Movies

"Scooby-Doo" sleuth Velma is a lesbian -- at least according to writer/director James Gunn, who says she was definitely gay in his initial 2002 movie script.

Before the filmmaker rose to the ranks of director of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, he wrote the screenplays for the live-action "Scooby-Doo" and its 2004 sequel, 'Monsters Unleashed' ... and he says he intended for Velma to be "explicitly gay."

Gunn was replying to a fan on Twitter asking him to return to the franchise and make a live-action Velma gay ... he claims he already tried it.

According to Gunn ... the studio, which was Warner Bros., "just kept watering it down & watering it down, becoming ambiguous (the version shot), then nothing (the released version) & finally having a boyfriend (the sequel)."

Essentially ... Gunn's accusing Warner Bros. of putting the kibosh on a gay character riding shotgun in the Mystery Machine with Scoob & co.

Gunn replied to another fan, suggesting the 2002 film’s home video release hinted at what he was trying to do with Velma’s sexuality in the original script.

For the real James Bond buffs, peep this -- the 1992 Lamborghini Diablo that Pierce Brosnan's nemesis owned in "Die Another Day" is for sale ... but it'll cost ya a small fortune.

The folks over at Beverly Hills Car Club -- the world's largest dealer of European classic cars -- is selling a rare 1992 Lambo ... most definitely a rare opportunity for someone to own a rare piece of James Bond history.

The Lambo's ticket price is a cool $119,500 ... but the history it's attached to is undoubtedly priceless. The film -- starring Brosnan, Halle Berry, Judi Dench and John Cleese -- features tons of sweet rides including this Lambo, which was one of the personal cars belonging to Bond's nemesis, Col. Tan-Sun Moon, later known as Sir Gustav Graves.

The classic car features a timeless signature color combination of Diablo Rosso and eye-catching Nero leather and red piping interior. The Lambo features a 5-speed manual transmission, 5.7-liter engine, power windows and OZ racing staggered wheels. The only downside ... the clutch may have to be replaced.

And, if you're a stickler for mileage when buying classic cars ... this one's only got around 45k miles on it.

If ya need a little convincing, perhaps Alex Manos, owner/president of the Beverly Hills Car Club, put it best: "James Bond has always been about fascinating cars, exotic locations, and of course, beautiful women. It's a great combination and this car is no exception."

'Nuff said.

Brooklyn Beckham will be joining the ranks of married men, because he and GF Nicola Peltz are engaged.

David Beckham's 21-year-old son made the announcement, saying, "Two weeks ago I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes xx I am the luckiest man in the world."

Brooklyn, an aspiring photographer, who posted the pic of him and his 25-year-old fiancee, added, "I promise to be the best husband and the best daddy one day ❤️ I love you baby xx."

The 2 have been dating since last year, after meeting at Coachella. They've been seen at various restaurants and clubs in L.A., including The Nice Guy. They also hit up Leo DiCaprio's Halloween bash.

No word on wedding details. Good for them, though, they were able to keep it on the down low for 2 entire weeks!

Congrats!!!

Armie Hammer and his wife, Elizabeth Chambers have both just filed for divorce.

Elizabeth filed the divorce petition, and Armie filed his answer at the same time, so it was clearly coordinated.

There are differences. Elizabeth wants sole physical custody of their 2 children -- 5-year-old Harper Grace and 3-year-old Ford. Armie is asking for joint legal and physical custody.

Elizabeth cites the usual -- irreconcilable differences -- as the reason for the divorce.

Sources connected to the couple tell TMZ ... there is NO PRENUP. Based on the documents it appears Armie will pay spousal and child support. The date of separation is interesting ... Armie lists January and Elizabeth lists July. This is a crucial difference ... if the judge accepts her version, they would have been together as a married couple for just over 10 years, and that could affect spousal support. If January is the date, it's under 10 years.

Armie said earlier today ... "Thirteen years as best friends, soulmates, partners and then parents. It has been an incredible journey, but together, we’ve decided to turn the page and move on from our marriage."

He adds ... "As we enter into this next chapter, our children and relationship as co parents and dear friends will remain our priority."

His Instagram post concludes with, "We understand this news lends itself to public dialogue, but in the interest of our children and our family, we’re asking for privacy, compassion and love during this time."  Elizabeth shared the same IG post at the same time as Armie.

At the end of May, Elizabeth posted this -- "TEN years married, twelve together, thirteen years as best friends. Happy Anniversary, my love. I’m beyond grateful for you, this decade, our family and the dreamiest Friday night anniversary sunset." Notice the all caps on "TEN" ... sure seems like she wanted to emphasize, in her eyes, they'd reached that crucial mark.

Armie, Elizabeth and their kids have been quarantining together in the Cayman Islands ... where Armie spent some of his childhood.

It's the first marriage for both Armie and Elizabeth.

Armie is repped by disso queen Laura Wasser, and Elizabeth is repped by Kristina Royce.

Jada Pinkett Smith admits she had a relationship with August Alsina, but takes issue with his claim Will Smith gave permission ... because she and Will say it wasn't necessary, at that time.

Jada and Will sat down for her "Red Table Talk" show which streamed Friday on Facebook and admitted Jada did, in fact, have an "entanglement" with August around 4 and a half years ago ... after Jada and Will had quietly separated. At the time, Jada said she thought the separation was going to be indefinite and didn't think Will was ever going to talk to her again.

In that time, Jada says she and August -- with whom the Smiths were good friends -- started dating. She said initially it was about August's health and trying to help him heal.

As for August's claim, Will gave Jada his blessing ... that's not the case because the only person that could give permission is Jada herself and, remember, she and Will were separated. Near the end of their convo, Jada said she never felt this was a transgression, either.

They laughed and even invoked one of Will's famous lines when they said, in unison, "We ride together, we die together. Bad marriage for life."

As we reported ... August not long ago sat down with The Breakfast Club's Angela Yee and said he had been in a relationship with Jada after being introduced to her by her son, Jaden, in 2015. August said it lasted quite some time.

A Disney accessory depicting a noose is now in slightly less circulation after a collectibles site took action -- but the question remains ... how did this ever get made in the first place???

Back in 2006, when "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" was released, the Mouse House also dropped a limited couture jewelry line as part of the promotional rollout. It featured rings shaped out of swords, pendants made to look like locks and keys ... basically, gimmicky 'Pirates'-themed bling that sold like hot cakes.

Now, one of those items was a 14k gold-plated 20" necklace with a noose pendant attached ... and it couldn't be any clearer as to what it is if you look at it for yourself.

Most of these 'Pirates' items sold out while being hawked at stores like Disney's online shop, Kitson and Nordstrom -- but some of the pieces are still floating out there ... including this noose necklace, which was recently spotted on the collectibles site, WorthPoint.

You can't buy anything from there -- it's a company that mines for old collectibles and antiques, providing stats, prices, and photos about any particular item -- including this noose.

When we reached out to WorthPoint to see why they were featuring the offensive and racist item, they told us they'd take it down immediately ... which they did. A rep went on to tell us it probably never should've been up, but might've slipped through their algorithm cracks.

Now, back to the real issue ... how something so racially charged could've ever found its way to the marketplace? We reached out to Disney ... radio silence.

The answer's probably in the movies themselves. If you've seen any of them, you know there are several scenes where people -- including Johnny Depp's character, Captain Jack Sparrow --  are set to be put to death by hanging. It's a recurring theme throughout the franchise.

Michele Morrone is quickly learning it pays to be tall, dark and handsome ... the "365 Days" star just scored his first big-time modeling gig, which comes with a fat payday!!!

Famous fashion designer Paul Marciano tells TMZ ... Michele just signed a deal to be the next male model for a couple holiday campaigns this year with Marciano and Guess by Marciano.

Paul says Michele, fresh off his stunning performance as Massimo in Netflix's No. 1 movie, will start shooting the campaign next week at a lavish villa in Lake Como, Italy.

We're told Michele's shoot will include 2 female models ... and he'll be modeling dressy clothing items -- fine menswear only for his debut with the company.

No surprise, but we're told Paul's wife gave a big thumbs up when he flew to meet MM in Switzerland to negotiate the deal. She's a fan after seeing '365.'

Our sources say Michele scored a 6-figure deal ... which will have him doing photoshoots, social media obligations, public appearances and possibly a runway show. And yes, he is getting paid more than the average male model -- thanks to his smash hit movie role.

Here's how quickly the guy's life is changing ... Michele told Paul that before his big movie break, he was making $600 a month as a gardener and was prepared to go back to the low-paying job if needed.

That same day, Michele went to a Marciano fashion show and impressed everyone with the way he worked the room. A few hours later the deal was sealed.

Jordana Brewster is waving the white flag on her marriage ... because she just filed for divorce.

The "Fast and the Furious" star filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court last week to divorce film producer Andrew Form after more than 13 years of marriage.

Jordana and Andrew tied the knot way back in May 2007 in a super-private wedding ceremony on Nevis Island in the Caribbean. They dated for two months before getting married, meeting on the set of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning." Jordana starred in that movie, which Andrew produced.

It's not clear what led to the split, but Jordana and Andrew reportedly separated earlier this year and it's said to be amicable.

The estranged couple will have to settle child custody and/or support issues --- they have two young sons, 6-year-old Julian and 4-year-old Rowan.

We reached out to reps for Jordana and Andrew ... so far, no word back.

Tiffany Haddish is sporting a new look, she just chopped off all her hair, and in true Tiff fashion ... made quite the performance out of it.

The actress and comedian streamed her DIY haircut Tuesday, much to the shock of her followers and some friends in the room.

As you can see, Tiffany started with a full head of hair, but quickly took a pair of scissors to her long locks and started slicing and dicing ... peanut gallery comments be damned!

Tiffany joked about selling some of her locks, and calmed her friends' fears throughout the roughly 20-minute haircut, declaring her hair would grow back and explaining she's got plenty of wigs for upcoming projects.

In the end, Tiffany was sporting a pretty short Afro ... and she couldn't hold back her excitement as she took a brush to her head for what sounds like the first time in a looong time.

Colin Kaepernick is now in business with Disney -- the Mouse House just signed the QB to an overall first-look deal ... and there's already a docuseries in the works.

Disney says the docuseries will feature "extensive new interviews and a vast never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years."

"Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective."

And, get this ... Jemele Hill -- who used to work for ESPN -- will be involved in the project as well.

As for the overall deal, Disney says "the partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers."

Kaepernick issued a statement -- saying, "I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives."

"I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing."

Disney says the Kaepernick projects will be featured on several platforms including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated.

Turns out, Hulk Hogan is even more of a physical specimen than a superhero -- 'cause Chris Hemsworth is beefing up beyond God of Thunder size to play the legendary wrestler.

Chris says he has to get more jacked than ever for the upcoming biopic ... and that includes all the 'Thor' flicks, where CH already resembled a Norse god.

Chris told Total Film ... "As you can imagine, the preparation for the role will be insanely physical. I will have to put on more size than I ever have before, even more than I put on for Thor." He added, "There is the accent as well as the physicality and the attitude."

It's supposed to be a full-blown transformation, and BTW ... Chris said he'd probably be balding in the movie.  Of course ... he'll also be sporting Hulk's iconic 'stache.

The movie tracks HH as he skyrocketed to wrestling fame in the 1980s. As wrestling fans know ... Hulk transformed the sport into family-friendly entertainment and the popularity of professional wrestling exploded.

Shaun Weiss -- famous for playing Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" -- is doing well on his road to recovery following his most recent meth bust ... but he could still use a little help in one area.

Shaun's at a sober living facility in Woodland Hills, where he's staying clean and going to outpatient meetings 5 days a week ... but he could use some new pearly whites, because they're all gone.

His good friend, Drew Gallagher, set up a GoFundMe to help get Shaun a full set of teeth ... and he's trying to raise $25,000 for some much-needed dental work and his ongoing sober-living.

As you can see in this latest pic of Shaun ... he's looking much better and happier. He was having breakfast this week with Drew when the picture was taken ... a meal celebrating 170 days sober.

It's another milestone for Shaun, who finally went to rehab in March after getting out of jail and completed a 90-day program at Quest 2 Recovery in Lancaster.

As we first reported ... Shaun's buddies were desperate to get the troubled child star help before it was too late -- he was dealing with a slew of life-threatening issues and was at one point, living on the streets before January's meth and burglary arrest.

Shaun keeps looking better and better ... so hopefully, he keeps getting the help he needs, including some new teeth.

Lucas Grabeel, who played Ryan in "High School Musical," says he would steer clear from the gay character role nowadays ... so as not to take a job away from a gay actor.

Lucas tells TMZ ... the last thing he would want to do is take an opportunity away from another actor, and as a straight, white man he feels he's already taken plenty of opportunities away from others without even trying. Guy owns his white privilege.

As you know ... the director behind 'HSM' recently revealed Ryan was gay all along, but he says Ryan wasn't openly gay in the movies, because back in 2006 he didn't think Disney was ready for such a character.

Lots have changed since Lucas played Ryan in the Disney Channel Movie 14 years ago ... and he thinks a gay actor would be cast for the role if the movie was being made today, and he hopes the character would not have to hide his identity.

Lucas' thinking is similar to that of Mike Henry, the white actor who voiced Cleveland on "Family Guy" for 20 years. Mike recently stepped down from the role, saying the black character should be voiced by a black actor.

As for gay characters like Ryan, Lucas says it's finally time for Disney and others in the industry to start educating children about gay people at the youngest age possible.

Jennifer Grey and Clark Gregg have separated after nearly 2 decades together ... and say they're heading for divorce.

The "Dirty Dancing" star and her "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." star husband announced their split in dual social media posts Friday ... revealing they separated in early 2020 after getting married in July 2001.

The actors wrote ... "After 19 years together, we separated in january, knowing we’d always be a family who loves, values and cares for each other. we recently made the difficult decision to divorce, but we remain close and are deeply grateful for the life we’ve shared and the wonderful daughter we’ve raised."

They added ... "p.s. totally crying as we post this."

East Coast actor Matt Salinger is best known for playing the top-secret genetically modified superhuman, Steve Rogers -- who is thawed out decades later and saves the White House from destruction as the shield-wielding Captain America -- in the classic 1990 Marvel movie "Captain America."

Salinger was cast alongside Scott Paulin as the freaky-looking fascist, Red Skull ... who is covered in red scars and tries to trigger nuclear explosions but ultimately falls off a cliff instead.

Fun Fact: Matt Salinger is the son of the famed "The Catcher in the Rye" writer, J.D. Salinger.

Zachary Levi is set to play Kurt Warner in an upcoming biopic on the NFL Hall of Famer's life ... and you know who's PUMPED about that?!?

KURT WARNER!!!

The NFL Hall of Famer's journey from working at a Hy-Vee grocery store to winning the Super Bowl is getting the Hollywood treatment with a flick called "American Underdog" ... which is set to begin production later this year.

Levi -- who starred in the superhero flick "Shazam!" -- says he's "beyond pumped" for the role.

"Have always found [Kurt Warner] and his family, and their journey, to be an uplifting and inspiring one."

"Can’t wait to bring their story to screens both large and small. 🙌"

And, judging by Kurt's reply, the feeling is mutual!

"What a crazy, amazing journey this has been," Warner said ... "Now I’m going to be played by a Super Hero!!"

"Excited you [Zachary Levi] are taking this ride with us, can’t wait to see you deliver our story to the BIG screen!"

"I Still Believe" directors Jon and Andrew Erwin are set to take the helm for the Kurt Warner flick ... and they're convinced Levi is the perfect actor for the role.

"Zachary was our first and only choice," Jon said.

"He brings a combination of humble charm and charisma as well as an intense physicality to the role."

Andrew added ... "This is about an everyman who never let his dream die. Zachary was born to play this role – and when you add in his uncanny resemblance to Kurt Warner, we’re thrilled to be working with him."

Dude's not lying -- these guys could be brothers!!!

Warner was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent out of Northern Iowa in 1994 but didn't make the final roster.

He famously played in the Arena League and NFL Europe while trying to earn another shot with an NFL team.

The Rams finally gave him a chance in 1998 ... and the rest is history.

Super Bowl champ. Super Bowl MVP. 4-time Pro Bowler. Pro Football Hall of Fame.