furious 6" was extremely long.
Most runways are just over a mile, but the one in the film was abnormally long.
The climactic scene of "Fast & Furious 6" involves the crew chasing after an airplane trying to take off. The scene lasts over 13 minutes. The plane is always going at least 115 mph, given what The Rock said during an interview while promoting the movie.
Vulture talked to Captain Robert Travis, President of the Independent Pilots Association and did some independent math, while breaking down the scene in parts to conclude that the runway was 28.829 miles. For a different conclusion, the BBC talked to pilot Ian Hollingworth and using his speed estimate concluded that the runway was 18.37 miles long.
2. Both Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster were cast despite not having driver's licenses.
Jordana Brewster said she had to learn to drive in New York City, where she was living at the time -- a challenging place to start. She actually had to pass her driver's license test in one take or she would have been dropped from the movie due to insurance requirements.
Michelle Rodriguez told Entertainment Tonight that learning how to drive for the series led to quite a few speeding problems:
I got such a bad record with speeding 'cause I got my license for "Fast and Furious." After 11 points on your license, you're like, "Yo, where's that Prius at? I'm dropping this M3 somewhere.
3. "Fast & Furious" and "Herbie: Fully Loaded" take place in the same universe.
Referring to the picture above of a 1970 Dodge Charger driven by Dominic Toretto in the first movie, an advertisement for "Fast & Furious 6" asked the question, "'Fast & Furious' and 'Herbie: Fully Loaded' confirmed to take place in the same universe?" and answered, "We’re gonna say yes."
Herbie is an anthropomorphic Volkswagen Beetle that has a mind of its own and is extremely fast. Certainly the ramifications of this sentient car being in the "Fast & Furious" universe are huge. In "Herbie: Fully Loaded," there is even a street racer scene in which Herbie has LED blue lights and a lowered suspension. For supposedly being some of the best street racers in the world, it's pretty suspicious the "Fast & Furious" crew have somehow never talked about the the "Love Bug." Maybe they all got beat by Herbie once and are too embarrassed to bring that up.
Image: "Herbie: Fully Loaded"
4. Michelle Rodriguez really didn't like the cast at first and thought Paul Walker was a "Ken Barbie doll."
In the aforementioned MTV News interview, Michelle Rodriguez revealed that she was far from a fan of her co-stars when she first met them. As she explained, "I was like, 'Who’s the Kenny Barbie doll,' when I looked at Paul ... I thought Jordana was prissy ninny. I thought Vin was a dick ... And I was wrong about each and every one of them." The interview notes that they truly seemed like a sort of family. It's a sentiment that Rodriguez reiterated after Walker's death.
More recently, when asked by Empire about her co-star The Rock, she seemed to be more fond of his right from the start:
He's such a cool cat. I'm always staring at him like he's not real. I look at him, I see an eyebrow raised, him in his underpants! Those muscles, they feel like rocks for real. I'm in awe of that guy. I can't even approach him like a real person. He's an entity. Most of my scenes are not with him, unfortunately.
5. Vin Diesel gave the Red Chevelle he drives in the movies to his infant daughter.
Vin Diesel's character, Dominic Toretto, drives off in a red 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS454 coupe at the end of "The Fast and the Furious." When the character returns in the 2009 movie, "Fast & Furious," the car is seen again.
Although multiple versions of the car exist, Diesel told MTV News that he gave at least one of the Red Chevelles to his infant daughter because she was born while filming "Fast & Furious."
Diesel was apparently hesitant in going to the hospital and cutting the umbilical cord, but Paul Walker convinced him that he had to do it.
Image: "The Fast and the Furious"
6. There's a movie from 1954 called "The Fast and the Furious" that involves fast cars and racing.
This is a movie that involves hotrods and car racing. Jaguar had product placement in the movie. That said, despite the similarity of a focus on cars, the 1954 version is very different and focuses on the actor and director John Ireland's character trying to escape to Mexico after breaking out of jail.
For the 2001 version, Universal acquired the title rights to "The Fast and the Furious," but not the story rights. The new movie was actually inspired by a 1998 article about New York City street racing in Vibe. According to the The New Yorker, the original producer, Roger Corman, his title to be used as a trade for ancient Roman studio footage from "Spartacus."
Images: "The Fast And The Furious."
7. A woman sued when she thought "Drive" wasn't as good as the "Fast & Furious" series.
Sarah Deming filed a lawsuit against FilmDistrict, when their movie, "Drive," wasn't "similar to The Fast and [the] Furious." She claimed that "Drive" had been marketed to be like "Fast & Furious" and that "Drive" was such a disappointment compared to "Fast & Furious" that it deserved to be sued. Apparently Ryan Gosling is just no Vin Diesel. In the lawsuit she only sought ticket reimbursement, which the movie theater had already given her.
Although her case may not have been as solid as The Rock, her point that movies should be more like "Fast & Furious" is respectable.
BONUS: Will there be more movies?
Regarding another installment to the franchise, in one of his final interviews, Paul Walker said: "There's going to be an eight. It's like who's going to be in the "eight" I think is the question." The answer is now tragic in light of his death just days later on Nov. 30, 2013. Earlier in that year, Vin Diesel had said, "I think the debate is whether it's seven, eight, nine or seven, eight, nine, 10. I know, it doesn't even make sense."
More recently, there has been rumors that Cody Walker -- Paul Walker's younger brother -- will be joining the cast for future installments. Kurt Russell, who stars in "Furious 7," has also been talked about as being a part of an eighth installment.
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This Is Not An 'Interstellar' Spoiler
Back in August of 2013, Indiewire's The Playlist reported Matt Damon had signed on for a small role in Christopher Nolan's new film, "Interstellar." The story was soon picked up by Entertainment Weekly, Variety, TheWrap, Business Insider, Moviefone, io9, Slashfilm and The Huffington Post, among many other sites.
Damon himself, meanwhile, talked about the "Interstellar" role in interviews with MTV and Hitfix earlier this year. "I don't have a big part," he said to MTV in January. "I was thrilled to be able to work with Chris and I had a blast working with him." The actor even referenced his time spent working with "Interstellar" star Matthew McConaughey in an interview with David Letterman.
But Damon has been completely absent from the film's marketing campaign and reviews. In Joe McGovern's critique of "Interstellar" for Entertainment Weekly, Damon isn't cited, except as an "A-list actor whose identity Nolan has kept secret." Dana Stevens at Slate referenced Damon simply as "one surprising sign of life." (Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter echoed Stevens' language, referring to an unnamed Damon as a "surprise presence.") Discussing the film's Oscar chances, HitFix In Contention editor Kris Tapley acknowledged Damon in this way: "... and a famous actor whose cameo apparently isn't widely known despite the fact that he's talked about it on camera (on Letterman and here at HitFix), well, he's pretty memorable, too." New York Times critic A.O. Scott even made reference to signing a nondisclosure agreement before seeing the film. "Forget about telling you what happens," Scott wrote in his review. "I'm not even supposed to tell you who's in the thing, aside from the people you've seen on magazine covers."
Of major critics, only David Edelstein, writing for New York, flat out announced Damon's presence: "Matt Damon pops up on an ice planet to look shifty and bite his lip to keep from breaking into his peerless McConaughey impression." (An article posted by Business Insider also revealed Damon's involvement, but noted his cameo was a "surprise.")
Much has been made about how Nolan has kept "Interstellar" under strict wraps, even with regard to how the film was screened for journalists and critics, but this just feels like an overreach. There plenty of actors in "Interstellar," and Damon is just one of them; knowing he appears in the film is on par with knowing Topher Grace does too. (Topher Grace is in "Interstellar," btw.) Neither of these revelations affect the overall experience of seeing "Interstellar" on the big screen. It doesn't spoil anything to know people are in a movie.
"We all want to unwrap our Christmas presents early," Nolan said about spoilers in an interview with the New York Times. "But we all know we'll be disappointed if we do."
In the case of Damon, the present was unwrapped 15 months ago. Then again in January. Nolan's a master at a lot of things, but even he should know better than to regift.
Damon himself, meanwhile, talked about the "Interstellar" role in interviews with MTV and Hitfix earlier this year. "I don't have a big part," he said to MTV in January. "I was thrilled to be able to work with Chris and I had a blast working with him." The actor even referenced his time spent working with "Interstellar" star Matthew McConaughey in an interview with David Letterman.
But Damon has been completely absent from the film's marketing campaign and reviews. In Joe McGovern's critique of "Interstellar" for Entertainment Weekly, Damon isn't cited, except as an "A-list actor whose identity Nolan has kept secret." Dana Stevens at Slate referenced Damon simply as "one surprising sign of life." (Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter echoed Stevens' language, referring to an unnamed Damon as a "surprise presence.") Discussing the film's Oscar chances, HitFix In Contention editor Kris Tapley acknowledged Damon in this way: "... and a famous actor whose cameo apparently isn't widely known despite the fact that he's talked about it on camera (on Letterman and here at HitFix), well, he's pretty memorable, too." New York Times critic A.O. Scott even made reference to signing a nondisclosure agreement before seeing the film. "Forget about telling you what happens," Scott wrote in his review. "I'm not even supposed to tell you who's in the thing, aside from the people you've seen on magazine covers."
Of major critics, only David Edelstein, writing for New York, flat out announced Damon's presence: "Matt Damon pops up on an ice planet to look shifty and bite his lip to keep from breaking into his peerless McConaughey impression." (An article posted by Business Insider also revealed Damon's involvement, but noted his cameo was a "surprise.")
Much has been made about how Nolan has kept "Interstellar" under strict wraps, even with regard to how the film was screened for journalists and critics, but this just feels like an overreach. There plenty of actors in "Interstellar," and Damon is just one of them; knowing he appears in the film is on par with knowing Topher Grace does too. (Topher Grace is in "Interstellar," btw.) Neither of these revelations affect the overall experience of seeing "Interstellar" on the big screen. It doesn't spoil anything to know people are in a movie.
"We all want to unwrap our Christmas presents early," Nolan said about spoilers in an interview with the New York Times. "But we all know we'll be disappointed if we do."
In the case of Damon, the present was unwrapped 15 months ago. Then again in January. Nolan's a master at a lot of things, but even he should know better than to regift.
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