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The First 'Outer Banks' Cast Member Has Unfollowed Rudy Pankow (& It's Not Who You Think)
Nov 25, 2024
Outer Banks fans cried saying goodbye to JJ when part 2 dropped on November 7, but I wasn't expecting the Outer Banks cast's goodbye to Rudy Pankow to make me equally emotional. The TV show is a standout because of how electric the cast's chemistry is onscreen — and how close they are offscreen.
But according to some sources, a rift reportedly formed between Rudy Pankow (JJ) and Madison Bailey (Kiara) after fans picked up on their chemistry and started shipping them IRL...like, really intensely. Despite the fact the creators promise this was the plan since season 1, OBX fans are convinced their rumored fallout is the reason Rudy left the show.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on the rumored Outer Banks cast drama between Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow.
- Outer Banks cast members Madelyn Cline, Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Drew Starkey, and Carlacia Grant are incredibly close offscreen.
- It seems drama started between Rudy and Madison after fans who shipped their characters started shipping the actors in real life.
- And a variety of OBX fans think this drama is why Rudy chose to leave the show after season 4.
The Latest Update On The 'Outer Banks' Cast Drama
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
After fans have been VERY loud about the supposed cast drama, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) made me laugh out loud when she posted her OBX 4 Instagram post — and seemingly called fans out in the comments. The roundup includes cast group pictures, a snap of Drew Starkey, and Morocco, and she captioned the post, "If I drop these are y’all gonna act right?"
Before long, the Instagram drama continued to unfold, and one cast member was the first to unfollow Rudy: Madelyn Cline. Needless to say, I'm shocked.
Why aren't Rudy and Madison friends anymore?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey were best friends during season 1 (Madison called Rudy her "bestie," and said that in any situation, "he's the first person I'm going to call"). But rumors of a fallout came after the show went viral in 2020. Fans picked up on their onscreen chemistry and started shipping the actors in addition to shipping their characters JJ and Kiara (the internet shipped the fictional couple so hard, in fact, that the relationship was written into the show despite it not being the team's original plan).
"Madison and Kiara, and Rudy and JJ, are two different people," Madison said in a 2020 Entertainment Tonight interview after the relationship started picking up steam. "Let's keep the ships on the show. But as far as the show, I'm all for it."
After publicity for Outer Banks season 2 began, fans noticed Rudy and Madison didn't seem to have the same connection in public, and even appeared to avoid each other on set — a far cry from their adorable interactions during press for season 1.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Fans started outright blaming Rudy's girlfriend Elaine Seimek, who was originally a PA on the show, for causing a rift between the two actors. Madison herself shut down the rumors with a TikTok promising they all had no problems, while Rudy Pankow took to Instagram to defend his girlfriend.
"To those who are creating such displeasure and opinions about the one I love and my relationship, it’s time to stop," Rudy Pankow said in an August 6, 2021 post. "I want to express the importance to spread positivity and needing to know when it is unfair to express your own distaste for something or someone, especially when you can do it behind an anonymous identity. I was always told the best version of yourself is your most humbled self…I make this statement as my most humbled self and would be so grateful if we all would move forward in positivity and respect."
Is there drama between the Outer Banks cast?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
The Outer Banks cast drama rumors only intensified after a June 2023 dinner, when Madison Bailey and her partner Mariah Linney reportedly unfollowed Elaine on Instagram. Not to mention the fact Rudy Pankow isn't in any of the Outer Banks season 4 cast videos.
After JJ's death rocked the internet, creators Josh and Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke said that it was always the plan to kill JJ. "For a long time we had known that someone was going to die," showrunner Shannon Burke told Teen Vogue. "We thought it was going to be JJ all along."
However, the fact that JJ and Kiara have been dating for almost 2 years at this point, yet barely react to the other heading into danger has fans thinking Rudy asked to leave the show. And rumors that they filmed multiple endings to give Rudy the option to stay only adds fuel to the fire.
When new episodes of the show dropped in November of 2024, fans almost immediately clocked that Rudy and Madison appear to have used body doubles for a cuddling scene — while Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes (who dated from June 2020 to November 2021) were cozied up across the campfire.
Even though an anonymous source suggested Rudy and Madison aren't friends anymore, and that their chemistry onscreen in season 1 was because they'd fallen for each other IRL, a source told People the actors are not feuding.
But one DeuxMoi source just spilled some serious tea, telling the site that, "Rudy asked them to write him off because of the drama! Production got mad and they had to refilm episodes," they said. "They filmed episode 10 before the last episodes of the first half & Rudy didn't tell the cast so it threw them off. In the last episode you can see how mad everyone was at Rudy. It's a mess and it pissed off production but they are going to brush it off like it's ‘always been the plan.’”
They also revealed that apparently, the plan was to kill JJ off in the series finale, which honestly kind of makes sense.
When did Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow meet?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rudy and Madison first met after Rudy had booked the role of JJ and Madison was headed to a final audition. Despite the fact they had mutual friends, they didn't meet until they were on the same plane to Charleston. She told Harper's Bazaar in 2020 that she said hello when they crossed paths, then found a DM from him on social media. “He was like, ‘I knew you were Kiara the second I saw you,’" she said. "I was like, "Oh my God, did this guy three seats up really just DM me?’ He went and found our mutuals, found my page, and messaged me.”
Well, during press for Outer Banks season 4, when the cast was asked who would be most likely to fall in love with a stranger on a plane, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) answered with Madison, leading fans to believe she was confirming the romance rumors.
Did Rudy quit OBX?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rudy Pankow exited Outer Banks after season 4, and Madison Bailey finally spoke about what JJ means to her in the cast's official goodbye — and got emotional talking about how well Rudy brought the character to life.
"We all read the character on the page," she says. "And we know what you brought to it and you turned it out and really made something of it and paid respect to the depth of the character while bringing a lightheartedness that the show desperately needed."
And during a cast video hyping up JJ's (and Rudy's) best moments from the series, fans were beaming when Rudy and Madison dissected some of the best Jiara moments from season 3. "this video healed me❤️🩹 thank you netflix!" one TikTok user wrote in the comments of Madison talking about JJ and Kiara's first kiss. "I’m so happy [they're] friends bro like fr 🥺🥺," another user said.
Check back here for the latest updates on the Outer Banks cast drama. Read up on why Outer Banks Fans Are Really Not Happy With THAT Death In The OBX Season 4 Ending.
This post has been updated.
As a theater kid and movie fanatic, I simply cannot stop singing the Wicked soundtrack, checking out all the new Mattel dolls, and re-watching the Wicked trailer. And I absolutely wore Glinda's signature pink when the Wicked movie flew into theaters November 22. But while this was definitely the movie event of the year, it's only part one of the story.
Just like the Broadway musical is split into two acts, Wicked is going to be in two parts. But good news Ozians: the Wicked: Part 2release date just got bumped up!
Here's everything you need to know about Wicked: Part Two before the movie changes us for good :).
Is Dorothy in Wicked: Part 2?
Any fan of the musical knows that Wicked features moments from The Wizard of Oz, and during part 1, you can see Dorothy walking to the Emerald City with the scarecrow, cowardly lion, and tin man. But one theory suggests we'll actually get to know Dorothy for one very good reason: a new Wizard of Oz movie is coming.
"Considering we’re having so much Wicked excitement how would you feel about the thought of Universal actually making a Wizard of Oz remake retelling with the themes of Wicked we already know," one Reddit user asks. "Sorta like now is having sympathy towards the wicked witch now, and maybe going in extremely similar way to the original Wizard of Oz but clearly taking a new turn to it with our new pov of the characters."
Plus, director Jon M. Chu teased that we'll see even more of her than we have before! “In movie 1, it was important to let Dorothy be how you want her to be. I didn't want to step on your images of whatever version of Dorothy you wanted her to be,” he tells ScreenRant. “But the presence is important because that plays a significant role in what will happen and how they intersect...But you'll have to see movie 2 to know how far we go with her.”
When is Wicked: Part Two coming out?
Image via Madison Bailey/InstagramWhen is Outer Banks season 4 coming out?Wicked: Part Two Release Date
Wicked: Part 2 will hit theaters November 21, 2025. While the movie was originally slated for November 26, 2025, Universal Pictures decided to bump up the release date. The first Wicked movie also faced a schedule change, moving from November 27 to November 22, 2024, the same day as Gladiator II! And I can confirm they make for the perfect double feature.
What happens in Wicked Part 2?
Universal Pictures
Wicked: Part Two Plot
Act II of the musical is all about Oz's response to Elphaba becoming the "Wicked Witch of the West." Glinda becomes beloved public figure "Glinda the Good," but realizes just how much her dreams have cost her as Elphaba is gone and Fiyero, now Glinda's fiancé, is determined to find Elphaba no matter the cost.
Wicked: Part Two will feature songs like "As Long As You're Mine," "No Good Deed," and "For Good" (as well as some new ones) — and Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey are going to absolutely slay.
Jon M. Chu told Entertainment Weekly that part 2 is all about "consequences," and how lonely it can be after you make an important choice like we see Elphie make in part 1. "Choices are difficult to make, but when you do make those choices, sometimes the result isn't what you expect it to be," he says. "There's a lot of soul searching in movie 2. They're asking, 'Is this the right decision that you made?'"
And even though Act II of the musical is pretty dark, Jon promises movie 2 will feature some of the same lightheartedness we saw in movie 1. "There is lots of lightness in the movie," he continues. "There's a lot of fun parts. We've not forgotten about that, but there's a matureness and a nuance to it that we earn from the first movie. The second movie really gets to play with [that maturity]."
Who's in the cast of Wicked: Part Two?
Universal Pictures
Wicked: Part Two Cast
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey will reprise their roles as Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero, respectively. Wicked: Part Two will also star Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle.
Why is the Wicked movie taking so long?
Universal Pictures
The Wicked movie has had a long road to get to its release! News of the movie adaptation originally broke in 2016, with an intended release date of 2019. But the COVID-19 pandemic, and a few behind-the-scenes details, pushed the movie to 2024 instead.
"As we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of WICKED into a single film without doing some real damage to it," director Jon M. Chu tweeted in April of 2022, announcing the story would arrive in two installments.
"With more space, we can tell the story of WICKED as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters."
Did they finish filming Wicked Part 2?
The good news is that, even though we have to wait a year to see Wicked: Part Two, filming is already done! On January 26, Cynthia Erivo shared a breathtaking photo of her silhouette as Elphaba flying on a broom. "I’ve been trying to think of what I’d say when this day finally came, and I’m failing miserably, because honestly there aren’t enough words to fully express what this experience has meant to me," she says on Instagram.
"The universe will take things away to make space for the grand gifts it has waiting for us," she continues. "THIS moment, this film, these people, this cast, this crew, this director, my Glinda, were the Grandest gift I could ever have asked for, and I am eternally grateful for the chance to bring you This Elphie. I hope when you meet her, you’ll love her as much and as fiercely as I do. And with that I say, that’s a wrap for me, Elphie out!! 💚💚💚"
Ariana Grande shared a similar image of her own silhouette on January 25, saying, "like a handprint on my heart," which is a lyric from "For Good." I love these women so much!
Let us know what you're most excited to see in Wicked: Part Two on Facebook, and see if you spotted this Wicked trailer Easter egg.
This post has been updated.
The Sun is in the jovial sign of Sagittarius. We might all feel more social, hopefully a little more lighthearted, and more willing to engage in communal philosophical conversations. We may take a broader perspective and will be eager to learn something new. Focus on expanding your consciousness. Take advantage of this heightened energy to work toward completing any ongoing projects. Whatever you do, lean into this expansive energy — now this the time for it!
Keep reading to see what this all means for your weekly horoscope!
What's happening astrologically during the week of November 24 to December 1, 2024?
Sivan Weitz
Mercury goes retrograde on November 25. Do not to fear or dread these periods when Mercury is retrograde; instead, view them as a perfect opportunity to review and reevaluate your actions. Slow down, get organized, and double-check any documents before sending them out. Don’t leave things to the last minute. Pack early, and make sure you leave plenty of time if you're traveling over the holiday weekend. Flexibility and a sense of humor are essential.
On November 27, the Sun makes a beneficial trine to Mars, the planet of action. We will feel this energy all week. It should be a wonderfully optimistic time when self-confidence is high. We can be courageous and enthusiastic, so if you need to approach your superiors with a request for a raise or more responsibility, this week supports those brave actions. Be sure to exercise and move your body; dancing and playing can be especially joyful and fun. This energy is also quite attractive, so if you need extra motivation to ask someone out, you might find the courage this week to act on a crush.
Cayla Evans
Also, on November 27, Venus, the planet of love, harmony, and values, squares Chiron, the wounded healer and Shaman of the Zodiac. This challenging aspect might bring up wounds around self-worth or self-esteem. Past traumatic experiences involving relationships or finances might resurface. Balancing the Sun - Mars harmony with this challenging Venus - Chiron aspect is key. We all have the potential to heal and overcome a lack of confidence or insecurities about self-worth. We also have the opportunity to help others overcome self-consciousness or anxiety. Use the enthusiasm and optimism of Sagittarius to help one another.
There is a New Moon in Sagittarius on November 30, opposite Jupiter in Gemini. This is a perfect time to kick off the holidays, as we will find ourselves optimistic, generous, and cheerful. Be aware that Jupiter can amplify responses, leading to overindulgence, overpromising, or being overly optimistic. This is usually not a problem because everyone is feeling happy, but if you need to monitor your consumption or expenditures, pause before acting. Use Mercury retrograde as a reminder to take a breath and reevaluate any big purchases or acts of generosity. Take time to be still and plan what you’d like to accomplish this month. There is abundant energy for success if we focus and are clear about our ambitions.
I look to the sky and the planets to help navigate the world around us. If you’d like to know more about how these and other transits affect your life, please contact me for a personalized reading! SevenSistersAstrology.com
Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs
Sierra White
Aries (March 21 – April 20)
You should feel extra energized this week. You'll have the vitality and inspiration to work on creative projects. You might be tempted to work alone in the name of expediency. However, collaborating with others will require patience, which will benefit you during Mercury retrograde. Also, don’t forget that your leadership skills are best utilized when inspiring and empowering others. Include others, even if it initially feels frustrating. Try the mantra: The more, the merrier!
Taurus (April 21 – May 21)
Home and family are on the front burner this week. You might feel nostalgic for your childhood. It’s a good time to act on any projects around the home. Actively addressing maintenance issues or remodeling projects will make you feel more secure. Take a trip to the thrift store to add color or brighten your home. Take care of yourself in the process and refrain from overextending your resources. Nurture your loved ones, but don’t forget to nurture yourself too.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
Do you have a writing or video project that would benefit from focused effort? This week offers you the energy and inspiration to complete a communication effort. The key and the challenge will be to quiet your mind so you can focus. Find a quiet corner in a library or retreat to your office, and set up a schedule to discipline yourself. Practice meditation techniques and stick to a physical exercise routine to stay centered and make the most of this increased energy. Take care not to argue with others; instead, direct your energy toward accomplishing your goals.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
This week might find you dreaming of an entrepreneurial project to make more money. Or you might be ready to invest in yourself to advance your earning capabilities. This week favors any project that could bring in more resources. Be sure to orient your actions around what you desire, not what others think you should do. Refrain from impulse buying and watch your credit card expenditures. Your resources are a key focus this week; prioritize wise expenditures and money-making opportunities. Another way to use your money wisely is to focus on health — start the holiday season determined to stay healthy. Consider purchasing a punch card at a nearby yoga or Pilates studio.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Take charge of your life, but be careful not to overpower those around you as you pursue your dreams. You can assert yourself effectively — assertiveness is not aggression. Put action plans in place to advance your goals. You'll be more charismatic and attractive the more confidence you display. You can successfully pitch ideas to a boss, advocate for yourself, or stand up for what you believe in. Just don’t overdo it. Keep your ego in check. Be sure to exercise and expend your energy, or you might find yourself in unnecessary arguments and frustrations.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Take time to rest. Pay attention to your dreams at night and actively engage in daydreaming. Your imagination will be quite active. Use this time to connect with your inner most desires and create a plan to achieve your dreams. Observe any behavioral patterns that effect the way you assert yourself. Use this courageous time to adjust unconscious actions or inactions as you pursue your aspirations. You may prefer to work alone, but be sure to avoid distractions. What you uncover during this reflective period will be insightful and helpful in the near future.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Cooperate and collaborate with a team to achieve your goals. You may feel more inclined to lead rather than follow. Use your natural inclination for balance and fairness, coupled with your organizational skills, to benefit the whole group. Delegate tasks and demonstrate generosity to an inspire your team. Everyone has a role, and potential for growth under your leadership. Use this power wisely to prevent your schedule from becoming overwhelming, and ensure you leave time to devise innovative approaches.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
There is intrinsic value in what you contribute to your community. Are you motivated by personal aspirations, or are you pursuing something purely for external validation? You might seek acknowledgement and praise from others for a job well done but remember, praise from others can often feel shallow. What is truly matters is feeling pride and self-satisfaction in your work. It's a great time to refine your professional aspirations. Your substantial natural charisma can be leveraged to expand your business or professional presence through self-promotion.
Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)
You're feeling bolder than usual. Use this powerful time to expand your consciousness in meaningful ways. Study a new subject or learn a new skill to enhance your capabilities. You might feel restless and eager for an adventure, and travel could provide a great opportunity to explore and learn about the world around you. However, this restlessness may also cause you to become stubborn or assume you have all the answers. Channel this energy into personal growth and discovery. Restlessness and sleeplessness my also contribute to nervous energy, so practice grounding techniques to stay balanced.
Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)
Prepare for transformation and change, especially in your intimate relationships. You may feel compelled to explore deeper connections through vulnerability and open communication. Seek intimacy that is rooted in equality and respect rather than dominance or submission. Pay attention to the power dynamics in your relationships and strive for reciprocity. This is an excellent time for self-discovery and growth in the meaningful connections you nurture with loved ones.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)
Avoid acting impulsively when faced with challenges in your relationships. Instead, take an objective and composed approach to avoid escalating conflicts. Address each situation with the intent to create cooperative and creative solutions. Practice active listening and strive to be fair and balanced in your interactions. Take time to reflect on your impulses and consider whether they stem from outdated patterns or conditioning that no longer serve you. You have the power to evolve and grow into more constructive modes of relating.
Pisces (February 20 – March 21)
Focus on refining your daily routines and activities. Get organized and commit to a health-focused routine. Achieving physical well-being may involve improving systems in your home life. Stick to a schedule, stay consistent with healthy habits, and pay attention to your sleep patterns. Make sure to get plenty of exercise during this high-energy phase. The systems you establish now can provide a reliable foundation for the future. While you may feel drawn to help others, ensure your personal routines and well-being are solid first. Your example will serve as an inspiration to those around you.
Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!
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