‘#SKYKING’ trailer shows true story of man who stole commercial jetliner
The key art for ‘#SKYKING.’ (ABC News)
The trailer for the documentary thriller film #SKYKING has arrived.
This new documentary from ABC News Studios tells the story of Richard “Beebo” Russell, a 28-year-old Horizon Air ground service agent who stole a $33 million plane and embarked on a 70-minute long flight.
Emmy winner Patricia E. Gillespie directed the film, which, along with telling the story of Russell, also offers a look into the U.S. mental health crisis.
This documentary also marks the first time many members of Russell’s family have spoken publicly about his story. It includes never-before-heard air traffic control audio, as well as an interview with the now-retired ATC supervisor who managed the situation on the 2018 day that the incident occurred.
The trailer finds interviewees wondering how Russell was able to get the vehicle into the air all by himself despite never having flown an airplane before.
“I play video games, so, you know, I know what I’m doing a little bit,” Russell said in air-traffic control audio used in the trailer.
#SKYKING premieres on Hulu April 14.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.
John Davidson attends the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 22, 2026, in London, England. (Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images)
The BBC is apologizing to viewers for airing racial slurs heard during the 2026 BAFTAs telecast Sunday.
“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the [online and streaming] version on BBC iPlayer,” a BBC spokesperson said.
Critics say the British broadcaster had time to edit out the slurs before the ceremony was broadcast on a two-hour delay. Other portions of the awards show were edited, including one award presenter saying “Free Palestine.”
During the awards show, often referred to as the “British Oscars,” there were several obscene outbursts from Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, who was the inspiration for the movie I Swear.
Tourette syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a neurological condition that may cause involuntary movements and vocal tics, sometimes involving outbursts of inappropriate language.
One such outburst occurred while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage Sunday night, with Davidson yelling a racial slur as the two actors were presenting the first award of the night.
Jordan and Lindo appeared startled by the incident but continued with their presentation.
Later in the ceremony, BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologized directly to the audience and asked for their understanding.
“You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended,” Cumming said.
Davidson left the ceremony partway through the proceedings, reportedly of his own accord, according to the BBC.
I Swear, which was nominated for five awards, won big at this year’s awards show, with star Robert Aramayo winning the leading actor award over category favorite Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for MartySupreme.
KPop Demon Hunters could be a winner at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, but if it isn’t, perhaps KPop Demon Hunters 2 can one day bring home the gold.
Netflix confirmed on Thursday that its most popular film of all time is getting a sequel, with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning to helm the project.
The sequel, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, will mark the first project under the pair’s exclusive multiyear writing and directing deal across animation, according to Netflix.
In a statement, Kang shared her excitement about continuing the story and what the response to the original animated hit means to her as a Korean filmmaker.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” she said. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”
Appelhans added, “These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them and watch them evolve — and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation and story can come together.”
In addition to being a hit on streaming and the Billboard charts, KPop Demon Hunters has gained major attention this awards season. It’s nominated for best animated feature at the Oscars Sunday, while its #1 soundtrack hit “Golden” is up for best original song.
James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of ‘Overcompensating’ at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Fans and celebrities alike are supporting James Van Der Beek’s family following his death at age 48.
A GoFundMe page set up to support the late Dawson’s Creek actor’s family shows Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, donated $25,000 to the fundraiser, adding to the more than $1.8 million raised so far.
Along with Spielberg, Wicked director Jon M. Chu donated $10,000 to the fund.
GoFundMe lists a total of more than 35,000 donations tallied so far.
The fund was created by a user account titled “Friends of the Van Der Beek family” and lists Kimberly Van Der Beek, James Van Der Beek’s wife, as the beneficiary.
James Van Der Beek was best known for playing the titular character, Dawson Leery, on Dawson’s Creek, and later took on a number of roles in films, including Varsity Blues, as well as TV shows such as Mercy, One Tree Hill and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
James Van Der Beek died Wednesday morning following a battle with colorectal cancer.
His family shared the news on his official Instagram page. He is survived by his wife and their six children.
The GoFundMe page describes the financial strain that the family experienced throughout James an Der Beek’s illness, which he revealed to People in 2024.
“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” the page says.
“Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” it continues. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
