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Time Business News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Cast of The Outlaws: Meet the Talented Performers Driving the BBC Hit Series
The Outlaws, created by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James, is a standout BBC comedy-drama that fuses humor, crime, and emotional depth. Set in Bristol, the show brings together a mismatched group of strangers completing community service. The driving force behind its success is its dynamic, diverse, and brilliantly cast ensemble. At BritainWrites, we've explored each cast member in detail to help fans and new viewers alike understand why this ensemble works so well. From Hollywood icons to rising UK stars, this breakdown showcases what each actor brings to the table. Christopher Walken as Frank Sheldon Among the Cast of The Outlaws, Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized name. He plays Frank Sheldon, a retired con artist attempting to repair his relationship with his daughter while serving community service. Walken's iconic delivery adds depth to a role that mixes criminal charm with emotional vulnerability. Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can Character type: World-weary, cunning, regretful Unique fact: Walken's first lead in a British series Walken's portrayal adds global star power and a grounded, heartfelt presence to the show. Known for: The Deer Hunter, Catch Me If You Can, Pulp Fiction Role: A sly but soft-hearted former criminal Fun fact: This was Walken's first major role in a British TV series Walken's portrayal of Frank adds unexpected tenderness to the character, making him both comedic and touching. Stephen Merchant not only co-created the series but also stars as Greg Dillard, an awkward and painfully shy solicitor. Greg is sentenced to community service after a public indecency offense, and his personal journey is one of the most relatable in the show. Known for: The Office (UK), Extras, Hello Ladies Role: A lonely lawyer with social anxiety and deep insecurities Creator credit: Merchant also writes and directs multiple episodes Greg's storyline is often both cringe-inducing and deeply moving, and Merchant's self-deprecating performance hits the right balance. Rhianne Barreto plays Rani, a gifted student from a strict immigrant family. After being caught shoplifting, she's sentenced to community service. Her storyline explores rebellion, cultural expectations, and identity crisis. Known for: Hanna, Honour Character traits: Intelligent, impulsive, emotionally conflicted Performance: Barreto brings complexity to Rani's coming-of-age arc As the youngest in the group, Rani adds a generational contrast that enriches the dynamic of the cast. Gamba Cole plays Christian, a protective older brother using a false identity to escape gang affiliations. His calm demeanor hides a life filled with danger, loyalty, and difficult choices. Known for: Guerrilla, Hanna Background: Christian is on the run from a dangerous past Relationship arc: His bond with Rani adds emotional weight to the storyline Cole's understated performance adds credibility and emotional grounding to the show's more dramatic moments. Darren Boyd plays John Halloran, a disgraced businessman caught in a racism scandal. His struggle with public image, family expectations, and personal guilt provides an ongoing moral dilemma within the group. Known for: Spy, Killing Eve, Green Wing Character profile: Conservative, prideful, and forced to confront change Story impact: John's arc mirrors real-world issues of privilege and bias Boyd brings both satire and sincerity to a character audiences love to hate—and sometimes sympathize with. Clare Perkins takes on the role of Myrna, a former radical activist. Now older and haunted by her past, Myrna uses community service as a chance to make amends and rediscover purpose. Known for: EastEnders, Secrets & Lies Role traits: Fiercely intelligent, morally conflicted, idealistic Dramatic depth: Her internal struggle adds gravitas to the ensemble Myrna often challenges other characters' motives, making her a voice of conscience in the group. Eleanor Tomlinson plays Lady Gabby, a socialite and former reality star sentenced after a drunken scandal. Her entitlement and cluelessness offer comic relief but also develop into genuine character growth. Known for: Poldark, The Nevers Character shift: From influencer to introspective outsider Added value: Her arc surprises viewers with unexpected emotional depth Tomlinson's portrayal of privilege evolving into self-awareness is one of the show's most entertaining transformations. Jessica Gunning stars as Diane, the overly intense community service officer. Obsessed with rules and control, Diane provides consistent comedic energy while occasionally revealing her own insecurities. Known for: Pride, Back, White Heat Character tone: Comically strict, socially awkward, and a little delusional Standout scenes: Diane's patrols and interrogations are comedic highlights Gunning balances slapstick and subtle humor to deliver some of the series' funniest moments. Nina Wadia plays Shanthi, Rani's traditional and overbearing mother. She represents the generational and cultural pressures faced by Rani and delivers moments of both frustration and heart. Known for: Goodness Gracious Me, EastEnders Cultural influence: Shanthi brings immigrant family dynamics into sharp focus Narrative weight: Her confrontations with Rani are emotionally charged Wadia's performance adds authenticity and emotional complexity to Rani's backstory. Actor Character Notable Credits Character Summary Christopher Walken Frank Sheldon Pulp Fiction, Catch Me Aging conman seeking redemption Stephen Merchant Greg Dillard The Office, Extras Awkward lawyer hiding deep loneliness Rhianne Barreto Rani Rekowski Hanna, Honour High-achiever turned rebel Gamba Cole Christian Taylor Guerrilla, Hanna Ex-gang member protecting his sister Darren Boyd John Halloran Spy, Killing Eve Disgraced businessman facing backlash Clare Perkins Myrna Okeke EastEnders, Secrets & Lies Former radical with unresolved guilt Eleanor Tomlinson Lady Gabby Penrose Poldark, The Nevers Spoiled influencer seeking identity Jessica Gunning Diane Pemberley Pride, Back Overzealous officer with a quirky side Nina Wadia Shanthi Rekowski EastEnders, Goodness Gracious Me Strict mother with traditional values The success of The Outlaws depends heavily on its diverse and multi-layered cast. With a balance of comedic veterans, dramatic actors, and international stars, the series resonates across different demographics. Each actor brings authenticity to their role, and the ensemble chemistry keeps the plot engaging and believable. Filmed in Bristol, the gritty urban setting adds realism, while the diverse casting reflects contemporary British society. The Outlaws has received widespread acclaim for both performance and writing. The cast, in particular, has been praised for elevating what could have been a typical redemption story. IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 92% Praise: Strong performances, believable character arcs, and smart humor Christopher Walken's presence draws global attention, while Stephen Merchant's dry wit and writing give the show a distinctly British flavor. Most original cast members returned for the third season, including: Stephen Merchant as Greg Christopher Walken as Frank Rhianne Barreto as Rani Gamba Cole as Christian Clare Perkins as Myrna Their ongoing character development adds new depth to the show's evolving narrative. Who is the most famous actor in The Outlaws? Christopher Walken is the most internationally recognized member of the cast, with a long and award-winning career in film. Is The Outlaws based on real people? No, the show is fictional. However, the characters are inspired by real-world social dynamics and stereotypes. Where was the series filmed? The series was filmed in Bristol, England, using real locations to enhance authenticity. Will the full cast return for Season 4? There's no official confirmation yet, but the positive reception of Season 3 suggests most of the cast may return. The cast of The Outlaws brings together actors from different genres, generations, and cultural backgrounds to create something uniquely entertaining. From Walken's seasoned charm to Barreto's raw emotion and Gunning's comedic timing, every role feels essential. Their performances turn a simple community service premise into one of the BBC's most exciting and human-centered shows. Whether you're here for the humor, the social commentary, or the performances, the cast of The Outlaws delivers something for everyone. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Underrated true crime gems deliver tawdry, crowd-pleasing thrills
One of the defining conflicts of our era is liberalism versus populism: tricky 'elites' in labs, newsrooms and political halls against the salt-of-the-earth know-nothings who try to expose their agenda. However much these stereotypes hold water, what better snapshot of the clash between professional and everyday opinion than Rotten Tomatoes scores? And is there a fiercer battleground between the Popcornmeter and the Tomatometer — between the masses and critics — than with true-crime shows? While audiences lap up stories about a man secretly living in his ex-girlfriend's attic, a serial killer turning his murders into bestselling 'fiction' and a father faking a kidnapping-by-air-balloon of his son (yes, all real true-crime premises) — critics often plug their nose and finger-wag. Audiences respond with a shrug or one-finger salute. We're not denying that lots of true crime is exploitative and trashy. (Duh, that's part of the fun.) But in their zeal to swat away the genre's worst, critics often go too far. So let's dive into a few underrated true crime gems, some dogged by critics. We won't settle the culture wars, but hopefully we'll leave you with a few bingeworthy picks. Film available on Disney+ Hulu Gerald Blanchard's first major heist in Winnipeg is documented in The Jewel Thief. Hulu Gerald Blanchard's first major heist in Winnipeg is documented in The Jewel Thief. Never mind Catch Me If You Can: here's a true story of a brilliant young con artist every bit as taut, minus Steven Spielberg's need for schmaltzy resolutions. It's also largely set in Winnipeg. Even as a petty teenage thief, Gerald Daniel Blanchard was a prodigy — orchestrating Ocean's 12-level cons and escapes in the shopping malls and police stations of Omaha, Neb. His first major heist in Winnipeg, where he had moved in the early 2000s, baffled Winnipeg police and involved baby monitors, hiding overnight inside a bank's walls and misdirected security alarms. He would repeat this formula across the country — revenge, as his mother insisted, for the way the banks had treated his indebted family as a child. (Kudos if you catch the bylines of Free Press reporters Mike McIntyre and Aldo Santin in some of The Jewel Thief's newspaper montages about the rash of robberies.) Blanchard's most famous heist has the stuff of Hollywood's old European capers: a priceless Austrian royal heirloom, a replica from the museum's gift shop and a (possibly) parachuted escape. Museum curators and the Winnipeg Police Service followed Blanchard's exploits with obvious awe, like Tom Hanks' character in Catch Me If You Can. And also like Hanks' character, Winnipeg police detectives on Blanchard's case were obsessed with catching the thief who taunted them at every turn. Ultimately, you may find your sympathies split. The film's Winnipeggers emanate a funny pride knowing that the world's greatest living thief is one of theirs and we may succumb to it too. Still, after spending some time with the vain and eccentric Blanchard, we have a harder time enjoying the man as much as the (con) artist. HBO Q: Into the Storm is a 2021 documentary about QAnon, an American deep-state conspiracy. HBO Q: Into the Storm is a 2021 documentary about QAnon, an American deep-state conspiracy. Q is a 2021 documentary about QAnon, a 'deep state' conspiracy that imagines that the American government is beholden to a vast network of liberal, Satan-worshipping sex traffickers. If that sounds unbelievable, at its height, 30 per cent of Republicans expressed support for some of its beliefs. Populism, then, at its most bonkers. The conspiracy's two heroes are Q, an alleged high-level government whistleblower, and Donald Trump — supposedly working together to expose this cabal and restore power to 'We, the People.' Q: Into the Storm is an investigative look into the weirdos who run the 8Chan forum, where Q fired out his puzzle-laden messages — as well as the movement's top-level backers in Trump's camp. While the series earned a 91 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes' Popcornmeter — a strong audience hit — it was panned by many critics. They chastised director Cullen Hoback for not being harsher with his far-right subjects, as though bullying is a useful way to get cagey subjects to open up. They accused him of 'platforming' his subjects — as though he would convert viewers to conspiracies about globalist pedophile cabals just because the porn-addled neckbeards on screen say they are so. This is the sort of patronizing take that was perhaps more common among progressives in the highly tense moments of the early pandemic. Nonsense, in any case. Certainly, the viewer has to stomach a lot of screen time with the low company who run 8Chan. But Hoback is civil to them in the service of an important goal: to unmask the cynical actor behind the Q account, who (don't tell us this is a spoiler) clearly isn't a real whistle-blower, but rather someone with a vested interest in hoodwinking sorry heartland boomers bad at the internet. In this, Hoback offers a public service within the scope of an exciting, oddball political thriller that culminates in the Jan. 6 United States Capitol attack. WILLIAM J. HENNESSY JR. Court sketch of Patrik Mathews, Winnipeg member of neo-Nazi hate group the Base WILLIAM J. HENNESSY JR. Court sketch of Patrik Mathews, Winnipeg member of neo-Nazi hate group the Base Here's another series about infiltrating far-right organizations — this one with stronger critical accolades. It draws out all the intrigue surrounding former Free Press reporter Ryan Thorpe's brave undercover work inside the Base, a militant neo-Nazi organization. After Thorpe exposed Patrik Mathews, the leader of the Base's local cell, in a 2019 Free Press article, Mathews went on the lam, kicking off a cross-border manhunt. This six-episode CBC podcast series shows this alarm was well-justified, as it traces Mathews' movements through the United States, thanks to further FBI investigations into Mathews' dangerous cadre. While White Hot Hate landed in The Atlantic's top 20 picks for 2021 podcasts, it's perhaps lesser-known series than other series on our list, owing to being a podcast (and Canadian). The Vow is an irresistible soap-opera tangled up with more profound themes than its filmmakers know what to do with. Its central villain is Keith Raniere, a self-help guru who's downright evil when he's not just punchably smug. Once lauded as a prodigy, he's now serving 120 years in prison. Mixing Ayn Rand, New Age wackery and pseudoscience, Raniere's company NXIVM (pronounced 'nexium') hawked pricey 'human potential' courses aimed at people of influence. It wormed its way into Hollywood, corporate America and the upper reaches of Mexican politics. HBO The Vow explores NXIVM, an American sex cult with 700 members at its height. HBO The Vow explores NXIVM, an American sex cult with 700 members at its height. NXIVM's high priestesses included Clare Bronfman, heiress to the Seagram fortune, and Hollywood actress Alison Mack. The company was supposed to teach its students to author their own destiny by accepting that 'there are no ultimate victims' and other lessons of rugged individualism. Devotees clawed their way up the culty company's multi-level marketing structure, thinking they were moving closer to self-actualization and a gainful position, but this was always out of reach — one more course or one more creepy, criminally abusive 'session' with the doe-eyed sadist Raniere away. It wasn't until Raniere's secret sex ring — also (it gets stranger) a pyramid scheme with 'masters' recruiting 'slaves' recruiting more 'slaves,' all held in check by mutual blackmail — came to light that Raniere's exploits finally landed him in jail. The first episode makes the gist of most this known and Season 1 follows some of NXIVM's top brass as they try to defect from the cult, expose Raniere and wrestle with their conscience. So far, so salacious. The series also flirts with a sharp critique of American bootstraps capitalism, self-help culture and society's treatments of abuse survivors, though it doesn't fully commit. Reviewers faulted The Vow's filmmakers for not digging into their material and subjects with more critical rigour and they have a point, but the material is still gripping and it's a wonder how deep they burrow into one of the world's most infamous cults. Netflix A dramatized version of killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his crimes in Memories of a Murderer. Netflix A dramatized version of killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his crimes in Memories of a Murderer. Critics trash true crime in proportion to its obsession with sadists, making serial-killer stories the most readily panned. But the popular fascination with these monsters isn't just a lurid thing — it's natural, a sort of survival exercise, to want to make out humanity's darkest archetypes from the safe remove of our TV room. Netflix's Memories of a Murderer is a uniquely slick series about an urbane monster who haunted North London in the 1980s. The filmmakers show him fitting a stereotypically sadist mould: an elitist esthete. His pretentious diary entries, narrated with theatrical gusto, ooze a sort of art-for-art's sake approach to evil. The old trashy made-for-TV true-crime shows stopped every five minutes so their campy narrators could solemnly condemn their villains. By contrast, Memories of a Murderer is cinematic, oddly amoral, in tone. The only narrator is a dramatized Nilsen. Its slick art direction is similar to Netflix's Mindhunters and other David Fincher projects about criminal predators, though at times it's almost too stylized to work as popular entertainment. This can be tasteless in its own way, feeling a little too close to the villain's perspective. Nonetheless, possibly against viewers' better judgment, Memories of a Murderer is a gripping watch. Conrad SweatmanReporter Conrad Sweatman is an arts reporter and feature writer. Before joining the Free Press full-time in 2024, he worked in the U.K. and Canadian cultural sectors, freelanced for outlets including The Walrus, VICE and Prairie Fire. Read more about Conrad. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
New York Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Jennifer Garner's baby food company Once Upon a Farm files for IPO: report
Once Upon a Farm, the organic baby food company co-founded by actor Jennifer Garner, has filed confidentially for an initial public offering in New York, according to people familiar with the matter. The Berkeley, Calif.-based company has tapped a group of investment banks for the IPO, which could occur as soon as this year, said the sources, who cautioned that the plans could change, depending on market conditions. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are the lead underwriters, said the sources, who requested anonymity because the plans are confidential. Advertisement Once Upon a Farm, the organic baby food company co-founded by Jennifer Garner, has filed confidentially for an initial public offering in New York. Getty Images for Once Upon A Farm The offering could value the company at about $1 billion, one of the persons said. Once Upon a Farm did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan declined to comment. Garner is known for her work in the TV drama 'Alias' and films including 'Dallas Buyers Club' and 'Catch Me If You Can.' A mother of three, she has said she cares deeply about childhood nutrition, and she grows some produce for Once Upon a Farm on her family's century-old farm in Oklahoma. Advertisement Once Upon a Farm was founded in 2015 by Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz to create more nutritious baby-food options. In 2017, Garner and John Foraker, the former CEO of food brand Annie's, joined the company as co-founders. The company's products for babies, toddlers and children range from oat bars to cold-pressed pouches and frozen meals, and they are sold in supermarkets across the US. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are the lead underwriters The offering could value the company at about $1 billion, sources said. AFP via Getty Images An IPO for the company would build on momentum for market debuts in the US, a sector that has lately thawed after the Trump administration's tariff announcements earlier this year cast a chill. Advertisement So far this year, IPOs listed in the US have raised about $27 billion, down from $41 billion in the same period last year, according to data compiled by Dealogic. But this year's figure is more than in 2022 and 2023, when IPOs raised $22 billion and $24 billion, respectively, over the same time frame, according to Dealogic. In its Nasdaq debut last week, digital bank Chime jumped 59%, valuing the company at $18.4 billion. The stock of stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group climbed to $103.75 and was halted several times for volatility during a wild first day of trading earlier this month.
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Travel + Leisure
18-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Fraudster Took Over 120 Free Flights by Posing as a Flight Attendant
An incident similar to a Hollywood movie is raising questions with aviation security. A man posing as a flight crew member took multiple flights, all while navigating through airports and security checks. The reported fraudster was recently found guilty of posing as a flight attendant, across as many as four airlines, to take over 120 free or significantly discounted flights. The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Florida tried a case against the individual, Tiron Alexander, 35, who was found guilty in the jury trial. The fraudulent flight attendant is currently scheduled for sentencing in August. The investigation was a collaboration between multiple federal agencies including the Department of Justice, Transportation Security Administration, and other authorities. 'The evidence at trial also showed that Alexander posed as a flight attendant on three other airline carriers,' a Department of Justice news release said. 'Ultimately, Alexander booked more than 120 free flights by falsely claiming to be a flight attendant.' The entire story has similar notes to the famed Steven Spielberg-directed film "Catch Me If You Can," which stars Leonardo DiCaprio. In the film, DiCaprio's character, based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., pretends to be an airline pilot and jump seats on different aircraft for free flights. The case is reminiscent of other unusual ways that people have taken to hitch a ride on aircraft. Throughout the 1990s, dozens of people tried stowing in aircraft wheel wells, exposed to the cold air and low oxygen, for free international flights. In May, 57-year old Russian citizen Svetlana Dali was found guilty of sneaking onto a Delta flight, according to NBC News. The traveler made her way past security and airline personnel who were checking boarding tickets. For travelers looking to become flight attendants legally, and enjoy a life in the sky with unlimited free flights, airlines periodically post open calls for applications. For example, Delta expanded its flight attendant roster in 2023 by hosting in-flight crew members with an online form and in-person learning events.
New York Post
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Brilliant airhead! Conman scored 120 free flights in clever ‘Catch Me If You Can'-style scam
Paging Frank Abagnale, Jr.! A Florida conman scored more than 120 free flights by posing as a crew member with at least seven different airlines in a wild, 'Catch Me If You Can'-style scam, according to federal prosecutors. Tiron Alexander, 35 — whose scheme echoes that of the real-life imposter pilot who inspired the Leonardo DiCaprio movie — was convicted of fraud June 5, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. Advertisement Alexander took swindling to new heights by submitting scores of fake flight attendant credentials, including phony badge numbers, to book free flights between 2018 and 2024, federal prosecutors said. The scam echoes the one featured in the 2002 movie 'Catch Me If You Can.' Svitlana – The clever airhead turned in the bogus paperwork, complete with roughly 30 fabricated hire dates and ID numbers, to get aboard flights without paying — a perk only offered to pilots and crew members, prosecutors said. Advertisement All told, Alexander went on at least 34 free flights and booked a total of at least 120 without ever working for any of the airlines involved, authorities said. The fraudster previously worked for an unidentified airline in Dallas but was never a pilot or flight attendant for the firm, according to the prosecutors. Crew members and pilots are given free flights by airlines. Svitlana – He was found guilty of wire fraud and entering secure airport areas under false pretenses and faces up to 20 years behind bars. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 25. Advertisement By contrast, 'Catch Me if You Can' tells the true story of conman Frank Abagnale, Jr. who impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor and a lawyer — all before turning 19 years old. He was eventually caught in 1970 and later used his expertise in fraud to work with the FBI.
