Entertainment

‘Superman’ star Anthony Carrigan shares how Christopher Reeve helped him embrace his alopecia

Eric Charbonneau/Warner Bros. via Getty Images

Anthony Carrigan is opening up about the deeply personal connection he has to Superman.

The actor plays Metamorpho/Rex Mason in the upcoming James Gunn-directed Superman film and told Good Morning America that Christopher Reeve, who starred as the DC Comics superhero in the 1978 Superman film and its sequels, helped him embrace his alopecia, with which he was diagnosed as a child.

“When I was a kid, my mom told me about all of these actors and people who had alopecia, and she told me about Christopher Reeve,” Carrigan said at the film’s premiere in LA on Monday night.

Carrigan continued, “That was really special, because I really figured, well, if Superman could have alopecia, then I can have alopecia.”

Reeve, who portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films, was diagnosed with alopecia areata as a teen. He opened up about the disease in an interview with The New Yorker in 2003 and also spoke about the condition in his 1998 autobiography, Still Me.

Reeve died in October 2004 at the age of 52.

Alopecia is a blanket term for hair loss. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are different types of alopecia, and experts believe some types occur when a person’s immune system inappropriately targets their own hair follicles, which stifles hair growth.

There is no cure for alopecia but there are treatments, including steroid injections and oral steroids or various immunotherapies. Red light therapy may have benefits for some patients with certain types of hair loss, but not all, according to research published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, available on the National Library of Medicine’s website.

Carrigan said knowing about Reeve’s struggle with alopecia was “a big deal for me” growing up.

“So knowing that I’m now part of Superman, I’m now part of this legacy,” he added.

In Gunn’s Superman, Metamorpho, also known as The Element Man, has the power of manipulation. In production notes for the film, Carrigan said his character can “turn himself into whatever he wants” because of this power.

“So, it’s a blessing and a curse. He, I think, sees it more as a curse,” he said. “He does not like the way that he looks, which I can certainly relate to. You know, growing up with alopecia, that was something that I wished that I could change about myself back then, and it really affected my self-esteem. It affected the way that I moved through the world. And so, that’s certainly a kind of aspect of this character that I feel like I can really relate to. But since then, since accepting that, it really has become a kind of superpower of mine, this different, unique look of mine.”

Superman flies into theaters July 11.

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Entertainment

‘Big Brother’ season 27 cast revealed by CBS

Matthew Taplinger

The new Big Brother cast has been revealed.

CBS has announced the 16 new houseguests who will compete on Big Brother season 27. Among the different personalities are a professional bull rider, an AI consultant, an aura painter and a dungeon master.

“This new group of houseguests is stepping into a summer where nothing is as it seems, where every twist rewrites the rules, and every turn conceals a hidden agenda,” according to a press release from CBS.

The names of the new houseguests competing on the season are Adrian Rocha, Amy Bingham, Ashley Hollis, Ava Pearl, Cliffton “Will” Williams, Isaiah “Zae” Frederich, Jimmy Heagerty, Katherine Woodman, Keanu Soto, Kelley Jorgensen, Lauren Domingue, Mickey Lee, Morgan Pope, Rylie Jeffries, Vince Panaro and Zach Cornell.

Additionally, a mystery houseguest will join the 16 other houseguests to compete for the $750,000 prize.

Big Brother follows a group of people who live together in a house without the ability to leave it or access anything about the outside world. The house has dozens of cameras and microphones that record their every move, every second of the day. Each week, another person gets voted out of the house, until the last remaining houseguest wins the cash prize.

Big Brother season 27 premieres with a 90-minute episode July 10 on CBS. 

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Entertainment

‘Slow Horses’ scores season 7 renewal at Apple TV+

Apple

Slow Horses has scored an early season 7 renewal.

Apple TV+ has renewed the series through its seventh season before its season 5 has even debuted.

Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb in the spy thriller series that also stars Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas and Jonathan Pryce.

Slow Horses is based on the Slough House books by Mick Herron. Season 7 will adapt the novel Bad Actors from the popular series.

The plot of season 7 will follow Jackson Lamb and his Slow Horses as they go on a “hunt to find and neutralize a mole at the heart of British Government before they can bring down the state,” according to an official description from Apple TV+.

Slow Horses has won fans all over the world with its unique mix of self-deprecating British humor and high-octane action. I’m delighted viewers will have another season to enjoy Gary’s magnificent performance as Jackson Lamb alongside the Slow Horses’ slightly inept spycraft,” Jay Hunt, the creative director of Apple TV+ in Europe, said.

Season 5 of Slow Horses premieres on Sept. 24. An upcoming sixth season of the series was announced last year.

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Entertainment

In brief: ‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ season 2 teaser trailer and more

Lily Gladstone and Kenneth Branagh have joined the cast of The Thomas Crown Affair. Deadline reports that the actors have joined the project, which is being directed by and will star Michael B. Jordan. The Amazon MGM Studios film will have an exclusive theatrical release on March 5, 2027 …

The teaser trailer for season 2 of My Life With the Walter Boys has arrived. Jackie returns to Silver Falls in the short teaser trailer, which also finds her caught between brothers Cole and Alex yet again. The second season of the show arrives Aug. 28 on Netflix …

The cast of Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey has had a little change. Cosmo Jarvis will no longer be part of the star-studded cast, Deadline reports. The Shōgun star had to drop out of the project due to a scheduling conflict. He was replaced by Logan Marshall-Green in a role that remains under wraps. The Odyssey journeys into movie theaters and IMAX screens on July 17, 2026 …

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Entertainment

‘Bachelor in Paradise”s Jesse Palmer, Hannah Brown and Wells Adams on shocking season 10 premiere exits

Disney/Bahareh Ritter

(SPOILER ALERT) Four men had their time on the beach cut short during the Bachelor in Paradise season 10 premiere.

At the end of the episode, which aired Monday night on ABC, Hakeem Moulton, Kyle Howard, Riquerdy “Ricky” Marinez and Sam McKinney were not able to secure the connections necessary to keep them looking for love on the Costa Rican beach.

Host Jesse Palmer told ABC Audio he was shocked by the outcome.

“We had some pretty big names go home early,” Palmer said. One of those names was McKinney, from Jenn Tran‘s season of The Bachelorette.

Paradise, I think, in a lot of ways, a big theme is redemption. I know Sam was really excited about that — to show a totally different side of himself than what he showed on Jenn’s season,” Palmer said. “As the host and as someone that’s been around Sam, I was sad to see him leave. I’m really hopeful for him and outside the show that he’ll find his person, because he deserves it.”

Bartender Wells Adams says he “was not shocked that Hakeem left.”

“He really didn’t make a connection with anybody. Which is too bad, he’s a lovely guy,” Adams said. “I just think he tried a little too hard.”

Paradise Relations coordinator Hannah Brown wasn’t shocked by who left, either, but wished McKinney had gotten more of “a redemptive story.”

“I think it’s always really tough to come in right before a rose ceremony,” Brown said. “That’s the unfortunate thing about Paradise, is you have such a little time to make connection. You never know when the person’s gonna come in. So, it’s always bittersweet to see people leave, but that is dating. You have to choose who you have a stronger connection with at that time, so it wasn’t really a shock in that moment who was going to leave. But I wish everyone the best.”

Bachelor in Paradise airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. It streams the next day on Hulu.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.

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Entertainment

‘Love Island USA’ star Cierra Ortega’s parents speak out after backlash amid racism allegations

Ben Symons/Peacock

The parents of Love Island USA star Cierra Ortega are addressing their daughter’s sudden exit from the popular reality show.

During Sunday night’s episode of the hit Peacock reality show, fans learned of Ortega’s departure from narrator Iain Stirling, who revealed that Ortega “left the villa due to a personal situation.”

The shocking exit came amid backlash over resurfaced past posts on a social media account belonging to Ortega that allegedly used a derogatory term against the Asian community, which led fans to call for her removal from the show.

As fans learned of Ortega’s departure, her parents shared a statement on her Instagram Story on behalf of their family, asking for “compassion” and “patience.”

“As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives,” they wrote. “We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it yet, we have. And so have the people who love her.”

“We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced,” their statement continued. “We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that. The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made.”

They went on, “While Cierra is not in the villa anymore, she is still away. She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace.”

“While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice,” they added. “Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this. Thank you to those who’ve continued to show love, even when it’s not easy.”

They signed the message, “With love, Her family.”

Ortega has not released a statement of her own since Sunday night’s episode.

The controversy stems from alleged Instagram posts tied to Ortega from 2015 and 2023, which appeared to have included an anti-Asian slur.

The alleged resurfaced posts have sparked backlash on social media, as well as a petition that has garnered more than 17,000 signatures.

Ortega’s departure shocked her fellow cast members during Sunday’s episode, including Nic Vansteenberghe, the cast member with whom Ortega had coupled up on the show and with whom she recently became “closed off,” which meant the two had mutually agreed to stop getting to know other people in the villa.

Vansteenberghe re-coupled with Ortega’s friend Olandria Carthen at the end of Sunday night’s episode.

Love Island USA contestant Bella-A Walker, whose journey on the show ended earlier this season after Vasteenberghe chose Ortega over her, reacted to the past alleged social media comments on Sunday, condemning racism of any kind in an Instagram Story.

“As a proud Asian American woman, I’m deeply appreciative of the Love Island USA producers for taking a stand and making it clear that racism of any kind is not tolerated,” she wrote.

Walker, who has previously opened up about her Filipino American heritage, said, “Asian hate is oftentimes overlooked and dismissed. But being a first-generation American, I have personally witnessed and experienced how real and hurtful comments like these are. It is my hope that this situation can help shed light on how big of an issue anti-Asian hate actually is.”

“Just like so many other Asian Americans, my mom immigrated here to create a better life for her and her future family,” she added. “Knowing the hardships she and so many others have faced, I could not be silent any longer. Because what good is this amazing platform God and you all have given me if I don’t use it to amplify the voices of my community?”

She ended her message by writing, “I do not condone bigotry or racism of any kind. But I also don’t condone hate either. Please think twice before leaving unkind comments to or about this person. I love you all so much.”

Ortega is not the first Love Island USA contestant this season to make an abrupt exit from the show.

Following the season 7 premiere, cast member Yulissa Escobar was quietly removed from the show in the second episode following her use of racial slurs, including the N-word. A video had resurfaced of Escobar using the word on a podcast.

Escobar apologized for what she said in a TikTok video at the time and also shared a statement on Instagram.

“To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize,” she wrote in part. “I am sorry.”

Good Morning America has reached out to Ortega for comment.

Reached for comment, Peacock said it had no additional statements to provide at this time.

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Entertainment

All about ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season 10: Jesse Palmer, Wells Adams and Hannah Brown tease big twists

Disney/Bahareh Ritter

It’s time for Bachelor Nation to hit the beach.

Bachelor in Paradise returns for its 10th season Monday on ABC. Host Jesse Palmer, bartender Wells Adams and Paradise Relations coordinator Hannah Brown caught up with ABC Audio to cover what can be expected during the show’s landmark season.

Palmer says a bunch of changes are coming this season — everything from the new Costa Rican location to the arrival of the Golden contestants.

“We’re introducing compatibility tests,” Palmer said. “There’s some challenges that play throughout the season that really raises the stakes for our cast. It was a lot of fun for me to have our cast in more group settings more often than anything we’ve done in the past. I thought it created some drama, but I think it also really helped them get to know each other better.”

Adams also teased these new surprises, saying they will help test the couples’ relationships more than the show has in the past.

“We’re going to see how ironclad they are. We’re gonna do it in a bunch of different ways that I think are gonna surprise a lot of people,” Adams said. “There’s a big twist that’s coming that I think America’s not ready for, but I think that they’re gonna enjoy it. And I know what happens in the end, and I think they’re going to really like the ending.”

Brown joins Bachelor in Paradise in a new role called Paradise Relations. She said the versatile job included everything from throwing impromptu yoga classes on the beach, to passing out champagne, to providing a shoulder to cry on.

Ultimately, Brown was “there to help give advice and just help them on their journey in any way possible,” she said. 

Bachelor in Paradise premieres Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. It streams the next day on Hulu.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Entertainment

Jon M. Chu to direct live-action Hot Wheels film for Mattel

Sophy Holland for Universal Pictures

Jon M. Chu is going from singing witches to toy cars.

The Wicked director is set to helm a live-action Hot Wheels film. Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures made the announcement on Monday.

Creed II screenwriters Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier are writing the film’s script, while J.J. Abrams‘ Bad Robot Productions will produce.

The film will be inspired by the Hot Wheels cars, which are the world’s bestselling toys, according to a press release from Mattel.

“The high-octane action film will bring the beloved, multi-generational Hot Wheels franchise to life, showcasing some of the world’s hottest and sleekest vehicles,” an official description of the film reads.

Chu said that Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed.

“It’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play. Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity,” Chu said in a press release. “I’m excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels’ legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.”

Robbie Brenner, the president of Mattel Studios and the chief content officer of Mattel, explained why Chu was the right director for the project.

“Jon’s ability to craft rich, elaborate worlds with a distinct point of view makes him the ideal storyteller to bring Hot Wheels to life,” Brenner said. “His films are visual spectacles—true eye candy—but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames.”

Chu’s upcoming sequel film Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on Nov. 21.

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Entertainment

Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield share moment at Wimbledon in matching white

Neil Mockford/GC Images via Getty Images

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro enjoyed some tennis over the weekend.

The pair were spotted together attending day seven of the Wimbledon Championships in London on Sunday.

Garfield and Barbaro were photographed arriving at the event holding hands and wearing matching whites at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, where the tournament is held.

Garfield wore a white button-up shirt and a white sweater tied around his shoulders along with matching white slacks and brown shoes. Barbaro matched the occasion with a white dress and heels.

Inside the premises, the pair were photographed smiling, laughing, cheering and even sharing a sweet moment when Garfield leaned over to kiss Barbaro on the cheek.

Barbaro and Garfield have been spotted together at a several events and recently posed together, along with Eddie Redmayne and Lynn Hirschberg, at W Magazine‘s annual Best Performances Party in January.

In May, the two were also seen posing with the cast of the hit Broadway show John Proctor is the Villain. The show shared the photos on Instagram, writing, “new students at helen county high: thanks for joining us andrew garfield, monica barbaro, and bonnie milligan!!”

The two actors both had roles in noteworthy movies last year, with Garfield starring in We Live in Time alongside Florence Pugh, and Barbaro starring as Joan Baez alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Barbaro was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress for the role.

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Entertainment

In brief: ‘Proud Family’ renewed for season 4 and more

Good news for fans of the Disney show The Proud Family: it recently got the green light on season 4. While The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder season 4 is set for a 2026 launch on Disney+, season 3 of the animated series will debut on Aug. 6. Season 3 finds Penny Proud (Kayla Pratt) and her loyal crew embarking on “international escapades, wild adventures, and fantastical stops,” according to the logline. Tommy Davidson and Paula Jai Parker will return as Oscar Proud and Trudy Proud, Penny’s parents …

Netflix has pulled the plug on two shows that only saw one season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Residence and Pulse have been canceledBoth shows premiered in the spring and had four-week runs in Netflix’s internal, worldwide top-10 rankings …

Comedy Central is pushing back the premiere of the second season of Digman! The news follows the network’s decision to move South Park‘s season 27 premiere from July 9 to July 23. Digman! will now also premiere on July 23, directly after South Park. Season 2 of Digman!, the animated show about a world in which archaeologists are the real celebrities, will include guest voice appearance by Kate Winslet, Fred ArmisenMark Hamill and more …

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