Britt Hayes is a writer, movie lover, and sensible sweater enthusiast living in Austin, Texas. She watches too much TV and never eats her vegetables.
Britt Hayes
Tilikum, Subject of Killer Whale Doc ‘Blackfish’, Dies in Captivity
In 2010, an orca named Tilikum made headlines when he killed SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in Orlando, Florida — Brancheau wasn’t the first person killed by the park’s troubled resident; then again, Tilikum wasn’t the first (or the last) captive orca to attack a human being. Three years later, he became newsworthy again as the subject of Blackfish, Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s eye-opening documentary which used the story of Tilikum to shine a light on the horrors lurking within sea parks (spoiler: it’s the humans you need to worry about). Four years later, Tilikum is making headlines again, as the now-infamous orca has passed away at the estimated age of 36.
‘Team Thor’ Sequel Rumored for ‘Doctor Strange’ Blu-ray
In what is surely the most glorious rumor of the week, the Blu-ray details for Marvel’s Doctor Strange have apparently leaked online, and among the special features listed is perhaps the most special of all — something titled “Team Thor: Part 2,” which appears to be a follow-up to the hilarious mockumentary short that debuted at last year’s Comic-Con. Marvel isn’t releasing the Blu-ray until February 28, which means our fingers are going to be pretty stiff from all the crossing they’ll be doing until then.
‘Star Wars’ Creatives Meeting to Address Carrie Fisher’s Expanded Role in Sequels
Without knowing the scope of Carrie Fisher’s role in the upcoming Star Wars sequels, it’s difficult to speculate about how Lucasfilm might address her recent passing. But a new report has uncovered key details (and potential spoilers) regarding General Leia’s narrative arc in Episodes VIII and IX, and reveals that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is planning to meet with director Colin Trevorrow next week to contemplate their options for Leia’s role in the forthcoming sequels.
‘Cars 3’ Reveals First Look at Armie Hammer’s New Villain
Describing a car as “villainous” is kind of silly, but this is the world of Pixar, where it’s totally normal for inanimate objects to become anthropomorphic friends and foes. The latest batch of photos from Cars 3 reveal a bit of both, including our first look at new baddie Jackson Storm, voiced by Armie Hammer. Pixar has also revealed some additional plot details from their next big sequel, which hits theaters this summer.
This iPhone ‘Theatre Mode’ Update Sounds Like a Threat
It’s hard to pass judgment on iPhone’s new “theatre mode” because, well, it doesn’t exist out in the real world just yet. But according to a new report, that might be changing sooner rather than later, as Apple’s latest update is said to include this mysterious function. What is it, exactly? What does it do? Is this good news or bad news? Is the sanctity of the theatrical experience facing a new, insidious threat? Whatever it is, we’ll probably find out on January 10, when the iOS 10.3 beta rolls out to iPhone users.
Mark Hamill Shares Tribute to Carrie Fisher, ‘An Inspiration For Young Girls and Women Everywhere’
We lost an incomparable actress, writer, icon, and amazing human being when Carrie Fisher passed away on December 27, 2016. No one is feeling that loss as deeply as those closest to her, and in the days since Fisher’s passing, we’ve had the privilege of reading and hearing some of their remembrances. Today, Mark Hamill has shared his own personal tribute to Fisher, offering a touching, humorous and appropriately candid essay for his Star Wars co-star and longtime friend.
Ryan Gosling to Reunite With ‘La La Land’ Director for Neil Armstrong Biopic
After taking some time off to make his directorial debut and tend to his growing family, Ryan Gosling is back and busier than ever with recent roles in The Nice Guys and awards season favorite La La Land. While that film is currently in theaters (and picking up a few awards nominations), Gosling is already plotting a reunion with director Damien Chazelle for his next project, a Neil Armstrong biopic that will take the actor from the “City of Stars” to the actual stars — in outer space.
Ryan Reynolds May Have Filmed a Deadpool Scene for ‘Logan’ [UPDATE]
Ryan Reynolds’ wish for a proper Deadpool and Wolverine crossover movie may never come true, but the actor has apparently achieved something pretty close with a small cameo in Logan. According to a new report, the actor recently filmed a scene for Hugh Jackman’s final bow as Wolverine, though it’s unclear if we’ll actually see the two characters share the screen when Logan hits theaters next spring.
Scarlett Johansson Is the Highest-Grossing Actor of 2016
Near the end of every year, Forbes releases their rankings of the top actors in Hollywood based on their box-office value and earnings (along with a list of the most overpaid actors, which is always interesting). This year, Scarlett Johansson tops the list of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood, followed closely by Marvel co-stars Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., who tied for second place. What makes Johansson’s ranking even more notable, however, is her earnings — while RDJr. placed ninth on this year’s list of the highest-paid actors with $33 million, Johansson ranked third on the actress list with $25 million.
‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ Delivers That ‘Matrix’ Reunion in New Photo
We have a few days before the end of 2016, but more importantly, less than two months before John Wick is thinking he’s back again — this time with a canine upgrade, some new assassins, and a delightful reunion with Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne. In keeping with the spirit of the season, Lionsgate has released a new photo from John Wick: Chapter 2, giving us a preview of that mini-reunion along with a few details about Fishburne’s role in Wick’s world.
The Best Movies of 2016 (According to Britt Hayes)
According to most people (on the internet, which is where most people live now), 2016 was horrific. It was a year in which we lost some of our best and brightest artists, a year in which we elected a president who will, according to Kate McKinnon’s Hilary Clinton, “kill us all,” and it was a year in which many blockbusters fulfilled the “bust” end of that promise. Despite all of this, 2016 delivered some truly remarkable films; because of all of this, we needed them.
‘Wonder Woman’ Claims Her Sword in New Photo
Even without her lasso and gauntlets and sword, Wonder Woman is still plenty powerful — but those things sure do help, and they look cool as hell. Like, really cool. Functionally speaking, Diana’s accessories have always been pretty awesome, but some of them (lookin’ at you, lasso) have occasionally come off as a bit corny. As we’ve seen in the trailers, Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins have ensured that there’s nothing silly about them, but when it comes to that sword, there’s no debate: It rules. And it’s the centerpiece in a newly released photo from the upcoming Wonder Woman solo film.