This New Disney Story Is Making History for a GREAT Reason

Jul 06, 2016

The Disney universe is up to some pretty amazing things these days. Their live-action films are causing major excitement and their parks around the world are bringing fans real-life magic. Now, Marvel (yes, they’re a subsidiary of Disney) has made history by having a woman step into the role of Iron Man. And not just any woman, but a kicka$$, teenaged, MIT-enrolled, robot-making WOC. Yeah, she’s our new hero.

As the events of the conclusion of the comic book series Civil War II drew together, fans saw Tony Stark leaving his Iron Man alter ego behind. Taking his place is Riri Williams (perhaps named in part for the all-mighty Rihanna?), a genius gal who enrolled in MIT at just 15. Nabbing Tony’s attention when she constructs her own Iron Man suit in her dorm room (yep, that’s awesome), the choice of character was deliberately an attempt to diversify the comic hero cast.

Already taking steps in the right direction by recently introducing characters like Kamala Khan (the new Ms. Marvel) and Miles Morales (the new Spiderman), Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis told Time, “Once Miles hit, and Kamala Khan hit and female Thor hit—there was a part of an audience crawling through the desert looking for an oasis when it came to representation, and now that it’s here, you’ll go online and be greeted with this wave of love.”

We’re sure Riri will win fans over as quickly as she’ll kick some villain butt.

What do you think about Riri Williams taking over as Iron Man? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(h/t Time, photos via Marvel, Iron Man)

Lily-Rose Depp Doesn't Care What You Think About 'The Idol' — "Really Proud"

I love a good edge-of-your-seat drama series featuring characters the world loves to hate — I'm looking at you, Succession. But there are some shows whose boundaries are pushed to a...weird limit. Although HBO's The Idol was slated to be Euphoria 2.0, it's drawn criticism from those who have watched it.

To be fair, The Idol's goal may be about getting people to talk, good or bad. It dives into the professional and personal life of pop star Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp. But even that's being met with side eyes due to the role's eerie similarities to an actual celebrity — and The Weeknd's ex-girlfriend — Selena Gomez.

Here's all the evidence that makes thing awkward, plus learn how Lily-Rose Depp feels about the backlash over the series!

How is Selena connected to 'The Idol' co-creator The Weeknd?

In 2017, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd briefly dated after his relationship with model Bella Hadid ended. Although the relationship didn't make it to the one-year mark, they seemingly remained on friendly terms.

Why do fans feel Jocelyn From 'The Idol' is similar to Selena Gomez?

Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO

Fans were quick to point out the similarities between Selena and The Idol's Jocelyn, with one going as far to tweet, "ever since finding out the idol is probably just the weeknd’s selena gomez fanfic i haven’t been able to sleep."

According to BuzzFeed, fans noticed both Jocelyn and Selena began their careers as kids. Before Selena starred in Wizards of Waverly Place, she got her start on Barney & Friends in 2002. From there, she's had a successful career starring in various TV shows and movies.

Another glaring similarity fans mentioned was the way Jocelyn was filmed posing for a cover story in "lingerie and a hospital bracelet" — very similar to Selena's video for her song "Bad Liar," where she was also seen wearing a hospital bracelet. Another fan tweeted, "the weeknd is a nasty person. the comparison between jocelyn and selena is scary and disrespectful. the idol lacks originality," showing a side-by-side comparison of the two scenes.

We also can't help but notice that Jocelyn's best friend Leia is not only her best friend, but she's also her personal assistant...not too dissimilar from the personal and working relationship Selena has with her best friend Theresa.

Is Selena Gomez the only pop star 'The Idol' seems to mirror?

It seems as much. GQ noted that The Idol makes a nod to or mentions icons such as Prince, Donna Summer, and Madonna in the first episode, proving that pop culture can always be referenced to make a connection to something. Meanwhile, the details of Jocelyn's life eerily match up with Selena Gomez's life IRL — more than just a reference.

What has Lily-Rose Depp said about 'The Idol?'

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

It's been over a year since fans noticed weird similarities between The Idol and Selena Gomez, but Lily-Rose Depp recently opened up about her feelings surrounding the show.

She said, "I love it. Honestly, I love it," (via Vanity Fair) before acknowledging she knew everyone involved was taking a risk making the controversial series. "You make something and you hope that people like it, and you hope that it resonates with people," she added. Still, the actress said everyone "knew some people were not going to like it and that it was going to be too much for some people."

The backlash from some viewers didn't really bother her for a few reasons. Firstly, she has no qualms doing "things that maybe not everybody's down to do." Secondly, she's "not an Internet rat like that" and isn't "on Twitter" so she's "not reading stuff."

For Lily, she had a great time immersing herself in The Idol's world, calling it a "huge turning point" for her." "I learned so much about myself, and I got to progress so much in my own work. I learned how to dance, and sing, and do all these things that I had never done before."

Her final verdict? She doesn't regret The Idol. "So I look back on it and I can only think fondly, and I’m really proud of what it is.”

Watch The Trailer For HBO's 'The Idol'

Haven't watched The Idol yet? Watch the trailer, and let us know if you think this hot topic TV show is the Selena Gomez biopic everyone else thinks it is.

Do you think 'The Idol' mimics Selena Gomez's life? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for all the latest pop culture news!

This post has been updated.

You Totally Missed This 'Bridgerton' Cameo In The 'Wicked' Movie

As a Bridgerton fangirl, I definitely squealed when I learned Jonathan Bailey (who plays Anthony on the Netflix series) had joined the Wicked movie as the dancing-through-life, suave Fiyero. Have you HEARD him sing "If I Didn't Believe In You" from The Last Five Years?! Well, Jonathan himself revealed that he actually isn't the only Bridgerton star making an appearance in Wicked — and since I totally missed this cameo, there's a chance you did too.

Keep reading for the surprising Bridgerton cameo you'll see in Wicked.

The world fell in love with Jonathan Bailey when he played Anthony Bridgerton on Bridgerton.
Bridgerton fans were also super excited to see him as Fiyero in Wicked.
But Jonathan isn't the only Bridgerton cast member to make an appearance in the movie.

You're probably running through the whole Bridgerton cast in your mind — Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, — but Jonathan Bailey is actually joined by his horse Jack! Considering how surprised I was when I learned this, you probably didn't see it coming either, did you?

“I went around to see [Wicked director] Jon Chubefore we started filming, and I said to him, I said, ‘I think I know who the horse is.’ And he was like, ‘What do you mean?’" Jonathan Bailey said in an official Wicked video. “It's Jack, the horse that I'd ridden in Bridgerton, who I had an amazing relationship with.”

In the clip, you can see Jonathan leading Jack onto the Shiz University set, and riding through the forest. “People say don't work with kids and animals," he continues. "But if it's Jack, I'd say, ‘Take the job. He's a legend.’”

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Well, Jonathan and Jack weren't the only Wicked cast members who got along swimmingly. Ethan Slater told Brit + Co that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo immediately made the cast feel like a family.

"[They] would hug everyone who came in," Ethan says. "The first day I think every actor had a minimum two-hour meeting with Jon just to walk through all of the designs and all the things and talk about character. And so from from the very beginning, it just felt like it's really safe...This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."

And TBH, it totally translates onscreen!

Did this Bridgerton cameo surprise you? Let us know what you're most excited to see in the Wicked movie in the comments!

pop culture entertainment bridgerton wicked movies

42 Beauty Products That Every Routine Could Use a Bit More Of

Whether you're a skincare expert or a beauty enthusiast, there's always room in your makeup drawer for a few extra goodies. Lucky for us all, Amazon has a lineup of some of the hottest, transforming products that you are going to want to add to your routine this season. From serums that will boost your glow to lip colors that will seamlessly glide across your pout, these products will add an extra dash of love to your daily beauty routine. Boost your confidence and upgrade your beauty arsenal with these 42 finds that are a must-have this season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Serum Infused With Hyaluronic Acid

Amazon

If you struggle with keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day, this serum by Deramlogica is a secret hack. Made with hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients, this skincare gem delivers long-lasting moisture that is essential for the dry winter season.

This New Disney Story Is Making History for a GREAT Reason

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

Lily-Rose Depp Doesn't Care What You Think About 'The Idol' — "Really Proud"

How is Selena connected to 'The Idol' co-creator The Weeknd?

Why do fans feel Jocelyn From 'The Idol' is similar to Selena Gomez?

Is Selena Gomez the only pop star 'The Idol' seems to mirror?

What has Lily-Rose Depp said about 'The Idol?'

Watch The Trailer For HBO's 'The Idol'

You Totally Missed This 'Bridgerton' Cameo In The 'Wicked' Movie

Keep reading for the surprising Bridgerton cameo you'll see in Wicked.

42 Beauty Products That Every Routine Could Use a Bit More Of

This Serum Infused With Hyaluronic Acid

This Cream Blush for a Soft-Focus Finish

This Moisturizer for Radiant Results

This Liquid Foundation With a Matte Finish

This Facial Mask Infused With Prebiotics

This Eye Shadow Palette Is Highly Pigmented

This Detox Mask Minimizes Pores

This Natural Bronzer to Glow Through the Winter

This Retinol Treatment Turns Back the Clock

This Primer With Hydrating Ingredients

This Eye Serum Smooths Your Skin

This Setting Powder Blurs the Pores

This Spot Treatment With a Non-Drying Formula

This Pressed Highlighter for All Skin Tones

This Green Cream Is Fast-Absorbing

This Mascara With Easy Removal

This Foundation Acts as a Sunscreen

This Eyeliner With Easy Application

This Acid Cream for a Glass Like Finish

This Glowing Base Works as a Primer

This Eyelash Serum Strengthens Your Lashes

This Brow Pencil With a Spoolie Brush

This Lip Mask With Mango Butter

This Setting Spray Creates a Natural Finish

This Cleansing Balm Works Fast

This Eye Makeup With a Crease-Free Formula

This Retinol Cream for First-Timers

This Lip Pencil Comes in a Ton of Shades

This Mask for Luminous Results

This Liquid Concealer for Full Coverage

This Energy Facial Made With Caffeine

This Contour Wand With Nourishing Ingredients

This Bounce Serum for a Dewy Glow

This Lipstick With Seasonal Shades

This Face Serum Creates a Youthful Glow

This Eyeshadow Palette With 12 Shades

This Facial Moisturizer Infused With SPF 25

This Dual-Sided Eye Product Is Waterproof

This Face Serum Boosts Collagen Production

This CC Cream Eliminates Redness

This Face Cream Creates Firm Skin

This Tinted Moisturizer With a Universal Tint