‘Outlander’ prequel series ‘Blood of My Blood’ goes back in time again — to meet the parents
As Starz’s historical drama series “Outlander” readies its final season for a premiere next year, fans can now learn about where Jamie and Claire Fraser came from in the new prequel series, “Outlander: Blood of My Blood.” Debuting Friday, the show follows the relationships of Jamie’s parents, Ellen and Brian and Claire’s parents, Julia and Henry. Like the flagship series, their stories are filled with drama, obstacles and yes, some time travel. What makes “Blood of My Blood” also different for its showrunner, Matthew B. Roberts, is that there are no books to follow. “Outlander” is adapted from a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Production is already underway on a second season of “Blood of My Blood.”
From Stephen King to New Jersey diners, History Press books cover local lore around the US
NEW YORK (AP) — A writer from Maine, Sharon Kitchens has turned her passion for Stephen King’s books into a published work. Her book, “Stephen King’s Maine,” explores the real-life settings and inspirations behind King’s stories. Published by The History Press, it’s part of a series focused on regional and local histories. The History Press is now part of Arcadia Publishing and aims to make community histories accessible. Kitchens’ book gained attention after Stephen King endorsed it on Instagram. The History Press often works with local specialists who are passionate about preserving their community’s history, offering them a platform to share untold stories.
Lucasfilm and Disney settle with actor Gina Carano following her firing from ‘The Mandalorian’
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Disney over her firing from “The Mandalorian.” The actor had filed suit in federal court last year alleging she had been dismissed from the “Star Wars” series in 2021 for expressing right-wing views on social media. Carano thanked Elon Musk for helping fund the lawsuit “and asking for nothing in return.” Lucasfilm said in a statement that the company “look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” The specific terms of the agreement were not made available.
What to Stream: Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson team up and ‘King of the Hill’ and ‘Wednesday’ return
New Orleans legend Big Freedia returning with a new gospel album and the acting trio of Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer teaming up for the armored truck action comedy “The Pickup” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Aug. 4 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are the animated “King of the Hill” returning after a 15-year pause, the first half of season two of “Wednesday” landing on Netflix appropriately on Wednesday and the “Welcome to Wrexham” spinoff “NECAXA” premieres with Eva Longoria.
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and former manager, dies at 48
NEW YORK (AP) — Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager Brandon Blackstock has died of cancer. His death was first reported by People. He was 48. A representative for the Blackstock family shared a statement to The Associated Press explaining that Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years. Blackstock was the father to four children, two from a previous marriage and two with Clarkson. He was previously Clarkson’s manager and also formerly represented Blake Shelton. Clarkson and Blackstock were married in October 2013. In 2020, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
Dean Cain, former TV Superman, will be sworn in as honorary ICE officer
Dean Cain wants to join the U.S. and Immigration Customs Enforcement agency. In an interview with Fox News, Cain said he has already spoken to the agency responsible for President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says Cain will be sworn in as an “honorary ICE Officer” in the coming month. McLaughlin referenced Cain’s 1990s role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” saying “Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life superheroes.” Cain also posted a video encouraging others to join the agency. The 59-year-old been outspoken in his conservative viewpoints and endorsed Trump in three elections.
Britain’s Royal Mail celebrates Monty Python with stamps featuring iconic sketches and characters
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Royal Mail has issued stamps celebrating Monty Python’s comedy. The 10-stamp series, announced Thursday, highlights iconic characters and catchphrases like “Nudge, nudge” and “The Lumberjack Song.” Six stamps feature scenes from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” including “the Spanish Inquisition” and “the Ministry of Silly Walks.” Four stamps mark the 50th anniversary of the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The stamps can be pre-ordered and go on sale August 14. David Gold from Royal Mail says the collection honors Monty Python’s influence on comedy over nearly six decades.
Eddie Palmieri, pioneering Latin jazz musician and Grammy winner, dies at 88
Eddie Palmieri, the pioneering rumba and Latin jazz musician, has died at 88. His daughter Gabriela said he died Wednesday in New Jersey after a long illness. Palmieri was the first Latino to win a Grammy and earned seven more over his career. He released nearly 40 albums and continued performing into his 80s. Known for his innovative style, he formed the band La Perfecta in 1961, introducing a unique trombone section. His work fused salsa, funk, soul and jazz, leaving a lasting impact on Latin music worldwide. Palmieri released the album “Masterpiece” in 2000, which teamed him with the legendary Tito Puente. It was a hit with critics and won two Grammy Awards.
‘Weapons’ spins small town into chaos that mirrors real life, humor and all
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zach Cregger says he had to stop writing jokes while creating his latest horror film, “Weapons,” and instead let the hyper realistic aftermath of tragedy drive the movie’s humor. The film follows Cregger’s widely celebrated genre-bending horror “Barbarians,” his 2022 solo directorial debut. The young director spins a town into chaos in his second act, after all children but one from the same classroom mysteriously vanish, leaving a trail of questions in their place. Cregger says the movie’s humor comes naturally, as characters stumble through their grief and navigate the absurd events happening around them. The Warner Bros. Pictures release hits theaters Friday.
Movie Review: The body-swappers are back! Lohan, Curtis return for chaotic sequel ‘Freakier Friday’
The body-swappers are back! In “Freakier Friday,” Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return, 22 years after delightfully switching bodies as mom and daughter in “Freaky Friday.” Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that the sequel is an amiable, joyful but also chaotic attempt to up the ante of the body-swapping tale. This time, it’s four characters doing the swapping — leading to plot hijinx galore but also some genuine confusion, at times, as to who’s who and who’s doing what. Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons and Manny Jacinto co-star, and Chad Michael Murray is back as the resident hunk. Opens Friday in theaters.
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