Jared Leto claims he was “only joking” about his gross ‘Suicide Squad’ gifts

Jared Leto claims he was “only joking” about his gross ‘Suicide Squad’ gifts
Jared Leto claims he was “only joking” about his gross ‘Suicide Squad’ gifts
Neil Mockford/Ricky Vigil M/GC Images

(NOTE LANGUAGE, CONTENT) While he’s gone on the record as having done so, Oscar winner Jared Leto now claims he was joking when he said he’d sent his Suicide Squad co-stars gross “gifts,” like sex toys and used condoms, from his Joker alter-ego.

His co-stars had corroborated the stories, with Oscar-winner Viola Davis once telling Vanity Fair, “He gave us some really horrific gifts,” claiming Leto had a “henchman” drop a dead pig on a table on set. “And then he sends Margot Robbie a black rat. It was still alive, in a box. She screamed, and then she kept it.”

At the time, Leto claimed playing the Clown Prince of Crime in the movie led him to create an “element of surprise” for his co-stars. Leto, however, now says his outrageous claims were “all in jest.”

The House of Gucci actor and 30 Seconds To Mars frontman just told Entertainment Weekly, “99.9 percent of what people read is bulls**t. [T]here were no used condoms.”

He added, “Any of the very few gifts that were ever given were given with a spirit of fun and adventure and received with laughter, fun, and adventure. It’s all filmed! They filmed it all! People were dying. We were just having a goof.”

Leto also said, “I’m playing a guy called the Joker, it’s OK to play some jokes. Nothing ever crossed any lines, and it’s not up to other people on the internet to create those lines.”

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Crew member sues Alec Baldwin, armorer and others over fatal shooting on ‘Rust’ set

Crew member sues Alec Baldwin, armorer and others over fatal shooting on ‘Rust’ set
Crew member sues Alec Baldwin, armorer and others over fatal shooting on ‘Rust’ set
iStock/MattGush

A senior crew member on the set of the movie Rust has filed suit against Alec Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and assistant director Dave Halls over the fatal October 21 shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

Serge Svetnoy was a key gaffer on the production — the person responsible for positioning lights for the camera — and incidentally, the crew member who posted what is believed to be the last photo of Hutchins alive.

ABC News has confirmed Svetnoy is suing the previously mentioned people, and others, claiming their negligence led to the shooting that killed Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza, when Baldwin fired a live round at the pair from what he was allegedly told by Halls was a “cold,” or empty, pistol. 

The suit claims Baldwin “owed a duty to the Plaintiff and [others] on the ‘Rust’ set to handle the Colt Revolver provided to him by defendant Halls with reasonable care and diligence for the safety of ‘Rust’ cast and crew.”

It also says, “This duty called for Defendant Baldwin to double-check the Colt Revolver…to ensure that it did not contain live ammunition.”

Furthermore, the suit claims Baldwin wasn’t supposed to pull the trigger, because he was just rehearsing. 

Svetnoy claims that the bullet that struck both Hutchins and Souza nearly struck him, too, and that he rendered aid to his friend after she was shot. The incident left him with severe emotional distress, the suit alleges. Svetnoy also reportedly claims in the suit that guns acquired for Rust were in fact also being used for target practice, something an attorney for Gutierrez-Reed denies.

Investigators say live rounds, blanks and dummy rounds were found on the set. Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney recently told ABC’s Good Morning America that he believes someone intentionally placed a live round in a box of dummy ammunition.

Authorities haven’t ruled out criminal charges in the case as the investigation continues.

 

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Frank Grillo’s revved up about ‘Lamborghini’ biopic, reveals the benefits of becoming a cartoon in ‘What If…?’

Frank Grillo’s revved up about ‘Lamborghini’ biopic, reveals the benefits of becoming a cartoon in ‘What If…?’
Frank Grillo’s revved up about ‘Lamborghini’ biopic, reveals the benefits of becoming a cartoon in ‘What If…?’
Grillo on the “Lamborghini: The Legend” set — Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Frank Grillo has had a busy couple of months. He’s in theaters and can be seen on demand in the crime thriller Ida Red opposite Oscar winner Melissa Leo, as well as on Disney+ — in animated form — as his MCU character Brock Rumlow/Crossbones in Marvel Studios’ What If…?

The actor recently returned from Italy, where he shot the film Lamborghini: The Legend, in which he portrays the man behind the iconic supercar. He replaced Antonio Banderas in the lead role, and the Bronx, New York-born Grillo tells ABC Audio that he was thrilled to get into the driver’s seat.

“First of all, I am in Italy, all over Italy, playing Ferruccio Lamborghini, with Gabriel Byrne and Mira Sorvino,” Grillo enthuses.

Bobby Maresco wrote the script. He won the Oscar for Crash and Million Dollar Baby. I was surrounded by Oscars, and then there was me,” he says, smiling. “And, you know, look, to go and do a biopic and play this person and have his family around, it was spectacular. [It] really reinvigorated my appreciation for acting.”

Having the last name Grillo also helped, he maintains. “Brother…listen, I couldn’t fall down and not be in a great restaurant or a great bar, people were taking me everywhere,” he notes. “And, you know, I’m Italian, so it was great!”

As for reprising his MCU role in What If…?, the Purge series veteran says, cracking up, “It was a hoot, man! I got to see myself in a cartoon, and they did a pretty good job. They got the hair [right]! Somehow, I’m a lot taller and younger and better looking, but whatever, man, I’m still in it.” 

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50 Cent on his role in ‘The Expendables 4’: “This is my movie. Everybody else just in it”

50 Cent on his role in ‘The Expendables 4’: “This is my movie. Everybody else just in it”
50 Cent on his role in ‘The Expendables 4’: “This is my movie. Everybody else just in it”
Prince Williams/FilmMagic

50 Cent has joined the star-studded Expendables franchise featuring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham and Dolph Lundgren. Those actors are famous for their many action films, yet Fiddy says for his role in The Expendables 4, he deserves top billing.

“This is my movie. Everybody else just in it,” the rapper/actor, born Curtis Jackson, comments in an Instagram post.

The BMF executive producer posted five photos of himself on the set, including one aiming a rifle, and a few others posing with a tank. “If i was you i would roll with me because i’m not slowing down,” he declares. “If you in the way you getting rolled over.”

The Expendables series, about an elite group of mercenaries, began in 2010, followed by sequels in 2012 and 2014. The Expendables 4 is scheduled to be released in 2022. 50 Cent was originally cast in the first Expendables movie; however, he turned down the role to record his fourth studio album, Before I Self Destruct, which he executive produced with Eminem and Dr. Dre.

As previously reported, Eminem appears in BMF as the notorious FBI informant White Boy Rick. Jackson was furious with Starz for prematurely releasing Sunday’s episode, which he directed, a week early. Last week, following reports that Lionsgate was considering selling Starz, Fiddy commented, “I’m gonna look into buying the Starz network.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“The cape is still in the closet”: Henry Cavill hopes to play Superman again

“The cape is still in the closet”: Henry Cavill hopes to play Superman again
“The cape is still in the closet”: Henry Cavill hopes to play Superman again
Karwai Tang/WireImage

Henry Cavill appeared as Superman technically four times, starting with 2013’s Man of Steel, and following it up with both 2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice as well as 2017’s Justice League — which was re-cut and re-released in 2021 as Zack Snyder‘s Justice League.

But the actor tells The Hollywood Reporter he’d love to give it another shot. “The cape’s still in the closet,” he jokes. 

The British star of Netflix’s The Witcher feels he felt he was just scratching the surface with the character at the end of Man of Steel, which was far better received critically and than Warner Bros.’ comic movie follow-ups, excepting Snyder’s do-over.

“There is still a lot of storytelling for me to do as a Superman, and I would absolutely love the opportunity,” Cavill reasoned. He cited the ending of Man of Steel, explaining, “The killing of Zod gave a reason for the character never to kill again.”

Cavill revealed, “Superman falling to the ground and screaming afterward — I don’t think that was originally in the script, but I wanted to show the pain he had. I did far more emotional takes they didn’t choose; tears were happening.”

He added, “There’s an opportunity for growth after that, to explore the psyche of Superman as a deep, seemingly invulnerable god-like being but with real feeling on the inside.”

Officially, Cavill’s future as the gravity-defying hero is, well, still up in the air.

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Nicole Kidman feels the pressure as Lucille Ball in trailer for ‘Being the Ricardos’

Nicole Kidman feels the pressure as Lucille Ball in trailer for ‘Being the Ricardos’
Nicole Kidman feels the pressure as Lucille Ball in trailer for ‘Being the Ricardos’
Amazon Studios

Amazon Studios has released the full trailer for its upcoming film about Lucille Ball and Desi ArnazBeing the RicardosNicole Kidman plays the famous redhead, and fellow Oscar winner Javier Bardem plays her husband and I Love Lucy co-star/co-producer. 

While the first teaser showed Ball supremely confident, and at the top of her game as a TV icon and top producer, the trailer delves into the enormous pressure she was under, not just from television execs, but from fans, the paparazzi and the FBI, the latter of which investigated her when it was revealed she had once registered to vote as a Communist. 

There’s also the matter of her marriage to Arnaz, which was picture perfect as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo onscreen, but which in reality became anything but. 

Academy Award-winning writer Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed the drama, which also stars another Oscar winner, Whiplash‘s JK Simmons, as well as Veep Emmy winner Tony Hale.

Amazon says the film is set during a critical week of shooting I Love Lucy, when “Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear and cultural taboos.”

Being the Ricardos debuts on Amazon Prime on December 21.

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‘People”s Sexiest Man Alive 2021 is: Paul Rudd

‘People”s Sexiest Man Alive 2021 is: Paul Rudd
‘People”s Sexiest Man Alive 2021 is: Paul Rudd
Scott Kowalchyk/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

After much speculation, Paul Rudd has been announced as People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2021.

The big announcement came Tuesday night via The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Before confirming Rudd’s status, though, Colbert put him through a rigorous — and hilarious — sexy evaluation. The test included an interview in which Rudd was asked a series of questions, including when he first realized he was sexy.

“When I was a baby,” Rudd answered. “I was a baby. I didn’t know what sexy was. I just felt different. I wore a thong diaper and I knew the other kids didn’t.”

The Ant-Man star was also tested on his ability to successfully conduct a sexy photoshoot. At the end of it all, Colbert shared that Rudd’s test results came back “negative” for sexy. However, after Rudd humbly accepted that fate, it was revealed that “humility” was the final test, and he passed — thus crowning him as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2021. 

Rudd succeeds Michael B. Jordan, who held the coveted title for 2020. Others who have been named People‘s “Sexiest Man Alive” include John LegendDwayne “The Rock” JohnsonDavid Beckham, and Chris Hemsworth.

The full People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue hits newsstands this Friday. 

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Britney Spears reveals Donatella Versace is making her wedding dress “as we speak”

Britney Spears reveals Donatella Versace is making her wedding dress “as we speak”
Britney Spears reveals Donatella Versace is making her wedding dress “as we speak”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Britney Spears is wasting no time planning her wedding to Sam Asghari

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the pop star, 39, revealed that her wedding dress is in the process of being made by none other than luxury fashion house Versace. 

“No … this is not my wedding dress  bahahah,” Britney teased alongside an array of photos and videos of herself wearing a light-pink gown.

She then revealed, “Donatella Versace is making my dress as we speak” before wishing her 35 million followers “good night.” 

The wedding update comes just two months after Britney shared that Asghari, 27, popped the question. 

“I can’t f****** believe it,” she gushed at the time, while sharing a video of the sparkler on her left ring finger. 

Britney and Sam first met while filming Britney’s 2016 music video, “Slumber Party.” As for the couple’s wedding date, that is still under wraps. 

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‘The Bachelorette’ recap: Chris S. emerges as the new villain

‘The Bachelorette’ recap: Chris S. emerges as the new villain
‘The Bachelorette’ recap: Chris S. emerges as the new villain
ABC/Craig Sjodin

Following Jamie‘s departure last week for spreading lies, The Bachelorette continued on Tuesday with Chris S. emerging as the new villain after throwing frontrunner Nayte under the bus.

It all started with a group date that had the men joining Michelle Young for a slumber party that ended in a “Teddy Bear Showdown” hosted by WWE stars the Bella Twins, where the contestants pounded each other with stuffed teddy bears. The men seemed to be too involved in their own fun to spend time with Michelle.

Young, who just a week ago had shared a poem about not feeling seen, was disappointed by the men’s behavior, and shared her concerns with them at the after-party. One-by-one, each of the men apologized, with Olu, who compared Michelle’s feelings to those of his and his sisters, earning the date rose.

Just as the drama seemed to have subsided, Chris S. — who wasn’t a part of the date but heard the others talking about it — interrupted the pre-rose ceremony cocktail party to accuse some of the men of being too cocky and not caring enough about her. He challenged the men who thought they “had it in the bag” to “speak up or…go home,” leaving them shocked and angered.

During a private conversation with Michelle, Chris S. singled out Nayte as the chief offender. Michelle confronted Nayte with Chris’ claims, which led to a fight between the two suitors.

The move paid off for Chris — at least for now — as he received the last rose of the night.

The Bachelorette returns Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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IMAX launching ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Fan Event

IMAX launching ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Fan Event
IMAX launching ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Fan Event
Sony Pictures

With the release of the final trailer to Ghostbusters: Afterlife — featuring the voices and brief appearances of some of its original series stars including Dan Aykroyd, the late Harold Ramis, and Bill Murray — comes news IMAX is doing the movie big. 

Well, “big” is not a surprise for the giant format theaters, but in the case of the new film, they’re hosting a Ghostbusters Fan Event in the U.S. and Canada to celebrate the movie’s launch on November 19. 

The special event will be live-streamed from Los Angeles at 8pm Eastern in select theaters, and will not only show the new Sony Pictures movie, but will also feature a Q&A with director Jason Reitman and his dad, producer — and original Ghostbusters director — Ivan Reitman

The select theaters will also treat fans to commemorative posters and other goodies. 

Ghostbusters: Afterlife stars the original cast, which also includes Sigourney WeaverErnie Hudson, and Annie Potts, as well as series newcomers Paul RuddCarrie CoonFinn Wolfhard, and McKenna Grace.

Here’s a list of the participating IMAX locations: 

United States

California

AMC Metreon 16 & IMAX Theatre – San Francisco, CA
Esquire IMAX Theatre – Sacramento, CA
Regal Edwards Irvine Spectrum & IMAX – Irvine, CA
TCL Chinese Theatres IMAX – Hollywood, CA
AMC Mission Valley 20 & IMAX Theatre – San Diego, CA

Washington DC
AMC Georgetown 14 & IMAX Theatre – Washington, DC

Florida
AMC Aventura 24 & IMAX Theatre – Aventura, FL

Georgia
Regal Atlantic Station & IMAX Theatre – Atlanta, GA

Illinois
AMC Oakbrook 12 & IMAX Theatre – Oak Brook, IL

Minnesota
AMC Rosedale 14 & IMAX Theatre – Roseville, MN

Massachusetts
AMC Boston Common 19 – IMAX – Boston, MA

New York
AMC Empire 25 & IMAX Theatre – New York, NY

North Carolina
Regal Stonecrest At Piper Glen & IMAX – Charlotte, NC

Pennsylvania
Regal UA King of Prussia & IMAX Theatre – King of Prussia, PA

Texas
AMC Northpark 15 & IMAX Theatre – Dallas, TX
Regal Edwards Houston Marq*E & IMAX – Houston, TX
Santikos Palladium IMAX Theatre – San Antonio, TX

Tennessee
Malco Paradiso Cinema Grill & IMAX Theatre – Memphis, TN

Washington
Regal Thornton Place & IMAX Theatre – Seattle, WA

Canada

Cineplex Cinemas Winston Churchill & IMAX Theatre – Oakville, ON

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