Month: July 2022

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Entertainment Daypop

Emma Roberts join the cast of ‘Spider-Man’ spinoff ‘Madame Web’

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According to Deadline, Emma Roberts has joined the cast of Marvel’s ‘Spider-Man’ spin-off, Madame Web.  Roberts, 31, joins previously announced stars Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced and Tahar Rahim.

Madame Web serves as an origin story for the Marvel Comics character of the same name. In the comics, Madame Web is a clairvoyant whose psychic abilities prove to be greatly beneficial to Spider-Man; she is depicted as an elderly woman with myasthenia gravis, connected to a life-support system that looked like a spider web. Details about Roberts’ character are being kept under wraps.

This will be Roberts first Marvel picture; she recently wrapped production on the upcoming rom-com Maybe I Do, also starring Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon and Richard Gere.

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Entertainment Daypop

‘Minions: Rise of Gru’ breaks 4th of July record earning $125.1 Million domestically at the box office in its opening weekend

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‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ broke records over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, earning $125.2 million domestically over the extended 4-day holiday break. Overseas, the movie earned $86 million by Sunday, bringing the film over $200 million in earnings globally.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is a sequel to 2015’s Minions and the fifth installment in the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise, the top-grossing animated series in history. The film voice cast features Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin, Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Taraji P. Henson, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, RZA, Danny Trejo and Jean-Claude Van Damme. The origin story reveals how the supervillain Gru (Carell) and the Minions met when Gru was a young boy growing up in a 1970s suburb.

Rise of Gru will become only the 10th animated Hollywood film to debut to $100 million or more, a list led by Incredibles 2 ($182.7 million).

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Rock Daypop

Metallica was “blown away” after ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 featured their classic hit song “Master of Puppets”

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Metallica shared in a statement that they were honored that “Master of Puppets” was used in the second volume of ‘Stranger Things’ Season Four. The ’80s classic metal song provides the soundtrack for a significant scene involving the Dungeons and Dragons-loving character Eddie Munson, played by Joseph Quinn. Standing on top of a roof in the Upside Down, Eddie expertly shreds the song on his electric guitar. You can take a look at Eddie’s epic performance – here.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Metallica wrote: “The way [Stranger Things creators] The Duffer Brothers have incorporated music into Stranger Things has always been next level, so we were beyond psyched for them to not only include ‘Master of Puppets’ in the show, but to have such a pivotal scene built around it. We were all stoked to see the final result and when we did we were totally blown away. It’s so extremely well done, so much so, that some folks were able to guess the song just by seeing a few seconds of Joseph Quinn’s hands in the trailer!! How crazy cool is that? It’s an incredible honor to be such a big part of Eddie’s journey and to once again be keeping company with all of the other amazing artists featured in the show.”

Metallica’s comments echo the sentiments of Kate Bush, who issued several public statements amid the resurgence of her song “Running Up That Hill,” which was used in the Vol. 1 of season four.  Both “Master of Puppets” and “Running Up That Hill” are featured on the Stranger Things 4 soundtrack, which is out now via digital outlets.  The epic “Master of Puppets” scene has now shot the track to the top of the charts, joining “Running Up That Hill” in a wave of 80’s music resurgences.

Editorial credit: Peter Gudella / Shutterstock.com

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Rock Daypop

Guns N’ Roses cancel show in Glasgow due to illness

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Guns N’ Roses canceled their Tuesday concert in Glasgow, Scotland, due to undisclosed medical concerts. The group shared on Instagram: “Sadly, due to illness and medical advice, GN’R will not be able to perform on Glasgow. Guns N’ Roses said they are working to reschedule the show and instructed fans to hold onto their tickets. We appreciate your understanding and patience.” 

As of press time, there was no additional information released on the illness that caused the show’s cancellation; however, frontman Axl Rose reportedly told fans at a show Saturday in London that he wasn’t feeling well.

Guns N’ Roses have two dates left on their 2022 European tour, and are next scheduled to perform Friday in Munich, Germany, and Sunday in Milan, Italy.

Editorial credit: Photography Stock Ruiz / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Tiësto and Charli XCX release their new song “Hot in It”

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Tiësto has teamed up with Charli XCX for their new dance track, “Hot in It,” the fourth single from Tiësto’s upcoming album. The new album will mark the Dutch DJ and producer’s follow-up to 2020’s The London Sessions.

Tiësto said in a statement: “I knew from the second I heard Charli’s cut on the song that it was going to be a smash, and it’s been amazing to see how everyone has been reacting to the message of the song. The heat on this one is incredible, so excited it’s finally out in the world!”  Charli XCX added:  “I’m very excited to get hot in it this summer.”

Charli XCX had first teased Hot in It on her TikTok account back in May; the song marks her latest collaboration with Tiësto, who has previously remixed Charli XCX’s “Break the Rules,” as well as “I Love It,” her collab with Icona Pop.

Take a listen to Tiësto and Charli XCX’s “Hot In It” – here.

Editorial credit: Carl Bjorklund / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Calvin Harris’ new album to feature Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Busta Rhymes, Halsey, and Pusha T

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Producer/DJ/recording artist Calvin Harris shared that his new album “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2,” the follow-up to his critically acclaimed “Vol. 1” from 2017, will feature nearly 20 collaborators, including Justin Timberlake, Pusha T, Halsey and Snoop Dogg.

Harris uploaded a minute-long teaser video to his social media to announce the collaborations, which also include Pharrell, Busta Rhymes, Stefflon Don, Chloe Bailey, Charlie Puth, Shenseea, Tinashe, Normani, Lil Durk, Offset, 6lack, Coi LeRay, Latto, Swae Lee and Jorja Smith.

This announcement comes after Harris shared the album’s first single, Poison, featuring Dua Lipa and Young Thug. Around the same time, he tweeted that Vol. 2 would be “the maddest album I’ve ever put together by a lonnnggg way.” The first volume of “Funk Wav Bounces” included A-list hits like the Frank Ocean and Migos-featuring “Slide,” “Rollin” with Future and Khalid and “Feels” with Pharrell, Katy Perry and Big Sean.

Funk Wav Bounces Vol.2 is due out August 5.  To pre-order/pre-save, head here.

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News Daypop

Suspected gunman is in custody after mass shooting at 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois kills 6, injures over 20 more

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A suspect is in custody in connection with the mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Illinois on Monday that killed 6 people, and injured over 20 more.  The shooting took place just after 10 a.m. along a holiday parade route in suburban Highland Park, about 30 miles north of Chicago. Authorities said that in addition to the six deaths, 26 people were taken to NorthShore University Health System with injuries, ranging from 8 years old to 85 years old.

Police Chief Louis Jogmen told reporters that 22-year-old Robert Crimo III, identified as a “person of interest” in connection the mass shooting, was arrested without incident in Lake Forest, Ill. after a brief pursuit by car, Highland Park, Ill.  Crimo was into custody by Highland Park officers, and no charges had been filed against Crimo as of press time. Authorities offered no immediate motives for the shootings. Lake County Major Crime Task Force Sgt. Christopher Covelli told reporters that investigators recovered the rifle used in the shooting from the scene. He said it appeared the gunman was “shooting from a roof.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement: “There are no words for the kind of monster who lives in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community. There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures. Prayers alone will not put a stop to the terror of rampant gun violence in our country. We must — and we will — end this plague of gun violence.”

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden also spoke out, saying they were “shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day.”

Editorial credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

WNBA star Brittney Griner pens handwritten letter to President Biden from Russian prison, writing “I’m terrified I might be here forever”

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WNBA star Brittney Griner sent a letter to the White House on Monday asking for President Joe Biden’s assistance in securing her release from Russia, where she has been detained for nearly five months. Griner has been held in a Russian prison since February, after she was arrested for allegedly carrying hashish oil in her luggage through a Russian airport. Griner’s trial began last Friday, and is scheduled to continue on July 7. If convicted, Griner faces up to 10 years in prison.

A portion of the letter was released by Griner’s representatives, saying in part: “as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.  I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

The U.S. State Department reclassified Griner as being “wrongfully detained” in May, and transferred her case to the office of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This change allows the U.S. government to negotiate for her release instead of waiting for her trial to conclude.

Editorial credit: Phil Stafford / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

WNBA star Brittney Griner pens handwritten letter to President Biden from Russian prison, writing “I’m terrified I might be here forever”

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WNBA star Brittney Griner sent a letter to the White House on Monday asking for President Joe Biden’s assistance in securing her release from Russia, where she has been detained for nearly five months. Griner has been held in a Russian prison since February, after she was arrested for allegedly carrying hashish oil in her luggage through a Russian airport. Griner’s trial began last Friday, and is scheduled to continue on July 7. If convicted, Griner faces up to 10 years in prison.

A portion of the letter was released by Griner’s representatives, saying in part: “as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.  I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

The U.S. State Department reclassified Griner as being “wrongfully detained” in May, and transferred her case to the office of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This change allows the U.S. government to negotiate for her release instead of waiting for her trial to conclude.

Editorial credit: Phil Stafford / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Rafael Nadal advances while Nick Kyrgios overcomes injury to win on Day 8 of Wimbledon 2022

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Rafael Nadal moved into the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Monday, beating No. 21 Botic van de Zandschulp of The Netherlands, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(6) in the fourth round. The 36-year-old Spaniard, who has won the first two legs of the calendar Grand Slam for the first time in his career, is now 18-0 in majors this season.

Nadal will next face American Taylor Fritz on Wednesday, after Fritz advanced to his first career quarterfinal. Nadal and Fritz are 1-1 head-to-head, and this will be their first meeting on grass. Nadal is 7-0 in Wimbledon quarterfinals.  Nadal said of Fritz: “He’s playing well, he’s having an amazing year, winning a first Masters 1000, against me by the way in the finals so, yeah, gonna be a tough match but we are in quarterfinals of Wimbledon so what can I expect?” 

The winner of the Nadal-Fritz match could potentially meet up with Nick Kyrgios in the semifinals. Kyrgios advanced to his first major quarterfinal in seven years by beating 20-year-old American Brandon Nakashima in five sets. The Australian Kyrgios next faces Cristian Garin of Chile in the quarters. Said Kyrgio: “In 2019 my agent had to come get me out of a pub at 4:00 AM before I played Nadal.  This year I have a different mindset. I’ve come a long way, that’s for sure.”

Top seed and three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic will face No. 10 seeded Jannik Sinner on Tuesday; Sinner defeated No. 5 Carlos Alcaraz in four sets Sunday. Djokovic has said he has added motivation to win his fourth straight Wimbledon because he is not currently permitted in the U.S. to play the U.S. Open because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.

Editorial credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com