Category: 5. Entertainment

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” director Jon Watts recently revealed to Collider that Reddit helped shape one of the blockbuster’s defining moments: The long-awaited returns of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Watts saw fan-created concept art on Reddit that aligned with his original idea of bringing the former Spider-Man actors back onscreen when Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is at his lowest following the death of Aunt May. The director knew in that moment he’d need more of a surprise.

“There had been rumors that Tobey and Andrew were going to be in the movie, and this is while we’re shooting,” Watts said. “We were writing the script, and we were working on where we wanted to reveal the guys, and it always seemed like Peter’s going to be sad because Aunt May has just died, and that the portals are going to open, and the two Spider-Men are going to step out. It’s probably a rooftop somewhere. It’s all sort of hazy. You’re still trying to figure it out.”

“Then I was on Reddit, and I was looking at people who had already made fan art of, ‘This is probably what it’s going to be like when the two Spider-Men get revealed.’ It was on a rooftop. It was sad, two Doctor Strange portals were open and two Spider-Men are stepping out,” Watts continued. “I was like, ‘Well, we can’t do that. If that’s exactly what everyone thinks we’re going to do, we absolutely can’t do that.’”

That’s when Watts came up with the scene that made it into the movie. As he remembered: “I was like, ‘Probably having the two Spider-Men appear at Ned’s Filipino grandma’s house in Queens.’ I don’t think anyone was doing fan art of that on Reddit. It made perfect sense in the story because it’s kind of the first time we leave Peter’s narrative. We don’t know what’s happened to [Tom’s Peter]. We’re with Ned, we’re with MJ. They have to lay low. Where are they going to go? Ned’s grandma’s house. So, we built this whole scene around that.”

The returns of Maguire and Garfield helped power “Spider-Man: No Way Home” to $1.9 billion at the worldwide box office, a record sum for the post-COVID era until James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” came along and earned $2.3 billion. Maguire has already expressed interest in returning again, saying: “If these guys called me and said, ‘Would you show up tonight to hang out and goof around?’ or ‘Would you show up to do this movie or read a scene or do a Spider-Man thing?’ it would be a ‘yes!’ Because why wouldn’t I want to do that?”

The same goes for Garfield, who has said on multiple occasions since “No Way Home” opened in theaters that he would love to play Spider-Man again under the right circumstances.

“It would have to be very weird,” Garfield said at Middle East Film & Comic Con earlier this year. “I would like to do something very strange. Something very unique, and offbeat and surprising, kind of like the creative freedom they have with the animated ‘Spider-Verse’ movies.”

Garfield added in a separate interview with Esquire: “For sure, I would 100% come back if it was the right thing, if it’s additive to the culture, if there’s a great concept or something that hasn’t been done before that’s unique and odd and exciting and that you can sink your teeth into. I love that character, and it brings joy. If part of what I bring is joy, then I’m joyful in return.”

Holland is confirmed to be coming back as the web-slinger in Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which is set for release in July 2026.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” director Jon Watts recently revealed to Collider that Reddit helped shape one of the blockbuster’s defining moments: The long-awaited returns of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Watts saw fan-created concept art on Reddit that aligned with his original idea of bringing the former Spider-Man actors back onscreen when Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is at his lowest following the death of Aunt May. The director knew in that moment he’d need more of a surprise.

“There had been rumors that Tobey and Andrew were going to be in the movie, and this is while we’re shooting,” Watts said. “We were writing the script, and we were working on where we wanted to reveal the guys, and it always seemed like Peter’s going to be sad because Aunt May has just died, and that the portals are going to open, and the two Spider-Men are going to step out. It’s probably a rooftop somewhere. It’s all sort of hazy. You’re still trying to figure it out.”

“Then I was on Reddit, and I was looking at people who had already made fan art of, ‘This is probably what it’s going to be like when the two Spider-Men get revealed.’ It was on a rooftop. It was sad, two Doctor Strange portals were open and two Spider-Men are stepping out,” Watts continued. “I was like, ‘Well, we can’t do that. If that’s exactly what everyone thinks we’re going to do, we absolutely can’t do that.’”

That’s when Watts came up with the scene that made it into the movie. As he remembered: “I was like, ‘Probably having the two Spider-Men appear at Ned’s Filipino grandma’s house in Queens.’ I don’t think anyone was doing fan art of that on Reddit. It made perfect sense in the story because it’s kind of the first time we leave Peter’s narrative. We don’t know what’s happened to [Tom’s Peter]. We’re with Ned, we’re with MJ. They have to lay low. Where are they going to go? Ned’s grandma’s house. So, we built this whole scene around that.”

The returns of Maguire and Garfield helped power “Spider-Man: No Way Home” to $1.9 billion at the worldwide box office, a record sum for the post-COVID era until James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” came along and earned $2.3 billion. Maguire has already expressed interest in returning again, saying: “If these guys called me and said, ‘Would you show up tonight to hang out and goof around?’ or ‘Would you show up to do this movie or read a scene or do a Spider-Man thing?’ it would be a ‘yes!’ Because why wouldn’t I want to do that?”

The same goes for Garfield, who has said on multiple occasions since “No Way Home” opened in theaters that he would love to play Spider-Man again under the right circumstances.

“It would have to be very weird,” Garfield said at Middle East Film & Comic Con earlier this year. “I would like to do something very strange. Something very unique, and offbeat and surprising, kind of like the creative freedom they have with the animated ‘Spider-Verse’ movies.”

Garfield added in a separate interview with Esquire: “For sure, I would 100% come back if it was the right thing, if it’s additive to the culture, if there’s a great concept or something that hasn’t been done before that’s unique and odd and exciting and that you can sink your teeth into. I love that character, and it brings joy. If part of what I bring is joy, then I’m joyful in return.”

Holland is confirmed to be coming back as the web-slinger in Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which is set for release in July 2026.

Project Hail Mary, full of grace. Blessed art thou among sci-fi, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, long-haired Ryan Gosling. Ken’s next gig follows a charming white guy on a solo mission through space to save the Earth, and it’s based on a Hugo Award–nominated book by Andy Weir, but it is not 2015’s The Martian. Does The Martian have Sandra Hüller as a commanding boss trying to save the world? Directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the team behind 21 Jump Street and the Spider-Verse franchise, the trailer signals an apocalypse movie that is, paradoxically, a little silly and fun — certainly more than both The Martian and Gosling’s last trip to space, as Neil Armstrong in First Man. Below, everything we know about Project Hail Mary. 

Ryan Gosling awakens to find himself with no memory and long hair “several light-years from my apartment.” From there, the trailer reveals that a slew of stars, including our sun, are dying, and Hüller believes that only Gosling’s character, Ryland Grace, a middle-school science teacher, can solve the problem. He, meanwhile, claims he’s “not an astronaut,” saying “I can’t even moonwalk.” Why he was chosen to go on the mission is unclear. Hüller’s character explains that Ryland has a degree in microbiology, but lots of people have degrees in microbiology. Either way, Grace gets sent to space, where he meets an alien whom he teaches to give a thumbs-up.

Gosling will star as the main character, Ryland Grace, with Anatomy of a Fall breakout Hüller as his imposing German superior, Eva Stratt. They’ll be joined by The Bear’s resident baker, Lionel Boyce; Industry’s baseball bat–wielder, Ken Leung; and AT&T-commercial star Milana Vayntrub.

Project Hail Mary comes out on March 20, 2026. Yes, that does feel like light-years away.

 Spotlighting emerging and established talent across iconic destinations, W PRESENTS makes a bold return.

BETHESDA, Md., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is continuing the momentum of its celebrated W PRESENTS live music series for a third consecutive year led by W Hotels Global Music Director, LP Giobbi. Staying true to its mission to fuse the worlds of music and luxury lifestyle hospitality, the 2025 lineup will feature more than 15 dynamic performances around the globe, handpicked by LP Giobbi and cementing the brand’s status as a cultural tastemaker and a catalyst for entertainment-driven luxury. From W Budapest to W Maldives, and W New York – Union Square to the brand’s first all-inclusive – W Punta Cana, W PRESENTS transforms each hotel into a stage – blending travel and cultural connection in sought-after destinations.

Launched in 2023 as an innovative live music showcase, W PRESENTS has quickly become an exciting platform at the intersection of music and travel. Building on the success of its first two years, the 2025 iteration will sync with major moments across the brand’s global portfolio – turning W Hotels into vibrant cultural hubs where guests can discover the sounds and scenes shaping today’s music landscape. Rooted in the brand’s legacy as a music authority, the W PRESENTS series builds on the brand’s decades-long, steadfast support for sound, style, and cultural expression.

“W PRESENTS is a powerful platform for W Hotels – a brand that’s always been anchored in sound, scene, and self-expression,” shares George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. “As music-led travel continues to surge, W Hotels remains a cultural connector, setting the stage for discovery and unforgettable experiences that blur the line between performance and place. Through groundbreaking live sets and immersive experiences, we’re redefining how music and hospitality come together to create those moments that you just had to be there for.”

Expanding the experience even further, this past May, W Hotels debuted its first ever, W PRESENTS Retreat at W Koh Samui, a weekend-long immersive extension of the series. Featuring a lineup of cutting-edge artists including Bonobo and Sofia Kourtesis, and curated multi-day programming, the retreat captures the brand’s evolved vision of hospitality: transforming live music into a deeper, more intimate experience centered around discovery and creativity.

The W PRESENTS 2025 tour has made stops this year at W Sydney, featuring Night Tales, W Austin, featuring LP Giobbi, and W Maldives, featuring Pretty Girl, and will soon make stops at:

W PRESENTS will also have a stage at other W Hotel properties this year, including W New York – Union Square, W Hoboken, W Hollywood, W Punta Cana, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, W Fort Lauderdale, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, and W São Paulo, with event dates soon to be announced.

W PRESENTS continues to amplify underrepresented voices in music through its ongoing partnership with FEMME HOUSE – the nonprofit co-founded by LP Giobbi that creates opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the industry. This year, the collaboration deepens with a slate of immersive programming designed to break down barriers and build community. Select W PRESENTS tour stops will host complimentary, in-person FEMME HOUSE workshops – beginner-friendly sessions in DJing and music production that are open to guests. In addition, FEMME HOUSE artists will take the stage as featured openers, providing performance opportunities, visibility, and community support. This partnership underscores the brand’s longstanding commitment to creating inclusive spaces where sound, self-expression, and storytelling converge.

“W PRESENTS is more than a stage – it’s a statement. It’s about centering joy, diversity, and creativity in spaces that welcome all,” shares LP Giobbi, Global Music Director, W Hotels. “Through our continued collaboration with FEMME HOUSE, an organization near and dear to my heart, we’re not just showcasing talent, we’re helping shape a more equitable future for music. This year’s lineup is especially exciting because it reflects both discovery and familiarity: we’re welcoming new voices into the fold while also bringing back artists our guests already know and love. It’s a celebration of connection and the transformative power of sound.”

Since its inception, W PRESENTS has transformed W Hotels around the world, from W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal to W Osaka, into stages for visionary artists like Channel Tres, DJ_Dave, Neil Frances, Aluna, and more. With this series, W Hotels is not just curating live music – it’s shaping the future of luxury lifestyle hospitality experiences. By amplifying diverse voices and creating boundary-pushing experiences, the brand continues to set the standard for how music and hospitality collide, proving that true luxury lives at the intersection of creativity and community.

To learn more, visit the W PRESENTS website and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.

ABOUT W HOTELS
Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today’s guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

ABOUT MARRIOTT BONVOY
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

ABOUT FEMME HOUSE
FEMME HOUSE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization co-founded in 2019 by LP Giobbi and HERMIXALOT to advance equity in the music industry. Through accessible education, mentorship, scholarships, and community-building, FEMME HOUSE empowers women, gender-expansive, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC creators to thrive as artists, producers, and leaders. With innovative programming, industry partnerships, and a growing global network, FEMME HOUSE is breaking down historic barriers and building a more inclusive future for music.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

The royal family’s private “royal train” will be decommissioned as part of King Charles’s drive to modernise the monarchy and reduce costs.

The train has been used to transport members of the royal family around Britain’s railway network since 1840, but it has become increasingly costly to maintain and store. Rolling stock from the 1980s would need to be updated for modern railway networks, and two new more fuel-efficient helicopters offer a suitable alternative.

James Chalmers, the keeper of the privy purse, said: “The royal train, of course, has been part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved. But in moving forward we must not be bound by the past.

“Just as so many parts of the royal household’s work have been modernised and adapted to reflect the world of today, so too the time has come to bid the fondest of farewells as we seek to be disciplined and forward in our allocation of funding.”

Chalmers said a search was under way for a long-term home for the train’s historic parts.

The annual royal accounts for 2024-25, published on Monday, show that the sovereign grant, which is distributed by the Treasury to fund the official duties of the royal family, will remain at £86.3m for a fourth consecutive year.

The grant will increase to £132m annually between 2025 and 2027. This is partly to take advantage of record offshore windfarm profits for the crown estate, which hit £1.1bn in the last financial year, and also to cover the remaining £100m costs for the final two years of Buckingham Palace’s £369m, 10-year refurbishment.

The accounts also show that royal travel costs increased by £500,000 to £4.7m and payroll costs were up £2m to £29.9m.

There was an increase in the number of travel journeys costing over £17,000, from 24 in 2023-24 to 43 in 2024-45, reaching a total expenditure of £2.7m. Travel costs for the king and queen’s state visit to Samoa cost £401,000 in public money.

As part of a sustainability drive, one of the royal Bentleys is now powered by biofuels, with the other due to transition this year, and a move to electric vehicles is under consideration.

Separate accounts also published on Monday reveal that the duchy of Cornwall, which provides Prince William with a private income of nearly £23m a year, will waive rents for grassroots groups such as wildlife trusts and the St Petrocs homelessness shelter, and reduce rent for local charities by 50%.

This follows a Channel 4 Dispatches and Sunday Times investigation last November into the prince’s duchy and the duchy of Lancaster estate, which found that the estates had secured rental agreements worth millions of pounds with the armed forces, the NHS and state schools.

Will Bax, the duchy of Cornwall’s new secretary and keeper of records, said the duchy was also looking at including schools in the community groups that would be eligible for the rent waiver. Commercial relationships with public bodies such as the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Justice will not change.

Bax said: “It would be remiss not to address the media scrutiny the duchy has experienced this past year. We’ve used these challenges as an opportunity to stop and reflect. Both the duke and I are clear that we want the duchy to be world-class in our approach to supporting people, communities and nature to flourish, and to realise that aim we must operate and communicate in a modern, socially minded way.

“It’s clear we’ve entered an era of deep change, but we change not because we disrespect our past but precisely because we do respect it.”

The accounts show the duchy generated profits of £22.9m, down £700,000 from £23.6m in the previous financial year.

The annual review for the Prince of Wales omits his income, expenditure and tax payments, a move away from the transparency implemented by Charles as the previous Prince of Wales.