Jenna Ortega 'Likes' Barrera Palestine Post ... Amid Sudden 'Scream' Exit

Published | Updated

Jenna Ortega apparently liked a post reporting on Melissa Barrera doubling down on her pro-Palestine stance amid her recent firing -- that is, if these screenshots are to be believed.

Here's the deal ... in the days since news broke that Jenna was also exiting the 'Scream' franchise -- this amid Melissa's tumultuous firing over her Palestine rhetoric -- there's been a lot of speculation that JO actually sides with her costar, but distanced herself publicly.

That hunch was only further fueled when fans noticed that Jenna recently seemed to like an IG post from an account documenting celeb activity on Palestine ... which recapped MB defending her position post-firing ... news to which Jenna supposedly hit the like button.

Of course, if you go to this same IG page now ... Jenna's alleged "like" is nowhere to be found, and her own Insta page is also *mostly* free of any Palestine content -- as is her Twitter account, which has been deactivated. Old alleged tweets of hers, though, have been circulating ... and people are claiming she used to post pro-Palestine sentiments as well.

In other words, if Jenna did in fact like this IG post ... it would appear she's quietly cosigning Melissa's stance ... something just about everyone assumed was the case seeing how quickly she bowed out of "Scream VII" upon Melissa's ousting -- despite reports suggesting JO leaving had nothing to do with MB, and was more so due to scheduling conflicts.

Frankly, nobody buys that ... and depending on where you land on this issue, you're either celebrating Jenna or slamming her. In any case, the 'Scream' franchise is kinda screwed now.

Fact is ... Jenna and Melissa (but mostly Jenna) were far and away the biggest stars of the rebooted movies, and the whole story arc revolves around them. With both of them gone, there's only Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown left from the new OG cast.

They're cool and all, but they're mostly afterthoughts ... and their characters carrying on the saga doesn't really make sense without MB and JO. So, on paper, it would seem the "Scream 7" writers might have to go in a completely different direction with completely new actors, etc. Plus, fans are promising to boycott this latest sequel if/when it comes out ... so there's likely to be an uphill battle in drumming up interest/making the studio big bucks.

The last two installments have been absolutely successful in turning a profit (and then some) -- but without the 2 fan fave stars in the driver's seat, the question remains ... is Ghostface, alone, enough to get asses in seats? Time will tell, we suppose. 😱

MRS. DOUBTFIRE DOC WOULD BE A JOY! ... Love To Be Involved, Says Actress Lisa Jakub

Published

Yes, dear ... it really has been 30 years since Mrs. Doubtfire made herself comfortable in our homes ... and one of its stars, Lisa Jakub, is crossing her fingers hoping that talks of a doc will break cover.

Lisa was only 14 years old when she portrayed Lydia -- the eldest of the three Hillard kiddos -- in the comedy alongside the late and great Robin Williams ... who played a recent divorcee morphing into an eccentric British nanny to spend more time with his kids.

And Lisa now tells TMZ that after catching wind of the flick's director, Chris Columbus, spilling the tea on a potential doc celebrating the 1993 classic, she'd be totally down to share her experiences on set and contribute some nostalgic joy if invited to be involved.

As for now, Lisa hasn't heard directly from Chris himself -- adding to us she only found out about the budding doc when a pal texted her about it ... but she's keen on taking a trip down memory lane -- especially as the movie is meaningful for so many people.

If the doc goes ahead, there'll be plenty of unseen footage to use -- nearly 2 million feet worth -- as Lisa says cameras rolled more than usual... due to Robin's hilarious knack for improv and her inability to keep a straight face.

She also reflects on Robin's life lessons, telling us he encouraged her to be present in the moment rather than waiting for her turn to talk -- advice that's bettered her job as a certified yoga teacher and mental health advocate.

This comes after Dir. Chris discussed plans for the potential doc ... telling Business Insider earlier this week that he's got his eye on 972 boxes of footage left on the cutting room floor ... hoping it'll show the "special" and "magical" way Robin went about his work.

Basically, we hope he's saying it's time to dust off those wigs!

Keith Urban on Nicole Kidman AMC Ad Is Cultural Phenomenon Now ... We Never Expected This!!!

Published | Updated

Keith Urban says his wife Nicole Kidman never thought her commercial for AMC theaters would become such a big hit ... and they're pleased with the outcome.

112323-keith-urban-nicole-kidman-kal
UNEXPECTED HIT

Nicole's husband was on Criss Angel's "Talking Junkies" podcast when Criss asked him about her movie ad, which is now a meme and part of pop culture.

Keith says AMC asked Nicole to do the advertisement when theaters were reopening during the pandemic, and he says they never in a million years expected it would morph into a cultural phenomenon.

The ad still plays before some AMC movie screenings and folks love to post memes about it on social media.

Nicole filmed the ad in 2021 and it's got lasting impact.

112323-keith-urban-nicole-kidman-sub-kal
BETTER AS A PAIR

Keith also gushed over Nicole on the podcast ... saying she's "an extremely down to earth, chill, laid back, regular girl who happens to be famous."

Keith's episode with Criss premieres Friday on TalkingJunkies.com and is available on your favorite streaming platform.

Jacob Tremblay Voice Work Worth $2,500 Per Session ... For New Animated Movie

Published

Jacob Tremblay is rolling in the DreamWorks dough ... earning a sweet paycheck for lending his voice to an upcoming animated movie.

According to Jacob's minor's contract -- filed in court and obtained by TMZ -- the 17-year-old actor was paid $25,000 for 10 original recording sessions for his starring role in "Orion and the Dark."

Jacob's playing the title character, Orion, in the DreamWorks production ... which is coming out in February only on Netflix.

His contract also calls for him to be paid $2,500 for any additional dialogue sessions ... which include pickups, looping, post-synching and rehearsals.

The flick appears to be going straight to Netflix, but there are additional $25K bonuses built in for each week the movie appears on various Netflix top 10 lists.

Jacob's scored some big movie paydays over the years ... as we first told you, he also earned $100,000 for a gig in the 'Shining' sequel and $900,000 for a starring role in "Good Boys."

Ben Affleck Dunkin' & Marlboro ... Keys to Healthy, Ripped Dad Bod???

Published

Ben Affleck's diet appears to consist of Dunkin' Donuts and cigarettes -- and yet ... he's in tip-top shape, with a dad bod most of us would kill to have.

The actor was picking up his kids in L.A. Monday -- specifically, his 14-year-old daughter Seraphina and 11-year-old son Samuel -- and he was in complete Papa Bear mode ... of the big-rig variety, though, it seems.

Check it out ... while waiting with Seraphina in the parking lot, he started rummaging through a backpack and pulled out a giant carton of Marlboro cigs, which was already torn open.

Once Sam showed up and the 3 of them started heading out ... Ben had a Dunkin' coffee cup with him, and it looked pretty empty. We know Ben's a fan of the coffee/donut brand ... so it's not all that crazy to see him with one of these.

What is interesting ... the fact Ben tends to snag fast food pretty often -- including a McDonald's run he made last week, where he had a bag of grub and a tasty drink to boot.

Lop on the fact he's a regular smoker ... and it's a little surprising Ben's able to stay in as good of shape as he does. We know the guy's shredded thanks to a snap his wife, J Lo, shared on Father's Day -- so he must hit the gym regularly to keep things balanced.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

If only we were all so lucky.

Melissa Barrera Fired From 'Scream' Over Israel-Hamas War Posts

Published | Updated

Melissa Barrera is out of her starring role in the 'Scream' franchise, and the production company that fired her says it's due to her social media posts it deems hate-inciting and antisemitic.

The actress was set to once again assume the leading role in "Scream VII" after starring in "Scream" and "Scream VI" ... but she's reportedly been let go because of posts about Israel and Palestine.

Melissa's more controversial statements included an Instagram story where she seemingly alludes to a longstanding trope about Jewish people controlling the media.

She wrote ...  "I have been actively looking for videos and information about the Palestinian side for the last 2 weeks or so, following accounts etc. Why? Because Western media only shows the other side. Why they do that, I will let you deduce for yourself."

In other posts, Melissa reportedly compared Gaza to a concentration camp, calling the war in the Middle East "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing" ... and referring to Israel as a "colonized" land.

Variety was first to report on Melissa's firing ... and she seemed to be addressing it Tuesday with a post declaring she would rather be excluded for who she includes than included for who she excludes.

Christopher Landon, who is set to direct 'Scream VII,' reacted on social media, saying ... "Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make."

Spyglass Media Group, the production company that did make the decision, says it did so, because ... "We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."

Melissa plays Sam Carpenter in "Scream" and "Scream VI" ... but now some big changes are on the horizon for "Scream VII."

Other actresses are taking hits for statements on the war -- as we reported, Susan Sarandon was dropped from her Hollywood talent agency for a controversial speech at a pro-Palestine rally in NYC.

Sarandon said Jewish people in America living in fear of antisemitism since the Hamas terror attacks on Oct 7, were finding out what it feels like to be Muslim in America.

Susan Sarandon Anti-Jewish Rant Fallout ... Talent Agency Drops Her

Published | Updated

Susan Sarandon is facing swift backlash over her pro-Palestinian and anti-Jewish rant ... because a famous Hollywood talent agency just showed her the door.

The Oscar-winning actress is no longer being represented by United Talent Agency, where scores of staffers were upset by her strong views on the Israel-Hamas war ... according to Page Six.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Susan railed against Israel during a pro-Palestine protest Friday in New York City, and said this about Jewish people in America, specifically ... "There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country."

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Grabbing a microphone at the rally, Susan also told the crowd being anti-Palestinian is the end result of American brainwashing that starts at a young age.

The controversial comments are making the rounds online, and drawing tons of criticism over social media ... and now Susan's facing consequences in real life.

Susan reportedly signed with UTA back in 2014 ... and this year she's had roles in two movies, "Blue Beetle" and "Maybe I Do," plus gigs on a few TV shows.

It will be interesting to see which talent agency brings in Susan as a client ... if any at all.

JARED LETO Twinning with SCOTT DISICK ... 'We Might Be Related!!!'

Published | Updated

Jared Leto is so here for people comparing him to Scott Disick ... he's practically crossing his fingers and hoping they're long-lost relatives, because who wouldn't want a dose of Kardashian drama in their life?

The Oscar winner finally responded to the long-standing familial rumors while he was on  Sirius XM’s TikTok Radio, and host Davis Burleson held up side-by-side images of Scott and Jared ... prompting the actor to gush, "Wow, Really? Lucky me. Thank you."

112023_jared_leto-kal
TWINS!!!

Davis asked Jared if he, too, saw his uncanny resemblance to the 'KUWTK' star ... but Jared wasn't entirely convinced -- "It’s hard when you look at yourself. But they do say that people who look alike actually share a lot of DNA, sometimes."

Getting deep, the spiritual guru continued: "You know, if there’s someone like, 'Oh my god, you look exactly like this guy,' you actually might be related somehow."

Perhaps overestimating Lord Disick's net worth compared to his, Jared said it "would be nice" to have a rich relative!

Jared has actually crossed paths with members of the Kardashian-Jenner family before, even Scott's ex, Kourtney Kardashian -- but he's never met the man himself.

Hopefully, they'll link up soon -- and then we can move on to another look-alike mystery: the late, great Gene Wilder and "The Bear" star Jeremy Allen White! Seriously. What's the deal?

Rachel Zegler No J-Law, No Problem ... Fans Still Starving for 'Hunger Games'

Published | Updated

Rachel Zegler has been a lightning rod of late -- but the fact her latest movie just came in at #1 says a lot ... including the fact people apparently want more 'Hunger Games.'

The actress plays the lead in the new prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," which took the top spot at the box office this weekend with a $44 mil haul domestically ... and about $99 million worldwide. That's pretty good, considering the budget was a clean $100M.

Granted, it didn't perform as well as all of Jennifer Lawrence's previous installments -- but considering she ain't in this one, not to mention the stiff competition, this result isn't bad.

We'll see if Lionsgate wants to do more of these flicks -- while the new 'Hunger Games' film will probably land in the black, long haul, it remains to be seen if there's enough interest in the franchise at this point to warrant another entry or two.

In any case, the studio's putting a smile in the aftermath ... with Lionsgate Vice Chairman Adam Fogelson saying, "We were a little lighter domestically and a little over [projections] internationally, so we’re thrilled with the result. It’ll be a great business result for the studio."

Of course, this has also gotta be a good sign for Zegler herself ... who can apparently put asses in seats as the star of a major blockbuster. You know Disney's happy to hear that.

As we're sure you know by now, RZ has caught some flak of late over the forthcoming 'Snow White' reboot ... namely, for talking a lot of trash about the original story, etc.

Fortunately for her, she won't have to deal with that for another couple years ... it got kicked down the road for a 2025 opening -- and as they say, time (and success) heals all wounds.

As for the 'Hunger Games,' it beat out "Trolls Band Together," "Thanksgiving" and the new 'Marvels' movie ... which took a historic nosedive in return for its second week in theaters.

Dana Carvey Gives Thanks to Supporters ... After Son's 'Accidental Overdose' Death

Published

Dana Carvey is showing his gratitude to everyone who's been reaching out to support his family after his son Dex's fatal OD.

The actor and comedian thanked his well-wishers Saturday on Instagram, saying he and his wife, Paula, were overwhelmed by their love, compassion and personal stories they shared.

Dana wrote, "We received so many beautiful messages from people who knew Dex. These touched us more than we could ever express in words."

He went on to say he would be taking a break from work and social media during the grieving process as he, Paula and their other son, Thomas, figure out "what life looks like now that we are a family of 3."

Dana vowed to "heal the best we can and carry on" because their "darling Dex would have wanted it that way."

TMZ broke the story ... Dex passed away Wednesday after his girlfriend called 911, and first responders found him unresponsive in the bathroom of an L.A. home. Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to bring him back to life.

On Thursday, Dana said Dex died of an accidental drug overdose. He also wrote an emotional tribute to his son, praising his musical talents and calling him a "beautiful person."

The L.A. Coroner is awaiting the results of toxicology tests to determine his official cause of death.

Marlon Wayans Trans Son Support Getting High Marks ... From LGBTQ Groups

Published

Marlon Wayans publicly supporting his transgender son and being open about his own learning process as a parent is earning him praise from leaders in the LGBTQ+ community.

The comedian is being applauded by honchos at the National Center for Transgender Equality, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the LGBT Centers in San Francisco and Los Angeles ... they say he's setting a great example for parents of transgender people.

111323_marlon_wayans_kal
A TIME OF TRANSITION

Remember, Marlon recently revealed his eldest child is transgender and now identifies as a male with the 23-year-old transitioning from Amai to Kai.

Marlon's calling Kai his son ... and says it took quite a bit of education to go from complete denial to loving and accepting his kid.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, the Executive Director for the National Center for Transgender Equality, tells TMZ ... "We celebrate Marlon Wayans supporting his trans son and showing parents everywhere that acceptance is possible, even when it's hard ... let your child know that you love and support them, no matter what. It's amazing for Marlon to model that for other parents out there who may not understand it yet."

As you know, trans rights are a lightning rod right now ... making Marlon's acceptance even more important in the eyes of LGBTQ+ groups.

Dani Siragusa, Director of Development and Communications at the SF LGBT Center, tells TMZ ..."Marlon's unconditional support of Kai is so powerful because in the face of anti-trans hate, society needs to continue seeing examples of beautifully diverse families, and our communities need to continue uplifting stories of trans-affirming love between parents and trans children and vice versa."

Meanwhile, Shannon Minter from the NCLR tells us ... "In the current political climate -- with so many anti-transgender bills being pushed by hostile legislators -- being the parent of a transgender child can be lonely, difficult, and even frightening. By publicly embracing his transgender son, Wayans has provided a much-needed beacon of hope and light for these families. He is a powerful reminder that all young people need adults to support and protect them."

Closer to home, Marlon's being praised by the L.A. LGBT Center for not only being open about his transgender son, but also tackling the topic on his new comedy special, "Rainbow Child."

Mariana Marroquin, Associate Director of Trans Wellness at the L.A. LGBT Center tells us ... "We applaud the Wayans family's affirmation of queer joy and identity while using comedy to hold community around the experience."

David Corenswet Getting Jacked for 'Superman: Legacy' Gym'n It Up for the Tights!!!

Published | Updated

The guy who's been tapped to play Superman in the new installment has looked a bit gangly and awkward to some since his casting was announced ... but not anymore.

David Corenswet -- who's playing the Man of Steel in James Gunn's forthcoming 'Superman: Legacy' -- got snapped in a gym pic by fitness trainer Paolo Mascitti ... who's apparently working with DC to get him nice and hunky for the titular role.

Based on what we can see here ... their regimen is working, 'cause Dave's looking swoll!

You don't see the guy's face here -- but you can definitely get a sense of how his body's shaping up ... and he certainly looks a bit more Superman-ly now. It's a bit of a 180 from what we saw earlier this summer, when Dave hit the beach and bared his hot dad bod.

There was certainly nothing wrong with what he was working with then -- especially below the equator -- but let's just say ... he wasn't nearly as muscled out as he is right now.

Now that Dave seems to have the Clark Kent physique down ... it would appear he's checking all the boxes fans of the franchise want to see in their Superman. He definitely has the face and hair department on lock -- not to mention height -- and now ... he's ripped too.

Time will tell what he ultimately looks like in the blue and red suit ... but this is a sign things are headed in the right direction. Filming for 'Superman: Legacy' is set to get underway in Spring 2024 ... and the flick's being released in Summer 2025.

Henry Cavill ... eat your heart out!

Sydney Sweeney More Swoonin' Over Shirtless Glen ... Won't Stop Flirting!!!

Published
111623_sydney_sweeney-kal
WORKING HARD OR HARDLY WORKING

Sydney Sweeney is at it again ... she just can't seem to help but flirt with Glen Powell online -- with his ass-baring magazine photo shoot very much still top of mind.

After flirtatiously claiming her costar's near-nude images were contributing to rising heat levels this winter, Syd showed off yet another personal glimpse of her hunky costar as he worked out onboard a yacht during their film shoot together ... which she threw up on IG.

Check it out ... the clip shows SS recording Glen while they're out on the water during a scene, and it looks like GP was getting a quick workout in between shots -- something Syd was filming at the time, and which we're just now seeing.

She writes, "How @glenpowell actually trained for his men's health cover shoot" ... this while giggling like a school girl and adding a tongue-out emoji for good measure. Mind you, this follows a cheeky comment she left on Glen's naked Men's Health pic earlier this week.

Luckily for Syd, this isn't the first time she's got up close with Glen's buff bod ... as seen in the brand-spankin' new trailer for their rom-com, "Anyone But You," there's a VERY steamy, naked shower scene they acted in together. Just more evidence of chemistry between 'em.

Of course, the pair has been dismissing romance rumors for a while now ... with Glen lamenting to fitness bible MH that the speculation has been "disorienting and unfair."

Meanwhile, Sydney gushed to Women's Health that she wouldn't forget working with Glen and hoped viewers would "feel the love and fun we all shared making this film," ... which is already as clear as day.

Alec Baldwin New 'Rust' Outtakes Show Actor Warning Halyna Hutchins ... 'I Don't Want to Shoot Toward You'

Published | Updated
111623_alec_baldwin_rust_kal
"I DON'T WANT TO SHOOT TOWARDS YOU"

Alec Baldwin was calling the shots on the "Rust" set -- telling the woman he accidentally shot and killed to get out of the way while he fired a prop gun ... as seen in new video.

The actor is clearly taking charge of the set as he rehearses a scene, which requires him to fire his prop gun. At one point, he shows concern for director of photography Halyna Hutchins, telling her to go stand clear of his aim, saying, "I don't want to shoot toward you. I want to shoot close to you."

You hear a woman asking people to move away ... it's unclear if the voice is that of Hutchins or the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

The outtakes -- obtained by NBC News -- were shot just days before Baldwin unknowingly fired a live round that hit and killed Hutchins and wounded the director.

042522-alec-baldwin-BODYCAM-kal OCTOBER 2021
MOMENTS AFTER ...

Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter but the charges were later dropped. The Santa Fe D.A. is considering re-filing one or more charges against Baldwin.

Baldwin was an executive producer on the film -- although, the thought was it was more of a vanity title than someone who was in charge of day-to-day production. However, in the outtakes, Baldwin seems in charge of the action, at at one point after the director calls "cut," he fires another shot.

Prosecutors have indicated they will present the case, along with new information, to a grand jury ... which could reindict the actor.

Baldwin settled a civil suit with Hutchins' family. Part of the settlement included bringing her widower, Matthew Hutchins, on as executive producer.

ANGELINA & BRAD ZAHARA JOINS AKA SORORITY ... Spelman Sisterhood, Here She Comes!!!

Published | Updated

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt is officially part of the sisterhood ... after joining a sorority in her second year at Spelman College.

The 18-year-old was decked out in a black knee-length dress -- matching all of her fellow pledges -- and danced out in front of the line for her "crossing ceremony" ... as her peers chanted and cheered.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The video, posted on the Essence IG page, shows Zahara's initiation to the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority - the first intercollegiate historically African-American sorority.

The congrats rolled out in the comments for Zahara ... who joined the prestigious private, historically Black women's college as a freshman in 2022.

As we saw, Angelina was every inch the proud mamma as she dropped off her second eldest child at the institution ... with vid at the time showing her doing the electric slide with her daughter's new classmates.

While Zahara is flourishing, her parents have been engulfed in a bitter divorce for years ... stemming from 2016 when Angelina claimed Brad got physical with their son Maddox on a private jet.

Brad has consistently denied that allegation, but he's been estranged from most of their children. Sources connected to Brad have told us he feels Angelina intentionally poisoned the kids' feelings toward him.

Interestingly, during the AKA ceremony, Zahara announces herself as "Zahara Marley Jolie" ... no Pitt. It's unclear if she's legally changed her name, though.

Justin Timberlake 'Trolls' Premiere w/ Biel, *NSYNC ... 1st Outing Since Britney Memoir

Published

Justin Timberlake showed face for the first time since Britney Spears' explosive memoir claims -- and he did so alongside some of the people who love him most ... his wife included.

The singer attended the 'Trolls' premiere in L.A. Wednesday with none other than Jessica Biel right by his side ... smiling wide and putting on a united front with her hubby. They were holding hands in front of cameras, and their power-couple presence was certainly felt.

Ditto for JT and his ex-boy band members ... who were also there on the carpet. Indeed, all the *NSYNC guys attended as well -- and they, too, got together for some group pics.

We broke the story ... *NSYNC put together a last-minute plan to show up to this event, seeing how their flick is coming out this weekend -- and the studio wanted to do some 11th-hour press to plug the movie ... this after the SAG-AFTRA strike recently came to an end.

Time will tell if them touching down in the flesh affects box office numbers, but the bigger takeaway here is Justin ... seeing how his name got dropped a lot last month by his ex.

As we reported ... a lot of "truths" came out about him in Britney's book -- including the fact that she had an abortion while they were together, which she said he pushed for at the time. She also alleged he'd cheated during their relationship ... among lots of other claims.

The dude took heat in the Twitter-sphere -- and he never came out and addressed any of it himself ... opting to lay low instead. Now, he's surfacing with the missus looking cheery.

We'll see if the widespread Timberlake hate has worn off by now ... 'Trolls 3' is out Friday.