Another Simple Favor review — Blake Lively at her best in silly sequel
Once on the island the bodies start to pile up and the outré screenplay from Laeta Kalogridis (Terminator Genisys) and Jessica Sharzer (Nerve) throws everything but the luxe porcelain
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Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Jason Isaacs blasts 'racist' Harry Potter fans over Paapa Essiedu's casting
Jason Isaacs has hit out at 'racism' among Harry Potter fans who are criticising Paapa Essiedu's casting in the new TV series. It was announced in May that the 35-year-old actor, known for I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, would portray Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO adaptation of JK Rowling's wizarding franchise. The role was, of course, first played by the late Alan Rickman. Following major online debate around the reboot and its castings, Isaacs has given his thoughts on Essiedu taking up the iconic role—and he's fighting his corner. The White Lotus season 3 star, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original films, began: 'Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I've ever seen in my life. 'I've seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they're being is racist.' He continued to Collider: 'All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. They (people online) will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully—you know, their digital tongues—when they see what [Essiedu] does on screen.' Despite being a Harry Potter legend himself, Isaacs, 62, wasn't actually given any exclusive intel on the castings for the revival series ahead of them being made public. He joked about how his daughter's friend from university is 'in the casting office for the show,' but when she went to their house for dinner, she 'wouldn't tell [them] anything'. 'Unbelievable, what a waste of university tuition fees,' he quipped. As for Essiedu, he's made it clear before that he has no time for backlash. 'The show is being made by the same people who made the films, and they're just taking the time to make each book into a whole season—and it's going to be great,' he defended. Indeed, on board with the reboot is David Heyman, who produced all eight Harry Potter films, while author Rowling serves as an executive producer. The writer issued a message responding to Essiedu's casting earlier in the year, explaining why she wouldn't 'sack' him, despite him advocating for trans rights. He did so by joining fellow actors in signing an open letter calling for the entertainment industry in the UK to protect the 'trans, non-binary, and intersex communities.' While Essiedu's views differ from Rowling's own, she said on X: 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. 'I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.' In recent years, Rowling has been slammed for her comments about the trans community, having most recently celebrated the UK's Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally women, a decision that sparked mass outrage from allies and led to protests. 'I love it when a plan comes together #SupremeCourt #WomensRights,' Rowling wrote on X alongside a photo of herself smoking a cigar. As such, her involvement in the upcoming Harry Potter series has angered many, with plenty of long-time Potterheads vowing to boycott. HBO and Max previously shared that the Harry Potter TV series will arrive on screens in late 2026 or early 2027. While finer details of the plot remain closely guarded secrets, it has been said by the network that the programme 'will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.' These cast members include Dominic McLaughlin as the titular part originally made famous by Daniel Radcliffe, Arabella Stanton stepping into Emma Watson's shoes as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Rupert Grint's Ron Weasley. When their castings were confirmed, executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod said: 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. 'We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.' Other cast members include Nick Frost as Hagrid, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy. More Trending Isaac's part of Lucius will be played by Johnny Flynn, while Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby play the Dursleys. Finally, Molly Weasley will be portrayed by Katherine Parkinson, and Cornelius Fudge will be played by Bertie Carvel. View More » It is yet to be announced who will follow on from Ralph Fiennes as the villainous Voldemort, but British star Tom Hiddleston is currently a frontrunner. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Harry Potter star admits he 'would have run a million miles' from TV reboot years ago MORE: Michael Cera reveals relatable reason he 'turned down' Harry Potter role MORE: Pedro Pascal says 'bullies make me sick' as he defends JK Rowling criticism
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Real-life couple behind 'inspirational' summer biopic hit back at lying claims
Just weeks after Gillian Anderson starred in The Salt Path, adapted from Raynor Winn's bestselling memoir, reports have emerged questioning the truth behind the story. The bestselling 2018 book details the inspirational 'real-life' tale of Raynor and her husband Moth claim they are evicted from their home (a farmhouse in Wales) after they are betrayed by their childhood friend over a bad investment. Days later the latter is diagnosed with a terminal neurodegenerative condition – Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) – and the couple decide to pack all their belongings on their back and begin a 630-mile trek along the South West Coastal path. Penguin described the prize-winning novel as an 'unflinchingly honest, inspiring and life-affirming true story'. The Sex Education star and White Lotus actor Jason Isaacs starred as the couple in a movie adaptation which came out at the end of May, flinging their story back into the spotlight. Now, a new investigation from The Observer has unearthed claims that key elements of this tale have not been entirely truthful, although the real-life couple have called the following claims 'highly misleading'. Delving into the financial claims made in the book, The Observer claims that the couple (real names Sally and Tim Walker) have not been fully transparent. Per the investigation, Raynor was arrested for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of pounds (reportedly totally around £64,000) from her employer (an estate agent for whom she worked as a bookkeeper). A relative of Moth's [James] claims he loaned the couple £100,000 to repay the stolen money in exchange for dropping the criminal charges. This claim contradicts the narrative in the book which outlines that their financial issues stem from when they were forced to repay a debt they couldn't afford to one of Moth's childhood friends, Cooper, after a poor investment in one of his companies. Unlike in The Salt Path which says James took them to court to recoup the debt, The Observer found the debt they owed to James was ultimately transferred to two men to whom he owed money. 'Her claims that it was all just a business deal that went wrong really upset me. When really she had embezzled the money from my husband. It made me feel sick,' Hemmings (wife of the man who Raynor is believed to have stole the £64,000 from) told the publication. Meanwhile, although the book hinges on the idea that the Walkers were left effectively homeless, according to The Observer uncovered documents show that the couple owned a property in South West France which they had previously visited. There has also been doubt cast over Moth's medical condition which he was first diagnosed with 18 years ago. The NHS website says that this disease produces 'gradually worsening problems with movement, speech, memory and swallowing'. It also confirms that there is currently 'no treatment' and 'the average life expectancy for someone with CBD is around six to eight years'. Although the book explores the impact of this on Moth, over the course of the now three books Raynor has written detailing various walks the pair have undergone, his condition seems to have conversely improved. Prof Michele Hu, a consultant neurologist and professor of clinical neurosciences at Oxford University, told The Observer that she would be 'very sceptical that it is corticobasal'. In a statement to Metro, Raynor Winn's representative has refuted the claims made. 'Yesterday's Observer article is highly misleading. We are taking legal advice and won't be making any further comment at this time. 'The Salt Path lays bare the physical and spiritual journey Moth and I shared, an experience that transformed us completely and altered the course of our lives. This is the true story of our journey,' the statement reads. The couple, now both in their 60s, confirmed they are no longer homeless. In an interview with Country Living, Raynor said: 'After hearing our story, a kind stranger offered us a flat at the back of an old chapel. 'We moved to a beautiful Cornish village and Moth began a degree in horticulture and garden design. In many ways, we were so lucky…' The author explained that she started writing The Salt Path as a way to commemorate what her and Moth had done as his 'illness progressed' and that she was encouraged to submit the manuscript by her daughter. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video She also credits the rewilding project on their Cornish farm with helping alleviate Moth's symptoms. 'As the landscape has become healthier, so has he. Nothing will cure his disease, but we've found a way to keep it at bay,' she added. At the end of her third book, Landlines, which recounts the 1000-mile walk from Scotland to the South West Coast Path she explains that 'the old DAT scan [of Moth's brain] showing an abnormal reading, and this, the new one, showing a normal reading.' Both Anderson, 56, and Isaacs, 62, have also shared their own thoughts on the real-life people they were portraying. More Trending 'I was surprised at how guarded she was. Of course, it must be strange: you've got two relatively famous actors who are going to play you showing up at your house. 'But it was interesting to encounter a certain steeliness. It was informative for me to see that,' the actor told the Guardian about her impressions of Raynor. Describing his own time with Moth, Isaacs told Collider: ' He's the most lovely person I've ever met. Everyone who ever meets him falls completely in love with him. When you see the two of them together, they're so devoted to each other.' Metro has reached out to Raynor Winn's, Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs' representatives, Black Bear and Penguin for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I explored London's hidden island that's only open twice a year – it felt like a Californian escape
And tickets to visit are free TREASURE ISLAND I explored London's hidden island that's only open twice a year – it felt like a Californian escape Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HIDDEN away from a bustling town centre in Zone 4 of London, I discovered an urban oasis that felt more like California than the UK. Eel Pie Island, located in Twickenham, has an illustrious history. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Eel Pie Island, located in Twickenham, has an illustrious history Credit: 8 In the 19th century, it became a popular resort with steamboats and the Eel Pie Island Hotel Credit: Cyann Fielding 8 Today, the island still boasts marks of its past, while the people who live there include a number of artists Credit: Alamy While many know the destination for hosting a number of live music events (with notable names such as The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd), the island actually has a further stretching history. Originally, the tranquil spot was thought to be a monastic site before later transforming into a popular day-tripper spot. Then, in the 19th century, it became a popular resort with steamboats and the Eel Pie Island Hotel. When the hotel later closed in 1967, the island became a hippie commune and evolved as a creative community. Today, the island still boasts marks of its past, while the people who live there include a number of artists. It's one of London's best-kept secrets as it is only open to the public twice a year. And this past weekend I wandered over the footbridge that separates the island from the mainland, to explore the jungle on the island. Full of giant palm leaves looming overhead, the island doesn't take too long to explore and can be done in just an hour. And standing at the entrance way to the island, I felt like I was exploring Little Venice in Los Angeles. To get to the artists' workshops, I followed a meandering path taking me past wood-panelled homes - many decorated with enamel signs, American-style mailboxes and odd treasures. 'I tried out the Race Across the World Experience in London' The names of places also fitted the Californian vibe with names including 'Palm Beach', 'Copper Beach' and 'Love Shack'. Reaching the end of the path is an operational boatyard like felt something out of a movie. On the other side of the slipway is where you'll find the workshops of the island's 26 artists, selling a range of art, sculptures and ceramics. The workshops are all found nestled in the thick greenery and are surrounded by random abandoned items like water fountains and traffic cones. Whilst essentially a junk yard, the eclectic items mixed with the jungle felt more like a set from Pirates of the Caribbean. 8 Full of giant palm leaves looming overhead, the island doesn't take too long to explore and can be done in just an hour Credit: Instagram/@secretlondon 8 There are many wood-panelled homes on the island - many decorated with enamel signs, American-style mailboxes and odd treasures Credit: Alamy 8 The island is home to 26 artists, selling a range of art, sculptures and ceramics Credit: Cyann Fielding It is worth noting, however, that all the workshops are rather snug and may require some shuffling around other people to see all the items available for purchase. On the plus side, though, some of the workshops sell handmade tipples too, like Pimms, for just a fiver. You can explore the island and workshops for as long as you like on the day you have a ticket for, but everything can be visited in just an hour if you wish. Tickets to visit the island are also free. It takes less than 25 minutes to reach Twickenham via train from London Waterloo, and then Eel Pie Island is roughly a 10-minute walk from the station. After exploring the island, you can venture back to Twickenham high street, which boasts a number of independent shops and vibrant pubs. There is also a hidden island in the English Channel that had an exotic climate and some of the best sunsets in Europe. Plus, the 'secret' UK island surrounded by the country's deadliest footpath. 8 To me, it felt like wondering around Little Venice in Los Angeles (pictured) Credit: Alamy
