Billy Bob Thornton reveals why he turned down two major villain roles
When it comes to playing villains, Billy Bob Thornton knows how to deliver a chilling performance. But in real life, the Academy Award winner has been deliberately steering clear of villainous roles, even if it means turning down big paychecks.
In a recent episode of The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast, Thornton revealed he passed on two major antagonist roles.
Thornton shared that he was approached to play Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin, in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man.”
“With the Green Goblin, I didn’t feel like getting up at 4 a.m. for five or six hours of makeup,” he said.
A few years later, Thornton was up for another villain role in “Mission: Impossible III.” However, he declined, citing a concern about being typecast.
“I’m not going to be the bad guy who kills Tom Cruise,” Thornton said on the podcast. “America will hate me, and then the next thing you know, that’s all I’ll have to do from now on.”
Why Thornton avoids villain roles
Thornton believes that audiences remember villains from major films, and while a recent University of Michigan study found viewers often see redeeming qualities in movie villains, Thornton said he prefers roles that keep audiences guessing.
This year, Thornton is showcasing his versatility in Taylor Sheridan’s series “Landman,” which premiered last month. The show has already gained traction, with one clip from a recent episode going viral.
In the scene, Thornton’s character shares with his attorney the oil industry’s role in creating wind turbines.
“Do you have any idea how much diesel they have to burn to mix that much concrete or make that steel?” Thornton’s character says.
New episodes of “Landman” air every Sunday, with the season finale scheduled for Jan. 12.
Netflix secures US rights to next 2 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments
Netflix announced Friday, Dec. 20, its next move to achieve its goal to be the destination for live sports. It’s a move that will likely include a lot of goals: the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Netflix said the World Cup matches will only be part of its offerings. Leading up to the 2027 tournament, Netflix will produce documentaries centered on players and the sport itself.
Then, Netflix will stream the 2031 Women’s World Cup. That location has yet to be announced.
This is Netflix’s latest venture into the live sports arena. In November 2024, it streamed the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, reaching 108 million people. The event was the most-streamed sporting event ever, despite technical difficulties.
First, the streaming giant is gearing up for an NFL double-header on Christmas Day. Then on Jan. 6, Netflix will begin streaming WWE’s “Raw” weekly television series.
Government shutdown looms as House votes against latest funding bill
A government shutdown looms nearer after the House rejected a bill that would have kept it funded into March. And drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey after a spate of mysterious sightings. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
House votes against latest stopgap bill aimed to avoid government shutdown
The House rejected a stopgap bill Thursday, Dec. 19, that would have kept the government running. The vote came ahead of a potential shutdown starting at midnight Saturday, Dec. 21, when lawmakers head home for the holidays.
The bill fell short of the needed two-thirds majority to speed up its passage. More than three dozen Republicans joined 197 Democrats in voting against it. Republicans split with each other on how the bill handles government spending.
“Three hundred and thirty billion dollars. Congratulations. You’ve added to the debt since you were given the majority again on Nov. 5,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said.
Roy voted against the bill.
He added, “It’s embarrassing. It’s shameful. Yes, I think this bill is better than it was yesterday in certain respects. But to take this bill, to take this bill yesterday and congratulate yourself because it’s shorter in pages but increases the debt by $5 trillion, is asinine.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on the House floor, “The deal on the table will keep the government open for the American people and if you guys so choose to shut it down, it will be on you but not the Republican Party.”
She added, “We will not be going back to the table. This deal stands as it is. So let you go back home on Christmas and explain to your people why you shut down the government because we won’t be doing it.”
The latest spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, is a quickly amended bill tailored to the liking of President-elect Donald Trump and his top ally Elon Musk.
Musk postedrepeatedlyonX condemning the original bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., worked on it with bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.
However, when both Musk and Trump opposed the bill, that guaranteed most House Republicans would vote against it and forced Johnson to craft a new bill.
Now, there are two conflicting interests. Musk wants major government spending cuts, and while Trump agrees, he also wants to permanently suspend the debt ceiling.
The new plan lifts the debt limit, leading Trump to support the bill in a Truth Social post.
“Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish,” Trump posted.
But Democrats attacked the bill over what spending Republicans chose to cut.
“The Musk-Johnson proposal is not serious, it’s laughable,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. “Extreme MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.”
The bill removed funding for a bipartisan program for pediatric cancer research, studying genetic conditions like Down syndrome and treatment options for sickle cell disease as well as cancers.
It will be on Johnson to craft a bill to secure votes from the majority of the House.
However, Johnson may not have the political leeway to rely on support from Democrats. He’ll need nearly every returning member of the House Republican caucus to vote for him next month to remain speaker.
The new Congress takes office in the new year.
New details of accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter’s plan emerge
Newly unsealed court documents put into perspective what led up to the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A federal complaint shed light on 26-year-old Luigi Mangione’s “hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.”
In a notebook found on Mangione when he was arrested, he allegedly wrote of his plans to “wack” an insurance company CEO at its investor conference. Federal prosecutors said he traveled from Georgia to New York to stalk and kill Thompson.
Magione appeared in a New York courtroom Thursday, and four new federal charges were levied against him. The charges included murder with a firearm, which is an offense punishable by the death penalty.
The hearing followed Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania, where police arrested him on Dec. 9, to New York.
Armed guards surrounded Mangione as NYPD officers walked him off a helicopter upon his arrival in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the walk.
“Police Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch and I all want to send a very clear and loud message that this act of terrorism and the violence that stems from it is something that will not be tolerated in this city,” Adams told the press at the site of the helicopter arrival.
Mangione already faces state-level charges in New York. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against him Tuesday, Dec. 17, including for murder as an act of terrorism.
However, Mangione also received a hero’s welcome from protesters outside the courthouse. Thompson’s killing sparked backlash against the health insurance industry and its coverage policies.
While judges have not set any dates yet, Mangione will face state-level charges first. A federal trial will follow.
New York abolished the death penalty, meaning it’s not an option for Mangione in the state-level case. However, the death penalty can still be exercised in the federal case.
FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New York and New Jersey
Drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey — at least for the time being. It comes amid an investigation into multiple mysterious sightings over the last month that set off fear and speculation.
In a statement, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Federal Aviation Administration’s bans are “purely precautionary.” Meanwhile, the FAA’s restrictions in New Jersey are largely aimed at limiting drone flights over power stations and infrastructure.
The FAA implemented emergency flight restrictions across New Jersey, prohibiting drone operations until Jan. 17, 2025, for “special security reasons.” Unless operators obtain special government clearance, the directive bans uncrewed aircraft within a one-nautical-mile radius of designated areas and up to 400 feet in altitude.
The FAA designated areas such as Camden, Jersey City, Elizabeth and South Brunswick as “National Defense Airspace.”
Violators may face severe penalties, including interception, detention, certificate revocation and potential criminal charges. In extreme cases, authorities are authorized to use “deadly force” against drones posing an “imminent security threat.”
These restrictions follow a surge in unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and nearby states that began in mid-November. Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DOD), received over 5,000 reports of drone activity.
Dow Jones snaps worst losing streak in 50 years
The Dow Jones Industrial Average snapped its worst losing streak in 50 years Thursday. The losing streak lasted 10 days.
During the losing streak, the market wiped out all of its post-election gains. The Dow ended Wednesday down 2.5% from when Trump won the election.
Also on Wednesday, Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, had its second-biggest percentage spike in history. The VIX shot up 74% after the Federal Reserve shared its outlook for the coming year.
On Wednesday, the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate for a third time in 2024, which was widely predicted.
Feeling the holiday blues?
The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the season can bring about sadness and stress for many. This -emotional shift, commonly known as the “holiday blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect millions of people across the country.
Licensed adult psychiatrist Dr. Patrice Mann said the holiday blues are due to several factors. They include social pressures, disruptive routines and financial strain.
“Things like having a bunch of holiday events on the calendar, not to say we don’t look forward to them oftentimes, but they take a toll on us,” says Dr. Mann. “You’re up late, interacting with a lot of people, and that’s not everyone’s nature.”
Grief and seasonal depression can also complicate these feelings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year, but many may not even realize they have it.
Symptoms of holiday blues and seasonal depression can include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities and changes in eating or sleeping habits. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, Dr. Mann said it could indicate a more serious depressive episode. In such cases, seeking professional help is important.
Dr. Mann recommended several self-care strategies to help manage both the holiday blues and seasonal depression. She suggested getting tested for vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements during winter. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mood and energy levels.
She also advised getting as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Light therapy boxes can mimic outdoor sunlight if natural sunlight isn’t available. Using them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning can help trick the brain and improve mood.
For those experiencing grief during the holidays, Dr. Mann encouraged reflecting on personal needs and communicating with trusted friends or family members. She also recommended incorporating new social activities into your routine and checking in with yourself after attending events.
For those supporting others through grief, it’s important to recognize that everyone processes emotions differently. Dr. Mann suggested engaging in activities with those less open about mental health, such as cooking or playing games, to help create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves.
While the holiday season brings unique challenges, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines and reaching out for support are important practices to help manage holiday stress.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that professional help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.
Unwrapping the truth behind seasonal depression and the ‘holiday blues’
The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the season can bring about sadness and stress for many. This -emotional shift, commonly known as the “holiday blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect millions of people across the country.
Licensed adult psychiatrist Dr. Patrice Mann says the holiday blues are due to several factors. They include social pressures, disruptive routines and financial strain.
“Things like having a bunch of holiday events on the calendar, not to say we don’t look forward to them oftentimes, but they take a toll on us,” says Dr. Mann. “You’re up late, interacting with a lot of people, and that’s not everyone’s nature.”
Grief and seasonal depression can also complicate these feelings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year, but many may not even realize they have it.
Symptoms to watch out for
Symptoms of holiday blues and seasonal depression can include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and changes in eating or sleeping habits. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, Dr. Mann says it could indicate a more serious depressive episode. In such cases, seeking professional help is important.
Dr. Mann recommends several self-care strategies to help manage both the holiday blues and seasonal depression. One of her suggestions is getting tested for vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements during winter. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mood and energy levels.
She also advises getting as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Light therapy boxes can mimic outdoor sunlight if natural sunlight isn’t available. Using them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning can help trick your brain and improve mood.
Coping with grief and supporting others
For those experiencing grief during the holidays, Dr. Mann encourages reflecting on personal needs and communicating with trusted friends or family members. She also recommends incorporating new social activities into your routine and checking in with yourself after attending events.
For those supporting others through grief, it’s important to recognize that everyone processes emotions differently. Dr. Mann suggests engaging in activities with those less open about mental health, such as cooking or playing games, to help create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves.
While the holiday season brings unique challenges, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines, and reaching out for support are important practices to help manage holiday stress. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that professional help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.
Nick Jonas receives backlash for seemingly supporting Elon Musk
Nick Jonas is facing online criticism after a social media exchange with Elon Musk went viral. The unexpected interaction has left the internet buzzing with opinions.
It all began when Musk replied to a post by Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, celebrating Tesla’s stock up 100% since President-elect Donald Trump’s election win. Musk responded with a GIF of the Jonas Brothers moving a table, captioned, “My how the tables have turned.”
Jonas tweeted back with a playful reply. He posted a photo of Musk pointing, accompanied by the text, “Take us to the year 3000,” referencing the Jonas Brothers’ iconic hit song.
Social media backlash
The exchange quickly went viral, garnering nearly 30 million views. While some fans praised the humor, others criticized Jonas for engaging with Musk, a controversial figure in recent months.
Jonas isn’t the first celebrity to spark backlash for appearing to support Musk. Last month, Kim Kardashian posted a video featuring Tesla’s humanoid robot. The next day, she followed it with a series of Instagram photos posing with her Tesla, which also drew mixed reactions online.
Jonas’s tweet remains online, but its timing has raised eyebrows. In June 2024, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Jonas would return to Broadway in spring 2025 for a revival of “The Last Five Years.”
With the entertainment industry still recovering from the Hollywood strikes, some commenters have speculated whether Jonas’s viral moment could affect his box office appeal. The heightened scrutiny of public figures’ political views only adds to the ongoing debate.
Jelly Roll addresses backlash over interaction with Donald Trump
Musician Jelly Roll is addressing criticism following his recent encounter with President-elect Donald Trump. The country singer was seen shaking hands and smiling with Trump during UFC 309 in New York on Nov. 16, 2024.
The interaction sparked mixed reactions, prompting Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, to clarify the situation on her podcast, “Dumb Blonde.”
Jelly Roll explains his stance
Bunnie XO defended the encounter, calling it a significant moment regardless of political preference.
“The president is like, the highest honor that you can have in the world,” Bunnie XO said. “When you meet a president, that’s a [bleeped] honor, no matter if you like them or not.”
Jelly Roll agreed, emphasizing his upbringing in a household that respected the presidency but didn’t focus on politics or voting culture.
“There’s not a chance in hell I’m not going to meet the President-elect,” he said.
He added that he would have done the same for President Joe Biden if given the opportunity. The musician also noted that he avoids discussing politics because he doesn’t feel informed enough on the subject.
However, he recently found interest while listening to a podcast featuring Vivek Ramaswamy, particularly regarding drug policy reform. It was his first time hearing about Ramaswamy, and the discussion piqued his interest.
Advocating for change on Capitol Hill
Earlier this year, Jelly Roll testified on Capitol Hill about the ongoing fentanyl crisis, sharing his personal experiences with addiction and incarceration for drug possession. His testimony highlighted his commitment to addressing the crisis, which he views as a crucial issue.
In a November 2024 interview with People, Jelly Roll revealed that the birth of his daughter while he was behind bars marked a turning point in his life.
“I’m rounding third on my amends list, and I think when I get there, I’ll feel a little better,” he said.
As for the backlash surrounding his interaction with Trump, Jelly Roll said the experience was “cool” and made it clear he’s unfazed by the criticism.
US life expectancy hits highest level since COVID-19 pandemic
The U.S. life expectancy jumped significantly in 2023, hitting its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The new findings come from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report on Thursday, Dec. 19, revealing life expectancy among Americans rose to 78.4 years last year, up nearly an entire year from 77.5 years in 2022.
Health officials say a one-year jump in life expectancy was previously unheard of before the COVID-19 pandemic. They attribute the rise in life expectancy largely to a decline in COVID-19 deaths, which, from 2019 to 2021, had caused U.S. life expectancy to drop from 78.8 years to 76.4 years.
COVID-19 went from the fourth leading cause of death in 2022 to 10th in the United States in 2023. COVID-19 deaths dropped last year from 350,000 deaths in 2020 to 76,000 in 2023.
The biggest decrease in COVID-19 deaths is reportedly among Hispanic men and women, who saw a more than 10% decrease in COVID-19 deaths.
The CDC also found that overdose deaths decreased last year for the first time since 2018.
The rate of overdose deaths dropped from nearly 33 in every 100,000 people to a little more than 31 per 100,000 people. The group seeing the largest drop in drug overdose deaths was 15 to 24-year-olds, who saw a drop of more than 10%.
The top five causes of death last year in the United States were heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke and chronic lower respiratory diseases. Rates for 9 of the 10 leading causes of death reportedly fell in 2023 while cancer deaths remained largely unchanged.
Spread of false claims of Steve Harvey’s death blamed on AI-article
A false news story claiming comedian and long-time “Family Feud” host Steve Harvey has died circulated this week. Now, the media site “The Wrap” says that original now-debunked story was generated by artificial intelligence.
The article’s headline reportedly read, “Steve Harvey Passed Away Today: Remembering the Legacy of a Comedy Legend.”
The story was posted by Trend Cast News on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The article gained traction after being shared by NewsBreak, which is a news aggregate site that generates articles with AI, and reportedly has more than 50 million monthly users.
Straight Arrow News found the hoax article on NewsBreak’s site had apparently been removed as of the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19.
Harvey hasn’t publicly addressed the story but he has been active on his social media accounts throughout the week.
Other social media users wasted no time expressing relief the article wasn’t true.
Additionally, this isn’t even the first time there’s been a Steve Harvey death hoax. The comedian responding to one last year with a meme of himself.
This also isn’t NewsBreak’s first run in with AI-generated articles spreading false rumors.
The news aggregate site reportedly published news of a Christmas Day mass shooting in New Jersey that turned out to be a hoax.
The site is also reportedly under scrutiny for publishing several stories with erroneous information about a Colorado-based food bank’s distribution times.
NewsBreak told Reuters earlier this year that when it “identifies any inaccurate content or any violation of our community standards, we take prompt action to remove that content.” Although the site didn’t specify any safeguards it had in place.
However, NewsBreak did add a disclaimer to its site in March, noting, its content “may not always be error-free.”
Hashtags may no longer be the golden ticket for boosting social media engagement. Many reports suggest they don’t work as effectively across platforms as they used to.
On Tuesday, X owner Elon Musk weighed in on the conversation.
“Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore, and they look ugly,” Musk posted.
Musk responded to an X user who asked Grok, the platform’s AI chatbot, if hashtags were still useful.
Grok replied, “If you really want to watch your engagement plummet like a stone into the abyss, go ahead—fill your posts with hashtags.”
Why hashtags may not work as well
The effectiveness of hashtags declined for several reasons. Social media algorithms, constantly evolving, now prioritize content differently. Posts overloaded with irrelevant or excessive hashtags are often flagged as spam.
In August, the American Marketing Association explained how platforms like Instagram identify spammy content, removing it from feeds and searches. This shift forces creators to rethink their strategies for visibility and engagement.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is also replacing hashtags as a tool for finding content. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram now operate more like traditional search engines, enabling users to see posts without hashtags.
“People go to TikTok and they’re like, ‘I want to fry an egg. I want to know how to make a soufflé,’” said Jason McDonald, director of JM Internet Group. “These search-generated queries are impacting, especially TikTok, also YouTube.”
How to adjust
Instead of spamming hashtags, integrate key terms naturally into captions. Those still wanting to use hashtags, should focus on niche and relevant tags. Generic ones like “#Love” or “#FYP” are unlikely to help with engagement.
Hashtags may not be completely dead, but they’re evolving. Adapting to new trends and experimenting with strategies could help content creators stay ahead in the ever-changing world of social media.
Guy Pearce blocked from Christopher Nolan roles by studio executive: Report
Guy Pearce, star of Christopher Nolan’s “Memento,” revealed he was blocked from collaborating with the acclaimed director again. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Pearce shared that a Warner Bros. executive’s negative opinion of him ultimately derailed opportunities to work with Nolan on future projects.
Nolan, known for working with actors like Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine and Anne Hathaway multiple times, had reportedly considered Pearce for roles in major films such as “Batman Begins” and “The Prestige.” However, despite these discussions, Pearce hasn’t teamed up with Nolan since the 2000 release of “Memento.”
“I don’t get Guy Pearce”
Pearce claims the Warner Bros. executive bluntly told his agent, “I don’t get Guy Pearce. I’m never going to get Guy Pearce. I’m never going to employ Guy Pearce.”
Reflecting on the situation, Pearce acknowledged that he, too, doesn’t “get” certain actors. Nevertheless, this executive’s opinion effectively shut him out of future Nolan films.
This isn’t the first time Warner Bros. has faced scrutiny for its behind-the-scenes decisions. For example, director David Ayer, who helmed the 2016 film “Suicide Squad,” has been vocal about his negative experience with the studio.
In a social media post, Ayer stated, “The studio cut is not my movie. Read that again.”
Ayer also reignited calls in early December for the release of his original director’s cut of the film.
Life after “Memento”
Guy Pearce has built an impressive career since “Memento.” For instance, he starred in blockbusters like “Iron Man 3” and critically acclaimed films like “The King’s Speech.”
As for Nolan, his partnership with Warner Bros. ended after the 2020 release of “Tenet.” Meanwhile, the director’s most recent film, “Oppenheimer,” was made with Universal Pictures and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2023.
According to Variety, Nolan is working on a mysterious project slated for release in 2026.
