Did the New Game of Thrones Book Just Get a Secret Release Date?

As we (not-so) patiently await the premiere of Game of Thrones‘s seventh season (which won’t be out until mid-2017!), we’re devouring even the tiniest bits of news on the subject: So far, we know there will only be seven episodes instead of 10 (BOO!), that Khal Drogo might return (YAS!) and, thanks to Kit Harrington sharing a serious spoiler, that this is going to be the darkest season yet. Now, we have some potentially very exciting news about the release of the next long-awaited GoTbook, thanks to Amazon France.

Although George R.R. Martin didn’t make an official announcement on his end (the guy sure does know how to build anticipation!), Amazon France went ahead and listed Song of Ice & Fire 6 – Winds of Winter on its site, along with a March 9, 2017 release date. That’s exactly six months from now and, considering the fact that we’ve been waiting for five years thus far, that’s practically tomorrow. *happy dance*

Despite the exciting news, however, fans were weary about getting too worked up by the idea that the book might see the light of day so soon after George missed the book’s January due date. While some, like Lily Melrose, crossed all of her fingers and prayed, others, like Austin Gilkeson, shared some more sobering tweets. “I’ll believe THE WINDS OF WINTER is finished when I read it,” he wrote.

Since the “leak,” Amazon France has removed the release date, but not the listing, and the book’s publishers have clarified that nothing has been finalized. US publisher Random House told EW! that “any on-sale dates currently listed online for the novel are incorrect. Once we have a publication date for The Winds of Winter, the world will know.” (Which, in George R.R. Martin speak, means we could easily be waiting five more years. Or 10. Or, you know, for eternity).

We, for one, are remaining hopeful that the leak, faux or not, says SOMETHING about the imminence of the novel’s release.

After all, as Steve Dutzy summed it up best,”You either die a hero or you live long enough to see George R.R. Martin release the next Game of Thrones book.”

Do you think the Amazon France leak holds any weight? Tweet us over @BritandCo.

(h/t Marie Claire, photo via HBO + Alberto E. Rodriguez)

When the WGA and SAG-AFTRA unions went on strike, the industry immediately began feeling the effects. Late night shows like SNL and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon stopped production immediately, and pre-production on shows like Stranger Things 5 halted. The end of the writers' strike means that pre-production on scripted content can resume, but we're still waiting to hear whether the end of the actors' strike means production can begin. That means it's going to take even *longer* for our favorite shows to release new seasons. After the delay that COVID caused, this is ... less than great news. Here's the latest info on which titles have been delayed, and when you can expect them.

Stranger Things 5

Image via Netflix

Stranger Things. (L to R) Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, and Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield in "Stranger Things."

"Writing does not stop when filming begins," Matt and Ross Duffer, co-creators and co-showrunners, tweeted on May 6. "While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work."

The Duffers went on to confirm in September that pre-production has resumed following the end of the writers' strike, but they won't be able to film until the actors' strike ends.

White Lotus Season 3

Image via HBO

The new season of White Lotus was supposed to be on our screens sooner rather than later, but it's been pushed to the next calendar year. "WhiteLotus Season 3, that was going to be ’24 and that’s likely moving into 2025,” said HBO and Max Content Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys, via Deadline.

The Last of Us Season 2

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

HBO is hoping to begin production on The Last of Us season 2 in 2024, meaning we'll probably see it in 2025.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight

On May 7, author George R. R. Martin published a blog post confirming that the new Game of Thrones spinoff had ceased pre-production, while season two of House of the Dragon has already begun filming.

"The scripts for the eight s2 episodes were all finished months ago, long before the strike began," Martin says. "The writers have done their jobs; the rest is in the hands of the directors, cast and crew… and of course the dragons)."

They hope to begin production in the spring, via Variety, should the SAG-AFTRA strike end.

Spider-Man 4

Image via Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures/IMDb

During the New York City premiere of A Crowded Room, Tom Holland told Variety that a fourth Spider-Man was in its very early stages of development.

“I can say that we have been having meetings. We’ve put the meetings on pause in solidarity with the writers,” he said. “There’s been multiple conversations had, but at this point it’s very, very early stages.”

The WGA strike may have ended, but we still don't know when this movie could begin filming.

Yellowjackets

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Yellowjackets Season 2 Official Trailer | SHOWTIME

Co-creator Ashley Lyle confirmed on Twitter that after one day in the writer's room for season three, pre-production has stopped: "It was amazing, and creatively invigorating, and so much fun, and I’m very excited to get back to it as soon as the #WGA gets a fair deal."

The writer's room is able to get back to work, but we'll have to wait for the actors to get the all clear before filming can begin.

Bunk'd

Deadline confirmed on May 7 that production on this Disney Channel comedy stopped, meaning we can expect a delay in the newest season.

Cobra Kai

Image via Netflix

Co-creator Jon Hurwitz tweeted on May 2 that production on the next season of this Netflix show stopped. "We hate to strike, but if we must, we strike hard," he said at the time. "Pencils down in the Cobra Kai writers room. No writers on set. These aren't fun times, but it's unfortunately necessary."

However, pre-production can now resume on the final season of the show!

Blade

The Marvel film was paused because of the WGA strike, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Abbott Elementary

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Abbott Elementary Season 2 Trailer

Writing for Abbott Elementary's third season was intended for May 2, the same day the strike began. Writer Brittani Nichols says in an interview with Democracy Now! that the season could be delayed as a whole (and this was before the actors' strike): "That could change the amount of episodes, which people I’m sure will be very upset about. It could change the air date. It could change a lot of different things.”

“I am a writer. I’m in the WGA. I’m also on strike!" creator, executive producer, and star Quinta Brunson tweeted at the time. "I have no real power here other than to join my union in demanding fair compensation for writers!”

Daredevil: Born Again

After disrupting the series' film schedule on May 8, Daredevil: Born Again shut down for the time being on May 10.

Good Trouble

Image via Mike Taing/Freeform

WGA picketers stopped production for Freeform's Good Trouble on May 9. "They got NO shooting done today. We got this done with a small crew of writers who started at 4am, and the cavalry of the Teamsters grips, electricians, crew etc.," @JorgeCoolReyes tweeted.

Since the actors still can't film, we won't be able to see the rest of the season for an indefinite period of time.

The Chi

The Chi stopped production on May 12 after "@IATSE 476 and @Teamsters Local 727 refused to cross the picket line," @ZaydDohrn tweeted.

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School

Image via Karolina Wojtasik/HBO Max

Filming for Pretty Little Liars: Summer School has been interrupted by the strike.

Daytime Emmy Awards

On May 16th, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that the Daytime Emmy Awards would be postponed.

"We look forward to our community gathering together as one to celebrate our Golden Anniversary and all of the talented nominees and honorees at a later date," President & CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement.

The Emmys are now scheduled for January 15, 2024.

The Penguin

The Batman spinoff series, was shut down for the day on May 16. Picketers also came to strike "outside a Harlem cemetery, to defend Gotham from The Penguin," according to a tweet from @warrenleightTV.

Severance

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Severance — Official Trailer | Apple TV+

Season two of the series, starring Adam Scott , Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette has paused production. But that didn't stop the cast from joining the picket line!

Emily in Paris

Image via Netflix

Filming for the new season of the hit Netflix show has been delayed, via Variety, but they're hoping to resume production on Emily in Paris season 4 in the new year.

Yellowstone

The final episodes of Yellowstone have been delayed to November 2024.

Keep an eye on our Entertainment page for more breaking news.

Lead image via HBO

This post has been updated.

The first looks at Euphoria season 3 is here, and as Taylor Swift once said, "it's been a long time coming." After literal years of delays (and different members of the production blaming each other for those aforementioned delays), the first look at Zendaya's return as Rue Bennet is finally here. And it doesn't disappoint.

Here's your first look at Zendaya as Rue in Euphoria season 3.

Zendaya reveals her "number one duty" with 'Euphoria' season 3.

HBO/Max

Zendaya's return as Rue is one that Euphoria fans have been waiting for — especially after she won the Emmy for her performance in both 2020 and 2022 (and still holds the record for the youngest two-time winner). Rue's journey has been everything but easy, and the moody lighting overall, as well as Rue's posture and the fact her face is shrouded in shadow, emphasize that even further.

"I’m excited to see what everyone has been working on, and what the future looks like for Euphoria," Zendaya told Vanity Fair in November 2024. "My most important thing is to do justice by the people who love and care about Rue, and make sure that she’s looked after as a character. I think that’s my number one duty."

HBO told Deadlinein a statement that “HBO and [writer and creator] Sam Levinson remain committed to making an exceptional third season,” while actor Colman Domingo told GQ that Sam is "very much interested in the existential question of who we are right now. Our souls. That's what he wants to figure out with season three.”

That definitely sounds like we're in for a wild season 3.

And Zendaya's not the only cast member returning. Sydney Sweeney shared in an interview with Who What Wear that "it’s going to be very, very wild.”

Despite the time gap between season 2, which premiered in 2022, and season 3, which won't premiere until late 2025 or early 2026, Sydney says she “actually [likes] it," because a gap means "there’s so much room for growth for both me as a person and also Cassie as a character."

And Hunter Schafer believes a "beautiful" season 3 is possible.

In addition to story delays, fans also called for the series' cancellation after the passings of co-star Angus Cloud and screenwriter Kevin Turen. Hunter Schafer (who plays Jules) told Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper that there was a sense of "anticipation" surrounding a third season, especially when whether they'd continue was up in the air.

"I think everyone feels a certain sense of anticipation for, like, if we are supposed to do a season 3," Hunter says between tears. "Obviously, I'm still coming to qualms with what's happened, and losing people that we really loved and were a part of this family and everything...I think there's a world in which we can channel that into making it a beautiful season 3."

Alongside Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney, we can expect to see Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, and Austin Abrams return for Euphoria season 3.

Stay tuned for the latest Euphoria season 3 news — and rumors that Zendaya Could Star In Cleopatra Movie From Dune Director Denis Villeneuve.

TheSex and the City to And Just Like That pipeline has been anything but smooth-sailing, especially for Miranda Hobbes groupies. The up-and-coming, fiery lawyer who fell head over heels for future hubby Steve Brady has imploded over the short course of AJLT, and we (along with thousands of loyal fans) miss our corporate baddie, dearly.

Over the course of the trivial AJLT revival, viewers have revisited the OG cast of SATC (sans Samantha Jones 😢) as they live, laugh, and love in their 50s. Unfortunately for us, that means watching Cynthia Nixon's Miranda lose all sense of her character alongside the now-widowed Carrie Bradshaw and PTA momager Charlotte York.

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Miranda’s newfound quest for understanding her sexuality (which we totally love, BTW) has led to some abrupt relationships, (truly) unexpected nudity, and (worst of all) the end of her relationship with longtime husband Steve.

To quickly recap: the retired lawyer cheated on Steve with non-binary comedian (and Carrie's boss) Che Diaz, leading to the end of her marriage and quick shift into a committed relationship with Che. This was wildly adventitious to fans, particularly since Miranda has always been fiercely loyal and loving…traits which appear to have dissipated.

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Even with the divorce, Miranda’s character could have evolved in so many incredible ways. We would have loved to see her embrace single life and spark an even closer bond with Carrie, or un-retired and become an absolute law-making girlboss, or become a dolphin trainer in Thailand (Are there even dolphins in Thailand?)…just about anything other than her seemingly instantaneous relationship with Carrie’s podcast producer and bicoastal move.

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Top 10 Reasons Miranda Hobbes Was the BEST

More than anything, though, Miranda’s classic sensibility, quick wit, and iconically dry sarcasm have been replaced by a shell of her former self, whose only personality seems to come from what’s politically accurate to say. The OG SATC characters had chemistry that made us believe that Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda were IRL friends figuring life out in NYC. Now, there is a major disconnect between the old and new versions of the characters – something that the AJLT team needs to figure out, and sooner than later.

Unfortunately, Miranda isn’t the only female character MAX seems to slight. Just look at Khaleesi in Game of Thrones — she went from freeing slaves to setting fire to everyone and everything in the blink of an eye. Or Succession’s Shiv, who made a massive left turn at the end of the series, leaving fans famished for their favorite dysfunctional sibling dynamic. Like real life, female characters should be flawed, but it seems that these iconic women transition from shattering-glass-ceilings to becoming borderline “hysterical,” for no other reason than the writer’s decision. Make it make sense, MAX!

What do you think about the “new” Miranda Hobbes? Let us know @BritandCo!

Photo courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max.

When it comes to makeup, everyone has their personal preferences. But just like how our appearances change as we age, so should our application techniques.

Let's be clear about one thing: getting older is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, more and more women nowadays are fighting against societal norms and embracing signs of aging (hello, Pamela Anderson!), which is amazing.

Nonetheless, if you're going through the trouble of putting on makeup for work every day or getting dolled up for a date night, the last thing you probably want to do is age yourself unintentionally.

If you've had the exact same makeup routine since you were a teenager or twenty-something, it may be time for an update. Here are some common makeup mistakes to avoid that may be adding years to your appearance.

Scroll to see the makeup mistakes that are totally making you look older.

1. Not Using Primer

Kaboompics.com

A good primer helps create a smooth base for makeup application, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and allowing your products to glide on effortlessly.

So, if you skip this critical makeup step, your products may just settle into any fine lines (think on your forehead, near your mouth, or at the edges of your eyes).

There are plenty of primers available on the market that offer various effects, such as a matte finish or a dewy glow. We recommend opting for a formula that's specifically designed for mature skin to fill in and blur fine lines.

2. The Finger Application Method

Ron Lach

Beauty blenders and other modern makeup tools obviously weren't around decades ago. Even so, the classic finger application method may be aging your skin.

While using your fingers can be a quick and convenient way to put on products like foundation or blush, it can transfer bacteria to your face. Moreover, tugging and pulling at your skin with your fingers on a daily basis might contribute to skin sagging over time.

The best way to blend your makeup is with a damp sponge. By keeping your sponge moist, you'll get a smoother application and prevent the tool from soaking up too much product.

3. Overdoing Your Brows

Tima Miroshnichenko

It's true that eyebrows can thin as women age, and defining your brows may help brighten your face and make your eyes seem bigger.

At the same token, though, you should avoid overdoing it. In 2016, heavily outlined and filled-in eyebrows were extremely "in." Contrary to this trend, mature faces benefit the most from a more natural look.

You can definitely still use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any sparse areas. Just avoid making your brows look too bold or heavy. Lighter, feathered strokes are the way to go, as you can always build up the pigment gradually.

Then, once you're satisfied with the shape, lock your brows in place with a clear brow gel.

4. Going Heavy With Eyeliner

Anna Shvets

If you want your eyes to appear more open and awake, light eyeliner should be your go-to.

Heavy, black eyeliner, especially on your lower lash line, may cause your lids to look tired or droopy. So, to maintain a fresher appearance, say goodbye to eyeliner under your eyes. Then, for your upper lash line, swap out your black liner for a softer shade of brown.

You can even use a smudge brush to blend it out as opposed to going heavy-handed with a thick line from the start. This will leave you with a more subtle and lifted effect.

5. Using The Wrong Under-Eye Concealer Shade

RDNE Stock project

If you regularly wear makeup, then concealer is probably a staple in your routine. However, many women make the mistake of using a concealer shade that's too light and think it'll erase any under-eye darkness.

Unfortunately, the opposite tends to happen. Instead of brightening up your under-eye region, the area will look chalky, and your fine lines and dark circles may become exaggerated.

As a rule of thumb, you should select a concealer that's only one shade lighter than your skin tone to achieve a natural brightening effect. Warming up the product on the back of your hand can help you blend it more smoothly as well.

6. Applying Plenty Of Powder

ANTONI SHKRABA production

After you apply your liquid products, it may seem logical to lock your makeup in with a setting powder. However, a little goes a long way, and using too much can quickly make you look older by giving your skin a drier appearance and accentuating any fine lines.

Our advice? Skip compact powders and use loose powder instead. Also, use a big powder brush to apply it rather than flat fabric puffs to avoid caking the product onto your skin.

7. Being Heavy-Handed With Blush

Bruno Miranda Photography

It's natural for our faces to slim out as we age. In response, many women rush to apply more blush in hopes that their cheeks will appear fuller and more youthful.

Yet, when applied too heavily after the rest of your makeup is finished, blush can have the opposite effect. The bright pigment may draw even more attention to mature cheeks and cause you to appear older.

The key is to apply a cream blush earlier in your routine, specifically before you put on any foundation. This will make your skin look rosy and glowy without the flush becoming too overwhelming.

8. Using Dark Contour Shades

Alena Darmel

Finally, there's nothing worse than trying to contour your face and realizing you've been left with a ton of dark, unblended streaks. Improper application techniques are sometimes the culprit. But, more often than not, the issue is that you're using a contour shade that's simply too dark for your skin tone.

Instead of sculpting your face, the darker hue can appear harsh and sunken, making you look more mature. So, if you want to contour, make sure you select a product that's only two shades darker than your true skin tone, with a formula that's lightweight.

Looking for more beauty tips? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Purses are elemental to putting together a good outfit, though there are some designs that you don’t want to be caught carrying in 2025. As far as purse trends go, you may not realize your everyday crossbody or tote is downright outdated.

Luckily, I’m here to note 4 out-of-style purse trends to help guide your accessorygame this year! Of course, please take these outdated purse trends with a grain of salt – personal style is personal for a reason, and you can always rock items that others might think are distasteful.

Scroll on for 4 “outdated” purse trends you shouldn't be buying in 2025.

1. Super Tiny Purses

Jacquemus

Jacquemus The Chiquito

Micro purses definitely had their moment once Jacquemus' The Chiquito came on the scene. Even though super tiny purses are super cute, I have two bones to pick with them.

First, I think their small silhouettes are not flattering at all – they can throw off the proportions of your ‘fit so easily.

Kurt Geiger

Kurt Geiger Micro Kensington Drench Bag

Secondly, these bags are not even practical! A single credit card and a lip balm is truly all these little guys can manage.

Perhaps that’s all one needs at times, but as someone who likes to tote around many, many trinkets, big bags are where it’s at from a practical standpoint. You’re likely going to get some funny looks if you step out with a micro purse in 2025.

2. Old School Vera Bradley

Etsy

Vera Bradley Versailles Saddle Up Quilted Crossbody Bag

These paisley-patterned bags were everything to me – in 2013, that is. If you’re still rockin’ a Very Bradley purse (bonus points if it’s in one of their retired colorways), I’m here to remind you that they were in their heyday over a decade ago. Sorry!

Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley Original Zip Hipster

Although cozy, easy to wear (not so much to pair), and easier to wash, these cotton purses look undoubtedly tacky if you’re wearing them in 2025.

3. Overly-Monogrammed Purses

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Neverfull

It seems that quiet luxury is still the name of the game when it comes to current purse trends, which means bags plastered with brand logos have gotta go in 2025. You’ll surely recognize the Louis Vuitton Neverfull and its endless logos. I say ditch it!

Michael Kors Outlet

Michael Kors Jet Set Large Printed Logo Crossbody Bag

Michael Kors and Coach are a couple more brands that don’t shy away from large and – might I say – tacky logo prints. Instead, reach for a sleek, no-fuss purse that’ll be way easier to pair with your wardrobe.

4. Woven Purses

Anthropologie

The Mini Brigitte Satchel by Melie Bianco

Woven bags have so much going on visually that they can distract from your overall look. Though styles like this Anthropologie bag popped off several years ago, the past is the past for a reason.

Quince

Quince Italian Leather Small Handwoven Tote

You can find woven bags in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but I have to rule all of them out as total ‘skips’.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more divisive fashion trends that'll guide your 2025 looks!

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