Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Batman Forever’ star, dies at 65Entertainment
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New Netflix docuseries recounts Long Island Gilgo Beach murders
‘Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer’ chronicles the Gilgo Beach murders and the 2023 arrest of New York architect Rex Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of murder
Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer charged with 7th murder
Authorities charged alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann with his 7th murder charge in the death of 24-year-old Valerie Mack.
A new Netflix docuseries that dropped Monday centers on Rex Heuermann, accused of being the Long Island Serial Killer.
“Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer” chronicles the string of slayings known as the Gilgo Beach murders in which seven women in their early 20s, working as sex workers, disappeared between 1993 and 2010.
Heuermann was arrested in 2023 and has been charged with seven murders. He has pleaded not guilty.
The three-episode true crime series features interviews with Heuermann’s friends and family and details how law enforcement arrested the 61-year-old architect, who is currently facing trial in New York. Heuermann is incarcerated at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Suffolk County.
In an interview with Netflix, Director Liz Garbus discussed the intricacy of chronicling a live case, adding that Heuermann was charged with another murder after she had already submitted the documentary.
“Will there be more between now and the time that we air? It’s possible. Will there be more between now and the time that we go to trial, if they go to trial? It’s probable,” Garbus said.
USA TODAY reached out to Heuermann’s attorney late Tuesday for comment.
While the docuseries details the crimes and the investigation leading up to Heuermann’s arrest, the case continues to unfold in real time. Here’s what to know.
Who are the 7 victims in the Gilgo Beach murders?
In July 2023, Heuermann was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the deaths of Megan Waterman, 22; Melissa Barthelemy, 24; and Amber Costello, 27.
Last year, he was also charged in the four additional murders of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; Jessica Taylor, 20; Sandra Costilla, 28; and Valerie Mack, 24.
Judge to decide whether case should be broken up into multiple trials
Heuermann’s defense team has petitioned for the court not to tie the seven murders together in one trial, arguing that combining the cases could lead to an improper conviction. Through a motion, his legal team told Judge Timothy Mazzei that the evidence in some of the deaths are weaker than others.
However, the Suffolk County District Attorney Office has pushed back against this effort, arguing in a statement that the victims are “inextricably interwoven by geographic proximity, victimology, digital and physical evidence, forensic analysis, and defendant’s own planning document.”
Mazzei is expected to make a ruling on how the killings will be tried in court soon.
Defense seeks to exclude certain DNA evidence
Heuermann’s legal team has also petitioned Mazzei to exclude some evidence from trial due to the type of DNA testing used known as nuclear DNA, or whole genome sequencing. The technology examines the complete DNA make-up of an organism with greater precision, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
However, Heuermann’s attorneys argue the technique is not widely accepted by the scientific community and highlights the fact that it has never been used in New York court of law.
Prosecutors have countered, arguing the technique is used in a wide variety of scientific and forensic settings.
“The advancement of forensic science and nuclear DNA analysis involving Whole Genome Sequencing has allowed law enforcement to now link genetic profiles consistent with the defendant, and/or individuals who have resided with him, to six of the seven victims through hairs found at the crime scene and/or on the victims,” Assistant District Attorney Andrew Lee said, according to ABC News.
Has a trial date been set?
A trial date for the murder charges against Heuermann has not been set, as Judge Mazzei must determine whether nuclear DNA evidence can be used and whether the seven killings will be tried together.
Proceedings will continue on Wednesday, April 2, when more experts will testify.
Is Rex Heuermann divorced?
Heuermann has reached a divorce settlement with his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, who filed for divorce in July 2023 shortly after his arrest, ABC News reported.
A judge will review the terms of the settlement, which are not public, and decide whether to finalize, per ABC News.
How to watch the Gilgo Beach murders documentary
All three episodes of the true crime docuseries “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer” are available to stream on Netflix.
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‘Top Gun,’ ‘Batman,’ ‘The Doors’ star dies at 65
Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Batman Forever’ star, dies at 65
Val Kilmer portrayed larger-than-life characters, such as Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday and Batman, throughout his prolific acting career.
Val Kilmer, the charismatic and enigmatic actor best known as Iceman in “Top Gun” and for leading man roles ranging from Batman to The Doors rocker Jim Morrison, has died, according to reports. He was 65.
Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles from pneumonia, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times and The Associated Press. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, she said.
USA TODAY has reached out to Kilmer’s representatives for comment.
The actor had battled the disease publicly for much of the past decade, permanently losing his voice to a tracheotomy, but continuing to act and write.
Kilmer was a magnetic presence in Hollywood after the graduate of New York’s Juilliard School made his movie debut in the 1984 Cold War spy-movie spoof “Top Secret!”
The actor became a global superstar as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, the cocky rival-turned-wingman to Tom Cruise’s “Maverick” in Tony Scott’s 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun.” The role almost didn’t happen, despite Scott lobbying hard for Kilmer. But the headstrong young actor resisted and tried to tank his audition. “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me,” Kilmer wrote in his 2020 memoir “I’m Your Huckleberry.”
Cruise and Kilmer’s onscreen tension helped fuel the film’s need-for-speed fighter pilot success and super-charged the careers of both actors.
In director Ron Howard’s “Willow” (1988), Kilmer starred as the wisecracking swordsman Madmartigan and met his future wife, co-star Joanne Whalley, whom he married later that year. The couple had two children, daughter Mercedes (born 1991) and son Jack (born 1995), before divorcing in 1996.
Kilmer starred as rock star Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s 1991 drama “The Doors,” where the perfectionist actor performed all of Morrison’s vocals. Following Michael Keaton and before George Clooney, Kilmer donned the iconic cape and cowl to play Bruce Wayne/Batman in 1995’s “Batman Forever,” battling Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey) in Gotham City.
He played the gunslinger Doc Holliday in 1993’s “Tombstone” and master thief Chris Shiherlis in director Michael Mann’s 1995 bank heist drama “Heat,” alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
The production-plagued and turmoil-filled 1996 drama “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” in which Kilmer starred alongside Marlon Brando, proved to be a career turning point. Kilmer was already gaining a reputation in Hollywood for being difficult; a 1996 Entertainment Weekly cover story about the polarizing actor was titled ″The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate.″ After the critical and commercial disaster of “Dr. Moreau,” Kilmer’s brilliant career lost its leading man luster.
Kilmer stood out in independent films like 2002’s “The Salton Sea” and as the doomed ’70s porn star John Holmes in 2003’s “Wonderland.” Kilmer earned plaudits for his role as no-nonsense private detective Gay Perry in 2005’s “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” But his main professional passion revolved around deeply exploring the persona of Mark Twain: writing, directing, producing and starring in the one-man stage play “Citizen Twain,” which he adapted into a 2017 film.
Decades after the original, Kilmer’s return in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick” as Admiral Kazansky − in a brief but emotional scene opposite Cruise − became the sequel’s most poignant moment. Kilmer, indifferent to earning his “Top Gun” role after his original audition, pleaded to Cruise, producers and director Joseph Kosinski for the “Maverick” part more than three decades later.
“As the Temptations sang in the heyday of Motown soul, ‘Ain’t too proud to beg.’ The producers went for it and Cruise went for it.” Kilmer wrote in his memoir.
The two actors gave a final hug onscreen that was “straight from the heart,” Kilmer told USA TODAY in June 2022. “I love Tom. We’ve always gotten along great.”
The scene also showed the two former aces jokingly arguing over who was a better pilot, since Iceman won the Top Gun Trophy in the original film.
“One can always use a laugh,” Kilmer told USA TODAY. “There can only be one Top Gun.”
In “I’m Your Huckleberry,” which was named for his love of Twain and a line in “Tombstone,” Kilmer wrote about a vivid experience with an angel during a trip to New Mexico.
Kilmer wrote that the angel reached into his body and extracted his heart to replace it with a bigger one. “At first I thought it was the Angel of Death before realizing it was the Angel of Life. I wish I could elucidate the experience more than I have already done, but I can’t. It simply happened,” Kilmer wrote. “I have nothing else to say about this, except that I am grateful for the new heart. It has served me well. And I’ve only just begun to use it.”
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A look back at actor Val Kilmer’s storied career: PhotosMovies
A look back at actor Val Kilmer’s storied career: PhotosMovies
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Josh Brolin, Josh Gad remember ‘iconic’ actor
Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Batman Forever’ star, dies at 65
Val Kilmer portrayed larger-than-life characters, such as Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday and Batman, throughout his prolific acting career.
Following reports of Val Kilmer’s death on Tuesday at age 65, his industry friends and admirers began mourning the actor.
Soon after the news came out, “No Country for Old Men” actor Josh Brolin took to Instagram to remember Kilmer as a one-of-a-kind talent.
“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you,” Brolin wrote alongside a photo of the two. “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”
In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Michael Mann — who directed Kilmer in 1995’s “Heat” — said, “While working with Val on ‘Heat’ I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news.”
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times and The Associated Press that the actor died from pneumonia. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, she said.
USA TODAY has reached out to Kilmer’s representatives for comment.
Josh Gad, more pay tribute to ‘icon’ Val Kilmer
Josh Gad paid tribute to the “icon,” writing, “Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood.”
The social media accounts for Paramount Home Entertainment and the “Top Gun” franchise remembered one of their own in a post that read, “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.”
Acclaimed film critic Richard Roeper paid homage to what he believed were some of Kilmer’s greatest roles in several X posts.
“Val Kilmer should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Tombstone’ and for ‘Heat. He was a brilliant presence in some of the most enduring films of his generation,” Roeper wrote. “Rest well. Thank you for the incredible work.”
He also paid respect to Kilmer’s early years in Hollywood: “One of my favorite early Val Kilmer appearances is in ‘Real Genius.’ Val did something special with a typical 1980s cynical rebel/wisecracker role, giving his character a layer of big brother warmth. It’s actually kind of sweet,” Roeper posted.
Known in his various roles over the decades as Iceman (“Top Gun”), Batman and Doc Holliday (“Tombstone”), Kilmer has nearly 100 film credits to his name.
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‘F1’ Brad Pitt footage impresses CinemaCon with racing action
‘F1’: See new trailer with Brad Pitt ripping around a racetrack
Watch the new trailer for “F1,” with Brad Pitt ripping around in a very fast Formula 1 car.
LAS VEGAS – If you ever wondered how Brad Pitt might do in traffic, here comes “F1.”
The new racing movie from the makers of “Top Gun: Maverick” – director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer – has the same need for speed and competitive attitude, as evidenced in the first 10 minutes of the film that debuted Tuesday during CinemaCon, the conference for theater owners and studios.
Sonny Hayes (Pitt) is a hired gun who goes wherever someone needs something driven fast. The film opens with him starting his day in his minibus home doing some pullups, but it’s actually night: He’s driving for a Formula 1 team at 24 Hours of Daytona, and he’s got the midnight shift. Sonny puts on his helmet, pauses for a little prayer and then jumps in the driver’s seat.
His team’s in seventh place, but that’s no problem because Sonny drives like a veteran bat out of hell, passing some opponents and causing others a little undo chaos. If you thought “Top Gun” was exciting, buckle up, folks.
Hours later, Sonny arrives back in the pit in first place. “If you lose this lead, I’ll kill you,” Sonny warns the next guy up. (He also grabs a wrench when one of his rival racers gets a little salty.)
Sonny’s team wins, he gets a bonus check and moves on. At a laundromat, however, his old friend Ruben (Javier Bardem) tracks him down and offers him a job: If Ruben doesn’t get out of a $250 million hole and start winning, he’ll lose his racing team.
The footage ends with Sonny laughing in Ruben’s face, but of course he takes the gig. The movie centers on Sonny mentoring a young F1 prodigy (Damson Idris) to prepare for a major race.
And when you watch it, that is Pitt really in there ripping around at 180 mph. Last month during a trailer launch event, Kosinski reported that F1 icon Lewis Hamilton, a producer on the movie, felt Pitt was just right role for this particular role.
“One of the first things we did was go out on the track in sports cars, because Lewis wanted to see if Brad could drive, because if not, this won’t work,” Kosinski said. “When Lewis saw that he was naturally gifted at the wheel, it gave him confidence.”
Contributing: Marco della Cava
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Crossword Blog & Answers for April 2, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further! Taste the Nation
Constructor: Matthew Stock
Editor: Amanda Rafkin
What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle
- AMIRA (2D: Historian ___ Rose Davis) AMIRA Rose Davis is an Assistant Professor in African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas, Austin. She specializes in 20th Century American History with an emphasis on race, gender, sports, and politics.
Random Thoughts & Interesting Things
- SOFAS (9A: Couches) and DIVAN (3D: Backless couch) Do you call these pieces of furniture SOFAS or couches? Or perhaps you have a DIVAN… I’m a SOFA person myself, though at the moment we only own a loveseat.
- ORANGE COUNTY (20A: Colorful region in the L.A. and Orlando areas) In California, ORANGE COUNTY is home to Los Angeles. In Florida, ORANGE COUNTY is home to Orlando. There are six additional states that have an ORANGE COUNTY: Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.
- POUNCES (24A: Strikes suddenly, like a cat) My cat, Willow, says she’s prepared to POUNCE at any moment … that’s why she’s sleeping with her paw out.
- ODE (33A: “___ of Broken Loyalty” (Sharon Olds poem)) Sharon Olds is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet (2013) who currently teaches creative writing at New York University. You can read her “ODE of Broken Loyalty” on the American Poetry Review website.
- BOURBON STREET (35A: Historic New Orleans thoroughfare) BOURBON STREET is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. The 13-block street is known for its bars and strip clubs.
- AXEL (43A: Skater’s spinning jump) I’m highlighting this answer as a reminder to myself that a skater’s spinning jump is an AXEL, while the car part connecting the wheels is an axle.
- GMT (44A: International clock standard (Abbr.)) Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is (one of the names for) the time zone for the United Kingdom, including London. GMT is also sometimes used as a synonym for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Greenwich Mean Time takes its name from Greenwich, London, the location of the Royal Observatory situated on the Prime Meridian that has played a significant role in the history of astronomy and navigation.
- TORTILLA FLAT (51A: Arizona stagecoach stop near the Superstition Mountains) TORTILLA FLAT is Arizona’s smallest community. This small town that was established in 1904 currently has a population of six.
- BAHAI (53A: Unity-focused religion) The BAHÁ’Í faith was established in the 1800s by Bahá’u’lláh, its prophet-founder who lived in Iran. The religion emphasizes the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. However, it features several places for tourists to visit, including the Superstition Saloon and a country store.
- ALIA (57A: “Arrested Development” actress Shawkat) Arrested Development is a TV series that revolves around the Bluth family. The Bluths used to be wealthy, and continue to live extravagantly even though they are no longer rich. ALIA Shawkat portrays teenager Mae “Maeby” Fünke.
- EMMYS (61A: Awards for “The Bear” or “The Crown”) The Bear is a TV series about Carmy Berzatto – portrayed by Jeremy Allen White – a chef from New York City who returns to his hometown of Chicago to run his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop, The Beef. The Bear won ten EMMYS in 2023 and four EMMYS in 2024. The Crown is a historical TV series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. From 2017 to 2024, The Crown won 11 EMMYS.
- ANN (12D: Filmmaker Hui) I learned about filmmaker ANN Hui from the September 18, 2025 puzzle. Her movies are known for highlighting the lives of women in Hong Kong. I thought it was fun that this clue about a filmmaker was immediately followed by SET (13D: “Quiet on the ___!”)
- TONAL (29DA: Like the Navajo language) In TONAL languages, various tones are used to distinguish the meaning of words. A single word may be said with different tones, and each tone will change the meaning of the word. The Navajo language is one of the most widely spoken Native American languages.
- ITALY (46D: Setting for Pixar’s “Luca”) Set in ITALY on the Italian Riviera, the animated movie Luca (2021) tells the story of its title character. Luca is a 12-year-old sea monster/boy – he assumes human form while on land.
Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis
- ORANGE COUNTY (20A: Colorful region in the L.A. and Orlando areas)
- BOURBON STREET (35A: Historic New Orleans thoroughfare)
- TORTILLA FLAT (51A: Arizona stagecoach stop near the Superstition Mountains)
TASTE THE NATION: Each theme answer is a place that begins with the name of a food.
It was fun to take a tour of the U.S. today. Take your pick whether you want to start in California or Florida. Then travel to Louisiana, and end up in Arizona. I like the fact that this tour starts in a COUNTY, then moves to a STREET, and ends in a FLAT. That was a fun narrowing of focus as one works down the grid. Thank you, Matthew, for this enjoyable puzzle.
For more on USA TODAY’s Crossword Puzzles
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‘Superman’ footage unveiled by James Gunn and cast at CinemaCon
‘Superman’: David Corenswet’s Man of Steel soars in first trailer
David Corenswet makes his debut as DC’s new Man of Steel in director James Gunn’s “Superman,” co-starring Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult.
LAS VEGAS – Rachel Brosnahan recalled a night filming “Superman” where the newest Man of Steel, co-star David Corenswet, looked especially superheroic with his cape flapping in the moonlight. She reminded him that he was Superman, with an f-bomb for emphasis.
“I forget I’m in the suit. It’s like a haircut. But those are the best moments,” Corenswet confessed during Tuesday’s DC Studios presentation at CinemaCon.
While writer/director James Gunn might have slipped and accidentally called CinemaCon “Comic-Con,” he knew that theater owners and comic-book fans are very excited about all things “Superman.” The film (in theaters July 11) is the launchpad for a rebooted DC movie universe and a throwback to the days of Christopher Reeve as a charismatic, do-gooding Superman without a shred of cynicism.
It was Superman’s dog Krypto, however, that stole the show: Gunn showed the audience an exclusive scene where Superman, injured and bloodied, crash-lands in the Arctic and whistles to Krypto have his canine best friend take him to the Fortress of Solitude to recover. Krypto, however, thinks he’s playing and starts jumping on him and roughhousing, doing more damage. And once they get back and fix Superman up, our hero is not pleased that Krypto’s pretty much run amok and wrecked the place in his absence.
The pooch was inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu. When the filmmaker brought the him home, Gunn said, “he was the worst dog you could ever imagine.” Ozu chewed up everything he could – including a new $8,000 laptop – and Gunn would have to climb on furniture because Ozu would run around trying to bite his feet. “I didn’t know if he was playing or he hated my guts.”
New Man of Steel David Corenswet even won over an evil Nicholas Hoult
Gunn, who did Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy before becoming co-head of DC Studios, called the story he tells in “Superman” “utterly human and utterly fantastic at the same time.” Playing love interest/ace Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane, Brosnahan added that “there’s something for everyone,” from high adventure to an epic love story. “It was hugely intimidating but these stories at their core are about hope and being courageous and (how) good is always worth fighting for.
“Superman is a cool guy who does the right thing because it’s the right thing.”
The new Supes’ goodness even impressed his arch enemy: Nicholas Hoult, who plays the villainous Lex Luthor, remembered watching one scene being filmed where Corenswet flew onto set in full regalia. “I felt like I was witness to the magic of cinema in first person in real time,” Hoult said. “I’m evil, I hate him, but I got this warmth in my tummy and this stupid grin. I turned around and (crew) people had the same expression on their face.”
Corenswet said that “Superman” at its core is ultimately a movie about “love and hope and a desire to share,” and Gunn added that he hoped audience members will walk out and “love the person they came in with a little bit more.”
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Carnie Wilson defends daughter Lola from ‘cruel’ ‘American Idol’ fans
Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson put under conservatorship
A judge has ruled to have Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson placed under a conservatorship. Wilson did not object to the ruling.
unbranded – Entertainment
Wilson Phillips singer Carnie Wilson is defending her teen daughter, Lola Bonfiglio, from the internet’s negativity over Lola’s “American Idol” experience.
“We’re human, and the internet is so cruel. And the comments are really pissing me off, and I can’t respond,” Wilson said Sunday during the “Music of the 90s” panel during 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, per Entertainment Weekly and People magazine.
“Would you encourage a doctor’s son not to be a doctor?”, Wilson continued. “Lola wants to be a singer, and they say these terrible things. And she was so hurt.”
Wilson also said her 19-year-old daughter was “trembling with nerves” because the “Idol” audition was “the scariest thing she ever has done.”
Bandmate Chynna Phillips Baldwin chimed in to say she believed the majority of the comments about Lola’s performances were positive.
Unfortunately for the Wilsons, Lola was cut from the show when the judges eliminated more than half of the contestants in a bloodbath of an episode Monday night.
Following her dismissal from the competition, Lola took to Instagram to say that while this “Idol” chapter has come to a close, “this is just the start of a new chapter of my music journey!”
“I have NEVER experienced pressure like that in my life, but boy has it taught me a lot. It has pushed me to work on my confidence as a singer, hone in on my artistry and songwriting, and not let a little heat stop me!” she added.
Lola Bonfiglio’s ‘American Idol’ audition
On the March 23 episode of “Idol,” which showed the fourth week of auditions, Lola stepped into the room with her dad, Rob Bonfiglio, who was toting an acoustic guitar. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan might have thought they’d be seeing another father-daughter performance, but before the two launched into song, Lola brought in some backup: her mom and aunt Wendy Wilson, who are Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson’s children.
The trio sang the 1990 Wilson Phillips chart-topper “Hold On,” with Bonfiglio accompanying on guitar as Underwood mouthed along. The judges, however, needed to see if Lola had what it takes as a solo artist.
She sang a second audition song, Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow,” as Carnie Wilson cried with pride and fanned her face from the sidelines.
Lola’s performance was good enough to get her to the next round, but the judges sent her home with some homework to level up before Hollywood Week.
Richie challenged her to “tell us a story” with her voice, while Bryan warned Lola the competition will require her to belt out some songs and fill “up the room a little more.”
“But you’ve got a really, really beautiful voice,” Bryan complimented.
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Actor supports film showing alleged abuse
FKA Twigs denies Shia LaBeouf’s request for private records access
FKA Twigs has denied a request from Shia LaBeouf for her “highly private records ahead of their October trial.
unbranded – Entertainment
Shia LaBeouf and his former acting school are going under the microscope in a revealing documentary.
“Slauson Rec,” an upcoming film that centers on LaBeouf’s now-defunct theater school of the same name, allegedly shows the actor’s physical abuse of his students, according to Vanity Fair. The outlet spoke with the documentary’s director, Leo Lewis O’Neil, in an interview published Monday.
O’Neil, a student of LaBeouf’s at Slauson, began making the film after the actor spotted him with a camera during class and encouraged him to film “everything that took place.”
“I wasn’t the only one that was desperate for a community. Everybody who stuck through that program, I think, had an intense sense of being desperate for something like a family,” O’Neil recalled to Vanity Fair. “It was like the Island of Misfit Toys.”
A representative for “Slauson Rec” confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday that the movie is currently seeking distribution. Additionally, LaBeouf was not involved in the production of the film, aside from his appearances in the documentary.
LaBeouf launched the Slauson Recreational Center Theater School in fall 2018 at the Los Angeles rec center of the same name, and the school abruptly closed in November 2020, per Vanity Fair. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LaBeouf allegedly suffered from “dark” outbursts that led to “violent behavior” directed toward his students.
“What started as an open, egalitarian workshop quickly evolved into intense daily rehearsals led by Shia, pushing participants to their limits,” a synopsis of the film reads, according to a press release. “O’Neil, a participant from day one, documents the complex journey of mentorship, influence and the lasting impact on the diverse group over three years.”
Shia LaBeouf voices support for acting school documentary
O’Neil, who shot approximately 800 hours of footage for the documentary, reportedly filmed several instances of LaBeouf “initiating physical altercations” with Slauson students during the school’s final months, according to Vanity Fair.
One of the alleged altercations included a tense argument with a student named Zeke. After aggressively accusing the student of having an “attitude problem,” LaBeouf reportedly shoved Zeke against a wall. A clip of the pair’s conversation is shown in a film teaser shared on the Vanity Fair website.
“People let him get away with it,” Zeke reflects in a FaceTime conversation, after which he reveals scratches and bruises on his body, according to the magazine. “What kind of mentor does that?”
In a statement to Vanity Fair, LaBeouf said he “fully support(s) the release of the film.” O’Neil said the “Transformers” star has been sent a screening link to view the film ahead of its release.
“I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit,” LaBeouf told Vanity Fair. “While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved.
“Together we turned a drama class into an acting company. I wish only good things for Leo and everyone who was part of The Slauson Rec Company.”
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for LaBeouf for comment.
Shia LaBeouf accused of ‘combative’ acting, physical abuse
This isn’t the first time LaBeouf has been accused of professional misconduct and physical abuse.
In December 2020, LaBeouf’s former girlfriend, British singer and actress FKA Twigs, brought a lawsuit against the actor, accusing him of repeated physical, emotional and mental abuse during their nearly yearlong relationship.
Twigs, who sued for sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress, also claimed in the lawsuit that LaBeouf abused Karolyn Pho, a stylist and ex-girlfriend, and others.
At the time, LaBeouf responded to the allegations in an email to The New York Times, saying he has a “history of hurting the people closest to me” and that he was “sorry to those I hurt.”
Two years later, actress and “Don’t Worry Darling” director Olivia Wilde alleged in an interview with Variety that she fired LaBeouf from the psychological thriller because his creative process “seems to require a combative energy.” Wilde did not specify LaBeouf’s alleged on-set behavior.
LaBeouf disputed his exit from the film at time, claiming he quit due to inadequate rehearsal time.
“I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work,” Wilde told Variety. “Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job.”
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY