Comic-Con 2026: David Jonsson is new Black Panther, Ryan Gosling joins Marvel as Ghost Rider
SAN DIEGO (AP) — David Jonsson is the new Black Panther — the son of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa. “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler made the announcement Saturday evening in front of cheering fans at Marvel Studios’ Comic-Con International presentation. Jonsson joined the Oscar-winning director on stage alongside Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, holding his hand to his chest and smiling broadly. “Black Panther III” is set for release in December 2028. Marvel chief Kevin Feige also announced that Ryan Gosling is joining the Marvel cinematic universe as Ghost Rider, re-teaming with his “Star Wars: Starfighter” director Shawn Levy on a film set for release in 2028.
Texts reveal teen who singer D4vd is accused of killing was pregnant, had abortion year before death
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Text messages between singer D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez shown in court indicate she had gotten pregnant and had an abortion more than a year before she was killed. The testimony came Friday during a hearing to determine if the singer, whose legal name is David Burke, should go on trial in the girl's killing. Prosecutors spent part of the hearing detailing the nature of the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez, describing graphic, sexual photos of the two of them. Earlier, the court heard testimony about the girl's autopsy.
Trump returns to correspondents' dinner for a rambling, insult-filled speech 3 months after shooting
President Donald Trump has returned to the stage of the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. He delivered a rambling speech that praised some journalists, took potshots at others, made jokes about public figures’ weight and intellect, and quipped about a third presidential term. He assured the crowd of journalists, though, that he’d scrapped the most biting parts of his remarks. His appearance came three months after a gunman upended the original dinner and forced its postponement.
Rick Moranis met with standing ovation at 'Spaceballs' sequel Comic-Con panel
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Rick Moranis has finally answered fans' questions about a "Spaceballs" sequel. He returns as Dark Helmet in "Spaceballs: The New One," the long-awaited follow-up to Mel Brooks' 1987 cult classic. Moranis and Daphne Zuniga received thunderous applause at San Diego Comic Con's Hall H. Moranis hid in the crowd before joining the cast on stage. He said the project felt like family. Director Josh Greenbaum, writer Josh Gad and new cast members Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman also attended. Mel Brooks and Bill Pullman greeted fans via video. The sequel is set to open in April 2027.
Singer Chris Brown pleads guilty over bottle attack at a London nightclub
LONDON (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty to brawling at a London nightclub in 2023, a fight in which he hit a music producer over the head with a bottle. The altercation took place in February 2023. Brown, 37, changed his plea during a hearing at London's Southwark Crown Court on Friday. Prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including assault and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, in exchange for the guilty plea. The fight was caught on surveillance camera. Brown had been free on bail, allowing him to tour in Europe and North America. He remains free on bail and will be sentenced on October 26.
Movie Review: In '72 Hours,' the bachelor party has an unlikely plus-one
As a movie about getting older and still having to cater to younger demographics, the Kevin Hart comedy “72 Hours” has a meta synergy to it. Hart plays a New York ad executive who joins a random bachelor party to reconnect with Gen Z. There isn’t a scene in it that won’t remind you of some other comedy, particularly “The Hangover.” But “72 Hours,” directed by Tim Story and produced by Will Packer, at least knows this. The movie is itself a joke about Hart, now 47, trying to relate to a younger, more politically correct generation, Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle writes in his review.
A child humanoid leads Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film
TOKYO (AP) — Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda's new film, "Sheep in the Box," follows a grieving couple who use technology to recreate their deceased son as a humanoid. The title references the children's book "The Little Prince," suggesting that life's most valuable things are intangible. The film opens in U.S. theaters Friday. The story is a family drama set in the near future that premiered this year at the Cannes Film Festival. Kore-eda, known for films like "Shoplifters" and "Like Father, Like Son," often explores family dynamics. He's recognized for creating a positive work environment and opposes industry harassment. Kore-eda describes filmmaking as both his hobby and life.
Music Review: Charli xcx remains one of pop's great contrarians on 'Music, Fashion, Film'
NEW YORK (AP) — Charli XCX's latest release, “Music, Fashion, Film,” is a bold exploration of creativity and identity. The album features 11 alternative, genre-averse songs with winking rock ’n’ roll instrumentation, preoccupied by artmaking and ego, writes Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman in her review. Collaborating with A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, Charli offers a unique sound that challenges listeners. The album dives into themes of fame and performance, continuing the introspective journey from her previous work, “BRAT.” With a mix of spoken word, fuzzed-out guitars, and power chords, the album captures her artistic essence. Charli remains a compelling pop contrarian, pushing boundaries with her innovative style.
A decade in, Studio Ghibli Fest keeps growing as new generations flock to 'Totoro,' 'Ponyo' and more
NEW YORK (AP) — The passionate fandom Ghibli tends to inspire is well-documented. Yet the consistency of the Japanese animation studio’s films in theaters — years, even decades after their release — is unparalleled. Every year, Ghibli fans as well as new, little ones, flock to cinemas. Ghibli Fest, a sporadically dated series of movies that typically plays June through October, has been running for a decade. Movies like “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Spirited Away” and “Ponyo” have become not occasional revivals but theatrical mainstays. Ghibli Fest is more like an almost never-ending movie marathon.
Rei Ami from 'KPop Demon Hunters' and comedian Ken Jeong take a bite out of 'Shark Week'
NEW YORK (AP) — Rei Ami, known for her singing voice in “KPop Demon Hunters,” recently faced real sharks during a dive. She was scared but also deeply moved by the experience. Viewers can watch her and hear a new K-pop song inspired by her shark encounter as Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” begins Sunday. The event features 20 new shows exploring sharks, including a dive attempt into shark-infested waters. Actor Ken Jeong joins Rei Ami for the show “K-Pop Shark Heroes.” “Shark Week” aims to educate and entertain, dispelling myths about sharks. It runs for seven nights, ending Aug. 1.
