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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Director Nia DaCosta told Vanity Fair she was confused about the MCU while filming a scene in "The Marvels."</li><li>Her feelings are shared by critics and fans alike. </li></ul>It's not just you. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is also confusing to its directors.<a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/09/nia-dacosta-on-navigating-the-blockbuster-machine">In an interview with Vanity Fair</a>, "The Marvels" director Nia DaCosta recalled some frustrations of working on the "Captain Marvel" sequel.Though DaCosta said she enjoyed working on the film, there were times she texted fellow Marvel director Destin Daniel Cretton (<a href="https://www.insider.com/shang-chi-director-told-agent-to-never-let-him-do-a-marvel-movie-2021-9">2021's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"</a>) saying she felt "overwhelmed" or "stressed.""Sometimes you'd be in a scene and you'd be like, 'What the hell does any of this s--- mean?'" DaCosta told Vanity Fair.DaCosta's likely not alone.Does anyone really know what's going on with the latest installment of MCU shows and movies or what they're working toward? A reason the first 22 (!) films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe were such a huge success was because there was a clear path of what the movies were building towards.Six powerful gems called "<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-infinity-stones-2017-5">infinity stones</a>" were introduced throughout multiple movies. The franchise's overall big bad, Josh Brolin's Thanos, gathered them all together in "Avengers: Infinity War" in a cliffhanger for the ages to decimate half of all existence from the world. <div type="image" title="thanos" height="803" width="1920" msid="103819356" hostid="261"></div>"<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/avengers-infinity-war-opening-weekend-biggest-ever-2018-4">Infinity War</a>" and its sequel, "<a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3059975681/?ref_=bo_fr_table_17">Avengers: Endgame</a>," went on to become two of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/movies-that-made-2-billion-box-office-2022-9">highest-grossing movies of all time</a>. In trying to capitalize on its massive success, Marvel Studios ordered more of everything Marvel. More shows! More movies! More, more, more. Currently, a <a href="https://www.insider.com/disney-plus-marvel-shows-2019-4">dozen returning and new shows</a> and at <a href="https://www.insider.com/marvel-movie-release-date-schedule-2020-4">least 11 more movies</a> are in the works.But it hasn't led to bigger returns — quite the opposite.Dubbed "The Multiverse Saga," the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe#Feature_films">nine movies</a> and 12 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe:_Phase_Four#Shorts">shows</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe:_Phase_Five">and</a> specials released since "Endgame" lack a clear direction, interconnectivity, and stakes, as projects have spent time adding more and more disparate characters to the universe instead of focusing on a core group akin to the Avengers.Directors have parted ways with Marvel over not seeing eye to eye or having different visions for their projects. "Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson famously departed its sequel over "<a href="https://variety.com/2020/film/news/doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-director-scott-derrickson-drops-out-marvel-1203462569/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">creative differences</a>." More recently, director Bassam Tariq <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/09/blade-director-bassam-tariq-1235129013/">left</a> 2025's "Blade" reboot.Maybe the latest round of shows and films will all intersect with Jonathan Majors' villain Kang, who has appeared in multiple titles, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/da-ready-try-marvel-jonathan-majors-domestic-violence-case-2023-9">his recent delayed domestic violence trial</a> could derail Marvel's long-term MCU plan.<div type="image" title="Jonathan Majors as Kang in &quot;Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.&quot;" height="1707" width="3886" msid="103819357" hostid="261"></div>The last Marvel movie to cross $1 billion (not counting Marvel's partnership with Sony for the Spidey films) was 2019's "Avengers: Endgame." (2022's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" came close with <a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3724903937/?ref_=bo_fr_table_7">$955 million worldwide</a>.)A string of recent releases — "<a href="https://www.cbr.com/thor-love-and-thunder-divisive-with-marvel-fans-mcu/#:~:text=Thor%3A%20Love%20and%20Thunder%20isn,Universe%20debut%20in%202011's%20Thor.">Thor 4</a>," "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," "<a href="https://www.insider.com/marvel-eternals-movie-review-2021-10">Eternals</a>" — have been ridiculed by <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thor_love_and_thunder">critics</a> and <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ant_man_and_the_wasp_quantumania" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fans</a>. "Quantumania" in particular was the <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ant_man_and_the_wasp_quantumania">lowest-rated MCU movie ever on Rotten Tomatoes</a> — it was an isolated, <a href="https://www.insider.com/superhero-movies-this-year-ranked-best-worst-2023-8#7-they-shouldve-gone-back-to-the-drawing-board-with-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-1">skippable Marvel movie</a> that did little to advance the MCU's plot.The current "phases" of Marvel are overly complex, introducing <a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/some-fans-worry-the-mcu-is-about-to-introduce-too-many-new-characters.html/">far too many characters</a> to keep up with and creating <a href="https://www.insider.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-cliffhangers-loose-ends-2023-7">loose ends that have been left untended for years</a>.There's the Guardians of the Galaxy team, the Eternals, Thor's Asgardians, Ant-Man's extended family and friends, the Wakandans of the "Black Panther" franchise, a version of Loki floating through multiverses, Nick Fury in space, a scorned <a href="https://www.insider.com/black-panther-wakanda-forever-namor-tenoch-huerta-swimming-lessons-2022-10">underwater king and his tribe</a>, and a handful of <a href="https://www.insider.com/shang-chi-ten-rings-marvel-review-action-packed-2021-8">many other superheroes</a> and their <a href="https://www.insider.com/marvel-black-widow-movie-review-2021-6">accompanying secondary and tertiary friends</a> to keep straight.<div type="image" title="Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" height="1716" width="4096" msid="103819358" hostid="261"></div>Keeping up with the Marvel machine is starting to <a href="https://www.insider.com/marvel-movie-show-releases-need-feel-special-again-2023-3">feel like homework,</a> with viewers turning their attention elsewhere. DaCosta's recent interview makes it seem like that was the case for her, too.For as much as she enjoyed helping to build a part of the MCU, one Marvel movie may be enough. She told Vanity Fair the experience made her more interested in building a world of her own."It is a Kevin Feige production, it's his movie," DaCosta said. "I tried to go in with the knowledge that some of you is going to take a back seat."A representative for DaCosta did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Even 'The Marvels' director Nia DaCosta is confused by the MCU: 'What the hell does any of this s--- mean?'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Nia Long broke her silence about her partner, Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.</li><li>A team investigation revealed Udoka was having an affair with a team staff member.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/nia-long-interview-fatal-affair-charlies-angels-2020-7">Nia Long</a> is speaking out for the first time to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/nia-long-interview-best-man-franchise-career-1235271504/">The Hollywood Reporter's Brande Victorian</a> about the investigation by the Boston Celtics in September that revealed the team's head coach Ime Udoka, who is also Long's longtime partner, was <a href="https://www.insider.com/ime-udoka-facing-suspension-reported-affair-with-celtics-staffer-2022-9">having an affair with a team staff member</a>.It resulted in Udoka being suspended for the 2022-23 NBA season. Long told Victorian the revelation caused months of devastation, not just herself but her son Kez, who the two coparent."I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son's face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public," Long told THR, adding that she took her son out of school after the news of the affair broke."It was devastating, and it still is," she continued. "He still has moments where it's not easy for him. If you're in the business of protecting women — I'm sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I'm OK, to see if my children are OK. It's very disappointing."<div type="image" title="Ime Udoka looks on during a Celtics game." height="1125" width="2000" msid="95921726" hostid="261" sizebytes="76164"></div>Long and Udoka have been dating since 2009 and were engaged in 2015. The actress would not discuss the current status of their relationship.Since the news broke, Long has been staying close to home to be with her son, though she said she's aware of the support people have given her online."I literally felt like my heart had jumped out of my body," she said when the news first broke. "And then what I found was this tribe of women and men who were standing up for me in a way that felt like I was in this bubble of protection, and that was very comforting."Long will next be seen in Peacock's "The Best Man: Final Chapters." Pegged as the final installment in the "Best Man" franchise, it will feature its original stars including Long, Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, and Harold Perrineau.

Nia Long says it's 'disappointing' no one on the Boston Celtics has checked in on her since news of longtime partner Ime Udoka's affair

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Celtics suspended head coach Ime Udoka for one year for a reported affair with a staff member.</li><li>Udoka's fiancée, actress Nia Long, released a statement thanking people for support, but asking for privacy.</li></ul>Actress Nia Long, the fiancée of Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, asked for privacy amid Udoka's reported affair with a Celtics staffer.In a statement to People, Long also thanked family, friends, and the community for the "outpouring of love and support.""The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me," Long said. "I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children."Long and Udoka met in 2010 and got engaged in 2015. Long has said the couple doesn't feel the need to get married. The couple had a son together in 2011.<div type="image" title="Nia Long poses at an event in 2022." height="1000" width="2000" msid="94501403" hostid="261" sizebytes="64894"></div>Udoka on Thursday was suspended for one year for violating the Celtics' conduct policy. It was reported that Udoka had a consensual affair with a team staff member.On Friday, <a href="https://theathletic.com/3617945/2022/09/22/celtics-ime-udoka-discipline/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Jared Weiss reported</a>, however, that the woman involved in the affair recently accused Udoka of making "unwanted comments" toward her, prompting an internal investigation.Udoka released a statement on Thursday apologizing for his actions."I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down," he said. "I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision."The Celtics have remained tight-lipped about the exact details of what took place. During a press conference on Friday, team owner Wyc Grousbeck said Udoka committed "multiple" violations and was accepting of the punishment.<div type="image" title="Ime Udoka looks on during a Celtics game." height="1000" width="2000" msid="94501406" hostid="261" sizebytes="69884"></div>In their statement, the Celtics said Udoka's future with the organization would be re-evaluated at the end of the suspension.Asked Friday why the Celtics didn't fire Udoka, Grousbeck said the team didn't have "guidelines" for how to handle the situation but felt something "substantial" needed to be done."This felt right, but there's no clear guidelines for any of this," Grousbeck said. "This is really conscience and gut-feel and being here 20 years, and I'm responsible for the decision, ultimately, although took a lot of advice from partners like [GM] Brad [Stevens] and others. And we collectively came to this."

Ime Udoka's fiancée Nia Long asks for privacy amid reports of affair that led the Celtics to suspend the coach 1 year

<ul class="summary-list"><li>It's been five years since Nia Sioux was a cast member on the hit reality TV show "Dance Moms."</li><li>Today, she has millions of social-media followers, but with them can come negative comments.</li></ul>Nia Sioux, who starred on the reality TV show "Dance Moms" from 2011 to 2017, said that over a decade after the show debuted she still gets comments from fans about her weight. In a July <a href="https://www.insider.com/nia-sioux-dance-moms-influencer-interview-2022-7#nia-sioux-was-catapulted-into-the-spotlight-when-she-joined-the-first-season-of-dance-moms-in-2011-1">interview with Insider</a>, Sioux, who joined the cast of "Dance Moms" aged nine and has pivoted to become a social media influencer in more recent years, talked about receiving negative comments from fans of the show, who she said still see her as a child star. "It's really hard for people to picture me as an adult because they've seen me on TV since I was nine years old, and people will comment crazy things online like 'you've gained weight,' and I'm like, well I sure hope I have because I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to be the same weight I was when I was 12 years old," she said. Sioux has a combined social media following of 15 million across <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@niasioux" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/NiaSiouxFrazier" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/niasioux/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram,</a> and said that when she posts photos of herself, she is used to receiving negative comments about her body, which she described as more "curvy" now than when she was on the show. "People will comment, 'Oh my gosh, you're being so revealing to being inappropriate.' But I'm like, this is just how my body looks," she told Insider. Sioux said she feels that viewers of the show who still follow her on social media often want her to act the same way she did when she was on the show, even though she was much younger then. "It's like they expect me not to grow up," she told Insider. While she said that negative "comments do get to you at a certain point," she added that "often I just have to decide to not care because I don't even know who the person is." In the years following her exit from "Dance Moms," Sioux has been garnering views on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@niasioux">TikTok</a> by taking part in viral dances and trends while also studying full time at UCLA. She told Insider that her goal is to "keep performing in any capacity" now that she is no longer on the show, and said she has now come to a point in life where she is "confident in her own skin." "I'm not going to let a few comments tear me down, because I'm out here doing what I've always dreamed of doing," she said. "Dance Moms" was a reality series that first aired on Lifetime in 2011. It followed the dance training of several child dancers from the Abby Lee Miller dance studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and quickly became a hit show. The series became mired in controversy in 2017 when the show's main dance coach, Abby Lee Miller, was <a href="https://www.insider.com/dance-moms-abby-lee-miller-prison-sentence-fraud-2017-5">sentenced to a year in jail for bankruptcy fraud.</a> The last episode of "Dance Moms" aired in 2019. <a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.</a>

Former 'Dance Moms' star Nia Sioux still deals with fans who comment on her weight and compare her body to when she was 12

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="794498" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Nia-Long">Nia Long</keyword> talked to Insider about the experience of making the <keyword id="128682" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Netflix">Netflix</keyword> movie "<keyword id="9499521" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fatal-affair">Fatal Affair</keyword>."</li><li>It marks the first time she has a producer credit, which she took on to give the movie a more authentic Black story.</li><li>The movie was changed to a Black-led thriller after Netflix bought it.</li><li>Long is disappointed by the movie's lack of Black crew members.</li><li>A Black screenwriter was hired once Long was cast in the movie.</li><li>Long sees all this as an example of systemic racism in Hollywood.</li><li>She <a href="https://www.insider.com/nia-long-charlies-angels-lost-role-age-interview-2020-7">gives another example</a> of that by opening up about auditioning for 2000's "<keyword id="41202" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Charlies-Angels">Charlie's Angels</keyword>."</li></ul>For most of her life, Nia Long has worked hard to become one of the most respected Black actresses in Hollywood.But she's done playing the game.In a career filled with memorable roles in "Boyz in the Hood," "Friday," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," Long didn't just become a huge star in the 1990s but an inspiration for young women and actors of color.That's why she thought "Fatal Affair" (available on Netflix starting Thursday) was such an important project that she took a producer role on it, marking the first time in her career.On its surface, the movie looks like a fun steamy thriller that stars Long as a married woman being stalked by a disturbed ex (played by Omar Epps). Behind the scenes, Long said she had to work hard to get the story to become a believable movie about Black people.Long spoke to Insider about the making of the movie, why it is a classic example of systemic racism in Hollywood, and also opened up about her experience auditioning for the 2000 movie "Charlie's Angels."<h2>Long coming on as a producer revealed to her the world that actors never see</h2>Jason Guerrasio: Congrats because this movie marks your first producer credit. What made this movie be the one where you took that leap?Nia Long: Honestly, it sort of just fell in my lap. I read the script and I thought, wow, this is a good script but it needs a little bit of tweaking and I thought in order to get the project where I thought it could be, I wanted to be a part of the collaboration to improving what was already on the page. Then we switched the characters to create a multicultural cast. So that changed certain things and motivation and choices and how certain lines were delivered and said. The team was super open and collaborative, and I do appreciate that a lot.<div type="image" title="Nia Long Greg Campbell Getty" height="1344" width="1792" msid="77003036" hostid="261"></div>Guerrasio: And are you the one we thank for getting Omar Epps in the movie?Long: Well, I mean, yeah, I guess you could give me a pat on the back. Guerrasio: Own it. Long: [Laughs.] I called my best friend and was like, "Look, guy, you're my brother. We're part of the '90s culture creators, come on over." At the end of the day when you need your friends, you got to be able to call on them. We sat down and talked, he read the script, and we also collaborated creatively and in the end, we decided this would be a fun ride for both of us.It was fun to be on the other side of things. To see how and why certain decisions are made. And I also learned that there's a tremendous amount that goes on and the actors are clueless. We just don't get any of the information. And I thought to myself, gosh, I think that's such a huge mistake. Just be open and honest about things and I bet there's a better solution to being covert and fearful. I just don't work well in those types of environments. I like to know what's real. Guerrasio: And I would imagine most actors are that way, they want that transparency. Long: Absolutely. You want to work from a place of honesty. If you feel like you have to protect yourself throughout the process it makes it very difficult to tap into your most vulnerable places to actually portray the character in a real way. <h2>Netflix changed the movie to a Black-led thriller after buying the project. Long is disappointed by the lack of diversity on the crew.</h2>Guerrasio: This is what I was thinking after watching the movie. I applaud Netflix for really taking the lead of late in telling multicultural stories whether it's Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods" or "The Old Guard" showcasing a gay relationship, and now "Fatal Affair" with a predominantly Black cast. But your movie was made by a white man. Long: Yep. Guerrasio: The top of the line crew are all white and men. Long: Yep. Guerrasio: So how important was having that producer voice on this movie?Long: The reality is this film came from a production company and they brought the film to Netflix and they are exactly what you said. So when Netflix decided to do the film, it was their idea to make this a Black lead film and I was on board with that idea. In all honesty, I was disappointed that there were maybe three people on the crew that were Black, but that really is the production company's responsibility, not the network. By the time I arrived, they were a happy family that had done several films together. My next production will be different. Because I think if I'm going to be effective in that area I have to shine a light on those things as well. Because it really does affect the way things are understood and communicated. <h2>Long said a Black screenwriter was hired to make the movie more authentic</h2>Guerrasio: Now I really like the movie, but I think I like it because of what you and others brought to the movie. Can you tell me what had to be done to make it more authentic?Long: There's a young woman named Rasheeda Garner.Guerrasio: Yes, the co-screenwriter.Long: Yeah, the co-writer on the film. She was brought on when I was hired to play the lead and her job was to adjust the script for an African-American woman to play the lead. Rasheeda and I have since become friends and I think she's a wonderful writer. The flipside of that is I hope and pray that she gets the opportunity to be in the forefront and not brought on because the lead of the film is Black. She should be able to write and tell stories as an African-American woman in this industry.<div type="image" title="fatal affair netflix" height="1653" width="2203" msid="77003042" hostid="261"></div>I understand and respect our director, who is a white man. He wanted to be respectful of my voice and I appreciate that. And that's why he hired Rasheeda. So although it gave her an opportunity, I want more. I want more for her, I want more for myself, I want more for Black female writers and directors in this business to not be used to fix something but to be used to tell our stories in a really authentic way. I don't think anyone on this team had bad intentions and there was no drama whatsoever, it was all very collaborative. But this isn't about "Fatal Affair," this is about a system. This is a systemic issue in Hollywood that has yet to be addressed in a fair way. So at the end of the day, we have to go to the unions and say, "OK guys, are you going to be accountable for diversity on sets? Are you going to have more opportunities for Black artists? Is this going to be a mandate moving forward that we have more diversity on set?" I don't care who's set it is. That needs to happen, that has to happen if we want to really make change. Guerrasio: And with you getting into producing now, that's your goal going forward?Long: Oh, that's been me all the time but I can't be the only girl holding the torch. I've burned my fingers a lot standing up for what I believe in. Being outspoken. I will be the first person to say I want everyone to have a good time, this isn't me being self-serving, this is about how can we all push forward and be better?<h2>Long opens up about her experience auditioning for 'Charlie's Angels'</h2>Guerrasio: Like you, more people are being vocal about their experiences in the business. Thandie Newton recently talked about turning down the Alex Munday role in "Charlie's Angles" because <a href="https://www.insider.com/thandie-newton-charlies-angels-sexist-racist-role-amy-pascal-mcg-2020-7">the role sounded sexist and racist</a>. You also went out for the Alex Munday role. Did you have a similar experience?Long: I went in on the audition and I was told that I looked too old for Drew Barrymore. Guerrasio: Wow. Long: And I was like, "What?" I love Drew Barrymore, I think she's amazing, but I think that was just a nice way to say you're a little too Black. Personally, that's what I think. Because if you notice there were no brown skin [actors]. I mean, honestly, I would have been the blackest thing in the film.<div type="image" title="charlies angels" height="653" width="871" msid="77003046" hostid="261"></div>Guerrasio: This is what you heard back from the studio? Long: That was the feedback that I received from my agent. "She just looked too old and sophisticated to be next to Drew Barrymore." And I'm thinking to myself, it's an actor's choice to walk in the room how they want to look, but it's a director's vision to help create and curate a character. So if you couldn't see beyond the fact that I had on a blazer and a pair of jeans then that was clearly not the job and opportunity for me. So, no problem, I'll keep it moving. I don't want to be any part of a project where I feel like I'm the token Black person. I've been there and done that and I'm not doing that anymore. Now it has to be about the material and the story that we're telling and I want to elevate the material and stories that we're telling. Thank you Netflix for the opportunity to allow me to gain the confidence to know that I can do this and I will do more. <h2>From now on, Long wants to work with people who understand the Black experience</h2>Guerrasio: Going forward, are you excited by the material? Are you on the ground floor with some projects you're attached to?Long: I'm super excited about one project that I can't talk much about because we're in the midst of negotiating but that will be another situation where I would come on as a producer. The most important thing for me right now is to work with people who are likeminded, who understand the Black experience, who respect Black people, and who ultimately want to create art that really and truly reflects the rainbow world that we are living in. I am not interested in the old Hollywood ways that perpetuate stereotypes and segregation. I can't even do it anymore. I have a lot of stories to tell and be shared. We need to be honest. I don't want to be the only person on the island holding the torch in fear of being called difficult or complicated or too direct. How about we live and deal in truth and whoever doesn't like it can go to another island. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Nia Long is done playing the Hollywood game

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider spoke with actress <keyword id="10082441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tnia-miller">T'Nia Miller</keyword>, star of "<keyword id="9223913" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-haunting-of-bly-manor">The Haunting of Bly Manor</keyword>," a new Netflix series in which she stars. </li><li>Warning: Major spoilers ahead if you haven't seen "The Haunting of Bly Manor." </li><li>Miller told Insider how she came to terms with her character, Bly Manor housekeeper Hannah, as a Black woman. "I've always said, I would never play the help," she said. </li><li>Miller also opened up about her identity as a queer woman and how that's shaped the roles she's chosen.</li></ul>"The Haunting of Bly Manor" is in theory a ghost story. As with any scary story, there's vengeful ghosts, creepy little kids, and a plethora of things that bump in the night. But in this new Netflix series, based on "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James, most of the action takes place in a sprawling English country manor in the late 1980s. And that setting paints the perfect picture for a love story too. Dani (Victoria Pedretti), a well-meaning American au pair, who still feels guilt over the untimely death of her fiancé, arrives at Bly, where she and the gardener, Jamie (Amelia Eve), soon fall deeply in love. While we follow Dani and Jamie's romance, we're also introduced to housekeeper Hannah Grose (T'Nia Miller), a woman deeply rooted in her faith, dealing with the aftermath of her husband leaving her for another woman. Hannah's story takes a surprise twist in episode five ("The Altar of the Dead"), when it's revealed that she's joined the ranks of the ghosts at Bly after young Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) pushes her into a well. Miller told Insider when she read about her twist she said, "My God, I was like, 'This is the stuff of dreams.' So yeah, I did not see [the twist] coming.""The Altar of the Dead" is a mind-bending and terrifying exploration of Hannah's past as well as her present and future as a haunting ghost. The episode also solidifies the housekeeper as one of the show's more interesting characters. While Hannah is never able to leave Bly in the end, her character adds some much needed stability to the dread-inducing story. Not to mention her romance with cook Owen (Rahul Kohli), who ultimately escapes Bly unharmed, is both tender and tragic. Insider spoke to Miller on Friday, the day "The Haunting of Bly Manor" premiered on Netflix. Relaxing in her plant-filled home with a glass of wine and what appeared to be a hand-rolled cigarette, the British actress told us all about her character, her thoughts on being a Black actress playing a housekeeper, which has historically been rooted in painful stereotypes onscreen, and how the Black Lives Matter movement has affected her.This interview has been edited for clarity.<h2>Miller says was she shocked by the show's major twist involving Hannah — and loved exploring Hannah's relationship with Owen</h2><div type="image" title="haunting of bly manor t'nia miller benjamin ainsworth" height="2331" width="3108" msid="78583938" hostid="261"></div>Libby Torres: I just finished Bly Manor and I was literally so obsessed with it. And your character, her arc was amazing. When I watched episode [five], I gasped. I was so taken aback because you think that she's just this nice housekeeper and then it turns out she's dead and she's a ghost.Miller: And she's also got a bit of bite where she's nice, but she's also no nonsense. You know, she's nice. But don't cross her. She reminds me of my grandmother. My grandmother was the sweetest woman, but don't cross her twice. Oof! She just had to give you a look.Torres: I totally got that vibe from Hannah as well. What was it like kind of navigating that twist? I mean, you said you didn't see it coming. Were you nervous about filming those episodes? Miller: I am my own worst critic. I think we all are. The show touches on things about our own critics, ghosts, our demons.I don't know how to play a ghost, because I have no life experience of that! And I don't know any, so I don't have anybody to ring up and be like 'Yeah, what's it like being a ghost?' [Laughs]But there was an episode, one very early on when I was still finding my feet and something happened. I think I was just really tired. I can't remember what it was, but I called Rahul, who plays Owen, over for a cup of tea. And I put the teapot on the saucer and we looked at it for a good while like, 'That, that's, that's not right. Is it? No.'And then I proceeded to put the cup on the saucer, and then that moment I found Hannah. It was that moment while shooting, I was like, 'Ah! There it is.' It's that questioning: 'That's not right. It's right. But something's wrong. Something's up,' and then trying to fix it.I think that's probably what it's like for her. She's a ghost and doesn't know that she's a ghost. <div type="image" title="haunting of bly manor t'nia miller" height="2333" width="3111" msid="78583939" hostid="261"></div>Torres: Hannah's relationship with Owen made me cry. It was so cute and so sad. So were you happy with their relationship and the way it played out? I never felt that it was as realized as it could have been. Miller: I think they're like an old pair of worn, comfortable, favorite slippers. They've got that positive relationship where they don't even need words anymore, you know? In terms of their love story, there's lust and this passion for each other, for sure. But it was so much deeper than that. It was a very comfortable, very trusting, nervous, very different love story to the ones that we're used to experiencing. And I think that sort of contrasts between Dani and Jamie in that respect, but I understand what you mean.I'm glad I didn't have to kiss [Kohli], because he's got that horrible mustache.Torres: So you don't like mustaches then?Miller: I don't like men in that way [Laughs] and I don't really like mustaches. And [Kohli] did tease me once. He said, 'We've got a kissing scene. They've done some rewrites and we're going to have to kiss.' And I said, 'No, we haven't! No we haven't! No, no.' He was teasing. <h2>Miller also spoke about her experience as a woman of color on set — and why she was willing to play a housekeeper on "The Haunting of Bly Manor" </h2><div type="image" title="the haunting of bly manor victoria pedretti t'nia miller" height="2333" width="3111" msid="78583940" hostid="261"></div>Torres: Switching gears a little bit: It's interesting that Hannah works as a housekeeper at Bly and she seems really proud of her job. She's very protective of the family. But I was also wondering, did you experience any trepidation as a Black woman playing a housekeeper for a bunch of wealthy white English people?Miller: Look at you! You're the only person to ask that question. And I tell you, it came up. It came up, but then — [the main characters on the show] are all the help, but if I'd been the only help?I mean, the help are the central characters to this story. Everybody [at Bly] is there to serve this man. And had it been in any other premise, I would have been like, 'no way,' because I've always said I would never play the help.For me playing that role, I came to terms with it ... because, you know, [Hannah] was just as important as everybody else. It wasn't like the <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2014/10/tom-and-jerry-racist-of-course-warning-on-amazon-and-itunes-is-appropriate.html">maid in 'Tom and Jerry," or whatever it was when you just see the feet</a>, and it wasn't the stereotypical [character]. Hannah had status and class and all those things. Poise. Torres: Totally. That's good to hear. I'm glad you were able to come to terms with that. I'm Mexican, so I kinda' get it. Was it difficult being one of the few people of color on the show? Miller: Let me tell you, there have been certain projects where I've been the only person of color on the show. And I'm talking about the cast and including the crew — in fact, crew's [are] very white and male most of the time, wherever you go. So on 'Bly Manor,' you have Tahirah [Sharif], you have Rahul, you have myself, and then in terms of who takes up more screen time, you have Dani and Jamie and Peter [Oliver Jackson-Cohen].And so there was an equilibrium there for me essentially. And also, you have a queer story going on, so yeah. I felt fine about that. Actually, it didn't feel like I was in the minority. Torres: I was reading one of your <a href="https://www.pridemagazine.com/tnia-miller-years-and-years/">past interviews and you were talking about shaving your head</a>. You were saying that you shaved it in your 20s and you never looked back, and you felt like you had a wider range of roles because you had this really unique look. Do you still feel the same way? Are you worried about being typecast in any way? Miller: My team are far too good for me to be typecast, they just are. I think they're the baddest a-- women of women and a couple of men too. They're all hungry and passionate, and the majority are made up of these pacts of strong feminist women. And I freaking love them. That's never going to happen.I remember I did a movie called 'Stud Life' and then I did 'Banana' and 'Cucumber,' which are queer programs and there's that [mindset of] 'OK, well, I can't do anything queer for a while because then I'm going to be stuck in that boat.'So it's been strategic as well. I want to do it all because I'm greedy like that.<h2>The pandemic has actually been a major turning point for the Black Lives Matter movement, says Miller</h2><div type="image" title="haunting of bly manor tahirah sharif t'nia miller" height="1937" width="2582" msid="78583941" hostid="261"></div>Torres: Yeah. How have you been dealing with the pandemic? What's life like for you? What's your reality right now?Miller: The BLM stuff — that hit home. There were times I was like, 'I can't.' I had to take a day or two off from reading the stuff and the fact is, it's been happening. So that cuts, that hurts. You're a person of color. You get it.Torres: Yeah. I think what's been so striking for me with all of the protests that are going on is that people are like, 'We have to change this!' And I'm like, 'We've been telling you. This has been going on for a long time.'Obviously, I'm in a different place, being a Mexican person, but it's just so overwhelming. I can't even imagine having to deal with it on top of the pandemic. Miller: Well, the thing is, the spotlight wouldn't have been shown on it if we didn't have the pandemic. So there's a gift in that. I feel like there's a global unification that's happening and a socialist movement, that's happening for the first time, really in history.One of my publicists did something yesterday: I was talking with some people about the voice of a character I have on a new project, and I was in my American accent, and I said, 'I want that African American sound, I want a deep rooted sound.' And [another woman] said, 'Yeah, but this character is educated.'Torres: Oh my God. Wait, what?<div type="image" title="tahirah sharif t'nia miller haunting of bly manor" height="2400" width="3199" msid="78583943" hostid="261"></div>Miller: That's the reaction my publicist had. I was like, '[This woman, who said that comment,] is not a bad person. She's just ignorant.' But I was just too tired to deal with it. And one of my publicists was like, 'Well, I'm not too tired to deal with it.' Then my publicist turned around and told the woman off, and it was hilarious. I was pissing myself.She was like, 'No, no, no, no, no. I've just got no time for that. And I'm a white woman and this thing pisses me off.' Like her reaction was just everything, you know?I'm too tired to get that pissed off anymore, but they aren't. And that's hopeful, right? When I see white folks be that angry, be that empowered and impassioned to change, to really do something, to make a change? Come on. That's the gift of this pandemic, right?Torres: I feel like hopefully where the lasting change will come from is white people who are actually like, 'Oh, I can help with this, and I can do more then post a black square on Instagram.' Miller: It's all about the work. You're right, it's not about posting the square, but that's not just white folk. Generally as people, as a society, we feel that we don't have power to change anything and that's been our conditioning. 'If you're not a good girl, Santa won't bring you any presents.'You follow the status quo. It has been indoctrinated into us since we left our mother's ... wombs. [Laughs] I almost said something else.Torres: That's good. [Laughs] That's very PG. Good catch.

T'Nia Miller on why she's not afraid to play a Black housekeeper on 'The Haunting of Bly Manor'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="794498" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Nia-Long">Nia Long</keyword> talked to Insider about how "<keyword id="9499521" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fatal-affair">Fatal Affair</keyword>" became a Black-led thriller once Netflix bought it.</li><li>Long, who is also a producer on the movie, said she was disappointed the movie only had "maybe three people" who were Black.</li><li>A Black screenwriter was also only hired because Long was cast.</li></ul>On the surface, the Netflix movie "Fatal Affair" looks like a fun 90-minute thriller with two 1990s heartthrobs, Nia Long and Omar Epps, as the leads.But it turns out the making of the movie is yet another example of systemic racism in Hollywood, according to Long.The actress, who is also a producer on the movie, told Insider that the movie was originally written for a white cast and was changed to a Black-led movie once Netflix bought it. And once Long was attached to star, a Black screenwriter, Rasheeda Garner, was hired to revamp the script."Rasheeda and I have since become friends and I think she's a wonderful writer," <a href="https://www.insider.com/nia-long-interview-fatal-affair-charlies-angels-2020-7">Long told Insider</a>. "The flipside of that is I hope and pray that she gets the opportunity to be in the forefront and not brought on because the lead of the film is Black. She should be able to write and tell stories as an African-American woman in this industry."<div type="image" title="Fatal Affair Beth Dubber Netflix" height="1318" width="1757" msid="77042538" hostid="261"></div>"I understand and respect our director, who is a white man," Long continued, referring to "Fatal Affair" director Peter Sullivan. "He wanted to be respectful of my voice and I appreciate that. And that's why he hired Rasheeda. So although it gave her an opportunity, I want more. I want more for her, I want more for myself, I want more for Black female writers and directors in this business to not be used to fix something but to be used to tell our stories in a really authentic way."Long also pointed out that the movie's crew also wasn't very diverse."In all honesty, I was disappointed that there were maybe three people on the crew that were Black, but that really is the production company's responsibility, not the network," Long said. "By the time I arrived, they were a happy family that had done several films together. My next production will be different."While Long says she doesn't think anyone on the team had bad intentions, the lack of diversity behind the scenes is a systemic issue that continues to plague the <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword> industry."This isn't about 'Fatal Affair,' this is about a system," she said. "This is a systemic issue in Hollywood that has yet to be addressed in a fair way."While she's planning to produce more projects going forward and pledges to make necessary changes, Long said she can't be the only one doing the work. "I can't be the only girl holding the torch," Long said. "I've burned my fingers a lot standing up for what I believe in. Being outspoken. I will be the first person to say I want everyone to have a good time, this isn't me being self-serving, this is about how can we all push forward and be better?"<a href="https://www.insider.com/nia-long-interview-fatal-affair-charlies-angels-2020-7">Read Insider's full interview with Nia Long here</a>.

Nia Long says the crew of Netflix's 'Fatal Affair' movie should have been more diverse

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"House of the Dragon" fans have been complaining about Daemon Targaryen's story arc in season two.</li><li>The character is stuck at Harrenhal for most of the season, plagued by confusing hallucinations.</li></ul>Warning: spoilers ahead for "House of the Dragon" season two."<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-of-the-dragon-showrunner-director-defend-season-2-finale-2024-8">House of the Dragon</a>" season two has turned <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-daemon-targaryen-die-house-of-the-dragon-2024-6">Daemon Targaryen</a>, one of the show's most beloved characters, into a joke. It does not bode well for the future of the series.At the end of the first season, the complex and charming Daemon (<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-of-the-dragon-matt-smith-roles-ranked-2022-8">Matt Smith</a>) emerged as one of the show's most popular characters.The writers and Smith found the human beneath the monster, making the character fascinating to watch.But fans have been disappointed by Daemon's character arc in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-two-finale-fan-reaction-memes-2024-8">season two</a>, which finished on Sunday, with the main complaint being that he does next to nothing.When Daemon leaves for Harrenhal to unite the Riverlands in episode two, he must finally decide where his loyalty lies. Will he use the army he obtains to support his wife/niece <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rhaenyra-targaryen-death-house-of-the-dragon-fire-and-blood-2024-6">Rhaenyra's</a> (Emma D'Arcy) war for the throne or steal it for himself?Before he can decide, Daemon is plagued by hallucinations featuring his loved ones. It seems the hallucinations are meant to help Daemon wrestle with his dilemma.Hallucinations are a common trope in TV and film and can help reveal a character's deepest hopes and fears."House of the Dragon" writer Sara Hess told <a target="_blank" href="https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-paddy-considine-viserys-cameo-harrenhal-daemon-8681112#:~:text=Episode%206%20introduces%20yet%20another,of%20the%20Dragon'%20season%202.">Entertainment Weekly</a> earlier this year of Daemon's hallucination arc: "We could use it to destabilize him enough or externalize things, even symbolically, or to show what's going on in his heart and in his mind."But apart from the moment in episode five when <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-of-the-dragon-alyssa-targaryen-incest-scene-explained-2024-7">Daemon sees and has sex with his mother</a>, his hallucinations do not delve into the character's history or show us things about him that we don't already know. Instead, they're repetitive reminders that Daemon would claim the throne at any cost.The hallucinations keep Daemon in a tedious, static position while the rest of the characters prepare for war.Within a few episodes, the hallucinations went from an interesting plot device to an irritating distraction that fans were quick to make fun of. One explanation for the dream arc is that the writers did not want to stray too far away from the source material, "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fire-and-blood-battles-gullet-gods-eye-house-of-the-dragon-2024-8">Fire and Blood</a>." Apart from a few exceptions, the TV show has mostly stayed in line with George R.R. Martin's book.But in the chapters adapted for season two, Daemon only goes to Harrenhal and unites the Riverlands. The writers had to decide between breaking away from the original story or sidelining Daemon, one of their biggest characters.They chose option three — giving Daemon a hallucination arc without a satisfying payoff.The worst part is that the hallucinations seem to be a ham-fisted attempt to get Daemon to see a vision of the future.In the season finale, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-of-the-dragon-alys-rivers-explained-2024-6">Alys Rivers</a> (Gayle Rankin), Daemon's guide through his hauntings, takes Daemon to touch Godswood, a spiritual tree. Daemon sees visions of an awful future that can only be stopped if Rhaenyra rules Westeros.<div type="image" title="A still from &quot;House of the Dragon&quot; featuring an army of men on the left on their knees, looking towards Matt Smith with a sword raised and Emma D'Arcy standing." height="1041" width="1388" msid="112325165" hostid="261" sizebytes="91142"></div>Then boom, he's team Rhaenyra. Daemon feels no anger and has no reservations before abandoning his ambitions to support Rhaenyra. He just believes the vision.Why were there seven episodes of Daemon contemplating a decision if he doesn't have any choice in the matter?Ultimately, it seems the writers had no idea what to do with Daemon and picked a safe option that they hoped wouldn't upset book fans.The hallucination arc wasn't completely pointless. It did give us sweet fan service moments where Paddy Considine and Milly Alcock reprised their roles as King Viserys and young Rhaenyra and Daemon's vision replayed moments from "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/daemon-targaryen-house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-ending-2024-8">Game of Thrones</a>."But if the show's writers let themselves be constricted by the book's narrative, they risk "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-release-date-plot-cast-trailer">House of the Dragon</a>" going stale — just like Daemon's story arc.

Daemon Targaryen's boring hallucination arc in 'House of the Dragon' season two wastes time and ruins a beloved character

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Gaming YouTuber SVB said an anonymous Twitter user posted false grooming allegations against him.</li><li>The Twitter account then admitted the claims were fake, and said they'd done it to "prove" a point.</li></ul>A gaming <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SVBOW">YouTuber</a> has said that false allegations of sexual misconduct almost "ruined" his life, leading him to take a break from content creation.SVB, who asked Insider not refer to him by his real name for privacy reasons, has 43,000 YouTube subscribers and typically posts videos playing "Overwatch," a team-based first-person shooter video game.On August 10, he was accused of "grooming" and "manipulating" a 16-year-old girl into sending him nude images by an anonymous Twitter account, according to screenshots he shared with Insider.SVB told Insider he was hosting a live stream when messages in the chat box began alluding to the accusations, and his moderators told him to go offline to look at them. <div type="image" title="TwitLonger post by @niaplaysow titled 'About OW_SVB'." height="2778" width="1284" msid="93623286" hostid="261" sizebytes="185078"></div>"I got really worried. I was like, 'What the hell's going on?' They said, 'Well, it's some serious accusations about you.' And when you hear that, you start to panic," SVB told Insider, saying he went on to click on the links shared in the chat and found the purported posts.Screenshots provided to Insider by SVB appear to show a tweet from the now-deleted Twitter account @niaplaysow. The purported tweet included a link to <a href="https://www.twitlonger.com/">TwitLonger, a website where people can write more than 280 characters to post on Twitter.</a>The Twitlonger post was written by someone who said they were a 17-year-old girl named "Nia" who said she was describing her "first interaction with SVB."According to the screenshot, "Nia" said SVB got in touch to ask for a photo, and they sent him a selfie, after which he asked for a "topless" photo as well as "weird messages that made me uncomfortable."It went on to say they were 16 at the time of the messages, while SVB was almost 30. "Nia" accused SVB of being "a manipulator and a groomer."<h2>'This was all fake' to 'prove how easy it is to "cancel" someone'</h2>But within hours of "Nia" going public, another Twitter user, @SwagTortoiseOW, came forward to say that the accusations were "all fake." "This was all fake and I am Nia," the post said. "Just wanted to prove how easy it is to 'cancel' someone," the post said, <a href="https://twitter.com/eidas007/status/1557514772740030465?s=20&amp;t=bsGZR-sWY6V_6Uq54HlMyQ">according to screenshots</a>. SwagTortoiseOW has since deleted their account.The user attached a purported screenshot showing they could toggle between the two Twitter accounts and wrote, "This shit took me a day to make with a fake discord account and some inspect element. Crazy how obviously fake it is and how fast people believe this shit."Insider was unable to identify the owner of the accounts in order to contact them for comment.<div type="image" title="Tweet from @swagtortoiseow that says it's all fake" height="652" width="615" msid="93623287" hostid="261" sizebytes="20784"></div>On August 12, he posted a YouTube video titled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC3ePYUZBUQ">"An internet hoax almost ruined my life. This is my story,"</a> in which he said, "I watched my career, that I had spent four odd years working towards, basically go down the drain in 30 minutes."He also urged his viewers not to use him as an excuse to undermine victims of grooming or any sexual misconduct.In an interview with Insider on August 16, SVB said he was "disgusted" by the allegations and was "freaking out" at being associated with such "repulsive" acts. He added, "I couldn't understand why someone would do that. Like, why me? Why do it at all? It was hard to process."He went on to say that the impact of the allegations, personally and professionally, has been "awful."He said, "It's obviously very hurtful. There was a large number of people saying horrible stuff about me. I don't know if there's a worse thing you can be called than someone who preys on children sexually. I've got to be honest, it just kind of tore me up inside."SVB told Insider he is now taking a break from content creation."It would have ruined my life had it stuck. I would have tried to disprove it, but for a large number of people, they wouldn't have believed me," he said.28-year-old SVB is based in the UK, and has been posting reviews and breakdowns of "Overwatch" since 2019. <a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.</a>

A YouTuber said his life was 'almost ruined' after an anonymous account accused him of sexual misconduct to 'prove how easy it is to cancel' someone

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Warning: There are minor spoilers ahead for "The Marvels."</li><li>The sequel to 2019's "Captain Marvel" is an absolute delight led by fun, intricate fight sequences.</li></ul>Don't listen to anything negative that's been in the press about "The Marvels." Nowhere near as messy as "<a href="https://www.insider.com/ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-review-kang-fun-clunky-2023-2">Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania</a>," nor as dark as "<a href="https://www.insider.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review-2023-4">Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3</a>," the "Captain Marvel" sequel is the most fun Marvel's been in theaters this year. Clocking in at a breezy hour and 45 minutes, "The Marvels" is an absolute delight on par with the original, delivering an encouraging reminder that not even almighty Avengers have life figured out.Four years after her Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) faces off against Kree leader Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton).Though a pretty forgettable villain overall, Dar-Benn's goal is simple enough. Her home planet Hala is dying and she holds Captain Marvel responsible. As revenge, Dar-Benn seeks out resources from planets Carol values to restore life to her world with the help of a mysterious bangle.<div type="image" title="Zawe Ashton as Dar-Ben in &quot;The Marvels.&quot;" height="1716" width="4096" msid="105077786" hostid="261"></div>This should be an easy battle for one of the MCU's most powerful heroes, but there's a wrinkle. Dar-Benn's new bangle can absorb Carol's powers, making her stronger. To make matters more complicated, Carol's light-based powers become entangled with those of Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), her estranged niece who gained similar abilities in "WandaVision," and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a Captain Marvel-obsessed teen who can manipulate light.When one of the trio uses their powers, they instantly swap places, leading to fun, intricate fight sequences early on, one of which simultaneously takes place in three locations to show off the heroes' range of abilities. Call it a gimmick, but the body-swap dilemma offers a fresh approach to the countless VFX-laden scenes that have grown tired now that we're 30-plus MCU movies deep. <h2>'The Marvels' brings a light, fun vibe to the MCU</h2><div type="image" title="Flerkittens in space in &quot;The Marvels.&quot;" height="1716" width="4096" msid="105077787" hostid="261"></div>Though the fate of the universe is at stake, "The Marvels" keeps things lighthearted throughout by using animation in a quirky opening and adding an over-the-top musical sequence midway through, complete with a stunning costume change for Carol. Elsewhere, Carol, Monica, and Kamala master coordinating their powers in a wholesome training sequence set to the Beastie Boys' "Intergalactic."One of the movie's best sequences involves kitten-like aliens called Flerken who dramatically run loose in a space station set to the tune of "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdBVJbzkoqo">Memory</a>" from the musical "Cats."Even the usually stern Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) softens here, cracking a few smiles. While Jackson isn't given much to do in "The Marvels" besides offer a few words of encouragement to our three heroes or act as comic relief, he seems mostly content playing cat dad between barking orders at a space crew.<h2>Iman Vellani is a star, giving hope for the MCU's future</h2><div type="image" title="Brie Larson and Iman Vellani in &quot;The Marvels.&quot;" height="2000" width="3000" msid="105077788" hostid="261"></div>No one's having more fun in this movie than Kamala Khan.Vellani kills it as a teenage superhero marveling over her idol. It's tough to tell where the fangirling stops and her acting begins. Her incredibly honest performance captures what it's like to eagerly tag along on a universe-saving adventure with someone you admire, bringing to mind a young Tom Holland as Spider-Man teaming up with Iron Man many moons ago. The effortlessly relatable Kamala and her overprotective, overbearing family steal every scene as they get swept up in the intergalactic adventure, providing hearty laugh after laugh. Those who didn't tune into Disney+'s "Ms. Marvel" series before may be compelled to seek it out now.Kamala is so central to the sequel, both opening and closing it, that "The Marvels" easily could've been a Kamala Khan vehicle instead. The movie convincingly passes the baton to Ms. Marvel to take over as a new leader.If this is the direction Marvel is heading, then maybe there's a glimmer of hope for the MCU's future.<h2>'The Marvels' is not perfect, but it is thoroughly enjoyable with a worthwhile lesson</h2><div type="image" title="Brie Larson as Captain Marvel in &quot;The Marvels.&quot;" height="2000" width="3000" msid="105077790" hostid="261"></div>Not everything makes sense in "The Marvels." The power switcheroo seems to work randomly sometimes when it's best for the story. Some characters who seem important early on are never seen again. There's no real sense of when this film even takes place in the MCU.But let the little things go and it's an enjoyable, if pretty standard, standalone superhero romp. For those invested in larger MCU world-building, the studio doesn't try to connect this entry with any recent movie, conveniently ignoring anything <a href="https://www.insider.com/jonathan-majors-domestic-assault-case-controversies-timeline-2023-10">Jonathan Majors-related</a>. Instead, it sets up other future franchises <a href="https://www.insider.com/marvel-movie-show-releases-need-feel-special-again-2023-3">of which Marvel already has too many</a>.And while it's frustrating Marvel spoiled a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmDH12MAA4">minor cameo in its final trailer</a>, there's at least one big surprise in the sequel that's well worth the price of admission. Director Nia DaCosta was tasked with weaving heroes from three very different Marvel properties together and she navigated the challenge thoughtfully, using Kamala's light and optimistic presence to ease the awkward tension between Monica and Carol and help the trio heal and grow. Monica sees herself in Kamala, a young woman who thinks the world of Carol. In Kamala, Carol sees a second chance at getting to be the mentor that she wasn't able to be to her niece. By putting them all together, the sequel teaches Carol, typically a lone wolf, how to work within a team and that reaching her full potential doesn't mean going it alone. Regardless of any hiccups, "The Marvels" satisfyingly gets its larger message across, that women should lean on each other, and know they're higher, further, faster — and stronger — together. "The Marvels" hits theaters on Friday.<h2>Grade: B</h2>

The 'Captain Marvel' sequel is not the disaster the internet made it out to be

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pop-up Christian nightclub is gaining traction among a young, diverse crowd looking for community.</li><li>The club, which plays religious rap and hip-hop, wants to counter the corny Christian stereotype.</li></ul>The young crowd at a Nashville nightclub was ready to dance under the strobe lights to a throbbing mix of hip-hop, rap and Latin beats. But first they gathered to pray and praise God.The rules were announced on the dance floor by a mic-carrying emcee to more than 200 clubgoers blanketed by thick smoke machine fog: "Rule No. 1: No twerking. Second rule: No drinking. And a third rule: No smoking." The last unspoken rule seemed obvious by then: No secular music — the playlist would be all Christian.Welcome to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://www.instagram.com/thecovenash/?hl=en">The Cove</a>.The pop-up, 18-and-up Christian nightclub was launched last year by seven Black Christian men in their 20s — among them an Ivy League-educated financial analyst, musicians and social media experts — who sought to build a thriving community and a welcoming space for young Christians outside houses of worship. The launch comes at a post-pandemic time of dwindling church attendance, especially among Black Protestants that surveys say is unmatched by any other major religious group."We ourselves experienced a pain point of not being able to find community outside of our church, not knowing what to do to have fun without feeling bad for doing stuff that's conflicting to our values," said Eric Diggs, The Cove's 24-year-old CEO."There wasn't a space to cultivate that. So, we created it ourselves out of that pain point — the loneliness, the anxiety, depression, COVID, and the long quarantine.<h2>Proving that Christians can be cool – not corny</h2>Before their first monthly party in November, they set an ambitious goal: get 1,000 followers on social media. "We ended up getting more than 10,000 followers before our first event, which was insane," said Eric's brother, Jordan Diggs, 22, who manages the club's social media presence."Christians get a rep for being corny. And we want to show that Christians can be normal, can be cool. And they can have fun."A second equally popular event was timed to ring in the New Year. A third was held in February.For weeks, on its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://www.instagram.com/thecovenash/?hl=en">Instagram account</a> — under hashtags like #jesuschrist #nightclubs — club organizers asked people to be ready to dance the worship night away and look their best: "When you pull up, we expect to see you in your Holiest Drip."At the mid-February event, many in the racially and ethnically diverse crowd wore a rainbow of vivid colors — fluorescent turquoise, electric orange, neon pink — in their Nike, Adidas and New Balance sneakers. Or hoodies with images of Jesus and varsity jackets with Scripture from the Bible.<div type="image" title="Jade Russell of Louisville, Kentucky, dances at The Cove." height="2543" width="3900" msid="108171325" hostid="261" sizebytes="517336"></div>"What surprised me the most is the diversity, honestly," said Aaron Dews, one of the club founders. "With us being seven Black guys, just seeing the expansion of the type of people that we can bring in, and the unification around one idea has been incredibly encouraging."Food trucks in the parking lot awaited hungry clubbers. Inside, Benji Shuler sold vintage clothes with religious messages that hung from racks. A white T-shirt with the iconic Pepsi logo read: "Jesus: The Choice of a New Generation," echoing the soda company's tagline from decades ago.In lieu of alcohol, vendors sold sports drinks, bottled water and soda. Organizers cheerfully set up early. They hung Christmas-style lights from ceilings, sang a cappella and rehearsed their best choreographed moves.<h2>Club becomes a destination for Christians near and far</h2>Before he impressed everyone with his dance moves, Garrett Bland, 20, listened on his phone to "Deliver Me," by gospel singer Donald Lawrence. "It's about letting the Lord into your life," he said, wearing a gold medallion around his neck inscribed with the Lord's Prayer and a beige hoodie that read: "God first."He admired what The Cove's founders are trying to do, saying, "they want to create a space for believers who want to come to the faith and have fun."Wearing a blue hoodie embroidered in white with "young sons of God," Eric Diggs asked organizers and volunteers to join him in prayer. "Dear God, thank you for this night," he said. "Amen!" the group said in unison before the huddled like a basketball team before a game — and yelled: "The Cove!"Nia Gant, 18, attended the club for the first time. She moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan, four months ago and said she had been praying to make like-minded friends. "I think joy and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/religion">religion</a> can go together," said Gant, who wore nose piercings, Air Jordans and ripped jeans. "God," she said, "is joy."Soon after, a line of people who had bought tickets in advance snaked outside to enter the nightclub. At the door, security officers in bullet-proof vests frisked clubgoers. Inside, they chatted, laughed and greeted each other with high fives.Word quickly spread around that a couple had traveled 9,000-plus miles from their home in Brisbane, Australia, to the Christian club in the Tennessee capital known as Music City. It was true: Haynza Posala, 23, and his wife, Kim Posala, 24, heard about The Cove through a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-just-different-podcast/id1580867356">faith-and-culture podcast</a> co-hosted by Darin Starks, one of the club's founders."We thought, this is cool — it's God glorifying," Haynza Posala said."It's surreal," said Kim Posala, looking around as people in trucker hats, berets and baseball caps streamed into the club and were handed bracelets of different colors. "It's community and that's what church is about."<div type="image" title="One of The Cove's seven co-founders, Aaron Dews, raises his arms in worship after a night of dancing." height="1400" width="2079" msid="108171326" hostid="261" sizebytes="84226"></div>Mic in hand, Carlton Batts Jr., a musician who is one of the founders and who was the designated DJ and emcee, asked people on the dance floor questions, dividing them into groups: "If you like prefer listening to music, come over here," he said pointing to one side. "If you prefer podcasts, over here.""In church people can be really cliquey," Batts said. "So here, we give them prompts, so when we start the DJ set people are really comfortable dancing."The crowd went wild when the DJ played "Alacazam," by rapper Caleb Gordon, who has grown popular for his faith-inspired songs, especially Christian hip-hop. They gasped and cheered when 21-year-old Dillan Runions, a former competition dancer, performed a back flip on the dance floor.<h2>Dance party blends into an emotional worship service</h2>Eventually, it turned into a revival of sorts: Some wept or knelt with eyes shut in prayer. Whispering, someone in a small group asked God "to keep away negative suicidal thoughts."Many belted out a gospel song that everyone seemed to know by heart: "A God like you" by choir director, rapper and songwriter Kirk Franklin.The feedback has been mostly positive. Club founders have also faced criticism on TikTok from some who say that dancing and worship don't go together — or even see it as a sin. Jordan Diggs says he embraces the attention, good or bad — "just the words Christian and nightclub is going to start a lot of conversation."Other generations are noticing. At some point, Shem Rivera, 26, a worship leader and a founder walked up to 18-year-old Noah Moon on the dance floor, and asked him how he had heard about The Cove."My mom told me about it — she sent me a video on Instagram," said Moon, who had just moved from Kansas to Nashville the day before. "That's fire!" Rivera responded smiling.At the end, they all silently prayed. "It sounds oxymoronic — a Christian dance club," said Nicholas Oldham, who manages the club's business. He was initially skeptical and even wondered if it was sacrilegious."Fun is the lure; it's bait," he said, adding that what happens on the dance floor is so much more than that."What it says for old fogies like me, is that the young are hungry for the word of God," said Oldham, who is in his 40s. "The church isn't the building, and these young people are catching up to that."

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