United News of Bangladesh

Bruno Mars was crowned the “new king of Las Vegas” on Friday as he rode down the Strip in a pink low-rider, flanked by two showgirls. City officials honoured the pop star—now one of Sin City’s signature performers—with a parade and by naming a street “Bruno Mars Drive.” The day was also declared “Bruno Mars Day,” as he launched his global Romantic Tour at Allegiant Stadium. “It’s such a privilege, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Mars told a large crowd gathered along the Strip. He joins a select group of legends with streets named after them in Las Vegas, including Elvis Presley and Rat Pack icons Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.. MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle said Mars has proven he has the staying power to remain a major Las Vegas performer for years. Mars has been performing in the city for more than 15 years, staging over 140 shows during his residency from 2016 to 2025. Two years ago, he opened “The Pinky Ring,” a cocktail lounge and nightclub at the Bellagio. “I love this city so much,” he said. The singer also pledged to donate $1 million to the Las Vegas Children’s Hospital, with partner MGM Grand matching the amount. The celebration wrapped up with a short performance by Mars and his band, The Hooligans, offering fans a preview of his evening show at the stadium. Hundreds of fans waited for hours in the heat to catch a glimpse of the star. Local resident Deedee Jenkins said she was excited to see Mars join the ranks of legendary performers. “They’re old school. This is new blood, and I’m ready for it,” she said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the dates for the 99th and 100th Oscars, marking the final ceremonies to air on ABC before the show moves to YouTube. According to the academy and ABC, the 99th Oscars will take place on March 14, 2027, and the 100th on March 5, 2028. Both events will be the last to be held at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Starting 2029, the Oscars will have a new home at YouTube and a new physical venue at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, as part of a 10-year deal with AEG. The shows will continue to air at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific. Last month’s 98th Oscars saw a 9% drop in TV ratings after several years of growth. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony honored ‘One Battle After Another’ with best picture and director, Michael B. Jordan won best actor for ‘Sinners’, and Jessie Buckley took best actress for ‘Hamnet’.

James Tolkan, the actor remembered for his roles as a strict vice principal in ‘Back to the Future’ and a commanding officer in ‘Top Gun’, has passed away at the age of 94. Tolkan died Thursday at his home in Lake Placid, New York, his booking agent John Alcantar confirmed Saturday. A short obituary on the ‘Back to the Future’ website said he passed away “peacefully,” without mentioning a cause. In the 1985 classic ‘Back to the Future’, Tolkan played the bow tie-wearing Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who constantly watched over students, especially Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox. His memorable line, “You got a real attitude problem, he was a slacker, too,” has become iconic. Tolkan also appeared in ‘Top Gun’ as Cmdr. Tom “Stinger” Jardian. In a notable scene near the film’s end, he reacts with humor when Tom Cruise’s character chooses his future duty: “God help us,” he says with a laugh. Born in Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan graduated high school in Arizona and served in the Navy during the Korean War. He later moved to New York, where he spent 25 years performing in theater, including as part of the original cast of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles, who said Tolkan loved art and adored animals.

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who made her film debut in the Tamil movie ‘Thamizhan’ and later in Hindi cinema with ‘The Hero: Love Story of a Spy’, revealed why she left Bollywood at the height of her career to pursue opportunities in Hollywood. In a recent podcast, the former Miss World said she dislikes staying “in the shit” and believes in pivoting when life gets tough. “We all have battles, but I don’t like getting used to the smell,” she said. “I pick myself up, grieve, feel the pain and then pivot. I have done that many times in my career.” Priyanka admitted she had no clear roadmap when she took the leap abroad. “There wasn’t much precedent. I just gave it a shot. I knew I was a hard worker and could hold my own with any filmmaker or co-actor,” she said. She also cited a lack of Indian representation in global entertainment as a motivation. “In American pop culture, I had only seen people like Mindy Kaling and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Very few Indians, male or female, were working in Hollywood. I wanted to explore why and create more space for Indian talent,” Priyanka explained. The actress, last seen in the Hindi film ‘The Sky Is Pink’ (2019), will return to Indian cinema with Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli’s pan-India project ‘Varanasi’(2027). She has also expanded into film production and appeared in international films including ‘Love Again’, ‘Tiger’ (2023), ‘Heads of State’ (2025), and ‘The Bluff’ (2026). Priyanka Chopra’s journey reflects her drive to constantly challenge herself and broaden the global presence of Indian actors. Source: NDTV

Major Hollywood studios have demanded that ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, immediately stop its new AI video tool, Seedance 2.0, over alleged copyright violations involving clips based on existing films and TV shows. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing leading US studios including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros Discovery, said the AI service engaged in “unauthorised use of US copyrighted works on a massive scale” in a single day. Seedance 2.0 allows users to generate highly realistic clips from short text prompts, including scenes featuring actors such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, as well as reimagined TV characters. The tool has gone viral on social media, with users posting AI-generated scenes based on franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Seinfeld, Avengers, and Breaking Bad. MPA chairman Charles Rivkin criticized ByteDance for operating “without meaningful safeguards against infringement,” warning that the tool undermines copyright protections and threatens millions of jobs in the US entertainment industry. ByteDance said it has suspended the ability to upload images of real people and will implement robust monitoring to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. The company described the AI-generated content as part of a limited pre-launch testing phase and stressed that it takes potential copyright issues seriously. Hollywood creators have expressed concern over the technology’s implications. Deadpool writer Rhett Reese described the AI-generated fight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as “professional” and said the industry could face a major disruption. Heather Anne Campbell, writer for Saturday Night Live and Rick & Morty, noted that while AI allows limitless creative possibilities, original ideas remain challenging, comparing many outputs to fan fiction. The rapid rise of AI-generated video is prompting urgent discussions in the US entertainment sector on how to balance innovation with copyright protection and preserve jobs in the creative industry.   With inputs from BBC

Actress Sydney Sweeney may face legal action after climbing the Hollywood Sign to promote her lingerie brand, officials said Tuesday. The stunt, filmed at night, showed Sweeney dressed in black cargo pants, a hoodie, and a cap. She tied several bras from her brand across one of the sign’s letters. Sweeney’s team reportedly obtained a filming permit from Film LA but did not get approval from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which manages commercial use of the landmark. The chamber said it was unaware of the stunt until footage circulated online. Steve Nissen, chief of the chamber, said, “Anyone using the Hollywood Sign for commercial purposes must get prior permission. No license or approval was granted for this production.” Officials from the Hollywood Sign Trust, a nonprofit that oversees the structure, also confirmed they had no knowledge of the act. TMZ reported the bras were removed after filming ended. Legal experts said Sweeney and her production team could face consequences if the chamber decides to take action.   With inputs from NDTV

The glitter surrounding Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the hit Broadway adaptation, faded sharply after the film failed to secure a single Oscar nomination, despite its predecessor earning 10 nods a year earlier. The absence stunned awards watchers, particularly as the sequel had entered the season as a strong contender. Lead actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both received Golden Globe nominations, while the film was shortlisted in several technical categories and tipped for recognition in best original song and supporting actress. Industry analysts say the disappointment reflects a broader cooling of enthusiasm. Critics were notably less impressed this time, with the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score dropping significantly from the first instalment. Several high-profile reviews labelled the sequel overlong and lacking the spark that made the original a cultural moment. Observers also point to franchise fatigue. Splitting the musical into two films initially seemed bold, but the second half of the story, expanded to feature-length scale, struggled to maintain momentum. Box office figures echoed that decline, with the sequel earning substantially less than the first film worldwide. Marketing dynamics also shifted. While the original benefitted from a vibrant, viral promotional campaign driven by the chemistry between its stars, the sequel’s publicity push was comparatively subdued, offering little novelty to rekindle the earlier excitement. The Academy’s choices this year underlined that change in mood, favouring original, standalone films over sequels. For many in Hollywood, the Oscars shutout signalled that the magic which once surrounded Wicked had finally worn off.   With inputs from BBC

US actor Ashton Kutcher has said Hollywood is not responsible for pushing unrealistic beauty standards. He said society is the main driver behind people’s desire to look perfect. Kutcher, 47, is starring in the science fiction series The Beauty, about a drug that transforms people into their most attractive version. He told media that entertainment reflects society and does not force uniform beauty. He said social media and constant on-camera exposure have increased pressure to appear perfect. Cosmetic enhancements are becoming socially acceptable, he added. The series, adapted from a comic by Ryan Murphy, also features Meghan Trainor and highlights current social issues, including weight-loss drugs and cosmetic procedures. Kutcher said many people pursue these treatments not for health reasons but to fit beauty ideals. Co-star Rebecca Hall said the show questions society’s obsession with beauty. Her character, an FBI agent, investigates the deaths of extremely attractive people and faces her own insecurities. Kutcher and Hall said the series shows the risks of chasing unattainable beauty and the impact of social pressure on mental health.   With inputs from BBC

High-speed ambition meets cinematic flair in the ‘F1’ movie. Starring Brad Pitt, this sports drama got its theatrical release on June 27, 2025, by Warner Bros. Pictures. Anticipation has been building for months. Now, the film is finally in theatres, fuelling both curiosity and debate. Let’s explore how this film fares on screen and at the box office. F1 (2025) Movie's Cast and Crew The movie bears the directorial mark of Joseph Kosinski. Ehren Kruger steers the screenplay. Both Kosinski and Kruger craft the story. Apart from Pitt, the cast also includes Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem. Produced with direct involvement from the FIA (Federation Internationale de Automobile), the film taps into the real world of Formula 1. Actual teams and drivers appear on screen, with Lewis Hamilton doubling as producer. Kosinski, Pitt, Bruckheimer, Gardner, Kleiner, and Oman round out the production unit. Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025 Storyline of the F1 (2025) Movie The drama follows a legendary driver who returns to F1 after three decades away. His mission: rescue an underdog APXGP team on the brink of collapse. Loyalty fuels his comeback. Engines roar and rivalries ignite. Redemption awaits on the world’s greatest racing stage. Scripting, Star Performance, and Direction ‘F1’ delivers a striking visual tribute to motorsport. The racing feels real. The grit, the stakes, the speed – authentic. Kruger borrows his ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ finesse but stumbles on emotional depth. Character arcs lack weight. Clichés cloud potential. Brad Pitt leads as the seasoned pro, overshadowing everyone else. Javier Bardem quietly steals the spotlight. Damson Idris and Kerry Condon shine despite limited space. The script may falter, but the cast injects life where the writing falls short. Read more: Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in July 2025 The story and character depth take a backseat. Yet, Kosinski compensates with breathtaking race sequences.

Two striking new posters have surfaced for ‘28 Years Later,’ adding another layer of intrigue to the long-awaited sequel. With the film's June 20, 2025, release drawing closer, this sudden reveal hints at a wave of developments still under wraps. Anticipation is mounting, and what’s coming next might just reshape expectations. Let’s find out what the new posters of the upcoming film 28 Years Later (2025) reveal and gain further insight into the plot and cast. 28 Years Later Introduces A Trilogy to the Franchise Helmed by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, ‘28 Years Later’ commences the third major installment in the franchise. This new chapter follows the previous entries in the series: ‘28 Days Later’ (2002) and ‘28 Weeks Later’ (2007). The post-apocalyptic film showcases the writing prowess of Alex Garland. Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, and Emma Laird headline the main cast. The movie marks the return of Boyle, Garland, and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle to the film series. All of them were central to the original production. Cillian Murphy, who portrayed the lead role, is not reprising his character in this installment but is attached as an executive producer. Read more: Asif Ali-starrer Tiki Taka Filmmaking in Full Swing, Release Window Revealed Columbia Pictures, DNA Films, the British Film Institute, and Decibel Films drive the production with Sony Pictures Releasing as the distributor. Filmmakers have officially confirmed that the upcoming film ’28 Years Later’  (2025) is going to be envisioned as the inaugural entry in a newly planned trilogy. The second installment, titled ‘28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple,’ has completed production. The release date is also scheduled for January 16, 2026. Directed by Nia DaCosta, known for her work on The Marvels, the sequel retains Garland as screenwriter. The third film has yet to be officially announced; however, Murphy is expected to return as Jim in the trilogy’s concluding chapter. Read more: 8 New K-Dramas to Watch in June 2025 Storyline Unwrapped The story unfolds nearly three decades after the Rage virus first broke free from a medical research facility. Now survival has become a skill, a routine, and for some, a guarded existence far from the infected. One such group has taken refuge on a small island. Its only link to the mainland is a single, fortified causeway. This is an ever-watched gateway that separates the relative calm from the chaos beyond. Amid this fragile order, a father and his son decide to leave the safety of the island. Their mission takes them deep into the mainland, into places long abandoned and overrun. As they journey through the silent ruins, they begin to uncover buried secrets, fragments of beauty, and of course, horrors. Read more: Paresh Rawal Quits Hera Pheri 3, Leaving Franchise Fans Shocked What New Posters Reveal Two newly released international posters offer contrasting impressions of ‘28 Years Later.’ The first adopts a conventional layout, visually neat but emotionally muted. It echoes a familiar design approach, one that feels cautious and restrained. The second, however, stands in stark contrast. With a brooding atmosphere and visual restraint, it aligns closely with the bleak aesthetic the franchise has leaned into so far. Dominating the second poster is a haunting skull, suspended like a faded memory over a barren landscape. It doesn’t shout; it lingers. The tagline, "El Tiempo No Ha Curado Nada" ("Time Has Not Healed Anything"), whispers a harsh truth. This is not a clean slate. It’s a continuation of unresolved horror. In contrast to the cluttered, overstimulated posters that flood much of modern horror marketing, this piece chooses subtlety. There are no frantic collages of monstrous faces or blood-soaked figures. Instead, every detail feels deliberate. The skull, almost fused with the earth, evokes the sense of a world where decay has seeped into the soil. The biohazard symbol doesn’t read like a cliche. It registers as a grim seal on a poisoned reality. Read more: Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Update: New Theatrical and OTT Release Dates The design recalls the stark power of the original film’s poster: Cillian Murphy alone on an empty bridge. That same minimalism returns here. Sparse. Atmospheric. Unnerving. This artwork doesn’t simply promote the film; it reflects the infection of its world. Pre-release Record Calling the anticipation for the upcoming horror movie intense would be an understatement. The first trailer, driven by a chilling, repetitive chant, quickly broke records. It became the most-viewed horror trailer of the year and now stands as the second-highest of all time, just behind the film ‘IT Chapter Two’ (2019). The return of Boyle and Garland has only amplified interest. Garland, now a respected director in his own right, reunites with Boyle for what appears to be a gripping continuation. Footage reveals a tense narrative set on a remote island, where survivors face a new mutation of the infected. This premise suggests more than a typical horror-action hybrid. It hints at suspense built through atmosphere, violence, and a welcome departure from formulaic bloodshed. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Streaming in June 2025 Horror Flick Starring a Kid in the Lead A new central figure, a 13-year-old boy named Alfie, takes focus in the upcoming chapter of the movie series. While the presence of a child protagonist may echo elements of 28 Weeks Later, Alfie’s place in the story is distinct. His role unfolds within a very different context, shaped entirely by the world that came after the collapse. Andy Harris, the young lead in the previous film, carried memories of a pre-outbreak world. He had lived through peace, witnessed civilisation, and understood what was lost when the virus consumed it. That perspective made him a bridge between two worlds: what was and what remained. Alfie, by contrast, is a child of the aftermath. Born years after the initial outbreak, he knows nothing of normalcy. The tales of safety, community, and stability are mere fragments passed down in whispers. For him, the infected are not a fall from grace but a constant reality. This difference shapes his worldview entirely. His journey will not be defined by nostalgia or loss but by survival within a world that has never been anything but hostile. In that sense, his character introduces a fresh lens, one not weighed down by memories but built in the shadow of ruins. Read more: Godzilla x Kong: Supernova Teased for 2027 with Another Epic Monster Clash Bottom Line New posters of the film 28 Years Later (2025) have evoked a world steeped in dread and decay, signalling the film’s grim continuity. The project marks the first in a planned trilogy, with Cillian Murphy returning only in the third installment. A 13-year-old boy leads this chapter, offering a perspective shaped entirely by the post-outbreak world. With record-breaking trailer views, the movie shows strong promise of becoming another defining entry in the modern horror canon.