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Bold

‘Bold and the Beautiful’ Star Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Shares First Photo of Baby No. 5

by jummy84 October 14, 2025

written by jummy84

Ahead of her return to The Bold and the Beautiful, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has shared a life update with her fans, revealing the first photos of her fifth son, who was born back in July.

The soap star, who went on maternity leave this summer, took to her Instagram page on Monday (October 13) to share a carousel of photos and videos of family life. “A little slice of paradise,” she captioned the post, which begins with a group of ducklings swimming in the kitchen sink.

Other photos show Wood’s home birth, with her sitting in the bathtub. The third snap sees Wood kissing her husband, Creative Artists Agency talent agent Elan Ruspoli, while cradling her newborn child. Other pics show her carrying her new baby and enjoying family time with her other four boys.

“Welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby boy at home 🕊✨,” Wood shared in a follow-up comment. “This season has been all about being still, soaking in every precious moment, and embracing the quiet magic of new beginnings. Social media took a little back seat, but I’m so happy to be back and say hello again 🤍.”

Wood and Ruspoli now share five sons: Rise Harlen (born March 2019), Lenix (born February 21, 2021), Brando Elion (born May 2022), Valor James (born August 27, 2023), and their most recent, born in July.

The Bold and the Beautiful producer Casey Kasprzyk commented on Wood’s post, writing, “The life you and Elan have created is so beautiful ❤️.”

“Beauty & love all around ❤️,” added The Young and the Restless star Lauralee Bell.

Bold and the Beautiful alum Katrina Bowden wrote, “Congratulations 🩵 this is a gorgeous life, so happy for you! Plus these ducks are just 😍😍.”

While Wood has been soaking in family life over the summer, she is ready to step back into the shoes of heiress Steffy Forrester Finnegan on The Bold and the Beautiful. The multi-time Daytime Emmy winner returned to the set in September and has been filming new episodes.

Wood’s return to the long-running soap is rapidly approaching, as a recent episode saw Taylor (Rebecca Budig) and Finn (Tanner Novlan) confirming that Steffy was heading home.

The Bold and the Beautiful, Weekdays, CBS, Check Local Listings

October 14, 2025 0 comments

TV & Streaming

Frauds review | Jones and Whittaker fight typecasting in bold heist drama

by jummy84 October 5, 2025

written by jummy84

At a time of funding woes and fragmenting audiences, widely marketable detective shows and true crime dramas have come to dominate our schedules more than ever, seemingly leaving little room for much else.

By design, Frauds isn’t wholly original – its influences in the heist caper genre are clear to see – but its vibrant setting and eccentric leads still offer a welcome break from smartly dressed sleuths standing morosely against a grey sky.

Indeed, between all of the violent atrocities and calculating sociopaths in our TV diet, it’s no wonder that the country seems perpetually on the cusp of a nervous, paranoid breakdown. Frauds is a holiday by comparison.

The story picks up after loose canon Bert (Jones), a fraudster and thief, is released from prison on compassionate grounds due to ill health, bringing her back together with former partner-in-crime, Sam (Whittaker).

It isn’t long before old habits rear their head, with the quiet sundown that Bert had promised swiftly mutating into a pitch for one last job, intended to leave a lasting impact – and potentially set Sam up for life.

As is tradition, a crew is assembled, including magician’s assistant Jackie (Elizabeth Berrington), forgery pro Bilal (Karan Gill) and mentor figure Miss Take (Talisa Garcia), all of whom are overlooked and facing pressures of their own.

Alas, the full potential of this line-up doesn’t present itself until the third episode (by far the strongest of the first half), which sees our gang finally collaborate on a mission where their chemistry rapidly builds.

Jodie Whittaker and Suranne Jones star in Frauds. ITV / Monumental Television

Prior to this, Frauds drags its feet through a flat introduction, where perhaps the most memorable moment is Bilal eagerly guzzling a can of room-temperature baked beans – mainly for how it made me feel viscerally nauseous.

(Let the record show that I am a chronic beans-on-toast eater, but cold from the can is just wrong – and I’m sorry, but it’s something I won’t budge on.)

That this moment has lingered so long in the mind exposes not just my own firmly held beliefs around cupboard essentials, but also that Frauds is at its best when being silly or downright bizarre.

In the first two episodes, too long is spent airing Bert and Sam’s historic grievances (as well as creating a few new ones) in scenes that creak as Jones and Whittaker get settled into these new roles.

Karan Gill plays Bilal in Frauds; seen here on the phone against an ocean backdrop with wind blowing in his hair — Karan Gill plays Bilal in Frauds. ITV / Monumental Television

Frauds represents a striking departure for both of its prolific stars (a fact acknowledged on the press tour), but neither actor immediately disappears behind the hair dye, fake tattoos and elaborate costumes deployed here.

Jones just doesn’t quite fit the mould of a reckless, bawdy burnout, nor Whittaker as a brooding, angry thug, although their respective roles do become more believable as the series progresses and your brain has a chance to recalibrate.

Of course, actors should be given the chance to escape typecasting and flex new muscles – and fans of this duo can expect to see just that – but Frauds is arguably a case of too much, too soon.

At least that, again, speaks to its ambition as a work of genre fiction clearly trying to defy expectations of not just its lead actors, but of primetime programming more broadly.

Having only seen the first half, I can’t yet say whether Frauds will stick the landing; but if it doubles down on the zany action, team camaraderie and genre elements in the chapters to come, then we might yet have something as enjoyable as it is admirable.

Frauds premieres ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 5th October 2025.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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October 5, 2025 0 comments

Fashion

Fashion with a Message: Athleta and Kristin Juszczyk Launch Bold Bra for Breast Cancer Awareness

by jummy84 October 1, 2025

written by jummy84

Athleta is turning activewear into advocacy. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in partnership with Susan G. Komen®, the nation’s leading breast cancer organization, Athleta has teamed up with designer Kristin Juszczyk to reimagine its bestselling Train Free Bra. The result? A limited-edition …

October 1, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

5 Actors Who Faced The Ire Of Netizens For Doing Bold Scenes

by jummy84 September 28, 2025

written by jummy84

Despite the evolving film atmosphere and acceptance of diverse storytelling, some audiences target actors with derogatory comments on social media platforms. Female actors, in particular, bear the brunt of criticism and face personal attacks while there are only a few male actors in the industry who have faced such scrutiny from the Indian audience. Take a look at five Bollywood actors who have been mercilessly trolled for taking up bold projects.

1. Tripti Dimri

Tripti made a mark with her charismatic performances on screen right from her debut in Poster Boys. The actress steadily rose to stardom with films like Bulbbul and Qala but surprised viewers after taking up an entirely new persona as Zoya Riaz in the film Animal opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Their bold scenes became an immediate topic of debate on social media. While a section dubbed Tripti as the “National Crush” shortly after, another called out her role.

Her steamy onscreen performance with Bad Newz co-star Vicky Kaushal, particularly their chemistry in the sultry track Jaanam, also made headlines. While the duo’s on-screen dynamic was met with admiration from some, others criticized her on X (formerly known as Twitter). Trolls even resorted to calling Tripti a “soft p*** girl.”

2. Deepika Padukone

After the release of Gehraiyaan, Deepika Padukone faced merciless trolling for her bold scenes with Siddhant Chaturvedi. Haters even questioned the actor on how her real life husband Ranveer Singh allowed her to do such intimate scenes with another man. Questioning Deepika’s choices, one user on Twitter wrote in Hindi, “Didn’t your husband mind seeing all this?”

However, during an interview with Bollywood Bubble, when Deepika was asked if she sought permission from Ranveer to do the bold scenes, she said, “It’s stupid that we’re even reacting to it.” She further said that Ranveer Singh is proud of her and her bold performance in Gehraiyaan.

3. Mallika Sherawat

Mallika turned into a sensation after her hot sequences in the film Murder with Emraan Hashmi went viral. However, she also faced much criticism on social media. Born as Reema Lamba, her second film was Khwahish, wherein she made a record seventeen kisses, also attracted criticism. The actress often got trolled and questioned for her morality.

However, in 2021, Mallika opened up about her being subjected to such moral schooling. During an interview (via India Today), Mallika said, “That’s what the patriarchal system is. It’s always the women who are always targeted, not the men. Not only in India, but that’s all over the world. Men walk away with everything, they get away with everything, it’s like those who blame the woman for everything. I don’t know why, but more so in India, I feel.”

4. Emraan Hashmi

While Mallika Sherawat might feel that way, sometimes even certain male actors get targeted for their bold onscreen performances on screen. Emraan Hashmi once opened up about being labeled as a ‘serial kisser’ in Bollywood.

During an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Emraan said, “I think bahot saare artists ke sath ek patent cheez ho jaati hai, ek image set ho jaata hai, aur wo unka saath nahin chodhta hai (With many artists it becomes a patent thing, an image is set, and it doesn’t leave them).” In fact, the actor acknowledged that trolling is a reality and advised people to not take it too seriously.

5. Tanushree Dutta

Former Femina Miss India Universe 2004 Tanushree Dutta bagged her golden ticket to Bollywood in 2005 with Aashiq Banaya Aapne. There was a hue and cry after the release of the film because of Tanushree and Emraan Hashmi’s bold scenes. Tanushree faced immense criticism for taking up a film like Aashiq Banaya Aapne during a time when vulgar scenes and nudity were unacceptable in society.

Years later, in 2018, when Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of s*xually harassing her on the sets of the film Horn Ok Please and called him a ‘pathological liar’ after his comments about the Me Too allegations, some netizens rushed to use Aashiq Banaya Aapne as an example to blame the actress, saying on Twitter (X) that past bold scenes have “spoiled her image.”

For more such stories, check out Bollywood Features

Must Read: Ranbir Kapoor’s Top 5 Highest-Rated Films On IMDb & Where To Watch Them — From Barfi! To Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year

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September 28, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Urvashi’s First Look From Aasha Signals a Bold New Chapter

by jummy84 September 27, 2025

written by jummy84

Malayalam cinema’s beloved powerhouse performer Urvashi is back in the spotlight with her first look from Aasha, unveiled on Friday. The poster frames her in a quiet yet commanding pose, standing amid lush green surroundings, her gaze sharp enough to suggest a character layered with fire and restraint. To accompany the reveal, the makers dropped a short video from the film’s set that showed cast and crew giving Urvashi a heartfelt welcome as she returned after collecting her National Award in New Delhi.

The award, for Best Supporting Actor in the acclaimed Ullozhukku, has only reinforced what audiences already know: that Urvashi continues to redefine herself with every role. The clip of her celebratory reception on the sets of Aasha has since been doing the rounds online, underscoring the warmth she commands across the industry.

A Team with Big Ambitions

Directed by first-timer Safar Sanal, Aasha pairs Urvashi with Joju George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and veteran Vijayaraghavan in key roles. Safar has co-written the screenplay and dialogues with actor Ramesh Girija of Pani fame, who previously teamed up with him on Joju’s 2022 release Peace.

The film is currently shooting around Kalady, with cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan capturing the rustic textures of the region. Midhun Mukundan, known for his eclectic music, is composing the score, while editor Shan Mohammed is at the editing desk. Backed by producer Vinayaka Ajith, the project is being designed as a multi-lingual release, aiming to connect with audiences across five languages.

Urvashi’s lineup doesn’t stop there. She is also part of Paablo Paarty, a Malayalam-Tamil bilingual that pairs her with her daughter Teja Lakshmi. Directed by Arathi Gayathri Devi, whose debut Theri Meri is awaiting release, the project has already stirred curiosity for bringing together two generations of performers in one frame.

Urvashi’s Moment of Reckoning

Beyond the posters and applause, Urvashi has also been vocal about her National Award win. She openly questioned the decision to categorise her nuanced performance in Ullozhukku as “supporting,” sparking conversations about how roles for women, particularly senior actors, are positioned. Her comments reflected not defiance but a call for fair recognition — something that only adds weight to her upcoming characters.

With Aasha, expectations are high not just because of the talent on board, but because Urvashi’s presence feels charged with new energy. If the first look is any indication, the film could see her channelling a rawer, grittier side that audiences haven’t experienced in a while. For fans and cinephiles, the anticipation lies in how this celebrated actor reinvents herself yet again.

Also Read: Urvashi Slams National Awards Jury Over ’Supporting Actress’ Tag, Calls for Transparency

September 27, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Mahesh Bhatt’s Bold Take: ‘Soni Razdan Better Actor Than Alia’

by jummy84 September 27, 2025

written by jummy84

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently opened up about his wife Soni Razdan’s acting talent, stating that he considers her a better actor than their daughter, Alia Bhatt. In an interview with Screen, Mahesh praised Soni’s evolved acting style and admitted he couldn’t offer her many roles, despite being her life partner.

Mahesh explained, “I find Soni Razdan a better actor than Alia. You might wonder why I’m saying this, but her idiom is so evolved. Her style of expression, body language, and nuances don’t align with what we typically see in mainstream Indian cinema. Even though I was in a position to give her roles, I couldn’t do justice to her abilities.”

He added that Soni’s depth and subtlety as a performer often go unnoticed because of her unconventional style, which doesn’t fit into the commercial mold. Her unique screen presence, according to Mahesh, is something that sets her apart from many of her contemporaries.

During the conversation, Mahesh also recalled a moment when he advised Alia to watch one of Soni’s performances to gain perspective. He said, “At a time when Alia was delivering back-to-back blockbusters like Udta Punjab (2016), I told her, ‘Before you start thinking there’s no better actor than you, watch your mother’s film.’ I was referring to Yours Truly (2018), directed by Sanjoy Nag, where I also did a cameo. Alia is a smart girl, so she watched it.”

Mahesh further praised Soni’s work in the BBC show Neighbours and reiterated that she has consistently delivered powerful performances that haven’t always received the recognition they deserve.

Soni Razdan has also spoken publicly about her personal and professional struggles. In a recent interview with News18, she reflected on the challenges of creating her own identity in an industry where she’s often seen as “somebody else’s somebody.”

She said, “All my life, even now, I’m somebody else’s somebody. Let me be very loud and clear… My struggle is still to be known by who I am. I’m happy for the people around me, who’re doing so well in their lives. How could I not be? I’m grateful. But perhaps that’s how my journey was meant to be.”

Soni’s filmography with Mahesh Bhatt includes several notable titles. She starred in Saaransh (1984), Daddy (1989), Saathi, Swayam, Sadak (1991), Gumrah, Sir (1993), and Papa Kehte Hain (1996). More recently, they collaborated on Nazar (2005) and Yours Truly (2018).

Alia Bhatt, on the other hand, has become one of Bollywood’s leading actresses with critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Raazi, Gully Boy, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Darlings. While Mahesh acknowledges Alia’s success and talent, he maintains that Soni’s depth as an actor often surpasses what is typically recognized or rewarded in mainstream cinema.

September 27, 2025 0 comments

Hollywood

Hollywood Stars and Their Bold Ventures Beyond the Screen – Hollywood Life

by jummy84 September 23, 2025

written by jummy84

The glamour of Hollywood has a tendency to cloud another facet of its biggest stars: their business ambitions. While acting is their main source of stardom, many actors and celebrities have dabbled in as varied ventures as casinos, restaurants, fitness, technology, and health. For some, they have turned into global empires, but for others, they have faced setbacks that suggest that stardom does not equate to business success.

Jay-Z and the Casino Bid That Was Rejected

In September 2025, Jay-Z’s high-profile bid to construct a New York Times Square casino was rejected by a state advisory committee. Jay-Z, with Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty, had envisioned a massive entertainment complex with a casino, hotel, and nightlife spots under his Roc Nation brand. While Jay-Z might have 99 problems, running a large casino is no longer one.

The bid was turned down amidst protests by Broadway theaters’ owners and local leaders over the potential impact of the bid on the neighborhood’s culture, traffic, and community balance. Despite the turn-down, the bid highlighted how celebrities are being drawn more and more to entertainment and amusement-based businesses. Modern casino culture is also found online, where online platforms like Coin Poker AU are pioneering new ground in online gaming by merging poker with blockchain. With Jay-Z’s bid being rejected, more New York residents might have to stick to playing online for now.

Francis Ford Coppola and the World of Wine

Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary film director, is a case in point of a Hollywood star who pursued a personal interest and made it a money-spinner. His Sonoma County winery is now a major tourist attraction, offering both fine wine and tourist destination status. Coppola’s love of wine is part of his desire to create art beyond the screen, combining storytelling and the culture of the host.

Robert De Niro and Nobu Restaurants

Robert De Niro is always renowned for his intensity on screen, but his business tactics are no less calculated. He joined forces with Nobu, now the iconic restaurant chain that prepares Japanese cuisine. From its New York roots, Nobu has spread across the globe with dozens of restaurants and upscale hotels. De Niro’s good taste in talent and his support of chef Nobu Matsuhisa transformed one dining area into an international giant.

Mark Wahlberg: From Burgers to Getting in Shape

Mark Wahlberg is the most visible example of an actor who has diversified into numerous fields. With his brothers Donnie and Paul, he established Wahlburgers, a casual restaurant chain that has grown to have locations in the United States, Canada, and abroad. The chain even spawned a reality television show, adding to its exposure.

In addition to burgers, Wahlberg has made a mark in the global fitness industry. His F45 Training investment, which is an international chain of high-intensity exercise fitness gyms, is an indication of his celebrity persona as a self-disciplined and physically dedicated human being. Through Wahlburgers and F45, Wahlberg demonstrates how celebrities can leverage their own brand and use it to build successful businesses that resonate with mass consumers.

While these might be the most noteworthy businesses Wahlberg owns, he does, in fact, own several other businesses too, from his own clothing line to bottled water; his reach extends far beyond Hollywood these days.

Jessica Alba and The Honest Company

Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company with the vision of providing non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products for the household. It began as a niche company that catered to baby and wellness products and then branched out into a popular brand. The Honest Company went public in 2021, validating Alba as not just a good actress but also a serious entrepreneur who rode on growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly, toxin-free products.

Ashton Kutcher and Venture Investments

Ashton Kutcher may have started in sitcoms, but his career as an investor after acting has made him a contender as one of Hollywood’s most successful investors. Through A-Grade Investments and recently Sound Ventures, he has invested in early-stage businesses like Airbnb, Uber, and Spotify. The bets were enormous payoffs, making Kutcher one of the prominent figures in Silicon Valley. His story proves that celebrities can be successful in ventures away from the entertainment field if they are open to experimenting and discovering.

Ryan Reynolds and Aviation Gin

Ryan Reynolds, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, turned a then-niche gin brand into a global brand through smart marketing and his signature humor. His collaboration with Aviation Gin was remarkable, more than a typical celebrity endorsement, given that he engaged in the brand’s strategy and campaigns proactively. The business was sold to Diageo in 2020 in a deal worth up to $610 million. Reynolds’ story reveals how charm and storytelling, cultivated in Hollywood, are weapons strong enough to yield great outcomes in business.

Hollywood Entrepreneurs: Life Lessons

The ventures of Jay-Z, Robert De Niro, Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, and Ryan Reynolds demonstrate the opportunity and danger of celebrity entrepreneurship. Celebrity will open doors and attract investors, but longevity requires commitment, vision, and an unmistakable understanding of the industry selected.

Not every business works, as Jay-Z’s failed casino attempt clearly shows, but failing is part of the entrepreneur’s journey. What binds these stars is the desire to bet and take a chance beyond the film set. Their diversions prove Hollywood’s influence pervades boardrooms, dinner parties, vineyards, and even fitness studios globally.

Hollywood actors and entertainers are no longer content to rely solely on the unpredictable nature of film careers. By branching into industries as diverse as casinos, restaurants, fitness, wellness, and technology, they show that creativity and ambition can transcend the screen. While not all ventures succeed, the stories of these stars inspire audiences to see them as more than entertainers. They are entrepreneurs, innovators, and risk-takers, proving that reinvention is as much a part of Hollywood as acting itself.

September 23, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

Sonam Kapoor’s Bold Indo-Western Fashion Choice Has Everyone Talking – See The Pictures | Glamsham.com

by jummy84 September 23, 2025

written by jummy84

Sonam Kapoor looked stunning at London Fashion Week on September 22, attending the launch of Anamika Khanna’s brand AK|OK in her signature style and poise. Wearing a show-stopping Spring/Summer 2026 look from the designer’s recent collection, Sonam reaffirmed why she is regarded as a style icon on the international fashion scene.

She sported a floor-length, highly ornate coat from AK|OK, perfectly complemented by the matching cap, satin black pant, and a white shirt with a draped detail. Her ensemble was rounded off with oxidised accents, a bejewelled brooch, smudgy kohl-rimmed eyes, nude lips, and loose open waves falling down her back — a classic fusion of vintage elegance and contemporary chic.

After the event, Sonam expressed her admiration of Anamika Khanna’s design on Instagram. Sharing beautiful pictures of her outfit, she penned a heartfelt message:
“To my favourite @anamikakhanna.in, you will always be incomparable and brilliant beyond measure.”
She further complimented the designer on his skill to integrate Indian traditional fabrics with modern Western silhouettes effortlessly. Describing how thrilled she was to see Khanna’s international journey, she wrote, “What a wonderful show in London! Love you! @akok.in. Can’t wait for the world to know you.”

The post soon received appreciation from fans and fellow celebrities too. Huma Qureshi said “Bomb,” and others referred to Sonam as “fashion icon for a cause,” “ultimate diva,” and someone who “brought her A-game.”

Professionally, Sonam was last viewed in Blind (2023), a crime thriller film directed by Shome Makhija and based on a Korean movie. In her personal life, she leads life with husband Anand Ahuja and son Vayu.

With her fashion, elegance, and genuine appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, Sonam continues to excel in the international scene.

September 23, 2025 0 comments

TV & Streaming

Demon Slayer Sets Box Office Record as Him, Big Bold Beautiful Journey Flop Overseas

by jummy84 September 21, 2025

written by jummy84

Two new Hollywood releases, Universal’s sports thriller “Him” and Sony’s romantic drama “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” were outright rejected by overseas audiences.

“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell as strangers whose meet-cute takes them on the journey of a lifetime, flopped at the international box office with $4.5 million from 45 markets. Meanwhile the Jordan Peele-produced “Him,” a disturbing mind-bender about a football player with aspirations to be the greatest of all time, fumbled even harder with $400,000 from 25 territories. Both films were saddled with terrible reviews and disappointing audience scores.

“Him” at least started stronger at the domestic box office with $13.5 million, boosting the film’s global tally to $13.86 million. It carries a modest $27 million production budget. Justin Tipping directed “Him,” which stars Marlon Wayans as an aging quarterback who trains a young up-and coming football player (Tyriq Withers) to chilling consequences.

“Sports themes do not travel well overseas, and the sport in this film — American football — is uniquely American in its popularity,” says analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. “But the picture cost a reasonable $27 million to make, so it can cover its costs on domestic business alone.”

“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” however, crumbled in its North America debut as well with $3.5 million for a worldwide haul of $8 million. The film has yet to release in major markets like France, Italy and South Korea.

“The film should do better in foreign markets, but the production cost was high — that’s a big number to recoup,” Gross adds of “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.”

Luckily Sony is riding high with “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle,” which just became the highest-grossing anime film ever with $555 million globally. The film is backed by Sony-owned Crunchyroll in North America, the United Kingdom and Brazil, as well as Toho and Aniplex in Japan and other Asian markets. “Demon Slayer” topped overseas charts again with $36 million from markets where Sony’s Crunchyroll is handling the rollout. So far the film has earned a total of $451 million internationally and $104 million domestically. “Infinity Castle” is the first in planned three-film series about a boy who becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family and find a cure for his sister who was turned into a demon.

Universal, meanwhile, had slightly better luck overseas with “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” which added $8.3 million from 35 markets in its second weekend of release. The film, a continuation of the popular TV show, has generated $27.9 million overseas and $31.6 million domestically to date, bringing its global total to $59.5 million. The studio says those ticket sales are above 2022’s “Downton Abbey: A New Era” at the same point in its predecessor’s theatrical run. Neither film could reach the box office heights of the first cinematic feature, 2019’s “Downton Abbey,” which became a huge hit to the tune of $194.6 million globally.

September 21, 2025 0 comments

TV & Streaming

‘Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ Bombs; ‘Demon Slayer’ No. 1

by jummy84 September 21, 2025

written by jummy84

SUNDAY AM: The slow weekend belongs to the second frame of Sony/Crunchyroll’s Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle with $17.3M. Universal’s Him slowed down in its run to $13.5M for second place. One weekend, Sony is a rich man in Demon Slayer, and a poor man with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey which is crashing with $3.5M.

Demon Slayer spiked 62% in its second Saturday to $7.3M over its second Friday of $4.5M. Him went down on Saturday by -33% to $4.3M from a first Friday/previews of $6.4M. Critical reviews on Him and Big Bold Beautiful Journey were atrocious respectively at 29% and 37% with PostTrak on both movies in the low 60% range and 2 1/2 stars.

All titles look to be around $77.8M, which is down 48% from last weekend, yet only -4% off from a year ago when Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was still the thing in its third weekend with $25.9M and Paramount had the animated Transformers One which bowed to $24.6M.

More…

SATURDAY AM: After two weekends of overperforming, the September box office steps on the brakes, down -49% from last weekend to roughly $77M. Sony/Crunchyroll’s Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Universal/Monkeypaw’s Him are arguably in a dead heat with $15M-$16M apiece— it’s still too early to call which one is No. 1 even though Sony and Universal have relegated themselves to No. 1 and No. 2.

Infinity Castle is playing exactly like an anime movie, completely front-loaded, with a second weekend drop at -77%, but as we told you, the highest grossing anime movie at the domestic box office is expected to cross $100M today.

Him won Friday with $6.47M and a C- CinemaScore, with Rotten Tomatoes ratings at 28% Critics, 58% audience score. Universal is calling the Jordan Peele produced movie at $15M in second currently, with an anticipated drop on Sunday due to NFL games of -37% for the football horror movie.

Here’s the sad news of the weekend, and everyone saw this coming: Sony’s play for female moviegoers with the Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell star-studded romance drama, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, is finding no road at the box office with $3.5M for the $50M studio acquisition in 6th place. The movie wasn’t developed or produced by Robbie’s LuckyChap. The Sony release is getting beaten by an animated movie and a horror film with a fresh face actor and 1990s comedian (Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans). Many sound the bell for original movies, which this project was, a hot title off The Black List, penned by Seth Reiss and directed by rising auteur Kogonada. However, what this shows is that star power alone attached to non-IP fare, can’t pull in moviegoers when its weighted down by poor critical reviews (this movie panned at 38% with great complaints over its pace), and not-so-hot audience scores with a 44% definite recommend and 2 1/2 stars on Screen Engine/Comscore’s PostTrak as well as a B- CinemaScore. Oy.

That said, I understand that the stars and everyone involved had a beautiful experience making the film. In the end the movie didn’t mirror what the script was.

By comparison, the specialty adult summer play, A24’s Materialists, with Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, looks like a blockbuster with an $11.3M domestic opening (and now $100M+ global gross for the net $20M movie). But that had better views at 79% certified fresh. Interestingly enough, Materialists and Big Bold Journey have the same audience exits of B- and mid 60% RT popcorn score.

To that point, some tell me that perhaps, Big Bold Beautiful Journey should have been positioned as a specialty play given its patina, versus a commercial mainstream romance movie. Luckily, the movie isn’t the lowest opening or wide break for either Robbie or Farrell. For Robbie, the movie is under the starts of such misfires Babylon ($3.6M) and Amsterdam ($6.4M) and for Farrell it’s under Seven Psychopaths ($4.2M opening) and above Voyagers ($1.4M).

Despite having a social media reach according to RelishMix at 266 million across TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube, which is 57% ahead of other romance movies (but 21% behind the Sony-Wayfarer title It Ends With Us which hit over 377 million on social), there’s a bad stink on Big Bold Beautiful Journey with the analytics corp noticing mixed-to-negative comments.

Reports RelishMix, “Some viewers smell sentimentality and algorithmic gloss. Skeptics tag the vibe as trailer-deep with lines like ‘This feels like a trailer for a fake movie’ and point to tonal saccharine with ‘Touchy feely picture… emotional diabetes.’ Comparisons skew cautionary with Black Mirror and even AI commercial jokes, plus a few drive-by age and body takes dragging the cast. Receipts land with ‘What Black Mirror episode is this?’ and ‘Looks like an AI generated commercial.’”

Him is 51%/49% men-to-women with a low definite recommend of 41%, but it’s horror, which gives it more mojo than Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Diversity demos are 36% Black, 34% Caucasian, 20% Latino and Hispanic and 6% Asian American. Men over 25 repped 33% of ticket buyers with women over 25 at 31%, men under 25 at 19% and women under 25 at 17% for the R-rated title. PLFs, which are split with Demon Slayer, are driving 37% of the weekend. An even play throughout the country for Him with notable touchdowns in the West, South Central, South and East after a slew of spots since August on football. Best gross in the nation so far comes from AMC Universal’s Citywalk Hollywood (CA) with close to $32K.

Big Bold Beautiful Journey saw 59% women with 44% women over 25 (who gave the movie its best grades at 71% on PostTrak). It looks like some guys got pulled into this movie as +1s with the second most-attending demo being men over 25 at 32%. This is further underscored by the stats that close to 40% of the pic’s ticket buyers came with a spouse/partner/boyfriend or girlfriend. Diversity demos are 58% Caucasian, 25% Latino and Hispanic, 8% Asian American and 5% Black. A handful of PLFs which only represent 12% of the weekend, I understand with West, Midwest and Mountain regions being where the bulk of the business is. AMC Grove is the top grossing venue so far this weekend with just under $12K.

Saturday AM estimates:

Demon Slayer…Infinity Castle (Sony) 3,342 (+27) theaters, Fri $4.5M (-86%), 3-day $16.3M (-77%), Total $103.7M/Wk 2
Him (Uni) 3,168 theaters, Fri $6.47M, 3-day $15M/Wk 1
The Conjuring: Last Rites (NL) 3,413 (-389) theaters, Fri $3.7M (-56%) 3-day $11.9M (-54%),Total $150.1M/Wk 3
The Long Walk (LG) 2,845 theaters, Fri $1.84M (-61%) 3-day $6.3M (-46%), Total $22.7M/Wk 2
Downton Abbey: Grand Finale (Focus) 3,711 (+17) theaters, Fri $1.94M (-78%), 3-day $6.1M(-66%), Total $31.4M/Wk 2
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (Sony) 3,330 theaters, Fri $1.4M, $3.5M/Wk 1
The Senior (Angel) 2,405 theaters, Fri $1.25M, 3-day $2.5M/Wk 1
A CinemaScore for the Michael Chiklis college football alum movie. Faith-based pull with 54% over 55, male-female is 50/50 with the pic playing best in the Mountain, Midwest, South Central and South. AMC Empire in NYC is the leading single-theater with just over $4K so far this weekend.
Toy Story (re) (Dis) 2,340 (-35) theaters, Fri $350K (-68%), 3-day $1.75M (-49%), Total $229.4M lifetime/Wk 2
Weapons (NL) 1,186 (-1124) theaters, Fri $380K (-55%), 3-day $1.2M (-56%) Total $149.6M/Wk 7
Freakier Friday (Dis) 1,880 (-580) theaters, Fri $295K (-47%), 3-day $1.1M (-48%) Total $92.8M/Wk 7

FRIDAY AM: Universal and Monkeypaw’s football horror movie Him did $2 million from previews that began at 2 p.m. Thursday. That number is just above Lionsgate’s preview take on Stephen King’s The Long Walk ($1.3M) a week ago, and Blumhouse’s Speak No Evil ($1.3M) a year ago. Him, which stars Marlon Wayans, Julia Fox and Tyriq Withers, is expected to open in the mid-teen millions this weekend; The Long Walk opened to $11.7M, while Speak No Evil did $11.4M in its first frame.

Critics aren’t sticking around in the stands for Him at 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, and last night’s audience wasn’t impressed at 59%. Yikes. We’ll see where this goes. Him was made for a net $27M.

Sony/Crunchyroll’s Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is expected to stand tall in its second weekend with a take between $14M-$21M. The movie will share Imax screens with Him but hold onto PLFs. Pic’s first week ends at $87.4M after a $2.6M Thursday, down 26%. It’s already the highest-grossing anime movie of all time at the domestic box office, having surpassed 1999’s Pokemon from Warner Bros ($85.7M). Next, Demon Slayer will conquer securing $100M stateside, again a first for anime movie in the U.S. and Canada.

Columbia Pictures’ Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie romance A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, is not huge in its previews with $400,000 from Thursday early shows that began at 4 p.m. at 2737 locations. Critics had no patience for this one at 40% on Rotten Tomatoes. No audience score. Sony sees the opening at $10M, others see it much lower.

Top five for the week:

1.) Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Sony) 3,315 theaters, Thur $2.6M (-29% from Wed), Week $87.4M/Wk 1

2.) Conjuring: Last Rites (NL) 3,802 theaters, Thurs $1.56M (-8%), Week $33.2M (-68%), Total $138.2M/Wk 2

3.) Downton Abbey: Grand Finale (Foc) 3,694 theaters, Thurs $1.38M (-16%), Week $25.3M/Wk 1

4.) Long Walk (LG) 2,845 theaters, Thurs $890K (-17%), Week $16.4M, Wk 1

5.) Toy Story 30th anniversary reissue (Dis) 2,375 theaters, Thurs $174K (-33%), Wk $4.4M, Lifetime cume $227.6M/Wk 1

September 21, 2025 0 comments

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