Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in &34;Boo! A Madea Halloween.&34; Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in &34;Boo! A Madea Halloween.&34; By Sydney Bucksbaum :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/headshotb5dc24df8d5d43d1a16c9ce0e0383119.jpg) Sydney Bucksbaum Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at . She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author.

Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in "Boo! A Madea Halloween."

Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in "Boo! A Madea Halloween."

By Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author. Her work has previously appeared in *TV Guide Magazine*, E! News/E! Online, *The Hollywood Reporter*, Mashable, Bustle, IGN, DCComics.com, Inverse, *The Daily Northwestern*, and more.

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December 26, 2025 8:01 p.m. ET

Tyler Perry in 2024. Credit:

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has been hit with a second lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault.

Mario Rodriguez, a model who landed a small role in Perry's 2016 movie *Boo! A Madea Halloween*, filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking $77 million in damages for his claims that Perry sexually assaulted him and made unwanted physical advances while promising him roles.

In a complaint reviewed by **, Rodriguez accuses Perry of using his power in the film industry to abuse him on multiple occasions, and also alleges that Lionsgate, the company that distributes Perry's films, had "actual knowledge of unlawful conduct and the ability to intervene but failed to act."

Rodriguez is represented by Jonathan J. Delshad, the same attorney representing Derek Dixon, another actor who sued Perry, 56, for $260 million in June based on allegations of sexual misconduct. (Dixon's lawsuit was originally filed in California state court but has since been moved to federal court in Georgia. Perry has denied all the claims against him in that lawsuit.)

Mario Rodriguez at the 'Gemini Man' premiere in 2019.

Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

Perry's attorney Alex Spiro provided a statement to EW on Friday slamming the new lawsuit as a "money grab."

"Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab," Spiro said.

Delshad said in a statement to EW, "Unfortunately, statements like those made by Perry's attorneys do nothing but enable Mr. Perry to continue to victimize people like Mr. Rodriguez. My client looks forward to a jury's determination of what happened."

Representatives for Lionsgate didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment on the lawsuit.**

Rodriguez's complaint claims that he was approached by a trainer while working out in a Los Angeles gym in 2015 who told him that Perry wanted to meet him to discuss a role in one of his films. Rodriguez alleges in the complaint that he spoke with Perry first over the phone that same day, which is when he was offered the small part in the *Madea Halloween* film. Rodriguez would eventually play Frat Guy #10.

Cassi Davis, Tyler Perry, and Patrice Lovely in 'Boo! A Madea Halloween'.

Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate

"You know Mario, I'm not a bad person to know and have in your corner," Rodriguez claims Perry told him while discussing the role of "a very good-looking college student."

In the complaint, Rodriguez alleges that he was invited to Perry's L.A. home alone a few weeks later to have drinks and watch a movie in the mogul's theater. Rodriguez claims that Perry initiated a hug and began massaging his shoulders and chest while allegedly making "sexual grunting sounds."

Rodriguez claims that he attempted to stop Perry by stepping away to sit back down, but Perry allegedly "then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez's leg and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis. Mr. Perry told Mr. Rodriguez 'It's ok,' while he continued to rub his thigh."

The complaint alleges that Rodriguez left to use the restroom, walking out of the room, but "Perry persisted," telling Rodriguez, "just relax," "stop being so tense," "man, if you would just come, I would take care of you for the rest of your life and you wouldn't have to worry about anything," and "I know you'll come around."

Tyler Perry accused of sexual harassment and assault in $260 million lawsuit

'The Oval' actor speaks out about his $260 million sexual assault lawsuit against Tyler Perry: 'I couldn't stay silent'

Rodriguez claims he "repeatedly tried to play off Mr. Perry's comments as a joke, and he tried to change the subject to work. But Mr. Perry continued to make similar sexual comments," so he left and went home.**

While Rodriguez says Perry "did not sexually assault or attack" him on set while filming *Boo! A Madea Halloween*, the complaint claims that the unwanted advances continued in multiple instances at Perry's home and out to dinner, including when Rodriguez claims Perry asked him, "Are you going to give in?" and attempted to unbuckle his pants.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Rodriguez claims he rejected Perry multiple times, and therefore was never offered additional roles previously promised to him. He also alleges that Perry "stuffed $5,000" into his pocket after being rejected on multiple occasions.**

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Tyler Perry accused of sexual assault in second lawsuit, from actor in Madea movie

Perry has denied the allegations from Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in &34;Boo! A Madea Halloween.&34; Tyler Perry...

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From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced. 30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from Janet Hubert to Ruby Rose From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced. By Madeline Boardman, Madeline Boardman Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at . She left EW in 2017. EW's editorial guidelines Mary Sollosi is the former assistant features editor at . She left EW in 2022. EW's editorial guidelines James Mercadante, and Allison DeGrushe :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/allisondegrusheEWbiophotoe5f8e89253c84b7085a43c502a3051a4.

From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced.

30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from Janet Hubert to Ruby Rose

From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced.

By Madeline Boardman,

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

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Mary Sollosi is the former assistant features editor at **. She left EW in 2022.

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James Mercadante,

and Allison DeGrushe

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Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

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January 1, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

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Jane Levy on 'Shameless'; Ruby Rose on 'Batwoman'; Janet Hubert on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'. Credit:

Showtime; Katie Yu/The CW; Chris Cuffaio/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Nothing is sacred in Hollywood, including actors.

Some of the most popular shows on TV have seen key characters recast during their runs. Sometimes, a scheduling conflict or creative retooling is to blame. Other times, a clash behind the scenes is the cause.

It happens more often than you'd think, but it's always jarring for the viewer. Just ask anyone who tuned in to season 4 of *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* to see Vivian Banks played by Daphne Reid instead of Janet Hubert.

It's not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a replacement can make the role their own and prove that a different spin can give a character new life. Below, we take a look at 30 of the biggest TV recasts over the years.

Bailey Bass for Delainey Hayles (Claudia on Interview With the Vampire)

Bailey Bass on 'Interview With the Vampire'; Delainey Hayles on 'Interview With the Vampire'.

Alfonso Bresciani/AMC; Larry Horricks/AMC

The same year she portrayed Tsireya in *Avatar: The Way of Water* (2022), rising star Bailey Bass took on the role of teen vampire Claudia in the first season of AMC's *Interview With the Vampire*. Although Bass is set to reprise her *Avatar* role in the upcoming sequels, "a variety of unforeseen circumstances" prevented her from returning to the supernatural series. Delainey Hayles took over the part for season 2, which premiered in May 2024.

"I thought Bailey was amazing," Hayles told EW in May 2024. "She was one of my favorite characters in it, and I felt very privileged to play Claudia, but also I understood the job that I had to do, and the coven family that I've joined."

Henry Cavill for Liam Hemsworth (Geralt of Rivia on The Witcher)

Henry Cavill on 'The Witcher'; Liam Hemsworth on 'The Witcher'.

Katalin Vermes/Netflix; Netflix

After three seasons, Henry Cavill announced in October 2022 that he was exiting his role on the hit Netflix fantasy series *The Witcher*, with Liam Hemsworth replacing him.

"My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures," Cavill wrote on Instagram. "In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men."

Hemsworth later released his own statement on Instagram: "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure.... I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into the *Witcher* world."

Hemsworth will play Geralt in the final two seasons of the series.**

Ruby Stokes for Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton on Bridgerton)

Ruby Stokes on 'Bridgerton'; Hannah Dodd on 'Bridgerton'.

Liam Daniel/Netflix (2)

The first two seasons of Netflix's hit romance series only saw a taste of Ruby Stokes' Francesca Bridgerton — the quiet and unassuming sixth member of the titular family who only appeared in five out of 16 episodes. Around the time season 2 premiered, Stokes decided to leave the show, as she told *Variety* in February 2023: "Every lesson I learned on *Bridgerton* was so valuable, and it propelled me, and allowed me to go on and take on a lead role on another show [*Lockwood & Co*]."

Why does Francesca Bridgerton look so different (and who is she again)?

Will Smith and Janet Hubert reconcile in emotional 'Fresh Prince' reunion: 'You're still my Aunt Viv'

Nevertheless, season 3 presented Hannah Dodd's version of Francesca, who's given a much more prominent storyline where she explores her identity further and is officially presented to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).

Lecy Goranson for Sarah Chalke for Lecy Goranson for Sarah Chalke (Becky Conner on Roseanne)

Lecy Goranson on 'Roseanne'; Sarah Chalke on 'Roseanne'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Bob D'Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Lecy Goranson and Sarah Chalke did quite the complicated dance throughout the eight-year run of *Roseanne*. The sitcom debuted in October 1988 with Goranson playing Becky Conner. She continued to do so for five years, leaving the gig after the season 5 episode "Daughters and Other Strangers" in May 1993. Chalke then stepped in, picking up the role of Becky in November 1993's season 6 episode "Homecoming." Chalke then exited in 1995, when the part went back to Goranson, who played Becky on and off from September 1995 through May 1996. Chalke popped back up at this time, taking on Becky through the series finale in May 1997. Meanwhile, Goranson has played Becky for the entire run of the *Roseanne* follow-up series* The Conners* so far, with Chalke appearing as Andrea in three episodes of the 2018 revival season of *Roseanne* and an episode of *The Conners*.

Maxwell Huckabee for Aaron Hart for Jared Gilmore for Mason Vale Cotton (Bobby Draper on Mad Men)

Maxwell Huckabee on 'Mad Men'; Aaron Hart on 'Mad Men'; Jared Gilmore on 'Mad Men'; Mason Vale Cotton on 'Mad Men'.

According to Kiernan Shipka, who played big sister Sally, there were no fewer than eight Bobbys in the series' seven seasons — only four of whom, however, were credited. Those four major Bobbys were Maxwell Huckabee (season 1), Aaron Hart (seasons 1 and 2), Jared Gilmore (seasons 3 and 4), and finally Mason Vale Cotton (seasons 5–7).

Lisa Robin Kelly for Christina Moore (Laurie Forman on That '70s Show)

Lisa Robin Kelly on 'That '70s Show'; Christina Moore on 'That '70s Show'.

Carsey-Werner/Everett; 20th Century Fox/Everett

Lisa Robin Kelly was introduced as Laurie Forman in *That '70s Show*'s first season. Making her debut in the second episode, "Eric's Birthday," Kelly played the older sister to Topher Grace's Eric Forman. The actress continued to play Laurie on and off for five years, making her last appearance in season 5's "Celebration Day." In the first episode of the sixth season, Laurie was played by Christina Moore with little explanation given for the change. Moore portrayed the promiscuous older sister for six episodes, wrapping her run at the end of the show's sixth season in 2004.

Alessandra Torresani for Mae Whitman (Ann Veal on Arrested Development)

Alessandra Torresani on 'Arrested Development'; Mae Whitman on 'Arrested Development'.

Fox; Mike Yarish/Netflix/Everett

Her? Mae Whitman may be famous for her early role on *Arrested Development*, but she was not the first actress to play Ann Veal on the Emmy-winning sitcom. The character of George Michael's (Michael Cera) girlfriend was introduced by Alessandra Torresani in the season 1 episode "Let 'Em Eat Cake" in 2004. Whitman first played Ann a few months later, appearing in the season 2 episode "The One Where They Build a House."

Janet Hubert for Daphne Reid (Vivian Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

Will Smith and Janet Hubert on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'; Daphne Reid and Will Smith on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.

Chris Cuffaio/NBCU Photo Bank; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

*The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* viewers first met Aunt Viv in 1990 thanks to Janet Hubert. Hubert played Vivian Banks from the show's September 1990 premiere episode through 1993, taking her last bow in the season 3 episode "Six Degrees of Graduation." Amid rumors of a feud with *Fresh Prince* star Will Smith, Hubert was replaced for the sitcom's fourth season. Daphne Reid stepped into Aunt Viv's shoes in the season 4 premiere, continuing the character's story from 1993 until the show's wrap in May 1996. Hubert has since shared in the 2020 *Fresh Prince* reunion special on HBO Max why she left the show, which included personal struggles her cast wasn't privy to.

Dick York for Dick Sargent (Darrin Stephens on Bewitched)

Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery on 'Bewitched'; (L to R): Elizabeth Montgomery, Erin Murphy, Dick Sargent, and David Lawrence on 'Bewtiched'.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty (2)

Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) met her match in Darrin Stephens on *Bewitched*, but the adman wasn't even played by the same actor through the show's eight-year run. Dick York originated the role, playing Darrin from the 1964 series premiere "I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha" through season 5's "Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City," five years and 17 episodes later. Dick Sargent then took over, first playing Darrin in the season 6 premiere, "Sam and the Beanstalk," and continuing to do so until the show came to a close in 1972.

Lily Nicksay for Lindsay Ridgeway (Morgan Matthews on Boy Meets World)

Lily Nicksay on 'Boy Meets World'; Lindsay Ridgeway on 'Boy Meets World'.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty (2)

*Boy Meets World* premiered in 1993 with Lily Nicksay playing Morgan Matthews, the little sister to Ben Savage's Cory Matthews. She continued the role through the end of the second season, bidding adieu in the 1995 season finale "Home." Morgan was nowhere to be seen in the first half of the third season, finally returning in 1996's "A Kiss Is More Than a Kiss" with Lindsay Ridgeway playing the character. The show nodded to the absence, as Cory told his sister, "Morgan, long time, no see!" and she responded, "Yeah, that was the longest timeout I've ever had." Both Nicksay and Ridgeway appeared as Morgan (with Ridgeway being credited as "Morgan Matthews II") in the 2017 series finale of *Girl Meets World*, a show centered around Cory and Topanga's daughter.**

Barbara Bel Geddes for Donna Reed for Barbara Bel Geddes (Miss Ellie Ewing on Dallas)

Barbara Bel Geddes on 'Dallas'; Donna Reed on 'Dallas'.

Everett; CBS via Getty

*Dallas* premiered in April 1978 with Barbara Bel Geddes playing Miss Ellie Ewing. She continued the role for six years, leaving after the season 7 episode "End Game" in May 1984. In November 1984, Donna Reed stepped into her shoes, taking a turn as Miss Ellie Ewing beginning with the season 8 episode "Homecoming." Another swap was in the works, however, as Reed exited the show a year later, with her final appearance in May 1985's "Swan Song." Geddes returned as Miss Ellie Ewing in September 1985 in the season 9 premiere, "The Family Ewing."**

Dixie Carter for Mary Ann Mobley (Maggie McKinney on Diff'rent Strokes)

Dixie Carter on 'Diff'rent Strokes'; Mary Ann Mobley on 'Diff'rent Strokes'.

Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Dixie Carter introduced the character of Maggie McKinney in *Diff'rent Strokes*' sixth season. She played the aerobics instructor for one year, leaving the show in 1985's season 7 episode "Blue Collar Drummond." Mary Ann Mobley took over in the eighth season premiere, playing Maggie in the final run of episodes.

Al Corley for Jack Coleman (Steven Carrington on Dynasty)

Al Corley on 'Dynasty'; Jack Coleman on 'Dynasty'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty (2)

When *Dynasty* made its debut in January 1981, Al Corley was playing the character Steven Carrington. Corley portrayed the oil heir for about a year, exiting *Dynasty* after the 1982 season 2 episode "The Cliff." Jack Coleman took over from there, making his debut as Steven in the 1982 season 3 episode "Acapulco." Coleman stayed on the show for six years, picking up a final appearance in 1988's season 8 episode "Colorado Roulette."

Ross Butler for Charles Melton (Reggie Mantle on Riverdale)

Ross Butler on 'Riverdale'; Charles Melton on 'Riverdale'.

The CW; Jack Rowand/The CW

Ross Butler was the first to don the football jersey of Reggie Mantle, playing the stereotypical bro-y jock for *Riverdale*'s first season before exiting to portray another jock character, Zach, on Netflix's *13 Reasons Why*.

Upon his character's recasting with Charles Melton, Butler posted a video on X expressing his gratitude: "I'm so happy the CW...gave me, an Asian American, a chance to play a traditionally caucasian character, Reggie. And in light of recent casting news, I am even more excited and more proud that they decided to keep Reggie Asian American.... I support Charles Melton all the way, passing the baton off."

For the rest of the show's seven-season run, Melton brought fresh energy to Reggie while also refining his acting chops, earning a slew of nominations and awards for his breakout performance in *May December *(2023) the same year that *Riverdale* wrapped.

Jake T. Austin for Noah Centineo (Jesus Adams Foster on The Fosters)

Jake T. Austin on 'The Fosters'; Noah Centineo on 'The Fosters'.

ABC Family/Eric McCandless; Nicole Wilder/Freeform via Getty

Jake T. Austin picked up a big gig in 2013 when he originated the role of Jesus Adams Foster on *The Fosters*. He played the young man for two years, wrapping his run after the season 2 episode "The End of the Beginning" in March 2015. The character was then absent for a handful of episodes, finally returning in August 2015 with Noah Centineo appearing as Jesus in season 3's "Lucky."

Ed Skrein for Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones)

Ed Skrein on 'Game of Thrones'; Michiel Huisman on 'Game of Thrones'.

HBO; Macall B.Polay/HBO

When *Game of Thrones* fans first met Daario Naharis in the show's third season, the sellsword was played by Ed Skrein. When the fourth season debuted in 2014, however, Michiel Huisman stepped into the role of Daario** **through the end of the sixth season, after which Daario was never seen on the series again.

Santino Fontana for Skylar Astin (Greg on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)

Santino Fontana on 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'; Skylar Astin on 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'.

Scott Everett White/The CW; Robert Voets/The CW

In the first season of *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend*, Santino Fontana charmed viewers as Greg Serrano, the show's sarcastic, cynical bartender and one of Rebecca Bunch's (Rachel Bloom) love interests. Before the musical-comedy series was renewed for another installment, the Broadway star and *Frozen* voice actor had already committed to other projects. As a result, he was only available for four episodes in season 2, prompting the showrunners to change Greg's character arc.

Greg eventually returned, sober, in season 4 with *Pitch Perfect* star Skylar Astin taking over the role. Co-creator Aline Brosh McKenna explained to EW how they executed the recast, saying: "Greg being a different person is not as much about his looks as his vibe — the reason Greg is different is he doesn't hate himself anymore. There's a sweetness and a kindness that radiates from Skylar, and it's wonderful for Rebecca Bunch."

Mike Evans for Damon Evans for Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson on The Jeffersons)

Mike Evans on 'The Jeffersons'; Damon Evans on 'The Jeffersons'.

CBS via Getty (2)

Mike Evans joined *The Jeffersons* as Lionel Jefferson, playing the young man in the series premiere. He continued his turn through the first season, but the role went to Damon Evans in *The Jeffersons*' second season. Damon portrayed Lionel for three years, exiting the show after 1978's season 4 episode "Lionel Gets the Business." In 1979, Mike returned, taking on Lionel in the season 6 premiere and continuing the gig through the 1985 episode "Sayonara: Part 2" in the final season.

Clayton Moore for John Hart for Clayton Moore (The Lone Ranger on The Lone Ranger)

Clayton Moore on 'The Lone Ranger'; John Hart on 'The Lone Ranger'.

LMPC via Getty; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

In September 1949, *The Lone Ranger* made its debut, with Clayton Moore playing the title character in "Enter the Lone Ranger." Moore continued to play the Lone Ranger through March 1951, leaving after the season 2 episode "Backtrail." When the third season premiered in September 1952, John Hart was the man behind the mask. Hart played the Lone Ranger until September 1952, exiting after the season 3 episode "The Red Mark." Moore then made his return, coming back to the role in the September 1954 season 4 premiere "The Fugitive" and continuing the role until the show's wrap in June 1957.

Jeremy Gelbwaks for Brian Forster (Christopher "Chris" Partridge on The Partridge Family)

Jeremy Gelbwaks on 'The Partridge Family'; Brian Forster on 'The Partridge Family'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty (2)

When fans first took in *The Partridge Family*, Jeremy Gelbwaks was playing the role of Chris Partridge. The young man appeared on the show for about a year, playing the drummer through the season 1 finale, "A Knight in Shining Armor," in 1971. When season 2 debuted, Brian Forster was in the role. Forster continued to play Chris for three years, going out with the show's final episode in 1974.

Ryan Bittle for Jeremy Garrett (Todd Wilkins on Sweet Valley High)

Ryan Bittle on 'Sweet Valley High'; Jeremy Garrett on 'Sweet Valley High'.

Saban Intl./Everett; Saban International/Everett

*Sweet Valley High* made its TV debut in September 1994, recruiting Ryan Bittle for the role of high school dreamboat Todd Wilkins. Bittle held the gig for two years, eventually leaving after the season 2 episode "A Look Back in Anecdotes" in 1996. He was then replaced by Jeremy Garrett, who took on the role of Todd the same year. Garrett continued his turn through the show's final run of episodes in 1997.

Beverley Owen for Pat Priest (Marilyn Munster on The Munsters)

Beverly Owen on 'The Munsters'; Pat Priest on 'The Munsters'.

CBS via Getty; Everett

Viewers met the Munsters in September 1964, getting an introduction to Marilyn Munster thanks to actress Beverley Owen. Owen played the normal family member through the 13th episode in December 1964, passing the part to Pat Priest, who made her first appearance as Marilyn the following week in "Grandpa Leaves Home." Priest continued to portray Marilyn throughout the rest of the show's run.

Andrew Terraciano for Mika Amonsen (Sean Reagan on Boston Blue)

Andrew Terraciano on 'Blue Bloods'; Mika Amonsen on 'Boston Blue'.

Patrick Harbron/CBS via Getty ; Christos Kalohoridis/CBS

Andrew Terraciano played Sean Reagan on all 14 seasons of *Blue Bloods*, debuting in season 1 when he was just 7 years old. For the spinoff *Boston Blue*, however, the character was recast with Mika Amonsen.

Speaking with *Variety*, executive producer Brandon Margolis said the decision had nothing to do with Terraciano's contributions to the character, but rather reflects "a new chapter" for both Sean and his father, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg). "It felt like there was an organic opportunity to bring in a new performance with a new energy, to help dramatize that change," he said.

Jordan Elsass for Michael Bishop (Jonathan Kent on Superman & Lois)

Jordan Elsass on 'Superman & Lois'; Michael Bishop on 'Superman & Lois'.

Dean Katie Yu/The CW; Shane Harvey/The CW

On the CW's *Superman & Lois*, Clark Kent and Lois Lane are the parents of twin boys, Jonathan and Jordan. Jonathan was initially played by Jordan Elsass, but the actor left the series following season 2.

The decision was apparently made by Elsass, as a statement from Warner Bros. TV said he "notified the Studio that he will not be returning to *Superman & Lois* for season 3 due to personal reasons." Sources reiterated to EW that his departure wasn't a workplace-related issue, but a private matter.

Michael Bishop took over the role for seasons 3 and 4, fulfilling the Australian actor's longtime dream of joining the Kent family.**

Jane Levy for Emma Greenwell (Mandy Milkovich on Shameless)

Jane Levy on 'Shameless'; Emma Greenwell on 'Shameless'.

Showtime;  Cliff Lipson/Showtime/Courtesy Everett

Jane Levy originated the role of the libidinous Mandy Milkovich on *Shameless*, appearing in the first season before departing to lead ABC's *Suburgatory*.

Reflecting on the career move in 2012, Levy told *Backstage* that she was drawn to the sitcom. "I try not to get attached to stuff; I try to move on," she said. "But this was the first one I went out for and it was exciting... When I found out it was actually going to happen, I went crazy."

Emma Greenwell stepped in as Mandy beginning in season 2, giving the character a grittier edge. She stayed on *Shameless *through season 6, much of which was spent in a complicated on-and-off relationship with Jeremy Allen White's Lip Gallagher.

Julia Butters for Giselle Eisenberg (Anna-Kat Otto on American Housewife)

Julia Butters on 'American Housewife'; Giselle Eisenberg on 'American Housewife'.

Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Craig Sjodin via Getty

Julia Butters charmed audiences as the lovable Anna-Kat Otto for the first four seasons of *American Housewife*. After earning acclaim for her breakout role in Quentin Tarantino's *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, Butters left the series to "pursue other opportunities," per *Deadline*.

She has since appeared in movies like Steven Spielberg's *The Fabelmans* and *Freakier Friday *with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.

Giselle Eisenberg (*Life in Pieces*) took over the role of Anna-Kat for the show's fifth and final season.

Phil Bruns for Barney Martin (Morty Seinfeld on Seinfeld)

Phil Bruns on 'Seinfeld'; Barney Martin on 'Seinfeld'.

NBC; Michael Yarish/NBCU Photo Bank

Morty Seinfeld, Jerry's loud, paranoid dad on *Seinfeld*, is among the comedy's more memorable supporting players. Barney Martin played Morty from season 2 through season 9, but the character was first portrayed by actor Phil Bruns in the season 1 episode "The Stake-Out."

As noted by director Tom Cherones, the role was recast due to co-creators Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David wanting Morty to have a "harsher" vibe.

John Randolph for Jerry Stiller (Frank Costanza on Seinfeld)

John Randolph on 'Seinfeld'; Jerry Stiller on 'Seinfeld'.

NBC; Michael Yarish/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

After so many memorable episodes and line readings ("Hello, woman"), it's hard to believe Frank Costanza was played by anyone but Jerry Stiller. When the volcanic father of Jason Alexander's George debuted in season 4, however, he was played by actor John Randolph (*National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation*) in a performance far more reserved.

In a DVD featurette, David couldn't recall why Randolph wasn't brought back in season 5, but noted that writer Larry Charles suggested they recast Frank with Stiller. Frank became such an iconic figure on the show that David even negotiated for Stiller and Alexander to reshoot Randolph's season 4 scene and insert it into reruns and subsequent releases.

Ruby Rose for Wallis Day (Kate Kane on Batwoman)

Ruby Rose on 'Batwoman'; Wallis Day on 'Batwoman'.

Jeffery Garland/The CW; The CW/Everett

After just one season, Ruby Rose announced she was leaving her role as Kate Kane on the CW's *Batwoman*. Rose later alleged unsafe working conditions on set and accused former Warner Bros. TV president Peter Roth and her costar, Dougray Scott, of mistreatment. Warner Bros. TV denied the claims, and a few cast members also disputed her comments, claiming Rose was fired from the show.

For season 2, Javicia Leslie was cast as the Ryan Wilder version of Batwoman following the apparent death of Kate, though she was later revealed to be alive (and portrayed by actress Wallis Day).

Jo Marie Payton for Judyann Elder (Harriette Winslow on Family Matters)

Jo Marie Payton on 'Family Matters'; Judyann Elder on 'Family Matters'.

Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty; CBS

Jo Marie Payton exited *Family Matters *halfway through its final season, with her last appearance as Harriette Winslow airing on Dec. 19, 1997. The role was then recast with Judyann Elder, who played Harriette for the show's remaining nine episodes.

Payton told EW in 2017 that she doesn't have any regrets about leaving and even admitted she'd been ready to move on years earlier. "I actually made the decision to leave the show two years before I left," she revealed. "I was unhappy about a lot of things; I was going through a divorce, I wasn't happy on the show — it didn't mean I did not want to perform as an actress or an artist … I wanted to do something else."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter*.****

- Celebrities & Creators

- Entertainment Industry Roles

Original Article on Source

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Source: Actors

Published: January 01, 2026 at 05:38PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from Janet Hubert to Ruby Rose

From surprise swaps to shocking exits, these TV stars were replaced. 30 actors who were recast on their TV shows, from ...

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Miriam Margolyes shared that she offered a &34;helping hand&34; to three men. Harry Potter star reveals jawdropping story about her past: 'Nobody would believe me' Miriam Margolyes shared that she offered a &34;helping hand&34; to three men. By Daysia Tolentino :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/DaysiaTolentinoauthorphotob1c9bf2343cf4cf7b77759eeb9f69e8d.jpg) Daysia Tolentino Daysia Tolentino is a writer at . She has written for since 2025. Her work has appeared in NBC News, Vulture, GQ, and InStyle. EW's editorial guidelines December 30, 2025 1:00 p.m.

Miriam Margolyes shared that she offered a "helping hand" to three men.

Harry Potter star reveals jaw-dropping story about her past: 'Nobody would believe me'

Miriam Margolyes shared that she offered a "helping hand" to three men.

By Daysia Tolentino

Daysia Tolentino

Daysia Tolentino is a writer at *. *She has written for * *since 2025. Her work has appeared in NBC News, Vulture, GQ, and InStyle.

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December 30, 2025 1:00 p.m. ET

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Miriam Margolyes as Professor Sprout in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'. Credit:

Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett

Miriam Margolyes made the likes of will.i.am and Adam Lambert blush after sharing a raunchy story on *The Graham Norton Show* over a decade ago. The actress later revealed that there was more to the memory than she previously admitted to.

Most *Harry Potter* fans know Margolyes as the sweet, affable Professor Pomona Sprout in *Chamber of Secrets* and *Deathly Hallows Pt. 2*; however, Margolyes is just as notorious for her unfiltered, off-the-cuff humor.**

Maggie Smith, Miriam Margolyes, and Richard Harris in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'.

Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

During an appearance on *The Graham Norton Show* in 2012, the *Age of Innocence* actress shared that she had given a soldier a "helping hand" after catching him touching himself in a tree. She returned to the talk show recently to promote her new book *The Little Book of Miriam* and revealed more details about that cheeky night.

There were more gentlemen that asked for her assistance that evening, Margolyes divulged. After servicing the troop, a "very nicely dressed gentleman" came up to her and requested she help him too.

"I didn't tell it on television because I felt nobody would believe me," she said.

Miriam Margolyes attends the Oxford Literary Festival 2025 on March 29, 2025.

David Levenson/Getty

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

With a captivated audience that included Glenn Close, Alexander Skarsgård, and Nicola Coughlan, the actress recounted how she had "finished him off." As wild as the tale is, the story doesn't stop there.

"I was wiping my hand in the grass over there and lo and behold, this is the bit nobody believes, but it is true, a voice from the same place said, 'Hey, Miriam,'" she said. "And it was someone I knew. He was a young student that I had known in Oxford."

Margolyes did one last favor for her old friend, joking that she did "three for the price of one." Check out Margolyes on *The Graham Norton Show* below.

- Celebrities & Creators

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrities"

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Source: Celebrities

Published: January 01, 2026 at 10:38AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Harry Potter star reveals jaw-dropping story about her past: 'Nobody would believe me'

Miriam Margolyes shared that she offered a &34;helping hand&34; to three men. Harry Potter star reveals jawdroppin...

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Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the child-a...

&34;Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter,&34; Melling said. Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the childactor' role &34;Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter,&34; Melling said. By Sydney Bucksbaum :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/headshotb5dc24df8d5d43d1a16c9ce0e0383119.jpg) Sydney Bucksbaum Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at .

"Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter," Melling said.

Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the child-actor' role

"Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter," Melling said.

By Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author. Her work has previously appeared in *TV Guide Magazine*, E! News/E! Online, *The Hollywood Reporter*, Mashable, Bustle, IGN, DCComics.com, Inverse, *The Daily Northwestern*, and more.

EW's editorial guidelines

December 30, 2025 5:33 p.m. ET

Harry Melling and Daniel Radcliffe in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'. Credit:

For Harry Potter alum Harry Melling, being in a major film franchise at the beginning of his acting career wasn't so magical.

The actor appeared as Dudley Dursley in five Harry Potter films, from when he was 10 years old until he was 21: 2001's *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*, 2002's *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*, 2004's *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, 2007's *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* and 2010's *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1*. But as he looked back on the start of his career in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, he revealed his struggles with being "shackled" to a major franchise.

Melling, 36, opened up about how he doesn't "want people to know" him, which is why he's taken on such different roles post-Potter.

"It's very contrary to what this industry wants you to be, and that for me is the biggest compliment someone could ever pay me," Melling said. "I don't want people to have an understanding of me prior to — I mean, obviously I kind of f---ed it up doing Harry Potter."

JC Olivera/WWD via Getty

Melling continued, "But I really don't want people to have an understanding of who I am going into a movie. I want them just to see the character, which is maybe why it feels eclectic and you can't pigeonhole it."

Melling added that he was "a wee babe, really" when he starred in the Potter films, "but people hold onto that."

Referring to a recent interview where he had said he's "spent [his] entire life running away from" Harry Potter, Melling admitted he "said it in a jokey sort of way."

"But yeah, to establish yourself so early as in this huge franchise — it was never a destination," he explained. "At 10, or whatever, there was so much more to do. In a weird way, I knew that getting trapped within the child-actor thing was not going to allow me to do the other things that I wanted to do. Now I do theater and work with the likes of the Coen Brothers, work in America, and do so much work in U.K. independent film."

Melling wondered if he does "so much" because he had a constant internal drive to "keep going" and "don't fall into" being pigeonholed as a child actor.

"Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma," he said. "I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter. I fell in love with the concept of people being many things, and that's the thing that I wanted to spend my life doing. That felt very precious to me and was something that I really wanted to have a go at doing in my life."

Harry Melling on his evolution from 'Harry Potter' to Edgar Allan Poe

How 'The Queen's Gambit' star Harry Melling went from 'Harry Potter' to prolific character actor

Melling remembered being surrounded by so many "incredible stage actors" on the set of Harry Potter movies, which helped instill a love of theater in himself from a young age.

"Even when I was doing Harry Potter, I was obsessed with theater," he said. "A lot of the more senior actors in the Harry Potter world were all these incredible stage actors — and I wanted to have that career. Then going to drama school changes what you want in coming out the other side. But at the same time, Harry Potter is this huge, huge franchise, and I never wanted to be in any way shackled to it. I always wanted to have a really big career and try lots of different things."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Since wrapping his time in the Harry Potter world, Melling has gone on to appear in multiple Coen Brothers films, including *The Ballad of Buster Scruggs*, as well as *The Queen's Gambit, The Pale Blue Eye,* and most recently starred opposite Alexander Skarsgard in the gay BDSM rom-com *Pillion* (releasing in the U.S. on Feb. 6, 2026).

Melling recently shot down speculation that he would return to the wizarding world for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series in an interview with* British GQ *in November (child actor Amos Kitson is taking over the role of Dudley).

"I don't think so," he said when asked if he would return. "I think it's great it's getting done again. If they wanna tell the story in another way, it's an amazing opportunity to have... Because it's serious, right? They have more time to tell the story. I don't know, in a strange way, I feel that I've spent my entire life running away from it. It kind of is the fire under my belly."

- Film Worlds & Fandoms

- Harry Potter Fandom

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Harry"

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Source: Harry

Published: January 01, 2026 at 09:38AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the child-a...

&34;Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with be...

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Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode...

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode of The Awardist podcast Plus, interviews with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos, Rose Byrne, &34;KPop Demon Hunters&34; stars Arden Cho and May Hong, and more — and awards season analysis. By Gerrad Hall :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/Gerrad413fcf02541834f43bb26c0de8fe66f66.jpg) Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at , overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage.

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode of The Awardist podcast

Plus, interviews with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos, Rose Byrne, "KPop Demon Hunters" stars Arden Cho and May Hong, and more — and awards season analysis.

By Gerrad Hall

Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at **, overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage. He is also host of *The Awardist* podcast, and has cohosted EW's live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows. He has appeared on *Good Morning America*, *The Talk*, *Access Hollywood*, *Extra!*, and other talk shows, delivering the latest news on pop culture and entertainment.

EW's editorial guidelines

December 30, 2025 7:49 p.m. ET

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Amy Madigan; Michael B. Jordan; Jacob Elordi. Credit:

Eric Charbonneau/Warner Bros via Getty; Brianna Bryson/WireImage; Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty

After a Fall Festival circuit that launched the campaigns for *Hamnet*, *Bugonia*, *Frankenstein*, *The Smashing Machine*, *The Testament of Ann Lee*, *The Secret Agent*, and more, we were off to the races. But *Sinners* emerged as the year's first true Oscar contender in April, both a box office and critical success. From the Cannes Film Festival, *Sentimental Value* emerged as a favorite, and it continued to build momentum during the fall. And then there was this summer's surprise hit, *Weapons*. Then came *One Battle After Another* and *Marty Supreme*.

The 2026 Oscars race has given us no shortage of topics to analyze, and the acting categories have been more in flux than in past years — we've been breaking it all down on *The Awardist* podcast. Plus, stars and directors of this year's contenders have joined me to discuss their films and look back on their careers, including *KPop Demon Hunters* voice stars Arden Cho and May Hong; *Weapons* star Amy Madigan; *Frankenstein*'s Creature, Jacob Elordi; *Sinners* writer-director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan; *Wicked: For Good* star Cynthia Erivo, and *One Battle After Another* stars Chase Infiniti and Regina Hall.

Below, you can listen to each episode of the 2026 Oscars season of *The Awardist* podcast. And be sure to check back as new episodes go live every Thursday.*******Check out more from EW's *The Awardist*, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis, and our podcast diving into all the highlights from the year's best in TV, movies, and more.***

Sizing up One Battle After Another, Hamnet, and other early 2026 Oscar frontrunners — and can KPop Demon Hunters get a Best Picture nomination?

A new season of *The Awardist* kicks off with host Gerrad Hall, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng breaking down all of the early action on the road to the 2026 Oscars. We're talking about early frontrunners — including Paul Thomas Anderson's *One Battle After Another*, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, to Chloé Zhao's *Hamnet* starring the one-to-beat Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal — the movies that gained the most out of the fall festival circuit, the big contenders still to come, and who might be a dark horse, including *KPop Demon Hunters*.**

*The Lost Bus *star America Ferrera, Timothée Chalamet's big boost for Marty Supreme

Timothée Chalamet's *Marty Supreme* has a surprise world premiere this week at the New York Film Festival — is the reaction what he needed to boost his lead in the Best Actor race? *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down early chatter about his performance and what it'll mean for his chances. Plus, thoughts on *One Battle After Another* star Chase Infiniti leaping into the Best Actress category, and we dive into the Golden Globes' short list for Best Podcast, which includes some controversial political voices. And Gerrad chats with *The Lost Bus* star America Ferrera about the harrowing true story, about the bus driver and teacher who were trapped with 22 students during California's devastating 2018 Camp Fire.**

KPop Demon Hunters stars Arden Cho & May Hong, and remembering Diane Keaton

After becoming the biggest pop culture phenomenon of the year, breaking records on Netflix, and taking the Billboard charts by storm with the soundtrack, including the No. 1 hit "Golden," *KPop Demon Hunters* stars Arden Cho ('Rumi') and May Hong ('Mira') are looking back on their very first auditions for the movie, how they related to their demon-hunting/KPop girl-group characters, the movie's enormous success, what they hope to see from a sequel, and more. Plus, *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall and EW. Sr. Editor Joyce Eng chat about the shift in categories for *One Battle After Another* star Chase Infiniti, and we're celebrating the legacy of Hollywood legend Diane Keaton.**

Weapons star Amy Madigan on bringing Aunt Gladys to life, Miley Cyrus gets in the Oscar race

Could Amy Madigan go back to the Oscars 40 years after her first nomination, this time for playing the mysterious and kooky Aunt Gladys in the horror mystery *Weapons*? It's very possible! The actress joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to look back on her experience in Zach Cregger's latest thriller and her career. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng chat about the Best Song race, including new contender Miley Cyrus, who has co-written and will perform the end credits song for *Avatar: Fire and Ash*.**

First Wicked: For Good reactions, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You star Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne plays a mother on the verge of a breakdown in *If I Had Legs I'd Kick You* — she breaks down her performance in the psychological dramedy, which is already picking up a lot of honors this awards season. Plus, *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall and EW senior editor Joyce Eng break down the Gotham Awards nominations, where *One Battle After Another* leads all nominees with six; we also analyze that movie's switch to the comedy/musical category at the Golden Globes and what it means for movies including *Wicked: For Good*. And Gerrad shares his reaction to that movie and whether stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande can go the distance at the Oscars.**

Frankenstein star Jacob Elordi, sizing up the Supporting Actor race

He's unrecognizable in *Frankenstein*, covered in prosthetics to play the Creature, but Jacob Elordi steals the show with his heartbreaking performance. He joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to discuss what he considers his most personal work yet, teases *Euphoria* season 3, and looks back on the *Kissing Booth* movies and *Saltburn*. Plus, Gerrad shares a portion of his Q&A with *Frankenstein* star Oscar Isaac at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Elsewhere, Gerrad, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng analyze the Supporting Actor category.**

*Die My Love *stars Jennifer Lawrence & Robert Pattinson, why Sydney Sweeney's Christy flopped

After starring in their own huge franchises — *The Hunger Games* and *Twilight* — Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson now join forces to play a couple in the drama *Die My Love*. The two chat with *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall about the movie's love story and dark elements, and look back on those early blockbusters. Plus, Gerrad, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down the poor box office performance of Sydney Sweeney's *Christy*, and discuss Tom Cruise's career and potential future Oscar chances ahead of receiving an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards.**

The Smashing Machine stars Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt, inside the Governors Awards

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt do a deep dive with *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall on their new drama, *The Smashing Machine*, from his transformation into UFC pioneer Mark Kerr and his concerns about still being seen as the Rock to his character realizing he needed to go to rehab for his drug addiction and the personal place Johnson went for that scene, and Blunt's character Dawn trying to escape torment and their toxic relationship. The lively conversation also includes a look back at their first movie together, *Jungle Cruise*, Johnson revealing who he wanted to play in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, and more. Plus, Gerrad, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng discuss the new name for the SAG Awards, the Actor Awards, and Gerrad debriefs on the Governors Awards.**

Bugonia star Jesse Plemons and director Yorgos Lanthimos, Wicked: For Good dominates box office

*Bugonia* star Jesse Plemons does a deep dive on his conspiracy-theorist character and going toe-to-toe with Emma Stone, and director Yorgos Lanthimos explains what made this movie more complicated than his other recent projects. Plus, *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down the huge opening weekend for *Wicked: For Good* and discuss the career of Eddie Murphy, who will be AFI's latest Life Achievement Award winner.**

Sinners star Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, first reaction to Avatar: Fire and Ash

It was the first Oscar hopeful to debut in 2025 — *Sinners* is still a favorite and a strong contender for Best Picture, Director, and Actor nominations. Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan join *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to chat about their fifth movie together, how Jordan playing twins complicated their process, what Coogler discovered about the movie by filming the end-credits scene on day one, and more. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down all of the latest awards action, from the Gothams and National Board of Review winners to the Spirit Award nominations. Plus, they reveal their thoughts on *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, and Miley Cyrus shares insight into how she wrote her original song for the movie.**

One Battle After Another stars Chase Infiniti & Regina Hall, Golden Globes snubs and surprises

Golden Globes voters have spoken — and now, so are we, breaking down the top film nominations, and especially the biggest snubs and surprises, from *Wicked: For Good* to Jacob Elordi. Plus, *One Battle After Another* star Chase Infiniti joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to discuss her long audition process and having to shave Leonardo DiCaprio to help win the role, that scene with Sean Penn, and more, and then Gerrad chats with her costar Regina Hall about her incredible career and role in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest movie. **

Wicked: For Good star Cynthia Erivo, Oscar shortlists, remembering Rob Reiner

Golden Globe nominee Cynthia Erivo joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to chat about her *Wicked: For Good *journey, whether she was really prepared for everything required of her physically for the role, filming the number "For Good" last-minute with Ariana Grande, the 'sex cardigan,' and more. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng analyze some of the Oscar shortlists, and we remember filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, who died tragically over the weekend.**

Marty Supreme star Gwyneth Paltrow, thoughts on Oscars moving to YouTube

Gwyneth Paltrow hasn't made a movie in seven years, but she's back on the big screen in *Marty Supreme* — she tells *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall about how "petrified" she was, about building her character's backstory, what she loved about working with Timothée Chalamet, and more. Plus, we look back on her Oscar win for *Shakespeare in Love* and why it took her 25 years to come to terms with it, as well as *Glee*, and what she thinks Pepper Potts has been up to. And Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng share their thoughts on the Academy's decision to move the Oscars from broadcast TV to YouTube starting in 2029, as well as Harrison Ford being announced as SAG-AFTRA's next Life Achievement Honoree.**

- Awards Shows & Events

- The Awardist Podcast Episodes

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW The"

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Source: The

Published: January 01, 2026 at 09:38AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 01, 2026

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode...

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode of The Awardist podca...

Read More