The actor reacted to remarks in a new documentary about him using the Nword on set and having a &34;full meltdown,&34; claiming his costars were &34;too young to be aware of my work.&34; Chevy Chase says his controversial Community exit was a 'misunderstanding,' insists 'I'm not racist' The actor reacted to remarks in a new documentary about him using the Nword on set and having a &34;full meltdown,&34; claiming his costars were &34;too young to be aware of my work.&34; By Ryan Coleman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/RyanColemanauthorphoto0081ce8f0254478080f35972c433877b.

The actor reacted to remarks in a new documentary about him using the N-word on set and having a "full meltdown," claiming his costars were "too young to be aware of my work."

Chevy Chase says his controversial *Community *exit was a 'misunderstanding,' insists 'I'm not racist'

The actor reacted to remarks in a new documentary about him using the N-word on set and having a "full meltdown," claiming his costars were "too young to be aware of my work."

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 1, 2026 4:56 p.m. ET

Chevy Chase on 'Community' in 2009. Credit:

Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Chevy Chase says he's not to blame for his controversial departure from the NBC sitcom *Community*.

The debate over the events that led to Chase's 2012 exit has been reignited ahead of the release of *I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not*, a new CNN documentary about the actor that premieres Thursday night. In it, *Community *director Jay Chandrasekhar confirms reports at the time that Chase used the N-word on set and went into a "full meltdown," with his costar Yvette Nicole Brown distancing herself from the ordeal. But Chase sees things differently.

"It wasn't a bad experience. I just didn't think it was that good, the show," Chase told *The New York Times *in a joint interview with the documentary's director, Marina Zenovich, published Thursday.

When interviewer Nicole Sperling pushed back on Chase's reaction, reminding him that he had spoken positively about the sitcom during his time on it, he dismissed her remark, saying simply, "Oh, shut up."

However, after several more prods, he offered the fullest version of his side of the story in years.

Danny Pudi, Chevy Chase, Gillian Jacobs, Joel McHale, and Donald Glover on 'Community'.

Lewis Jacobs/NBC

When asked why his daughter, Caley Chase, claimed in the documentary that the comedian "loved" the writing on *Community*, he replied, "My daughter can go to hell." After he was asked how he felt when his turn on the show wrapped, he quipped, "I thought it ended great." Then the *SNL *vet set aside the snark and got a bit more candid.

"It was too great a misunderstanding of what I was saying and not saying," he said. "I thought that there was at least one person — and another who, for some ungodly reason, didn't get me, didn't know who I was, or didn't realize for one second I'm not racist. They were too young to be aware of my work. Instead, there was some sort of visceral reaction from them."**

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

'Community' director says Chevy Chase had 'meltdown' after N-word incident leaked

Joel McHale says Donald Glover is returning in 'Community' movie

According to a new account Chandrasekhar relays in *I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not*, Chase's alleged tirade began with a "blackface hand puppet" storyline written for his character, the ignorant and abrasive Pierce Hawthorne.

Chandrasekhar claims that Chase "said something" to Brown, whom he already had a "history" with regarding race. "She got up and stormed out of there," the director says in the doc. "Chevy storms off, so the producer is like, 'We need Yvette in the scene, right?' I'm like, 'Yeah, she's in the next scene.' And he goes, 'Well, she won't come out unless Chevy apologizes to her.'"

According to Chandrasekhar, Chase then told him that he "didn't say anything" to Brown and proceeded to explain that he "used to call Richard Pryor the N-word, and he used to call me the Honky, and we loved each other." The director adds that after the press reported the alleged incident, Chase returned to set complaining, "My career is ruined! I'm ruined!" and never came back.

The comedian's latest response echoes his past comments disparaging *Community* and his refusing to apologize over former costars and collaborators' negative accounts of working with him.**

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Published: January 05, 2026 at 11:38AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 05, 2026

Chevy Chase says his controversial Community exit was a 'misunderstanding,' insists 'I'm not racist'

The actor reacted to remarks in a new documentary about him using the Nword on set and having a &34;full meltdown,&34;...

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Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere. The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere. By Chris Snellgrove and Ilana Gordon :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ILANAGORDONHEADSHOT80577598f8ed442cacff5de184ceb9f5.jpg) Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles. EW's editorial guidelines January 2, 2026 10:00 a.m.

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere.

The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere.

By Chris Snellgrove

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 2, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

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Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'; Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'; Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'. Credit:

Glen Wilson/Netflix; Netflix (2)

Several inspiring movies on Netflix feature humans battling intense conditions, with some surviving against all odds. The characters on this list go to war — whether real or imaginary — with their circumstances and find a way to turn their adversities into their advantage.

You may never find yourself called upon to lead your country or pioneer a new path, but if you're in need of some gumption, these 17 movies will help light that spark within you. Here are the most inspiring movies streaming on Netflix right now.**

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

Nirmal Purja in '14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible'.

This documentary has the inspirational movie recipe memorized. Just take one ambitious climber (Nirmal Purja), a huge dream (trekking the world's 14 highest mountains in only seven months), and let those simmer for around two hours.

Beyond the pulse-quickening story, this film largely succeeds thanks to the riveting footage shot by the expedition team. The other production efforts are still impressive, but nothing beats the raw experience of walking alongside those trying to make the impossible possible. *—Chris Snellgrove*

Where to watch *14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible*: Netflix

**Director:** Torquil Jones

**Cast:** Nirmal Purja

Becoming (2020)

Michelle Obama in 'Becoming'.

After Michelle Obama's 2018 memoir became a best-seller, it was only a matter of time before it was adapted into a film. Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman.

As EW's critic writes in the review, "[G]enerally, Obama comes across as she always has — commanding but approachable, thoughtful but funny, sincere but guarded. But after spending eight years in the White House glare, that guard is understandable." *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Becoming*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Nadia Hallgren

**Cast:** Michelle Obama

The Black Godfather (2019)

Clarence Avant in 'The Black Godfather'.

Clarence Avant, a music producer affectionately dubbed the "Godfather of Black music," mostly flew under the mainstream radar with his brilliant artistic contributions. This documentary aims to change that by chronicling an unbelievable life that reshaped the music industry and made waves in politics, discussions of race, and business. With appearances from big names like Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and even former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, this inspirational movie is the perfect send-off for Avant, who died in 2023. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Black Godfather*: Netflix

**Director: **Reginald Hudlin

**Cast: **Hank Aaron, Dina R. Andrews, Clarence Avant

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba in 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'.

*The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind* may be a film about wind power, but the story runs on pure optimism. Chiwetel Ejiofor's movie follows the titular boy (Maxwell Simba) who is kicked out of school because his parents can't afford tuition. This doesn't keep him from secretly studying science, however, as he builds a windmill that can provide power for his humble village's broken water pump. Inspirational and innovative, this film instantly harnesses your attention and affection. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind*: Netflix

**Director: **Chiwetel Ejiofor

**Cast:** Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Banda

Cast Away (2000)

Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in 'Cast Away'.

A meditation on grief, loss, and the passage of time, *Cast Away** *is the story of Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx systems analyst who survives a plane crash, and has to teach himself to live in isolation. Hanks was at the height of his acting career in the '90s, coming off back-to-back wins at the Oscars for *Philadelphia* (1993) and *Forrest Gump* (1994). In *Cast Away* he gives what is arguably an even better performance, performing opposite a volleyball for much of the script to incredible effect. A must-watch for Hanks fans, EW's critic describes the film as being "about nothing so mesmerizing or so daring as its sustained attentiveness to the silent activity of a man engrossed in teaching himself how to survive." *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Cast Away*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Robert Zemeckis

**Cast: **Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy

The Greatest Night in Pop Music (2024)

Artists featured in 'The Greatest Night in Pop Music'.

Courtesy of Netflix

The '80s were a different time, man. Back then, you could convince 45 of the world's biggest musical artists to spend one night recording a song, with all sales intended to help fight famine in Africa. The song — "We Are the World," co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson — facilitated one of the biggest and most successful charitable collaborations in musical history, and the story of how that one night came to pass makes for a pretty great documentary.

Narrated by the living artists who participated in the recording, the film is a shining example of what can happen when celebrities combine their platforms for good, and its relevance is particularly strong today. Littered with pop culture anecdotes and musical history, *The Greatest Night in Pop *is a lovely reminder of the healing powers of music, and a moving tribute to the artists involved who have since died. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Greatest Night in Pop*: Netflix

**Director: **Bao Nguyen

**Cast:** Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis

Hustle (2022)

Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz and Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman in 'Hustle'. Scott Yamano/Netflix

"Guys in their 50s don't have dreams," says Adam Sandler's character, Stanley Sugerman, in the sports film *Hustle*. "They have nightmares and eczema." Stanley is unwilling to admit it, but he hasn't given up on his fantasy of becoming an NBA coach, even though he's spent his life on the road working as an international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers.

But when Stanley's mentor dies, precipitating a changeup in the 76ers' front office, Stanley finds himself demoted back to talent scout. During a trip to Spain, he discovers Bo Cruz (former Toronto Raptors player Juancho Hernangómez), an unknown baller with an undeniable gift. But if Stanley is going to convince the league to take Bo seriously, both he and the budding athlete will need to put in some serious work. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *Hustle*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Director: **Jeremiah Zagar

**Cast: **Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangómez, Ben Foster, Kenny Smith

Is That Black Enough For You?!? (2022)

Whoopi Goldberg in 'Is That Black Enough for You?!?'.

In the age of erroneous YouTube video essays, documentaries like *Is That Black Enough For You?!?* are more important than ever before. This Elvis Mitchell feature examines Black cinema (with an emphasis on 1970s Blaxploitation) and interviews stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, and Laurence Fishburne to help bridge generations of Black performers and media. The result is a carefully crafted, inspiring record of Black excellence at the movies. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Is That Black Enough For You?!?*: Netflix

**Director:** Elvis Mitchell

**Cast: **Margaret Avery, Harry Belafonte, Charles Burnett

Lionheart (2018)

Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze Obiagu in 'Lionheart'.

Netflix/Everett Collection

Though it was sadly snubbed at the Academy Awards, Genevieve Nnaji's *Lionheart* is still a breathtaking directorial debut. The film focuses on Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie), who must step down from running a company, and his daughter, Adaeze (Nnaji), who wants to take his place.

But after he chooses her brother instead, the pair must reconcile their resentment and cope with the practical fallout. Like some of the best inspirational movies, *Lionheart* weaves a captivating portrait with threads of loyalty, loss, and heartbreak. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Lionheart*: Netflix

**Director:** Genevieve Nnaji

**Cast:** Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O. Kanayo

Little Miss Sumo (2018)

Hiyori Kon in 'Little Miss Sumo'.

This documentary short packs a lot into its 20-minute run time. *Little Miss Sumo* is the story of 20-year-old Hiyori Kon, one of the few female amateur sumo wrestlers competing in Japan. Tradition dictates that women are not allowed to enter the dohyō (wrestling ring). But Kon was a dominant sumo wrestler as a child, and refused to give up on the sport she loved as an adult.

*Little Miss Sumo* follows Kon as she competes in the 2018 Sumo World Championship, and does a great job of explaining the sport's history and gendered limitations. Kon is a charming and determined subject, and *Little Miss Sumo* will leave you wanting to learn more about her and sumo wrestling. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Little Miss Sumo*: Netflix

**Director: **Matt Kay

**Cast:** Hiyori Kon

My Octopus Teacher (2021)

Craig Foster in 'My Octopus Teacher'.

*My Octopus Teacher *is a story of relationships, as told by a filmmaker who bonds with an octopus. Craig Foster spent a year free-diving and following the animal living in a South African kelp forest, and the more he understands her underwater way of life, the better he becomes at connecting with his son. This movie may be about a sea creature, but it's also an important story of humanity that is affecting, educational, and inspiring. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *My Octopus Teacher*: Netflix

**Directors:** Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed

**Cast:** Craig Foster, Tom Foster

The Only Girl in the Orchestra (2023)

Orin O'Brien in 'The Only Girl in the Orchestra'.

Courtesy of Netflix

In 1966, there were 104 members of the New York Philharmonic: 103 men and one woman. The woman's name is Orin O'Brien, and she was hired by Leonard Bernstein to play double bass. As the first woman invited to perform in the orchestra, O'Brien's incredible story as a pioneer within classical music was captured by her niece, filmmaker Molly O'Brien, and won the Best Documentary Short at the 2025 Oscars. The film is only 35 minutes long, but it packs a punch, allowing O'Brien to reflect on her love of craft and 55-year career with the Philharmonic, which ended when she retired in 2021. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Only Girl in the Orchestra*: Netflix

**Director: **Molly O'Brien

**Cast:** Orin O'Brien

The Other Shore (2013)

Diana Nyad in 'The Other Shore'. D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Marathon swimmer Diana Nyad had a dream: to perform an unassisted swim from Florida to Cuba, a never before accomplished feat. Starting in the 1970s and ending in the 2010s, Nyad's pursuit of this beyond-human endeavor offers more than a portrait of a standout athlete.

Nyad's journey from shore to shore — also immortalized in the 2023 sports drama *Nyad* starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster — tells the story of a person striving to overcome trauma and achieve greatness at great personal cost. A tale of determination, friendship, aging on one's own terms, and the resilience of the human spirit, *The Other Shore *is a story that will float to top of mind when you're least expecting it.* —I.G.*

Where to watch *The Other Shore*: Netflix

**Director: **Timothy Wheeler

**Cast: **Diana Nyad, Bonnie Stoll

Pelé (2021)

Pelé in 'Pelé'.

In certain corners of the world, the name of soccer (or should we say football?) star Pelé is spoken with the reverence reserved for saints. Because of this star power, it's easy for even the biggest fans to lose sight of the real man, whose legend still grows by the day. Fortunately, this documentary blends interviews, games, and other archival footage into a heartfelt, honest portrait of the man behind the myth. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Pelé*: Netflix

**Directors: **Ben Nichols, David Tryhorn

26 of the most inspirational movies of all time, from 'Rocky' to 'Legally Blonde'

25 Best Movie Tearjerkers Ever

Race (2016)

Stephan James as Jesse Owens in 'Race'.

Thibault Grabherr/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

The story of Jesse Owens, played in this biographical sports drama by Stephan James, is a fascinating one. A college athlete out of Depression-era Cleveland, Owens makes enough of an impression on his Ohio State coach, Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), for Snyder to push him toward the Olympics. But the 1936 games — held in Berlin during the early years of the Third Reich — make for an uncomfortable setting for Owens as he attempts to fulfill his athletic dreams. The story of a young man attempting to outrun the racial and cultural forces seeking to limit his excellence, *Race *is an important addition to the sports movie canon. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Race*: Netflix

**Director: **Stephen Hopkins

**Cast: **Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, Carice van Houten, William Hurt

Rustin (2023)

Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in 'Rustin'. David Lee/Netflix

*Rustin* is a biographical drama with an impeccable pedigree: It's directed by George C. Wolfe, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground, and features great supporting actors like Chris Rock and Jeffrey Wright. Colman Domingo particularly shines as Bayard Rustin, a legendary LGBTQ+ activist who helped organize the March on Washington in 1963. He's an often-overlooked figure, partially due to his sexuality, but this film helps further cement his place in American history. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Rustin*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **George C. Wolfe

**Cast:** Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald

Shirley (2024)

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in 'Shirley'.

Glen Wilson/Netflix

According to Regina King, there are many elements of the biopic *Shirley *— the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to compete for a presidential nomination from a major political party — that were a long time coming. King stars as Chisholm opposite her own real-life sister, Reina King, with whom she co-produced the project. As Regina tells EW, the sisters chose *Shirley* "because we realized there were far too many people who didn't even know her name."

The film more than corrects this, detailing Chisholm's inspiring attempt to secure the Democratic nomination in 1972, and drilling into the sexism and racism she had to overcome in order to win the respect of her peers. And now all that history is available for you to watch on Netflix. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Shirley*: Netflix

**Director: **John Ridley

**Cast: **Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson

Simone Biles Rising (2024)

Simone Biles in 'Simone Biles Rising'.

Courtesy Netflix

Simone Biles took back her power in 2024 at the Summer Olympics, but before she ever set foot on a mat in Paris, fans got a chance to revisit her story in the first half of her four-part docuseries, *Simone Biles Rising*. Episodes 1 and 2 focus on Biles' mental health issues during the 2020 Olympics, and her struggle to prepare for 2024, while 3 and 4 concentrate on aging and injury within gymnastics, and Biles' performance in Paris. If you're too impatient to wait until the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, *Simone Biles Rising* is here to help you recapture some of that gymnastics magic. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Simone Biles Rising*: Netflix

**Cast: **Simone Biles

Skater Girl (2021)

Amrit Maghera as Jessica and Waheeda Rehman as Maharani in 'Skater Girl'.

Kerry Monteen/Netflix/Courtesy Everett

A Netflix film based on India's growing skateboarding culture, *Skater Girl *tells the story of Prerna (Rachel Saanchita Gupta), a teenager who becomes enamored with the sport after an outsider brings boards to her village. A coming-of-age movie that also explores gender roles and social norms within traditional Indian culture, *Skater Girl *is Prerna's story, but it's also that of other young Indian girls who have been empowered by the spirit and freedom skateboarding provides. Written by sisters Manjari and Vinati Makijany, *Skater Girl *is an uplifting sports drama that lands every trick it attempts. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Skater Girl*: Netflix

**Director: **Manjari Makijany

**Cast: **Rachel Sanchita Gupta, Shafin Patel, Amrit Maghera, Jonathan Readwin, Waheeda Rehman

Society of the Snow (2023)

Enzo Vogrincic as Numa Turcatti in 'Society of the Snow'.

*Society of the Snow* may be adapted from a non-fiction book, but this cinematic tale of a doomed rugby team's plane crash in the Andes mountains brings several new elements to light. For one, the cast — most of them first-time actors from Uruguay — feels refreshingly authentic, while the crisp direction and artful cinematography make for a beautiful contrast with the characters' cannibalistic fate. It's not for the weak of heart, but this showcase of humanity's resilience is inspirational on its own bleakly noble terms. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Society of the Snow*: Netflix

**Director:** J. A. Bayona

**Cast:** Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Felipe González Otaño

Unbroken (2014)

Miyavi as the Bird (center) in 'Unbroken'.

Universal Pictures

*Unbroken*'s true story is so bizarre that it sounds made up. This inspirational odyssey centers on an American athlete (Jack O'Connell) whose Olympic dreams are dashed first by World War II and then by a plane crash, culminating in him becoming a Japanese POW. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Angelina Jolie's film is an old-fashioned gem that is as visually lush as it is emotionally raw. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Unbroken*: Netflix

**Director:** Angelina Jolie

**Cast: **Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock

Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team (2023)

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team in 'Under Pressure'.

When the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team won the FIFA World Cup in 1999, the sport changed. Women's soccer became a phenomenon, and players like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became household names. But after years of dominating in international competitions, the U.S. began feeling the heat of other countries' developing soccer programs.

The story of how the United States women's soccer team became the team to beat — before getting beat themselves — is best expressed in their own words. The series unfolds in four episodes, all of which follow the players as they attempt to make it onto the squad, and win the 2023 World Cup. A sports fan's dream, *Under Pressure* gives exceptional insight into the process, training, and mental strength required to make it in women's soccer. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team*: Netflix

**Cast: **Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Savannah DeMelo, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams

Will & Harper (2024)

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in 'Will & Harper'.

*Saturday Night Live* launched Will Ferrell's comedy career and turned castmates and co-writers into lifelong pals. Ferrell's nearly 30-year friendship with one of the show's former head writers changed one day when he received an email stating that said writer was transitioning to live as a woman.

*Will & Harper* follows Ferrell and comedy writer Harper Steele as the two embark on a roadtrip across America to better understand their new dynamic and explore this next phase in their friendship. A road trip comedy unlike any you've seen before, *Will & Harper* is a conversation about show business, platonic relationships, and living one's authentic life in modern America. Since leaving *SNL*, Ferrell dabbled with dramatic roles, but never has he been more human and honest than in this prescient and funny documentary. *—I.G*

Where to watch *Will & Harper*: Netflix

**Director: **Josh Greenbaum

**Cast: **Will Ferrell, Harper Steele

Zero to Hero (2021)

Chung-Hang Leung as So Wa Wai in 'Zero to Hero'.

Despite its jaunty title, *Zero to Hero* is a profound and serious story of human triumph in the face of adversity. This Hong Kong film's guiding force is So Wa Wai (Chung-Hang Leung), a real athlete whose aspirations were nearly thwarted by cerebral spasms that made even walking difficult. Throughout the film, we see him remarkably regain his ability to run against all odds, paving the way for a major victory. If you need a truly inspirational movie, this is a solid place to start. *—C.S.*

Where to watch *Zero to Hero*: Netflix

**Director:** Chi-Man Wan

**Cast:** Chung-Hang Leung, Louis Cheung, Siu-ho Chin, Hoi-pang Lo

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

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Source: "EW Movie"

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Published: January 05, 2026 at 10:38AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 05, 2026

The 24 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

Let the athletes, historical figures, and fictional characters on this list show you how they persevere. The 24 most inspirin...

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Matt and Ross Duffer tell EW about the &34;challenging&34; process of securing rights to &34;Purple Rain&34; and &34;When Doves Cry&34; from Prince's estate. How the Stranger Things series finale scored 2 Prince songs for its endoftheworld soundtrack Matt and Ross Duffer tell EW about the &34;challenging&34; process of securing rights to &34;Purple Rain&34; and &34;When Doves Cry&34; from Prince's estate. :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JoeyNolfiauthorphotoba4923fec03a4027868306485696ef41.jpg) Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at .

Matt and Ross Duffer tell EW about the "challenging" process of securing rights to "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry" from Prince's estate.

How the Stranger Things series finale scored 2 Prince songs for its end-of-the-world soundtrack

Matt and Ross Duffer tell EW about the "challenging" process of securing rights to "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry" from Prince's estate.

Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at *. *Since 2016, his work at EW includes *RuPaul's Drag Race* video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 2, 2026 11:16 a.m. ET

Millie Bobby Brown in 'Stranger Things' season 5 finale; Prince in 'Purple Rain'. Credit:

Netflix; Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett

- Matt and Ross Duffer explain the "challenging" process of securing 2 Prince songs for the *Stranger Things* finale.

- The pair credited the success of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" after season 4 with helping their bid.

- "The only thing that was harder rights-wise was getting Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' for the season 2 trailer."

Prince's estate — and the late pop star's iconic music — helped turn the *Stranger Things* Upside Down right side up in the beloved show's emotional series finale, creator-directors Matt and Ross Duffer reveal to **.

After the beloved sci-fi show's final episode featured not one, but *two* notable Prince songs soundtracking pivotal moments during the climax of the the two-hour installment, the Duffers explain the "challenging" process of securing the rights to use both "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry" in a key scene.

"It was cheap," Matt jokes to EW in a recent interview, later adding that he and brother Ross are "very grateful for the estate for allowing us to use" the songs in a sequence depicting the final exchange between Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) before a bomb set by the Hawkins gang (who attached a fuse to a record playing both the A- and B-side of a Prince single) destroys the Upside Down for good.**

"The rights issues were challenging, just because it hasn't been licensed very much. I don't know if in a world where 'Running Up That Hill' didn't do what it did for Kate Bush last season, that we would've gotten these rights," Ross observes, recognizing the overwhelming pop culture resurgence Bush had after her 1985 single returned to the *Billboard* Hot 100 chart at No. 3 in 2022, following its usage in a key episode of *Stranger Things* season 4.

Prince in 'Purple Rain'.

Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett

Ross continues, adding that "the stars aligned and we were able to get" Prince's songs for the season 5 finale.

"We've never thought so much figuring out what the right song was and talked to so many people, because it wasn't just about the emotion of the scene," he explains. "What's really challenging, because of the way the bomb worked with the record player, we needed the beginning of whatever song was on the A- or B-side to be upbeat and hopeful, and then we needed the last song to be epic and emotional, and obviously had to be period correct and it had to be an iconic song."

He finishes, adding that "once you start doing that, it does actually narrow it down fairly quickly. There just weren't that many incredible options, and so we fell in love with Prince and, luckily, it all worked out."

Matt additionally says that the 1980s-set series — which often used iconic songs from the era in various episodes, from "Upside Down" by Diana Ross to Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" — only had more difficulty while chasing after a tune by the King of Pop.

Did Eleven die on 'Stranger Things'? Creators answer burning finale questions

'Stranger Things' cast says watching series finale together was 'emotional' experience

"I would say the only thing that was harder rights-wise was getting Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' for the season 2 trailer," Matt says. "And, actually, that trailer's not even available anymore because of the rights issues. So, that was more brutal and more expensive than Prince."

The songs of Prince, who died three months before *Stranger Things* premiered in 2016, helped fans say goodbye to the popular series' five-volume run upon the finale's debut on New Year's Day.

Among other developments in the episode, which included a lengthy epilogue highlighting the trajectories of several key characters, perhaps the most divisive was the show's presentation of Eleven's ambiguous fate.

While the Hawkins crew seemingly watched Eleven sacrifice herself (and, in turn, eliminate the violent hunt for her at the hands of Linda Hamilton's ruthless Dr. Kay) amid the teens' successful plan to vanquish the Upside Down, Mike introduced a theory in the episode's final moments, posing that Eleven actually deceived everyone, and might be living a quiet life somewhere else, free from detection.

Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown in 'Stranger Things' season 5 finale.

"Our goal, our hope, is to leave it up to the fans, ultimately, and the audience in terms of what they believe, just as we leave it up to our characters in that basement to decide what they believe or not," Ross told EW elsewhere in the interview.

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

"We spent probably more time talking about Eleven's fate than anything else as we were working on season 5," Matt adds. "A lot of the dialogue you hear in the finale reflects the kind of debates that we were having in the writers' room. Hopper's [David Harbour] speech to her, he's expressing what a lot of us were expressing in the room, but then there was the flip side of that argument, which is what Kali [Linnea Berthelsen] was saying."**

The *Stranger Things* series finale is now streaming on Netflix.

*--Reporting by Nick Romano*

- Sci-Fi & Fantasy Shows

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Sci-Fi"

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Source: Sci-Fi

Published: January 05, 2026 at 10:38AM on Source: RON MAG

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byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 05, 2026

How the Stranger Things series finale scored 2 Prince songs for its end-of-the-world soundtrack

Matt and Ross Duffer tell EW about the &34;challenging&34; process of securing rights to &34;Purple Rain&34; a...

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Everything we know about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Release date, cast, and Cillian Murphy’...

&34;The Bone Temple&34; is the second film in a planned trilogy, following &34;28 Years Later.&34; Everything we know about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Release date, cast, and Cillian Murphy's return &34;The Bone Temple&34; is the second film in a planned trilogy, following &34;28 Years Later.&34; By Allison DeGrushe :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/allisondegrusheEWbiophotoe5f8e89253c84b7085a43c502a3051a4.jpg) Allison DeGrushe Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at . She has been working at since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

"The Bone Temple" is the second film in a planned trilogy, following "28 Years Later."

Everything we know about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Release date, cast, and Cillian Murphy's return

"The Bone Temple" is the second film in a planned trilogy, following "28 Years Later."

By Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

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 2, 2026 12:00 p.m. ET

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Ralph Fiennes in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'. Credit:

- *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple *picks up after the events of *28 Years Later. *

- Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O'Connell reprise their roles from the previous film.

- *The Bone Temple *is slated to hit theaters on Jan. 16, 2026.

Didn't get enough of the bone temple in *28 Years Later*? Boy, do we have good news for you.

That spire of skulls will likely play heavily into the horror hit's sequel, *The Bone Temple*, directed by Nia DaCosta (*Hedda*) and written by *28 Years Later *scribe Alex Garland (*Civil War*). It was shot back-to-back with its predecessor and is the second film in a planned trilogy.

Ralph Fiennes, who returns as Dr. Ian Kelson, previously spoke with ** about how this next installment highlights the "human violence" that persists even as the U.K. fights for survival against the Rage Virus.

Here's everything we know about *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*, including its release date, cast, and plot.

What is *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple *about?

Dr. Kelson's Bone Temple in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'.

Sony Pictures Releasing

*28 Years Later *ends with young Spike (Alfie Williams) leaving for the mainland alone. After fleeing from the infected, he runs into Jimmy (Jack O'Connell), a strange figure wearing a tracksuit, gold chains, and an upside-down gold cross. Jimmy isn't alone, either — he's backed by a similarly-dressed crew who prove themselves adept at slicing and dicing infected. Jimmy invites Spike to join them.

Jimmy, as you might imagine, will play a major role in *The Bone Temple*. In a chat with *Rolling Stone*, *28 Years Later* director Danny Boyle described the sequel as "essentially a debate about the nature of evil between [Kelson] and the head Jimmy."

The official synopsis reads: "Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship — with consequences that could change the world as they know it — and Spike's encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can't escape, In the world of *The Bone Temple*, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival — the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying."**

'28 Years Later' ending explained: Who is Jimmy and why is he dressed like that?

Danny Boyle's '28 Years Later' is stylistic, creative, and daring

Speaking with EW, Fiennes, who plays Dr. Kelson, noted the scene in which an infected gives birth in *28 Years Later* as foundational to what's to come. "I can say that the themes that we touched on in the scene on the train, the moment of labor, the humanity — it is a critical moment in the life of a mother and child," he said.

He continued, "The ultimate human moment is an infected woman who is giving birth to a baby who is not infected. The theme of innate humanity — is it still alive in the soul, in the heart, in the mind of an infected person? Are they completely corrupted? Are they only rabid? Or is there the possibility of something? Something human, it's still there."

And Fiennes also noted that the sequel will address "human violence" in a significant way. "We carry in us the potential for terrible destruction and pain," he said. "That theme is picked up very strongly in the next film."

Is there a trailer for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?

The first trailer for *The Bone Temple* highlights Dr. Kelson's titular structure, as well as his curiosity about the monstrous alpha, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry).

Dr. Kelson isn't just spending time with Samson, though. The trailer sees Jimmy and his gang, a.k.a. "the Jimmies," visiting the Bone Temple. Could Spike be the one who leads them there? He's seen wearing a blonde wig in the trailer, hinting he's now part of the ruthless faction.

A follow-up trailer released in December 2025 offers a deeper look at Jimmy's meeting with Dr. Kelson, in which the young buck asks Fiennes' weary doctor if he's "Old Nick," a nickname for Satan.

"Old Nick released his demons unto the world of man," says Jimmy. "And the world of man fell before the demons."**

Elsewhere in the clip, we see Spike being recruited as a Jimmy, flashbacks to the early days of the Rage Virus, and Dr. Kelson declaring that he believes the infection can be treated.**

Who's in the *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple *cast?

Jack O'Connell in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'.

Sony Pictures Releasing

Many players from *28 Years Later *will be reprising their roles in* The Bone Temple*, including Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson, Williams as Spike, O'Connell as Jimmy, and Lewis-Parry as Samson.

Also returning is Erin Kellyman (*The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*). She's seen multiple times in the trailer, wearing a blonde wig and stirring up violence with the Jimmies.

Is Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?

Cillian Murphy as Jim in '28 Days Later'.

Peter Mountain/Fox Searchlight

Yes, Cillian Murphy will return for *The Bone Temple*. Though he didn't appear in *28 Years Later*, the Oscar-winning actor will reprise his role as Jim, a bike courier who survived the original outbreak in* 28 Days Later*.

Murphy told *The Observer* that his role in *The Bone Temple* is brief and comes toward the end, but it sets the stage for him to play a key part in a potential third and final movie. "Everyone's got to go and see the second one," he said. "I'm sure they will – it's really, really good."**

When does *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple *come out?

The Jimmies in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'.

Sony Pictures Releasing

*28 Years Later: The Bone Temple *hits theaters on Jan. 16, 2026.**

Where can I watch 28 Years Later?

*28 Years Later* is currently streaming on Netflix.

*28 Days Later *is also available on Netflix, while *28 Weeks Later *is streaming on Hulu.

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

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

- Horror Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Horror"

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Source: Horror

Published: January 05, 2026 at 10:38AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 05, 2026

Everything we know about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Release date, cast, and Cillian Murphy’...

&34;The Bone Temple&34; is the second film in a planned trilogy, following &34;28 Years Later.&34; Everythin...

Read More