Entertainment
Billy Bob Thornton breaks silence on his ‘wild Hollywood years’ and why he ‘never really joined’ the fame game…
In a rare, soul-deep conversation, the Oscar winner opens up about Angelina Jolie, fame, autism spectrum diagnosis and his acid-dropping youth on Ann Wilson’s podcast.
It’s not often that Billy Bob Thornton lets the world in. The Oscar-winning actor, filmmaker and long-time rocker has spent decades in Hollywood, yet famously avoided the bright, buzzing machinery that surrounds it. But on Ann Wilson’s insightful new podcast After Dinner Thinks, the Landman star finally loosened the lid on stories he’s rarely spoken about — from his turbulent Hollywood marriage to Angelina Jolie to his struggles with OCD, dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder.
And yes, the conversation even took a psychedelic detour.
The episode, recorded in Nashville and now streaming as Wilson’s ninth instalment, coincides with the release of the second season of Thornton’s Taylor Sheridan-produced drama Landman on Paramount+. But this interview wasn’t a promotional chat — it was the kind of raw, unfiltered exchange that only two seasoned musicians and storytellers can create.
“I never joined Hollywood — that’s my secret to longevity”
Thornton, who became an unlikely leading man after the success of Sling Blade, told Wilson that his career longevity boils down to an unexpected philosophy:
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“People ask how I’ve lasted this long… I tell them, ‘I never really joined.’”
He shared that during his high-profile marriage to Jolie, they were constantly followed, photographed and discussed — but he personally remained detached from the Hollywood ecosystem.
“You don’t see me in People, you don’t see me on red carpets. I don’t hang out with agents. I stay between L.A. and Santa Barbara with my family. That’s my world,” he said.
Thornton has been married to his sixth wife, Connie Angland, since 2014, and described his life today as intentionally quiet, creative and “far away from the circus.”

Angelina Jolie, May-December romance and the public eye
While the world still remembers their whirlwind, tattoo-inked, blood-vial love story, Thornton spoke about that relationship with surprising tenderness.
He didn’t dramatize the past — instead, he reflected on what it meant to live in the public eye with someone as globally recognized as Jolie.
“Angelina and I… we were always in the spotlight. But even then, I wasn’t part of it. I didn’t want to be,” he said.
Their marriage lasted three years, ending in 2003, but remains one of Hollywood’s most discussed unconventional romances.
OCD, dyslexia, autism — and finally naming the truth
In one of the most heartfelt moments, Thornton openly addressed his lifelong mental health struggles. He described how navigating Hollywood with OCD and dyslexia — long before the world openly discussed such conditions — shaped much of his internal world.
He also revealed his autism spectrum diagnosis, explaining that it helped him understand why he gravitated toward quiet spaces, controlled routines and music.
Wilson, who has fronted Heart since the 1970s, responded with empathy, sharing that most artists carry invisible layers of sensitivity that the world never sees.
The acid-dropping chapter — and a wild anecdote from Ann Wilson
Then came the curveball: psychedelics.

Both artists admitted they experimented in their youth, laughing about the bizarre clarity and chaos of those days. Wilson even shared how she once watched Rosemary’s Baby while on acid during a date — a fact she recounted with equal parts disbelief and amusement.
Thornton added his own memories from “a time when the world felt like a weird painting,” but quickly clarified that those days are long behind him.
A career still expanding — not slowing dow
While most celebrities of his tenure retreat from the spotlight, Thornton continues acting, directing, writing music and touring with his band, The Boxmasters.
Season 2 of Landman, produced by blockbuster machine Taylor Sheridan, is now streaming, and Thornton said returning to the set felt like “stepping into a world where every character is carved out of real American grit.”
Why this interview matters
In a culture obsessed with celebrity glamour, Thornton’s words feel refreshingly human. Not packaged. Not polished. Just real.
His honesty about mental health, fame, past marriages, psychedelics and choosing a quieter life is exactly what makes this conversation resonate. It’s a reminder that even Hollywood icons carry stories that never make the headlines.
Entertainment
“He-Man Wears a Suit…”: Why Nicholas Galitzine’s Masters of the Universe Trailer Has Fans Talking
The iconic hero swaps Eternia for office cubicles as the first trailer teases a bold, corporate-era reinvention
The power of Grayskull has officially entered the corporate grind.
The first trailer for Masters of the Universe has landed — and it delivers a twist that few lifelong fans of the franchise expected. Instead of roaring into battle with sword raised, Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man is introduced navigating the fluorescent lights and soul-crushing routines of corporate America.
Yes, that He-Man.
The footage suggests a radical reimagining: Prince Adam, stripped of memory and purpose, appears trapped in a modern-day office job — far removed from the fantasy world of Eternia that once defined him.
“This isn’t the He-Man you grew up with,” the trailer seems to whisper. “This is the one who forgot who he was.”
A Fish-Out-of-Water Origin Story for a New Generation
Rather than relying on pure nostalgia, the new Masters of the Universe appears to lean into contrast — mythic strength versus modern monotony.
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Sources close to the production say the film explores identity, purpose, and power in a world that doesn’t believe in heroes anymore. It’s a familiar Hollywood theme, but placing He-Man inside a cubicle rather than a battlefield gives it a sharp, self-aware edge.
Galitzine, best known for his dramatic and romantic roles, brings a restrained intensity to the character — suggesting a version of He-Man who must rediscover strength rather than simply wield it.
A Franchise Reborn for the Live-Action Era
The Masters of the Universe franchise, originally created by Mattel, has lived many lives — from animated classics to reboots and streaming revivals. But this live-action adaptation signals a clear desire to modernize the mythology for audiences raised on superhero origin stories with emotional weight.

Hollywood insiders note that grounding legendary characters in familiar, everyday environments has become a reliable way to expand franchises without alienating new viewers.
“It’s less about muscles now,” one executive joked, “and more about meaning.”
Why This Trailer Has Fans Divided — and Talking
Predictably, the internet reacted fast — and loudly.
Longtime fans expressed shock at seeing He-Man in business attire, while others praised the creative risk, calling it “unexpected,” “bold,” and “surprisingly smart.”
Whether embraced or rejected, one thing is certain:
The trailer has succeeded in doing what studios crave most — starting a conversation.
What Comes Next for He-Man
The footage hints that Eternia hasn’t been erased — only forgotten. As Prince Adam’s past begins to resurface, the transformation into He-Man looks set to be earned rather than automatic.
For a franchise built on raw power, this version seems more interested in asking why power matters at all.
And that, perhaps, is the most modern update of all.
Entertainment
Camilla Läckberg Isn’t Done Yet… The Queen of Swedish Noir Eyes Film, TV and a Bold Plan to ‘Conquer America’
From bestselling crime novels to international TV screens, Camilla Läckberg opens up about adapting her stories, experimenting with reality television, and why breaking into the U.S. market feels like her most thrilling mystery yet.
For decades, Camilla Läckberg has been a defining voice of Scandinavian crime fiction — a genre often labeled Nordic Noir but powered by something far more intimate than icy landscapes and clever murders. Her stories, rooted in psychology, family tensions, and the quiet menace of small-town life, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Now, the author widely known as the Queen of Swedish Noir is charting a new chapter: film, television, and an ambitious push into the American market.
Läckberg’s latest moment in the global spotlight comes as Camilla Läckberg’s Erica lands on MHz Choice, shortly after audiences discovered The Glass Dome on Netflix. For fans of her work, this feels less like a debut and more like a long-overdue expansion. For Läckberg herself, it is the result of years of creative curiosity — and a willingness to step outside the safety of the written page.
From Page to Screen: Letting Go of Control
Adapting bestselling novels for television can be a delicate process, especially for an author whose readership spans continents. Läckberg has been candid about how difficult — and necessary — it was to loosen her grip on her characters when they entered the world of screenwriting.
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Unlike novels, where every thought and detail can be spelled out, television demands collaboration. Directors, actors, producers, and editors all bring their own interpretations. Läckberg has embraced this shift, seeing it not as a loss of authorship but as an evolution of storytelling. The emotional truth, she says, matters more than strict fidelity to the page.
That mindset is visible in Camilla Läckberg’s Erica, which draws from her iconic Fjällbacka series while allowing room for reinvention. The show keeps her signature tension intact but updates pacing and tone for modern audiences who binge rather than browse.
Why Crime Stories Still Matter
Despite her growing presence in entertainment formats, Läckberg remains deeply connected to crime fiction’s core purpose. Her stories are rarely just about who committed the crime; they are about why. Abuse, generational trauma, jealousy, and power dynamics frequently sit at the heart of her narratives.
This emotional grounding is one reason her work travels so well internationally. Whether set in Sweden or adapted for global screens, the conflicts feel universal. Viewers may not recognize the snowy coastal towns, but they recognize broken families, hidden secrets, and moral ambiguity.
In an era dominated by fast-paced thrillers, Läckberg’s work stands out for its patience. She trusts audiences to sit with discomfort — and that trust has paid off.
Reality TV and Reinvention
Perhaps the most surprising twist in Läckberg’s career is her openness to reality television. Alongside scripted dramas, she has appeared on competition shows and, more recently, in a reality series centered on her family life.

For a writer known for dark, carefully structured narratives, this move raised eyebrows. But Läckberg views it as another form of storytelling — one grounded in authenticity rather than suspense. Sharing her everyday life, she has said, helped humanize her public image and challenged the stereotype of the reclusive crime author.
It also reflects a broader trend in modern media: audiences crave connection as much as content. Läckberg’s willingness to show vulnerability, humor, and imperfection has earned her a new kind of following — one that extends beyond bookshops and streaming platforms.
“Conquering America”: A Calculated Dream
Läckberg doesn’t hide her ambition. Breaking into the U.S. market, she admits, feels like one of the last great challenges of her career. While Nordic Noir has enjoyed success in America, truly crossing over as a household name remains rare for non-English-language authors.
Yet the timing may finally be right. Streaming platforms have erased borders, and American audiences are more open than ever to international stories — provided they feel authentic. With adaptations airing globally and her name increasingly attached to high-quality productions, Läckberg believes her moment is approaching.
This isn’t about fame alone. For her, the U.S. represents creative validation: proof that stories born in a small Swedish town can resonate anywhere.
What Comes Next
As Läckberg balances writing, producing, and on-screen appearances, one thing remains clear: she is not slowing down. New projects are already in development, and discussions around future adaptations continue quietly behind the scenes.
What sets her apart isn’t just productivity, but fearlessness. Few authors are willing to reimagine themselves so completely after achieving literary success. Fewer still do it with such self-awareness.
For fans old and new, Camilla Läckberg’s evolving career offers a reminder that good stories don’t belong to a single format — and that even the most familiar voices can still surprise us.
Entertainment
“Screaming, Crying, Almost Throwing Up”… Sundance Insiders Reveal the Untold Chaos Behind America’s Most Influential Film Festival
As the Sundance Film Festival prepares for a historic relocation to Boulder, Colorado, filmmakers, actors, and insiders look back at the nerves, breakthroughs, and life-changing moments that reshaped independent cinema forever.
For generations of filmmakers, three words have carried equal parts magic and terror: Sundance Film Festival. It is where careers are born, confidence is tested, and raw storytelling collides with unforgiving audiences. Now, as the iconic festival prepares to take its final bow in Utah before relocating to Boulder, those who lived through its defining moments are finally opening up.
The memories are visceral. Alumni describe shaking hands before premieres, nausea during packed screenings, and the unmistakable sound of silence — or applause — that decided their futures in seconds. “I was screaming, crying, almost throwing up,” one filmmaker recalls, echoing a shared sentiment that Sundance is less a festival and more an emotional trial by fire.
Where Independent Cinema Found Its Voice
Founded under the vision of Robert Redford, Sundance wasn’t designed to be comfortable. It was built to challenge Hollywood norms, giving space to films that didn’t fit studio formulas. Over time, that rebellious spirit became its identity.
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From its earliest days, Sundance rewrote the rules of who gets to be seen — and heard. Low-budget films, first-time directors, and unconventional stories found audiences hungry for authenticity. Many of today’s most respected filmmakers trace their breakthroughs back to a snowy screening room and a roomful of strangers willing to take a risk.
The festival didn’t just showcase films; it created a marketplace of ideas. Deals were struck in coffee shops, reputations were built overnight, and rejection was as common as discovery. That unpredictability is exactly what made Sundance matter.
“You Never Forget Your First Screening”
Ask any Sundance alum about their first screening, and the response is rarely polished. Words like panic, terror, and relief surface again and again. One director remembers gripping their seat, convinced the audience hated every frame — until the credits rolled and applause erupted. Another recalls leaving mid-screening, unable to bear the tension.
This emotional intensity became a rite of passage. Sundance audiences are famously discerning, sometimes brutally honest. But when they connect with a film, the reaction can be transformative. Careers have launched from a single standing ovation, while others learned harsh lessons about resilience and reinvention.

The Festival That Changed Hollywood’s Math
Sundance’s influence stretches far beyond awards or premieres. It altered how films are financed, distributed, and valued. Long before streaming platforms dominated the industry, Sundance proved that independent stories could attract mainstream attention — and profit.
Distributors scouted aggressively, critics shaped narratives overnight, and word of mouth became currency. Films that arrived without expectations often left with global buzz. The festival turned risk into reward and showed Hollywood that originality had a market.
A Bittersweet Goodbye to an Era
The decision to relocate the festival marks the end of a deeply emotional chapter. For many, Utah’s mountains are inseparable from Sundance’s soul — the late-night debates, snow-covered sidewalks, and chance encounters that felt cinematic themselves.
Moving to Boulder, Colorado, signals evolution rather than erasure. Organizers insist the festival’s mission remains unchanged: championing bold voices and challenging storytelling conventions. Still, the farewell has prompted reflection — and gratitude — from those whose lives were forever altered by a Sundance screening.
Why Sundance Still Matters
In an age of algorithms and instant content, Sundance remains stubbornly human. It thrives on risk, discomfort, and emotional honesty. Filmmakers don’t just present movies; they present themselves, vulnerable and exposed.
As the festival enters its next phase, its legacy is already secure. Sundance didn’t just launch films — it launched belief. Belief that stories from the margins deserve the spotlight, and that cinema, at its best, should make you feel something intensely… even if that feeling is terror.
And for those who survived their Sundance debut, one truth remains universal: you never forget the moment the lights go down — and everything changes.
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