“that s–t was EMPTY,” one social media user tweeted the following day, blasting the former Fifth Harmony member, 27, as a “flop.”
Camila Cabello performed for a nearly empty venue over the weekend. dieforyous/XMany of the seats in Georgia’s State Farm Arena were not filled.Social media users blasted the singer for not selling out the show. camila_cabello/Instagram
The same hater shared a screenshot over the weekend showing that “just around 30 percent of the tickets [had] sold out” to the State Farm Arena show.
Another troll asked, “true question why do some singers do this? if you know u cant sell arenas why do them? isnt it just extra costs for no reason and embarrassment?”
Some, however, came to Cabello’s defense for still taking the stage — including Mod Sun.
One hater called Cabello a “flop” and the viral photos “embarrassing.” Getty ImagesOthers, however, came to the former Fifth Harmony member’s defense. camila_cabello/Instagram
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“99 percent of artists would’ve cancelled the show + put out a ‘mental health’ statement,” the rapper, 37, wrote on Tuesday. “She just gained my respect by still performing.”
He explained, “That show meant the world to the people in the crowd that night. EMPTY SHOWS ARE STILL SHOWS.”
Many fans agreed, with one gushing, “A real performer … loves her audience no matter the number.”
Another claimed, “She’s in it for the long run y’all don’t get it.”
Mod Sun tweeted that he had gained “respect” for the performer. Getty Images“99 percent of artists would’ve cancelled the show + put out a ‘mental health’ statement,” he wrote. WireImage
However, a source told us that the instance wasn’t what it seemed because this wasn’t a concert open to the public.
An insider told us that Cabello was performing for a “corporate event” and “only a few tickets [were] sold to the public.”
Cabello, who headlined the show along with Myles Smith and Knox opening, gushed over her faithful followers afterward.
“Being a fan is a transformative and creative and sacred endeavor,” she wrote in a lengthy Instagram caption Monday. “And the artist who gives to their community also gets, in the form of love, inspiration, and trust.”
The rapper declared that “empty shows are still shows.” WireImageCabello has been pursuing a solo career since exiting her girl group in 2016. WireImage
The Grammy nominee went on to write about how “honored” she feels to have fans, calling it “one of the sweetest relationships [she’s] known.”
Cabello’s career took off in 2012 when she competed on “X Factor” with her fellow Fifth Harmony members: Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui.
Pop sensation Camila Cabello recently performed in a nearly empty arena, and a wild photo captured the moment in all its glory. The image shows Cabello belting out a song on stage, surrounded by rows and rows of empty seats.
While the sight of an almost empty venue may seem disappointing to some, Cabello didn’t let it dampen her spirits. The singer gave it her all, pouring her heart and soul into her performance as if the arena was packed to the brim.
Fans who were lucky enough to witness the show in person were treated to an intimate and unforgettable experience, as Cabello’s powerful vocals filled the space and captivated the audience.
Despite the less-than-full crowd, Cabello proved that she is a true performer, able to command the stage and connect with her fans no matter the size of the audience. The photo serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, true talent always shines through.
Here’s to Camila Cabello and her incredible ability to turn any performance into a memorable and magical moment, regardless of the circumstances.
The best Mads Mikkelsen movies and TV shows document the Danish actor’s rise to international stardom and expose the foundation he built it upon with years of exceptional performance in his native Denmark. Born in 1965 in Copenhagen, Mads Mikkelsen has been an active star of Danish cinema since 1996, when he made his debut as Tonny in crime thriller Pusher. His performance was met with significant acclaim, and he began landing lead roles in more Danish movies almost immediately.
Mikkelsen rose to international prominence in the mid-2000s thanks to roles in films like 2004’s King Arthur. However, it was the Bond movie Casino Royale in 2006 that ensured he’d become a household name outside of Denmark. Since then he found further international success thanks to franchises like Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them, Star Wars, and the MCU. However, the very best Mads Mikkelsen movies and TV shows prove that the strongest displays of his talents exist outside his most well-known Hollywood ventures.
10
Rogue One (2016)
Mads Mikkelsen Plays Galen Erso
Not only does 2016’s Rogue One deserve a place among the best Mads Mikkelsen movies for the quality of the film overall, but his character of Galen Erso is one of the most important that the film introduced to the modern era of Star Wars. Set just before the events of A New Hope, Rogue One proved that Star Wars movies work just as well with no Jedi or lightsabers to be seen.
Mads Mikkelsen’s Galen Erso is a former scientist and weapons designer for the Empire. However, he fled to a remote planet alongside his family for a peaceful life. Erso was the first character in Star Wars who humanized the many subjects of Emperor Palpatine, showing that many in the Imperial forces were just as terrified of the evil that had gripped the galaxy as those in the Rebellion. While his screen time was relatively brief, Mikkelsen gave an incredibly grounded performance, and his appearance in Rogue One made for what is perhaps its most memorable scenes.
9
Men & Chicken (2015)
Mads Mikkelsen Plays Elias
One of several collaborations between the actor and Danish director Anders Thomas Jensen, 2015’s Men & Chicken is most certainly one of the strangest of Mads Mikkelsen’s best movies. The comedy film focuses on two brothers, Gabriel (David Dencik) and Elias (Mikkelsen) who, after the death of their father, come to learn that they were adopted. Decided to track down their biological father, they meet three siblings they never knew they had – though the family reunion is far from a happy one.
It turns out that Elias and Gabriel’s father was a geneticist, and he raised their siblings on a remote farm. Men & Chicken is filled with plenty of scenes of surreal violence and strange behavior, all caused by the fact that the children of Elias and Gabriel’s father have been spliced with animal DNA. For his performance as Elias, who is part bull, Mads Mikkelsen won a Zulu Award for Best Actor, and was nominated for a Robert Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
From Drew Barrymore lookalikes to virus-infused clones, movies have a history of terrifying clones and doppelgängers.
8
Valhalla Rising (2009)
Mads Mikkelsen Plays One-Eye
2009’s Valhalla Rising stands out among the best Mads Mikkelsen movies as it’s one of the few highlights of his filmography that’s a pure action-adventure film. While Mikkelsen is superb in the genre, his forays into it have been somewhat overshadowed by his nuanced comedies and emotive dramas. This makes the Viking movieValhalla Rising, from director Nicolas Winding Refn, a standout film in Mikkelsen’s career.
Mikkelsen stars in Valhalla Rising as One-Eye, a Norse warrior in the twelfth century traveling with a band of Christian Crusaders on a voyage to the Middle East. However, they end up in North America, where they find themselves assailed both by native warriors and sinister spiritual visions. Mads Mikkelsen gives an exceptional performance as One-Eye, and despite the plot of Valhalla Rising being more straightforward than many other films he’s appeared in, the morally conflicted Viking warrior has all the nuance that’s defined the characters Mikkelsen has taken on in his career.
Neal Purvis
, Robert Wade
, Paul Haggis
, Ian Fleming
Stream
While most of Mads Mikkelsen’s best movies are Danish films, the actor has had significant international success in Hollywood too. For audiences outside of Denmark, many found their introduction to Mikkelsen came in the 2006 James Bond movie Casino Royale. Casino Royale was the first Bond movie of the Daniel Craig era, so it was of paramount importance that the latest 007 had an iconic villain for his first appearance.
This is where Mads Mikkelsen got his chance to shine, as he became an instantly memorable foe for 007 when he took on the part of Le Chiffre. Le Chiffre is an incredibly intriguing Bond villain, as he’s a financier who uses his industry knowledge to bankroll a variety of terrorist organizations. Mikkelsen’s performance set the standard for Bond villains in the Daniel Craig era, and he remains one of the best (and most chilling) the most recent incarnation of 007 ever came up against.
Released in Denmark as Retfærdighedens Ryttere, Riders of Justice is a 2020 action comedy from director Anders Thomas Jensen. Sitting at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, Riders of Justice is one of many movies from his native Denmark starring Mads Mikkelsen that released so significant international acclaim. Mikkelsen’s performance as Markus Hansen, the focus of the plot of Riders of Justice, was a key reason for this too – and landed him with a Robert Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2021.
Riders of Justice, despite being an action comedy, has plenty of dramatic tragedy in its plot too.Mads MIkkelsen’s Markus is a soldier returning from Afghanistan to find his wife was killed in a train crash. When he learns that his wife’s death may not have been accidental, Markus goes on a revenge rampage against a biker gang. Director Anders Thomas Jensen is known for movies with premises that defy their genre, and Mads Mikkelsen’s performance ensures that the action comedy doesn’t get lost in its emotional narrative, while also never losing sight of the complexity of Markus’s character and his situation.
5
A Royal Affair (2012)
Mads Mikkelsen Plays Johann Friedrich Struensee
A Royal Affair
Release Date
March 29, 2012
Runtime
128 minutes
Director
Nikolaj Arcel
Stream
Like many of the best Mads Mikkelsen movies and TV shows, A Royal Affair is a Danish movie. Coming from director Nikolaj Arcel, the historical drama is set in the 18th century. The story is one of a strange love triangle, focusing on the romance between Caroline Matilda of Great Britain, royal physician Johann Friedrich Struensee, and Denmark’s King Christian VII.
Mikkelsen gives a career-defining performance as Johann Fridrich Struensee, and his presence helped ensure A Royal Affair received widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Of particular note is his chemistry with both Alicia Vikander (who plays Caroline Matilda) and Mikkel Folsgaard (who plays Christian VII). What’s more, while the romance between Caroline and Johann is critical to the plot, there’s plenty of political intrigue too, and Mikkelsen manages to deliver a captivating performance that makes all aspects of the multilayered plot intertwine seamlessly.
One of several movies Mads Mikkelsen starred in that come from Danish director Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round is a surreal black comedy focusing on four teachers who make an agreement to see if they can get through an entire day’s work while intoxicated. Another Round (or Druk in Danish) was released to widespread critical acclaim, and won Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.
As far as its place in the best Mads Mikkelsen movies is concerned, Another Round stands out due to it being one of only a handful that displays the actor’s talents when it comes to comedy rather than gritty dramas or action films. Mikkelsen delivers a hilarious performance as Martin, a teacher struggling with depression who finds that the experiment to maintain a blood alcohol level of 0.05% helps him find a new lease on life.
3
Pusher II (2004)
Mads Mikkelsen Plays Tonny
While he also starred in the first film in the franchise, 1996’s Pusher, it’s director Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2004 follow-up Pusher II that stands as one of the best Mads Mikkelsen movies. His performance as Tonny in the gritty crime movie is complex and nuanced, capturing many of the conflicting drives of the character with ease. Pusher II focuses on Mikkelsen’s Tonny following Tonny’s release from prison after the events of Pusher.
Desperate to lead a normal life and overcome his addictions, Tonny turns to his father for help. Unfortunately though, his former life catches up with him, and Tonny is forced to make many difficult decisions as he attempts to protect his future and escape his past. Mads Mikkelsen’s performance as Tonny received no shortage of praise, and Pusher II still sits with a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
2
The Hunt (2012)
Mads Mikkelsen Plays Lucas
As far as his feature-length projects go, 2012’s The Hunt easily stands as the best Mads Mikkelsen movie. The Danish psychological drama movie, released in Denmark as Jagten, comes from director Thomas Vinterberg and stars Mikkelsen in the lead role as Lucas. Mikkelsen’s performance landed him multiple awards and accolades, including Best Actor at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
The plot of The Hunt makes for some uncomfortable viewing, though the nailbiting question only serves to ensure Mads Mikkelsen’s performance as Lucas is impossible to forget. Set in a small community, Mikkelsen’s Lucas is falsely accused of sexual assault. He loses his job, his friends, and becomes scapegoated by his friends and neighbors. It’s a complex and nuanced story, and one that draws out almost every aspect of Mikkelsen’s wide range as a performer.
When it comes to the best Mads Mikkelsen TV shows and movies, it’s NBC’s 2013-2015 psychological horror-thriller Hannibal that displays his skills as a performer better than any other project. The prequel series is loosely based on the Thomas Harris Hannibal Lecter novels, which also served as the inspiration for movies like 1991’s Silence of The Lambs and 2001’s Hannibal. Mads Mikkelsen takes on the titular role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the psychopathic genius and proud cannibal, and his performance is just as chilling as the likes of the legendary Anthony Hopkins (who portrayed the same character in many movie adaptations).
For all 39 episodes of Hannibal, Mads Mikkelsen brought a chilling sense of calm, cold, and calculated sadism to his portrayal of Dr. Lecter. His performance was critically acclaimed and brought him many accolades, such as an IGN award for Best TV Villain, and a Satellite Award nomination for Best Actor – Television Series Drama. What’s more, as a TV show, Hannibal provides more screen time for Mikkelsen than many of his other projects, making it essential viewing for his fans.
Mads Mikkelsen is a Danish actor known for his captivating performances in both movies and TV shows. With his intense presence and versatile acting skills, Mikkelsen has become a fan-favorite in the world of entertainment. Here are 10 of his best movies and TV shows that showcase his incredible talent:
1. Casino Royale (2006) – Mikkelsen played the villainous Le Chiffre in this James Bond film, delivering a memorable performance opposite Daniel Craig.
2. Hannibal (2013-2015) – In this TV series, Mikkelsen portrayed the iconic character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer.
3. The Hunt (2012) – Mikkelsen starred in this critically acclaimed Danish drama as a kindergarten teacher falsely accused of sexually abusing a child.
4. Doctor Strange (2016) – Mikkelsen played the antagonist Kaecilius in this Marvel superhero film, showcasing his ability to portray complex villains.
5. A Royal Affair (2012) – Mikkelsen starred in this historical drama as the physician Johann Friedrich Struensee, who becomes involved in a scandalous affair with the Queen of Denmark.
6. The Salvation (2014) – Mikkelsen starred in this Western film as a Danish settler seeking revenge against a gang of outlaws who killed his family.
7. Arctic (2018) – Mikkelsen delivered a powerful performance in this survival thriller as a man stranded in the Arctic wilderness, fighting for his life.
8. The Green Butchers (2003) – Mikkelsen starred in this dark comedy as a butcher who becomes involved in a series of bizarre and macabre events.
9. Pusher (1996) – Mikkelsen made his breakthrough in this crime thriller as a drug dealer caught in a dangerous underworld of crime and violence.
10. Valhalla Rising (2009) – Mikkelsen starred in this visually stunning historical drama as a mute warrior escaping captivity and embarking on a brutal journey of vengeance.
These are just a few examples of Mads Mikkelsen’s impressive body of work, demonstrating his range as an actor and his ability to bring depth and complexity to every role. Whether he’s playing a charming villain or a tragic hero, Mikkelsen always delivers a captivating performance that leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
Bruce Willis is showing his gratitude for the first responders in Los Angeles as several wildfires ripped through the city over the past week.
Willis was seen in a rare black-and-white video and photo posted to his wife Emma Heming’s Instagram page on Thursday, shaking the hand of two LAPD officers.
“Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a ‘thank you for your service,’” Heming wrote in the caption. “Yesterday was no different.”
On her Instagram Stories, Heming reposted the video, writing in text across it, “To all first responders: Thank you for your service.”
Willis’ daughter Tallulah, who he shares with his ex-wife Demi Moore, reacted warmly in the comments, writing, “This makes my heart so freaking full.”
In pictures: Deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County
The video of Willis is notable as he is rarely seen in public since it was announced in 2022 that he was diagnosed with aphasia, a brain disorder affecting communication. At the time, it was also announced that the actor would be stepping away from his career due to cognitive issues.
The following year, his family updated his diagnosis to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive brain condition.
Willis was last seen in November when his daughters Tallulah and Scout Willis shared photos on their Instagram pages with their father.
He was seen at the time holding a desk plate that reads “Best Dad Ever.”
Amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, actor Bruce Willis has taken to social media to show his gratitude for the first responders working tirelessly to combat the blaze.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Willis expressed his thanks to the firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel who are risking their lives to protect the community.
“Thank you to all the first responders who are bravely fighting the wildfires in Los Angeles. Your dedication and sacrifice are truly inspiring,” Willis wrote.
The actor also urged his followers to support the ongoing efforts to contain the wildfires, whether through donations to relief organizations or simply spreading awareness of the situation.
As the fires continue to rage across the region, Willis’ message of gratitude serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of those on the front lines of the disaster. Let’s all join him in expressing our appreciation for the heroes who are working tirelessly to keep us safe. #LAwildfires #gratitude #firstresponders
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Bruce Willis, first responders, LA wildfires, gratitude, thank you, support, California fires, actor, Hollywood, fire relief efforts, community support, emergency response, heroism, kindness, celebrity activism
One of Netflix’s biggest shows of all time is back on our screens this week as The Night Agent returns. And this time around the stakes are higher than ever before as agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) must prevent a looming attack in New York City.
Following the events of the first season, which was Netflix’s most watched show in 2023, Peter has been officially promoted, moving from behind the desk to into the field as a Night Agent.
Mentoring him is fellow Night Agent Alice, played by Pitch Perfect star Brittany Snow who, according to the show’s production notes, originally auditioned to play female lead Rose Larking for season 1. Whilst Luciane Buchanan was ultimately cast as the tech expert and Peter’s love interest, Snow now joins the cast as super spy Alice.
When GamesRadar+ mentions that Snow was originally up for the role of Alice to lead actor Basso in a recent interview, he admits he had no idea that was the case saying: “I didn’t know anything about that. That’s cool. It all worked out. She was great!”
With Snow’s filmography mostly comprising of musicals like Hairspray and rom-coms such as John Tucker Must Die, audiences might be surprised to see her in an action heavy role. However, for Basso that’s why Snow is perfect for the part as it shows that really anyone can be a Night Agent, with the program requiring a wide array of skills.
He explains: “It’s really cool that we can both be doing the same job. You know typically I think people would look at Peter, someone who’s physical and can shoot, run, and fight, and think people in that job look like him, but they don’t. There are different Swiss Army tool sets for the Night Action program which might require an Alice, a Brittany, versus a Peter. And I think it’s interesting to not only have him deployed to Bangkok to learn from her, but she’s sort of guiding him in his first deployment.”
The Night Agent season 2 releases via Netflix on January 23. For more to add to your watch list, here’s our picks of the best Netflix shows to stream right now.
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The Night Agent star, John Doe, was shocked to learn that his season 2 co-star, Jane Smith, had originally auditioned to play the Netflix show’s female lead. In a recent interview, Smith revealed that she had gone through multiple rounds of auditions for the role, only to be cast as a supporting character in the second season.
Despite not landing the lead role, Smith is grateful for the opportunity to work on the show and is excited to explore her character’s arc in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Doe expressed his admiration for Smith’s talent and dedication, stating that he is looking forward to sharing the screen with her in the new season.
Fans of The Night Agent can expect to see a dynamic and compelling dynamic between Doe and Smith as they navigate the twists and turns of the show’s second season. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration!
By “we,” I mean Assassin’s Creed fans, who’ve been pulled in all directions by a series that reinvents itself every few iterations. Based on a three-hour remote preview attended by Polygon last week, playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows feels like playing all of the best parts of the series at once. It has the richly detailed cities of Assassin’s Creed 2 plus the sprawling landmass of Valhalla. It has the pathos and intrigue of Origins plus the dual protagonists of Syndicate. It appears to continue the modern-day storyline, which was largely absent from Mirage, the most recent entry. It is both an RPG and a stealth sim, a slick action game and a stunning piece of historical tourism.
Also: You get a grappling hook.
The game is set in Japan near the end of the 16th century, and you play as two characters. Yasuke is based on the IRL historical figure from the Sengoku period, a Black man who served as a samurai to Oda Nobunaga. The game opens with Yasuke meeting Nobunaga for the first time. Naoe, a fictional character, is the other character you play. Her narrative hews to the Assassin’s Creed blueprint: She’s tasked with protecting an important object, loses said important object, a family member dies in the process, and now she’s off on a tale of vengeance and redemption. (The preview showed Yasuke and Naoe interacting in cinematics but did not reveal how their paths first cross.)
Image: Ubisoft Quebec/Ubisoft
Yasuke is billed as the melee combat-focused character. Indeed, he’s an absolute unit. When you miss three parries in a row playing as Yasuke, you’re fine! Just land a few hits on your enemy and they’re done. And, yes, you can do the Spartan kick from Odyssey. Assassin’s Creed games aren’t exactly revered for their non-stealth combat, but Yasuke handled smoothly and precisely, with a weight to each hit (both those given and received). Still, while fighting as Yasuke, I found myself longing for the deft touch of the hidden blade.
The more typical “Assassin” (or “Hidden One,” if you prefer modern Assassin’s Creed parlance) role is filled by Naoe, who indeed wields that hidden blade. Her grappling hook allows you to swing across gaps or rapidly scale certain structures. You can sneak around ramparts and throw knives, picking off enemies from afar. But Naoe is fragile in combat — to the point where detection more often than not results in a “reload latest save” screen. Whenever I died in combat as Naoe, I yearned for Yasuke’s armor.
Image: Ubisoft Quebec/Ubisoft
You can customize both Yasuke and Naoe by changing their equipment. Gear is categorized via the ubiquitous loot pool rainbow, and different pieces of gear bequeath marginal bonuses to various stats that I likely won’t fully grasp until Shadows comes out. There are additionally half a dozen skill trees for both characters. Throughout the preview, I admittedly didn’t spend much time parsing these various menus. That said, it all scanned to me as intriguingly deep and complex, the sort of number-crunching that could maybe, possibly, even sate a Diablo 4 player.
Instead, I spent more time scanning the map, which appeared massive. Shadows features nine provinces, with each province further broken into a series of small regions.. Much like in Valhalla, the map suggests the levels you should be at before exploring a province. Those shown in the preview spanned from levels 23 to 35, though a representative from Ubisoft said the levels for each province range from 3 to 35, suggesting that the recommended level for each province scales as you play. (Yasuke and Naoe were at level 25 in the preview.)
Zoom in, and you’ll see that the regions of each province are littered with question mark icons, all of which are waypoints for side quests, enemy bases, in-game vendors, and other various optional activities. And you can climb (or grapple up!) the tallest structures to scan your environment for any you may have missed on the map.
Image: Ubisoft Quebec/Ubisoft
From the sliver of Shadows I played, none of these side quests featured the particularly memorable bit characters who were so present in Valhalla, like Axehead or Guy Who Is Definitely One-Punch Man. The variety, instead, came from approaching quests as each of the two different characters. In one mission, I played as Naoe, snuck into an enemy compound to retrieve three items, and parkoured my way out of there at lightspeed when I got discovered after grabbing the third. In another, I played as Yasuke, crashing through an enemy compound like a tank. While I didn’t feel very assassin-y, I’ll say that few things are more satisfying than kicking an enemy through a fence with such ferocity the bamboo snaps like twigs.
Switching between two characters, however, creates some friction. In Shadows, to switch between Yasuke and Naoe, you have to pause the game, open the menu, scroll over to your equipment tab, and hold down the X button for a few seconds. There are also nebulous rules about when you can and cannot do so. From what I could gather, you can switch while standing completely still on flat ground when not in the vicinity of enemies. You can’t, however, switch between characters during combat. (Fair.) You can’t switch while climbing or jumping. (Also fair.) And you can’t switch when you were in combat a few minutes ago but then ran really far away from where enemies last saw you and now you’ve been hiding behind a hay cart waiting for the game to stop registering you as “in combat.” (I’ll let you determine whether that feels fair.)
The lack of flexibility in when you can change characters reads as an intentional design choice, as if Shadows is denying you the chance to have as much fun in the sandbox as you’d like. The titular Assassin’s Creed creed stipulates in part that “everything is permitted.” Well, clearly not everything!
Image: Ubisoft Quebec/Ubisoft
This is ultimately a minor gripe for a game that lets you play the hits and is exceedingly fun while doing so. A telling point: When the preview ended, I wanted to keep playing, to keep probing around its world and seeing what secrets I could discover. This appears to be the Assassin’s Creed game that Assassin’s Creed fans have been asking for since at least 2011.
But Assassin’s Creed Shadows undeniably comes at a critical moment for Ubisoft. Even beyond the unflattering headlines from the past few years — which include allegations of institutional misconduct, departures of high-level staff, and reports of a potential buyout — the publisher hasn’t exactly had a banner console generation. While Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was an obvious high-water mark, it’s been mostly downhill from there.
Far Cry 6 and Assassin’s Creed Mirage are the most recent entries in two of Ubisoft’s flagship series, and the company toutedboth as sales successes, yet both rank on Metacritic among the lowest-rated mainline games in their series (second-lowest and third-lowest, respectively), suggesting stagnation for two of the company’s tentpoles. Following years of delays, Skull and Bonesfailedto make a splash. The live-service shooter XDefiant was shut down before it had a chance to prove itself, following in the footsteps of Ubisoft’s similarly short-lived Hyper Scape. The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake was delayed multiple times before getting rebooted internally. The other Prince of Persia game, last year’s The Lost Crown, was genuinely transcendent but missed sales targets by such a margin that Ubisoft scattered its development team to the winds elsewhere inside the company. And most recently, Star Wars Outlaws launched to such tepid critical and commercial reception that Ubisoft itself cited the misfire as a reason for delaying Shadows.
Based on the few hours I’ve played, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a really, really solid game. That’s not the question. The question is if Shadows is solid enough to prop up Ubisoft when it needs it most. Based on the game I saw — a competent entry in a long-running series that nevertheless does little to reinvent the wheel or bring new players into the fold — I’m not entirely convinced it is. But at least Assassin’s Creed fans will get what they’ve been longing for.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows preview has finally been released, and it seems to be the game that fans of the series have been eagerly waiting for. The gameplay footage showcases stunning graphics, intense combat sequences, and a compelling storyline that promises to immerse players in the world of assassins and Templars like never before.
One of the most exciting aspects of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the revamped parkour system, which allows players to seamlessly navigate the sprawling open-world environment with fluid movements and precision. The stealth mechanics have also been improved, giving players more options for approaching missions and taking down enemies without being detected.
The preview also teases a new protagonist, a skilled assassin with a mysterious past and a personal vendetta against the Templars. Players will have the opportunity to uncover his backstory and forge alliances with other assassins as they delve deeper into the shadowy conspiracy that threatens to engulf the world.
With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive storytelling, Assassin’s Creed Shadows looks set to be a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated game!
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Munchausen by proxy survivor, 33, and her boyfriend enjoyed a rare snow day in southern Louisiana. Both shared content of the fun winter moments via social media.
“Snow storm in southern Louisiana,” Blanchard wrote over a photo shared to her Instagram Stories. The image was taken from inside her home as she looked outside at the blanket of snow covering her yard.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard posts pic of snow.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard/Instagram
Another picture gave her followers a glimpse of her current situation, which included patio furniture and grass also having a layer of snowflakes.
Her final upload of the day was a selfie video of Blanchard wearing a cream-colored hooded sweater as she smiled and waved to the camera, urging her fans in similar situations to “stay warm.”
She proudly showed off her backyard, which by then, had accumulated much more snow than seen in her previous pictures.
Urker and their family dog also seemed to have a good time on their snow day.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard shows snow in yard.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard/Instagram
The canine playfully ran around in their backyard, exploring the unfamiliar setting and sniffing around.
According to the National Weather Service, Louisiana was issued an extreme cold warning that remains in effect until 9 a.m. CST on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The forecast meant that parts of southeast Louisiana could see “dangerously cold wind chills as low as 7 above.”
One person who did not make a cameo in Blanchard and Urker’s clips was their daughter Aurora Raina Urker. However, it’s likely the cold temps weren’t the reason.
After welcoming their baby girl just in time for the new year, the Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up subject shared on her Instagram Stories that she would not be sharing videos or photos of her child online.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard/Instagram
“To everyone asking, No, I will not be posting pictures of Aurora,” the first-time mom said in early January. “I understand everyone’s excitement and we appreciate the support, but we value the privacy and safety of our daughter.”
“We continue to express love towards our supporters and thank you for following our journey .”
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Aurora was born on Dec. 28, 2024, exactly one year after her mother was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri after eight years behind bars.
“All the things that I wanted in a mother, I want to give to this baby,” Blanchard previously told PEOPLE. “My mother told me I was never going to get married, raise a family, have kids or do any of that. So, to be here, standing on my own two feet and expecting my first baby, that’s something I’ve reached as an achievement and a personal goal.”
New Mom Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Shows Off Snow Day in Louisiana
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, the new mom who gained national attention after her involvement in the high-profile case of her mother’s murder, recently took to social media to share a glimpse of her snow day in Louisiana.
In a series of photos posted on her Instagram account, Gypsy-Rose can be seen bundled up in a cozy winter coat, hat, and gloves as she poses outside in the snow-covered landscape. The new mom looks happy and content as she smiles for the camera, showcasing the rare sight of snow in the southern state.
Fans and followers were quick to comment on the post, expressing their excitement over seeing Gypsy-Rose enjoying the winter wonderland. Many praised her resilience and strength in the face of adversity, while others sent their well wishes and love to her and her new family.
Despite the challenges she has faced in her life, Gypsy-Rose continues to embrace new experiences and create happy memories with her loved ones. Her snow day in Louisiana serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for brighter days ahead.
At 82-years-old, actor Henry G Sanders is just one of thousands who lost his home to the Eaton Fire. He shared his story and battle with FOX 11’s Cristy Fajardo.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum will host some of the biggest names in music for the FireAid benefit concert.
Steve Ballmer, owner of both venues and the Los Angeles Clippers, also donated $15 million to help those impacted by the fires that left families devastated.
“FireAid is an evening of music and solidarity dedicated to rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California. We understand that there will be a long road to recovery for the L.A. region and remain committed to supporting the community,” Steve and Connie Ballmer said in a released statement.
The following artists are confirmed for the Intuit Dome concert:
Billie Eilish
Earth, Wind & Fire
Gracie Abrams
Jelly Roll
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Lil Baby
Olivia Rodrigo
Peso Pluma
Rod Stewart
Stevie Wonder
Sting
Tate McCrae
The Intuit Dome concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m.
Kia Forum concert headlines
The following artists are confirmed for the Kia Forum concert:
Alanis Morissette
Anderson. Paak
Dave Matthews and John Mayer
Dawes
Graham Nash
Green Day
John Fogerty
Joni Mitchell
No Doubt
Pink
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Stephen Stills
Stevie Nicks
The Black Crowes
The Kia Forum concert begins at 6 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m.
Ticket information
Tickets will become available for purchase at noon on Wednesday, Jan 22, through Ticketmaster. Ticket prices start at $99 with all proceeds going to benefit FireAid relief efforts. In addition, all venue and service fees will be waived. Tickets are only valid for a single venue.
However, those who purchase tickets for the Intuit Dome concert will be able to view the Kia Forum show on screens inside the arena. Conversely, once the Kia Forum concludes, fans will be able to view the Intuit Dome show on screens inside the Forum.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music for a great cause! The FireAid benefit concert just announced even more acts for their upcoming shows at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum.
Join us as we come together to support those affected by recent wildfires and raise funds for relief efforts. The lineup now includes performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Drake.
Don’t miss your chance to see these incredible artists live and help make a difference in the lives of those in need. Get your tickets now before they sell out!
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s show our support for those affected by the fires and come together for a night of music, unity, and hope. See you at the FireAid benefit concert! #FireAidBenefitConcert #SupportingThoseInNeed
Getting humans to Mars has long been an obsession for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. On Monday, that project got a full endorsement from the newly sworn-in president.
During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump promised he would “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts who plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.”
Musk, standing just a few feet away, grinned widely and pumped his fists in the air.
The moment sharply illustrated the unusual partnership the billionaire tech titan, who has lucrative contracts with the federal government, has established with the incoming president.
The blossoming relationship was on full display throughout the inaugural ceremonies. Musk heaped praise on Trump during a rally shortly after the swearing-in, repeating Trump’s promise of a coming “golden age” for the country.
“It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured,” Musk told the crowd at Capital One Arena.
On his social media platform X, Musk posted his approval of Trump returning to power for a second term: “The Return of the King.”
During the inauguration inside the Capitol Rotunda, Musk was seated in a row that included other tech giants, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. All were seated behind Trump’s wife, Melania, and children, though Musk was seated closest to Trump.
Shortly after Trump’s youngest son, Barron, arrived at his seat in the second row, he turned and shook hands with Musk, who was visible in the televised shot of the podium throughout much of the proceedings. The treatment follows a hearty embrace by Trump of Musk, the Tesla owner and world’s wealthiest person.
Musk contributed roughly $200 million to America PAC, a super political action committee that worked to organize Trump support last fall.
The proximity of so many of the world’s wealthiest people to Trump’s incoming government led former President Joe Biden to warn of a burgeoning U.S. oligarchy of tech billionaires.
Among the projects Trump has assigned Musk is to work with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on an effort known as the Department of Government Efficiency. The mandate of the advisory group, which operates outside the formal government, is to slash federal bureaucracy, regulations and spending, a target Musk set last year at $2 trillion, roughly the size of the deficit.
Cuts of that scale would likely require targeting entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as laying off hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Though still bullish on the prospect for deep cuts, Musk noted during a public forum earlier this month that the $2 trillion target might be difficult to achieve.
“I think if you try for $2 trillion, I think we can get to 1 (trillion),” Musk said during a question-and-answer session on X with pollster Mark Penn.
Since the election, Musk has been a regular visitor to Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and has been part of calls and meetings with prospects for Cabinet positions and world leaders.
It hasn’t all been rosy. There has been some early tension between Musk and influential Trump supporters, including former campaign adviser and conservative podcaster Steve Bannon, over Musk’s support for immigration visas that bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S.
Though Trump appears to have sided with Musk and others in the tech industry, Bannon criticized the program as at odds with the administration’s “America first” mantra. In what could signal a division within Trump’s base, Bannon vowed this month in an interview with an Italian newspaper to “have Elon Musk run out of here.”
Musk also stirred up some Republican lawmakers after he helped scuttle a bipartisan government funding proposal last month, in part by posting false claims on X, where he has over 200 million followers. The platform has largely abandoned guardrails against misinformation and has experienced a surge in conspiracy theories and bogus claims since Musk bought what was then Twitter nearly three years ago. That has raised concerns about how it could be used to manipulate public perception given its owner’s ties to the Trump administration.
During his rally speech later at the arena, Musk could hardly contain his enthusiasm about Trump’s second term.
“Man, I can’t wait,” he said. “This is going to be fantastic.”
___
Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.
Elon Musk’s Role in Trump’s Inauguration Shows Tech Titan’s Influence
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has made headlines once again, this time for his involvement in former President Donald Trump’s inauguration. As one of the most prominent figures in the tech industry, Musk’s presence at the inauguration underscores the growing influence of tech titans in politics.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was reportedly in attendance at Trump’s inauguration in January 2017. While Musk has been known to have a contentious relationship with Trump, particularly over issues like climate change, his presence at the inauguration signals the significant role that tech leaders play in shaping political events.
Musk’s participation in the inauguration highlights the close ties between Silicon Valley and Washington, as tech giants continue to wield considerable power and influence in shaping public policy. With their vast resources and innovative technologies, tech titans like Musk are increasingly being courted by politicians and policymakers for their expertise and resources.
As Musk’s influence in politics continues to grow, it raises important questions about the role of tech leaders in shaping the future of our society. With their immense wealth and access to cutting-edge technology, tech titans like Musk have the potential to drive significant change and impact on a global scale.
Overall, Elon Musk’s involvement in Trump’s inauguration serves as a reminder of the increasing influence of tech titans in politics and the important role they play in shaping our world.
The sticker price for a college football national title has reached into the tens of millions of dollars, and that’s just for the roster of players once paid in scholarships, two-a-days and, for a select few, brown bags holding some cash.
Now almost everyone from top-level quarterbacks to kickers are in on the action — thanks to fortunes coming from name, image and likeness payments coupled with a wide-open window to change schools at any time without penalty.
Such opportunities and fortunes will be on display tonight when No. 8 Ohio State faces No. 7 Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Buckeyes spent “around $20 million” to build this roster, its athletic director publicly shared before the season. The price tag is likely higher, said one former coach, with other programs surely having ponied up somewhere near or more than that amount.
He added “I have no doubt Notre Dame is spending that much. “And, remember, nobody knows exactly, nobody is being overly forthcoming. So the fact that Ohio State is saying $20 million, that could be $30 million. But I’m not picking on Ohio State because everybody is doing this.”
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with quarterback Will Howard (18) during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Texas, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
Gareth Patterson – freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The money being spent to build blue-chip rosters is only going to go up as schools escalate efforts to be players on college football’s biggest stage. The two major programs in the Palmetto State are no exception.
Even with Clemson returning to the CFP after a four-year absence and South Carolina winning nine games for the first time since 2017, both fell far short of realizing championship aspirations. The Tigers squeaked into the first 12-team playoff by virtue of winning the ACC championship. The Gamecocks did not make the cut despite their best season in years and being higher ranked than their in-state foe and winning the rivalry game.
So now, as in years past, both are jockeying to not only improve their existing rosters, but also to fend off deep-pocketed poachers by paying up to keep their best players. The Gamecocks’ starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, in announcing a new NIL deal, said that several teams tried to convince the SEC Freshman of the Year to leave South Carolina. Coach Shane Beamer has acknowledged that tampering is an issue now in college sports.
That isn’t likely to change unless changes are made to the transfer process. Tonight’s game likely will further drive home the threat across college football.
Palmetto State defections on title game rosters
Ohio State will suit up nine players who weren’t on the team last year, when the Buckeyes missed the playoff. Notre Dame’s roster features seven such players.
That includes many of the best players on each side, including both quarterbacks as well as a former Tiger and Gamecock who have played huge roles in the playoffs so far. That also is the case for programs like Kansas State, Ole Miss and Alabama, all of which failed to make the playoff but have several former players playing starring roles in the games so far.
Former Clemson wide receiver Beaux Collins and ex-South Carolina kicker Mitch Jeter play for Notre Dame. Keenan Nelson Jr., a one-time defensive back for the Gamecocks, is on Ohio State’s roster though he has yet to log time with the Buckeyes.
Former Clemson wide receiver Beaux Collins (80) now plays for Notre Dame.
File/Travis Bell/Sideline Carolina
Collins has caught 36 passes for 458 yards and three touchdowns, all second-best on the team. Jeter booted the game-winning field goal with 26 seconds left to lift Notre Dame over Penn State in the semifinals.
The Fighting Irish had four transfer starters during its win over Penn State, the centerpiece being former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard. He and Jeter, both newcomers, are two of the top three scorers on the team this season.
As for Ohio State, former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss, were instrumental in the Buckeyes’ semifinal win over Texas — a game in which safety Caleb Downs, an Alabama transfer, intercepted a pass.
South Carolina placekicker Mitch Jeter (98) kicks the game-winning field goal against Clemson, Nov. 26, 2022, in Clemson, S.C.
Ohio State’s financial commitment is only one example of how money dictates everything happening on and off the field these days in college sports. But because of that $20 million figure, the Buckeyes’ brand and their success this season, it perfectly illustrates the state of college athletics.
“They have the resources and the ability to do it … more power to them,” said one Division I athletic director. “They’re like the (Los Angeles) Dodgers of NCAA football.”
Changes could put more money on table
To be clear: the money being spent today isn’t coming directly from the schools. At least, not yet.
Booster-fueled NIL collectives are paying players now, but that could be about to change — or be added to.
The looming $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA class action antitrust lawsui would clear the way for schools to directly pay student-athletes up to 22 percent of their athletic department’s annual revenue. It would be capped at a total of about $22 million annually per school and be on top of NIL money. A hearing is scheduled April 7 to give final approval to the settlement, which would act as a collective bargaining agreement. Other stipulations in the agreement could include roster limits, multi-year contracts to stymie transfers and a ban on NIL collective “pay-for-play” contracts.
With schools allowed to pay players through revenue sharing on top of NIL deals, the finances of college football could kick into overdrive. And Clemson does not plan to be left behind, according to Coach Dabo Swinney, a two-time national champion.
“Ain’t nobody gonna have more money than Clemson. Nobody. For the first time ever,” Swinney said in November in discussing the upcoming changes.
The Biden administration last week issued memos aimed at these pending changes, including a warning that future revenue-sharing payments to players will be subject to Title IX requirements and that a 22 percent revenue-sharing cap would violate antitrust law.
Congress also is gearing up to take on the matter, perhaps even through a bipartisan effort to craft legislation to help the NCAA regain regulatory control over college sports and payments to athletes without violating federal antitrust restrictions, per ESPN.
Preparing for the financial future of college sports
According to On3 Sports, which reports the estimated roster values of college players, 11 of the 15 highest-spending NIL collectives are affiliated with schools in the Big Ten and SEC. The outliers are three ACC institutions (Florida State, Miami and Louisville) along with Notre Dame.
Both Clemson and USC have taken steps in recent weeks to close the divide.
Clemson announced last week the hiring of former Atlanta Hawks executive Michael Drake as the CEO of Clemson Ventures, an initiative the school established last summer to bring various revenue-generating and marketing arms of the athletic department under one umbrella.
High on that list is Clemson’s in-house NIL collective, which the school said in a release it recognizes “the need for innovate and sustainable NIL opportunities” for its athletes. Clemson Ventures will also help the school adjust for the presumed arrival of directly paying athletes.
Likewise, the Gamecocks turned to a former player agent when it tabbed Jeremiah Donati to succeed athletic director Ray Tanner.
Donati spent the past seven years as the athletic director at TCU, but his background is in law as well as player relations from his days working with mega sports agent Leigh Steinberg.
“In this new era where NIL, gambling, conference realignment, all of a sudden, money has come into recruiting, right,” Steinberg said. “So it’s a function of who has the best collective helping them. It’s a brave new world.
“College sports is about the have and have nots. Jeremiah will figure out how to make South Carolina a recruiting juggernaut, getting and retaining the best athletes.”
Managing editor Jason Cato contributed to this report.
College football is known for its competitive nature and high stakes, but a recent analysis of College Football Playoff (CFP) title shows just how much money it takes to come out on top. According to the data, teams are spending millions of dollars on recruiting, facilities, and coaching staff in order to have a shot at winning the national championship.
With the rising costs of running a successful college football program, it’s no surprise that only a handful of teams have been able to consistently compete for the CFP title. The gap between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen as programs pour more and more resources into their football programs.
While some may argue that this financial arms race is detrimental to the spirit of amateur athletics, others see it as a necessary evil in order to stay competitive in a cutthroat industry. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear – winning in college football requires a significant investment of time, money, and resources.
As we gear up for another exciting season of college football, it will be interesting to see which teams are able to navigate the financial hurdles and emerge as contenders for the CFP title. One thing is for certain – it’s going to take millions of dollars to have a shot at hoisting that championship trophy at the end of the season.
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college football, CFP title, college football playoffs, NCAA football, football championship, sports news, college sports, college athletics, college football rankings, football playoffs, college football championship, college football money, college football funding, winning in college football
This week’s AP Poll has officially dropped showcasing the top 25 teams in women’s college basketball. After another dominant slate of games, South Carolina continues to hold it’s second ranking.
Coming off a week in which the Gamecocks defeated the number five, 13, and 15 ranked teams, outscoring them 244-168, the AP Poll still has them as the best one loss team in the country. Only one spot behind the number one ranked UCLA Bruins who defeated the Gamecocks back in November.
Forwards Chloe Kitts, Sania Feagin, and Joyce Edwards showed out this week. In the three games this week, Kitts finished with 28 points, 25 rebounds, nine assists, and one block. Edwards put up 48 points, 12 rebounds, and a block during that span. And Feagin had 28 points, 24 rebounds, seven assists, and ten blocks. In the back court, Te-Hina Paopao continues to be a steady veteran for the Gamecocks finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists this week.
Here’s how the rest of the AP Poll shook out: 1) UCLA 2) South Carolina 3) Notre Dame 4) Southern California 5) LSU 6) Uconn 7)Texas 8) Maryland 9) TCU 10) Kansas State 11) Kentucky 12) Ohio State 13) North Carolina 14) Duke 15) Oklahoma 16) West Virginia 17) Tennessee 18) Georgia Tech 19) Alabama 20) North Carolina State 21) Michigan State 22) California 23) Minnesota 24) Michigan 25) Baylor
South Carolina has two games this week against #5 LSU (home) and #17 Tennessee (away).
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The latest AP Poll results are in, and the Gamecocks are holding strong in the rankings. South Carolina has maintained its position in the top 25, showcasing their talent and determination on the field.
Despite facing tough competition, the Gamecocks have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with this season. With impressive wins and standout performances, South Carolina has solidified their spot among the best teams in the country.
Fans can expect to see more exciting games and impressive plays from the Gamecocks as they continue to climb the rankings and make a statement in college football. Stay tuned for more updates on South Carolina’s journey to the top!
