Author: business

Val Kilmer’s kids pay tribute to ‘extraordinary father’ after death

Val Kilmer’s kids are sharing a statement in the wake of the Hollywood legend’s Tuesday death.

Mercedes Kilmer, 33, and Jack Kilmer, 29, released a statement to People magazine Thursday mourning the “Top Gun” star’s loss.

“Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory,” the statement read. “We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately.” USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Jack Kilmer for comment.

The actor died of pneumonia on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, his daughter told The New York Times and The Associated Press. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but later recovered, she said.

Val Kilmer says he felt ‘grateful rather than humiliated’ in his final years

The reclusive actor, who retreated from Hollywood’s limelight in recent years, publicly battled the disease for much of the past decade, permanently losing his voice to a tracheotomy, but continuing to act and write.

However, Kilmer was candid during the final years of his life, letting fans inside his legendary career with a revealing 2020 memoir and an intimate 2021 documentary.

The “Tombstone” actor looked back at his personal ups and downs in “Val,” which was culled from hundreds of hours of personal home footage. The documentary was narrated by his son, Jack, after Kilmer lost his natural voice following a yearslong battle with throat cancer that began in 2014.

Val Kilmer’s treehouse: Inside with USA TODAY, where he spoke about missing his kids

In the summer of 2006, USA TODAY reporter Marco della Cava visited Kilmer on land near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he was building something new: not a motion picture, but a treehouse.

The iconic actor — who had made his name in “Top Gun,” “The Doors” and many other films — was crafting an elaborate treehouse built high in a stand of old oak trees with material sourced from an old barn on his 6,000-acre spread.

“I’ll fib and say it’s for my kids, but it’s really for me,” he told USA TODAY at the time. “I had a treehouse as a child. So being an adult … well, it’s strangely, weirdly satisfying to sit in a tree.”

Val Kilmer sought refuge in a treehouse. Here’s what happened when I visited.

Mercedes, then 14, and Jack, 11 lived mainly with ex-wife, actress Joanne Whalley and Kilmer had built the treehouse for them, telling USA TODAY that “they haven’t seen this place yet, but I can’t wait, my son’s a monkey. He’ll be up on that tin roof in no time.”

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Charles Trepany, Patrick Ryan, Marco della Cava

April 4, 2025
Is ‘Minecraft’ too scary for kids? Our guide for parents.

Take heart, parents: “A Minecraft Movie” isn’t near as bad as the trailers make it out to be.

Based on the wildly popular video game, the fantasy comedy film (now in theaters) is a deeply strange fever dream that also gets a few genuine laughs. That isn’t terribly surprising when you realize it was directed by Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite”) and stars Jack Black, who fully commits to all the gobbledygook about magic orbs and killer pigs.

Despite lukewarm reviews, “Minecraft” is expected to top the box office this weekend as the rare family film in the marketplace this spring. But just how safe is it for your kids?

We break down everything you need to know before bringing your brood to the big-screen adventure:

What is ‘A Minecraft Movie’ about?

Four misfits – a young science wiz, Henry (Sebastian Hansen); his older sister, Natalie (Emma Myers); a real estate agent, Dawn (Danielle Brooks); and a video-game store owner, Garrett (Jason Momoa) – are pulled through a mysterious portal that transports them to the Overworld, a cubic land that puts your imagination to the test. The motley crew endures a series of tasks in order to get home, teaming up with master crafter Steve (Black) along the way.

What is the ‘Minecraft’ movie rating?

“A Minecraft Movie” is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor and some scary images.

Is the ‘Minecraft’ movie kid-friendly?

For the most part, yes, although children ages 8 and younger might be frightened by some of the action sequences. In an early scene, Garrett, Dawn and the kids are chased by skeletons shooting flaming arrows and riding enormous spiders. A bunch of zombies are briefly shown ripping a pink sheep to shreds, before Steve swoops in and lights all the monsters on fire.

There’s a, well, creepy scene with a mob of Creepers, which are essentially dead-eyed plant creatures. And an innocent chicken becomes lunch after having hot lava poured onto it. Not to mention all the characters in the Overworld have giant, blocky heads, which are initially jarring if you’re not at all familiar with the game.

Who is the ‘Minecraft’ movie bad guy?

The film’s main villain is Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House), a Piglin queen and evil sorceress who’s aided by an army of hulking, hoglike soldiers. She’s totally ridiculous and kind of fierce, although little kids might be afraid of her glowing eyes and tusks. Malgosha uses her staff to zap her porcine minions when they disobey, causing them to disappear. She also stabs a cute little piglet when he draws her a picture she doesn’t like. It’s quick, but honestly still mildly disturbing.

Is the ‘Minecraft’ movie inappropriate?

Not particularly. Like a lot of children’s movies, there are many jokes that use the word “butt,” and at one point, Dawn says, “What the hell?” Aside from Black’s deranged performance, the highlight of the film is Jennifer Coolidge, who plays a lubricious vice principal named Marlene. In classic Coolidge character fashion, she freely talks about her recent divorce and falls in love with an Overworld villager after hitting him with her car. There’s some light sexual innuendo throughout, but most all of it will go over kids’ heads.

April 4, 2025
Russell Brand: Look back at his career in photos amid rape chargesCelebrities

Russell Brand: Look back at his career in photos amid rape chargesCelebrities

April 4, 2025
Russell Brand charged, arrested for rape allegations after BBC conduct

Russell Brand is being charged with rape and sexual assault in the U.K.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a release Friday that the comedian, 49, had been charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two counts of sexual assault. A first court appearance is scheduled for May 2.

Detectives in the U.K. began investigating Brand in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations, the release revealed. The tips followed a growing body of reporting in the British press that accused Brand of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Brand, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, took to Instagram Friday to respond to the charges.

“We’re very fortunate in a way to live in a time where there’s so little trust in the British government,” he told followers in a video statement. “We’re very fortunate, I suppose, that this is happening at a time where we know that the law has become a kind of weapon to be used against people.”

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The charges stem from a series of alleged incidents in the late 1990s and early 2000s: a rape in 1999, an incidental assault in 2001, an oral rape and sexual assault in 2004 and another sexual assault between 2004 and 2005, according to Metropolitan Police.

“The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers,” Andy Furphy, a detective superintendent with the Metropolitan Police, said in the release. “The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police.”

Russell Brand, Katy Perry and why women are expected to comment when men are accused of abuse

“I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single before I had my wife and family … I was a fool, man,” Brand continued in his Instagram statement, saying he was a drug and sex addict and even an “imbecile,” but never a rapist.

“I’ve never engaged in nonconsensual activity, I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” the actor continued, saying he felt “grateful” he would have the opportunity to defend himself in court.

Russell Brand rape, assault charges follow BBC apology

The charges against Brand follow a formal apology given by the BBC to employees in January over its handling of harassment complaints against the comedian during his tenure at the network.

The British news organization published the results of a review into Brand’s conduct, revealing that power dynamics at play created a breeding ground for Brand’s “unacceptable” behavior.

Brand, who served as a presenter on BBC’s 6 Music and Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008, first fell under scrutiny in 2023 after a spate of women accused the actor of emotional and sexual abuse.

The accusations of wrongdoing at the BBC included Brand exposing his genitals to a woman in a bathroom shortly before recording a segment for his radio show in which he joked about the encounter. The woman was not a BBC employee but worked in the same building as the company’s Los Angeles bureau.

Another claim, made by a woman who said she had a three-month relationship with Brand when he was a presenter for Radio 6, alleges he used to have a car pick her up at school or her grandmother’s house and bring her to his home. She was 16 at the time while Brand would have been in his 30s.

“What is clear is that many BBC staff and freelancers, especially in more junior roles, found Russell Brand demanding and difficult to work with and his behavior extreme, but all felt that there was no point in complaining as they believed they would not be listened to and, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand as a high-profile presenter had the support of the station management,” wrote Peter Johnston, the BBC Director of Editorial Complaints and Reviews.

Long a controversial figure, Brand has since fallen out of public grace amid reports of alleged rape and assaults. In the years since he has taken a religious turn, announcing plans last year to be baptized and using his social media to dip into conspiracy circles, spreading unfounded theories on topics ranging from 9/11 to the COVID vaccine.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.

April 4, 2025
Amy Duggar King reveals husband’s ‘life-threatening’ health update

Amy Duggar King is giving fans a family health update about husband Dillon King.

The “Counting On” star and “19 Kids and Counting” alum revealed in a birthday post Thursday that her husband of years was dealing with “life-threatening” health issues.

“Happy Birthday to my favorite person on the planet! Y’all I adore this man! Dax has the best dad on the planet and he’s so loved by so many family and friends!” Duggar King wrote alongside a picture of her husband in a hospital bed, adding that “normally we’d be celebrating in a huge way but currently we are facing some possible life threatening medical concerns.”

Amy Duggar King, husband Dillon welcome baby boy: ‘Absolute perfection!’

She continued: “Today I’d like to ask for some prayers on his behalf. I know God has him, but we welcome the prayers!! I can’t think of a better gift for him!” Her cousins Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jill Dillard both wrote well wishes in the comments section.

“Dillon we can get through anything together,” Duggar King concluded the note.

In 2019, the former “19 Kids” star and her husband welcomed their first and only child – a son, Daxton “Dax” Ryan King. At the time, the couple confirmed the news to People magazine and shared a photo to Instagram.

“He’s absolute perfection!!!” the new mom wrote alongside a photo of the new family of three in a hospital room with a blanket over them reading “God gave us you.”

Duggar King rose to fame as the outspoken cousin of the Duggar family, TV’s unconventional stars from the controversial show “19 Kids and Counting” featuring Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar’s crew of children in rural Arkansas. All of the couple’s 19 children had “J” names.

The series was canceled in 2015 following revelations that their eldest son Josh Duggar had molested four of his sisters and a babysitter when he was a young teen. At that time, he admitted to a porn addiction and cheating on his wife and apologized.

TLC spun off another series “Counting On,” featuring storylines from Josh Duggar’s sisters and their young families, but that show was also canceled in June 2021 following his arrest for downloading and possession of child pornography.

Duggar King has remained a fan favorite among “Counting On” fans after publicly slamming her cousin on multiple occasions, including a May 2022 Instagram post calling for Josh Duggar’s wife Anna Duggar to divorce him a week before he was sentenced to 12 and 1/2 years in prison.

“I have not spoken to him, and I will not. I will not,” Duggar King told People in 2024. “When you just cross those evil lines like that, there is no coming back. I just think there’s no coming back.”

Contributing: Amy Haneline

April 4, 2025
Max Thieriot reveals if wildfires impacted ‘Fire Country’ Season 3

NEW YORK – March Madness may be winding down on CBS, but the tension is still ramping up on the network’s hit TV show “Fire Country,” which follows a prison release firefighting program that is teamed up with full-time first responders in Northern California.

“This is a really exciting episode,” the show’s star and creator, Max Thieriot, tells USA TODAY ahead of Season 3’s return (Friday, 9 ET/PT). Take Morena Baccarin’s character, Sheriff Mickey Fox: “Now we get to really dive deeper into her story. Even though it’s a ‘Fire Country’ episode, there’s a lot of new texture to it.”

Thieriot, 36, explains that learning more about Mickey is intentional: She will headline a new spinoff, “Sheriff Country,” this fall.

“We quickly realized how fans responded to this sense of community and the sense of family and some of the fabric that is “Fire Country,” the series co-creator says of the upcoming spinoff. After seeing fans’ reactions from the series’ first six episodes in 2022, “I was like, ‘I got four different spinoffs.’ I was ready to go.”

His agent told him to “settle down and take a breath,” which Thieriot did, although he admits he’s “always thinking ahead.”

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The next ‘Fire Country’ episode was filmed before the California wildfires

In January, a massive wildfire killed at least 29 and burned over 37,000 acres in southern California, devastating neighborhoods and livelihoods. In a now-viral video, a sky cam from Fox’s Los Angeles station captured a water drop executed by first responders over a burgeoning fire in the Hollywood Hills. The drop completely extinguished the flames.

Viewers of Friday’s “Fire Country” episode will see a similar water drop, but the episode was filmed before the real-life January wildfires. Viewers have already seen a fictionalized version of a program that uses incarcerated people as volunteer firefighters. The program has been criticized, including recently by Kim Kardashian, for not properly compensating the workers.

“Clearly with the Los Angeles wildfires, so much attention was brought to the inmate firefighter program,” Thieriot says. “As devastating and tragic and unfathomable as the (wildfires) were, the takeaway I think that we get from that stuff is learning how to be more proactive next time, learning and understanding what these firefighters do and what they sacrifice.

“I guess that’s also how I feel you have to reflect on any difficult situation, right? ‘OK, how do we come out of this stronger?’ To see Los Angeles (receive) the outpouring and outreach of support from other states and agencies and firefighting resources…it’s nice to see in times like this.”

Season 3 wrapped filming in late February, but Thieriot says the tragedy did not impact production of the series. Remaining episodes feature a cameo from country music singer Jelly Roll. Thieriot directed this month’s penultimate episode; the two-part finale airs April 25. The actor teases he’s already tossing around Season 4 ideas, but that work on the next installment won’t officially begin until May.

“Our goal is to tell authentic stories and personal stories, stuff that’s relatable and human,” he says. “We don’t change stuff to make it seem less realistic.”

April 4, 2025
Louisiana’s Black Pot Bookshop a ‘treasure trove for history buffs’

Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way and actively support the right to read and access books in their communities.

Each week, we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Jennifer Woodson, owner of Black Pot Bookshop and Gifts in Opelousas, Louisiana.

What’s your store’s story?

Black Pot Bookshop is Opelousas’ independent bookstore, a labor of love founded by a single mom. We specialize in Louisiana authors, local art and regional history and have a deep passion for Acadian and Creole heritage, preserving our Creole and Cajun French language, and celebrating the diverse people of Acadiana. Our mission is to support local creators, foster literacy, revitalize our community and create a space where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Black Pot Bookshop is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a vibrant community hub deeply rooted in Opelousas and dedicated to celebrating Louisiana culture. We are a destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Louisiana, with a curated selection that features local authors, regional history and culture and artwork from talented regional artists. Committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and creators, we empower them through our consignment program, fostering a thriving arts scene.

Black Pot Bookshop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and engaging events like author signings and workshops. Our active community partnerships make us a dynamic center for cultural activity and play a vital role in the revitalization of downtown Opelousas. In essence, what makes Black Pot Bookshop unique is our dedication to being more than just a bookstore; we are a cultural hub, a community gathering place and a champion for local talent.

What’s your favorite section in your store?

While it’s hard to choose just one, a favorite aspect of Black Pot Bookshop is our collection of unique and often out-of-print books about Acadian and Creole history. It’s like a treasure trove for history buffs.

We also have historical periodicals about Opelousas, a town with a rich 300-year history. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect customers with these rare glimpses into the past and to help them delve deeper into the fascinating stories of our region.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

A book I frequently recommend is “Opelousas, A Great Place to Be” by Carola Lillie Hartley. It’s more than just a history book; it’s a way to connect with the soul of our community. A local treasure herself, Hartley weaves together a comprehensive narrative of Opelousas, exploring everything from its Native American origins and how it got its name to its vibrant Creole history and the significant contributions of free people of color. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to feel a deeper connection to Opelousas. It’s a beloved local book, and we’re planning to republish it with an ISBN so even more people can discover its importance.

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

I strongly believe that “The Forgotten People: Cane River’s Creoles of Color” by Gary B. Mills deserves more attention. This book provides invaluable insight into the history and experiences of the Creoles of color along the Cane River, a community whose story is often marginalized or misunderstood. By exploring their history, social dynamics and cultural contributions, Mills’ work fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the diverse threads that make up Louisiana’s social fabric. It’s a powerful and important book that can help us challenge historical narratives and promote a more inclusive understanding of our past.

What recent books/series were you most excited about coming out and why?

“Scrim on the Run!” by Madi Hannan, a new release, definitely made me do a little happy dance. This hardcover picture book was spawned by the true story of Scrim, a dog who decided to explore New Orleans – the Big Easy hasn’t been the same since. Scrim’s adventures were a national hit, and now they’ve been transformed into a beautiful picture book. I’m always thrilled by picture books that capture the magic of storytelling and beautiful artwork, and this one has got that New Orleans charm.

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?

Shopping at local, independent bookstores is incredibly important, especially in a community like Opelousas, where Black Pot Bookshop stands as the only bookstore in the city. These businesses directly contribute to the local economy, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods. They play a vital role in preserving community culture by curating collections that reflect unique local interests and heritage, including Acadian and Creole traditions, and by fostering community connection through events and gatherings.

Independent booksellers offer personalized recommendations, promoting a diversity of voices and perspectives often overlooked by larger chains. This creates a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, supporting the revitalization of downtown areas and contributing to the overall vibrancy of the community.

What are some of your store’s events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?

We’re dedicated to helping our community revitalize and thrive. On March 15, we presented the Opelousas Downtown Market, a showcase for diverse local talent, including authors like Gigi Fontenot, and a special free opportunity for youth entrepreneurs to gain valuable experience. We are here to bring people back to the area and offer our youth something positive to be a part of. In collaboration with our Downtown Main Street, we’re curating a range of programs, workshops, and activities designed to engage and uplift our community.

April 4, 2025
'Fire Country' star Max Thieriot on real-life firefighter interactionsEntertain This!

‘Fire Country’ star Max Thieriot on real-life firefighter interactionsEntertain This!

April 4, 2025
Wallen is wrong. NYC is more ‘God’s country’ than Tennessee

We are all in ‘God’s country,’ whether we live in a city or the country. I believe in the message I was taught as a child: The job of Christians is to love everyone.

It sounds like country music star Morgan Wallen didn’t enjoy his time in New York City.

Wallen, the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” last week, generated buzz after abruptly walking off stage during the show’s signoff. Instead of standing around and mingling with the cast, he briefly hugged host Mikey Madison before he walked in front of the camera and off the stage.

As an isolated incident, this could simply be chalked up to nerves or exhaustion. Instead, Wallen added fuel to the fire by posting an Instagram story from his private plane with the caption “Get me to God’s Country.”

“Variety” cited anonymous sources in Wallen’s sphere saying he didn’t intend anything malicious by the exit or the post. But the singer, who hasn’t publicly weighed in on the controversy, is choosing to sell merch featuring the now viral phrase.

Wallen is allowed to feel however he wants about New York City. But the inevitable conclusion from his post, that New York isn’t part of “God’s country,” is ignorant at best.

My Christian country roots are in the South, but I now live in NYC

I am a Southerner by birth and a New York City resident by choice. I spent most of my life in what Wallen would describe as “God’s country.”

Living in my small town – which happened to be the inspiration for Andy Griffith’s “Mayberry” – I spent my time with Christians. I was raised in the church and even served on my Presbyterian church’s session in high school.

That’s not really surprising: In North Carolina, where I’m from, 69% of adults identify as Christian.

Despite Jesus’ teaching that “love thy neighbor” is one of the most important things Christians can do, there are plenty of Christians who are judgmental of those whom they deem “too sinful.” Though I don’t want to put words in Wallen’s mouth, it seems he wanted his followers to infer that New York City isn’t part of “God’s country.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I wish I could know, though, what part of NYC upset him the most.

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In New York state, 57% of adults identify as Christian, with 13% believing in a different religion.

I’ve lived in three Brooklyn neighborhoods and have always been walking distance from a church. Despite the city’s reputation as a place where the people are rude, I’ve felt love and compassion from many of the New Yorkers I’ve interacted with. In fact, I oftentimes feel more accepted here as a young queer person than I did back home.

While my home state has become increasingly intolerant through legislation and the courts, New York City residents have accepted me as I am, just as they would accept anyone else. I may have had a good support system back in liberal Durham, but I have found that my sexuality and gender are embraced by New York state instead of merely tolerated.

Wallen lives in Tennessee. Is that ‘God’s country’? Let’s take a look.

In Tennessee, Wallen’s home state, the Pew Research Center reports that 72% of adults are Christian.

Religious beliefs have been used to justify denying same-sex couples the right to marry and ridding the government of “woke.”

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In the past few months alone, Tennessee has become increasingly hostile to transgender people, immigrants and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. If conservative Christians in Tennessee and other red states truly wanted to live the word of God, they would make their state a more tolerant place.

Wallen is widely successful. He has traveled the world for his music, and last year, his tour became the highest-grossing country tour of all time. “Billboard” has called him the “biggest country star of the decade.” He has been across the United States and should know that “God’s country” isn’t just limited to the South and certainly doesn’t exclude more liberal cities or states.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don’t have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

Longtime “SNL” cast member Kenan Thompson talked to “Entertainment Weekly” about Wallen’s diss, noting that the “God’s country” post also rubbed him the wrong way.

“The ‘God’s country’ of it all is strange because it’s like, what are you trying to say?” Thompson said. “You trying to say that we are not in God’s country? We’re not all in God’s country? We’re not all under God’s umbrella? That’s not necessarily my favorite.”

Thompson’s assumption is a good take – we are all in “God’s country,” whether we live in a city or the country. I believe in the message I was taught as a child: that the job of Christians is to love everyone, regardless of race, sexuality, gender identity or immigration status. But I have learned, through Republican governmental action, that not everybody feels that way.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno

April 4, 2025
Stream ‘The Bondsman,’ CinemaCon’s greatest hits

Love movies? Live for TV? USA TODAY’s Watch Party newsletter has all the best recommendations, delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now and be one of the cool kids.

Viva Las Vegas!

I’ve been at CinemaCon all week, watching trailers and first footage, checking out studio presentations and interviewing folks for things that we’ll be talking about in this here Watch Party later this year and into the future. (Yes, I saw the live-action redo of “How to Train Your Dragon” and, yes, it will make you cry.) But more on all that in a bit, because the newsletter stops for no one. More timely is the new Kevin Bacon-kills-demons show “The Bondsman,” where the Baconator plays a Southern-fried antihero. While you’re bingeing that, think about the fate of your favorite TV series because the official USA TODAY Save Our Shows campaign is back, baby!

Now on to the good stuff:

Stream ‘The Bondsman’ to see Kevin Bacon hunting demons

Imagine the procedural horror of “Supernatural” mixed with the country-twanged musical drama of “Nashville” and you’re getting close to the genre-mashing vibes of “The Bondsman” (streaming now on Prime Video). Kevin Bacon plays a Georgia bail enforcer who’s killed by some shady townsfolk, gets strangely resurrected and discovers that the devil has brought him back to do his dirty work: kill demons that have escaped from hell.

Bacon is no stranger to horror – he loves the stuff, even in real life – but he told me being Satan’s newest bounty hunter wasn’t the only appealing aspect of the show. He also gets to utilize his music skills, writing songs with and sharing scenes with Grammy winner Jennifer Nettles, who plays his ex-wife. “I feel lucky to get a chance to sing with her, basically,” Bacon says. “She’s that good that she can make me sound good.”

Vote on what TV series to keep in USA TODAY’s Save Our Shows poll

This week, my buddy (and our esteemed TV editor) Gary Levin launched this year’s Save Our Shows poll – the 28th time, by the way, and back after a one-year hiatus because of the Hollywood strikes. The four major broadcast networks are currently weighing the fates of 17 comedies and dramas, just as a smaller crop of new shows are vying to replace them. This is your chance to have a voice in what should stay and what should go.

I’m not saying we’re actual saviors or anything, but the time-travel show “Timeless” – which was awesome, by the way – got canceled after its first season in 2017, won the Save Our Shows poll and then was renewed for a second season. (It also won in 2018, got canceled again but did earn a movie-length final episode.)

So what’s on the chopping block of stuff to save this year? My vote goes to ABC’s bonkers boat soap “Doctor Odyssey,” which in just a short time has featured sharks, many diseases and medical ailments, and a pregnancy spawned from a three-way. Others include NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” and “Suits LA,” CBS’ “The Equalizer” and Fox’s “The Cleaning Lady.”

Get ready for all the spiffy coming attractions from CinemaCon

Know that 20 to 25 minutes’ worth of trailers you get going to see a movie? CinemaCon is pretty much that but for four days and all while surrounded by slot machines and theater owners. The studios trotted out all their finest wares this year and into 2026 and beyond to get folks excited, and there’s been some pretty good stuff.

Tom Holland’s new Spidey flick got a nifty title: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” I don’t know if I’m ready for four Beatles biopics but those’ll be a must-watch. A taste of “Superman” footage starring Krypto the dog was stellar, as was the first 10 speedy minutes of Brad Pitt’s racing movie “F1.” “Wicked” women Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo debuted their sequel’s first trailer, and it turns out 30 dancing M3GANs is better than one. Oh, and yeah … “John Wick 5”!

I also got to chat with some movie types as well. Ralph Macchio and the new “Karate Kid” kid Ben Wang discussed how their upcoming film “Legends” ties into the Miyagi-verse, while The Weeknd told me how he felt about acting vs. music a little while after playing a surprise mini-concert at CinemaCon. (Dude can put on a show, y’all.)

Even more goodness to check out!

Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me? Email [email protected] and follow me on the socials: I’m @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram and Threads.

April 4, 2025