Hollywood – Vipology News Hounds
Dana Carvey’s Elon Musk Impression Draws Mixed Reactions
Dana Carvey’s knack for impressions remains legendary, but even the comedy veteran admits that Elon Musk presents a unique challenge. On a recent episode of his podcast Superfly, co-hosted with David Spade, Carvey opened up about the difficulties of mimicking the tech billionaire.
“I can’t do Elon Musk very well,” Carvey confessed, laughing. “He has an incredible accent — South Africa via Canada, via Pennsylvania. It’s almost like there’s a bit of Australian, a little British, but not fully that.”
Despite his self-criticism, Carvey took a shot at impersonating Musk during a recent episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The skit, however, didn’t land well with Musk himself. The billionaire, known for his unfiltered opinions on social media, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his displeasure.
“SNL has been dying slowly for years, as they become increasingly out of touch with reality,” Musk wrote on Nov. 10, following the broadcast. Musk’s post referenced not just the impersonation but the overall content of the show, which included a sketch where the cast jokingly appealed to President-elect Trump after his recent electoral victory.
Carvey, an Emmy-winning SNL alum from 1986 to 1993, is no stranger to public reactions, whether they be critical or celebratory. Over his career, he has gained widespread acclaim for impressions of public figures like President Joe Biden and former President George H.W. Bush. Despite the criticism surrounding his Musk impersonation, Carvey is set to return to SNL in December — a move likely to bring more comedic takes on pop culture and politics.
For now, though, Carvey seems to be embracing the challenge of impersonating one of the most enigmatic figures of the modern age. Whether audiences agree or not, his dedication to comedy continues to shine.
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Photo Credit: Photo Works / Shutterstock.com
Wicked and Gladiator II Revive Box Office with $270M Global Haul
This past weekend, the box office finally found its groove, with two blockbuster debuts—”Wicked” and “Gladiator II”—raking in a combined $270 million worldwide. The impressive numbers mark a much-needed win for theaters, still striving to regain pre-pandemic momentum.
Wicked Soars with Record-Breaking Debut
Jon M. Chu’s musical spectacle, “Wicked,” delivered a show-stopping opening, earning $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. It became the third-biggest opening of the year, surpassed only by “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” With a female-driven audience (72% of ticket buyers), the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo-led adaptation proved to be a record-breaker for Broadway-to-screen adaptations.
Critics and audiences alike are enchanted, with glowing reviews and an “A” CinemaScore. The film’s ambitious 2-hour-and-40-minute runtime didn’t deter its success, hinting at a long, lucrative run through the holidays. Producers have already banked on the musical’s magic, splitting the story into two films, with the second part set for release next November.
Gladiator II Brings the Action, and the Men
Ridley Scott returned to the Coliseum with “Gladiator II,” the long-awaited sequel to his Oscar-winning 2000 epic. Led by Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal, the film earned $55.5 million domestically and $50.5 million internationally for a global tally of $106 million.
Though slightly under domestic expectations, international markets have embraced the film, with total overseas earnings of $165.5 million since its staggered release. While audiences awarded the sequel a lukewarm “B” CinemaScore, Denzel Washington’s charismatic performance has received widespread acclaim.
“Glicked” vs. “Barbenheimer”
The dual release of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” sparked inevitable comparisons to last year’s viral “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. Dubbed “Glicked,” this cinematic clash lacked the meme-worthy impact of its predecessor. Few fans opted for double features, and the individual films didn’t match the record-breaking domestic numbers of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Still, analysts credit the parallel releases for creating a competitive yet complementary box-office boost.
Marketing Spectacles
Both films leaned heavily on elaborate marketing strategies. Universal Pictures tapped into 400 global brand partnerships for “Wicked,” creating buzz with themed Starbucks drinks, Met Gala tie-ins, and collectible Mattel dolls. Meanwhile, Paramount went big for “Gladiator II,” including a bold cross-promotion with Airbnb featuring the Roman Colosseum.
A Sluggish Box Office Gets a Lifeline
Heading into the weekend, box-office revenue for 2023 was down 11% from last year and 25% from pre-pandemic levels. Thanks to “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” theaters enjoyed one of their busiest weekends of the year.
With “Moana 2” hitting theaters midweek, Hollywood hopes for a historic Thanksgiving surge, signaling a promising close to 2023.
Weekend Box Office Rankings (U.S. and Canada):
Wicked – $114 million
Gladiator II – $55.5 million
Red One – $13.3 million
Bonhoeffer: Pastor Spy Assassin – $5.1 million
Venom: The Last Dance – $4 million
While “Red One” struggled to recoup its hefty $250 million production costs, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” stand poised to extend their success into the holiday season, proving the magic of musicals and epic battles still captivates moviegoers.
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Photo Credit: Stock-Asso / Shutterstock.com
Richard Gere Ushers in the Holiday Season with a New Chapter in Spain
Richard Gere is ringing in the holiday season with a big move overseas. The beloved actor, known for his roles in Pretty Woman and Maybe I Do, revealed that he and his family are relocating to Madrid, Spain—a decision deeply rooted in honoring his wife Alejandra Silva’s heritage.
Gere shared the news during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Nov. 20, confirming that Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Madrid this year. Playfully addressing the audience, Gere joked, “My wife is Spanish. Is this a problem for anybody out there?”
Embracing Spanish Roots
The decision to move is not just about location but about connection. Gere explained, “My wife gave me about seven years here [in the U.S.], so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid with her family.” He emphasized that their bilingual children, sons Alexander, 5, and James, 4, would flourish in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Silva, 41, comes from a tight-knit Spanish family, which Gere lovingly described as reminiscent of a big Italian family. Following the passing of Silva’s grandmother two years ago, she has taken on the role of the family matriarch, organizing large gatherings, including weekly Sunday lunches for over 30 relatives.
A Love Story Across Borders
Gere and Silva’s relationship has spanned nearly a decade. The couple met in 2014 in Positano, Italy, and tied the knot in May 2018. In addition to their two young sons, Silva shares an 11-year-old son, Albert, with her ex-husband, Govind Friedland. Gere also has a 23-year-old son, Homer, from his second marriage to Carey Lowell.
This latest chapter follows the sale of the family’s Connecticut home for $11 million in October. The six-bedroom property, which Gere bought in 2022 for $10.8 million, served as their residence for two years before they decided to relocate.
A Move Rooted in Balance
The actor first announced his plans to move to Spain earlier this year in an interview with Vanity Fair Spain, calling it a fair exchange after years of living in the U.S. “For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers,” Gere said.
While the family embarks on this exciting new chapter in Spain, Gere assured fans that he will still return to the United States. For now, however, the holidays will be spent embracing Spanish traditions, culture, and family ties in the heart of Madrid.
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Photo Credit: Richard Gere / Shutterstock.com
Jay Leno’s Resilient Spirit Shines Through Yet Another Injury
Jay Leno is no stranger to physical misfortunes, and his latest tumble is yet another addition to a growing list of accidents the iconic comedian has endured — always with a sharp wit and determined attitude.
While staying at a Pennsylvania Hampton Inn recently, the 74-year-old decided to take a short walk to grab dinner before a performance. Opting for a shortcut, Leno misjudged the steepness of a hill and tumbled a dramatic 60 feet, hitting his head on a rock. The result? A broken wrist, a lost fingernail, and a face now “all black and blue,” as he told Inside Edition.
“I broke my wrist, lost my nail on the finger, and then I’m all black and blue,” he recounted, sporting an eye patch. To TMZ, he joked, “I fell down. Boom, boom, boom. I rolled down the hill, hit my head on a rock, knocked me in the eye — there you go.”
Work Comes First
The accident happened right before a show at Yaamava’ Casino in Southern California, but Leno didn’t let the injuries stop him. True to his workhorse reputation, he performed the show before finally heading to the hospital for treatment.
When asked if he was worried about his injuries, Leno shrugged it off. “It’ll be fine, I’m not worried about it,” he told Inside Edition. In typical Leno fashion, he displayed his trademark resilience and humor, adding to TMZ, “I’m holding up fine — I’m right here talking to you.”
A History of Mishaps
This latest incident is part of a string of recent injuries for the comedian, who appears determined to keep working no matter what life throws his way.
November 2022: Leno was working on one of his beloved cars in his garage when a gasoline fire erupted, leaving him with second- and third-degree burns on his face, chest, and hands. He spent nine days at the Grossman Burn Center undergoing skin grafts and recovering, though he refused pain medications. “The pain is a reminder that I’m an idiot,” he quipped afterward.
January 2023: Just two months after the fire, Leno revealed he had been knocked off his motorcycle. The crash left him with a broken collarbone, two broken ribs, and two cracked kneecaps. Naturally, he still worked that weekend.
Laughing Through It All
Despite these injuries, Leno’s attitude remains upbeat. Reflecting on his string of accidents, he joked to TMZ, “The great thing about this age [is] you don’t learn by your mistakes, you just keep doing the same stupid thing.”
Jay Leno’s perseverance and humor in the face of adversity continue to make him a beloved figure, reminding fans that no matter how many times you fall — even literally — it’s always possible to get back up and keep going.
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Photo Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Kirk and Spock Reunite in Star Trek: A Farewell 30 Years in the Making
It’s been three decades since Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, made his final bow in Star Trek: Generations. For fans of the legendary Starfleet officer, his death saving a planet in the Nexus felt noble but incomplete. The absence of Leonard Nimoy’s Spock at his side left a gap that no amount of sci-fi heroics could fill.
Now, thirty years later, that story finds closure. The Roddenberry Archive, in collaboration with OTOY, has unveiled 765874 – Unification, a short film that reimagines the end of Kirk’s journey, giving fans the emotional farewell they’ve long dreamed of. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Carlos Baena, this moving project enlists William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy’s estate, and an impressive roster of Star Trek talent to craft a tale that’s part nostalgia, part tribute, and wholly unforgettable.
Kirk and Spock’s Final Goodbye
The short film uses a combination of live-action footage and cutting-edge CGI to tell a poignant “what if” story. In this alternate timeline, Kirk leaves the Nexus—a pocket dimension where he had existed in a suspended state for 80 years—to reunite with Spock in the latter’s dying moments. Lawrence Selleck portrays Spock with CGI enhancements to mirror Nimoy’s iconic appearance. The film’s emotional weight stems from its acknowledgment of Spock’s canonical death in Star Trek Beyond, which took place in a parallel Kelvin Universe.
The reunion wouldn’t have been possible without divine intervention. Enter Gary Mitchell, Kirk’s old friend who ascended to godhood in Star Trek’s second pilot episode, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” Played once again by Gary Lockwood, Mitchell uses his godlike powers to help Kirk reach Spock across time, space, and universes.
A Cast and Crew of Trek Luminaries
765874 – Unification is more than a tribute—it’s a love letter to Star Trek’s legacy. Robin Curtis returns as Lt. Saavik from The Search for Spock. Sam Witwer, a fan-favorite actor known as Darth Maul’s voice in Star Wars animations, serves as the body double for Kirk’s younger self. Meanwhile, Michael Giacchino, composer of the Kelvin Universe Star Trek films, and Picard production designer David Blass lend their talents to the project.
The film also pays homage to Star Trek’s rich history. The title “Unification” is a nod to a Next Generation episode where Spock played a central role. Eagle-eyed fans will spot references to the Kelvin Universe, such as the character Yor, who crossed into the Prime Universe in Star Trek: Discovery.
A Fan Dream Come True
For longtime fans, 765874 – Unification is a balm for a decades-old wound. The emotional resonance of Kirk and Spock finally sharing a farewell transcends nostalgia, making it a cathartic experience for those who grew up with their adventures. It’s a testament to the enduring bond between these two characters and the fans who have kept their legacy alive.
Kirk and Spock’s goodbye may not have graced the silver screen, but this short film stands as a heartfelt and definitive next-best thing.
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Photo Credit: Bryan Regan / Shutterstock.com
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