All art borrows from other art, and that’s doubly true when it comes to genre fiction. The world of sci-fi is a constantly growing pile of references, homages, and callbacks. No matter what medium a story is written in or who pens it, it’s bound to pull inspiration from its predecessors. Of course, some inspiration is more obvious than others, as in the case of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” and Frank Herbert’s “Dune.”
As a child of the ’90s, Michael Jackson was a constant presence in my life. Whether it was on MTV or through the headlines, he seemed omnipresent. Although there have been troubling accusations about him, which were explored further in the documentary “Leaving Neverland”, I can’t help but remember those years with a sense of nostalgia. As an adult now, I can reflect on how significant Jackson, the artist, was to me during my formative years.
If you still had doubts that Rome wasn’t constructed overnight, or if you thought Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal could build it wearing cool armor, then let me tell you about an unexpected appearance in Gladiator II that adds a delightful twist to the epic. The appearance of Matt Lucas as the Colosseum announcer took fans by surprise, but his adorable face and unmistakable British demeanor provided a charming contrast to the otherwise serious setting. Although Lucas’s role is brief, his natural charm and comedic timing make him ideal for this surprising cameo. In a film filled with tough men and bitter vengeance, Lucas’s presence offers a welcome respite from the intense themes.
Is it possible that the Fast & Furious series might be nearing its end? Only time will tell, as the latest installment Fast X: Part II/ Fast 11 is being rumored to be the final chapter in this popular film franchise that started at the turn of the century. So far, every imaginable plotline (even those set in space) has been explored, but who would have thought the same before Fast Five was released? There could still be unexpected twists and turns ahead, such as a collaboration with the Mad Max series or a guest appearance by Jeremy Clarkson. For now, we can only look forward to what’s coming our way.
It appears that Daniel Craig, the well-known English actor, has grown weary of certain aspects related to his role as James Bond. He often finds himself fielding questions about who might take over the character, or if there could be a gay portrayal of Bond. Recently, he reminisced about his time as Britain’s iconic fictional spy and the sudden fame that ensued after his debut in Casino Royale (2006).