Latest news with #Carrigan
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
'Superman' star Anthony Carrigan shares how Christopher Reeve helped him embrace his alopecia
Anthony Carrigan is opening up about the deeply personal connection he has to Superman. The actor, who plays Metamorpho/Rex Mason in the upcoming James Gunn-directed "Superman" film, 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 Los Angeles 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. The disease can take an emotional and physical toll on those who have it. 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," Carrigan's character, 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." Carrigan told "GMA" at the premiere that he hopes audiences who watch "Superman" walk away feeling joy, hope, and a "renewed sense of being a good person and doing right." "I think getting in touch with your humanity too," he added. "Because it's in short supply these days. I think people are really disenchanted with the world, so we need movies like this that [are] going to inspire hope and inspire us to do good in the world." Gunn's "Superman" also stars David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Also starring in the upcoming film are Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. The cast also includes Isabela Merced, who plays Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi, who plays Mister Terrific; Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner/Green Lantern; and Wendell Pierce, who plays Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White. "Superman" flies into theaters July 11.
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scots patient among first to undergo revolutionary spinal procedure
After two spinal disc surgeries failed to provide lasting relief, he became one of the first patients in Scotland to undergo a revolutionary procedure using MR technology, allowing surgeons to 'see inside' his body without major incisions. INS is the first centre in the UK, and only the third in the world, to use MR technology in spinal surgery. The system, known as Magic Leap, overlays detailed spinal images directly onto the patient's body via MR goggles, enabling surgeons to operate with unprecedented precision through small incisions. NHS campaign launched in Glasgow to maintain 'hospital flow' Using Magic Leap, Mr Carrigan underwent a minimally invasive spine procedure. Surgeons placed screws into the bones above and below the damaged disc and connected them with rods to stabilise the area. They then removed the worn disc and inserted a cage implant to hold the space open, fuse the disc, and prevent future disc bulges. The entire procedure was done through just five small stab incisions in his back, and Gerry was able to go home within 24 hours. Mr Carrigan's leg pain dropped from as high as nine out of ten to as low as two. 'It was amazing that the pain subsided instantly,' he said. 'Before the pain started years ago, I was active playing football every week with friends. In all honesty, it was likely the goalkeeping into my late 40s that took its toll on my back. I should have given that up sooner, but I did enjoy playing sport. The pain completely debilitated what I could do. Gerry Carrigan, 54, had been living with debilitating back and leg pain for years (Image: NHSGGC) 'Then, following this surgery, I was up and walking in the ward the same night, albeit, still on crutches. The impact this will make on my life is incredible.' The procedure was performed at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by a team led by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Consultant Neurosurgeons and Complex Spine Surgeons, Mr Mohamed Abdelsadg and Mr Calan Mathieson. The team recently won the Regional Services Award at the NHSGGC Excellence Awards for their pioneering work. This minimally invasive approach significantly reduces tissue damage, shortens recovery times, and improves surgical outcomes. The technology, developed in collaboration with Brainlab, is part of a trial using Spine Mixed Reality Navigation, which fuses real-time X-rays with external imaging to guide the surgeon in 3D. Mr Abdelsadg said: 'This technology is transforming how we approach complex spinal surgeries. It allows us to be more accurate, less invasive, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our patients.' The INS team was praised for their 'remarkable dedication to advancing patient care by embracing cutting-edge technologies.' For Mr Carrigan, the results speak for themselves. He said: 'We've got a busy household with three autistic boys, so there's really not time for either my wife, Gemma, or myself to be out of action. 'Even though I'll likely always have restrictive back pain which still means I'll need the crutches to keep up my mobility outdoors, I'm incredibly grateful to the INS team for giving me a huge part of life back by taking almost all of my leg pain away.'
Geek Tyrant
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Anthony Carrigan Talks About Connecting on a Personal Level to His Villainous Character Metamorpho in DC's SUPERMAN — GeekTyrant
Anthony Carrigan ( Barry , Death of a Unicorn ) is set to play the villain Metamorpho in James Gunn's DC movie, Superman . The comic book character is known to be able to transmute his body into a wide variety of elemental compounds and form them at will. He will work alongside Lex Luthor in the film to stop Superman, but Carrigan went into the role knowing that even a villain has a backstory and full personality. In an interview with EW, Carrigan talked about getting the role, and why he feels he best connects with Metamorpho, explaining: "I think the reason why [writer/director and DC Studios co-head James Gunn] called me in specifically was because I really understood on a human level this idea of feeling different, feeling like something that has happened to you feels like a curse," says Carrigan, who has alopecia areata, resulting in hair loss. "That was this unspoken thing that James and I understood. Then, once I really started to ask him questions about it, there was this sense that he really wanted someone who was quite tortured with what was going on. The really human quality of struggling with that, I think, comes through." Superman will feature "certain elements" that allude to Metamorpho's backstory, Carrigan mentions— including the presence of Stagg Industries, a company pulled directly from DC Comics that plays a part in the character's origins. However, fans will meet Metamorpho "in full swing of who he is." Adding to his tragic nature, the character arrives in the film's narrative when Lex, hellbent on destroying the Man of Steel, forces Metamorpho to transform his body into kryptonite in order to keep Superman weak. "You're in a situation where it's having to hurt someone, having to be an agent of the bad guy. And at the same time, there's this struggle to want to be good," Carrigan explains. "What the film does brilliantly is it puts you in this situation of, 'Oh! He has no choice.' He has to be doing this, and you see how painful it is." A self-proclaimed "big fan of practical effects," Carrigan says his Metamorpho transformation required about five-to-six hours in the makeup chair. "It's worth it," he adds. "It's worth it because you can actually feel the texture of something. Your brain notices the difference." How did he cope with that process? "Maybe it's just the fact that I grew up with two older sisters who would sit me down and put whatever makeup they wanted on me, but I just go into a completely...I don't know, tranquil state. I am just having a good time. The hardest part, I think, is the last hour." Superman opens in theaters on July 11th.
1News
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
IRD warns about misunderstanding fringe benefit tax
Inland Revenue says it wants to clear up misunderstanding about the effect of proposed changes to fringe benefit tax (FBT), particularly when it comes to double cab utes. There was a warning this week that farmers buying expensive utes at Fieldays could be in for a shock if the FBT rules changed in line with proposals released earlier this year. Federated Farmers has also warned of a "ute tax 2.0". But Inland Revenue deputy commissioner, policy, David Carrigan, said there were misunderstandings about the tax, including a myth that utes had been FBT-free. "When it comes to double cab utes, these are treated no differently to any other vehicle. Unless the use of the vehicle meets all the requirements for an exemption from FBT, then a double cab ute is, and always has been, subject to FBT. That is the current law," Carrigan said. ADVERTISEMENT "Work-related vehicles are only exempt from FBT if they meet certain requirements. This includes double cab utes." The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Auckland's supermarket fire, Trump's threat to Iran, and how a smart watch could make you fitter. (Source: 1News) At the moment, work vehicles such as utes are only exempt from FBT on days when they are used for essential work purposes. He said what was proposed was not a change to that treatment, but to remove the necessity to count days when a vehicle was or was not available for private use. "The idea is to simplify FBT, not create additional obligations. If a business - including a farm - is not currently liable for FBT on a vehicle, then it's unlikely they would become liable for FBT under any proposals taken forward." He said the aim of the FBT proposals was not to increase revenue but to reduce compliance costs of FBT. "The government has not made any final decisions in relation to potential changes to the FBT regime and Ministers are currently considering the feedback received from submitters on the Inland Revenue issues paper with a view to refining those proposals." ADVERTISEMENT Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker agreed there was "fake news" circulating about the FBT rules. She said there had historically been concerns about low levels of compliance with FBT. "This review essentially concluded that a lack of compliance with the existing laws (and lack of compliance by Inland Revenue) had the potential to erode the integrity of the tax system. "Essentially, if taxpayers think it is okay to not comply with FBT rules, they'll also start not complying with other tax laws." She said the idea that utes were completely exempt from FBT was long-standing but had never been the case. But under the proposals released earlier this year, a vehicle used for work purposes and generally only available for home to work travel and travelling to different worksites would be "category three" vehicle with a 0% rate for FBT purposes. "Under the proposals, if there was occasional additional private use of the vehicle, this would be ignored." ADVERTISEMENT She said the changes also opened this category up to other vehicles such as small cars and electric vehicles. "There is a proposed rule that vehicles assigned to shareholder employees would not be able to be exempted from FBT if the vehicle has a cost of $80,000-plus. "However, for FBT purposes, you only look at the cost of the vehicle and you ignore any 'business accessories'. "There is a false narrative that if a ute is purchased and it is fitted with work-related gadgets that increase the total cost to above $80,000 that the vehicle is automatically subject to full FBT. This is incorrect."
The Advertiser
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Back to future 'excites' Carrigan on Maroons benching
Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too." Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too." Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too."
