Latest news with #Popeye
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Mrs. Doubtfire' Star Matthew Lawrence Wants to Resurrect Robin Williams' Voice Using AI and Says ‘It Would Be So Cool': ‘He's Gotta Be the Voice of AI'
Matthew Lawrence, who was just a pre-teen when he starred opposite Robin Williams in the 1993 blockbuster comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' told Entertainment Weekly at Comic-Con that he is interested in resurrecting the late Williams' voice using artificial intelligence. Williams died in August 2014 at 63 years old. 'I would love — now, obviously, with the respect and with the OK from his family — but I would love to do something really special with his voice because I know for a generation, that voice is just so iconic,' Lawrence said. 'It's not just the fact that I knew him and worked with him and so it's in my head — it's in everybody's head. And it would be so cool.' More from Variety Robin Williams' 'Popeye' Had the 'Most Coked-Up Film Set' and 'Everyone Was Stoned,' Says Former Studio Boss: 'They Were Shipping' Cocaine in Film Canisters Greg Cannom, Oscar-Winning Makeup and Prosthetics Artist on 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Vice', Dies at 73 'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identity of Paparazzo: Here Is the Celebrity Under the Costume Lawrence said that he recently came across an old television commercial that featured voiceover from Williams, which sparked the idea of finding a way to bring the iconic comedian's voice back to life. 'It's kinda like this very contemporary, modern, almost sort of foreshadowing of what's going on commercial that he did, where he did this computerized voiceover,' Lawrence said. 'And it always stuck with me. And then, during his passing, with the AI coming out, I'm like, 'Man, he's gotta be the voice of AI, He's gotta be the voice in something.' So yeah, I would love to do that.' Lawrence added the possibilities are endless when it comes bringing Williams' voice back with AI, including having Williams giving you driving directions on your phone. The actor said: 'It would be Robin! It would be so cool. I'm telling you.' With just over $440 million at the worldwide box office, 'Mrs. Doubtfire' was one of Williams' biggest comedy films. Lawrence told People magazine last year that Williams gave him a 'gift' on set by advising him never to do drugs. Williams battled substance abuse throughout his career. Lawrence cited Williams' advice as the reason he stayed away from drugs as he grew up in Hollywood. 'He was the first adult who really let me in on his condition. Like, full-on let me in,' Lawrence said. 'I mean, as bright as he was on camera — I would go visit him in his trailer to talk to him — it was painful for him. It's really painful for him. He didn't hide it. He talked to me about it.' Lawrence recalled Williams telling him, 'Don't ever do drugs. Especially cocaine.' 'He was very serious,' Lawrence added. 'He was like, 'You know when you come to my trailer and you see me like that?' He's like, 'That's the reason why. And now I'm fighting for the rest of my life because I spent 10 years doing something very stupid every day. Do not do it.' I stayed away from it because of him.' Lawrence might not have been cast in 'Mrs. Doubtfire' if it wasn't for Williams in the first place. The actor said that casting for the role of Chris Hillard came down to him and another child star. The studio allegedly preferred the other actor, but that changed after Williams pulled a prank on Lawrence during an audition. '[Robin] very secretly reached behind my back and pinched me so hard,' Lawrence said, adding the pinch made him shout out in pain. 'The studio started bawling and wept. I got the role because of that little moment over the other boy. It was all Robin Williams. 'I know what I'm going to do to get this kid this job.' Thank you, Rob.'Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Solve the daily Crossword
News.com.au
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Donkey Kong Bananza: Iconic Nintendo character gets best makeover yet
The first Donkey Kong game in over a decade has just been released and critics (including this one) are already hailing it as the best Donkey Kong game ever. But what makes Donkey Kong Bananza so special, and why has it been so long between drinks? The big ape named Donkey has been a key Nintendo character for almost as long as Nintendo has been making video games. What most people don't know, though, is that the world of video games would look very different now if Nintendo had been able to release a Popeye game in 1981 as planned. The story goes that back in the 1970s, Nintendo was trying to make an arcade game to appeal to American audiences and save Nintendo of America from the verge of collapse after the failure of their Radar Scope release. The executives turned to a young, early career graphic designer named Shigeru Miyamoto to make this game. He decided to make a Popeye title, but because rendering the usual Popeye antagonist (Bluto) would require too many pixels and make him a giant, Bluto was replaced with a giant ape, marking the creation of Donkey Kong. Later on in development, due to unspecified licensing issues, all Popeye characters had to be removed from the game. He was replaced with an American plumber to match the setting of a construction site. In the instruction manual, this plumber's name was Jumpman, but the developers nicknamed him Little Mario, after the landlord for their office in Seattle. Olive Oyl was turned into Pauline. Donkey Kong then became one of the first platform games, and the rest is history. Donkey Kong kept antagonising Mario for a few more games, before they both went on to separately star in their own game titles, like members of a boyband going off to do solo projects. In this analogy, Mario is the Harry Styles of the group, Donkey Kong Is Zayn Malik and Pauline is one of the other band members no one ever remembers. Pauline never got to enjoy the same popularity as the other heroes, or even her fellow Nintendo damsels Peach, Daisy and Rosalina. However, her recent outing in Super Mario Odyssey began to get her some of the recognition she deserves. That's why her prominent inclusion in Donkey Kong Bananza is so notable, though it's weird that Nintendo aged her down to a 13-year-old. The reason Pauline didn't take off as a character earlier, or why Mario apparently broke up with her in favour of a princess, Adelaide-based Donkey Kong super fan Chris Button isn't sure. 'I'd really like to ask Nintendo that one myself, actually, because she's one of the original Mario characters,' he told 'She's also one of the earliest examples of the classic damsel in distress trope that video games have leant on ever since. I think Pauline deserves more respect than what she has previously received.' Button points out, though, that Pauline has gotten more attention from Nintendo in recent years, being included as a racer in the latest Mario Kart World game, and getting a role as mayor of New Donk City in the popular Super Mario Odyssey game. Pauline's time to shine might finally have come. Donkey Kong has now almost completely shed his old villainous ways (though his greed remains). This latest Donkey Kong Bananza game follows a different story to the ones we're used to seeing DK in. He's a miner now, sort of. The game starts with him trying to get special Banandium Gems from the ground in the middle of a gold rush. However, there is villainy afoot in the quest to have a great wish granted and so Donkey Kong gets to do what he does best: smash stuff, collect collectables, and eat bananas. But he also must help a 13-year-old Pauline, who in turn can help transform DK using her songs. I don't want to say much more to avoid spoiling the game, but it's surprisingly touching at times. I can't believe I'm saying that about a Donkey Kong game. Daniel Vuckovic, who runs Australian community Nintendo site and is based in WA, doesn't believe that Donkey Kong would be FIFO on the mines. 'Judging by the chatter of the characters in the game, it seems like he up and left to go mining because there's bananas there, so I think he's more of an on-site guy. He's really involved and goes where he has to go to get his bananas and his money.' Made by the same people who made Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza has some of the same DNA. Although it plays completely differently, it will still be familiar to players who enjoyed Odyssey. Some people are already theorising that Bananza is a prequel to Odyssey. However, Vuckovic cautions against trying to find continuity. 'I think like Zelda, and like Mario, there are some interconnecting ideas between games, but at some point they're all just different characters. 'Link from Breath of the Wild and Link from Tears of the Kingdom are different characters. Is there an actual timeline? Who knows anymore.' Donkey Kong Banaza walks a fine line between catering to longtime fans and being the perfect introduction for new players. It's filled with tonnes of references and Easter eggs to previous games, but is enjoyable even without the context, and it would work well as someone's first video game, if played in co-op mode with someone else. With the success of the Nintendo Switch 2 console as the fastest selling console of all time, and Donkey Kong Bananza being only the second exclusive title for the new console, it's expected to sell very well. But while other game companies might use success as an opportunity to suddenly release a lot more Donkey Kong games, that's not Nintendo's style. It might be a further 11 years before we get another one. Part of what makes Nintendo stand out from other game companies so much is that it's willing to let games breathe. Button says this is down to Nintendo focusing on unique ideas over quantity. 'I think Nintendo puts a real focus on trying to find a unique element to kickstart each game,' he said. 'You only have to look at the poor Metroid fans. I would love them to throw a bone to some of those long- neglected franchises or some of those franchises that have for gaps between games. 'But I suppose that when they do return with something, like when Metroid Dread came out a couple of years ago, they really knock it out of the park.' Having now played Donkey Kong Bananza, I can confidently say that they've definitely knocked it out of the park this time. Donkey Kong Bananza is avalable now on Nintendo Switch 2.
Economic Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
NYT Mini Crossword Today, July 5: Solve the Saturday grid #755 with these hints and answers
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How The NYT Mini Crossword Works First-Letter Hints for Saturday's Puzzle Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in International 1A: S (Blasts with unwanted messages) 11A: Y (Shanghai-born NBA Hall-of-Famer) 13A: S (Emotionless, as a gaze) 14A: S (Another name for an earthquake) 1D: S (Lead a Catholic ceremony) 2D: P (Hype up) 3D: A (Place for Popeye's anchor tattoo) 4D: M (Ballots cast from home) 5D: S (Thesaurus listing) 7D: W (Alphabetically last of the 'five W's') 8D: G (Silly joke) 12D: M ('Excusez-___!') Full Grid Solutions – NYT Crossword Today Across 1A. SPAMS – Refers to digital blasts of unsolicited messages, a common nuisance in emails and messaging platforms. 6A. ARRAY – A neat and orderly arrangement, also commonly used in tech and data terminology. 7A. WYOMING – The U.S. state where bison is the state mammal and rodeo the state sport. 9A. HMM – A common verbal pause used when thinking. 10A. LOA – Refers to Mauna Loa, one of Hawaii's most prominent volcanoes. 11A. YAO MING – The towering basketball legend from Shanghai who left a lasting mark on the NBA. 13A. STONY – Describes a gaze devoid of visible emotion. 14A. SEISM – A lesser-known synonym for earthquake, derived from seismic activity. Down 1D. SAY MASS – Refers to leading a Catholic religious ceremony, typically by a priest. 2D. PROMOTE – To hype or publicize a person, product, or idea. 3D. ARM – A common spot for Popeye's famous anchor tattoo. 4D. MAIL INS – Ballots sent from home, an increasingly popular voting method. 5D. SYNONYM – A listing in a thesaurus showing words with similar meanings. 7D. WHY – The final of the classic 'Five Ws' used in journalism and inquiry. 8D. GAG – A silly joke, often found in slapstick or visual comedy. 12D. MOI – French for 'me,' often seen in phrases like 'Excusez-moi.' A Thoughtful Mix of Pop Culture and General Knowledge Solving Strategy and Takeaways Start with the obvious: Clues like 'Shanghai-born N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer' or 'Silly joke' often unlock key intersections early. Work across and down in tandem: Filling in one answer can quickly illuminate adjoining words. Re-evaluate short answers: One wrong three-letter word can skew an entire corner, so double-check every assumption. FAQs What is the NYT Mini Crossword? How does the Mini Crossword differ from the regular NYT Crossword? Puzzle enthusiasts were met with another intellectually brisk challenge on Saturday with the latest edition of The New York Times Mini Crossword. A compact, fast-paced version of its larger counterpart, the Mini has steadily grown in popularity for those seeking a quick mental workout. The puzzle for July 5, 2025, offered a clever array of clues, references, and vocabulary that tested knowledge across pop culture, geography, language, and free-to-play without a subscription on both the NYT website and its dedicated crossword app, the NYT Mini is a bite-sized but satisfying offering for word game fans. For those still scratching their heads, here is a complete breakdown of NYT Crossword clues and answers for today's the full-sized NYT Crossword, which demands more time and a subscription, the Mini is tailored for swift solvers. Most players wrap it up in under two minutes, though its brevity doesn't compromise on cleverness. With five across and nine down clues, it offers a deceptively simple grid that often challenges even seasoned crossword grid, numbered #755, was no those who prefer a nudge over full answers, the following first-letter hints offer just enough guidance, as per a report by Forbes:These hints offer just the right balance for solvers hoping to preserve the fun while overcoming any those ready to see the complete puzzle, here are the final answers across and down, as per a report by NYT Crossword clues provided an engaging mix of contemporary references and linguistic trivia. From the sports legacy of Yao Ming to geological terminology with 'SEISM,' the puzzle subtly tested breadth of knowledge and speed of recall. The inclusion of 'MAIL INS' also nods to evolving democratic practices and civic engagement, reflecting how the Mini often mirrors real-world themes within its five-by-five not as extensive as the full NYT Crossword, the Mini demands its own unique approach:The NYT Mini Crossword is a compact, 5x5 version of The New York Times' larger daily crossword. It's designed for quick gameplay, typically taking under two minutes to solve. It's free-to-play on the NYT website and app, and perfect for puzzle lovers looking for a short, sharp mental the full-sized crossword features a larger grid and longer clues, the Mini is faster and more accessible, with fewer clues (usually around 14 total). Unlike the standard version, the Mini is available without a subscription.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NYT Mini Crossword Today, July 5: Solve the Saturday grid #755 with these hints and answers
Puzzle enthusiasts were met with another intellectually brisk challenge on Saturday with the latest edition of The New York Times Mini Crossword. A compact, fast-paced version of its larger counterpart, the Mini has steadily grown in popularity for those seeking a quick mental workout. The puzzle for July 5, 2025, offered a clever array of clues, references, and vocabulary that tested knowledge across pop culture, geography, language, and logic. Available free-to-play without a subscription on both the NYT website and its dedicated crossword app, the NYT Mini is a bite-sized but satisfying offering for word game fans. For those still scratching their heads, here is a complete breakdown of NYT Crossword clues and answers for today's puzzle. How The NYT Mini Crossword Works Unlike the full-sized NYT Crossword , which demands more time and a subscription, the Mini is tailored for swift solvers. Most players wrap it up in under two minutes, though its brevity doesn't compromise on cleverness. With five across and nine down clues, it offers a deceptively simple grid that often challenges even seasoned crossword solvers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anzio: Volare a Dubai con un jet privato, i costi spiegati Volare a Dubai con un jet privato | Ricerca annunci Scopri di più Undo Today's grid, numbered #755, was no exception. First-Letter Hints for Saturday's Puzzle For those who prefer a nudge over full answers, the following first-letter hints offer just enough guidance, as per a report by Forbes: Live Events Across 1A: S (Blasts with unwanted messages) 11A: Y (Shanghai-born NBA Hall-of-Famer) 13A: S (Emotionless, as a gaze) 14A: S (Another name for an earthquake) Down 1D: S (Lead a Catholic ceremony) 2D: P (Hype up) 3D: A (Place for Popeye's anchor tattoo) 4D: M (Ballots cast from home) 5D: S (Thesaurus listing) 7D: W (Alphabetically last of the 'five W's') 8D: G (Silly joke) 12D: M ('Excusez-___!') These hints offer just the right balance for solvers hoping to preserve the fun while overcoming any roadblocks. Full Grid Solutions – NYT Crossword Today For those ready to see the complete puzzle, here are the final answers across and down, as per a report by Forbes. Across 1A. SPAMS – Refers to digital blasts of unsolicited messages, a common nuisance in emails and messaging platforms. 6A. ARRAY – A neat and orderly arrangement, also commonly used in tech and data terminology. 7A. WYOMING – The U.S. state where bison is the state mammal and rodeo the state sport. 9A. HMM – A common verbal pause used when thinking. 10A. LOA – Refers to Mauna Loa, one of Hawaii's most prominent volcanoes. 11A. YAO MING – The towering basketball legend from Shanghai who left a lasting mark on the NBA. 13A. STONY – Describes a gaze devoid of visible emotion. 14A. SEISM – A lesser-known synonym for earthquake, derived from seismic activity. Down 1D. SAY MASS – Refers to leading a Catholic religious ceremony, typically by a priest. 2D. PROMOTE – To hype or publicize a person, product, or idea. 3D. ARM – A common spot for Popeye's famous anchor tattoo. 4D. MAIL INS – Ballots sent from home, an increasingly popular voting method. 5D. SYNONYM – A listing in a thesaurus showing words with similar meanings. 7D. WHY – The final of the classic 'Five Ws' used in journalism and inquiry. 8D. GAG – A silly joke, often found in slapstick or visual comedy. 12D. MOI – French for 'me,' often seen in phrases like 'Excusez-moi.' A Thoughtful Mix of Pop Culture and General Knowledge Today's NYT Crossword clues provided an engaging mix of contemporary references and linguistic trivia. From the sports legacy of Yao Ming to geological terminology with 'SEISM,' the puzzle subtly tested breadth of knowledge and speed of recall. The inclusion of 'MAIL INS' also nods to evolving democratic practices and civic engagement, reflecting how the Mini often mirrors real-world themes within its five-by-five grid. Solving Strategy and Takeaways While not as extensive as the full NYT Crossword, the Mini demands its own unique approach: Start with the obvious: Clues like 'Shanghai-born N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer' or 'Silly joke' often unlock key intersections early. Work across and down in tandem: Filling in one answer can quickly illuminate adjoining words. Re-evaluate short answers: One wrong three-letter word can skew an entire corner, so double-check every assumption. FAQs What is the NYT Mini Crossword? The NYT Mini Crossword is a compact, 5x5 version of The New York Times' larger daily crossword. It's designed for quick gameplay, typically taking under two minutes to solve. It's free-to-play on the NYT website and app, and perfect for puzzle lovers looking for a short, sharp mental challenge. How does the Mini Crossword differ from the regular NYT Crossword? While the full-sized crossword features a larger grid and longer clues, the Mini is faster and more accessible, with fewer clues (usually around 14 total). Unlike the standard version, the Mini is available without a subscription.
Forbes
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Today's NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Saturday, July 5th
Looking for help with today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle? Here are some hints and answers for the ... More puzzle. In case you missed Friday's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you can find the answers here: Another day, another Mini Crossword to solve. I'm back after a couple weeks off, and I'm a little late to this due to 4th of July festivities. So without further ado let's solve this puzzle! The NYT Mini is a smaller, quicker, more digestible, bite-sized version of the larger and more challenging NYT Crossword, and unlike its larger sibling, it's free-to-play without a subscription to The New York Times. You can play it on the web or the app, though you'll need the app to tackle the archive. Spoilers ahead! Before we get to the answers, here's the first letter for each word in today's Mini. 1A. Blasts with unwanted messages – S FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder 6A. Orderly assortment – A 7A. Its state mammal is the bison, and its state sport is rodeo – W 9A. "Let me think ..." – H 10A. Hawaii's Mauna ___ – L 11A. Shanghai-born N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer who stood at 7'6" – Y 13A. Emotionless, as a gaze – S 14A. Another name for an earthquake – S 1D. Lead a Catholic ceremony – S 2D. Hype up – P 3D. Place for Popeye's anchor tattoo – A 4D. Ballots cast from home – M 5D. Thesaurus listing – S 7D. Alphabetically last of the 'five W's' – W 8D. Silly joke – G 12D. 'Excusez-___!' – M Okay, onto the answers! 1A. Blasts with unwanted messages – SPAMS 6A. Orderly assortment – ARRAY 7A. Its state mammal is the bison, and its state sport is rodeo – WYOMING 9A. "Let me think ..." – HMM 10A. Hawaii's Mauna ___ – LOA 11A. Shanghai-born N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer who stood at 7'6" – YAO MING 13A. Emotionless, as a gaze – STONY 14A. Another name for an earthquake – SEISM 1D. Lead a Catholic ceremony – SAY MASS 2D. Hype up – PROMOTE 3D. Place for Popeye's anchor tattoo – ARM 4D. Ballots cast from home – MAIL INS 5D. Thesaurus listing – SYNONYM 7D. Alphabetically last of the 'five W's' – WHY 8D. Silly joke – GAG 12D. 'Excusez-___!' – MOI Today's Mini How did you do? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. If you also play Wordle, I write guides about that as well. You can find those and all my TV guides, reviews and much more here on my blog. Thanks for reading!
