Entertainment Tidbits

Jason Isaacs, known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has spoken out against fans criticizing Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. “What they’re being is racist,” Isaacs said in an interview. “They will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully — you know, their digital tongues — when they see what [Paapa] does on screen.” (Story URL)

Wicked director Jon M. Chu will helm the live-action Hot Wheels movie for Warner Bros., based on the Mattel toy. The action film will feature high-speed vehicles, although plot details have not been disclosed. Following the success of Barbie, Mattel is exploring various toy adaptations for the big screen, including projects like Barney, Polly Pocket, Uno, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. (Story URL)

Longtime ABC News personality Eva Pilgrim has departed the network after nearly a decade to take on the role of lead anchor on the CBS-produced program Inside Edition, replacing Deborah Norville. An internal ABC News memo confirmed Pilgrim’s departure. Pilgrim expressed excitement about her “dream job.” She brings a wealth of experience from her time at ABC News. (Story URL)

Kelly Osbourne is set to host Lego Masters Jr. on Fox next month. The spinoff will run for four weeks starting on August 18, with celebrity partners Andy Richter, Jordin Sparks, Porsha Williams, Ravi V. Patel, and Alison Sweeney teaming up with the kid contestants. Lego Masters will see Nick Cannon replacing Will Arnett as host for the upcoming sixth season in 2026. (Story URL)

Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Tebow welcomed a baby girl on July 6, 2025, with the couple expressing gratitude towards their medical team. While the baby’s face was revealed, her name remains a mystery for now. The couple had shared the pregnancy news in January, with Demi-Leigh mentioning the baby’s arrival in the summer. Tim and Demi-Leigh met in 2018 and got married in 2020. (Story URL)

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were seen vacationing together on Jeff Bezos‘ superyacht days after announcing their split. The former couple, who got engaged in 2019 and share daughter Daisy Dove, spent time in Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This marks Perry’s first public appearance since the breakup. While she was absent from Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding, Bloom did attend the event. (Story URL)

Danai Gurira is set to reunite with Black Panther co-star Michael B. Jordan in the upcoming remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. Jordan will star in, direct, and produce the romantic heist thriller for Amazon MGM. Production is scheduled to begin in London, with the addition of Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, and Taylor Russell to the cast. the film is set for March 5, 2027. (Story URL)

Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers have decided to end their marriage, with Phypers filing for divorce on Monday. The court documents cite “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, with the couple’s date of separation listed as July 4. Phypers is seeking spousal support and the return of his power tools. He also disclosed Richards’ alleged monthly income of $250,000. (Story URL)

Cierra Ortega’s departure from Love Island USA was announced during the 30th episode, citing a personal situation. Cierra had been on the show since the beginning. Her exit followed backlash on social media after an old post resurfaced, containing racist language. Another contestant, Yulissa Escobar, was previously removed for similar reasons and publicly apologized. (Story URL)

AMC Theatres is implementing discounted ticket prices on slower weekdays to attract more moviegoers. Beginning July 8th, AMC will offer 50% off movie tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for members of its AMC Stubs rewards program. This replaces the previous $5 Tuesday discount. Additionally, AMC is discounting its small popcorn and drink combination on those days. (Story URL)