The Rise Of Skywalker cast answers all The Late Show's questions, but not really - The A.V. Club

Oscar Isaac

Screenshot: The Late Show

You are going to see Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker once it hits every theater in the known world on Friday. That’s not Jedi mind trickery, it’s just a prediction. (Also, if you signed up for Disney+, you are legally bound to buy one ticket, two action figures, and a Chewbacca plushie. Read the fine print.) But since the Disney Empire isn’t content with the natural drawing power of the ninth and final film in a record-breaking, era-defining, nine-movie space saga making most of the money, they’ve also got the movie’s cast and creator out there shilling super-hard on late-night TV. Luckily for us (and Stephen Colbert), the Star Wars gang is all pretty much a bunch of adorable goofballs about it all, especially when plugged into one of The Late Show’s recurring bits, Just One Question.

With various Late Show staffers supposedly caught off guard backstage while doing lightly inexplicable things (Why is that one lady wrapping a pumpkin in Christmas paper?) and asking their own burning Star Wars questions, the bit saw pretty much everyone involved in The Rise Of Skywalker taking whacks at answering. But not really. Oscar Isaac claims his favorite Star Wars character is Spock, and storms off when challenged. (But not before mocking another questioner by whipping out the Bill Marco, Graphic Designer action figure for some roleplay.) Billy Dee Williams force-chokes a guy. (RIP Late Show writer and performer John Thibodeaux.) John Boyega (pointedly not asked about seemingly taking the side of the online chuds harassing co-star Kelly Marie Tran), struggles to explain what a Wookiee is, while Tran herself is surprised by a Late Night crew member’s startlingly accurate homemade lightsaber.

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And so it goes, with everyone from Daisy Ridley, Anthony Daniels, J.J. Abrams (don’t ask him about midichlorians or Baby Yoda, please), and new cast additions Keri Russell and Naomi Ackie finally taking turns attempting to sum up nine movies’ worth of convoluted, retconned, and awkwardly avoided (see: midichlorians, Luke kissing Leia) plot details for the benefit of one staffer who claims never to have seen them. Abrams, obligingly, kicks things off by explaining how, obviously, the whole epic space opera was set in motion by two space wizards sent to negotiate trade policy. From there, it’s all farmboys, improbable coincidences, a seemingly inexhaustible supply of “evil metal planets” for the good guys to blow up, a “dog-man-thing majiggybob” (that’s Chewie), and the sister-kissing, and that brings us all up to date.

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2019-12-14 11:17:00Z
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This One Direction Member Is the 'Antichrist Version' of Harry Styles - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

After One Direction went on hiatus, each of the former members of the group found success as solo artists. Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson have each created distinct musical identities for themselves. They often get asked their opinions of one another. One member of the group went so far as to call himself the “Antichrist version” of Styles. Here’s who made that provocative remark.

Harry Styles | Rich Fury/Getty Images for Spotify

Liam Payne grew distant from Harry Styles

Payne was asked about Styles in an interview with The Face. He said “I was actually genuinely looking at some pictures of him the other day, and I just thought, ​“I don’t know what more I’d say to him other than, ​‘Hello’ and ​‘How are you?’.” 

He contrasted himself with Styles, remarking “I mean, look at the stuff I put out, and the stuff Harry puts out. Polar opposite. I’m like the Antichrist version of what Harry is.”

Payne feeling that Styles’ music is the antithesis of his own makes sense. Payne’s music exists entirely within the realm of modern pop. Meanwhile, Styles’ music takes inspiration from the rock music of the 1960s and 1970s. 

Harry Styles and Liam Payne| kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

It’s possible Payne was comparing Styles to Christ because of Styles’ upcoming album. Harper’s Bazaar reported on the art for Styles’ album, Fine Line. In one of the images, Styles strikes a pose oddly similar to that of Christ on the cross. Was the resemblance intentional? Was Styles trying to make a statement through the image?

What does Liam Payne think of Harry Style’s outfits?

In addition to his provocative album art, Styles has made headlines for his unique wardrobe. Styles is known for wearing bright colors and androgynous clothing. Styles discussed his view on fashion and gender in L’Officiel, opining “Many borders are falling—in fashion, but also in music, films, and art.” 

He added “I don’t think people are still looking for this gender differentiation. Even if the masculine and feminine exist, their limits are the subject of a game. We no longer need to be this or that.”

Harry Styles at the 2019 Met Gala | Theo Wargo/WireImage

When Payne was asked about Style’s fashion, he said “Do you know what? For me, it’s a case of fair play to him for doing what he f*cking wants.”

Payne continued “If [Styles] wants to wear one earring and go to the Met Gala wearing something unexpected, what of it? Fair f*cking play. I couldn’t put myself in that. I’d look f*cking… It’d look weird.”

Which member of One Direction does Liam Payne want to talk to?

Payne was also asked which One Direction member he’d like to get the chance to talk to. He answered “To be honest with you, more than anyone, probably Harry. I speak to Louis quite regularly. I feel like I know where I stand with Niall. But with Harry, there’s so much mystery around who he’s kind of become.”

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2019-12-14 05:41:14Z
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'Do the Right Thing' Star Danny Aiello Dead at 86 - TMZ

3:43 PM PT -- Robert De Niro, a longtime friend of Aiello's, tells us, "I am very saddened to hear of Danny's passing. I have known him for almost 50 years. I am sad. See you in Heaven, Danny."

8:22 AM PT -- Cher just tweeted about Danny's death, saying, "Goodbye Dear Danny Aiello. Danny was a great actor, but a genius comedic actor. We laughed so much. Making Moonstruck ... It was one of the happiest times in my life & He was a part of that happy time. Goodbye Johnny Cammareri. 💋 Loretta."

8:09 AM PT -- A rep for Danny's family tells us, "It is with profound sorrow to report that Danny Aiello, beloved husband, father, grandfather, actor and musician passed away last night after a brief illness. The family asks for privacy at this time. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date."

Veteran actor Danny Aiello -- known for his scene-stealing supporting roles in many acclaimed movies since the '70s -- died Thursday night ... TMZ has learned.

According to his family ... Danny passed away at a medical facility in New Jersey where he was being treated for a sudden illness. We're told he suffered an infection related to his treatment. Danny's family had come to visit him Thursday, and we're told he died shortly after they'd left that evening.

Aiello, a native New Yorker, broke into movies in the early '70s by landing a small role in the Robert De Niro baseball drama, "Bang the Drum Slowly." He followed it up by playing Tony Rosato in "The Godfather: Part II" ... in which he delivered the famous line, "Michael Corleone says hello!"

Danny would go on to earn praise in several hit films in the '80s, like "Fort Apache the Bronx" with Paul Newman, "Once Upon a Time in America," "The Purple Rose of Cairo" and "Moonstruck" opposite Cher.

He gained massive critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination -- for Best Supporting Actor -- as Sal, the pizza joint owner, in Spike Lee's 1989 film, "Do the Right Thing."

Danny also acted on Broadway, and had a singing career. He released several albums with a big band sound ... including "Live from Atlantic City" in 2008.

Danny is survived by 3 children and his wife Sandy, to whom he was married since 1955.

He was 86.

RIP

4/21/16

TMZ.com

Originally Published -- 6:37 AM PT

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2019-12-13 23:43:00Z
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Taylor Swift Rips into Scooter Braun at Billboard Awards with Mixed Reaction - TMZ

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Taylor Swift laid into Scooter Braun again -- this time railing on what she calls "toxic male privilege" in the record industry.

Taylor won the Woman of the Decade Award at Billboard's Women in Music event in Hollywood at The Palladium.

Her speech went 15 minutes, and she launched another attack against Braun, who bought Big Machine Records several months ago ... the company that owns Taylor's first 6 album masters.

BILLBOARD

Taylor repeated her claim that Scooter never contacted her prior to him buying the label, and she said she resented record companies treating a singer's art like a commodity such as a shoe.

She went on to say no one from Scooter's camp has ever contacted her or her team prior to the purchase of Big Machine. As we reported, Braun publicly said a few weeks ago he wanted to sit down with Taylor to resolve things but neither she nor her team ever contacted them.

She went on to say the definition of toxic male privilege is, "Well, he's always been nice to me."

The reaction to Taylor's speech seemed mixed. When she finished speaking about Scooter, she seemed to wait for applause, and it did not come immediately ... and when it did it was less than thunderous.

One female exec in the room said afterward, "The night was supposed to be about inspiration, but it turned into another, 'poor little Taylor Swift.' It's hard to watch someone who's had such incredible privilege ... to complain about their own personal issues."

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2019-12-13 14:32:00Z
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Taylor Swift Calls Out Scooter Braun (and the Music Biz) in Billboard Woman of the Decade Speech - Vulture

Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Billboard’s Woman of the Decade award was a reckoning. After handing off her award to The Good Place’s Jameela Jamil, Swift used her platform to call out the music industry for its treatment of women in general, and her/Lana Del Rey in particular. “What does it mean to be a woman of this decade?” she asked. “Well, it means I’ve seen a lot.” Swift went on to say that she’s seen women’s success questioned “whether a male was really responsible in the studio… or whether it was a savvy record label.” She’s also seen Lana Del Rey “ruthlessly criticized early in her career,” only to become “in my opinion, the most influential artist in pop.”

Swift of course also used her stage time to highlight her ongoing struggle with Scooter Braun, the Carlyle Group et al. over her back catalogue. Swift specifically brought the fight to private equity buying intellectual property “like it’s a shoe line.” Swift also called out supporters of Braun, saying, “The definition of the toxic male privilege in our industry is people saying, ‘but he’s always been nice to me?’ when I’m raising valid concerns about artists to own their music. Of course he’s nice to you. If you’re in this room you have something he needs.”

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2019-12-13 11:00:00Z
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'Star Wars': Did John Boyega Just Call Out Rose Actress Kelly Marie Tran? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Rose Tico is one of the most divisive characters in Star Wars. Played by Kelly Marie Tran, some found the character engaging while others felt she was pointless and dull. Sadly, Tran faced a huge, unwarranted backlash on social media because people didn’t like Rose. Tran’s co-star John Boyega recently made comments that some fans felt were an attack on Tran. Here’s what he had to say.

John Boyega | Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios

The disgusting attacks on Kelly Marie Tran

Many of the hurtful comments Tran received were directed at her race or appearance. According to The A.V. Club, Tran began to internalize these toxic messages because of the harassment she received, before ultimately rejecting them. After this backlash, she deleted her social media.

Fans are free to dislike Rose or any other Star Wars character. There is nothing wrong with expressing criticism of a movie or character online. However, this backlash clearly crossed the line into abuse very quickly. There’s no shame in Tran deleting her social media if that’s better for her emotional well-being.

John Boyega breaks silence

John Boyega in New York City | John Lamparski/WireImage

On Dec. 11, 2009, Vanity Fair mentioned the harassment to Boyega. He responded “Being in this position, you just understand the masses, how the masses think, you know. Through social media, we get to engage, we get to have fun.”

He continued, “But at the same time, for those who are not mentally strong, you are weak to believe in every single thing that you read. That’s, you know, it is what it is. I don’t know, for me anyway, when I see that [backlash], I’m like, well, that’s actually not true. But no, it is actually not true. So…it is what it is.”

Many fans were upset by these comments. Some felt Boyeaga was framing Tran as weak for deleting her social media. Others thought Boyega was framing Tran as the one with the problem, not her tormentors.

What was he trying to say?

John Boyega at AOL Studios | John Lamparski/WireImage

Although Boyega was asked about Tran’s harassment before making his comments, he insists he was not referring to his co-star. On Dec. 12, 2019, he said “In no way was I referring to Kelly when I made my comments although the interviewer mentioned her given the topic. I was really speaking from my own perspective throughout this franchise.”

He added “Sometimes I’ve felt strong and sometimes I’ve felt weak. Badly worded though. I apologize.” Some fans accepted Boyega’s apology as sincere. Others felt he was definitely talking about Tran during this interview and thought his apology was phony.

How John Boyega deals with harrassment

John Boyega in December 2015 | John Lamparski/WireImage

Boyega’s comments are notable given he’s also been targeted on social media. Specifically, he’s been attacked for being a black man in the Star Wars franchise. He told The Guardian he’s “fine” with this.

“I’m grounded in who I am, and I am a confident black man. I wasn’t raised to fear people with a difference of opinion…To get into a serious dialogue with people who judge a person based on the melanin in their skin? They’re stupid, and I’m not going to lose sleep over people.”

Online harassment is one of the most horrid aspects of the internet era. Everyone gets to choose if social media is right for them. Hopefully, Tran’s decision has helped her to avoid any further distress.

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2019-12-13 07:28:37Z
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Peloton actress on ad's viral infamy: 'Honestly, I think it was just my face' - NBCNews.com

The actress in a now infamous Peloton commercial spoke out about the viral ad exclusively on the “TODAY” show Thursday, saying she thinks the reaction to the commercial was largely in response to her facial expressions.

"Honestly, I think it was just my face," said actress Monica Ruiz, saying her expression in response to the gift of the stationary bike from her husband looked fearful.

"My eyebrows look, like, worried, I guess," Ruiz said. "People were like, 'She looks scared.'"

An actor is pictured in this screengrab from "The Gift That Gives Back" exercise bike commercial by Peloton, Dec. 4, 2019.Peloton / Reuters

The ad, which was made in November but went viral recently, featured Ruiz playing a wife whose husband has purchased her the piece of fitness equipment as a gift. Ruiz’s character subsequently documents her “fitness journey" in the ad, which is titled, “The Gift That Gives Back.” The wife says, "I didn't realize how much this would change me."

On social media, many people roasted the ad, calling it sexist and classist.

Ruiz said she didn't expect that reaction, and then was surprised that the backlash did not blow over quickly.

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"I'm telling you it was my face, that was the problem, and it just exploded from there," she said.

Peloton responded to the criticism, saying in a statement that it was "disappointed" its holiday commercial had been "misinterpreted."

Dec. 4, 201901:23

When asked about the ad by NBC News on Monday, Peloton CEO John Foley said: “That was last week.”

In a follow-up to the Peloton ad, Ruiz appeared in a commercial for Aviation Gin, a liquor brand owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, that poked fun at the Peloton ad.

Ruiz is shown is the liquor ad downing a martini, presumably from the stress of her viral fame. Reynolds tweeted the 41-second advertisement with the phrase, "Exercise bike not included."

The actress said her first reaction to the proposal that she do the liquor ad was, "Oh, I don't think so," because she said she had an "amazing experience" shooting the Peloton commercial and didn't want to look like she was mocking the company.

But she said that she was assured that the gin ad "was an idea that was just taking air out of the situation."

Reynolds joined Ruiz on the "TODAY" show, saying he wanted to make a funny ad "without contributing to the divide."

“For us it seemed like a no-brainer," Reynolds said of the gin ad. "It was a lot of fun to do, and it was a rush. We did this thing in 36 hours."

Ruiz, a mother of two, said she hopes the backlash to the Peloton ad won't limit her acting opportunities. "I hope people can remember that I'm not actually the Peloton lady and let me work other jobs."

Sean Hunter, the actor who played the husband in the Peloton spot, didn’t seem to find humor in the situation.

“People turned down a pretty dark path, and it turned into a nasty thing,” the actor told "Good Morning America" in an interview. "Once something goes viral, and it turns viral, people jump on that negative bandwagon and start to create any dialogue they want."

Ben Kesslen

Ben Kesslen is a reporter for NBC News. 

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2019-12-12 13:25:00Z
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