Latest news with #MotherMary
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Exploring Egypt: Nile cruise offers comfort and culture for solo travellers
Today, the Nile continues to be a revered life force for more than 100 million Egyptians, their way of life immersed deeply in its storied waters. Children splash about while cows bask in its refreshing embrace, with towering palm groves acting as the gateway to lush farmland, humble villages and a way of life untouched by modernity. Locals cast their nets for fish from their wooden boats, a sight I encounter from the ship – but that's not the only boat on the water with us. As I'm sitting in my suite – a spacious and modern retreat complete with balcony – I hear 'hello, hello, hello'. I look down and two young Egyptians have tied their boat to ours, gliding with us on the Nile's glistening waters. These cheeky boys have made this a habit to sell local items like pashminas – one of which was thrown up to me on my balcony. Egyptians can be persistent when selling their wares in tourist areas. This is why travelling on tour in Egypt helps – local guides know how to navigate the situation. Speaking Arabic works, but it's their presence that does the talking. The vendors soften their approach when they notice a local because they know the guide will protect the group from unwanted sales tactics. In saying that, Egyptians are some of the friendliest people, many of whom are so grateful for business, so carrying Egyptian pounds does a world of good – as does fresh meat for the cats and dogs at ancient sites. (I can't help but bring fresh sausages and chicken from the breakfast and lunch buffet with me each day). There are 27 of us on the AmaWaterways tour, each coming from locations all around the world. Eleven nights together encourage new friendships, one of my favourite things about travelling as a group. You can't help but get to know your fellow passengers, and that's a luxury when travelling solo. I find myself dining with a husband and wife and their two daughters several times, bonding over the shared love of refraining from placing suitcases on the bed. Sure, sometimes it's nice to have your own space, but this cruise has a way of allowing for that, too. After three days staying at the St Regis Hotel on land exploring all the ancient sites in Cairo, from Saqqara to the Pyramids of Giza to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo (where Mother Mary and baby Jesus found refuge and baby Moses was found in a papyrus basket by the pharoah's daughter) and Mohammad Ali Mosque, we're off to board the ship, which awaits in Luxor, a one-hour flight from Cairo. Mohammad Ali Mosque Cairo. Photo / Lauren Thomas The morning of our first day, the sunrise over the Nile's east bank reveals striking crimson hues with hot air balloons dotted across the sky – a sight that sets the tone for the magic that awaits. It's no accident that the ancient Egyptians built the Karnak and Luxor temples here; it symbolises the 'land of the living'. On the west bank, however, where the sun sets, you'll find the realm of the dead – a place of transition to the afterlife for the pharaohs. This is where the Valley of the Kings – home to Tutankhamun's mummified corpse and the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh – can be found. Tutankhamun's Mummy within the Valley of the Kings. Photo / Lauren Thomas It's no secret that ancient Egypt holds a tapestry of hidden stories, many of which come to life through the insight of an Egyptologist – an expert in the study of history, language, religion, literature and art, including the translation of hieroglyphics. These are found inside tombs and temples – a mystical door unveiling ancient worship, rituals, beliefs and offerings held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. The Hatshepsut Temple is in Luxor. Photo / Lauren Thomas This is an inclusion on the tour that proved to be invaluable. I liken it to school, when everyone gets on the bus that takes you to all the best places while listening to the teacher, except this time, you want to be there. As I walk through Karnak Temple in Luxor, the group encounters a black scarab statue celebrated for its luck. The modern tradition is to walk around the statue seven times while making a wish – particularly for marriage, love, and fertility. This is something I wouldn't have known if my guide hadn't pointed it out. Temple of Edfu between Luxor and Aswan (dedicated to Horus). Photo / Lauren Thomas It's tales like this that reveal Egypt as a fascinating destination with many ancient and cultural layers. It's a wondrous place where organised chaos meets serenity and peace – a living paradox – breathtaking and confronting all in one. After a day of exploring the ancient sights, the heat begins to take a toll, which makes returning to AmaLila a welcome relief, particularly with its onboard refreshments and cold towels on arrival. Less than one year old, the vessel is modern and fresh with an upper deck worth mentioning: crisp, white sun loungers submerged in the pool with sand-fringed umbrellas bring the resort feel as you watch the world go by. And that it does, when you're in a cooking class learning how to make Egyptian doughnuts or 'zalabya', one of the many activities on board. If I'm not eating, I'm drinking, but not the alcoholic kind (although there are some fabulous cocktails, spirits and wine on board). My favourite is the fresh watermelon juice, off menu, made courtesy of my bartender, Ahmed. A camel waits patiently at the Pyramids of Giza complex. Photo / Lauren Thomas As night falls, the entertainment on board begins, each evening something a little different – like the belly dancer who sways to the rhythm of the riqq, a classical Egyptian tambourine. Then it's time for dinner, with a la carte three-course selections changing daily – a nice touch that curbs culinary boredom. There's also the 'Chef's Table', an optional experience on board for guests who want something a little special. On the other hand, breakfast and lunch offer a buffet-style feast with an abundant, ever-changing selection of fresh ingredients daily from the land, earth and sea. A mosaic in the historic Coptic Cairo area represents Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on their flight from Herod into Egypt. Photo / Lauren Thomas Another true standout alongside the local on-board dining experiences is the team and their ability to make you feel safe. From the cruise manager and Egyptologist to the friendly bus driver and security guard, each of them allows you to immerse yourself in the country's ancient wonders, minus the stress of navigating language barriers, different customs and cultures. Whether it's organising your entry visa or simply keeping an eye out for you in crowded places, they have a knack for taking care of your every need, and as a result, it offers reassurance for solo female travellers exploring this exciting destination. The journalist was a guest on the Secrets of the Nile travel tour courtesy of AmaWaterways.
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Anne Hathaway to play Taylor Swift-inspired popstar in upcoming film
Anne Hathaway will reportedly be part of a "lesbian power couple" with Michaela Coel in new film Mother Mary directed by David Lowery. Anne Hathaway is set to take on the role of a pop star with a likeness to both Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. However, she is tipped to have a concealed dark side in the upcoming film, Mother Mary. The new movie will feature Princess Diaries star Anne Hathaway alongside Michaela Coel, who is rumoured to be playing her partner in a "lesbian power couple". Coel has previously been acclaimed for portraying Arabella Essiedu in BBC 's I May Destroy You. Coel steps into the role of a fashion designer and a long-standing pal of Hathaway's character, pivotal to her public image. Mother Mary promises an original narrative interwoven with musical elements, according to reports in the Mirror. Featuring a soundtrack that includes contributions from Charli XCX and Jack Antonoff, the film is complemented with singing and dancing. The project is under the direction of David Lowery, known for his work on A Ghost Story (2017), The Green Knight (2021), and Pete's Dragon (2016). Discussing the demanding role and its intricate choreography in a Vogue interview, Anne Hathaway shared: "I had to submit to being a beginner. The humility of that, showing up every day knowing you're going to suck, and it has to be okay. "You're not 'bad, you're just a beginner. Getting to that mindset - I had to shed some things that were hard to shed. It was welcome. But it was hard, the way transformational experiences can be hard. "My body was so locked up, I literally couldn't take a deep breath. I'd been trying to open that space for years and I thought it was physically impossible. All my breath, it was stuck." Coel has also shared insights into her deep dive into character preparation, revealing she attended techno clubs in Cologne, Germany during the shoot and even brought co-star Hathaway along for the experience. She praised the script as "vivid" and spoke of how the cast were "forced into an intensity" throughout the production. Lowery recounted a particularly intense moment on set: "It felt like shooting Apocalypse Now. At one point Annie [Hathaway] broke down and said, 'I have to apologise, because I think what's going to come out of me will hurt you,' and Michaela [Coel] took her hands and said, 'I love you, I trust you.'". Mother Mary is described by Deadline as an "epic pop melodrama following a fictional musician and her relationship with an iconic fashion designer". Other sources suggest Hathaway and Coel will portray a "lesbian power couple battling fame". The film boasts a stellar supporting cast including Jessica Brown Findlay, Sian Clifford, Alba Baptista, FKA twigs, Kaia Gerber, and Hunter Schafer. While the release date remains under wraps, it has been tipped for a 2026 debut.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Anne Hathaway to play Taylor Swift-inspired popstar in new film
Anne Hathaway - best known for The Devils Wear Prada, The Princess Diaries and The Dark Knight Rises - will reportedly be part of a "lesbian power couple" with Michaela Coel in a new pop film Anne Hathaway 's next role has been decided with the Hollywood A-lister playing a Lady Gaga - Taylor Swift style popstar who has a hidden dark side. The new film, Mother Mary, will see her star alongside Michaela Coel, with the pair reportedly playing a " lesbian power couple". Coel, best known for playing Arabella Essiedu in BBC's I May Destroy You (2020), fills the shoes of a fashion designer and a long-time friend of Hathaway's character who played an instrumental role in her public persona. An authentic story told partially through music, with a soundtrack boasting the likes of Charli XCX and Jack Antonoff, as well as plenty of singing and dancing. All directed by David Lowery who has credits including A Ghost Story (2017), The Green Knight (2021) and Pete's Dragon (2016). Opening up on the role — and the complex choreography required for it — in an interview with Vogue, Hathaway remarked: "I had to submit to being a beginner. The humility of that, showing up every day knowing you're going to suck, and it has to be okay. "You're not 'bad, you're just a beginner. Getting to that mindset — I had to shed some things that were hard to shed. It was welcome. But it was hard, the way transformational experiences can be hard." "My body was so locked up, I literally couldn't take a deep breath. I'd been trying to open that space for years and I thought it was physically impossible. All my breath, it was stuck." While Coel has revealed how she got herself immersed in the role, frequenting techno clubs in Cologne, Germany during filming — and even invited Hathaway along with her. She also described the writing as "vivid" and explained how the cast were "forced into an intensity" over the course of filming. Such intensity was evident in one scene in particular, Lowery explained: "It felt like shooting Apocalypse Now. At one point Annie [Hathaway] broke down and said, 'I have to apologise, because I think what's going to come out of me will hurt you,' and Michaela [Coel] took her hands and said, 'I love you, I trust you.'" Mother Mary is said to be an "epic pop melodrama following a fictional musician and her relationship with an iconic fashion designer", according to Deadline. While other reports claim both Hathaway and Coel will play a "lesbian power couple battling fame". Hathaway and Coel will be joined by Jessica Brown Findlay, Sian Clifford, Alba Baptista, FKA twigs, Kaia Gerber and Hunter Schafer in supporting roles. A release date is yet to be confirmed, though it is expected to land sometime in 2026.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anne Hathaway's 2026 release roster: 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' 'The Odyssey,' and more
The strong and refined reputation of Anne Hathaway's release roster for next year, starting in the summer, will be difficult to surpass. Anne's talent and stature speak for themselves in this regard, as the rapid momentum of these releases signifies success. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Confirmed Releases: 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' It's going to be hard to surpass the cult classic, but the OG trio (with a few new additions) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt will all be returning to reprise their iconic roles of Miranda Priestly, Andrea Sachs, and Emily Charlton respectively — Stanley Tucci will returns as Nigel. The film went into production in July and is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2026. 'Verity' Anne Hathaway plays the titular role in the film adaption of Colleen Hoover's novel, 'Verity.' The film also features Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett, and Ismael Cruz Cordova. The dark plot will likely follow with Dakota in Lowen Ashleigh's role, as she agrees to ghostwrite for Anne's Verity. The film is scheduled to release on May 15, 2026. 'The Odyssey' Christopher Nolan is back with his epic release, 'The Odyssey,' a film being argued to possibly be his biggest project yet. Anne Hathaway will be sharing the screen with Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, and Jon Bernthal. The Odyssey is eyeing a July 17, 2026, release. 'Flowervale Street' Anne Hathaway makes a spectacular return to science fiction territory with 'Flowervale Street.' The plot of the film follows a family who start to notice unusual happenings in their neighbourhood. The actor will be sharing the screen with Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery, among others. The film is eyeing an August 14, 2026, release. TBA: 'The Princess Diaries 3' Anne Hathaway will return in her princess shoes with the role of Mia Thermopolis, for the third time in The Princess Diaries 3, hopefully moving forward with the production. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The news first came in November 2022. Anne also confirmed later in April 2024 that the production was very much in works, but an official release date hasn't been announced yet. 'Mother Mary' David Lowery directs Anne in the upcoming 'Mother Mary.' According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anne will play the part of Lady Gaga-meets-Taylor Swift popstar who backtracks to find an old friend and fashion designer who helped shape her public presence. Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, Jessica Brown Findlay, Sian Clifford, and FKA Twigs also co-star. No release date has been locked yet.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Anne Hathaway displays her quirky style in New York City with her husband
showcased her edgy fashion sense on Tuesday as she went for a stroll with her husband Adam Shulman in New York City. The actress, 42, looked effortlessly cool in a pair of wide-legged jeans which featured a chain-link pattern and several daring cutouts which showed her toned legs. Anne teamed the quirky trousers with a simple black vest, cream designer handbag, and an elegant pearl necklace. Anne kept her face hidden underneath a baseball cap and a pair of dark shades, as she walked along beside her husband. The couple have been married for nearly 13 years and are parents to sons, Jonathan, nine, and Jack, five. This week saw the actress pose up a storm on the cover of Vogue 's August issue, where she opened up on taking on playing a pop star in her new film, Mother Mary. Anne admitted that the role was unchartered territory for her, explaining that she spent two years learning to dance for the role and had to improve her singing. She said: 'I had to submit to being a beginner. The humility of that - showing up every day knowing you're going to suck. And it has to be okay. You're not "bad," You're just a beginner. 'Getting to that mindset - I had to shed some things that were hard to shed. It was welcome. But it was hard, the way transformational experiences can be hard.' The star added that the role was made more challenging by the fact that not all of the music was finalized by the time she went in front of the camera. She explained: 'It was so confusing. I had to learn…. Because if I'd had the music a year before we ever turned a camera on, I would have tattooed every note of it on my soul, and there would have been a whole process, very specific. 'And that was not available to me. In the end. I am very grateful I could not take control.' To improve her vocals the star worked with hit-making music producer Jack Antonoff as well as pop icon Charli XCX. She said: 'I finally learned how to breathe. My body was so locked up - I literally couldn't take a deep breath.' Anne continued: 'I'd been trying to open that space for years and I thought it was physically impossible. All my breath, it was stuck.' The actress also spoke about her personal life, insisting that despite her global fame she is a regular person, who loves to stay home with her family. Gushing over how much she loves 'hanging out' with her children, she said: 'Uno games, baking when there's time, teaching the kids to dribble a basketball in the apartment without upsetting the neighbors…' She later gave some insights into her relationship with Adam and said: 'I am so, so grateful my husband is a great cook and an early riser'. The couple's strong relationship has also been successful in a professional setting, with the pair set to work together again on their upcoming film, Yesteryear. According to Deadline, they will produce the romantic comedy through their Somewhere Pictures company. The film is based on the forthcoming novel by Caro Claire Burke, and follows a trad-wife social media influencer who portrays her perfect life on a ranch with her husband and six kids, but secretly does it with the help of modern amenities and staff. Anne and Adam first worked together more than a decade ago on the indie thriller Song One, where she starred as the lead character of Franny Ellis and Adam served as a producer. Speaking about the experience to People at the time, Anne said: 'At first, I was curious how it would go. People always say don't work with your spouse. But I loved working with him. 'He's really good at this, and he's a wonderful producer. And I feel like I actually learned a lot from him in the process.'
