Tom Cruise Rejoices Over 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' Box Office Record Amid Speculation the Franchise Is Over: Thank You Paramount for 'Years of Unwavering Support'New Foto - Tom Cruise Rejoices Over 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' Box Office Record Amid Speculation the Franchise Is Over: Thank You Paramount for 'Years of Unwavering Support'

Tom Cruise is basking in the glow of a record-breaking franchise start for "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" at the box office, and he reacted to the film's opening haul in a heartfelt letter posted on his social media pages. The combined openings of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" ($341 million) and Paramount's "Mission: Impossible" ($200 million)powered the box officeto a four-day Memorial Day weekend record. "This weekend was one for the history books!" Cruise wrote in his note. "Congratulations and thank you to every filmmaker, every artist, every crew member and every single person who works at the studios.To every theater and every employee who helps bring these stories to audiences, thank you." More from Variety Inside TikTok's Cannes Film Festival Takeover, From One-on-One Time With Tom Cruise to Reece Feldman's Short Film Premiere 'Mission: Impossible' Star Hayley Atwell Says She Was 'Eight and a Half Months Pregnant' During 'Final Reckoning' Fight Sequence: 'I'm Serious' Box Office: 'Lilo & Stitch' Riding the Wave to Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Ever, 'Mission: Impossible' Cruises to $24.8 Million Opening Day "To everyone that works at Paramount Pictures and Skydance, thank you for your many years of partnership and unwavering support," the actor continued. "And most of all, THANK YOU to audiences everywhere for whom we all serve and for whom we all LOVE to entertain. Sincerely, Tom." At the domestic box office, "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" earned a series-best $63 million over the three-day weekend and an estimated $77 million through the four-day holiday. The eighth installment in Cruise's long-running action series narrowly beat 2018's "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" ($61 million) to score the top debut of the 29-year-old franchise. "A record opening on the eighth iteration is remarkable. It speaks to the longevity of the franchise," Paramount's distribution chief Chris Aronson said in a statement about the latest "Mission" opening weekend. "The spectacle of what Tom and McQ [director Christopher McQuarrie] put on screen is one-of-a-kind in today's marketplace." Cruise embarked on a global press tour to promote "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" ahead of its theatrical release. The film carries a massive $400 million production budget, making it one of the most expensive movies ever made. Cruise's press stops included a splashy French premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where the actor would not go on the record confirming whether or not "The Final Reckoning" is his last "Mission: Impossible" movie as has been speculated in the lead up to the tentpole's release. "I'd rather just people see it and enjoy and we've had an amazing time doing it and it's been a lot of fun and I just want you all to enjoy it," the actor saidwhen asked abouthis future with the franchise. "Enjoy this and know everything is the culmination has come to this moment right now." "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" is playing in theaters nationwide from Paramount. pic.twitter.com/zkf0sr7zuI — Tom Cruise (@TomCruise)May 27, 2025 Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byRobert Mejias
in
May 27, 2025

Tom Cruise Rejoices Over ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Box Office Record Amid Speculation the Franchise Is Over: Thank You Paramount for ‘Years of Unwavering Support’

Tom Cruise Rejoices Over 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' Box Office Record Amid Speculation the Franchise Is Over: Thank...
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South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi', dies aged 40New Foto - South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi', dies aged 40

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film "Tsotsi", which won South Africa's first everAcademy Awardfor Best Foreign Language Film, has died. He was 40 years old. His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its "most gifted and beloved actors." "His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy," MLA CEO Nina Morris Lee said in a statement. She gave no details about the cause of death. Chweneyagae's three-decade-long career spanned theatre, television, and film. His award-winning performance in "Tsotsi," based on the 1961 novel by South Africa's preeminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to international stardom. Chweneyagae was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play "Relativity" with Paul Grootboom. The South African government paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his outstanding contribution to the film, television and theatre fraternity. "The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts," the government said in a post on X. "Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told." The South Africa Film and Television Awards organization, known as SAFTA, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a "true legend of South African Cinema" on X. "Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts," SAFTA posted. The secretary general of the ANC, the party that dominated South African politics for 30 years, offered his condolences. Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a "giant of South African film and theatre." "His legacy in 'Tsotsi,' 'The River,' and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance," Mbalula said.

byRobert Mejias
in
May 27, 2025

South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi', dies aged 40

South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi', dies aged 40 JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Presley Chwene...
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Meghan Markle Says 'People Often Forget' She Created Her Business While Raising Archie and LilibetNew Foto - Meghan Markle Says 'People Often Forget' She Created Her Business While Raising Archie and Lilibet

Jemal Countess/Getty; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram Meghan Markle talked about being both a mother of two and a female entrepreneur on the finale of herConfessions of a Female Founderpodcast The Duchess of Sussex, 43, said "people often forget" that she built her business, As ever, while parenting her kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet She added on the May 27 episode that her kids are "so grown" now Meghan Marklewants mothers who are also businesswomen to get their due. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, shares a son,Prince Archie, 6, and a daughter,Princess Lilibet, 3, with her husband,Prince Harry, and is opening up about raising her children while starting her life as a female entrepreneur. During theseason 1 finaleof Meghan'sConfessions of a Female Founderpodcast, the former senior royal spoke with Spanx founder Sara Blakely about how Blakely founded her widely successful business while raising four children. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/instagram "You've got a lot of kids," Meghan told Blakely. "But the amount of what you have created, evolved through, the level of what you have done while having this many children all at that age." The Duchess of Sussex, who launched her lifestyle brand, As ever, earlier this year, noted that people often take for granted all moms are juggling. "It's something that I think people often forget," she noted. "People forget that Lili is 3 and Archie's 5 [now 6]. So you look at the past five, six years of my life, it's with being pregnant or with a newborn or with a toddler and then another one." When Blakely asked about Archie and Lili, the proud mom gushed, "They are so grown!" In February, Meghan announced she wasrebranding her lifestyle venturefrom American Riviera Orchard to As ever. Her debut product line — a curated collection of artisanal food items —sold out within 45 minuteswhen it launched on April 2. In anexclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about how other female founders have inspired her as an entrepreneur. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Craig Barritt/Getty "The entrepreneurial journey, for anyone, is a lot, and I'm also really, really lucky that so many of my close friends are female founders that I can glean advice from," she told PEOPLE. Tuesday's episode was the finale of season 1 of Meghan's Lemonada Media podcast. Throughout the season, the Duchess of Sussex welcomed a lineup of female founders — several of whom are close friends — includingWhitney Wolfe Herdof Bumble,Reshma Saujaniof Girls Who Code and Moms First,Kadi Leeof Highbrow Hippie,Jamie Kern Limaof IT Cosmetics and The Jamie Kern Lima Show,Hannah Mendozaof Clevr Blends,Heather Hassonof FIGS andCassandra Morales Thurswellof Kitsch. Read the original article onPeople

byRobert Mejias
in
May 27, 2025

Meghan Markle Says 'People Often Forget' She Created Her Business While Raising Archie and Lilibet

Meghan Markle Says 'People Often Forget' She Created Her Business While Raising Archie and Lilibet Jemal Countess/Getty; Meghan, Duc...
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Zimbabwe's president approves controversial mandatory radio levy on motoristsNew Foto - Zimbabwe's president approves controversial mandatory radio levy on motorists

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — A law that makes it mandatory for motorists in Zimbabwe to pay a radio levy before their vehicles can be licensed and insured has been approved by PresidentEmmerson Mnangagwa, in a move that some people claim is draconian. An amendment to the southern African country's Broadcasting Services Act states that only motorists who have paid for a public broadcaster fee can buy a license or insurance for their cars. Revenue raised by the license, which costs $92 annually, goes to state broadcaster Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp., or ZBC. Motorists without a radio receiver can get an exemption certificate from the public broadcaster if they sign a form, according to the law. Zimbabwehas about 1.2 million vehicles, according to government figures, ensuring millions of dollars for a public broadcaster that has for years been accused of propaganda and bias towards the ruling party and which has struggled with declining advertising revenue streams. "This is too much for the already overburdened tax payer," said Kudzai Kadzere, a lawyer in the capital, Harare. "After all, a lot of people rely on the independent press, WhatsApp and the internet for news, they don't even tune in to ZBC. Now we are being forced to pay for propaganda." Rashweat Mukundu, a media freedom activist, described the license fee as "daylight robbery." Responding to government spokesman Nick Mangwana, who defended the move on X, Mukundu wrote: "ZBC funding has tanked because audiences & advertisers see no value/relevance in its content." Opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless." Zimbabweans already pay for radio or television licenses if they own a set at home or at a business premise. In 2016, the country's Constitutional Court threw out a case brought by an opposition lawmaker who said the public broadcaster was biased towards the ruling ZANU-PF party and the fee should be scrapped.

byRobert Mejias
in
May 27, 2025

Zimbabwe's president approves controversial mandatory radio levy on motorists

Zimbabwe's president approves controversial mandatory radio levy on motorists HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — A law that makes it mandatory for ...
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She Ruled the 90s Charts – Now She's Ruling the Red Carpet with This New LookNew Foto - She Ruled the 90s Charts – Now She's Ruling the Red Carpet with This New Look

Get ready toPush It– right over toInstagram, becauseSandra "Pepa" Dentonis serving looks that have fans doing a serious double-take! The iconic member of the legendary hip-hop trioSalt-N-Pepahas always been a style trailblazer, but her recent red carpet appearances at the AMAS sparked a whole new level of buzz, with fans (and even bandmates!) declaring the star looks like she's "aging backwards." We all rememberthe '90s: the bold fashion, the groundbreaking music, and Salt-N-Pepa leading the charge. With hits like "Shoop" and "Whatta Man," they weren't just dominating the charts; they were defining culture. Pepa, with her instantly recognizable asymmetrical haircut, vibrant 8-Ball jackets, and fearless attitude, became a fashion icon for a generation. But the Pepa hitting red carpets today? She's embracing a new era of sophisticated glamour, and frankly, she looks absolutelyradiant. Swapping the streetwear for stunning silhouettes, Pepa turned heads at the AMAs in a black, shoulder-baring mini, with modern, elegant hair, and makeup that highlights her flawless complexion. After her recent show-stopping look surfaced online,her comments sectionexploded with love and admiration. "Gorgeous," commented one user simply, while another couldn't help but notice her youthful glow, writing, "Aging backwards." The praise kept pouring in, echoing her enduring appeal. "Still a fly girl," gushed one fan, with another adding, "She looks good!" Many highlighted how incredible she looks today: "Still looking good , yesss love to see it," commented one, while another enthusiastically posted, "She looks greeeeat." Even her longtime friend and bandmate, DJ Spinderella, had to show some love, posting, "Pep lookin good." She Ruled the 90s Charts – Now She's Ruling the Red Carpet with This New Lookfirst appeared on Parade on May 27, 2025

byRobert Mejias
in
May 27, 2025

She Ruled the 90s Charts – Now She's Ruling the Red Carpet with This New Look

She Ruled the 90s Charts – Now She's Ruling the Red Carpet with This New Look Get ready toPush It– right over toInstagram, becauseSandra...
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