Category: Entertainment

Whitney Leavitt is looking at what’s to come after her final season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

The social media personality and reality star turned Broadway star stopped by Good Morning America Friday to address why season 5 of the Mormon mom influencer reality show is her last and her next moves.

“I feel like with anything in life, you feel like you have this book of life and it just felt like it was a chapter that was time to end and I’ve tried to leave multiple times, which I’m sure you’ve seen,” she said.

She added, “But this one I felt ended really well, and I think everyone felt that.”

Leavitt announced in May in an Instagram video that she is leaving the Hulu reality show, which she has appeared in since its September 2024 debut.

Since then, she went on to compete on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars where she placed sixth, and also made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago in February.

In August, she announced that she is returning to Broadway to star in Just in Time for a limited six-week engagement. She’ll appear in the musical from Dec. 1 until Jan. 10, 2027.

“I’m so excited, I’m doing what I love,” she said. “This is what I always wanted to do. This is just the beginning.”

On top of everything else happening in her life, she is also getting ready to cheer on her husband, Conner Leavitt, on season 35 of DWTS.

Earlier this week, Conner Leavitt was announced as part of the new celebrity cast competing for the Mirrorball Trophy. Whitney Leavitt added that she was the one to tell her husband that he was going to star in the new season, after the show’s casting director told her.

She added that as her husband has been preparing for the upcoming season with his pro dance partner, Adele Zaikman, he’ll send her videos of them dancing and she’ll offer her critique.

“I’m like, do this, do that, but remember to have fun,” she told GMA.

“With last season of Dancing with the Stars, I think everyone remembers Conner cheering everyone on, and this is just now his time for all of us to cheer him on and I’m so excited for him. He deserves everything and more,” Whitney Leavitt said.

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More members of the Wizarding World have been cast in HBO’s Harry Potter series.

The network has announced that Bonnie Hill, Billy Barratt and Lenny Rush have joined the season 2 cast of the upcoming series.

Hill takes over the role of Ginny Weasley moving forward. The character will be played by Gracie Cochrane in season 1 of the show. ABC Audio confirmed in May that Cochrane will not return to play the character in season 2 of the show.

At the time, Cochrane and her family released a statement regarding her decision to exit the series.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one,” the statement reads. “Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience. Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”

Barratt joins the series in the role of Tom Riddle, while Rush will take on the part of the house-elf Dobby.

“The Chamber of Secrets has been opened,” HBO Max captioned a casting announcement Instagram post.

The new actors join the previously announced Kit Harington, who is set to play Gilderoy Lockhart in season 2.

HBO renewed its Harry Potter series for season 2 on May 6. The renewal announcement arrived months ahead of the debut of the show’s first season.

Dominic McLaughlin leads the cast as Harry Potter. He stars alongside Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton, who play Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The show is described as a faithful adaptation of the books by J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will air on HBO and debut on HBO Max on Christmas Day 2026. Season 2 is set to begin production in fall 2026.

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Ready, set, binge! Here’s a look at some of the new movies and TV shows coming to theaters and streaming services this weekend:

Peacock 
Love Island USA season 8 reunion: See the Islanders reunite to look back on the record-breaking season.

Hulu
Chad Powers: Season 2 of the comedy series starring and co-created by Glen Powell premieres.

Paramount+
Clash of the Thundermans: The new film based on the Nickelodeon series debuts.

Apple TV
Mayday: Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh star in this action comedy film.

Netflix
Earle Meets World: Influencer Alix Earle reveals even more about her life in this new reality TV series.

Movie theaters 
Onslaught: Adria Arjona stars in the action slasher film from A24.

That’s all for this week’s Weekend Watchlist – happy streaming!

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Miley Cyrus is giving fans the first taste of her upcoming album.

The Grammy-winning singer released her new single, “Bass Persuades,” on Thursday, Sept. 3, along with an official music video directed by Mert Alas.

The song is the first single from Cyrus’ upcoming 10th studio album of the same name, Bass Persuades, which is set to be released Sept. 18 via Atlantic Records.

The album, which Cyrus announced earlier this week, is currently available for preorder and presave. A Neon Version vinyl featuring an exclusive cover is also available for preorder through Cyrus’ online store.

Cyrus is also set to return to the stage for two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Oct. 16 and Oct. 18.

Tickets will first be available through an American Express presale beginning Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. PT, followed by Cyrus’ artist presale on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT. The general sale begins Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. PT, according to a press release.

Cyrus first announced Bass Persuades on Sept. 1, sharing the album’s title, release date and details about the upcoming Hollywood Bowl shows.

In an Instagram post announcing the album, Cyrus explained the meaning behind its title.

“Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on,” she wrote.

“It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong. Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me,” she added. “Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album.”

Bass Persuades follows Cyrus’ 2025 studio album, Something Beautiful, and her 2023 album, Endless Summer Vacation. Her song “Flowers,” which appeared on Endless Summer Vacation, earned her Grammys for record of the year and best pop solo performance.

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Supergirl is flying on to streaming. The DC Studios film will make its global streaming debut to HBO Max on Sept. 10. It will arrive to HBO linear on Sept. 12. The movie stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet and Jason Momoa. It follows the titular cousin of Superman as she joins forces with an unlikely companion to save the life of her dog, Krypto …

Live from London, it’s Saturday night! Jeff Goldblum is set to host the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live U.K. season 2. The new season returns to Sky on Sept. 12. Goldblum has hosted the U.S. version of the program twice. The musical guest on the upcoming episode will be Irish singer‑songwriter CMAT …

The teaser trailer for Maxton Hall season 3 is here. The third and final season of the romance series, which has the full title Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, premieres on Dec. 9. The trailer stars Harriet Herbig-Matten as Ruby and Damian Hardung as James …

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Odysseus’ journey through IMAX screens is not even close to ending.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem is getting an extended run in 70mm IMAX lasting throughout the month of September. This brings the large format exhibitor’s run of the film up to 11 weeks.

Additional showtimes have been added at 39 IMAX screens across the United States from Sept. 17 to Sept. 30. The movie is already Nolan’s highest-grossing film. It’s garnered $1.55 billion at the worldwide box office and is the highest-grossing IMAX release of all time.

The Odyssey is the first feature shot entirely with IMAX cameras. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in the film that opened in theaters on July 17.

In addition to Damon, the movie stars Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron.

The Odyssey, of course, tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus’ 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. He encounters interruptions in his quest to return home to his wife, Penelope, and his grown son, Telemachus, who fights off suitors who are desperate to steal his father’s throne.

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Heated Rivalry continues to add to its lineup for season 2.

Kevin Zegers, Paul Gross and Milla Jovovich are the latest actors to join the cast of the Crave/HBO Max hockey romance series. Zegers will play Coach Brandon Wiebe, the rookie coach of Ilya Rozanov’s new Ottawa hockey team. Jovovich will play Dr. Galina Molchalina, Ilya’s Russian therapist.

Gross takes on the role of Commissioner Roger Crowell, head of the hockey league.

Season 2 stars Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander, two hockey rivals who enter into a yearslong love affair. The show was created by Jacob Tierney and based on the Game Changers book series by Rachel Reid.

Returning cast members also include François Arnaud and Robbie G.K., who play Scott Hunter and Kip Grady; Sophie Nélisse, who plays Rose Landry; and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, who plays Svetlana Vetrova.

Previously announced new additions to the cast include Justice Smith as Harris Drover, Charlie Gillespie as Troy Barrett, Daniel Diemer as Ryan Price, Shaheen Jafargholi as Fabian Salah and Edvin Ryding as Luca Haas.

Season 2 is set to premiere in spring of 2027 on HBO Max in the U.S.

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Dave Bautista is preparing to take over the role of Kratos in God of War.

The actor took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a video of himself training to take on the lead role in Prime Video’s video game TV adaptation.

Prime Video confirmed to ABC Audio in July that it decided to recast the role of Kratos after its original actor, Ryan Hurst, was seriously injured while on set of the series in late June. Hurst tore a bicep while performing a stunt on the show.

Bautista is the actor taking over the part, and his video shows him in the gym training for the role.

“3rd week in to weight training again. 2 more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin a bike! LFG!” Bautista wrote.

The video finds Bautista showing off his physique for the camera. He takes off his shirt and ends the video in Kratos’ signature pose.

While recovery time for Hurst’s injury is unclear, it would likely not have been safe for him to resume filming until 2027. This led to the decision for Bautista to take over the part. Additionally, the show’s co-lead, Atreus, is played by child actor Callum Vinson. Much of the existing footage will need to be reshot as Vinson is growing and changing.

Production started on God of War back in February. It’s based on the popular ancient mythology-themed Playstation video game and has already received a two-season order from the streamer.

The storyline for the upcoming series follows “father and son Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye,” according to an official synopsis from Prime Video. “Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.”

Also starring in the show are Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri and Danny Woodburn as Brok.

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More MobLand is on the way.

Paramount+ has renewed the action-crime series for season 3. This renewal comes ahead of the release of season 2 of the show, which premieres on the streaming service Sept. 18.

Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren star in the series about two mob families who find themselves in a war that threatens to ruin their empires and lives.

“The Harrigans, heads of North London’s largest criminal empire, are on the brink of civil war, and their rivals are starting to notice. As tensions within the Harrigan family intensify, their ‘fixer’ Harry Da Souza is the only one that can keep them from falling apart,” according to an official description of season 2.

Ronan Bennett created and co-wrote the series, which was executive produced by David C. Glasser and co-written by Jez Butterworth.

Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Lara Pulver, Anson Boon, Mandeep Dhillon, Jasmine Jobson, Teddie Allen, Emmett J. Scanlan, Johnny Flynn, Ophelia Lovibond, Janet McTeer and Toby Jones also star in season 2.

“With over 26 million viewers and climbing, MobLand has become a resounding triumph driven by the creative brilliance of Guy, Jez, Ronan and David C. Glasser, and brought to life by the powerhouse performances by Tom, Pierce, and Helen,” Chris McCarthy, the co-CEO of Paramount and president of SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment, said at the time the series was renewed for season 2 in June 2025. 

New episodes of the 10-episode season 2 will be available to stream on Fridays, culminating in the season 2 finale releasing on Nov. 20.

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Disney star Carla Jeffery has died, according to a statement shared on her official Instagram by her talent management company. She was 33.

The actress was known for her role in the Zombies franchise.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old,” Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management wrote in the statement.

Alexander went on, “Carla joined the Alexanders Talent Management family at the age of 12. For more than 20 years, we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room.”

She added that Jeffery was “more than a client; she was family.”

“Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time,” Alexander continued. “We respectfully ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten.”

ABC News has reached out to Jeffery’s rep.

Details about the actress’s death have not been revealed.

In a statement, Disney Entertainment Television said: “Carla Jeffery’s extraordinary talent, warmth and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with her. She had a rare gift for connecting with audiences, and her performances brought joy to millions. We will remember Carla for her generosity, her humor and the genuine light she brought to those around her. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, her castmates and collaborators, and the countless fans whose lives she touched.”

Many across Hollywood and beyond, including her fellow Disney stars, took to the comments section of the post, sharing their disbelief over the news.

“Carla. The sweetest person I have ever met. I love you,” Jeffery’s Zombies co-star Milo Manheim commented.

Chandler Kinney, who starred in Zombies 2 and Zombies 3 with Jeffery, wrote, “[T]he brightest shining light in any room she walked into. the kindest person you’d ever meet. the most beautiful soul. this doesn’t feel real.”

Born on July 10, 1993, in Houston, Texas, Jeffery’s first film role was in the 2006 film Phat Girlz.

She had a role on Nickelodeon’s iCarly in 2008 and also portrayed Keysha Black in the television series Curb Your Enthusiasm.

In 2011, she appeared on Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie, and appeared on Shake It Up the following year.

After appearing on several more shows, including Scream Queens and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, she landed the role of Bree in the first Zombies film in 2018.

She went on to star in Zombies 2 and Zombies 3, as well as voicing Bree in several Zombies re-animated shorts.

ABC News’ Juwon Funes contributed to this report.

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