Hollywood actors Matthew McConaughey and Timothee Chalamet have a message for the young people. The actors are telling young people to brace themselves and lead the entertainment industry through the rise of AI, reports ‘Variety’. During a town hall event at the University of Texas at Austin, which reunited the Dallas Buyers Club Oscar winner with his Interstellar co-star Timothee Chalamet, Matthew McConaughey explained the thought process behind his recent move to trademark his catchphrase from ‘Dazed and Confused’. “It’s coming. It’s already here”, he said, responding to a student’s question about AI. “Don’t deny it. It’s not going to be enough to sit on the sidelines and make the moral plea that, ‘No, this is wrong’. It’s not gonna last. There’s too much money to be made, and it’s too productive. So I say, Own yourself. Voice, likeness, et cetera. Trademark it. Whatever you gotta do, so when it comes, no one can steal you”. As per ‘Variety’, speaking to Timothee Chalamet during the town hall, Matthew McConaughey gave an example of the AI scenarios he imagines are coming in the future. He said, “They gotta come to you and go, ‘Timothee, I’d like you to be at my 50th birthday party in five months, and I’m gonna be in the Bahamas. I know you can’t be there in person, but I’m gonna halo you in and I want you as your character in Marty Supreme. They can do that, but they’re gonna have to come to you to go, ‘Can I?’ Or they’re going to be in breach. And you’ll have the chance to be your own agency and go, ‘Yeah, for this amount’. Or, ‘No’”. Matthew McConaughey also mused on the idea of AI “replacing” actors, and how the technology might factor into awards conversations. “It’s damn sure going to infiltrate our category. Does it become another category? Will we be, in five years, having ‘the best AI film?’ The best AI actor?' Maybe. I think that might be the thing; it becomes another category. It’s gonna be in front of us in ways that we don’t even see. It’s going to get so good we’re not going to know the difference. That’s one of the big questions right now: the question of reality. It’s more hazy than ever, in a very exciting way, I think, but also a scary way. Prep for it”, he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSActor Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, passed away at the age of 53 on February 19, his family confirmed. Dane had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since his 2025 diagnosis. In a heartfelt statement, his loved ones said he spent his final days with family and friends and became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research. Eric Dane’s family issues statement Dane was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2025. A statement issued by his family read, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.” It continued, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time,” as quoted by People. When Eric Dane shared his ordeal Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Last year, in an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane revealed that ALS had significantly impacted his mobility. “My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe in a couple more months I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.” More about Eric Dane Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane grew up in the Bay Area, attending Sequoia High School in Redwood City and San Mateo High School in San Mateo. After graduating from the latter, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, reported Variety. In the 1990s, the actor played small roles on television series including Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married... with Children before landing the recurring role of Dr. Wyatt Cooper on Gideon’s Crossing in 2000. That same year, he made his film debut in Rich Cowan’s The Basket. His other film credits include Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, Sol Goode, Feast, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Marley & Me.
20 February,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor all the Peaky Blinders fans eagerly waiting to see the Shelby family back in action, your patience is about to pay off. The beloved crime drama is coming back, this time on the big screen with Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, reported Deadline. Netflix has just dropped the trailer, and it promises a thrilling continuation of the Shelby saga. The two-minute, forty-second trailer opens with a chilling statement to Tommy Shelby, who is told that he resides in a house haunted by ghosts. Rebecca Ferguson's character adds that not only has Tommy abandoned his empire, but also his son, Duke. The scene then shifts to Ada Shelby (Sophie Rundle), who informs Tommy that Duke is now leading the Peaky Blinders, bringing the family's operations back to the intensity of 1919. The trailer also teases Tommy's first encounter with his estranged son, Duke, who seems indifferent to everything around him. Additionally, it offers a sneak peek into Tommy's return, showing him walking into the Garrison Pub, demanding the respect that was once his. Take a look View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) The film is directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, who also created the original series. Actor Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby, the role that made him a global star. The film also stars Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, and Jay Lycurgo. Several actors from the original series, including Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, and Ian Peck, are also part of the cast. Peaky Blinders first aired in 2013 and became an instant hit across the globe. The show ran for six seasons and won major awards, including a BAFTA for Best Drama Series. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will release in select cinemas on March 6, 2026. After its theatre run, it will start streaming on Netflix from March 20. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 February,2026 09:31 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIPop star Rita Ora says she recites mantras to herself in the mirror every day about ignoring online trolls. The 35-year-old singer said nasty comments on social media can "cut", but daily she tells herself she "can't control" what others say and tries not to think about it, reports femalefirst.co.uk. She said in an Instagram series: "You can’t be afraid of something you can’t control. You can’t control it, stop thinking about it. These are the mantras I say to myself every day in the mirror. Being on social media puts you under a definite microscope. "I don't think there are many people out there who haven't felt the impact of it in some way. "Whether you are in the public eye or you're not, comments can cut. Every tiny thing gets magnified, and everyone can see through the walls. So, yeah, someone in the public eye may have more people looking at them, but the walls are just as fragile." However, the Poison hitmaker said "doubts" about herself are what helps to make "good" music. She added: "The doubts really are kind of what helps me make good songs though. I like rehearsing and I like practicing and perfecting my craft." Ora's mother, Vera, believes the "most important" thing is for her daughter to be "happy". Speaking about Rita's initial rise to fame, psychiatrist Vera said: "In my mind, I'm first thinking, 'Oh my God, she's enjoying it, loving it, talented shows.' I know I wanted you to be happy and do what you like, but then as a mother I was thinking, 'What is that world going to be?' As long as you're happy, that's the most important." Rita Ora made the comments in an episode of her new Instagram series, Rita, after she teamed up with Meta for the project. She wrote in an Instagram caption: "Being on social media puts you under a definite microscope. No matter who you are, we all feel the impact of it in some way. Words can cut deep. Be kind to one another. Rita, Episode 4 is out now." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 February,2026 07:56 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSHollywood actor Shia LaBeouf, who was earlier arrested in New Orleans, was seen back out on the streets for Mardi Gras. The actor, 39, was spotted on Bourbon Street dancing alongside revellers before city officials later shut down festivities, reports ‘People’ magazine. In videos circulating online, the actor can be seen wearing Mardi Gras beads around his neck and holding blue-and-white jail release paperwork in his mouth as he moved through the crowd, according to local news outlet WGNO. Earlier that morning, LaBeouf had been arrested following an alleged altercation outside a Royal Street business. In a statement, the New Orleans Police Department said officers responded at approximately 12:45 a.m. on February 17, to the 1400 block of Royal Street “in response to a simple battery where two victims (two adult males), reported being assaulted. Investigators say a man identified as 39-year-old Shia LaBeouf was reportedly causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive at a Royal Street business. A staff member attempted to eject Mr. LaBeouf from the establishment. Once removed from the building, the victim reported being struck by LaBeouf who used his closed fists on the victim several times”. The victims reported that LaBeouf left, but then came back, acting even more aggressive”, Police added, “Multiple people attempted to hold him down, he was eventually let up in hopes that he would leave, but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victim’s upper body. As per ‘People’, the actor then reportedly assaulted another person, punching him in the nose”. Bystanders restrained the actor until officers arrived, authorities said. “LaBeouf was again held down until police arrived”, the statement continued. He was then taken to a hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. After receiving treatment, he was arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery, a misdemeanour. The actor appeared virtually in court Tuesday afternoon in connection with the charges. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 11:49 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSHollywood star Chris Hemsworth is set to play Thor a few more times after the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. The 42-year-old actor has portrayed the Marvel hero since 2011 Thor and was last seen in 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder, and with his next outing in Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Hemsworth has confirmed his time as Thor is not quite over yet, reports ‘Female First UK’. During an appearance on the Smartless Podcast, he said, “I was talking to (Marvel boss) Kevin Feige about it, and he said it’s cool because the audience now expects dramatic turns with the character. And whatever we do next, we’ve got some ideas to do something pretty unique again and hopefully be (different)”. The actor shared that it has been “so much fun” playing alternate versions of Thor with different directors. He said, “It’s been so much fun. And what I’ve really enjoyed it, unlike a lot of what the other characters that the [actors] were given, they have had to be pretty consistent, whereas working with Taika Waititi on his films versus Kenneth Branagh with those films and then with the Russos, all (the films) had quite a different sort of tonal opinion. But (the Russos) also let me try different things. It’s the same with my tattoos, I’d be getting really bored (with) the same thing and having a real need to kind of throw [the performance] in different directions”. As per ‘Female First UK’, even so, Hemsworth admitted director Taika Waititi’s version of Thor went a bit too far in Thor: Love and Thunder. He shared, “When we made (Thor) Ragnarok, it was quite a twist, with Taika’s (movie). And it was so fun. There was a huge appreciation for the shift. And then (with) Love And Thunder, it was kind of like a Monty Python sketch, and we took the p*** probably a little much, and then there was some backlash”. “There was this real kind of, ‘Why is he a goofball and why is it like this?’ And, (audiences were) violently offended and we were like, ‘Oh, we’re just having fun or trying to try something different’”, he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 11:16 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSActress-singer Hilary Duff, who is preparing to release her long-awaited new album, Luck... or Something, reveals what prompted her to return to making music after a decade-long hiatus. Duff told Glamour magazine: "I just felt really ready to share. One, I wanted to stretch creatively, and two, I wanted to make something that I could connect with people again on the level of who I am now. I felt like people have definitely gone through some of the similar large strokes that I have in the past 10 to 15 years." She first found fame playing the lead character in Lizzie McGuire, the hit Disney Channel comedy series. However, the actress shared that, contrary to public perception, she was a "totally normal teenager,” reports femalefirst.co.uk. She said: "I’ll say that I didn’t ever feel ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ and it was funny that I was flagged as the good girl because of what people saw me doing on TV or that I wasn’t overtly sexual. I was a totally normal teenager doing normal teenager things." Meanwhile, Duff shared at making a musical comeback in August 2025. Alongside some throwback photos from her press tour for Metamorphosis, her 2003 album, She wrote on Instagram: "Clearly I had to go digging around the internet for pictures from this time as I’m not sure camera phones even existed. Sadly all my hairstyles ARE very documented." "I do know this marker of time was a huge change in my being. I was embarking on something I had no idea would make such an impact on peoples lives, and mine. As much as I look back and think this album doesn’t hold the emotional depth I look for today, I know my 14/15 year old self meant every word. It sure as hell also landed on people at the right moment in time and set me off on a pretty epic adventure." "I remember some of my first shows being in a skate park in San Jose, and very shortly after, stepping out on stage in arenas. Yesterday marked the 22nd anniversary of Metamorphosis… Although these are distant memories for me, thank you for showing up the way that you did. To be continued… (sic)." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 11:07 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSOne year after announcing her engagement to Tom Holland, Zendaya has shared candid insights into what she considers relationship red flags, and the simple test she believes reveals a person's true character. Reflecting on her own relationship, the Euphoria actress said she did not have to look far to realise Holland was right for her, as per E! News. "One that works for us at work is how people treat their crews," Zendaya explained, adding, "I admire people who are kind to everyone, not just the actors, directors, or producers. A very telling thing is how a crew feels about a particular actor, because they get to see how people are when the cameras are not rolling," quoted E! News. For the actress, behaviour off-camera offers a revealing glimpse into someone's character, especially in an industry where public personas can often differ from private conduct. She also described what's her personal litmus test: how someone treats animals. "I would get into a fight over my dog, for sure," Zendaya said, adding, "Dogs are a good judge of character." Zendaya also added that relationships are rarely black and white. "People are layered and complex and they make mistakes," she noted, pointing out that cultural differences and personal growth can shape behaviour over time. "There are cultural differences. But there are also things that are just kind of, 'Well, that's rude. That's mean.' And there's also the opposite," she said, as quoted by E! News. Zendaya and Holland, who made their relationship public in 2021 after co-starring in the Spider-Man: Homecoming franchise, have largely kept their romance private. Still, she has occasionally shared what drew her to him. In an earlier interview, Zendaya praised Holland's natural charisma. "I'm more shy and kind of quiet, so it takes a little bit more to pull me out of my shell," she said, adding, "But he's great at just talking to people and getting to know people," quoted E! News. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 10:46 AM IST | Washington | ANIActress Kristen Bell will join the voice cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 as Amy Rose, the pink creature with a major crush on the titular blue speedster. Ben Schwartz, who provides the voice of Sonic in the live-action film, shared the new casting announcement on his Instagram handle on Wednesday, welcoming Kristen Bell onboard. "WE HAVE OUR AMY ROSE!!! And I could not be more excited!!! Please welcome the incredible kristen annie bell to the sonic movie family!!!" wrote Ben Schwartz. Along with the caption, the actor also shared an adorable photo of them holding the toy version of their Super Sonic characters. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) Bell is prolific in the voice acting arena, as seen in Disney's wildly popular Frozen franchise. She also voiced a sloth in Disney's Zootopia 2 and narrated the hit CW television show Gossip Girl, reported Variety. Bell, who broke out in the 2004 teen drama Veronica Mars, stars in the Netflix series Nobody Wants This. Plot details for the fourth film of the Super Sonic franchise are currently under wraps. In prior Sonic entries, Idris Elba and Colleen O'Shaughnessey voiced the speed demon's anthropomorphic pals Knuckles and Tails, and Keanu Reeves is behind the mysterious Shadow. Meanwhile, Jim Carrey has portrayed the hedgehog's main antagonist, Dr. Robotnik, and James Marsden and Tika Sumpter play Sonic's adopted parental figures. Jeff Fowler has directed all three Sonic films, which have collectively grossed 1 billion USD at the global box office, according to Variety. He's returning for the fourth installment, set for theatrical release in March 2027, reported Variety. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 10:27 AM IST | Washington DC | ANIMargot Robbie has made it clear that when it comes to filmmaking, audiences, and not critics, are her top priority. As per Variety, the Oscar-nominated actor said she has never once stepped onto a set worrying about reviews, insisting instead that her focus remains firmly on the emotional experience of moviegoers. The Wuthering Heights actor Robbie said, "I consider audience always. I've never, ever been on set and thought, 'What are the critics going to think of this?' I'm like, 'What's an audience going to feel right now? What's their emotional response going to be?'" adding, "I believe you should make movies for the people who are going to buy tickets to see the movies. It's as simple as that," she added, as quoted by Variety. Robbie is currently seen in Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell, where she stars opposite Jacob Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliff. The film opened at the top spot at the domestic box office, despite drawing polarising responses from audiences, as per Variety. Fennell's previous directorial ventures, Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, also sparked divided reactions among viewers. Robbie has produced all three of Fennell's feature films. Speaking about her collaboration with Fennell, Robbie praised the filmmaker's storytelling instincts. "I love working with Emerald because she always prioritises an emotional experience over a heady idea," Robbie said, adding, "She's very smart. She's got great ideas, but she'll let a cool idea fall by the wayside to offer the option that's going to be most exciting for the audience. I really appreciate that about her." Robbie's comments come amid broader conversations in Hollywood about audience reception. Last year, Jennifer Lawrence spoke candidly in an interview about the anxiety she experiences before a film's release, describing the fear of public rejection despite her belief in the project. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 09:42 AM IST | Washington | ANIHollywood star Robert Pattinson had an unusual exchange with his therapist. The actor, 39, recalled how his one and only visit to a therapist backfired as the professional questioned whether he had taken any drugs. In conversation with his The Drama co-star Zendaya, Pattinson said, “I went to therapy once, and the therapist asked me if I was on drugs because they couldn’t understand what I was talking about”. He further mentioned, “I was like, ‘I’m trying my best’. I thought I was going somewhere. I got on the boat and I was like, ‘I want to get off now’.” Pattinson shot to fame by playing vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, but admitted that he feared that the movies would cost him his “personal identity”. The actor said, “When I was doing Twilight, there was such a cultural pushback against it, almost simultaneous to its success, so I had to ride both things. I really enjoyed making the movies, but then there was such a huge marketing push behind it as well. I didn’t want to get my personal identity caught up in that, so I tried to push forward my individuality a little.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 07:45 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSADVERTISEMENT
