The long-awaited spin-off from the John Wick franchise, Ballerina, is finally gearing up for its theatrical release on 6 June. Fans of the series have been waiting nearly eight years for this moment, as production has faced numerous delays and challenges since its announcement back in 2017.
The idea of Ballerina took shape in 2017 when Lionsgate revealed plans for a female-led addition to the John Wick universe. By 2019, production was in motion, but the road ahead was rocky. Initially set to premiere in June 2024, the film's release was postponed to 2025. Along the way, John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski stepped in to oversee additional action scenes, working alongside director Len Wiseman to refine the film’s intense sequences.
The final trailer, recently released, offers a glimpse into the film’s fiery and action-packed narrative. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the story centres on Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a young assassin trained at the Ruska Roma ballet school. The trailer shows Eve’s fierce combat skills as she faces off against enemies with weapons ranging from katanas to flamethrowers.
Adding to the intrigue, the trailer features familiar faces from the John Wick world, including Keanu Reeves as John Wick, Ian McShane as Winston Scott, and the late Lance Reddick in his final role as Charon. Norman Reedus also makes an appearance, warning Eve of the impending danger surrounding the Continental Hotel.
Ballerina’s storyline revolves around Eve’s quest for vengeance, seeking justice for her family's death. The spin-off aims to maintain the adrenaline-pumping action that the franchise is known for while introducing a fresh, emotionally charged narrative.
Directed by Len Wiseman, with a screenplay by Shay Hatten, Ballerina is a significant chapter for the franchise as it moves away from focusing solely on Wick himself. The next planned instalment after Ballerina will explore the character of Caine, played by Donnie Yen, shifting the spotlight within the expanded universe.
With the final trailer now out, anticipation is building as audiences prepare to see Ana de Armas bring a new energy to the John Wick universe. Ballerina promises a compelling mix of familiar themes and fresh perspectives, bringing back the franchise’s relentless spirit of survival and revenge.
A first-of-its-kind survey, The South Asian Soundcheck, has launched to uncover the realities faced by South Asian artists and professionals in the UK music scene. Led by the non-profit Lila, the project is backed by major industry players like UK Music, BPI, Musicians’ Union, and the Music Managers Forum.
The online survey, taking just 10 minutes, will gather crucial data on representation, career barriers, and earnings for South Asians in music, a community long overlooked despite its contributions. The findings could push for real change, from fairer festival lineups to more support for behind-the-scenes professionals.
BBC Radio’s Bobby Friction, a vocal advocate, says this is a pivotal moment. "Canada’s Juno Awards just added a South Asian music category. At Glastonbury, we created the first-ever South Asian stage, ‘Arrivals,’ which is returning as ‘Azaadi’ next year. But to keep this momentum, we need hard data and this survey will give us that."
Vikram Gudi, founder of Lila, stresses this isn’t just a "South Asian issue" but an industry-wide gap. "South Asians have shaped UK music for decades, yet we’re missing from top roles, festival bills, and boardrooms. This survey is step one in fixing that."
Key areas the survey explores:
Who’s working in music—artists, execs, or behind-the-scenes.
Pay gaps—how much South Asians earn compared to peers.
Visibility—why cultural acts often get side-lined.
Funding access—what support is lacking.
Major orgs are throwing weight behind it. UK Music’s Diversity Head, Eunice Obianagha, calls it "vital for driving change," while the BPI notes South Asian music’s growing influence but admits "we need data to back real action." The Musicians’ Union adds that insights from the survey could mirror their own Musicians’ Census in pushing for fairer representation.
Bobby Friction and Vikram Gudi lead the charge for South Asian representation in UK music through the ground-breaking Soundcheck surveygetty images
Results will be public, helping labels, festivals, and funders make smarter moves, whether launching mentorship schemes or earmarking grants. The research is designed by Sania Haq, who’s worked with Spotify and the UK government on similar projects.
Why it matters: Without numbers, the industry won’t act. This survey could finally turn anecdotal struggles into actionable proof.
Aamir Khan is back on screen after Laal Singh Chaddha, and expectations are naturally high. His new film Sitaare Zameen Par, a follow-up to his 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par, recently dropped its trailer and got people talking. But not for the reasons the makers would’ve hoped.
At first glance, the trailer looked like a feel-good sports drama with emotional beats. Aamir plays a foul-tempered basketball coach sentenced to train a team of intellectually disabled players. Genelia Deshmukh plays a key role, and the film also introduces ten newcomers. The message is clear: inclusivity, second chances, and personal growth.
But soon after the trailer's release, viewers began pointing out striking similarities with Champions, a 2018 Spanish sports comedy that was also adapted into an English version. In Champions, a coach is tasked with training a similar team of specially-abled players, down to the courtroom punishment and sports sequences. The film is currently available on JioCinema.
What really sparked backlash was a Reddit thread doing a shot-by-shot comparison between Sitaare Zameen Par and Champions. From the way scenes were framed to specific gags, users claimed it was almost a direct copy. Some slammed Aamir for repeating the mistake of Laal Singh Chaddha, another adaptation that failed to connect with Indian audiences. Others questioned the sport chosen for the story. “Why not cricket or hockey?” one user asked, calling basketball too niche for the Indian audience.
There were, of course, fans who defended the film. They pointed out that Sitaare Zameen Par is an official remake and argued that many Indians haven’t seen Champions, so the story will still feel fresh to them, if done well.
The film is directed by R.S. Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. The trailer suggests that the tone and mood will balance humour and emotion while challenging ideas of what ‘normal’ means in society. The cast includes fresh faces like Aroush Datta, Simran Mangeshkar, and others. Music is by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
Whether Sitaare Zameen Par wins over audiences or not, it’s already sparked a conversation. The film is scheduled to release on 20 June, and now all eyes are on whether Aamir’s latest gamble pays off or repeats past missteps.
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Towie star James Argent has received a suspended sentence following an assault on his girlfriend
James Argent, best known from The Only Way Is Essex, has been given a suspended six-month prison sentence after he admitted to pushing his girlfriend, former Miss Sweden Nicoline Artursson, during a holiday in Spain.
The incident happened in La Cala de Mijas, a coastal town on the Costa del Sol. According to reports, neighbours called the police after hearing Nicoline scream. She had reportedly fallen down steps outside her apartment following a heated argument with Argent. Witnesses say he tried to force her out of the flat, and during the struggle, he pushed her.
Police arrested Argent at the scene on 5 May. He spent a few hours in custody before appearing in court in Fuengirola the same day. There, he admitted to the charge of domestic violence. As part of his sentence, he was issued a two-year restraining order banning any contact with Nicoline and was ordered to take part in a gender violence rehabilitation course. He avoided jail time due to the suspended nature of the sentence but has been warned that any breach of conditions could land him behind bars.
Nicoline required hospital treatment for injuries sustained in the fall. The full extent of her injuries has not been disclosed. She has remained in Spain following the ordeal, and Argent is believed to have returned to Essex.
The couple had been dating for nearly a year and had frequently posted about each other on social media. Their last public appearance together was just days before the incident, enjoying a beach day in Calahonda.
A source close to Argent said he is remorseful and claims he never meant to hurt her. Friends insist he has been cooperating fully with the authorities and accepted responsibility immediately. However, the relationship is now over, and the court has made it clear that there must be no further contact between the two.
This is another difficult chapter in Argent’s public life, as he has previously spoken openly about past struggles with addiction and mental health. He had only recently re-emerged into the spotlight with hopes of a fresh start, both personally and professionally.
Nicoline, a model and former reality show contestant, has not spoken publicly about the incident, and her representatives have declined to comment.
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Deepika Padukone could earn more than Ranveer Singh with her next project
Deepika Padukone seems to be gearing up for a major comeback, and the buzz isn’t just about her next role, but about how much she’s reportedly being paid. If the latest industry whispers are to be believed, Deepika is set to earn around £1.9 million (₹20 crore) for Spirit, her upcoming film with Prabhas. That’s more than what many top male stars, including her husband Ranveer Singh, are said to be charging these days.
Spirit, directed by Animal filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has been delayed due to scheduling changes and a reported injury to Prabhas on a previous project. Originally meant to start in late 2024, the film is now expected to begin shooting in October 2025.
Deepika Padukone is reportedly charging her highest fee yet for her next filmGetty Images
Initially, Deepika wasn’t part of the film’s plan. She had turned it down as the original shoot timeline clashed with her pregnancy. But after the delay, the director reportedly approached her again with a revised schedule and a powerful role. Sources close to the production claim that Deepika was impressed not only by the character but by how well-written her part was, especially given the director’s male-centric filmography. This will also be her first collaboration with Vanga.
This isn’t the first time Deepika has shared screen space with Prabhas. The duo previously starred together in Kalki 2898 AD, and Spirit will build on that fan-favourite pairing. The film is still in its final scripting phase but is expected to be a high-stakes action drama backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, with a 2027 release on the cards.
Deepika Padukone is yet to officially announce her next post-pregnancy filmGetty Images
While no official announcement has been made yet by the actress or the production house, the £1.9 million (₹20 crore) figure has made waves online, not just because it’s Deepika’s highest fee to date, but because it hints at a growing shift in how leading women in Indian cinema are being valued.
In addition to Spirit, Deepika is also rumoured to appear in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, a possible cameo in Love & War, and a key role in Shah Rukh Khan’s much-awaited King. After a break from the spotlight following the birth of her daughter Dua, Deepika appears ready to reclaim her place and her price at the top!
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French actor Gérard Depardieu faces legal consequences after sexual assault conviction
French actor Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in Paris. The court handed him an 18-month suspended sentence and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Depardieu, 76, who was not present for the verdict, plans to appeal.
The allegations date back to 2021 when Depardieu was filming Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). Two women, identified as Amélie, a set decorator, and a 34-year-old assistant director who chose to remain anonymous, accused the actor of inappropriate and forceful behaviour on set. According to the court, Depardieu’s actions included groping and using vulgar language.
The #MeToo movement gains momentum in France as Depardieu case sparks industry reckoningGetty Images
The judge deemed the victims’ accounts credible, noting their consistency throughout the trial, while Depardieu’s statements varied. Amélie described being trapped between the actor’s legs, while the assistant director reported being touched on multiple occasions. The court ruled that the women were subjected to “secondary victimisation” during the trial due to the aggressive tactics used by Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous. As a result, the women were awarded compensation.
The ruling is seen as significant in the context of the #MeToo movement, especially within the French film industry, where such accusations often go unaddressed. Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, the lawyer representing one of the victims, said that the decision marked a victory not just for the two women but for all those who have experienced similar abuse.
One of the plaintiffs, Amelie talks to the press after the verdictGetty Images
Despite the verdict, Depardieu continues to receive public support from some notable figures, including fellow actress Brigitte Bardot. She criticised the ruling, suggesting that talented individuals are unfairly condemned for minor misconduct. Depardieu himself claimed his actions were misunderstood and blamed generational differences for the controversy.
The conviction has sparked a broader conversation about accountability in the film industry, where power dynamics have historically protected influential figures. Depardieu, a prominent figure in French cinema, has denied all allegations, maintaining that his behaviour was misinterpreted.
A divided France reacts to Depardieu's conviction and suspended sentenceGetty Images
While the legal battle may continue with Depardieu’s planned appeal, the case has undoubtedly left an impact on the ongoing conversation around harassment and the need for a cultural change in the entertainment industry as a whole.