Filmmaker James Gunn has denied reports of him fast-tracking ‘The Batman – Part 3’. It was reported that DC Studios, which is headed by James Gunn and Peter Safran, was planning to rush through a third Batman movie featuring Robert Pattinson, in order to avoid a clash with upcoming Batman and Robin movie ‘The Brave and The Bold’. James Gunn was quick to shut down the speculation, reports ‘Female First UK’. He wrote on Threads, “I don't know what that is but I'm not fast tracking anything other than our scripts currently getting ready to go into production”. After he was informed that writer and X influencer @DanielRPK had been told that James Gunn was trying to conclude the trilogy before ‘The Brave and The Bold’ was released, James responded, "That's incorrect. Well I mean I don't know if it's incorrect that DPK was told that, but the information is incorrect”. As per ‘Female First UK’, ‘The Batman – Part2’,I is currently in pre-production and will see Pattinson return as the iconic superhero in filmmaker Matt Reeves' highly anticipated sequel. Colin Farrell previously teased the movie would be “deeper” and “scarier” than its 2022 predecessor, though admitted his role as The Penguin was “even smaller”. He told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’ve got an even smaller role in this one. But I’m OK with that. I’ve read the script, from start to finish, and I can’t say much about it. But it’s deeper, scarier, the stakes are bigger. I’m really excited to see it. I love that world. I mean, I loved it as a fan of film since Batman ‘66. I grew up watching that, and Burgess Meredith was my first Penguin, and then Danny DeVito was my second Penguin. Just to be part of that world. Honestly, just to be in something that takes place in Gotham, where a character called Bruce Wayne and Batman exist, is such a joy for me”. 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
22 February,2026 01:23 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSEnglish actor Daniel Radcliffe has spoken up about the late actor Michael Gambon’s conduct on the sets of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. The actor said that Gambon would "f**** around all the time" while filming the Harry Potter movies, reports ‘Female First UK’. The 36-year-old actor shot to fame playing the boy wizard in JK Rowling's movie series and he always loved filming scenes with the veteran actor. As per ‘Female First UK’, the actor died in September 2023 aged 82, and featured as Albus Dumbledore in the film. Daniel said that he never took the work too seriously and enjoyed trying to make his co-stars laugh. Speaking on First We Feast's Hot Ones, Daniel said, "Michael Gambon, may he rest in peace, incredible man. He f***** around all the time. Like he would never stop until action had been said sometimes, he would try and make me laugh”. Daniel noted Michael, who took over the role of Dumbledore from third movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban following Richard Harris' death in 2002, to work was very different to other actors. He said, "Some actors like to dress the whole process up in mystique and being an enigma. Michael Gambon, you'd get to set and he'd be like 'What's the shot?' And you'd be like, oh it's cameras here, Michael, so you're there in front of it but you're looking that way and he'd say, 'Oh what is this BOHNAR? I was like, 'Sorry what's that?' And he's like, 'Back of head, no acting required?' And it's like yes, yes, it is. When we were doing the sixth film (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), me and him were doing the final sequence and we were in this boat. I can't remember the details, but we're in this little boat going over to this island surrounded by bad stuff. And he'd be like, 'What's this, TTIAB?' I was like what? 'Two t**** in a boat?'”. Daniel noted Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge, had a similar casual attitude between takes. He said, "Imelda, same thing, not f****** around like Michael Gambon, but she would be chatting to everybody about anything, and then when action gets said, she's locked in and so good. It's the people who can do the work without making you constantly aware of how hard they're working are always the people that seemed the coolest”. 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
22 February,2026 01:22 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSBrazilian content creator Bianca Dias passed away at a young age, leaving her family, friends and followers in deep shock. Brazilian content creator Bianca Dias died on Thursday, February 19. She was 20 years old. According to People magazine, the news of her death has come just days after she underwent cosmetic surgery, as per reports shared by those close to her. Dias had built a strong presence on social media, with nearly 60,000 followers on Instagram. She was known for posting modelling photos and moments from her daily life. In recent months, she had also shared pictures from a vacation in London. Her last social media post appeared on December 18, when she shared a selfie from inside a car in Sao Paulo, Brazil. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bianca Dias (@_biancadias) The news of her death spread quickly on social media, as friends and fellow creators shared messages remembering her life and personality. Her close friend Jeff Carlos, a massage therapist, shared several photos with Bianca while posting an emotional note. In his social media post, Carlos spoke about the bond they shared and the pain of losing someone close. He wrote, "Death is nothing at all. Our bond has not been broken." Another friend, digital creator Patricia Ganden, also remembered Bianca with a heartfelt message. She spoke about their shared moments and memories before adding her words. Patricia wrote, "I just know that we had beautiful moments, incredible conversations, may God comfort the family, I will remember with much affection and pride of you." As per information shared online by Bianca's friends, her family is holding a wake on Friday morning, February 20, in Sao Paulo, reported PEOPLE. 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
21 February,2026 12:09 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIActress Gwyneth Paltrow has described her longtime friendship with Kate Hudson as being "like family," saying the Oscar-nominated star is "like a little sister to me," according to People. Paltrow, 53, made the remarks while introducing Hudson, 46, at the Arlington Artist of the Year Award event during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where Hudson was honoured for her Oscar-nominated performance in Song Sung Blue. "I am here because Kate Hudson and I are real, true, old friends," Paltrow said during her speech. "She's like a little sister to me. I'm much older than she is, but I remember seeing her when she was little," according to People. Paltrow noted that her parents, Blythe Danner and Bruce Paltrow, were friendly with Hudson's parents, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. "We grew up in the same orbit, but it wasn't really until the early 2000s that we became what we are now," Paltrow said, adding that their friendship has spanned decades of shared milestones. Reflecting on their bond, she recalled celebrating major birthdays together and supporting each other through breakups. "We've been through breakups together and just this wonderful intertwining of our families. Our kids were in a band together when they were tiny and went to high school together," she said, praising Hudson as "an amazing artist, an entrepreneur, obviously an incredible singer and a mother," according to People. Paltrow also shared that she FaceTimed Hudson immediately after watching Song Sung Blue, telling her she burst into tears. "Not only because I was so proud of your skill and your brilliance, but because I felt you finally had a role that shows all of what you can do," she said. Directed by Craig Brewer, Song Sung Blue was released on December 25 and stars Hudson opposite Hugh Jackman as a real-life couple who formed a Neil Diamond tribute band in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hudson's performance has earned her nominations at the Golden Globes and upcoming awards ceremonies. Speaking at the festival ahead of Paltrow's tribute, Hudson echoed the sentiment, calling Paltrow "Auntie Gwyneth" and describing her as "the most loyal, beautiful friend." "We lived in England at the same time, and she was a huge support system for me and my son," Hudson said. "She's always been there for me, and I look up to her," according to People. 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
21 February,2026 11:15 AM IST | Washington DC | ANIHollywood actor Channing Tatum is giving a peek into the aftermath of his recent shoulder surgery. The actor took to his social media and revealed a lengthy scar that he admitted he expected to be “two little holes”, reports ‘People’ magazine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) “Not gone lie it’s my fault for not asking. I thought it was gonna be two little holes”, the Magic Mike star, 45, wrote in the caption for a photo he shared to Instagram, weeks after he underwent surgery for a separated shoulder. “Apparently not the case. Hehehe. Well it doesn’t matter anyhow i like scars anyway and it’s feeling stronger day by day so thank you doctor”, he wrote. He went on to joke about the metal screw holding his bones together, quipping, “Also I do like going through airport security wondering if my shoulder is gonna shut off the machine”. As per ‘People’, the actor had shared an X-Ray of visibly broken bones, and then posted a photo of a large screw holding his bones together. On Tuesday, February 3, Channing Tatum posted a photo on Instagram from his hospital bed as he prepared to go under the knife for a "separated shoulder”. In the black-and-white pic, the Step Up star could be seen lying on the bed while wearing a hospital cap and gown. “Just another day. Another challenge. This one is gonna be hard. But whatever. Let’s get it”, he wrote. The actor did not reveal how his injury occurred, though the actor is known for doing many of his own stunts in his movies. Back in September, the Roofman star told ‘Variety’ he had injured himself while shooting Avengers: Doomsday, which is set for a December 2026 release. The outlet reported that the actor showed up to the interview with a limp and his double had to take on a lot of his heavier scenes in the film, with him due to undergo intensive physical therapy for the leg injury. He said, "I just hate getting old. In my mind, I’m literally still 30 years old, 26, if I’m honest”. 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 12:12 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSOscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Motion Pictures category at a grand ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday. She received her star in the category of Motion Pictures, according to the official page of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Yeoh, celebrated for her roles in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Crazy Rich Asians, was joined by directors Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Jon M Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) during the ceremony. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie) In a heartfelt speech, Yeoh reflected on her journey, saying, "Once I was a little girl from Malaysia, sitting under the vast sky, looking up at a single steady star and daring to believe I could follow it. And now there's one on the ground," as quoted by People. While expressing gratitude to the guests for showing their support, she said, "Thank you for showing up and for standing beside me. For being part of my life in the quiet moments, not just the bright ones. Your presence is everything." She went on to offer a fun nod to her husband, Jean Todt, who remained absent from the ceremony. "To the fans around the world, to my Yeoh family -- my brother and his beautiful wife surprised me, they came all the way from Malaysia yesterday. My husband, who is not here, because I gave him permission to go to India, and my Todt family, thank you all for surrounding me with love, for being my safe harbour and for helping me stay true to my own North Star," she said, as per People. The Hollywood Walk of Fame star came on the heels of Michelle Yeoh's other achievement as she was presented with the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at the 2026 Berlinale. Michelle Yeoh began her Hollywood career with 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies, achieving global recognition with 2000's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Her other work credits include Memoirs of a Geisha, Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and her Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once. 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 11:59 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIHollywood actress Amanda Seyfried is lauding women for turning up for movies with strong female characters. The actress had a busy end to 2025, with musical drama The Testament of Ann Lee and erotic thriller The Housemaid releasing within days of each other, reports ‘Variety’. Though the films are “vastly different”, the actress is proud that they have one thing in common, centring strong women. As per ‘Variety’, at a Berlin Film Festival press conference for The Testament of Ann Lee before the film’s Special Gala screening, the actress was asked about what attracts her to a project and the experience of starring in both films at the same time. Though Seyfried was not questioned point-blank about politics, as many stars have been at this edition of the Berlinale, she was asked about the importance of quality in “these times when fascism is rising everywhere”. “I think about, what’s worth leaving my kids for? And what’s going to give me the opportunity as an artist to flex myself and to learn something about myself?”, Seyfried said. “I mean, this particular project (Ann Lee) had quality all over it, and what I define as quality is a clear vision, and not necessarily a message but an exploration of someone’s life through storytelling in a cinematic atmosphere with a real edge”. The actress continued that though Paul Feig’s The Housemaid, which co-stars Sydney Sweeney and has become a box office hit, is “vastly different” in content and the experience of filming, it was “also incredibly fun and let me flex myself and my artistic needs”. “Not in the same way necessarily, but it was very fruitful for me personally”, she said. “And at the end of the day, I think both, I’m gonna say this, I love the fact that they’re both about strength of character, women with needs and who are activated by those needs and by the need for equality and safety in the world”. 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 11:50 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSHollywood 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 | IANSADVERTISEMENT
