Entertainment News

Ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie case released as sheriff's office asks for public's help in identifying writer

This image provided by the FBI Feb. 5, 2026, shows a missing person Nancy Guthrie. (FBI)

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has released two ransom notes received by local media in Tucson, Arizona, in the days after Nancy Guthrie was taken, while calling for the public's help in identifying their writer.

The redacted versions of the notes arrive six months after the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson-area home. The 84-year-old remains missing.

ABC News has previously described the contents of the notes.

"These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer's unique linguistic style," the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a press release on Friday. "They also provide valuable insight into the person's mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time."

The department said they "believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes' writer."

The first note was sent to the local CBS Tucson affiliate KOLD-TV on Feb. 2, according to the sheriff's department, and is addressed to Savannah Guthrie.

"We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared," the note stated, while asking for millions of dollars in Bitcoin for her release. If payment was not received, "she will be killed," the note stated.

The note included descriptions of a smart watch near her bed and a damaged floodlight in the home's backyard.

The second note was sent on Feb. 6, according to the sheriff's department, and is addressed to the Guthrie family. The note stated that Guthrie died and "is buried in nature now."

"We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken," the note stated.

The note included an apology and said to the family, "Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace."

After receiving the second note, Savannah Guthrie posted a statement in a Feb. 7 Instagram post.

"We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie said at the time. "We beg you now to return our mother to us. ... . This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Yahya Abdul-Mateen II opens up about 'Wonder Man' cancellation

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II attends the MLB Opening Night Game: Yankees vs. Giants, at Momo's on March 25, 2026, in San Francisco, California. (Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images for Netflix)

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is opening up about the cancellation of his Marvel TV series Wonder Man.

Abdul-Mateen took to Instagram to post about the surprise cancellation of the series, which had previously been renewed for season 2 on Disney+.

"Word just dropped that Wonder Man won’t be coming back for Season 2. (And if you don’t knowww, now ya knoww!)" Abdul-Mateen captioned his post. "That’s life, right? Everything will shake out."

The actor, who played aspiring actor and superhero Simon Williams in the show, continued his post by thanking the series' fans.

"I wanted to say thank you to everybody who WATCHED the show, ENJOYED the show, and SHARED that they enjoyed the show in some way or other. The show worked. And that’s my favorite thing about it," Abdul-Mateen wrote.

Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest created Wonder Man while Cretton directed its first two episodes. Guest served as the series' showrunner. Ben Kingsley, X Mayo, Demetrius Grosse, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed, Josh Gad and Olivia Thirlby also starred in season 1.

Season 1 of Wonder Man premiered on Jan. 27. Disney announced the show had been renewed for season 2 in March. Earlier in July, Abdul-Mateen was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on the series. He is already an Emmy winner for his work on Watchmen.

Despite the renewal reversal, Abdul-Mateen continued his post with positivity.

"I can see in the messages I get saying how the show reminded some of you not to give up, and I feel it in the genuine love shared when I bump into some of you all during the day. So, thinking of you all today. I’m glad we got to be a part of something cool. Thank you for watching… And uhh… See you at the EMMYS," Abdul-Mateen wrote.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Marvel.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Weekend Watchlist: What's new in theaters, on streaming

Ready, set, binge! Here's a look at some of the new movies and TV shows coming to theaters and streaming services this weekend:

Hulu
Furious: This new series follows an FBI agent who hunts for a serial killer.

Paramount+
Diarra from Detroit: Season 2 finds Diarra Brickland looking for a hot girl summer while dealing with a new mystery. 

FXX, Hulu
Adults: A prequel episode of the ensemble comedy series is set to drop a month before season 2. 

Movie theaters
Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Tom Holland and Zendaya are back in the latest film following Peter Parker. 

I Want Your Sex: This new film stars Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman and Charli XCX. 

Boyhood: The Oscar-winning film that took 12 years to make returns to theaters to celebrate its 12th anniversary.

That’s all for this week’s Weekend Watchlist – happy streaming!

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: Claire Foy, Matthew Macfadyen to star in 'You Are Here' and more

Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen are teaming up for a new drama series. The actors are set to star in You Are Here for STARZ and BBC. The new show will be based on the love story written by author David Nicholls. He adapted his own story as an eight-part series to be directed by Normal People's Lenny Abrahamson ...

Fake Skating is headed to the big screen. Sony Pictures has tapped The Fault in our Stars director Josh Boone to direct the film adaptation of the high school hockey romance book by Lynn Painter. It marks the first book by the bestselling author to get a screen adaptation. Morgan Lehmann and Victoria Bata wrote its screenplay while Boone and his writing partner Knate Lee handled its revisions ...

The official teaser trailer for Alix Earle's Netflix documentary series has arrived. Earle Meets World follows the Gen Z influencer's everyday life as she balances making big moves in her career while staying true to herself. The series consists of eight 45-minute episodes. It premieres on Sept. 4 ...

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Howard Charles, 50 Cent tease why 'Fightland' is a must-watch

Poster for 'Fightland' (Starz)

Howard Charles plays a heavyweight championship boxer in Fightland, the new Starz series that follows Duke Kilroy as he seeks vengeance for the death of his brother, whom he believes was killed by criminal kingpin and former promoter Kingsley Marshall.

Though Howard was already in shape before landing the role, he says portraying Duke required a different kind of physique.

"I had to put on weight for the role, actually. I was a bit too lean. That's the first time that's actually happened. So I was eating a bit more than I usually do. I was lifting a bit heavier than I usually do," he tells ABC Audio.

Howard says he was drawn to the character the moment he read the script.

"I saw a man who on the face of it appeared to be dangerous and capable of terrible things, and sometimes even reckless, but this was not a man who was a monster. You know, this is someone who's wounded, someone who is carrying grief, rage ... and he is a man with a heart," he explains. "I just really felt for the guy, you know, I really, really felt his pain and I wanted to play him and I wanted to represent him and I wanted to honor him. And luckily, I was given the opportunity to do that."

Fightland is executive produced by 50 Cent, who is known for starring in, creating and promoting the Power universe. Despite that franchise's long-running success, he believes Fightland is an even better series.

"When you watch that show, you go, well, this is better than where we started with Power," he says, noting it took more effort to promote Power in its early days.

"I took $17,000 to be a reoccurring actor, to write the theme song for Power, to do the marketing and promotions for it because they didn't know who Omari Hardwick was in the very beginning," he says. "So Good Morning America wouldn't accept the cast without me being available. I'm in a nightclub. I got to put a suit on and go to Good Morning America. Like that, it was really interesting."

"I knew I had something going when they would accept them without me season 3," 50 continues. "Then it gradually got to that point."

By contrast, Fightland is captivating from the start. "I'm excited because I think after people see the first [episode] ... they'll understand why I'm been saying that." 

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Good Morning America.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


George Clooney, Amal Clooney send note to mayor while evacuating home in France amid wildfires

George Clooney and Amal Clooney attend the 51st Chaplin Award Gala honoring George Clooney at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on April 27, 2026 in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

George Clooney and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, France, this week as wildfires tore through the region, sending a moving note to the town's mayor as they left.

The actor and human rights attorney informed Didier Bremond, the mayor of Brignoles, of their departure in a note shared with ABC News by a representative for Clooney on Thursday.

"At this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment and as we evacuate Brignoles we want to emphasise 2 things," the note read. "First we hope you and the people of our city are safe and second that Amal and i are committed to making sure that whatever happens to our village, we are part of this community and we'll be part of making it whole."

"We love Brignoles and our friends who live there," the note concluded.

Brignoles is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France and has a population of around 18,000, according to a recent census.

A wildfire broke out near the town on Wednesday, burning approximately 321 acres of vegetation before it was contained around 3 a.m. local time, but not fully extinguished, according to local authorities. Four firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, authorities said in an update Thursday, adding that firefighters were still working to put out the flames.

Wildfires are currently burning through large swaths of southern Europe, including parts of Greece, France and Spain, and as far north as the U.K. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been evacuated amid the fires, with sweltering heat waves blanketing the region, worsening conditions.

George Clooney and Amal Clooney reportedly purchased their home in France in 2021, according to The Associated Press.

George Clooney discussed his life in France in a 2025 interview with Esquire, describing what it was like for his family to live on farm in the country.

"Yeah, we're very lucky," he said at the time. "You know, we live on a farm in France. A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid I hated the whole idea of it. But now, for [my kids], it's like — they're not on their iPads, you know? They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Clueless' sequel series greenlit at Paramount+

A photo of Alicia Silverstone. (Kristin Burns)

Paramount+ has some totally buggin' news.

The streaming service has greenlit a sequel series to the classic '90s film Clueless. Alicia Silverstone is set to reprise her starring role as "it" girl Cher Horowitz in this new event series based on the teen comedy movie.

Silverstone will also executive produce the series. It is set to start production in LA in 2027.

The upcoming show picks up 30 years after the events of the original film. "Beloved Beverly Hills icon Cher Horowitz has figured out a lot: She’s successful in business and has mastered motherhood — that is, until her daughter’s high school years, and Cher finds that parenting a teenager makes her feel 'clueless' all over again," according to an official description.

The OC's Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage wrote and will executive produce the series. It will be produced by CBS Studios. Amy Heckerling, who directed the 1995 film, will also executive produce alongside Robert Lawrence.

"Clueless is coming home," Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+, said. "Thirty-one years ago, Alicia Silverstone's Cher Horowitz captivated audiences with her signature chic style, sharp wit and relentless optimism, helping make Clueless a box office hit and instant pop culture classic. We're especially proud to be filming this much-anticipated series in Los Angeles, honoring its starring role in the original film while investing in the city’s exceptional talent and crews.”

Clueless celebrated its 30th anniversary in summer 2025. Additionally, the movie was recently added to the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

A Clueless sequel series was previously in development at Peacock. ABC Audio confirmed Peacock was no longer moving forward with the series back in April.

Along with Silverstone, the original movie starred Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Elisa Donovan, Breckin Meyer and Dan Hedaya.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Ben Affleck, Jamie Ding win $1 million for charity on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'

Jamie Ding and Ben Affleck celebrate winning a million dollars on 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire.' (Eric Mccandless/Disney)

Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding scored the winning prize on the ABC television show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on Wednesday. The pair earned $1 million for the nonprofit Eastern Congo Initiative.

Affleck and Ding clinched the win on a Thanksgiving trivia question.

The final question read, "In an annual Thanksgiving tradition, all but which of these have been the names of turkeys pardoned by a U.S. president?"

The four options the pair could choose from to answer the question were "Peanut Butter & Jelly," "Tater & Tot," "Mac & Cheese" and "Spaghetti & Meatball."

Affleck and Ding selected the correct answer, "Spaghetti & Meatball."

Lights flickered across the stage and confetti fell as Affleck and Ding celebrated the win with host Jimmy Kimmel, receiving an oversized $1 million check written out to Eastern Congo Initiative.

At the start of the round, which aired the previous week, Affleck shared why the Eastern Congo Initiative holds a special place in his heart.

"I've been working with them for about 15 years," Affleck said of the nonprofit. "And right now, of course, as I'm sure most people know, there's an Ebola crisis there, and so this is in large part designed to try to relieve that, contain the spread of Ebola."

According to the Eastern Congo Initiative website, Affleck co-founded the charity with businesswoman Whitney Williams in 2010 to "elevate local solutions" in eastern Congo.

The group says its mission is to "transform humanitarian aid into a locally driven model by directly funding community-based organizations and advocating for greater international visibility for the region."

"We support locally led organizations to expand access to essential services, strengthen economic opportunities, and promote justice," the website states. "Our work is designed to create scalable, sustainable impact across eastern Congo."

Affleck and Ding's big win for charity comes one year after Affleck's longtime friend and collaborator Matt Damon earned $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire alongside Jeopardy! star Ken Jennings, benefiting Damon and Gary White's nonprofit, Water.org.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


John Legend to play Harry Belafonte in 'The Road Home'

John Legend attends The Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction 2026 at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 19, 2026, in New York City. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Gordon Parks Foundation)

You may be more used to John Legend onstage behind his piano, but in the new film The Road Home, he takes on the role of civil rights activist Harry Belafonte.

“I was honored to know Mr. Belafonte as my friend, mentor and collaborator in the struggle for justice,” he tells Variety. “He was an incredible human being who lived a monumental, revolutionary life. He was the epitome of an artist and activist who set a standard for me and so many others who stand on his shoulders. I count it a privilege to be entrusted with the role of Harry Belafonte in this special film.”

John previously acted in La La Land, Underground and American Dreams.

The Road Home will be directed by Bill Condon from an original script by Michael Bronner, with a story by Bronner and South African writer Zakes Mda. It tells the story of Hugh Masekela during the aftermath of Paul Simon's 1986 Graceland album, and the ensuing tour with Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba and Simon. 

Graceland drew criticism from Masekela's mentor, Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, who believed the album violated the United Nations' call for a boycott of apartheid South Africa. Masekela hit the road with his fellow musicians to bring the country's voice to the world; as Variety notes, Masekela viewed "music as a mighty weapon in the struggle."

South African actor Thabo Andrew Rametsi will be playing Masekela, Wicked's Cynthia Erivo will play Makeba and Ripley's Johnny Flynn will play Simon.

Music producer Hilton Rosenthal will oversee new recordings from Masekela and Makeba’s catalog for the soundtrack.

Principal photography is happening in South Africa. 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' season 18 trailer and more

We now know when to expect season 2 of Chad Powers. Hulu has announced that the second season of the half-hour comedy series will debut on Sept. 3. Glen Powell stars as the South Georgia Catfish in the show he co-created. Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie Rodriguez and Steve Zahn also star in the series ...

Reacher has added a few new actors to its season 5 cast. Amanda Ip, Jay Baruchel, Ciara Bravo and Kevin Durand have joined the cast of the fifth season of the series that is led by star Alan Ritchson. Season 5 will be based on the 20th book in author Lee Child’s global bestselling series, Make Me. Season 4 of Reacher, meanwhile, premieres Aug. 12 on Prime Video ...

The trailer for season 18 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has arrived. Danny DeVito, Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day, Rob Mac and Glenn Howerton star in the trailer for the upcoming season of the long-running comedy series. The new season premieres on Aug. 17 on FXX and Hulu ... 

Disney is the parent company of ABC News, Hulu and FXX.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jared Leto responds to sexual misconduct allegations in new BBC report

Jared Leto arrives at the premiere of 'Tron: Ares' at TCL Chinese Theatre on Oct. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California. (Maya Dehlin Spach/WireImage via Getty Images)

Jared Leto has responded to allegations of sexual misconduct from several women made in a new BBC report and documentary.

The BBC spoke to 10 women for its new documentary, Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret, with nine of the women speaking out publicly for the first time, according to a companion report published Wednesday.

Five women alleged that they received sexual phone calls from the actor, the BBC reported. Of those, four allege they were teenagers at the time, the report states.

ABC News has not independently verified the allegations in the BBC report.

Leto responded to the allegations in a statement to ABC News on Wednesday.

"I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life," he said. "These claims are absolutely and categorically false."

The allegations of sexual misconduct against Leto in the report include allegations he sexually assaulted a girl in a motel bathroom when she was 17 years old, a threat of sexual assault against a 19-year-old and an allegation that Leto groomed a girl by making sexually explicit phone calls to her when she was 16. Another woman included in the report accused Leto of statutory rape, saying she was 17 years old at the time of the alleged assault, which she alleged took place in California, where the age of consent is 18.

One woman included in the report described an alleged interaction with Leto in which she claimed he made an inappropriate sexual remark to her at a music festival when she was 14 years old. The woman claimed Leto made the comment in front of her mother, who confronted him about the comment, which she said he dismissed, according to the BBC report.

All of the women in the BBC report said their alleged encounters with Leto occurred between 2002 and 2016.

Leto has faced allegations of sexual impropriety previously. In 2025, Air Mail reported allegations from nine women who claimed Leto had acted in a sexually inappropriate manner with them or made sexually explicit remarks to them that made them feel uncomfortable. Leto "expressly denied" the accusations in a statement to the outlet through his representative.

ABC News also reached out to Leto for comment on the allegations detailed in Air Mail's report.

Leto has been acting since the early '90s and most recently appeared in the film Masters of the Universe. He earned an Academy Award in 2014 for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, in which he starred opposite that year's best actor Oscar winner, Matthew McConaughey.

Beyond acting, Leto has found success with his rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, which he formed with his brother, Shannon Leto, in 1998.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Michael B. Jordan stars in 'The Thomas Crown Affair' teaser trailer

Michael B. Jordan appears on the poster for 'The Thomas Crown Affair.' (Amazon MGM Studios)

The official teaser trailer for The Thomas Crown Affair has arrived.

Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for the upcoming take on the heist thriller story.

Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan directs, stars in and produces the film, "where the most dangerous man in the room is the one nobody’s watching," according to an official description.

The movie follows an art thief, played by Jordan, who goes head to head with an insurance investigator who may be smart enough to catch him, played by Adria Arjona.

The trailer finds Jordan going through the necessary steps to steal a famous work of art.

"I've been taking risks my entire life. But last night it was different. I felt alive," Jordan's Thomas Crown says. "My heart was racing. Every step was part of a plan. Things slowed down. It was silent. And I was surprised how easy it was. But I'm not finished yet. That's what excites me."

Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira and Pilou Asbæk also star in the film, which is based on a screenplay by Alan R. Trustman with a story by Trustman and Drew Pearce. This screenplay was written by Pearce and Jason Hall.

The original 1968 movie starred Steve McQueen as the self-made millionaire who masterminds a heist. Faye Dunaway costars in it as an investigator hired to find out exactly what happened. Another film version of the story released in 1999, and starred Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.

The Thomas Crown Affair will release in theaters on March 5, 2027.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Outer Banks' season 5 gets official trailer

Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, Chase Stokes as John B, Jonathan Daviss as Pope and Madison Bailey as Kiara in the third episode 'Outer Banks' season 5. (Netflix)

Outer Banks is starting up its final adventure.

Netflix has released the official trailer for the drama series' fifth and final season.

Returning to the show are series regulars Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Drew Starkey, Carlacia Grant, Austin North and Fiona Palomo. J. Anthony Crane and Cullen Moss have also been upped to series regulars for the final season.

This new season finds the Pogues "at their absolute breaking point following the tragic loss of JJ in Morocco. Stranded far from home and mourning the heart of their crew, they’ve lost the Blue Crown and continue to face a gauntlet of familiar threats," according to its official description. "With Chandler Groff still at large, Dalia and the Corsairs closing in, and the Kooks ensuring the Pogues have no home to return to, John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo must rely on their scrappy instincts—and an uneasy alliance with Rafe—to keep from falling apart for good."

This new mission is now a race to "reclaim their future and finally win the freedom they’ve been chasing since the beginning," the description continues. "It’s the Pogues against the world as they seek to avenge their best friend and bring it on home…one final time."

The trailer finds the Pogues setting off on their last adventure.

"We're the Pogues. The throwaway fish, the lowest member of the food chain. Which means we do whatever we want, whenever we want," Stokes' John B says. "Or at least, once upon a time we did."

Jonas Pate, Josh Pate and Shannon Burke are the creators of Outer Banks. Season 5 consists of 10 hourlong episodes that debut on Aug. 20.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Michael J. Fox to receive Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at 78th Emmys

Michael J. Fox attends 'A Country Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's' benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on April 16, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Michael J. Fox is set to receive the 2026 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award from the Television Academy. The actor will be awarded the honor during the 78th Emmy Awards ceremony on Sept. 14.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award recognizes a lifetime of philanthropy, activism and a commitment to a global greater good. It was established in 2002 and is one of the highest honors presented by the Television Academy's Board of Governors.

In addition to his acting career, Fox is known for his transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy.

He publicly disclosed his diagnosis with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1998. In 2000, the actor founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The organization is now the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research and has supported more than $3 billion in research programs, accelerating breakthroughs, advancing therapies and improving the lives of millions worldwide, according to a press release.

"Michael J. Fox is one of television’s most beloved and enduring performers whose work has left an indelible mark on generations of audiences,” Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said. “The Television Academy is proud to honor him for his extraordinary leadership in advancing Parkinson’s research, transforming public awareness and inspiring global support through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, whose investments have accelerated scientific breakthroughs and the search for a cure. He continues to exemplify compassion, courage and service, reflecting the power of one individual to drive meaningful change.”

Fox is a five-time Emmy winner. He rose to fame starring in the sitcom Family Ties and is known for his leading role in the Back to the Future film trilogy. 

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress Mariska Hargitay will host the Emmy Awards live from the Peacock Theater in LA on Sept. 14 starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Oscar-winning Irish singer and 'Once' star Glen Hansard dead at 56

Glen Hansard performs with The Frames at the Sydney Opera House on March 25, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Irish singer Glen Hansard, Oscar winner for the song “Falling Slowly” from the movie Once, has died, the singer’s management confirms to ABC Audio. He was 56.

"With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning,” reads a statement from ATC Management. “We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.”

According to The Irish Times, Hansard was killed in a motorcycle crash in Dublin.

Hansard, who quit school in his teens to busk on the streets of Dublin, was the founder of the Irish rock band The Frames, who released their debut album, Another Love Song, in 1991. That same year, Hansard had a role in the Alan Parker-directed film, The Commitments, playing guitarist Outspan Foster.

The Frames would go on to release seven studio albums, including 2004’s Burn the Maps, which would hit #1 in Ireland, and 2006’s The Cost, which hit #2.

In 2007, Hansard starred opposite singer Czech singer Markéta Irglová in the John Carney-directed film Once, about two struggling musicians in Dublin. The pair wrote many of the songs on the soundtrack, including the ballad “Falling Slowly,” which would go on to win an Academy Award for best original song.

Hansard and Irglová, who briefly dated, formed the band The Swell Season, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2006. Their follow-up, Strict Joy, peaked at#15 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. They released their last album, Forward, in July 2025.

In 2011, Once was turned into a musical, featuring the music of Hansard and Irglová. It opened on Broadway in 2012, and won eight Tony Awards, including best musical. It also earned Hansard a Grammy for best musical theater album.

Hansard launched a solo career in 2012, with the release of Rhythm and Repose, which hit #21 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. He released his most recent solo album, All That Was East Is West of Me Now, in October 2023. A natural storyteller, Hansard was known for his magnetic live performances, and released the live album, Don’t Settle (Vol. 2 Transmissions West), in June. 

Hansard was also the organizer behind what became known as the Christmas Eve Busk, impromptu Christmas Eve performances on Grafton Street in Dublin to raise money for the homeless community. Started in 2010, over the years he would be joined by several of his fellow Irish musicians, including U2 frontman Bono.

In 2021, when Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder released his third solo album, Earthlings, Hansard became a member of Vedder’s backing band, dubbed The Earthlings. The pair became good friends when Vedder reached out to Hansard after a concertgoer committed suicide at a Swell Season show in Saratoga, California, in August 2020. Hansard would go on to open for Vedder several times on his solo tours, and opened for Pearl Jam on tour, as well.

In October 2022, Hansard became a first-time father, when he and his partner, poet Maire Saaritsa, welcomed a son.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In brief: 'Below' teaser trailer and more

Rachel Sennott is back on set. Her HBO series I Love LA has started production on season 2. HBO made the announcement in a post shared to Instagram. The photo features Sennott sitting in a director's chair sporting a brand-new blond hairstyle. "We’re back and blonder. #ILoveLA Season 2 is in production," the post's caption reads ...

The first look at Dexter: Resurrection season 2 is here. Fans can take a peek at the first photos from the new season. Michael C. Hall returns to his role as serial killer Dexter Morgan in the second season of the Paramount+ series. New episodes are set to premiere later in 2026. Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Kadia Saraf also star in the series ...

The teaser trailer for Below has arrived. Netflix has released the trailer for its upcoming limited series starring Josh Hartnett. The actor plays a stubborn fisherman living in a small Canadian town. He's haunted by the death of his father and is spooked by a strange sea creature that starts terrorizing his town. Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton and Ruby Stokes also star in the show, which debuts on Oct. 8 ...

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Children of Blood and Bone' film adaptation gets star-studded trailer

Tosin Cole, Thuso Mbedu, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lena Waithe, Regina King, Lashana Lynch and Zackary Momoh attend the 'Children of Blood and Bone' trailer launch event at Brooklyn Academy of Music on July 27, 2026, in Brooklyn, New York. (Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

The official trailer for Children of Blood and Bone has arrived.

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for the upcoming film adaptation of author Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 novel of the same name.

"In the epic fantasy world of Orïsha, a young woman goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people. She and her brother ally with the daughter and son of the king to fight back against his brutal rule," according to the film's official synopsis.

The Woman King director Gina Prince-Bythewood helmed the film. It features a star-studded cast including Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba and Viola Davis.

Mbedu stars as Zelie, a woman who has the power to command undead spirits. Idris takes on the role of Prince Inan while Stenberg plays Princess Amari.

The trailer finds Davis' character, Mama Agba, speaking to Zelie.

"For years I have trained you because I believe you are the one. You can bring magic back," she tells her.

This film marks a reunion between Prince-Bythewood and performers Mbedu, Davis and Lynch, who previously starred in her 2022 movie The Woman King.

Children of Blood and Bone will debut in theaters and on IMAX screens on Jan. 15, 2027.

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Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes' daughter Suri reportedly drops 'Cruise' surname

Katie Holmes gets a visit from daughter Suri Cruise on the set of 'Happy Hours' in Alphabet City in Manhattan on Aug. 7, 2025, in New York City. (Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images)

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter, Suri, has dropped her famous last name, according to Page Six.

State voter records show a "Suri Noelle" with the same age and birth date as the former Suri Cruise in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the location of Carnegie Mellon University, which the 20-year-old is widely reported to be attending.

Noelle is Holmes' middle name. It was not immediately clear when the name change occurred.

People reported in 2024 that Holmes and Cruise's daughter used the last name "Noelle" at her high school graduation that summer.

According to Broadway World, Noelle is slated to star in Midsummer!, a modern take on a Shakespeare classic, with other college students in Pittsburgh later this week.

ABC News has reached out to representatives for Cruise and Holmes for comment.

The former couple announced their daughter's birth in April 2006, a year after they began dating. The pair were married in November that same year and divorced in 2012.

In 2023, Holmes spoke about her daughter in an interview with Glamour, where she emphasized the importance of privacy.

"What has been really important for me with my daughter, because she was so visible at a young age, is I really like to protect her," Holmes said.

She added, "I'm very grateful to be a parent, to be her parent. She's an incredible person."

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Jason Sudeikis stars in 'Ted Lasso' season 4 official trailer

Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham in 'Ted Lasso' season 4. (Apple TV)

Believe it — the official trailer for Ted Lasso season 4 has arrived.

Apple TV has released a new trailer for the fourth season of its hit comedy series. According to the streamer, season 4 finds Ted returning to Richmond to coach a second division women's football team. The official description calls it Ted's biggest challenge yet.

"Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would," the synopsis reads.

Jason Sudeikis is back starring as the titular coach. Also returning are fan favorites Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jeremy Swift.

New to the show this season are Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsey, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern and Grant Feely.

The trailer finds Ted welcomed back to Richmond by his good pal Roy Kent, who is played by Goldstein.

"Oi! Welcome back. It's good to see you," Roy says before hugging Ted in front of the pasted-back-together BELIEVE sign.

At the end of the trailer, Hunt's Coach Beard asks a member of the second division women's football team, "But football is life?"

She responds, "No, life is so much more than football."

Ted smiles, before saying, "Not as catchy, but true."

New episodes of Ted Lasso will premiere to Apple TV each Wednesday from Aug. 5 to Oct. 7.

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In brief: 'The Chosen' season 6 teaser trailer and more

Fans of the King of Pop will soon get to watch Michael at home. The music biopic about Michael Jackson will begin streaming on Starz on Aug. 10. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. Jaafar Jackson stars as his uncle in the film, which also features performances by Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller and Laura Harrier ...

The teaser trailer for The Chosen season 6 has arrived. Prime Video shared its first trailer for the upcoming season, which premieres Nov. 15. New episodes are set to debut weekly through Dec. 6. Its season finale will arrive as a theatrical film, which is set for release on March 12, 2027. Season 6 will cover the events of Jesus' final day through the lives of the people who loved him ...

Morgan Spector has found his next role. The actor is set to star as Robert Langdon in the upcoming Netflix series adaptation of The Secret of Secrets. This new show will be based on the mystery thriller novel from bestselling author Dan Brown. Specifically, it will cover the sixth installment in his Robert Langdon series ...

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