ST. PAUL, Minn. — More than 220,000 families in Minnesota this past year received the state’s child tax credit, billed as a nation-leading benefit aimed at cutting child poverty by one-third — and when taxpayers file their returns next year, they can choose to get half of that credit early in advance payments.
When taxpayers file their 2024 returns this spring, they can opt in to receive half of their 2025 credit at the end of the year instead of a lump sum during tax season. The other half will still be paid out when they file.
The payments will come in August, October and December. A family who qualifies for the full credit of $3,500 for two children and chooses advance payments will receive $583 in each of those months, and the remaining $1,750 the following year.
The credit is refundable, which means Minnesotans who don’t owe tax can still qualify. The average total credit for tax year 2023 was $1,242, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
“We know that if you can do the advanced payment on the child tax credit, it enhances the ability of the child tax credit to reduce child poverty,” said Paul Marquart, the department’s commissioner.
The program mirrors what the federal government did during the pandemic, when millions of families received six monthly payments of $250 to $300 per kid from July to December 2021. The money amounted to half of the child tax credit authorized by the American Rescue Plan, a COVID relief package.
Marquart said Minnesota is the first to try advance payments of a state child tax credit and could expand to more monthly installments in the future.
“We want to make sure, being the first in the nation to do this, that we do it right,” he said. “We want to hear back from those families that are using the advanced child tax credit and get input from them on what’s working, what’s not working, and we can then adjust from there.”
But advance payments of the credit aren’t for everyone: choosing this option could count against a family’s SNAP benefits, Marquart added. Taking the lump sum at tax time does not have the same effect.
LeAndra Estis, a mother of three who received the child tax credit, said she is choosing the advanced payment option and is grateful that it will soon be available. She believes the credit puts her on a path out of poverty.
“It’s good to have that back end of government assistance, but the reality of the programs are really to graduate you and help you to become self-sufficient, and the Minnesota tax credit — It’s just another way of helping people to be self-sufficient,” she said.
Who qualifies for the Minnesota child tax credit?
There are income limits in order to qualify for some of or the full $1,750 child tax credit in Minnesota. To get the maximum refund, income cannot exceed $29,500 for a single filer or $35,000 for married couples filing jointly.
The credit phases out completely for families with one child if their annual income is $54,534. But the threshold for the full phase-out increases with more children. For example,a couple with four children would still receive part of that credit if they make $90,000 a year.
Minnesota Department of Revenue
How do I choose advance payments?
Qualifying Minnesota families and individual filers must file a tax return by April 15 electronically or by mail. Then they can choose to opt-in to advance payments.
Marquart said there will eventually be an online portal that would allow people to change their selection and update banking information.
Protections in place for Minnesotans whose financial situation improves
A key change to the child tax credit approved by lawmakers this past session includes what Marquart called “safe harbor” protections.
It’s essentially a grace period if a person’s financial situation improves and they no longer qualify for the same amount of the child tax credit that they once did.
Marquart said fear of making too much money and owing the department the difference is a deterrent to enrolling in advance payments. The goal of the “safe harbor” provision is to incentivize people to opt-in since he believes the child tax credit program will be more effective this way.
“To alleviate this fear and overcome this participation hurdle, [we’re] basically saying that as long as you qualify for the program, even if you still qualify for just $1, you are assured of at least 50% of your credit from that year before,” Marquart said. “So even if you increased your [salary] or a spouse gets a new job, as long as you still qualify, you get at least that 50% credit and you would not owe any money back.”
Caroline Cummings is an Emmy-winning reporter with a passion for covering politics, public policy and government. She is thrilled to join the WCCO team.
Are you a parent in Minnesota? If so, you may be eligible to receive advance payments of the state’s child tax credit starting in 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting opportunity.
1. Eligibility: To qualify for the advance payments of Minnesota’s child tax credit, you must be a resident of the state and have at least one child who is under the age of 18.
2. Amount: The amount of the child tax credit will vary depending on your income and the number of children you have. The credit can be as much as $1,000 per child.
3. Advance payments: Instead of waiting until tax season to receive the credit, eligible families will have the option to receive advance payments throughout the year. This can provide much-needed financial assistance to help cover the costs of raising children.
4. How to apply: To receive advance payments of the child tax credit, you will need to file a state tax return and indicate that you have children who qualify for the credit. Make sure to keep track of any correspondence from the Minnesota Department of Revenue regarding your eligibility.
5. Plan ahead: If you are planning to take advantage of the advance payments of the child tax credit, it’s important to budget accordingly. Consider how you will use the additional funds to support your family’s needs.
Overall, the advance payments of Minnesota’s child tax credit can be a valuable resource for families in need of financial assistance. Stay informed about the eligibility requirements and application process to make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity in 2025.
There are two chances of snow to discuss: one for tonight that could yield some light accumulations and another system on Sunday that could disrupt travel.
Thursday will be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 30s. A cold front will pass through the Ohio Valley overnight, bringing some light snowfall before the main morning commute. This snow should stick on untreated and elevated roads, so expect slick spots and snowy travel. Midnight to 8 a.m. is the best window for snow showers, and we should see 0.5 to 1 inch of snow in most locations. Plan for a slower drive to work on Friday morning.
WCPO
Snow begins late Thursday night
WCPO
Snow leading into the main morning drive
The rest of Friday’s forecast is partly cloudy with a high of 33 degrees.
Saturday will be mostly sunny and colder with a high of 27, but it is the calm before the storm.
A much more potent weather system is coming up from the southwest and is expected to bring periods of snow Sunday afternoon, resulting in accumulating snow. We’ll then see periods of a wintry mix Sunday night into Monday morning before more snow falls during the day Monday. We are closely monitoring this situation, as the amount of snow predicted by some weather models is concerning. As we often remind you, the numbers will come into focus.
The National Weather Service specifically stated in its forecast discussion today that “general awareness and adequate planning for a winter storm is the proper course of action.” This is important to note because several inches of snow are very possible, which could significantly impact travel Sunday afternoon and potentially affect the return to work and school on Monday.
WCPO
Snow begins Sunday afternoon
MORNING RUSH Mostly cloudy Dry Low: 28
THURSDAY Mostly cloudy Seasonal High: 38
THURSDAY NIGHT Light snow 0.5″ to 1″ of snow Low: 28
Get ready, snow lovers! The forecast is calling for snow tonight and more is on the way this weekend. Grab your hats, gloves, and boots because it’s time to embrace the winter wonderland.
Whether you’re a fan of building snowmen, hitting the slopes, or just cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa, the snowy weather is sure to bring some magic to your weekend plans.
So bundle up and enjoy the beauty of the season. Let it snow! #WinterWonderland #SnowDay
Ricardo Darin in ‘El Eternauta’ coming to Netflix.
Photo by Marcos Ludevid/Netflix.
Squid Game fans spent the holidays binge-watching the new season and playing the accompanying video game of the Korean hit sensation, making it the top show and game on Netflix.
Season two of the series from creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk and starring Lee Jung-jae topped the non-English TV list with an incredible 68 million views in its first week on the streamer, ranking No. 1 in 92 countries. Squid Game broke the record for most views for a show in its premiere week and broke into the Most Popular List in record time. Previously, Wednesday broke that record in 2022 with its first season with just over 50 million views.
Here are five foreign series coming to Netflix in 2025 for ‘Squid Game’ fans.
Photo by No Ju-han/Netflix.
Millions of fans participated in activations worldwide. Six million online fans in ten countries and 52,000 in-person fans gathered for fan activations, which drove a record three billion impressions that surpassed that of the first season.
The show’s multiplayer video game, Squid Game: Unleashed, reached the No. 1 spot with the action game on the App Store in 57 countries and made it to the No. 1 spot as the Top Free Game in 24 countries.
Lee Jung-jae in season two of ‘Squid Game’ on Netflix.
Photo by No Ju-han/Netflix.
Because of Squid Game, more than 80% of Netflix members globally watch K-content films and series. As fans anxiously await the third and final season, which will premiere later this year, they can also look forward to these five foreign series coming to Netflix with equally gripping and intricately woven storylines.
Last Samurai Standing (Japan)
Based on the novel “Ikusagami” by Shogo Imamura, this series has been described as “Shogun meets Squid Game.” The story is set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period and takes place at the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. Come nightfall, 292 skilled warriors gather, lured by the promise of a grand prize of 100 billion yen. Amongst them is Shujiro Saga, who has entered this game to save his ailing wife and child.
Ricardo Darín in ‘El Eternauta’ premiering in 2025 on Netflix.
Photo by Mariano Landet/Netflix
El Eternauta (Argentina)
For this series, think The Last of Us with snow in Argentina. The story takes place after a deadly snowstorm that kills millions of people. Juan Salvo, alongside a group of fellow survivors, must fight against an alien threat that is controlled by an invisible force in this thriller premiering this year.
El Refugio Atómico (Spain)
This new series comes from Álex Pina, who is well-known for the Netflix hit Money Heist. His latest series is just as ambitious and exciting. The story follows a group of billionaires as the end of the world is coming, and they’re forced to hide with their enemies. This eight-episode series will premiere soon.
Néro (France)
It’s 1504 in the South of France and Néro, a cynical and surly assassin who is betrayed by his master and long-term ally, has to run from the dangerous enemies now after him. He soon discovers his orphaned daughter, Perla, and on their journey between vengeance and redemption, Néro will have to choose between saving himself or saving his daughter and the world. Viewers will be able to binge-watch this eight-episode series in the coming months.
Celda 211 (Mexico)
After getting trapped in a prison during a bloody riot, a human rights attorney pretends to be a prisoner to save himself. On the other side of the bars, in survival mode, he embarks on a chilling, life-changing journey. This thrilling limited series will be available for binge-watching soon.
Lee Jung-jae in season two of ‘Squid Game’ on Netflix.
Photo by No Ju-han/Netflix.
Part of the Squid Game appeal was watching the players take mind-boggling risks all in the name of surviving to the next level and winning the life-changing money. Each of the five series listed here is also centered on the remarkable will to succeed and survive impossible odds.
With titles from every corner of the planet, it shows that despite our many differences, we are much more alike than not. These fascinating stories and characters are reminders to never underestimate the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
If you’re a fan of the hit series ‘Squid Game’ and looking for more gripping foreign series to sink your teeth into, look no further! Here are 5 exciting foreign series coming to Netflix in 2025 that are sure to satisfy your craving for thrilling and intense storytelling:
1. ‘Alice in Borderland’ (Japan) – This Japanese sci-fi thriller follows a group of young adults who find themselves trapped in a mysterious parallel world where they must compete in deadly games to survive.
2. ‘Money Heist’ (Spain) – This Spanish crime drama follows a group of robbers who plan and execute heists on the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain, while dealing with personal relationships and betrayals.
3. ‘Dark’ (Germany) – This German sci-fi thriller follows four interconnected families as they uncover a time travel conspiracy that spans several generations, leading to a mind-bending and suspenseful narrative.
4. ‘Kingdom’ (South Korea) – This South Korean historical horror series follows a crown prince as he investigates a mysterious plague that turns people into flesh-eating zombies, while navigating political intrigue and betrayal in the Joseon dynasty.
5. ‘The Rain’ (Denmark) – This Danish post-apocalyptic thriller follows two siblings as they search for safety and answers in a world devastated by a deadly virus spread through rainfall, while facing threats from other survivors and their own dark pasts.
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat with these 5 gripping foreign series coming to Netflix in 2025 – perfect for fans of ‘Squid Game’ and anyone looking for intense and thrilling storytelling from around the world.
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Snyder has been very vocal about Hunter’s play this season, and he recently was asked what’s the difference between him starting and coming off the bench.
“I feel like whether he was starting or coming off the bench, the way that he’s playing, he’s really focused on running and attacking the rim in transition,” Snyder said. “And he’s been more aggressive from the three. We talk about how contested threes really aren’t bad shots for him because of his ability to raise up.
“Coming off the bench, there’s an opportunity for him to throw himself right into the game, knowing that our team needs that too. His aggressiveness offensively has been big. Taking threes has got him on the rim, and he’s made some big mid-range shots for us, too.
Not only has Hunter been solid on offense, but he’s continued to be a force on defense as well.
“He’s a warrior,” Snyder said. “Everything I’m saying about him on the offensive end, he’s just a soldier defensively. Whether he’s wrestling someone in the post or playing out on the floor in pick-and-roll defense. His versatility on both sides of the floor has been huge for us.”
“He’s bought into what we’re doing,” Snyder said. “Shooting transition threes has been something. He can shoot, and he’s always been able to shoot, but I think that his recognition of where those places are, what times in the game where he can be even more aggressive. He doesn’t hesitate right now, and I think his willingness to shoot threes, sometimes contested threes, with his size, and then the aggressiveness with how he’s attacking the rim. Those two things, in my mind, really set up the other part of this game where he does have the ability to rise up and hit a contested mid-range shot.
Hunter has been making quicker decisions with the ball and is knocking down threes at a high rate. If Hunter continues his strong play, it’ll be a tight race between him and Payton Pritchard for Sixth Man of the Year.
In a recent press conference, Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder opened up about the main difference he sees in De’Andre Hunter when he starts versus when he comes off the bench.
Snyder explained that when Hunter is in the starting lineup, he tends to be more aggressive and assertive on both ends of the court. He is able to set the tone early in the game and make an impact from the opening tip.
On the other hand, when Hunter comes off the bench, Snyder noted that he brings a different energy and spark to the team. He is able to provide a lift when the team needs it most and can be a game-changer in crucial moments.
Overall, Snyder emphasized that Hunter’s versatility and adaptability make him a valuable asset to the team, regardless of whether he is starting or coming off the bench.
Fans can look forward to seeing how Hunter continues to make an impact for the Jazz as they push for a deep playoff run.
Severance season 2, The Traitors season 3, and more
FILE – The logos for streaming services Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Sling TV are pictured on a remote control on Aug. 13, 2020, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File) (Jenny Kane, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Are you looking for something new to watch? Here is what’s coming out on streaming platforms in January 2025.
Max (Formerly HBO Max)
Jan. 2: Isadora Moon
Jan. 3: The Front Room
Jan. 9: The Pitt
Jan. 9: Sons of Ecstasy
Jan. 10: Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This?
Jan. 10: Look Into My Eyes
Jan. 15: An Update on Our Family
Jan. 16: Harley Quinn (Season 5)
Jan. 17: A Different Man
Jan. 17: Real Time with Bill Maher (Season 23)
Jan. 23: C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart
Jan. 27: Scars of Beauty (Beleza Fatal)
Jan. 30: Mermicorno: Starfall
Jan. 31: The Eastern Gate (Przesmyk)
Hulu
Netflix
Jan. 1: Missing You
Jan. 1: Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever
The embedded sheet below lists all the releases from HBO Max,Hulu,Netflix,Paramount+andPrime Video. The list includes previously released films and TV shows that are just now making it onto the streaming site.
Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.
Here’s what’s coming to Max, Hulu, Netflix and more in the upcoming months!
Get ready to binge-watch your favorite shows and discover new ones with the latest releases on your favorite streaming platforms. From new seasons of popular series to exciting movie premieres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Stay tuned for updates on release dates and trailers for the most anticipated shows and movies coming soon. Don’t miss out on the latest entertainment offerings – grab your popcorn and settle in for some quality viewing time! #streaming #entertainment #comingsoon
Movie fans flocked to the cinema in 2024, with Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, Despicable Me 4, Moana 2, Dune: Part Two, and Wicked dominating the worldwide box office.
Beetlejuice came out of retirement to entertain new audiences, while the likes of Alien: Romulus and Longlegs scared cinemagoers into parting with their cash.
However, the past few years have been tumultuous for the film industry.
After COVID all but wiped out trips to see a movie on the silver screen, studios are now having to contend with the cost of living crisis and audiences preferring to wait for digital releases.
There was even the double-whammy of industrial action waged by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA which shuttered production for months and led to delays in the release calendar.
In 2023, the successful simultaneous theatrical release of Barbie and Oppenheimer – two movies collectively known as Barbenheimer – hinted at a return to box office bonanzas previously witnessed pre-pandemic.
However, a number of movies that would normally reap billion-dollar rewards floundered in 2024 – including Madame Web and Joker: Folie à Deux.
Even Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was deemed a failure despite proving a hit with critics.
The simultaneous release of Wicked and Gladiator II – known as Glicked – failed to match the Barbenheimer buzz, with the musical going on to slay Ridley Scott’s sequel in ticket sales.
It may be back to business for Hollywood, but 2024 showed that it’s far from back to normal.
So, as we head into 2025, here are some of the movies that are aiming to entice audiences to the cinema this coming year.
Superman
The Man of Steel will be returning to the big screen this summer.
Starring David Corenswet (Pearl, Twisters) in the leading role, the film will explore Clark Kent/Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his adoptive human family in Smallville.
The movie boasts a stacked cast, with the likes of Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult (Juror #2) as Lex Luthor, and the always impressive Skyler Gisondo (Booksmart) as Jimmy Olsen.
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Written and directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad), expect large action sequences, a bouncing soundtrack, and witty one-liners.
As with his other movies, Gunn’s brother Sean (Gilmore Girls) is expected to make an appearance – this time round as businessman Maxwell Lord, a supervillain we previously saw portrayed by Pedro Pascal in Wonder Woman 1984.
Superman will be the first film in the new DC Universe (DCU) and will kickstart the franchise’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters phase.
DC Studios and Warner Bros Pictures will be banking on this to be a hit given Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Blue Beetle flopped at the box office.
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One hurdle will be winning over Henry Cavill fans, who announced in 2022 he was returning as Superman only for the offer to be seemingly rescinded.
Cavill claimed he was told by bosses at DC Studios to announce his return, which was made prior to Gunn and producer Peter Safran taking charge of the company.
According to reports at the time, Cavill did not have an official deal in place to return as the superhero.
While most will be able to understand Gunn’s preference for a younger Superman, Corenswet will have to bring his A-game to win over any salty Cavill supporters.
Superman is scheduled for release in July.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
The John Wick franchise has been given a pulse-pounding spin-off.
Ana de Armas (The Gray Man, Knives Out) takes charge as Eve Macarro, an assassin-in-training who sets out to seek revenge against the people who killed her family.
Image: Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro in Ballerina. Pic: Lionsgate
De Armas showcased her capable action skills when she lit up the screen as CIA agent Paloma in the James Bond movie No Time to Die.
She also gave us a taste of her driving, shooting and fighting abilities as CIA agent Dani Miranda in The Gray Man.
Going by the Ballerina trailer – where she launches herself through a window before taking on a flamethrower with a high-pressure water hose – fans are in for another wild ride.
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The film – directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard) – takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4.
The man himself – Keanu Reeves – makes a cameo in the movie.
Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston and Lance Reddick (in his final screen appearance) also reprise their roles from the previous instalments.
Ballerina is scheduled for release in June.
Wicked: For Good
We’re off to see the wizard… again.
The much-loved Broadway and West End musical has been given the silver screen treatment.
The recently released Part One broke a number of box office records – including the highest grossing Broadway adaptation in global box office history (surpassing 2008’s Mamma Mia!) and biggest global opening for a non-sequel film in 2024.
The first instalment has already recouped its reported $150m budget, however Universal Pictures’ marketing blitz would not have come cheap and will most likely take a good chunk out of its profit.
Image: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked. Pic: Universal Pictures
For those that are yet to see the film, the story – based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel – features the characters from L Frank Baum’s 1900 book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation starring Judy Garland.
Wicked takes place in the Land of Oz in the years surrounding Dorothy Gale’s arrival and tells the tale of how Elphaba Thropp, a young woman born with green skin, later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
To avoid any major spoilers, the first film ended with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda Upland, played by Ariana Grande, discovering Jeff Goldblum’s the Wizard of Oz was not as powerful or as wonderful as they first thought.
Image: Pic: Universal Pictures
The second act will see the pair’s friendship being put to the test as they embrace their new respective identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, as well as unveiling who the other characters truly are along the way.
The star-studded cast have already covered a number of the musical’s songs – including What Is This Feeling?, Dancing Through Life, Popular and Defying Gravity – but there’s still plenty more to come with For Good fully expected to be a showstopper.
Wicked: For Good is scheduled for release in November.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Famed producer Frank Marshall previously stated that the plot of Jurassic World Dominion would mark the “start of a new era” of the franchise in which humans have to co-exist with dinosaurs.
Rebirth takes place five years on from the events of the last movie, with the planet’s ecology proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs.
In this adventure, an expedition braves isolated equatorial regions to extract DNA from three colossal prehistoric creatures that are believed to be key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.
Image: Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World Rebirth. Pic: Universal Pictures
Scarlett Johansson leads the cast as skilled covert operation expert Zora Bennett.
The Avengers star rarely picks a bad movie and in this instalment she’s joined by Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, who’s currently riding high as Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked.
Image: Mahershala Ali in Jurassic World Rebirth. Pic: Universal Pictures
Jurassic World Rebirth is scheduled for release in July.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Could this be Tom Cruise’s final mission as dogged IMF agent Ethan Hunt?
Following on from the events of Dead Reckoning Part One, Hunt and his team of operatives continue their race against time to take down rogue AI The Entity.
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This eighth instalment in the Mission: Impossible film series is scheduled for release in May.
The Running Man
Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver filmmaker Edgar Wright is behind the camera for this remake of Stephen King’s hit novel.
Published in 1982 under the writer’s pen name Richard Bachman, the story is set in a dystopian US during the year 2025.
The 1987 cult classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger revolved around a state-controlled game show in which convicted criminals could earn their “freedom” by escaping death at the hands of professional killers within an abandoned part of Los Angeles.
Wright’s movie will follow the book’s storyline more closely, in which the contestants take part in the reality show to win money and are chased across the globe by the murderous hunters.
Image: Glen Powell is one of Hollywood’s hottest stars of the moment. Pic: PA
Glen Powell (Twisters, Anyone But You), one of Hollywood’s hottest actors at the moment, is playing protagonist Ben Richards.
Katy O’Brian (Love Lies Bleeding) has been cast as one of the contestants being hunted for sport. She’s also set to appear in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, so this could potentially be the year we witness the birth of a new action star.
Josh Brolin (Dune) will put on a good show as the ruthless and narcissistic producer Dan Killian, while Lee Pace (Guardians of the Galaxy) will frighten as lead hunter Evan McCone.
Filming began in the UK in November, with Powell spotted in Glasgow with his rescue dog Brisket.
The Running Man is scheduled for release in November.
Captain America: Brave New World
Following Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers’ retirement, Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, has taken up the mantle of Captain America.
This 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will see the Avenger caught up in the middle of an international incident.
Image: Anthony Mackie as Captain America/Sam Wilson. Pic: Marvel Studios
Harrison Ford replaces William Hurt, who portrayed Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the MCU from 2008 until 2021 before his death in 2022.
Image: Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk. Pic: Marvel Studios
The character of Ross, a former army general and secretary of state, is now the US president and will also explode on to the screen as Red Hulk.
Whether friend or foe, there will be plenty of other formidable opponents for Wilson to take on – including Giancarlo Esposito’s (Breaking Bad) Seth Voelker/Sidewinder.
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Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled for release in February.
Thunderbolts
A group of antiheroes – that we’ve seen in previous Marvel movies – have been recruited to go on missions for the American government.
Image: (L-R) David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh and Wyatt Russell. Pic: Disney
This is the final film of phase five of the MCU, with the likes of Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian set to kick ass.
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One of Marvel’s most iconic superhero families is coming back to the big screen.
In a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic Earth, the Fantastic Four must protect their home from being devoured by the cosmic being Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner.
Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn, who recently appeared on screen together in Gladiator II, will reunite as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Johnny Storm/Human Torch respectively.
The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby is playing Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, while The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach has been cast as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
Image: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby. Pic: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
Natasha Lyonne (Orange Is The New Black, Russian Doll) has been cast in an undisclosed role, with John Malkovich rumoured to be playing villain Ivan Kragoff/Red Ghost.
Additionally, former Iron Man Robert Downey Jr is expected to appear as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom in a post-credits scene.
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled for release in July.
M3GAN 2.0
The killer doll returns for a second helping, but not much is yet known about the horror sequel.
It could be like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, where a good M3GAN is sent to protect creator Gemma, played by Allison Williams, and niece Cady, played by Violet McGraw, from another artificially intelligent hostile toy.
Image: M3GAN. Pic: Universal Pictures
Whatever the storyline, the first film was a hit due to its twisted sense of humour and creative kills, so fans should expect more of the same.
M3GAN 2.0 is scheduled for release in June, with spin-off SOULM8TE expected to follow in January 2026.
28 Years Later
The third instalment in the 28 Days Later film series reunites Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy with director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland.
Also co-written by Boyle, 28 Years Later sees the return of the rage virus and will follow a group of survivors as they navigate their way through a world ravaged by hordes of the infected.
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The life and career of Michael Jackson is being brought to the big screen by acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer trilogy).
Written by John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator), the film will tell the tale of the King of Pop from his time with The Jackson 5 as a child to his final weeks before his death in 2009.
Given the timeline, it will be interesting how the filmmakers approach the highly publicised child sexual abuse allegations labelled against the American singer-songwriter.
Image: Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson. Pic: Lionsgate/Kevin Mazur
Jackson is being played by his own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, alongside a cast that also includes Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as Diana Ross and Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick) as entertainment lawyer John Branca.
Michael is scheduled for release in October.
F1
Brad Pitt will put pedal to the metal in this sports action drama.
Image: Brad Pitt filming F1 at Silverstone in 2023. Pic: PA
The movie revolves around former Formula One driver Sonny Hayes, played by Pitt, who is tempted out of forced retirement caused by a crash to mentor rookie prodigy Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, for the Apex Grand Prix team.
Image: Pitt and Damson Idris. Pic: PA
F1 is scheduled for release in June.
Snow White
Walt Disney’s 1937 cartoon classic – based on the 1812 fairytale by the Brothers Grimm – has been given a live-action reimagining.
Image: Rachel Zegler as Snow White. Pic: Disney
Image: Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Pic: Disney
Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) is playing the Disney princess, with Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as the Evil Queen.
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The plot of the third instalment in the heist-thriller series is yet to be unveiled, but will no doubt be packed with mind-bending illusions and surprising twists.
Mark Ruffalo (Dylan Rhodes), Jesse Eisenberg (J Daniel “Danny” Atlas), Woody Harrelson (Merritt McKinney), Dave Franco (Jack Wilder), Isla Fisher (Henley Reeves) and Lizzy Caplan (Lula May) are set to reprise their roles as the mischievous magicians.
Award-winner Rosamund Pike has joined the cast in an undisclosed role, with Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie, Avengers: Infinity War) also adding another potential hit to her filmography.
Now You See Me 3 is scheduled for release in November.
Predator: Badlands
Fans of the Predator series are in for a treat with not one, but two movies due to be released in 2025.
A currently untitled movie – written and directed by Dan Trachtenberg – was secretly shot and is due to be released ahead of Predator: Badlands.
Badlands, also written and directed by Trachtenberg, will be the ninth in the overall franchise.
Starring Elle Fanning (Super 8, Maleficent), the standalone movie will follow two sisters who, while traversing a wasteland, discover their horrifying past.
Predator: Badlands is scheduled for release in November.
How to Train Your Dragon
DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon has been given a live-action remake.
Image: Mason Thames in How To Train Your Dragon. Pic: Universal Pictures
Loosely based on the 2003 novel by Cressida Cowell, the fantasy film follows the unlikely bond between Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, played by Mason Thames, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon.
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How to Train Your Dragon is scheduled to be released in June.
Lilo & Stitch
Walt Disney’s 2002 animated hit has been given a live-action/CGI makeover.
As with the cartoon, the film will revolve around the close bond between an orphaned Hawaiian girl and a dog-like extraterrestrial creature that has been engineered to be a force of destruction.
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Renee Zellweger is back as Bridget Jones in this fourth instalment of the popular film series.
This time round, Helen Fielding’s much-loved character is a widowed single mother.
As she juggles work and parenthood, there’s also a whole new sexual and cultural landscape to negotiate.
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Colin Firth will appear in the film as Mark Darcy despite the character being killed off, and Hugh Grant returns as Daniel Cleaver.
Leo Woodall (The White Lotus, One Day) is a new addition as one of Jones’ new love interests.
Image: Renee Zellweger and Leo Woodall in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Pic: Universal Pictures
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is scheduled for release in February.
A Minecraft Movie
Minecraft is the best-selling video game in the world.
Whether that transfers into cinema ticket sales or becomes another box office bomb like last year’s Borderlands is yet to be seen.
The movie revolves around four misfits who are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination.
To get back home, they’ll have to master that world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected, expert crafter.
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Comedian Jack Black and Aquaman himself Jason Momoa will be joined by Emma Myers (Wednesday), Danielle Brooks (Orange Is The New Black) and Sebastian Eugene Hansen (Just Mercy).
A Minecraft Movie is scheduled for release in April.
Freakier Friday
More than two decades on from the 2003 film Freaky Friday, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan have reunited for a sequel.
The story picks up years after Tess, played by Curtis, and Anna, played by Lohan, endured an identity crisis.
Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice.
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Freakier Friday is scheduled for release in August.
Tron: Ares
This is the third instalment in the Tron franchise.
The sci-fi will follow Ares, played by Jared Leto, a highly sophisticated programme that is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with AI beings.
Image: Tron: Ares. Pic: Leah Gallo/Disney
Jeff Bridges will reprise his role from the previous films, with Greta Lee (Past Lives), Evan Peters (American Horror Story) and Gillian Anderson also set to appear.
Tron: Ares is scheduled for release in October.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron’s third instalment in the Avatar film series is set for release just in time for award season.
The director has hinted that Fire and Ash – once again starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana – will be darker and more harrowing than Avatar and The Way of Water.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled for release in December.
Untitled I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel
I Know What You Did Last Summer is a much-loved 90s horror slasher celebrated in the same way as the likes of Scream and Urban Legend.
This currently untitled fourth film in the franchise began principal photography in Sydney before the turn of the year.
We know that Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline is one of the lead cast.
Jennifer Love Hewitt will reprise the role of Julie James from the first two films, with Freddie Prinze Jr also returning as Ray Bronson.
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is married to Prinze Jr, played the character of Helen Shivers in the first film but was killed off.
However, she appears to have joined her husband on set and shared a behind-the-scenes snap jokingly teasing a Scooby-Doo reunion, another franchise the couple also co-starred in.
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Cameron Diaz has ended her 11-year retirement by teaming up with Jamie Foxx in this action comedy.
Image: Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in Back in Action. Pic: John Wilson/Netflix
The pair play CIA spies who are pulled back into the world of espionage after their secret identities are exposed.
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Back in Action is scheduled for release in January.
Frankenstein
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro is behind the lens for this retelling of Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic novel.
Oscar Isaac is playing Victor Frankenstein, with Hollywood heartthrob Jacob Elordi (Saltburn) taking the role of his monster.
Much-loved horror final girl Mia Goth (X film series) and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds, Spectre) will also be in the movie.
Image: An extra on the set of Frankenstein in Edinburgh. Pic: PA
Principal photography took place in Toronto, but parts of the film were also shot in Scotland.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile was transformed into a market, with crews also setting up gallows in the capital’s Makars’ Court.
Image: Pic: PA
Image: Pic: PA
Frankenstein is scheduled for release in 2025.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Daniel Craig will return as master detective Benoit Blanc.
This third instalment in the Knives Out film series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is scheduled for release in 2025.
2025 may seem like a long way off, but the film industry is already buzzing with excitement over the most anticipated films set to hit cinemas in the UK. From big-budget blockbusters to indie gems, there’s something for every movie lover to look forward to. Here are some of the most anticipated films coming to cinemas in 2025:
1. Avatar 5 – James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to the groundbreaking sci-fi epic is finally set to arrive in 2025, promising more stunning visuals and immersive storytelling.
2. Fantastic Beasts 4 – The wizarding world of Harry Potter continues to expand with the fourth installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, set to enchant audiences with magical creatures and thrilling adventures.
3. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – The highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking Black Panther is sure to be a fitting tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and the iconic character he brought to life.
4. Jurassic World 4 – The Jurassic Park franchise continues to roar to life with the fourth installment in the Jurassic World series, promising more dinosaur action and jaw-dropping special effects.
5. The Batman – Robert Pattinson takes on the iconic role of the Dark Knight in this highly anticipated reboot of the Batman franchise, promising a darker and more gritty take on the beloved superhero.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – The ragtag team of misfit heroes returns for another cosmic adventure in the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy series, promising more humor, heart, and epic action.
7. The Little Mermaid – Disney’s live-action adaptation of the classic animated film is set to enchant audiences with its magical underwater world and beloved songs.
8. Top Gun: Maverick – Tom Cruise reprises his role as Maverick in this long-awaited sequel to the 1986 classic, promising more high-flying action and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
These are just a few of the most anticipated films set to hit cinemas in the UK in 2025. With an exciting lineup of sequels, reboots, and original films, there’s something for every movie lover to look forward to in the coming year.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – On January 1, 2025, the laws surrounding THC and CBD products will change across Louisiana. It not only lowers the amount of THC and CBD that can be sold in stores from 8mg to 5mg, but it also changes the minimum age to 21. It also bans gas stations from selling the products.
Those who pushed for this law say it will be safer for consumers because it will require the higher potency products be tested and regulated and ultimately sold in a licensed dispensary. However, one store owner says his business will see drastic changes because of the few bad actors in the hemp industry.
Jordan Younes is the owner of 420 Smoke and Liquor shop locations across south Louisiana. He says at least 40% of their inventory consists of products that will need to be disposed of. They will then have to source lower-strength products and explain to consumers why their products are changing. He says it hurts their credibility as a store when they have complied with everything thus far.
“At the end, it’s not good for either of us as owner as business owners or the consumer. Someone is making money, but not us anymore. Going to be the dispensaries,” Younes says. “With us having all this inconsistency, that makes us look bad to the public, to the customer.”
Younes says they will lose business, and so will the state, though he says they are selling legitimate and safe products. He says consumers will likely end up paying for the higher dosage products by sourcing it out of state or getting medical marijuana cards.
CEO of Capitol Wellness Solutions, Dr. Randy J Mire, says there are many shops and places like gas stations, that have taken advantage of the loophole and have hurt patients. He says this law stemmed from consumer complaints. This law does not impact his products – as Capitol Wellness Solutions is in the Therapeutic Marijuana industry, not the hemp industry.
Also starting Wednesday, consumable hemp products, not including drinks, must be kept behind the sales counter. Plus, any restaurants and bars who didn’t get a permit before June will no longer be able to sell hemp-derived THC products.
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The hemp industry is facing a major shakeup as new regulations surrounding THC and CBD levels are set to come into effect in 2025. These regulations, which are aimed at standardizing the levels of these compounds in hemp products, are expected to significantly disrupt the industry.
THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and CBD, a non-psychoactive compound with a range of potential health benefits, have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the lack of consistent regulation around the levels of these compounds in hemp products has led to confusion and inconsistency in the market.
With the new regulations set to come into effect in 2025, companies in the hemp industry will be required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding the levels of THC and CBD in their products. This could mean significant changes for many companies, particularly those that rely on high levels of these compounds to differentiate themselves in the market.
While the regulations are intended to provide consumers with more consistent and reliable products, they are also expected to create challenges for companies in the hemp industry. Some companies may need to reformulate their products to comply with the new regulations, while others may struggle to meet the requirements altogether.
Overall, the new regulations surrounding THC and CBD levels in hemp products are expected to bring about a period of significant change and disruption in the industry. Companies will need to be proactive in preparing for these changes in order to remain competitive in the evolving market landscape.
An animated Greek mythology sitcom from the creator of Rick and Mortyis coming to Netflix next month. Rick and Morty season 8 is slated to debut in 2025, though co-creator Dan Harmon has also been busy with several other high-profile projects. The long-awaited Community movie is active, with series star Ken Jeong recently revealing his emotional reaction to the script.
Rick and Morty itself is continuing to go strong, as the animated sci-fi comedy has been renewed all the way through to season 12. This means that the two-time Emmy-winning hit will be on air through at least 2029. At the same time, another one of Harmon’s shows, which only premiered last year, may soon get a boost as it’s coming to Netflix.
Krapopolis Is Coming To Netflix In January
The Story Is Set In Ancient Greece
Netflix will soon be getting the first season of Harmon’s animated Greek mythology sitcom Krapopolis. Debuting on Fox in September 2023, with a total of 23 episodes, Krapopolis introduces its take on a mythologized Ancient Greece. It centers on a flawed family of humans, gods, and monsters trying to run one of the world’s first cities without killing each other. With a young human king in charge, Tyrannis (Richard Ayoade), he nonetheless gets help from a variety of creatures and deities.
Along with Ayoade, who is known for his role as Maurice Moss in The IT Crowd, the main Krapopolis voice cast includes Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows), Pam Murphy (Loot), Duncan Trussell (The Midnight Gospel), and Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso).
Krapopolis season 1 will debut on Netflix in the United States on January 15. The comedy is currently airing season 2, which streams on Hulu, but there’s no word yet on whether the other installments will be available on Netflix. Nevertheless, the show’s first outing offers a good sample of what viewers can expect.
Should You Watch Krapopolis?
It’s An Easy Watch
There are comparisons between Krapopolis and Rick and Morty since both hail from the same creator, but the setting and some of the themes diverge. The first episode debuted with a 1.2 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, in addition to 3.6 million viewers in terms of Live + Same Day viewers. However, while the show’s had a strong launch, reviews for Krapopolis are mixed. Still, the consensus on Rotten Tomatoes points to a general endorsement. It reads, in part, “Krapopolis falls short of divine comedy but offers consistent enough chuckles…”
For Fans Of…
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon
Animated comedies
Lighthearted stories about Greek mythology
Perhaps the biggest reason to recommend the show is that there will be a Krapopolis season 3 and beyond. That means that, for anyone that checks out the show and enjoys it, they won’t have to worry about a quick and unexpected cancellation. It likely won’t register as a top-tier or groundbreaking comedy, but it’s a generally solid adult animated series to add to the rotation.
Source: Netflix
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Krapopolis is an animated series set in mythical ancient Greece, where a dysfunctional family of humans, gods, and monsters attempts to manage one of the world’s first cities while navigating their complex relationships and avoiding chaos.
Andy Bobrow
, Hilary Winston
, Jordan Young
, Tom Scharpling
, Sarah Carbiener
, Matt Roller
, Danielle Weisberg
, Becky Mann
, Rob Schrab
, Audra Sielaff
, Heather Anne Campbell
, Alex Rubens
, Emma Fletcher
, Siobhan Thompson
, Diana Tay
Get ready to embark on a hilarious journey through Greek mythology with the upcoming Netflix series created by the mastermind behind Rick & Morty. The highly anticipated sitcom, set to premiere next month, promises to bring a fresh and irreverent take on the classic tales of gods, goddesses, and monsters.
Fans can expect the same offbeat humor, clever writing, and unexpected twists that have made Rick & Morty a cult favorite. With a talented team of writers and animators on board, this new series is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.
So mark your calendars and get ready to binge-watch this epic new show that is guaranteed to be as entertaining as it is educational. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks as the premiere date approaches. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this mythological adventure!
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Rick & Morty, Greek mythology, sitcom, Netflix, creator, Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon, animation, comedy, adult swim, streaming, new series, mythology, animated series, upcoming show, Hades, Zeus, Greek gods, comedy series, entertainment, television, original content, binge-worthy.
Donald Trump’s siding with Elon Musk over visas for high-tech workers is the most significant example yet of the president-elect favoring powerful elements in his new MAGA coalition over his base’s anti-immigrant DNA that he twice tapped in his rise to power.
The boiling holiday feud over H-1B visas exposed new fissures across Trump’s broadened support base and reflected the contradictions between his populist ideology and the self-interests of many of the key players in his refashioned inner circle.
After several days of silence over the controversy, the president-elect stepped in, making clear he supported Musk’s argument for recruitment flexibility for the tech industry.
Musk, the richest man in the world, made his case in a series of outspoken posts on X. “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” he wrote to one critic on the platform that he owns. “I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”
The visa issue erupted into a full-blown storm following comments by Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk’s co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, which Trump has set up to slash the size of federal operations. The former GOP presidential candidate criticized American culture, education standards and children’s TV that he said “venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long.” The comments came perilously close to an elitist’s disdain for millions of Americans and their culture that Republicans have long accused Democrats of promoting.
On the other side of the debate, Steve Bannon, who served in the first Trump administration, blasted H-1B visas on his “War Room” podcast as a “scam” by Silicon Valley oligarchs that are about “taking American jobs and bringing over what essentially become indentured servants at lower wages.”
H-1B visas allow the brightest foreign workers, many of them engineers and computer scientists, to live and work in the US. Supporters say they’re vital to ensuring Silicon Valley innovation continues to lead the world. The issue has become broader than a mere economic question: because of artificial intelligence and new generation computing, the industry is now critical to US defense and national security.
But some of Trump’s most vocal and committed MAGA supporters have blasted the visas as inconsistent with the America First and anti-immigration philosophy on which the president-elect built his appeal. Some critics of the system also argue that by importing foreign workers, the US government blocks the path to advancement for American workers and college graduates, including minorities.
One case is insufficient evidence to judge whether Trump’s favoring of the Tesla and SpaceX pioneer will set the tone for a presidency over which Musk already holds considerable sway. And Trump defies patterns by acting on his gut and keeping opponents off-balance, so it would be risky to see the H1-B visa issue as a wider metaphor for how the administration will unfold.
However, Musk’s capacity to use X to spread his message, as well as Trump’s eventual blessing for his argument, underscores the huge power he commands as the ubiquitous but unelected sidekick of the president-elect. Earlier this month, for example, Musk came out ahead of Trump and used his platform to help tank a bipartisan funding bill in the House, sending the government perilously close to a shutdown.
His influence could have implications beyond immigration policy. Musk’s vast business before the US government — across multiple sectors of the space industry, electric vehicles and artificial intelligence — could quickly cause multiple conflicts of interest. And he has enormous sway abroad — including in countries like China, where the hawkish views of some of Trump’s top Cabinet picks also risk colliding with the tech mogul’s priorities.
H-1B nonimmigrant visas allow American firms to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialized knowledge and advanced academic qualifications to help them stay globally competitive. Proponents say the system is not intended to replace American workers but to fill vital gaps for specialized workers that the US workforce cannot satisfy. The visas have often been used by South Asian workers nurtured in India’s thriving high-tech industries to come to the United States and build a prosperous diaspora.
In isolation, attempts to expand the H-1B visa program would not seem incompatible with Trump’s hardline immigration policy and promise of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants to begin soon after he’s sworn in next month.
But nearly two decades of bipartisan attempts to overhaul and solidify the H-1B program have largely failed, often as broad immigration reform plans foundered on the polarization of immigration politics that Trump used to fuel his rise to power in 2016 and again in 2024.
Trump has now made clear he agrees with Musk and said he’d sometimes usedH-1Bvisas in his businesses, although he’s more frequently employed temporary part-time foreign workers on H-2B visas at his golf resorts and hotels.
“I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump told The New York Post on Saturday about the H-1B system.
Musk made the case for expanding the program in one of his less explosive posts on X. “We should greatly increase legal immigration of anyone who is hard-working, honest and loves America,” he wrote. “Every such person is an asset to the country. But massive illegal immigration of people we know nothing about is insane.”
Supporters of the South Africa-born immigrant argue that his success in disrupting and reinventing industries like space exploration and low-carbon transportation mean he’s exactly the kind of person who should be at the center of government, innovating in Washington.
But the tech mogul also has clear self-interests in remaining close to the next president, given his billions of dollars in contracts with the US government. And his new position at DOGE ostensibly gives him the capacity to slash regulations that constrain his own ventures.
Musk’s zeal for defending H-1B visas appears to be a signal that he will not shirk from aggressively pushing his agenda when Trump is president. It will be up to the president-elect to decidehow he responds.
Liberal social media pundits delighted in highlighting a “civil war” in the MAGA movement. But there’s nothing necessarily new about a president presiding over feuding parties in his coalition.
Trump, for instance, often seems to invite conflict among his aides. And even President Joe Biden had to manage antagonism between the progressive and more moderate wings of the Democratic Party early in his administration.
In the coming weeks, Trump’s ability to reconcile the differing interests among conservative budget hawks, hardline MAGA lawmakers and comparative moderates who may be vulnerable in 2026 general elections will dictate the fate of his aggressive legislative plans on immigration, budget trimming and tax cuts.
But there’s no modern precedent for a faction of a president’s power base being led by someone as rich, mercurial and powerful as Musk with immediate access to a mighty social media network. Republican lawmakers, for instance, spoke before Christmas about how the phones in their offices suddenly lit up when Musk called for the gutting of House Speaker Mike Johnson’s initial year-end spending bill.
And the Tesla chief’s advocacy for the lucrative high-tech industry on the West Coast feels a million miles away from the economic concerns expressed by Trump’s core supporters and the low-propensity voters in the suburbs who paved his way back to the White House.
The president-elect ran on reducing the price of eggs and bacon after a punishing round of inflation — yet he’s largely chosen a Cabinet of billionaires and millionaires who’ve not had to worry about such matters for years. If Trump’s Cabinet secretaries are as zealous in pursuing their personal goals as Musk is, his administration’s policy may appear inconsistent and out of touch.
The uproar over tech visas also revived one of the transition’s most intriguing questions. How long will Trump tolerate Musk’s capacity to dominate political debate in a way that only he can match? Skeptics are convinced that the president-elect will soon tire of Musk’s ubiquity. Democrats have already tried to fracture their relationship by referring to “President Musk.” And the lesson of Trump’s first term is that those who overshadow him soon find themselves exiting his orbit or becoming a scapegoat when things go wrong.
This may be how things develop. But both Trump and Musk have huge incentives to stick together. Musk will never be able to replicate the inside government perch that he can use to promote his interests. And Republicans will be banking on the SpaceX chief’s financial might as the midterm elections approach after he poured tens of millions of dollars into Trump’s 2024 campaign.
But a deeper reality may postpone a possible schism between Trump and Musk. Each has the capacity to wreak destruction on the other. The president-elect will soon be able to wield the federal government as an instrument of revenge. But someone as social media savvy as Trump, who’s spun falsehoods into a reality to which millions of Americans are committed, would surely balk at making an enemy of the man who controls X.
The ongoing visa feud between the United States and various countries around the world is shedding light on what we can expect from the incoming Trump administration. With President-elect Trump’s campaign promises of cracking down on immigration and tightening border security, it’s clear that these visa disputes are just the beginning of a larger trend.
The recent restrictions on visas for certain countries, such as Iran and Sudan, are indicative of the Trump administration’s stance on national security and protecting American interests. By imposing these restrictions, Trump is sending a strong message that he will prioritize the safety of American citizens above all else.
However, the backlash from these visa restrictions also highlights the potential challenges that the Trump administration may face in implementing its immigration policies. The protests and legal challenges against these restrictions demonstrate the strong opposition that exists to Trump’s immigration agenda.
Overall, the visa feud underscores the contentious and divisive nature of the immigration debate in the United States. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, it’s clear that we can expect more hardline immigration policies and increased scrutiny on those seeking to enter the country. The coming years will undoubtedly be filled with heated debates and legal battles over immigration, as the new administration works to fulfill its promises of protecting the American people.
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visa feud, Trump administration, immigration policy, travel restrictions, visa ban, political tensions, foreign policy, government relations, international affairs, immigration debate, policy implications, executive orders, global diplomacy, immigration reform, border control, national security, presidential politics
The action-packed Western The Magnificent Seven, starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt, will soon be available for streaming. The movie is a remake of a 64-year-old Western, which is itself heavily inspired by a samurai film.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Peacock subscribers can saddle up and revisit this thrilling remake of the iconic Western classic. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, most known for Training Day, the film features Washington as Sam Chisolm, a bounty hunter who leads a group of outlaws, gamblers, and sharpshooters to protect a small town from a ruthless industrialist. The star-studded cast also includes Chris Pratt as the charming and wisecracking gunslinger Josh Faraday, Moon Knight’s Ethan Hawke, Daredevil’s Vincent D’Onofrio, and Byung-hun Lee, bringing fresh energy to the story of justice and sacrifice.
Walter Hill helped to usher in countless 80s classics, but his own Western film has been nearly forgotten to time.
The Many Versions of The Magnificent Seven
The 2016 version of The Magnificent Seven continues a long legacy of retellings that began with the original 1960 film, itself a Western reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). The 1960 film, starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and Charles Bronson, became a classic in its own right, with its stirring story and iconic score by Elmer Bernstein. The franchise later spawned several sequels and even a television series in the late 1990s. Antoine Fuqua’s 2016 remake updates the story for a modern audience, combining high-octane action with themes of justice and unity, ensuring that the legacy of The Magnificent Seven continues to resonate with each new generation.
Denzel Washington: A Legendary Career
Washington has long been one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, known for his commanding screen presence and extraordinary range. With two Academy Awards under his belt for Glory and Training Day, Washington has delivered unforgettable performances in films like Malcolm X, Fences, and The Equalizer series. Recently, he starred in The Tragedy of Macbeth, earning widespread acclaim for his powerful interpretation of Shakespeare. Washington is set to appear in the highly anticipated Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, further cementing his status as a Hollywood icon who continues to take on bold and exciting projects.
Clint Eastwood’s critically panned Cry Macho very nearly starred a completely different lead character.
Chris Pratt: From Comedy to Action Stardom
Pratt, who plays the wisecracking sharpshooter Josh Faraday in The Magnificent Seven, has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Rising to fame as Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation, Pratt made the leap to action stardom with roles in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. Most recently, he reprised his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, capping off the trilogy. Pratt’s more recent projects include Garfield, where he voices the iconic lasagna-loving cat, and the upcoming The Electric State, a sci-fi adventure directed by the Russo Brothers.
Don’t Miss The Magnificent Seven on Peacock
Stream The Magnificent Seven (2016) on Peacock starting January 1, 2025.
Seven gunmen from a variety of backgrounds are brought together by a vengeful young widow to protect her town from the private army of a destructive industrialist.
Release Date
September 23, 2016
Cast
Haley Bennett
, Chris Pratt2
, Ethan Hawke
, Sean Bridgers
, Vinnie Jones
, Matt Bomer
, Byung-hun Lee
, Denzel Washington
, Peter Sarsgaard
, Vincent D’Onofrio
, Cam Gigandet
Writers
John Lee Hancock
, Nic Pizzolatto
Runtime
132 minutes
Production Company
Budget
$90 million
Studio(s)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
, Columbia Pictures
, Village Roadshow Pictures
Distributor(s)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Chris Pratt and Denzel Washington are teaming up to bring a classic western back to life on the small screen. The duo will star in a remake of the iconic 1957 film “The Magnificent Seven,” which originally starred Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen.
The new version of the film will be released exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. The project is being helmed by director Antoine Fuqua, who previously worked with Washington on the 2016 remake of “The Magnificent Seven.”
Pratt and Washington are sure to bring their own unique spin to the beloved characters, with Pratt stepping into the role of the charismatic gunslinger and Washington taking on the role of the wise and seasoned leader.
Fans of the original film and newcomers alike are sure to be in for a wild ride with this star-studded remake. Keep an eye out for more details on when the film will be hitting Peacock’s lineup!
Tags:
Chris Pratt, Denzel Washington, Western, Remake, Peacock, 64-Year-Old, Iconic, Movie, Hollywood, Actors, Film, Streaming, Chris Pratt movies, Denzel Washington movies, Chris Pratt Western, Denzel Washington Western
